Journeys, Fall 2012

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice …” – William Jennings Bryan

FALL 2012

JOURNEYS

JOURNEYS FALL 2012

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT

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NEW AT BRYAN New name reflects commitment

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NEW AT BRYAN Breathing more easily, thanks to bronchial thermoplasty

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2012 RUN TO OVERCOME

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NEW AT BRYAN Ankle fusion returns him to work and play

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BRYAN HEART He’s studying the hearts of champions

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IN SERVICE TO THE WORLD Lessons from medical mission continue to inspire Dr. Miller

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MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT Ask the doctor: What is the role of maternal-fetal medicine?

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MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE New faces at Bryan

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BRYAN FOUNDATION

25 55PLUS 26

NEW AT BRYAN Combining robotic approaches boosts benefits to patients

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CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER He’s the trustee of the year BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES New president excited to begin new role Biomedical Sciences degree opens doors

36 COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS

37 ACHIEVEMENTS 38

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE Enthusiastic members give LifePointe a workout

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

New ways to connect Besides our new name, we have new ways to connect with you!

Phone number: 402-481-1111 Through this new number, our telecommunications staff can connect you with all Bryan Medical Center areas. Our previous numbers will remain, but we also have this new, easy-to-remember number.

Web addresses Main site: bryanhealth.org Mobile site: bryanhealth.org LifePointe: bryanlifepointe.com Bryan Heart: bryanheart.com Now is a great time to update bookmarks you have for us!

Facebook You’ll find us at our new Facebook addresses, which are: Main site: facebook.com/bryanhealth LifePointe: facebook.com/bryanlifepointe Bryan College of Health Sciences main page: facebook.com/bryanhealthcollege Bryan College of Health Sciences alumni page: facebook.com/ bryanhealthcollegealumni

YouTube Our new YouTube health channel is youtube.com/bryanhealth.

Also, remember you can learn more about upcoming community education and screening events at bryanhealth.org/calendar. Here’s to a happy, healthy autumn!

ALL ABOUT JOURNEYS

STAY IN TOUCH

Statesman William Jennings Bryan, one of the original benefactors of Bryan Health, said:

We welcome your comments. For more information about Journeys, contact the Advancement team by calling 402-481-8674.

To learn more about Bryan programs and services, visit us online at bryanhealth.org.

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

Journeys tells our story of how Bryan chooses to achieve. This free publication is mailed quarterly to our employees, physicians, volunteers and the communities we serve.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT Your contributions help us care for those who come to Bryan at every stage of life. To find out how you can participate, please contact the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605, or write to us at: Bryan Foundation 1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506

Kimberly Russel President & CEO, Bryan Health John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center John Trapp, MD Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff Bob Ravenscroft Vice President of Advancement Edgar Bumanis Director of Public Relations Paul Hadley Editor

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT

n our spring edition of Journeys, we announced a name change for our organization. I am pleased to report that we have completed the transition, with our health system now operating as Bryan Health and our medical center with two locations in Lincoln operating as Bryan Medical Center.

We had been BryanLGH since 1997, when two strong and recognized acute care hospitals came together to form our health system and medical center. We’ve spent this 15th anniversary year honoring the legacy that has brought us to this point and have recognized what has been achieved.

We have grown dramatically through the past 15 years.

The name that will guide us into the future — Bryan Health — signifies 85 years of quality, excellence and innovation in health care. It speaks to the presence we now have throughout the Midwest and across the country. It also reflects our commitment to be your family’s partner for a full spectrum of wellness, acute care and rehabilitation needs.

On your team you have nearly 5,000 physicians, staff

members and volunteers. They are the people who have made Bryan the place you want to receive care, and at the same time they are the friends, family and neighbors who make our community the place we choose to live.

As you’ve come to expect, this issue of Journeys shares more stories of how this team has made someone’s life better. Please remember that the latest news from Bryan Health always is available at bryanhealth.org, facebook.com/ bryanhealth and youtube.com/bryanhealth.

Community. Future. Health. Helping you prepare for what’s next in your life will always be what’s next in ours.

Kimberly A. Russel President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Health

We are Bryan! Co-workers participating in our Sept. 30 Run to Overcome help unveil the new Bryan Health logo.

Bryan Journeys 1

New name

Reflects commitment to be our community’s chosen partner for a full spectrum of prevention, wellness, acute care and rehabilitation

From exterior signs and patient forms, to name badges, websites and surgical scrubs, you’ll find our new name and symbol.

We’ve also changed how we refer to physical locations for facilities within Bryan Health.

For example, Bryan Medical Center is one hospital at two locations: the Bryan East Campus on 48th Street and the Bryan West Campus on South Street. You also will see us refer to our Pine Lake Campus at 40th and Pine Lake Road and to our LifePointe Campus at 7501 S. 27th St. Bryan Heart has its home office at the Bryan East Campus.

Campus banners (above) and Bryan vehicles, like the Mobile Screening Services truck, are sporting the new Bryan Health logo.

2 Fall 2012

NEW AT BRYAN

Website and smartphone screens feature a new look, as do all directional signs on our campuses.

Bryan Journeys 3

NEW AT BRYAN

Breathing more easily Thanks to bronchial thermoplasty

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haron Kosta, 39, remembers her 19th wedding anniversary well. Not necessarily because of a typical celebration, but because that’s the day she received lifechanging news — or rather, quality of life-changing news.

May 29, 2012, Sharon learned she had the go ahead for bronchial thermoplasty at Bryan Medical Center — a new procedure that would permanently open her constricted airways.

Since age 6, Sharon has battled asthma, a lung disease in which airways become blocked or narrowed, causing breathing difficulty. Through the years, the disease developed into severe asthma, which, despite her being fully compliant with her medications, spawned asthma attacks that frequently sent Sharon to the emergency room and seriously limited her daily activities.

“It is very promising technology for patients whose asthma symptoms are not being controlled with medications,” says Sharon’s pulmonologist John Trapp, MD, of Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties.

Unique treatment reduces spasms People who have asthma have a thickening of the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways. Contraction of this excess muscle, swelling or inflammation of the airways, and excess mucus can cause narrowing of the airways. When this happens, people may experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.

“While asthma medications reduce the airway inflammation and bronchial spasms, bronchial thermoplasty treats the asthma in a unique way by shrinking the muscle and thus reducing its spasms,” Dr. Trapp says.

The nondrug, outpatient procedure for adults is performed in

4 Fall 2012

three separate treatments, each focusing on different areas of the lungs. Through the patient’s nose or mouth, the physician inserts the thermoplasty device through a long, flexible tube called a bronchoscope that has a camera on one end to allow the doctor to see inside the airways of the lungs without an incision.

The tip of the device extends and expands into the airway and is heated with radiofrequency energy, shrinking the muscle and limiting its ability to contract and narrow the airway. After the procedure, patients are usually able to go home the same day.

Local option available Since there are no nerves in the airways, bronchial thermoplasty isn’t painful. However, patients do feel worse for a day or two after the treatment because of airway swelling.

Sharon first learned about the procedure in early 2011 when Dr. Trapp encouraged her to consider it. Unfortunately, bronchial thermoplasty wasn’t offered in Lincoln.

“I talked to Sharon about going to a research or academic center to see if this could be done for her,” Dr. Trapp says. “I sent her to University of Colorado School of Medicine’s teaching affiliate, National Jewish Health in Denver.”

There, she learned she was a perfect candidate for bronchial thermoplasty, and there she learned her insurance would not cover the $15,000 procedure. This cost, as well as expenses involved with three trips to Colorado, was prohibitive, and she had to put the procedure on hold.

“I was disappointed, so disappointed,” Sharon remembers.

And with good reason when one considers a day in the life of someone with asthma — a disease affecting about 25 million Americans and that’s linked to about 3,400 deaths per year,

NEW AT BRYAN

Sharon Kosta says, after Dr. John Trapp performed Nebraska’s first bronchial thermoplasty procedure on her this summer, she enjoys being outside again and participating in a more active lifestyle with her family.

Bryan Journeys 5

NEW AT BRYAN

Bronchial thermoplasty arrives according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

“I’d go to work every day and do my regular things hoping I could get on with my work,” Sharon says. A taxi driver for the elderly, disabled and visually impaired, she would transport them and push them up ramps in wheelchairs, hoping she could get to the door before running out of breath.

“I never lost sight of my rescue inhaler. I had two of them — usually one in my purse and one in my pocket. Wherever I went, I knew it was there. It was my lifeline.”

Even with increasing amounts of steroids during the past 22 years and faithful use of other asthma medication, Sharon was in and out of the hospital nearly every other month in 2011.

She was ready for a change.

First in Nebraska

points out. And after the procedure, patients continue to take daily maintenance medication to control inflammation of the airways.

Significant benefits to patients The benefits, though, are significant, he notes: “Reduction in medications that may have harmful effects, such as high-dose oral or inhaled steroids; fewer bronchial spasms, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and the need for rescue medication; hopefully some level of stability in asthma symptoms that are better able to be managed; and enhanced quality of life.”

While Sharon still takes asthma medication, it’s half as much as before the procedure. She is decreasing her oral steroid dosage by 1 milligram per week and hopes to someday be done with it completely.

Dr. Trapp says all of his partners at Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties are trained to do bronchial thermoplasty, and they have a vision.

“I think the important thing is to spread the word that this procedure is available,” he says. “We have talked to our allergy, immunology and asthma colleagues and have updated them on this first procedure at Bryan. We’ve gone through some education to the public, and as a group, we certainly continue to make available consultation and evaluation for the procedure.

“We’re able to tell severe-asthma patients that we have something else to offer them.”

Sharon says that even though the procedure was a first for Dr. Trapp, she knew she was in good hands. “When he said this was something I should do, I trusted him.”

She’s glad she did.

“Bronchial thermoplasty has impacted my life greatly,” Sharon says. “I feel so lucky to be able to have had this treatment right here in Lincoln, and I hope others will consider it. The quality of life it’s already brought to me — it’s worth it.” n

Dr. Trapp performed the first treatment of the three-part procedure on Sharon in June 2012, followed by the second and final treatments in July and August.

Bronchial thermoplasty was a first for Dr. Trapp, a first for Bryan and a first for Nebraska. And it was the first to offer a quality of life Sharon never had experienced.

Since the procedure, her rescue inhalers have taken a seat on the sidelines; she can take a bigger breath; talk without being winded; and go for walks with her husband, Todd, her son, Logan, and their dogs.

“I usually can’t bear the summer heat, but this summer I spent watching my son swim and dive competitively. I was able to sit in the bleachers the whole time and watch him win first in all-city competition.”

Sharon is able to do water aerobics and takes part in pulmonary rehabilitation three days a week at Bryan LifePointe, where she works out on the bike and treadmill.

“My family had never seen me take a good breath; they are happy for me,” she says.

“Bronchial thermoplasty is Dr. Trapp and Sharon meet the media to discuss the benefits of bronchial thermoplasty for treating asthma. not a cure for asthma,” Dr. Trapp

6 Fall 2012

To find out how you can support pulmonary care at Bryan, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

2012 RUN TO OVERCOME

Motivational speaker and former Olympic distance runner Suzy Favor-Hamilton (No. 1 above) was our special guest Sept. 30 during Run to Overcome, which raised awareness of mental health issues. Here she finishes the 10K with Todd Tessendorf, MD, (826) and Christine O’Toole (647) while Shirley Travis (840) completes the 5K distance.

Racing for glory

More than 1,200 finished the 5K and 10K races and 1-mile Kids’ Run — like Jamison Dixon (195) and Addison Bleimeister (77).

Indigo Mathes (529) was first to help us break out our new Bryan Health signage during the Kids’ Run.

Bryan Journeys 7

NEW AT BRYAN

Police Officer Hunt is fit for the chase

Ankle fusion returns him to work and play

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his is the city. He’s a cop. A darn good cop.

Donald Hunt is a patrol officer for the Lincoln Police Department, which means he has to be out there, among the people, keeping the peace. It’s rare, but he might even have to get into a scrape. And that’s tough to do when your right ankle hurts so much you start to wonder if you can take it anymore.

The pain was so great, “There were times when I was ready to quit my job,” Hunt says.

Joshua Vest, DPM, is a podiatric surgeon at Capital Foot and Ankle Center who has advanced training in foot and ankle surgery.

He knows there are certain words — like “fusion” — that might make people nervous.

“When you say that word,” he notes, “you can kind of see it in a patient’s eyes.”

Another scary word, when it comes to your foot and ankle area, might be “nail.”

doctor, who told him he might need to have the right ankle fused someday. Well, even cops don’t like that word, and Hunt opted to have bone spurs taken out instead.

Seeking options

“It hurt so bad afterward,” he remembers. “In my case, it was not a good decision to have bone spurs removed.”

His pain just kept getting worse. “Every time I walked,” he says, “it felt like I had a sprained ankle, for six and a half, seven years.”

It got so bad his right ankle started collapsing to the inside, and it kept getting closer and closer to the ground. It made you squirm just to look at it. Hunt could only grit his teeth and keep trying.

Could he have chased down a bad guy? No way.

Could he stand to live like this much longer?

At last, he went to see Dr. Vest.

Hunt remembers the physician saying, “I don’t know how you can even walk right now.”

Living with pain “He had really severe ankle arthritis that was affecting his But could those words be worse than the pain the patient is quality of life and his ability to do his job,”says Dr. Vest. already feeling?

Thankfully, these days, there are things you can do about that.

Dr. Vest performs a procedure which Dr. Vest often performs total ankle contains both of those words: “hindfoot replacement surgeries for patients in fusion nail.” such severe pain, he told Hunt. But for Because of this procedure, each of someone as young — only 51 — and them — Officer Hunt and Dr. Vest — active — a weekend athlete and a cop wants to talk about the other.

— as Hunt, Dr. Vest recommended a Hunt loves playing softball and all treatment that’s new to Lincoln: the Wright kinds of sports. He’s sprained his ankles Medical Valor® Hindfoot Fusion Nail.

The procedure holds up better to countless times. But one stands out: activity. And it’s simpler, less invasive and He turned for a ground ball, 10 or 11 allows for a quicker comeback time. years ago, and it hurt so bad he had to But there was that word, fusion. And be helped off the field. That had never the bad experience with taking out the happened before. bone spurs last time. What if it got worse?

He kept thinking it would eventually Hunt went up to the Mayo Clinic get better, but it didn’t. He stood the pain The Valor® Hindfoot Fusion Nail system’s to tap their expertise. Physicians there for several years before he went to see a hardware supports Donald Hunt’s ankle.

8 Fall 2012

NEW AT BRYAN

speedy recovery Fusing Donald Hunt’s right ankle relieved him of severe arthritis pain, so that today he can again play recreational sports and do his job as a Lincoln police officer.

Bryan Journeys 9

NEW AT BRYAN agreed with Dr. Vest’s advice to fuse the ankle, so Hunt wondered whether traveling to Minnesota for pre- and postoperative visits, plus the surgery, could be avoided.

Department and started back on the street in a little more than three months.

That’s quicker than most patients would, Dr. Vest cautions.

It usually takes longer than that.

“I have yet to have to chase Returns to the scene anybody down,” Hunt says. “But He went back to see Dr. I’ve gotten into some physical Vest. He liked the doctor. He was altercations with people. The positive, personable and told it ankle didn’t bother me.” straight.

Another bonus: He was able Dr. Vest liked him, too. “His to get onto the softball field was a very rewarding case,” Dr. for the season’s last couple of Vest says. “He’s a real salt of the weeks. earth guy.”

Hunt can tell that his ankle’s They did the procedure at fused. He might have a slight Bryan. Dr. Vest fused Hunt’s change in his gait, and he right ankle, strengthening and doesn’t move like a professional stabilizing the whole thing with a athlete. titanium nail.

But he can run.

Hunt says, “It was such a Before, he worried that the good decision. I’m so glad I did it slightest misstep could put him — the difference is like night and down for the count. And now he day. My other ankle hurts worse runs. than this one.”

“I’d never thought it’d be as Dr. Vest has since performed good as it is,” Hunt says. “Living many surgeries using the new six or seven years with so much Valor® nail technique, and all of pain, I thought if I could just During a follow-up to Capital Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Joshua the results have been good. reduce it in half, I’d be happy.

Vest and Don Hunt discuss Hunt’s progress after surgery.

He points out, “I think the Most of the time, 100 percent of key to having good outcomes the pain’s gone.” is a combination of the right One of the things patients worry about most with fusion is application of advances in technology and good communication gait and loss of motion. Luckily for Hunt, Dr. Vest and the other between the patient and surgeon. A well-informed patient is specialists at Capital Foot and Ankle Center can address those postimportant, and patients should do their homework on their options surgical changes. and their surgeon.”

Dr. Vest says, “Ankle arthritis used to be a debilitating diagnosis, but with the options we have now, it doesn’t have to Quick recovery be.”

“In a little bit over five weeks, I was able to start putting Watch out, would-be bad guys: Officer Hunt is fit for the pressure on it,” Hunt says. chase. n “Dr. Vest said usually it’s six to eight weeks before a patient can do that. I think it’s because I was younger,” Hunt explains. “I was in a boot, putting pressure on my right foot and walking and stuff.

I used one of those little scooter things, that I kneeled on to get around, for almost a month and a half. Those are great inventions.”

He worked the service desk for a while at the Lincoln Police

10 Fall 2012

For information on how you can support orthopedic care at Bryan, contact the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605.

BRYAN HEART

He’s studying the hearts of champions

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new team will soon be calling the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium home, but not the typical group you would expect to be occupying UNL’s new East Stadium expansion. This 11-member team is made up primarily of physicians whose No. 1 goal is to prevent sudden death in athletes.

The team, Bryan Heart Athlete Care — a partnership with the University of Nebraska in Athletic Cardiology and Research — is establishing a leading-edge research center that will study student-athletes’ hearts to discover warning signs that could help predict heart attacks.

Cardiovascular problems in athletes are unusual but not rare, and they’re catastrophic when they occur. But reliable data on predicting cardiac problems in athletes is not available.

“Normal findings often are not definitively established in all athletic situations,” says program director Steven Krueger, MD. “One of our first projects will be to help establish normals.”

Though those participating in basketball or football have the highest incidence of sudden death, the center will study athletes in many sports because each sport is unique in how it affects participants’ hearts.

University of Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne, PhD, explains, “They are going to do longitudinal studies where they do a complete cardiology workup on many of our athletes.

Traditionally student-athletes are given EKGs and some other rather cursory cardiovascular examinations, but they do not receive echocardiograms and other diagnostic devices.”

The program will begin with student-athletes at the University of Nebraska and other Big Ten schools before expanding throughout the NCAA. The findings will then be

Bryan Journeys 11

BRYAN HEART

Studying athletes’ hearts will help future stars translated to other groups, such as high school athletes and adults in general.

for research in regard to cardiology in the facility,” recalls Dr. Osborne, who adds. “I wish I could take full credit, but I can’t.”

The idea

The program

For 20 years, Bryan Heart has been involved in athletic cardiology at the University of Nebraska from a consulting standpoint. Lonnie Albers, MD, medical director at the University of Nebraska, and Dr. Krueger, a cardiologist with Bryan Heart, had been discussing the need for research to develop better protocols.

During this time, Dr. Osborne — spanning his career as coach, congressman and UNL athletic director — had been concerned that everything possible was done to provide athletes the best cardiac care.

“So, it was a Perfect Storm, with everything coming together,” says Dr. Krueger. “The university then came to us and said they would like us to consider establishing a research program in their East Stadium.”

“Doak Ostergard, the outreach director for UNL athletics, and I talked to Steve Krueger, as he has had most of the ideas

In addition to the clinical goal of identifying athletes at risk and managing their problems, the program has three primary research goals: 1) To identify the most pertinent issues which need to be addressed in athletic cardiology; 2) To develop and help lead a network of athletic cardiovascular specialists in additional research facilities across the United States and beyond; and 3) To establish research protocols for most critical issues.

The need for protocols Cardiologists have seen their involvement grow in relation to clearing student-athletes for competition. Most pre-competition physicals for student-athletes are conducted by primary care physicians. But since there are not widely accepted protocols for assessing athletes’ cardiovascular

Congratulations to the cardiovascular team!

Bryan is among the Top 50 U.S. hospitals for heart care, according to the latest Truven Health Analytics study of inpatient cardiovascular services.

12 Fall 2012

Bryan Heart cardiologist Ryan Whitney, MD, and the panel share a humorous moment during the Fall Bryan Heart cardiology conference. The panelists were Christine Lawless, MD, (left), Mathue Baker, MD, Todd Tessendorf, MD, Dale Hansen, MD, Clyde Meckel, MD, Steven Krueger, MD, and Andrew Merliss, MD, of the new University of Nebraska/Bryan Heart Athlete Care program.

BRYAN HEART health, more primary care physicians are referring patients to cardiologists or at least asking for consults regarding some aspects of their patients’ eligibility for sports participation.

Physicians do not want to disqualify an athlete who doesn’t need to be disqualified, but are unsure of how significant some observations or test results might be since there is very little data available. This is where protocols are needed. In addition to establishing protocols for sports physicals, Bryan Heart Athlete Care will establish a panel of athletic cardiologists from around the country to help make participation and return-to-play recommendations for athletes with cardiac symptoms and conditions.

“Whether it is a physician in Kentucky, or one in greater Nebraska, we will be available to help answer questions on difficult cases,” says Dr. Krueger.

There are a lot of complaints that present in athletes that may or may not be related to the heart, such as chest pains, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, passing out and decreased exercise capacity. These are all things Dr. Krueger says physicians should be assessing, as well as family history of heart disease.

“Our goal is to prevent episodes from occurring in the first place,” team member Christine Lawless, MD, says. “We have to raise the awareness, raise the education and raise the bar on how we should be clearing athletes to play.” n To find out how you can support the work of Bryan Heart and Bryan Health, contact the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605.

Dr. Lawless directs research “When we decided to establish this program, we looked for the most experienced person in the country to lead the research team,” says Steven Krueger, MD. “And we were able to convince her to join us.”

That expert is Christine Lawless, MD, who will be directing the research portion of the new Bryan Heart Athlete Care program as director of Athlete Cardiac Dr. Christine Lawless is flanked by cardiologists Research.

Todd Tessendorf (left) and Steven Krueger of the “We’ve been involved Bryan Heart Athlete Care program. in athletic cardiology for a long time, but by bringing Dr. Lawless on board, we will be of Cardiology and Medicine and Science able to focus more on the research that in Sports and Exercise (the journal is so desperately needed in this area,” of the American College of Sports says Dr. Krueger. In addition to leading Medicine). Her book, “Sports Cardiology the research effort, Dr. Lawless will be Essentials,” was published in December involved in clinical consultations for 2010. difficult cases.

A competitive figure skater until The only physician in the United her late 40s, Dr. Lawless serves as team States dual board certified in cardiology physician to U.S. Figure Skating world and sports medicine, Dr. Lawless has teams and is the official cardiology been practicing medicine for 30 years consultant to Major League Soccer and and is widely known for her clinical its teams throughout the United States skills and research. She is co-chair of the and Canada.

American College of Cardiology Council “There has not been enough on Sports and Exercise Cardiology and is medical research into the issue in the a member of the associate faculty at the United States,” Dr. Lawless says. “One University of Chicago. in 200,000 athletes will die from heart Dr. Lawless has published disease while playing sports. I’m excited extensively in peer-reviewed journals, to be part of a team whose goal is to including New England Journal of prevent this from happening.” n Medicine, Journal of the American College

Bryan Journeys 13

Cardiologist Keith Miller, MD, says serving a medical mission in earthquake-ravaged Haiti provided ways to share his medical skills outside the usual workplace.

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IN SERVICE TO THE WORLD

Lessons from medical mission continue to inspire Dr. Miller

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t hits you the minute you get off the airplane in Port-au-Prince: This is Haiti. The flagship airport of the whole country is this rundown place with three gates. It’s crowded and it’s dingy, like something out of a movie, except, you realize, this is really happening. It’s real. You’re definitely not in Nebraska anymore.

Bryan Heart cardiologist Keith Miller, MD, made a medical mission to Mirabilis, Haiti, in November 2011. It was sponsored by Grace Chapel, his home church, and he thought he knew what he was getting into. Hearts in the right place, he and his fellow medical missionaries had each packed the biggest suitcases they could find with 49.9 pounds (the legal weight for checked baggage is 50) of supplies: bandages and medications, shirts and shoes, toilet paper and soap. Those among them who had never been there thought they were ready to go.

But then they got off the plane.

City in ruins The man in charge of the mission was standing there to meet them. “This guy has this real intensity about him, realizing he’s working with a group of the totally uninitiated,” Dr. Miller recalls. “He’s like this drill sergeant.”

He needed to be. As soon as they were outside the terminal, they were inundated by people trying to carry their luggage, trying to sell them something, trying to find some way to make enough money to make it through the week.

“He kept barking at us,” Dr. Miller says of their drill sergeant. Like a sheepdog, he kept them together, kept them moving, kept them from being swept off in this human sea.

The medical missionaries piled into vans. “This was 20 months after the January 2010 major earthquake,” Dr. Miller says. “It’s almost two years later and the city is still really in ruins. All those tent cities that you’d see on the TV news — they still were there.”

On the ground just 20 minutes, already their hearts were breaking.

There were tents as far as the eye could see, on dirt.

People fending for themselves, trying to make some kind of life for themselves in this place. What happened to them when it rained? What happened when all this dirt became mud? “They stand up,” their drill sergeant told the medical team.

“You’ve got to just be silent and take it all in,” Dr. Miller says.

He thought he’d seen poverty before. But here he saw a man slaughtering an emaciated cow in the middle of the street.

There were children without clothes.

The vans continued onward, off into the country, to the rural area where the mission organization they were working with, Great Commission Alliance, had established a beachhead.

To where they were building something the people of Haiti could count on, week after week, year after year.

Seeking their help The countryside was beautiful. Every day was different.

The medical team would set up under a tent. “It’s hot and it’s dusty and it’s sweaty,” Dr. Miller says. People would just start showing up. They kept coming. They brought grandma; they brought the kids.

“These are people who hardly see a doctor ever. I have no idea how they got word there’s going to be doctors around.”

They needed crowd control, and an ex-military guy took charge of that. They needed to be able to speak to the people, and they had these students from Port-au-Prince who relished the chance to speak English. In a short time, they and the medical missionaries grew close.

Sharing talents Dr. Miller’s wife, Katie, a pharmacist, came, too. “We have a strong faith,” Dr. Miller says. “We’ve always felt like our medical jobs are a calling, and it’s important for us to bring it outside of the usual workplace.

“And we loved the idea of working side by side, which we never get to do, other than doing yard work.”

They set up clinics — a clinic every day for five days. Four doctors and a physician assistant were on the team. Craig

Bryan Journeys 15

IN SERVICE TO THE WORLD

Trip opens eyes, touches hearts team’s first instinct was to scoop up Moore led the pharmacists. Dr. Gary that child and take him home.

Hustad, a primary care physician, and But they couldn’t. his son Andrew; Dr. Al Halls, another “He was just a beautiful boy,” Dr. Bryan physician; Carrie Davidson, Miller says.

RN — they all were integral to the The physician’s experience doesn’t mission’s success. sound like the uplifting mission The connection they had with trips we often hear about. But that’s patients they saw so briefly was because he isn’t talking about a quick incredible. in-and-out trip so we can all feel better “These are people who culturally about ourselves. No — in reality, the have nothing in common with us, problem is so much bigger than that. and here we are talking about their Katie and Dr. Keith Miller say the mission But that’s why, even in spite of all medical problems. They’re sharing their they shared tested their ability to apply he knows, these little trips mean more, intimate personal lives with us,” Dr. medical skills in unusual conditions. not less.

Miller points out.

But they found having a translator only gets you halfway there. “A lot of Ongoing mission the adults have never set foot inside a “It’s heart rending,” he admits. school,” he notes. “They have no idea “There’s a challenge in not succumbing what a liver is or what your heart does. to a sense of futility because the They don’t know that swimming in a problems are so massive. You’re here river contaminated with human feces is with a group of 20 people on a onebad for your health.” week trip. We’re not going to solve All your high-tech western everything. medicine? Forget it. These people need “But hopefully I can add one little clean water, better sanitation. They bright spot to a sum of light, maybe don’t need a cholesterol check; they make this situation a little bit better. need protein.

And that’s all you can do.”

Haitian children were eager to help Dr. “It can be heartbreaking,” Dr. Miller He takes heart that Grace Chapel Gary Hustad and the other members of says. “That’s the word that comes to is committed to this cause. He knows the team in every way possible. mind. So many people there, innocent. the people who need help most are They don’t deserve the plight that they seeing some of the same faces again have. It’s cruelty of chance that they and again. happen to be born into the environment that they are. They’re The things he witnessed in Haiti haunt him sometimes, victims of circumstance. It’s tragic.” when it hits him that he’s in a climate-controlled environment, Yet they came with smiles, dressed in their best clothes, with all he can eat readily available. But the things he saw, the well-behaved children patiently waiting in line with families. patients he met, the people he went with — they inspire him, too.

That was his first trip to Haiti.

Heartbreaking circumstances “Yeah,” Dr. Miller says. “We’ll go back.” n The memory of one 10-year-old boy especially sticks with Dr. Miller. The kid had a congenital heart defect that would have been easy to fix if he lived in Lincoln. But he didn’t. The

16 Fall 2012

IN SERVICE TO THE WORLD

Physicians are on a mission Many Lincoln caregivers have volunteered for medical missions around the globe, often in remote areas where people are recovering from natural disaster, poverty, even war. Here are stories of three physicians who shared their time and talents overseas.

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olorectal surgeon Alexander Kingsley, MD, has traveled to many parts of the world in the past 33 years to help ease others’ suffering.

“Being able to speak several languages is an advantage,” he says. “I look forward to helping wherever there appears to be a need.”

Dr. Kingsley says his Christian faith inspires him to serve others.

He first went to Honduras in 1989 and later to Nicaragua to help refugees and the wounded from both sides of fighting there.

During ensuing decades, he’s served in Central and South America, Africa and the Middle East.

Most recently he traveled to the Ivory Coast, then to Conakry, Guinea, to assist a Frenchbased aid group.

These were not sunny vacation destinations. There can be personal risk, and trying to impose Western thinking in Third World situations can lead to frustration.

Progress usually is measured in small, careful steps, not immediate leaps and bounds.

“Volunteers have to have the right mindset — you’ll fail if you have your own demands or expectations — instead, you have to learn to be very flexible and adapt to whatever situation presents itself,” Dr. Kingsley explains.

“And you must stay very humble — I make a point to thank the people for inviting me into their world — the people are absolutely wonderful.”

Every mission yields surprises.

Years ago, when he was in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Kingsley’s back was badly scalded when an autoclave used for sterilizing instruments exploded behind him.

“I was concerned that I would have trouble healing in those primitive conditions,” he says.

But in that region, where witch doctors and Voodoo still are common, the local hospital had exactly the medications needed because it was equipped to treat burns related to working in the sugar cane industry.

Dr. Kingsley recalls, “I wasn’t able to fly home as originally scheduled, so I kept working. The nurses cared for me so well that when I finally returned to Lincoln, my staff at first thought I just had a bad sunburn — there was no scarring at all!

“You just have to have faith in those around you.”

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nesthesiologist Elizabeth Lau, MD, so far has made just one trip, but it made an impact.

“I traveled to Honduras in July 2003 with my son and a group from Southwood Lutheran Church. We built a church and three homes for widows in the small community of La Ciebeta,” she says. “We enjoyed helping build very basic homes, which would provide much better protection from the elements.”

While working alongside the Hondurans, they saw how happy others could be, even with few personal possessions.

“That really helped us appreciate how a strong relationship with God is more vital to happiness than having more stuff,” Dr. Lau says. “We will always remember the smiles and warm, friendly hugs the people were so willing to share and how thankful they were to have simple wood houses on cement floors.”

Since the trip, the physician’s family has upped its support of local charities.

“I see our family working to grow in our faith, and serving others is an important and enjoyable part of this. We have many opportunities to do this here, but I also would like to return to Honduras or travel with our church group on a mission to Tanzania.”

How did the mission experience change her as a doctor?

Dr. Lau says, “On the trip I fell and hit the back of my head. The sharp blow immediately

set my thoughts racing to fears of poor medical conditions in Honduras. My friends prayed with me, and I experienced that valuable skill in a whole new way.

“Now each day I pray for God to guide my heart, my hands and my mind to do his work and bring health, healing and hope to each of my patients and their families.”

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ncology specialist Nathan Green, DO, served in Hue and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in February 2012.

“I traveled with my mentor from Baylor University through the Health Volunteers Overseas organization,” he says. “I’ve always taken pride in volunteering and had wanted to go on a mission trip but couldn’t find an opportunity where I could make a real difference; there aren’t many oncology-specific overseas programs because the field requires access to expensive technology, like flow cytometry and PET scanners. But Hue is home to a large medical school and has limited access to such technologies.”

He and five other medical oncologists gave lectures to medical students, participated in hospital rounds and outpatient clinics, organized a tumor board and provided consultation on as many patients as possible.

“Seeing how health care can be delivered effectively in a communist, developing country was eye opening and made me realize how much we take for granted here, where we have ready access to testing and technology that other parts of the world do without. I’m more conscious of cost than before the mission trip,” Dr. Green says.

“And I’m certain we learned as much from our hosts as they learned from us.”

Would he go back?

“The group I traveled with is trying to organize a return trip to Hue. In order to make real strides, long-term relationships need to be built, rather than make single, relatively brief visits,” he says. “We also are considering future mission trips to Brazil and Ethiopia.” n Bryan Journeys 17

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Ask the doctor: What is the role of maternal-fetal medicine?

Sean Kenney, MD, answers your questions about maternal and fetal care.

Q: What is a maternal-fetal specialist?

A physician who completes an obstetrics & gynecology residency does an additional two to three years of training in a medical fellowship to learn to specialize in high-risk pregnancies.

Q: What interested you in this field of medicine?

I chose this specialty while I was a medical student at Creighton University and my wife, Tracy, was pregnant with our first child. She was having some complications, so we went to see Dr. Alfred Fleming, a specialist in Omaha. I really felt the benefit of having someone with this training and experience available to us and having the ultrasounds and his following along during the pregnancy. How we were treated inspired me to go into this.

So, after I received my medical degree from Creighton and completed a residency at the University of Nebraska, I did a Maternal and Fetal Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Q: How do experiences like that help you identify with your patients?

We have nine children, and we’ve had our experience in the neonatal intensive care unit. One of our kids was born at just 30

18 Fall 2012

Sean Kenney, MD, will be joining the Center for Maternal and Fetal Care on the Bryan East Campus.

MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT

weeks with ruptured membranes, but today he plays clarinet and is involved in sports like a typical 10-year-old. So, I can emphasize with couples facing such challenges and wondering what’s next. As parents, we’ve been there, too.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your career?

Seeing all the good outcomes is rewarding, as is visiting with the families and seeing their babies when they come back to visit the neonatal intensive care staff afterward.

Just recently a woman riding on an elevator with me saw my name badge and said she wanted to thank me because four years before they called me emergently to assist in delivering her child. That baby was born prematurely, but the mother said everything turned out well, and her daughter is wonderful now.

That’s very rewarding for me.

Q: Please describe the role of a maternal-fetal specialist.

We deal with the mother’s conditions, such as diabetes, a weak heart or conditions such as lupus — pretty much anything that’s not normal and may affect her or the baby. Plus, the unborn baby may have a condition, such as an irregular heart rate, that we treat the mother-to-be to help control.

Sometimes we may refer the patient for surgery before delivery, and if we discover a baby may have birth defects, we’ll consult the parents on what to expect.

We also treat conditions related to pregnancy, such as preterm labor or high blood pressure during pregnancy, and make decisions on how we can best optimize the situation for the baby — which can mean delivering the baby early and placing him in the NICU. Q: How valuable is a prenatal diagnosis?

Maternal-fetal medicine physicians offer support and consultations before the couple gets pregnant, as well as during the pregnancy. A lot

of doctors concentrate on the age of the mother, because as women get older, there’s a slightly greater risk of babies having Down syndrome. We discuss whether to do first trimester screening and second trimester ultrasound, so we can tell people about their relative risks and then provide invasive testing if they want.

We of course try to give the best advice possible ahead of time. Before they get pregnant, patients on medications may ask if those medications could affect the baby or if something different should be prescribed.

Q: Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see a maternal-fetal doctor?

A referral isn’t necessary for preconception counseling. If you’re already pregnant, we would like you to have a referral from your primary care doctor.

If you have significant health conditions, such as being HIV positive or you’re already being treated by a cardiologist for a heart condition, we’re able to take care of you while working closely with your regular doctors.

Q: What is the role of my doctor?

I have a good relationship with the local doctors, who call me in if there’s a high-risk situation.

One of the benefits to parents living in smaller communities — where it might be riskier to deliver a baby even at 34 weeks — is that we can take care of practically any baby in the NICU. The mother can deliver here earlier, instead of making it necessary to transfer a less-stable baby from their hometown hospital to Lincoln.

We work with cardiologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, neonatologists and other specialists, depending on the situation, to help get everyone ready and help ensure the best possible outcome for mothers and babies.

Q: Where can I find out more about maternal-fetal medicine?

You may contact the Center for Maternal and Fetal Care at the Bryan East Campus by calling 402-483-8485, or ask your primary care physician.

Bryan Journeys 19

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE

New faces at

Bryan

Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical community Eric Avery, MD, hematology/oncology, joined Nebraska Hematology-Oncology, 402-484-4900.

Dr. Avery earned a bachelor’s degree from Doane College, Crete, then graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, in 2006. He completed an internal medicine residency at UNMC in 2009 and a hematology and oncology fellowship in 2012. Dr. Avery is board certified in internal medicine and has been published in Cancer Treatment Review.

Hong Cui, MD, family medicine, will join People’s Health Center, 402-476-1455.

Dr. Cui graduated in 1983 from the Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing, China, and earned a bachelor’s degree in the physician assistant program at Union College, Lincoln, in 2001.

Before moving to the United States, he practiced as a pediatric orthopedist at Beijing Ji Shui Tan Hospital and Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, China.

Dr. Cui was a research fellow and research associate at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., and was a cardiothoracic and cardiovascular physician assistant in Lincoln before completing a family practice residency at the Lincoln Family Medicine Program. He practiced in Falls City, Neb., and

20 Fall 2012

Chamblee, Ga., and specialized in urgent care in Lincoln before joining People’s Health Center.

Emily Egley, DDS, pediatric dentistry, joined Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry, 402-476-1500. Dr. Egley earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She graduated in 2010 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Lincoln, and completed the UNMC postgraduate pediatric program.

John Franzen, MD, psychiatry, joined Bryan Heartland Psychiatry, 402-483-8555.

Dr. Franzen earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Creighton University, Omaha, and graduated in 2008 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center School of Medicine, Omaha. He completed psychiatry residency studies at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, and UNMC, Omaha. Several of his articles have been published in medical journals.

He has volunteered for medical missions in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Venezuela and India. Before moving to Lincoln, Dr. Franzen practiced in Norfolk.

Jennifer Hickman, MD, pediatric cardiology, joined Pediatric Cardiology Affiliates, Omaha, 402-955-4350.

Dr. Hickman received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated in 2006 from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver School of Medicine.

She completed her pediatrics residency program at the University of Rochester, New York, and this year completed a pediatric cardiology fellowship at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Medicine. In addition to completing her fellowship training, she graduated from IUPUI Graduate School with a masters in clinical research. Dr. Hickman is involved in two

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE research projects, studying pulmonary valves and transthoracic echocardiography for evaluating endocarditis in children. She is board certified in general pediatrics and board eligible in pediatric cardiology. Before moving to Nebraska, she was a pediatric hospitalist at Indiana University West Hospital, Avon.

Kelly Krier, MD, colon and rectal surgery, joined Surgical Associates, 402-441-4760. Dr. Krier graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion and Sioux Falls, in 2005.

She completed a general surgery residency at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, and this year completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at St. Mark’s Hospital, Salt Lake City. Her clinical interests include benign and malignant conditions of the colon, rectum and anus. Dr. Krier is board eligible in both general surgery and colorectal surgery.

Martee MacLeod-Kozal, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, joined Gynecologic Surgeons and Obstetricians, 402-421-8581. Dr. MacLeod-Kozal graduated from Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, in 2008 and completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012.

She earned a bachelor’s degree at Doane College, Crete, then was a phlebotomist at Bryan West before enrolling in medical school.

Emily Neri, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, joined Physicians for Women, 402-488-4022.

Dr. Neri earned a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, Omaha, and in 2008 graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and has received additional training in robotic-assisted surgery.

Jennifer Nickolite, DO, hospitalist, joined Inpatient Physician Associates, 402-481-4136.

Dr. Nickolite completed a bachelor’s degree in Sports Injury Management at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and in 2009 earned a Doctor of Osteopathy from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Mo. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., and in 2012 completed an internal medicine residency at Charleston Area Medical Center, W. Va. She is participating in two ongoing research projects.

Petra Razdan, MD, allergy, asthma and immunology, joined Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates, 402-464-5969. Dr. Razdan graduated from Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary, in 2004, and served as a temporary student doctor in Norway. This native of Sweden completed an internal medicine residency at St. Vincent’s Medical CenterUniversity of Connecticut, Bridgeport, and an allergy and immunology fellowship at the Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha. Several medical journals have published articles by this board-certified physician. Dr. Razdan was the primary investigator for a research project that analyzed the safety of nasal allergen challenges, and she was a sub-investigator for several clinical trials.

Eric Riddle, MD, hospitalist, joined Inpatient Physician Associates, 402-481-4136. Dr. Riddle received a bachelor’s degree from Evangel University, Springfield, Mo., and graduated in 2004 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha.

He completed an internal medicine/ pediatrics residency at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Riddle has volunteered at a public health clinic in San Pedro, Belize, and (Continued on Page 22.)

Bryan Journeys 21

MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE at the People’s City Mission in Lincoln.

Dr. Riddle was a pediatrician in Beatrice and directed the hospitalist program at Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center before joining Inpatient Physician Associates.

orthopedic surgery internship and residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, and fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Andrews Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, Ala.

Alyssa Rutan, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, joined Milius, Gibbens, Friesen, Hattan, Martin and Rauner, 402-475-8877. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and in 2008 graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha, where she also completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Rutan was a general biology teaching assistant and genetics teaching assistant at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and volunteered for a medical mission sponsored by UNMC to Jamaica.

Jodi Triggs, DO, FACP, internal medicine, joined Lincoln Internal Medicine Associates, 402-421-3240.

Dr. Triggs graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Mo., in 1997 and completed an internal medicine residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center, Grand Blanc, Mich.

She was in an office-based practice in Rolla, Mo., from 2000-2006 before moving to Lincoln to practice as a hospitalist.

Dr. Triggs has been a preceptor for students at Kirksville College of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City, and the Lincoln Family Medicine Program. She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Rachel Schutte, DO, family medicine, joined the Lincoln Family Medicine Program of the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, 402-483-4571.

Dr. Schutte earned a bachelor’s degree from Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, and in 2008 graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Iowa.

She completed the family practice residency program of the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership in 2011 and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Before joining the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, Dr. Schutte served as a locums physician in Lanai City, Hawaii, as well as in multiple rural communities in Iowa and Nebraska.

Brandon Seifert, MD, orthopedic surgery, joined Lincoln Orthopaedic Center, 402-436-2000.

Dr. Seifert earned two undergraduate degrees at Concordia University, Seward, and graduated in 2006 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, Omaha. He completed an

22 Fall 2012

John Um, MD, FACC, FACS, cardiothoracic surgery, is associated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 402-559-4424.

Dr. Um graduated from the Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, R.I., in 1995 and completed a residency program in surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, and in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine.

In 2008 he completed a fellowship in thoracic transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at the Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. He has contributed to articles published in numerous medical journals. This board-certified surgeon was named an assistant professor, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and surgical director of heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, in 2009.

BRYAN FOUNDATION

Your gifts ensure strong future for Bryan

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hank you for the wonderful feedback regarding the 2011 Annual Report on Giving that appeared in the last edition of Journeys.

It was indeed a year of growth — and Bryan certainly would look and feel different if not for the many supporters who help advance our mission. That’s why in this issue we want to share some highlights of your gifts at work.

We hope you enjoy the article about Aaron Redling on Page 24. Imagine what the journey would be like for Aaron and other cancer patients if there were no LifeSpring program available.

Please celebrate with us as you look at photos here and on Page 36 from the annual Bryan College of Health Sciences scholarship luncheon. Your gifts help make college possible for some students, and some gifts help us recruit the best and brightest.

Your investment in health education is paying off. Our May 2012 baccalaureate nursing degree graduates passed the national registered nurse licensure exam with a 100 percent first-time pass rate, attesting to their preparedness and competency to begin their careers as registered nurses. And our incoming students had an exceptional ACT average of 24.1!

Finally, join us in thanking the Nebraska Community Blood Bank for its gift of $12,500 to help our labs remain state of the art. Our medical center is the largest user of donated blood in Lincoln, which makes sense as Bryan is the region’s provider of choice for many procedures, and we provide a Level II Trauma Center at Bryan West Campus.

Past Nebraska Community Blood Bank Board President Andrew Detlefsen (left) and Blood Bank President Phyllis Ericson present a $12,500 gift to Bryan Vice President Bob Ravenscroft.

Scholarship recipient Julie Helgenberger (center) poses with donors Suanne and Jim Stange at the scholarship luncheon.

For questions about giving, please contact the Foundation staff: Valerie Hunt, Senior Development Officer, 402-481-3139 valerie.hunt@bryanhealth.org DeEtta Mayrose, Development Officer, 402-481-8287 deetta.mayrose@bryanhealth.org Bob Ravenscroft, Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer, 402-481-3001 bob.ravensroft@bryanhealth.org

Nursing students Lacey Huber (left) and Lan Le thank Jack Rosecrans, Bryan Volunteers and Customer Care Board president.

Bryan Journeys 23

BRYAN FOUNDATION

Your generosity helps Aaron battle cancer Aaron Redling thanks donors for making the LifeSpring Cancer Recovery Program available for cancer survivors, like him.

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“

ne of the hardest things in life is being diagnosed with cancer — and then finding a way to go on,” says Aaron Redling.

Thanks to Bryan LifePointe and generous donors who contribute to the Bryan Foundation, there is a way.

It’s called LifeSpring. This cancer recovery program addresses mind, body and spirit to help those recently diagnosed with cancer put their lives back together. Gifts to the Foundation support the program.

Aaron remembers the day he found out he had cancer. “I woke up kind of confused, and that confusion grew until my wife, Leah, took me to the emergency room. We found out that I’d had a seizure and that I had brain cancer,” he says.

“When you’re only 40, people say, ‘This isn’t your time — you gotta get through this.’ And I want to be there for my wife and our three young children.”

A representative from LifeSpring visited Aaron while he was in the hospital.

“I was hesitant at first, but I put the next meeting on my calendar and made the effort to attend. It proved to be a good way to interact with other people who were going through the same thing,” says Aaron.

Leah notes, “Probably the biggest thing LifeSpring has done is leave him with a sense of empowerment.”

24 Fall 2012

Aaron and Leah Redling and their children are grateful LifeSpring is available to help Aaron on his road to recovery from brain cancer.

LifeSpring has an educational program and two exercise sessions at Bryan LifePointe each week. Educational sessions discuss nutrition, energy conservation, coping, relaxation, spirituality and relationships.

Participants experience significant improvement in quality of life. Physical therapists, exercise specialists, dietitians and nurses provide education, activities and modified exercises.

Although his cancer leaves him tired and weak some days, he’s remained active in the program, learning about diet and exercise in a supportive environment.

“I appreciate that the program was there to help me get back on my feet,”

Aaron says. “And to everyone who made donations to the Foundation that helped make this possible, I thank you.” n You can help patients, like Aaron Redling, by supporting LifeSpring and other programs through your gift to the Bryan Foundation. To learn more, please contact the Foundation staff by calling 402-481-8605.

The next LifeSpring series begins Jan. 10, 2013. For more details, see Page 41. Find out about LifePointe and the LifeSpring Cancer Recovery Program by logging on to bryanhealth.org.

55PLUS

When you’re a patient at Bryan Our Advancement staff is here to serve you when you’re a Bryan Health patient. Call 402-481-3355, or visit us in our office on the main floor of Bryan Medical Center, Bryan East Campus.

As of Nov. 1, we no longer are visiting each member who’s an inpatient. With this change, we also will stop delivering meal coupons.

You still will enjoy a 10 percent discount in our cafeterias, where there are healthy meals at reasonable prices. Your membership card also entitles you to a 20 percent discount in our gift shops.

Join us for fun and travel in 2013 We offer a variety of wonderful travel opportunities. These tours sell out quickly, so make your reservations early. n

Experience Amish lifestyle in Nebraska

Thursday, April 18

Experience Amish life in Pawnee County and enjoy a buffalo ranch, collection of 450 peddle toys, lunch at an Amish farmstead and more. n

Don’t get wet — get tanked!

Thursday, June 6

This unique tour features “tankin” — gently gliding down the Nishnabotna River in a horse tank. Tour the Union Pacific Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa, make a “treasure” from trash and visit the FarmAll-Land USA Museum of 200 displays of items of yesteryear.

Omaha day of fun Tuesday, Oct. 22 n

This unique day includes a tour of historic downtown Omaha, lunch at Hollywood Diner and an afternoon at Fairmont Antique & Mercantile/Hollywood Candy. Hear about old-fashioned candy, watch an episode of “I Love Lucy” and enjoy a root beer float. Great fun! n

Pella Tulip Festival and Amana Colonies

Thursday-Friday, May 2-3

Take in the colorful Pella Tulip Festival in Iowa and the rich history and culture of the Amana Colonies.

Fourth of July in Boston Tuesday-Friday, July 2-5 n

Join us for a very special tour to celebrate our nation’s birthday in Boston, the cradle of freedom for our country. Spend three nights in Boston and see it all. A special feature is the outdoor Independence Day concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra On-The-Green. n

Railroads of New England

Tuesday-Sunday, Oct. 8-13

This perfect vacation combines fall’s colors with four scenic railroad excursions including Amtrak’s spectacular Vermonter route. From the steepest cog railroad to the scenic panoramic views atop Cannon Mountain, this New England trip will create years of memories.

Nebraska winery tour Thursday, Sept. 26

Trip brochures will be available Dec. 1, 2012. Visit bryanhealth.org/travel to download your brochures, or call 402-481-3355 or 800-742-7844. Use your smartphone’s QR application to access this code.

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Visit two Nebraska wineries to sample handmade wine along with lunch. In addition, we’ll plan a fun mystery stop along the way.

Make sure you’re in the right Medicare drug plan If you are covered by a Part D drug plan, take time before Dec. 7 to make sure you have the right Medicare drug plan for 2013. Although your prescriptions may be the same, your Part D plan for 2013 may have changed.

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•

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It’s easy to check your plan.

Log onto www.medicare.gov. Click “Health and Drug Plans” and then click “Compare Drug and Health Plans.”

Enter your Medicare and prescription information in this secure website, and the plan finder will help you determine which plan is best for you.

If you would like assistance, the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff can help you.

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SHIIP will have many enrollment banks. Drug card enrollment events will be at these locations from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.:

Nov. 5

Nov. 13

Nov. 15

Nov. 19

Nov. 15

Nov. 27

Bryan East, 1600 S. 48th St. Bryan West, 2300 S. 16th St. Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th St. Bryan West, 2300 S. 16th St. Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th St. Southeast Community College Continuing Ed Center, 301 S. 68th St. Pl.

Bring your Medicare card and a complete list of your medications, including dosage. To schedule your appointment, call 402-471-2841 or 1-800-234-7119.

Bryan Journeys 25

NEW AT BRYAN

Combining robotic approaches More than 20 surgeons are establishing a robotics center at Bryan.

Journeys is focusing on new uses for the pair of da Vinci® Surgical Systems available to physicians here.

The following article emphasizes how patients benefit when physicians combine their areas of expertise.

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Michael Jobst, MD, (left) and Todd Martin, MD, are among surgeons pioneering new possibilities for robotic-assisted procedures.

26 Fall 2012

he da Vinci® Surgical System is a state-of-the-art surgical platform that combines computer and robotic technologies and makes it possible to treat a broad range of conditions — including complex surgical procedures — using a minimally invasive approach.

The robot is not actually at the controls performing the surgery; rather, it replicates the surgeon’s movements in real time.

Surgeons are able to operate through very small incisions of 1-2 centimeters and experience high-definition 3-D visualization inside the body, with precision and a greater degree of mobility. Because of this minimally invasive approach, many patients experience a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, faster recovery and a quicker return to daily activities.

And the robots at Bryan are busy.

Gynecologists, colorectal specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, urologists and general surgeons performed more than 300 robotic-assisted surgeries in 2011 and are on pace for more than 400 this year.

Recently, two physicians — colorectal specialist Michael Jobst, MD, and obstetrician/gynecologist Todd Martin, MD — teamed up to become the first in Nebraska

NEW AT BRYAN

boosts benefits for patients to combine their surgical disciplines in a single robotic approach, rather than separate procedures on different days.

The patient had dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation that interferes with daily activities) and a confirmed early stage distal sigmoid colon cancer (cancer in the last segment of the colon).

“We had gone through several different medical and minor surgical options for my patient,” Dr. Martin says. “She was opting for definitive therapy, and we were going to use the robot to do a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.”

During workup for the surgery, the patient brought up nonrelated symptoms she had been experiencing. Dr. Martin recommended that she have a colonoscopy evaluation prior to her surgery, and the evaluation revealed a cancerous polyp. Her next visit was with Dr. Jobst.

“The opportunity to combine our cases arose, and I contacted Dr. Martin to discuss the feasibility of doing a combined approach. We collaborated, and it made sense,” Dr. Jobst says.

Patient benefits The game plan with the physicians working together was for Dr. Martin to perform a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, removing the uterus and cervix, and leave the vagina open until Dr. Jobst had done his robotic-assisted colon extraction. They then removed the uterus, cervix and colon through the vagina.

Approximately four hours later, their mission was accomplished.

“The opportunity to combine our cases

technically was pretty interesting, pretty awesome,” Dr. Martin says. “But for the patient, she had one procedure, one general anesthetic, one set of incisions, one hospital stay and of course just one recovery to go through instead of two. So, the combined approach was a huge benefit to her.”

While the physicains say this will not be a common occurrence, they believe there is potential for it down the road and are considering another combo robotic-assisted surgery with a vaginal pelvic organ prolapse (occurs when organs inside the pelvis fall, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall) and rectal prolapse (occurs when part of the rectum — the last several inches of the large intestine — protrudes through the anus).

Possibilities ahead “I think just to even have it in the back of our mind — that if we have several issues — to consider if there’s a way to combine the surgery and give the patient one operative procedure, one recovery and the benefit in the end,” Dr. Martin says.

Both physicians say the flexibility and versatility of instrumentation of the da Vinci® opens the door to many more procedures that otherwise have required going through abdominal incisions.

“For example, endometriosis is a disease of women in their 20s and 30s that can cause infertility, cause chronic pelvic pain, and be very challenging to address surgically,” Dr. Martin explains. “The flexibility and versatility of the instruments and how they move really give us an opportunity to intervene and cut out more endometriosis.

“With the 3-D vision of the system’s camera, we’re able to potentially see more of the patient’s disease than what we would with traditional laparoscopy, which only shows us the affected area in 2-D.” Three-dimensional vision blends the separate images seen by each eye into one composite image, which gives physicians the ability to perceive depth and judge distances.

“When you’re a laparoscopic surgeon at the bedside, you see things two dimensionally on a flat monitor and have to consciously be aware of what’s in the foreground, the background and what’s under or above. With the da Vinci®, it’s very intuitive — what my right hand does, what my left hand does in a 3-D space all of a sudden makes sense,” Dr. Jobst says.

“So operating with the da Vinci® platform is just like operating through an open incision and I’m just looking with my own eyes into a patient’s body. But instead of making a big long cut, I’m making a series of small cuts.”

Dr. Martin concludes: “I think physicians view the da Vinci® Surgical System as the potential for the future and as a result, more and more hospitals are wanting to get on board and offer their surgeons and their patients the latest and the greatest and all the benefits that come with it.” n To learn more about the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, ask your physician, visit bryanhealth.org and select “Robotic Surgery” under “Services,” or use your smartphone’s QR application to access this code.

Bryan Journeys 27

Calmness at the helm

CAMC Board Chairman Collyn Florendo is the 2012 Trustee of the Year of the Nebraska Hospital Association.

28 Fall 2012

CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

He’s the trustee of the year

O

ne of Collyn Florendo’s favorite sayings is found on a plaque in his office. It depicts a ship tossed about in stormy waters and reads: “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.”

Florendo has had a spot at the helm of Crete Area Medical Center for much of the past 11 years, through uncharted waters and calm. His leadership, service and commitment to CAMC and Crete recently earned him the Nebraska Hospital Association’s Trustee of the Year honor, its highest recognition for hospital board leadership.

“He has been a leading force in the evolution of the Crete hospital from a tax-based community hospital, struggling to survive, to a financially solid, nationally recognized medical center transforming rural health care in America through innovation and leadership,” says Carol Friesen, president and CEO of CAMC. Florendo moved to Crete with his family 21 years ago when he was promoted to president of the local Pinnacle Bank. He began his career with Pinnacle in 1981 after graduating from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. Florendo completed Pinnacle’s management training program in Colorado and became vice president of a Pinnacle branch in Mitchell, S.D. Florendo was vice president of the bank in Papillion from 1989 until 1991, when he was offered the position of president of Pinnacle’s bank in Crete.

Currently chairman of the CAMC Board, he will fulfill his fourth and final term as a board member in 2013. His many leadership roles in Saline County include service with Crete’s Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization Committee and Rotary Club.

Florendo was a newcomer to the medical board when he and other leaders gathered around a table in the former Crete hospital.

It was 2001 and they were looking ahead — looking at tough decisions that could not be delayed.

“There’s no doubt we were at a crossroads. We had a rather dilapidated building and had been through a couple of CEOs in a short time. We needed a little direction and were hindered by our facilities,” Florendo recalls.

There were also financial issues to solve. “The answer should not always come down to money,” he says, “but (the hospital) was taxpayer owned, and we as board members had a fiduciary responsibility to protect these funds.”

When Bryan Health came into the picture, offering a

partnership, it presented Crete a solution.

“With Bryan, we didn’t have to compromise. They promised we could still make decisions locally, and they have absolutely lived up to that. They offered capital, experience and a trusted name.”

In his opinion, the results of joining with Bryan Health are clear, as judged by market share, growth in assets, awards and employee tenure.

“It’s not just the numbers and the awards, but the fact that it’s a great work environment. That’s what means the most to me as a board member,” says Florendo.

He contributed to that success, according to Friesen, who calls Florendo an unwavering leader who provides vision. “His reserved and poignant leadership is grounded in solid financial positioning, while providing the area communities a medical center that delivers the best-value health care, marked by quality, efficiency and innovation,” she says.

During his time with the board, total assets have grown by $26.3 million, helping assure a solid economic and employer base for the community. In the same period, CAMC has earned top recognition from insurers, national health care quality associations, governmental bodies and national organizations, Friesen adds.

The importance of health and health care made an impression on Florendo at a young age. His father died at age 46 of a heart attack, when Florendo was 22.

“I didn’t want that to happen to me,” says Florendo, who works out at Doane College’s fitness facilities five days a week.

It’s one of the reasons he felt honored to be asked to help lead the medical center, a “vital point in the community.” Florendo also serves on the Bryan Health Board.

He hopes he has brought something to the table, by supporting CAMC’s leadership and making tough calls when needed.

Florendo will depart at a strong time in CAMC’s history. The National Rural Health Association awarded the hospital the 2012 National Quality Award for medical home care and outcomes.

CAMC also ranked among the best hospitals in the nation for team member engagement and a culture of patient safety.

“For a town this size to have a hospital of this quality is outstanding,” he concludes. n Florendo received the award Oct. 19 during a ceremony at the Nebraska Hospital Association’s annual convention in Lincoln.

Bryan Journeys 29

VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Information desk receptionist Marilyn Hubka says volunteering at Bryan “is a worthwhile thing to do.”

30 Fall 2012

VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE

Volunteering rewards information desk receptionist

W

hen you enter Bryan West Medical Plaza on a Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon, Marilyn Hubka likely is the first person you see. And she is the one you want to meet because she knows where you want to go.

Marilyn is a volunteer information desk receptionist. She directs patients to surgery, guides people to physician appointments, points visitors to patient rooms and helps individuals who aren’t sure where to go.

“It keeps you busy,” says Marilyn, who has been volunteering in this position for almost 20 years, which translates to 8,000 volunteer hours. “I like interacting with people.”

When Marilyn drove home from her jobs at Miller & Paine and Dillard’s department stores, she passed the hospital and would say to herself that when she retired, she would volunteer there. She retired from those two stores in 1992 and went to work at the Target on 56th and Highway 2. But she started volunteering at Bryan West on her days off. When she retired from Target in 1996, she just kept volunteering.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” she says. “I enjoy it.”

She adds that, while working in retail for more than 30 years, she was taught that everyone is a guest. She says that it’s the same at the hospital where everyone

is her guest, whether a patient or a visitor.

“We want our guests to know immediately that they are welcome at Bryan,” agrees Ellen Beans, director

We need you!

Volunteers and Customer Care is recruiting individuals to volunteer for the information desk receptionist position.

We have four information desks — two on the Bryan East Campus and two on the Bryan West Campus.

Volunteers serve two-hour shifts, which are available Sunday through Saturday, 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for this volunteer opportunity, we welcome you.

It’s as simple as calling the Volunteers and Customer Care department at 402-481-3032 and expressing an interest in becoming a volunteer. Or find us at bryanhealth.org. Just double click on “Volunteer!”

of the Volunteers and Customer Care department. “We want them to hear it, see it, sense it, believe it. We need to create ‘welcome moments’ for our guests.”

Marilyn works hard to create those moments. If someone comes to the Bryan West Campus who is supposed to be at Bryan East Campus, she calls to see if a scheduled test can be changed to the Bryan West Campus. Sometimes it can.

She tries to watch for people who need help getting into the building.

And her priority job is to escort people to surgery.

“Otherwise they might not know where to go,” Marilyn says. With her husband, Wilmer, she has three daughters and a stepson, three granddaughters and two grandsons.

Once, she switched the day she volunteered and she missed her “Wednesday” friends. She said that as a volunteer, she gets to know other volunteers, employees and patients, making Bryan a friendly place to be.

“I would really miss it,” she says, if she didn’t volunteer. “I don’t consider it a job. I just get paid in other ways.

“I think it’s a worthwhile thing to do.

I get a lot of rewards from it. I would encourage people to give it a try.” n

Bryan Journeys 31

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Introducing Marilyn Moore

New president excited to begin new role

M

any Lincolnites know Marilyn Moore, EdD, from her 40 years of service at Lincoln Public Schools. After a brief retirement, Dr. Moore agreed to a new role in education: president of Bryan College of Health Sciences. She sat down on her very first day to talk about her ideas and goals for the college — and a little bit about herself.

Q: It’s early, but have you any goals or a mission in mind for the college?

We want to increase the visibility of the college within the community. That’s a goal of the faculty and leadership at the college and within the board.

We want to improve everything we do — continue on our journey to excellence — and it’s an incredible time to tell that story because we had a 100 percent pass rate on the national nursing and nurse anesthesia licensure exams for students who graduated last year. So it’s hard to say how we can get better than that!

That’s evidence to me of the level of excellence throughout the college and at Bryan because so much of the students’ clinical experience happens in the medical center where their practical knowledge is applied. There also is always the next accreditation visit coming up that we want to be ready for. And we

32 Fall 2012

want to support our faculty and staff in reaching their own high goals.

Q: You’re starting a new semester, but in a different setting and role. How does this feel? What are your thoughts as you embark on this journey?

I am very excited to be here. It’s such a quality organization: the medical center, the college, the whole system.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to bring what I know about teaching and learning and leadership to such a fine organization. And I get to continue to do that work in this setting with really good professionals.

Q: You have a history with us, serving for 10 years each on the medical center and health system boards, as well as nine years on the college board. Now you will continue your involvement with us as college president. What draws you to health care?

I think people’s minds and people’s bodies are what contribute to quality of life. And in the college, we deal with both.

We’re growing the minds and the spirits of our students and of ourselves as learners. In turn, our students are going to be working with patients and with clients on both mental health and physical health, and that will contribute

to a better quality of life for every person whose life they touch and will contribute to the quality of life of this community and many other communities.

So, health care is a wonderful place to bring together a focus on being mentally and physically healthy.

I think there is a spiritual dimension to health care that lives out in different ways for the person who is the professional and the person who is the patient, and I would never want to diminish that aspect of health care. I think that’s something that develops, just as we who are in faculty and leadership roles always are growing and learning, and our students are developing that dimension, too.

Q: What excites you about this new challenge?

I get to continue to do what I love most, with great people in a great organization.

It’s nice to bring some skills from previous work that I know I can count on, and it’s also exciting to think about learning new things and applying new skills in a new setting.

There is an energy and enthusiasm when working with students that is contagious. And to work with the strong faculty and leadership at the college already is exciting.

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Nursing students Sarah Roth (left), Shelby Eckhoff and John Drozda visit with Marilyn Moore, new president of Bryan College of Health Sciences.

Bryan Journeys 33

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Q: We know you are a big believer in collaboration. In what ways do you think what you’ve learned at Lincoln Public Schools will transfer to your work at the college?

The basic processes of collaboration transcend every organization. It’s about shared beliefs, shared investment in whatever problem is to be solved or whatever program is to be designed.

It’s about gathering information and listening carefully to one another and working through a process to come to agreement on a solution when it’s one that can be developed by a group.

So, I think the processes transfer well. What will be different for me will be what it is we’re talking about. I have a whole new language to learn. And I’ll be spending a lot of time the first few months just listening in classrooms and in meetings to get a sense for the language of the organization and the culture of the organization.

Q: How do you relax?

Oh, easily! I’m kind of a “doer,” so to relax, I love to read, take walks, hike and exercise. Most years I love to garden, but with the drought this has been a bad year for gardening.

My husband, Dave, and I also love to travel. San Diego is where we go to really relax and just be on the beach. We take trips overseas, as well, and while they are educational and adventuresome, those trips are not always as relaxing.

We also love cities — Chicago, New York, San Francisco — and baseball. We are big baseball fans. We love to go down to Kansas City and watch the Royals.

34 Fall 2012

“Collaboration is about shared beliefs and shared investment.”

– Marilyn Moore Q: What was the best book you read this summer?

“The Destiny of the Republic,” by Candice Millard. This year’s One-Book-OneLincoln selection is the story of James Garfield, an American president who gets very little attention in most history books because he didn’t live very long. He was inaugurated in March and was shot in July and died in the fall.

It’s to our nation’s detriment that he didn’t live to serve his full term, because this book points out he was a man of strong intellect and really strong beliefs about the worth and dignity of people. He was a Union officer who held strong beliefs about the role of AfricanAmericans following the Civil War. He was trying to draw the country together and at the same time was insistent upon maintaining those values and beliefs. He was just starting to develop policies and implement laws when all that stopped.

So, we didn’t get the full benefit of his presidency. Of course another very interesting part is why he died. The bullet didn’t kill him; Garfield died because of massive infection that set in during his care. It was at the time that germs were first being identified, and sterilizing instruments or even the doctor’s hands wasn’t yet part of the routine.

Knowing that I was coming into a health care setting made this book even more interesting to me, and it’s extraordinary to think about all the medical advances that have occurred in the past 130 years.

So “Destiny” was a great story on many fronts and so very well told.

Q: We know you love cinnamon rolls. Tell us who makes the best cinnamon rolls in Lincoln.

I always say I never met a cinnamon roll I didn’t like. My mom made the best cinnamon rolls.

Conroy’s rolls remind me of my mom’s, as do Miller & Paine’s. Le Quartier is probably our favorite, with a light dough and a rich cream frosting. Bread and Cup makes a cinnamon roll with a caramel sauce that is just excellent. Great Harvest Bread Company has a cinnamon roll made with whole wheat flour, and we always say that makes them good for us.

I hear that we have wonderful cinnamon rolls right here at Bryan that I look forward to trying.

Q: Tell us about the best advice or words of wisdom you received from a Lincoln Public Schools youngster?

I used to put together a monthly TV show called “Schoolhouse News” where I would interview school children of various ages about their favorite books.

John was a fourth-grader who came up to me after the show and said, “You know, I think people who watch this show are more interested in what kids have to say than what adults have to say.”

I think he was probably right! Kids do say amazing things.

BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Biomedical Sciences degree opens doors

B

yan College of Health Sciences begins offering a 4-year degree in biomedical sciences in Fall 2013.

Assistant Professor Kay Crabtree, RN, PhD candidate, is the program director. She points out this a new direction for a college that has more than 85 years of academic excellence.

“With such a great foundation, one can’t help but be excited by the possibilities,” she says. “A bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences opens doors to a broad arena of careers where basic scientific principles are used in practical applications to enhance human health.”

A graduate of Bryan’s new program could, for example, begin a career with the state health department, in a pharmaceutical company or as a technician in clinical research.

For those interested in an advanced degree, this specialized program prepares students to begin study toward a doctorate in medicine or to advanced degrees in areas such as physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacology, biomedical research, chiropractic, dentistry, and medical devices and diagnostics.

Careers begin here “This is a great place to kick start a career,” Crabtree notes.

“This degree also is an opportunity for those who know they want to pursue an advanced degree in a health profession to attend classes with similarly motivated students.”

The curriculum has a strong foundation in general education and the sciences, keeping health care in mind.

In the first year, students will take General and Cell Biology, General Chemistry, English composition and Sociology, along with Medical Terminology. Sophomores take Anatomy and Physiology with hands-on experiences with cadavers and plastinates. Junior level classes are Pathophysiology, Genetics, Biochemistry and Human Growth and Development.

The senior year prepares students to be leaders in the future of health care, with hands-on experiences in clinical or translational research.

Elective hours offer opportunities to take classes of particular interest, such as Forensic Science or Bioinformatics, and students also can pursue a minor designed to give them a

Newly designed science labs at Bryan provide hands-on experiences with tools used in research and scientific discovery.

competitive edge.

This new major continues Bryan’s long standing tradition of preparing graduates to excel in their occupations and serve their communities.

The experience is unique in its health care focus. Classes such as Microbiology discuss applications to human health throughout those courses. Consistent with the college’s mission and values, students grow as responsible citizens through involvement in student organizations and being active in volunteering and community awareness projects.

Offering advantages Crabtree adds, “The College of Health Sciences has the distinct advantage because of its association with Bryan Health; this collaboration gives opportunities for shadowing and learning experiences not available at other area colleges.”

For information about the Biomedical Sciences major or about Bryan College of Health Sciences, call 402-481-8697 or 1-800-742-7844. Go to bryanhealth.org/academicprograms, or use your smartphone to access this QR code.

Bryan Journeys 35

COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS

Sharing smiles, making memories

T

he College of Health Sciences Alumni Association hosts events throughout the year to bring together recent graduates and long-time alumni and supporters.

The alumni association raised funds at An Affair to Remember to help Bryan College of Health Sciences buy a Blue Healer mascot. This inflatable mascot was a big hit with children of all ages at the Run to Overcome.

In the photo at right, Assistant Professors Shirley Retzlaff (Bryan School of Nursing 1971) on the left and Kellie Clifford (Bryan School of Nursing 2004) and Ryan Long socialize during a tailgate party at Embassy Suites before the Sept. 22 Husker football game.

36 Fall 2012

For example, the annual scholarship luncheon allows students to meet some of their benefactors, and tailgate parties at sporting events are popular times to reminisce and catch up with what’s going on at Bryan.

At the college’s scholarship luncheon, Walter Eggers Scholarship recipient Michaela Dean (standing in photo above) poses with Alice Eggers and Cathy Parker (Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing 1972), and nursing student Megan Himmelberg visits with donor Helen Weber (Bryan School of Nursing 1939).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Nancy Hakel-Smith, PhD, RD

Nikki Colgrove, MSN, RN

Hakel-Smith serves on national committees

Statewide nursing organization salutes 3 Bryan co-workers for leadership

Clinical nutrition services manager Nancy Hakel-Smith, PhD, RD, has been asked to serve on two committees for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Research Committee and Nutrition Care Process Committee), as well as another committee for the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Dr. Hakel-Smith also traveled to Sydney, Australia, in September to speak at the International Congress of Dietetics.

She presented “Advancing clinical nutrition practice: A proposed online graduate certificate program in biomedical nutrition practice.“ n

Nikki Colgrove, MSN, RN, Theresa Delahoyde, EdD, RN, and Heather Talbott, BSN, RN, are among the nurse leaders named to the Honoring Nurse Leadership: 40 Under 40 list.

This Nebraska Action Coalition (NAC) award celebrates young nurse leaders who have shown expertise in their field, adherence to high ethical standards and leadership in their profession, organization and community.

Colgrove is admissions coordinator for inpatient rehabilitation in the care management department.

She says, “One of the great things about being a nurse is there’s no limit to what you can do. In the position of most trusted provider, nurses can have a positive impact on patients, co-workers and the

Theresa Delahoyde, EdD, RN

community overall.”

Dr. Delahoyde is Dean of Undergraduate Nursing at Bryan College of Health Sciences. She recently spoke at an international education conference in Baltimore. She also is participating in the National League for Nursing/ Johnson & Johnson Faculty Leadership and Mentoring Program. That group presented at the National League for Nursing Education Summit and published an article in Nursing Research and Practice Journal.

Talbott is nurse manager of the neuroscience/progressive care unit at the Bryan West Campus. This Bryan School of Nursing alumna is working on her master’s degree in nursing.

She notes, “I’m passionate about patient care, but managers also must show

Heather Talbott, BSN, RN

passion and compassion for our staff.”

According to NAC officials, the three exceeded standards required for nomination.

They were recognized Sept.

13 at an awards reception during the Future of Nursing — Nebraska Action Coalition event in Lincoln. Winifred Quinn, director of the Center to Champion Nursing in America, Washington, D.C., was the featured speaker.

State senators, hospital and professional nursing organization leaders, nursing school leaders and health care consumers attended the reception.

NAC was formed in 2011 to address the future of health care in Nebraska through nurse-led collaborative partnerships. n

Bryan Journeys 37

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE

Enthusiastic members give LifePointe a workout Jamie Wilson greets Nick and Jennifer Hunke and their son, Ben, at LifePointe.

At Bryan LifePointe, we’re proud to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced workout aficionado, just beginning your fitness goals, a retiree or a busy family on the go, LifePointe welcomes you. And, as part of the Bryan mission to deliver a better future and create a healthy community, we are happy to announce new — and lower — membership prices and expanded membership options for our annual and month-to-month agreements, and a new two-year agreement that offers even more savings.

Meet a few of our members! They love talking about why they chose LifePointe for their fitness needs.

38 Fall 2012

J

ennifer and Nick Hunke, LifePointe members for five years, always have pursued an active and healthy lifestyle.

One reason they chose LifePointe was for its convenient location; but more important, they were fans of the Les

Mills classes offered here, such as BODYPUMP™.

“The Les Mills classes are what brought us here to check it out, and with the other programs and a weight lifting area for Nick, we decided this was a good fit for us,” Jennifer says.

But when little Ben came along 11 months ago, that made it more difficult for Jennifer to get in her workouts.

“Having the child care is important — first of all, it’s a good opportunity for Ben to be exposed to other kids both his age

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE and older, and it gives me the opportunity to work out or go to a class. It also gives me time to go to The Spa at LifePointe.

You’re able to do that with the convenience of having your little one just down the hall. It’s also good peace of mind that if something were to happen, you’re right there on the premises,” she adds.

Nick has participated in boot camp and cycling classes, but he mostly enjoys weight lifting and doing cardio on his own. He also likes that the gym seldom seems overcrowded. “At some places you have to stand around and wait for equipment to be available, but not at LifePointe,” he says.

The couple comes to LifePointe about five times a week.

“That’s the goal,” Jennifer says. “Before the child care program became available, that wasn’t possible because of Nick’s work schedule. Having child care has made a huge difference for us, and the cost is very reasonable.”

Since they’ve joined, so have others they know, including Jennifer’s sister and some of Nick’s co-workers. “We’ve met a lot of people here, as well,” Nick says.

“Another thing I like,” Jennifer adds, “is the helpful staff.

For example, if you’re in the cardio area working out, there is someone there if you need help or have a question.”

Boot camp classes are Tom Kay’s favorites among LifePointe’s wide range of programs.

T Having child care available on the Bryan LifePointe Campus means Jennifer and Nick can work out without worries.

om Kay, 65, came to LifePointe from a different direction: through cardiac rehab. As a longtime military man — he retired at an early age from the Nebraska Army National Guard — he had always been fit. So no one was more surprised than he and his wife, Marcia Kirk, when at age 60, he had a heart attack.

Tom, who has been a LifePointe member for five years, explained that once out of the military he became a middle school science teacher and let up on his workouts. “Once I got out of the Army, where they required regular exercise, I was kind of burned out on exercise. So after 40 years of exercise, I kind of stopped doing it during the 10 years I was teaching,” he says.

He put on about 10 pounds, which was somewhat alarming to him, but not enough to suggest he was a candidate for a heart attack. In May 2007, 10 days after having two stents placed in an artery, he was at LifePointe in cardiac rehab, and he says, “I just fell in love with the place. I mean the facilities, the people, especially the clinicians and the folks in cardiac rehab were so nice and so much fun to be with that I just

Bryan Journeys 39

BRYAN LIFEPOINTE stayed,” he recalls. “I was having such a good time in rehab, I didn’t want to leave!”

Tom lost those 10 pounds right away and credits rehab and its reinforcement of a good diet.

His rehab ended that August. Tom, also an avid outdoor cyclist, immediately joined LifePointe and has been a member ever since. As he built up his endurance using the exercises from rehab, he increased his efforts and added weight lifting to his program. He points out, “I was working out seven days a week. I don’t think I missed more than five or six days in the first three years after cardiac rehab.”

Now, he is a big fan of the boot camp class. What does he like about it? “Oh, it’s so extraordinarily hard!” he says with a laugh, “and the people. We just have so much fun being miserable in that class. We all know one another and are happy to see each other. We just have a ball in there.”

Like Nick and Jennifer Hunke, Tom appreciates the extra attention staff provides. If a knee or an ankle gets overstressed, trainers always have an alternative movement and are attentive to everyone’s needs. And Tom likes the family feel at LifePointe and the support members give to each other.

D

avid and Cathy Sharp — he is from Lincoln and she is from Omaha — just moved back to Lincoln after living nine years in Iowa City. They joined LifePointe in February 2012.

“We were looking for a gym where we could take classes. We really enjoy the Les Mills series. And we like the facility — it’s very clean, everybody here is very helpful, very knowledgeable,” Cathy says.

She also appreciates the FitLinxx™ equipment at LifePointe, which has a computer that counts points, progress and equipment settings for each person.

“It’s very motivating,” Cathy says. “It keeps track of where your seat and your back rest belong and the weight you’re at on each machine, so your workout time is very efficient. And it keeps track of your mileage on cardiovascular machines. I enjoy being able to track my progress.”

Dave says that every once in a while the couple will take a BODYPUMP™ class together, but usually they do their own thing.

“I thoroughly enjoy running outside so I like to do that, too,” he says. “Really what motivated me was back in 2008 I dropped 63 pounds. So it’s been very important to me to keep that health up cardio-wise. I chose LifePointe because I usually don’t have

40 Fall 2012

David and Cathy Sharp enjoy the Les Mills series of classes and the FitLinxx™ equipment at LifePointe. to wait for a piece of equipment as opposed to other gyms in town. It’s a very clean facility, and it offers a lot of amenities that you wouldn’t get at other gyms such as the spa or the steam room or the hot tub.”

Adds Cathy: “Another thing I like is that at some gyms the equipment is placed so close together, and here it’s a nicer distance which gives you space when working out. And you have so much variety between the different types of treadmills and different types of ellipticals and bikes.”

Another bonus is the people they’ve met. “Not only the people we work out with but the staff here. Not only will they show you the machinery, which is great, but you also may have questions about nutrition or how the machine works and how that relates to your body. They’re always very accommodating and they’re always available,” Dave says.

“That’s another thing about LifePointe that you don’t get at other gyms — it’s just such a positive atmosphere. Whether you’re in your 20s or 70s, the staff works with everybody.” n Why not check out LifePointe yourself, and make it your fitness home? Contact our membership staff for a tour at 402-481-6326, or go to bryanhealth.org/membershipoptions.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

LifeSpring Cancer Recovery Thursday, Jan. 10-Thursday, April 4. Register before Friday, Jan. 4.

LifeSpring meets Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. This special program is for anyone recently diagnosed with cancer.

Research shows LifeSpring participants experience significant improvement in quality of life, especially in the areas of fatigue, depression, sleep and pain. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. It’s free! Learn more at bryanhealth.org/lifespring. To register, call 402-481-6306.

Lose weight, gain back your health Do you have weight to lose? Is weight impacting your life?

There comes a time when you realize, it’s time. This is my life, my health, and it’s important. It’s time to take control, take action and take a life-long, smart approach to weight loss and better health.

Bryan Health can help. We offer cooking classes, weight loss programs, like LifeTracks, that help you change your lifestyle for long-term weight loss, and the most comprehensive bariatric surgery options. If losing weight is on your to-do list, mark these program dates on your calendar.

Cooking classes All classes are held on our LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. Cost: $10 per class, includes samples and recipes!

To register, call 402-481-6300, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar. n Being Carb Smart Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 27.

The holidays are filled with candies, pastries and of course carbohydrates. You may feel like you can’t enjoy the goodies of the season while watching your carbs for diabetes or your waistline. Join registered dietitian Jenna Mayers, and learn how to be carb smart during the holiday season.

n Cooking for Weight Loss

Thursday, Dec. 13, 6-7 p.m. Register by Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can make preparing healthy meals. Registered dietitian Katie Walz provides quick and easy meal ideas to help you maintain or lose weight.

Medically supervised weight loss program n LifeTracks LifeTracks is a highly effective, medically supervised program for long-term health and weight management. This 20-week program is specially designed for people who want to lose 40 pounds or more. n Information sessions

Monday, Dec. 10, noon-1 p.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

To register, call 402-481-6300, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar.

Bariatric surgery programs To register for a monthly support group or an information session, call 402-481-5490, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar. n Monthly support group Tuesday, Dec. 4, 6-7 p.m.

This month’s topic, led by registered dietitian Katie Walz, is “Surviving the Holidays with Nutrition & Exercise.” The group is open to anyone who has had or is interested in a bariatric procedure. n Weight loss surgery information session

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6-7 p.m.

Learn about the comprehensive approach of Bryan Bariatric Advantage, including surgical options and support services for your long-term success.

Go to bryanlifepointe.com for details about upcoming programs and classes at LifePointe! Scan the QR code to learn about our Holiday Specials!

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