Connect Summer 2012

connect Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Midwifery program comes to LMH

In this issue Extended hours at Eudora Family Care Pre-concussion screenings for student athletes Hearts of Gold Ball exceeds goal Summer 2012

Eudora Family Care extends for patient

convenience

hours

Exceptional patient care is nothing new at Eudora Family Care, but extended office hours are! The practice, located in the LMH Eudora Medical Park, just south of K-10 highway off Church Street in Eudora, is now open for early morning, late evening and weekend appointments.

Physician assistant Rebekah Johnston joined Eudora Family Care in July and is assisting patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The extended hours will improve access for our patients,” Johnston says.

Physician assistants, also known as PAs, are mid-level health care providers who practice medicine under the direction and supervision of physicians. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.

Johnston trained at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earning her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree in 2007.

She has worked as a PA in Topeka and Lawrence since 2008.

“I practice in family medicine, and I am able to see patients for both well and sick visits and prescribe medicine and order tests.”

Eudora Family Care offers area families a convenient, local connection to services provided by Lawrence Memorial Hospital physicians and staff. In 2011, the practice moved to the new LMH Eudora Medical Park. In addition to the comprehensive family care provided by Drs. Daniel Dickerson and Elizabeth Stamper at the location, the facility also offers on-site pharmacy services by Byrne’s Pharmacy and outpatient rehabilitation services by LMH Eudora Therapy Services. — Kate Hardy

600 E. 20th Street Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-2345

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To get more information, visit www.lmh.org.

Extended Hours!

Monday, Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Meet the providers at Eudora Family Care

Daniel Dickerson, MD, PhD Dr. Dickerson is board certified in family medicine with a doctorate in biochemistry and is an ImPACT certified concussion physician. He earned his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he is a clinical preceptor. In 2012 he received the Preceptor Excellence Award by the Medical Student Assembly of the University of Kansas. In 2006, that same group awarded Dr. Dickerson the prestigious Rainbow Award for excellence in student mentoring. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. A resident of Eudora, he serves on the Eudora Board of Education, and he enjoys spending time in the community with his wife, Jill, and two daughters.

Elizabeth Stamper, DO Dr. Stamper joined Eudora Family Care in 2010. She graduated from Kansas State University and earned her medical degree at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. She completed her residency and internship at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Dr. Stamper is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and is board certified in family medicine. She and her husband, Erik, are the parents of two sons.

Rebekah Johnston, PA Rebekah (Becki) Johnston, PA, joined Eudora Family Care in 2012. She has worked in Family Medicine since 2007, when she completed her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Marquette University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences in 2006 from Marquette University. In 2007, Johnston obtained her PA certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Rebekah and her husband, Chad, are proud parents of daughter, Evie.

Pre-concussion screening available for athletes in Lawrence and Eudora schools Getting a concussion, says Dr. Daniel Dickerson of Eudora Family Care, is not unlike getting an injury to the ankle. Both compromise the functioning of the body parts that have been impacted, and both need time to heal. Whereas an ankle fracture can be clearly seen on an X-ray and show obvious symptoms like limping or pain, a concussion to the brain is not always as easily or accurately diagnosed and treated. A brain can have swelling that does not show up on a CT scan. Recovery time is often marked only by symptoms of the patient, which does not give quantifiable benchmarks on the healing process.

For high school athletes, a concussion means sitting on the sidelines during recovery.

However, the ambiguity of when an athlete is fully recovered can lead to either too little or too much sideline time.

This has led to collaboration in the school and community between Dr. Dickerson and Adam Rolf, physical therapist and athletic trainer with LMH Therapy Services, to pave the way for administering ImPACT in local school districts. ImPACT is a computerized test that documents athletes’ normal neurocognitive function levels in memory, attention span, brain processing speed and reaction time. A report is generated for the athlete, which can be read by a trained physician. An athlete who has suffered a concussion takes a post-concussive test, which can be compared to the baseline. The test is being utilized by the NFL and other major sports leagues and can be administered to athletes from junior high on up.

LMH has purchased the ImPACT software and will be using the program to perform baseline tests on athletes in Lawrence and Eudora at no cost to the student athletes. The tests will be administered to 9th–12th grade athletes in the Lawrence school district, and to 8th–12th grade athletes in the Eudora school district. Athletic trainers at both districts will start administering the tests in August. Dr. Dickerson as well as Thomas Marcellino, MD; Joy Murphy, MD and Karen Evans, DO of Mt. Oread Family Practice, have received specialized training to treat concussive patients using the ImPACT reports.

Dr. Dickerson says, “According to an article in Medscape Medical News, there has been a 200% increase in concussions in 12-19 year olds in the last 10 years. Prior to ImPACT, the best measure of a person’s brain function was their symptoms – and most of the symptoms would be vague. Now the testing allows us to know what they mean and gives us quantitative numbers. It gives us more information to decide what to do.”

Rolf says, “Having the ImPACT test gives parents and kids a peace of mind that when they return to play, their brain is functioning as before. And trainers can be assured that they have more objective data to really make sure their athlete is ready for play.”

The Lawrence school district will administer 1,400 tests, and Eudora will do 350. The tests will also be available at Eudora Family Care and Mt. Oread Family Practice for $25. The baseline report is good for two years. An athlete who does not take the pre-concussion test can still take the post-concussion test and have the results compared to a normative group.

Rolf says, “Acquiring ImPACT was collaboration between Eudora Family Care, Mt. Oread Family Practice, LMH Therapy Services, and the LMH administration. We saw that this was something that is missing from schools locally — something that they would benefit from but may not have the financial means to implement. This is something that we could provide to the community to ensure the highest level of specialized care.”

—Daisy Wakefield

What is a physician assistant?

Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician or surgeon and typically do the following: • Review patients’ medical histories • Do physical exams to check patients’ health • Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood tests • Make preliminary diagnoses concerning a patient’s injury or illness • Perform minor surgical procedures: for example laceration repair (stitches), excision of moles and incision & drainage of abscesses.

• Counsel patients and their families; for example, answering questions about how to care for a child with asthma • Prescribe medicine, when needed • Record a patient’s progress

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LMH joins Midwest Cancer Alliance Lawrence Memorial Hospital is the newest member of the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA), an organization that works to improve cancer care throughout the region by providing access to the latest advancements close to home.

The MCA is part of the University of Kansas Cancer Center that links discoveries in labs at the University of Kansas Medical Center to a network of hospitals and health care organizations. The goal is to advance the quality and reach of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship methods in Kansas and western Missouri.

“In keeping with our ongoing pursuit of excellence and our dedication to serve cancer patients in our area with community-based care, LMH is proud to join this outstanding network,” says Gene Meyer, LMH president and chief executive officer. “I know our Oncology Center team is committed to working together with the University of Kansas Cancer Center and other members of the MCA to support the advancement of cancer care.”

As a member, LMH will be able to expand and enhance cancer care services by: • Providing patients access to additional advanced clinical trials, including new trials developed at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, • Offering consultation and second opinion services for cancer diagnoses, and • Expanding continuing professional education and access to an established network of cancer professionals in the region.

“Our goal is to make sure Kansans can access the latest advancements in cancer care close to home,” says Gary Doolittle, medical director of the MCA. “Lawrence Memorial Hospital shares this goal and we are excited to welcome them to the network.” —Janice Early

The Oncology Center at LMH provides advanced cancer treatments in a safe, caring and private environment that’s close to home.

The Center’s team approach involves a network of specialists working closely with individuals, families, primary care providers and each other to deliver personalized treatment plans and additional support.

In addition to standard cancer treatment options, the LMH Oncology Center offers more than 150 cancer research trials, all approved by the National Cancer Institute. The Oncology Center’s staff includes five board-certified oncologists, a doctor of pharmacy with specialized training in oncology, dedicated oncology social workers, and a nursing team of oncology certified professionals. The Oncology Center includes 15 private outpatient treatment rooms, recently renovated and equipped with new patient infusion chairs, flat screen televisions, DVD players, comfortable guest chairs and iPads.

The center also hosts weekly interdisciplinary tumor conferences, provides genetic risk testing and counseling, offers support groups and survivorship programs and has an onsite specialty shop, Mario’s Closet, offering salon services, skin care products, wigs, prosthetics and more.

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Lawrence Cancer Center upgrades to linear accelerator for radiation therapy The Lawrence Cancer Center has recently become home to a new piece of equipment that delivers radiation treatment to patients. The Varian 21 IX Linear Accelerator contains some of the most technologically advanced cancer treatment equipment available.

The new 21 IX machine will continue to provide life-saving radiation treatments to cancer patients, just as the previous accelerator has done for nearly a decade — but with greater efficiency, patient comfort and more advanced imaging technology.

“The previous machine we had was a very good, dependable machine that could provide sophisticated treatments,” explains The LMH Oncology Center provides advanced Darren Klish, MD, radiation cancer treatments in a safe, caring and private environment that’s close to home. oncologist at the Lawrence Cancer Center. “But we strive to provide radiation treatments with the very least toxicity and the very highest chances of cure. The efficiency this machine offers helps us stay at the forefront of radiation therapy technology.”

The linear accelerator is an extremely complex, sophisticated machine that delivers radiation therapy to solid tumors. It can deliver precise high doses of radiation to small tumors, even in areas of the body that move during breathing, such as the chest, abdomen and pelvis.

It is equipped with both low-dose KV imaging and a CT scanner, imaging technologies that allow faster and more precise treatment. Once a patient is immobilized, a CT scan can be performed and fused instantaneously with the treatment plan. This capability allows a verification of the treatment plan on a daily basis and highly accurate delivery. The machine also allows for remote movement of the patient for imaging and treatment, which can significantly reduce patient treatment times.

Dr. Klish says, “We’re very sensitive to the stress and burden of a cancer diagnosis. It’s important for patients in Douglas County to know that though they can explore treatment options elsewhere, access to stateof-the-art oncology care is available locally. LMH offers a high caliber of radiation therapy equal to that of any National Cancer Institute for nearly all cancer stages and diagnoses.” —Daisy Wakefield

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Midwifery program coming to LMH When most people think of midwives, they think of rustic birth settings outside of hospital walls. They think of lay people delivering babies and tearing sheets and boiling water. However, Lawrence Memorial Hospital is out to prove those stereotypes wrong.

Midwifery has moved into the 21st century, and LMH is moving with it.

Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists has just begun its own nurse midwife program, and has hired two certified nurse midwives to join their team.

Pam Pray has been a registered nurse for 16 years and has practiced in all areas of maternity care including the office setting, mother-baby, labor and delivery, nursery, and NICU. As a labor and delivery nurse she says she “fell in love with the delivery process,” and wanted to be able to take care of women throughout their pregnancies from their earliest visits all the way through the babies’ arrivals.

Pray graduated from Frontier School of Midwifery in 2005 and has been a certified nurse midwife ever since. “I’m so excited to bring certified midwifery to Lawrence,” she says. “Lawrence has a higher home birth population than average, so hopefully we can bring some of those patients who prefer a non-invasive birth to the hospital setting where they can have a great support team beside them.”

Approximately 100 patients annually deliver outside the community.

Pam Pray, CNM, APRN, MSN, and Phillip Moreano, MD, talk with a patient.

www.lmh.org

Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists also welcomes Jaime Thompson to its midwifery program. Thompson has been an ob/gyn RN since 2006, and graduated from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2011.

Originally a pre-med student, Thompson switched to an obstetrics nursing track when she was pregnant with her first child. “I knew I wanted to focus on childbirth as a natural process, and I learned a lot about midwives while I was pregnant.”

Like many people, Thompson knew little of midwifery at the onset of her pregnancy, but found herself drawn to the notion that childbirth is a natural process and through that research discovered that her beliefs and experience aligned with the midwife philosophy. Thompson is very invested in patient education. She wants the public to understand that choosing a certified nurse midwife does not exclude the possibility of an epidural or a hospital birth. She believes in being proactive and helping women have the healthiest possible pregnancies and babies.

Linda Easum, director of Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists, says she is “very excited to have this opportunity for our patients to have the choice of a midwife or a physician in Lawrence. Midwifery will offer a valuable and satisfying benefit for our patients and their families in the area. We are fortunate at LMH and Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists to have two very talented and caring certified midwives joining our practice.”

—Megan Green Stuke P H OTO S B Y J ASO N DAILE Y

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LMH receives chest pain center accreditation LMH has received re-accreditation by The Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC), an international accreditation center which evaluates the care of patients presenting with chest pain symptoms. Through a rigorous process of data evaluation and interviews with an SCPC surveyor, the accreditation process verifies that LMH meets or exceeds quality-of-care measures for patients with coronary symptoms. LMH demonstrated expertise in the following in order to become an Accredited Chest Pain Center: • Integration of the ER facility at LMH with the local EMS • Quick patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment • Effective treatment of low-risk chest pain patients • Continual improvement of processes and procedures • Effective organizational structure • Optimal patient care through functional design

In addition, LMH has also been certified as a Chest Pain Center with PCI (angioplasty). LMH demonstrated a 24/7 availability for angioplasty, with cardiologists Tapas Ghosh, MD, and Roger Dreiling, MD, on constant call for coronary patients.

The national standard for “door-to-balloon” time — the time that elapses between the time a patient enters a hospital with a blocked heart artery, to the time the artery is opened through a balloon angioplasty — is 90 minutes. LMH has an internal standard of 60 minutes, and is averaging times in the low 40s.

Also, patients who have cardiac symptoms but are found not to be having a heart attack are admitted to the Bob Billings Cardiac Evaluation Center, where a team of cardiac specialists can monitor the patient’s condition and determine the cause of the symptoms.

The accreditation at LMH means that patients no longer have to add an extra 30 minutes of travel time to get to an Accredited Chest Pain Center, shaving off precious time to obtain necessary treatment.

Says Ryan Jackson, director of Cardiovascular Services, “Time is muscle — the longer that an artery is closed, the more muscle dies. Now with LMH certified as an accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI, patients don’t have to travel anywhere else for treatment of a heart attack.”

—Daisy Wakefield

LMH recognized as one of the “Best Companies to Work For”

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events are Lawrence, Kansas — best among the known for its vibrant downtown, tangible elements arts culture, prestigious university that contribute to and nationally recognized men’s a strong work basketball team — can now add environment. But Lawrence Memorial Hospital as LMH President (LMH) to its prominent list. and CEO Gene Ingram’s, a Kansas City business Meyer told Ingram’s, magazine, recently recognized “We really work off LMH as one of the 2012 “Best of our values, Companies to Work For” in the large business category. interest in and Lawrence Memorial Hospital Admincompassion for those “This award demonstrates that istration Team around us, we have an engaged workforce,” says transparency and Carolyn Bowmer, vice president of respect for the individual.”

Human Resources. “LMH associates In addition to the array of services the contribute in many ways beyond their hospital provides for its associates, Bowmer individual job commitment.” believes that there is one particular aspect Year after year, based on patient and that makes the hospital as a workplace stand employee survey feedback, LMH has made out — and that is “associates’ generosity of steady improvement. “We strive to provide time, talent and financial contributions they the best patient care possible,” Bowmer says, “but also the best work environment make to each other in times of need.” for our associates.”

The LMH CARE Fund, administered by Competitive salaries and benefits, tuition the LMH Endowment Association, helps reimbursement, continuing education classes, employees facing emergencies due to scholarship opportunities, health and unforeseen circumstances. The Employee wellness programs, discounts and special Fund also provides funding for continuing

education and even offers assistance to patients needing help with prescriptions and medical equipment. It is funded by contributions from hospital associates.

Bowmer said, “Besides the engagement of our associates with our patients and each other, it is important to remember that we are part of the community we serve.”

LMH associates are generous contributors to United Way, Relay for Life, American Heart Association, March of Dimes and other causes. They volunteer at Health Care Access, their children’s schools and their churches. They serve on local boards. Through a long partnership with Pinckney Elementary school, LMH associates are engaged in the neighborhood by teaching Junior Achievement and volunteering in classrooms.

Meyer noted to Ingram’s magazine that LMH associates serve the community they live in. “We see the people we serve at the local restaurants, the ballpark, the grocery store; our employees’ children play with our patients’ children, et cetera.

We truly have a vested interest in our community.” —Kate Hardy

Become a member of the LMH community. Gifts of time and resources are welcome.

Hearts of Gold Ball raises $360,000 The LMH Endowment Association’s 2012 biennial Hearts of Gold Ball, held May 5 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, was nothing short of a smashing success. The ball was sold out and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Party-goers enjoyed amazing food, drink and entertainment, thanks to all of the sponsors and donors, and the organizers exceeded their $250,000 goal by more than $100,000.

The ball was attended by 600 community members. With 125 in-kind donors, 170 volunteers and 24 corporate sponsors, the event raised $360,000 to help fund the current renovation of the 2-North Medical Unit, slated to be complete in October of this year. Among the upgrades are private rooms that will be furnished to encourage healing and family visits, larger bathrooms, a warm and friendly family hospitality lounge, a new nurse’s station and an updated physician’s dictation area. Our patients and their families will be enjoying the fruits of the community’s generosity very soon.

Events like these require countless hours of work and selflessness on the part of many people, and LMHEA would like to thank the entire community for coming together for this meaningful and fun event. The patients served at LMH are the real recipients of the efforts of all who supported the Hearts of Gold Ball. They are, as always, first and foremost in the thoughts of everyone involved.

—Megan Green Stuke

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Beverly Smith Billings • Marilyn Dobski • Connie Sollars

Extra special thank you to Corpus Christi Catholic Church and School, Faculty and Staff Father Mick Mulvany • Trish and Keith Arnold • Matthew Jackson • Cristy Sullivan • Theresa Wyle

Executive Chef T.K. Peterson of The Oread Executive Chef Patrick Chow-Yuen of Teller’s

Master of Ceremonies Scot Buxton

RED CARPET SPONSORS

Chris Barteldes The Steve and Joan Craig Family

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Dr. Justin and Mrs. Jean Anderson Lawrence Medical Plaza–Rodger and Sheryl Henry The Ross and Marianna Beach Foundation, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS

Tom and Marilyn Dobski • The Monte and Kay Johnson Family Dale Willey Automotive • Dr. Roger and Mrs. Lynn Dreiling Meadowbrook Apartments • Perceptive Software • Zarco

BRONZE SPONSORS

Berry Plastics • Black Hills Energy • Commerce Bank • Dobies Healthcare Group First Management • Lockton Companies • Meritrust The Edmonds Duncan Group–Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pioneer Ridge • Radiologic Professional Services, P.A. • Willis

TABLE SPONSORS

Aneita’s Alterations and Tuxedo Rentals • Bartlett & West • Audrey Bishop Black Hills Energy •BSAT Inc. Courier Service–Bryan and Susan Sanders City of Lawrence • Crown Automotive • Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence Sheryle D’Amico and Dr. Jeff Martin • Douglas County Bank Michael and Cheryl Flory • Jim and Mary Jane Grinter • Hanna Family Intrust Bank, N.A. • JE Dunn Construction Company J.W. Contractors–Jerry Willis and Kathy Clausing-Willis KaMMCO–Dr. Donald Hatton • Lathrop & Gage • Lawrence Anaesthesia Lawrence Clinical Lab • LMH Hospitalists • Jan and Kent McCullough Jeff and Mary Margaret Morrison • The Olivia Collection Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine • Drs. Brad and Carla Phipps • Dr. Sabrina Prewett Dr. Scott and Mrs. Linda Robinson • Val and Beth Stella Dr. Galen and Mrs. Karen Van Blaricum • Jeff and Mary Weinberg Dr. Richard and Mrs. Amy Wendt • Greg and Lorrie Windholz Many thanks to more than 170 volunteers, more than 30 individual donors and hundreds of in-kind donors for making this a truly special community event.

To learn more or to make a gift, see www.lmhendowment.org.

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325 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044

DocTalk Krishna V. Rangarajan, MD LMH welcomes Krishna Rangarajan, MD, to Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists. Dr. Rangarajan completed his internal medicine residency and pulmonary/ critical care fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. A Kansas native, Dr. Rangarajan earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases and board eligible in critical care.

Amanda Gudgell, MD Also new to Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists is Amanda Gudgell, MD. Dr. Gudgell completed her internal medicine residency and pulmonary/critical care fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a bachelor of science degree in microbiology from Oklahoma State University. She is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases and board eligible in critical care.

Anna Kumru, MD The Internal Medicine Group of Lawrence is pleased to welcome Anna Kumru, MD. Dr. Kumru completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. After graduating summa cum laude from Kansas State University in political science with a minor in biology, she went on to Creighton University where she earned her medical degree. Dr. Kumru is board eligible in internal medicine, a field she appreciates because it allows her to focus on preventive medicine and build relationships with patients over time.

Stephan L. Prô, MD Stephan L. Prô, MD, has joined OrthoKansas, PA. Dr. Prô is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and is a Kansas native and 2004 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine. His specialties include the evaluation and treatment of children with hip/groin pain, hamstring repairs, and knee and shoulder conditions including rotator cuff repair techniques, ACL reconstruction, multiple ligament knee injuries and cartilage restoration/ transplantation. Dr. Prô completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in 2009 and an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship with the Santa Monica Orthopaedic Group in Los Angles.

connect is published by Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To have your name added to or removed from this mailing list, please call 785-505-3317.

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Gene Meyer | President and CEO, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Editorial Board | Sheryle D’Amico, Janice Early, Melissa Hess, Sherri Vaughn, MD, Kathy Clausing Willis

Lawrence Memorial Hospital • 325 Maine Street • Lawrence, KS 66044 • 785-505-5000 • www.lmh.org