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Contact us!
PMC - 907-772-4291
Clinic - 907-772-4299
www.pmcak.org
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
The first quarter of 2026 has moved quickly, and I continue to be inspired by the dedication and progress demonstrated across our organization. At Petersburg Medical Center, our focus remains on delivering high-quality care, strengthening partnerships, and advancing key projects that support the long-term health of our community. Here are a few highlights from the past quarter.
Community Engagement:
PMC continues to strengthen its partnership with the Petersburg School District by providing essential services to students, including the NorthStar hearing screening project, access to a PMC-provided school nurse, and behavioral health services within the school—supporting early intervention and overall student wellness.
In January, the Borough Assembly and Hospital Board came together for their annual work session to align shared goals and priorities. Additionally, I attended the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association Legislative Fly-In in Juneau to meet with legislatures to advocate for critical infrastructure needs. While there, I met with other rural hospital leaders to discuss collaboration opportunities for resource sharing.
PMC submitted seven projects for this years Rural Health Transformation Program totaling over $11 million to develop new and expand existing programs that will transform healthcare in Petersburg. We are awaiting state approval of these requests.
Financial Wellness:
PMC has made significant strides in financial performance over the past year.
One year ago it took over three months to receive payments. Today, we've cut that down to under two months—an important achievement that reflects improved processes and strong team efforts.
Our annual financial audit, conducted by an independent accounting firm, was completed without issues demonstrating our continued commitment to accurate and transparent financial practices. As we prepare for the upcoming fiscal year, we are closely monitoring potential changes to federal healthcare policies, which may impact key service areas such as Long Term Care, Home Health, and Primary Care.
New Facility:
We are awaiting the State’s decision on our Certificate of Need application for the MRI project, with a response anticipated by late April 2026, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome. The public hearing for the MRI demonstrated strong community support, with many individuals providing meaningful and moving testimony on the importance of local access to this service.
At the federal level, Congressman Begich and Senator Murkowski have submitted Congressionally Directed Spending requests to support the next phase of PMC’s Capital Replacement Project. We are grateful to have received letters of support from Senator Stedman, Representative Himschoot, Commissioner Hedberg, CEO Joe Wanner from Bartlett Regional Hospital, and Jared Kosin, CEO and President of the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association.
— Phil Hofstetter, CEO,
Petersburg Medical Center
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NEWSLETTER BANNER PHOTO:
Heavy snow this year meant our year-round Kinder Skog program got lots of opportunities for fort building, snowball fights and even teaching kids to snowshoe, cross-country ski, and kick-sled.
| | ▲ PMC was pleased to host Congressman Begich for a site visit in March, where he toured both the main campus and the WERC facility spending invaluable time listening and asking questions about rural healthcare needs. Mayor Bob Lynn and Borough Assembly liaison Bob Martin joined, emphasizing the importance of healthcare in our community. | ▲ PMC proudly recognizes employees at the annual Longevity Luncheon. Milestones of 10, 15, and 20 years of service represent significant commitment, professionalism and compassionate care for our community. Staff recognized from left to right: Jackie Neidiffer, Belinda Chase, Julie Hursey, Julie Spigelmyre, Tammy Stickland, Sarah Wright and Matt Pawuk. (Not pictured: Vikki Franklin and Sonja Paul) | | ▲ PMC recognizes Belinda Chase and Elizabeth Hart are as they step into retirement this Spring. Belinda has worked in Health Information Management for 21 years and Elizabeth in the Nursing Department for 25 years. We wish them well and thank them for their dedicated service. | | | |
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health Fair Connects Community and Promotes Wellness at Every Age & Stage
The biennial Community Health Fair brought energy, connection, and valuable resources together under one roof. Nearly 30 local and regional partners hosted tables featuring information, resources, and engaging activities. Upbeat music and regular prize announcements created a welcoming atmosphere, bringing this year’s theme of “Thriving at Every Age & Stage” to life.
Many PMC Departments participated, sharing valuable information and connecting with community members. The PMC Nursing Department drew a crowd with a 12-foot inflatable walk-through colon, affectionately named “Nolan the Colon.” Their interactive display highlighted the importance of colon cancer screening and the return of local colonoscopy clinic services. The Rehabilitation Department also engaged visitors by sharing information to help prevent falls and offering fall risk screenings. Instructors demonstrated ongoing fall prevention classes, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Bingocize, a program combining bingo with small exercises to improve balance. There was also a high energy demonstration of the dance-based exercise class Zumba.
Guardian Flight came from Ketchikan to share information about medevac insurance and, thanks to favorable weather and no active missions that morning, offered an impromptu opportunity for community members to tour a medevac plane and meet the crew.
Throughout the fair PMC staff and providers presented on topics ranging from growing brave kids to strength training for longevity. One of the most well attended presentations was from CEO and audiologist Phil Hofstetter titled, “Hearing: What you Thought You Knew (But Didn’t).”
This year’s guest speaker, Peter Kline, founder of Marathons with Meaning, shared his inspiring work using endurance running to promote inclusion, inspiration, and community. His visit helped inspire PMC’s first ever Xtra Tough Fun Run/Walk 5K, a fundraiser supporting accessibility to Kinder Skog and ORCA Camps through scholarships and adaptive equipment. Despite blustery winter conditions, the event starting at Sandy Beach Park proved to be challenging and quite magical.
PMC is grateful to Parks & Recreation for sponsoring the Community Health Fair, and to all local and regional partners who contributed. We look forward to the next Community Health Fair in 2028.
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▲ The Nursing Department's interactive Nolan the Colon exhibit highlighted the importance of colorectal cancer screening and showed how polyps, which can be precancerous, develop in the lining of the colon. | ▲ Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department volunteers offered blood pressure screenings at the health fair, helping highlight the importance of regular screenings to monitor overall health and wellness. | ▲ Health Fair guest speaker Peter Kline joined rider-athlete Carley in the first ever Xtra Tough Fun Run/Walk on a beautifully blustery winter weekend. The event raised over $1,000 to support accessibility to PMC's Youth Programs through scholarships and adaptive equipment. | | | |
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Care Close to Home: Welcoming Back Scopes Clinics
This year, PMC marked an important milestone with the return of regular colonoscopy and endoscopy clinics—bringing essential, potentially life-saving screenings back to the community. Visiting specialist James Taggart, MD and Jenilyn Lo, CRNA, along with the PMC nursing staff conducted 15 procedures over two days in early February.
The last time PMC hosted regular scopes clinics was in 2017, with occasional clinics since then. Jennifer Bryner, the Chief Nursing Officer for PMC shared that the April clinic was able to complete 19 procedures. As staff get back to regular clinics and become more efficient at completing each procedure they will likely be able to see a few more patients each time.
Colonoscopy and endoscopy are procedures which allow doctors to visually inspect the insides of a patient’s colon and esophagus. They are highly effective methods to screen for certain types of cancer and other illnesses. Regular cancer screening via colonoscopy is recommended for older adults and those with some preexisting conditions. “We’ve been doing other forms of colorectal cancer screening, but colonoscopy is really the gold standard,” Bryner said.
The tool they use to complete these procedures is a flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. The tube bends around turns and can add and remove air to partially inflate the colon to allow for easier passage and inspection by the scope. They are also able to spray small amounts of water to get a clearer view of the inside of the colon. In some necessary cases, small amounts of tissue can be removed and retrieved to be biopsied.
This clinic is part of an ongoing effort to bring specialty care to Petersburg to reduce healthcare associated costs for our community. Stay tuned for the next scopes clinic, which is anticipated to be held this summer.
| | | ▲ The return of regular scopes clinics has been exciting for patients and staff alike. PMC nurses pictured above from left to right: Elizabeth Hart, Helen Boggs, Emma Gates and Traci Vinson. | | | |
LONG TERM CARE UPDATE
Pie Day, Pen Pals and Springtime Joy
Our Long Term Care community continues to be a vibrant home to nine residents, both from Petersburg and beyond. As spring slowly starts making its’ appearance, residents have been eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Weather permitting, we have resumed van rides, started planting in the garden beds and spending more time outside—even if only for brief moments.
Long Term Care has also started a fun card exchange with facilities across America. Sharing artwork created by our residents along with fun facts about our community, we have received cards in return from more than 50 facilities, learning about communities nationwide. What began as a Valentine’s Day activity has continued into the spring season.
Holiday celebrations have continued beyond the card exchange. For Valentine’s Day, residents had a wonderful visit from the Pioneers of Alaska for the annual Ice Cream Social. The Food and Nutrition Services Department also provided beautiful lunches for residents and their families on both Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Back by popular demand, we hosted our annual Pie Day in March, featuring 23 unique homemade pies for taste testing and judging!
The Activities Department continues expanding opportunities for resident engagement within the broader community. Each week, we welcome volunteers who join us for music, socialization, and other events. Long Term Care has resumed our monthly radio show—bringing residents to KFSK to assist with hosting a radio show featuring a playlist they helped create. We also continue to have monthly visits from PMC’s Youth Program, Strings N’ Things, assisting with crafting projects or other activities.
If you know someone or a group interested in volunteering in Long Term Care, please reach out to Alice for more information at 907-772-5747.
| | | ▲ Crafting is a favorite pastime for many LTC residents. Here Fe and Gail work on their Valentine's cards to be mailed to other LTC facilities across the country. | | ▲ As the resident gardener, Ron is excited for Spring and has enjoyed getting the flower boxes ready around the facility. | | | |
MEET THE STAFF
Michael Burnett Supports Patient Care Behind the Scenes at Health Information Management
Behind every patient visit is a complex system that keeps medical information secure, accurate, organized, and moving—and Michael Burnett is one of the people making it all happen. As part of the Health Information Management (HIM) team, he plays a key role in organizing, coding, and managing patient information; translating complex medical language into standardized codes that insurance companies can process. It’s detailed work that requires both focus and adaptability, and Michael has built strong expertise in the role over nearly three years in coding.
Michael’s background spans several fields before landing in healthcare. Prior to joining PMC, he spent 18 years as a massage therapist and held a variety of roles, including construction, personal training, and working at McDonald’s in his teen years. His journey eventually brought him to Alaska nearly a decade ago, where he’s now stayed longer than anywhere else. “I’ve lived in roughly 14 states,” he says, “but Alaska has been home the longest.”
He arrived in Petersburg during the COVID era after a change in plans. Michael and his wife, Violet, had been preparing to move out of state for a break, but when Violet was offered a position at PMC, it brought them to Petersburg instead. Michael began with PMC as an emergency hire to support COVID screening and eventually moved into his current coding role. He is currently continuing his education in medical coding through the University of Alaska Southeast while balancing work, school, and family life.
Outside of work Michael stays just as busy. He and Violet are raising their son, Jack, and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter, Skadi. Along with two dogs, his own cleaning business, and volunteering as an EMT, Michael keeps a full schedule. “I’m kind of a ‘yes’ person,” he admits.
Despite the demands, he says the best part of his job is the people he works with. “We have a great team. I can always rely on them,” he shares. That support extends to his home life as well, where his wife encourages his many pursuits. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, painting, and biking; especially on the fat bike he won at PMC’s Pedal Paddle Battle a few years ago.
Whether he’s coding charts, responding to EMT calls, or spending time with family, Michael brings energy, dedication, and a sense of humor to everything he does.
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| | ▲ Michael, Violet and their three-year-old son Jack get outside to enjoy nature whenever their busy schedules allow and the weather cooperates. | ▲ Michael loves the challenge of a long, off-the-beaten-path ride on his fat-tire bike | | |
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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Inside the Lab: Where Health Fair Results Come to Life Food & Nutrition Services Team Enhances Patient Care Through Quality and Choice
Nearly five hundred blood samples made their way from the arms of community members to the lab for processing during the biennial health fair blood draw last month. Following the three weeks of health fair blood tests, 488 Petersburg residents were armed with more information about their hemoglobin, cholesterol, and a couple dozen other health indicators.
Each sample was drawn from the patient, then refrigerated to wait in line before it made its way through a chemistry analyzer and hematology analyzer that mixed it with reagents and blasted it with electromagnetic radiation. The frequency of the waves that make it through the sample gives the machine an idea of what’s in the blood. By the end of the process, the machine gives hints of whether you’ve been eating too much junk food, whether the extra steps you’ve been walking have helped, or if you have indicators of cancer.
The lab worked full tilt processing samples for the biennial health fair blood draws in February and early March. Eight lab staff adjusted their work schedules, starting earlier in the morning, staggering lunches, and extending hours until 6pm to keep the machines running for a longer day. During that time the first lab tech arrived at 5am to start the process for the day. First it was getting patient’s test orders and labeling patient cards, then a 6am instrument startup.
During the blood testing for health fair, the lab testing volume more than doubled. “It’s not a big lab, but a lot gets done here,” said Levy Boitor, a tech in the lab.
Participants were able to receive their results within 24 hours via the Patient Portal, a significant improvement from past years thanks to enhanced technology.
The lab is working on getting a new chemistry analyzer machine. The current machine is at the end of its serviceable lifespan. The new machine will come with better capabilities, allowing additional testing, including vitamin D and testosterone, to be done in the lab rather than sent to an out-of-town lab. That will lead to faster results for patients.
| | | ▲ Nancy Higgens, Technical Supervisor and Levy Boitor, Lab Technician help keep the machines running behind the scenes during the health fair blood draw event. | | ▲ The laboratory works behind the scenes to help providers diagnose and treat patients every day. From left to right: Levy, Isiah, Abel, Rob, Nancy, Margaret, Brooklyn, Aly and Violet. | | | | |
