Elkhart General Center for Women and Children

03/24/2024

With his immediate family all in the medical field, it was no question for Frank Pennoni, PA-C, that he would do something in the field. “My father has been the director of a laboratory for 25 years, and both my mom and sister are nurses,” he says.

He enjoys the field for the variety of ENT cases he sees in a day -- a mixture of acute and chronic, or rare and common conditions in kids and adults. “From the most urgent condition-airway emergency to nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, thyroid problems, cancers, etc. – I will get to see it all,” he says.

Learn more at https://beacon.health/3U18f1j

03/23/2024

Have you ever wanted to plant something new in your garden, but passed on the seed packet because you weren't sure it would taste good? Try this recipe, courtesy our clinical collaborator Mayo Clinic, to figure out which new vegetable to plant this season.

Get the full recipe here. https://beacon.health/49ijNlF

03/21/2024

Members of the University of Notre Dame Pasquerilla East Musical Company (PEMCo) and Notre Dame Glee Club enjoy sharing songs and smiles with our youngest patients and their families at Beacon Children’s Hospital.

ND junior Bryce Bustamante describes the joy he and his classmates feel every time they visit our pediatric patients. They recently shared a collection of Disney movie favorites and took requests from the kids.

“It has been such a blessing to interact with the greater South Bend community and to give back to those in pain through the gift of song,” Bustamante says. “It has been such a beautiful reminder of the power of service, and we cherish this partnership.”

Pictured below are Evelyn Berry, Bryce Bustamante, Rob Fuller and Noah Sim, Kate Turner and Libby White. Thanks to all the ND students who share their time and talents with our patients and families.

03/20/2024

Have your health care information at your fingertips anytime, anywhere with MyBeacon. Take the first step and enroll today! All you need is your name, date of birth and phone number. From there, we can create your account and give you access to a host of helpful features:
• Schedule appointments
• Refill medications
• Securely message your provider
• View your test results quicker
• See immunizations and health records • Review visit summaries and instructions
Ready to try it out? Sign up for your MyBeacon patient portal account to stay informed, connected and in control of your health. https://bit.ly/3Hp4DPd

03/20/2024

It’s not breaking news that many of us reach for snacks during the day, but you might be surprised to learn that a recent study of U.S. adults’ snacking habits showed that we consume about 400 to 500 snack calories daily. Put another way, that’s about the same number of calories you might eat for your entire breakfast!

So, should you be choosy if you want to get the most out of your snacks during your day? Dr. Dyllan Tiburzi, family physician at Beacon Medical Group Cleveland Road, shares his tips on selecting healthier snacks to best meet your body’s energy needs:
https://bit.ly/3wRJUSm

03/20/2024

We asked some of our own Beacon leaders to share quotes or saying that have influenced them personally or professionally, reminds them to uplift other women, helps them find strength or aligns with this year’s Women’s History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”

Alex Ross, PharmD, BCPS, Pharmacy Supervisor at Community Hospital of Bremen, finds inspiration in this quote from Marie Curie:

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves."

“I like this quote because it reminds me to keep pushing forward to overcome setbacks or obstacles,” Alex explained. “Everyone has had to overcome something (or many somethings) in their life, challenges likely more difficult than I have had to face. If others can persevere and have confidence in themselves then so can I.”

03/19/2024

We are lifting patient visitation restrictions effective today at our five Beacon hospitals. Masking restrictions, however, will remain in place until further notice for anyone interacting with hospitalized patients.

Patient visitor restrictions previously limited the number of visitors to two people per patient at Beacon Granger Hospital, Community Hospital of Bremen, Elkhart General Hospital, Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Three Rivers Health.

Fortunately, there has been a decline in recent weeks in the number of patients with respiratory illness in our communities. We feel we can safely welcome more visitors in our hospitals at this time if we continue masking protocols that help us prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Thank you for your help in keeping our patients and their families safe as we continue to provide exceptional care to members of our community.

03/18/2024

As we all know, traumatic moments and accidents can happen at any time. To help you in those times, Beacon’s Trauma Team is ready to provide you with the care you need.

On Saturday, Beacon hosted its 21st annual Trauma Symposium at Notre Dame’s Jordan Hall of Science. The event highlights the successful and innovative trauma care that goes into saving lives.

One of those lives saved was Michael Molnar, who nearly died after a 2019 boating accident on Diamond Lake in Edwardsburg. Injuring his leg to the point where he needed over 11 pints of blood, Mike spoke at the Symposium about the importance of local trauma services at Memorial.

“For 90 miles, you can draw a circle around South Bend — there are no trauma Level II or higher-level hospitals,” Mike said. “So, if you have a serious accident, there’s no better place to be. They have the resources and the people to take care of you and possibly save your life.”

Beacon offers two trauma centers in the area, including the Level II trauma center at Memorial Hospital of South Bend and a Level III trauma center at Elkhart General Hospital. Thanks to WNDU for covering the Symposium:

Michael Molnar spoke at Saturday’s symposium about the work that the doctors at Memorial Hospital did to save his life.

03/18/2024

Finding the right specialist can make all the difference in your care. Beacon brings you skilled cardiothoracic surgeons — physicians who treat conditions of the heart, lungs, esophagus and chest. They’re board-certified and fellowship trained, meaning they received extra specialized education.

The whole team, including our nurses and clinical staff members, knows how
to care for you and keep you as comfortable as possible. They use world-
class techniques to repair or replace heart valves, repair abnormal or damaged structures in the heart, implant medical devices, treat heart failure and coronary heart disease and control abnormal heart rhythms.

Find a cardiothoracic surgeon near you:
• Elkhart General Hospital: Dr. Walter Halloran and Dr. Amjad Syed
• Memorial Hospital of South Bend: Dr. Daniel Weber and Dr. Michael Steinberg

Learn more about our cardiothoracic surgery team at: https://bit.ly/3uVQMxe

03/17/2024

As early as high school, Tommi Andersen, PA, knew she wanted a career in medicine. After exposure to various health professions, she fell in love with the role of the PA, specifically. “I found a university that offers both a bachelor’s as well as master’s degree in physician assistant studies, and I’ve looked forward to offering care as a PA ever since,” she says.

Her role is to act as the surgeon’s first assist during operations involving the heart, lungs or chest. “I also provide care through assessment and treatment before and after the operations by working in tandem with the surgeons and other PAs,” she says. “It’s amazing to play a part in such important and often life-saving operations.”

Learn more at https://beacon.health/41VYTG9

03/16/2024

Spring forward with spring vegetables! With daylight savings in the rearview mirror for 2024, it's time to ring in spring with a dill pasta & vegetable salad recipe courtesy our clinical collaborator Mayo Clinic.

Get the recipe here https://beacon.health/3uLPQvc

03/15/2024

Beacon is proud to celebrate our creative therapies team at Beacon Children’s Hospital. One specific specialist, music therapist Cambrae Fox, covers NICU, PEDS/PICU, and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and goes wherever patients need her. Cambrae sings and plays a variety of instruments (guitar, ukulele, piano, etc.), using these methods as a form of treatment. From age-appropriate music for NICU babies and music during skin-to-skin time and infant massage, she also does music vectoring with the PHO patients as a way to express and cope with feelings. Cambrae produces heartbeat recordings as a keepsake for bereaved families and even provides music at services to emotionally support families and staff. She has also led various music therapy groups for Beacon associates.

This important work is fully funded through our generous community who believes in our mission to connect with a heart. If you would like to join others in supporting kids at Beacon Children's Hospital, Beacon Health Foundation can help you. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cesJKT

03/15/2024

It’s Match Day! Across the country, fourth-year medical students learned which residency program they’ll join to continue their training as physicians. Programs like ours take on the responsibility of guiding the growth of these doctors and providing them with the knowledge, skills and abilities to be successful in their future practice.

The faculty, staff and current residents of the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program are proud to welcome 10 new residents in July as the Class of 2027.

Learn more about our residency program: https://residency.beaconhealthsystem.org/

03/15/2024

The countdown to Doctors’ Day is on! Join us in honoring Beacon physicians and their unwavering commitment to our community and excellence in healthcare by sharing a message of gratitude: https://bit.ly/3VnuUFR

03/14/2024

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing quotes or sayings that have influenced some of our own Beacon leaders personally or professionally, reminds them to uplift other women, helps them find strength or aligns with this year’s Women’s History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”

Candace Andresen, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, Vice President of Nursing at Elkhart General Hospital, shares these thoughts:

“In recognition of Women’s History Month, I would say Allyson Felix is one of the top role models for women today.”

Allyson, a retired American track and field athlete, leads as one of the most decorated athletes in her field as a 10-time U.S. National Champion and 31 earned Olympic and World Championships medal combinations.

“I was fortunate enough to hear Allyson speak at a conference this past year. Allyson is not only a winner but a fighter for maternal health after she experienced a life-threatening event during her pregnancy with her daughter in 2018. She would later help Nike realize and require big changes that were needed in their industry for maternity support for sponsored female athletes.”

“A few of Allyson’s quotes that I love are ‘Being a role model is a privilege’ and ‘I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.’ Strong women such as Allyson challenge all of us to do better and be better.”

03/14/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Hannah Drazenovich and Dr. Cindy Stanton for being selected as the next chief residents at the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program!

Each year, the first- and second-year residents nominate and vote for two individuals to represent them within the program. They attend weekly faculty meetings, help schedule the residents and plan instructor-led lectures, conferences, workshops and discussions. The chiefs also play an integral part in interviewing and selecting the next year’s group of new residents.

“To be nominated and voted into this role is quite an honor and well-deserved for both of these individuals,” Dr. Tina Jennings, Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program Director, said. “The growth that we see annually in our chief residents is really remarkable and helps to equip these young physicians with some of the tools to be successful in their future careers.”

Dr. Drazenovich, known for her contagious energy and excitement, is a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“Dr. Drazenovich is a deep thinker and is invested in optimizing the experience for her colleagues and those that come behind her,” Dr. Jennings said. “She is a hard worker and has an inquisitive mind and will bring so much to this role!”

Dr. Jennings describes Dr. Stanton as “one of the kindest human beings” she knows.

“She is not only an exceptionally organized and bright physician, but she also helps each person that she comes into contact with feel valued and part of the team,” Dr. Jennings added. “Residency can be a challenging season in the development of a physician and it’s exciting to think of Dr. Stanton serving in this supportive leadership role for young physicians on our team and those getting ready to join our team.”

A native Hoosier, Dr. Stanton graduated from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Drs. Drazenovich and Stanton will begin transitioning into their new roles now in preparation for July 1 when current chiefs Dr. Dan Brannen and Dr. Ethan Schimmoeller graduate from the residency program and take their next career steps.

Pictured, L-R: Dr. Tina Jennings, Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program Director; Dr. Hannah Drazenovich and Dr. Cindy Stanton.

03/14/2024

Kate Kujawski has been running since high school. Having several marathons under her belt, she runs for fun, trains regularly and dreams of running Boston and New York City.

But last summer, Kate hit a bump in the road. She started feeling pain in her knee that would not go away. She hoped she would not have to hang up her running shoes, but as an older runner, Kate was afraid.

She was relieved to receive support and expert care from Dr. Mitchell Daugherty, primary care sports medicine physician at Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists. ”We’re not going to throw in the towel,” he told Kate. “You can run the rest of your life, we just have to manage it.”

This meant everything to the avid runner. “I can’t tell you how important that was to me,” Kate said. “It's given me a chance to get my life back.”

Read more in our WSBT Eye on Health about Kate’s journey and the non-invasive procedure that helped her start running again: https://bit.ly/43jl0XL

03/13/2024

Join us Thursday, April 11, at Noon (EST), for Beacon Health & Fitness Health Talk featuring BMG Primary Plus provider, Brian Huber, MD. Dr. Huber will talk about exercising with health conditions, including:
- Exercising with obesity: The path to weight loss
- Exercising with arthritis: Modifications for pain control
- Exercising with heart disease: Tips for keeping it safe

Available for members and non-members. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2649333095230401/?ref=newsfeed

03/13/2024

Fussiness, fever and tugging on an ear? Your child may have an ear infection. Dr. Shanna Kautzmann, pediatrician at Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Main Street, shares her advice on this common childhood illness including symptoms, treatment and when your child might need to see a specialist.
Read more here: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/news/2024/02/28/the-abcs-of-ear-infections-what-parents-need-to-know-during-earache-season/

03/12/2024

You don't have to be a runner to shine at the Sunburst Race. Proceeds from the race benefit Beacon Children's Hospital, funding life-saving pediatric cancer treatments, Child Life services and so much more. Whether you run in the half marathon, 10K or 5K, or walk in the fitness 5K, your participation makes a difference. You shine by helping those who need it most.

Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/SouthBend/SunburstRaces

03/12/2024

What do you need to know about measles? With the number of cases rising in the U.S., including a recent handful of cases confirmed in the Chicago area, we want to take a moment to discuss this highly-contagious disease.

While there is currently no reason for alarm in our communities, it is important to protect yourself and your family against measles.

Dr. Shanna Kautzmann, Beacon Medical Group Main Street Pediatrics, offers information about measles – what it is, symptoms to watch for and how to best protect yourself against the disease that is now present in at least 17 states.

03/12/2024

If your provider finds a suspicious lung nodule, you want answers as soon as possible. The Beacon Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic will help you quickly move from answers to action. You may first get a lung biopsy (testing a sample of tissue for cancer), imaging, or a consultation with a lung specialist. Specialists at the Beacon Virtual Lung Nodule Clinic will evaluate and diagnose your lung nodule. From there, the team will refer you to the right lung specialists for your care. Whatever your next steps, you’ve got a team that supports you every step of the way.

Learn more about lung cancer screenings: https://bit.ly/3ImtUKp

03/11/2024

At Beacon Health System, our dedicated clinicians and support staff prioritize patient safety above all else. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

“Beacon is committed to sustaining the highest standards in patient care through a culture of continuous improvement to safeguard every patient’s well-being,” Amy Floria, Beacon Executive Director of Quality, said.

03/10/2024

A diagnosis of a heart murmur prevented Kathryn (Katy) L. Demitruk, MD, from pursuing her original goal, which was to become a Marine. This didn’t change her desire to serve and care for others, however. “Combining this passion with my enjoyment of math, science and problem-solving, a career in medicine seemed to be the perfect fit,” she says.

As a hospitalist, Dr. Demitruk’s job is to take care of patients admitted to the hospital. “In my role as a clinical informaticist I am the voice between the patients, physicians, nurses, the IT department, and the health system. I utilize data in the electronic health record system to enhance patient care, streamline care delivery, and optimize workflows,” she says.

Learn more at https://beacon.health/47yh6e2

03/09/2024

Heart-healthy fries? Everything's better with a side of fries. And we've got the perfect alternative: baked, not fried and made with butternut squash for a healthy, sweet and savory treat everyone will love.

Get the recipe here. https://beacon.health/3I0ZsW4

03/08/2024

Getting a cancer diagnosis can make you feel like things are out of your control. That’s why the Beacon Cancer Care team uses a collaborative approach to give you decision-making power.
From day one, our cancer care team will include you in the process. We’ll also remove stress by guiding you through each appointment, including daily treatment and follow-up care. And with the largest group of board-certified cancer physicians, Beacon offers you comprehensive care.
Learn more about the innovative radiation oncology services we bring to our community: https://bit.ly/49G8NhW

03/08/2024

Not only does Jim Wieferich demonstrate exceptional dedication in his work as quality control MRI tech at Beacon Granger Hospital, but he also inspires those around him with a commitment to excellence.

In every task and project, Jim displays a remarkable level of skill, innovation and perseverance. For these reasons, and many more, Jim was recently named the 2023 Memorial Hospital Associate of the Year.

“His ability to overcome challenges and deliver results has set the standard for excellence within our organization,” said Derek Taylor, director, Imaging Services, who presented Jim with the award. “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim has contributed to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. His leadership, teamwork and willingness to go above and beyond have left a lasting impact on our team.”

03/08/2024

Be sure to spring forward for daylight saving time beginning at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10.

Are you among the one-third of Americans who report getting less sleep than what’s recommended? You might be missing out: Sleep provides many benefits including reduced stress, cellular repair and a recharge for your brain. Brush up on healthy sleep habits using these tips from our clinical collaborator, Mayo Clinic: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/articles/sleep-tips-6-steps-to-better-sleep/

If you need medical advice about getting better sleep, contact your primary care provider. If you’re looking for a new family doctor, Beacon Health System is here to serve you. Use our provider search tool to find a physician: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/ready-to-serve/

03/08/2024

Not all lung spots are cancer. But it’s still important that you check them out. Beacon is the only local hospital to offer a streamlined lung screening process using MONARCH® robotic bronchoscopy.

With MONARCH®, a one-step bronchoscopy allows for more precise biopsy and staging even in difficult to reach spots.. With a single MONARCH® procedure, you get answers with less risk or chance of complications. This shortens the time from detection to diagnosis. The earlier we diagnose lung cancer, the better we can save lives. This is just one of the ways we offer quicker, minimally invasive options to streamline your care.

Learn more about MONARCH®: https://bit.ly/3IoIWzo

03/08/2024

Eating healthy can feel expensive. But with a few tricks, you can eat healthier on any budget.
• Learn kitchen skills: Cooking your own meals is cheaper than take-out or prepared foods.
• Plan your meals: Make a meal plan and a grocery list each week. This can reduce not-so-healthy impulse purchases and lower your grocery bill.
• Learn about community food resources like local food banks.
If you need extra help, a registered dietician can help you go beyond “dieting” and create a nutrition plan that’s designed just for you. Together, you’ll create heathy eating habits that work with your goals and any health concerns. Dieticians can help you address things like weight loss, weight gain, diabetes, eating disorders, digestive disorders and eating for sports performance. Plan for success with Beacon Nutrition Counseling. https://bit.ly/42Yg0I2