Fall 2013
Drew Armstrong Medical Home Team Helps Transform Lives
President’s Letter Health care, like life, cannot stand still. The stakes are simply too high. Like Dave Ludwig and Drew Armstrong, more and more people struggle with diabetes and other chronic diseases that limit length and quality of life. Using an innovative team approach called Medical Home at Methodist Physicians Clinics, we are better able to protect life and limb, improve health, halt disease progression or prevent its onset. Like Debra Johnson and Gary Plog, millions of current and former smokers are at increased risk of lung cancer, the deadliest of all cancers. To find lung cancer earlier, when it is most curable, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center became the first and only Nebraska site for the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program. Our Lung Look Test is giving Debra, Gary and others their best chance at longer, healthier lives.
John M. Fraser
President and CEO Methodist Health System
Like Bianca and Jose Garcia, proud parents of quintuplets, all moms and dads want their babies welcomed into the world with remarkable care and caring. No matter how many bundles of joy are expected, we are ready to provide families the best possible start at Methodist Women’s Hospital, home to more than 10,000 births since opening in June 2010. We built our 192 Dodge campus not only to offer exceptional birth services, but to care for women and families in a new way, with more comprehensive, convenient and compassionate care throughout every stage of life. Construction continues at Methodist Hospital’s 84th Street campus, where we have broken ground on a $90 million surgical suite expansion project. More surgeries are performed here than at any other hospital in Nebraska, and we are committed to providing the surgical excellence that speeds healing, improves functionality and saves lives. We will continue moving forward with the new approaches, technologies and facilities needed to keep individuals, families and communities healthier — just one more way to live the Meaning of Care. Sincerely,
mstrong Drew Ar
Medical Home Page 4
2
Methodist Lung Look Test Page 8
Methodist Women’s Hospital Page 12
Quints Born at Methodist Women’s Hospital Page 16
bestcare.org
by Methodist Physicians Clinic, other Methodist Health System providers and students.
News Briefs KETV Backpack Program a Success For the first time in the history of the program, Methodist Health System was a presenting sponsor of the KETV 7 Can Help Kids/Salvation Army Back-to-School Backpack Program for needy children, and members of the Methodist family made a real difference.
“Methodist was proud to be the presenting sponsor of this program for the first time this year,” said Stephen Zubrod, corporate vice president of marketing for Methodist Health System. “We care about our community and are committed to giving back. Clearly this program was a huge success with the recordbreaking donations and distributions. We appreciate our employees and medical providers who participated and made it possible to help so many disadvantaged children in the Omaha community.”
Pro Golfer Fred Funk Visits Methodist Hospital Professional golfer Fred Funk, who was in Omaha for the U.S. Senior Open, stopped by Methodist Hospital to get a first-hand look at orthopedic services provided at Methodist.
Interest and participation in the 2013 program exceeded all expectations. Last year, approximately 11,000 backpacks were distributed. This year, over 13,000 backpacks were distributed. Blue collection barrels were located at all three Methodist Health System hospitals, Metro-area Methodist Physicians Clinics, Methodist Health System Corporate offices and the Nebraska Methodist College - The Josie Harper Campus. In addition to providing drop-off locations for school supplies, free back-to-school physicals were offered at three locations
Groundbreaking Held for Surgical Expansion/Renovation Project Methodist Hospital, the regional leader in surgeries, recently broke ground on a $90 million surgery renovation and expansion project. The project will expand the number of existing operating rooms from 12 to 15, while also increasing the total surgical square footage from 420 square feet to 650 square feet per room. Other project highlights include expanding the 32 prep and recovery rooms to 44 private rooms and the relocation of cardiac services into one convenient area of excellence.
Fred Funk meets with Mark Pitner, MD, and converses with other hospital staff.
Funk, who underwent knee replacement surgery in 2009, was given a tour of 8 North, the hospital’s orthopedic floor, the gym and rehab area. He also met with a former knee replacement patient of orthopedic surgeon Mark Pitner, MD, and conversed with other hospital staff.
Stephen Zubrod, corporate vice president of marketing, talks with KETV 7 about the Backpack program.
Officials taking part in the groundbreaking, from left: William Shiffermiller, MD, vice president medical affairs, Methodist Hospital; Spencer Stevens, board chairman, Methodist Hospital; Cyndy Peacock, president and CEO, Methodist Hospital Foundation; Steve Goeser, president and CEO, Methodist Hospital; John Fraser, president and CEO, Methodist Health System; Gary Leapley, executive vice president, MCL Construction; and Brian Halsey, associate vice president and senior project manager, HDR.
Funk says getting the chance to speak with other patients, and people in general, allows him to demonstrate how active you can be following knee replacement surgery.
At a press conference announcing the project, William Shiffermiller, MD, and vice president of medical affairs at Methodist Hospital, noted the excitement that was building on the part of physicians who perform surgeries at the 84th Street location. “Over the past several years we have been handicapped somewhat by an aging infrastructure,” Dr. Shiffermiller said. “This project removes any impediments to maintaining the highest standards in the region for surgical care.” Cyndy Peacock, Methodist Hospital Foundation CEO and president, said physicians have donated $4.3 million toward the project, which triggered a $20 million matching gift from an anonymous donor. The project is expected to take 3½ years to complete.
Fall 2013
3
Help
TO “GET REAL” How Health Coaches and Medical Home Teams Transform Lives To be healthier, get a Methodist Physicians Clinic Medical Home Team. For more information, visit methodistphysiciansclinic.com/service/medical-home.
“I learned the hard way, and it cost me my leg.” All-around athlete Drew Armstrong, 43, a former baseball and football player, looks tough enough to tackle any challenge, yet he spent years dodging doctors and denying the reality of his diabetes. “I’m a guy. I never liked going to the doctor,” Drew explains. “The biggest obstacle to my success was my unwillingness to accept help.”
4
When Drew finally showed for a longpostponed checkup with family medicine physician Carey Ertz, DO, at Methodist Physicians Clinic – Millard this spring, Dr. Ertz knew her patient wanted a prescription and fast getaway. Instead, she made a lifechanging introduction, saying, “Drew, I’d like you to meet health coach Kathy Richards.” Drew talked with Kathy, a specially trained nurse with 20-plus years of experience, for well over an hour.
“Something clicked, and I knew it was time to get real,” Drew says. “Three months later, I’d gotten my blood sugar under control and lost 15 pounds.”
Medical Home: A Team Approach Drew is one of the more than 15,000 diabetic patients cared for at Methodist Physicians Clinics throughout
bestcare.org
team treats, educates and empowers patients with chronic disease, who often face multiple health challenges.
“
I was just treading water in taking care of my diabetes, saying whatever a doctor wanted to hear to get out fast. – Drew Armstrong
Angie, Ashlie,
Andi and Drew
Armstrong
Nebraska and southwestern Iowa in an innovative “Patient-Centered Medical Home.” A Medical Home is not a place, but a team approach to care led by a patient’s personal physician. Each team member has a different expertise and works in partnership with the patient. The Medical Home
“
“I said no way, not me, can’t be true,” Drew remembers. Living his motto of “life without limits,” Drew lost 100 pounds by upping his fitness regimen. He refused to consider himself sick. “A doctor put me on meds without explaining why or how it all worked,” Drew says. “I decided I didn’t need the pills and didn’t go back.” Years passed. Drew married the love of his life, Angie, and built a successful career as a marketing account director for an information technology firm. The couple have two daughters: Ashlie, 16, and Andi, 11, both outstanding student-athletes.
Leading the way with establishment of Medical Home teams in 2011, Methodist Physicians Clinic quickly attained the highest possible certification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its diabetes program and extended this holistic approach to other chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and obesity. Experts agree that an excellent starting point for this proactive, team-centered approach is diabetes, the nation’s seventh leading cause of death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 percent of U.S. adults have diabetes. By 2050, unless the current trend is reversed, the number likely will rise to 33 percent. The costs involved in diabetes care and human suffering are great, for the population as a whole and for the individual. As Dr. Ertz explains, “The serious and lifethreatening risks of uncontrolled diabetes include blindness, stroke, nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and, as Drew experienced, amputation.”
A Man in Denial Drew was in his early twenties, playing sports and working out daily when he received an unthinkable diagnosis: diabetes.
Drew now has regular checkups with Carey Ertz, DO.
Drew never mentioned diabetes until his foot blackened around a sore that refused to heal, requiring surgical removal of a big toe and part of the foot. “We’d been married five years when they had to amputate Drew’s toe,” Angie explains. “That’s how I learned Drew had diabetes.” Continued on Page 6
RD, uth Nekonchuk, R : am te is h h it Drew w , RN; y Richards, BSN LMNT, CDE; Kath a Dion, MA. an Carey Ertz, DO; D Fall 2013
5
Five years later, another sore appeared on the same foot. Infection had tunneled deep into the foot, leaving only extremely painful, invasive treatment options with little hope of restoring full function. Drew spent a long weekend weighing the options before giving doctors the go-ahead to amputate his lower leg. Eager to return to his customary full-on pace, Drew was starting physical therapy and back in the office in three days, walking with his prosthetic leg in six weeks, and mowing his lawn seven weeks after surgery. Angie sprang into action as well, grateful to have Drew and another chance at a healthier future. Understanding that diabetes can have genetic and lifestyle components, Angie chose to lead the family by example, cutting out junk food,
joining a gym and making changes that helped her lose 60 pounds. But no matter what his wife did or his doctor said, Drew admits, “Even after losing my leg in 2010, I was just treading water in taking care of my diabetes, saying whatever a doctor wanted to hear to get out fast.”
Clicks and Wins for Drew Physicians know that motivation for lasting change seldom springs from a 15-minute office visit. “A core strength of Medical Home is that each person on the team brings different
“
The Medical Home team is a complete paradigm shift in care delivery that increases our effectiveness by leaps and bounds.
“
– Thomas McElderry, MD
Fun and fitness are top priorities for the Armstrong family.
viewpoints, tools and ways of approaching the ultimate goal,” Dr. Ertz explains. “When any one of these clicks to empower the patient, we all win.” For Drew, health coach Kathy Richards was the first click, quickly reinforced by dietitian and certified diabetes educator Ruth Nekonchuk in a continuing mix of visits and phone conversations at no additional charge. “Kathy has talked with me for hours, teaching me tricks about food and blood sugar and insulin timing. Ruth has helped me understand what carbohydrates are, and why and how I have to count them. It’s become almost a game,” Drew says. “Physical activity is like a medicine, the more weight I lose, the less insulin I need, and now my sugars are super awesome.” Drew is convinced the one-stop-shop team approach was what he needed, explaining, “I don’t lie to my team or myself anymore. I welcome the help.” “Drew finally got it,” Angie says. “We’re lucky this is diabetes and not something worse. So what if it means more fruits and veggies, planning and portion control? It’s hard, yes. Impossible, no.” Now an upbeat, realistic and active partner in his diabetes care, Drew is able to cycle, coach baseball and volleyball, golf, play catch and hit a mean fastball. He also reaches out to help others struggling with diabetes or amputation, demonstrating that health challenges need not limit quality of life. Drew’s success story is one of many made possible by Medical Home teams throughout Methodist Physicians Clinics, where people are learning it is never too late to take control of diabetes.
6
bestcare.org
Fresh Start for Dave At 75, Dave Ludwig, a retired chief engineer who built the KIWR-FM station known as “The River” at Iowa Western Community College, had reluctantly grown accustomed to a gradual decline in his health. After 15 surgeries in five years, Dave was on multiple medicines for his heart and vascular disease, arthritis and diabetes. Diagnosed with diabetes three decades ago, Dave routinely took pills before each meal and twice-daily insulin injections to control his blood sugar. In January, when he met with family medicine physician Thomas McElderry, MD, and health coach Andrea Flowers-Kyle, BSN, at Methodist Physicians Clinic – Council Bluffs, Dave learned how his routine and overall health could change for the better with Medical Home. “The Medical Home team is a complete paradigm shift in care delivery that increases our effectiveness by leaps and bounds,” explains Dr. McElderry, who holds NCQA certifications of excellence in diabetes care as well as cardiovascular and stroke care. “Physicians make the care decisions while health coaches give the one-on-one help and encouragement patients need to achieve better health and reduce the risk of future complications, emergency room visits and hospitalizations,” Dr. McElderry says. “Health coaches are invaluable because they are excellent nurses, care coordinators, diabetes educators, patient advocates and problem solvers.” Dave began meeting with Andrea twice a week, learning new ways to balance his medicine, nutrition and activity. Three months later, Dave was off all diabetes
medications, his blood sugar was normal, and he had dropped 40 pounds. “Diabetes care has become very individualized,” Andrea explains. “We used to think ‘once on insulin, always on insulin.’ Now we try to get patients off diabetes medicine whenever possible.”
Now Dave enjoys vegetables, fruits and planning healthy crockpot meals. Instead of buying two steaks for dinner, he and Alice share one. He maintains normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels and weighs less than when he was discharged from the Army in 1955. “I feel well now,” Dave says. “I want to live at least another 15 years and enjoy the time with Alice and our family.” Alice, a nurse, counselor and nursing educator who spent most of her career at Nebraska Methodist College and the Jennie Edmundson Hospital School of Nursing, says, “The number one thing that helped my husband change was having a health coach like Andrea, someone who could really listen and stay in contact on a personal level.”
Dave and Alice Ludwig stroll outside their home in Blair, Nebraska.
In the past, Dave, a former two-pack-a-day smoker and lifelong meat-and-potatoes man, had grudgingly tolerated the occasional green vegetable at his wife Alice’s insistence. He admits he’d grown too comfortable with fast food, big portions and the resulting blood sugar spikes, high cholesterol and weight gain. For the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 2012, Dave had to buy dress pants in a new size — the largest this once-fit, former Army infantry soldier had ever worn. “Fast food is easy and cheap,” Dave explains, “but Andrea has taught me it’s a deadly trap — for diabetes, vascular problems, everything.”
Dave, like Drew, is living life without the health-limiting complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Both men have learned that longer, healthier lives are possible with the right care and care team. To learn more about Medical Home teams, visit methodistphysiciansclinic.org.
Story by Julie Cerney
Dave is health ier, fan of fruits an happier and a new d vegetables.
nd memories and look The Ludwigs share fo to come. es ahead to the adventur Fall 2013
7
SCREENING GIVESSURVIVORSASECONDCHANCE
Methodist Lung Look Test Helps Beat the Odds Against a Deadly Disease It’s funny how something as simple as reading the morning paper or walking to work can change the course of a life. Gary Plog credits his daughter and an everyday journey to her nursing job at Methodist Hospital with saving his life.
8
Jennifer Timperley was a labor and delivery nurse in the fall of 2008 when for some strange reason, her “normal” path to work took a different course. She parked in a new spot. Walked a different hallway. It was on that walk that she noticed a small brochure promoting a lung cancer study at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. She picked it up and kept on walking. A few days later, she gave that brochure to her dad, saying, “I think you need to check this out.”
Plog, who spent 40 years as a smoker and lost two brothers to cancer, knew it was the right thing to do.
Moment of Impact Debrah Johnson says for whatever reason, it’s burned in her memory. The small article in the paper she glanced through every day seemed to jump off the page. “I can still remember where I was sitting at home, where the article was in the paper,” said Johnson, who at 45 had kicked a 27-year smoking habit only two years earlier. “I believe someone, somewhere, put it in front of my face and said, ‘You should do this.’”
bestcare.org
appear. If diagnosed at Stage I, lung cancer has an 80 to 90 percent five-year survival rate. “There is a dramatic difference in the chances of beating this disease if we find it in early screening,” said Deb Meyers, program manager for the Methodist Lung/Thoracic Oncology Clinic. “The test is low cost, low risk and high reward. It can be the difference between life and death.”
Gary Plog
Life-Saving Surgery
Gary with his daughters Jennifer and Cortney and wife Debie.
An admitted procrastinator when it comes to taking control of her health, Johnson recalls immediately picking up the phone to schedule her Methodist Lung Look Test.
Screening Saves Lives Lung cancer is a stealthy, precise killer. There usually are no signs or early symptoms of the disease. By the time you first notice any symptoms, it’s often too late. That’s one of the reasons why lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women worldwide. It’s responsible for 29 percent of cancer deaths in the U.S. — more than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 205,974 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009*, and 158,081 people died from it. But a study underway right now at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center is looking to change those statistics. The Methodist Lung Look Test is a low-dose CT scan provided as part of
Plog knows that difference firsthand. He went in for his first lung cancer screening in early 2009. While the initial scan found two nodules in his lungs, doctors said they weren’t out of the ordinary or alarming. It wasn’t until his fifth scan four years later that one of the nodules began showing signs of change.
“
The test is low cost, low risk and high reward. It can be the difference between life and death.
“
– Deb Meyers
the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program, or I-ELCAP. Methodist was the first hospital in Omaha to be a part of the I-ELCAP, and the only one listed as a Center for Lung Cancer Screening Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance. The Lung Look Test uses CT scanning technology to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. Study results show that annual CT screenings of high-risk patients enable physicians to diagnose at least 80 percent of lung cancers at Stage I, the earliest stage, typically long before symptoms
Plog’s nodules were in a hard-to-reach area, impossible to reach through a traditional biopsy. So doctors scheduled Plog for a new type of surgery that pinpoints nodules using radionuclide localization — a procedure which tags nodules with a radioactive tracer. The tracer allows surgeons to find hard-toreach nodules while using lesser-invasive Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS). Plog’s was the very first such procedure performed at Methodist Hospital, and it was a huge success.
Image of lungs as captured by a CT scanner.
“I expected to feel really awful, and I was amazed at how well I felt,” said Plog. “Of Continued on Page 10
Fall 2013
9
Debrah Johnson
Ready to quit smoking? Lung cancer has been closely associated with smoking for nearly 50 years, and between 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases come as a result of smoking, with more than 1,300 deaths due to smoking reported every day in the United States. Annual scans are not a replacement for smoking cessation. The Methodist QuitSmart Program helps those who need assistance in kicking the habit. This program offers group sessions for those who are trying to quit smoking. Those in the program are given the tools they need to succeed in kicking the habit. For more information or to enroll in QuitSmart, call the QuitSmart coordinator at (402) 354-5237.
course, I had an epidural and other pain meds, but I was really impressed at how good I felt.” Tests showed Plog’s nodules, although cancerous, were caught early enough that the cancer cells had not spread. No radiation or chemotherapy would be needed to treat him further. “When they came back telling me it was all gone,” said Plog, pausing to choke back the overwhelming emotions, “… that was a big deal. That was awesome.”
“It Was Cancer.” Johnson’s nodules also showed up on her first scans in 2008, but with bi-annual screening and a watchful eye from the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary team, she didn’t undergo a biopsy until 2012. “For the first couple years it was no big deal,” said Johnson, as doctors monitored the
10
“
I urge everyone to get screened...Do it for your family. Do it for yourself. – Debrah Johnson
“
miniscule growth in her lungs. “It’s odd, but it was still a surprise when they called to say it was cancer.”
The Methodist Lung/Thoracic Clinic team worked with Johnson’s primary care physician and surgeons at Bergen Mercy Medical Center to provide a seamless transition of care. She was out of the hospital and on her way to a speedy recovery less than two weeks later. She knows how lucky she is to have caught her cancer early. “I feel so totally blessed that the opportunity was given to me to be screened and tested,”
bestcare.org
“
To be quite honest, I’m just happy to be here. Every day. Hey… I beat cancer. Life is awesome. – Gary Plog
“
said Johnson, a wife and mother of two boys. “Life is unpredictable. Life is short. Life is precious. “I urge everyone to get screened and be aware what’s going on in your body. Do it for your family. Do it for yourself.”
Screen Early and Annually The Methodist Lung Look Test cancer screening is for smokers or former smokers over the age of 40 and those with a smoking history of 20 pack-years or greater. A “packyear” means smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or the equivalent of the number of years a person smokes times the number of packs a day. For example, smoking two packs a day for 10 years, or one pack a day for 20.
to radiation,” said Meyers. “That’s important because the screenings are done annually, as you never know when the cancers may form.”
“Life is Awesome.” Three surgeries later, Plog is currently noduleand cancer-free. He says his experience with Methodist Hospital has been life-changing, and the relationship with his family is stronger than ever. “I have these two big incisions on my back where they went in and removed parts of my lungs. My wife says it looks like my wings have been clipped,” said Plog. “They may look like they’ve been clipped, but I’ve still got ‘em.” Plog is using those wings to spread the word about the Methodist Lung Look Test, urging those at risk to be screened early, and for smokers to stop now before it is too late. He says he’ll be back for his next screening in November, and every year after that. “This has changed my life, my outlook. I always believed ‘today is special,’ but now even more so,” said Plog. “To be quite honest, I’m just happy to be here. Every day. “Hey… I beat cancer. Life is awesome.”
Story by Katina Gordon *Latest year for which statistics are available.
The study also includes those who have a family history of lung cancer, as well as those who work or worked in an environment where smoking has been allowed, such as restaurants, bars or casinos.
Are you eligible for the Methodist Lung Look Test? To be eligible for the Methodist Lung Look Test study, participants must meet one of the following criteria: • be a smoker or former smoker over the age of 40 • have had a parent or sibling diagnosed with lung cancer • have had significant exposure to secondhand smoke Those who qualify for the test undergo a low-dose CT scan of the chest, which will be reviewed by specialists from the Methodist Lung/Thoracic Oncology Clinic. The test itself only takes a couple of minutes for a scan of both lungs.
What does it cost? The cost to the patient for participating in the Lung Look Test is $175. This $1,900 value is being offered at a significantly reduced rate because of Methodist Hospital’s commitment to the early detection of lung cancer. A portion of the cost is also covered by the Methodist Hospital Foundation as part of the organization’s commitment to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in our community. To learn more about the Methodist Lung Look Test, contact the Methodist Lung/ Thoracic Oncology Clinic at (402) 354-5858 or (888) 888-0506.
“Our screening is a low-dose CT so we can get good pictures of the lungs while limiting a patient’s exposure The Methodist Lung Look Test uses low-dose CT scanning to screen for potential cancers.
Fall 2013
11
The Best Start FOR BABY & FAMILY
Main Title Text Goes Here. For more information, visit bestcare.org/??????????.
Hayden and Jaclyn
Hoffman
It happened shortly after 5:30 a.m. on June 21, 2010. After driving around the parking lot waiting for the hospital doors to open for the first time, Jaclyn and Mike Hoffman decided it was time to enter the brand new Methodist Women’s Hospital. Baby Hayden wasn’t about to wait.
12
Hayden Gary Hoffman was the first baby to be born at the 192nd & Dodge campus. Tipping the scales at 10 pounds and nine days overdue — Hayden couldn’t wait much longer to make his appearance.
“We lived five minutes away and watched as the hospital was being built,” Jaclyn said of the special delivery. “All along I had hoped that I would be able to deliver at the new
bestcare.org
Jenna and 10,000th baby Avery Grace Friesen. Avery w born at Metho dist Women’s H as the ospital.
Michala Gleason, RN
hospital. The day prior to Hayden’s arrival, we even drove around the hospital to make sure we knew where the emergency entrance was — just in case. I remember when we arrived it was so quiet. The wheelchair ride seemed to take forever and it wasn’t but a few minutes after we arrived that Hayden was born.” Sue Korth, vice president and COO of Methodist Women’s Hospital remembers the Hoffman delivery very well. How could she forget? It was opening day for the brand new hospital she had helped to design and build. “It gives me chills to think about it still to this day,” Korth said. “I remember walking into the hospital at the same time as Dr. Tifany Somer-Shely, and she had a big smile on her face. She looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to deliver the first baby.’ I asked when and she said ‘Now!’ I remember getting huge goose bumps.” When Korth was chosen to lead Methodist Women’s Hospital, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. From the first shovel of dirt until the final screw was in place, she oversaw every component of the $120 million project.
Ohhh, Baby! Since opening its doors in 2010, Methodist Women’s Hospital has welcomed well over 10,000 little ones into the waiting arms of moms, dads and family members.
“
Hayden will have a great story to tell for many years to come. When we drive by our kids still say to Hayden there is ‘your’ hospital.
“
– Jaclyn Hoffman Among those 10,000 there have been 422 sets of twins, 27 sets of triplets, one set of quadruplets and most recently, a set of quintuplets (see page 16). When Methodist opted to move its labor and delivery operations and construct a specialty hospital and campus dedicated to women at 192nd & West Dodge Road, its
goal was to maintain its status as the regional leader in birth services. Mission accomplished. In the first six months of operation, Methodist Women’s Hospital reported 1,675 births. That number has continued to climb ever since with 3,521 in 2011, 3,725 in 2012 — and 2013 is on track to be the year with the highest number of births on record for Methodist Health System. The hospital also boasts a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, available to care for those babies in need of special attention after arriving early or due to health concerns. With 36 available beds, the NICU admitted 288 babies in the first six months of 2010. That number grew to 332 in 2011 and 403 in 2012. To date, in 2013, the number of babies admitted to the NICU has surpassed 460. “We simply have an outstanding maternalfetal medicine team that cares for our high-risk obstetric patients throughout their pregnancy,” Korth said. “Combine that with our top notch neonatologists, nursing and ancillary staff who provide exceptional care to some of our littlest patients.” Continued on Page 14
Fall 2013
13
We provide em e
rgency care to
men, women
and children.
nts like family.
Our care team treats patie
The Vision Methodist Hospital’s 84th Street Campus was in need of expansion. Due to its landlocked location, the only way health care services such as oncology and cardiology could expand their offerings was to move a larger service line to another location. Doing so would create capacity and increase the number of private rooms at the 84th Street site. “Methodist has always been dedicated to excellence in women’s health care,” Korth said. “But the decision to build a women’s hospital was really based on the fact that it was one of the service lines that we could effectively and efficiently package together at one location.” The location of such a unique specialty hospital was years in the making. Methodist Health System and Methodist Hospital administration spent much time reviewing demographics and determined a major westward expansion was the right decision. The “who” and the “where” were in place, now came the bigger assessment. What would this specialty hospital look like?
14
What would be the concept behind a hospital dedicated to women’s health? Knowing they were heading down nearly uncharted waters, since there were only two similar facilities in Oklahoma City and Chicago, Methodist staff took to the road to see what would be on their wish list. “Our staff visited other hospitals dedicated to women’s health care to see what was already out there,” Korth said. “We borrowed some ideas from those facilities and then put our ideas to a committee of women from the community who shared their vision for a women’s hospital. We also included input from physicians and staff who would be working in the new facility, as well as from specialists who shared their needs when they are called in to consult on a case. In the end, we came up an ideal design with everything we would need for excellent patient care.” Amenities and aesthetics included in the final design of Methodist Women’s Hospital provide patients, visitors and staff with a new level of calm and comfort. From the large two-story water feature in the main lobby to the type of recliners in each room, the spalike environment has had a positive impact on patients and visitors alike.
“Every amenity, every aesthetic feature, every piece of equipment was implemented with our patients and their families in mind,” Korth said. “The safety, comfort and care of our patients is of the utmost importance.”
Building the Care Team While the structure and amenities of Methodist Women’s Hospital were important, the bigger challenge was who would be on the inside — the patient care staff. Korth and her leadership team had a philosophy in mind and pursued only those who met those parameters. Staffing would not be based on proximity to the campus, but rather a candidate’s perspective on patient care and safety. “We wanted people who were passionate about what they did and could make a valuable contribution to our patient experience,” Korth said. “We wanted people who understood that the patient experience starts the moment a patient walks through the door until their final follow-up appointment.” In three years, those staffing decisions have paid off. Patient feedback has proven the
bestcare.org
care provided at Methodist Women’s Hospital is exceptional. “The patient feedback we receive is phenomenal,” Korth said. “It makes me smile when they write back that ‘the building is beautiful…and your staff is outstanding.’ That’s what I like to hear. We hear from moms who had a great delivery experience, but also from those who suffered a loss. They tell us how kind and caring everyone was during that difficult time — the staff felt like family. That is the atmosphere we had hoped to accomplish and our staff has done that.”
A Leader in Women’s Health While the hospital was an integral part of the plan to expand women’s health services, so was the construction of the adjoining medical office building which houses the Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center — home to the largest OB/GYN practice in the Omaha metro area.
The move was smart, as it helped reduce physician travel times between patient appointments and hospital rounds, resulting in greater efficiency, less waiting and fewer rescheduled appointments.
“
We wanted people who were passionate about what they did and could make a valuable contribution to our patient experience. – Sue Korth
“
The move further established Methodist as the regional leader in women’s health.
Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center also offers a full breadth of services to women in the region. Not only is the clinic home to OB/GYN providers, but also clinics specializing in pelvic pain and sexual wellness, urogynecology, menopause,
behavioral health, physical therapy, adolescent gynecology and midwifery. Providers in the areas of primary care, family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics also make their home at the medical complex. “Our campus is really about caring for the whole woman,” Korth said. “From the birth of a child through the aging years, we can take care of a woman throughout her lifetime. There is no other campus like this. I’m proud that Methodist had that vision and proud of what we can offer in the arena of women’s health.”
Hayden’s Hospital The Hoffman family no longer lives near the Women’s Hospital. They now call Spencer, Neb., home. With many friends still in the Omaha area, they do come back to visit. Just seeing the Women’s Hospital still brings smiles to their faces, as they feel such a deep connection to the Methodist family. “Hayden will have a great story to tell for many years to come,” Jaclyn said. “When we drive by our kids still say to Hayden there is ‘your’ hospital.”
Story by Claudia Bohn
Sue Korth, vice president and COO at Methodist Women’s Hospital. Fall 2013
15
Arleth
Garcia Family MAKES HISTORY
RARE QUINTUPLETS BORN AT METHODIST WOMEN’S HOSPITAL
Twenty tiny fingers and toes…make that 100 tiny fingers and toes. Such was the case in late July when Bianca and Jose Garcia, of Sioux City, Iowa, welcomed their quintuplets into the world at Methodist Women’s Hospital. Yes, quintuplets — that’s five babies in case you are counting. The four girls and one boy
16
marked just the third set ever to be born in Nebraska, and the first since 2009.
• Jimena: Born at 1:49 p.m., 2 pounds, 3 ounces
The babies were delivered by C-section on July 25 at 28 weeks gestation, or 12 weeks early. The babies and their arrival times were as follows:
• Rosalyn: Born at 1:50 p.m., 2 pounds
• Marah: Born at 1:48 p.m., 2 pounds, 4 ounces • Christobal: Born at 1:48 p.m., 2 pounds • Arleth: Born at 1:49 p.m., 2 pounds, 6 ounces
“It is exciting,” Bianca said of her beautiful babies after their arrival. “We are just happy they are here and doing so well.” Bianca was under the care of maternal-fetal medicine specialist Todd Lovgren, MD, during her 10-week stay in the Methodist Women’s Hospital high-risk obstetrics unit.
bestcare.org
Christobal
“She truly handled this pregnancy with amazing grace,” Dr. Lovgren said. With multiples, especially in the case of quintuplets, delivery day is never predictable. Circumstances can change in an instant and the team of physicians and nurses must be ready in a moment’s notice.
Jimena
Marah
When the day arrived for Bianca, Dr. Lovgren and his team joined forces with neonatologist Brady Kerr, MD, at Methodist Women’s Hospital to deliver the babies. Nearly 40 health care professionals, occupying three surgical rooms, assisted with the C-section.
“ Rosalyn
Everyone, from the cleaning staff, the front desk people, the doctors and the nurses have been so nice and supportive during our time here.
“
– Jose Garcia “We had four health care professionals per baby once they arrived,” Dr. Kerr said. “You simply need that many people to provide that initial care.”
“Bianca came to us very early in her pregnancy,” Dr. Lovgren said. “In these types of cases, that’s a very good thing. It was a pregnancy that had its share of complications, but we were able to keep Bianca stable each time a new issue would arise.” Carrying five babies was no easy task. Getting around was difficult for Bianca, who often needed a walker just to balance herself. Eating was also a chore, although she didn’t often feel hungry, Bianca knew she needed to maintain her strength.
After initial evaluations by the medical team, the babies were escorted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Women’s Hospital, where they were under the watchful eyes and care of the NICU physicians and nurses.
Brady Kerr, MD works to keep the babies healthy.
and her babies to 28 weeks. If they were born any earlier, we would be having a very different conversation today.” The Garcia babies’ growth and development impressed the medical staff, as they reached their milestones for discharge in a timely fashion. Marah and Christobal were the first to go home, discharged on Sept. 27. Arleth was not far behind, heading home to Sioux City on Oct. 1. Jimena and Rosalyn remained a little longer, with discharge dates of Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, respectively. “We are so grateful for the care we have received,” Jose said. “Everyone, from the cleaning staff, the front desk people, the doctors and the nurses have been so nice and supportive during our time here.” Bianca and Jose have two older sons; Jose, age 9 and Abrahan, age 7, who plan to be big helpers in caring for their new sisters and brother. “My hopes and dreams for the babies? I just want them to keep doing well. Yes, it’s a bit overwhelming, having five babies, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Bianca said.
Story by Claudia Bohn
Initially, breathing issues were the biggest concern. However, the babies progressed nicely, and in the days and weeks that followed, their ability to breathe independently took hold. “They are doing very well,” Dr. Kerr said following their arrival, “It’s a tribute to the maternal-fetal medicine team to get Bianca
Fall 2013
me.
s ready to head ho
plet The Garcia quintu
17
Foundation
Methodist Hospital
Investing Excellence IN
Lisa Lindsay AND
NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
A Lesson on Gratitude & Giving Back Spend a few minutes with Lindsay and Lisa Jungbluth, and you will quickly realize that these two sisters have a lot more in common than just growing up together. They both decided to become nurses, both attended Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) and both landed many of the same scholarships. “It meant the world to receive those scholarships,” said Lindsay. “It wasn’t just the money, it was that Methodist believed in us.” Eighty-five percent of the students at NMC rely on financial aid. Even with assistance, a typical NMC student graduates with $35,000 in debt. “When I look back at my education, I know that half of it was paid for by scholarships and grants,” said Lisa. “It helped us focus on learning instead of worrying about our growing student debt.”
18
Lindsay is a year older than Lisa and first picked NMC because of the personalized attention. Lisa quickly followed. Before they even completed school, both knew they wanted to work at Methodist. “We had a chance to experience the culture of caring firsthand and didn’t want to go anywhere else,” said Lindsay. Attracting Registered Nurses is vital to Methodist. Right now the U.S. is experiencing a nursing shortage. Experts predict the problem will only intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows. “The scholarships secured a loyalty to Methodist that will last a lifetime,” said Lisa. The Jungbluth sisters feel right at home with their jobs at Methodist. In fact, they now work in the same department doing the same type of job. It’s a job that combines their love of nursing with their interest in information technology. “We build and maintain the electronic medical record, also known as the patient chart,” said Lindsay.
The two sisters work just feet away from each other. Did we mention they live in the same neighborhood too? “We never planned any of this togetherness, it just happened,” laughed Lindsay. There is something else they have in common — they both donate money for future scholarships. “I know how much those scholarships helped us, and I want to give someone else that same gift,” said Lisa. NMC recently launched a campaign to raise $36 million for more scholarships. The scholarships also serve as a good recruitment tool for NMC. “I look at the scholarship as an investment,” said Lindsay. “Not just in a student’s future, but for the future of Methodist and health care as a whole.” These two sisters are excited about their future and you can bet they will be successful — together!
bestcare.org
methodisthospitalfoundation.org 8401 WEST DODGE ROAD, SUITE 225 OMAHA, NE 68114 (402) 354-4825
Supporting Scholarships Methodist Hospital Foundation thanks these generous donors who have made gifts of $1,000 and greater to benefit Investing In Excellence: The Campaign for Nebraska Methodist College Scholarships. The gifts recognized below were received through August 31, 2013. Emily Anderson Judith Anne Bachman Deb Bass Sandra J. Beermann Margaret L. Boller Gail P. Boston John W. Bower Clark Creative Group Danielle D. Dubuc-Pedersen Paul T. Filipi Tate & Denise Fitzgerald Linda S. Foley Ruth L. Freed, Ph.D. Alan Gard Betty Garrett John & Kay Lynn Goldner Jeanette Y. Gottberg Louis E. Hanisch, M.D. Lee Harlan Jane E. Hawks Nick & Amy Henderson Kris & Steve Hess Mary Lue Hicks Marjorie Hood John A. Jarosz Rev. Daniel R. Johnston Marla D. Kniewel Nancy E. Koehler Jack K. Lewis, M.D. Susan J. Logan William March Burt & Reighe Nagel Nebraska Methodist College Alumni Association Elbert L. Nelson, Jr. Deborah Olson Neal Ratzlaff, M.D. Kevin G. Rochford Constance M. Ryan Angela N. Sangster Marlin L. Schaich Dr. & Mrs. William R. Schlichtemeier Ross & Denise Scholz William G. Southwell Floma W. Taylor Dale & Pat Te Kolste The Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation Jodie A. Thornton, Jr. Marilyn J. Valerio Gina M. Wagner Jim & Jean Watson Wells Fargo Community Support/United Way Beverly Wibbels Nancy J. Wisnieski Adam & Sarah Yale
The 1891 Society Named for the year in which Methodist Hospital was established, the 1891 Society recognizes the current giving of loyal donors who support the programs and projects of Methodist Hospital Foundation. We thank the following friends who have made a gift between June 1, 2013 and August 31, 2013.
Founders:
Gifts and pledges $100,000 and greater Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation The Sherwood Foundation
Leaders:
Gifts and pledges $50,000 to $99,999 Anonymous
Guardians:
Gifts and pledges $10,000 to $49,999 The Baer Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Ken Barjenbruch Bridges Investment Counsel, Inc. Susan J. Dennis Marge & Jim Eggers Tate & Denise Fitzgerald Nebraska Methodist College Alumni Association Michael & Dr. Irina Popa Newcomb Parker Family Foundation Genelle Rosenbaum Floma W. Taylor The Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation Union Pacific Corporation Vital Support Systems & Cisco Systems Pamela Watanabe-Gerdes & Kyle Gerdes
Protectors:
Gifts and pledges $5,000 to $9,999 Anonymous ConocoPhillips Muriel Frank, M.D. Ashle & Cliff Holmes Diana L. Nevins, M.D. Omaha Community Foundation - Omaha Gives! Louis & Kathi Rotella Del & Phyllis Toebben
Friends:
Gifts and pledges $1,000 to $4,999 Jason & Josie Abboud Anderson Partners Aureus Medical Group Khalid A. Awad, M.D. Baird Holm, LLC Banyan Medical Systems, Inc. Russell E. Beran, M.D. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Kathryn G. Burney CBSHOME Cerner Corporation Charley’s Angels Photography John H. Conley Coventry Health Care of Nebraska
An Affiliate of Methodist Health System
Darmco Corporation Sid & Dawn Dinsdale Drs. Gross, Iwersen, Kratochvil & Klein, P.C. Dr. & Mrs. John J. Edney Eggers Consulting Company, Inc. Electric Company of Omaha Paul T. Filipi John & Debbie Fraser Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Fredrickson Futureware Distributing Steve & Brenda Goeser Myrton L. Hall Dr. & Mrs. Neil Hamill HDR Heart Consultants, P.C. Nick & Amy Henderson Hewlett-Packard Nick & Brook Hudson Drs. Ajoy & Laura Jana Knights of Columbus Adam & Kathryn Koslosky Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Kutilek Dr. Thomas McGinn & Dr. Mia Nagy Methodist Physicians Clinic Administration MMC Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Nebraska Furniture Mart Neonatal Care P.C. Dr. & Mrs. John P. O’Gara Oncology Associates, P.C. Susan M. Constantino, M.D. Stephen J. Lemon, M.D. Irina E. Popa, M.D. OptumInsight, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Passer Cynthia S. Peacock Perinatal Associates, PC Robert Bonebrake, M.D. Neil Hamill, M.D. Michael Levine, M.D. Todd Lovgren, M.D. Andrew Robertson, M.D. Hemant Satpathy, M.D. Anton & Ellen Piskac Radiologic Center, Inc. Lisa A. Bladt, M.D. Kevin M. Cawley, M.D. Paul S. Christy, M.D. Ryan A. Dvorak, M.D. Merlyn D. Gibson, M.D. David J. Hilger, M.D. Richard A. Kutilek, M.D. Van L. Marcus, M.D. Robert H. McIntire, M.D. Kevin L. Nelson, M.D. Nick L. Nelson, M.D. Temple S. Rucker, M.D. Linda A. Sing, M.D. Kristofer A. Vander Zwaag, M.D. Dr. & Mrs. Andrew W. Robertson Suzan & Brad Rohrig Kristin E. Rooney, M.D. Dr. & Mrs. William R. Schlichtemeier Gerald & Patricia Schnecker Seline Family Foundation Shared Service Systems Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shiffermiller Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Nebraska Affiliate Melodee & Tommie Thompson U.S. Bank Vetter Health Services, Inc.
Fall 2013
19
Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 563
An Affiliate of Methodist Health System
8303 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68114 Fall 2013 Volume 3 – Issue 3
The Meaning of Care magazine is published by Methodist Health System Marketing & Public Relations. Free subscriptions are available by emailing your request to editor@nmhs.org.
Vice President, Marketing Writer/Associate Editor Writer/Associate Editor Art Director Photography
Stephen Zubrod Claudia Bohn Julie Cerney Chris Thompson Amy Anderson Chris Rich Chris Thompson
Teamwork ranked among the nation’s finest
Surgical Team
Our innovative team approach is saving lives and improving health with expertise for all that happens across life’s spectrum—from delicate first days to the most complicated surgeries. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org/careteam ©2013 Methodist Health System