VHJ Spring 2008
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From MeritCare's President and CEO
A legacy of caring
When St. Luke's Hospital opened its doors on Feb. 25, 1908, founding physicians Dr. Nils Tronnes and Dr. Olaf Sand realized their dream: A hospital open to all, setting new standards in care. Interestingly enough, their first patient was a 16-year-old girl from Buxton, N.D in need of emergency surgery.
MeritCare's 100-year history illustrates a legacy of caring that not only reaffirms our commitment to providing excellent care to all people but also notes a special concern for children that continues today. In this issue of Valley Health Journal, we celebrate the difference top-notch medical care makes in young lives – care that includes:
- Advanced technology. When Noah Ness, Bemidji, Minn., suffered an unexpected crisis shortly after birth, help arrived, including a medically-configured fixed-wing airplane, a specialized neonatal transport team and a well-equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Read Noah's story on page 4.
- Board-certified pediatric specialists. Ill and injured children benefit from the expertise of pediatric specialists. For young cancer patient Brock Roesler, Leonard, N.D., the combination of high-level specialty care and proven treatment from the latest medical research made a life-saving difference. Read more on page 5.
- A complete, coordinated approach. At age 5, Cora Knudsvig, Portland, N.D., set out on a long road to recovery after a large brain tumor caused significant damage. Thanks to Cora's determination, her family's dedication and complete medical care with extensive therapy, she continues to reach one milestone after the next. Cora's story is on page 1.
At MeritCare, we take great joy in achieving our mission: To improve the health and quality of life of the people we serve. The faces of Noah, Brock, Cora and countless others inspire our next 100 years of caring. May this legacy of care shine ever brighter as we light the way to the future.
Sincerely,
Roger L. Gilbertson, M.D.
President and CEO
MeritCare Health System
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