Here at Community Choice Pediatrics, I’m a general pediatrician where, every day, I see kids and work with them and their families. Our team’s focus is on healthy kids, helping whatever sick kid who walks in our door get better!

As a new parent myself, I can relate to the challenges, joys, and questions of having a new child at home. I enjoy walking alongside my patients and families through their experiences. I like to tell them they’re writing a story — and that their individual needs and circumstances make the story uniquely their own. As their pediatrician, it’s my great privilege to be a part of their stories.

One of my favorite things about working here is the collegiality. I haven’t been here that long, but the teamwork truly stands out as we work together, providing the best care we can for our families.

If I weren’t a physician, I think I’d be a teacher. One of the things I love about pediatrics is that a lot of what we do is educating kids and their families. It’s an important part of the care we provide, and I strive to do it well!

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Kansas City with my family (wife, son, and 75-pound pup Tucker), staying caught up with my Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and newly adopted team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Whenever I can, I catch an episode of The Office or get outside for a long run, walk, hike, or bike ride. Sometimes you can find me washing dishes … but unloading the dishwasher? That’s my least favorite chore!

A fun fact about me: Pizza is one of my favorite foods. I love all kinds — Chicago-style, New York-style, and St. Louis-style from Imo’s is definitely a top favorite. Another favorite is Shakespeare’s Pizza in Columbia, MO. (I discovered you can buy their frozen pizzas here in KC!) As you can tell, I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a slice.

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I also spent a few months in the Philippines learning about healthcare overseas. Although I never mastered Tagalog, I gained insights into the ingenuity and dedication required to provide healthcare in a developing country.

I then went on to obtain my Family Nurse Practitioner degree (MSN) from Loyola University in New Orleans. My healthcare career has taken me from Missouri to Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and back home to Kansas City. While I’ve tested the medical waters and treated patients of all ages, pediatrics is my passion, and I am excited to work with you and your little ones!

When I am not at work, I spend my time adventuring with my husband, our two children, and our three fur babies. We enjoy the lake, flying (my husband is a pilot), hiking, and watching our Chiefs win Super Bowls!

The post Provider Spotlight: Tara Nemero, NP-C appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

I have worked in primary care my entire career beginning in family practice and ultimately making the shift to entirely peds. I have worked in rural med and with immigrant and underserved populations my entire career, and have a true love for all of my patients and appreciate all their different walks of life.

The preventive aspect of pediatric medicine is so exciting for me and I make it a goal to spend that extra time with patients to focus on health and wellness goals to limit long-term conditions/complications. I have worked as a day camp counselor, pharmacy tech, psych tech, and substance abuse counselor, all prior to completing my medical education.

I am a yoga instructor on the side and actually teach goat yoga during the warmer weather months (make sure to ask me how you can participate). I was a prior member of Reach Out and Read KC and still volunteer when possible. I have completed the KC marathon twice and competed in bodybuilding in the past few years, and I still enjoy running and weight lifting.

My husband and I enjoy local food and events here in KC and dancing to good music with our busy toddler on the weekends.

The post Provider Spotlight: Elizabeth Vasquez MPAS, PA-C appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

My medical background is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Transplant Surgery, and Pediatric Primary Care. I was working at Washington University-St. Louis Children’s before coming to Community Choice Pediatrics in 2022.

I love and enjoy everything about working in pediatrics. From helping children feel better to giving parents the information, they need to make an informed decision on their child’s health.

I lost my son, Henry, in 2013. He inspired me to return to graduate school and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Experiencing such a significant loss gave me a deep understanding of how truly precious life is. I am beyond blessed and thankful to God for having such an amazing family and work family.

Outside of work, I love being with my family and my puppy. I enjoy traveling, baking, and hiking. The craziest thing I have done is probably a tie between skydiving and scuba diving! Both were amazing experiences! Just because something is scary doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing!

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I chose pediatrics because kids are joyful, resilient and constantly surprise me. Pediatrics focuses on preventing illness from occurring, which is especially important for children. Developing healthy habits and learning to care for yourself at an early age leads to a healthy life, and it is my privilege to walk with families as we create these “futures” together.

My favorite part of pediatrics is partnering with my patients and their families. As a doctor and parent, I bring both medical training and firsthand knowledge of all of the joys and challenges children create for their parents. I believe in educating patients and their families, so they feel empowered regarding their health and their children’s health.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my wife and son. He loves to explore the outdoors and tells me all about the birds, squirrels and other animals we see.

I grew up in Southern California and moved to the Midwest for medical school and residency training. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Biology before going to medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine. I completed my residency training at Children’s Mercy Hospital. My wife and I love Kansas City and decided to stay and raise our family here.

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At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know how important quality of care is to our patients. And that’s driven by the people providing the care.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jared Kevern to our team!

We asked Dr. Kevern a few questions so that you could learn a bit more about him… the questions and answers are below!

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

Any free time I have I love to spend with my daughter. She loves to be outside, so we go on lots of hikes as she looks for rocks, sticks and animals.

Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?

I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 15. It was a tough time for my family and me, but I was cared for by a wonderful group of doctors and nurses. As hard as it was, that experience is what led me to pursue a career in medicine. I hope to provide the same level of care that was given to me all those years ago.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

If I wasn’t in medicine, I would pursue a career as a teacher and coach. I always loved science growing up and it would be fun to pass that on to the next generation. The opportunity to coach (baseball or basketball most likely) would go well with my life long love of sports.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

I would tell my 13-year-old self to be patient because eventually the Chiefs and Royals will win championships!

Thanks again to Dr. Kevern for giving us a glimpse into his life and why he is working at Community Choice Pediatrics.

Do you have a favorite provider at CCP that we haven’t done a provider spotlight on yet? Let us know and we will make sure to get that lined up!

The post Provider Spotlight: Dr. Jared Kevern for Community Choice Pediatrics appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

This story was written by Dr. Robin Dyson

Most people may not know that I spent 7.5 years in the Air Force, before going to Medical School. I took the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) at the end of college, May 1994. It took a few months to get the test score and the paperwork completed, and meanwhile I worked in an architecture office as an intern. (My undergrad major was architecture.) By the end of December 1994, I found out I had a spot in Officer Training School with follow on Navigator Training.

Basic Officer Training

Nearly one year after I took the test, I started OTS in May 1995. I spent 3 very hot and humid months in Montgomery, AL at Maxwell AFB learning about Air Force history, leadership, and war strategy. And of course there were field exercises, physical fitness testing, and marching—lots of marching!

Being from laid-back Southern California, it was not at all natural for me to say, “Ma’am” and “Sir,” but by the end of training, I was a whole new person. When my mom showed up for graduation, I told her I would meet her by the parking lot. As I marched my way there, I heard her say, “I don’t see Robin, but maybe I can ask this lady if she knows if we are in the right place.” Yes, my own mother didn’t recognize me!

Basic Navigator Training

After OTS graduation, I was off to Randolph Air Force Base for Navigator Training.

I learned about aerospace physiology, reading charts, calculating turn points, and telling the pilot what to do. We also learned about safety evacuations and parachute landings, and even did some parasailing where we were pulled behind a truck to about 100’ or so, then released from the rope, and parachuted to the ground. If you landed right, it was feet/side of legs/hip and roll to your back—if not, it was feet/butt/head, and likely a little whiplash!

At the end of Navigator training, you tracked to either fighter/bomber or tanker/carrier training, based on the needs of the Air Force. I went to fighter/bomber track, and headed to Pensacola, FL to joint training with the Navy.

Navigator training class at Randolph AFB (I am second from right on bottom row)

Joint Fighter/Bomber Training

Pensacola Naval Air Base is beautiful. It’s the home of the Blue Angels, and it was so fun training with other branches of our military. If you’ve seen the movie, “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and remember Richard Gere’s Navy flight training, that is what I did.

We had to be in a mock-cockpit that dove into a pool upside down and evacuate it. We had to be in a mock-helicopter and be submerged blindfolded into a pool, turned upside down while seat belts were on, and then evacuate out of the same opening. We even did parasailing off a ship, then parachuted into the water, blew up our life raft, hung out in the raft until a helicopter came along with a rescue basket, swam to and climbed into the basket, and be water evacuated—and this is before we got to fly our routes learning navigation. That was a cool experience, and I enjoyed all those low-level “bomber” routes getting to look out a window.

At the end of the training, we got our actual assignment. Mine was to the B-52 bomber, aka, the BUFF! We also had a ceremony in Pensacola’s aviation museum atrium where we got to ‘pin on our wings’ as we completed our aviation rating.

After we got our ‘wings’ (champagne is showered on new grads!)

B-52 Navigator Training

I went on to Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, Louisiana, where I learned about the B-52 aircraft.

I had class lessons and tests, simulators and training missions with my training flight crew and our instructors. The B-52 has five flight positions: the pilot, aka the aircraft commander; the co-pilot, the radar navigator, the navigator, and the electronic warfare officer.

The pilots fly the aircraft and manage the fuel—the B-52 has lots of compartments to carry fuel which need to be managed to keep the plane balanced—including fuel cells in the wings. Pilots get to sit upstairs and have the best view.

The radar navigator manages the radar, weather avoidance, launching missiles, dropping bombs, and supervising the navigator.

The navigator manages the flight route and timing. The radar nav and nav sit downstairs and only have black computer screens with green cursors, a black and white video, the GPS, and lots of buttons to look at—no windows!

The electronic warfare officer looks for threats and helps jam or divert any targeting of the aircraft, to protect us from being shot down. The EWO sits upstairs in the back facing backwards (no window either). There is an extra ejection seat next to the EWO which used to be where the tail gunner sat, but that position was eliminated prior to me training in the aircraft.

After we passed our classes and simulators and our final checkrides—we were off to our first real assignments.

20th Bomb Squadron Navigator Memories

I went to the 20th Bomb Squadron “The Buccaneers” at Barksdale Air Force Base. I was the first woman flier in the squadron. There had been 3 other women in the platform (the B-52 aircraft), but none in the 20th. Women had only been able to be in fighter/bomber positions for a few years when I joined the Air Force. This was an opportunity that I was very grateful for—to be the ‘tip of the spear’ and prove that women are capable.

Since my squadron mates were not accustomed to hearing a female voice on the radio, I promptly got the callsign of “Elmo” for my high-pitched voice. My job was to be prepared for any mission at any time, anywhere. That meant training missions, ground training, and being mentally and physically prepared.

As a navigator, I was part of our deployment to Fairfield England during Operation Allied Force with NATO, the Kosavo conflict (1999). Initially, there was missile launching, and later, bomb runs with the mark-82’s. I remember one mission coming home over the Adriatic Sea that an unknown fighter was tailing us, our airborne command center was trying to contact them to ensure they were not enemy and going to shoot us down, and our EWO was trying to jam their signal, but there was definitely a few minutes in there I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. Finally, they broke off and left us alone.

During my navigator time, I also went to several airshows around the country. I was forward deployed to Diego Garcia as a show of force when Iraq turned our weapons inspectors away. I even ran from the B-52 after the brake line split and was spewing fluid on our hot tire after landing and caught fire—it’s pretty scary when you’re climbing out the hatch and there’s fire at your back!

After I had been a navigator for some time, I upgraded to radar navigator who is the supervisor downstairs.

In the radar nav position with my “Elmo”

20th Bomb Squadron Radar Navigator Memories

The morning of 9/11, we were having an exercise on base. I remember as we were getting ready to head to the aircraft, hearing the news of a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center towers. That was insane! What a horrible accident! Then as my crew was in the crew van driving to our jet, it came across the radio that a second aircraft had hit the tower—that was no accident. We got orders to stay on the flight line with our aircraft and await further orders. I remember sitting on the tarmac for a long time. Then without warning, two fighter jets flew past the runway, and then Air Force One landed. The base police escorted President Bush to the base command center where he prepared a speech and ultimately addressed the country that we were under terrorist attack!

All of the crews were sent back to the alert ‘shack’ and stayed there a few days. Then we were dismissed and able to go home, but we were on ‘6-ring alert’ to pack our bags and be ready to deploy. Just a few weeks later, I deployed to Diego Garcia as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. By October 7th, we had targets and were ready to roll. My crew was to fly that first night of strikes over Afghanistan; however, as we were taxiing, our radar went out.

I rely on the radar to update our position in the system and target our weapons, so they are accurate. We called out maintenance, and they were not able to fix it in time for take-off. My whole crew was so disappointed that we were not part of that very first night, but we subsequently were part of many more missions over Afghanistan—17 in total.

The JDAM was first used by the B-52 during this conflict. It is a 2,000lb GPS guided smart bomb, and one of my favorite weapons—mostly because of how accurate it is. I remember seeing the satellite photo after we targeted a runway where the bombs hit right down the center, perfectly spaced. After several months, our replacement crews deployed, and we came home. I had planned to honorably separate when my commitment was up, but ended up staying in a little longer due to the conflict. Ultimately, I left the Air Force in Dec 2002, to pursue my new chapter—becoming a doctor!

Before my combat missions in my survival vest

Preflighting/checking my weapons (Mk-82’s)

With my Operation Enduring Freedom crew (I am second from the left)

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I’m a Kansas City Native, born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. In my free time I enjoy watching the Chiefs play, reading, and spending time with loved ones including my golden retriever, Rooney. I am passionate about pediatric medicine because I love the challenge of learning something new every day and because children are resilient, sweet, and hilarious! I look forward to getting to know the patients and families here at LSPG!

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is travel! I would take my family, who are my favorite travel buddies. My family is always fun to travel with! We enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking but also love a nice relaxing day laying on a beach. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see some amazing places including Switzerland, Hawaii, Greece, Italy, and France.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

If I have 30 minutes of free-time, I enjoy reading. Some of my favorite books include: To Kill a Mockingbird, Educated, and most any good mystery.  I also enjoy spending time with my golden retriever, Rooney. Whether we go for a short walk or play in the backyard, it’s always fun to pass the time with her!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to play a musical instrument. When I was younger, I took piano lessons but did not stick with it and I’m kicking myself for that! I always envy people that know how to read music and play an instrument. I would love to be able to play the guitar or relearn to play the piano.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

If I wasn’t a nurse practitioner today, I think I would enjoy a career in investigative journalism. I have always liked reading and writing as well as interacting with people.  Researching, interviewing, and putting together a story in journalism seems similar to gathering a history, completing a physical exam and diagnosing a patient in medicine.

What is your favorite thing about working at LSPG?

I love the atmosphere here at LSPG. We have an open work space that allows providers to have open discussions, bounce ideas off each other, and offer help when needed.  Particularly being new, this is so important to me. Everyone has been so welcoming and patient! It is truly a team environment here.

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Holly previously worked at The University of Kansas Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unity (NICU) before joining Lee’s Summit Physicians Group in 2014 as a pediatric registered nurse. In 2019, she transitioned to the provider role, and started working as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.

Holly chose pediatric medicine because she adores children and their resilience despite illness. She enjoys interacting with children and adolescents and hopes to empower parents to play an integral part in the diagnosis and treatment of their children. Keeping her patients physically and emotionally healthy, as they grow, learn, and achieve is very rewarding to Holly. She is honored that parents trust her with their most prized possessions—their children—and feels privileged to be a part of her patients’ families.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family and friends, and staying active. She is a busy-body so to-do lists are a must.  Though she prefers warm weather, she loves anything pumpkin flavored because it makes her think of fall. She and her husband, Cole, are overjoyed to welcome Baby Prather in December 2019!

Learn more about Holly with the Q&A we had recently:

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Cook like a pro. I’m serious: I want Gordon Ramsay’s skills but not his temper. I’ve always enjoyed trying new dishes and finding hidden-gem restaurants, but I’ve never taken the time to actually learn to cook.  Now that I’m not in school, I’m confident I have the time to Google-search and YouTube my way to becoming a ninja in the kitchen.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Make it rain. My passion is medicine and helping children so I would donate to a deserving organization. I’d also enjoy traveling and seeing where and how else I could put the money to good use. Traveling gives me so much perspective, I feel it’s fitting to do more of that and make a difference in other people’s lives along the way.

What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

I’m currently trying to master the activity called relaxing. As former student athletes, my husband and I thrive on on-the-go schedules. I can think of at least three vacations when we’ve made a conscious effort to slow down—it lasted only 15 minutes before we headed off to do the exact opposite. We enjoy snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and holding up traffic while scootering around small islands.

What is your favorite thing about working at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group?

Serving my community. As a Lee’s Summit resident, I’m proud to do my part by ensuring that my community is a healthy place for children. My role allows me to have a direct impact in my community by engaging in meaningful programs, opportunities, and partnerships that improve the lives of my patients and their families.

What is one thing that the rest of the staff at Lee’s Summit Physicians Group doesn’t know about you?

My colleagues likely know that I played college volleyball. It’s possible that they know that I married my high-school sweetheart. They might even know that I’m slightly obsessed with my niece and nephew. However, it’s unlikely that they know my husband and I will be welcoming our first baby in December. We feel so incredibly lucky and cannot wait for this next adventure!

The post Provider Spotlight: Holly Prather, PNP appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

How it all began.

On Wednesday, February 6, 1980, St Joseph Hospital officials announced that they were converting the emergency facility at the Lee’s Summit Ambulatory Care Center into a medical clinic with physician offices. At that time, the Lee’s Summit area had about one doctor per 2,000 to 3,000 residents; the desirable ratio was one physician per 1,000 people. There was a great need for primary family physicians and pediatricians as well as other specialists to serve the growing community.

The Saint Joseph Physicians Group of Lee’s Summit was born on April 14, 1980 at 1001 N. Independence Avenue headed by Dr. Selbert Chernoff with the assistance of head nurse, Joan Koenig.

Stated one expert, “…it could be the best thing that has happened in health care in the area.” Initially, the practice included Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Urology, General Surgery, Ophthalmology and Family Practice providers. Dr. Sallie Veenstra joined the group on July 13, 1981 followed by Dr. Bill Barnard on July 20, 1981 and Dr. Gary Strong (pediatrician) on July 27, 1981.

Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

As the fledgling practice took hold, hospital backing was eliminated and the corporation was renamed Lee’s Summit Physicians Group. Ultimately, the specialists relocated, but the internal medicine and pediatric sections grew; additional providers were added in response to the increasing number of patients.

In 2003, the main office on Blue Parkway opened; Raintree Pediatrics was born in 2006 and Blue Springs Pediatrics in 2010. The Raintree satellite moved to our new building in 2013. As predicted decades ago, the Lee’s Summit community grew exponentially.

Today, LSPG has 16 pediatricians, 9 pediatric nurse practitioners, 3 internists and an internal medicine nurse practitioner. We’ve come a long way from 2 pediatricians and 2 internists! Truly, “Even the smallest person can change the course of history.” Lady Galadriel/JRR Tolkien

There have certainly been ups and downs during the 38 years Dr. Veenstra has been in practice. The most distressing event for all of us was probably the institution of electronic medical records in 2010, though some would argue it was the adoption of ICD-10 coding on 10-1-15.

In the never-ending search for a correct ICD-10 code, our providers have also discovered some wild and crazy codes that serve as the basis for our fond memories.

Z56.3 – Stressful work schedule

Amanda Milburn was responsible for each of the pediatric provider’s daily schedule on the computer for many years. She blocked times for vacations, rounds, urgent care, etc. and very rarely made a mistake. When Dr. Veenstra showed up for work one week and discovered her schedule was blocked for vacation, she told Amanda that it was the following week that she would be gone. Amanda promptly and quietly pulled SVs request form to show her that she had asked for the wrong week off…oops!

Z56.6 – Other physical and mental strain related to work

The day JS started, SV asked her if she was shadowing for the day again. JS replied, “I now work for you!” Likewise, SV was on vacation for two weeks when Dr. Yannette started. Her first day back, she queried him, “Oh…you’re the new guy…what’s your name?”

W34.00XA – Accidental discharge from gun, initial encounter

Dr. Veenstra is a stickler for prevention of firearms injuries and insists on guns in the home being safely stored – locked and unloaded…even if the questioning angers the parent!

Z71.3 – Dietary counseling and surveillance

Recently one of the PNPs saw a teen girl for her WCC and mentioned basic diet and exercise recommendations. Before she could say more than a few words, the patient said, “I know, I know. Dr. Veenstra told me last year I should just go to Weight Watchers!”

Z71.6 – Tobacco abuse counseling

Once again, brutal honesty is SVs policy! Stop smoking…or don’t start!

Z28.21 – Immunization not carried out because of patient refusal

Dr. Veenstra is a flu shot fanatic, not to mention any other recommended immunization. Her armamentarium includes informing parents that their child can die if they don’t get a flu shot. Apparently one child was traumatized; another physician saw him a few weeks later. He was upset because he thought all his friends who did not get flu shots were going to die soon…

B07.9 – Viral Wart, unspecified to E04.1 – Nontoxic single thyroid nodule

Fondly referred to as the “Thyroid Queen”, Dr Veenstra will check out your thyroid even if you’re just there for a wart. As the work station rap goes, “While DG does his sexual harassment module, SV finds another nontoxic thyroid nodule!”

R46.1 – Bizarre personal appearance

Never one to mince words, SV has been known to address inappropriate attire in teens by telling them that she would not let her daughter leave the house dressed like that!

Z41.2 – Encounter for routine and ritual circumcision

As she has no sons, we don’t know if she would circumcise her own child. We do know that she has a bit of an aversion to amputating foreskin.

Z85.3 – Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast

Though stunned to learn she had breast cancer, Dr. Veenstra tackled treatment with her typical ferocity and no nonsense approach. Cancer sucks, but she powered through and beat it!

Z96.651 – Presence of right artificial knee joint

After surviving cancer, knee replacement surgery on 6-26-18 seemed trivial. With help from her personal in-home physical therapist (AKA oldest daughter), SV returned to work with the minimal recommended time off.

Y99.2 – Volunteer Activity

Dr. Veenstra has spent countless hours volunteering her medical expertise. For many years, she volunteered at Turner House Children’s Clinic. In 2015, she received the Dr. Frank Vaughters Service Award. Her plaque is inscribed with a Gandhi quote. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Indeed, she has done that!

Z91.89 – Other specified personal risk factors, not elsewhere classified in spite of

N23 – Unspecified renal colic

Dr. Veenstra also traveled to the Dominican Republic many times with her church for medical mission work. She spent one trip with severe abdominal pain and IV fluids due to kidney stones…she was very grateful for the other medical personnel who were with her to ensure quality care!

Y92.59 – Other trade areas as the place of occurrence of the external cause

SV is the leading recycle expert at LSPG. She must have some sort of internal homing device allowing her to detect without fail every can or plastic cup or paper product that was sneakily tossed in a trash can while she was away from the workstation or not watching. Many a provider tried to trick her; they failed each time. How does she do that?????

Y93.C – Activities involving computer technology and electronic devices

Although discovering that her already retired spouse frittered away the day on the Internet infuriates her, Dr. Veenstra thoroughly enjoys catching a few minutes to play Solitaire or watch cat videos on the computer!

V40.5XXA – Car driver injured in collision with deer in traffic accident, initial encounter

In keeping with her environmental sensitivity, Dr. Veenstra drives a Prius. Fortunately, she avoided injury in the Deer vs Prius accident that left both the stag and the auto limping.

W55.22 – Accidental strike by bull (elk)

Luckily, Sallie and Jerry both avoided being injured by the elk rampaging through Estes Park during one of their semiannual visits.

Y93.B9 – Injury in activity involving muscle-strengthening exercises

Happily, they both avoided injury from the Thigh Master Jerry gifted Sallie for her 40^th birthday. She made him return it…

W55.01XA – Bitten by cat, initial encounter

SV has already warned us that if she outlives her husband, we will need to keep watch so that she does not become an infamous crazy cat lady. She loves her cats, even when they jump on the counter to drink from the faucets, even when their mouse protocol is catch and release…catch them outside and release them in the house!

Y92.241 – Library as the place of occurrence of the injury

With more free time after she retires, we hope Sallie can continue to avoid injury at the library. She is an avid reader – be careful around those bookshelves!

S01.512A – Laceration of oral cavity without foreign body, initial encounter

Be cautious when eating your yogurt with a plastic knife as well! We know that’s often the only readily available utensil at the office. Hopefully, your home is stocked better…

T62.1X3A – Toxic effect of ingested berries, initial encounter

Always the fan of organic and natural products, SV wanders the fields by the office during lunch picking wild blackberries when they are in season. She can rest assured that she won’t have to share with DG. Just don’t let the neighbors catch you or they may report you to the police (or so Dr. Barnard claims.)

W29.0 – Contact with a powered kitchen appliance

Again, subtlety is not her style and she was fed up…so she posted a sign on the microwave in the workstation, “If I have to clean this again, you’re fired!” That might sound like she’s a Trump admirer, but she is most certainly not…

Y93.63 – Activity, cooking and baking as the cause of

Z63.0 – Problems in relationship with spouse or partner

Maybe spouses should never try to teach each other much of anything…much less how to cook…

R94.8 – Other voice and resonance disorder

Y92.22 – Religious institution as the place of occurrence of the external cause

SV is active at church and sings in her church choir. This has provided many opportunities for travel, including overseas adventures!

T70.29XS – Other effects of high altitude, sequel

F12.90 – Cannabis use, unspecified, uncomplicated

V91.07 – Burn caused by water skis on fire

W61.12 – Struck by a macaw

Although seemingly unrelated, all of these are potential risks of the vacations that Sallie has experienced…to Estes Park, CO and Sedona, AZ and Seattle, WA and Destin, FL to name a few. We’re happy that none of them happened – or at least we think that none of them did…

W56.22 – Struck by Orca whale, initial encounter

W56.11 – Bitten by a sea lion

Again, these are possibilities, but not actualities. SV and one of her daughters had to be evacuated from a cruise ship off the shores of Alaska due to a medical emergency. The crusty grizzled sea captain rowing the boat steered them past ice floes with seals on the way to shore. It was quite the unplanned adventure!

V97.33 – Sucked into a jet engine

OK, a bit of an exaggeration…but SV has been called upon to use her medical prowess and act like a doctor while on an airplane. Her children ratted her out when the flight attendants asked for medical personnel to identify themselves.

Y93.01 – Accident caused by knitting or crocheting

W93.8XXS – Exposure to other excessive cold of man-made origin, sequela

In moments of frustration, particularly those involving meeting nebulous insurance metrics in order to be paid, alternative career choices are often the topic of discussion. Dr. Veenstra has stuck with her fantasy of opening a knitting and crochet store or an ice cream shop! Good choices!

F 42.3 – Hoarding Disorder

We were unaware that the drawer at Sallie’s workstation was a treasure trove until she cleaned it out the week of her retirement. Her stockpiled fortunes included a skeleton pen, two red noses, a whistle, a plethora of coins, a key (“I have no clue what it goes to”), a pink feather boa, a tuning fork and Nerds…quite the collection!

Z00.110 – Health Examination for newborn under 8 days

R54 – Old age

Dr. Veenstra has been a “Grandma Pediatrician” for decades, providing medical care to the children of former patients. The burning question remains, “Is she a ‘Great Grandma Pediatrician’?”

R45.89 – Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state

When asked what they remember most about Dr. Veenstra, staff members say “her laugh!” Thanks for sharing it so frequently with us! We will miss it!

Y93.C2 – Activity, hand held interactive electronic device

R41.0 – Disorientation, unspecified; Wooziness

R41.81 – Age-associated cognitive decline (applicable to adult patients aged 15-124 years, inclusive)

The bad news is she’s getting a bit forgetful; she’s inadvertently left her cell phone at work a few times (mostly on Mondays.) The good news is, she’d old enough to live without it until she returns to the office on Wednesday. Forty-eight hours without a mobile phone…that’s something a millennial can’t do. Way to go, Dr. Veenstra!

Z76.0 – Problems of adjustment to life-cycle transitions

We are sure that we will suffer from this far more than Dr. Veenstra will upon her retirement! “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Gandalf

R45.83 – Excessive crying of child, adolescent or adult

I51.81 – Takotsubo Syndrome

We hope we don’t embarrass ourselves with either of these on Sallie’s last day, June 28, 2019. As Ramsay states in Game of Thrones, “If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention!” In case you are not sure, Takotsubo Syndrome is otherwise known as reversible left ventricular dysfunction following sudden emotional stress or Broken Heart Syndrome!

We love you and wish you all the best!

“All’s well that ends better.” – JRR Tolkien

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