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Early Detection Makes All the Difference

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Every October, pink ribbons can be seen on storefronts, lapels, and football fields throughout our communities. These ribbons help promote a vital message: breast cancer that is detected early is easier to treat.

Screening tests, such as mammograms, are designed for preventive care. You don’t schedule a screening because you notice something unusual; instead, you schedule it when everything seems normal. A screening mammogram can identify changes in breast tissue before a lump or other changes become noticeable. Detecting changes early often leads to more treatment options and less aggressive interventions.

One question comes up more than any other: when should I start, and how often should I go? Recommendations vary by your age, family history, and personal risk factors and national organizations don’t all recommend the same schedule. That’s why it’s important to have this conversation with your provider. If breast cancer runs in your family, that’s worth raising at your next appointment rather than waiting for a milestone birthday.

A mammogram isn’t the complete picture when it comes to breast health. Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any change — a lump, thickening, dimpling, discharge, or a change in shape — to a provider right away. Don’t wait for your next scheduled mammogram to address any changes.

Having an established primary care provider makes all of this easier. A provider who knows your health history is best positioned to help you understand which screenings you need, when you need them, and what your results mean.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) offers 3D mammography at the Pat Young Imaging Center, and our imaging department is accredited by the American College of Radiology for mammography. Unlike traditional mammography, which captures a single flat image, a 3D mammogram captures multiple thin slices of breast tissue, allowing radiologists to better examine overlapping areas. The exam itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If a screening indicates further investigation is necessary, diagnostic imaging and breast ultrasound are available on-site with the same experienced team.

If it’s been more than a year since your last mammogram, or if you’ve never had one, October is a great time to schedule yours.

Pink ribbons come down on November 1. Appointments stay open year-round.

To schedule a mammogram, call 620-285-8691 or visit pawneevalleyhospital.com/imaging-center.

From routine screenings throughout every stage of life, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is proud to care for families across Pawnee County and the surrounding area.

Related Information

American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Breast Cancer Screening Recommendation

Medical Student Gains Hands-On Experience at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

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(Left to Right): Alex Arntt, Dr. Arlo Reimer, Jewel Davis, Marley Palmer, Lacy Bowman, Susan Aistrup, and Melissa Hagerman.

When Alex Arntt arrived in Larned for a month-long Family Medicine rotation at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), he was nervous and unsure of his clinical skills. By the end of the experience, the third-year medical student had gained confidence in patient care, strengthened his clinical reasoning skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for rural healthcare.

Originally from Marysville, Kansas, Arntt is a student at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM) in Wichita. During his rotation at PVCH, he worked alongside Dr. Arlo Reimer and other providers in the Family Medicine Clinic, gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, and developing treatment plans. On most days, Arntt met with patients before Dr. Reimer, discussing their concerns, conducting examinations, and working through potential diagnoses and treatment options.

“Afterward, Dr. Reimer and I would discuss the case before he met with the patient,” Arntt said. “It was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real patient care.”

Although he grew up around a family health clinic in Marysville, Arntt said this experience allowed him to move beyond observation and take a more active role in patient care. The rotation helped him strengthen his history-taking, physical exam, and clinical reasoning skills while working closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and nursing staff.

“I came into the rotation nervous and unsure of my skills,” Arntt said. “The entire team was inviting, patient, and supportive. They created an environment where I could learn, ask questions, and gain confidence without being afraid of making mistakes. I don’t think I can fully express how much of a difference that made in my growth as a student.”

“Alex was a joy to work with,” said Dr. Arlo Reimer. “It was rewarding to see his knowledge expand and watch his clinical skills mature.”

The experience also reinforced Arntt’s appreciation for community-based healthcare and the relationships that exist between patients, providers, and neighbors.

“I think healthcare in communities like this is unique because of the connections people have with one another,” he said. “I’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors get to appointments and community members stepping in when someone needs support. That level of compassion and community involvement is something special.”

Providing hands-on learning opportunities for students is an important part of supporting the future of rural healthcare, according to PVCH Administrator Melanie Urban. “At PVCH, we’re proud to offer meaningful clinical experiences while showcasing the rewards and impact of practicing medicine in a rural community,” Urban said.

Although he has not yet decided on a specialty, Family Medicine moved higher on his list during his time at PVCH.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Family Medicine Clinic,” Arntt said. “I’m drawn to specialties that allow for meaningful patient interaction and long-term relationships. Family Medicine has certainly reinforced that interest.”

Outside of medicine, Arntt enjoys reading, golfing, swimming, and recently began learning to play guitar. He also enjoys spending time with his cat, Pepper, whenever he is home between rotations.

As he continues his medical education, Arntt said the lessons he learned in Larned will stay with him. “The kindness and support I experienced at PVCH and throughout the community made a lasting impression on me,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been here.”

PVCH Promotes Amy Ettleman to Director of Quality and Patient Safety

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A longtime member of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital team has stepped into a new leadership role.

Amy Ettleman has been promoted to Director of Quality and Patient Safety at PVCH, where she has served patients, Associates, and the organization for nearly eight years.

“Amy’s dedication to patient safety, quality improvement, and supporting our Associates has made a lasting impact on our organization,” said PVCH Administrator Melanie Urban. “We are excited to support Amy as she grows our quality program through our new Kansas High Value Network and Rural Health Transformation Programs. Her experience, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement position her well to support both our Associates and the patients we serve.”

Ettleman has been a registered nurse for 13 years and has spent her entire career in rural healthcare. Before joining PVCH, she worked in medical-surgical nursing, home health, and the school system.

For the past several years, she has served as PVCH’s Quality, Infection Prevention, and Associate Health Nurse, helping support areas that are critical to patient care, Associate well-being, and regulatory compliance. In her new role, she will oversee hospital and clinic quality, infection prevention, Associate health, accreditation activities, and quality initiatives through the Kansas High Value Network and Rural Health Transformation Programs.

“To me, quality and patient safety are at the heart of healthcare,” Ettleman said. “Every patient deserves safe, compassionate, reliable care, and every Associate deserves to work in an environment where safety is a priority.”

Ettleman believes quality extends beyond meeting standards and accreditation requirements.

“Quality is not simply about meeting standards or passing accreditation surveys,” she said. “It is about continually looking for ways to improve the care we provide and making sure we learn from every opportunity.”

She credits the people of PVCH as one of the organization’s greatest strengths.

“We have dedicated Associates who care deeply about our patients, take pride in their work, and are always willing to work to make things better,” she said. “Strong teamwork, communication, and our commitment to serving our community provide a great foundation for continued improvement in quality and patient safety.”

Originally from Atchison, Kansas, Ettleman moved to Larned when her husband accepted a position with the school district. Together, they raised three daughters, who are now 30, 27, and 20, and are proud grandparents to two granddaughters.

Outside of work, Ettleman enjoys spending time with her family and making the most of every opportunity they have together.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve PVCH in this new role,” Ettleman said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Associates to make a positive difference for our patients, our organization, and our community.”

Vaccines Across Every Stage of Life

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If someone asked whether your child is up to date on their vaccines, you’d probably have an answer. If someone asked whether you are, would you know?

From infancy to retirement, vaccinations play an important role in protecting our health and the health of those around us.

The vaccines recommended for a toddler, a teenager, an expectant mother, and a retiree aren’t always the same. Children receive vaccines that help protect against diseases like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and polio. Teens may be due for booster shots, while adults often need annual flu vaccines, tetanus boosters, and, depending on their age and health history, vaccines that help protect against pneumonia and shingles.

Thanks in large part to vaccination, many diseases that once caused widespread illness are far less common than they used to be. However, they haven’t disappeared entirely. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including measles and whooping cough, continue to occur across the United States.

One misconception is that vaccines are something you finish as a child and never think about again. In reality, staying up to date on recommended vaccines is part of maintaining good health at every stage of life.

Just as important, vaccines don’t only protect the person receiving them. They also help protect newborns, grandparents, neighbors, classmates, and friends who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by vaccine schedules, recommendations, or all the information available online, you’re not alone. Our Family Medicine providers at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital are happy to answer questions, discuss recommendations, and help you determine what’s right for you and your family. Whether you’re preparing a child for school, expecting a baby, managing a chronic condition, or simply wondering if you’re due for a vaccine, we’re here to help.

To schedule an appointment at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine, call 620-804-6007 or visit pawneevalleyhospital.com/family-medicine.

Related Resources

A Healthy Start to the School Year

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Every August, families across Pawnee County and the surrounding area begin preparing for another school year. Back-to-school shopping starts, Fusion Bank releases its annual school calendars, and schedules quickly fill with open houses, sports practices, and activity meetings.

A back-to-school wellness visit is one of the best ways to make sure your child is healthy and ready for the year ahead. These annual checkups allow providers to monitor growth and development, discuss nutrition, sleep, and mental health, address concerns, and identify potential health issues early. They are also a convenient time to complete sports physicals, which can benefit all children and teens by providing an opportunity to discuss physical fitness, injury prevention, and overall wellness.

Back-to-school appointments also provide an opportunity to make sure children are up to date on recommended immunizations. With August being National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a good reminder that vaccines play an important role in keeping children healthy and in school. As students return to classrooms, buses, playgrounds, and sporting events, they will spend more time together, increasing opportunities for contagious illnesses to spread. Vaccines help protect children from serious diseases and reduce the spread of illness throughout schools and communities.

Kansas requires certain immunizations for school attendance, including vaccines that protect against diseases such as hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. Students entering seventh grade also need a Tdap booster and a meningococcal vaccine. Families who are unsure whether their child is up to date can contact Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Family Medicine before the school year begins or ask their provider during a wellness visit.

Beyond annual checkups, sports physicals, and immunizations, having an established primary care provider is an important part of keeping your family healthy. Whether your child needs a routine wellness exam, treatment for an illness, a sports physical, or care for an unexpected health concern, having a provider who knows your family’s health history can make all the difference. Access to quality healthcare close to home provides convenience, continuity, and peace of mind for busy families.

At PVCH Family Medicine, we care for patients from newborn screenings through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and beyond. Our Family Medicine providers include Dr. Arlo Reimer, MD; Susan Aistrup, APRN; Lacy Bowman, APRN; Kathryn Buchanan, APRN; Heather Holaday, DNP, APRN; and Marley Palmer, DNP, APRN.

As you check off your back-to-school to-do list, don’t forget to schedule your child’s wellness visit. Whether your child needs a well-child checkup, sports physical, immunizations, or you’re looking to establish primary care, the providers at PVCH Family Medicine are here to help.

To schedule an appointment at our Family Medicine clinic, call 620-804-6007 or visit pawneevalleyhospital.com/family-medicine.

From a child’s first newborn screening through every stage of life, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine is proud to care for families across Pawnee County and the surrounding area.

Related Information:
Our Family Medicine Providers
KDHE K-12 Immunization Requirements 2026-27
KSHSAA Sports Physical Form

The Best of Both Worlds

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When one local mother learned she was expecting her first baby, she and her husband began weighing one of the biggest decisions of their pregnancy: where to receive care and ultimately deliver their baby.

Because they live outside of Larned, they had several hospitals to choose from. They were drawn to HaysMed because of the reputation of Dr. Timothy Hoskins and the Birth Center team. At the same time, they already knew and trusted Dr. Arlo Reimer at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Family Medicine.

When they learned about the Shared Care partnership between PVCH Family Medicine and HaysMed, the decision became much easier. She could receive much of her prenatal care in Larned with a provider she already knew and trusted while still planning to deliver with Dr. Hoskins and the HaysMed obstetrics team. For their family, it truly offered the best of both worlds.

“The convenience and confidence of shared care at PVCH Family Medicine and HaysMed made the decision of delivering in Hays that much easier,” she said.

Now 26 weeks pregnant with their first baby, she has already experienced firsthand how much of a difference the Shared Care model can make. Completing routine appointments, lab work and ultrasounds in Larned has meant less time on the road, more flexibility during the workday and more PTO saved for after her baby’s arrival.

She has also appreciated seeing Dr. Reimer locally, describing him as knowledgeable and always willing to answer her questions, something she says has helped ease many of the nerves that come with a first pregnancy.

The value of local care became even more apparent when unexpected concerns arose during her pregnancy. Instead of making another trip to Hays, additional lab work and ultrasounds were coordinated in Larned. “It helped ease the stress of the situation by not adding travel time,” she said.

Throughout her pregnancy, she has also appreciated the communication between her care teams. “I’ve been able to have labs drawn at one location and discuss them at the other,” she said. “There is a running document throughout my pregnancy that both locations can see and update. Their collaboration creates confidence in knowing my baby and I are well taken care of.”

For expectant mothers considering the program, she believes the benefits are clear.

“If you live locally, this option is incredibly convenient,” she said. “Whether you need labs drawn, an ultrasound completed or a routine appointment, PVCH creates a more practical option instead of having to drive an hour or more for routine care. Not only does shared care save time, but it also provides peace of mind knowing that HaysMed and Pawnee Valley are working together to provide the care expecting mothers deserve.”

As she prepares to welcome her first baby, she’s grateful she didn’t have to choose between convenience and confidence. Through the Shared Care partnership, she found both.

If you’re planning to deliver at HaysMed, ask your provider about the Shared Care partnership available through PVCH Family Medicine.

Related information:
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Women’s Health
HaysMed Birth Center
Prenatal Education Classes

Associate of the Quarter: Jason Rath

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Pictured left to right: Melanie Urban, Becky Webster (PFAC), Deanna Carr (PFAC), Mary Shelton (PFAC), and Jason Rath

Jason Rath is pictured with members of the PVCH Rehabilitation Team. Left to right: Jason Rath, Somary Vilaysing, Brody McLean, Jessica Poe, Camelle Wassenberg, Addie Burns, Eloise Doran, and Erica Turnbough. 

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is proud to recognize Jason Rath as our Associate of the Quarter. Selected by the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), this award honors Associates who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference for our patients, families, and community.

Jason played an instrumental role in the success of this year’s PVCH Foundation Golf Benefit. From the very beginning, he helped secure a spot on the Larned Country Club calendar and spread the word throughout the local golf community, helping recruit teams and build excitement for the event.

As tournament day approached, Jason dedicated time from his already busy schedule to assist with team pairings and make adjustments as registrations continued to come in. Throughout the planning process, he became a trusted resource, always willing to answer questions, share his expertise, and help work through details.

When registrations exceeded expectations and more teams signed up than originally planned, Jason remained calm and played a key role in finding solutions to accommodate everyone while keeping the event organized and enjoyable. On tournament day, he welcomed participants, reviewed rules, assisted throughout the event, managed scorecards, helped determine winners, and even pitched in with setup tasks, including preparing coolers and placing water stations around the course, courtesy of the Larned Jr. Indians Wrestling Club.

The Foundation received numerous compliments on how smoothly the tournament was organized and executed, and Jason’s dedication was a major reason why. Time and again, he stepped in wherever help was needed, generously giving his time and energy simply because he wanted to contribute to the event’s success.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is grateful for Jason’s commitment, teamwork, and willingness to serve others. His efforts made a lasting impact on the Foundation Golf Benefit and helped strengthen support for our hospital and community.

Congratulations, Jason, on being named Associate of the Quarter!

Expecting a Baby? Care Isn’t as Far as You Think

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When you find out you’re expecting, there are a lot of decisions to make. One of the first is where to go for care during your pregnancy. For many patients in our area, that often means planning to deliver at HaysMed. What some may not realize is that many routine prenatal appointments can happen much closer to home. 

With frequent appointments throughout pregnancy, the time and travel required for each visit can quickly add up. Through a shared care model between Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine and HaysMed Center for Women’s Health, many routine visits can take place right here in Larned while still delivering with a trusted OB team at HaysMed.  

Access to care also includes services offered locally, including OB ultrasounds and on-site lab work. Our team works closely with HaysMed to coordinate care behind the scenes, helping ensure patients are seen at the right time and place throughout their pregnancy. Patients can talk to their provider about what works best for them. 

Patients choosing to deliver at HaysMed can be cared for by Dr. Reimer in our Family Medicine Clinic, who has extensive experience delivering babies in rural Kansas hospitals. That background, along with a close working relationship with HaysMed, helps ensure patients receive coordinated, thoughtful care throughout their pregnancy. 

“My previous OB experience includes more than 20 years of delivering babies in rural hospitals, with over 1,200 deliveries,” said Dr. Arlo Reimer, MD. “Although we don’t deliver babies here in Larned, I’m glad to be able to offer prenatal care through a shared model with Dr. Hoskins at HaysMed. It allows moms to complete some of their routine visits locally instead of traveling an hour or more for care in Hays.” 

Pregnancy often comes with questions. Many patients simply want to know they are making the right decisions for themselves and their baby. This approach helps provide that reassurance, offering the support of a specialized OB team alongside the comfort of being seen close to home. 

“This shared care model really shows what’s possible when providers work closely together for their patients,” said Dr. Timothy Hoskins, HaysMed OB-GYN. “Families in rural communities can receive prenatal care close to home in Larned with Dr. Reimer at PVCH, while still feeling confident about delivering at HaysMed. It’s about making care more convenient, while ensuring patients feel supported and confident every step of the way.” 

For many patients, that means fewer trips on the road and more time focused on their health and preparing to welcome a new baby. 

After delivery, care continues right here in Larned with providers you already know and trust. Newborns can be seen at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine for their first Well Child visit, and as they grow, care can continue through every stage of life. 

If you live in Pawnee County or the surrounding area and are planning to deliver at HaysMed, talk with your provider about this shared care model, which allows you to receive some of your prenatal care closer to home at Pawnee Valley Family Medicine. 

Learn more about women’s health services available at PVCH by visiting pawneevalleyhospital.com/womens-health.

From Patient to Finding Purpose at PVCH

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For Sharon Lewis, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital was once simply the local hospital she relied on for routine care. But in 2022, that familiar place became much more: the hospital where she received life-saving care, found the encouragement to keep going and discovered a renewed sense of purpose.

Lewis was home alone when a series of events quickly turned serious. After spilling hot coffee and trying to seek care for burns, she fell and remained unable to move for nearly 24 hours before arriving at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in critical condition and in shock. What Sharon remembers most from that day is how quickly the team responded and how supported she felt from the very beginning.

Her recovery was long and difficult. She went from bedbound to using a walker to regular physical therapy sessions, all with the support of nurses, therapists and staff members who kept encouraging her forward. Despite being informed that her recovery might take months, Lewis felt empowered and supported by her care team, who she feels believed in her even when she doubted herself.

“It’s not whether you are old or young, but the belief in yourself and the encouragement and the people you are around that help you overcome,” Lewis said.

Not long after returning home, Lewis fell from her front porch and discovered she had a broken bone in her back and two pinched nerves, which sent her back to PVCH for more therapy. Once again, she found skilled care and a level of compassion that stayed with her. She also formed a lasting friendship with a therapist who encouraged her through recovery. One therapy milestone remains especially meaningful.

“When I broke my back, my therapist discussed my goals for PT,” Lewis said. “I played tennis when I was younger, so I said I’d like to try pickleball. On my last day, she got permission to take me to the community center, and we played pickleball. To me, that was everything.”

As Lewis grew stronger, she kept returning to the hospital, sometimes for therapy and sometimes for lunch in the busy cafeteria, which serves as a meeting place for many throughout the community. Over time, Pawnee Valley no longer felt like just the place where she had received care. It felt like community. Today, she works in the kitchen at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, where she helps prepare meals, serve patients and support day-to-day operations.

“The people here are like a second family,” Lewis said. That sense of connection reflects the hospital’s mission to care for the community in a personal, local way.

“As a team, we focus on keeping healthcare local and treating each patient individually, so we can make a positive community impact that ensures our patients are both healthier and happier,” said Melanie Urban, administrator of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

For Lewis, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is more than the hospital where she recovered. It is the place that helped her move forward and the place where she now helps others do the same.

A Passion for Rural Care: Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Welcomes Physical Therapist Hannah Wahl

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For Hannah Wahl, choosing where to practice physical therapy has always been about more than just a job. It has been about people — and the communities that need care most.

Wahl, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, bringing three years of clinical experience in rural healthcare and a specialized skill set that is entirely new to the therapy department. For the community she now calls home, her arrival means something meaningful: expanded access to care, right where they live.

Growing up in Lakeview, Ore. — a town of roughly 2,500 people — Wahl developed an early appreciation for what rural healthcare means to families who depend on it. “It allows patients to be treated by medical professionals they know personally, which adds to the trust and engagement in their care,” she said. That conviction only deepened during her previous role as a physical therapist at a critical access hospital in rural New Mexico.

She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Duke University in 2023 and was drawn to the profession for the relationships it makes possible. “I enjoy the ability to see patients over a longer period, develop a connection with them, and help them make meaningful changes in their lives,” Wahl said.

At Pawnee Valley, she treats outpatient and inpatient cases across a wide range of conditions — but one area of her practice stands out as something the hospital has not offered before. Wahl is trained in pelvic floor therapy, a specialized approach that addresses conditions such as pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, and prolapse in men and women. She has a particular passion for supporting pregnant women through discomfort and helping postpartum patients return to their pre-pregnancy activity levels.

“While often seen as a taboo topic, many people are struggling with pelvic floor issues that go unaddressed,” Wahl said. “It is important for patients to know they can bring up concerns about pelvic floor function because many of these issues are very treatable.”

Jason Rath, Rehab Director at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, is enthusiastic about what Wahl brings to the team. “Hannah exhibits compassion and professionalism with caring for all demographics, and she has already made an impact with excellent patient care and customer service,” he said. “She is an amazing fit for our team, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

Wahl’s move to Larned was also a personal one. After the birth of her son last year, she and her husband wanted to be closer to her tight-knit family — and when Wahl’s sister relocated to Lyons nearby, Larned started to feel like the right place to put down roots. “The community here has been so welcoming,” Wahl said. “I could tell that the staff had great relationships with patients, and since then have realized that extends to co-workers as well.”

Outside the clinic, Wahl enjoys spending time with her husband and 1-year-old son, along with working out, gardening, and hunting.

For those considering physical therapy, Wahl’s message is simple: “I am so happy to be a part of this community and truly care about improving their lives. I want to serve all my patients well with therapy that will allow them to do the things that are important to them.”

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Larned, KS 67550

620-285-3161

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