BusinessFebruary 20, 2010
Health briefs
A collection of short bits of health care news from around the Southeast Missouri region published in Business Today magazine.
PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
The Missouri Academy of Family Physicians is seeking nominations for the Missouri Family Physician of the Year Award. Nominations may be made by the public and by physicians. Nominees should be in practice at least five years. Additional criteria and nomination forms are available at www.mo-afp.org, by calling (573) 635-0830 or by e-mailing atuma@mo-afp.org. The deadline for nominations is March 15. Nominations may be mailed to MAFP at 722 W. High St., Jefferson City, Mo., 65101, or faxed to the number on the nomination form. The winner will be honored June 12 during MAFP's meeting at Lake of the Ozarks.
ABUHAMDA, VALASAREDDI JOIN SOUTHEAST
Gastroenterology Services of Southeast Missouri Hospital recently welcomed Emad M. Abuhamda, MD, to the medical staff. He is board certified in gastroenterology. Additionally, Sri Laxmi Valasareddi, MD, hematologist-oncologist, joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of Southeast Missouri Hospital.
DUNAWAY RECEIVES SPIRIT AWARD
Mary Etta Dunaway, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Southeast Missouri Hospital for 12 years, received the O.D. Niswonger Spirit of Southeast Award. Debbie Linnes, president and CEO of Southeast, made the announcement at a Jan. 5 ceremony. Nominations on Dunaway's behalf cited her upbeat attitude, compassion and dedication to helping people with diabetes live well.
NEW CLINIC CUTS RIBBON
POTOSI, Mo. -- A ribbon cutting was held Jan. 14 at Washington County Memorial Hospital for the opening of an Urgent Care Clinic.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST EARNS CERTIFICATION
Ahmad Z. Sheikh, MD, ECNU, endocrinologist at Saint Francis Medical Center and Cape Diabetes and Endocrinology, is one of the first 50 physicians in the United States to receive endocrine certification in neck ultrasound. The American College of Endocrinology, affiliated with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, issues the certification, which recognizes endocrinologists who are proficient in evaluation and diagnosis of thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Sheikh, who received ultrasound training at Endocrine University at the Mayo Clinic, took a comprehensive certification examination, completed 125 neck ultrasounds and submitted samples to ACCE to assess his competency, activity and skill level.
DUNCAN NAMED FITNESS CAPTAIN
Sandy Duncan, MSA, HFS, operations and wellness services manager at Fitness Plus, was named Missouri state captain for the Medical Fitness Association. She has worked in the fitness industry for 15 years. The MFA is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association and provides industry standards, education programs, benchmarks, professional development and networking.
EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA CENTER REACCREDITED
Saint Francis Medical Center received reaccreditation as a Level III Trauma Center by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Unit of Emergency Medical Services. Trauma centers are hospitals with resources immediately available to provide efficient nursing and medical care as well as surgical intervention to reduce the likelihood of death or permanent disability. Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life-threatening and disabling injuries. Saint Francis' Gene E. Huckstep Emergency Center/Level III Trauma Center is the region's only state-designated Level III Trauma Center.
SOUTHEAST GETS ALZHEIMER'S GRANT
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America awarded grants totaling $50,000 to 10 U.S. organizations to start or expand education programs, cognitive stimulation activities and other services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Each organization will receive $5,000. Locally, the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation will receive funds for its Comfort Cart, a kit that includes aides, CDs and activities to help alleviate anxiety and confusion for individuals with dementia, and educational information for family members.
AREA DOCTOR CERTIFIED IN SPECIALTIES
Dr. Krishnamohan R. Basarakodu passed a series of exams to become board certified in hematology and medical oncology. He is affiliated with Hematology/Oncology Associates of Southeast Missouri Hospital.
HOSPITAL OFFERS NEW CANCER PROGRAM
STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital has a new program for oncology patients, regardless of diagnosis, stage of disease or treatment plan. "A Healing Journey" is designed to assist with emotional, social, physical and spiritual well-being that can influence a patient's outcome through cancer and recovery. Brandie Filer, MSW and "Healing Journey" developer, said the program will meet monthly and feature a guest speaker who may offer new information, therapeutic activities and solutions for patients.
ADAMS RETIRES FROM MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Karen Adams, regional executive director of Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center, retired Feb. 1. A retirement party was held Jan. 11 at the center. She was a 35-year employee of the center and will temporarily work part-time to train her replacement.
SOUTHEAST EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Southeast Missouri Hospital has been recognized as one of the state's top 10 providers of gastroenterology services. The ranking comes from HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent health care ratings organization. HealthGrades recognized Southeast's top 10 status at a Jan. 12 ceremony in the hospital lobby. The recognition is based on outcomes data compiled as part of the 12th annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study released in October 2009. In the study, HealthGrades found that Southeast's mortality and complication rates for GI patients are significantly lower than the national average. The finding earned Southeast a five-star rating for GI procedures from HealthGrades for the 2010 rating period; Southeast was also five-star rated for GI services in 2008.
BEYER HONORED FOR 40 YEARS OF PRACTICE
FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- The Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts presented Dr. Phillip M. Beyer, D.O., of DBA Beyer Medical Group, with a tribute to the 40 years he has served as a physician.
CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING
FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Madison County Chiropractic held a ribbon cutting Jan. 11.
SAINT FRANCIS NAMES NEW NICU DIRECTOR
Dr. Karlyle K. Christian-Ritter, neonatologist at Saint Francis Medical Center, was named medical director of the Saint Francis Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She is now responsible for leading the Level III NICU team in improving collective patient outcomes, assisting with staff development plans and supporting efficient and effective delivery of medical care in the Level III NICU.
SOUTHEAST RECOGNIZED FOR ENDOSCOPY SERVICES
Southeast Missouri Hospital earned national recognition from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for quality and safety in endoscopy services. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition honors endoscopy units that follow ASGE guidelines on quality and safety in GI procedures. ASGE is the leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and training of its members. The Certificate of Recognition award is granted for a three-year renewable period.
SAINT FRANCIS PLANS EXPANSION
Saint Francis Medical Center -- which purchased Immediate HealthCare, a freestanding urgent care center with more than 40,000 annual visits -- has purchased an adjacent property west of the building for future expansion. Addtitionally, Immediate HealthCare's name changed to Immediate Convenient Care on Jan. 1.
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SAINT FRANCIS HONORS VOLUNTEERS
Nearly 200 Saint Francis Auxilians and volunteers were honored at the annual volunteer breakfast at Saint Francis Medical Center. Lori Wills, who began volunteering at Saint Francis in 1989, was named 2009 Auxilian of the Year. She has given more than 7,500 volunteer hours and has served as auxiliary president and chair of the Saint Francis Foundation and Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. In 2007, she established the Earl Jr. and Lori Wills Memorial Scholarship as a tribute to her husband.
OSBAHR ELECTED MHA DISTRICT PRESIDENT
POTOSI, Mo. -- Leah Osbahr, CEO of Washington County Memorial Hospital, was elected to a one-year term as president of the Missouri Hospital Association's Southeast District Council. Her term began Jan. 1. Osbahr's responsibilities include presiding over council meetings and guiding discussions on association policies and activities. One of six MHA district council presidents, Osbahr will direct input from council members on national, state and regional health care policies to the MHA Board of Trustees.
SOUTHEAST CARDIO LAB REACCREDITED
Southeast Missouri Hospital's Cardiovascular Diagnostic Lab earned reaccreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories for its commitment to providing a high level of patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of vascular disease. During the accreditation process, every aspect of a lab's daily operations and its impact on the quality of care provided to patients is assessed. While completing the application, labs must identify and correct potential problems, revise protocols and validate quality assurance programs. Accreditation is valid for three years; Southeast's lab has been accredited by ICAVL since 1996.
TWO PHYSICIANS CREDENTIALED
Olivia Aranha, MD, PhD, medical oncologist/hematologist at Cape Medical Oncology, and Joseph S. McCadams, MD, FACS, general surgeon on staff at Saint Francis Medical Center, were credentialed by M.D. Anderson Physicians Network through Saint Francis. This provides them access to evidence-based treatment protocols and processes developed by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the nation's leader in cancer care. The credentialing process involves 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.
MEDICAL CENTER COMPLETES EMERGENCY TRAINING
FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Madison Medical Center joined 15 other health care providers representing four Missouri communities for Comprehensive Advanced Life Support training Dec. 1 and 2 at First Baptist Church in Farmington, Mo. The CALS course was developed to train physicians, physician assistants, nurses and other health professionals who provide emergency care in the hospital setting. Participants worked in interactive classroom and skills lab sessions focused on team-based response to health crises of all age groups. Additional training will be available through a daylong benchmark skills lab for those who completed the initial classroom training. CALS training is offered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, and the Area Health Education Centers Office at the A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Mo.
PARKLAND HEALTH RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEES
PARK HILLS, Mo. -- Parkland Health Center announced its Star Service Employees for the last four months of 2009. Those honored include Lisa Hampton, financial counselor, Star Service Employee for September; Sue Fischbeck, RN, Star Service Employee for October; Amber Conrad, RN, Star Service Employee for November; and Janet Shoemaker, RN Star Service Employee for December.
PARKLAND HEALTH WELCOMES PHYSICIANS
PARK HILLS, Mo. -- Parkland Health Center recently hosted a Chamber After Hours event with the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, where Parkland president Tom Karl introduced the following new members of the center's medical staff: Evan G. Williams, MD, hospitalist; Sunil Gurung, MD, hospitalist; Vikrant Mital, MD, MHS, psychiatry; Kimberly L. Hartel, MD, family practice and OB; Abegaile M. Santiago, MD, family practice; Sumia Rashid, MD, nephrology; and Justin W. Roberts, DO, ear, nose and throat.
VAMC BEGINS ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center began an environmental management program called Green Environmental Management System. With GEMS, all medical center activities are evaluated to determine their potential impact to human health or the environment. This also helps the center ensure compliance with all federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations by placing primary responsibility for compliance under one system. Lee Lovette is GEMS coordinator for the medical center.
BAKER PROMOTED TO MANAGER
Bonnie S. Baker was promoted to manager at Sunshine Villa Assisted Living Facility in Scott City. She has worked with the facility for 33 years.
JOINER HONORED FOR SERVICE
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Dr. John N. Fox recently recognized Sherri Joiner for her 10 years of dedication to the practice. She is a board certified orthodontic assistant.
ZEB JOINS MEDICAL CENTER
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center added Jahan Zeb, MD, to the cardiology team. His special interests include vascular disease with emphasis on prevention, detection and medical/endovascular interventions, including carotid artery stenting, abdominal aortic aneurysm stenting and critical limb ischemia. He is also trained in structural heart disease, including percutaneous ASD/PFO closure.
ESSNER ASSIGNED TO STATE TASK FORCE
Rick Essner, CHFM, director of facilities management at Saint Francis Medical Center, was appointed to a statewide task force for the Missouri Hospital Association and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The task force is responsible for reviewing and revising Missouri hospital licensing rules. Essner's group will review standards for fire safety, general safety and operating features; orientation and continuing education; quality improvement programs; environmental and support services; and infection control.
SAINT FRANCIS WELCOMES HOSPITALIST
Saint Francis Medical Center recently welcomed hospitalist Bindu Finnell, MD, to the medical staff. Typically, hospitalists are internal medicine physicians, like Finnell, or pediatricians and specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Saint Francis hospitalists can treat patients quickly if an emergency arises or care is needed in the middle of the night. Finnell, a native of Marion, Ill., has special clinical interest in the geriatric population and also appreciates the opportunity to care for diabetics.
HEART ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES SAINT FRANCIS
Saint Francis Medical Center was recognized by the American Heart Association's Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. Healthy Rewards is the wellness incentive program for employees at Saint Francis. The organization promotes employee participation through activities and challenges, such as Healthy Bites lunches, weekly weigh-ins and exercise challenges, where employees earn points toward annual wellness goals. Positive reinforcements include medical insurance premium reductions and up to $250 in vouchers for meeting annual goals.
SAINT FRANCIS PLANS SURGICAL SUITE
Saint Francis Medical Center will open a new hybrid endovascular neurosurgical suite by 2011. In the new suite, Dr. Louis P. Caragine Jr. will perform both open and endovascular procedures without moving the patient. The room will also provide enhanced imaging necessary to perform advanced diagnostics and interventions on these complex cases.
DR. VISSER LECTURES IN GERMANY
FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Dr. H.J. Visser, a podiatrist and member of the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center surgical staff, lectured at the 17th International German Foot Society Meeting in Munich, Germany. More than 600 surgeons from Europe attended the December meeting. Visser gave a presentation on operative therapy of cavus foot deformity.
KEENE NAMED IMMEDIATE CARE MANAGER
William Gerry Keene III was named manager of Immediate Convenient Care, 1702 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. Saint Francis Medical Center acquired ICC effective Jan. 1. As manager, Keene is responsible for daily operations at ICC, including budgeting, staff management and integration of existing ICC staff with the organizational structure and values of Saint Francis. Keene joined Saint Francis in 2004 as administrative partner in the emergency department. He was named head financial counselor in the emergency department before moving to trauma and disaster services as a data analyst.
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