Health briefs

__GOLDEN LIVING CENTER EARNS BRONZE AWARD__

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Golden Living Center--New Madrid received a Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The association's National Quality Award program honors centers across the nation that have demonstrated commitment to improving quality care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The award was presented to Golden Living Center--New Madrid during AHCA/NCAL's 65th annual convention and exposition Oct. 5 to 8 in Washington, D.C.

__PULMONOLOGIST JOINS SOUTHEAST HEALTH__

Dr. Aravind Pothineni is a new member of Southeast Hospital's medical staff. He obtained medical degrees through study in India, Pennsylvania and New York, and is now affiliated with Dr. Khalid Khan at Southeast Pulmonology. He is board certified in internal medicine, critical care and pulmonology.

__HEART HOSPITAL RECEIVES CHEST PAIN ACCREDITATION__

Cutline:Dr. Andy Gayle

Saint Francis Medical Center's Heart Hospital again received full accreditation with PCI from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, according to a news release from the hospital. Saint Francis was first accredited in 2009. The reaccreditation is valid for three years. Hospitals with SCPC accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack, the release said. Saint Francis' accreditation as a Chest Pain Center goes beyond the required standards to include a full Cycle II with PCI designation, a procedure commonly known as an angioplasty, to treat blocked arteries of the heart.

__FRESENIUS MEDICAL OPENS NEW LOCATION__

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Fresenius Medical Care held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new location at 801 Plantation Blvd. in Sikeston. The facility offers a variety of dialysis services.

__SAINT FRANCIS ADDS POPLAR BLUFF NEUROLOGIST__

Saint Francis Medical Center added neurologist Dr. Shahid K. Choudhary of the newly formed Poplar Bluff Neurology Specialists as a new medical partner. He has been treating neurology patients in Poplar Bluff for more than 21 years and joined Saint Francis on Jan. 1. His clinical interests include general neurological care and the treatment of seizures and headaches.

Cutline:Dr. David R. Gayle

__LA BONNE MAISON CUTS RIBBON__

SIKESTON, Mo. -- La Bonne Maison celebrated joining the Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting and open house at its sister property, The Arbors at West Ridge. Both facilities are owned and operated by Americare Properties. La Bonne Maison has assisted living and resident care capabilities.

__SAINT FRANCIS WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS__

Saint Francis Healthcare System welcomed Steve Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau and Joey McLane of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, as new board members. Dirnberger was appointed to the Saint Francis Healthcare System Board and McLane was appointed to the Saint Francis Health Development Board. Dirnberger previously served on the Health Development Board. He is an accountant/auditor at Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper & Associates CPA. McLane is president of First Midwest Bank in Poplar Bluff.

__PIEDMONT PHYSICIANS JOIN SAINT FRANCIS__

Cutline:Joey McLane

Saint Francis Medical Center added Dr. David R. Gayle and Dr. Andy Gayle of the new Piedmont Physician Associates practice as medical partners. The family practice physicians officially joined the medical center on Jan. 1. Dr. David Gayle earned his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and completed his internship at Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. His primary clinical interest is gerontology. Dr. Andy Gayle earned his medical degree and later completed his family medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Board certified by the American Board of Family Practice, his clinical expertise is centered on all aspects of general family medicine, with the exception of obstetrics.