Bulletin - Mercy Medical Center

Bulletin
Mercy West Lakes welcomes
new administrator
Laurie Conner, currently
the chief executive
officer of Dallas
County Hospital in
Perry, has been named
administrator of Mercy
Medical Center – West
Lakes and vice president,
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines. Laurie
will begin her transition to the Mercy West
Lakes campus on Monday, Sept. 6.
Laurie received her Bachelor of Arts degree
in Community Health Education from the
University of Northern Iowa and holds a
Master of Public Administration degree
from Drake University. She is also a fellow
of the American College of Healthcare
Executives. Prior to serving for 10 years
as CEO of Dallas County Hospital, Laurie
successfully directed the rural network for
Iowa Health System.
During her tenure at Dallas County
Hospital, Laurie was credited with
numerous accomplishments–including
implementing a successful culture of
safety, operating a fiscally responsible
organization while completing nine
construction projects and exhibiting an
unwavering commitment to process
improvement and achievement of the best
possible clinical outcomes.
“We feel privileged to add an executive of
Laurie’s caliber to our leadership team,”
Mercy President & CEO Dave Vellinga said.
“Laurie brings to Mercy a strong sense
of commitment to clinical quality, service
excellence and community involvement.”
JULY 30, 2010
Joint replacement surgery helps coach
return to enjoying a healthy, active life
For high school health teacher and athletic
enthusiast Edgar Baxton, life is action. His
competitive spirit has not only helped him
coach volleyball, track and basketball in
Fort Dodge, but also train his daughter,
a three-time all-American track star. In
addition, he enjoys playing racquetball
two to three times a week, riding his
motorcycle, swimming every morning and
biking more than 3,000 miles per year –
including participating in RAGBRAI® for
26 consecutive years.
Unfortunately, over the years, the
physically demanding activities Edgar
enjoys have led to wear and tear on the 59year-old’s joints. As a result, Edgar found
he was unable to do some of the things he
once loved. “I was overzealous and wore
out my joints,” he said. “I have a high pain
tolerance and continued to push myself
despite the pain.”
In 2009, orthopaedic surgeon Scott Meyer,
M.D., replaced both of Edgar’s shoulders.
While those surgeries were successful,
Edgar soon began experiencing pain in
his left hip. On April 3, 2010, the pain
became almost unbearable, causing Edgar
to skip his scheduled racquetball game.
“It was completely unlike me, but I knew
I couldn’t play,” he said. “Later that day, I
was at Younkers with my wife and I had to
sit down because the pain was so intense.
One of my racquetball partners, who is
also a physician, happened to walk by, saw
me slumped over in pain and encouraged
me to get help.”
Just two days later, after an MRI and a
consultation with Dr. Joshua Kimelman,
Edgar underwent total hip replacement.
As part of his recovery, Edgar participated
in Joint Camp, a program of the Mercy
Above, Edgar Baxton once again enjoys riding
his motorcycle just months after having total hip
replacement surgery. This week, Edgar is participating
in one of his favorite summer activities – he’s riding
his bicycle 442 miles across the state during his 27th
consecutive RAGBRAI.
Center for Joint Replacement. The allinclusive program is intended for patients
who are preparing for, undergoing and
recovering from hip or knee replacement
surgery. “After surgery, I was up and
walking right away,” Edgar said. “The day
I was discharged, I even went and watched
a track meet. I’d encourage anyone to have
joint replacement surgery if they need it.”
Less than three months later, Edgar is
back on his bike and participating in
RAGBRAI XXXVIII. “The element of pain
is gone,” he said. “I have my summer. I’m
coaching and looking forward to playing
racquetball again.”
“Edgar does more with an artificial hip
than people who are half his age with
their natural joint still intact,” said Dr.
Kimelman. “He wears me out when I see
him in the clinic; he is going 100 mph
sitting still.”
For more information on joint
replacement surgery or Joint Camp, visit
www.mercydesmoines.org/ortho.
CONGRATULATIONS T
O...
Cheryl Dahl, Mercy Cancer Center Radiation Oncology, and Jacob, on
the birth of their daughter, Talyn Neil. Talyn was born on July 18 and
was welcomed home by Piper, 4, and Paige, 3.
Colin Eppenauer-Burds, Mercy Clinics Geriatric Services, and
Stephen Burds, on the birth of their son, Nicholas. Nicholas was
born on July 12 and was welcomed home by Annika, 7, Maya, 4, and
Calleigh, 3.
Katie Scandrett, Main OR, and Jeff, on the birth of their daughter, Khloe
Lyn. Khloe was born on July 7 and was welcomed home by Kara, 2.
Jessica Schroeder, Food and Nutrition, and Brian, on the birth of their
son, Brayden Thomas. Brayden was born on July 25 and is the couple’s
first child.
Jessica Storey, CMICU, and Kevin Metzger, on the birth of their son,
Parker Michael. Parker was born on July 19 and is the couple’s first
child.
Rachel Ford, House of Mercy, and Nicholas, on the birth of their son,
Fynn Hayden. Fynn was born on July 21 and was welcomed home by
Hudson, 2.
Katie Teel, Nuclear Medicine, and Ryan, on the birth of their son,
Miles Ryan. Miles was born on June 23 and was welcomed home by
MaKenna, 2.
Erin Jenkins, Mercy West Lakes Med/Surg, and Matt, on the birth of
their son, Owen Michael. Owen was born on July 7 and was welcomed
home by Nathan, 2.
Katie Terlisner, Pre Surgery, and Ben, on the birth of their son, Simon
Kenneth. Simon was born on May 2 and was welcomed home by
Wesley, 4.
Libby Jennings, NICU, and Victor Moreno, on the birth of their
daughter, Lakyn. Lakyn was born on July 24 and was welcomed home
by Gage, 2, and Liv, 1.
Amanda Thomas, Mercy Diagnostic Medicine Clinic, and Tony Luna,
on the birth of their daughter, Paizlee Harlo. Paizlee was born on July 16
and is the couple’s first child.
Holly Lantz, Maternity Triage and Treatment, and Brian, on the birth
of their son, Zackary Wayne. Zackary was born on July 8 and was
welcomed home by Alyssa, 2.
OUR SYMPATHY TO...
Sven Larsen, 7 South, and Kelly, on the birth of their son, Jonathan
Lief. Jonathan was born on July 7 and is the couple’s first child.
Janet Reid, NICU, and Jeremy Crosser, on the birth of their son, Asa
Allen. Asa was born on July 18 and is the couple’s first child.
Jamie Rietz, 8 North, and Luke, on the birth of their daughter, Lauren
Nicole. Lauren was born on June 23 and was welcomed home by
Harrison, 2.
Friends and family of Sister Mary Brigid Condon, RSM.
Angela DeWeese, Mercy Clinical Lab, on the death of her brother.
Becky Oliva, Mercy Home Health Rehabilitation Services, on the death
of her grandmother.
Suzanne Tovar, CSICU, on the death of her mother.
Mercy’s 19th annual Stork Affair seeks volunteer assistance
Volunteers are being sought to help make
Mercy’s 19th annual Stork Affair a fun and
successful event for expecting parents and
those thinking about starting a family.
Scheduled to take place in the East Tower
Conference Center on Saturday, Sept. 18,
from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Stork Affair needs
volunteers for set-up (from 3-7 p.m. on
Friday, Sept. 17) and for a variety of tasks
during the event – including providing
directional assistance, greeting guests at
the registration table and assisting with the
Educational Expo. Volunteers on Saturday
may choose to work from 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.
– 1 p.m. or all day (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.).
All volunteers will receive a free T-Shirt. If
you are interested in participating, please
contact Kate Westercamp, Public Relations
and Marketing, at x-38217. For more
information about this year’s Stork Affair,
visit www.mercydesmoines.org/storkaffair.
Bulletin
Volume 10 Issue 31 | July 30, 2010
The Bulletin is published weekly for employees
and friends of Mercy Medical Center, 1111 6th
Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2611.
Editorial Staff
Erin Kurth ...................................................... Editor
Amy Bentz ............................................ Contributor
Lisa Jones ............................................. Contributor
Megan Jorgensen ................................. Contributor
Gregg Lagan ......................................... Contributor
Traci McBee .......................................... Contributor
Sarah Todd ............................................. Contributor
Kate Westercamp .................................. Contributor
Laura Vanden Bosch .................................... Director
If you are interested in submitting information
to be printed in the Bulletin, send it to PR and
Marketing or call (515) 247-3050.