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HaysMed News

Hays Medical Center > HaysMed News > Page 2
Oct10
00

HaysMed Physician Named Preceptor of the Year

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,OB-GYN

Hays, KS – Dr. Joel Fort, Obstetrician/Gynecologist was recently named the 2022 Physician Preceptor of the Year by Wichita State University College of Health Professions, Department of Physician Assistant.

The Physician Assistant program at Wichita State relies on providers who serve as clinical rotation preceptors and mentors for their students.  The students work closely with preceptors, progressively developing the skills and clinical judgment needed to become practicing PAs.  Preceptors play a vital role in the education of students and mentoring future colleagues.

Dr. Fort is a newer perception for the program but has quickly made an impact on students.

“He put the utmost effort, care, and time into my clinical education experience in the time I spent with him, even going as far as to purchase our OB/GYN book and highlight it beforehand with things he felt most important that I know.” Commented a student.  “ He invested time during his one afternoon off a week to sit down and go through topics with me, rather than spending time to catch up on things he needed to do himself. He trusted me to first assist in surgery, and I felt my skills improved so much in my time with him. He truly cares about his students.”

Dr. Fort has been with HaysMed since 1999 and practices in the Women’s Clinic.

Oct10
00

HaysMed Welcomes New Providers

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

HAYS, KS – HaysMed recently welcomed three new providers to the medical staff.

Sam Elzay, PA and Ethan Fort, PA both began seeing patients at the Orthopedic Institute.

Elzay has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotions from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.  He has a Masters of Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies, from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Buies Creek, North Carolina.  Elzay will be working with Dr. Tim Wright, Orthopedic Surgeon.

Fort received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.  He has a Masters of Physician Assistant from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.

Fort, a Hays native, will be assisting Dr. Max DeCarvalho, Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon.

Appointments can be made by calling 785-261-7699 or going to haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute.

Christy Moeder, APRN joined the Convenient Care Clinic.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s degree from The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Oct10
00

HaysMed Nurses Receive Certification

By Kyle Wisehart - HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays, KS -Branson Sandoval and Jared VonFeldt, both critical care nurses in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), recently received certification as Critical Care Registered Nurses (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients.

“Healthcare is becoming more complex,” said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. “It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that healthcare professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the healthcare equation – patients and families, employers and nurses – all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence.”

Oct10
00

HaysMed Associates Honored for Years of Service

By Kyle Wisehart - haysmed awards,HaysMed News

Hays, KS –HaysMed honored 124 Associates who have reached milestones in their service at HaysMed.

Those recognized were:

40 Year
Regina Borthwick
Christy Gillogly
Joyce Mattison

35 Year
Tania Deets
Deb Erbert
Kerri Morgan

30 Year
Deb Bohm
Stephanie Jerauld
Leah Rhoades
Karla Roth
Lora Unrein

25 Year
Pam Basgall
Amy George
Chad Heslet
Dr. Lee Hodny
Heidi Holopirek
Christine Holzmeister
Joannie Kollman
Todd Meier
Kim Meier
Dr. Joe Menendez
Michael Miles
Paula North
Sonya Reade
Alicia Rymer
Jacque Schmidt
Brenda Schumacher
Erica Summers
Tammie Williams

20 Year
Jill Billinger
Suzie Bleumer
Gary Brown
Steven Brull
Carla Cox
Tim Davis
Kelly Flaska
Kim Foster
Jennifer Gottwald
Christine Hober
Byron Johnson
Janice Jones
Deandrea Krien
Tamra Leiker
Janet Pfeifer
Katherine Reed
Kristy Schlaefli
Julie Sulzman
Deb Watts
Dawn Webber
Julie Weidenhaft
Tina Zimmerman

15 Year
Tara Aschenbrenner
Jason Fawver
Michael Filley
Nichole Ganoung
Sherri Glenn
Shawn Hoss
Janine Kisner
Anita Koster
Jessi Pfeifer
Ruth Price
Erin Richmeier
Craig Rohleder
Brian Schreiner
Lashelle Schroter
Russell Thom
Dr. Zurab Tsereteli

10 Year
Noel Bates
Chad Burgardt
Kali DeBey
Mandi Dotts
Caitlyn Dreitz
Sheylynn Eickhoff
Brittany Engelhardt
Tasha Fabin
Nicole Fisher
Whitney Ford
Trey Hamilton III
Trisha Haskell
Stephanie Heeren
Karla Hines
Tatiana Hockett
Kylie Keeley
Shaley Knickerbocker
Doreen Koerner
Brian Liu
Trudi McFarren
Katelyn Mosshart
Jared Reed
Anita Spears
Dr. Paul Teget
Dani VonFeldt
Elise Williams

5 Year
Renee Anschutz
Dr. Scott Atkinson
Chloe Beougher
Hayley Bergling
Dr. Manmohan Biring
Jeffrey Brull
Brendan Chapman
Brianna Day
Kameron Drouillard
Katherine Durler
Eddie Herrman, CEO
Jordyn Flores
Wendy Gabel
Vincent Griego
Elizabeth Haynes
Shannon Mahon
Vernon Matter
Dr. Jay Matzke
Dr. John Miller
Amanda Nelson
Robyn Patrick
Dr. Chelsea Powell
Kayla Reed
Amanda Rudman
Dr. Jenna Sloan
Evan Straub
Gloria Thomas
Audrey Varner
Linda Wickham
Dr. Timothy Wright
Toni Younger

Sep16
00

HaysMed Recognizes Customer Care Representative of the Year

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays, KS – Haili Leiker was recently recognized with the 2022 Debra Boeken Customer Care Representative (CCR) of the Year award.

A CCR is a vital part of the patient care team and serves as the right hand of the unit’s Charge Nurse and as an asset to every member of the team.  CCRs do whatever is needed in order to help patients and visitors be comfortable on the unit; make available whatever supplies that are needed but that are not currently on the unit; and be carry out a myriad of tasks that are needed to help make the shift run very smoothly.

Leiker works on the surgery floor at HaysMed.

Sep13
00

HaysMed offers pre-season concussion exams for area athletes as part of their sports medicine program.

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, KS – HaysMed offers pre-season concussion exams for area athletes as part of their sports medicine program.  The exams are given at the schools covered by the HaysMed Athletic Trainers and include Ellis, Lacrosse, Hays High, Thomas Moore Prep-Marian Junior/Senior High School and Victoria.

Baseline concussion testing is a pre-season exam that assesses an athlete’s balance and brain function. This includes learning and memory skills, the ability to pay attention or concentrate, how quickly he or she thinks and solves problems, as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may result in a bad headache with altered levels of alertness, or even unconsciousness. A concussion temporarily interferes with the way your brain works. Concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, coordination and even sleep patterns.

According to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Concussion Reporting Summary the year average number of reported concussions was 1,584 from 2018 – 2021.

“After a concussion occurs, it is important to measure how well your brain functions post-injury and compare that to the brain function prior to the injury.”  Said Dr. Wally Walstrom, board-certified sports medicine physician at HaysMed. “A valid baseline concussion test is key in a comprehensive approach to concussion management.”

The baseline tests are typically taken in the pre-season.  Baseline tests are assessments that measure reaction time, memory capacity, speed of mental processing, concentration, and balance.  Results from the baseline tests can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted if an athlete has a suspected concussion.  “The idea is that if we know how an individual athlete “normally” functions on such a test, after a concussion, the post-concussion scores can be one tool to help determine when they have sufficiently recovered from the concussion to safely return to play.” Noted Shawn Landers, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.

HaysMed uses the C3 Logix concussion baseline testing program.  It provides clinicians with a comprehensive concussion evaluation system.  It includes a computerized neurocognitive exam. In addition, C3 Logix tracks a patient’s dynamic vision reflexes and ability to visually focus on moving objects. The tool features a battery of tests that effectively measure motor skills and balance through a unique iPad application.

When the iPad is strapped to a patient’s back, the app collects accelerometer and gyroscopic data to assess postural stability while the patient attempts various stances on both firm and soft surfaces.

“Each concussion is unique, so it is important to treat individuals on a case-by-case basis.” Said Dylan Moore, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.

Comparing post-injury test scores of an individual to their own baseline test scores is considered best practice.  Without a baseline test to use for comparison, an individual’s scores can only be compared to the general population.  Also, because baseline testing occurs in the pre-season, the very act of getting tested will raise concussion awareness for athletes, parents, and coaches.

“Cognitive testing should not be the sole basis of management decisions.” Said Jensen Scheele, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.   “Rather, it is seen as an aid to the decision-making process in conjunction with a range of assessments and investigational results.”  The final determination regarding concussion diagnosis and/or return to play is a medical decision based on clinical judgment and final clearance will remain with the athlete’s physician.

When it comes to TBIs, you cannot always prevent the accidental blow to the head, a trip and fall, or the surprise hit. This means that concussions can and will happen in sports. All injuries, concussions included, are part of the inherent risks of playing sports. With that said, there is still a lot that can be done to minimize the frequency of concussions, as well as reduce the long-term negative outcomes.  Namely, education, awareness, and ensuring that medical coverage exists whenever sports are being played are the best tools for concussion prevention.

The goal is to minimize the risk of concussion. HaysMed provides concussion awareness and prevention education including:

  • the signs and symptoms of concussion
  • second impact syndrome
  • free baseline screenings
  • return-to-play guidelines
  • post-concussion treatment options

For concussion questions, to schedule an appointment, and or information on individual or group education and baseline testing call 785-623-5691.

Sep13
00

HaysMed Receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Reaccreditation HaysMed provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS — The American College of Cardiology has recognized HaysMed for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. HaysMed was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“HaysMed has demonstrated its commitment to providing Western Kansas with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award HaysMed with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“This reaccreditation validates that HaysMed is committed to the care of cardiovascular patients in Western Kansas.  Our multidisciplinary healthcare team is second to none”, said Brian Pfannenstiel, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care/Chest Pain Coordinator

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like HaysMed access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

Sep6
00

HaysMed Athletic Trainers work with local sports teams to help with emergencies, recovery and injury prevention

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, KS – Athletic trainers (ATs) play a critical role on sports teams. You’ll often see them on the sidelines and when someone is injured during a sporting event. This is only a portion of their work.

Athletic trainers are multi-skilled health care professionals. They work with athletes in prevention, examination, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions assuring the fastest and safest return to play.

All athletic trainers must graduate from an accredited education program and pass a comprehensive certification exam.  Certification and licensing in athletic training now requires a minimum of a master’s degree.  Along with the above they must also keep their knowledge and skills current by participating in continuing education.

HaysMed currently has three full time Athletic Trainers on Staff.  Shawn Landers works with Ellis and Victoria schools.  Dylan Moore handles Hays High School athletes as well as the Hays Larks in the summer.  Jensen Scheele is the athletic trainer for Thomas Moore Prep-Marian Junior/Senior High School and Lacrosse.  The athletic trainer staff also cover Kansas State High School Athletic events including wrestling, football, basketball and state cross country.

The athletic trainers’ work starts before the season, with preseason conditioning and injury prevention programs. They review emergency action plans with administration, coaches and emergency medical providers.  Athletic trainers inspect equipment and the field for safety issues and help coaches prepare medical kits and safe practice plans.

During the season, athletic trainers attend practice and games. They prepare the emergency equipment, observe and evaluate players and care for injuries. In a game situation, athletes and coaches focus on the game. An athletic trainer’s priority is the athletes’ health and welfare. They watch for situations that cause injuries.

“It is important that Athletic Trainers be at both games and practices,” said Landers.  “It gives them the ability to provide enhanced safety and health care for student athletes by addressing injuries on the spot”

Impact isn’t the only important factor identifying a potential injury. Some athletes want to hide their injuries so they can keep playing.  ATs watch the athletes get up after hitting the ground and how they return to the huddle or the bench.  They watch their faces and pay attention to their body language for signs of injury.

When an injury happens, the athletic trainer responds within seconds, stays calm and evaluates the situation. They identify the safest way to help the athlete back to the bench and then evaluate to determine treatment options. Athletic trainers facilitate a team approach to medical care. They refer to emergency medical providers, involve coaches, administrators and all other medical providers as needed.

“ATs respond immediately to injuries and provider medical care.” Said Scheele.  “We are often the first to provide care in emergency situations and quickly perform the initial assessment on an athlete’s condition.”

Athletes and coaches are focused on returning to play. It’s the athletic trainer’s job to maintain a focus on the big picture of the athlete’s health and welfare within the context of sports. They are a part of the medical team that determines if it is safe to return.

Sometimes athletes are kept out of the game to prevent an injury from becoming worse. The athletic trainers progress the athlete through a doctor ordered sport-specific program until they are ready to return safely. If there are any deficits, they work with athletes to determine what they need to do, help motivate them to do it and observe to make sure they do it correctly.

“Think of an athletic trainer as an investment to any sports team.” Noted Moore.  “They improve outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury, which translates to reduced health care costs.”

Since athletes trust their athletic trainers with sports injuries, they are often the first provider for other medical conditions that affect athletic performance. These conditions can include managing nutrition, weight control and eating disorders, illness, diabetes, asthma, severe allergies, skin conditions, anxiety and stress, post-surgical concerns and more.

Athletic trainers help athletes by caring for injuries and making referrals when needed before a problem becomes serious. Athletic trainers are attune to these situations and make sure the problems get to the appropriate provider as soon as possible.

Athletic trainers work closely to assure proper communication between the athlete, parents, coaches and medical staff while maintaining medical confidentiality.

“Athletic trainers are an essential part of the Sports Medicine team.  They help ensure that student athletes are properly cared for and have a safe environment to participate in sports and extracurricular activities.” Said Dr. Wally Walstrom, board-certified sports medicine physician at Hays Orthopedic Clinic.  “While they cannot eliminate the inherent risk of injury in sports, they can help reduce the incidence and severity when injuries do occur.”

They help minimize dysfunction and maximize the return to quality-of-life activities that athletes and their parents, coaches and fans appreciate.

 

 

 

 

Aug23
00

HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute Offers Minimally Invasive TAVR Heart Valve Replacement

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS – Patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow, now have a new option available at HaysMed. Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, Interventional Cardiologist, is performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers new hope to patients who have aortic valve stenosis.

The TAVR procedure is a revolutionary new way to replace an aortic valve without open heart surgery or a large incision to the patient’s chest. Studies show patients who have received this new device not only live longer, but feel better, and significantly improve their quality of life.

“We are very pleased to offer this life saving procedure to replace a defective heart valve without our patient undergoing open-heart surgery.” said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology, “We are the only hospital in Western Kansas to have the capability to perform this advanced procedure.”

During most procedures the team inserts a valve through a small cut in the patient’s upper leg. The valve is advanced on a balloon catheter through the artery toward the damaged valve where it is inflated.  The catheter is removed leaving the new aortic valve inside the old one.

“It’s very exciting for HaysMed to be able to offer this leading-edge cardiac care option and state-of-the-art technology to the community we serve,” said Albright. “We continue to grow our cardiac program and this milestone highlights our commitment to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services for our region.”

To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation please call 785-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/schedule/

Aug18
00

Western Kansas Urology Associates at HaysMed Welcomes New Provider

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Urology

HAYS, KS – Dr. Wally Curry has recently joined the Western Kansas Urology Associates clinic at HaysMed.

Dr. Curry received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.  He completed his residency in urology at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City.

He is board certified in urology by the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Curry is accepting new patients.  Please call 785-628-6014 for an appointment.

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