St. Luke's Health System

St. Luke’s recently gathered more than 100 representatives from nonprofit and community-based organizations at its annual Community Health Improvement Fund celebration at JUMP in downtown Boise. The event is an important opportunity for partners to gather, celebrate, network and share the work they do to serve the community. For St. Luke’s, it serves as a reminder of why there is investment in these valued partnerships—to further the health system’s mission.

The Surgical Services team at St. Luke’s Magic Valley recently hosted its first ever Family Day in the OR. Kids and adults were able to don scrubs and enter the OR setting where they were able to test their skill at robotic surgery using two robots in simulation mode.    “We wanted to be able to show our families what we do every day and the really cool equipment and tools that we have,” said Leon Jacobs, manager of surgical services in Twin Falls. “Doctors were just as excited as staff were to bring in their families.”    About 120 people attended, including St. Luke’s staff members from the OR, CSP, peri-anesthesia and surgery center in Twin Falls.   On the XI DaVinci robot, family members were able to move rubber bands from one pile to another. On the Stryker Mako, the participants were able to shave down a model femur in preparation for an implant.   “It was really fun, and we had an amazing turn out!” said Michelle Stierstorfer, director of Surgical Services, who brought her children and grandchildren to the event.    “Leon and his team did a wonderful job of organizing this family day — we hope to make it an annual event here at St. Luke’s Magic Valley.”

Kirsten Grunzke named new Surgical Services administrator. Accountable for development, design and execution of the Surgical Services operational strategy for St. Luke's, Kirsten Grunzke will maintain leadership responsibilities for the Surgical Services Community of Practice and will align and work collaboratively with providers, service lines, acute care, ambulatory, post-acute care, nursing and anesthesia services to promote and develop optimal services and continuous improvement.    As we stand up this new role, Kirsten will report to Sandee Gehrke, system chief operating officer.    Grunzke joined St. Luke's in 2012 and has 18 years of experience in surgical service lines. She has overseen 32 clinics and nine surgical specialties, including general surgery, urology, GI, ENT and plastics, as well as anesthesia.    She has also been the Surgical Community of Practice co-chair with Dr. Bob Korn. Kirsten is proud of her achievements, which include enhancing the effectiveness of the Surgical Community of Practice, improving communication between administration, surgeons and operational teams, and partnering with Supply Chain leadership to establish better systems for standardization initiatives.

Five Nampa RNs who are key members of the Emergency Department — Tony Naccarato, Michael Williams, Hanna Asumendi, Elsbeth Warren and John Zaklan — have been accepted to fill five of only 25 slots available within Northwest Nazarene University's upcoming Master of Science in Nursing program.   Nampa leaders said, “We have been blessed over the years by the dedication, knowledge and commitment to excellence each has displayed and offer our support as they pursue the path forward in their nursing careers!”

Meet Michael A. Norsk, his art was recently featured at the St. Luke's Nampa gallery. "I am an abstract expressionist painter working with acrylic on canvas. Originally from Denmark, I relocated with my family from Chicago to Boise in 2017. Thereafter, I have been an active member of the Boise art community. "Each of my abstract expressionism paintings begin with an emotional foundation tied to a momentary experience. Painting provides an opportunity to connect to, express, and process my emotions, feelings, and thoughts. It is my intention that each painting evoke a personal connection to emotion within the viewer. "My paintings represent a window into the layers of the journey along my path on the mental health continuum. Painting assists with daily mental health management. Creating allows me to free and focus my mind. For me, painting is therapeutic and provides a creative and productive outlet from an often busy and distracted world. "The external focal points of my creations are depth, detail, pattern, texture, and vibrant color. The variable physical character of acrylics allows me to evoke highly expressive qualities. The style of pointillism, among others, allows the freedom to create without restriction. Each dot, or stroke, that I apply to the canvas represents a thought or the space between my thoughts. "My work has been shown in galleries throughout the Treasure Valley, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. My work has been featured four times as the Boise Weekly cover artist. I am an engaged member of the Treasure Valley Artist Alliance."

The Surgical Services team at St. Luke's Wood River recently took to the trails to assist in clearing them, making them safer for all to use.    The Wood River Trails Coalition, which works to create, maintain and sustain our trail network for all users, has a program called BYOC (bring your own crew) and the St. Luke's team spent a day making a difference in the community.     Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alison Kinsler is a frequent trail user and has been on the board of the Wood River Trails Coalition for multiple years and recently became board chair.

St. Luke’s Security and Information Station team members work to keep our staff, patients, visitors and communities safe each day. Recently, amid the triple-digit temperatures, those efforts have included cruising St. Luke’s medical center parking lots, like in Meridian, offering water and ensuring patients are aware of free valet services when visiting. Thanks to these team members for all they do! Looking for cooling station info? Call Idaho Careline at 2-1-1 With triple digit heat across the region, many communities and organizations have set up cooling stations. To find information and resources, call the Idaho Careline at 2-1-1, which is managed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Congratulations to Magic Valley's Dr. Dan Alder, world traveler, former Navy, on his retirement! In his career, Dr. Dan Alder has been many places but found home in Twin Falls.   After serving a church mission in Sweden after high school, he taught Swedish at BYU in Provo, Utah, where he also excelled as a folk dancer. He attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., then upon completion, served in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Ranger for 26 months, living in San Diego as well as Okinawa, Japan.   His work as a radiologist also sent him to Guam, Italy and other naval bases to assist as needed while his family lived in San Diego. Alder retired from the Navy in 2006 and moved to Twin Falls in January 2007, joining the St. Luke's team.    Dr. Alder's last day seeing patients was June 30. 

July 4 fun at Magic Valley Physician Center and Wood River Family Medicine

St. Luke's Nampa celebrated two award winners recently, CNA Tracey Griffin and RN Marissa Putman, who received Sunshine and DAISY awards. Griffin was recognized by a patient’s mom, who shared: “Tracey is out of this world, extraordinary, above and beyond. She makes you feel like family and helps you heal with laughter … She’s a blessing.” The patient’s sister added: “Tracey was more than amazing with my brother. She truly is a breath of fresh air. She made us laugh and just brightened the mood …" Putman was recognized by members of a patient’s family for her commitment and devotion to caring for their loved one. The patient's mother said “You are a gift from GOD!!! Thank you so much for being my son’s Guardian Angel!!!” The patient’s sister noted that Putman was amazing in the care of her brother and went the extra mile to make sure that he was comfortable and well cared for and uplifted and encouraged him daily.