United Way basket raffles raise $400-plus

AMH’s housekeeping team raised more than $400 for the AMH United Way campaign with four basket raffles. Linda Thery, housekeeping, won a basket of lottery tickets (value of $100). Other winners were Renee Roady, Twin Rivers MRI, who won Scentsy and Bath & Body Works baskets; and Kimberly Lacey, housekeeping, who won a Spiderman basket. | Photo by Melissa Lemarr

Kimberlee Coppelli

BJCMG Orthopedics at AMH welcomes new PA

Kimberlee Coppelli, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant, is joining the BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine office in MOB B, Suite 130, on the AMH campus. She collaborates with John Stirton, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.

For more information, call BJCMG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 618-463-7600.

Captains of the River Bend

AMH was honored as a “Captain of the River Bend” for economic enhancement at the River Bend Growth Association’s annual State of the River Bend luncheon, Oct. 25, at Lewis and Clark Community College. AMH is only the second business to have earned the honor four times.

The honor this year was for the Medical Office Building B expansion on campus, as well as the recent groundbreaking on a new Family Physicians of Bethalto office building.

Accepting the “Captain of the River Bend” award for economic enhancement at the River Bend Growth Association’s annual State of the River Bend luncheon are, from left, AMH board chairman Steve Thompson; vice president Brad Goacher; president Dave Braasch; board member Sheila Goins; director of business development Rusty Ingram; and medical staff office manager Adam Mathews. | Photo by Dave Whaley

Kids in the Kitchen at AMH

During a “Kids in the Kitchen” event, Oct. 24, in the AMH café meeting rooms, children got to make three pumpkin-related recipes. Kids in the Kitchen gives children hands-on experience with healthy treats. The event was led by Laura Hill, MD, a pediatrician on staff at AMH, along with the Morrison Healthcare Food Services food and nutrition staff at AMH.

Ken Derienzo, manager of Morrison food and nutrition at AMH, helps Sabrina Eccles, foreground, and Lyla Cowan with a recipe during a “Kids in the Kitchen” event, Oct. 24, in the AMH café meeting rooms. | Photos by Dave Whaley

At the end of the evening, all of the children gathered with the Morrison staff and Dr. Laura Hill to show off the free pumpkins each of them received for participating.

Men’s nursing association names Goldfarb a ‘Best School of Nursing’

The American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) named Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College an AAMN Best School of Nursing. The honor recognizes nursing schools that make significant efforts to recruit and retain men in the nursing profession.

In its award letter, the AAMN review committee noted Goldfarb’s “…impressive male graduate enrollment, networking opportunities for male students, and Dean’s scholar program, which provided great opportunity for students to network and advance their careers.”

Nine nursing schools in the U.S. received the AAMN Best School of Nursing award.

“Goldfarb has a strong history of creating an inclusive environment for men,” says Nancy Ridenour, RN, APRN, PhD, Barnes-Jewish College president. “From our students, who are building a career in nursing or expanding their knowledge of nursing, to our male professors, we look to continue this inclusive environment while working to increase the number of men in the nursing profession.” Ridenour also is the Maxine Clark and Bob Fox dean and professor at Goldfarb School of Nursing.

James Harris, RN, PhD, assistant professor at Goldfarb, and Nicholas Silva, Goldfarb’s admissions advisor, accepted the award on behalf of the college at the AAMN’s national conference in early October.

James Harris, assistant professor at Goldfarb, above, and Nicholas Silva, admissions advisor, below, accept the AAMN Best School of Nursing award on behalf of the college at the AAMN’s national conference in early October. | Courtesy photos

Goldfarb alumni, students, faculty and staff join in Homecoming 2018

The Barnes-Jewish College Alumni Association hosted the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College 2018 homecoming celebration Sept. 29. This year’s celebration, titled “Art of Nursing,” honored nurses as primary keepers of the morality, goodness, honesty and ethics of patient care. The “tender touch” nurses offer expresses the values they hold dear.

The all-day homecoming festivities began with a memorial service, during which attendees reflected, remembered and honored deceased members of the Goldfarb community. The day also included caricature artists, a panel discussion featuring five nurses in non-traditional roles, and a celebration full of food, prizes and dancing.

Attendees also participated in service opportunities designed to contribute to the community. Their efforts resulted in 600 care packages for patients at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Kingdom House; six fleece blankets for families at the International Institute and Evelyn’s House, BJC’s hospice house; and many message magnets and buttons for patients and families at BJH.

During the homecoming celebration, the Barnes-Jewish College Alumni Association presented a 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award to Mildred Yium, RN, MS (1962), and to Colleen Gilmore, RN, MSN, ANP-BC (1985, 2009). Their service, care and dedication to the nursing profession embodies the true art of nursing.

“Homecoming is always a day of fun and excitement,” says June Cowell-Oates, EdD, LPC, LCSW, Goldfarb’s alumni affairs and program office of student affairs and diversity director. “This year, we saw past classmates reunite and current students take time between classes to have fun. And those participating in service projects had the opportunity to renew and make connections. Once again, our college community came together. It’s wonderful to see homecoming grow each year.”

Save the date for Goldfarb’s next homecoming: Sept. 29, 2019.

Alumni, from left, Ryan Tegerdine, ’17, George Holland, ’06, and Rachel Winders, ’17, enjoy the homecoming activities that took place throughout the day, Sept. 29. | Courtesy photo

Rejuvenation Station gets refreshed

Rain and cold weather washed out the original plans to break out the paint brushes after the leadership retreat. But on a perfect, sunny, fall afternoon, a team of rejuvenators made several improvements to the Rejuvenation Station, BJSPH’s outdoor break area. More improvements are still coming to the area, between BJSPH entrances D and E. | Courtesy photo

Employee health fairs had something for everyone

From blood pressure and cholesterol screenings to visits from therapy dogs, attendance prizes and more, the BJSPH and PWH employee health fairs offered health information and wellness ideas for everyone.

Chantal Workun, PWH food and nutrition, won a basket of healthy snacks – the employee health fair attendance prize. | Courtesy photo

Celebrating 429 combined years of providing care

BJWCH employees with 41-45 years of service, including from left, Ann Bearden, Marsha Ryan, Carolyn Krumm, Barbara Crofton, Deb Meyer, Cathleen Carroll, Nancy Bradley and Mark Kohl, with BJWCH president Trish Lollo, were celebrated at the 2018 Employee Service Awards Banquet Oct. 19. Karen Kayser and Judith Bush are not pictured. | Photo by Steve Frazier

New distribution location for employee holiday turkey giveaway

All BJWCH employees and volunteers can receive a holiday turkey with a valid badge. The medical staff also has generously provided employees and volunteers with a gift.

Frozen turkeys will be distributed:

• Nov. 5, 6:30-8 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m.
• Nov. 6, 6:30-8 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m.
• Nov. 7, 6:30-8 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m.
• Nov. 8, 6:30-8 a.m.

Due to construction, turkeys will be distributed from a refrigerated truck in the parking lot south of Medical Office Building 1. Employees will need to pick up their turkey from this location. Distribution to off-site employees will be coordinated through their manager.

Ebony Street

Street shows the ICARE values

Community support specialist Ebony Street, BJC Behavioral Health-North, showed ICARE values at the BJC Behavioral Health-Central site when she took charge of an emotional situation in the same day access area.

Street helped comfort a co-worker’s client during a difficult intake, making a monumental difference in how the client viewed BJC Behavioral Health and BJC. Street says she “acted on what my heart told me,” helping the client be open to accepting services, trusting and willing to allow help toward recovery.

For this, Street was named service excellence winner at BJC Behavioral Health-North for August.

Erika Dintelman

Personally and professionally, Dintelman comes through

BJC Behavioral Health-South case manager Erika Dintelman demonstrated exceptional compassion and patience with a difficult family situation.

A co-worker says, “Erika is always willing to help and is a constant support for us. She has been giving the rest of the team ‘shout-outs’ when they’re going through difficult times and has been a great listener for me, both personally and professionally.”

Dintelman presents a professional and positive attitude, even when faced with stressful and challenging situations. For this, she was named service excellence winner for August for BJC Behavioral Health-South.

Tommy Doss

A smile and a positive attitude typify Doss’s care

Community support specialist Tommy Doss, BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast, has a positive outlook on treatment with all of his clients, being the voice of the client when necessary. Doss also accepts challenging cases with a smile and a positive attitude.

He is able to meet clients where they are and talk to them on that level. He has the ability to put clients at ease and re-engage them when others cannot. Doss has the respect of his team and his clients and strives to provide excellent care daily. The Southeast site named Doss the service excellence winner for August.

Meagan Losse

Losse keeps cool head in emergency

While waiting for EMTs to respond when a co-worker’s client became ill, case manager Meagan Losse, BJC Behavioral Health-Central, immediately took a leadership role in protecting and caring for the client.

While waiting, Losse remained focused on providing first aid for the client. Even before the nurses arrived, Losse was already helping by speaking to the patient and keeping the patient calm. As others arrived, they were able to follow Losse’s lead, helping to protect the client until emergency services arrived.

Losse provided leadership and a calming presence to everyone involved. For this, she was named the August service excellence winner for BJC Behavioral Health-Central.

Suzanne Sparks

Sparks makes time for clients and co-workers

Case manager Suzanne Sparks, BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast, is known to her co-workers as an intelligent, caring person who embodies ICARE values on a daily basis. She’s thorough as she meets new clients, reassuring them that they made the right decision to walk through the BJC Behavioral Health door.

Sparks is always positive and makes time for her co-workers, on or off the clock, even delivering a complete homemade meal on a Saturday to a co-worker.

Sparks is respected for her work ethic and is supportive of both clients and co-workers.

Her willingness to give her time and energy wherever needed made her the BJC Behavioral Health-Southeast June service excellence winner.

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.”

Three BJC team members named to Elite Honor Roll

Three BJC talent acquisition team members recently were named to the Elite Honor Roll for Healthcare Recruiters, which acknowledges outstanding performance in health care recruitment.

Presented by Lean Human Capital by HealthcareSource, the award recognizes individual recruiters for their commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and passion for lifelong learning, as well as their contributions to their respective organizations.

The BJC team members who are among the 27 recruiters awarded this year include:

• Morgan Arroyo, senior sourcing specialist
• Timothy Pauk, senior talent acquisition specialist
• Jean Heafner, senior talent acquisition specialist

Only the top 2 percent of recruiters in the Lean Human Capital community have been recognized with the award. (The community includes more than 1,100 hospitals across greater than 200 health care systems.)

“We are all so proud of our winners,” says Andrea Lampert, BJC talent strategies vice president. “These awards are so well deserved, and each team member is a true star leading the way in talent acquisition.”

“This is the second year of this award, and the competition to make this Honor Roll was intense,” says David Szary, HealthcareSource senior vice president and general manager, recruiting services, and founder of Lean Human Capital. “All of these individuals were nominated by senior management for superior performance and were able to quantify through objective data how they perform at an ‘elite’ level. We are excited to recognize them for all the hard work and dedication they provide to their health care organizations on a day-to-day basis.”

Morgan Arroyo, Timothy Pauk and Jean Heafner

BJC planning, design and construction ‘builds together’

A recent BJC event gave new meaning to the concept of “building together.”

More than 200 people took part in the first-ever “Meet the CBW Networking and Tradeshow Event: Building Together,” held Aug. 21 in the Atrium at Christian Hospital.

The event brought together groups within the design and construction industry:

• the architects and engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and subcontractors with whom BJC works on a regular basis — known as BJC’s Toolbox
• dozens of smaller minority- and women-owned businesses — referred to as capacity building warehouse (CBW) companies

“We’ve brought members of these groups together before — for example, to talk about a project,” says Charles Henson, BJC planning, design and construction diversity manager. “But this was a first-of-its-kind event to get everyone in the same room, including the whole PDC&R department. It was an exciting opportunity to meet, network and develop relationships between our current CBW companies and members of the BJC Toolbox.”

Two dozen minority- and women-owned firms took advantage of the opportunity to set up an exhibit and interact with attendees.

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, Henson says. In fact, 100 percent of those who responded to a follow-up survey indicated they’d like to attend next year, and several of the participants noted that they made valuable contacts at the event.

“The ‘Building Together’ theme is important,” says Henson. “It’s an ideology that supports the mission of BJC, encompasses all of the diverse people in the communities BJC serves, and encourages all of them to play a role in the building of BJC.

“BJC is committed to establishing a state-of-the-art program for diversity and inclusion, and BJC design and construction is out in front in bringing people together,” Henson adds. “This event was another way of supporting those efforts and creating meaningful relationships among small and large firms.

“BJC has a great opportunity to change what diversity means in design and construction, and we are committed,” Henson adds.

BJC planning, design and construction hosted “Meet the CBW Networking and Tradeshow Event: Building Together” to bring together BJC’s construction partners with minority- and women-owned businesses. The networking event drew more than 200 people. | Courtesy photo

SupplyPlus helps ‘make our world better’ at STL Foodbank

BJC SupplyPlus analytics team members volunteered at the STL Foodbank Oct. 24, packaging food deliveries for an early November delivery to those in need. Participants packaged 19,008 pounds of food into 864 cases, helping provide 15,517 meals for the hungry. Senior data analyst Marinne Johnson led the effort to organize the event. | Courtesy photo

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.

Coppelli joins Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Kimberlee Coppelli

Kimberlee Coppelli, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant, has joined BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. She collaborates with John Stirton, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Alton, Illinois.

Coppelli earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Seton Hill University in 2016. A St. Louis native, she has lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 years, practicing as a cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant in Pittsburgh for the past two years.

“I believe in a patient-provider relationship that allows for shared decision making, so that together we can make a plan to achieve the patient’s goals,” Coppelli says. “I want to see patients regain their mobility so they can lead active lives.”

At BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Coppelli provides treatment for a wide variety of conditions. She discusses diagnoses and treatment options with patients; educates them on preventive care and health maintenance; orders laboratory and diagnostic procedures; orders, prescribes and administers medication, orthotics and other orthopedic devices; performs incisions, wound care, and joint aspirations and injections; and assists Dr. Stirton with orthopedic surgical procedures.

Kimberlee Coppelli, PA-C, is a member of BJC Medical Group and is affiliated with Alton Memorial Hospital. BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is at 4 Memorial Drive, Building B, Suite 130, Alton, Illinois, and can be reached at 618-463-7600.

Mudd is new primary care provider

Melissa Mudd

Melissa Mudd, FNP-C, has joined BJC Medical Group at the Highlands as a primary care provider.

Mudd earned her master’s degree in nursing from Maryville University in 2018. She has been a nurse at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital since 2012.

Mudd chose to practice primary care because she is passionate about promoting adult wellness and seeing people thrive in their health.

“I strive to build interpersonal relationships with my patients and take the extra time to ensure that we have a complete assessment before moving forward,” she says.

At BJC Medical Group at the Highlands, Mudd provides general primary care, including annual wellness exams, care for chronic and acute conditions, disease prevention and management, health promotion, and customized dietary and fitness guidance.

Melissa Mudd, FNP-C, is a member of BJC Medical Group at 1110 Highlands Plaza Drive, Suite 280, St. Louis. For more information about the practice, call 314-273-0195 or visit bjcmedicalgroup.org.

Boone Medical Group – Mexico recognized for excellent patient satisfaction

Elizabeth Crews

Boone Medical Group-Mexico was recognized for excellent patient satisfaction for the second quarter of 2018, with 96.2 percent of patients ranking their care as excellent. This was the highest score in BJC Medical Group.

Since the practice opened in June 2015 with Elizabeth Crews, FNP-BC, as the primary care provider, it has been consistently recognized as providing quality care and having high patient satisfaction scores. The practice prides itself on listening carefully to each patient so team members can provide excellent individualized care.

Boone Medical Group-Mexico provides primary medical care, including diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic conditions, in addition to preventive care.

Boone Medical Group practices were recognized by Professional Research Consultants (PRC), the company used by health systems across the country, including BJC, to measure patient satisfaction.

Elizabeth Crews, FNP-BC, is a member of Boone Medical Group and is affiliated with Boone Hospital Center. She practices at Boone Medical Group-Mexico, located off East Summit Street at 1051 Old Farm Road East. For more information, call 573-581-2455 or visit boonemedicalgroup.org

Bronson awarded for prize-winning photos

Jennifer Bronson, cardiology clinical educator, left, with her director, Amy Begemann, cardiology/cath lab service line director, accepts her prizes as winner of the 2018 BJC TODAY photo contest. Bronson won an Apple iPad for her grand-prize photo and a gift card for her third-place photo. | Photo by Madison Burke Loethen

Bronson’s photo of a kayak oar on Table Rock Lake took the contest’s grand prize.

Another of her photos won third place in the abstract category. 

Ribbon-cutting marks WU, SLCH pediatric services at NWHC

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 19 officially marked a big development in north St. Louis County: As of July 1, Washington University pediatricians at St. Louis Children’s Hospital now provide coverage for pediatric patients in CH’s satellite Northwest HealthCare emergency department.

The ribbon-cutting was held in partnership with the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce.

Kimberly Quayle, MD, the Dana Brown chair in pediatric emergency medicine and professor of pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine, serves as medical director of pediatric services at NWHC.

“We’re very pleased to have our colleagues from Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital make access to world-class care more convenient for babies and children — and their families — in our North County community,” says Rick Stevens, CH president.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Brian Shaw, RN, NWHC ED manager; Deb Cervenka, RN; Venus Martz, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce president; Don Zykan, CH board and CH Foundation board member; Joan Magruder, SLCH president and BJC group president; Katherine Austin, MD, SLCH emergency medicine; Rick Stevens, CH president; Rebecca Zoll, North County Inc. president; Jim Murphy, RN, CH ED director; and Natalie Edwards, RN. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Christian Hospital Auxiliary named best in state

The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) has named the CH Auxiliary “2018 Auxiliary of the Year” in the large-hospital category (300-plus members) in recognition of more than 46,000 hours of service to the hospital, BJC and the community during the past 12 months.

This is the ninth time the CH Auxiliary has received the award in the past 35 years.

The award will be presented at the MHA annual conference at Tan-Tar-A, Nov. 9.

From left are CH vice presidents Susan Koesterer, finance, and Bryan Hartwick, human resources, with CH Auxiliary board members Martie Buck, Valerie White, Sue Pilson, Mary Trice, Sylvia Selvey, Millie Hancock, Janet Rector, Johnnie Greenlaw, Linda Rieves and Sheryl McClary, and vice president Doug Black, operations. | Photo by Becky Niebruegge

Christian Hospital high performers honored

The Service Excellence rewards and recognition team hosted the quarterly CH High Performers Social Oct. 15. Each quarter, the rewards and recognition team recognizes different departments, and each department selects one high performing employee who is invited to the reception in their honor.

Rick Stevens, CH president, and members of the executive team greeted each honoree at the Oct. 15 reception, which included a ceremony reading why each employee was chosen.

The CH High Performers for the third quarter of 2018 include:

• Caroline Nelson, CMR
• Trinity Peters, laboratory
• Jake Philipp, CT/nuclear med
• Sara Davis, radiology
• Bill Sexton, sleep lab
• Rhonda Jones, telemetry
• Patty Nailor, PACU
• Bill Rhinesmith, ambulatory surgery
• Daniel Terry, mental health
• Brenna Schaffer, nephrology

The CH High Performers for the third quarter of 2018 were recognized at the CH High Performers Social Oct. 15. | Photo by Bret Berigan

Mark your calendar for Employee Health Fair

The 2018 fair is for employees, volunteers and retirees and includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and BMI screenings; information booths; pulmonary function testing; and flu shots. Those who participate in the wellness screening will receive lunch (sandwich, chips and drink) and a chance to win prizes from the CH health literacy team.

Upcoming health fair dates include:

• Nov. 12, 3-7 p.m., CH Atrium
• Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., CH Atrium

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

Memorial nurses honored for exemplary practice

Memorial Hospital honored exemplary nursing achievement at the annual Nursing Excellence Awards banquet, Oct. 17. Those honored included, from left, front row, Lauren Bovenzi, RN, BSN, CGRN, MHB GI lab, Structural Empowerment Award; Mary Jane Maxfield, RN, ACM, MHB care management, New Knowledge Award; Cathy Fenton, RN, MSN, CNOR, MHB OR, Distinguished Magnet Nurse of the Year Award; Kristina Schmuck, RN-BC, BSN, MHB 1 Center, Structural Empowerment Award; and Brittany Schulte, RN, MHB 4 South, Rookie of the Year Award; and back row, Jessica Nave, RN, MHE emergency department, Rookie of the Year; Brittni Jackson, RN, BSN, MHB post-anesthesia recovery unit, Exemplary Professional Practice Award; Candice Varel, RN, BSN, MHE 4th floor, Transformational Leadership Award; Kristen Kustermann, RN, MSN, MBA, MHA, MHE ICU, New Knowledge Award; Denis Huelsmann, RN, BSN, CEN, MHE emergency department, Empirical Outcomes Award; Jennifer Durbin, RN-BC, MSN, nurse manager 4S/2S, Transformational Leadership Award; and Chrystal Kamm, RN-BC, BSN, MHE Family Care Birthing Center, Empirical Outcomes Award. Joanne Wood, RN, BC, MHB pain management, Exemplary Professional Practice Award, is not pictured. | Photo by Andy Nicholson

Memorial hosts education day, health screenings for area clergy

In recognition of Spiritual Care Week, MH’s pastoral care team hosted area clergy at Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights, for a day of education and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Healthier Together,” was designed to show how partnerships between churches and the community can create a healthier community.

Mark Peters, St. Clair County Health Department, presented the community health needs assessment. The Rev. Dr. Robert Dyer, First United Presbyterian Church senior pastor and MH board of directors vice chairman, talked about the changes in society and the importance of partnerships.

Attendees also could participate in a variety of health screenings.

Shelly Doerr, RN, Memorial Hospital cardiac rehab and parish nurse for Zoar UCC-Columbia, Illinois, offers health screenings at “Healthier Together,” a day of education and inspiration. | Photo by Andy Nicholson

‘Picky Eaters versus Problem Feeders’ scheduled at Memorial East

“Picky Eaters versus Problem Feeders” is scheduled from 6-8 p.m., Nov. 8, at MHE Community Conference Center on the second floor.

Rosanna Harmon, MHE occupational therapist, will present tips and techniques to help parents and caregivers provide optimal nutrition for children, ages 18 months to 7 years.

The program is free, but registration is required. Visit www.mymemorialnetwork.com/events, or call toll free, 833-607-3627.

Reigniting the Spirit of Caring (RSC) at Memorial

Reigniting the Spirit of Caring (RSC) is a three-day workshop offered several times throughout the year to all MH employees. The session offers an immersion into relationship-based care, the foundation of MH’s practice model.

RSC is designed to explore the joy and challenges of health care through reflection, journaling and dialogue. The work focuses on healthy relationships with self, colleagues and patients, as well as transformational leadership and communication tools.

RSC has been offered since 2010 with 1,300 employees attending. Seven workshops will be offered in 2019, beginning in January. Employees should speak with their department manager before registering.

For more information, contact patient experience director Mimi Luechtefeld, mimi.luechtefeld@bjc.org or 618-257-6779.

Unique Spirits and Sweets is successful

The Memorial Foundation held its fourth annual fund-raiser recently to benefit the hospital’s breast health services. Unique Spirits and Sweets raised about $30,000 for the Harold and Dixie LePere Breast Health Center.

The evening featured silent and oral auctions, as well as a wine grab bag and wine and craft beer tastings paired with a sweet treat and hors d’ oeuvres.

James Clanahan, MD, Breast Health Center medical director, served as master of ceremonies. A breast cancer survivor also shared her story.

Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase the Smart Curve Breast Stabilization System for the center’s 3D mammography units at MHE and MHB. The SmartCurve system is designed to conform to the shape of the breast with additional curvature at the chest wall to reduce pinching.

Dr. James Clanahan addresses the audience during the Memorial Foundation’s Unique Spirits and Sweets fund-raiser. The event raised about $30,000 for the Harold and Dixie LePere Breast Health Center. | Photo by Andy Nicholson

Mike Gilbert

EMS system coordinator receives commendation

Mike Gilbert, MH EMS system coordinator, recently received a letter of commendation from the U.S. Attorney of the Southern Illinois District for exemplary work on a drug diversion case.

The VSP is back in school

The Vocational Skills Program (VSP) is back in session at MBMC.

VSP, a Special School District program that provides support and services to students and their families, helps students gain the skills to prepare for employment and independent living.

Students spend one to three years in the program, usually after they complete their four years of high school.
The students volunteer in the areas of food service, interoffice mail, physical therapy and facilities. They also perform light clerical services for various departments. The VSP students provide MBMC with 3,800 volunteer hours a year.

Students benefit from VSP by improving self-esteem, developing problem-solving skills and becoming familiar with the expectations of the workplace, while exploring a variety of career paths.

“Our students appreciate the wonderful volunteer opportunities they receive and the friendships they have developed here at MoBap,” says Sheila Gates, VSP special school district teacher. “We have a great group of energetic and conscientious workers!”

In addition to MBMC, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals participate in the program, along with more than 180 businesses in the St. Louis area. MBMC has participated in the VSP program since 1990.

The Vocational Skills Program (VSP) is back in session at MBMC, with VSP students volunteering in various areas of the hospital. | Photo by Elizabeth Neidrauer

Josh Kaufman Foundation assists MBSH Cancer Treatment Center patients

The annual Josh Kaufman Foundation Golf Tournament in September again raised funds to benefit patients at the MBSH Cancer Treatment Center, as it has for almost a decade.

Over the years, the foundation has funded the cost of three patient treatment booths and a celebration bell that patients ring upon completing treatments at the center. More recently, patients have been helped directly through assistance given by the foundation.

“The generosity of the Josh Kaufman Foundation has given our Cancer Treatment Center at MBSH a tremendous boost,” says Lisa Lochner, MBSH operations vice president and medical staff director. “We sincerely appreciate their generous support, which is making a huge difference to the numerous patients receiving care in our center.”

Among those attending the September 2018 Josh Kaufman Foundation Golf Tournament are, from left, Megan Strauser, Melanie Kaufman, Robin Kaufman, MBSH communications specialist Stacey Tyree and MBSH president Tony Schwarm. | Courtesy photo

Dr. Bell educates luncheon attendees about skin cancer dangers

Dr. Richard Bell

Richard Bell, MD, presented a lunch-and-learn Sept. 25 hosted by MBSH Ambassador Maggie Heidbrink. The large audience included Sullivan Rotary Club members, MBSH employees and other community members.

Dr. Bell discussed sun damage, the risk of skin cancer, melanoma and moles, and how to protect your skin.

“We certainly appreciate Dr. Bell taking the time to share important information about skin cancer safeguards with the Rotary and our employees,” says Lisa Lochner, MBSH operations vice president and medical staff director. “This knowledge might be paramount to someone who attended this presentation.”

MBSH welcomes Romila Aslam, MD

Dr. Romila Aslam

Romila Aslam, MD, has joined the MBSH specialty physicians group at Sullivan. She is a board-certified rheumatologist and provides services at the Sullivan Specialty Clinic.

Dr. Aslam completed her medical and surgical degrees at Allama Iqbal Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1998. She completed an internship in general pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital in Lahore, followed by an internship in internal medicine at Mayo Hospital in Lahore. She then completed a clinical observership in pediatrics at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and a clinical observership in internal medicine at the Veterans Administration Hospital, both in Memphis. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in 2006.

Dr. Aslam practiced rheumatology in Indiana for two years, then practiced at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee for two years. She worked at Saint Anthony Health Care in Alton, Illinois, from 2011-2016.

Dr. Aslam will see patients at the Sullivan Medical Office Building two days a month, specializing in osteoarthritis, gout, tendinitis and lupus. Schedule appointments by calling 573-860-6000.

Smith named Star Service Team Member for second time

Mary Ann Smith

Mary Ann Smith has been selected as the PHC ICARE Star Service Employee for September. Smith, who works in the dietary department, has been a PHC employee for 13 years.

“Everything she does is completed with our patients in mind,” says her nominator. “She knows the importance of caring with compassion and kindness. She goes above and beyond to make sure our patients’ food needs are exceeded. She is a dependable, hard-working person who takes 100 percent pride and compassion with everything she does.”

In addition to cooking, Smith talks with patients and helps them complete their menu selections each day.

Smith says the best part of her job is meeting new patients. “I like meeting new people on the floor,” she says. “You meet a lot of interesting people.”

Smith says she was surprised to be selected for the award. She was also honored as a Star Service Team Member in January 2013.

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

Rejuvenation Station gets refreshed

Rain and cold weather washed out the original plans to break out the paint brushes after the leadership retreat. But on a perfect, sunny, fall afternoon, a team of rejuvenators made several improvements to the Rejuvenation Station, BJSPH’s outdoor break area. More improvements are still coming to the area, between BJSPH entrances D and E. | Courtesy photo

Employee health fairs had something for everyone

From blood pressure and cholesterol screenings to visits from therapy dogs, attendance prizes and more, the BJSPH and PWH employee health fairs offered health information and wellness ideas for everyone.

Chantal Workun, PWH food and nutrition, won a basket of healthy snacks – the employee health fair attendance prize. | Courtesy photo

Daisy award winner ‘goes above and beyond’

Amanda Fickbohm, Siteman Kids, earned a Daisy Award for nursing excellence.

Fickbohm made the best of a complicated situation involving a family with many social issues. She endured many obstacles apart from normal duties, remaining friendly and nonjudgmental.

“I commend Amanda for all she did for this family,” says May Thomas, Siteman Kids, who nominated Fickbohm for the award. “She definitely went above and beyond.”

Amanda Fickbohm receives a Daisy Award from Peggy Gordin, vice president. | Courtesy photo

Event benefits childhood cancer research

Joan Magruder, SLCH president, and Rich Liekweg, BJC president and CEO, join in the festivities in September at Pedal the Cause to benefit childhood cancer research. | Courtesy photo

SLCH patients ‘tri their best’ at event

Employee and community volunteers helped patients with motor disorders enjoy the thrill of victory at the annual Tri My Best Triathlon in September. Here, Emma Rudolph prepares to cross the finish line. | Courtesy photo

SLCH, physicians honored with Cultural Leadership awards

Dr. Alison Nash and Dr. Katie Plax

Cultural Leadership, a youth education and leadership nonprofit in St. Louis dedicated to creating a more just community, has awarded SLCH with the 2018 Transformational Leadership Award. The award, founded in 2014, recognizes extraordinary organizations whose contributions advance diversity, inclusion and social justice in the St. Louis community.

SLCH was selected for the honor due in part to the opening of the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where teams provide care to children and adolescents who identify as a gender different from the sex they were assigned at birth. It is the only center of its kind in the region, providing multidisciplinary medical and psychological consultations with physicians, psychologists, dermatologists, voice therapists and plastic surgeons, as well as legal service referrals and connections to
community resources.

In addition to this top honor, two Washington University physicians at SLCH received the Troublemaker of the Best Kind (Health Care) Award. The Troublemaker of the Best Kind Award was established in 2011 to recognize dynamic individuals in the St. Louis community whose leadership and life’s work address critical social issues and generate positive community change. Those winners are:

• Alison Nash, MD, a Washington University pediatrician at SLCH — Dr. Nash’s life, pediatric practice and community involvement are a testament to her commitment to improving children’s health. Among her numerous achievements and honors, she is a preceptor for the Community Outpatient Practice Experience for SLCH pediatric residents, has served as president and president-elect of the SLCH medical staff, has served as community physician representative on the WUSM executive faculty council and is medical director of Healthy Kids Express, a community outreach program of SLCH and BJC.
• Katie Plax, MD, director of adolescent medicine at SLCH and WUSM and medical director of The SPOT (Supporting Opportunities with Teens) — Dr. Plax’s focus is on improving health for youth through patient care, research and advocacy. She is the co-founder of The SPOT, a one-stop, drop-in center for youth ages 13-24 that provides health and social services free of charge. The SPOT team reaches and serves youth who rarely access traditional medical services — runaway and homeless teens, youth aging out of foster care, and “street youth” who may be sexually exploited. In its first 10 years of operation, The SPOT served more than 16,000 youth.

“We’re honored to be recognized for such a pivotal cause and by such a revered program,” says Joan Magruder, SLCH president. “Our collective call to action as advocates and ‘troublemakers’ could not be more needed in and around St. Louis.”

“St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Dr. Nash and Dr. Plax are raising the bar for innovative children’s health care in our community,” says Holly Ingraham, executive director of Cultural Leadership. “Each exemplifies the mission of Cultural Leadership and demonstrates how standing up, speaking out and taking action can transform our society.”

TRISL team celebrates anniversary with ice cones

In celebration of its one-year anniversary in St. Charles County, TRISL supplied complimentary Kona Ice cones to all employees, visitors, patients and families at BJSPH and PWH July 6.

“We would like to share our gratitude with the community, as well as our business partners at BJC HealthCare, for contributing so much to the success of our first year serving patients with high quality, top notch acute rehabilitation,” says Mark Dwyer, TRISL CEO. “Our team looks forward to many more successful years to come.”

TRISL in St. Charles County has cared for more than 525 patients during its first year in operation.

TRISL admissions team members Angela Jones and Rafael Munoz enjoy Kona ice cones in celebration of TRISL’s one-year anniversary in St. Charles County. | Courtesy photo

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