IU Health West Hospital

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.

05/11/2026

Last week, a friendly visitor came around the units at IU Health West Hospital to cheer up team members for National Nurse’s Week.

Cooper is a 6-year-old English cream golden retriever with a passion for helping soothe patients and team members alike. He’s been a therapy dog for over three years, visiting different hospitals, schools and libraries.

One might see Cooper wandering around the hospital on the second and fourth Friday of every month, bringing joy to everyone who greets him.

“It brings a moment of stress relief,” explains Sharon Niese, manager of clinical operations of the Cardiac Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology. “A dog always brings a smile, a little break from work and some comfort.”

05/08/2026

Where compassion begins: A mother’s story from the heart of Maternity care -

For Tiffany Smith, motherhood and nursing have always been deeply connected.

Now the clinical operations manager of Maternity Services at IU Health West, Smith’s journey began more than 14 years ago when she started her career as a new graduate registered nurse on the hospital’s third floor Medical-Surgical unit. But her calling to Maternity nursing was shaped even earlier, long before her first day.

As a teen mom, Smith experienced firsthand how powerful compassionate care can be. The nurse who cared for her during the delivery of her son treated her with empathy, understanding and kindness. That experience stayed with her, helping define the kind of nurse, leader and mother she would one day become.

“She was empathetic and didn’t seem to judge me as others did,” Smith recalls. “This was very comforting and solidified for me what type of nursing I wanted to go into, even at my young age.”

Today, Smith leads the Maternity team at IU Health West with that same spirit. She describes herself less as “the mom of the unit” and more like the oldest sister, someone who creates a space where every team member feels seen, heard and valued.

“My favorite part of my job is having the ability to shape and lead a team that is skilled and capable of providing safe and optimal care for mothers and families in our community,” she says.

At home, Smith is now a mom to four children: three sons, ages 21, 16 and 13, and a 2-year-old daughter she proudly delivered on the IU Health West Maternity unit. She says motherhood has taught her that her most important job is preparing her children to one day live independently with confidence and compassion.

Mother’s Day is a time of reflection for Tiffany. After losing her own mother as a teenager, the day is often bittersweet but filled with gratitude and quality time with family.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Smith and all mothers. Happy Mother’s Day from IU Health West!

05/06/2026

National Nurses Week: Denise Harvey has spent 25 years of showing up for patients -

For 25 years, Denise Harvey has been showing up for patients when they need help most.

As a registered nurse in the Emergency department at IU Health West, Harvey has spent her career in fast-paced environments where no two days are ever the same. She began her journey with IU Health more than two decades ago, spending 20 years in the resource pool, working in units at both IU Health Methodist and IU Health West. In 2007, she joined the IU Health West Emergency department (ED) as a resource nurse. Then, five years ago, she became a full-time member of the team.

“I enjoy the ED because I like the variety and fast-paced environment,” Harvey shares. “Every day is different, and I like being in an environment where people come together quickly to help patients when they need it most.”

That sense of urgency and unity is what keeps her inspired. In emergency medicine, teamwork isn’t optional—it’s essential.

“My favorite part of my job is the teamwork approach to patient care,” she says. “In the emergency room, everyone plays an important role, and it’s rewarding to be part of a team that works together to care for patients and support one another through every shift.”

For many patients, a visit to the emergency department comes during one of the most frightening moments of their lives. Harvey understands how important it is to bring calm and compassion into those moments.

“Many people who come to the ED are scared, overwhelmed or having one of the hardest days of their lives,” she says. “Even small things like staying calm, listening and showing kindness can make a big difference.”

The culture in the IU Health West ED reflects that mindset. While the work can be intense, Harvey describes the team as collaborative and supportive.

“Like any emergency department, there are stressful days,” she says. “But the team works together and helps each other get through them.”

For those considering a future in nursing, Harvey offers advice.

“Stay open to learning and give yourself grace as you grow,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lean on your coworkers and remember that teamwork is one of the most important parts of the job.”

This National Nurses Week, May 6-12, we’re grateful for nurses like Harvey, whose dedication, compassion and teamwork make a lasting difference for our patients and community when it matters most. Please help us thank all of our nurses in the comments!

If you’re inspired to start or grow a career in nursing, explore opportunities at careers.iuhealth.org.