Firmly
ROOTED
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER MERCED FOUNDATION
Spring 2014
New and Improved C-Arm for Surgical Services
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Expanding Services and Safety for Our Patients Members of the Mercy Medical Center Foundation Foundation (L-R) Anna Bolling, Garth Pecchenino, Carla Kelley, Katie Favier and Janet Ruscoe, Director of Surgical Services celebrate the addition of the new C-Arm.
Amazing machines that make surgeries smoother and more successful for surgical patients and professionals alike are at work within the walls of Mercy Medical Center every day. Generated by the generosity of donors to the Mercy Foundation, a new $280,000, advanced Arcadis Orbic C-Arm was acquired by Mercy’s Surgical department. Shaped like a giant letter “C” that is elevated a few feet off the ground, basic C-Arm technology places a surgical patient between an x-ray source and a fluorescent screen to employ an imaging technique called fluoroscopy. Real-time twodimensional and three-dimensional images of the internal structures of a patient are revealed using fluoroscopy during surgery, and the images can be reviewed and evaluated during the procedure as well as post-operatively. “We’ve been using this new C-Arm since November, and it just provides so many enhanced options that are valuable during a surgical procedure,” says Director of Surgical Services Janet Ruscoe. Benefits to the surgeons and surgical staff include better ergonomics and improved visualization. The newer model of the C-Arm allows for better maneuverability, nearly unrestricted positioning options, and a greatly reduced need for realignment mid-procedure due to improved stabilization. The more streamlined machine also increases workflow. “Ultimately, this generation of imagery technology is just better,” according to Ruscoe. More advanced technological applications are
now available with this model as well. The new C-Arm was designed to enable the review and evaluation of image data during the procedure and can replace postoperative CT evaluation. Additionally, 3D image data can be transferred automatically, and comprehensive connections can be made with other clinical networks. All surgeons have access to the C-Arm apparatus, but Mercy Spine Specialist Dr. Gabriel Garcia-Diaz uses the C-Arm the most often. “When something makes it easier for surgeons to their jobs, especially during hours-long procedures, there is also a great benefit realized by the patient,” according to Dr. Garcia-Diaz. “It’s wonderful to have the support of the Mercy Foundation for making these kinds of equipment acquisitions possible.” Patient safety is increased during surgery with the new C-Arm in a number of ways. An integrated laser light localizer provides radiation dose reduction features. High quality scans can be performed in less than 60 seconds. Precise imaging enables more precise operational opportunities. All of the efficiencies realized by this new technology work towards increasing operating efficiency and lessens time under anesthesia for patients. This cutting-edge C-Arm apparatus for Mercy Medical Center would not have been possible without the $280,000 gift generated by the generosity of donors to the Mercy Foundation.
Cancer Awareness Summit Peaks Interest and Provides Education Stroke and Cancer Awareness Summits Also Make House Calls The first hands-on educational health summit about cancer awareness and care was arranged by the Mercy Foundation at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center in March. The summit was led by Mercy medical professionals who are passionate about providing total patient care for people who receive a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Mercy Foundation supporter and cancer survivor Nancy YoungBergman was very impressed by the orientation she received from the half day program. “It felt very comforting to know that this level of expertise and such wonderful resources are available for us locally.” in the program in appreciation for their ongoing support in bringing outstanding cancer care to Merced. “The goal of the summit was to showcase the spectrum of
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Dedicated donors to the Cancer Center were invited to participate Current cancer patient, Mike Gleason, along with his wife Paula (left), shares his story with our donors in the Cancer Center Infusion room where he receives weekly Chemotherapy treatments.
progressive cancer care services available in our community in an interactive way,” according to Director of the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Charnese Felix. The opening presentation was made by one of the most tireless advocates for increasing the level of cancer care available in Merced: Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Medical Oncologist and Mercy Foundation Board Member Dr. Parminder Sidhu. “This summit was so important from my point of view for people to see first-hand how we telecommunicate and collaborate with other experts at UC Davis, and to know about the expanding services we can provide for our patients,” says Dr. Sidhu. “Also to experience what our patients go through and their need for emotional and physical support.” Dr. Sidhu gave an informative talk about cancer screening and prevention; about how bringing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technology to our facility here in Merced will increase our ability to screen patients and achieve early detection. People in attendance then were separated into four small groups and rotated through the different dynamics of care currently available to patients. Manager of the UC Davis Cancer Care Network Kay Harse was online from UC Davis with small groups in real time to give them a feel for how a virtual tumor board is performed. Virtual tumor boards are an immensely valuable component to the collaboration between Mercy Merced and UC Davis, allowing professionals from
comprehensive course of care. Harse also spoke about the knowledge we are gaining from current clinical trials taking place in Sacramento. Dr. Erik Ko is a Radiation Oncologist who joined the Mercy UC Davis team last year. He showed donors how radiation therapy is administered with the on-site linear accelerator, located in the radiation vault. Supportive care services provided information on the growing collection of non-medical services available to cancer patients, including yoga, meditation classes, massage therapy, and various support groups. A very personal opportunity to learn about a patient’s journey from diagnosis through treatment was represented by current patient Michael Gleason. Gleason was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer and received treatment initially at the UCLA Medical Center. When he decided that he wanted to relocate to Merced, his biggest fear was how he was going to continue to receive the high level of care that he’d experienced at the renowned metropolitan center. Gleason felt like the staff at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center listened carefully, and crafted a thoughtful course of treatment for him in Merced. The leading experts at UC Davis agreed with the plan that Dr. Sidhu and his team had devised, and Gleason is now
both facilities to assess patients together and to decide the most Page 2 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
(continued on page 6)
Human Kindness is Alive and Well at Mercy Medical Center Spontaneous Donations Bring Joy to Staff and Our Smallest Patients The clinics at Mercy have been feeling the love from the Merced community. People in the Mercy Medical Center Community have generously provided donations both large and small. Spontaneous and anonymous. Handmade and heartfelt. “We live in a kind community, and our community loves to give
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back!” said Mercy Clinical Educator Emma Edwards, RN CPN
Donor, Elizabeth Wallace in Teal jacket, with Emergency Department Staff.
Edwards was delighted to play the role of Santa’s helper during the Christmas holiday, purchasing infant, child, and teen gifts for the Pediatrics Clinic with $1,080.00 donated by the Safety First Shooting Association. She was quick to interject, however, that she couldn’t tell which gifts the children in the Pediatrics Clinic were most appreciative of; the toys purchased with donated funds or the homemade cards, ‘get well’ posters, and donated DVDs from the Building Young Leaders Education Center in Merced.
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Beverly Sullivan bought three dolls and created hand-knit clothes for some small patients to love while they were being treated. Doctors and Directors of various departments at Mercy were moved to make sizable donations of toys, as well. An anonymous family left
Mercy visitors gather to acknowledge the spontaneous generosity of community members.
four giant bags of goodies at the Pediatrics Unit.
validate the nursing staff, and make their jobs easier. The seamless
Director of Emergency Services Philip Brown appreciates the
acquisition of the bears with outside funds made my job easier too!”
ripple effect of kindness that he’s witnessed from donations that
says Brown.
have been received in the Emergency Department. Merced resident,
The Mercy Foundation is very grateful for the opportunity to
Elizabeth Wallace, discovered that the supply of teddy bears for
witness human kindness every day, and to connect people in
pediatric patients in the Emergency Department was low, and pulled
meaningful ways. Please contact the Foundation if we can be of
out her checkbook on the spot. “I felt lucky to be able to help out
service to any of you kind humans holding this newsletter today who
when there was such a relatable need,” says Wallace.
want to make a meaningful contribution in your community at
“The teddy bears we received are calming for the kids we see,
(209) 564-4200.
Name That SIM! Together we have brought four amazing Simulation Manikins to be used in the Simulation Lab at Mercy. Our medical professionals use the SIMs for in-house training and continuing education. These highly interactive SIMs bleed, blink, cry, cough and scream. Don’t you think they deserve better than the decidedly boring monikers of “SIM Man”, “SIM Woman”, “SIM Baby”, and “SIM Adolescent”? We need the Firmly Rooted family to put their heads in the game and help us to create (continued on page 7) Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 3
The Next Generation Wants To Serve
UC Merced Student Volunteers, Camille Hassel and Magegan Kholsand.
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The Volunteers of Mercy know something about our community that many of us don’t. The next generation is anxious to be of service. Volunteer Coordinators Marcee Samberg and Jan Sorge have the best kind of problem as student supervisors in their respective jobs - they get to review more qualified and committed high school and college candidates for placement each year. “We started this program at UC Merced when it opened 8 yrs ago, and it’s just gotten bigger and better every year.” says Marcee Samberg, RN. “We have a great connection with UC Merced students, and the ED Volunteers this year are just phenomenal.” ED Volunteers are college students at UC Merced who dedicate themselves to work a full school year in the Emergency Department at Mercy Medical Center. Their primary objectives, when working with patients, are to keep them informed and to keep them comfortable. Samberg trained and coordinated 46 motivated volunteers for the current year’s program. “Spending time in a hospital can be an anxiety-filled time,” added Samberg. “ED Volunteers play an important role providing a soothing presence for patients. It’s a rare opportunity for them to get patient exposure.” As the Director of the Emergency Department, Philip Brown appreciates the assistance ED Volunteers provide. He’s also very enthusiastic about the patient exposure that college students who aspire to dedicate their lives to medicine receive. “I’d say 99.9% of ED Volunteers want to be a care provider of some kind. It’s so important to understand the hospital environment before getting an expensive education and realizing you don’t like working with people! Because that’s what we do.” says Brown. Two former ED Volunteers are now in the PRIME Program at UC Davis Medical School, which is designed to produce physician leaders who are committed to helping California’s underserved rural communities. Many ED volunteers have gone on to obtain degrees in nursing. Both high school and college volunteers possess similar characteristics. They are generally mature, self-starters, and good communicators according to both adult coordinators. Most have a particular interest in healthcare. Neither program is one that a student simply joins. There is a competitive application process and a contract to be signed before selection, stating that a student will commit to 3.5 hours per week for the entire school year while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. This is a substantial service opportunity which requires students to align with the mission, vision, and values of Mercy Medical Center. While all of the student volunteers get experience with patients in a hospital environment, the college students assist in the clinics, while the high school students’ service is more about serving in
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UC Merced ED Volunteers and High School Volunteers Thriving at Mercy
High School Student Volunteers and Mercy Volunteer, Sally Strasser. proximity to patients. Jan Sorge worked for 26 years with Merced City Schools, Campfire Girls, and teaching Sunday School before volunteering to advise and train the high school Volunteers of Mercy. “It has been a real joy for me to work with these kids,” Sorge adds vigorously. “We share a love of helping others.” She assigns the 77 students currently in the program into positions at Mercy where they can be helpful, such as the library desk, in the cafeteria, issuing visitor passes, and answering phones, to name a few. Sorge loves to see kids develop new skills and get out of their comfort zones as volunteers. She remembers one student in particular who was very shy initially, but really opened up and learned to talk to others as a result of their position at the information desk in the main lobby. The time commitment for the high school students is significant. Senior Kristy Verma really distinguished herself as a student with the Volunteers of Mercy this year, and will be receiving a special honor for the number of hours she’s worked during her high school career: 650 hours! Special purple cords are bestowed on seniors to wear with their graduation robes in recognition of 250 hours or more of community service they have performed.
Page 4 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
(continued on page 5)
Radiant Wraps Provide a Soft Touch Radiant Wraps are new, designer treatment robes that are now available for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. Traditional treatment robes are made of durable cotton that only open in the back. Designed by a breast cancer survivor, Radiant Wraps are made of alternative fabric, allowing them to be cool and super soft on sensitive skin. The wrap style with a front opening enables the gown to remain on the patient during treatment, which supports proper positioning and reduces the patient’s exposure. “The robes will significantly improve the physical nature of
cancer treatment in Merced.
radiation therapy, and will help promote feelings of beauty and
“When we discovered an opportunity to purchase better robes for
wellness for our patients during a vulnerable time in their lives,”
our patients, the Foundation was there to make it happen,” Felix
said Director Charnese Felix.
said. The Mercy Foundation was able to fund enough robes for each
Felix is one of the members of the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center
patient to receive and keep their own personal robe.
Community Outreach Team. The team meets monthly to discuss
“It’s really a great amenity for our patients,” said Mercy
ways to innovate and anticipate needs for the patients who receive
Community Educator Lillian Sanchez.
Next Generation From page 4
All of the high school student volunteers are drawn together like a team during monthly meetings. Sorge talks to the kids assembled about relevant topics like work, writing resumes, life skills, and living on their own. The group also has snacks and plays games during their time together. The Volunteers of Mercy are nurturing future caregivers through experience, while helping to build good citizens through service. We appreciate you for all you do!
High school students who would like to be part of the Volunteers of Mercy are encouraged to pick up an application at the information desk in the main lobby at Mercy anytime throughout the year. College students can get an application in the UC Merced Career Center in late April and early May to apply for the 2014-15 school year. Questions about the program or about the application process can be answered by Mercy Volunteer Coordinator Janice Wilkerson at (209) 228-7272.
Memorials , Honorariums & Grateful Patient January - March 2014 With sincere appreciation, we acknowledge the patrons listed here who have chosen to preserve a memory or pay tribute to a loved one by donating to the Mercy Foundation. In appreciation of Philip Brown, Director of Emergency Services Merced Women’s Club In appreciation of My Night Shift Co-workers Kathy Crook In appreciation of Dr. Jared Paskin and Staff Leroy & Marie Kyhn In honor of Rose Eager-Sabo Doug & Kelli Fluetsch
In memory of Marianne Badder Anonymous
In memory of Peggy Eidson Lannie Haslouer
In memory of Father Ed Murphy Lorraine Murphy
In memory of Dr. Earl Eager Doug & Kelli Fluetsch
In memory of Elmo Giampaoli Dario and Josephine Giampaoli
In memory of Wendell Hovey Timothy & Shannon Aquino Connie Clifford Francis & Nancy Fruhbeis Jane S. McClelland Mercy Medical Center Merced Mercy Medical Center Merced Medical Staff Mark & Marcee Samberg Mike & Lisa Wegley Rhonda J. Weisser Franki E. Welch
In memory of Diane Glidden Charles & Annetta Meyer
In memory of Joseph F. Sabo Bert & Nancy Crane Philippe & Katie Favier Doug & Kelli Fluetsch Pete & Catherine Fluetsch Leroy & Joan Gilsdorf John & Beverly Raggio Jerry & Elizabeth Schaffer Albert & Joanne Bardini Virginia Pierron
In memory of George F. Lang Sanderson Law Offices, LLC In memory of Eva & Domenico Marchini Michael & Sharon Marchini In memory of Gregory Meyer Chuck & Annetta Meyer
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 5
Have you Kids2013 Care Honor Clinic Receives Mercy Foundation Roll joined the Books and Baby Scales Heritage Club yet? Merced native and former Major League
single assessment space prior to their
Baseball player Brian Fuentes and his wife
appointments. The new infant scales are
Barbara hit one out of the park recently,
portable, which enables the clinic’s littlest
with a double donation to benefit Mercy
patients to be weighed in the individual
Medical Center.
patient rooms. This accommodates
“We have come to realize just how
patients in their respective rooms more
important it is to have good healthcare
quickly, and increases patient safety by
in the community,” says Fuentes. “And
limiting exposure.
with four small kids we appreciate the
“It’s incredible when we have the
challenges of keeping kids happy during
chance to enhance our clinic with fun
meets socially and supports Mercy with
those doctor visits!”
and functional things,” says Thornton. “It
a permanent source of funding. The
The couple visited the clinics with crates
helps me do my job better, and promotes a
Heritage Club strives to elevate and grow
full of kids books to donate to the Rural
positive experience for my patients!”
the access to quality health care here in
Health Clinics. Touring the clinics and
The Fuentes family had a number of
Merced County. Over $400,000 has been
seeing first-hand the caring staff at work,
very positive experiences at Mercy, and
they felt compelled to arrange another
attended a Heritage Club social where
larger gift.
they learned more about good works being
Brian and Barbara chose to make a
done behind the scenes. Brian Fuentes
directed donation to purchase 8 infant
commented about how much the ongoing
The Heritage Club is a progressive group within the larger Mercy Medical Center community. It is comprised of a group of committed individuals that
raised by the Heritage Club to benefit initiatives and equipment at Mercy. To provide more information about the
scales for the Rural Health Clinics through
focus on improving the overall patient
Heritage Club and the benefits of being a
the Mercy Foundation.
experience at Mercy Medical Center has
member, we have created a new brochure
“We are extremely grateful for these
heightened both the health and morale for
for the 2014 membership drive. For more
gifts,” says Pediatric LVN Kate Thornton.
the people of Merced.
information about the Heritage Club or to
“It helps us streamline our patient intake
“It’s a beautiful facility and it really
receive a brochure,
and maximize the safety and quality of
serves this community well,” said Fuentes.
please contact the
patient care in the clinics.”
The Mercy Foundation deeply
According to Thornton, the check-in
appreciates the heartfelt donations
areas could easily become clogged with
provided to the Rural Health Clinics by the
families and sick children waiting on a
Fuentes family.
Mercy Medical Center Foundation at (209)564-4200.
Cancer Awareness Summit From page 2
receiving outstanding care close to home.
connect our Cancer Center donors to the
“We tried to keep the tone of the
high-quality care available in Merced.
Cancer Awareness Summit like what we
We are also proud to offer two traveling
are creating at the (Mercy UC Davis)
health summits that are available as
Cancer Center,” said Dr. Sidhu. “A place
presentations to your service club or
to be educated and surrounded by caring
organization. Please contact Heidi
people-- warm and familial.”
Pedrozo at (209) 564-4200, if you would
The Mercy Foundation is appreciative
be interested in sharing either a traveling
of the professionals and the participants
Stroke Summit or Cancer Awareness
that made the on-site Cancer Awareness
Summit with others in our community.
Health Summit a successful opportunity to Page 6 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
A Gift That Is Both Practical and Playful For the Kids Care Clinic The Kids Care Clinic is grateful for a gift from the Gallo family For twenty years, the Mercy Kids Care Clinic has provided quality, comprehensive healthcare to the often underserved children of Merced. It is a full service clinic that is very accessible, and it’s staffed with pediatricians and licensed nurse practitioners. Their services are available to walk-in patients and can be used with almost any insurance plan or Medi-Cal benefit. The children, however, are not nearly as impressed by the clinic’s credentials as much as they are by the warm reception that they receive when they arrive at the doors of the clinic for care. “We strive to provide a welcoming and happy place,” said Kids Care Clinical really want to create repeat customers for good continuity of care.”
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Manager Irene Miranda-Henson. “And we A gift that is both practical and playful.
A thoughtful gift donated by Lori
kids grow up in the clinic over the years,
that we’re promoting proactive health care
and Mike Gallo recently provided the
and has witnessed the tremendous
in the community, to include preventative
tremendous gift of a new exam table for
growth there.
education and immunizations.
the Kids Care Clinic. Not only is this gift
“We give high-quality health care and
We are so fortunate to have so many
practical, but the table is shaped like
we have higher standards because we use
caring people invested in the future health
a pony!
licensed nurses to assess our patients,”
of this community.
The Kids Care Clinic staff had a contest
Wilson added. “And we try to make it a fun
Thank you to Lori and Mike Gallo for
to name the new addition, and have
place to be.”
very generously adding increased function
decided informally to name the pony on
Wilson estimates that the clinic does an
and an element of fun to the Mercy Kids
the newly gifted exam table ‘Lola’.
equal amount of well-child and sick child
Care Clinic.
“When kids come through the door,
appointments. This is a positive indicator
they’ll get excited and say ‘Oh, I want to go see Lucy the Love Bug’, referring to the exam table we have that is shaped like a
Name that SIM
bug,” added Miranda-Henson. “Lola is a
From page 3
big hit with the kids.”
some fun names for the Mercy SIM “family”!
Registered Nurse Sonia Wilson has
Please send us your best ideas for naming the SIM family by June 30th to Lisa.Wegley@
worked at the Kids Care Clinic for almost
dignityhealth.org. The Foundation Board will pick the winning name in July, and you’ll find
twenty years. She has enjoyed watching
the results here in your next Firmly Rooted newsletter.
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 7
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MERCED, CA PERMIT NO 702
2740 M Street • Merced, CA 95340
The mission of the Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation is to further Mercy Medical Center’s commitment to provide excellence in health care through stewardship, financial support and community collaboration. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Mercy Foundation
The Mercy Foundation is honored to recognize some exceptional Philanthropists in this community
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 4:30pm 2740 M Street Merced, CA 95340 Phone (209) 564-4200 Lisa Wegley Foundation Executive Director Bill Altavilla Planned Giving Specialist Brandi Masasso Operations/ Development Team Officer
Please join us in Celebrating their Spirit! Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00 am. Inspiration Award Salvatore & Susan Dowhaniak
Physician Inspiration Award Dr. Frank Berry, Jr.
Community Champion Award The Giampaoli Family
Physician Champion Award Dr. Mark & Marcee Samberg
Partner in Excellence Award Merced City Firefighters, Local 1479
Physician Partner in Excellence Award Bear Creek Anesthesia Medical Group
Delene Meidlinger Annual Giving/Event Officer Heidi Pedrozo Associate Development Officer Visit us on the web: www.supportmercymerced.org
Board Members Garth Pecchenino Board Chair
Dan Holmes
Vice-Chair, Fund Development
Katie Favier Vice-Chair, Marketing
Marilyn Reese Secretary
Steve Koenig Treasurer
Anna Bolling, PhD Kathleen Crookham David Dunham Daniel Ikemiyashiro, MD Carla Kelley Ric Kirby Cyril Lawrence Edward Macha Shailesh P. Patel, MD Kelsey Riggs, RN Parminder Sidhu, MD
Associate Members Walt Adams Vicki Bandoni Frank Berry, MD Lawrence Blazina, MD Nancy Brawley Judy Campbell Suzanne Carpenter Bert Crane, Jr. Nettie Descalso Del Nero Catherine Fluetsch Doug Fluetsch Nini Freitas Skip George Philip Golden
Doris Gonella Steve Hale M. Stephen Jones Lydia Lobdell Carol Madruga, RN Amie Marchini Barry McAuley Dennis McKim Chuck Meyer Greg Olzack Mark Pazin Judy Pfitzer-Boyer Margaret Pia Billie Razzari
Ken Robbins Marcee Samberg, RN Carol Soares Ed Spinardi, II Betty Santi Stewart Donna Tetangco, RN Nancy Whittaker, RN Honorary Members Bert Crane Rose Eager-Sabo E.J. “Almo” Lorenzi