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Memorial Hospital Chester is committed to professional excellence in providing safe, high quality health care, compassion and service to patients, the community and to each other. LOCATIONS CALENDAR OF EVENTS PATIENT PORTAL CAREERS ONLINE BILL PAY Welcome to Memorial Hospital As Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hospital, I personally welcome you to explore Memorial Hospital and our community. When you visit our facility, you will find a team of health care professionals who embrace our mission – a commitment to professional excellence in providing safe, high quality health care, compassion and service to patients, the community and to each other. The Memorial Hospital team has achieved award winning accomplishments, growth and outcomes putting us at the top of the health care class in our region. Our dedicated staff are invested in the community and appreciate life within a region filled with a rich history of progress, opportunity, and core values that provides a culture of excellence for the very best patient experience. Thank you for exploring the Memorial Hospital website and we hope you will visit often to learn more about Memorial Hospital and the services we provide. Brett Bollmann, CEO OUR CLINICS, LOCATIONS, AND PHARMACY Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinics 618-826-4581 ext. 1366 Fax: 618-826-5152 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Providers Chester Clinic 618-826-2388 Fax: 618-826-5139 Medical Office Building 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Clinic Info Steeleville Family Practice 618-965-3382 Fax: 618-965-2062 602 W. Shawneetown Trail Steeleville, IL 62288 Clinic Info Therapy & Sports Rehab Center 618-826-4588 833 Lehmen Drive Chester, IL 62233 Rehab Center Info Memorial Community Pharmacy 618-826-6134 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Pharmacy Info Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic 618-826-4585 Medical Office Building 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Clinic Info Locations Lung Screening Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Women's Health Physical Therapy Chemotherapy & Infusion Center From inpatient to outpatient care, specialty services to diagnostic imaging, emergency care and community services, Memorial Hospital provides high quality healthcare to our community. View All OUR SERVICES What our patients are saying "I have been a patient at the Clinic for 50 years! All the employees are friendly nice and helpful! Wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!" UPCOMING EVENTS Memorial Hospital offers a variety of classes, programs, and events for the community. View All Events Fri, Jun 12 Mental Health First Aid Training / RSVP Jun 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU. Mental Health First Aid Training is a 8-hour course funded by a Randolph County 708 Board Grant that is open to the public. It gives people the tools to identify when someone may be struggling and how to help Mon, Jun 15 Junior Explorers Camp / Buy Tickets Jun 15, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 17, 2026, 3:00 PM Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA For Kids Entering 6th-8th Grade $35 Per Child +6 more Tue, Jun 23 Beat, Breathe, Thrive Support Group (JUNE) / RSVP Jun 23, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA CONNECT, SHARE, and STAY MOTIVATED in your health journey! Join our monthly accountability group at Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center in Chester, IL. Sessions may include a guided topic discussion and all will allow time for Q&A, fostering support and inspiration. JOIN AT ANYTIME Multiple Dates Thu, Jun 25 Child and Babysitting Safety Course - June 25 / Buy Tickets Jun 25, 2026, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA For Ages 11-14 years $25 Per Student +9 more Sat, Jul 18 Prenatal Class (FREE) In-Person - JULY / RSVP Jul 18, 2026, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA For most pregnant women the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Many women choose to attend childbirth classes to gather information and lessen their anxiety. Sat, Jul 18 FREE Sports Physicals - Chester / RSVP Jul 18, 2026, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Chester Clinic - Medical Office Building, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA July 18, the Chester Clinic will offer FREE Sports Physicals for ALL Chester School District Students in elementary school and high school participating in 2026-2027 school sports. Sat, Jul 25 FREE Sports Physicals - Steeleville / RSVP Jul 25, 2026, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Steeleville Family Practice, 602 W Shawneetown Trail, Steeleville, IL 62288, USA July 25, the Steeleville Family Practice will offer FREE Sports Physicals for ALL Steeleville, St. Marks & Trico Students in elementary school and high school participating in 2026-2027 school sports. Tue, Jul 28 Beat, Breathe, Thrive Support Group (JULY) / RSVP Jul 28, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA CONNECT, SHARE, and STAY MOTIVATED in your health journey! Join our monthly accountability group at Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center in Chester, IL. Sessions may include a guided topic discussion and all will allow time for Q&A, fostering support and inspiration. JOIN AT ANYTIME Tue, Aug 25 Beat, Breathe, Thrive Support Group (AUGUST) / RSVP Aug 25, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA CONNECT, SHARE, and STAY MOTIVATED in your health journey! Join our monthly accountability group at Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center in Chester, IL. Sessions may include a guided topic discussion and all will allow time for Q&A, fostering support and inspiration. JOIN AT ANYTIME Tue, Sep 01 2026-2027 Medical Explorers Registration / Buy Tickets Sep 01, 2026, 12:00 AM – 11:50 PM www.mhchester.com/exploring This program is open to students who are Freshmen in High School and up to age 20 in Randolph County and surrounding counties. During this free 8 month program Explorers are introduced to a wide variety of healthcare professions including those throughout the community. Tue, Sep 22 Beat, Breathe, Thrive Support Group (SEPTEMBER) / RSVP Sep 22, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA CONNECT, SHARE, and STAY MOTIVATED in your health journey! Join our monthly accountability group at Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center in Chester, IL. Sessions may include a guided topic discussion and all will allow time for Q&A, fostering support and inspiration. JOIN AT ANYTIME Fri, Oct 02 Mental Health First Aid Training / RSVP Oct 02, 2026, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM CDT Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU. Mental Health First Aid Training is a 8-hour course funded by a Randolph County 708 Board Grant that is open to the public. It gives people the tools to identify when someone may be struggling and how to help Sat, Oct 03 Prenatal Class (FREE) In-Person - OCT / RSVP Oct 03, 2026, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Memorial Hospital - Conference Room, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA For most pregnant women the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Many women choose to attend childbirth classes to gather information and lessen their anxiety. Schedule an Appointment Free Car Seat Check / RSVP Schedule an Appointment Memorial Hospital, 1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233, USA Peace of mind for your car seat worries: Is your child using the right car seat? Is the car seat safe to use? Are you following instructions and laws? Is the car seat installed correctly? Are the harness straps adjusted correctly? Should your child be rear facing? Recent News Check out our blog: TORCH , is your resource for information regarding providers, services, classes and events at Memorial Hospital our rural health clinics and rehab center. You will also find stories on MH and employee honors and awards. Subscribe to Our Quarterly Newsletter The Lamp, is a quarterly newsletter that is sent digitally to our subscribers, patients, and their families. These newsletters provide valuable information on our skilled physicians, variety of programs we offer, and our exceptional care services. Stay informed on how Memorial Hospital is growing to meet your needs, by subscribing to our newsletter below. Williams Completes RN Residency Program at Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate Alyssa Williams, RN, on completing the hospital’s 18-week Nurse Residency Program, where she gained experience caring for patients in both the Medical-Surgical Unit and Emergency Room. Hospital News 5 days ago 2 min read Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Staff Attend Conference and Bring Back New Training By applying what they learned at the conference, the team continues to uphold Memorial Hospital’s value of Excellence committing to ongoing education, embracing innovation, and taking pride in providing the best possible care for their patients. Hospital News May 20 2 min read Jerkatis Named Medical Explorers Scholarship Winner Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Kaila Jerkatis, a senior at Gibault High School, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Scholarship. Hospital News May 19 2 min read Physician Spotlight: Getting to Know Dr. Monica Lukose At Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics, we believe great healthcare begins with trust, connection, and compassion. We sat down with Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D., to learn more about what inspires her work and what patients can expect when they choose her as their family doctor. See what she has to say. May 18 3 min read Memorial Hospital Opens Applications for Healthcare Scholarships Memorial Hospital in Chester, IL is currently accepting applications through June 1, 2026 for nursing and healthcare career scholarships. Awards range from $1,000-$8,000. Hospital News May 12 2 min read DAISY Awards Presented for First Half of 2026 On May 8, 2026, Memorial Hospital of Chester held its DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony. Nominees for the first half of 2026 were presented with a pin and certificate. The nominees included Brittany Casarez, RN and Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN from Memorial Hospital, and Robin Bixby, LPN and Molly Ebers, LPN from the Rural Health Clinics. Hospital News May 11 4 min read Welcome New Convenient Care Provider Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome Physician Assistant Jennifer Sanders, DMSc, PA-C, to our Convenient Care walk-in clinic. She is excited to work in the clinical setting again and looks forward to seeing patients in convenient care when she is available outside of her academic role. Hospital News May 6 1 min read Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Adds New Exercise Equipment Thanks to Auxiliary Donation “We are incredibly grateful to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for their continued commitment to advancing patient care,” said Sara Harris, RN, CPRC Nurse Manager. “This donation gives our team advanced tools to deliver safer, more effective rehabilitation.” Hospital News Apr 28 2 min read New Certification Brings Advanced Parkinson’s Speech Therapy to Memorial Hospital Isabel Carron, CCC-SLP is bringing an advanced level of care to the local community, offering a valuable service for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease who may struggle to be heard and understood. Clear communication plays a vital role in maintaining independence, relationships, and overall quality of life, and this specialized training helps ensure patients receive targeted, effective support close to home. Hospital News Apr 22 2 min read Laboratory Expands Services with New Partnership and Advanced Technology “These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to efficiency, accuracy, and continuous improvement,” said Mike Whitt, Laboratory Director. “By investing in both technology and trusted partnerships, we’re ensuring our lab is well‑positioned to meet the needs of our patients today and into the future.” Hospital News Apr 21 2 min read Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter View This Quarter's Newsletter Join our mailing list First name Last name Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list. When subscribing to our newsletter, you give Memorial Hospital permission to email you information about events, services, and providers. You can opt out of these emails at anytime. Archived Newsletters: January 2020 April 2020 July 2020 October 2020 January 2021 April 2021 July 2021 October 2021 January 2022 April 2022 July 2022 October 2022 January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January 2024 April 2024 July 2024 October 2024 January 2025 April 2025 July 2025 October 2025 January 2026 > Memorial Hospital Hours of Operation HOSPITAL HOURS Main Entrance: Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm (On weekends and after hours please use the ER entrance and registration desk.) Emergency Room : 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Convenient Care : Located in Medical Office Buliding Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm Memorial Community Pharmacy : Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm Counter, Drive Thru, & Curbside Pick-Up 24 Hour Pick-Up Locker Located in ER Lobby Laboratory Patient Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm Saturday-Sunday 6:00am-2:00pm Visiting Hours : Sunday-Saturday 8:00am-8:00pm (Visitor Pass Required After Hours) Specialty Clinics : Monday-Friday Gift Shop Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm Cafeteria Hours: Breakfast - 7:30am-9:30am Lunch - 11:15am-1:00pm OTHER LOCATION HOURS Therapy & Sports Rehab Center : Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm AfterCare Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm Closed on Holidays Early Hours at the Chester Clinic ONLY Tuesdays & Thursdays Starting at 7:00am With a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Memorial Hospital's Familiy Practice Providers service the Chester, IL area at our Rural Health Cinics. Memorial also provides Specialty Clinics which brings quality care closer to home so our patients don't have to travel to receive the exceptional care they need. Providers & Specialists Specialty Clinic Calendar View This Month's Schedule Accepting New Patient Appointments Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. Family Medicine Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D. Family Medicine James Kirkpatrick, M.D., PhD Family Medicine Learn More Joseph Molnar, D.O. Family Practice Learn More Cassie Chambers, APRN, FNP-BC Description Learn More Cindy Snider, APRN, FNP-C Convenient Care Provider Learn More Ziya Baghmanli, M.D. General Surgery Learn More Vamsi Chilluru, M.D. Nephrology Learn More Dr. Robert Bell, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon Learn More Rece Portell, PA-C Cardiology Learn More C. Joseph Hopper, IV, AuD Audiology Learn More Dr. Tong Zhu, M.D. Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Learn More Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing, M.D. Family Practice Learn More Zachary Orme, D.O. Accepting New Patient Appointments - Family Practice Learn More Mindy Dudenbostel, APRN, FNP-C Family Nurse Practitioner Learn More Jamie Hess, PA-C Convenient Care Provider Learn More Margret De Guzman, M.D. General Surgery & Wound Center Specialist Learn More Justin Floyd, D.O. Medical Oncology/Hematology Learn More John Groll, M.D. Cardiology Learn More M. Adil Sheikh, M.D. Cardiology Learn More Dr. Bart Jones, M.D. Ophthalmology Learn More Monica Lukose, M.D. Accepting New Patient Appointments - Family Practice Learn More Valerie Blechle, APRN, FNP-BC Advanced Practice Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified Learn More Angela Albertini, PA-C Family Practice Physician Assistant-Certified, Convenient Care Provider, and Wound Center Specialist Learn More Jennifer Sanders, DMSc, PA-C Convenient Care Provider Learn More Terry M. Brown, D.O. Sleep Medicine Learn More Michelle McQuillan, DNP,FNP-BC Oncology/Hematology Learn More Frederick Ochieng', M.D. Cardiology Learn More Amanda Hart, D.P.M Podiatry Learn More Wesley Howell, PAC Urology Learn More Our Providers Family Providers Dr. James Kirkpatrick, M.D. Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing, M.D. Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D. Dr. Joseph Molnar, D.O. Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. Valerie Blechle, APN, FNP-BC Cassandra Chambers, FNP-BC Mindy Dudenbostel, FNP-C Angela Albertini, PA-C General Surgeons Dr. Ziya Baghmanli Dr. Margret De Guzman Therapy & Sports Rehab Providers Ryan Schaal, Physical Therapist Kristyn Riley, Physical Therapist Isabel Hotop, Speech-Language Pathologist Megan Stewart, Occupational Therapist Dietitian Melissa Soellner, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Convenient Care Providers Cindy Snider, APRN, FNP-C Jamie Hess, PA-C Angela Albertini, PA-C Specialty Providers Dr. Terry M. Brown - Sleep Medicine Dr. Vamsi Chilluru - Nephrology Dr. Justin Floyd - Oncology/Hematology Michelle Voudrie, NP for Dr. Floyd Dr. Robert Bell - Orthopaedics Dr. John Groll - Cardiology Dr. Frederick Ochieng' - Cardiology Rece Portell, PA-C - Cardiology M. Adil Sheikh, M.D. - Cardiology Dr. Amanda Hart - Podiatry Dr. Joseph Hopper - Audiology Dr. Bart Jones - Ophthalmology Surgeon Wesley Howell, PA - Urology Dr. Tong Zhu - Pain Management

Caring for you throughout your life span - Treating pediatrics, youth, adults, and geriatrics. Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/Speech Therapy. Our facility in Chester, IL provides our patients with professional services close to home. Therapy and Sports Rehab Center Caring for you throughout your life span. Treating pediatrics, youth, adults, & geriatrics. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm After Care Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm Contact Us: 833 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233 618.826.4588 or 618.826.4581, Ext. 1248 Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/Speech Therapy Our facility in Chester, IL provides our patients with professional services close to home and our friendly staff and available equipment will assist you in improving your health. Our goal is to help you improve your physical function and independence in life with services dedicated to physical, occupational, speech, and pelvic floor therapy and industrial rehab services. Therapy & Sports Rehab Center The Therapy & Sports Rehab Center also offers Aftercare programs. Aftercare allows physical therapy and occupational therapy graduates to maintain their program in our gym. Our Gym Our fully equipped gym allows patients to get the greatest benefits through exercise. Our various machines are great for building strength and flexibility. Services such as traction, balance rehabilitation, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, superficial heat and cryotherapy can help decrease pain and improve function. Rehab Therapy Pool Our SwimEx therapy pool puts less stress on joints. Patients are able to perform exercises that they might not be able to perform on land. The pool is a great way for patients to increase strength and mobility before progressing to land based therapy. Specialized Equipment Along with the fully equipped gym, fitness room and private spacious rooms for treatment, there are also a few additional machines to benefit our patients: *BTE Eval Tech ER - is a state of the art system that allows us to perform custom and standard physical tests for industrial rehabilitation for employers and insurance companies. *Bariatric Treadmill - is a custom treadmill for our larger patients. Our facility has specially designed equipment to handle heavier patients with our pool lift, larger treatment table, chairs and wheelchairs. *Biodex Balance System - helps patients with postural instability, as well as balance, vertigo, coordination, strength and endurance problems. Our Staff Our staff at the TSRC in Chester is here to help you with your rehabilitation and health needs. The professional atmosphere of our new state of the art facility was designed to provide the greatest possible benefit to you. During your treatment, every effort will be made to make you feel comfortable and confident in our staff, services and the environment. Our staff consists of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, and a Speech Therapist. We also provide inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and nutrition services at Memorial Hospital. Speech Therapy Therapy & Sports Rehab Center More Info Physical Therapy Therapy & Sports Rehab Center More Info Occupational Therapy Therapy & Sports Rehab Center More Info Women's Health Physical Therapy Therapy & Sports Rehab Center More Info MEET THE STAFF Ryan Schaal, PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy and Program Director Learn More Megan Buch, OT Occupational Therapy Learn More Isabel Carron M.S., CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist Learn More Kristyn Riley, DPT Physical Therapist Learn More New Certification Brings Advanced Parkinson’s Speech Therapy to Memorial Hospital Apr 22 Specialized Hand Therapy Services at Memorial, Led by Robin Pratt, CHT, OT Mar 11 From First Words to Recovery: Full‑Spectrum Speech Therapy Services Feb 16 "Leaking When You Sneeze? How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help" May 9, 2024 Trouble Swallowing? Cancer Patients & Dysphagia: There's Help! Feb 5, 2024 Treatment is Available for Communication and Swallowing Disorders May 17, 2023 1 2 3 4

Kristyn Riley, Women's Health Physical Therapist at Memorial Hospital's Therapy and Sports Rehab Center specializes in treatment and therapy for many conditions that may be causing pain, discomfort, and disruptions due to pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction. A pelvic floor is made up of the muscles that support the urinary and reproductive tracts. These muscles also control your bladder and bowels. Functions include: support for your abdominal and pelvic organs, controlling your ability to hold or release contents of your bladder and bowels, sexual function, and posture. A women's health physical therapist goes through additional post graduate training to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions specific to women, including: • Pregnancy and post-partum related issues • Pelvic pain • Urinary or fecal incontinence • Pelvic organ prolapse Pelvic floor muscles can become stretched during childbirth, weak with aging, or hypertonic with increased stress. If you experience any of the following, you may benefit from seeing a women's health PT: • Leaking of urine or feces when you cough, sneeze, jump, or perform any other form of exercise • Frequent need to urinate, strong urgency or feeling of incomplete ability to empty your bladder • Any leaking of urine, unrelated to movement or activity. • Pain with intercourse or gynecological exam • Pregnant and experiencing back pain, pubic symphysis pain, hip pain, or round ligament pain • History of childbirth and have diastasis recti (when your belly sticks out because the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened) or problems with a c-section scar • Pelvic pressure or prolapse During your first consultation with Kristyn she will ask a variety of questions regarding your symptoms, family history, and health history. Then she will perform a physical exam of your posture, lower back and SIJ movement, abdominal muscle function, and hip muscle flexibility. An internal assessment of the pelvic floor may be needed to assess the following: • Muscle Tone • Flexibility • Pain • Prolapse • Coordination • Strength, Endurance • Patient's Ability to Voluntarily Contract or Relax A treatment plan typically consist of 1-2 visits per week over a span of 8-12 weeks. Many patients reach their goals within just 4-8 in-person visits. Ask your doctor for a referral to Kristyn Riley, Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Women's Health Physical Therapy.

Wesley Howell provides specialty clinic care at Memorial's Specialty Clinic weekly. His primary practice is the SIH Medical Group of Carbondale, IL. Their urology team offers leading-edge care for urological diseases, including diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases, bladder control problems, erectile dysfunction and male infertility. To learn more about our specialists call Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic at (618) 826-4581 ext. 1366

Primary indications for punch biopsies include suspicious skin growths and lesions. These include melanoma, carcinomas and various bullous or inflammatory skin conditions. Small pieces of skin from any part of the body are removed using a tube-shaped tool. It is rotated through the skin to the subcutaneous fat. The specimens obtained are sent for microscopic and histopathological examination, or bacterial and/ or viral cultures. While punch biopsies are capable of showing the full thickness of lesions, they are limited in terms of how much width they are able to display with respect to the specimen obtained. This limitation is crucial in the staging and prognosis of malignant lesions. Talk to your physician about it. To schedule an evaluation with a Memorial Hospital Provider contact one of our Rural Health Clinic Locations.

Kristina Jany, RN Memorial Hospital is proud to recognize Kristina Jany, RN, for earning the Nurse Lead III (Expert) designation through the hospital’s Professional Practice Development Program. This recognition honors nurses who demonstrate a high level of professional growth, leadership, continued learning, and commitment to excellent patient care. The program is designed to support nursing staff as they build their skills, expand their knowledge, and strengthen the quality of care they provide every day through professional development. Quality and safety are the foundation of Memorial Hospital’s mission, and this program helps nurses continue growing in ways that directly benefit patients and families. The Professional Practice Development Program is based on the idea that strong nursing care comes from a combination of knowledge, experience, skill, attitude, and responsiveness to patient needs. Memorial Hospital uses a nationally recognized framework recommended by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to evaluate nursing development across eight important areas of practice. These areas include clinical judgment, collaboration, advocacy, professional caring, facilitation of learning, and ongoing clinical inquiry. Memorial Hospital organizes these competencies into progressive levels of professional development and recognizes nurses who go “above and beyond” in their practice and contributions to the organization. Earning the Nurse Lead III (Expert) level reflects one of the highest levels of achievement in the program. Kristina became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1996 and a Registered Nurse in 2001. She has been employed at Memorial Hospital for nearly 24 years and has built a strong and respected career through dedication, growth, and service. Kristina began her work at Memorial Hospital on Med-Surg and went on to cross-train in both the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit. She also has experience serving as a night shift house supervisor, demonstrating her versatility and leadership in a variety of clinical settings. Kristina has also pursued national specialty certifications that reflect her commitment to professional excellence. She earned her Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certification through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing in 2018 and her Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential in 2019. These accomplishments show her dedication to continued education and advanced expertise in emergency nursing. Today, Kristina serves as an ER nurse clinical expert and a trusted resource to staff across multiple departments. She helps promote best practices and supports high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the hospital. Her knowledge, experience, and willingness to support others make her a valuable member of the Memorial Hospital team. Kristina shared that she always strives to be a great employee and coworker. That attitude, combined with her years of service, broad clinical experience, and ongoing professional growth, reflects the purpose of the Professional Practice Development Program. Memorial Hospital is honored to recognize Kristina for this well-deserved achievement and grateful for the example she sets for fellow staff members across the organization.

Alyssa Williams, RN Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate Alyssa Williams, RN, on completing the hospital’s 18-week Nurse Residency Program, where she gained experience caring for patients in both the Medical-Surgical Unit and Emergency Room. This milestone reflects not only Alyssa’s hard work, but also her heart for caring for others. Throughout her residence, she showed a genuine compassion for her patients, a strong desire to learn, and a dedication to being there when people need it most. Alyssa’s journey at Memorial Hospital began in 2023 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While supporting patients and her team, she worked toward her goal of becoming a nurse; a goal she proudly achieved in January 2026. Her story is one of determination, growth, and a deep commitment to helping others. “Alyssa’s journey is truly special to watch,” said Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. “One of the most meaningful parts of my role is seeing our team members grow into the nurses they’ve dreamed of becoming. Alyssa brings compassion, positivity, and a willingness to learn every day, and that has made a lasting impact on everyone around her.” Her coworkers and leaders consistently share positive feedback about her kindness, teamwork, and dedication. Alyssa’s choice to continue her career at Memorial Hospital speaks volumes about her connection to the patients, staff, and community she serves. “We are so grateful Alyssa chose to stay and grow with us,” Jany added. “She has a bright future ahead, and we are honored to be part of her journey.” Memorial Hospital is proud to have Alyssa on its team and looks forward to supporting her as she continues to grow and care for the community she calls home.

Representatives from Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center recently took part in training to help improve patient care and stay up to date on new developments in heart and lung health. Amy Mathis, RN, and Melissa Soellner, MS, RDN, CDE, ACSM-CEP Amy Mathis, RN, and Melissa Soellner, MS, RDN, CDE, ACSM-CEP, attended the 35th Annual Illinois Society for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Health (ISCHR) Conference on March 13–14, 2026, at Lewis University in Romeoville. The conference brought together healthcare professionals from across Illinois to learn about the latest treatments, research, and technology in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Sessions covered a range of topics, including how to improve patient treatment plans, advances in robotic procedures, and the effects of cannabis on heart and lung health. Presentations also highlighted the connection between physical activity and brain health, including research on exercise and Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees practiced simple activities that combined movement and mental focus. Other sessions focused on breathing muscle training, healthy lifestyle choices, and newer medications. Participants also learned about programs designed for children with heart and lung conditions. One of the most talked-about presentations featured a Chicago-area surgeon demonstrating robotic-assisted heart and lung procedures. The technology allows for extremely precise movements and may reduce the need for large surgical incisions. “My favorite part of the conference was seeing the robotic procedures,” said Mathis. “The surgeon shared that his approach has eliminated the risk of infections because it avoids opening the chest. It’s exciting to see where this technology is headed.” Jana Steibel, RN, of Kestra Medical Technologies After the conference, the team brought new information back to Memorial Hospital. On April 21, 2026, staff hosted training led by Jana Steibel, RN, of Kestra Medical Technologies. The session focused on the Assure Cardiac Recovery System, a wearable defibrillator designed to protect patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest while allowing them to continue daily activities. The training helps ensure staff are prepared to care for patients using the device, both in rehabilitation and in emergency situations. By applying what they learned at the conference, the team continues to uphold Memorial Hospital’s value of Excellence committing to ongoing education, embracing innovation, and taking pride in providing the best possible care for their patients.