New class of residents to begin training in Family Medicine program

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – A new class of eight physicians have been selected to be a part of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Franciscan St. Francis Health on July 1.

The program lasts 36 months and will launch the Residents’ careers in Family Medicine. They will practice out of the Franciscan St. Francis Family Medicine Center in Indianapolis, and they will see a variety of patients across all age groups and income levels. One of their more specific responsibilities will be providing care for expectant mothers and eventually delivering babies for the same patients at the Indianapolis hospital campus.

                                                                                                            The new residents are: Mary Beth Barnett, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine; Carly Carvell, MD, IU School of Medicine; Katherine Crichfield, DO, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences; Meredith Larson, MD, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; Itoro Okpokho, MD, IU School of Medicine; Joseph Richardville, MD, IU School of Medicine; Melanie Stevens, MD, IU School of Medicine; Jillian Westerhausen, DO, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Throughout the program, the residents – seven of whom are native Hoosiers – will have the opportunity to work closely with fellow physicians, patients and Richard Feldman, MD, Family Medicine Residency Director.

Nearly 238 physicians have completed their residencies at Franciscan St. Francis since the program began 45 years ago. Many of the residents choose to stay in Indiana after the program to establish family medicine practices.

Students prepared for success after graduating from medical tech program

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Six students recently graduated from the Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program. The 2016 graduates and specialty majors are:

Kareem El-Khodary, University of Evansville (BS, Clinical Laboratory Science, 2016). Parents, Rana Alashi and Maher El-Khodary of Evansville, Indiana.

Alexandria Grile, Loyola University (BA, Chemistry, 2015). Parent, Koren Grile of Zionsville, Indiana.

Adam Morris, Purdue University (BS, Medical Laboratory Science, 2016). Parents, Catherine Morris of Naples, Florida, and Scott Morris of California.

Jonathan Sommers, Franklin College (BA, Biology, 2016). Parent Ann Marie Sommers of South Bend, Indiana.

Erica Whittaker, Ball State University (BS, Medical Technology, 2016). Parents, Randy and Lora Bennett of Daleville, Indiana.

Erica Wimer, Purdue University (BS, Biology, 2015). Parents, Duane and Maria Wilmer of Carmel, Indiana.

The Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science is affiliated with several colleges and universities across the Midwest.

The 10-month program, 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.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The next class which begins in July will represent the 50^th class to graduate from the program.

Medical technology involves conducting a wide range of laboratory tests for the detection, diagnosis, treatment and study of diseases. Clinical laboratory scientists work closely with pathologists and other specialists to ensure the accuracy of diagnoses.

More than 350 students have graduated from the program since its inception. For more information, visit franciscanalliance.org

Cancer doctor lauded for her compassionate care, clinical excellence

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Sarah Ali, MD, oncology and hematology specialist, has been recognized as the latest recipient of the Healing Hands Award, presented quarterly by Franciscan St. Francis Health.

The award recognizes physicians for excellence in clinical skills, patient relations, research, stewardship and reflection of the hospital’s ministry, values and mission.

Dr. Ali practices with Oncology & Hematology Specialists, a Franciscan Physician Network practice. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville and attended medical school at St. George’s in the West Indies.

She completed her internal medicine residency training through Michigan State University at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, and her fellowship training at Michigan State University in Lansing.

Dr. Ali joined the Franciscan Physician Network in 2012. She is board-certified in internal medicine and oncology and hematology. She has a special interest in breast malignancies and lymphomas.

Many patients nominated Dr. Ali for the Healing Hands honor.

One patient described her care in this way: “She never forgot that I was, and am, a person, not just another patient.” Another wrote, “She has been very patient and very helpful through this trying time.”

David Mandelbaum, MD, director of Medical Staff Engagement, noted that Dr. Ali has touched many lives. “She has obviously had a great impact on everyone from patients and their families to colleagues and staff members,” he said.

Quality of Life & Wellness Fair offers Morgan Co. residents healthy choices

MOORESVILLE, Indiana – The Healthier Morgan County Initiative is joining with Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville and other like-minded organizations to sponsor a free Quality of Life and Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 11, at Mooresville High School.

More than 50 exhibitors will be on-hand. The event, which is from 9 a.m. to noon and open to visitors of all ages, will include many health and wellness screenings and exhibits on everything from health insurance to hobbies and crafts, technology, local clubs and personal enrichment activities.

Franciscan St. Francis clinicians will provide vaccinations for children covered by Medicaid and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Vaccinations will be offered to youngsters not covered by any insurance plan for $10 each.

Grants from the Kendrick Foundation and assistance from Franciscan St. Francis-Mooresville support the annual Quality of Life and Wellness Fair.

Indy 500 Pace Car, Princesses make pit stop at May 18 Spring Fling

BEECH GROVE, Indiana – In Central Indiana, May is the month of strawberries and fast cars roaring around a storied oval track.

Visitors to the annual Senior Promise Spring Fling Strawberry Festival will get a slice of those traditions Wednesday, May 18 at Sarah T. Bolton Park (1300 Churchman Ave.) A model of this year’s Indianapolis 500 Pace Car – a Chevrolet Camaro SS – and 2016 500 Festival Princesses will be on hand at this year’s event, scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Health Senior Promise will incorporate into this year’s event a bit of the history and tradition of the Indianapolis 500, which is observing its centennial year.

The festival, which is free and open to the public, offers live music by The Tides, door prizes and strawberry shortcake treats. And it provides an opportunity for those 50 and older to take advantage of the myriad benefits of Senior Promise membership.

For more information about the event call 317-528-6660. Learn more about Senior Promise HERE.

 

Free heart-healthy classes offered to public throughout May

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free classes focused on cardiovascular health and wellness in May.

To register for any of the classes, call 317-782-4422 or go online at MyHeartCare.net to see the full listing of spring classes. Seating is limited for these events. The classes include:

Ask the Docs

Cardio-Oncology – How can cancer treatment affect the heart?

Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Presented by Vijay Rao, MD and Eric Rubenstein, MD

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis

Have you or a loved one gone through cancer treatment?  Some cancer drugs can affect the heart muscle, so it is important to monitor your heart condition while going through treatment.  And the effects can last for many years after treatment is complete.  Franciscan Physician Network specialists Dr. Rao (cardiologist) and Dr. Rubenstein (oncologist) will discuss the impact chemotherapy may have on heart muscle and what can be done to help these patients.

Why does it hurt to walk?

Wed, May 25 at 5:30 p.m.

Presented by William Berg, MD

UnaVie Cardiology Center

2451 Intelliplex Dr., Shelbyville

Leg pain can be a result of poor blood flow to the legs through the arteries and can negatively impact a person’s life.  Dr. Berg, a cardiologist with the Franciscan Physician Network specializing in peripheral vascular disease, will discuss the blood flow to the legs, signs and symptoms of arterial vs. venous disease and treatment options available. 

Change of Heart Classes

Healthy Meals on a Budget

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville, 1201 Hadley Road

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.

Meatless Cooking Tips

Thursday, May 26, 6:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Meatless meals may help you live longer. Adding more 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.

Quick meals at home

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Heart Center

Some days, we just don’t have the time – or the desire – to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  But that doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice eating well at home.  Learn how to fix quick and easy nutritious meals you and your family can enjoy.

Reduce Stress

Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville

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 techniques to decrease your stress which can improve your health.

High-school sports physicals now require exams by physicians

Franciscan Sports Medicine hosts clinic May 14 at Indianapolis campus

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As summer high school athletic training programs get under way, parents coaches and athletes need to prepare for the new guidelines regarding sports physicals. All pre-participation exams must be completed by licensed physicians as required by the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

Franciscan St. Francis Health Sports Medicine wants young athletes to get off to a good start and is offering a clinic Saturday, May 14. The clinic is from 9 a.m. to noon and is located at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus (5255 E. Stop 11 Road, Suite 301).

No family doctor? No problem. A staff doctor will be on hand to administer and certify all athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.

The cost is $15 per athlete (cash or check only). Exams are by appointment only and may be made by calling 317-781-1133.