ConnectionWhat’s Inside...McLaren First in Michigan to Use OCT Technology for Heart Patients ..................3Welcome Student Nurse Techs .................................6Cancer Survivors Remember the Fab Four .....................8

Heart Walk 2011A Bimonthly Publication of McLaren Regional Medical Center Volume 10, Issue 4 June/July 2011

McLaren Homecare Group showed their support of Heart health by participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. (Left to right): Chris Hurley, Margy Babcock, Stacey Bowers, Bev Zitzman, Steve Serra, Ginny Hultquist, Joyce Porritt, Caroline Magness, Maureen Ecklin, Shelby Dover, Allen Hunt, Lisa Salmons, and kneeling in front: Dawn Bitterman, Wendy Ruhlman, Denise Drew, Marci Popilek, and Rachelle Hulett

More than 300 people showed up in red tie-dyed shirts sporting the McLaren heart logo at the 2011 Heart Walk on Saturday, May 21. It was a beautiful morning for the nearly 3-mile walk which wound around the U-of-M-Flint campus. A big thank you goes out to all of the team captains who recruited walkers. For the third year in a row McLaren Regional Medical Center was also the “Cause Sponsor” for the walk. McLaren employees, along with their family members and friends, were the largest team by far at the event. McLaren participants raised $8,783.99 this year in addition to a corporate donation.

McLaren participants raised $8,783.99 this year in addition to a corporate donation.

Nursing Scholarship Recipients NamedEach year, MRMC awards scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The following nine individuals were awarded this year’s McLaren Senior Year Nursing Scholarships:

Michael Birkmeier Student Nurse Tech Emergency Department University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation:December 2011

Crystal Brandon, RN 8S University of Michigan-Flint MSN Completion Scholarship Graduated: May 2011

Michael Burgess University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation: December 2011

Christy Hill EKG Tech Cardiac Non Invasive EKG University of Michigan-Flint Career Ladder Scholarship Anticipated Graduation: May 2012

Catherine Kromer Nurse Assistant II 12S University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation: December 2011

John Plunkey Nurse Assistant II Mott Community College Career Ladder Scholarship Anticipated Graduation: December 2012

Ashley Short Student Nurse Tech ICU University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation: December 2011

Kristi Todd Baker College of Owosso Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation:March 2012

Nichole Wysocki Endoscopy Tech Endo University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Senior Scholarship Anticipated Graduation:December 2011

For more information about McLaren Nursing scholarships contact Yolanda Lemmer at 342-2533 or yolandal@mclaren.org.

Michael Birkmeier

Crystal Brandon, RN

Michael Burgess

Christy Hill

Catherine Kromer

John Plunkey

Ashley Short

Kristi Todd

Nichole Wysocki

3

McLaren First in Michigan to Use OCT Technology for Heart Patients

(Above): Jeffrey Harris, D.O. (right), Interventional Cardiologist at McLaren, discusses with Mohamad Sohb, D.O., images generated using Optical Coherence Tomography. The technology allows physicians to view the arteries of a patient from inside the body, allowing for the best possible placement of a stent. McLaren was the first hospital in Michigan to use the technology.

What used to be invisible in artery walls can no longer hide with technology being used now by cardiologists at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Since January, these heart care specialists have been using a new diagnostic tool to see the anatomy of patients’ arteries from inside the body. McLaren was the first hospital in Michigan to use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), manufactured by St. Jude Medical. It is a leading imaging technology that aids physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease during cardiac catheterization.

Optical Coherence Tomography is is made up of a camera and light system inserted into the body through a blood vessel. The system uses near-infrared light to create high-resolution images that allow physicians to visualize and measure important vessel characteristics otherwise invisible or difficult to assess with other imaging technology.

“As useful as fluoroscopy and angiography are for most cases, they cannot provide the anatomical detail that OCT can,” states Dr. Jeffrey Harris, interventional cardiologist and Medical Director of McLaren’s Cath Lab. “When something we are looking at through fluoroscopy is questionable, we can now use OCT to see anything of

concern, whether it be the true density of a blockage, any anatomical defects or complex anatomy, or even hidden blood clots. This affords the cardiologist better placement of stents, optimizing treatment during the catheterization and in planning future treatment.”

The superior quality comes from the imaging being 10 times greater than fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) which uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image from inside the arteries. In comparison, fluoroscopy provides a two-dimensional image, IVUS shows a cross sectional image versus OCT which is three-dimensional, and enhanced. Not only does OCT assist physicians in determining stent placement, but it is also beneficial in selecting stent size by providing precise measurements of lesion dimensions and vessel size and structure.

“OCT is an example of how advancements in technology can really show us what is going on in the arteries by allowing us a level of visualization that shows the true differentiation in a person’s coronary anatomy,” says Dr. Harris. “This will result in good outcomes becoming even better for patients.”

4

Cardiac Media Campaign LaunchedThe faces of MRMC cardiac specialists are being spotted around town this summer on television commercials promoting the advanced cardiac services available at MRMC. The television campaign is running on ABC TV12, WNEM TV5, WEYI TV25, and Comcast channels. In addition, there is a radio campaign, as well as direct mail, print advertising in the Flint Journal, View Newspapers, and On the Town Magazine, and billboard coverage. Overall, the theme is “Give Your Heart a Fighting Chance”. To view the cardiac television ad anytime, visit mclarenregional.org, click on “See Our Commercials” and select “Fighting Chance Commercial”.

AnnouncementShownn Blackmer has been promoted to Office Manager of the McLaren Family Medicine Residency Center in the Medical Education Building on Beecher Road.

Shownn possesses a wealth of experience

in medical office management, in both the academic and private arenas. Shownn is currently enrolled in McLaren’s Leadership Development Program. In her new position, she will be providing management oversight for all of the clinical and clerical staff at McLaren Family Medicine Residency Center.

KudosCarlo A. Dall’Olmo, M.D., a vascular surgeon with Michigan Vascular Center, was nominated and accepted as a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS). He was

recognized for his commitment to excellence in teaching, creative professional activities, and service to the vascular professional community. The Distinguished Fellow designation of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is bestowed upon active members of the society who distinguish themselves in a sustained manner by making substantial contributions in two of three categories: research, service, or education.

Shownn Blackmer

Carlo A. Dall’Olmo, M.D.

Welcome to the Medical StaffOrlando Benedict, MDFamily Medicine

Medical Degree: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Residency: San Pablo Hospital in Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Office Location: 8392 Holly Rd. in Grand Blanc

Phone: (810) 695-1770

5

Joint Express Patients Respond to Knee’d to Join Staff at Hip BBQMore than 200 Joint Express patients who have had a hip or knee replacement over the past two years joined McLaren’s Joint Express Team for a barbeque on June 16. The event took place on the patio located behind the Medical Education Building. Guests enjoyed BBQ fare prepared by MRMC Nutritional Services staff, live music, and good ole’ conversation as they celebrated their improved health and mobility.

Some attendees even came in the Joint Express t-shirts that they received as patients on 5 North.

It was a full house under the big tent at the

Joint Express patient reunion celebration.

Mother Nature

provided perfect

weather for this

first time event.

Brenda Lawson is a four-time joint replacement recipient who came to celebrate her new and improved left knee.

6

Welcome Student Nurse TechsA new group of 21 nursing students have begun the six-week Student Nurse Tech (SNT) program at MRMC. The Student Nurse Tech program provides students with valuable clinical experience while enhancing the pool of nursing applicants interested in MRMC.

Each student nurse has already completed two clinical rotations prior to entering the program. Through their SNT work experience, the nursing students are able to expand on their classroom and clinical experiences. Each student works under the supervision of a MRMC registered nurse. Their duties include IV starts, insertion of urinary catheters, EKG monitoring, wound management, assessment, diagnosis, prioritization, outcome identification and the evaluation and implementation of patient care.

Michael Birkmeier, ED

Carie Fitek, 10S

Amanda Hazard, 10S

Michael McRorie, CCU

Aleisha Ruttan, ICU

Melinda Brabon, PACU

Brianna Gatica, CCU

Allison Jaskulka, 9S

Katherine Mitchell, PCU

Ashley Short, ICU

Gregory Chittle, 12S

April Gulewich, 8S

Emily La Brecque, 11S

Sarah Nichols, 12S

Ashley Vargo, 5N Rehab

Courtney Eckhart, 11S

Ann Hartmann, ED

Kristen Mathis, 4C Surgical Care

Carlyn Rabidue, 9S

Bianca Zdenek, PCU

Jordan Ratcliff, PACU

7

GLCI physicians look forward to attending the annual event to visit with guests. From left to right: T. Trevor Singh, MD; Sukamal Saha, MD; Hesham Gayar, MD; Madan Arora, MD, and Sunil Nagpal, MD.

Guest speaker Tammy

Valley, a Fenton resident,

shared the humor and

heartfelt moments she

encountered throughout

her journey with cancer.

Cancer Survivor Celebration Committee members who attended the event are (l to r): Kristin Chevrette, Ellen Peter, Karla Grunow, Cindy Duncanson, Roxanne Caine, Delynn Ruddy, and Jean Battles

Cancer Survivors Remember the Fab FourFamily. Friendship. Fulfillment. Fun. These are four fabulous things in life shared at the 17th annual Cancer Survivor Celebration hosted by Great Lakes Cancer Institute-McLaren. The event held at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre on June 14, also featured a tribute to the better known Fab Four group- the Beatles. More than 300 survivors, GLCI physicians and staff, along with representatives from local support services enjoyed an evening of laughter and music together.

Complete with a cockney accent, the BackBeats mastered the look and feel of the legendary rock band. The audience enjoyed the band’s performance of classic Beatles hits such as Twist and Shout, Hold Your Hand, and Love Me Do.

Over 300 guests filled the ballroom. Many were on their feet dancing before the end of the evening.

A bimonthly publication for employees and friends of

McLaren Regional Medical Center.

Donald Kooy, President and CEO,

McLaren Regional Medical Center

Managing Editor: Laurie Prochazka,

Director of Marketing Communications

Editor:Ellen Peter,

Marketing Communications Specialist

Contributing Writers:Sherry Stewart, Ellen Peter,

Laurie Prochazka, and contributions from McLaren employees

Design:Shamiah Specht, Graphic Designer,

McLaren Art Department

Printing:McLaren Graphics Department

We welcome comments, suggestions, and story ideas.

Contact ellenp@mclaren.org or call (810) 342-4478.

Misson Statement:McLaren Health Care, through its

subsidiaries, will be Michigan’s best value in healthcare as defined by quality

outcomes and cost.

mclarenregional.org

Connection

Better doctors. Better care.sm

Kenworthy Scholarship Recipients NamedNine local high school graduates are the recipients of the 2011 Harriett B. Kenworthy Humanitarian Scholarship.

Nathan Free, Swartz Creek High School Nathan Burns, Clio High School Emily Yocum, Goodrich High School Kayla Ely, Grand Blanc High School Charley Mozingo, Bentley High School Tabitha Hutchinson, Grand Blanc High School Victoria Hutchinson, Grand Blanc High School Haylee Peterman, Goodrich High School Katerina Berlin, Linden High School

The recipients have all completed the nursing program at Genesee Area Skill Center which exposed them to a career in nursing. The scholarship allows each of them to pursue an associate degree in nursing at Mott Community College tuition free. Each recipient pledges to work at MRMC for three years following graduation from nursing school and becoming a licensed registered nurse.

The recent scholarship recipients are slated to join McLaren in 2014. MRMC, in conjunction with the McLaren Foundation, funds the scholarship program.

Full Circle Rides AgainThe Full Circle Riders held a “Progressive Poker Ride” on June 18 to raise awareness and money to care for local breast cancer patients. The event began started at the Clio Fire Dept. for breakfast and registration with stops at Swartz Creek American Legion, the Linden VFW, the Davison VFW, ending at the Flint Motorcycle Club in Otisville. The group donated $2000 to the Great Lakes Cancer Institute-McLaren. Donations were also made to the Genesys-Hurley Cancer Center and Bryan’s House in Davison, which is the hospice program of McLaren Homecare Group.

Full Circle has held motorcycle rides to support the needs of local breast cancer patients since 2004.