Departures: Lisa Schellhaas MA (last day 12/27/24), Chad Henneberry AT-C (last day 1/24/25), Lisa Filzen PA-C (last day 1/31/25), Dr. Ladwig (retiring on 2/27/25), Mitch Odom MD (last day 4/15/25), Cory Oegema PA-C (last day 3/7/25), Tyler Rehlinger APNP (last day TBD).

Education

Girls and Women in Sports Spotlight: Cindy Dusel, MSN, FNP-C, ONP-C

February 7th: National Wear Red Day
Observe National Wear Red Day
People wear red as a way to bring attention to the problem of heart disease in women. Many women wear red dresses, the identifying symbol for the day. Health organizations hold seminars and public outreach events to educate people about prevention and screening of heart disease.

Finance/Billing

Inclusion & Community Outreach Committee

In December, we had a fun holiday party with the 8th grade scholars of MLK School. We played various "Minute to Win It" games, including the Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss, where we tossed mini marshmallows into holiday mugs to see how many we could get. We also played Marshmallow Mouth, where one team member filled their mouth with giant marshmallows and tried to communicate a word or phrase to the rest of the team.

February is Black History Month
Compared to other medical and surgical specialties, orthopedic surgery remains one of the least racially and ethnically diverse fields. In 2018, the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) reported that 1.9% of orthopedic surgeons were African Americans. In 2016, the ACGME (American College of Graduate Medical Education) reported 4% of orthopedic surgery residents were African American. These figures are staggering and underscore the importance of diversity in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Wisconsin Black Physician Spotlights:
Mary Ann Menard is recognized by the Wisconsin Historical Society as "Wisconsin's first Doctor." She came to Wisconsin near the close of the 18th century from the St. Louis area. Aunt Mary Ann Menard was a respected midwife and herbal healer among the inhabitants of Prairie du Chein.  Read more here.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams trained under the Wisconsin Surgeon General in 1878.  He is credited with performing the first open heart surgery and published his technique and its success in the Medical Record in 1897.  Williams recognized many people would not accept the professional ability of black physicians and surgeons. He responded by performing public operations so people could directly observe surgeries completed by black surgeons and staff.  Read more here.

Dr. William Finlayson broke many barriers as an African American. He became the first Black OB-GYN to practice in a Milwaukee hospital (St. Joseph's). Over 39 years he delivered nearly 10,000 babies.  Read more here.

The MCW community benefits from the diversity of a workforce that celebrates multiple religious and faith traditions throughout the year. The Office of Equal Access and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion would like to share a calendar of the 2025 religious observances where an employee may request a reasonable accommodation so they can practice or observe their religion.

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