Atrium Health

For nearly 17 years, Teri Mehall has supported countless families through their cancer journeys as a pediatric oncology nurse at Atrium Health Levine Children's. But in November 2022, Teri began her own personal battle with stage 3a melanoma. While she was nervous to transition from her role as nurse to patient, Teri found comfort knowing she was in the best possible care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer. “So many people have helped me along my journey, and I can only hope I am doing that for others,” said Teri. “Knowing this disease continues to affect so many people is a constant reminder for me that we have so much work to do.” On Saturday, June 22, Teri will run in the #KeepPounding5K to help raise money for clinical research and cancer care programs at Atrium Health. She has participated for many years in support of her patients. Now she also runs to honor every member of her care team that has played an important role in her healing. Read more: https://bit.ly/3R7y4KX

To live fully means living and loving authentically and proudly. At Advocate Health, we celebrate and support every individual so you can embrace life to the fullest. Happy Pride Month!

Dozens of our oncologists and researchers recently attended the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference. It’s the largest cancer conference in the world and an invaluable opportunity for us to learn about and share the latest therapies, research, and technology for our patients.  Big themes this year include: EQUITY in clinical trials, screening, and prevention. ADVOCACY to address patient challenges and transform care. ADVANCEMENTS in research to create better treatment options.  We’re incredibly proud of our team.  Learn more about just some of work we’re doing in these areas. Equity: https://bit.ly/3VcY9K1 Advocacy: https://bit.ly/45dI0IU Advancements: https://bit.ly/45boDQw

Among the lifesaving machines and medicines at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Union, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center, there’s perhaps, something far more meaningful to the patients and providers there – rubber ducks. It all started about a decade ago, with a friendly gesture from a blanket vendor, who gifted the nurses a few rubber ducks and they decided to put them on display. In 2016, that gesture sparked a new tradition when a breast cancer patient, Jessica Conklin, finished her treatment and gave the staff a rubber flamingo to say, "thank you.” That’s when the team at Levine Cancer Institute Union decided that would become their trademark. From then on, they gave patients a personalized duck – something specific to their story or fight. Now, hundreds of ducks line the shelves of the facility. It’s a constant reminder of Levine Cancer Institute Union’s commitment to their patients and the influence the staff continues to have on their lives, long after they receive treatment. More: https://bit.ly/4bWGHzS

Meet Sabrina, a remarkable Army veteran whose journey from the military to a fulfilling career at Atrium Health embodies resilience and dedication. Through her service, Sabrina learned the values of discipline, teamwork and adaptability. After earning a commission as a 2LT and serving in the Army Reserves, Sabrina transitioned to a career with Atrium Health. Her strong project management skills, work ethic and exceptional customer service make her an asset to our organization. "In my role as an Army training officer," she says, "it was imperative to possess a comprehensive skill set, empathy and a deep understanding of logistics, services and security." "Atrium Health demonstrates its support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers through various initiatives and events," Sabrina explains. She encourages others in her position to "join transition programs like FourBlock and the Army PaYS Program. Remember, you have transferable skills that make you rockstars in any field," she emphasizes. Atrium Health is proud to increase opportunities for U.S. Army members to attain stable and rewarding civilian life. "The PaYS program offers a structured pathway for Army veterans to transition into civilian jobs, providing them with support, recognition and opportunities to apply their skills and experiences in a new career," says Sabrina. Entering the PaYS program guarantees a job interview and greatly increases veteran job security after returning from service. Learn more about the Army PaYS program and opportunities for Army Veterans: https://lnkd.in/eP3zr8zA Discover Atrium Health Military & Veteran careers: https://lnkd.in/gVbvcgvd #AtriumHealthCareers #MilitaryandVeteranCareers #ArmyPaysProgram #ArmyPartnership #LiveFully

Because exceptional health care is our promise to everyone. No matter who you are, we are committed to bringing health, hope and healing to all. #HappyPride

Have you heard the buzzzzzz 🐝 There is a new mural at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. Mike Bennet, an Atrium Health security officer, developed the winning design which features flowers, butterflies and a heart rhythm. "When I first heard about the mural proposal, I was so excited to think about the opportunity to invite local artists and our own teammates to brighten up a drab space that our teammates pass every day,” shares Vicki Block, senior vice president and president of the central area at Atrium Health. “Seeing the finished product has exceeded my wildest expectations! You can’t help but smile when you walk past." Local artist, Ingrid Swanson, along with the help of 19 volunteers brought Mike’s vision to life. Thank you to all the teammates who submitted designs and painted this lasting image.

In summer 2022, Dr. William "Billy" Dugal, a 32-year-old surgeon, faced the unimaginable. Just after completing his residency and moving with his family, Billy contracted COVID-19, which led to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). “By the fourth day, I couldn’t walk,” Billy recalls. Diagnosed at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, he quickly became paralyzed, needing a ventilator to breathe. His wife, Becca, a nurse practitioner, was heartbroken. “It was heart-wrenching,” she says. Complications piled up, and Billy's life was at risk. Thanks to the lifesaving ECMO treatment led by Dr. Lucas Neff, Billy pulled through. “I had lost 60 pounds and couldn’t move any part of my body,” Billy shares. After weeks in the ICU, Billy began a tough rehabilitation journey at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston. It is one of the few facilities in the country that admits rehab patients on ventilators. He relearned basic functions and returned to NC for outpatient rehab at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Despite his recovery, Billy's contract with a surgical practice was terminated as he couldn't start on time. “After working so hard for so many years, it felt like everything was falling apart,” he said. Dr. Neff, associate professor of Surgical Sciences – Pediatrics and associate professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, stepped in, offering Billy a position in a translational research lab. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for Billy to regain his dexterity and some of the skills needed for the operating room,” Luke explained. Billy joined the lab in March 2023 and later began an ECMO surgical fellowship at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in July 2023. He will complete this fellowship in June 2024, gaining advanced training in a supportive environment. Becca was so impacted by Billy’s illness and her role as his caregiver that she changed her specialty. She now works as a nurse practitioner in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging and Rehabilitation. In January 2024, Billy and Becca welcomed a baby boy named Robert Lucas Dugal, choosing his middle name to honor Luke. “I am so grateful to Luke and everyone at Wake Forest Baptist who cared for me and my family,” Billy said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to perform this lifesaving procedure on critically ill patients, and I am honored to work alongside the same people who saved my life.”

In the year 2030, what would we regret not starting today? Answering that question was at the core of a CancerX Moonshot Startup Accelerator event hosted by Atrium Health Levine Cancer. The program brings together a community of cancer care champions from oncology, technology, and innovation to work toward solving the unmet needs of patients and providers. It’s all part of a public-private partnership announced by the White House. There are 5 priority areas for the program: - Clinical operations - Treatment and management - Patient experience and survivorship - Clinical trials - Screening and diagnosis Learn more about the CancerX initiative and Atrium Health’s role: https://bit.ly/3utbynK

Mobile medicine is a growing part of health care. Atrium Health’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) business unit has become the first such department in the nation to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Mobile Transport Systems (CAMTS). The accreditation centers on primary and preventive care to underserved populations, with a goal of improving and increasing access to care. Atrium Health’s MIH program offers in-home care to patients throughout North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. “We’ve been able to accomplish a great deal, serving our patients with compassion and expertise, while still bringing innovative approaches into the care environment in a cycle of continuous improvement,” says Jonathan Collier, Atrium Health vice president of mobile medicine. “I am so very proud of our teammates – the work they do, the care they provide and the industry leaders that they are. It is a tremendous honor to work alongside them and for Atrium Health to be recognized as the first MIH team to be recognized for its quality and safety by CAMTS.”