Franciscan St. Francis Health, NWS to offer free Storm Spotter class, preparedness training

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Severe weather consistently has been one of central Indiana’s highest threats over the years. While we have the latest technology to monitor the weather and even detect tornadoes on radar, the trained human eye is still our first line of defense. 

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health’s Emergency Management program is hosting National Weather Service Storm Spotter training from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8. The training is free and open to the public.

“The National Weather Service offers training every year across the country as they rely on trained weather spotters to report conditions in the field that radar can’t detect,” said Diana Leonard, the hospital’s emergency management coordinator.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Dave Tucek will describe cloud and wind patterns associated with severe weather; how to interpret weather radar data; and offer tips on how to remain safe during severe weather.

The event is located in the basement auditorium at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

The hospital was designated as a NWS StormReady Community Supporter, the first health care system in the state to receive such recognition. 

For more information, contact Diana Leonard at 317-528-8956 or diana.leonard@franciscanalliance.org.

Indy, Mooresville physicians selected for Distinguished Service Awards

Dr. Keating

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Two specialty care physicians will soon be honored with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health.

E. Michael Keating, MD, is a retired orthopedic surgeon from the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery and Joint Replacement Surgeons, a practice of Franciscan Physician Network. The second honoree, David C. Pound, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology Inc.

Dr. Keating retired from practice in early 2015 after practicing in Mooresville for more than 25 years. He attended medical school and completed his residency training at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He later served as assistant professor of orthopedics at LSU.

A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Keating has served as chairman of the program committee for The Knee Society.

Dr. Pound

Dr. Pound continues with an active practice in the Indianapolis area. He attended medical school and completed his residency and fellowship training at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he currently holds an academic appointment. He also serves as president of the Indianapolis Gastroenterology Research Foundation and is a board member of Franciscan Alliance in Central Indiana.

“These two physicians have been devoted to excellence in patient care,” said Christopher Doehring, MD, vice president of medical affairs. “Their many years of service and commitment to enhance the quality of care reflects a vibrant dedication to the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.”

Drs. Keating and Pound will be honored with a celebration on Jan. 30 at the Regions Tower in downtown Indianapolis.

Baby New Year arrives at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The clock read 12:40 a.m. and Ava Bentley became the first baby born in 2016 at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

She weighed in at 8 lbs., 4 ounces and was 22 inches long.  She is the daughter of Amanda and Mike Bentley of Greenwood, Indiana.

There were 2,224 babies born at the Indianapolis hospital as of Dec. 29, 2015. Nearly 48,000 infants have been delivered there since 1995, when the Women and Children’s Services program was consolidated at the 8111 S. Emerson Ave. medical campus.

Families of the first New Year Day baby born at Franciscan St. Francis Health receive a gift basket containing items for the baby.

Each time a child is born at the hospital, Jesus Loves Me chimes throughout the hospital via the public address system.