Hannibal Regional

In the summer of 2022, Rebekah Parks of Memphis Missouri found herself grappling with significant health challenges. At 340 lbs. and in her early 50s, she was dealing with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure requiring medication, frequent migraines, joint pain, and low energy levels. Despite trying various weight loss methods, diets, and medications over the years, any success she had was short-lived, with the weight always returning, often with more added.   Recognizing the need for professional help, Rebekah consulted her primary care physician, Dr. Priyanka Yerragorla, at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. Dr. Yerragorla candidly informed Rebekah that her health would continue to deteriorate and recommended surgery as the best option for long-term success given her severe obesity.   Following this advice, Rebekah was referred to Dr. Richie Goriparthi, a bariatric surgeon at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. After an in-depth discussion about her weight and other medical conditions, they decided on the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) procedure. This surgery, more so than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, significantly impacts intestinal hormones to reduce hunger, increase fullness, and improve blood sugar control. It is considered the most effective metabolic operation for treating type 2 diabetes. Also, it offers the least chance of weight regain compared to the other procedures. Dr.Goriparthi was the first to perform this complex procedure in 2022 at Hannibal Regional Hospital using the advanced Robotic surgery technology, and had performed several successfully since then. Rebekah recalls, “I felt reassured by Dr. Goriparthi's knowledge and the detailed information he provided. That was all I needed to feel comfortable moving forward with the procedure.”   Rebekah says a crucial element of her journey was the support from the Weight Management Solutions Team, both before and after her surgery. She began a pre-operative diet immediately, losing 32 pounds before the surgery. She explains, “The dietitians were always available to answer my questions, and the support meetings, which I could attend virtually if necessary, were immensely beneficial. Because of all of these resources, I never felt alone in my journey.”   Eighteen months after her surgery, Rebekah has lost an astonishing 170 pounds! She has completely reversed her health issues and regained a significant part of her life that was lost to poor health. Reflecting on her transformation, Rebekah shared, “Over the years I lost so much of myself to poor health, migraines, and always feeling tired. Now I can go and do the things I want to with my grandkids without worrying if there will be too much walking. This surgery has given me the greatest gift – it has given me my life back!”

On Friday, June 28 Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed the FY25 state budget, finalizing a $15,000,000 state appropriation to Hannibal Regional to build a new cancer center in Kirksville. Since 2022, Kirksville has lacked life-saving radiation oncology services, creating an undue burden on area residents fighting cancer. Hannibal Regional, with the support of many partners, identified this critical issue and now with state support will begin efforts to offer this life-saving care in Kirksville. Since purchasing the Complete Family Medicine clinics in the Kirksville/Highway 63 market, Hannibal Regional has seen rapid growth in the services they provide, which prompted them to begin conversations in the community about important unmet healthcare needs. Through these discussions, Hannibal Regional quickly identified the pressing need for radiation oncology services for cancer patients in the Kirksville market, which had been discontinued in the summer of 2022. The lack of this life-saving service in the Kirksville community has created an undue burden on hundreds of area residents as they must travel nearly 200 miles roundtrip daily (for 5 days each week, normally 6-8 weeks total) for cancer treatments should they receive a diagnosis that requires radiation oncology. Hannibal Regional identified this as a major disservice to the Kirksville community and began taking steps to invest in this service in Kirksville. Hannibal Regional has been offering compassionate, expert radiation oncology services to the Hannibal community at the Cary Cancer Center since 2003, which reinforced Hannibal Regional’s understanding of what a void Kirksville is facing without these services in that community. This state investment into the local healthcare of northeast Missouri was led by Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, and supported by others including Senator Rusty Black, and Representatives Louis Riggs, Greg Sharpe, Chad Perkins and Danny Busick. While the state funding is a major injection of resources into this important project, it is not the only step needed to build the cancer center. Hannibal Regional has submitted a full Certificate of Need application in compliance with receiving approval for the major medical equipment over $1,000,000 for the linear accelerator and vault. The state Certificate of Need process will determine if there is an unmet need in the community and how it should be serviced. While there is definitely an unmet need now since Northeast Regional Medical Center discontinued radiation oncology services in 2022, they recently announced they may have intentions of buying a new linear accelerator and offering this service again. Should this happen, the Certificate of Need process will be used to determine what entity is approved to purchase the linear accelerator and meet this need. For more information on Hannibal Regional and Complete Family Medicine, or questions regarding the cancer center, call 573-629-3577. 

Meet Taylor Lyles, a Clinical Research Nurse on the Innovation and Research team here at Hannibal Regional. Taylor cares for patients who are taking part in clinical trial studies. She coordinates patient care, administers clinical trial medications, and screens patients for new trials. Taylor also works closely with patients to monitor their symptoms and improvements throughout a clinical trial. For Taylor, the best part of her job is the relationships she builds with patients. "We usually see our patients every few weeks and stay in frequent communication with them. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the clinical trial side of medicine and understand how our standards of care have evolved. I've learned so much about various medical conditions and how they impact daily lives." The Innovation and Research team works hard to better patient's wellbeing and to bring new medications and treatment to the area. Thank you, Taylor, for caring for our patients and guiding them to BETTER.

Are you a compassionate RN, LPN, or CNA looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare? Hannibal Regional has a variety of open RN, LPN and CNA positions. To view available positions and to apply, visit jobs.hannibalregional.org. For questions about available positions, contact Clinical Recruiter, Amy Lakenburger, at 573-629-3593.

Lindsey Gander is a Clinical Research Nurse on the Innovation and Research team here at Hannibal Regional. For Lindsey, coordinating clinical trials makes each day unique. From scheduling to conducting patient visits with a variety of assessments and tests, she ensures all procedures align with the clinical trial study protocol and collaborates with different departments to maintain smooth operations. Lindsey also woks closely with physicians and monitors patients throughout clinical trial studies. Lindsey says, "My favorite part of my job is having the opportunity to develop relationships with patients on a long-term basis throughout each clinical trial. Getting to know our patients on a personal level and helping improve their health is rewarding. I love Hannibal Regional for its small-town feel coupled with large opportunities for both employees and patients. It's a special place where we make a big impact!" Hannibal Regional is proud to offer an expanding research department, bringing groundbreaking investigational treatments close to home. Thank you Lindsey for playing a vital role in medical advancement right here in Hannibal. #ClinicalTrialsDay #LoveHannibalRegional #GuidingYouToBETTER

Rachel Laks plays a vital role in the Innovation and Research department here at Hannibal Regional. As Research Supervisor, Rachel oversees day-to-day operations of the department, supporting the Clinical Research nurses, collaborating with physicians to identify new clinical trials and setting new clinical trials up to be conducted right here at Hannibal Regional. She loves being involved in the development of new medications and learning the science behind diseases and treatments. Working with physicians and scientists, Rachel helps collect data on new medications and watches them move towards FDA approval, finding the entire process incredibly fascinating. Through collaborative research efforts, Rachel and the team bring new and specialized treatments directly to Hannibal Regional patients. Rachel shares the importance of offering clinical trials locally, "Hannibal Regional conducts clinical trials right here close to home, without needing to travel to large cities, with physicians you know and trust. We work closely with Laboratory, Radiology, Pharmacy, Respiratory, and many other departments. It's amazing to see everyone coming together to care for our patients." Thank you Rachel for your dedication and passion in bringing new and innovative treatments to Hannibal Regional. #ClinicalTrialsDay #LoveHannibalRegional #GuidingYouToBETTER

Today is International Clinical Trials day and we are proud to provide a variety of clinical trials to our community. The Research and Innovation team, here at Hannibal Regional, is dedicated to bringing innovative treatments to underrepresented rural populations, ensuring diversity in clinical trial research. Unlike most clinical trials centered in urban areas, we're committed to making a difference in rural communities. Over the past five years, Hannibal Regional has conducted over 30 clinical trials in various phases, focusing on Pulmonology, Cardiology, and Oncology. Our Research and Innovation team works diligently with many departments within Hannibal Regional Hospital, providing a collaborative effort to ensure BETTER care for our patients. #ClinicalTrialsDay #LoveHannibalRegional #GuidingYouToBETTER

A breast cancer diagnosis can be shocking and scary. Many patients and their families feel overwhelmed during the diagnosis process, but having someone to guide patients through their journey can make all the difference. At Hannibal Regional, we recognize the importance of support and guidance, which is why we have a dedicated radiology nurse navigator on-site to assist patients every step of the way. The complexity of breast cancer care often involves multiple physicians and caregivers. Nurse navigators act as the glue that brings all these pieces together, ensuring that patients receive seamless and compassionate care. The Radiology Nurse Navigator attends appointments with patients including biopsies, further imaging, and surgeries. Patients benefit from having a familiar face at these procedures to help make them feel more comfortable. Often, the Nurse Navigator will take notes for the patient at appointments, as some information can be overwhelming. They then are able to discuss notes, questions, medications, and any fears they may have with the Nurse Navigator. Radiology Nurse Navigator, Keegan Harvey, works closely with patients going through a breast cancer journey. Keegan shares, “Every patient is different and has different needs, but one thing all patients need is to know they have someone in their corner to help take care of them. I never want a patient to leave feeling they are not important or what they are going through is unnoticed. I am here to be their advocate, friend, and supporter through their journey.” When a patient chooses Hannibal Regional Hospital for breast screenings, they are receiving individualized care from a team of award-winning specialists. Hannibal Regional Hospital is proudly recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. Using a variety of state-of-the-art imaging technology, Hannibal Regional Hospital provides a comprehensive diagnostic Women's Imaging department that offers rapid response to the needs of patients. With early detection being a key component to a positive outcome in breast cancer, Hannibal Regional is offering a special price on 3D mammograms in honor of Women’s Health Month. Patients who do not have health insurance or whose insurance is currently not accepted at Hannibal Regional may receive a special price of $99 for a 3D mammogram during the month of May. To schedule your 3D mammogram, please call 573- 248-5688.

Steve Wheeler, of Talihina, Oklahoma, works for a solar energy company and has been temporarily staying in Northeast Missouri while working on a large project in the area. One morning, Steve woke to excruciating stomach pain, a sensation all too familiar—he had an intestinal blockage and knew he needed immediate medical attention. Over 20 years ago, Steve was in an ATV accident that caused major trauma to his abdomen. Since then, he has been hospitalized four times due to bowel obstructions caused by scar tissue resulting from his injuries. As Steve weighed his options, he debated whether to travel over an hour to Saint Louis or to go to Hannibal Regional, just a few miles away. Recognizing the urgency, he hesitantly decided to drive to the Hannibal Regional Emergency Department. Upon arrival, Steve was surprised by the attentiveness and concern of the medical staff. "Every single person I encountered was excellent, never questioning or pushing back on my symptoms. They responded quickly and compassionately to my concerns," Steve recounted. Dr. Richie Goriparthi, a general surgeon at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, was called to consult on Steve’s condition. Unlike previous hospitals, where the root cause of Steve's obstructions was never addressed, Dr. Goriparthi proposed surgery to remove the scar tissue and resolve the problem for good. A few days later, Steve underwent surgery where Dr. Goriparthi assessed his entire bowels meticulously and eliminated all scar tissue, restoring his intestines to pristine condition. "Looking back, I am so thankful I chose to come to Hannibal Regional!" Steve exclaimed. "Dr. Goriparthi and his surgical team were excellent; their positive attitudes were palpable and really set the stage for my healing." Due to being far from home, Steve's family was unable to be by his side throughout his recovery. However, Steve noted that the nursing staff at Hannibal Regional Hospital made him feel at home. "They all treated me like I was their dad and were so caring. My entire course of care was about me; never was there any focus on their team or what might be going on in their worlds. Every point of contact was focused on what I needed as a patient." To contact Hannibal Reginal Medical Group call (573) 629-3500. 

Hannibal Regional Foundation will host their annual Shoeless Joe’s Celebrity Golf Classic Wednesday, June 12th at Norwoods Golf Course. The Foundation partners with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame to put on the tournament, and Raymond James Financial Services is once again proud to be the Golf Classic Official Sponsor for this year’s event. The Shoeless Joe’s Golf Classic allows participants the opportunity to play with a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and/or other sports celebrities. In recent years celebrity guests have included former St. Louis Cardinals football players Mel Gray, Johnny Roland and Eric Williams along with former Chiefs players Art Still and Ted McKnight; as well as All-American tight-end for the University of Missouri, Chase Coffman.           “This is such a fun event and we are so appreciative of Raymond James and all those who sponsor and participate. The support over the last 14 years has been overwhelming, raising over $1,000,000 to support patients of Hannibal Regional,” shares Wendy Harrington, Hannibal Regional Foundation President & CEO. “We are happy to be able to host this event again and look forward to another great year!” All of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Hannibal Regional Foundation’s Heart Hero Campaign. This campaign is raising funds to support Hannibal Regional’s new Heart Center and the services offered there, including open heart surgery. The Heart Hero Campaign is raising funds to assist families in their open heart journey, as well as for additional surgical equipment which will greatly benefit the patient and families during and after surgery. For more information about Hannibal Regional Foundation, call (573) 629-3577.