The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus

Please join us in celebrating April Ochs, RN in our ICU who has been honored with the DAISY Award for her exceptional care and compassion. April was nominated by the son of a patient who shared heartfelt gratitude for the comfort and support she provided during his mother’s final days. April not only attended to his mother’s needs but also offered tremendous support to him and his wife throughout an incredibly challenging time. "April is a credit to both St. Francis and the nursing profession," the patient’s son shared. "She was there for us every step of the way, going above and beyond to make sure my mom was at peace. To me, that’s the true definition of a caregiver—a super nurse." The DAISY Award celebrates nurses who demonstrate excellence in compassionate care. To learn more about the DAISY Award and to nominate a nurse at St. Francis, visit https://lnkd.in/gTTM7Q_E.

Our Cancer Center was honored to host the 2024 GI Cancer Symposium on Friday, demonstrating our commitment to advancing healthcare education for regional providers and healthcare professionals. The symposium offered valuable insights into key areas of GI oncology, including the importance of starting colon cancer screenings at age 45, incorporating radiation therapy in GI cancer treatment plans, and identifying hereditary GI malignancies, such as Lynch Syndrome. Presenters also explored tailored treatment options for Lynch Syndrome and discussed the benefits of surgical interventions for GI cancer survival. A special highlight was a presentation by a patient of Dr. Manidhar Lekkala and Dr. Shekhar Challa, who shared his personal journey with Lynch syndrome and colon cancer. His story underscored the vital role of colorectal screenings and genetic testing. A special thank you to our symposium course director, Manidhar Lekkala, MD, Medical Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center St. Francis Campus. Symposium presenters included: Osama Diab, MD, Medical Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center St. Francis Campus; Carlyle Dunshee, MD, General Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus; Yiqing Shirley Butler-Xu, MD, Radiation Oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center at St. Francis Campus and Shekhar Challa, MD, Gastroenterologist, Kansas Medical Clinic. The University of Kansas Cancer Center, in partnership with The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, leverages the expertise of the health system to support research, clinical quality and best practices in oncology. For more information about our cancer services, visit https://lnkd.in/gVm3EZiE.

Join us in welcoming Natalee Yochum, PA-C, to our family medicine team! Natalee brings a passion for patient-centered care and a deep commitment to fostering strong patient-provider relationships. Her own health experiences have shaped her approach, emphasizing patient autonomy and transparent communication to empower patients in their healthcare journeys. Her medical interests include women’s health, dermatology, gastroenterology, preventative care, and pediatrics. With training in integrative medicine, Natalee emphasizes evidence-based practices that support nutrition, mental health and the immune system. Outside of work, Natalee enjoys spending time with her pets and expresses her creativity as both an artist and writer. She is currently working on the fourth book in her historical fiction series. Natalie is welcoming new patients at our family medicine location at 600 SW Jewell Ave. in Topeka. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-295-5310 or visit https://lnkd.in/ggV8brF4.

Join us in welcoming Monica Blanton-Birzer, MS, PA-C, to our neurosurgery team! With over 25 years of experience in neurology, orthopedic surgery and health education, Monica brings a wealth of expertise to St. Francis. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring every patient feels heard and valued. Specializing in minimally invasive and complex spinal procedures, Monica works closely with patients to guide them through their care journey, treating each one with dignity and respect. Outside of work, Monica is an avid swimmer, yoga enthusiast and dog lover—her mini-Dachshund even underwent spinal surgery this year, giving her a unique perspective on spinal procedures through the veterinary world. Monica is accepting new patients with a referral. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 785-295-8470 or visit https://lnkd.in/giGb4Gr5.

We believe healthcare is a team sport, and every player has something valuable to contribute. At The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, we are committed to supporting your passion for patient care and helping you grow in your career. With the mindset that teamwork wins, we believe that together we create meaningful change in the lives of our patients, our communities and one another. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/gQvr65nc.

You're invited to our virtual hiring event on Thursday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are hiring graduate nurses, LPNs, PCTs and RNs. Connect with our team to learn more about our career opportunities, benefits and culture!

We’re excited to introduce Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe-Meyer, MD, our new family medicine provider at our Valley Falls location. Growing up in Nortonville, Kansas, Dr. Wolfe-Meyer received care from Dr. James Rider at the same Valley Falls clinic where she will now practice. She is passionate about bringing high-quality, evidence-based care to rural communities like the one she calls home. With expertise in mental health care, obstetric and prenatal care and co-managing conditions with specialists, Dr. Wolfe-Meyer provides care for patients of all ages—from newborns to seniors. She is also deeply committed to women’s health, pediatric care and supporting patients in their recovery journeys through addiction medicine. Dr. Wolfe-Meyer earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine in Pueblo, Colorado. She is board-certified in family medicine and is a proud member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Excited to bring her family back to the community she loves, Dr. Wolfe-Meyer embraces her roots as a Jayhawk fan and graduate of the University of Kansas Medical Center, proudly exclaiming, "Rock Chalk!" Dr. Wolfe-Meyer is accepting new patients at the St. Francis Valley Falls clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-295-5346.

Join our team as Chief Financial Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization. We are seeking a visionary leader with exceptional financial expertise, ready to provide strategic insights that drive growth and ensure the success of our long-term goals. Make a lasting impact and help guide our organization to new heights. Learn more and apply today at https://lnkd.in/gsH_UtUw.

Don’t let the flu catch you! Help keep the germs away this season by getting your annual flu shot. Take charge of your health this season. Schedule your flu shot today by calling 833-4NewDoc (1-833-463-9362). #FluSeason #FluPreparedness #DontLetTheFluCatchYou #BeAFluFighter

Join us in welcoming Dr. Chakraborti, a fellowship-trained pulmonologist and critical care physician who specializes in advanced pulmonary procedures to our pulmonology team. Committed to providing compassionate, individualized care with a focus on complex pulmonary cases such as lung cancer and obstructive lung diseases, Dr. Chakraborti ensures that each of his patients feels heard, supported and valued throughout their healthcare journey. Dr. Chakraborti earned his medical degree from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India, and completed his internal medicine residency at One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in New York. He then went on to complete a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Rutgers Health, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. Drawn to Kansas for its unique blend of small-town charm and city life, Dr. Chakraborti is excited to bring his expertise to the Topeka area. Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking, traveling and exploring global cuisines. He’s fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi and Kannada. Dr. Chakraborti is accepting new patients with a referral. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gt2b_T5Z or call (785) 295-9401.