
We're all doing our best to navigate life around the COVID-19 outbreak, while trying to stay safe and adjust to our new normal. Within the seriousness of the situation, we've been searching out bright spots to sustain us and information that will help us minimize our risk.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity, compassion and ingenuity forged by a difficult time, we are finding many examples of "the good." We hope you'll visit this page often for stories that will lift your spirits and warm your heart.

Decades-old treatment giving new hope to coronavirus patients
27-year-old Billy Schulz was given a 50/50 chance at survival after his coronavirus illness quickly took a scary turn. The treatment he received made a huge difference in his recovery. Doctors used an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine — or ECMO — to give his lungs a break. Schulz, who has no underlying medical conditions, showed signs of improvement, and after five-and-a-half days on the machine, he was taken off — nearly recovered.
Froedtert & MCW doctors research help for COVID-19 long haulers
Froedtert & MCW health network is one of two local health systems that have set up special clinics to treat patients with COVID-19 symptoms months after their original illness. The research done by Froedtert & MCW specialists could be part of helping COVID-19 patients around the world recover.
Op-Ed: When Is It Safe (and Ethical) to Travel Again?
Most of us are wondering the same thing. Is it safe to travel? Here's a comprehensive overview by Dr. Joyce Sanchez, medical director of the Travel Health Clinic with the Froedtert & MCW health network, who offers an expert’s perspective to help us make smart choices.
Caring For The Carers: Peer Support Group Lets Health Workers Lean On Each Other
Several Froedtert & MCW staff spoke about the "Supporting Our Staff" program and how it's designed to give staff someone to talk to when they are overwhelmed, stressed or upset.
'This is a game changer': Wisconsin doctors expect FDA approval for Johnson & Johnson vaccine soon
Sid Singh, MD, enterprise chief quality and patient safety officer, talks about the benefits of having a third vaccine available and the advantages of a single-dose vaccine.
Number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Wisconsin drops by 82 percent
The Wisconsin Hospital Association reports 412 people hospitalized for COVID-19, a number close to what we saw back in April. Michael Stadler, MD, chief medical officer at Froedtert Hospital, talked about the decrease and how there wasn't the post-holiday surge we expected.
More contagious COVID-19 variant found in the UK reported in Milwaukee
Mary Beth Graham, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at Froedtert Hospital, explained some of the concerns medical professionals and scientists are grappling with now that the UK COVID-19 variant has been reported in Wisconsin.
The COVID-19 precautions we're taking appear to be having a second effect: Cases of flu are almost nonexistent
Mary Beth Graham, MD, medical director, infection prevention and control at Froedtert Hospital; associate chief, Division of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Wisconsin, explains that, while the dramatic decrease in influenza this season isn’t a surprise, it’s still a good idea to get your flu shots.
Medical report estimates pandemic will lead to 300,000 fewer births in 2021
Being pregnant during a pandemic is a whole new level of worry. Thankfully, the Froedtert & MCW health network offers Babyscripts™, a secure app integrated with a patient’s electronic health record.
The Rebound: Cutting-edge research may have found COVID heart-related issue in certain patients
A $30,000 grant from The Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Club/Run allowed MCW cardiovascular researcher Ze Zheng, PhD, to analyze data from hospitalized COVID-19 patients and discover that high cholesterol doubled a patient’s risk of death. This year, 100% of money raised from the annual run/walk will be devoted to COVID-related heart research.
Doctors discuss COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women
Jennifer Jury McIntosh, DO, MS, OB/GYN, Froedtert & MCW Maternal Fetal Medicine Program and Medical College of Wisconsin associate professor, explains what science can tell us about the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women and emphasizes patients should feel comfortable having a conversation with their providers whenever they have questions.
Some battle snowstorm to get COVID-19 vaccine
15,000 patients, 65 and older, who were contacted and then booked for an appointment across seven Froedtert & MCW health clinics, which opened on a snowy Tuesday.
New clinics focus on the lasting effects of COVID-19, including fatigue, muscle weakness, pain and loss of taste
Julie Biller, pulmonologist and director for the Froedtert & MCW Post COVID-19 Care Program, talks about how the clinic brings together several specialties to manage the wide variety of symptoms that can linger after COVID-19.
WI DHS reports progress with vaccines, say weekly supply must ramp up to reach herd immunity by fall
Jill Polzin, a registered nurse in the Froedtert & MCW Clinical Cancer Center, shared her experience of getting her second COVID-19 vaccine yesterday and the importance of the vaccination for the safety of our patients.
Paging Dr. Sandman
B. Tucker Woodson, MD, otolaryngology/head and neck surgery and sleep medicine specialist, Froedtert & MCW health network, addresses how the pandemic may impact your sleep.
Froedtert Health donates 50,000 masks and $20,000 funding to area health centers
Froedtert Health donated 50,000 masks and $20,000 for other supplies to five Federally Qualified Health Centers to support diverse communities hit the hardest by COVID-19. The donations were the result of ongoing outreach and partnerships with community health centers to determine what is needed most.
Here's the coronavirus safety gear you should pack if you really must travel this holiday season
Joyce Sanchez, MD, medical director of the Froedtert & MCW Travel Health Clinic, talked about the importance of wearing a mask, including how a mask can protect you when you are standing in line or sitting on a plane.
Pandemic stress over the holidays
"It's important to reflect on what the holidays mean to us. The changes you're making to your holiday routine are with good purpose, there's a really good reason you’re doing this to keep you and the community safe." Andrew Schramm, PhD, Froedtert & MCW clinical psychologist, spoke with Today’s TMJ4. The topic? How we can work to manage stress as we enter a unique holiday season.
Froedtert ER doctor describes stress, alarm due to COVID-19
In Wisconsin, COVID-19 cases continue to mount and hospitals throughout the state are facing near capacity challenges. An Froedtert & MCW Froedtert Hospital emergency department physician shares his front-line perspective.
COVID-19 is surging. But Americans can still travel to these 75 countries.
Joyce Sanchez, MD, infectious disease specialist, and medical director for Froedtert & MCW Travel Health Clinic, is one of a panel of experts to weigh in on travel during the COVID-19 surge.
Doctora contesta dudas de la vacuna contra la gripe
Este año es importante evitar contraer la gripe, ya que las comunidades de todo Wisconsin siguen luchando contra la propagación de otro virus en COVID-19.
Lupita Salas: Person of the Week
Lupita Salas finally left Froedtert Hospital after a six-month battle with COVID-19. Her brave journey continues as she recovers at home. This woman’s cup is half full!
COVID-19 will soon be joined by seasonal flu. What's a person to do?
With flu season around the corner, Mary Beth Graham, MD, Froedtert & MCW infectious disease specialist, reminds us of the importance of getting a flu shot and answers commonly asked questions about the vaccine.
How clean is the air on planes?
Is flying a good idea during a pandemic? Before you pack your bag, stuff some expert advice in your brain. Joyce L. Sanchez, MD, medical director, Froedert & MCW Travel Health Clinic weighs in.
Cancer treatments and mental health support amid a pandemic
Beth Erickson, MD, FACR, FASTRO, radiation oncologist and researcher with the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network and Medical College of Wisconsin faculty member, discusses how cancer treatment does not stop for a pandemic and how we’ve taken precautionary measures in response to COVID-19.
Movie Theater Trade Group Establishes COVID-19 Protocols
Joyce Sanchez, MD, infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Froedtert & MCW Travel Health Clinic, joined national health experts for a virtual press conference last week to provide scientific and clinical recommendations to movie theaters and patrons.
If you’re travelling now, here’s how to make it safe
Joyce Sanchez, MD, infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Froedtert & MCW Travel Health Clinic, provides guidance on how to travel safer this summer.
Is it safe to go back to the gym?
Joyce Sanchez, MD, infectious disease specialist at Froedtert Hospital, tackles some tough issues around the risks of resuming your exercise routine in a public gym.
‘It's a sign of humanity': Shorewood becomes first Milwaukee area community to require face masks in public buildings
Brady McIntosh, MD, an emergency physician at Froedtert Hospital, said The Lancet Journal recently compiled the results of 172 studies across 16 countries and determined that face masks resulted in "a large reduction in the risk of infection."
Heading out to celebrate this holiday weekend? “Don’t let your guard down” says infectious disease specialist
Joyce Sanchez, MD, infectious disease specialist at Froedtert & MCW health network, offered tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend and summer!
The Benefits of Wearing a Mask During COVID-19
Mary Beth Graham, MD, infectious disease specialist with the Froedtert & MCW health network, talks about the benefits of wearing a mask during the coronavirus pandemic.
Local doctors say it’s too early to know long-term impact on coronavirus patients
Coronavirus can affect people of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and races. It presents itself in many forms, from a fever to critical breathing complications. Froedtert & MCW infectious disease specialist John Fangman, MD, explains that we need more time to investigate the long-term impacts.
Cancer patients weigh risk of delaying treatment against risks of COVID-19 exposure
Dianne Smetana, cancer patient, and her doctor, James P. Thomas, MD, PhD, hematologist/oncologist, discuss making the difficult decision whether to forego cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changing coronavirus guidance, safety recommendations
Laura Cassidy, an epidemiologist with the Medical College of Wisconsin, was quoted in a story about another clarification from the World Health Organization about how COVID-19 could be spreading.
Are masks still necessary as public spaces reopen and health orders are lifted?
Julie Biller, MD, pulmonologist with Froedtert Hospital and professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, explains the overall benefits to wearing masks in public as our community opens back up.
Thoughtful health system response to COVID-19
Sue Huerta, PhD, MS, RN, and Mary Beth Graham, MD, FIDSA, FACP, explain how Froedtert & MCW health network responded to COVID-19, and how they will move into the future in this new normal.
COVID-19 survivor shares how he beat the virus
50-year-old Les Wilbert is back at home after spending 24 days in Froedtert Hospital, fighting coronavirus. Doctors put him on an ECMO machine and added an experimental blood filter. The device filtered molecules that caused inflammation out of his blood. He is one of three patients at the hospital to fully recover after this therapy.
Bucks hold ice cream social for hospital workers
Staff at Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital got a sweet treat from the Milwaukee Bucks. Bucks President Peter Feigin said the team wanted to donate the ice cream left at Fiserv Forum to treat hospital workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
‘It was terrifying:’ Milwaukee’s Judge Derek Mosley shares his COVID-19 journey
Judge Derek Mosley got to catch up in person for the first time with Christin Lissmann, the Froedtert Hospital ICU nurse who saw him through frightening moments.
"You don’t want it:" Woman leaves hospital after spending weeks recovering from COVID-19
For the first time in roughly three weeks, Linda Wilson stepped outside. She left Froedtert Hospital on Monday, May 25, after recovering from the coronavirus and calls her healthcare team angels.
Keeping up with diet and nutrition during the pandemic
Makayla Emmer, RD, CD, registered clinical dietician with the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital, joined Spectrum News1 WI to talk about some healthier food options and how to begin cutting meat from your diet.
414 heroes: How a housekeeper at Froedtert Hospital is making a difference during the crisis
Jodi Sklar is a housekeeper at Froedtert Hospital. In addition to her daily responsibilities of cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, she has stepped in as “surrogate family member” to provide extra TLC for patients when visitors aren’t allowed.
Health care workers are taping smiling photos of themselves to their protective gear to comfort patients
Courtney Belot, radiation therapist for cancer patients at Froedtert Hospital, and some of her coworkers are putting their patients at ease. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Belot)
Plasma treatment offers hope to critically ill COVID-19 patients
COVID-19 patients in the region are being treated within the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network with convalescent plasma treatment. The first healthcare system in the Southeastern Wisconsin to use this therapy on a COVID-19 patient, Froedtert & MCW health network infused its first patient with plasma donated from individuals who have recovered from the virus
Remdesivir being used to treat some COVID-19 patients In Wisconsin
Mary Beth Graham, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control, comments on patients infected with COVID-19 who will be treated with Remdesivir at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee as part of a nationwide study of its effectiveness.
Mask madness: Infection expert details how the coronavirus can spread, best practices to stay safe
Dr. Mary Beth Graham, the director of infection prevention and control at Froedtert Hospital, weighs in on wearing masks when we leave the house.
Fact check: No, you should not be wearing gloves in public
Experts from around the country, including Mary Beth Graham, MD, director of infection prevention and control at Froedtert Hospital, discuss whether wearing gloves in public protects you from transmission of COVID-19 virus.
Local student artist thanks staff with chalk art at Froedtert West Bend Hospital
Kinsley Kohls, a junior at West Bend West High School, created chalk art Thursday, April 2, at the Froedtert West Bend Hospital main entrance April 2 thanking staff for their dedication to patient care.
Girl Scout donates cookies to staff
Parker Smyth, a 7-year-old Daisy in Troop 1239 through St. Frances Cabrini in West Bend, donated 20 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital. She reached out to the hospital and asked to make the donation to show her gratitude for the hard work of the doctors, nurses and staff during COVID-19. Our hospital staff was so grateful that they wanted to thank her in person!
New businesses requiring face masks to combat the spread of COVID-19
Mary Beth Graham, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention & Control at Froedtert Hospital, associate chief of the division of Infectious Disease at MCW, explains why masks reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Car caravan says "thank you" in Menomonee Falls
Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital felt love and appreciation from the communities it serves as an estimated 75 vehicles turned on their headlights, flashed their four-way flashers and honked their horns to thank hospital staff and providers as they battle COVID-19 on the front lines. Reich Tool & Design of Menomonee Falls organized the car caravan.
Hospital chaplain spreads comfort during coronavirus pandemic
COVID-19 has drastically changed how many of our staff work. For Randee Zitelman and our other hospital chaplains, that means they can't visit patients in isolation wards in person. Yet that hasn't stopped them from offering prayers and support in different but meaningful ways.
Business says "thank you" to staff
West Bend Mutual Insurance, a long-standing community partner of Froedtert West Bend Hospital, has generously donated a gift card to all Froedtert West Bend Hospital staff in appreciation for the work they are doing during these unprecedented times.
#fueledbyburritos
Staff and providers enjoyed complimentary El Fuego burritos, courtesy of U.S. Bank. The burritos were a "thank you" to our staff at Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and Froedtert West Bend Hospital.
72-year-old Milwaukee woman with COVID-19 released from Froedtert Hospital
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin staff gave a 72-year-old Milwaukee woman a proper sendoff when she was released Tuesday, April 14, after being hospitalized with COVID-19 since March 31.
April is National Donate Life Month
While the current situation continues to impact our daily lives, we want to acknowledge those who’ve given the gift of life through organ donation. April is National Donate Life Month, and our Donate Life flag flies proudly to mark the occasion. Thank you to all organ donors and transplant teams for helping others get a second chance at life.
Pregnancy in a pandemic
Roseann Gumina, MD, Froedtert & MCW OB/GYN, is reassuring women who are pregnant during this time of uncertainty. "A mother and baby's health is a top priority," she says.
PPE donations: Thank you for your generosity!
Thank you to our generous community for the donation of 40,000 items of PPE to our health system. These items will help as we address the COVID-19 situation. We received gloves, gowns, masks, and even heartfelt letters, and staff from around the system sorted and organized them into 75 bins. Thanks to your generosity and supply chain improvements, we are no longer accepting PPE donations.
