Deer Creek Family Practice Expands Hours

 The Deer Creek Family Practice will increase clinic hours and be open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, effective August 1.

“We wanted to increase hours to accommodate patients and their busy lives. With the arrivals of Daryl Allison, physician assistant, and Dr. Polly Hineman, we are able to implement that goal,” says Brody Hala, GRMC clinic supervisor. “We anticipate more positive changes with providing services to meet the needs of area residents and remain here locally.”

In addition, Deer Creek Health Center has increased the number of visiting specialists who will hold clinic at the healthcare facility.  Specialists at the clinic include Matthew McKnight, Foot and Ankle of Iowa; Elizabeth Tigges, DO, and Mathew Severidt, DO, Surgical Associates; and Lauren Graham, Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine. Grinnell Regional Physical and Occupational Therapy staff also see clients regularly.

For information about scheduling, call the Deer Creek Family Practice office at 641-484-2602. 

The Jay “Ding” Darling Story

If you’re a frequent attendee of Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education program, you may be familiar with Tom Milligan, who has presented past SEED programs on Grant Wood, Henry A. Wallace, and Forrest Spaulding. On Monday, Aug. 1, he will be presenting “The Art of Conservation, The Jay ‘Ding’ Darling Story.”

The story, which will premiere at the State Fair this summer, features Jay “Ding” Darling, an Iowan and a two time Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist. He was also an internationally known conservationist, and the founder of the National Wildlife Federation.

Also an Iowan, Milligan was born in Des Moines and now resides in the Amana Colonies. An accomplished thespian, Milligan’s 45-year career has included performances in a variety of theatres, such as Charlie’s Showplace Dinner Theater, The Old Creamery Theater, The Des Moines Playhouse, and Hoyt Sherman Theater.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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 Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program. 

Prepare to Care Graduates

 (from left) Rebecca Crady, Danette Johnson, Deb Morton and Nancy Klein. Not shown Steffanie Crady.

Patients of Grinnell Regional Home Care have another assurance of quality care as five home care aids have completed the Prepare to Care core training.

“Completion of this program recognizes our front line staff as professionals. Our staff has completed this advanced training in patient-specific areas such as communication, cultural differences, and lifting so they can do the very best work for clients,” say Carla Doane, Grinnell Regional Home Care manager.

Prepare to Care is a state recognized educational program, administered by Iowa Department of Public Health, and promoted by the Iowa Care Givers to ensure direct patient care staff are well trained to give quality care to patients. Each year, Grinnell Regional home care aids complete classes to ensure they are trained in the best practices.

“Across our staff, we have more than 50 years of service at GRMC. The longevity of our home care staff is excellent and one reason is that we support our staff. For the patient this ensures stability, knowledge, and experience in caring and meeting their needs,”

Doane says. 

OB/GYN Specialist and Surgeons to Offer Clinic at Deer Creek

Elizabeth Tigges, DO, obstetrics and gynecology specialist, and Mathew Severidt, DO, general surgeon, will accept appointments for surgical consults, obstetrical care, and gynecological needs at Deer Creek Health Center, 401 First Ave., Toledo.

Tigges joined Severidt and the surgeons with Surgical Associates of Grinnell in April and has expanded her clinic outreach to Tama, Toledo, and Meskwaki residents.

The clinic in Toledo will increase access for individuals with surgical and ob-gyn needs. Tigges plans to work with area primary care providers for obstetrical care, cesarean births, and gynecological care.

“A healthy child begins with the mother and good prenatal care. I want to support women in the area during their pregnancies,” says Tigges. “I also believe there is a large underserved group of women with gynecological and sexual health concerns. My training and experience can assist all women.”

Tigges spent the last four years providing obstetrical and gynecological care to patients, performing pelvic surgeries, and specializing in women’s sexual health, a niche area. She previously practiced at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center Obstetrics and Gynecology,  as well as in Memphis, Tenn. 

Tigges began her medical journey at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Aultman Hospital, Northeast Ohio College of Medicine in Canton, Ohio. She is board-certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and aspires to cover the full spectrum of women’s health needs.

Severidt began holding office hours at Deer Creek Health Center in May. Severidt will consult with patients for a range of general surgery services including abdominal, hernia, and endocrine surgeries as well as oncology, obstetrical, and bariatric procedures. His residency included training in advanced laparoscopy, allowing Severidt to offer his patients a minimally invasive solution to complex surgical problems.

He received his training at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines after earning his medical degree at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Mo. He graduated from Central College in Pella.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Tigges or Severidt, please call Surgical Associates at 641-236-4323.

New SHIIP Counselor Offering Medicare Information in Grinnell

Where can I go to find answers about the Medicare prescription drug plans?  Are mammograms covered by Medicare Part B?  What is a Medicare Advantage plan? I’m turning 65—who can help me understand Medicare?  My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these questions can be found by meeting with a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Now, three volunteers are available to assist residents in the GRMC service area. 

Kathy Szary from Grinnell completed the extensive training program conducted by the State of Iowa Insurance Division. She worked at GRMC for more than 30 years and retired this past year.

Szary joins Maralee Kruse and Montie Redenius as a SHIIP counselor. People wishing to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP counselor should call 641-236-2588.

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, was created in 1990 in response to the statewide need for senior health insurance information.  SHIIP provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with questions and problems related to Medicare benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare and insurance claims, and other related issues.  SHIIP does not recommend insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help Iowans on Medicare make well-informed decisions.

Demystifying the Debatable Definition of Art

One may say “art is in the eye of the beholder” and yet, that is debatable since one person’s opinion is only as good as the information it is based on. Monday, July 25, Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education Program will welcome Dale Fisher the Curator of Education at the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Fisher will discuss the debate regarding the definition of art and the perplexing part it plays in education and everyday life. He will cover the major constants and variables that are inherent to the spiritual, social, and historical function of art throughout human history.

Fisher received his BS in Art Education and a BFA in painting, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received his MFA from Arizona State University. After completing the MFA program, Fisher worked as a museum educator at the University of Missouri-Columbia Museum of Art and Archaeology where he served on the faculty of the School of Fine Arts. He is currently curator of education at the UI Museum of Art, and lecturer in the UI Museum Studies and Art Education programs.

Fisher’s intent for this presentation is to get the audience to look beyond their personal tastes when considering what art is.

“My goal is as ambitious as opening up a whole new way of seeing for some, or for others, as simple as facilitating the viewer of art to look a little closer than perhaps they otherwise would have prior to the discussion,” explains Fisher. “It is an ongoing challenge that depends on the audience having an open mind, a judicious temperament, and a willingness to explore ideas.”

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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 Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program.

Brody Hala Joins Deer Creek Management Team

When you want the best from your local healthcare center, know that Brody Hala, MHA, 2010 South Tama County High School graduate, will be on your team. Hala began serving as the Grinnell Regional Medical Center outlying clinic supervisor on July 1.

Hala’s role will be to oversee the day-to-day operations at Deer Creek Family Care and Victor Health Center. He will be responsible for scheduling providers, tracking financial metrics, achieving high patient satisfaction, and assuring the clinics follow best practices for quality patient care.

He comes to the Deer Creek Family Care clinic from the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics as well as Athletico Physical Therapy in Urbandale. He also worked as a student athletic trainer at the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Training center in Cedar Falls while earning his BA in athletic training. He will earn a master’s in healthcare administration from Des Moines University this coming winter.

“We plan to grow the GRMC clinics and are fortunate to welcome Brody to lead our outlying clinics in these activities,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “The addition of a dedicated clinic supervisor will help assure patients receive the best care, especially with the addition of Daryl Allison in July and Dr. Polly Hineman in August, to the Deer Creek Family Care team with Sherry Parks, PA-C. Brody has the hometown knowledge and the training to match patients’ needs with expanded services in the clinic.”

Hala grew up in Toledo and his family lives in the community. He enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as outside activities and traveling.