Category: St. Joe’s Ann Arbor

Trinity Health Michigan Heart School of Adult Echocardiography

The School of Adult Cardiac Ultrasound is a highly specialized and accelerated certificate program that trains students to become knowledgeable healthcare professionals who assist in diagnostic procedures performed in an Adult Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory setting. Students begin the program by learning the basic fundamentals of heart function and physiology, then concentrate on core, didactic, lab, and clinical cardiovascular courses related to Adult Echocardiography. Specialty areas of the program include transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and stress echocardiography (SE).

About Our Adult ECHO Program

The program comprises an initial five weeks of dedicated classroom instruction, concentration on anatomy, basic equipment operation and fundamental skill development in cardiac ultrasound. The remaining 47 weeks comprises four days of clinical, hands-on instruction at our hospital training sites and one day of classroom instruction. Students rotate their clinical training in several local hospitals. These rotations provide students with a broad range of clinical experiences.

This 52-week program combines dedicated classroom and clinical instruction with the concentration in Adult Cardiac ultrasound. Classroom instruction will take place one day a week with the remaining 4 days consisting of clinical, hands-on instruction. (This program is for applicants without an ultrasound credential.)

Classes being in September after Labor Day, with a clinical practicum at Trinity Ann Arbor-Michigan Heart and various sites around SE Michigan.

Learn more about the Trinity Health Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Materials for Applications

  • Application
  • Application Fee: $25 non-refundable
  • Resume/CV
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Educational Transcripts
  • 750-1000 word essay as to why you want to pursue a career in cardiac sonography, qualities you possess for this program, and past experiences that will help you in this career.
  • Proof of BLS

Program Prerequisite

  1. Any bachelors in health science degree in health science or non-health science with:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Communications (English/Composition)
  1. Any 2 year AMA Allied Health degree such but not limited to: Rad Tech, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Cardio Pulmonary Technology, Occupational Therapy, and Registered Nurse.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (I & II)
  • Medical Terminology
  • Communications (English/Composition)

For either prerequisite listed above you must have obtained a C grade or higher.

Accreditations

Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital is an accredited hospital:

The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Blvd,
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 630.792.5800

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
772.210.2350

School of Cardiac Sonography Program Accreditation

In our initial year, Trinity Ann Arbor School of Cardiac Echocardiography is not an accredited program by CAAHEP but will be seeking accreditation by recommendation of JRC-CVT in 2024. However, students are able to sit for boards through ARDMS in adult echocardiography (AE) and ultrasound physics (SPI). The RCS and/or RDCS credential is required to work in an accredited echocardiography lab. Therefore, the student must pass the national exam to graduate from the program.

Program Outcomes

The School of Cardiac Ultrasound is a new program offered Trinity Health Ann Arbor. There are currently no outcomes to report. The first class will graduate in August 2024. Program outcomes will be posted when available.

Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition is $17,500
  • Once accepted there is a $500 nonrefundable deposit upon agreement between parties.
  • Books will be provided by Trinity Ann Arbor School of Echocardiography.
  • The tuition may be paid in a lump sum or 3 installments of $5833.00. If paying with installments the balance must be paid the first day of each term.

Refund Policy

The total cost of the Adult Cardiac Ultrasound program is $17,500.00, which includes the application fee, administrative duties, and books. A non-refundable application fee ($50.00) is to be paid separately. Note the registry exam fee ($350.00) will be reimbursed to the student after graduation from the program.

Once the candidate is notified of acceptance to the program, a deposit of $500.00 is to be paid within 14 days of the dated acceptance letter; the remaining balance of $17,000 is to be paid in full 14 days thereafter. Note that tuition is non-refundable once submitted. This is accordance with the State of Michigan refund policy stated in Title IV.

Partial refund policy:

  • A student that starts class and withdraws during the first full calendar week of the term shall receive 75% refund.
  • A student who withdraws during the second full calendar week of the term shall receive 50% refund of the semester tuition.
  • A student who withdraws during the third calendar week of the term shall receive 25% of the semester tuition.
  • A student who withdraws during the fourth calendar week of the term shall not receive a refund.
  • Any student dismissed shall not be issued a refund or financial obligation.

Health Insurance

Trinity Health School of Cardiac Ultrasound does NOT provide health coverage for students. All students must provide health insurance prior to beginning the program.

Trinity Health School of Cardiac Ultrasound is not responsible for medical expenses related to diseases, injury or illness while enrolled in the program. The students assume risk while being exposed to patients with contagious diseases, infections, and blood from a patient who is a carrier of contagious diseases. The student, may under the advice of a Trinity physician be directed to the Emergency Department to administer treatment if deemed necessary by the consulting physician.

Computer Technology

A personal computer/tablet and personal cell phone are necessary tools for the program. We often communicate with text or email for urgent and non-urgent changes.

Mandatory Drug Screening & Criminal Background Check

There is a mandatory drugs screening prior to entry into the program, as well as a criminal background check are required for the program.

Admissions Process

Admissions Criteria:

  • Academic degree
  • Prior Healthcare work
  • Interview impression
  • Accomplishments / volunteer work / strength of letters of recommendation

Timeline for Applicants:

  • Feb 15 – Begin accepting applications
  • May 15 – Application Deadline
  • June 1 – Selection of candidates
  • June 15 – Last Day to accept
  • July 1 – Acceptance of offer and deposit sent in
    Tuesday after Labor Day Classes begin

For questions about the program, please contact Regina Soberano-Danek at 734-712-8023 or rsoberanodanek@michiganheart.com

St. Joe’s Helps Keep Rod Jenkins Young at Heart

After receiving treatment from Michigan Heart Ann Arbor for his Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), in late 2020, Rod Jenkins is now back to fly fishing, hiking, biking and most importantly, being able to keep up with his two-year-old granddaughter.

“She’s a bundle of energy, but now I can be part of her life and it feels great,” said Rod. “I’m also able to explore new trout streams to try out this spring… For the first time in 15 years, I’m back up to speed and off all medications.”

Rod is certainly not alone in facing the challenges of AFib.

What is AFib?

AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, impacting up to 6.1 million people in the United States. AFib is an electrical problem of the heart that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

When someone has AFib, the electrical signals in the top chambers of the heart (or atria) have become irregular which can lead to a faster heart rate in the bottom chambers of the heart (or ventricles). When the heart isn’t effectively pumping blood through the body, normal activity can become tiring, make breathing challenging, or potentially cause dizziness.

Risk Factors of AFib

Common risk factors for AFib include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, sleep apnea, and heavy alcohol use. People can also develop AFib even if they don’t have any of these risk factors and lead a healthy lifestyle. This is why early treatment is the key to managing AFib. As an active, fitness enthusiast, Rod’s condition was unexpected, but he was fortunate to have a key ally in the team at Michigan Heart. They remained supportive through the years and kept pursuing new treatments that eventually resolved his AFib.

Rod’s path to recovery began in 2006 when he started experiencing classic AFib symptoms including being light-headed, shortness of breath and fatigue. Once diagnosed at Michigan Heart, he first attempted to manage his symptoms with medication and a common treatment that involved cauterizing or scarring the inside of the heart. This procedure sought to stop the electrical pulses that triggered his irregular heartbeat and caused many of the AFib symptoms he was experiencing.

That initial treatment did not deliver the desired result for Rod. He then turned to Jihn Han, MD and Robert Lyons, MD from Michigan Heart, who performed a hybrid convergent ablation procedure, an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that involves cauterizing both the inside and outside surfaces of the heart to halt uneven electrical pulses that were causing Rod’s AFib. Michigan Heart provided an additional tune up procedure to ensure Rod’s heart was performing perfectly.

“Over the past 15 years our ability to help patients with AFib has come a long way,” said Dr. Han. The development of procedures such as hybrid convergent ablation is a game changer.”

While medical progress and innovation continues to move forward, there is still no substitute for paying close attention to what your body is telling you and getting the necessary help as soon as an issue arises.

“The first line of defense against AFib is understanding the symptoms, but there are many people who don’t know the warning signs,” said Dr. Lyons. “That’s why it’s crucial to get regular check-ups to stop AFib before it stops you.”

The benefits of catching AFib early and getting effective treatment are life-changing.

“I’m so happy with the results and my quality of life right now and it’s all because of the Michigan Heart team at St. Joe’s,” said Rod. “I was being held hostage by AFib. I have my life back, which is wonderful!”

What causes AFib?

As people get older, their risk for AFib increases. Some people who lead a healthy lifestyle and don’t have any other medical conditions can still develop AFib. However, AFib has some common causes and risk factors. Such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart muscle problems
  • Heart valve problems
  • Lung disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Scarring of the atrium
  • Extreme physical stress
  • Genetics
  • Abnormal mineral levels
  • High thyroid levels/Overactive thyroid
  • Toxins – including alcohol and some drugs

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms tend to occur when the heart rate is too fast. A person may have no symptoms when the heart rate is normal. Although these symptoms may be uncomfortable and cause concern, they are not usually life threatening.

Only 60% of people with AFib have symptoms. The other 40% do not have symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

  • Irregular and fast heartbeats
  • Heart palpitations (a pounding feeling in your chest)
  • Trouble breathing
  • Anxiety
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness or almost passing out

*If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack or medical emergency – call 911.

Ready to get back to your rhythm?

Schedule an appointment with one of our heart doctors today.

Get Started

Rescheduled and Now Relieved

In March, Kassie Sheffer was anxiously awaiting the day of her scheduled thyroidectomy. Experiencing difficulty swallowing, Kassie was ready for the relief the removal of her thyroid would bring. Unfortunately, in late March, Kassie received a call that her surgery would be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was frustrated but understood,” Kassie said. Her surgeon, Beth Kimball, MD, kept in touch and assured Kassie that if swallowing became even more difficult, she could go to the Emergency Department and the surgery could take place. Kassie waited, and had a successful thyroidectomy in mid-May when surgeries resumed at St. Joe’s.

“I’m typically a very cautious person,” Kassie said. “Going into a hospital with COVID-19 patients should have been nerve-wracking. But it was the opposite. I was ready to reschedule my surgery.”

Kassie received clear instructions from Dr. Kimball and St. Joe’s on what to expect and how to prepare for surgery. She went two days before surgery for a COVID-19 test, which was negative, and knew that visitor restrictions would mean she’d be alone during surgery and her overnight stay.

“Although I was alone, I never felt alone,” Kassie said. “Everyone went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and were very helpful. Dr. Kimball called my husband immediately after surgery to let him know everything went well and, later, I was able to speak to him myself.”

Kassie also witnessed St. Joe’s safety processes first hand.

“It’s very clear patient safety is a top priority,” Kassie said. “Everyone is screened before entering; you can tell all of the staff are screened too because they have a sticker with a date on their badge. The clinicians are also always explaining what they are doing and how the surgery area is separate from areas where they care for COVID-19 patients. I would tell everyone 1,000 times over that they don’t have to be nervous to receive care at St. Joe’s – it’s safe.”

Kassie is now home, recovering well and conducting follow-up visits with her physicians virtually. Kassie, her husband and the four children she had at St. Joe’s are healthy and glad Kassie’s difficulties are gone for good.

You Make Life Remarkable

Campaign honorary co-chairs Techy Rodriguez-Doyle and Patrick Doyle with Phil Stella, MD

On June 6, 2019, “Life is Remarkable” Campaign lead donors and volunteers celebrated and toured the renewed and re-opened Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center with Health System leaders and hospital president Bill Manns.

“When we talk about the impact of your gifts for the Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center, the real measurement is the lives you are saving, extending and making better. ‘Life is Remarkable’ is more than a campaign, it’s a belief we practice every day, because patients are fighting cancer every day,” said Bill Manns, President, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston.

India Manns; Judy Dow Rumelhart, Campaign Honorary Co-chair; Phil Stella, MD, Medical Director of Oncology; Bill Manns, President of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston; Sister Yvonne Gellise, SJMHS Senior Advisor for Governance

Each day, approximately 200 patients receive care at St. Joe’s transformed Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center, re-opened December 2018 with thanks to 1,024 donors to St. Joe’s “Life is Remarkable” campaign.

“This project was built upon a legacy of support from donors who gave to the original cancer center more than 25 years ago, and have continued to serve as partners in our healing mission. We are grateful for the ongoing support, and to the generous community members, physicians and staff who are making an incredible impact today through their inspirational giving to the “Life is Remarkable” Campaign,” said David Ripple, SJMHS Vice President for Development.

“Making our gift was something special Teresa and I did together to recognize the compassion and expertise of her care team and help ensure personalized care for others. This is a reflection of how Teresa lived her life with gratitude, and I hope it inspires others.” – Andy Yu

Photograph: Adam Zimmer, Megan Yu, and Andy Yu on a tour with Susan Wyman, Regional Oncology Director, SJMHS (second from right)

Your support is still needed. Because every patient has a life that is remarkable.

To date, gifts for the Campaign have reached $9.5 million toward the $10 million philanthropy goal. And, the first two phases of our campaign are complete – renewing and re-opening our Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center and transforming our services.

Additional gifts through December 2019 will help complete the campaign, supporting the Cancer Care Innovation Endowment and the future of cancer care for our patients.

To learn more or make your gift, please contact the Office of Development:

Katie Elliott, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, at 734-712-3919 or Katie.Elliott@stjoeshealth.org Karen Campbell, Gift Officer, at 734-712-2890

Karen Campbell, Gift Officer, at 734-712-2890 Karen.Campbell@stjoeshealth.org

Melissa Sheppard, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, at 734-712-4079 or Melissa.Sheppard@stjoeshealth.org

To make a gift online today, visit:
https://giving.stjoeshealth.org/ann-arbor

The Impact of Your Giving…Through the experience and courage of a patient

Sandy Lymburner

“Recently I came across the definition of the word Courage.  It is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty or pain.  You have to have courage just to walk through these doors and hear your diagnosis,” said Sandra Lymburner, 58-year-old Ann Arbor resident, of her experience facing breast cancer. “Cancer can make you feel overwhelmed and alone. But together with your cancer team here at St. Joe’s you find the courage.  There is strength in knowing you will receive the best cancer care possible.”

Sandy Lymburner with Philip J. Stella, MD, Medical Director of Oncology, SJMHS at the 2018 Blessing and Dedication of the renewed St. Joe’s Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center.

While Sandy celebrates five years cancer-free this past September, her journey of braving a new treatment path will have an ongoing impact on others.  She’s quick to credit the cancer care and research team at St. Joe’s Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center.

Weeks after being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in the right breast and lobular cancer in the left, Sandy underwent a double mastectomy in September 2014. Her chemotherapy port was placed the next month, fully expecting it was the next course of treatment.

But on the day of Sandy’s first scheduled chemotherapy session, Dr. Philip Stella, medical director of oncology at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, suggested she might be able to bypass chemotherapy altogether.

“He came into the room with a big smile on his face,” Sandy described. Dr. Stella had sent in her breast tumor samples for molecular testing.  Sandy had some of the lowest cancer recurrence risk scores he had seen, making her a good candidate for the groundbreaking Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (Rx), or TAILORx trial.  Sandy received a score of 10 and 7 (on a scale of 100), and was randomly selected to receive hormone therapy alone.

Rather than receiving infusion chemo treatments, Sandy chose to participate in the clinical trial, which includes a treatment regimen of medications to block the production of hormones and reduce her risks of the breast cancer recurring.

She also followed her cancer team’s recommendations for radiation therapy – to tackle the microscopic cells.  But avoiding chemotherapy and its drastic side effects was a huge morale booster for Sandy, who began journaling and running every day.

In 2016, Sandy completed a half-marathon, and, in 2018, to mark four years of being cancer-free, she ran her third half-marathon in Chicago on Sept. 23.

At the Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center Dedication and Blessing in December 2018, Sandy shared her experience with our community and donors as a speaker at the event, “The clinical trial allowed me to walk out of the cancer center that day without requiring chemo.  Every time I tell the story, I recall the moment I looked back at the chairs in the infusion clinic.  I was on the other side. I got to go home.  My good fortune was due to the outstanding staff in the Oncology and Research Departments at St. Joe’s and Dr. Stella. 

At that time I didn’t realize St. Joe’s is recognized as one of the nation’s best National Cancer Institute funded community research programs. They have 100 trials open to enrollment at any given time.  These studies offer investigational treatments for a wide variety of cancers, symptom management, and cancer prevention.” 

Sandy went on to explain, “The exceptional care I received at St. Joe’s has been incredible and is the main reason I decided to become an Experience Advisor.”  As such, Sandy was closely involved in the Cancer Center redesign and renovation project and found it enlightening and gratifying to have another unique opportunity to shape the care of those following a similar path.

Closing her remarks at the Dedication, Sandy shared these powerful words, “Society has labeled me a cancer survivor.  That term doesn’t really resonate with me.  I like to think of myself as a resilient fighter… Someone that didn’t know how strong she was until being strong was the only choice she had.  Thanks to my family and the staff at St. Joe’s we embraced the unknown together and I have celebrated almost five years of being cancer free.”

TAILORx trial shows no need for chemotherapy for most women with early breast cancer

The TAILORx trial, launched in 2006 and supported by the National Cancer Institute, analyzed breast tumors using the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score and assigned a cancer recurrence risk score to each individual.  Based on those scores, the trial randomly assigned participants to hormone therapy alone, or a combination of hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Forty St. Joe’s patients participated in the trial.

In June, the National Cancer Institute said new findings from the TAILORx trial show no benefit from chemotherapy for most women with early breast cancer. Researchers hope the new data will help inform treatment decisions for many women with early-stage breast cancer, especially for those deemed to have an intermediate risk of recurrence.

To learn more about St. Joe’s Cancer Care and National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program, visit: stjoesannarbor.org/cancer

To make a gift to St. Joe’s Ann Arbor “Life is Remarkable” Campaign
Cancer Care Innovation Endowment Fund today, visit: giving.stjoeshealth.org/ann-arbor

Or to learn more about how you can support this important effort, contact:
 Katie Elliott at Katie.Elliott@stjoeshealth.org or 734-712-3919
Karen Campbell at Karen.Campbell@stjoeshealth.org or 734-712-2890
Melissa Sheppard at Melissa.Sheppard@stjoeshealth.org or 734-712-4079

(Source: “Gift of Health” Fall 2019)

How Brady Got His Groove Back with the Help of Probility’s Pediatric Program

Probility Patient Testimonial - Brady_SJM_3987.jpg

ANN ARBOR – Brady, a happy, energetic five-year-old boy, does not fit the image of a stereotypical physical therapy patient. However, physical therapy is helping Brady attain a life with less pain, less obstacles, and more mobility.

Brady has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a condition that leads to avascular necrosis of the proximal femoral head. In layman’s terms, the top of Brady’s femur is not receiving an adequate blood supply, causing that portion of his bone to slowly die. While most people affected only have the disease in one hip, both of Brady’s femurs are deteriorating.

Many of Brady’s family members have this condition, including his father, Josh, a colleague at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.

While Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is not life-threatening, it does cause severe pain and mobility issues. For Brady, he was in so much pain that it became a struggle for him to walk. His left foot was tilting in, and he couldn’t bear pressure on that leg.

He was referred for physical therapy, with a choice of going to the University of Michigan or to Probility’s pediatric clinic in Ypsilanti. His parents chose Probility because they had heard such positive things about pediatric physical therapist Dan Santioni, and because the clinic was closer to home.

Probility Physical Therapy has 15 locations throughout Washtenaw, Livingston, and Lenawee Counties. The pediatric clinic opened in June 2018, and added occupational therapy and speech therapy services in February 2019.

Brady was extremely anxious about physical therapy, which was scheduled for three times a week to start. This was heightened by Brady’s fear of new people, common for a child of his age. Thankfully though, Dan was able to form a deep connection with him. Brady’s mother Nicole shared, “Dan made physical therapy fun and interactive for him. He incorporated games, and Brady started to actually look forward to his sessions.”

Through the use of massage, stretches, and drills, Brady has made incredible strides forward. He is able to walk with ease again, and is learning how to manage his condition outside of physical therapy. When he is in pain, he’s able to use the stretches from physical therapy to help ease it.

Brady has grown attached to Dan, so his parents were worried when a new physical therapist assistant, Kathryn Perry, joined Brady’s care team. Fortunately, she too was able to bond with Brady. According to Nicole, “That office is filled with people who are there for the right reasons, and they all provide wonderful care.”

As Brady ages and the disease progresses, the pain will lessen. He will still require “Mr. Dan tune-ups” occasionally, to help him maintain his flexibility. It is also possible that he will need surgery in the future, but his parents hope that through physical therapy and the lifestyle changes Dan and Kathryn have taught Brady, he may be able to avoid it.

Nicole expressed her gratitude for Probility’s pediatric program, stating, “I really feel Probility was brought to St. Joe’s for a reason. It’s been a great help to our family.”

Looking for a Physical Therapist?
Visit Probility Physical Therapy or call 734-712-1589 and we will guide you through the process.

“Be 92 Going on 62”: Enjoying life to the fullest after a hip replacement surgery

Elliot Valenstein, PhD, glides through the water as he completes 50 laps at the neighborhood racquet club pool. Swimming is one of the many ways he’s remained fit and healthy for most of his remarkable 92 years.

He also walks, rides his bike and has even been seen working on the roof of his Ann Arbor home from time to time.

But he wasn’t always so active.

“As I got older my joints began to ache and my walking became limited,” Dr. Valenstein says.

The discomfort increased over the course of a few years until, by his 90th birthday, he decided to have hip replacement surgery at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor to relieve the pain.

He scheduled the procedure with board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas O’Keefe. Within a few hours of the surgery, he was sitting in a chair reading a book. A few days later, he left the hospital and entered a sub-acute facility to start rehab. After two days, he felt so good that he was able to continue his exercises at home.

“The care was excellent,” he recalls. “After the recovery period, the pain was gone and my movement was re-established. I was fine.”

Dr. Valenstein resumed swimming and doing the things that bring him and his family joy.

It’s a life that seems to be getting better with age.

As a young G.I. in the World War II, Dr. Valenstein served in the jungles of Burma. Following the war, he earned his doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Kansas and became a distinguished researcher at Walter Reed Institute of Research in Washington D.C. He returned to Ann Arbor to teach at the University of Michigan until his retirement. He is a published author and noted authority on brain stimulation and psychosurgery.

Dr. Valenstein and his wife still reside in the home they bought together in 1970 and where they raised two sons – Dr. Paul Valenstein, a pathologist at St. Joe’s Ann Arbor, and Carl Valenstein, an international law attorney.

Later this year, Dr. Valenstein will travel to California to officiate the wedding of his granddaughter.

Thanks to the expertise of Dr. O’Keefe and the team at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Dr. Valenstein’s new hip allows him to continue enjoying life to the fullest.

“The hip wasn’t a major life event in the grand scheme of things, and that’s a good thing,” he says.

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