Parkland Health Center

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Drew, RN, a recent DAISY Foundation Award winner at Parkland Health Center! 🎉 🌼

Drew made a lasting impact on a patient through his attentiveness, skill, patience, and unwavering commitment to exceptional care.

Here’s what his nomination said: “This young man is one of the most compassionate, knowledgeable, and caring nurses I have ever met. I observed this with not only my care, but also my roommate’s care. He is very observant and there when you need him. His gentleness never altered, even when dealing with an upset patient. I can honestly say he is the finest nurse I have ever encountered.”

The DAISY Award is a national program that honors nurses who go above and beyond to provide extraordinary, compassionate care. Drew’s calm presence, keen observation, and genuine kindness truly reflect the heart of the DAISY mission—and the culture and values we’re proud of at Parkland.

Thank you, Drew, for the incredible difference you make in the lives of your patients and their families. We are so grateful to have you on our team! 💛

02/19/2026

Yesterday, we hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate our new Orthopedic X-ray Suite at Parkland Health Center! ✂️💙

Thank you to the community leaders, health care professionals, Chamber members, and team members who joined us to celebrate this exciting addition. Your support reflects the strong partnership we share in advancing health care in our community.

This expansion improves access to advanced orthopedic care and imaging technology across multiple specialties, creating a more efficient, comfortable, and seamless experience. “Radiography is a key part of an orthopedic exam,” shared Thomas Berkbigler, DO. “Having it next door to our clinic has been a Godsend for our patients. It allows us to have a more thorough encounter and provide a better experience.”

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers: https://heyor.ca/BPCImo

02/18/2026

We recently added three new providers to the Parkland Health Center Convenient Care, expanding our ability to deliver care to our patients and community. Please join us in welcoming Michelle Heath, NP, Rachael Nicholson, NP, and Erica Pruneau, NP. 🎉

Our team is here for you 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at 534 Maple Valley Drive in Farmington, offering same-day care for minor injuries and illnesses such as a sore throat, cough, ear infections, flu symptoms, and more.

Walk-ins are welcome, or reserve your spot online: https://heyor.ca/ut2TV1

02/17/2026

When it comes to safe sleep practices, one fear we hear from parents is that if they put their baby on their back, they could choke if they spit up. It’s a scary thought, but understanding newborn physiology helps us see that babies are actually safer on their backs.

“When a baby is on their back, the windpipe (trachea) sits above the esophagus (the feeding tube),” explains WashU Medicine neonatologist Bryanne Colvin, MD. “If they spit up, gravity helps that fluid stay in the feeding tube or go back into the stomach, rather than pooling near the airway. On their stomach, that anatomy is reversed. When you combine this anatomical 'safety valve' with a baby's natural gag reflex, their body is remarkably well-equipped to keep their airway clear.”

While their anatomy provides protection, you can help your baby stay comfortable and manage spit-up with these safe habits:

The 20-Minute Rule: Hold your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after a feeding.

Burp Often: Take time to burp during and after feedings to reduce gas.

Stay Flat: Never use wedges or tilt the mattress. Propping a baby up can cause them to slide down, potentially compromising their breathing.

“It is completely natural to want to change your baby’s position when they seem uncomfortable,” says Dr. Colvin. “But you should feel confident that your baby's body is designed to stay safe on its back.”

02/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating Kimberly, a patient care tech at Parkland Health Center, for being recognized as our 4th Quarter Connect Award winner! 🎉

Kimberly is known for delivering incredible care with a smile and for building meaningful connections with patients—even on the busiest days. Her compassion and positive attitude make a lasting difference for the people she serves.

The BJC Connect Award, established in 2024, recognizes outstanding team members who embody BJC’s values of Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Teamwork. What makes this honor even more special is that nominations come directly from patients and their families.

One grateful family shared the following: “We were here for several days—our first time being in the hospital. Kimberly walked in with a bright smile and a can-do attitude. We both instantly connected with her. Her first day as our care tech, she pitched in with both hands—lifting, cleaning. She changed the bed, and she did all this with a willing heart while answering many calls. I definitely think you have a ‘keeper’ in her.”

Kimberly’s compassionate approach and strong work ethic truly reflect the level of care Parkland strives to provide. ❤

Nominate a team member who provided exceptional care: https://heyor.ca/vo24Kr

02/14/2026

Tiny hearts with a whole lot of love to give. ❤️

Happy Valentine's Day from our littlest patients at Parkland Health Center! ❤️

02/13/2026

"Tugging at your heartstrings" sounds romantic—but if someone literally tugged them, it’s a medical emergency. 🩺💔🚑

They say love is a matter of the heart, but our team sees things a little more... literally. For , nurse practitioner Brittany Stone, DNP, AGACNP-BC, is giving our favorite romantic clichés a medical reality check—from the anatomy of "heartstrings" to the science of a "broken heart."

If your heart is going to skip a beat this weekend, we hope it’s because of the person across the table—and not a Premature Ventricular Contraction.

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

02/13/2026

We are pleased to welcome Rafi Fasihuddin, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, to the team at BJC Medical Group Podiatry at Parkland.

Dr. Fasihuddin grew up inspired by his physician father, but what truly drew him to medicine was his own desire to help people. He found his calling in podiatry because of the way it blends medical and surgical care to make a tangible impact on a patient's quality of life.

“I am passionate about helping patients return to the activities that matter most and living life fully,” Dr. Fasihuddin shares. “Restoring function makes this work especially rewarding.”

As a specialist in foot and ankle health, Dr. Fasihuddin focuses on using the most effective, research-backed treatments for a wide range of conditions—from common heel pain and bunions to complex sports injuries, stress fractures, and diabetic foot care. When conservative treatments aren't enough, he provides expert surgical intervention, including minimally invasive bunion and hammertoe corrections, Achilles tendon repair, and ankle arthroscopy. He also performs advanced reconstructive procedures, such as total ankle replacements.

In his practice, he focuses on empowering his patients through education, so they understand their conditions and feel confident taking an active role in their own recovery. Dr. Fasihuddin enjoys building relationships with patients as he helps them improve their quality of life by easing pain, improving mobility, and giving back their independence.

Originally from mid-Missouri, Dr. Fasihuddin enjoys staying active by playing pickleball and basketball, exploring new restaurants, and traveling with his wife and children.

Learn more about Dr. Fasihuddin and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/sqX1BS

02/12/2026

Don't forget: The Parkland Health Center Foundation Gala is coming up quickly! ✨

Join us March 7 from 5:30–11:00 p.m. at the Mineral Area College Technology Center in Park Hills for an evening of auctions, raffles, dining, and dancing—all in support of the expansion and renovation of our Pediatric and Women’s Wellness Clinic Floor.

Get your tickets: onecau.se/phcfgala26

02/09/2026

Parkland Health Center was proud to team up with East Missouri Action Agency to help expand access to vital services by meeting people where they are.

Collaborations like this strengthen the health and wellbeing of our entire community, and we're grateful for the important work EMAA does every day!

East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) is excited to announce the donation of a mini-bus from Parkland Health Center, a long time partner of EMAA. With this generous donation EMAA plans to renovate the bus into a mobile unit designed to bring essential programs and services directly to the remote areas of our communities.

The mobile unit will act as a "outreach office on wheels," providing access to agency resources for residents who face transportation challenges or live far from existing outreach centers. EMAA is committed to working towards overcoming transportation barriers whenever possible so that geography is never a barrier to receiving support.

Pictured below: Keri McCrorey - EMAA Executive Director and Holli Ledbetter - Parkland Health Center, Foundation & Community Relations Manager

Thank you, Parkland/BJC, for partnering with us to make a difference!

02/09/2026

“She sacrificed herself to help people. I was inspired by how she loved, cared for, and went above her duties for others."

Katie, a member of the Environmental Services (EVS) team, was drawn to the field of health care by her mother—an elder-care nurse for 50 years.

As a child, Katie originally imagined she might become a teacher. In her current role on the EVS team at Parkland Health Center, she recognizes that while she’s walking the halls of a hospital, not a school, part of that childhood dream came true: “I still get to care for people.”

And like teaching, she says health care is more than a job—it’s a calling: “You must have a heart for others.”

While the top priority of the EVS team is keeping facilities clean and safe for staff, patients, and visitors, the impact of their work reaches much further. They play a vital role in ensuring patients and their families can focus on healing in a comfortable environment.

Katie enjoys taking time when she can to listen, share a joke or story, and get to know her colleagues and patients as people. “I am grateful that my job allows me to take a few extra minutes to chat with others and lift them up.”

Thank you, Katie, for the heart and dedication you bring to Parkland everyday! 💙

02/06/2026

Parkland rocked the red for National Wear Red Day! ❤️

All across the hospital, team members came together to raise awareness for heart health and demonstrate our support for the millions of people impacted by heart disease and stroke.