Aurora BayCare Medical Center

11/20/2025

Dr. Luke Chong, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to talk about leadless pacemakers. Leadless pacemakers have no leads (wires) and are implanted directly into the heart. Unlike traditional devices, leadless pacemakers are less visible, lower the risk of infection, and have a faster recovery time from surgery.

Typical candidates for leadless pacemakers include elderly populations, those with a slender build who have concerns for cosmetic reasons, those with a higher infection risk or people with dialysis. It is important to discuss options with your doctor.

Learn more about pacemakers at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/4pclZCI

11/18/2025

Al’s doctor recommended he undergo a low-dose CT screening of his lungs due to his lifetime history of smoking. Despite being unfamiliar with the screening, Al decided to move forward for peace of mind. His scan uncovered some questionable areas that required a biopsy. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer. Thanks to the early diagnosis, Al was able to get the treatment he needed.

Dr. Raul Mendoza-Ayala, a pulmonologist at Aurora BayCare, wants other patients with a history of smoking to advocate for themselves and add this into their regular screening routines. Just like mammograms or colonoscopies, low-dose CT scans should be done every year. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers since patients do not have symptoms until later stages, reducing treatment options. Early detection is the best way to improve lung cancer outcomes.

Learn more about lung cancer screening at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/3UGuWrg

11/14/2025

Tim suffered cardiac arrest over a year ago, which left him with an anoxic brain injury, a condition that occurs due to a lack of oxygen. After a long road to recovery from his heart surgeries and extended time in the ICU, Tim faced a whole new set of challenges. In addition to physical challenges, he struggled with short-term memory, finding the right words, and remembering how to do tasks like brushing his teeth. Tim began physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy at Aurora BayCare to get his mind and body back on track.

Speech therapy focuses on retraining the brain and strategies to help patient success where gaps in memory remain. Additionally, it provides education and training to care partners and patient support systems, so that what’s learned in therapy can be applied at home. With the help of the team at Aurora BayCare and his wife, Shelly, Tim has been able to accomplish several recovery goals that he set for himself, including getting his driver’s and hunting license back.

Tim wants people to know that none of this would have been possible without his support system. It’s been about a year, and he’s feeling thankful for the progress he's made.

Learn more about speech therapy services at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/43l3gf0

11/11/2025

Dr. Elizabeth Dickson-Michelson, gynecologic oncologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to discuss women’s pelvic health. Being proactive by recognizing changes in your body and getting regular screenings is the best way to diagnose issues early.

Some signs and symptoms to be aware of are changes to menstrual cycles, bladder, or bowel movements. Pelvic conditions like cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancers can often be treated more effectively if caught early. Understanding risk factors and family history also plays a large role in a patient’s pelvic health journey.

If you are experiencing any changes or have concerns, having a conversation with your doctor is the best way to be proactive with your pelvic health.

Learn more about women’s health at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/4kIBNv8

11/10/2025

Dr. Armaan Shaikh, an interventional cardiologist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped by the FOX 11 Field House to discuss proactive heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many risk factors are preventable. Being proactive can help mitigate the risk of developing heart disease.

The most common steps to prevent heart disease include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise plays a large role in overall heart health as well. Regular checkups are important because some people may not have symptoms in the early stages.

Learn more about heart health at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/43bvZ6O

11/06/2025

Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. After diagnosis, she decided to take the most aggressive approach and get a double mastectomy followed by chemo and immunotherapy.

As a mom of 4, she wanted the quickest recovery possible and did not opt for any reconstruction. Initially, she thought she was okay with a flat closure, but after living with it for a while, she realized she wasn’t feeling like herself. She met with the surgical team at Aurora BayCare and decided to explore reconstructive options. She underwent DIEP-flap reconstruction surgery, a relatively new reconstruction option, and now she is feeling like herself again for the first time since her diagnosis.

Learn more about breast cancer reconstruction at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/49vt8cL

11/03/2025

Dr. Jon Slezak, an otolaryngologist/ENT at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, stopped at the FOX 11 Field House to talk about pediatric sleep apnea. Pediatric sleep apnea is a condition where a child’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, most often impacting children between the ages of 2 and 8.

The most common cause of pediatric sleep apnea is enlarged tonsils or adenoids blocking their airway. For many children, removing tonsils and adenoids can significantly improve the condition, and other treatments are available.

Learn more about pediatric sleep apnea diagnosis and treatments at Aurora BayCare: https://bit.ly/3JKwYEt

10/29/2025

When Barb collapsed at her grandson’s football game, Ashlee, an athletic trainer with Aurora Health Care, immediately stepped in and performed CPR on Barb until emergency crews arrived. This was the first time Ashlee performed CPR on a person rather than a mannequin.

Barb was then transported to Aurora BayCare Medical Center and underwent surgery with Dr. Luke Chong, an electrophysiologist. Barb received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to help regulate any abnormalities in her heart’s rhythm.

Today, Barb is doing well and is grateful for our team of experts.

Read more on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

According into American Heart Association, about 436,000 people in the U.S. die from cardiac arrest. Only about 40% get the immediate help they need.

10/29/2025

Mike had lingering shoulder pain for several years from a previous injury. Having recently undergone a double hip replacement, he was sure this pain would also require surgery. Following his hip surgery, he underwent physical therapy at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. He decided to consult with the physical therapy team to see what options he had to ease his shoulder pain and obtain his goal of being able to play catch with his future grandchildren.

Brad Sarder, physical therapist at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, was able to build a physical therapy treatment plan to get Mike's shoulder back on track, without surgery. They found a lack of range of motion and strength was causing the pain. The two worked together for several months to build that strength back up. Today, Mike can throw a ball without any pain.

Learn more about non-surgical options for injuries: https://bit.ly/478kBuU

10/27/2025

The votes are in, and it’s time to celebrate the little champions from Aurora BayCare Medical Center who brought their A-game to the Aurora Children's Health annual NICU Halloween Costume Bash! 👻

In first place, we have Miracle who enchanted her way into the spotlight in her spooky chic Wednesday Addams costume!

Coming in second place is Jayce, who channeled Gus Gus from Cinderella with adorable mouse ears and plenty of charm!

A giant round of applause for our grand prize winners and every one of our amazing participants — you’re all stars in our Halloween lineup. Wishing everyone a spooktacular and safe Halloween! 🎃🕸️🖤

10/22/2025

The Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) aims to expand access to quality healthcare in rural Wisconsin communities. Through the WARM program, students studying medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison can get training at health systems with rural clinics, like Aurora BayCare Medical Center. The program helps address the current physician shortage in rural Wisconsin communities and gives students hands-on experience in a smaller environment.

A number of students who grew up in rural communities aspire to return and work in the same spaces. The WARM program equips them with the proper training that fits those community needs. Around half of the program’s graduates go on to practice in rural communities.

Learn more about Project WARM: https://bit.ly/3WROMAk

10/20/2025

TOO CUTE TO SPOOK! 🎃🕸️🖤

Parents with babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are taking part in a Halloween Costume Bash! We've dressed our tiniest patients in creative costumes for their first spooky season, and we need your votes in the annual Aurora Children's Health NICU Halloween Costume Contest. Our BayCare babies are counting on you to help them win!

To submit your vote(s), click on the link below and then simply "LIKE" your favorite photo (you can vote for more than one!) Check out all of the adorable costumes from hospitals across Aurora Health Care and cast your votes: https://bit.ly/4o3KvpJ

The top two photos with the most votes by October 27th at 12 p.m. noon CST will receive a prize. Wishing the best of luck to all our sweet babies in Wisconsin. To us they are ALL winners!