GRMC Receives $10,000 from Monsanto Fund to Support MRI Project

Grinnell Regional Medical Center has received a $10,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, to help fund an upgrade to the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit services.

“GRMC is pleased to team up with the Monsanto Fund to address the needs of our community,” says Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development at GRMC. “This grant will go toward renovating the radiology department to house our new MRI unit within the hospital.”

“Our philosophy has been to provide the highest quality care to our patients through excellent staff and current technology,” Lamphier says. “This latest commitment to upgrade our MRI services is no exception.”

“GRMC is a great community partner for Monsanto Company. They have been there for us as a company and for our employees who live in the area. We know this project will be a benefit for all,” says Al Henderson, plant manager at Grinnell Monsanto Company.

Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are also offering a challenge for this technology investment. Under the challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust, all new or additional gifts to the MRI campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call Lamphier at GRMC’s office of communication and development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

About Monsanto Fund:

The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund’s primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. The Monsanto Fund is focused on grant-making in four main areas: nutritional well-being through agriculture; science education, primarily on professional development for teachers; healthy environment, which includes conservation, protection of biodiversity, clean water and restoration of wildlife habitat; and improving the quality of life in communities where Monsanto employees live and work.

Visit the Monsanto Fund at http://www.monsantofund.org/asp/welcome.asp.

Talks Underway to Bring Pharmacy Services Back to Victor

Last week, members of the Victor Health Center board, the Victor Community Development Association board, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center, met with a pharmacist/entrepreneur to talk about the possibility of bringing pharmacy services back to Victor.

Earlier this summer, Phillip Pharmacy closed its Victor location and relocated all its activity at its other pharmacy in Brooklyn. Since then the Brooklyn pharmacy has obtained a new owner. Todd Thompson, pharmacist and owner of Remedy Drug in Montezuma, just purchased the Brooklyn pharmacy from Phillip Pharmacy. Thompson is considering the possibility of expanding to offer pharmacy coverage in Victor again.

“Our focus is working with small communities to keep pharmacy service available locally,” Thompson says. “I was really happy to hire Erin Riffel, Pharm.D., when I purchased the Brooklyn Pharmacy. She is a top notch pharmacist and has such strong local ties.”

Thompson, the VCDA, the health center board, and GRMC are exploring various options to bring a pharmacy back to Victor. The groups are examining locations, possible services and hours, and staffing needs. The largest obstacle to overcome is approval from the state pharmacy board.

“Todd Thompson has been a great partner in Montezuma working with Dr. J.B. Paulson and GRMC to provide outstanding pharmacy services there,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, which manages the Victor Health Center. “Having a pharmacy in Victor is important to the viability of the Victor clinic. We stand ready to assist Todd in any way in retuning pharmacy service to Victor.”

Leonard Seda, president of the VCD agrees. “We are thrilled to be working with Todd Thompson to make the Victor Pharmacy a real community asset. Many people have commented on what a loss it was when Phillips closed the pharmacy. VCD has been working hard to make sure we get back this vital downtown business.”

Bill Lynch, chair of the Victor Health Center board, says: “We are excited that Todd Thompson has such a focus on working with smaller communities to bring pharmaceutical service back to Victor and help make sure patients at the Victor clinic have access to their needed medications. It is also exciting to be exploring other services such as home oxygen.”

Thompson is working with the board of pharmacy to obtain the appropriate licensure.

“I hope to get a time frame established very soon for re-opening a pharmacy in Victor. In the meantime, we will gladly deliver prescriptions to Victor residents,” Thompson says.

Victor residents may use the old Philips Pharmacy number to call the Brooklyn Pharmacy for prescriptions. The number is 319-647-3322. It will be listed under Victor Pharmacy in the new phone books this fall.

Hospital Merges Public Relations and Development Offices

(Left to Right) Laura Lof, Ashley Grundler, Conni Gause, Denise Lamphier,
Jan Veach, Barbara Hansen, and Jeanette Budding.

Denise Lamphier will serve as the director of the newly merged Communications and Development Office at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Lamphier has been the director of public relations at GRMC for the past 13 years.

“Denise has always been an integral part of the fund-raising team at GRMC. She has done excellent work in developing annual campaign materials, fund-raising materials, and proposals. She already knows the organization inside and out, so moving her into this role to oversee both departments makes logical sense for GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO.

“The medical center has benefited over the years from Denise’s leadership in the areas of communication and community relations. With the current economy and the unfair healthcare reimbursement that GRMC has faced, this merger of departments saves the hospital money and improves efficiency by cross training staff in the two areas. Plus, Denise will continue to build upon the solid relationships with donors we already have and expand our connections as we look to future fund-raising campaigns,” Linden says.

Lamphier will begin a transition immediately into assuming the responsibilities of fund raising. With the departmental merger as well as changes in the public relations industry, GRMC decided to change the name of the department to communications and development, giving it a broader scope than just public relations. Managing all communications such as social media, community relationship building, and patient relations all influence the success of a business and this broader scope reflects the department’s activities.

“Denise will be able to step into this position in a seamless manner. We had an opportunity to combine the departments following the decisions by the development office’s Mindy Uitermarkt and Leslie McKnight to pursue their life’s dreams,” Linden adds. Uitermarkt, the former director of the development department, is now working full-time at her two retail stores in Marshalltown and Grinnell. She will remain on the GRMC staff through December to help with the transition. McKnight is working with her husband, Matthew McKnight, DPM, in his podiatry office.

“This move is a further testament of the medical center’s commitment to continually improving its structure and efficiency, and developing excellent leadership to pursue even higher goals. Denise brings a depth of knowledge and a sincere passion for the medical center and community to the new structure,” says Todd Reding, chair of the GRMC Foundation Board and president/CEO of ASI in Grinnell.

Lamphier joined GRMC in 1998. Prior to joining the medical center, she served as the editor of Grinnell College’s alumni magazine and as the editorial director/assistant director of public relations. She also was a daily newspaper reporter. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Iowa. Lamphier has served the Grinnell community in several volunteer roles. She is currently the vice-president of the Drake Community Library board and has served on the board since March 2006. She has been a volunteer board member with Imagine Grinnell since November 2005, and just completed a two-year term as the president.

“Change is the one constant. We all know that,” Lamphier says. “I’ve always thought that if you say ‘This is how we’ve always done it’ then it’s probably time to rethink it. Over the years, GRMC has built a strong fund-raising department because of the great support from the community we serve. Now is great time to reflect on the accomplishments of our community as we transition into this new role. I want to build upon GRMC’s wonderful relationships with individuals. So if we have never met, please introduce yourself to me. I look forward to talking to everyone about supporting quality healthcare close to home.”

The Office of Communications and Development is located on the third floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building. Working along with Lamphier in the department are Jeanette Budding, Conni Gause, Ashley Grundler, Barbara Hansen, Laura Lof, and Jan Veach.

For information about fund raising or communication, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589.

Surgical Associates Welcomes New Urologist

Surgical Associates, LLP of Grinnell, announces the arrival of Aaron C. Smith, DO, urologist. Smith completed his urology residency program in Detroit, Mich., in June and began seeing patients at Surgical Associates on July 22.

Smith is a native Iowan who grew up in Pella and received his degrees in Iowa, including a medical degree from Des Moines University and bachelor’s degree from Central College. He completed a general surgery residency at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing, Mich., and a urology residency at Michigan State – College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit campus.

In an announcement on July 28, the Awards Committee of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons selected Smith to receive one of the five 2010 ACOS Resident Achievement Awards for outstanding clinical ability, patient/resident manner, resident/staff relationships, resident/community involvement and academic activities.

Todd Linden, Grinnell Regional Medical Center CEO and president, applauded Smith saying, “Dr. Smith comes to our area with excellent skills as recognized by this award. Our market data shows an increased need for urology services in the area. Dr. Smith is a great addition to Surgical Associates and will complement the excellent care of Dr. Bandstra.”

Russell Bandstra, MD, president of Surgical Associates, says, “It is great to have Dr. Smith join the team. He has been trained in the latest techniques and has special training in robotic surgery. Robotics is really the future for certain surgeries. Our practice can now offer these.”

When asked about practicing in Pella and Grinnell, Smith replied, “I always knew I would come home to practice. This is where my wife is from and where I want to raise my family. Surgical Associates is a well run practice that lets the doctor focus on patient care and not worry about the business side. I am thrilled to be joining them.”

Smith will practice in Grinnell as well as Pella. Robert Kroese, Pella Regional Health Center CEO, adds: “I’ve known Dr. Smith and his family since he was in high school. He has the character, integrity, and skills that make an excellent surgeon. We are excited that Dr. Smith will be joining Surgical Associates and working for both hospitals.”

Smith will provide expert surgical care for the full range of urological needs. He has extensive training and experience including the treatment of prostate cancer, kidney stones, bladder disease, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.

When Smith is not practicing medicine, he is spending time with his wife and three sons.

Appointments may be scheduled in Grinnell and Pella by calling 641-236-4323.

Heads Up on Construction

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces it has begun repairing storm damaged areas of the hospital, Ahrens Medical Arts Building, and Postels Community Health Park. Repair construction will last approximately four weeks, as weather permits.

In the interest of safety and convenience, GRMC patients and guests should not be affected except for closure of the medical arts building underpass and reassigning a few handicapped parking spaces on certain days. For your convenience, GRMC encourages guests and visitors to use the Third Avenue entrance to the parking lot. The work crews anticipant the underpass to be closed from August 2 to 10.

GRMC offers valet parking, free of change, to all patients any time of year. Please use this service during this construction and any time for your convenience and comfort. If you have questions, please feel free to call the GRMC resource desk at 641-236-2922.

Community Challenged to Raise Funds for MRI

Two organizations with strong ties to Grinnell Regional Medical Center have collaborated to create a $50,000 community challenge to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services.

Iowa Radiology and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are offering the challenge for this technology investment. The goal is to remodel an area inside the hospital to accommodate a new, permanent MRI and the specialized construction needed to house the sensitive equipment. GRMC’s current MRI is housed in a mobile unit adjacent to the medical center.

Approximately $120,000 has been raised so far toward the estimated $300,000 project. Earlier this year, GRMC received a generous estate gift from Gail and Margaret Wheeler. The GRMC Board of Directors designated a portion of that gift toward the MRI project. To honor this legacy gift, the new room will be named the Gail and Margaret Wheeler MRI Suite.

“We are thrilled to have such a great start to this campaign effort,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “GRMC is fortunate to have partners like Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust. We are grateful to them and to the Wheeler family for their legacy gift.”

Under the challenge from Iowa Radiology and the Ahrens Charitable Trust, all new or additional gifts to the MRI campaign will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000.

“The new MRI technology offers a wonderful balance between patient-friendly design and advanced diagnostic MRI imaging,” says Rick Portel, chief operating officer of Iowa Radiology. “We are pleased to help bring this state-of-the-art technology to the area. It is important to helping medical services remain in the community.”

Susan Witt, a trustee of the Ahrens Charitable Trust and chair of the GRMC Board of Trustees, agrees.

“This campaign is about more than funding vital medical equipment,” she says. “It’s about providing the best comprehensive medical care close to home for residents of Grinnell and the surrounding communities. An upgrade to the MRI will provide opportunity for more diagnostic testing options so people won’t need to travel out of Grinnell for these life-saving services.”

Gina Fuller, GRMC’s director of radiology, says the new MRI will offer a patient friendly design.

“Unlike traditional MRIs that have a long narrow tunnel, GRMC’s MRI will have a larger bore design. It will also be faster and more comfortable. The new technology will also allow our staff and radiologists to perform diagnostic exams here in Grinnell, such as abdominal scans, which our current mobile scanner cannot do. That means there is no reason for people to have to travel to Des Moines or Iowa City for these important tests.”

Anyone interested in more details about the MRI campaign is encouraged to call the Office of Development at 641-236-2589 or visit http://tinyurl.com/grmcmri.

Skype Brings Military Dad to Birth of Child

The video conferencing technology, called Skype, allowed Corporal Alexander Moore to witness firsthand the birth of his son from the Middle East. Skype permitted Moore to watch while Jeffrey Knobloch, DO, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Kintzinger Women’s Health Center staff delivered the couple’s first child on Sunday, July 18. Moore’s wife, Lené Moore, 22, gave birth to their son, Gabriel James.

“It’s really amazing that Alex could be so far away and still be a part of the birth of our son,” Lené says. “He was so encouraging and telling me I was doing a great job, even when he was in a time zone nine hours ahead of us.”

Cpl. Moore, 22, serves in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to the Middle East in June, just a month before the baby’s due date. The couple was stationed in Lawton, Okla. Upon Moore’s deployment, his wife returned to her hometown of Brooklyn to be with her parents, Rusty and Marie Hedlund.

Cpl. Moore watched during the six-plus-hour labor of the delivery. Gabrielle weighted 7 pounds, 5 ounces. GRMC’s labor, delivery, postpartum large rooms allowed Lené’s mother, Marie, the space and wireless internet connection to keep dad up to date with the Skype technology.

“With today’s technology in our personal lives, the use of Skype seemed like a logical thing. I haven’t delivered with a father watching via Skype before,” says Knobloch, Grinnell Family Care. “I just kept hoping the technology would work. A few times connection was dropped. Lené’s mother took care of the computer and connections.”

The GRMC nursing staff took the technology all in stride.

“We embrace technology with every delivery to ensure the baby and mother are progressing and delivering well. This technology has new meaning by allowing someone who is serving our country to also experience being a part of his child’s birth. This was a special delivery,” says GRMC Nurse Manager Sheryl Baarda, RN.

Alexander Moore is originally from Marshalltown. Paternal grandparents are Paul and Vera Peglow and Dann and Diana Moore, Marshalltown.

Here is the video that appeared on KCCI.