Ken Derienzo

Ken Derienzo is new food and nutrition director at AMH

Ken Derienzo is the new director of Morrison food and nutrition services at AMH. Derienzo comes to AMH after almost four years as the retail manager for the Barnes-Jewish Hospital cafeteria.

Originally from The Hill area of St. Louis, Derienzo has been in the food service business for more than 20 years.

“In this business, there is nothing more important than the quality of the food,” he says. “Food service was just something I fell into while in high school — and I love it. I want our cafe to be a place that people really look forward to coming to for a great meal.”

One of Derienzo’s first moves was starting a “Happy Hour” in the cafeteria that began May 7. From 4-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, fountain drinks are only 59 cents, and snack bar items are only 49 cents per pound.

Jana Lybarger

Jana Lybarger promoted in wound care

Jana Lybarger has accepted a promotion as the new clinical nurse manager of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at AMH. Lybarger has been with the Wound Center since 2015. Prior to that, she was a charge nurse on SCU. She starts her new role immediately and will work with Erica Brown for a seamless transition.

Hospital Week sundae at AMH

The National Hospital Week fun continued at AMH May 10 as Shivers Frozen Custard of Godfrey supplied free treats for employees. Brad Goacher, vice president of administration, serves Sue Heinz, physical therapy, an ice cream sundae. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Cool Hospital Week gift

Julie Rogers, left, and Clinta Parish, physical therapy, show off the cooler tote bags that they and all AMH employees received May 8 as part of National Hospital Week activities. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Service with a smile

Jason Bowman, AMH EMS manager, serves a beverage during the National Hospital Week meal May 8 in the AMH cafe. All employees received a free meal featuring burgers, chicken wings, baked beans, salad, cobbler, ice cream and more, all served by AMH senior leadership and managers. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Tending to the Healing Garden

Khris Turnbull of the AMH “People Team” helps plant in the Healing Garden May 7 as part of National Hospital Week. The Healing Garden, located just outside the AMH connector lobby between the Duncan and Beeby wings, provides a soothing environment for employees, patients and family members. | Photo by Dave Whaley

AMH May Employee of the Month

Pam Barnes, human resources, was named the AMH May Employee of the Month. Her co-workers say, “Pam loves Alton Memorial Hospital and puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She is always a helpful, smiling face as employees and hopeful future employees enter the office. In HR, our customer is the employee, and Pam always puts the customer first.”

Barnes retired from AMH May 18.

Pam Barnes, human resources, third from left, was the AMH May Employee of the Month. Barnes retired May 18. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Happy retirement!

Noor Ahmed, MD, who retires in June, was treated to all kinds of goodies when he gave his last monthly skin cancer screening at AMH’s Cancer Care Center May 9.

With Dr. Ahmed are, from left, Dana Croxford and Sharon Larson of Dr. Ahmed’s staff; Toni Brummett and Sheri Bellamy of AMH; and Tiffany Dunham, Dr. Ahmed’s office manager. They treated him to a cake and a book, “The Butchering Art,” about Joseph Lister’s quest to transform surgery into a safer practice in the late 19th century. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Offices move into new space at AMH

The 41,000-square-foot expansion to Medical Office Building B is starting to fill with its new tenants. SIHF HealthCare will take up the entire second floor of the new part of the building. Pediatric Healthcare Unlimited has moved into Suite 110 on the ground floor from its former location in MOB A.

About half of the employees of SIHF HealthCare gather for a photo on one of their first days seeing patients on the second floor of the expansion to Medical Office Building B.| Photos by Dave Whaley

BJC Book Brigade challenges second-graders to read

Members of Shannon Stanton’s second-grade classroom at West Elementary School in Alton show off the books they received as part of the BJC/AMH Book Brigade. AMH and BJC are donating 1,200 books to second-graders in the AMH service area this spring. Students are challenged to read their books this summer, before they enter third grade. With the students are, from left, Rusty Ingram, AMH business development director; AMH president Dave Braasch, who read to the students May 10; and India Chapman, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development. See more Book Brigade photos on page 11. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Racing for a Cure for 20 years

Help fight breast cancer by joining Siteman Cancer Center for the 2018 Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure®, June 9 in downtown St. Louis. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event. Participants can select from these race options:

• timed 5K run ($35)
• non-competitive 5K fun run/walk ($30)
• Kids for Komen, ages 4-10; youth T-shirt ($ 20)

To sign up as a member of the Siteman Cancer Center team, visit www.sitemankomenteam.wustl.edu. Click the “Join Team” link and follow the steps for registration. Be sure to note in the “Building/Employee Number” box the Siteman Cancer Center location (main campus, West County, South County, Christian or St. Peters) to pick up your race T-shirts. The deadline for online registration is 1 p.m., May 28.

For more information, call 314-747-0328 or e-mail sitemankomenteam@gmail.com.

Resiliency Day offered relaxation to team members

As part of Hospital Week/Nurses Week, team members were given the opportunity to relax with a massage May 8. | Photo by Dawn Kohrt

Ashley Haupert awarded with Ronni Ducommun Scholarship

BJSPH patient care tech Ashley Haupert has been named the winner of the Ronni Ducommun Scholarship.

The annual $1,000 scholarship is open to all BJSPH and PWH patient care techs working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing or their RN degree.

Haupert will use the scholarship while she attends the University of Missouri-St. Louis, pursuing her BSN.

Ronni Ducommun was a registered nurse on the medical unit at BJSPH for more than 11 years, serving as a preceptor and mentor to many new nurses. She was not only an excellent nurse and great co-worker, but also a dear friend to all. The Ronni Jean Ducommun Scholarship is established in honor of her memory and to carry on her spirit of caring.

BJSPH patient care tech Ashley Haupert, fourth from left, was awarded the Ronni Ducommun Scholarship. | Photo by Scott Beck

Nursing award winners honored for excellence

BJWCH honored some extraordinary members of the BJWCH family at the Nurses Week Awards Dinner and the Hospital Week Barbecue, May 8 and 9.

Each year, nurses and friends of nursing who embody key characteristics of excellence are celebrated. Here are the 2018 winners:

• Excellence in Nursing — Denise Johnson, RN, GI
• Rising Star Award — Jan Heaton, RN, professional practice
• Friend of Nursing — Alyssa Thompson, pharmacy

Yoany Finetti, chief nursing officer, left, and Norma Fishbein, surgical services director, right, present Denise Johnson with her Excellence in Nursing Award at the Hospital Week barbecue. | Photos by Kelly Pahl

Trish Lollo, BJWCH president, left, congratulates Rising Star awardee Jan Heaton.

From left, Jason Barczewski, pharmacy manager; Friend of Nursing honoree Alyssa Thompson; and Yoany Finetti, chief nursing officer, celebrate at the Hospital Week barbecue.

BJWCH nurse retires after 52 years of providing care

Sue Flood, RN, knew she wanted to be a nurse when she was 5 years old. She stuck to that decision and retired from BJWCH May 11, after being a nurse for 52 years.

“I love people. I always have,” she says. “You have to love people to be a nurse.”

Flood graduated from Alton Memorial Nursing School in 1965. She was a nurse at two Illinois hospitals, taught nursing at a vocational center, spent 17 years in home health, six of them at BJC Home Care in Alton, and worked in the trauma unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, before joining the BJWCH second floor 13 years ago.

“I tell everyone — patients, people in the community — that this is the best hospital in the world,” she says. “I truly believe it, or I wouldn’t say it.”

Sue Flood, RN, retires after more than half a century of nursing. | Photo by Kelly Pahl

‘Aloha,’ Hospital Week

From left, Jessica Hawkins, RN; Trish Lollo, BJWCH president; Scott Harry, nursing supervisor; and Heather Forbes, RN, enjoy the sunshine at the May 8 Hospital Week barbecue. | Photos by Kelly Pahl

From left, Dolores Fumagalli, patient access manager; Lisa Buehler, supply distribution; and Brooke Eggleston, human resources manager, keep the barbecue serving line moving.

Congratulations Oliver Manigo, Employee of Distinction

Oliver Manigo, patient access, is often one of the first faces patients and visitors see when they walk into BJWCH. He is known for delivering outstanding service to patients. He is a problem solver and is always willing to be a team player. Manigo won an Employee of Distinction Award for his excellence, integrity and compassion.

From left, Toledo Jones, patient access; Dolores Fumagalli, patient access manager; Oliver Manigo; and Trish Lollo, BJWCH president, celebrate Manigo’s Employee of Distinction Award. | Photo by Kelly Pahl

Walking for a stigma-free world

Face painting, superheroes, food trucks, music, dancing and fun. That’s what’s in store when you join BJC Behavioral Health’s team for the 16th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walks fund-raiser, May 5, in Central Park-Chesterfield Amphitheater. Each year, this event has grown — but so has the need.

For more than 30 years, NAMI St. Louis has educated the public about mental illness, worked to eliminate stigma, and advocated for funding and research into the causes and treatment of mental illness. In 2017 alone, NAMI St. Louis served more than 15,000 clients in seven counties in the greater St. Louis region and answered nearly 1,000 helpline calls. Since 2008, more than 5,000 law enforcement and behavioral health professionals have been trained to respond effectively to incidents involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, directing them to treatment.

Register at https://www.namiwalks.org/team/BJCBehavioralHealth to join BJC Behavioral Health’s team in walking to celebrate mental illness recovery, honor those who have lost their lives to mental illness, and help raise funds, combat stigma and promote awareness. Click on “Join Our Team” to register to walk or “Support Us” to make a donation.

For more information, call Marilynn Hart, 314-206-3712.

NAMI Walks details:

• Saturday, May 5
• Check-in: 9 a.m.
• Start: 10 a.m.
• Central Park (Chesterfield Amphitheater), 16365 Lydia Hill Drive, Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
• Walk options: 5K or 1 mile (walkers may walk shorter distances)
• Master of ceremonies: Kim Hudson, FOX2/News 11

From left are Dr. Kelly Johnson, Olivia Korpecki and Jeanette Korpecki at the 2017 NAMI walk. | Courtesy photo

Corporate Health Services honors employees at year-end banquet

Jane Myers

BJC Corporate Health Services held its 2017 Employee Recognition Banquet in November. The event showcased the award-winning teams and individuals from CHS who have contributed to the overall success of the organization.

More than 100 colleagues, business partners and guests attended the event at the Clubhouse at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park. Guests enjoyed a reception, dinner, photo booth and awards ceremony.

For the first time in CHS history, the Leadership Award was presented to two individuals. Jane Myers, business manager, and Sandy Swan, program manager, occupational health and ergonomics, were recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to CHS clients.

Sandy Swan

“CHS has a dual focus on internal and external clients,” said Patrick Venditti, CHS executive director. “Both Jane and Sandy manage high-performing teams that exceed their clients’ expectations and position CHS for continued success. They are dynamic leaders who take great pride in their teams and their work.”

Client recognition awards were presented to Shelley Penrod, transcriptionist; Wanda Hughes, patient access representative; and Andrea Tobiasz, nurse practitioner. These special awards recognize the individuals who were most frequently mentioned during client satisfaction telephone surveys. In addition, Joseph Klipsch, facilities coordinator, received special recognition for always going “above and beyond” to take care of his colleagues.

Three individuals received awards for living ICARE service values in 2017. They included Aaron Gutjahr, exercise physiologist; Kelly Bini, occupational therapist; and Connie Kopec, EHR analyst. “Demonstrating ICARE values is key to our success in every patient and client encounter,” said Diane Palmer, RN, director of clinical operations. “Our 2017 awardees are being recognized for their commitment to these values and practices.”

“The past year has been a memorable one for CHS,” said Venditti. “We’ve made significant strides in many areas, thanks to our dedicated team of professionals. The Employee Recognition Banquet is our special time to celebrate and recognize the individuals and teams that make CHS a great place to work and receive care.”

Supporting a healthy Earth with ‘Planet BJC’ swap meet

On April 20 (the Friday before Earth Day), team members at the BJC Learning Institute and BJC @ The Commons shopped at the Planet BJC: Book and DVD Swap Meet. The books and DVDs were donated by employees as a way to bring new life to their spring cleaning finds. Hundreds of recycled books and DVDs will now be reused in new homes.

Event organizers contributed leftover items to Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Women’s Safe House, which are all United Way agencies.

The following team members who browsed the selections won participation prizes:

• Trina Parks: BJC tech pocket and USB wall charger
• Jen Patton: BJC USB hub and stylus pen
• Jennifer Schrauth: BJC hot and cold pack
• Gail Uhlenberg: Two Cardinals vs. Phillies tickets for the May 17 game
• Tracy Vonder Haar: BJC picnic blanket

Start collecting your donations for the second Planet BJC event that will take place the week before Earth Day 2019.

Employees at the BJC Learning Institute show their support for Earth Day during the Planet BJC: Book and DVD Swap Meet. | Photo by Tim Mudrovic

Trivia supports Wings pediatric program

Do you love trivia? If so, gather a group of friends or co-workers together for Magellan’s 16th annual trivia night benefiting the BJC Hospice pediatric program, Wings. Proceeds from the event will go toward grief and camp programs for children.

Trivia takes place Feb. 24 at the Machinist’s Hall off St. Charles Rock Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $160 per table or $20 per ticket.

For more information, contact Patti Kasperski, pekasperski@magellanhealth.com or 314-387-5133.

For more information about the Wings program,
visit bjchospice.org/wings.

Interventional cardiologist joins Medical Group cardiology practice

Dr. Gus Theodos

Gus Theodos, MD, FACC, FSCAI, has joined BJC Medical Group – Cardiology, located at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Theodos is board certified in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Theodos earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 2003. He completed his residency in internal medicine at University Hospitals of Cleveland in 2007 and his cardiology fellowship and interventional cardiology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic from 2007 to 2012.

He then spent four years as a staff interventional cardiologist at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., during his active duty time with the U.S. Navy. Since August 2016, he has been a staff cardiologist at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis.

Dr. Theodos is passionate about the positive impact interventional cardiology has on improving patients’ health outcomes. “There are a number of important advances in technology and procedures that allow us to treat patients more effectively than ever before,” Dr. Theodos says. “Due to my training in structural, peripheral and coronary procedures, I am able to treat a variety of conditions in novel ways. It’s important to me that every patient has options, including those using ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.”

Dr. Theodos focuses on building lasting patient relationships. “I try to model my relationships with my patients on how I would like to be treated,” he says. “I consider it my job to not only be able to perform very complex procedures, but also to be able to explain these procedures to patients and their families in a way they can understand.”

As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Theodos performs a variety of procedures including structural heart interventions such as TAVR, Mitraclip and ASD/PFO closure; cardiac catheterization including radial artery catheterization; coronary angioplasty and stenting; Impella and intra-aortic balloon pump placement and management; interventions for chronic total occlusions; peripheral vascular interventions; and ablations for venous insufficiency.

Gus Theodos, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is a member of BJC Medical Group and is on staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He joins BJC Medical Group – Cardiology, 3023 N. Ballas Road, Building D, Suite 200, St. Louis, and can be reached at 314-996-7272.

Daniels joins vascular surgeon at Christian Hospital

Lacretia Daniels

Lacretia Daniels, ANP-C, has joined Christian Hospital as a nurse practitioner for vascular surgeon Wande Pratt, MD.

“The vascular surgery specialty is fascinating because it’s intertwined with many different body systems, giving us the opportunity to heal the body in many ways,” Daniels says.

Daniels earned her master of science in nursing degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2008, after practicing for 13 years as a registered nurse. She has more than nine years of experience in the heart and vascular surgery fields.

Daniels will collaborate with Dr. Pratt, helping treat a variety of conditions that focus on diseases of the blood vessels, including aneurysms, stroke prevention, limb salvage, dialysis access and vein problems.

Lacretia Daniels, ANP-C, is a certified adult nurse practitioner with BJC Medical Group. She practices at BJC Medical Group Specialists of North County, 11155 Dunn Road, Medical Office Building 1, Suite 109N, St. Louis. The practice can be reached at 314-953-8799. For more information, visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

Established Wentzville primary care physician joins BJC Medical Group

Dr. Robert Swan

Robert Swan, MD, an established primary care physician who has been practicing in St. Charles County for more than 25 years, has joined BJC Medical Group. Dr. Swan is passionate about the people and culture in the area and enjoys providing care for his community.

“I grew up and attended school in the St. Louis area and I strongly identify with St. Louis and all of its history,” Dr. Swan says. “The St. Louis spirit has provided perspective and still inspires me today.”

Dr. Swan earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in 1979. He completed his internship and residency at various military hospitals around the country.

“I also had the opportunity to live in many different cities and countries with my family during my professional and military career,” Dr. Swan says. “I had the honor of serving my country during Desert Storm in Iraq. These experiences help to increase my awareness that each person is very important and that their concerns are to be addressed in a way that underscores their importance, as well as preserves each person’s dignity.”

As a primary care physician, Dr. Swan provides traditional family practice services, which include health care maintenance as well as acute (sick) care. Family medicine encompasses a wide range of services including physical exams, evaluation and continuing medical care of acute and chronic medical conditions; adolescent through geriatric care; minor surgery; routine dermatological procedures; counseling and education; and routine immunizations.

“Family practice allows me to provide my patients with a medical home and a refuge from our very complicated, sometimes overwhelming health care system,” Dr. Swan says. “It has given me the honor and privilege to be part of my patients’ lives.”

Robert Swan, MD, is a member of BJC Medical Group and is on staff at Progress West Hospital. His practice is at 801 Medical Drive, Suite 400, Wentzville, Mo., and can be reached at 636-327-3100. For more information, 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.

Employee Awards Banquet celebrates service milestones and special honors

Attendees at the annual CH Employee Awards Banquet, May 11, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott, were invited to “An Evening of Mystery” to recognize employees celebrating their milestone service anniversaries and earning special honors. Among those honored were:

• Employee of the Year 2017 — Linda Wonsewitz, environmental services
• Great Catch Award 2017 — Anne Denison, RN, 8th floor-nephrology
• President’s Award — Brian Shaw, NWHC emergency department; Cathy Storey, laboratory; Barb Murphy, risk management; and Bret Berigan, communications and marketing
• Leadership Award — Kathy Chkautovich, performance improvement
• Quality Improvement Team Award 2017 — Glucose Control Team
  • Dana Ballinger
  • Mona Dachroeden
  • Jessie Lampe
  • Supraja Reddy, MD
  • Kathy Chkautovich
  • Kaylan Goldstein
  • Susan Gowin-Woelfel
  • Deborah Hartwell
  • Sandy Kroeschel
  • Theresa Linck
  • Brenda Miller
  • Mandy Pickett
  • Shontel Ray
  • Karen Scott
  • Brian Shaw
  • Jocelyn Wyms

Christian Hospital nurses honored

CH celebrated Nurses Week with a variety of activities throughout the week, including a special ceremony
May 10 to honor some of the hospital’s top performing nurses and recognize Professional Nurse Development Program participants and certified nurses.

Special recognition went to the CH house-wide awardees:

• Haylie Crites, CVU — 2018 Rookie of the Year Award
• Christine Maxeiner, 4th floor — 2018 Mentor of the Year Award
• Katelyn Bartels, 7th floor — 2018 Excellence in Professional Nursing Award

Congratulations to all the 2018 nursing staff awardees.

CH house-wide nurse awardees were, from left, Haylie Crites, CVU, 2018 Rookie of the Year Award; Christine Maxeiner, 4th floor, 2018 Mentor of the Year Award; and Katelyn Bartels, 7th floor, 2018 Excellence in Professional Nursing Award. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Christian network reference lab – Helping the community for 31 years

The network reference lab (NRL) inreach/outreach program for the CH lab is celebrating 31 years of offering lab services to the St. Louis area and Metro East.

Since 1987, the CH NRL has offered the expertise of anatomic and clinical board-certified pathologists and the support of a full-service hospital laboratory to the community.

NRL team members focus their attention on physician offices and small hospitals that need access to a variety of routine and specialty lab testing. In addition, NRL has access to all BJC laboratories systems and works in conjunction with Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester, Minn. NRL has multiple outpatient draw sites in
St. Charles County, north St. Louis County and Illinois.

The NRL staff of 26 includes lab associates, specimen processors, technical leads, client response, account executive and supervisor. Customers cover a 100-mile radius from CH.

The Christian Hospital network reference lab team includes, from left, front row, Kim Johnson, Sunshine Young, Jamie McCollum, Tisha Lasley, Rachel Dahms, Tisha Rhine and Patti Haynes; and back row, Rachel Williams, Addie Like, Liz Harris, Paul Olatunde, Brandon Primrose and Angie Butler. Those not pictured include Laura Oppland, Sonya Standefer, Delphine Graham, Carman Davis, Carla Whitted, Monique Cook, Jessica Jows, Whitney Perry, Sarah Kodros, Rebecca Duich, Shontella Lindsey, Gwender Jackson, Deborah Wright, Sheana Gray, Lisa Haynes, Robin Morris, Brittni Salzman and Megan Cerantano. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Salvation Army and Christian Hospital partner to receive $1million health grant

CH and the Salvation Army of St. Louis have received a three-year, $1 million grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to bring better health into north St. Louis County.

“Pathway to Health is an expansion of our current operations inside the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center,” says Dan Jennings, the Salvation Army’s Bi-State CEO. “We’ll now be able to assist families and individuals in Ferguson and surrounding ZIP codes who are experiencing poverty and barriers to physical wellness.”

Data for Ferguson and neighboring municipalities shows that nearly half of CH’s emergency department visits are non-emergent or avoidable. North St. Louis County comprises the area of highest need in the region for the Salvation Army of St. Louis emergency social services. The intersecting needs of area residents led the Salvation Army and CH to work together on the common goals of economic and physical wellness.

“Christian and the Salvation Army have partnered to create holistic sustainable change by addressing not only the community’s health challenges, but also the social determinants of health that lead to poor health outcomes, especially for African-Americans,” says Rick Stevens, CH president. “The Pathway to Health initiative will address the lack of access to affordable care and the need for increased health knowledge and chronic condition management for African-Americans and others, while also working to eliminate socio-economic barriers.”

Pathway to Health will operate out of the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center, 9420 West Florissant Ave., co-owned by the Salvation Army and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Patients at the CH emergency department for non-emergent or avoidable visits will be referred to Salvation Army case managers in Ferguson. CH will provide community health workers and a preventive health educator at the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center to engage in wellness activities with residents in Ferguson and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Pathway to Health program will be a component of the long-term case management of Pathway of Hope, an approach that assists families in overcoming the root causes of barriers that perpetuate the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that keep them in poverty.

Mindy McClain

Mindy McLain retires from NWHC lab

Mindy McLain retired May 11 after working in the CH laboratory at NWHC for 27 years. McLain has worked in a laboratory for a total of 45 years.

Evelyn’s House manager named Hospital Hero of the Month

Ann Short, RN, Evelyn’s House manager, was named the most recent Hospital Hero of the Month. Short was nominated by one of her peers through the Missouri Hospital Association for her dedication to BJC’s hospice house, Evelyn’s House.

Here’s an excerpt from Short’s nomination: “Ann is an incredible manager and goes above and beyond for the staff and the patients every day. She is flexible and always willing to listen to my updates on the patients and their needs when considering admission to the hospice house. She is very supportive of her staff and realistic on how many nurses are needed to care adequately for the patients. The feedback from the families has been very positive on how well their loved ones were cared for at the hospice house. Ann is a perfect fit for the job and always very flexible and professional when dealing with all the staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.”

“Ann is a very special person. She has a heart of hospitality,” says Stacy Olinger, BJC Home Care Services vice president. “When patients and families come to Evelyn’s House, she makes them feel as if they were at home. She provides the best in end-of-life care and is very deserving of this award. We are all proud of her.”

Ann received a certificate, pin and $100 gift card.

To recognize your own hospital hero, visit http://bit.ly/HeroThankYou.

Ann Short, center, is pictured with Stacy Olinger, RN, MSN, BJC Home Care Services vice president, and Patrick White, MD, BJC Hospice chief medical officer. | Photo by Jessica Mabb

Friends of Wings selected as Schnucks Charity of the Month

The Schnucks supermarket at 6920 Olive Blvd. selected the Friends of Wings as the latest beneficiary of the Schnucks – Bags 4 My Cause Program. For the entire month of April, every time a reusable Giving bag is purchased at this location, Friends of Wings receives $1. 

Aligned with BJC Hospice since 2001, Friends of Wings funds and mobilizes people around programs and services that support every moment of the hospice journey and celebrate the love that will never end. Programs are designed to provide moments of normalcy and joy, nurture healing, preserve memories and connect people with others sharing a similar experience — an experience that for most will be the most challenging of their lives. By making these programs possible, Friends of Wings is privileged to have positively impacted the journey for thousands of individuals across the St. Louis region.

Boy Scout builds birdhouses for Evelyn’s House patients and their families

Four tall, bright and colorful birdhouses are spaced evenly across the backyard of Evelyn’s House for residents and their families to enjoy watching birds from the patio of their guest suite.

The birdhouses were built and painted by Cameron Moseley, 17, a boy scout from Troop 641, in Creve Coeur, Mo. Nathan Rain, BJC information services, is his Scoutmaster.

Moseley, a life-ranked scout, built the birdhouses as his Eagle service project. He had to apply for approval for the project from the Boy Scout Council. Once approved, Moseley received donations from BJC and Home Depot to purchase supplies. Doing research, he found that these stand-alone birdhouses, sitting on a matching wooden pole with a solid wooden base, appear heavy enough to withstand usual wind gusts. “I hope Evelyn’s House guests and families get to see a variety of birds,” he says.

Rain’s son, Andrew, 12, helped Moseley with the birdhouses, and Boy Scout committee chair Scott Moseley and his wife helped Cameron transport the birdhouses to Evelyn’s House.

“Cameron did such a wonderful job on the colorful bird houses,” says Ann Short, RN, Evelyn’s House manager. “They are ingenious with a hinged door for easy cleaning. The birdhouses will provide hours of birdwatching enjoyment for our patients and families, and we hope to see some birds nesting soon, as we see quite a few bluebirds in the area.”

From left, Andrew Rain, Scott Moseley, Cameron Moseley, Evelyn’s House manager Ann Short, RN, and Nathan Rain are pictured with the birdhouses Cameron Moseley built and donated to Evelyn’s House. | Photo by Margie Schaffer

Lacy Otten is April Employee of the Month

Lacey Otten

Lacy Otten, social services supervisor, was named the April Employee of the Month.

“She is accountable and provides answers to questions enthusiastically and in a timely manner,” says one colleague. “She shows compassion and gets the job done.”

Otten has been a Memorial employee for three and a half years. She works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assist in coordination of discharge plans, including nursing home and rehab placements, home care referrals, linkage to community resources and financial resources, and more. She is also the social services supervisor for both hospitals.

She says the most rewarding part of her job is working with such a great group of social workers, nurses, physicians and all other ancillary staff, and helping families and patients as they transition into various stages of their lives.

“Lacy is a trusted member of the care coordination team and has developed trusting relationships with staff, managers and leaders at both MHB and MHE,” says Lisa Altland, care coordination director.

Otten recently passed her American Care Management (ACM) certification exam and is now an accredited case manager-social worker. The ACM is specifically for care managers working in health care systems and with care transitions.

Panel informs community about Parkinson’s services

Memorial staff presented a “Parkinson’s Panel” program to a group of 45 community members April 26. Participants received information on rehab services’ LSVT Big and Loud program, Memorial’s Belleville Health and Sports Center’s Rock Steady Boxing Program, and a local Parkinson’s support group from Programs and Services for Older People (PSOP).

For more information, contact Cheryl Singsank, communications and marketing, 618-257-5649 or cheryl.singsank@bjc.org.

From left, back row, Jodi Gardner, Maria Matthews, Stacie King and Diana Chamberlin-Bevirt; and, front row, Heidi Hoskins, Micki Classen and Chelsea Rippelmeyer presented a “Parkinson’s Panel” program to a group of 45 community members April 26. | Photos by Andy Nicholson

Rock Steady Boxing client Sharon Blanquart, left, spars with coach Stacie King.

Vart and Lawrence are certified MRI safety officers

MBMC diagnostic imaging team members Robert Vart, RT(R)(MR)(CT), MRSO(MRSC), and Eric Lawrence, RT(R)(MR), MRSO(MRSC), recently passed MRI safety officer credentialing examinations from the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS). This ABMRS credential is new, with certifications remaining valid for 10 years.

Due to increasing magnet strengths with MRIs, safety has been a focus in the profession. To date, only about 1,000 MRI professionals have been certified in three possible MRI safety certification titles across the nation. Vart and Lawrence are the first certified MRI safety officers within BJC.

Robert Vart and Eric Lawrence

MBSH celebrates Hospital Week, May 7-11

MBSH employees enjoyed a variety of fun activities during the week of May 7.

The celebrations began with department managers distributing “Years of Caring” ribbons to their staff. As an added benefit, employees were able to dress down and sport their BJC-logoed shirts throughout the week.

On Tuesday and Thursday, MBSH-logoed backpacks were given as an appreciation gift to all staff. Snack baskets with a variety of treats were delivered on Wednesday to each department for employees to enjoy.

The week ended with a barbecue lunch on Friday, where the maintenance staff grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, and Cuba Lakes Country Club provided sides and cookies.

Surgery staff display their “Years of Caring” ribbons. | Photo by David Hartwick

Auxiliary helps therapy and wellness take extra steps for excellence

The MBSH Auxiliary recently purchased a set of parallel bars for Missouri Baptist Therapy and Wellness-Cuba.

Although the tall, resin-coated apparatus used by gymnasts probably comes to mind at the mention of parallel bars, this equipment serves a more practical therapeutic purpose. Therapists can safely work with patients on gait training, standing, balance and stability between these waist-high bars without the assistance of a walker or other device.

MBSH’s parallel bars allow 7 feet of safe ambulation and have a 400-pound weight capacity. They are adjustable for individual patient height and are wall-mounted to fold up, allowing space for other therapy activities.

Lauren Koelling, PT, is excited to have the parallel bars because she can now offer more comprehensive treatment to her patients. “Since having the parallel bars, we were able to work on standing with a paraplegic patient for the first time,” she says. “We would have never been able to do that prior to receiving the parallel bars.”

Robin Butts, OTR/L, manager of therapy and wellness in both Cuba and Sullivan, says, “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation by our hospital Auxiliary. We are always looking for ways to improve our service. The new parallel bars for our Cuba clinic have allowed us to expand our treatment for a wide variety of patients.”

For more information about the services provided at Missouri Baptist Therapy and Wellness-Cuba, call 573-677-2030.

Parallel bars purchased by the MBSH Auxiliary allow therapists to help patients regain balance and strength — and get back to their daily lives. | Photo by Lauren Koelling

MBSH welcomes Dr. Krummenacher

Dr. Tyler Krummenacher

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Tyler Krummenacher, MD, has joined MBSH’s medical staff. Dr. Krummenacher will see patients on Wednesdays in the Specialty Clinic, 965 Mattox Drive.

Dr. Krummenacher earned his medical degree at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2009. He completed a combined internship and residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center from 2009 to 2014, followed by a year-long fellowship at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City.

He has practiced as a surgeon at Signature Medical Group Inc. in St. Louis and at Motion Orthopaedics in St. Louis. He is also affiliated with Progress West Hospital and Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

“We are excited to have Dr. Krummenacher see orthopedic patients in our specialty clinic,” says Lisa Lochner, MBSH executive director. “He comes to our clinic with outstanding recommendations.”

Call 866-866-4263 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Krummenacher.

Dr. Peter McCarthy appointed MBSH emergency department medical director

Dr. Peter McCarthy

TeamHealth Midwest Group announced that Peter McCarthy, MD, has been appointed medical director for the MBSH emergency department.

Dr. McCarthy is board certified in internal medicine and has more than 20 years of emergency medicine experience. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Saint Louis University and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in 2000. Dr. McCarthy is credentialed at seven BJC emergency departments, including MBSH, where he has worked extensively over the past year.

“We are excited to have Dr. McCarthy fill this position by providing leadership for the physicians and advanced practice clinicians. He also will have responsibility for the daily operation and metrics,” says Dr. Leo Hsu, MD, MBA, MDiv, FACEP, TeamHealth Midwest Group regional medical director. “He will maintain our ongoing partnership with the hospital and its incredibly talented and committed staff.”

MBSH president Tony Schwarm adds, “We’re very pleased to have Dr. McCarthy take the role of ED medical director for our facility. The transition will be smooth, as he has already established a good working relationship with our physicians and staff.”

Pam Weber

Weber is Star Service Team Member for April

Mindy Weber, MSW, LCSW, was selected as the ICARE Star Service Team Member for April. Weber, a social worker in care management, has worked at PHC for two years.

Excerpts from Weber’s nomination read, “She always shows compassion and accountability to our patients, physicians and fellow staff members. She is conscientious in doing what is best for the patients, and she works very hard to meet patient needs. She is always willing to go the extra mile for both patients and co-workers. She lives integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence every day!”

Weber says she’s found her niche in the hospital setting. “I’ve found where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “I like to help families make plans at times of crisis. I’m happy with my job.”

ICARE is Parkland’s patient experience service initiative. The acronym stands for Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

Resiliency Day offered relaxation to team members

As part of Hospital Week/Nurses Week, team members were given the opportunity to relax with a massage May 8. | Photo by Dawn Kohrt

Ashley Haupert awarded with Ronni Ducommun Scholarship

BJSPH patient care tech Ashley Haupert has been named the winner of the Ronni Ducommun Scholarship.

The annual $1,000 scholarship is open to all BJSPH and PWH patient care techs working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing or their RN degree.

Haupert will use the scholarship while she attends the University of Missouri-St. Louis, pursuing her BSN.

Ronni Ducommun was a registered nurse on the medical unit at BJSPH for more than 11 years, serving as a preceptor and mentor to many new nurses. She was not only an excellent nurse and great co-worker, but also a dear friend to all. The Ronni Jean Ducommun Scholarship is established in honor of her memory and to carry on her spirit of caring.

BJSPH patient care tech Ashley Haupert, fourth from left, was awarded the Ronni Ducommun Scholarship. | Photo by Scott Beck

SLCH celebrates Hospital Week

SLCH staff picked up their free Ted Drewes frozen custard May 11. It was a token of appreciation from leadership and HR.

General medicine team members, from left, Andrea Saddler, Josh Snyder and Becky (Rebecca) Siebert pick up their Ted Drewes frozen custard during Hospital Week. | Courtesy photo

Who received the annual SLCH nursing awards?

Following are the winners of SLCH’s Nancy A. Ross, RN, Nursing Awards:

• Partner in Caring:
  • Mary Blackwell, 12th floor
  • Nominator: Michele Lane
• Excellence in Family Centered Care:
  • Deanna Carter, 12th floor
  • Nominator: Angie Ruffino
• Excellence in Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice:
  • Hasima Hajdini, post anesthesia care unit
  • Nominator: Tina Drennan
• Excellence in Community Service:
  • Barbie Ricken, hematology/oncology
  • Nominator: Sue Flake
• Excellence in Mentoring/Precepting:
  • Barbie Ricken, hematology/oncology
  • Nominator: Sue Flake
• Excellence in Professional Nursing:
  • Angie Ruffino, 12th floor
  • Nominator: Janette Coble
• Excellence in Nursing Leadership:
  • Carly Wheeler, newborn ICU
  • Nominator: LaKecia Clay
• Rookie of the Year:
  • Josh Williams, float pool
  • Nominator: Teresa Amrhein

Mary Blackwell, Deanna Carter, Hasima Hajdini and Barbie Ricken

Angie Ruffino, Carly Wheeler and Josh Williams

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