Humans of Hennepin Healthcare
In recognition of the variety of humans that make it possible to perform our mission at Hennepin Healthcare, we have refreshed our Stories from the Field series to become Humans of Hennepin, sharing reflections not only from employees but also from volunteers, donors, patients, and community partners.
Janet Hansen, AuD, CCC-A – Audiology
“I’ve enjoyed meeting people from around the world at Hennepin Healthcare. Over my 25 years here, I’ve seen changes in where some of our patients come from. It’s almost like a geography lesson. Let’s say a patient on my schedule needs an interpreter. I’ll look to see what language, and sometimes it’s one I’m not familiar with. I’ll look it up to see where the language is spoken. I think our patients appreciate the care they receive. In some cases, patients tell me this is the only place they can go, and I like being one part of the place they receive care. I also like being in the place that some patients choose – they know our reputation for excellent care.
Hearing loss can be exhausting. When you can’t hear well, you have to focus so hard throughout the day to follow the things we take for granted. People sometimes get emotional when they can suddenly hear their family members without as much effort. Newer hearing aids can be paired with smart phones. To test this, we call them, and they can hear well on the phone for the first time in a while, or ever – some will cry happy tears. Hearing loss makes people not want to talk on the phone or avoid other difficult situations. It’s rewarding to connect people with their families and make communication easier.”
Dora Deras, MA – Senior Medical Assistant, Internal Medicine
“Hennepin Healthcare means a lot to me. As an immigrant, I feel welcomed. I love the diversity that our teams offer, such as the Somali clinic and Spanish-speaking clinic. I know they’ll take care of me and everyone else, no matter the situation.
All the providers are so passionate about taking care of patients. We connect and get to know them so one day when they come back, they know our names. They become like friends to us. My team has fun while working with patients, even if it’s a challenging case. We give our best and lift each other up.”
Jess Holm, APRN, CNM, FACNM – Nurse Midwife Service and Division Director
“The philosophy of midwifery has really resonated with me. We focus on pregnancy and birth as a normal process, not as a high-risk experience. Midwives also focus on non-intervention, meaning that we walk with people through the process and only intervene as necessary. We support patients through whatever their birth looks like, whether it’s nonmedicated, a water birth, an induction, an epidural, or any combination of these.
Globally, the U.S. is an outlier – in most other countries, midwives attend most births, but only 10 percent of births are attended by a midwife in the U.S. In the past year, the nurse-midwife service has attended at least 40 percent of the births at HCMC – that’s a significant increase when compared to prior years. I’m proud of the wealth of knowledge and high-quality care that our team can provide. I love the diversity in our group because I learn something new every day. In our 52nd year of midwifery at Hennepin Healthcare, we still do it really well.”
Stephen Smith, MD – Physician, Emergency Department
“When I was in medical school, I knew I wanted to be the first one to see the patients. In the emergency department, it’s a lot of problem solving and quick thinking. I enjoy the opportunity to help people in their time of distress – to fix the problem and reassure them.
Some people think we’re just the ED for people who don’t have anywhere else to go. They don’t realize that we’re one of the premier emergency departments in the world. We’re globally recognized because of our cutting-edge research and patient management. A lot of our faculty are prominent in their field. If you are sick, there’s no better place in the world to be than our stabilization room. The finest people I know work in our ED.”
Michelle Davenport, DNP, RN – Professional Development Specialist, Medical Surgical Division, Jail Health Services, Burn Unit
“My great-grandmother, Flossie Washington, is the one who inspired me to care for everyone in the community. She cared for the homeless and anyone struggling with addictions in New York City, where I’m originally from. When I became a nurse, I knew I wanted to work for Hennepin Healthcare because it cares for the same people that my great-grandmother did. That’s the mission – we truly provide phenomenal care to everyone, regardless of what they are facing, and that’s why I love working here. This is who Flossie Washington taught me to be.
As professional development specialists for registered nurses, we educate both new employees and our seasoned staff and we are always looking to redesign our education, relying on evidence-based practice. I’m driven to continue to help the future generation of nurses. If I can make a difference in their lives, I’m going to do it. It’s a way of giving back to the community. I want to give these new nurses the mentoring that I did not receive. I have dealt with racism in my career and was told ‘People like you will not be successful in the RN program.’ So, I was determined to be successful and be the mentor that I needed.”
Lynn Poth, MS, MLS (ASCP) – Lab Education Program Coordinator
“I direct the education programs in the lab – one is a phlebotomy certificate and the other for a medical lab science certificate, which is the final year in a bachelor’s degree. HCMC has run this hospital-based lab training program for over 100 years. This makes us one of the oldest programs in the nation, which is quite the legacy!
I love the detailed work that goes into analyzing patient samples. I also love working with lab students. The most rewarding part is seeing the growth and confidence that builds while interns train with us until they graduate and are ready for a job in the lab. It’s a complete metamorphosis. I’m proud to work at a hospital that invests resources in educating our next generation of healthcare professionals.”
David Lemon – DEI Coach, Health Equity
“The work of any coach is to help build capacity and guide someone to understanding their strengths and opportunities to grow. We keep concepts of DEI at the forefront. In coaching sessions, I ask a lot of questions because most people have the answers within themselves. I enjoy helping people figure out what is important to them and why. It’s an opportunity to help someone shape their own lesson plans for where they want to go. We challenge people to think about what ways their actions support or hinder efforts to reach equity.
When you get to the heart of DEI work and the issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, so many of those things are built on systems that pre-date all of us. Many of us aren’t making an active choice to do anything wrong, but we were raised in a system that taught us certain things are the right way to do things and or the right way to be. We can’t help but be a product of those systems. It’s not about being a good or bad person, it’s about recognizing how you fit into those systems – how you benefit from or are oppressed by those systems and what you are doing to actively push back on oppressive systems to create equitable opportunities for everybody.”
Jo Fink – Volunteer, chaplaincy
“I’ve been volunteering with chaplaincy since 2007. I enjoy making somebody’s day brighter and being a presence for them. I’m grateful for what I’m able to do and the opportunity to help others. Hennepin Healthcare is such a well-run hospital, and the staff are so friendly – that’s what keeps me coming back.”
Ka Vang – Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, Meet Minneapolis
“I’m a part of the Meet Minneapolis Legacy Project – our goal is to focus on social-corporate responsibility and to inspire the tourism and hospitality industry to give back to the community. With everything the community has gone through the past couple years, I thought we should take back the narrative by helping our neighbor, Hennepin Healthcare. We held a warm clothing drive for three weeks and asked our Meet Minneapolis staff and the hospitality industry to donate. We ended up donating over 500 items of clothing worth about $5,000.
This project was personal for me because I have been a recipient of clothing closets and food pantries. I’m Hmong American and came to the U.S. in 1980. I also lived in a refugee camp for five years before that. Those experiences informed my desire to give and made me aware of social justice work. I’m grateful for community champions that gave to me and my family because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Frank Jadwin, LICSW – Redleaf Center for Family Healing, Program Manager
“I started in my new role at the Redleaf Center earlier this month and I’m really looking forward to the community healing element. The family healing component comes with the help of the community, and although mental health is an individual experience, we don’t heal in isolation. This crucial work incorporates other aspects of community and areas of the hospital. We’ve had some fantastic integration with Pediatrics, Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine. It’s about including mental health in healthcare and treating the whole person.
Within the Redleaf Center, the Mother Baby program has the Day Hospital, which is only one of four perinatal partial hospitalization programs in the country, as well as other outpatient services. On the mental health continuum, this is a middle level of care – people who need more time and attention with professional staff, but not enough to be admitted to inpatient. The team here has a special skill set for such an important job and takes a multi-generational approach to mental health. Similarly, the other intensive outpatient teams I was working with before this move, Day Treatment and Partial Hospitalization, are filled with talented people doing incredibly inspiring and imperative work for our community. They are saving lives. All these teams are instilling hope for the healing and well-being of our community.”
Lexa Kinneman – Paramedic, EMS
“When looking for my first paramedic job, I wanted to be a part of Hennepin EMS because it holds medics to a really high standard. People recognize Hennepin EMS and have a lot of respect for the paramedics. The part of the mission that resonates with me is ensuring access and care for the community. I have never seen another hospital provide as many resources to the community as Hennepin does, and it really is to help every single person.
The rewarding part of EMS is that you can see that what you’re doing makes a difference right away. Within five minutes of meeting a person, you know you’re making a change. We can do so much in an ambulance that I don’t think people realize. Many times, people will get in the ambulance and say ‘Wow, it’s like a mini ER in here!’ There’s so much gratitude from patients and their families.”
Pete Benolken, DNP, RN – Nurse Practice Professional, Emergency Department, Acute Psychiatric Services
“Being a level 1 trauma center highlights the expertise at Hennepin Healthcare. Our ED is ready to treat anyone and everyone, no matter what brings them to us. We’re prepared to help. Not all hospitals are like that. Hennepin Healthcare’s mission is about ensuring access to outstanding care for everyone. I really value that idea. That’s one of the beautiful parts about emergency nursing – it’s people from all walks of life.
The ED has been hit hard over the last few years and there hasn’t really been a break. What I want people to do is celebrate the staff who continue to show up for shifts and care for patients day in and day out – especially our teammates that are there working extra because they’re short staffed or changing shifts. There’s an amazing amount of caring that happens here. Our nurses want to see that continue because they know we’re vital to the community. They deserve all the credit.”
Kentral Galloway – Next Step, Program Director
“Next Step is a violence intervention and prevention program that helps folks who show up to the hospital after a violent injury. Our program is completely voluntary, patient-based and patient led. We make the initial contact with patients and explain the different ways we can help them, and they ultimately decide what that help looks like. We typically help with financial support and trauma counseling – rehumanizing and empathizing with patients, showing them that their life is valued, and helping them re-engage in the community safely. We can aid the entire family and develop lifelong relationships.
Our team helps people heal and we disrupt unfair systems. We educate our hospital team members to be culturally sensitive and we address implicit bias and systemic racist policies. My hope is that we can focus on violence prevention while still maintaining our intervention strategies. That way, we can connect with folks before they ever encounter a violent situation. None of this would function without the Next Step team. I’m grateful for them, and they deserve all the credit.”
Caren Gaytko, RN, PHN, MA – Senior Director, Community Care
“I joined Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association (MVNA) prior to our integration with Hennepin Healthcare. My leadership role was to improve processes, strengthen clinical programs, and build strong teams as we prepared to combine. MVNA represents a wide range of services from supporting pregnant patients, at-risk teens, parenting home education, adult home health, community vaccination and testing clinics, care coordination, to end of life hospice care. Home visits are a special way to provide service – our teams recognize it’s an honor to be a guest in someone’s home providing care during such vulnerable times. We are so privileged to be part of the extraordinary moments of grace – from welcoming a new life into the world, equipping parents with resources, helping patients care for their medical needs at home, to comforting a person to their next life’s journey. That is what we do, that is what brings us joy.
Our Family Health program has transitioned to the Hennepin County, and our hospice services are collaborating with a program that is committed to serving our patients. As some of our programs change, I see our next iteration as a powerful opportunity to breathe new life into our existing programs while building new and innovative care models. As we look to the future of doing what we love, there is genuine optimism and excitement. We’re still here and we’ll still be here doing what we do best, proudly providing care to our patients wherever they call home.”
Anthony DiAngelis, DMD – Former Chief of Dentistry and Foundation Legacy Society Member
“I believe that a good doctor treats the disease, while a great doctor treats the patient with the disease. At Hennepin Healthcare I see great doctors. When my wife, Nina, and I moved to Minneapolis, our daughter Kyra was just 9 years old, and it was difficult to find medical care for her since she has developmental disabilities. When we brought her to HCMC, she not only received medical treatment, but a community that was supportive, nurturing, and respectful of anyone with differences. The amount of time and attention the providers gave each patient stood out to me. That has continued throughout the years. During my daughter’s hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and routine clinic appointments, the caregivers were terrific. She is now 52, and Nina and I still take her here for the majority of her care.
When I made the decision to join HCMC as Chief of Dentistry, I was motivated by the extraordinary care I had already seen. Our dentistry department has the mission of providing dental services to individuals who cannot get it elsewhere, many because of their intellectual or developmental disabilities. They need more time and consideration. I used to tell my team, ‘You may be the only kindness these patients observe in their day.’”
Ellen Bernardson, RN, CCTC, MA, CNP – Kidney Transplant
“I went into nursing because of my dad – he was a gentle soul. He was a nursing assistant at the VA hospital and when he came home from night shifts in the psych unit, he was bothered by the way some of the staff handled patients. That really stuck with me – to treat people with humanity, no matter what. Around the time I came to Hennepin Healthcare, I heard that my cousin’s husband was on dialysis. Because of that, I chose to work in dialysis ICU and have continued in kidney care ever since.
In my current role, I help patients through the beginning phase. Patients with renal disease are entering through a dark forest, and I feel confident that I can help them through the many adjustments and changes. The most rewarding thing is completing the transplant, getting the patient on their feet, discharged, and then seeing them do well when you pass them in the hall. Our patients do best when we focus on the great collaboration we have between the nephrologists, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and dietitians – the whole transplant team is patient-centered. Everyone’s voice is valued, and the patients benefit from that.”
Kristi Roers, RN, CEN – Hospital Partner Liaison, LifeSource
“I worked as a nurse in Hennepin Healthcare’s emergency department for 25 years. I saw patients walk out of the hospital that typically wouldn’t have been able to, but they did because of the phenomenal care we provided. That’s what I was most proud of. I was also on the organ donation committee, which is how I was introduced to LifeSource, our organ and tissue donation partner. Now that I’m a liaison, my goal is to provide education for hospital staff and support families making difficult decisions about a loved one.
We hope that every patient recovers, but we know that’s not the case for everyone. If a patient’s injury or condition has been deemed nonsurvivable, a nurse notifies us and at the right time, we discuss organ donation with the family. We encourage everyone to have those discussions with family members, so they know where you stand on organ donation. When you have expressed your wishes, it’s so much easier for your family than to make that decision in their moment of grief. Every day, I’m amazed at the graciousness of families. We recently told two parents that their son’s heart was going to another child, another child who was 4-years old. They burst out into tears because they were so grateful that something good was coming out of something bad. I’m so thankful for those choosing the gift of life, and for those receiving that life-saving gift with the support of Hennepin Healthcare.”
Anita White – Grateful Family Member, Artist
“My journey through Hennepin Healthcare is complex and led to wonderful things. I had three parallel journeys – with my mother, my husband, and brother who all received care here. My mother had a heart attack just before she died in 2011. The ED nurse went above and beyond. I stayed the night, and she brought in a chair for me. The care she showed was beyond medical. My late husband had numerous complicated issues that grew even more complex very quickly. We were in and out of the ED many times before he died in 2019. At the same time, I was also caring for my brother who receives treatment for mental illness here. It was the compassion that made our visits so meaningful.
Once my husband Josh’s medical issues increased, I grabbed my sketchbook. I’ve been an artist my whole life. I was scared, but I started drawing. I used art throughout not just to document my husband, but to honor the people that came to our side. I was given the opportunity to display my art in the Red skyway in 2017 from August to October. I named it ‘Drawing Through Crisis with Courage and Humor.’ I learned to use drawing to find facts, to express feelings and to seek spiritual faith. Hennepin is an endlessly fascinating place to me. My other goal was to draw the people who aren’t always seen. I drew the staff that clean the rooms and serve meals in the cafeteria. Some people might think it traumatic to come back here after my husband passed to keep drawing, but it wasn’t. Drawing helps me see. I feel gratitude to be getting older and to continue to have a rich, inner creative life.”
Marie Hillman – Social Work, Inpatient & ED Care Management
“Although patients come through our doors to address an acute medical issue, there are often broader issues affecting their health. These are issues that will persist after discharge. Social workers aid patients in locating resources that help manage their healthcare needs after discharge. Often doctors will call us when they need help sorting through family tensions. Especially in the ICU, medical emergencies will bring together family members who do not usually see each other and there are conflicts about who should have access to a patient. At other times we will have patients not connected with anybody and have no emergency contact or decision-maker. That’s when we try and track down a relative.
The most rewarding times in this job are where you can see very real immediate results where you are making a difference for a patient’s life situation – where if I don’t help this person, they have no one in their life and nowhere else to go. We are pulling at every thread to find a solution. Most of the time we cannot come up with something that is going to resolve all their problems, but if I can find a resource that addresses one little piece, then things can build on each other.”
Oscar Oranday Perez – Behavioral Health Research Counselor, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
“I work in the Behavioral Health Equity Research Group (BHERG) Lab and support our studies by talking to participants directly and administering the intervention, which is counseling or coaching. I also support the Health, Homelessness and Criminal Justice (HHCJ) Lab in one of their studies. Over the year, I’ve really enjoyed focusing on counseling skills to help participants trying to quit smoking. It has been very personally enriching and informative and has changed how I approach my daily life. I’ve been learning about motivational interviewing, which helps the participant see the possibility of changes within them. We work with participants to find out what’s important to them and find links between their goals and values. I’ve had very satisfying experiences with participants who have been positively affected by the studies. That’s the power of not just lending an ear, but also empathy. The work we do can really uplift people. If the participants experience a positive outcome, that comes from them. We were simply in the journey with them. Hearing the participants realize that is very rewarding.
What I’ve really liked about Hennepin Healthcare is that there is this clear effort for the staff to reflect the population that they serve – more diversity and representation in the workforce. I feel grateful every day for being a part of this supportive team. We aren’t afraid of giving each other constructive feedback. It’s a very nurturing environment where learning and growing is greatly promoted. Having trust in your team can make a such a difference in your work.”
Talee Vang, MA, PSYD., LP – Vice President of Health Equity
“Research suggests that companies that are more racially diverse outperform their competition, and we know it’s important to have racial diversity at every level of Hennepin Healthcare. A common misconception about DEI and health equity is that it is all about racial diversity, but it is so much more than that. It’s also about ensuring systems, processes, and policies will lead to sustainable institutional changes that will benefit all historically marginalized groups for generations to come. In my time at Hennepin Healthcare, I have seen the organization’s commitment to equity grow, especially our commitment to becoming an anti-racist institution. Oftentimes, health equity departments are underfunded and consists of only one or two people. But when you come to Hennepin Healthcare, you can see the commitment we have made as an organization. Our health equity team consists of experts in the field. Our executive leadership team and other leaders actively take part in DEI and health equity training.
Healthcare systems everywhere are managing extreme exhaustion, acutely ill patients, and prolonged trauma because of COVID-19, racism, and xenophobia. Despite these challenges, our team members continue to believe that health equity is imperative. That is what inspires me. In moments when we are extremely tired or disheartened, we are most vulnerable to giving way to our biases. Behavior change can lead to systems change and a cultural shift. This is the time for us to make the changes necessary to eliminate disparities and to make sure the changes are sustainable.”
Abbie Knight – Revenue Cycle Analyst, Revenue Integrity Department
“I was hired in college as a casual employee in the operator department answering phone calls. It was a great fit for me to be able to continue my education and do something that felt meaningful. I wasn’t studying anything related to healthcare, and then I realized that my career path wasn’t what I wanted to do. Ten years ago, I would never have thought I would be working in healthcare, but I’m so happy to be here. That was an incredible opportunity to use my healthcare experience to start a career I wasn’t expecting.
I love the mission here at Hennepin Healthcare and the people I’ve gotten to work with along the way. I think there’s something so special about filling the healthcare gap and helping patients who don’t always have other options. And I feel grateful every day that I work with people who understand that I’m an employee and also a human.”
Melvin Henderson – Engineer, Facilities Management
“I come from St. Louis, Missouri, born and raised in the projects. We were often told that we would become the product of our environment, our physical location and zip code. I might’ve lived in the projects, but where I really lived was in my mother’s home. She raised five kids, since our father had passed, in addition to her younger sister and niece. The home environment I was raised in is why I am strong and resilient today. Although racism is still prevalent and puts wear and tear on our community, I remain strong and hopeful for us. Together, we will mend. This is a place for healing. We are here for life for patients and each other.
I was one of the first people of color to be hired in my department. Although I’m proud of that, we cannot just stop there. It’s about equity across the board. I’m supporting the effort to make our department more inclusive. When people are hired at Hennepin Healthcare, the energy should be more welcoming throughout their entire careers. I think we can make this happen more consistently. Our leadership and teams have come a long way. It’s a little bit more inclusive, empathetic and considerate, but we still have some ways to go. I’m trying to make it better for the next group of people who decide to work at our hospital and clinics.”
Mick Belzer, MD – Chief of Physician Development, Foundation
“Working at Hennepin Healthcare was my first job, and it will be my last job as I retire this month. When I started in 1980, I was one of two members of the hematology/oncology section in the department of internal medicine. Later on, I was the medical director, now called chief medical officer, for 30 years. It’s a tough job. To do it well, you need to balance trusted relationships with hospital administration and providers. It’s a complicated line to walk.
The beauty of working as the chief medical officer is that I had a pulpit to speak for our uninsured and underinsured patients at the local, state and federal legislature. I really enjoyed making an influence on a wider audience than just the patient I’d be seeing for one hour in clinic. I love clinical medicine, but I thought the great part of my job was advocating for our patients. After I stepped down as the medical director, I stayed on staff because much of the administration was new. I focused on government affairs, advocacy, lobbying, and work with Hennepin Healthcare Foundation.
I’ve been so grateful to have this opportunity to be a physician and medical leader at a place that is recognized by our peers as a top-performing safety net hospital. We’ve grown from a small, low reimbursement, low-cost safety net hospital in 1980 to a well over billion-dollar hospital with over 7,000 employees. We’ve sustained employee and patient growth and preserved our values.”
Yosef Amrami, Ph.D – Child Psychology
“Exceptional care without exception is something I live by. Hennepin Healthcare is exceptional because it’s a public hospital serving all, yet it doesn’t compromise the quality of care and in many ways, exceeds other hospitals in what it provides. Since it’s such a large hospital, our child psychology department has many opportunities to integrate with other teams like the pediatric intensive care unit or burn unit.
I really enjoy helping our young patients overcome phobias and anxieties. It doesn’t look like what people might think – from both extremes. We’re not just playing, but we’re also not just talking for 45 minutes. There’s a lot of movement in therapy. We work on relaxation skills, routine fun activities to boost their mood, or maybe exposure therapy. It’s all concrete and activity-based. When I can see a kid breezing through something that used to be difficult for them, that brings me joy, especially since what we do is more intangible.”
Chuck Putzer - Volunteer
“For 16 years, I stayed home and took care of our kids. They are all grown up now and I miss interacting with children. My wife works for Hennepin Healthcare and shared that there’s always a need for volunteers in the pediatrics department. I applied and started four months ago. I help with a variety of efforts but most enjoyable is interacting with the young patients and holding the youngest of them. One child has been here for a while and had a rough night and was unresponsive. The team was really worried about him. I was able to spend a concentrated period of time with him, holding him, reading, rocking. Then suddenly, he opened his eyes, truly focused on me, and smiled. They tell me it was a groundbreaking moment. It was an amazing moment for me.
Everyone here has been so thankful, letting me know that I am helping them a lot. That is what is so rewarding. It’s a cool place. My wife enjoys working here and has always praised Hennepin. Now being here and volunteering I can see why with my own eyes."
LeeAnn Heim – Patient Access Director, Connection Center
“The Connection Center, the operators, nurse telehealth, and telemedicine are all like a front door to Hennepin Healthcare. They might help a patient schedule an appointment, explain where to park, assist in a patient transfer, or connect a patient to a provider. I love that we can give patients options for how they receive care. Leveraging technology is something I really enjoy – how can we use technology to empower our patients? I really enjoy helping patients learn how to use tools to communicate and connect with their care teams, like through online scheduling options or MyChart.
I adore Minneapolis, so an opportunity to support the city and Hennepin County was a huge draw for me to work for Hennepin Healthcare. I think what keeps me here is the diversity, equity and inclusion work that everyone is going through. I’ve never worked anywhere that has taken DEI work so seriously.”
Sally Gorski, MA, CCC – Speech Pathology
“What keeps me at Hennepin Healthcare is the opportunity to listen to patient stories and struggles. It’s trying to help them as much as I can. Sometimes I only have a one-hour evaluation with a patient, but even in that time I try to give them the best opportunity so they can swallow safely and live comfortably. Our diversity with our patients and colleagues is something I really value. We have our challenges and frustrations, but in the end, it’s the dynamic nature of what we do and who we work with that keeps me here.
Not many people know we help patients experiencing brain fog, typically from traumatic brain injuries or more recently, long COVID-19 patients with cognitive issues. They’re not experiencing breathing problems as much as they were in 2020 and 2021, but I think we’ll be working with long COVID-19 patients for an unpredictable amount of time. It’s unbelievable what they’re going through and what they must overcome. I give credit to my colleagues for adapting to give our patients the best care possible.”
Dylan Boyer (he/him) – Aliveness Project
“This year, we are excited to have Hennepin Healthcare as a sponsor and participant team in our third annual Red Undie Run, a one mile run across the Stone Arch Bridge on Saturday, December 3. The event brings attention to World AIDS Day in fun, joyful atmosphere. People come out in all different types of outfits – a wig, a Santa hat – people get creative on what red undie means to them. There’s no right or wrong way, The Red Undie Run isn’t only about the Aliveness Project. The day is about all HIV/AIDS community partners, all people living with HIV, and all people taking steps to prevent HIV celebrating the biomedical advances we’ve achieved to someday end HIV. Together, we will also find space to honor the lives we’ve lost from HIV causes.
We are stronger together than apart. There are incredible organizations working to lead us to an HIV- and AIDS-free generation. Hennepin Healthcare’s Positive Care Clinic is one of the community partners. That’s an important thing to see and remember – it takes all of us to end HIV.”
Luis Barillas Schwank, MD – Family Medicine, Richfield & Whittier Clinics
“My introduction to the medical field was volunteering with international medical organizations as a Spanish-English interpreter in Guatemala City, where I was born and raised. Because of that experience, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
I enjoy the variety that family medicine offers. My day can start with a well-child check, followed by a procedure or a prenatal care visit, then an appointment to manage a chronic condition. I’m grateful for my patients and appreciate when they bring a loved one to see me for their care too. This year, a patient invited me to their high school graduation. That’s been the most rewarding experience.”
Jennette Turner – Social Determinants of Health Program Liaison
“There are many medical consequences to food insecurity in addition to malnutrition. Four of the leading causes of death in the U.S. are diet-related – stroke, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. People who are food insecure have a much higher risk for poor health outcomes. And it’s not only physical health – mental health is affected too. Depression and anxiety increase with food insecurity.
The Population Health team is working to narrow the gap between how many of our patients are in need and how many we are reaching. I manage our partnerships with Second Harvest Heartland and Every Meal. Second Harvest Heartland connects patients with ongoing food resources. Every Meal provides a variety of culturally congruent bags of food that we distribute to our clinics and specialty departments. Any of our staff can use these resources to help our patients.”
Amanda Noska, MD, MPH – Medical Director, Positive Care Center
“I feel an obligation and have an opportunity to use the privilege I’ve been given to advocate for our patients. I can be someone who helps manage their care without judgement. There’s a lot of social determinants of health and barriers to healthcare among vulnerable populations. I want to be a part of the solution.
I’ve heard assumptions about persons who inject drugs that are wildly inaccurate, one of them being that they don’t care about their health or want treatment. To understand a substance abuse disorder is to understand that it’s a chronic relapsing disease. People do care about their health, but they have other challenges. At the Positive Care Center, we have the opportunity to help people try to turn their lives around against all odds. It’s important for us to make a warm, safe space for patients to seek care.”
Lola Adebiyi – Patient
“I entered the emergency department scared and alone. With my limited mobility and even more limited ability to communicate verbally, I was terrified about how effectively my care would be managed. Fortunately, I found a compassionate ally and competent advocate in nurse Trish. Trish was extremely knowledgeable about my medical condition and went above and beyond to anticipate my needs and make sure they were met.
Knowing that talking was difficult for me, Trish communicated with all the members of my care team to ensure that everything was well coordinated, and my discharge was seamless. When my mom arrived, she was pleasantly surprised to see me so comfortable, cheerful and well cared for. Nurse Trish will forever be a hero in my and my family’s lives.”
Joe Skinner – Surgical Aide
“I enjoy the challenge of serving the mission of Hennepin Healthcare every day. No two days are alike. We do tons more with fewer resources than other hospitals. It’s rewarding when I see a patient a year or two after a surgery at an event like a festival or the fair. Sometimes they walk up to you and thank you for helping them walk or get well again. At your neediest time, we can put you back together.”
Todd Mitchell, RN – Clincal Care Supervisor, Emergency Department
“You can’t make up or predict the cases that come through the emergency department doors. Every day is different. Often times, we care for patients and family members who are in crisis and experiencing the worst moments of their lives. Whether it’s a traumatic car accident, gunshot wound, or a loved one having a stroke, ED and EMS staff are ready at the first stages of care. Prior to working in the ED, all my experience was in the intensive care unit and surgical intensive care unit. The change has been eye-opening for me. It has broadened my appreciation for the work we do across the continuum. I find the work intense and meaningful.
We have a strong, world-class emergency department. I believe that to truly understand or appreciate what happens down here requires seeing it for yourself. The past few years have been challenging for all of us. The pandemic and critical staffing shortages have had a direct effect on the department – extended patient stays, higher patient census and increased violence. Despite these challenges, I am grateful to be part of a team that has worked tirelessly with perseverance and resolve.”
Ellen Otto – Job Coach, Merrick Inc.
“I’m a job coach for a team of four cognitively disabled folks who take care of all the recycling for Hennepin Healthcare. When I looked around the hospital and saw how diverse and inclusive it was here, I knew my team was going to be accepted. I’m a teacher and a supervisor to them, but I’m also opening people’s eyes around here to the disabled. It’s been a teaching moment for employees and the public.
My team loves coming to work because they’ve made friends here. The best thing is when I see my team interacting with other departments. It brings me joy. If I’m having a bad day, all I need to do is look at my team. It’s the little things that matter. It’s rewarding for me to see them gain independence every day. I can back off and they can do their thing. That means something to them too.”
Lynette Santos – Patient Services Coordinator, East Lake Clinic
“In the late 80s, my mom had an injury – 83 percent of her body was burned. She stayed in the burn unit at Hennepin Healthcare for about three months. I was 3 years old. I can vividly describe everything that happened that day. Knowing that my mom was at Hennepin Healthcare and receiving amazing treatment was a comfort. We’re originally from Cuba, so having an interpreter always there to explain what was happening to me and my siblings is something I’ll always remember. As I got older and learned more about the medical field, it became my passion. When I had the opportunity to work at Hennepin Healthcare, I immediately took it on – I wanted to give back to the place that saved my mother’s life. That’s something special I hold.
It's rewarding to me to get to know staff and patients as individuals. My team has seen me go through major life changes. Outside of work, they’ll check on me and I do the same for them. It’s a blessing to support each other.”
Margaret Sweeney – Interpreter
“It’s a privilege to accompany people in their most vulnerable times. We bear witness to births, deaths, and everything in between. It's a cost and a gift to experience what other people are going through. We celebrate with the family when a patient starts breathing on their own, and we mourn with them if they die.
Interpreting is not as simple as translating. We listen for the intent behind the words and pinpoint any lack of understanding between the patient and provider. We serve as a cultural liaison. It’s a lot of advocating for patients. We’re a bridge between them and the hospital. Because we’re in the appointments with patients, we can take their point of view back to Hennepin Healthcare. It’s an opportunity to speak out and improve the care we provide.”
Tony Tuttle – Welcome Services
“Welcome Services isn’t a department many people think of when going to the hospital. We’re not providing healthcare, but providing a ride home is a big deal to our patients. It’s rewarding when we can leave them with a warm hand off.
With so many different people coming into the hospital, you need to take everything with a grain of salt. There’s a bigger cause behind someone’s frustration or impatience. It’s not personal. They could be sick or trying to visit a loved one who is. That’s a high stress situation to be in, and they might take it out on you. We show kindness and understanding and focus on problem solving. We can make our interactions an enjoyable experience within someone’s bad circumstances.”
Tamara Shewmaker, RN – Clinic Supervisor, Richfield Clinic
“I love that people here have so many different backgrounds. You meet people from all over with different life experiences and perspectives that have broadened my world view. I like sharing stories with each other. You get to know what’s going on with your colleagues and their families, or how they are handling different things going on in their life. In addition to being a co-worker and friend, you can also be a mentor for people.
I really think that our work is super important in this community. They really depend on us to be here and show up. We do so much more than provide medical care. We provide social care, mental healthcare, spiritual care. I feel proud to work here.”
Samantha Pace, MD – OBGYN
“I’ve always had a strong interest in global medicine, and there’s nothing more locally global than Hennepin Healthcare. Lately, I’ve been caring for a lot of Afghani refugees, many of whom are pregnant or post-partum. Knowing the circumstances in which they fled Afghanistan and escaped the Taliban – so many of them have lost everything and came here with nothing. I did work in Afghanistan in 2014 in an area where some of the refugees are coming from, so I have a little bit of cultural understanding. I took care of this woman who stayed on the Kabul airstrip for three days with her five kids, waiting to escape. She had to leave all of her family members behind. And she’s pregnant. I’ve had patients who want to tell me what they’ve been through and don’t hesitate to launch into their stories. Sometimes, the interpreters come from the same area and pitch in their stories. It almost becomes a storytelling session, which I hope is therapeutic.
It takes a huge amount of humility to gain patient trust. I try to make our appointments a safe environment to ask questions and I’m open to the answers. It’s all about providing safe space, time and compassionate listening.”
Mike Connolly – IT Manager
“My team is awesome. They’re understanding inside and outside of our circle about the emotional, and at times physical, toll that we’ve all been dealing with for the past couple of years. That approach has created more understanding and gratitude within the IS&T team and Hennepin Healthcare overall. They’re engaged, open and honest. They’re willing to have frank discussions about any topic from technical to some of the DEI race and relationship work IS&T has been doing. They’re not employees, they are people I work with and admire.
The relationship development in our team is much more important to me than our set of tasks to complete. What’s important to me is the people, the development, the growth, the inclusion, and the sense of belonging. My focus for work, my home life, and my friends is to help and support people wherever I can.”
Shanika James – Medical Student Coordinator
"I love my job. I take pride that I'm a part of medical students' accomplishments. I see them grow from coming to Hennepin Healthcare to observe, completing their medical rotations, applying for residency, and some becoming a physician here. Knowing that I had a place in their journey by coordinating their rotations is extremely rewarding to me.
I think it's important to gain the trust of my medical students. That helps them feel comfortable opening up, venting and expressing their true feelings to me. Since I've taken on this role, I've encountered medical students dealing with anxiety, fear, panic and stress. Some have given up practicing medicine and a few have even taken their lives. That's why I encourage them to contact me at any time. I tell all the students that I am a phone call away and will be there for them under any circumstance.
My biggest advice for those who interact with medical students is to become a listener. Be patient with them. Sympathize with them. Give them encouraging words because life is not always easy."
Danielle Becker – Library Supervisor
“We are redesigning the library right now. It’ll provide more seating space and independent study spots. We’re hoping that once things open a little more, we can have author readings and events. The library a great place to sit down, read, and catch your breath. We can help you with your research and help you find articles or books – and not necessarily medical, we do a lot of other research too.
Almost every single day, I get a thank you from someone, whether it’s a patient or a physician. It’s great when someone appreciates our work. We live for helping people – that’s why we’re here.”
Mike Ramos – Security Supervisor
“We have a very diverse clientele from every race, sexuality, orientation, lifestyle, everything. Being from small town Minnesota, I wasn’t exposed to a lot of that growing up. I enjoy learning about everything that anyone has to offer. It’s great to talk to a man who has lived here his whole life and then two minutes later, a woman who just moved here from Africa and has a different outlook on life. It’s experiencing everyone else’s culture without having to travel around the world.
The first people you see when you walk into the ED door is the security officers. We have to start that human connection at the door because chances are, the person walking through the door isn’t having the best day. We can’t heal their loved ones, but we can make it easier for the rest of the team to make their day better. It can be as simple as getting them a glass of water and helping figure out where their loved one is. Everyone that walks through Hennepin Healthcare has emotions and a broad set of different cultural beliefs and ethnic beliefs, so it’s crucial for us to make that human connection.”
Tiffany Begin – Accounting Associate Principal
“I support the point-of-sale locations throughout Hennepin Healthcare. That includes the onsite and offsite pharmacies, cafeteria, parking and the clinics. I collect, count, verify, deposit, and reconcile. It can be challenging to move financial transactions in and out of the hospital and keep everything flowing smoothly for patients and staff.
Even though my teammates and I aren’t medical staff, we’re needed so that the providers can serve our community. A hospital can’t function without a team managing funds. I’m grateful for the people we help – from the clinics, to the cafeteria, to the Foundation.”
Saed Yusuf, RN, BSN – Clinical Care Supervisor, STNU
“Hennepin Healthcare gave me so many opportunities. From my first day, I could see my future here. Before I started, I was the assistant manager of the Purple parking garage. Then I did some training and worked with EMS and then phlebotomy. I felt called to nursing and took classes while I had full-time work and a full-time family. Everybody along the way was motivating me and telling me ‘You belong here. You can do this.’ They lifted me up. That’s why I’m here. It takes a team to lead this unit and give exceptional care without exception.
The way I grew up also helped me. I’m from the Middle East and lived in Somalia. My family left Somalia when I was 7 because of the civil war. We fled to Yemen and lived in a refugee camp for 10 years. Throughout the years in the camp, I volunteered in the refugee clinic to help the medical team who provided care to all refugee patients. I helped with interpreting, assisted in the lab and in the surgery unit, and worked closely with tuberculosis patients. I learned so much in that time. Imagine being a 7-year-old boy with hardships coming into a refugee camp in a different country. That experience gave me resiliency and determination to overcome obstacles and barriers, and it also shaped my future as a healthcare provider.”
Liza Anderson-Gonzalez, NP – Comprehensive Weight Management Clinic
“Nursing is how I give back to my community. I act as different roles in my position – I’m a coach, advocate and teacher in order to help patients improve their health. I’ve also worked in many different positions for Hennepin Healthcare – a nursing assistant, a nurse, a supervisor, and now a medical provider, so I’ve been around the full circle of what the organization has to offer. I’ve enjoyed helping our community and my co-workers in different realms.
What’s most rewarding to me is to participate in people’s success. It’s not just weight loss on a scale – it’s feeling better, being able to move more, and having a positive outlook on life. That’s special. There’s confidence and camaraderie between the staff, and there’s respect between the patients and providers. I’m grateful for that.”
Dominic Ciresi – Foundation Board Member
“Before COVID-19, Board members toured different departments. Every time we did a tour, I had an ‘aha’ moment. For example, when we toured the Delta Dental clinic, my ‘aha’ moment was that kids who are autistic have an immensely hard time finding a dentist. Hennepin Healthcare is one of the only places they can get dental care. It never occurred to me. I told my friends who have autistic children, and it changed the way they go to the dentist. Every time I visit, I’m amazed at the depth and breadth of everything that is done at Hennepin Healthcare.
I think our biggest challenge and opportunity is to spread the word of Hennepin Healthcare – what we do, how we do it, and how well we do it. For this year and years to come, my goal is to get the community philanthropically involved with Hennepin Healthcare, especially the business community.”
Mariela Ardemagni-Tollin – Community Health, East Lake Clinic
“Being an immigrant, I have a soft spot for people who may not have all the benefits and resources that they need. For example, if someone has diabetes and doesn’t have a home, it’s difficult to keep insulin in the fridge. Or maybe they don’t have enough food on the table or transportation to go to their appointments. I try to ease that path for our patients. Five minutes of my time could be a world to them. The most satisfying feeling is helping our patients have one less worry. I’m grateful that I can find a resource for them. The East Lake Clinic is a special place because we have that willingness to go the extra mile.
Opening our new space was like a big check mark after what we went through when the other clinic was destroyed. It was so devastating to see. We couldn’t salvage anything. We are very grateful for Whittier opening their doors to us so we could continue providing services. The day we opened our doors for the first appointments was a steppingstone we’ll never forget. We went through so much, but we made it. We got to the finish line.”
Karin Vaccaro – Music Therapy
“Music therapy can support a patient’s journey toward health and well-being. The music creates and starting point and a connection between the patient and me that guides our time together. Music causes psychological responses in our bodies. There’s a concept in music therapy called entrainment. I first assess a patient’s rhythm by their speech, breath and movements. I match their rhythm by singing or playing a song they prefer at that rhythm, and then gradually adjust the tempo or character of the music to support a gentle lift of mood or relaxation, depending on the patient’s goals.
It's incredible how music can relieve pain and anxiety, and how it can create community across different cultures. I think many people who haven’t experienced music therapy assume it’s just someone singing. It’s more than that. Music therapy is a powerful tool to improve patient outcomes.”
Sean Tolefree – Employee Labor Relations Director
“My team and I work with HHS management and the union partners to negotiate new contracts. If staff have difficulties understanding the language of the contract, our Employee Labor Relations team can help with that. The biggest thing I enjoy is that many times we’re faced with difficult issues that are not addressed in the contracts, but we work in a collaborative way to attempt to find a good resolution for all. That gives us a feeling of accomplishment.
I’m grateful that the landscape is changing as far as the diversity of leaders not just in Hennepin Healthcare, but other areas too. That makes me feel better because the greater the diversity means we have a wider lens and different voices to bring more experiences to the table. Then we can start shaping things that help the entire community. In the campus development plan, I see that we’re doing that. We’re talking with our management team, our leaders and different staff through forums, and HHS has been intentional in talking to the community to see what they want and need the hospital to be.”
Tyler Winkelman, MD, MSc – Acute care, Internal Medicine
“I have the best job. I get to provide patient care, have some leadership responsibilities, and do research that’s not possible anywhere else in the country. I can blend all of those things to make a meaningful difference for our community. I think it’s using these tools to change structures and systems to improve health that is one of the rewarding pieces about working here. We fill a critical need in the community by taking care of everyone and ensuring that the care we provide is excellent.
The work here can be tough, and there’s absolutely no way that it would be possible without such amazing people who work here. In both general internal medicine and the research lab, there is so much excellence to be proud of. The providers in our division are some of the most brilliant clinicians and educators in the country. They’re here to serve the mission of this organization. I think we sometimes take for granted the amazing people that we have here. The people that I get to work with every day are some of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever been around.”
Chanon Ridore, NP – Pediatrics
“I think it’s important to gain trust with all of my patients by humanizing them. I want to eliminate the hierarchy that often exists between the patient and the provider by being relatable. I think that allows them to feel comfortable opening up to me and trusting that I’m not only coming from a place of medicine, but the place of a parent. Families appreciate when we can understand and empathize with their situations and challenges.
Working in pediatrics requires a special personality because it can be stressful. Not all of the patients can speak yet and tell you what’s wrong. While that can be challenging, it’s truly rewarding. It takes a lot of grace. And I’m working with a great team that exemplifies that.”
Linda Collins – Desktop Analyst, IT
“In IT Desktop, I’m the only woman. People usually recognize me by either my nails or hair – I like to change them up! I’ve been here since 1998, so I’ve seen major technology changes. We used to have big, clunky computers – they looked like box fans. Now our computers are about half the size of a standard piece of paper, and we have more wireless devices. When someone needed test results, they used to have to wait for a phone call. Now, providers can enter orders and check test results in Epic. Nurses have an easy way to document instead of walking around with pieces of paper in their pockets.
All of us are someone’s customer. Extending care and compassion for others the way we do here matters to me. I like knowing that what I do matters, whether it’s unlocking a password, installing software, or setting up a Zoom meeting for someone. I can help make some part of a provider’s day easy.”
Omer Iqbal, MD, FHRS – Cardiology
“In the simplest terms, I’m an electrician of the heart. When people think of the heart, they typically think of heart attacks caused by blockages, but there’s a lot of people who don’t know about rhythm disorder. It can be life threatening. There are different types, and we treat all of them. I’ve worked at several other high-end institutions, and there is nothing in terms of equipment and technology that we don’t have in order to diagnose and treat those disorders. I’m proud to say that we can provide treatments that patients may not get otherwise.”
Barbara Lordi – Volunteer, Redleaf Center
“I’ve worked with toddlers and infants and their families my whole career. Over the course of the mother’s program, I get to know them and their babies. I support mothers during their day at the hospital by holding or playing with their babies when they need a break and settling or consoling their babies. It’s gratifying to point out a child’s new development milestones and skills. I love answering questions and helping moms learn about their babies in new ways. There are so many spontaneous teaching opportunities.
Because of the pandemic, I feel that volunteer work is even more important. The pandemic highlighted how important is it to be in community and support people. Everyone has a part. People are dealing with trauma but there’s joy, too, in working together for a common good. I’m really inspired when I see new moms support each other. Watching babies change and grow over a few weeks is fantastic. I’m grateful there’s a program like this supporting families during a difficult time, and I’m lucky to contribute.”
Eileen Kerr, PA – East Lake Clinic
“When our clinic was destroyed in protests after George Floyd’s murder, Whittier Clinic was very kind in hosting us while we were reestablished. Our new space opened a few months ago. We all felt an opportunity for it to be the clinic we want it to be. It’s hard to address bias when you work in a caste system – and healthcare is a caste system. At East Lake Clinic, we are aware of this and work hard to combat that.
The biggest benefit of our new space is the incredible view we have of downtown Minneapolis. The clinic is so open and bright. We feel more connected to the community. We’re so grateful, especially for the beautiful rooms. We were gifted a number of precious pieces of art. It’s like walking through a museum. If I have a minute, I walk through the clinic to look at the art – the way it’s all arranged is incredible.”
Eduardo Colón, MD – Adult Psychiatry Clinic
“Between my work in consultation service and the clinic, it’s clear that there’s increasing levels of distress with increasing need for services and care. We have seen a surge in relapses in people with substance abuse disorders and worsening depression and anxiety. This all comes at a time when access to services is limited. We’ve had to limit inpatient beds to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and caseloads in outpatient services are increasing. That results in backups, which creates stress for both patients and providers. We’ll be seeing the consequences of this for a while.
I work at Hennepin Healthcare because of our mission. Working with people struggling with so many social and medical stressors makes it challenging, and at times frustrating, but it also makes it gratifying. That’s why we’re here. The teaching mission is crucial to our community. There is a sense of belonging to a group with a common goal and a variety of skills. Everybody is truly invested in what they do here.”
Manji Osifeso, MD – Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Senior Care, Richfield Clinic
“I specialize in geriatric care because many of our patients are in that age range. I didn’t want them to be placed in the general adult patient category. By the time they get to an older age, they’ve faced many challenges and I want to make sure we give them excellent healthcare.
I’m thankful I’ve been able to work at HCMC and take care of a wide range of challenges cases. That’s what medicine is all about – managing both the simple and complex. You learn and grow from that.”
Melissa LaBrosse, PA-C, MPAS – Cardiology
“I get to see patients both in the hospital and when they’re in clinic. As a provider, it’s always satisfying to see how much better our patients look and hear how their quality of life has improved. Getting to know our patients and working with them to improve their daily life, whether that’s playing with their grandchildren or walking on the golf course, is really rewarding.
In the cardiology department, we educate our patients on their heart conditions and our recommendations. When patients understand their condition and why we want to do certain things, they trust us as their provider.”
Edward Thornton – Shred-It Vendor
“Shred-It collects and removes all confidential information for the entire hospital. That means I walk 25 miles a day going from department-to-department Monday through Thursday. Lots of peanut M&Ms give me the energy to walk that much!
I’ve been here going on 10 years now, so I’ve gotten to know a lot of the staff members. It’s a warm feeling – we share family stories. I see some of them outside of work when my kids play sports. Their kids are playing right by my kids. You really have to be a loving person to care for so many different patients on a daily basis. Watching the providers and nurses has been amazing for me.”
Bryan Nelson, MD – Golden Valley Clinic
“Back in my college days, my grandfather in Missouri had several medical problems. Things didn’t go as well as they could have. That drove me to the medical field. I found that I enjoyed a wide variety of things, which is how I came to family practice. I have over time pivoted how I approach patient visits. I consider myself a healthcare advisor. That helps patients feel more comfortable and more involved in trying to achieve their health goals.”
Matt Munoz – Development Officer, Foundation
“In Spanish, when you say ‘thank you,’ the return is not ‘you’re welcome.’ It’s ‘it was nothing.’ A lot of people here, and they might not be aware of it, are wired to say ‘it was nothing.’ I can feel gratitude when people stop and take the time to talk about their Hennepin experience and how the Foundation has enhanced their personal or professional experience. They’re expressing their gratitude through their story.
My job is to take our provider’s passion and mission and find how philanthropy can achieve their goals. That’s really what the Foundation is set up to do. We are helping Hennepin Healthcare play a role in change in the communities we serve.”
Tami Herrmann, NP – Emergency Department
“I had a young patient who overdosed. We see a lot of those cases. I checked on him multiple times throughout the night. When he was being discharged at the end of the night, he found me and thanked me for caring about him, for worrying about him. It really made me feel good. That was gratitude. Not everybody does that.”
Michael Wiggins – Volunteer, piano player
“Playing the piano in the Clinic and Specialty Center has been an amazing experience. Patients and their loved ones tell me that hearing the music helps, that it touches them. I’ve noticed one common thing with every reaction from people – they reflect on their childhood. To know that I have something to give to make people feel better, even if it’s just for a moment, is an honor.
I try to play music that’s a balance. People are in different types of moods, so I try to create a calm atmosphere. I had no idea the response I would get. I know music has an effect on people, but I didn’t realize my music could heal the mind until now.”
Sonja Colianni, MD – Pediatrics
“Since second grade, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician. Kids’ energy and enthusiasm was what drew me, and then seeing my own pediatrician’s ability to help and support families. I was the weird kid that always looked forward to going to the doctor!
I enjoy seeing families grow throughout the years and serving as their source of information about health issues. It’s an honor that people place that trust in me, that I can be involved in such formative years in a child’s life.”
Sue Hieb Stewart, OTR/L, C/NDT - Pediatric Occupational Therapist
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘We do not quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing.’ It looks like I get to play all day, but everything I do with the kids has a purpose.
When my pediatric patients come to see me, they are coming to ‘boot camp.’ They will be asked to work hard to make developmental changes, and most will make amazing improvements. The rewards are incredible.”
Rosemarie Heron – Welcome Services
“In my Native American culture, we emphasize learning patience and respect. It’s important for me to remember that we are all equal and we’re all connected in some way. I’m also Buddhist and there’s similar teachings. With those two identities, it can be tough, but I remember that everyone has a good quality within them, even if it’s blinded for the day.
For my community, knowing that I’m here is important to them because there’s not many of my skin color or culture here. They might be a little hesitant about asking for help. I come from where they come from. I feel gratitude that I’m here and able to say ‘I hear you.’ That’s important to them.”
Jim Parkin – Volunteer, infusion room
“I missed the comradery of the patients and the nurses, and the feeling that I’m doing some good for everybody involved. It’s been wonderful to see some of the patients I knew from pre-pandemic.
I’m known as the malt man. Our repeat patients know that the cafeteria usually offers milkshakes at 11 a.m. Bringing milkshakes to the patients is one of the high points of my day.”
James Toliver – Patient
I had problems with my breathing, not knowing I was having a heart attack. I went to the ED and they found a blocked artery. Not once but twice, then I had bypass surgery. The whole process was scary. I was healthy before my heart attack, now I look at life differently. I am grateful to cardiac rehab, they got me back on my feet. They give you all the tools, you just have to bring the positive attitude. It doesn’t hurt to be kind. I can walk longer now than I ever did before. I’m back to doing normal things and being engaged with life.
Worry Monster – Pediatrics
“I am not a human, but I help humans at Hennepin Healthcare. They call me a Worry Monster – my friends and I have been a welcome addition to Hennepin Healthcare since July, thanks to some creative sewers. We get to work with kids all day by helping them feel brave and overcome their fears. Sometimes, they’re nervous about an upcoming surgery, appointment, or anything else at home or school. These things can be scary, but we eat up their worries. Our kids write their worries on a piece of paper, zip us open, and stuff it inside us – delicious! Then, a trusted adult, maybe a family member or favorite nurse, will open us and take a worry out to talk about it.
Our favorite part about being a Worry Monster is seeing our kids go from anxious to confidently facing their worries. They are so brave – we love helping kids at Hennepin Healthcare!
P.S. We have been known to gobble up the worries of adults too, especially those struggling with mental health!”
Ashley Bjorklund, MD – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“I enjoy partnering with families to improve whatever ailment has brought their child into the hospital. We’re there during a family’s toughest time – when their child is critically ill in the ICU. It is often heartbreaking, but also brings the opportunity to ease suffering as we help families understand what’s happening with their child and show them we are doing everything we can to get them through their illness. We fight together for those little lives.
My favorite moment is when we get to take out the breathing tube of a child who has been critically ill and on a ventilator, but no longer needs that support. It brings me so much joy to put them back in their family’s arms and to see them begin to interact with their family again.”
Connie Wang, MD – Nephrology
“It’s rewarding to witness patients with kidney disease go through the steps of dialysis and then successful kidney transplantation. They go from feeling ill to energetic, from disappointment to rejuvenation. It’s never boring to watch this process over and over again.
In that process, language barriers are common. We have interpreters, but health literacy is another battle. In a health setting where most patients are covered by private insurance, patients have probably already researched their diagnosis and the conversation is how to improve management. However, we often encounter patients who are unaware of chronic conditions afflicting them. Our goals are to convince them of the severity of the condition and reduce the anxiety they have about the healthcare system before we can move to management. We are proud that we have improved so many patient lives.”
Mark Muex – Patient, Community Advocate
You have heard the news around the surge of patient care in hospitals and the long waits in emergency departments. We recently visited our own ED and soon met a patient who was grateful, regardless of the delay. We spoke to Mark after he waited 15 hours in the ED for a room. He was seen for congestive heart failure and asthmatic COPD.
“This is the only hospital I use. I love the people here. I love to be where people I know are and I know nearly the whole staff from being here so much. Some of my family members have worked here too.
Some poor decisions I made in the past tore down my community. To make amends, I’m giving back. Now I’m involved with a group called Brothers EMpowered. Throughout the pandemic, we fed thousands of people. We give away gifts to our youth, like bikes and backpacks. We also have a clothing store in the Northtown Mall. I see and feel gratitude knowing that I’ve helped somebody.”
Arti Prasad, MD, FACP – Chair of Internal Medicine
“The most rewarding part of my job is to assist our providers and leaders succeed and to provide compassionate care to my patients. I like to mentor, support, and advance our faculty in their careers, clinical work, education, and research. My pleasure comes from other people’s success and patient outcomes. It’s an honor and privilege to be leading and supporting my team in all aspects of their work.
Not everyone sees the human side of me because they might only regard me as an administrator, the Chair of Internal Medicine. I too am a human who feels the same despair and frustration, especially given the situation we’re in as healthcare workers. But I’m grateful for my team every day, and that brings me joy.”
Becky Anderson, RN – Whittier Clinic
“We started vaccinating children ages 5-11 for COVID-19, so there’s a lot of excitement here. The parents are really happy – although the kids aren’t too happy about getting a shot. It’s a big deal for the parents to get their little ones vaccinated. It’s been a long time coming.
We’re serving and helping so many people with the vaccinations and preventing hospitalizations. Everyone seems really grateful for what we do here, and that’s nice to see.”
Clay Ahrens – Patient, Father, Husband, Friend
“I’ve known about Hennepin Healthcare all my life since I worked as an executive with Allina Health, but I didn’t have any interaction until I was referred here with ALS in 2014. It’s patient-centered to the core, meaning that everyone on the team – a neurologist, PM&R doctor, pulmonary doctor, RN, PT, OT, nutritionist, speech pathologist, social worker, ALS chapter care coordinator, lab tech - visits me. It’s the best model I’ve seen.
The average life expectancy for ALS is 2-4 years, but I’m almost at eight years. I didn’t know if I’d see my kids graduate from high school. Seeing them both graduate and thrive in college has been a gratifying experience for me and my wife. I plan to be there for as many life events as I can. ALS teaches you not to take those for granted. I appreciate them that much more.”
Sam Maiser, MD – Neurology & Palliative Medicine
“The human brain is the most amazing thing I know, along with the love and compassion that we humans can give one another. I wanted to spend my time thinking about the brain and helping people affected by nervous system disorders. I specifically became interested in ALS because I found a lot of meaning being involved in people’s lives during the tender moments of their serious illness. I am grateful to be involved in many aspects of care – from the beginning to the end.
Sometimes people think palliative medicine means we only take care of patients who are dying. I like to help people with serious illness live their best life, so it’s not really a focus on them dying - it’s a focus on them living.”
Rebecca Anderson – Hennepin Healthcare Foundation Board Member
“The path that led me to Hennepin Healthcare was serendipitous and like many good stories, started with a cup of coffee and an old friend. That friend happened to be Karin Vaccaro, Hennepin Healthcare’s music therapist. The conversation veered from pleasantries to the urgent task of raising money for the music therapy program.
Music therapy depends on the generosity of the community. When I saw the joy and healing that music therapy brought to its patients, I wanted to dig deeper into the patient experience at Hennepin Healthcare.”
Abby Khaleet – Pharmacy Technician
Anthony Gentile, RN – Emergency Department
“The ER is like this great buffer zone for the hospital. If everything is functioning like it’s supposed to, you’ll only see emergencies here. With the surge, we are holding admits and handling inpatient care. We see increased social issues and low acuity when patients have difficulty accessing other care options. We’re always open.
We can also be a microcosm of society. You’ll know what’s happening in society by who is showing up in the ER and why. You feel you’re directly involved in the world’s issues because they spill in every day and you have to problem solve.”
Woubeshet Ayenew, MD – Cardiology
“I have two boys ages 9 and 12. We’re from Ethiopia and I wanted them to be raised bicultural and bilingual. Attractive bilingual children’s books were hard to find. That’s how I joined Ethiopia Reads - to help create picture books in both English and Amharic.
100 children storybooks later, I see great similarities in the skills I apply to create the children's stories and to be a cardiologist. The clarity you seek to engage a patient in managing a complex heart disease is the same skill that is needed when you are telling a child a story on bravery, empathy, or other lofty values. That connection helps achieve big ideas and goals.”
Bob Stiles – Dunn Brothers barista
“We have a constant influx of different people, whether it be patients, hospital staff, or visitors. Most stand-alone coffee shops get people from the neighborhood, but here, we see a mix of everybody from all over the city and I think that’s fascinating.
Some customers I know by name or drink. It’s good to talk to people and be compassionate. They’re here for all sorts of reasons. There are a couple ladies that come in and we talk about what books we’re reading. People appreciate a little bit of recognition like that.”
Mary Jorgensen – Volunteer, Simulation Center & Volunteer Office
“I started coming to Hennepin Healthcare in 1971 at the old general hospital when I had my son. The providers here have taken good care of me and all my medical needs. I wanted to return that favor.
Not being able to volunteer was an odd time. I felt like I was halfway here – laid off, but not unemployed. Returning has been busy because departments have been backed up, so I’m glad to come back and give any assistance they need. I missed doing something valuable for HCMC. The teams here did so much for me, so to pay that forward is beneficial for me.”