Touching Lives - Summer 2018

TOUCHING LIVES

Five years ago when we first told her story in Touching Lives, Amanda Kottke was Amanda Peterson. She was single, working days as a science teacher and volleyball coach at Renville County West and nights as a waitress while pursuing her master’s degree on the side. A busy life for anyone, but Amanda managed it all while struggling with endometriosis, a disabling condition that is a leading cause of infertility.

Today as we revisit her story, Amanda is juggling a marriage, a new job, still the endometriosis and, oh, three kids under the age of four.

INTENSE PAIN WITH PERIODS

Endometriosis causes the tissue that normally builds up inside a woman’s uterus each month to grow where it doesn’t belong. Most often the abnormal tissue grows on the outside of the uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also build up on the vagina, bowel, bladder or rectum. It’s even possible for it to spread outside the pelvis.

When tissue grows outside the uterus, it has nowhere to go when hormones tell it to break down and exit the body through menstruation. The result is pelvic inflammation and pain during periods. Over time, the process causes scar tissue to form, which can cause even more pain and prevent pregnancy by blocking eggs from reaching the uterus.

Amanda wanted nothing more than to be a mom. But it seemed unlikely because her endometriosis was severe. By the time she was in her 20s, it caused pain so bad she sometimes fainted and blood loss so heavy she developed anemia.

CAREFULLY GUIDED TREATMENT

Birth control pills can provide pain relief and more normal periods for many women with endometriosis, but not Amanda. When standard treatments failed, she was referred to a specialist, GRHS obstetriciangynecologist John Mark Johnson, DO, FACOOG.

Dr. Johnson performed laparoscopic surgery to remove scar tissue from Amanda’s pelvis and prescribed one series of Lupron injections. Lupron is a hormonal medication that gave Amanda a respite from painful periods for about a year, but can only be used twice in a lifetime due to potentially strong side effects. When Amanda’s painful, heavy periods returned, Dr. Johnson performed a second surgery to clear more scar tissue.

Being aware of Amanda’s desire for children, Dr. Johnson recommended she try to become pregnant soon after the second surgery. “It’s always better to try to conceive when the pain is under optimal control,” he says.

Glencoe couple Amanda and Matt Kottke with Waylon, age 3, and Maggie, age 2, shortly before their third baby was born in July.

FYI ON GYN Care

Gynecology is a medical specialty concerned with the health and diseases of the female reproductive system. (The “OB” part of “OB-GYN” stands for “obstetrics,” which is more narrowly focused on care for mothers and babies during pregnancy and childbirth.)

While family medicine and internal medicine providers can diagnose and treat many gynecologic concerns, complex issues are often referred to a gynecology specialist. Some women prefer to go

directly to a specialist physician for all of their reproductive health care needs.

At GRHS, that specialist is obstetriciangynecologist John Mark Johnson, DO, FACOOG

Abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain are common reasons that women seek care from a gynecologist. “In cases where conservative management – such as using an intrauterine device, or oral or injected contraceptive – hasn’t

One Big Happy Family • continued from page 1

A GROWING FAMILY

To Amanda’s surprise, she became pregnant quickly. She and her husband, Matt, joyfully welcomed son Waylon in June 2015.

Knowing the couple wanted more than one child, Dr. Johnson advised them to try again right away.

“I was in tears,” Amanda says, recalling her reaction. “I didn’t think I could have one baby and now we’re talking two!”

Amanda became pregnant again. And again Magdalene (“Maggie”) was born in August 2016 and Tuck followed in July 2018. That’s three Kottke kids in 37 months!

The couple credits their faith, support from family and friends, and the care and advice of a good doctor with getting them through Amanda’s treatments and pregnancies. “Dr. Johnson is phenomenal, never

pushy, honest, he explains all options, is always very open and supportive,” she says.

JOY TEMPERED BY HER ‘NORMAL’

Amanda has fulfilled a dream but her endometriosis story is not over. Symptoms improve during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but then return, and will only end with menopause. “I can’t be pregnant forever,” she says. The couple is considering having a fourth child and then, if her endometriosis symptoms are too severe, Amanda will have a hysterectomy.

About 10 percent of women struggle with endometriosis during their childbearing years.

Amanda speaks freely about her experience in order to help others cope. “I want women to know they’re not alone. It’s a real thing that takes a toll physically and emotionally.”

worked, I can offer more advanced treatment options, such as endometrial ablation, diagnostic laparoscopy, and, if necessary, a hysterectomy,” Dr. Johnson explains.

Some gynecologic issues can become debilitating, both physically and emotionally, he notes. “Women do not have to just ‘live with it.’ I encourage them to prioritize their own health as much as they do their families’. I enjoy helping to improve my patients’ quality of life.”

A-to-V REASONS TO SEE A GYNECOLOGIST

• Annual gynecologic exams

• Abnormal Pap smears

• Birth control

• Bladder control problems

• Cancer screenings such as breast exams and Pap smears

• Endometriosis

• Fertility counseling and treatment

• Heavy or irregular uterine bleeding

• Menopause symptoms

• Ovarian cysts

• Pelvic pain

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Preconception planning

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Urinar y tract infections (UTIs)

• Uterine fibroids

• Vaginal infections

“We are able to provide almost all of the gynecology care that large hospitals do, right here in Glencoe.” – Dr. John Mark Johnson

Amanda and Dr. Johnson listened to her third baby’s heartbeat in late May.

OPERATIONS REPORT

In 2017, we continued to improve in order to better serve our patients and community. It was a year with many highlights:

• Three new providers joined our staff: Abby Bennett, MPAS, PA-C, family medicine; and Steven Rousey, MD, FACP and Mark Hauge, MD, hematology and oncology.

• We broke ground on a $25 million nursing home project on our Glencoe campus. The new facility will support us in meeting the broad range of needs that people have today, from traditional long-term care to memory care and transitional care. When complete, it will provide residents with individualized care in a home-like environment.

• We opened new spaces in our hospital for medical imaging and infusion services, and finished remodeling the outpatient clinic and surgical services department. The hospital entrance reopened after being closed for renovations.

• We received a new device that enables our staff to perform hands-free, consistent and uninterrupted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a sudden cardiac arrest.

• We opened a department called Clinic Triage Services to help patients with questions and concerns that arise between appointments with their provider.

• Our clinics became certified health care homes through the Minnesota Department of Health. This means we can provide care coordination services for patients who have chronic or complex conditions.

• We began offering 3-D mammograms.

• The Minnesota Department of Health renewed our designation as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, confirming our readiness to evaluate, stabilize and treat stroke patients.

• GRHS Long Term Care earned a perfect five-star rating from Nursing Home Compare, a federal program that publishes quality scores for all nursing homes.

• We launched a new mobile-friendly website with easy-to-read type, bright colors and engaging photography.

• We began searching for a new president and CEO to replace Jon D. Braband, MHA, FACHE, who announced he would be retiring in July 2018.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT

We work every day to improve the health of our region. Here’s a summary of the gifts and services we provided to the community in 2017:

Uncompensated care – $2,385,000

The total cost of health care services that GRHS provides to patients without being paid, including charity care and underpayment of services.

Community health services – $245,000

Health Talks and other community health presentations, flu clinics, interpreter services, MNsure certified application counselors, prenatal classes, online health education and case management of uninsured and underinsured patients.

Financial and in-kind contributions – $47,000

Staff at area school and community events, administrative support for the GRHS Foundation, mental health support group, Glencoe Days, in-kind donations and sponsorships to area community groups.

Community-building activities – $44,000

Disaster and emergency preparedness, McLeod County Food Drive Challenge and community disease surveillance, reporting and preparedness.

Student shadowing and

internships

Our staff also dedicated nearly 21,500 hours to provide on-the-job training to 214 students from seven high schools and 27 different regional medical and technical schools.

We’re proud to make these contributions of time, talent and treasure for the health of the community.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

GRHS provides medically necessary hospital and emergency room care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. We provide this care at a reduced rate to patients who have exhausted all forms of insurance coverage and meet defined eligibility requirements. For details and a downloadable application, look for the Financial Assistance link at grhsonline.org/patients-visitors. You may also contact our billing department at 320-864-7101 or toll free

JON D. BRABAND, MHA, FACHE President and CEO, 1993-2018

A Warm Welcome

JEFF MASON TO

OUR NEW TOP ADMINISTRATOR SETTLES IN

With six weeks under his belt as our new president and CEO, Jeff Mason, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, has been doing a lot of meeting and greeting, talking and touring, listening and learning.

“I’m getting to know as many people as I can –patients, physicians, staff, board members, insurers, affiliated partners and community leaders,” he says.

Mason views his role as a “jack of all trades, master of none” who establishes the organization’s goals and vision, then clears obstacles for the clinicians, management team and staff who “make it happen.”

The CEO also represents GRHS to business partners and the community.

“I’m impressed by the culture here. We have strong leaders and staff who have been here a long time and are experts in what they do,” he says.

EXPERIENCED LEADER

Mason brings nearly 30 years of health care experience to GRHS. Most recently, he was CEO of The Miami Medical Center in Miami, Florida. From 1990 to 2016, he was based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he owned and operated a health care

management-consulting firm and held leadership positions at several hospitals and clinics. There, he was CEO of BayCare Clinic for 14 years.

“I’m glad for the opportunity to work in Minnesota, because the cooperation between health care providers here is remarkable,” says Mason. “It’s different from the competitiveness I’ve seen in other states, and fits with my belief that we must do all we can for the benefit of all patients, whether they are in our hospital or the hospital down the street.”

Before moving into management, Mason was a registered nurse. He practiced for seven years in surgery, trauma and critical care units at large hospitals in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. He holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from the University of Toledo in his Ohio hometown.

FAMILY FOUNDATIONS

Mason was inspired to pursue a health care career by his mother, a nurse who ran the cardiac care unit in a large specialty hospital, and by a college professor

who sparked his interest in anatomy and physiology. Mason’s father was a mail carrier before an eye disease disabled him.

“Having a visually impaired parent teaches you to be flexible, figure things out and help others,” he says. “When you also have five sisters, you learn to share and develop your negotiating skills. Mostly over bathroom time.”

RETURN TO MIDWESTERN ROOTS

Relocating from Miami to Glencoe has offered Mason and his wife, Patti, the pleasures of a small-town atmosphere and closer proximity to their families. They have four adult children and six grandchildren who live in Wisconsin. Their daughter will start college at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities this fall. The couple is temporarily renting and plans to look for a home in or near Glencoe once they are more familiar with the area.

Outside of work, Mason is a certified private pilot, fitness buff, hunter, photographer and artist. “Glencoe is a wonderful setting for all of my pursuits and passions,” he says.

Introducing PATRICIA DE LOYAL, MPAS, PA-C

While volunteering for the Red Cross in her early 20s, Patricia de Loyal, MPAS, PA-C, had the opportunity to work alongside a physician assistant (PA) and an orthopedic surgeon. She became hooked on health care immediately. Life had other plans for Patricia, however, so she didn’t

actually enroll in a graduate PA program until “the advanced age” of 41.

“I was the oldest student in my class, by far,” she says with a smile. “Becoming a PA was my dream and I fulfilled it.”

Patricia joined our family medicine department in June. She’ll work full time in Glencoe until September, then split her time between the Glencoe and Stewart clinics. She sees patients of all ages for a wide variety of medical concerns and routine preventive care. She has special interests in orthopedics and preventive medicine.

A BETTER PLACE

Medicine is a field where you never stop learning, Patricia says, and the goal is to improve people’s lives. “It’s my way to make this world a little better place,” she says. Patricia encourages her patients to make lifestyle changes for better health.

Raised in a small village in the Bavaria region of Germany, Patricia is fluent in German and speaks “basic” Spanish. She feels at home in Glencoe, with its climate similar to her birthplace. It’s very different from Texas, where she most recently lived. “Everything is so green here and I appreciate the friendly people. It feels like home.”

Patricia has settled in Hutchinson with her son, Brandon, 13, and their three dogs. Her daughter, Mercedes, 18, is enrolled at the University of North Texas.

LOOK FOR HER OUTDOORS

After work, you’ll likely find Patricia hiking, camping, swimming or working in her yard. “I love to grow vegetables, fruit trees and beautiful flowers,” she says. In addition, she enjoys crafts, photography, traveling, painting with acrylics and entertaining friends.

Jeffrey S. Mason, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, is the new president and CEO of GRHS.

“This is my dream job.”

THANK YOU, JON BRABAND

WISHING OUR FORMER CEO THE BEST IN HIS RETIREMENT

We first met Jon D. Braband, MHA, FACHE, in July 1993 when he moved to town to become the chief executive of Glencoe Area Health Center. He stepped into a big job back then, with a 49-bed hospital, 110-bed nursing home and 40-unit senior apartment building to run, but he knew right away it was a perfect fit.

“I thought, ‘This is a great position in a wonderful community where I can stay for 10-12 years until my children graduate from high school,’” Braband remembers. “But the organization continued to grow and change, so the challenge was always there. Twenty-five years goes by mighty quick when you enjoy what you’re doing.”

GROWTH YEARS

Indeed, the organization Braband joined in 1993 has completely transformed. Under his leadership, Glencoe Area Health Center merged with the physician practice Glencoe Medical Clinic, PA, in 2000 to form Glencoe Regional Health Services (GRHS). In the years since, we have:

• Changed our capacity to 25 beds to become a designated Critical Access Hospital. This is a federal program that helps reduce financial uncertainty for rural hospitals and improves access to essential services in rural areas.

• Expanded our medical staff to 30 physicians and mid-level providers (physician assistants, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners) representing nine medical specialties.

• Continued to welcome consulting specialists to our campus, bringing the total of locally available medical specialties to 18.

• Built new clinics to replace older buildings in Glencoe (2002) and Lester Prairie (2007).

• Installed electronic medical record systems in our clinics, hospital and nursing home (2013).

• Established new services including urgent care (2014), transitional care (2014) and advanced wound care (2016).

• Added a third floor to the hospital for rehabilitation and infusion services (2016).

• Renovated the birth center (2002) and the hospital entrance, emergency room, specialty clinics and surgery department (2017).

• Completed the first phase of a three-phase project to replace our original nursing home with a new facility (2018).

Braband is quick to dodge the credit for these achievements. “Health care administrators are like orchestra conductors. They help the musicians reach consensus about what to play and provide coordination so the sounds from each instrument blend into a symphony. But during the performance, what the audience notices and appreciates is the music, not the conductor,” he says. “There are nearly 600 employees at GRHS, and they do great work.”

a final word from the

by Jon D. Braband, MHA, FACHE President & CEO

I grew up in a small town in Iowa – not unlike Glencoe – where I did NOT dream of becoming a health care administrator. I wanted to be a trombone performer or a music teacher. It took just one semester as a music major at Morningside College to learn I wasn’t cut out to be either.

Then I had to put college on hold for two years of military service. Afterward, I figured out a new path for myself and transferred to the University of Iowa for a bachelor’s degree in business administration and then a master’s in health care administration.

Moving around in my early career allowed me to experience working in hospitals of various sizes in the Twin Cities and the less-metropolitan communities of Ipswich and Aberdeen, South

RETIREMENT PLAN

Braband and his wife, Jodi, have decided to stay in Glencoe for their retirement. It’s less than an hour’s drive from both of their grown children. Son Josh, an engineer, lives and works in Eden Prairie. Daughter Joy is a physical therapist in Mankato, where she lives with her husband, Brent, and 13-month-old, Aurelia Marie. Braband dotes on his granddaughter, who recently celebrated her first birthday on Grandpa’s retirement day, July 5. “She is a perfect little person,” says Braband.

The Brabands are taking their extended family on a Caribbean cruise in January, but beyond that, their retirement plans are pretty low-key and not very concrete. “I’ve always played trombone at church, but recently I’ve given some thought to joining a barbershop quartet,” he says. “Jodi and I bicycle a lot, so we might plan some bike trips.”

With gratitude to both Jon and Jodi, everyone at GRHS wishes them the very best, wherever their paths lead. We’re glad to still have them as neighbors and friends.

Dakota, and Granite Falls and Thief River Falls, Minnesota. They say you will eventually end up exactly where you’re meant to be, and so I found my way to Glencoe in 1993.

The people at GRHS are the best I’ve ever worked with. My job was enjoyable mostly due to their talent, dedication, hard work and commitment to the health and well-being of the community.

I feel truly blessed to have worked at GRHS for 25 years. I can’t imagine another place where I could have done such interesting and vital work while also having lunch with my wife just about every day and staying connected to my kids as they grew up.

As I start my next chapter, I feel that I’m exactly where I was meant to be – at home in Glencoe.

The Braband family (l to r): Josh, Jodi, Brent, Aurelia, Joy and Jon.

Care & Services

MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

Audiology

Cardiology

Emergency Medicine

Family Medicine

General Surgery

Hematology

Hospitalists

Internal Medicine

Midwife Services

Nephrology

Neurology

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Oncology

Orthopedics

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Pediatrics

Podiatry

Pulmonology

Urology

MEDICAL SERVICES

Acute Care Unit

Ambulance

Anticoagulation Clinic

Best Beginnings Birth Center

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Diabetes Education

Emergency Room

Infusion Services

Laboratory

Medical Imaging

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Respiratory Therapy

Sleep Study Clinic

Speech-Language Therapy

Transitional Care

Urgent Care

Vascular Consultations

Ventilator Care and Liberation

Wound Care

SKILLED NURSING CARE

GlenFields Living with CareSM

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

Orchard Estates

Health News

LISTEN TO HEALTH UPDATE

Sponsored by GRHS

Airing on KDUZ-AM 1260

DATES: Second Tuesday of the month

TIME: 2:35 pm

FOUNDATION News

In support of our community’s health

The GRHS Foundation recently awarded Sanken-Hatz scholarships to 43 deserving applicants who are studying for health care careers.

Congrats to our CLASS of Sanken-Hatz scholars! 2018

GRADUATING SENIORS

Central High School

Kali Grimm

Anna Mackenthun

Kaitlyn McCracken

Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop

High School

Emily Liebl

Glencoe-Silver Lake

High School

Ariel Brelje

Mackenzie Davis

Mickalyn Frahm

Alexandra Hansch

Paul Lemke

Paige Litzau

Ellie Schmidt

Hutchinson High School

Brooke Good

Lester Prairie High School

Leighton Buhr

Sibley East High School

Kaili Diehn

Lindsey Flieth

Carron Kranz

Taylor Perschau

Alexandra Stock

Jaci Tourtellott

POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS

Arlington

Megan Pederson

Alyssa Weber

Fairfax

Ellen Weikle

While in high school, new GSL grad Paige Litzau, 18, of Glencoe, participated in a job shadow at the GRHS Pharmacy.

“I was able to compare the difference between a hospital pharmacy and a retail pharmacy,” says Paige. “With GRHS’ help, I’ve decided to pursue a career as a hospital pharmacist. I like to assist others and give advice.”

Glencoe

Hannah Kunkel

Christopher Lemke

Hutchinson

Allison Einck

Ellyssa Hoversten

Quin McCormick

Kaitlyn Reiner

Lester Prairie

Jamie DeBruyckere

Silver Lake

Patrick Fehrenbach

Stewart

Victoria Sweely

Winthrop

Samuel Stresemann

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Buffalo Lake

Ethan Ryberg

Glencoe

Alyssa Boesche

Beret Fitzgerald

Kyle Polzin

Emily Popelka

Green Isle

Megan Miller

Hamburg

Payton Schultz

Hutchinson

Mitchell Messner

Nicole Rickeman

Lester Prairie

Austin Brandes

Jennifer Vasko

Paige will attend North Dakota State University this fall. We’re proud to support her with a scholarship.

Health Talks

A three-part series about advanced directives and end-of-life decision making will be led by family medicine providers Kristen Budahn, MD, and Kari Knodel Vettel, MPAS, PA-C, with adult-geriatric nurse practitioner Michele Schuberg, CNP.

1 2 3

You’ll get the most benefit from attending the complete series, but you are also welcome to choose one or two sessions as your schedule permits.

The sessions will be held in the GRHS conference rooms from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on the dates shown at right. When you arrive, please use the hospital entrance at 1805 Hennepin Ave. N., Glencoe.

BOOK DISCUSSION: “BEING MORTAL” BY ATUL GAWANDE

EVENT: Thursday, September 6

RESERVE SEAT BY: Friday, August 10

The first 30 people to register will receive a free copy of the book prior to the event.

ADVANCED CARE PLAN OVERVIEW

EVENT: Thursday, October 4

RESERVE SEAT BY: Wednesday, October 3

ADVANCED CARE PLAN WORKSHOP

EVENT: Thursday, November 1

RESERVE SEAT BY: Wednesday, October 31

The sessions are free, but we ask you to reserve a seat online at grhsonline.org/health-talks or by calling 320-864-7146 or 1-888-526-4242, ext. 7146 on or before the deadline.

Budahn Schuberg