UW Health SwedishAmerican

We're pleased to the welcome Dr. Andrew Blint, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, to our team. While Dr. Blint is new to UW Health, he’s not new to the community, having practiced in the area for many years. Dr. Blint sees kids and adults who have experienced orthopedic trauma due to an accident or injury. He also has a general orthopedics practice where he performs joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery and minor hand procedures such as carpal tunnel release. In his free time, Dr. Blint enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. If you think you have an orthopedic need, talk to your doctor about a referral. Learn more: https://uw.health/46gnyrb

Nurse practitioner Neha Jackson understands that many of her cardiology patients are experiencing a lot of stressors. “So, I make it a point to get to know my patients for who they are as a person, not just their blood pressure or the problem that has brought them in. It’s important to not only take care of their medical needs but to develop a good relationship so they know they're not just a number on a list,” she says. For her own heart, Neha enjoys salads full of green, leafy vegetables and snacks on almonds, which are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Growing up she loved dancing and continues to take classes as a way to manage stress. For regular exercise, she sneaks in workouts at home after her kids are asleep and take walks with their family dog, a silver lab. Learn more: https://uw.health/3LnVyIC

17 years of experience as a nurse and 14 years in Float Pool have taught Kelsey Cooper to expect the unexpected! “I love my job and the variety it brings. From caring for children, to providing comfort in hospice and fighting for critical patients, I’ve seen it all,” says Kelsey. “Each shift is different, and I enjoy the challenge and critical thinking required. The Float Pool has allowed me to meet wonderful colleagues who’ve become close friends.” Kelsey’s love for science coupled with encouragement from friends and family led her to nursing! Now, she finds it rewarding being a resource for other nurses, precepting new ones and making a difference in their careers. Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Join us on July 17 for an in-person hiring event. Get more info and sign up for an interview: https://uw.health/3W36Kzo

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Scott Reid has joined our team of board-certified vascular surgeons based in Rockford. He is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience caring for patients with leg pain, narrowing of the neck arteries, and aneurysms (enlarged blood vessels) to name a few. From minimally invasive options to complex surgical repairs, Dr. Reid treats a spectrum of vascular disease and thoroughly enjoys helping patients understand all their treatment options. He’s lived in Illinois his whole life, so of course he’s an avid Cubs and Bears fan! If you think you need a vascular surgeon or would like a second opinion for a procedure you're considering, ask your primary care provider for a referral. Learn more: https://uw.health/3Y03E1t

“Float Pool has been a perfect fit for me. I love learning new things and facing new challenges. Our role changes constantly and this adaptability has taught me so much, especially in the Emergency Department,” says nurse Hannah. Following in the footsteps of her grandmother who was also a nurse at SwedishAmerican Hospital, Hannah is now celebrating 10 years with the health system. She is committed to compassionate care and strives to make a positive impact on patients and their families as they navigate stressful times in the hospital. Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Join us on July 17 for an in-person hiring event. Get more info and sign up for an interview: https://uw.health/4cuxNdS

We're excited to announce that UW Health Med Flight has expanded its services closer to Rockford! The new base in Janesville, Wisconsin, is great news for our patients and their families. This base includes a helicopter, an ambulance, and expert medical teams specializing in emergency medicine, pediatric and newborn care. Whether it's by ground or air this service enhances our ability to ensure patients get the right care at the right time. Learn more: https://uw.health/4cupSx2

Seniors from Harlem High School received education and experience in the pharmacy field this summer. The paid internship required students to complete 40 hours of classroom education and 20 hours of clinical experience with the local UW Health pharmacy team. The internship program gives high school seniors a career option directly after graduation while helping UW Health build needed talent in the pharmacy technician field, according to Thomas Carey, senior director of pharmacy services, UW Health in northern Illinois. “Our hope is that some of the interns who complete this distinctive program will stay on and work in our pharmacy areas at UW Health in northern Illinois during their senior year and join us full time when they graduate,” he said. The internship is funded through a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and The Workforce Connection. UW Health plans to make this a yearly internship with Harlem High School.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 6, and be part of Walk with U. Meander through the scenic trails of Headquarters Forest Preserve and enjoy nature's beauty while gaining important health insights. More dates/locations: https://lnkd.in/gxEBBM6K

The role of nurse navigator is to educate, advocate, identify major barriers in care and be a liaison between patient and physicians. Kathi Bouland, RN, BSN, CN-BN originated our Breast Program Nurse Navigator role 16 years ago. Kathi’s initial contact with a patient is delivering the breast cancer results. She thoroughly explains the diagnosis and identify needs—hoping to ease the many emotions and anxiety that come with life-changing news. “We can give them the time and one on one care they so deserve when facing a cancer diagnosis. I’m proud that the role I initially started here at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford is growing and can only continue to benefit the excellent care we want our cancer patients to have.” Today, with over five disease-specific nurse navigation teams, including those for lung and head and neck cancers, our navigators play a crucial role in providing exceptional patient care. They act as ongoing contacts for needs or concerns during treatment and work continuously to identify and address any barriers in patient care.

Congratulations to this year’s Dr. Henry C. Anderson Quality Award winners – Julie Powless (Individual) and the SwedishAmerican Hospital 7th Floor Unit (Team). The annual excellence in quality awards were presented at last week's Founder’s Day Picnic and are named in honor of former SwedishAmerican physician, Dr. Anderson. Dr. Anderson joined our medical staff as a primary care physician in 1955 and practiced for 34 years. He was our Vice President of Physician Affairs and Chief Quality Officer from 1989 through 2002. Dr. Anderson’s career included numerous achievements, and the values he brought to our organization are honored every year in our quality awards.