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DAILY GLOBE“Where to go, when you need to know!”

PROGRESS 2011

fàçÄxService With

Aspirus Grand View

2 � PROGRESS 2011 THE DAILY GLOBE

When Grand View HealthSystem joined the Aspirusfamily in October 2010 andbecame Aspirus Grand View, itmarked the latest in threeyears of expansion into theUpper Peninsula for Aspirus.

With Grand View in thefold, the Aspirus health sys-tem now employs 1,200 peopleand supports more than $100million in annual salaries andoperations in the U.P. alone.While Aspirus’ presence in theU.P. has had a big economicimpact on the communities itserves, providers like AspirusGrand View also enjoy the ben-efits of being able to accessnew resources, share bestpractices and realize businessefficiencies that make itsfuture very bright.

“Our No. 1 goal is providingexcellent care to peoplethroughout our service area,and we believe this affiliationwill help us continue doingthat for many years,” saidCarol Goffnett, Chief Execu-tive Officer at Aspirus GrandView. “We have some wonder-ful opportunities, and I’m con-fident the community will likewhat they see happening atAspirus Grand View.”

When Grand View complet-ed its affiliation with Aspirus,it became the third hospital inthe U.P. to do so in the lastthree years. Ontonagon Memo-rial Hospital became AspirusOntonagon Hospital in Novem-ber 2007, and KeweenawMemorial Medical Center inLaurium became AspirusKeweenaw Hospital in June2008.

Collaborating together, thehospitals have secured much-

needed local heart carethrough their affiliation withthe nationally-recognizedAspirus Heart & VascularInstitute. Additionally, Aspirusalso supports a full continuumof other important health serv-ices, including:

•Physician clinics •Skilled nursing homes •Home health and hospice

care •Outpatient therapies

•Walk-in clinics •An eye clinic •A surgery center “By working with other

Aspirus health providers inthe U.P., we’ve been able toexpand the care our patientsneed,” said Chuck Nelson,Chief Executive Officer withAspirus Keweenaw. “We havedeveloped a strong system ofcare in this region that pro-vides excellent hospital and

physician services, as well asvital home health and hospiceservices that are in such highdemand.”

Now a vital source of healthservices for the peninsula’swestern seven counties and acornerstone of economic vitali-ty during tough economictimes, Aspirus continues todevelop its U.P. system,expanding and improving localhealth services in a time when

small, independent providersface big challenges.

In 2011 and beyond, Aspiruswill continue to explore newways to make excellent, com-passionate care available tocommunities throughout thewestern Upper Peninsula andbring additional specialtyservices to the area so peoplecan access them closer tohome, eliminating the need totravel for higher end services.

Aspirus Grand View photo

Aspirus Grand View board members include, from left: first row — Carol Goffnett, CEO, Dr. Jeff Nehring and Wayne Nasi; and second row— James Lorenson, Maria Gulan, Dr. Christopher Pogliano, Richard Armstrong, John Garske, Joel Rueber, Sidney Sczygelski, Dr. CharlesIknayan and Kathy Drengler.

Aspirus system continues to grow in U.P.

Jo Glass from Ironwood recentlybecame a Lifeline customer, and sheis glad she did.

Glass has several medical condi-tions, including recent open heartsurgery. She lives alone and wasafraid no one would know if she fellor needed medical attention. Whenher nurse mentioned to her that sheshould look into getting Lifeline,Glass called and in a few short days,she had a comforting connection tohelp, should she need it.

“It has made a big difference inthe way I feel,” she said. “I feel moreconfident and secure, knowing some-one is there to help me twenty-fourhours a day.”

Lifeline is an easy-to-use medical

alert service designed to reduce therisk of living alone. In the event of afall or emergency, help is available atthe push of a button. The LifelinePersonal Help Button connects youto a trained Personal Response Asso-ciate who can send help quickly – 24hours a day, seven days a week.

If a Lifeline button is pushed, anassociate quickly makes voice con-tact, reviews the caller’s personaland medical profile, assesses the sit-uation and then notifies the appro-priate support and medical responseteam.

“I would highly recommend thatanyone living at home alone, healthyor not, get Lifeline,” Glass said. “Whywait until something happens?”

Lifeline is available throughAspirus Grand View. Launched bythe Auxiliary in 1984 with just eightsubscribers, the program has grownto include more than 300 subscribersin Gogebic, Ontonagon and Ironcounties.

Dee Dee Lorenson, Lifeline Pro-gram Manager at Aspirus GrandView, truly enjoys her involvementwith the program.

“The most rewarding part of myjob is helping people stay independ-ent and in their own home,” Loren-son said.

For more information about theAspirus Grand View Lifeline pro-gram, contact DeeDee Lorenson at(906) 932-6209.

You’re never alone with Lifeline


Aspirus Grand View’s DeeDee Lorenson instructsJo Glass about Lifeline.

THE DAILY GLOBE PROGRESS 2011 � 3

Aspirus Grand View

The members of the Aspirus Grand View Auxiliary make a difference in many ways. Pictured are, fromleft: first row — Virginia Heczko, Bonnie Maki and Dorothy Carpenter, and, second row — Chris Ainslie,Patty Corullo, Sandy Armstrong and Carol D’Alberto.

AGV employs about 400 peopleJobs are the lifeblood of a community. Each paycheck pulses

through the economy, supporting business as dollars are spent onhousing, groceries and other goods and services. Jobs fuel morejobs. They are essential for economic growth.

Aspirus Grand View is committed to the community’s health,providing access to vital health care services 24 hours a day, 365days a year. What might easily go unnoticed, though, is the sys-tem’s contribution to the health of the local economy as anemployer and a purchaser of goods and services.

Aspirus Grand View employs about 400 people and has anannual payroll of $13.5 million. There is a ripple effect when hos-pitals purchase supplies and services and when employees spendtheir paychecks. These purchases support other business and cre-ate jobs within the community. And according to the MichiganHealth Association, for every two employees hired in health care,another job in indirect health care is created.

So along with providing excellent health care, Aspirus GrandView provides much needed jobs in our community.

Consider outpatient procedureCarolyn Rigoni from Bessemer recently underwent surgery at

Aspirus Grand View Hospital. The result was sharper, clearervision and a better life.

For years Rigoni suffered from a gelatin floater that wouldcause her vision to be blurred and foggy. “I lived with this for over10 years, never thinking I would have the courage to have it takencare of,” she said.

But after seeing her optometrist, Dr. Crystal Carrington-Helli-er, she was referred to Dr. Nitin Nigam, who explained the proce-dure which is called a vitrectomy.

“His confidence and kindness reassured me that now was thetime to take care of this problem,” Rigoni said.

She had the outpatient procedure done at Aspirus Grand ViewHospital, and went home the same day. There was very little dis-comfort, and the Rigoni said it is wonderful to be able to see soclearly.

For more information about the specialized treatments avail-able at the Aspirus Grand View Eye Center, please call (906) 932-1436.

Billing specialists key at AGVNo one likes getting bills, especially when they are coming from

past medical expenses, because they can be confusing and over-whelming.

The staff at Aspirus Grand View is here to help. Aspirus GrandView has a staff of 12 billing specialists that are available Mon-day through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are here to helppatients with their insurance concerns for the entire AspirusGrand View Health System.

With the new Medicare and Medicare HMO regulations, thereis a lot of confusion on what is and isn’t a covered service. Recent-ly, the billing department received a call from a patient who wasvery frustrated with his past Medicare bill. He and his wife hadissues dating back to 2005 that, despite his best efforts, were stillnot being paid. Our Medicare billing specialist was instrumentalin helping him get this corrected so his claims would process cor-rectly.

The billing department at Aspirus Grand View not only helpsby filing patients’ claims, the staff also is very helpful whenpatients have overall concerns or questions about their medicalcoverage.

One patient received a letter from the Department of HumanServices stating she would have to pay $566 before Medicaidwould help. Previously, she had cataract surgery done on one eyeand was scheduled to have the other eye operated on.

With the recent passing of her husband, her income was cut inhalf and she was afraid that she’d have to cancel the second sur-gery. The billing staff verified her coverage with Medicaid and wasable to confirm that she would be able to have not only the firstsurgery paid for, but also her second surgery would be covered aswell.

For Aspirus Grand View Hospital billing questions or concerns,please call 906-932-6210. For Aspirus Grand View Clinic billingquestions or concerns, please call 906-932-6385.

Aspirus Grand View news

Since its founding in 1969, Aspirus GrandView Auxiliary has been committed to support-ing Aspirus Grand View and its mission of pro-viding exceptional health care services that arecustomer-focused and fiscally responsible. Today,the auxiliary is doing just that.

Members promote Aspirus Grand Viewthrough increased community awareness andfundraising initiatives. As a result, the auxiliarygave about $12,300 to Aspirus Grand View in2010. The donation was used for new flooring inthe entry; ongoing building projects; landscap-ing; minor equipment purchases, and two $1,000scholarships.

Fundraising activities include: Tree of Love,the Gift Shop (open Monday through Fridayfrom 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), book fairs, craft and hol-iday bazaars, annual nut sale, bake sales, raffles,and other special events throughout the year. Allmoney raised by the auxiliary is used to supportAspirus Grand View.

Beyond fundraising, auxiliary members areproud to serve as ambassadors for the healthsystem in the community. They are an important

liaison between Aspirus Grand View and thecommunity by informing and increasing aware-ness of health services through local events,newsletters and personal communications withfriends, neighbors and colleagues. Members wel-come feedback and input about the hospital, clin-ics, its services and the health interests of com-munity members. With a strong membership, theAspirus Grand View Auxiliary has many voicesin the community.

Auxiliary board members include Carol D’Al-berto, president; Camille Peacock, treasurer;Chris Ainslie, secretary; and members at largeinclude: Dorothy Carpenter, Virginia Heczko,Judy Ziemann, Sandy Armstrong, Patti Corullo,Camille Peacock and Bonnie Maki.

The Aspirus Grand View Auxiliary is open toanyone interested in joining a great organizationand receiving personal satisfaction from helpingyour community by supporting a wonderfulasset: our health system. Membership dues are$5 per year. For additional information, pleasecontact Sandy Armstrong, membership chairper-son, at 906-842-3344.

Auxiliary members make a difference

The Michigan Center forRural Health honored AspirusGrand View with two awardson Oct. 28 at the 11th AnnualMichigan Critical Access Hos-pital Conference in BoyneFalls. The Michigan Center forRural Health is a non-profitorganization formed in 1991 aspart of a nationwide, federaland state initiative to recognizethe importance of rural healthcare and to create a mechanismfor resources to flow to ruralareas.

Aspirus Grand Viewreceived the 2010 MichiganRural Health Quality Improve-ment Award for QualityImprovement Achievement and

Award of Excellence. The Qual-ity Improvement Achievementaward recognizes outpatientclinical performance in the careand treatment of chest painand acute myocardial infarc-tion, or heart attack. TheAward of Excellence acknowl-edges quality improvementefforts in inpatient clinical per-formance in the care and treat-ment of heart failure and pneu-monia.

“Award recipients are com-mitted to providing theirpatients with high qualityhealth care,” said John Barnas,Executive Director of theMichigan Center for RuralHealth. “The Michigan Center

for Rural Health is pleased tosponsor this award which rec-ognizes the dedication of hospi-tal staff to provide the rightcare to the right patient eachand every time.”

The awards validate thehard work going on at AspirusGrand View.

“Together our staff is demon-strating we are providing thevery best in medical care,” saidCarol Goffnett, Aspirus GrandView Chief Executive Officer.“Aspirus Grand View is com-mitted to the tenets of qualityimprovement that embrace evi-dence-based medicine toimprove health outcomes.”

Aspirus Grand View receives quality and excellence awards



Aspirus Grand View Foundation board members are, from left: Lee-Ann Garske, Bernie Hibbeln, sec-retary; Pam Kauppila, president; Dick Armstrong and Carol Goffnett. Not pictured are Chris Ainslie, vice-president; Mike Gregor, DDS, treasurer; Ginger Nasi and Andy Tait, PA-C.

Have you ever made a dona-tion and wonder what themoney is used for? When giftsare made to Aspirus GrandView Foundation, the fundshelp purchase medical equip-ment, provide health screen-ings to the community, upgradeand enhance facilities or tofund new programs and servic-es.

The Aspirus Grand ViewFoundation uses gifts wherethey are needed the most, butdonors can also specify if theywant their donation to gotoward a specific program,service or other cause. Each giftrepresents a step forward andis appreciated and acknowl-edged, regardless of the size ofthe gift.

The foundation accepts giftsat any time, but it also raisesmoney in a number ways,including:

—Annual giving campaigns– Yearly requests for donationsfrom past and new supporters.

—Fountain club member-ship: Pledges of $100 a year for10 years.

—Special events: Signatureevents that raise both moneyand awareness.

—Planned giving: Donationsthat are arranged in advance,as part of a will or trust.

—Endowments: Donationsinvested or set aside to earninterest. The endowmentremains intact, and only theincome is spent.

—Memorial gifts: Donationsmade to remember or honorsomeone.

—Major gifts: Large, one-time gifts from donors.

“Because the work that hos-pitals do touches so many lives,it’s not surprising that over 85percent of donations to hospitalfoundations come from individ-uals,” said Pam Kauppila, pres-ident of the Aspirus GrandView Foundation. “It’s veryemotional when people areinvolved in health care,

whether it’s a joyous occasionwith the birth of a child or atragic one with the loss of aloved one. The gamut of emo-tions inspires people to want togive back to the organizationsthat helped them.”

The Aspirus Grand ViewFoundation, established in1999, is a non-profit corpora-tion dedicated to improving thequality of care in the communi-ty. It is comprised of dedicatedcommunity members and itsmission is to raise funds andadminister them to improvequality, accessibility, and com-munity awareness of healthcare in the western UpperPeninsula of Michigan andnorthern Wisconsin.

If you would like more infor-mation on the foundation, con-tact a member of AspirusGrand View Foundation Boardby calling 906-932-2525 or visitour Web site at AspirusGrand-View.org.

Foundation supports AspirusGrand View, community

John Schuch lives in NewBaltimore, but spends a lot oftime in Michigan’s UpperPeninsula to relax, hunt and,one day, hopefully retire. In2010, Schuch shot a four-pointbuck in Ontonagon that was farfrom the biggest he’d ever shot,but it was certainly the mostmeaningful.

Three years earlier, the 65-year-old suffered a massivestroke that nearly took his lifeand made the prospect of walk-ing – let alone hunting again –look bleak.

While splitting timebetween his properties in Iron-wood and Ontonagon, Schuchwas at a meeting for his job asa boat salesman when he firstbegan to feel a bit off. A diabet-ic, Schuch figured he was justlow on sugar or just needed toeat, so he got his friend to drivehim home.

“I figured it was just a sug-ary accident because I’m dia-betic. I never thought it couldbe a stroke,” Schuch said.

Schuch tried to get his bloodsugar up with some food, butwhen that didn’t help him feelany better, he decided to go tobed to rest. He never made it tobed, however, and he spent thenight on the floor, incapable ofmoving.

“That night, I was awake thewhole time. When I had thestroke I couldn’t walk, talk ordo anything,” he said. “My mindwas a real mess, and by thetime I realized there was some-thing really wrong, there was-n’t anything I could do aboutit.”

When morning finallyarrived, Schuch’s friend decid-ed to call to make sure he wasOK. Luckily, Schuch somehowmanaged to reach a nearbyphone. Though he was unableto talk, he was able to mumbleenough sounds to prompt hisfriend to call an ambulance.

When the ambulancearrived, Schuch was taken toAspirus Grand View Hospitalwhere they quickly determinedhe had suffered a stroke.

“The people at Grand Viewwere just excellent,” Schuchsaid. “They did some scans anddiagnosed the problem rightaway – the doctors were reallygood.”

Since his primary residence

was in lowerM i c h i g a n ,Schuch wassent to Detroitso he could becloser to homewhile recuper-ating from thes i g n i f i c a n tneural dam-age he suf-fered from thestroke. Hespent about a

month-and-a-half in the hospi-tal and it took the better part ofa year before he learned towalk and talk again, but hestill had a long way to go.

About a year-and-a-halfafter his stroke, he startedgoing back up to the UpperPeninsula again. Determinedto hunt again, Schuch contin-ued his physical therapy atAspirus Ontonagon Hospitalwhile he spent time at his farmin Ontonagon that sits on 80acres of land.

“I worked on my speech onmy own because I used to talk alot as a sales rep, so I didn’ttake very well to someone try-ing to teach me how to speakagain, but the physical thera-pist in Ontonagon was really,really good,” Schuch said. “He’sthe one that got me walkingagain.”

As Schuch progressedthrough his therapy, he contin-ued to grow stronger despitehis right side being paralyzed.He can’t use his right arm andhis right leg supports littleweight, but he can get aroundusing a cane. By hunting sea-son of 2010, he even becamestrong enough to climb the lad-der that leads to the loft in hisbarn.

It was from the loft that hebagged his four-point buck dur-ing the handicapped season inOctober.

“It wasn’t my biggest, but Icertainly did a good job,” hesaid. “It took quite a while toget to this point.

“It was purely my fault thatI didn’t get to a hospital sooner.If I would have, I possibly couldhave avoided the results thatI’ve got, but that’s the breaks.I’m very pleased with howeverything has turned out. Ihave gotten a lot of help fromgood people.”

Despite long rehab,Schuch back doing

what he loves

John

Schuch

aspirusgrandview.org


Quality health care is priority No. 1 atAspirus Grand View because people’slives and good health depend on it. Thereare many factors that shape a patient’sexperience at a hospital, and the qualityof care is a big one.

Everyone at Aspirus Grand Viewshares a commitment to quality andwants all patients, and their families, tobe satisfied with their experience atAspirus Grand View.

Grand View works with Press Ganey,one of the health care industry’s leadingindependent vendor of satisfaction meas-urement and improvement services, toensure that its patients receive the bestcare possible. Press Ganey currentlypartners with more than 7,000 healthcare facilities and assists them in collect-ing and using patient evaluations intheir quality improvement initiatives.Among U.S. inpatient hospitals, morethan one-third currently contract withPress Ganey to measure patient satisfac-tion.

“The detailed surveys and reportsfrom Press Ganey provide our staff withan excellent tool to measure patientexperiences, and their online reports pro-vide us with immediate access to

responses, so we can make improve-ments right away,” said Carol Goffnett,Grand View CEO. “Studies show satis-fied patients are more likely to adhere tomedical advice and that emotional dis-tress during a health care experience canactually hinder a patient’s ability toheal.

“We will also benchmark for best prac-tices with hospitals in Michigan andWisconsin and use the data to makeadjustments in areas such as efficiencyof the admissions process, managingadmission of patients to a clinical unit orbed, and maintaining sensitivity to theneeds of patients.”

Chances are, if you receive servicesfrom Aspirus Grand View – as an inpa-tient or outpatient, through ambulatorysurgery, the emergency department, oreven with a visit to one of its medicalclinics – you may be asked to share youropinions about your care here. You areencouraged to be honest about yourexperience.

“In return, we promise to use thatfeedback to continually bring you highquality health care, delivered with excel-lent customer service,” Goffnet said.

Quality counts at Aspirus GrandView; patient feedback important

Colorectal cancer is the third mostcommon cancer in the United Statesand the second leading cause of cancerdeaths. It most often strikes people whoare older than 50 who have no risk fac-tors in the background other than theirage.

Aspirus Grand View surgeons EnricoBraucher, M.D., FACS, and Marc Santi-ni, M.D., FACS, have conducted morethan 3,000 colonoscopies in the pastthree years. Undergoing regular colono-scopies at Aspirus Grand View canpotentially save your life, because regu-lar screenings can greatly decrease yourrisk of colorectal cancer.

Regular colonoscopy screenings arerecommended for everyone who is olderthan 50.

Most cases of colorectal cancer beginas polyps, which can be found during acolonoscopy and removed before theybecome cancerous or while the cancer isin its early stages. Survival rates arehigher with early detection, before can-cer spreads to lymph nodes or otherorgans.

Colorectal cancer rarely causessymptoms in the beginning. Symptomssuch as bleeding from the rectum, achange in bowel habits and weight lossusually occur later, when the cancer is

harder to treat.You may need to

begin undergoingcolonoscopies at age40 or earlier and betested more often ifyou or members ofyour family have ahistory of colon polypsor colorectal cancer, orif you have Crohn’sdisease or ulcerativecolitis.

You are twice aslikely to get colorectalcancer if one of yourparents, brothers, sis-ters, or children hashad it. You’re also atmuch higher risk ifyou have familial ade-nomatous polyposis orhereditary nonpolypo-sis colon cancer. Mostpeople with these con-ditions will developcolorectal cancer ifthey are not treated. Ifany of these conditions is in your back-ground, you’ll need to start screeningyounger and be checked more oftenthan most people.

Colonoscopy: It can be a life-saver

Dr. Marc

Santini

Dr. Enrico

Braucher

The Aspirus Grand View JuniorProgram introduces the area’s youngpeople to a variety of health carecareers while they get the personalsatisfaction that comes from supplyingthat extra pair of helping hands. Inaddition to feeling good about theirefforts, teen volunteers develop keyskills and responsibilities as they meetand work with other volunteers,patients and professional staff.

Each year, the program includesabout 15 young people age 14 through18 who are recruited through facultyadvisors or counselors at area schools.They are ultimately chosen for theirdemonstrated maturity and interest inthe program. The Junior Volunteer,accompanied by a parent, attends aninterview with the Director of Volun-teer Services prior to being accepted inthe program.

Samantha Pertile, a senior atLuther L. Wright High School in Iron-wood, joined the volunteer program inJune 2010. During the summermonths, she worked with the AspirusGrand View Physical Therapy Depart-ment, an experience she found bothinteresting and intense. During theschool year, you can find Pertile volun-teering with the Aspirus Grand ViewRadiology Department. She spendstwo hours a day, Monday through Fri-day, working with radiology techni-cians. Even though this takes awaytime from her classes at the highschool, it is a hands-on education thatprovides credits for time spent at thehospital.

“I am very appreciative of thisopportunity and I am surprised thatmore high school students don’t take

advantage of this great program,” shesaid. “There are so many differentfields of medicine you can go into, andAspirus Grand View allows us to actu-ally experience what different jobs areavailable.”

Pertile has always been drawn tothe sciences, and enjoys anatomy. Sheplans to pursue a career in radiology,preferably as an ultrasound techni-cian.

“This is a great learning experiencefor students who have an interest in ahealth-related field as a profession,”said Dee Dee Lorenson, Director of Vol-unteer Services. “It gives them anopportunity to experience first-handthe duties and responsibilitiesinvolved.”

Some of the duties of a Junior Vol-unteer include basic housekeeping andclerical duties, reading or visiting withpatients, refilling water pitchers,assisting patients with menus, andhelping out in radiology, purchasing,dietary, the information desk andmany other areas.

The Junior Volunteer Program for2011 will begin with orientation inJune. Junior Volunteers help out sevendays a week with shifts from 9 a.m. to12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.Each Junior Volunteer works a mini-mum of one shift per week and isrequired to make a three-month com-mitment to the program.

For more information on the JuniorVolunteer Program, or volunteering atGrand View, contact Dee Dee Loren-son, director of volunteer services, at(906) 932-6209. Applications can alsobe picked up from high school guidancecounselors.

Volunteerism a valuableexperience for teens

Ironwood stu-

dent Saman-

tha Pertile is ayouth volunteerat AspirusGrand View.

Aspirus Grand Viewphoto


Grand View Health Systemofficially joined the Aspirussystem Oct. 1, 2010, after lead-ers from the two organizationsfinalized all the steps of anaffiliation agreement.

Now called Aspirus GrandView, the Ironwood, Mich.-based system includes a 25-bedcritical access hospital with twomedical clinics, a surgical clin-ic, an eye center, walk-in clinic,physical therapy and a homehealth and home care division.With about 400 employees andan active, courtesy and consult-ing medical staff of about 70,Aspirus Grand View servesMichigan’s Gogebic County andWisconsin’s Iron County, aswell as surrounding areas.

“We are excited to officiallywelcome Grand View into theAspirus family and look for-ward to working together tostrengthen and expand servicesthroughout the region,” saidDuane Erwin, President andChief Executive Officer ofAspirus.

Aspirus Grand View isAspirus’ third hospital partnerin Upper Michigan. AspirusOntonagon Hospital, Onton-agon, Mich., joined Aspirus inJune 2007, and AspirusKeweenaw Hospital, Laurium,Mich., joined Aspirus in June2008.

Joining an affiliated group ofhigh-quality providers willallow Aspirus Grand View to

access new resources, sharebest practices and realize busi-ness efficiencies. It will be nec-essary to constantly improvequality and efficiency, to thrivein an industry that presentschallenging workforce andreimbursement issues.

“This whole affiliationprocess has been a positiveexperience and now that it’scomplete, we are eager to workwith our Aspirus colleagues toimprove and expand services toour communities,” said CarolGoffnett, Chief Executive Offi-cer of Aspirus Grand View.

For more information aboutAspirus, visit aspirus.org.


Carol Goffnett and Duane Erwin sign papers as Grand View Hospital joins the Aspirus family.

A grand partnership:Ironwood system joins Aspirus

Facing a heart condition is stressful enough, without having toworry about traveling out of town to see your doctor. Now, howev-er, experts from the Aspirus Heart & VascularInstitute offer state-of-the-art cardiac care closeto home at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Iron-wood.

Gogebic area residents can convenientlyaccess a broad range of services from one of thenation’s top cardiac programs without having toleave the community for care.

Patients have local access to three rotatingcardiologists that see patients two days a weekat Aspirus Grand View Hospital. They are: Ger-man Larrain, M.D., FACC, FSCAI; Joshua L.Luce, M.D., FACC; and Paul A. Luetmer, M.D.,FACC.

“Our practice has always believed cardiologyservices should be provided locally wheneverpossible,” said Dr. Luetmer, AHVI Medical Direc-tor. “Not only is this more convenient, savingpatients time and money, but it helps us tounderstand people seeing them in their owncommunities and allows us to interact directlywith their primary care-givers.”

Cardiac services available locally, include newpatient evaluation, inpatient consults, cardiover-sion, stress testing, echocardiography, nuclearcardiology, transesophageal echocardiography,and post-surgical follow up visits.

“It is important to identify heart disease earlyso treatment can be more effective,” Dr. Luetmersaid. “Even more important is to prevent heartdisease by addressing smoking, inactivity, obesi-ty, high blood pressure, and cholesterol beforethese problems lead to heart disease.”

The visiting cardiologists work closely withthe patients’ own Aspirus Grand View physicianto develop a treatment plan that meets the indi-vidual needs of each patient. The collaborationalso has improved diagnostic, inpatient, outpa-tient and rehabilitation services. But should youneed surgical or other advanced procedures, youhave access to the coordinated care of cardiacservices at the Aspirus Heart & Vascular Insti-tute in Wausau, Wis.

The Aspirus Heart & Vascular Institute provides cardiologyoutreach in many communities in the Upper Peninsula and north-ern Wisconsin including Ironwood, Laurium and Ontonagon inMichigan, and Rhinelander, Eagle River and Woodruff in Wiscon-sin.

Cardiology services from the Aspirus Heart & Vascular Insti-tute are located at the Aspirus Grand View Clinic in Ironwood,located at N10565 Grand View Lane. Appointments can be madeby calling the clinic at 906-932-1500.

Dr. German

Larraiin

Dr. Joshua L.

Luce

Dr. Paul A.

Luetmer

Aspirus offers heartcare without the hassle

Grand View emergency department ready when you need it The emergency department at

Aspirus Grand View Hospital is open 24hours a day and staffed with in-housephysicians around the clock. Thesephysicians aren’t “on call,” they arestaffing the emergency rooms, rightthere in the emergency room ready tohelp you and your family.

The physicians and nurses in theemergency department have beentrained in advanced trauma life sup-port, advanced cardiac life support,pediatric life support, neonatal resusci-tation, and have other emergency certi-fications.

A wide range of specialists are alsoavailable on call, by phone, includingcardiology, orthopedics, ear/nose/throat,family practice, OB-GYN, general sur-gery, pediatrics, oncology, podiatry andradiology. With Aspirus Grand View’swide range of resources, additional spe-cialty areas can be consulted whenneeded.

In an average year, the AspirusGrand View emergency departmenthelps approximately 10,500 patients.Triaging is done as soon as you get tothe emergency room, which means yourcare starts right away. In addition, our

admitting personnelcome to you – directlyto the bedside for yourimportant registrationinformation. To savetime and ensure accu-racy, we use comput-ers to order specifictests.

Aspirus GrandView’s emergencydepartment is alsofocused on customerservice. We work tostreamline the process so you get the

fastest care possible and make continu-ous improvements with the help ofpatient surveys. The emergency depart-ment staff members also care abouthow patients are doing after they leavethe ER, so they call patients the nextday to make sure they are improvingand to answer any questions.

The emergency department atAspirus Grand View is open 24 hours tocare for you and your family, so even ifit’s in the middle of the night, you willbe well cared for.

Dr. Eric

Maki


Aspirus Grand View’s radiol-ogy department performs morethan 14,000 radiology proce-dures a year. And thanks to thecardiac ultrasound equipment,images of the heart are sharperand more useful than ever.

The ultrasound equipmentprovides clear diagnosticimages and an advanced com-munication link that produceresults to the ordering physi-cian faster than ever. There areseveral benefits to this system.

“Ultrasound imaging ishugely beneficial because it is arelatively low-cost and non-invasive way to look inside thebody,” said Rae Kaare, Radiolo-gy and Lab Manager. “With thiscardiac ultrasound system, weacquire an extremely high levelof diagnostic information andcan provide answers for ourdoctors more quickly and easily.Plus, results from the ultra-sound exam often reduce theneed for more invasive proce-

dures.”The system features an

adjustable flat screen LCDmonitor that can be positionedfor viewing from almost anydirection. This allows patientsto see images during scanning,as well. A highly moveable con-trol panel increases the sonog-rapher’s flexibility to workaround the patient, and thesystem’s profile makes it easyto move wherever it is needed.

Because it can be used in the

most delicate conditions with-out major side effects, ultra-sound has become one of themost popular diagnostic meth-ods among patients and physi-cians. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to pro-duce moving images of thebody’s internal soft tissuestructures. It provides a safe,fast and relatively painlessmeans of diagnostic imaging onan outpatient basis.

Technology brings hearts safely in focus

Home care keepsloving family together

Florence and David McDonald from Ironwood were marriedfor 58 years. Their love for each other and their yearstogether were with many blessings, including theireight children. When Florence was diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s, David’s wish was to keepher home and comfortable in her ownsurroundings. With the help of his chil-dren and compassionate and profes-sional home health providers,David’s wish came true.

The decision to seek help out-side the family was a difficultone, recalls the family. “Dadwas not comfortable with sev-eral new people coming intothe house and was most con-cerned how new faces wouldaffect Mom’s health.” TheMcDonald family decided tocall Nancy Thurow, manag-er of Aspirus Grand ViewCaring Caregivers. Thurowlistened to their concernsand needs, and promisedshe and her staff would beable to provide help andrelief.

“In our eyes, the staff atCaring Caregivers are angels,”the family said. “They treatedour mom and our dad with suchlove and respect, we felt reas-sured and confident our parentswere getting the best of care whenwe couldn’t be there with them.”

There were times that the McDon-alds required medical care, so they calledupon the Aspirus Home Health agency. AfterDavid’s surgery in May, he too needed someoneto come into their home and help him during hisrehabilitation. “The nursing staff was exceptional and treatedour parents with dignity and compassion. We really trustedthem as we put our parents’ welfare in their capable hands.”

For about two years Aspirus provided care to the McDon-alds’ home. David’s initial hesitancy was no longer an

issue as he witnessed daily how their loving carebrought much comfort to his dearest Flo-

rence and family. “They became part ofour family, and for that we are go

grateful.”Florence ultimately lost her bat-

tle with Alzheimer’s and passedaway peacefully in her homesurrounded by her loving fam-ily and everything she cher-ished. David passed away 13days later of a massiveheart attack, though somewould argue that hepassed away due to a bro-ken heart. David’s heartwas literally broken andhis mission was com-plete.

While their familymisses them deeply, theyare comforted knowingthat they did everythingthey could to provide thebest care for their parentsand feel very fortunate that

they were able to fulfilltheir parents wish to stay in

their home. The McDonaldfamily is most thankful for the

compassionate and competentcare provided by Aspirus Grand

View Caring Caregivers and HomeHealth. “Keeping our parents home

would not have been possible withoutthem,” the family said.For more information on how Aspirus

Grand View Caring Caregivers and Aspirus GrandView Home Health can assist you, please call Nancy

Thurow at 906-932-005. Marcia Nelson, Aspirus Home Health,can be reached at 906-932-2440.

In June 2010, AspirusGrand View welcomed Dr.Nitin Nigam to its medicalstaff.

Dr. Nigam is a retina spe-cialist which means he special-izes in eye diseases of the vit-reous andretina. Dr.Nigam is theonly retinaspecialist inthe UpperPeninsula ofMichigan. Hetreats age-related macu-lar degenera-tion, diabeticretinopathy,r e t i n a ldetachments and all surgicalconditions of retina, includingtrauma.

In order to perform thesedelicate surgeries, AspirusGrand View invested in thenewest technology by purchas-ing a Constellation Vision Sys-tem by Alcon.

The Constellation VisionSystem helps during eye opera-tions for retinal diseases suchas retinal detachment, epi-reti-nal membrane, vitreous hemor-rhage, and retinal tears. TheConstellation system improvespatient care and surgical effi-ciency thanks to the advancedillumination system on themachine.

“The vision system providesmore visual clarity and has animproved angle of light thatallows me to see a wider area ofthe retina when operating,” Dr.Nigam said. “Additionally, theintegrated opponents of theconstellation vision systemimprove surgical capabilitiesand allow me to be more effi-cient in the care of patients.”

“It is vital that the hospitalprovides the physician with themost up-to-date technology, sohe can provide the very best ofcare to our patients.” said CarolGoffnett, CEO of AspirusGrand View. “This equipmentgives us the opportunity to bethe best we can be for thosewho put their vision in ourhands.”

For an appointment with Dr.Nigam, call 906-932-1436.

Technologyenhances

eye surgery

Dr. Nitin

Nigam




Pictured are Holly and Scott Hewitt and their children, Kylee and Kaylin.

The Birth Place at Aspirus GrandView Hospital delivers more than150 babies annually. The Birth Placefeatures two labor and deliveryrooms — one with an over-sizedJacuzzi tub — and three warm,bright post-partum rooms for newmothers.

The level of care provided by thephysicians and nurses at AspirusGrand View makes the experience ofgiving birth a positive and memo-rable moment. This was particularlytrue for one mom, who was sold onAspirus Grand View six years ago.

“Moving here from Eau Claire(Wis.), I didn’t know who to go to formy first pregnancy,” said Gile, Wis.,resident Holly Hewitt. “I heard a lot

of good things about Dr. JeffEdwards, and I appreciated the factthat he is a board certified OB/GYN.”

Hewitt and her husband, Scott,ultimately decided to go with Dr.Edwards, who delivered the couple’sfirst child, Kylee. The Hewitts’ expe-rience at Aspirus Grand View wassomething Holly will never forget.

“As a new mom I had a lot of ques-tions and concerns, and the staffalways called me back and answeredmy questions,” she said. “My hus-band and I were so happy with theoverall experience when our firstdaughter Kylee was born, that sixyears later we didn’t hesitate to goback to Dr. Edwards and AspirusGrand View for our second pregnan-

cy.”Holly had a C-section delivery

when she gave birth to the Hewitt’ssecond daughter, Kaylin, but theexperience was just as good as whenKylee was born.

“Everyone was great, from theprenatal visits in the clinic, to thenurses who provided me comfortduring the C-section process,” Hollysaid. “The hospital is not only conve-niently located, it is a top notch med-ical facility.”

Dr. Edwards is part of a childbirthteam at Aspirus Grand View thatprovides prenatal care, delivery, C-sections, and postpartum care. Formore information, please call 906-932-2525.

‘The Birth Place’ is the rightplace for expecting moms

Hospital-basedphysicians: Anew specialtyChanges in the health care industry have

given rise to a new physician specialty: Thehospitalist.

Hospitalists are doctors who devote theirmedical practice to caring for people in the hos-pital. They do not see patientsoutside of the hospital.

Hospitalists work with pri-mary care physicians to coor-dinate admission to the hospi-tal, inpatient care and ongo-ing health services neededafter discharge. Ultimately,this method of care isdesigned to shorten hospitalstays. Aspirus Grand Viewhospitalists provide care to allinpatients.

The hospitalist model ofcare is growing rapidly forthree reasons:

Hospitalized patients haveincreasingly complex prob-lems, which hospitalists aretrained to address.

Referring patients to thecare of a hospitalist allowsprimary care doctors to spendmore time caring for patientsin the clinic setting.

Hospitalists are on site torespond quickly to patientemergencies.

“I see myself as an extension of a patient’sprimary care physician,” said Dr. StevenPhillipson. “I’m in the hospital to monitor apatient’s progress, consult with necessary spe-cialists and manage the care plan. We reallyfunction as a team.”

Most of the medical care people receive is inthe primary provider’s office. Because the hos-pitalist is in the hospital all day, other physi-cians can spend more time in the office, whichoften reduces the time people must wait for anappointment.

There is little wonder that the hospitalist isa fast-growing specialty. The efficient care pro-vided by hospitalists contributes to shorterhospital stays, high patient satisfaction andimproved access at physician clinics. Everyonewins.

Phillipson is a board-certified family medi-cine physician who graduated from MichiganState University College of Medicine and com-pleted his residency at Union Hospital FamilyPractice in Terre Haute, Ind.

Dr. Mark Fuller also graduated from Michi-gan State University College of Medicine andcompleted a residency in internal medicine andpediatrics at Medical College of Ohio, Toledo.He is board-certified in internal medicine.

Dr. Steven

Phillipson

Dr. Mark

Fuller



Aspirus Grand View Hospitaland Northern Michigan Univer-sity have worked together formore than 25 years to educateclinical laboratory professionals.This partnership helps preparethe growing number of well-trained laboratory medicine pro-fessionals needed to meet thehealth care needs of our commu-nities.

The clinical laboratory techni-cian plays an important role inhealth care by collecting andtesting blood and other samplesfrom patients that help physi-cians diagnose and treatpatients.

The Clinical Science Depart-ment at NMU offers an associatedegree program in Clinical Labo-ratory Technology. A critical partof the training is a six-monthclinical practicum experienceprovided at Aspirus Grand ViewHospital. During the practicum,students are mentored by hospi-tal laboratory staff as they rotatethrough hematology, clinicalchemistry, blood banking andmicrobiology departments. Herestudents apply their education tothe real world laboratory.

Aspirus Grand View laborato-ry employees enjoy working withthe students, said AndrenePeterson, Clinical Teaching

Supervisor. “I feel we provide anexcellent training program,”Peterson said. “My daughter,Jessie, did her practicum atGrand View, returned to NMUfor a four-year degree and nowworks in the Cell Kinetics Lab atMayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.”

It is not unusual for the pro-gram to serve as a stepping stonefor other students to advance inthe field of laboratory medicine.Many times those positions arelocal. Currently there are sevenNMU grads working at AspirusGrand View Hospital.

Training the next generationof health care workers

Betty Corullo believes in Aspirus Grand View. That’sbecause a series of compassionate, excellent providers iscollaborating to optimize her health.

For years Betty received her care in Duluth, Minn., buther daughter encouraged her to find a local primary careprovider because traveling to Duluth, especially in the win-ter, can be a challenge.

Corullo decided to see Nurse Practitioner MichelleHarma, and has been extremely pleased with the care shereceives from Harma at the Aspirus Grand View Clinic inHurley. Part of Harma’s role as primary care provider ismanaging her patients’ screenings and routine healthneeds.

It was during a regular screening mammogram per-formed at Aspirus Grand View Hospital that medical pro-fessionals informed Corullo that they had discovered a sus-picious-looking area. With state-of-the-art GE Essentialfull- digital mammography, radiologists have extremelyclear images, and staff perform more than 2,700 mammo-grams a year. So when the radiologist, Dr. Harry Skye, rec-ommended an immediate ultrasound, Corullo agreed with-out hesitation.

“He was very informative and reassuring,” Corullo said.“The ultrasound was scheduled right away.”

Luckily, the painless ultrasound yielded a normalresult, and Corullo was sent home with instructions to fol-low up with another mammogram in six months. The effi-ciency and professionalism left a tremendous impressionon her.

“I recommend Aspirus Grand View to my friends andfamily,” Corullo said. “Why travel out of town when youhave such great services here?” she said.

Mammogramssave lives

Health insurance costs continue torise, and more employers are makingthe decision to get staff membersengaged in health promotion and well-ness programs as a means of slowingmedical care costs and improving pro-ductivity.

The Worksite Wellness programsoffered by Aspirus Grand View provideemployers with tools to assist theirstaffs in maintaining a healthylifestyle, which can help contain healthcare costs.

“Wellness programs have proven tobe an effective solution for bothemployers and the employees,” saidGeneva Smiles, Community Healthand Wellness Coordinator at AspirusGrand View.

Grand View offers on-site healthscreenings, including cholesterol test-ing, diabetes screenings, blood pres-sure, body fat analysis and otherassessments. These are the basic com-ponents of an organization’s wellnessplan.

“It makes financial sense for the

employers to invest in wellness pro-grams now for the improved health oftheir staff, so they see their return oninvestment in the years to come,”

Smiles said.Free Internet-based physical activi-

ty and incentive based programs, suchas WELCUP’s (Wellness Council of the

Upper Peninsula) annual “Get MovingU.P. Challenge” is another option forthe business community and informa-tion is available online at fitup.org .Businesses can become a member ofWELCUP for minimal yearly dues.

Businesses are recognizing theimportance of health maintenance. It’sone thing to lose weight or stop smok-ing, but it’s another to maintain thesechanges.

“We encourage our employees to par-ticipate in the programs offered byAspirus Grand View,” said JohnGarske, President of Coleman Engi-neering in Ironwood. “Aspirus GrandView provides the framework for thewellness services that can maintainhealthy lifestyle changes over time.The programs have made a differencein the overall wellness of our employ-ees.”

For more information on the pro-grams available, contact GenevaSmiles at 906-932-6208.

Keeping people well in the workplaceAGV offers classes for community

Aspirus Grand View’s health education and wellness service are designed tomake the workplace healthier and to provide a single resource for a business’needs. Community members are invited to participate in a variety of classes andsupport groups.

In addition, a new series called “Living Well” is offered multiple times a yearand features a free healthy lunch to participants and a program on a variety ofhealth topics from the health professionals at Aspirus Grand View.

Aspirus Grand View’s expertise includes:•Screenings and immunization services•Blood-borne pathogen training•Wellness programs (nutrition, stress, weight management, etc)•Vaccinations: Flu, etc.•CPR, AED (defibrillator) and first aid training•Support groups (family caregivers, diabetes, cancer, bariatrics and grief)•Diabetes education•Worksite pre-employment screenings•Childbirth and healthy parenting classes•Free memory testing with a physician’s referral


Andrene Peterson, left, is a Clinical Teaching Supervisor at AspirusGrand View, where she works with Northern Michigan University studentTrisha Selmo from Iron River.


RAT PAC attacks core measuresThe Joint Commission and the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services require accreditedhospitals to collect and submit performance data sothey can review clinical trends that have a significanteffect on patient outcomes.

Core measures are national standards of care forcertain conditions, each of which have several specificprocedures or required care measures that are moni-tored. Aspirus Grand View follows four of the condi-tions – the care patients receive when they presentwith acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), con-gestive heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

The core measures data can be used as an improve-ment tool. Aspirus Grand View uses the data to edu-cate its physicians regarding documentation, stan-dardize procedures, improve the discharge processand create new guidelines and protocols for patientcare. As a result, Aspirus Grand View uses evidence-based and scientifically researched standards of careto improve patient safety and quality of care. It alsohelps support performance improvements.

Aspirus Grand View Hospital called on its internalresources and formed the Review and Analysis Team,affectionately known as the RAT PAC. This group wasformed in early 2008 after reviewing the core meas-ures data from 2007.

The members of the team include the physicianchampion leader and nurse managers and other man-agers from departments throughout the hospital.

The RAT PAC regularly receives reports onprogress for the Keystone Projects and works on waysto meet the National Patient Safety Goals, Joint Com-mission and Center for Medicare and Medicaid servic-es standards. The group has assisted with facilitatinginteraction between the clinics, walk-in clinic andemergency department, and have also addressedthings like patient satisfaction, the discharge process,utilization review and readmissions, among others.


RAT PAC team members include, in front: Connie Wallenius, RHIA, Medical Record Manager; Judy Holst, RHIA,CPHRM Quality/Risk Manager. Back row: Amanda Pisco, RN, Peri-op Services Manager; Mary Nemetz, RN, VP ofPatient Care; Julie Monville, RN; ICU, ED, OB and Cardiopulmonary nurse manager; Chris Pogliano, MD, PhysicianLeader; Cathy Nasi, RN, Case Manager; Jean Peterson, RN, Medical-Surgical Nurse Manager, Infection Control andUtilization Review Manager.

Don Skolasinski works behind the scenes, but thework that he does is a critical function at Aspirus GrandView. Skolasinski is a histologist, which means he pre-pares and utilizes a microscope to exam tissues of thebody.

Skolasinski prepares body tissue samples and studiesthem for conditions like cancer. His work produces vitalinformation for physicians to determine proper treat-ment plans for any number of conditions.

A Northern Michigan University graduate, Skolasin-ski’s current role of histologist has been 20 years in themaking. He interned at Grand View as a medical labo-ratory technician before being hired in the same posi-tion. After two decades as a medical laboratory techni-cian, Skolasinski decided to make a career change.

During his time as a medical lab tech, Skolasinskiworked closely with the hospital’s former histologist, PegSutherland. His work with Sutherland convinced himhistology was something he wanted to pursue further.

“Peg’s expertise in the field of histology and allowingme to observe and work under her guidance promptedme to pursue this,” he said.

Thanks to his laboratory training and years of work-ing with Sutherland, Skolasinski prepared to take thehistology certification exam, which he passed in August2010. After earning his histology certificate, Skolasinskiassumed his new role, in which he works closely withpathologist Dr. Charlie Iknayan in examining and ana-lyzing the tissues of the body.

Skolasinski makes a difference behind the scenesDon Skolasinski

is a histologist atAspirus Grand

View.

Aspirus Grand Viewphoto


Chest pain, heartburn and painful swal-lowing are just a few of the symptoms peo-ple with digestive conditions face after eat-ing a meal. Depending on their symptoms,Grand View Surgical Center offers twoscreening options for patients– esophagealmanometry and reflux screening.

Esophageal manometry is a procedurethat determines how well the muscle of theesophagus works when diseases of the mus-cle are suspected. This procedure, whichtakes about an hour, is done to determinethe cause of problems with swallowing foodand can be done right in the office at GrandView Surgical Center.

Reflux screening is a diagnostic test todetermine if you have Gastro-EsophagealReflux Disease, a condition in which con-tents from the stomach move upward intothe esophagus. Reflux may cause symptomssuch as heartburn, regurgitation, difficultyswallowing, hoarseness, cough or asthma.Over time, severe acidic reflux may damagethe lining of the esophagus and can lead toesophageal cancer.

The screening involves an office visit toset up the patient with a recording devicethat they then use for 24-hours to monitorthe pH levels in their stomach. Additionallya gastroscopy is required before the testingcan be done. After the testing period, theyreturn to the office for an evaluation anddiscuss treatment options.

The results of the screenings are evalu-ated by surgeon Enrico Braucher, MD, todetermine if they are normal or abnormal.With this information, they recommend aspecific treatment program.

For more information about esophagealmanometry or reflux testing, talk to yourprovider or call the Aspirus Grand ViewSurgical Center at 906-932-2231 to sched-ule a consult.


Carol Wainio, left, and Laura Waterhouse conduct an esophageal motility study on a patient at the Grand View Surgical Cen-ter. This study evaluates the function of the esophagus and is used to evaluate patients having difficulty swallowing.

Surgical center offers key screenings

From treating a cold to managing diabetes or keep-ing vaccinations current, your primary care provider isa trusted health partner. At Aspirus Grand View Clin-ics, our providers offer the knowledge and solutions tokeep your family healthy. And when needed, they arethe link to top-notch specialists.

The care team at Aspirus clinics in Ironwood andHurley includes family practitioners, internal medi-cine physicians, certified physician assistants, nursepractitioners and several specialists. It’s comforting toknow that this high-powered team is so close, and socompassionate. By building a close relationship with aprimary care provider, patients can feel comfortableknowing they have a true health advocate. Here arethe services available at Aspirus Grand View clinics:

ASPIRUS GRAND VIEW CLINIC-IRONWOODThe Ironwood clinic is staffed with family practi-

tioners, internal medicine specialists, oncologist, podi-atrist, psychologist, orthopedic surgeon, OB-GYNphysician, certified physician assistants and nursepractitioners. Bone density imaging and 3-D ultra-sound also are available.

Visiting specialists, such as Aspirus Heart & Vascu-

lar Institute cardiologists, will routinely see patientsin the Ironwood clinic.

WALK-IN CLINICThe Walk-In Clinic is located in the Aspirus Grand

View Clinic Ironwood. Since opening in November2009, the walk-in clinic has had more than 7,500 visitsa year. With no appointment necessary, it is a conven-ient way to get the right care for minor illnesses andinjuries. The walk-in clinic is staffed by nurse practi-tioners and physician assistants and is open from 10a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week

ASPIRUS GRAND VIEW CLINIC-HURLEYThe Hurley clinic offers a wide range of services

with Dr. LeaAnn Schroeter, pediatrician; MicheleHarma, FNP, family medicine; and Dr. Michael Bros-toski, family practitioner. For added convenience, thisclinic offers early morning appointments and basic labservices.

ASPIRUS GRAND VIEW SURGICAL AND EYE CENTERThis specialized care center is located near the

entrance of the Aspirus Grand View Campus. Dr. Marc

Santini and Dr. Enrico Braucher are both board-certi-fied general surgeons and fellows of the American Col-lege of Surgeons. They perform general surgery,endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. The surgical clin-ic also performs esophageal manometry, an outpatienttest used to identify problems with movement andpressure in the esophagus.

At the Eye Center, ophthalmologists Dr. MarkStempihar and Dr. Nitin Nigam provide advanced eyecare, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses tocomplex and delicate eye surgery. Dr. Nigam special-izes in diseases of vitreous and retina, and also treatsage-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopa-thy, retinal detachments and all surgical conditions ofretina, including trauma. Optometrists Dr. Wes Fris-bey and Dr. Crystal Carrington-Hellier work closelywith the ophthalmologists. They examine and diag-nose eye diseases and treat conditions such as near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The Aspirus Grand View Optical Shop is adjacent tothe Eye Center. It is open Monday through Friday andoffers a wide variety of optical frames and lenses.

Aspirus Grand View clinics provide easy access


Mark Fuller, M.D.Hospitalist

Jeffrey Edwards, M.D.Obstetrics-Gynecology

Accepting New Patients

Tina Marshall, FNP-CFamily Medicine


Assem Elfakih, M.D.Internal Medicine


Robert Gardner, M.D.Family Medicine

James Hubbard, M.D.Family Medicine and Obstetrics


Donna Cataldo, M.D.Radiologist

James Potter, PA-CFamily Medicine


Christopher Pogliano, M.D.Geriatrics and

Family Medicine

Eric Maki, M.D.Emergency Department

Steven Phillipson, M.D.Hospitalist

Michael L.K. Brostoski, D.O.Family Medicine & Obstetrics


Neil Schroeter, M.D.Emergency Department

Harry Skye, M.D.Radiologist

Charles Iknayan, M.D.Pathologist

Franklin Villaneuva, M.D.Internal Medicine

Adam Wennersten, PA-CFamily Medicine


Michele Harma, FNPFamily Medicine


LeaAnn Schroeter, M.D.Pediatrics


Paula Havisto, PA-C

Terry Steege, WNP-CWomen’s Health


Kathy Kirchner, FNP Rachel Norabeuno, PA-C

Enrico Braucher, M.D.General Surgeon


Marcus Santini, M.D.General Surgeon


Andrew Tait, PA-CFamily Medicine


Dr. Yekalo Beyene, M.D.Family Medicine


Patrick Triggiano, Ph.D.Psychology


Joshua Luce, M.D.Aspirus Heart & Vascular

Institute

Haig Yardumian, D.O.Oncology


David Wood, DPMPodiatry


Paul Luetmer, M.D.Aspirus Heart &

Vascular Institute

German Larrain, M.D.Aspirus Heart &

Vascular Institute

Crystal Carrington-Hellier, O.D.Optometry


Wes Frisbey, O.D.Optometry


Mark Stempihar, M.D.Ophthalmology/SurgeryAccepting New Patients

Dr. Nitin NigamRetina Specialist/Ophthalmology



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