Issuu

VOL: 2 ISSUE: 4

Richard King:

A Heart Of Rock ‘N Roll

BReaSt CaNCeR BReaKtHRougH: NEW TECHNOLOGY IS SAVING LIVES IN MID-MISSOURI

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Boone Hospital Center’s mission is to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Dan Rothery President

Angy Littrell Director

Ben Cornelius Communications and Marketing Manager

Jacob Luecke Media Relations Manager

Shannon Whitney Communications Coordinator Photos By:

Dave Hoffmaster L.G. Patterson

1600 East Broadway Columbia, MO 65201 573-815-8000 For a free subscription, call 573-815-3392 or visit myBooneHealth.com and click on the subscription link on the right side of the page.

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5 ................................................ A Note From Boone Hospital President Dan Rothery 6 ..................................................................................................... myBoone Health Stories 8 ................................................................................................................ Hospital Headlines 10.................................................................................................................. Keeping The Beat 13............................................................................................................. Remember To Laugh 14.................................................................................................................. Boone Dog Saints 16........................................................................................................... Advice Worth Sharing 18............................................................................................................ Going The Extra Mile 19.................................................................................................................. Racing For A Cure 20 .................................................................................................. Autumn’s Delicious Décor 22 .................................................................................................................. Eli’s Angel Hands 24 ................................................................................... Eat Healthy, Eat Less, Move More 26 .................................................................................................................. Back On His Feet 27................................................................................................................ Snapshots Of Care 28 .............................................................. Inside The Heart Of The Health Care Debate 30 ....................................................................................................... A Touching Monument BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Note From Dan Dignity Is A Big Deal

I Dan Rothery President Boone Hospital Center

truly enjoy reading the letters of thanks we receive from patients and community members. It’s easily one of the best parts of my job. What I love about these letters is they are often inspired by seemingly small gestures — the kindness of a caregiver, a nurse with a contagious laugh, a doctor with a gift for clear communication. If you want to see what I’m talking about, flip to the next page and read the letters people have shared for this magazine. As a hospital leader, I’m often focused on big things, like striving to have the best medical technology available, keeping our care efficient and ensuring our staff is highly trained. Yet, the letters from our patients remind me that the small, personal connections are often truly what matter. These interactions make people feel comfortable here, allowing them to relax and let healing happen. It’s about making sure that when people are at Boone Hospital, their dignity is safe. This is what our current advertising is all about. It’s about making dignity a big deal and highlighting the little acts that make a significant difference. We want to recognize that how we treat people is often just as important as how we treat people. This isn’t a change for us; we have a long tradition of dignity. It’s part of our culture. It’s a big reason why this hospital is such a wonderful place to work. And it’s the source of so many letters that cross my inbox. So whenever you need us, please know that we’ll protect your dignity and work our hardest to give you outstanding treatment — in every sense of the word.

Daniel J. Rothery

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

myBoone Health Stories Visit myBooneHealth.com To Read More — And Share Your Own Story

Care Made The Difference During Cancer Scare By Gwen Nolan

cannot say enough about Dr. Crowder and her skill as a doctor and surgeon. Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, but she helped me through it and saved my life. Both Dr. Crowder and Boone Hospital took amazing care of me after three surgeries with an exceptional level of competence and compassion. I am forever grateful. Since my diagnosis, I have had several encounters with Boone Hospital, and in every single case, the care was exceptional. What meant as much to me, though, was the kindness and compassion demonstrated by the staff. I was scared, my husband was scared, and in spite of being in the medical field myself (I am a speech pathologist), I felt lost. When I say the doctor and hospital staff made the difference, I mean it. I had to have faith in the people treating me, and never once did I feel like I would be better served by going to a different doctor or hospital or to a bigger city.

Following the third surgery, I had chemotherapy and radiation at Missouri Cancer Associates and felt good knowing they admitted to Boone. My care there was exceptional as well, and today I am a survivor. I am grateful to Dr. Crowder and Rachel for saving my life and for coordinating my care, to the doctors at MCA and their staff for their excellence in treatment to eliminate any cancer that couldn’t be seen, and to the staff at Boone Hospital for their expertise, kindness and a personal level of care that made me feel like more than a disease — I felt like a person. As an aside, in my work I encounter people who come in for rehab following a hospital stay. Those people who have been treated at Boone Hospital consistently express the same level of satisfaction for the care they received. That says something about your hospital and the people who work there.

Thanks For Boone’s Love And Compassion By Stacey Ferguson

y dad spent the last two weeks of his life at Boone Hospital. Dad had colorectal cancer. He was diagnosed two years ago. Two weeks ago he had another bowel obstruction and needed surgery. We thought he would recover and go home, but God had other plans. Dad never fully recovered; his body was worn out.

A week after the surgery he suffered a stroke and had more surgery. Dad passed two days later. The care he received and the care the family received was wonderful those last two weeks Dad spent in the ICU. The nurses were nothing but wonderful with Dad and us. I am very pleased with the care he received and the love and compassion that was shown to us by the nurses.

From Tiny Infant To Healthy Girl By Wendahl Martin, Columbia

y daughter was born at Boone weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces. Thanks to the hard work and constant care she received from the best staff anyone could ask for, she is now a healthy little girl with no side effects. And the care did not stop there. They have stayed by our side throughout the whole time. We are so lucky to have Boone Hospital. Adrienne has been cleared of any problems that tend to come along with being a premature baby. Matter of fact, she is a year ahead of where she is supposed to be, and is in gymnastics classes. We owe it all to the doctors and nurses at Boone Hospital.

Caregivers Were Wonderful During Brain Surgery By Stacy Eschliman Davis Two weeks ago today I had brain surgery performed by Dr. Ryan. I cannot thank everyone at Boone enough. They took excellent care of me and made my entire family feel much more at ease and very comfortable considering the situation. Your nurses, doctors, anesthesiologist and all support staff were just wonderful. Thank you so much! 6

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

Share your story myBooneHealth.com

Patient’s Family Praises Individualized Care By Lilie Galloway, Hannibal

h, I sure hope Judy comes back tonight,” said my mom, who was in the cardiac surgery step-down floor this past week. Sure enough, at shift change we could hear Judy’s contagious chuckle ringing down the hall as she approached the room. Judy McGhee has been such a joy to be with this past week. She has offered excellence in standard nursing care, but it was the laughter, the individualized care and the true concern in answering our questions about a myriad of issues that separated her from the rest of the high-quality staff. We had the pleasure of watching her mentor a wonderful new little nurse named Christine, a lucky young nurse to be given such a fine, experienced medical professional. Thank you, Judy! The Lilie Galloway Family

Staff Was “Amazing” During Birth Of First Child By Jessica Branstetter, Green City

here to begin? Boone Hospital Center is a wonderful hospital with many dedicated staff members. I live two hours away and will not even go to my local hospital because of the great experiences with Boone. Six months ago, I gave birth to my first child. It was the longest 33 hours of my life! But through those hours I had amazing nurses through each shift keeping me comfortable and helping me every step of the way. My OB nurses were Hilary, Denise and Molly. That night as they were getting off their shifts, I was upset they weren’t going to be there for the birth. The following night I was 30 hours in labor and Hilary came back and was able to assist in delivering. I have been seeing Dr. Moreton now for over seven years and I always enjoy the feedback I get from him. When Dr. Moreton put me on bed rest in February,

I was devastated that I wasn’t going to be able to teach any more this year. “It’s MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) season, Dr. Moreton. Don’t you know how important this time is right now for all teachers throughout the state of Missouri?” And his response was, “This is just one of these moments in your young adult life where you cannot be in control.” Boy was he right! I have learned so much from him and I was so glad he was able to deliver my first child. I cannot thank Dr. Moreton, Hilary, Denise, Molly, the student nurses and the rest of the amazing staff enough.

A Somber Moment This photo by Dave Hoffmaster captures the moment when the funeral procession for Spc. Sterling Wyatt was about to pass under Boone Hospital’s pedestrian bridge. Spc. Wyatt was killed in Afghanistan on July 11. When shared on Facebook, the photo touched hearts around mid-Missouri. More than 35,000 people viewed the photo, which received 1,885 “likes” and was shared 234 times. BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Hospital Headlines News From Boone Hospital Center

Boone Nurse Featured In MACC Advertisement

oone Hospital Center nurse Quenna Kovar, RN, stars in a new advertisement for Moberly Area Community College. Kovar graduated from MACC in 2009 with an associate’s degree in nursing. She now serves patients as a specialty lead in surgery. In the advertisement, she said that while nursing school was difficult, it allowed her to enter a rewarding career where she can make a big difference in people’s lives. “So, if you’re excited about going to nursing school, it’s worth it,” she said. “All of the hours and the tests and everything you put into it is definitely worth it when you’re sitting there with your patient, holding their hand, telling them it will be OK, telling them what to expect in surgery and afterwards, and teaching them how to take care of themselves when they go home. The gratitude the patient and family gives you makes it all worth it.”

National Speaker Comes To Day One

hange is hard. Amy Dee-Kristensen understands. Dee-Kristensen, a national speaker, will share parts of her extraordinary life story during Day One, a free weight loss motivational event hosted by Boone Hospital Center and Columbia Bariatric Associates. With help from Dee-Kristensen, Day One participants will make a confident first step toward their weight loss goals. They will leave motivated, educated and empowered — ready to conquer days two, three and beyond. Day One will be held on Oct. 20 at the Boone Hospital Conference Center. The free event begins with breakfast and health screenings from 7 to 8 a.m., followed by presentations from 8 to 10 a.m. Space is limited, so register now by calling 573-815-6400 or 800-872-9008. Registrants also have a chance to win an iPad.

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

A Big Month For Babies Although August is typically a big month for Boone Babies, this was beyond big. In August, 213 babies were born at the Boone Family Birthplace. That sets a new record for the busiest month ever in Labor and Delivery. Congratulations to the staff, physicians and parents who make sure every single Boone Baby is a very special delivery.

The latest news boone.org

Setting The Pace For Healthy Lifestyles

undreds of local children had a summer full of healthy activity, thanks to Kids on Track, a WELLAWARE health promotion. Kids on Track challenged local children ages 14 and younger to run, walk or bike 26.2 miles, a full marathon, over the course of the summer. More than 600 students participated, tracking their progress and receiving gifts from local organizations as they reached checkpoints along the way. During a finale event held on Aug. 9, many parents said the program inspired their children to get outdoors and experience the benefits of exercise.

WELLAWARE would like to thank the many local organizations that pitched in as event sponsors and offered incentives to the students, including: AmerenUE, ARC – Activity & Recreation Center, B&B Bagel, Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Inc., Boone County National Bank, Boone Electric Cooperative, Collision Center of Columbia, Commerce Bank, Culligan, Dairy Queen, Empire Roller Rink, Hollywood Stadium 14, Hoss’s Market, Hy-Vee, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Subs, MC Sports, Missouri Employers Mutual, Shakespeare’s Pizza, Subway and WELLAWARE.

Nurse Wins Columbia Slimdown Challenge

oone Hospital Center Nurse Michelle Crowe took first place in the Columbia Slimdown Challenge after losing 23.558 percent of her body weight. Thousands of people competed in the city-wide weight loss challenge. Crowe’s incredible weight loss — 49.2 pounds — happened between May 1 and August 1. She credited much of her success to a strict adherence to the Paleo Diet. As part of the diet, she stopped eating processed food, dairy, legumes and sugar. “It’s incredible; it changes your life,” Crowe said. Crowe has struggled with her weight since she was a pre-teen. But now she’s in “absolutely” the best shape of her life. The change also helps in her job at Boone Hospital, where she often works long shifts serving patients in the Labor and Delivery Unit. “Here, you’re on your feet a long time. A lot of us go home and our feet are puffy and swollen,” she said. “But I don’t have any of that anymore.” Crowe has run two marathons in the past, and she’s now looking forward to her third. “I can’t wait to run a marathon 49 pounds lighter,” she said. BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Keeping the Beat

With A Fixed Heart, Columbia’s Music Man Is Back

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

All down Ninth Street, thousands of heads are bobbing and feet are tapping. They’re moved by this rhythm: The kick drum thumps on the downbeat while the high-hat lightly ticks across sixteenth notes. The snare skips alongside, touching the occasional upbeat. At the front of the stage, country musician Corey Smith plays guitar and sings his popular song, “If I Could Do It Again.” The fans smile and sing along to Smith’s nostalgic lyrics about his wild teenage years, but it’s the rhythm that holds it all together. Richard King is hosting this street party, which

happened on Sept. 7. King owns the Blue Note music club in Columbia. He puts on more than 200 concerts each year. He’s made a career out of understanding what makes people groove to live music — a catchy beat. But this year, good rhythm took on an even more important meaning for King when he was diagnosed with severe stenosis of the aortic valve. “When the words ‘open heart surgery’ came out of my doctor’s mouth, my jaw just dropped,” he said. For the first time in years, the always-moving King was forced to skip a beat — and refocus on his own rhythm.

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

and everything went smoothly. “It was a great experience in terms of how they took care of me,” King said. “I couldn’t believe the great care that I got. I thought, ‘Do they do all this for everyone? Are they this good with everybody?’” Even with the successful surgery, getting back to speed would take time. He was going to have to focus on his health. As always, music played a part. Several musicians heard about King’s condition and bands sent care packages with CDs. Just a little something to help get King’s heart back up to tempo.

Strong As Ever

Unpredictable Rhythm

A good beat needs to be just a little unpredictable — you need to throw out something new to keep it fresh. King’s life took an unexpected turn in August 1975. That month, King drove away from his native Pennsylvania, heading west for a new beginning. His eyes were on California. Along the way, he stopped at a friend’s place in Columbia. Needing money to continue his trip, he got a job. As sometimes happens, one thing rolled into another. Years passed. Before long it was 1980, and King and a partner were opening the Blue Note. This would become King’s career. Over time, the Blue Note became the top music club in mid-Missouri, bringing in both major national acts and up-and-coming musicians. In the early days, King remembers spending late nights working at his club, hanging out with bands and going to parties. “It was my whole life as far as I was concerned,” he said. As the years went by, he married and had two sons. While he remained devoted 12

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

to music and the Blue Note, he also began trying to find a more balanced life. He took up exercise and became serious about it. He competed in triathlons and ran a marathon. “Once you learn how to exercise and you get it into your lifestyle it becomes a very addictive hobby,” King said. But last year, during his regular runs, King, 58, began to feel pain in his shoulder and chest. Doctors removed bone spurs from his shoulder, but the chest pain persisted. Additional testing revealed King’s heart condition. His aortic valve had narrowed, obstructing blood flow. He would need open heart surgery. King’s cardiologist, James Elliott, MD, FACC, said that King’s work to keep his body in shape made him more likely to have a strong recovery. “The healthier you are going in, the more able you are to recover from the rigors of surgery,” Dr. Elliott said. King realized now was the best time to confront this problem. “I thought, ‘Let’s get this over with; let’s get this done,’” King said. His surgery was scheduled for May 22,

Because rhythm is so important to a live music, it’s always good to have a backup drummer. King has a few dozen backing him up. King spent much of the summer recuperating. That meant a diminished role for him at the Blue Note, so he relied on his roughly 50 staff members to keep tempo. “My employees all really stepped up,” he said. During his time away, he’s been regaining strength at Boone Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab. “I love going to rehab,” he said. “I feel really, really good. And I don’t think I’m even 100 percent yet.” He said his heart scare was a lifechanging experience. He now tries to work from home more often, so he can be with his wife and sons. “It’s an experience that makes you think about what you’re doing and what’s important,” he said. But music is still his career and his passion, and he’s finding that his repaired heart is giving him a stronger beat. Before his procedure, he would nap often, couldn’t run as far and was exhausted in the evenings. Now things are different. He has more energy than he’s had in years. “I’m very optimistic for total recovery,” Dr. Elliott said. “Richard’s long-term prognosis is excellent.” And that’s a good thing. The Blue Note has a number of big shows planned for the fall. And there’s King’s giant Roots N Blues N BBQ festival, which drew tens of thousands of fans. Doctors have also given him the thumbs up to run a half marathon on Thanksgiving Day. He’s ready to go. “Then, I’ll really be back,” he said. His beat is back. Strong as ever. By Jacob Luecke

Remember to Laugh

Buy the book Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com

Book Tells The Story Of Family’s Life After Paralysis

indy Blackmore worked full-time and was involved in her church and the local school. She and her husband Darwin, or Doc for short, were excited to send their youngest child to college and start a new chapter of their adventure. A few weeks later, their lives changed. While on a hunting trip in Colorado, Doc suffered a debilitating accident that left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chin down. Cindy documented their journey of therapy and rediscovering what it means to be in love through her journals and emails. Later, she wrote a book about her final years with Doc, called Remember to Laugh. At first Doc couldn’t talk or move at all. He communicated by using a blinking system Cindy devised. Later, he regained his speech and was able to give talks to church groups around midRemember To Missouri. Laugh shares the Doc underwent most of this initial treatment and surgeries, little miracles that as well as the majority of his happened every therapy, in Colorado where the day and shows accident happened. When the couple returned to Moberly, Doc the strength of came to Boone Hospital for any the Blackwell treatment. Cindy wrote about their immersion into the Boone family. family during an “They were like family; they unimaginable bent over backwards,” Cindy said. tragedy. She complimented the nurses’ attitudes and their desire to learn and ask questions because her husband was not a typical patient. “I used to hear stories about the nurses all wanting to try and get Doc as his or her patient,” she said. “I know it was because of the love in his room and his brilliant smile because he was probably the patient that required the most care. There was nothing easy about taking care of a quad, and yet they would argue about who claimed him for his or her shift.” Although he could not move from his wheelchair, Cindy and Doc shared many adventures in “Stan the Van,” their handicapaccessible minivan. They traveled, went fishing and watched many St. Louis Cardinals games. She said he was at Boone for at least five different stays and quite a few surgeries. Cindy explained that her family felt comfort from the staff during their stays at the hospital. “At our last stay in Boone, when Doc was slowly drifting to heaven, I had so many Boone employees that took the time to come in and tell me what we had meant to them. How we had changed their life for the better.” For Cindy and Doc, the accident and the recovery was a time for spiritual growth that they shared with hospital employees, friends,

family, and even strangers. Her book shares the little miracles that happened every day and shows the strength of their family during an unimaginable tragedy. Just a week before Doc’s 50th birthday and five years after a lifechanging accident, he passed away after losing a fight to pneumonia. Throughout Remember to Laugh, Cindy constantly credits her faith and her husband for making the book possible. “The story belonged to Doc, to me and to anyone that had been a part of it, and it needed to be told, and I needed to be the one to type the words.” Cindy’s book is available for purchase at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. All the profits from the book sales are used to purchase recreational equipment for paralyzed people, including fishing docks and bowling lanes. By Shannon Whitney BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Boone Dog Saints Dog Visitors Help Patients Feel At Home During Hospitalization

hen patients see Trooper scurrying around the hospital, they smile. Even Trooper, the 3-yearold therapy dog, looks like he’s smiling as his owner, Alice Morison, leads him around Boone Hospital Center. As a dog who has taken his hard knocks, it’s great to see him so happy. Earlier in life, Trooper and his sister were thrown from a moving car. Someone brought them both to the Humane Society, where Trooper’s leg had to be amputated. The veterinarian who performed the operation named him Trooper. Morison has lived in Columbia since 1975 and loves critters of all kinds. She volunteers at D&D Farm and Animal Sanctuary and the Central Missouri Humane Society. That’s how she and Trooper first crossed paths. She took him twice to KOMU’s “Pet Corner,” and after no one adopted him the second time, she did. “I tell everyone he already had a leg up on the other dogs at the Humane Society,” Morison says with a laugh. Her dry sense of humor perfectly compliments Trooper’s bright disposition.

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

They clearly have chemistry. She rescued Trooper, not knowing that he would do the same for her and so many others. In July 2011, Morison was hospitalized for severe pain, which led to a couple surgeries on her colon and a long stay at Boone Hospital. Morison got to know the nurses and physicians who, as she says, “brought her back to life.” One Sunday, she saw the therapy dogs who visit Boone each week. Dogs and their owners come into meet patients, offering comfort and friendship. In talking to the nurses, she learned about Boone’s pet policy, which allows canine visitors, with a few stipulations. She called her vet, Dr. Debbie Leach, who had been taking care of Trooper during Morison’s hospitalization. Dr. Leach brought Trooper up to visit on Thursday afternoons. Morison gets a little teary-eyed when she talks about seeing her beloved pet. “I missed him. It made me feel great,” she said. “Little kids have their blankie when they go to bed. He’s my blankie.”

She said sometimes when her compression hose would puff up in the middle of the night, she would think it was Trooper laying his head on her legs. Trooper was no stranger to health care environments. Morison brought him to the nursing home each week to visit her mother. “He’s not afraid at all of walkers or wheelchairs like most dogs are,” Morison says. “He accepts it and goes on. He has learned to stay out of the way of the wheels.” It almost seems as if the dog has a special place in his heart for people who can’t get around conventionally, like himself. “He just seems to have a sense for people who really need some kind of reassurance,” claims his adoring owner. Morison has spent time training him to stay in the yard and heel on command. When he obeys, anyone can see the adoring look he gives her as he patiently waits for his next command. Trooper also went to classes to become a therapy dog, but it’s clear his personality is what makes him a perfect fit for the job.

Boone’s Pet Policy ❏ Dogs and cats are welcomed

Trooper and Alice Morison visit the caregivers on 5 South, where Alice stayed this year.

Every Monday for the past year when Morison came back to have her bandages changed, she brought Trooper along. In the waiting room, he would bring smiles to kids and adults alike. v One little boy was shy at first, but eventually approached Trooper. Morison encouraged the boy to pet him, assuring him that Trooper was friendly and a therapy dog. After a few minutes the boy and Trooper were cuddling and talking like old friends. The boy’s mother approached Morison and explained that her son was autistic, terrified of dogs and never talked. Morison just smiled, “Well, evidently he’s not afraid of Trooper. He seems to like playing with him,” she answered. She was not surprised by Trooper’s healing presence; she has tons of anecdotes that tell of patients finding comfort in her three-legged friend. This August, Morison came back to have another surgery at Boone Hospital. Of course, Trooper came back to visit. By then he’d become a celebrity among the hospital’s staff. Martha Johnson in Customer Relations is one of Trooper’s favorites. He wags his tail impatiently at the door to her office, begging for a belly scratch. One day a family approached Morison asking if Trooper could visit their grandma. She had been in the hospital for two months and missed her three dogs at home. Johnson requested the vet fax over

visitors at Boone Hospital. (Other pets, such as birds, reptiles, rabbits, etc. are not permitted.) Before bringing in a pet to visit a loved one, please talk to a nurse and be prepared to show current documentation of shots.

❏ Not all patients should receive animal visitors. Talk to the nurses in that unit to be sure the patient is healthy enough to receive a visit from four-legged friends.

❏ Dogs and cats are permitted to visit specific inpatients when prior arrangements are made. Contact the house supervisor with questions.

Trooper’s records, and he was cleared for the visit. The woman’s son lifted Trooper onto the bed with his mother, and he sat next to her nuzzling and wagging his tail. “He’s really good. He never did try to step or lay on her; he just laid beside her,” Morison said. Morison and Trooper are back at home, together again. Now when they visit the hospital, nurses and staff rush over to greet them. Everyone inquires about her health and Trooper, too. Both are doing just fine. The nurses on the fifth floor are happy to see the puppy, but more excited to see Morison’s progress. She teases them and is happy to let them pet Trooper. “I am very proud of him,” said Morison. “He’s just paying it forward.” By Shannon

❏ Pets are only allowed in lobbies, visitor areas and the room of the patient who wishes to see the animal. (Any roommate must agree to the visit.) ❏ All animals should be bathed and brushed within 24 hours of the visit. ❏ Owner must have proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations. ❏ All animals must be on leashes. ❏ Animals should be well behaved and owner must assume responsibility for animal’s care, including cleaning up any “accidents.” ❏ Animals must be housebroken to enter hospital.

Whitney

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Advice Worth Sharing Breast Cancer Patient Says Mammography Saved Her Life, Twice

Penny Braun

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

enny Braun is mid-Missouri’s unofficial ambassador for annual mammograms. Over the last three years, pretty much anyone who has crossed Braun’s path has heard her speak about the need to get screened. That includes friends, family, acquaintances — even salespeople who call her house. “With me, it’s normally, ‘How do you do? Have you had your mammogram lately?” said Braun, 71, who is a retired English professor at Columbia College and executive director of the local Alzheimer’s Association. Just this summer, Braun made a point to stop some yard workers at her home as they were packing up to leave. “As they were leaving I told them, ‘You need to get your wives to go get their mammograms,’” she said. Braun’s devotion to encouraging mammography comes after screenings helped save her life — not once, but twice — over the last three years. As recommended for women who don’t have a family history of breast cancer, Braun began getting her annual mammogram at age 40. The screenings came back clear until three years ago, when doctors at Boone Hospital’s Harris Breast Center discovered a tiny cancerous lump in Braun’s right breast. She was startled by the cancer discovery. However, she was thankful doctors caught it early. As an even-tempered person, Braun said she simply hunkered down and completed her prescribed treatment. “I’m not likely to get scared,” she said. “My theory is that if they catch it early, at least you don’t have to worry that you’re too late to get it fixed.” By the next year, Braun was done with treatment and was cancer-free. But this July, her mammography at the Harris Breast Center again uncovered a cancer. This time, the cancer was in her left breast and was completely unrelated to her previous cancerous lump. Fortunately,

Schedule your mammogram boone.org/breastcenter

doctors also caught this cancer in an early stage. Dr. Terry Elwing, MD, a radiologist at the Harris Breast Center, said the hospital’s 3D mammography capabilities are what made it possible to detect Braun’s second cancer. The hospital introduced 3D mammography earlier in 2012. The new scan takes only a couple seconds longer than a traditional mammogram. However, in those extra seconds, the machine uses a technology called tomography to create a 3D image of the breast. Traditional mammograms provide radiologists just one flat two-dimensional image. But with 3D mammography, doctors can scan through the breast in layers, finding small cancers that were previously undetectable. Since 3D mammography was introduced at Boone Hospital, radiologists have been able to discover a number of cancers that would have been otherwise invisible. This allows treatment to begin sooner, when more treatment options are available. Dr. Elwing said without 3D mammography, Braun’s cancer might have gone undetected until it had reached a more advanced stage. “This is a cancer that with the older technology we might have not been able to detect for another two or three years,” she said. “But now, we’re finding these problems earlier than ever before, when they are easier to treat.” Braun is still going through treatment for her second cancer. Because it was detected early, she has strong hopes for a positive outcome. She said she’s been impressed by how kind, considerate and competent her service has been at Boone Hospital during her treatment. “Every single nurse, every single doctor seems genuinely concerned,” she said. “It’s been exhilarating. Frankly, I brag about them a lot.” Braun’s repeat experience with breast cancer, and the beneficial power of annual mammography, has only strengthened her desire to continue to preach about the importance of annual screenings. Just after her second diagnosis, she attended her regular Kiwanis Club meeting

Dr. Terry Elwing

and decided to stand in front of the room and make an impromptu speech about mammography. “I have something to tell you,” she told the group of mostly men. “The bad news is, I have breast cancer. But the good news

With 3D mammography, doctors can scan through the breast in layers, finding small cancers that were previously undetectable. is I know I have breast cancer. Please tell all your wives, all your daughters, all your daughters-in-law, to go get their mammograms because if you catch it early, it’s a treatable condition.” As she continues her treatment, Braun had three pieces of advice for anyone who will listen. First and foremost, she encourages

women to get a mammogram every year. This is a must. Second, between mammograms, she advises women to regularly check their breasts at home for lumps, and to follow up with a physician should they feel something unusual. Finally, Braun wants other women to understand that knowledge is power. She said she occasionally comes across women who avoid mammograms for one reason or another. Sometimes, it’s almost like they’re afraid to learn about a problem. But Braun said having a mammogram empowers a woman to move forward and takes worry-causing uncertainty out of the equation. “After a mammogram, either you can walk away and not think about it for another year, or get started on fixing what they found,” Braun said. “It’s an event that you need to deal with. And the sooner you can do it, the better off you are.” By Jacob

Luecke

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Melissa Hart

going the extra Mile Breast Center Staff Knows Their Service Is More Than A Job

elissa Hart is passionate about her work at the Harris Breast Center. As a registered mammography technologist, every day she witnesses the power of mammography to save women’s lives. She wants to encourage more and more women to get screened each year. Three years ago, she decided to take that message on the road. She purchased a personalized pink license plate for her vehicle that reads MAMGRL. “It was a fun way to let people know what I do and bring awareness that women need to be getting their mammograms,” she said. “I feel strongly about what I do, and this is a way to show that.” She hopes other drivers are getting the message. “They could be driving down the road and somebody could look at my plate and say, ‘MAMGRL, what does that mean? Hey, maybe I need to get my mammogram,’” she said. The entire team of caregivers at the Harris Breast Center shares Hart’s devotion 18

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to their profession and their patients. Registered Mammography Technologist Kristin Kempker said she and her colleagues go to great lengths to ensure women are getting the best care possible while at the breast center. “I care about each and every patient who comes through our door and I always do my best for every patient,” she said. “I see the same thing out of everyone I work with.” Kempker takes such pride in the Harris Breast Center that she encouraged her mother to drive from Illinois to have her annual screenings done at Boone Hospital. The hospital’s technology, expertise and level of care made the drive worth it. “It’s just really awesome and amazing what we do, especially with our new 3D technology; we’re able to see so much more,” Kempker said. “We really are the best place to get your mammogram, and I’m not just saying that because I work here.” The breast center’s patients tend to agree. Earlier this year, the Harris Breast Center earned impressive honors from PRC, a national organization that rates

hospital patient satisfaction based on phone interviews. The organization recognized the Harris Breast Center as a HealthCare Award Winner for 2012 for Top Scoring HealthCare Facility for Outpatient Breast Health Services Overall Quality of Care. The Harris Breast Center was also recognized with a Five Star Excellence Award for scoring in the top 10 percent nationally for patients describing their care as excellent. Laura Smith, supervisor of the Harris Breast Center, said a simple rule explains why so many patients have positive experiences. “It’s all about treating people the way you would want to be treated,” she said. By Jacob Luecke

Racing For A Cure Boone Hospital Supports Mid-Missouri Susan G. Komen Event

or the third year in a row, Boone staff, family, friends and patients teamed up to support breast cancer research at the Mid-Missouri Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Forty-six people ran or walked the 5K race with our team, including four breast cancer survivors. Nearly 3,000 people attended at the Mizzou Sports Plaza on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. Our T-shirts and pink Boone Hospital Center glasses could be spotted in the crowd of energetic racers on Sunday. Two Harris Breast Center employees answered questions and encouraged women over 40 to get an annual mammogram. The Know Your Numbers Mobile Health Unit was available for tours. Two massage therapists from WELLAWARE helped runners and walkers relax with short chair massages before and after the race. By Shannon Whitney

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

More health information boone.org/wellaware

Autumn’s Delicious Décor Carve Out Time For This Tasty Pumpkin Stew Recipe

umpkin pies are a mandatory accessory to any Thanksgiving meal, and when Pumpkin Spice Lattes return to the Starbucks menu, I swear the news travels faster than if College GameDay decided to come back to Mizzou. Because of this, I think it’s safe to say we as a society already love eating pumpkins. However, thanks to the convenience of canned pumpkin, I also think a lot of people have forgotten that you can actually eat a pumpkin. I’m talking a still-in-the-rind, carve-it-up-for-Halloween pumpkin. I don’t know about you, but up until a couple of years ago, I would look at a pumpkin and think, “Those are pretty decorations!” That’s because even though we are eating our fair share of pumpkin-flavored treats, the pumpkin itself tends to adorn our door steps and centerpieces more than our kitchen counters, and are then thrown away at the Kristy Lang, RD, LD end of the season. Food for thought: Do you buy apples for your fruit bowl and then just throw them away at the end of the month? I mean, pumpkins are pretty and they do make good fall décor. But by the end of this article, I hope to give everyone the motivation to actually take a knife to a pumpkin sometime this season and not because you’re going to carve a scary face into it. I want to run into you at the grocery store where you exclaim how delicious pumpkins are and tell me about all the amazing things you’ve made with them. So to get us to that point in time, here’s a story: A few years back I, like many mid-Missourians, spent a glorious fall weekend at the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival, and by the end of the afternoon I had a request to turn one of our newly purchased

pumpkins into pumpkin bread. I agreed. I mean, I was sure there was a way to turn this gourd into bread without the help of Libby’s, right? So I went home, put the pumpkin on my kitchen counter and did what everyone does when they lack the knowledge to do something. I Googled it. Two hours later I had three loaves of fresh, baked-fromscratch pumpkin bread coming out of the oven. I found out I only needed to steam that puppy in the microwave and give it a spin in my food processor to turn it into pureed pumpkin. Who knew? Now, I realize this might not be quite the epiphany to other people as it was to me, but it was still the first time I saw a pumpkin as food versus decoration. I realized that there were actually a lot of things I could make with pumpkin that had nothing to do with treats or the requirement of sweetened condensed milk. So if you’re ready to try out a pumpkin recipe yourself, might I recommend this stew?

Pumpkin, Chickpea and Red Lentil Stew Ingredients: 1  pound pie pumpkin or winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes 1  15 ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained 3  medium carrots, sliced 1/2 inch thick 1  cup chopped onion (1 large) 1  cup red lentils, rinsed and drained 2  tablespoons tomato paste

Directions: 1  tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1  tablespoon lime juice 1  teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4  cups chicken or vegetable broth 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 2  tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Plain nonfat yogurt (optional)

In a 3½ to 4-quart slow cooker, combine pumpkin, chickpeas, carrots, onion, lentils, tomato paste, ginger, lime juice, cumin, salt, turmeric and pepper. Pour broth over all in cooker. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8-10 hours or on high heat setting for 4-5 hours. Top each serving with peanuts, cilantro and if desired, yogurt/sour cream.

Nutrition facts per serving Calories: 275 Protein: 14g Carbohydrate: 46g Total Fat: 4g Saturated Fat: 1g Dietary Fiber: 10g

BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Eliâ€™s Angel Hands Family Honored For Raising Awareness Of Birth Defect

Fall 2012 BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER

Gibson family website sites.google.com/site/elisangelhands

The family also decided they would honor Eli’s memory by wo years ago, Yvonne and Brandon Gibson had never working to help others and by raising awareness of CDH. So heard of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia — a birth they started an organization called Eli’s Angel Hands, using Eli’s defect that would soon change the course of their lives handprint as their logo. forever. Eli’s Angel Hands creates care packages for parents of children On Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, the Gibsons arrived at admitted to Boone Hospital’s Intensive Care Nursery as well as angel the Boone Family Birthplace where Yvonne would deliver their families who have experienced the death of an infant at the hospital. son, Eli Douglass. It was a moment they and their 2 and a half They also send the packages to CDH families outside our area. year old daughter Emma Lauren had been anxiously awaiting. Yvonne said the care packages are a way to assist others the But immediately after giving birth, they could tell something same way she was supported when her family was going through was wrong. Eli’s entire body was purple, and he was struggling to this difficult time. breathe. “All of these people were reaching out to us. Even people we “In my head, I was saying, ‘He needs help,’” Yvonne said. “I was didn’t know,” she said. “It was just nice to know that when you are just telling him, ‘Come on buddy, breathe, breathe, breathe.’” in need, there are people out there thinking of you, praying for Eli was quickly given an X-ray, which revealed he had an opening you and helping you.” in his diaphragm. The opening had allowed his organs to grow into The family’s goal is to provide a package for every his chest cavity, pushing his heart to the right side and parent who has a child in Boone Hospital’s severely inhibiting the development of his lungs. Intensive Care Nursery and every angel family. Boone caregivers explained to Yvonne Eli’s Angel Hands provided 80 care packages and Brandon that the condition is called a in 2011, and has given 160 so far this year to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH. Boone, as well as sending care packages to The diagnosis was a shock. Until that point, other CDH families in other parts of the Yvonne and Brandon, like most parents of country. CDH babies, had never heard of CDH. The family does take monetary “We didn’t even know what that or item donations to help create the was,” Yvonne said. “And I couldn’t even packages. Yvonne said any potential pronounce it, let alone understand what donors should know Eli’s Angel Hands was happening to what looked on the is not a 501c3 tax-exempt organization, outside to be my perfectly healthy son.” and thus donations are not tax deductable When stable, Eli was transferred at this time. to University of Missouri Women’s and Yvonne is also helping with a national effort Children’s Hospital where he waited for a to establish an annual CDH Awareness Day helicopter to take him to St. Louis Children’s on March 31 each year. Having an official day Hospital. would help get the word out that CDH affects Brandon followed Eli to St. Louis, and “It was just nice to one in 2,000 newborns in the United States. Yvonne joined them the next day. know that when It would also highlight the need for more On Saturday, Eli’s condition worsened. research. There are still many unknowns about Yvonne and Brandon remember watching as you are in need, this birth defect and its causes. dozens of caregivers worked to save Eli’s life. there are people To build momentum for a national But in the end, as Yvonne says, “God chose to awareness day, Yvonne and families around the give him wings over feet.” out there thinking of country are asking their local elected officials Yvonne and Brandon held Eli, said their you, praying for you to make proclamations on March 31. goodbyes, and he passed away in their arms. and helping you.” This year, because of Yvonne’s work, the It had been an overwhelming and City of Columbia, Boone County and State devastating experience, all taking place in less — Yvonne Gibson of Missouri all recognized March 31 as CDH than two days. Awareness Day. “He was only alive for 42 hours, and that The Mizzou Tiger Football team also named the Gibson family was the longest 42 hours I’ve ever lived,” Brandon said. honorary captains of the Sept. 15 football game against Arizona As the family grieved and regrouped, they also sought to learn State. The family was invited onto the field and recognized for their more about CDH. continuing work to inform the public about CDH. Yvonne, who works at Boone Hospital as the foundation With the growing support for more awareness, and with the coordinator, was introduced to organizations for families work to assist families with infants in intensive care, the Gibson of children affected by CDH, such as Breath of Hope and family is doing their best to make sure their son’s short life has a CHERUBS. Through these groups, she spoke with parents who lasting impact. By Jacob Luecke had been through similar situations. BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

More health information boone.org/wellaware

eat Healthy, eat Less, Move More One Employee’s Down-To-Earth Approach To Losing Weight

ne day Sharon McCallister was dragging a 50-pound bag of potting soil to her picnic table, getting ready to plant some flowers. She was huffing and puffing, giving it her all, when the thought struck her. “That was my epiphany. I realized I was dragging three of those [bags] everywhere I went,” she said. “Every step I took, I was dragging three of those extra 50 pound bags around with me. That’s what did it — a bag of dirt. It’s true.” That pinpoints the exact moment her weight loss journey began. Three years later, the WELLAWARE employee is 148 pounds lighter and has a whole new outlook on life challenges.

Facing The Challenge

“I thought I put my heart into everything that I do that matters to me — my Christian walk, my marriage, my job at Boone. Everything I do, I want to give it my best. My health was probably the one thing in my life that I went about half-heartedly.” 24

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In her own words: “I thought I put my heart into everything that I do that matters to me — my Christian walk, my marriage, my job at Boone. Everything I do, I want to give it my best. My health was probably the one thing in my life that I went about half-heartedly.” Like many people, McCallister had trouble sticking to a healthy lifestyle, “I’ve stayed with my Christian walk; I’ve stayed with my husband. I thought, why can’t I take that work ethic and put it into getting healthy? I think when I came to that, it was a big eye-opener.” McCallister decided to recognize her excuses and face her fear. She took it one day and one meal at a time. She fell back on prayer when she felt the pressure to eat more. All in all, her changes boiled down to a simple philosophy, “Eat healthy, eat less, move more.”

Eat Healthy, Eat Less

In the past she had tried all types of diets. McCallister gave up carbohydrates or some other food to follow specific rules. Each one would work for a little while, but she always felt miserable and eventually gained the weight back, plus more. “I would feel like I was being disciplined, like I was in timeout because I was in trouble,” she said.

When she decided to get serious, she knew it would take a lifestyle change. She found a purpose to eat healthy and quit saying no, but started eating less. “If I don’t like the taste of a low-fat or fat-free salad dressing, I just don’t buy it. I buy products that I do like and eat less of them,” McCallister says. She will have a slice of pizza when she’s with her family or a piece of cake at a baby shower if she really wants it. It’s all about moderation and not denying herself treats.

Move More

She asked her husband to mark out a mile on their big driveway. Each morning she would lace up her shoes and walk 28 and a half laps, seven days a week. Later, she bought a Bowflex and still spends 20 minutes on it each morning before her day begins. McCallister works a little exercise into her everyday routines as well. She walks around the hospital without using the elevator, parks far from the doors at Wal-Mart, empties the dryer one piece of

laundry at a time instead of by handfuls, and uses the push mower instead of the riding lawn mower. She believes these little things add up and make a big difference in her commitment to health.

Celebration And Support

The other secret weapon in McCallister’s arsenal is her cheerleaders. Her daughters and husband inspired McCallister. Each lost weight successfully and went on to cheer for her progress. “I really made my family crazy doing it,” McCallister said. “Every ounce I lost, I reported. I know I wore them out, but they were very supportive and encouraging.” Instead of rewarding herself with food, she promised herself a new necklace or a top. As she shed the pounds, her new wardrobe of smaller clothes grew. Her coworkers at WELLAWARE were just as encouraging. Office chatter is often about an upcoming 5K or marathon. Her coworkers generally avoid bringing in unhealthy snacks, instead sharing recipes using fresh foods. “They truly represent what a team is,”

McCallister said. “They’ve done a beautiful job making me feel like part of that team. It’s such an honor.”

Honored By Boone

In August, McCallister was surprised at her desk by her coworkers carrying a bunch of balloons and a certificate. One of them nominated her for the Boone Hospital Health Literacy Health Hall of Fame. She won the annual award, which included tickets to a Cardinals game. “I appreciate the award, and I think it’s awesome. It’s very humbling,” McCallister said. “My greatest award is the weight loss, to feel good again and have the energy back and buy cuter clothes.” McCallister leaves anyone wanting to begin their journey with these words: “You can ultimately achieve the number on the scale you desired, but to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight, you have to have a purpose to be healthy every day. It is so much like learning; you can achieve your degree, but that doesn’t mean the learning ends. It should be something we all do every day.” By Shannon Whitney

Learn more boone.org/strokecenter

Back On His Feet

Stroke Survivor Jim Lee Is Back In Action With The Help Of Therapists And His Wife im Lee is back to dancing at the senior center three times a month thanks to a lot of therapy and his wife of 37 years, Emma. His road to recovery has lasted over a year, but he has impressed his nurses with his spirit and his smile. “I’ve gotten to where I can dance a little bit,” 81-year-old Jim said with a laugh. “I never was worth a darn at it, but I try.” Emma will be the first to tell of the milestones she’s watched her husband tackle since last June when he had a stroke. The couple was relaxing at a barbecue in Paris, Mo., one Saturday night when Jim tried to stand up. He couldn’t, because his whole right side was unresponsive. “I was aware of what was going on, but I didn’t know what was wrong with me,” Jim recalled of that evening. He and Emma decided to stop at the emergency room on their way back into town. On Monday, the doctors confirmed Jim had a stroke. They began to plan his recovery process.

about the time Jim made a nurse jump during an evaluation or when he asked a physical therapist to teach him curse words in another language. It’s clear they felt at home at Boone Hospital.

The Hero

Practice Makes Perfect

Jim spent a month in Boone Hospital on the therapy floor working on his speech and motor skills. Emma spent each day with him guiding her husband along the way. While staying at Boone, Jim and Emma met their hero: nurse Julie Macy. Macy worked regularly with Jim until he left the hospital. “Julie is my number one and Emma is number two; both have been troopers,” said Jim about his two leading ladies. Macy worked with Jim again in November, and later referred him to work on his progress at WELLAWARE during December 2011. Emma is grateful for Macy and her success with Jim. She joked, “I hope Julie doesn’t ask him to jump off the house, because he’d do it.” Other Boone employees made a lasting impression on the Lees too. They joke 26

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Jim and Emma Lee

The entire time Jim was recuperating from his stroke, he had one goal in mind: to come home. It was hard for such an independent guy to sleep in a hospital or a recliner. He was excited to get back to his home and back to his bed. Even once he returned to the villa he and Emma share on the west side of Columbia, things weren’t totally back to normal. Jim had a fall while trying to water his plants and depended on a stool to help him in the shower. He had a walker, but only used it for a month; he was ready to be independent again. Emma has cooked up her own therapy for him: balancing the checkbook. Jim is right-handed and one of the things he struggled with was relearning to write. Emma gives him practice each month.

“He pays the bills and writes my checks and does the whole thing. I’m making him do it, because he used to do it, and I want to get him back in the same routine. I don’t want him to slough off. I’m keeping him busy,” she said with a laugh. He smiled at her and said, “I still can’t write worth a darn yet.” “Oh yes he does,” she answered. “I think it’s good therapy for him.”

Cooperation

If you met Jim, you wouldn’t guess that a little over a year ago his right side didn’t function at all. He walks easily and chats about his two daughters, three grandkids and two great-grandkids. Although they don’t travel as often as they used to, last April the Lees went to Cancun for the wedding of one of their granddaughters. For Jim, the key to recovery is simple: “The key word I would say is ‘cooperate.’ Cooperate with your physical therapist, your speech therapist, all of them.” Emma was quick to pipe in, too. “Be willing to do it,” she said. “They sure did do wonders for him. He just had to work up to it.” By Shannon Whitney

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Snapshots of Care Boone Hospital Joins Instagram

his spring, Boone Hospital Center took another social media plunge. We opened an account with the popular photo blogging site, Instagram. Smartphone users can download the app and create a profile to share photos with friends. We post photos with vintage filters giving them an artistic flare. The Instagram crowd is quite diverse and includes local personalities, parents, students, athletes

and people from all over the world who share everyday photos. Boone Hospital Center also posts Instagram photos to Twitter and Facebook to share them with our other social networks. Some of our most popular photos so far include the installation of the new bricks in the Healing Garden and photos from our events. By Shannon Whitney

1) May 29, So sweet baby feet. 2) Aug. 2, Just what we do â€” dignity. 3) May 30, Flowers in bloom and brand new street banners. Happy summer! 4) July 19, In honor of Spc. Sterling Wyatt. 5) June 12, A vintage picture of our most vintage building. 6) June 8, Harpist in the Healing Garden. 7) Aug. 13, Ball of blooms on campus. 8) Sept. 11, A blimp flies over the hospital. BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Inside The Heart Of The Health Care Debate Boone Hospital Center Cardiologist Is Making An Impact In Washington, D.C.

here was only one thing making Dr. Jerry Kennett nervous as he arrived in Washington, D.C. in July to testify in front of Congress. It wasn’t the legislators. He’s been involved in political advocacy for the last 30 years, so politicians don’t intimidate Dr. Kennett. It wasn’t discussing the complexities of health care. As a longtime cardiologist and one of Boone’s top administrators, he knows the issues inside and out. Rather, the thing making Dr. Kennett nervous was a little red buzzer. The buzzer is something used by Congress to cut off speakers who go too long. Since Dr. Kennett was given just a few minutes to make his prepared remarks, he’d have to keep it short. 28

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“The experience itself was very exciting,” Dr. Kennett said. “When you get right down to it, the only thing that makes you nervous is you have to give your verbal testimony within five minutes, or you’ve got the red light right in front that goes off. I didn’t want that to happen.” Fortunately, it didn’t. Dr. Kennett was invited by the House Committee on Small Business to share his thoughts on the future of small and medium-sized private physician practices. It’s a topic Dr. Kennett knows a lot about. He’s practiced medicine since 1978, nearly all of those years at Boone Hospital Center as a member of a private physician group, Missouri Cardiovascular Specialists. His message to Congress was that physicians need more stability. Doctors have

faced years of increasing regulation. At the same time, they must confront a possibility of large annual cuts in reimbursement. All the changes are making it hard for physician practices, which are essentially small businesses, to plan for the future. “That has created a real problem for physicians,” he said. Although this is a major issue, it’s just one of many Dr. Kennett is currently working on in Washington, D.C. In March, he was appointed to the National Commission on Physician Payment Reform, a group working to make suggestions on transitioning physician payments from a volume-based system to a quality-based system. He also serves on advocacy and legislation committees for the American

College of Cardiology and the American Medical Association, groups that represent thousands of medical professionals and organizations across the nation. “Dr. Kennett has represented cardiologists and other physicians across the U.S. as well as Boone Hospital Center many times here in Washington, D.C. in drafting and supporting legislation to improve patient care and help reduce health care costs,” said Dr. James Fasules, senior vice president for advocacy for the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Kennett’s rising national profile gives Boone Hospital a direct link into the many debates regarding the future of health care. But despite the challenges ahead, he said it’s a future that looks very bright.

Rewarding Hobby

Working on legislation at a national level can be a stressful, complex, time-consuming and sometimes frustrating experience. Or, as Dr. Kennett said, “It’s fun.” He means it. He said his advocacy work has introduced him to many good friends around the country. And having a successful impact in government can be as rewarding as any pastime. “I don’t have any hobbies; I don’t play golf,” Dr. Kennett said. “So the politics of medicine has been my hobby for the past 30 years.” He started with his hobby by serving on state-level boards decades ago. Over the years, he slowly took on greater responsibility then moved to national duties. It’s been a natural progression. However, his initial inspiration to pursue medicine as a career was much more of a jolting experience. Kennett was raised near Millersburg, Mo., just east of Columbia. As he was growing up, he worked on his family’s small farm. “Everyone had certain chores they were expected to do,” he said. When he was 13, he was pulling a wagon full of corn behind a Ferguson 30 tractor, which lacked power steering. As he drove, the tractor hit a rut in the field and jerked the wheel sideways, tossing young Kennett off the tractor. The back wheel ran over him, and his foot caught on the tailpipe. He was dragged 100 yards until the tractor crashed into a creek.

Earlier this year, his service to patients and the field of medicine earned him the rare honor of being named Master of the American College of Cardiology. Only 106 cardiologists have ever been give the title of “Master.”

Brighter Future

Despite the accomplishments and national recognition, Dr. Kennett sees many challenges ahead. He said the muchdebated Affordable Care Act of 2010 was positive in that it helps expand coverage to at least 16 Dr. Jerry Kennett’s rising national million more Americans. But left largely undone profile gives Boone Hospital is the difficult work of a direct link into the many debates reducing health care costs. regarding the future of health care. There’s also the ongoing discussions about physician “Everybody thought I was dead,” he payment models, the problem of rising remembered. regulation and ensuring only necessary Miraculously, he only had a third-degree health procedures are performed. burn on his foot. With so many issues, it’s easy to become During his recovery, he became close pessimistic. But Dr. Kennett feels confident to his family physician, Dr. John Jefferson about where health care is heading. Brown. It was a turning point in his life. “The future of health care is very bright,” “I admired him tremendously. He he said. was a great physician,” Dr. Kennett said. Dr. Kennett reflects back to his early “From that point forward I wanted to be a days in medicine. At that time, there physician.” were no laparoscopic surgeries, no He attended medical school at the echocardiograms and no MRIs. University of Missouri where he chose “Just in the lifetime of my practice, cardiology as his specialty. Dr. Kennett said the advances they’ve made in the field of he finds heart care appealing because it’s medicine are unbelievable,” he said. “So 30 a practice full of emotion. Life or death is years from now, what will be here that we often at stake. He has the ability to help don’t even dream about at present?” preserve a person’s life. With advances in genetic modification It’s a powerful experience that sometimes and stem cell therapy, he sees the potential leaves him with tears in his eyes. for radical improvements in care options. “That’s why I was attracted to cardiology, “It’s entirely possible that, in the next the rich emotional experiences,” he said. 30 years, cardiovascular disease could be Today, Dr. Kennett is the chief medical eliminated,” he said. officer at Boone Hospital Center. Despite Along the way, Dr. Kennett’s national his many administrative duties, he still service will continue to keep Boone makes time to see patients every day. Hospital positioned on the leading edge “I really enjoy my patients,” he said. and ready for what’s to come. “They are wonderful. I have been very “We have a direct link to what lucky to have the patient population I happening in Congress,” he said. “That’s see including many people I consider good for the hospital and our medical friends.” staff.” By Jacob Luecke BOONE HOSPITAL CENTER Fall 2012

Ways to give boone.org/foundation

A Touching Monument Sculpture Finds A Home At Boone Hospital’s Healing Garden

life-sized statue newly installed outside Boone Hospital Center illustrates the bond between caregivers and their patients. The bronze statue, called “The Touch,” shows a young girl reaching out to feel the heartbeat of a seated physician. The work expresses that the relationship between caregivers and patients goes beyond medicine. There’s also a personal connection — one that can last a lifetime. “The Touch” debuted in 2007 at the YouZeum, where the statue greeted visitors near the entrance. The piece is a collaboration of sorts between artists Tammy Atkins and Mark Mueller. Atkins conceived the idea for the sculpture and created wax busts for the two figures in the piece. The models are based on Dr. Ira Hubbell, Atkins’ stepfather, and local girl Kelsey Knorr. But Atkins died before she could finish the work. Mueller was asked to take over and he worked to fulfill Atkins’ vision. “It was an honor to take over the completion of this work that was started by Tammy. We were sculpture students together at Mizzou, but beyond that we were friends and colleagues,” Mueller said. “Her untimely death was a shock to our entire school and I felt it was the least I could do to honor her memory by helping finish the sculpture.” After the YouZeum closed, a new permanent home was needed for “The Touch.” This summer, the piece was moved to Boone Hospital. It sits just outside the gate to the hospital’s Healing Garden where it is surrounded by flowers. Mueller, who now lives in Dallas, has not been able visit the sculpture at Boone Hospital. But he’s seen a photo. “It really does look wonderful in its new setting,” he said. “I think Tammy would be quite proud of it.” 30

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