UW Health SwedishAmerican

Carly Schutte is a Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center Rockford. With 11+ years in nurse navigation and a background spanning cardiac care to triage nursing, Carly plays a critical role in coordinating complex care journeys. She serves as a consistent point of contact for patients as she educates, advocates, and connects them to multidisciplinary teams and resources. She also facilitates weekly case conferences to support evidence-based, personalized treatment planning. Her work reflects the strength of a highly collaborative model within a Joint Commission–certified lung cancer program. One of only five programs in the nation that is focused on quality, outcomes and continuous improvement. Beyond coordination, Carly’s impact is rooted in relationship-building and reducing barriers to care. By streamlining communication, anticipating patient needs and mentoring fellow navigators across specialties, she helps create a more seamless, patient-centered experience. Carly is a strong reminder of how effective navigation programs can improve both care delivery and the patient experience across oncology.

When Mary Johnson entered the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps program at SwedishAmerican Hospital in 1945, she knew she was stepping into a life of service. World War II was ending, but the country still faced a critical nursing shortage. At just 18 years old, Mary joined the final class of cadet nurses, understanding she could be called to serve her country for two years if needed. Training was intense and highly disciplined. Before dormitories were built on campus, Mary lived in a house on Charles Street with 18 other student nurses. The young women shared tight living quarters, followed strict rules and had a 10 p.m. curfew, but the experience also created lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. “We made $15 a month, and we thought that was a lot of money back then,” Mary says. Student nurses cared for patients at SwedishAmerican Hospital, traveled to Chicago for psychiatric and pediatric training and attended classes in subjects like microbiology and nutrition. Uniform inspections were common and earning their nursing caps after six weeks was a milestone. After graduating nearly 76 years ago, Mary built a long nursing career. She worked briefly at a hospital in Racine before becoming an industrial nurse at Case Manufacturing. Later, after raising her three daughters, she returned to nursing in geriatric care and eventually taught nursing classes while continuing to care for her family in Racine, Wisconsin. Today, Mary still lives independently, bakes daily and meets friends weekly for bridge. She recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of her nursing graduation and remains one of only a few surviving members of her graduating class. Mary’s journey reminds us that nursing has always demanded resilience, adaptability and heart. While technology evolves, the core values of compassion, teamwork and service endure, connecting us to a proud legacy and inspiring the future of health care.

For Dr. Ugoeze Otome, caring for newborns with complex medical needs is deeply personal. As a dedicated neonatologist, she provides specialized care for premature and full-term babies while helping families navigate some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Having once been a NICU mom herself, she understands how overwhelming and uncertain a NICU stay can feel. That experience shapes the way she cares for families today. She focuses on providing clear, simple updates, involving parents in their baby’s care and encouraging meaningful bonding moments so families feel informed, supported and more confident throughout the journey. The goal is to help each baby grow strong and thrive at home, while also guiding and supporting families every step of the way. Dr. Otome is also quick to recognize the team around her. From clerks and nurses to therapists, pharmacists, social workers and care coordinators, Dr. Otome believes the NICU’s collaborative approach is what makes truly individualized, family-centered care possible for every child.

We’re proud to celebrate our paramedic program and the incredible accomplishments of this year’s class. All 21 students who started the program will graduate together, an extraordinary achievement in such a rigorous field and a true reflection of the program’s strong support and culture of excellence. Under the leadership of program educator Michelle Heirbaut, these graduates have been mentored, challenged and prepared to serve their communities with confidence, skill and compassion. Their readiness hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) partners have praised the program as “the best in the area,” highlighting the strength of its instruction and training. We recognize both these dedicated graduates and the leadership shaping the future of EMS. Congratulations to Michelle and the entire class. We’re proud of the difference you’re ready to make!

Katie Andersen knew she wanted to work in health care, and imaging felt like the perfect fit. From day one as a CT Technologist, she loved knowing she could make a real impact simply by capturing the right images at the right time. Even on the busiest days, Katie finds joy in her work at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital. Helping a patient through their test and producing high-quality images can make the patient's road to recovery a little smoother. That’s what keeps her coming back every day. She also loves the variety the field offers. With so many specialties and pathways to explore, medical imaging at UW Health is full of opportunity and growth. As Katie says, there’s never a dull day in this world. If you’re looking for a career that blends technology, teamwork and meaningful patient care, UW Health could be your next step. Learn more: https://uw.health/3ONWSJO

Social worker Michelle Strand helps parents and families find their footing during an unexpected hospital or NICU stay for their child. She provides emotional support, connects families with community resources, and helps them maintain balance between life at the hospital and life at home. Every family arrives with a different story, and Michelle takes the time to listen and meet them where they are. That relationship doesn't end at discharge. She stays available for ongoing support after families leave Women and Children's Hospital, for as long as they need it. "I enjoy being able to assist families through one of the most wonderful times in their lives, becoming a parent," says Michelle. Michelle is proud to be part of a team that cares for not only the mom and baby, but the entire family and community. Upcoming community events include the Kids Safety Fair, Community Baby Shower and ongoing childbirth classes. The team also collaborates every day with local agencies to support families and their health.

Patients may not always see the coordination behind their care, but oncology nurse practitioner Mary Novotny helps shape each step of the treatment experience through thoughtful planning, close follow-up and steady clinical support. For Mary, breast cancer care is personal. A family history of the disease has shaped the provider she strives to be and continues to influence the way she listens, explains and advocates for each person she treats. Her work extends far beyond appointments. She coordinates care, monitors progress, manages side effects and helps remove barriers so people can move through treatment with clarity and confidence. What keeps her coming back is the fulfillment found in relationships built through trust and time. Supporting people through diagnosis, treatment and recovery means being present during some of life’s hardest moments and witnessing the strength shown along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone in advanced surgical care! Our surgeons perform robotic-assisted procedures across many specialties, including cardiothoracic, gynecologic oncology, OB-GYN, orthopedic, urology care, and general surgery such as hernia, gallbladder, and colon surgery.

What motivates oncology nurse Amanda Lynch? Her team! “I firmly believe that we must take care of each other to care for our patients. Oncology care is physically and emotionally taxing, requiring a workplace where the team can find support and compassion for themselves. I am fortunate to work with an incredibly diverse and amazing group of professionals. They bring compassion, expertise and humor to everything they do. Every one of them is here because of our patients. By supporting, encouraging and advocating for them, they can follow their passion and bring remarkable healthcare to each patient. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside them and I am humbled by the care they give.”

Dr. Tarita Thomas adds expertise and compassionate care to our growing team. As medical director of radiation oncology and a radiation oncologist, Dr. Thomas brings advanced expertise in treatment techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Her clinical interests include breast, prostate and lung cancers, along with the use of low-dose radiation for functional diseases such as osteoarthritis and Dupuyten's contracture. In addition to her clinical work, she is engaged in health policy and advocacy aimed at improving oncology care. Dr. Thomas is committed to patient-centered care, with a focus on clear communication and translating advances in medicine into meaningful improvements in quality of life. We are proud to have her on our team.