Housecall Bringing health care news to your home • columbushosp.org Fall 2024 Two daughters find hospice care and comfort for their mother Wound care: A healing team to help you 10 4
2 Bringing health care news to your home HOUSECALL is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Columbus Community Hospital, 4600 38th St., P.O. Box 1800, Columbus, NE 68602-1800, 402-564-7118, columbushosp.org. Information in HOUSECALL comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. To recommend this subscription to a friend or family member, or request to be removed from this mailing, email aeblaser@columbushosp.org. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Connect with us: columbushosp.org Contents Staying active with diabetes 7 Learn the perks of physical activity and make a diabetes action plan. Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic has a talented crew Get to know the newest providers. Prostate cancer detection 8 New tool improves accuracy of prostate cancer screening. Do you suffer from depression? 16 A new medication has helped up to 70% of people with treatment-resistant depression. 12 GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT Commit to quit! If you smoke, you probably know it’s not great for your health. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 480,000 people in the U.S. die from smoking-related illnesses each year. Quitting smoking can be hard. Maybe you’ve tried to quit before — that’s great! Keep trying. The Great American Smokeout, held on the third Thursday in November, is the perfect time to try quitting again. If you’re ready to quit, you don’t have to go it alone. Research shows that support can increase your chances of success. Some support options include: ● Telephone quitlines. ● Group meetings. ● Smoking cessation programs, like the ACS-sponsored Freshstart program. ● Encouragement from family members and friends. ● Smoking cessation coaches or selfhelp books. ● Prescription medication. ● Nicotine replacement products, like patches and gum. Using two or more of these support options together often works better than trying just one. The ACS is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 to answer your questions about quitting smoking and help you find local resources.
3 columbushosp.org Building doctorpatient relationships Vilma Rodriguez-Cline, MD, MRO, family medicine and occupational health doctor In medical school, Dr. Vilma Rodriguez-Cline shadowed a family doctor during one of her clinical rotations. She saw how her mentor built relationships with patients to provide them with better care. “I liked that,” she said. “I liked the idea that family medicine is families first. That inspired me.” Throughout her career, RodriguezCline has focused on getting to know her patients and supporting their well-being through whole-person care. She provides care to patients in two different ways: as a family medicine doctor at Lindsay Medical Clinic and as an occupational health doctor at Columbus Community Hospital’s Occupational Health Services. ‘I wanted to help’ Rodriguez-Cline’s journey began in El Salvador, where she lived until age 10. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to help in some way,” she recalled. When a family member became ill, she accompanied her relative to doctor visits. “That sparked in me wanting to help people,” RodriguezCline said. “That’s always been my calling.” After receiving her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, she completed residency training in family practice at the Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and at Creighton University Medical Center, also in Omaha, Nebraska. Rodriguez-Cline joined Columbus two years ago. In the family medicine clinic, she provides all the services you would expect from a primary care provider: ● Performing wellness exams, providing immunizations, discussing healthy lifestyles and helping her patients stay up to date on health screenings. ● Managing chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. ● Treating acute illnesses, such as sore throats. ● Performing minor office procedures, such as mole removals. “I like to take time to listen to my patients,” Rodriguez-Cline said. “Life is just so fast, and you’re moving from one thing to the next. Sometimes you just need to slow down and get to know each other.” Keeping workers well Occupational medicine is Rodriguez-Cline’s other specialty. Preemployment, return-to-work, Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams and employment drug screenings are among the services she provides to area employees and employers. “It’s more of a specialized medicine that has grown recently,” RodriguezCline said. “It used to be more about doing work comp cases — if someone had an injury at work, then they would go to an occupational health doctor. But what we also do is a little bit of preventive medicine as well.” That might mean providing workers with information to help prevent hearing loss, back injuries or chemical exposures. A creative outlet Rodriguez-Cline is married and has two adult children with whom she enjoys spending time when they come home from college. She also paints with acrylics, often choosing beautiful flowers, landscapes and seascapes as her subjects. “It gives me a sense of peace,” Rodriguez-Cline said. “It’s a relaxing thing to do.”
4 Bringing health care news to your home If you have a nonhealing wound, you know all too well how it can keep you from the activities you enjoy. What you should also know is that expert care is close by at Columbus Community Hospital’s Wound, Ostomy and Continence (W.O.C.) Health Center. A whole team of specially trained doctors and nurses provides exceptional care for wounds, including diabetes foot ulcers, wounds related to leg vein problems and pressure sores. Surgical debridement, advanced dressings and compression therapy are among the treatments the caregivers use. They also address root causes of wounds and empower you to play an active role in your care — all while being friendly and compassionate. “We joke around a little bit, which gives people something else lighter to think about,” said Myron Morse, MD, medical director of the clinic. “A lot of times they look forward to coming in, because we get to know them and talk to them about what they’ve been up to. And when we get someone healed, it’s a pretty good feeling. The patients are pleased. They’re no longer having to deal with this chronic issue, and they feel better about themselves.” In addition to treating wounds, the team also helps people manage ostomy and continence issues. As you might imagine, the staff at the W.O.C. Health Center has made a positive impact on the lives of many people in our community. Here are two of their stories. A healing team to help you Don’t let a wound keep you from living life to the fullest
5 columbushosp.org Marcene Wurdeman feels like the W.O.C. Health Center has become a second home. For the majority of the last eight months, she has been visiting the clinic every two weeks to tend to two different wounds in her feet. But she doesn’t mind — actually, when there was a break for about a month, she missed seeing the nurses, doctors and other staff members. “I knew some of the nurses from my past, and I got to know the rest of the team, as well,” she said. Back in 2008, Wurdeman received chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. While she is now cancer-free, she has experienced continuing neuropathy (numbness) in her feet ever since. In 2018, she saw podiatrist Brandon Borer, DPM, for surgery to remove the infected middle toe of her left foot. The foot surgery went well, and after six weeks of therapy and wound care with Borer at the W.O.C. Health Center, it was completely healed. “Every time I would come in to the clinic, he would need to clean the wound and then put medication on it,” she said. “The medication allows the wound to heal from the inside out, but that takes time.” Later, however, her right foot became infected from multiple calluses. In August 2023, while Wurdeman was getting ready for a routine appointment with Borer at the W.O.C. Health Center, her right foot was swollen and red. Borer determined the foot was infected, and Wurdeman made an immediate trip to the hospital for X-rays. Later that afternoon, Borer removed the infected fourth toe. For the next five months, Wurdeman was homebound with a non-weight-bearing right foot. Her only trips out of her house were to see Borer. In December, her foot was declared healed, and for a month Wurdeman stopped seeing Borer. But then everything started up again — the right foot had some problems, and the removal of an old callus on the left foot produced a small wound. This time, Borer needed to work on both of her feet in the W.O.C. Health Center. Wurdeman, who taught accounting at Central Community College until she retired in 2017, enjoys walking in her free time. But, of course, she has to wait until she’s fully healed in both feet. “It just takes time,” she said. “I have to have patience. But one thing is for certain: I liked Dr. Borer as a doctor and surgeon from the start and have complete trust in his decisions about what needs to be done with my challenging feet.” — Continued on page 6 A home for healing Marcene Wurdeman
6 Bringing health care news to your home For eight months, Doug Romshek saw the staff at the W.O.C. Health Center every Wednesday. He shudders to imagine what it would have been like to travel to Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska, instead. “It would have been so hard to drive that far every week,” he said. Romshek, who lives near Bellwood, Nebraska, experienced a severe blood infection in November 2022. His organs started shutting down, and he was in the hospital for 10 days. As doctors treated the infection, his leg swelled up with cellulitis. When he returned home, the skin broke open, resulting in a wound that was eventually four inches across and eight inches down his leg. In January 2023, Romshek started seeing Jeremy Albin, MD, a general surgeon and wound specialist at the W.O.C. Health Center. Every week, Albin would scrape and clean the wound and apply multiple medications to help it heal. Romshek was at the clinic for about an hour each time. “Dr. Albin and the nurses made sure that things weren’t painful during our visits,” said Romshek. “I was grateful for that, because it meant I didn’t need to dread Wednesdays.” On the contrary, Romshek looked forward to seeing Albin. “I couldn’t have gotten a better guy to work on me,” he said. “Our communication skills were back and forth. We’d visit about family and personal stuff. It was as comfortable as comfortable could be.” He said he also greatly appreciated the nurses who were so attentive in caring for his wound. A semi-retired Realtor, Romshek is grateful that the wound has now healed so he can return to his daily life. “For what it looked like at first, it turned out pretty well,” he said. Start your healing today If you’re having trouble with a wound, ask your doctor about wound care. For more information, call the W.O.C. Health Center at 402-562-4620. Brandon Borer, DPM Myron Morse, MD Jeremy Albin, MD — Continued from the previous page ‘As comfortable as comfortable could be’ Doug Romshek
7 columbushosp.org If you have diabetes, it’s important that you take steps to stay healthy. Regular exercise can be a powerful way to control your blood sugar and make living with diabetes easier. The perks of being physically active When your muscles work harder, they are better able to use available insulin during and after your workout. While you are working out, your muscles will use more glucose for fuel, whether insulin is there or not, which helps to lower your blood sugar. In the long run, regular exercise can also lower your A1c — a three-month average of your blood sugar levels. When your A1c is on target, you have reduced chances of complications, such as heart disease and nerve damage. Being physically active also provides a host of other health benefits, including a feeling of well-being. Your diabetes action plan Adults with diabetes should get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity weekly. That is just 22 minutes per day (154 minutes total) of brisk walking or jogging, for example. Work in two to three weekly strength training sessions, with stretching for flexibility in the mix, and you’re set. That’s the goal. But do what you can. Everything counts — even yard work! These fitness tips can help you get moving: Start small. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active lately, pick an easy goal, such as walking for 15 minutes each day. Add a little more time each week and pick up the pace. Set a goal, such as being active every day for 30 minutes. Check it off your to-do list each day. Team up with a fitness buddy. Exercising with a friend can make workouts more fun. While you’re at it, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And, as part of your action plan, talk to your health care provider about how exercise may affect your blood sugar levels. Sources: American Diabetes Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get help getting healthy To join our diabetes activity group, education classes or support group, or for more information, call 402-562-4462. We also offer a More About Carbs class — for details, call 402-562-4462. STAYING ACTIVE with diabetes
8 Bringing health care news to your home New tool improves accuracy of prostate cancer screening Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men. The good news? Catching the disease early may help men beat their prostate cancer. Prostate MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a new tool at Columbus Community Hospital that can play a role in that. Prostate MRI scans are most often used to evaluate men who have an elevated prostatespecific antigen (PSA) level that was found with a blood test. A higher PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer. But it might also be caused by something else, like an enlarged prostate. An MRI scan gives doctors another tool for determining if prostate cancer is present. “An MRI is a more accurate test to help us assess if there’s any potential cancer in the prostate,” said urologist Brett Hill, MD. A prostate MRI does not use X-rays or radiation. Instead, it employs strong magnets, radio waves and a computer to create very clear pictures of tissues inside the prostate. A prostate MRI can help make a prostate biopsy more accurate. In some cases, it may help clarify other reasons for a high PSA besides cancer, allowing men to avoid a biopsy. A prostate MRI scan takes about 45 minutes to an hour, said Matthew Pieper, MD, a radiologist with Columbus Community Hospital’s North Central Radiology. You will go into the MRI scanner feet-first, which helps some people feel less anxious or claustrophobic about being in a confined space. MRI scanners make loud sounds, but you can listen to music with headphones to drown out the noise. Partway through the exam, a technician will inject a contrast dye into your body through intravenous (IV) therapy. The dye helps any tumors in the prostate show up more clearly. What to expect during a prostate MRI Prostate cancer detection
9 columbushosp.org If the prostate MRI doesn’t show any areas that look suspicious for cancer, you may be able to avoid a biopsy. Your doctor might recommend follow-up blood tests, for instance, to watch your PSA level. But if your scan shows a suspicious area in the prostate, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy next. A biopsy involves inserting a needle into the prostate under ultrasound guidance to remove a small amount of tissue. That tissue will then be examined with a microscope. In the past, prostate biopsies didn’t target areas suspicious for cancer — instead, they randomly sampled prostate tissue. Now, the image taken during your prostate MRI can be fused with a live ultrasound image to direct the biopsy needle to the most suspicious-looking areas in the prostate. Because this method is more precise, you and your doctor can have more confidence in your biopsy results as you make decisions about whether treatment is needed. “The biggest potential improvement for patient care is early detection,” said Mark Howerter, MD, chief medical officer at Columbus. “And the second thing is, if you have to go through a biopsy, it’s much better to have a targeted biopsy.” A primary care provider can order a prostate MRI before you schedule an appointment with a urologist, or the urologist may order one before performing a biopsy. Talk to your primary care provider or your urologist to learn more. What a prostate MRI may or may not show
10 Bringing health care news to your home HOSPICE AT COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ‘ on earth’ When Phyllis Blessen decided not to pursue any more treatment for her stage IV breast cancer, her daughters fully supported her decision. They helped her become established with Columbus Community Hospital’s hospice care in September 2023, and they resolved to enjoy every remaining moment they had with her. The plan was that Blessen’s daughter, Tracy Belitz, would be her primary caregiver as she entered the final stages of her disease. But when Belitz died suddenly in March 2024, Blessen’s two other daughters found themselves at a loss for how they could both comfort and care for their mother. That was when the hospice team members showed just how caring and compassionate they could be. “These ladies rallied around her and loved her through the pain,” said Tonya Dykstra, one of Blessen’s daughters. “Truly, it takes special people to take on this role and help others in their most vulnerable stage.” A transition Hospice is a type of health care that focuses on treating a terminally ill patient’s emotional and spiritual needs, rather than trying to cure their disease. “I think my mom had a really hard time understanding hospice,” said Dykstra. “She thought she was going to die immediately.” Throughout her first six months of hospice, Blessen received regular visits from nurses and Chaplain Mitch Shemek. Her primary nurse was Jill Robak, RN. “Because Phyllis started her hospice process early on, we got that chance to get to know her — and know her likes and dislikes,” Robak said. “We started to develop a rapport and a bond. When patients start hospice early, they trust us when the hard times come. We can prepare them for what to expect.” Blessen did, indeed, trust Robak with her life. “If Jill said it or suggested it, then Mom followed those directions,” said Dykstra. “Mom confided in Jill often about things other than medical needs. Jill became a trusted friend, and a visit that Mom looked forward to weekly." Because Dykstra and her sister, Teresa Sterup, lived out of town, they felt comforted knowing that their mom had people watching out for her well-being. At Christmas, Blessen was snowed in, and Robak got her son and some classmates from his confirmation class to dig her out. Comfort at the end When Belitz died in March, Dykstra immediately called the hospice team to let them know, and they gave Blessen extra attention and love. That was about the time that Blessen’s health took a turn for the worse. At the end of May, Dykstra and Sterup were taking turns visiting their mom every few days because she wasn’t doing well. Robak eventually called Dykstra and told her she thought they were at the beginning of the end. Within a few days, Robak was showing Dykstra how to administer her mother’s pain medications and sedatives. That was on a Friday, and while Robak had personal plans over the weekend, she instructed Dykstra to call the hospice on-call nurse if she needed help before Monday. On Saturday, Blessen couldn’t make it to the bathroom by herself, and Dykstra alone struggled trying to help her. “I just had an emotional breakdown and called hospice oncall,” Dykstra said. “The on-call nurse reassured me, showed us how to move Mom, and ordered equipment to assist in caring for her." Blessen passed away on Tuesday, May 28. In the hours leading up to that time, the hospice staff members supported her daughters by letting them know what Mary Jo "Mitch" Shemek Jill Robak, RN
11 columbushosp.org From top left, clockwise: Grandma Phyllis with granddaughters Tesa, Maya and Kora Holding hands gave love and comfort during the final hours Phyllis Blessen (at far right) with daughters (from left) Tonya and Tracy Phyllis in her rocking chair Care with compassion Read more about the CCH hospice program at columbushosp.org/services/hospice. to expect and urging them to call family members for one last visit. After Blessen was gone, both Robak and Chaplain Shemek came over to be with the family. “They were perfect,” Dykstra said. “They cried with us, they prayed with us, they hugged us. These women truly cared about my mom.” That was certainly true. “We spent so much time together,” said Shemek. “I was relieved for Phyllis that she got her wish to be done fighting, but I was sad.” Even after Blessen’s death, the hospice staff members were still following up with both Dykstra and Sterup. “Truly, it takes a special person to take on this role and help others in their most vulnerable stage,” said Dykstra. “They truly are angels on earth, and I am so happy Mom got to be with them before she met her heavenly ones.”
12 Bringing health care news to your home Originally from West Plains, Missouri, Brown attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, on a Division II football scholarship. He saw education as the key to move beyond the economic struggles of his childhood. For a while, he thought he wanted to be a dietitian, but a football injury changed his mind. Brown was impressed with his orthopedic surgeon and took an interest in learning more about his career. “And so I just started asking questions,” Brown recalled. “I asked him if I could come in and shadow him. That turned into a couple times a month, and then once a week I was going in there observing him.” Brown earned his medical degree at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York, becoming the first doctor in his family. He decided to become an orthopedic surgeon during one of his medical school rotations. “I enjoyed the personality of the doctors and how they interacted with their patients,” he said. Brown completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley, California. He also completed a pediatric fellowship through The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Brown treats people of all ages with a variety of bone, muscle and joint conditions. He also has expertise in pediatric fractures and sports injuries. Pediatric orthopedic issues can be quite complex and often require specialized training. Brown offers a femur fracture as an example: “There are six different ways to fix it, depending on the age of the patient; the sex of the patient; and then something called skeletal age, which is determined by a left-hand X-ray,” he said. Although he’s serious about orthopedics, Brown possesses a good sense of humor with his younger patients. “I have a lot of dad jokes,” he quipped. For Brown, one of the most gratifying aspects about orthopedics is when he’s able to help patients reclaim their active lives after living with pain and limited mobility for years. “Their goals seemed so far out of reach,” Brown said. “And now they’re able to do those activities.” Brown has plenty to do to stay busy on his days off from the clinic. “Number one, I’m a dad and a husband,” he said. “When I’m not doing that, I have a big passion for hunting and fishing. We always do a deer camp, a turkey camp and lots of fishing.” If a painful joint, bone or muscle problem is keeping you from enjoying your favorite activities, the experts at Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic can help you. The multispecialty clinic is growing to meet our community’s needs for everything from joint replacements and hand surgeries to athletic injury and foot and ankle care. Here you’ll meet the newest members of this talented team. Steven Brown, DO, orthopedic surgeon COLUMBUS ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC has a talented crew
13 columbushosp.org Expert care, close to home Find out more about how Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic can help you. Visit columbusorthopedics.com.
14 Bringing health care news to your home Michael Pitner, MD, orthopedic surgeon Pitner grew up in a medical family — his father and grandfather were orthopedic surgeons, and his mother and several aunts were nurses. “We always joked that it was a good family to get hurt in,” he said. “I saw my friends get sutured at the kitchen counter not infrequently.” In high school and college, Pitner gravitated toward science classes. The orthopedic care he received for a sports injury further solidified his career choice. Pitner earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, followed by a surgical residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. He then completed a fellowship in sports medicine at TRIA/University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Matthew Delarosa, MD, orthopedic surgeon Delarosa grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He knew he wanted to practice medicine from a young age. “I always wanted to be a doctor,” he said. “My dad was a pediatric dentist, and I just enjoyed the concept of health care and taking care of people.” Delarosa completed his medical school training at Louisiana State University in New Orleans and stayed there for his residency. He then completed a fellowship in hand and wrist surgery at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Your hands are how you interact with the majority of the world,” he said. “When they don’t work well, it makes it challenging.” Delarosa aims to restore his patients’ “freedom to live and function within the world they love,” he added. Some of the upper-extremity conditions he can address include: ● Carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. ● Tendon injuries, such as trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. ● Arthritis. ● Broken fingers, wrists and elbows. When conservative treatments aren’t enough, several procedures may help. Minimally invasive hand and elbow “scopes,” which allow for minimal downtime for his patients, and surgeries to replace elbow joints and small joints of the hands are a few of the surgical options he can offer his patients. Delarosa believes in communication and collaboration. “I provide as much information as possible on the path that we’re taking,” Delarosa said. “We’re a health care team. I want my patients to have a say in their health care.” Orthopedic care isn’t a one-size-fitsall approach, Delarosa noted. That’s why he strives to listen to patients and understand their condition and how they use their hands in their daily routine. He then offers a personalized treatment plan specific to their needs. The team approach at Columbus was one of the things that drew him to provide care here. “The hospital and the folks within Columbus Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic are really invested in the community,” he said. “And it truly is a team approach. We get to know the therapists, and we get to know the athletic trainers. It feels like everybody knows everybody, and everyone in our circle is committed to patients getting the best care. And the care provided is really top-notch.” Delarosa enjoys spending time with his family and endurance running. He participates in endurance races a couple times a year.
15 columbushosp.org White grew up in Missouri, but his family is from Nebraska. His dad worked as a wildlife biologist here before relocating to the Show-Me State. Growing up, White considered wildlife work for himself, but during high school he shadowed a nurse anesthetist in an orthopedic surgery room. “With my love of science, I wanted to stay on that path,” he said. “So medicine was one of the avenues I checked out, and it happened to be what I wanted to do. I grew up on a farm, and if something broke down, you fixed it. I was familiar with hand and power tools, and that was what they were using in surgery. That’s what made me land on orthopedics.” White earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha, followed by a residency at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He furthered his training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at the CORE Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. “My approach is to take the time to get to know each and every patient and understand their wants and needs, what problem they have, and what the best method is to help them get back to doing what they need to do,” White said. “And that doesn’t always have to be surgery. We also offer a multitude of non-surgical treatment options to help relieve pain and improve function.” When surgery is the right solution, White can address those needs with options that include orthopedic trauma surgery and joint replacement using Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery. Joint replacement surgery is commonly performed when knees and hips are badly damaged from arthritis, and other interventions (like physical therapy, bracing or medications) haven’t helped with the pain. White’s goal is to give his joint-replacement patients more functional, pain-free movement. “A lot of people who come into the clinic aren’t able to do the things they did before because of the pain and the decrease in function that their arthritis or other condition is causing,” White said. “So it boils down to giving them their freedom back to enjoy their activities, without pain dictating what they can and can’t do.” White and his family are excited to start the next phase of their lives in Columbus. When he’s not helping his patients get back to their favorite activities, White and his wife and children can often be found enjoying a few activities of their own. “Being that I was raised on a farm and my dad was a wildlife biologist, you can probably guess my family and I spend almost all our free time outdoors,” White said. Anthony White, MD, orthopedic surgeon Pitner treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, from sprains and strains to fractures and arthritis. His additional expertise in sports medicine allows him to treat many athletic injuries, from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears to rotator cuff shoulder injuries. Pitner has cared for athletes at all levels — from weekend warriors to high school and professional athletes. He believes in building trust early on with his patients by listening to what they have to say. “Every single patient has a different experience they take to their episode of care,” Pitner said. “Listening to them and hearing what brought them into my office helps me understand how I can help them. Whether that’s with conservative, non-surgical treatment or with surgery, we’re tailoring a plan to each patient’s goals.” Originally from Omaha, Pitner is excited to return to Nebraska. In his spare time, he and his family members enjoy being outdoors hunting, fishing, boating, skiing and attending sporting events.
16 Bringing health care news to your home Jenna Clark has lived with depression for about 15 years. Her journey started soon after the birth of her first child, when she was diagnosed with a form of the condition called postpartum depression. Clark, now 40, was able to control her depression with counseling and medications. But about five years ago, after she developed another illness, her depression deepened and the treatments stopped working. Things got so bad for Clark that she questioned whether she wanted to go on living. “Depression can look different for everyone,” Clark said. “For me, it was a deep sadness rooted in my ‘new normal,’ and the thought that my family and friends would be better off without me being such a burden.” Thankfully, Clark’s primary care doctor referred her to Venkata Kolli, MD, MBBS, a psychiatrist at Columbus Psychiatry Clinic and associate professor in the department of psychiatry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Soon afterward, Clark began a new course of treatment that is making a difference. A new option for treating depression
17 columbushosp.org ‘Nothing short of lifesaving’ Clark asked Kolli about esketamine (brand name Spravato), a newer type of medicine for people with treatment-resistant depression, or for those diagnosed with major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. Kolli determined that Clark would be a candidate for the medicine, which targets a neurochemical called glutamate. “Blocking certain glutamate receptors improves depressive symptoms,” Kolli said. Up to 70% of people with treatment-resistant depression benefit from taking esketamine, Kolli noted. Clark visits the infusion center at Columbus to receive treatments, which are given as a nasal spray. Afterward, a nurse monitors her vital signs for a couple hours to ensure there are no side effects. Clark is grateful for everyone at Columbus who played a part in making esketamine treatments available locally for those who, like her, continue to struggle with depression after trying two or more antidepressant medications. “These treatments have been nothing short of lifesaving for me, and I am immensely thankful for the support and care I have received throughout my journey,” she said. While Clark still lives with depression, her symptoms have improved. She praised Kolli for creating an individualized treatment plan and researching options on her behalf. “He wants me to feel better, and he is genuine about that,” Clark said. “The most reassuring thing to me about the care I received was those who were in charge of my care,” she added. “Not only did Dr. Kolli oversee things, but he has a wonderful nurse in charge of all Spravato treatments. Finally, the nurses who administer the Spravato are kind, compassionate and excellent at what they do. They create a nonjudgmental environment.” ‘It’s OK to seek help’ By sharing her story about her years-long struggles with depression, Clark hopes that it might inspire other people to seek the help they need and deserve. Her message for anyone who may need to hear it: “Don’t give up,” Clark said. “It’s not easy to ask for help, but it’s worth it. Just being willing to tell someone you’re not OK is actually OK. It is OK to seek help.” If you need help right now If you want to talk, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Connect to Columbus Psychiatry Clinic Visit columbuspsychiatry.org or call 402-562-4765 to learn more about the clinic.
Bringing health care news to your home Helping people with their MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY Meet psychiatrist Emily Royer, MD Growing up in rural Michigan, Emily Royer, MD, felt inspired by watching her mother — a special needs care assistant — make a difference in the lives of others. “I really admired that and wanted to help people in that way,” Royer said. “I knew I wanted to be in health care from an early age.” Royer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), followed by her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). She then completed her psychiatry residency at UNMC. As part of that residency program, Royer trained at Columbus Psychiatry Clinic in 2023, and that experience led her to join Columbus in July 2024. Meeting people where they are Royer chose psychiatry as her specialty after attending a weeklong conference on mental health at UNO. “That got me exposed to psychiatry and interested in it,” she said. “I was able to connect with a couple of psychiatrists to get my foot in the door and see what this was about. I realized it was a good fit for me. Then I participated in psychiatry student interest group work by volunteering, advocating and educating around mental health. And that solidified it for me.” As a psychiatrist, Royer prescribes both medications and therapy (counseling) to help people who struggle with a variety of conditions, including depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “I enjoy connecting with people where they are and helping them feel heard and validated,” Royer said. “I’m able to provide hope and encouragement and education to help them reach their goals and thrive. I love helping people walk through some of the most difficult times.” For many, the struggle can feel like being stuck in a hole. “I don’t fix people,” Royer added. “But I give them a ladder, and I’m there to encourage and support them. We use medications, and we make changes to help them to be able to take steps on the ladder. But at the end of the day, it’s their resilience and their dedication that is the final thing that gets them out of that hole.” Family life Outside of work, Royer likes do-ityourself house projects, crafting and spending time with her husband and 6-year-old daughter. “We love to go on walks and to the playground,” she said. They also enjoy playing with pets Bruxy and Sully, a pair of adorable domesticated rats known as “fancy rats.” “They follow us around like dogs,” Royer said. 18
4600 38th St. Columbus, NE 68601 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Visit columbushosp.org ● Manage your hospital bill online. ● Donate to the CCH Foundation. ● Send an e-card to a loved one or friend at CCH. Education and support group sessions are free unless otherwise noted Focus on health Baby care Bump & Beyond Prepared Childbirth class To learn more, call 402-562-3266. Diabetes education Diabetes activity group, education classes and support group To learn more, call 402-562-4462. More About Carbs classes To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Fitness & nutrition Ai chi water exercise classes To learn more, call 402-564-9477. Cooking classes To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Enhance Fitness classes To learn more, call 402-564-9477. Food Thoughts To learn more, call 402-562-4462. Healthy Lifestyle Club CHIP/PIVIO™ To learn more, call 402-562-4490. Spine Fit classes To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Support groups A Time to Heal To learn more, call 402-562-4794. Columbus Alzheimer’s & dementia support group To learn more, call 402-910-8111 or 402-910-8580. Grief support group To learn more, call 402-562-4449. Helping Hands Cancer Foundation support group To learn more, call 402-270-7740 or 402-562-4436. Parkinson’s wellness group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Speak Out! exercise group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. TBI and stroke support group To learn more, call 402-562-3333. Source: American Heart Association If you’re confused about eating a healthy diet, here are some tips to get you started. Try making one or two of these changes at a time. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose more whole grains. Try eating plant proteins, like beans, more often. Choose lean, unprocessed meats. Feature fish (not fried) regularly on your menu. Switch to low- or nonfat dairy. Use healthier oils, like olive oil, for cooking. Limit sweets and sugary drinks. Cut back on salt and sodium. Eat fewer processed foods. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 EAT SWITCH LIMIT
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