Parkland Health Center

06/16/2026

Dr. Rafael Figueroa recently joined Mike Ramsey on KREI "Talk of the Parkland" AM 800 to discuss innovation in health care and the impact of advanced surgical technology.

In this episode, Dr. Figueroa, general and colorectal surgeon with BJC Medical Group at Parkland Health Center, dives into the world of robotic surgery, explaining how it works, the procedures it’s used for, and how it’s transforming patient outcomes right here in our community.

From faster recovery times to groundbreaking advancements, it’s a great look at the future of surgical care at Parkland Health Center. Listen to the full episode here: https://heyor.ca/HnEljj

06/15/2026

As a child, Kim often dreamed of being a teacher. In her role as practice manager of Parkland Health Center’s Primary Care Clinic, she finds opportunities to guide and teach every day.

Kim’s path into health care began with a part-time job in a pharmacy. Fourteen years ago, she joined Parkland Health Center in a billing role before moving into BJC Medical Group as a float patient services representative (PSR). After advancing to lead PSR, Kim stepped into her current role as practice manager three years ago.

Kim says encouragement and guidance from her leaders has allowed her to grow into her leadership position. In particular, she credits her administrator, Jennifer, whose support has been instrumental in her management journey.

While a busy clinic can offer daily challenges, Kim focuses on the fact that each day, her team is helping to improve the health and well-being of their patients.

“I truly appreciate their unwavering commitment to this work,” she said. “One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is witnessing the positive impact we can have in a patient’s life, often through the smallest gestures.”

And when things don’t go as expected, Kim leans on the philosophy she tries to live by: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Her colleagues praise her steady leadership and collaborative nature, as well as her kindness and commitment to excellence. Kim believes that what sets Parkland apart is “the amazing team that embraces you like family.”

Away from work, you might find Kim reading, enjoying the outdoors while camping, or window shopping—but she admits her favorite role is “Nannie.”

“My favorite thing to do is make memories with my grandbabies.”

Thank you, Kim, for the care and dedication you put into your work at Parkland Health Center.

06/12/2026

Join us on Wednesday, June 17, from noon to 1 p.m. as we celebrate the grand opening of the new Heart Health Center at Parkland Health Center. ✂️ 🫀

This new center brings together three advanced cardiovascular services in one convenient location: the BJC Medical Group Cardiology Clinic, Cardiology Diagnostic Testing, and Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Guests are invited to tour the facility, take advantage of free heart health screenings, enjoy local food trucks, and attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

Community members, patients, families, care teams, and media are welcome as we celebrate this important investment in the health of our community.

06/10/2026

Join us in congratulating our June Employee of the Month, Reita!

As a Patient Services Representative with BJC Medical Group Podiatry, Reita helps keep operations running smoothly while providing exceptional care and support to every patient she serves.

Reita is known for her warm, welcoming personality and keen attention to detail. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure patients feel informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout their visit. Her colleagues value her positive attitude, observant nature, and ability to find solutions that make each day run more seamlessly.

Thank you, Reita, for your dedication to our patients, your colleagues, and Parkland Health Center. We’re grateful to have you on our team! 💙

06/06/2026

Our medical inflatable will be at Farmington Country Days this Sunday, June 6 from noon-4 p.m. near the Farmington Skate Park!

Stop by to meet Dr. Jeanne Kornhardt, pediatrician at Parkland Health Center, and learn the difference between “fun foods” and healthy foods—and how too many fun foods can affect our bodies.

🍎 Interactive
🎈 Kid-friendly
💡 Educational + FUN

06/03/2026

Dr. Azamuddin Khaja, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with BJC Medical Group at Parkland Health Center, joined Mike Ramsey on the May 29
KREI "Talk of the Parkland" AM 800 Newsmakers Show to share important insights on heart health.

During the conversation, Dr. Khaja discussed:
🫀 How your heart works and the impact of stress and diet
🫀 Tips for protecting your heart during the summer heat
🫀 Key differences in heart health for men vs. women
🫀 Advancements in cardiovascular technology
🫀 How to take the first steps toward a healthier heart

🎧 Listen to the full segment here: https://heyor.ca/pIuCac

Start your heart health journey today—small steps can make a big difference!

05/26/2026

We are proud to honor our May Employee of the Month, Amanda! 🎉

During challenging moments and times when her team needs her most, Amanda, a member of the Environmental Services (EVS) team, is always willing to assist, go the extra mile, and ensure Parkland Health Center–Bonne Terre is ready to welcome patients and visitors.

Through her dedication, Amanda consistently demonstrates every BJC value—Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Teamwork—in her work with patients, team members, and staff.

Thank you, Amanda, for going above and beyond in every way, every day. 👏 💙

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Roczio, Madison, and Maddison, our Q1 CONNECT Award Winners at Parkland Health Center! 🎉

Their nomination reads, "My child has been undergoing weekly lab draws for a rare disease for the past several weeks, and the care, compassion, and consistency we receive from our lab team has been nothing short of phenomenal. Each week, these technicians go above and beyond to support our family, making a difficult process so much easier through their kindness and professionalism."

The BJC CONNECT Award, established in 2024, recognizes outstanding team members who embody BJC’s values of Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Teamwork. What makes this honor even more meaningful is that nominations come directly from patients and their families.

We are incredibly grateful for our providers and technicians. Thank you for the continued support and exceptional care you deliver every day. 💙

Nominate a team member who provided exceptional care: https://heyor.ca/9ZF9WV

05/20/2026

Kelsey, a stroke coordinator at Parkland Health Center, works with stroke survivors every day. If there’s one thing she wishes everyone knew, it’s how to recognize when a stroke is happening—because from that moment on, every second matters.

A stroke occurs when the brain isn’t getting the blood flow it needs, either from a blockage or a bleed, and the dangerous effects begin almost immediately. As Kelsey explains, “On average, 2 million brain cells die every minute from a stroke.”

That’s why she recently joined KREI "Talk of the Parkland" AM 800 to share how to recognize the signs of stroke using the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:

B – Balance loss
E – Eye or vision changes
F – Facial drooping
A – Arm or leg weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911

Just one of these signs is enough to take seriously.

Stroke symptoms aren’t always dramatic—they can be subtle, easy to dismiss, or even come and go. Getting checked right away can make all the difference, especially because some of the most effective stroke interventions are only possible within the first few hours after symptoms begin.

Waiting too long can mean losing the opportunity for life-saving care—and can lead to permanent disability or even death. “Time is brain…the faster you get to the hospital, the better your odds are.” Kelsey shared. “We don’t want you to arrive after the treatment window has passed and hear, ‘If you had come in sooner, we could have helped.’”

Hear more from Kelsey about recognizing the signs of stroke and what you can do to help prevent one: https://heyor.ca/y7yBkL

Kelsey James, Stroke Coordinator, Parkland Health Center, talked about what a stroke is and why is it...

05/19/2026

Annette Schnabel, president of Parkland Health Center, has been named to the Becker's Healthcare Hospital Review list of “146 rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know.” 🎉

The national recognition honors influential health care executives who meet the unique challenges of rural health care while “actively driving growth, expanding services, modernizing facilities, and cultivating skilled teams.”

Becker’s highlighted Annette’s leadership of Parkland Health Center’s two campuses in southeastern Missouri, which include a full-service acute care hospital in Farmington and a rural emergency hospital in Bonne Terre. Her tenure has been marked by significant facility investments and service expansions, including the launch of a $2.3 million women’s center, a new pain management clinic, and a comprehensive medical office building housing 20 physician practices with centralized outpatient services.

Becker's also notes Annette’s success in securing Missouri’s first rural emergency hospital designation for Parkland—positioning Parkland and BJC as statewide leaders in expanding emergency care access for rural communities.

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication and collaboration of our physicians, caregivers, and staff who serve our communities every day,” says Annette. “Together, we are caring for our community, in our community by expanding access, investing in essential services, and ensuring that high-quality care is available close to home for the patients and families who rely on us.”

Read more: https://heyor.ca/CDKTEU