Franciscan Women's Health Associates - West Seattle

09/30/2025

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death.

In other words, it’s your body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Sepsis can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock.

Learn more about sepsis prevention, symptoms, and treatment at https://ow.ly/TOZy50X474z.

09/29/2025

Meet our expert speakers for the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium! Join us Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as leading cardiovascular specialists share the latest advances in heart care.

Today we're highlighting Timothy James, MD, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon who will be speaking on developments in aortic valve, aneurysm, and dissection repair.

Dr. James has special training and experience in repair and replacement of aortic valves, repair of aortic root aneurysms, and repair of aneurysms or dissections of the aorta, particularly in the aortic arch. He has a proven track record of outstanding clinical results and patient satisfaction. Dr. James is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Learn more about the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium at https://www.vmfh.org/cardiovascular-symposium.

09/27/2025

Meet our expert speakers for the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium! Join us Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as leading cardiovascular specialists share the latest advances in heart care.

Today we're highlighting Jamal Anyalebechi, MD, a board certified cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in cardiac surgery in adult patients. Dr. Anyalebechi will be speaking on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for valve-in-valve procedures.

Dr. Anyalebechi prioritizes the well-being of his patients above all else, treating them with respect, compassion and empathy. He works collaboratively with his patients to develop treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

Learn more about the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium at https://ow.ly/8cmo50X3ewK.

09/27/2025

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health hospitals have once again been honored by the American Heart Association with Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke achievement awards, reflecting our commitment to delivering the highest standard of stroke care.

These awards recognize hospitals that consistently put the latest, research-backed treatment protocols into practice, improving patient outcomes through faster innovations, reduced recovery times and lower hospital readmission rates.

This year, several Virginia Mason Franciscan Health hospitals achieved national recognition for their stroke care performance, earning:

Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus with Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

• Virginia Mason Medical Center

Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite with Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

• St. Joseph Medical Center

Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

• St. Anthony Hospital

• St. Clare Hospital

Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

• St. Anne Hospital

• St. Michael Medical Center

• St. Francis Hospital

09/26/2025

September is AFib Awareness Month. You can help spread awareness by sharing this post!

AFib is more common than many people realize, yet it often goes undiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle or intermittent. This irregular heart rhythm can significantly increase your risk of stroke and other serious complications if left untreated.

Understanding your risk factors is the first step in prevention. Age, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and family history all play a role in AFib development.

Know the warning signs: irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath. These symptoms shouldn't be ignored, especially as we age.

Early detection and proper management can prevent serious complications and help you maintain an active, healthy life.

Learn more: vmfh.org/afib

09/26/2025

Don't miss this important segment! Mindy Prouty, certified nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, joined New Day Northwest to discuss the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

AFib affects millions of Americans, yet many don't recognize the warning signs. Learn what to watch for and when to seek medical attention from our cardiology expert.

Catch Mindy's informative discussion about this common but serious heart rhythm disorder.

Mindy Prouty, a certified nurse practitioner, shares signs and symptoms of AFIB. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

09/26/2025

"I want people to know there is hope." - Dr. Robert King, cardiovascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

September is AFib Awareness Month, and Dr. King is passionate about helping patients understand their treatment options. By 2030, an estimated 12 million Americans will have atrial fibrillation, yet many don't realize how treatable this condition can be.

Vasiliy Shantalov experienced the debilitating effects of untreated AFib - from cold sweats and tunnel vision to collapsing from simple tasks like washing dishes. "It was a miserable existence," he said.

But after treatment at St. Michael Medical Center, everything changed. Now he's back to biking, kayaking, and hiking with his granddaughter. "I was running around like a kid. I didn't lose any breath and I'm not in pain," Vass shared.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers advanced treatments including the convergent procedure - a hybrid approach that can restore normal rhythm in persistent AFib cases.

September is AFib Awareness Month, and it’s a condition Robert King, MD, a cardiovascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is passionate about.

09/25/2025

For AFib Awareness Month, we're highlighting the dedicated specialists who make heart rhythm care their life's work. Meet Hannah Eunice Esmeralda, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CEPS, who specializes in cardiovascular medicine at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health:

"What is your WHY? This seemingly simple question carries profound meaning, inviting deep self-reflection and realization. It's a question that has served as an inner compass throughout my journey as a Cardiac Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner.

In my role, I have the privilege to help patients with cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, regain their quality of life. Enhancing their well-being allows them to enjoy the activities they cherish. Each time we restore a patient’s normal heart rhythm and alleviate their symptoms, my hope grows stronger for the next individual in need. Witnessing patients' gratitude during follow-ups for the care they have received—and partnering with them to improve their health—is what makes this profession so fulfilling. This dedication drives me to expand my knowledge each day and help develop programs that can reach even more patients, all made possible by our supportive EP physicians and incredible EP team.

It is often said that when a person's career and passion are integrated, the foundation of endless possibilities is established. Because I get to pursue "My Why" every day, I am optimistic about making a meaningful and lasting impact in our community."

09/24/2025

Meet our expert speakers for the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium! Join us Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as leading cardiovascular specialists share the latest advances in heart care.

Today we're highlighting Matthew Bennett, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon and registered physician in vascular interpretation who will be speaking on contemporary management in vascular surgery and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Dr. Bennett enjoys the highly complex and technical nature of vascular surgery. He takes the time to understand his patient's needs and wishes, educate them on the treatment options available and help guide them in choosing the best approach for them. Because his patients often have multiple medical needs, he often collaborates with other providers to offer a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

Learn more about the 2nd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium at https://www.vmfh.org/cardiovascular-symposium.

09/24/2025

Congratulations Seattle Mariners on clinching a spot in the postseason! ⚾

We are proud to be your trusted orthopedic and sports medicine provider. Keeping the team and fans healthy all season long! Let’s go M’s! 💪💙

09/23/2025

At St. Elizabeth Hospital, we’re proud to support the Full Bellies program—an initiative that means a great deal to our team and is made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation.

Whether we’re shopping for groceries, preparing meals, or serving our neighbors, our commitment goes beyond participation. For us, it’s about creating meaningful moments of connection, offering dignity, and showing care to those in our community.

09/22/2025

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Understanding your personal risk factors is the first step in prevention.

Our free stroke risk assessment analyzes your health history, lifestyle factors, and family background to provide personalized insights about your stroke risk. The assessment takes just a few minutes.

Complete your stroke risk assessment: https://ow.ly/LYk350X0nwt