Hedrick Medical Center

09/29/2025

As a surgery nurse at Hedrick Medical Center, Nicole knows the importance of providing high-quality care to the community she works in.

“It is special to take care of this community because I am able to establish a relationship with a patient,” Nicole said.

In the surgery department, Nicole provides care and support to patients before, during, and after surgery. She’s part of a team working to ensure each day and each surgery progresses safely and efficiently.

“We are active in all the steps of care,” Nicole said. “From a phone call prior to your procedure and holding your hand before surgery, to ensuring you are given the proper education to have a successful recovery—we take on many roles to help our patients achieve their goals.”

Nicole is proud to be part of a hospital that recently earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for exceptional patient care. She’s grateful for the strong teamwork in her unit and the welcoming, community feel throughout the hospital.

“Being part of a hospital that provides five-star care means that others are able to recognize the disciplined work ethic and standards we instill in ourselves,” Nicole said. “We want our patients to trust the team that is providing them care.” 💙

09/26/2025

Almost one-quarter of American adults live with chronic pain. Thankfully, patients don’t have to depend on opioid medications to treat it.

Dr. Tyler Concannon, an interventional pain physician at Saint Luke's Pain Management Clinic, shares helpful insights about the interventions and procedures that treat pain without the need for medication on Health News You Can Use.

09/26/2025

Hedrick Family Care will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 27. If you need same-day care while we are closed, consider the following options:

📆 Schedule a same-day appointment at Wright Memorial Physicians’ Group in Trenton by calling 660-358-5750
📆 Schedule a Saint Luke’s Same-Day Virtual Visit with a Saint Luke's provider: https://heyor.ca/fdMNhL

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to the Hedrick Emergency Department. Otherwise, Hedrick Family Care will resume normal hours on Monday.

09/24/2025

When Cassandra first interviewed at the hospital more than 15 years ago, she didn’t expect to stay in Chillicothe for long. Today, as a diagnostic medical sonographer at Hedrick Medical Center, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. The supportive community and her strong bonds with patients have truly made the small town feel like home.

“Behind every exam is a story, a family, and a person who deserves to be treated like more than just a number. I love that I get to know patients and hear their stories,” Cassandra said.

Cassandra works hard to help patients feel at ease when they come in for imaging. She takes time to answer their questions and ensures everyone feels comfortable and informed. She’s always willing to lend a hand to her teammates, knowing they would do the same for her.

Cassandra's dedication extends to the hospital’s broader mission. Hedrick Medical Center recently earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a recognition Cassandra sees as a reflection of the hospital's shared values.

“Being part of a hospital team that provides five-star care reflects our shared commitment to safety, compassion, and accuracy with every patient interaction,” Cassandra said. “As a sonographer, these values must guide my work every day. I hold myself to the highest standards, giving every patient the care I’d want for my own family.” 💙

09/23/2025

Hedrick Medical Center, in partnership with Livingston County Health Center, will host an Aging in Place event focused on fall prevention that will now take place Wednesday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to noon in The Gardens at Hedrick Medical Center.

The Fall Prevention Fair will feature various screenings and information, all designed to help educate attendees on potential fall risks, tips on avoiding falls, and health assessments that can determine whether medical interventions could help reduce the risk of falls.

The event is free to attend, and there will be an opportunity to win door prizes. For more information, contact our team:

📞 Luci Skaggs at 660-214-8170 or
📞 Ann Burchett at 660-646-5506

09/19/2025

Our special guest on Health News You Can Use is Henli, the facility dog at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute!

Nathan, a physical therapist, and Katie, an occupational therapist, are Henli's handlers. They dish on how her unique training helps patients with physical, occupational, and speech therapy. She can paint, play games, and will give you a kiss if you say, “I love you.” Can your dog do that?

09/16/2025

Environmental services (EVS) professionals do the essential task of keeping every single room at our hospital clean and sanitized. They work 24/7 to fight off germs and pathogens.

The EVS team cleans the entire hospital daily, which includes multiple patient rooms. They do more than maintain a spotless environment—they build meaningful connections with patients, too. Their friendly visits and care go hand in hand with the exceptional service we strive to provide.

Any time you see someone in red scrubs at a Saint Luke's location, it's an EVS team member cleaning to keep everyone safe. Happy !

09/12/2025

Hedrick Family Care in Chillicothe is currently scheduling influenza vaccinations for established patients.

Influenza vaccinations at Hedrick Family Care will begin on Monday, Sept. 15, and can be scheduled any day Monday through Friday for established patients.

To schedule an appointment, call Hedrick Family Care at 660-646-2682.

09/12/2025

Dana’s cancer journey began in August 2022 when persistent stomach issues brought him to Saint Luke’s Community Hospital in Roeland Park, Kansas. A CT scan revealed a cancerous mass nearly completely blocking his entire colon. He was transferred to Saint Luke's North Hospital where Dr. Ben Kulow, a colorectal surgeon, performed surgeries to address the blockage.

Unfortunately, Dana’s cancer had spread to his liver, where tumors had released high serotonin levels that damaged his heart valve. Dr. Marc Roth, a gastrointestinal oncologist, prescribed lanreotide injections to help control the tumors and lower serotonin—but this was only a temporary solution.

In November 2024, Dana received open-heart surgery to replace his tricuspid valve, which was around the same time Dr. Roth started discussing LUTATHERA®, a targeted radioactive therapy specifically for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) found in the gut or pancreas. This leading-edge treatment destroys the cancer cells causing serotonin spikes while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Through Dr. Sunpreet Rakhra, a radiation oncologist, Dana became Saint Luke’s first-ever LUTATHERA recipient. After two treatments, his serotonin levels dropped dramatically—from 2,200 nanograms per milliliter to a normal 170.

“It sounds scary to be the guinea pig,” Dana says, “But I actually felt honored that I had the privilege and opportunity. Hopefully this therapy can help somebody else along the way, too.”

Dana’s treatment journey has been guided by a collaborative team of diverse medical experts whose combined knowledge and specialized skills have ensured every aspect of his care is carefully managed. While there is no cure for NET, Dana has still been able to travel the world since LUTATHERA. He says it’s a blessing he’s still able to go on these adventures.

“Planning trips has been good therapy for me,” he says. “I like planning and figuring out where we’re going to go next.”

Check out Dana's full story: https://heyor.ca/CXHoHN

09/10/2025

More than 250 Saint Luke’s team members came together to make a difference at this year’s Head For The Cure 5K in Kansas City! 🏃

The team raised more than $30,000 to support brain tumor research, raise awareness, and foster hope within our community. Funds raised will directly benefit Saint Luke’s patients through groundbreaking research and advancements in brain tumor care at Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute.

This year, neuro-oncologist Dr. Samuel Goldlust presented three Saint Luke's patients with the Courage Award—recognizing them for their strength and resilience.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us to support this important cause. 💙

09/10/2025

Meet Katie, a dedicated pharmacist who has been part of the Hedrick Medical Center team for 12 years.

Working in a rural community, Katie finds deep fulfillment in caring for neighbors, friends, and family. She’s proud to be part of a hospital recently recognized with a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—a true reflection of the quality care the hospital provides.

Though often behind the scenes, Katie and the pharmacy team play a vital role in patient safety by ensuring medications are accurate across departments—from the Emergency Room to inpatient care.

To Katie, delivering five-star care means being thorough, patient-centered, and giving her best every day.

“We’re lucky to have a quality hospital serving our rural area’s critical healthcare needs." 💙

09/09/2025

Dr. Megan Mayer from Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists recently kicked off yoga at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts by speaking about how yoga can benefit people at every stage of life.

Yoga is more than just a workout—it promotes flexibility, stability, and mental wellness while helping build a strong core that supports balance and protects joints. Because it’s a low-impact activity, yoga can be an important tool in recovery from pain or injury, and even some of Dr. Mayer’s surgical patients use it as part of their healing process. For those with conditions like arthritis, yoga offers a way to stay active without the strain of high-impact exercise.

No matter your age or ability, the goal is simple: keep moving to support both your body and your mind for lifelong health.

09/08/2025

As families recently posted their back-to-school photos and chalkboard signs, we wanted to get in on the action to celebrate the spirit of health care, where learning never stops.

Many of our team members have been in health care for years, even decades. From navigating new technology to figuring out life lessons, the learning that happens day in and day out helps shape who we are. Check out some of our longtime team members' colorful responses.

09/04/2025

When Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center and Saint Luke's Cancer Institute join forces to educate our community on the importance of women's health, the result is a Gem of a Night!

The inaugural Saint Luke's Gem of a Night event brought a full house to the luxurious Meierotto Jewelers with bejeweled flowers, live music, and a picturesque balloon display provided by Up, Up & Away! Cardiologist Dr. Tracy Stevens and breast radiologist Dr. Ruby Meierotto gave eye-opening presentations about heart and breast health.

Together, we’re empowering women with knowledge, sparking conversations, and shining a brighter light on the future of women’s health.

09/04/2025

Congratulations to Hedrick Medical Center for receiving the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® Gold Plus recognition, the highest recognition for providing excellent stroke care! 🎉

Get With The Guidelines® recognition from the American Heart Association honors hospitals for their work and achievements in improving patient outcomes in cardiovascular and stroke focus areas. The awards recognize hospitals that offer the latest evidence-based treatments while following industry guidelines for patient care.

09/03/2025

This calls for a celebration! Terry, a medical lab scientist at Saint Luke's South Hospital, recently reached her 50th work anniversary with Saint Luke's. She started at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City in 1975 and transferred to South in 2011.

"I like my job. I feel like this is the best system to work for," said Terry. "It's the family atmosphere. We know about everybody we pass in the hallway, and we call them by their name. I like that. I'm not ready to retire yet. This is still my happy place."

Cheers to you, Terry! Thank you for your years—decades!—of service. 💙

09/03/2025

Cassandra began her career as a nursing assistant when she was just 18. Now, she’s a valued member of the Med/Surg Unit at Hedrick Medical Center, which recently earned a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for outstanding patient care.

“I work closely with patients every day helping them get ready in the mornings and making sure they feel safe and cared for,” Cassandra said. “It’s important to me that their stay is as comfortable as possible and that they feel heard and seen.”

Cassandra is motivated by the patients she serves and the strong team around her.

“To me, it’s an honor to care for this community,” she said. “It brings me so much joy to see patients thriving and happy after their stay.” 💙

09/02/2025

Dr. Elizabeth Grier’s interest in math and science led her to a career in medicine. In college, she loved learning about the heart in her physiology classes. Today, she is a Saint Luke’s interventional cardiologist.

“I specifically developed an interest in interventional cardiology because I really like working with my hands and appreciate the variety that comes with working in the cath lab,” said Dr. Grier. “I get to do a lot of different procedures, so no two days are completely alike.”

Dr. Grier treats a wide range of heart conditions, including valve repairs and replacements. She has a special interest in helping patients who were born with heart defects because she enjoys the challenge of working with their unique anatomy. Her role at Saint Luke's allows her to participate in important clinical research that is advancing the field.

“The field of structural interventions is rapidly evolving, which allows us to incorporate new technologies today that weren’t available even a year or two ago,” she said. “I feel it is important to take a patient-centered approach, incorporating the values and preferences of the patient and their family into their care decisions.”

At the end of the day when she takes off her lab coat, Dr. Grier is most likely reading a book or riding on her Peloton. She is also learning Spanish, a skill that will undoubtedly be useful with patients.

09/02/2025

Check out this great opportunity to support our HMC Oncology Nurse Navigator program!

Welcome to HMCF's Annual online auction! All proceeds will benefit the HMC Oncology Nurse Navigator Program. Please bid on the items below or consider making a donation here!

08/29/2025

Jaylen will play his first football game as a college athlete at MoWest tomorrow. Two years ago, he broke his collarbone during practice on his high school team, and playing in college seemed like it may never happen. He feared for the future of his football career—until he got a second opinion from Dr. Larry Frevert at Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists.

Watch the FOX4 News Kansas City story about this college freshman's big comeback: https://heyor.ca/bLtQfW

08/27/2025

Ten years ago, doctors estimated Melissa had about three years to live.

In March 2015, Melissa was experiencing severe headaches. On March 25, the pain became overwhelming, and her husband Don called for help. An ambulance took Melissa to Wright Memorial Hospital, and an MRI revealed Melissa had glioblastoma—a serious form of cancer that originates in the brain with a five-year survival rate of about 5%.

Melissa was sent to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City for emergency surgery, followed by chemo, radiation, and rehab. Ten years later, Melissa, 68, has recovered physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and now greets each day with excitement.

“I wake up smiling, and it carries with me,” Melissa says. “It's in everything you see, every song you hear. It's everywhere.”

In 2023, Melissa began seeing Dr. Samuel Goldlust, a neuro-oncologist, for continuing care.

"Dr. Goldlust is very impressive," Don said. "He took the time to understand our history before entering the room."

Though Melissa has physical limitations and had to relearn to speak, she embraces what her body can manage and cherishes time she once feared she’d lose. Melissa and Don recently saw their son graduate from Kansas State University summa cm laude—another one of those little moments that mean so much.

Melissa and Don saw firsthand how Saint Luke’s stands apart through our dedication to advanced cancer research and treatments. With support from generous donors, we deliver leading-edge care to thousands of patients. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲: https://heyor.ca/Ji6lOs

08/26/2025

Happy to our beloved Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Institute facility dog, Henli! You bring joy, hope, and comfort to patients every day and motivate them to work hard. Thank you for reminding us of the healing power of unconditional love. 💙 🐾

08/22/2025

Summer sunshine offers many joys—but it also comes with some risks. Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 individuals.

Dr. Megan McNally, a surgical oncologist at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, emphasizes sun protection strategies and the crucial role of early detection. Watch her conversation with KCTV5 News Kansas City to learn how to protect your skin: https://heyor.ca/SM8H5E

Megan McNally, MD, a surgical oncologist with Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, shares tips on sun protection and early skin cancer detection.

08/21/2025

Dr. B. Todd Moore recently completed his 2,000th robotic surgery at Saint Luke's South Hospital! He performed the first robotic procedure at Saint Luke's South in 2016 and has seen the technology evolve firsthand.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon controls robotic arms from a remote console. It uses smaller incisions, improves precision, and leads to faster recovery for the patient. The program at Saint Luke’s South has grown exponentially in volume, case offerings, and multispecialty usage over the past nine years.

“I think it’s amazing how far we’ve come in regards to robotic surgery,” said Dr. Moore. “It is a significantly advantageous technology used not just by me and Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists, but by nearly all specialties at Saint Luke’s to offer the best care to our patients.”

Saint Luke’s offers a one-year fellowship for graduating surgeons to learn and master robotic surgery. Thanks in part to Dr. Moore’s work, general surgeons are being trained in these advanced procedures.

“The common misconception is that the 'robot' is performing the surgery,” Dr. Moore said. “The robot is simply a highly sophisticated piece of technology that we use. The surgeon is hands-on for the entire procedure.”

Saint Luke’s South is on pace to reach 3,500 robotic surgeries later this year. With Dr. Moore’s milestone and the program’s continued growth, Saint Luke’s South proudly stands at the forefront of robotic surgery, transforming lives today and shaping the future of patient care.