Trustaffirmed

SPRING 2014

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

01 FROM OUR PRESIDENT

02 THE BRYAN EXPERIENCE Trustaffirmed:Forrarecondition,hefindsbestcareavailableclosetohome

05 THE BRYAN WAY Walkinghumblybesideourheroes

06 GASTROENTEROLOGY & ONCOLOGY Colorectalcancerscreening:It’salife-savingdecision

09 BRYAN LUNG CANCER CENTER Newuseforradiatingmeshintreatinglungcancer

10 BRYAN HEART HeartcareatBryanforgesbondwithvisitors:FromHornstoHuskers BryanHealthandMaryLanningHealthcare partnertocreatenewcardiologyclinic

12 MEDICAL STAFF UPDATE NewfacesatBryan

14 MEDICAL STAFF SPOTLIGHT Askthedoctors:WouldIbenefitfrom3Dmammography?

17 PASTORAL CARE Chaplainsshareourmission:Healingbodyandsoul

20 UROLOGY & PEDIATRICS Lincoln’surologistsofferfullrangeofpediatricsurgeries Clinichelpschildrenovercomebedwetting 22 BRYAN LIFEPOINTE Triathletesenjoyfriendlycompetitionindoors 24 CRETE AREA MEDICAL CENTER ALSInterceptProgram:PrimedtosavelivesinCretearea

26 VOLUNTEERS & CUSTOMER CARE Pickingyouup:Courtesyvehicletransportsgueststoourfrontdoor

28 BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

31 ACHIEVEMENTS

32 BRYAN STERLING CONNECTION

33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SPRING 2014

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

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

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

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

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

Kimberly RusselPresident & CEO, Bryan Health

John Woodrich President & COO, Bryan Medical Center

Gary “Gus” Hustad, MD Chief of Staff, Bryan Medical Staff

Bob RavenscroftVice President of Advancement & CDO

Edgar BumanisDirector of Public Relations

Paul HadleyEditor

JOURNEYS VideotributesretellChampions’stories

DuringourannualTributetoTraumaChampions,werecognizedtraumasurvivorsCindyRennerofHickmanandRodneyKroghofLincolnandhundredsofprofessionalsthroughoutthestatewidetraumasystemwhowereinvolvedinsavingtheirlives.Thisyear’seventwasApril24atTheRococoTheatre.

Gotobryanhealth.com/trauma-champions-2014toheartheirinspirationalstories.n

VIDEO

Go tobryanhealth.com/trauma-champions-2014 to see inspiring videos about Marv and Cindy Renner (top) and Dawn Pawlewski Krogh and Rodney Krogh (bottom).

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

“We were on the Honor Flight to give care and assistance, but in the end, we were the recipients. To share this experience with Nebraska’s Korean War veterans was a gift I will forever cherish.”

— Brenda Lieske, RN, Bryan Medical Center

O

BryanJourneys1

nMarch25,fourBryanHealthteammembers—BrendaLieske,RN;TimLieske,MD;PamMarco,RT;andMichelleParris,RT—servedasmedicalguardiansonanHonorFlightthat

tookNebraskaKoreanWarveteranstoWashington,D.C.Thatsameday,adultpsychiatricunitassistantnurse

managerJohnFahrnbruch, asasupervisorofamilitaryservicememberatBryanMedicalCenter,receivedaPatriotAwardfromtheEmployerSupportoftheGuardandReserve.

Theseindividuals,throughtheirspiritandcompassion,exemplifyourBryanculturethatvaluesandrespectsmilitaryservice.

I’mpleasedtorecognizetheminthiseditionofJourneys, whichisallaboutgiving.

We’veinsertedourannualreportongivingandcommunitybenefit.Inthisspecialpublication,youwillreadaboutgiftsyourfriendsandneighborshavemadetohelpBryanfurtheritsmission.Youalsowillreadaboutourcommitmenttosupportandcollaboratewiththosewhoworksohardtomakeourcommunitysafe,vitalandwelcoming.

Ourtotalquantifiablecommunitybenefitof$71millioninthepast12-monthperiodatteststoourunwaveringpromise,asyourNebraskaownedandgoverned,not-for-profithealthcaresystem,toalwaysbethereforallwhoturntousforcare.

IhopeyouenjoyreadingaboutwaysinwhichourBryanstaffmembers,physicians,volunteersandstudentssharetheirtalentsinsupportofourmissionandcommitment.

Forward.Together.Helpingyouprepareforwhat’snextinyourlifewillalwaysbewhat’snextinours.

KimberlyA.Russel,PresidentandCEO,BryanHealth

Michelle Parris, Brenda Lieske, Dr. Tim Lieske and Pam Marco help salute Nebraska’s veterans on the final Korean War Honor Flight.

2 Spring2014

TrustaffirmedKent Seacrest pauses in the elegant stairway of Fairview, historic home of Mary and William Jennings Bryan. As a boy climbing trees on his grandparents’ nearby property, Kent could spot Fairview among the complex of medical buildings which would become today’s Bryan East Campus. Seacrest’s appreciation of medical care in Lincoln was confirmed during his recent diagnosis and treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

entSeacresthaslongbelievedLincolnisblessedwithsophisticatedmedicalcare.Thisfourth-generationresidentandsonofformerLincolnJournalnewspapereditorJoeR.SeacrestrecallshisfatherbeingimpressedwiththequalityofmedicalcareinLincoln—apointofviewtheattorneyalsodevelopedthroughtheyearswhileworkingon

land-useprojectswithlocalmedicalproviders.So,whenfacedwiththerareanddifficult-to-diagnoseGuillain-

BarréSyndrome,Kentdidn’thesitatetoplacehistrustinBryanHealth.

“Whenitcomestotreatingdifficultmedicalproblems,IthinkofBryan—itissospecialized,”Kentsays.“Andforsomereason,IknewthatwaspreciselywhatIwasgoingtoneed.”

Kent,whohasspenthiscareerchampioningtheredevelopmentandrevitalizationofthecity,hadtakenonlytwo“sickdays”sincehestartedhislawpractice33yearsago.“Iwouldgetacoldandthefluaboutonceayear,butitdidn’tkeepmehome.”

Thispastspring,though,hisyearlycolddidn’tgoaway.Hebeganexperiencingblurryvisionandbecamesoweakhiswife,Ann,anddaughterEllahadtohelphimtothecar,drapedovertheirshoulderslikeaninjuredfootballstar,tomakethetriptoBryanMedicalCenter.

Making the diagnosis“Theykeptrunningtests—andeachonecamebacknegative,”

Annrecalls.“Theywerebeingmethodicalintheirapproachbutitfeltliketheyweretryingtofindaneedleinahaystack.”Aregisterednurse,AnnjumpedinandbecameKent’spersonalnavigator,conductingresearchonherownandreachingouttocolleaguesacrossthecountryforassistance.

“DoyouthinkhecouldhaveGuillain-Barré?”AnnaskedastheemergencyphysicianandhospitalistatBryandiscussedKent’scondition.Guillain-BarréSyndromehadindeedbeenrisingtothetopofphysicians’potentialdiagnosesthroughaprocessofeliminationandwasconfirmedthroughtestingofspinalcordfluid.

Thisisararedisorderinwhichaperson’sownimmunesystemdamagesnervecells,causingextrememuscleweaknessandevenparalysis.KenthadMiller-FisherVariant,arareversionofGuillain-

BarréSyndrome,wheresymptomsparalyzedhislegs,skippedoverhislungsandwentintohishead,leadingtodoublevisionbutavoidinghisrespiratorysystem.Doctorsdon’tknowwhatsetthesyndromeinmotion—Kent’striggercouldhavebeenhiscoldoranotherinfection.

Oncethediagnosiswasconfirmed,nephrologistLesSpry,MD,steppedinasquarterback,assembledtheteamandhelpedKentandhisfamilybetterunderstandtheconditionandtreatmentprotocol.HospitalistLanceSchupbach,MD,TiffanyBohn,RN,andphysicaltherapistBarryRuttworkedcloselywithDr.SpryandneurologistJamesBobenhouse,MD,tofacilitateKent’scare.

Kentwasimpressedwiththeteamworkamongphysicians,nurses,techniciansandtherapists.

“Iworkwithalotofcommunityprocesseswherecommunicationiskey,butitisimpressivetoexperiencesystemsworkingflawlesslyinsuchapressure-packedenvironment.IfeltsafethatBryanhadsuchasophisticatedsysteminplace,”hesays.

Annadds,“Bryantookachallengingsituation,anditsstaffreallysteppeduptotheplateanddidabeautifuljobofaddressingnotjustthecomplexitiesofthemedicalsituationbutalsoallthecomplexitiesofthefamilysupportsystem.”

Throughoutthisjourneytodiagnosis,AnnsoughtvalidationfromphysicianacquaintancesatlargermedicalcentersthatKentwasreceivingappropriatecare.Shesays,“TheBryanteamwelcomedmyparticipation,andcaremanagerEttaTucker,RN,reallywentoutofherwaytosupportme,tellingmethatBryanwouldhelpmedowhatIneededtodo,evenifitmeanthelpingtotransferKentsomewhereelse.”

Treatment at BryanThereisnocureforGuillain-Barré;however,therearetwo

therapies—plasmapheresisandintravenousimmunoglobulin—thatoftenlessentheseverityoftheillnessandacceleraterecovery.Kent’sphysicianspreferredplasmapheresis,atherapyavailableatonlytwofacilitiesinNebraska—BryanMedicalCenterandtheUniversityofNebraskaMedicalCenter.

SincetheantibodiesattackingKent’sbodywerebeingtransmittedthroughhisplasma,theplasmaneededtobereplaced.Hisbloodwassentthroughtheapheresismachinewhereitwasspunathighspeedintoaparfaitofdifferentlayers:redbloodcells,

For rare condition, he finds best care available close to home

T H E B R Y A N E X P E R I E N C E

BryanJourneys3

K

He’s back to family, fishing, normalcywhite blood cells, platelets and plasma.

The top layer — the plasma — was removed and replaced with a plasma substitute (albumin) that was mixed in with his blood and then returned to his body. This process, which took about 90 minutes, eliminated about 75 percent of the misdirected antibodies with each treatment.

Kent endured five of these treatments in seven days. Feeling drained and unable to even sit up on his own, he began the rehabilitation process.

Rehabilitation and recoveryAfter being in Bryan Medical Center

for 11 days, Kent was expected to be at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital for another 6-12 weeks. Everyone was amazed when four weeks later he walked out on his own — no walker or wheelchair — with no prescribed medications.

Kent attributes his faster-than-anticipated recovery to Bryan’s quick intervention and treatment selection.

“There are two types of treatment, and the Bryan physicians gave me the right one at the right time,” he notes.

Within three days of finishing his inpatient rehabilitation, Kent was fishing in rock-bottomed stretches of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. And there’s more to the story: Kent and fellow Cornhusker Fly Fishers’ team members won national runner-up honors in a major trout fishing tournament — the Jackson Hole One Fly event — just a month later.

“That was part of my motivation to get better as I was working through the tough weeks of rehab. I thought, this is summer and I am supposed to be fly fishing. I’ve

loved this sport since my family started taking me fishing when I was just 6 years old — I didn’t want to miss out.”

Though able to go about his life almost normally now, Kent still is considered to be in the healing phase for another year.

“The final check off will be when I get my energy back and get rid of my numbness in my feet and hands,” he says. “Even if that doesn’t happen, I still feel very lucky.”

An important part of communityThe Seacrest family has been a part

of the Lincoln community for many years, dating back to the late 1800s.

Later, their family farm shared a border with William Jennings Bryan’s farm, Fairview. When he was a little boy, Kent used to climb a pine tree in his great-grandparents’ yard near Antelope Park and look to the east where he could see William Jennings Bryan’s former home as part of the Bryan Memorial Hospital campus.

As the city has grown, Bryan Health has developed into a statewide provider, bearing little resemblance to the image Kent saw as a boy, but still embracing the historic residence and commitment to the community.

Kent’s parents, Joe and Beatrice (Mike) Seacrest, set an example for strong community service that Kent and Ann continue to nurture through their own professional, volunteer and charitable activities. Empty nesters after having raised four children (Brook, Devon, Connor and Ella), Kent’s revitalization activities and Ann’s position as executive director of MilkWorks, a nonprofit breast-feeding center, provide support for a better community.

Kent understands what it takes to make a community vibrant. And one very important component, a high-quality health system, stands out.

“I have an even greater respect for the quality of medical care Bryan Health is delivering in the city that has been my home for most of my life,” he says. n

To learn how you can support Bryan Health, please contact the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

T H E B R Y A N E X P E R I E N C E

4 Spring 2014

Kent’s able to return to fly fishing.

T H E B R Y A N W A Y

Bryan Journeys 5

As a senior manager, I have the privilege to circulate among Bryan co-workers and patients in a process called rounding. These behind-the-scenes visits help us better understand the needs of our team and the people they serve. I wrote the following letter to Kelli Klopfenstein, nurse manager of our intensive care unit, after a recent visit to the ICU. Here’s what a typical day is like for our team at Bryan. — Bob Ravenscroft, Vice President and CDO

Kelli,thankyouforthetimeyoutooktoroundwithme.WhatahumblingandprouddaytosayIampartoftheBryanHealthteam.

Duringmyvisit,weheardacodecalled,indicatingapatientneededserioushelprightaway.Itwasevidenthowyourstaffre-spondedtothatcrisiswasnotuncommon.

WhenIreachedthatpatient’sroom,Dr.StephanieRandall(anesthesia)wasalreadydoingwhatshewassosuperblytrainedtodo.Dr.TimothyLieske(pul-monology)lookedlikeaquarterbackashedirectedtheteam.IbelieveIcounted15peopleinthatroom.Thisallhappenedinamatterofseconds.IfoneeverwantedaglimpseofthecomprehensivenatureofBryanHealthandBryanMedicalCenterresources,skill,compassionandthetrain-ingweprovide,thiswasagreatexample.

Someofthefinesttechnologyintheworldwasbeingmadeavailableforthispatient,withhandsandmindsofgreatphysicians,nursesandtherapistsallworkinginconcert.AndIbelieveIcountedsevenfuturecaregiversfromourBryanCollegeofHealthScienceslookingon,withafacultymembercalmlyteaching.Whataricheducationalexperience!Somestudentseventookastintadministeringchestcompressions.Icouldseeadmirationintheireyesforthosetheyaspiredtobelike.

However,pleaseknowtheteamworkdidn’tendthere.

Iwatchedanothermemberofyour

teamentertheroomnextdoorandheardhersaytoapatientthere,“I’mgoingtoclosethecurtainandshutyourdoorsosomeoftheactivityontheunitisn’tdistractingforyou.Isthereany-thingyouneedwhileI’mhere?”

Atthenurses’station,theybriefedchaplainDennisSmithonthesituation,andoffhewenttoministertothefamily.

Everyonewasdoingallheorshecould,andallanypatientorfamilycouldhopefor.Theteamrestoredthepatientafter13or14minutesofcompressions,shocksandheavenknowswhatelse.However,eventhentheirexperienceandskilldidn’ttakethemfromthebedside:Theyknewtheprocesscouldquicklybeginagain.

Uptothispoint,tocallitincrediblewouldbeanunderstate-ment.Afterasecondroundofwhatwouldbelife-sustainingefforts,Dr.Lieskereturnedtosharethatthefamilydidnotwantthestafftocontinue.

OurBryanteamshinedevenbrighter.Somebeganexitingtheroomknowing

theyhaddoneeverythingpossible.Icouldtelltheywererefocusingforwhatmightbeahead,astheyknewtheICUwasfilledwithpatients,asitiseveryday.

Afewpeoplestayedbehindtounhookthepatientfromthemyriadthingscon-nectedtoher,cleanherup,straightenthebedandgetheranewgown.

Thisfinaltouchofdignityofferedtothepatientandfamilywas,again,routineforyou,butprofoundtome.

IwantedtokeepwatchingyourteamworkalldayasIknowthereisastoryineveryroom,andIsoverymuchrespectwhatyoualldo.And,Iwishmorethanapreciousfewofour4,000employeescouldwitnesswhatIdid.

EverydayItrulyenjoyrepresentingBryaninmycapacity,butthatbrieftimeIwasfortunatetospendwithmycolleaguesontheBryanWestCampusranksamongmymostproud.n

Rounding among our guests and co-workers with nurse manager Kelli Klopfenstein in the intensive care unit was a humbling and enlightening experience.

Walking humbly beside our heroes

G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y & O N C O L O G Y

Delivering Al’s future

UPS driver Al Chambers is a cancer survivor who knows firsthand the importance of colonoscopies for screening and treatments.

6Spring2014

Colorectalcancer(cancerofthecolonand/orrectum)isthesecondmostcommoncauseofcancerdeathsintheUnitedStates—butitdoesn’thavetobe.

Althoughcolorectalcancerkillsabout50,000Americanseachyear,almostnineoutof10ofthesedeathscouldbepreventedbycolonoscopyscreening,aprocedurethatallowsearlydetectionandremovalofcolorectalpolyps(abnormalgrowthsinthecolonorrectumthatcouldonedayturnintocancer).Colonoscopyalsohelpsdoctorsfindcolorectalcancerearlyon,whentheoddsforsuccessfultreatmentarebest.

Doctorsrecommendscreeningformenandwomenoncetheyreachage50.Thisscreeningcanbedoneyearlyusingteststodetectbloodinthestool,everyfiveyearsbysigmoidoscopyorevery10yearsbycolonoscopy.TheAmericanCollegeofGastroenterologyconsiderscolonoscopythe“goldstandard”forscreeningforcolorectalcancerbecauseitletsphysicians,duringthesameprocedure,lookattheentirecolonandremoveanypolypspresent.

AmongthosebattlingcolorectalcancerisAlChambers,adriverfortheUnitedParcelServiceintheLincolnandSewardareas.Alwasdiagnosedandtreatedin2013bygastroenterologistAndrewCoen,MD;oncologistStaceyKnox,MD;andsurgeonJohnFallick,MD.

Thisishisstory.

I hadarealwake-upcallwithcoloncancer,”saysAl.“Iknewtestingisapriorityonceyouhitage50,butjustlikeeverybodyelse,IhavesomanythingsIwantandneedtodoinmy

day-to-daylife—andfrankly,Ididn’twanttogetthecolonoscopy.Ifeltfinehealthwise,soIputoffdoingthescreening.

“Asitturnedout,onedayIcouldn’tputitoffanymore.ThedayaftertheMichigan-Nebraskafootballgamein2013,wewenttoChicagotoseetheDetroitLionsplay.I’dbeentiredalotathome,andatthegameIwassooutofbreaththatIhadtroublewalkinguptoourseats.

“ItwasgettingtobetheChristmasseason—ourbusiesttimeatUPS—andIknewIhadtobeontopofmygame.So

onceIgotbackhometoLincoln,IwenttoseethedoctorsattheemergencyroomatBryanMedicalCenterbecauseIwasstillsoshortofbreathandtiredallthetime.

“Mytriptotheemergencyroomturnedouttobeashock,becausethedoctorsfoundthatmyfatigueandshortnessof

breathwerebecauseIwaslosingalotofbloodinternally,andacolonoscopythedoctorsdidafterwardshowedthatthebleedingwascausedbyatumorinmycolon.

“Thethingis,”Alsays,“itturnedoutthatthecolonoscopywaspainlessandnobigdealatall.Iwasunderanesthesiawhenitwasperformed,soallIrememberisthatImetthedoctorwhowasgoingtodotheprocedure.ThenextthingIknew,IwasonmywaybacktomyroomtowatchtheHuskers’gameonTV.IfI’dknownthatcolonoscopyscreeningwouldbethateasy,I’dhavehaditdonealongtimeago.”

Dr.Coen,whoperformedAl’scolonoscopy,explainsthatpatientsareunderconscioussedation—oftencalled“twilightsleep”—duringcolonoscopies,sousuallytheyhavenomemory

oftheprocedure.“Colonoscopyiseasierthanit’severbeen,”Dr.Coensays.“It

G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y & O N C O L O G Y

Colorectal cancer screening

It’s a life-saving decision

“My colonoscopy

was painless and

no big deal at all.

If I’d known that the

screening would

be that easy, I’d

have had it done a

long time ago.”

“

Thanks to a timely colonoscopy and appropriate follow-up, Al Chambers is back on his route for UPS.

Bryan Journeys 7

involvesadayofaclear-liquiddietandlaxativeusetheeveningandmorningbeforetheprocedure.Mostpatientshavenopainatallaftertheircolonoscopies;themostcommonafter-effectissomeabdominalbloatingandintestinalgas,whichresolvesafteraboutanhour.Patientsusuallyfeeltiredordrowsybecauseofthesedationthey’vereceived,sotheyneedtohavesomeonedrivethemhomeaftertheprocedureandshouldrestfortherestoftheday.”

Althinksbackonhisexperienceandhasadvicetogivetopeopleconsideringputtingoffscreeningforcolorectalcancer.

“Iwouldsay‘Youaregamblingwithyourlife,period.’AndIwouldaskthem,‘What’sworse,deathorthisscreeningprocedure,whichturnsouttobenotabigdeal?’

“Inmycase,ifI’dmademyhealthmoreofapriority,wemighthavefoundthecancerduringaroutinescreening,beforemysymptomsgotassevereastheydid.NowthatI’vehadmysurgery,thingslookprettygood,sothat’sasgoodanoutcomeforthisstoryaswecouldhopefor.”

Aladds,“Mypersonalmottoisthis:‘It’snotwhatyoubecomeinlife,it’swhatyouovercomeinlife.’Thisismythirdgo-roundwithcancer,andI’verecoveredbothtimesbefore.I’vechosentotakethingshead-oninrecoveringfromcoloncancer,too.

“I’mstrong,andIknowI’llovercomeit.”n

G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y & O N C O L O G Y

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?Colorectalcancerusuallyhasnosymptomsinitsearly

stages.Thefollowingsymptomsdonotalwaysmeanthatcolorectalcancersorpolypsarepresent,buttheyshouldbediscussedwithyourdoctor:• Rectalbleeding• Bloodinyourstoolorinthetoiletafterabowel movement• Prolongeddiarrhea• Changeintheshapeorsizeofyourstool• Crampingpaininyourlowerabdomen• Urgetohaveabowelmovementwhenthereisnoneed

Arranging for colonoscopy screening is easy“Ifyouareage50orolderyoucansimplycallour

officetoarrangecolonoscopyscreeningthroughtheBryanGastrointestinalSpecialtieslab,“saysColeenGoertzen,RN,ofGastroenterologySpecialtiesinLincoln.“Wedon’trequireareferralfromyourdoctor,andthecolonoscopyprocedureiscoveredbymostinsuranceprograms.”

For more information, see your doctor, or contact the staff of Bryan Gastrointestinal Specialties by calling 402-481-3580.

Dr. Andrew Coen and Bryan Gastrointestinal Specialties manager Penny LeDuc show off one of the fluoroscopy rooms shortly before the new unit opened this spring on the Bryan East Campus. The 5th Floor area has 11 rooms for patients and five procedure rooms.

8 Spring2014

Bryan Journeys 9

B R Y A N L U N G C A N C E R C E N T E R

Opening its doors in early 2014, the Bryan Lung Cancer Center is making another advancement available to improve patient

outcomes and push the boundaries of lung cancer treatment.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Richard Thompson, MD, head of the lung cancer program at Bryan Health, is excited about possible breakthroughs with the new Cesium-131 brachytherapy mesh.

“Historically, lung cancer is best treated through surgery,” Dr. Thompson says. “Many patients, however, don’t have that option if the cancer has progressed too quickly or they have other conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that don’t allow for a lobectomy.”

Introduced to Bryan Health by radiation oncologist Joeseph Kam Chiu, MD, the brachytherapy mesh focuses radiation directly on the high-risk area and allows surgeons to remove lung cancer that is at risk of residual disease.

“If the tumor is close to the chest wall or great vessels, the patient often will need postoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are many side effects, and these can lead to further deterioration of lung function,” says Dr. Chiu. “The brachytherapy mesh is an effective new option to reduce external radiation doses for these patients.”

How does it work?The Cesium-131 brachytherapy mesh

contains a specific number of radioactive seeds. This premeasured, precut mesh is developed four to five days before

surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon performs a resection, removing a portion of the lung tissue containing the tumor. The mesh is sewn directly over the incision area, delivering a continuous dose of radiation to the cancerous tissue for 90 days.

While successful in focally delivering radiation to a high-risk area, the mesh also can serve as a marker for future treatment.

“With the mesh as a marker, we can limit our overall radiation volume,” says Dr. Chiu. “If the patient needs further treatment, we don’t have to second-guess where the high-risk area is.”

Candidates for this new treatment are discussed during the biweekly cancer conference held at Bryan Medical Center, where practitioners from several medical specialties discuss patient diagnoses, treatments and prognoses.

“If a patient is a good candidate for this treatment, we’ll introduce it at the conference and then speak with the patient about the procedure,” Dr. Thompson says.

National research has shown significant improvements in patient outcomes using the Cesium-131 brachytherapy mesh, decreasing recurrence of cancer in the same place from 16-20 percent without the mesh to just 5-6 percent with the mesh. n

To learn more about the Cesium-131 brachytherapy mesh, contact the Bryan Lung Cancer Center at 402-483-3255.

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

Richard Thompson, MD

Joeseph Kam Chiu, MD

New use for radiating meshin treating lung cancer

10 Spring2014

Heart care at Bryan forges bond with visitors

From Horns to HuskersillyandAnnieDragooneverimaginedtheywouldbeNebraskafans,livingdeepintheheartofTexasandteaching

inAustin,thehomeoftheTexasLonghorns.ButafterAnnie’ssuddencardiacarrestinLincolnlastJune,theycan’tsayenoughgoodthingsabouttheHuskerswhosavedherlife.

AnnieandBillyandtheirthreechildren,Joshua,HaleyandSadie,wereattendingtheInternationalThespianFestivalattheUniversityofNebraska-Lincolnlastsummer,aneventinwhichthecoupleandtheirtheaterstudentsparticipateannually.Whilewalkingthroughcampuswithherdaughters,Anniecollapsed.Haleyfranticallycalled911andsentSadieforhelp.AfterquickresponsefromLincolnPoliceDepartmentandLincolnFireandRescue,AnniewastakentoBryanEastCampuswheresheremainedintheintensivecareunitforthenext2½weeks.

Saving AnnieAnniewasincriticalconditionwhenshearrivedatBryan.A

teamofcardiologistRyanWhitney,MD,cardiothoracicsurgeonRobertOakes,MD,andpulmonologistsEllenMiller,MD,andDouglasFiedler,MD,workedtosaveherlife.Herconditioncalledforextrememeasures,soDr.Oakesperformedtheproceduretoplaceheronanextracorporealmembraneoxygenationmachine(ECMO).ThisallowedAnnie’slungstorestandhealwhileitoxygenatedherbloodandreturnedittoherbody.

OnceAnniewasstabilized,cardiologistW.MichaelKutayli,MD,implantedanICD(implantablecardioverterdefibrillator)inAnnie’schesttokeepherheartbeating.AnICDissimilartoapacemaker;it’sdesignedtodetectveryfast,abnormalheartrhythmandthencorrectitbydeliveringasmall,butpowerful,shockthatcausesthehearttoreturntoanormalrhythm.

Network of supportBillyandhisfamilyandfriends

keptwatchoverAnnieasshestruggledtorecover.AndtheywereimpressedwithBryan.

“EverymemberofTeamBryanweencounteredwasunbelievablytalented,confidentandpositiveandprovidedverycalminginfluencesforsomeoneinanearstateofshock,”Billysays.“AndIappreciatedthatDr.Whitneyshotstraightwithmewhileatthesametimebeingreassuring.

“OneofourclosefriendsfromAustinwhoisarenownedpediatricradiologistjumpedinthecarwithherhusbandanddrovetoLincolntohelpmebetterunderstandwhatwashappening.ShewassurprisedacitythesizeofLincolnhadsuchahigh-leveltertiaryhospital,andshetoldusAnnie’scarewasthebestshehadeverseen.”

AstrongbondwasformedbetweentheDragoosandmanyoftheBryanstaffwhoparticipated

inhercare,includingMonaReynolds,RN,clinicalnursemanageroftheICU.“Theywereanamazingfamilywithwonderfulfriendsandsupport,”Monasays.“Itisimportantthatwegettoknowourpatientsandtheirfamiliessowecanprovidethebestpossiblecare,andthisfamily,beingfarfromhome,trulyappreciatedthefriendshipandwarmenvironment.”

Grateful for caregiversNowbackatworkteachinganddirectinghighschooltheater,

Annieisstillrecovering.Butevenondifficultdays,sheisthankfultobealive.AccordingtotheAmericanHeartAssociation,lessthan8percentofthosewhosuffercardiacarrestoutsideofahospitalsurvive.HercardiologistinAustinwasamazedafterlookingoverAnnie’sfilefromBryan,remarking,“Icannotbelieveyouaresittinghereinfrontofme!It’sobviouslyduetothephenomenalcareyoureceivedinNebraska.”

WhenAnnieshowedherspecialeducationtheaterstudentsa

B R Y A N H E A R T

B

BryanJourneys11

Bryan Health and Mary Lanning Healthcare partner to create new cardiology clinic

Throughajointventure,BryanHealthandMaryLanningHealthcarehaveestablishedanew,full-servicecardiologyclinic:BryanHeartMary

LanningCardiologyoffersafullarrayofservices,24/7.

“BryanHeartiscommittedtotheHastingscommunity,andthisnewventurewithourpartnersatMaryLanningwillgivepatientsmoreoptionstoreceiveexceptionalcardiacandvascularcarewithouthavingtoleavethearea,”saysKeithMiller,MD,executivemedicaldirectorofBryanHeart.

PradiptaChaudhuri,MD,formerlyofHastings,returnsasamemberofBryanHeart.HewillperformafullspectrumofproceduresatMaryLanning,includingtransesophagealechocardiograms(TEEs),catheterization,pacemakers,defibrillatorsandstressechocardiograms.BryanHeartisactivelyrecruitingafull-timeinterventionalcardiologisttojoinDr.Chaudhuri.Inaddition,cardiothoracicsurgeonRichardThompson,MD,isholdinganoutreachclinicinHastingseachmonth.

“IlookforwardtoreturningtoHastings,acommunitythatI’vegrownveryattachedto,andworkingwiththeexceptionalteamatBryanHearttoservetheheartcareneedsoftheregion,”saysDr.Chaudhuri.

“MaryLanningHealthcareispleasedtoformalize,throughthisnewjointventure,ourhistoricallystrongrelationshipwith

BryanHealth.Weshareaphilosophyoflocalownershipanddecisionmaking,”notesMaryLanningHealthcarePresidentandCEOEricBarber.

Dr.ChaudhuriiscertifiedbytheAmericanBoardofInternalMedicineininternal

medicineandcardiovasculardisease.ThenewclinicisintheMedicalServicesBuildingadjacentto

MaryLanningHealthcare,715N.KansasAve.,Suite206.TomakeanappointmentwiththephysiciansatBryanHeartMaryLanningCardiology,call402-460-5555.n

Cardiologist Pradipta Chaudhuri, MD, is a new member of Bryan Heart.

B R Y A N H E A R T

videoclipofherselfontheECMOmachine,theytoldhershenowhasasecondbirthday,ontheanniversaryofhertriptoLincoln.“Thatwasaspecialmomentthatmademeevenmorethankful,”Anniesays.“I’mlookingforwardtomyspecialbirthdaypartywhenwearebacktoattendthefestivalthisJune.”

AnnieandBillyalsowillgobythehospital“foraquickhello.”Hesays,“Now,notonlydoIknowexactlyhowtogetto

BryanEastCampus,butitwillforeverbeindeliblyburnedinmyconsciousnessashometotheincrediblytalentedcaregiverswhosavedAnnie’slife.”n

To learn how your gift can support Bryan Health and the work of the Bryan Heart team, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

New faces at

Bryan

Casey Burg, MD, pediatrics, isassociatedwithChildren’sSpecialtyPhysiciansatChildren’sHospital&MedicalCenter,Omaha,402-955-7378.

Dr.Burgearnedabachelor’sinchemistryatSouthDakotaStateUniversity,Brookings,in1995andamedicaldegreefromtheUniversityofSouthDakota,Vermillion,in1999.HecompletedapediatricinternshipattheNavyMedicalCenter,SanDiego,Calif.,andwasanavalflightsurgeonattheNavalAerospaceMedicalInstituteatPensacola,Fla.,beforeservingontheU.S.S.KittyHawkinJapan.

HereturnedtotheNavyMedicalCenterforapediatricresidencyanddirectedthepediatricdepartmentattheNavalHealthClinicNewEnglandinNewport,R.I.,beforemovingtoColoradoin2008.

Dr.BurgcompletedfellowshipsinpediatricpulmonologyandsleepmedicinethroughtheUniversityofColorado.HepracticedintheChildren’sHospitalNetworkofCareinColorado,atHighlandsRanchandDenver,andwasacommanderoftheU.S.NavyReserveMedicalCorpsbeforebecomingdirectoroftheSleepDisordersClinicatChildren’sHospital&MedicalCenterin2012.

HeisanassistantprofessorofpediatricpulmonologyattheUniversityofNebraskaMedicalCenterinOmaha,wherehealsoisassistantdirectoroftheUNMCSleepMedicineFellowshipProgram.

Welcome these colleagues to the Bryan medical community

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

Sabrina Cerny, MD, family medicine, isanewfacultymemberoftheLincolnMedicalEducationProgramandisassociatedwiththeLincolnFamilyMedicineCenter,402-483-4571.

Dr.CernygraduatedfromtheUniversityofIowa,IowaCity,in1999withaB.A.inFrench,completedcourseworkattheUniversityofMissouri-Columbia,andin

2008earnedamedicaldegreefromVirginiaCommonwealthUniversityatRichmond.

ShecompletedtheCHRISTUSSantaRosaFamilyMedicineResidencyProgram,SanAntonio,Texas,in2011andaUniversityofNorthCarolinaFacultyDevelopmentFellowshipatChapelHillin2012.Beforebeginninghermedicalcareer,shetaughthighschoolinLiberty,Mo.,andwasagraduateteachingassistantattheUniversityofMissouri.BeforemovingtoLincoln,Dr.CernywasafacultyphysicianintheCHRISTUSSantaRosaFamilyMedicineResidencyProgram.

Kasturi Ranga, MD, nephrology, isassociatedwithNebraskaKidneyCare,402-466-8259.

In1990,Dr.RangaearnedhismedicaldegreeatOsmaniaMedicalCollege,Hyderabad,India,whereearlierhecompleted

a12-monthinternship.Hewasacceptedin1994formembershipintheRoyalCollegeofPhysiciansoftheUnitedKingdom.Hecompletedaninternalmedicineresidencyin1997andanephrologyfellowshipin1999attheUniversityofMissouri-Columbia,aswellasafellowshipintransplantmedicinein2000attheOregonHealthSciencesUniversityatPortland.

HeiscertifiedininternalmedicineandnephrologybytheAmericanBoardofInternalMedicine.Dr.RangaservedasatransplantnephrologistattheUniversityofNebraskaMedicalCenterTransplantProgram,Omaha,andwasamemberoftheDivisionofNephrologyatUNMC.

Duringhismedicalcareer,healsohasbeenanassistantprofessorattheUniversityofConnecticutSchoolofMedicine,Farmington,directoroftransplantmedicineatHartfordHospitalofSpringfield,Mass.,medicaldirectoroftheKidneyTransplantProgramatAdvocateChristMedicalCenter,OakLawn,Ill.,andwasanassociateprofessorintheDepartmentofSurgeryatthe

12 Spring2014

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

UniversityofArizonaMedicalCenteratTucson.BeforejoiningNebraskaKidneyCare,Dr.Rangawasan

associateprofessorofinternalmedicine/nephrologyattheUniversityofTennesseeHealthSciencesCenter/MethodistHealthcareatMemphis.

Jessica Sandmeier, DO, obstetrics & gynecology,hasjoinedIntegratedWomen’sHealth,402-484-3199.

Dr.SandmeierearnedaBachelorofSciencedegreeattheUniversityofNebraska-Lincolnin1999andaDoctorof

OsteopathicMedicinedegreefromtheCollegeofOsteopathicMedicine,DesMoines,Iowa,in2005.

Herinitialtraininginobstetrics&gynecologywasinEvanston,Ill.,atSaintFrancisHospital,whichisaffiliatedwiththeUniversityofIllinois-ChicagoSchoolofMedicine.ShecompletedherresidencyattheUniversityofMissouri-Columbiain

2009.BeforejoiningIntegratedWomen’sHealth,Dr.SandmeierpracticedinWestDesMoinesandDavenport,Iowa.SheisboardcertifiedandhasreceivedadditionaltraininginendoscopicsurgeryanddaVincirobotic-assistedsurgicalprocedures.

Abby Soterin, MD, hospitalist,isassociatedwithInpatientPhysicianAssociates,402-481-4136.

Dr.Soterinearnedabachelor’sinbiologyandchemistryfromDoaneCollege,Crete,in2004andamedicaldegreein2010fromtheUniversityofNebraskaMedicalCenterCollegeofMedicineatOmaha,whereshealsocompletedaninternalmedicineresidency.

Jackie Tran, MD, physiatry, hasjoinedMadonnaRehabilitationSpecialists,402-413-3531.

Dr.Tranearnedabachelor’sinpoliticalsciencein2005atRudgersUniversity,NewBrunswick,N.J.,andamedicaldegreein2009fromtheUniversityofMedicineandDentistryofNewJerseyatNewark.

Shecompletedaninternalmedicine

internshipin2010attheRobertWoodJohnsonMedicalSchoolatNewBrunswick,N.J.,andaresidencyinphysicalmedicineandrehabilitationattheUniversityofMedicineandDentistryofNewJerseyin2013.n

NephrologistStephenYoungberg,MD,ofLincolndiedNov.11,2013,atage67.

ThisnativeofSiouxCity,Iowa,earnedabachelor’sinchemistryandbiologyatMorningsideCollege,SiouxCity,in1968andgraduatedfromtheUniversityofIowaCollegeofMedicine,IowaCity,in1972.

Dr.Youngbergwasanadvancedclinicalresidentinnephrologyin1975-1976atMayoGraduateSchoolofMedicine,Rochester,

Minn.,andcompletedaNationalKidneyFoundationFellowshipin1976-1977intheDepartmentofPhysiologyandBiophysicsattheMayoClinicandMayoFoundation.

HewasadiplomatoftheAmericanBoardofInternalMedicineandreceivedtheAMAPhysiciansRecognitionAwardfourtimes.

HepracticedinTexasandLouisianabeforemovingin1986toNebraska,wherehepracticedinLincolnandhadprivilegesandconsultedinseveralothercommunities.

Dr.YoungbergwastheprincipalinvestigatorforMDSPharmaServicesinLincolnbeforeacceptingasimilarpositionwithCelerionin2010.

Heissurvivedbyhiswife,Margy,asonanddaughter,asisterandfourgrandchildren.n

We remember Dr. Youngberg,longtime nephrologist

BryanJourneys13

Bryan Medical Center is pleased to bring 3D (three-dimensional) mammography to the region. This new technology, in combination with current 2D digital mammography, increases breast cancer detection by up to 40 percent. Radiologists Janet C. Matthes, MD, and Jeff Matthes, MD, explain the revolutionary new diagnostic procedure.

Q: What is 3D mammography?JM(Dr.JeffMatthes):Traditionallywith2Dmammographyyouhavetwoflatviewsofthebreast:fromtoptobottomandfromsidetoside.With3Dmammography,youcanseethebreastin1mmslicesinanimagingprocessknownastomosynthesis.Ifasuspiciousfindingishidingwithinbreasttissue,wehaveabetterchanceoflocatingitwith3D.JCM(Dr.JanetMatthes):WearepleasedtohavethisnewtechniqueattheBryanPineLakeCampusat40thandPineLakeRoad.

Q: Are there advantages over my usual mammogram? JM:Traditionaldigitalmammographycreatestwo-dimensionalpicturesofthebreastandisstillan advancedtoolindetectingbreastabnormalities.However,3Dmammographydifferentiateslesionsfromnormaloverlappingtissueseenin2D.Wehavealreadyseenthebenefitof3Dfirsthand.Inthefirstdaysafterinstallingthistechnology,wediscoveredtwoearlycancersthatwereverysmallandnotvisiblewithstandard2Dtechniques.

Thesewomennowhaveamuchbetterchanceofsurvival,thankstotomosynthesis.

Q: Who is 3D mammography for?JCM:Everywomancanbenefitfroma3Dmammogram.Itisespeciallyhelpfulforwomenwhohavedensebreasts

sincewecanseein1mmslices.It’salsogoodforwomenwithafamilyhistoryofbreastcancerbecauseithelpswithearlydetectionofbreastcancer.Three-dimensionalmammographycandetect10-40percentbetterthan2Dandreducesthechancesthatwomenwillreceivecallbacksformorepictures.Overlappingbreasttissuecanhidethingsormakeitlookasifthereissomethingtherethatisnot;thisissolvedwith3Dmammography.JM:Wecanfindsmallerlesionswith3Dimages.

Q: What guidelines should I follow for regular mammograms?JCM:Bryan’sradiologydepartmentfollowstheAmericanCollegeofRadiologyrecommendations,whichsayyoushouldhaveanannualmammogrambeginningatage40.JM: High-riskpatientswithafamilyhistoryofbreastcancertendtobefairlyinformedaboutthepotentialrisksofcancerandmaycometousintheir30sforbaselinemammograms.

Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral to get a 3D mammogram? JCM: Yes,justaskyourdoctortoordera3Dmammogram,andtheSchedulingCenterwillhelpscheduleanappointmentthat’s

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

Would I benefit from3D mammography?

Ask thedoctors:

You can reach Dr. Janet Matthes and Dr. Jeff Matthes of Lincoln Radiology Group at 402-420-3500.

14Spring2014

Go to www.bryanhealth.com/3d-mammography to see a video about the new 3D mammography technology on Bryan Pine Lake Campus.

VIDEO

convenientforyouattheBryanPineLakeCampus.

Q; How safe is 3D mammography?JCM: Itwasapprovedin2011bytheU.S.Food&DrugAdministration,sopatientsshouldtakeassurancefromthat.JM: Itissafeforwomenwhohavehadbreastimplants.Ifyoudobotha2Danda3Dmammogram,youstillwouldonlybereceivinghalfoftheradiationthattheFDAallows.ByJuly,whenwecangeneratea2Dimagefroma3Dmammogram,you’llonlybegettingafourthofwhattheFDAallows.

Q: How soon will results of the 3D mammogram be known?JM: It’simportantthatresultsareavailableassoonas

possible.BeforeIleave,everymammogramfromthatdayhasbeenread.Gettingresultsdependsonthevariousphysicians’offices.

Q: Do you need special training to read 3D mammography images?JCM: Theboard-certifiedradiologistandthetechnologistperformingthemammogramreceivespecialtraining.JM: TheFDArequiresustoread803Dmammographyexamsduringthetraining.

Q: Please tell us about your careers. What interested you in the field of radiology?JCM: Ilikedthetechnology.Ilikedtheproblem-solvingrole.Ilikedtheever-

developingtechniques,whichareexciting.JM:I’vealwayslovedtechnology.Radiologistsareconsultantstootherphysicians,soyouhavetoknowmultiplefields.Wecoverthegamutofthehumanbody.Allfieldsareconstantlychanging,andthat’sfun.

Q: Where did you go to medical school?JM:WebothwenttotheUniversityofNebraskaMedicalCenterCollegeofMedicineinOmaha.WedidourresidenciesattheUniversityofTexasinSanAntonio.JCM:Weweregivenenormousresponsibility,soitwasagreatplacetotrain.ButweareMidwesternersatheart,anditwasnaturaltomovebacktoNebraska.

Q: On a personal note, you are among the few married couples in the area where husband and wife are working in the same medical practice. Was this always a plan for you?JCM: Wecametoradiologyseparately,althoughweknewoneanotherinmedicalschool.IdidayearoffellowshipinMRIattheUniversityofTexasatSanAntonio.JM:Iwentintopsychiatryandthenswitchedtoradiology.

Q: What’s 3D mammography going to do for mammography?JCM:Withoutadoubt,itwillrevolutionizeit.Thisseemstobethewaveofthefuture. JM:Withinfiveyears,3Dmammographyisgoingtobethestandard.

To learn more about 3D mammography, please call 402-481-6050.

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

BryanJourneys15

Have you scheduled your annual screening mammogram?

A few minutes...for a lifetime.

Choose Bryan Medical Center Mammography Services for this very important part of your health care. With Bryan, you have the choice to receive your mammogram at any of our three locations. All use full-field digital mammography, and 3D mammograpy is available on the Bryan Pine Lake Campus. You can make your own appointment to fit your schedule.

Three easy steps:1. Call your doctor’s office for an order.2. Call the Bryan Health Scheduling Center at 402-481-5121. Tell the scheduler if you have a pacemaker, breast implants or an insulin pump. 3. Choose the time and location of your mammogram.

Bryan Pine Lake Campus3901 Pine Lake Rd.

Bryan East Campus1500 S. 48th St.

Bryan West Campus2300 S. 16th St.

Bryan Medical Center follows the American Cancer Society guidelines which recommend that women 40 years of age and older should have a mammogram and a clinical breast exam (CBE) performed by a healthcare professional every year.

3D Mammography at Bryan Pine Lake CampusASK YOUR SCHEDULER

16 Spring2014

N E W A T B R Y A N

BryanJourneys17

P A S T O R A L C A R E

Chaplains share our mission

Healingbodyandsoul

A dayinthelifeofahospitalchaplainisanythingbutpredictableorsimple.By9a.m.,chaplainDennisSmithalready

mayhaveprayedwithafamilyonthevergeoflosingalovedoneandhelpedanother

navigatethemurkywatersofatraumaticinjury.ChaplainNinaRedlmayhavesatwiththefamilyofa

womangoingintolaborfartooearly,orhelpedahappy,butanxious,first-timemothertalkthroughanxietiessothatshewouldn’tworryherlovedones.

YoumightfindchaplainJonathanBergmanintheroomofaWorldWarIIveteranwhohasnofamilybutsimplywantssomeonetotalkwithandtosharehisstory.

ChaplainCathyRegushmayhavealreadyledonegroupsessiononthementalhealthunitandprovided“toughlove”toapatientinacuterehab,pushingthatpatienttowardlifestylechangesthatwillhelphergetbetter.

And,anyoneofthesechaplainsmightbefoundtalkingwithstaffmembersafteraparticularlydifficultsituationontheirunit,suchasthelossofaprematureinfantorthedeathofaparentafteracarcrash.

Caring touchBryanchaplainsareavailableforpatientsandstaff

members24/7,365daysayear.Andwhiletheirjobmaycenteronspiritualguidanceandsupport,theircaringtouchandimpactgomuchdeeperandbranchoutinwaysthatfewexpect.Theyare,atanygiventime,peoplewithwhomtoprayortosharejoy,orwithwhomtotrustwithpersonalthoughtsordeepfears,orsomeonesimplytoleanon.

“Manypeopleviewachaplainasareligiouspersonwhocomesintodoreligiousritualsandprayers,andofcoursewedothat,butmuchofwhatwedoismorespiritualinnatureandnotreligious,”saysNina.“Andthatmeansnotjudging,butbeingwithsomeonenomatterwheretheyareemotionallyorspiritually.It’snicetohelppatientsdiscoverthatevenontheirweakestdaytheyhaveworth,andtheycanfindandbuildmeaningandstrength.

“Obviouslythatcancomewithaprayeroraritual,but

Chaplain Jonathan Bergman visits with patient Marie Kimminau at Bryan Medical Center.

18Spring2014

P A S T O R A L C A R E

oftenit’sjustbeingtherewithoutsayinganythingandlettingthemknowthey’renotalone.”

AtBryan,chaplainsareanintegralpartofthehealthcareteam.Bryanhasfour,full-timechaplainsofvaryingfaithbackgrounds,andfourwhoareoncallforoffhoursandholidays.NinaandJonathanworkatBryanEastCampus;DennisandCathycoverBryanWestCampus.Dependingonthesituation,theremaybeoverlaportimeswhentheytakecallsforanylocation.

Luxury of timeInadditiontotheirindividualreligiousstudies,allare

certifiedorworkingtobecomecertifiedbytheAssociationofProfessionalChaplains.Theyareinvolvedinmanypatientcases,respondtoalltraumacallsandarepresentforpatients,familymembersorstaffatanytime.Astheypointout,theyhavethetimetojustsitandbewithpatients;it’saluxurythatmanyontheclinicalside,suchasnursesanddoctors,donotoftenhave.

KelliKlopfenstein,RN,agrees.“Nurseshavesomanyothertaskstotendto,”saysKelli,whoisnursemanageroftheBryanWestCampusintensivecareunit.“It’samazinghowthechaplainshelptakecareofpatientandfamilyneeds,outsideofthespiritualcomponent.Theygetsnacks,blankets;theyareliaisonsbetweenfamilyandclinicalprovidersintraumacases.”

Kellinoteschaplainsarealwaysthereforstaff,especiallyduringdifficulttimes.Theydowhatiscalledadebriefingafterhardcases—forinstance,whenapatientpassesaway.Theygettogetherandtalkaboutthecase,whichhelpseasesadnessandstress,sonurseswithclearheadscanmoveontootherpatients.

“Theyarereallygoodatpickinguponthings,”Kellisays.“They’llask,‘IsthestaffOK?Weknowyou’restruggling,’It’sterriblewhenoutcomesaren’tgreat,butthechaplainsareanabsoluterockforus.”

JeromeBarry,directorofpastoralcareandtheBryanIndependenceCenter,echoesthosesentiments.Chaplainsplayanimportantroleinbeingthereforpatientsandtheirfamilies,whooftenaregoingthroughlife’smostintimateandsadmoments,andforstaffmembers,whoareexperiencingthesethingsrightalongwithpatientsandlovedones.

“Theygothroughsometough,toughdays,”JeromesaysofBryanstaffmembers.“Tohavesomeonewhowillcomeandtalkitthroughwiththem,itcanmeanaworldofdifference.”

And,headds,pastoralcarehasbeenshowntobeafactorinsuccessfulpatientoutcomes.

“Weknowit’simportanttotakecareofthewholeperson,physicallyandspiritually.Thisisthepartthatsometimeskeepspatientsalive—orifnotprovided,mayallowthemtogiveup,”

Chaplainsservepatients,families,co-workers

Chaplain Dennis Smith debriefs staff nurses after a difficult case in the ICU at Bryan West Campus.

BryanJourneys 19

P A S T O R A L C A R E

Jeromesays.“It’sbeenprovenmanytimes.Thebeliefandhopethatthere

ismeaningandpurpose—thatthereissomethingbeyond,orthatthepersonhasworth—isoneofthewaysinwhichhospitalchaplainsarekey,andIthinkitsayssomethingaboutBryan’scorevalues,thatwewanttotreatthewholepersonandnotjusthisorherphysicalillness.”

Draws on faithSomestatisticssuggestthatroughly70percentofpeople

whogothroughhealthcrisesgetthroughthembydrawingontheirfaith,saysJonathan.

“It’sreallyimportantforpeople,”hesays.“Theemotionalandspiritualsideisconnectedtostressandhowpatientsheal.Ifthespiritualsideistakencareof,therecanbelessstressandmoreoptimalconditionsforhealing.It’samoreholisticapproach.”

Dennis,whoisthechaplaincoordinator,andCathyagreethatlisteningisthekeycomponentoftheirwork.

“Wecanhelppatientsfindmeaning,”Cathysays.“Attitudescanchange,andtheycanbecomemorereceptiveandresponsivetotreatmentandcare.Theybecomeamorewillingparticipantintheirrecovery.Wealsocanhelpthemfindsourcesofstrength.Sometimesweseepeoplewhoarenotreligiousorarenotoffaith.Weareabletohelpthemtoseethattheirstrengthcancomefromwithin,orfromothersourcesaroundthemsuchascaringfamilymembers.Itcanreallyhaveaneffectonhealingandtheirrecoveryfromillness.”

Dennisaddsthatsomepatientsmaycomeintothehospitalwithaninjuryorillnessthatcompletelyaltersthatperson’sidentity.Perhapstheywillnolongerbeabletoplayabelovedinstrument,ordotheirjobasinthepast.

“Iftheycomeinthinkingtheyareaburden,oriftheirconditionisalife-alteringone,howdotheyfindmeaningandanewpurpose?Wewanttohelpthemfindtheirvalueandnewwaystoliveandcontribute,”hesays.

Thechaplainshaveotherrolesinthemedicalcenter.Theyblessbabies,performtheoccasionalweddingceremony,leadreligiousservicesinthemedicalcenterchapels,provideinformationonadvancedirectives,arepartoftheorgandonationprocessandhelppatientsandtheirfamilieswiththejourneycalled“compassionatewithdrawal,”whichmeanstheendoflife.Theydothesethingswithculturalandreligioussensitivityattheforefront.Theyevenhaveledfuneralservicesforstaffmembers’lovedones.

AsDennisputsit,“Weministertotwoflocks:patientsandourownstaffmembers.It’sallverysacredgroundforus.”

ForJerome,thethingthatstandsoutisthechaplains’compassionatehearts.“Theyhavethisempathyandabilitytobepresentforthosealoneandinpain,andhavefiguredoutawaytodotheirworkwithoutburningout,”thedirectorsays.

Howdotheydothat?Eachhashisorherwayofpreparingforthedayandfordecompressingatday’send.Timeforpersonaldailyprayers,contemplation,physicalexercise—andknowingthattheycanrelyononeanother,aresomeofthewaysthese“giversofstrength”takecareofthemselves.

“Myfaithhelps;ifIthoughtitwasallonmetofixtheworld,itwouldbeoverwhelming,”Dennissays.“Irealizeit’sbiggerthanme.It’sinGod’shands.” n

To learn how your gift can support the work of Bryan Health, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Help us remodel chapel at Bryan West Campus

This is a preliminary drawing of how the new chapel may appear.

Our chapels at Bryan Medical Center are always open for prayer, meditation and reflection. However, the

Bryan West Campus chapel has become outdated and is not easily accessible.

We see a critical need for patients and families, as well as Bryan co-workers, to have access to a more welcoming chapel.

Its new location will be more centralized. The Bryan West Campus chapel will be near the surgery waiting

area on 1st Floor, close to the main entrance and closer to trauma services and the emergency department.

To help construct a new chapel on the Bryan West Campus, contact the Bryan Foundation. This $250,000 project is entirely dependent upon private support.

For more information, please call Valerie Hunt at 402-481-3168 or email valerie.hunt@bryanhealth.org or DeEtta Mayrose at 402-481-8287 or deetta.mayrose@bryanhealth.org.

20 Spring2014

Lincoln’surologistsofferfullrangeofpediatricsurgeries

PeterHowe,MD,andhiscolleaguesatUrology,PC—DonHenslee,MD;

LanceWiebusch,MD;DavidWiltfong,MD;andrecentlyretiredurologistSushilLacy,MD—haveprovidedchildrenintheLincolncommunityafullrangeofurologicsurgicalservicesfornearly40years.Pediatricsurgeriescanrangefromsimplesurgeries,likecircumcisions,tomorecomplexprocedures,suchas:u Hypospadiasrepair,u Hydrocelectomy,u Ureteralreimplantation,u Pyeloplasty,u Partialnephrectomy,u Orchiopexy,u Orchiectomyandu Kidneystoneprocedures.

“Weareverypleasedtoprovidetheseservicesinourcommunity,”saysDr.Howe,

“becausechildrenwhoneedurologicsurgerycanreceivethiscarerighthereintown,wheretheycanbeneartheirhomesandfamilies.Nothavingtotraveltoanout-of-townhospitalmakesthingsmucheasierandlessstressfulforchildrenandtheirparents.Andchildrencanmoreeasilyvisitwiththeirsiblingsandotherfamilymembersiftheyhavetobeinthehospitalforanylengthoftime.“

Henotes,“Wedoreferpatientswithverycomplexorunusualurologicconditions,suchasbladderextrophytotheuniversityhospitalsetting.Butthoseareveryrare,soreferralisnecessaryonlyforasmallnumberofourpatients.Thegreatmajorityofthetimewecankeepourpediatricpatientsrighthereintownwiththeirfamilies.”

U R O L O G Y & P E D I A T R I C S

Drs.Howe,Henslee,WiebuschandWiltfongusethelatestminimallyinvasivesurgicaltechnologies.Theseinnovativeapproachesrequireverysmallsurgicalincisionsandcandramaticallyshortenchildren’spostsurgicalrecoverytimes,comparedwithopensurgeries.

“Wehaveusedminimallyinvasiveroboticlaparoscopic

technologyduringpediatricsurgeriesformorethan10years.Whenweperformasurgery,likeureteralreimplantationrobotically,ourpediatricpatientstypicallyrequirejustanovernightstayinthehospital,sotheycanbehomewiththeirfamiliesthenextday,”Dr.Howesays.

“Caringforchildrenisaveryrewardingpartofmy

“We use minimally

invasive technologies that

can dramatically shorten

pediatric patients’

recovery times.”

Urologist Peter Howe, MD, greets patient James Steenson during an office visit at Urology, PC.

BryanJourneys21

work.It’squitegratifyingthat,becausemostchildrenarehealthyandresilient,theirabilitytorecoverfromsurgeryisgreat,andwithintwoorthreedaystheycanbebackplaying,oftenwithlittleneedforpainmedication.Sothatisverysatisfying.

“It’salsorewardingtoseethereliefparentsexperienceastheyseehowquicklytheirchildbecomeswell.”

Dr.HoweandhiscolleaguesatUrology,PCalso

careforchildrenaspartoftheirworkwithBryanMedicalCenter’sEnuresisTreatmentClinic.(Pleaseseetherelatedarticlebelow.)

“Enuresis,whichiscommonlycalledbedwetting,affectsaboutoneoutofevery20school-agedchildren,andissometimesnotaneasyfix,”saysDr.Howe.“That’sbecauseeffectivetreatmentrequiresregularweeklyfollow-upwithdoctorsandnurses—somethingthat

can’talwaysbeaccomplishedinabusyofficepractice.TheEnuresisTreatmentClinicusesamultidisciplinaryapproachthatincludesintensiveweeklyfollow-upwithfamiliesthatmakesitveryeffectiveinhelpingchildrenwhohavetroublewithbedwetting.

“Ourroleaspediatricurologistsincludesdoinganinitialevaluationofchildrenwhohaveenuresis,providingeducationtochildrenandtheirfamilies,andperforming

urologicstudieswhenneeded.Ifuntreated,”notesDr.Howe.

“Bedwettingcanlastintoadulthood—about1percentofadultsinthemilitaryactuallyhavetroublewithenuresis—butitcanbeveryeffectivelysolvedduringchildhoodwiththerighttreatment.

“So,successfulenuresistreatmentmakesaverypositivedifferenceinpatients’lives,andwe’repleasedtohelpprovidethatcare.” n

BryanMedicalCenter’sEnuresisTreatmentClinicbeganmorethanadecadeagoinresponsetogreatinterestamongfamiliesabouthowtosolvetheproblemofbedwetting.

“Mostpeoplearen’tawareofjusthowcommonenuresisis—upto2millionchildrenintheUnitedStatesareaffected,andit’squitecommonduringtheschool-agedyears,”saysKimDierks,nursemanagerofpediatricsandwomen’shealthatBryan.

“We’vehelpedhundredsofchildrenovercomebedwettingsincewefirstopenedinthe1990s,andthedifferencesuccessfulenuresistreatmentmakesinthelivesofchildrenandfamiliescanbeprofound,”Kimsays.“Weseeimprovedself-esteemonthepartofthechild,whichisourmostimportantgoal,andmorenormalsleepforparents,astheynolongerhavetochangewetbedsheetsatnight.Also,childrencanfinallyhave

sleepoversandgotoovernightcampswithoutbeingafraidofwettingthebed.”

Theclinic,whichisunderthedirectionofLincolnpediatriciansBrentWillman,MD,andHeatherDews,MD,treatspatients5-18yearsofageandrequiresaphysicianreferral.Servicesareprovidedusingamultidisciplinaryteamapproachinvolvingpediatricians,pediatricurologists,pediatricnursesandchildpsychologists.

Dr.Willmanexplains,“Ournursesanddoctorsmeetweeklywithfamiliestoprovideeducationaboutenuresis,andtoteachchildrenskillslikebladderexercisesthathelpthemstaydryatnight.Wealsorecommendlifestylechangessuchasavoidingcaffeineandlimitingfluidsaftersuppertime.

"Andwediscusswhat’sworkedwellforpatients,whyproblemsmighthaveoccurredandhowtosolvethem.Weoccasionallyrecommendenuresis

alarmsormedicationsforpatients,butthoseareonlynecessarylessthan10percentofthetimebecauseourotherinterventionsworksowell.”

“Wedon’trecommendtheuseofpull-ups,asthatdoesn’tsolvetheproblem,”Kimsays.“Instead,wehelpchildrendevelopskillstosolvetheirproblemthemselves.Thisisveryimportant,becauseplacingresponsibilitywiththechildusuallyleadstohighlysuccessfultreatment.”

“We’requitepleasedwiththesuccessoftheclinic,”saysDr.Willman,“andhavefoundthatkidswhoareverymotivatedaboutbecomingdryarealmost100percentsuccessful.” n

The Enuresis Treatment Clinic is held the first Tuesday and Thursday of every month from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, please call 402-481-7238.

Clinic helps children overcome bedwetting

U R O L O G Y & P E D I A T R I C S

Triathletesenjoyfriendlycompetitionindoors

B R Y A N L I F E P O I N T E

22 Spring2014

WhilemanyaroundLincolnspentFebruary15attemptingtofigureouthowtorecoverfrom

Valentine’sDaychocolates,145dedicatedsoulstookaction,andtheirathleticendeavorshelpedmakethe2014BryanHealthIndoorTriathlonasuccess.

“It’sagoodeventforanybodyandevery-body,ofallskilllevels,”saysEdgarBumanis,AdvancementdirectoratBryanHealth.“Therewerepeoplewhowerereallycompetitive,aswellaspeoplewhojustwantedtoparticipatetosaytheydidatriathlon.

“Wehadpeoplewhowalkedupanddownthepoolasbeginners.Andifyou’retrainingforsomething,youcancheckyourprogressinasafeatmosphere.”

Thetriathlon,initssecondyear,iscontainedentirelywithinBryanLifePointeCampusandgivesfolksyoungandoldthechancetogettheirbloodpumpinginthespiritofcompetitionwhenfrigidwintertemperaturessayitshouldnotbepossible.Participantscompeteindividuallyoraspartofthree-personteams,whereeachmembercompletesonelegofthecompetition.Andallparticipantsbenefitfromasafe,cost-friendlyenvironment.

“There’sabitofcostingettingintotri-athlons,”Edgarnotes.“Thisisanaffordablewaytotestoutthewaters,nopunintended.Anindoortriathloncanbekindofachal-lengeforsome,butit’smeanttobefun.It’sagoodwaytostaymotivatedduringthecoldmonths.Noteveryonewantstogoout-side,sotheycancomeinsideanddothis.”

Oneparticipantwhohasbecomequitefamiliarwithdodgingthecoldbyworking

outatLifePointeisLauraThomsen.TheBryanHealthIndoorTriathlonmarkedherfirsttryatathree-tieredcompeti-tion.Thoughshewasn’tquitesurewhattoexpect,attheendofthedayLauraenjoyedit.“Itwasafun,”shesays.“Itwasagoodchallenge.”

ThismotheroffourworksoutatLifePointeonadailybasis.Whetherit’sspinclassbeforethesunrisesorwork-ingoutwhilehertwo-year-oldplaysinLifePointe’sdaycare,Lauraisabletofitingettingfitwithoutmissingabeatontheparentingside.Andsheworksto

keeptherestofthefamilyactive.“Imakeitworkintoourschedule

prettygood,”Laurasays.“Thekidslovebeingactive.Itakethemoutonbikeridesallthetime.Our(5-year-oldtwin)girlsliketorun,sotheydothelittlekids’milerunsandraces.Theyallthinkit’sfuntocomewatchmecompete,andtheyliketobeinvolvedinthatstuff,too.”

LauraandEdgaremphasizetheim-portanceoftheworkoftheLifePointestaffandeventvolunteersinmakingthetriathlonasuccess.

Bryan LifePointe member Laura Thomsen enjoyed competing in all three sports disciplines — running, biking and swimming — at the triathlon.

B R Y A N L I F E P O I N T E

Run to OvercomeSunday, Sept. 28 Kids’ Run and 5K and 10K

Join us for the fourth annual Bryan Health Run to Overcome. This event features a 1-mile kids’ run, and 5K and 10K runs. Shirts are included in your registration fee if you sign up by Sunday, Sept. 14. Final registra-tion deadline (no shirt guaran-teed) is 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26. Everyone is welcome to par-ticipate — from beginner to experienced road runner. Pro-ceeds provide education about depression and mental health.

Cost: Kids’ Run: $10 fee includes a short-sleeve cotton shirt. 5K and 10K races: $20 fee includes short-sleeve cotton shirt or $25 for a short-sleeve dri-fit shirt.

Where: Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 S. 14th St. For more information or to register, go to bryanhealth.cvent.com/2014run or call 402-481-8855.

BryanJourneys 23

“Manyhavetoldusthey’rereallypleasedwithhowsmoothlythetriathlonisrun,”Edgarsays.“Everythinghastostartexactlyontime.Allofthevolun-teersknowthat.Ifonethingstarts30secondslate,thatmeansthenextthingisgoingtostartaminutelate,andthentwominuteslate,andthenfourminuteslate.”

Whilethespiritofhealthandcompe-titionareattheforefrontoftheannualtriathlon,Edgarstressesthatthefunthatcomeswiththeeventisn’tfarbehind.Thisyear,thatincludedalittlemoreValentine’sDaychocolate,withchocolatefondueavailabletoallparticipantsoncetheyfinishedcompeting.Safetosay,participantsweresurprised.

“Somesaid,‘Well,nowthatwejustwentashardaswecouldfor60minutes,yougiveusmeltedchocolate?’Youknow,that’syourrewardforparticipating.That’syourcongratulations,”Edgarsays.

Andit’sawell-deservedrewardatthat! n

Howdidyourfriendsdo?Here are the top finishers at the 2014 Bryan Health Indoor Triathlon: 1st Place All-male Team: SpookyTooth:RobLivermore,AdamSauterandCodyWilliams 1st Place All-female Team: TripleThreat:StacyBurenheide,AbigailBurenheideandDanielleStedman 1st Place Coed Team: FastGas:KenGross,MD,JoelJohnson,MD,andStephanieRandall,MD

Individual Female:1st:BrienneSplittgerber2nd:AdelineHohman3rd:BrandyNielson

Individual Male:1st:PhilipHohman2nd:CoreyKnop3rd:JuanFlorez

Hooray for Mommy! Triathlete Laura Thomsen (center) comes to the Bryan LifePointe Campus with her own cheering section: husband Jason and children Haley (left), Blake, Brooke and Avery.

24 Spring2014

CAMC paramedics (light blue shirts) from the new ALS Intercept Program travel to emergency scenes to assist rescue squads from Crete, DeWitt, Dorchester, Friend and Wilber. The unique collaboration brings advanced life support to communities surrounding Crete.

At3a.m.onamid-Decembernightshift,a911calltonesoutovertheradioattheCreteAreaMedicalCenter(CAMC):“Wilberresident

unconsciousinbedroom.”Localvolunteerrescuesquadmembers

rushfromhomestotheambulance;atthesametime,paramedicPhillipOelschlagergathershisgear,rushesoutofthemedicalcenteranddrivesashinywhiteCAMCemergencyvehicletothescene.Uponarriving,heworkswiththerescuesquadtostabilizethepatientandbeginanIV.

Minutespassagonizinglyslowwhenyouareinjuredandinneedofpainmedicationsthatlocalvolunteerrescuesquadsareunabletogive.Everysecondcountswhendealingwithatraumaorheartattack.That3a.m.callwastheopeningrunoftheAdvancedLifeSupport(ALS)

InterceptProgram,aquietkickofftoanewlevelofemergencycareinSalineCountyspurredfromthedesiretorespondmorequicklyandeffectively.

“Aboutthreeyearsago,westarteddivingintotheideaofreallyexpandingourparamedicservicesandworkingwitharearescuesquadstoimproveoutcomes.WefoundthatALSinterceptsareagreattoolinruralemergencycaresystems,”saysAmyVertin,MD,EmergencyDepartmentmedicaldirectorandtheALSInterceptProgramdirector.

“Therearealotofsmallcommunitiesinourareawithoutthecapabilitiestostaffandsupportfullparamedicambulances.Eveniftheyhadthemoneytopayforalloftheequipmentandtrainingneededforparamedics,theymaynothavethecallvolumeneededtokeeptheparamedicsbusyandtheirskillssharp.

“That’swhyconsolidatingthe

paramedicsandsharingthemamongservicesinsmallersurroundingareasmakessense.Thecommunityvolunteersrespondasaninitialstabilization,andafaster,moremobileunitwithhigherskillsrunsouttomeetthem.It’satieredresponsesystem.”

Paramedics provide ALSSpecifically,theprogramsendsCAMC

paramedicsonpotentiallytime-sensitiverescuecallstoprovideAdvancedLifeSupportinconjunctionwithBasicLifeSupportprovidedbyrescuesquadsfromCrete,Wilber,Dorchester,DeWittandFriend.

“Wehaveverydedicatedrescuesquadswhoaredoingeverythingtheycanfortheircommunities,andtheydoafantasticjob,”saysPhillip,oneofthetwofull-timeparamedicsatCAMCwhotooktheleadingettingtheprogramofftheground.

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

ALS Intercept Program

Primed to save lives in Crete area

Paramedics Jeff Hays (left), Phillip Oelschlager, Jay Beavers and (not pictured) Troy Peterson and James Yost work with Dr. Amy Vertin (right) in the ALS Intercept Program.

Thescopeofmedicalproceduresthatlocalrescuesquadscandobeforegettingtothehospitalislimitedtoproceduressuchassupplyingoxygen,splintingfractures,administeringCPRandcontrollingbleeding.

Byaddingaparamedic,careadvancestoincludesedatingpatients,securingairways,stoppingseizures,startingIVsandadministeringmedications.AparamedicfromtheALSInterceptProgramisabletoobtainEKGs(anelectronictracingoftheheart),interpretthemandsendthereadingsaheadtothehospital,providingvitalinformationbeforethepatientarrives.

“Greatpatientcareisalwaysprovided,buttheALSinterceptjusttakesittothenextlevelbybeingabletomeetadditionalpatientneeds,”paramedicJayBeaverssays.“Workingwiththelocalsquadsisawesome.WhenIarriveatthesceneorclimbontotheirambulance,theyhave

afullreportready,soIcandowhatisneededforthepatientimmediately.”

Unique program Thecollaborationmakestheprogram

unique—thefirstandonlyoneofitskindinthestate.Itpairsatleastoneofthemedicalcenter’sfiveparamedicswithrescuesquadsinsurroundingareas.Whilethesquadscontinuetoprovideambulanceservices,theparamedicstravelintheemergencyvehiclefundedbySalineCounty.ThearrangementmakesCAMCthefirstNebraskamedicalcentertoprovideALSinterceptservicesasanon-transportingagency.

FormedicalcallsinCrete,theparamedicusuallymeetstherescuesquadatthescenewithabagofequipmentandmedicationstypicallyneededinthefirst30minutesofanemergency.Forcallsfromsomeoutlyingcommunities,theparamedic

mayarrangetomeetthesquadandbeginprovidingadvancedcareatthatpoint.

Mostsmalltownshavevolunteerrescuesquadsofemergencymedicaltechnicians.TheminimumtrainingtobecomeanEMTinNebraskaisaround180hours,whiletrainingforparamedicsrequiresabout2,000hours.Witha2,000-hourtimecommitment,paramedictrainingoftenmeansmovingtoLincoln,Omahaandotherurbanareaswheremoreemploymentisavailable.TheALSInterceptProgramprovidesnewopportunities,rightathome.

Meanwhile,theSalineCountyBoardofCommissionerssaysthisisprovingtobeaworthwhileexpenditure.

“Thiswasamedicalservicewecouldprovidefortheentirecounty,asmallinvestmentforahugeservice.Andtheresponsefromtherescuedepartmentshasbeenverypositive,”saysCommissionerWillisLuedke.

Inonlyafewshortweeks,theprogramhasshownitsvalue.Now,paramedicsareabletodeliverthelevelofcareneededwithinthecritical“goldenhour”—theperiodwiththehighestlikelihoodthatpromptmedicaltreatmentwillpreventdeath.BringingALStothesceneoftensavesprecioustime.

“Forexample,wecandoanEKGinapatient’slivingroomnowratherthanhavingtowaittodothattestinguntilwecangettoahospital—webringthehospitaltotheminasenseandmakethemcomfortable,”Phillipadds.

“SavingpreciousminutesiswhatthenewALSInterceptProgramisallabout.” n

BryanJourneys25

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

26 Spring2014

Picking you up

Dan Parker in the electric courtesy vehicle is a familiar sight on the Bryan East Campus

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

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

BryanJourneys27

Thisflat-nosed,futuristicvehiclezoomsaroundlikesomethingfrom“TheJetsons”TVshow.AsitscootsabouttheBryanEastCampuscarryingpassengerstotheirdestinations,theelectriccarisreallyrepeatingthepast.

BryanHealthhasalonghistoryofcourtesycarvehicles.Yearsago,thevolunteersoperatedastationwagonthattookpatientsandvisitorstoandfromtheircarstothefrontdoor.Thenduringamajorconstructionproject,thehospitalhadavanthatshuttledpeoplebackandforth.Whenthewalkwaysandcoveredgarageswerebuilt,thatservicewasdiscontinued.

Aspartofacustomercareinitiative,thehospitalandtheVolunteersandCustomerCaredepartmentdecidedtherewasatransportationneedatthe40thandPineLakelocation,whereBryanhasservicesandtheparkinglotisfarfromthedoor.Researchwasdoneandaniftylittlevehiclewaspurchased:anelectriccar.

“Wereachedintothepastandaddedatwist,”saysEllenBeans,directorofVolunteersandCustomerCare.“Wefoundtheelectriccartobeagoodoption.”

VolunteerDanParkerbegandrivingthePolarisGlobalElectricMotorcar(GEM)inOctober2012.HetransportedpeoplefromtheircarstothefrontdoorsoftheBryanPineLakeCampusandback.

“Dan’sbeenatrooper,”Ellensays.“He’sofferedfeedbackandadvice.He’sbeenagreatpersonforthisservice.”

ThecarservedPineLakeforayear.“WerealizedwehadagreaterneedtoassistpatientsatBryanEast,”saysEllen.SothecarbeganservingontheBryanEastCampusinOctober.

Dannotesthesefeatures:Thefour-seatvehicleplugsintoaregularelectricaloutlet,andhavinganelectricmotormeansthere’snogastank,radiatororcoolantneeded.Ithaslightsandturnsignals,aswellasadistinctiveflashingyellowlightontop.Ithasa20-mphtopspeed,buttheengineissilent.

“Ithinkit’saneededservice,”Dansays.“Walkingcanbequiteachoreforsomepeoplewhoneedaridefromthehandicappedparkingtothefrontofthehospital.

“Everydayyoumeetdifferentpeoplewhoappreciategettingaride.Youseeeverybody,littlechildrenallthewayuptoadults.”

Regardlessofage,reactionstothecararethesame:“Peoplethinkit’scute.”

RidersandpassersbyliketovisitwithDan.Hesayssomesharewhythey’reatBryanandotherswanttotalkaboutthecar.Helooksatpeople’slicenseplatestoseewherethey’refromandasksquestions.Hefeelsgoodprovidingtheservice.Dantransportspeoplewhohavelegproblemsorbreathingproblems,mothersandbabies,aswellastheelderly.

“Itcouldbeanybody,andI’mgladtotakethem,”saysDan.“Weareverymuchinneedofmoredrivers,”Ellenadds.

Rightnowonlythreevolunteersareavailabletodrivethecar—theothertwoareWoodyYoderandRogerNelson—sothereareonlythreetwo-hourshifts.Thegoalistohave10volunteers“ontheroad”transportingpatients,familymembersandvisitors.Eventually,afterfillingtheslotsatBryanEastCampus,VolunteersandCustomerCarewouldliketoexpandthisservicetoBryanWestCampus.

“I’mretired,”saysDan.“Volunteeringgivesmesomethinginterestingtodo.It’sanopportunitytobeoutside.Ifyouhavetimeandwanttovolunteer,thisisagoodplacetodoit.

“Ifindittobefun.Icomebackeveryweek.” n

If driving an electric car is a volunteer position you would like to find out about, please contact Volunteers and Customer Care at 402-481-3032 or at volunteers@bryanhealth.org.

Here’s a new volunteer opportunity! We’re looking for volunteers to be Pediatric Unit Ambassadors. Available shifts are Monday through Friday at 7-9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m. Volunteers are needed to partner with pediatric nurses to welcome patients, families, visitors and physicians to the unit and to provide information. Please contact Volunteers and Customer Care at 402-481-3032, or go to volunteers@bryanhealth.org to learn more.

Courtesy vehicle transports guests to our front door

28 Spring2014

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

rittanySiepelmeierapproacheseverydaywiththesameattitude:Shewantstohelp.Forthis2016BachelorofScienceinNursingcandidate,it’saperfectfit.It’salsoanattitudethatwascrystalizedwhensheattendedtheBryanCollegeofHealthSciencesHealthCareerCampyearsago.

HealthCareerCamp—withsessionsofferedJuly7-11andJuly21-25thissummer—allowshighschoolstudentsages16oroldertoimmersethemselvesintherolesofhealthprofessionalsandexperienceawidevarietyofhands-onhealthcareactivities.Brittanyattendedthecampwhenshewas16.

Sheleftwithcertaintythatnursingwasthecareerforher.“Thereweresomanyhands-onactivities(thatmademe

likenursing),”Brittanysays.“That’swhatIwanted—toberightupfrontwithpatients.Iwantedtobeabletoprovidemorecompassionatecare.”

“Ourbiggestgoalistobringawarenessabouthealthcareersingeneralandalsoshowwhatittakestogointothehealthcarefield,”saysKelliBackman,directorofadmissionsatBryanCollegeofHealthSciences.“We’retryingtohelpyoungpeopleunderstandwhatisnecessaryandwhatkindofpersonalitiesfitwithdifferentfields,andtheacademicrigorthatisrequired.”

Afterlearningaboutthecampthroughherschoolguidancecounselor,Brittanyapplied,inpartbecauseofaninterestinradiology.OneweekatBryanHealthCareerCamp,however,helpedherrealizethatshetrulylovedtheinteractionnurseshaveonadailybasis.

Studentsatthecamp,whichaveragesabout30participantseachsession,experienceeverythingfromstartinganIVtorunninganultrasound.State-of-the-artsimulatorsgiveattendeesthechancetoseewhatit’sliketoresuscitatepatientsandevendeliverbabies.

“Onethingthatreallystuckouttomewasthesimulationlab,”Brittanysays.“That’sreallywhatbroughtmetoBryan.Itwasareallycoolexperience.”

Anothervaluablepartofthecampisjobshadowing,whichKellicitesasafavoriteamongattendeesyearafteryear.“Participantsalwaysthinkit’sreallyagoodexperiencetobeonthefloorandtoseewhathappensintheday-to-daylife(ofahealthprofessional).”

HealthCareerCampinfluencedBrittany’schoicetopursueanursingdegree—andtheexperiencecontinuestoinfluenceherdecisions.“I’mplanningongoingbacktomyhighschoolandrecommendingit,”shesays.“Plus,Iwanttohelpoutwiththecamp,justbecauseIloveditsomuch.”

FormoreinformationonBryanCollegeofHealthSciencesHealthCareerCamp,contactKelliat402-481-8698orkelli.backman@bryanhealth.org. n

To learn how your gift can support Bryan College of Health Sciences, please call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605.

Campimpactscareerplans

B

Health Career Camp was a big influence on nursing student Brittany Siepelmeier’s career decisions.

BryanJourneys29

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

Bryan College of Health Sciences welcomes a quartet of new faculty members to the Bryan School of Nursing.

Janelle Francis, MSNJanelle Francis graduated from Bryan College of Nursing in

2000. She’s back at her alma mater as an assistant professor teaching Community Nursing.

After graduating, Francis worked at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, first on the surgical floor before moving in 2002 to the Education Department. There she facilitated New Employee Orientation and Nurse Orientation as well as other educational and training programs for employees.

In 2005, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and in 2008, she

earned a Master of Nursing from Norwich University of Northfield, Vt. She has served as education director for the Nebraska Community Blood Bank and in 2011, Francis taught as an adjunct faculty member for Nebraska Wesleyan’s BSN program.

She notes that she’s always enjoyed teaching and is very excited to be back at Bryan. She plans to begin work on a doctorate within the next year.

Libby Mollard, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, IBCLCLibby Mollard teaches the obstetrics and postpartum

clinical portion for the Family Health Nursing course.She graduated from the University

of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s in psychology and earned a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a master’s in women’s health nursing from the University of Cincinnati.

Mollard is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and an Internationally Board Certified

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She is pursuing a PhD at UNMC and has three scholarly

publications in press.

Kendra Piening, MSNKendra Piening completed the Diploma of Nursing

Program at Bryan College of Health Sciences in 2004. After graduating, she worked in the orthopedics patient care unit at Bryan East Campus before moving to the nursing

float pool. Piening earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2009; she has worked as an advanced practice registered nurse for the past five years and continues to serve part time in that role while transitioning to her position of nursing instructor for Nursing Care 1.

Piening and her husband have a child and are expecting another.

Piening’s hobbies include reading, running and spending time outdoors.

Jessica Warren, MSNJessica Warren received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

at Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, in 2008 and in 2013 earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Bryan College of Health Sciences.

While working on her bachelor’s degree, Warren was a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Hematology/Oncology Unit at the Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. Following graduation, she worked for four years as an RN in the Neuro/Trauma ICU at Bryan West Campus.

Warren joined the Army National Guard in 1999 and served as a combat

medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005.She then worked in the operating room at the Lincoln

Surgical Hospital before transitioning to an education coordinator position. After earning her master’s, Warren joined the faculty at the Bryan College of Health Sciences. She is an assistant professor of nursing and the simulation coordinator.

Warren says she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Four join nursing faculty

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

Here’s a list of Alumni Weekend activities. Remember: Reservations and prepayment are required.

Friday, June 6Presidential Teas

n Bryan School of Nursing Class of 1964, 10-11 a.m., Fairview (Bryan East Campus)n Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1964, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Alumni Museum (Bryan West Campus)

Saturday, June 7Bryan College of Health Sciences, 5035 Everett St.

n 10:30 a.m. — Annual Business Meeting in Classroom 200n 11 a.m. — Registrationn Noon — Alumni Day Luncheon and Program in Classroom 204

To make reservations or learn more about these events, please contact Brenda Neemann by calling 402-481-8692, or email her at brenda.neemann@bryanhealth.org.

Events for you June 6-7

Alumni Weekend nearshe Bryan College of Health Sciences Alumni Association is pleased to be hosting reunion events Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, for graduates of Bryan School of Nursing, Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing and Bryan College of Health Sciences.

Fifty-year reunions of the 1964 graduating classes from Bryan School of Nursing and Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing are among the special events.

T

Share memories and catch up with friends, like these members of the 50-year classes from Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing (above) and Bryan School of Nursing (below) did in 2013.

30 Spring2014

Dawn Carta (left) accepts a trophy from JA special events director Jessica States.

Assistant nurse manager John Fahrnbruch received the Patriot Award from ESGR’s Walter Zink.

Bowl-A-Thonfundraiserearns JA praise

MilitaryhonorsFahrnbruch

ClinicalnursingassistantDawnCartaiscaptainofanaward-winningJuniorAchievementBowl-A-Thonteameffort.

TheBryanteamwontheprizeforhighestpercentageincreaseinparticipantsfortheannualfundraisingevent.Cartahelpedrecruitsixbowlingteams,whichraisedmorethan$3,100forJA.

She’sbeenactiveintheJAyouthprograminseveralways,includingsixyearsasaJAinstructoratHolmesElementarySchool.

“ThegreatestrewardistheexcitementwegetfromthekidsinJA,”shesays.” n

AssistantnursemanagerJohnFahrnbruch,adultpsychiatricunit,receivedthePatriotAwardfromEmployerSupportoftheGuardandReserve(ESGR).

ArmyReservememberMcKenzieJohnsNelson,RN,nominatedFahrnbruch.Shesayshersupervisor“hasgoneaboveandbeyondhisobligationswhileIhavebeenmobilized.Hisdedicationtomyservicegivesmeonelessthingtobecon-cernedwithduringdeployment.”

BillNelsonofNebraskaESGRsays,“Althoughthisisanindi-vidualaward,itisrepresentativeofthecorporatecultureofBryanHealth,wheremilitaryserviceisvaluedandrespected.” n

Brenda Neemann won the first President’s Award from Bryan College of Health Sciences.

Neemann gets President’sAward

Studentservices/alumnidevelopmentcoordinatorBrendaNeemannisthefirstrecipientoftheBryanCollegeofHealthSciencesPresident’sAward.Thisrecognizesafacultyorstaffmemberwhoexemplifiesthecollege’smissionandwholivesoutitsvalues.

Hernominationsays,“Brendadefinitelyisahugepartoftheteamandisresponsibleforallthebehindthescenesstuffthatoftengoesunrecognized.WheneverIgobyheroffice,there’salwayssomeonethere,whoshe’shelping.

“That,tome,iscaringlikecrazy,oneteam—onepurpose!” n

Woeppeltabbed forstatewide board

BryanHealthregionalservicesconsultantMargaretWoeppel,MSN,hasbeenelectedtotheBoardofDirectorsoftheNebraskaRuralHealthAssociation.

ThisnonprofitorganizationworksfortheimprovementofruralhealthinNebraska.

Astheregionalservicesconsultant,WoeppelhelpsensurequalitycarethroughexternalprogramsdesignedtoprovidesupportandfacilitatecollaborationamonghospitalsintheBryanHealthCriticalAccessHospitalNetworkandtheHeartlandHealthAlliance.ShealsoisaclinicalresearchliaisonforBryan. n

Margaret Woeppel is serving on the Nebraska Rural Health Association Board of Directors.

BryanJourneys31

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

The Oasis Bluegrass Band will perform at the Sterling Connection Ice Cream Social.

JoinotherSterlingConnectionmembersSunday,June22,forourannualIceCreamSocial.Registernowforanafternoonofsocializing,

enjoyingicecreamandlisteningtothewonderfulmusicoftheOasisBluegrassBand.

Thisyear’seventis1:30-4:30p.m.intheBryanMedicalPlazaConferenceCenter.

Bringyoursparechange!JoinTheBigChangeChallengetocollectonemillioncoinsinsupportoftheneonatalintensivecareunit(NICU).Fundswillhelppurchasespecializedequipment,suchasasophisticatednoninvasivevein-findingscannerthatwillbeusedintheNICUandpediatricsunit.(Seerelatedstoryatlowerrightonthispage.)

ContainersforyourdonationsofcoinsarelocatedintheBryanMedicalPlazalobby.

ToregisterfortheIceCreamSocial,gotobryanhealth.org/calendar,orcall402-481-8355.

Upper Abdominal PainSeminarThursday,July10,6:30-8p.m.BryanEastCampus,inthePlazaConferenceCenter,1500S.48thSt.

GastroenterologyspecialistDouglasDalke,MD,presentsthisfreepresentation;pre-registrationisrequired.

Registerbycalling402-481-8886oronlineatbryanhealth.org/calendar.

Travel with Sterling Connection

One-day tours

Homesteaders to Church PewsThursday,July17 RelivethepioneerspiritattheHomesteadNationalMonument.Youalsowillvisitachurchpewmanufacturer,BeatriceBakery—hometoGrandma’sFruitcake—Yesterday’sLadyandmore.

Puppies and PieThursday,Sept.11 Discoverhowservicedogsaretrainedtohelppeople.VisittheMarconPieCompanyofWashington,Kan.,andHerr’sMemoryLane.

Extended vacations

Albuquerque Balloon FiestaSaturday-Saturday,Oct.4-11 Seemorethan800hotairballoonsascendintotheclearNewMexicoskyat

thisone-of-a-kindevent!Takeanall-daysteamtrainrideandtourapueblo.

Like more information? Visit bryanhealth.org/travel to download brochures or call 402-481-3355 or 800-742-7844.

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

Your connection to fun and friends

SterlingConnection

The Big Change ChallengeJoin THE BIG CHANGE CHALLENGE to collect ONE MILLION COINS in support of the neonatal intensive care unit at Bryan.

Funds raised will help purchase specialized equipment, such as a state-of-the-art vein finder for the NICU and pediatric programs.

32 Spring2014

Bryan Health Bike BashSunday, May 18, begins at 8 a.m.

Join us to watch the inaugural Bryan Health Bike Bash! This family-friendly cycling event is open to all ages and skill levels on 10-, 25-, 30- and 50-mile routes.

Cyclists will compete individually or in the Business Bike Challenge, where they will earn points for their company team based on number of riders and miles ridden. It’s a great way to show you’re a wellness champion.

Registration has closed, but all are welcome to watch and cheer on the cyclists!

Where: Bryan Pine Lake Campus, 3901 Pine Lake Road. Go online to bryanhealth.cvent.com/2014bike or call 402-481-8855 for more information.

Kids’ Health & Safety FairSaturday, June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join us for our 18th annual Bryan Kids’ Health & Safety Fair and learn about health and safety topics through fun displays:n 50 interactive exhibits teach about nutrition, exercise and other health topics.n Giant inflatables. Dunk Tank!n Look inside a fire truck and the Fire Safety House from Lincoln Fire & Rescue.n Learn about electrical safety from Lincoln Electric System.n Learn about other safety issues involving animals, bikes, seat belts and water.n Meet Oliver, our Kids’ Club mascot.n Test your strength on the Hi-Striker Clown.n Get fitted for an affordable new bike helmet.n There’s face painting and electronic basketball.n Enjoy live entertainment and demonstrations.n Every child 12 or younger receives a free prize! Remember to bring your camera.Cost: It’s free!Where: Zone B Parking Garage, Bryan East Campus, 1600 S. 48th St.You don’t have to register! For information, call 402-481-8855.

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

Bryan Health cordially invites

you to

An evening of wines, food,

art and entertainment for a

tremendous cause – the

Bryan Medical Center

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Saturday, May 31, 20147-10 p.m.

Kiechel Fine Art Building1208 O Street

Lincoln, NE

Tickets $85 per person.

Tickets are limited.

•••

BryanJourneys33

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit bryanhealth.cvent/sweetbb, or contact the Bryan Foundation

at 402-481-3139.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

LINCOLN NEPERMIT NO. 1299

1600 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506

Address service requested

Skill