Thankful for Excellent Heartfelt Care Close to Home
Retired Truck Driver, Farmer, Husband, Heart Patient
“I have received heart care from four other major health systems, and I have to say that the care I have received from MyMichigan Health has outshone them all.”
Timothy Schankin, 75 years old and a former truck driver, moved to Harrison with his wife, Sue, to retire. As a man with a history of heart disease, Tim was unsure of what to expect in terms of local medical care should he need it. When he woke up early one morning and told Sue he felt “off,” they proceeded to Emergency Department at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare where they would find out firsthand. The emergency team determined the need for advanced cardiac care to restore blood flow to Tim’s heart. Once stabilized, he was transferred to MyMichigan Medical Center Midland where Interventional Cardiologist Andrzej Boguszewski, M.D., performed a balloon angioplasty and inserted a stent to open his blocked artery. The procedure was successful, and Tim began cardiac rehabilitation at MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin. The Schankins are grateful to have received the highest level of heart care all within an hour of home.
“I have received heart care from four other major health systems, and I have to say that the care I have received from MyMichigan Health has outshone them all,” said Tim. “Each and every team member who worked with me – emergency staff, physicians, nurses, technicians – made an effort to make a personal connection with me, and I can see that they are happy to be doing what they’re doing. It’s not just a job to them.”
As a patient with many experiences to draw on, a few MyMichigan behaviors stood out as excellent: communication, reaction time, teamwork and professionalism. “In both the Emergency Room in Clare and in Midland, the doctors worked together so well. They treated each other like family,” Tim shared. “Dr. B (Boguszewski) took the time to come talk with me before my procedure and explained everything in detail."
At the Medical Center in Midland after Tim’s procedure, the Schankins were keen observers. “Because we have been in these situations before, we try to keep a low profile and not bother staff,” Sue said. “Of course, I’ve gotten someone’s attention, when necessary, but at MyMichigan that was never needed. Everyone is proactive with care. Nurses answered call lights quickly, even when they weren’t assigned to us. They went above and beyond our expectations.”
Tim was discharged and prescribed cardiac rehabilitation. He is advancing and trying to stay patient with his progress. He and Sue have a small farm where there is always something outside to do. He incorporates what he has learned from his therapists into his daily routine. “The therapists are really fantastic and keep me motivated,” he added. “They say with confidence that they’ll help me get to where I need to be, and I believe them.” One day while completing his exercises, Tim witnessed staff members' reactions to another patient in distress. “The team was so quick to help that person,” he said. It’s great to know that we are being observed closely for safety as we press on in our recovery.”
As Tim continues healing, he receives follow-up care from Cardiologist Ronald Pacis, D.O., at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare. The Schankins are very pleased with this heart team as well, “Tim’s local cardiologist and the staff in that office are amazing,” said Sue. “The coordination we have seen from the various locations and amongst care teams has been really wonderful. We know that whatever comes up, we’ll be in good hands with MyMichigan Health.”
Those who would like additional information about the comprehensive heart care at MyMichigan Health may visit www.mymichigan.org/heart.
