Saint Luke's Health System

Nancy's passion is working with teenagers, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. As an outpatient psychotherapist at Crittenton Children's Center, her mission is to be their support system when they feel unaccepted. "These teens are in this unique time of adolescence where they're seeking independence," said Nancy. "They need words of kindness, love, compassion, and belonging." Young LGBTQ+ individuals often have trust issues because they've been hurt. Many struggle with societal rejection, bullying, depression, peer pressure, and much more. They are more prone to substance use and more likely to attempt suicide, according to statistics. Nancy helps them by being an ally and empowering them in life. "With each of my clients, I enjoy seeing their different perspectives on life," she said. "Educate yourself on what LGBTQ+ people need—a sign or symbol that you're an ally, gender-free language, and rejecting bullying. Your kids are listening. This is how they know whether or not you're safe. Take joy in the things you have in common, as that will be enduring." Learn more about Crittenton's outpatient clinic: https://heyor.ca/QwjRvb

Dr. Paul Chan, a Saint Luke's cardiologist and clinical researcher, was recently honored with the Community Service Award from the Kansas City Medical Society (KCMS). The award recognizes a KCMS member physician who has made a significant contribution to the community. Dr. Chan volunteers weekly at Cherith Brook House in Kansas City, leading service trips for youth to Guatemala, Vietnam, and local communities to raise funds for hunger and poverty relief programs. This year, he completed his 15th annual 50-mile hike in the Grand Canyon and raised $1.7 million. He is an international expert on cardiac arrest, quality of care, and health care disparities. Congratulations, Dr. Chan! Thank you for being both an exemplary physician and a good Samaritan. #TeamSaintLukes ??

This holiday season, you can help bring joy to children and families in need through Saint Luke's Hospital Crittenton Children's Center Adopt-an-Angel program! ?? This year, the Adopt-an-Angel program has the opportunity to provide holiday cheer to more than 550 local children in Crittenton’s residential, foster care, and home-based programs. When you adopt an angel, you'll receive a holiday wish list for a specific child, where you can purchase fun and practical items to brighten their season. Other ways you can assist the Adopt-an-Angel program: —Donate essential items such as arts and crafts supplies, sports equipment, books, and board games. —Make a monetary donation to assist us in purchasing items from our wish list. —Host or sponsor a special event for the children, such as cookie decorating or a holiday party. Learn more about how you can help brighten an angel’s holiday season: https://heyor.ca/ZM82Pc

Women are historically underrepresented in cardiovascular research, even though heart disease is their number one cause of death in the U.S. But the new Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Institute for Women’s Cardiovascular Research aims to change that. The first-of-its-kind research center will focus exclusively on women’s heart health and is leading a nationwide study on heart disease in pregnancy. Learn more from Dr. Tracy Stevens, medical director of Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center, on Health News You Can Use.

Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, was recently named to Ingram's Magazine's Top Doctors of 2024! It’s not difficult for Dr. Grodzinsky to connect with patients experiencing a high-risk pregnancy because she’s been there herself. Her road to medicine started even before her own condition was known. “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was a toddler,” said Dr. Grodzinsky. But not very long after that, “I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in elementary school, and as I became older, cardiovascular disease prevention became a focus of my career.” Read the full story: https://heyor.ca/8zWcl4

Aaron, a cardiac transplant nurse, is working his way through Saint Luke's Career Advancement Program (CAP) to become a Level 4 nurse. Through CAP, nurses participate in strategic projects and lead initiatives that expand their nursing skills and help develop leadership skills. Saint Luke’s offers a variety of career paths on award-winning teams, allowing our nurses to enjoy fulfilling, long-term careers. Learn more about Saint Luke’s nursing careers at https://lnkd.in/gBJvU2U3.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City—both now a part of BJC Health System—were recently ranked the #1 and #2 best hospitals in Missouri by Newsweek! ?? The "America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025" list recognizes 700 hospitals at the state level. The rankings were compiled using quality metrics from a variety of sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the AHA Annual Survey of Hospitals Database, a nationwide online survey among medical professionals, and more. Congratulations to our teams in both Kansas City and St. Louis for this incredible achievement! See the full list: https://heyor.ca/0OvvFg

50 nurses from Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City traveled to New Orleans for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference, where they were formally recognized as five-time Magnet Designation recipients. A Magnet Designation is awarded by the ANCC every five years for outstanding nursing services. It requires high performance in metrics that include patient satisfaction, patient outcomes, and nursing satisfaction. Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City is one of only 50 hospitals in the world to earn five consecutive Magnet Designations. Congratulations, #TeamSaintLukes! ??

In 2005, Renee, manager of patient accounts at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center, had a brother serving in Iraq. She and the rest of the business office sent a care package to him and his fellow soldiers. A colleague even had their daughter's second grade class help by making thank you cards and pictures that were included in the care package. To their surprise, the troops sent back a signed certificate and an American flag that they had flown over combat zones in Iraq as a thank you gift for Crittenton. The flag was framed and displayed, where it remains today. This #VeteransDay, we express our deepest gratitude to those who have bravely answered the call to serve.

Katie Danielson, Chief Operating Officer of Saint Luke’s Physician Group, was recently named to The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas by the Women We Admire organization. The list of leaders in Kansas includes women from many industries, including manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, energy, health care, and more. Katie and her fellow leaders are being honored for their accomplishments and driving progress in their respective fields to grow the economy in Kansas. Congrats, Katie! #TeamSaintLukes ?? See the full list: https://heyor.ca/qeCHAg