IU Health Fishers

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IU Health Fishers

IU Health Fishers is located in the Saxony area of Fishers, Indiana. Our hospital is located in the rapidly growing community of Fishers.

With a primary focus on surgical services for cardiovascular, orthopedic and spine, IU Health Fishers Hospital provides area residents with the latest advancements in medical care and treatment. The hospital includes an intensive care unit, six operating rooms, a full emergency department, a helipad for medical transport and a medical office complex. Our healthcare team includes physicians from In

diana University Health Medical Group, as well as some of the area’s most highly regarded independent practitioners. As a partner in the nationally recognized Indiana University Health system, IU Health Fishers Hospital is affiliated with Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s largest medical schools. As such, we are pleased to offer area residents access to innovative treatment options grounded in the latest medical research. The physicians and staff of IU Health Fishers Hospital are highly skilled, experienced and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients. IU Health Fishers Hospital is proud to be an integral part of Saxony and the Fishers community.

08/13/2025

From pain to possibility: Couple regains mobility after total joint replacement -

Paolo Pappalardo and Virginia Kingsbury have been married for 15 years. They enjoy spending time with each other as well as their three children and five grandchildren. Thanks to total joint replacement surgery, they now have the mobility to do the things they enjoy with those they love.

New hips, new life

In 2020, Pappalardo was experiencing extreme pain in his hips.

“Over time, I wore them down,” he explains. “I couldn’t get up from a chair. I couldn’t walk freely.”

His primary care physician recommended Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at IU Health Fishers.

Pappalardo met with Dr. Buller, ready to find relief for the pain he’d been experiencing for years.

“He was skilled at what he does. He was interested in Paolo as both a patient and a person,” Kingsbury recalls. “He answered all of our questions.”

Dr. Buller's specialty is in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee, and he recently won the 2025 Mark Coventry Award from the Knee Society. He is also the chair of the 2025 American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons annual meeting this October.

“When I meet a new patient in the office, they come in with some goals and some objectives,” Dr. Buller says. “My first goal as their doctor and their surgeon is to understand where they're coming from, what they want to get out of their hip or knee and set some expectations in terms of how we get there. Then, we talk about the options, whether those are surgical or non-surgical options. The goal is to meet the patient where they are and make sure that we try and exhaust conservative things before we jump straight into surgery.”

For Pappalardo, surgery made the most sense.

“Dr. Buller told me I didn’t have any cartilage and was bone-on-bone,” he recalls.

The surgery to replace his right hip took place about a month later. He underwent a hip replacement for his left side a few months later.

“I think one of the biggest reasons that people delay hip and knee replacement is because they're afraid of pain after surgery,” Dr. Buller explains. “So, expressing our individualized plan for pain management after surgery is really important. It is going to hurt a little bit and sometimes a lot, but the goal is that there's never suffering as part of that process.”

“I was in some pain because of the surgery, but the bone-on-bone pain was gone immediately,” Pappalardo adds.

Stronger steps

Throughout his recovery, Kingsbury was there to support her husband. When her knees began giving her problems, she knew she needed to speak with Dr. Buller.

“My knees were getting worse and worse. They were being very sore. I had spent 15 years on a concrete floor as a nurse,” she recalls.

But unlike her husband, the idea of surgery made Kingsbury nervous.

“I think it's really common for patients to be fearful of surgery and the unknown, especially if they've never had something similar before,” Dr. Buller says. “It’s important compassion and empathy and express that that it's normal to feel scared and have emotions. Also, the more we can educate the patient on what to expect and set reasonable expectations can help just eliminate some of those fears.”

“I think the meeting you have ahead of time is important to answer any questions,” Kingsbury adds. “It is so worth it to have it done. Write down your fears and questions about it and just ask the team.”

She underwent surgery to replace her right knee in early 2023. Dr. Buller replaced her left knee a few months later.

After her recovery, she was able to do active things with her family, such as multiple trips to Michigan to visit her daughter and a trip to Disney with her family that involved several miles of walking per day.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do that before,” she says.

Active again

Since their surgeries, Pappalardo and Kingsbury have become more active. Pappalardo goes to the gym, bikes multiple times per week and does strength training. Kingsbury gardens and is starting water running.

“We can do just about anything we want to do now,” Kingsbury says.

“There are no issues with my hips anymore,” Pappalardo adds. “Where we are now and where we were before are different lives.”

To learn more about IU Health’s Orthopedics program and total joint replacement surgery, visit iuhealth.org/orthopedics.

08/07/2025

When patients come to IU Health Fishers, they often have visitors accompanying them. But during medical emergencies, family members and friends have to step aside and let team members provide care, which can be a scary experience.

A younger family member of a patient had been brought to the hospital’s lobby as other visitors stayed with the patient during a difficult moment.

When Steve Knupp, a team lead in the Facilities department, saw them in the lobby, he stopped what he was doing to sit and talk with them.

“The (family member) was clearly sad and scared, but Steve was able to get them laughing and take their mind off the situation,” a fellow team member says. “People like Steve are one of a kind. Although he doesn’t work directly in patient care every day, he was not afraid to step up and help in any way he could. We are very lucky to have Steve as a team member here at IU Health Fishers.”

Because of Knupp’s compassionate act, he was recently honored with 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.

08/05/2025

Highly skilled pediatric emergency care is now closer to home for patients and families in Fishers and the surrounding communities. Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine at Indiana University Health Fishers is now open.

Riley Children’s emergency care is available 24/7 at IU Health Fishers and includes:

• Pediatric emergency unit built just for kids next to the existing emergency department
• Dedicated children’s entrance, waiting room and patient rooms
• Pediatric nurses and providers, including board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians and pediatric hospitalists, supported by a team of social workers, respiratory therapists, radiologists, general emergency medicine physicians and more
• Child Life Specialists to help ease stress and anxiety of both kids and families in the emergency setting
• Coordinated access to nationally ranked specialized care if a child needs to follow up with a pediatric specialist
• Seamless transfers to other Riley Children’s hospital locations, including Indiana’s longest-standing Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, if a higher level of care is needed

“Pediatric patients have unique medical needs. This unit is designed to meet those needs in a kid-friendly environment, with care delivered by experts who treat children every day,” says Dr. Dan Slubowski, medical director of Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine at IU Health Fishers and North hospitals. “The IU Health Fishers Emergency department has long provided excellent care to pediatric patients, treating more than 2,000 kids last year alone and continuing to see that volume grow year over year. This dedicated space allows us to grow to meet the needs of our community in a way that means safer, faster and higher quality care for kids.”

The opening of Riley Children’s Emergency Medicine at IU Health Fishers is part of the ongoing Fishers Community Impact Project, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and services in what has become one of the fastest growing areas in the state—Fishers and the northeast suburbs of Indianapolis. The project, on track for completion by late October 2025, includes a significant expansion of the IU Health Fishers hospital campus and services, and the addition of offsite, outpatient access to primary care and specialists.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing trusted, highly skilled pediatric care closer to home for families across Indiana,” says David Biggerstaff, president of Riley Children’s Health. “By offering dedicated emergency medicine services at IU Health Fishers, we’re helping more children receive the care they need in their own community. In fact, more than 95% of pediatric patients seen in the IU Health Fishers Emergency department last year were successfully treated without the need for transfer.”

With the opening of Riley Children’s Emergency Medicine at IU Health Fishers, and existing 24/7 pediatric emergency care at IU Health North, Riley Children’s now offers two locations in Hamilton County for expert pediatric emergency care. Riley Children’s also offers primary care services in Fishers.

07/30/2025

Respiratory therapist draws on own experiences to help others-

Restful sleep is a key factor in maintaining overall health of the body. Lisa Keith, a respiratory therapist at IU Health Fishers, works to help patients get the best sleep possible.

Keith works in the hospital’s Sleep Education Center, teaching patients about sleeping disorders. She has been working for IU Health for 10 years, originally starting at Riley Hospital for Children before coming to IU Health Fishers in January.

Keith's main focus is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

“Our team educates on exactly what sleep apnea is, and then we proceed with educating patients on their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and how to use that. We provide care for pediatric patients all the way up to adult patients,” Keith explains.

The entire team at the Sleep Diagnostic Lab and Sleep Education Center work together to find a solution for patients with sleeping disorders.

“Our team is a cohesive team. We have a camaraderie between all of us and the care that we provide for the patients is really what our hearts desire. So, we want to make sure that they are educated in such a way that when they go home, they feel secure knowing how to use their machine,” Keith explains.

Keith herself uses a sleeping machine. Her firsthand experience has helped her tremendously with her role.

“I love this job hands down, because education is a part of me. So, when I got this opportunity to educate and to be one on one with patients, now I can help them not be so anxious about the diagnosis that they have,” she says.

Overall, one of Keith’s favorite things about her role is seeing patients experience a better quality of life.

“When [sleeping disorders] are left untreated, that's when it hurts the patient. The more persistent, the more encouraging that we are in helping them find the right mask is the key,” she says. “Making sure that patients are comfortable and able to maintain sleep throughout the night helps patients get better as they go on this journey.”

Are you looking to be part of a collaborative team that makes a real impact? Visit careers.iuhealth.org to learn more.

07/29/2025

When asked what inspired her to go into imaging, Stephanie Busselberg points to a photo of her two sons on her desk.

“My sweet boys kept breaking their arms, so I started meeting a lot of X-ray technologists and talking to them about their job, how long schooling was and if they enjoyed what they did,” she recalls.

Shortly after, Busselberg switched out of nursing school and began the Radiography program at Ball State University. She completed her clinicals at IU Health Methodist and was hired after graduating as a CT technologist and would later pick up part-time work at Riley Children’s Health.

When a full-time position became available at IU Health Fishers, just shortly after the hospital opened in 2012, Busselberg made the move. She started out in X-ray and CT and then became a team lead.

Since July 2024, Busselberg has served as interim manager for Imaging Services at IU Health Fishers and was officially offered the permanent position this March.

“I think part of being a manager is helping teach people the work process” Busselberg says. “I was an older student, and I enjoyed learning, but then when I became a tech, I really enjoyed teaching. As the manager of the department, I'm still helping and assisting with all of all of the team members.”

As part of the Fishers Community Impact Project, the hospital’s Imaging department is doubling in size. It was an exciting time for Busselberg and the team when the project was announced in 2022.

“There’s been a lot of growth in Fishers. It’s nice knowing that more of the community can be helped with other needed services that we’re bringing to the area, like labor and delivery,” she says.

As construction has continued throughout the last three years, the Imaging department has seen plenty of change in space and equipment, including a second MRI scanner, a second CT scanner and second X-ray room.

“It’s been very helpful,” Busselberg says. “We've increased the amount of exams we can do and the amount of patients we can see.”

There’s still more work being done, as the department’s Mammography team is moving into the hospital’s new tower, which is slated to open later this year in October. The move will allow patients receiving mammograms to be closer to the hospital’s OB/GYN unit and providers. It will also allow the Ultrasound team to have more space within the main Imaging department, with that construction concluding in May 2026.

Becoming a manager during a major expansion project has given Busselberg a new perspective on her work.

As her responsibilities have increased, so has her knowledge on construction and project management as the team thinks through the smallest details as they plan their new spaces.

“Prior to me getting into this position, I knew a lot about what was going on with X-ray and CT, but now I'm learning more about mammography and ultrasound and the build of their rooms and things that they need,” she says.

While construction has been a constant for Imaging Services, Busselberg says the team has handled it well.

The projects have moved from room to room, one phase at a time, which has caused different workflows for the team. For example, as the new CT room was being worked on, the area was blocked off and patient routes needed to be changed.

“All of our Imaging team leads and supervisors have worked really hard with schedules. Not only are we changing spaces, but we're increasing patients,” Busselberg says. “They’ve done a great job in keeping the team motivated and working hard.”

07/23/2025

Total joint replacement surgery: Are you a candidate? -

Total joint replacement surgery is a common and highly effective procedure for individuals experiencing chronic joint pain, limited mobility and reduced quality of life due to joint damage. Most often involving the hip or knee, these surgeries are typically recommended when non-surgical treatments—such as medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes—fail to provide adequate relief. At IU Health, total joint replacement is a cornerstone of orthopedic care, with expert surgeons performing thousands of these procedures each year. The surgery aims to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components, reducing pain and restoring function so that patients can return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Leonard Buller, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at IU Health Fishers, answers commonly asked questions about total joint replacement surgery.

Who is a candidate for total joint replacement?

"Candidates for joint replacement are evaluated based on the severity of their symptoms, overall health and personal goals. Patients considering joint replacement are encouraged to attend a convenient virtual educational seminar, which helps them understand their condition, treatment options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Our team works directly with patients to create a personalized care plan for their needs."

How can you prepare for surgery?

"Preparation for joint replacement begins well before the day of surgery. IU Health provides comprehensive pre-surgery educational resources and has team members dedicated to ensuring patients and their support partners have all their questions answered throughout the journey. Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. This includes reviewing medications, conducting blood tests and assessing cardiovascular and pulmonary function. Preparing the home for recovery is also important—this may involve removing trip hazards, installing safety equipment like grab bars, and arranging for help with daily tasks during the first few weeks post-surgery."

What can you expect on the day of surgery?

"The surgery itself typically lasts one to two hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Immediately after the procedure, patients begin a carefully guided recovery process that includes pain management and early mobilization. At IU Health, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals—including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and case managers—works closely with each patient to ensure a smooth and safe transition from surgery to recovery. Most patients begin walking with assistance the same day or the day after surgery."

What does recovery look like?

"Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the specific joint replaced. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital and continues at home or in an outpatient setting, with physical therapy playing a key role in regaining strength, flexibility and independence. Patients gradually transition from using assistive devices such as walkers or crutches to walking unassisted. While many people begin to feel significantly better within a few weeks, full recovery and return to normal activities often take several months."

Are there risks?

"As with any major surgery, total joint replacement carries some risks. However, when performed at high-volume centers like IU Health, the risks are low, and outcomes are generally exceptional. Most artificial joints function well for 20 years or longer, allowing patients to enjoy long-term mobility and quality of life improvements."

IU Health is recognized nationally for its comprehensive joint replacement program, offering patients access to advanced surgical techniques, innovative research and coordinated care throughout the entire journey. With a strong focus on patient education and individualized treatment plans, IU Health helps patients navigate the joint replacement process with confidence. By choosing a trusted healthcare partner and preparing thoroughly for the experience, patients can look forward to life with less pain, better function, and a renewed sense of independence. Learn more about Indiana’s most preferred destination for total joint care at iuhealth.org/orthopedics.

07/22/2025

They bring sunshine to Orthopedics and beyond -

In the Orthopedics department at IU Health Fishers, a committee is working to bring joy to their fellow team members and the community.

The Sunshine Committee began in 2021 with four members. Now, their numbers have grown to ten team members—almost half of the department’s team.

The committee hosts events and fundraisers for team members and charities outside of the hospital. Becky Pinkston, a medical assistant in the department, is one of the team members actively involved.

“We planned birthdays and holidays, baby showers and that kind of stuff. Then it evolved into doing outside help, like hygiene bags for those experiencing homelessness, supplies for the animal shelter and more,” Pinkston explains.

“You're together with your coworkers almost more than you are with your family. This department turns into a family. You get special relationships,” says Penny Smith, a receptionist within the department.

If a team member is going through a hard time, the committee is there for them to lean on.

“We celebrate the positives, but there's been some trials that our team members have gone through, and we’ve been able to provide meals and such,” says Kaitlin Simerly, a registered nurse.

The team members have seen a positive effect on patients who visit the office at IU Health Fishers as well.

“It lets [patients] know that we care about more than just getting them in here for their orthopedic problem. We believe in a connection with other people and having empathy towards our community,” Pinkston says.

Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Grimes, Becky Pinkston, Camille Sacchini, Penny Smith, Kaitlin Simerly, Lori Neely and Michelle Howell

07/16/2025

IU Health Fishers prepares to offer Riley Children's Health Emergency Medicine services -

Team members are preparing to offer Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine services at IU Health Fishers. The team held a Day in the Life event on Tuesday, July 8, for the new Riley Children’s Health Emergency unit, which is set to open next month.

The purpose of the event was to go through different patient scenarios to see how the team moves through the new space. Those overseeing the project will take the team’s feedback and make necessary changes before the first patient walks through the doors on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The new space sits adjacent to the existing IU Health Fishers Emergency department, with a dedicated pediatric entrance and waiting room. It has 12 pediatric patient rooms, including eight exam rooms and four observation rooms. It will be staffed 24/7 with pediatric providers and nurses.

“By expanding emergency medicine services to the Fishers community, Riley Children’s Health can provide patients and families highly skilled and trusted emergency care in a location closer to home,” says Ashlee White, manager of clinical operations for Riley Children’s Health Emergency Medicine at IU Health Fishers.

07/13/2025

Student technician finds patient care rewarding -

Elizabeth Stern is not only a patient care technician at IU Health Fishers; she is also a pre-medical student at the same time. Stern works in the Emergency department at the hospital, helping perform electrocardiograms, monitoring vital signs and drawing blood. Administrative tasks like paging doctors and answering the phone are also daily responsibilities.

As a college student on track to a medical degree, Stern finds the role rewarding.

“I like being a patient care tech while I'm going through school. It builds my knowledge and gets those patient care hours in,” she explains.

The medical trait runs in the family as well—her mother is a nurse practitioner in cardiology at IU Health Fishers.

Stern’s goal is to become a doctor. While she’s not sure which specialty she’d like to pursue, she loves working with the Emergency department team.

“Everyone has been so nice and welcoming, and they are all here to care for the patient and give them the best care that they need at IU Health Fishers. Everyone supports me because I'm new, and everyone's been so kind, answering all my questions,” she says.

Are you interested in joining a supportive team that helps people every day? Visit careers.iuheahlth.org to learn about open positions with IU Health.

07/09/2025

After IU Health Saxony Hospital officially changed its name to IU Health Fishers on Friday, June 27, team members shared the name change with the community in a big way.

About 70 IU Health Fishers team members walked in the Spark!Fishers parade on Saturday, June 28. It was the first public appearance for the hospital's new name.

Participating team members greeted those lining the parade route, handing out hand sanitizers, bubbles, candy and more.

"The Spark!Fishers parade was a wonderful event for the team to walk together in celebration, embracing our new name and the vibrant spirit of our community," says Chief Nursing Officer Diane Hesson.

The name change is part of IU Health’s ongoing Fishers Community Impact Project, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and services in what has become one of the fastest growing areas in the state—Fishers and the northeast suburbs of Indianapolis. The project, on track for completion by late October 2025, includes a significant expansion of the Fishers hospital campus and services, and the addition of offsite, outpatient access to primary care and specialists.

07/08/2025

IU Health Saxony Hospital renamed IU Health Fishers -

It’s official! IU Health Saxony Hospital is now IU Health Fishers.

The work to change the name to IU Health Fishers started in December 2023 and has included multiple departments throughout the process.

Team members recently celebrated the official name change with an event held at the hospital. It kicked off with comments from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Stevens and Chief Nursing Officer Diane Hesson, followed by a team member cookout and guided tours through the hospital’s new tower, which is slated to open its doors this October.

“This December, our hospital will celebrate 14 years of serving this community. While a lot has changed and grown since then, our commitment to delivering great care and patient experiences has remained the same,” says Dr. Stevens. “The Fishers Community Impact Project and expansion to this hospital speaks directly to that—we’re growing to meet the needs of this growing community.”

The name change is part of IU Health’s ongoing Fishers Community Impact Project, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and services in what has become one of the fastest growing areas in the state—Fishers and the northeast suburbs of Indianapolis. The project, on track for completion by late October 2025, includes a significant expansion of the Fishers hospital campus and services, and the addition of offsite, outpatient access to primary care and specialists.

“Fishers is now the fourth largest city in Indiana and the population continues to grow rapidly,” says Soula Banich, vice president and chief operations officer supporting IU Health Fishers. “When we began this work to expand services and access to better meet the needs of the increasing population, it became clear the hospital needed a name that better reflects this growth and the broader population we serve.”

To learn more about the Fishers Community Impact Project, visit: https://iuhealth.org/about-our-system/building-on-our-promise/fishers-community-impact-project

Address

Fishers, IN

Telephone

+13176782000

Website

https://iuhealth.org/find-locations/iu-health-fishers

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