New executive to lead oncology services marketing at St. Francis Hospital

INDIANAPOLIS – Larry Meade has been appointed marketing manager at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

In that role, Meade will direct myriad marketing programs and initiatives in support of oncology services and the St. Francis Cancer Center.

He previously served as manager of marketing and advertising for Columbus Regional Hospital, where he directed market research, financial planning and creative process management. He also was responsible for communications in the wake of severe flooding at that hospital in mid-2008.

Meade also has held positions with Carpenter Realtors, Inc.; served as art director for Opus Design Group; and has an extensive background in creative digital technology.

He earned a master of business administration (marketing) at the Indiana Institute of Technology and received his undergraduate degree in visual communications from the University of Indianapolis.

St. Francis family physician lauded by IU School of Medicine alumni

INDIANAPOLIS – Carrie E. Anderson, M.D., of St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, is the recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award from the Indiana University School of Medicine Alumni Association.

Anderson, who was recognized May 22 at the 63rd annual alumni luncheon, was cited for her commitment to resident education and family medicine. She is an associate director for the St. Francis Family Medicine Residency program.

“Dr. Anderson is a very talented and impressive individual, both personally and professionally,” said Richard Feldman, M.D., program director. “She is indeed a rising star in the early part of her academic career and is a great asset, not only to the residency, but also to the specialty of family medicine.”

She earned her medical degree at IU in 1999, and completed a family medicine residency at St. Francis in 2002. She also completed teaching and learning fellowships at the University of Southern California.

To learn more about the St. Francis Family Medicine Residency program, go to http://stfrancishospitals.org/Physicians/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=3&tabid=23.

St. Francis physician’s work with leukemia drug featured at int’l conference

INDIANAPOLIS – The preliminary findings of a new drug to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and being studied at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and nationally is the focus of a poster presentation at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Annual Meeting (ASCO).

Oncologist Maureen Cooper, M.D., and other experts are testing the usefulness and safety of voreloxin, an intravenous agent being developed by Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The study, which Cooper is leading at St. Francis, is being used for patients over the age of 60 who have not received any other treatment.

AML is a rapidly progressing disease that generally occurs in elderly patients who are often ineligible for standard therapies.

Cooper is joined in the study by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, the LSUHSC Feist Weiller Cancer Center, Scripps Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Indiana University Cancer Center, Cancer Center of Kansas and the Rocky Mountain Blood and Marrow Transplant Program.

ASCO is an international organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer. This year’s conference is June 4-8 in Chicago.

To learn more about services and treatment programs at the St. Francis Cancer Center, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/cancer.

St. Francis surgeon explains ortho procedures at June 30 ‘Road Show’

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Hip and knee pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives — and St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers wants to show you how.

The St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, at the Days Hotel, 5860 Fortune Circle West, Indianapolis. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar.

E. Michael Keating, M.D., will explain the latest procedures in joint replacement and arthritis treatments. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery and joint replacement.

Keating is a surgeon with Joint Replacement Surgeons, a practice group affiliated with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Hospital–Mooresville.

The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery four years in a row by HealthGrades, one of the nation’s premier health care rating companies.

To register for this seminar, call St. Francis toll-free at 1-877-888-1777. Light refreshments will be served, beginning at 6 p.m.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=23.

INDIANAPOLIS – Six St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers employees will have the opportunity to advance their careers in nursing after being named recipients of the 2010 Richard E. Fry M.D. Memorial Nursing Scholarships.

The scholarships were established in 2000 by Fry’s widow, Michelle Fry Hanson and the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation. They memorialize the late physician’s dedication to the medical profession, St. Francis, and his high regard for the nursing staff.

Fry was chief of vascular surgery at St. Francis until his death in 2000.

This year’s recipients and the school’s they will attend:

Kathleen Earle-Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chris Lambert-Indiana University Purdue University-IndianapolisI
Stephanie Lee-University of Indianapolis
Tuesday Majors-IU School of Nursing
Emily Momberg-Purdue University
Jennifer Neff-University of Indianapolis

The goal of the scholarships is to “recruit and retain the best in the nursing profession” at St. Francis. Nursing scholarships are awarded each May to St. Francis employees who are in good standing and either accepted or enrolled in an accredited nursing program.

From May 2001 through May 2010, 44 scholarships totaling $105,000 have been awarded to hospital employee recipients.

To learn more about supporting nursing education and the Fry endowment, contact the St. Francis Healthcare Foundation at 317-783-8949.

For additional information about the application process, contact the Foundation or visit its Website at http://www.stfrancishospitals.org/Foundation/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=55.

St. Francis Plainfield Health Center offers Saturday mammograms

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. But the good news is breast cancer is treatable because of early detection and improved treatment options.

The St. Francis Plainfield Health Center, located at 315 Dan Jones Road, now offers screening mammograms on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

To pre-register and make an appointment (most insurance programs accepted), call 317-837-4700. A physician’s order is required to register.

To learn more about mammogram and breast cancer services at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Cancer/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=209.

Family medicine residents poised to begin making rounds at St. Francis

INDIANAPOLIS – Six physicians will begin honing their skills in the Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers in late June.

The 36-month program launches their start of their family medicine careers. Residents practice out of the St. Francis Family Medicine Center in Beech Grove, where they see patients of all ages and incomes. They also provide care for expectant mothers and deliver babies for many of these patients at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus.

The residents are Kristen Blume, M.D. (American University of the Caribbean), Bethany Troutwine, M.D. (University of Illinois), John Rau, M.D. (Indiana University School of Medicine), Brendan Sweeny, M.D. (IUSM), Michael Teague, M.D. (IUSM), and Elizabeth Wright, M.D. (IUSM).

“For 36 years, our program has trained physicians in the clinical and academic aspects of family medicine, while never losing sight of our mission to treat each patient with individualized care and compassion,” said Richard Feldman, M.D., residency program director.

More than 200 physicians have completed their residencies at St. Francis since the program began, most choosing to remain in Indiana to establish family medicine practices.

To learn more about the Family Medicine Residence Program at St. Francis, go to http://www.stfrancishospitals.org/Physicians/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=2&tabid=23

Dr. Richard Feldman is director of Family Medicine Residency Program and Medical Education at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

Surgeon explains orthopedic, joint replacement therapies May 26

RICHMOND, Ind. – Hip and knee pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives – and St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers wants to show you how.

The St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, at the Holiday Inn, 5501 National Road E. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar.

John Meding, M.D., will explain the latest procedures in joint replacement and arthritis treatments. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstructive surgery and joint replacement.

Meding is a surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery four years in a row by HealthGrades, one of the nation’s premier health-care rating companies.

To register for this seminar, call St. Francis toll-free at 1-877-888-1777. Light refreshments will be served, beginning at 6 p.m.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=23.

Executive selected to lead practice operations for St. Francis Medical Group

INDIANAPOLIS – Mary Conway Benjamin has been appointed practice operations executive for St. Francis Medical Group.

In that role, she will be in charge of all operations activities, including four divisions, human resources and various support functions. Benjamin joins a team including SFMG President Glenn Loomis, M.D., Christopher Doehring, M.D., (quality and recruiting), Bea Zakrowski (finance), and Doug Essex (risk and compliance).

“We appreciate the excellent leadership John Murphy brought to the position over the last ten years," Loomis said. “He has been instrumental in the growth of SFMG and we’re happy he will continue to serve St. Francis in other vital ways.”

Benjamin previously served as director of SFMG’s cardiovascular practices, working directly with St. Francis Indiana Heart Physicians (IHP) and Vascular Specialists. She also held the position of chief operating office for IHP.

Before coming to St. Francis, she held positions with Columbus Regional Hospital, Johnson Memorial Hospital and Richard Roudebush Veterans Affairs Hospital in Indianapolis.

A Columbus resident, Benjamin earned a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Indianapolis; completed her bachelor’s of science at the Indiana University School of Medicine-Allied Health Division; and received an associate’s in radiologic technology at IU.

Breast oncology surgeon extends practice to St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – The director of the St. Francis Breast Surgery Program is now seeing patients at the hospital’s Mooresville campus.

Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., is available by appointment the first and third Tuesdays of each month. To schedule an appointment, call 317-781-7391.

St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville is located 1201 Hadley Road.

Johnson Miller, a member of St. Francis Medical Group, specializes in breast cancer and melanoma surgery, has served as principal investigator on numerous trials, most notably in the study of mechanisms of immunosuppression in cancer patients.

Before coming to St. Francis, she was associate professor of surgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine and has held other academic and administrative positions with the university. Additionally, she served as general surgery section chief at Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Miller earned her medical degree at Washington University, interned in general surgery at Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, and completed her surgical residency at the University of Illinois Affiliated Hospitals (Chicago). She was a research fellow in immunology at the University of Dallas and a fellow in surgical oncology at the City of Hope National Medical Center.

Widely published in medical journals, Miller holds several memberships in professional organizations, including Association of American Women Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Association of Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology and is an associate of the National Cancer Institute.

Since arriving in Indianapolis, Miller has been a volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Indiana breast tissue bank, and breast cancer educational speaker for various breast cancer related organizations in Indianapolis.

To learn more about services at St. Francis Cancer Center, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/cancer.

St. Francis volunteers keep up pace for Mini-Marathon

INDIANAPOLIS – On a wind-whipped unseasonably chilly weekend morning, runners and walkers stepped off for the 34th OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. And St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers was with them from start to finish.

On May 7, the day before the race, John Baldea, M.D., and athletic trainers with the St. Francis Sport Medicine program, conducted a health expo for participants. They provided last-minute tips about hydration, stretching techniques and how to reduce blistering. They also provided free topical pain-relieving gels to the runners.

St. Francis volunteer employees and their families and friends were on hand before dawn on race day. They handed out 70,000 cookies to the 35,000 participants needing rapid nourishment after finishing the 13.1 mile course.

This year’s event marked the 29th time St. Francis has been a corporate sponsor of the nation’s largest half-marathon.

Photos by LeeAnn Abercrombie-Logan

New home, new name -- same top-notch service

St. Francis Occupational Health officially is now known as St. Francis WorkingWell and St. Francis TravelWell today (May 10). And as a prelude to the change, staff and hospital leadership -- joined by Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce officials -- recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting, open house and blessing of the new facilities.

The new medical office is located at 747 E. County Line Road, just west of Emerson Avenue, adjacent to the Greenbrooke business complex and Greenwood Airport runway.

St. Francis also operates an occupational health program at its Plainfield Health Center, 315 Dan Jones Road.

Photos by LeeAnn Abercrombie-Logan

Protect the little ones with child safety seats at St. Francis, May 15

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville and Safe Kids Morgan County are sponsoring safety day May 15.

The event, which is free to the public, will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road.

Start your child’s summer off right and learn about water, bike and car safety. St. Francis will be giving away free bike helmets and life vests while supplies last. Free car seat safety checks will be performed.

Children must be present and accompanied by an adult to receive the free merchandise.

For more information, call 317-834-5817.

Faith-based parish nurses recognized for service by Gov. Daniels

IINDIANAPOLIS – For many in the profession, nursing is a calling. And it’s a particularly special calling for those nurses who use their skills to blend good health with faith in communities throughout the state.

Since 1996, a robust Parish Nursing program has flourished at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers through the University of Indianapolis. Today, the hospital partners with more than 20 nurses at Christian-based churches in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Monrovia, Mooresville, Greenwood and other locations throughout south-central Indiana.

The nurses provide help in accessing and navigating the health-care system; coordinate programs and screenings at fairs to promote health and wellness; provide education on health-related topics and disease management.

Parish nurses also go on home, hospital and nursing home visits, often praying with their church family members and being a health advocate for the families.

In 2009, St. Francis parish nurses provided care or education programs to 52,000 people and donated more than 1,500 hours in community services at a benefit value of $51,000.

“Parish nurses, more recently referred to as faith community nurses, live the mission of St. Francis of Assisi,” said

Parish/Faith Community Nurse Jan Erlenbaugh Gaddis. “Each nurse assumes different duties within his or her congregation, based on the needs of the church and nearby community. The obvious benefit is nurturing a holistic approach to health with mind, body and spirit.”

The St. Francis Parish Nursing Program is among other similar programs throughout the state to be recognized by state leadership. Gov. Mitchell Daniels Jr. has issued a proclamation designating May 10-16 as Indiana Parish Nursing Week.

To learn more about the program at St. Francis go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=336#parish.

Graduates of St. Francis School of Medical Technology prep for careers

BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Five students are poised to graduate from the St. Francis School of Medical Technology.

Upon completion of the St. Francis program, the students will also receive undergraduate degrees from their respective schools. The 2010 graduates are:

Purdue University: Sabrina Bae and Leah Reiman, both receiving bachelor of science degrees in medical technology.

Miami University (Ohio): Chelsie Goyings, B.S. in clinical laboratory science (awarded B.A in microbiology in 2009)

Ball State University: Tim McFarlane, B.S. in medical technology.

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne: Heath Hursey, previously received a B.S. in biology.

Graduation is set for 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 4, at the auditorium at St. Francis-Beech Grove.

The St. Francis School of Medical Technology is affiliated with several colleges and universities across the Midwest. The school, which is a division of the hospital’s clinical laboratory, was established in 1967 and is dedicated to preparing
professional medical technologists with the theoretical and practical training to serve as active members of the health care team in clinical laboratory science.

St. Francis’ Beech Grove campus houses many of the educational opportunities and services. The clinical program is 11 months long and involves both lecture and lab skills.

Medical technology involves conducting a wide range of laboratory tests for the detection, diagnosis, treatment and study of diseases. Medical technologists work closely with pathologists and other specialists to ensure the accuracy of diagnoses.
More information about the St. Francis School of Medical Technology is at

St. Francis cancer survivors on deck for June 6 Indians game

INDIANAPOLIS – Several hundred cancer survivors and guests will be on hand to root for the Indianapolis Indians as they meet the Columbus Clippers at Victory Field. And in doing so they also will be celebrating their personal victories over cancer with the help of the expert care and treatment they received at the St. Francis Cancer Center.

The Cancer Center invited these patients and their families to the 2 p.m., Sunday, June 6 game, providing them with free tickets and “Tribe Tokens” to be used for food and merchandise. A cancer survivor will throw out the first pitch.

The guests, who will be joined by St. Francis Cancer Center physicians and nurses, will occupy specially designated sections in the upper and lower decks.

This is the third annual St. Francis Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration held at Victory Field.

For more information about the St. Francis Cancer Center and its services, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/cancer.

St. Francis occupational health changing locations – and name

GREENWOOD, Ind. – St. Francis Occupational Health Center and St. Francis Travel Medicine are heading south under the new name St. Francis WorkingWell and St. Francis TravelWell.

The offices will move May 10 to 747 E. County Line Road, just west of Emerson Avenue, adjacent to the Greenbrooke business complex and Greenwood Airport runway.

St. Francis plans an open-house and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 5.

“Our programs and services can help prevent illness, maintain health and provide early intervention and rehabilitation whenever injuries or health problems occur on the job,” said Connie Brandes, R.N., director of ambulatory services at St. Francis.

St. Francis also operates an occupational health program at its Plainfield Health Center, 315 Dan Jones Road.

For appointments or information about programs and services, call 317-783-8009.