Mooresville internist/pediatrician honored with St. Francis Hospital Award

HEALING HANDS: Dr. James Bohney (center) is presented with the award by Dr. Christopher "Topper" Doehring (right), vice president of medical affairs, and Jared Stark, executive director of St. Francis-Mooresville.

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – James P. Bohney, M.D., Ph.D., is the recipient of the Healing Hands Award presented by St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

Bohney who is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, has a long affiliation with St. Francis Hospital and has a practice with IU Medical Group. St. Francis leaders recently presented him with the award at his office at the St. Francis-Mooresville campus.

“Dr. Bohney is a doctor who is highly respected by his peers and loved by his patients,” said Jared Stark, St. Francis-Mooresville executive director. “He is a professional, yet personable, man who is very committed to his patients and their well-being.”

He is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where he also earned a doctorate in biochemistry. Bohney completed an internship, and internal medicine and pediatrics residency the IU School of Medicine. He also holds an academic appointment of assistant professor of clinical medicine at that institution.

“I have never seen him waiver in his belief and commitment as a doctor,” said a staff member in Bohney’s office. “His philosophy is simple: provide the best care with kindness, compassion, understanding, empathy, humor and love for his patients and those he encounters in his community.”

Awarded quarterly, the Healing Hands Award was established earlier this year. Its goal is to recognize St. Francis physicians for excellence in clinical skills, patient relations, research, stewardship and their reflection of the hospital’s health-care ministry, values and mission.

Dr. Bohney's medical staff were on hand for his award presentation at the St. Francis-Mooresville campus.

Grieving youth learn coping skills through St. Francis Hospice program

INDIANAPOLIS -- Death is a part of the life cycle, and it’s especially difficult for children to grasp and make sense out of it, particularly when they lose a loved one.

That’s why St. Francis Hospice offers Caterpillar Kids, a support program that offers learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12.

“Children do grieve and they may express it differently than adults, but their feelings are as genuine and essential in healing,” said bereavement coordinator Roberta White. “Caterpillar Kids brings children together in a safe, nurturing environment where they receive information about grief and learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a loved one.”

St. Francis Hospice will offer its autumn Caterpillar Kids program beginning Wednesday, Sept. 22 and continuing through Oct. 27. The free workshops meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., each Wednesday.

Meetings are at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. 31 South, one mile north of Greenwood Park Mall.

Led by staff trained in bereavement support for children, youngsters participate in storytelling, art projects, games and other sharing opportunities. Parents also are invited to participate in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.

Registration is required. To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call 317-865-2092.

More information about St. Francis Hospice and its programs is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=280.

St. Francis surgeon explains orthopedic, joint replacement therapies Aug. 18

DANVILLE, Ill. – 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, Aug. 18, at the Danville Inn and Convention Center, 388 Eastgate Dr., Danville. 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. A light buffet 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.

Temporary closure of Heart Center entrance

Beginning Aug. 2, the St. Francis Heart Center main entrance will temporarily close due to the inpatient construction construction. The Heart Center patient and visitor access will temporarily shift to the Women & Children’s Services entrance, located just south of the Heart Center. Heart Center staff and volunteers will be in the Women & Children’s Services lobby providing directions and assistance.

The entrance closure should only last 45 days or less, and we are working to ensure you continue to have convenient access to the Heart Center.

Parking remains available in both the Heart Center and Women & Children’s parking lots.

(Download a parking map.)

A free shuttle service is offered Monday through Friday from 4:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. To call the shuttle directly, please call 416-8725.

We apologize for any inconvenience the construction may cause and appreciate your cooperation during this time of transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 851-1580.

St. Francis Hospital HR staffer earns recognition for publication

INDIANAPOLIS – A St. Francis Hospital Human Resources communications specialist has been recognized for her work in creating an internal electronic newsletter for employees at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

Keri Brantley, a member of the hospital’s Human Resources Department, has earned the 2010 Communication Award (Internal Electronic Communication category) from the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA).

She is credited with the creation of Morning Messenger, an electronic newsletter distributed daily to St. Francis leadership and employees. The daily e-newsletter covers a variety of topics about hospital news coverage, employee events, community discount opportunities and other timely developments at the hospital's campuses at Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville.

“This marks the second year in a row Keri Brantley has been recognized by ASHHRA,” said John Ross, vice president of human resources. “In 2009, she and Karen Sagar, director of recruitment and retention, received the same award for another St. Francis internal publication, eSource.”

Brantley, who received her associate’s of business degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, has been affiliated with St. Francis and Alverno Information Services (a division of the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services) since 1998.

The ASHHRA Communication Award is for members who have written noteworthy books, articles and electronic communications related to the human resources profession.

ASHHRA is a national organization representing human resources professionals in health care.

St. Francis HR director lauded for service by professional association

INDIANAPOLIS – A human resources director for St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers is being recognized by the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) for her service to that group’s state chapter.

Nora Cerins, director of compensation and benefits, will receive the 2010 Outstanding Chapter Officer Award at ASHHRA’s annual meeting Sept. 26 in Tampa, Fla.

“Nora's contribution to the Indiana chapter in various officer roles, as well as her leadership in several special projects, also have resulted in the Indiana chapter receiving the Chapter Leadership Award,” said John Ross, vice president of human resources.

An active member of the chapter since 1999, Cerins has held various officer positions, including president and treasurer. She is credited for her fiscal leadership and creating an educational program which brings the membership together regularly each year.

These and other projects Cerins has led have been instrumental in promoting the chapter’s membership growth.

Cerins has been affiliated with St. Francis’ Human Resources Department since 1998. She earned her master’s degree in biology and undergraduate degree in chemistry from Indiana University.

ASHHRA is a national organization representing human resources professionals in health care.

St. Francis Hospital offers free screenings for peripheral vascular disease

INDIANAPOLIS – Poor blood circulation in legs can cause pain when walking and standing and could be a sign of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) – a condition that elevates the risk for heart disease and stroke.

With PVD, the vessels that carry blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or clogged, interfering with the normal flow of blood, sometimes causing pain.
However, a person may experience no serious symptoms but still have PVD.

That’s why St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers if offering free screenings through Legs for Life, Saturday, Aug. 28 at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Symptoms of PVD include:

Leg or hip pain when walking but stops when resting
Numbness, tingling or weakness in legs
Burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting
Sore on leg or foot that won’t heal
Cold legs or feet
Color change in skin of legs or feet
Loss of hair on legs

To qualify for the free screening, participants must be 50 or older, not currently under the care of a cardiologist or vascular surgeon and must not have attended a St. Francis Legs for Life screening during the past five years unless their symptoms have changed.

Registration is required. To make an appointment, call 317-782-4422 or toll-free at 877-888-1777.

To learn more about services at the St. Francis Cardiac Screening Center, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Heart/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=118.

OT loss ends St. Francis Lady Bluez soccer team’s bid for regional crown

INDIANAPOLIS – With only 45 seconds left in overtime play, the Lady Bluez narrowly missed advancing to a game that would have propelled them to the championship game.

Lady Bluez’ playoff season ended when the team from JB Marine of Missouri punched in a goal to win a double overtime match, 2-1, in the Regional II semifinals in Dayton, Ohio.

“The girls played awesome,” said Steve Campbell, director of coaching and player development for the St. Francis Soccer Club (SFSC). “We were inches away from advancing to the finals and moving on to the Nationals. It was one of those games that could have gone either way.”

The Bluez (girls under 13 years) had swept through divisional play during the week, garnering wins over teams from North Dakota, Kentucky and Ohio before squaring off with JB Marine on June 29.

“When we were on OT and the girls’ legs were like Jell-O, that was the fuel that kept us going,” said Bluez head coach P.J. Orlando, who shares duties with assistant Autumn McClatchy. “We all knew that what we were playing for was for more than just us – it was for everyone who watches us, whether from up close or at a distance. I couldn't be more proud of the girls and what they've accomplished.”

Lady Bluez team members are: Amanda Annee (Indianapolis), Kristen Bellinger (Columbus), Haley Bird (Fishers), Kellie Cavanaugh (Mooresville), Samantha Dewey (Indianapolis), Alessandra Fistrovich (Indianapolis), Maddie Fleet (Indianapolis), Kylie Hohlt (Fishers), Emily Hopkins (Greenfield), Braegan Lyon (Indianapolis), Emma Myers (Indianapolis), Kylie Terwilliger (Indianapolis), Kaitlin Wells (Indianapolis), Alexis Corda (Greenwood) and Mary Brockman (Indianapolis).

In mid-June, the team earned their way to the regionals after winning the 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Indiana State Cup and the Indiana Challenge Cup. It was SFSC’s first state championship in the club’s 12-year history.

Team managers are Amy Fistrovich and Joe Fistrovich.

The St. Francis Soccer Club, whose president is A.L. Smith, has 30 competitive travel teams, and serves more than 1,000 youngsters annually in recreational play. It also has an outreach program for developmentally disabled children and an adult co-ed league.

SFSC, sponsored by St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, has playing fields at Arlington Ave. and Stop 11 Road on the city’s far south side.

Registration for the fall recreational play is now under way. To register and to learn more about the St. Francis Soccer Club call 317-783-8849, or visit its Website at www.stfrancissoccer.com.

Surgeon explains orthopedic, joint replacement therapies July 13

TERRE HAUTE, 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., Tuesday, July 13, at the Holiday Inn, 3300 US Highway 41 South. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar.
Robert A. Malinzak, 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.

Malinzak 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. A light buffet 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.

New hip, knee replacement therapies minimize risks of blood transfusions, infections

MOORESVILLE, Ind. -- At many hospitals, most patients receive a blood transfusion after hip and knee replacement surgery. But should they?

“While some blood loss is unavoidable after hip and knee replacement surgery, the need for a blood transfusion is rare in our experience,” said Jeff Pierson, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

New techniques allow nearly all patients to undergo “bloodless” joint replacements — surgeries that do not require post-operative blood transfusions, Pierson said. Minimizing the risk of a blood transfusion requires identifying those patients who are at the highest risk of requiring a transfusion before surgery (typically women with anemia), using techniques to increase their hemoglobin (blood count) before surgery, and adopting evidence-based blood transfusion criteria after surgery.

“The benefits of a blood transfusion are remarkably poorly understood,” Pierson said. “In fact, a growing body of scientific evidence has shown that receiving a blood transfusion is usually more harmful than beneficial. Our patients rarely require a blood transfusion.”

In most circumstances, the risk of a blood transfusion outweigh any benefit, Pierson notes.

“Our work has demonstrated that only one or two patients out of 100 should require a blood transfusion after hip or knee replacement surgery. This is one of the lowest uses of blood transfusions in the world.”

Patients who receive no blood transfusions experience fewer infections and shorter hospital stays, according to recent studies.

"What we do before surgery greatly affects what happens after," Pierson said. "Patients going into surgery with normal blood counts have the best chance of avoiding post-operative transfusions. Therefore, we identify those patients who are at the greatest risk of needing a blood transfusion and optimize their hemoglobin before the surgery. This substantially lowers their risk of a blood transfusion.”

Most patients have a normal hemoglobin level and require no special intervention before their surgery. However, anemic patients may need to take iron and a medication that stimulates the bone marrow to make more red blood cells before their surgery.

“While it is emotionally appealing for patients to donate their own blood before surgery, we have not found this to be effective, and we discourage it,” Pierson said.

Donating your own blood before surgery lowers your hemoglobin (makes you anemic), and the storage of your blood before the surgery makes the blood less effective.

The Center’s surgeons are recognized as world leaders in reducing the risk of a blood transfusion after hip and knee replacement surgery.

“This is important to us because we know it is important to our patients,” Pierson said.

The Center for Hip and Knee Surgery is located at 1201 Hadley Road in Mooresville. Pierson also operates a practice at 12188-A N. Meridian St., Suite 325, Carmel.

To learn more about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho.