connect LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
LMH Eudora Medical Park Your connection to local health care just got bigger …and brighter
In this issue Physicians on a mission Coordinated care for cancer patients A homecoming for Dr. Michele Bennett
Summer 2011
T The new 10,500-square-foot building features an open design, filled with natural light.
he much-awaited dream of a new medical building in Eudora became a reality April 18 with the opening of LMH Eudora Medical Park. The 10,500-square-foot building is the new home of Eudora Family Care and family physicians Daniel Dickerson, MD, and Elizabeth Stamper, DO, and staff. The practice now boasts 11 exam rooms, a procedure room and dedicated X-ray equipment in a bright, modern, sun-filled facility, located off Church Street on 25 acres just south of K-10 Highway. In addition, LMH Eudora Therapy Services is offering outpatient physical therapy services at the new location, including post-surgical rehabilitation, acute injury rehabilitation, overuse or chronic injury rehabilitation and sports injury rehabilitation. Byrne’s Pharmacy is leasing space, providing convenient on-site prescription service in the building. About 250 people celebrated the opening of LMH Eudora Medical Park at a ribbon cutting and open house on May 16. The expansion of primary care in Eudora is a legacy to Ken Holladay, MD, who was a respected member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and served the Eudora community for 43 years before retiring in May 2004. LMH established Eudora Family Care in 2002 when Dr. Daniel Dickerson began seeing patients at Dr. Holladay’s office. Dr. Stamper joined Eudora Family Care in December 2010. “We are proud to be investing in the Eudora community,” says Gene Meyer, LMH president and CEO. While speaking at the open house, he also noted the K-10 property acquisition for LMH Eudora Medical Park in 2006 was a strategic move that positions the hospital to
A healing space
A look inside the new LMH Eudora Medical Park
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To get more information, visit www.lmh.org
Above: Cutting the ribbon at the LMH Eudora Medical Park Open House were LMH Board Chair Judy Keller; Liz Stamper, DO; Daniel Dickerson, MD; Kreider Rehabilitation Services Director Jaye Cole; and Stan Byrne and Debrah Barr of Byrne’s Pharmacy. Assisting were Ryan and Bennett Stamper. At top: LMH Eudora Therapy Services, located in the new LMH Eudora Medical Park building, offers outpatient therapy services provided by two physical therapists.
LMH Eudora Medical Park is located off Church Street, just south of K-10, at 600 E. 20th Street (N. 1300 Rd)
Eudora Family Care 785-542-2345
better serve an area that has experienced population growth. “This is a strategic move, but also a decision made thoughtfully by our trustees, who are Douglas County residents, about how to provide community benefit for our neighbors,” he says. Last year there were more than 4,500 patient encounters at Eudora Family Care.
LMH Eudora Therapy Services 785-542-3344
Friday, September 9, at Alvamar Golf and Country Club Morning tee time: 8 a.m. | Afternoon tee time: 1:15 p.m. Entry fee: $175 per person | Breakfast and lunch provided Awards ceremony immediately following afternoon play in the Alvamar Country Club Dining Room For more information: Call 785-505-3317 or email melissa.hess@lmh.org
Proceeds benefit the LMHEA general fund Follow us at facebook.com/lmhorg or twitter.com/lmhorg
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Physicians on a mission It is safe to say that physicians are busy people. They care for patients, manage offices, navigate our complicated medical system and balance their work commitments with full personal and family lives. But many in our local medical community still find time to do medical mission work internationally. On these visits they provide basic medical care, surgical care and health education to thousands of people who would otherwise be overlooked. Stephen Myrick, MD Lawrence General Surgery Stephen Myrick, MD, was inspired by a fellow surgeon from Wichita who has been doing medical mission work in the Dominican Republic for years. Since they met, medical mission work has been on Dr. Myrick’s mind. Despite his desire to help, work and family obligations always seemed to take precedence. But this year Dr. Myrick was able to realize his dream. He joined his friend on a one-week Medical Ministry International trip to Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic. The surgeons on the trip took charge of the operating rooms in the hospital in Las Matas de Farfan while a team of nurses, dentists and physicians traveled to smaller villages outside the city to care for people’s medical needs, referring them to the surgeons when necessary. In addition to treating the emergency surgical cases at the hospital, the team of surgeons and residents performed 95 major surgical procedures and 95 minor surgical procedures during their stay. They performed a wide variety of procedures including hernia, gall bladder and thyroid surgeries; tumor removal; and hysterectomies. The most notable surgical procedure performed by Dr. Myrick was the removal of a basketball-sized abdominal tumor from a 70-year-old woman.
great work! Douglas County Community Health Improvement Partnership
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Operating in the Dominican Republic presented many challenges. Frequent power outages in the hospital left surgeons to perform surgery by flashlight. The physicians also operated and diagnosed using limited technology. Despite the challenges, Dr. Myrick felt renewed by his work there and was pleased by how much good he and the team were able to do in such a short amount of time. “This type of work was so rewarding because the surgical care we provided allowed many people to return to work so they can support their families,” he says. “This trip has given me a greater sense of appreciation for the medical system we have — a system that allows us to take care of medical issues as they arise. It was such a rewarding experience, and I plan to participate again in coming years.” For more information about Medical Ministry International, see mmint.org. Stephen L. Segebrecht, MD Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates Stephen Segebrecht, MD, became involved in caring for the medical needs of the people in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, about 11 years ago. Currently he serves as the director of the Kansas to Kenya program, or K2K. Maai Mahiu is an extremely poor community located along the notorious “AIDS Highway.” Its population of about 25,000 has an estimated AIDS infection rate of 20 percent. Poverty, illness and disease plague the town, located along one of the major supply
Founded in 1997, the Douglas County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) brings together representative member agencies and health-based organizations to provide strategic leadership and direction for healthier lifestyles and initiatives in Douglas County. The cooperative grew from an initial four organizations — Lawrence Memorial Hospital, the Visiting Nurses Association, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and the Douglas County Health Department — to 18 currently represented. Verdell Taylor, therapist with Christian Psychological Services and member of LMH Board of Trustees, says, “As a leadership team, we have the whole spectrum of health-related topics on our radar screen. We try to identify issues that we need to address as a community.”
Three major drives to which CHIP has focused effort and manpower have been promoting physical activity, preventing tobacco use and educating about accessible health care. Each of these has acted as a hub for related task forces and campaigns. Some of these include: • Walktober. In conjunction with National Walking Month in October, CHIP offers a calendar of daily walking spots of a mile or more. Residents who walk for 21 of 31 days receive a water bottle and wrist key chain, sponsored by LMH. • Special Committee on Tobacco Use Prevention. CHIP works with Lawrence Public Schools to educate students about the hazards of tobacco use. Presentations and workshops are augmented by compelling tools such a computer simulation program in which a student is shown
Become a member of the LMH community. Gifts of time and resources are welcome.
routes between the north and eastern parts of the country and the northern countries of Africa. K2K is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas and their mission work is in support of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. K2K sends a medical mission team to the city every year. The team can consist of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical students, dentists, dental hygienists and nutritionists. During their visits, they address the medical needs of the community and provide AIDS education to kids through a soccer clinic. In addition, a community team visits to help address public health and agricultural needs. This year, a team will set up a microfinance program for women, and a construction team will join them to build much-needed housing. Dr. Segebrecht points out that this mission work doesn’t only benefit those from Kenya. “The people from Kansas also benefit from this program. We all leave with a better understanding of the world, the power of faith and an appreciation for what we have been given and our blessings,” he says. For more information, visit kansas2kenya.com. Carla B. Phipps, MD Lawrence Family Practice Carla Phipps, MD, took her first mission trip with her daughter, an experience she hoped would teach her daughter important life lessons. From that day forward, she was hooked. Dr. Phipps now makes the trip with the Jamaican Methodist Mission two or three times a year as part of a medical team that provides care and medication for the children and adults of Falmouth. Jamaica’s medical situation is complicated. Despite a socialized medical system, people often fall through the cracks. This, coupled with a high unemployment rate, can leave residents unable to afford the medication and care they need. Many of the adults seeking care in the clinic are suffering from diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Without proper treatment, such conditions can lead to more serious health issues and death.
what his or her face would look like at age 72 with and without the use of tobacco. Douglas County middle school students are currently well below the state average for tobacco use. • Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. CHIP worked along with the mayor’s task force to pass the 2004 ordinance banning smoking in public enclosed spaces. It was the most comprehensive legislation of its kind on clean indoor air in ansas at the time. • Nutrition Task Force. In seeking to educate the public about healthy and local food choices, CHIP collaborates closely with LiveWell
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While in Jamaica, Dr. Phipps visits an open-air clinic in the mountains to care for patients with acute needs. She also cares for the medical needs of those at Trelawny Infirmary, home to more than 60 residents. At times, she finds herself making house calls to care for those who are unable to leave their homes. She has seen many changes over the years. Early on, medical teams treated patients behind sheets in the local church. Now the medical clinic meets the needs of the community. She has also seen a change in the way they care for the patients. “When I began treating people in Falmouth, they had more immediate acute medical issues. Now we find ourselves able to provide more education and preventative services to the people in the community,” she notes. Dr. Phipps has also made a commitment to financially support mission work. She opened Lazer and Cosmetic Center at Lawrence Family Practice, and the revenue from this endeavor supports missionary work at home and abroad. For more information about the Jamaican Methodist Mission, visit fumcnebcity.com.
Lawrence, a Douglas County Community Foundation initiative focusing on making it easier for people to be physically active and eat more nutritious foods. • World’s Largest Community Workout. CHIP helped LiveWell Lawrence organize this summer workout for the second year in 2010, with goals of promoting physical activity and igniting community spirit. • Access to Health Care Task Force. Working in tandem with other agencies, this CHIP task force educates the public about free or low-cost health care resources. “Much of our work is just as much about sharing information with other agencies doing specific projects. We want to get the word out about what we’re each doing in order to avoid
duplication,” says Janelle Martin, CHIP’s executive director. “When people are aware of what you’re doing, it makes a bigger impact.” Previously funded by a combination of resources from LMH, grants and state funding, CHIP transitioned in January 2011 to be completely funded by the hospital. Providing CHIP’s administrative and overhead support, LMH maintains its collaborative relationship with CHIP and the other leadership agencies in order to promote health in Douglas County. “LMH has been a cornerstone of CHIP since its beginning and has provided a stable foundation for the coalition whether through funding for staff, people resources or material resources in addressing health initiatives,” Martin says. “It was a good fit for us to come together.”
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Tumor conferences
Coordinated care plans for cancer patients Lawrence Memorial Hospital is home to an Interdisciplinary Tumor Conference. What began as a forum for discussing all breast cancer cases has now expanded to include other cancer cases. Each week a team of radiologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, social workers, nurses and other health care professionals meet to discuss breast cancer cases and other new complex cancer cases. These are cases that involve a variety of disciplines during the treatment process, or that would benefit from a group discussion. Each week the team reviews five to 10 cases, talks about options and offers a recommendation for treatment. After the conference, a physician shares the team’s recommendations with the patient. This conference benefits the medical practitioners and the patients in many ways. One of the advantages is that it serves as a virtual “second opinion” for the patient without requiring multiple doctor appointments. Sharon Soule, MD, from the LMH Oncology Center, serves as the chair
of this committee. She points out, “The tumor conference offers an opportunity for practitioners to review and discuss unique cases and, based on the group’s findings, create a coordinated care plan, which may include additional testing and the cancer treatment schedule.” Head and Neck Tumor Conference The tumor conference has been so successful that local cancer experts have added another one. The Head and Neck Tumor Conference meets monthly to discuss all cases of head or neck cancer, including cancers of the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat or larynx. In addition to discussing the three to four new cases each month, the group reviews the treatment plans of all patients who are currently receiving treatment. Darren Klish, MD, from Lawrence Cancer Center, chairs this group, which includes speech and language pathologists, social workers, dentists and dietitians in addition to physicians and nurses. Dr. Klish points out that one of the benefits of the tumor conference is that
it offers patients a well-thought out and clear treatment plan based on the input from many cancer experts. “Head and neck cancers are often very complex, and getting all of the treatment experts together to discuss each case helps ensure a streamlined cancer care plan for each patient,” says Dr. Klish. During the tumor conferences, the cancer care practitioners discuss cases that are complex or require input from many cancer experts. But, it is important to note, all patients who receive cancer treatment at Lawrence Memorial Hospital receive a thorough case review and input from all of the members of the care team to ensure the best possible outcome. The Oncology Center at LMH 330 Arkansas, Suite 105 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-505-2800 www.lmh.org/oncology Lawrence Cancer Center 330 Arkansas, Suite 120 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-749-3600 www.lawrencecancercenter.com
now open! Mario’s Closet — a comforting place for cancer patients and survivors to restore their confidence, dignity and hope — opened at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on July 22. Customers are able to purchase wigs, prosthetics, hats, scarves, skin care products, books and other accessories for cancer patients. LMH is partnering with Advanced Homecare and Criticare Home Health Services to provide durable medical equipment. A licensed cosmetologist also will be available by appointment for wig fittings and other hair care services. Mario’s Closet was founded through a gift from Mario Chalmers, former KU Basketball player and current NBA player with the Miami Heat. He established the program in honor of a family friend, Pauline Peterson, who passed away from breast cancer. Mario’s Closet is located down the hall from the Oncology Center at LMH. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment. For more information, call 785-505-3141.
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www.lmh.org
Welcome home, Dr. Bennett
All roads lead back to Lawrencee for Michele Bennett, MD, a new OB/GYN at LMH. Her history with Lawrence started at the ripe age of 3, when her family moved here from Topeka. She graduated from Lawrence High School, attended the University of Kansas and then University of Kansas Medical School. A residency at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics drew her to Salt Lake City, where she became a full-time faculty member in the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Bennett with her husband Luke Huert But Lawrence’s siren call kept at her and her husband, Luke er, MD (see page 8) and the ir son,William. Huerter, MD, oncologist. Luke also will be joining the LMH family in August when he begins his position with The Oncology Center at LMH. “While we loved living in Utah, we missed being close to family and lifelong friends. Once our son was born, we felt that it was important for him to grow up surrounded by our close-knit families. We have always loved Lawrence — we love the size of the town and the location, being close to Kansas City without being in Michele Bennett, MD, Kansas City. We love the diversity, the abundance of cultural and sporting events, and most importantly, the returns to Lawrence in proximity to our family and friends.” August And so, after five years away, Dr. Bennett is coming home and continuing her career at LMH’s Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists. She enjoys being a part of this field for its primary and preventive care aspect, as well as the surgical procedures that she is able to perform. “I love the opportunity to be a part of the entire spectrum of a woman’s life — from childhood and adolescence, through child-bearing years and beyond,” she says. The OB/GYN field is the stage for exciting developments, such as minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Many new treatment options for common female complaints are making recovery times shorter. Success rates are good, with little or no hospitalization. Dr. Bennett follows a patient care philosophy that is congruent with that of LMH. “I try to explain things clearly and thoroughly, and I strive to be approachable and ‘matter of fact,’” she says. “Each patient is a unique individual with distinct needs and priorities. My goal is to help patients identify their individual goals and then help them not just meet but exceed them with patient-centered care and quality physician-patient interactions.”
GETTING TO KNOW DR. BENNETT What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cooking, running, hiking, and a good cup of coffee.
What’s your favorite TV show? My current favorite is 30 Rock, and I love HGTV.
Favorite food? Probably scrambled eggs.
Do you have a personal passion for something? Traveling.
Do you have a secret vice? Definitely chocolate. Coffee is a close second.
Lawrence OB/GYN Specialists 330 Arkansas, Suite 300 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-832-1424
Mark your calendars! LMH Oncology Center: “A Decade of Service” Tuesday, September 20, at LMH Oncology patients, former patients and their families are invited to join LMH Oncology Staff to celebrate a decade of service. Tours and refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 785-505-2800.
LMH Annual Health Fair Saturday, September 24, at LMH 7:30-11 a.m. | Blood work available from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Join us for our annual Health Fair. Free health screenings provided by members of our medical and hospital staff and other area health professionals. In addition, a comprehensive blood work profile is available for the nominal price of $30 ($40 for males who want the PSA test) if registered by September 12. After that date, blood work is available for $40 ($50 with PSA). Refreshments and health-related exhibits by many LMH departments and local non-profit support agencies. More information and advance registration will be available in August.
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19th Annual Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer Proceeds benefit the LMH Breast and Oncology Centers Saturday, October 29, at Crown Toyota Pavilion Entertainment by SELLOUT! Tickets: $40 For more information, including how to sponsor and volunteer: Call 785-505-3315 or email heather.ackerly@lmh.org
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325 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044
DocTalk Ryan Stuckey, MD Ryan M. Stuckey, MD, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon, will be joining the medical staff of OrthoKansas, PA in September. Dr. Stuckey specializes in both non-surgical and surgical treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders, including spine trauma and fractures, spinal tumors, osteoporosis, sports injuries, degenerative spine disease, lumbar and cervical disc herniations, lumbar and cervical stenosis, and myelopathy. He performs minimally invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Stuckey graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Kansas, and was a graduate with distinction. He then worked for a year with orthopaedic surgeons at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He returned to Kansas to continue his training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita in 2010, and a spine fellowship with the Texas Medical Center Spine Fellowship Program in 2011 where he received further training in spinal trauma, spinal tumors and complex spinal reconstruction.
Luke Huerter, MD Luke Huerter, MD, a hematologist/oncologist, is joining the LMH Oncology Center in August. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2006. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics in Salt Lake City in 2009 and is board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Huerter recently completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology, also at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, and is board eligible in medical oncology. Dr. Huerter is married to Michele Bennett, MD, who is joining Lawrence OB/GYN Specialists in August (see page 7). They have an 18-month-old son, William, and are looking forward to being back in Lawrence where they have family ties. Dr. Bennett is a Lawrence native and a graduate of Lawrence High School. Dr. Huerter’s brother and sister-in-law, Drs. Eric and Pam Huerter, also practice in Lawrence. Dr. Huerter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, camping, hiking, playing basketball, running, skiing and traveling.
connect is published by Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To have your name added to or removed from this mailing list, please call 785-505-3315. Gene Meyer | President and CEO, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Editorial Board | Kathy Clausing Willis, Sherri Vaughn, MD, Janice Early, Heather Ackerly
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Lawrence Memorial Hospital • 325 Maine Street • Lawrence, KS 66044 • 785-505-5000 • www.lmh.org