Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Stormont Vail Heath Family Medicine Welcomes Ameer Shams, M.D.
• First Class of Stormont Vail Surgical Technologist Apprentices Honored
• We Support Future Healthcare Professionals

Stormont Vail Heath Family Medicine Welcomes Ameer Shams, M.D.

Stormont Vail Health welcomes Dr. Ameer Shams to the Family Medicine team in Topeka. A board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Shams specializes in providing continuing, comprehensive primary care for all ages, genders, and conditions. He brings over 17 years of experience to the Cotton O’Neil Garfield clinic, 901 S.W. Garfield Ave.

Originally from southern California, Dr. Shams’ ties to the Midwest and interest in medicine developed during high school. During that time, he moved to Missouri, where an aunt and uncle he was close to lived. His uncle, a radiologist, often took Dr. Shams to the hospital and showed him how to read X-rays and MRIs. This experience and his uncle’s selflessness fascinated Dr. Shams and inspired him to join the medical field.

“The biggest thing about the medical field I’ve liked over time is seeing people get better,” Dr. Shams said. “It’s nice to be a part of that. It all started with my uncle. I thought, ‘Wow, what would that be like to be able to do that?’ And it’s a privilege to be able to do that. “

Dr. Shams earned his medical degree from the University of Alexandria Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency in Family Medicine at Forbes Regional Hospital in Pennsylvania. With his comprehensive training and nearly 20 years of experience, patients can have confidence in the high-quality care he provides.

“The biggest goal is to build a better, healthier community. If I can be a part of that and see folks, build relationships, and be part of their care, I’d be privileged to do so.” Dr. Shams looks forward to building relationships with his patients and supporting their healthcare journeys. He is accepting new patients at the Cotton O’Neil Garfield clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (785) 354-9591.

First Class of Stormont Vail Surgical Technologist Apprentices Honored

The first class of students in the Stormont Vail Health Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program graduated from the program Friday – and all have accepted full-time positions in our main Operating Room starting this week! The program started in February 2023, with a pilot group of eight.

The program was started because of shortage of surgical technologists as well as a shortage of surgical technology students at surrounding schools. By providing a pathway to the profession that was more accessible than two years of full-time schooling, it was hoped that more people could choose Surgical Technology as a career.

Surgical Technology is a very serious and important job so establishing a rigorous and comprehensive program that taught the same level of skill as a post-secondary academic program was crucial. Our apprentices attended nearly 500 hours of lecture and completed more than 1,000 hours of clinical training in the Main OR and Single Day Surgery. They completed the academic portion of the program in nine months and will complete their apprenticeship officially after they successfully finish another three  months of full-time training in the Main OR. This program would not have been possible without the collaboration with the Surgical Services Team, specifically Surgical Tech Supervisor Curtis Johnson, and Surgery Leadership.

Graduates of this cohort include Karla Casillas, Christa Esquivel, Amanda Rivera, Carley Scott, and Shantel Thompson-Wright. The next cohort of students will start their 12-month program in March 2025. Applications to join this cohort are open in Workday through Oct. 31.

We Support Future Healthcare Professionals

Our partnership with the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) has made significant strides in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Since the pathway program launched, many local high school students have earned valuable certifications in various healthcare fields, and many have joined Stormont Vail Health through paid internships, job opportunities, and scholarships.

We encourage you to read our latest blog, which highlights how this program has positively impacted the careers of three former students. It’s a great reminder of our commitment to fostering talent and ensuring a healthy future!

We together,
Dr. Kenagy