After a decades-long career in cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Angelo Vlessis retired earlier this year, closing a long and impactful chapter at St. Charles.

Over the past 25 years, Vlessis built the health system’s cardiac surgery program from the ground up, hiring and training the skilled staff that remains today.

“For the last 20+ years, he was synonymous with heart surgery in Central Oregon,” said Dr. Matthew Slater, St. Charles’ chief of cardiothoracic surgery, who met Vlessis during their residencies at Oregon Health & Science University in the early 1990s. “He was always a mentor to me.”

Growing up with a chemistry set and microscope, Vlessis was hooked on science from a young age. Although he initially pursued plant physiology, his interests turned to general surgery in graduate school. Cardiothoracic surgery stood out as the most exciting of the surgery specialties, he said, because the practice is peppered with more life-and-death situations.

“Every day or week, there were exciting moments,” Vlessis said. “People come in all the time half-dead, and you operate on them and have the opportunity to save them.”

After finishing his residency at the University of Michigan in 1997, Vlessis worked as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland. He did several rotations at St. Charles throughout the 1990s before settling in for his first long-term position in 1999. After a two-year return to Portland to work as a professor of cardiovascular surgery at OHSU, he returned to St. Charles in 2016, where he operated until his retirement.

“Without him, we wouldn’t really have a program,” Slater said. “It’s not just about doing the surgery. Dr. Vlessis had to build all the platforms to support it.”

Because Central Oregon is relatively isolated, Vlessis filled a gap in much-needed cardiothoracic care when he arrived. Among his roughly 7,000 patients through the years, some came from as far as northern California or southern Washington.

Part of his legacy, Slater said, is that Vlessis provided consistent care for so long. At many medical centers, quality of care ebbs and flows as physicians come and go, but that was not the case at St. Charles while Vlessis was on staff.

“His prolonged presence allowed the cardiac surgery program to grow and strengthen,” Slater said. “He’s built a really stable platform.”

Another significant mark Vlessis made in Central Oregon is the impact of his mitral valve repair practice. The mitral valve is vital for moving blood in the right direction through the heart, and some genetic conditions can cause it to malfunction. Many surgeons choose to replace the valve with an artificial one; Vlessis specialized in repairing the valve instead of replacing it.

As for the most rewarding part of his career? Vlessis said it’s when he runs into patients away from the operating table.

“Maybe I'll have dinner at a restaurant, and the waitress will notice my last name and say, ‘Oh, you operated on my dad. You saved his life. Thank you,’” he said. “The appreciation that you get in a smaller community … is probably the most rewarding part about working here.”

The orthopedic specialists and physical therapists at St. Charles Physical Therapy provide experienced, compassionate care that focuses on relieving pain, restoring mobility and returning people to the active, pain-free lifestyle they once enjoyed.

The health system is pleased to welcome two new providers, Lindsay Lund and Matt Onderdonk. With these additions, the St. Charles Physical Therapy clinic on Bend’s south side has appointments available and is accepting new patients, as well as all insurances.

“Joint pain, back pain and other types of musculoskeletal and orthopedic pain affect millions of Americans each year, and Central Oregon is no different. For years, we’ve been helping local people feel better, move better, prevent further injury and regain independence,” said Elisa Jadzak, manager of outpatient rehab for St. Charles.

“As the region has grown, we have worked hard to keep up with increasing demand for physical therapy services,” she continued. “With the addition of these providers, we’re improving access to the care that people need when they need it, and at a convenient location at the south end of Bend.”

Orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions are typically caused by the aging process, normal wear and tear, overuse, sports injuries, trauma or disease, and the pain that results often limits the amount or type of activity a person can perform. The staff at St. Charles Physical Therapy offers a wide range of treatments for back and neck pain, sports- and work-related injuries, osteoporosis and other bone or muscle conditions.

“Our physical therapists are experts in movement, and they’ll examine you and develop a personalized treatment plan,” Jadzak said. “A physical therapist’s training never truly ends. As part of their work, they’re required to stay up to date on the most current, evidence-based techniques and they have expertise that spans the age continuum, from pre-adolescence and up.”

Here's a bit about the new providers at St. Charles Physical Therapy:

Lindsay Lund, DPT

Originally from Bainbridge Island, Wash., Lindsay received her undergraduate degree in biology from DePauw University in Indiana, where she played collegiate soccer. She obtained her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Colorado and her Certified Manual Physical Therapy certification through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. When she’s not working, she loves all things active and adventurous, including mountain biking, surfing, backpacking, fly fishing and more.

“My experience working in outpatient orthopedics has given me an opportunity to treat a diverse patient population, including athletes, kids, older adults, active military members and individuals with neurological conditions,” she said. “I like to focus on integrating manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education in an effort to encourage patients and help them return to their desired lifestyle.”

Matt Onderdonk, DPT, OCS

A board-certified orthopedic specialist, Matt earned his degree in exercise and sport science at Oregon State University, then went on to get his doctorate in physical therapy at Eastern Washington University. Away from the clinic, he and his wife spend their time chasing their two kids around Central Oregon’s trails. (When he’s not doing that, Matt’s on his mountain bike or searching for his golf ball in the rough.)

“I have extensive experience in motor control and stability retraining, as well as certification through the Titleist Performance Institute for golf injury management and performance training,” he said. “A huge emphasis on my sessions with my patients is communicating goals and expectations. Whether my patients want to be able to get up out of bed or to the top of South Sister, I work to meet my patients where they are at and build toward their goals from there. Problem solving with my patients to find the best treatment strategy for the individual is crucial.”

To learn more about the expertise and services available at St. Charles Physical Therapy, check out these Frequently Asked Questions or call 541-706-5940 to speak to a physical therapist or to schedule an appointment.

(pictured above: Emma Vlossak surrounded by members of Bend Fire and Rescue)

“My only job right now is to breathe.”

That’s what Emma Vlossak told herself as she lay in a ditch off Alfalfa Market Road east of Bend, unable to move, after being struck by an SUV while riding her bike.

Now, nearly a year later, Vlossak is “alive, upright and can hold (her) children again” and, for that, she feels tremendous gratitude. 

Up until the day she was hit on her bike, Vlossak had experienced trauma primarily as part of a team that cares for patients with severe injuries. She spent 10 years as a trauma nurse, three years at St. Charles, serving in the emergency department, after that working as a house supervisor and as a nurse manager in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

When she entered St. Charles Bend’s Emergency Department as a patient last June, Vlossak was surrounded by people she considers family.

“I got to experience being cared for by my family,” she said. “These are the people I was in the trenches with. From the moment the fire crew picked me up to the time I was in recovery, I was surrounded by and cared for by our medical community, who are also my work family. Our caregivers and the Bend Fire crews do not just show up to work, they are deeply committed to the health of our community.”

This week, Vlossak shared her story as part of the first Trauma Survivors Day event at St. Charles Bend, where approximately 50 people including surgeons, nurses, emergency responders, clerical staff and others had a chance to connect with people who had needed their care.

The goal is for Trauma Survivors Day to become an annual event and to kick off a new Trauma Survivors Support Network for Central Oregon.

Meeting former patients is an important opportunity for emergency caregivers to experience connection and closure, said Michelle Brenholdt, St. Charles’ director of Emergency and Trauma Services for Bend and Redmond.

“We are here when patients are having their worst day, but we don’t get to see them when they are back having their best day,” she said. “To meet a survivor, that’s what fills our cups, knowing we played a role in it.”

Connecting with trauma survivors “is like therapy for us,” said Trauma Medical Director Dr. Marika Gassner, who saw one of her former patients, Richard Macias, at the event.

“To see Rich walk in doing so well, it’s enormous,” she said.

Macias was excited to attend Trauma Survivors Day so he could thank all of his caregivers. He developed a relationship with them during his long recovery after falling from a roof late last year.

“It didn’t feel like strangers were taking care of me. The people here, they felt like an extended family," said Macias, who now has 11 plates and 86 screws in his new rib section.

“I just have so much appreciation for everyone,” he said. “I’m so glad I landed here.”

To learn more about the program or to sign up to take part, email the St. Charles Trauma Program.

Ask a Nurse ... from St. Charles Health System on Vimeo.

Cancer Wise, Know Your Risk, a program designed to identify those at increased risk for cancer -- through personalized assessment, genetic testing and education.

Helping our community become more “Cancer Wise” includes:

• Expanded genetic testing, helping identify people with a greater risk for cancer and designing a personalized plan for medical management.
• Expanded community outreach so that everyone has equal access to testing and follow-up services. Where someone lives or what kind of insurance they have should not be a barrier to receiving the best cancer care possible.
• Promotion of lifestyle modification strategies for cancer prevention and risk reduction, with focus on healthy habits of nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation.

To learn more, call our Cancer Screening Coordinator at 541-706-5800.

St. Charles to focus on reducing loneliness, fostering belonging through funding priority

Effort coincides with U.S. Surgeon General initiative to combat loneliness

Today, St. Charles Health System is announcing a new focus for its Community Benefit funding: reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation while fostering a sense of belonging among Central Oregonians. This priority funding area means that, for the next three years, St. Charles will direct thousands in grant funding to community organizations to target loneliness and isolation.

“We are increasingly seeing that loneliness and depression are root causes of a number of health problems and societal problems, and the pandemic has only exacerbated that issue,” said Molly Wells Darling, administrative director of Behavioral Health Services for St. Charles. “If we can help people feel less lonely by connecting with others and becoming part of a community, we know that Central Oregon will be healthier community.”

The announcement of this priority funding area comes alongside U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s introduction of a new initiative to combat loneliness and isolation, writing in an op-ed in the New York Times that this must be a “top public health priority” for the country.

“We need to acknowledge the loneliness and isolation that millions are experiencing and the grave consequences for our mental health, physical health and collective well-being,” wrote Murthy.

St. Charles leadership believes access to mental health care is a major need in Central Oregon. As part of the Community Benefit program, the health system will partner with local organizations working to address loneliness, social isolation and belonging to capitalize on the energy that surrounds the subject. The Community Benefit department will dedicate grant dollars to groups that are trying to provide opportunities to decrease feelings of loneliness and social isolation in communities across the region. Exactly how that looks will be up to the individual communities, according to Carlos Salcedo, manager of community partnerships for St. Charles.

“Our hope is that each community will choose where to focus their time and energy around this issue. Maybe one will focus on older adults while another focuses on supporting youth or new parents finding community,” he said. “St. Charles may find itself supporting communities in a variety of ways, such as offering financial assistance for projects identified by the community or providing relevant research to enable people to move forward in redefining what it means to be part of a community in Central Oregon.”

Reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation while fostering a sense of belonging was identified as a priority based on the 2023-2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which brought together population health data, input from community members, community survey results and analysis of available community resources to address health needs.

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond, La Pine and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

Mahi Mahi Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

Fresh and healthy, these tacos are packed with flavor!

Ingredients

2 fresh Mahi Mahi steaks, approx. 6 oz. each
8 white corn tortillas
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup garlic powder
2 Tbsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. brown or coconut sugar
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

Pico de Gallo

1 medium tomato, diced
½ white onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Juice from 1 lime

Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp. lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. sea salt

Instructions:

1. Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in medium bowl, cover and place in fridge.
2. Prepare the creamy cilantro lime sauce by placing cilantro, vinegar, yogurt, lime juice, garlic and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse to combine. While processor is running on lowest setting, slowly add in olive oil. Pour into bowl, cover and refrigerate until the tacos are ready to assemble.
3. Warm the tortillas by heating a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Add one tortilla at a time, flipping to warm both sides, about five minutes total. Wrap the warm tortillas in a clean dishcloth and set aside while you prepare the fish.
4. In small bowl, mix together garlic powder, salt, sugar, parsley, lemon pepper and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle each piece of fish liberally with seasoning mix. Pour oil in a fry pan and heat over medium-high heat until oil starts to shimmer. Gently place fish in pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook about 4-5 minutes. When bottom of fish gets golden brown, carefully flip to the other side and continue cooking another 4-5 minutes until cooked through, being careful not to overcook. Transfer to a plate with paper towel to remove any excess cooking oil.
5. To assemble tacos, start by breaking a piece of fish in half and placing it in a warm tortilla {It’s best if you stack two tortillas together to keep the taco from breaking apart in your hand}. Add the shredded cabbage, avocado slices and top with Pico de Gallo. Finish with a heavy drizzle of the creamy cilantro lime sauce. Enjoy!

I want to take a few minutes to talk about the effects of social isolation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and what our health system is doing about it.

At St. Charles, we believe this is a major health need in Central Oregon – a need that was identified and confirmed through our recently completed triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the regions served by each of our four hospitals.

You can read more about the importance of this new priority if you’d like. To summarize, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – the social isolation, separation from loved ones and so on – has led to an increase in the number of people experiencing feelings of loneliness, depression and other associated health issues. Social isolation compounds other health challenges our communities are already facing.

Every three years, St. Charles conducts the CHNA, and the resulting report helps guide the selection of a priority for the program. Past priorities include prevention of suicide and prevention of alcohol misuse. With a new CHNA complete, we now have a new priority for the next three years: fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness.

Why does that priority matter? Because all profits at St. Charles are reinvested in our communities, and the CHNA helps guide that reinvestment. We reinvest in a number of different ways, one of which is partnering with local groups on prevention and ensuring people in Central Oregon have access to core health care services when they need them most. Since its inception, St. Charles has been contributing to programs that benefit our community, and we prioritize those that are taking care of underserved, disadvantaged populations throughout the region.

With our CHNA complete, we will once again be partnering with like-minded local organizations, this time with a focus on social isolation and related issues and awarding grants to groups working to address them. Look for more information about those grants in the coming months.

We also have other Community Benefit grants available: One for those providing basic needs such as shelter, food or safety; sponsorships for community events and/or fundraisers; and small grants for those seeking $500 or less. You can learn more about these opportunities here.

When people think about St. Charles, most think about hospitals, clinics, doctors and nurses. And with good reason! Taking care of Central Oregonians is what we do here, every single day.

But there are many ways to take care of people that don’t involve visiting our facilities, and our Community Benefit programs are an important part of our efforts to create America’s healthiest community, together.

Sincerely,
Steve

Neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy can be debilitating, potentially shrinking a person’s world.

Destination Rehab, based in Bend, strives to combat that effect by helping people with these conditions get outside via adaptive, accessible activities. In addition to one-on-one physical therapy, Destination Rehab offers programs packed with fitness and adventure, such as hiking and rock climbing. The programs give patients an opportunity to build a support system and reconnect with activities they enjoy, says Stephanie Odell, the donor journey coordinator at Destination Rehab.

“There’s a lot of meaningful connections that get created,” Odell said. “It's really showing them that they can go out and do it on their own and empowering them to get back into things that they love.

The non-profit organization offers three community programs:

• The Adventure group, which runs from May to October and takes participants outside for activities like kayaking, bird watching and hiking.
• Peak Fitness and Education, which provides year-round workout classes adapted to the needs of participants, ranging from yoga to boxing.
• Rock Climbing for Health, launched this year, meets fox six weeks at Bend Rock Gym.

In addition, Destination Rehab hosts a day-long event, Soar, packed with wellness and outdoor activities specifically created for people with physical challenges and disabilities. This year, Soar is set for Saturday, July 8.

Any patients over the age of 18 are welcome to join Destination Rehab. Some people find the program through physical therapy and stay for the engaging programs, Odell said, while thers come just for the programs – participants don’t need to be physical therapy patients to join.

Odell said she sees patients build confidence and take back their life, not letting their diagnosis define who they are.

“There's so much confidence building and independence building and social support,” she said.

International travel increases the risk of travel-related illnesses and other adverse health exposures. Different countries harbor risks that may make you vulnerable to serious illness. Travel medicine focuses on pre-travel preventive care and posttravel illness diagnosis and treatment. Pre-travel counseling is highly recommended for international travelers. Our providers will review your itinerary, planned activities and immunization history to create a comprehensive risk assessment to accurately evaluate risks specific to your travel destination.

These risks could include infectious and noninfectious travel-related illnesses, required immunizations, health regulations and safety issues. We will provide guidance for intervention strategies to ensure your health and safety while traveling and prevent the likelihood of becoming sick during your trip.

• Managing preexisting conditions that may be impacted by travel
• Prevention and treatment of traveler’s diarrhea
• Proactively preventing motion or altitude sickness, jet lag and blood clots
• Food and water precautions
• Risks of infections from mosquito-borne illnesses/ medication to prevent malaria
• Vaccination and yellow card certificate if traveling where yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required

Immunizations are recommended and even required for entry into some countries. Our specialists can provide these immunizations, including the vaccine for yellow fever, which previously had not been readily available locally.

Seeing us before your trip is an added benefit if you become sick after returning home. As an established patient, we’ll have access to your medical records and your travel itinerary.

Travel medicine providers understand global health trends and pathogens that pose a threat in different parts of the world. We can diagnose the following illnesses and discuss treatment options:

• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• And many others

We provide complete travel medical care for the entire family. Pre-travel appointments are in person and should be scheduled approximately four to eight weeks in advance of travel. However, timing can be different depending on required immunizations.

Please call to find out the recommended appointment schedule for your travel plans: 541-706-7734.