IU Health West Hospital

01/28/2026

Robotic bronchoscopy technology enhances early lung cancer detection at IU Health West -

IU Health West Hospital has introduced a leading edge robotic bronchoscopy system, an advancement poised to transform how lung cancer is detected and treated. Officially launched in June 2025, the technology gives physicians a safer, more precise way to biopsy small or hard to reach lung nodules. This opens the door to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes for patients.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, in large part because it is often diagnosed in its later stages. Early detection dramatically increases survival, yet small nodules can be difficult to reach or accurately biopsy using traditional methods. This makes improved diagnostic tools essential in the fight against the disease.

“It allows for safe, minimally invasive biopsy of small lung nodules that could often only previously be reached by surgical biopsy,” says Dr. Mark Unroe, pulmonary critical care physician at IU Health West. “Additionally, it has a lower risk of complications compared to other minimally invasive techniques, such as CT guided biopsy.”

Lung nodules, tiny spots on the lungs often discovered through imaging, can be challenging to diagnose, especially when located deep within branching airways. Traditional approaches may require invasive procedures or pose higher risks, and in some cases may not be able to reach the nodule at all.

The robotic bronchoscopy platform changes this. Using advanced navigation technology and robotic precision, it threads a flexible scope deep into the lung with far greater stability and accuracy than manual techniques.

“It offers excellent diagnostic accuracy for biopsies of difficult to reach pulmonary nodules,” Dr. Unroe explains. “This allows for earlier diagnosis of lung cancer, leading to quicker time to treatment and improved outcomes.”

Lung cancer is most treatable when caught early, yet many patients face delays in diagnosis due to the complexity of evaluating small nodules. By combining robotic precision with a multidisciplinary, patient centered model, IU Health West is accelerating the path from detection to diagnosis to treatment.
The technology represents not just a new tool, but a new chapter in local lung cancer care, one where advanced diagnostics and compassionate care meet, close to home.

To learn more about IU Health’s lung cancer care, visit iuhealth.org/lung-cancer.

01/26/2026

For the safety of our patients and team members, offices in the the Indy Metro area and southern Indiana will be closed on Monday, January 26. Muncie and Lafayette area clinics are operating on a delay. If you have an appointment scheduled, please call your provider's office to change to a virtual appointment or to reschedule. See the latest information at iuhealth.org.

01/21/2026

Dr. Matthew Coghlan, the pulmonary critical care chief fellow at IU Health West, sanitizes his hands as he oversees the care for one of his patients in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He was drawn to critical care because he’s able to see his patients improve within a shorter amount of time.

“I enjoy the acuity. With critical care, the things you do personally makes a big difference within a short window,” he explains.

As a fellow, Dr. Coghlan rotates to different facilities, including IU Health Methodist and University hospitals. This is his third or fourth time at IU Health West.

“What always impresses me here is the teamwork. It’s one of my favorite places to come out,” he says. “It really is a team sport. I love working with the nurses and the pharmacy here.”

01/19/2026

Each year, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is celebrated through acts of service and taking action to create a more equitable community where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, ability, religion or background.

In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated as the only federal holiday that is a national day of service to encourage all people to volunteer to improve their communities.

In honor of King’s legacy, Community Outreach teams at IU Health Fishers, North and West hospitals organized volunteer opportunities. Team members at IU Health West assembled 75 chicken casserole meal kits that will be donated to local food banks.

“It’s important that we come together on MLK Day to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by volunteering to better our communities, just as Dr. King envisioned,” says Krystle Barber, Community Outreach consultant. “This was a great opportunity for team members to get involved and not only make a difference by addressing food insecurity, but to also inspire others to do the same.”

01/15/2026

Kyla Brixey prepares equipment for a patient room in the Intensive Care unit at IU Health West. As the team lead for Endoscopy, she brings 18 years of experience to the role and recently celebrated her fifth year with the hospital.

Endoscopy involves using specialized instruments to view the body’s internal structures, often playing an important role in diagnosing and treating conditions. Brixey first discovered her interest in the field after taking a gastrointestinal position, and she quickly realized it was where she belonged.

While patient care remains at the center of her work, Brixey has also developed a passion for educating others.

“I’m our only endoscopy trainer,” she says. “I do a lot of teaching and orienting, and I really enjoy it.”

Whether she’s preparing equipment, supporting clinical teams or guiding new team members, Brixey’s expertise and dedication are evident.

01/06/2026

Tierney Dininger and Susan Paulick are the first hospital-based spine nurse navigators within the IU Health system, providing quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health West and North hospitals.

Dininger, pictured left, is the navigator at IU Health West. She's been with the team since 2015 and took on this new role in August 2024.

As a spine nurse navigator, she focuses heavily on patient and team member education and serves as a connection between the outpatient clinic and the surgical teams.

“We have a really wonderful team. Everybody cares a lot,” Dininger says. “We're very thorough and we just want to make sure that the patients are well taken care of.”

Meet IU Health's first spine nurse navigators. They provide quality and personalized care to those seeking spine pain relief at IU Health North and West.

01/05/2026

At 4:37 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Belen Barahona-Avalos became the first baby born at IU Health West Hospital in 2026. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long.

Belen’s mother and father, Migdalia and Emerson, waited to learn her gender until birth and enjoyed surprising family and friends when they arrived home. It was especially exciting for Belen’s older siblings, including three sisters and a brother, to meet her.

“She was born a little early and it was a fast delivery, but everything went really smoothly,” Migdalia, Belen’s mother, said.

Maddison Bryant was the family’s lead registered nurse on the maternity unit.

“It’s super exciting to deliver the first baby of the new year, starting off the year with a healthy birth,” Bryant said, who’s worked as a registered nurse on IU Health West’s maternity unit for a year. “Mom did great and it was really fun for everyone involved.”

At IU Health West, the first baby born on New Year’s Day receives a special gift basket containing a variety of items for the baby and family.

12/29/2025

Flu season can be tough on little ones. Explore our guide for practical tips to keep kids healthy and safe.

Committed to providing the best care for Indiana families, Indiana University Health is the most comprehensive healthcare system with a personalized approach.

12/23/2025

While walking through the main hallways of IU Health West, you might've noticed some beautiful team-made Christmas trees.

The hospital's Engagement Team invited departments to show off their creativity and decorate trees this holiday season.

In decorating the trees, teams were asked to pick a theme—whether it be their unit, culture, country, holidays and more.

While scrolling through photos below, you might notice an Emergency department tree, a Hawaii tree and Polar Express tree. You can also find them in person on the hospital’s ground and first floor.

Leaders at IU Health West will vote on their favorite tree later this month. Let us know your favorite in the comments.

12/17/2025

Nurse navigator helps provide comfort after diagnosis -

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can be a harrowing experience. Michelle Bailey, a registered nurse navigator at IU Health West Hospital, makes it a little easier for patients.

Bailey reaches out to newly diagnosed patients to provide emotional support and review their diagnosis. She also assists with coordinating testing, scheduling appointments and connecting patients to helpful resources.

“I try to be available for the patients if they have any clinical questions or just need somebody to talk to after a disorientating diagnosis,” she says.

Bailey has been a nurse since 2010 and joined IU Health West about a year and a half ago. She appreciates the collaborative approach of the Breast Surgery team.

“We all come together to try and do what's best for our patients, to be able to provide them with the support and the care that they need through this process,” she explains.

For Bailey, advocating for patients is the most rewarding part of her role as a nurse navigator.

“I really am fortunate to be able to be that person patients can call anytime and just chat if they are having a rough day."

12/15/2025

Flu season is here—take simple steps to stay healthy this winter.

https://iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/cold-flu

12/09/2025

Is it a trip to the emergency room or Urgent Care? Do you need to see a doctor in person, or can you do a virtual visit from the comfort of your home instead?

Knowing where to seek care can save you time and money.

When you need care, we’re ready for you: iuhealth.org/get-care-now