Posts

We Celebrate Brett Baker DAISY Award Recipient

We’re proud to recognize Brett Baker, registered nurse (RN) in our Emergency Department, for his DAISY Award! When a young patient on the autism spectrum arrived in the ER after a painful injury, Brett went above and beyond to create a safe and calming environment. He offered fidget toys to help soothe the child and…

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We Celebrate at Gary’s Farm Festival 2025

Nearly 8,000 Stormont Vail Health team members (plus their friends and families) turned out to celebrate the season under the sun at Gary’s Farm. From pumpkin picking to corn mazes to photo ops, this year’s team event was packed with energy, laughter, and great company. Thank you to everyone who joined—we can’t wait for next…

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Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Laura Vanderheiden-Zahner, M.D., to Family Medicine Team

Stormont Vail Health is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Laura Vanderheiden-Zahner to its Family Medicine team. She is now accepting patients at Cotton O’Neil North Clinic, 4505 N.W. Fielding Rd., Topeka, 66618. To schedule an appointment, call (785) 270-0080. Dr. Vanderheiden-Zahner provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. Her compassionate, patient-centered…

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We Celebrate Caroline Abrahamson: September 2025 Person of the Moment

Caroline Abrahamson, a speech language pathologist with our Rehabilitation Services team, exemplifies the power of human connection in healthcare. Her clinical expertise is matched by her deep commitment to understanding each patient’s story. She reminds us that healing isn’t clinical, it’s personal—and that’s why we’re proud to recognize her as this month’s Person of the…

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We Celebrate Ivan Lopez, Two-Time DAISY Award Recipient

When a nurse can turn fear into laughter and pain into comfort, that’s something worth celebrating. Ivan Lopez, an Acute Care RN with our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), received a nomination from a mother who experienced his care firsthand—twice. First, as he comforted her daughter during her first hospital stay, and then again when…

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Stormont Vail Health and Topeka Scarecrows Announce Partnership to Support Team Wellness

Stormont Vail Health and the Topeka Scarecrows are proud to announce a new partnership focused on providing comprehensive medical care and wellness support for the team throughout the season. This collaboration ensures Scarecrows athletes receive top-tier care from Stormont Vail’s experienced sports medicine professionals, reinforcing both organizations shared commitment to health, performance, and community engagement.…

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We Celebrate Maci Kasprzak, DAISY Award Recipient

Stormont Vail Health is proud to recognize Maci Kasprzak, registered nurse (RN) in our Pediatric Care unit, as a DAISY Award honoree! After a complicated procedure and an unexpected overnight stay, one patient described Maci’s care as life-changing. Her ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine human connection made all the difference. Throughout the day,…

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We Celebrate Koko Fuentes, Our First Sunflower Award Winner

Stormont Vail Health is proud to recognize Koko Fuentes, Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Department (ED), as the first recipient of the Sunflower Award for Extraordinary Nursing Support Staff. Koko went above and beyond during our visit to the Emergency Department. My mother-in-law, who has dementia, was having a very…

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Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Deangelo Ferguson, M.D., to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Team

Stormont Vail Health is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Deangelo Ferguson to its Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team. He provides surgical and non-surgical treatments at Cotton O’Neil Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Asbury Drive, 2902 S.W. Asbury Dr., Topeka, 66614. Dr. Ferguson brings a patient-first philosophy to every consultation, emphasizing trust, honesty, and personalized treatment…

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Stormont Vail Health to Host Free NCLEX Review Session for Nursing Students

Stormont Vail Health will host a complimentary NCLEX review session for RN and LPN students preparing for their licensure exams on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Pozez Education Center, located at Stormont Vail Hospital, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka 66604. Participants will receive a free Qdoba-catered dinner and take part…

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