Nicole Swartzendruber to Join JCH&L

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Nicole Swartzendruber has known since she was a kid that she wanted a career in some area of health care. By the time she was in high school, she knew being a physician assistant was her goal. In December she will graduate as a physician assistant from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and early in 2025 she will join Jefferson Community Health & Life.

Swartzendruber grew up on a farm outside of Shickley, where her family has a feedlot. She knows that a small town rural area is where she wants to have her career. She wants to help ensure rural residents have access to the quality and compassionate health care they need.

“I have a love for agriculture and community,” she said. “I like to be involved in the community.”

She graduated from Shickley Public Schools and was accepted in to the RHOP (Rural Health Opportunities Program.) She got her bachelor of science form Wayne State College in biology, and is currently in physician assistant school at UNMC. She said she has loved her training to be a physician assistant, and is enjoying her rotations. She said she chose rotations to help her be prepared for and effective in a rural general practice when she graduates. She had one rotation at Jefferson Community Health & Life in November-December 2023. She is especially looking forward to a rotation in Kenya for six weeks in the fall.

Besides her love of health care, during college she has worked in fire and rescue.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family. She is engaged to Brandon Huebner, who works in law enforcement. Her parents, Mark and Donna Swartzendruber, have a feedlot at Shickley. Her sister Megan is married and has two children. Her brother Caleb lives at home. She has her own small cow-calf herd, enjoys recreational sports and enjoys reading.

Jefferson Community Health and Life is happy to welcome her to our team of family medical providers. She will join Dr. Craig Shumard, Dr. Rebecca Stroklund, Dr. Brett Wergin, Rick Blum PA-C, Megan Knutson FNP-C, Keegan Williams FNP-C, and Kensly Williams PA-C. JCH&L continues to recruit for providers. Our goal is to employ 4 physicians and 6 advanced practice providers.

JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center and Jeffs Gone M.A.D. Sponsor Run/Walk

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JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is working with Jeffs Gone M.A.D. to hold a 1 mile or 5K run/walk on Saturday, Sept. 7.

 

“We encourage all ages to participate in this run/walk event during a fun weekend in Fairbury,” said Jen Johnson, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center manager. “Families can participate together, and we are offering a family discount of $10 per family on the entry fee.”

 

The event is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. Check in will be at the Fairbury Community Building at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $15 per person, with a $10 discount for any family of 3 or more participants.

 

Finish medals will be awarded to all participants ages 12 and under who complete the 1-mile route, whether running or walking. In the 5K, there will be awards for the top 3 males and the top 3 females.

 

Please contact JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center for more information and for a registration form. Pre-registration is encouraged by Aug. 30. Walk-in entries will be accepted on the day of the event.

 

“We know there are a lot of great activities going on in Fairbury that weekend, and our goal is to add a fun way to stay active,” Johnson said.

Narayan, Taylor, Afuh Leaving JCH&L

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Dr. Madhav Narayan, Bryce Taylor, PA-C, and Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C, will be leaving JCH&L. Taylor’s last day will be July 8. Dr. Narayan’s last day will be July 11. Afuh’s last day will be Aug. 28. All are leaving for other practices.

“We encourage those who considered any of these providers their primary care provider to choose another Fairbury Clinic provider for their care,” said Ashley Norden, clinic administrator.

“We remain able to care for our community’s family medicine needs,” Norden said. “We will still have 3 physicians, 2 nurse practitioners and 2 physician assistants ready and able to serve.”

JCH&L will have available to see patients: Dr. Craig Shumard, Dr. Rebecca Stroklund, Dr. Brett Wergin, Rick Blum PA-C, Megan Knutson FNP-C, Keegan Williams FNP-C, and Kensly Williams PA-C.

JCH&L is currently recruiting for both another physician and another Advanced Practice Provider.

“While we are sorry to lose all three of these excellent family medicine providers, we wish them the best in their new endeavors,” said Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, MBA, CHFP, FACHE.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet July 11

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, July 11, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on dealing with anger.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”

The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.

The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.  The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE