Saint Luke's Health System

Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute continues its streak of firsts! Dr. Adnan Chhatriwalla recently led a team that performed the first FDA-approved TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in Missouri. TriClip TEER is a minimally invasive option for patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, which occurs when the leaflets in the heart valve don’t close properly causing the valve to leak. The device holds the leaflets together to restore proper blood flow. Congratulations to Drs. Adnan Chhatriwalla, Chetan Huded, David Skolnick, and the entire clinical team on another notable accomplishment! #TeamSaintLukes 💙

For 50 years, Saint Luke’s has been a national leader in clinical forensic care and education. Since opening the country’s first treatment center for victims in 1974, the program has expanded to train other organizations and serve those impacted by violence nationwide. Dr. Heather DeVore, medical director of Saint Luke’s clinical forensics program, says the team's mission is to support the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of victims. Clinical forensic services are available 24 hours a day at all Saint Luke's Emergency Departments. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3V8olXM

Mark your calendars for the Fall 2024 Digestive Disease Conference, jointly provided by Saint Luke’s Health System and the Institute for International Medicine. The conference will feature local and national experts in endoscopy and gastroenterology. Fall 2024 Digestive Disease Conference Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 Silo Modern Farmhouse, Lenexa, Kansas Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/JZaBAg

Congratulations to Dr. Jason Knight (right), a Saint Luke’s gynecologic oncologist, for receiving the "I Am My Brother’s Keeper" Award from the Sheer Essence School of Etiquette! The "I Am My Brother’s Keeper" Award celebrates those who go beyond the technical mastery of their profession. It recognizes individuals who uplift others through their words, actions, and values. Dr. Knight was honored for how much he cares about his patients personally in addition to treating their health conditions. He always offers his patients hope and assures them that they’re not alone. The award was presented to Dr. Knight by Kansas Senator David Haley (left), seen here with Barbara Lora (middle), owner and founder of the Sheer Essence School of Etiquette.

Nine-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow has a special message on behalf of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center as they celebrate 30 years of prioritizing women's heart health and research. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/cRzWqA

Michael, a barista at the Saint Luke's East Hospital Jo n’ Go, is a ray of sunshine for all—so it was only fitting that we presented him with the Sunshine Award. ☀️ ☕️ The Saint Luke’s Sunshine Award honors non-clinical employees who display kindness and character while ensuring everyone receives the best possible care. Often working early morning hours, Michael always has a pleasant attitude and never fails to wish someone a good day. We hope this gave you a good day too, Michael. Thank you for your kindness! #TeamSaintLukes 💙

Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute was the first in the region to perform a transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using the newly FDA-approved EVOQUE valve. Ann was the patient. Ann, 66, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure several years ago due to her tricuspid valve leaking. This led to shortness of breath and swollen knees, affecting her walking. “My knee was so severe, I was on a walker,” said Ann. “I just kept getting slower and short of breath.” Ann’s primary care physician referred her to a heart failure specialist at the Heart Institute. They told her how the EVOQUE valve could replace her tricuspid valve without open-heart surgery, a revolutionary procedure in cardiology. She had the procedure in early July and was home two days later. “I feel better. I’m not quite as tired, I have more energy, and I don’t huff and puff anymore when I get up.” Ann recently started cardiac rehab and is on pace to have a healthy heart again. She looks forward to walking and doing more activities with her children and grandchildren. We are delighted Ann is doing well. Congratulations to Drs. Adnan Chhatriwalla, Keith Allen, David Skolnick, Elizabeth Grier, and their clinical teams for performing this successful procedure! #TeamSaintLukes 💙

A new study led by Dr. Paul Chan from Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute has uncovered dramatic differences in outcomes based on the race and sex of individuals who went into cardiac arrest and received CPR. White people were three times more likely than Black people to survive the episode, and men of any background were twice as likely to survive as women, researchers found. In all of these cases, CPR was administered by someone other than a first responder. Read the full USA Today article: https://heyor.ca/W6sM3E

Karla, director of neonatal services at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, recently presented at the National American Hospital Association Leadership Summit. In her presentation, Karla addressed recent changes made to improve inclusion and belonging for gender-diverse patients within obstetrical and neonatal services. Karla recently graduated as a fellow in the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, which aims to help develop leaders and empower them to bring about change in the health systems they serve. Great work, Karla! #TeamSaintLukes 💙

Shelbie is a certified nursing assistant and certified medication aide (CNA/CMA). She makes sure Anderson County Hospital Residential Living Center residents are happy and well taken care of, and also knows that laughter is sometimes the best medicine. "My mom and grandma both worked in residential care," said Shelbie. "So I sort of grew up in a long-term care community like the RLC. I loved going to work with my mom, roaming the halls, and visiting with all the residents. That experience made such a huge impression on me." Shelbie appreciates her close-knit team and positive, supportive work environment, but the thing she likes most about her job is getting to know the residents and laughing with them. "It's always a good day when I can bring a smile to someone's face, but belly laughs are even better!" #TeamSaintLukes 💙 Are you looking for more reasons to smile? Learn about our open positions and apply: https://bit.ly/3zQctB9