(From left) Front: Jay de los Reyes, chief operating officer, KCH; Madison Martz, Warsaw Community High School; Sydney Trump, Whitko High School; Abigail Smith, Warsaw Community High School; Tammy Allen, director of Marketing, OrthoWorx.
Back: Andriko Telka, Development Engineer, Zimmer Biomet; Rane Kilburn, Warsaw Community High School; Zac Pitney, Triton Junior-Senior High School; Megan Hayes,Triton Junior-Senior High School; Jeffrey Rockett, director Ancillary; and Outpatient Services, Parkview Hospital.
(photo provided)

WARSAW — The KCH Health & Wellness Center hosted the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy’s Dec. 2 meeting where the students learned about orthopedics and healthcare in the county. KYLA moderator, Tony Ciriello and Jay de los Reyes, chief operating officer for Kosciusko Community Hospital welcomed the students.

Brad Harris stated that he has been working at Miller’s Merry Manor for 28 years. During those years he has held various positions. He encouraged the students to continue to learn and grow in a variety of areas which makes a person more job marketable. Harris spoke on leadership qualities which include caring for others, encouraging and challenging people and being a good communicator and listener.

Jay de los Reyes gave the history of KCH and stated that the hospital is affiliated with Lutheran Health Network and Community Health Systems which allows for the sharing of best practices. De los Reyes stated that because of quality care, KCH achieved the Joint Commission Top Performers award for the third consecutive year.

Matt Hauck, the director of Rehabilitation for KCH’s new Orthopedic Center gave an overview of the services available. Through collaborative efforts the Orthopedic Center is implementing an innovative best practice model which includes group rehabilitation therapy.

De los Reyes then spoke on career paths available and needs in the healthcare industry. Technology will continue to be very important. He encouraged the students to continue on with their education, determine what is important to them and find a career that is meaningful.

Next, Andriko Telka from Zimmer Biomet stated that he began his career in orthopedics in Warsaw as a Co-Op.  He challenged the students to not give up and to find a career they really enjoyed. Telka then showed several examples of specific implants that were made for patients’ unique needs. He stressed the importance of how technology, scientist, engineers, surgeons and machinist all work together to create unique implants for people all over the world.

Tammy Allen of OrthoWorx informed the students that OrthoWorx was created in 2009 to ensure Warsaw remained as the Orthopedic Capital of the World and to promote the Warsaw area to prospective employees. Videos have been created that are shown at colleges across Indiana to help educate students about orthopedic careers and the Warsaw area. OrthoWorx has worked with Ivy Tech and their curriculum for certificate programs to ensure the students are job ready upon completion of the programs.

Jeffrey Rocket from Parkview Hospital stated that healthcare encompasses a wide range of job opportunities and is constantly changing. Rocket showed pictures of the new Parkview facility and shared the timetable for the opening of the hospital. Jan. 21, 2016 is the opening date for the Parkview Physicians Group. Future dates will be the opening of Outpatient Services and an Emergency Room. Parkview is in the process of hiring approximately 100 people and several volunteers. Parkview is looking forward to partnering with local schools, businesses and communities.

Ciriello concluded the session by encouraging the students to continue working on their Project Proud service projects.

KYLA exists to provide a positive environment where aspiring high school aged youth can learn the basics of leadership and become informed, capable leaders that assume active roles in the growth of our community.

For more information about KYLA, go to www.kosciuskoyouthleadership.org.