Virginia Mason Buck Pavilion Pharmacy

11/22/2024

Did you know? Even if you've never smoked, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing lung cancer. There's no safe level of exposure to to***co smoke.

The good news, It's never too late to reduce your risk. If you're concerned about secondhand smoke exposure, talk to your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider about lung cancer screening options.

Your lungs matter, and so does your health. Let's fight lung cancer together.

Learn more at vmfh.org/cancer.

11/22/2024

The day after the annual Hockey Fights Cancer game, Seattle Kraken players brought smiles to St. Anne Hospital, spending time with our patients and incredible healthcare team.

From signing autographs to sharing moments with patients, these visits remind us that fighting cancer is truly a community effort. Thank you Seattle Kraken for extending the spirit of Hockey Fights Cancer beyond the ice and into our hospital halls.

Together, we're spreading hope and raising awareness about the power of early detection.

11/21/2024

We are proud to announce ALL eligible Virginia Mason Franciscan health hospitals have earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group! This includes:

• Virginia Mason Medical Center
• St. Joseph Medical Center
• St. Michael Medical Center
• St. Anthony Hospital
• St. Clare Hospital
• St. Anne Hospital
• St. Francis Hospital

These "A" grades reflect our commitment to preventing medical errors, reducing infections, and maintaining the highest safety standards. It's the gold standard in patient safety, measuring over 30 performance areas.

"We are tremendously proud of our teams who consistently prioritize patient quality and safety while bringing incredible passion and compassion to the work they do each day." - Ketul J. Patel, Virginia mason Franciscan Health CEO

Thank you to our dedicated staff for putting patients first!

Learn more: HospitalSafetyGrade.org

11/21/2024

What an incredible night at Climate Pledge Arena for the Kraken Hockey Fights Cancer game! Together with our Kraken partners, we're taking on cancer through education, early detection, and community support.

We were proud to offer free prostate cancer screenings at tonight's game, because early detection saves lives. Thank you to all the fans who stopped by to learn more and get screened.

To our cancer survivors and warriors in the crowd tonight: Your strength inspires us. To those we've lost: We fight in your memory. 💜

Special thanks to the Seattle Kraken for joining us in this crucial fight. Together, we're making strides to beat cancer.

11/20/2024

We are proud to partner with the Seattle Kraken for the Hockey Fights Cancer game tonight at Climate Pledge Arena. We're offering FREE prostate cancer screenings for male fans at the game. Just head to the northwest corner by the living wall for a quick and simple PSA blood test.

No registration needed - walk right up!

Why it matters: Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men. Early detection can save lives.

Let's face off against cancer together. See you at the game tonight!

11/19/2024

Meet Frank Savereux, whose routine check-up turned into a life-saving moment when his provider asked one crucial question about prostate specific antigen (PSA ) screening.

From early detection to successful treatment at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Frank's powerful story reminds us why prostate cancer screening is so important for men 50 and older.

Now cancer-free, Frank will be honored at the Seattle Kraken's Hockey Fights Cancer game on Nov. 20 at Climate Pledge Arena, where fans can receive free PSA screenings.

Read more on Frank's inspiring journey: https://www.vmfh.org/about-vmfh/news-media/feature-stories/a-simple-question-a-life-saving-screening

11/19/2024

St. Anne Hospital President, Deepak, was honored to speak at the 2024 Seattle South Chamber of Commerce Fundraising Gala. A passionate advocate for advancing healthcare and supporting the next generation of leaders, Deepak is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of Burien and its surrounding communities. A Navy veteran of 12 years, he is equally committed to mentoring today’s youth. Deepak attended the event with his daughter, a reminder of his strong family values and investment in the future.

11/16/2024

No act of humankindness is too small.

11/15/2024

Did you know? Lung cancer takes the top spot as the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. Despite these sobering statistics, awareness is key in the fight against this disease. Let's unite in spreading knowledge, advocating for early detection, and supporting those affected by lung cancer.

Learn more at vmfh.org/cancer.

11/15/2024

Exceptional employees raise the bar for excellence, and Lean Miran does exactly that! We're thrilled to recognize Lean as St. Clare Hospital's Employee of the Quarter.

From her nomination: "Leah is the patient care representative at one of these clinics (St Clare specialty clinic). She answers phones, checks in patients and does all the scheduling for my patients and others. It is a very busy job. Leah always makes time in getting these patients scheduled. When the clinic’s schedule is tight she comes up with solutions to get these patients in. For example, she would follow up with other patients who she knows their authorization for treatment is pending and checks with the charge nurse if they can be moved to accommodate a more urgent patient."

Thank you, Leah, for making a difference in the lives of both patients and colleagues every day!

11/14/2024

We're proud to announce Virginia Mason Medical Center has been named one of America's Best Weight Loss Clinics and Centers for 2025 by Newsweek!

This recognition reflects the commitment of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Center for Digestive Health to providing comprehensive, personalized weight management care that changes lives. Our expert team combines clinical excellence with compassionate support to help patients achieve their health goals.

Newsweek and Statista are partnering for the first time to name America's Best Weight Loss Clinics & Centers 2025, recognizing 200 facilities nationwide that help people make healthy lifestyle changes.

11/14/2024

In honor of National Hospice Awareness Week, meet Mike Pendergast. Our dedicated volunteers bring comfort, companionship, and care to patients and families during life's most meaningful moments. Hear from Mike below.

"My Father died in a nursing facility due to complications from COVID at the age of eighty-nine. It was during the pandemic, and I had to travel, so I was only able to visit him once. I recall being extremely uncomfortable. I did not know what to say or how to act. I thought about my visit later and recognized that my discomfort somehow did not matter. He was simply happy to see me. Then I read a quote from the book Conversations with God where the author says, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. I chose to be a hospice volunteer at the height of the COVID pandemic because for me, it was a way of offering something to people in need. Compassion and empathy are qualities that should be practiced and not just talked about, so I rolled up my sleeves and chose to get out of my comfort zone."

Thank you Mike for all that you do in caring for our community. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer you can find more info at https://ow.ly/u64T50U5jYv.

11/13/2024

Join us in congratulating Heidi, St. Anthony Hospital's latest Employee of the Quarter! Hear from Heidi's nomination below.

"Since Heidi arrived she has done nothing but bring it. She has a very outgoing personality and the people she interacts with quickly realize she is a genuine person who sees them as a human being first and foremost, not a patient, or employee or whatever title applies.
The pink attire she wears more times than not, has a very strong de-escalation effect on everyone around her and then she hits you with the genuine interaction and it brings the stress of whatever event down."

Thank you, Heidi, for your commitment to supporting everyone who walks through St. Anthony Hospital's doors.

11/12/2024

In honor of National Hospice Awareness Week, meet Bella and Tookie. Every day, our extraordinary volunteers choose to walk alongside families during their hospice journey. Their dedication creates moments of light during challenging times. Hear from Bella and Tookie below.

"I have been a Hospice Volunteer for many years and for all these years it has been my honor to visit, listen and to comfort all my patients. I now have a Therapy Service Dog “Tookie” who also visits as a volunteer with me. He’s always a hit with the patients, staff and caretakers. I am just so blessed to be able to be there for them all."

Thank you to Bella and Tookie for all that they do in caring for our community. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer you can find more info at https://ow.ly/u64T50U5jYv.

11/12/2024

The same values that guide our armed forces – dedication, integrity, and commitment to others – shine bright in our veteran employees. Today we're proud to introduce Dave Steiner, who brings his military experience to his role as EMS Outreach Coordinator at St. Joseph Medical Center.

When asked what values from your military service do you continue to carry with you in your daily work at St. Joseph Medical Center? Dave responding with the following. "The Air Force's Core Value are: Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all we do. I know it sounds cheesy but when I first heard those, they just resonated as true and ultimately 'core' to how I live my own life. I've been out of the military for almost 10 years and these still guide how I live out my own work life."

11/11/2024

The discipline, leadership, and compassion developed in military service create extraordinary healthcare professionals. Today we're proud to introduce Jobelle Tionquiao, who brings their military experience to their role as Medical Staff Coordinator at St. Michael Medical Center.

"Having been married for 18 years to a dedicated service member, I have gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges military families face daily. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience—both personal and collective—and highlighted the critical importance of mutual support during times of uncertainty and change.

Over the years, I've witnessed the sacrifices made by service members and their families, whether coping with long deployments, frequent relocations, or the emotional toll of separation. These experiences have reinforced my belief that we must stand by one another, offering encouragement and understanding as we navigate the ups and downs of military life.

Living in Kitsap County, a community that proudly supports our armed forces, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. It is an honor to engage with and serve our military families, providing them with the resources, connections, and support they need to thrive despite the challenges they face. I am committed to making a meaningful difference in their lives, recognizing that when one family in our community thrives, we all benefit."

11/11/2024

In honor of Veterans Day, St. Joseph Medical Center shines bright in green, illuminating the Tacoma skyline as a beacon of gratitude for all who have served our nation.

Today our green lights represent more than just recognition—they symbolize hope, honor, and our deepest appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

To all veterans, including our own Virginia Mason Franciscan Health team members who've served: Thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Your service lights the way for generations to come.

11/11/2024

This Veterans Day, we are reminded that the discipline, leadership, and compassion developed in military service create extraordinary healthcare professionals. Meet Dan Cuadrado, MD who brings these valuable qualities to his role as Medical Director Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center.

When asked what defining moment during his military service shaped who he is today, Dr. Cuadrado respoded with the following. "During my first deployment to Syria I performed a complex tracheal trauma surgery while medical evacuating a casualty. This in-flight surgery lead to the soldier eventually making it home to his family. It is awe inspiring to have been a part of his care and see first-hand the ability of our nation's military medical services to project power in support of the front line soldiers."