January 12, 2023
Students participate in Healthcare Bootcamp
GREEN BAY – HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay recently welcomed high school juniors and seniors from across Northeast Wisconsin for its Healthcare Bootcamp.
Nearly 20 students – from Suring, Pulaski, Peshtigo, Green Bay, Hortonville, Gillett, Lena, Wrightstown, Appleton, Kiel, De Pere and Sheboygan Falls – interested in careers in healthcare experienced the hospital’s emergency department, intensive care and surgical units and pediatrics at HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital.
Students also had the opportunity to meet physical therapists, radiology and pharmacy experts and flight nurses.
AHW endowment funds nearly $1.5 million in initiatives
WISCONSIN – The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) Endowment of the Medical College of Wisconsin recently announced it will provide $1,474,350 in funding to 31 projects focused on community-based initiatives and biomedical research aimed at improving the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents.
Among them are three projects in Northeast Wisconsin, including:
The Agnesian Health Care St. Agnes Hospital Foundation in Fond du Lac – received $50,000 for “PsychChild,” which aims to teach clinicians how to understand and leverage children’s screen time activities as a component of mental health treatment. Creating a Municipal Inventory for Alcohol Policy in Calumet County – a project that looks to identify gaps and build action plans to address excessive alcohol consumption among youth in Calumet County received $29,000. Building Equitable Access to Wholesale Markets for Hmong Farmers in Northeast Wisconsin – a project that addresses gaps that prevent Hmong farmers from participating in wholesale markets in Northeast Wisconsin was awarded $50,000.
More information on projects funded by AHW and how to apply for future funding can be found at ahwendowment.org/AHW/Funded-Projects.htm.
Bellin’s CFO Jim Dietsche steps down
GREEN BAY – After nearly two decades of service to Bellin Health in Green Bay, Jim Dietsche officially stepped down as chief financial officer (CFO) and executive vice president Jan. 6.
He began his career with Bellin in 2005 and has been in his present role with the health system since 2020.
Dietsche has held various positions at Bellin, including chief operating officer, as well as a senior leader in many different areas including IT, population health, facilities, corporate compliance and business health solutions, as well as with the development of the Robin insurance product in partnership with HealthPartners and ThedaCare.
According to Bellin Health, Dietsche led negotiations to obtain the land for the under-construction Bellin Health Surgery and Specialty Center in Ashwaubenon, as well as led the development of Bellin’s pediatric partnership with ThedaCare and Children’s Wisconsin.
The health system also credits Dietsche for spearheading the due diligence work associated with Bellin’s merger with Gundersen Health System in La Crosse in 2022.
“Jim’s contributions to Bellin Health’s business and finance operations are immeasurable, and we thank him for all he has done to ensure we remain on solid financial footing, now, and in the years to come,” Chris Woleske, executive vice president of Bellin and Gundersen Health System and president of the Bellin Region, said.
Dietsche is a 1985 graduate of Lena High School and a 1989 graduate of St. Norbert College in De Pere.
New treatment available for carotid artery disease, aids in stroke prevention
GREEN BAY – Jeanette Man and Steven Vang, surgeons with Aurora BayCare
General & Vascular Surgery in Green Bay, are treating carotid artery disease to prevent potential strokes by using a procedure called trans carotid artery revascularization – which is often referred to as TCAR.
“TCAR is an excellent, less invasive option when treating carotid artery disease,” Man said. “It’s also effective in preventing stroke in this patient population. Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR provides another great option for carotid repair.”
According to BayCare, during a TCAR procedure, a tube inserted into the carotid artery is connected to a system that temporarily directs blood flow away from the brain to protect against dangerous debris from reaching the brain during the procedure.
Surgeons then filter the blood before returning it to a vein in the groin.
A stent is implanted directly into the carotid artery to stabilize plaque and prevent future strokes.
“Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy or CEA,” Vang said. “CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the incision leaves a visible scar and carries risks of surgical complications such as bleeding, infection, heart attack and more.”
For more information, call (920) 288-8250 or visit baycare.net.
Prevea’s marathon training series begins Jan. 18
GREEN BAY – Prevea Health will host an in-person event in Green Bay on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to kick off the marathon training season at Capital Credit Union Park Stadium, 2231 Holmgren Way.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
A live presentation with speaker Ross McDowell, runner and owner of Run Away Shoes, is from 6-7 p.m.
Complimentary light snacks with a cash bar will be available.
In addition, Prevea Health will host a free virtual educational series called “Prevea Pints & Pointers” featuring expert speakers who offer tips and answer questions about running and preparing for upcoming marathon events.
All programs are on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
Registration is required for both the live event at Capital Credit Union Park Stadium and for the Prevea Pints & Pointers virtual series, which can be done at prevea.com/event-details/2023/01/18/default-calendar/prevea-pints-pointers.