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November 2015
ENLISTING LOCAL HELP
U.S. Olympic snowboard team enlists Trinity Health physician By JILL HAMBEK
Staff Writer jhambek@minotdailynews.com
If you have ever watched the Olympic Games, winter or summer, you may have caught yourself d a y dreaming about what it would be like to compete and win the gold Mattern medal in your favorite sport in the Olympics. Dr. Dawn Mattern, sports medicine specialist for Trinity Health, will not be competing at the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games in North Korea, but she may have the opportunity to be the ski and snowboard doctor for the Olympic team. In addition to practicing as a sports medicine physician, Mattern also currently serves as team physician for Minot State University and many area high schools. Recently, she returned from New Zealand, where she provided physician coverage to members of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team.
Submitted Photo
A snowboarder performs a maneuver during an event at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Dr. Dawn Mattern, sports medicine specialist for Trinity Health, may have the opportunity to be one of the ski and snowboard physicians for the Olympic team at the 2018 games in South Korea. “I was taking care of the U.S. Halfpipe Snowboard Team at its training camp in Cardrona, New Zealand,” Mattern said. “I’m in the process of becoming a physician for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams and will have another opportunity to cover the Nordic Combined team while (they’re) competing in Finland in November.” The team traveled such a long distance to train because Cardrona is renowned for having a world class halfpipe facility. The process of becoming one of the physicians for the
U.S. Olympic teams is a fairly lengthy one. Mattern said she has submitted a great amount of paperwork and documentation, completed a good deal of coursework and had people write letters of recommendation for her. She found out about the opportunity through a friend in the sports medicine field who was looking for help. Mattern said she contacted the Olympic medical staff and was selected as one of the physicians to help at the training camp in New Zealand. She was sent a list of events that needed physician coverage and listed her top three choices, then was assigned one from her choice of three. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association maintains a pool of physicians who volunteer their time to provide medical services to the athletes. Team physicians serve as a primary resource regarding medical issues relating to an athlete’s ability to train or compete. They also provide recommendations regarding evaluation and treatment for athletes who are injured. “There are a couple hundred physicians needed because of the number of events in the Olympics,” Mattern said. Physicians are
needed to provide coverage to not only the elite athletes, but to the B and C teams as well. Mattern is in the process of becoming one of the physicians who will be selected to help provide coverage for the Olympic team at the 2018 Games. She has to take an emergency procedures course in December and then will be in the official selection pool. The training course Mattern will take in December will focus on medical emergencies on a hill. Mattern said she doesn’t know if she’ll get to actually go to the 2018 Winter Olympics, however. If she were to have the opportunity to attend, she could be supervising the halfpipe snowboard or the Nordic combined, which is ski jumping and cross-country skiing. “My role would be a little different because I’d just be standing on the ground,” Mattern said. The biggest issue when working with Olympic athletes, thought Mattern, would be the drug testing and pain management. There are some medications that the physicians are allowed to inject and other medications that are not okay, and that’s tough, she said. “It’s a huge thing because you can ruin a person’s goal with one medication,” Mattern added. Of Mattern’s three choices of Olympic sports to cover, her first choice is the halfpipe snowboard. Her choices were based on what she could fit in with the Minot State University football schedule, she said, because that limits when she can be gone since has to be there for their games. While helping at the training camp in New Zealand, Mattern said it was fairly lowkey in that no one was sick and there weren’t any new injuries with the athletes. “It’s a good time when you’re
bored,” she added, since the hope of a sports physician is to not have anything happen requiring your assistance and for there to be no injuries. “New Zealand is the most beautiful place in the world,” Mattern said. The top of the mountain she was on was 10 to 15 degrees and windy, she added, while the town at the bottom was 45 or 50 degrees. “It was absolutely gorgeous weather,” Mattern said. “I would live there.” There are also a lot of camping and hiking and other outdoor activities available in New Zealand, Mattern continued. All of the homes were built with huge windows and the people were very friendly and relaxed, she said. Mattern became interested in being a physician for an Olympic team when she was in residency. Around that time, there was a successful synchronized skating team in Minot called the Magic Blades, and Mattern said she received a number of calls from them while they were visiting and performing in Italy. She started to look into the idea of being a physician for the Olympics. There are many injuries in skiing and snowboarding, so Mattern will most likely not be sitting idle. Major injuries include spinal cord injuries, bad landings after a jump, concussion and the overall toll of bumps and bruises. The goal of both sports is to stay upright and not crash, she added. Snowboarding is fun to watch, Mattern said. “You can get four to five people sliding back and forth on a pipe,” she added. “It was a surreal moment,” Mattern continued, about her time watching the team in New Zealand, “and it was awesome to watch.”
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Making an ADJUSTMENT By JILL HAMBEK Staff Writer jhambek@minotdailynews.com There are adjustments that can be hard to make, like starting over at a new high school during your senior year, studying abroad in a foreign country by yourself or having to change almost your entire diet in exchange for a healthier lifestyle. Then there are the adjustments that are a little easier to make, like deciding to move back to your home town to be with your family while pursuing your career as a chiropractor. Andrea Burckhard, chiroJill Hambek/MDN practor and owner of Spine Andrea Burckhard, chiropractor and owner of Spine and Sport Chiroand Sport Chiropractic in practic, standing, demonstrates a chiropractic technique on her husband, Minot, has made the latter type of adjustment while help- Jason, in her office. Burckhard is a Minot native who returned to Minot ing other people with their after about 15 years away to be close to family and start her own business. spine and neck adjustments. She was born and raised in Minot, graduating from Bishop Ryan High School, then from ple’s schedules. Burckhard offers individualized treatment that is tailored to Yale University. Burckhard’s interest in health and wellness the person’s specific condition, goals for recovery and health led her to pursue a doctor of chiropractic degree from Northhistory. The length and frequency of a person’s treatment will western Health and Sciences University in Minnesota. Before returning to Minot, Burckhard practiced in West depend on his or her goals and response to care. It will not be Fargo and Minneapolis-St. Paul. In West Fargo, she worked at a predetermined, universal plan. “I spend a little more time a clinic that specializes in sports injury treatment. She was also with patients,” Burckhard said. There are a variety of services available at Spine and Sport a chiropractor for the American Gold Gymnastics Team and Chiropractic as well. Depending on the person’s condition and Fargo-Moorhead Acro Team. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, Burckhard worked in private practice to start with, then took a posi- preference, various chiropractic techniques can be used, intion with HealthPartners, a medical group that integrated cluding gentle options. These techniques include manual adchiropractic work into a primary care medical setting. That ex- justments, Drop-piece or Thompson and Activator. Also, a perience allowed her to coordinate patient care with a number number of adjunctive therapies may be used to speed healing of other healthcare professionals including medical doctors, and decrease pain, such as kinesiology taping and the Graston nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants and physical thera- technique. The Graston technique incorporates a patented form of inpists. “It’s like UND Center for Family Medicine with chirostrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinipractors,” Burckhard summed up. “My experience working in a medical clinic is very unique cians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions for my profession,” she added. “I think I’m the only one in town that affect normal function. The technique can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as neck pain, wrist pain, tennis that’s had that type of experience.” Spine and Sport Chiropractic, located at 700 Western Ave., elbow, shoulder pain, ankle pain, scar tissue, shin splints, back Suite 200, in the former Artistry building, has been open since pain, plantar fasciitis/foot pain, golfer’s elbow, knee pain, fiJuly 1. It is open Monday through Friday from approximately bromyalgia, trigger finger or women’s health (post-mastectomy 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Burckhard said she can be flexible for peoSee ADJUST — Page 4
Spine and Sport Chiropractic
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The Neenan Company, Sakakawea Medical Center break ground HAZEN – The Neenan Company, a fully integrated design-build firm based in Colorado, in partnership with Sakakawea Medical Center, has broken ground on a new medical center in Hazen. The new facility will replace the existing medical center and will enable the Sakakawea Medical Center to serve as both a Critical Access Hospital and a Primary Care Medical Home to meet the emergency needs of the rural community and to promote the long-term well being of the region through wellness and prevention
programs and services offered beyond the hospital walls. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand access to patient care in Mercer County,” said Darrold Bertsch, chief executive officer of the Sakakawea Medical Center. “We’re proud to offer additional health care services, reduced travel time and increased staff flexibility.” The Neenan Company is the design-build partner for the Sakakawea Medical Center project, which will feature a modular design allowing for maximum flexibility for patient care, as well as a
care team space that will facilitate high-performing teams comprised of physicians, clinicians and administrators to guide care delivery programs and patient engagement strategies. “We are honored to partner with the Sakakawea Medical Center to provide improved patient access through a design that is focused on efficiency and cost-savings,” said Jason Brown, Project Leader at The Neenan Company. The groundbreaking ceremony took place Oct. 14, 2015, with an anticipated completion for December 2016.
116 1st Street SW, Minot, ND 58701 701-852-4110 • 1-800-876-2179
Steve Hodgson, CO, BOCPO Orthotist - Prosthetist
As a nationally Certified Orthotist with the American Board of Certification (ABC), and a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist with the Board of Certification, Steve provides comprehensive evaluations for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including the design and manufacture of prosthetic (artificial limbs) and orthotic (bracing) devices. Providing prosthetics and orthotics since 1980, Steve works closely with his clients and their physician to provide a quality solution for their biomechanical needs. He works individually with all amputee levels, tailoring external limb prosthetic solutions that will improve each client’s functional abilities. For bracing he is skilled at long-term solutions for clients with diagnoses such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, arthritis, paralysis and scoliosis, as well as short-term orthotic management of fractures, spinal injuries and wound care.
We offer the most complete selection of post-mastectomy products in the region including : •Post-surgery undergarments •Silicone breast forms •Non-weighted breast forms •Silicone partial forms (accommodate lumpectomies, underdeveloped breasts, or breast reconstruction surgeries) •Brassieres (pocketed to hold breast form) •Leisure bras •Sports bras •Bra extenders •Sew-in Pockets •Swimsuits We also carry a complete line of compression hosiery available in knee Val Burgard, LPN, CFM Mastectomy Fitter length, thigh length, pantyhose and maternity styles. Other accessories include: •Compression arm sleeves •Stocking donning aids •Compression garment shop •Roll on adhesive •Rubber donning gloves
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November 2015
McKenzie County, Sanford Health partner to provide electronic health records WATFORD CITY – McKenzie County Healthcare Systems is partnering with Sanford Health to provide patients with an integrated state-of-the-art electronic health record (EHR). The agreement provides McKenzie County Healthcare Systems with access to the industry’s most advanced electronic health records system, Epic, also known as Sanford One Chart. Sanford One Chart will allow McKenzie County Healthcare Systems providers, nurses and other medical professionals a seamless means of collecting, storing and accessing a patient’s medical information. For patients, this means their medical information can quickly move among McKenzie County providers, as well as to health care professionals outside the system, while maintaining the privacy, security and accuracy of that information. “Sanford Health is committed to meeting the needs of patients in western North Dakota,” said Craig Lambrecht, M.D., president of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “Sanford One Chart is a great piece of technology that allows providers to deliver excellent care to patients. This relationship helps Sanford share its expertise in health care with a strong partner in western North Dakota.” Sanford One Chart is connected to
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or Caesarean scarring). Burckhard is certified in the Graston technique. Kinesiology taping helps with controlling muscle and joint function or movement, Burckhard said, and improves pain. Both the Graston technique and kinesiology taping are used in sports medicine. Also, nutritional supplements and medical or exercise equipment may be available as treatment options. “I give patients tools to help manage their pain,” Burckhard
electronic health information exchanges. Health information exchanges are public and private organizations that help share medical information among unrelated healthcare providers within a community or larger region. “Our providers need quick access to as much beneficial information as possible while treating patients,” said Dan Kelly, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems CEO. “This state-of-the-art system will help in speeding the delivery of care, avoiding unnecessary duplicate testing, prevent medical errors and will avoid extra cost to the patient. This is a winwin for providers and patients.” In Dec. 2013, McKenzie County Healthcare Systems and Sanford Health collaborated to expand key medical services to western North Dakota. In addition to adding Sanford One Chart, Sanford Health has also added outreach services to Watford City and expanded its AirMed ambulance service to the area. Sanford also intends on leasing space within the new McKenzie County Healthcare Systems medical center once complete. With the addition of McKenzie County Healthcare Systems, nearly 40 hospitals are in the Sanford Health Network using Sanford One Chart. McKenzie County’s transition to Sanford One Chart will begin soon.
said. “I just want to be a piece of the puzzle to help.” There are a variety of payment options available to patients as well. Most insurance plans are accepted. A discounted cash payment option is also available. Check, cash or credit card may be used for payment. Business has been better than expected, Burckhard said. Patients have come in mainly for back or neck pain, she added, and she has seen a wide range of ages. If a person’s condition does not respond to treatment or is not appropriate for chiropractic care, Burckhard will refer that person to
another provider who can be of further assistance. Burckhard has been a chiropractor for about five and a half years. She became interested in the chiropractic field after her experience seeing one as a patient. “Being a gymnastics and track athlete, I went to a local chiropractor and it was helpful,” she said. “I liked the experience and thought it would be a good choice of a career.” From an athletic standpoint, the chiropractic field gives Burckhard an interest in learning treatment methods for athletic injuries. It has inspired her to have the practice she has now, she said.
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Burckhard Orthodontics straightens teeth By JILL HAMBEK Staff Writer jhambek@minotdailynews.com Wearing braces on your teeth is practically a rite of passage during your teenage years. They’re also becoming a rite of passage for adults who maybe had braces years ago or who never did but now want picture-perfect straight teeth. Dr. Jason Burckhard specializes in orthodontics. At Burckhard Orthodontics, located at 700 Western Avenue in the former Artistry building, Burckhard offers traditional and clear braces as well as Invisalign. All ages are welcome. Burckhard Orthodontics opened in July of this year. He and his wife, who are both from Minot, recently moved from Minnesota back to Minot to be closer to their families. Burckhard’s wife operates Spine and Sport Chiropractic across the hall. “We wanted to be back in a small community,” he said. Besides braces and Invisalign, Burckhard Orthodontics also provides retainers and custom-made mouth guards. There are also clear options for braces, Burckhard said, as well as the traditional braces. “If you or your dentist think you should see an orthodontist, then we’ll take care of that,” he added. The first exam for new patients is complimentary. There are other offices in Minot that offer orthodontic services, but Burckhard Orthodontics accepts different payment options like a health saving credit card and Burckhard thought his office might be the only place that does that. Burckhard has been an orthodontist for six years, most recently in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Minot is a good place, he said, and moving here was a big decision. “It’s amazing how connected you can be to the community,” Burckhard continued. He left Minot in 2003 and still sees some of the same familiar faces, something he said he likes. Back in high school, Burckhard said he took a health careers class at Minot High School and observed Dr. Dennis Sommers, a long time orthodontist. “He was great about teaching, showing, and keeping me interested,” he added. Burckhard said he loves working with patients. “Seeing the transformation from before to after never gets old,” he added. “It’s fun to see the changes, and [patients are] happy.” Patients range in age. Burckhard said about 25 percent of his patients are adults. Business for Burckhard Orthodontics has been good and Burckhard said he is happy with where things are going. “The dental community has been very welcoming,” he added. “I’m excited to be here and be a part of it.”
Jill Hambek/MDN
Dr. Jason Burckhard, orthodontist, recently opened his office, Burckhard Orthodontics, in Minot. He offers traditional and clear braces, as well as Invisalign, and welcomes all ages to his office.
116 1st Street SW, Minot, ND 58701 701-852-4110 • 1-800-876-2179
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November 2015
enefiting the
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Inner Reflection offers various spa and massage treatments By JILL HAMBEK Staff Writer jhambek@minotdailynews.com Massages and spa treatments are not just for the wealthy ladies who lunch and who think nothing of spending unheard of amounts of money on designer clothes. Massages are now for everyone to enjoy Photos by Jill Hambek/MDN these days and Inner Reflection in Minot TOP: Heather Thorson, owner of is a place to partake of such luxury treat- Inner Reflection and massage ment. Heather Thorson, owner of Inner Re- therapist, holds cubes of Hiflection and massage therapist, said Inner malayan salt while standing in one Reflection does much more than mas- of the treatment rooms. Inner Resages. Also available are spa treatments, flection is located in the former exfoliation, infrared sauna sessions, hot Artistry building and has been stone and aroma therapy, reflexogy, body completely remodeled. scrubs, body wraps and other various ABOVE: All of the rooms at Inner treatments. Inner Reflection is located at 700 Western Avenue, in the building that Massage are private and comfortable. was formerly Artistry. Recently, Thorson has undergone some training in Ashiatsu barefoot massage, a method that is relatively new to North Dakota. Only one person in Bismarck and one person in Fargo are doing Ashiatsu barefoot massage, she added. Ashiatsu barefoot massage is a unique bodywork style where a therapist See MASSAGE — Page 7
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Child support offers award-winning online tutorial to educate employers about reporting responsibilities
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“walks” on the client’s back, using overhead bars and gravity for balance and the therapist’s bare feet instead of his or her hands to apply therapeutic pressure, Thorson said. The treatment originates from Asia and the word “Ashiatsu” translates to foot pressure in Japanese. It’s also often referred to as barefoot Shiatsu massage, but Ashiatsu massage is not as structured as Shiatsu massage due to its informal origins. Foot pressure is applied in long compression strokes or to specific trigger points, depending on the client’s needs. Thorson said Ashiatsu barefoot massage requires a certain amount of training because if improperly applied, the technique could cause damage to the client’s back. Traditional Ashiatsu massage therapy is practiced in both China and Japan by practitioners with a deep understanding of the body’s energy channels. Practitioners have been trained to take a whole-body approach to wellness. A client lies on the floor or on a massage table equipped with a Shiatsu clip cable. The client wears loose, comfortable clothes while the practitioner walks across his or her back. Another special treatment available at Inner Reflection is Himalayan salt stone massage. Himalayan salt is unadulterated salt that draws moisture to the upper layers of the skin, plumping and moisturizing, leaving the skin smooth. Also available is healing touch treatment, an energy therapy in which practitioners consciously use
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BISMARCK – The Child Support Division of the North Dakota Department of Human Services recently received the 2015 Excellence Award for Program Awareness for its online tutorial for employers from the Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Council (WICSEC). The award is presented to an individual, county, state, tribal or federal agency for establishing a positive public awareness campaign or for activities which create a positive public image of the child support program. The online tutorial outlines an employer’s legal responsibilities related to child support. The tutorial features six training modules, which cover new hire reporting, income withholding, lump sum reporting, national medical support notice, Jill Hambek/MDN Inner Massage has an infrared sauna, just one requests for information and temporary layoffs and terminations. Each module is of the many services offered to clients. narrated and designed to be a self-paced their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. The goal of healing touch therapy is to restore balance and harmonies in the energy system, placing the client in a position to self heal. Inner Reflection has been in business for seven years, although it’s actually more than that since the 2011 Souris River flood hit and recently reopened. Inner Reflection has been in the remodeled location for about three months. “People like the quiet environment and how it’s very private,” Thorson said about Inner Reflection. The male clients especially like the privacy aspect, she added, because that gives them comfort. Also, Thorson said there is no smell of chemicals like there had been when Inner Reflection was sharing space with Artistry Salon.
One thing that sets Inner Reflection apart from other places is that clients are in a robe from the time they arrive to the time they leave, Thorson said. They do not have to get dressed to walk from room to room, she added, which is an important factor. Thorson, who is from Minot, has been a massage therapist since 2008. “My dad had cancer when I was in high school and I thought (massage) would be a better way to take care of him,” she said. Thorson also wanted to be a massage therapist since she likes to help people. Massage sessions by Thorson are not just limited to Inner Reflection, however. She travels to other businesses at their request. “The atmosphere here is awesome,” Thorson said about Inner Reflection. “And it’s not just massage. You could spend a whole day here,” she added.
training. The employer tutorial is online at nd.gov/dhs/services/childsupport. “Employers play a vital role in helping ensure the financial security and wellbeing of North Dakota children and families and good communication is the key to our successful partnership,” said Jim Fleming, state child support director. “Our program places a strong emphasis on working with both new and existing employers to make it easier for them to do business with us.” In addition to the online tutorial, Child Support staff work to raise awareness with employers through outreach, which includes in-person presentations, regular correspondence and a robust website. Fleming said the collaboration is a winwin for everyone and last month nearly 95 percent of the monthly new hire reports from employers in September 2015 were filed electronically, an all-time record.
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Center in Williston opens access to behavioral health assessments BISMARCK – When people need help, they don’t want to wait. To reduce wait times and increase access to behavioral health services, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Northwest Human Service Center (NWHSC) in Williston is now offering mental health assessments without appointments. The Open Access Services initiative started in mid-September and builds on a related effort. Last year, the department’s eight regional human service centers started providing walk-in addiction assessments on designated weekdays. Assessment days and times vary by center. Northwest Human Service Center provides open access for both mental health assessments and substance addiction assessments Tuesdays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. “By offering open access assessment services, we can engage people in treatment and services ear-
lier, and this can prevent some crises. We can also provide that important initial contact when individuals are ready to get help and to make positive, healthy changes in their lives,� said Northwest Human Service Center Director Laurie Gotvaslee. Gotvaslee said the open access behavioral health assessments have another benefit. They reduce noshows for assessments and this allows behavioral health professionals to actually serve more people. “The open access assessments help us serve new clients more quickly and manage staffing more efficiently,� she said. People who are seeking services at NWHSC are encouraged to call the center at 774-4600 or toll-free at 800-231-7724, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or they can go to the center located at 316-2nd Ave. W., in Williston during open access hours. In the first four weeks after launching Open Access Services for mental health assessments,
NWHSC provided immediate care to 38 individuals seeking services, while maintaining their existing client caseload. The center continues to monitor client engagement, noshow and cancellation rates and follow-through with services. According to Gotvaslee, the walk-in assessments are especially beneficial for individuals whose work schedules vary or who have limited access to transportation or child care that may prevent them from following through with assessments scheduled too far in advance. Chief Clinics Officer Rosalie Etherington said the department plans to expand Open Access Services for mental health assessments to all eight of its regional human service centers during the 20152017 biennium. The Department of Human Services operates regional human service centers in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown,
Minot and Williston. Some centers also have rural outreach offices. Staffs provide an array of community-based behavioral health services and other human services to North Dakotans either directly or through contracts with other service providers. Behavioral health professionals at the regional centers serve those individuals with the greatest treatment needs. These include adults with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, adults and children with both substance use disorders and serious mental illness, pregnant women with substance use disorders and I.V. drug users. Fees for some services are adjusted for income, ability to pay and number of household members. Insurance is accepted if available. Regional human service center information is available online at nd.gov/dhs/locations/regionalhsc/.
Sanford Health hires executive director of planning, construction BISMARCK – Sara Iverson-Smith has been hired as the executive director of Planning and Construction for the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. In her new role, she will coordinate and manage future expansion and property and lease management efforts in western
Iverson-Smith
North Dakota. She will also coordinate space needs and allocations of existing clinics and hospital departments. For a complete list of current projects at Sanford Health, visit sanfordhealth.org keywords: construction projects.
Store Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 am - 8 pm Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm • Sunday: Noon - 4 pm
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Trinity Health launches new mobile app Finding a medical provider and accessing health information just got easier thanks to a new mobile application recently launched by Trinity Health. The Trinity Mobile App, adapted for iPhone and Android devices, gives mobile-device users a tool to connect with Trinity services and providers with just a tap of the finger. “Mobile devices have become ubiquitous – they’re part of our everyday lives,” said Jason Nichols, web developer and web content strategist for Trinity Health. “After launching our online patient portal last year we explored adapting the same concept to a mobile platform to make it even easier for people to access their healthcare information and other resources no matter where they
are.” Nichols added that Trinity Health plans to build out its application with more valueadded features to help users better manage their health. The new app, produced by Trinity’s IT Department in partnership with Network Center, Inc., is available now. With the new app people can: – Search for a provider or office location – Gain access to contact numbers for specialists and pharmacies – Access the MyTrinity Health eConnect Patient Portal,
where patients can review information contained in their medical record, request prescription refills, communicate with members of their care team in secure messaging and more – View Trinity’s online nursery, Baby Bytes The mobile app is just the latest instance of Trinity maintaining its status as a leader in healthcare IT. In July, for the seventh time in recent years, Trinity Health was named one of the nation’s Most Wired health systems by Health and Hospitals Network magazine.
For information on how to download, visit trinityhealth.org/mobile
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Jason Nichols, Web Developer and Web Content Strategist for Trinity Health, holds up his cell phone displaying the Trinity Mobile App that Trinity recently launched.
N.D. gets “B” on Premature Birth Report Card from March of Dimes BISMARCK – In the annual March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card released earlier November, North Dakota scored a “B” with an 8.4 percent premature birth rate, according to the March of Dimes North Dakota Chapter and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH). In comparison, the national preterm birth rate was 9.6 percent in 2014, earning the U.S. a “C” on the 2015 Report Card. The U.S. preterm birth rate ranks among the highest of industrialized countries. Babies who survive an early birth may face serious and lifelong health problems, which can include breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, hearing loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays. The goal of the March of Dimes is to lower the rate of preterm births and the report card is a method of letting states know how they rate with regard to that goal. The report card assesses preterm birth rates by race and ethnicity for each state and ranks each state with a disparity index.
The preterm rate for American Indians in North Dakota was higher, at 12.1 percent. The March of Dimes goal is to lower the national preterm birth rate to 8.1 percent by 2020 and to 5.5 percent by 2030. The March of Dimes predicts that the lower goal will result in 1.3 million fewer babies born preterm and a cost savings of approximately $70 billion. “These numbers call for continued, focused efforts at ensuring healthy births for all babies born in North Dakota,” according to Amy Burke, Optimal Pregnancy Outcome Program Director, NDDoH. “This detailed information shows us where we have the greatest need and allows us to reach out and meet the unique needs of each individual community,” said Maureen Splettstaszer, March of Dimes North Dakota Board Chair. “We’re proud that our state does an above-average job of preventing premature births. Despite this progress, premature birth continues to be the number one cause of death for babies.” The NDDoH, March of Dimes North
Dakota Chapter and other statewide partners are engaged in Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN), part of a national strategy to reduce infant mortality, of which prematurity is the primary contributor. North Dakota CoIIN focuses on a multi-system approach ensuring families engage in safe sleep practices, reducing commercial tobacco use, addressing the impact of social determinants of health and decreasing rates of early and preterm birth. November is World Prematurity Awareness Month, with World Prematurity Day having been observed Nov. 17. For more information about premature birth or to join in giving all babies a strong start, contact Reba Mathern-Jacobson, state program director, March of Dimes North Dakota Chapter, by calling 235-5530 or e-mailing RMathern-Jacobson@marchofdimes.org. For more information about pregnancy related topics, contact Amy Burke, Optimal Pregnancy Outcome Program Director, North Dakota Department of Health, at 328-2784 or arburke@nd.gov.
November 2015 PULSE Genetic changes are focus of Sanford breast cancer clinical trial
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A new clinical trial at Sanford Health is exploring how genetic changes that occur during breast cancer might help healthcare providers better identify, treat and control the disease. The clinical trial is called ELSA, which stands for “Evaluating Targets in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer by Sequencing Tumor DNA at Diagnosis and After Progression.” It launched earlier in October and monitors changes in breast cancer tumor tissue at initial diagnosis and, if applicable, at recurrence. “As we grow a database of genetic information from breast cancer survivors, we
hope to be able to better predict how the disease behaves,” said Anu Gaba, M.D., an oncologist and breast cancer researcher based in Fargo who serves as the clinical trial’s principal investigator. “A clearer understanding might help providers develop more effective personalized treatment plans that could improve survival.” The DNA of breast cancer tumors is sequenced at three different times to compare how its genetic composition varies at differing stages of the disease. The first testing time point is at initial diagnosis, the second at recurrence or metastasis of the cancer and
Sanford Health adding two traveling specialists to Sakakawea Medical Center BISMARCK – In order to provide specialty care close to home, Sanford Health will be adding two more specialists to Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen. Beginning Nov. 3, Dr. Robert Renschler, podiatrist, has been traveling from Sanford Seventh and Thayer Clinic in Bismarck to Hazen for outreach. Renschler will see patients the first Tuesday of each month. Beginning Nov. 16, Megan Miller, MD, OB/GYN, has been traveling from Sanford Seventh and Rosser Clinic to Hazen. Miller will see patients the third Monday of each month. Sanford Health provides convenient and specialized care in Hazen and Beulah. Providing these specialties allows patients to see the spe-
the third after the first line of treatment for advanced disease. “Tailoring treatments to address each person’s unique genetic makeup is the future of cancer care,”
said David Pearce, president of Sanford Research. “Unfortunately, around 25 percent of breast cancer survivors experience recurrence or have their disease metastasize, but gathering
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Pharmacy P harmaccy op opening ening g in Ja January, nuary, 2016 Renschler cialist they need without traveling out of town. For more information about specialty services offered in Hazen and Beulah, visit sanfordhealth.org keywords: Hazen and Beulah.
ered for participation in the trial. The trial is open in Fargo, Sioux Falls and Bismarck. For more information on ELSA, call (877) 652-1838.
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data during the natural progression of the disease might help us better control it.” Trial participants must be newly diagnosed with breast cancer to be consid-
Schedule Sche chedule d lle an du an appointment app ppointment oiintm oin tme men entt at at (701) ((7 7 70 701) 01 01) 1) 858-1800 8 85 58 8-1 8 18 1 80 00 0
November 2015
PULSE
New hospital safety scores WASHINGTON, D.C.– Hospital Safety Scores, released Oct. 28, 2015, by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit patient safety watchdog, shows key shifts among many hospitals on the letter grades rating them on errors, injuries, accidents and infections, indicating the importance for consumers to check their local hospital’s score. Of the 28 measures used to calculate the A, B, C, D or F grades, on average, hospital performance improved on eight measures, but average performance declined on six measures. But there are more encouraging signs within the data: hospitals are taking steps to make safety a priority and showing some encouraging results—either by consistently maintaining an “A” score or by raising a lower score to an “A” over time. Since the launch of the Hospital Safety Score in 2012, 133 hospitals have earned an “A” in each of the twiceannual updates of the score — approximately five percent of all graded hospitals. “Taking a deeper look at the 133 ‘Straight A’ hospitals reveals a diverse group, similar only in their consistent commitment to patient safety. Hospitals from across the country, with 100 beds to over 750 beds, non-profit and for-profit alike re-
ceived this top honor,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “No matter how large or small, no matter what kind of community they serve, all hospitals have the potential to give their patients this high level of safe care.” Included in the list of “Straight A” hospitals are three hospitals in the Baptist Health South Florida system, Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center and University of Chicago Medical Center, and Baystate Medical Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Massachusetts. “Although no hospital is perfect, our family members, neighbors and colleagues deserve the safest care possible,” Binder added. “We urge consumers to put safety first when planning a hospital stay, and we urge hospitals to double down on their commitment to safety.” Despite the powerful stories of improving and high-performing hospitals, improvement across the board remains elusive. The fall 2015 update shows a number of positive trends for certain hospital-acquired conditions and safety measures, but hospitals are performing worse on critical measures like foreign objects left in after surgery. Overall, performance on safe practices
and process measures varied greatly. Trinity Hospital in Minot received a grade of “C” for fall 2015, according to hospitalsafetyscore.org. Categories in the grading system include safety problems with surgery, staff following steps to make surgery safer, infections and safety problems, right staffing to prevent safety problems and the hospital using standard safety procedures. Zero hospitals in the District of Columbia, Alaska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Vermont or Wyoming received an A grade. The Hospital Safety Score assigns A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,500 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. For more information about the Hospital Safety Score or to view the list of state rankings, please visit hospitalsafetyscore.org.
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Sanford scientist lands grant to support Batten disease research SIOUX FALLS - A Sanford research scientist has received nearly $440,000 to support her research of a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects mostly children. Jill Weimer, Ph.D., is the recipient of a one-year grant from the Charlotte and Gwenyth Gray Foundation to Cure Batten Disease. The Gray Foundation was created by Kristen and Gordon Gray, whose two young daughters are battling Batten disease. Weimer’s lab is among only a few in the world studying the condition, which is a group of neurodegenerative diseases most commonly found in children who can cause seizures, blindness, motor and cognitive decline and premature death. Genetic mutations disrupt the ability of cells to dispose of waste and causes abnormal accumulation of proteins and lipids within nerve cells. Weimer’s research is complemented by collaboration with leading scientists at major universities across the United States and cooperation with another Batten disease lab run by Sanford Research President David Pearce, Ph.D. Using cells derived from patients with Batten disease and mouse models, the grant funding will allow Weimer to screen
several different treatment methods, which could include gene therapy or stem cells. “Because conditions like Batten disease are rare and may not receive the awareness they deserve, it is critical that organizations like the Gray Foundation exist to fund and advance research,” said Weimer. “By focusing our efforts on what we believe to be key therapies, we hope to expedite a clinical trial for this aggressive disease.” Weimer recently appeared with the Grays on the national television show “The Doctors” to help raise awareness of Batten disease and their foundation. In 2014, Weimer received a four-year, $1.75 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study intracellular trafficking in neurological disorders, including Batten disease. Weimer is a scientist and director of the Children’s Health Research Center at Sanford Research. She received her doctorate from the University of Rochester and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina. Weimer joined Sanford Research in 2009 and has been researching Batten disease for more than a decade.
To learn more about the Gray Foundation, visit curebatten.org. When it comes to Eyecare the Difference is Clear
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