‘Awesome’ employees

If you know of an employee, physician or volunteer who deserves recognition, let AMH know by completing an “Awesome” form. Forms are available in the hospital waiting areas and at nurses stations. A member of the leadership team will present your honoree with an “Awesome” badge sticker. 

Completed forms may be dropped off at the information desk or sent to the development office. For more information, contact Marlene Lewis, 618-463-7701.

Recent Awesome cards went to:

• Hannah Clements, MCU
• Brandi Brackett, ICU
• Kevin Woods, ICU
• Tashae Wallace, Morrison’s
• Nicole Huff, ER

Annual fund-raiser is a great success

The AMH White Cross Auxiliary’s “Girls on Grapes, Boys on Brew” fund-raiser, held Sept. 9 at the Loading Dock in Grafton, Ill., had attendance of close to 600 and raised a record total of more than $40,000. The silent auctions alone raised $12,970. 

In addition to fantastic weather, the event featured food and beverages from more than 25 vendors. GCS Credit Union hosted a photo booth and gave out plates that would hold a glass and food samples. Donnewald Distributing provided glasses for everyone as well.

Money raised at the event will go toward purchasing an additional Defib Lifeline Arm CPR device for AMH ambulances. The Auxiliary had already purchased three of those devices from its annual budget. (See page 4 for more information.)

From left, Pat McLaughlin, Mary Woodcock and Mimi Almonroeder enjoy some food during the AMH White Cross Auxiliary’s annual fund-raiser Sept. 9 at the Loading Dock in Grafton, Ill. | Photo by Tim Mudrovic

Laurie Merle

Laurie Merle earns surgery’s Yaw Award

Laurie Merle is the winner of the quarterly Yaw Award in surgical services. 

Merle was nominated by Carol Jones. In addition, John Felder, MD, noted that Merle’s expertise is the reason he’s able to do cases at AMH.

The Yaw Award is named for Libby Yaw, the late supervisor of surgical services. The award is given quarterly to employees who exhibit Yaw’s heart for service.

United Way campaign begins

Campaign coordinators from various AMH departments took a road trip recently to Riverbend Family Ministries and Operation Blessing, both in Wood River, Ill., as the 2017 United Way campaign got under way. Representatives at those agencies spoke about how United Way helps the people they serve, and both were grateful for the support they receive from AMH. Here, the committee takes a break inside Riverbend Family Ministries. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Valet to be added to Forest Park/Laclede Garage

A valet service for patients and visitors is being added to the Forest Park/Laclede Garage at Washington University Medical Center. Construction began in September and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October. 

The most significant impact to parkers will be the closure of the exit from the garage onto Forest Park Parkway. 

Additional clinics moving into the Center for Outpatient Health (COH) prompted the need for a valet service. Washington University ob/gyn, ophthalmology and dermatology clinics will be moving from the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) to the COH beginning in November. These clinics will join the BJH primary care medicine, ob/gyn, surgical and wound, psychiatry, pulmonary, dermatology, neurology, and special care clinics.

“With additional clinics moving into the COH, we realize the need to offer valet services to accommodate the additional volume and keep the traffic flow manageable in the garage. The clinic patients coming from the CAM are also used to having the valet option,” says Margie Brine, director of parking and transportation.

The Forest Park exit was eliminated when construction began. This area is being reconfigured to provide a new pick-up and drop-off area for visitors using the valet service. It should be completed by the middle of October.

The second phase, which will add the valet area at the west end of the first floor of the garage, began in
mid-September and is scheduled for completion by the end of October. 

Jobe retires after serving students, patients, community

Because her father was a teacher and her mother a nurse, Mary Ann Jobe’s decision to become a school nurse felt like a natural transition after her 1976 graduation from Saint Louis University. She enjoyed being a nurse and a teacher because she could make an impact on the students and the community. These same interests led Jobe to join the faculty at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1991. 

At SIUE, she taught community health courses and helped develop the school’s RN-to-BSN outreach program. She was instrumental in promoting the state school nurse certification program in southern Illinois.

In 2001, Jobe joined Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College (then called the Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health at Washington University Medical Center) as an assistant professor.
She says she knew Goldfarb was where she wanted to work because of the location of the college, the affiliation with BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine, the opportunity for interdisciplinary work and the caliber of students attending the college. “It had, and still has, so many opportunities for faculty, students and the nursing profession,” Jobe says.

Jobe forged many relationships during her 16 years at Goldfarb. She says she will fondly remember her former students and colleagues, and the schools and community agencies she worked with while teaching community health. Those relationships, she says, made her work at Goldfarb rewarding and gratifying.

Though she will miss Goldfarb, Jobe says she’ll stay in touch. She plans to remain involved in community nursing and college events during her retirement.

Mary Ann Jobe, right, with former student-turned-colleague Lori Meier, assistant professor at Goldfarb. | Courtesy photo

Auxiliary holiday raffle tickets now on sale

The BJSPH and PWH Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for prizes. This year’s prizes are:

• Sony 40-inch Smart TV
• handmade baby quilt donated by auxiliary member Shirley Senn
• Amazon Echo Dot

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in the BJSPH and PWH gift shops or from an auxiliary member.

The drawing for prizes will be at the Auxiliary Holiday Sale, 3 p.m., Nov. 10, at BJSPH.

Community joins in ‘A Day of Play’

Siteman Cancer Center at BJSPH hosted “A Day of Play” for the community Sept. 16. The event featured community partners, health screenings, entertainment, face painting, inflatables, food trucks, tours of emergency vehicles for the kids and more. | Photos by Mike Schlueter

Steel arrives at BJWCH

The first steel support beam was placed for the new hospital the morning of Sept. 26. | Photo by Kathy Bretsch

Employee flu shots underway

BJWCH occupational health (OH) is now providing seasonal influenza vaccinations. 

For the 2017-2018 campaign, only the injectable form of the vaccine is acceptable. BJC will not provide nor accept the nasal spray method. OH has the flu vaccines available for employees, physicians and volunteers in cafeteria conference room D: 

• Oct. 10, 2:30-4 p.m. 
• Oct. 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Oct. 16, 8-9 a.m. 
• Oct. 17, 8-9 a.m. 
• Oct. 18, 2:30-4 p.m.
• Oct. 19, 8-9 a.m.
• Oct. 30, noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 6, noon-1:30 p.m.
• Nov. 13, noon-1 p.m.
• Nov. 27, noon-1 p.m.

You also can call the OH office, 314-996-8337, to set up a time for your immunization. BJWCH employees and volunteers working nights may receive their influenza vaccine in the emergency department only between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., as long as patient volumes allow. 

Great Catch Award winners honored

The third quarter Great Catch Award winners are Brenda Halaska, patient care technician; Amy Maritz, patient care technician; Ellen Mayes, RN; and Amanda Woelfel, radiolology technologist.

Employees and physicians employed or affiliated with BJWCH can be nominated for a “Great Catch,” which is awarded for reporting a “near miss” incident that prevented or minimized harm to a patient or coming up with an innovative idea that improved a patient care process.

Brandon to join BJC Behavioral Health

Teresa Brandon

Teresa Brandon will join BJC Behavioral Health July 10 as the new director of clinical operations. Brandon will fill the position previously held by Terri Gilbert, who retired May 31 after a 43-year career.

Brandon comes to BJC from Hopewell, where she served as executive vice president of clinical operations. While at Hopewell, she led the organization to financial viability and built and opened a new children and adolescence center. She served as an expert resource for requirements related to clinical practices, licensure, regulatory, and practice issues for certification and licensure of regulatory boards and funders, and overall operations. In her role at Hopewell, Brandon also managed compliance and training, outpatient services, adult and youth services, and residential services.

Prior to Hopewell, she worked for the Department of Mental Health in compliance and system management. Brandon has also held various leadership roles for Burrell Behavioral Health in both Springfield and Columbia, Mo.

“Teresa will work closely with me to help us define the operational structure required to ready BJC Behavioral Health for the future,” says Barbi Berrong, BJC Behavioral Health vice president. “We are fortunate to have found someone with Teresa’s technical expertise, proven success, and innovation and compassion for the population
we serve.”

CHS sends off Stonerook with retirement wishes

Donna Stonerook

After 25 years of greeting patients at BarnesCare’s Westport location, Donna Stonerook has retired. 

“Donna has been with BarnesCare through so many changes and has remained a constant for our patients,” says Diane Palmer, BarnesCare clinical director. “So many of our patients and staff have gotten to know her over the years, and she will be missed.”

Stonerook’s colleagues celebrated her years of dedicated service with a farewell luncheon June 28. 

An avid traveler, Stonerook is looking forward to an active retirement filled with international travel and volunteering for several local charities.

“We appreciate Donna’s steadfast service over the last 25 years,” says Palmer. “We wish her a long, active and healthy retirement.”

Bob Mete and Julia Reinbold

Mete, Reinbold join BJC corporate finance team

The BJC corporate finance team has two new directors, Bob Mete and Julia Reinbold.

Mete has been named director of financial planning and analysis (FP and A), filling the role previously held by Elizabeth Lawson. Lawson recently became vice president of finance at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters and Progress West hospitals.

In this role, Mete will be responsible for FP and A activities, including overall budget and multi-year model coordination, cost accounting, business decision support and other ad hoc analysis activities.

Mete most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for John Volpi & Co., and has a background in the manufacturing and banking industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in business administration from DePaul University–Kellstadt Graduate School. Mete reports to BJC finance vice president Larry Kayser.

Reinbold is the new finance director responsible for the shared services hospital accounting team. In this role, she will be responsible for the accounting and financial reporting for BJC’s hospitals.

Reinbold has spent most of her career at Express Scripts, where she had a variety of progressive finance leadership roles, including five years as corporate accounting director. Most recently, she served as the vice president of finance at Castlewood Treatment Centers. 

Reinbold earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Maryville University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Reinbold reports to BJC finance vice president Lori Schreiner.

Hospice holds recruitment event for new hospice house

Many RNs and CNAs attended a special event at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Feb. 7 to learn about opportunities with the innovative, compassionate BJC Hospice team.

Guests enjoyed door prizes, learned about the new BJC hospice house, Evelyn’s House, opening in May 2017, and met with BJC Hospice staff.

Situated on the campus of BJWCH, Evelyn’s House will have many guest- and family-friendly amenities and comforts, including 16 private guest suites for adults, teens and children; dedicated music and expressive therapy rooms; family kitchen and café; leading edge communications and safety; and much more.

For more information about Evelyn’s House, visit bjchospice.org/evelynshouse — or, to learn about available positions at Evelyn’s House, visit bjc.org/jobs.

Heather Fleming, RN, Barnes-Jewish Hospital bone marrow transplant, right, looks at a rendering of Evelyn’s House with BJC Home Care Services recruiter Christine Kaiser. | Photo by Kelly Pahl

Amin joins West County Medical Associates at Missouri Baptist Medical Center

Courtney Amin

Courtney Amin, PA-C, has joined West County Medical Associates. As a certified physician assistant, she will collaborate with all of the physicians in the practice.

Amin received her master of medical science degree in 2013. Before completing her advanced practice degree, she earned a degree in respiratory therapy in 2008.

“I have been working in primary care for the past three years and have enjoyed expanding my knowledge base and helping all age groups with their disease processes and overall health,” she explains. 

At West County Medical Associates, she will focus on preventive care, such as health and lifestyle education, well-woman exams, respiratory consultation for conditions such as COPD and asthma, and chronic disease management. She will also provide services such as joint injections and lesion removal.

Amin is a member of BJC Medical Group. She practices at West County Medical Associates, 3009 N. Ballas Road, Building C, Suite 383, and can be reached at 314-996-4545. For more information, visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

Dr. Stoffa joins BJC Medical Group at Christian Hospital

Dr. Robert Stoffa

Robert Stoffa, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist, joined BJC Medical Group Specialists of North County. 

Dr. Stoffa received his medical degree in 1989 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, completed his residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital in 1992 and completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Washington University School of Medicine in 1995. After completing his training, he practiced gastroenterology in Indiana, Rolla, Mo., and, most recently, in St. Louis for the past 16 years. He brings more than 22 years of experience to the practice.

As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Stoffa helps his patients manage a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcer and cancer surveillance, digestive disorders, and liver and
pancreatic disease.

He also provides services such as colonoscopy, endoscopic services, examination of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, and feeding tube placement.

Dr. Stoffa, a member of BJC Medical Group, is on staff at Christian Hospital and practices at BJC Medical Group Specialists of North County, 11155 Dunn Road, Medical Office Building 1, Suite 109N. For more information, call 314-953-8799 or visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

‘Use A Lift: Get A Gift!’

BHC’s safe patient handling committee created the “Use A Lift: Get A Gift!” campaign to encourage patient care staff to use mechanical lifts in the care of their patients. 

All staff who used a lift during the campaign were able to enter their names in a drawing for a $25 gift card. Drawings were held every two weeks for three months. 

Gift cards were donated by Michael Szewczyk, MD.

Team members demonstrate use of a mechanical lift. | Courtesy photos

Bethany Blattel, RN, BSN, displays a “Use a Lift: Get a Gift” gift card.

Stevens named to list of Diverse Business Leaders

CH president Rick Stevens was named one the St. Louis Business Journal’s Diverse Business Leaders for 2017 in September.

The Diverse Business Leaders awards honor those who promote diversity around race, sexual orientation and disability. This year, the Business Journal honored local companies and civic organizations that are committed to employing a diverse workforce and have programs, initiatives, resources and/or community involvement that promotes diversity in the workplace.

Rick Stevens displays the Diverse Business Leaders award he received from the St. Louis Business Journal. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Gilbert Harding

Harding welcomed as interim CNO

Gilbert Harding Jr., RN, joins CH as interim vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO). CH will begin the official recruitment process for the next CNO while Harding is in the interim role. 

With more than 20 years of health care experience, Harding has held several executive leadership positions, including CNO at Tri-City Medical Center in Dallas; director of nursing at Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas; and director of nursing and critical care at Alameda Health System in Oakland, Calif. His extensive nursing operations experience also includes serving in nursing leadership roles at hospitals in Kenya and Dubai.

Walker visits Christian Hospital

State Rep. Cora Faith Walker, left, visited Christian Hospital recently and met with CH president Rick Stevens to discuss hospital initiatives and health policy as they relate to the community, as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Christian celebrates summer 2017 Nurse Fellows class

The CH Graduate Nurse Fellowship program congratulates the class of newly graduated registered nurses. The Graduate Nurse Fellowship, under the direction of MaryAnn Niemeyer, MSN, RN-BC, empowers new
RN graduates with critical tools needed to be highly skilled, compassionate and professional patient care clinicians by building on their academic foundation. Key learning seminars, small group activities and shadowing opportunities augment the new nurses’ problem-solving abilities, providing a vital link between school and the working environment.

Members of the summer 2017 CH Nurse Fellowship class include, from left, seated, Paul Kargel, ICU; Crystal Graves, AMCU; Angela Noble, NWHC ED; Markita March, PCU; Danica Mainridge, NWHC ED; Brandy Bowles, neuro/ortho; Roxanna Johnson, medical; and Jordan Atwood, neuro/ortho; and standing, Robyn Forbes, surgical; Robertdia Robertson, neuro/ortho; Rebecca Smith, medical; Nicole Collins, neuro/ortho; Matthew Chrismer, renal/telemetry; Aaron Juliano, CH ED; Jon Kidd, medical; James Warix, ICU; Jennifer Hearn, 9 telemetry; Leanna Christopher, oncology; Rebecca Bockstruck, CH ED; Shalecia Oliver, renal/telemetry; Jocelyn Ackles, CMR; Megan King, oncology; Brandy Striler, oncology; Brent Bartholomew, surgical; Alyssa Wagner, medical; Alex Stupek, ICU; Haylie Crites, ICU; Alex Niebrugge, CH ED; and Staci Nelson, 9 telemetry. Not pictured: Melissa Murphy, NWHC ED, and Kellie Spencer, medical. | Photo by Bret Berigan

CH Legacy Leaders 2017 Recognition Dinner is Oct. 26

The CH Legacy Leaders 2017 Recognition
Dinner is scheduled for Oct. 26 at Norwood Hills Country Club. The dinner celebrates the community by honoring those who make a difference. 

Those receiving awards include:

• Physician of the Year
  • Gerald Moritz, MD, Northwest ENT Specialists
• Community Vision
  • Jim Guyre, Valley Industries
• Paul F. Detrick Legacy Leadership
  • Thomas George, PhD, University of Missouri-St. Louis
• Carpe Diem
  • The Salvation Army with Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Chris Mazzocchio

Mazzocchio retires after 30 years

Chris Mazzocchio, RN, ambulatory surgery, retired Sept. 20 after 30 years of dedicated service.

A new home for BJC Home Care in Sullivan

BJC Home Care Services in Sullivan, Mo., moved to a new office closer to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 21. The new office is at 113 Progress Parkway. | Courtesy photo

BJC Home Care Services holds annual awards banquet

Dr. Bernard Shore and Kim Voelker

The annual BJC Home Care Services awards banquet was held the evening of Nov. 3 at Royale Orleans. More than 100 employees attended, enjoying the Mardi Gras-themed celebration, complete with masks, feathers and beads.

In total, 26 five-year employees, 20 10-year, seven 15-year, six 20-year, 11 25-year, three 30-year, four 35-year employees and three 40-year employees were recognized. Also honored were  the Team of the Year, orthopedic team; Employee of the Year, Kim Voelker, PT; and Leader of the Year, Bernie Shore, MD. The evening ended with a traditional champagne toast.

The orthopedic team took the BJC Home Care Services Team of the Year award. | Photos by Diane Straub

Dr. Kallie Harrison

Dr. Harrison joins Memorial Medical Group

Kallie Harrison, MD, has joined Memorial Medical Group. Dr. Harrison is an ob/gyn specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth and stages of menopause. 

She completed her medical education and medical residency at Saint Louis University. 

Her office is at 1404 Cross St., Suite 3181, Shiloh, Ill. For more information or to make an appointment, call 618-234-2390.

Learn more about Memorial Medical Group at www.memorialmedgroup.com.

Dr. Justin Colanese

Dr. Colanese joins Memorial Medical Group Orthopedic Surgery

Justin Colanese, MD, has joined Memorial Medical Group. An orthopedic surgeon, he specializes in foot, ankle and knee procedures. He completed his medical education at Indiana University and his medical residency at the University
of Missouri.

His offices are at the Orthopedic and Neurosciences Center at Memorial, 4700 Memorial Drive, Suite 340, Belleville, Ill., and 200 Admiral Trost Blvd., Suite 1A, Columbia, Ill. For an appointment or for more information, call 618-234-9884.

Learn more about Memorial Medical Group at www.memorialmedgroup.com.

Dr. Robert Garner

Dr. Garner joins Memorial Medical Group

Robert Garner, MD, an internal medicine physician with clinical interest in family care, pediatrics, operational medicine, sports injuries and military medicine, has joined Memorial Medical Group. He completed his medical education at Ohio University and his medical residency at Saint Louis University.

His office is at 800 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon, Ill. In late October, his office will move to Memorial Hospital East Medical Office Building, 1414 Cross St., Suite 230, in Shiloh, Ill. For an appointment or for more information, call 618-607-1260.

Learn more about Memorial Medical Group at www.memorialmedgroup.com.

Fund-raiser features sweet treats and auctions

A silent and oral auction will top off an evening of sweet-treats-and-spirits pairings to benefit the Harold and Dixie LePere Breast Health Center. The event is scheduled for 5-8:30 p.m., Oct. 26, at Bellecourt Manor, 225 E. A St., Belleville, Ill. Tickets are $50 per person and include various spirits samples, sweets and hors d’oeuvres.

RSVP by Oct. 19 online at https://www.mymemorialnetwork.com/breast-health-fundraiser or by calling Memorial Foundation, 618-257-5659.

Celebrating 10 years of running fun

More than 150 participants attended the 10th Memorial Employee Fun Run/Walk, Sept. 9, on the MHB campus. “Thank you all so much for making the 10th annual Fun Run/Walk a great success,” says Micki Classen, Belleville Health and Sports Center director and Memorial Employee Fun Run coordinator. “The weather was beautiful again — 10 years in a row. And thank you for your dedication to Memorial Hospital.” | Courtesy photos

Vogler receives Mission Impact Award

Jana Vogler, cardiovascular services director, was honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) with a Mission Impact Award. The award recognizes Vogler’s leadership with the AHA, her efforts on MBMC’s Heart Walk campaign, and her passion for raising awareness of heart disease and stroke in the community.

Jennifer Jaeger, executive director the American Heart Association St. Louis, left, presents the 2017 Mission Impact Award to Jana Vogler, MBMC cardiovascular services director. | Courtesy photo

Laurie Gross

Gross named Nurse of the Month

Laurie Gross, a nurse in the cardiac catheterization lab, earned the most recent Medical Executive Committee Nurse of the Month award. 

Here’s what Robert Kopitsky, MD, says about her: “I have worked closely with Laurie in the cardiac cath lab and cardiology services for 14 years. Laurie is an outstanding nurse with a superior knowledge base and is clearly a respected leader among her peers. Most importantly, she is completely patient-centered, always making patient safety her highest priority. Thank you, Laurie, for all you do for our patients.” 

‘Grease’ was the word at Homecoming Parade

In recognition of MBSH’s ongoing partnership with the Sullivan School District, the hospital’s activities committee entered a float in the Sullivan High School Football Homecoming Parade. The MBSH “Soda Shop” float illustrated the parade theme, based on the movie “Grease,” and employees gave out football stress balls and candy to parade spectators. | Photo by David Hartwick

MBSH and BJC Medical Group welcome Margaret Ann LaCuesta to Sullivan

Margaret Ann LaCuesta

Margaret Ann LaCuesta, AGNP, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, is joining the MBSH hospitalist team.

LaCuesta received her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Loyola University in Chicago in 2008. She completed her master of science in nursing, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, degree from Maryville University in 2016. She did clinical rotations throughout the St. Louis area for internal medicine, gerontology, and general and bariatric surgery during her time at Maryville.

She has worked in various nursing positions for United Surgical Partners International through SSM St. Clare Surgery Center and South County Outpatient Endoscopy Services. Before that, she was employed at St. Mary’s Health Center in Richmond Heights as a medical ICU nurse. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau international honor society of nursing and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

“We are extremely happy that Maggie decided to come to our facility to care for our patients,” says Lisa Lochner, MBSH administrative executive director and medical staff director. “She will be a tremendous asset to our hospitalist team.”

Charity golf tournament benefits MBSH

Crawford Electric Cooperative, the local Touchstone Energy Cooperative, held its 19th annual charity golf tournament June 30 at the Sullivan Country Club. Funds raised from the event benefit MBSH and Crawford Electric’s Operation Round Up.

Over the past several years, Crawford Electric’s fund raising has provided four patient treatment stations in the Cancer Treatment Center and several pieces of medical equipment for MBSH.

Crawford Electric representatives recently presented a check for $7,020 to the hospital from the June golf tournament. “We sincerely appreciate Crawford Electric’s generous support through the annual charity tournament, which will improve health care services in our hospital,” says Lisa Lochner, MBSH executive director. “We can’t thank Crawford Electric enough for the difference they’re making for numerous people in our community who seek medical care at our hospital.”

Participating in the check presentation from the Crawford Electric Cooperative charity golf tournament are, from left, front row, Kurtis Reed, Joe Cartwright, Danielle Bast, Genifer Cape, Lisa Lochner, Frank Burkhardt, Tony Schwarm and Norma Walls; and back row, Josh Hitch, Chris Conrad, Tracey Jones, Ed Kruse, Dalton Griffin and Grant Stack. | Photo by Lori Rego, Crawford Electric Cooperative

Shannon Strauser

Shannon Strauser is Star Service Team Member for August

Shannon Strauser, RT(R)(CT), has been selected as the ICARE Star Service Employee for August.

Strauser, a radiologic technologist, has worked at PHC for 21 years. 

The nomination from her peers reads in part, “Our star service employee for August is a very compassionate person with an excellent work ethic. She is the epitome of a caregiver. She takes care of the people around her in her home and work life. Tasks are readily accepted by her without fail. She consistently provides excellent customer service to her patients and to her co-workers and is constantly looking for ways to improve work processes. She has been a valued employee at Parkland for 21 years and truly deserves this award.”

Strauser says she likes the fast pace of her work. “I like the variety of modalities in radiology, and I enjoy working with patients,” she says.

ICARE is PHC’s patient experience service initiative and stands for the following values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

Auxiliary holiday raffle tickets now on sale

The BJSPH and PWH Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for prizes. This year’s prizes are:

• Sony 40-inch Smart TV
• handmade baby quilt donated by auxiliary member Shirley Senn
• Amazon Echo Dot

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in the BJSPH and PWH gift shops or from an auxiliary member.

The drawing for prizes will be at the Auxiliary Holiday Sale, 3 p.m., Nov. 10, at BJSPH.

Community joins in ‘A Day of Play’

Siteman Cancer Center at BJSPH hosted “A Day of Play” for the community Sept. 16. The event featured community partners, health screenings, entertainment, face painting, inflatables, food trucks, tours of emergency vehicles for the kids and more. | Photos by Mike Schlueter

Save dates for annual employee health fair

Attend the annual Employee Health Fair and look for:

• free flu shots
• annual screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
• Fitbit attendance prizes

All sessions take place in the 11th floor conference rooms:

• Oct. 22, noon-4 p.m.
• Oct. 24, 5-11 a.m.
• Oct. 25, 5-11 a.m.
• Oct. 26, 1-7 p.m.
• Oct. 30, 5-11 a.m.

Questions? Want to volunteer? Call Marsha Flowers, food and nutrition services, 314-454-4249.

Dr. Park honored

Dr. T.S. Park, center, received proclamations from both the city of St. Louis and the state of Missouri for his achievements in pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Park pioneered a spinal surgery that has helped thousands of children worldwide gain mobility lost due to cerebral palsy. With him are Joan Magruder, SLCH president, and Mark Wrighton, Washington University chancellor.  | Courtesy photo

Urban League recognizes SLCH for outstanding community service

SLCH received an award from the Urban League for outstanding community service. From left are Lisa Meadows, Healthy Kids director; Peggy Gordin, vice president; Joan Magruder, SLCH president; and Kel Ward, community relations manager. The Urban League is a nonpartisan national civil rights organization that advocates on behalf of African Americans and against racial discrimination. | Courtesy photo

McKenzie King earns distinction

McKenzie King, 8 West, received the monthly President’s Award from Joan Magruder, SLCH president.

A family was grateful for King’s care, empathy and ingenuity in helping a patient to visit with a friend.

“McKenzie went above and beyond to provide exceptional care to this patient,” says Kim Sauder, RN, 8 West assistant manager, who nominated King. “It made a huge impact for a teen who just wanted to feel ‘normal’ and visit with friends, which ultimately helped the healing process.”

McKenzie King, a patient care tech, received the monthly President’s Award from Joan Magruder, left, and Peggy Gordin, vice president, right.| Courtesy photos

McKenzie King, center, with some of her colleagues on the 8 West team, including from left, front row, Kelli Sahrmann, Jennie Branch, King, Stephanie Feldewerth and Becky Sieber; and back row, Robin Killeen, Shelby Maples, Brittany Boyd, Andrea Saddler and Lauren Robb.

Mark Dwyer

Mark Dwyer named TRISL CEO

Mark Dwyer has been named chief executive officer of The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, effective Oct. 11. Dwyer replaces Tara Diebling as she moves to her new role as CEO of HealthSouth’s Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

Dwyer, who began his career in rehabilitation as a physical therapist, has served in a variety of rehabilitation leadership roles throughout his 30-year career. Most recently, he served as the director of rehabilitation services and sports medicine at an acute care hospital in Kansas. On top of his responsibilities as a health care leader, Dwyer served as an adjunct instructor and lecturer for physical therapy students in the university setting.

“His strong rehabilitation leadership knowledge, coupled with his experience in direct patient care as a physical therapist, makes Mark a perfect fit to lead the staff at The Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Louis,” says Troy DeDecker, president of the central region for HealthSouth. “In addition, his commitment to patient care and achieving exceptional results will help our hospital return patients back to the community safely and at their most optimal levels of independence. We are grateful to have him as part of our team.”

Dwyer earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and a master’s degree in health services administration with a concentration in outcomes from Kansas University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Happy 104th birthday, Johnnie

It was an exciting day at VNRC Jan. 18, as Johnnie Rivere celebrated her 104th birthday.

Rivere, a resident at Village North since 2005, lives independently in her own apartment. She loves to smile, sing and talk with people about a variety of subjects. She plays cards and enjoys eating out at restaurants. 

She says there’s no secret to being 104, but she does say that she has lived her life treating people the way she would want to be treated. 

Village North threw a birthday celebration for Rivere, complete with friends, a piano player playing her favorite songs, balloons, a champagne toast and plenty of cake.

Johnnie Rivere celebrates her 104th birthday at Village North Retirement Community.
| Courtesy photo