Beacon Health System

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Beacon Youth Summit. We welcomed over 100 attendees to an action-packed day of hands-on healthcare career experiences provided by Beacon professionals. Our physician and nurse panel was a highlight, where these medical leaders shared their career paths, discussed balancing schooling and social lives, revealed their best and worst days in healthcare, and highlighted the mentors who shaped their journeys. "Our greatest takeaway was being able to showcase the careers we offer in health care, while offering students the opportunity to talk with the real-life superheroes – our medical professionals about their roles and the ways in which they make a difference within our community," said Pam Morrison, Beacon's workforce development program manager. "The day was full of energy, excitement and inspiration for the future of our workforce." A special thank you to our generous sponsors, Everwise Foundation, Tolson Center for Excellence in Elkhart, and Beacon's Physician Philanthropy Council, whose support made this event a success. Your contributions created an amazing experience. We also thank Dr. Dale Okorodudu of "Black Men in White Coats," who addressed the disparities within racial/ethnic diversity in health care, and Beacon's Michael Nixon, director of diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging. We are eager to start planning for 2025, when we hope to welcome even more future health care professionals! #BeaconYouthSummit #Community #BMWC Everwise Credit Union

An elementary school teacher's private health battle was taking its toll. Though Melvenea Hodges maintained her enthusiasm in the classroom, she struggled silently with severe uterine fibroids until discovering hope through an unexpected source. When initially told she needed a hysterectomy, Melvenea left one doctor's office in tears. But at Beacon Medical Group, she found Dr. Michael Ginsburg, who offered a different path that she would follow: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This minimally invasive procedure helped Melvenea reclaim her life without major surgery. "If your doctor doesn't take the time to talk to you about possible options, find another doctor," Melvenea now tells other women facing similar challenges. "You don't have to settle." Read her full story: https://bit.ly/3Z2J1kg

At the final event in our 2024 Cancer Survivorship Webinar Series, the needs of caregivers will be addressed. Manager of C.A.R.E. Program for Henry Ford Health, Veronica Bilicki, and Beacon Health System Oncology Nurse Navigator, Tricia Coatie, will discuss specific challenges cancer caregivers face. They will also share self-care tips during this one-hour event, from 7-8 p.m. Registration is required and can be completed at https://bit.ly/3Z1t2Tk.

Bonnie Laub stays on top of her annual mammogram schedule. But last year, a broken arm and need to find a new primary care provider caused a delay. When she finally saw her new doctor, getting a mammogram was at the top of her to-do list. During her appointment, she began to realize something wasn’t right. “The tech asked if my breast was normally that size, and I said, ‘Yes,'” she said. “I had kind of noticed it was a little bigger, but with the broken arm, I didn’t really think about it.” A week later, Bonnie returned for a different type of mammogram, quickly followed by an ultrasound. She was then sent to Elkhart General Hospital’s Breast Care Center for a biopsy. Bonnie was speechless when she learned the results: Cancer. Read more about her cancer journey with Beacon: https://bit.ly/4eI3X5E

"When you look at the numbers, lung cancer deaths actually exceed the deaths caused by colon, breast and prostate cancers combined." Driven by this sobering worldwide statistic, Beacon pulmonologist Dr. Diego Heredia is spreading the word about the lifesaving impact of detection through screening. Learn more in this important WVPE Healthcare Headlines story during Lung Cancer Awareness Month: https://bit.ly/3YWFK5Y

Legendary rock band Chicago brought more than music to Beacon Children's Hospital on Friday -- band members delivered superhero-sized joy to young patients and their families ahead of two local weekend performances, including at the University of Notre Dame. In a heartwarming gesture, they visited with families, handing out activity boxes filled with crayons, watercolors, and coloring books. The band's generous donation of hundreds of boxes ensures their positive impact will continue after their visit. Chicago's multigenerational appeal shone bright as parents and staff shared stories of how the band's music has touched their lives. "We're so blessed that it means so much to so many people," said Jimmy Pankow, trombonist and original band member, who was visibly moved during his first-ever NICU visit. Watching him connect with parents and their tiny babies revealed the genuine heart behind the band. "We couldn't be more thrilled to have them joining us," said Jen Tonkovich, Beacon's director of Women and Children's Services.

“I decided on a career in medicine at an early age, as I have always loved the anatomy and physiology of the human body,” says Alexa Rozycki, Au.D. Originally interested in speech pathology, she shifted to audiology after finding it a more interesting topic. “It was in my undergraduate career where I learned about the anatomy of the ear that kickstarted my career focus in audiology.” Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g3hZnR-i

Are you experienced in law enforcement, military police, or healthcare security? Do you have a passion for keeping others safe? We're looking for a Security Officer to join our team, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for our patients, visitors, and staff. Requirements: Education/Experience: 2+ years in law enforcement, healthcare, or industrial security OR military police background with at least 1 year in industrial or healthcare security Criminal justice or related studies a plus! Skills: License to carry a handgun in Michigan (or reciprocal state) OR current employment as Law Enforcement Officer Completed basic firearms training; annual qualifications course required Strong knowledge of surveillance techniques, citizen rights, search and seizure laws Valid driver’s license with satisfactory record Computer proficiency for incident reporting Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with all If you're dedicated, trained, and ready to make a difference in healthcare security, apply now! https://lnkd.in/g96YCpaE

Our Beacon leaders were proud to attend the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend Annual Gala celebrating this year's theme: Mentoring Matters. This inspiring evening highlighted the organization's vital work in supporting youth and empowering mentors across our community. At Beacon, we believe strong mentorship creates pathways to success, both for today's youth and tomorrow's healthcare workforce. In attendance from Beacon (left to right): Damon Martin, Director of Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development; Simone Mack, Medical Receptionist, Memorial Pediatric Specialties; Chekesha Donaldson, Administrative Coordinator, Surgical and Trauma Services, Memorial Hospital; Jacinta Davis, Human Resources Assistant and Data Coordinator; Kamille Hutchinson, Group Practice Manager, E. Blair Warner Family Medicine Center; Natasha Foster, WIC Nutritionist; Avis Taylor, Procurement Specialist; and Mario Ellis, Chief Human Resource Officer.

Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer deaths, but early detection saves lives. At Beacon, our advanced screening program detects lung cancer before symptoms appear, when it's most treatable. Our expert team meets weekly to review cases and create personalized care plans. "Part of the challenge is that lung cancers can grow slowly in your lungs without causing any symptoms," said Dr. Diego Heredia, Beacon Medical Group pulmonologist. "Usually when symptoms appear, it's already late." If you're over 50 with a long-term smoking history, a quick, low-dose CT scan could be life-changing. "We save a life. We save a family. We save a community," said Dr. Omer Toor, Beacon Medical Group hematologist/oncologist. Watch our full story on WSBT's Eye on Health: https://bit.ly/40NRASm