Springfield Hospital

SPRINGFIELD, VT (December 2, 2020)  –  Springfield Hospital is pleased to welcome Brenda May, DO, FACOOG to Springfield Gynecology effective December 1^st.

Dr. May is a graduate of Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, where she earned her BA in Chemistry. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Tuoro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed her Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at Memorial Hospital in York, PA. In addition, she completed a fellowship in Gynecology Oncology at York Hospital, York, PA.

Prior to joining Springfield Gynecology, Dr. May served as Captain, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. May is currently accepting new patients. Please call Springfield Gynecology to schedule an appointment, 802-885-7561.

SPRINGFIELD, VT (October 15, 2020)  – Springfield Hospital is pleased to welcome two urology physicians who recently joined Leanne Alexander, PA-C, and the urology staff at Springfield Urology.

“We are pleased to welcome Drs. Kilchevsky and Madden-Fuentes to Springfield Urology—and to bring the skills of these experienced urology professionals to our region,” commented Michelle Johnson, Director of Specialty Practice Operations for Springfield Hospital.

Amichai D. Kilchevsky, MD, received his medical degree from The George Washington University School ofMedicine in Washington, DC and completed his urology residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, in New Haven, CT. Dr. Kilchevsky is board certified by the American Board of Urology.

Ramiro Madden-Fuentes, MD received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX and completed his residency in Urologic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Dr. Madden-Fuentes is board certified by the American Board of Urology.

Leanne Alexander, PA-C, joined our Urology practice in January 2019. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies from the University of New England, Portland, ME, and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Leanne currently holds ACLS, PALS, ATLS and BLS certifications from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Springfield Urology is currently scheduling appointments for new and existing patients. For more information, please visit our website at www.springfieldurology.org.  To schedule an appointment, please call 802-886-3556.    ###

Contact: Anna Smith, VP of Marketing & Development, 603-885-7621, annasmith@springfieldmed.org

Springfield, VT (October 14, 2020)  —

Springfield Medical Care Systems recently received recognition for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees.  For a second year, SMCS earned a Gold Award for Excellence in Worksite Wellness from the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

This Council promotes physical fitness within schools, governments, and the private sector. Each year, the Council identifies employers that prioritize their employees’ health and encourage their staff to do the same.  The Gold Level award is the highest level of recognition for employers based on the quality of their employee wellness programs. Janet E. Franz, Chairperson for the Council, reports they continue to see a record number of Worksite Wellness Award applicants each year.

“SMCS is pleased to receive this affirmation of their commitment to employee health and wellness. We have a longstanding wellness committee that focuses on creation and execution of health incentives for employees. These incentives include 30-day fitness challenges, healthy eating challenges, walking programs, and on-site education,” comments Robyn Priebe who participates on the committee. “SMCS recently launched a new wellness portal for staff to help them track healthy habits, make behavior changes, and stay motivated as they improve their health and wellbeing.  SMCS also offers employees discounted gym memberships, on-site employee gyms at some of their facilities, access to free wellness coaching, and a myriad of other services to support employee health,” she added.

SMCS also collaborates with local community organizations to offer a wide variety of wellness-based activities that encourage healthier living.

For more information on the SMCS worksite wellness program, please contact Robyn Priebe, RD, CD, CDE, at 802-885-7670 or email rpriebe@springfieldmed.org.    ###

SPRINGFIELD, VT (October 2, 2020)  – Springfield Hospital hosted its 20^th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge on September 16th at Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vermont and raised over $12,000 for its Operating Room Equipment Fund.

Sixty-eight tournament participants enjoyed a variety of competitions in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. A new GMC Sierra Double Cab was up for grabs for a hole-in- one on hole 8, thanks to Springfield GMC Buick Cadillac and ten thousand dollars was available on hole 17 for a hole-in-one, thanks to Ludlow Insurance Agency. No money or truck were awarded this year, but the day was still spectacular for golf. “With COVID-19 in mind, we put into place all the precautions necessary to have a safe, yet enjoyable day of golf for the players and volunteers. We were all ready for a bit of normalcy and everyone understood the importance of being safe and following the current guidelines,” said Sandy Peplau, Tournament Organizer.

Winners in the A and B Flights were as follows: A Flight 1^st Gross: Andy Courchesne, Jody Perkins, Matt Oscadel and Ted Stryhas. A Flight 2^nd Gross: Rick Marasa, Chris Garvey, Brian Perkins and Greg Birsky. A Flight 1^st Net: Curtis Lindamood, Deke Dexter, Steve Ankuda and Mike Martin. A Flight 2^nd Net: Steve Currie, Eric Warren, Bruce Bentley and Robert Cornell.

B Flight 1^st Gross: Greg White,Guy Alderdice, Tim Mello and Dave Muller. B Flight 2^nd Gross: Steve Wierzbicki, Walter Oaks, Vic Baskivich and Mike Pinney. B Flight 1^st Net: Peter Andrews, Jeff Perkins, Greg Goodrich and Jim Stokes. B Flight 2^nd Net: Scott Kelley, Karl Wentworth, Mike Matulonis and Brett Jasinski.

The straightest drive was won by Bob Mahoney and longest putt went to Pat Moore.

Many thanks go to over forty sponsors that made this a fundraising success.  “It is obviously necessary to have people that are willing to play in the tournament, and for that we are very grateful. However, sponsors and raffle prize donors are key to how successful the event will be,” commented Peplau. Our tournament sponsors this year at the $1000 level were: Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, SunSoil and The Richards Group. The entire list can be found at www.springfieldhospitalgiving.org/golf.

###

Photo Caption: Backrow L to R: Mike Pinney, Steve Wierzbicki. Front row: Vic Baskivich

Springfield Hospital is pleased to announce expanded hours at Connecticut Valley ENT.

Christopher Ryder, MD, and staff are now available for assessment and treatment of comprehensive range of ear, nose and throat conditions, Monday through Friday, at Ridgewood Professional Building, 29 Ridgewood Road, Springfield, VT.  Lisa Gosselin, MS, CCC-A, also offers audiology testing and hearing aids at this location.

For more information, please visit www.ctvalleyent.org.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling 802-886-1775.

###

SPRINGFIELD, VT (July 24, 2020)  – It is that time of the year again, when Springfield Hospital hosts its annual Golf Challenge.  The tournament takes place at the prestigious Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vermont on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

Besides the amenities of this beautiful golf course, golfers in this premier tournament receive a hearty box lunch at sign in, participation in course contests, and a special participation gift.

A and B flights ensure that golfers compete at their own level and increase the number of winning teams.  Gift certificates to Okemo’s pro shop are awarded to more than 1 out of every 4 golfers in the tournament.

There are hole-in-one prizes on all par 3 holes, including a new vehicle, and $10,000 cash. Participants can compete for the longest putt and straightest drive.

A four-player scramble, the Springfield Hospital Challenge has an 11am start on Wednesday, September 16. We will be following the current State of VT, VT Golf Association and CDC guidelines at the time of the event, so tee times may need to be assigned. Players can enter as a team or as individuals. The entry fee for this fundraiser is $150 per person.

For sponsors, the event offers an opportunity to raise funds for the important services of Springfield Hospital, while also providing valuable exposure.  Sponsorship packages range in size and value.   Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used to support the Springfield Hospital’s annual operating equipment fund.

Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so act soon.  To enter or sponsor this year’s Springfield Hospital Challenge, go to www.SpringfieldHospitalGiving.org/golf  or contact Sandy Peplau at 802-885-7686 or speplau@springfieldmed.org.

SPRINGFIELD, VT (June 19, 2020) – The 15th annual Eileen Austin Neal RN Nursing Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Miranda Todt of North Springfield, VT to attend the Colby-Sawyer College Nursing Program.  Miranda, who attended Windsor High School, stated in her application that “after spending time in the clinical setting, there are many ways a nurse impacts a patient’s health and their experiences while receiving care. I have learned from working in the hospital that the two most important aspects of patient care are having the skills necessary to treat the patient and have a sense of compassion and empathy.”

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005.  She was the first recipient of the Hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the Hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory from Eileen’s family as well as from community members.

“We are delighted to award Miranda this scholarship and wish her the best with her education and dreams of someday being a Nurse Practitioner,” says Sandy Peplau, Marketing and Development. “This scholarship assists her to pursue the career path that she feels is right for her”.

Photo: Miranda Todt; Robert Austin, son of Eileen Austin Neal

Meekah Hance, Green Mountain Union High School Class of 2020 graduate, is the tenth recipient of the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award.  This award contributes $1000 annually toward a student’s academic pursuit of a career in health care.  It is funded by the proceeds of the Apple Blossom Cotillion, a project of the Development Office of Springfield Hospital.

Dr. Lovell was a longtime physician at Springfield Hospital.  His daughters, Melissa Post and Elizabeth David, said, “While he was a man who never sought recognition for his service in the medical field or in the community, we know he would be honored to have this award named in his memory.  We hope recipients of the award will share the same sense of wonder and fascination with the world of medicine that he did.”

Hance will be a Pre-Medicine student at Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida in the fall.  She plans to continue her education to become a Physician Assistant.  She comes from a family of healthcare professionals and knew as a young child that she wanted to have a career in healthcare.  She attended the Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) MedQuest program in 2019 and will attend the Virtual Advanced MedQuest program this summer.  After MedQuest last summer, Hance joined the Chester Ambulance Service as a Junior EMT.  She has since completed the training to become a certified EMT and will be taking her national exam this month.

To be eligible for the award, students must live in one of the towns served by Springfield Medical Care System and attend AHEC’s MedQuest program.  Information on this program is available by contacting Southern Vermont AHEC at (802) 885-2126 or emailing ethomas@svtahec.org.

Photo: L to R: Sandy Peplau, Marketing and Development for Springfield Medical Care Systems; Meekah Hance, 2020 Lovell Health Career Award Winner

Springfield, VT (May 11, 2020) –    Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital are pleased to announce Abby Burns, RN as the 2020 Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award recipient.

Abby Burns, RN
Abby Burns excels in the areas of communication, care of patients, nursing professionalism and teamwork. Abby greets patients as though she has known them for years. Her smile and friendly approach puts patients at ease and pulls them in. She is able to meet patients where they are at and find ways to connect and create trust. She does this through truly caring for patients and having a genuine desire to help improve their health or social situation. She is a great listener and she allows patients to be decision makers and set the course for what they are ready to tackle. She also takes the time to educate patients about the way these decisions can affect their overall health. Abby’s current role is RN Care Coordinator, where she collaborates with the primary care providers to ensure patients’ needs are met. She is often working with community partners to address social determinants of health and she is a strong patient advocate to ensure patients are able to access the resources they need. Abby previously held the role of Director of Nursing. As the Director of Nursing, Abby was a great support to the clinical support staff team for SMCS. She looked for opportunities to provide education and training to ensure staff were providing quality care and they felt confident doing it. She has the skills to identify efficient workflows and processes that both support the clinical support staff, primary care providers and the patient.  She developed an orientation and training plan that assessed skills and identified opportunities for growth for new team members. Abby is in influencer! She has a way of bringing people together and highlighting the strengths of team members and encouraging them to shine. Her approach inspires people to be at their best. Her passion for nursing and supporting the health and well-being of our patients and community is inspirational.

We are writing to nominate Abby Burns for the Eileen Austin Neal award for excellence in nursing.  As Nurse Leader for the practice, Abby’s positive attitude, high standards, and dedication to teamwork and patients knitted us together. She led us through the transition into the Springfield Health Center site, through changes, challenges, and audits with humor and the kind of enthusiasm that inspires everyone around her to do their best for the group. When she stepped away from Ridgewood,  it was of course, to leadership for the nurses of the entire FQHC system. During that period, Abby could be found anywhere she was needed, from staffing phones to writing procedures -anything that benefitted SMCS patients was touched by her influence, and often by her particular caring skill.   When she transitioned to Care Coordinator at Family Medicine, fate had other plans. There was no reason it had to be her to step up and lead Springfield Health Center through a pandemic crisis; that’s just the way she is. She organized the triage banks, designed the Health Center testing procedures, and had us all feeling like we are answering a call to service. We feel that way because she feels that way. Abby is qualified for the Eileen Austin Neal award by training, temperament, and inclination. She has served the people of this healthcare system in so many ways, from med-surg to mental health to community nursing.  We are so lucky and privileged to have her with us.

Abby Burns is an exceptional nurse, in more ways than I can count. I will try to summarize some examples in the following nomination. While reading the criteria under each category; Communication, Care of Patient’s, Professionalism and Team work, I could answer YES to every single one! I had the pleasure of orienting Abby. When she first started at Springfield Hospital on the Medical-Surgical floor, she hit floor running and even at her most stressful moments, had a smile on her face. Abby has now worked in many roles at SMCS office practices, most currently as a care coordinator in Suite 3. Abby is a pleasure to talk to on the phone and is always willing to help in any way she can. I can say that, from working collaboratively, Abby goes above and beyond for the patient’s in our community, meeting and exceeding their healthcare needs. Abby puts her whole heart into her nursing and treats patients as they were her own family members. She meets patients where they are at(emotionally, psychosocially) and treats them as individuals and works with them/their care team to develop an appropriate plan of care. During this COVID19 pandemic, Abby has stepped up as one of the main leaders for nurses at the health center and her leadership skills have been spot on. We are truly blessed to have Abby as a part of our team and hope that you can see, as I do, how deserving she is of this award.

Other 2020 Spirit of Nursing Award nominees include:

Scott Belt, RN
Patient Care Coordinator at Rockingham Health Center since July, 2015 where he had been employed at Springfield Hospital for 10 years. He is a CPR Instructor and a Smoking Cessation Instructor.
Scott listens to all people with open and positive communication, and views internal communication within this organization as his responsibility. His is committed to doing the best job possible, always willing to help with caring and seeking opportunities to be helpful. Scott demonstrates his ability to respond to requests for information without hesitation, has excellent leadership skills and incorporates these skills in teaching of health care. Scott interacts with ALL multidisciplinary members in a professional manner, and treats everyone fairly without regard to sex, race, color, religion or sexual orientation. He serves as a role model and strives for “service excellence, ” sharing his time, energy and knowledge with others to ensure they can succeed. He is always willing to “lend a hand” with staffing issues, Script Line, Triage Nurse, COVID-19 Monitor-to say  a few. As Jean Watson, PhD, RN says ” ….caring and love in our work….nursing is a life-giving and life­ receiving career” –this is Scott.

Carolyn Berk, RN
When Carolyn came to Ludlow, I was a bit intimidated by this sharp young ICU nurse, but I soon realized that she was just what we needed here. Carolyn is now our triage nurse, staying at “the helm”. She interacts all day long with patients. She is clear and concise when delivering information. Many patients see her as their “contact” person. Carolyn has learned to identify with patients, and sees them as individuals with needs that are unique to the individual. When it comes down to an emergency event, which we have quite a few such events in our rural clinic, there are only a few people I want at my side and Carolyn is one of the best. She knows her stuff and keeps me and other staff grounded, making everyone more calm. I don’t yell as much and the situation is handled. Carolyn is very professional, guides and inspires our newer staff; and strives always for professionalism. Carolyn shows pride in being an RN and is a valuable resource. Knowing she is “at the helm” of our day to day activities makes all of Ludlow Health Center better.

Mary Ann Bonneville, RN
One of the great attributes of a Nurse is the ability to adapt and change. Mary Ann does this not only in the blink of an eye but with a smile and a nod and her classic, “ok then.”This year has been beyond challenging, stressful and completely full of the need for changes and adjustments to not only the way we do Nursing, but also the way we live our lives in general. Mary Ann went from being a teammate to a leader in the Endoscopy Department. She took on those challenges with grace and understanding that the job needed to be done and she could do it. Not only have I been a Nursing peer with Mary Ann, but I have been her patient. I felt comfortable and at ease knowing that I had a Nurse who I felt genuinely cared about me as her patient. I have witnessed her treating every patient equally with compassion and without judgement, a quality that ALL Nurses should strive for. I am sure that Eileen would have agreed that Mary Ann is a Nurse worthy of this recognition. Mary Ann has been a Springfield employee for many years starting as an LNA then as an RN. Mary Ann has also worked for several departments in the hospital. Currently, she is the charge nurse for Endoscopy.  When Mary Ann first took on her new role, she was given many obstacles which she took in stride and never complained. Mary Ann is always able to see the good and has created morale that is happy and optimistic. Mary Ann always has the best interest of her coworkers and patients in mind. Mary Ann can be called on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and she is always willing to come to work and help out. She has a lot of knowledge and cares deeply about the work she does. She always wants her coworkers to succeed and wants what is best for her patients.  Mary Ann deserves this award because she has given herself to this hospital. She has built up her unit so her staff and surgeons are happy, and morale is at an all-time high. Her coworkers know they can call night or day. Mary Ann has committed herself to being the best nurse she can be.

Jenna Crawford, RN
Jenna Crawford is an exceptional part of our team. From the first day I met her, I could tell she was more than an asset to the Charlestown Health Center (CHC) family. She always has a smile on her face, but remains professional at all times with patients and colleagues. She’s willing to teach new team members and is always up for a new challenge! When working on certain tasks with Jenna, both with patients and “behind the scenes” in the office, she is compassionate, thoughtful, and puts patient care above all else. Jenna demonstrates a scope of clinical skills that is beyond what is expected of her, and yet she is always humble in all settings. Jenna is someone you look forward to working with on a daily basis; the nurse you want to call over when your patient needs someone’s hand to hold, draw blood, and everything in between, and the teammate you can depend on. To say she goes above and beyond as a nurse would be an understatement. It is quite a difficult feat to be kind, compassionate, empathetic, patient, skillful, well-educated, professional and, most of all,  humble.  Jenna Crawford does this effortlessly. We are so grateful to have her at CHC, and to put it simply, Jenna Crawford is deserving of the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award. Jenna exemplifies every aspect of The Eileen Austin Neap Spirit of Nursing Award.

Jenna creates quick and comforting rapport with every patient and staff member she meets. She is able to calm any nervous patient she meets while getting to know them, all while performing her duties in an efficient manner. Jenna has an innate ability to understand the interaction of body, mind, and spirit of patients which makes her a perfect team member. After rooming the patient, Jenna is able to give great insight as to the patient’s overall well-being and is genuinely interested in their care moving forward. I can always rely on her to reach out to patients before and after an interaction, and to remember previous appointments and interactions. She does this all with such gleaming positivity that it is infectious to the patients and staff. Jenna is the definition of teamwork. She is technically Grace St. Pierre’s nurse, but takes on responsibilities for other nursing staff when she is needed, which is why we know her so well. She constantly reaches out for more opportunities to help with tasks and is always open for questions. Even when she gets overwhelmed, she does not let that affect her professionalism or her ability to remain positive. She is the epitome of this award, and beyond that, what it means to be a nurse. I strongly suggest a serious consideration for this award.

 Lindsey Grasso, RN
I’ve never met a nurse with such a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Although Lindsey’s demeanor is tremendously kind and professional with patients and colleagues, and her greatest skill-set shines  at the front lines of direct patient care. She remains professional and personable during all interactions and never complains. Lindsey demonstrates a maturity and empathy that I’ve seen only in a handful of individuals with whom I’ve worked over the years.  She is the type of nurse that goes above and beyond even when no one is looking.

Blythe Kersula, RN
In her role as the Infection Control RN at Springfield Hospital, Blythe Kersula, RN, has shown extraordinary dedication and leadership. COVID 19 hit us in March when we became one of the first counties in Vermont to see cases. As this was a rapidly evolving situation, she had to navigate a very challenging landscape. Information and guidance literally changed sometimes multiple times a day with regard to best practices, and not only did Blythe have to coordinate a response within the hospital, she handled multiple outpatient SMCS facilities as well as the vulnerable Adult Day service.  Doing this in the face of limited resources and staffing, required her to be focused, organized and creative. I quickly came to see Blythe as knowledgeable, open to suggestion, organized, available, and very dedicated to our facility and its satellites. We owe a debt of gratitude to Blythe for helping to lead us through what has been something none of us has even seen before, and hopefully none of us will ever see again. She has managed to keep not only our patients safe, but has been key to keeping our staff safe.

Sarah Moran, RN
Patients regularly report how helpful she has been and how much they like her. She always takes the extra steps to help them. Patients look for her when they come in. Always willing to help the team.

Kate Moriglioni, RN
Kathleen, more affectionately known to most as Kate-Mo, is easily one of the most positive impacts on the nursing staff here as Springfield Hospital. She has not yet given her 60 plus years, as Eileen has done, but with no doubt in my mind will follow this profession through for many years to come. Kate does not consider this a job; it is a profession where she holds herself to the highest of standards, working tirelessly to empower her staff and patients to exceed. The emergency department is a humming center of intensity, with many personalities and multiple tasks to complete. I first met Kate when she was a nurse on night shift – always making sure her team was supported, inspiring others to do their very best, and always getting a few laughs in along the way. It was when she decided to become a charge nurse that I saw how truly amazing she can be. Caring for complex patient she is a born leader, who will always put her patients and staff first. I have first-hand seen her calm the anxious, support those in need of a little extra attention, and interact with our community members (including EMS, Police, HCRS, among many others) with professionalism and attentiveness that they deserve. She takes the initiative to get things done, before even being asked, and will go above and beyond the requirements.

Desirae Wilbur, RN
Dr. Patricia Benner described the evolution of a nurse from novice to expert the journey from knowing how to perform tasks to the expert nurse who has developed an intuitive grasp of the clinical situation – that extreme sense of the patient’s needs, at the moment and in the future, with an instinctual sense of when someone is really sick and potentially in danger that goes beyond simple vitals signs. I have had the great pleasure of watching Desirae, RN progress from novice to expert and become one of the finest young experts in our system. From a student nurse in 2005 to our clinical leader in 2020, I have watched her grow! Desirae is kind, she always expresses positivity with her peers. Always ready to embrace a new project and learning experience, and presents new initiatives from SMCS in a positive way to our staff. Desirae is beloved by the patients not only for her skills, as many patients request that she be the “only one to draw my blood” or the one “who knows me”. Her assessments are excellent and detailed.  Desirae shows compassion for the patient. She is able to walk in their shoes and is an amazing advocate. She encourages patients to “give a try” in getting better. She takes lifestyle medicine very seriously; working to be a healthy example. She engages in lifestyle change initiatives-weight loss and exercise and supports staff and patients in their efforts. She inspires us all to be better with sincerity and with a smile.

Photo: L to R: Lori Twombly, Director of Health Center Operations; Joshua Dufresne, Acting CEO, SMCS; Abby Burns, RN, Springfield Health Center; Michael Halstead, Interim CEO, Springfield Hospital