IU Health West Hospital

06/17/2026

Meet Rocky Singh: A father, leader and physician —

Growing up in India, Rocky Singh, MD, would often go to work with his father, a pediatrician. The experience sparked an interest in medicine. Eventually, Singh attended medical school himself.

While completing his residency program in New York City, Singh discovered emergency medicine was his passion when tragedy struck on Sept. 11, 2001. He was chief resident and led his department through the turmoil of the day.

That level of calm and impactful leadership would later come in handy, both when he moved to Indiana in 2002 and joined the IU Health team, and when he became a father.

With more than two decades of clinical leadership experience, Singh has held a variety of leadership roles at IU Health, including chief medical officer (CMO) of IU Health North, chief medical officer of IU Health West and regional medical director of IU Health Bloomington. Currently, he serves as vice president and interim chief operating officer (COO) of IU Health West.

Throughout his career, he’s also had to balance work with family, as he and his wife raised two children. This Father’s Day, Singh is celebrating how he normally does—a phone call with his own father, who is currently out of the country, and a surprise from his kids.

“My kids typically have something planned and they’ll say something like, ‘Be ready at six o’clock,’” Singh says. “I just go along with it.”

From CMO to COO

In 2025, IU Health formed the Metro Region, which includes IU Health Fishers, Methodist, North, University and West hospitals, as well as Riley Children’s Health.

At the time, Singh was serving as CMO of IU Health West, where he managed physicians and quality and safety.

In January 2026, he was invited to serve as interim COO at IU Health West, which had a different scope. In this role, he focuses on hospital operations, budget maintenance and process improvements.

While there are some major differences between the two, Singh notes it wasn’t a big transition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the chief medical officer, chief operating officer and chief nursing officers had to work closely together, and he learned a lot about both roles.

“The three of us in that regional role, we were very tied to the hip, working through the problems that arose during the pandemic,” Singh says. “It wasn’t a big lift for me to start learning something new. You have to be flexible. I think the key is to make sure that you are contributing your best to the work that you're doing.”

A father and a physician

As Singh built his career at IU Health throughout the years, he’s also grown his family.

Singh’s wife is a dentist with her own practice, and their two children are now attending college. His son is in one of the first cohorts at Indiana University – Indianapolis’ AI program, and his daughter is a sophomore pursuing medicine.

But work and parenthood haven’t always been easy. Singh says he’s had to find a balance between both. One way Singh has ensured quality time with his family is through travel. They take at least one trip each year and have visited several countries.

“You make time for the kids as much as you can, all while balancing your job,” he says. “You have to do justice to both.”

When it comes to Singh’s leadership style, he thinks more like a physician with a servant-leader philosophy.

As his leadership roles have continued to grow, he’s found a balance between manager and coach. He’s helped other leaders mature in a way that allows them to participate in conversations and share ideas, rather than just following directions.

“You help the people around you grow and help them as much as you can,” Singh explains. “I try to build people up to the point of being self-sufficient. That's what I'm hoping for my kids too, for them to be self-sufficient.”

Moving forward in the Metro

As Singh continues to dive into his interim COO role at IU Health West, he’s looking forward to seeing even more collaboration between the Metro Region facilities.

“We want to serve more patients and serve those patients at the right place,” he explains. “We’re always considering how to better serve our patient population and give them the best outcome and experience at any IU Health location.

“Our goal is to make Indiana healthy, and it requires both—there’s health maintenance and making sure that we, as Hoosiers, continue to strive toward a healthier lifestyle,” Singh adds. “But, when the time comes that you do need a medical intervention done, then we do it at the highest quality on a consistent basis, and we can meet patients in their communities.”

Happy Father’s Day to Singh and all of the dads at IU Health!

06/10/2026

Registered nurse supports patients through teamwork -

At IU Health, strong teamwork is essential to delivering safe, high-quality care for patients. For Brad Templeman, a registered nurse on the Medical-Surgical unit at IU Health West Hospital, having a supportive team makes all the difference.

Templeman has worked on the unit for two years, where his responsibilities vary each day. From assessing vital signs and administering medications to coordinating care between patients and physicians, his role requires both clinical expertise and collaboration.

“Teamwork is really strong here. We always have a nurse buddy, so if we need anything, we can rely on each other,” he explains.

That sense of connection extends beyond colleagues to the relationships he builds with his patients. Templeman values the opportunity to understand each patient’s unique story and support them through their recovery.

“The best part of patient care is learning about each patient, their journey, what brought them in and seeing how we can take care of them,so they can get better and get discharged,” he says. “It's always good to see people's progression and them getting better.”

Make a difference with IU Health. Explore nursing opportunities and join a team committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. Visit careers.iuhealth.org to learn more.

06/03/2026

Registered nurse wants patients to feel healthy and hopeful -

On the Medical-Surgical unit at IU Health West Hospital, Busola Olowokigbajo, registered nurse, is passionate about caring for patients and supporting them through every step of their healing journey. She has been part of the IU Health West team since 2024.

In her role, Olowokigbajo partners closely with patient care technicians and hospital leadership to ensure a safe, high-quality experience for every patient. Her day may include administering medications, monitoring vital signs and coordinating care plans, always with patient safety and comfort as her focus. When challenges arise, she knows she can rely on her team.

“We have lovely people around the team working here at IU HealthWest. It's top-notch. I enjoy working with my team members, and they are good shoulders to lean on and depend on whenever you need,” Olowokigbajo says.

Olowokigbajo finds fulfillment in being deeply involved in patient care and seeing the difference compassion can make.

“Some patients come in feeling weak, feeling hopeless,” she says. “By the time they are leaving, they are hopeful. I love that interaction of patient care.”

Do you want to work alongside a top-notch team? Explore nursing careers at careers.iuhealth.org.

05/29/2026

IU Health West’s speech-language pathologists are driven by connection and care -

When you speak with a member of the speech-language pathology team at IU Health West, their passion for patient care is immediately evident.

Speech-language pathology focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of communication, cognitive and swallowing disorders. At IU Health West, the team includes Julie Monroe, Jenica Taber, Michelle Lush and Kayla McConnell. Together, they bring a combined 66 years of experience, with each specializing in different areas of care.

Supporting complex needs

Monroe, who has been with IU Health for 25 years and at IU Health West for over 10, focuses on inpatient adult patients.

“I provide services for a variety of adults in the inpatient setting,” she says.

“She manages a lot of complex critical needs,” McConnell adds.

Monroe also played a key role in establishing the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), a bedside procedure that assesses how well a patient swallows. The test uses a thin, flexible scope with a camera that is passed through the nose to view the throat and airway, helping identify swallowing difficulties and potential aspiration by directly visualizing how food moves through the throat. While the program is currently focused on inpatient care, it is gradually expanding to include outpatient services.

In addition to her clinical work, Monroe leads a monthly training program for new nurses, helping them better understand the scope and impact of speech-language pathology.

Building a program to meet patients where they are

McConnell, who joined IU Health West in August, also works with adult patients. In addition to administering FEES, she provides voice therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease and is helping build a cochlear implant program at IU Health West.

“Probably what I love the most about outpatient therapy in particular is how well you get to know people,” she explains. “You get to walk with them during a dark part of their life, and you really get to establish relationships.”

Over the past year, McConnell and Taber have also launched a program for patients with head and neck cancer. The pair meet patients in the hospital’s cancer center while they are already receiving care, focusing primarily on swallowing therapy.

“It cuts down on the burden of the patients navigating additional appointments,” McConnell says.

“That was a barrier I was running into,” Taber adds. “I had always seen head and neck cancer patients, but it was hard to get them to come see us here. Now, we go to them.”

Taber has worked at IU Health West for 19 years, starting shortly after the hospital opened. In addition to her work with head and neck cancer patients, she treats both inpatient and outpatient adults, with a primary focus on swallowing disorders.

Caring for the smallest patients

Lush, who has been at IU Health West for three and a half years, works with the hospital’s youngest patients. She cares for babies in the special care nursery, a unit designed for premature or ill newborns who need additional medical attention but are not critically ill.

Her passion for the field is rooted in its ability to continuously evolve.

“I like that our job can be constantly growing,” she says. “We can constantly be doing something more, something new.”

A commitment to teaching and teamwork

In addition to patient care, the team is deeply committed to education. They regularly train graduate students, who gain hands-on experience working alongside them. Their current student, Liz Dombrosky, is completing a 12-week rotation with the team.

“Our team supervises graduate students during care and documentation,” Monroe explains.

May is National Better Speech and Hearing Month, which highlights the importance of communication health, promotes early detection of disorders and recognizes the audiologists and speech-language pathologists who provide life-changing care.

Each team member sees an average of six to seven patients per day. Despite their busy schedules and varied specialties, they share a strong sense of collaboration and purpose.

“I’ve stayed here all these years for a number of reasons,” Taber says. “It’s the overall atmosphere. Everyone works so well together. Our department has always strived for work-life balance.”

“I love how we collaborate as a team,” Monroe adds. “We pull in expertise as well as compassion to provide excellent patient care. Our goal is always the best possible outcome for the patient. It’s a team effort, taking care of each other and our patients.”

To learn more about speech-language pathology services, visit iuhealth.org and search “speech therapy.”

Pictured, back row, left to right: Liz Dombrosky, Julie Monroe, Jenica Taber, Michelle Lush
Front row: Kayla McConnell

05/28/2026

From emergency care to the racetrack –

Jackie Jordan has spent more than 20 years as a registered nurse, building a career rooted in helping others when they need it most. Today, she serves in case management in the Emergency department at IU Health West, where she helps patients navigate the next steps in their care.

“Say somebody needs medical equipment, I can help with that. If they need a primary care doctor, I can help with that,” she explains. “Basically, anything they might need during discharge.”

Jordan enjoys the variety and purpose her role provides, but about six years ago, an unexpected opportunity brought her passion for nursing to a new setting.

Growing up in Speedway, Jordan has always been a racing fan. Her interest deepened after her husband had a positive interaction with a driver, sparking a shared enthusiasm for IndyCar racing. Since 2008, the couple has attended Indianapolis 500 events together, making the race a cherished tradition.

That passion eventually intersected with her profession.

Six years ago, Jordan’s leader at IU Health West approached her with the opportunity to work as a nurse at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). She didn’t hesitate.

“It’s amazing. Every time you go under the tunnel of IMS or through a gate, it’s awe-inspiring,” she says. “And then, to be able to work there too is super fun.”

In addition to her role at IU Health West, Jordan now works at the IU Health infield care center at IMS, typically once a month from April through October. There, she provides care for spectators throughout race season.

“We typically help out the fans, anything from a minor abrasion to syncopal episodes to dehydration,” she says. “I love when they come in and they are so friendly. They’re so nice and appreciative of everything that we do, and just for us being there.”

Her work at the track blends fast-paced clinical care with the energy of one of Indiana’s most iconic venues.

Even with her role at IMS, Jordan hasn’t given up her place in the stands. She recently attended her 18th Indianapolis 500 as a fan, continuing a tradition she and her husband hold close.

“It’s something my husband and I enjoy,” she says. “And now being able to work there too is amazing.”

For Jordan, providing care at IMS brings together two parts of her life, her commitment to helping others and her lifelong love of racing, creating an experience that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

05/20/2026

Registered nurse helps families begin their story -

For more than nine years, Kayla Heckart, registered nurse, has been a familiar and trusted presence on the Labor and Delivery unit at IU Health West Hospital. As a charge nurse, she helps guide the day-to-day flow of the unit, managing schedules and ensuring balance and support for both patients and team members.

Heckart describes the Labor and Delivery team as a close‑knit group built on trust and connection.

“A lot of us really click really well together. We're all pretty good friends. There's a lot of team members that like to hang out outside of work together,” Heckart says.

Outside of the hospital, Heckart enjoys taking walks and reading. Her love of books has even made its way into her workplace. She started a small lending library for staff—known as the “West library”—where team members can share and exchange books.

One of the most rewarding parts of Heckart’s role is supporting expectant mothers and their families during a meaningful moment in their lives.

“My favorite part of Labor and Delivery is helping moms when they're still pregnant, because they're so excited for this new change that's coming to them,” she says. “The fact that I get to help other women feel empowered by what their bodies can do is just so rewarding.”

Find a career where connection matters. Explore nursing careers at careers.iuhealth.org

05/14/2026

National Hospital Week, May 10 – 16, is a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work that goes on in IU Health facilities, every day.

At IU Health West, team members enjoyed a cookout Tuesday as part of the week's festivities.

Happy Hospital Week to all of our IU Health West team members!

05/13/2026

Patient travels thousands of miles for spine surgery at IU Health West —

There’s not much in life that has slowed Felipe Osterling Letts down.

Originally from Lima, Peru, the 65-year-old (pictured first, with his wife) has spent his life’s work in several industries, including mining and food. He’s married with three children and has homes in Miami, Panama and Madrid. In 2017, Osterling Letts decided it was time to sell his businesses and retire.

“I thought I had enough in my life. So, I sold everything and decided to do nothing,” he jokes.

He couldn’t “do nothing” for long though. Osterling Letts picked up surfing as a hobby and traveled the world to do it. After about a year and a half of retirement, he went into the agricultural industry.

In 2019, Osterling Letts began experiencing lower back pain. With connections across the world, he began researching orthopedic spine surgeons, and came across Motasem Al Maaieh, MD, who then worked at the University of Miami in Florida.

After a successful first surgery with Al Maaieh (pictured second) in Florida, Osterling Letts would need his care again in 2025. However, Al Maaieh had moved to Indiana to help build the Spine program at IU Health West.

Because of Al Maaieh’s professionalism and compassionate care, Osterling Letts traveled thousands of miles for his second surgery.

A successful first operation

Al Maaieh explains when he first met Osterling Letts, his patient was experiencing lower back pain in the L4 and L5 vertebrae.

“He had what we call stenosis, or compression of the nerves in the lower back, and some instability in the vertebra,” he says.

“I was very nervous, as you can imagine, going into spine surgery,” Osterling Letts adds. “But I had suffered a lot of pain, and I told myself, ‘Right now, I’m healthy. I can do it.’”

The surgery was a success, and Al Maaieh would continue seeing Osterling Letts for follow-up appointments for about two years.

Al Maaieh explains that one possibility for spine patients is that years after they heal from their initial surgery, they may have a similar problem in another level of the spine.

This happened with Osterling Letts, and he began experiencing pain in the L3 and L4 vertebrae.

Osterling Letts visited Miami to schedule an appointment with Al Maaieh and discovered he was no longer there, but instead seeing patients at IU Health West.

That didn’t deter Osterling Letts though—he trusted Al Maaieh and would be willing to travel for his care.

“He’s an excellent, professional. He’s very clear and direct,” Osterling Letts says. “He does not fool around.”

An international affair

Since Osterling Letts would come all the way from Peru for his second procedure, the Orthopedic department reached out to Maria Siddons, operations manager of International Patient Services at IU Health.

Siddons (pictured third) has worked at IU Health for nearly 12 years. She leads a small team that helps coordinate experience for patients traveling from around the globe to receive care at IU Health. Their work goes far beyond logistics—they serve as trusted guides, advocates and cultural liaisons throughout each patient’s healthcare journey.

The team specializes in end-to-end coordination, beginning with the initial inquiry and continuing through post-treatment appointments. They manage medical record reviews, facilitate physician consultations, provide cost estimates, coordinate appointments, and assist with travel, lodging and visa documentation.

"Each case is handled with precision, urgency, and a deep respect for the unique cultural and emotional needs of international patients and their families," Siddons explains.

The team understands international patients often face uncertainty navigating a foreign healthcare system. Their role is to eliminate barriers, streamline communication and ensure clarity at every step. By collaborating closely with clinical teams, financial services and more, they create a cohesive and supportive care experience that reflects the highest standards of excellence.

“Throughout Felipe’s full experience with IU Health International Patient Services, we made sure he was comfortable, confident and in the know," Siddons says.

“Maria is number one. They were beside me, and they were beside me until the last day I was at IU Health West, until the last appointment,” Osterling Letts adds.

A motivated patient

Osterling Letts had his surgery at IU Health West in November 2025. He was up and walking the same day, and since then, hasn’t had any pain.

“I feel so good,” he says. “It's like I had never had surgery.”

He and his family stayed in Indiana for two weeks, so Al Maaieh could keep an eye on post-surgery progress. He came back for a six-week check-up and x-rays, which all looked good.

“I don't take all the credit for this,” Al Maaieh says. “He’s a motivated patient. He's a good healer too. He was doing all these exercises. He wanted to get better.”

While spine surgery can be daunting, Osterling Letts advises potential patients to be direct with their surgeons and to ask lots of questions. He also physically prepared for the surgery, two to three months in advance. He kept his physical activity up, so that his recovery could be easier.

“You have to build up your muscle. You have to build up your core muscles, your back, your legs—everything,” he says. “You have to go into it in the best shape possible.”

Thanking his team

Now about five months post-operation, Osterling Letts continues to be pain free. He appreciates the collaboration and care he received at IU Health West, and while he hopes to not have any other surgeries for a while—he knows where he’s going, if he does.

“I think I've been very lucky and I’m thankful for all the people that have been beside me. I have an angel. Two spine surgeries, and I’m feeling good. There’s no pain,” he says. “Any kind of surgery, I have no doubt that I will do it in IU Health.”

Al Maaieh appreciates his patient’s loyalty, and for him, it’s reassurance that he’s doing the right work. He notes that it’s a team effort, from nurses, to physician assistants and spine nurse navigators.

And, within a few short years, IU Health West has opened a ninth operating room, allowing for more spine surgeries to take place. Additional imaging technology has also been installed near the Spine suite. More surgeons have been brought on, and IU Health West also launched one of IU Health's first hospital-based spine nurse navigator roles.

“It’s a reassurance that you're doing the right thing for your patient and you're getting good outcomes. Felipe is a great example of that,” Al Maaieh says. “Everybody that's involved in the process, they make this a seamless experience.”

To learn more about IU Health’s Spine program, visit iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/back-spine-care.

05/12/2026

For National Nurses Week, IU Health West hosted a multitude of events to celebrate nurses and all the work they do.

One such event was smoothies with Kapri Ames, chief nursing officer at IU Health West. Nurses gathered to grab some delicious berry smoothies made by Ames herself.

“My goal is to make the nursing team feel special and celebrated,” explains Ames. “I’m doing something for them and sharing a little bit of me, as this is how I create food at home as well.”

05/11/2026

Healing doesn’t stop at hospital doors. During National Hospital Week, Dr. Michele Saysana, president of IU Health's Metro Region, reflects on the teams and community partners who help extend care far beyond our walls every day—and why that continued support matters for the patients and communities we serve.

To the 20,000 team members across the IU Health Metro Region: this week and always, thank you for all you do to care for patients, support one another and strengthen our communities with heart.

This National Hospital Week, IU Health is celebrating the people behind care and the work to make healthcare more affordable, accessible and community‑driven.