I'm Kim Van Sickel, founder of VanInk, LLC. I have over 20 years of experience in communications, working in settings that range from a full service PR firm, to advocacy and lobbying work, to healthcare experience at the hospital and corporate level. I currently apply my years of experience as a freelance communications consultant and writer, providing counsel on strategic communications, message development, tactical planning, and implementation. As communications and marketing disciplines continue to evolve, I work to bring a fresh perspective while applying many years of proven experience to successfully navigate this new world. I believe strongly in the power of words and creative, dynamic content.

     Working for one of the country’s top integrated health systems for almost 16 years has given me a wealth of experience and a depth of knowledge about the multi-faceted healthcare industry. I understand the complexities and have experience with everything from launching a program or service, opening a hospital, communicating mergers and acquisitions and developing the integration plans to follow, developing compelling patient stories and determining the best channels to share them.

     VanInk's work on various projects over the years reflects the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry and includes: telling compelling patient stories; adopting EHR and other clinical technology to enhance patient care; forming a clinically integrated network designed make care more accountable; handling all aspects of crisis and high profile events (including work within the Incident Command Structure, media relations and message development); and collaborating with partners outside of healthcare to introduce new initiatives.

     As a wife and the mother of two daughters navigating the teen years, I also use writing as a therapeutic and creative outlet to discuss parenting, pop culture, the challenges of inter-generational communication, fitness and nutrition.