Franciscan Heart & Vascular Associates at St. Joseph

10/30/2025

Congratulations to Jennifer Sterrenburg, Respiratory Therapist at St. Francis Hospital, on receiving the Good Catch Award!

The Good Catch Award honors healthcare professionals who speak up when they notice something that could impact patient safety. Heroes like Jennifer make Virginia Mason Franciscan Health a safer place for everyone in our care.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication to excellent care!

10/30/2025

Myth: "Mammograms can cause or spread breast cancer."

Fact Check: ❌ This is completely false!

The truth about mammograms:
• Mammograms use very low doses of radiation that pose minimal risk
• Modern equipment uses the lowest radiation dose possible while providing clear images
• The benefits of early detection far outweigh any potential risks
• Mammograms cannot spread cancer—they detect it

The reality: Regular mammograms are one of the most effective tools for catching breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Screening mammograms have been proven to reduce breast cancer deaths by finding cancers before symptoms appear.

Women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier based on personal risk factors. Don't let myths prevent you from this life-saving screening.

Schedule your mammogram today: https://ow.ly/V1h750XjaJp

10/29/2025

Myth: "Breast cancer is contagious."

Fact Check: ❌ This is false!

The truth about breast cancer:
• Cancer is NOT contagious and cannot spread from person to person
• You cannot "catch" breast cancer from physical contact, sharing food, or being near someone with the disease

It's safe and important to support loved ones with breast cancer through hugs, visits, and emotional connection. Your presence means everything during their journey.

Don't let myths prevent you from supporting those you love or seeking care yourself.

Learn more about breast cancer facts: https://ow.ly/it1j50XiBiG

10/28/2025

Meet our speakers for the Digestive Health Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Wash. This event is presented by the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Join us as we bring healthcare professionals and community members together to explore the latest advances in digestive health care and treatment options.

Today we are highlighting TJ Templin, MD, a board-certified thoracic surgeon specializing in general thoracic surgery, esophageal surgery, and thoracic oncology, with an emphasis on complex paraesophageal hernias and esophageal cancer, who will be speaking on minimally invasive paraesophageal hernia repair.

Dr. Templin has performed over 1,100 robotic procedures. As a robotic proctor, he mentors fellow surgeons in these advanced techniques. In addition, as the chairman of the Robotic Steering Committee at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, he guides the strategic direction and implementation of robotic surgical programs, demonstrating his commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care

Learn more about the Digestive Health Symposium at vmfh.org/digestive-health-symposium.

10/27/2025

Congratulations to Marie Sol Hetrick, HUC at St. Francis Hospital, on receiving the Sunshine Award!

From her nomination: "Sol is incredibly reliable, efficient and knowledgeable. She supports the team in both big and small ways. She's always ready to lend a hand wherever it's needed. Her proactive attitude and strong work ethics make a real difference in our unit. Sol helps lighten the load for everyone and contributes to a positive, collaborative work environment. She is truly a valuable teammate and we are so lucky to have her."

Thank you, Sol, for being a bright spot on your team and for the dedication you bring to St. Francis Hospital every day. Your contributions make a meaningful difference for both colleagues and patients!

10/27/2025

Making cancer screenings as easy as tailgating! Check out this KING 5 story about how Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brought free lung and prostate cancer screenings to Seattle Seahawks fans at Lumen Field during the Crucial Catch game.

Crucial Catch meets people where they're at and saves lives. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

10/25/2025

From cancer survivor to giving back! Crystal Rowe was only 32 when she felt a lump in her breast. As a nurse and young mother at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, she knew something was wrong.

"When you have cancer, you feel like you have no control over your life," Crystal shared. "I've always been a fighter. I was going to fight this, and I wasn't going to let cancer define me."

After completing treatment and becoming a survivor, Crystal wanted to ensure other cancer patients had access to resources that helped her feel like herself during treatment.

Hear more about Crystal's story and how she's giving back at the link below.

Crystal Rowe was only 32 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a nurse and young mother, and the diagnosis turned her world upside down.

10/24/2025

Meet our speakers for the Digestive Health Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Wash. This event is presented by the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Join us as we bring healthcare professionals and community members together to explore the latest advances in digestive health care and treatment options.

Today we are highlighting James Lord, MD, PhD, who specializes in immunological disorders of the bowel, teaching and research and will be speaking on contemporary management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Learn more about the Digestive Health Symposium at https://ow.ly/n1jT50XfJ9x.

10/23/2025

Myth: "Men don't get breast cancer."

Fact Check: ❌ This is false!

The truth about men and breast cancer:
•Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer
•About 1 in 100 breast cancer cases in the U.S. occurs in men
•Male breast cancer is often diagnosed at later stages because men don't typically think they're at risk

Men with a family history of breast cancer, BRCA gene mutations, or certain health conditions may have increased risk. Early detection is crucial for everyone, regardless of gender.

If you notice any concerning changes, talk to your provider. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate.

Learn more: vmfh.org/breastcancer

10/22/2025

Meet our speakers for the Digestive Health Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, Wash. This event is presented by the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Join us as we bring healthcare professionals and community members together to explore the latest advances in digestive health care and treatment options.

Today we are highlighting Mahmuda Tasneem, MD, who specializes in internal medicine and primary care who will be speaking on medical management of obesity — pharmacologic interventions and lifestyle modifications.

Dr. Tasneem has been in practice for more than 20 years and has extensive expertise in treating obesity, hypertension & high blood pressure, diabetes, among other conditions.

Learn more about the Digestive Health Symposium at https://ow.ly/H2WS50XfJ4x.

10/21/2025

What an incredible season! Congratulations to the Seattle Mariners on an unforgettable playoff run.

As the Mariners' Trusted Sports Medicine Provider, we're proud to support our hometown team through every inning, every season. Thank you to the players, coaches, and everyone in the Mariners organization for the excitement, passion, and memories you've given our community.

We'll be back stronger next season. Go M's!

10/21/2025

Myth: "Mammograms can cause cancer or spread it."

Fact Check: ❌ This is false!

The truth about mammograms:
• Mammograms use very low doses of radiation that pose minimal risk
• The benefits of early detection far outweigh any potential risks
• Modern mammogram equipment uses the lowest radiation dose possible while providing clear images
• Mammograms cannot spread cancer

The reality: Regular mammograms DETECT breast cancer early when it's most treatable. Screening mammograms have been proven to reduce breast cancer deaths by finding cancers before symptoms appear.

Don't let myths prevent you from this life-saving screening. Women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier based on personal risk factors.

Ready to schedule your mammogram? Learn more: vmfh.org/breastcancer