St. Francis Health medical technology students poised for graduation, careers

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

Upon completion of the program, the students also are expected, or already have, received bachelor degrees from their respective schools. The 2011 graduates and field majors are:

Shannon Deal, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. She earned her degree in biology in 2010.

Amanda Didier, Indiana State University, majoring in medical technology (2011).

Annie Girdler, University of Indianapolis, majoring in medical technology (2011).

Daniel Shay Jones, Franklin College, earned his degree in biology in 2010.

Alison Simerlein, University of Miami (Ohio), majoring in microbiology and clinical laboratory science (2011).

Graduation is set for 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 20, 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.

More than 330 students have graduated from the program since its inception.

St. Francis’ Beech Grove campus houses many of the educational opportunities and services. The school’s facilities include a student laboratory that features lecture and audiovisual facilities and an adjoining library.

The incoming 2011-12 class will graduate under a new name – the Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program. In March 2012, their training will switch to St. Francis’ Indianapolis campus on the city’s south side.

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 Franciscan St. Francis Health School of Medical Technology is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Labs/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=25.

Free back pain seminar offered by St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis

NDIANAPOLIS – Wondering about that aching back? The stiffness and soreness in the neck and back?

The causes of these and other ailments such as arthritis will be explained at a free back pain seminar 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, at St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. The event will be in Classrooms I and II, near the main entrance of the hospital.

St. Francis medical staff will be on hand to explain some of the last non-surgical treatments, medications and advances in physical therapy.

To register or for more information, call toll-free at 877-888-1777.

‘Medical and SurgicalWeight Loss’ information session scheduled in Lafayette

Lafayette, Ind. -- Physicians and staff representatives from the St. Francis Weight Loss Center will present two community education programs on “Medical and Surgical Weight Loss” on Wednesday, June 18, at St. Elizabeth's Katherine Weil Education Center.

The first session will start at noon and include lunch. The evening session will start at 6:30 p.m.

The St. Francis Weight Loss Center, located on the south side of Indianapolis, provides surgical and physician-monitored weight loss solutions, including Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and Lap-Band surgery and fills, as well as nutrition and behavioral counseling.

Since 2002, the center and its staff have helped more than 1,000 Hoosiers achieve a healthier weight and life through its weight management services.

The St. Francis Weight Loss Center was named a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery in 2007. This recognizes the safety, efficiency and overall positive surgical results of the bariatric surgical program at St. Francis. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation is awarded to surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

For more information on the services, please visit www.stfrancishospitals.org/weightloss.

The program will be held at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education located inside the Medical Arts Building at 415 N. 26th St., Suite 400 in Lafayette. For your convenience, reserved parking will be available on the second level of the Home Hospital parking garage.

These programs are free, but registration is required. To register or for more information, call the Kathryn Weil Center for Education at (765) 449-5133.

Surgeon explains orthopedic, joint replacement therapies, June 4

COLUMBUS, 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 4, at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 2485 Jonathan Moore Pike. In the spotlight is a hip and knee replacement seminar.

Michael Berend, 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.

Berend is a surgeon with Indiana Joint Replacement Surgeons, a practice group whose Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is affiliated with the St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery two 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 www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=23.

St. Francis surgeon explains heart murmurs at Greenwood library

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Have you or a family member been diagnosed with a heart murmur? Are you unsure about what that means?

At an upcoming “Ask the Doc” program sponsored by the St. Francis Heart Center on Monday, April 14, cardiothoracic surgeon Marc Gerdisch, M.D., will explain why it is important to understand why heart valves may cause murmurs and when it’s time to seek treatment. Gerdisch is the medical director of Cardiac Surgery Associates in Indianapolis.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected.

Surgery, including heart valve repairs and valve replacement, can correct the condition and prevent heart failure.

The free, hour-long program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the White River Public Library 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood.

To register, call 317-782-4422.

Nationally known expert on tap for Heart Center talk, April 9

INDIANAPOLIS – One of the nations’s leading experts on lifestyle modification and cardiovascular disease is the featured speaker of the Change of Heart program, sponsored by the St. Francis Heart Center.

Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D., director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., will discuss the effective ways people can incorporate exercise into their daily lives. He’s the co-author of Take a Load Off Your Heart and host of a national public television special bearing the same title.

Franklin, who earned a doctoral degree in physiology from Pennsylvania State University, will give his presentation at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at the St. Francis Heart Center’s Community Center, located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Entrance No. 1.

To register for the class, call 317-782-4422.

The Change of Heart class series is designed to teach heart-healthy habits and lifestyle changes. Class series are offered in the spring and fall and limited class selections in the summer.

Rheumatology discussion on tap at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Rheumatology, a medical specialty that hinges largely on arthritis and other maladies in the joints, muscles and bones, is the focus of a special seminar Friday, March 28, at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

The discussion, which is open to the public, will be led by William A. Kcomt, M.D., who recently joined the Mooresville medical staff. The event gets under way at 6:30 p.m.

Kcomt, a member of St. Francis Medical Group, specializes in the management of neck, shoulder and lower back pain; the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, inflammatory muscle and joint conditions; and prevention of fractures.

Kcomt’s practice is in the Rheumatology Center, Family Medical Pavilion at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, Suite 160,1001 Hadley Rd.

A moveable feat: Surgeon explains orthopedic therapies, March 19

BLOOMINGTON, 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, March 19, at the Bloomington-Monroe County Convention Center. In the spotlight is a special seminar on hip and knee replacement.

John Meding, M.D., will explain the latest procedures in joint replacement and arthritis treatments. His specialty is adult reconstructive surgery with specialty interests in sports medicine, shoulder disorders and joint replacement.

Meding is a surgeon with Indiana Joint Replacement Surgeons, a practice group whose Center for Hip & Knee Surgery is affiliated with the St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

The Center has been ranked No. 1 in Indiana for joint surgery two 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 www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=23.

And the beat goes on: Cardiologist explains irregular heart rhythms

INDIANAPOLIS – Ever wonder why some folks feel their heart racing and experience lightheadedness? It’s likely cause is irregular heart rhythms, and that’s the topic for the latest installment in the Ask-the-Doc series sponsored by the St. Francis Heart Center.

Electrophysiologist Robert Kinn, M.D., of Indiana Heart Physicians, will discuss atrial fibrillation and other heart arrhythmias and treatment choices 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 20.

The class, which is free to the public, will meet in the Heart Center’s community center near entrance No. 1, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

To register or for more information, call 317-782-4422, or go on-line at www.stfrancishospitals.org/heart and go to the “classes & events” link.

St. Francis is local host for national teleconference on kids’ grief

INDIANAPOLIS – The St. Francis Palliative Medicine program will be the local host of a national teleconference focused on ways to help youngsters cope with grief and loss.

The Hospice Foundation of America’s 15th annual Living With Grief® Children and Adolescents is a live satellite and Webcast sponsored by the Foundation for End-of-Life Care. The conference’s emphasis is on the experience of grieving children and adolescents and the ways parents, hospice and other medical professionals, social workers, counselors, clergy and funeral directors can support them.

The program will be moderated by Frank Sesno, professor of media and public affairs at the George Washington University and a special correspondent with CNN.

Locally, the conference will be from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16. It will be broadcast at the St. Francis Hospital auditorium, 1600 Albany St., Beech Grove.

The program is free and the book, “Living With Grief: Children and Adolescents,” will be available for sale to conference participants.

To register or learn more about the conference, call 317-783-8930.

More information about the St. Francis Palliative Medicine program is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=322.

St. Francis Hospice also will offer Spring Caterpillar Kids – a bereavement program for children ages 5-12 – beginning March 12. The workshops, which are free, are from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and run three consecutive Wednesdays with a one-week break, then resume for three additional sessions.

To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call Roberta White at 317-865-2092 or toll-free at 800-390-9915.

Diabetes patients, families served by St. Francis support program

INDIANAPOLIS – The Diabetes Support Group at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has launched a new series of weekly programs.

The group will meet 6:30 p.m., the first Thursday of each month, from February to December. There’s no cost for participating patients and their families.

Meetings are held at the St. Francis Education Center, 5935 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 100 in classroom 2.

For more information, call 317-782-6600.

###

St. Francis, Wellness Community host seminar for cancer patients

INDIANAPOLIS – Stephen Eberwine, M.D., medical oncologist for the St. Francis Oncology Head and Neck program, will discuss the language of cancer at a free seminar for cancer patients and their families Friday, Feb. 22.

The session, which includes lunch for all registered participants, will be from noon to 2 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

The program is designed for both newly diagnosed and in-treatment patients with all types of cancer. Caregivers are also welcome. Ample time will be provided for participants' questions.

Registration is required. To register, call 317-782-4422 or for more information on cancer services at St. Francis Hospital, visit www.StFrancisHospitals.org/cancer.

The event is sponsored by St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and the Wellness Community of Central Indiana.

###

Freedom From Smoking: A liberating way to snuff a bad habit

INDIANAPOLIS – Tobacco is a tough habit to kick and folks often need encouragement and help to quit.

That’s why the St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and the American Lung Association have teamed up to offer the step-by-step cessation program, Freedom From Smoking©.

The latest session gets under way 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, at the St. Francis Community Relations Carson Square Office, 3145 E. Thompson Rd. The seven-week program shows participants how to use a variety of behavior modification techniques to help participants quit smoking.

The cost for the program is $50; however, the fee may be reimbursed by insurance companies.

To register for Freedom From Smoking classes, call (317) 782-7999.

###

Program helps women cancer patients ‘Look Good, Feel Better’

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis will host a free workshop for women with cancer from noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

The program is at the hospital, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis. Family members or a support person is welcome to attend.

The Look Good, Feel Better workshop teaches women with cancer beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Volunteer licensed cosmetologists lead small groups, usually consisting of six to 10 women, through practical, hands-on experience. Women learn about makeup techniques, skin care, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.

The workshop is supported by the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association. Participants are required to register for the workshop and may do so by calling 317- 782-4422.

More information on cancer services at St. Francis Hospital, visit www.StFrancisHospitals.org/cancer.

Women’s health care, outreach programs garner national praise

INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been selected as a Spirit of Women Premier Hospital after surpassing national standards measuring clinical excellence in women’s health care and community outreach.

This recognition comes from the Spirit of Women Health Network in cooperation with the Office of Women’s Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. St. Francis’ selection comes on the heels of a 2007 evaluation gauging performance in medical care, community outreach programs, diverse educational efforts and care provided to sexual assault victims.

"It’s rewarding to be recognized nationally for programs we believe are important to our community," said Lori Warner, director of St. Francis’ Women & Children’s Services. "Because Spirit of Women offers an ideal position to assess the range and scope of health issues facing women in our country today, this honor is particularly meaningful."

St. Francis offers a full spectrum of clinical services and community and educational programs targeting women of all ages and cultural diversity. Such programs include parish nursing, concierge models and health "navigators" who deliver personalized services.

One such program is Center of Hope, a partnership designed to reach and treat sexual assault victims in a compassionate and confidential way.

"Few hospitals in our nation – even the world – recognize how to provide appropriate medical care, preventive care and educational services to women," said Tanya Abreu, president and national program director of the Spirit of Women Health Network. "St. Francis is one of the few facilities in our country that accomplishes these goals."

Michele Wood, R.N, manages the St. Francis Spirit of Women program, which is one of six such hospitals in Indiana and among nearly 60 nationwide. To learn more about its programs, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/Women.

Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives through a variety of health, community and educational programs. For more information about the network, visit www.spiritofwomen.com.

St. Francis diabetes education program earns national recognition

INDIANAPOLIS – The Diabetes Education Program at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been awarded continued accreditation for its work by the American Diabetes Association.

The ADA Education Recognition cites the Diabetes Self-Management Program at St. Francis’ three hospitals at Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville as offering high-quality education services to their patients.

“Self management education is an essential component for diabetes treatment,” said Carol Reed, M.P.H., a certified diabetes educator at the St. Francis Diabetes Center. “The accreditation process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of the services they provide – and certainly it helps patients to identify these quality programs.

The center offers a number of diabetes classes to help you take control of your health, including:
Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring
Comprehensive Diabetes Comprehensive Classes
Insulin Administration
Insulin Pump Program
Nutrition Counseling
Preconception Care for Women with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

More information about the St. Francis Diabetes Program is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=79. To subscribe to the program’s free electronic newsletter go to www.myssfhs.org/newsletter/profile/createprofile.aspx?facility=1