Northland
Connections
Summer 2024

Featured Stories
Liberty Hospital's First Patient
A childhood surgery patient looks back 50 years after her history-making procedure.
A Pacemaker at 28
New and advanced technology helps one young man live life without limitations.
A Workout is the Best Medicine
Senior adult fitness classes help this leukemia patient to regain strength and stamina.
Tune in to the Healthcare Conversations That Matter
Our podcast is for all healthcare professionals — including those who are considering joining the field. We bring minds together in an exchange of ideas that help make the world—and our Northland communities — a healthier, happier place. Click below to watch, listen and subscribe!
Three CEOs spanning 35 years: Raghu Adiga, MD 2022 – Present Joseph Crossett, 1989 - 2011 David Fees, 2011 - 2022
Three CEOs spanning 35 years: Raghu Adiga, MD 2022 – Present Joseph Crossett, 1989 - 2011 David Fees, 2011 - 2022
50 Years and Counting! Celebrating Health in the Northland.
Recently, we came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Liberty Hospital, including past and present employees, physicians, leaders and our greater Northland community. Seeing how many individuals came out to commemorate this milestone with us was inspiring. We're grateful to everyone who has participated in our 50th-anniversary celebrations and been a part of our past, present and future.
Longtime diagnostic imaging staff with Raghu Adiga, MD: Amy Johnston, 35 years; Linda Cater, 47 years; Julie Osbahr, 31 years; and Gwen Ascensio, 42 years.
Longtime diagnostic imaging staff with Raghu Adiga, MD: Amy Johnston, 35 years; Linda Cater, 47 years; Julie Osbahr, 31 years; and Gwen Ascensio, 42 years.
40+ years employed Liberty Hospital Front: Kenny Brown, 42 years; Dale Armstrong, 43 years: Patty Thudium, 40 years; Linda Carter, 47 years; Barbara Garden, 42 years Back: Gwen Ascensio, 42 years; Leanna Carter, 42 years; Cathy Crabtree, 41 years. Inset: Donna Wright, 41 years.
40+ years employed Liberty Hospital Front: Kenny Brown, 42 years; Dale Armstrong, 43 years: Patty Thudium, 40 years; Linda Carter, 47 years; Barbara Garden, 42 years Back: Gwen Ascensio, 42 years; Leanna Carter, 42 years; Cathy Crabtree, 41 years. Inset: Donna Wright, 41 years.
Staff Reception: Brooklyn Roush, RN, Nurse Manager, Nursing Resource Officer
Staff Reception: Brooklyn Roush, RN, Nurse Manager, Nursing Resource Officer
Jacklyn Gentry, Senior Director of Academic Partnerships and Jamie Young, Human Resources
Jacklyn Gentry, Senior Director of Academic Partnerships and Jamie Young, Human Resources
Then and Now: Dr. Demetrios Margos, Cardiologist
Then and Now: Dr. Demetrios Margos, Cardiologist
Staff Reception: Amy Johnston, Breast Care Center Manager, 35 years
Staff Reception: Amy Johnston, Breast Care Center Manager, 35 years
Retired Chief Nursing Officer Sue Gonnerman and current Vice President of Human Resources Thomas Murphy.
Retired Chief Nursing Officer Sue Gonnerman and current Vice President of Human Resources Thomas Murphy.
Infection Prevention and Control Department: Nichole Johnson and Casey Semos
Infection Prevention and Control Department: Nichole Johnson and Casey Semos
Past and present members of the Board of Trustees
Past and present members of the Board of Trustees
Retired Physicians: Drs. Robert MacNaughton, Gary Cooper (back), Michael Loggan, Robert Haas, Daniel Triplett (back) and Frankl Albani. Dr. Triplett was the first Chief of Surgery, and Dr. Haas was the first Chief Medical Officer.
Retired Physicians: Drs. Robert MacNaughton, Gary Cooper (back), Michael Loggan, Robert Haas, Daniel Triplett (back) and Frankl Albani. Dr. Triplett was the first Chief of Surgery, and Dr. Haas was the first Chief Medical Officer.
Here We Grow!
The leaders at Liberty Hospital and The University of Kansas Health System have signed definitive agreements for Liberty Hospital to join the health system. This partnership is set to be finalized later this summer, marking a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services in the Northland and Northwest Missouri.
Liberty Hospital and Clinics Add Providers for
Our Growing Communities
Several new providers recently joined Liberty Hospital as the organization continues expanding its services to meet the need for care in Clay and Platte counties, two of Missouri’s fastest-growing counties, and the surrounding area.
“We are honored to welcome these excellent providers to Liberty Hospital. Their expertise will enable us to grow our primary and specialty care teams as we strive to be the premier provider of health and wellness in the Northland and northwest Missouri.” -
Liberty Hospital Welcomes New Providers
Bridget Bransteitter, DO
Dr. Bransteitter is a new infectious disease specialist at Liberty Hospital. She is board-certified in internal medicine and infectious disease. A graduate of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, she completed both her internship and residency at Tulsa Regional Medical Center. Dr. Bransteitter will see patients during their hospital stay and outpatients by referral.
Natalie Hinton, PA-C
Natalie Hinton is a board-certified physician assistant who sees neurology patients at Liberty Hospital. She graduated from the Sullivan University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Louisville, KY, and the University of Missouri, Columbia. Hinton belongs to both the Missouri and American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Randi Hardman, PA-C
Randi Hardman joins the Advanced Spine & Brain Center. A board-certified physician assistant, Hardman received a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS.
She is accepting new patients at the Advanced Spine & Brain Center located in the Liberty Hospital Doctors Building, Suite 410, 2521 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, MO. To schedule an appointment, call 816.415.3457.
Carli Kerner, DNP, FNP-C, RN
Carli Kerner is a nurse practitioner in the Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic. Kerner received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Missouri Western State University. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
She is accepting new patients in the clinic located in the Doctors Building, Suite 104, 2521 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, MO. To schedule an appointment, call 816.781.1001.
Eric Schroeder, MD
Dr. Schroeder joins the Pulmonary & Sleep Clinic. He received his medical degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine; completed his internship in categorical medicine at Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA; and his residency in internal medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. He also completed a pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas College of Health Sciences, Kansas City, KS. Dr. Schroeder is an American Board of Internal Medicine diplomate in internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. He also is an American Board of Sleep Medicine diplomate and a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.
He is accepting new patients at the clinic in the Doctors Building, Suite 402, 2521 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, MO. To schedule an appointment, call 816.781.8445.
This is a Scrollpoints section.
Alice Montgomery advocates for free speech and civil rights, women's liberation, and anti-war causes. Alice is known for her eloquent speeches and artistic expressions, using her talent as a singer-songwriter to spread messages of love, peace, and equality.
Grace Thompson is a determined activist actively participating in sit-ins and marches, fighting against racial segregation and advocating for voting rights. She is a beacon of hope and an instrumental figure.
Fiona O'Connor campaigns for gender equality and reproductive rights. Fiona organizes consciousness-raising groups and participates in demonstrations, challenging societal norms and demanding equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and beyond.
Charlotte Baker has a strong commitment to peace activism, advocating for an end to violence and militarism. Charlotte's tireless efforts include organizing teach-ins, participating in anti-war rallies, and fostering dialogue for peaceful conflict resolution.
Rosa Morales is deeply committed to fighting for the rights of farmworkers and immigrant communities. Rosa co-organizes protests and boycotts, raising awareness about labor injustices and advocating for fair wages and better working conditions.