February 2008 eNews

(Sioux Falls, SD) Aching back? Sore neck? Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs? You are not alone. Eight of ten people suffer from problems of the neck or back at some point in their lifetime. While these conditions are seldom life threatening, they can be life altering. That’s why it’s so important to find the cause of your pain and to seek treatment from the right physician for you.

Introducing the Sanford Spine Center

The new Sanford Spine Center, located in the NORTH Center on the Sanford USD Medical Center campus in Sioux Falls, gives patients easy access, exceptional care and a team approach to solving spine problems – all in one convenient location.

“The Spine Center’s multidisciplinary approach means patients receive the most appropriate treatment from the right specialty physician based on scientific research and proven treatment methods,” says Thomas M. Boetel, DO, Sanford Spine Center Medical Director.

The Sanford Spine Center Difference

Each patient’s medical history and information is reviewed prior to the first appointment in an effort to have the patient scheduled with the most appropriate specialty physician given their specific condition. Patients are guided through this process by a personal nurse case manager.

“Each patient receives a plan of care specific to their own unique back or neck problems and is provided education and support by their nurse case manager,” adds Dr. Boetel. “As a patient, you and your referring physician are led through a process of assessment and treatment ranging from physical therapy to aggressive, nonsurgical management, and if necessary, delicate spine surgery.”

Whether patients need physical therapy, spinal injections, pain management or surgery, the Spine Center physicians and surgeons work together on each case to ensure everyone receives appropriate and individualized care – because no two patients are the same.

Click here for more information on the new Sanford Spine Center.

(Sioux Falls, SD) While visiting South Dakota from central Minnesota in June 2007, David Zylstra had a life changing experience. After his evening meal, he began experiencing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. By 8 p.m., he was rushed to Sanford USD Medical Center because the pain became unbearable. What happened next is a “miracle” according to Zylstra, thanks to the Sanford team.

“I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and it had ruptured causing massive internal bleeding. At Trauma 5, I heard a voice over the radio calmly say ‘I’m just minutes out, and I’ll be right there.’’ That was Patrick Kelly, MD with Sanford Clinic Vascular Associates who took me into surgery shortly after midnight. Two hours later, I was out of surgery and in the intensive care unit. Later that morning, I awoke to my whole family standing by my bedside. At that point, I knew how serious my condition had been the night before. Dr. Kelly performed a miracle during the middle of the night and saved my life.

In the hospital, everyone from the nurses to the janitors treated me and my family members as though we were visiting royalty from another country. The nurses and staff members that checked on me were so courteous and caring every time they came into my room. I was also very impressed being able to pick up the phone, call down and order each meal from a menu. A half an hour later, in walks someone with the meal I ordered. It was like being at a fine hotel instead of a hospital!

Since my surgery, I have been asked countless times about how I am feeling and about my experience. My response is always the same. God positioned me to be at the right place at the right time so Dr. Kelly and the Sanford staff could save my life. One out of three patients does not survive the condition that I had. I tell everyone God gave me a second chance. From my personal experience, if I had to do it again, I’d ask to go to Sanford USD Medical Center and let Dr. Kelly and the rest of the staff perform their God-given abilities.”

Click here for more information regarding Sanford's Heart & Vascular services.

Sanford Children’s Hospital Partners with Cure Kids Cancer

(Sioux Falls, SD) Sanford Children’s Hospital is proud to introduce its new partnership with Cure Kids Cancer. The mission of Cure Kids Cancer is to help children’s cancer centers, like the one at Sanford, find life-saving treatments and eventually cures for children’s cancer by raising funds and awareness.

Sanford Children’s Hospital is one of more than 80 children’s hospitals across the United States and is the only member from South Dakota. All proceeds raised through Cure Kids Cancer will go directly to programs and services for Sanford Children’s pediatric cancer patients and families. In addition, money will be used for education and research. Camp Bring It On, a camp for children with cancer, will also benefit.

“Sanford Children’s Hospital is pleased to join in this effort. Unfortunately, cancer is a leading cause of death in children under age 15, second only to accidents,” said Charles O’Brien, MD, President of Sanford Children’s Hospital. “We take the fight against cancer very seriously. The quality of care we provide allows children to stay close to home during treatment.”

Sanford Cancer Center is the only hospital in South Dakota that is a member of The Children’s Oncology Group (COG). The COG mission is to cure and prevent childhood and adolescent cancer through scientific discovery and compassionate care.

To learn more, visit sanfordchildrens.org

(Sioux Falls, SD) A new national advertising campaign has put Alison Tendler, MD with Sanford Clinic Vance Thompson Vision in the spotlight. Dr. Tendler is now appearing in national commercials and ads for the prescription dry-eye remedy Restasis.

“This is quite the honor,” said Tendler. “Being in a national commercial shoot was exciting and enlightening. While the national exposure is fun, my greatest reward is helping our patients here in our clinic.”

The ophthalmologist was first approached by a local representative and was selected from a nationwide pool. She is being featured in four different television commercials and in many national magazines.

For more information on Dr. Tendler, visit vancethompsonvision.com or call (605) 328-Eyes (3937) or 1-877-522-Eyes (3937).

(Sioux Falls, SD) The Sioux Falls Business Journal recently honored the winners of the 2007-2008 Reader’s Choice Awards. Hundreds of readers voted in over 80 different categories. Here are the Sanford Health winners.

Best CEO	Kelby Krabbenhoft
Best Female Business Leader	Becky Nelson
Best Hospital	Sanford USD Medical Center
Best Healthcare Insurance Provider	Sanford Health Plan
Best Exercise Facility	Sanford Wellness Center
Best Family Practice Physician	Michael Olson, MD Sanford Clinic Family Medicine 69th and Minnesota

(Colton, SD) Sanford Trauma 5 and Intensive Air nurse Lois VanDerVliet and her family were recently honored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s Agribusiness Division named the VanDerVliets the Farm Family of the Year. They received the award during the annual Sioux Empire Farm Show in January.

Lois and her family have a feedlot operation as well as a diversified grain and livestock farm west of Colton, SD.

Lois has been working as a emergency room/flight nurse since 1977 and has logged more than 2000 flights – more than any other flight nurse in Sanford history.

(Tracy, MN) Sanford Tracy employees pulled together to help a local physician bring medical care to the less fortunate. The employees held a pork loin benefit to support the needs of the Philippine Minnesota Medical Association’s medical mission. Sanford Tracy employees contributed over $1,100, the community benefit fundraising supper raised another $1,300 and Sanford Health Network committed $500.

Tracy physician Wilfredo Apostol, MD, a native of the Philippines, and his wife, Alice, often return to the country to offer medical care to the poor. They spent a week there in January with 100 other volunteers. He is planning future medical missions thanks to help from his hospital and community.

(Chamberlain, SD) The mammography program at Sanford Mid-Dakota Medical Center in Chamberlain recently passed its annual Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspection with zero deficiencies for the 6th year in a row. With this inspection, the Food and Drug Administration inspects equipment performance, technologist quality control, medical physicist survey, personnel qualifications (technologist and radiologist), medical reports and other necessary standards to maintain the licensure required to perform mammograms.