Program helps patients move forward, beyond their cancer treatment

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Treating cancer can be a rocky ride of radiation treatments, chemotherapy and surgeries. And returning to a normal life after the battle presents other challenges.

Franciscan St. Francis Health and Cancer Support Community Central Indiana are introducing Moving Beyond, a cancer survivorship program. It blends a unique and holistic approach, combining physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health components for survivors, loved ones and caregivers.

Moving Beyond is a free 12-week program and offers classes beginning in March and continuing throughout the year. They will be held in the Cancer Center’s second floor conference rooms at 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Entrance 4.

Dates and times are:

Session 1: Tuesdays, March 1 – May 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Session 2: Thursdays, March 3 – May 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Session 3: Tuesdays, June 7 – Aug. 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Session 4: Thursdays, June 9 – Aug. 25, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Session 5: Tuesdays, Sept. 6 – Nov. 29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Session 6: Thursdays, Sept. 8 – Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Each week focuses on a different topic to meet the needs of cancer survivors and caregivers. Participants will receive weight management and fitness tool kits, and learn the benefits of exercise, relaxation techniques, healthy meal planning and easy meal preparation.

To register, visit FranciscanStFrancis.org/MovingBeyond, or call 317-528-1412.

Franciscan St. Francis Health selects imaging services administrative director

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Nanette M, Kelley, MBA, MHA, has been appointed administrative director of imaging services at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

In that role, she will oversee the daily operations of all imaging services at Franciscan St. Francis’ Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel campuses and off-site locations. She has served as director of business and outreach for the Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center, a position she has held since 2008.

Kelley has many years of experience in the health care industry, analyzing clinical and financial trends, aligning them to ensure positive patient outcomes and achieving growth with the hospital’s cardiovascular service line.

An Indianapolis resident, she worked as a senior financial advisor for the hospital before joining the Peace Corps, serving as a small enterprise development volunteer in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Kelley received her undergraduate degree in business (accounting concentration) from Butler University, where she also earned a master degree in business administration. She also earned a master of healthcare administration from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne.

New physician establishes practice with Gynecologic Oncology Specialists

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Tina Abisola Ayeni, MD, has joined Gynecologic Oncology Specialists, a practice with Franciscan Physician Network.

She joins David H. Moore, MD, and their offices are located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave.,

Cancer Center Suite 204, Indianapolis.

Dr. Ayeni most recently was in private practice in Minneapolis. Prior to that, she was assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

A Diplomate with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, she received her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering sciences from Harvard University and earned her medical degree from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education.

Dr. Ayeni has also been active in delivering gynecologic surgical care to underserved populations, dedicating her time to Global Health Outreach (Mexico and Ecuador) and the International Organization for Women & Development (Niger).

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ayeni, call (317) 528-2555.

Franciscan Physician Network is a division of the Mishawaka, Indiana-based Franciscan Alliance. To learn more about network primary and specialty care services in central Indiana, go to FranciscanDocs.org.

New palliative care leaders selected by Franciscan St. Francis Health

David Mandelbaum

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – David M. Mandelbaum, MD, and Lynn Marie Robbin, MSN, have been appointed medical director and director, respectively, for Palliative Care Services at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

They lead a team of providers whose interdisciplinary care relieves suffering and improves quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative medicine assists patients who are experiencing serious, often life-limiting illnesses, while providing support for their loved ones.

Long associated with Franciscan St. Francis, Dr. Mandelbaum also serves as medical co-director for Franciscan VNS Hospice, director of the Office of Medical Staff Engagement, and as the physician leader of the hospital’s transition to an electronic medical records system.

Lynn Robbin

A native of New York City, he has served as President and Vice President of the Franciscan St. Francis Health Medical Staff and chaired the Department of Surgery. He was a practicing general surgeon with Franciscan Physician Network Indy Southside Surgical from 1986 to 2009.

Dr. Mandelbaum received his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Indiana University, where he later earned his medical degree. He completed an internship, residency and fellowship in surgery at The Ohio State University Hospitals.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Academy of Home Care Medicine, the American College of Physician Executives, American Medical Association, Indiana State Medical Association and Indianapolis Medical Society.

A nurse practitioner, Robbin, who has been affiliated with Franciscan St. Francis since 2007, was manager of the Palliative Care Department where she was responsible for the inpatient acute care unit and daily operations. She also has served in nursing leadership and related clinical and research roles with Central Indiana Cancer Centers, Indianapolis-area hospitals and Riverview Hospital.

A New Palestine resident, Robbin received an undergraduate degree in education from Indiana University.

She held various elementary teaching positions before receiving an associate of science in nursing from IU, where she graduated with honors. In 2005, Robbin earned a master of science in nursing from IU.

Robbin is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International (honor society of nursing), Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses of Indiana, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Free heart-healthy classes offered to public throughout February

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

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

From Garden to Table Made Easy

Wednesday, Feb. 17

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Auditorium, Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave. (Entrance 1)

From tiny patio herb gardens to your backyard or community plots, you can grow and make you own fresh, delicious, healthy food. Let us show you how to enjoy the bounty of the seasons. We’ll provide tips and ideas for preparing the food from your garden for beginning and seasoned gardeners alike. 

Growing your own food can save you money, provide good exercise and increase the nutrients you eat. You’ll be surprised at just how flavorful fresh produce can be on its own with little or no added salt and fat.  Preserving a harvest is even more fun. Our experts discuss our favorite techniques, freezing and drying, and how to save herbs to use to flavor your dishes all year-long.

Participants also will be given a package of tips, ideas and seeds to prepare their gardens this spring.

Atrial fibrillation: What are your options?

Wednesday, Feb. 24

Refreshments served at 6 p.m.; program starts at 6:30 p.m.

YMCA at CityWay, 426 S. Alabama St., Indianapolis

Presented by: John W. Moore, III, MD, Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians and Andrew Barksdale, MD, Cardiac Surgery Associates

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a condition where the heart beats irregularly at a high rate. Some people say it feels like a hummingbird fluttering in their chest. When severe, this condition can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Fortunately, physicians and surgeons can treat this condition in several ways. Drs. Moore and Barksdale will discuss signs and symptoms of Afib and the innovative treatment options available. These physicians also will provide details about a new surgical procedure that, when Afib is diagnosed in the early stages may be permanently corrected.