Employee Stories
November 19, 2019
Steve Grinnell: Staying Ahead of Parkinson’s Disease One Ping Pong Game at a Time
By In the Loop 
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Steve Grinnell has worked hard to stay active, stepping up his table tennis game and, thanks to co-workers, testing his skills outside his home.
Tags: Department of Neurology, Parkinson's disease, Steve Grinnell
November 19, 2019
Dog Days Bring Joy to Staff in Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
By In the Loop
Tammy Schmit was looking for a way to lift the spirits of her team when she had an idea: invite Mayo Clinic’s Caring Canines to bring their unique brand of cheer to the staff.
Tags: Caring Canines, Community Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Kaitlyn Maidl, Tammy Schmit
November 14, 2019
Surprise Party for 85-Year-Old Nurse Who Shows No Signs of Slowing Down (or Retiring)
By In the Loop
Donna Alger has been a nurse for more than 60 years, the last 14 in Mayo Clinic’s Pre-Operative Evaluation Clinic. Her colleagues recently helped her celebrate her 85th birthday.
Tags: Donna Alger, Dr. Richard Gray, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Nursing
November 12, 2019
Pediatric Advisory Board Gives Kids a Voice in Research That Affects Them
By In the Loop
A group of young people make up Mayo Clinic’s unique Pediatric Advisory Board, offering ideas about recruiting and communicating with research participants.
Tags: Dr. Megan Allyse, Mayo Clinic Children's Research Center, Pediatric Advisory Board
November 5, 2019
Halloween Comes to Kids in Hospital With Trick-or-Treating, Costumes and More
By In the Loop
Mayo Clinic’s Child Life Program brought Halloween to kids spending their favorite candy-gathering holiday at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. There were costumes, face painting and reverse trick-or-treating, so the kids in their care didn’t feel left out.
Tags: Child LIfe Program, Kim Schmidt, Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program, Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, Val Stuve
October 31, 2019
Nurse Brings Hogwarts to Mayo Clinic To Cast a Fall Prevention Spell
By In the Loop
Megan VanDeVoorde, a nurse a Mayo Clinic, used her knowledge of all things Harry Potter as a way to inspire her organ transplant colleagues during the recent Fall Prevention Awareness Week.
October 29, 2019
Jack’s Basket Celebrates Babies With Down Syndrome
By In the Loop
Nicole Kunkel delivers more than just gift baskets to families who have a child with Down syndrome. Her goal is to also give them a sense of hope and community.
Tags: Down syndrome, Nicole Kunkel
October 10, 2019
Two Years After Stroke, Justin Lanners Wins Age Group in Half-Marathon Walk
By In the Loop
Justin Lanners remembers the exact day of his stroke. “April 18, 2017,” he says. “It was a Tuesday.” That day, Justin awoke at 5 a.m. with what he describes as a “weird buzzing noise” in his right ear. Still half-awake, Justin tuned out the buzzing as he made his way to an upstairs bathroom. “I […]
Tags: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Saint Marys Hospital, stroke
October 8, 2019
‘Barb’s Beanies’ Help Cover Cancer Patients in Love and Support
By In the Loop
Mother-daughter duo Dani and Aleia Johnson originally created their unique head scarves for their mom/grandma, Barb Fisher. The scarves now are part of a care kit for others battling ovarian cancer.
Tags: Chemotherapy, CT scan, Dani Johnson, Healthy Living Program, Hope Lodge, Mayo Clinic Cancer Education Center, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Ovarian Cancer, Ronald McDonald House
October 1, 2019
Nurse Anesthetist Volunteers, Urges Others: Don’t Forget the Bahamas
By In the Loop
Michele Woodrum, a CRNA at Mayo Clinic, didn’t hesitate when a friend invited her to Hope Town in the Bahamas to provide health care to islanders after last month’s hurricane.