Employee Spotlight
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Employee Spotlight: Faith Kienstra
Blog
Some call it luck, others call it destiny. Faith Christina Kienstra, staff chaplain at Anne Arundel Medical Center, describes ending up in Annapolis as a “complete fluke.”
“I moved to the East Coast about three and a half years ago. I had decided to make a temporary move to Annapolis and saw there was an opening for a chaplain at AAMC so I eagerly applied, and I am blessed to be here two and a half years later,” she said.
Faith was nervous about working at a hospital that’s not religious-based, saying she was ambivalent by how others would interpret her approach to work as a chaplain. But to her surprise, she was pleasantly welcomed by an integrated team that gave her a platform where she could continue to thrive with her work.
“It’s such a special hospital because people who work here are called to do what they do,” she said. “There is grace, respect and a sense of lifting up others throughout the entire organization, from top executives all the way through to the volunteers.”
This is important for Faith, whose main duty revolves around dealing with situations that can be challenging. Through the years, she has learned that when a crisis happens, it doesn’t only affect the person it happens to, it also happens to everyone around them. She gives credit to her faith, training, family, friends, dogs and AAMC team members for being the support she needs to move forward with resiliency.
“The gift of presence is so powerful and to see how people, both patients and staff, handle difficult situations with such grace is an honor,” she said. “To hold someone’s pain, even if for a short amount of time, and be there with and for others during a difficult time is such a gift.”
Faith attended Aquinas Institute of Theology Catholic seminary, where she received a master’s in pastoral studies. She did her clinical internship and residency at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Today, she feels privileged to do what she loves and be a light during some of the darkest times of many people’s lives.
PRO TIP: “It’s the way that we do what we do that is our gift. No matter what your position is, bring your heart to it. Realize your value and know we’re all part of a team. Without each other, we would be nothing. Do what brings you joy.”
If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know!
Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.
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Super Specialty Parent
Making your birth special is our labor of love.
Delivering the Best Maternity Experience
Pregnancy is a deeply meaningful time as you prepare to meet your precious bundle and feel that out-of-this-world love.
We help you worry less and enjoy this time in your lives more. We give you the information and support you need when you need it.
You're surrounded with a caring team of providers you'll come to know and trust. And we connect you with other women at the same stage as you to build your community.
We also offer a unique spin on traditional prenatal health checkups through our CenteringPregnancy prenatal care program. Get one-on-one time with your healthcare provider coupled with group discussions alongside other expectant mothers.
Learn more about other resources we provide for expecting parents.
Insights & Expertise
One of the Nation's Best for Maternity Care
Newsweek recognizes Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center as one of the America's Best Maternity Hospitals. Out of the hospitals nationwide that offer maternity services, the publication recognized 159 institutions with five ribbons.
Celebrating a Legacy of Care
This year, we celebrate key milestones in Women’s & Children’s services at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center:
30 years since the opening of the Clatanoff Pavilion
20 years since the naming of Teddy’s Place, our NICU
10 years since the dedication of Frank Family Birth Center.
Even before Clatanoff opened in 1995, LHAAMC was a trusted place for families to begin their parenthood journey, a legacy of expert, compassionate care that continues with our teams today.
As we celebrate, we’re also looking ahead: expanding access to care and improving maternal health outcomes. From launching CenteringPregnancy and TeamBirth to expanding doula support, we’re taking action to ensure safe, equitable care for everyone we serve.
Join the Celebration
Whether you were born here, gave birth here, or worked here you are part of our story. Join us in celebrating and supporting Women’s & Children’s Care.
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Wellness
General Page Tier 3
Why a Primary Care Provider is Needed Now More Than Ever
Blog
Your health should be a top priority, and having a primary care provider (PCP) can make a big difference. Think of your PCP as your go-to health partner—someone who helps you stay well, manage ongoing issues and connect you with specialists when needed.
Still, many people avoid going to the doctor. Whether it’s due to fear, discomfort or simply a busy schedule, it’s easy to let routine care slip through the cracks. But delaying care can lead to missed opportunities to catch issues early and stay on top of your health.
Studies show that having a PCP is essential to staying healthy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, people who have a PCP tend to manage chronic conditions better, spend less on healthcare and feel more satisfied with their care overall. Whether your PCP is a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, they can help with most of your healthcare needs.
Why Regular Visits to a PCP Matter
Having a PCP isn’t just about convenience—it can lead to better health outcomes, including:
Better Prevention: Each year, about 70% of adults with a PCP receive their flu shot, compared to just 42% of those without one. This simple action can be lifesaving, as the flu causes an estimated 12,000 to 51,000 deaths each year in the United States.
Early Detection: The more your PCP knows about you and your health, the easier it is to catch issues early, when they’re easiest to treat. For instance, regular blood pressure checks can spot hypertension before it leads to heart disease.
Lower Hospitalization Risk: Studies have shown that those with a PCP are less likely to be hospitalized for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, thanks to ongoing support and care.
The Extra Perks
Consistent Care: Seeing the same provider over time helps build trust and makes it easier to talk openly and feel truly understood.
Better Communication: Over time, you’ll feel more at ease sharing your concerns and following their advice.
Improved Health Outcomes: Regular care from a PCP is linked to lower death rates and better chronic disease management.
Cost Savings: Preventive care, like checkups and vaccines, can help you avoid costly ER visits or hospital stays down the road.
Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?
Seeing a PCP regularly is one of the best things you can do for yourself. But the truth is, checkups are easy to put off. According to Prince George’s County Health Department data, only 83% of county residents have a regular PCP, below the statewide average of 87%. That means thousands are missing out on consistent, preventive care. Life gets busy, and healthcare often takes a backseat until something feels urgent. That’s why having trusted care nearby is so important—it helps make your health a priority before problems arise.
Right now, 42% of Prince George’s County residents travel outside the county for care. Luminis Health is working to change that by recently opening primary care practices in District Heights and Greenbelt—making it easier to get the care you need, closer to home.
This matters more than ever. Prince George’s County has higher-than-average rates of Type 2 diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed. Early detection by a primary care provider is key to effectively managing this condition, leading to better long-term health.
Let us be your health’s best ally. At Luminis Health, we’re here to be your partner in wellbeing, helping you reach your goals and build a healthier future for you and your family.
Your health journey starts here—and having a primary care provider by your side makes all the difference.
Find a PCP at Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare or call 301-927-0088 to schedule an appointment.
Authors
Layne Lesnau, is a Luminis Health nurse practitioner and practices in Prince George’s County.
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Men's Health, Women's Health, Heart Care, Patient Stories
General Page Tier 3
Quick Heart Attack Treatment Saves Runner
Blog
Chuck Raines and his wife Trang have run six marathons together since 2011. They don’t smoke, avoid junk food and stay active with their kids.
A heart attack was the last thing on the healthy 53-year-old’s mind. But he found out that it can happen to anybody.
After an easy run on a Sunday afternoon in August, Chuck noticed chest pain. “I sat down and took a break, and then I didn’t think much of it,” he says.
The next morning, the chest pain returned. This time it was worse. The retired Army master sergeant was no stranger to pushing through pain. “Being the person I am, I said, ‘It’s just going to go away.’”
Instead, the pain began radiating down his arm and into his jaw. He began sweating and feeling nauseated. He called Trang and said, “I think I need to go to the doctor when you get home.” But she insisted on dialing 911.
“Never in a million years did I think a heart attack would happen to me,” says Chuck. “I was in so much denial when it happened, even though the symptoms were right there in my face.”
A Critical Process
When Trang called 911, she set in motion a chain of events that were critical to saving Chuck’s life. An ambulance equipped with an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor rushed to Chuck’s home in Owings. On the way to Anne Arundel Medical Center, technicians sent real-time EKG results to the emergency room (ER).
Chuck Raines enjoys a run.
“We have a digital network that transmits from the ambulance to a central station in the emergency room,” says Jonathan Altschuler, MD, medical director of AAMC’s cardiac catheterization lab. “A doctor looks at it, and a decision is made to activate the cardiac catheterization team. Often our team gets there before the patient does.”
When Chuck arrived at the ER, Elizabeth Reineck, MD, an interventional cardiologist, met him at the door and whisked him to the cardiac catheterization lab.
“The artery supplying blood to the back of the heart was completely blocked,” says Dr. Reineck. “We opened the artery with a balloon and then stabilized it with a stent.”
The team completed the procedure 65 minutes after Chuck arrived at the ER. This period of time, called “door-to-balloon time,” is a critical measure of cardiac care. AAMC’s average door-to-balloon time is well below the national standard of 90 minutes.
“In our business, time is heart muscle,” says Dr. Reineck. “By opening the artery quickly, we minimize heart damage.”
AAMC's Door-to-Balloon Time
Door-to-balloon time is critical in successfully treating heart attack patients. Read more about how important reducing door-to-balloon time is at AAMC.
An Innovative Approach
Dr. Reineck used a new approach to cardiac catheterization, reaching Chuck’s heart through the radial artery in his wrist. Nationally, radial access is used in about 25 percent of stenting procedures and in fewer than 10 percent of patients with emergency heart attacks.
“Radial catheterization has fewer vascular complications and less bleeding,” says Dr. Reineck. “For the patient, this means an easier recovery than the traditional route through the femoral artery in the groin.”
“When Chuck left the hospital, his heart function was normal,” says Dr. Reineck. “This was the best case scenario. Chuck acted fast in seeking medical attention, emergency medical technicians sent information from the field and our cath lab team quickly re-opened the culprit artery. By working together, we prevented damage to Chuck’s heart, giving him the best possible outcome.”
Chuck returned home after a week in the hospital. He enjoys swimming with his kids again. He’s back to work as an analyst for the federal government. And his doctors recently gave him the okay to resume running. Chuck and Trang are registered for the Big Sur Marathon in California this spring. “I’m a firm believer that I’m going to be out there running in April,” he says.
When he does, it will be lucky number seven.
Web Exclusive: Life After a Heart Attack
Chuck, like many patients, experienced feelings of depression as he recovered from his heart attack. Read more about how he overcame these feelings and got his life back on track.
Are you at risk? Learn your heart age and risk for heart disease with our free online heart health profiler.
Contributors
Jonathan Altschuler, MD, is an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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General Page - Tier 2
MyChart: https://www.luminishealth.org/en/mychart-connect
Patient medical records are confidential and maintained by the Health Information Management Department. Patients have the right to review and receive a copy of their medical records.If you received treatment at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, Luminis Health J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, Luminis Health Pathways, or any Luminis Health Medical Group practice, you, or your representative, with proper documentation, can authorize the release of confidential patient information., The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) includes federal laws to protect the privacy of your health information.
Notice of Privacy Practices / Notificación de Prácticas de Privacidad
About HIPAA
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