THE MAGAZINE OF SAINT JOHN’S HEALTH CENTER FOUNDATION | WINTER 2014
FIXING A-FIB Dr. Shephal Doshi and fellow cardiologists pioneer new treatments
CONTENTS
Editorial Staff Chief Executive, Saint John's Health Center Marcel Loh President and CEO, Saint John's Health Center Foundation Robert O. Klein Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Communications Andrea R. Salazar
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Marketing Manager Tabitha Ji
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INSIDE
3 | LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
6 | MEET MARCEL LOH
4 | MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION
8 | GIFTS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT
5 | MARK THE DATE
29 | MEMORABLE EVENTS
10 | ON THE PULSE VP, Branded Media: Emily S. Baker Creative Director: Angela Akers Editor: Shari Roan
PROFILES
FEATURE
14 | RUDY BEDFORD, MD
18 | THE BEAT GOES ON
This doctor is the go-to guy for interventional endoscopy.
16 | MARK GIBELLO
New advances demonstrate why the Health Center’s cardiologists are top-ranked.
A trustee who leads by example.
17 | MICHAEL MINCHIN
His heart is with Saint John’s.
23 | MARY FLAHERTY
Photographers: Michael Neveux, Lauren Pressey, Scott Gilbert, Remy Haynes Managing Partners: Charles C. Koones, Todd Klawin
NICU babies receive state-of-the-art care with a big dose of love.
ON THE COVER Dr. Shephal K. Doshi is a pioneer in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
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Contributors: Victoria Clayton, Sandi Draper, Beth Howard
24 | THE TINIEST PATIENTS
A battle with breast cancer becomes a passion to help women.
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Copy Editor: Laura Watts
If you have a change of address or if you no longer wish to receive SJHC Foundation communications, please let us know by calling 310-829-8424, faxing 310-315-6127, emailing foundation.opt-out@stjohns.org or writing to Director, Data Management, Saint John's Health Center Foundation, 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.
LETTERS
As we wrap up 2014, I'm optimistic that the philanthropy that transformed our hospital into one of the nation's finest will continue with renewed vigor."
Letter from the Chairman
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n September we welcomed our new chief executive, Marcel Loh. I represented the Foundation as a member of the search committee, and in this appointment I feel we have concluded a two-year journey that began with the transfer of the Health Center from our former sponsor, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, to our new sponsor, Providence Health & Services.
The naming of a permanent chief executive completes a challenging era for Saint John’s Health Center—but one that saw us unite and become ever stronger and devoted to our mission. I’m looking forward to working with Marcel. He understands the complexity of the health care environment and can partner with us to help realize the Health Center and Foundation’s joint initiatives. As we wrap up 2014, I’m optimistic that the philanthropy that transformed our hospital into one of the nation’s finest will continue with renewed vigor. We have many exciting ideas and
plans for the future of the Health Center—plans that rely on philanthropic support. We depend on the generosity of donors who understand that additional funding is needed to further develop our campus, offer innovative programs that serve the needs of our community, and recruit and retain outstanding physicians. In December we welcomed eight new trustees to our ranks at our annual Trustee Meeting and Dinner. Our trustees and generous donors will make it possible for us to reach the next level of excellence. Thank you for your continued support, friendship and loyalty.
JOHN M. ROBERTSON, MD Chair, Saint John's Health Center Foundation Board of Trustees
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Saint John’s Health Center Foundation would like to know what you think of this publication. Please call, email or write to us with any feedback, suggestions or questions. Phone: 310-829-8424 Email: communications@stjohns.org Address: 2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
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LETTERS
Our trustees and supporters are the lifeblood of Saint John's. Without you, we could not meet and exceed our goal of providing our patients with a state-of-the-art hospital."
Message from the Foundation
T
his is the time of year to take stock of the past and make plans for the future. We are doing both here at Saint John’s Health Center Foundation.
We recently greeted the new chief executive of the Health Center, Marcel Loh. Marcel comes to us from Swedish Health Services, where he was known for being actively engaged with the organization’s foundation. Marcel possesses a winning personality and is the kind of strategic thinker who will elevate the Health Center to even greater heights. The Foundation and the chief executive have always worked together, and we look forward to familiarizing Marcel with the culture and history of our organization and why the values we embrace have been so critical to our success. We have much to look forward to in the new year and are busy establishing future goals. We will move the Foundation office to a building adjacent to the Health Center, on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and 23rd Street (US Bank building) with a planned occupancy date in 2015. Our new venue will provide convenient parking for our visitors and will be larger and more conducive to
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meetings with trustees, physician groups, committees and supporters. We look forward to spending more time together with our many friends. Our trustees and supporters are the lifeblood of Saint John’s. Without you, we could not meet and exceed our goal of providing our patients with a state-of-the-art hospital. For this reason, we approach the holidays with gratitude for our many blessings. We wish you and your family a joyous holiday season.
ROBERT O. KLEIN President and CEO Saint John's Health Center Foundation
MARK THE DATE APRIL 11 John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary 30th Annual Odyssey Ball Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills, CA An annual highlight, the Odyssey Ball is hosted by the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary, currently led by Anita Swift, the granddaughter of John Wayne. Honorees are selected based on their admirable contributions in the fight against cancer. To date, the auxiliary has raised more than $18 million to fund innovative research, the prestigious Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program and the purchase of vital new laboratory equipment. 2014 honorees Dr. Anton Bilchik; Mandela family representatives HRH Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, HRH Zamaswazi Dlamini; Anita Swift and Patrick Wayne
MAY 6 ABCs Mother’s Day Luncheon Four Seasons, Los Angeles Beverly Hills, CA The Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies (ABCs) will host its celebrated annual Mother’s Day Luncheon to benefit breast and prostate cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Honorees will be named early next year.
MAY 13 Irene Dunne Guild Think Pink Educational Luncheon and Boutique Upper Bel-Air Club Pacific Palisades, CA Saint John’s Health Center physicians present the latest, compelling news in health care in the beautiful ambiance of the Upper Bel-Air Bay Club. Mothers, daughters, sisters and friends can shop to their heart’s content at the fabulous boutique, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the guild’s special patient programs and services at Saint John’s.
For more information about these and other upcoming events, please visit www.providence.org/saintjohns or call 310-829-8424.
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MEET THE CEO
The New Chief The Health Center welcomes Marcel Loh. WRITTEN BY SHARI ROAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY
In selecting Loh, the Saint John’s Health Center board of directors identified an individual with a proven ability to grow and develop elite health care institutes and knowledge of the Providence system, says Donna Tuttle, chair of the Saint John’s local board of directors.
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highly regarded health care executive has been named the new chief executive of Saint John’s Health Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Marcel Loh, who previously served for 14 years in executive roles with Providence affiliate Swedish Health Services—a five-hospital, not-forprofit system in greater Seattle—assumed his duties at Saint John’s in early September. “Marcel is a skilled leader with a reputation for growth strategies and experience in a complex, integrated health system in a competitive marketplace,” Tuttle says. “His collaborative work style will be an asset to the Westside community, the doctors, the Foundation and the Saint John’s local board.
We welcome Marcel and his wife, Jane, to the Saint John’s family.” Loh says he was impressed and intrigued with Saint John’s when he met members of the physician staff during meetings on the transition to Providence Health & Services sponsorship earlier this year. “I was fortunate to be part of a listening team exploring the possibility of how best to add Saint John’s Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute to the Providence Health & Services system,” he says. “Through this process I visited with about 20 to 25 physicians over a few days. There is something special about Saint John’s that I had not seen in my 30+ years in health care. It was the passion and commitment and loyalty of the physicians we met with. The experience gave me goose bumps.” Loh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Iowa. He served as an Army officer in the Medical Service Corps and retired from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel. He worked as a health care executive in hospitals in Nebraska, Montana and Washington. In 2000, Loh joined Swedish Health Services, the largest health system in Seattle, which became part of Providence Health & Services in 2012. Loh is familiar with hospital ownership transitions and will help support the transition of Saint John’s and John Wayne as the newest member of Providence Health & Services, Southern California. “The transition hasn’t been completed. A change in sponsorship takes a thoughtful and respectful period of time,” Loh says. “I’ve been through some of these transitions before, and it can take up to three years to do it right. It’s a tremendous change, and the biggest challenge is for the caregivers.” But, he says, among the strengths of the Health Center is its robust community ties, a warm atmosphere and dedication to high quality. “I see many strengths; the family feel, impressive physicians and caregivers, a dedicated and passionate board of directors, the foundation board of trustees, the John Wayne Cancer Institute, the national recognitions of quality and safety, and most of all, the focus on the patient,” he says. Among his goals, he says, is to foster the Health Center’s reputation as a community hospital that provides academiclevel health care, research and education. At Swedish, Loh was responsible for developing the Swedish Neuroscience Institute and Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute. Both institutes are now nationally ranked in the care they deliver. “I’m very proud to have been a part of these two institutes,” Loh says. “As I look at Saint John’s, we already offer world-class health care, and we have all the elements to expand our services in a special, patient-focused way that will distinguish us in our market.” The John Wayne Cancer Institute is an example of the commitment to innovative research that is critical to advance health care and serve patients better, he says. “The John Wayne Cancer Institute is probably one of the most unique aspects of the whole Providence system. I think there is a tremendous opportunity for growth, and I’m excited to work with the Institute.”
The strength and longevity of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation is another huge reason why the hospital has succeeded in the past and possesses a bright future, Loh says. “I think the Foundation demonstrates the passion surrounding Saint John’s,” he explains. “I consider that passion of the Foundation board as reflective of the community. I want to be part of that team and raise funds for Saint John’s. I see myself as an active partner with the Foundation.” Although he looks forward to delving into the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the Health Center, expect Loh to continue his work on a national stage. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives—the highest level of achievement for health care executives—and is the past ACHE Regent for the state of Washington. Loh is currently on the national ACHE board of governors. He has mentored many students in graduate programs in health care management “A challenge for health care leaders today is the major pace of change,” Loh notes. “Saint John’s Health Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute are well positioned to proactively lead this change. And with the passion and commitment I have seen in my short time here, we have the ingredients for success. I am grateful and privileged to be here.”
Donna Schweers and Tom Geiser opened their home with a welcome reception for Marcel and Jane Loh.
"There is something special about Saint John’s that I had not seen in my 30+ years in health care. It was the passion and commitment and loyalty of the physicians we met with. The experience gave me goose bumps." – Marcel Loh
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ON THE PULSE
Gifts That Make An Impact Now Donations to continually improve patient care have helped Saint John’s Health Center maintain its ranking as one of the best hospitals in the nation. To meet the highest standards of care, we regularly assess our operations and equipment to identify areas of improvement and to adapt to changing technology and advances in medicine. Your gifts help us purchase technologically advanced equipment, support clinical education, create new patient services and perform valuable community outreach. To help you envision what your dollars can do, we’ve compiled a list of projects, equipment, programs and services that are immediate priorities for funding. A gift of any amount is appreciated and will be directed to one of these important projects. BEDSIDE ULTRASOUND ($80,000) This portable machine provides enhanced images in real time in order to facilitate emergency treatment in labor and delivery. COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM ($50,000) Through free community forums, Saint John’s Health Center’s expert physicians present the latest research on disease prevention—information designed to inspire change in everyday habits and promote healthier lifestyles.
DIGITAL TABLETS FOR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ($25,000) Acquiring digital tablets and software will allow emergency room physicians to rapidly access patient records and order tests and medications. The tablets are used at the bedside, helping improve efficiency and accelerating care. NURSING DAY SKILLS LAB ($300,000) The annual Nursing Day Skills Lab is dedicated to enhancing the clinical and technical skills of our nurses to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. Each of the Health Center’s 500 nurses are required to complete every competency module specified for his or her certification and department. The training consists of highly structured educational activities to meet these goals and includes updates in regulatory standards and policies. PANDA INFANT WARMER ($25,000) This state-of-the-art isolette promotes a safe and gentle recovery and transition period for infants immediately after birth. The unit features a built-in resuscitation system, an in-bed scale to easily weigh the baby and a revolutionary design that makes it easier to monitor babies.
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ON THE PULSE “PAWSITIVE” PET PROGRAM ($50,000) This highly regarded and popular program provides patients with visits from our “Pawsitive” dogs and volunteers. By giving their unconditional love and acceptance, these dogs reduce a patient’s pain, promote relaxation, lower blood pressure and relieve loneliness during a hospital stay.
SPONSORED CANCER RESEARCH PROJECTS ($50,000+) You can support specific areas of research, such as melanoma, breast, colorectal, neuro and gastrointestinal cancers. Donors of $50,000 or more to a John Wayne Cancer Institute research project are acknowledged in the investigator’s published research.
PORTABLE FETAL MONITOR ($20,000) Portable monitors are used to monitor an unborn baby’s heartbeat and the mother’s contractions, while allowing the mother to move about freely during labor.
VASCULAR ULTRASOUND MACHINE ($20,000 ) A vascular ultrasound machine assists physicians with central line placement. The enhanced vision provided by the technology makes central line placement faster, reduces the risk of complications and improves patient safety and outcomes.
SEEDS OF INNOVATION ($1,000–$25,000) Your support will help the physicians and scientists at the John Wayne Cancer Institute develop ideas and research that lead to remarkable breakthroughs in the way we detect, diagnose and treat cancer around the world.
VOCERA VOICE COMMUNICATION ($1,400,000) The streamlined communication system facilitates immediate communication between members of the clinical staff. High-caliber communications technology enhances patient outcomes.
A SPECIALIZED MICROSCOPE FOR SPINAL SURGERY ($250,000) State-of-the-art microscopes are needed to perform some of the most critical, delicate spine surgeries. Your support would provide surgeons the most advanced technology to ensure safe and effective surgical intervention.
To learn more about supporting any of these projects, please call Gail Drewniak at 310-829-8175.
ARCTIC SUN A recent gift from a private foundation and a second gift from the Irene Dunne Guild have paved the way for the purchase of two Arctic Sun hypothermia devices for the Saint John’s emergency department. Arctic Sun is a temperature management system that is used to cool a patient’s body temperature in a safe and precise manner by circulating chilled water in pads or blankets applied to the patient’s skin. Hypothermia treatment has been shown to limit damage resulting from cardiac arrest. Cooling puts the body in a slower metabolic state
that curtails the cascade of chemicals released when cells are starved for oxygen. These chemicals can lead to permanent injury. “The Arctic Sun improves the chances of a full recovery,” says Russ Kino, MD, director of emergency services at Saint John’s Health Center. “Before Arctic Sun technology, hypothermia treatment was more challenging to administer. We can now manage these patients far more effectively.” FALL 2014, SAINT JOHN'S
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ON THE PULSE
RIDING IN STYLE: A New Van Transports CFDC Clients A generous donation is making a noteworthy difference in the lives of some special young children. The Child and Family Development Center (CFDC) at Saint John’s Health Center recently purchased a 12-seat Nissan passenger van to shuttle children to activities and aftercare programs, thanks to funding from the Ahmanson Foundation. After retiring the center’s previous van, the staff was eager to find a new way to transport its clients, says Katherine Reuter, PhD, program manager of early childhood intervention services. “When the Saint John's Health Center Foundation approached the Ahmanson Foundation with our request, they were quick to support us.” Since purchasing the van, the CFDC staff has worked hard to prepare it for clients, installing car seats and having the center’s logo painted on the side. The CFDC is one of the few remaining community mental health centers on the Westside that specializes in serving children and their families. Programs include a therapeutic preschool for children, ages 2½ to 5, who suffer from conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. “With the van, we can take more field trips now,” Reuter says. “We also use it to transport children to aftercare. Our program ends at 12:30 p.m., but we have a lot of working families. For families to enroll their children here for services, we found it necessary to take children to aftercare—whether that’s to grandma’s house or a home day care or an afternoon preschool program. Providing for the children’s transportation was about meeting the needs of our poor, vulnerable and over-burdened families.” The center also has a program that serves adults with mental health disorders who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. “The adult program uses the van to take groups into the community for outings,” she says. “It’s a beautiful van that’s being put to good use. This gift has been a blessing to us and has made a real impact on the lives of the families we serve.”
To support Child and Family Development Center programs and activities, please call Wendy Merritt at 310-829-8443.
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Embracing the Providence Values The Health Center’s transition this year to new sponsorship under Providence Health & Services was facilitated by embracing common values. A ceremony to acknowledge our new core values and the Health Center’s mission was held September 23 in the Tarble Atrium. The mission of Providence Health & Services and now the new mission of Saint John’s Health Center is: “As people of Providence, we reveal God’s love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.” Providence holds five core values, and three are identical to the ones held by Saint John’s in the past. Saint John’s Health Center values were: excellence, caring spirit, integrity, stewardship and good humor. Our new core values are: respect, compassion, justice, excellence and stewardship. The ceremony to embrace our new core values was part of Mission Week, a celebration of our commitment to our patients, family members and each other.
ON THE PULSE
New DaVinci Robot Will Expand Services Saint John’s Health Center acquired a new DaVinci robot that is expected to greatly expand the number and types of surgeries that are performed robotically. The unit is an updated version of an earlier DaVinci robot at the hospital that was used primarily for urologic and gynecologic procedures. The new DaVinci is expected to be used for general surgery and thoracic procedures as well. The new unit is more mobile and easier to use than previous
DaVinci models and has enhanced visualization capabilities, as well as sophisticated instrumentation that allows the surgeon to rotate the tools in a manner that mimics a surgeon’s actual wrist movement. Robotic surgery offers patients numerous benefits including incisions that are much smaller compared to open surgery. Patients typically experience shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and less pain, blood loss and scarring.
Irene Dunne Guild Donates Funds for Patient Safety Program The Irene Dunne Guild recently announced a donation in excess of $100,000 to Saint John’s Health Center that is being used to help fund the Safe Patient Handling & Mobility Program. The gift enables the purchase of equipment to help lift, position and move patients. Safe patient handling is a term that refers to policies and programs that use technology and techniques to allow caregivers to safely lift and move patients without causing injury or unnecessary physical stress. “We chose to fund this gift because the program strongly supports patients and caregivers at the same time,” says Kate Prudente, president of the Irene Dunne Guild. “This is specialized equipment that enhances the delivery of compassionate care in a manner that is safer for hospital staff and caregivers.” Among nurses, back injuries are the most common type of work-related accidents, Prudente notes. When used correctly, the new devices will help minimize the risk of injuries to caregivers. Likewise, patients benefit from being moved in a manner most conducive to their safety and comfort. Safe patient handling has become a prominent issue in acute health care settings, she says, with legislation pending in some states to mandate more of these types of programs. The guild’s gift is part of a larger patient handling and safety strategy at Saint John’s that will include in-depth staff training and support and a specialized lift team, Prudente says. “The feedback I hear is that the nurses love the equipment, and the benefits for the patients are substantial,” she says. “The lift team is also very impressed with how easily they can move patients and assist all the nursing units in a more timely manner. This is an important program, and the guild is pleased and proud that we were able to help augment it at the Health Center.”
To learn more about the Irene Dunne Guild, please visit www.irenedunneguild.org.
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ON THE PULSE
PURE GOLD
The Cleft Palate Center celebrates its golden anniversary ...
Saint John’s Health Center kicked off a year-long celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Cleft Palate Center and has welcomed the third medical director in the center’s history. Mark M. Urata, MD, DDS, who is uniquely board certified in both plastic and maxillofacial surgery, assumed the medical director duties last year. He follows in the footsteps of Janet K. Salomonson, MD, who passed away in 2013, and the center’s founding medical director, Leslie M. Holve, MD, a pediatrician. Dr. Urata has been a member of the staff of professionals at the Cleft Palate Center for five years. He was asked by Dr. Salomonson to take on the duties of medical director and says she helped him understand that the care of children with cleft palate was a lifelong commitment. “That inspired me to seek out a career taking care of kids with clefts,” Dr. Urata says. “It was a huge honor for me to accept this responsibility from one of my mentors.” The center houses a broad range of specialists who attend to all of a child’s cleft-related needs from infancy through adulthood. These include plastic surgeons, pediatricians, speech pathologists, audiologists, social workers, otolaryngologists, pedodontists, geneticists, pediatric nurses, pediatric dentists, prosthodontists and orthodontists. The goal of the center is to provide coordinated, comprehensive and long-term care in conjunction with the patient’s growth and development. Cleft lip and palate are birth anomalies that occur when a baby’s lip and mouth do not form properly in utero, resulting in openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (known as the palate) or both. The anomaly occurs in about one of every 500 to 700 births worldwide. The idea of uniting a team of health professionals at Saint John’s to care for these children came from Dr. Holve, who was the hospital’s medical director of pediatrics, says Ann B. Masson, RN, nurse coordinator and case manager. Treatment continues to evolve and improve, with more surgeons using minimally invasive techniques. The staff spends time educating families about the treatments and services the child may require. Over time, close relationships develop between the patients, family members and staff. “It’s an initial shock for parents when they have a child with a cleft lip and/or palate. Giving parents information as soon as possible is very important. Parents need to know that the Cleft Palate Center team will help the family through the issues related to the cleft and that the vast majority of children grow up to be normal, healthy adults,” she says. The Cleft Palate Center looks forward to continuing to serve the community for many more years, Dr. Urata adds. “We want to keep the heartbeat, the real spirit, of this program. This is a communitybased program that provides personalized care at the highest level for children born with clefts.”
Families and patients attending the "Remembering Dr. Janet Day."
“[Dr. Salomonson] inspired me to seek out a career taking care of kids with clefts, it was a huge honor for me to accept this responsibility from one of my mentors.” – Dr. Mark M. Urata
Dr. Janet Salmonson shown with Dr. Leslie Holve after Dr. Salomonson became the second medical director of the Cleft Palate Center. Dr. Salomonson passed away in 2013. Dr. Holve, now emeritus medical director, was the center’s first medical director, serving from 1964 to 1997.
To learn more about supporting the Cleft Palate Center, please call Susan Wilson at 310-829-8593.
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ON THE PULSE
… with thanks to the Native Sons of the Golden West. Continuing a 45-year tradition of helping the Cleft Palate Center, the Native Sons of the Golden West presented a check at the group’s annual recognition lunch at Saint John’s held in August. The organization’s 2014 gift brought its total donations to Saint John’s to more than $1,500,000. These generous contributions have helped thousands of children born with clefts and related disorders to lead healthy, happy lives. The annual recognition lunch began with a Mass of thanksgiving in the Saint John's Sister Marie Madeleine Chapel followed Dr. Mark M. Urata by a reception and update from the medical director, Mark M. Urata, MD, DDS, that included a 50th anniversary video tribute to the team and Native Sons. In addition to funding new technology, the Native Sons’ contributions have helped underwrite a yearly fall educational conference attended by physicians, health care professionals and concerned parents. Family education is a major component of the Saint John’s program. The group’s ongoing support “has allowed us to provide comprehensive, highly specialized care for these children,” says Dr. Urata. Funds provided by the Native Sons are often targeted to children who have minimal health insurance coverage or lack necessary specialized services, such as care from a speech pathologist, says Ann B. Masson, RN. The Native Sons and Cleft Palate Center staff share a love and devotion of children, says Sister Maureen Craig, SCL. “The spirit that was started here many years ago by Dr. Holve and the Native Sons—that’s what keeps the program going.”
Photo by Jasn Long
Onnalee Doheny Generously Leaves Gift Onnalee Doheny left a deeply appreciated $1.2 million bequest to Saint John’s Health Center from the William and Onalee Doheny Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust. Onnalee, who passed away in 2013 at age 93, was a founding member of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation. She was a devoted friend to the Health Center, says Gloria Miller, legacy gift coordinator at the Foundation. “She was greatly admired,” Miller says. “She did so much for the Foundation as an active trustee, and now she has left this legacy for perpetuity. Our gratitude is heartfelt.”
In Memoriam The Foundation mourns the loss of several of our dear friends, supporters and trustees. Their long-time devotion to our mission and willingness to help will be remembered with fondness and deep gratitude. Onnalee Doheny October 24, 1919 – October 10, 2013
Donna Mettler April 2, 1930 – May 23, 2014
Paula Kent Meehan August 9, 1931 – June 23, 2014
Anastasia Waldeck February 17, 1950 – April 1, 2014
The Debut of Electronic Medical Records A state-of-the-art, secure electronic health record system is now in place at Saint John’s Health Center. The Epic system connects all Providence Health & Services hospitals and clinics in Southern California. Patients can be seen at any Providence facility, and their medical records will be fully available to their care team. Traditionally a patient has separate medical records for clinic visits, hospital stays, labs and pharmacy. Under the Epic system, the patient’s records are linked, and caregivers will have easy, instant access to all of this information. The Epic system is designed to support— but never replace—the knowledge and human touch of the health care team. Epic will also enable administrators and clinical leaders to access and compare outcomes from across all of Providence, allowing for improved care and innovation no matter where a patient is seen. Epic will be used for registration, scheduling, billing and financial
information. Once implemented, patients will have quick, online access to their health records through a secure patient service called MyChart. With MyChart, patients will be able to view their medical records, schedule appointments, request prescription refills, send messages to their care team and pay bills online.
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PROFILE
A Gifted Gastroenterologist Dr. Rudy Bedford is an expert endoscopic interventionalist and an all-around good guy. WRITTEN BY SHARI ROAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY SCOTT GILBERT
G
astroenterologist Rudolph A. Bedford, MD, remembers exactly when he began dreaming of becoming a physician. He was only 7 or 8, living in a poor neighborhood in the South Bronx. He was sick with a cold and as taken to a doctor named Dr. Jacobsen.
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“This doctor was very kind, very professional,” Dr. Bedford recalls. “Practicing medicine struck me as something I might be interested in doing. For whatever reason, that idea stayed in my brain, and I kept pushing in that direction. It was one doctor—one pediatrician—who influenced me.” Now Dr. Bedford influences countless others. He is a highly regarded specialized gastroenterologist at Saint John’s, known throughout the region as the expert in interventional endoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that involves a thin, flexible scope equipped with a camera and light used to diagnose or treat conditions of the esophagus and intestinal tract. Today, he fondly remembers Dr. Jacobsen and credits his beloved mother for the career he cherishes. His mother worked three jobs to support Dr. Bedford and his older brother. “She did all that she could to encourage me and ensure that I was successful,” he remembers. “She made sacrifices and even made sure I attended boarding school. I owe her everything.” Dr. Bedford is not the kind of person who forgets to thank others. When he was in college and applying to medical school, he went back to the Bronx hospital where he was treated as a child to find Dr. Jacobsen and explain how their one encounter long ago had influenced his life. The pediatrician had retired, however, and Dr. Bedford couldn’t locate him. But he never forgot him. Dr. Bedford went on to earn his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and a gastroenterology fellowship program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Then in 1992 Dr. Bedford was accepted to the advanced fellowship program for therapeutic endoscopy at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, where he honed the skills that have made him a renowned specialist in his field. He spent 18 months training with Joseph E. Geenan, MD, a pioneer in therapeutic endoscopy for the
treatment of ulcers, gallstones, pancreatic disease and other GI disorders. Dr. Bedford performed more than 1,500 procedures during his fellowship, becoming an expert in therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). These advanced endoscopic tools have significantly improved treatment of many gastroenterological conditions. ERCP is a procedure to examine and treat conditions of the ducts that drain the liver and pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive technique allowing the doctor to visualize the lining of the gastrointestinal system, esophagus, stomach and pancreas in very fine detail. “We utilize this procedure to stage a patient’s cancer, to obtain tissue if we suspect a cancer and sometimes to help palliative
the perfect choice. Dr. Bedford is beloved in the community and loves his work. He recently joined the Saint John's Health Center board of trustees. “In addition to being regarded as the finest biliary endoscopist in Southern California, Rudy is one of the nicest and most decent people you will ever meet,” says Richard F. Corlin, MD, who co-founded the Southern California Medical Gastroenterology Group. “He has a quick wit, a gentle sense of humor and a visible sincerity for his work and the people around him.” That calm demeanor has helped him raise three boys: 16-year-old twins and a 23-year-old. Dr. Bedford, his wife—who is a judge—and their sons spend their free time traveling. Together they have seen much of the world.
"In addition to being regarded as the finest biliary endoscopist in Southern California, Rudy is one of the nicest and most decent people you will ever meet." — Dr. Richard F. Corlin patients in pain,” says Dr. Bedford, who is in his second term as president of the Southern California Society of Gastroenterology. “We can inject various pharmaceutical agents into the tumors or nerves.” Dr. Bedford came to Saint John’s to be part of the Southern California Medical Gastroenterology Group in 2001, convinced that he would thrive in its “nurturing, family-like atmosphere.” Being able to alleviate suffering is one of the reasons he enjoys his specialty, Dr. Bedford says. But perhaps he was simply fulfilling his destiny—sort of—when he chose to treat intestinal disorders. In high school, while still yearning to become a physician, he was given a vocation-skills test. His scores suggested he would make one terrific plumber. “I wish I were joking,” he says with a laugh. In hindsight, becoming a physician was
While at home, Dr. Bedford enjoys working out and bicycling. He says he appreciates the relationships he’s formed while serving the Westside community. “At Saint John’s, we see patients who want to stay within the community to receive their care,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful experience to work at Saint John’s. It has allowed me the flexibility to utilize a wide range of state-of-the-art technology and the freedom to direct the care of my patients to meet their needs.” •
For more information on how you can support the gastrointestinal program, please call Susan Wilson at 310-829-8593.
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PROFILE “I became interested in Saint John’s in the late ’90s,” Gibello says, adding that two of his four children were born there, so his association really began years before. Good friends and Foundation trustees A. Redmond “Rusty” Doms and Thomas P. Mullaney encouraged Gibello to join the group, and he did so in 2002. “The timing was good because I was at a point in my career when I wanted to get involved in a few philanthropic activities,” he says. But, he adds, “It takes a year or two to get up to speed on how things work and what role one might play.” His first role played into one of his passions: golf. He co-chaired the Saint John’s Golf Tournament with Robert O. Klein, president and CEO of the Foundation, for a number of years. “Golf is a passion of mine, and we were able to put on a very successful tournament and grow it to the point that it became a significant fundraiser,” he says.
"Once you have the opportunity to become part of the Saint John’s ‘patient family,’ it gets inside of you, and you want to become a spokesperson and advocate for the hospital." – Mark Gibello
Making the Most of Retirement WRITTEN BY SANDI DRAPER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SCOTT GILBERT
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Trustee Mark Gibello remains hard at work on behalf of the Health Center.
ost people retire to slow down a bit. Not Saint John’s Health Center Foundation trustee Mark Gibello, who allegedly retired about a year and a half ago. He was executive vice president of Trust Company of the West for decades and is currently a senior advisor with Oakmont Corporation, a private investment company. Today, he is enthusiastically and actively putting together a business plan to start a new investment management company. “I think I flunked retirement,” he says. “That’s what my family says.” While his retirement from business is questionable, he’s never even considered retiring from the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation.
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Gibello co-chaired the campaign council for the Campaign for Saint John’s, an effort that raised $125 million to rebuild the hospital. He also co-chaired the Challenge to Lead Campaign, another capital campaign that raised $100 million. He currently serves on the Foundation board’s executive committee, the affiliation endowment fund advisory committee and the investment committee. But he thinks he accomplished the most as chair of the Foundation’s board affairs committee from 2007 to 2014. “One of the critical items for any organization—private, public or philanthropic—is the need for new people. The committee made tremendous strides during that period to bring in new members. It was a team effort,” he explains. “We needed input from a lot of people to identify and recruit prospective new members, individuals who have the interest and the ability to contribute.” Gibello has had a couple of experiences as a patient at the Health Center. While no one wants to undergo treatment for a medical problem, many patients find themselves feeling a close connection to the Health Center long after regaining their health, he notes. “Once you have the opportunity to become part of the Saint John’s ‘patient family,’ it gets inside of you, and you want to become a spokesperson and advocate for the hospital.” He has visited friends hospitalized at other facilities and sees a difference. “At Saint John’s there’s just a very comfortable feeling. People here make you feel welcome, and you know you’re going to be well taken care of. It’s a different feeling than the one you get at other hospitals.” When he reflects on Saint John’s history, he sees a theme. “It’s compassionate care—state-of-the-art care. The hospital’s affiliation with the Sisters has been very, very special. The Health Center has wonderful doctors and nurses—everyone here is special. It’s a thread that binds us all together.” •
PROFILE
The Helpful Contrarian
As a Foundation trustee, Mike Minchin loves to rattle cages and free up good ideas. and began asking local hospitals if they had any programs to train nurses who care for patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. None of the hospitals had such a program, but the administrators at Saint John’s Health Center embraced the concept and said they would welcome the training. Minchin found an advanced practice nurse who provided the training at Saint John’s, which was a great success. Such programs are needed, he says, as rates of dementia increase in the United States.
WRITTEN BY SHARI ROAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY REMY HAYNES
clinic specializing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a new minimally invasive alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement. “My heart is with Saint John’s in two ways,” he notes. “The Health Center fixed my heart and gave me all these additional healthy years. Now I will do what I can to support the expansion of cardiac care at the hospital.” Once he sets his mind to something, Minchin is a force to be reckoned with. He has enjoyed a highly successful career as an independent consultant to several publicly held companies. Prior to his work as a consultant, he was
"My heart is with Saint John's in two ways. The Health Center fixed my heart and gave me all these additional healthy years. Now I will do what I can to support the expansion of cardiac care at the hospital." – Mike Minchin
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s a member of the Saint John’s Health Center board of trustees, Michael M. Minchin, Jr., considers it his duty to think outside the box. Indeed, he used some ingenuity and persistence to bring an interesting health care improvement project to the Health Center several years ago. Minchin, a long-time trustee, was contacted by a gentleman who wished to make a $1 million gift to The John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, where Minchin serves as president. But the donor wanted the money directed toward Alzheimer’s patient care, and The John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Research Foundation was focused on research. So Minchin contemplated the problem
“I went to Saint John’s with the idea because it was my hospital of record and because it was not ladened with the type of bureaucracy you find in big institutions,” he says. “My experience with Saint John’s has been that they are hands-on, extremely involved and willing to move forward.” He also chose the Health Center for his personal health care several years ago when he needed heart valve surgery. Although Minchin’s physicians all practiced at Saint John’s, he researched cardiovascular surgeons in the region thoroughly before his search brought him right back to Saint John’s. John M. Robertson, MD, director of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, performed the successful surgery. Minchin is now a member of the Foundation’s cardiac committee, which is working to raise funds for a heart valve
chairman of the board of Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., the parent company of the Souplantation restaurant. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard and a bachelor’s degree from Stanford. He grew up in Los Angeles and resides in the city with his wife, Carolyn. Minchin loves mentoring people, has been involved in starting three schools in Southern California and is a member of several boards. He champions a can-do attitude in his work as a trustee. “As a contrarian, I try to bring that focus into whatever I do,” he says. “I welcome fresh thinking. Too many times people are burdened by repeating old ways, rather than trying to change the environment and look at new approaches. Saint John’s is always striving to raise the level of excellence.” •
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Bringing the latest tools and technologies to Saint John’s Written by BETH HOWARD 18 »
SAINT JOHN'S, FALL 2014
Photographed by Michael Neveux
CUTTING-EDGE CARDIOLOGY
Photographed by Scott Gilbert
CUTTING-EDGE CARDIOLOGY
ancy Beacham, 71, a retired publishing professional in Playa Vista, has had her share of health worries. She succeeded in dropping more than 100 unhealthy pounds through a 12-step program and survived a bout with breast cancer. But it was her time on the blood thinner warfarin—treatment for her atrial fibrillation—that nearly got the best of her. A variety of foods can interfere with warfarin and render the medication ineffective. “I was frightened of bleeding,” says Beacham, who is a volunteer counselor in the field of addictions and also an elementary school volunteer. “I was frightened of gaining weight because of the restrictions on my diet. I felt powerless.” So Beacham jumped at the chance to get an alternative to the blood thinner: a surgically implanted device called the Watchman, which she received at Saint John’s Health Center. “To get off the blood thinner seemed like the impossible dream,” she says. “What the Watchman represents to me is to live a life with purpose. It made me healthy so I could help others who are trying to be healthy. My happiest moments are in my volunteer work with children.” Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib—a heart rhythm abnormality affecting 6 million Americans—occurs when the heart beats erratically, causing blood to clot in the heart’s left atrial appendage. This can cause life-threatening strokes. Warfarin lowers stroke risk; however, blood levels of the drug must be frequently monitored because they can be easily thrown off by foods and Hyperother medications. thyroidBlood thinners also have ismanother more obvious disadvantage: they increase the risk of bleeding, posing a particular problem as people age and the risk of falls increases. “We’re stuck in a difficult position with older patients,” says Shephal K. Doshi, MD, director of cardiac electrophysiology and pacing at Saint John’s. “It’s a catch-22.”
The Watchman device, an expandable metal cage that looks like a parachute, is guided through a catheter inserted into a vein in the leg. It is placed in the atrium to block the left atrial appendage so blood can’t collect and clot. The left atrial appendage is a pouch-like structure that is believed to be the source of most of the blood clots that occur in non-valvar atrial fibrillation patients.
“It offers a way to seal off this pouch in people at risk for stroke from atrial fibrillation as an alternative to taking blood thinners,” says Dr. Doshi. Older patients with A-fib and on blood thinners who are poor candidates for longterm use of blood thinners are the ideal candidates for the Watchman device. “The average age is 72, but I’ve treated patients as old as 94,” he says.
Nancy Beacham
USES A T CA -FI A H B? W
To get off the blood thinner seemed like the impossible dream. What the Watchman represents to me is to live a life with purpose. It made me healthy so I could help others who are trying to be healthy." – Nancy Beacham
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Beacham was part of a five-year, multicenter clinical trial designed to compare the device to warfarin. “The data show that the Watchman was as good as warfarin in reducing stroke and has less bleeding and improved cardiovascular survival. Patients get the benefit of blood thinners with a lower risk of bleeding,” says Dr. Doshi, a pioneer in using the device. Dr. Doshi spearheaded the trial at Saint John’s and has performed more than 300 Watchman procedures. He has helped train many physicians in the United States and worldwide, launched the procedure in Europe and conducted the first cases in Asia. “He’s done more than anyone else in the country and performed the procedure in more than 14 countries. He was also a key presenter at the recent Food and Drug Administration approval meeting in Washington,” says John M. Robertson, MD, chairman of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation board of trustees and director of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the Health Center. Although the Watchman does not have the FDA’s approval yet, there is optimism that approval could come soon; an advisory committee has already voted in its favor. “We look forward to the FDA’s final review,” says Dr. Doshi. “Our expectation is that if it’s approved, it will be covered by Medicare.” Coverage by Medicare would make the device available to many more individuals. Saint John’s physicians are also at the forefront of other treatments for stroke prevention in A-fib, including performing, in 2009, the first non-surgical procedure that use sutures to tie off the left atrial appendage. Using the LARIAT Suture Delivery Device, physicians guide two catheters into the patient’s heart to seal the appendage with a pre-tied suture loop. Advanced Ablation While the search for alternative therapies to anticoagulation has been paramount, Dr. Doshi has developed a world-class center for the actual correction of A-fib itself with catheter ablation. This progress stems from groundbreaking research and a high volume of cases.
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Photographed by Michael Neveux
CUTTING-EDGE CARDIOLOGY
Dr. Shephal K. Doshi
For example, the first endoscopic laser balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation in the United States was performed at Saint John’s. For the first time, physicians could see into the heart through a catheter equipped with a tiny camera and use laser energy to destroy unhealthy heart tissue where abnormal heartbeats may cause an arrhythmia to start. “We boast some of the most advanced technology, certainly in Los Angeles but also in the United States,” says Dr. Doshi. This includes the most up-to-date, threedimensional mapping systems. The Health Center’s electrophysiology lab is a Technical Expertise Center for A-fib ablation and hosts physicians from all over the world to observe and learn advanced techniques. “We have some of the highest success rates with ablation and a complication rate that is much, much lower than that reported elsewhere,” Dr. Doshi explains. “One of our specialties is minimizing a patient’s exposure to X-ray radiation during the procedure.” While most centers use anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes of X-ray during the ablation, Dr. Doshi averages less than 30 seconds per case. Recently a team of physicians from China visited Saint John’s Health Center to observe this technique. Another first at the Health Center was a live transmission of
As A-fib has become an epidemic for our aging population, we will continue to seek innovative approaches to correct it." — Dr. Shephal K. Doshi
an A-fib ablation to the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society meeting in New Delhi, India, a gathering of arrhythmia specialists from all over the world. “As A-fib has become an epidemic for our aging population, we will continue to seek innovative approaches to correct it,” Dr. Doshi says. Minimally invasive heart valve replacement Equally groundbreaking advances are coming to the Health Center’s valve clinic, which is introducing a new type of valve replacement. Called transvascular aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the minimally invasive procedure involves repairing a damaged valve without removing it. To perform TAVR, surgeons place a collapsible replacement valve through
CUTTING-EDGE CARDIOLOGY
CPR Training for the Community Most people experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location. Bystanders can’t be afraid to act to save a life. Studies now show compression-only CPR as an effective alternative to conventional CPR, which combines chest compressions with rescue breaths (also known as ventilations). On September 7, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation sponsored a community event to raise awareness about compression-only CPR and heart health. Held at the Health Center, the Your Heart and Stayin’ Alive CPR training featured members of the Santa Monica Fire Department,
Bowers Ambulance, cardiac arrest survivors and Health Center physicians and staff who participated in the education and training of the 160 attendees. John M. Robertson, MD, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery, moderated the event and served as honorary chair. Heart health educational sessions were given by Saint John’s cardiologists Nicole Weinberg, MD, and Shephal K. Doshi, MD. Chief Jeffrey Furrows of the Santa Monica Fire Department presented information about the need to call 911 immediately when a cardiac event is suspected and to begin CPR if the person is in cardiac arrest. Survivors of cardiac arrest and family members celebrated life with remarkable accounts of heroic efforts and the power of prayer.
From left: Ryan Sevy; Dr. Peter Pelikan; Dr. Russ Kino; battalion chief Michael McElvaney; Dr. John Robertson; Robert Klein; Sister Maureen Craig, SCL; Dr. Nicole Weinberg; Irene Bristol, RN; battalion chief Jeff Furrow; Debbie Licht, RN; and Jeff Arnett
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CUTTING-EDGE CARDIOLOGY a catheter into the old valve, similar to placing a stent in an artery. Once the new valve is expanded, the old valve is moved out of the way and the new valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow. Traditional surgery requires opening the sternum and putting the patient on a heart-lung machine, and thus completely stopping the heart while surgeons replace the faulty valve with an artificial one. “TAVR is far less stressful for the patient,” says Peter C.D. Pelikan, MD, medical director of Saint John’s cardiac catheterization laboratory. “Valves are put in either through an artery in the groin or a small incision in the chest. The heart keeps beating, and the patient avoids all the trauma of opening the chest and cardiopulmonary bypass.” In addition to suffering less pain, patients typically experience a quicker and easier recovery. “The average patient goes home two to three days later feeling pretty well,” says Dr. Pelikan. Candidates for the procedure are people for whom open-heart surgery is too risky—generally older patients. “There are a variety of technical requirements, such as assessing the size of the arteries and determining the right size valve to put through the catheter,” Dr. Pelikan says. “All the ducks have to be lined up before doing TAVR. We want to be sure the patient is right for the procedure and the procedure is right for the patient.” To properly assess prospective patients, the hospital is laying the groundwork for a multi-specialty valve clinic. The clinic will offer “one-stop shopping,” Dr. Pelikan says. Patients will be evaluated by different practitioners—cardiologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners—and receive needed tests, including ultrasounds of the heart and CT scans. Importantly, the clinic will allow patients with valve disease to be assessed over time and treated appropriately. “Patients with valve disease need to be followed,” Dr. Robertson says. “With the passage of time, valves get narrower and narrower, leading to stenosis.” The plan for a multi-specialty valve clinic also calls for a hybrid operating
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room, which combines the functions of a catheterization lab and an operating room and is equipped with the advanced medical imaging devices required to perform minimally invasive cardiac procedures. “If circumstances warrant, you need to be able to perform open surgery,” Dr. Robertson explains.
Since the beginning of the hospital, cardiovascular care has been one of our primary service lines. We have always provided state-of-the-art cardiovascular care, and our clinical results over the years have been outstanding.” – Dr. John M. Robertson
Dr. Peter C.D. Pelikan
Dr. John M. Robertson
Superior cardiac care Being on cardiology’s cutting edge is par for the course at the Health Center, which has been named a Healthgrades™ America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for the past three years and a Healthgrades 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery in 2014. Saint John’s has had many firsts in cardiac care, including performing one of the world’s first openheart surgeries called coronary artery bypass grafting.
“Since the beginning of the hospital, cardiovascular care has been one of our primary service lines,” says Dr. Robertson. “We have always provided state-of-the-art cardiovascular care, and our clinical results over the years have been outstanding.” Saint John’s boasts four separate catheterization laboratories located adjacent to the operating room and a short distance from the emergency room. The facilities are equipped with advanced imaging equipment and electronic communications technologies, allowing images to be uploaded to cath lab monitors in seconds—improving outcomes for patients with heart attack and other cardiac conditions. Thanks to technological capabilities like these, the Health Center was also invited to be part of a national initiative designed to improve the treatment of patients with heart attack symptoms. Saint John’s is one of 30 hospitals in Los Angeles County designated to receive patients having the most severe kinds of heart attacks. The Health Center was named one of the top 14 hospitals in California for outstanding heart attack outcomes by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). Says Dr. Robertson, “The latest and most innovative technology and techniques plus our reputation for excellent patient care provides for an outstanding program overall.” Nancy Beacham agrees. She has been free from the restrictions of blood thinners and stroke fears since her surgery 10 years ago. “Dr. Doshi’s whole team was so compassionate and caring,” she says. “I felt like I could place my health in their hands.” • A campaign to raise $5 million is underway to build a new cardiac valve clinic specializing in transvascular aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a damaged valve without removing it. To learn more about supporting the TAVR program, please call Irene Bristol at 310-829-8348.
PROFILE
Through Thick and Thin
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Foundation trustee Mary Flaherty is a champion of women’s health.
aint John’s Health Center has been with Mary Flaherty through the best of times and the worst of times. The best times were when two of her three children were born at the Health Center: Mary Catherine in 1986 and Maureen in 1992. The first of the worst times came in between those births when Flaherty was treated for breast cancer after being diagnosed in 1989 at age 32. Twelve years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer again and was treated at Saint John’s. “That’s how I got involved in women’s health,” says Flaherty, a Foundation trustee and longtime Health Center supporter. “I feel you have to make lemonade out of lemons. Some good had to come out of it.” Flaherty is grateful that the second cancer was a new primary cancer, not a spread of the original, which is a more challenging prognosis. She now mentors women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, focusing on education, prevention and encouragement. However, her dedication to the Health Center predates her personal experiences. You might say Saint John’s is a family tradition. Her father, Jim Hesburgh, is a trustee emeritus and former chair of the Foundation. Nearly 30 years ago, Flaherty, her mother, Mary, and Sister Marie Madeleine Shonka, SCL, met with Saint John’s benefactor, actress Irene Dunne. “I was one of the founding members of the Irene Dunne Guild and was president when it was newly formed,” Flaherty says. She led the guild in 1989–1991 and 1994–1995. The guild was just the beginning. Flaherty joined the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation board in 2003 and remains a trustee today. She also joined the Health Center board of directors in 2007 and chaired the board in 2011–2012. “I really loved serving on the hospital board,” Flaherty says. “The board was able to accomplish many great things, and it
WRITTEN BY SANDI DRAPER PHOTOGRAPHED BY SCOTT GILBERT
was an amazing group of directors. It was a cohesive group of people who worked well together and had a commitment that is seldom found at other health care institutions.” Most recently Flaherty was benefit committee chair for Power of Pink 2014: An Acoustic Evening with P!NK and Friends, held on October 23. Proceeds benefited cancer prevention programs at the Margie Petersen Breast Center. Flaherty also serves on the board and is incoming chair of the Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles. She had acupuncture during chemotherapy in her second battle with breast cancer. “I see a merging of Eastern and Western medicine throughout health care,” she says. When she’s not busy with assorted boards and committees in her Westside community, Flaherty loves to travel and spend time with her far-flung family: a son and daughter in Illinois, a daughter in Texas and parents in Indiana. At home, she and her husband Jay have three dogs. “I joke we replaced every child with a dog when the child left home,” she said. They now have two German shepherds and a golden mix. Two dogs are rescues.
"Saint John’s is special to our family. There is a spiritual aspect to Saint John’s, an emotional, social and psychological aspect to treatment that you don’t get elsewhere. That gives patients an extra advantage when it comes to healing.” – Mary Flaherty During her time on the Foundation and Health Center boards, she has served on a multitude of committees including women’s health, board affairs, governance, strategic, finance, audit and quality control, to name a few. “I feel like I earned a master’s or PhD in health care through my experience on these committees,” Flaherty jokes. “I’ve
also made a lot of really wonderful friends through various committees. Saint John’s is special to our family. There is a spiritual aspect to Saint John’s, an emotional, social and psychological aspect to treatment that you don’t get elsewhere. That gives patients an extra advantage when it comes to healing.” And Flaherty understands healing very well. •
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A Family Affair The neonatal intensive care unit staff provides special babies their first home. Written by VICTORIA CLAYTON | Photographed by SCOTT GILBERT
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ust over three years ago, Tami and Fred Schmitt of Westwood were experiencing the perfect pregnancy. “We were happily preparing for our first baby. Everything was going great,” says Tami, who was working as a property manager at the time. Though the nursery wasn’t quite ready and the baby wasn’t due for several months, they went ahead and toured Saint John’s Health Center’s maternity floor. Tami felt so good, the couple decided to proceed with a planned trip to Costa Rica. Two weeks after they got back, however, Tami began to feel ill. She immediately went to the doctor and was admitted to the hospital. Within four hours, on June 18, 2011, their daughter Hanna was born. She was just 23 weeks gestation.
Dr. Lev told us that there was something like a 5% chance that Hanna would survive. We heard that, but we didn’t accept it; we told the medical team to do everything in their power to save her.” — Tami Schmitt
“To this day we still don’t know why, but for some reason the baby wanted to come out. By the time I was admitted to the hospital, I was so far dilated that the only option was to proceed with delivery,” explains Tami. Cecilia Lev, MD, a board-certified neonatologist and medical director of the Irene Dunne Guild Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint John’s Health Center, was realistic with the couple. “Dr. Lev told us that there was something like a 5% chance that Hanna would survive,” says Tami. “We heard that, but we didn’t accept it; we told the medical team to do everything in their power to save her.” And they did. Hanna, now 3½ years old and a thriving preschooler, became the youngest baby ever delivered at Saint John’s Health Center. During her six months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Hanna had seven surgeries including heart, bowel and eye surgeries. She had several blood transfusions with a specially matched donor, whom the family had the opportunity to meet and thank. Hanna also had to be assisted with breathing, feedings, and taught how to suck and swallow. Essentially the NICU doctors, nurses and therapists had to step in and manually direct all the steps that Mother Nature usually takes to ensure a human can survive outside the womb. “These babies depend on us to do
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A FAMILY AFFAIR everything for them,” says Evelyn Tintoc, MD, a neonatologist who has worked in the Saint John’s NICU for 16 years. “We keep them warm; we help them breathe; we insert little tubings into their stomach to feed them, and we calculate fluids and calories so they can grow. We follow them closely for signs of infections so we can treat them promptly. We provide a comprehensive care package for our babies to thrive in their first home.” Saint John’s NICU is an 18-bed, Level III facility, equipped with the latest technology and experienced specialists. The unit provides a wide range of services for extremely premature neonates and newborn infants requiring medical or surgical intervention.
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Care is provided in a warm, supportive, family-like environment by a multidisciplinary team of neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists and many other specialists working in close collaboration with obstetricians, perinatologists, pediatricians and surgeons. A baby’s care starts in the delivery room, where a certified neonatal resuscitation team initiates gentle ventilation, oxygen delivery and temperature control to assure a smooth transition to the NICU. Some babies at the Health Center’s NICU stay as little as a few hours during the transition from the intrauterine to the extrauterine environment. But many require stays as long as three to four
months. The NICU is essentially many babies’ first home, a responsibility the staff doesn’t take lightly. “The NICU is a pretty special place to work,” says Irena Zuanic, RN, administrative director of women’s health. “The entire staff is focused on getting babies well enough to go home with their parents. We do this by providing clinically competent and compassionate care, and encouraging bonding and interaction between parents and babies. We are all aware of how much the babies depend on the NICU team’s care and just how much parents and babies depend and thrive on touch and connection.” Zuanic says beyond the clinical need, the goal is to create a calming and caring environment. Ask Tami Schmitt, and she’ll say most of the miracles happen because of this dedication to old-fashioned, tender-loving care. Doctors are constantly available, and the babies are held as much as possible. A few NICU staff members even hand-knit each baby a blanket to be used over their incubator as a light shield. “They are the most compassionate bunch I’ve ever met,” Tami says. “They held Hanna all the time, they took pictures of her, they recorded every single cubic centimeter she ate, every single thing that happened, and if we weren’t there, they communicated constantly with us.” Of course the medical issues babies like Hanna experience are the primary challenge of the NICU, says Dr. Lev. But the next task is nearly as important: taking care of the whole family. “If you haven’t been through this, you can’t imagine the shock and stress of having your newborn admitted to the NICU,” says Dr. Lev. “That’s why it’s essential to have this sort of family-centered care. We view it as our mission to form a bond with the whole family, to make sure we address the parents’ concerns and respect their choices and beliefs.” Encouraging the parents to be present in the NICU and involved in the baby’s care is a trend that has swept the nation. But that philosophy was always at the heart of Saint John’s NICU, Dr. Tintoc observes.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
From left: Kathy Chayet, RN; Pari Ghaffari, RN; Jessica Ford, RN; Dr. Evelyn Tintoc and Letty Garcia
If you haven’t been through this, you can’t imagine the shock and stress of having your newborn admitted to the NICU. That’s why it’s essential to have this sort of family-centered care. We view it as our mission to form a bond with the whole family, to make sure we address the parents’ concerns and respect their choices and beliefs.” — Dr. Cecilia Lev “Initially, families were not as involved in care as they have been in the last few years,” she explains. “But at Saint John’s, it has always been family-focused. We’re family-focused from the first day the baby comes in until the day of discharge. We want the parents to feel they have a role in the care of the baby. It’s about teaching them and making them feel secure. When it’s time for them to take the baby home they feel prepared to care for their child.” Dr. Lev says her team—all specialty-trained in neonatal intensive care—is comprised of curious, compassionate professionals who are guided by evidence-based medicine and are always willing to make changes to improve outcomes. They are assisted with equally incredible improvements in technology and medical knowledge. The Giraffe Incubator, for example, helps reduce stress on babies by keeping them in an ideal temperature and humidity and in a sound-proof environment that facilitates development and growth. The Giraffe also makes it possible to weigh the baby, gingerly manipulate the baby for changing and feeding and even perform bedside surgeries without changing the baby's environment.
Dr. Cecilia Lev
The incubator was a gift to the NICU from several generous donors including: Janice and Ken Ruck, NexGen, the Martha and David Ho Family, Cynthia L. and William E. Simon, Jr. Foundation, and Frances and Terry Flanagan. The NeoRay portable neonatal digital X-ray imaging system has reduced the time it takes to process an X-ray from an hour to sometimes just minutes, significantly decreasing radiation exposure. The system was generously donated by Su-Z Schneider, a founding Irene Dunne Guild member, and Ted Schneider, a Saint John’s Health Center Foundation trustee. “Our NICU now focuses on gentle, non-invasive ventilation techniques because those have been found to reduce risk of chronic lung disease for the children,” explains Dr. Lev, who says she enjoys the constant challenge of the neonatal intensive care unit. Tami Schmitt can attest to Dr. Lev and her staff’s dedication. “Right now so many people talk about how you have to do your research and really be your own advocate. When you’re in the type of situation we were in, though, you discover pretty quickly that
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A FAMILY AFFAIR
you also have to trust at some point. We made the decision early on to fully trust the staff, and they delivered perfectly. We’ve made lifelong friends because of it.” Happily, the Schmitts recently welcomed new baby sister Hazel, who at 8 months already weighs as much as Hanna. But Tami says Hanna’s small stature is balanced by her larger-than-life personality. “It’s almost like she knows she beat the odds,” Tami notes. “She’s so full of life.” She boasts about the NICU, "The experience has changed us. We are a much stronger, more faithful family now. We have Hanna because someone more powerful than any of us was looking out for her and because of the entire NICU staff. I don’t think we can ever repay the NICU team for what they did for us.” •
To learn more about supporting the Irene Dunne Guild Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, please call Cookie Galanti at 310-829-8423.
NICU Reunion Families and health care providers became reacquainted September 26 at a reunion of babies who spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit at Saint John’s Health Center. The event was a celebration of growing children and was appropriately themed “It’s a Small World.” The fun-filled afternoon featured music, crafts, face painting, food and a demonstration by the Science Guy.
Dr. Cecilia Lev embraces a NICU dad.
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Children were entertained by Mad Science with fascinating demonstrations.
MEMORABLE EVENTS
The Rhonda Fleming Carlson Inspiration Garden Blessing and Dedication The Rhonda Fleming Carlson Inspiration Garden was blessed and dedicated on May 22 before an intimate group of Carlson’s family and friends. The garden, located at the main entrance of Saint John’s Health Center on the lower garden level, serves as a place of healing and serenity. The garden features two historical art pieces from the original Saint John’s building: a lovely statue of the Blessed Mother Mary, which was acquired in 1954, near a smaller statue of Saint Bernadette. In her remarks, Rhonda said: “I fell in love with Saint John’s Health Center when I first entered its doors years ago and felt a spiritual sense of love and caring and a serenity that I’d never experienced at any other hospital. My prayer for all who gaze upon this garden is that they find comfort and hope in the beauty of this sanctuary.”
Rhonda Fleming Carlson and Darol Carlson
Statue of Saint Bernadette praying to the Blessed Mother who brings special care and concern to all who are ill.
Planned Giving Donor Recognition Luncheon
Judy Beck; Sister Maureen Craig, SCL; Ellie Goldman and Dr. Robert Amonic
Steve Applebaum, Melanie Villa and Jerome Applebaum
Dr. Sophie Andriaschuk, Arthur Akouris, Elaine Akouris and Ruth Weil
Dr. Glenn Gorlitsky
The Saint John’s Health Center Foundation was pleased to honor our planned giving donors, Friends for the Future, on September 10 at the Riviera Country Club. Friends for the Future is a distinctive group of individuals who have thoughtfully provided for the Health Center through their estate and/or charitable plans. The luncheon attendees enjoyed an informative presentation from Delphine Lee, MD, PhD, titled "Emerging Ideas in Cancer," which described the most recent theories, trends and advances in cancer treatment. The group also received updates from Foundation and Institute leadership on the many exciting projects underway at the Health Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. John Wayne Cancer Institute’s Guardians of the Future were also in attendance.
Dr. Delphine Lee and Steaven Jones, Jr.
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MEMORABLE EVENTS
Caritas Gala The spectacular Caritas Gala presented by the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation board of trustees and the Irene Dunne Guild was held on October 25 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The event, which raised nearly $630,000 for Saint John’s Health Center, celebrates individuals who demonstrate compassion for others through exceptional service to the community. Foundation trustee Tonian Hohberg, president and founder of FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, received the Spirit of Saint John’s Award. Multi award-winning musician, songwriter, composer, arranger, producer and recording artist David Foster and Yolanda Foster, television personality, model and interior designer, received the Caritas Award. In accepting her award, Toni, who was introduced by Sister Maureen Craig, SCL, simply said “thank you.” She then asked her cousin, Larry Wayne Morbitt, an accomplished international vocalist, to sing “This is the Moment” as her acceptance and a gift to the audience. David and Yolanda Foster were introduced by Lawrence Piro, MD, a member of the Saint John’s Health Center board of directors. Dr. Piro described the multi-talented duo as wonderful parents, great friends and people who live lives that embody the spirit of Caritas. David Foster said of he and Yolanda, “We are Saint John’s lifers.” Highlighting the Tonian Hohberg, Yolanda Foster and David Foster evening was a special performance by David Foster and friends including soulful solos by jazz singer Brenna Whitaker; singer Shalea; actor, singer and dancer Rogelio Douglas, Jr., and opera singer Nathan Granner. Larry Wayne Morbitt sang a moving version of "The Prayer of Saint Francis" as the invocation. The event, chaired by Evelyn Guerboian, drew more than 550 guests. This year's fundraising was led by the generous support of our dinner chairs: Catherine and Robert Beyer, Abbott L. Brown, Pat and Jerry B. Epstein, the Martha and David Ho family, Darcie Denkert Notkin and Shelby Notkin, Dominic Ornato and Providence Health & Dr. John Robertson Gus Margaros, Diane Margaros, Joyce Services, Southern California. and Evelyn Guerboian
Jerry Epstein and Pat Epstein
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Tonian Hohberg and Jan Perry
Rothchild, Dominic Ornato and Kari Kristan
Yolanda Foster and David Foster
Rogelio Douglas, Jr.
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Brooke Wyard, Bill Garland and Lori Vincent
Brenna Whitaker
Marcel Loh
Darcie Denkert Notkin and Shelby Notkin
Kate Prudente and Christina Arechaederra
Jane Loh, Dr. Richard Corlin and Catherine Corlin
Sister Maureen Craig, SCL, and David Foster
Dr. Lawrence Piro and David Foster
Tonian Hohberg and family
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MEMORABLE EVENTS
Donna Tuttle and David Elmore
Dr. Gil Kuhn, Dr. Ernie Prudente, Tonian Hohberg, Dr. Peter Pelikan, Amita Davis and Dr. Tim Davis
Enid Lieber, Dr. Daniel Lieber, Dr. David Krasne and Paola Pini
Pauline Kino, Dr. Russ Kino, Mary Flaherty and Jay Flaherty
David Ho, Martha Ho, Yolanda Foster and David Foster
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Melissa Zag, Tania Peterson, Yolanda Foster, Mareva Georges and Vaitiare Hirshon
Abbott Brown, Jerrie Ortega and Jerry Epstein
Larry Wayne Morbitt
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Ornato Family Garden Blessing and Dedication The blessing and dedication of the Ornato Family Garden was held on June 26 on the Health Center grounds. The garden, a gift from Dominic Ornato, a trustee of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, reflects his family’s desire to provide a place of tranquility and comfort to patients and their families. This beautiful rose garden is a soothing respite for reflection and relaxation to be enjoyed by all.
Dominic Ornato assists Father Patrick Comerford as he blesses the Ornato Family Garden.
Palisades/Will Rogers 5K and 10K Run Saint John’s Health Center was honored to once again serve as the title sponsor of the popular Palisades/Will Rogers 5K and 10K Run on the Fourth of July. Runners took to the streets of Pacific Palisades while raising funds to support Optimist Club youth charities.
Race director Brian Shea with Saint John’s doctors and nurses
Nick Faries, Nicole Faries, Dr. Mark Faries, James Faries and Ana Faries
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MEMORABLE EVENTS
Power of Pink 2014: An Acoustic Evening with P!NK and Friends The fabulous Power of Pink event was held October 23 at the House of Blues in West Hollywood before an audience of more than 700. Grammy award-winning artist P!NK performed an intimate acoustic set with friends including Linda Perry, Nate Ruess, Dallas Green, Butch Walker, Justin Derrico and Billy Mann. The evening included a successful raffle and live auction. Power of Pink is a fundraiser recognizing and celebrating the strength of women who battle and beat breast cancer daily. The event raised more than $600,000, with proceeds supporting the Cancer Prevention Program at the Margie Petersen Breast Center at Saint John’s Health Center. “The power and momentum of this event, coupled with the generosity of our donors, allows us to offer through our Cancer Prevention Program genetic risk assessment, nutritional counseling, yoga therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and meditation as integral parts of a patient’s care,” said Maggie DiNome, MD, chief of general surgery at Saint John’s and acting director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center. Power of Pink 2014 was made possible in part by official sponsor John Wayne Cancer Foundation/Duke Spirits and event sponsor Tervis. Additional sponsors included: Inman Family Wines, Live Nation and House of Blues.
P!nk performs
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Patrick Wayne and founding event chair Dr. Maggie DiNome
Honorary committee member Melanie Griffith
Camila Alves, Katie Holmes and Jeanne Yang
Event host Samantha Harris
Marcel Loh, P!nk and Jane Loh
Dallas Green and P!nk
P!nk and Nate Ruess
Linda Perry
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Honorary committee member Valerie Bertinelli and Tom Vitale
Official sponsors John Wayne Cancer Foundation/Duke Spirits: Ethan Wayne, Patrick Wayne and Chris Radomski
Dr. Tiffany Grunwald, Samantha Harris and Michael Hess
P!nk and Justin Derrico Event sponsor Tervis: Joanne Caldwell, Kim Livengood, P!nk, Lisa Precious and Erin Gray
Event committee member Dr. Sheryl Ross and Dr. Bert Mandelbaum Wine sponsors: Kathleen Inman, P!nk and Simon Inman
Mary Flaherty and friends
Jane Loh, Marcel Loh and Dr. Maggie DiNome
Event committee member Tory Strang and Cameron Strang
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MEMORABLE EVENTS
Gerard DiNome, Margot Armbruster and Mark Armbruster
Fans from Australia show their support
Johnathan Lennox, winner of a P!nk autographed guitar
Christopher Meloni
Event committee chair Mary Flaherty, P!nk and Bernadette Leiweke
Dr. Charlotta LaVia, MD, with celebrity stylist and auction donor Jeanne Yang
Board of Advocates Luncheon The beautiful Rivera Country Club was the site of the Board of Advocates luncheon on October 29. The luncheon drew its largest crowd to date of Board of Advocates members who heard presentations by Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute faculty and fellows. Their presentations highlighted the significance of our fellowship programs and what it takes to train the next generation of surgeons. The Board of Advocates is comprised of friends, patrons and Saint John’s Health Center Foundation trustees who help support the mission of Saint John’s and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. These advocates serve as ambassadors to the community and encourage the support of various projects and programs deemed to be of the highest priority by Health Center and Institute staff. Guests were welcomed by Ruth Weil, who serves as Board of Advocates co-chair along with Robert Amonic, MD; Sophie Andriaschuk, MD, and Allan B. Goldman.
Dr. Stephen Bezahler and Ina Bezahler
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Victoria Murray and Allegra Bessolo
Danielle Ross, Ronald Ross, Dr. Robert Gray, Kathy Gray and Esme Douglas
Dr. Navid Ziran, Ruth Weil and Dr. Adam Holleran
www.providence.org/saintjohns
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Saint John’s Health Center Foundation 2121 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA 310-829-8424 www.providence.org/saintjohns
NICU Reunion
Children thrive after beginning life in Saint John's NICU.
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Dr. Rudy Bedford Patients praise him and colleagues admire him.
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Since its founding in 1942 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Saint John’s Health Center has been providing the patients and families of Santa Monica, West Los Angeles and ocean communities with breakthrough medicine and inspired healing. Saint John’s provides a spectrum of treatment and diagnostic services with distinguished areas of excellence in cancer, spine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, women’s health, cardiac and specialized programs such as the internationally acclaimed John Wayne Cancer Institute. Saint John’s is dedicated to bringing to the community the most innovative advances in medicine and technology.
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