LMH Connect, Winter 2017 by LMH Health

New dads learn the ropes

IN THIS ISSUE Female cardiologists Pulmonary rehabilitation Spine care Winter 2017

CARDIOLOGY

Practice grows to help provide best care possible Earlier this year, a respected cardiologist joined the team at Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence. The cardiology group, which is affiliated with Lawrence Memorial Hospital, now includes six physicians — half of whom are female. And while it’s unusual that 50 percent of a cardiology practice’s physicians are women, the doctors at Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence say that’s simply a bonus that also reflects their commitment to providing the best possible care to all of their patients. The newest member of the group — Darcy Green Conaway, MD — is a non-invasive cardiologist. She came to LMH from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Truman Medical Center, where she served as the director of nuclear cardiology for five years. She earned her medical degree, interned and completed her residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “Dr. Green Conaway is, without question, as good as it gets,” explains Michael Zabel, MD, who has been Dr. Green Conaway affiliated with LMH for the past 21 years. “She is inquisitive, intelligent and, maybe most importantly, passionate about cardiology and helping her patents. Her reputation as one of the most respected cardiologists in the region is very well earned.” When the position at LMH became available, Elizabeth Guastello, MD, had a special interest in seeing if Dr. Green Conaway would join the Lawrence practice. “During my cardiology fellowship, Dr. Green Conaway was an invaluable resource to me,” Dr. Guastello says. “She made me believe that I could go into cardiology and, as a woman, could be successful. So when there was a chance to have her join our team at LMH, I was certainly in her corner.” While her addition to Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence created an equal number of male and female physicians in the practice, Dr. Green Conaway says many factors figured into her decision to join the group. She’s pleased its six physicians work collaboratively and respect one another. In addition, it was important to her that the group practices evidence-based medicine.

And she says, “Once I discovered the group was equally balanced gender-wise, I was pleasantly surprised.” Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence now is one of the only heart centers in the region, if not the country, to employ an equal number of male and female cardiologists. In addition to Drs. Green Conaway, Guastello and Zabel, three other physicians — Christina Salazar, MD, Roger Dreiling, MD, and Tapas Ghose, MD — are members of the practice. Dr. Sherri Vaughn, who heads physician recruitment efforts for LMH, says the hospital uses every possible avenue to find the absolute best physicians to join the LMH team. “We put no weight into whether the physician is male or female,” Vaughn says. “We look for the most qualified people for the position, then we do what it takes to get them to LMH. Dr. Green Conaway was clearly our top choice to join the cardiology clinic.” According to Healthgrades, an online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, of the 288 licensed cardiologists in Kansas, only about 13 percent — a total of 36 — are female. Nationally, fewer than 10 percent of cardiologists are women, according to a 2015 study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. “I can only speculate on the reasons so few women go into cardiology,” Dr. Guastello says. “It’s a technically challenging practice, for sure, and let’s not forget that it requires three more years of school. But — and this is a big generalization — cardiology isn’t scheduled. If someone has chest pains in the middle of the night, that’s when you work. Lots of women think about having a family, and the demands of cardiology can take a backseat to that.”

2 Learn about life-saving cardiac care at LMH.Visit www.lmh.org/heart

Dr. Salazar says it’s difficult to find female mentors in the field of cardiology. “That is why I value mentorship,” she says. “My mentors, both male and female, have guided me and helped me be successful. But seeing others who look like you or have the same challenges makes your dream seem that much more possible.” Dr. Zabel says he doesn’t have a simple explanation why so few women enter the field. “Perhaps,” he says, “the generational perception that heart disease is a male health issue or the history of studies of heart disease, which were primarily conducted on male patients in the Veterans Administration hospitals, led to a disproportional number of men studying cardiology.” For decades, Dr. Zabel says, heart disease erroneously was thought of as a “male disease,” even though one in three women will have cardiovascular disease in their lifetime. “Men typically have to start treating heart ailments sooner in life than women, but women live longer,” he says. “While men see heart issues arise as early as in their mid-50s, a woman may not typically have issues until decades later.” Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in America. While breast cancer kills about 40,000 American women each year, nearly 10 times that number die annually from heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I think the public knowledge of female heart issues is growing very quickly,” says Dr. Guastello. “In time, that should help introduce more women to the idea of studying cardiology. Having three highly qualified female cardiologists here at LMH really helps our hospital stand out as a leader in the industry.” Dr. Zabel anticipates that the addition of Dr. Green Conaway to the staff will further bolster the outstanding work that Drs. Guastello and Salazar have done for women’s heart health. “Regardless of whether they are male or female, those three are fantastic physicians,” he says. “I’d say they are easily three of the best cardiologists in the Midwest.” According to Dr. Guastello, having a cardiology clinic that employs both male and female physicians is critical to proper patient care. “I don’t know how many patients will just come out and say it,” she explains. “But having great male and female physicians is not something to take lightly. Because we are equally staffed, we can easily meet the wants and needs of all patients.” Dr. Salazar, who says she’s never heard a patient specifically ask for a female cardiologist, has confidence in each member of the practice. “We’ve built a wonderful group of accomplished cardiologists,” Dr. Salazar says. “The fact that we have as many women as we have men is just a neat bonus.” —by Derek Helms

Physicians at Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence, from left: Christina Salazar, MD, Elizabeth Guastello, MD, Roger Dreiling, MD, Michael Zabel, MD, Tapas Ghose, MD, and Darcy Green Conaway, MD

Call 785-505-3636 to schedule a heart risk assessment

LESSONS FROM PULMONARY REHABILITATION

“You can do it, you just have to do it differently,” Physicians and staff at the LMH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center develop unique treatment plans for each patient. The program has helped many people improve their lung function.

says Dr. Charles Yockey, of Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists, while encouraging a small group of pulmonary rehabilitation patients. These patients attend rehabilitation in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Lawrence Memorial Hospital about twice a week in order to build strength and to learn more about handling their lung conditions. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps improve lung function and overall health for patients suffering from lung problems, including common conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These patients can suffer from a variety of symptoms including shortness of breath, increase in mucus production and coughing. COPD is often caused by the use of cigarettes, which is why the rehabilitation program also helps patients quit smoking, and Dr. Yockey says this is important. “We can’t undo the damage of one cigarette with all of the medicine we have,” Dr. Yockey says. Outside of stopping tobacco use, there are several other challenges that patients with lung problems may face and some lie outside their control. Rebecca Murphy, respiratory therapist at LMH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department, says that extreme weather — hot, cold or humid — can affect patients’ breathing.

For more, visit www.lmh.org/rehab or call 785-505-2850

Nutrition tips if you have COPD: A balanced diet is very important for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung complications. According to information provided by the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, here are a few tips if you suffer from COPD: • Sit while eating to increase lung capacity. • Eat meals in the mornings when you have more energy. • Eat foods that require less chewing and therefore, less energy. • Drink lots of fluids in order to thin your mucus. If you’re undereating: This often happens because a full stomach makes it more difficult for you to breathe. Additionally, a full stomach means that it is more work for your body to digest that food, taking both oxygen and energy away from breathing. To help combat the effects of undereating, you can add a supplemental nutritional drink to your diet.

Robert Dark attends pulmonary rehabilitation at LMH. twice a week.

This can even be a factor when patients decide if they are going to attend their pulmonary rehabilitation session due to the difficulty of breathing outside. For example, humid air is denser, Dr. Yockey says, making it more difficult to breathe. Dr. Yockey tells his patients, however, that this just means “we have to get up early in the morning to take our walks” during the summer, so it will be less hot and humid. Dr. Yockey also emphasizes how important it is for patients to continue to exercise outside of the rehabilitation program. He recommends five times a week for 30 minutes each time and on an empty stomach, which allows for a patient’s lungs to have the highest capacity possible. “The whole goal of pulmonary rehab is to get people moving,” Dr. Yockey says. Patients with lung conditions often stop practicing enjoyable hobbies and certain day-to-day activities due to

If you’re overeating: Extra pounds added from overeating means that it takes more energy and oxygen to move and exercise. Dr. Charles Yockey, of Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists, uses a metaphor of carrying around a 15-pound weight all day and explains that doing so takes a significant amount of energy. This means that even a few extra pounds on your body can make a difference in your energy and breathing ability. To help combat the effects of overeating, try eating smaller, more frequent meals that contain a variety of nutrients.

shortness of breath and other symptoms of COPD. “When you can’t breathe, everything is frustrating,” Dr. Yockey says. For example, Bobby Robbins, 78, of Lawrence, enjoys fishing and has a boat, but says that because of the energy it takes to use and maintain the boat, it is becoming too much for him to handle. “I’ve had a boat for a long time, but this year I’m going to have to sell my boat,” Robbins says. “It just wears me out too much.” Robbins, who suffers from COPD and diabetes, says pulmonary rehabilitation has allowed him to continue doing activities he enjoys, but at a slower pace. “It’s nice to be able to get out and do things, go fishing, go camping, outside sort of things,” Robbins says. “It’s a reduced activity, but it hasn’t stopped.” Robbins explains that he’s slowed his pace so he doesn’t exhaust himself. Before he participated in pulmonary

rehab, he says, he might have walked quickly to the mailbox. “I simply walk slower,” he says. “I don’t push myself to go as fast as I did before.” The program has helped many patients improve their lung function. Lecompton resident Robert Dark, 83, joined the program a second time after a bout of pneumonia. He enjoys playing golf and says that he was unable to play for a while due to his health, but he is making progress, thanks to the pulmonary rehabilitation center. “I played Monday, 18 holes. So I kind of felt like I’m somewhat getting back to where I was,” Dark says. “When you come out of pneumonia, you’re very weak and so this rehab also helps you gain your muscle strength back.” Physicians and staff at the LMH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center develop unique treatment plans for each patient. —continued on page 6

“COPD is not cookie-cutter,” Murphy says. “Everybody is so different as far as the severity, their symptoms and how well they can function with it.” For example, COPD patients can be overweight. Or they can be underweight. It’s possible they could have diabetes. Taking into consideration each of these factors, along with health history, nutrition, mental health and how much patients understand about their disease, will help staff create the best rehab plan possible for patients. Exercise is combined with education at the rehab center. One trick the patients learn is to move slower in order to be able to walk farther. “Cut your speed in half, double your distance,” Dr. Yockey tells the patients gathered in the rehab center. Robbins advises all patients who participate in the rehabilitation program to take advantage of the expertise the LMH staff provides. “They’re professionals,” Robbins says. “They know what they’re doing, and when they give you advice it’s good advice.”

In fact Robbins says that the “pursedlipped breathing” technique he learned during the program has been a big help to him. Pursed-lipped breathing is when the patient inhales through the nose, then exhales through pursed lips for twice as long as the inhale. This breathing exercise allows patients to catch their breath faster when they become short of breath. Robbins and Dark both recommend the program to anyone who may need it. “Anybody who has a chance to get into this rehab program, I’d definitely have them get into it,” Dark says. “It’s a good program, it’s well-run and the staff does a good job.” While providing help and information is rewarding, Murphy says that getting to know her patients can be the most gratifying part of her job.

“I am developing a relationship with them, I learn about them and their families,” she says. “I know I’m making an impact.” Seeing success in patients in the program is one of Dr. Yockey’s favorite parts of his job. “The best part is when someone tells me they’re doing better,” he says. Dr. Yockey encourages his patients to learn and to take control. One way to do this, he says, is to not let part of this disability, like shortness of breath or an oxygen tank, prevent you from getting out of the house. “I love it when I see someone out with their oxygen,” Dr. Yockey says. “It means they’re getting out and taking charge of their handicap.” Oxygen along with knowledge and helpful advice are just a few of the many tools that pulmonary rehabilitation can offer patients help in improving their quality of life. As Dr. Yockey says, “You can do it, you just have to do it differently.” —by Emily Moore

VOLUNTEER AT LMH! So you’ve thought about volunteering at your community hospital. There’s no time like now to see if Lawrence Memorial Hospital would be a good fit for you. LMH is looking for adult volunteers who are highly customer oriented and enjoy being around other people. To help you learn more about LMH, here are some common questions people have about becoming a volunteer: Q: Why would I want to choose LMH as a place to volunteer? A: Ask our volunteers. We have a terrific group of people of all ages and backgrounds who volunteer at LMH. It is a fun and dynamic work environment. No two days are alike, and our volunteers are constantly learning. It’s a great place to share your time and you can make the day go more smoothly for a patient or visitor to the hospital. Q: I like to travel or be free to help with my grandchildren. Are there still opportunities for someone like me to volunteer? A: We have many types of volunteer opportunities at LMH. We do like potential volunteers to make a commitment to volunteering, and we are very flexible in working with volunteer schedules. Come and talk with us and we can probably find a spot for even the trickiest schedule.

Take charge of your health! See www.lmh.org/wellcare

Q: How do I apply to become a volunteer? A: If you are interested in volunteering, go to our website: www.lmh.org/ volunteer. There, you’ll find more information about how to become a volunteer, the types of volunteer opportunities available and some of the benefits of becoming an LMH volunteer. And you may fill out an online application.

PATIENT CARE

Spine specialist joins LMH medical staff Neurosurgeon David Fritz, MD, joined Lawrence Memorial Hospital earlier this year — much to the relief of many patients who need surgical treatment for spine conditions. Dr. Fritz and Monica Hart, an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in spine care, came to LMH from St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. They are seeing patients in Lawrence Spine Care, 330 Arkansas St. “I think that the community is going to value his service in many ways,” Hart says. “They’re going to get their problems treated with the best of care and they’re going to get to stay local.” Spine surgery is not the answer for everyone. Many painful neck and back conditions can be treated non-surgically with conservative measures that might include physical therapy, pain management, injections and other non-invasive treatments and procedures. If surgery is recommended, Dr. Fritz can provide high-quality surgical care — before, during and after the procedure. Previously, patients had to travel to another hospital for surgical treatment.

Since Dr. Fritz came on board at Lawrence Spine Care, practice director Megan Pedersen says, she has discovered how many more patients they can now help. “I have patients almost every day who have called me crying because they’ve been in pain for so long and finally there is somebody here in town that might be able to help them,” she says. “It’s really been eye-opening to me how many people suffer from chronic pain, and it breaks my heart because it’s really a hard thing to deal with.” Among spine conditions Dr. Fritz treats are herniated discs, spinal stenosis or scoliosis. “I’m excited to be here and bring this expertise here,” Dr. Fritz says. Pedersen also sees the extraordinary level of care that Hart and Dr. Fritz provide patients each day. “They want to know that person and treat the person, not just their symptoms,”

Pedersen says. “I’m really amazed every day that I work with them how understanding and compassionate and caring they are.” In fact, Dr. Fritz says one of the reasons he enjoys working at LMH is because of the importance the hospital places on patients. “I think it’s a nice place to work because we are focused on taking care of the patients,” Dr. Fritz says. —by Emily Moore

Depending on your diagnosis, one of the following procedures may be recommended: • spinal decompression (also known as laminectomy) • anterior cervical discectomy and fusion • posterior cervical discectomy and fusion • lateral discectomy • lumbar spinal fusion • cervical spinal fusion • microdiscectomy • spinal instrumentation • spinal stabilization • corpectomy

For more, visit www.lmh.org/spine

Monica Hart, an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in spine care, and neurosurgeon Dr. Fritz

Boot camp for daddies

See www.lmh.org/events for a list of upcoming classes and parent support groups

The nine men — three tending to babies — ease themselves down onto the carpeted floor. They look more like friends relaxing on a Saturday morning than teachers and classmates in a parenting course called Daddy Boot Camp. New dad Yuanchao Li, right, learned valuable lessons from veteran dads including Mike Blakeman, left.

During the three-hour workshop with the tough-sounding name, two trained facilitators gently guide the easy give-and-take among the three dads and four soon-to-be dads. But make no mistake: While this class is low-key in its delivery of important information, the soon-to-be dads know they will be tested — with their own babies. “Historically, there hasn’t been much opportunity for dads to really learn about their roles, especially in the early stages of fatherhood,” says Vince Romero, one of two facilitators of Daddy Boot Camp, which is sponsored by Dads of Douglas County and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Romero, the father of five children, understands how important it is for men and their children to be comfortable together. And what better way to help foster that than for fathers and babies to serve as guides. “They’re less than a year ahead of you,” Charlie Bryan, the other boot camp facilitator, says of the veteran dads. “And they’re acting confident and are able to take care of their babies without the mother right there.” This course is designed to help men feel comfortable discussing the mechanics of fatherhood: What about changing those diapers? Is cloth better than disposable? How far do you tilt a baby’s head when giving it a bottle? How do you decide on the right stroller and car seat? But it also takes a deeper dive into the prospect of becoming a father. Todd Wyant, a Lawrence massage therapist, likes the many helpful hints the veteran fathers impart during the three-hour session. But there is more. “One of the dads talked about how disappointed he was that his first baby didn’t react to him and how he had to work through that,” says Wyant, whose significant other gave birth to Coral Corress-Wyant two months after he attended boot camp.

That was a really valuable piece of information, to hear that fatherhood can include some emotional bumps. Nearly three months into fatherhood, Wyant describes being a dad as “wonderful.” He’s glad he attended boot camp. “There was some good information that stuck with me,” he says. “And it was nice to meet some other fathers, to have some empathy and solidarity with them.” In addition to lots of discussion, the veteran dads demonstrated diapering techniques, giving a bottle and burping after that bottle. “It sounds overwhelming, but once you get used to it, it’s second-nature,” Mike Blakeman tells the men as his daughter Margo kicked her legs and played with a set of large plastic rings. Romero reminds the men that when picking out a stroller, car seat or any other types of equipment to be sure it’s user friendly. When he and his wife had their first child, they purchased a top-of-the-line stroller. “It was a real Cadillac,” he says. “But my wife couldn’t get it in the trunk, and I could barely get it in the trunk.” So much for the swanky stroller. Toward the end of the male-only gathering, Phillip Moreano, MD, of Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists, meets with the group. —continued on page 10

“If you can feel comfortable that you can take care of this baby, you’re going to be a more successful dad for years to come.” —Charlie Bryan

“I think it’s a little easier for dads to take in information and talk about concerns and other things with other guys.” —Michael Gillum “One of the things that sticks out is the participation of Dr. Moreano,” says Romero. “That was such a great segment of time when he came in and talked about mom and the healing process after birth, and he entertained some questions. He was awesome. He connected well with the guys.” Romero, who is a volunteer with Dads of Douglas County, vividly remembers when he was a first-time dad, even though it’s been more than nine years ago. He says he was a blank slate — willing to do anything to help. And yet, he believes it’s always helpful to have guidance. And practice. “Those moments during boot camp that are the priceless moments are when you see a dad for the first time scooping up this little baby,” he says. “And it’s pretty cool that we have these dads who have been through the experience the first time. They’re excited to share, and the new dads are like sponges soaking it up.” One of the so-called veteran dads, Michael Gillum, says he eagerly agreed

Facilitators Charlie Bryan and Vince Romero, at left, lead a discussion at Daddy Boot Camp

Mike Blakeman demonstrates how he diapers his daughter, Margo.

to participate in the workshop. In fact, he says, he would have benefited from Daddy Boot Camp had it been available four years ago before the birth of his first son, Owen. “I would have jumped all over it,” says Gillum, a carpenter. “I think it’s a little easier for dads to take in information and talk about concerns and other things with other guys.” For this session of Daddy Boot Camp, Gillum had his 8-month-old son, Ian, with him. He and the other veteran dads discussed many, many topics. “What I thought was the best was the soon-to-be dads getting to see hours of a baby’s day,” Gillum says. “You’re going to spend that time with a baby. They’re napping. They’re awake. There’s some fussiness. You get to have the long period of time with those kids to see the stages of the day.”

First-time dad Sean Seilheimer didn’t really know what he didn’t know before the class. “This is our first kid, so I was looking for anything that was helpful and would give me a leg up on what I should be doing,” he says. “It was wonderful. Holding and feeding a baby for the first time was a wonderful experience.” It’s all about confidence and how that affects the fathers’ and babies’ relationships, says Bryan, who is chair of the board of Dads of Douglas County. “When you’re becoming a dad for the first time, it’s a point in your life that you’re thinking about who you are and what you’re going to become as a new dad,” Bryan says. “If you can establish that bond with your baby, and you can feel comfortable that you can take care of this baby, you’re going to be a more successful dad for years to come.” —by Caroline Trowbridge

MORE DADDY BOOT CAMPS

After two successful Daddy Boot Camp workshops in 2016, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Dads of Douglas County again will offer sessions on the mornings of January 21, April 15, August 12 and October 7. To register, visit www.lmh.org/events. For for more information, please contact Allison Koonce, LMH Community Education Specialist, at allison.koonce@lmh.org or 785-505-3005.

A variety of parenting topics are covered on the LMH YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/lmhorg

Penny Jones Open raises $130,000 The 35th annual H.P. “Penny” Jones Open Golf Tournament was a winner for Eric Vogel of Chanute who sunk a hole in one on the seventh hole at the tournament on Friday, September 9, at Lawrence Country Club. The feat won Vogel a 2016 Buick Envision, donated by Greg Maurer of Dale Willey Automotive. Vogel, who was playing with three friends with whom he attended Neosho County Community College, says he was shocked when the ball went in the hole during the charity golf event. “I’m still shaking,” says Vogel, who was playing on a team sponsored by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Again this year, proceeds from the Dr. H.P. “Penny” Jones Open benefit Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association to enhance the quality of health care in the Lawrence area. Since 1969, LMH Endowment Association has provided nearly $30 million in equipment and services for our community hospital. This year’s tournament raised more than $130,000 for LMH. From left: Cathy Shenoy, tournament co-chair; Faye Jones, widow of Penny Jones; and Russ Johnson, LMH CEO.

Below left: Among golfers at the 35th annual Penny Jones Open from left, Brad Burnside, Becky Gonzales and Luis Salazar, MD. Below right: Eric Vogel with his new Buick.

Care to contribute? Visit www.lmhendowment.org or call 785-505-6134

DocTalk

We welcome these physicians who recently joined Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s medical staff.

Carl Anschutz, MD Dr. Anschutz joined Lawrence Hospitalist Physicians this fall. Dr. Anschutz, born and raised in Kansas, completed all of his formal education within the University of Kansas system — from undergraduate through his internal medicine/pediatrics residency. He previously worked as a hospitalist at Salina Regional Health Center. Jodie Barr, DO Dr. Barr practices with the LMH Oncology/ Hematology Center. She completed a residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and a fellowship at the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Westwood. She graduated from high school in Kersey, Colorado, and completed her undergraduate degree in chemistry at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree in 2009 from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Darcy Green Conaway, MD Dr. Green Conaway practices at Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence. She attended high school in North Carolina and Guam, and then earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1992. She earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1998. Dr. Green Conaway was an assistant clinical professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for the past 11 years and during that time also served as the director of nuclear cardiology at Truman Medical Center for five years. She also completed two fellowships at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri.

Cathy Dahl, DO Dr. Dahl of Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists, joined the LMH Medical Staff this fall. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, and her medical degree from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. She specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

David Fritz, MD Dr. Fritz practices at Lawrence Spine Care. For the past eight years, he was with Topeka Neurosurgery at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka, spent four years with Neurosurgical Associates in Topeka, and practiced for four years at the Kansas City Neurosurgical Group in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Fritz attended high school in Newton, earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1988 from the University of Kansas and earned his doctor of medicine degree in 1993, also from KU. His post-graduate work included a neurosurgery residency from 1994 to 1998 at Indiana University Hospital. Adam Goodyear, MD Dr. Goodyear practices at OrthoKansas, specializing in hip and knee surgeries. He previously was a fellow at the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2006 and says he still loves OU athletics. He then earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. After his graduation from medical school, he was a resident physician in the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of Kansas Hospital and provided medical services to the De Soto High School football team.

Looking for a physician? Check out www.lmh.org/providers

Chris Koster, MD Dr. Koster is a familiar face to young patients and their families in Lawrence. He has been practicing at Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine of Lawrence since 2012. He recently joined Dr. Christina Peacock in the newly formed LMH Pediatric Hospitalist Program. Dr. Koster earned both his undergraduate and doctor of medicine degrees through the University of Kansas system. After completing his residency and internship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in 2009, he returned to his hometown hospital, Great Bend Regional Hospital, where he was a pediatrician until returning to Lawrence. Richard Kuckelman, MD Dr. Kuckelman began practicing with Radiological Professional Services in June. He attended high school in Seneca and then earned his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kansas with highest distinction. He earned his doctor of medicine degree in 1993 from the KU School of Medicine. His residency and 1989 fellowship were both at KU. He practiced with Alliance Radiology Inc. in Overland Park for 22 years. Mallory Martinez, MD Dr. Martinez practices with Lawrence Anaesthesia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2007 from the University of Kansas and a doctor of medicine degree in 2011 from KU School of Medicine. Dr. Martinez was born at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and graduated from Lawrence Free State High School. She completed two residencies at the University of Kansas in both anesthesiology and radiology.

Mark Oertel, MD After recently completing a two-year fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Dr. Oertel has returned to practice in Lawrence, joining Lawrence Endocrinology. He previously was an internist at Reed Medical Group. Dr. Oertel, who graduated from Pleasant Ridge High School in Easton, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where he majored in human biology and minored in chemistry. In 2010, he earned a medical degree from the KU medical school. He completed his residency in 2013 at the KU Medical Center. Jodi Palmer, MD Dr. Palmer practices at LMH Oncology and Hematology Center. In 2004, she earned a bachelor’s in biochemistry from the University of Kansas. In 2009, she earned a doctor of medicine degree from KU School of Medicine. She completed an internal medicine residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, in 2012; worked for a year as a hospitalist at Scripps Mercy; and then completed a three-year hematology and oncology fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Christina Peacock, MD Dr. Peacock has joined Dr. Chris Koster in the newly formed LMH Pediatric Hospitalist Program. She most recently worked for five years as a pediatric hospitalist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Before that, she was a pediatric hospitalist at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka for two years. She completed her residency and internship at Children’s Mercy. Dr. Peacock earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and she earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 2005.

Molly Van Petten, MD Dr. Van Petten, a hospitalist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, has worked as a hospitalist at Atchison (Kansas) Hospital. She attended Atchison High School, earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and earned her medical degree in 2012 from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Additionally, she completed a residency program at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine. LaDona Schmidt, MD Dr. Schmidt, a family medicine physician, practices with Total Family Care. She has been in private practice in Salina for more than 20 years. She earned an RN and an APRN before she completed medical school at American University of the Caribbean in 1990. Dr. Schmidt has served as president of the Saline County Medical Society and as a board member for the Kansas Medical Society. Jennifer Waterman, DO Dr. Waterman is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle work with OrthoKansas. She attended high school in Yorkshire, New York, and earned an undergraduate degree from State University of New York at Buffalo and her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. She completed a residency at the Holston Valley Medical Center in Tennessee. From 2008 to 2011, she participated in the Health Professionals Scholarship Program with the U.S. Air Force during medical school. She is a USAF reservist. In 2010, Dr. Waterman volunteered as presidential medical support on President Obama’s trip to Panama City.

We rocked the block

The hospital’s outdoor party to celebrate cancer survivors and to raise funds for cancer education and detection was another hot ticket in 2016. The event — set for the first Friday in October — has raised more than $140,000 in the last two years. Thanks to everyone who was involved, especially our two event chairs, Cheryl Rice, MD, and Doug Klingler, MD, and our six headline sponsors, Briggs Auto Lane in Lawrence, Jack Ellena Honda, Dale Willey Automotive, Laird Noller Dealerships of Lawrence and Topeka, Meritrust Credit Union and Radiologic Professional Services. We’ll hope to see you on October 6, 2017 for the third annual Rock the Block-Kick Cancer.

Your community hospital earns national honors Health Care’s Most Wired For the sixth year in a row, LMH has been recognized as one of the nation’s Most Wired hospitals. The 2016 Most Wired Survey, released by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine in July, examined how health care organizations leverage information technology to improve performance. Of the 2,146 hospitals in the survey, only 341 met the Most Wired criteria. 100 Great Community Hospitals For the fourth consecutive year, LMH has been named one of the 100 Great Community Hospitals in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review. LMH was recognized for its demonstrated commitment to the health of the community through clinical excellence, financial stability, community involvement and other efforts. LMH was compared to other hospitals in the nation with fewer than 550 beds and minimal teaching programs.

U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report released its annual Best Hospital rankings and ratings on Aug. 1. The list is compiled from data from nearly 5,000 medical centers and survey responses from more than 30,000 physicians to rank hospitals in 16 adult specialties. LMH received a rating of “High Performing” in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Hospitals that earned a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. The rating was based on multiple data categories, including patient survival, volume and more. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score LMH recently received an “A” grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group in April. Founded in 2000, the Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American healthcare. Twice a year the group announces the Hospital Safety Score, which assesses medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections. LMH was one of 798 hospitals across the country to earn an “A”. In Kansas, 13 hospitals received an “A” grade.

Want to send a personal note to a patient at LMH? www.lmh.org/cheer

5 Questions with Dr. Chad Gustin Years with Lawrence Memorial Hospital Emergency Department: eight Education: bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a pre-med option from University of Kansas; medical degree from KU School of Medicine in 2005; residency at Texas A&M College of Medicine/Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, 2005–2008 Age: 37 Family: married to Amy Gustin; children: Ace, 7, and Elle, 4 1. Why did you become an emergency physician? I always felt a calling to emergency medicine because I wanted to help people in their greatest moment of need and make an immediate impact in their lives. It is a privilege and an honor to serve and heal someone in a true emergent and life-threatening situation — reversing and changing what could be a catastrophic event so that person can go on to lead a long full life or other times resuscitating someone back from the brink of death to give them just a little more time — time to make amends with family and friends to feel at peace. It is always amazing to me in those critical times how every moment seems so precious and time feels stretched. Whether it’s extra seconds or years, it makes you always feel so grateful.

2. What’s the best part of your job?

Dr. Gustin poses with his son, Ace.

I love practicing emergency medicine in a community setting like Lawrence because of the wide variety of patients we get to see and feeling like a special part of the town and community. Our group (Lawrence Emergency Medicine Associates) is special because we take care of patients who come to the LMH ER like they are our friends/families/neighbors — because a lot of the time they are! All of the special connections in this community amaze me. A lot of times, it seems like you are seeing a total stranger for the first time and then all these little miracles happen later and you see the big picture and see how intertwined all our lives really are.

3. What’s important for your patients to know about you? A patient has to know first how much you care — that the people who practice emergency medicine feel a calling to help others in their time of greatest need. Most of the time, we have no idea what type of insurance the patient has or if they even have insurance. I love that about emergency medicine because I can just treat every patient like I would a family member.

4. If you weren’t an emergency physician, what would your work be? A weatherman. No, seriously, I always enjoyed the engineering sciences and majored in chemical engineering in undergrad. I always had an interest in alternative energy production to stop our reliance on fossil fuels. Most recently, I have been interested in piezoelectricity in which you can use motion and vibration to create electricity, and I have always been fascinated with the possibility of future medical technology to use the body’s own natural motions and vibrations (like the beating heart) to power medical implants like pacemakers so battery replacements no longer would be needed.

5. We hear you participate in the Scottish Highland Games; tell us about that. The caber toss, shown here, is one of the events in the Scottish Highland Games. Other events are two stone throws (heavy and light), two weight throws for distance (56-pound and 28-pound weights on chains), two hammer throws (22 pounds and 16 pounds), one 56-pound weight for height over a bar, and one 22-pound sheaf toss.

Everyone always asks what those are. I have been a professional athlete competing in Scottish Highland Game competitions since 2010. My first Highland Games was in Salado, Texas, in November 2006. I was doing residency training in nearby Temple. I was performing Olympic lifts at the local gym, where some regulars told me I should come out and try to compete. I was hooked right away! I continued participating in Highland Games because I love the combination of strength and speed — and displaying athleticism by throwing heavy objects most could barely lift, let alone throw. I worked my way up the ranks until I was the top-ranked amateur in the United States at the end of the 2009 season. I won some major U.S. competitions and had the opportunity to turn professional. During this time, my wife and I had moved to Lawrence and had our first child, so the balance among work, family and sports was more critical than ever and all of those things really started to thrive. I have always believed deep down everyone’s spirit is always searching to find balance, and achieving that balance leads to happiness.

Looking for a physician? Check out www.lmh.org/providers

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Summer Spray Fitness and fun were the goals at the three 2016 Summer Spray 5K runs/walks sponsored by LMH Endowment Association. Annually, the runs are held in Eudora (pictured at right), Tonganoxie and Baldwin City. The Endowment Association returns half of the funds raised to the communities for health and wellness projects.

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Jayhawks for a Cure KU tennis student-athletes Nina Khmelnitckaia and Janet Koch presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to LMH Board of Trustees Chair Cindy Yulich and LMH Endowment Association Director Laverne Epp at the Jayhawks football game Oct. 8. The check represented funds raised by Jayhawks for a Cure events for cancer treatment and research during the past year. Coaches, student-athletes, staff and fans all contribute to this effort, which directly benefits Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center.

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Kicking it LMH doctors, employees, family and friends displayed their soccer prowess in an intra-squad scrimmage during halftime of the KU women’s soccer game on Oct. 9 at Rock Chalk Park. It was the second year the LMH team has been invited to perform

is published by Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To have your name added to or removed from this mailing list, please call 785-505-3315. Russell Johnson | President and CEO, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Editorial Board | Sheryle D’Amico, Janice Early, Toni Reynolds, MD, Caroline Trowbridge

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