Health briefs

Physicians Network credentialing continues at Saint Francis

Two local physicians have been credentialed by M. D. Anderson Physicians Network through Saint Francis Medical Center to provide patients access to evidence-based cancer treatment guidelines developed by the nation's leader in cancer care.

Medical oncologists Mark A. Meadors, DO, and Carlos Robles, MD, join 18 physicians already credentialed at Saint Francis Medical Center.

The rigorous credentialing process involves the standard review of physician licensure, board certification and medical malpractice history, as well as an on-site review of the physician's documentation practices and the facility environment.

Cooley becomes certified

PARK HILLS, Mo. — The Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation is pleased to announce that Joyce Hill Cooley has successfully completed a CAOHC approved course to become certified as an occupational hearing conservationist.

Cooley has joined over 21,000 COHCs throughout the world. Industry depends on its certified technicians who conduct audiometric testing as part of the hearing conservation team, to prevent hearing loss among occupational workers. Cooley is employed by Miracle-Ear Centers and manages offices in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Ste. Genevieve, Farmington and Jackson.

Martin is Administrator of the Year

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Joetta Martin, administrator of Westwood Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, was presented the Administrator of the Year Award at the Missouri Health Care Association convention held in Branson. Her staff at Westwood Hills nominated her for District V, which she won, and was then selected as Administrator of the Year for the state of Missouri.

There are seven districts represented in Missouri Health Care Association, and 518 facilities in Missouri.

Martin has been employed at Westwood Hills for 21 years, starting as an RN supervisor. She became the administraator in 1991.

Autism center to open at SEMO

A new autism center slated to open next year in Cape Girardeau will allow families to have their children diagnosed close to home and bring therapy providers under one roof. The Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment is scheduled to open in August 2009 on the university's campus.

Construction of the new center will be funded with $2.6 million from Gov. Matt Blunt's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative, a partnership between the state and the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. About $480,000 in government funding will meet initial operating costs, the center's interim director Connie Hebert said.

The university and two organizations that help those with autism — the Judevine Center for Autism Southeast Missouri and the Tailor Institute — will work out of the center.

Currently, Southeast Missouri families travel hours to St. Louis, Columbia, Mo., or Memphis, Tenn., to learn if a child has autism. The new center's diagnostic team will include a psychologist, behavior analyst, speech therapist and occupational therapist so families won't have to go as far or wait months for a thorough diagnosis. The center will also provide areas for speech, occupational and music therapy. Parents will also be able to take part in a three-week training program.

Oncologists credentialed for cancer treatment

Two local physicians have been credentialed by M.D. Anderson Physicians Network through Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau to provide patients access to evidence-based cancer treatment guidelines. Medical oncologists Mark A. Meadors and Carlos Robles join 18 physicians already credentialed at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Oldham joins Southeast Missouri Hospital

Southeast Missouri Hospital welcomes Robert K. Oldham, MD, a new hematologist-oncologist. He is affiliated with Hematology-Oncology Associates of Southeast Missouri Hospital and is now accepting new patients via physician referral. Reach him at (573) 331-7970.

Southeast receives Bank of America grant

Southeast Missouri Hospital has received a $2,500 grant from the Bank of America for the hospital's Children's Health and Wellness programs. Diane Thorne, Bank of America sales and service specialist; and Terry Tuschoff, community bank executive, presented the grant to Mary Burton-Hitt, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation.

Kohl's donates to Southeast's Diabetes Network

As part of its Kohl's Cares for Kids program, Kohl's of Cape Girardeau has donated $14,969 to the Youth Diabetes Network at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The money will help Southeast provide a number of services for children with diabetes and their families. James Wente, Southeast president and CEO, said, "Since establishing the region's first Pediatrics Unit in 1948, Southeast has been committed to meeting the healthcare needs of all children. Working with Kohl's, we will further improve and expand services for young people who deal with diabetes. We are pleased that Kohl's chose our hospital as its partner in Southeast Missouri." Since 2005, Kohl's has donated more than $39,000 to Southeast.

Friends of Saint Francis present check, honors

The Friends of Saint Francis recently presented Saint Francis Medical Center with a $125,000 check to support programs, services and construction efforts at Saint Francis during The Friends' annual banquet. This is the largest donation ever by The Friends, and the most money raised by The Friends Benefit Golf Tournament and the Ken Hayden Memorial Golf Tournament. Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, Saint Francis president and CEO, accepted the donation.

Of the funds raised, $20,000 will go to assist patients fighting cancer. The other portion, $105,000, will go toward the construction of the Saint Francis Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute.

The Friends also honored its 23nd Honorary Lifetime Member, Patricia A. Brase. Brase has been employed by the Medical Center for 19 years in the Saint Francis Foundation. She is intricately involved in both benefit golf tournaments, The Friends membership trips, Board meetings, membership drives, book sales and more.

The Friends also honored five retiring Board members: Connie Laurentius, Kim Matthews, Janet Esicar, Cindy Propst, and Rick Essner, CHFM.

Southeast Hospital receives Society Award

Southeast Missouri Hospital has received the Society Award from the American Cancer Society in recognition of its Presenting Scholarship of the local Relay for Life. Those attending the awards presentation were Peggy Barringer, chairman of Relay for Life and a member of the hospital's marketing department; James W. Wente, Southeast president and CEO; Kaci Hubbard, development community manager for the American Cancer Society; and Judy Aslin, MSN, RN, CNAA, BC, director of Patient Care Services.

Ron Winstead joins VNA Hospice Team

SIKESTON, Mo. — Rev. Ron Winstead has signed on as member of the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri Hospice Team, based in Sikeston.

Winstead is a graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and College in Kansas City, Mo., where he obtained both a master's and doctorate in theology. He also attended Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Ark., where he obtained a bachelor's and master's in history.

Winstead pastored a baptist church in Dexter, Mo., before accepting the call to missions. From 1971 to 2001, he worked in China and Taiwan.

In his new position, Winstead visits the homes of people coping with end-of-life issues, bringing a sense of peace and comfort to families at a time when hope may seem lost. He collaborates with the nurses who work to resolve pain and discomfort issues and the medical social workers who strive to resolve social and financial concerns.

Saint Francis announces new VP for development

Wayne Smith has been appointed vice president of development and administrative services at Saint Francis Medical Center. In this position, Smith will oversee the operations of various departments within the Medical Center, including fund development, human resources, employee health, leadership development, the Education Center, pastoral care and volunteer services.

Smith will report to Saint Francis President and CEO Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, and is responsible to the 15-member volunteer Saint Francis Foundation Board of Directors. He will also be responsible for developing programs, strategies, policies, investment plans and housewide education regarding philanthropy. Smith was selected from more than 400 candidates nationwide as the person most capable of excelling in this position.

Prior to joining Saint Francis, Smith was the vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. He earned his bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and studied marketing and strategic planning at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Cheryll Rich joins Tinsley Medical

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center annouces the addition of Dr. Cheryll Rich, a board certified family practitioner. She joins Dr. Austin Tinsley at Tinsley Medical Clinic, 2400 Lucy Lee Parkway.

Dr. Rich brings experience as a family practitioner; medical director of Neelyville School District and a local nursing home; and medical supervisor for AED Training. Call (573) 686-1144 to schedule an appointment.

New equipment partnership at Saint Francis

Saint Francis Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has formed a new partnership with Provider Plus, Inc., to better serve their patients' home medical equipment needs. Provider Plus, a regional family-owned company, has more than 25 years of experience in home medical equipment and billing. This full-service medical equipment company will officially become the supplier of respiratory equipment, durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies for Saint Francis Home Medical Equipment patients on Dec. 1. Provider Plus will also handle the billing services for all DME arranged through Saint Francis.

Located at the Cape West Plaza between the Target and Staples, Provider Plus will have a retail showroom for the convenience of all patients. The showroom and new location will open to the public in November.

Contact Saint Francis Home Medical Equipment customer service representatives at 573-331-5977 or 800-355-6992 with any questions or concerns.