When Julie Robben was offered the best of two worlds at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, she jumped at the chance to fill the dual role.

Robben, a Russell native, is the new director of the PVCH Imaging Department where she is part of the leadership team, while also providing direct care to patients.

“Being able to care for patients alongside this amazing team is a real bonus,” Robben said. “They always have the patients’ best interests at heart.

“The hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide most of the services that are available at larger facilities,” she continued. “In addition, it is great having HaysMed as a resource when needed.”

Services offered at the Pat Young Imaging Center include: general x-ray; computed tomography (CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); nuclear medicine; ultrasound; mammography; bone densitometry; and pain clinic.

The center is staffed by registered radiology technologists who are licensed by the state of Kansas. The staff is cross-trained in different modalities and they are all willing to further their education by working toward advanced credentials, Robben noted.

Nuclear medicine and ultrasound services are staffed by HaysMed professionals.

Robben graduated in May 2006 with a bachelor of science in Medical Diagnostic Imaging. She also earned an associate of science in Radiologic Technology.

She is working on her Master of Professional Studies in Medical Imaging, emphasizing administration.

Robben started working at HaysMed in 2005 as a secretary in the Radiology Department, while attending the Diagnostic Imaging Program at Fort Hays State University. She worked part-time in x-ray and CT for several years at HaysMed while working full-time in imaging at Russell Regional Hospital.

“In 2008, I accepted a full-time job at HaysMed where I provided imaging services for the past 15 years,” she said. “I also cross-trained in the Cardiac Cath Lab for two years, performing interventional procedures with the cardiologists.”

Imaging is staffed from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays; an on-call technologist is available from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. for emergencies.

“Our technologists work diligently to meet patients’ needs in a timely manner,” she said. “They offer the highest quality service possible.”

Robben also noted that even though October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is almost over, it is never too late to schedule a mammogram.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine, 713 W. 11th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Larned, KS – Leonard Herrman, Human Resources Director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, recently graduated from the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute. The Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute graduated its 21st class of 30 students on Sept. 7 at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wichita, Kansas. Their hospital’s CEO nominated students to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.

Helping to build future healthcare leaders is essential to the Kansas Hospital Association. “We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said Chad Austin, president and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association. The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.

The 2023 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of Kansas hospitals from St. Francis to Dighton and Pittsburg to Leavenworth – there was representation from all parts of the state. Students had experience in health care from as little as a year to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions, while others were new managers. Some students also supervise other staff, from a few to more than 50 employees.

Notably, the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills.” They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute.

The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Course #1 focused on explaining the difference between leadership and management, identifying organizational values, and creating a positive organizational climate. Course #2 focused on enhancing communication skills and grassroots advocacy. Course #3 focused on team building – including how to lead and be part of a team- and Course # 4 examined conflict and conflict management. Course #5 was at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Students learned about the challenges facing health care.

When Derek Yarmer, MD, accepted his new position as Emergency Department medical director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), he was already familiar with the healthcare facility. “I had a basic understanding of what the hospital has to offer because of its working relationship with HaysMed where I care for Emergency Department patients,” said Dr. Yarmer, an Albert native. “After seeing Pawnee Valley Community Hospital first-hand, I was really impressed with the facilities and the staff. “PVCH is well-equipped to care for patients and has great laboratory and radiology support.” In his new position in Larned, Dr. Yarmer will supervise the providers, and review and create policies and protocols. He also will occasionally care for patients in the PVCH Emergency Department. At HaysMed, Dr. Yarmer provides direct patient care by evaluating, diagnosing and treating medical conditions for patients of all ages. “I will use these experiences to help the PVCH staff in whatever capacity I can to help provide quality care to citizens of central and western Kansas,” Dr. Yarmer commented. “The providers at PVCH do a great job and I hope to be a resource to answer questions, while offering guidance and support when needed.” Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, said “we are excited to have Dr. Yarmer join our Emergency Department. Not only does he bring a wealth of Emergency Department experience and leadership to our team, he has a thorough understanding of rural healthcare.” Dr. Yarmer graduated from Otis-Bison High School in 2003 and then earned a degree in chemistry at Fort Hays State University in 2008. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2012 and performed his residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in 2015. Since then, Dr. Yarmer has cared for Emergency Department patients at HaysMed. He lives in Hays and his parents reside in rural Albert.