August 2022: Oaklawn earns top federal ranking

                                     

During August 2022, MysteryVisits Communications provided this press release on behalf of Oaklawn. 

~ Oaklawn among 21 Michigan hospitals to receive highest federal ranking ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – Oaklawn is one of 21 hospitals and health systems in Michigan and 455 suh institutions nationwide to earn five stars – the highest possible – in the latest ranking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 

This is the second year in a row that Oaklawn has received the distinction, which was first awarded to Oaklawn in 2016 when the federal agency initiated the star-rating system.  

Under the current ranking system, the single composite grade reflects a broad range of measures of quality in five categories – patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, mortality and timely and effective care, said Irene Johnston, Oaklawn's director of quality, safety and risk. 

The new ranking is the first star-ratings update since January 2020, showing results for 3,355 hospitals and health systems nationwide, she said. 

Of those, 455 received a five-star rating, 988 received a four-star rating, 1,018 received a three-star rating, 690 received a two-star rating and 204 received a one-star rating. More than 4,500 U.S. hospitals were examined in all, and many did not receive star ratings. 

Hospitals report data to the agency through the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, Hospital-Acquired Condition (Reduction Program and Hospital Value-Based Purchasing  Program, Johnston said.

 

The public may view overall hospital ratings at Medicare's Hospital Compare website, found at www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare. 

“Receiving this ranking is a validation of our work over a long period of time,” said Oaklawn President and CEO Gregg Beeg. “It's very gratifying that those efforts are noticed in this way, because every day we do whatever is necessary to make things even better.” 

“Oaklawn employees have pride and every one of them does what he or she can to help our mission come to fruition – that is, striving for perfect care every time,” Johnston said.

“Throughout the past year, we have had challenges as many others also experienced,” she added, “but our community helped hold us up and keep us strong to keep fighting the pandemic and challenges head-on. 

“As a result, we can continue to be here and exceed our mission to provide personal, accessible and high-quality care to improve the health and well being of the communities we serve,” Johnston said.

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July 2022: Certified nurse midwife joins Oaklawn

 The following press release was issued during July 2022 by MysteryVisits Communications on behalf of Oaklawn.

~ Certified nurse midwife GiGi Sutton joins Oaklawn Obstetrics & Gynecology ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – As Jennifer “GiGi” Swart grew up in the Flint-area community of Davison, she discovered that a future medical career seemed destined for her. In fact, it seemed almost part of her DNA. 

“I grew up in a family of nurses,” she said. “My mom was a labor and delivery nurse, and so were her two sisters. My maternal grandmother also was a nurse. I grew up listening to them talking about babies and birth stories for as long as I can remember.” 

As an adult with the married name GiGi Sutton, that same young woman now has served for more than a decade as a registered nurse and is applying her family-inspired interests and professional skills to service as a certified nurse midwife with Oaklawn Medical Group — Obstetrics & Gynecology. 

That office is in Suite 3D of the Wright Medical Building at 215 E. Mansion St. Appointments may be made by calling (269) 558-0702. 

“I was 16 and 19 when I had my first two children, and that experience blended with having heard those discussions by my family members,” she said. It wasn’t long before GiGi buckled down to become financially independent to support her family. 

“Medicine was a doorway to achieving that,” she said. “I already had been interested in going that route, but by the time I was in my early 20s I had decided to work toward that goal.” 

She earned an associate of applied science degree in nursing from Monroe County Community College in 2010, then went on to work as a registered nurse for Monroe-based Mercy Memorial Hospital;  Michigan Medicine, formerly the University of Michigan Health System;  Ann Arbor-based Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital; and Lansing-based Sparrow Hospital. 

Meanwhile, Sutton pursued additional studies, earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Eastern Michigan University in 2017, and in 2021 a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Michigan, focusing on nurse midwifery. 

A midwife is a health professional who cares for mothers and newborns at the time of childbirth. A midwife also can take care of the full range of women’s health needs, from menarche through menopause and beyond, Sutton said. 

That specialty had struck Sutton as particularly attractive as she went through obstetrical rotations as a nurse. 

“It sealed the deal for me to go into that particular specialty,” she said. “There’s something about being present at the first moment when that new life comes into the world. The family is welcoming its new member and seeing the child for the first time. 

“Teaching them what to expect and what to do is deeply humbling,” she said. “It’s a huge honor to be there for that moment because it’s such a huge moment in people’s lives.

“One of my passions in my practice is to educate my patients and partner with them to help them make the best decisions for their individual needs,” Sutton said. 

Sutton is a member of the Michigan Nurses Association, the University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the American College of Nurse-Midwives and Nurses for Sexual & Reproductive Health. 

She is certified in basic life support for health-care providers and holds certifications in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program and Nexplanon clinical training. 

In her spare time, Sutton enjoys reading murder mystery and suspense novels and engaging in the outdoor recreational activity known as geocaching.

“We love puzzles,” she said. “We also have four cats and spend a lot of time spoiling them.” 

Married since early 2021 to Lisa Sutton, she resides in East Lansing with a combined family that includes young as well as adult children. Her own children are Alyssa, 26; Hunter, 23; Isaac, 15; and Abigail, 10. Lisa’s children are Sam, 20; and twins Keegan and Harper, both 10.

Gigi Sutton said a residential move to Marshall is possible at some future time. Meanwhile, she’s looking forward to her new work at Oaklawn.

“As I’ve looked for this first position as a midwife, I’ve been drawn to the small community hospitals,” she said. “Oaklawn has a real family feel to it. Everyone seems to really care about the place and what they do there. Everyone seems to do more than their fair share — and that is really appealing.” 

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July 2022: Winners of 2022 parade announced

ABOVE: Children and parents guide bikes, wagons and pets around the Fountain Circle in Marshall on the morning of July 4 during the annual Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade, part of Independence Day holiday activities in the community. 

The following press release was issued during July 2022 by MysteryVisits Communications on behalf of Oaklawn.

~ Winners announced after Oaklawn’s 2022 Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade  ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – The names of nine overall winners were announced Monday after the 2022 Oaklawn Hospital Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade.  

The parade stepped off on Independence Day morning at Brooks Memorial Fountain, launching holiday events at Marshall’s Fountain Circle.   

Ribbons were presented to all winners, as follows:  

Pets: First – Paisley Woods of Marshall; second – Greta Hetka of Marshall; third – Lilli Blair of Marshall

Bikes: First – Brezlyn Hoffman of Battle Creek; second – Marley Waun of Marshall; third – Lincoln Weaver of Marshall

Wagons: First – Isla and Grayson Metzger of Marshall; second – Franklin and Henry Brylle of Ceresco; third – Sydney Jeffery of Marshall.   

Fourth of July-themed toys were presented to all participants. 

Winners were selected by a team of judges that included representatives of Oaklawn, the parade’s sponsor. They were President and CEO Gregg Beeg, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Summer Liston-Crandall, Director of Clinical Affairs Dr. Matthew Ralph, pain-management provider Dr. Timothy Kwiecien and  physical therapy manager Tracy Winnie. Sarah Jack, an Oaklawn marketing associate, was the master of ceremonies.

Nearly 200 youngsters participated in this year’s parade, according to officials from Oaklawn’s Marketing Department.  

Children ages 3 through 12 were invited to create costumes and decorations that reflected the Independence Day celebration. All animals had to be properly caged or leashed, and all bike riders properly helmeted.  

An album of photos from the event may be viewed on Oaklawn Hospital's Facebook page. 

Another Fourth of July tradition — the Marshall Chicken BBQ — got under way shortly after the parade, featuring a lunch of barbecued chicken, hotdogs and ice cream. The event was sponsored by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, and featured a performance by the Marshall Rotary Band.

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June 2022: Groups join forces for Fourth parade

                                   

ABOVE: A parade of children and parents guiding bikes, wagons and pets around the Fountain Circle has been a traditional sight in Marshall on Independence Day. This year’s Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade again will be part of activities in the community for the Fourth of July. 

The following press release was provided by MysteryVisits Communications on behalf of Oaklawn during June 2022. 

~ Oaklawn, MAEDA, Rotary Band join forces for Fourth of July in Marshall ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan — When crowds convene at the Fountain Circle on the Fourth of July, they can expect to see hundreds of youngsters, animals, colorfully decorated bicycles and other wheeled vehicles joining the fun of the 2022 Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade.

The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, and circle Brooks Memorial Fountain as part of the city’s Independence Day observance. It also will kick off many other traditional Independence Day activities. 

Another Fourth of July tradition — the Marshall Chicken BBQ — will get under way at 11 a.m., featuring a lunch of barbecued chicken, hotdogs and ice cream. The event is being sponsored by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance.

Barbecue tickets at $12 each are being sold in advance at the Marshall Welcome Center and at Hemmingsen’s Drug Store. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Additional information about the barbecue is available at choosemarshall.com/event/july-4th-chicken-bbq. 

During the barbecue, a performance by the Marshall Rotary Band will start at 11 a.m., conducted by Dave Conklin and announced by Alan Elliott. Performances are to include the “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky, military service marches and a trumpet solo by Conklin, according to Dennis G. Smith, the band’s president. 

Oaklawn representatives serving as parade judges will be President and CEO Gregg Beeg, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Summer Liston-Crandall, Director of Clinical Affairs Dr. Matthew Ralph, pain-management provider Dr. Timothy Kwiecien and  physical therapy manager Tracy Winnie. Sarah Jack, an Oaklawn marketing associate, will be the master of ceremonies.

There is no fee to participate in the parade, but registration is required. To be assured of participation in the parade, registrations are urged by July 1. Registrations are being accepted entirely online at oaklawnhospital.org/parade-registration, where complete rules and regulations also may be viewed.

Late registrations will be accepted only from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event, in front of the Crary Condominiums building, near the National House Inn.  

Children ages 3 through 12 are invited to create costumes and decorations that reflect the Independence Day celebration. A parent’s authorization is required in order for any child to participate in the parade. All animals must be properly caged or leashed.

Fourth of July-themed toys will be presented to all participants. First-, second- and third-place honors are to be awarded in each of the categories — pets, bikes and wagons — in the form of ribbons and “Marshall Bucks.”

All bikers riding in the parade must wear helmets. Oaklawn is making helmets available for $5 to those who don’t bring their own. Lineup for the parade will begin at 9:40 a.m. the day of the event.

For additional information, contact the hospital’s marketing office at (269) 789-3942. Additional information may be found online at wwwoaklawnhospitalorg/parade. 

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June 2022: Dakota Yeaster joins Oaklawn office

                                          

MysteryVisits Communications provided this press release on behalf of Oaklawn during June 2022.

~ Physician assistant Dakota Yeaster joins Marshall Internal & Family Medicine ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – When Dakota Yeaster was a teen-ager growing up in the Michigan community of Jerome, his first-hand experience in helping people in emergencies helped set the stage for a profession in medicine.

“I always knew I had a passion for science,” he said. “I was good at math and science but in the long run, medicine seemed more appealing — being out in the field and working with people.”

That realization came relatively early in life through his hands-on experience at age 17 as a volunteer with the Moscow Township Fire & Rescue Department in Hillsdale County, assisting with emergency calls. 

“The calls were predominantly medical in nature, and they helped spark my interest,” he said, nudging him inexorably toward his eventual career as a physician assistant.

In that role, Yeaster has joined Oaklawn Medical Group — Marshall Internal & Family Medicine at 720 N. US-27, Marshall, where he will work alongside Jose Valle, M.D., and other medical providers. Appointments may be made by calling (269) 781-6600. 

“I learned pretty early that I wanted to do more for people who were medically in need, and work to prevent individuals from ending up in the situations that sometimes I found them in,” Yeaster said. 

As a high school student, Yeaster divided his time between his studies, athletics and working in emergency medical services. Those experiences expanded to include work as a firefighter and licensed emergency medical technician with the Moscow department as well as in Isabella, Clare and Gratiot counties. 

Indeed, as an adult Yeaster has remains involved in emergency rescue operations, but his medical focus and a growing interest in the field of cardiology in time led him to focus on the realm of preventive care.

“That was a wake-up call for me,” he said. “If some of these people had had access to primary care, many of their medical problems could have been prevented.” 

After graduation from Hanover-Horton High School, Yeaster went on to earn a bachelor of science degree as well as a master of science degree in physician assistant studies, both from Central Michigan University. Yeaster later worked as a physician assistant at the Center for Family Health walk-in clinic in Jackson.

Today, Yeaster is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants.

In his spare time, Yeaster enjoys such activities as mountain biking, snowboarding, hunting and fishing, often around his hometown of Jerome where he’s been known to stalk turkey and deer.

“I like to stay active,” he said. 

Yeaster and his fiancee, a physical therapist in Battle Creek, plan to marry in early 2023. Both are graduates of Central Michigan University. 

Yeaster — who moved into a Marshall residence in the late summer of 2020 — now says he’s looking forward to returning to Oaklawn, where during his studies he had the opportunity to work during clinical rotations focusing on internal medicine and general surgery. 

“I felt at home there versus my experience at some of the larger sites, where you’re just a number,” he said. “There’s a lot of respect for every single member of the staff. Plus, there’s a lot of charm and hometown appeal.”

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June 2022: Cecilia Stahlhood joins Oaklawn

MysteryVisits Communications provided this press release on behalf of Oaklawn during June 2022.

~ Family nurse practitioner Cecilia Stahlhood joins Oaklawn’s Coldwater office ~

COLDWATER, Michigan – While young Cecilia Gawart was growing up in her hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan, her family’s trove of popular magazines seemed destined to steer her toward a fulfilling career in medicine.

“When I was a kid in the early 1980s, my parents used to read the Reader’s Digest, and I used to love reading all the medical articles,” she said. 

Now married with a family of her own, Cecilia Stahlhood is preparing to further her medical career with the Oaklawn Medical Group. In her role as a family nurse practitioner, she has been assigned to work out of the Oaklawn Primary Care office based at 375 N. Willowbrook Road in Coldwater. Appointments there may be made by calling (517) 924-1605. 

Stahlhood is no stranger to the Coldwater area, having worked with several of the medical providers there during her clinical rotations as a nurse practitioner student. 

That academic pathway actually began when Cecilia — barely in her teens — browsed through those copies of Reader’s Digest. One of the most popular features in the magazine was a series of health-based informative articles with titles such as “I Am Joe’s Heart” and “I Am Joe’s Spleen,” focusing on the various ways the human body functions. 

“I was drawn by the human-interest pieces and was fascinated with what people went through — how they could survive health problems and come out all right on the other side,” she said. 

After graduation from Harper Creek High School, Stahlhood earned a bachelor of science degree in 1994 from Western Michigan University, focusing on her initial career choice in community health education, which occupied her for the next several years.

In time, however, Stahlhood recognized that nursing “was something that I’d always wanted to do.” As a result, she went on to pursue an associate of science degree in nursing, graduating from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek in 2002.

For more then a decade and a half, Stahlhood worked as a registered nurse, gaining clinical experience in pediatrics, women’s health, surgery, orthopedics, neurology and trauma medicine. 

Stahlhood obtained a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Illinois, graduating in 2019, and went on to each a master of science degree in nursing from the same institution, graduating in 2021. 

As a student, Stahlhood gained valuable experience in several of the Oaklawn Medical Group’s primary-care offices, including those at Olivet, Beadle Lake near Battle Creek, Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Marshall and the Coldwater office where she now is based.

Stahlhood is licensed in Michigan as an advanced-practice registered nurse and is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, of which she is a member. 

Although Oaklawn has a broad range of services throughout the region, Stahlhood observed that its roots lie in the communities it serves.

“Oaklawn is smaller in nature, so it feels more like home and family,” she said. “I did my clinical rotations at Oaklawn and got that feeling at each office where I worked.”

Stahlhood and her husband Rahjah reside in Battle Creek with her stepson Kadyn, 15, and her daughter Aleena, 12. 

“We enjoy being outside,” Stahlhood said of her family activities. That includes water-based activities at Michigan lakes, including kayaking, boating and motor camping. 

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June 2022: Fourth of July parade gears up

ABOVE: A traditional sight in Marshall on Independence Day has been a parade of children and parents guiding bikes, wagons and pets around the Fountain Circle. This year’s Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade again will be part of activities in the community for the Fourth of July. 

MysteryVisits Communications prepared the following press release on behalf of Oaklawn during June 2022. 

~ Plans gear up for Oaklawn's Fourth of July Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade in Marshall ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – Hundreds of kids – along with friendly animals, colorfully decorated bicycles and other wheeled vehicles – are expected to step off at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, in this picturesque city for the 2022 Oaklawn Pet, Bike & Wagon Parade.

The parade will circle Brooks Memorial Fountain as part of the city’s Independence Day observance, and kick off many other Independence Day activities. There is no fee to participate in the parade, but registration is required.

At 11 a.m., a lunch featuring barbecued chicken, hotdogs and ice cream will get under way, sponsored by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, along with a performance by the Marshall Rotary Community Band. 

Sara Jack, an Oaklawn marketing associate, will be the master of ceremonies for the parade.

To be assured of participation in the parade, registrations are urged by July 1. Young people who want to be part of the parade are being encouraged to register as soon as possible, and several options are available.

Registrations are being accepted entirely online at oaklawnhospital.org/parade-registration, where complete rules and regulations also may be viewed.

Late registrations will be accepted only from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event, in front of the Crary Condominiums building, near the National House Inn.  

Children ages 3 through 12 are invited to create costumes and decorations that reflect the Independence Day celebration. A parent’s authorization is required in order for any child to participate in the parade. All animals must be properly caged or leashed.

Ribbons will be presented to all participants, plus first-, second- and third-place honors awarded in each of the categories – pets, bikes and wagons. Awards in the form of “Marshall Bucks” will be presented to the top three winners in each category. 

All bikers riding in the parade must wear helmets. Oaklawn is making helmets available for $5 to those who don’t bring their own. Lineup for the parade will begin at 9:40 a.m. the day of the event.

For additional information, contact the hospital’s marketing office at (269) 789-3942. Additional information may be found online at wwwoaklawnhospitalorg/parade. 

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