Skiff Medical Center welcomes new chaplain to staff

Skiff Medical Center has announced Mike Huntsman as the new hospital chaplain.

Huntsman, who has a background of more than 20 years in the military, government work and law enforcement, also serves as a chaplain at Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines. He is currently in the formation process of becoming a deacon, with ordination planned later in 2018.

“I’ve been involved in different types of ministries over the past few years including volunteer work with the VA Hospital in Des Moines,” he said. “That led me to start looking at other opportunities that combined both health care and ministry-based service work.”

Huntsman, an Iowa native, said he hadn’t known in his younger years that a career in ministry was in his future.

“I had no clue,” he said. “It was something that evolved over time, during the past 10-15 years, as I got more involved in my church and in volunteering.” When not working or volunteering, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling and “dabbling” with the guitar, which he picked up just a few years ago.

His services at Skiff will be available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, and on Friday mornings. “I’m looking forward to the interaction with patients and their families, as well as with employees. My role will vary, depending on what people need. Whether it’s comfort or encouragement, affirmation or hope. The clinical staff are experts in bringing physical healing; I can help with the spiritual and emotional side of things.”

“We are excited to have Mike join the Care Coordination team and Skiff family,” said Erica Groom, Care Coordination Manager. “Mike is going to be a huge asset to Skiff to provide spiritual support not only for our patients and visitors, but staff as well. I’m enthusiastic to see the changes we have planned for Skiff through the support of Mike.”

Huntsman can be reached at mhuntsman@skiffmed.com.