Spotlight on Health - Spring|Summer

David Hartberg Chief Executive Officer/ Administrator

Vernon Memorial Hospital

507 South Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665

General Info: (608) 637-2101

Vernon

A Top 100 Hospital Upholding Independence, Community Values, and Excellence in Joint Replacement Care

At Vernon Memorial Healthcare, we take pride in our status as an independent hospital, serving the unique needs of our rural communities. What sets us apart is our independence – unlike hospitals tied to larger healthcare systems, we make decisions locally, attuned to the specific needs of our community. Our focus isn’t on maximizing profits; it’s on providing patient-centered care, fostering community engagement, and addressing the distinct needs of our population.

Being recognized as a Healthgrades Top 100 Joint Replacement Hospital is a remarkable achievement for us as an independent facility. It underscores our unwavering dedication to providing community-centric healthcare. This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team, who continually set the standard for excellence in healthcare within our region. Inspiration surrounds us at Vernon Memorial Healthcare, seen in the comfort of patients, the gratitude of families we’ve supported, and the collaborative breakthroughs achieved by our outstanding team.

As a strong, growing, and independent hospital, our decisions are driven by local insight and innovation. We continuously adapt, finding creative solutions to enhance our services while remaining competitive.

VernonMemorialHealthcare

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www.vmh.org

As we continue our journey, we stand firm in our commitment to one another as teammates and to our patients. Together, we make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our communities, guided by our shared vision of delivering exceptional care.

Your ongoing support, trust, and dedication have propelled us to become a center for excellence in healthcare. Together, we stand united in our mission to provide exceptional care and positively impact the well-being of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

Meet some of our new Healthcare Professionals: Stay in the Loop:

Vernon Memorial Healthcare

Orthopedics Open House - June 12

Family Fun Night - Sept. 4

Walk with a Doc - May - Oct.

Vernon Memorial Healthcare Foundation:

Films on the Field:

Beetlejuice - June 25

Back to the Future - July 23

Annual Golf Outing - Sept. 6

Center for Special Children

Platteville Area Auction - June 8

Cashton Area Auction - June 15

Withee Area Auction - July 20

Iowa Area Auction - July 6

Learn More and Stay Up to Date on Upcoming Events:

For upcoming event details scan the QR Code or visit www.vmh.org/community/events/

Shelly Dillion, APNP Family Medicine

Nicole Mueller, APNP Family Medicine

Adam Wuencsh, MD Emergency Medicine

Holly Dwyer, LPC Behavioral Health

Joshua Gerrity, LCSW Behavioral Health

Carol Wesley, LMFT, LPC Behavioral Health

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Orthopedic Excellence Through the Years

America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement™ for 3 Years in a Row (2022-2024) America’s Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for 11 Years in a Row (2014-2024)

Advancing Healthcare: Introducing Nuclear Medicine Services

Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement for 10 Years in a Row (2015-2024)

Vernon Memorial Healthcare is proud to introduce on-site Nuclear Medicine services. Patients in the Vernon County area can now benefit from a range of advanced diagnostic tests conveniently located within the hospital premises.

These advanced diagnostic tests offer unparalleled precision, allowing for early detection and accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions.

Nuclear Medicine procedures are often non-invasive or minimally invasive, decreasing patient discomfort and recovery time.

The Nuclear Medicine room at Vernon Memorial will offer a spectrum of tests, including Cardiolite Nuclear Stress

Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for 18 Years in a Row (2007-2024)

Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for 3 Years in a row (2022-2024)

Tests, HIDA scans for Gallbladder function studies, Bone Scans targeting bone metastases in cancer patients, osteomyelitis, and stress fractures detection, Gastric Emptying exams, I-123 Thyroid function studies, and Renal function assessments, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for patients.

Navigating Conflict: Overcoming Differences for Growth and Connection

People marry for many reasons: security, a sense of identity, to love and be loved. They don’t marry because they love a good fight. Yet conflict is not only inevitable in an intimate relationship, it is essential to growth and development.

Conflict is not a sign that a marriage is in trouble. It means that it is alive and dynamic. It’s the way we choose to handle the inescapable conflicts that signals whether the relationship will be hurt or strengthened. Differences that are left unresolved fester. It is much healthier to confront them. If a marriage is to remain vital, the partners must not only be trusted allies but worthy opponents.

Approach conflict not as a fight but a discussion. Listen for understanding to become fully aware of your partners

Diabetic Education:

Decoding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects 38.4 million people in the US. It occurs when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) and helps cells absorb glucose for energy. Without proper insulin function, blood sugar levels can rise to unhealthy levels, leading to various complications. Timely identification and treatment are crucial to avoid complications like heart disease, renal failure, vision issues, and nerve impairment.

Effective management includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and medications if necessary.

Diabetic Support Group Meetings

Last Tuesday of Every Month

3:00-4:00 PM

perspective. Turn off your own thoughts so you don’t miss important information. Speak to increase your partners understanding of your perspective avoiding the urge to prove your point and win. Attempting to shame or guilt your partner will not result in a positive outcome. Make the conflict a conversation setting aside who is right and who is wrong. Seek agreement for resolution. Collaborate combining your ideas for an elegant solution.

Carol Wesley, MS, LMFT

To learn more about our mental and behavioral health services, visit vmh.org/services/ behavioral-health or scan the QR code

Anna Thompson, RDN, CD, CDCES | Clinical Dietitian & Diabetes Educator - Leads Healthy Cooking Support during Diabetic Support Group Meetings.

Diabetes requires ongoing management. By recognizing symptoms, and adopting a proactive approach to a healthy lifestyle, individuals can take effectively manage diabetes, minimizing the risk of complications and improving overall well-being. Remember you are not alone, lean on family, friends, and your healthcare team for support. Call 608-637-2101 to schedule an appointment.

Carol Wesley, LMFT, LPC Behavioral Health

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Joann Fouts, DO:

A Journey of Resilience and Compassion in Healthcare Leadership

In the bustling world of healthcare, where titles often overshadow true impact, Joann Fouts stands as a beacon of authenticity and compassion. Her journey from humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town to the esteemed position of Healthcare Chief of Staff is not just a story of professional ascent but a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Joann’s roots lie deep in the soil of her grandparents’ land, where a modest trailer home served as the backdrop for her childhood. Raised in a community with its fair share of challenges, she found comfort in her dreams of a brighter future, one where she could not only uplift herself but also contribute positively to her community. Despite the obstacles, she pursued her education with unwavering determination, fueled by the desire to break barriers and pave the way for a better tomorrow.

From her college days at Viterbo University in La Crosse to the rigorous years of medical school in Iowa, every step in Joann’s journey was marked by relentless hard work and an unyielding dedication to the field of healthcare. It was during her residency that she was confronted with the harsh realities of healthcare

disparities, particularly among underserved Spanishspeaking communities. This experience ignited a fire within her—a passion to advocate for those with limited access to healthcare and to champion the cause of inclusivity and equality in medical services.

“True leadership isn’t about wielding power or garnering titles; it’s about listening intently, showing kindness, and fostering an environment where both patients and healthcare professions can thrive.”

Today, as the Medical Chief of Staff, Joann leads with a rare blend of humility and empathy. She understands that true leadership isn’t about wielding power or garnering titles; it’s about listening intently, showing kindness, and fostering an environment where both patients and healthcare professionals can thrive. In regard to leadership as well as a family doctor, “I see my role as that of a compassionate partner, dedicated to supporting and empowering you with the resources essential to support you on a healthy path forward.” said Joann.

Joann Fouts, DO, Medical Chief of Staff, shares a tender moment at Vernon Memorial nursery after assisting in the delivery of this precious bundle of joy.

Her dedication to compassionate care extends from the delivery room to every corner of her community.

Joann Fouts, DO, serving as a hospitalist on the inpatient floor, delivers unwavering dedication to patients of all ages, ensuring each receives the highest level of care and support.

Joann’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her office. She is deeply rooted in her community, actively engaging with local midwives, and addressing the pressing healthcare needs of her neighbors. As a mentor, she imparts invaluable lessons of resilience and compassion to aspiring female leaders, guiding them with the wisdom gleaned from her own journey.

In Joann’s journey, there are no magnificent gestures or lofty promises—only a steadfast commitment to serving others with genuine care and compassion. Dr. Fouts serves as a reminder that true leadership is not measured by the heights one reaches but by the lives one touches along the way. As Joann continues to shape the future of healthcare with her unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit, she stands as a shining example of what it means to lead with empathy and purpose.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI. Medical Degree (MD) from Des Moines University, Iowa

Joann Fouts, DO, is a compassionate healthcare leader now serving as Chief of Staff. Dr. Fouts is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equality in medical services, both within her community and beyond.

Joann Fouts, DO

Hello Friends!

Every issue of The Spotlight on Health provides brilliant examples of how VMH is delivering quality care close to home for our region, and this segment is no different! The VMH Foundation section of this publication is dedicated to providing you with inspiring examples of how generosity makes a real difference in the health and well-being of our community.

The VMH Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission to enhance access to healthcare for people in the regions served by Vernon Memorial Healthcare. Through our generous supporters, we provide special programs and services, advanced equipment and technology, and education to enrich lives in our community. The goal of this section is to highlight real projects made possible by donors like you.

I hope you enjoy this VMH Foundation section of The Spotlight on Health and are encouraged and uplifted by the difference donations make in local healthcare.

With gratitude,

Nicole Hall Development Manager

Your Generosity at Work

Here are some recent examples of items that VMH Foundation has funded through the generosity of our donors!

CPR Manikins Enhance Education

VMH Foundation provided 12 infant and 12 adult CPR manikins and lung bags, which are used for CPR training courses. These new models have sensors that light up when compressions are being performed at the proper pace. This advancement allows for better educated staff, volunteers, and the community members on how to perform this life-saving measure.

“These manikins have been integral in training hundreds of people in the life-saving skills of CPR. The people that have taken these courses and had to perform CPR in real life say they were much more confident in their skills due to the technology of the new manikins. ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem enough to express my gratitude!”

- Jackie Krueger, RN, Staff Education

Pelvic Biofeedback Unit Improves Patient Care

VMH Foundation provided a biofeedback unit for physical therapy, resulting in more efficient and effective solutions for patients with pelvic health issues. This unit provides patients with visual and auditory feedback, and provides staff with information to document and justify the need for continued skilled therapy, which improves patient care and goals

“This new technology allows us to provide improved instruction and feedback to patients, for quicker resolution of their pelvic floor symptoms.” - Ashley Veglahn, PT, DPT and Maddie Hepperlen, PT, DPT

ER Advancements Provide LifeSaving Support

VMH Foundation provided an updated chest compression system, which reduces staff fatigue and ensures the patients receive high quality compressions.

“This system delivers CPR over a sustained period without loss of performance, which is otherwise a common occurrence. It also provides circulation of blood flow throughout the body without staff’s assistance, which allows them to focus on other crucial areas during cardiac arrest.” - Shawna Andolsek, RN, ER Manager

Additionally, the VMH Foundation provided the ER with an Ultrasound Guided IV Training Arm. This new piece of educational equipment offers a comprehensive and realistic platform for staff to develop and refine their skills when performing ultrasound-guided IV insertions, ultimately leading to improved patient care outcomes.

From Student, to Staff, to Donor:

One Scholarship Recipient’s Story

Vernon Memorial Healthcare is filled with caring individuals, who are passionate about improving the health of people in our region – and Erin Sime, is Medical Labratory Scientist, one of them. Proudly, Erin is also a former VMH Foundation Scholarship Recipient and a monthly donor to VMH Foundation.

“Growing up, I unfortunately learned how healthcare impacts not only individuals, but also their families,” shares Erin. “When I was 11 years old, my dad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Through lab work and numerous tests, doctors soon discovered the cancer. My dad was only able to spend 6 short months with us following his diagnosis, but I cannot help but think how much shorter his time would have been without the healthcare professionals. I am here today to give back by performing tests to provide patients with answers. I often reflect on those days, and how they led me to a career in healthcare.”

Losing a parent suddenly at a young age is a challenge most of us never had to face. However, Erin handled this difficulty with courage and strength. She graduated from Seneca High School at the top of her class, and was an athlete and volunteer. After graduation, she pursued a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science at UW-La Crosse, juggling work, volunteering, and maintaining a high GPA. However, she was not without challenges during this time.

“As if the pressure of school is not enough, financial stress also takes a toll. Throughout all four years of college, I worked as a Phlebotomist. On top of that, I was taking a heavy credit load to graduate in four years. I applied for scholarships each semester to help with the financial burden school imposed on me,” she shares.

Erin remembers the immense pressure she felt when she applied for the VMH Foundation Scholarship in 2022, and the relief she felt when she learned she was granted $3,000.

“The semester I received the VMH Foundation Scholarship, I was worried about paying for school. It was the start of my Clinical Internship year, and for this, I had to relocate to Appleton. Rent was high and groceries were expensive. I had school to pay for, and this year included more fees. I was feeling especially burdened. When I was notified that I was a

recipient of a scholarship, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Without the help of generous donors, there is a possibility that I would not be in the career I am today.”

As graduation approached, Erin considered the ideal location to begin her career, one place stood out as the perfect fit. “VMH has always felt like home. I was born here, my mom worked here, and throughout my life, this is the place where I received the best care as a patient. During my senior year of college, I was unsure where I would land after graduation. When I discovered an available position for a Medical Laboratory Scientist at VMH, I knew I needed to apply. After being offered the position and starting in the lab, I have been so grateful for the support I have received from staff. My fiancé and I have now moved back to the area, and we recently purchased our first home!”

When Erin started at VMH, she immediately decided to become a monthly donor to VMH Foundation – on her very first day!

“As a scholarship recipient, I experienced the generosity of Foundation donors firsthand. The best way for me to give back is to donate in hopes the next recipients can experience the same positive impact. VMH Foundation does great work, and even outside of the scholarship program, has a positive influence on the community!”

Erin’s resilience in the face of adversity, dedication to the profession, and giving heart is an inspiration. Her story is a real-life example of how every donations make a genuine difference in the lives of people in our region.

Breaking Barriers: The Center for Special Children’s Impact on Rare Genetic Disorders

The Center for Special Children specializes in caring for children with inherited disorders, focusing on diagnosing and managing their conditions. These disorders are often rare, and have remained largely undiagnosed. The medical team at the Center for Special Children works closely with various partners, including UW-Madison for specialized care, a group of research scientists from England, the Wisconsin State Hygiene Lab, and a consortium of six other clinics across the country within the Plain Community Health Consortium. Through the work at the Center for Special Children, prompt detection and intervention helps to mitigate the impacts of genetic

Exploring the Fundamentals of Genes

The Basics of Our Genetics

Our genetic code is a massive set of instructions for our body. It is made up of over 3 billion specialized chemical “letters”. If you tried to record all the “letters” in our genetic code, you would need to type 60 words per minute, 8 hours per day, for about 50 years!

Our genetic code is written in a chemical code made up of a specialized material called deoxyribonucleic acid (or DNA for short). The long string of DNA winds into large structures called chromosomes. If our DNA is like a chemical string of yarn, the chromosomes would be the skeins. Each chromosome contains many individual instructions called genes. We are still learning a great deal about our genetic code, but over 20,000 genes have been identified.

Written by Dr. Kaite Williams, Pediatric Geneticist - Center for Special Children.

Each of these genes provides instructions for critical components of our bodies called proteins.

conditions, leading to improved health outcomes for children. For children with incurable disorders, avoiding painful diagnostic evaluations and hospital stays allows them to be cared for comfortably at home.

This important work is primarily funded through community support. To donate or to learn more, please visit vmh.org/ services/center-for-specialchildren/ or scan the QR code

Proteins are the workhorses of our bodies and essential to develop and maintain our health. Some proteins provide structure to our body, like the pigment in our eyes, components of our hair, or the muscle in our heart. Other proteins direct the development and chemical signaling in our brain. Thousands of proteins are needed to break down and utilize nutrients from the foods we eat. We all depend heavily on our genes to make the proteins our body needs.

Why Genes Matter

Our genetic material must copy itself countless times as our body grows and develops throughout our life. There are many safety checks in place to ensure this code stays intact, but it is not a perfect system. In fact, changes to the genetic code are common. Many times, these changes are harmless, but other times the change is in a very important gene and the change prevents the body from reading the gene properly. For example, changes to our genetic code can lead to a malformed protein or the complete absence of a protein. When this happens, it can change how a part of our body develops or functions.

To learn more about genes, visit our blog, vmh.org/blog or scan the QR code

Gifts of Commemoration

Throughout the year, gifts are made to express their gratitude for a staff member or department for whose care they are grateful. Donors also choose this method of giving to celebrate individuals on special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries.

Individuals who were honored between September 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024 are listed.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Team

Orthopedic Team

Surgical Floor Team

Urgent Care Team

Bernadette Adams, FNP

Sarah Albrecht, PA-C

Derek Burkum, PA-C

Laura Buss, RN

William Calkins, MD

David Chakoian, MD

Joel Charles, MD

Alexa Colburn, FNP

Stephanie Croft, APNP

Bonnie Davidson, MD

James DeLine, MD

Phoebe Devitt, MD

Shelly Dillon, FNP

Holly Dwyer, LPC

Joann Fouts, DO

Deb Gallagher, FNP

Nicole Hall

Roxane Holm, PMHNP

Beth Honeyman, PA-C

Max Irons, PA-C

Martha Karlstad, MD

William Kumprey, MD

Jeffrey Lawrence, MD

Andrew Lehman, MD

Anthony Macasaet, MD

Andrew Manspeaker, MD

Tamsen Morgan, PA

Morgan Lucey, PA-C

Nicole Mueller, FNP

Shayna Pankratz, FNP

Gifts of Remembrance

Tammy Pedretti, PA-C

Craig Pierce, PA-C

Amar Polepalle, DO

Deborah Prior, MD

Elizabeth Roberts, MD, MPH

Amanda Sandman

Kelly Scheder, FNP

Ann Sherry, PA-C

Whitney Sinclair, DO

Brendan Sotomayor, MD

Erin Swiggum, APNP

Erin Swiggum, APNP

Eric Thunstedt

Katie Williams, MD

Mitchell Winter, PA-C

Adam Wuensch, MD

Donations Make a Difference!

VMH Foundation’s mission is to develop and support programs and services which enhance accessibility to quality healthcare and wellness for people served by VMH. We are grateful for the generous donors who further this mission. We hope you have found these examples of impact inspiring, and we invite you to make a gift to VMH Foundation to help further our work!

Special gifts made in memory of those who are no longer with us. These gifts celebrate the memory of the person who has passed, while also enhancing the quality of care for people in our region.

Individuals who were memorialized between September 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024 are listed.

Kelly Alexander

Daffy & Jerry Bina

Carla Boyer

Sara Christianson

Ruth Gilbertson

Marcellus “Marcie” Hagen

Bernadette Halvorson

Alice Henden

Roland Hill

Phyllis Iverson

Jim Mack

Hilda Mathison

Ruth McClurg

Annabel McGarry

Marlene Ostrem

Verona Phillips

Melanie Role

Marie Whitehead

THANK YOU DONORS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all donors for their unwavering support in achieving our mission. For a comprehensive list of our valued donors, we invite you to visit our webpage at vmh.org/community/foundation or scan the QR code. Your contributions are not just financial; they represent a shared commitment to making a positive impact in our community, and we are immensely grateful for your partnership in realizing our collective vision.

Gifts can be on our website vmh.org/community/foundation, or by using the QR code below. For a full list of giving options, visit our webpage or call Nicole Hall at 608-637-4374.

A gift from your IRA, DAF or trust can support our mission and provide you with tax savings.

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SCAN ME

Vernon Memorial Hospital

507 South Main Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

General Info: (608) 637-2101