Hannibal Regional Healthcare System

03/16/2026

For years, Mark Knickerbocker of Hannibal struggled with his weight, eventually reaching 358 pounds. As his health declined, doctors discovered his sleep apnea had caused his heart to enlarge, and they warned that without significant weight loss, his condition could become life-threatening.

Determined to take control of his health, Mark researched bariatric surgery and was initially referred to a surgeon in Quincy. Although surgery was scheduled, he learned just two weeks beforehand that his insurance would not cover the procedure at that facility.

In late 2024, Mark learned that Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions had earned designation as a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery, an important requirement for his insurance coverage. Mark contacted the program immediately and was scheduled for a consultation the following week.

During that visit, he met with Dr. Mujeeb Siddiqui, Bariatric Surgeon at Hannibal Regional, who helped him understand the process and prepare for the lifestyle changes needed for success. In January 2025, Mark underwent weight loss surgery at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

One year later, he has lost more than 180 pounds. Before surgery, everyday activities left Mark exhausted and he didn’t feel like he was truly enjoying life. Today, he exercises daily, works on projects around his home and 40 acres, and even spends time restoring an 85-year-old tractor. Most importantly, his heart is now healthy and he has been able to come off many of the medications he once relied on.

Mark says choosing weight loss surgery was the best decision he has ever made, and he’s grateful to be living life fully again.

To learn more about bariatric and medical weight loss options at Hannibal Regional, call (573) 248-5407 or visit hannibalregional.org/weightloss.

03/16/2026

We are looking for compassionate, motivated individuals to join our family as Patient Care Technicians (PCT). We currently have a variety of PCT opportunities available, including Med Tele, Med Surg, Inpatient Rehab, Emergency Department, and ICU. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, but relevant experience will also be considered.

At Hannibal Regional, we value teamwork, growth, and caring for our community together. If you are interested in learning more about the PCT opportunities we currently have available, please contact Nurse Recruiter Amy Lakenburger at 573-629-3593 or visit jobs.hannibalregional.org.

03/13/2026

March is National Nutrition Month, and we are excited to share a tip from Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Kristy Taylor.

Many people know the Plate Method, half your plate fruits and vegetables, one quarter lean protein, one quarter whole grains, plus low-fat dairy, but following it perfectly at every meal can feel overwhelming. Instead, Kristy recommends aiming for three food groups at meals and two at snacks. Pairing food groups helps balance nutrients and fiber, supporting fullness, steady blood sugar, and overall satisfaction, while leaving room for your favorite “fun foods.” A balanced meal could be as simple as takeout pizza with sliced vegetables and Greek yogurt dip. Healthy eating is about balance, not perfection.

To schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian, call 573-629-3382.

03/13/2026

We had a wonderful evening last night celebrating our Volunteer Chaplaincy Corps! These men and women are such a special group whose work is often unseen but has a profound impact on those with whom they interact. Special recognitions were given for years of service, and the incoming officers were installed. The Chaplain of the Year was also announced, and we congratulate Karry Richardson for receiving this honor! The person nominating Karry for this award shared that she "...visits my team every Wednesday morning and calls us her people. They spend a minute speaking about the prayer needs and she prays over us all. She always welcomes us with open arms and compassionately pulls us aside to ask how our day is whenever we see each other in the halls. This chaplain genuinely cares about each of my team members."

The guest speaker of the evening was Pastor Bill Maupin, who is a previous open heart surgery patient of our Heart Center. He shared inspiring words encouraging everyone to endure, enjoy, enlighten, enthrone and enrich.

We are truly blessed to have these compassionate and dedicated people helping our patients and our team along our journeys. Thank you, Chaplains!!!

03/12/2026

A Second Chance Close to Home ❤️

For years, Robert Howland, of Clarksville, Missouri, believed the best care for complex medical conditions could only be found in large metropolitan hospitals. But when a life-saving surgery scheduled at a St. Louis hospital was suddenly canceled, he was told hospice care was his only option, and Robert’s future felt uncertain.

Looking for another answer, his hospice team contacted their medical director, Hannibal Regional emergency physician Dr. Richard Thomas, who referred Robert to general surgeon Dr. Eric Butler. After reviewing his case, Dr. Butler determined the complex procedure could be performed robotically at Hannibal Regional. The surgery was a success. Robert was able to come off hospice care and begin healing.

What started as a second chance quickly turned into something more. After his recovery, Robert decided to address years of chronic hip pain. With orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kory Blank, he underwent two successful hip replacements at Hannibal Regional in 2025.

Today, Robert is recovering well and already walking with a cane just weeks after surgery. “My experience completely changed my perspective,” Robert shared. “The teamwork, attentiveness, and compassion I received here were unlike anything I had experienced before.”

Stories like Robert’s are a powerful reminder that exceptional, life-changing care can be found close to home.

For more information about surgical or orthopedic services at Hannibal Regional, please visit hannibalregional.org or call 573-629-3500 to schedule a consultation.

Pictured left to right Dr. Eric Butler, Dr. Kory Blank, Mr. Robert Howland, and Dr. Richard Thomas

03/12/2026

With March being colon cancer awareness month, Mandy McAllister, NP reminds everyone how important it is to get checked!!

Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise in adults under 50

03/11/2026

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this national health observance is to increase awareness that colorectal cancer is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

What better time than now to talk with your Hannibal Regional Medical Group provider about your colon cancer screening options and make a plan to get screened.

To schedule an appointment call (573) 629-3500.

03/11/2026

When you give to the Legacy of Hope Campaign, you are supporting local cancer patients and helping ensure they have access to the state-of-the-art cancer care they need close to home. Every gift helps strengthen cancer services in our region and provides hope for patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Through the Legacy of Hope campaign, over $5 million has already been raised, which has resulted in a $2 million challenge grant that can be gained when the total campaign goal of $12.5 million is raised. Help us today reach that goal!

Donate today at hannibalregional.org/LegacyofHope or call the Hannibal Regional Foundation at 573-629-3577.

03/10/2026

March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is more common in African American adults than in Asian or Caucasian adults.

Kidney failure affects almost 750,000 people per year in the United States. The disease disproportionately affects the nation’s minority and low-income patients. Compared to whites:
🟢 African Americans are 3.5 times more likely to have kidney failure.
🟢 Native Americans are 1.5 times more likely to have kidney failure.
🟢 Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to have kidney failure.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that can lead to kidney failure and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death. CKD often develops silently, with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

The only way to detect it is through blood and urine tests, which measure creatinine levels in the blood and protein in the urine. Talk with your healthcare provider, or our Nephrologists Dr. Karol Rosner and Dr. Justo Gonzalez-Trapaga about your risk for kidney disease and the importance of regular screenings.

03/09/2026

As part of National Kidney Disease Awareness Month, Hannibal Regional is reflecting on the impact of bringing inpatient dialysis services in-house just one year ago.

Previously, dialysis for hospitalized patients relied on a third-party provider traveling from Columbia, which could delay treatment during urgent situations. Today, with a dedicated inpatient dialysis team and advanced TABLO dialysis technology, Hannibal Regional can provide timely, life-sustaining treatment right at the patient’s bedside.

In 2025 alone, the team completed 617 hemodialysis treatments, caring for critically ill patients across the hospital. Thanks to early intervention and coordinated care, six patients were able to recover kidney function, demonstrating how timely dialysis can make a life-changing difference.

“Dialysis is sometimes required at a very critical point in a patient’s illness, and timely treatment can dramatically influence outcomes,” said Melissa Taylor, Inpatient Dialysis Coordinator. “Having our own dialysis team and advanced equipment here at Hannibal Regional allows us to respond faster and provide more coordinated care when patients need it most.”

If you are living with kidney disease or experiencing symptoms that may require specialized care, early evaluation is important. To schedule an appointment with a nephrologist at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, call 573-629-3500.

03/06/2026

Hannibal Regional gratefully recognizes Dr. Justin and Kylene Puckett for their leadership and long-time commitment to health and wellness in the Kirksville community. Through their generous support of the Legacy of Hope Campaign, Dr. Puckett and Kylene are helping bring a new state-of-the-art cancer center to Kirksville - expanding access to advanced, life-saving cancer care close to home.

To learn more about the Legacy of Hope Campaign and how you can support local cancer patients, visit hannibalregional.org/legacyofhope.

03/05/2026

Sheyenne Anderson has always had a love for rodeo, but over the years she has also discovered a deep passion for nursing. At a very young age, Sheyenne’s brother spent a great deal of time in the hospital. During that difficult season, Sheyenne witnessed firsthand how meaningful the relationships were between the nurses and her family. The compassion the nurses showed, not only to her brother, but to her entire family, inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.

After college, Sheyenne knew she wanted to stay close to home and chose to begin her nursing career at Hannibal Regional. She was welcomed by a close-knit nursing family and quickly felt supported by her team members and nursing leadership.

“One great thing about working at Hannibal Regional is the opportunity I have had to grow as a nurse through continued education and support from nursing leaders,” Sheyenne shared. “At any point, I know I can call a nursing leader to ask a question at any time of day. The ratios are good, the culture is close-knit, and there’s a great mix of seasoned nurses and newer nurses.”

In June, Sheyenne will celebrate four years with Hannibal Regional in the Step-Down unit. She appreciates that every day is different and she is able to care for patients in a variety of situations. For Sheyenne, nursing is more than a career; it is an opportunity to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.

Sheyenne shares, “I truly love being a nurse. Every day, I have the opportunity to come to work, advocate for my patients, and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. The door is open every day to make a difference.”

If you have a passion for helping others through the love of nursing, Hannibal Regional would love to hear from you. To explore nursing opportunities at Hannibal Regional, contact Nurse Recruiter Amy Lakenburger at 573-629-3593 or visit jobs.hannibalregional.org.