journeys, summer 2013

Going strongThanks to family and Bryan team,Roger Larson beats heart attack

SUMMER 2013

JOURNEYS“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice …” – William Jennings Bryan

W9264_Journeys.indd 1 7/22/13 6:38 AM

01 FROM OUR PRESIDENT

02 BRYAN HEART For heart attack, he’s in the right place

06 NEW AT BRYAN The faces of pulmonary hypertension

10 MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT Ask the doctor: What’s the role of a colorectal surgeon?

12 MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE New faces at Bryan Last rites for Dr. Walt Weaver, pioneer in heart care

13 BRYAN FOUNDATION Supporting students remains her mission Thanks to you, Bryan meets Fine Line challenge

17 IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 17th Annual Kids’ Club Health & Safety Fair: Healthy fun for all

18 NEW AT BRYAN Jackie overcomes stroke StrokeCamp:Anopportunitytorefreshandreflect Know the signs of stroke

22 BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Congratulations, grads!

23 COLLEGE ALUMNI NEWS

24 VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE Four-legged volunteers bring joy to patients’ lives

27 IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY Everyone wins at Lincoln’s marathon

28 CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER CAMCredefinesruralhealthcare

30 ACHIEVEMENTS

32 BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION

33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SUMMER 2013

ALL ABOUT JOURNEYSStatesman William Jennings Bryan, one of the original benefactors of Bryan Health, said:

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

Journeys tells our story of how Bryan chooses to achieve. This free publication is mailed quarterly to our employees, physicians, volunteers and the communities we serve.

STAY IN TOUCHWe welcome your comments. For more information about Journeys, contact the Advancement team by calling 402-481-8674. To learn more about Bryan programs and services, visit us online at bryanhealth.org.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORTYour contributions help us care for those who come to Bryan at every stage of life. To find out how you can participate, call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605, or write to us at: Bryan Foundation 1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506

Kimberly RusselPresident & CEO, Bryan Health

John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center

John Trapp, MD Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff

Bob RavenscroftVice President of Advancement

Edgar BumanisDirector of Public Relations

Paul HadleyEditor

JOURNEYS

Known for Heart campaigngarners major awards

A series of Bryan Heart television advertisements has swept several regional and national awards for excellence.

Five “Known for Heart” 30-second spots last year showed Bryan Heartphysicians’personalinterests,fromfishingandmusictorunning,racquetballandphotography.Thisawarding-winningeffortwas the brainchild of service line marketing specialist Patricia Ebert, Advancement, and Swanson Russell consultant Joyce Jensen.

“We wanted to humanize our physicians, to show what they’re passionate about, so patients see them as real people,” says Ebert. “What makes the doctors’ hearts beat? That’s the story we wanted to tell.”

The ads featured cardiac and thoracic surgeons Richard Thompson, MD, and Robert Oakes, MD; cardiologists Timothy Gardner, MD, and Ryan Whitney, MD; and electrophysiologist Andrew Merliss, MD.

In recent months, “Known for Heart” earned a Silver “ADDY” Award from the American Advertising Federation; a Gold Award from The Aster Awards, a medical marketing awards program sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Today; and a coveted Bronze Telly — this international award

recognizes outstanding commercials from among 12,000 entries, including all industries and company sizes.

Visit bryanhealth.org/bryan-heart-team to watch these videos, or use your smartphone’s QR application to access this code.

Izzy shared the spotlight with Dr. Andrew Merlissduring an award-winning Bryan Heart commercial.


his quote from poet Maya Angelou will come to life as you read our cover story on Roger Larson —apillarofourcommunitywhodefineswhatitmeans to share one’s talents for the greater good. RogerwasoneofthefirstpeopleImetwhenImovedtoLincolnfiveyearsago.Hegreetedmewith great enthusiasm about his years of

involvement with Bryan — and he brought me a large paper bag,filledwithbeautifulproducefromhisgarden.So, it’s no surprise that Roger is very special to me and the entire Bryan family.

All of us are so honored to have been part of the collaborative team that returned Roger to work and to his quest to make Lincoln a better, healthier place for us all.

This issue of Journeys also includes our annual report on giving for Fiscal Year 2013. It recognizes our steadfast donors throughout the community, who understand that without their support, we would not be able to provide the extraordinary levels of comfort and care that we do.

I hope you enjoy reading about the waysthegiftedpeopleofBryan—staffmembers, physicians, volunteers and students — share their talents in support of our mission and commitment to the people

we serve. Angelou would be impressed: Their throwing arms are amazing.

Community. Future. Health. Helping you prepare for what’s next in your life will always be what’s next in ours.

Kimberly A. Russel President and CEO Bryan Health

F R O M O U R P R E S I D E N T

T“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.”

Bryan Journeys 1


ou could say Roger Larson was lucky. Lucky he was with his daughter and son-in-law when hesufferedaheartattack.Butthat’swheresimple luck ended and a sophisticated system of experienced health care professionals and advanced technology took over — a system

Roger helped to build. Roger collapsed Jan. 28 while he and his wife, Shirley,

were dropping Kylie, their Labrador retriever, at their daughter Susan and son-in-law Rich Rodenburg’s home before leaving on vacation. Seconds after he told the trio he wasn’t feeling well, Roger was unconscious. He had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. While Susan ran to call 911, Rich started CPR and

kept pumping Roger’s chest to the beat of the Bee Gee’s hit song “Stayin’ Alive” until a Lincoln Fire & Rescue emergency medical services team arrived from Station 8.

Paramedics stabilized Roger and sent vital information wirelessly to Bryan Medical Center on the Bryan East Campus. At Bryan, a “cardiac alert” was activated, so the entire cardiac team was ready for Roger. An interventional cardiologist, cardiac nurses and catheterization lab techs took quick action when the ambulance arrived.

“We took him to the cath lab, and using a stent, opened up a tightly-blocked artery. We then used an advanced hydrothermic technology, InnerCool®, which allowed us to cool Roger’s body temperature to give him the best chance of brain

Longtime Bryan trustee and community leader Roger Larson (left) shares an afternoon coffee with his son-in-law, Rich Rodenburg, who earlier this year used CPR to help save Roger’s life after a heart attack.

For heart attack care

He’s in the right place

Y

B R Y A N H E A R T

2 Summer 2013


Bryan LifePointe executive medical director and Bryan Heart cardiologist Ryan Whitney, MD, was on call when an ambulance brought Roger to Bryan Medical Center.

recovery,” says Bryan Heart cardiologist Ryan Whitney, MD, who was on call at the hospital that day.

Everything moved at a rapid pace. “By the time I locked up the house and got to the hospital, they had already put a stent in and cooled him down and induced a coma,” Rich notes.

After Roger was moved to the cardiac intensive care unit following his medically induced coma, Dr. Whitney explained to the family what the team had done and told them Roger’s heart function was significantly reduced. The procedure had been successful in itself, but Dr. Whitney cautioned that, even though he thought Roger would survive, he couldn’t be sure at this point if there would be any permanent brain damage.

It was a tough few days for the family until they knew whether or not Roger was going to wake up and, if he did wake up, if he was going to have normal brain function. “Everyone was saying I was a hero for performing CPR,” Rich remembers, “but I was just hoping I had done enough.”

It was 48 hours before the Bryan cardiac team began to slowly warm up Roger, another day until he was moving, and yet another day until he was aware of his surroundings and recognized his family.

When Roger woke from his coma five days after the heart attack, his eyes focused on the calendar across the room that showed it was Feb. 2, 2013, and he thought to himself, “I’m supposed to be in Arizona.” Then, as he observed where he was, he relaxed, saying to himself, “I’m at Bryan — I’ll be OK.”

Roger adds, “It was a very quick action on the part of a lot of people who saved my life. They really knew what they were doing, and that included Susan and Rich, Shirley, the EMS people and certainly the hospital staff. The doctors, the nurses — everyone at Bryan — they were all incredible.

“And I really appreciate Dr. Whitney. In addition to diagnosing my problem and taking quick action, he seemed to personally care about me. Even after his part in my recovery was complete, he would stop by for a few minutes just to see how I was doing — almost like a social visit — as I remained in the hospital for a few days for a non-heart related condition.”

And now Roger sees Dr. Whitney on a regular basis to ensure he continues to progress through his rehabilitation phase.

Roger has had a long history with Bryan Health. From the Bryan Medical Center Board to the Foundation Board, back to the hospital board and then to the Bryan Health Board, Roger served in a leadership role for 46 years, helping guide Bryan

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Longtime board memberputs trust in Bryan care giversHealth to become what it is today.

Roger’s close association with Bryan Health makes him especially grateful he was taken to Bryan Medical Center.

“As a board member, I know the standards are high, I know I am going to get the very best care because I am aware of the training of the personnel, their accountability and how their performance is judged by outcomes. I know it is an exceptional organization where we, the patients, can feel confidentwewillbecaredforwhen we are most vulnerable,” he says.

One of the milestones at Bryan during Roger’s tenure on the board was the establishment of BryanLGH Heart Institute (now Bryan Heart). Another was the merger of Lincoln General Hospital and Bryan Memorial Hospital to form BryanLGH Health System (now Bryan Health).

But what Roger is most proud of is the way Bryan Health has embraced its civic duty to take care of the community.

“Bryan is locally owned and governed and has always had a broad vision of its mission. That mission is not just to turn out patients, but rather to improve the general health of our community,” he points out.

Roger always has been very active in community and civic affairs.

In addition to being on the three Bryan Boards of Trustees, he has served on more than 40 other community boards, been a leader in the broadcast industry and now is a consultant with

local fundraising organization SLR Communications. For more than 50 years, Roger has shared his perspectives

on community matters in his radio programs in the Capital City and is not yet ready to check out of the conversation — especially when it concerns the health of the community.

He says, “We need to see wellness as a win-win situation that is good for those who are practicing wellness and for their employers. This not only increases patients’ quality of life and longevity, but it also decreases health care costs.

“I believe the new health care act will help create a culture that makes wellness something that is very desirable, andIintendtobepartoftheefforttocreatethatculture here in Lincoln.”

Teamwork in the heart catheterization laboratory is essential for ensuring good outcomes for patients, like Roger Larson.

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And Roger has embraced wellness personally. Until his heart attack in January, he was mowing his acreage near Walton, tending a huge garden and working outside, cutting trees — as well as maintaining an active professional life. He had experienced a first heart attack in 1964 when he was 38. But not until this year, at age 87, did he have any additional heart problems. Roger’s almost 50-year freedom from heart problems may be attributed to his staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He says, “My biggest life change was that I stopped smoking right after my first heart attack — it was a great incentive.”

Dr. Whitney emphasizes that exercising, eating right and avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, help prevent heart attacks. He also notes that even if you practice a healthy lifestyle, other factors, such as family history or other existing medical conditions, may increase your risk of heart disease.

“That’s why the organization is providing a simple way to determine whether or not you are at risk for heart disease,” Dr. Whitney says. “People can go to Bryan Health’s website and take a free, online HeartAware risk assessment. It takes about

seven minutes and may give you peace of mind or else provide evidence that you should seek the advice of a physician.”

Roger’s voice continues to emphasize the importance of providing a healthy community. He is concerned that the professional ability and technological advances in health care are moving ahead of our ability to pay for it. “Everybody wants to have the best, but not everyone receives the best care. We are so fortunate to have high-quality health care here, and we want to be sure to continue those high standards into the future,” he says.

High standards of care — like the quality care Roger received.

“I have made the remark many times since my heart attack: ‘If you have a heart problem, feel fortunate you live here.’” Roger says.

“I can’t overexaggerate the quality of care and attention I received at Bryan.” n

To find out how you can support the work of Bryan Heart and Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Learn CPRYou could save a life!

Many things had to fall into place quickly for Roger Larson to survive his heart

attack. The lifesaving CPR his son-in-law, Rich Rodenburg, administered made the difference in not just saving his life, but also in giving him the quality of life he enjoys today.

According to the Brain Injury Foundation, there is a window of less than six minutes from the time a person’s heart stops until irreversible brain damage begins. So, even though an emergency medical services crew was close and arrived soon after

Roger’s daughter called 911, those few minutes before they arrived were critical.

Rich had taught scores of CPR classes through the years, including junior and senior lifesaving CPR, but never had been in a situation to use it outside of the classroom.

“This was the first time I was able to use my training — and it turned out the life I saved was that of my father-in-law, an amazing person who means so much to me and my family,” Rich says.

“Everybody should know CPR,” he

emphasizes. “It’s simple, and it’s a lot easier than it used to be.”

Now CPR only involves compression — tilting the head back and clearing the airways have been eliminated from the process. “Hands-only CPR” involves pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest to the rhythm of the classic disco song, “Stayin’ Alive.”

Bryan offers CPR classes on a regular basis through its education department. Go to bryanhealth.org/calendar, or call 402-481-8648 for details about classes. n

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hen 25-year-old Kelsie Harper experienced extreme chest pain while

carrying laundry up stairs and when she wound up on the floor — turning blue —during a workout, she was scared.

When 29-year-old Tara McMaster had shortness of breath while walking up stairs and had to catch her breath when rolling over in bed, she knew it was more than being out of shape.

Despite their young ages, Kelsie’s and Tara’s bodies were waving neon red flags they couldn’t ignore, and visits to their doctors were inevitable.

In search of answers, tests were run and on the same day Kelsie’s were done, and in less than a week from when Tara’s began, each faced a diagnosis that would forever change their lives: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH).

It’s an uncommon disease of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary artery walls become stiff and thick and form scar tissue that narrows the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow. The result is continuous high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs that puts strain on the heart. The disease is progressive, and left untreated, the prognosis is poor. Common symptoms are breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, swollen ankles and legs and chest pain.

Such a rare disease requires highly specialized care, from treatment and follow-up, to helping patients manage symptoms, supporting them through the acceptance of the disease, and working with insurance companies to get medication authorizations.

Kelsie and Tara found this care at Bryan Health’s Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic. Started in 2000 by pulmonologist Bill Johnson, MD, FCCP, of Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties and now-retired Bryan nurse Marilyn

W

6 Summer 2013

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The faces of pulmonary hypertension

To most observers, Kelsie Harper is the picture of good health, with few outward signs of pulmonary hypertension disease.

The Pulmonary Hyperten-sion Clinic was created to meet the needs of area pa-tients. In 1998, Dr. Bill John-son was treating a 34-year-old mother of two young children. This candidate for a lung transplant was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, and she needed to travel from Nebraska to Minnesota for continuous infusion of a then-experimental drug.

“We started this program so that we could offer care closer to home for patients like her,” Dr. Johnson says.


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Schmidt, the clinic grew out of Bryan Health’s former lung transplant program.

“ItwasthefirstdedicatedpulmonaryhypertensionclinicinNebraska,” Dr. Johnson says. “It’s one of the most evidence-based, organizedapproachestomedicinethatLincolnhastooffer.Ithasnot been limited by any type of competitive wall that might be present in health care, and we have reached out and cared for patients at every institution in Lincoln.”

“Our nurses and administrative assistant are integral in making sure all tests are scheduled and completed with minimal impact onthepatients,”sayspulmonologistJeffJarrett,MD,ofNebraskaPulmonary Specialties.

“They are in constant contact with our patients through phone, textingandemailtohelpthemfigureoutwhatsymptomstobeconcerned about versus those that are part of the disease process.”

AccordingtoclinicnurseMaryKnabe,RN,MSN,thestaffseespatients four afternoons per month.

She says, “We determine treatment, help them manage their symptoms and support them through the stages of grief, denial and anger. Seeing them improve with the treatments/medications and adapt to their ‘new normal lifestyle’ is very rewarding.”

Here’s Kelsie’s storyWhen two doctor visits yielded no results, then-restaurant

manager Kelsie convinced herself that the fast heartbeat, chest pain and shortness of breath must mean she was out of shape. She joined a gym and pushed herself hard until the time a workout landedheronthefloor,unabletobreathe.

Her next stop was the hospital for an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)tocheckthebloodflowthroughtheheartchambersand valves and blood vessels. Then came other heart and lung tests andfinallytheright-heartcatheterization,whichmeasuresthelevelofresistancetobloodflowinthepulmonaryarteryandlungs,andtheamountofbloodtheheartispumping.Itconfirmedthediagnosis: It was PH.

“That was devastating,” Kelsie says. “I knew pulmonary arterial hypertension was really bad but didn’t really understand it.”

In the days that followed, Bryan Health’s Pulmonary Hypertension ClinicstaffeducatedKelsieaboutPH and helped her understand its impact on her life.

She learned the disease type is idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown. And it’s severe, which makes it hard for her to do simple things such as getting dressed or blow drying her hair.

She learned she would need to make lifestyle changes, such as slowing down her very active life. She found she wouldn’t be able to keep her restaurant job.

“At times I felt like my life was never going to get better. The hardest part is not being able to

keep up with everyone else’s pace,” Kelsie says.She learned the plan of action for battling the disease.“Kelsie’s treatment plan is an aggressive approach with

medications, and our goal is to try to allow her to have as optimal of a quality of life as possible,” Dr. Johnson says.

She takes three medications — two in pill form and one through an IV — to manage the disease by helping to keep her pulmonary

Bryan Journeys 7

The faces of pulmonary hypertension

Dr. Jeff Jarrett acknowledges the clinic staff is integral to success.

Clinic nurse Mary Knabe (left) reviews infusion rates with Tara McMaster. The Bryan Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic staff keeps in constant contact with patients.


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arteries dilated, to decrease the amount of hypertrophy (the growth of the solid portion of the artery) in the arteries, and to reverse blood vessel damage.

And, she learned good changes take place. “I can now walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded,” she says.

Her ability to do active things is slowly improving, too, such as doing laundry and cleaning, cheering on her boyfriend, Zach, at baseball games, taking care of her golden retriever, playing piano, going to concerts with friends, and baking (especially cakes), which she hopes to make a career.

Kelsie recalls her first follow-up echocardiogram. “I was extremely anxious about it because I felt there was so much on the line as far as my future was concerned. Having kids is absolutely huge to my heart, and when I was first diagnosed, I was told there was a chance I may not ever be able to have kids if I didn’t improve greatly. The echo showed that my pressures had come down

significantly! I felt at that moment a peace that everything was going to be OK,” she says.

“My overall experience with the clinic staff has been incredible,” Kelsie adds. “The things I love the most about them are how much they care and that they make me feel like a normal person.”

“Kelsie has met this disease head-on,” Dr. Johnson says. “She understands it, accepts the fact that she has it, recognizes how it’s limited her and is adjusting to it in a manner she can be happy with.

“She’s shown a

maturity beyond her years.”Kelsie says, “When you’re in the thick of the disease process, it

feels like your whole life is falling apart, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Little by little, things start to get better. As hard as it is, you have to know that you will get through it.”

Tara benefits from teamworkIn the past, doctors had told Tara she had a heart murmur

but also told her it was probably nothing. When she started experiencing shortness of breath while climbing stairs, walking distances and turning over in bed, she met with a new physician

Pulmonary hypertensonnot obvious to outsiders

Kelsie talks with Mary Knabe, RN, of the Bryan Health Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic.

8 Summer 2013

Kelsie and pulmonologist Bill Johnson, MD, discuss her individualized treatment plan during a follow-up visit.


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assistant. He felt it was important to follow up with the murmur, as well as investigate her shortness of breath.

Tests were run in January 2013 and, in less than a week, Tara faced two giants she hadn’t anticipated facing at age 29. She learned she has an atrial septal defect — a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of her heart, which has been

present from birth. She also learned she has pulmonary arterial hypertension, most likely caused by the defect.

“It was really just shock,” Tara remembers, when Mary Knabe explained the disease to her. It was overwhelming.

Tara needed a plan to battle every aspect of this disease process, andtheexperiencedclinicstaffdrewitupandhelpshercarryitout.Shesaysseeinghowpassionatethestaffisaboutherhealthand treatment indicates the seriousness of PH and the extreme importance of treatment.

“Dr. Jarrett is the captain of the ship,” Tara says. “He looks at all thedifferentsymptomsIexperienceandtriestofindthebestwaytonavigate through the troubled waters of pulmonary hypertension.”

Treatment is a continuous IV infusion to open the arteries to her lungs, an oral medication to work to thin the walls of her arteries topromotebloodflow,ananticoagulant(bloodthinner)topreventblot clots, and supplemental oxygen for activity or exertion.

A recent echocardiogram indicated positive results. “My right-heart pressures came down 30 points in three months, so it appears I’m responding really well,” Tara says.

Shewillcontinueregularcheck-ups,andtheclinicstaffwillcontinue to monitor, treat and encourage her.

“Theclinicstaffisamazing,”Tarasays.“Theyscheduleallofmyappointments and do their best to accommodate my work schedule, which has gone from full days to half days so I can regain some energyandfocusonexercisesomylungscanworkmoreefficiently.

“They really went out of their way with the appeals process when my insurance company was refusing to cover my catheter insertion.WhenIwasfinallyapproved,theyboughtmeablanketformy hospital stay that I still use every day.“

Sheadds,“Theyalwaysputtheirpatientsfirst,andMaryisalways available for questions, vent sessions and for sharing my successes. I have an amazing team of dedicated professionals helping me through this disease.”

“Tara is a smart and determined young woman with an excellent support system, especially her husband, Ryan. She has done an amazing job with everything that we have thrown at her and put her through in such a short amount of time with this new diagnosis.

“She will continue to have battles along the way, but I am confidentshewillnotshyawayfromanythingthatstandsinherway of living the best life she is able to,” Dr. Jarrett concludes. n

To find out how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605. For information about pulmonary hypertension, call 402-481-8647, or go to bryanhealth.org/pulmonary-hypertension.

Bryan Journeys 9

With her supplemental oxygen supply nearby, Tara exercises at the Bryan LifePointe Campus. Exercise specialist Rhonda Becker and others help Tara get the most from her workouts.


10 Summer 2013

Kelly Krier, MD, of Surgical Associates answers questions about colorectal surgery.

Q: in what does a colorectal surgeon specialize?Colorectal stands for colon and rectum. A colorectal surgeon specializes in the treatment of surgical diseases relating to the colon, the rectum and the anus.

Q: Does a colorectal surgeon receive special training?Yes. A colorectal surgeon attends four years of medical school,followedbyafive-tosix-yeargeneralsurgeryresidency,anddoesaone-yearfellowshipspecificallyincolorectal surgery.

Q: What types of cases does a colorectal surgeon treat? I treat diagnoses including hemorrhoids, rectal pain and irritation,analfissures,fecalincontinence,constipation,rectal prolapse (where the rectum protrudes out of the anus),coloncancer,inflammatoryboweldiseasesandhereditary diseases of the colon.

Q: How can I get an appointment with a colorectal surgeon?Patientscanfindmethroughanumberofways.Mostpatients are referred by a primary care provider, gastroenterologist, obstetrician, gynecologist or another health care provider. A patient can also self-refer and simplycalltheofficeforanappointment.

Q: How does the medical role of a colorectal surgeon differ from a gastroenterologist?A gastroenterologist medically manages diseases of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas. A colorectal surgeon treats surgical diseases of the small

What’s the role of a colorectal surgeon?

Ask thedoctor:

Dr. Kelly Krier and other specialists in colon and rectal surgery can be contacted by calling 402-441-4760.

M E D I C A L S T A F F S P O T L I G H T


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intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. We work together to provide complementary care to help patients.

Q: Are there measures a person can take to prevent some of these conditions? If so, what are they?Yes. Good, healthy living, including exercising, keeping hydrated andeatingahigh-fiberdiet,isgoodforcolonhealth.Ultimately,we all need to follow guidelines on colon cancer screening, such as colonoscopies.

Q: How do you put your patients at ease so they can talk about such personal topics?Theofficestaff,nursesandIarededicatedtotreatingpatientswithdignity,respectandconfidentiality.Wehaveacomfortableclinicspace with private bathrooms in each exam room.

Q: What symptoms of hemorrhoids should prompt a person to seek a physician appointment?There are external and internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoidscanbecomelargeandfilledwithabloodclotcausingsevere pain. Internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding or can protrude out of the anus causing leakage or pain.

Q: What percentage of the population has hemorrhoids so serious that they require surgery? Only 4.5 percent of the population has hemorrhoids that require surgery. Hemorrhoids have a peak incidence between the ages of 45 and 65 years old. Hemorrhoids are not the only diagnosis that causes pain, bleeding or prolapse in the perianal region. A colorectal surgeon can help to accurately diagnose the cause of a patient’s symptoms in order to provide appropriate treatment options.

Q: Do you work with incontinence? This can be a big issue for a family.

Yes. Fecal incontinence has new treatment options compared to even just a few years ago. Many patients are hesitant to discuss this topic with their physicians andthereforesufferinsilence.Thereisnoneedtosufferwithfecalincontinence.Ihavetreatment options that include medications, physical therapy, in-officeproceduresandoperatingroomprocedures that can help with this condition. Diagnosing the incontinence can require some testing. I am fortunate that I have the ability to do some of the testing right in the clinic.

Q: What are the medical recommendations regarding having a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy screens for colorectal cancer. A patient

should have a colonoscopy when he or she is 50 years old. Someone with a family history of colon cancer should have a colonoscopy when he or she is 40 years old, or 10 years before the age of the person who had colon cancer or a polyp diagnosed, whicheverisearlier.Someinflammatoryboweldiseasesorhereditary diseases also have earlier screening recommendations.

Q: What are the odds of getting cancer of the rectum or the colon?There is a 6 percent lifetime risk of colorectal cancer for each person. Out of all cancers, colon cancer is No. 2 in causing cancer deaths. Colorectal cancer is called the “silent killer.” Symptoms are rare early and are vague enough that most patients ignore the warning signs. That’s why colon cancer screening is so important. Acolonoscopycanfindandremovepolypsbeforetheyturnintocancer. The symptoms of colon cancer are abdominal pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, blood in rectum, black stools and appetite changes.

Q: Do you treat Crohn’s disease? What is it and how do you treat it?Crohn’sdiseaseisaninflammatoryboweldiseasethataffectspatients from the mouth to the anus. The layers of the gastrointestinaltractareaffected,andthediseasemanifestswith varying symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping and varying bowel habits. Gastroenterologists treat Crohn’s disease with medications. I would be brought in if surgery is required to treat a patient’s symptoms. Surgical interventions for this disease include removal of a small bowel segment, resection of the colon, or opening of a stricture or a narrowing in the small bowelorcolon.Ulcerativecolitisisanotherinflammatoryboweldisease that surgery can help to cure. These are diagnoses where a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon work together to assist patients.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to be a colorectal surgeon?I decided early in my career to be a colorectal surgeon. My grandfather was an excellent physician who inspired me. If I can be one-third of the physician he was, I will have done something great for the patients for whom I care. Mentors throughout my training guided me to colorectal surgery for its variety in patients, diagnoses, procedures and ability to collaborate with multiple specialties,nursesandstaff.

Q: What do you like best about being a colorectal surgeon?Imeetpatientsatsomeoftheirmostdifficulttimesinlifeandjourney with them as life improves. It is an honor and privilege to be trusted to care for patients and their family members in times of illness. n


Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical communityArif Sattar, MD, internal medicine, of Nebraska House Call Physicians,402-730-6870,hasjoinedthemedicalstaff.

Dr. Sattar graduated from Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan, in 1990 and completed a residency in internal

medicine at New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y., in 1995.

Heisboardcertifiedininternalmedicineand in hospice and palliative care and is a diplomatinboththosefieldsofmedicine.

Dr. Sattar was medical director of Glenns Ferry Health Center in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, before moving to Lincoln in 1999. He is astaffphysicianatNebraskaHouseCall

Physicians and serves as president of that medical practice.

Mohammad Shoiab, MD, psychiatry, has joined Bryan Heartland Psychiatry, 402-483-8555.

Dr. Shoiab graduated from Allama Iqbal Medical College, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, in 1984. He practiced at Lahore Mental Hospital and in 1989 joined the Post Graduate Medical Institute Department of Psychiatry. He completed a psychiatric residency at Bergen Pines Regional Medical Center, Paramus, N.J., in 1999.

Dr. Shoiab practiced in Wayne, Neb., where he worked at the Wayne Community Mental Health & Wellness Clinic. He also established an outpatient clinic in Norfolk and practiced in Ainsworth, O’Neill and Columbus. Before joining Bryan Heartland Psychiatry, he practiced at the Lincoln Regional Center.

Before that, Dr. Shoiab worked at Fremont Psychiatric

M E D I C A L S T A F F U P D A T E

New faces at

Bryan

Services in Fremont, was involved with outpatients at the East Central District Health Department in Columbus and was a psychiatrist for the GRIPSYCH program in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and at Shenandoah Community Hospital in Shenandoah, Iowa.

12 Summer 2013

Last rites for Dr. Walt Weaver, pioneer in heart care

Walt Weaver, MD, died June 3, 2013, in Lincoln. The retired cardiologist was 82.

Dr. Weaver was born in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska. He earned a medical degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1956. He completed medical internships at the University Hospital of Cleveland and the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and earned a master’s degree in medicine from the University of Minnesota Graduate School, Rochester.

After graduation, he was on the faculty of the University of Colorado, Denver, was a heart consultant for the Colorado Department of Public Health and conducted high altitude pulmonary research while on active military duty.

Dr.Weaverwasboardcertifiedin cardiovascular disease and earnedacertificateofproficiencyindiagnostic cardiac catheterization and angiography.

He was one of Nebraska’s pioneers in cardiology. He returned to Lincoln to open a private practice in 1962 — that year he teamed with Stephen Carveth, MD, to develop Bryan MemorialHospital’sfirstheartcatheterizationlab.

Dr. Weaver served as a clinical associate professor in cardiovascular disease at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. The physician published many papers and made presentations throughout the United States, as well as in Japan, China, England, Norway and Sweden. He also wasanofficerofnumerousnationalandregionalmedicalassociations, such as the American College of Cardiology, Society of Cardiac Angiography, Nebraska Heart Association and Lancaster County Medical Society.


B R Y A N F O U N D A T I O N

Bryan Journeys 13

On top of a 46-year

career in nursing

and education at Bryan,

Phylis Hollamon Berg

has ensured an

enduring link to future

students by making the

largest-ever gift to

support Bryan College

of Health Sciences.

Supporting students remains her mission



Through the years: Archives show Phylis as a 1965 graduate (left), with former Bryan School of Nursing director Elaine Garrison and participating in grand opening ceremonies for the Bryan College of Health Sciences building.

14 Summer 2013

To those who know Phylis (Stelling) Hollamon Berg, president emeritus of the Bryan College of Health Sciences, it probably comes as no surprise that she knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a nurse.

“My first memory of wanting to be a nurse was when I was about six years old. My mother had made for me a white seersucker uniform and I’d wear that white dress everywhere — even had a white seersucker hat to go with it,” she recalls with a laugh.

For 46 years, Phylis’ passion for nursing was nourished at Bryan. First as a student, then as a nurse in several Bryan units, then as an educator, and ultimately as the first president of the College of Health Sciences. Not bad for someone who initially, just wanted her nursing school to have its own front door.

She chalks it up to perseverance and a bit of good luck.

A fulfilling journeyDuring a recent visit with Phylis, she reflected on her

professional journey at Bryan and on her deferred gift to the college that will help pay for scholarships and other areas of

Her spirit of commitmentspans lifetime of achievements

need, as well as honor those who went before her.“I think Elaine Garrison is the most significant reference

point for my commitment to this profession and this institution,” Phylis says. “Elaine taught me a lot about integrity and the courage of your convictions — standing up for what you think.”

The late Garrison, affectionately known as “Gary,” was the school’s director before Phylis took the reins. “She was a source of support when I went from clinical nursing to education. Her humor was so subtle but she was so bright and had so much insight and integrity — you can’t be around someone like that and not be influenced,” Phylis says.

Remembers colleaguesPhylis also gives credit to Michael Bratton, a former vice

president of nursing at Bryan, who endorsed and collaborated on the idea to expand the School of Nursing into a degree-granting college.

“Michael invested a lot of time on behalf of the college, when it was merely the seed of an idea, and he was a great believer in its growth,” she says.



Phylis maintained close ties with retired nursing school directors Elaine Garrison (in green jacket) and Vice President Phyllis Bovee. She celebrated milestones with colleagues and, with her husband, the Rev. Darrel Berg, continues to support Bryan events.

Bryan Journeys 15

Giving backIn the course of her 46 years with Bryan, Phylis

experienced many things, such as changes in care and growth in student enrollment. And she became keenly aware of the need to secure funding for important things, like educators, scholarships, equipment, programs and facility expansions.

During her tenure at the college, Phylis set up scholarships in honor of loved ones as a way to give back; but her retirementfiveyearsagowasatimeoftrueintrospection.

This is when she realized that a larger gift was in order. So, with careful planning and thought, she bestowed on the college a deferred gift to go along with those scholarships. Without realizing it, her deferred gift added up to nearly $1 million, making it cumulatively the largest individual gift ever made to the college.

Her life’s work“Anyone who has spent any time associated with

the Bryan College of Health Sciences recognizes Phylis’ influenceandunderstandsthatherlife’sworkisincrediblyimportanttoher.Herlegacyisfirmlyplantedatthecollege,and this extraordinary gift is yet another demonstration of her commitment,” says Bob Ravenscroft, vice president of advancementandchiefdevelopmentofficer.

“Phylis is such a humble person and I’ll always remember thedaysheformalizedthismagnificentgift.Shewasadamantthat it was more about others than about her ability to make thegift.Shejustwantsthecollegetoflourish.”

“I think part of why I chose this avenue of continuing to

support the college is that my whole life’s work is here, and it didn’t seem right to walk out the door and walk away without continuing a commitment,” Phylis says. “I asked myself: ‘If you don’t act on what you believe, do you really believe it?’”

Commitment to othersBut Phylis neither seeks nor wants special attention for

this gift. For her, it’s about that passion — for nurses, nursing education and the college that she helped establish. It’s a way to honor Gary, and Phyllis Bovee, another school director, and the many others who blazed a trail before her. It’s about an almostindefinabledesiretoensurethatthecollegewillsurvivelong into the future. And it’s her hope that others will identify with that spirit of commitment.

“I wish I could put it into words — it’s more of a spiritual thing, just a feeling that I have … the importance of sustaining what this place represents and has represented since it was founded in 1926,” she says.

“I was not the only person involved in the development of the college; there were so many of us. I had the good fortune to be here and circumstances aligned themselves in such a way that I could be part of something that was bigger than I was then, and bigger than I am now.” n

To learn how you can support the Bryan College of Health Sciences, contact DeEtta Mayrose at the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8287, or email her at [email protected].


or 87 years, Bryan has been a leader in providing mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. This historical commitment to behavioral health services achieved another milestone April

30 with the celebration of the completion of the Fine Line Campaign and the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Bryan Independence Center.

Commitment and collaboration led to the success of the Fine Line Campaign to provide new treatment facilities to improve behavioral health care for people in need.

Behavioral health treatment remains one of our community’s most pressing health needs, and as a locally owned and governed health system, meeting the needs of the community and region is a responsibility that Bryan Health willingly accepts.

The Fine Line Campaign goal of $2.5 million to construct

Thanks to you, Bryan meets Fine Line challengenew facilities to advance behavioral health services for our region was exceeded. Through the generosity of many people, we raised $2,870,316 in cash and in-kind support, including $533,818 from Bryan Health employees. Please refer to the Annual Report on Giving in this edition of Journeys for details.

Phase I of the Fine Line campaign provided new facilities for outpatient mental health services. The clients and staff of Bryan Counseling Center, adult partial hospitalization, men’s domestic abuse program and Bryan Heartland Psychiatry now receive treatment in modern and efficient clinic space. The response from our clients has been outstanding!

Phase II is the construction of a new Bryan Independence Center. This construction is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Bob Ravenscroft, Vice President of Advancement


Ceremonial groundbreakers for the new Bryan Independence Center were (left to right) Bryan Health Vice President Bob Ravenscroft, Bryan Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Jim Stange, Bryan Health Vice President Shirley Travis, Bryan Medical Center Mental Health Services Director Shannon Engler, Bryan Independence Center Director Jerome Barry, Bryan Health President and CEO Kim Russel, Bryan Health Board of Trustees Chair Gene Brake and Bryan Medical Center President and COO John Woodrich.

16 Summer 2013

F


I N S E R V I C E T O O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Bryan Journeys 17

17th annual Kids’ Club Health & Safety Fair

Healthy fun for all

At our June 8 event at the Bryan East Campus, there were hands-on demonstrations for every interest!

Morning showers couldn’t dampen enthusiasm for more than 1,000 children and the young-at-heart who visited the Bryan Kids’ Club Health & Safety Fair.

The bean bag toss (top photo) was one of many popular activities. Christina Williamson, RT, of Bryan Urgent Care and Bryan College of Health Sciences student Emilea Harrahill (bottom photo) were among the many who helped teach families about fun and healthy topics.


N E W A T B R Y A N

18 Summer 2013

Something just didn’t feel right. While shopping for a new computer printer with her husband and grandson, Jackie Goldsmith hobbled down the store aisles feeling as if she was drugged or sleepwalking. Four days later she learned

shehadsufferedastroke.Though signs of stroke are more oftentimes sudden rather

than gradual, Jackie’s symptoms were not unusual. She had one of the common signs of stroke — extreme weakness in an arm or leg. The weakness in her leg had started the previous day, but like others who have these signs, she decided to ignore them and wait for the symptoms to go away. But they didn’t that day, or the next, soshefinallysoughttreatment.

Like Jackie, many people delay care when symptoms are gradual. But regardless whether symptoms are slow to develop or sudden, time is the enemy — and immediate medical attention is paramount.

Different strokes, common urgency“When a patient enters our system, our clinicians work rapidly

to determine what type of a stroke has occurred so we can assess the best treatment options available,” says Mary Ellen Hook, stroke program coordinator at Bryan Medical Center.

Strokesymptomsmaydifferdependingonthetypeofstroke.“An ischemic stroke occurs when a vessel supplying blood

to the brain becomes blocked,” explains neurologist James Bobenhouse, MD, Bryan Stroke Center medical director. “In a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding into or around the brain.”

If it is an ischemic stroke, victims have 4 ½ hours from the onset of symptoms to receive the best treatment possible — intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, or t-PA. This drug dissolvesbloodclots,sobloodflowisrestoredinblockedarteries,allowingoxygentoflowtothebrainandlesseningthepotentialforpermanent disability. If 4 ½ to 6 hours have lapsed since the onset ofsymptoms,theintravenousmethodisnolongereffective,butintra-arterial t-PA, and in some cases retrieval devices, can be used to melt or remove the clot.

Bryan is the only hospital in Lincoln that has interventional radiologists who administer t-PA intra-arterially, so patients from other hospitals have been transferred to Bryan Medical Center to have this procedure.

Jackie overcomes stroke

Stroke survivor Jackie Goldsmith credits her successful recovery to encouragement from her care givers at Bryan.


N E W A T B R Y A N

Thanks to the Stroke Center team, Jackie Goldsmith is able to enjoy life with her husband, Goldie.

The sooner acute stroke patients receive IV t-PA, the better their chances for returning back to normal or near normal.

Since it had been several days since Jackie’s onset of stroke symptoms, and a neurologist had confirmed a diagnosis of stroke through MRI results, she was admitted to Bryan Medical Center. She was evaluated and then admitted to the acute rehabilitation unit at Bryan West Campus, where she began the rehabilitation process.

Inpatient rehabilitationSome strokes are smaller with fewer limitations — but a lot

of stroke patients, like Jackie, end up going to acute (inpatient) rehabilitation where they have access to a team of professionals, who provide nursing and physician care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy, speech language pathology

and neuropsychiatric care, as well as neurovision specialists and other disciplines, who work together to get patients back to their optimum function at home.

One advantage to receiving inpatient rehabilitation at Bryan is that patients have access to doctors who saw them while they were in the acute care side of the hospital, and they’re familiar with the care givers and have access to rapid treatment therapies and diagnostic tests without having to be transferred to another facility. In addition, patients’ families already are familiar with the care givers and know their way around the hospital.

Adjusting to new challenges“Our nurses, therapists and physician providers have a great

deal of expertise in providing these patients with the care and treatments for the best outcomes possible,” says rehabilitation services clinical coordinator Linda Jeffery. “This includes helping patients deal with emotional challenges related to having a stroke and possibly a life-altering condition.”

She adds, “Jackie, like many stroke patients, really struggled at first to adjust to her new challenges — I think she just needed to feel like somebody was in her corner, to support and encourage her even when she was frustrated.”

“My husband, ‘Goldie’ (Dwayne), kept saying to me after I had the stroke, ‘You have to have a good attitude,’ but I really didn’t care if I had a good attitude or not,” Jackie remembers. “Linda and the Bryan team helped me work through this.”

Bryan Journeys 19

Bryan Stroke Center medical director James Bobenhouse, MD, and rehabilita-tion services clinical coordinator Linda Jeffery lead a team assisting patients who are recovering from strokes.


Dwayne “Goldie” Goldsmith with Jackie in a Stroke Camp moment.

20 Summer 2013

N E W A T B R Y A N

As the rehabilitation team approached Jackie with new routines to try at home, she became more motivated, began seeing progress and became more positive and hopeful about her future. Once rehabilitation was complete, Jackie still had some weakness on her left side but was able to get around well by using a cane.

ShecreditsJeffery,heroccupationaltherapistduringherrehabilitation at Bryan, as being instrumental in recovering from her stroke.

“Linda’s attitude and personality lifted my spirits — you could tellthatshecared,andthatmadeabigdifference,”Jackiesays.

Working togetherJackie and Linda formed a special bond. “I saw Jackie in therapy for months, and when you see

somebody for an hour, three times a week, you get to know them,” Linda says, “And every now and again she just pops in to say, ‘Hi.’”

Their relationship has continued through Jackie’s participation in Lincoln Stroke Partnership’s Stroke Camp, where Linda volunteers.

“Linda helps make the camp fun — she includes us in skits and gets the group laughing,” Jackie points out.

She adds, “Many, many other people helped me and encouraged me to do things I didn’t think I could do. And, I think that a prerequisite to being a nurse or therapist at Bryan must

Imagine a setting where stroke survivors and their care givers can enjoy leisure activities in a safe and beautiful environment, in the company of others who are dealing with similar issues.

Welcome to Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.Campers from across Nebraska will come together Aug. 16-

18 at Ashland’s Camp Carol Joy Holling to attend the third annual Stroke Camp. There, 40 campers — 20 stroke survivors, paired with their care givers — have an opportunity to relax and be treatedtomanyactivities,someofwhichwouldbedifficulttomanageontheirown,suchasfishing,aswellasvariousgames,and a favorite, Karaoke singing. Equally important, campers will enjoy the friendship and support of other stroke survivors, care

be that you have to care. They seemed to have a smile on their faceseverydayandweresonicetoGoldie,givinghimcoffeeandmaking him feel comfortable.”

Two years after her stroke, Jackie underwent a carotid endarterectomy at Bryan Medical Center. This procedure, performed by vascular surgeon Stuart Myers, MD, involved removing plaque that had accumulated in her carotid artery. Left unattended, the plaque could have broken loose and moved to her brain, causing another stroke.

The importance of preventing stokes can’t be overemphasized. “Withinfiveyears,one-thirdofthosewhohavealreadyhad

a stroke will have a second one,” Dr. Bobenhouse notes. “And people with high blood pressure are especially at risk, regardless of whether or not they have had a stroke.”

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the No. 1 cause of stroke.

“But studies show that if those who currently have high blood pressure could reduce it through medication, exercise and less salt intake, the incidence of stroke in our country would plummet,” says Hook.

“It’s time to work together to make that happen.” n

To learn how you can support the Bryan Stroke Center and other neuroscience diagnosis and treatment programs, call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Stroke CampAnopportunitytorefreshandreflect


Know the signs of stroke A stroke occurs about every 40 seconds in the

United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

“Our biggest message to the public is if you believe you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms, you need to get to the hospital right away,” says Mary Ellen Hook, stroke program coordinator at Bryan Medical Center. “This is not something to delay.”

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the Ad Council use the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people identify the most common warning signs of stroke:

F – Face DroopingA – Arm WeaknessS – Speech DifficultyT – Time to call 9-1-1

To receive a free magnet with the F.A.S.T. symptoms, please call Brenda Lieske at Bryan Medical Center, 402-481-5942.

For more information about F.A.S.T., visit strokeassociation.org.

Bryan Journeys 21

N E W A T B R Y A N

givers and health care volunteers.Stroke survivor Jackie Goldsmith and her husband, Dwayne

“Goldie” Goldsmith, have enjoyed their participation in the past two Stroke Camps. “We have so much fun,” Goldie says, “In addition, people sit around and talk about their respective situations. It keeps you from feeling sorry for yourself because you realize there are many people in your same situation.”

Volunteers from the Lincoln Stroke Partnership*, along with professionals from Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp, the company that organizes and manages the camp, provide both medical and recreational staffing.

Bryan Health was instrumental in bringing Stroke Camp to the area. After hearing about it while attending an industry conference in 2010, Mary Ellen Hook, clinical nurse specialist/stroke program coordinator at Bryan Medical Center, introduced the idea to her colleagues. The Lincoln Stroke Partnership, a coalition of Lincoln health care organizations dedicated to stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support, then embraced the project. The partnership raised funds and recruited volunteers for the first camp in August 2011.

Stroke Camp has been an overwhelming success for both campers and volunteers.

“My participation in the stroke camp has changed my views and expectations for stroke recovery and led me to set more definite rehabilitation goals in my follow-up visits with stroke patients,” notes Bryan Stroke Center medical director James Bobenhouse, MD.

“I also have a much deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices made by care givers, as well as their need for support in caring for their loved ones.”

“We are thankful to Bryan, the Lincoln Stroke Partnership and the many other businesses and friends who have provided financial support for this wonderful camp,” adds Hook. “We hope to be able to continue offering the camp in the future as it provides much needed support for our stroke survivors and their care givers.”

To learn more, go to strokecamp.org. n * Lincoln Stroke Partnership is a consortium of organizations in

our community, including Bryan Health, Saint Elizabeth Regional Health Center, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Genentech™ (pharmaceutical manufacturer of t-PA), Lincoln Fire and Rescue, the American Heart Association and the Nebraska State Stroke Association.


B R Y A N C O L L E G E O F H E A L T H S C I E N C E S

Congratulations, grads

22 Summer 2013

Bryan College of Health Sciences awarded diplomas May 4 at Saint Paul United Methodist Church. Former State Sen. Marian Price (Class of ‘59) presented the keynote address (below, left). Honorees, like nurse anesthesia grad Kelsi Rainforth, were congratulated by Bryan College of Health Sciences President Marilyn Moore (center) and Jim Griesen of the Bryan College of Health Sciences Board.


C O L L E G E A L U M N I N E W S

Fifty-year reunions of the 1963 graduating classes from Bryan School of Nursing and Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing were among the special events. Bryan grads (above) met at Fairview, former home of William Jennings Bryan and their dormitory as nursing students.

The Alumni Association saluted Prof. Barbara Sittner (left) for professional development and Karen Rustermier and Bryan Medical Center Board member Brenda Franklin for clinical excellence.

Alumni (above) toured the Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing museum at Bryan West Campus while celebrating their golden anniversary.

Bryan College of Health Sciences Alumni Association hosted a series of reunion events June 7-8 for graduates of Bryan School of Nursing, Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing and Bryan College of Health Sciences.

Weekend reunitesclassmates

Bryan Journeys 23


24 Summer 2013

Haggis, a West Highland white terrier, enjoys friendly pats from patients during his animal assisted therapy visits to Bryan West Campus.

V O L U N T E E R S & C U S T O M E R C A R E


Bryan Volunteers & Customer Care has two participants with four furry feet. They have been through extensive training in order to volunteer — even donning their own name tags. It is a pleasure to introduce you to Zoë and Haggis Mausolf.

These two West Highland white terriers — Westies for short — are gregarious balls of white fur with expressive eyes and alert, perky ears. Zoë and Haggis are nearly identical and sturdy in stature, similar to white Scottie dogs. They’re 10 years old, have matching collars and are kept very sharp looking by regular groomings.Personalitiesaside,theonlyvisibledifferenceisthatZoë, the female, is a little bigger than Haggis.

Their human companions are Susan Mausolf and Dr. Fred Mausolf,anophthalmologistonstaffatBryanHealth.ThefourMausolfs volunteer for animal assisted therapy every other Sunday in the mental health units. Susan has been volunteering for almost nineyears,andFredfornearlyfive.

“We’ve had Zoë since she was 3 months old, and we adopted Haggis at the age of 2 when his previous owner could no longer care for him. They’ve become best friends, and Zoë won’t let him out of her sight,” says Susan. “When they’re separated for a while they always act like they haven’t seen each other for days!”

Their dog therapist training has included the Canine Good Citizen Class for basic obedience skills, with additional exposure to automatic doors, elevators, wheelchairs, getting petted by a crowd, rough petting, getting used to loud noises, other animals and a hostofdifferentcircumstances.Theygraduatedfromseveraldogtherapy training courses and most recently were involved with the Domesti-PUPS program.

The Mausolfs visit mental health units for seniors, adults, childrenandadolescents,andpeoplewithaffectivedisorders(adults being treated for bipolar and mood disorders).

On a recent visit to the child and adolescent unit, Susan and Fred each held a dog on-leash and got buzzed into the secured area. There, a recreational therapist explained to the patients that Zoë and Haggis were coming for a visit, and they would have to taketurnsgreetingthem.Susansatcross-leggedonthefloorwithone dog. Fred grabbed a chair with the other dog close by. Four

patients sat in a circle around them. Haggis immediately rolled onto his back waiting for someone to scratch the soft fur on his belly. The dogs took turns visiting each patient nose-to-nose.

“He licked me!” one child says with delight.“That’s a Haggis kiss,” Susan points out. She responds, “Bless

you” after a Zoë sneeze.“They’re so cute,” another patient notes. Zoë softly pawed

at someone’s arm, asking for a pat. Lots of petting of heads and scratching of ears ensued.

“Are they, like spoiled?” someone asks.“Mostdefinitely,”answersSusantolaughterfromeveryone.

During her visits, Susan gives out baseball player-like trading cards

Four-legged volunteersbring joy to patients’ lives

Volunteers Susan and Fred Mausolf, MD, enjoy bringing their Westies, Zoë (left) and Haggis to meet with patients.

Bryan Journeys 25




They’re doggone good ambassadorsof each dog, featuring a photo and their favorite toy (Zoë, a tennis ball and Haggis, a rawhide bone). The cards have other facts about them and an email address where one can contact the dogs.

Amidst the adoration of the dogs, the recreational therapist asks the adolescent patients if they have pets and encourages them to talk about those animals. The teens share about their dogs and cats and their antics; the therapist also talksaboutthecalmingeffectsof dogs.

“Studies show that petting a dog can lower your blood pressure, helping with anxiety and relaxation. They’re always glad to see you. Animals can sense when you want them to come close or to stay away,” Dr. Mausolf points out.

“Don’t you feel happier with the dogs being here?” the therapist asks the patients. They nod and some say, “The dogs make us happier just by their being here.”

“Do you think your dogs help you when you’re having a bad day?” asks the therapist. “Spending time with your pet is an option to help you feel better.”

Dr. Mausolf notes, “Haggis is very intuitive. He tries to go into every room with a patient in it because he wants to help. He wants every patient to have a turn.”

Haggiswanderedofftocheckontheotherpatients,butalwayscame back when called.

Margaret Williams, mental health recreation therapy team leader, says the dogs do a good job.

“We want to give exposure to activities to help people manage thoughts and feelings, to help them better cope with their mental health issues.

“We have people that are not responding to other therapies, not communicating, not having an improved mood or clearer

thinking, who really make connections with the dogs,” she says.

After therapy, while the Westies snoozed by the elevator, the Mausolfs talked about why they volunteer.

“We like being able to do things together,” says Susan. “We like it, the dogs like it, and the patients enjoy it so much. It’s very rewarding.”

During visits to the senior unit, the Mausolfs put Haggis on the conference table so everyone can see him, and he walks around to visit each person. If someone comes in late, he makes sure to go back and visit the newcomer.

“He doesn’t want anyone to be left out,” Susan says. “The

patients really get a kick out of it.” When they visit bedridden patients in nursing homes, Haggis

will hop into bed with people, if they want him to. “He really seems to have a sense of what people need,” says Dr.

Mausolf. “Haggis looks around the room and just knows what to do to help people.”

“The patients get a lot out of it,” Susan adds. “It calms them down. It makes them happy. Everyone loves the trading cards. They have a lot of questions and they talk about their own pets.”

“With the seniors, the dogs bring back memories of their old pets. They enjoy reminiscing,” Dr. Mausolf says.

“TheBryanvolunteerofficeisveryeffective.Volunteeringisa great experience, and there’s a tremendous amount of support from the hospital. We all really enjoy it.” n

To find out about volunteer opportunities at Bryan Medical Center, please call 402-481-3032, or visit bryanhealth.org/volunteer. To support the Volunteer & Customer Care Fund, contact the Bryan Foundation by calling 402-481-8605.

Treats are nice, but Haggis and Zoë seem to prefer pets and tummy rubs after finishing their rounds at Bryan West Campus.

26 Summer 2013


I N S E R V I C E T O O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Everyone wins at Lincoln’s MARATHON

Family finds finishing funAna Best (center), her brother Lucas and their mother Gloria all have multiple medals from completing the half marathon course of the Lincoln Marathon.

Ana, a non-invasive cardiovascular tech at Bryan East Campus, ran her second such event May 5. It was the third race for Lucas and 4th finish for Gloria.

“We all played sports in high school, and my back-ground is in exercise science, so I like to stay fit and active,” Ana says. “Some friends encouraged my Mom to try it, and now we all enjoy competing in this race.”

The tradition continues — For decades, Bryan has hosted a runners’ aid station to refresh participants south of the Bryan West Campus.

College of Health Sciences students joined hundreds of Bryan co-workers, families and friends who volunteered at the aid station.

Fresh water and sport drinks are always popular with runners.

Bryan Journeys 27


28 Summer 2013

In a small town, most everybody knows everyone. Everybody seems friendly. Everybody says hello. Everybody cares.

This hometown feeling is palatable as you enter Crete Area Medical Center (CAMC), a subsidiary of Bryan Health.

A pioneer of the medical home, CAMC ranks in the top 10 percent for patient satisfaction, consistently updates

technology, and is deeply involved in the community. In the years following its new facility opening on June 3, 2003, residents of Crete, Wilberandsurroundingtownshaveexperiencedthebenefitsofprogressive care in their own backyard.

Nebraska’s first rural medical homeInAugust2010,CAMCwasthefirstruralhealthfacilityinNebraska

and only the fourth practice in the state to be recognized as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. As the highest achievable recognition for a physician’s practice, this national designation ultimately translates to better care forpatients.Specifically,thePatientCenteredMedicalHome(PMCH)is a promising model of health care delivery that aims to improve qualityandefficiencyofcare.TheNCQAProgramforPhysicianPracticeConnections-PatientCenteredMedicalHomeidentifiespracticesthatpromote partnerships between patients and clinicians, instead of treatingpatientcareasthesumofepisodicofficevisits.

According to Russell Ebke, MD, “A medical home is really the future of health care, especially from the standpoint of quality and management of chronic disease and illness.” With this concept, patients have a care team working alongside patients to help them lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether that’s a physician, mid-level, nurse or dietitian, the team members come together to meet each patient’s

C R E T E A R E A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

specifichealthgoals.“Wearereallyfortunateheretohaveagreatmedicalstaffthat

embraced the thought process of population health. Now, you can’t turn on news without hearing about it. But we were doing this here in Crete before anyone was talking about it,” says Carol Friesen, CAMC president and CEO. “It’s really about how we keep our community as healthy as possible. We are working with our diabetics, the people with high cholesterol and other chronic diseases to help them lead healthier lives. It saves them money and helps them feel good.”

Patient satisfactionAlongwithaconcertedefforttowardimprovingthepatient

experience as a medical home, CAMC takes pride in serving patients of their community and helping them make strides in daily wellness. Last year, CAMC received the National Rural Health Association quality health care award for improving health outcomes. Avatar Solutions, a leading provider of patient, employee, and physician surveys, also recognized CAMC for exceeding patient expectations and consistently high standards of care.

“By following up on our patients on a regular basis, we are able tomakeameaningfuldifferenceintheiroverallhealth,”TroyMiller,DO, says. “I encourage my patients to pay attention to their health early and often: Know what their cholesterol is, know what their blood pressure is, make sure their children are getting well-child exams and stayingphysicallyfit.”

Up-to-date advancementsState-of-the-art equipment is accessible throughout the hospital,

from the emergency room to the nursery. This includes PET/CT and

CAMC redefines rural health care

Here are highlights from a decade of achievements at CAMC.

June 3, Crete Area Medical

Center officially opened to the public.

Occupational & physical therapy

outreach with Tabitha.

2011

2003 2009Physical therapy and lab remodel

completed, concluding a 5-year plan.

The annex building opened for nonmedical staff functions.

20092008

Dexa Scan added to test bone density

in house.

2010Expediated care

brought to a new level with ALS

transfer services.

In July, CAMC receives medical home recognition

by NCQA.

2010 2010

2010

Digital mammo added to women’s suite for improved

detection.

Sports medicine program developed

to benefit community

athletes.

2013Emergency room

remodel for easier access.

2004

July 29, the Healing Garden was dedicated.

2005On-site Spanish

translators added to help bridge

communication issues.

Digital radiography

installed, reducing patient doses and cutting Xray time.

20132006

PET/CTand MRI scans

offered.

2007Total knee and shoulder joint replacement

available.

2012New chapel dedicated.

National Quality Award

received from the NRHA for improving

health outcomes.

2012

2011Team member

engagement ranked in top decile.


C R E T E A R E A M E D I C A L C E N T E R

Bryan Journeys 29

Dexa Scans, digital X-rays and mammography, and MRI equipment. In rare instances, when treatment is beyond CAMC’s scope, assisted life support (ALS) transfers expedite care.

“Being a rural community, it is just as important for us to stay up to date on technology as our larger counterparts,” says Jason Hesser, MD. “We are transitioning to electronic medical records to ensure paper records are not lost. We have built a web portal, where patients can view their laboratory results as soon as we get them, in real time, and have access to their medications. We switched to digital radiography which decreases the amount of radiation while improving image quality. We are staying up to date on everything.”

Community connectionsSince all the CAMC physicians live and work in Crete, they are

intimately connected to the well-being of their community. This not

onlyisreflectedinday-to-daycare,butinoutreach.Physicalandoccupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and wellness programs continually work to improve patient health. And CAMC employs medical translators to communicate with the 40 percent Spanish speaking population of Crete, so everyone has access to high-quality health care.

“My husband and I grew up in towns similar in size to Crete, so wedecidedtopracticeinasmalltown.Whenwefirstcameheretointerview, we were blown away and fell in love with the town, the hospital, the community,” says Kate Hesser, MD.

“The other great thing about practicing here is my husband and I do full-scope family practice, and we’ve had the opportunity to do everything that we want to do here in a small town. We haven’t been limited at all.”

That’sruralhealthcare,redefined.n

Care givers associated with Crete Area Medical Center are Amy Vertin, MD, (left); Kurt Schmeckpeper, PA-C; Kate Hesser, MD; Kim McMillan, PA-C; Tammy Schroeder, MSN, ARPN, FNP; Troy Miller, DO; Jason Hesser, MD; and Russell Ebke, MD.

June 3, Crete Area Medical

Center officially opened to the public.

Occupational & physical therapy

outreach with Tabitha.

2011

2003 2009Physical therapy and lab remodel

completed, concluding a 5-year plan.

The annex building opened for nonmedical staff functions.

20092008

Dexa Scan added to test bone density

in house.

2010Expediated care

brought to a new level with ALS

transfer services.

In July, CAMC receives medical home recognition

by NCQA.

2010 2010

2010

Digital mammo added to women’s suite for improved

detection.

Sports medicine program developed

to benefit community

athletes.

2013Emergency room

remodel for easier access.

2004

July 29, the Healing Garden was dedicated.

2005On-site Spanish

translators added to help bridge

communication issues.

Digital radiography

installed, reducing patient doses and cutting Xray time.

20132006

PET/CTand MRI scans

offered.

2007Total knee and shoulder joint replacement

available.

2012New chapel dedicated.

National Quality Award

received from the NRHA for improving

health outcomes.

2012

2011Team member

engagement ranked in top decile.


A C H I E V E M E N T S

30 Summer 2013

Tad Hunt

Hunt will lead Crete Area Medical Center

Bryan boards announce changes in leadership

Tad Hunt has been named chief executive officer of Crete Area Medical Center, effective Sept. 23. In his new role, he will be responsible for all operations of the medical center, including financial, quality and growth performance, as well as oversight of physician, community and board relations.

Hunt recently served as CEO of Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital in Central City.

He is president-elect of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, is a member of the Nebraska Hospital Association Board and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. n

Bryan Foundation Board of Trustees

The Bryan Foundation Board of Trustees has several new members:

Bill Cintani is president of Mapes Industries Inc., a manufacturer of specialty architectural products.

Aina Silenieks, MD, is associated with Pathology Medical Services.

Jim Terrano is president and CEO of TELCOR Inc., specialists in point of contact and laboratory billing software solutions.

Cori Vokoun, treasurer of Sampson Construction, is the secretary/treasurer of the board’s executive committee.

Bryan Health Board of TrusteesRenee Sjulin, vice president of Runza National, has been appointed to the Bryan Health Board of Trustees.

Bryan Medical Center Board of Trustees

Richard Evnen is the new chair of the Bryan Medical Center Board of Trustees.

This former owner and CEO

Litzenbergaffiliateswith Bryan

Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital of Central City has signed an agreement of affiliation with Bryan Health.

Under this agreement, Bryan Health will provide management support to Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital. The intent is for staff members from both organizations to work more closely, bringing Bryan Health expertise to Central City and the surrounding area.

Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital and its 46-bed long-term care facility still will be owned by Merrick County and governed by a local board of trustees.

Bryan Health CEO Kim Russel notes, “Ourmission is to advance the health of individuals in our region through collaboration with physcians and com-munities. We are pleased to formalize this partnership with the exceptional care givers in Central City.” n

of Lincoln Poultry has served on the boards of many local and national organizations. Evnen also serves on the Bryan Health Board of Trustees.

Gene Stohs, MD, is the past chair of the Bryan Medical Center Board of Trustees.

Bryan College of Health Sciences Board of Trustees

Georgianne Mastera, PhD, is the new chair of the Bryan College of Health Sciences Board of Trustees.

This former high school teacher and community college instructor was an administrator at Nebraska Wesleyan University and served two years as interim provost. She also serves on the Bryan Medical Center Board of Trustees.

Jim Griesen is the College board’s past chair.

Crete Area Medical CenterBoard of Trustees

Tom Kozisek is the newest member of the Crete Area Medical Center Board of Trustees. Kozisek is a senior vice president and division manager of U.S. Bank. n


A C H I E V E M E N T S

Cheryl OroscoLarry Krebsbach (right)Honorees at the May 2 Red Cross Tribute to Heroes recognition dinner pose with their awards after the ceremony. Dr. Ed Mlinek (third from right) and Elizabeth Nespor-Hartig, RN, (far right) were among the recipients with Bryan connections. Orosco

achievescertification

Krebsbach earns statewiderecognitionRed Cross salutes Dr. Mlinek

and Nespor-Hartig for service

CAP lab accreditation and Blood Bank surveys completed

Cheryl Orosco, RN, manager of research services at Bryan Heart,hasbecomeacertifiedclinical research coordinator.

She successfully completed the exam process administered by the Academy of Clinical Research Professionals.

Orosco has managed clinical trials for Bryan Heart since 2003 and has managed cardiovascular research trials for more than 19 years. n

Epidemiologist Larry Krebsbach, REHS, CIC, received the distinguished service award June 12 from the Nebraska Infection Control Network.

According to NICN President Phil Smith, MD, Krebsbach and two other recipients were honored for their dedication to the profession and willingness to mentor fellow infection control professionals across Nebraska. n

The Cornhusker Chapter of the American Red Cross honored Ed Mlinek, MD, and Elizabeth Nespor-Hartig, RN, May 2 during the 12th annual Red Cross Tribute to Heroes recognition dinner.

Dr. Mlinek received a Commitment to Community Awardforhiseffortstoorganize medical support teams for the Special Olympics

This spring, Bryan Medical Center successfully completed the College of American

USA National Games. He’s the medical director of the Bryan Emergency Department.

Nespor-Hartig is an assistant RN manager in Care Management at Bryan.

She received a Good Samaritan Award for stopping while driving to work to come to the assistance of a motorist who had been involved in a crash. n

Pathologists (CAP) laboratory accreditation and American Association of Blook Banks

surveys. The survey process is designed to help hospitals continuously provide high-

quality services to patients and providers while maintaining a safeenvironmentforstaff. n

Bryan Journeys 31


B R Y A N S T E R L I N G C O N N E C T I O N

Join us for upcoming seminars

SterlingConnection

32 Summer 2013

The Sterling Connection Advisory Board has guided the transition to our new name, looking for new ways to “enrich lives over 50” and help members connect through different avenues. This column discusses how we can connect through education and information.

From the moment we are on our own, as young adults, we are focused on our education, careers, families, friends and a host of other things that occupy our time and attention. As we move into our middle years, we have more time to devote to our own physical and mental health and financial future. More changes occur when adult children take on the primary care giver role for their parents.

Upcoming free seminars from Sterling Connection provide useful information, no matter where you are in your life journey.

Are you 50 or better, but not a member of Sterling Connection? To join, go to bryanhealth.org/sterlingconnection for an online application, or call 402-481-3355. See Page 33 for more seminar details.

Until next time,Kathy Wolf, stewardship manager

Coordinators gather at BryanSterling Connection coordinators from Heartland Health Alliance

(HHA) member hospitals met at Bryan in May. The coordinators are (seated, from left): Debbie Niedermeyer, Syracuse; Shirley Siedhoff, Crete; Deb Whaley, Beatrice, Mary Bossung, Tecumseh, and Connie Svik, Lincoln; and (standing, from left) Joni Nietfeld, Marysville, Kan.; Connie Schindel, Albion; Becky Ries, Ord; Terri Janssen, Syracuse; Pauline Niederklein, Fairbury; Barb Langley, Cambridge; Pam Harrison, Marysville, Kan.; Tammy Struebing, Neligh; Jane Rehmer, Seward; Kerri Berry, Holdrege; Ree Ann Regier, Aurora; Michelle McIntire, Crete; Pat Samway, Lexington; and Kathy Wolf, Lincoln.

Not available for the photo: Laura Daro, David City; Shelley Thomas, Hastings; Sarah Wolford, McCook; Carol Carlson, Seward; Jean Kehm, St. Paul; and Leslie Robinson and Cheryl Luebbe, York.

The HHA is a 39-member hospital network providing access to high-quality, low-cost health care. Nineteen HHA hospitals (see map below) offer Sterling Connection programs in conjunction with Bryan Health.

Life or Potluck: Know What Resources are Available to You — Robbie Nathan, Care Consultants for the Aging, is the guest speaker Thursday, Aug. 15.

Welcome to Medicare — Alicia Jones from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) speaks Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Caring for Your Parents — Lincoln Caregivers Education Group presentation is Thursday, Sept. 12.

Safe Care for Grandchildren — Experts from the Lincoln/Lancaster County Safe Kids Coalition are here Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9-10:30 a.m.

Compassion Fatigue — Deborah Boyle, MSN, RN, of the University of California Irvine Medical Center, speaks Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Estate Planning — Andrew Loudon of Baylor, Evnen, Curtiss, Grimit & Witt, LLP, speaks Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Unless noted, seminars are 7-8:30 p.m. in the Plaza Conference Center at Bryan East Campus, 1500 S. 48th St.

Go to bryanhealth.org/calendar, or call 402-481-8886.

Sterling Connection benefits are available at HHA member hospitals in these communities: 1 Neligh, 2 Beatrice, 3 Albion, 4 Lincoln, 5 David City, 6 McCook, 7 Marysville, Kan., 8 Syracuse, 9 Crete, 10 St. Paul, 11 Fairbury, 12 Tecumseh, 13 Lexington, 14 Hastings, 15 Seward, 16 Aurora, 17 Holdrege, 18 Cambridge, 19 Ord, 20 York.

l 1

l3l19

l13 l15

l17 l14

l16

l11l 2 l12

l 8l4

l5

l 6l9

l 7

l10

l20

l 18

Hospitals participating in Sterling Connection 1. Antelope Memorial Hospital, Neligh

2. Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center, Beatrice

3. Boone County Health Center, Albion

4. Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln

5. Butler County Health Care Center, David City

6. Community Hospital, McCook

7. Community Memorial Healthcare, Marysville, KS

8. Community Memorial Hospital, Syracuse

9. Crete Area Medical Center, Crete

10. Howard County Medical Center, St. Paul

11. Jefferson Community Health Center, Fairbury

12. Johnson County Hospital, Tecumseh

13. Lexington Regional Health Center, Lexington

14. Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings

15. Memorial Health Care Systems, Seward

16. Memorial Community Health, Aurora

17. Phelps Memorial Health Center, Holdrege

18. Tri Valley Health System, Cambridge

19. Valley County Health System, Ord

20. York General Health Care Services, York

Heartland Health Alliance hospitals that participate in Sterling Connection are shown on the map above.

The Alliance is a 39-member network of rural and urban healthcare providers that operate independently but work together to provide quality care to Nebraskans.


These free classes will meet in the Plaza Conference Center of Bryan Medical Center, Bryan East Campus, 1500 S. 48th St.To register, go to bryanhealth.org/calendar, or call 402-481-8886.

Life or Potluck: Know What Resources are Available to You Thursday, Aug. 15, 7-8:30 p.m.

Doyoueverwonderhowyoucanfindtheperfect recipe for each challenge life throws you? Use resources the professionals use, so you can plan for changes life presents.

Robbie Nathan of Care Consultants for the Aging brings her 8th edition of the ElderCare Resource Handbook, as well as stories and a revealing look at health choices for elders in Lincoln.

Welcome to MedicareTuesday, Aug. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Joining Medicare soon? Need to knowmoreaboutMedicarebenefitstoassist someone who is already in the program?

Alicia Jones, program director of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), explains the ins and outs of Medicare, including online resources and extra help for those with limited income and resources.

High Blood Pressure Solutions and PreventionTuesday, Sept. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) every year, so it’s not something to be taken lightly.. Join Bryan Heart cardiologist Ryan Whitney, MD, as he discusses treatments and things you can do to work to prevent this silent killer.

Compassion Fatigue ... A Diagnosis for You?Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.

Health care providers can develop compassion fatigue, better known as “burnout,” over time from work stressors (workload, additional hours) related to the emotional toll of caring for complex patients.

Join clinical nurse specialist Deborah Boyle of the University of California Irvine Medical Center for an overview of the phenomenon of compassion fatigue. She will present a menu of intervention options to consider using in the work setting.

Sunday, Sept. 29Lincoln Southwest High School track, 7001 S. 14th St.

Joinusincelebratingthefive-yearanniversary of our Bryan Women’s and Children’s Tower — there’s an event for all ages, from crawlers and walkers to runners!

New events for children — noonTo celebrate the more than 10,000

children delivered at the Family Birthplace, we have:• 15-foot Diaper Derby for crawlers.• 30-yard Toddler Trot, 3 and under.• 60-yard Dash, ages 4-5.

Traditional eventsOne-mile Kids’ Run — at 12:15 p.m.5K run/walk and 10K — at 1 p.m.

Everyone’s welcome, from beginner to experienced road runner. Race pro-ceeds will be used to provide education about depression and mental health. Fee is $10 for the Kids’ Run, which includes a short sleeve cotton shirt. Fees for 5K and 10K race: $20 for short sleeve cotton shirt, $25 for short sleevedri-fitshirt. Shirts are included in registration feesifyouregisterbySept.15;finaldeadline is Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.

To register, go to bryanhealth.cvent.com/2013run, or call 402-481-8855.

Experience the Power of Musicin Your Life Wanttolearnthehands-onbenefitsmusiccan provide for relaxation and mood elevation? Attend one of our six-week series with board certifiedmusictherapistRachelRoterttoexperience the power of music in your life! Choose:Mondays, Aug. 12-Sept. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Wednesdays, Aug. 14-Sept 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost: $48 for the series. Location: Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St. Register by Friday, Aug. 9, by calling 402-481-6300, or go to bryanhealth.org/calendar.

News from Bryan LifePointen The Spa at LifePointe For healthy, youthful skin with no surgery and no downtime. Oneofourmostpopularofferings,theHydraFacial leaves your skin silky smooth. It’s theperfecttreatmenttocombattheeffectsofthe sun and restore and rehydrate your skin. Our HydraFacial restores your skin in one soothing procedure:• For all skin types, including sensitive skin.• Targetsfinelines,wrinkles,puffyeyes, dark spots, acne, sun damage, uneven skin tone.• Deep cleansing, hydrating exfoliation, painless extractions.• Go out the same night!

n August special at The Spa Receive two free facial waxes — choose from lip, brow and chin — when you purchase and receive a HydraFacial in August. (That’s a $20 savings!) Schedule your appointment today! Call The Spa at LifePointe, 402-481-6321.

n Fitness Join LifePointe in September, and December is free! Use our equipment, attend fitnessclassesandswiminourpools,allfor one low price! Purchase a three-month membership in September, and your member-ship will be extended through the end of year. The$189fee,plustax,Includesfitnessassessment with a trainer and access to all fitnessclasses,poolsandequipment. Call 402-481-6326, or visit us online at bryanhealth.org/MembershipOptions.

Bryan Journeys 33

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R


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journeys, summer 2013

Documents

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president02 bryan heart

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md chief of staff

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