DEVOTED TO HEALTHFUL LIVING COMPASS EARLY SPRING 2026 Spotlight on Pediatrics Pediatric Clinic providers, from left: Kelly Peekstok, MD; Misha Caldwell, PNP-BC; Allison Martin, MD; and Emily Pirmann, DO
2 HEALTH COMPASS Early Spring 2026 Orthopedic Clinic completes milestone surgery In October, CMH-OHSU Health orthopedic surgeons performed the hospital’s 500th Mako SmartRobotics™ total joint surgery. CMH completed the first total joint replacements in August 2023, using the Mako technology to personalize knee and hip replacement procedures for each patient. Mako total joint Care for every stage of childhood Nicole Williams, COO/Assistant CEO Several times a week, a lullaby plays across the hospital intercom, announcing a newborn’s birth in Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Family Birth Center. From the time each pair of tiny feet makes its appearance to the time those feet are heading off to college, the providers at the CMHOHSU Health Pediatric Clinic are here to help our youngest patients grow and develop at every stage. The Pediatric Clinic opened in 2009 and is the longest-running specialty clinic for children in the region. As employees of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, our providers have the backing and support of a large research hospital but live and work here on the coast to care for your family. Our pediatric providers see children the day they are born in the Family Birth Center and then in the clinic until they turn 18. Our partnership with OHSU allows for easy transitions when a higher level of care is needed. Four of our providers have been at the Pediatric Clinic for more than five years. This September, we are excited to welcome Ashlyn Swerdloff, DO, who was born and raised in Astoria, back home as our new Seaside pediatrician. Keep reading to hear more about Dr. Swerdloff and our pediatric services in this edition of the Health Compass. See the latest construction progress Throughout the winter, construction crews made progress on the foundation of the BuildCMH Expansion Project. Drilled piles were completed in mid-December, and concrete slab pours for the building’s foundation began at the end of January. Early work with steel, including steel stub columns, has continued. We expect to see the steel framework of the expansion shaping up in the second quarter this year. On the next page, see pictures of the work completed so far. It’s exciting to see real progress, and we look forward to seeing the expansion take shape this year. BUILDCMH UPDATE Want to get involved? Email Mark Kujala, executive director of the CMH Foundation, at mkujala@columbiamemorial.org to learn how you can leave a legacy for generations to come by donating to the project’s capital campaign.
COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Early Spring 2026 3 replacements now make up the majority of hip and knee replacements at CMH. “I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving 500 Mako robotic-assisted joint replacements in just over two years,” says Nicole Williams, COO/Assistant CEO. “This accomplishment reflects not only the expertise of our orthopedic surgeons, but also the tireless work of the OR, clinic and support teams who make each procedure possible. Their dedication ensures our patients benefit from safer, more precise and more personalized care, and they’ve helped establish CMH as the regional leader in robotic-assisted surgery.” How the Mako works The Mako has been the leading total joint robotic surgery technology since its launch on the market in 2006. It combines three key components — 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop™ haptic technology and insightful data analytics — into one platform that has shown quicker recovery and better outcomes for patients. With the Mako, our surgeons know more about patients than ever before , and there is less room for error. With increased precision, they can cut less, which means less soft tissue damage and greater bone preservation. Care close to home CMH is the only hospital offering Mako procedures on the North Coast. The closest nearby Mako units are in the Olympia, Washington, or Portland metro areas. The Mako was the first robotic-assisted surgical procedure offered at CMH. Since bringing the Mako to Astoria, CMH has also added another roboticassisted technology, Aquablation, to the CMHOHSU Health Urology Clinic. There are plans to add other robotic-assisted services to the hospital expansion when it opens in late 2027. Curious about the Mako? Learn more about robotic-assisted joint replacement with the Mako at columbiamemorial.org/mako.
4 HEALTH COMPASS Early Spring 2026 Pediatric care at CMH Being a parent is not easy. From the early years of sleep deprivation and diaper-changing to the later years of school, sports and more, finding quality health care can seem like a daunting part of the job. Thankfully, the CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic locations in both Astoria and Seaside can save you a long trip to Portland and beyond by providing the important services that kids need, right here on the coast. Small-town care, big-city benefits Choosing a health care provider for your child is an important decision. That’s why we’ve partnered with OHSU — our providers offer the same high level of care that you would find in a larger city. We offer everything you’d expect from a pediatric clinic, including well-child checkups, same-day sick visits, immunizations, and care for chronic conditions and childhood issues. We also provide some services that might surprise you, like ear piercing and car seat checks. Our pediatric providers offer comprehensive care for all children and are uniquely trained to provide expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of disorders, including acne, allergies, asthma, attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), childhood obesity, eczema and many other chronic conditions. In addition, our Rehabilitation Services team sees kids for occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy needs. Other CMH-OHSU Health specialists, like those at the Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, also see children. Care you can count on Our providers strive to build trusting relationships with our young patients and their parents from the very beginning. That way, if a more complicated condition develops, they can feel comfortable and confident that they are getting the care they need. The CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic is here for you. While parenting can be a tough job, finding the right health care for your kids doesn’t have to be. Local returns home as new Seaside pediatrician Meet Dr. Swerdloff, joining CMH Seaside in September Ashlyn Swerdloff, DO, will join the CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic – Seaside in early September. Dr. Swerdloff was born and raised in Astoria and is the daughter of longtime CMH caregiver Kendra Gohl, infection preventionist. After finishing her residency in South Carolina, she is returning home to practice pediatrics. QCan you tell us a little about your background and why you decided to become a pediatrician? “My calling to work with children dates back to my childhood when I nannied three young girls. I have an undergraduate degree in social work, which has created a unique lens through which to see children. By understanding the socioeconomic struggles many patients face, I have developed the ability to effectively meet children where they are while enacting mindful interventions to enhance overall well-being. “Pediatrics is the space that I find my confidence, inner peace and the utmost fulfillment as a physician, and I can’t wait to share that passion with the children I share a home with along the Oregon Coast.” QWere there mentors or experiences here that influenced your medical journey? “My mother served as my first glimpse into the health care world, specifically at CMH. I was blessed to have been raised in a home with incredible parents who supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and in a community that fostered them, as well. Make an appointment Call 503-325-7337 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician in Seaside or Astoria or visit columbiamemorial.org/ pediatrics to learn more about pediatric services at CMH.
COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Early Spring 2026 5 “I took Health Occupations in high school and explored various health-related careers, which helped further solidify that pediatrics was the path for me. I also had the opportunity to work in the CMH Emergency Department prior to medical school. Alongside the physicians and nurses, I saw firsthand the impact our hospital makes in the local community and knew I wanted to be part of that when my training was complete.” QWhat can you share about your medical school and residency experiences? “I chose to attend a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) school focused on holistic, person-centered care, which has served as the framework for my professional approach to pediatrics. “When exploring my options for residency, I chose a program at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. I have served children with multiple chronic medical complexities; triaged acute patient decompensation in the hospital/clinic setting; and provided long-term disease management for patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, asthma and so much more.” QWhat does person-centered care look like to you in your job? “Person-centered care is intrinsic to the success of pediatrics, but it often looks more like family-centered care in our specialty. The entire family unit is what makes a child successful. For this reason, I believe it is vital to have them at the center of our care plan.” QTell us about your approach to pediatric care. “Each child has different needs and interests, and it is my mission to help meet those needs alongside their family’s goals. I want my patients to know that they are safe and supported in my office, that I will foster their goals for health, and that I will encourage them to be the healthiest version of themselves. My hope is for each child to leave my office feeling seen, heard and valued.” Full-time pediatric occupational therapy available at CMH Our occupational therapy team includes two fulltime therapists who focus on pediatric patients, from newborns to teens. Together, they have a combined 30 years of experience. Our pediatric occupational therapists help children and families improve participation in meaningful activities, which could include daily living skills, play and school skills, and social-emotional skill development. Treatment is tailored to the child’s and family’s specific needs and may include sensory processing interventions, gross motor and fine motor activities, and parent/caregiver education and training, among other things. The treatment space is equipped with therapy equipment like swings, a climbing wall and other multisensory play activities that are used during sessions to facilitate skill development. Interested in pediatric rehab? Patients need a referral for occupational therapy. You can bring a referral or ask your provider to send one to CMH Rehabilitation Services. Call 503-338-7555 for more information, or have your provider fax a referral to 503-338-7557.
6 HEALTH COMPASS Early Spring 2026 New AI-assisted surgery offers lasting relief from BPH symptoms In fall 2025, CMH expanded its robotic-assisted surgery offerings with the addition of Aquablation therapy. This is the only treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that is real-time and ultrasoundguided and uses a waterjet to relieve symptoms while preserving sexual function and continence. What is BPH? “BPH is a very common condition that severely compromises the quality of life for many men,” says John Mansfield, MD, boardcertified urologist at the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic. “When BPH becomes advanced, it can also significantly affect critical kidney functions.” Millions of men struggle with BPH symptoms, including difficulty urinating and fully emptying the bladder. Needing to urinate immediately or urgently, urinating more often than normal, and urinating frequently at night are all indicators of BPH. “Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are very common in older men, and 70% of men respond well to simple medical therapy,” Dr. Mansfield says. “If a man is continuing to have symptoms despite medical therapy, he should be referred to the Urology Clinic for a conversation about Aquablation.” How does the new surgery work? Built on experience from over 50,000 procedures, the Hydros Robotic System is the latest advancement in Aquablation therapy. This design incorporates AI tools to make the procedure more efficient, easier to use for surgical teams and more consistent, leading to better results for patients. “Aquablation is a modern, better way to perform the ‘gold standard’ operation of a transurethral resection of the prostate,” Dr. Mansfield says. “It is faster, surgeon-directed by real-time ultrasound and has fewer side effects.” This advanced treatment uses a heat-free robotic waterjet system guided by real-time imaging. Aquablation allows doctors to create a personalized plan by removing only the prostate tissue causing problems while protecting important functions. Following the treatment, patients can expect minimal downtime and side effects. How does it benefit patients? “Men experience an improved urinary stream almost immediately,” Dr. Mansfield explains. “Over the next one to two months, the bladder behavior improves, with less urgency, frequency and less getting up at night to urinate.” Since September, CMH urologists Dr. Mansfield and Grecori Anderson, MD, have performed 20 Aquablation procedures using the Hydros Robotic System. “The patients are very pleased with the outcomes so far,” Dr. Mansfield notes. “One gentleman had been in retention for six months, needing catheters. He is now catheter-free and feeling like a new man after Aquablation therapy.” Reclaim your lifestyle Call 503-338-4075 to make an appointment with the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic today. For more information about the procedure, visit aquablation.com. Urologist Grecori Anderson, MD, with the Hydros Robotic System.
COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Early Spring 2026 7 COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Join us at our 2026 events Parties are something the CMH Foundation does well. In 2026, we will keep the festivities going. Join us for the Giving for Good Gala: An Evening in Black and White, on Saturday, May 2, at Clatsop County Fair & Expo. This year’s Gala redesigns the Kentucky Derby flair into an evening that brings our community together in a classic setting, where generosity takes center stage and giving back never goes out of style. This year, guests will enjoy live music and fantastic food and drinks in the Fair’s event space, transformed like never before. Dress sharply and enjoy an unforgettable night for a good cause. On Friday, Aug. 14, we will host the second annual CMH Classic Golf Tournament at the Gearhart Golf Links. This event, with a team scramble format, is for both the low handicappers and the casual duffer just looking for a good time. An entertaining round of golf will be followed by a smorgasbord buffet and beverages at the McMenamins Livingstone Room, with prizes for all. One team will walk away with the coveted bronze statue and be able to lay claim to the championship for 2026. All for a good cause All the funds raised from the Giving for Good Gala and the CMH Classic go toward the BuildCMH hospital expansion project. To date, $7.7 million has been raised. We have more work to do as we look to reach our community fundraising goal of $10 million, and there are some ways you can help. Register as a Presenting, Supporting or Community Sponsor at either event. To learn more about sponsorship packages and secure a spot for yourself or your business, go to columbiamemorial.org/ foundation-sponsor. On the same webpage, you can also donate goods or services for our unique raffles or live auctions at these events. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2026! Join the fun! If you want to learn more about or get involved with the Gala or the Golf Tournament, visit columbiamemorial.org/giving.
Cover photo by Austin Miller, videographer and graphic designer. CMH HEALTH COMPASS is published as a community service by COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, a Planetree Gold-Certified Person-Centered Care Facility. 2111 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103, telephone 503-325-4321, website: columbiamemorial.org For information about CMH HEALTH COMPASS: Sarah Bello, MBA, Director of Communications CAPT. Doug Kaup President, Board of Trustees Erik Thorsen, MBA, CPA, FACHE Chief Executive Officer Nicole Williams, MPA, FACHE Chief Operating Officer/ Assistant CEO Jimmy Heilman, MD, MBA Chief Medical Officer Brandon Parker, MBA, CPA Chief Financial Officer Information in CMH HEALTH COMPASS comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Jennifer Peach-Guzman, RN, BSN, MBA Vice President, Patient Care Services Jarrod Karnofski, DPT, ATC, MSHCA Vice President, Ancillary and Support Services Christopher Laman, PharmD, MBA Vice President, Strategy Nicole Perez, BSHA, MSITM Vice President, Health Information Services Doug Mays, MHA Vice President, Facilities, Security and Environmental Care COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 2111 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 BuildCMH update Want to see how construction is going? Take a look at pages 2 and 3! Meet a CMH provider Margeaux Berroth, MD, CMH Imaging Services QWhy did you choose your medical specialty? “I was initially attracted to becoming a radiologist after observing the rapid evolution of the field during my time in medical school, compared to other specialties I was curious about. I appreciated the constant reliance on real-time problem-solving and utilization of visual-spatial reasoning, procedural skills and critical thinking necessary to practice. During the course of my training, I came to really appreciate the critical role our specialty plays within the medical care team and in patient outcomes.” QWhat do you enjoy most about your job? “I really enjoy discussing patients’ cases with ordering providers and being able to see and take care of patients in the Breast Imaging Department. “We, as radiologists, play a critical role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease across all medical specialties in patients of all ages. The depth and breadth of our knowledge base, both in clinical acumen and imaging interpretation, is unparalleled. “Compared to other medical specialties, radiologists can ‘see’ anywhere between 50 and 200 patients per day. It is both an incredible privilege and an honor to take care of patients in this manner, while being helpful to a physician, provider or clinical team. To make such a daily impact is incredibly rewarding!” QWhat does person-centered care mean to you? “For every study I read, biopsy I perform or patient I am seeing in the clinic, I endeavor to treat each one knowing there is a whole person with a life beyond the images I see. Perhaps they are the parent of a young child at home, a member of the community working to help others, or a retired spouse or friend to others. That is person-centered care in radiology.” Take a closer look Visit columbiamemorial.org/imaging to learn more about Imaging Services at CMH.
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