St. Clare Hospital, 11315 Bridgeport Way S. W, Lakewood, WA (2026)

10/02/2026

An exceptional speaker is leading off the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium. Daniel Barchi, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of CommonSpirit Health, will deliver the opening keynote address on Healthcare Technology in Practice.

Daniel brings a wealth of experience to this presentation. As CIO of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation's largest nonprofit Catholic health care organizations operating 158 hospitals in 24 states, he leads technology operations and strategy, AI, digital innovation, and cybersecurity across a massive healthcare network.

His career trajectory is remarkable. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving as Brigade Commander, Daniel served as a naval officer and received the Navy Commendation Medal for leadership. He later earned a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and led global project operations for major telecommunications companies across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Most recently, Daniel served as Chief Information Officer at prestigious health systems including New York-Presbyterian Health System, Yale New Haven Health System, and Carilion Clinic. His expertise in leveraging technology to advance patient care and operational excellence is exactly what healthcare professionals need to hear.

His keynote on Healthcare Technology in Practice will explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving patient outcomes. This is essential information for providers looking to stay at the forefront of clinical innovation.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. This FREE one-day event features expert speakers and practical insights you can apply immediately in your practice.

Learn more: https://www.vmfh.org/cardiovascular-symposium

10/02/2026

Meeting people where they are makes all the difference. St. Michael Medical Center is expanding its partnership with Kitsap County fire agencies through Kitsap Fire CARES, strengthening the community's ability to connect people facing barriers to traditional healthcare with the services they need.

St. Michael Medical Center has on-boarded Heather Smith-Merrithew, ARNP, who will work across three Kitsap Fire CARES teams based at Poulsbo Fire, Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, and South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Heather will provide in-home and street-based medical care, addressing unmet medical needs and connecting people with appropriate care before non-emergency health concerns escalate to 911 calls or emergency department visits.

"This partnership represents an important step in bringing health care directly to people who may have difficulty accessing traditional outpatient services," said Allie McLaughlin, Interim Vice President of Operations at St. Michael Medical Center. "By meeting people in the settings where they are most comfortable, we can help remove barriers to care and support better health outcomes."

The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Fire CARES teams achieved 75 to 86 percent reductions in repeat 911 calls and 66 to 83 percent reductions in emergency department visits among the clients they served. By connecting people with appropriate resources and care earlier, the program reduces strain on emergency response systems, lowers costs, and supports better outcomes.

This is what community-centered healthcare looks like. Meeting people where they are. Removing barriers. Connecting them with the right care at the right time.

10/01/2026

Exceptional recognition for outstanding healthcare! Virginia Mason Medical Center has once again earned the distinguished No. 1 hospital ranking in Washington state and the Seattle Metro Area according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings.

These rankings evaluate how well hospitals provide 37 different types of care and identify those that excel at handling the most complex and difficult cases. Virginia Mason Medical Center stands out as a leader.

The rankings specifically spotlighted Virginia Mason Medical Center's exceptional performance in cardiology with a No. 1 statewide ranking and a national ranking in overall Heart and Vascular Care. The hospital also earned "High Performing" status in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, and 19 additional procedures and conditions.

This continued recognition reflects the exceptional dedication of our team to providing the highest quality, patient-centered care to our community. From our physicians and nurses to our support staff, everyone plays a vital role in earning this prestigious distinction.

Thank you to everyone at Virginia Mason Medical Center who makes this excellence possible every single day.

10/01/2026

That leg pain when you walk might be more than just getting older. Watch Dr. Kira Long, vascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, dispel a dangerous myth about peripheral artery disease during Vascular Disease Awareness Month.

Dr. Long shares a critical message: PAD is not just a leg problem. If you have blocked arteries in your legs, there's a strong chance you have blockages elsewhere in your body too, including arteries leading to your heart and brain.

Learn more at vmfh.org/vascular

09/30/2026

Vascular Disease Awareness Month celebrates the surgeons and specialists dedicated to protecting our heart and blood vessel health. Meet Dr. Felix Vladimir, vascular surgeon at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, who shares what drives his passion for this work.

"I enjoy practicing vascular surgery in Tacoma due to the high need within our patient population. It is gratifying to help all patients, especially those facing socio-economic challenges. I also love the technical aspects of vascular care, including the advanced technologies and endovascular techniques that allow patients to recover quickly and return promptly to their normal lives."

09/30/2026

Meet our expert speakers for the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Symposium! Join us Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as leading cardiovascular specialists share the latest advances in heart care. Don’t miss this free one-day event connecting with leading experts from across the cardiovascular specialty while earning up to 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

Today we're highlighting Session 6: The Front Line of Cardiovascular Care — Scalable, Team-Based, and Built for What's Next: How multidisciplinary teams are redefining care delivery

• Can my patient get an MRI? Devices, Safety and Decision Making | Hannah Esmeralda, ARNP

• Beyond the Scale: Mechanisms of GLP-1 Mediated Cardiovascular Protection | Amanda Carter, PharmD

• Weight, There's More! The Cardiovascular Impact of Modern GLP-1 Therapy | Brook Raphael, ARNP

• Cancer Survivorship Meets Cardiology | Anu Kolluru, MD

• Exercise is Medicine: Cardiovascular Rehab Programs Through a Vascular Lens | Rebecca Ur, MD

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, earn continuing medical education, or simply stay current with the latest in cardiovascular medicine, this free one-day event offers exceptional value and practical insights you can apply immediately in your practice.

Learn more and register today: https://ow.ly/9bek50ZSuWe

09/30/2026

A routine gym workout turned into a life-changing diagnosis. Zach Corpuz was in the middle of a boxing session when his chest started hurting and his breathing became labored. Then his arms felt heavy, his vision darkened, and he passed out. For someone who had always lived an active lifestyle, this sudden episode was terrifying and confusing.

What Zach didn't know was that he was experiencing the warning signs of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. Fortunately, he found Dr. Michael Eskander, a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiac electrophysiologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, who would become instrumental in his recovery.

Many people live with AFib without even realizing it. Some, like Zach, get a dramatic wake-up call that something is wrong. This is a story about listening to your body, seeking answers, and finding expert care that changes your life. It's also a story about why early detection of AFib matters so much and how advanced technology and compassionate doctors are making a real difference in how we treat this condition.

From the frightening moment he collapsed to his successful minimally invasive surgery under Dr. Eskander's care, Zach's journey shows what's possible when patients and physicians work together to find the right treatment plan.

Read Zach's story with Dr. Eskander: https://www.vmfh.org/about-vmfh/news-media/feature-stories/zach-overcomes-afib-with-surgical-intervention

09/30/2026

Carotid artery disease is a silent threat. During Vascular Disease Awareness Month, it's important to know the warning signs of this serious condition that can lead to stroke.

Your carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in your neck that supply blood to your brain. When plaque builds up in these arteries, blood flow to your brain can be reduced or blocked. This can lead to stroke without warning.

Watch for these symptoms. A sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your face or body could indicate reduced blood flow to your brain. Sudden trouble speaking or slurred speech requires immediate attention. Vision problems in one eye, sudden dizziness, or loss of balance can also be warning signs.

Talk to your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider about your carotid artery disease risk, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoke, or have a family history of stroke.

Learn more at vmfh.org/vascular

09/30/2026

As AFib Awareness Month comes to a close, the message remains urgent: atrial fibrillation awareness doesn't end when the calendar flips to a new month.

Ten million Americans are living with AFib right now. Many don't know they have it. That reality continues long after awareness month ends.

This month, we've talked about warning signs, risk factors, and prevention strategies. We've highlighted the importance of screening and early detection. We've celebrated the cardiologists and specialists working to improve outcomes for AFib patients. But the work of awareness continues every single day.

Talk to your Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provider about your personal AFib risk. If you're over 65, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of AFib, ask about screening.

AFib is treatable when caught early. Early detection and proper management can prevent stroke and complications. Your vigilance matters.

Learn more at vmfh.org/afib

09/29/2026

A home run for neuroscience! The Center for Neurosciences and Spine at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health accepted a check from the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, representing donations from the "Runs for Research" program.

Here's how it works: For every run the Mariners score this season, Mariners Care makes a donation to the Center for Neurosciences and Spine. This innovative partnership transforms every run into an investment in patient services and groundbreaking research in neurological and spine care.

The results are remarkable. These contributions directly support groundbreaking research and exceptional patient care for those dealing with neurological conditions and spine disorders. Every donation moves us closer to better treatments, better outcomes, and better lives for patients in our community.

"This partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing spine health, raising awareness of neurological conditions, and delivering exceptional care to our community," said Virginia Mason Franciscan Health leadership.

Thank you to the Seattle Mariners and Mariners Care for this incredible partnership. Together, we're turning the love of baseball into the advancement of neuroscience. Every run matters. Every donation makes a difference.

06/08/2023

St. Clare Hospital hosted Idlewild Elementary for Lakewood Lemonade Day! We are proud to join our local community leaders in helping today’s youth become the business leaders, community volunteers, social advocates and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to support local business!

04/26/2023

This morning, St. Clare Hospital Chief Operating Officer Lois Erickson presented at Living Access Support Alliance's (LASA) annual FriendRaising Breakfast. Every year this event brings together the Lakewood community to raise funds with the goal of preventing homelessness. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all those involved in making this event a success!

03/01/2023

Julia Sparaco, RN, ICU, is St. Clare Hospital's most recent DAISY Award honoree. From her nominations: "I have been taken care of by some incredible nurses...then there is Julia. She reassures me I am doing ok and makes me feel safe...she is very attentive...She is caring and smart. She knows when to adjust my settings. She’s always on time with my meds and feedings. She has a calm, soothing voice. She’s great!...anyone who gets her is lucky. If she doesn’t know the answer to something, she finds the answer. I love her nursing skills and bedtime manner." and "Julia has been a God-send for us. She has been professional, yet empathetic and compassionate to my wife and I. She has kept us informed and called us with updates on our son’s condition. Thank you so much for staffing with people like her." Thank you, Julia, for being an extraordinary nurse!

03/01/2023

Abby Purtle, CNA, Med-Tele, is St. Clare Hospital's most recent Sunflower Award honoree. From her nominations: "On the most stressful days, Abby always puts in 150%. I never have to worry about my patients when Abby is assigned, because she is always two steps ahead. She pays such close attention to her patients, and is one of the most efficient CNAs I have ever worked with. She always goes the extra mile...you are a rock star Abby! Nothing you do goes unnoticed!" and "She is polite, nice and has a great bedside manner. Even if she is not assigned to me, she is the first to jump in and help. Abby is always happy and never has a complaint...you can’t help but smile around her. She makes you feel better when you’re feeling down."

02/24/2023

Ted Kim, RN, ICU, is St. Clare’s latest Employee of the Quarter Award honoree. From his nomination: “When Ted began working in the ICU at St. Clare hospital as a new nurse…and it was his turn to give report during ICU interdisciplinary rounds...he was always fully prepared. He knew every minute detail about the patient, which was impressive. Over the years, I have watched Ted grow in confidence and in his skills as a critical care nurse. I see him participating in various roles, such as charge, SWAT nurse, ED, and even helping at the screening table when we have been short staffed. Ted jumps in and helps out however he can. He is always kind and polite to staff, patients and families. He is a very valuable team player."

02/07/2023

Braynae Jinks, from St. Clare Hospital’s PCU, is our most recent DAISY award honoree. From her nomination: There was a rapid response in PCU while the overhead paging system was broken, so response time was extremely delayed. When I got there, Braynae already had a liter of fluids prepared because her patient was hypotensive. As the rapid went on, Braynae was calm, efficient and extremely helpful. I started levophed and Braynae was quick to document vital signs as well as titrations. She stayed at the bedside to document every 15‐minute blood pressure, which allowed me to monitor the patient remotely while coordinating patient movement to get her patient to the ICU. At shift change, the ER doctor arrived to place an IV. Braynae didn’t bat an eye and stayed to assist. At one point, she was even standing on a chair to help get the albumin into the patient. Her quick thinking, willingness to help and decisive actions saved his life and created a situation that was calm for all staff members involved. Braynae is an excellent nurse!

01/24/2023

St. Clare Hospital Chaplain Emmet Hutchinson was picked to represent VMFH at the last regular season Seahawks game of the year. He brought his son, who was celebrating his 18th birthday, and reflects on his experience:

"Over the summer I had responded to the request for volunteers to go to the Seahawks training camp and sell Seahawk yearbooks as a fundraiser for the VMFH foundation (along with about 8-10 other VMFH staff who also came). And they appreciated my collaboration and the spirit that I brought to it - I was really going through the crowd on the hill like a vendor, and then after practice assisting with reuniting a child and father. They even got me miked up for the King 5 news and interviewed me on screen for the news segment and everything.

So then when it came to the end of the year and the Seahawks wanted to honor each of their "Spirit of 12" community partners (VMFH being one of those community partners) they asked if I would like to represent VMFH.

Funny story from the training camp, when I was helping to search for the dad of the lost child, I walked to one area where there was a crowd, but it was roped off because that's where the players run in/out of the training facility. So I got to the rope, and the security waved me through and removed the rope for me to pass through, and then I thought I should navigate the other way around this packed crowd, and I noticed it was too packed to navigate on the left, and there was really nobody over on the right. So I started making my way to the right. And it wasn't until almost too late that I saw why the crowd was all to one side and nobody was over on the right, as I almost walked right into Coach Pete Carroll's space where he was behind a podium giving the end of day press conference! That would have been embarrassing."

Thank you, Emmett, for representing VMFH and supporting our Hawks!

12/07/2022

St. Clare Hospital team members got into the holiday spirit with their all-campus holiday meal! Each employee received a complimentary meal and dessert form the food trucks that come out for the occasion. Happy Holiday, St. Clare!

08/20/2022

Join us in congratulating Tatiana Covalscaia for her recent recognition as an Act of Humankindness Award honoree! Tatiania is an excellent Respiratory Therapist, she always acknowledges her patients in a respectful way. Tatiana is very professional with her communication and patient care. Tatiana recently changed a critical care patient tracheostomy, she explained every single step of the procedure to the patient making him feel calm. The critical care patient expressed his gratitude while Tatiana was taking care of the newly placed tracheostomy.

08/18/2022

Join us in congratulating Michael Bowles, RN, ICU, for his recent recognition as St. Clare Hospital's latest DAISY Award Honoree. From his nomination: “We had a very busy day in the ICU…we had five RNs on the floor for 10 patients. Ngantranh had one very sick ICU patient, ventilated and actively bleeding…Michael took time to help her navigate through the critical steps needed to keep that patient alive. When it became necessary to be a 1:1 RN patient, Michael took over Ngantranh’s other patient…He even facilitated her breaks and helped her take the patient to CT… This allowed me, as charge, to try and find family for the patient. Michael is always willing to step in and help out our team and will often be found doing things in the best interest of the patients. I was so grateful for his help and flexibility during a stressful day.”

St. Clare Hospital

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