The ‘News’ Category

Dr. Skendzel was the recipient of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – U.P. Campus Volunteer Faculty Teaching Award

Each year medical students with the Michigan Stage University College of Human Medicine – U.P Campus choose faculty they feel made their experiences here at the UP Campus very rich and valuable- Larry was one of the docs receiving an award this year.  The students said this about Larry:

“As a palliative care physician, Dr. Skendzel is kindhearted with patients and tender with families; in some of the most trying situations, he remains a beacon of compassionate care.  Dr. Skendzel made a tremendous impact on our training and our lives, we have no doubt that we will each draw from Dr. Skendzel’s example in our residencies and future careers,” explained the medical students.

Photo: Dr. Skendzel poses with one of the 2013 SMU-CHM UP Campus graduates, Joe Steele.

 

Local Clothing Boutique Donates to Lake Superior Hospice

Michigan Governor Recognizes Contributions of Hospice and Palliative Care

 

Governor Rick Snyder has recognized the impact and importance of hospice and palliative care providers in the health and well-being of Michigan residents through his proclamation of May 12-18 as Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Week. 

“The Governor, in his proclamation, acknowledges the comprehensive and compassionate care that make the wishes of each patient and family a priority as well as the key values of hospice and palliative care which are to bring comfort, love and respect to those they serve,” said Lisa Ashley, president and CEO of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Michigan. 

Each year more than 50,000 Michigan residents and their families are served by hospice and palliative care providers in communities all across the state.  More than 48% of Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan receive hospice care while the national average is 41%.

“Despite the state’s high rate of hospice utilization, the length of time a family receives hospice services continues to decline,” said Gloria D. Brooks, board chair of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Michigan.  “It is the Association’s hope that through this recognition by the Governor, as well as through our work during this week to educate our communities, that Michigan families will begin to receive these very important services much earlier.”

Hospice and palliative care providers across the state will engage their legislators as well as the greater community to tell the stories of patients and families and encourage important conversations about care options and individual wishes between patients, family members and healthcare professionals.

Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Week runs May 12-18, 2013.  Contact your local hospice program for more information on the programs and services available in your community.

 

Lake Superior Hospice Medical Director, Dr. Larry Skendzel Awarded the HPCAM Dream Team – Physician Award

 

In photo left to right: Dr. Dan Mazzuchi, Lake Superior Hospice volunteer and retired physician – Dr. Larry Skendzel, Lake Superior Hospice Medical Director – Carol Carr, CEO of Lake Superior Hospice. 

 

Marquette, MI – Dr. Larry Skendzel, Medical Director for Lake Superior Hospice was awarded the 2013 HPCAM Dream Team – Physician Award on April 11, 2013. Each year the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Michigan recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding commitment and service to hospice and palliative care organizations around the state. The HPCAM Dream Team Awards were developed to celebrate excellence within the hospice interdisciplinary team. The 2013 HPCAM Dream Team Awards were presented during the Annual conference at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Bay City, MI.

“I believe that the challenge of working with the Lake Superior Hospice team to improve quality of life never ends and I am honored to be able to serve families and individuals who are courageously facing a life-limiting illness,” explains Skendzel.
Dr. Skendzel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame in 1986. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University in 1990 and completed his residency at Marquette General Hospital in 1993. Dr. Skendzel is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care, and the American Academy of Geriatrics. He has been in hospice care for over 12 years and currently is the medical director for Lake Superior Hospice and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

Lake Superior Hospice is the oldest freestanding non-profit hospice organization in the state of Michigan and currently serves individuals who live in Marquette and parts of Alger County. Lake Superior Hospice is known for its compassionate end of life care, while providing excellence, high quality services, and education to families.

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Dr. Skendzel Selected for Donald W. Reynolds Mini-Fellowship

Marquette, MI – Dr. Larry Skendzel, Medical Director for Lake Superior Hospice and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans was one of eight selected to attend Duke University School of Medicine as a Reynolds Scholar for the 2013 Donald W. Reynolds Mini-Fellowship from April 8 – 12. The fellowship will focus on long-term care in geriatrics education; students will work through a curriculum that highlights relationship centered care for people with different stages of dementia.

“It is important that we are always finding creative ways to enter into a relationship with those afflicted with dementia. We need to remember to always view them as whole people,” explains Dr. Skendzel.

Skendzel anticipates that the training will allow him to bring back knowledge and information, which will improve the culture of care within our community.

“My goal it bring back information that will develop faculty and enhance geriatric education. It is important that we continue to teach the next generation of clinical professionals how to further develop their skills in a long-term care facility.”

LSH is Celebrating National Social Work Month

March is National Social Work month and Lake Superior Hospice would like to share this special highlight of our amazing social work team. We have asked each of them a series of questions about their job as a hospice social worker and have shared there answers and thoughts below. We are truly honored to have Deb McDonnell, Tiffany Johnson, and Eva Kauppila as part of the social work team at LSH.

Deb McDonnell, LMSW

How did you choose hospice care?

I chose hospice care for several reasons. The most important one is that I felt a calling to do this kind of work. As a student of SW over 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to work in oncology and learned a lot from my patients there about death and dying as well as about living. They inspired me to become a hospice volunteer, which I did. It was such a rewarding experience that after I graduated I applied for a position as a social worker for Mid Michigan Home Care and Hospice; I worked there for 12 years then found my way to LSH. My father-in-law also died with hospice care in Florida before I enrolled in school for SW. This was a very positive experience and I was really impressed with the care he received. I was sold on the program and philosophy!

What do you feel is most inspiring about the work you do for LSH?

The most inspiring work I do is listening to patients and families who tell me their stories. I learn so much about living and what it’s like facing the end of life. I feel strongly that when I make my visits, I am entering a sacred space. Each one has a unique journey and I am honored that I am able to be part of that journey. If I am able to help them in some small way, or ease their suffering, I feel I have done a good job.

Associate Medical Director, Dr. Stuart Johnson Receives Certification

MARQUETTE – Lake Superior Hospice Associate Medical Director Stuart K. Johnson, DO, has been awarded a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine from the American Board of Family Medicine.

Johnson has been a primary physician since 2002 and joined Lake Superior Hospice in 201. He also works with the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program, where he has been the program director since 2011.

The certification is designed to recognize excellence among certified family physicians who emphasize the care of those with a life-limiting illness.

Lake Superior Hospice is a non-profit organization that has been providing end-of-life care to families in Marquette County and a portion of Alger County for more than 30 years.

For more information, call Lake Superior Hospice at 225-7760.

LSH Hiring Hospice RN Case Manager

Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager

LSH is seeking attentive, positive and compassionate Registered Nurse Case Managers to join our clinical team.

Our team members adhere to the highest standards, not only in their work but in character. Each team member is expected to: exhibit strong levels of teamwork with respect and accountability, communicate clearly and honestly, be compassionate and accepting of all persons, and confidently perform tasks to the best of their knowledge and ability with the utmost confidence in themselves and our organization.

CANCELLATIONS

Lake Superior Hospice will be canceling the Open Grief Support Group that was scheduled for this evening Wednesday, February  20th due to inclement weather conditions. Please plan on joining us on Wednesday, March 6th at 5:00pm for our next Open Grief Support Group.

If you have further questions about our grief support opportunities, please call us at 906.225.7760

Lake Superior Hospice is Pleased to Announce the Addition of a New Chief Executive Officer

Lake Superior Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of a new hospice team member, Carol Carr as Chief Executive Officer.  Carr brings over 12 years of non-profit experience to the position, including positions with Omega House in Houghton, MI and the Northern Michigan University Foundation.  She received a BA in Communications and Political Science from Western Washington University and has completed a certificate in Fundraising Management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.  Carr currently serves as an Advisory Board member for the DeVos Museum at Northern Michigan University and is a volunteer with the Sandy Knoll School Association.  She is a native of Marquette and currently lives in Marquette with her husband and two children.

“Hospice care is such a vital part of our healthcare system and such a gift to families who are facing a terminal illness,” says Carr.  “Those who have been served by Lake Superior Hospice know that our staff are second to none.  I feel honored to work for such a strong organization, and with such a caring and compassionate team.”

Lake Superior Hospice is an independent non-profit organization that has been providing end of life care to families in Marquette and Alger counties for over 30 years.  Hospice care is a unique, specialized approach to health care that focuses on pain management and symptom control as well as social and spiritual support for patients in their final months of life.  Hospice care treats the whole patient, allowing them to continue to live in a way that maintains dignity and helps them to honor and celebrate life.

 

For more information please call Lake Superior Hospice 225.7760 or visit our website www.lakesuperiorhospice.org.