UnityPoint Health

The first implant procedure for a new treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was successfully performed at our Bettendorf hospital earlier this year. The patient is one of 315 people in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand participating in study to expand treatment options for those with PAD. A common condition, PAD occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms and legs. It affects more than 18 million Americans and more than 236 million people worldwide. The implant is designed to treat patients with symptomatic, limiting PAD who've failed a conservative management. Patients are monitored for 36 months. The procedure was performed by Nicolas W. Shammas, MD, MS, Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC, and Founder and Director of the Midwest Cardiovascular Research Foundation. “This is an exciting first step in better understanding and treating those suffering from peripheral arterial disease,” says Dr. Shammas. “Unlocking new avenues of treatment will help offer patients not just feel relief but provide them with better outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.” Kathy Pulley, director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health - Trinity, adds, “Having access to groundbreaking studies and new technologies is just one way we’re serving our community. Our team brings patients the cutting-edge care they expect right here at home." Learn more about our heart services: https://uph.link/HeartCare

Jenna Gust, Jamie Webster and Aja Barrow came to work in health care from all walks life. Through the encouragement of their managers and pushing each other along, the three women finished nursing school together as first-generation college graduates. Jenna's mom is a long-time environmental services team member at our Madison hospital. She encouraged Jenna to apply at the hospital for more than three years. Jenna struggled in high school and initially didn't think college would be the right fit for her. However, her experience as a CNA made her determined to work hard and return to nursing school at age 25. Jamie’s journey to nursing took a different route. She started as a housekeeper and then transitioned into a CNA role for 25 years. Before Jamie's dad passed away, he bought her a stethoscope to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. When she found out her local college offered a licensed practical nurse (LPN) diploma, a one-year program, Jamie was hesitant about managing a family of 6 while working and going to school. However, she still went for it with the help of tuition assistance from UnityPoint Health. Jamie still uses the stethoscope from her dad. Aja came to the U.S. from Gambia, West Africa. While working at a hair salon, a client mentioned she'd make a wonderful nurse. Aja took her comment to heart. Inspired by the young nurses she worked with as a CNA, she felt a pull to take her career a step further. She thought back to her mother, who encouraged her not to take advantage of growth opportunities wherever possible. Aja knew it would be hard work since she'd been out of school for years and had two children. She also encouraged her coworker, Jamie, and her sister, Joanna, to take the leap with her so they could push each other. Jamie, Aja and Aja’s sister applied and were accepted to the nursing program together in 2019. Last year, the three women completed their final year of classes and flipped their tassels together. Today, they all work as nurses at UnityPoint Health - Meriter. Join a team where you can grow: https://lnkd.in/enjJQFYK

Our new 75,000 square foot multispecialty clinic is open and fully staffed with care experts. Yesterday, we cut the ribbon on Waukee Medical Park. The facility conveniently offers family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN and cardiology, with more specialties coming later this year. Thanks to the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and the Waukee community for helping us celebrate! https://lnkd.in/gKJ6k9fV

Phlebotomist. It's not only fun to say, it's a pretty cool job, too. Abby, Sina and Sadie collect patient blood samples throughout the hospital as the first step toward a plan to feel better. Join a team who cares: https://lnkd.in/enjJQFYK

From volunteer to official team member. 💙 Four years ago, Ekaze (left) was mentored by Gary (right) as a volunteer for UnityPoint Health. It was an experience that helped him decide he wanted to stick around. Fast forward to today, Ekaze's a registered nurse in our cath lab. He says, "Volunteering exposed me to health care and allowed me to work with and make connections with a wide variety of patients, visitors and employees. After graduating, I moved away, but when I was ready to move back home, I knew UnityPoint Health was the right choice for me. The friendly staff and patient-centered culture were the reasons I wanted to come back.” Volunteering is an excellent way to see what it's like to work in health care and find a role that interests you. Check out what's available in your area: https://uph.link/Volunteer

What started as an after school job turned into a 50 year career for Theresa Miller. Moving to only two different departments in her five decades with UnityPoint Health, Theresa became an early leader. “I’m still kind of amazed,” she says. “I was very young but a hard worker and proved myself. I believe in that, myself and my staff.” She adds, “I’ve also had really great leaders through the years. They’re part of the reason I stayed and helped shape me as a leader.” Theresa says her favorite part about the UnityPoint Health culture is that she’s always felt like she could be herself. “I don’t have to put on a mask and be somebody I’m not. It allows me to bring things up that are important to me and have discussions. Our culture allows us to have open and honest dialogue." Fifty years holds a lifetime of milestones for anyone. For Theresa, she’s experienced births, deaths, weddings, break-ups and grandkids. She says her colleagues have been with her through everything. “My family within my four walls of UnityPoint Health have been part of it all. Those friendships helped me celebrate and get through hard times.” Through all the changes in the healthcare industry Theresa has witnessed (including typewriters to electronic payments), she says her purpose has never wavered. "It goes back to, no matter how big or small, I can make a difference. We never know when we’re going to be that person who makes a difference for someone else.” Join a team that cares for the long-haul: https://lnkd.in/enjJQFYK

Our Des Moines hospital recently donated 117 hospital beds to countries in need of them. The contribution is done in partnership with Matter NGO, an organization that distributes medical equipment to hospitals and clinics around the world. It's an honor to have resources that support patients outside of our communities, too. 💙 Many thanks to our facilities team for helping prep the beds and load the trucks for delivery!

Our people are amazing, and we’re honored to celebrate year 3️⃣ as a top place to work in health care. Becker's Healthcare chooses organizations that promote diversity, employee engagement, professional growth and work/life balance. We’re proud to be in such good company. https://lnkd.in/g9KvRV7Q

After 43 years of manual labor, Terry Brosius' back pain was unbearable. He'd gone through surgery years ago, but the pain returned and other treatments stopped working. As a single dad, Terry needed his life back. That's when Terry met UnityPoint Health Neurosurgeon Dr. Catherine Miller. Once a local to the area, Dr. Miller moved back in 2022 to provide this highly specialized service to patients like Terry. Images showed Terry's lower back had worn down to bone on bone, along with having significant arthritis and pinched nerves. “Terry is a great example of how the right surgery can change a person's life,” Dr. Miller said. “We always encourage patients to try conservative options first, such as therapies, medications or injections, but for some, surgery is the only option." Terry underwent a successful spinal fusion that's made it possible for him to do more things with his son and has improved his quality of life. To Wiley, Terry's 10-year-old son, his dad is now assembled like a hero from a comic book. Looking at the X-rays of his dad’s back, images that included a steel cage fusing his lower spine to his tailbone, all held together with rods and screws, Wiley said, “Dad, you’re like a superhero!” https://uph.link/2c10ba

UnityPoint Health volunteers spent their weekend out in the Quad Cities community raising awareness for Black men's health. The event was part of our Medicine in the Barbershop initiative, where Information about regular preventative screenings, diabetes and blood pressure checks are offered. Local barbers volunteer to support the event and give free haircuts, too. In an interview with local media station KWQC, barber Sherwin Q. Robinson Sr. said, "We’re trying to stop that narrative that we don’t go to the hospital, and we’re not concerned about our health. We want to be here longer, so we can live for not just ourselves, but our family as well. It’s also helpful that I can start showing by example that this is important, because if I’m doing it, my clients are doing it." Community members can use our easy search tool to find a doctor near them: https://lnkd.in/gsTayD4Z