Iowa Birds and Bird Banding Upcoming Topic for GRMC SE*ED Program

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center SE*ED program welcomes back Bob VanErsvelde on Monday, April 9. VanErsvelde will present, “Iowa Birds and Bird Banding” at the Drake Community Library, from 10 to 11 a.m. The SE*ED programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are required and refreshments are available. Please know that seating is limited to the first 100 people.

Birding is a very popular pastime that provides many benefits such as time spent walking outdoors alone or with companions. Many enjoy viewing birds from their windows or backyards.

A local farmer and naturalist, VanErsvelde is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. His areas of study are plants and animals, with a special interest in native Iowa orchids.

            The “green” theme continues through the month of April. Grinnell College student Ashraya Dixit will present “Straws of Steel,” about his upcoming peace project in Nepal to build low cost and energy efficient straw bale houses. Dixit was awarded a 2012 Davis Project for Peace, a $10,000 award for projects to encourage and motivate college students to create and implement their ideas for building peace throughout the world.

            Also on the April schedule is Jordan Scheibel of Imagine Grinnell to discuss Grinnell’s new single-stream recycling program on April 23.  

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC’s Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2954 the Thursday before the program or if you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance,

you may also call 641-236-2954. For more information about upcoming speakers please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us.

Deer Creek Family Care Donates $1,200 to Area High Schools

Deer Creek Family Care donated $1,200 to area high schools as part of its annual sports physical program, administered at Grinnell Regional Medical Center affiliated clinics.

Each year the Deer Creek Family Care hosts a sports physical program in which fees collected are donated back to the school of the student’s choice. South Tama County Schools received $940. Other schools with students participating in the program were Belle Plaine, BGM, East Marshall, GMG Schools, and Marshalltown Schools.

“The sports physicals program provides an excellent opportunity to support the community schools while meeting a requirement for student participation in activities,” explains Sherry Parks, PA-C, Deer Creek Family Care. “In addition to ensuring the students are healthy to participate in sports, we’re connecting with and talking to our youth about positive, healthy behaviors.”

Parks, Michelle Rebelsky, MD, David Cranston, MD, provide care at Deer Creek Family Care including the sports physicals.  Parks sees patients throughout the week as a family care provider. She has been with the clinic for more than 10 years. Rebelsky sees patients one day a week in Toledo in addition to seeing patients at Grinnell Regional Family Care, Grinnell, four days a week. Cranston sees patients four days a week. Jessie Collum, ARNP, will be joining the practice and seeing patients soon.

Deer Creek Family Care, an affiliate of Grinnell Regional Medical Center, has been serving Tama and Toledo area residents consistently since 1999. It is located at 401 First Ave., Toledo. For more information on this program or health concerns call 641-484-2602.  

Save the Date

      Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a community breakfast on Saturday, May 5, from 7 to 10 a.m. in the GRMC cafeteria and Tomasek Conference Center. Their fresh approach to breakfast will feature made-to-order omelets, sausage or bacon, fresh fruit, mini pastries, and beverages. The event will include health exhibits and activities for the kids. This is a free-will donation breakfast. Mark your calendars to save the date.  

GRMC’s SE*ED Program Kicks Off Weekly Schedule

A true harbinger of spring, the Grinnell Regional Medical Center SE*ED program resumes its weekly schedule on Monday, April 2, with Ulrike Passe, Iowa State University Associate Professor of Architecture. Dr. Passe will present, “Solar Home Design” at the Drake Community Library, from 10 to 11 a.m. The SE*ED programs are free and open to the public. No reservations are required and refreshments are available.

Passe is the director of the ISU Center for Building Energy Research. The Center focuses on strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings using effective building design and efficient and renewable energy sources and technologies. Passe also worked to develop a new undergraduate program that integrates “green” design and sustainable practices into the ISU architecture program.

            The “green” theme continues through the month of April. Bob VanErsvelde of Grinnell will present, “Iowa Birds and Banding,” on April 9. Grinnell College student, Ashraya Dixit will present “Straws of Steel,” about his upcoming peace project in Nepal to build straw bale houses. Grinnell’s single-stream recycling program will be discussed by Imagine Grinnell staff member, Jordan Scheibel, on April 23.  

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC’s Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 the Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance,

please call 641-236-2954. For more information about upcoming speakers please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us or call 641-236-2954.

Grinnell Regional Family Practice Welcomes Allison Rippe, PA-C

A new mid-level provider, Allison Rippe, PA-C, joined the Grinnell Regional Family Practice in March. She will practice with Roy Doorenbos, MD; Michelle Rebelsky, MD, FAAFP; and Kristin Phelps, PA-C. Their primary care clinic is located on the third floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4^th Ave., Grinnell. She will begin accepting new patients after her orientation on March 13.

Rippe recently graduated with a master of science in physician assistant studies from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D. She earned a B.S. degree from Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, Neb. Rippe grew up on a Nebraska farm in the southeast portion of the state, outside Auburn. Her mother is a nurse in Auburn, so Rippe comes to the medical profession with a solid understanding of primary care.

“Allie will be a great addition to the Grinnell Regional Family Practice team,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Our goal is to continue expanding the providers available at the clinic to meet the needs of our service area. Allie has a down to earth personality and demeanor to complement the providers in this primary care clinic. We’re pleased to welcome Allie to the GRMC medical staff.”

As a physician assistant, Rippe is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. A physician assistant provides a broad range of healthcare services that are traditionally performed by a doctor. In general, a P.A. can provide approximately 80 percent of the services typically provided by a family physician.

“I really enjoy working with patients to educate them on their health conditions and ways to improve their health and life,” Rippe says. “This dialogue begins with a trust relationship that I want to build with patients. I’m looking forward to serving the residents in the area.”

Rippe enjoys the outdoors and is training for a marathon in May. Wedding plans are in her future for August.

For an appointment with Rippe, call Grinnell Regional Family Practice at 641-236-2500.

Nurse Practitioner Joins Deer Creek

 Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes a new primary care provider, Jessie Collum, ARNP, to Deer Creek Family Care in Toledo. Collum will join the clinic in late February and begin seeing patient in the family practice clinic in late March. She joins Sherry Parks, PA-C; Michelle Rebelsky, MD, FAAFP; and David Cranston, MD, at Deer Creek Family Care.

Prior to earning her advanced nurse practitioner degree, Collum worked nine years in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a registered nurse. She explains how her work in an intensive care unit provided a springboard to becoming an ARNP.

“In an acute care setting such as the cardiovascular ICU, we treat and care for patients with multiple, serious illnesses. At this level, many times the damage to a person’s health is severe and leads to lifetime complications. Through my experiences in ICU, I became interested in primary care and family practices. I enjoy educating patients and working with individuals on taking preventive measures to improve their health,” Collum says. “I not only want to assist patients in repairing and restoring their health but I also wanted to support them in making healthy lifestyle choices. I have desired a primary care practice because of the ability to build long-standing relationships with patients and their families. The benefits of preventive healthcare in the family practice setting area are endless and I believe I can be an asset.”

Collum is excited to join the Deer Creek Family Care staff. “This is a great fit. The facilities and staff are nice and the overall perspective of the clinic with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention matches the direction I wanted to go with my career. I enjoy multiple aspects of primary care, with women’s health being an interest of mine, but I truly like working with all age groups.”

Collum’s background in the cardiovascular ICU offers significant benefits. With high prevalence of heart disease and diabetes in the area, Collum is well experienced and passionate about working with patients on heart health measures and cardiac care.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jessie to the GRMC medical staff. She brings advanced care experience as well as a strong desire to help patients improve their health,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Jessie will welcome new patients as well as provide care to the patients who already choose Deer Creek Health Center for their health needs. She’s a great addition to the current excellent medical team at the clinic.”

Collum grew up in Malcom and attended BGM High School. She earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of Iowa and an M.S. in nursing: family nurse practitioner from Allen College. Family connections are important part of primary care and, for Collum, it also played an important role in her recruitment. Collum’s father and step mother live on Holiday Lake and spoke with the GRMC director of physician services, Amy Morrow, who also lives there. The conversation led Collum to GRMC’s recruitment staff and she secured a position prior to her graduation from Allen College in December.

“A family care practice is built on trust and consistency. I’m looking forward to building long-term relationships with the area residents,” Collum says. “I want to get involved in the community both professionally and personally.”

Collum is married to Justin Collum, also originally from the Brooklyn area. Together, they have two daughters. She admits to being a long-standing Hawkeye fan; however, her nephew now plays football for the Iowa State Cyclones so she plans to divide her time between Iowa City and Ames on football weekends.

GRMC is planning a welcome reception for Collum as well as Rebelsky and Cranston at the Deer Creek Health Center on Thursday, May 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Deer Creek Family Care is located in the Deer Creek Health Center, 401 First Ave., Toledo. Deer Creek Family Care is an affiliated clinic of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. For information call 641-484-2602.

Hospice to Offer Volunteer Training Class

Grinnell Regional Hospice will host a hospice volunteer training for community members. This class is intended for people who are interested in learning more about end of life issues. The training will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, in GRMC’s Tomasek Conference Center.

“Our training program focuses on key issues that a patient faces when nearing the end of life. Our intent is to help individuals who will be caregivers or support care givers for these individual,” says Sheena Huls, hospice volunteer coordinator.  “We decided to host a one-day event based on feedback from individuals who wanted to attend. Since the presentations by our various instructors complement each other, the flow of information is easy to follow. This format allows participants to learn all the information in one day”

Training speakers include JR Paulson, MD, medical director; Sara Wray, RN patient care coordinator; and Randy Svendsen, LBSW social worker.

“Volunteers are an important component of the compassionate care an individual receives through Grinnell Regional Hospice. Though there is no obligation to become an active volunteer after completion of the course, we often have individuals who choose to volunteer with our program,” Huls says. “We have 35 active hospice volunteers.”

There is no cost to attend this class. Lunch is provided to all participants. Hospice does need reservations to ensure enough materials and food. Please reserve a space by calling Sheena Huls at 641-236-2418 or email at shuls@grmc.us.

Nominate an Exceptional Nurse for The DAISY Award

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center invites members of the public to nominate an outstanding registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse (ARNP) for The DAISY Award. GRMC will honor nursing staff during hospital week with The DAISY Award. Nominations are due Friday, March 23.

The award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an auto-immune disease. DAISY stands for “diseases attacking the immune system.” The DAISY Award recognizes outstanding nurses for their compassion and care.

GRMC is participating in this award program with Mercy Health Network of Central Iowa to honor outstanding nurses. Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses who work in any GRMC department or clinic are eligible to be nominated to be a GRMC DAISY Award recipient.

Nomination forms are available at all GRMC nurse’s stations, human resources, The Light Center for Public Health, and GRMC clinics.

The DAISY Award will be presented during Hospital Week, May 7 to 11.

The Mercy Health Network of Central Iowa will also recognize a DAISY Award RN in June. Those selected from Mercy Health Network of Central Iowa affiliate hospitals, such as GRMC, will be considered to be the DAISY Award recipient at the network level. They will attend a special presentation ceremony in Des Moines and one RN will be chosen to be the DAISY Award recipient for the entire Mercy Health Network of Central Iowa.

Grief Healing Program Set for April

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Hospice will offer a five-week grief support group designed for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. The group will explore the challenges associated with loss as well as the opportunities that loss presents for healing and growth.

Randy Svendsen, LBSW, GRMC social worker, will facilitate the group. He emphasizes, “The grief support group will be a safe place for participants to share their loss and fond memories of their loved. Everyone travels down the grief journey in their unique way but we share common stages and emotions. The intent of this group is for grieving individuals to explore ways to remember, heal, and grow.”

Gatherings will be held on five Mondays, beginning April 2 and running through April 30. The support group will be held at 6 p.m. at the Drake Community Library, Grinnell.

There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418.

Dr. Reyes Joins Emergency Department

Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes Pascuala C. Reyes, DO, to the emergency department. She will begin serving in rotation for the night shift beginning in March. Reyes joins John T. Bambara, MD, DC, emergency department medical director; Patrick J. Cogley, MD; Clayton A. Francis, MD; and Stephen M. Ellestad, DO, providing 24-hour physician coverage for area residents.

Reyes brings 20 years of experience to the GRMC emergency staff, including bilingual communication for the growing diverse population. She has been in the DeWitt and Clinton, Iowa, area serving in level 3 and 4 emergency departments and clinics since 2000.  Prior to that, she was in private family practices in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She also served four years in a family practice clinic in Shenandoah during her tenure with Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Hospital, based in Omaha.

Reyes earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Penn. A portion of her residency was completed at a high risk obstetric program at University of California Los Angeles Medical Center. She also served at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital for her residency. Advancing her training, Reyes completed a Heritage Foundation Health Policy Fellowship in Athens, Ohio.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Dr. Reyes and the breadth of her experience to GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “She has a warm and assuring manner that will benefit our patients when facing a health crisis in our emergency department.”

Reyes admits this is a strength for her style of practice. “At the time a physician meets a patient in a crisis, you share their experience of great need. It’s like a mission to me. I want to have an impact on the patient during a crisis to make the situation better, even if that is accepting the loss.”

This passion to help in a crisis stems from the influences of Reyes’ grandmother. “She was the nurturing caretaker for the family. She actually took care of everybody around us. It was her influence that led me to a medical profession,” says Reyes.

Reyes’ life experiences span the spectrum. She moved to the rural areas of Long Island, New York, at the age five, after emigrating with her family from Dominica Republic. She attended St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY. She traveled to Nebraska with her husband who was attending Creighton University to become a physician.

Reyes has two grown daughters attending college in Florida. With her move to GRMC, she will fill her free time training for a triathlon. She’s completed a marathon and ran the Quad-City Times Bix 7 last summer in Davenport.

“We have an outstanding and fully staffed emergency department team. Dr. Clayton Francis, long-time family practice physician in the area, joined the emergency department in February. With these new providers and all the extraordinary emergency nurses and staff, we are confident in our team to handle any and all emergency medicine needs at GRMC,” Linden says.