SCOPE Magazine - March 2024

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Composite of Haroon Yousaf,

and Justin Anderson,

united community

Mason Health Expands Partnerships – Orthopedic and Cardiology Specialty Services at Mason Clinic

Mason Health is committed to expanding health care options in Mason County, so that patients have access to exceptional specialty care close to home.

This commitment is in line with the District’s Vision to Provide the Best Patient-Centered Care in the Pacific Northwest. Distinguished physicians from Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OOA) and Olympia Health, Justin Anderson, MD, and Haroon Yousaf, MD, are helping usher this vision into reality.

Dr. Anderson’s Orthopedic Journey

Dr. Justin Anderson sees orthopedic patients twice a week at Mason Clinic and performs surgeries once a week at Mason General Hospital. He splits the rest of his time seeing trauma patients at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia and seeing patients in clinic at OOA.

He started at Mason Health in October 2023.

“This is a great partnership between OOA and Mason Health,” Dr. Anderson said. “The patient populations are slightly different. People here in the rural area are more interested in maximizing conservative treatment.”

“I want to better serve the community as a whole and let people know I am willing to work with them. My mantra is to try as much as possible before resorting to surgery.”

Dr. Anderson’s journey into orthopedics began at a young age, driven by a genuine fascination with medicine. Growing up in a small beach town on the northern points of the Jersey Shore, he was exposed to the world of orthopedic surgery through interactions with family friends who were practitioners.

His desire to fix people, mend broken bones, and facilitate their return to health led him on a path that eventually brought him to Mason Clinic. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, then obtained his medical degree from Columbia University in 2016.

He served in the U.S. Army as an orthopedic surgeon, completing his internship and residency in 2021 at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, where he met his now wife, Claudia. For two years prior coming to Mason Health, he served as the staff orthopedic surgeon at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas.

“When you go into some of the smaller bases, your patient population may be the young, active and fit military members, who are perhaps dealing with sports injuries and that type of thing,” he said. “With larger bases, you see older individuals and their family members. My practice consisted of hand surgeries and sports medicine. At Madigan, I did a little bit of

March 2024, Vol. 40, No. 1

everything. We also did community rotations and that’s when I first worked with Oly Ortho.”

When it came time to settle down, Dr. Anderson and his wife wanted to be closer to her parents in Washington since they were raising their infant son. Dr. Anderson was familiar with OOA through his residency rotations and felt that the new position at Mason Clinic would be exciting.

“I knew what I was getting into and the work they were going to do seemed like a great partnership,” he said. “Since we wanted to be closer to family, it felt like a win-win.”

OOA has been a partner with Mason Health for years and is proud to further that partnership with Dr. Anderson’s dedicated clinical days in Mason County.

“OOA is proud to partner with Mason Health to further our shared commitment of taking care of our patients in the best way possible,” said OOA CEO Ben Shah. “Working together we are providing high quality orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists directly in Mason County, making sure everyone has access to the best care available.”

Dr. Yousaf’s Commitment to Patients & Cardiology Services

In the realm of cardiology, Dr. Haroon Yousaf brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Yousaf’s interest in medicine, particularly cardiology, came alive at a young age, and he was inspired by many family members who had entered into medicine.

“I found the heart to be a fascinating organ,” he said. “It’s always fascinated me. I always wanted to learn more about it. The United States provided a unique opportunity to learn more.”

Dr. Yousaf graduated from medical school in 2004 in Pakistan, then completed his residency at Interfaith Hospital in Brooklyn, New York in 2010. He then pursued a Master of Health Science in Clinical Investigation from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2015.

He worked as a clinical fellow at the University of Southern California in the Heart Failure Transplant Cardiology program and then the Cardiovascular Medicine program. He has always been interested in both the practical and clinical side of medicine, as well as the research side.

His dedication to patients with heart failure and his involvement in randomized controlled trials showcased his commitment to advancing both clinical and research aspects of cardiology.

“I have treated very, very sick patients who come to us after a heart attack with complete blockage,” Dr. Yousaf said. “It feels good to be able to help patients and then allow them to go home the next day. I have always had an interest in research, and I also believe it helps me to be a better cardiologist.”

Since 2020, Dr. Yousaf has been licensed in Washington state and has provided exceptional cardiology care in southwest Washington, from Olympia and Centralia to Shelton and Aberdeen.

Dr. Yousaf’s decision to join Mason Health was motivated by a desire to contribute to a professional hospital with a stellar reputation and a

On the cover: Haroon Yousaf, MD, from Olympia Health, Inc., and Justin Anderson, MD, from Olympia Orthopaedic Associates are posed in front of a procedure room at Mason General Hospital. Photo composite by Cooper Studios

Justin Anderson, MD

Haroon Yousaf, MD

supportive staff. Recognizing the need for accessible cardiology services in the area, he aims to bridge the gap for patients who previously had to travel across the state for specialized care.

“The people in Washington are amazing,” he said. “I had been to Mason General Hospital a few times to visit, and that became my inspiration to work with Mason Health.”

“I could see it was a very professional hospital with amazing staff members. I don’t want people to have to go across the state just to see a cardiologist.” Yousaf said.

Over the years, Mason Health identifies healthcare services underserved in our area and identifies partnerships that can meet these needs.

“Mason Health’s partnerships with Olympia Orthopedic Associates and Olympia Health for Orthopedic and Cardiology care expands our service offerings beyond what we are able to provide on our own,” said Mason Health Chief Operating Officer Mark Batty

These relationships bring the health care closer to home for patients, he added.

“Integrating orthopedics and cardiology into our clinic operations provides a seamless transition for patients to receive primary and specialty care in one location,” Batty said. “These partnerships allow Mason Health patients to receive care in a setting they are familiar with and closer to home. We cannot overstate the value of these relationships and how they allow Mason Health to provide additional health care services within our community.”

Along with Dr. Yousaf, cardiologist Fahad Younas, MD, also joins Mason Clinic.

To schedule an appointment with a specialist, please request a referral from your primary care provider at Mason Clinic by calling 360-426-2653.

Do you need to reschedule your appointment?

Policy change effective March 18, 2024

In order to provide quality care and service, patients arriving after their scheduled appointment time will be directed to reschedule their appointment.

We are asking patients to arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointment time to ensure timely check in. This change in policy allows our registration, nursing sta and providers time to best serve each patient.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify Mason Clinic. Cancellations must be made at least one business day prior to your appointment. Also, please remember to bring your identi cation and health insurance cards to your appointment!

united community

What if where you live could help you live a longer, healthier life?

The founders of Blue Zones want that to be possible wherever you live — and Mason County leaders, including Mason Health, have recently joined the global initiative, with the launch of Blue Zones Activate in Mason County.

“As a healthcare provider serving the people of Mason County, Mason Health understands the importance of preventive care and the impact of lifestyle choices on overall health,” said Mason Health CEO Eric Moll “We believe that the Blue Zones work will be a game-changer for our community, and we are enthusiastic about the potential benefits for our patients, staff, and community members.”

Blue Zones are regions of the world where people tend to live longer, healthier lives compared to the global average, as identified through demographic and statistical research. The term “Blue Zones” was coined by journalist and explorer Dan Buettner, who, along with a team of researchers, studied communities with high concentrations of centenarians.

The original Blue Zones identified by Buettner included places like Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California, in the United States.

These regions share common lifestyle and cultural factors that contribute to the longevity and well-being of their inhabitants. There are now 90 Blue Zones projects worldwide, including Blue Zones Activate projects, which are designed for smaller regions.

In February 2023, the CHOICE Regional Health Network contracted with Blue Zones to start Activate projects in Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties.

Local leaders from Mason Matters, Mason County’s local health coalition, began meeting in late 2023 to identify specific projects and initiatives to develop in Mason County. Mason Health is an active partner in these discussions and will announce specific projects later this year.

“I absolutely love how our work with Blue Zones aligns so well with our partnership with Practice Greenhealth, which includes our recent Environmental Excellence Awards, our Greening the OR (Operating Room) Recognition and the District’s ESG strategy,” said Mason Health Chief Development & Communication Officer Jennifer Capps. “This is so awesome! Well done!”

From left, Mason Public Hospital District Commissioners and workforce members posed with Blue Zones Founder Nick Buettner and Blue Zones Activate Mason County Executive Director Julie Knott. From left, Commissioners Darrin Moody and Don Welander, Culinary & Nutrition Services Manager Ashlee Johnson, Nick Buettner, Chief Operating Officer Mark Batty, Julie Knott and Commissioner Gayle Weston. More than 125 people attended the Blue Zones kick off event in January.

Fahad Younas, MD

empowered people

Mason County youth shine as Mason Health Volunteers

When Verity Adams first joined Mason Health as a concierge volunteer at Mason Clinic on a temporary basis in November 2023, she expected the role to be just one more perfunctory requirement for school.

After six days, she realized that not only did she love spending time with the patients and staff at Mason Clinic, but that she also wanted to change career paths — instead of pursuing her studies to be a mortician, she plans to start a career at Mason Health.

“Volunteering at Mason Health has taught me that I love working one-on-one with people,” she said. “On my first day, I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I loved it immediately.”

“As a concierge volunteer, I work right by the doors, so people are always filtering in and out. I love talking to all of them. It feels so good, to spread kindness and sensitivity to everyone and to offer a helping hand to whoever needs it.”

Adams was eager to return to volunteering at Mason Clinic, and she restarted in January. She joins a new cadre of younger volunteers who are finding a huge benefit to volunteering at Mason Health, whether at Mason Clinic as a concierge volunteer or at a Mason Health office or event.

Having a diverse group of volunteers, including in age, helps Mason Health connect to more patients, said Mason Health Volunteer Coordinator Iris Hilburger. Both established and new volunteers see the benefit in working together, she added.

“Our older volunteers have shared with me that the younger volunteers have enriched their experience,” Hilburger said. “I play a different role with these younger volunteers and often have the chance to mentor them in their careers. They often bring different skillsets to Mason Health, as well. I find it very fulfilling.”

For example, Mason Clinic concierge volunteer Bryan Lorenzo Temisqueño can speak multiple languages, which has been a benefit to patients coming through the door.

“I have realized all the great help I can provide in my community by being bilingual and helping out patients with language barriers,” Lorenzo Temisqueño said.

“I can help give them the right instructions they need to find the medical help they need.” Lorenzo Temisqueño also took to heart some advice Hilburger gave him: “If you see a need, be the need.”

“I help out the front staff with small tasks like taking certain documents to another department or helping out patients that need help finding another department in the clinic,” he said. “Pushing elderly members in wheelchairs and aiding them in ways they may need makes their experience at Mason Health much more comfortable.”

Lorenzo Temisqueño decided to volunteer at Mason Health because he wants to pursue a career in the medical field. His Shelton High School counselor, Career Center Specialist Jill Bourgault, helped connect him to volunteer opportunities at Mason Health.

“When students volunteer, they develop life skills and become wellrounded individuals,” Bourgault said. “By starting young, it provides an opportunity to learn and grow into valuable members of society. Volunteering builds empathy and connection. Spending time helping others helps build compassion in a way that’s hard to replicate.”

“The partnership with Mason Health is invaluable to our students to, as it connects them with our community in a way that they might not have been able to before,” she said.

“The whole team at Mason Health is so enthusiastic about investing in our kids. It’s been amazing to be able to collaborate and make plans together that will have a great impact on our community.”

Lorenzo Temisqueño plans to study epidemiology with a full-ride scholarship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, in the fall. Bourgault is always looking for new ways to connect students with community service.

Students do not have to be pursuing an interest in the clinical side of health care to volunteer at Mason Health — volunteer Lindsey Ozuna,

Verity Adams

Iris Hilburger

Bryan Lorenzo Temisqueño poses in front of the volunteer desk at Mason Clinic. Lorenzo Temisqueño is a Mason Clinic concierge volunteer, assisting patients in wayfinding and other tasks.

– The Future of Healthcare

who graduates from Shelton High School this spring, has gained invaluable experience as a volunteer for Mason Health’s Development Office.

Ozuna was interested in the business side of health care, and in her time at Mason Health, she’s learned about fundraising and donor databases and helped out with events such as Mason Health’s Trunk-or-Treat and the Mason General Hospital Foundation Business Luncheon fundraiser.

“This position has taught me everything from time management to helping me with my social skills,” Ozuna said. “Before coming here, I thought health care was all clinical. This is helping me choose the path I want to be on. I have also loved learning more about the community.”

Ozuna plans to study business administration and public health at the University of Washington or Gonzaga University. She’s grateful to everyone who has helped her get this far.

“I would encourage anyone to volunteer. Mason Health and Iris help you fit it into your schedule. It will teach you about the workforce and what it looks like to work. It’s a way of networking. You may end up getting to know your future coworkers.”

“Coming from a family that immigrated from Mexico, I feel very motivated to learn as much as I can and finish my studies,” she said.

Mason

empowered people

Interested in volunteering at Mason Health?

Volunteer Services is continuing to grow! There are ongoing volunteer opportunities at Mason Health. Check out the following opportunities below:

• Mason Clinic Concierge: Mason Health is looking for people to be concierge volunteers at Mason Clinic in a variety of shifts. Volunteers assist patients in wayfinding and complete assigned tasks for various departments.

• Mason General Hospital Foundation Auxiliary Gift Shop: Volunteers are needed at the hospital Gift Shop. Shifts are three hours long and can either be weekly or every other week.

• Mason Health Development Office: The Development Office Volunteer is responsible for assisting and supporting the Development Office staff and collaborating with other volunteers, Mason Health staff and Mason General Hospital Foundation (MGHF) volunteers. This position is responsible for reception and clerical tasks, and/or may also assist in events such as the MGHF Golf Tournament or Mason Health Trunk-or-Treat.

• Culinary & Nutrition Services: The Culinary Volunteer provides assistance to Culinary Nutrition Services Staff under the supervision of the Director of Culinary Services, Culinary Staff and the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Chaplain: Volunteer Chaplains provide for the spiritual needs of medical patients and their families, as well as Mason Health staff members. Our Volunteer Chaplains are spiritual care professionals grounded in communities of faith and are informed by professional education and training.

Lindsey Ozuna volunteers in the Mason Health Development Office. She performs clerical tasks, such as sorting volunteer information from spreadsheets, inputting information from obituaries into a donor database and assisting with stuffing envelopes.

Mason General Hospital Foundation Auxiliary Treasurer Carol Goodburn and Gift Shop Manager Monica Bates enjoy volunteering at the Gift Shop.

Invest in today, because tomorrow will be here before you know it.

MGH Foundation’s Forever Fund –Giving the Gift of Health Care for Future Generations

by Jennifer Capps, Chief Development

and Communication O cer

One of the easiest ways to provide an enduring gift of support to Mason General Hospital Foundation is through your will. By including the Foundation and the Forever Fund in your estate plans, you can designate some of your assets to the Foundation after your lifetime. At that time, the asset(s) you specify can be allocated to us, and your estate may be able to take a charitable deduction for the amount of your bequest, possibly reducing income and estate taxes payable.

How to Name Mason General Hospital Foundation in Your Will

If you choose to include Mason General Hospital Foundation in your will or other estate plan, we should be named as:

Mason General Hospital Foundation

Post O ce Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584

Our tax identi cation number is 91-1529293

Mason General Hospital Foundation would be pleased to work with you and/or your nancial or tax advisor to establish the planned gift(s) most appropriate for you to achieve your nancial planning goals.

Our Mission

MGH Foundation furthers the mission of Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County by providing nancial support to Mason Health.

giving

MGH Foundation contributors memorialized

Mason General Hospital Foundation would like to acknowledge former contributors. Listed below are supporters the Foundation would like to recognize for their past support of our mission and work in the community. Please join us in acknowledging their support of the Foundation during their lifetimes.

Mitchell Aksamitowski

Patricia I. Gregg

Edith Borgny Jaques

Lorraine Duggan

Loma Duncan

Xinh Dwelley

Barbara Everson

Blase Gorny

Patricia I. Gregg

Blase Gorny

Richelle Haines

Joane Hart

Richelle Haines

Joane Hart

Ethelwyn Ho man

Bev Kokett

Ethelwyn Ho man

Bev Kokett

Josephine A. Lusignan

Sheryl Phipps

Colleen Ripley

Laura J. Russell

William R. Valley

Please be advised that every e ort has been made to ensure the integrity of this listing. If we have inadvertently omitted any names, please accept our apologies and most sincere thanks for your generosity and continued support of Mason General Hospital Foundation.

Honor and Memorial Contributions Made to MGH Foundation

Mason General Hospital Foundation has generously received donations in honor and/or memory of the individuals listed below. Donors and memorialized individuals listed in this report re ect contributions made to the Foundation beginning Oct. 10, 2023, through Jan. 3, 2024.

John C. James

In Memory of Suzanne P. James

Bethany Lael

In Memory of Colleen Ripley

Bellaine West

In Memory of Bonnie Oakes

Nancy & Duane Wright

In Memory of Roger Ho

Please be advised that every e ort has been made to ensure the integrity of this listing. If we have inadvertently omitted any names, please accept our apologies and most sincere thanks for your generosity and continued support of Mason General Hospital Foundation.

MGHF remembers long-time Auxiliary member and Gift Shop volunteer Colleen Ripley

MGHF remembers long-time Auxiliary member and Gift Shop volunteer Colleen Ripley

or decades, Colleen Ripley graced the Gift Shop and its patrons with her warm smiles and reassuring charm.

explain our love for each other. I don’t think we argued once in the 28 years we were together. I still talk to her now.”

For decades, Colleen Ripley graced the Gift Shop and its patrons with her warm smiles and reassuring charm.

As a long-time member of the Mason General Hospital Foundation Auxiliary and a regular volunteer at the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop — at various points, she served as the Gift Shop Manager — Ripley was an indispensable part of MGHF history.

As a long-time member of the Mason General Hospital Foundation Auxiliary and a regular volunteer at the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop — at various points, she served as the Gift Shop Manager — Ripley was an indispensable part of MGHF history.

She passed on Nov. 7, 2023. She was 86. Her fellow volunteers and loved ones mourn her deeply.

She passed on Nov. 7, 2023. She was 86. Her fellow volunteers and loved ones mourn her deeply.

“Volunteering at the hospital was her passion,” recalled Bonnie Walden, one of Ripley’s daughters. “She looked forward to going in every day. The Gift Shop was her baby. The loss of that in her life due to COVID restrictions was a huge part of her decline.”

explain our love for each other. I don’t think we argued once in the 28 years we were together. I still talk to her now.”

Everyone who knew Ripley at the Gift Shop could see the deep love she had in her life with Cox. He dropped her o and picked her up at the gift shop before and after every shift. When she wasn’t volunteering, he was at her side. “They were the sweetest couple,” said Carol Goodburn, MGHF Auxiliary Treasurer. “He was totally devoted to her. You don’t see love and devotion that look like that too often.”

“Volunteering at the hospital was her passion,” recalled Bonnie Walden, one of Ripley’s daughters. “She looked forward to going in every day. The Gift Shop was her baby. The loss of that in her life due to COVID restrictions was a huge part of her decline.”

Ripley grew up in Grays Harbor County and was voted Best Dressed at Hoquiam High School. She graduated in 1955 and moved to Shelton when she was 18, and later lived in Olympia to raise her family of four children.

Ripley grew up in Grays Harbor County and was voted Best Dressed at Hoquiam High School. She graduated in 1955 and moved to Shelton when she was 18, and later lived in Olympia to raise her family of four children.

She proudly worked at what was then known as ITT Rayonier Pulp & Paper Company’s Research Lab in Shelton, starting as a teletype operator when she was 19 and working her way up to becoming Lead Secretary for the lab’s team of chemists.

Everyone who knew Ripley at the Gift Shop could see the deep love she had in her life with Cox. He dropped her o and picked her up at the gift shop before and after every shift. When she wasn’t volunteering, he was at her side.

“They were the sweetest couple,” said Carol Goodburn, MGHF Auxiliary Treasurer. “He was totally devoted to her. You don’t see love and devotion that look like that too often.”

In 2007, Ripley, with Cox at her side, helped expand the Gift Shop, transforming it from a “Gift Bar” where patrons could only walk up to the counter and point to the items they wanted, to an actual shop that people could walk into and browse goods. She and David, with the help of several key friends and volunteers took ve days to dismantle and put everything back together.

In 2007, Ripley, with Cox at her side, helped expand the Gift Shop, transforming it from a “Gift Bar” where patrons could only walk up to the counter and point to the items they wanted, to an actual shop that people could walk into and browse goods. She and David, with the help of several key friends and volunteers took ve days to dismantle and put everything back together.

“It was a mess, but very exciting,” Ripley wrote at the time, in a note saved in the Auxiliary’s archives. “The response has been overwhelming and we loved hearing all the wonderful comments. It is now an actual Gift Shop.”

She proudly worked at what was then known as ITT Rayonier Pulp & Paper Company’s Research Lab in Shelton, starting as a teletype operator when she was 19 and working her way up to becoming Lead Secretary for the lab’s team of chemists.

She worked for Rayonier until she retired in 1988. At that point, Ripley wanted to nd something else to occupy her time.

She worked for Rayonier until she retired in 1988. At that point, Ripley wanted to nd something else to occupy her time.

“She couldn’t sit still,” Walden said. “She was a hard worker. When she found the Gift Shop, she was non-stop and brought work home with her.”

“It was a mess, but very exciting,” Ripley wrote at the time, in a note saved in the Auxiliary’s archives. “The response has been overwhelming and we loved hearing all the wonderful comments. It is now an actual Gift Shop.”

In those years, the Gift Shop was located near the Main Entrance to Mason General Hospital. In 2013, the gift shop expanded again and was moved to its current location with four times the space.

“She couldn’t sit still,” Walden said. “She was a hard worker. When she found the Gift Shop, she was non-stop and brought work home with her.”

In the mid-1990s, in addition to nding volunteer work at the Gift Shop, Ripley found another thing that would come to de ne her later years signi cantly: She re-connected with the love of her life, her former high school sweetheart, David Cox, at their 40th high school reunion.

In those years, the Gift Shop was located near the Main Entrance to Mason General Hospital. In 2013, the gift shop expanded again and was moved to its current location with four times the space.

Ripley served as Gift Shop Manager when Jane Gruver retired, and then lled in again after Manager Sue Glenn passed away in 2018. Ripley served as Gift Shop Manager until March 2019. She also managed the Gift Shop nancials until 2019.

In the mid-1990s, in addition to nding volunteer work at the Gift Shop, Ripley found another thing that would come to de ne her later years signi cantly: She re-connected with the love of her life, her former high school sweetheart, David Cox, at their 40th high school reunion.

“We had 28 wonderful years together,” Cox shared. “I would do it all over

Ripley served as Gift Shop Manager when Jane Gruver retired, and then lled in again after Manager Sue Glenn passed away in 2018. Ripley served as Gift Shop Manager until March 2019. She also managed the Gift Shop nancials until 2019.

“I miss her so much,” noted MGHF Auxiliary member Ann Batstone. “We used to work together, and I have such fun memories of our trips to Seattle buying merchandise at the outlets for the Gift Shop. She was charming, lovely and beautiful.”

“We had 28 wonderful years together,” Cox shared. “I would do it all over again. She was a beautiful lady. It was something else. I cannot even

“I miss her so much,” noted MGHF Auxiliary member Ann Batstone. “We used to work together, and I have such fun memories of our trips to Seattle buying merchandise at the outlets for the Gift Shop. She was charming, lovely and beautiful.”

Ripley also volunteered for the Foundation’s Fantasy Forest fundraisers, including the Fashion Show and Business Lunch events. She was also a talented artist and crafter who would work with volunteers to create little tray favors for the dining trays at the MGH Cafeteria.

Ripley also volunteered for the Foundation’s Fantasy Forest fundraisers, including the Fashion Show and Business Lunch events. She was also a talented artist and crafter who would work with volunteers to create little tray favors for the dining trays at the MGH Cafeteria.

“She was innovative and liked to think of new things for the shop,” Walden said. “She passed down to us kids her desire to be of service to people.”

“She was innovative and liked to think of new things for the shop,” Walden said. “She passed down to us kids her desire to be of service to people.”

Ripley is survived by her longtime partner David Cox, four children, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

Ripley is survived by her longtime partner David Cox, four children, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

To donate to the MGHF Auxiliary Scholarship Fund in memory of Colleen Ripley, scan the QR code to the right.

To donate to the MGHF Auxiliary Scholarship Fund in memory of Colleen Ripley, scan the QR code to the right.

Colleen Ripley

David Cox and Colleen Ripley

In 2014, Mason General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop volunteers, including Colleen Ripley, posed for National Volunteer Week in April. Clockwise from center: Percella “Bubbs” Fuller, Kay Thykeson, Sue Glenn, Mary Anne Munson, Colleen Ripley, Sue Morris, Laura Russell, Penny Nielsen, Pauline Nichols, Carolyn Parker and Jane Gruver.

united community News Briefs

Mason Health celebrates milestone babies and record number of births!

This past holiday season, Mason Health celebrated several milestones at the Mason General Hospital Birth Center.

First, Jessica and Randell Seymour, of Shelton, welcomed new baby Kepler Adam Seymour on Dec. 26, 2023, the hospital’s “Christmas baby,” i.e. the first baby born on or after Dec. 25. Baby Seymour was a Christmas miracle for his parents, who endured much to have him here.

“My son, 17 years in the making, was more than just a hope in the beginning,” Randell Seymour shared. “He was the result of the unwavering determination of numerous doctors who dedicated their lives to understanding the human body and ensuring not just my survival, but also this monumental moment for my wife and me.”

Randell Seymour was diagnosed with cancer at 16 and underwent a year of intensive chemotherapy. He froze his sperm at Swedish Medical Center, and 16 years later, after hard work and saving money, the Seymours traveled to a fertility clinic in Barbados to make their dream of having a family come to fruition.

Baby Seymour came early and Jessica Seymour was induced on Christmas Day. He was born 10 minutes after midnight on the 26th.

Next, Mason Health Physical Therapist Ashley Auseth and her husband, Gabe Auseth, of Shelton, gave birth to the 374th baby born in 2023, on New Year’s Eve.

Holden Aleksander Auseth was the last baby born in 2023 and helped Mason General Hospital break its record for number of births in one year. Coincidentally, Gabe Auseth’s aunt is Birth Center Manager Kris Gaa

Then, on New Year’s Day, the first baby born in 2024 was Giavonni Wynter Noll, born to mom Ashlee Knoll of Belfair. As the New Year’s Baby, baby Noll received a basket full of donated baby items. Congratulations to all of our Mason General Hospital Birth Center families!

Mason Health and Mason General Hospital Foundation welcome new Development Specialist Avery Jones

Mason Health and Mason General Hospital Foundation welcomed Development Specialist Avery Jones to the team this past fall.

As Development Specialist, Jones works closely with the Mason General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors on fundraising campaigns and donor acknowledgement. She is a highly valuable member of the Mason Health Development Office, assisting in Mason Health events and on special projects. Jones can trace her desire to give back to her community to her years on student council in high school in the greater Portland region, in the small town of Scappoose. Every year, her high school leadership and student council teams would engage in a week of fundraisers for the local hospital system, working with the entire community to reach fundraising goals.

Later, Jones studied public relations, marketing and music at Gonzaga University in Spokane, where she also worked in the University Advancement program. Through her work in University Advancement, she went from cold calling annual fund and alumni donors to becoming the manager of the program.

She fully believes in fully believing in the work that you do – as a scholarship recipient and child of a single mom, she knew the impact a scholarship from Gonzaga had on her life, and she could inspire donors to believe in that mission.

After working in marketing in the manufacturing and software industries, Jones is excited to work in the nonprofit sector and get back to her roots of community development.

“With the pandemic settling down, this is the perfect opportunity to get back in touch with what I value most,” she said. “I want to be connected to the community and feel like I am doing something meaningful.”

Jones lives in Gig Harbor with her husband, Sebastian; cat, Grizzly; and Goldendoodle, Caballo. She sings in the Peninsula Community Choir. Please join us in welcoming Avery to the team!

Randell and Jessica Seymour pose with their son Kepler Adam Seymour on Dec. 26.

Ashlee Knoll holds New Year’s Baby Giavonni Wynter Noll, the first baby born of the New Year, at Mason General Hospital.

Kepler Adam Seymour was a Christmas miracle for his parents. His mother went into labor on Dec. 25.

Record-breaker Holden Aleksander Auseth was the last baby born in 2023, on Dec. 31, breaking the record for number of births in one year at Mason General Hospital at 374.

Avery Jones

Mason Health announces first DAISY award winner – Traci Wiley

M

ason Health is proud to announce our first winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses — Traci Wiley from the Birth Center.

“The nominations we received for this first quarter were all incredibly amazing,” said ICU Supervisor Nadine Cram, a cochair of Mason Health’s DAISY committee. “We want to congratulate Traci for the amazing work she has done.”

Wiley’s nominator shared this story:

“Traci helped me while I was delivering my first baby, she was there for me when I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. She took care of me and my baby and was so kind and compassionate. We established a lovely relationship in the weeks following that delivery as I needed additional postpartum care. She was also extremely helpful in researching a condition my child had been born with that the other medical professionals didn’t really know about. When it was time to have my second child I was absolutely at ease when I knew Traci was on shift and could be there to assist me in that delivery. This was during the height of COVID and that brought forth a whole different set of complications, but she was there for me when my family couldn’t be. Traci advocated for me and my children, she was empathetic and helpful and really put me at ease. Being in labor has a way of taking your dignity and modesty, and Traci made sure I never felt embarrassed and that I was comfortable throughout the process. It was truly life changing care, and I’m so thankful for her.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is part of the national DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care that nurses provide patients and families every day.

Mason Health will recognize an extraordinary nurse every quarter. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Mason Health to receive The DAISY Award. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending them as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

united community

Classes & Workshops Announcement

Cancer Wellness Workshop

Mason Health, in partnership with Harmony Hill Retreat Center and with the financial support of the Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund, is hosting virtual cancer support groups. For more information, call 360-432-7706 or email patientnavigator@masongeneral.com.

Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month

Location: ZOOM or conference call

Cost: Free

The Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund is celebrating 20 years this year! The Fund’s Denim & Diamonds dinner auction returns to Alderbrook Resort & Spa on Sunday, April 14, while the Tour de Mason Lake bicycle ride will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. For more information on these fundraisers, visit www. karenhilburncancerfund.org.

Loud Crowd Speech Therapy Class

Lead locally by Mason Health’s Monica Vinson, Speech Language Pathologist, this national program provides speech therapy and socialization for persons with Parkinson’s.

Time: 12:30 p.m., every first and third Tuesday of the month

Location: Mason County Senior Activities Center, 190 W. Sentry Drive, Shelton

Cost: Free

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group

Lead locally by Mason Health’s Monica Vinson, this class provides support for those with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers and family members..

Time: 1 to 2 p.m., every second Tuesday of the month

Location: Shelton Family YMCA Mason Health conference room

Cost: Free

First Aid/CPR Class

Learn the basics of first response. An eCard can be made available upon successful completion of the course. Comfortable clothing is recommended for all participants, and a Spanish interpreter can be provided on request. Register one week prior to class.

Date/Time: Choose one date: April 6, June 1, Aug. 3, Oct. 5 or Dec. 7.

one time: 8 a.m. to noon or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30

Traci Wiley

Mason Health amplía sus alianzas: Servicios de cardiología y ortopedia especializada en la Mason Clinic

Mason Health honra su compromiso de ampliar las opciones de atención médica en el Condado de Mason para que los pacientes tengan acceso a una atención especializada excepcional cerca de su hogar.

Este compromiso forma parte de la visión del Distrito para proporcionar la mejor atención centrada en el paciente en la región del Noroeste del Pacífico. Médicos distinguidos de Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OOA) y Olympia Health, tales como Justin Anderson, MD, y Haroon Yousaf, MD, contribuyen a hacer realidad esta visión.

La trayectoria en el campo de la ortopedia del Dr. Anderson

El Dr. Justin Anderson atiende a pacientes ortopédicos dos veces por semana en la Mason Clinic y hace cirugías una vez por semana en el Mason General Hospital. Divide el resto de su tiempo atendiendo pacientes de trauma en Providence St. Peter Hospital en Olimpia y. pacientes en clínica en OOA. Inició sus actividades en Mason Health en octubre de 2023.

“Esta es una gran alianza entre OOA y Mason Health”, expresó el Dr. Anderson. “Las poblaciones de pacientes son ligeramente diferentes. La gente aquí en el área rural está más interesada en maximizar el tratamiento conservador”.

“Quiero prestar un buen servicio a la comunidad como un todo y comunicarle a la gente que estoy dispuesto a ntrabajar con ellos. Mi lema es hacer tantos intentos como sea posible antes de recurrir a la cirugía.”

La trayectoria del Dr. Anderson en el área de la ortopedia comenzó a una edad temprana, impulsado por una auténtica fascinación con la medicina. Al haber crecido en una pequeña ciudad playera en los puntos septentrionales de la costa de Jersey, estuvo expuesto al mundo de la cirugía ortopédica a través de interacciones con amigos de la familia que eran profesionales en la materia.

Su deseo de curar a la gente, reparar huesos rotos, y facilitar su reincorporación a la vida saludable lo condujo por un camino que culminó en la Mason Clinic. Se graduó de la Universidad de Rochester en 2012 con una Licenciatura de Ciencias en Ciencias Biológicas, y luego obtuvo su título médico en la Universidad de Columbia en 2016.

Prestó servicio en el Ejército de los Estados Unidos como cirujano ortopédico y completó su pasantía y residencia en 2021 en el Madigan Army Medical Center en la Base Conjunta Lewis-McChord en Tacoma, donde conoció a su actual esposa, Claudia. Dos años antes de ingresar a Mason Health, se desempeñó como cirujano ortopédico del personal médico en Fort Cavazos (anteriormente Fort Hood) en Texas.

“Cuando ingresas en algunas de las bases más pequeñas, tu población de pacientes puede ser los miembros militares jóvenes, activos y en forma, que tal vez estén siendo tratados por lesiones deportivas y ese tipo de

cosas”, explicó. “En las bases más grandes, es probable que atiendas a personas mayores y a sus familiares. Mi práctica profesional consistió en cirugías de mano y medicina deportiva. En Madigan, hice un poco de todo. También hicimos rotaciones comunitarias y fue entonces cuando trabajé por primera vez con Oly Ortho”.

Cuando llegó el momento de establecerse en un lugar para vivir, el Dr. Anderson y su esposa optaron por residir más cerca de sus padres en Washington, dado que ya estaban criando a su hijo pequeño. El Dr. Anderson conocía a OOA a través de sus rotaciones de residencia y sentía que este nuevo cargo en la Mason Clinic podría ser emocionante. “Sabía en qué me estaba metiendo y el trabajo que iban a hacer parecía ser una gran colaboración”, dijo. “Como queríamos estar más cerca de la familia, la sentí como una oportunidad de puro beneficio”. OOA ha sido socio de Mason Health durante años y se enorgullece de impulsar la asociación con los días de clínica especializada del Dr. Anderson en el Condado de Mason. “OOA se enorgullece de su asociación con Mason Health para promover nuestro compromiso compartido de cuidar a nuestros pacientes de la mejor manera posible”, declaró el CEO de OOA, Ben Shah. “Al trabajar en conjunto, proporcionamos especialistas en ortopedia y neurocirugía de forma directa en el condado de Mason, lo que asegura que todos tengan acceso a la mejor atención disponible”.

El

compromiso del Dr. Yousaf con los pacientes y los servicios

de cardiología

En el ámbito de la cardiología, el Dr. Haroon Yousaf aporta una gran cuota de experiencia y un trato compasivo en lo que respecta al cuidado de los pacientes.

Nacido en Pakistán, el interés del Dr. Yousaf por la medicina, particularmente la cardiología, apareció a una edad temprana, y fue inspirado por muchos miembros de la familia que que se desempeñaban en el área de la medicina.

“Me parecía que el corazón era un órgano fascinante”, explicó. “Siempre me ha fascinado. Siempre quise conocer más sobre él. Los Estados Unidos me brindaron una oportunidad única para aprender más”.

El Dr. Yousaf se graduó de la escuela de medicina en 2004 en Pakistán, y luego completó su residencia en el Interfaith Hospital en Brooklyn, Nueva York, en 2010. Después de ello, en 2015, cursó una Maestría de Ciencias de la Salud en Investigación Clínica en la Escuela de Salud Pública de Johns Hopkins Bloomberg.

Trabajó como médico adjunto en la Universidad del Sur de California en el programa de cardiología para trasplantes por insuficiencia cardíaca y luego en el programa de medicina cardiovascular. Siempre ha estado interesado tanto en el aspecto práctico como en el aspecto clínico de la medicina, así como en el ámbito de la investigación.

Su dedicación a los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca y su participación en los ensayos controlados aleatorios demostraron su compromiso con el desarrollo de los aspectos clínicos y de investigación de la cardiología.

“He tratado a pacientes muy pero muy enfermos que recurren a nosotros después de un ataque al corazón con un bloqueo completo”, comentó el Dr. Yousaf. “Se siente bien poder ayudar a los pacientes y luego permitirles

Justin Anderson, MD

Haroon Yousaf, MD

ir a casa al día siguiente. Siempre me ha interesado el ámbito de la investigación, y también creo que me ayuda a ser un mejor cardiólogo”.

El Dr. Yousaf tiene licencia desde 2020 para ejercer dentro del estado de Washington y ha brindado una atención cardiológica excepcional en el suroeste de Washington, desde Olympia y Centralia hasta Shelton y Aberdeen.

La decisión del Dr. Yousaf de unirse a Mason Health fue motivada por su deseo de contribuir con un hospital profesional de reputación estelar y con un personal que brinda apoyo. Al reconocer la necesidad que existe respecto de servicios de cardiología accesibles en el área, su objetivo es facilitar la vida de los pacientes que antes tenían que viajar por todo el estado para recibir atención especializada.

“La gente en Washington es increíble”, dijo. “Había visitado el Mason General Hospital un par de veces, y eso me inspiró a trabajar con Mason Health”.

“Pude ver que era un hospital muy profesional con un personal increíble. No quiero que la gente tenga que viajar por todo el estado simplemente para consultar con un cardiólogo”, afirmó Yousaf.

A lo largo de los años, Mason Health ha identificado los servicios de atención médica que no se encuentran plenamente disponibles en nuestra área y ha ido en busca de asociaciones que puedan satisfacer estas necesidades.

“Las alianzas de Mason Health con Olympia Orthopedic Associates y Olympia Health para la atención ortopédica y cardiológica amplía nuestra oferta de servicios más allá de los que somos capaces de proporcionar por nuestra cuenta”, declaró Mark Batty, Director Ejecutivo de Salud de Mason.

Y añadió: Estas alianzas acercan la atención médica al hogar de los pacientes.

“La integración de la ortopedia y cardiología en nuestras operaciones clínicas proporciona una transición perfecta para que los pacientes reciban atención primaria y especializada en un solo lugar”, explicó Batty. “Estas colaboraciones permiten a los pacientes de Mason Health recibir atención en un entorno con el que estén familiarizados y cerca de su hogar. No podemos dejar de resaltar el valor de estas alianzas y cómo permiten que Mason Health proporcione servicios adicionales de atención médica dentro de nuestra comunidad”.

Junto con el Dr. Yousaf, el cardiólogo Fahad Younas, MD, también formará parte de la Mason Clinic.

Para programar una cita con un especialista, por favor solicite una derivación a su proveedor de atención primaria de la Mason Clinic llamando al 360-426-2653.

Los jóvenes del Condado de Mason brillan como voluntarios de salud de Mason

El conserje voluntario de la Mason Clinic, Bryan Lorenzo Temisqueño, puede hablar varios idiomas, lo que ha sido un beneficio para los pacientes que ingresan a la institución.

“Me he dado cuenta de toda la gran ayuda que puedo brindar a mi comunidad siendo bilingüe y así ayudar a los pacientes a superar las barreras idiomáticas”, comentó Lorenzo Temisqueño.

Bryan Lorenzo Temisqueño posa frente al mostrador de voluntarios de la Clínica Mason. Lorenzo Temisqueño es voluntario de conserjería de la Mason Clinic y ayuda a los pacientes a orientarse dentro de la institución, además de otras tareas. ¿Necesita reprogramar su cita?

“Puedo ayudarles comunicándoles las instrucciones correctas que necesitan para encontrar la asistencia médica que requieren”. Lorenzo Temisqueño también tomó en serio algunos consejos que Hilburger le dio: “Si ves una necesidad, sé la necesidad”.

“Ayudo al personal de recepción con tareas pequeñas tales como llevar ciertos documentos a otro departamento o también a los pacientes que necesitan asistencia para encontrar algún departamento de la clínica”, dijo. “Llevar a los miembros adultos mayores en sillas de ruedas y ayudarles de cualquier forma que necesiten son elementos que hacen mucho más cómoda su experiencia en Mason Health”.

Lorenzo Temisqueño decidió ser voluntario en Mason Health porque quiere seguir una carrera en el campo médico. Su consejera de la Shelton High School, la especialista del Centro de Carreras Jill Bourgault, lo ayudó a tomar contacto con las oportunidades de voluntariado en Mason Health. “Cuando los estudiantes se ofrecen como voluntarios, desarrollan habilidades para la vida y se vuelven personas versátiles”, dijo Bourgault. “Al comenzar jóvenes, los estudiantes reciben una oportunidad para aprender y convertirse en miembros valiosos de la sociedad. El voluntariado construye empatía y conexión. Pasar tiempo ayudando a otros contribuye a forjar una compasión de una manera que es difícil de replicar.”

Si usted está interesado en cualquiera de nuestras oportunidades de voluntariado por favor póngase en contacto con Iris Hilburger por correo electrónico a ihilburger@masongeneral.com o llame al 360-968-0001.

Si necesita cancelar o reprogramar su cita, por favor avise a la Mason Clinic tan pronto como pueda. Las cancelaciones deben hacerse al menos un día hábil antes de su fecha programada.

Desde el 18 de marzo, se solicita a los pacientes que concurran a Mason Clinic después de su horario de cita programada que llamen al 360-426-2653 para reprogramar su consulta.

Fahad Younas, MD

Mission Statement

United Community, Empowered People, Exceptional Health

Published by: Mason Health. Editor-in-Chief: Jennifer Capps, Chief Development & Communication Officer. Writing & Editing: Arla Shephard Bull, Marketing Coordinator. Proofreader & Fact Checker: Penny Nielsen. Designed by: BatFish Ink LLC. Printed by: The Shopper Business Office/Patient Accounts: 2505 Olympic Highway North, Suite #450, Shelton, WA 98584. Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 360-427-3601 (or 360-275-8614 from Allyn) or email hospitalbillingquestions@masongeneral.com for questions about your bill. A Spanish translator is available.

Mason Health: Located at: 901 Mountain View Drive, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001 • 360-426-1611, from Allyn 360-275-8614, Toll free 855-880-3201, TTY/TDD 360-427-9593 • Serving the medical needs of Mason County since 1968 • Accredited by DNV-GL • Free Translation Services Provided/Se habla español • Equal Opportunity Provider • Mason Health informs the public, patients, and employees that the agency does not discriminate on the basis of a patient’s age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation), religion, culture, physical or mental disability, financial status or condition (including the terminally ill or dying), limited English, visual, hearing or learning impaired.

Visiting hours: Every day 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. All visitors should enter through the MGH Main Entrance, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours or Sunday visitors can use the Emergency Department entrance.

Mason Clinic hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Mason Clinic Lab Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. to noon • Mason Clinic Walk-In hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat/Sun: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Administration: Eric Moll, Chief Executive Officer; Darrin Moody, President/Commissioner, Gayle Weston, Secretary/Commissioner, and Don Welander, Commissioner.

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Our Community Credit Union

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