A publication of Saint Francis Health System | Spring 2019
A Presence with a Purpose ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT
SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEM ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT Page 2
Calendar Maternity Tours at Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital South
Saint Francis Medical Town Hall Dermatology and Skin Care Q&A Thursday, June 6
Saint Francis Hospital Monday, May 13, 2019
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Laureate Conference Room, 6655 South Yale Avenue
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. 6161 South Yale Avenue, waiting room of labor and delivery, 2nd floor.
Presenter: Johnathan J. Ledet, M.D. Warren Clinic Dermatology
Saint Francis Hospital South Monday, May 13, 2019
Space is limited for this free event and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call 918-494-1448 or email events@saintfrancis.com.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 10501 E. 91st Street
Additional information available in this issue of Presence.
Both of these are a free monthly tour of labor and delivery, postpartum and other maternity areas. For more information or to register please visit saintfrancis.com/events or contact Aimee Hansen at 918-494-2229 or
Saint Francis Tulsa Tough
avhansen@saintfrancis.com.
Downtown Tulsa
Saint Francis Hospital Vinita Open House
You’re invited to Tulsa’s favorite cycling festival in and around downtown. Join as a spectator, volunteer or cyclist.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit tulsatough.com.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 735 North Foreman Street, Vinita, OK 74301
June 7–9, 2019
Take a tour of the new Saint Francis Hospital Vinita emergency room and other facility improvements • Meet physicians and staff from Warren Clinic Vinita • Learn about and tour the Saint Francis Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation center • Enjoy light refreshments
Contents
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Saint Francis Health System Community Benefit Report 2018
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Living Our Values
The Art of Healing
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From Our Family to Yours
Celebrating Saint Francis Health System’s Values Awards Winners
New Warren Clinic Physicians and Specialists
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Around-the-Clock Intervention at the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis
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Tulsa Native Dr. Michael Pickens Returns Home to Practice His Rare Medical Specialty
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Medical Town Hall Events
a publication of Saint Francis Health System
Letter from Jake Henry Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer The mission of Saint Francis Health System is to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all that we do. We refer to this statement often, it is printed frequently and it is used in determining our direction daily. It is such a part of our vernacular that sometimes I think we may take for granted the rich message and charge contained in this phrase. In this year’s accounting of our community benefit activity, we will use our mission statement as the framework for this report. Each phrase in this statement has great meaning and relates to specific aspects of our ministry. The editorials in this issue are examples of the way our mission is actualized. We want to be more than just a provider of sick care, more than just a place to work; we want to be part of the heart of this region—in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. Our mission is intricately woven into our care delivery, our policies, planning and our presence. A profound, yet subtle symbol of the interconnectedness of our mission in all that we do is our religious art program. A story about this tangible expression of our spiritual onus is another feature in this issue. This art, like the health system, stands tall, is well grounded and has a ministry of presence. Finally, I would like to extend gratitude to the women and men of Saint Francis Health System for all that they do to extend our mission. And, to our patients and families, thank you for trusting us with your care—this is a privilege and responsibility we are honored to hold.
Saint Francis Health System Board of Directors John-Kelly C. Warren, Chairman Judy Kishner, Vice-Chair Jake Henry Jr. Michael Case Michael Cooke, J.D. Brent Dennis, M.D. Reverend Gary Kastl William R. Lissau Charles McEntee, M.D. Sanjay Meshri
Saint Francis Health System Executive Council Jake Henry Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Barry Steichen
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Eric Schick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Mark Frost, M.D.
Senior Vice President–Medical Affairs, Saint Francis Health System
Mike Lissau, J.D.
Senior Vice President – General Counsel, Saint Francis Health System
Tom Neff
Senior Vice President – Strategic Planning and Corporate Business Development, Saint Francis Health System
Charley Trimble
Senior Vice President – Quality, Saint Francis Health System
Doug Williams
Warm regards,
Senior Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital
Collin Henry, J.D.
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System, Physician Recruitment and Warren Clinic Operations and Recruitment
Jake Henry Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Michele Keeling
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
Todd Schuster
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital South
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A Presence with
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a Purpose To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do
In fiscal year 2018, Saint Francis Health System has extended its mission into the region by providing
$119,692,708 of community benefit. This numerical testament to mission effectiveness is the summary of several aspects of Saint Francis’ commitment to the community.
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To extend the presence and healing
Charity Care $55,090,678
Uncompensated Care $49,091,525
Community Benefit $6,887,284 In-house Trauma Coverage $6,852,402 Xavier Clinic Funding $1,770,819
Fiscal Year 2018 Total Community Benefit | $119,692,708
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ministry of Christ in all we do
Charity Care | Providing free care for low- or no-income patients and families. This includes the charity care provided to patients who qualify for the Saint Francis Health System Financial Assistance Program. Uncompensated Care | Cost of uncompensated care related to the treatment of Medicaid patients Community Benefit | Supporting local nonprofits whose values are aligned with Saint Francis Health System as well as assisting the uninsured enroll in a benefit plan. In-house Trauma Coverage | Providing comprehensive emergency services to the region, including the Saint Francis Trauma Institute—the region’s only trauma service that offers in-house, 24/7 coverage by surgical intensivists to meet the needs of the community. Xavier Clinic Funding | Supporting Xavier Medical Clinic—the free clinic operated by Saint Francis Health System to serve the needs of women, children and men who are uninsured or underserved.
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To extend the presence and healing
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The endeavors and activity of Saint Francis Health System are, at their core, an attempt to achieve the highest level of actualization and extension of its mission. Community benefit is defined as programs and services offered by healthcare providers that are designed to: • improve the health of a community; • increase access to healthcare; and • advance public knowledge on issues impacting health and wellness. Providing these benefits are core functions of not-for-profit healthcare and the basis of their tax exemption. Saint Francis seeks to not only meet these core functions, but to exceed them whenever possible. A long-standing way in which Saint Francis seeks to extend its mission is through its Financial Assistance Program. This program is meant to allow patients who qualify for the program the ability to seek and receive the medical and psychological care that they need, regardless of any financial hardships they may be facing.
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To extend the presence and healing
The interests of Saint Francis Health System are not limited to the healthcare realm. The medical needs of the region are just part of the fourfold commitment the system has to the region. The mental, spiritual and economic health of eastern Oklahoma and the women and men that call this area home are also of great importance to Saint Francis. In 2018, the health system had a $1,522,889,240* impact on eastern Oklahoma’s economy. Saint Francis’ local ownership, leadership and focus is what drives its commitment to the region and all those who call it home.
*Source Tulsa Regional Chamber
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Saint Francis Hospital Vinita
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
Warren Clinic McAlester
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Saint Francis Health System’s presence in the region has grown significantly since Saint Francis Hospital’s founding in 1960; with a large portion of that growth occurring over the past decade. From its original homestead in Tulsa, Saint Francis now has a presence across the region—with more than 90 locations. Saint Francis Glenpool healthplex is one example of the system’s commitment to expanding access to and improving care in the region. The Saint Francis Glenpool emergency room, which is an off-site department of Saint Francis Hospital South, is the first of its kind in eastern Oklahoma. The campus is also home to a Warren Clinic office with primary care, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatric physicians in addition to other services such as mammography, physical therapy and diagnostic radiology.
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To extend the presence and healing
Without a dedicated workforce, a health system is no more than a collection of buildings and equipment. Saint Francis Health System is fortunate to have 10,000 women and men focused on the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of eastern Oklahoma. This team is made up of physicians, nurses, clinical staff, volunteers, support staff and business professionals. From bedside to back office, the driving mission remains the same.
Over the past two years, the healing ministry of Saint Francis Health System was strengthened by the addition of 103 new physicians. From primary care to specialty care, the system’s focus on physician recruitment has allowed Saint Francis to serve more people at more locations throughout the region.
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ministry of Christ in all we do Robert Garrett, M.D., Paul Kempe, M.D., Giancarlo Piano, M.D. Warren Clinic Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
Aaron Fieker, D.O., Vasudevan Raghuraman, M.D., Andrew Crawford, D.O., Francis Peluso, D.O. | Warren Clinic Gastroenterology
Rongsheng Cai, M.D. Warren Clinic Pediatric Neurosurgery
Chad Johnson, M.D., Erica Hill, D.O. Warren Clinic Breast Specialists
Michael Pickens, D.O. Warren Clinic Pediatric Gastroenterology
Reza Azadi, D.O., Narottam Regmi, M.D., Diptesh Gupta, M.D., Muhammad Afzal, M.D. Warren Clinic Nephrology
Stephen Sutton, D.O., Chitralekha Kathuria, M.D., Kimberly Ashlock, D.O. Warren Clinic Family Medicine
Emily White, D.O. Warren Clinic Family Medicine, Glenpool
Nevin White, D.O. Warren Clinic Family Medicine, South Memorial Saint Francis Health System
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To extend the presence and healing
Saint Francis Health System, at its core, is a ministry of Christ. All that the system endeavors and all that it encompasses is in the pursuit of the greater glory of God. Catholic identity is predicated on commitments around which an organization forms and through which that organization finds ongoing direction and inspiration. At the heart of the Catholic identity of healthcare organizations is a belief in God’s love and the meaning of Jesus’ healing ministry. The health system’s Catholic identity gives birth to a set of commitments which are predicated around a respect for human dignity, the preservation of the sanctity of life and the extension of Christ’s healing compassion.
“To cure the sick, to welcome them, to serve them, is to serve Christ.” Pope Francis
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Extending the health system’s mission and values isn’t just an outward obligation; it is also an internal commitment. Treating employees, physicians and volunteers fairly and giving them the tools and training necessary to be skilled and passionate ambassadors of Saint Francis. As Tulsa’s largest private employer, Saint Francis Health System provides meaningful, mission-driven work for over 10,000 women and men. Over the past five years, the system has invested $3,087,042,110 in its employees. In 2018, the total amount paid in salaries and benefits was $731,967,133.
Prayer of Saint Francis Health System Loving God, we pray always that we will be aware of Your presence among us, that we will recognize the dignity and worth of every person, and that we will serve others with grace and integrity. In the spirit of Saint Francis we place our hope in You. May You bring each of us to a greater knowledge of truth and a deeper love for life. Amen.
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the art of healing Saint Francis Health System’s liturgical art program is intended to inspire and refresh the soul.
When you come to Saint Francis Hospital, as a patient or a visitor, you are surrounded by visual representations of the system’s Catholic heritage. Crucifixes adorn the walls of patient rooms, monumental bronze sculptures greet you at entrances, and statuettes, original paintings, landscape prints and one-of-a-kind treasures are on display in lobbies and along hallways throughout this vast complex. The prominent placement of these religious statues and paintings throughout Saint Francis Health System is by design. “You should not have to look far, wherever you are within one of our facilities, to find evidence of our Catholic heritage,” said Saint
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The Sacred Heart of Jesus Guy Kemper, Mayer of Munich Studio (2018) This massive, 16'x16' glass mosaic at the entrance of the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis contains approximately 125,000 pieces of Mexican and Italian smalti, a type of glass originally developed during the golden age of Byzantine mosaic. The mosaic depicts the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a joyful representation of His divine outpouring of love. Jesus is seen emerging from a forest of heavenly light to greet visitors and their families to the hospital.
Francis Health System President and CEO Jake Henry Jr. “Our purpose in the use of religious iconography is to, in a very visual way, give evidence of our spiritual identity.” Sister Mary Nika, RSM, director of the Saint Francis Department of Religion, and her fellow Religious Sisters of Mercy live on the Saint Francis Hospital campus, some work at various clinic sites while others provide support to patients, patients’ families and staff at various hospital locations. On their visits to locations around the health system, they never cease to be amazed by the art collection’s diversity and inspirational beauty. Even the convent in which they live has its own assortment of religious art.
“The art, especially our sacred art, is intended to give people a sense of hope, a sense of another dimension to this world,” said Sister Mary Nika. “I consider each piece of art in our hospital a little window to heaven.”
“Our liturgical art program is meant to complement the human expression of our mission and values,” said Mr. Henry. “Our desire is to reinforce awareness of patients, families and our employees that Christ’s healing presence is constantly present.”
As the Saint Francis Health System network continues to grow throughout eastern Oklahoma, so does its collection of sacred imagery. As renovations are being made at sites such as Saint Francis Hospital Vinita, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, new artwork will be installed at those campuses.
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Chapel’s stained glass montage of Saint Francis Xavier’s life Willet Hauser Studio The stained glass featured in the Saint Francis Hospital chapel is designed by Willet Hauser Studio, depicts Saint Francis Xavier and his mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Far East. Within the design, Saint Francis Xavier and the individuals he selflessly helped on his eastern journeys are colorfully portrayed in abstract shapes. The vivid colors and imagery are meant to engage viewers and evoke a calming, meditative atmosphere within the hospital chapel. Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of all foreign missionaries, was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.
Christ’s Love for the Children Rosalind Cook “Christ’s Love for the Children” stands in front of The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis. This monumental sculpture, created by Tulsa sculptor Rosalind Cook, depicts the joy, love and gentleness of Christ as He interacts with three children.
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Mary, Queen of Heaven David Alan Clark, 2018 “Mary, Queen of Heaven” greets visitors at the new south entrance of Saint Francis Hospital. Created in 2018 by David Alan Clark, this monumental bronze work features Mary surrounded by twelve stars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This is the most recent addition to the health system’s liturgical art program.
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Welcome All Dee Ford “Welcome All,� a bronze statue of Jesus by Tulsa-based artist Dee Ford, stands west of the main lobby of Saint Francis Hospital. Photographic depictions of this sculpture can be seen at the entrances of Saint Francis Hospital Vinita and the new Saint Francis Glenpool.
Statue of Saint Francis Xavier at Saint Francis Hospital South
Portrait of Saint Francis Xavier and Two Missionaries Stuart Kimbrell This portrait of Saint Francis Xavier (middle) and two missionaries from the Far East is in the hallway leading to the Saint Francis Hospital chapel.
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Statue of Saint Francis Xavier at Saint Francis Hospital
Fiberglass Bas Relief of Madonna and Child in the Trauma Emergency Center Tower
Statue of Saint Francis Xavier at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital
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Our Values in Action Celebrating Saint Francis Health System’s Values Awards Winners For almost 60 years, Saint Francis Health System has been guided by a set of values meant to give each employee and volunteer filters to shape and refine their actions and interactions. Excellence, dignity, justice, integrity and stewardship are the five values that the health system strives to live and operate by. Each year, Saint Francis recognizes five outstanding employees, one for each value. Nominated by their coworkers, these Values Awards winners personify the values of Saint Francis Health System.
Saint Francis Health System’s Values Awards Recipients: Excellence Ann Carr, RN Recently Retired Nurse Administrator Saint Francis Hospital Vinita Dignity Amy Ambrose Patient Service Representative Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital Justice Teresa Cooper, PharmD Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor Saint Francis Hospital Integrity April Conaghan, RN Epic Application Coordinator—Beacon Saint Francis Health System Stewardship Tammy Grade Executive Assistant Saint Francis Health System 24
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Left to right: Teresa Cooper, PharmD, Ann Carr, RN, Amy Ambrose, April Conaghan, RN, Tammy Grade.
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EXCELLENCE
DIGNITY
JUSTICE
Ann Carr, RN, Recently Retired Nurse Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital Vinita
Amy Ambrose, Patient Service Representative, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital
Teresa Cooper, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor, Saint Francis Hospital
“I recently retired and this recognition was a great finale to my nursing career. I came to work each day with the health system’s mission to ‘extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do’ on my mind to guide and remind me of what was most important. Since Saint Francis Health System acquired the Vinita hospital two years ago, everyone I have encountered and worked with from Saint Francis Hospital was helpful and supportive. I appreciate the health system’s expertise and high standards for patient care and performance. I am very proud to have been a part of Saint Francis Health System.”
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“I’m especially proud that I received the Dignity award. Unfortunately, a stigma continues to exist for those experiencing mental health issues; so, my primary goal at Laureate is to make sure everyone who enters our facility is treated with the utmost dignity and respect. I work very closely with patients and families, and with all of them, my number one goal is to spread some sunshine and ensure everyone is as comfortable as possible.”
“I feel blessed to receive this award—and would very much like to express my gratitude to my former coworker, Martha Leff, for nominating me for this incredible honor. I love my job! Each day presents a new challenge in the pharmacy, and I believe my coworkers would agree that the reason we are able to continually provide excellent care and service is that we work so well together as a team.”
INTEGRITY
STEWARDSHIP
April Conaghan, RN, Epic Application Coordinator—Beacon, Saint Francis Health System
Tammy Grade, Executive Assistant, Saint Francis Health System
“You have probably heard this from other Values Awards winners, but I, too, feel very blessed to work with such a special group of people. And, the fact that my coworkers are the ones who nominated me for this honor makes it all the more meaningful. I began my career at the health system working with five or six patients a day in an outpatient setting. In my current position, it is very gratifying to know that the work I handle in information services has a direct impact on many patients each day.”
“I was so surprised and honored when I learned I had received the Stewardship award! I look at my job as doing the best I can and using all the resources available to me to help others achieve their goals. Being able to help people is what motivates me. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes at this health system to ensure all ‘t’s’ are crossed and ‘i’s’ are dotted. I love what I do and am blessed to work in an environment where every day is a new day with new challenges.”
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From Our Family to Yours While reading the newspaper and local magazines lately, you may have observed an increase in the number of ads introducing new Warren Clinic physicians and specialists. Thanks for noticing. This is all in keeping with Warren Clinic’s long-standing goal of ensuring patients throughout the area have access to the highest quality of care. As our community continues to expand, rest assured Warren Clinic’s roster of physicians and specialists experiences growth patterns of its own. Please join us in welcoming the following men and women to the Warren Clinic family:
Hend Abdelmalek, M.D.
Kimberly Ashlock, D.O.
Muhammed Afzal, M.D.
Reza Azadi, D.O.
Chelsea Berges, D.O.
Timothy Browne, M.D.
Family Medicine
Nephrology
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Family Medicine
Family Medicine
Nephrology
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Rongsheng Cai, M.D., Ph.D.
Logan Campbell, M.D.
John Evans, D.O.
Urology
Interventional Cardiology
Robert Garrett, M.D.
Diptesh Gupta, M.D.
Teresa Hardesty, D.O.
Nephrology
Internal Medicine
Erica Hill, D.O.
Jeffrey Hill, D.O.
Chitralekha Kathuria, M.D.
Andrew Kelly, M.D.
Paul Kempe, M.D.
Kristin King, M.D.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Breast Surgery
Family Medicine
Family Medicine
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Family Medicine
Neurology
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Erin Latimer, M.D.
Paul Matthews, D.O.
Brooke McQueen, M.D.
Psychiatry
Neurology
Catherine Milner, D.O.
Deepa Phillip, M.D.
Giancarlo Piano, M.D.
Rheumatology
Vascular Surgery
Michael Pickens, D.O.
Narottam Regmi, M.D.
Micah Relic, D.O.
Guido Sclabas, M.D.
Robert Shepler, D.O.
Stephen Sutton, D.O.
Pediatrics
Neonatology
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Surgical Oncology
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Nephrology
Family Medicine
OB/GYN
Family Medicine
Chelsea Thomas, D.O. Oncology/Hematology
Nicholas Thompson, D.O.
Orthopedics/Sports Medicine
Rebecca Thrun, D.O. Internal Medicine
Not pictured: Ian Bushyhead, D.O. Family Medicine
Stephen Dixon, D.O.
Interventional Cardiology
Patrick Henderson, D.O. Non-invasive Cardiologist
Emily White, D.O. Family Medicine
Nevin White, D.O. Family Medicine
Paul Pisarik, M.D. Family Medicine
For more information or to make an appointment, please call the Saint Francis Health Link at 918-488-6688 or visit saintfrancis.com.
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Around-the-Clock Intervention at the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis
Last year, the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis became the only hospital in Oklahoma—and one of only a few in the nation—to implement a new program that puts an interventional cardiologist in the hospital 24/7/365.
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If you assumed that all large hospitals or health systems already offered this capability, then you are not alone. The reality is that having a board-certified interventional cardiologist in house roundthe-clock is rare because it demands a tremendous amount of planning and staff coordination. Above all, it requires a serious commitment by the health system itself to provide best-in-class cardiac care. “Heart attacks and other serious cardiacrelated events can happen at any time, day or night and the Saint Francis Hospital Trauma Emergency Center staff is always ready to respond and stabilize a patient,” said Michael Spain, M.D., interventional cardiologist with Warren Clinic Cardiology of Tulsa and medical director of the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis. “The big difference with this new service is that instead of calling in a cardiac specialist after hours and/or on weekends, we now have a boardcertified, interventional cardiologist in the hospital at all times, day or night. This is better for the patients and the doctors, and our goal is to provide higher quality care.”
The staff and cardiologists at the Heart Hospital at Saint Francis specialize in testing, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease as well as counseling patients on heart disease prevention. Cardiac catheterizations, diagnostic services (such as cardiac stress tests, cardiac CT screenings, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms) and minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stents are all in a day’s work—or all in a night’s work for the two interventional cardiologists who provide this new extended hospital coverage. Darwin B. Childs, D.O., and Richard Irvin, M.D., who have more than 50 years’ combined cardiology experience, rotate the 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. shift, each taking one week on, and one week off. They are assisted by Kristina Smith, APRN-CNP and Andrew Thompson, APRN-CNP, nurse practitioners who help manage the wide range of cardiac cases. “No evening is the same,” says Dr. Childs, “From the time we begin our shift, we cover
everything from reviewing and interpreting patient diagnostic testing, responding to after-hours cardiac consults throughout the hospital, going to the TEC to for emergency cases, handling transfers from other regional hospitals and doing heart caths late in the evening and throughout the night.” This offers another big advantage for patients. “With this new 24/7 service model, patients experiencing chest pains on a Friday night can receive immediate testing and/or treatment in the cath lab, and potentially be released the next day,” says Dr. Irvin. “Before, if these patients were stable, they might have to be hospitalized all weekend until a specialist sees them on Monday morning.”
Around-the-clock patient and physician support. Doug Williams, senior vice president and administrator of Saint Francis Hospital, also a former cardiac critical care nurse, says the hospital’s new team of cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeons is very excited about the constant presence of
an interventional cardiologist and 24/7 catheterization services. “All major hospitals have interventional cardiologists on call on nights and weekends,” he says. “The difference with Saint Francis’ care model is that in an emergency, patients don’t have to wait for one to drive the hospital; now, you just have to wait for one to walk down the hall and wash their hands.” “Currently, the national average ‘doorto-treatment’ time for cardiac events is 90 minutes, but we’re proud to say Saint Francis’ team averages nearly half that— about 47 minutes. And the new 24/7/365 model of care will enable us to improve on that number.” “With the recent addition of our new cardiovascular surgery team and the implementation of around-the-clock cardiology services, Saint Francis Health System has shown that it is fully committed to elevating the standard of care for patients,” says Dr. Spain. “We believe, and we hope, that we are setting a precedent for hospitals around the state to follow.”
Darwin B. Childs, D.O.
Richard Irvin, M.D.
“All major hospitals have interventional cardiologists on call on nights and weekends. The difference with Saint Francis’ care model is that in an emergency, patients don’t have to wait for one to drive the hospital." Doug Williams, senior vice president and administrator, Saint Francis Hospital
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Tulsa Native Returns His After 17 years of training and practicing medicine around the country, Tulsa native Dr. Michael Pickens is back home, working at the hospital where he was born and doing what he has always wanted to do: Taking care of Oklahoma kids.
Michael Pickens, D.O. Warren Clinic Pediatric Gastroenterology
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Dr. Michael Pickens to Practice Rare Medical Specialty “I was nine when I told my parents I wanted to be a ‘kid doctor’ and a pilot,” he said. “I wanted to fly around Oklahoma and take care of sick kids.” Now the pediatric gastroenterologist (PGI) not only lives his childhood dream but embraces it with childlike energy and enthusiasm, applying every ounce of his expertise in helping young patients cope with Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and many other gastrointestinal conditions. “People ask how I can maintain my energy level and my passion, and the answer is simple: Because I’m the luckiest person in the world. I get to do exactly what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I mean, who gets to do that? I love every minute of it.” His team includes Molly Brogdon, APRN, and dietitian Tori Thompson, MS, RD, CSP. The goal for Dr. Pickens and his staff is to deliver world-class, multidisciplinary care. “You can’t just address a disease,” he says. “You have to address the whole person—
the social aspects, the mental health aspects, the nutritional aspects and the sleeping aspects. About 75 to 80 percent of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are driven by diet, lack of exercise and improper sleep.” Filling a need while expanding community awareness. This summer, Dr. Pickens will be joined by fellow PGI specialist Dr. Sam Leung as a partner in the practice. It’s an important next step in providing services that are greatly in demand. “I’m so glad to be back in Oklahoma because there is so much need here,” he says. “When you can provide specialized care locally, people are more likely to use it. For many of the services and diagnostic procedures we now provide here, patients and their families were having to commute to Oklahoma City or even further away. Now they can stay here, which helps with the continuity of care and keeps families all in one place.”
“I get to do exactly what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I mean, who gets to do that? I love every minute of it.”
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Since joining Warren Clinic, Dr. Pickens also has been very active in educating fellow pediatric specialists about the importance of recognizing and testing for GI disorders. “We’re in the process of establishing new screening protocols with Warren Clinic and non-Warren Clinic pediatricians for abdominal pain, acid reflux, constipation and other pediatric conditions,” he says. “We’re trying to teach them how to evaluate patients and when to refer them to a specialist. With pediatricians doing some of the screenings that our office would do, this can save time and help speed up diagnosis and treatment.” A patient’s parents also play a key role in recognizing symptoms early and getting their child the necessary treatment right away. “I tell families it’s important to keep a food diary, track their children’s sleep patterns, bathroom habits and management of stress. This information, along with knowing your family’s health history, can be used to more quickly and accurately diagnose and treat the condition.”
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“Everything goes back to the gut.” Dr. Pickens is rapidly getting to know the physicians from other Saint Francis Health System departments. He frequently collaborates and consults with specialists in oncology, pulmonology, ENT, trauma, cardiology, endocrinology, the Laureate Eating Disorders Program and both the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. “I can’t think of a specialty I haven’t worked with,” he says. “Gastroenterology encompasses so many other disciplines. The GI tract is neuromuscular, so if it’s not working right, then it affects other functions of the body—and vice versa. Everything goes back to the gut.” “I think PGI is just the coolest discipline ever, and Saint Francis is the best health system I’ve ever worked in. Children are so inspiring and motivating, and so resilient. They have strength that adults don’t have. I’m blessed to be here and to work with these kids.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Warren Clinic Pediatric Gastroenterology, please call 918-502-1700 or contact Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Make plans to attend the continuing series of Medical Town Hall events, where Saint Francis Health System physicians discuss a wide range of healthcare topics and answer your questions about medical conditions.
THURSDAY, MAY 2
Emotional Health and Stress Join Dr. Katherine Godwin, from Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, and Allan Gates, licensed therapist and director of therapy at Laureate, to learn how stress, depression and anxiety can affect an individual’s well-being. Learn more about the varied types of these conditions, signs and symptoms, and ways to treat and manage them.
Katherine Godwin, M.D.
Allan Gates, LPC, LMFT, LADC
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Dermatology/Skin Cancer
Johnathan J. Ledet, M.D.
LOCATION:
Join Warren Clinic’s Dr. Johnathan J. Ledet to learn about caring for the health and appearance of your skin. Ask your questions about general dermatology concerns, including skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment; allergyrelated conditions affecting the skin; and more. Dr. Ledet is a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of skin cancer as well as general dermatology.
Laureate Conference Center 6655 South Yale Avenue TIME: Refreshments – 5:30 p.m. Program – 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. MODERATOR: Dr. Kenneth Piper
Space is limited for these free events. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call 918-494-1448 or email events@saintfrancis.com.
Saint Francis Health System
presence
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6161 South Yale Avenue • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
a publication of Saint Francis Health System
MISSION
To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do
VISION
Saint Francis Health System will be the leading integrated Catholic healthcare system providing high quality, comprehensive and innovative care across our regional continuum of services.
VALUES EXCELLENCE Promoting high standards of service and performance DIGNITY Respecting each person as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life JUSTICE Advocating for systems and structures that are attuned to the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and that promote a sense of community among all persons INTEGRITY Encouraging honesty, consistency and predictability in all relationships STEWARDSHIP Ensuring prudent use of talents and resources in a collaborative manner
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES | SAINT FRANCIS GLENPOOL
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