Mercy Medical Center

Congratulations to Mercy Cardiothoracic & Vascular Clinic's Sarah Kaspryk, ARNP, who recently received a Mercy Touch Award! "In a recent situation in the ICU, Sarah faced an urgent and critical situation involving a patient," her nominator wrote. "Despite the high-pressure environment, Sarah exhibited extraordinary clinical acumen and composure … Sarah's swift and decisive actions were pivotal in stabilizing the patient and ensuring their survival. Sarah demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patient care, providing lifesaving medical intervention and emotional support to the patient and their family during this time. Her empathetic approach and dedication to excellence embody the very essence of what it means to provide The Mercy Touch." Thank you, Sarah, for your consistent dedication to providing the best care!

Congratulations to Melissa (second from right), Mercy director of health equity and community partnerships, who was recently recognized as a 2024 Spirit of Minnie Rubek Honoree by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation! “Melissa’s quiet, yet powerful impact, dedication to our mission, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to serving the underserved — bringing her innate respect of all people with her in each action — make her an ideal candidate for this award,” her nominator wrote. "In her role, Melissa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the underserved in our community. Her work is characterized by a genuine compassion and a tireless dedication to improving the lives of those most in need. "Melissa has been instrumental in many projects that, in collaboration with others in our organization and community, have not only advanced our mission, but have also brought hope and tangible improvements to the lives of many individuals and families.? "Melissa has expanded Mercy's community benefit efforts and has helped Mercy have a more focused approach in sharing resources. She is respected both locally and nationally as she is often called upon by the Catholic Health Association to participate in educational programs regarding community benefit. "One of the most remarkable aspects of Melissa’s contributions is her ability to make a significant impact without seeking recognition. She steps up time and again, humbly doing what needs to be done, always with a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit. Her quiet leadership and steadfast dedication inspire all she interacts with." Well done, Melissa! Thank you for advocating for and supporting those in need in our community!

Please join us in welcoming Abby Gonik, MD, to Hall-Perrine Cancer Center’s Gynecologic Oncology Clinic! Dr. Gonik earned her doctoral degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She then completed her residency at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Penn., in Obstetrics & Gynecology, in addition to a fellowship at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif., in Gynecologic Oncology. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Gonik specializes in endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, uterine sarcoma, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, hereditary cancer syndromes and complex benign gynecologic disease. Learn more about her at: https://lnkd.in/gVedm5sF Welcome to Mercy, Dr. Gonik!

Thanks to everyone who came out last week to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of our new Mercy ER in the heart of Marion! Then, on Saturday, we were thrilled to welcome so many of you to tour the facility during our open house. The team is now putting the finishing touches on the new space as we prepare to open the Marion ER on Dec. 2.?

Congratulations to Hospitalist Deeksha Misra, MD, who recently received a Mercy Touch Award! Her nominator explained that Dr. Misra was leading a care discussion with a family of a patient in the Intensive Care Center. "The patient's condition had declined significantly and prognosis was poor," her nominator wrote. "Dr. Misra gave a thorough update to the family... She had carefully reviewed the patient's case and was gentle, respectful and gave honest information to the family…She created a safe space for the family to engage and … invited their questions.” "Dr. Misra's approach and demeanor was professional and, more importantly, was an exceptional example of The Mercy Touch in action ... The environment that Dr. Misra nurtured allowed for … a recommitment to collaborative, patient-centered care for this particular patient and the patient's family.” Thank you, Dr. Misra, for your tender care when this family needed it the most!

This Veterans Day, Hospice of Mercy is honoring those who have served our country. Patients, volunteers and staff -- like Martha and Pam, shown here -- received a framed picture from Hospice in recognition of their commitment. Today and always, we thank all veterans for their service!

During this year's Mission Week, we not only recognize the opening of Mercy Medical Center on November 14, 1900 and recommit to our sacred mission, but we also kick off our celebration of 125 years of delivering?The Mercy Touch?,?culminating our 125th anniversary next November.?It is a time to say thank you for all those who have placed their trust in us and who have helped us continue to grow and evolve.?We are incredibly grateful to continue the good work started by the Sisters of Mercy with exceptional care and dedication. It is our great privilege to serve our communities.

It's Election Day! Sometimes, an unexpected hospital stay can get in the way of patients' plans to vote. For this reason, Mercy's Patient Experience team -- including Kindel, Sara (volunteer), Joan and Erin (not pictured) -- have been hard at work to preserve our patients' right to vote. Yesterday and today, the team visited hospitalized Mercy patients who are Linn County residents to ask them if they would like to vote if they hadn't already. For those who are interested, Mercy staff collect their information and send it to Election Services. Then, an Election Services representative comes to the hospital with ballots for the patients to complete and place into a sealed envelope. So far, Mercy's team has assisted 45 hospitalized patients in fulfilling their civic duty. Thank you, ladies!

Marion ER Community Open House: Join us for a community open house at the newest and largest ER, conveniently located in the heart of Marion. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.?? Sat., Nov. 16 999 35th St., Marion, IA 52302 Enjoy refreshments and tour the area’s largest freestanding ER, situated right next to MercyCare Marion Family Practice and Urgent Care. The Marion ER opens Dec. 2 and will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with: * 12 exam and 2 trauma rooms * Blood-draw and other lab services * Imaging services, including X-Ray, ultrasound & CT scans * Permanent helicopter pad for flight needs * The area’s leading ER services and trauma level care at the speed of Mercy * Co-located next to our Family Practice and Urgent Care clinics for all your medical needs.

Kiddos visiting Mercy Pediatric Clinic today are likely to run into some interesting characters! Happy Halloween!