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The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates knee replacement surgeries are expected to increase a staggering 180 percent between now and 2030 in the United States. In preparation for this dramatic increase, MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland recently expanded its comprehensive musculoskeletal offerings to include robotics-assisted knee surgery. Orthopedic Surgeon Mark Goethe, M.D., recently performed MidMichigan’s very first robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery using the CORI™ Surgical System. This unique system, developed by Smith Nephew, uses handheld robotics-assisted technology designed to help orthopedic surgeons plan and perform total and partial knee replacement procedures. “This system allows us to create a customized 3D digital model of the patient’s knee,” said Dr. Goethe. “Having this three-dimensional view helps us finalize and verify the selection of the patient’s knee implant and create a plan for their surgery without the need for either a CT scan or MRI.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates knee replacement surgeries are expected to increase a staggering 180 percent between now and 2030 in the United States. In preparation for this dramatic increase, MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland recently expanded its comprehensive musculoskeletal offerings to include robotics-assisted knee surgery. Orthopedic Surgeon Mark Goethe, M.D., recently performed MidMichigan’s very first robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery using the CORI™ Surgical System. This unique system, developed by Smith Nephew, uses handheld robotics-assisted technology designed to help orthopedic surgeons plan and perform total and partial knee replacement procedures. “This system allows us to create a customized 3D digital model of the patient’s knee,” said Dr. Goethe. “Having this three-dimensional view helps us finalize and verify the selection of the patient’s knee implant and create a plan for their surgery without the need for either a CT scan or MRI. It also helps us achieve more accurate positioning of the knee implant based on the patient’s un
To help smokers kick the habit, MidMichigan Health will host a virtual American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program. The free eight-week program will be held beginning Tuesday, Feb. 16 through Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021. The weekly sessions will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., via Zoom. Designed to help smokers, over the age of 18, gain control over their behavior, each session is led by a certified American Lung Association facilitator. Attendees will be given support, encouragement and the tools to develop a plan for quitting and living a smoke-free life. Led in a group format, the program sessions help encourage attendees to work on the process and problems of quitting, individually and as part of a group.
As the state moved gloved hands drawing a syringe from a vial of COVID-19 Vaccineforward with opening vaccinations to essential workers and patients age 65 and older, MidMichigan Health began contacting its eligible patients by phone to schedule their vaccination. With the vaccine high in demand and the supply limited, early clinics filled quickly.“We are excited that by collaborating with the health departments, and in following CDC guidelines, we are ahead of schedule and able to move into the next group of vaccine recipients much earlier than first anticipated,” Paul Berg, M.D., president, MidMichigan Physicians Group. “With several teams working around the clock to ensure proper plans were in place, we were able to begin calling our eligible patients in an orderly fashion to schedule their vaccine. The clinics have been filling quickly. We are pleased there is such a strong interest.”
Patients of MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch will benefit from the generous support of the community and Medical Center employees with the recent purchase of the new Vyntus™ BODY Plethysmography respiratory diagnostic system. The $52,000 in raised funds were directed to the MidMichigan Health Foundation for the purchase of the equipment. The diagnostic test results produced by the Vyntus system can detect certain airway diseases that require a specific treatment plan. Physicians and providers then use the Vyntus test results to assist them with the development of an effective treatment strategy for those individuals experiencing persistent breathing symptoms attributed to airway diseases.
While loss is difficult during any time, this holiday season is especially difficult given other losses people are experiencing due to the pandemic like the loss of a job, change in residence, changes in close relationships or negative changes in one’s financial status. Additional challenges presented by societal unrest and the state of the economy also have the potential for making coping difficult.Usually the grief process begins with a period of shock. This is especially true when the loss is sudden and unexpected. During this stage a person may experience denial, outbursts or numbness. It is one’s minds saying ‘I can’t believe this happened.’ Once the reality of the loss is recognized, a protest stage follows. During this stage one may experience strong emotions of anger or guilt but also physical symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, weakness or exhaustion. Social symptoms like withdrawal can also occur. During this stage, one’s mind and body says ‘I don’t like that this happened!’ To get through this stage in a healthy way, memories and pain must be allowed to be experienced
MidMichigan Health is excited to announce the return of maternity services to MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch in 2021. The more than $2 million improvements and equipment purchases will create a comfortable, state-of the-art, family focused place for women to give birth. The new design features: four labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum (LDRP) suites; three private care rooms, a renovated and newly equipped cesarean-section delivery suite; upgraded nursery; and a new advanced security system for mom and baby. With the return of maternity services, MidMichigan is building upon the many services already in the community to provide comprehensive women’s health services in West Branch. Vickie Bannister, W.H.N.P.-B.C., a board certified nurse practitioner has been caring for women for more than 30 years and returned to her home community in 2017. The MidMichigan Health Foundation will launch a fundraising campaign to provide financial support for the new service and to help educate the community on the services available.
Loneliness is a serious issue than can affect the physical and mental health for many older adults. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social isolation and has led to a number of new challenges. To help seniors struggling with loneliness, MidMichigan Health, in collaboration with Senior Services of Midland, will lead “ Bridge to Belonging,” a free, virtual five-week series focusing on loneliness and social connection. The program will be held Tuesdays, beginning Nov. 17, and will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., via Zoom. “Human beings are, by nature, social creatures,” said Meghan Dahl, L.M.S.W., behavioral health therapist at MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland. “While some individuals may choose not to be around people and are fine with that decision, others may become lonely. Some become disconnected because of the loss of a spouse, or some retire and lose the social support they had on a job. Loneliness is a real issue that should not be ignored.” In addition, according to Dahl, social isolation and loneliness have also been linked to several negative health effect
Taking care of your mental health has never been more important, as concerns continue surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of all that’s going on, it’s normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed and depressed. There are several things you can do to ensure you are taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, during this time. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider limiting your exposure to the news and social media,” said Kathy Dollard, Psy.D., director of behavioral health at MidMichigan Health. “Take a few deep, cleansing breaths, remind yourself that these feelings will fade, and focus on doing something positive or productive to lift your mood.” Taking care of your body is just as important as mental health. Dollard suggests eating well-balanced meals, getting an appropriate amount of sleep and exercise and limiting your alcohol intake. If you do find yourself struggling physically or mentally, contact your health care provider if you feel that you need some extra support.
Dua’a (Dee) Ibrahim-Weber, a human resources leader with more than 30 years of experience, has been named chief human resources officer of MidMichigan Health. She will succeed Greg Ghilardi, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, who will retire on Dec. 31, 2020, after 13 years with the Midland, Mich., based non-profit health system. “Greg’s commitment to excellence and his leadership in our organization have made a significant difference for all of us at MidMichigan Health,” said Diane Postler-Slattery, Ph.D., FACHE, president and CEO, MidMichigan Health. “We congratulate him on his many accomplishments and wish him all the best for his retirement years.” The recipient of Michigan’s HR Executive of the Year Award from the American Society of Employers in 2018, during his tenure, Ghilardi led a number of successful projects with MidMichigan Health.
