New Clot-Busting Drug Saves Man from Major Stroke Disability
Paul Bauer, a 79-year-old resident of Davis, Calif., was relaxing at home May 5 with his wife, Mary, when he suddenly fell and was unable to speak. “When I saw the droop of his mouth and left side of his face, I immediately thought of stroke and called 911,” says Mary...
Heartfelt Thanks: Transplant Patients Witness What Great Care Is
Two heart-failure patients in Sacramento became fast friends in the hospital while awaiting new hearts. During those few weeks leading up to their transplants, they were delighted at what they saw: A well-organized team of dedicated nurses and doctors, all with...
Why Are So Many Filipinos Drawn to Nursing? RN Explains
By Anita Creamer and Gary Zavoral, Vitals contributors Like many Filipinos, Reggie Escobin discovered that becoming a registered nurse was in her blood. It is estimated that nearly 20% of registered nurses in California are Filipino and many are on the front lines,...
Editor’s Picks
COVID Finally Caught Up to You. Now What?
Almost 60% of Americans have had COVID-19. If and when the virus catches up to you, these strategies can help you conquer your sickness successfully. It’s true that COVID-19 cases are rising. If you do test positive, try not to let feelings of guilt or shame take...
What Makes This Rural Hospital California’s Best?
A staff that is like family is one of the reasons why Sutter Amador Hospital is California's only representative on the list of top rural hospitals in the nation. Showing they are No. 1 are, from left, rehab tech Reiner Kiehl, surgical nurse assistant Aria Reyes,...
Mentoring Gives Purpose to Longtime ICU Nurse
By Anita Creamer and Monique Binkley Smith, Vitals Contributors For 34 years as an intensive care nurse, Mary Blanchard has served on the frontlines, caring for patients through some of the worst epidemics—and now a pandemic—in modern times. For many people,...
Healing Therapies Aid Healthcare Staff at Work
Meeting people where they are with healthcare can be extremely effective. Digital health capabilities are one obvious example. Community-based efforts also have an impact. Each time, care is accessed more conveniently and delivered from people and in places they...
Dive Deeper
Drug Trial Gives Woman With Stage 4 Melanoma Shot at Remission
Palo Alto resident Laura Clausen is a melanoma survivor at age 63. She credits enrolling in a clinical trial at Sutter’s CPMC for giving her hope and the trial drug needed to heal her cancer. In 2012, Clausen discovered a grape-sized lump on her neck. A biopsy and...
Dream Nursing Jobs Achieved with Scholarship Help
By Meg Walker and Monique Binkley Smith, Vitals contributors Three Bay Area nurses were able to achieve their dream jobs in part because of scholarships they received through their employer, Sutter’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation. For 14 years, PAMF has awarded...
Most-Used Hospital Equipment Gets a Next-Gen Makeover
First there were smart phones. Next came smart watches, smart cars, smart doorbells and even smart thermostats. But these modernized conveniences aren’t limited to just home. They are now for the hospital, too. “Smart” hospital beds are a great example. Sure, they...
Grandpa’s ‘Hero’: Quick Action for Stroke Leads to No Brain Loss
Joe Soto, 73, of Sacramento suffered a major stroke, and his family feared the worst. However, just two days later he left the hospital -- fully recovered -- thanks to the quick action of his grandson and emergency medical teams. “I called my wife just six hours...