Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Chad Tuchek, M.D. to Neurosurgery Department
• Dr. Vaglio’s Ska Punk Party Band to Play Saturday, Benefit SV Patient Assistance Fund
• Two Stormont Vail Health Team Members in Top 20 under 40
• Congratulations, Melanie Griffin, August Person of the Moment

Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Chad Tuchek, M.D. to Neurosurgery Department

Stormont Vail Health welcomes Dr. Chad Tuchek, a neurosurgeon subspecializing in neurosurgical oncology, to the Stormont Vail Neurosurgery team. His expertise in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotics, will help promote better outcomes for patients with brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve disorders at the Cotton O’Neil Neurosurgery and Spine Center at 2660 S.W. 3rd St., Topeka.

To Dr. Tuchek, medicine isn’t just science; it’s personal. He initially pursued an engineering degree at Purdue University. However, as a self-described people person, he disliked the impersonal aspect of working behind a computer. Dr. Tuchek’s desire to use his skills to help others eventually led him to medicine, but it wasn’t the only motivator. At age 26, a thyroid cancer diagnosis transformed his life – and career path. From this point forward, he dedicated himself to medicine’s most challenging problems: brain and spinal tumors.

After earning his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Tuchek completed his neurological surgery residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. During his Neurosurgical Oncology Fellowship at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Dr. Tuchek furthered his expertise in the latest minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery, to treat and manage brain tumors.

“I’m someone who’s been through a journey myself and understand what it’s like,” Dr. Tuchek said. “I understand what it means when you come to the doctor, potentially on the worst day of your life. I want to be someone who can walk with you hand-in-hand through your journey, through the lows you may have and the highs we’ll experience together.”

Having navigated the challenging journey of a cancer diagnosis himself, Dr. Tuchek personally understands the impact of a serious medical condition. He is eager to support patients at the Cotton O’Neil Neurosurgery and Spine Center. To schedule an appointment, call (785) 368-0767.

Dr. Vaglio’s Ska Punk Party Band to Play Saturday, Benefit SV Patient Assistance Fund

Dr. Joe Vaglio, a practicing cardiac electrophysiologist at the Cotton O’Neil Heart Center, is a lifelong musician and lover of all things music. This Saturday, Sept. 7, Dr. Vaglio and his band will play at Happy Basset Barrel House, 510 S.W. 49^th, and a portion of the band’s proceeds will be donated to the Stormont Vail Foundation’s patient assistance fund.

Dr. Vaglio is a saxophone player who studied music in college and now has turned his passion into a new and exciting musical ensemble – 11 pieces and full horn section. Named The Dead Bettys, they are a ska punk party band that spawned from the vibrant arts and music scene in Lawrence.

The full horn section distinguishes them as they honor the tradition of rock, ska, blues and jazz with a fresh twist for the Midwest. Formed only six months ago, The Dead Bettys are already blazing a fresh music trail. The band members are an eclectic group of professionals, artists and college students from Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City, united by their love of music.

Stormont Vail team members are invited to join the Bettys at the event at 8 p.m. this Saturday in Topeka.

Two Stormont Vail Health Team Members in Top 20 under 40

Congratulations to two Stormont Vail Health team members for being named as 2024 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 Honorees announced last week by the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scout of America. Among the 20 honorees selected this year are Emersen Frazier, Director of Health Equity and Policy, and Thaina Dos Santos Jensen, Acute Care Registered Nurse.

Nominations are solicited each spring in the community for individuals who have shown leadership and community involvement. All nominees receive an invitation to apply and each year the 20 honorees are selected from more than 100 nominations.

Congratulations, Melanie Griffin, August Person of the Moment

As a non-profit health system driven to improve our communities’ health, Stormont Vail Health provides care to all patients who come through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. This right is intrinsic to our mission and culture, where “together, we treat every patient, visitor, and team member with compassion and dignity.”

Melanie Griffin, Case Management and Post-Acute Care Manager at the Flint Hills Campus, recently demonstrated her commitment to these values and her profession by advocating for an unhoused patient admitted to the hospital with a severe illness.

Melanie’s actions exemplify what we can accomplish by living our mission and values. Her dedication, demonstrated through her advocacy, is truly inspiring. For this reason, we proudly recognize Melanie as our August Person of the Moment! Take a moment to celebrate Melanie’s story.

We together,
Dr. Kenagy