With MGH - Marion General Hospital
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With MGH - Marion General Hospital
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vim&<br />
HEALTHY<br />
LIVING<br />
FOR OUR<br />
REGION<br />
WINTER 2011 $2.95<br />
Making sure<br />
you get timely<br />
attention and care<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> TOP-RATED<br />
FOR FINANCIAL<br />
STRENGTH<br />
Nurses recognize<br />
3 of their peers<br />
Strong<br />
Evidence<br />
What is MARK HARMON’S secret to fitness?<br />
Let’s take a closer look at the clues<br />
STROKE CARE<br />
PARTNERSHIP<br />
SAVES THIS<br />
WOMAN’S LIFE<br />
page 50
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY AVENAIM/CORBIS OUTLINE<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
2 Opening Thoughts<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> is a valuable<br />
asset to our<br />
community.<br />
3 Life in <strong>General</strong><br />
The latest news<br />
from <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />
52 Employee Excellence<br />
Who’s lighting the<br />
hospital’s halls?<br />
53 Lifetime of Learning<br />
Staff members<br />
commit to quality<br />
healthcare by earning<br />
certifications.<br />
54 Volunteer Services<br />
Honoring those who<br />
give their time and<br />
talents.<br />
55 Donations The <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Memorial Garden<br />
commemorates<br />
employees, physicians<br />
and volunteers.<br />
56 Community<br />
Connections<br />
Education programs<br />
and support groups.<br />
6<br />
4<br />
The<br />
10<br />
16<br />
20<br />
24<br />
SPECIAL<br />
Extraordinary<br />
Care Providers<br />
Nurses select <strong>MGH</strong>’s<br />
annual Excellence in<br />
Nursing, Physician<br />
Friend of Nursing,<br />
and Friend of Nursing<br />
award winners.<br />
Attention You Deserve<br />
Thanks to <strong>MGH</strong> Access, you can<br />
be sure you receive timely access<br />
to one of <strong>MGH</strong>’s 19 talented family<br />
practitioners.<br />
Back in Action<br />
From becoming a new mom to joining<br />
a gym, a lot of “firsts” can hurt your<br />
back. Prevent pain before you begin.<br />
Supplementary Knowledge<br />
Learn which supplements can balance<br />
your diet, and which ones can be<br />
ineffective or downright dangerous.<br />
Keys to Survival<br />
Do you know the five survival strategies<br />
for a heart attack? Whether or<br />
not you think you’re at risk, read on.<br />
Clearing the Air<br />
If you think lung cancer only happens<br />
to smokers, prepare to be surprised.<br />
Determine your risk on a scale of<br />
one to five.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
FEATURES<br />
34<br />
38<br />
42<br />
46<br />
49<br />
50<br />
This One’s for the Girls<br />
Women face new challenges—and<br />
opportunities—at every age. Follow<br />
this handy guide to good health,<br />
from your 20s through your 60s.<br />
Life After a Loss<br />
Everyone handles the loss of a loved<br />
one differently, but there are some<br />
common lessons for healthy grieving.<br />
Do Your Diabetes Homework<br />
Glucose testing isn’t the only step to<br />
managing diabetes. Learn your lessons<br />
for preventing complications.<br />
Healthy Returns<br />
From tax breaks to job experience,<br />
your local hospital will pay you back<br />
when you donate time and money.<br />
Three Years Running<br />
The world’s foremost source of credit<br />
ratings has affirmed <strong>MGH</strong>’s fiscal<br />
responsibility—three years in a row.<br />
Stroke Care Saves the Day<br />
JoDell Callahan is living proof that the<br />
partnership between <strong>MGH</strong> and the<br />
StrokeCareNow Network works.<br />
28<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
Mark Harmon of NCIS fame makes 60 look good.<br />
But like his show character, Special Agent Jethro Gibbs,<br />
Harmon keeps quiet about his personal life. So we follow<br />
the clues to figure out how this leading man stays fit.<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 1
Opening ThoughTs<br />
What’s at Stake?<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> is a valuable asset to<br />
our community<br />
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> HoSpital<br />
president/Ceo<br />
Paul L. Usher, FACHE, CPA, FHFMA<br />
Chairman, Board of Directors<br />
Joe Martin<br />
president, Medical Staff<br />
Esther B. Fox, D.O.<br />
administrative Director/Medical Staff Services and<br />
Community outreach<br />
Ann Vermilion, MBA, FACHE<br />
As we watch our nation’s economy struggle and<br />
the continued emphasis on healthcare reform,<br />
we seem to have reached the point that we no<br />
longer want to financially support or can financially<br />
support our healthcare system.<br />
However, when we need healthcare services, we all want<br />
the best technology, easy and convenient (local) access to<br />
services and the best outcome regardless of the cost. Cost is no object if the patient<br />
is yourself, a family member or a close friend. There is definitely a disconnect<br />
between our personal desire to receive healthcare and our willingness or ability to<br />
share the cost of healthcare for everyone.<br />
I began my career in healthcare in 1968 shortly after Medicare began and<br />
have been in healthcare for almost 43 years. During my career I have seen many<br />
changes occur, some good and some bad; however, our current ability to positively<br />
impact a person’s health has never been greater.<br />
So, as I reflect on where our nation’s healthcare system is headed, I think about<br />
my great-niece, Nevaeh, who passed away on Aug. 5, 2011, at the age of 8 years old.<br />
Nevaeh had a rare blood disorder from birth and endured more suffering than any<br />
child should ever have to endure.<br />
Over her short life, millions of dollars were spent on her healthcare. Many<br />
people shared the cost of her care because the family had inadequate healthcare<br />
coverage. Not one of us would have wanted her care to be stopped since there was<br />
always hope for her recovery. So, if we can no longer afford our healthcare system,<br />
where are we headed in the future for patients like Nevaeh and others?<br />
As we enter this Christmas season, it is a time for us to remember to count our<br />
blessings and not take anything for granted. May God be with us all as we go<br />
forward to face the challenges of the future in our nation and the world.<br />
Thank you for your support of our Healthcare Community.<br />
editor<br />
Randy Deffenbaugh<br />
Contributing photographers<br />
Eric Marshall<br />
Carl and Allison Saathoff<br />
proDUCtion<br />
editorial<br />
V.P./Strategic Content: Beth Tomkiw<br />
Editor-in-Chief: Shelley Flannery<br />
Editors: Sam Mittelsteadt, Matt Morgan, Amanda Myers, Ellen Olson,<br />
Tom Weede<br />
Copy Editor: C.J. Hutchinson<br />
Design<br />
Managing Art Director: Adele Mulford<br />
Art Directors: Heidi Easudes, Rod Karmenzind, Monya Mollohan,<br />
Kay Morrow, Tami Rodgers<br />
production<br />
Senior Production Manager: Laura Marlowe<br />
Ancillary Production Manager: Casey Jones<br />
Imaging Specialist: Dane Nordine<br />
Production Technology Specialists: Julie Chan, Sonia Washington<br />
Circulation<br />
V.P./Business Intelligence Group: Patrick Kehoe<br />
Postal Affairs & Logistics Director: Joseph Abeyta<br />
Client ServiCeS<br />
V.P./Sales & Product Development: Chad Rose, 888-626-8779<br />
V.P./Client Services & Strategy: Andrea Parsons<br />
Account Managers: Carey Ballard, Barbara Mohr, Paul Peterson<br />
aDMiniStration<br />
Vim & Vigor Founder: J. Barry Johnson<br />
Chairman: Preston V. McMurry Jr.<br />
President/Chief Executive Officer: Christopher McMurry<br />
Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer: Audra L. Taylor<br />
President/Content Marketing: Fred Petrovsky<br />
Paul L. Usher, FACHE, CPA, FHFMA<br />
President/CEO<br />
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
441 N. Wabash Ave., <strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952-2690<br />
If you prefer not to receive our magazine or other health and<br />
wellness information from <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>, please call us at<br />
765-660-6000 or send your request to be removed from our mailing<br />
list to randy.deffenbaugh@mgh.net.<br />
Vim & Vigor, TM Winter 2011, Volume 27, Number 4, is published quarterly<br />
by McMurry, McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix,<br />
Arizona 85014, 602-395-5850. Vim & Vigor TM is published for the purpose of<br />
disseminating health-related information for the well-being of the general<br />
public and its subscribers. The information contained in Vim & Vigor TM is not<br />
intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your<br />
physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting<br />
any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Vim & Vigor TM does not accept<br />
advertising promoting the consumption of alcohol or tobacco. Copyright<br />
© 2011 by McMurry. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S.: $4 for one year<br />
(4 issues). Single copies: $2.95. For subscriptions and address changes, write:<br />
Circulation Manager, Vim & Vigor, TM McMurry Campus Center, 1010 E. Missouri<br />
Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85014.<br />
2<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011
Life in <strong>General</strong><br />
Local Anesthesiologist<br />
Makes National<br />
Presentation<br />
A paper titled “Stolen Prescription Drug Reports—<br />
Part II: Still Cause for Alarm,” submitted by William J.<br />
Granger, M.D., and coauthor Roger Dilly, <strong>Marion</strong> Police<br />
Department, <strong>Marion</strong>, was a poster presentation at the<br />
American Academy of Pain Management meeting and the<br />
American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting.<br />
The paper dealt with the issue of stolen prescription<br />
medications and is the result of a collaborative effort<br />
William J. Granger, M.D.<br />
between the <strong>Marion</strong> Police Department and the Grant<br />
County Medical Society, of which Dr. Granger serves as president.<br />
The paper was also cited in Medscape News, a leading online destination used<br />
by physicians, medical students and other healthcare professionals for in-depth<br />
clinical information, and Dr. Granger was asked to write an editorial in Pain<br />
Medicine News, an independent monthly newspaper for pain management.<br />
“A paper of this magnitude is never the work of one individual,” Dr. Granger<br />
says. “It was a collective effort from previously mentioned organizations as well<br />
as <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> and Indiana Wesleyan University, and I am grateful<br />
for their contributions.”<br />
New Providers<br />
Join <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Hicham Z. El Masry, M.D.<br />
The Care Group <strong>Marion</strong><br />
Cardiology<br />
Raghavender Gotur, M.D.<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program<br />
Muni Theertham, M.D.<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program<br />
Trina L. Greenwald, FNP-C,<br />
CDDN<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Marion</strong> Family Practice<br />
Nurses to Share <strong>MGH</strong> Practices<br />
with National Audience<br />
In early October, <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> and the innovative<br />
techniques it uses to treat stroke patients was scheduled to<br />
be highlighted at the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s<br />
National Magnet Conference in Baltimore.<br />
An abstract, titled “Time is Brain: A Rural <strong>Hospital</strong> Giving<br />
Big City Care,” submitted by author Tamara Cornelious,<br />
MBA, R.N., CEN, emergency department administrative<br />
director, and coauthors Cindy Canida-Woodward, MSN,<br />
R.N., CEN, and Kim Lovelady, BSN, R.N., CEN, was selected<br />
as a prestigious podium presentation.<br />
The presentation shares how to create a successful “virtual”<br />
stroke care program, similar to <strong>MGH</strong>’s partnership<br />
with the Fort Wayne-based<br />
StrokeCareNow Network.<br />
“The use of telemedicine<br />
provides the opportunity for<br />
From left: Tamara Cornelious,<br />
MBA, R.N., CEN; Cindy Canida-<br />
Woodward, MSN, R.N., CEN; and<br />
Kim Lovelady, BSN, R.N., CEN<br />
an off-site neurologist to see and speak to an <strong>MGH</strong> patient,”<br />
Cornelious says. “It also allows for the <strong>MGH</strong> physician and<br />
nursing staff to communicate with the off-site neurologist in<br />
front of the patient and family, giving everyone the opportunity<br />
to provide input regarding decisions about their care.”<br />
Since partnering with the StrokeCareNow Network,<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> has decreased the number of stroke patients needing<br />
to be transferred to another facility by 42 percent.<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 3
The Attention<br />
DESERVE<br />
BY RANDY DEFFENBAUGH<br />
It is frustrating when you can’t get in to see<br />
a physician or nurse practitioner when<br />
you are ill and worried about your health.<br />
When you are not feeling well, you expect<br />
and deserve timely attention and care.<br />
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> knows this is an<br />
area it can improve upon. The <strong>MGH</strong> staff heard<br />
your concerns, listened carefully and is making<br />
positive changes to ensure you receive timely<br />
care when you need to see an <strong>MGH</strong>-employed<br />
family practitioner.<br />
To ensure you receive timely access to one of<br />
<strong>MGH</strong>’s 19 talented family practitioners, the hospital<br />
has implemented <strong>MGH</strong> Access.<br />
YOU HAVE OPTIONS<br />
If you currently do not have a primary care provider,<br />
you can call the <strong>MGH</strong> Access Referral Line<br />
at 765-660-<strong>MGH</strong>4 (6444). Staff will make an<br />
appointment for you with an <strong>MGH</strong> provider who<br />
is taking new patients and who is in your insurance<br />
plan network.<br />
If you are already established with an <strong>MGH</strong><br />
provider and you call him or her for an appointment,<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> will ensure that you receive timely<br />
care by offering the following options:<br />
• The first available appointment with your<br />
regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner.<br />
• The first available appointment with an<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner at the same office.<br />
• The first available appointment with an<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner at one of the convenient<br />
locations throughout Grant and Miami counties.<br />
When you have options, you decide which<br />
works best for you. It is now that easy!<br />
SEAMLESS CARE<br />
Worried about your regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner<br />
not knowing what occurred during a visit<br />
with another practitioner?<br />
4<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011
You<br />
<strong>With</strong> <strong>MGH</strong> Access, you can be sure care is there when you need it<br />
Once the practitioner sees you, <strong>MGH</strong> will<br />
update your electronic health record (EHR),<br />
which can be accessed by all <strong>MGH</strong>-employed<br />
family practitioners. If you see a different practitioner,<br />
your regular <strong>MGH</strong> family practitioner<br />
will have access to your EHR and what occurred<br />
during your visit.<br />
“The implementation of the electronic health<br />
record has given us the opportunity to utilize our<br />
<strong>MGH</strong>-employed physician network as a way to<br />
not only increase access to care but to also maintain<br />
continuity of care,” says Sherree Herres,<br />
assistant practice administrator. “It allows us to<br />
work as one large medical group in order to better<br />
meet the needs of our patients.”<br />
At <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>, your health<br />
and well-being are very important. <strong>With</strong> <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Access, <strong>MGH</strong> physicians and practitioners are<br />
here when you need them with the timely care<br />
you deserve.<br />
CALL<br />
Need a Primary Care Provider?<br />
Call the <strong>MGH</strong> Access Referral Line at<br />
765-660-<strong>MGH</strong>4 (6444). We’ll make an appointment<br />
for you with an <strong>MGH</strong> provider who is taking new<br />
patients and who is in your insurance plan network.<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 5
Extraordi<br />
carE<br />
providErs<br />
By Carolyn King, MSM, r.n.<br />
Nurses recognize three of<br />
their peers for customer<br />
service and satisfaction<br />
One of the highlights of the annual<br />
celebration of National <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
Week at <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
is the nomination, voting and selection of<br />
the <strong>MGH</strong> Excellence in Nursing, Physician<br />
Friend of Nursing, and Friend of Nursing<br />
award winners.<br />
These awards give nurses the opportunity<br />
to recognize three of their peers: a nurse, a<br />
physician and a support staff member who<br />
excel in customer service and satisfaction<br />
and exemplify each characteristic of the<br />
Magnet nursing recognition program: leadership,<br />
commitment to ongoing learning,<br />
new ideas, and innovation and involvement.<br />
In essence, <strong>MGH</strong>’s award-winning individuals<br />
provide the highest level of extraordinary<br />
care.<br />
6<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011
nary<br />
excellence in<br />
nursing:<br />
Karen sTePhan,<br />
Bsn, r.n., ccrn<br />
This year, there were 10 nominations<br />
with many inspiring<br />
stories, but the candidate<br />
who won the judges’ hearts<br />
was Karen Stephan, BSN,<br />
R.N., CCRN, a six-year <strong>MGH</strong><br />
employee who works in the<br />
Critical Care Department<br />
(CCD).<br />
The following are quotes from Stephan’s peers:<br />
• She shows professionalism and passion to both our<br />
Karen Stephan, BSN, R.N.,<br />
CCRN<br />
patients and to her peers.<br />
• She is involved in many teams representing CCD as<br />
an instructor for CPR; sits on the anticoagulation safety<br />
team; precepts new nurses, students and relief charge<br />
nurses; regularly functions as relief charge in the CCD;<br />
and chairs our Unit Practice Council.<br />
• Karen is committed to continuing education. While<br />
home-schooling her six children, Karen studied and<br />
passed her critical-care certification.<br />
• As Unit Practice Council chair, she brings forth staff<br />
ideas and concerns and has been instrumental in changes<br />
that are for best practice and staff satisfaction.<br />
• In an effort to help ensure all the newer nurses on<br />
night shift would feel comfortable with arrhythmia recognition,<br />
Karen made a resource book, which explained<br />
and displayed every rhythm.<br />
• She is often mentioned in rounding by her peers<br />
for the leadership she brings to our team; several of<br />
the younger nurses even refer to her affectionately as<br />
“Mom” because Karen takes everyone under her wing<br />
and nurtures them, supports them and prepares them to<br />
be strong critical-care nurses.<br />
Physician Friend<br />
oF nursing:<br />
arun Tewari, M.d.<br />
This year, there were 10 nominations<br />
with many inspiring<br />
stories, but the physician<br />
who walked away with the<br />
award, as well as the nicest<br />
and brightest smile, was<br />
Arun Tewari, M.D.<br />
Arun Tewari, M.D.<br />
Dr. Tewari is board-certified<br />
in internal medicine. He<br />
officially joined the medical staff of <strong>MGH</strong> in February<br />
2010 as medical director of the <strong>MGH</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>ist Program.<br />
Since then, he has also taken on added administrative<br />
responsibilities for the Care Continuum Department<br />
(formerly Social Services).<br />
He is a strong advocate for achieving best practices for<br />
<strong>MGH</strong>’s patients as evidenced by the following quotes:<br />
• He has become an active member on several committees<br />
including quality, forms, pharmacy, code blue and<br />
nutritional support, to name a few, providing physician<br />
insight and guidance.<br />
• He works closely with nursing and coders to<br />
provide leadership and guidance in patient care<br />
and documentation.<br />
• Dr. Tewari is in the process of developing a new program<br />
to enhance our current services such as working<br />
with nursing homes to provide collaboration for acute<br />
care nursing home patients to prevent readmissions.<br />
• He is currently working with our OR Department to<br />
enhance our Perioperative Clinic process.<br />
• He has implemented new educational opportunities<br />
for the hospitalists, medical staff and nursing through<br />
the grand rounds program.<br />
• He has put together order sets to help clarify certain<br />
admitting diagnoses and meet quality indicators.<br />
• Dr. Tewari exemplifies teamwork and creates an<br />
atmosphere where physicians and nursing can question<br />
and discuss problems.<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 7
FRIEND OF NURSING<br />
JO ANN HARDCASTLE, ER<br />
REGISTRATION CLERK<br />
There were 11 nominations this year, all<br />
very deserving of the award, but only<br />
one could be crowned the winner: Jo<br />
Ann Hardcastle, emergency room (ER)<br />
registration clerk. Recently, Hardcastle<br />
was chosen ER Registration Clerk of<br />
the Year by her peers. She also is pursuing<br />
a higher education toward becom-<br />
Jo Ann Hardcastle<br />
ing a physical therapy technician.<br />
The following are some of the quotes about Jo Ann:<br />
• She always maintains a calm demeanor, even when the work<br />
area becomes very chaotic.<br />
• She can be relied upon to pay close attention to detail and<br />
is able to multitask very well, both of which are essential in the<br />
work environment of the ER.<br />
• She leads by being a preceptor and orienting new ER registration<br />
clerks to their new role and the department.<br />
• During monthly rounding with staff, Jo Ann frequently offers<br />
suggestions to improve the registration process and also shares<br />
ideas to maintain safety and quality for all ER patients.<br />
• Jo Ann is actively involved in the department. While her job<br />
function is mainly clerical, she is always willing to assist in making<br />
patients and family members comfortable and will provide<br />
patients with warm blankets, ice packs and pillows if needed for<br />
their comfort.<br />
• She makes a difference every day, whether it is a face-to-face<br />
conversation with a worried family member, or a professional<br />
phone conversation she may have with a physician.<br />
ONLINE<br />
EXTRAORDINARY<br />
CARE<br />
PROVIDERS<br />
What Magnet<br />
Designation<br />
Means to You<br />
Learn more about <strong>MGH</strong>’s Magnet<br />
designation at www.mgh.net.<br />
8<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011
Three Years Running<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> again receives a strong rating for fiscal responsibility<br />
By Randy deffenBaugh<br />
What Our A+<br />
Means to You<br />
An A+ bond rating from Standard & Poor’s<br />
signifies that:<br />
• <strong>MGH</strong> is committed to being financially<br />
responsible.<br />
• <strong>MGH</strong> can invest in the finest employees,<br />
medical staff, equipment and facilities.<br />
It’s official! Commitment, dedication and hard work pay off. For<br />
the third year in a row, Standard & Poor’s, the leading provider<br />
of financial market intelligence and the world’s foremost source<br />
of credit ratings, has affirmed <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>’s A+<br />
bond rating and stable outlook on its Series 2002 bonds.<br />
A Standard & Poor’s rating reflects a borrower’s capacity to meet<br />
its financial commitments on a timely basis. The A+ rating reflects<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> has:<br />
• Market position as the sole community provider in the primary<br />
service area of Grant County.<br />
• Strong balance-sheet characteristics.<br />
• Improved operational performance during the first six months of<br />
fiscal 2011.<br />
The rating is a significant accomplishment because few independent,<br />
nonprofit healthcare organizations receive an A+ bond rating.<br />
“Our bond rating indicates that our hospital is strong financially<br />
and positioned well for the future,” says Paul L. Usher, president/<br />
CEO. “It also stresses the importance of our vision of building relationships<br />
and working together and continuing to make critical decisions<br />
that will enable us to maintain our A+ bond rating.”<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 49
When David Callahan<br />
recognized signs of<br />
stroke in his wife,<br />
JoDell, he rushed her<br />
to <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong><br />
<strong>Hospital</strong> for evaluation.<br />
50<br />
Stroke<br />
Care<br />
SaveS<br />
the Day<br />
<strong>MGH</strong>’s partnership with the<br />
StrokeCareNow Network gives<br />
JoDell Callahan the timely<br />
treatment she needed<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011<br />
By Randy deffenBaugh<br />
JoDell Callahan’s day was supposed to be<br />
filled with conversation, food and fun, time<br />
spent with family in celebration.<br />
“My son, Zachary, was home from<br />
Arkansas and we were going to follow him, his fiancée<br />
and the rest of our family to <strong>Marion</strong> for supper to<br />
celebrate his future wedding,” Callahan says.<br />
Instead, the Fairmount resident’s plans with family<br />
would be interrupted and her evening would be<br />
spent at <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong>’s emergency room,<br />
struggling with the inability to speak and with the<br />
uncertainties of stroke.<br />
As Callahan went about her daily activities, she<br />
sensed something was very wrong.<br />
‘What’s the Matter? ’<br />
When Callahan bent over to fill the dog’s dish, her<br />
head felt strange. As she left the house, she noticed<br />
she put two chairs up against the dog’s gate, “something<br />
that was not necessary and I had never done<br />
before,” she says. Then she felt dizzy and stumbled<br />
slightly as she walked out to her car to drive to <strong>Marion</strong>.<br />
When she sat down in her vehicle, all she could do<br />
was stare at the steering wheel and laugh. “It didn’t<br />
even sound like my laugh,” she says. Her husband<br />
of 33 years, David, asked, “What’s the matter with
you?” Then he noticed the right side of her mouth<br />
was drooping and she could not talk to him.<br />
He immediately knew this as a sign of stroke,<br />
because a family member had suffered the same<br />
symptom. (See sidebar for more signs of stroke.)<br />
David took the wheel and drove them both<br />
directly to <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />
QUICK TO ACTION<br />
Upon arrival at <strong>MGH</strong>, emergency room staff, with<br />
their specialized stroke care training, immediately<br />
went into action. “They rushed me inside and<br />
without delay took me to a room and the nurses<br />
began evaluating me,” Callahan says. “I could<br />
hear them, but I was unable to speak or respond.”<br />
Part of Callahan’s evaluation included telemedicine<br />
and teleradiology. This modern technology<br />
is provided to <strong>MGH</strong> patients through a unique<br />
partnership between <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
and the Fort Wayne-based StrokeCareNow<br />
Network (SCNN).<br />
<strong>With</strong> telemedicine, high-quality audio and<br />
video is transmitted electronically between a<br />
stroke specialist at one location and a patient who<br />
has stroke symptoms at a different location.<br />
“Our partnership with SCNN gives our patients<br />
the opportunity to be physically lying in a bed in<br />
our ER while being seen, heard and evaluated by<br />
an off-site neurologist,” says Tamara Cornelious,<br />
emergency department administrative director.<br />
“We can then decide the best possible treatment<br />
for our patients based on that evaluation.”<br />
In Callahan’s case, it was decided she needed<br />
to be transferred by helicopter to Fort Wayne<br />
for more intense care for her stroke. (That is not<br />
always the case. Since partnering with SCNN,<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> has decreased the number of stroke<br />
patients needing to be transferred to another<br />
location by 42 percent.)<br />
Through teleradiology, the results of<br />
Callahan’s radiology procedures were quickly<br />
and safely transmitted to the off-site neurologist<br />
for evaluation.<br />
SAVING TIME WHEN IT<br />
MATTERS MOST<br />
“By time we arrived in Fort Wayne only 45 minutes<br />
later, the neurologist there had looked over<br />
the tests, and we already had answers as far as<br />
Signs of Stroke<br />
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel<br />
that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel<br />
breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either<br />
of these occurs, brain cells die and brain damage occurs.<br />
Two million brain cells die each passing minute during a stroke,<br />
increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death.<br />
Nearly 60 percent of stroke deaths happen to females.<br />
Called a “brain attack,” a stroke strikes suddenly, often with the<br />
following warning signs. Remember to act FAST.<br />
Facial weakness. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the<br />
face droop?<br />
Arm and leg weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms.<br />
Does one arm drift downward?<br />
Speech problems. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.<br />
Are the words slurred? Is the sentence repeated correctly?<br />
Time is critical. If the person shows any of these symptoms, time<br />
is important. Call 911 immediately . . . brain cells are dying.<br />
Remember, every minute counts! The most effective treatments are<br />
only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three<br />
hours of the first symptom.<br />
Source: www.stroke.org<br />
what they were going to do to further<br />
help her. That was incredible,” David<br />
says. “The fact that my wife is sitting<br />
here today and talking is positive<br />
proof the partnership between <strong>MGH</strong><br />
and SCNN works. I thank God, <strong>MGH</strong><br />
and the SCNN for saving my wife.”<br />
Callahan feels as good as she has felt<br />
in years and reports no side effects of<br />
her stroke. Perhaps best of all, just six<br />
weeks after her life-threatening ordeal,<br />
she joined the celebration of her son’s<br />
wedding—as scheduled.<br />
Sources: www.strokeassociation.org,<br />
www.stroke.org<br />
JoDell Callahan joins son Zachary<br />
on his wedding day, just six weeks<br />
after her stroke.<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 51
EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE<br />
Who’s Lighting the Halls of <strong>MGH</strong>?<br />
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> honors its<br />
employees who embrace the spirit<br />
of service excellence through its<br />
Headlighter program. Here is <strong>MGH</strong>’s most<br />
recent group of employees who earned<br />
the distinction.<br />
HEADLIGHTERS<br />
• Debbie Carter, R.N., family birthing center<br />
• Dennis Wanderlich, ambulance<br />
• Cindy Canida-Woodward, R.N., emergency room<br />
• Mabel Duncan, environmental services (Crothall)<br />
• Trina Nevers, R.N., short-stay observation unit<br />
• Mike Dawson, protective services<br />
• Todd Slusser, R.N., emergency room<br />
• Suzi Welker, protective services<br />
• Randy Deffenbaugh, PR/marketing<br />
Purpose<br />
Worthwhile<br />
work<br />
Making a<br />
difference<br />
Featured Headlighter<br />
Todd Slusser, R.N., emergency room, goes out of his way<br />
for a patient’s family member<br />
Todd Slusser was taking care of an elderly woman in<br />
the ER who was going to be transferred to a hospital in<br />
Fort Wayne.<br />
The patient’s daughter wanted to go with her, but she<br />
could not drive after dark and was not allowed to ride in<br />
the ambulance.<br />
Todd was off work but waited on<br />
the patient to be transferred, then<br />
drove the patient’s daughter to the Fort Wayne hospital. It<br />
was 30 miles out of his way on his drive home.<br />
This is above and beyond the call of duty. Todd is a compassionate<br />
and caring nurse. What a great display of nursing care!<br />
52<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011
Lifetime of Learning<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> Staff Earn<br />
Professional Certification<br />
Four <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> employees have<br />
proved their dedication to providing our<br />
Healthcare Community with the highest level of<br />
quality healthcare. They have chosen to further<br />
their education and advance their knowledge within their<br />
chosen profession. This dedication is demonstrated by their<br />
commitment to study for and pass professional examinations<br />
to become certified.<br />
In healthcare, professional certification helps ensure excellence.<br />
<strong>MGH</strong> staff members pursue this with enthusiasm.<br />
Kathleen Ann Fillenworth, BSN, R.N., case manager,<br />
Care Continuum Department, is now a certified case manager. The Commission<br />
for Case Manager Certification recently awarded her with the distinction.<br />
Fillenworth has worked at <strong>MGH</strong> for more than 38 years. She is a graduate of<br />
Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Fillenworth and her<br />
family live in <strong>Marion</strong>.<br />
Donna Dianne Tucker, BSN, R.N., has earned the designation of<br />
certified nurse manager and leader from the American Organization of Nurse<br />
Executives and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. She received<br />
her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University and currently<br />
resides in <strong>Marion</strong>. Tucker has provided excellent leadership for multiple areas of<br />
the hospital since 2004.<br />
Lisa Guy, MSN, R.N., has earned clinical nurse educator certification from<br />
the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses<br />
Association. The Winchester, Ind., resident is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan<br />
University and has worked at <strong>MGH</strong> for more than six years.<br />
Mickie McNamara, RT(R) ARRT, RDMS(ARDMS), sonographer,<br />
Radiology Department, has successfully completed the breast sonography registry<br />
exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.<br />
The 39-year <strong>MGH</strong> veteran says her goal is to “provide my patients with the best<br />
possible care.”<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011 53
Volunteer ServiceS<br />
’Tis the Season<br />
of Giving<br />
A message from <strong>MGH</strong> Auxiliary president Phil Weck<br />
CALL<br />
Join Our Team<br />
Call <strong>MGH</strong> Volunteer Services at<br />
765-660-6410 to learn how you<br />
can volunteer at <strong>MGH</strong>.<br />
Phil Weck<br />
We are entering a season of joy and<br />
giving. Christmas is the one time<br />
when people seem to enjoy giving<br />
the most.<br />
Hopefully, you will include shopping at the hospital<br />
gift shop. The revenue from the sale of items gives<br />
the Auxiliary the opportunity to help the hospital<br />
with various needs.<br />
During the Winter Wonderland sale Nov. 10, special<br />
items including Christmas trees, ornaments,<br />
wreaths, holiday jewelry and gourmet food will be<br />
offered. It is the only time food items are offered at<br />
the gift shop.<br />
After celebrating Christmas, 2012 offers a blank page<br />
that is waiting to be written. We are looking forward<br />
to the new year with great positivity and anticipation.<br />
Plans are being made for our annual spring luncheon,<br />
on the second Monday of May at the Roseburg Event<br />
Center. The Auxiliary is also planning a sale of ladies<br />
purses on April 3–4. We hope all ladies in the community<br />
who love purses will join us.<br />
We always welcome suggestions for new fundraising<br />
projects that will help us raise money for hospital and<br />
Auxiliary needs.<br />
At our area meeting in May, the Auxiliary turned in<br />
its annual report, which highlighted the 97 hours we<br />
donated as well as the astounding $50,000 we raised to<br />
help with hospital needs.<br />
During this time of year, may we all remember the reason<br />
for the season. On behalf of the Auxiliary board and<br />
volunteers, we wish each of you a merry Christmas and<br />
a happy new year!<br />
Volunteers of the Month<br />
July: Herb Mohler—“I have been on the receiving end of <strong>MGH</strong> services several times, and volunteering is a<br />
great way of showing my appreciation,” says Herb Mohler, a nine-year <strong>MGH</strong> volunteer. Mohler can be found<br />
helping customers in materials management. Before retirement, Mohler worked in pastoral and administration<br />
ministry. He and his wife, Marjorie, have been married 63 1 /2 years.<br />
August: John Heavilin—When two-year <strong>MGH</strong> volunteer John Heavilin is not checking on ER patients and<br />
making them comfortable, he can be found in his yard raising flowers and roses. He has taught the same Sunday<br />
school class at College Wesleyan Church for nearly 20 years, and he is one of 13 Heavilin children who grew up<br />
on 38th and Nebraska. He is a past teacher and pastor, both of which provide skills useful in the ER.<br />
September: Jennie Carmichael—Need directions? Need to know if a friend or loved one is currently in the<br />
hospital? Jennie Carmichael is the smiling face who offers visitors assistance as she sits behind the information<br />
desk. “To stay active, volunteering seemed a good place to be,” she says. When not at <strong>MGH</strong>, Carmichael enjoys<br />
playing golf and piano.<br />
October: Jo Ann Simons—Jo Ann Simons enjoyed volunteering at <strong>MGH</strong> so much 25–30 years ago that she<br />
decided to return and experience it again in 2009. The <strong>Marion</strong> native routinely volunteers in the volunteer office<br />
and really likes it there. “They appreciate everything you do so much,” she says, “and you always get a lot of<br />
thank-yous.” Between volunteering stints, she was an insurance clerk at Dana Corp. Her hobbies include reading<br />
and travel.<br />
Herb Mohler<br />
John<br />
Heavilin<br />
Jennie<br />
Carmichael<br />
Jo Ann<br />
Simons<br />
54<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011
<strong>MGH</strong> Memorial Garden<br />
Honoring former <strong>MGH</strong> employees, physicians and volunteers<br />
DONATIONS<br />
The <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Memorial<br />
Garden, in the courtyard east of the<br />
cafeteria, was built in memory of former<br />
Plant Engineering Supervisor Fred<br />
Gause and made possible by a generous donation<br />
and support from the <strong>MGH</strong> Auxiliary. The garden<br />
honors <strong>MGH</strong> employees, physicians and volunteers<br />
who have passed away, by displaying their names<br />
and departments on engraved bricks set around the<br />
base of a tranquil fountain.<br />
Honored as of press time are:<br />
• Helen Usher, volunteer<br />
• Earlene Gribbin, volunteer<br />
• Frankie Daniel, maintenance<br />
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
Endowment Fund<br />
In 1994, the <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Endowment Fund was started to accept donations<br />
to support the hospital’s mission and vision for our Healthcare Community. Donations to<br />
the fund are sincerely appreciated. Call 765-662-0065 or mail to:<br />
The <strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong> Endowment Fund<br />
Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana Inc.<br />
505 W. Third St.<br />
<strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952<br />
CALL<br />
Purchase<br />
a Brick<br />
Bricks to honor <strong>MGH</strong><br />
employees, physicians<br />
and volunteers who<br />
have passed away can<br />
be purchased for a minimum<br />
donation of $25.<br />
Call Volunteer Services<br />
at 765-660-6410<br />
for more<br />
information.<br />
Vim & Vigor · WINTER 2011 55
Community ConneCtions<br />
Continuous education programs/support groups<br />
Classes<br />
DIABETES<br />
Classes are offered<br />
monthly. Physician<br />
referral is required. For<br />
more information, call<br />
diabetes education at<br />
765-660-6690.<br />
PRENATAL<br />
EDUCATION<br />
Classes provided in<br />
conjunction with<br />
Family Service Society<br />
Inc. Classes are held at<br />
various times throughout<br />
each month. Please<br />
call 765-660-3864 or<br />
visit www.mgh.net<br />
for more information.<br />
SmOkINg<br />
CESSATION<br />
This free five-class<br />
series is cosponsored<br />
by the American<br />
Lung Association.<br />
Call 765-660-6330.<br />
support<br />
Groups<br />
(All support groups<br />
are free)<br />
POSTPARTUm<br />
SUPPORT gROUP<br />
All postpartum families<br />
are welcome. Babies will<br />
be weighed. Specialspeaker<br />
topics will<br />
include nutrition, car<br />
seats and postpartum<br />
depression. Refreshments<br />
will be served.<br />
Call 765-660-6860.<br />
Dates: Meets every<br />
Tuesday<br />
Time: 10:30 a.m.<br />
location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Fifth Floor, Room C,<br />
441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />
REfLECTIONS<br />
Cancer support group.<br />
Call 765-660-6556.<br />
Dates: Meets the third<br />
Wednesday of each<br />
month<br />
Time: 3 p.m.<br />
location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Conference<br />
Room E, Fifth Floor,<br />
441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />
Community<br />
serviCe<br />
CAR SEAT SAfETy<br />
Free service for parents<br />
and caregivers<br />
for inspection, fitting<br />
and instructions on<br />
proper installation of<br />
a child car seat. (Both<br />
child and car seat must<br />
be at inspection.) Call<br />
765-660-6860 for<br />
appointment.<br />
Time: By appointment<br />
only<br />
location: <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Parking Garage,<br />
441 N. Wabash Ave.<br />
online<br />
For More<br />
Information<br />
Please call the numbers<br />
listed or visit<br />
our website at<br />
www.mgh.net for<br />
information<br />
about any of<br />
our programs.<br />
56<br />
Vim & Vigor • WINTER 2011
<strong>Marion</strong> <strong>General</strong> <strong>Hospital</strong><br />
441 N. Wabash Avenue<br />
<strong>Marion</strong>, IN 46952<br />
Non-Profit Org.<br />
US Postage<br />
PAID<br />
Vim & Vigor<br />
TIMELY CARE YOU DESERVE.<br />
WE WILL get you in to see:<br />
(1) your <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />
(2) the first available <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />
. . .YOU DECIDE.<br />
WE WILL . . .<br />
° update your <strong>MGH</strong><br />
Electronic Health Record<br />
° allow your <strong>MGH</strong> practitioner<br />
immediate access to your visit results<br />
. . .REST ASSURED.<br />
<strong>With</strong> nearly 20 PRACTITIONERS . . .<br />
WE WILL GET YOU IN.