Intermountain Orem Community Hospital

07/20/2025

Intermountain Health is proud to have been just a small part in the journey towards parenthood for Shay and her late husband, Tanner.

The couple documented their battle with Tanner’s colon cancer on social media, all while awaiting the arrival of their first child. Tanner passed away shortly after his daughter was born.

Diagnosed at only 25 with stage 4 colon cancer, Tanner and Shay decided to start a family when Tanner’s prognosis looked good. However, his treatment began to fail, just as they discovered Shay was pregnant.

The goal was for Tanner to be able to meet his daughter and he made it.
AmyLou was born at Intermountain American Fork Hospital last month and the family has been soaking in every moment together. Baby girl decided to be breach, requiring a c-section. Because of the unique circumstances, leaders at American Fork Hospital were able to get approval for a nurse manager to film video of the moment she met her parents, a memento that will mean so much, even after Tanner is gone.

You can read more about Shay and Tanner on their social media feeds, as well in a feature by The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2025/tanner-shay-martin-baby-colon-cancer-end-of-life-planning/

07/18/2025

The Intermountain Women’s Health team started noticing certain women were experiencing cardiovascular issues in the months after giving birth. The issues mainly affected women who experienced hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.

These conditions not only pose risks during pregnancy but also increase the likelihood of future cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Despite the severe risks, many women with these disorders were not receiving the long-term follow-up care they needed.

So the team made a plan.

In partnership with the Cardiovascular Clinical Program, the two groups ultimately formed the Women’s Heart Program Clinical Council, involving experts from various fields across all regions.

Facing what seemed like a mountain to tackle — improving coordinated care and reducing cardiovascular events for post-pregnancy women — the group moved ahead with the following goals in mind:

-Treat cardiovascular risks prior to pregnancy, aiming for ideal blood pressure management and fewer cardiovascular events.
-Improve coordinated, proactive care for women post-pregnancy.
-Reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
-Enhance patient education.

The group developed a new care model for post-partum people. It provides a framework for blood pressure monitoring and management and cardiovascular risk identification and mitigation, with the overall goal of lowering the risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Check out the full care plan: https://kr.ihc.com/ckr-ext/Dcmnt?ncid=530594265

07/18/2025

The first step is what you say. By sharing your story, you can help illuminate a path to wellness.

Hear the full story and share yours. https://connect.intermountainhealth.org/teen-mental-health-nv

Intermountain Children's Health

07/16/2025

Mary Kirchner has found a unique way to combine her needlework hobby with a passion for helping others.

Mary, who has worked in facilities maintenance at LDS Hospital for a year and a half, is a lifelong knitter. Her grandmother taught her how to how to sew, crochet, and knit.

After Mary was assigned to work on LDS’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, she heard from a caregiver of a need for hats to give to patients. Having been a volunteer at a children’s hospital while in college, Mary jumped at the opportunity to help out.

“I crochet on a daily basis — it’s like my escape,” she said. “Sometimes I get overwhelmed not knowing what to make, so I got excited when I heard they needed hats. I went out the next day and basically raided the yarn aisle at Joann’s and purchased some nice, soft yarn.”

Since January, Mary has made and given away about a dozen caps, no two of which are alike.

“I don’t use the same color twice and I don’t use same pattern twice,” she said. “I try to make every one specific and unique.”

Barbara Adams, nursing manager on the BMT Unit, said that most patients lose their hair during the transplant process and they enjoy being able to pick a hat that fits their personality.

“We are very lucky to have Mary as a member of our LDSH team. She truly contributes to the special culture we have here,” said Barbara.

07/15/2025

Summer is a time for having fun outside but make sure you stay safe in the summer heat. Dr. Tom Nelson from the Intermountain Medical Center emergency department in Murray, Utah shares tips on how to keep you and your family safe this summer and signs for when you may need to seek care.

07/11/2025

Are you a coffee lover? Do you need that caffeine fix to start your day? If you’re one of the 75 percent of American adults that drink coffee, you may be surprised it’s more than a delicious beverage. It has a range of health benefits too!

From energy boosts, reduced risk of disease, and improved cognitive function, coffee can be a powerhouse of perks. So grab a cup of joe, and let’s explore these health benefits!

​Coffee is more than a delicious beverage. It has a range of health benefits too!

07/10/2025

The brand-new Intermountain Health Vineyard clinic was officially opened at a ribbon cutting attended by city official and Intermountain leaders.

Dr. Mark Clinger, our first family medicine provider at the clinic noted “Family medicine is about caring for people across all stages of life from newborns and grandparents, and we’re here for regular check-ups, unexpected accidents, and preventative screenings. We can make a difference for all the families that are here in the area.”

Dr. Clinger acknowledged that Vinyard was growing rapidly and that with growth comes the need for health care where families live, work and where the kids go to school.

“We're not just opening doors to a new building. We're opening access to healthcare that's close, convenient and committed to the people,” he said.

Ashlee Whatcott, Intermountain’s executive director for primary care in Utah County, spoke about primary care being a foundation of wellness.

“We believe that better health starts with better access, and this clinic is a clear step in that direction,” she said. “Vineyard clinic is not just for immediate healthcare needs; we’re trying to build a foundation for long-term wellness and prevention.”

Whatcott echoed Dr. Clinger’s remarks about Intermountain’s commitment to communities.

“Vineyard clinic represents our bringing care closer to home for the Vineyard community. We want to meet people where and when they most need us. We know the area is a vibrant growing community, we’re excited to be part of that growth.”

Whatcott announced that a second physician will be starting as early as September, with plans for a third in 2026.

07/10/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Amy Blasing as the new president of Saint Joseph Hospital starting July 28!

Amy has more than 30 years of experience and began her career as a nurse. She is deeply committed to providing quality experiences both for patients and those who care for them, and brings a people-centered approach to leadership. Most recently, she was the chief executive officer of Lovelace Westside Hospital and Lovelace Women’s Hospital of Ardent Health/Lovelace Health System in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Amy shared that she was drawn to this position because of the impeccable reputation Saint Joseph Hospital has for delivering high-quality, compassionate care and is very excited to join an organization that has been caring for the community for more than 150 years.

She is well positioned to lead this organization through the next chapter of its very bright future. Welcome, Amy to the Saint Joe’s family!

07/10/2025

Intermountain Health trauma experts advise wearing appropriate riding gear, starting with a helmet, on every ride. Helmets decrease the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88 percent, and facial injury to the upper- and mid-face by 65 percent.

“Always wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet,” said McKenna Clawson, who is an advanced practice provider at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “It’s your best defense in a crash.”

Prior to hitting the trail or road:
🔎 Inspect your bike or ATV. Ensuring that the vehicle is in optimal condition can prevent unexpected breakdowns and enhance overall safety.

✅ Complete any state-required, off-highway vehicle education courses. In Utah, kids under age 18 must complete an off-highway vehicle education course and wear a helmet when riding on public land. Adults are now required to complete a one-time course as well.

⛑️ Learn basic first aid. Being prepared for emergencies can make a significant difference in critical situations and can be invaluable during off-road adventures.

🚫 Decide to ride within your skill level and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Be Smart. Stay Safe. Win Big.
Visit IntermountainHealth.org/SummerSafety to learn top summer safety tips and to make your safety pledge. You could win great prizes!

07/09/2025

When the weather gets warmer, many people look to cool off in different ways.

Believe it or not though, there are some benefits to dunking yourself in cold water and there are a lot of ways to go about it too.

When the weather gets warmer, many people look to cool off in different ways. Believe it or not though, there are some benefits to dunking yourself in cold water and there are a lot of ways to go about it too.

07/08/2025

Intermountain Health has partnered with the nonprofit Centering Healthcare Institute to offer moms-to-be the option of joining together for a group-based prenatal care program called Centering Pregnancy.

The Centering Pregnancy program option offers patient-centered care, longer clinic visits with certified nurse midwives, and a pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum support group all rolled into one.

This innovative approach to prenatal care is currently offered in Utah at Intermountain Health’s Layton Parkway Women’s Health Clinic. There are plans to offer Centering Pregnancy at other Intermountain Health Wasatch Front midwife clinic locations in Utah in the late fall of this year and in 2026. Centering Pregnancy is also currently offered at Intermountain Health Birth Center of Denver.

Learn more: https://news.intermountainhealth.org/intermountain-health-offering-group-prenatal-care-option-called-centering-pregnancy-at-layton-parkway-midwife-clinic/

07/06/2025

You tweaked your back lifting groceries. Your knee’s been aching since that weekend hike. Or maybe your shoulder’s been acting up for weeks, but you keep telling yourself it’ll get better on its own.

It’s not always easy to know when pain is something that will pass or when it’s time to take action. That’s where physical therapy (PT) can make a big difference. And thanks to Connect Care Physical Therapy from Intermountain Health, you don’t even have to leave your home to get the help you need.

Daily pain shouldn't be your new normal. Whether you're recovering from an injury, struggling with ongoing soreness, or just want to move more freely again, physical therapy can help you get there.

06/24/2025

On Friday we celebrated the opening of the Orem OB-GYN & Nurse Midwives clinic.

Dr. Mathew Wells, Intermountain’s Medical Director for Women’s Health, spoke about the opportunities the clinic gives to women in the community to tailor their birthing experience through the Simply Birth program. Wells said, “We have OB-GYNs, we have certified nurse midwives, we have mental health support so from start to finish it can be done here at Orem Community Hospital.” He noted that “Orem community OBGYN and the nurse midwives is really the first of its kind,” and that there are plans to pattern many clinics after this in the future.

Holly Zierenberg, one of our certified midwives at the clinic said, “This facility gives us the opportunity to do what we really love, which is care for women and care for them at the bedside. We have the opportunity to support women during their delivery, and to be there with them every step of the way leading up to that experience. We’re excited to be part of a group where we can offer opportunities and choices to women.”

Senior manager Kelsey Stanfill spoke of their promise “to serve with excellence, with care, with compassion and to always put the health and dignity of women at the heart of everything they do.”

The midwives clinic is almost doubling the number of deliveries scheduled for upcoming months. More information about the midwives here https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/orem-obgyn-nurse-midwives

06/12/2025

Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose, and can impact infertility. Dr. Kait Hill, OB-GYN with Intermountain Health, shares what endometriosis is and how it can be treated on KSL. https://studio5.ksl.com/diagnosis-treatment-options-endometriosis/

06/09/2025

Had fun with you all at the Vineyard Days non-motorized parade and Fair. Thanks to the City for putting it all together.

06/05/2025

Saturday we're at Vineyard Days! Come to our booth to meet with:
Our new midwives (11-1)
Your new family doctors at the new Vineyard family clinic (1-3)
Our pediatric specialists (3-5)
Our imaging crew - we're getting you a new MRI machine (5-7)
More info here https://www.vineyarddays.org/

06/04/2025

Thanks for letting us join the Oremfest pool party tonight.
We're giving away more prizes like duffel bags, hydration packs and life jackets. Visit IntermountainHealth.org/SummerSafety to learn top summer safety tips and to make your safety pledge and be entered to win.
🦺 Always wear a life jacket.
👀 Supervise children closely.
🏊 Swim in designated areas.
🚫 Avoid alcohol while boating.
🆘 Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day, Orem Community Hospital honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We pause in gratitude for their sacrifice and the freedoms we enjoy because of their courage.

May we remember, reflect, and recommit to serving our community with the same dedication they showed our nation.

05/05/2025

Learn How to Become a Safe Babysitter

Babysitting is a popular way to earn for teens during summer. Intermountain Health’s Super Sitter Safety class is a 90-minute, in-person class that teaches:

› Hands-on emergency training for a choking infant or child
› basic infant & child CPR (not a certification)
› How to calm a crying infant
› How to feed, burp, and diaper an infant
› How to plan safe, age-appropriate activities
› How to build a babysitting kit

Register for the $35 class here (classes held at Utah Valley Hospital)

Babysitting is an enormous responsibility. Participants ages 9 to 15 will learn how to provide safe and fun care to infants and young children.

04/25/2025

Installed this week - brand new lights in the operating room ceilings!

04/17/2025

FALSE: midwives only focus on pregnancy and birth
Follow this link to learn about seven common misconceptions about midwives:
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/7-misconceptions-about-midwives
And to make an appointment visit: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/orem-obgyn-nurse-midwives

Orem OB-GYN and Nurse Midwives offers ob-gyn and midwifery services located in Orem, UT.

04/07/2025

JT works in the Central Orem Clinic, and was recently recognized with an Intermountain L.O.V.E. Award for helping a veteran who came into the clinic. This story is from his nomination:

“A veteran came into our office, clearly lost and trying to find a completely different business. He was unfamiliar with using GPS and struggled to understand the directions JT provided. Sensing the veteran's confusion, JT ensured the front desk was covered and took it upon himself to personally guide the veteran. He got into his car and had the veteran follow him to his intended destination. This act of kindness and commitment to service is a shining example of IH Values in action.”

Good job JT!

01/10/2025

Pop quiz: Orem Community Hospital is ripping up some of its parking lot to make way for a new:
a) Swimming pool
b) Statue of Bluey
c) Room for a new MRI machine!!