KV Healthcare

Your Home for Health

KVH News

Measles Cases Rising 2024

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Measles cases are on the rise, and although numbers in the US are small right now, there is cause for concern. Measles is one the most contagious human viruses, with a 90% chance of someone who is not immune getting infected if they are near someone with measles. People with measles can infect others for 4 days before they have any signs of being sick, and for 4 days after the rash appears. The virus stays in the air and is infectious for 2 hours after the infected person has left. There is no treatment for the measles virus, however there is life-long immunity (protection) after vaccination as well as infection.

This recent rise in measles in the US is in part due to a mild drop in kids’ vaccination rates, often related to children missing routine health care visits during the pandemic. Although the current rate of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles is good at 92%, the previous rate of 95% was better particularly because that level gives ‘herd immunity’, meaning protection of those that were not or could not be vaccinated (due to young age, cancer treatment, or other immune system problems) by those who are vaccinated.

The number of measles infections world-wide has increased dramatically, up almost 80% in the last year to 306,000 cases. As people travel more, they can bring the infection home if they are not immune, potentially exposing many people before they know they are sick.

Measles spreads easily through airborne secretions from coughing or sneezing. Infection is also caused by direct contact with droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. Symptoms develop 7-14 days later and start with profuse runny nose, cough, and red, swollen, watery eyes. Fever is often up to 104 degrees. The rash develops 3-5 days after cold symptoms begin and starts as flat red spots on the forehead, spreading downwards to the trunk and extremities. Some spots may become raised and join to from larger blotches. It is not usually itchy.

Measles itself is miserable, but the biggest concern is regarding complications. Serious complications include pneumonia in 1 out of 20 of those infected, encephalitis (brain inflammation and swelling) in 1 out of 1000 infected, and rarely, temporary or permanent blindness (more common in developing countries). One out of 5 unvaccinated people in the US with measles will be hospitalized, and 1-3 out of 1000 will die. Children under 5 and adults over 20 are most at risk of serious complications. Also at increased risk are pregnant women and those with immune system problems.

Measles vaccination is safe and effective and gives life-long immunity. Prior concern of a connection between the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and possible autism was based on fake ‘research’ and has been disproven by multiple studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and the Institute of Medicine.

There has been a 99% decrease in measles cases since the vaccine came out in 1963. Prior to the vaccine, there were 3-4 million cases annually in the US and about 48,000 people hospitalized, most of which were children. Add approximately 500 deaths and 1,000 cases of encephalitis each year, and it is easy to see how miraculous vaccination has been.

The best way to protect ourselves, as well as the approximately 9 million people in the US who cannot get the vaccine due to an immune system problem, is to be vaccinated. Measles vaccine is recommended for kids aged 12 months and again between 4 and 6 years. It is also approved for adults who did not receive it as children. There are 2 types of measles vaccines- the MMR (as above) and the MMRV (also protects against varicella/chickenpox). Your child’s health care provider can provide additional information on measles vaccination.

Recursos en español

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

National Doctors Day

· ·

By Dr. Kevin Martin, Chief Medical Officer KVH

March 30 will mark the 182nd anniversary of the first use of anesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford Williamson Long, and so that is the day we celebrate National Doctors Day. At Kittitas Valley Healthcare, we take that as an opportunity to celebrate all of our providers and thank them for their commitment to our health and our community.

All the healing professions have an oath, pledge, or declaration that promises to respect and serve people.  Mine, The Declaration of Geneva – 1994, started, “I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.”  Osteopathic physicians, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners make similar promises.

Healing work, our service, takes many forms. It might be fixing a surgical problem, or diagnosing a medical one, or facilitating life’s inevitable transitions. It was the latter that drew me to family medicine, delivering babies and providing hospice care. Each of us finds the work that fulfills us, but that work is always about humanity.

When I started in private practice in 1998, probably 90% of my time at work was spent in the exam room with patients and families.  I would come out of a room, spend a couple of minutes with a Dictaphone, and head to the next room. If I had someone in the hospital, I would make rounds at 7:00, at lunch, and at 5:30.  I routinely saw 25-30 patients a day and was home for dinner or a kid’s game or recital. Primary care providers (PCPs) in a mature practice would have up to 3,000 people in their care. A workforce of 20 PCPs and a handful of surgeons, gynecologists, and other specialists could easily care for today’s population of Kittitas County.

That is not the work today. There is much more that we are expected to document at every visit. Some of the requirements come from the government and many more from insurers. Typing at a computer is slower than dictating. Studies and procedures need prior authorization from payers. Studies have shown that today’s primary care doctors spend 1-2 hours outside the exam room for every hour they spend in it, and the same is true to some extent across all specialties. High functioning primary care providers see 16-18 patients a day, frequently work into the night from home, and can only care for perhaps 1,500 people; 1,250 is probably a better number. The care that 20 PCPs could do before 2000 now needs at least 40, probably closer to 45.

Many providers are retiring earlier, especially since 2021, and we are not graduating new doctors fast enough to keep up. In 2023, the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported that 83% of practicing physicians are over 40 and 23% are over 65.  Nationally, some estimate we are short up to 30,000 providers, and AAMC expects that shortage to grow to as much as 139,000 by 2036. The shortage hit rural areas in the South and West hardest, and we feel it.

Every year at KVH, we put a table in the lobby for the month March with note cards and pens. If a provider has helped you, has impressed you, please share that. We share the cards with each provider. It’s a little thing, but it helps remind us why we do this work and for whom we do it. You can also thank your provider by visiting: https://qrco.de/drday24.

The Importance of a Healthy Environment

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

One of the biggest factors in human health is the environment. Underlining this importance, the United Nations entities issued a joint statement in 2021 recognizing the “right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment” for all people. An unhealthy environment may include water pollution, air pollution, chemical exposures, loss of biodiversity, and the effects of climate change such as wildfires. There are more than 12 million deaths globally each year attributed to unhealthy environments according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. These deaths disproportionately affect lower income individuals, children, and impoverished populations. Children are more affected by environmental issues because they have greater exposure to air pollution, water pollution, toxins, etc. in proportion to their body weight than adults.

Causes of air pollution include the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gasoline), industrial emissions, wildfires, and the open burning of garbage. Air pollution causes a variety of lung diseases as well as allergies. It is considered the most significant environmental risk factor and is blamed for about 7 million deaths worldwide each year. Three hundred million children worldwide routinely breathe air considered to be toxic.

Water pollutants include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, microplastics, sewage, and waste that filters out of landfills. According to the World Health Organization, about 2 billion people have no choice but to use water polluted by human excrement, causing hepatitis A, cholera, and other diseases.

As land development increases with loss of open spaces and wilderness, wildlife and people are forced closer to each other. This proximity results in increased risk of zoonotic diseases (diseases which can travel from animals to humans). Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, HIV/ AIDS, and COVID-19. Climate change also puts more stress on animal habitats, contributing to this problem.

The benefits of a healthy environment are clear not just on physical health but also on mental and emotional well-being. Access to open green spaces and nature has been shown to help reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.  These ‘open spaces’ can include wilderness like a forest or mountain, but a green city park or a path by a river also count.

Here in Kittitas County, we are fortunate to live in a beautiful location with clean water, (usually) clean air, and access to open space. The most significant problem locally has been intermittent air pollution from wildfires. We also have the excellent Kittitas County Public Health Department to surveil and manage environmental health issues. 

Keeping in mind that human consumption is a huge contributor of harm to the environment, we can make a difference in our valley and beyond by taking simple steps:

  • Drive less, consider walking or biking, when possible, instead.
  • Turn your thermostat down in winter, and up in the summer if you use air-conditioning.
  • Buy in bulk when you can; avoid products that use a lot of packaging, especially plastic.
  • Avoid single use plastic bags; bring your own reusable bags for produce and other shopping.
  • Create a vegetable garden with your child or take part in a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture, where you can ‘subscribe’ to get produce from a local farm).
  • Learn to say “no” to unneeded, cheaply made toys and other goods (often plastic) which are giveaways or very inexpensive but will quickly be tossed in the garbage.
  • Purchase less clothing in general, and buy clothes from consignment shops/ secondhand stores, either brick and mortar or on-line (such as Poshmark and Thred Up)
  • Compost kitchen and yard waste.
  • Recycle properly; be familiar with what can and cannot be recycled locally.
  • Conserve electricity by using LED light bulbs, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, and turning off lights when not needed.
  • Be mindful of water use.
  • Buy local and avoid home delivery of goods when possible.
  • Eat produce in-season and from local growers- local farmers’ markets are terrific for this!
  • Use a reusable water bottle; avoid single use plastic water bottles and cups.

Discuss these steps as a family and brainstorm other ways to help protect our environment.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Teen Acne

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Teen acne is very common, affecting 85% of adolescents. It can occur on the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. Mild acne usually resolves without scarring, but more severe acne can cause darkened areas and permanent depressions in the skin. Teen acne does improve in most by age 20, but in the meantime, it can worsen a teen’s self-esteem, emotional health, and result in bullying.

Acne occurs in teens due to increased pubertal hormones which cause sebaceous glands in the skin to make more sebum (oil which lubricates the skin). This sebum can plug the pores (hair follicles), resulting in swelling. Bacteria then can create inflammation, irritation, and redness in these swollen pores.

There are factors which are known to increase acne, including stress. Hormones related to menstruation can also worsen acne the week or so before a girl’s period. Some skin products (moisturizers, sunscreen, and cosmetics) can make acne worse. Look for water-based products and avoid any that contain mineral oil, beeswax, sodium lauryl sulfate, cocoa butter, or coconut oil. Products labeled “non-comedogenic” (meaning not acne-causing) are ideal. Things that rub or cause excessive sweating can contribute to acne; think of phones, chinstraps, and backpacks. Research has not shown a connection between diet and acne, though a healthy diet with lots and fruits and vegetables and minimal processed food is recommended for all teens.

There are four types of acne. Whiteheads are plugged pores that remain closed. Blackheads are plugged pores that are more superficial and open up, turning dark. Pimples are deeper plugged pores that become irritated and red due to bacteria (though this is not a true infection). Cysts or nodules are deeper, bigger, and may be painful. This severe type of acne can leave permanent scars.

If acne is mild or moderate, start with over-the-counter products. Washing twice a day with a mild soap such as Cetaphil or an acne wash can help. Clean fingertips are ideal for washing the face; avoid scrubbing. After the skin has dried for about 20 minutes, apply a low strength (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide product sparingly to the face and other problem areas (not just on pimples) once a day, perhaps in the morning. Lower strength benzoyl peroxide products have been shown to work as well as higher strength for most people. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothing, so apply carefully. After washing the face in the evening and allowing it to totally dry, apply a thin layer of adapalene (also called ‘Differin’) which is derived from Vitamin A. Both benzoyl peroxide and adapalene can cause irritation, dryness, and redness so always apply to dry skin and use a small amount. These products can initially be used every other day, slowly working up to daily, to help minimize this.

It can take 2-3 months for acne to improve with an appropriate skin care routine, so patience is key. Squeezing acne lesions makes them more inflamed and take longer to heal as well as potentially causing scars, so should be avoided. If acne is more severe or not improving with over-the-counter care, seek help from your medical provider or a dermatologist. Treatment of more severe acne can help prevent permanent scarring.

Remember that although acne does usually resolve after the teenage years, it can be a very big deal to your teen in the present, affecting them not just physically but emotionally. Let your teen know that you empathize, and together you will do what’s needed to treat their acne.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Helping Your Shy Child

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

By nature, some kids are more outgoing than others. Many children are shy and reserved when younger but become less so as they grow up. Being shy, however, just characterizes a child’s approach to the world (especially new situations) and does not have to be seen as a negative. There are felt to be some benefits of this personality trait as these children tend to be more observant and less impulsive. Shy kids may be slower to warm up and more cautious about jumping into a new social situation but given time and the opportunity to be involved when they feel ready, do fine socially.

You can help your child if they fall into the ’shy’ category:

  • Don’t allow people to label your child as ‘shy’ which can make them feel negatively about themselves. You can say something like, “He just sometime needs a little time to observe and warm up”. You can suggest your child give a little wave or smile if they are not ready to talk to someone.
  • Accept your child’s shyness and acknowledge their feelings, but don’t be overprotective. Gently encourage them to try challenging situations such as answering a question in class, ordering an item at a restaurant, or saying ‘hi’ to a child they see on the playground.
  • Create opportunities to practice social skills especially in low-risk settings such as going on playdates, casually getting together at a park with another family, etc.
  • Roleplay certain situations such as meeting new adults and approaching kids at school. It is fine to be near your child if they ‘need’ you, for example when meeting other kids at a playground, but try to let them speak for themselves. If they seem comfortable, you can move away while reassuring your child that you will be nearby.
  • Participation in group activities can build social skills and confidence. Small groups or classes such as scouts, dance, sports, or music give your child a chance to get to know a group that they will see regularly and so become increasingly comfortable.

It is important to separate common shyness from social anxiety disorder, which is more severe, long-term, and interferes with everyday life to a greater degree. Those with this issue worry excessively about social interactions and seek to avoid social situations when possible. This can negatively impact school, friendships, and overall emotional well-being. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you think your child may have social anxiety disorder as counseling and other treatments can be very helpful.

But don’t fret if you have a shy child—things will get easier! Accepting your child for who they are and supporting them as they work on social skills will help them gain the confidence they need as they grow.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

As the winter weather approaches, so does the ‘sick season’, including illness due to RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). RSV typically starts in fall, peaks in winter, and causes cold symptoms including runny nose, cough, and fever in children and adults. Most kids have had RSV by age 2. Although usually mild, RSV can cause more serious problems like wheezing, pneumonia, and trouble breathing. These problems are more likely in premature babies or in kids with heart disease, lung issues like asthma, and immune system problems. Between 58,000 and 80,000 kids under age 5 are hospitalized due to RSV each year. Adults aged 60 and above are also at higher risk of more severe RSV illness. Reinfections with RSV are common.

Like other colds viruses, RSV spreads by the droplets released by coughing or sneezing. You can also get it by direct contact (for example kissing) or touching a contaminated surface like a counter or cup and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

There is no effective treatment for RSV and since it is a virus, antibiotics do not help. There are, however, two new good ways to prevent RSV—vaccines for adults and antibody treatment for young children. Vaccines stimulate the formation of antibodies to help fight infection (active immunity). Antibody treatments give antibodies directly to the body (passive immunity).

RSV vaccines are available for those 32-36 weeks pregnant during RSV season and if given at least 2 weeks before delivery, will help protect the baby from severe RSV. RSV vaccine is also recommended for those 60 years and older.

Antibody therapy (Nirsevimab) is approved for babies less than 8 months during RSV season (if mom did not get vaccine at least 2 weeks before delivery). Nirsevimab is also appropriate for some infants aged 8-19 months with severe health issues including extreme prematurity, immune system problems, cystic fibrosis, and heart disease. Nirsevimab is an injection and lasts 5 months, so helps protect for the entire RSV season. There is another antibody treatment called Palivizumab that has been used for years, but this is only approved for very high-risk children under age 2 and requires a monthly injection.

Side effects of Nirsevimab are uncommon and include temporary discomfort, redness or mild swelling at the injection site, and a rash. Nirsevimab can be given with routine childhood vaccines and may be given if a child has mild cold symptoms. Children who have had RSV should still receive the antibody therapy due to the risk of getting infected again later in the sick season.

There may be some difficulty having enough Nirsevimab for all kids who are eligible this year; contact your child’s provider about this. Supplies of RSV vaccine for those who are pregnant or 60 and over seem adequate; check with your provider or local pharmacy.

Remember the routine ways we can all help prevent the spread of RSV and other viruses, such as frequent hand-washing, avoiding touching one’s face, staying home if sick, and wearing a mask when appropriate. Also, cover sneezes and coughs, do not share cups or utensils, and keep countertops and other frequently touched surfaces clean. Don’t forget your child’s other important vaccines including Influenza and COVID vaccines as these are also important to help keep your child healthy this winter season.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Vegetarian and Vegan Diets in Teens

· ·

Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Although still a minority, more people are exploring plant-based diets, including teens. If your teen has expressed interest in this, you may wonder if being a vegetarian or vegan is nutritionally sound and how to handle this change at home. In some families, a diet different than the rest of the household can be a source of conflict, but it need not be so.

Understanding the reason behind a change in diet is important. Some choose vegetarianism or veganism for health reasons (in adults, these diets are associated with lower risk of some diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers). The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics along with the American Academy of Pediatrics have stated that vegan and vegetarian diets can be “nutritionally adequate during infancy, childhood and adolescence”, but emphasize the need to make sure kids are getting enough nutrition to maintain good health and grow properly. Other reasons for choosing to be vegetarian or vegan may have to do with the larger carbon footprint of animal-based foods and animal cruelty concerns. If your teen is doing this to lose weight, make sure there is not an underlying eating disorder, and touch base with your provider if this is a concern.

There are different types of plant-based diets. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat no meat but do eat dairy and eggs. Lacto-vegetarians eat no meat or eggs but do consume dairy products. Pescatarians don’t eat meat but do eat fish (and usually dairy and eggs). Vegans eat no food products that come from animals including dairy, eggs and for some, honey.

Vegetarianism and veganism are not just about what is not eaten, but also about what is eaten to be fully healthy. It is important to be mindful of certain key nutrients that may be harder for vegetarians and vegans to get enough of:

  • Vitamin B12: important for brain and heart function; found in animal sources (meat, fish, dairy, eggs) and some plants (bananas, potatoes, etc.) but hard to get adequately from plants alone. Supplemental sources include fortified soy milk, cereals.
  • Calcium: creates strong bones and teeth; naturally found in dairy products. Vegans should eat lots of dark green veggies and look for foods fortified with calcium (juices, cereals, soy milk). Tofu is an excellent source of calcium.
  • Iron: essential for preventing anemia and keeping the immune system strong; found in meat and fish. Plant based sources include beans, peas, dark leafy veggies, and dried fruit. It is harder to absorb iron from plant-based foods, so one needs to eat more of these to avoid having low iron.
  • Protein: builds muscle and is found throughout the body. Protein is in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Vegans need to eat adequate plant-based protein sources like nuts, soy, whole grains, and legumes (lentils, peas, and peanuts).
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: very important for cognitive development and assuring adequate energy; most easily found in fish, but also canola oil, soy products and walnuts.

In general, those following a vegetarian or vegan diet should take a multivitamin that has B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and other nutrients. Look for foods that are fortified with vitamin B-12, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin D. Discussing healthy nutrition with your teen is important regardless of their preferences, but especially if they are interested in following a vegetarian or vegan diet. And since plant-based foods are important for all of us, this could be an opportunity for the whole family to learn more about healthy eating.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Mammography at KVH

· ·

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about this disease and promote early detection. National Mammography Day is observed annually on the third Friday of every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In the fight against breast cancer, knowledge is power. By spreading awareness and encouraging early detection through mammograms and other imaging technologies, we can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

What Is a Mammogram?
KVH Digital Mammography

Meet the Imaging Technologists

Mammogram technologists play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. By performing the test carefully, they provide patients with a vital tool for maintaining their health and well-being.

Shelby

Erin

Kim

Rose

Q&A with the Techs

Rose & Shelby

How do you normally respond if you come across somebody who seems to be anxious?

… once we get in the room, we explain to them what we are going to do and what we need from them and how we can work together to make it as comfortable as possible. Um, you know, if they have any questions to ask us before we get, but we, we will thoroughly explain to them, show them what we’re going to do and what to expect. … explain the importance of having to compress enough that it might be uncomfortable, but should not be painful.

How long is the actual mammogram? … after check-in and taken back

Five to six minutes for the actual exam time. That varies of course, but it does not take long. And most often we’ll hear that was quick.

Is it your experience is that most people, it’s a better experience than what they thought?

That’s right.

Within your team, because you have this beautiful team of women, what do you do to support each other here?

We just work well together. All of us. I love the team over here. Everyone’s reliable, efficient, well educated in the department. So I mean, we just support each other and help each other wherever we can.

Do you enjoy working in this particular sector of the hospital?

I Love it over here. I love to see the familiar faces. I mean, every day there’s familiar names and I might either just know the name, not the face or I know both. I’m like, oh, so and so’s coming in today. And they love to see familiar faces too. Yeah. Community in a small town is really important. I’ve seen patients year after year and or they’ll ask for who’s working today.

What is the level of discomfort or pain a patient should expect?

…there’s gonna be pressure, but it’s not supposed to hurt. I always say it’s, it’s, um, awkward, maybe uncomfortable. Yeah. But it should not be painful. And if you are experiencing pain, let me know. And of course, everyone’s pain level is different.

Do you have anything that kind of stands out in experience that you had that was really positive in patient care?

We do have patients that like to give us hugs. I have one that I can think of that’s been pretty recent. She, you know, was from this area and she’s come in for years and she needed a biopsy and we did it here. So she came here, had her biopsy, and she loved that. She was around familiar faces and she gave everyone hugs, was very thankful, was very anxious of her results. But the fact that familiar faces versus going somewhere else, because of course you, you can go somewhere else and have your biopsy. And most patients are like, I want to come here. I know you guys. And we, you know, we take good care of ’em.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience either at K V H or in mammography?

Most mammograms are very fast turnaround. So most of them, I would say 90% are read, typically same day. And we tell the patients that your study will probably be read today. If not, it’ll roll over and be read tomorrow. But, um, so it is a quick turnaround. And we do have a radiologist on site.

So if someone comes in for a diagnostic, they’re, they get their results while they are here. And the radiologist, some radiologists will come down with every diagnostic and give them their results personally, or we come back and relay results, Hey, everything looks good. Or, you know, of course if it’s, they’re recommended to have a biopsy, the radiologist will always come and sit down with them and talk to them, answer any questions and explain, you know, what they need to have done.

Tough Enough To Wear Pink

The Foundation at Kittitas Valley Healthcare partners annually with the Ellensburg Rodeo for Tough Enough to Wear Pink to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention services impacting local patients here in Kittitas County.

Learn More

WRITE Excellence in Teaching Award

· ·

Congratulations Dr. Merrill-Steskal for being awarded the WRITE Excellence in Teaching Award for the Eastern/Central Washington region.

“This award aims to recognize and honor preceptors with a track record of excellence in teaching medical students as well as those that serve as a leader in their community. Nominations were collected from WRITE students across WWAMI. A selection committee then reviewed all nominations based on five criteria: commitment to student success, effective teaching methods, positive impact in the community, excellence as a role model for students, and commitment to continuous improvement. You have clearly demonstrated the qualities we look for in outstanding preceptors and recipients of this award.” – University of Washington School of Medicine

CFO Transition

· ·

Jason Adler has officially transitioned to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Kittitas Valley Healthcare.

Wait a minute! Congratulations are in order. Jason advanced within the Kittitas Valley Healthcare system through hard work, dedication and a little mentoring from Scott Olander, our outgoing CFO. I met with Scott and Jason to get to know a little bit more about advancement opportunities within the KVH family and how Jason prepared for his new role.

How it started…
“Mentoring began for me when I started here with Jason,” Scott declared as he took his glasses off to see a little better. “He was interested in learning. He’d done a lot of work previously on pieces of the cost report, and he’d been involved in pieces of contract negotiations and things like that. But he was interested and he had actual knowledge of the organization. So, it was informally at that point, but it was right from the very, very beginning.” He said, turning to Jason, to pass the baton.

Jason added, “Yeah. [mentoring] was both ways. I think I expressed willingness to learn. And he expressed he had a lot of knowledge that I realized real quick that I could take from his past experiences and leverage it for KVH.”

“Yeah!” Scott exclaimed, ignited by something Jason had said, “Jason’s really strong with the data and technical analysis and stuff like that. And I’m not. I understand the data, but I’m not good at pulling the data. So, I’ve learned that mentoring, the learning, I guess, has gone both ways from my perspective.”

I then asked about the process of being mentored and the benefits of doing internal hires as opposed to hiring positions externally.

Scott quickly chimed in, “It was a board assignment to work towards some continuity and progression through retirements and turnover transitions. Also, just to demonstrate to the entire organization to be thinking in this capacity of continuity and transition planning. Julie wanted all the department leaders or all the organizational leaders to kind of identify a succession plan and to identify individuals that we would mentor and coach to prepare for potential future opportunity.”

Scott, continuing his train of thought, “I personally think that some of your best hires are within the organization [because] they are committed to the community; they’re committed to the organization. There’s always bright people elsewhere that you can bring in, but they may not have the commitment to the community.”

With that strong perspective in mind, I asked what they both would do moving forward, what are they going to steal from one another’s’ styles.

Jason responded, “Being open and collaborative. I think I would steal from Scott trying to be always more collaborative with others’ perspective and slow down a bit but to also keep a pace going. So, set[ting] expectations and pace [within collaborations].”

Scott, adding these clarifying remarks, “You know, there are things that Jason approaches differently than I do. And there’s no right or wrong answers. There’s different answers, different approaches. I am excited about the opportunity to [transition] to rev cycle. I think it will make the organization better. It’ll make the rev cycle better. We’ll be better.”

Jason, remembering a thought from before, “Something that I did learn from Scott, is to allow the managers and support the managers in what they feel they are needing to accomplish their task. Whether that’s FTEs or contractors or supplies, services, to really listen to them and support their needs. I think that I will challenge some of the mangers in some ways too.”

“Probably more so than I did,” Scott said with a chuckle, “Which is understandable. Which is a good change.” Scott says as if to finish Jason’s thought.

Where it’s headed…

I asked them both if they had any advice for employees wanting to advance within the organization or even laterally move and learn new skills.

Jason, with the first thought, “Go to HR and say, “Hey, I’m interested in other roles. Keep your ears open with what might be a good fit.” You can dabble in other areas and gain experience.”

Scott, being contemplative, “From the employee side, I think, if they’re willing to be patient and to work hard, and be willing to do different things, one of the things that distinguished Jason is he was willing to try other things and take on other assignments. And to the degree that you, as he described, as a small organization, there’s not necessarily a clear path to the other positions and other opportunities. It’s not readily apparent. But if you work hard and are patient, those opportunities come around, they really do.”

Continuing while gesturing to Jason, “It’s kind of the same thing that happens with Jason. You know, he was an analyst, he worked with a lot of people within the organization, particularly with budgeting and…” he said trailing off.

“Hard work definitely breeds trust.” I interjected trying to guess his unfinished phrase.

“Mm-hmm.” Scott responded immediately.

Jason, rounding out his last thoughts, “For successful mentorship and personal experiences is just having that really high respect for your mentors and mentees and everybody around you, really. Keep that healthy amount of friction, push back, but have that very healthy respectful balance there.”

In conclusion, we agreed that within our KVH organization, we foster giving employees a voice. And when people have a voice, they can feel invested. Being invested leads to action and hard work and that, leads to opportunity. And mentoring and being mentored IS opportunity.

Opportunities await…