IU Health North Hospital

12/22/2025

Holiday cheer is making rounds at IU Health North!

Georgia, a beloved therapy dog at the hospital, visited the Riley Children's Health at IU Health North Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, bringing smiles to patients and team members alike.

Registered nurse Kelsey Martin and clinical technician unit secretary Abbie Jacks couldn’t resist capturing the moment when Georgia showed up in festive reindeer ears.

"Abbie and I have been gearing up for the holidays by dressing for the occasion, and as soon as we saw Georgia in her reindeer ears, we knew we needed to capture the joy she brought to the unit," Martin says. "As Abbie said that day, 'Sometimes the best medicine has four legs, a wet nose and some Christmas spirit.' Georgia and our pet therapy team are a great way we are able to comfort our patients."

12/17/2025

Sudden symptoms to survivorship: Brittany Zedaker’s head and neck cancer journey -

Brittany Zedaker first noticed something strange happening with her tongue in December 2024. It started as a rash, but she began to lose mobility as well.

She went to see her doctor, who told her it was shingles. She was prescribed medicine, which she took for a week. When the problem persisted, she went to another physician, who diagnosed it as a fungal issue. Again, she was prescribed medicine, but nothing changed.

When the symptoms worsened, Zedaker went back to her physician. This time, an MRI revealed a tumor. Almost immediately, she was diagnosed with cancer at 38 years old.

“It was a complete shock,” she recalls. “I felt hopeless.”

She met with Dr. Michael Moore, a head and neck surgeon at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, in February. Within two weeks, she underwent surgery at IU Health University Hospital to remove 66% of her tongue and 22 lymph nodes. Additionally, muscle from her back was used to reconstruct her tongue.

She healed for about six weeks. After that, she underwent 33 rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy.

During that time, Zedaker also began seeing Julia Porter, a speech-language pathologist at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center, for speech intelligibility and swallowing.

“I saw her once she was recovered and cleared to start eating after surgery,” Porter explains. “She got a little bit of time to recover and then bam, it’s time to start chemoradiation. So, you finally start feeling marginally better, and then it’s time for more treatment that is going to impact your progress and overall well-being.”

“It absolutely changes your life. Being a young adult with cancer adds a layer to this,” Porter says. “Despite her situation, she’s real, she’s motivated and she’s doing everything she can to make the most out of the hand she’s been dealt.”

“You don’t realize how much you use your tongue until you can’t, but this is my new normal and that’s okay,” Zedaker adds.

Zedaker has also received care from Carrie Morris and Beth Maier, who both work in occupational therapy and are certified lymphedema therapists. In physical therapy, she has worked with Nikki Cooper. Additionally, she has seen Dr. James Pastrnak, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, and Lori Rosebrock, a head and neck surgery physician’s assistant.

“Without the support here, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Zedaker says. “They tell you whatever you need, ask.”

Despite her journey with cancer, Zedaker has also experienced some positive milestones this recently. She moved to Indiana from California last June. This year, she got married in August and bought a house in September.

“It’s okay to still have a bad day. A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life. There are still so many things to be grateful for,” she says. “Staying positive makes all the difference in the world.”

Now, she shares her story in hopes of encouraging others walking a similar path.

“I’m doing better. It’s okay to ask for help. It will make everything a lot easier. There are people here to help you.”

To learn more about head and neck cancer, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/head-neck-cancer.

Pictured first: Brittany Zedaker (left) and Julia Porter (right)

12/16/2025

Grateful patient thanks IU Health North team for seamless cardiac care —

Two days before her annual wellness exam, Karol Clark took her grandchildren to a dinosaur exhibit. The weather was cold for March, and as the family scurried back to their car, Clark found herself out of breath.

“It felt like there was an elephant on my chest,” Clark recalls. “I stopped and it went away, so I thought it must’ve been the cold.”

The next day, the 72-year-old retired nurse headed to her local gym to workout.

She noticed some heartburn and took Tums, which helped. But as she took a shower the following day, the pressure on her chest returned.

Clark (first photo, pictured second from left) was scheduled to see her primary care physician, Dr. Sarah Lackerman, MD, at IU Health North that day, where she could bring up the symptoms.

“Never did I think it was a heart attack,” Clark says.

An unexpected emergency

Once Clark explained her symptoms, Lackerman suggested she head down to the hospital’s Emergency department.

Clark recalls feeling the tightness in her chest as she made her way to the unit. She made sure to call her family before heading in.

Team members immediately began checking Clark’s vitals and hooked her up to the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, which monitors the heart's electrical activity.

Shortly after, a physician confirmed that Clark was having a heart attack and explained she needed to go to the cardiac catheterization lab.

“I had four nurses working on me—one putting an IV in my right arm, one on the left, another changing my clothes and the fourth was putting EKG leads on me,” she says.

As she entered the procedure room, she remembers her care team being completely calm—they answered her questions and explained what was happening.

While Clark was on anesthesia for the initial insertion of the catheterization, she remained lucid for the rest of the procedure.

Cardiologist Dr. Mark Fisch, MD (pictured second), performed Clark’s procedure. He explains that Clark’s left anterior descending artery and her right coronary artery both had blockages. He performed an angioplasty, which opens blocked arteries, and then placed several stents to keep the arteries open.

“I switched from ‘this is my health’ to my clinical mode, so I looked at everything a little differently.” Clark recalls. “There was no pain with it. Nobody was anxious. Everybody made me feel calm. It felt like I was getting something as simple as a flu shot.”

Keep heart health in mind

When it comes to heart health—it’s important to listen to your body.
Fisch encourages anyone who has similar symptoms to Clark’s to contact their doctor.

“Symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath that occur with exertion, or if you're symptoms are worsening without exertion, I think those are all concerning signs,” he says.

Knowing your family history can also be important.

“For heart disease, there are traditional risk factors that cause it, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking,” Fisch says. “There are other things that we look at too, like psychological stress and obesity. There is also a genetic cause for heart disease.”

That was especially true for Clark.

“Every single male on my dad's side of the family has died of a heart attack. This goes back to the mid-1700s,” Clark says, adding that it’s why she’s had a lifelong goal to eat healthy and exercise.

Fisch notes that even if there isn’t a family history of heart disease, people should still know their blood pressure, cholesterol levels and A1C levels for diabetes.

“Those are all important things, especially if you do have a family history,” Fisch says. “If you have first-degree relatives with earlier onset heart issues, you should mention that to your primary care doctor.”

A thank-you to her team

Since her heart attack in March, Clark continues to see all of her physicians to stay on top of her health, many of which are at IU Health North.

Despite her health emergency, Clark’s seamless transition from Lackerman’s primary care office to quick-thinking care in the Emergency department, and finally, the calm atmosphere provided by her skilled team in the cath lab—is why she keeps coming back.

“Because I was a nurse, I was looking at everything they did,” she says. “That experience is why I continue to go back to IU Health North.”

She has one thing to say to her team:

“They were awesome,” Clark says. “They took care of me like I was their mom, and I think that says everything.”

12/15/2025

Flu season is here—take simple steps to stay healthy this winter.

https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/cold-flu

12/10/2025

It's a proud moment for the nursing team at IU Health North! Following a comprehensive review process that began more than three years ago, Indiana University Health North Hospital has attained Magnet with Distinction recognition. This is the third time IU Health North has achieved Magnet, and the first time the hospital has earned Magnet with Distinction. This achievement from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

Less than 10 percent of hospitals across the United States have earned Magnet status. Even fewer have earned Magnet Recognition with Distinction, a new ANCC designation recognizing the highest performing Magnet organizations around the world.

IU Health North nurses were surprised with the news during an offsite retreat.

“It’s such an amazing feeling. There was a lot of emotion in the room—it’s a great team. Their heart is there, their enthusiasm is there, their engagement is there,” says Carrie Wing, vice president and chief nursing officer of IU Health North. “It’s a true honor to lead a team that comes into work every single day with the main focus of how they can best care for our patients and provide the best outcomes. The work, the distinction and this redesignation is a validation that that’s what they do, every day.”

Learn more here: https://iuhealth.org/for-media/press-releases/iu-health-north-achieves-magnet-recognition-with-distinction-isr

12/09/2025

Is it a trip to the emergency room or Urgent Care? Do you need to see a doctor in person, or can you do a virtual visit from the comfort of your home instead?

Knowing where to seek care can save you time and money.

When you need care, we’re ready for you: iuhealth.org/get-care-now

12/08/2025

They shine brightest supporting patients—

As a registration associate, Shirley Brown (pictured first) is always helping patients and fellow team members. At IU Health North, it was discovered that an infant outpatient had been registered with an incorrect date of birth.

Brown immediately stepped in and went above and beyond to resolve the issue. She not only coordinated obtaining the birth certificate but also ensured the corrected information was entered into the system and that a copy of the document was scanned into the patient’s chart.

“She was also working solo at the front desk during this time and was busy registering with other patients. I appreciate everything that she did to help remedy this issue and ensure that the patient’s information was corrected,” says a fellow team member.

Due to her quick thinking and commitment to exceptional patient care, Brown received a Lasting Impression Award. This award recognizes regional team members who are living out the IU Health values—purpose, excellence, compassion and team—as they work to support patients and each other.

In the Atrio at IU Health North, Mitchell Kunkle (pictured second), a team member working in Food and Nutrition Services, also provided exceptional care. Two visitors had an unexpected hospital trip and didn’t have the time to pack any supplies.

Even though it was between mealtimes, Kunkle prepared sandwiches for the visitors so they didn’t go hungry while waiting.

“He was gracious and accommodating. Thank you, Mitchell, for making our day so much easier,” says one of the visitors.

Kunkle was also honored with a Lasting Impression Award due to his compassionate care.

Tell us what you think of Brown and Strange’s actions in the comments.

12/03/2025

For 20 years, IU Health North has provided the local community and beyond with exceptional care.

On Monday, Dec. 1, team members celebrated that accomplishment with a rededication ceremony at the hospital.

"In the early 2000s, IU Health was largely a system in downtown Indianapolis. With the opening of IU Health West Hospital in Avon and IU Health North Hospital in Carmel in 2005, those were our first expansions outside of I-465," says IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy. "We have had a phenomenal first 20 years and we will have an even more amazing next 20 years."

"Twenty years of exceptional, compassionate and personalized care—that's something worth celebrating," adds Soula Banich, vice president and chief operating officer of IU Health North.

This week IU Health North Hospital team members gathered to commemorate the hospital's 20th anniversary.

11/30/2025

Team members for IU Health North are preparing to celebrate the hospital's 20th anniversary. The hospital opened in December 2005 to serve patients in Carmel and the surrounding communities.

Through two decades, IU Health North's commitment to excellent patient care remains the same.

"I think it starts with the excitement the team brings, the purpose they bring to work every day, and the compassion they show, not only to our patients, but to each other," says Soula Banich, vice president and chief operating officer of IU Health North. "The nice part is taking the time out of our busy schedules, especially around the holidays, to step back and say, 'Look at how far we've come.'"

A celebration will occur with team members in early December to recognize the milestone.

11/24/2025

IU Health North's first police therapy canine made her television debut! Callie is a two-year-old Labrador Retriever who helps support team members at the hospital.

"As police officers, we see stressful situations all the time, and so do our clinical team members," says Shannon Trump, chief of the Department of Public Safety for IU Health's Metro Region. "To have her there just to say hi, to welcome them to work, to see them in the hallway, makes a big difference on their shift."

Story by FOX59 News

INDIANAPOLIS — A 2-year old Labrador retriever was sworn in as IU Health North’s first police therapy canine late last month! In this FOX59 morning news segment, anchor Daniel Miller discusse…

11/19/2025

A lifelong commitment to care: Shawn Baker’s 20 years at IU Health North—

As IU Health North Hospital prepares to mark its 20th anniversary in December, it’s a moment to honor the individuals who’ve contributed to the hospital’s journey.

Shawn Baker, a registered nurse, has witnessed remarkable transformation throughout her career in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU). She began her journey at IU Health Methodist Hospital as a respiratory therapist in the NICU before pursuing nursing. When IU Health North Hospital opened, Baker joined the NICU team, drawn by the opportunity to help launch a new hospital and work closer to home.

“I just wanted to be closer to home. I also thought it was exciting to start a brand-new hospital and help with that,” she says.

Now, with more than 30 years of service within the IU Health system—including 20 years at IU Health North—Baker reflects on the relationships that have made her experience so meaningful.

“I've met a lot of great coworkers that have evolved into great friends. It's been fun being in the same place and helping to create the unit into what we envisioned,” Baker says.

Her passion for neonatal care remains strong. Baker finds fulfillment in every aspect of the NICU, from caring for the most fragile newborns to supporting families through their journey.

“I enjoy every realm of the NICU. I like the acuity with the younger gestational babies, and I also enjoy working with the older babies. But I love putting the whole picture together—empowering the parents to take their children home and being part of their story. It's just been very fulfilling to watch it all come together,” she explains.

Although nursing became her primary focus, Baker continues to maintain her respiratory therapy license.

“I've always loved nursing, and that's why I went from a respiratory therapist into nursing, because I wanted the whole patient experience,” she says.

Baker has a piece of advice for her younger self and new nurses out there.

“You're going to have challenges no matter what, but stick with it. Your coworkers and friends will get you through.”

11/12/2025

A legacy of hospitality -

The team at IU Health North is gearing up to celebrate the hospital’s 20th anniversary next month. As this milestone approaches, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the people who helped shape it.

Two decades ago, Mary Mosby saw IU Health North Hospital under construction and applied to work at the hospital. She was offered a job in Guest Relations and hasn’t looked back since. As an associate, Mosby guides patients, checks patient forms and greets anyone who comes into the second-floor surgery lobby.

Over the past 20 years, Mosby has witnessed the hospital’s growth firsthand, embracing the change.

“I've grown a lot, learned new things and met more new doctors and nurses,” she says.

Before joining IU Health, Mosby was a preschool teacher and spent time at home raising her children. Today, she considers her colleagues and the patients she serves as part of her extended family.

“I enjoy working with my team, patients and visitors. I love making every patient feel like a VIP,” she says with a smile.

As she celebrates her 20-year milestone on November 16, Mosby plans to celebrate with her family to honor her years of service. However, she’s not planning on slowing down just yet—she doesn’t want to retire until she must.

“I just want to continue in this role, as long as I mentally and physically am able to,” she says.

Pictured: Mary Mosby when IU Health North opened (left) and Mary Mosby now (right)