IU Health North Hospital

03/31/2026

The IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center has been named in Current Publishing's “Best of Suburban Indy 2026.” The facility recently received a gold rating in the category of cancer treatment centers. View the full list at the link below.

Best of Suburban Indy 2026

03/30/2026

March 30 is National Doctor's Day—a time of recognition to honor physicians everywhere and thank them for their expertise, dedication, achievements and commitment to patient care.

Dr. Michael Tsangaris, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist, has cared for patients at IU Health and Riley Hospital for Children for 37 years. One of IU Health North's most tenured doctors, he shares his thoughts on a few questions below, as well as a photo from the start of his career.

What has kept you connected to the organization and community over the years?

"What kept me connected to the organization was departmental and divisional leadership in the IU School of Medicine that recognized the value and importance of clinical service—my area of excellence. They said that their job was to give me the tools I needed to do my job. That has always been the case. In more recent years, I’ve been inspired by IU Health leadership and the emphasis on focusing on the organizational macro view of the 'why we do what we do,' that should drive our day-to-day activities. I’ve had a seat at the leadership table for the last several years. I trust that, as an organization, we are in good hands. What comes to mind when asked about my connection to community is the pool of talented and committed professionals that make it easy for me to take care of patients; primary care and specialty physicians and APP’s, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and “behind the scenes” administrative team members. I can’t think of a time when I’ve asked for help and been told, 'We can’t do that.'"

What moments remind you why you chose pediatric pulmonology as a profession?

"In Pediatrics, there are always several people to take care of that accompany every patient that walks into my office: the patient themselves and their parents and family. In my Pediatric Pulmonary practice, I see four types of patients:

The infant with a diagnosis that has an excellent prognosis—as long as my advice is followed. I sometimes worry as much about the wellbeing of the parents as I do that of the patient. One of my rewards is to see the parents become much more comfortable and confident in their ability to manage acute exacerbations of their child’s chronic respiratory disease.

The child who thinks they are an adult with whom I have to have a candid discussion about why they need to take their medicine as prescribed. Interestingly, the parents always appreciate my having that discussion with their child.

The former child who is now an independent adult. It is a privilege to have watched them grow up. I’m proud of their accomplishments and to know that I played a role.

The formerly 'special needs child' who ages out of pediatrics into the “special needs adult” world. They will be dependent on parents and family for the rest of their lives. By this time, the parent knows exactly what to do and what their adult child needs. I just provide support and help them get the tools they need to get it done. They see me as a family member."

03/26/2026

March 30 is National Doctor's Day—a time of recognition to honor physicians everywhere and thank them for their expertise, dedication, achievements and commitment to patient care.

Dr. Megan Crittendon, MD, an emergency medicine physician, has worked at IU Health for 21 years. She started out in IU Health West's Emergency department on the hospital's opening night in December 2024 as a new graduate. Since then, Dr. Crittendon has taken on a variety of leadership roles as she worked with teams at IU Health Fishers, North, Tipton and West hospitals. Most recently, she served as IU Health North and Tipton's Emergency department medical director, as well as IU Health Tipton's EMS medical director.

She shares her thoughts on a few questions below, as well as a photo from earlier in her career.

What has kept you connected to the organization and community over the years?

"I have remained connected to IU Health because I believe deeply in its mission. IU Health consistently strives to do the right thing for our patients and the communities we serve, and that commitment has never wavered. I trust the quality of care provided each day by our physicians and nurses, and I’m proud to be part of a team that puts patients first. As healthcare continues to evolve, innovation is critical to finding new ways to reach and care for patients, and IU Health continues to lead in that effort. I am proud to call IU Health my professional home."

What moments remind you why you chose this profession?

"The moments that resonate with me most are those when I’m able to genuinely connect with a patient, a staff member, or colleague. Delivering excellent medical care is a fundamental expectation of my role, but it’s the meaningful human connections and the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life that keep me fulfilled."

03/24/2026

Sometimes, the most meaningful care is simply being present.

During an incredibly difficult moment in the Labor and Delivery unit at IU Health North Hospital, a patient experiencing a stillbirth found comfort and support from registered nurse Colleen Stone (pictured first), who remained by their side with empathy and compassion.

“Colleen shared both my joy and sorrow and did everything possible to make the sudden tragedy of my child’s stillbirth more bearable,” says the patient.

Stone helped the family create meaningful keepsakes by coordinating photography with their baby and making handmade cards with hand and footprints. When the patient’s epidural stopped working, Stone also became a strong advocate, ensuring their pain and concerns were addressed promptly and thoroughly.

“When my epidural stopped working and I was in so much pain, she did everything she could to help alleviate my pain and advocated for me to the anesthesiologists. She communicated so well with the other nurses, caring for me and with the doctors, ensuring that I was in good hands and that everyone was on the same page,” explains the patient.

Moved by Stone’s empathy, advocacy and unwavering presence, the patient nominated her for a DAISY Award. This award honors extraordinary nurses who bring compassion and care to their patients.

A similar commitment to advocacy and listening earned another nurse the same recognition.

In the Progressive Care unit (PCU), registered nurse Joseph Fischer (pictured second) met with a patient and their family to explain a medication ordered by a physician. During the discussion, it became clear that the medication’s side effects would make it difficult for the patient to take. Fischer quickly took action to find an alternative.

“He immediately contacted the doctor and got an alternative drug they could take. He was so attentive to their needs and sensitivities,” says a family member of the patient.

Fischer’s attentiveness and willingness to listen helped the patient and their family feel supported and respected.

“He truly listened and we felt heard. That is so special to find in a nurse,” says the family member.

Fischer’s thoughtful advocacy and compassionate care also earned him a DAISY Award, reflecting the impact nurses across IU Health make every day through listening, presence and patient‑focused care.

Help us congratulate Stone and Fischer in the comments below.

03/19/2026

March 19 is Certified Nurses Day—a worldwide day of recognition to honor certified nurses everywhere and thank them for their dedication, achievements and commitment to patient safety.

Mariah Martin, RN, a certified nurse working in the Intensive Care unit (ICU) at IU Health North, shares about her nursing journey and what being certified means to her.

Why did you become a nurse?

"My certification is Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). I became a nurse to better the lives of my patients. Most of the time, when patients are in the hospital, they are at one of the most vulnerable times in their life. My goal is to ease their burdens, pains and struggles any way that I can. Often, it is the littlest things that help the most, such as an encouraging word, a hand hold or even basic hygiene—anything I can do to show them I truly care and want the best for them. That extends to patients’ support systems as well."

What’s a nursing initiative you’re proud to be a part of?

"From 2024-25, I was on the Professional Governance Council for the adult ICU. Through my work with this council, we started a distraction cart. In this cart are items like sudoku, magazines, crossword puzzles, activity blankets and baby dolls. These items help distract patients who might be slightly confused, need comfort or just need something to pass the time. We also have many patients on the unit who might be on the ventilator for several days. In the distraction cart, we keep hair ties and detangle spray for those patients whose hair gets knotted or tangled from being on the ventilator for so long."

What does being certified mean to you?

"Being certified means I have increased my knowledge base, so I can continue to provide the best up to date nursing care and broaden my nursing foundation. Through receiving my certification, I also have gotten the opportunity to strengthen my critical thinking skills. I take pride in knowing that in order to be the best ICU nurse I can be, I challenged myself and validated my knowledge by earning my certification."

Help us wish all of our certified nurses a happy Certified Nurses Day in the comments.

03/17/2026

Small rocks make a big impact at the IU Health Schwarz Cancer Center -

Acts of kindness can start with the smallest things, even a painted rock. At the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel, kindness rocks have become a meaningful, lighthearted way for patients, families and team members to share encouragement and connection during difficult moments.

Janell Guyman, a clinical patient educator at the cancer center, supports patients as they begin their cancer journey. She provides education, answers questions and stays with patients through their first few treatments. While Guyman has been in her current role for just over a month, she brings more than 13 years of oncology experience at IU Health. The idea for kindness rocks began forming about five years ago.

“I did a three day walk for breast cancer with my family. There were stops in between with snacks and along the way, there were these little rocks with inspirational messages. It had a cute little message, telling me to just breathe,” Guyman explains.

Inspired by the experience, Guyman tracked the rock’s journey through social media as it traveled across multiple states. She loved the simplicity and impact of the idea and knew she wanted to bring it to Schwarz.

“I mentioned it at work, and my supervisors said to go for it. So, I talked about it to my husband, and he made the stand out there for the rock garden,” she says.

The stand is just outside the Schwarz entrance and is designed so that patients with limited mobility and children can access it. Ann Bredensteiner, manager of Integrative Health and Supportive care, created the sign for the rock garden, while team members across the center helped bring the idea to life. To make the rocks, one can paint an inspirational message or picture on it and leave it at the rock garden for someone else to pick up.

“We all pitched in and did different parts of it. The nurses painted some rocks to start it off. It's just a way to lift the spirits in a place where maybe they're not always high,” Guyman says.

To extend the experience beyond the hospital walls, Guyman and other team members created take‑home rock painting kits for patients and their families. The kits went out fast, and the positive effect was seen throughout the center.

“Patients loved it. The take-home bags went really quickly. Team members love the rocks because they can take a quick moment to destress and paint,” Guyman explains.

Guyman now hopes to see the kindness spread even further by encouraging participants to share their rocks on social media using the hashtag , allowing patients, families and team members to follow the journey and see where each message of encouragement lands.

The project’s meaning is simple, but necessary.

“We all need more kindness, right? The world is hard enough, and not just for those who have cancer, but anybody going through medical problems,” Guyman says. “Spread kindness and lift up someone’s day.”

03/16/2026

This winter, the IU Health North Medical Staff held its annual get-together to take care of some medical staff business, but also to focus on recognition and fellowship.

Annual awards were given out during the casino-themed dinner, including the Candle Award, Sanctuary Award and Tsangaris Award.

The Candle Award goes to…

The Candle Award recognizes an advanced practice provider (APP) who demonstrates compassion with their interactions around others, aspires to be a preeminent leader in clinical care, nurtures the continued professional development of those around them and is dedicated to their patients and their families. The nominee also exhibits leadership by establishing true empathetic connections that enhance relationships and performance.

The winner of the 2025 IU Health North Candle Award is Rachel Anderson, a nurse practitioner specializing in Gastroenterology – Hepatology (first photo, pictured second from right).

Part of her nomination says, "Rachel is such a patient, compassionate listener to each and every patient she cares for... She always has a positive attitude and is down to earth and genuine. Her care for those around her is a quiet, calm strength that the rest of us admire so much. Her smile is the best and we are so lucky to have her holding down our specialty GI care on the north side."

Drum roll for the Sanctuary Award...

The Sanctuary Award honors physicians who provide extraordinary patient care with a focus on quality, teamwork and compassion for both patient and family.

IU Health North’s 2025 Sanctuary Award went to hospitalist Todd Biggerstaff, MD (second photo, pictured second from right).

Part of his nomination reads: "This provider has been a long-time IU Health employee at both Methodist and North hospitals and a dedicated hospitalist with the service line for 23 years. In my short time as medical director, I have received several instances of positive feedback regarding not only the care he provides, but his bedside manner and his dedication to speaking with patients and families. He prioritizes spending time at the bedside and providing compassionate care with each of his patients. He is a valuable member of our team and he lives the IU Health values each day he comes to work at IU Health North."

The winner of the Tsangaris Award is…

The Tsangaris Award is a distinguished physician service award, honoring someone who is committed to quality and is dedicated to patients, the hospital and the community.

The winner of the 2025 Tsangaris Award at IU Health North is Jay Bhatt, MD, who specializes in Neurology (third photo, pictured on right).

His award reads: "IU Health physician. Member of the IU Health North Medical Staff (2005 – 2025). President of the IU Health North Medical Staff (2016 – 2017). Medical Staff Vice President and Credentials Chair (2013 – 2015). His hobbies are juggling, camping and playing pickleball. Besides the important titles like husband to Lisa and father to Sam, Nick and Ahnna—at IU Health North, he is more likely known as Best COVID ED physician, the Susan Lucci of parking spot losers, the better half or the Don Selzer duo, the winner of the 2023 dance-off and a friend to all."

03/11/2026

IU Health North Hospital earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart/Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Certification.

The hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review this October. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management and delivering and facilitating clinical care.

Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the high standards of patient care we strive for, every day,” says Susanne Crotty, stroke program and quality coordinator at IU Health North. “This recertification is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, who work tirelessly to support patients and their families. Being awarded the Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification once again affirms the exceptional stroke care we deliver and reinforces our ongoing commitment to the health and well‑being of the communities we serve.”

“Advanced Primary Stroke Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend IU Health North Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

Pictured from left to right: Kristi Curry, Supervisor of Imaging Services; Manpreet Kaur, Emergency department Registered Nurse; Susanne Crotty, Stroke Clinical and Quality Coordinator; Kaci Elliott, Critical Care Registered Nurse; Amber Hinton, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist; Ashley Bridges, 5B unit Co-Manager; Sam Bonvillian, 5B unit Co-Manager; Lindsey Hardesty, Imaging Services Specialist.

03/10/2026

Please welcome Dr. Frank Yuk, MD, to IU Health North Hospital. Dr. Yuk specializes in adult and pediatric spine surgery. Having had two spine surgeries himself, Dr. Yuk is able to empathize with his patients from personal experience.

Dr. Yuk has degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He then went on to complete a neurosurgery residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital as well as an orthopedic spine fellowship in adult and pediatric scoliosis at the Hospital for Special Surgery. After several years of private practice, Dr. Yuk joined the IU Health North team in early February.

In his free time, Dr. Yuk can be found golfing, traveling, trying new restaurants and spending time with his wife and two children. Please help us welcome him to the IU health team in the comments.

Learn more here: https://iuhealth.org/find-providers/provider/frank-j-yuk-md-4269406

03/03/2026

Jeff Usko was facing three health challenges when his gastroenterologist referred him to the bariatric and medical weight loss team at IU Health North Hospital.

03/02/2026

02/26/2026

This Heart Month, the IU Health Metro Region executive team shares what truly fills their hearts—leading with purpose, compassion and commitment to the communities we serve. From downtown Indianapolis to the suburbs, our leaders reflect on what inspires them to care for patients, support teams and strengthen health across the region.