“Good morning.” Those two words never sounded so sweet to the family of Dick Mellinger than on the morning of Sunday, December 18, 2011. Dick had used them to greet his nurse at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

That might seem rather unremarkable except for the fact that Dick had suffered a massive stroke less than 12 hours earlier.

“I was driving to dinner and my wife and daughter and son-in-law were in the car,” said Dick, 63 years old, from Granger, Indiana. “I wasn’t feeling very well, and I started feeling a pressure in my head. Then my heart skipped a beat, and I felt a popping sensation.”

Dick and his family were on their way to dinner at Tosi’s restaurant in Stevensville. He pulled off the highway as his symptoms worsened, and halted at the intersection of Hollywood and John Beers Road.

“He just stopped right in the middle of the road and asked me to drive,” said Lindsay Mellinger, Dick’s wife. “I knew something was really, really wrong. At first, I thought he was having a heart attack.”

Lindsay immediately called 9-1-1, and in a matter of moments Dick’s face and eyes became paralyzed. As luck would have it, the family was going to dinner with friends – two doctors and their son, who’s studying to be a physician.

“They were driving ahead of us because they knew where we were all going,” Dick said. “When we stopped, they turned around to check on us. Of course, they had a pretty good idea of what was happening to me and took control of the situation until the ambulance got there.”

Emergency responders arrived within minutes to take Dick to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. They phoned ahead to prepare the trauma team for his arrival.

“I was thrust into a world I knew absolutely nothing about, but the hospital was unbelievable,” Dick said. “There were probably 15 people waiting for me when I arrived, and I didn’t experience even a moment of hesitation. I couldn’t move, but I could hear and I was aware of what was happening. It was very frightening, but I immediately felt more comfortable in their hands.”

Christopher Trigger, MD, was Dick’s attending physician when he arrived. Dr. Trigger and his team determined that Dick had suffered an ischemic stroke, which is a brain attack that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery and interrupts blood flow to the brain.

“Dick and his family did the right thing by immediately calling 9-1-1 for help,” Dr. Trigger said. “Because of this, we were able to provide treatment within three hours of the onset of his symptoms. This is critical, and it allowed him to receive the drug tPA.”

Tissue plasminogen activator, commonly referred to as tPA, is a protein that is involved in the breakdown of blood clots. It’s been called a wonder drug, but must be administered as early as possible after the onset of symptoms. Guidelines require its use within the first three hours of the event, after which its risks may outweigh its benefits.

Two thirds of stroke patients have lasting disability. Dick was talking in less than 12 hours.

“His nurse came in the room for her shift change, and, out of the blue, he said, ‘good morning’,” Lindsay said. “We all started to cry.”

Dick was walking again three days later. It was nothing short of a miracle when he went home on Christmas day fully recovered with no deficit.

“The team at Lakeland deserves 100% of the credit,” Dick said. “What a noble and wonderfully dedicated group of people. I owe a tremendous amount to them. Dr. Ward and Dr. Syzmanski were absolutely wonderful in aiding my recovery and explaining things to me. The Ortho/Neuro team and really everyone I encountered were exceptional. They started calling me the tPA poster child. I was a little disappointed. I always wanted to be a centerfold.”

Dick’s back to his normal routine these days. He’s retired after spending 40 years as an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life in South Bend and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, Doug, Darcy, Cameron, and Kelley.

“It was a haunting experience, but I’m busy getting back to living life,” Dick said. “Sometimes we think we’re bulletproof. You know, ‘this could never happen to me’ – but it can. Don’t just try to tough it out. By then, it could be too late. There’s a great group of people at Lakeland who have the expertise to give you the care you need. I’m living proof.”

Care You Can Trust

Sandy Reed, MD, could feel her world closing in around her. Osteoporosis and a pair of hip replacements had taken its toll. Still full of life at age 63, her body struggled to keep up.

It all started about 12 years ago. Sandy was working on her second master’s degree, this one in National Security Strategy, and she began noticing signs of osteoporosis. Then, in 2001, she had hip replacement surgery. Three years later, the other hip needed to be replaced.

“Weight-bearing exercise is very important for people with osteoporosis,” Sandy said. “After my hip replacements, that became much more difficult. You begin to feel even more fragile.”

Still, Sandy continued to work, serving as Director for Expeditionary Medicine at the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Falls Church, Virginia. It was a perfect fit for her skills. She had lived and breathed the military for most of her life – first through her father’s service and later herself as an officer in the Marine Corps. Sandy had also served as a pulmonary and critical-care physician in the Navy.

She used those experiences to find ways of improving access to care for soldiers serving at the front-lines of conflicts overseas, including developing the forward resuscitative surgery system. This is a highly mobile, lightweight unit which deploys to the farthest edges of the battlefield to provide immediate life- and limb-saving surgeries on wounded Marines.

In 2006, Sandy retired to Berrien Springs, the place where she was born.

“I have many fond memories of this place from my childhood,” Sandy said. “My grandparents lived here, and I loved coming to visit and being close to the lake. When I retired, I wanted small-town living and access to healthcare I could Trust. I did my research and was very impressed with the quality offered at Lakeland. That was one of the deciding factors in final my decision to come to this area.”

As it turned out, Sandy would soon put that Trust to the test. In 2009, she had a hip replacement revision done by Kenneth Edwards, MD. This is a common procedure that replaces worn out hip-replacement implants, but it proved to be yet another hurdle with her osteoporosis.

“I felt like my life was getting smaller and smaller,” Sandy said.

The Sandy heard about Bones in Balance through her primary care provider, Sigita Alimenti, MD. This is a four-week program offered by Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy that teaches those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management.

“It’s helped me increase my flexibility and strength through the different balance exercises, and I have a lot less pain,” said Sandy, who also has osteoarthritis. “That was a springboard. I’m doing other exercises now, and I feel like I have my life back. I can’t speak highly enough of this program and of my experiences and care providers at Lakeland. I would Trust them with my life.”

Head and Shoulders Above the Rest

At seven months old, Gerald Bushnell was diagnosed with polio. Polio is a viral infectious disease that causes muscle weakness and often paralysis in the legs. Even though Gerald was immunized twice, due to the strain of the vaccine his left leg muscles are considerably smaller than his right leg. He has worn a brace and walked with a cane since he can remember. Because Gerald does not have full use of his legs, he has relied on his arms to perform many daily activities.

Gerald, 57 and a resident of Dowagiac is unable to stand or walk for long periods of time and uses a scooter to get around. Because his legs are quite weak, if he is on his feet for a long time, he risks falling.

In 2009, after a particularly bad fall, Gerald started seeing Dr. Robert Schaefer, MD. X-rays showed that his right leg was broken in three places. “Dr. Schaefer put me back together again after that fall. I was having problems with my shoulders at that time but didn’t say anything because I was focused on my broken leg.”

While his right leg was healing, Gerald’s right shoulder pain was getting worse. He received cortisone injections to relieve the pain but it would always return. He went to another medical provider where he had an MRI and was told that nothing could be done. The news was quite discouraging to Gerald and his wife; since he was unable to move his right arm and was totally dependent upon her to perform simple daily tasks. And, Gerald was in excruciating pain.

Remembering what a great experience he had with Dr. Schaefer, Gerald made an appointment. “I trusted Dr. Schaefer. He had done such a great job on my leg; he would let me know if my shoulder could be fixed,” said Gerald. Dr. Schaefer reviewed Gerald’s medical records and told Gerald he was going to consult with his colleagues and find the best course of treatment.

In November of 2011 Gerald had a right shoulder replacement. The surgery and recovery was such a success that he had his left shoulder replaced in July, 2012 with one request-that he have the same rehabilitation team that he had worked with in 2011.

“The Watervliet rehabilitation facility at Lakeland Community Hospital is Southwest Michigan’s best kept secret,” according to Gerald. “Everyone was great. They are a mighty team that taught me how to get out of bed, dress myself, and shower and much more,” said Gerald.

“I have my life back,” said Gerald. “I am able to do normal daily activities like getting out of a chair, pain free! Dr. Schaefer has given me my life back.”

Simple Technique Changes Life of Vertigo Patient

Vicky Amodeo opened her eyes and remained still. She waited. It was the same every day. She knew what would happen next. As soon as she moved, the dizziness would come – the room spinning like some crazy county fair rollercoaster.

Next, the nausea and sickness came. This had been the morning routine for Vicky, 72, for more than 20 years. And it didn’t get much better after she got out of bed. She was suffering from a condition called vertigo.

Vertigo causes a person to feel like they are moving, swaying, and spinning even when standing still. It occurs when small crystals within the inner ear become dislodged, throwing off one’s equilibrium.

Symptoms can be chronic or sporadic, often triggered by certain movements and only for short durations. Vicky’s symptoms were chronic. She would experience vertigo when trying to complete even the simplest of tasks – like walking or just getting out of bed.

“It was terrible,” said Vicky, a resident of Coloma. “I had been to the hospital many times but nothing seemed to help. I just wanted to lock myself in a room and turn off the lights. I was so tired of feeling sick.”

It hadn’t always been that way. Vicky, the oldest of six children, immigrated with her family to the United States from the Italian island of Sicily in 1956. She was 17 years old and vertigo-free.

Vicky eventually settled in Chicago with her husband of 52 years, Domenico. They raised three children together and owned a successful restaurant, Amodeo’s. In their spare time, the family liked to vacation on the other side of the lake. They decided to retire here and built a home. Life was good.

Then everything changed.

“I felt like the vertigo took complete control of my life,” Vicky said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get it back. There were many days when I couldn’t even get out of bed.”

To make matters worse, Vicky began having problems with her shoulder, hip, and knee – the latter two requiring surgery. That’s when things changed again – only this time in a way she never expected.

Vicky completed her post-surgical rehabilitation at the Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Coloma. Over time, she developed a relationship with physical therapist Simi Jain, MSPT.

“Simi told me that she worked with vertigo patients and had seen some amazing results through physical therapy,” Vicky said. “Nobody had ever suggested anything like this to me before. She called my doctor and got a referral, and then I had my first treatment.”

Simi is one of two physical therapists at the rehabilitation center. She and her colleague Shannon Logsdon, MSPT, are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of vertigo. They perform simple repositioning techniques that readjust the small crystals in the ear to restore equilibrium.

“We begin the process by asking patients a series of questions about the symptoms they are experiencing,” Simi said. “Treatment can often begin during the first visit, with some patients only needing two or three sessions to correct their symptoms.”

Vicky noticed an improvement almost immediately. In fact, her biggest hurdle to recovery wasn’t even the vertigo.

“I was scared to do some of the exercises,” Vicky said. “I didn’t want to get sick. It took a little while to build up my confidence.”

The exercises were simple enough – at least for someone who’s never experienced vertigo. She was asked to walk while looking up and down and side to side. She also practiced lying down flat and getting up fast. To her surprise, the symptoms were virtually nonexistent.

“The difference was night and day,” Vicky said. “I feel like I have my life back. I’m so thankful for the care I received. I would recommend Simi and Shannon to anyone.”

Now when Vicky wakes up in the morning, she can’t wait to get out of bed. She has nine grandchildren to spend time with, and she’s ready to catch up on some cooking.

Remarkable Experience, Remarkable Teamwork, Outstanding Outcome

That might seem rather unremarkable except for the fact that Dick had suffered a massive stroke less than 12 hours earlier.

Emergency responders arrived within minutes to take Dick to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. They phoned ahead to prepare the trauma team for his arrival.

Two thirds of stroke patients have lasting disability. Dick was talking in less than 12 hours.

“His nurse came in the room for her shift change, and, out of the blue, he said, ‘good morning’,” Lindsay said. “We all started to cry.”

Dick was walking again three days later. It was nothing short of a miracle when he went home on Christmas day fully recovered with no deficit.

“The team at Lakeland deserves 100% of the credit,” Dick said. “What a noble and wonderfully dedicated group of people. I owe a tremendous amount to them. Dr. Ward and Dr. Syzmanski were absolutely wonderful in aiding my recovery and explaining things to me. The Ortho/Nuero team and really everyone I encountered was exceptional. They started calling me the tPA poster child. I was a little disappointed. I always wanted to be a centerfold.”

Leaving a Positive Signature – Inspiring Others

Myra Kelley, RN, was speechless. She couldn’t believe what she had just been told over the phone. One of her patient’s was taking his last breaths, and the family simply told her to call the funeral home after he expired.

For Myra, who’s worked at Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet (LCHW) for the past 16 years, this was unacceptable.

“Nobody deserves to die alone,” Myra said. “I told my co-workers that if anyone’s looking for me, I’ll be at this man’s bedside. He might not have even known I was there, but I know it in my heart it was the right thing to do. If that was my dad, I’d want someone to care for him and be there with him when he took his last breath.”

It was a defining moment for Myra, now a House Supervisor. It was her father who many years ago instilled within her the importance of caring for others.

“As a young girl, my father raised me to be attentive to the needs of others and to care for people,” Myra said. “He was hardworking, selfless, and trustworthy. That’s the kind of person I aspire to be.”

Myra is a walking billboard for Lakeland’s vital TRAITS. Her actions each and every day demonstrate Trust, Respect, Accountability, and Inspiration – among others. While she leads quietly by example, her acts have not gone unnoticed by colleagues.

“Myra is selfless,” said Tara Flener, RN, Director of Inpatient Nursing at LCHW. “She is always there to lend a helping hand when she sees someone struggling.”

That’s a sentiment echoed by nearly everyone who knows Myra.

“Myra is a friend to all,” said Dorothy Messinger, CRT/LRT, Patient Care Manager at LCHW. “She earns the trust of everyone she meets because you know she is devoted to helping you and always has your best interest in mind. She always strives for the best, and her job seems to be all the recognition she needs – she is deserving of much more.”

For Myra, nothing brightens her day more than a thank you – from a patient or colleague. It’s her fulfillment and motivation, knowing she’s left behind a positive signature with that person.

“My father always said, ‘No matter what you do in life, you leave a signature,’” Myra said. “From the floor sweeper to the CEO, it doesn’t matter. You choose what kind of signature you leave, whether it’s good or bad. I want to leave a positive signature and be an inspiration to young nurses to be compassionate, smile, and always make time for others.”

Inspiring Act of Teamwork

That Friday in September started like most days for St. Joseph resident Bob R.: a quick breakfast at home followed by a run on the treadmill at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA. Soon, though, his day would become anything but ordinary.

Joe Effa, RN, and Division Director of Lakeland Homecare, also began that day with his usual routine. He and his brother, Kevin Effa, RN, arrived at the YMCA for their morning workout. What happened a short time later was an inspiring act of teamwork that saved a life.

Bob breezed through his run and headed for the locker room feeling fine. Without warning, everything changed.

"The last thing I remember was walking into the locker room and collapsing on the floor, then hearing someone yell, 'call 9-1-1!'" Bob said.

Bob was in cardiac arrest.

Kevin, who works on the Medical Oncology unit at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, immediately rushed in to assess the situation. He called for Joe, and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

"Kevin had started chest compressions, and I assisted with ventilation," Joe said. "A third member joined us and grabbed the automated external defibrillator, which we applied and shocked."

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that diagnoses potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. If needed, it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest often results in death. In fact, for every minute the heart is stopped, chances of survival decrease by 10 percent.

The AED shocked Bob back to life. Emergency Medical Technicians arrived and delivered him to the Chest Pain Center at the hospital in St. Joseph. He later received an angioplasty after it was discovered that his left main artery was 90% blocked.

Bob survived and is recovering well. In fact, he's already running again.

To the Effa brothers, he's forever grateful.

"I'll never be able to thank them enough for what they did," Bob said. "Their immediate response and teamwork are the reasons why I'm alive today."

A Whole New Quality of Life

Mark C. could literally feel his life slipping away. He had finally conquered his fear of seeking medical attention – more specifically the cost associated with it, but a failed attempt to seek care from an outpatient clinic dashed his hopes.

Lying in bed later that morning, Mark felt like he was out of options. He cried himself to sleep.

Mark, 48, a lifelong resident of Stevensville, had been suffering from upper gastrointestinal pain for several months. Lacking insurance and living paycheck-to-paycheck, he delayed seeking treatment. Meanwhile, his symptoms worsened by the day.

“I woke up at about one in the afternoon and surprisingly felt better,” Mark said. “When I rose out of bed, I felt something burst inside of me. I knew right then that I was dying. I thought about calling 9-1-1 to get an ambulance, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it because of the costs associated with ambulance service. So I prayed to God for a miracle.”

Mark stumbled outside, decided against driving, and felt the world closing in around him as he contemplated how to reach the emergency room at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

The first miracle came from next door. A neighbor saw Mark struggling to walk, knew something was terribly wrong, and offered him a ride to the hospital. He accepted.

“From the moment I arrived, I was given the utmost in compassion and care,” Mark said. “No prejudice, no drama, no delays. I would have been petrified, but the respect and professionalism I experienced from all the staff eased my spirit and my fear subsided.”

The second miracle came in the form of Craig Kline, MD. Dr. Kline is a General Surgeon at Southwestern Medical Clinic Surgical Specialties in St. Joseph. He spoke with Mark, listened and analyzed his symptoms, and sent him off for a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The results confirmed that Mark needed emergency surgery.

“The operation was performed without a hitch,” Mark said. “I found out later that Dr. Kline had to perform a similar surgery at the same time as my own. Both of our lives were saved due to his willingness to operate and the abilities given to him by God.”

Mark spent a week in the hospital recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured peptic ulcer within the small intestine region of his body. Without treatment, he would have died.

“Before the surgery, I couldn’t eat, exercise, or work – I just couldn’t function,” Mark said. “As soon as I woke up, I immediately felt better. Over the next seven days, I was privileged and inspired by watching Lakeland’s healthcare professionals give of themselves to make others feel better. I was so astonished, so humbled, and so relieved to receive a level of care I figured only the rich were entitled to.”

When asked about Mark’s experience, Dr. Kline echoed those sentiments as an influence over his own career path.

“I wanted to join the Lakeland team because I could sense that everyone here is completely committed to caring for others,” Dr. Kline said. “That’s important. We’re not just treating symptoms. At the heart of what’s going on is a person who is in need or in pain.”

Today, Mark is recovering well. He can work again. Financial Services also introduced Mark to some great social programs that are helping him pay for his medications and medical bills.

“You not only saved my life, you have collectively given me a whole new quality of life,” Mark said. “It is my hope and prayer that anyone needing medical attention will consider these words, and my experience, and trust in Lakeland’s team of dedicated professionals for their medical care.”

Put Your Trust in Me

Anita Dienes, 72, could no longer tie her shoes. Just a few months ago, they had fit fine. That was before the swelling in her legs and feet; before the unusual rapid weight gain she had experienced – almost 10 pounds per month!

Then came the fluid in her chest. The South Haven resident struggled for breath and could barely carry on a conversation.

“I could literally hear my chest rattle at night,” said Anita. “I knew my body wasn’t releasing fluid, but I thought it was because I couldn’t raise my legs high enough for the fluid to drain.”
Anita had long struggled with her mobility due to arthritis. To make matters worse, her toes had to be amputated due to poor circulation. She rarely left the house and cherished her trips to the grocery store with Caroline Jackson, a Home Health Aide at Lakeland Health Services.

Home Health Aides work with clients who are disabled or chronically ill to help them live happier, healthier, and more independent lives. They assist them with tasks both inside and outside the home, including chores around the house and trips to the grocery store and doctor’s office. Home Health Aides also help clients with exercises to improve their physical mobility.

Caroline began seeing Anita as a client in 2010. As Anita’s health continued to deteriorate, Caroline suspected there was more to the situation than met the eye.

“When I’m at work, I follow three rules when it comes to taking care of my clients,” Caroline said.

“I stay informed, stay in contact, and keep a close watch on them. I kept an extra close watch on Anita.”

That vigilance may well have saved Anita’s life. Caroline arrived at her home for one of their regular shopping trips and discovered Anita complaining of discomfort in her chest and shortness of breath. Caroline contacted Anita’s on-call physician, who recommended she take her client to the Emergency Department.

Unfamiliar with the ER at the hospital in South Haven, Caroline and Anita headed to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

“Caroline noticed something wrong and drove me to the Emergency Department,” said Anita.

“I think she saved my life. I call her my ray of sunshine. She became my friend and someone I could rely on. I trust her, period.”

Caroline waited in the Emergency Department for eight hours while our medical staff performed tests and observations on Anita. The final diagnosis: congestive heart failure.

This is a condition characterized by the heart’s inability to meet the blood flow needs of a person’s body. Blood clots and fluid had built up in Anita’s lungs as a result. She also experienced edema, which is the progressive swelling of ankles, feet, and legs.

“While she was in the hospital, I called two or three times a day to make sure she was ok,” Caroline said. “I knew she needed time to heal, so I didn’t visit her until she was home. She was so grateful to me for helping her, but I feel like I have to take accountability for ensuring my clients are alright.”

Anita was treated in the hospital for four days. She is now back at home and lost 69 pounds after the fluid was removed from her body. She can tie her shoes again.

An Inspiration to All

Of the many people we encounter in our lives, only a few leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Willie Moffitt, Environmental Services (EVS) Assistant at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, is one of those people.

“I would trust Willie with my life,” said Glenda Yarrish, RN. “He’s an inspiration to all who know him and is the most giving person I know. In 1997, I was taking care of my bed-ridden mother, going through a divorce, and raising three teenage daughters. I had a lot on my plate. Willie asked if I needed money or help, and that generosity alone lifted me up more than anything. He stays at Lakeland not because it’s his job, but because it’s his calling to serve others. He’s the heart of Lakeland, and I’m so glad my life has been touched by Willie Moffitt.”

Willie has been a member of the Lakeland family for 35 years. During that time, he’s devoted his life to helping others. He’s served the hospital in a number of different capacities over the years, including EVS Assistant and Patient Transporter. Willie has also performed the role of autopsy assistant to Fred Busse, MD, and John Landgraf, MD.

“Willie is a great asset to Lakeland and the community,” said Dr. Busse. “He is always dependable and goes above and beyond when assisting with autopsies. Willie has helped family members who lost loved ones by comforting them with words of prayer. Families have even asked him to host funerals. It’s amazing to witness because these people were practically strangers to Willie, but his gracious spirit gave them someone to lean on when they needed it most.”

Willie’s enduring spirit is even more amazing when you consider the adversity he’s faced in his life. When he was born, doctors told Willie’s mother that he’d never be able to walk or drive a car because his bones were too frail. Through sheer determination, Willie beat the odds. In high school, Willie’s classmates teased him because he was enrolled in special education classes. He answered their heckles by earning his high school diploma.

As an adult, Willie experienced temporary blindness twice, and in 2004, he suffered an aneurysm that caused short-term memory loss.

“While I was in the hospital recovering from my aneurysm, I was amazed at how well the staff took care of me,” Willie said. “I can’t remember anything because of the memory loss, but my family told me about all of the associates who cared and prayed for me. It was a difficult time because I couldn’t hold myself up, and I didn’t even know my own name, but everyone at Lakeland supported me and helped me recover. I can’t thank them enough, and now my health is excellent and my memory is back.”

For some, such obstacles might cast doubt on their faith. For Willie, his never faltered.

“My dream is to help other people like me who have experienced life-altering events like me,” said Willie. “I’ve trusted in the Lord, and my family members and friends were there for me every step of the way. Now I want to be there for others.”

According to associates at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Willie’s already achieved his dream.

In 2008, Willie received the “Spirit of Planetree Caregiver Award” for his tremendous attitude and compassion towards patients and guests. Planetree is an internationally recognized not-for-profit organization, which partners with health care providers around the globe to advance patient-centered approaches to care.

“Willie is an inspiration to us all, and whenever you ask him how he’s doing, he always responds, ‘I’m blessed’,” said Cindy Goorhouse, Scheduler. “When my father-in-law was in the hospital many years ago, Willie took the time to get to know him on a personal level and make him feel comfortable. His compassion helped my father-in-law feel at ease, which helped when he was transferred to a nursing home.”

Not only is Willie touching lives at Lakeland, he’s making a difference in the community too. Willie has been an ordained minister for 17 years and taught himself how to fix broken computers so he can donate them to a local school in Niles.

Surgical Tech Makes Safety Job Number One

Keen awareness and swift action by Lakeland surgical technologist Susan Tefs helped to keep her patient and colleagues safe when some equipment began to fail during a surgery at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

David Terhune, MD, Urologist, Lakeside Urology & Continence Center, was operating on a patient when Susan, who was assisting during the surgery, noticed an unusual noise coming from the resecting scope he was using. Susan immediately asked him to stop the surgery. Moments later, she saw sparks discharging from the device at the junction of the electrical cord.

“We swapped out the cord and finished the case uneventfully,” Dr. Terhune said. “I think Lakeland’s operating room has exceptionally skilled and motivated technicians like Susan Tefs who continually make it a priority to keep patients safe.”

Later that day, Susan contacted the device’s manufacturer to learn how to prevent a similar situation in the future. Susan made sure to put their recommendations in place to do just that.

Susan, a lifelong St. Joseph resident, knows that the majority of her patients will never meet her or know what she does to prepare for their surgeries. But setting up the sterile surgery environment and making sure the surgeons have the tools they need to do their job is important work, and that’s where Susan knows she’s making a difference.

“Patient care is doing the best you can do for the patient and taking care of their needs to make sure they’re comfortable, happy, and safe,” Susan said.

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