Meet David Flench, MBA, FACHE, FMFA, ACSM-cEP

David Flench

David Flench serves as the Board Chair (2021-2023) of the Medical Fitness Association Board of Directors. David is the President of David Flench Consulting.

David has over 20 years of experience working in the health and wellness industry. Previously, David was the Director of Wellness Centers and Diabetes Center at Hancock Health in Greenfield, IN.

David obtained his Master of Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio and his Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Exercise Science from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He also has achieved a range of certifications including Six Sigma Green Belt, American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-cEP), and ACSM Level 2 Exercise in Medicine, certified Health Care Manager by the Indiana Hospital Association, and board certified in healthcare management as a Fellow of ACHE, demonstrating that he is committed to furthering the medical fitness industry.

David also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Medical Fitness Foundation. He has previously served on the Certification, Education, Conference, Budget & Finance, Ethics, and Nominating committees with MFA.

We caught up with David recently and here’s what he had to say:

What has been your favorite/most successful initiative at Hancock Wellness Center?
My challenge at Hancock Wellness Center was to transform a center that existed primarily as a commercial fitness center owned by Hancock Regional Hospital into a fully integrated part of the healthcare system. We started by putting into place all the components of the medical fitness model, eventually achieving facility certification from MFA in 2013. After that success, we built a second center in 2015 that also became a certified facility, and then built a third center in 2020. We beat projections for ROI, revenue, and membership throughout that timeframe, while also developing several clinical fitness programs to address the chronic disease conditions in our market.

What one piece of advice would you give to those just coming into this field of medical fitness?
I have always said that you will get out what you put into anything you do. If you are new to medical fitness, start by joining the Medical Fitness Association. Look into attending an MFA webinar or conference. There are excellent resources and several ways to network with people in the industry. Then as you progress, find ways to become even more involved, such as joining an MFA committee, speaking at an event, starting your journey to have your facility certified or obtaining the MFA Fitness Facility Director credential.

What did your facility gain by becoming certified by the Medical Fitness Association?
MFA facility certification provided a way to demonstrate that we adhere to the highest industry standards. But just as important was the journey, as we were able to improve all aspects of our operations. We also take every opportunity to communicate and promote what the medical fitness difference is, from presenting to the medical staff, to the hospital administration, to our members, and to the general community. Telling our story of why we are different as a certified medical fitness center is critical to our success.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I love playing basketball, golfing, and working out. Woodworking and home remodeling are new pursuits of mine as well. I am a father of four teenagers, so their sports and activities are a huge part of my life. I have always enjoyed traveling, having been to all 50 US states and several foreign countries, and I am looking forward to finding new places to explore.

Thanks David, for all you do for MFA and the medical fitness industry!