Parkland Health Center

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Farmington, MO
Parkland Health Center

From advanced procedures to routine checkups, we're here to provide the care you need.

Parkland Health Center offers a full continuum of inpatient medical-surgical and intensive care, obstetrics, and 24/7 emergency services, along with a wide variety of outpatient services including a wound care center, cancer center, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, in-patient and out-patient surgery, cardiac cath lab, diagnostic radiology, therapy services, infusion center and a sleep disorder center.

11/12/2025

Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take for your lung health.

Smoking causes 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. While not all lung cancers are preventable, the most critical action you can take to lower your risk—at any age—is to never start smoking, or to quit today.

The good news? Quitting works! When you stop, your damaged lung tissue starts to repair itself.

November is , and our expert, WashU Medicine thoracic surgeon Bryan Meyers, MD, MPH, joined us to discuss the health-saving benefits of quitting.

As a surgeon, Dr. Meyers encourages patients to stop smoking, especially before surgery, because it reduces risks and complications during surgery. Beyond that, the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting smoking are numerous:

— Within 20 minutes, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

— After two weeks to three months, your circulation and lung function improve, and your heart attack risk begins to drop sharply.

— Long-term, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half after 1 year, and your risk of stroke decreases significantly after 2 to 5 years.

— Quitting can also help you avoid the use of oxygen and disability that comes with chronic lung disease.

Need help quitting? Free tools and tips are available to help you start and stay smoke-free. Visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

If you have a history of heavy smoking, you may qualify for a lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan. Early detection is critical. Learn more about lung cancer screening and where you can get yours: https://heyor.ca/6Km9yC

11/11/2025

John Cooper, MD, didn’t set out to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. In fact, it wasn’t even on his radar when he started medical school.

“I thought I’d go into something completely different,” he laughs. “But during my OB/GYN rotation, everything just clicked—the mix of surgery, continuity of care, emergencies, and the chance to really make a difference in people’s lives. Every day was new, unpredictable, and deeply meaningful. That experience changed my entire career plan.”

That love for variety hasn’t faded. Whether he’s performing a procedure, managing a delivery, or supporting a patient through a difficult diagnosis, Dr. Cooper says no two days are alike—and that’s exactly what keeps him engaged.

If there’s one thing Dr. Cooper wishes people understood about his work, it’s how quickly a calm day can turn chaotic.

“You can start the morning thinking you’ll have an easy schedule, and then without warning, a delivery or emergency comes up,” he says. “You must be ready to pivot at any moment. That’s part of what makes this field so rewarding. It’s never boring.”

That same flexibility extends beyond the delivery room. Dr. Cooper says that when challenges arise—such as staffing changes or colleagues moving on—success depends on teamwork.

“You lean on your colleagues, your staff, your administration—everyone,” he explains. “At Parkland, we come together to keep the standard of care high, no matter what.”

Before medicine, Dr. Cooper dreamed of becoming a teacher—and in many ways, that dream still lives on.

“I get to teach every day,” he says. “Whether it’s medical students, residents, or patients learning about their own health—that part of me never went away.”

His approach to care reflects that same educator’s mindset. “I value patient autonomy,” Dr. Cooper notes. “My role is to give patients the best evidence-based information so they can make decisions that are right for them.”

When asked what he values most about working at Parkland Health Center, Dr. Cooper doesn’t hesitate.

“The support,” he says. “I have an incredible office team and amazing labor and delivery staff. They make it possible for me to focus on what I love—caring for patients.”

When he’s not at the hospital, Dr. Cooper can often be found on new adventures with his kids.

“We love exploring, trying new things, and just getting out there,” he says. “It’s how I recharge—and it keeps life exciting.”

That sense of adventure, it seems, runs through everything Dr. Cooper does—whether he’s guiding a new family through childbirth or exploring the world with his own.

11/07/2025

Meet Dr. Lee Miesner, anesthesiologist and pain management physician at Parkland Health Center.

Dr. Miesner did not initially pursue a career in medicine, but after two years of teaching and coaching high school football, he realized public education was not where he was meant to stay and decided to pursue becoming a physician.

Dr. Miesner enjoys his work as an anesthesiologist and also values the opportunity to manage patients in a clinic setting. One of the most rewarding parts of his work is when patients return after interventional pain procedures or after stimulator trials or implants and share how their pain has reduced and their quality of life has significantly improved.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Miesner enjoys flying his Piper Arrow II, raising cows with his wife on their land, watching football, grilling and smoking meat, and traveling.

Learn more about pain management at Parkland Health Center: https://heyor.ca/ZJTC1W

11/06/2025

Congratulations to Andy Fernandez, a physical therapist and recent CONNECT Award winner at Parkland Health Center! 👏

His nomination came from a patient’s family, sharing how Andy went above and beyond to ensure their mother received the attention she needed during a very difficult time. She was unable to even sit up in bed, but Andy’s consistent encouragement and “don’t give up” support helped her sit up, then stand, and eventually take steps again. His persistence and kindness meant so much to their family, and they shared how truly grateful they were for the care he provided.

Andy’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to people represent the very best of Parkland.

Thank you, Andy, for making a difference in the lives of patients in our community.

If you’ve experienced extraordinary service like this from a Parkland team member, we encourage you to submit a CONNECT nomination and recognize them for the impact they’ve made. 💙 Learn more and nominate: https://heyor.ca/vo24Kr

11/04/2025

Congratulations to Jessica, RN, a recent DAISY Award winner at Parkland Health Center! 🎊

During a recent hospital stay, her patient shared how Jessica went above and beyond. From the very first moment they met, Jessica combined exceptional medical skill with genuine warmth and compassion. She administered IVs and medications with confidence and precision, and often stopped in on her own to check in to make sure her patient had everything needed. She answered every question with patience and clarity, and even suggested ideas to the care team that helped expedite healing. Jessica also took time to connect on a personal level, asking about family and sharing small glimpses of her own life, helping the patient feel seen as a friend rather than just a patient. Her professionalism and dedication made a difficult hospital stay more bearable.

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away in 1999. His family was deeply moved by the compassionate care he received during his final weeks, and created this international award to honor nurses who make a lasting difference in the lives of the patients they serve.

If you or your loved one had an excellent experience with one of our nurses, we encourage you to share your story and nominate them: https://www.bjc.org/daisy-award.

10/30/2025

This week, Becky, nurse practitioner at Parkland Health Center, joined KREI radio to share her own breast cancer journey and discuss the importance of screenings.

Listen to her inspiring story as we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate her five-year anniversary of ringing the bell! https://heyor.ca/JXSt7S

10/29/2025

Richard’s body was sending him a signal he couldn't read. One moment, he was on a treadmill, and the next, he collapsed—completely unaware he was having a stroke.

Fortunately, the people around him knew the signs of stroke, and their quick thinking led him to a BJC HealthCare Primary Stroke Center, triggering a life-saving response powered by our Stroke Network.

As we recognize World Stroke Day today, Richard’s experience reminds us: “Time is brain.” Without urgent treatment, brain cells die within minutes. This is why all of our hospitals are part of the BJC Stroke Network, giving them immediate 24/7 access to WashU Medicine Physicians through our advanced Telestroke platform.

This real-time access to some of the nation's top stroke experts ensures patients receive local care while benefiting from the expertise of our Comprehensive Stroke Center, resulting in faster, more accurate treatment and higher rates of receiving potentially life-saving procedures.

Read Richard's full story to see how quick action and the expertise of our Stroke Network made all the difference: https://heyor.ca/QdziTs

10/27/2025

A recent gift from the Parkland Health Center Foundation has brought new life to our maternity care unit, creating a more welcoming and inviting space for patients and their families.

The donation supported the transformation of the unit’s nursing station, a central hub where families often first interact with caregivers. The updated station not only enhances the appearance of the unit, but also reflects the compassionate, family-centered care that patients experience every day.

The Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting projects like this ensures that patients and families receive more than just excellent medical care—they experience kindness, comfort, and healing the moment they walk through the doors.

10/24/2025

Today our Parkland Health Center team proudly joined together to wear pink and show support for those affected by breast cancer. 💗

This year’s celebration is extra special thanks to Rebecca Buchanan, FNP, who recently joined our Parkland team and brought along her passion for helping others in our community through The Pink Penguin Project , a local nonprofit she co-founded with another survivor.

If you wore pink today, too, show us in the comments! 👇

10/21/2025

Jessica Yates is a certified pharmacy technician at Parkland Health Center and has been part of the team for more than two years.

Her favorite part of being a pharmacy technician is all the opportunities she gets to help people. “I love knowing that what I do every day makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

Jessica believes that being successful in her role takes more than technical skills. “It’s not just about counting pills,” she shared. “You have to have compassion for people and be able to stay calm no matter how much pressure you feel or how crazy the day might get.”

She also takes pride in helping patients find ways to make their medications more affordable. “If I see a high copay, I try to look for coupons or savings cards that can help,” Jessica explained. “Our pharmacy also has access to programs that can offer free trials or discounts on certain prescriptions. I know it can be hard for patients to afford higher-cost medications, so I always do what I can to make it easier.”

Happy to Jessica and all pharmacy technicians. Thank you for your dedication to patients and for the difference you make each day. 💙

10/18/2025

Think using your joints too much wears them out? Think again! 🦴 We're wrapping up Bone and Joint Week by debunking one of the biggest myths in orthopedics.

Meet Thomas Berkbigler, DO, PT, a BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon at Parkland Health Center, whose core philosophy is that movement is preservation.

Having been a physical therapist before becoming a physician, Dr. Berkbigler challenges the myth that activity wears out your joints. In fact, activity is key to preventing major surgery later in life: "When a person maintains an active lifestyle, joint health tends to be preserved."

His most important advice? "Stay active and keep moving."

While focused on preservation, Dr. Berkbigler also understands how life-altering surgery can be. Orthopedic surgeons might not often save lives, Dr. Berkbigler says, but "instead, we like to say we save lifestyles." The highlight of his work is seeing patients return to the activities they love after a successful procedure.

Dr. Berkbigler’s natural aptitude for surgery is rooted in his past. Growing up, he learned carpentry from his father—a background that gives him a unique understanding of how mechanics, structure, and physical medicine come together. Today, he applies those skills to his surgical specialty. He credits physical activities like woodworking and tending to his land in Farmington with keeping him grounded, strong, and mentally sharp enough to perform complex procedures.

To secure a strong, active future, Dr. Berkbigler encourages everyone to commit to being more active. For one small change, he recommends getting at least 20 minutes of exercise daily. To further support your joints, he also advises limiting soda and juice. These sugary drinks are common culprits because they can contribute to inflammation and poor bone density over time.

Ready to take the next step in bone and joint preservation? Learn more about our orthopedics program and find a provider near you for expert guidance and a personalized plan to keep you strong and active: https://heyor.ca/huhS3y

10/17/2025

Parkland Health Center recently celebrated one of our treasured volunteers, Barb Ward, who has devoted over 8,000 hours serving in our Surgery Department. Barb has been a comforting presence for countless patients, offering a kind word, a calm smile, and reassurance when they need it most. 💙

Patients often share that “Barb was the best part of my day,” and we couldn’t agree more. Her compassion, kindness, and steady support embody the very best of Parkland’s mission to care from the heart.

As a token of our appreciation, the team proudly presented Barb with a plaque of grateful recognition for her years of dedicated service and the countless lives she has touched.

Thank you, Barb, for all you do!

Address

1101 West Liberty Street
Farmington, MO
63640

Telephone

+15737566451

Website

https://www.parklandhealthcenter.org/?utm_source=extnet&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=yext

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