Journeys | Fall 2018

JOURNEYS

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice …” – William Jennings Bryan

FALL 2018

Where tradition and tomorrow meet

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Transforming the patient experience at Bryan East Campus The last major construction project of our first 100 years begins early in 2019 with a $47 million renovation of Bryan East Campus. Every aspect of the patient and family experience, from the moment visitors walk toward the front door, is being transformed. It continues through public spaces and into clinical areas designed to accommodate advances in surgery and new technology. Key elements of the three-year project: n 115,000 square feet will be renovated and transformed. n 14 large operating rooms and two specialty procedure rooms. n 42 private patient rooms for care before and after surgery. n 18 rooms for recovery after surgery. n 4 private consult rooms for families to meet with doctors. n Waiting areas offering family seating, quiet places and work areas.

We’re proud of our 90-plus years of historic achievements. Look inside this special edition of Journeys magazine to read how we’re transforming surgery to advance patient care into our next century.

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Bryan Journeys 1

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Acklie Tower recognizes lead gift to Bryan Bryan Medical Center named its main inpatient care tower at Bryan East Campus the Acklie Tower in recognition of a lead gift from the Acklie Charitable Foundation to the Bryan Foundation. Of the $47 million renovation of Bryan East Campus, $8 million will be funded through donor support, including the Acklie Charitable Foundation gift.

A portion of the Acklie Charitable Foundation gift is also directed to Crete Area Medical Center.

“This gift from the Acklie Charitable Foundation is the ultimate endorsement of Bryan’s work today and its charge for the future,” says Bryan Vice President Bob Ravenscroft.

“It is an inspiration for our 4,900 employees to see the community re-invest in them, and this wonderful gift launches our campaign that will create surgical and public spaces to serve the medical community and patients for decades to come.”

This re-investment began with construction of the $35 million 5055 Building, which has six outpatient surgery suites and medical office space, on Bryan East Campus. Some outpatient surgeries will take place there, rather than in the Bryan East

Campus surgical suites.

It continues with the threeyear, $47 million renovation, which begins early in 2019.

In addition to the gift designated for the Bryan East Campus, the Acklie Charitable Foundation designated an additional amount to complete the walking path at Crete Area Medical Center in Crete.

“Crete Carrier Corporation got its start in Crete more than 50 years ago,” says Halley Acklie Kruse, general counsel for the Acklie Charitable Foundation and associate counsel for Crete Carrier. “And we are glad to honor our company’s connection to the Crete community with the funds to help finish the walking path there.”

“The Acklie family’s gift will allow us to enhance the path on our campus and serve as a trail head to potentially connect to other trails in our community, thus vastly improving safety for families embracing a healthy, active lifestyle,” adds Rebekah Mussman, president and CEO of Crete Area Medical Center.

For more information about this project, visit bryanhealth.org/ transforming-surgery.

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JOURNEYS FALL 2018

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT

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BRYAN FOUNDATION Tower’s new name reflects family’s generosity 4 TRANSFORMING SURGERY Surgeons and staff say: Renovation continues innovation

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BE PREPARED This holiday, take time to ‘talk turkey’ about advance directives for loved ones

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PATIENT SUCCESS STORY iFuse procedure makes big difference

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BRYAN MENTAL HEALTH She finds hope through peers

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BRYAN HEART Introducing Dr. Zach Singsank Exams find Michelle’s heart defect

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MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT Ask the doctor: What’s new regarding joint replacement surgery?

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE New faces at Bryan / Remembering our colleague

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BRYAN TRAUMA Musician defies all odds

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MEDSPA AT BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

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PARTNERING WITH OUR COMMUNITY Bryan partners with UNL film project to tell special story

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BRYAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Palm scanning increases patient safety, privacy

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ryan Health is using new palm scanning technology during patient registration to increase safety and protect against medical identity theft.

“Often the first place people visit is our registration area,” notes patient access director Jill Hull. “We want the check-in process to be as smooth as possible. More importantly, we want everyone’s personal information and privacy to be protected. This new technology allows us to improve the patient experience in both areas.”

Palm scanning is highly accurate.

The scanner uses a harmless nearinfrared light — the same type of light used in TV remote controls — to scan the unique vein pattern in a person’s hand. Once scanned, an advanced algorithm processes the pattern to create an encrypted and protected digital file. This is linked to the patient’s personal medical record.

During your first visit, you need to provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as proof of identity. Your palm will be scanned, a digital file is created and enrollment in the system is complete. At future visits, you will be asked your date of birth, and your palm will be scanned to immediately identify you and link to your medical record. n

T H A N K YO U, B RYA N F O U N D AT I O N 2 0 1 8 E V E N T PA R T N E R S Sampson Construction Union Bank & Trust Davis Design Inpatient Physician Associates

Cornhusker Bank Mapes Industries NRC Health Lockton Companies Air Methods DuTeau Chevrolet Subaru

Eakes Office Solutions HDR Holmes Murphy Home Real Estate Liberty Lawn & Landscape Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel

ALL ABOUT JOURNEYS

STAY IN TOUCH

Statesman William Jennings Bryan, one of the original benefactors of Bryan Health, said:

We welcome your comments. For more information about Journeys, contact the Advancement team by calling 402-481-8674.

To learn more about Bryan programs and services, visit us online at bryanhealth.org.

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

Journeys tells our story of how Bryan chooses to achieve. This free publication is mailed three times a year to the communities we serve.

ON THE COVER As Bryan nears the end of its first century, we’re beginning a renovation that will transform the patient experience at Bryan East Campus.

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OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT Your contributions help us care for those who come to Bryan at every stage of life. To find out how you can participate, call 402-481-8605, or write to us at: Bryan Foundation 1600 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506 You can learn how to help and make a gift online at bryanhealth.org/bryan-foundation.

LincOne Federal Credit Union Premier Connections Shared Service Systems VTI Security Xenex Disinfection Services

Kimberly Russel President & CEO, Bryan Health John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center Darla Eisenhauer, MD Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff Bob Ravenscroft Vice President of Advancement & CDO Edgar Bumanis Director of Public Relations Kevin Rummel, MD Medical Editor Paul Hadley Editor

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT

“Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others.”

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alley Acklie Kruse, general counsel for the Acklie Charitable Foundation and associate counsel for Crete Carrier Corporation, shared this quote from her late grandfather the night we dedicated the Acklie Tower at Bryan East Campus.

Duane had drawn inspiration from President John Kennedy’s inaugural address (which included a version of this quote from William Jennings Bryan) and lived by these words throughout his career.

It’s humbling to receive such a generous gift, the largest in Bryan’s history, from a family that means so much to Bryan Health and the communities we serve.

Duane and Phyllis Acklie have guided the work of Bryan Health as board trustees, and this recent gift is a further testament to their commitment to others. We will honor the Acklie family’s trust in the people of Bryan by using this gift to

— Duane Acklie create healing environments that will serve our patients and guests for decades to come.

This gift is also the ultimate endorsement of Bryan’s charge toward the future. This special edition of Journeys lays out our plans for how we will advance patient care at Bryan into our next 100 years.

It’s how we’re going to keep your family healthy and prepared for what’s next in their lives. Bryan Health. Forward.

Together.

Kimberly A. Russel President and Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Health

The new sign for the Acklie Tower is visible for blocks around the Bryan East Campus neighborhood. To learn more about the construction project on Bryan East Campus, go to bryanhealth.org/transforming-surgery.

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Tower’s new name re

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hanks to the Acklie Charitable Foundation, generations of patients will benefit from improvements planned at Bryan East Campus and the Crete Area Medical Center.

Some of the Acklie family include (from left) Holly Acklie Ostergard and husband Tonn Ostergard, Phyllis Acklie with great grandchildren Avery and William Ostergard, Winston and wife Amanda Ostergard, and Halley Acklie Kruse and husband Chad Kruse with baby Hattie Kruse.

Who are the Acklies?

Duane Acklie was chairman of Crete Carrier Corporation.

He and Phyllis “Phyl” Acklie grew up on farms in Madison County, Nebraska, and attended Norfolk Junior College. The week after they got married they moved to Lincoln, where Phyl worked as an assistant teacher and Duane was completing his final year of law school at the University of Nebraska.

After he graduated, they lived in Germany for two years while Duane served in Army Counter Intelligence. When they returned to Nebraska, Duane went into private practice and became nationally known for his work in motor carrier law.

In 1971, he represented a client in the sale of Crete Carrier Corporation. When the original deal fell through, the Acklies decided to purchase the business themselves. Duane and Phyl grew the company, which started with just six leased trailers and one customer, to one of the largest privately owned trucking companies in the United States.

Crete Carrier got its start in Crete and built a new headquarters

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BRYAN FOUNDATION

me reflects family’s generosity in Lincoln in 1973. Crete Carrier celebrated 50 years of service in 2016 and today operates more than 5,000 tractors and 13,000 trailers throughout the continental U.S. Although Duane died in 2016, the foundation continues to make many generous gifts to area nonprofit organizations.

Why Bryan?

Why such support for Bryan?

“Our company has a proud legacy of innovative leadership, and we see that same spirit and drive at Bryan,” notes Halley Acklie Kruse, associate counsel for Crete Carrier and general counsel for the Acklie Charitable Foundation. “Our family foundation is pleased to make, in honor of Duane and Phyllis Acklie, this investment in our community’s future.”

The Acklies have strong ties to Bryan Health.

Holly Acklie Ostergard, the Acklies’ youngest daughter and Halley’s mother, was born in the original Bryan building.

Two of Duane and Phyl’s greatgrandchildren also were born at Bryan — William Ostergard in 2014 and Hattie Kruse in 2018.

Holly adds, “Our family also has had a few instances where we needed emergency care; Duane was treated at Bryan in the months before his passing.

In all of our experiences at Bryan we have received exceptional medical care and genuine

The new Acklie Tower sign is visible throughout much of the neighborhood near Bryan East Campus.

kindness from the doctors and nurses.”

Duane and Phyl served on the Bryan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees — Duane from 1979–1985 and Phyl from 1994–1997. She also served on the Bryan Foundation Board from 1989–1999.

They felt these boards were composed of Lincoln’s leaders, whom they admired for their service to the community and for their professional achievements.

These trustees helped guide Bryan and ensure that Lincoln and the surrounding community have local access to high quality and affordable health care.

More connections Some years ago, Phyl volunteered weekly as a “Pink Lady” at Bryan, delivering treats

to patients. The Pink Ladies wore lab coats similar to doctors’ coats, but they were pink. Phyl enjoyed helping make the patients a little more comfortable and working with her wonderful fellow Pink Ladies, Holly says.

Additionally, many extended members of the Acklie families were, or are currently, nurses at Bryan — a nurse manager, a Post Anesthesia Care Unit RN and a nurse practitioner for inpatient care, as a few examples — and some of these have worked at Bryan for decades.

“They’ve told us that Bryan Health has been a great place to work,” Halley points out. “In particular, they feel valued for their contributions and proud of the quality of care provided to the patients.”

What was the family’s reaction the first time they saw “Acklie Tower” high above the hospital?

Halley says, “While there is no question we are very proud to support Bryan, the choice to allow the main patient building at Bryan East to be dedicated as the Acklie Tower was not an easy decision.

“My grandfather Duane was humble and always considered himself a ‘country boy’ at heart.

His focus was on working hard, and the successful results of that work were reward enough, not the fanfare. However, we feel like Bryan is our home hospital and we’re proud to be a visible part of it.” n

Join the cause Get involved in transforming patient care and family experiences

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ou can be part of our most significant renovation project of the decade.

There are many ways to get involved.

Give online and learn about naming opportunities at bryanhealth.org/jointhe-cause or meet with a Bryan Foundation staff member to explore naming opportunities and unique giving arrangements at a variety of levels. Gifts of all levels are welcome.

As a nonprofit, Nebraska owned and governed health care organization, we value partnerships with you as together we transform care in our community.

Your involvement helps us provide the best experiences and care to our patients.

We offer a wide range of naming opportunities.

To learn more, contact senior development officer Valerie Hunt, senior development officer Kaye Jesske or major gift officer DeEtta Mayrose at the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605. n

This story is brought to you by Sampson Construction.

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TRANSFORMING SURGERY

Surgeons and staff say

Renovation continues innovation

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arly in 2019, we will begin a three-year, $47 million renovation of Bryan East Campus.

Donors will provide $8 million of the funding.

Physicians and staff members throughout Bryan Health are voicing their appreciation for those who have stepped forward to help finance Bryan’s largest project of the decade.

To learn more about what’s ahead, go to bryanhealth.org/transforming-surgery to see a special video.

Fourteen new operating rooms on Bryan East Campus will be larger, with efficient layouts and space for emerging technological advances.

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his renovation is going to make it so much easier for patients and families to find their way around the hospital and surgery waiting areas. The consultation rooms for discussions are going to provide improved privacy for patients and their families.

It will improve flow and efficiency from the surgeon’s perspective, as well. Each operating room is going to be the same size and set up, so supplies and room placement will be in consistent locations, improving safety as well as efficiency.

Patients will flow more easily from pre-op to OR to post-op areas, with reduced time/distance to travel to reach the next stage of care. This in turn will shorten response time for getting additional supplies, pharmacy, cleaning and so forth.

The larger ORs also will help us adapt to changing technologies. I perform gyneco-

logic procedures, which can involve robotics, laparoscopies and hysteroscopies — all of which will be improved by the larger room size, new lighting and screen placement.

I would like to thank the community for its support of this project. It is an honor to have the community put faith and trust in Bryan Medical Center and those who work here to provide leading edge care right here in Lincoln.

It will be wonderful to see it take shape over the next three years and to see its positive impact on the experience of our patients and their families.

Darla Eisenhauer, MD, Gynecology & Fertility, Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff

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’m excited about the project’s aspects that center around patients.

Being in a hospital can be a vulnerable experience, and modesty often can be compromised. Currently the pre-op and post-op spaces are separated only by

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hose who contributed to this project have left a legacy of quality health care for our children and community. I think for the Department of Surgery and for me personally this project is the greatest thing to happen to Bryan since I joined the medical staff. I started in health

curtains; the new rooms will be private, making for a better patient experience.

These new rooms will provide a needed space to respect patients’ modesty and privacy and will be nicely designed for their enjoyment.

Waiting areas also will be comfortable and will have private consultation rooms for physicians to have confidential conversations with families.

These private pre-op spaces also can provide a quieter, less anxious environment.

As an anesthesiologist, I perform pain relief procedures in the pre-op and post-op rooms. The additional space will give us more room for the equipment we use for effective and safe procedures to alleviate surgical pain.

The operating rooms will be arranged in a more efficient floor plan, with larger rooms giving us more space for the increasing amount of

care at Bryan as an orderly in 1973, and the operating rooms at Bryan East Campus are basically the same as then.

With the renovation, we will have state-of-the-art ORs. The new operating rooms will be larger to accommodate advanced procedures and equipment. These rooms are designed with 21st Century needs and technology in mind, incorporating flexibility in utilization, services and comfort for families.

I perform mostly endoscopic rhinologic (sinus and skull based) procedures, such as complex sinus and cerebral spinal fluid leak repairs at Bryan East Campus, and these require a lot of high-tech equipment in the room. Bryan will now have the ideal OR suites to do these procedures.

Having a facility of this quality, along

high-tech equipment we need.

I think this construction will continue to make patients feel better cared for and happy to make Bryan their preferred place to have their surgery.

By giving gifts to make this renovation happen, our donors are ensuring excellent medical care will be available for generations to come.

These gifts strengthen the community.

To these donors I say: Thank you for trusting Bryan with your contributions, and thank you for trusting all who work here with your family, your friends and neighbors. We are fortunate in Lincoln.

Ken Gross, MD, Associated Anesthesiologists, Vice Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff

with the best nursing staff, helps Bryan attract and retain the finest physicians — so Bryan can continue to be an innovative leader in the delivery of health care in the Midwest.

Russell Semm, MD, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialties

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TRANSFORMING SURGERY

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want to tell the donors, every patient cared for at Bryan will benefit from the changes your gift has made possible.

The entire surgical experience will be in one location, which makes a big difference to our patients and families.

Consolidating our pre- and post-surgical areas in one general vicinity will improve communication throughout the patient experience — and this will help improve patient and family satisfaction with their surgical visit.

Thank you so much! Every

employee in my division will be able to perform his or her work better, and our community will be better served with a streamlined approach to surgical care, family-friendly waiting and consult rooms and stateof-the-art surgery suites.

Julie Smith, RN, Director of Bryan Perioperative & Anesthesia Services

The surgery waiting area (left) provides a soothing environment, with comfortable seating, as well as a work station for family members to conduct business while waiting for their loved one’s procedure to be completed.

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his project is going to improve the experience for patients, as well as for my colleagues and me.

For example, we won’t be so cramped while doing charts and records on the computers in the OR. The surgical suite I typically use is one of the smaller ones, so I’m looking forward to the new rooms.

I do a lot of hand, wrist and elbow procedures in my elective practice, and I also do on call, such as for surgeries to repair broken hips. The layout and new, larger ORs will provide a more efficient

environment for delivering care and will increase the availability of rooms.

This is the premier health care provider in the community and region, so donations from the Acklie Foundation and others will keep Bryan moving forward.

Nicholas Gove, MD, Lincoln Orthopaedic Center

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TRANSFORMING SURGERY

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his renovation shows Bryan’s commitment to the community it serves, as well as our community’s commitment to helping care for each other.

Cardiothoracic surgeons perform major surgery involving the heart, lungs, esophagus and chest wall.

Making a donation that has a lasting effect is one of

the best ways I can think of to give back to a community. This renovation project is a major investment in making sure Bryan continues to provide the best possible care for our patients.

In a way, it reflects the initial donation of William Jennings Bryan, himself.

It would be great if he and other past donors could see how investments in this nonprofit hospital have helped

so many people over the years and continue to do so every day.

I’d like to tell the donors that their contributions are very honorable and humbly received.

Robert Oakes, MD, Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgery

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his is a very exciting time for Lincoln, Bryan Health, surgeons and patients alike as this will drastically improve surgical care and the patient experience.

In a specialty where innovation and growth is a constant, this renovation will propel Bryan well in front of the growth curve to the leading edge in the region. I am excited to be a part of this change and sincerely thank all involved in making this happen.

Brad Olberding, MD, General Surgery Associates

Consultation rooms (above) offer privacy.

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BRYAN FOUNDATION

During the Sept. 20 dedication event, Phyllis Acklie (center) listens intently to a special “thank you” video presentation.

Supporters help dedicate Acklie Tower

Well-wishers gathered to celebrate the Acklie Family Foundation’s gift and learn about the upcoming three-year renovation.

Halley Acklie Kruse (at far right) addresses the audience during the event at Bryan East Campus.

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B E I N G P R E PA R E D

This holiday, take time to ‘talk turkey’ about advance directives for loved ones

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s adults, we usually are able to make smart health care decisions regarding our medical treatment. But what happens if you’re injured or incapacitated so you can’t tell your doctors how you want to be treated?

Holidays, when families traditionally gather, are great opportunities to talk with loved ones about their and your medical care preferences and prepare what’s known as an advance directive.

This form, also known as an advance health care directive, is a legal document that outlines your medical wishes and choices.

In it you appoint a designee to communicate those choices when you aren’t able to. In an emergency setting, it can speak on your behalf.

Bryan Medical Center chaplain Nina Redl is among those who work with patients and families to help create advance directives. She notes, “We offer a safe, confidential and thoughtful place to think through options and what may be best for individuals.”

The most common forms of advance directives are the Medical Power of Attorney and the Living Will. A Power of Attorney is not just for end-of-life decisions. Through it you identify someone to speak on your behalf regarding medical treatment. A Living Will makes your wishes regarding medical care and comfort levels known for a worst-case scenario, when your end of life is imminent. In this case, you do not need to appoint someone to make end-of-life treatment decisions.

Redl recommends creating both because having more tools helps you and your family be prepared.

She points out that accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone at any age, so we all could benefit from having an advance directive. In Nebraska, you can have an advance directive as early as age 19.

These simple forms can help provide clarification. In the middle of an emergency, when people are stressed, scared and vulnerable, an advance directive empowers your designee and

helps everyone involved act in your best interests.

The chaplain says, “Not having an advance directive can create a complicated scenario. We try to talk with a patient as soon as they arrive, but if he or she can’t talk for themselves and hasn’t designated someone to speak on their behalf, there can be additional issues. With an advance directive, the medical care team knows exactly what you want and who can communicate on your behalf. This reduces stress on loved ones, as well.”

Wondering how to begin the conversation with loved ones?

It may be best to speak from the idea of values and share what your wishes are regarding your own care before asking what others want. Also, using triggers — talking about recent news stories and current events, TV shows, sermons, funerals or medical checkups — is a good discussion starter. But this may not be a onetime conversation, so spend some time thinking about your wishes and remember that it’s normal for such talks to cause emotional responses.

“These can be updated as your life, desires and needs change,” adds Redl. “What’s important is to have the conversation with your loved ones so you can get an advance directive on the record. Taking that first step may be the hardest, but it’s the most important. We’re here to help.”

Redl and her colleagues are available during regular business hours to answer questions about advance directives. Call 402-481-8064 to make an appointment.

For more information or to download Bryan’s free booklet, go to bryanhealth.org/advance-directives. Your family lawyer is another resource regarding advance health care directives. It is also important to discuss your advance health care directive with your primary care provider.

Want to learn more about advance directives? Listen to a podcast by chaplain Dennis Smith at bryanhealth.org/podcasts. n To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

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PAT I E N T S U CC E S S S TO RY

‘Pain relief beyond my wildest dreams’

iFuse procedure makes big difference

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any adults have moderate to severe, long-term low back pain that can move into the hips and legs. Causes of this pain are, however, sometimes misdiagnosed. Although most often due to problems with nerves, disks or bones of the spine, for as many as one-fourth of patients long-term low back pain happens because of arthritis or other problems at the sacroiliac (“SI”) joints in the pelvis.

“SI joint problems are often overlooked as causes of chronic pain in the low back and buttock,” says Steven Gogela, MD, a neurosurgeon with Neurological The triangle-shaped iFuse implant is and Spinal Surgery. designed specifically for the SI joint.

“Pain occurs in older patients due to arthritis of the SI joint and in younger patients due to excessive flexibility of the joint. It also can occur in patients of any age when the SI joint is inflamed.”

pain at all, which has been just wonderful. I got complete relief of my pain, which is almost unbelievable to me.”

How iFuse stops SI joint pain Dr. Gogela explains. “There are two SI joints connecting the lowest part of the spine (often called the tailbone or sacrum) to the pelvis. These two joints are covered and protected by strong ligaments, which normally hold the joints firmly in place. Pain can develop at either SI joint when the ligaments weaken, or when the joints become inflamed because of injury, arthritis or other problems. SI joint pain is also sometimes called sacroiliitis, SI joint syndrome, SI degeneration or SI inflammation.”

“Pain due to SI problems can be severe, making it difficult for patients to sit, walk or climb stairs,” says orthopedic surgeon Photo and illustration courtesy of SI-BONE, Inc.

A patient’s story Suzanne Nitz of North Platte found relief from severe, disabling SI joint pain after Dr. Gogela used a new, minimally invasive surgical technique called the iFuse Implant System from SI-BONE to stop painful movement of her left SI joint.

“I’d suffered from severe back pain ever since I had a bad fall 25 years ago,” says Suzanne. “Physical therapy and painrelieving injections didn’t help, so I just lived with the pain. It interfered quite a lot with work and family activities, which was a great disappointment. I learned that when you have pain all the time, you just don’t have a very good quality of life.

“Fortunately, since Dr. Gogela did the SI iFuse Implant surgery for me in November of last year I haven’t had any back

Suzanne Nitz confers with neurosurgeon Steven Gogela, MD, about options for reducing her chronic pain.

This story is brought to you by Union Bank & Trust.

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PAT I E N T S U CC E S S S TO RY Robert Vande Guchte, MD, of Lincoln Orthopaedic Center.

“Older ways of managing SI joint pain included physical therapy and if that failed, pain medication and for some patients surgeries involving large, open incisions and multiple pins and screws to surgically stop painful movement of the SI joint,” he adds. “These older approaches sometimes left the patient with increased pain, potentially outweighing the benefit of the surgery in terms of quality of life.”

Medical studies performed over the past 15 years have shown that iFuse is nearly 90 percent effective in relieving SIjoint-related pain by completely stopping movement at the SI joint. Stopping SI joint movement relieves pain related to arthritis, hypermobility and inflammation and also can prevent further painful inflammation.

“The iFuse Implant System is a surgical option for patients with some types of SI joint pain who get no relief from non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy and cortisone injections into the lumbar spine,” Dr. Vande Guchte says. He explains that the diagnosis of an SI joint problem is confirmed by physical exam findings, by whether the patient gets relief from anesthetic injections into the SI joint and by the absence of other bone diseases, such as infection or osteoporosis.

“The iFuse procedure reduces pain by stabilizing and fusing the SI joint,” he continues. “This is done by inserting three small, triangular, titanium implants across the joint. This is a minimally-invasive procedure performed through a small incision, requiring about one hour.”

Dr. Vande Guchte and Dr. Gogela agree that a main advantage of iFuse is that, as a minimally invasive procedure, it involves only a small incision into skin and muscle, causing less blood loss and pain than older procedures used for fixation of the SI joint. For these reasons, healing is quicker and typically less painful after iFuse placement than after older open procedures. Another advantage is the unique, three-sided (that is, triangular) shape of the iFuse implant, which holds the pin more securely within bone than do cylindrical pins or screws traditionally used to fixate SI joints.

‘Can hold my grand babies’ Suzanne, now a retired teacher, thinks back on 25 years of experiencing severe back pain before the iFuse procedure.

“Having chronic pain was so limiting,” she says. “I missed many days at work and a lot of family events because standing and sitting and other activities were just too painful.

Orthopedic surgeon Robert Vande Guchte, MD, says iFuse reduces pain by stabilizing the SI joint.

“Dr. Gogela told me beforehand that I would get some pain relief after the iFuse procedure, though we didn’t know how much. In fact, I got 100 percent relief of my pain. I can get out and take my dog for a walk and sit down and do my hobbies.”

Suzanne adds, “Best of all, I can hold my grand babies in my lap, which I couldn’t do before for long, and that’s a great blessing. The pain relief I have is beyond my wildest dreams.

“I am so glad that we decided to do the iFuse procedure.”

To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

To learn more about iFuse, watch a video of Dr. Steven Gogela and Suzanne Nitz discussing the procedure at bryanhealth.org/SI-joint.

VIDEO

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BRYAN MENTAL HEALTH

She finds hope through peers

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ecky Buckner says she has struggled with mental illness her whole life, but in early 2017, she was in an especially dark place after her 11-yearold son died. She turned to the mental health services offered by Bryan Health and, through several of the programs, she says she found hope.

“I’ve come so far from that dark, dark place that I was in, and it was all because of the help that I got from Bryan,” she says.

In the Bryan Medical Center Mental Health Emergency Department, Becky

met Rhonda Cron, one of three peer specialists who work for Bryan. This peer specialist service was originally funded by the Community Health Endowment and is now funded entirely by Bryan.

Peer specialists, or peers, are individuals who have had their own struggles with mental health and who have reached a point in their healing journey that they are able to help others.

After receiving extensive training and becoming certified, peers can help patients like Becky navigate their time in the hospital and understand what

next steps are available for wellness and recovery.

“Having a peer specialist made a big difference,” Becky recalls. “It was a lot easier to discuss my symptoms with somebody who had been in my shoes.”

During Becky’s time in the hospital, Rhonda also introduced her to the Wellness Recovery Action Plan program (WRAP), which is a community support group that empowers individuals to create their own plans for recovery. The peers facilitate these groups, and they walk participants through the steps of

Becky Buckner appreciates the help she received from Bryan and WRAP. Today she enjoys time with family and creating custom greeting cards.

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BRYAN MENTAL HEALTH

Peer specialists Janelle Jensen, Rhonda Cron and Lisa Jarvis use Wellness books and supplies to help connect with participants in the WRAP community support group.

identifying triggers, creating a “wellness toolbox” to cope with difficulties and forming plans for when things aren’t going well.

“It’s an awesome group,” Becky says.

“What they teach is easy to comprehend, and it’s a very welcoming atmosphere.”

She says she felt comfortable asking questions, and the group works hard to ease participants’ anxiety by providing things to keep them occupied, such as markers, coloring books and Play-Doh. The program helped Becky identify her specific triggers and learn healthy ways to cope. In the past, she would isolate herself, but now she’s able to spend time with family and friends. She’s thankful that her grown children are able to come to her when they have problems, and she says she feels equipped to talk with them and offer advice. She says the program made such an impact on her that she would like to one day help others as a peer, too.

“That’s something she should be proud of,” says Rhonda. “She finished the

WRAP program and received a certificate, meaning that she can go on to the next level to become a WRAP facilitator, if she chooses.”

WRAP groups are free and open to anyone in the community, and there are no requirements for registering or attending.

Becky encourages others who are struggling with mental health issues to find hope by asking for help.

“Asking for help is the best thing you can do,” she says. “You can’t do it alone.

I struggled with that for years. I felt like a burden and like nobody would care.

WRAP helped me realize that there are people who care, and there’s a whole program with people who have been where I was.

“That meant a lot to me.”

For emergency mental health care, please go to the emergency department at Bryan West Campus. Emergency mental health care and crisis assessments are available 24/7. For non-emergencies, please contact the Bryan Counseling Center at 402-481-5991. n To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

WRAP groups meet Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Go to Bryan West Campus, 2300 S. 16th St. Groups meet on the third floor of the Professional Office Building in the Counseling Center Group Rooms 310. WRAP groups for youth are available on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m., also in the Counseling Center. The meetings are free and open to the public.

No registration is required.

For more information, call 402-432-0158 or visit bryanhealth.org/ mental-health.

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BRYAN HEART

Introducing Dr. Zach Singsank

A

s a kid, Zach Singsank, DO, had an early introduction to medicine. His father, Mark Singsank, MD, was the first board-certified ER doctor in the state of Iowa, and Dr. Zach Singsank says as a youngster he frequently tagged along at the local hospital.

“I spent a lot of time there just hanging out with him, and I really liked it,” he recalls.

Dr. Singsank, an interventional cardiologist who recently joined Bryan Heart, grew up with his two sisters in Dubuque, Iowa. He played baseball and football, and when he heard that a high school rugby league was getting off the ground in his home state, he joined. He continued playing rugby up through his internal medicine residency.

“I used to travel all over the U.S. playing, but it doesn’t really coincide with training to be a doctor,” he says.

Interest in medicine Initially, Dr. Singsank didn’t plan to practice medicine.

He enjoyed engineering and science and decided to pursue biomedical engineering as an undergraduate student at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He worked on several innovative projects during this time. In one project, his team used kinematic sensors to create algorithms that could help predict pitching injuries. In another, they developed an earpiece, similar to a Bluetooth device, that could amplify speech for patients who have voice box damage.

Although he enjoyed the innovative nature of the projects, they ultimately led him to shift his focus.

“I realized a desk job wasn’t for me, and I wanted to have more focused patient contact,” he explains.

After completing his bachelor’s in 2007, he went on to earn a degree in osteopathic medicine from Des Moines University. In 2011, he returned to Milwaukee, where he completed all of his post-medical school training at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. He was chief internal medicine resident during his residency, and he completed a three-year cardiovascular disease fellowship in 2017, also serving as chief cardiology fellow. He finished a one-year interventional cardiology fellowship in 2018 before joining Bryan Heart.

Family life During the first month of his fellowship, Dr. Singsank met a cardiac intensive care nurse named Rachel.

“I kept asking her out, and she kept saying no because she was a new nurse and she didn’t know if that was against the rules,” he says, laughing. Eventually, he caught on that Rachel had changed her mind when her mom accidentally friended him on Facebook.

Rachel and Zach eventually married and, although they enjoy different sports — he’s an avid golfer and she’s into running — they love going to farmers markets and cooking meals together.

They both appreciate hiking and have fun exploring new cities and checking out local restaurants.

This summer, they welcomed their newest adventure — their daughter, Valerie, was born in August.

Dr. Singsank says they’ve had a lot of great new beginnings this summer, but they’ve also had challenges.

“We moved to a new city. I started a new job. We bought our first home, had a baby, and then my father passed away, all in a month.” Through it all, he says they have been amazed by the care people have shown in Lincoln.

“Rachel and I have been very impressed with the community and my job,” he says. “I’d like them all to know that we’re very grateful for the compassion and support we’ve received.”

In his time at St. Luke’s, Dr. Singsank was trained in procedures that are on the cutting edge of interventional cardiology, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, which involves inserting a mesh device via catheter to repair a hole in the heart. Dr. Singsank says after his fellowship he was drawn to Lincoln because Bryan Heart offered these procedures.

Gratifying work “There’s so much innovation going on within the world of interventional cardiology, and this allows us to do procedures that previously would have required patients to undergo open heart surgery,” he says. “I really wanted to be doing these procedures because I felt that it would allow me to offer my patients a full spectrum of cardiac care.”

Dr. Singsank says his work is

This story is brought to you by Lockton Companies.

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M ba an

BRYAN HEART

gratifying, and he’s thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Even though his patients might be feeling anxious about facing serious cardiac issues, he says he appreciates that interventional cardiology gives him the tools he needs to provide solutions and address their concerns.

“Half of what I do is just reassuring people and letting them know that things are going to be OK, and once you see that on their faces — that they’re relieved — that’s pretty rewarding,” he says.

Looking forward

Meet the Singsanks: Rachel with baby Valerie and Dr. Zach Singsank and their dog, Clyde.

Dr. Singsank values the mentorship available from senior interventionalists at Bryan Heart, and he appreciates his colleagues’ approach to patient care.

“They’re all very focused on doing a good job, and they keep their patients’ best interests first in mind,” he notes.

In the coming months, he’s looking forward to developing more relationships at Bryan. At St. Luke’s, he had gotten to know people throughout the hospital, including Starbucks employees, specialists in other areas and cafeteria workers.

“Part of the joy for me of being at work is just getting to know people,” he says. “I’m only a few months in, but I’m looking forward to doing that more.” n To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Heart, contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

To watch a video introducing this cardiologist, go to VIDEO bryanhealth.org/DrSingsank.

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BRYAN HEART

Exams find Michelle’s heart defect

M

ichelle Lowe never would have thought that a trip to the dentist would lead to heart surgery.

In the spring of 2017, Michelle had a toothache and made an appointment with her local dentist in Columbus. After X-rays revealed the roots in her top teeth would need to be extracted, she was referred to oral and maxillofacial surgeon Mitchell Henry, MD, of Lincoln. During her physical, Dr. Henry discovered that Michelle had a heart murmur and recommended that she see a cardiologist.

Michelle made an appointment with Dr. Nadarajah Srikumar — “Dr. Sri” to his patients — who at that time was with the Bryan Heart office in Columbus. Dr. Sri did an echocardiogram and found that Michelle had a congenital heart defect known as bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disorder. He explained to Michelle that most aortic valves have three leaflets, or cusps, that control the flow of blood from the left heart ventricle to the aorta, but

individuals with BAV were born with only two cusps.

“Like many BAV patients, Michelle didn’t know anything was wrong until she came in,” he notes. Dr. Sri says patients

with this condition can go for many years without experiencing symptoms, but eventually it can lead to serious complications, such as leakage or thickening of the valves. Even more concerning, BAV patients can develop an aortic aneurysm of the ascending aorta, and this bulging artery can rupture without any warning or symptoms. In many cases, this is fatal.

“If you catch the aneurysm before it ruptures, or the valve before something happens, then typically it is a routine procedure for the cardiothoracic surgeons,” says Dr. Sri.

He referred Michelle to Robert Oakes, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon with Bryan Heart. Using a 3D echocardiogram, Dr. Oakes identified that Michelle had developed an aneurysm, and she was scheduled for surgery on Bryan East Campus.

Michelle, who’s

a certified nursing assistant at Columbus Community Hospital, credits Dr. Sri and Dr. Oakes for her good outcome.

“They were amazing. They talked me through the whole thing,” she says. “Everybody who came in after my surgery — dietary, to nursing, to housekeeping — was just great.”

While visiting with Dr.

After having surgery related to bicuspid aortic valve disorder, Michelle Lowe encouraged her daughter, Andrea Birkel, and other family members in the portrait above to get screened for the congenital condition.

This story is brought to you by NRC Health.

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BRYAN HEART

Cardiothoracic surgeon Robert Oakes, MD, and Judy Arnold, RN, encourage anyone with a family history of heart disorders to take a free online screening through Bryan’s Early Detection Center.

Oakes, Michelle learned that BAV is a hereditary condition, and he encouraged her to tell her family about the screenings available through Bryan Health.

Judy Arnold, RN, coordinator for the Early Detection Center at Bryan, says family members of a patient with BAV have a 9 to 10 percent chance of having the condition, too.

For Michelle, this made sense. Sixteen years earlier, her father had undergone surgery for the same condition, but at the time, they didn’t know that it was hereditary or that screening was available.

“This time, my family all

went immediately,” Michelle says. Of her nine siblings, the screening showed none of them had BAV. Two of Michelle’s three children also were tested. At first it appeared her daughter Andrea Birkel — who’s also a certified nursing assistant at Columbus Community Hospital — had the condition, but a follow-up visit determined that she had a tricuspid, not a bicuspid, valve.

“They were all so relieved to know that they didn’t have it,” Michelle says.

The Early Detection Center at Bryan is celebrating its 10th year of providing screenings.

Judy says the program initially offered screenings for heart

and circulatory diseases, cancer, diabetes, stroke and other conditions, and it has evolved to include several heart, stroke and vascular screenings, such as the one Michelle’s family used to rule out BAV. Bryan also offers several free online screenings, including the HeartAware assessment.

In the last decade, the center has conducted more than 20,000 screenings, and the Bryan Mobile Screening truck has logged 70,000 miles while serving individuals in 34 communities.

Judy points out, “Screenings are so important, and we’re working hard to create an atmosphere that encourages people to be proactive with their health.”

Dr. Oakes especially

urges screenings for people who have a family history of heart disease and for anyone experiencing heart-related symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, chest palpitations or feeling faint.

“Don’t ignore such symptoms by saying you’re out of shape or there’s nothing going on,” he cautions.

Michelle agrees. Looking back, she realizes that she had been unusually tired, but she brushed it off and assumed it was just from work.

“I didn’t even think about it,” she says. “But if you feel something is different, go get it checked out.” n To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Heart, call 402-481-8605.

Have you been screened?

HeartAware is a free, quick and easy seven-minute online survey that helps determine if you are at risk for heart disease. Take the test and receive a private report — if found at risk, you’ll be offered a consultation with a Bryan Health clinician who discusses ideas for lowering your risks.

HeartAware risk assessment is available at all times.

Go to bryanhealth.org/online-screenings to see all the available screenings. Besides HeartAware, you may choose lung, sleep, mental health (depression or anxiety) or alcohol screenings.

For more information, contact Judy Arnold, RN, at the Early Detection Center, 402-481-8018.

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MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: What’s new regarding joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgeries have improved dramatically in recent years, with patients now experiencing substantial pain reduction and improvements in quality of life after these surgeries. Lincoln orthopedic surgeon Matthew Byington, DO, answers some common questions about joint replacement and describes new advances.

Q: What types of joint replacements are most common?

We most commonly see patients needing knee, hip or shoulder replacement and less commonly, ankle or elbow replacement.

Q: Why do people need joint replacements?

Pain is the most common problem. The region where our bones connect to each other is the joint. Within the joint, cartilage acts as a protective cap at the end of each bone, and the cartilage surfaces glide over one another as the joint moves. Cartilage is like a set of brake pads on your car — just as brake pads can wear down to the rotors, cartilage can wear down to bone. This leaves two hard boney surfaces grinding against one another, often causing severe, debilitating pain. In addition to reducing patients’ life quality and ability to function, this severe, debilitating pain also can cause people to feel depressed.

Joint replacement surgeries significantly relieve patients’ pain and so can improve function and their quality of life.

That’s why these surgeries are associated with

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MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT among the highest levels of patient satisfaction in all of medicine.

Q: Do certain lifestyles or ages make one more of a candidate?

Not necessarily. We see patients from a wide variety of lifestyles, shapes and sizes, who vary in age anywhere from the 40s through the 90s. As we age, cartilage in our joints can break down and become worn out. While we can’t reverse time or aging, we can control some things to reduce risk for joint problems.

These include getting regular exercise and eating a nutritious, balanced diet. Both of these contribute to a third important thing: staying at a healthy weight. People who are overweight and don’t watch their diets or exercise are at greater risk for joint problems. Fortunately, replacing unhealthy joints can really improve overall health because when patients have less pain, they can get out and lead the active lifestyles we all aim for.

Q: Which lifestyles or other factors are contraindications to joint replacement?

Age is just a number, right? We have many patients in their 80s and 90s who are healthier than some patients in their 50s and 60s. By examination and looking at our patients’ medical histories, we determine whether joint replacement is safe for the patient.

For example, patients with severe diabetes or who have cardiac or respiratory problems may not be candidates for surgery.

All patients go through careful pre-operative testing with their primary care providers and sometimes other specialists, such as cardiologists or nephrologists, to find out whether surgery is safe for them.

Q: How has joint replacement surgery changed over the years?

Both the procedures and patients’

experience have changed dramatically. In

the 1970s and 1980s, patients were hospitalized for up to two weeks after knee or

hip replacements. Now, because of improved implant designs, surgical techniques, anesthesia and patient care, patients are staying only one to two days. Some patients even go home the same day after certain types of joint replacements, if their doctor says it’s safe to do so.

We’re going to see more same-day replacements in the future, as this can save money and improve patient satisfaction.

Q: Are all services regarding joint replacement available in Lincoln, or would one go elsewhere for some surgeries?

I’ve worked throughout the United States during my medical training and practice and can say without hesitancy that Lincoln is very lucky to have a comprehensive, competent and very cohesive medical community. The orthopedic surgeons in Lincoln are among the best in the country, and because of this, less than 1 percent of patients needing joint replacement must be referred outside our community.

Q. Would you tell us a little about your background, and where you went to medical school?

I was born and raised in Lincoln and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University. I received my medical degree from Midwestern University in Chicago and completed my orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University at Lansing. I am board certified in orthopedic surgery with advanced training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, and I specialize in treating patients who have sports-related injuries, as well as knee, shoulder, hip and elbow conditions.

My partners at Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery — orthopedic surgeon Pat Hurlbut, MD, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Gustavo Machado, MD, and podiatrist Kara Krejci, DPM — and I are proud to serve the Lincoln community. Our focus is treating patients’ musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems to improve their quality of life and ability to function and to alleviate their pain.

My wife, Amberly, and I moved back to Lincoln in 2017 and have three children: Adalyn, 6, Finn, 3, and Avaly, 1. Amberly has her doctorate of physical therapy and practices here in Lincoln at Complete Physical Therapy.

Amberly and I love raising our family here and particularly being active with our kids outdoors. I also stay active by running and playing golf. n

Dr. Byington can be contacted at his practice, Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery in Lincoln, 402-489-4700, and at his website, www.drmattbyington.com.

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

New faces at

Bryan

Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical community Meghen Bokemper, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, has joined Bryan Women’s Care Physicians, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network, 402-483-8630.

Dr. Bokemper is a native of Lincoln. She graduated from Lincoln East High School and Nebraska Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in religion and graduating with high distinction.

She earned her medical degree in 2014 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Throughout her education she has earned several awards and honors. She is a member of the Lancaster County Medical Society and the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Bokemper enjoys spending time with her husband and family, cooking, baking, church, world travel and sports including football and baseball.

Behzad Elahi, MD, PhD, neurology, has joined Bryan Neurology, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network, 402-483-8534.

Dr. Elahi is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology. He completed a residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston and a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology with a focus on electromyography, known as EMG, and intraoperative monitoring at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine in 2012 at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Dr. Elahi also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of neurosciences from the University of

Toronto Institute of Medical Sciences, Canada. During his education, Dr. Elahi has won several awards and honors and has been published in more than a dozen academic journals.

His research and clinical interests are neuromuscular disorders (ALS, muscular dystrophies), myopathies and movement disorders (including deep brain stimulation). He also has volunteered for an organization that promotes science in schools and communities.

Jonathan Fullner, MD, radiology, has joined Lincoln Radiology Group, 402-420-3500.

A northeast Nebraska native, Dr. Fullner earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctor of Medicine with an emphasis in aging and integrated medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha. After completing an internal medicine internship at UNMC, he underwent a diagnostic radiology residency at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. Given his strong interests in neuro-oncology and traumatic brain injury, he completed a neuro-radiology fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Fullner and his wife, Majken, a speech-language pathologist with Lincoln Public Schools, are thrilled to join the Lincoln community.

Trevor Gregath, MD, neurology, has joined Bryan Neurology, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network, 402-483-8534.

Dr. Gregath is certified in neurology through the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He earned his medical degree in 2013 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.

He completed a residency and internship in neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City and a fellowship in vascular neurology at the University of California in San Francisco.

Dr. Gregath is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association and the American Stroke Association. He also has significant teaching and presentation experience.

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE Tara Kirkpatrick, MD, urology, has joined Urology PC, 402-489-8888.

Dr. Kirkpatrick earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Regis University in Denver before earning her medical degree in 2012 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha with an emphasis in preventative medicine. She completed her residency training in general surgery and urology at UNMC. She is a volunteer and is a member of several organizations, including the American Urological Association, Nebraska Urological Association, Nebraska Medical Association, American Association of Clinical Urologists, Lancaster County Medical Society and Phi Chi Medical Fraternity.

Julie Overcash, MD, pediatrics, has joined Complete Children’s Health, 402-465-5600.

Dr. Overcash is an accomplished pediatrician and medical director who is passionate about promoting safety and providing high-quality, efficient patient care. She has been in practice for more than 25 years, having earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha in 1988. She completed her pediatric residency at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Additionally, Dr. Overcash holds a Master of Science in data science from Northwestern University in Chicago; a Master of Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Naperville, Illinois; and a Master of Science in bioengineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she also earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering.

Dr. Overcash has taught in several capacities throughout her career and served on a significant number of boards. She has received many recognitions and awards and was an annual volunteer as medical support for six years at the Fox Valley Marathon in Saint Charles, Illinois.

At the core of her care is a belief that each child has unique needs that require communication and coordination with families to provide safe, high-quality and efficient health care. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, exploring big data and traveling to visit her children.

Ali Piper, MD, pulmonology, has joined Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties, 402-483-8600.

Dr. Piper earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry at the University of NebraskaLincoln. She went on to earn her medical degree in 2012 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha and completed her residency training in internal medicine at UNMC. She completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. Dr. Piper is certified in internal medicine and pulmonary medicine. She is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Thoracic Society.

Dr. Piper is excited to return to Lincoln, where she was born and raised. She enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.

James Roat Jr., MD, gastroenterology, has joined Gastroenterology Specialties, 402-465-4545.

Dr. Roat is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in gastroenterology. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He earned his medical degree in 2011 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and fellowships in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Roat was active in student leadership throughout his education, including involvement in the student senate and legislative committee in medical school. He also was a community health fair volunteer and ran varsity track in college.

Alexander “AJ” Ryan, DO, internal medicine, has joined Inpatient Physician Associates, 402-481-8566.

Dr. Ryan is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his medical degree in 2014 at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado, with an internal medicine residency at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado, and an internship at Mountain Vista Medical Center, Mesa, Arizona,

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE also specializing in internal medicine.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and physiology from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Ryan is a longtime bowler and craft beer enthusiast. He plans to pursue a cicerone certification for beer professionals.

Kelsey Shaver, MD, internal medicine, has joined Inpatient Physician Associates, 402-481-8566.

Dr. Shaver is a native Nebraskan from Ansley. She graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha in 2014. She completed an internal medicine residency and internship at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Dr. Shaver earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in chemistry, graduating with high distinction from the University of NebraskaLincoln.

During her education, she participated in education and leadership trainings, was a mentor to other students and was a community volunteer. She also was active in institutional service and had several teaching opportunities.

She and her husband recently welcomed a baby boy to their family. In her limited free time between being a new mom and her medical career, she enjoys watching Home and Garden Television.

Zach Singsank, DO, cardiology, has joined Bryan Heart, 402-483-3333.

Dr. Singsank is board certified in internal medicine as well as cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology. In 2007, he earned his medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa, then completed an internal medicine residency and cardiovascular/interventional cardiology fellowship at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dr. Singsank believes that to be a good cardiologist, one must be a good problem solver and a critical thinker. He also values being a caring human being by relating to patients and enjoying having conversations with people. He and his wife have a new baby and a golden retriever. His hobbies include movies and cooking. (See Page 14 to read an article introducing Dr. Singsank.)

Charles “Wes” Whitten, MD, pain management, founded the Nebraska Pain Institute, 402-488-7246.

Dr. Whitten is a Nebraska native, board-certified pain specialist who describes himself as wearing “cowboy boots to work.”

Raised on a Nebraska farm near Lexington, he graduated from Overton Public School.

He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with an emphasis in molecular biology in three years from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, graduating with honors.

He then earned a medical degree in 2013 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.

Dr. Whitten completed his residency in anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, and a fellowship at North Carolina’s Pain Institute-Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Dr. Whitten brings country values to his medical practice. His work ethic was forged through loading semi-trailers with hay bales and checking cattle at 2 a.m. He values honesty and integrity. He will work hard to earn your trust with the goal of “getting you back to the good life.”

In his free time, Dr. Whitten enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two boys, as well as hunting, fishing, farming and physical fitness.

Matthew Wittry, DO, child and adolescent psychiatry, has joined Bryan Heartland Psychiatry, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network, 402-483-8555.

Dr. Wittry works with children, adolescents and their families, building relationships and trust with youth and parents to fully understand and evaluate concerns. Dr. Wittry earned his medical degree in 2013 from Des Moines University in Iowa.

He completed his residency and fellowship at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in Sioux Falls.

He also earned a Master of Science in microbiology from South Dakota State University in Brookings and a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

He has held teaching positions and is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. n

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

Remembering our colleague

Bryan medical community notes physician’s passing

Eight residents joined the Lincoln Family Medicine Program this summer. Welcome (from left) Lindsey Waldron, DO; Michael Armstrong, MD; Shelby Steffen, MD; Josh Larson, MD; Kyle Gibbons, MD; Alex McDonald, DO; Catherine Youssef, MD; and Spencer Steffen, MD.

Welcome, advanced practice providers and independent practitioners These advanced practice providers and independent practitioners are working at Bryan Medical Center: Amanda Boardman, APRN, Bryan Heart Melissa Bowen, APRN, Bryan Acute Pain Services, part of the Bryan Physician Network Anne Bigbee, APRN, Doctors of Children Stephanie Densberger, PA-C, Surgical Associates Alison Dunlap, APRN, Heartland Neonatology Associates, part of the Bryan Physician Network Kelly Johnson, APRN, Bryan Heart Marissa Koch, PA-C, Gastroenterology Specialties Shannon Korth, PA-C, Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery Sarah Levic, CRNA, Associated Anesthesiologists Andrew Lundstrom, APRN, Inpatient Physician Associates Jennifer Marshall, DDS, Lincoln Children’s Dentistry Andre Orduna, PA-C, Bryan Heart Jonathan Pike, PA-C, Bryan Heart Jeri Spatz, PA-C, Lincoln Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates Kendra Thiem, PA-C, Bryan Trauma, part of the Bryan Physician Network Erin Willnerd, APRN, Inpatient Physician Associates Allison Wolf, DDS, Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry

Interventional cardiologist Sabyasachi “Sachi” Mahapatra, MD, of Lincoln died Sept. 23. He was 74.

Dr. Mahapatra was born in 1943 in Cuttack, Odish, India.

He earned a medical degree in 1967 and completed his internship, residency and a cardiology fellowship in India.

Dr. Mahapatra moved in 1977 to Detroit, Michigan, where he completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital and a cardiology fellowship at Sinai Hospital. He was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Subspecialty Board of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Before moving to Lincoln, he practiced in Louisville, Kentucky, and was an assistant professor at the University of Louisville. He also directed the cardiac catheterization laboratory and served in leadership positions at the VA Medical Center in Louisville.

Dr. Mahapatra was a member of the Bryan Medical Staff from 1985-2008.

He was an active supporter of the People’s City Mission and other local nonprofit organizations.

In his free time, Dr. Mahapatra loved travel, photography and scuba diving.

He is survived by his wife, Amrita; their children, Jyoti, Suraj and Ravi; his in-laws; two grandchildren; five siblings and six nieces and nephews. n

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BRYAN TRAUMA

Trauma survivor Miles Margritz was recognized at this year’s Tribute to Trauma Champions for his inspirational recovery.

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BRYAN TRAUMA

Musician defies all odds

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iles Margritz has always loved music. Even at the age of two, he would pull pots and pans from the cupboard and use wooden spoons to lay down a beat on his makeshift drum set.

“My mom said that she needed to get me into drum lessons, but nobody would take a two-year-old,” he says, laughing.

He finally found a willing teacher when he turned eight, and from then, music continued to be a hallmark of his life. Miles, who grew up on a farm south of Kearney, majored in percussion at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he also studied strings and piano. When he first met Christy — who would later become his wife — they argued over the validity of country music. (Christy says he’s since come around to appreciate it even more than she does.) Miles plays guitar and bass for his church’s worship team, and Christy sings. Their children, Ellie, 4, and Wes, 2, already love playing drums and ukuleles.

“A day doesn’t go by that we’re not listening to music, singing music or playing music,” Miles says. “It’s just a lifestyle for us.”

It was a natural fit when Miles started teaching lessons at Yandas Music and Pro Audio, and after a few years, he worked his way up to become the manager of Yandas’ Grand Island location.

But on Dec. 20, 2017, Miles and his family had to put their lives on hold. Miles had stopped in at work that morning and was planning to join his co-workers for a Christmas party at Perkins. When he didn’t show up, his co-workers became concerned. After trying to call him several times, they recognized a crumpled Toyota Prius just outside the restaurant — it was Miles’ company car.

Miles doesn’t remember it, but he had been waiting to turn into the Perkins parking lot when another car running without headlights rammed into the Prius at 140 miles per hour.

He was taken to a hospital in Grand Island, where Christopher Seip, MD, of Surgery Group of Grand Island, performed emergency surgery. When Christy was finally able to see him, Miles was almost completely covered in sterile drapes, with only his mouth and his right hand visible.

“I got to see him for maybe two full minutes before the

Music is a constant in Christy and Miles Margritz’ household, with preschoolers Ellie and Wes joining in the fun. flight team came in,” Christy says.

She learned they would be taking Miles to Lincoln for further treatment, and she remembers feeling relieved.

“I knew he was going some place where they were specially trained to take care of the needs that he had,” she says.

Once he arrived at the Bryan Trauma Center, the team began assessing his injuries. The list was long: he had a punctured lung, he was bleeding from his spleen, his colon was in two halves, he had fractures in his skull and pelvis, his scapula was broken along with several ribs, and his ankle was mangled so badly that the bottom of his left foot was facing up. Initially, the team wasn’t sure that the foot could be saved, and they were considering amputation.

“Miles had an injury in practically every system of his body,” says trauma medical director and surgeon Stanley Okosun, MD, of Bryan Trauma, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network.

Waiting was difficult, but Christy says Dr. Okosun helped her family find strength.

“Dr. Okosun came out to talk to us for the first time, and he

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BRYAN TRAUMA

Faith, friendship and teamwork help patient survive probably gave me the most hope ever,” she a music genre, and he began spitting out recalls. “To have a surgeon get face to face stories about, ‘Well, this musician did that, with me and ask, ‘Do you have faith?’ and and did you know who wrote this song?’ I I said, ‘Yes.’ And he said, ‘With all things? looked at the nurses and said, ‘He’s going Not some — all things. We’re going to get to be fine. He remembers all of his trivia. your boy back, and it’s going to be OK.’ To He’s going to be fine.’” have a surgeon realize how important that Miles says his first memory of recovery is, I knew we were in good hands.” was from Jan. 3, as he was wheeled to a Christy had another surprise that day. new floor. Later that month Christy, Ellie While she was in the surgery waiting area, and Wes helped Miles celebrate his 29th she heard a familiar voice. It was certified birthday by decorating his room and physician assistant Danielle Bachman, a bringing presents. He began inpatient longtime friend who had been in Christy rehab at Bryan, and on Jan. 30, after 40 and Miles’ wedding. She was working that days in the hospital, he was finally able to day, and when she heard a trauma was go home.

Miles Margritz wears his “turtle shell” coming in from her hometown of Grand At this point, Miles says he feels like early in the recovery process.

Island, she wondered who it was. Danielle he’s nearly fully recovered. He’s still doing was stunned to find out it was Miles. physical therapy, and he’s noticed he has “The helicopter called when they were 15 minutes away, to work a little harder to retain details because of his brain and they were telling us that they had him maxed out on blood injury. After one last surgery, his left hand’s pinky is still giving pressure medication, they were giving him blood, and he was him some issues, but he’s back to playing guitar. still hypotensive, which are not great signs,” she recalls. Danielle “A pinky shouldn’t be this big of a deal,” he jokes. says the team worked hard to anticipate Miles’ specific needs Because Miles also suffered some hearing loss from one and get everything prepared in the ICU before he arrived. of his skull fractures, he’ll need a hearing aid. He says at first Miles and Christy say they felt blessed to have had amazing he was a little annoyed, but now he sees a silver lining. His doctors and nurses, but it was a special godsend to have a close daughter, Ellie, has a hearing device as well, and when he told friend there with them. her that he’d be getting one, too, she was excited.

“She could be real and honest with you at a more personal “When I came back from my first appointment, I told her level than a stranger would be,” says Miles. that Daddy was going to have one like hers,” he remembers.

In the coming weeks, Miles would have more than a dozen “She just lit up. ‘We’re going to match!’ is what she said. I’m glad surgeries. Orthopedic trauma surgeon Alesha Scott, DO, of that it will help me connect with her in that way.”

Bryan Trauma installed screws to help repair Miles’ broken Miles and Christy both say they feel like they experienced a pelvis, and he was fitted with a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis miracle through his recovery. brace — also known as a “turtle shell” — to prevent twisting in “I’m just honestly thankful to be here,” he says. “I have a lot his spine while a fractured vertebra healed. After Joshua Vest, of respect for everybody involved in the situation. I probably DPM, of Capital Foot & Ankle performed several surgeries on didn’t realize how important those people were until being Miles’ ankle, he used a walking boot to help him gain mobility. involved in an accident like this.” n Christy says despite those difficult early days, one moment To learn how you can support the work of stood out to her when she knew Miles would be OK. Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at “If you know Miles, you know he knows way too many VIDEO 402-481-8605. You can watch a video about Miles’ musical trivia facts,” she says. “I knew he was making a recovery story at bryanhealth.org/trauma-champions. because after one of his surgeries, something was said about

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BRYAN TRAUMA CHAMPIONS

Bryan’s Sept. 13 event at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker saluted first responders and those who helped with Miles’ recovery.

Tribute to Champions honors Miles’ caregivers

Miles was all smiles with medical director Stanley Okosun, MD, and Alesha Scott, DO, of Bryan Trauma.

Miles and Christy Margritz pose with Ellie and Wes beforehand.

First responders Sara Slingsby, RN, of Good Samaritan AirCare and Jeff Engberg, NRP, of Grand Island Fire and Rescue (in photo above) share the stage with Miles, as do Matt Kampfe, PT, and Matt O’Neill, PT, of Alpha Rehab of Kearney (in photo at left).

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M E D S PA AT B RYA N L I F E P O I N T E

Unique truSculpt reduces problem areas

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or many people, weight loss is the first step toward improving their overall physique and self-esteem.

But weight loss isn’t always a uniform approach to transforming the body.

For trouble areas that simply won’t budge, you can take advantage of the innovative new Cutera truSculpt 3D procedure available at the MedSpa at Bryan LifePointe.

“I’ve seen many individuals who are diligent about their diet and fitness and have even lost a lot of weight and kept it off, but they still struggle with specific areas,” says Carrie Kleinschmidt, PA-C at Bryan LifePointe Campus. “No matter how much they exercise or watch their diet, they still have difficulty transforming certain areas.

That’s where this new procedure comes in.”

What is truSculpt 3D? Cutera truSculpt 3D body sculpting is a unique, non-surgical process optimized to deliver targeted, repeatable and uniform sculpting of problem areas. Product testing has revealed an average of 24 percent fat reduction in a short time over a large treatment zone.

“It works to penetrate into the subcutaneous layer, disrupting the membrane of the fat cell so the body has to eliminate that cell through the renal system,” Carrie explains. “The truSculpt 3D is a heat-based platform utilizing radio frequency as its energy source. In addition to fat destruction, its secondary benefit is skin tightening, which is very beneficial to those problem areas.”

Tanja’s experience Tanja Gilbertson, a busy mom and day care owner, had been researching ways to achieve her goals and decided to set up an appointment elsewhere for a different type of body sculpting. However, after reading some reviews and asking around, she

Tanja Gilbertson confers with MedSpa’s Carrie Kleinschmidt, PA-C, after a truSculpt 3D procedure at Bryan LifePointe Campus.

started to search for something better.

“I wasn’t liking the feedback I saw for the procedure I was initially planning to have, so I wanted to see if there was

an alternative that would deliver a better experience and get me the results I was looking for,” she says. “I discovered the majority of the comments about truSculpt

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M E D S PA AT B RYA N L I F E P O I N T E were highly positive, so I booked a consultation with the MedSpa at Bryan LifePointe to learn more.”

Tanja wanted to focus on her upper body. While she had tried to tone her arms through diet and exercise, she had trouble establishing muscle tone. During Tanja’s initial consultation, Carrie discussed the procedure and expectations, noting that it may require a few sessions to achieve maximum results.

“One of the things I loved about getting this procedure done at the MedSpa is that they’re really knowledgeable and recognize what they need to do to get the best results for their clients,” says Tanja.

“Plus, both Carrie and Dr. Rubab Husain (MedSpa’s medical director, from Southeast Lincoln Family Medicine, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network) are medical professionals with more extensive training and qualifications compared to other places that might offer a procedure like this.”

Tanja’s first truSculpt session involved applying heat to each arm for 30 minutes.

“I saw results almost immediately,” she says. “I had a pocket of fat just above my elbow, and truSculpt 3D managed to blast that away! I can wear tank tops and sleeveless shirts now. I’m more comfortable in my clothes and they’re not as snug as they used to be. It’s a great feeling.”

Tanja says that’s a typical question.

“When people ask what it was like, I usually tell them it was ‘intense’ — meaning it starts off somewhat minimal and then becomes more intense in terms of heat on your skin near the end.”

The truSculpt device provides a non-surgical way to reduce fat.

Tackling problem areas According to Carrie, popular target areas include the abdomen, chin and inner thighs, although it can be applied to other areas. Results begin to show up in about six weeks or less and typically are maximized in 12 weeks, depending on the area.

To prep, individuals are instructed to hydrate well so their bodies are ready to flush out the remnants of the fat cells.

Some clients may experience a little discomfort during the procedure due to the heat but find that it’s manageable for short periods of time.

Taking the next step If you’re looking for more information or may be considering Cutera truSculpt 3D, book a complimentary consultation with the MedSpa. “We don’t charge for this consultation,” Carrie says. “Talking about the procedure and how it might work for you is necessary as you consider your options. Simply give us a call and we’ll set up that initial free consult.”

Tanja encourages people to explore truSculpt 3D to help them achieve their goals.

“For any procedure like this, you’ll want to do your research, so you know what you’re getting yourself into,” she adds. “And give it time. Don’t judge your results two weeks in, even if there are some noticeable changes. I had two sessions and saw the full results come at the end of that 60-90 day window.”

To learn more, contact the MedSpa staff at Bryan LifePointe at 402-481-6321 or visit bryanlifepointe.com/MedSpa. n

Spa & Fitness Holiday Specials From pampering experiences to fitness to gift cards to use as you choose, our holiday specials offer the best of The Spa at Bryan LifePointe and Bryan LifePointe Fitness!

Gift cards for the amount of your choice make great stocking stuffers!

Start shopping now!

Stop by: 7501 S. 27th St. Call: 402-481-6321 Online: bryanlifepointe.com/holidayspecials

The Spa at Brya n LifePoin te

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PA R T N E R I N G W I T H O U R CO M M U N I T Y

Bryan partners with UNL film project to tell special story

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ebraska is a professional insight offered welcoming

by Bryan staff and film state. Bryan crew. Professionals who Health recently worked on the film have collaborated with a local A-List credits that include film project, “The Healing “Frozen,” “The Curious Case of Harman,” that highlights of Benjamin Button,” “Pearl Nebraska’s caring approach Harbor,” “Star Trek” and to community and embracing “Silver Linings Playbook.” others.

“Lincoln is a welcoming The mission was to and generous community, create a 20-minute film, and it is a secret to most set in Lincoln that provided of Lincoln outside the local students with opportunities to refugee community and work directly with Hollywood certainly beyond,” says Julie professionals. The bigger Uribe, the film’s executive The UNL crew and actors set up a scene during the filming of “The goal quickly became not only producer and writer.

Healing of Harman” at Bryan West Campus. to train and entertain the “The faculty, producers university community, but and writers of the Carson to produce a film that would inspire a local, state and global film would like to change that. Bryan was instrumental in our audience and elevate the unique story of Lincoln as a refugee ability to not only tell this story, but also added to the quality resettlement community. of the film and the experience of the students involved in a To accomplish this, the creators started with a compelling tremendously positive way.” story built around refugee facts of which many residents are The plot and characters are inspired by real-life stories from not aware. In 2000, Lincoln was declared the 12th largest local refugees and extensive research. In short, “The Healing of resettlement site for refugees per capita in the country. Nebraska Harman” follows a Kurdish refugee who works as an interpreter in had resettled more refugees than any other state in the country Lincoln. He then meets a mysterious man who asks for help with during the first three months of 2017. Nearly 1,700 Iraqis have life and death consequences. arrived in the state since October 2006.

Uribe says, “The film is not a heavy political piece but aims to The story revolves around a translator working in a hospital ask big, universal questions about hope, faith and forgiveness.” setting. With a commitment to community and enriching the Bryan cares about community partnership, an important trait lives of others, Bryan Health was able to accommodate filming at noted by Uribe. She says, “In my experience in the entertainment Bryan West Campus. The film crew included professionals, as well business of more than 25 years, the partnership with Bryan as dozens of University of Nebraska-Lincoln film students.

Health on the Carson film has been unprecedented. The hospital Brad Colee, video and media relations specialist at Bryan, and their expert staff showed the students the best-case scenario helped host the project members. “We recognized the importance of collaboration during the production process.” of authentically representing nurses and other care providers.

Uribe reflects, “From coordinating logistics to giving us access More than a dozen members of the Bryan Health family happily to the best medical experts in the region, The Carson School shared their technical expertise, insight and feedback with the could not have asked for a better environment for learning and film crew,” he says. creativity.”

“We were able to utilize a former simulation lab, so the The film premiered in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Royal filming could occur without any interruption of care for our Theater in September and was shown in Lincoln at the Ross patients and show a realistic representation of a hospital Theater in October. “The Healing of Harman” is sponsored by the environment.”

Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the Johnny Students benefitted from Bryan’s hospitality and from the Carson School of Theatre and Film. n 30 Fall 2018

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BRYAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Alumni share memories, make new ones

Bryan College of Health Sciences Alumni Weekend in June reunited many classmates, such as members of the Class of 1968 from Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (left) and the Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing (below).

Kristina (Severson) Benson (Class of 2003) won the Clinical Excellence Award, and Stacy (Popken) Shutts (2012) won the Alumni Association Loyalty Award.

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VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Difference Bakers serve treats, smiles and friendship

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f you smell freshly “Being a baked cookies in the Difference Baker is hall, you may be only actually how I met my steps away from a friend Judy,” Dottie team of special volunexplains. “When teers at Bryan Health.

I applied to be a Introducing “The Differvolunteer at Bryan, ence Bakers.” the Difference Baker These volunteers fulfill role was open and I a specific daily mission — thought it sounded “Baking a difference, one fun. Judy and I started cookie and smile at a time.” serving together and Volunteers start their quickly took to each two-hour shift either indiother like sisters. vidually or in teams of two, We’ve been baking picking up frozen cookie cookies together ever dough from Nutrition and since!”

Dining Services. Otis SpunkJudy looks forward meyer, the company that to her volunteer shift makes the cookie dough, each week. also provides a portable “I love being a oven that makes it possible part of this team for the volunteers to actually Difference Bakers Theresa Hohmeier, Dottie McEwen and Judy Hunt say bakbecause it makes bake the cookies on location. ing and sharing cookies at Bryan is a highlight of the week. the visitors and staff It’s common for the smell to happy! It’s fun that I waft throughout a nursing unit and even into the elevators! get to serve each day with my friend Dottie,” she says. “Plus, There’s an element of mystery in the cookie selection — the people at Bryan are so gracious.” rotating between chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, Being a Difference Baker doesn’t require a long list of skills, snickerdoodle and M&M treats. Volunteers bake two-three but there are a few qualities at the top of the list, including batches during their shift, resulting in four-six dozen cookies a warm, caring personality and the willingness to serve each day. Cookies are shared with families, visitors, staff, physiothers. Volunteers are assigned two-hour shifts on weekdays, cians and even to patients if it’s appropriate for their diet. specifically in the afternoon — the perfect time for a cookie.

“I’ve been serving in this role for a number of years,” says Individuals interested in this particular volunteering volunteer Theresa Hohmeier. “And it doesn’t matter what day opportunity are encouraged to contact Bryan Volunteers & it is or the type of cookie we’re baking — we always run out of Customer Care at 402-481-3032. cookies!”

“Go for it,” says Dottie. “It will enlighten your life. There’s For volunteers Judy Hunt and Dottie McEwen, baking and nothing else like it.” n sharing cookies at Bryan is one of the highlights of their week, To learn more about volunteering at Bryan, go to not to mention the catalyst for their friendship. bryanhealth.org/volunteer.

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ACHIEVEMENTS

Organizations salute Bryan accomplishments U.S. News & World Report ranked Bryan Medical Center the second best hospital in Nebraska. The magazine’s 29th annual Best Hospitals for Common Care rankings gave Bryan high performing marks in five categories.

Consumer Reports recognized Bryan Heart physicians practicing at Bryan Medical Center for their excellence in cardiac bypass surgery. The study also gave Bryan Medical Center high marks for its low rate of readmissions of Medicare patients.

A perioperative team project earned the Nebraska Hospital Association’s Quest for Excellence Award. The initiative, which investigated ways to reduce pressure ulcers, has significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients.

The Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons reverified Bryan Trauma Center as a Level II Trauma Center.

Baby-Friendly USA redesignated Bryan Health as a Baby-Friendly birth facility. Only 537 hospitals in the United States received this distinction, which recognizes facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers information, confidence and skills needed to successfully breastfeed their babies. n

Missy Bartels won the first DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

The Guard saluted Dave Patterson and Scott Selzer.

Dr. Michelle Johnson is the Weber Distinguished Professor.

Bartels receives Guard honors Johnson tabbed leadership award Patterson, Selzer for professorship Neuro/Trauma ICU manager Missy Bartels, RN, received our first-ever DAISY Nurse Leader Award.

Her nomination notes, in part, “She is an inspiration ... and lives the Bryan core values every day. She encourages nurses to be the best version of ourselves.”

DAISY stands for Disease Attacking the Immune System and was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.

Bryan has presented this international award to a staff nurse every month since 2010 — and the new annual Nurse Leader Award recognizes a leader who is a mentor and motivator and creates an environment fostering care and compassion. n

Biomedical Electronics manager Dave Patterson and Biomedical Electronics supervisor Scott Selzer were surprised by Patriot Awards for extraordinary support of Sgt. Oscar Garcia, who’s serving in the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 267th Surface Maintenance Company.

Bruce Wood, employer outreach director for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program, presented the awards during a Biomedical Electronics staff meeting that was attended

by Brigadier General Richard Dahlman, Deputy Commanding General of the National Guard. n

Bryan College of Health Sciences Associate Professor Michelle Johnson, PhD, RN, is the Helen Weber Distinguished Professor in Nursing Education.

Dr. Johnson teaches undergraduate nursing and coordinates the RN-to-BSN program. Her project researches intervention and education strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in refugee populations in Lincoln.

This professorship, endowed by 1939 Bryan alumna Helen Weber, is awarded for distinguished work in teaching and research in the field of nursing education and supports the recipient’s scholarly efforts for three years. n

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Discrimination is against the law

B

ryan Medical Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Bryan Medical Center does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

If you have questions about the law, please contact our Patient Experience Officer. You can either call at 402-481-0139, write to Bryan Medical Center, Attn: Patient Experience Officer, 1600 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 or email patientexperience@bryanhealth.org.

Bryan Medical Center Provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as: • Qualified sign language interpreters • Written information in large print, audio, accessible electronic formats

or other formats Provides free language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as: • Qualified interpreters • Information written in other languages If you need these interpreter services, contact our Administrative Managers 24/7: 800-742-7844. You may also email a request for interpreter services: communicationassist@bryanhealth.org If you believe Bryan Medical Center has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with: Patient Family Relations Representative 1600 S. 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone 402-481-5761 - TTY 800-833-7352 - Fax 402-481-8306 patientexperience@bryanhealth.org You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, the Patient Family Relations Representative is available to help you. Please see the contact information above.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/ portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Room 509F, HHH Building Washington, D.C. 20201 1-800-368-1019 -TTY 800-537-7697 Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-742-7844; TTY: 1-800-833-7352.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-742-7844; TTY: 1-800-833-7352.

CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-800-742-7844; TTY: 1-800-833-7352. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-742-7844; (TTY: 1-800-833-7352）。 ‫م لحوظة‬: ‫ اذك ر ت تحدث ك نت إذا‬،‫ل ك ت تواف ر ال ل غوي ة ال م ساعدة خدمات ف إن ال ل غة‬ ‫ب ال مجان‬. ‫ ب رق م ات صل‬Fa1-800-742-7844 (‫وال ب كم ال صم هات ف رق م‬: 1-800-833-7352).

1-800-742-7844 (TTY: 1-800-833-7352).

ATTENTION : Si vous parlez français, des services d'aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-800-742-7844; (ATS: 1-800-833-7352).

XIYYEEFFANNAA: Afaan dubbattu Oroomiffa, tajaajila gargaarsa afaanii, kanfaltiidhaan ala, ni argama. Bilbilaa 1-800-742-7844; (TTY 1-800-833-7352).

ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung. Rufnummer: 1-800-742-7844; TTY: 1-800-833-7352. 주의: 한국어를 사용하시는 경우, 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. 1-800-742-7844; (TTY: 1-800-833-7352) 번으로 전화해 주십시오. ध्यान दिनह ु ोस ्: तपार्इंले नेपाली बोल्नह ु ु न्छ भने तपार्इंको ननम्तत भाषा सहायता सेवाहरू ननिःशल् ु ोस ् 1-800-742-7844; ु क रूपमा उपलब्ध छ । फोन गनह

(दिदिवार्इ: 1-800-833-7352) ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы говорите на русском языке, то вам доступны бесплатные услуги перевода. Звоните 1-800-742-7844 (телетайп: 1-800-833-7352). ໂປດຊາບ: ຖ້າວ່າທ່ານເວົ້າພາສາລາວ,ການບໍລິການຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອດ້ານພາສາ, ໂດຍບໍ່ເສັຽຄ່າ, ແມ່ນມີພ້ອມໃຫ້ທ່ານ. ໂທຣ 1-800-742-7844 (TTY: 1-800-833-7352). ‫ئ اگ اداری‬: ‫ قە سە ک وردی زمان ی ب ە ئەگە ر‬،‫ي ارمەت ی خزمەت گوزاريەک ان ی دەکەي ت‬ ،‫ زمان‬،‫بەردە س تە ت ۆ ب ۆ بەخ ۆڕاي ی‬. ‫ ب ە پەي وەن دی‬1- 800-742-7844 (TTY (1-800-833-7352 ‫ب کە‬. ‫ت وجە‬: ‫ می گ ف ت گو ف ار سی زب ان ب ە اگ ر‬،‫راي گان ب صورت زب ان ی ت سه یالت ک ن ید‬ ‫ب ا شد می ف راهم شما ب رای‬. ‫ ب ا‬1-800-742-7844 (TTY: 1-800-833-7352) ‫ت ماس‬ ‫ب گ یري د‬. 注意事項：日本語を話される場合、無料の言語支援をご利用いただけます 1-800-742-7844; (TTY: 1-800-833-7352) まで、お電話にてご連絡ください

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Diabetes Health Fair – Celebrate World Diabetes Day Wednesday, Nov. 14, 3-6:30 p.m.

Join us for this special event with Bryan Diabetes Center and Bryan LifePointe.

You will have opportunities to speak with certified diabetes educators, visit vendor exhibits, attend cooking demonstrations and much more! n 3-6:30 p.m. – Vendors are open. n 3-3:30 p.m. – Get moving with easy, fun exercises. n 3:45-4 p.m. – Free blood sugar testing (please do not fast for this test). n 4-4:30 p.m. – Cooking demonstration, sponsored by Nebraska Dairy Council. n 5-5:30 p.m. – Cooking demonstration, sponsored by Nebraska Beef Council. n 5:45-6:15 p.m. – How Diabetes Impacts Your Mental Health: Support for You and Your Family, by Dave Miers, PhD. Cost: This Diabetes Health Fair is free!

Where: Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. For more information, call 402-481-6300.

Bryan Health Indoor Triathlon Saturday, Jan. 26 First wave begins at 6:30 a.m. and a new wave begins every 25 minutes.

Whether you are new to triathlon or an experienced athlete, this event is a great way to introduce yourself to the sport or test your endurance and check on the progress of your training. If you aren’t comfortable doing this alone, find two friends and compete as a team!

The total triathlon event will be 75 minutes: n 10-minute swim in lap pool. n 10-minute transition. n 30-minute bike on spin bike. n 5-minute transition. n 20-minute run on treadmill.

Cost: $25 for an individual or $75 for a three-person team.

Where: Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. Register: bryanhealth.org/triathlon.

Bryan Health Podcasts Listen at bryanhealth.org/podcasts.

Foods and Exercises to Reduce Your Arthritis Pain Jaimie Russell, APRN-NP, Arthritis Center of Nebraska, shares what types of food, supplements and exercise can ease your arthritis pain and help you feel better.

Opioids: What Are They, Addiction Concerns and Other Alternatives Wes Whitten, MD, Nebraska Pain Institute, discusses signs and concerns of opioid addiction and the many non-surgical options available for pain management.

Negative Self-Talk: Is It Hurting You More Than You Know?

Dave Miers, PhD, Bryan Mental Health Services, shares what negative self-talk is, how to identify it and ways to overcome it.

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 267 Lincoln, NE 1600 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506

Address service requested

New Doctor Office in Your Neighborhood

5901 N. 27th St., Suite 102 27th & Fletcher

NorthPointe Family Medicine is here to care for you.

Left to Right, Back row: William Coady, MD; Elizabeth DiPerna, PA; George Hansen, MD; Jerry Rector, MD Front row: David Dick, PA; Tanja Noecker, PA; Gabriel Jefferson, PA

Schedule Your Appointment at NorthPointe Family Medicine Call: 402-483-8830

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Online: bryanhealth.org/npfm

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