UW Health SwedishAmerican

We’re proud to celebrate our paramedic program and the incredible accomplishments of this year’s class. All 21 students who started the program will graduate together, an extraordinary achievement in such a rigorous field and a true reflection of the program’s strong support and culture of excellence. Under the leadership of program educator Michelle Heirbaut, these graduates have been mentored, challenged and prepared to serve their communities with confidence, skill and compassion. Their readiness hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) partners have praised the program as “the best in the area,” highlighting the strength of its instruction and training. We recognize both these dedicated graduates and the leadership shaping the future of EMS. Congratulations to Michelle and the entire class. We’re proud of the difference you’re ready to make!

Katie Andersen knew she wanted to work in health care, and imaging felt like the perfect fit. From day one as a CT Technologist, she loved knowing she could make a real impact simply by capturing the right images at the right time. Even on the busiest days, Katie finds joy in her work at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital. Helping a patient through their test and producing high-quality images can make the patient's road to recovery a little smoother. That’s what keeps her coming back every day. She also loves the variety the field offers. With so many specialties and pathways to explore, medical imaging at UW Health is full of opportunity and growth. As Katie says, there’s never a dull day in this world. If you’re looking for a career that blends technology, teamwork and meaningful patient care, UW Health could be your next step. Learn more: https://uw.health/3ONWSJO

Social worker Michelle Strand helps parents and families find their footing during an unexpected hospital or NICU stay for their child. She provides emotional support, connects families with community resources, and helps them maintain balance between life at the hospital and life at home. Every family arrives with a different story, and Michelle takes the time to listen and meet them where they are. That relationship doesn't end at discharge. She stays available for ongoing support after families leave Women and Children's Hospital, for as long as they need it. "I enjoy being able to assist families through one of the most wonderful times in their lives, becoming a parent," says Michelle. Michelle is proud to be part of a team that cares for not only the mom and baby, but the entire family and community. Upcoming community events include the Kids Safety Fair, Community Baby Shower and ongoing childbirth classes. The team also collaborates every day with local agencies to support families and their health.

Patients may not always see the coordination behind their care, but oncology nurse practitioner Mary Novotny helps shape each step of the treatment experience through thoughtful planning, close follow-up and steady clinical support. For Mary, breast cancer care is personal. A family history of the disease has shaped the provider she strives to be and continues to influence the way she listens, explains and advocates for each person she treats. Her work extends far beyond appointments. She coordinates care, monitors progress, manages side effects and helps remove barriers so people can move through treatment with clarity and confidence. What keeps her coming back is the fulfillment found in relationships built through trust and time. Supporting people through diagnosis, treatment and recovery means being present during some of life’s hardest moments and witnessing the strength shown along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone in advanced surgical care! Our surgeons perform robotic-assisted procedures across many specialties, including cardiothoracic, gynecologic oncology, OB-GYN, orthopedic, urology care, and general surgery such as hernia, gallbladder, and colon surgery.

What motivates oncology nurse Amanda Lynch? Her team! “I firmly believe that we must take care of each other to care for our patients. Oncology care is physically and emotionally taxing, requiring a workplace where the team can find support and compassion for themselves. I am fortunate to work with an incredibly diverse and amazing group of professionals. They bring compassion, expertise and humor to everything they do. Every one of them is here because of our patients. By supporting, encouraging and advocating for them, they can follow their passion and bring remarkable healthcare to each patient. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside them and I am humbled by the care they give.”

Dr. Tarita Thomas adds expertise and compassionate care to our growing team. As medical director of radiation oncology and a radiation oncologist, Dr. Thomas brings advanced expertise in treatment techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Her clinical interests include breast, prostate and lung cancers, along with the use of low-dose radiation for functional diseases such as osteoarthritis and Dupuyten's contracture. In addition to her clinical work, she is engaged in health policy and advocacy aimed at improving oncology care. Dr. Thomas is committed to patient-centered care, with a focus on clear communication and translating advances in medicine into meaningful improvements in quality of life. We are proud to have her on our team.

Neonatologist Paul Furigay cares for premature and critically ill newborns who aren't able to leave the hospital yet. He works closely with families to help them understand their baby's care and feel confident advocating for their child, both during the NICU stay and in the years that follow. Families often arrive in the NICU feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Dr. Furigay works to make parents feel included in conversations and decisions. He helps them understand what is happening and why, and stays with them through both the progress and the setbacks of their child’s health. He believes the relationship between families and their care team is built on trust earned through honest, timely communication. "We always want to be treated as if we are family. I'm starting to see our patients more like grandchildren than children now. I've seen how resilient humans can be--not just the tiny humans we take care of but the humans who so lovingly provide that care,” says Dr. Furigay. His approach emphasizes presence and patience. Some situations call for quick action; others are best served by waiting and watching. There are often several pathways to desired outcomes and with small, fragile patients, he has found that "less is more" is often the safest approach. He also provides perinatal palliative care for families whose babies are expected to be born with life-limiting conditions, offering support from prenatal diagnosis through delivery and, when possible, the transition home.

At UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford, nurse navigators play a critical role in supporting patients through complex cancer care. They coordinate across specialties, anticipate barriers, offer clear education at key decision points and help ensure that no patient moves through diagnosis or treatment without knowledgeable support. Their work strengthens communication, improves care continuity and helps patients stay engaged in their treatment plan.

If you’re experiencing back pain, our Rockford neurosurgery team will work with you to explore treatment options and create a personalized plan designed around your movement goals.