INDIANAPOLIS – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure. Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free classes and programs this spring to improve the community’s health through education and prevention.

All of the events are open and free to the public.

Several of the Change of Heart classes will be held at the St. Francis Heart Center’s Community Center, entrance #1 of St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. St. Francis-Mooresville, located at 1201 Hadley Road, also will host several of the events.

Registration is required. Call 317-782-4422 or register online at www.StFrancisHospitals.org/heart for these and many other classes throughout the spring.

Ask-the-doc’s include:

Why does it hurt to walk?

Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m.

St. Francis Heart Center

Presented by Donald Patterson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Leg pain can be a result of poor blood flow to the legs through the arteries, or it can be from poor blood flow back to the heart, causing enlarged or varicose veins. Dr. Patterson, vascular surgeon with the St. Francis Medical Group, will discuss the blood flow to and from the legs, signs and symptoms of arterial or venous disease and treatment options available. Those attending may then sign up for a free peripheral vascular screening scheduled at a later date.

How to protect yourself from stroke

Thursday, April 21

6:30 p.m.

St. Francis Heart Center

Presented by William Berg, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Dr. Berg will talk about the importance of keeping the carotid artery leading to the brain free of plaque and disease, decreasing the risk for stroke. Class attendees may sign up for a free carotid artery screening on a date following the program.

Metabolic Syndrome: How does it fit in with heart disease?

Wednesday, April 27

6:30 p.m.

UnaVie Cardiology Center in Shelbyville

Presented by Anthony Bashall, M.D.

(special phone number to register is 317-421-1915)

Patients who are overweight, have diabetes and high cholesterol are at an even higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Each condition requires careful management but they all may lead to a heart attack. Cardiologist Tony Bashall, M.D., will share what patients and families need to know about their risk for cardiovascular disease and how to minimize that risk.

Treatment options for atrial fibrillation

Tuesday, May 3

6:30 p.m.

St. Francis Hospital—Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road, Mooresville

Presented by John Moore,III, M.D.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly at a high rate. If severe, this condition can lead to heart attack, stroke or death. Cardiologist John Moore III, M.D., will discuss the current treatments for atrial fibrillation and who should be treated.

Heart Failure – Medication questions answered

Thursday, May 12

6:30 p.m.

St. Francis Heart Center

Presented by Polly Moore, M.D., F.A.C.C.

When a patient or family member is diagnosed with heart failure, it is a time of adjustment. There can be stress on families to understand the diagnosis and much time is devoted to learning about treatment. Patients are usually on multiple medications and families are there to help with administration. Cardiologist Polly Moore, M.D., will share what patients and families need to know about heart failure medications, how to monitor their condition and when to seek help.

Coronary calcium scoring – identifying cardiac risk

Tuesday, May 24

6:30 p.m.

St. Francis Heart Center

Presented by Ryan Daly, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.E.

Build-up of calcium in plaque in coronary arteries can cause heart attacks. Sometimes the plaque doesn’t completely block the artery but can break off causing a heart attack. Coronary calcium scoring is a high-tech way of finding the arteries with calcium build-up and is another way to identify your risk for heart disease. Dr. Daly will describe this test and answer your questions about heart attack risk factors. A special screening offer will be made to those who attend this class.

Change of Heart Classes

Heart Smart Dining

Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 PM at St. Francis - Mooresville

Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home. How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself? Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Monday, May 2, 6:30 PM at St. Francis - Mooresville

As food prices climb and budgets get tight, smart purchases at the supermarket are important. In this class, you will learn ways to stretch your food budget while still getting the nutrients you need.

Exercise Tips for Your Heart

Monday, April 4 at 6:30 PM at St. Francis – Mooresville

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 PM at St. Francis Heart Center

If you can’t find time to exercise or aren’t sure what the best exercise is for you, this class is for you. Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun. Learn how to set up a schedule for yourself.

Super Shopping

Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

With all the new and changing products on the shelves, grocery shopping can be overwhelming. Learn where to find the healthy foods and how to avoid packaging tricks commonly used to market foods. Discover how food labels make you a smarter shopper. Two classes are in the grocery store at Meijer while the third class is in the classroom.

Healthy Eating

Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Diet’s don’t work! Learn about healthy lifestyles in this class. Find out how much a “serving” is and how to manage a healthy weight. Discover how fats, carbohydrates and protein affect our body. Do you know how much salt, fiber and sugar are in the foods you buy? This class offers the foundation for a healthy future!

Healthy Cooking Tips

Monday, April 11, 6:30 PM at St. Francis – Mooresville

Thursday, April 14, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Healthy cooking leads to a healthy life. Learn how to choose the right ingredients that pump up the nutritional value of your favorite recipes in this class. Recipe substitutions and cooking techniques will be discussed.

Reduce Stress

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 PM at Heart Center

Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Negative stress causes changes in lifestyle and behavior, which may lead to unhealthy choices. Learn to identify the causes of stress in your life and how to improve your health.

St. Francis Health ortho surgeon explains arthritis, joint replacement in Carmel

CARMEL, Ind. – Hip, knee or shoulder pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives – and Franciscan St. Francis Health wants to show you how.

The St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, at the Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St. In the spotlight is a free hip and knee replacement seminar. A light buffet will be served at 6 p.m.

Jeff Pierson, 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.

Pierson is a surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Health–Mooresville. The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery five 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.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at stfrancishospitals.org. Click the link in the center section of the home page.

St. Francis Health nurses offer extraordinary compassion in difficult situations

Monica Lee

INDIANAPOLIS – Two registered nurses at Franciscan St. Francis Health have been praised by patients and peers for above-and-beyond the call in care giving.

To that end, Beech Grove registered nurses Monica Lee and Traci Welsh have been named the March 2011 recipients of the hospital’s DAISY Awards.

Lee, who works in the oncology unit, was nominated by a colleague and family member of a former patient, respectively. The latter wrote: “Monica was extraordinary in caring for my uncle and her compassion helped everyone in his family be more comfortable and at peace through a difficult situation.”

Lee’s fellow nurse commented: “She clearly is a favorite nurse among our patients as well as being a strong clinician. Although in the infancy of her career as a nurse, she is a true professional and motivates our team.”

Welsh was nominated by a former patient, who had been hospitalized on her unit three times over the last four years.

“I have never met a nurse with her level of professionalism she showed to me and her fellow nurses,” the patient wrote. “She was never in a hurry when she came to my room to tend to me.”

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 an auto-immune disease. His family was so impressed by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for him that they created this national award to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere. For more information, go to

www.daisyfoundation.org.

To learn more about nursing careers and programs at St. Francis, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/nursing.

TRACI WELSH

St. Francis Medical Group appoints permanent clinical chief

INDIANAPOLIS – Paul E. Driscoll, M.D., has been selected as medical director for St. Francis Medical Group (SFMG). He had been serving in that position on an interim basis for several months.

Driscoll, who will oversee clinical operations of the 140-member group, joins SFMG President Isaac J. Myers II, M.D. in the leadership role.

Board-certified in family medicine, Driscoll has been affiliated with Franciscan St. Francis Health in many capacities since 1980, after completing his residency with the hospital. He has been in practice with Beech Grove Family Medicine since 1987 and a member of SFMG since 1994.

Driscoll, who chairs the St. Francis’ Department of Family Medicine, formerly was vice chair of SFMG’s Board of Managers and the hospital’s Physician IT Committee.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Driscoll has chaired the Family Medicine Department on two occasions and served on the Board of Directors for St. Francis Health Network for several years.

A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he has earned several academic and professional honors, including his selection as a Fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

SFMG physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health facilities.

To learn more about St. Francis Medical Group, go to http://www.stfrancisdoctors.org/.

St. Francis cancer program earns stellar rating from American Cancer Society

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health has received the 2010 Silver Five-Star Investor Award from the American Cancer Society (ACS), Great Lakes Division, Inc.

The award come by way of the society’s Workplace Solutions program, which recognizes work sites and employers who are active in fighting cancer on multiple fronts through the ACS programs and services.

To earn recognition as a Five-Star Investor, work sites must participate in a variety of ACS initiatives. The St. Francis Cancer Center is responsible for carrying the initiatives. Among the criteria to receive the award:

• Provide education and referrals to ACS
• Offer employee health plan for cancer care, including cancer screenings adhering to ACS guidelines
• Have tobacco-free worksite polices and offer tobacco cessation programs
• Encourage voluntarism with ACS

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

St. Francis Health nurses hold certifications in variety of clinical specialties

INDIANAPOLIS – Certified Nurses Day March 19 is a special day of recognition to celebrate the contributions of board-certified nurses to the advancement of the nursing profession. And Franciscan St. Francis Health has many such nurses on staff.

“This day acknowledges certified nurses’ commitment to excellence,” said Susan McRoberts, chief nursing officer and vice president. “We commend them for their professionalism, leadership, and service they deliver every day.”

St. Francis Health has 320 registered nurses certified in specialty areas such as oncology, surgery, bone marrow transplant, geriatrics, post-anesthesia, orthopedics, dialysis, intensive care, weight loss, nursing services, wound care, educational services, emergency medicine, palliative and hospice care, quality, occupational health, critical care, cardiac, pediatrics, neonatal care, labor and delivery and administration.

“Nursing is more than a career,” McRoberts said. “For us, it is a ministry, and we’re proud so many have answered the call by choosing St. Francis as their professional home.”

St. Francis has more than 1,400 nurses at its hospital campuses at Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville.

Certified Nurses Day was originated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is supported by several professional nursing advocacy organizations.

To learn more about nursing at Franciscan St. Francis Health, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/nursing/http://www.stfrancishospitals.org/nursing.

St. Francis Health encourages patients to say ‘thanks’ to their physicians

INDIANAPOLIS – After completing their studies and clinical rotations as medical students, newly minted physicians begin to put in practice that time-honored oath to serve their patients with the utmost care and compassion and extend professionalism to those who work by their sides.

Franciscan St. Francis Health is honoring its physicians in observance of National Doctor’s Day on March 30.

“We are blessed to have such dedicated physicians who give tirelessly of themselves,” said Robert J. Brody, St. Francis president and chief operating officer. “So many lives have been touched by St. Francis doctors, who apply their knowledge and follow Franciscan values to serve their patients better.”

Brody and other hospital leaders are encouraging St. Francis Health staff and patients to send notes or cards to their physicians, or to thank them face-to-face.

More than 750 physicians participate on the medical staffs at St. Francis hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville and at the Plainfield Medical Center. More than 140 are members of St. Francis Medical Group.

Many St. Francis physicians volunteer their expertise and time outside their normal duties, participating in medical missions at home and abroad, serving on boards and performing a wide range of service in their communities.

The first Doctor’s Day was said to have originated in Winder, Ga., on March 30, 1933. It included the mailing of greeting cards to physicians and placing flowers on the graves of their deceased colleagues.

St. Francis has observed National Doctor’s Day since it was formally recognized by presidential proclamation in 1990.

To learn more about St. Francis Medical Group and physicians affiliated with Franciscan St. Francis Health, go to www.StFrancisDoctors.org.

St. Francis Tai Chi class has all the right moves for health, well-being

INDIANAPOLIS – The ancient martial art of Tai Chi uses slow and gentle movements and its practice is known to have myriad health benefits.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health is offering Tai Chi for Health. Two series of classes are available. The first meets 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. April 4, 11, 18, 25; and May 2 and 9. The second is held 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., April 8, 15, 22, 29; and May 6-13.

The sessions meet at 3131 E. Thompson Road at Carson Square Mall.

Tai Chi is designed to improve physical and mental health and includes exercises to improve breathing, relaxation and mobility. It also has found to be effective in improving balance, strength and promotes greater endurance for people with arthritis.

“With Tai Chi, you’re always moving, but always under complete control,” said Michele Wood, R.N., who is coordinating the class. “A participant’s internal energy circulation actually helps prevent disease and debility.”

Cost of the class is $30 and payable at time of registration. For more information, contact Wood at 317-865-5864, or at Michele.Wood@franciscanalliance.org.

Ortho surgeon explains arthritis, joint replacement therapies April 12

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Hip, knee or shoulder pain shouldn’t keep people from leading active and rewarding lives – and Franciscan St. Francis Health wants to show you how.

The St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 2485 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus. In the spotlight is a free hip and knee replacement seminar. A light buffet will be served at 6 p.m.

Philip M. Faris, 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.

Faris is a surgeon with the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery at St. Francis Health–Mooresville. The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery five 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.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at stfrancishospitals.org. Click the link in the center section of the home page.

St. Francis Senior Promise wins national competition for its diverse programs

INDIANAPOLIS – The Franciscan St. Francis Health Senior Promise program garnered first place in a nationwide contest sponsored by Dorland Health Silver Crown Awards.

Senior Promise swept first-place honors in the Senior Community Program category, recognized for “working to meet the current and future needs” for those 50 years and older. The award was presented March 8 at a special ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev.

Since 1987, Senior Promise has been serving St. Francis and the senior community since for its offerings of education, screenings, discounts, counseling and a variety of special events.

More than 22,000 people were served through Senior Promise program in 2010.

Senior Promise counselors assist with billing questions and insurance needs and help their members review current medications and choose prescription and insurance plans that best benefit the patients. It also hosts the annual Fall Health Festival – one of the largest of its kind in central Indiana – offering a variety of free medical screenings, health care information and flu shots.

Senior Promise is directed by Jim Poole, a retired U.S. Army veteran and insurance agent.

The Silver Crown Awards is a national competition open to individuals and organizations which have a program, service or process in place to demonstrate extraordinary senior-specific work they are doing in the senior community.

To learn more about Senior Promise, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/seniors.

Spring forward to better health with classes offered by St. Francis Heart Center

INDIANAPOLIS – Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure. Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free classes and programs this spring to improve the community’s health through education and prevention.

All of the events are open and free to the public.

Several of the Change of Heart classes will be held at the St. Francis Heart Center’s Community Center, entrance #1 of St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. St. Francis-Mooresville, located at 1201 Hadley Road, also will host several of the events.

Registration is required. Call 317-782-4422 or register online at www.StFrancisHospitals.org/heart for these and many other classes throughout the spring.

Change of Heart Classes

Heart Smart Dining

Tuesday, March 22, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home. How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself? Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Wednesday, March 16, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Exercise Tips for Your Heart

Thursday, March 17, 6:30 PM at St. Francis Heart Center

Super Shopping

Thursday, March 24, 6:30 PM at Meijer, 5325 E. Southport Rd.

Tuesday, March 29, 6:30 PM at Meijer, 10509 Heartland Blvd., Camby

Healthy Eating

Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Diets don’t work! Learn about healthy lifestyles in this class. Find out how much a “serving” is and how to manage a healthy weight. Discover how fats, carbohydrates and protein affect our body. Do you know how much salt, fiber and sugar are in the foods you buy? This class offers the foundation for a healthy future.

Healthy Cooking Tips

Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Healthy cooking leads to a healthy life. Learn how to choose the right ingredients that pump up the nutritional value of your favorite recipes in this class. Recipe substitutions and cooking techniques will be discussed.

Meatless Cooking Tips

Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 PM at the Heart Center

Reverse heart disease by eating more! Adding more fiber and meatless meals to your diet is easy with new products now on the market. This class will help you with menu planning and recipes so you can incorporate more meatless meals into your daily life.

Reduce Stress

Monday, March 21, 6:30 PM at St. Francis – Mooresville

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 PM at Heart Center

Negative stress causes changes in lifestyle and behavior, which may lead to unhealthy choices. Learn to identify the causes of stress in your life and how to improve your health.

For more information about services and programs offered at the St, Francis Heart Center, go to myheartcare.net.

Franciscan St. Francis Health heart program earns nat’l accreditation

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis has received three-year full Heart Failure Accreditation status from the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC).

“This initiative involves systems prior to the patient’s arrival such as EMS, the Emergency Department and the admitting services, said Polly Moore, M.D., cardiologist and co-medial director of this program at St. Francis Heart Center. “It is also very involved for nursing services, cardiac rehab and other ancillary services.”

Because heart failure is a progressive medical condition, it requires a long-term commitment to care from both the patient and the health care team. This process improvement effort will be ongoing with case reviews and ongoing continuing medical and nursing education.

Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. An estimated five million patients in the United States have heart failure. In addition, heart failure patients are responsible for 12 to 15 million physician office visits per year and 6.5 million hospital days.

SCPC’s goal is to help medical facilities manage the heart failure patient more efficiently and improve patient outcomes.

The center has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and undergoing an onsite review by a team of SCPC’s accreditation review specialists. The center’s protocol-driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment.

St. Francis is one of five hospitals in Indiana to receive this accreditation.

Key areas in which a facility with Heart Failure Accreditation must demonstrate expertise include the following:

· Emergency Department (ED) integration with emergency medical services

· Emergency assessment of patients with symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure-diagnosis

· Risk stratification of the heart failure patient

· Treatment for patients presenting to the ED for heart failure

· Heart failure discharge criteria from the ED, observation or inpatient stay

· Heart failure patient education in the ED , observation and inpatient units

· Personnel, competencies and training

· Process improvement

· Organizational structure and commitment

· Heart failure community outreach

To learn more about services at Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, go to www.myheartcare.net.

St. Francis Cancer Center symposium focuses on total patient care

Butler men’s basketball Coach Brad Stevens among speakers at April 29 event

INDIANAPOLIS – From diagnosis to post-therapy care, a patient with cancer faces an obstacle course of challenges and options. Paramount is orchestrating a comprehensive plan of treatment.

A fully integrated approach is what experts at the Franciscan St. Francis Cancer Center have been forging with others in the medical community. And that is the impetus behind the 2011 Oncology Symposium, Friday, April 29.

The inaugural, day-long event, which will be held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, brings together several clinicians discussing a range of cancer topics, including signs and symptoms, screening guidelines, diagnosis, treatment options and side effects, and effective long-term care after treatment.

“It’s vital to enhance the partnership between primary care and oncology,” said Peter Garrett, M.D., medical director for St. Francis Cancer Care Services and chair of the hospital’s Cancer Committee. “The symposium offers an opportunity for primary care physicians, nurses, oncologists and allied health professionals to discuss and explore integrated approaches to improving patient outcomes.”

Garrett, who will moderate the program, will be joined by speakers, including:

David H. Moore, M.D., a member of St. Francis Medical Group (SFMG), specializes in gynecologic oncology. His practice encompasses the most advanced surgical, radiation and medical treatments.

Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., director of the St. Francis Breast Surgery Program, specializes in breast cancer and melanoma surgery. A SFMG member, she has served as principal investigator of numerous trials.

Michael Morelli, M.D., is medical director of St. Francis’ Colorectal Cancer Center of Excellence. A member of Indianapolis Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Indianapolis, he also practices at St. Francis.

Bridget Sanders, M.D., specializes in colorectal cancer surgery. She is a member of Kendrick Regional Center for Colon and Rectal Care in Mooresville, a practice long affiliated with St. Francis.

Luke Akard, M.D., is a hematologist/oncologist and director of apheresis at the St. Francis-based Indiana Blood and Marrow Transplantation (IBMT). Michael Dugan, M.D., is a hematologist/oncologist and leads IBMT’s quality assurance and management efforts. Akard and Dugan specialize in using transplantation to treat diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Imad Shawa, M.D., and Charles Kinsella, M.D., are lung cancer specialists and pulmonologists and practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health hospitals. Shawa also is a member of the Center for Respiratory and Sleep Medicine. Kinsella practices with Southside Pulmonary and Sleep Consultants in Greenwood.

Judith Duniplace, M.D., is an anesthesiologist and specializes in pain management. She’s affiliated with the Institute of Comprehensive Pain Management in Indianapolis.

Another speaker will offer a different perspective – Brad Stevens, head coach of Butler University men’s basketball team. Stevens and his spouse actively participate in cancer awareness programs in the community, including the American Cancer Society’s Coaches’ Huddle Basketball Tournament in May.

To register or learn more about the symposium, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Cancer/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=268.

More information about services at the St. Francis Cancer Center is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Cancer.

St. Francis Health nurses offer extraordinary compassion in difficult situations

INDIANAPOLIS -- For Kathy Chesney and Jacki Stroud, nursing is far more than a career. It's a calling that transcends providing more than just medical care to their patients.

To that end, these registered nurses are being saluted as the most recent recipients of DAISY awards, presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Chesney, who works at the hospital’s Beech Grove campus, is credited for assisting a distraught outpatient who had returned in desperate need of post-surgical supplies. “She took care of the lady with much sincerity and kindness,” a peer recalled. “Kathy went out of her

way to turn this situation around and the patient left with the supplies she needed – very happy and thankful.”

Stroud was nominated by the husband of a woman admitted to the labor/delivery unit at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus. It was a difficult delivery; tragically, the infant was stillborn. “My self-confidence was wavering,” he wrote. “But watching Jacki’s steadfastness and hearing her calming voice encouraged me to stay in that room.”

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of

J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 an auto-immune disease. His family was

so impressed by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for him that they created this national award to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere. For more information, go to www.daisyfoundation.org.

To learn more about nursing careers and programs at St. Francis, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/nursing.

Kathy Chesney (l) and Jacki Stroud display their recent DAISY Awards.

Gynecology practice now part of St. Francis Medical Group

INDIANAPOLIS – Meridian Gynecological Center, a Mooresville, Ind.-based practice, has joined St. Francis Medical Group, effective March 1.

Led by G. Alan Von Stein, M.D., the practice is now known as St. Francis Medical Group Women's Health & Gynecologic Surgery. The center offers health screenings, diagnostics and treatment, specialized treatment for urinary incontinence management, advanced and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, management and treatment of pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Von Stein, who has been recognized by Indianapolis Monthly magazine’s annual “Top Docs” for gynecology and gynecological surgery, is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Trafalgar, Ind., resident has a long affiliation with Franciscan St. Francis Health. He has served as medical director of the St. Francis Women’s Center and medical staff president at the hospital’s Mooresville campus.

Von Stein, an honors undergraduate at the University of Toledo (Ohio), earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed an obstetrics/gynecology residency at the IU Medical Center. He holds a clinical academic appointment at the IU School of Medicine and has made frequent presentations at various medical centers.

St. Francis Medical Group Women's Health & Gynecologic Surgery is located at 1205 Hadley Road, Mooresville. More information about the practice can be found at http://drvonstein.yourmd.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/site.home.cfm.

St. Francis Medical Group physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health (formerly St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers).

To learn more about St. Francis Medical Group, go to www.stfrancisdoctors.org.

Long-time south Indy surgical group joins St. Francis Medical Group

INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Southside Surgical has been become part of St. Francis Medical Group.

That acquisition, effective March 1, harnesses the talents of surgeons who have been affiliated with Franciscan St. Francis Health since 1989. The new name of the practice is St. Francis Medical Group Indy Southside Surgical.

The five-surgeon team collectively has 80 years of experience and offer a wide range of general and specialized procedures (invasive and non-invasive). The surgeons all earned their medical degrees at the Indiana University School of Medicine and are board-certified in surgery. They are:

David M. Mandelbaum, M.D. completed his general surgery residency at The Ohio State University and is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). He is a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association.

Jonathan A. Mandelbaum, M.D., completed his general surgery residency at The Ohio State University and is Fellow in both the ACS and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. He holds memberships in the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association. Mandlebaum, co-medical director of St. Francis Weight Loss Center’s bariatric surgery program, also has been named as a leader in general surgery by Indianapolis Monthly magazine’s “Top Docs.”

Donald G. King, M.D., completed his general surgery residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. He is an ACS Fellow and a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons,
Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association.

Matthew J. Libke, M.D., completed his general surgery residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. He is an ACS Fellow and has memberships with the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association.

Mark R. Edwards, M.D., completed his general surgery residency at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. An ACS Fellow, Edwards is a member of the American Medical Association.

St. Francis Medical Group Indy Southside Surgical has locations at 5255 E. Stop 11 Road, Suite 450, Indianapolis; and 1203 E. Hadley Road, Suite 204, Mooresville.

To learn more about this surgical practice, go to www.indysouthsidesurgical.com/home.

St. Francis Medical Group physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health (formerly St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers).

To learn more about St. Francis Medical Group, go to www.stfrancisdoctors.org.

St. Francis Health nurse to be honored by statewide health group

INDIANAPOLIS – Rene Atkins has forged a career caring for mothers-to-be and newborns, and helping couples prepare for parenthood. Her commitment to patients and the nursing profession has garnered recognition of the Indiana Perinatal Network (IPN).

Atkins, a registered nurse at Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis, will be the recipient of the 2011 Spirit of Service Clinical Care Award March 11 at IPN’s state conference. The award recognizes an individual’s clinical contributions in caring for pregnant women and infant.

The Indianapolis resident graduated from Midway College in 1984 and has been on staff with St. Francis’ Women and Children Services for 21 years. She has been a certified lactation consultant for seven years, and has also coordinated the hospital’s Lactation Services program for the last 2 ½ years.

Atkins serves as a co-chair for the South Central Breastfeeding Alliance that provides community breastfeeding education and resources to healthcare workers and families.

She also has led St. Francis’ annual participation in World Breastfeeding Week, an event celebrated the first week of August that provides opportunities to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and to make people aware of how we can lend support to mothers who want to breastfeed.

To learn more about Women and Children’s Services at Franciscan St. Francis Health, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=134.

St. Francis surgeon explains orthopedic, joint replacement therapies March 23

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

The St. Francis “Road Show” will be coming to town at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, at the Bloomington–Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar. A light buffet will be served at 6 p.m.

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

Meding is the principal author of a study recently published in U.S. News & World Report. You can read the article at http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/pain/articles/2011/02/17/knee-replacements-still-work-20-years-later.

To register for this seminar, call St. Francis toll-free at 1-877-888-1777.

More information about the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is at stfrancishospitals.org. Click the link in the center section of the home page.