Life Changing Knowledge
& resources from medical experts
Medical Advisory Committee
Dr. John Trusheim, M.D.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree – Washington University, St. Louis. 1976 Doctor of Medicine – University of Missouri, 1980 Residency – University of Missouri, 1980 Residency – University of Minnesota, 1986 EMG Externship – Mayo Clinic, 1986 Oncology/Neuro-Oncology Fellowship – University of Minnesota, 1987
CERTIFICATION
Board Certified – Neurology, 1989 Board Certified – Sleep Medicine, 1996
MEMBERSHIPS
Metro Minnesota Clinical Oncology Program/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group American Academy of Neurology American Society of Clinical Oncology
PUBLICATIONS, DIRECTORSHIPS, BOARDS, ADDITIONAL POSITIONS
Medical Director, Neuro-Oncology – Abbott Northwestern Hospital Co-Director, Sleep Lab – Fairview Southdale Hospital.
NEUROLOGY SPECIALTY AREAS AND AREAS OF INTEREST
Neuro-Oncology, Sleep Medicine, Brain Tumors, EEG, EMG
HOBBIES
Flying / Aerobatic, Sailing
Jamie Arendt - Cancer Navigator
My name is Jamie Arendt. I have lived in Rome, Georgia all of my life. At an early age I was exposed to cancer when my hero/father was diagnosed with brain cancer. In going through his treatment process and struggles I realized rather quickly there are many people that affect the patient and the family other than just the physicians and the nurses. This was when I knew what I wanted to grow up to be.
I graduated from Shorter College in December 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology. After graduation I worked for five years at the Department of Family and Children Services through the state of Georgia as a Child Protective Services Caseworker. I worked with children and their parents in circumstances where abuse or neglect had been substantiated. In 2004, I began working at Floyd Medical Center as a discharge planner/social worker. I worked in all areas of the hospital but my primary concentration was in oncology. I developed solid relationships with oncologists, oncology nurses, ancillary resources, surgeons, but most importantly with patients and their families throughout my time at the hospital.
I began working for Cancer Navigators, a nonprofit organization who helps local patients in need, in June of 2011. This job has defined me as a person, an advocate, a friend and a daughter of a cancer patient. I have met the strongest people I could ever imagine throughout my opportunity and feel selfish for the benefits I receive from the patients I am to be helping. I have been exposed to wonderful resources throughout our local community and town as well as on the state and national level.
Hans Rueffert - Chef, Author, Educator
Hans Rueffert is an acclaimed chef, author, educator, television producer and gastric cancer survivor. Shortly after finishing third in the Next Food Network Star television series in 2005, Hans was diagnosed with stage-three stomach cancer. He lost most of his stomach and esophagus to the disease, but is currently four years cancer free. In addition to his time on the Food Network, Hans has hosted and produced several cooking shows throughout the south, most notably, Hans Cooks the World and Hans Cooks the South.
After his diagnosis, Hans published Eat Like There’s No Tomorrow, a cookbook that included a collection of original recipes, photographs and narratives. In the book, he shares his gastric cancer story as well as thoughts on healthy eating, optimism and life. In addition, Hans mentors gastric patients through both the MD Anderson Network and Imerman Angels and teaches regularly at the Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
Hans received his MA in Hospitality Management from Georgia State University and lives in Georgia.
Dr. John Afshar, M.D.
Dr. Afshar earned his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical Center, where he also completed his internship and residencies in neurological surgery. He is extensively trained in complex brain and spinal disorders and has received a spinal fellowship from the University of South Florida, College of Medicine. He also completed research and clinical fellowships in the field of neurosurgery.
Dr. Afshar specializes in the surgical treatment of spinal and brain disorders, including, but not limited to, cervical and lumbar disc herniation, fractures, degenerative disc disease and brain tumors. He provides minimally invasive techniques for his patients, such as cervical disc replacement, microscopic laminectomy, fusions and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Matt Schmitz, BS, CSCS, CES, AFT - Exercise Specialist
CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) from the NSCA
CES (Cancer Exercise Specialist) from the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
CES (Cancer Exercise Specialist) from the Cancer Exercise Training Institute
AFT (Arthritis Foundation Trainer) from the National Arthritis Foundation
Matter of Balance Trainer from the Heritage Agency
Address:
Matt Schmitz
810 1st Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Office Phone: 319-369-7543
Cell:
319-541-4122
The first five years I evolved through the St. Luke’s Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Department. I was originally hired as a Sports Performance Coach. With that position I worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels. It ranged from children as young as 7 years old teaching basic sports movements and fundamentals to upper level professional athletes building speed, strength and power for their sport. As a Sports Performance Coach I was also able to work in both individual and large group settings. Besides sports performance I also worked with rehabilitation and injury prevention. The rehabilitation and prevention lead me into my true calling.
Over the past three years my time has been spent developing and running exercise programs for persons with chronic Illness. Most of my time is with the Cancer Wellness Program. Our original goal was to have about 40 patients in the first year. At the one year mark we exceeded our goal and had over 100 patients. Almost three years into the program we now have over 350 patients and we are constantly evolving. I perform all exercise consultations and individual exercise programs which allows me to customize each program for the patient.
The development of a specific exercise program is so important to the health of the patient and plays a huge role as they transition from being recently diagnosed, in treatment, and then a cancer survivor. Each step has its own focus and reason that exercise is important. There are many studies stating the physical benefits of exercise during and after treatment; fights fatigue, improves cardio function, improves overall strength, helps with neuropathy and balance issues, as well as all the other great benefits that exercise can provide. I get to see all of these physical benefits, but to me it is the psychological benefit that exercise has on a patient. I get to see each patient shine as they are doing something for themselves to improve their health. It is an honor for me to be a part of that process.
