Health briefs

GIVENS COMPLETES MEDICAL EXAMINER TRAINING

Dr. Michael Givens of Givens Chiropractic in Cape Girardeau completed testing by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Certified medical examiners listed on the national registry provide qualification exams for commercial drivers.

SAINT FRANCIS PARTNERS WITH CLEVELAND CLINIC FOR HEART CARE

Saint Francis Medical Center announced during a Jan. 7 news conference that it has joined with Cleveland Clinic's Heart and Vascular Institute of Cleveland for cardiovascular services. Saint Francis' Heart Hospital will have access to "the best practices that have helped Cleveland Clinic's heart program achieve U.S. News and World Report's No. 1 ranking for 19 consecutive years," according to a news release from the hospital. Cleveland Clinic spent about a year evaluating the program at Saint Francis and has evaluated more than 50 programs over the last five years, said Dr. Joseph Cacchione, cardiologist and chairman of operations and strategy at Cleveland Clinic's Heart and Vascular Institute, during the news conference. The clinic has 10 affiliates, he said. In affiliates, Cleveland Clinic looks for things such as integrity in a hospital's data and reporting, how aligned a hospital's physicians are to making improvements and the hospital's cultural alignment, Cacchione said. Saint Francis will have access to Cleveland Clinic's protocols, standards of care and practices, and it will be able to apply them to its patients. Cleveland Clinic will collaborate with Saint Francis staff on complex medical situations and new technology and innovation, and will share research, processes and protocols pertaining to "all cardiac subspecialties," according to the news release.

PHYSICIANS APPOINTED TO MEDICAL PARTNERS BOARD

Steven Bjelich, president and CEO of Saint Francis Medical Center, appointed Dr. Colleen Moore, vascular surgeon; Dr. F. Michael Caldwell, internal medicine physician; and Dr. Brett M. Dickenson, family medicine physician, to the Saint Francis Medical Partners Board of Directors. Two previous board members are stepping down: Dr. Joseph H. Jacob, gynecologic oncologist, and Dr. Philip E. Tippen, internal medicine physician. The Medical Partners Board of Directors acts as a steering committee, developing strategic plans and providing a governance structure for Saint Francis' more than 130 medical partners, according to a news release from the hospital.

LEET EYECARE HONORS EMPLOYEES

Tammy Neal, of Leet Eyecare's 856 N. Kingshighway location in Cape Girardeau, was named the December 2013 Leet EyeCare Above and Beyond Award recipient. She also was the 2013 Overall Above and Beyond Award recipient. Troylene Haywood received the Above and Beyond Award for January. She is the insurance and accounts receivable supervisor at the 3230 Blattner Drive location in Cape Girardeau.

ESTES OF LEET EYECARE RECEIVES MBA

Jessica Estes received her master of business administration degree from McKendree University in December. Estes is the practice administrator for Leet EyeCare in Cape Girardeau.

DRS. DICKEY, MOORE EARN ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Two Southeast Hematology/Oncology physicians have earned additional certifications, according to a news release from SoutheastHEALTH. Dr. Andrew Dickey is now board certified in medical oncology. Dickey, who grew up in Mississippi, already carries certifications in hematology and internal medicine. Additionally, Dr. Andrew Moore is now board certified in medical oncology and hematology. Moore, who grew up in Hornersville, Mo., already carries certification in internal medicine. Both Dickey and Moore joined the medical practice at Southeast Cancer Center last year.

KENNETT HOSPITAL SALE FINALIZED

KENNETT, Mo. -- Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center has a new owner, the Daily Dunklin Democrat reported. Community Health Systems announced Jan. 27 that it has completed its acquisition of Health Management Associates. The merger will not affect local operations. With the merger, CHS now owns, leases or operates 206 hospitals in 29 states. Other than Twin Rivers, the deal includes Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. CHS operates out of Franklin, Tenn.

SOUTHEAST DEMOLISHES BROADWAY STRUCTURE

Southeast Hospital removed a structure at Broadway and Sunset Boulevard in Cape Girardeau that no longer was functional for hospital support services, according to hospital public relations coordinator Mark Bliss. The area will be landscaped to provide an entrance to the hospital from the west side of its main campus.