Students poised for careers after graduating from medical tech program

Back row, left to right:  Kristen Daniel, Avery Davis, Grant Noakes, Caitlin Finelli

Front row, left to right:  Eden Shewman,  Erika Freese

INDIANAPOLIS – Six students recently graduated from the Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program.

The 2014 graduates and specialty field majors are:

Kristen Daniel, University of St. Francis (BA, biology 2012). Parents, Rolf and Aimee Daniel, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Avery Davis, Indiana University (BS, microbiology 2013). Parents, Jan and Alan Garcia; Scott and Christina Davis, Indianapolis.

Caitlin Finelli, Miami University (BA, microbiology 2013; BS medical laboratory science 2014). Parents, Daniel and Kathleen Finelli, Solon, Ohio.

Erika Freese, Franklin College (BA, biology 2014), Parents, Scott and Susan Taylor, Greenwood, Ind.

Grant Noakes, Manchester University (BA, medical technology 2014). Parents, Lori and Mike Williams; Thomas Noakes, LaPorte, Ind.

Eden Shewman, University of Indianapolis (BS, medical technology 2014). Parents, Dwight and Penny Shewman, Mentone, Ind.

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

The 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.

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 345 students have graduated from the program since its inception. 

New clinic offers convenient primary care to Greenwood city employees, families

GREENWOOD, Ind. -- Employees of the City of Greenwood enrolled in a medical plan with ADVANTAGE Health Solutions Inc. ^SM  (Advantage) now have a central location to have their medical and wellness needs met.

Franciscan WorkingWell and Greenwood have partnered to offer an employee health and wellness center, which will open June 3 at the New City Center Building, 300 S. Madison Ave. The clinic’s focus is to provide convenient primary care for acute illnesses and minor injuries for covered city employees and dependents over the age of 1.

"The health center is a tremendous benefit to our employees and their families,” said Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers. “It’s convenient and offered at no cost to the employees and their families covered under the city’s health insurance plan and should reduce our medical care costs.”

Eligible employees and their dependents can use a variety of services free, including: treatment for sore throats, colds, flu and sinus infections; flu shots and strep throat cultures; lab, prescription and generic drugs; and physicals  and preventive/wellness screenings

The clinic will be led by Daniel Wikse, MD, a family medicine and occupational medicine specialist with Franciscan St. Francis Health.

“Our partnership with the City of Greenwood will make a positive impact on the quality of work-life for their employees and their families,” said Joe Sagorsky, director of Franciscan St. Francis Employer Health Solutions.

Franciscan WorkingWell offers quality, timely occupational health services through locations in Greenwood/south Indianapolis and Mooresville. 

Senior Promise slates Spring Fling Strawberry Festival at 2 locations

Franciscan St. Francis Health Senior Promise will host a Spring Fling Strawberry Festival Tuesday, May 20 at Sarah T. Bolton Park, 1300 Churchman Ave., Beech Grove; and Thursday, May 22 at Pioneer Park, Shelter #2, 1101 Indianapolis Road, Mooresville. 

The inaugural event, held from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 p.m. at both locations, is free and geared for all ages. It is being held to celebrate National Older American’s Month, recognized in May.  

The festival offers live music by The Tides, strawberry shortcake, door prizes and the opportunity to socialize with others to help stay connected.   

“Senior Promise is delighted to offer this new event in honor of National Older American’s Month,” said Jeanelle Regal, Senior Promise director. “We look forward to hosting Spring Fling events each May with new themes and activities.”

In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the Government Center, 4 E. Harrison 

St., Mooresville and Altenheim Senior Living, 3525 E. Hanna Ave., Beech Grove. 

This event is free for the public. For more information, contact Senior Promise at 317-528-6660.  

Physician establishes practice with Irvington Family Medicine

INDIANAPOLIS – Lawrence M. Cohen, MD, has joined Franciscan Physician Network Irvington Family Medicine and is accepting new patients.

He has been in private practice since 1979 in the Indianapolis area and has had hospital privileges at Franciscan St. Francis Health for many years.

Cohen joins Mark P. Hodgkin, MD; and Bernard M. Herbst, MD, whose practice is located at 5839 East Washington St.

Cohen received his undergraduate degree from Wabash College and earned his medical degree at the Indiana University School of Medicine. His internship was with St. Joseph Hospital and Health Care Center in South Bend and he completed his family medicine residency training at St. Vincent Health.

An Indianapolis resident, he is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Marion County Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Association. He also has held instructor assignments with the IU School of Medicine.

Irvington Family Medicine recently moved into a new medical office complex and features 12 exam rooms.

Father may know best, but many new Dads need more educating

INDIANAPOLIS – Yeah, sure. She’s the one sporting that baby bump. But Dads, too, have important work to do in the months ahead.

As a father-to-be, you play a key role in supporting your partner and helping to ensure a healthy pregnancy. “Dads often express not feeling the reality of a pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters,” said Ann Clute, RN, childbirth education coordinator and educator at Franciscan St. Francis Health. ”Dads don’t experience firsthand the discomfort and the fetal movements like moms do.

“That’s why childbirth classes are a great way for him to get involved,” she added. “He will meet other dads who feel exactly the same way he does.  He can learn and practice ways to support Mom through the rest of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. ”

Dads are also an integral part of the breastfeeding family so we can teach him ways to reassure Mom when she is feeling frustrated and unsure those first few weeks of nursing, said Clute. Newborn care classes allow for hands on practice with diapering, dressing, swaddling and holding a newborn; skills that scare many expectant fathers.

“And dads ask the best questions in class and are often the ones who lighten the mood in a classroom setting so childbirth educators love interacting with them,” said Clute.

It takes two

In addition to signing up for childbirth classes, here are some other ways to be more involved. Find out what it’s all about. From books to websites, try to learn more about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. You and your partner might quiz each other and share pointers.

Go to her prenatal care visits. At one of the earlier appointments, you may hear your little one’s heartbeat. Later, you can even see the baby—and perhaps learn whether you’re having a girl or a boy.

Don’t light up. If you smoke, you may never have a better reason to quit. Secondhand smoke can harm your baby even before he or she is born. In the meantime, be sure not to smoke around your partner. And talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Help her have a healthy pregnancy. There are a lot of other ways you can help your partner and the baby stay healthy. For example:

·        Eat a healthy diet together, and avoid alcohol and illegal drugs so that it’s easier for her to do the same.

·        Take walks together, as long as it’s OK with her doctor. It’s a great way to bond and help her get some healthy exercise.

·        Help her steer clear of things that may be especially harmful to her now, such as harsh chemicals. If you have a cat, don’t let her empty the litter box.

·        Help prepare for the new arrival. You and your partner can decide how to set up the baby’s sleep area. And you might shop together for a crib, baby clothes and other items you’ll need for the baby. You can even put your mechanical skills on display by installing an appropriate infant safety seat in your vehicle well before your precious cargo’s first ride home.

Childbirth classes can help both mom and dad prepare for baby. Register for a class by calling 528-5554. To learn more about the classes Franciscan St. Francis Health offers, visit tinyarrivals.com.