Susan DubuqueContributing Editor
Plain-English Health Care
Richmond, VA
(866) 641-4548
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Susan Dubuque, a strategist and writer specializing in health care and behavior change, was a cofounder and principal of Two Tango (formerly NDP Agency). She literally wrote the book on marketing’s role in health improvement, Gearing Up for Population Health: Marketing for Change, published by the SHSMD of the American Hospital Association. She is an adjunct instructor at VCU’s School of Health Professions. Susan serves on the editorial advisory board of Strategic Health Care Marketing and is co-chair of the 2024 eHealthcare Leadership Awards.
Susan has contributed her expertise to the articles listed below.
// By Susan Dubuque // Marketing leaders from Renown Health and The Christ Hospital Health Network share how their award-winning recruitment and retention strategies helped address workforce shortages. Read on to discover how authentic messaging and targeted outreach can strengthen both recruitment and retention.
// By Susan Dubuque // Banner Health is charting a bold new course. The system needed a brand platform that could keep pace. Read the full article to learn how Banner Health transformed its name into a powerful brand asset, plus insights for shaping your own brand story.
In a world of 30- and 60-second TV spots, The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati is turning heads with something refreshingly brief: 10-second ads that deliver big impact. Airing during Jeopardy, the spots feature a nod to the game show, rotate through service line messages, introduce providers, and reinforce the brand.
// By Susan Dubuque // As consumer expectations rise and attention spans shrink, traditional messaging about excellence and empathy is no longer enough. Today’s audiences are tuning out institutional voices and tuning in to brands that feel authentic, emotionally relevant, and boldly human. Here, industry leader Stephanie Wierwille offers insights into creating a compelling brand story.
For many health care marketers, annual reports often walk a fine line between fulfilling institutional obligations and sparking genuine audience engagement. MD Anderson Cancer Center’s FY23 Annual Report didn’t just meet expectations — it redefined them. Discover how the team executed a single vision for the organization’s annual report across print and digital.
// By Susan Dubuque // Community Health Centers are bracing for major Medicaid cuts. Community Health Centers, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), have been the backbone of health care access since 1965. Hospitals and health systems have a vested interest in supporting their sustainability. Read on to see how health systems benefit by partnering with FQHCs.
// By Susan Dubuque // Onvida Health reinvented itself with a renewed purpose and values — and then wrapped the package with a new name, brand identity, and smart positioning. Learn how Onvida Health introduced its brand internally and externally, launched a multichannel campaign, and created a platform for long-term connection and growth.
// By Susan Dubuque // To better understand trends reshaping strategy, execution, and engagement, we turned to trusted voices from organizations supporting the eHealthcare Leadership Awards. These experts offer a roadmap for staying relevant and impactful in today’s health care environment. Keep reading for frontline insights to help you stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.
As health systems face rising costs, shrinking margins, and growing demand for services, charitable contributions can provide critical funding for capital improvements, medical research, and community health programs. Fundraising professionals are among the most recruited health care executives today. Read on to discover the mutual benefits of philanthropy and marketing joining forces.
// By Susan Dubuque // In a world of 30- and 60-second TV spots, The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati is turning heads with something refreshingly brief: 10-second ads that deliver big impact. Airing during Jeopardy, the spots feature a nod to the game show, rotate through service line messages, introduce providers, and reinforce the brand.
// By Susan Dubuque // For many health care marketers, annual reports often walk a fine line between fulfilling institutional obligations and sparking genuine audience engagement. MD Anderson Cancer Center’s FY23 Annual Report didn’t just meet expectations — it redefined them. Discover how the team executed a single vision for the organization’s annual report across print and digital.
Award-winning marketers from Orlando Health, Norton Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, and BayCare Health System share how they launched, evolved, and elevated their podcasts. Keep reading for insights, practical tips, and inspiration to help you launch your organization’s podcast or take it to the next level.
// By Susan Dubuque // This vibrant new marketing campaign presents an imaginative take on the spirit of innovation that powers the people and life-changing work at this leading academic medical center. Keep reading — you won’t want to miss this bold, fresh take on health care advertising. And yes, there just might be a unicorn.
Health care’s digital experience often lags behind the expectations of modern consumers. Industry expert Ben Dillon unpacks how retail giants have set a new standard for digital experience. Read the full article to explore how health care marketers can more closely align patient experience with consumer expectations influenced by major brands.
// By Susan Dubuque // The Children’s Healing Art Project has spent the past 19 years transforming pediatric playrooms and hospital rooms into vibrant, imaginative spaces where creativity can flourish. Read on for a clearer picture of the role of art in patient experience and actionable strategies for healthcare marketers to engage families and strengthen community ties.
// By Susan Dubuque // As health systems face rising costs, shrinking margins, and growing demand for services, charitable contributions can provide critical funding for capital improvements, medical research, and community health programs. Fundraising professionals are among the most recruited health care executives today. Read on to discover the mutual benefits of philanthropy and marketing joining forces.
Furry caregivers contribute to the health care experience by reducing anxiety, boosting spirits, and even improving medical outcomes. Today, it is common for hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to incorporate animal-assisted interventions. Read on to learn more about how therapy animals can enrich the health care experience and improve outcomes.
The ACEs ECHO Program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center brings new hope to children suffering from the impact of traumatic life experiences. Read on to learn more about the program and explore how health care marketing can play a vital role in addressing the needs of this population.
Cincinnati’s health care market is highly competitive, with eight health systems, including an academic medical center and a renowned children’s hospital. When Rob Whitehouse joined seven years ago, the health system struggled to differentiate itself. Discover how TriHealth aligns its brand to reflect a culture rooted in humanity and in population health.
Health care philanthropy’s resurgence is leading to larger fundraising initiatives, expanded development departments, and new partnerships between marketing and philanthropy to help organizations tell their stories, leverage their brands, and engage donors. Keep reading to discover how marketing and fundraising work together to create a greater impact.
// By Susan Dubuque // CaroMont Health has spent more than 80 years earning the trust of its neighbors. Testing ad concepts for emotional stickiness lends credibility to this organization’s brand platform and messaging. Discover the creative executions and discover how this health system uses emotion to distinguish its brand.
// By Susan Dubuque // Award-winning marketers from Orlando Health, Norton Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, and BayCare Health System share how they launched, evolved, and elevated their podcasts. Keep reading for insights, practical tips, and inspiration to help you launch your organization’s podcast or take it to the next level.
The 2025 eHealthcare Leadership Awards Call for Entries is officially open! Now in their 26th year, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards celebrate excellence in health care digital marketing, recognizing standout websites, apps, videos, campaigns, and digital initiatives that drive marketing and business success across the industry. The deadline for entries is June 27, 2025.
// By Susan Dubuque // Health care’s digital experience often lags behind the expectations of modern consumers. Industry expert Ben Dillon unpacks how retail giants have set a new standard for digital experience. Read the full article to explore how health care marketers can more closely align patient experience with consumer expectations influenced by major brands.
Mount Sinai took a strategic, empathy-driven approach, conveying the message, “We get you, and we’ve got you,” to appeal to the ultimate health decision-makers: women. Read on to see how Mount Sinai captures the attention of this vital target audience and achieves measurable results with this award-winning campaign.