Chaplain Liz played Lady Gaga’s “Hold my Hand” at this morning’s reflection as a special request from Becky Meinholz, RN.
“I chose that song because when patients are going to sleep, they’re scared,” Becky said. “And me holding their hand helps them. Even in this country, where I don’t speak the language, holding their hand makes a difference.”
That shows the power of human connection, and this trip is all about human connection. It is an honor to watch these healthcare providers from multiple organizations come together to work seamlessly in the care of the people of Guatemala. Each person a unique piece of a beautiful puzzle.
Dr. Ongstad and Dr. Tierney partnered together on a surgery today. The patient named Manuel originally presented to Dr. Tierney with a full catheter and inability to urinate, but after a full examination, Dr. Tierney discovered something that would take this case in another direction. Because general surgery and urology are anatomically close, Dr. Tierney consulted with Dr. Ongstad.
“When I did the exam, I found he had two very large fluid clutches in his scrotum,” Dr. Tierney said. “They were actually very large hernias. We did an ultrasound immediately and walked him over to general surgery.
The ultrasound showed Manuel’s abdominal contents had dropped into his scrotum. Dr. Tierney and Dr. Ongstad developed a plan for a joint surgery to separate the abdominal contents and push them back into the abdomen. The small blood vessels connected to the testicles adhered to the hernias and had to be dissected otherwise he would lose both of his testicles.
“Dr. Tierney made it far more efficient for me to identify the testicles and the blood supply to the testicles to get that dissected away from the hernia contents,” Dr. Ongstad said.
Drs. Tierney and Ongstad both acknowledge the incredible teamwork seen throughout the week saying we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the entire team of nurses, surgical techs and anesthesiologists.
Teamwork isn’t just happening in the operating rooms; it flows into the PACU as well where Stephanie Shullman, a Nurse Practitioner at UW Health, is working with three nurses from SSM Health. They say with patient care as the common end goal, supporting each other and working together makes them a strong team.
“We all came into healthcare to care for humankind,” Stephanie said. “So, no matter where you come from, you share that foundation.”
Shannon Sullivan, RN at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, said she agrees, and every year since she’s done this trip, the team easily becomes a cohesive group.
“The type of people who sign up to do these trips are generally outgoing and easy to work with,” Shannon said. “We have a shared passion for caring for people and that unites us almost instantly.”
Full team roster:
Dr. Matthew Pogodzinski, Otolaryngologist, SSM Health
Dr. Tabitha Ongstad, General Surgeon, Aurora
Dr. Adam Tierney, Urology, SSM Health
Dr. Brent Shulman, Anesthesiologist, SSM Health
Dr. Laura Hammel, Anesthesiologist, UW Health
Dr. Andy Dalley, Anesthesiologist, UW Health
Dr. Danielle Gindlesberger, Family Medicine, SSM Health
Stephanie Shullman, NP, UW Health
Krista Chin, Physicians Assistant, SSM Health
Lindsey Boucher, Anesthesia Assistant, Gunderson Hospital in Lacrosse
Becca Linskens, RN, SSM Health
Joe Boyd, RN, SSM Health
Amy Scarbalis, RN, St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago
Carrie Kruse, RN, SSM Health
Becky Meinholz, RN, SSM Health
Shannon Sullivan, RN, SSM Health
Kim Hinkle, RN, SSM Health
Lauren Mahun, RN, SSM Health
Paul Masciola, Surgery First Assist, St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago
Ellie Reel, Surgical Tech, SSM Health
Staci Rieder, Pharmacist, SSM Health
Jeff Early, Translator, Houston
Liz Allen, Chaplain, SSM Health
Shari Lau, Communications, SSM Health
Total surgeries today: 13
ENT: 6 surgeries
General Surgery: 5 Surgeries
Urology: 2 surgeries and 1 additional consultation and surgery added to tomorrow
-Shari Lau
