• Christopher Johnson, DO, of OhioHealth Family Medicine, is educating the community on symptoms, risks and when to seek care.
• People should wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to help reduce infection risk.
• Symptoms can come and go in waves and may last more than a month without treatment.
• Higher-risk groups include older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness and those with kidney issues.
• Hydration and electrolyte balance are especially important during illness and recovery.

As cases of Cyclosporiasis continue to rise across Ohio, OhioHealth Family Medicine Physician Christopher Johnson, DO, is helping educate the community about the outbreak, its symptoms and when to seek medical care.

The Columbus Dispatch recently spoke with Dr. Johnson as Ohio ranks among the states with the highest reported cases of cyclosporiasis. While the illness is not typically life-threatening, it can still cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common include stomach pain and cramps, intense diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite cyclospora and is most commonly spread through contaminated fresh produce or untreated water. While health officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak, experts recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce the risk of the infection.

Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch that individuals who believe have the illness should seek medical care so they can be tested and receive appropriate treatment. Without treatment, symptoms come and go in waves and can last for more than a month.

“Elderly people, children, pregnant women and those with disabilities or chronic illness can be more severely impacted by cyclosporiasis. People with kidney issues should be especially careful and seek medical care right away, as dehydration can be particularly detrimental,” Dr. Johnson told the Dispatch.

Because hydration is one of the biggest concerns with cyclosporiasis, people with existing kidney disease may be at greater risk for complications. The kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body balanced by filtering waste and regulating fluid and electrolyte levels, making proper hydration especially important during recovery.

“Even if you are cured of the illness,” Dr. Johnson said, “you should still prioritize rest and hydration as your body recovers from fighting the parasite. Don’t plan on being at work the day after the diarrhea stops.”

Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with the antibiotic trimenthoprim-sulfamenthoxazole, commonly sold under the brand names Bactrim, Cotrim and Septra. Along with the antibiotic, Dr. Johnson encourages patients to stay well hydrated.

“Anyone with the illness should be vigilant about hydrating, resting and keeping electrolyte levels up,” Dr. Johnson said.

As public health officials continue to investigate the outbreak, OhioHealth encourages anyone experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical care for evaluation and treatment.

• Sepsis is a life-threatening, full-body response to infection that affects up to 2 million Americans annually and can progress rapidly if not treated.
• Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk, and early symptoms can include extreme fatigue, low urine output, nausea and lack of energy.
• Prompt medical care is critical - early antibiotics and IV fluids significantly improve survival, and prevention steps like good hygiene and healthy habits can reduce risk.

Following the tragic death of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, many people have sought to better understand sepsis, a serious medical emergency that affects millions of Americans each year.

The heightened awareness has sparked important conversations about the condition, including who is at risk, the warning signs to watch for and why timely medical care is so important.

“Sepsis is kind of a full body-wide reaction to an infection that starts out in one small part of the body,” Joel Provenzano, MD, ICU medical director at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital told 10TV. “If it's not treated or addressed appropriately, it'll develop really quickly into this body-wide overdrive immune reaction.”

According to Dr. Provenzano, sepsis affects between 1.5 million and 2 million people in the United States each year and contributes to approximately 350,000 deaths annually.

Sepsis can develop from a variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections and other bacterial, viral or fungal infections. While anyone can develop sepsis, some groups are at higher risk.

"Typically, we see this in the very young or the very old, or anybody who's on any sort of immunosuppressing medication," Dr. Provenzano said. “If you don't have an immune system that's fully developed, the infection can kind of run rampant before you're even fully aware that you're suffering from it.”

Because sepsis can progress rapidly, recognizing symptoms early is critical. When the body enters a septic state, it is under significant stress. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, nausea, extreme fatigue, decreased urine output and a lack of energy.

"When it gets to the point where you don't have as much urine output, you don't feel like getting up or moving, you get severe fatigue, that tells you that your body is really overacting towards an infection," Dr. Provenzano said. These symptoms can be especially concerning when they occur alongside a known infection or illness that doesn't seem to be improving.

One of the biggest advances in sepsis care has been the emphasis on rapid treatment.

"Early administration of large amounts of IV fluids and antibiotics as soon as possible was the thing that changed mortality rates more than anything else," Dr. Provenzano said.

Decades of research have shown that identifying sepsis early and beginning treatment quickly can dramatically improve outcomes. That's why Dr. Provenzano encourages anyone experiencing severe symptoms from an infection to seek medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

"I would say prevention is the most important thing," he said. "Making sure you're getting good sleep, a well-balanced diet, things that are going to keep your immune system active and strong."

He also emphasized a simple but effective step many people learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands," he said. "Anytime your hands are visibly soiled, anytime you've gone to the bathroom, anytime before you eat, make sure you wash your hands."

For those who develop an infection, seeking timely medical care can make all the difference.

"Please seek your healthcare provider," Dr. Provenzano said. "Early recognition of that infection getting out of control is absolutely the biggest thing that can lead toward survival."

Five months after a shooting in Ashville left him fighting to survive, the 19-year-old appeared at the Ohio EMS Conference, presented by OhioHealth, to honor the Harrison Township EMS personnel and the OhioHealth Grant Medical Center team involved in his care. The moment marked an emotional reunion for Waugh and the people who treated him during one of the most critical moments of his life.

Waugh was shot in the chest during a December fight on Duvall Road in Ashville. The injury was severe. His family said the bullet caused extensive damage, and doctors gave him very little chance of survival.

He underwent multiple surgeries and faced a long recovery. In the weeks that followed, he had to rebuild his strength and relearn daily tasks as he healed.

This day, though, Waugh returned not as a patient in crisis, but as a survivor, able to thank the team that carried him through those first urgent minutes and the medical care that followed.

At the EMS conference, he helped recognize Harrison Township EMS workers for their role in getting him to the hospital quickly. Medical staff involved in his treatment also joined the event, turning the recognition into a reunion filled with gratitude and reflection.

For first responders and physicians, seeing Waugh healthy enough to stand before them underscored the purpose behind emergency care. The gathering highlighted how rapid action at the scene, fast transport, and specialized treatment can change the outcome in even the most serious cases.

“A few seconds after that, I started to feel a strange sensation in the center of my heart, in my chest,” LaMonte said.

He turned off the stove and went to sit down in his dining room. His wife and son came into the room.

“She said to me, are you OK, and I said no something is wrong in my chest,” LaMonte said. So, she immediately called 911.

An EMS crew arrived within minutes. By then, LaMonte said the pain was intensifying and he was starting to feel lightheaded. As responders asked questions, he told them he was in pain and felt like he might faint.

“Everything went black at that point, just went totally dark.” LaMonte said.

LaMonte was taken to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. On the way, a defibrillator was used 13 times to restore his heart rhythm, and another 27 times after he arrived - 40 times in total.

According to medical experts at Riverside Methodist, needing that many defibrillations is extremely rare. They’re calling his survival a Christmas miracle.

“There were so many things that aligned in his favor which ultimately contributed to his survival that in my mind it truly was a miracle,” John Phillips, MD, OhioHealth interventional cardiologist and surgeon. said. “And I have told him this that God has a plan for him and the plan was not for him to die during this event.”

At Riverside Methodist, LaMonte was placed on ECMO with an Abiomed Impella to vent the heart, which then allowed for two stents to be placed.

ECMO functions as the heart and lungs outside of the body. It takes the deoxygenated blood, oxygenates it, and pumps it back into the body. “We use this device to support a patient whose heart and ultimately lungs are not working for them,” Dr. Phillips said. 

The Impella is also used to perform the job of pumping blood to the vital organs or at least assisting in it.

“The Impella has a little motor that sits in the pumping chamber of the heart and takes that blood and expels it,” Dr. Phillips said. “Those devices gave us time to understand ultimately what caused his cardiovascular collapse, blocked arteries, for which we were able to open them and deploy the stents to keep the vessels open thereby allowing blood to flow, allowing  the heart to return to its normal function.”

Dr. Phillips said LaMonte was in cardiopulmonary arrest when he arrived at the hospital.

“If it were not for the care of the emergency room physicians and the device that was providing chest compressions he would have died,” Dr. Phillips said.

When Dr. Phillips first saw him in the trauma bay, LaMonte was being kept alive by ongoing CPR, IV medications and a breathing tube.

Despite the severity of his condition, coordinated care across teams helped save his life. LaMonte had an anterior STEMI, complicated by cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock. 

Mark had a seamless, heroic effort ongoing when I arrived, Jonathan Enlow, DO, OhioHealth thoracic and cardiac surgeon, said. “He had immediate, high-level care from EMS, Riverside emergency department and the cath lab team.” 

“A miracle, I’ve heard it used a lot,” LaMonte said. “I think when they were saying it, they were thinking I was the miracle and I was the reason for the miracle, but they really were the reasons for the miracle. I’m so grateful and thankful for everything they did. They made all the right choices.”

Over the next 10 days, he steadily improved.

“I came back to and woke up,” LaMonte said. “Mentally I was fine and gradually, physically, I gained strength and coordination.”

On Christmas Day, he was discharged from the hospital and transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility to continue his recovery. He spent a week there, completing about an hour and a half of therapy each day. Afterward, he continued with outpatient physical therapy for another two to three weeks.

“It got me back on my feet, I didn’t have to walk with a walker, and I eventually got to be able to drive again and do normal things in life,” LaMonte said.

Today, he says he feels great.

“I feel great, I really do, I feel no issues with my heart and I’m able to exercise, which I do every day,” LaMonte said. “I’ve also changed my eating habits to a full heart healthy diet as recommended by the American Heart Association.”

On April 15, LaMonte returned to Riverside to reunite with the EMS and hospital teams who saved his life.

“It was a little bit overwhelming, I’m just so grateful to them, I’m grateful to them because I know they all did a terrific job,” LaMonte said.

“Seeing mark and his family reminds us all as to why we do this,” Dr. Phillips said. “And it also reinforces our determination to push the envelope with respect to extreme care in patients who have no options. We don't often get to hear from the patient regarding their experience and what it meant to them to receive the care that they got and how it affects not only the patient but their family as well.”

Dr. Phillips said the reunion was emotional for him.

“Sometimes we get lost in the day-to-day minute of what we do and it's days like this are opportunities like this that allow us to reconnect with our mission which is to serve our community,” Dr. Phillips said. “In behind every stent and heart catheterization is a patient who's a father, brother, husband or son and that's really important and we can never lose sight of that.”

He added that it takes a coordinated team to care for patients in critical situations like LaMonte’s.

“The work that we did acutely in the catheterization lab is a large part of why he survived, but he would not have survived without the care he received initially from the EMS team as well as our emergency room physicians, and then the efforts of nurses and Cath lab personnel and the ICU physicians as he recovered. One physician or team alone cannot fully treat a patient like mark, nor would he have survived without all the people that contributed to his care,” Dr. Phillips said.

“It is always rewarding to see these patients back in the office, after they have endured the most invasive level of life support (ECMO), and they had a meaningful recovery,” Dr. Enlow said. “The families have been through so much emotional and physical hardship to get to that point. Mark was especially unscathed by that level of support, and he is very educated and aware of what he went through, and he is genuinely grateful.  It makes it worth it.”

LaMonte shared that his wife and children are his world and really helped him throughout his recovery. “They were there always, they’re like my rock, my whole family,” LaMonte said.

He continues to express deep gratitude for the EMS team and care teams at Riverside.

“The reason I’m standing here talking to you today, that’s what the miracle is, it’s a miracle of their efforts,” LaMonte said.  

Hospital leaders say LaMonte’s case reflects the strength of a highly experienced team.

“We are fortunate at Riverside to have skilled staff at every level that are involved in complex cases daily in a very high-volume setting,” Dr. Enlow said.

“Personally, one of the most things that I am proud of here at Riverside Methodist Hospital is the expertise of the physicians, staff and the professionalism that was on display during marks initial treatment and then the care that he received subsequently," Dr. Phillips said. "And this is just my opinion, but if he had gone to any other hospital in central Ohio, perhaps even the state, he probably would have died. We have a remarkable team of experts who are world renowned right in this community.”

That’s how many women feel about menopause and the changes that come with it: hot flashes, night sweats, mental confusion and intense mood shifts. 

“Women don’t feel like themselves. They want to feel better, and they want to feel heard,” said Jody Gerome, DO said. Gerome is an obstetrician/gynecologist with OhioHealth Physician Group Heritage College Obstetrics and Gynecology in Athens.

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen, and she goes 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause can begin eight to 10 years before menopause. 

Although menopause is a natural process and not an illness, the accompanying symptoms can make life miserable for some women, and put them at greater risk for bone loss and heart and vascular disease.

For the past 25 years, women have been receiving mixed signals on how to best treat menopausal symptoms, Gerome said. That is changing as knowledge and science have shed new light on menopause and the use of menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT.

Historically known as hormone replacement therapy, MHT restores the hormone estrogen, which declines as a woman goes through perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone often is added to protect the uterus from developing cancer.

Hormone therapy was the go-to treatment for menopausal symptoms until 2003, when reports from a national study found links between hormone therapy and breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke. HRT usage plummeted, leaving women with questions and no immediate answers.

Last November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed warnings from hormone therapy drugs to indicate they are safer to use than originally thought. 

Prior reports from the studies “likely undersold the benefits and oversold the risks,” Gerome said. 

For example, some women in the original studies were in their 60s and 70s, which put them at higher risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease to begin with, she said. Also, the hormone doses were higher and less individually tailored than they are today. 

After years of being “largely ignored” in healthcare, women now are the focus of more research and treatment, Gerome said. “When we know more, we do better.”

For example, leading women’s health groups now recommend that women use gels, patches and vaginal inserts because the body processes them differently than the pill form of MHT, which lowers risk, Gerome said. 

“Hormone therapy can be safe for most women seeking treatment for their symptoms,” she said. “Its safety is similar to birth control pills in most situations.”  

The FDA recently approved two new drugs to expand treatment options, including a lower-cost generic version of one medication, and another non-hormonal treatment for severe hot flashes and similar symptoms. 

Many over-the-counter products and so-called bioidentical hormones also are on the market, but Gerome warns women to be cautious. 

“Many of these are highly unregulated, so there may be inconsistencies between batches,” George said. “If you can use an FDA-approved product, it generally is safer.”

Women also have access to a growing set of guidelines to help them navigate the menopause journey, including:

• Avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol.
• Not smoking — smoking is known to have harmful effects on arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
• Stress-reduction techniques and physical activities such as walking, yoga and swimming.
• Talking with other women who are in menopause or who have gone through it.
• Eating a diet with foods that function like estrogen, such as soy, flaxseed and beans.
• Prescription medications that do not contain hormones.
• Supplements and other medications to prevent bone loss and cardiovascular problems.

It’s important for women to have a trusted medical adviser with whom they can discuss the more intimate aspects of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse and loss of sex drive. Many women experience memory loss, lack of focus and confusion, also known as “brain fog.” This can cause them to worry if they are in the early phases of dementia.

Learning that these things are a normal part of menopause in itself can provide a sense of relief, Gerome said. 

“Reach out to your trusted healthcare professional. We can help, please ask.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?  For Heather Columber, DO her first choice didn’t work out, but she found her passion.

“When I realized becoming Wonder Woman was not a viable career path,” she told the Marion Star. “Medicine became my calling. In first grade, I told my parents I wanted to become a physician after listening to a high school senior share her aspirations to attend college and medical school. Her story inspired me because I was fascinated by the idea a woman could become a doctor — at that time, all the physicians I knew were men. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and join the ranks of female physicians. From that moment on, I never looked back and never considered another career.” 

And for this talented physician, her passion lined up with what her family saw in her at young age.

“My mother would describe me as a child with a generous heart and a gift for caring for others,” Columber said to the paper. “Whether it was caring to my family, supporting my friends or mothering my dolls, I was always drawn to giving attention to others.”

Today, Dr. Columber is a primary care physician with OhioHealth.

“My childhood dream has become my reality,” she said. “I live each day with a full and grateful heart. I am deeply grateful to the many people who supported me along the way as I worked to achieve that dream.”

Columber grew up in Marion, graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1994, Capital University with a degree in biology and chemistry in 1998, then after attending medical school at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her family medicine residency at Doctor's Hospital of Stark County in Massillon in 2005. 

“I was raised in an environment deeply rooted in the medical field,” she told the Marion Star. “My grandmother and mother were nurses, and my father served as a hospital administrator. Family meals often revolved around medical stories and lessons, and I loved listening to them. But my decision to pursue family medicine was shaped by the relationship I had with my childhood physicians, Dr. Victor Lenzo and Dr. Arshad Chaudhry. They were exceptional mentors and role models who never hesitated to answer my questions. Their love for teaching matched my eagerness to learn. I aspired to build the same kind of meaningful relationships with my future patients that these physicians cultivated with me and my family.”

Her co-workers marvel and her talent and ability to connect.

“Dr. Columber has the unique ability to care for patients of all ages,” Mya Campbell, her director said to the reporter. “She has a collaborative, patient-centered approach that makes her stand out. And her commitment to the Marion community goes beyond the walls of her clinic. Dr. Columber actively volunteers her time in the community, such as offering free sports physicals to local students. She also stepped up during several recent community emergencies, such as performing CPR at a Pleasant High School basketball game. Dr. Columber's dedication to clinical excellence and her service to the community truly make her an asset to the Marion community.”

“I was honored at a Columbus Crew game this summer as a hometown hero,” Columber said, “after being part of a lifesaving event when a basketball referee suffered cardiac arrest at a Pleasant High School men’s basketball game. Our efforts, CPR and the AED saved his life. Both events were humbling.”

And taking care of her friends, neighbors and other community members shows her, this is right where she is supposed to be.

“Living and working in the same community,” she said, “allows me to celebrate my patients’ medical and personal milestones. We worship together, cheer from the stands together, raise our children together, grieve together, and volunteer side by side. Providing medical care in my hometown is truly a gift. Oftentimes, patients thank me for helping them, but the truth is my patients inspire me every day to be a better person and physician.” 

This collaboration, which also includes Physicians Group of Southeastern Ohio (PGSEO) and Muskingum Valley Health Centers (MVHC), will provide medical students with hands-on training opportunities while building connections with the local community.

The partnership, launched in July, is based in the Zanesville and Cambridge areas, where third and fourth-year medical students from the Heritage College will gain valuable clinical experience. By living and working in the region, these students will not only contribute to local healthcare but also be encouraged to consider long-term careers in rural and underserved areas.

“By exposing future physicians to the region, we hope some students will stay after graduation and make these communities their home,” Bill Burke, DO, dean of the Heritage College, Dublin, told OHIO Today. “This would increase the number of primary care physicians and help close gaps in care that many communities face.”

OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center plays a key role in the initiative, offering students access to real-world clinical training and mentorship. 

“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in our region,” Sandra Schubert, MD, associate vice president of clinical affairs at Southeastern Medical Center told OHIO Today. “By investing in medical education and community engagement, we’re building a healthier future for residents of Southeast Ohio.”

The partnership also benefits from the involvement of PGSEO and MVHC, who bring their expertise in community-based care. These organizations provide additional training opportunities and help students understand the unique challenges and rewards of practicing in underserved areas.

This collaboration is part of the Heritage College’s Clinical Education Network, which connects students with high-quality clinical learning opportunities across Ohio.

On Oct. 1, East State Street was buzzing with pink for Brake for Breakfast, an Athens community event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted by OhioHealth, Hocking, Athens and Perry County Community Action Group (HAPCAP) and CareSource, it brought together community members and volunteers for a fun, meaningful morning.

The event offered locals a free drive-through breakfast and a chance to speak with healthcare professionals, schedule annual cancer screenings and learn more about preventive care. OhioHealth’s mobile mammography unit was also on site, providing convenient access to mammograms and encouraging early detection.

“Early screenings save lives, so we help get clear information out there and educate people,” Brittany Jarvis, administrative manager at the OhioHealth Cancer Center in Athens, told The Post. “Even having this service available, we know that’s going to catch cancers early and educate people on the risk factors.”

The event also brought attention to the hurdles people in Southeast Ohio face when getting care. Many residents have to travel to Columbus or beyond, and transportation issues make that even harder. Nearly 57 percent of Athens residents were living in poverty in 2023 according to City-Data, and research from the National Health Council shows that poverty often goes hand-in-hand with higher health risks.

“Our goal is to help people navigate health related social concerns,” Julie Gladney, HAPCAP’s health programs coordinator, told The Post. “Housing, utilities, food, those sorts of resources. Our community health workers work as coaches to help people solve whatever challenges they're facing.”

And volunteers were eager to help spread the word.

“I saw this event and thought that it’s a great cause,” Patti Anderson, a first-time volunteer, told The Post. “I felt the need to volunteer. I can do this here and then share the information that I learned and the experience I gained from today and go back and share it with family and friends.”

“It feels good to have an event like this where we’re celebrating survivors overcoming a devastating diagnosis,” Gladney said. “The event is fun. So anytime we can get together and have fun and raise awareness, reducing barriers, I think we’re winning.”

CBS News chief medical correspondent, Jon LaPook, MD, says AI is starting to change the way mammograms are read and interpreted.

“There are two different uses of AI,” he said. “One is … you have a mammogram done, and the AI, even before the radiologist sees it, can put a little box around areas that are potentially dangerous. … Normal breast tissue looks white, and a calcification that may be indicative of breast cancer is also white. So it’s like looking for a snowball on a snow drift. Sometimes human eyes are not as good as the AI at finding it.”

Researchers are also studying whether AI can help predict who might develop breast cancer in the future. By looking at hundreds of thousands of mammograms, the technology could one day show which women are at higher risk years before cancer appears.

Deepa Halaharvi, DO, a breast surgeon at OhioHealth and a breast cancer survivor, agreed the technology is promising. She said that standard mammograms miss about 20 percent of cancers.


“What AI can do is improve detection,” Dr. Halaharvi told 10TV News anchor Tracy Townsend. “It can also provide a personalized risk assessment for women who are not yet screening age to get mammograms earlier than age 40 … Dense breast is white and cancer is white, and sometimes it's really difficult to find cancer in those dense breasted women.”

Still, she cautioned that AI should not be seen as a replacement for medical expertise. 

“It can be used in conjunction with a specialist, who then will help the person in getting personalized risk assessment, looking at their breast cancer risk factors and provide their personalized screening program for that person.”

Dr. Halaharvi also stressed the importance of regular mammograms. 

“An average-risk woman, who does not have family history of breast cancer, should start their mammography at age 40,” she said. “For those women who are considered high risk for breast cancer, meaning their family history of breast cancer, they have a genetic mutation, they need to start 10 years younger than the family member who was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Technology is also helping streamline the patient experience once screening begins. At OhioHealth, patients receive normal results through the online portal, MyChart. If anything abnormal is found, patients get a call from a breast health nurse navigator to schedule additional imaging or a biopsy. The goal, Dr. Halaharvi said, is to provide clarity and support as quickly as possible.


“We prepare patients when they come in to see us,” she said. “You will get a message on MyChart, but I'll be calling you as soon as I can.”

And her message during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is simple.

“Get screened. This can save your life. Screening mammography decreases mortality by about 30 percent.”

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here.

“I had 46 injuries, 16 surgeries,” Gozy told ABC6. “Was in the hospital for three months, was on blood dialysis, collapsed my lungs. I was in pretty rough shape.”

For a long time afterward, survival alone was the victory. Gozy was paralyzed from the waist down, and the idea of walking again seemed out of reach. Yet nearly four years later, he is defying expectations by taking steps again, thanks to an advanced robotic exoskeleton and OhioHealth Rehabilitation Services in Circleville.

The device, made by Ekso Bionics, is a wearable frame that supports and assists movement, allowing people with paralysis to stand and walk. Gozy is one of fewer than 100 people in the United States approved to use the technology at home.

“It’s a full body workout,” Gozy said. “It especially works my core. It’s challenging and a lot of work. It’s a lot on the support person too, because she has to kind of lift and push. But this thing is a blessing with everything. The more you do it, the better it can help your body. I try to do it as much as possible.”

Medicare covers the cost of the device but approval requires intensive training. For Gozy, that training happened close to home.

“After he did the initial trial, he did have a training period here with us in therapy,” OhioHealth physical therapist Liz Ritts told ABC6. Ritts, along with colleague Becca Herold, worked directly with Gozy and his parents.

“We taught him how to take it on and off, how to use it safely, how to be ready to take it home and be independent. So it was both him and his mom and dad who went through training procedure here to make sure they're safe to use it at home,” Ritts said.

Now Ritts and Herold are fully certified to train other patients on the Indego exoskeleton. That certification establishes OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville as a local training site, eliminating the need for new patients to travel to further facilities.

Since March, Gozy has logged more than 2,500 steps using the exoskeleton. Each one, he said, feels like a gift.

“Just the other day, me and my dad was outside walking, and my little dog was just following me around, barking,” Gozy said. “My dog has never seen me walk in four years. Just that alone is amazing. The freedom, the capabilities, the healing aspect.”

Walking upright helps with joint and bone strength, improves cardiovascular endurance and reduces muscle spasms. It also provides something harder to measure: a sense of hope.

“My ultimate goal would be to walk down Cincinnati Boulevard once again, to be able to stand in the Bengals stadium again,” Gozy said. “I have aspirations with this thing.”

His mother, Angela Thacker, said watching her son’s progress has been emotional. She remembers the phone call no parent wants to get and the long nights by her son’s side in the hospital.

“There were many injuries, and he was on dialysis, and he was on a ventilator,” Thacker told ABC6. “I don’t even think you could really process how it was at the moment. You didn’t really have time to have emotions.”

But seeing her son walk again is a moment she’ll never forget. “A bunch of us here and watching him walk in it the first time was just overwhelming,” she said. “There were so many tears, and it was just exciting and beyond words. I'm very proud of him. So proud of him.”

Gozy hopes to use his journey to raise awareness of what’s possible for others living with paralysis. Until then, he’s focused on every step forward.

“I hope to be an advocate for people that don't have opportunities and are less fortunate,” he said. “I hope that one day everybody can have access to this technology. There's advancements out there.”

To learn more about rehabilitation services at OhioHealth, click here.

At the Columbus Fire Training Academy, first responders and medical teams spent the day preparing for something they hope never comes: a mass casualty event.

The training was designed to mimic real-world chaos, with two scenarios, a vehicle incident in a crowd and a simulated explosion at a race. Fire, police and medical professionals worked together to respond quickly to simulated victims.

Those “victims” were OhioHealth emergency medicine residents, who were covered in makeup by OhioHealth’s team of simulationists to resemble burns and other traumatic injuries.

“It’s quite another experience when you’re out in the elements actually dealing with the smells, the sights, the sounds and actually having to triage patients appropriately, get them the care that they need and being able to do that in this environment where we’re simulating that makes it so that you’re prepared to handle it when it actually happens,” Brad Gable, MD, OhioHealth medical director for simulation, told NBC4.

The exercises focused on skills that are critical in large-scale emergencies like communication, teamwork and triage. Responders practiced a new color-coded system using slap bracelets to identify priority patients with the worst injuries.

Winnie Gikunda, M.B.B.Ch.B., an OhioHealth emergency medicine resident who was made up with fake injuries and placed near the explosion site, said the experience was eye-opening.

“It’s a very surreal feeling, like, ‘Oh, my God, this can happen to me and no one’s there to help me,’” she told Spectrum News 1. “So that definitely gave me a different perspective.”

Columbus Fire Medical Director Robert Lowe, MD said the ability to rehearse these scenarios is what prepares teams for the unthinkable.

“The first thing is just controlling the chaos,” he told NBC4. “You walk into a scene. There’s a lot of chaos, and what we need to do is rapidly restore order to that.”

Dr. Gable said that running these drills gives first responders and medical teams the chance to test their processes before they become a reality.

“When you put it into practice, you realize that the best laid plans … need to be tweaked a little bit and that we need to have different processes and adjust it,” he told Spectrum News.

The training brought together Columbus fire and police, race directors, amateur radio operators, the Red Cross and OhioHealth physicians. These are the same groups that would already be on-site at a large public gathering.

“Having a chance to actually see and take care of these situations before it happens makes sure that our participants, the spectators, everyone is safer as a result of it,” Dr. Gable said.

To view the full NBC4 story, click here. To view the full Spectrum News 1 story, click here.

A one-of-a-kind partnership with Guernsey County high schools and OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center is helping students explore healthcare careers before they graduate. The HEART program (Hospital Education And Real-World Training) gives juniors and seniors hands-on experience in the hospital, and in some cases, job offers.

The program allows students to shadow healthcare workers in respiratory therapy, cancer care, imaging, physical therapy, lab services, environmental services, nutrition and registration.

“It is an absolutely wonderful program,” said Madi Fraley, career navigator at Meadowbrook High School. “Students loved it. They experienced so much.”

One of those students is Kendyl Trott, an 18-year-old Meadowbrook graduate who participated in the program during the 2024–2025 school year. Trott completed a rotation in radiology, a field she had been interested in for a long time, and now works as a patient support assistant in the hospital’s float pool. This fall, she’ll begin studying radiology at the University of Rio Grande.

“This, from my perspective, is a generational and foundational investment by OhioHealth to strengthen the community we serve,” said Wendy Elliott, president of Southeastern Medical Center. “Many times young people think only in terms of doctors and nurses when they think about hospital careers. Those are great professions, but there are many other phenomenal jobs. By exposing these young people to hospital careers, they get a broader view of opportunities, and we grow our pipeline of local talent.”

That pipeline is already taking shape. This past year, two HEART students were hired by the hospital, and another is in the interview process. Christopher Haight, human resources advisor at Southeastern Med, works closely with Fraley and Tricia Nichols, a career navigator at Cambridge High School, to help students gain real-world experience while also supporting the hospital’s staffing needs.

“We’re very pleased with the caliber of young workers we’ve hired,” Haight said. “This is a testament to the high school career navigators who are very aware of our needs and values and regularly recommend great candidates. I consider them part of the team and reach out to them first when any jobs become available.”

And it’s not just a one-way benefit. Students are helping the hospital improve, too.

“The students bring a fresh set of eyes and ask important questions that allow the hospital to think about processes in a new way,” Elliott said.

For the upcoming school year, HEART will expand to include a fall session for 12 juniors interested in healthcare careers and a spring session for seniors who are seeking entry-level jobs after graduation. The program will also add lectures on topics like hospital finances, wellness practices, health insurance, career pathways and life safety skills.

“It’s eye-opening,” said Nichols. “It’s really exciting, and it gets them out of the box. They have nothing but good things to say, and they get other students interested.”

The HEART program supports the hospital’s goal of doubling the number of associates between the ages of 16 and 20 while continuing a proud tradition of hiring from within the community.

To learn more about student opportunities at OhioHealth, click here.

“I had come to accept that hockey and skating was probably not in the cards for me ever again,” Lancaster told 10TV.

A lifelong hockey fan, Lancaster grew up playing the sport and later passed that passion on to his children. He even stepped behind the bench to coach. Recovery kept him away from the rink, but with support from his care team at OhioHealth, he’s moving in ways that once felt out of reach.

“There is no doubt you want to go right back into where you felt you were,” Lancaster said. “So it’s working with Kelly in terms of putting healthy buffers around what I’m trying to do, whether it’s the harness, whether it’s gloves, stick for balance, things like that.”

With the help of his physical therapist, Lancaster is rediscovering old movements and testing out familiar skills in a safe, supportive environment. While the tumor is gone, he knows recovery will still take time.

Getting back into gear, he said, is about more than muscle memory, it’s about family.

“I played, but also coached my sons,” he said. “And so I wanted to reconnect with them as well through this process. And then it’s become my three-year-old daughter, who’s a Blue Jackets fan, and particularly [Kirill] Marchenko, who has said, ‘You’re on skates, DaDa.’”

To learn more about neurological rehabilitation services at OhioHealth, click here.

Within about an hour, more than 70 patients were safely evacuated. Over the following days, our team worked around the clock to sanitize the facility, make necessary repairs and bring the hospital back online. Thanks to their efforts and the support of nearly 30 local agencies spanning five counties, Berger Hospital resumed full operations on Monday, June 23. At Berger, the safety of our patients, visitors and associates is always our top priority.

I want to express sincere appreciation to our entire staff, from our clinical teams to our safety partners, facilities associates and the countless others who responded with urgency, calm professionalism and compassion. Their swift action helped ensure patient safety and made it possible for Berger to reopen its doors to serve the community quickly and safely.

We are also deeply grateful to our neighbors, public safety officials and regional partners whose coordination and generosity (including handing water over fences) reminded us what makes Circleville, Pickaway County and our surrounding communities so special.

I always tell people that Berger Hospital is more than a building. It’s the people inside and around it, working together when it matters most. Thanks to them, we’re open, we’re safe and we’re here for you.

– Casey Liddy, President, OhioHealth Berger Hospital

This article was original published in the Circleville Herald.

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office and urologists confirmed. While the news has stirred concern across the country, OhioHealth experts say it also underscores the greater need for awareness around early detection and routine screening.

“First of all, it is an unfortunate diagnosis, but at the same time, it’s a treatable one,” Tariq Khemees, MD, urologic oncologist with OhioHealth, told NBC4 reporter Eric Halperin.

Dr. Khemees, who specializes in prostate and kidney cancers, said that while treatments are available, Biden’s cancer has reached a more advanced stage.

“We can get him the treatment that’s going to make his life, I would say, reasonable,” he said, “but unfortunately, cure is no longer on the table, and we’ve got to set the expectation that this is an incurable disease because it has metastasized to the bone.”

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. “Survival is nearly 100 percent when the cancer is localized to the prostate,” said Dr. Khemees. “But once the cancer metastasizes, survival drops down to 30 percent, 32 percent.”

That’s why screening is critical. In its early stages, prostate cancer typically does not cause symptoms, which can lead to late diagnoses like Biden’s. 

“Screening saves lives and the message we should relay to the men in the community is please get screened and let’s get you the help you need so we can beat this cancer together,” Dr. Khemees said.

Screening involves a simple blood test, and while it was once recommended for older men, the guidance has shifted. Today, men are encouraged to begin screening at age 45.

While Biden’s diagnosis is difficult news, Dr. Khemees believes it could serve as a turning point in encouraging more men to take prostate cancer seriously.

“I hope President Biden’s diagnosis will increase awareness of men to get checked and screened for prostate cancer,” he said.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has named Leslie Beining, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer. Beining, who previously served as the hospital’s senior advisor of operations, brings more than two decades of nursing leadership experience to the role. 

With her prior experience as the hospital’s manager of Quality/Accreditation and Patient Safety -- Beining takes on the role of chief nursing officer with a proven track record of fostering a culture of patient-centered care and driving operational improvements. 

As chief nursing officer at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, Beining will oversee all nursing operations – focusing on workplace culture for associates and providing patients with the highest-level care close to home. 

“We are thrilled to see Leslie advance into the role of chief nursing officer,” said Paula Stabler, president of Van Wert Hospital. “She understands the importance of compassionate, collaborative care and she is dedicated to empowering our nurses. Congratulations Leslie, on your new role within our OhioHealth family!” 

The role of chief nursing officer was previously held by Paula Stabler, MSN, RN, – who was named president of Van Wert Hospital earlier this year. 

“I am honored to step into this role at Van Wert Hospital where our team is deeply connected to the community we serve,” said Beining. “I look forward to working alongside our incredible nursing team to ensure quality and compassionate care for our patients for years to come.” 
 

A new digital tool is making it easier for central Ohio residents to find and access quality health care—right in their own neighborhoods. 

The Central Ohio Mobile Consortium (COMC) is a partnership of ten local entities and health organizations, which includes OhioHealth. Earlier this spring, COMC launched a new app called the Mobile Health Locater app – designed to connect patients to their nearest mobile health care unit. 

Mobile health care units work very similar to a traditional doctor’s office – offering a wide range of services from checkups and vaccinations to mental health support. The goal is to help remove barriers by bringing important health services directly to local neighborhoods. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of the COMC and to contribute to the launch of the Mobile Health Locator app,” said Rebecca Barbeau, director of OhioHealth Community Health Partnerships. “This innovative tool will significantly enhance access to health care services for residents across central Ohio. At OhioHealth, we are committed to improving community health and addressing health care gaps.” 

The app allows users to search and filter by date, location, health service needed, and insurance type. Patients can schedule an appointment or see if walk-ins are accepted. Services available through mobile units include: 

- Sick visits 
- Vaccinations 
- Blood work 
- Sports physicals 
- Mental health care 
- Maternal prenatal care 
- Referrals to specialists 
- Urgent care and more 

Each mobile unit is staffed by trusted medical professionals from participating organizations. Since individual units may offer different services and accept different insurance types, patients are encouraged to carefully review the listings before booking. 

The project grew out of the collaborative spirit that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mobile care providers banded together to deliver critical services to underserved populations. 

To download the free app, search “Mobile Health Locator” in the Google Play or the Apple App stores. 

You can also visit MobileHealthLocator.com for more information. 

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins may be available. For questions or more information, email MobileHealthLocator@gmail.com or call (614) 355-4240. 

Participating providers include Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Public Health, Equitas Health, Mount Carmel, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OhioHealth (Wellness on Wheels), The Ohio State University, Central Outreach Wellness Center, and The Breathing Association. 

 

A treatment once reserved for heart attack patients is now changing the game for stroke care.

Earlier this year, the FDA approved the use of TNKase (tenecteplase) for adults experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, a move that followed years of research, including a study launched by the OhioHealth Research Institute nearly four years ago. While TNKase has been used to break up coronary clots during heart attacks, physicians are now turning to it as a faster, more effective way to treat stroke patients.

Ambrose Wu, MD, EMS medical director for OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, has been using TNKase in clinical practice since 2021, with the first patient treated at Shelby Hospital. The results were almost immediate.

“The main thing is improvement of cognition and improvement of speech,” Dr. Wu told the Richland Source. “The motor deficits, facial droop and arm drift, those sorts of things require rehab. But to see improved cognition and speech in that short amount of time was quite phenomenal.”

That first patient began showing signs of recovery within the time it took a helicopter to arrive for transport to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

“The sooner that you can get this medication on board and break up that clot, you can save brain cells from dying,” Dr. Wu said. “The first few hours (of care) don’t look that different. Whether you’re in Shelby’s, Mansfield’s or Riverside’s emergency room, you get the same high-quality physician and nursing care.”

Prior to the FDA’s approval of TNKase, physicians needed to explain the drug’s investigational use to patients and families in the midst of a medical emergency while obtaining consent.

“It’s a lot to explain to a patient in the heat of the moment when everything is geared toward trying to get this medication into their arm as fast as possible,” Dr. Wu said. Now, with federal approval in place, those conversations are smoother and patients can receive treatment faster.

TNKase offers several advantages over its predecessor, alteplase (tPA). It’s easier to administer and has better side effects. 

“Not everybody that receives either of these medications is going to necessarily get better from a stroke,” Dr. Wu said. “But a higher percentage of people that get TNKase get better versus the old medication.”

Dr. Wu, who previously spent time at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, said it’s remarkable that a smaller hospital like Shelby has the ability to provide this modern, cutting-edge care. Shelby also works closely with EMS teams in the area, encouraging them to bring stroke patients to Shelby if it's the nearest option.

“I think it’s an exciting time and I think it validates our practice at OhioHealth. As we know something is working, we can make changes and give our patients the best.”

Keith, who works in maintenance at Berger Hospital and Nicole, who also works for OhioHealth, were suddenly thrust into an unexpected journey, one marked by resilience, community support and a newfound purpose.

The news came as a shock to Keith, Nicole and their loved ones. Their son and daughter-in-law were expecting a baby, and their world suddenly felt uncertain. “I took time off to process everything, and our family and hospital team rallied around us,” Nicole said.

Keith underwent a successful partial nephrectomy performed by Edward Pewitt, MD of Central Ohio Urology Group, removing the mass from his kidney and giving him a new lease on life. Today, under the continued care of OhioHealth internist Arnold Palmer, DO, Keith is cancer-free and focused on turning his experience into a way to support others.

Inspired by the overwhelming support they received from their Berger Hospital colleagues, church and loved ones, Keith and Nicole launched Keith’s Cause, an initiative that provides care packages to hospital patients twice a year. Their goal is simple: to bring warmth, comfort, and hope to those facing chronic illness.

“We were so lucky to have an army of people supporting us,” Nicole said. “But we’ve met many people through this journey who don’t have that. Fundraising is important, but so is simply showing up for people in their darkest days.”

Keith’s story also sparked change beyond patient support. Local nurse practitioner Bobi Carpenter, CNP, was inspired to advocate for better kidney cancer detection, pushing for earlier screenings in at-risk patients.

“I’m a perfect example of why early detection is important,” Keith said. “If I had caught it sooner, I could have likely avoided surgery.”

Nicole has taken her advocacy to a national level, lobbying for increased kidney cancer research funding, improved telehealth access, and better support for veterans—who face a higher risk of kidney disease.

Looking back, Keith regrets waiting two years to seek help. He urges others not to let fear or embarrassment delay care. His message is clear:

1. Don’t ignore symptoms.
2. Don’t let fear keep you from getting care.
3. Seek professional help for both physical and emotional health.

Keith and Nicole’s journey from hospital employees to patient advocates is a testament to the power of early detection, community support, and turning hardship into purpose. “We were never alone in this,” Keith said. “Now, we want to make sure others aren’t either.”

The Scotts are hosting the “Keith’s Cause 5K” this spring to support the Kidney Cancer Association. Visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/t/OWVxOy9UpM for more information.

“I was born here in 1954, and I started working here in 1972 at the age of 17,” Aronhalt told Spectrum News 1 reporter Cassidy Wilson.

She dedicated 52 years of her life as a nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital before retiring. Now, through art, she continues to give back to a place she considers home.

Aronhalt’s art is part of ‘Project Sunshine,’ an initiative that brings artwork created by OhioHealth associates and physicians to the walls of six OhioHealth hospitals, including Grady Memorial. The program was designed to brighten clinical spaces and offer a sense of comfort and inspiration.

“A lot of our halls were kind of stark and empty, very clinical, and they thought, we really could brighten them up and it would be wonderful for both patients and associates,” said Kara Coates, advisor of provider and associate well-being for OhioHealth.

Project Sunshine not only transforms the hospital's atmosphere but also supports those who work tirelessly within it. 

“We know that it helps with compassion fatigue for our front-line workers. We know that it helps take that moment where you can set things aside and have that mindful well-being moment to yourself,” Coates said.

For Aronhalt, seeing her art in Grady is deeply meaningful. 

“It puts color on the walls, and I really like that patients can come through and see it and see what we do in our free time,” she said. “I’m glad that patients and visitors can come through this hallway and see all of the great things that have been done.”

OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, already Ohio’s busiest maternity hospital, is undergoing an expansion with the construction of a nearly 600,000-square-foot Women’s Health Center. Set to open in 2027, the center will include:

• 185 inpatient beds
• Labor, delivery, and recovery rooms
• New operating rooms
• Mammogram services
• Obstetric and gynecological care

“We’ve engaged with a lot of women in our community here, and they said that they want more access to care, and so we’re proud to be a partner with them to deliver upon that,” Kristina Stuecher, vice president and project executive of the OhioHealth Women’s Health Center, told NBC4 anchor Jerod Smalley.

The new tower, located at the front of the hospital near State Route 315, will keep Riverside Methodist Hospital well-connected to ensure patient safety and convenience.

Downtown Columbus is also seeing major growth, and OhioHealth Grant Medical Center is expanding right along with it.

In early March, Grant Medical Center will open a new 33,000-square-foot Primary Care Center with more than 50 patient rooms, also serving as home to the hospital’s residency program. Shortly after, phase two of Grant’s $400 million expansion will begin, with construction of a seven-story trauma center tower at the corner of Town Street and 6th Street. This facility is expected to open in 2028.

“Downtown is growing, and we want to be able to serve the residents as well as those who are working downtown,” said Jean Halpin, president of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, told NBC4. “We’re seeing lots of people start to migrate back down into the office setting, and so being able to have that anchor here is really important. That’s our investment into the future of medicine.”

OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital is also preparing for expansion, adding inpatient beds, critical care capacity and jobs, scheduled for completion in 2030. 

“Employers look for strength in hospitals, strength in schools, strength in community, and by being an anchor as OhioHealth serving the largest population here, that really makes us a good partner for employers as well as attractive for people to come here to Columbus,” Halpin said.

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital recently received recognitions for its excellence in patient care, leadership and energy efficiency, showing its continued dedication to the community.

O’Bleness Hospital was named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s Elite Top 100 list, which recognizes the best rural and community-sized hospitals in the country. The hospital also earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible rating, based on its performance in safety, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates and timeliness. 

"You can’t get much better than the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid deeming you a five-star hospital," LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital president, told the Athens County Independent. "For us to consistently get that and consistently deliver high-quality care to our community is something we're incredibly proud of."

The hospital also earned an Energy Star certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work in improving energy efficiency throughout the hospital.

As part of its ongoing growth, O’Bleness is making big investments in its future, with a $17.2 million renovation to update its surgical facilities. Two surgical suites are undergoing renovations, with work wrapping up by May 2025. The final phase, including renovating the rest of the surgical spaces, is expected to be complete by January 2026. 

“We needed to address our post-anesthesia care unit and same-day surgery space, so we made modifications to expand and make those areas more flexible depending on the patient's needs," Lucas-Helber said. 

In October 2024, O’Bleness partnered with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to open a Close To Home Center for outpatient services in the hospital’s medical office building. Since its opening, the center has seen over 200 patients and provided more than 650 visits. The response from the community has been incredibly positive. 

"Even if you’re making frequent trips to Columbus, it’s a challenge to navigate traffic and everything to get to your appointment safely. It’s really exciting that we can reduce this for folks," Lucas-Helber shared. 

Above all, Lucas-Helber credits the hospital’s dedicated team for these accomplishments.

"I trust that whenever they interact with someone, whether they have the privilege to lay their hands on a patient or they support someone who does, you feel welcome, cared for, and safe when you enter our campus.”

When Gina Woods, the chief nursing officer at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center, decided to undergo a calcium scoring test, she wasn’t thinking about herself. She was thinking about her two daughters, both in their 20s, who had become increasingly worried about her heart health. 

The daughters’ concern wasn’t unfounded. Heart disease runs in their family. Woods’ father survived a heart attack despite having no prior symptoms, and her grandfather died suddenly from a heart attack that also came without warning. Adding to their fears, their father, Woods’ ex-husband, had recently passed away. 

“They were so anxious about my health, especially after losing their dad,” Woods shared. “I wanted to do something to give them reassurance.” 

At the recommendation of her doctor, Woods opted for a calcium scoring test—a quick and non-invasive way to assess the risk of heart disease. The test uses a specialized CT scanner to detect calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which could indicate a higher risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular issues. 

“It took longer for me to walk through the parking lot than it did to have the test done,” Woods said. “It was painless, quick and gave my daughters peace of mind.” 

The test results revealed no significant calcium buildup in her arteries, giving her and her daughters the reassurance they were looking for. 

According to Stephany Moore, MD, a cardiologist at Southeastern Medical Center, calcium scoring is an important tool for assessing heart health in certain populations. 

“The test is particularly valuable for people with risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or smoking,” Dr. Moore explained. “It’s non-invasive, involves no needles or dye and takes just minutes to complete.” 

Also called a coronary artery calcium scan, the test is a special type of CT scan that takes detailed pictures of the heart. Unlike more invasive tests, such as cardiac catheterization, calcium scoring is performed as an outpatient procedure and carries no recovery time. While the test may not be covered by all insurance plans, Dr. Moore noted that it is affordable and can provide critical insights into a person’s heart health. The test is available at Southeastern Medical Center and requires a prescription from a physician. 

For Woods, the test provided clarity and comfort. “Knowing that my heart is in good shape gave me peace of mind and allowed my daughters to relax. I’m so glad I did it,” she said. 

Dr. Moore emphasized that while the test isn’t necessarily for everyone, it can be a lifesaving screening tool for those at risk. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but with tools like calcium scoring, we can take proactive steps to prevent it,” she said. 

For Woods and her daughters, this proactive step made all the difference.

To learn more about Health and Vascular care at OhioHealth, click here.

This opportunity is made possible through a collaboration between Pickerington Local School District (PLSD) and OhioHealth, offering upperclassmen in PLSD’s biomedical science program a hands-on introduction to healthcare. What starts in eighth grade as an exploratory course can evolve into years of immersive learning, leading to a senior capstone shadowing opportunity with real doctors and real patients. 

Since the program’s launch in 2012, it has grown steadily, with enrollment doubling from fewer than 40 students in 2016 to more than 80 in 2025. 

“I always remind people, to get 80-some students rotating through is pretty much unheard of,” Andy Harris, STEM biomedical science coordinator at PLSD, told CityScene Magazine. “I engage with a lot of other schools and different types of programs around the state, and they’ll have, like, 12 kids. We have a success problem where it’s some 82 kids.” 

Before participating, students must complete prerequisite courses covering foundational medical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Students must be 16 to shadow and 18 to observe surgery. 

The opening of Pickerington Methodist Hospital in December 2023 has provided even more specialties for students to explore. Participants are exposed to more than 360 different career paths in healthcare, helping them determine what interests them, and just as importantly, what doesn’t. 

“Somebody might say they want to be a surgeon, but then we get the (cadaver) pigs out, and they can’t stay in the room,” Harris said. “Or they shadow an anesthesiologist and realize it’s a lot of waiting. If you want a chill job for 30 years, that’s great. If you want action, you might need to rethink things.” 

The program not only helps students shape their career but also gives them useful skills for school and life. 

“There’s a second-year class called human body systems, and for me personally, that kind of taught me how to study, and taught me I didn't have the best studying habits,” said PLSD senior Brayden Blake. “It was a difficult class for me, a lot of memorization. So, I think going to this class and then the next three years really helped me understand how to study properly and learn those habits.” 

Sasha Williams, athletic trainer and STEM program coordinator at Pickerington, said the benefits of this early exposure to healthcare careers are undeniable. 

“I wish I had something like this when I was in college,” she said. “A lot of healthcare workers say the exact same thing. These kids are at such an advantage to have this experience in high school. It’s so important.” 

“This year marks my 26th year officiating basketball games,” said Johnson. “It’s a great way to stay active. I always felt like I was in pretty good shape. I never thought something could be wrong with my health.” 

For every game it’s Johnson’s job to closely watch the plays and make the calls – as time runs on the clock. 

During a Marion Pleasant High School game – just before Thanksgiving -- two minutes remained on the clock in the second quarter. It was almost half time, but Johnson’s time was nearly cut short. 

Johnson had collapsed on the court – and went into cardiac arrest. Immediately, a group from the stands and sidelines jumped in to help. It was a tense moment because every second mattered. A moment when fans quickly shifted their focus from competition -- to collaboration. 

Two members of the large group that jumped in to help were OhioHealth providers -- Heather Columber, DO, a local family medicine physician, and Joe Thompson, an athletic trainer for Marion Pleasant High School. 

“[Johnson] fell backwards and then I heard everyone gasp,” Thompson said. “As I ran over a ton of people jumped in instinctively, ready to help. Everyone knew what to do.” 

Together, the group worked to administer CPR and use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Thompson described the moment Johnson was brought back as, “unreal” because “it all happened so fast.” 

“This highlights the importance of knowing CPR – and having access to AEDs,” said Dr. Columber. “The teamwork was seamless for all involved. We were helping alongside two paramedics, the school’s nurse, and a lifeguard. While we all have different health care backgrounds and training, it was simply our knowledge of CPR, the access to an AED, and our ability to work as a team that saved a life.” 

The timing of Dr. Columber’s message is significant. February is Heart Month – a time of year when there’s a big push from the American Heart Association to empower people to learn how to protect their own heart health as well as the hearts of others with the potentially lifesaving skill of CPR. 

“The biggest thing is preparation,” Thompson added. “Always having a conversation before the year starts – communicating early about where the AED is located and having updated emergency action plans. AEDs are accessible on campus – we just acquired an additional AED outside the facility accessible to the public as well. We are prioritizing the safety of athletes and people who use our facilities – like the track.” 

On Saturday February 1st, Dr. Columber, Thompson, and everyone else who came together that day to help save Johnson’s life were honored with special recognition at the Marion Pleasant basketball game. 

Together, the Central Ohio American Heart Association and the Pleasant Local School District presented everyone with the Heart Saver Hero Award as well as the Heart of a Spartan Award. The names of all award recipients are listed below: 

Stacy Hamper 
Matt Collins 
Steve Ringer 
Mike Lindsey 
Micah Werling 
Hunter Yancey 
Joe Thompson 
Heather Scowden 
Rob Reed 
Rochelle Adams 
Scott Yancey 
Dawn Malcom 
Doug and Kory Ute 
Members of the Pleasant Fire Department: Captain Aaron Marburger, Zach Moreland, Mackenzie Langdon, and Devin Miller 

“We want to express our deep gratitude for Joe Thompson, OhioHealth Sports Medicine, Dr. Columber, and everyone who jumped in that day,” said Pleasant Local Schools superintendent, Tom McDonnell. “Together, they saved a life on the sidelines. It is also important to recognize that this life-saving care was made possible by the generous donations from the Craig Reynolds Memorial, which helped fund the AED used that evening.” 

“It was phenomenal – I can’t thank them enough. Everyone reacted the way they were supposed to. By God’s grace of mercy, I’m still here,” Johnson said. “The AED is the most important tool we have – it saved my life.” 
 

Recent airline tragedies have left many travelers feeling uneasy about flying. While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like these can heighten fears and make flying feel more daunting than usual. 

Megan Schabbing, MD, Medical Director, Psychiatric Emergency Services with OhioHealth, said this reaction is completely normal. 

“It’s really important to remember that tragedies like this are extremely rare and it’s easy to watch that news story and think it’s something that happens frequently, but it’s not," she told NBC4 reporter Gracie Collins. 

For those feeling anxious about an upcoming flight, Dr. Schabbing said to focus on ways to stay distracted. Before takeoff, activities like reading a book, calling a friend or taking a walk can help ease those pre-flight nerves. 

Once you're on board, “have a game plan for what you’re going to do to keep your mind occupied and to sort of go to that happy place," she said. 

Whether it's watching a movie that makes you laugh or playing a game, staying engaged can make a big difference. If worries persist, Dr. Schabbing suggests taking a rational approach. 

“When you start worrying, remind yourself that air travel is safe. People travel all the time. I’ve traveled by myself all the time. It’s a safe way to travel," she said. It's been nearly 16 years since the last commercial airline crash in the U.S. 

However, Dr. Schabbing noted there's a difference between general nervousness and a true phobia. If the thought of flying causes severe anxiety, she advised seeking professional help. 

“If you are in a position where it’s almost impossible for you to get on that plane or the thought of getting on the plane or the action of getting on the plane causes you to have severe heart racing," she recommends starting with a primary care doctor to explore treatment options and rule out any underlying medical concerns.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital President, Joy Biscoff, has been named Vice President of Enterprise Shared Services for the OhioHealth system. In her new role, Joy will oversee Laboratory Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Patient Support Services (EVS, parking, patient transport, language services), Rehabilitation, Ambulatory Imaging and Pharmacy for the entire OhioHealth system. 

Bischoff was named president of OhioHealth Van Wert hospital in 2023. Until recently, she had also served as OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital’s president since 2021. In these roles, Bischoff made a lasting impact in the community in several ways. For example, her dedication to cultivating strong relationships with community partners led to a monthly food distribution event in Kenton with the West Ohio Food Bank, and a $100,000 OhioHealth commitment to the YWCA of Van Wert County. 

At Van Wert Hospital, Bischoff led the team in achieving significant financial improvement in fiscal year ’24. She also provided guidance through the hospital’s integration process, increased transparency with the community by launching a series of community leader luncheons, and developed a strategic plan focused on driving ambulatory growth which included securing an investment in the pharmacy department worth $3.1 million. 

“I’m proud of the work of our team in Van Wert and I am excited to see our continued growth in services as we strive to provide high quality care close to home,” Bischoff said. “I look forward to this next chapter in my career as I take on a new challenge and role within OhioHealth.” 

Until a new president is named, Chris Clinton, Regional Market President, will be providing support to the Van Wert Hospital executive team. 

Delaware County residents have the highest life expectancy in Ohio, averaging 81.3 years, according to a recent study by Miami University. It’s the only county in the state where life expectancy surpasses 80 years, a contrast to Vinton County’s 69.9 years, the lowest in Ohio. These numbers reveal significant gaps in health outcomes across the state, where the average life expectancy in 2020 was 75.3 years.

Ohio’s overall life expectancy has declined in recent years, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the CDC. Tackling this issue isn’t simple, as what affects lifespan can look very different depending on where you live.

Delaware County’s distinction as the “gold standard” for geriatric care is no coincidence, Jared Stroud, MD, a geriatric and internal medicine physician at OhioHealth, told The Columbus Dispatch. The county benefits from a high concentration of healthcare resources, making routine and emergency care accessible to most residents.

In rural areas, hospitals and doctors are further away, and this can put care out of reach, Dr. Stroud said. Many of Dr. Stroud’s patients from rural parts of Ohio travel to Columbus for care. “A lot of them talk about how few resources there are. I think that inevitably plays a big role,” he said.

While healthcare access is critical, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Social determinants of health, such as housing, education, income, transportation and social connection, play a major role in shaping life expectancy.

If someone doesn’t own a car, they may not have reliable transportation to get to a doctor’s appointment, Nanette Lacuesta, MD, a family medicine physician at OhioHealth, shared as an example. There’s also new evidence that isolation is as bad for people as other unhealthy habits, such as smoking cigarettes or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, she said.

Loneliness, described as an emerging epidemic, is a significant concern. “I think that loneliness is going to be the new smoking,” Dr. Lacuesta said. Currently, one in two people experiences severe loneliness, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Ohio’s high rates of smoking, drug overdoses and excessive alcohol use continue to weigh heavily on life expectancy. Smoking rates have declined statewide, but among Ohioans with a household income under $15,000, 41 percent were smokers in 2022, up from 28 percent in 1995, according to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio.

Healthy eating is another area where improvement could make a difference. Jennifer Middleton, MD, a family medicine physician at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, advocates for diets rich in fiber, fresh fruits and minimally processed foods. Consistently eating healthy at every meal can be challenging, especially for those with limited resources, but it's essential for Ohioans to understand there are steps they can take to improve their health outcomes, no matter where they live, Dr. Middleton said.

This innovative approach is part of OhioHealth’s long-term strategy to integrate this technology across its facilities.

"Pickerington was scalable with it being a new hospital," Duane Perry, BSN, RN, Pickerington Methodist Hospital chief nursing officer, told Becker’s Hospital Review. "We were able to get it implemented at a lower cost, but it allows us to test workflows, completely understand how to utilize it and how to optimize it, before we lateralize it. But it is our goal moving forward to put it in more care sites."

OhioHealth partnered with smart room company eVideon and virtual care startup Caregility to implement these features such as digital door signs that indicate patient status with color-coded lights, such as yellow for fall risk, to alert staff in real time. Each room is equipped with smart TVs and tablets that allow patients to access educational materials about their care, stream their favorite shows and connect with family members via video calls. Patients can also use the room’s technology to place food orders and access translation services.

Staff members wear radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags that trigger personalized introductions on the room’s smart TV whenever they enter. This helps patients and family members identify the staff and understand their roles in the care process.

The technology is not only improving patient care, but staff satisfaction as well. With OhioHealth’s virtual nursing program, remote nurses saved over 650 hours of bedside care and documented 12,000 nursing notes in just six months.

"They're able to do care coordination," said Arika Thomas, BSN, RN, director of nursing for inpatient services at Pickerington Methodist. "They attend our multidisciplinary rounds, so they're an active, key partner in our discharge planning for the patient during the day. They're connecting with the nurses throughout the day. We have a tool within our electronic medical record that helps identify if a patient needs a higher level of care or assistance. The virtual nurse can review that, go over it with the nurse and help escalate that."

The hospital also plans to roll out 24/7 virtual monitoring where virtual sitters can observe high-risk patients through in-room cameras, and if they notice signs of distress, can intervene by alerting the patient or the on-site staff.

OhioHealth aims to expand these smart room capabilities to more care sites, drawing on Pickerington’s success to improve care across its network.

"Our experience has been very positive," Perry said. "What's nice about this technology and us implementing it is it doesn't just cover one thing. It's patient experience. It's a staff satisfier."

To learn more about OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital, click here.

Erin Williams was the first to announce her pregnancy, and as she headed out on maternity leave, she quickly found out that she wasn’t the only one expecting.

"It just trickled in, little by little, and then when I was on maternity leave, they were like, ‘Hey, guess who’s pregnant, guess who’s pregnant, guess who’s pregnant!’ It was pretty cool," Williams told NBC4 reporter Samantha Bender.

There are 10 babies in the hospital’s maternity ward, ranging in age from seven weeks to 19 months, with one more on the way. Having so many of the same experiences at the same time has made for a tight-knit support system, especially when it comes to balancing the demands of motherhood, work and breastfeeding.

"All of them breastfeed, and they have to cover each other if they’re going to pump, and it’s just so wonderful for our patients to see them working and breastfeeding," said Robin Lutz, Administrative Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery at Grant Medical Center. “The positive things they can teach as nurses to the pregnant women that are here is truly incredible.”

Many of the women not only shared their pregnancy journeys with one another but also helped each other deliver their babies.

“I trust these women with my life, obviously,” said first-time mom, Kortney Belt said. “I gave them that opportunity, and they took care of me and my baby. I’m just so grateful to every one of them. I love them.”

For nurses like Jordan Fox, being a mother has only enhanced their ability to care for patients. 

“I just really think it’s special to be there for moms that are going through this time, and it makes it even better when you’ve gone through it yourself. You can understand where their anxiety during labor comes from,” said Fox, who has three children.

Taylor Krinock, who recently gave birth to her son Lane, said, “I think it’s really great—we always know we have a support system we can ask, and if we run into any issues, we always have a buddy to ask, and they’re probably going through the same thing we are.”

For Elizabeth Barrowman, a first-time mother to an eight-month-old girl, having others to turn to has been a lifeline. 

“If I have any questions or any breastfeeding tips or baby tips, I have someone I can call, multiple people I can text, too, which is really nice,” she said. “They’re going through the same thing I am—the sleepless nights.”

From sleepless nights to navigating the chaos of new parenthood, having a built-in group of people who “get it” has made all the difference. And with Jaclyn Nowak’s baby girl on the way in January, the circle of support is only growing stronger. 

“She’s lucky already,” said Nowak. “She doesn’t even know it.”

“I could feel a lump in my left breast,” Cousins told 10TV anchor Tracy Townsend. “I thought it was all just related to breastfeeding.” 

But Dr. Tucker, who often addresses lactation-related complications, noticed something unusual. 

“Usually, when you have something that's like an area of swelling, what someone might refer to as a clog, it’s just in one quadrant,” Dr. Tucker said. Knowing something wasn’t quite right, she recommended further testing and Cousins was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. 

The diagnosis hit hard, and Cousins’ biggest worry was how it would impact her children. 

“I remember the only question my kids asked me was, ‘Are you going to die?’ Of course, I told them no,” she said. 

Throughout her treatment, she focused on staying strong for her family. While the journey meant she could no longer breastfeed Cooper—a decision that was tough on Cousins—she found gratitude amid the struggle.

“It was stressful that I had to abruptly stop nursing my infant. That really stressed me out, that really hurt. It was very emotional, but now I’m just thankful,” she said. 

Now cancer-free, Cousins wants her story to encourage others to stay vigilant about breast health, even if breastfeeding. Dr. Tucker also emphasizes that lactating individuals shouldn’t delay screenings due to concerns about breastfeeding. 

“One thing people should know is that they don’t have to pump and dump following mammography, ultrasound, MRI or CT scan,” she said.

Today, Cousins and Dr. Tucker share a friendship that goes beyond the patient-provider relationship. Cousins hopes her experience can remind others to listen to their bodies, get checked out and not be afraid to ask questions.

OhioHealth recommends women follow the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines below. Mammography has proven to save lives through early detection. 

• Screening mammogram beginning at age 40 for all women of average risk 
• An annual clinical breast exam by a doctor 
• Monthly breast self-awareness 
• Specific mammogram screening guidelines can be discussed with your OhioHealth physician. 
• Women should talk to their doctors about the screening that is right for their individual needs. 
• Women at high risk for breast cancer may need more frequent or earlier mammogram screening. 

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, click here. 

The YWCA serves hundreds of people in Van Wert and the surrounding counties, providing services such as survivor support for domestic violence and sexual assault, youth development programs and advocacy and education. However, the aging infrastructure has increasingly struggled to meet the needs of those it serves.

“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart,” said Paula Stabler, chief nursing officer at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Not only do a I serve on the YWCA of Van Wert County board of directors, I also see the positive impact it has on our community first-hand. OhioHealth is excited to celebrate the expansion of our partnership with the YWCA.”

The new YWCA facility aims to provide modern amenities and improved living conditions for residents. Currently, residents share restrooms and kitchen areas, but the new building will feature private studio apartments and two-bedroom units, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette. 

"Our biggest excitement is that it's going to be offering more dignified living spaces for our residents,” Kimberly Laudick, president and CEO of YWCA Van Wert County, told WLIO. “Which may not always seem like a lot, but that is a huge step forward for these victims and survivors to heal with the trauma that they are facing. Just that minor little thing that we sometimes take for granted.”

The YWCA of Van Wert hopes to break ground on the new facility in May 2026, paving the way for enhanced support services and a more welcoming environment for everyone in need.

"I'm super proud of OhioHealth and their commitment to the Van Wert community,” said Joy Bischoff, president of Van Wert Hospital. “I'm happy to be a part of this in Van Wert. The YWCA does just amazing things for this community, for women, for children and I feel blessed to be a part of it.”

To learn more about community support at OhioHealth, click here.

To learn more about YWCA of Van Wert, click here.

Stacey received the life-altering call from her surgeon at OhioHealth, Michael Sarap, MD, while working as a bus aide. 

“I waited until the last kid got off…then I sat there and cried,” Stacey told The Daily Jeffersonian.

Her diagnosis meant beginning chemotherapy immediately, a challenging treatment process Dr. Sarap explained was essential to manage Stacey’s aggressive cancer type. She was grateful for her quick access to the John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Cancer Center, located just 20 minutes from home.

For Dr. Sarap, Southeastern Medical Center’s local approach to cancer care is essential for patients’ well-being.

“You don’t want to be traveling an hour and a half when you’re that sick…local care lets patients maintain family, work, and life schedules,” he said. Last year alone, the center provided over 10,000 patient visits, with nurse manager Lori Cady noting the facility’s steady growth in serving Guernsey County and beyond.

And for Stacey, being able to stay near her family and her farm helped lighten her emotional and financial burdens. 

“I couldn’t have done it traveling to Columbus or Cleveland…we couldn’t have done it financially, either,” she said.

In January, Stacey began chemotherapy and quickly felt the effects. The treatment was grueling, and there were moments she considered stopping. 

“I just thought, ‘this isn’t worth it,’” she said. With encouragement from her husband and the compassionate support of her medical team, Stacey pushed on. “The nurses were incredible. Every day, they’d ask about my mental health, side effects, and even helped me shave my head. They genuinely cared.”

After months of challenging treatments, Stacey faced surgery in May. Dr. Sarap delivered her results personally on her 53rd birthday.

“He called me from his vacation. He said, ‘Stacey, I had to make this phone call. You’re cancer-free,’” she said. 

During her illness, Stacey’s dog, Rip, seemed to sense her struggle, often keeping a distance. But on that day, he was different—his energy lifted, and he began acting more like his old self.

“My son looked at me and said, ‘Rip knew you were cancer-free, Mom. He was telling you were cancer-free.’ It was my birthday gift,” Stacey said.

Dr. Sarap attributes Stacey’s successful treatment to the commitment and teamwork of the Southeastern Med staff. With a close-knit team, the center holds monthly meetings with surgeons, social workers and genetics counselors to ensure comprehensive patient care.

“Cancer patients can’t wait a week when their life hangs in the balance. Here, I can get them seen within a day or two,” Dr. Sarap said.

At a recent event, Southeastern Med celebrated its $12 million cancer center, funded by $5 million in local donations, including major gifts from the William Baker and Art Shepard families. Equipped with advanced technology like the Varian linear accelerator and nine infusion pods, the center provides comprehensive cancer treatments and support services.

“It’s amazing access for a town that’s so small,” he said, noting that Southeastern Med has been accredited by the National Commission on Cancer for 35 years. “We follow the same national standards as any hospital in America. That means the care you get here is the same care you get in Columbus.” 

For those like Stacey, this access can be life-changing.

“It’s very rewarding,” Dr. Sarap said. “Twenty years ago, a patient with a triple negative breast cancer would not have a chance. But now…it’s a success story. It’s teamwork. Everybody played a role in it.”

To learn more about cancer services at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center, click here.

To learn more about student opportunities at OhioHealth, click here.

Community leaders and residents came together at Ted Lewis Park to celebrate OhioHealth’s generous $50,000 donation aimed at restoring the city’s oldest park. The event, hosted by the Friends of Ted Lewis Park, highlighted the plans to breathe new life into a space that’s been a part of Circleville’s history for years.

“At OhioHealth, we believe healthcare extends beyond our facilities. It’s about fostering environments that promote health and well-being,” Casey Liddy, OhioHealth Berger Hospital president told the Scioto Post. Liddy shared how proud OhioHealth was to support an initiative that encourages physical activity and wellness for the whole community.

Karen Morrison, senior vice president, External Affairs and president, OhioHealth Foundation, joined Liddy at the event.

“This partnership is not just about the park; it’s about investing in the future of Circleville,” she said. “We are pleased to contribute to enhancing that health and wellness through our support of Ted Lewis Park. We are delighted to be a part of this community."

OhioHealth’s support went beyond the initial request for new lights for the youth playing field. The field will be renamed “OhioHealth Field” in recognition.

Along with this donation, the city has already allocated $2.5 million for the project, and the Friends of Ted Lewis Park are continuing to raise money for several upgrades.

The community is also looking ahead to new opportunities. After a fire destroyed a shelter house and a mural honoring Ted Lewis, the Friends group has proposed involving local art departments from Pickaway County schools to create new interpretations of the mural, honoring Lewis’ legacy as one of the country’s most famous entertainers of the 1930s and his donation of the land for the park.

Phase two of the park renovations, which will include new basketball courts and enhanced safety measures, is set to begin next year.

“This event is a special reminder of the incredible collaboration throughout the donation process,” said Lifeline of Ohio CEO Andrew Mullins. “We are so pleased to be able to honor our partners for the important roles they play from registration of the donation decision to caring for our donors and families, recipients and patients waiting for their lifesaving gifts.” 

Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout Lifeline of Ohio’s service area, in 2023, the donation decision of 182 organ donor heroes and their families was honored, saving the lives of 445 people. In addition, 1,004 donor heroes gave the gift of healing through tissue and cornea donation, and 588 people made the decision to donate their placentas to create thousands of healing tissue grafts. 

To find out more information on OhioHealth’s Pastoral Care Program, click here: Spiritual Care | OhioHealth

To read more about Lifeline of Ohio, click here: Home - Lifeline of Ohio

The OneWeight is the first scale specifically designed for use with ambulance gurneys. It integrates seamlessly into prehospital workflows, enabling accurate weight-based dosing of medications—essential in the critical moments following the onset of stroke symptoms.

“Accuracy in the acute phase is necessary to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. By integrating OneWeight into our Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, we can streamline patient assessments and help ensure that the correct dosage of TNK is administered,” said B.J. Hicks, MD, vice president of Neuroscience at OhioHealth. “There are numerous studies where dosages of thrombolytics have been underestimated, leading to less effective treatment.”

The MSTU is a vehicle designed to diagnose and treat stroke patients before they even reach the hospital. Administering thrombolytic therapy within the “golden hour” (60 minutes from symptom onset) can be the difference between life and death, as every minute saved improves long-term outcomes. Without adequate oxygen, a person’s brain loses 2 million cells every minute during a stroke.

The introduction of the OneWeight system eliminates the need for manual calculations and reduces provider stress.

“To achieve rapid treatment, we need processes that eliminate redundancy and accomplish multiple steps in parallel,” Dr. Hicks said. “The OneWeight gurney scale improves efficiency in the MSTU. This innovation allows us to weigh patients quickly and accurately, expediting weight-based medication calculations and saving precious minutes in the field.”

OhioHealth’s partnership with Hinckley Medical reflects a shared commitment to patient safety and cutting-edge care. 

“Our collaboration with Hinckley Medical underscores our dedication to providing the best care for stroke patients,” said Dr. Hicks. “The OneWeight system adds a significant tool we need to deliver weight-based thrombolytic therapy with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.”

To learn more about Hinckley Medical’s OneWeight gurney scale, click here.

To learn more about stroke care at OhioHealth, click here.

October is here, which means it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to encourage both women and men to prioritize screenings and learn how to prevent the disease. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, early detection can make all the difference. 

For women without any risk factors, mammograms can begin at age 35 for a baseline, with annual screenings starting at 40. However, those at higher risk may need to start the screening process earlier. 

“Particularly if there’s family members that were diagnosed at young ages with breast cancer, we would start 10 years prior to the youngest affected family member,” Natalie Jones, MD, a breast and melanoma surgeon surgical oncologist with OhioHealth, told NBC4 anchor Rachel Ramsey. “For example, if their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42, we would start screening at age 32 rather than waiting into their 40s.” 

Breast cancer cases are on the rise in recent years, especially in younger women in their 30s and 40s, said Dr. Jones. For individuals with a family history or other risk factors, options like BRCA Genetic Testing are available. 

“The ones that people are most familiar with now are BRCA1 and 2 mutations. But there’s probably 25 or more genes we can screen for now that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer,” Dr. Jones said. 

In addition to mammograms, doing monthly self-exams is a great way to stay on top of your health. Check for any changes, like lumps or skin differences, and if you notice anything unusual, reach out to your doctor for further testing. 

“Just finding these changes early can really be lifesaving,” Dr. Jones said. “Those things can be significant and then it can be worked up to determine if they are related to malignancy.”

OhioHealth recommends women follow the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines below. Mammography has proven to save lives through early detection.

• Screening mammogram beginning at age 40 for all women of average risk 
• An annual clinical breast exam by a doctor 
• Monthly breast self-awareness 
• Specific mammogram screening guidelines can be discussed with your OhioHealth physician. 
• Women should talk to their doctors about the screening that is right for their individual needs. 
• Women at high risk for breast cancer may need more frequent or earlier mammogram screening. 

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, click here.

The pill, known by the brand name Zurzuvae, could help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. Unlike earlier treatments that required IV administration in an office setting, this new pill form provides easier access. 

Addie Vasquez, a mother of three, remembers the overwhelming feelings she faced after delivering her first child seven years ago. Although she didn’t use Zurzuvae, she knows how critical it is to address the condition, whether through medication, therapy or a combination of both. 

“When I found out I was pregnant, I was excited and really happy, and he was just over the moon. Things changed once I had her,” Vasquez told NBC4 reporter Cierra Johnson. 

Like Vasquez, many women are caught off guard by the emotional and psychological shift that comes after childbirth. According to Scott Gspandl, MD, system director for Outpatient Behavioral Health at OhioHealth, hormonal changes often trigger these emotional swings in new mothers. 

"I would say up to 80 percent of women have some degree of even very mild mood disturbance after delivery,” Dr. Gspandl told NBC4. “It’s just kind of whether it reaches this threshold based on severity that we call it postpartum depression.” 

Dr. Gspandl explained that the new medication stands out because it works more quickly than standard antidepressants. 

“You take it for a couple of weeks, and once symptoms develop, it has a different mechanism of action than conventional antidepressants,” he said. 

However, accessing the medication may be a challenge. Beyond navigating prior authorizations and insurance hurdles, only a handful of specialty pharmacies are currently able to produce and distribute the drug. Still, for many women, the approval of this treatment represents a critical step forward in addressing a life-altering condition. 

For Vasquez, the key is seeking help as soon as possible. 

"Nip it in the bud, it’s better to get help sooner rather than later,” she said.

To learn more about OhioHealth’s behavioral and mental health services, click here.

To learn more about women’s health at OhioHealth, click here. 

To learn more about neuroscience at OhioHealth, click here.

OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center is proud to announce the addition of Rebekah Wood, MD, a native of Cambridge, to its surgical staff.

Starting Aug. 30, Dr. Wood will be seeing patients, bringing her skills to the community she knows and loves. She will be specializing in general, thoracic, vascular, pediatric hernia umbilical hernia and trauma surgery, as well as robotics, endoscopy and wound care.

Dr. Wood, who’ll soon be known as Dr. Wever after recently marrying Tony Wever, is a true local. Born and raised in Cambridge, she graduated from Shenandoah High School. Dr. Wood trained at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine and completed her residency in general surgery at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.

Her connection to Cambridge runs deep. Dr. Wood began shadowing Michael Sarap, MD, a fellow surgeon at Southeastern Medical Center, in junior high and continued to do so throughout her education. 

“Dr. Wood has received accolades at each level of her training for her knowledge, skills, leadership and teaching activities,” said Dr. Sarap. “She is a published author and has lectured at national conferences. We are excited to partner with her to continue to provide advanced surgical, endoscopic and robotic procedures and high-quality care with a personal touch for patients in southeastern Ohio.”

And Dr. Wood is excited about returning to her roots. Her family still lives on the farm where she grew up, just 30 minutes from Cambridge. She feels fortunate to be able to visit them regularly, she said.

“I’m really looking forward to starting my practice, serving Cambridge and the surrounding areas, and working alongside my long-time mentor,” said Dr. Wood. 

“We’re so pleased to have Dr. Wood join us,” said Southeastern Medical Center president, Wendy Elliot. “Her return is a wonderful reminder of the vibrant community we have here, and we’re honored she’s chosen Southeastern Medical Center to continue her medical career.”

To learn more about OhioHealth's surgical services, click here.

“I had mobility in my foot, but there was significant weakness. I stuck around for the remainder of the game, and then went to Ohio Health New Albany later in the evening, confirming the torn Achilles,” Officer Baggoo said.

Officer Baggoo is currently a patrol officer, assigned to the division’s K9 unit. He has been a police officer for seven years, and a patrol K9 handler for four years. His K9, Bruno, is a five-year-old Belgium Malinois imported from Germany. He is a dual purpose K9 which means he is trained in both patrol functions and narcotics detection.

After the game, Officer Baggoo knew he needed to see a doctor. He visited the OhioHealth New Albany Medical Campus, where he received a referral to seek medical care from Brian Steginsky, DO, an OhioHealth orthopedic surgeon.

“That night in the ER was tough, knowing that surgery would most likely be the solution which meant an extended time off of work,” Officer Baggoo said, “Additionally, it meant my high-drive K9 partner would also be off of work for an extended time.”

Even though he had a bit of worry, he scheduled a consultation with Dr. Steginsky on November 21, 2023.

“During the consultation, Dr. Steginsky explained the outcomes for both non-surgical physical therapy vs. a surgical procedure combined with physical therapy,” Officer Baggoo said, “Dr. Steginsky explained the newer technique which was performed on many well-known athletes such as Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. Dr. Steginsky was very thorough in explaining re-rupture rates and the timeline for both options. Many times, in law enforcement, we are hesitant to disclose our career based on the climate towards police. Once I explained to Dr. Steginsky my role as an officer, additionally as K9 handler, knowing the fast-paced situations we are involved in and my age, we decided the surgical route was the best option.”

The surgery was an Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge repair. His surgery was exactly a week after his injury, on November 27. The first couple of days post-surgery were challenging for the officer, but overall, the surgery was a success. 

“The surgery was unexpectedly quick; I checked in around 6 a.m. and was at home eating Chick-Fil-A, preparing for a nap by 12 p.m.,” Officer Baggoo said, “The morning of the surgery, Dr. Steginsky checked in, confirmed the correct Achilles with me, and then left an autograph with a smiley face.”

 According to Dr. Steginsky, during the recovery process, he likes to have his patients walking by three weeks and in tennis shoes by seven to eight weeks.  

“My recovery process had its ups and downs, but between Dr. Steginsky and my physical therapist Dr. Urey, we remained on course,” Officer Baggoo said.

He stayed in constant communication with Dr. Steginsky and his other doctor Jessica Urey, P.T. DPT. NovaCare, which gave him even more confidence during the recovery period.

“By four weeks out, Christmas, I was weight bearing in the boot, January 18 I took my first steps in a shoe, still using crutches, and by January 25 I was walking without assistance,” Officer Baggoo said. 

In early March of 2024, he began running on the Alter-G (Antigravity treadmill) and by mid-April, he was running on a treadmill without assistance. 

Now, to this day, Officer Baggoo has a great bond with Dr. Steginsky and is grateful for the medical guidance he received from him. 

“I believe his calmness and assuring nature made the decision for surgery that much easier. He was really great at just being himself, and being a caring, subject matter expert before being "the doctor,” Officer Baggoo said. “Dr. Steginsky walked into each follow up appointment with a smile and made sure to let me know that he spoke with Dr. Urey., and that the two of them together were closely monitoring my progress.”

Both Officer Baggoo and Dr. Steginsky feel that a strong trusting relationship is an important component in every stage of healing for a patient, whether it's the initial visit or diagnosis, the surgery itself, the recovery and everything in-between.

“The fact that Dr. Steginsky was checking in on my progress outside of the routine scheduled appointments showed how much he cared about the recovery and physical therapy; ensuring I would be able to confidently perform in my career post recovery,” Officer Baggoo said. “Dr. Steginsky also helped with providing documentation to allow my agency to approve modified duty/light duty assignment, which meant K9 Bruno and I could start going into the office instead of being bored at home all day.

As the officer's recovery progressed, Dr. Steginsky lifted restrictions which meant he was able to resume small training activities with Bruno to prepare for their return to patrol duties. Without the frequent communication, and without his trust in Officer Baggoo to not overdo it, Dr. Steginsky confidently signed off on the paperwork.

“I truly believe Dr. Steginsky understood how much I enjoy my career, and wanted to help me get back to where I left off. In the same breath, we had in-depth conversations during the modified duty period regarding what my limitations were, and what he expected of me during that time,” Officer Baggoo said.

On August 16, Dr. Steginsky and Dr. Urey had the opportunity of doing a ride-along with Officer Baggoo and K9 Bruno. 

“The ride along went great,” Officer Bagooo said, “They were able to get a glimpse of what we do.” 

Kathleen Dirol’s life was turned upside down by essential tremor, a common movement disorder that causes your hands and arms to shake uncontrollably. But after undergoing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, everything changed for her.

Essential tremor usually starts in the hands but can affect other parts of the body, like the head, voice, arms or legs. It can even run in families. For Dirol, it meant spilling drinks, tripping and struggling with her handwriting. 

“Before I had the procedure, I just lived with it. I didn’t realize it was like part of me,” she told 10TV anchor Tracy Townsend.

One year ago, Dirol decided to try HIFU treatment. This procedure involves using a cluster of high-frequency ultrasound beams—thousands in fact—to target and heat a specific part of the brain responsible for tremors, effectively creating a controlled stroke to halt the tremors.

“When the procedure is completed, the patient and I can see it at the same time,” said Angela Hardwick, MD, a neurologist with OhioHealth. “‘I can make a straight line. I can write my name. I haven’t seen my name in forever by my own hand.’”

And its results are immediate.

“I thought I would have to practice writing my name,” Dirol said. “I wrote a beautiful name, and I took a glass and a straw and took a drink. I mean, I started to cry. I couldn’t believe it. It was instant.”

HIFU isn’t just a quick fix; it offers long-lasting relief. Dr. Hardwick said the effects of this three-hour treatment should last for the rest of a patient’s life. 

According to the National Institute of Health, essential tremor can start at any age, but most often appears during adolescence or between the ages of 40 and 50.

To learn more about neuroscience at OhioHealth, click here.