Mace to retire after 38 years in practice

May 7, 2013

After 38 years of service to the people of Geary County and the surrounding area, Dr. Ronald Mace has announced he is retiring from his family medicine practice on June 28, 2013.

“It has been a difficult decision to retire, but I will always be grateful to the Junction City community for the trust they placed in me throughout the years” said Mace. Dr. Mace cited the rigors of running a private practice and the wish to slow down a bit as keys factors influencing his retirement. 

Dr. Joe Stratton, CEO of Geary Community Hospital, said, “Dr. Mace’s career spans 38 years, with his patients numbering in the thousands.  His service to the people of this area is truly a significant piece in the history of Geary County.” 

After finishing his training in Oklahoma, Dr. Mace moved to Junction City and began his practice in 1975. Since then he has cared for thousands of patients, from newborns to the elderly, including nearly 3,000 infant deliveries.

From 1994 through the present day, Dr. Mace served as medical director of The University of Kansas Family Practice Residency Program-Junction City Rural Track. He along with former Geary Community Hospital CEOs Gaylon Lowery (1992-1995) and David Bradley (1995-2012), were responsible for establishing and fulfilling the accreditation requirements for the program.

Dr. Michael D’Ambrose is the last of 15 family medicine residents in the program and will graduate this summer.  Local physicians Jimmy Jenkins, M.D., and Todd Frieze, M.D., are also graduates of the program. 

Dr. Mace is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.  He is an associate professor of family medicine at The University of Kansas Medical Center.  He served as Geary Community Hospital chief of staff at least four times and is the long-time chairman of the Geary County Medical Society.

The Geary Community Hospital Rural Health Clinic will obtain Dr. Mace’s practice upon his retirement.  The Rural Health Clinic is committed to continuing the care for Dr. Mace’s patients and will contract with a locum tenens (temporary) physician until a permanent replacement is found. The clinic’s location and telephone numbers will remain the same.

A (public) retirement reception will be held on Friday, June 28, from 3:00-4:30 p.m., in the Main Lobby and Fegan Dining Room of Geary Community Hospital.  A special program will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Viviana Rivera is Employee of the Month

April 26, 2013

Viviana Rivera, of Junction City, was selected the May Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. She works in medical records for the GCH Rural Health Clinic.

Rivera is always willing to help and is quick to know the location of any chart.  She doesn’t take many breaks, but prefers instead to improve her productivity.  She recently had a baby boy and worked all the way up to her due date with the same effort and energy as usual.  She never complained or asked for help, because she didn’t need any.  That’s how good she is!  She is always positive, an excellent trainer, focused and appreciated by the entire staff.

Rivera received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and an employee of the month pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Johna Ward is Employee of the Month

February 26, 2013

Johna Ward, of Junction City, was selected the March Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Ward is the administrative assistant for the chief executive officer, chief operations officer and chief financial officer.  She has worked for the hospital for a little less than two years.

Ward is efficient, dedicated and loyal.  She is a friend to everyone she meets.  She's an excellent front-office ambassador for the administrative team.

She wants to represent her bosses in the best possible light, so is determined to produce perfect minutes, agendas and other written work. She seeks input and editing and is grateful for any assistance. She is quick to offer her own assistance with a smile.

Ward received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and a “March Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Kara Riedy is Employee of the Month

February 1, 2013

Kara Riedy, of White City, was selected the February Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Riedy is a coder in the health information management department and has eight years of service to the hospital.

Riedy quickly steps in to help with anything that needs to be done.  She is exceptionally friendly and helpful as well as resourceful and imaginative.  Her customer service skills are excellent. She goes above and beyond what is expected at times and deserves to be recognized for her contributions.

Riedy received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Kobetich promoted to nurse manager

January 29, 2013

Lisa Kobetich, RN, of Wakefield, was promoted to nurse manager of the Tom and Barbara Fegan Intensive Care Unit, effective January 15.  She succeeds Bobbi Dalton, RN, who was in the position briefly before moving from the area, but most notably Jolene Stackhouse, RN, who was ICU unit manager for 29 years at Geary Community Hospital.

“I’m really enjoying myself,” said Kobetich. “I’m glad to be back in the ICU and honored to follow in (Stackhouse’s) footsteps.  She had incredibly high standards and still serves as an excellent role model for me.”

Kobetich received a Bachelor of Nursing from Kansas Wesleyan in Salina.  She has been with the hospital for over 18 years. 

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Hospital signs additional general surgeon

January 16, 2013

Dr. Joe Stratton, CEO at Geary Community Hospital, is pleased to announce the signing of an additional general surgeon to the hospital staff.  Dr. Mary Otoo (pronounced like oxygen-- O2), of Syracuse, New York, will join Dr. Fouad Hachem and Dr. Charles Bollman in Flint Hills Surgical Clinic this summer. “Adding Dr. Otoo will help meet the demand for surgical services at Geary Community Hospital,” said Dr. Stratton. “We believe she and her family will integrate well into the community.”

Dr. Otoo received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, in 2004 before beginning medical school at State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, also in 2004.  She graduated in 2008 and immediately began a five-year residency.

She is currently a general surgical resident and chief resident at SUNY.  She is certified in Advanced Trauma and Life Support, Advanced Cardiac and Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Dr. Otoo is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Women College of Surgeons.  Her honors include the Hope Hibbard Prize in Biology (Oberlin College), the Society of Sigma Xi, and the Bruce Farrel MD Award (SUNY).  The latter award recognized her for showing true dedication to a medical career, the ability and willingness to teach and learn and the demonstration of maturity and leadership.

Volunteer work included working at a free clinic for homeless and underprivileged populations of Syracuse and for the Community Health Partners of Lorain, Ohio.

Dr. Otoo and her husband, Kenneth Kolembe, a high school math teacher, have two children, ages one and five. Dr. Otoo enjoys travelling, squash, tennis and table tennis, while her husband is looking forward to fishing at Milford Lake.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Carolyn Dasher is Employee of the Month

December 27, 2012

Carolyn Dasher, of Junction City, was selected the January Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Dasher is a payroll/accounts payable clerk in the general accounting department and has 14 years of service to the hospital, most of it in the human resources department.

Dasher is extremely patient, cool under pressure and one of the first to volunteer. She trained everyone to use the new timekeeping system. There were several issues with the new system and she worked to overcome these problems.  This was a very difficult transition to work through with a few policy changes. Several of those policies were due to her knowledge of payroll and employee variances.  Dasher also made several improvements on payroll, which has saved the hospital money.

Dasher received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Reception for new CEO set

December 26, 2012

Geary Community Hospital staff will host a public reception to introduce Dr. Joseph A. Stratton and his wife Peggy on Tuesday, January 8, from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m., in the Thomas A. Fegan Dining Room. Stratton will begin his duties as administrator and chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital on January 1, 2013. 

Stratton succeeds David K. Bradley, who served in this capacity for 17 years until his retirement on September 1, 2012. Chief Operations Officer Alice Jensen, JD, RN, has been serving as acting CEO.

“We are pleased that Dr. Stratton and his wife Peggy are excited about moving to Geary County,” said Gary Drake, chairman of the Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees. “He’s a good fit for the hospital and community and an exemplary leader.”

“Peggy and I wanted to move back to the Flint Hills, so when the opportunity at Geary Community Hospital came up, I jumped at it,” Stratton said. “I met David Bradley at KAHCE meetings and knew of the good reputation of the hospital and the community. I’m very excited to meet everyone and to build on the success already experienced at GCH.”

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Amy Perta is Employee of the Month

November 27, 2012

Amy Perta, of Junction City, was selected the December Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Perta is an administrative assistant in the rural health clinic/Dr. Jimmy Jenkins’s office.

She is always willing and able to fill in when any team member is absent or when someone needs extra help.  She does her job with a smile on her face and always correctly.  Perta makes her co-worker’s jobs more pleasant, just because she’s there.  “It’s comforting to know that there are people like Amy who are concerned about the welfare of the patients, as well as her co-workers,” said her nominator Nancy Dunlap.

Perta recently covered Dr. Allan Holiday’s clinic during his receptionist’s maternity leave.  While she was gone from Dr. Jenkins’s office, many patients asked where she was and said they missed her.  She truly deserves this honor.

Perta received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Hospital auxiliary wins gold award at convention

November 20, 2012

The Geary Community Hospital (GCH) Auxiliary was awarded the Gold Award of Excellence from the Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas (HAK) at the annual convention, held in Kansas City, November 14-15. 

On hand to accept the award were Alice Jensen, RN, JD, acting-chief executive officer and chief operations officer, (not pictured here), and the following auxilians (pictured), seated, left to right:  Joanne McKenna, GCH Auxiliary vice president; Gin Steinbrecker, Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas vice president and past president of the GCH Auxiliary; Jean Richardson, GCH Auxiliary secretary.  Standing, left to right:  Gail Stein, GCH Auxiliary president; and Dottie Letellier, District III coordinator.

The Gold Award of Excellence is the state’s top honor for hospital auxiliaries that have demonstrated service and commitment to their hospitals and communities.  Hospital auxiliaries had to complete 21 requirements to receive this high distinction.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Local ob/gyn passed board certification exams

November 13, 2012

Lynley Holman, M.D., a Junction City obstetrician and gynecologist, received confirmation from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology that she passed the oral boards portion of the board certification exam and is now a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (F.A.C.O.G.). 

Each specialty’s national board certifies its doctors according to its own requirements.  Most surgical specialties require both oral and written examinations. For ob/gyns, the written test is taken shortly after completion of a four-year residency.  If passed, the oral exam must be taken within six years and includes collecting a case list for 12 months of every delivery, surgery and hospitalized patient in addition to 40 office patients in different categories.  If the national board determines that the practice is diverse enough, the ob/gyn is permitted to sit for the three-hour oral exam.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Hospital hires new CEO

November 8, 2012

Gary Drake, chairman of the Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees, is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Joseph A. Stratton of Burlington, Colorado, as the administrator and chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital, effective January 1, 2013. 

Stratton succeeds David K. Bradley, who served in this capacity for 17 years until his retirement on September 1, 2012. Chief Operations Officer Alice Jensen, JD, RN, has been serving as acting CEO.

Stratton was the candidate of choice of the search committee, lead by Drake, as well as the hospital board of trustees, after a thorough search process. He is currently the CEO of Kit Carson County Health Service District, in Burlington.

“Dr. Stratton brings over 20 years of healthcare and education administration experience to our hospital,” Drake said. The majority of these years have been in the healthcare system/hospital administration as a chief executive officer and senior executive in Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, both in behavior and medical healthcare. “We are pleased that he and his wife Peggy are excited about moving to Geary County,” Drake said. “He’s a good fit for the hospital and community and an exemplary leader.”

His educational background includes a diploma from Salina South High School in Salina, Kan., a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from the University of Northern Colorado in 1981; a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Kansas State University in 1984; and a Doctorate of Business Administration and Management from California Southern University in 2002.  

He is a Fellow of The American College of Healthcare Executives, which is the same as board certification in healthcare administration. He was a key leader in the founding of the Kansas Association of Healthcare Executives (KAHCE), serving on the board of directors as well as vice president and president.  His leadership was vital in the formation of a scholarship in healthcare administration for graduate students in Kansas.

Currently, Stratton sits on the Colorado Hospital Association Board of Directors and is the association’s board chairman for the Workers’ Compensation Trust.  He held the position of vice chairman of the State Legislative Council, is a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce and an active member of Rotary.

He taught as an adjunct professor at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, in both the Masters of Business Administration and undergraduate business classes.  He also instructed in business at Cloud County Community College, Concordia, Kansas.

Stratton’s career included 15 years of experience at two nationally renowned Episcopal agencies dedicated to troubled-challenged youth: St. John’s Military School and The Saint Francis Community Services, both in Salina, Kan., from 1996-2003.  It was after a corporate restructuring at the latter named institution that in 2003, he became the Director of Behavioral Health for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which is the third largest Native American health system in the country.  Although he was very successful in his endeavor with the Choctaw, he migrated back to Kansas and has focused on his passion of rural healthcare administration and leadership.

He accepted the position of chief executive officer of The Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kan. where he worked until 2009 before moving to Burlington to take on his present position as CEO of Kit Carson County Health Service District.

Dr. Stratton and his wife Peggy, also a K-State graduate, have three adult children: Michael, a K-State student in Manhattan, Max in Avon, Colo., and Abigail, a K-State graduate currently in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  The Strattons enjoy time in the garden, camping and being around their many animals.

“Peggy and I have wanted to move back to the Flint Hills, so when the opportunity at Geary Community Hospital came up, I jumped at it,” Stratton said. “I had met David Bradley at KAHCE meetings and knew of the good reputation of the hospital and the community. I’m very excited to meet everyone and to build on the success already experienced at GCH.”

Stratton possesses many core competencies necessary to be a successful leader or rural healthcare, especially in system-wide quality improvement initiatives and the development of healthy organizational cultures.  He is methodical in decision-making, with great care given to the best choices for the organization and those it serves.  He firmly believes in teamwork, respect, understanding, execution and dedication.

Geary Community Hospital will host a press conference for the media in early January where additional questions may be answered. The hospital will also host a meet-and-greet for the public and hospital staff around the same time.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Wahle elected president of Kansas Homecare Association

Nov. 5, 2012

Terri Wahle, registered nurse and director of Geary Community Hospital’s homecare, hospice and home medical equipment, was elected president of the Kansas Homecare Association at the annual meeting, September 18-19th, in Wichita.  She recently returned from the National Association of Home Health and Hospice meeting, October 21-25, in Orlando, Fla. Wahle has been director of the GCH department since 1991 and was manager of the year in 2007.

“There are many changes in healthcare and it is an opportunity to be on the front lines of decision- and policy-making as we move forward in homecare.” Wahle said.   “It is an honor to serve as president for the state’s homecare providers.”

Homecare is a viable option for the five percent of Americans who suffer from multiple or chronic conditions.  By keeping them out of the hospitals and in their homes, homecare saves money to our already burdened healthcare system.  Services range from simple assistance in daily living activities to high-tech medical procedures.  

Geary Community Hospital includes homecare, hospice services and the home medical equipment store in its range of services, all located at 1310 W. Ash, in Junction City. These services are located across the street from the hospital.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Airyn VanValkenburg is October Employee of the Month

October 29, 2012

Airyn VanValkenburg, of Junction City, was selected the November Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. VanValkenburg is a generalist and clerk II in the Human Resources office.

When VanValkenburg was hired a year ago, she brought a positive and uplifting influence into the Human Resources department.  She does the work of two people in a professional and selfless manner.  She follows through and truly cares about people.

If she doesn’t know the answer to something, she researches it and contacts the asker in the time frame promised.  She is a woman of her word.  She is consistently looking for better ways to do her job.  She’s a shining star radiating light through a kind word or a caring smile every moment she’s at work.

VanValkenburg received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Topeka ENT doctors add another doctor to Junction City clinic

October 25, 2012

Effective November 14, another board certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat), Dr. Michael Franklin, will begin seeing patients in the Junction City clinic, in the Medical Arts I, Suite 303, every third Wednesday.  He will also perform ear, nose and throat surgeries at the Surgery Center at Geary Community Hospital.

Dr. Franklin joins his partners Dr. Scot Hirschi and Dr. Matthew Glynn who brought the outstanding services of their group to Junction City in June when then CEO David Bradley sought additional ENT services and surgeries in the community. As volumes increase, the group hopes to add Mondays as well.

Drs. Hirschi and Glynn are in Junction City on the other Wednesdays of the months.  Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat specialists diagnose and manage diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), and structures of the neck and face.  In other words, they treat everything from a minor earache to sinus infections to cancerous neck tumors.

Dr. Franklin is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is immediate past president of the medical staff at Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.  He graduated from The University of Kansas with a B.A. in Biology with Distinction in 1985.  He went on to medical school and residency at The University of Kansas School of Medicine and Medical Center, where he graduated from his residency in 1994. He was chief resident in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in his final year.

From 1994-1997, Dr. Franklin was chief of otolaryngology at Mike O’Callahan Federal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada.  From 1997 to 2002, he was the managing partner with Tallgrass Prairie Surgical Specialists in Topeka before becoming a partner with Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat, P.A., from 2003 to the present.

To make an appointment with Drs. Hirschi, Glynn or Franklin in Junction City, call 785-233-0500 in Topeka.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Jeremy Taylor is September Employee of the Month

August 30, 2012

Jeremy Taylor of Abilene, Kansas, was selected the September Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Taylor is an IS tech and report manager in the Information Systems department.

Taylor is an essential part of the IS team who always works efficiently and effectively and without complaint. His can-do attitude, dependability, helpful personality and work ethic are to be emulated.  He goes above and beyond in getting the job done and tackling any tasks sent his way. 

Taylor immediately took on additional responsibilities since his arrival in March 2011. He creates all customized queries for the hospital, which is no easy task.  There are over 4,000 tables within a database and it’s Taylor’s responsibility to be familiar with those tables and know how they link up. What makes this more impressive is that Taylor had no experience in writing queries prior to taking the job at GCH.

Taylor received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month, and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Wells completes leadership training

August 23, 2012

Melissa Wells of Junction City graduated with the 11th class of the Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute on August 17.  Wells is a registered nurse and unit manager of the Martha K. Hoover Women's Health Center at Geary Community Hospital.

Students are nominated by their hospital CEOs to be part of this select group.  They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.  The leadership institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas Hospitals.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Outstanding Leader Award presented to Karl DeArmond

August 8, 2012          

Karl DeArmond, director of Information Systems, was chosen Outstanding Leader by senior leaders at Geary Community Hospital (GCH) in Junction City.  (He lives in Junction City, but grew up in Abilene.)

DeArmond was nominated by everyone in his department, and if given the opportunity, would likely be seconded by all employees at GCH.  He earned respect and admiration within his department because of his leadership skills, his willingness to work as a team player, and the implementation plan for meaningful use and other high-profile computer hardware and software projects. DeArmond is a perfect example of a young person who is new to management, but who excels at every turn.

DeArmond leads by example, gives credit where credit is due, has a strong work ethic, and is humble and honest.

The Outstanding Leader Award was developed in 2009 as a way to honor respected hospital managers who exhibit impeccable personal leadership traits and who have also developed or redesigned a service or product line to enhance patient care, safety or community service. 

DeArmond received $300, a plaque, their picture and recognition on a wall plaque at GCH, and a letter of commendation for his personnel file.                                                                                                                         

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Pam Curtis is August Employee of the Month

July 30, 2012

Pam Curtis of Wakefield, Kansas, was selected the August Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Curtis is a food service worker in the nutrition services department. 

A role model for customer service, no one can remember Curtis being anything but cheerful, polite, efficient, cool under pressure and great at solving problems. In serving as Bistro cashier she speaks kindly to every customer and calls people by name. If there is a customer in need, she takes care of it quickly and is quick to apologize for customer inconveniences, even and especially if she has no control over it. The customers like dealing with Curtis just because of the way that she handles herself. They always leave smiling.

Curtis received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month, and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Harold Marion, Director

Marketing

Hospital CEO to retire September 1

July 5, 2012

David K. Bradley, 69, chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital for the last 17 years, announced his plans to retire, effective September 1, 2012.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement,” Bradley said.  “I take great pride and satisfaction in what has been accomplished at Geary Community Hospital over the last 17 years. I am looking forward to watching the hospital continue to grow and prosper as we move into a new era of healthcare delivery.”

Indeed, much of Geary Community Hospital’s infrastructure and reputation are due to Bradley’s leadership and financial background.  His accomplishments range from the building of the beautiful $34 million expansion three years ago to the new Martha K. Hoover Women's Health Center in 1997 and the medical arts building expansions.

It’s due to him that GCH was the first in the state to do bariatric surgery and that other innovative and community-focused services began to keep patients in Junction City for care.  A small sampling of these included the beginning of geropsychiatric care, hospice, home medical equipment, sleep lab, outpatient dialysis, chemotherapy, inpatient rehabilitation, occupational health and most recently AlphaCare, the walk-in, minor emergency clinic. 

He guided the hospital through difficult transitions, including ever declining reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance programs, as well as national and state legislative issues that he worked on through major leadership roles with the Kansas Hospital Association.  Other challenges included the installation of a new house-wide computer system, the implementation of the government’s meaningful use requirements, the installation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the application and subsequent acceptance of an extremely competitive Medicare program for small rural hospitals, which netted millions of dollars in revenue.

A public reception is being planned for Bradley for Monday, August 27, in the Thomas B. Fegan Dining Room.

“I would like to thank current and former members of the Geary County Commission, GCH Board of Trustees, GCH Medical Staff, Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, as well as the hospital management team, department heads, advisory board, employees and auxiliary along with our loyal patients and supportive community who have all been so instrumental in our success,” Mr. Bradley said.

Bradley and his wife, Joyce, plan to remain on their horse ranch in Geary County after his retirement. The couple breeds, raises and shows quality Arabian horses nationally under their brand Bradley’s Flinthills Arabians.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Shannon Short hired as 2nd GCH pharmacist

July 2, 2012

Shannon S. Short, a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D.) originally from Salina, was hired as a pharmacist at Geary Community Hospital (GCH), effective July 30, according to David K. Bradley, chief executive officer.  Short will work with pharmacy director Erick Carter, Pharm. D., who was hired last March.

Short received a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in May 2011. While a pharmacy student, he worked as a pharmacy intern for Wal-Mart and Salina Regional Health Center, both in Salina, and at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas. For the last year, he participated in the pharmacy practice residency program at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

“Geary Community Hospital has continued to grow with a strong vision and commitment to the patient population it serves,” Short said. “I am looking forward to becoming part of the GCH family and believe I can help the hospital continue to provide exceptional care to its patients.”

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Shelby Forrester receives $500 LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship

June 28, 2012

Shelby Forrester of Salina, Kansas, is the recipient of the $500 LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship, according to Laurel Peterson, registered nurse and scholarship chairperson at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City.

Forrester is a graduate of Chapman High School and took pre-requisite course work at Kansas State University and Wichita State University.  She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Wichita State University for the fall.

She knew nursing was her true calling after working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a nursing home and a local hospital.  She found the intense interaction between nurses and patients stimulating and meaningful. 

Donations to the LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship can be made to Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 3015, Junction City, Kansas 66441.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Erika Davis is July Employee of the Month

June 26, 2012

Erika Davis of Riley, Kansas, was selected the July Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital. Davis is a certified nurse assistant in the emergency department.

Davis is excellent at multi-tasking and able to manage all her job responsibilities without missing a beat. In her spare time, she finds ways to make the department more efficient, like moving things to make more storage or more space in patient rooms.  She looks for room curtains that need changing and just takes care of it.  Davis volunteers to come in on her days off and helps with orientation.  Her attitude is always positive and it rubs off onto other staff.

Davis received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month, and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Reception planned for graduating resident

June 20, 2012

Geary Community Hospital (GCH) will host a reception for graduating resident Dr. Jason Leep on Tuesday, June 26, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., near the Thomas B. Fegan Dining Room.  The GCH Auxiliary will serve cake and punch.

Dr. Leep completed a three-year family medicine residency with The University of Kansas Family Practice Residency-Junction City Rural Track.  Since the program’s beginning in 1995, Dr. Ronald Mace and his team at GCH have trained 15 family medicine physicians.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Leep great success as he returns to his home state of Michigan to practice medicine.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Dr. Tom Craig to move into new clinic

June 20, 2012

Local internal medicine specialist Dr. Tom Craig and his staff are moving into a different clinic space the first week of July.  His clinic will be closed July 2-4 for the move and will reopen in the Medical Arts I, Suite 307, on July 5.  The new clinic location is two floors above his current location.  Dr. Craig’s telephone numbers will remain the same.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

10th annual Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats raises over $15,000

June 9, 2012

The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation held their 10th annual western fundraising event Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats on Friday, June 8th at Bob and Lynn Small’s Big Red Country Barn, and raised over $15,000 to support Delivering Change: Healthy Moms- Healthy Babies. Delivering Change is an initiative of the Geary County Perinatal Coalition to improve the health of mothers and babies in the Junction City/Geary County community.  Over 150 guests enjoyed a cowboy steak dinner prepared by Kites Grille and Bar. 

The silent auction raised $3,423 with items from Chris Heldstab, Longaberger Independent Salesperson; Baskin Robbins; Screen Machine Sports; Geary Community Healthcare Foundation; Sam Steiner; The Mane Thing, Rhonda Sharp; Garden Gate Antiques; Rick Rook; Craig Paxton; Treasurers Found Antiques and Collectables; David & Joyce Bradley; Chuck Otte; 1420 KJCK; C.L. Opera House; Christy Nowotny, KB Designs Metal Art; Ogden’s Best Pawn and Gun, Barry Arp; Cindy Casebeer; Lynne Addair; Lance Custer; Water’s True Value Hardware; Junction City Pizza Hut; John Armstrong and Ramie Leibnitz; Mary Austin; and Jim Clark Chevrolet. The live auction raised $925 with the “Broken Star” queen size quilt made by Shari Strauss, a Smoke Hollow Meat Smoker donated by Dr. Jim Jenkins, MD, and a Sunset Cruise on Milford Lake for 8 donated by Milford Marina, Tim Date.  Afterwards, guests were entertained and danced to Whiskey Point Band.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were 1420 KJCK, Dave and Suzy Lauseng, Flint Hills OB/GYN and First National Bank & Trust Company.  The underwriters helping to cover the expenses of the event are Wayne & Rodella Jaecke, Mary T. Jacobs & Family, The Eye Doctors; Terry & Peggy Heldstab; Kansas State Bank; Kolling Pharmacy; Konza Construction; McCaleb Electric; Landmark National Bank; Dr. & Mrs. Mark Stenstrom; Rex & Jolana Matney; Bob & Lynn Small; Rimrock Boarding Stables; Dick Edwards Auto Plaza; Meritrust Credit Union; DEL Motors; Connell Plumbing & Heating; Security Solutions; Chris & Heather Klick; Gary & Mary Devin; Pat & Nancy Tabor; Ben Kitchens Painting-Ben & Sue Kitchens; Dr. & Mrs. Larry T. McGary, DDS; Coldwell Banker Mowry Custer Realtors; LaDonna Junghans State Farm Agency; LeadHorse Technologies, Mathis Lueker Real Estate & Property Management; and Water’s True Value Hardware.   The Whiskey Point Band was sponsored by Coyotes Saloon and Millennium Bank. 

Jolana Montgomery-Matney, Executive Director

Jill Nelson, Administrative Assistant

ENT doctors to do surgeries/clinic every Wednesday

June 7, 2012

Effective June 27 and every Wednesday thereafter, two board certified physicians from the Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), P.A., in Topeka, will perform surgeries at the Surgery Center at Geary Community Hospital and have a clinic in the Medical Arts I, Suite 303, in Junction City.  David Bradley, chief executive officer of Geary Community Hospital, is pleased that Dr. Scot Hirschi and Dr. Matthew Glynn will be joining the GCH medical staff because of the need for additional ENT services and surgeries in the community.

Dr. Hirschi is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.  He graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s in Spanish in 1998 before graduating from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 2002.  He completed an otolaryngology residency with the University of Missouri in 2007 and has been with Topeka Ear, Nose & Throat since then.

Dr. Glynn is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.  He graduated from Baker University with a bachelor’s in chemistry in 1992 before graduating number one in his class from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1996.  He completed the otolaryngology residency with Ohio State University in 2001.  He is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeons.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hirschi or Dr. Glynn in Junction City, call 785-233-0500 in Topeka.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Hospital announces June Employee of the Month

June 6, 2012

Jeanette Doll of Wakefield was selected the June Employee of the Month at Geary Community Hospital (GCH). Doll is the administrative assistant of Innovative Weight Loss Solutions (IWLS).

As a former bariatric patient herself, Doll is a great resource for weight loss surgery and quickly puts patients at ease.  She shows the compassion and patience only a former patient can express.

She often jokes that she would work for GCH for free because she is so grateful for what IWLS has done for her.  She took a pay cut to work here because she wanted to give something back.  She’s a giver whose kindness and compassion helps everyone through difficult times.

Doll received a day off with pay, a reserved parking place for one month, and an “Employee of the Month” pin.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations

Plastic surgeon to open Friday clinic & do surgery at GCH

May 30, 2012

Dr. David Hendrick, a triple board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon from the Salina Surgical Arts Center, will perform surgeries and offer a clinic in Junction City, effective June 1.  His surgeries will be done in the Surgery Center at Geary Community Hospital.  The clinic will be in the Medical Arts I, Suite 206, in Junction City. 

“Fulfilling the need for a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon in Junction City has been a desire of mine for a long time,” said David Bradley, Geary Community Hospital Chief Executive Officer.  “Dr. Hendrick will be able to do the skin flap surgery on our bariatric patients and so much more.  He’s amazingly talented and we’re fortunate to be able to get him.”

Dr. Hendrick is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and

Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Dr. Hendrick includes breast reconstructive and plastic surgery, facial reconstruction and plastic surgery and body cosmetic surgery in his practice.

“I am sensitive to my patients and their needs,” he said. “I want to give them dramatic, but natural-looking improvements and an enjoyable cosmetic surgery experience.  I want to be their lifelong reconstructive and cosmetic consultant and doctor.”

Dr. Hendrick received a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981. He completed postgraduate work at the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School in 1981 and 1982 before serving as a nuclear submarine officer with the U.S. Navy from 1983-1987.

He completed medical school in 1991 at the Medical University of South Carolina. His residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery was completed at the University of Colorado Health Science Center and St. Joseph Hospital, both in Denver, Colorado.  He completed a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Tardy Facial Plastic Surgery Institute and the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois.

He is currently a trustee with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (2012-2015) and served as president of the American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery from 2009-2010. He is also an examiner for the American and World Board of Cosmetic Surgery and a reviewer of The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hendrick in Junction City, call 785-309-0900 in Salina.

Cyndy Platt, Director

Public Relations