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Welch Cancer Center’s Nurse Navigator – Lori Karajanis
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?
While we never wish for a person to need the services offered at the Welch Cancer Center
Honoring Certified Nursing Assistants
National Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) week is June 14-20, 2023. This week is a way to honor those who work in this demanding
Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C, Talks About Prioritizing Patient Experience
Listen to Kelly Lieb, Director of Patient Experience at Sheridan Memorial Hospital talk about
Dr. David Nickerson Talks About The Conveniences of Urgent Care
Conveniences of Urgent Care: Listen to Dr. David Nickerson talk about how Sheridan Memorial
Dr. Lindsay Capron & Liz Becking, RN, talks about Celebrating Women, Women’s Clinic, and Women’s Health at Sheridan Memorial Hospital
Dr. Lindsay Capron & Liz Becking, RN, Talk About Celebrating Women, Women’s Clinic, and Women’s Health
Listen to what Dr. Lindsay Capron & Liz Becking,
Luke Goddard, MD – Emergency Department Physician and Chief Medical Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Talks Strokes
Let's Talk Strokes
May is National Stroke Awareness Month with a goal to increase awareness around this very important public health problem. It is estimated
Jade Stanley’s story is about the first Sheridan Memorial Hospital patient to undergo hysterectomy surgery using state-of-the-art da Vinci robotics.
Jade's Story
Jade Stanley, a local Sheridan resident, is the first Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) patient to undergo hysterectomy surgery using state-
Jason Ackerman, MD — Talks About Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine
Listen to what Dr. Jason Ackerman shares about
Celebrating Women’s Health Month
It's Women's Health Month, and the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women's Clinic is here to help answer any questions you have about women's
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Awards Nurse of the Year and Friend of Nursing Accolades
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Awards Nurse of the Year and Friend of Nursing Accolades
Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH)
The Patient Portal: Knowledge is Power…but knowledge is more powerful when we put it into use by Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C
The Patient Portal: Knowledge is Power…
The Patient Portal: Knowledge is Power…but knowledge is more powerful when we put it into
Thank you, Doctor Sara Maguire
Thank you, Doctor Sara Maguire
Volunteering is a work of heart!
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Volunteers: Defining Our Culture of Kindness
Every April, organizations throughout our community and country pause to recognize and
Learning about Testicular Cancer By Christopher M. Prior, DO, FAAFP, CAQSM
Learning about Testicular Cancer
April is Testicular Cancer awareness month. Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor among males age 15-34 years old. The American Cancer Society estimates almost 10,000
Denney & Rinker - Personalized Healthcare for All Ages Public Pulse - March 13 2023
Personalized Healthcare for All Ages at SMH Primary Care
Listen to what Dr. Emily Denney & Dr. Erica Rinker share about Healthcare for All Ages at SMH Primary Care!
SMH Designated Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital for Eighth Straight Year
SMH Designated Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital for Eighth Straight Year
Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural &
Welcome, Chuck Burgess - Foundation Board Director
Hospital Foundation Announces New Director on The Foundation Board – Chuck Burgess
The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Staff and Board of Directors are pleased to welcome
Colorectal Cancer Screening by Dr. Scott - eNews March 2023
Colorectal Cancer – Why Screening is Your Best Defense
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, an appropriate time to explore this topic. Colon or Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the
Fuel for the Future -- thoughts during March, National Nutrition Month
What is National Nutrition Month? Every March, this annual campaign invites people to learn more about making informed food choices and
Listen to what Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jordan McCoy, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES from Sheridan Memorial Hospital shares about SMH's Outpatient Nutrition Services & Sustainable Nutrition for YOU!
SMH's Outpatient Nutrition Services & Sustainable Nutrition for YOU!
Listen to what Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jordan McCoy, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES from Sheridan Memorial Hospital shares about SMH's

While we never wish for a person to need the services offered at the Welch Cancer Center (WCC), it is the role of Sheridan Memorial Hospital and our Clinics that we are there when you need us most. Cancer care is a team approach including many medical specialists and areas of expertise to offer excellent care. From care and support to resources and education, the Welch Cancer Center team has Cancer Support Services for your entire journey. During a patient’s journey, one of the first questions asked is, “What now?” This is the moment we introduce Lori Karajanis, RN, OCN – Oncology Nurse Navigator, and the resource you need to help you throughout the continuum of care with oncology.

Our oncology nurse navigator helps each patient understand their journey and supports them in identifying gaps, barriers, or needs along the way. “I have been employed here at SMH for 15 years and in the role of Nurse Navigator for a year and a half. I am here to help in any way that I can. After diagnosis, I am the first person a patient sees and will let the patient know what’s happening next. I know that there are a lot of emotions involved in this process, but I love what I do and the patients I am able to help every single day.”

It is no secret that healthcare can be overwhelming. Nurse Navigators are there for you during medical intake and the clinical journey, to being an emotional support system and sounding board for the patient and their entire family. “A big part of my job is education, providing and finding resources at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and in the community, even helping coordinate insurance questions and financial assistance. I am similar to a Case Manager or Social Worker in other healthcare settings but with clinical knowledge and education. I am a certified Oncology Certified Nurse here and previously worked as an Infusion Nurse at WCC.”

Along with individualized care plans and support, Lori helps to coordinate and maintain resources within the WCC, like our Breast Boutique and Resource Room, Monthly Survivorship Courses, and Group Talks. She also has access to countless other community programs.

The Breast Boutique and Resource Room house entirely complimentary products and services for our community. “We are so proud to provide these items and fittings services to our community, thanks to the generosity and support of so many people supporting the comfort and healing of our patients. But, we also understand treatments might have to be undergone elsewhere for numerous reasons. This free service is available to anyone in our community that may benefit, and I am here to help in any way that I can, supporting in the journey to all those who need it.” Between the Breast Boutique and Resource Room are mastectomy bras, equalizer forms, and non-surgical breast prosthetics. Complimentary wigs, scarves, and hats are available. You will find the environment comfortable and welcoming in our renovated Breast Boutique. In addition, Lori is a certified mastectomy fitter and will fit you individually for the items that best match your specific needs. Patients can find additional assistance with wig fittings, measuring, and recommendations for wig care can be found in coordination with the nurse navigator and inside our resource room.

Monthly Survivorship Courses & Group Talks are also part of the work Lori does to help care for our community. “This is an emotional journey, and we work very hard to connect our patients to the resources available not only here at SMH but throughout the entire community. Through partnerships with other organizations, individuals having mutual experiences, or businesses who want to help – these dedicated groups allow for reflection and support of our patients.”

Above all else, Lori is a warm welcome and a listening ear for our patients and their families. She answers questions and concerns about their diagnosis and treatment options, and she makes sure to keep them informed throughout the process. She is a comfort to those struggling with their diagnoses, and she can be counted on to always be there for her patients when they need her. She is a constant in a world of the unknown. Lori’s compassionate care and dedication have earned her the trust and respect of both patients and staff members alike. After years of service, she is well-known and beloved by everyone at the Welch Cancer Center and in our region. While the circumstances of our introduction may not be ideal, we are fortunate to have Lori providing excellent patient-centered care for some of our most vulnerable patients who need it most.

To learn more about our Nurse Navigator and Cancer Support Services, visit https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/welch-cancer-center/cancer-support-services/ or call our Welch Cancer Center at 307.674.6022.

National Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) week is June 14-20, 2023. This week is a way to honor those who work in this demanding profession, which requires meeting the basic care needs of patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and patients’ homes.

“At Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH), we have 64 CNAs who are at the center of our patient care areas. They provide bedside, hands-on care to our patients – assisting the nurses with multiple responsibilities. CNAs play a critical and valuable role in the patient care team – answering the patient’s questions and responding to their care needs 24 hours a day,” according to Cathy Bealer, Chief Nursing Officer at SMH.

The most common duties that CNAs provide to patients under the direction of Registered Nurses (RN) include:

  • Assisting patients with daily needs such as cleaning, bathing, helping with dressing, and toileting needs
  • Turning, repositioning, and ambulating patients to keep skin healthy and prevent skin breakdown
  • Serving meals and assisting with eating as needed
  • Completing and documenting Vital Signs (Blood pressure, Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, and Oxygen Saturation readings)

These duties are clearly very important to patients, as are the CNA’s behavioral skills, including having a high level of patience, compassion, empathy, attention to detail, communication skills, a sense of humor, and physical strength. All of these characteristics of CNAs ensure that patients receive outstanding care while in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or in their own homes.

The CNA career is a rewarding and fulfilling one, and these skills are in high demand with the expanding healthcare needs of our aging population. A CNA can make this a life-long career, or they can build on the learning and experience and expand their schooling into another healthcare field.

According to Bealer, “Our CNAs are excellent in the quality care they provide and are focused on a positive patient experience.”

Bealer adds, “Please take time this week to thank a CNA for all of the care that they provide to our patients. We are proud of all our nursing assistants and wish them a happy CNA week!”

Are you looking for a rewarding career? We have positions available!
Check out the hospital’s job opportunities at SheridanHospital.org/Careers/

By Luke Goddard, MD – Emergency Department Physician and Chief Medical Officer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

May is National Stroke Awareness Month with a goal to increase awareness around this very important public health problem. It is estimated that up to 150,000 deaths related to stroke occur each year in the US. That equates to 1 in 19 deaths, making it the 5th leading cause of death in our country.

Because many of the available treatments for stroke are time-dependent, a stroke is a medical emergency, and it is important to seek care as soon as you or someone you know develops signs or symptoms of a stroke.

A simple acronym to remember the most common signs of stroke is FAST.
   F – Face drooping: ask the person to smile, does one side droop?
   A – Arm weakness: ask the person to raise both arms, does one side drift downward?
   S – Speech difficulty: ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, are the words slurred?
   T – Time: if the person demonstrates any of these symptoms, call 911.
Other common symptoms include sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of vision, or sudden headache.

It is important to know that if you or someone with you is experiencing stroke symptoms, you should call 911 right away. The prehospital professionals at our ambulance service: Wyoming Regional EMS, have extensive training in the recognition of strokes and are able to activate resources at the hospital very quickly – even from your home. Because of this communication with EMS, we can anticipate your arrival at the hospital and be ready to care for you.

Once stroke patients arrive at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital, they are greeted by our team of professionals who are specifically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. When necessary, we also have the ability to connect via telemedicine with a stroke neurologist (a doctor who specializes in treating strokes) 24 hours per day to help make treatment decisions. In recent years there has been significant progress made in treating strokes using intravascular therapies performed by specialized physicians in larger hospitals, which may require a transfer outside of Sheridan.

Strokes cause brain tissue to die, which leads to brain damage, disability, and even death. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. It is, however, estimated that up to 80% of strokes are preventable. You can greatly reduce your risk of stroke by making lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, getting exercise, and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol. Work with your doctor to discuss prevention or treatment strategies to lower your risk of stroke.

Let’s Talk Strokes – Free Community Presentation

Want to learn more? I would like to invite anyone who is interested to attend a free community presentation on Tuesday, May 23, beginning at 10:30 AM at The Hub on Smith, 211 Smith Street. Some of the topics I will be covering include: what a stroke is, the symptoms of a stroke, stroke therapies, and how to prevent a stroke. Be sure to bring your questions. This presentation is brought to you by the Stroke Team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Jade Stanley, a local Sheridan resident, is the first Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) patient to undergo hysterectomy surgery using state-of-the-art da Vinci® robotics. Stanley underwent the hysterectomy at the hospital in December and has been sharing of her positive experience since.

When asked why she chose SMH to perform her hysterectomy, Stanley said, “Our local hospital has great services, and I feel very comfortable there. The staff are all friendly, and the doctors are very knowledgeable. The SMH Women’s Clinic also delivered my child, so I wanted to stick with the people that knew my history.”

Rebecca Krzyminski, DO, one of the physicians at the Women’s Clinic who is specially trained in robotic-assisted surgery, performed the operation. Stanley had previously worked with Dr. Krzyminski, having glowing words for the staff and doctor, calling them “very knowledgeable,” “professional,” and “down to earth.” Stanley continued to share that the team at SMH “are all friendly and eager to assist. Dr. Krzyminski’s confidence is contagious.”

Stanley also spoke positively of her recovery, saying, “It’s been great.” She was able to walk out of the hospital the same day as her surgery and has been going ever since.

When asked if she would recommend SMH and robotic surgery to potential patients, Stanley said, “If you’ve got a hospital as great as this one in your neck of the woods, why go anywhere else? I would tell them not to be afraid. My recovery was virtually painless. It’s definitely the way to go.”

SMH is committed to providing excellent, patient-centered care with an outstanding healthcare team and state-of-the-art technology right here at home. Robotic-assisted surgeries are now available for anyone needing procedures such as hysterectomies, hernia repair, endometriosis, gall bladder removal, ovary removal, and prostate biopsy/removal.

To learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, visit SheridanRoboticSurgery.com and Robotic-Assisted Surgery FAQs.

Listen to what Dr. Jason Ackerman shares about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic, who they are, what they do, what addiction is, and MORE!

Learn more at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic or call today for an appointment at 307.675.2674.

It’s Women’s Health Month, and the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Women’s Clinic is here to help answer any questions you have about women’s health. Whether you have questions about common conditions, preventative care, or anything else related to women’s health, we have the answers. This month, we’d like to share a few of the most common questions we receive about OB/GYN and pregnancy care to help women get the answers they need to take charge of their wellness.

OB/GYN Care

What is the difference between gynecology and obstetrics?

In general terms, gynecology focuses on women’s medical issues, specifically those related to the reproductive or urological organs. Obstetrics, on the other hand, is concerned with prenatal care, pregnancy, and labor and delivery. Because these two fields are so closely related, many physicians will study both and provide both types of care.

When should I have my first gynecological exam?

The answer to this question will depend. If you are experiencing problems or become sexual activity, you should see a gynecologist regardless of your age. Otherwise, you should consider scheduling your first pelvic exam around age 21.

What should I expect during my first visit to the gynecologist?

Typically, during your first exam, you will be asked to provide a detailed medical history and be given a few simple screening tests.

Pregnancy Care

When should I have my first prenatal visit?

If you suspect that you may be pregnant—if you have tested positive with a home pregnancy test, for example—you should call to set up an appointment right away. We will schedule a visit about eight weeks from your last menstrual period.

Are there any options for treating morning sickness?

Absolutely. Non-medical treatments may include eating something bland, like dry toast or crackers, before getting out of bed in the mornings. Foods that may be particularly difficult on the digestive system, such as greasy or spicy foods, should be avoided as they can exacerbate nausea. Try to take any medications with food rather than on an empty stomach, and drink plenty of water!

Sheridan Women’s Clinic has a great team of providers ready to take care of you. Our Clinicians offer comprehensive services for complete women’s health, from preventative well women’s exams to specialized OB/GYN care. If you have any questions regarding women’s care, from puberty through menopause and beyond, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help!

To learn more, visit SheridanWomensClinic.org or call us at 307.672.2522.

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) celebrates Nurses Week with several traditions.  One of them is presenting awards to outstanding staff:  Nurse of the Year and Friend of Nursing.  Chief Nursing Officer, Cathy Bealer presented the awards at the ceremony on May 9.

Nominations for both awards are submitted by employees who want to recognize their peers.  The announcement of these awards is timed to be just in time for Florence Nightingale’s Birthday, May 12 – which is the culmination of National Nurses Week.

The Friend of Nursing Award, which recognizes non-nursing staff for their work in communication, attitude, responsiveness and engagement as it relates to nursing, was given to Hailey Blaney, Administrative Assistant at the hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic.

According to the nominations written by some of her peers: “Hailey is a fantastic addition to our team – a great team member – she is able to communicate effectively using multiple modes of communication. She is always timely, precise and kind in her approach. Hailey also is a friendly face for patients; she is kind in her interactions and is able to meet patient needs very well. Hailey has a great smile and is always calm and pleasant. Hailey never has a negative thing to say, she is very helpful and always works around the office to make sure that things are running smoothly. She always works hard to make sure everyone has everything they need to get their tasks completed and makes great suggestions to help improve workflow and patient care. Even on the most hectic days, Hailey greets each patient by name and ensures that they receive the time and attention they deserve.”

“If I had a quarter for every time I asked Hailey to help with a task and she already had it done I would be a millionaire! Hailey has a great ability to anticipate needs and takes the initiative to complete tasks. Hailey is a fast learner and gladly accepts new tasks regularly, then completes them effectively and efficiently. She is very organized and has a great work ethic; she makes sure that clinical staff is well informed about processes that affect patients across the continuum of care.  She definitely keeps our clinic running smoothly and makes working together a joy.”

“Hailey single-handedly implemented an improvement process for our patients to meet with the financial advocate department which is now a model for other departments. She is in-tune with every single patient, building relationships with them, knowing their names and their children’s names.  During Christmas, when doing collections for families, she knew what gift to give out to each child because she knew them so well.”

She is a great coworker and we could not take care of our patients as well as we do without Hailey’s help!”

Additional nominees for the award included:  Melissa Dominguez, Information Systems Analyst; Sarah Schneider, Ultrasound Technician; Yolanda Petermann, Welch Cancer Center CNA;

Dr. Mary Bowers, Goose Creek Pediatrician; Laura Powell-Rousey, Social Worker/Case Manager; and Drew Worman, Biomedical Engineer.

The Nurse of the Year Award acknowledges a nurse who demonstrates exemplary dedication to the profession, to patients and to the hospital.  This award was presented to Jazz Scott, Registered Nurse in the hospital’s Women’s Health Department.

Jacy Todd’s peers had this to say: “Jazz never wavers in the face of difficulty and exemplifies many qualities of an outstanding nurse and colleague.  Over the past year, she has been a key player in managing an extremely complex pediatric infusion process.  She demonstrates the qualities of a team player and has developed a wonderful rapport with other departments. She can be relied on at any time to assist with any questions that arise.  She never hesitates to find the right resources to take care of patients.  Without her positive attitude and high standard of professionalism, she would face barriers and instead, in every situation, she is calm, cool, collected and is extremely organized and proactive with her processes, prioritizes the patient at all times and delivers high-quality care not only to the patient but the family.  An example of her patient-centered care was when she helped organize a birthday party for a pediatric patient.  This patient was flooded with love and care, which they deserved.  She is what “good” looks like when it comes to being a nurse.  Her care and thoughtfulness truly exemplify our mission to serve our community with excellent patient-centered care.”

A patient had this to say about Jazz:  “These are the things that separate a great nurse from an extraordinary nurse when they know what to say when things don’t go as planned.  She helped me manage through a difficult time.  When faced with the reality that my son had deformities, Jazz let me know it was ok to acknowledge he was different, but what matters is what is inside, his heart and his head.”

As the patient slowly introduced her son into the world with the advice Jazz gave her, she was able to see the progress in her son.  Part of this patient’s happiness about the things her son has overcome was due to Jazz helping her during an overwhelming day.  She has had a huge impact on patients.

Additional nominees for the award were:  Amanda Stach, Medical/Surgical RN; Chali Dobrenz, Intensive Care RN; Jacy Todd, ICU RN; Grace Stump; Patient Safety/Regulatory Specialist RN; and Kara Sampey, Transitional Care RN.

According to Cathy Bealer, Chief Nursing Officer, “These award winners and all our nominees deserve recognition and appreciation for all they accomplish to bring care to our patients and community.  They exemplify quality in nursing and set the standard for organizational excellence.  Their outstanding contributions and dedicated work makes Sheridan Memorial Hospital the best place to go for patients, their families and our community.”

By Kelly Lieb, DMSc, PA-C – Director of Patient Experience at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

The Patient Portal: Knowledge is Power…but knowledge is more powerful when we put it into use
Research tells us there are positive relationships between patient engagement and shared-decision making when we evaluate health outcomes for our patients. With this comes the opportunity for patients to be empowered and positively impact their care. The Patient Experience Department at Sheridan Memorial Hospital values effective communication through a human experience and interaction with your care teams. We believe that the simple acts of connection, listening, and understanding of the patient’s journey contribute to the highest quality of care.

Not only are we living in a world of human connections but also digital interactions, which is also part of the patient journey. Providing a digital experience where patients can positively impact their care and, ultimately, health outcomes is a priority of our care team as we move even further into a digital world.

Improved timeliness of responses
The MySheridanHealth patient portal provides a digital opportunity for effective communication with clinical teams and improved timeliness of responses. We want to provide patients with care that respects their time, and supports improved access and decreased wait times. We recognize that your time is valuable, and the desire for quality and timely access to care is a priority for our patients. When we optimize the technology provided, we can connect and effectively empower the patient-provider relationship in real-time and at our fingertips. Knowledge is power, but knowledge is more powerful when we put it into use.

Most efficient way to communicate with your medical team
Did you know that MySheridanHealth is available at no cost to all patients receiving care at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and its affiliated clinics, including Internal Medicine, Primary Care, Big Horn Surgical, Ear, Nose and Throat, Heart Center, Rheumatology, Wound Care, and Women’s Clinic? Here, you can review your appointments, request medication refills, conveniently communicate with your healthcare provider, track health conditions, view results, and much more. “Using the patient portal is the most efficient way to connect with your medical team in any one of our clinics. You can request medication refills, discuss concerns, and feel connected to your care team,” according to Kristopher Schamber, MD.

It is also possible to review summaries of recent visits, surgeries, and procedures. The awareness and understanding of the information the portal provides can help you track your health conditions, manage your goals, and communicate directly with your provider. “Patient portal messaging is a great way to communicate with us, no waiting on the phone, direct communication, and no phone tag,” shares Hannah Hall, MD. It also allows for more effective human connections so that when you and your provider are face-to-face, you are on the same page and can move your care forward together.

Convenient and Confidential
The patient portal is not only convenient but also confidential, secure, and easily accessed 24 hours a day via an app on your cell phone (HealtheLife on the Apple App/Google Play Stores) or through a computer by accessing the MySheridanHealth.org website. We invite you to participate in the patient portal at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and work with us to optimize your knowledge and management of your healthcare. Welcome to the digital experience.

Learn more or get signed up on the patient portal at MySheridanHealth.org. Our SMH Records is here to help! Please reach out with questions at 307.672.1070 today!

Every April, organizations throughout our community and country pause to recognize and appreciate some of their most selfless team members. The teammates who show up without traditional pay, the ones without your typical form of benefits, and those who will show up far earlier for a shift than many others  – we pause to celebrate and thank our volunteers. We take this opportunity to showcase and show gratitude for their invaluable impact and the culture we strive to create at your community hospital. At Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH), our volunteers are the heart of our organization. Every service given to our hospital is another chance to further our mission and provide excellent patient-centered care to everyone in our community.

For numerous reasons and in thousands of instances, people choose to volunteer. Many will tell you it’s great to get involved in your community and feel a part of something after their well-earned retirement. It’s a beautiful opportunity to give back to the place you call home. Volunteering allows you the space to fuel your passions and share your favorite pastimes with others. You can learn new things, develop new skills, and meet new people. It will get you out of the house, help you build a new routine, and give you something to look forward to throughout the day. It can help those of all ages learn the value of philanthropy in their community. Volunteering can be anything you want when doing it in the best space for you.

At SMH, we are lucky to work alongside unique, talented, and genuine volunteers who are irreplaceable resources to our organization. We are gifted with a group of individuals dedicated to SMH and the health and wellness of our entire community. Our volunteers make an effort to create an environment of comfort and cultivate a Culture of Kindness in everything they do. It wouldn’t be possible without them.

It is humbling to work alongside so many selfless individuals who choose to take the time to serve their community through numerous volunteer activities. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know these individuals, share in their experiences, learning about their loved ones, and I’m honored to be part of their stories.

Thousands of interactions take place within our hospital every day. Many vulnerable patients and visitors, countless grateful new parents and families, passionate staff and professionals all making connections big and small. SMH volunteers are at the core of these interactions in our waiting room, gift shop, cafeteria, hallways – everywhere. Our volunteers are part of our culture, our patient experience, our family. Their friendly greetings, genuine smiles, kind hearts, and overwhelming support for all they encounter complete the heart of Sheridan Memorial Hospital. We appreciate the smiles in their eyes and welcoming demeanor and feel their warm presence in the hallways of our hospital. The past few years have taught us how truly invaluable our volunteers are.

Thank you for every book you’ve donated to our newborn babies. We appreciate all of the shelves you’ve stocked with exceptional inventory in our Kozy Korner Gift Shop, so we are the best dressed, and our homes and offices stay well decorated. We are grateful for all the Blood Drives you continue to coordinate, ensuring our blood supplies are stocked and replenished when SMH patients and neighbors need them.

We are thankful for every tiny patient you comforted with your scrubby bears before and after surgery, every 5-year-old you have celebrated in the last 63 years, and every time you guided us to our next appointment or relocated office on our hospital’s growing campus.

Our team can’t even begin to count how many people you’ve gifted a piece of home with the cards you’ve sold visitors for our patients, a kind note, or the sweet tooth you cured with our favorite candy bar in the late afternoons.

Thank you for joining us for all the meetings and phone calls, being present, sharing your thoughts and ideas, and all the events you have attended because you, too, believe in medical excellence – right here at home.

It’s impossible to measure how many times you’ve warmed our hearts and hallways and the number of people who have been positively affected by your generosity. It’s incomprehensible where Sheridan Memorial Hospital and I would be without you.

Jasmine Slater
Volunteer and Development Coordinator

To learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s volunteer program, go to www.sheridanhospital.org/community/volunteer-opportunities/ or
contact Jasmine Slater at jasmineslater@sheridanhospital.org or call 307.675.2620

By Christopher M. Prior, DO, FAAFP, CAQSM– physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care practice

April is Testicular Cancer awareness month. Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor among males age 15-34 years old. The American Cancer Society estimates almost 10,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year and about 460 deaths. The incidence of testicular cancer is about one per 250 young men, with a peak incidence between ages 30-34 years old. Testicular cancer has an overall five-year survival rate of 97%.

Risk factors include undescended testis, personal or family history of testicular cancer, age, ethnicity, HIV infection, and infertility. Whites, Hispanics, and American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest rates of testicular cancer. The incidence of testicular cancer has increased over the past several decades for unclear reasons.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

  • Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles
  • Dull ache in the scrotum or abdomen
  • Firmness of the testicle
  • Painless solid testicular mass
  • Scrotal heaviness
  • Swelling

Epididymitis is another ailment that can present with similar symptoms to testicular cancer in the same age group. While a clinical exam can help differentiate the epididymitis from testicular cancer, an ultrasound of the scrotum is the imaging test of choice to diagnose these conditions.

The US Preventative Services Task Force recommends against routine screening in asymptomatic men by clinician and patient self-exams. The British Journal of Cancer reports that muscle-building supplements containing creatine, protein, and testosterone enhancing androstenedione increase the risk of testicular cancer by 65%.

Congress passed the PACT Act in August 2022. It included “reproductive cancers of any kind” on the list of presumed conditions for qualifying Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits. In this case, if you were exposed to burn pit toxins and now have testicular cancer, you do not need to prove the exposure caused the cancer because the VA has already established this connection. A claim may be initiated on your own, with the aid of the American Legion, DAV, VFW, or your local Veteran Service Officer Lisa Griffith 307.620.0884 or lisa.griffith@wyo.gov.

Young men must see their medical provider if they have symptoms related to testicular cancer. Survival rates have improved significantly as a result of increased surveillance and improved patient-specific or targeted therapies. Survivors need continued surveillance for possible re-occurrence, cardiovascular disease, infertility, as well complications of therapy.

Talk to your primary care provider about your healthcare concerns. If you don’t have one, check out Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care practice or call: 307.675.2690.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the country for 2023, according to the Chartis Group. This is the eighth year in a row SMH has earned this honor. Over 800 hospitals were included in the study, with the Top 100 list developed using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. The index assesses performance utilizing 37 independent indicators across eight areas of performance including quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charges and finance.

SMH Chief Executive Officer Mike McCafferty said, “This honor is directly attributable to the expertise and commitment of our medical staff, our clinical care teams, and all of our supporting staff in all aspects of our health system. The culture that they create through our shared principles of respect for every individual, our focus on continuous process improvement and alignment across all areas of service, shapes the environment to provide value and an outstanding experience for our patients. Their commitment to these principles helps us to continually strive for operational excellence.”

According to a release from the Chartis Group, hospitals making the list serve as a benchmark for other rural facilities across the country. Michael Topchick, National Leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health, had this to say about the hospitals making the list, “Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities. The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top-performing rural hospitals.”

The Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX® is a trusted source for measuring and monitoring performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance for rural hospitals and healthcare systems across the country.

Learn more about the hospital’s awards and accomplishments by following the link https://www.sheridanhospital.org/about-us/awards/

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Staff and Board of Directors are pleased to welcome Chuck Burgess as their newest Foundation Board Director.

Chuck brings with him a high level of financial expertise. He has over 15 years of experience overseeing investment portfolios, including the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Designation. His experience includes over 11 years as a senior portfolio manager at Frontier Asset Management, 3.5 years as the director of finance and supply chain at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, and he has been in his current role as a portfolio analyst with Eliason Financial since 2020.

Having grown up in Big Horn, family, and community are values instilled in Chuck. So, together with his wife, Nicki, they became licensed foster parents in 2016. This selfless and heartfelt decision has led to more than a dozen foster children having a place to stay at their home. They have had foster children as little as a newborn and as old as ten and have kept them for as little as 24 hours to as long as forever. Their two youngest children were foster children they eventually adopted.

Beyond spending time with his beautiful family, Chuck enjoys reading, coaching his kids, and watching sports.

With all the challenging work ahead of The Foundation, Chuck’s leadership, competence, and community spirit is a welcome addition to The Foundation Board. The Foundation looks forward to the experience, enthusiasm, and perspective Chuck will bring in the coming year and all we will accomplish for healthcare in our community – together.

To get the most up-to-date Foundation information and learn more about The Board of Directors, visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation or call Director of Donor Relations – Ada Kirven at 673.2417.

By Joshua Scott, MD – General Surgeon – Advanced GI Minimally Invasive Surgery – Big Horn Surgical

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, an appropriate time to explore this topic. Colon or Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer.

Screening is recommended simply because it can detect colorectal cancer early and prevent unnecessary deaths. Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates have been declining in the US, likely due to the increasing screening uptake.

Since colorectal cancers typically don’t produce symptoms, the practice of screening enables us to look for cancer or precancerous lesions in individuals without symptoms. Screening is incredibly effective when it comes to colorectal cancer because, from the time the first abnormal cells start to develop, it takes an average of 10-15 years for those cells to become a colorectal cancer. Therefore, as one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer, screening allows us to find and remove precancerous lesions such as polyps and help identify people who would benefit from more frequent screenings. In addition, small cancers that aren’t yet big enough to produce symptoms can also be identified.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Although most cases of CRC occur over the age of 50, initiating screening at age 45 balances the benefits of detection and prevention with the burden on the patient and the risk of harm from screening. If you are older than 75, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about the necessity of continued screening.

There are reasons to start screening earlier or stop later for some people. It is estimated that only about two-thirds of adults in the US are up to date with colorectal cancer screening. Every year, about 140,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 50,000 people will die from it. Our best tool to decrease both of these numbers is screening.

Risk Factors
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with more than 90% of the cases we see being diagnosed in people age 50 or older. Many factors are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Some of these risk factors are related to lifestyle choices and are, therefore, modifiable. Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, not smoking or chewing tobacco, avoiding heavy alcohol intake, and eating a balanced diet that limits red or processed meat intake can all help decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer can cause symptoms as it grows. These symptoms include seeing blood in or on your stool, unintentional weight loss, a change in bowel habits and weakness or fatigue caused by a low blood count.

Types of CRC Screenings
There are several screening tools for colorectal cancer, including tests done on your stool and colonoscopy. The stool-based studies either look for evidence of trace blood that can’t be seen by the naked eye or look for altered DNA that can be associated with abnormal cells in the colon. Stool-based studies that look for blood must be repeated annually if negative. A negative stool DNA test needs to be repeated every three years. However, if a stool-based test results with a positive outcome, it will need to be followed up with a colonoscopy. Stool-based studies are only appropriate for patients with an average risk of colorectal cancer. Average-risk individuals are those who have no personal or family history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer or other risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or a genetic predisposition.

A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a fiber-optic tube and air to examine the colon’s lining. Colonoscopy allows for the identification of polyps and their removal, or biopsy if the polyp is too large, at the same time as the procedure.

Depending on the findings during the procedure and individual risk factors, a colonoscopy may be repeated every year for high-risk individuals to a more typical range of 7 to 10 years.

For many, the worst part of a colonoscopy is the bowel prep, which is done at home the evening and morning before the procedure. The bowel prep cleans out the colon so it can be adequately examined during the colonoscopy. A good bowel prep is essential to getting a good colonoscopy as it helps the doctor detect and remove polyps more easily.

The colonoscopy itself doesn’t hurt. Patients are given sedating medication, which helps with discomfort, and many patients won’t remember having the procedure once it’s complete. Colonoscopy patients will need a friend or family member to drive them home after the procedure. Typically a patient will be able to eat and drink normally afterward.

Reach out to your physician or provider to talk about your risk factors. Discussing these factors in advance can help identify the most effective and appropriate screening test for you.

To Find a Doctor and their contact information click HERE — https://www.sheridanhospital.org/find-a-doctor/.

By Alexandria Poisel, Dietetic Intern at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

What is National Nutrition Month? Every March, this annual campaign invites people to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “FUEL FOR THE FUTURE.” The intention is to eat with sustainability in mind. What does that look like at Sheridan Memorial Hospital?

For us, it means buying local. The Sidewalk Cafe serves Manchester Street Coffee, roasted right here in Sheridan, Wyoming. What can you do at the hospital? Opt for a glass plate and metal silverware instead of Styrofoam to-go boxes if you eat in the cafeteria. Be aware of how much food you take, take what you will eat, and ask for a smaller portion if you need to. This can help cut down on food waste.

How can you “Fuel for the Future” at home? You can buy local! This is a great way to get high-quality products that are within the season, and it also supports the local economy, fueling the future of our town. Unsure where to start? Check out Landon’s Saturday Farmer’s Market for many local food vendors.

“Fuel for the Future” isn’t just about how we can take care of the Earth and our town, but also how we take care of ourselves for the future. Nutrition is a major component of a long and healthy life. It’s important to eat meals that have variety. Taste the rainbow! The colors of our foods are often associated with the different vitamins we need. The most colorful foods? Fruits and Vegetables. You should eat 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. Not everything has to be fresh; we know it is hard here! Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are part of a healthful diet.

Pair your healthy eating habits with intentional activity. 150 minutes of exercise a week is recommended for adults. If you don’t enjoy the gym, don’t worry. There are many more options for you! Go for a walk with a friend, swim with your kids, try YouTube at-home yoga, or throw a dance party! Extra movement is good for strengthening bones, building muscle, and keeping your heart healthy.

How will you “Fuel for the Future?”

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians, please call 307.675.2640.

Note:  Sheridan Memorial Hospital is committed to supporting the professional development of students and young professionals in our community. Experience in the form of an internship can be a fantastic way to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, to expand on that knowledge, and to gain real-life experience in the healthcare industry. SMH is proud to provide this opportunity, helping educate more people in our community about each facet of the patient experience, and partnering with organizations to provide this experience in countless hospital departments.