Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Dr. Michael “Mickey” Ising, brings more than surgical skill to the St. Elizabeth cardiac surgery team – he brings the mindset of an engineer. Before he ever stepped into an operating room, Dr. Ising was immersed in the world of biomedical engineering. He worked on artificial heart technology – designing mechanical systems that could replicate the rhythm and reliability of the human heart. But something was missing. “I realized I wanted to be the one helping the patient directly – not just designing the devices,” he explains. “I wanted to be in the room, talking to the person whose life…

Nicole Schadler, a loving wife, mother and long-standing Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, lived an active and healthy lifestyle. But one day in March, Nicole began experiencing troubling symptoms – swollen hands, kidney pain and abnormally high blood pressure. Despite multiple doctor’s visits and new medications, her periodic symptoms continued to worsen, leaving her feeling anxious. Over the next three months, Nicole made several trips to local emergency rooms, but her symptoms were often attributed to high blood pressure, hypertension and other likely cardiac causes. One day at a school athletic event,…

Coronary artery disease — blocked heart arteries — is the most common type of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in 20 American adults over age 20. Interventional cardiologists use a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to clear arteries in patients with this condition. To help patients with severe artery blockages and weakened heart muscles, St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers high-risk PCI. Interventional Cardiologist Mohanjit Brar, MD, explains this procedure and how it improves outcomes for patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Here’s what you should know. What is High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary…

If joint pain is keeping you from doing the things you love—walking your dog, playing with your grandkids or simply getting a good night’s sleep—it may be time to consider joint replacement surgery. Dr. Matthew Hummel, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, understands that surgery can feel intimidating. But he wants patients to know that joint replacement can be life-changing. “Joint replacement surgery can give you a new lease on life,” says Dr. Hummel. “Many people cope with their symptoms for years before deciding to have surgery. Ironically, these are often the same people who say they…

Every year, nearly 320,000 women in the United States receive a breast cancer diagnosis. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% include surgery in their treatment plan. St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers the most advanced surgery options to deliver the highest quality care possible. To help you decide whether surgery is the right choice for you, Brianne Nicholas, MD, a Breast Cancer Surgeon at St. Elizabeth, offers insights about the breast cancer surgery process. Here’s what she wants you to know. What Are Early Signs of Breast Cancer? When Should People Begin Screening? For most women, early-stage breast…

Since opening its doors in 2020, the Yung Family Cancer Center has remained steadfast in its purpose: to deliver compassionate, innovative cancer care to patients across the region and beyond. As the center celebrates its five-year anniversary, we reflect on some of the defining milestones that have shaped its journey and elevated its impact. 2020: A New Chapter in Cancer Care The launch of the cancer center marked a transformative moment for cancer care in the region. Designed to serve patients locally and nationally, it introduced a multidisciplinary approach that integrated genetic screening, precision medicine and holistic support. Patients no…

Colorectal surgery can be life-changing for patients dealing with chronic digestive issues, pain or cancer. At St. Elizabeth, colorectal surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including diverticulitis, colon cancer, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Many of these procedures are elective, meaning they can be scheduled in advance and tailored to each patient’s needs. Starting with a Conversation Elective surgery doesn’t mean urgent—it means patients have time to prepare, ask questions and make informed decisions. That’s why the first step is always a conversation. “Seeing a surgeon doesn’t mean that I’m going to operate on you,” says Teena Nerwal, MD, a…

In September, St. Elizabeth Healthcare hosted the Endoscopic Cardiac Surgeons (ECS) Club annual meeting at our Training and Education Center (SETEC) in Northern Kentucky — marking the first time this prestigious event has been held in the United States. Three Days of Ingenuity, Connection and Collaboration More than 200 surgeons and medical professionals from 42 countries gathered to share knowledge, techniques and talent in totally endoscopic minimally invasive heart surgery. Video feeds of various endoscopic procedures being performed around the world were broadcast live to the event for educational purposes, including one from the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood Hospital. Attendees…

Liver surgeries have typically relied on an open or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Robotic-assisted surgery is a new method that shows great promise. In robotic liver surgery, surgeons incorporate robotic technology for added dexterity and to enhance precision during complex procedures. Recent studies suggest robotic liver surgery improves patient health outcomes. “We know robotic-assisted surgery can lead to less blood loss and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery,” says Dr. Brent Xia, MD, a Surgical Oncologist practicing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. “This can create a more positive overall experience for our patients.” What is Robotic Liver Surgery?…

Every patient’s cancer is unique. That means your cancer treatment should be, too. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we’re committed to delivering the personalized care you need. To provide the most accurate risk assessment to developing cancer and the most effective treatments with the fewest side effects if you develop cancer, we rely on precision medicine to create your care plan. This innovative approach examines your genetic makeup, lifestyle behaviors and environment. We use this information to identify the right strategies for you. “At St. Elizabeth, we don’t view cancer care as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ endeavor,” says Jaime Grund, MS, LGC, Director…