Hannibal Regional

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older and most prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 55. In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness month, Hannibal Regional Medical Group is offering free prostate cancer screenings on September 26th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. An appointment is required and space is limited so don’t delay, make your appointment today by calling (573) 629-3532. Dr. Viacheslav Iremashvili, Urologist at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, says “prostate cancer is one of a few tumors for which we have a safe and effective way of early detection through PSA blood test and prostate exam. The screening allows us to find prostate cancers early on when they are still curable and therefore save lives." Screenings are the only way to catch prostate cancer before it becomes dangerous to you or your loved one. Screenings are not just for men who might have symptoms of prostate cancer. Since all men are at risk for prostate cancer, Dr. Iremashvili suggests “all men over the age of 55 should be screened every year for the disease.” Prostate cancer develops more often in African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry than those of other races and those men should be screened annually beginning at age 40. Additionally having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer also increases a man’s risk of having prostate cancer and they should be screened annually beginning at age 40.                Prostate cancer has no symptoms in its early stages of development. Most men who have prostate cancer may not even know it, which is why regular screenings are so important. The screening will include both a digital rectal examination and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The two tests together can often detect cancer before it becomes symptomatic, leading to earlier treatments and better outcomes. The free screenings are provided by medical professionals from Hannibal Regional Medical Group. There are some symptoms which should raise a red flag for any man. These symptoms, which could also appear with benign enlargement of the prostate, might be experienced as prostate cancer progresses. Symptoms include: difficulty starting urination, a need to urinate frequently (especially at night), inability to urinate, weak or interrupted flow of urine (dribbling), painful or burning urination, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, and frequent pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or upper thighs. An appointment is required and space is limited so don’t delay, make your appointment today by calling Hannibal Regional Medical Group at (573) 629-3532.

Hannibal Regional Foundation will host its 10th Annual Paws for a Cause event at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The walk will be held on the Hannibal Regional Healthy Way Fitness Trail and provides cancer survivors, friends and family an opportunity to join together in a walk of hope. Participants are encouraged to bring a buddy - spouses, friends, family - and man’s best friend: their dog. Registration is $20.00 per person and $10.00 per dog. Everyone participating will receive a shirt and dogs will receive a custom dog gift. Everyone participating will also have an opportunity to have a free professional photograph taken with their buddy. All proceeds from the walk will go to support cancer services at Hannibal Regional. This walk was founded in 2014 with the help of Mary Dunaway from Shelbina, Missouri. In 2013, Ms. Dunaway was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and began a journey that changed her life and reinforced her strong belief that when trials come, Everybody Needs a Buddy. “Without the love of my husband, my family & friends, and my Buddy, I don’t know how I would have managed.” Buddy is Mary’s beautiful golden retriever and is a trained therapy dog who assists Mary at many community events. She knows Buddy’s love for her has made a huge difference in her recovery. Mary and Buddy can be seen on a regular basis at the Hannibal Regional Cary Cancer Center offering love and encouragement to others battling cancer. To learn more about the walk, visit https://lnkd.in/gPi8JHse or call 573-629-3577.

Hannibal Regional is committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals and will once again offer the Patient Care Training Program, set to begin on October 4, 2024. This unique opportunity allows individuals to earn a wage while they learn, providing both classroom education and hands-on training in a real healthcare environment. The Patient Care Training Program is perfect for those who are compassionate, attentive, and eager to make a difference in the lives of patients. Participants will gain valuable skills that can serve as a foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare. Responsibilities that trainees will learn include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, performing catheterizations, and assisting patients with daily activities such as eating, personal hygiene, and grooming. Patient Care Tech, Anna Echternacht shares, “The Patient Care Training Program at Hannibal Regional has helped me with my future in many ways, especially the hands-on training, so far I have learned a lot of skills that will help me for when I attend nursing school.” Participants in the program will be paid for both classroom learning and on-the-job training, making this an excellent pathway for those looking to start a career in healthcare. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply. Interviews currently being conducted, and interested applicants may apply at jobs.hannibalregional.org. For questions or to learn more about the Patient Care Training Program at Hannibal Regional, please contact Amy Lakenburger at 573-629-3560 or email recruiter@hannibalregional.org.

Trisha Brooks has dedicated the past 11 years to being a respiratory therapist, a career she finds incredibly rewarding. Her journey began in a large hospital in St. Louis, but it was at Hannibal Regional where she found her true home in healthcare. Making the transition from a large urban hospital to the tight-knit community of Hannibal Regional, Trisha felt she had a better opportunity to really get to know her patients and provide more individualized care. Trisha explains, “The environment at Hannibal Regional is a world apart from the large hospital I previously worked at. Here, I can truly meet patients’ needs and provide high-quality care. Collaborating directly with physicians, nurses, and team members from various departments allows us to deliver the very best care. The top-notch, innovative technology we use enhances our ability to serve our patients. It means so much to me to get to know my patients personally and provide care in a close-knit, supportive environment.” Hannibal Regional currently has opportunities for respiratory therapists to join the team. A sign-on bonus or tuition repayment of $10,000 is being offered for eligible positions. If you are a respiratory therapist interested in making a difference in patient care and being part of a close-knit family, apply today at jobs.hannibalregional.org.

Join our award-winning team at Hannibal Regional Medical Group in Bowling Green! We have an exciting full-time Patient Access Representative position available, offering an extensive benefits package in a welcoming, family healthcare setting. If you are a dedicated and hardworking individual, apply today at https://lnkd.in/g_HHPZy2

Hannibal Regional is excited to announce that, upon patients' or providers' request, imaging exams are now being distributed through an online platform called Patient Link by Medicom. Patient Link is an innovative digital platform that allows patients or providers to receive and download imaging exams quickly and easily. Instead of receiving a disc with their imaging exam, patients will now receive an access code to view and download their images online. This platform allows for medical images to be shared easily between providers and facilities, making patient care more seamless. When patients request their images, they will receive an access code by email and/or a printout handed to them. The new implementation of Patient Link aims to empower patients by providing them with the information and tools they need to actively participate in their healthcare journey. Hannibal Regional’s state-of-the-art radiology department is dedicated to using the latest technology to deliver quick and accurate results to patients. To schedule an appointment, please call 573-248-5688. For questions on using Patient link, please call Medicom support at 844-686-9599 or contact Hannibal Regional Radiology at 573-248-5301. 

Hannibal Regional is committed to the health and well-being of the community that we serve, extending care beyond traditional medical services by offering free support groups. These groups provide essential guidance, support, and education to patients, their families, and our own team members. Ongoing support groups include:   Accountability Support Group: The Accountability Support Group provides a foundation to help implement and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. Topic areas that are discussed include fitness, nutrition, mental health and so much more. This support group meets every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Sunroom. For more information, please call 573-629-3382.   Breastfeeding Support Group: The Breastfeeding Support Group provides an opportunity to enjoy the support and suggestions of other breastfeeding mothers, get questions answered and check your baby's weight. One of our board-certified lactation consultants will be there to help answer questions. The group meets twice each week in the OB Classroom at Hannibal Regional Hospital on Monday evenings at 5:00 pm and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am. For questions, call 573-248-5161.   Diabetes Support Group: Join the Diabetes Support Group to learn about the healthcare management that goes along with diabetes. A variety of educational topics on diabetes management are discussed to support mental and physical health. Participants have the opportunity to connect with others and healthcare professionals to further their knowledge and support on diabetes management. For more information, call 573-629-3382.   Stroke Support Group: Life after a stroke often brings new challenges for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers. Recognizing the need for stroke support, Hannibal Regional is pleased to offer a free Stroke Support Group. The Stroke Support Group meets every fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Sun Room. For more information, please call 573-629-3444.   Through these support groups, participants are able to relate to others going through similar health journeys, as well as gain the knowledge and tools they may need to take control of their health. To learn more about Hannibal Regional and the various services provided, please visit hannibalregional.org or call 573-248-1300 to make an appointment with a Hannibal Regional provider.

In the summer of 2022, Rebekah Parks of Memphis Missouri found herself grappling with significant health challenges. At 340 lbs. and in her early 50s, she was dealing with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure requiring medication, frequent migraines, joint pain, and low energy levels. Despite trying various weight loss methods, diets, and medications over the years, any success she had was short-lived, with the weight always returning, often with more added.   Recognizing the need for professional help, Rebekah consulted her primary care physician, Dr. Priyanka Yerragorla, at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. Dr. Yerragorla candidly informed Rebekah that her health would continue to deteriorate and recommended surgery as the best option for long-term success given her severe obesity.   Following this advice, Rebekah was referred to Dr. Richie Goriparthi, a bariatric surgeon at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. After an in-depth discussion about her weight and other medical conditions, they decided on the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) procedure. This surgery, more so than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, significantly impacts intestinal hormones to reduce hunger, increase fullness, and improve blood sugar control. It is considered the most effective metabolic operation for treating type 2 diabetes. Also, it offers the least chance of weight regain compared to the other procedures. Dr.Goriparthi was the first to perform this complex procedure in 2022 at Hannibal Regional Hospital using the advanced Robotic surgery technology, and had performed several successfully since then. Rebekah recalls, “I felt reassured by Dr. Goriparthi's knowledge and the detailed information he provided. That was all I needed to feel comfortable moving forward with the procedure.”   Rebekah says a crucial element of her journey was the support from the Weight Management Solutions Team, both before and after her surgery. She began a pre-operative diet immediately, losing 32 pounds before the surgery. She explains, “The dietitians were always available to answer my questions, and the support meetings, which I could attend virtually if necessary, were immensely beneficial. Because of all of these resources, I never felt alone in my journey.”   Eighteen months after her surgery, Rebekah has lost an astonishing 170 pounds! She has completely reversed her health issues and regained a significant part of her life that was lost to poor health. Reflecting on her transformation, Rebekah shared, “Over the years I lost so much of myself to poor health, migraines, and always feeling tired. Now I can go and do the things I want to with my grandkids without worrying if there will be too much walking. This surgery has given me the greatest gift – it has given me my life back!”

On Friday, June 28 Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed the FY25 state budget, finalizing a $15,000,000 state appropriation to Hannibal Regional to build a new cancer center in Kirksville. Since 2022, Kirksville has lacked life-saving radiation oncology services, creating an undue burden on area residents fighting cancer. Hannibal Regional, with the support of many partners, identified this critical issue and now with state support will begin efforts to offer this life-saving care in Kirksville. Since purchasing the Complete Family Medicine clinics in the Kirksville/Highway 63 market, Hannibal Regional has seen rapid growth in the services they provide, which prompted them to begin conversations in the community about important unmet healthcare needs. Through these discussions, Hannibal Regional quickly identified the pressing need for radiation oncology services for cancer patients in the Kirksville market, which had been discontinued in the summer of 2022. The lack of this life-saving service in the Kirksville community has created an undue burden on hundreds of area residents as they must travel nearly 200 miles roundtrip daily (for 5 days each week, normally 6-8 weeks total) for cancer treatments should they receive a diagnosis that requires radiation oncology. Hannibal Regional identified this as a major disservice to the Kirksville community and began taking steps to invest in this service in Kirksville. Hannibal Regional has been offering compassionate, expert radiation oncology services to the Hannibal community at the Cary Cancer Center since 2003, which reinforced Hannibal Regional’s understanding of what a void Kirksville is facing without these services in that community. This state investment into the local healthcare of northeast Missouri was led by Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, and supported by others including Senator Rusty Black, and Representatives Louis Riggs, Greg Sharpe, Chad Perkins and Danny Busick. While the state funding is a major injection of resources into this important project, it is not the only step needed to build the cancer center. Hannibal Regional has submitted a full Certificate of Need application in compliance with receiving approval for the major medical equipment over $1,000,000 for the linear accelerator and vault. The state Certificate of Need process will determine if there is an unmet need in the community and how it should be serviced. While there is definitely an unmet need now since Northeast Regional Medical Center discontinued radiation oncology services in 2022, they recently announced they may have intentions of buying a new linear accelerator and offering this service again. Should this happen, the Certificate of Need process will be used to determine what entity is approved to purchase the linear accelerator and meet this need. For more information on Hannibal Regional and Complete Family Medicine, or questions regarding the cancer center, call 573-629-3577. 

Meet Taylor Lyles, a Clinical Research Nurse on the Innovation and Research team here at Hannibal Regional. Taylor cares for patients who are taking part in clinical trial studies. She coordinates patient care, administers clinical trial medications, and screens patients for new trials. Taylor also works closely with patients to monitor their symptoms and improvements throughout a clinical trial. For Taylor, the best part of her job is the relationships she builds with patients. "We usually see our patients every few weeks and stay in frequent communication with them. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the clinical trial side of medicine and understand how our standards of care have evolved. I've learned so much about various medical conditions and how they impact daily lives." The Innovation and Research team works hard to better patient's wellbeing and to bring new medications and treatment to the area. Thank you, Taylor, for caring for our patients and guiding them to BETTER.