Health ReportArts / links /Business / Politics / Braves / RenegadesFLOYD ADDS TO TO HOSPITAL STAFF
As associate director, Mazzola is responsible for teaching both inpatient and outpatient family medicine and supervising osteopathic manipulations of Floyd's Family Medicine Residency, a three-year program to prepare physicians for practice in family member. Prior to joining Floyd, Mazzola served as a family practice physician for Brooks Medical Associates and as an emergency room physician for Brooks County Hospital, both in Quitman. Mazzola received his bachelor's of science degree in cardiopulmonary care services from Georgia State University. He earned his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, Ill. He completed his family practice residency at The Medical Center, Columbus. Mazzola serves as a diplomat for The American Board of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He is a member of Rotary International, Quitman chapter and the Knights of Columbus. Mazzola resides in Armuchee with his wife, Deborah, and children, Samantha and Jonathan.
Eschbaugh has 20 years of surgical services nursing experience and more than seven years of nursing management experience. She previously was director of surgical services for Palmyra Medical Center in Albany, and Palm Springs General Hospital, Hialeah, Fla. She received her associate's degree in applied science from William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, Ill. She has completed specialty courses in perioperative nursing from Broward Community College, Davie, Fla., and has additional leadership and management training from Florida Atlantic University, Fort Lauderdale. Eschbaugh is certified in basic cardiac life support, advanced cardiac life support and laser operations. She is a member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and Georgia Organization of Nurse Executives. She serves as president of the Board of Liberty House, a home for abused women and children, and on the board for Habitat for Humanity. Eschbaugh resides in Rome with her husband, Bob, and children, Jim and Michelle. GOSSETT IS NEWEST FLOYD 'HERO'
Susan Amos Gossett, an office assistant at Floyd Primary Care in Taylorsville, has been named a Floyd Hero. Floyd Heroes are employees and associates who consistently go beyond the call of duty when it comes to the care of their patients and dedication to their work. Nominated by co-workers, patients or visitors and selected by a committee, a Floyd Hero serves as a role model for others to follow. Angie Hembree, practice coordinator, nominated Gossett for her dedication and commitment to serving others and her positive, friendly attitude she expresses to co-workers and customers every day. "She is a rare find and an excellent role model for others because she is always smiling, working hard and never hesitates to help others," Hembree said. A 10-year Floyd veteran, Gossett is a Pepperell High School graduate. She holds certifications in medical transcription and ward secretary from Coosa Valley Technical College. Gossett attends East Rome Baptist Church. She resides in Rome and has two daughters, Kam Gossett Smith and Amber Gossett. REDMOND NAMES MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
She earned her bachelor's degree in Advertising Journalism from the University of Georgia. She previously was community and public relations director for the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce. Lankford's volunteer activities include New Beginnings Food Outreach, Relay for Life and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She is also a board member for the United Way of Bartow County. Lankford and her husband, Michael, a Floyd County Juvenile Court probation officer, reside in Cartersville. JOGLEKAR IS HOSPITALIST MEDICAL DIRECTOR
The Hospitalist program is a team of internal medicine physicians from IN Compass Health Inc. who provide care for patients while they are in the hospital and communicates to the primary care physicians the status of the patients' care. As medical director, Joglekar will work with the administrative team of IN to provide both clinical and managerial oversight of the medical coverage the Hospitalist program provides at Floyd Medical Center. Joglekar received her medicine and surgery degrees from R.N.T. Medical College at the University of Rajasthan in Udaipur, India. She completed her internal medicine residency and internship at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, New York, N.Y., and Weill Medical School of Cornell University, Bronx, N.Y. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and American Society of Internal Medicine. She received certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds certifications in advanced cardiac life support and basic cardiac life support. FLOYD HONORED: Floyd Medical Center is one of 13 hospitals in America to receive the 2005 VHA Leadership Award for supply chain management improvement. The award recognizes process improvement efforts at Floyd to make better use of the hospital's Omnicell automated dispensing system in surgery. Lost charges for surgical supplies declined from $2.5 million annually to $73,400 and revenue increased by $2.6 million. Changes in the process and troubleshooting also resulted in better use of employee time and reduced complaints about the system from 10 per month to zero. "This award validates the dedicated focus of our supply chain team to improving the processes for purchasing, distributing and managing the materials and products we need to run our hospital," Kurt Stuenkel, Floyd president and CEO, said. "Supplies are the second leading expense category for our organization, behind salaries, so controlling these costs enhances our ability to hire staff and provide better patient care." REDMOND'S NEW UNITS DUE IN FALL, SPRING
A 12-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit is being added above the first floor operating room area. The addition (pictured to the left) will accommodate patients' post-surgery needs starting this fall. On the other side of the hospital, a 240-foot crane will be staging steel for the next few weeks. The final result will be a 34-bed medical/surgical unit addition to Redmond's fourth floor. The addition will feature private rooms allowing patients more privacy and reducing the overall number of semi-private rooms within the hospital. It should be done next spring. Says Brenda Waltz, Redmond's CEO: "Just like Rome and Northwest Georgia, Redmond is growing in step with the needs of our community. Our latest expansion program will allow us to better serve our patients with a higher level of attention and skilled care." The construction is creating 100 jobs for Rome-Floyd County, including the addition of critical care nurse positions and other staff support. Redmond currently has 230 beds. Including its healthcare partners, Redmond has more than 245 physicians with more than 30 specialties and a support staff of approximately 1,200.> REDMOND REDMOND ADDS XPLORER TECHNOLOGY: Redmond Regional Medical Center is the first SourceOne purchaser of the Xplorer 1600 digital radiography equipment. > RELEASE REDMOND'S SCROGGIN A G.R.E.A.T. AMBASSADOR Carol Scroggin, RN, has been named as Redmond Regional Medical Center's G.R.E.A.T. Ambassador. Created by the Georgia Hospital Association, this designation celebrates and showcases the commitment and caring that hospital employees bring to their job, community and to the Georgia health care industry. The G.R.E.A.T. Ambassador Program, which stands for "Giving Recognition for Excellence, Advocacy and Teamwork," provides hospital employees the opportunity to tell their personal stories about how they chose a health care profession, why they like their chosen career and what they like about working for their hospital. Redmond associates were asked to write about why they chose to work in health care. Scroggin's submission was selected from eight nominations to represent Redmond locally and statewide. Her story is an inspiration to fellow healthcare professionals and to people that may be considering a career in health care. "When I started nursing," wrote Scroggin, "it was 'just a job.' That job has become a 'profession.' Additionally, I KNOW that I have spent the last 35 years of my life doing just what I was created by God to do. I love my profession." Redmond's CEO Brenda Waltz said, “Nursing is a challenging, yet rewarding profession. Carol's dedication and pride in her work is a reminder to all nurses why they chose to use their talents to help others. As Redmond's G.R.E.A.T. Ambassador, I am confident she will encourage others with this special gift to pursue health care opportunities." The Georgia Hospital Association has presented Scroggin with a lapel pin and a certificate, acknowledging her designation as a GHA G.R.E.A.T. Ambassador. Redmond will recognize Scroggin and the other ambassador nominees during National Hospital Week events. The other nominees were: Kathy Blankenship, RT; Annette Lester, RN; Sophia Price; Kathy Shapiro, RN; Patricia Smith; Mimi Thompson, RN; and Amanda Treglown. GORDON HOSPITAL'S PR DEPARTMENT WINS HONORS: Gordon Hospital's Marketing and Public Relations department has won three national medical marketing awards, called Aster Awards. The department won Gold awards in the categories of logo design/letterhead and special video production. The winning video, which was titled, "Gordon Hospital a Legacy of Faith, Hope and Healing," was produced to commemorate the grand opening of the new 75,000-square-foot addition to the hospital last fall. The department also won a Silver Aster Award for its brochure series featuring the new hospital logo. "We are extremely proud of this honor," says Kim Grant-Brazell, director of marketing and public relations for Gordon Hospital. "It is nice to have the country's most creative individuals recognize the work of our department and that of our advertising agency, Point b. The re-branding project and the opening of the new addition were the two biggest marketing projects that we completed in 2004, and it is nice to have that hard work recognized. "The Marketing and Public Relations department had a tremendous amount of support from our administration and from the other departments of the hospital," she said. "We had to put several projects on hold to complete these major initiatives and our departments were very understanding. We couldn't have done it without their support and encouragement." The department includes Grant-Brazell and Christie Carlson, who serves as marketing coordinator. SUPPORT GROUPS, SPECIAL CLASSES SCHEDULED Here's a look at upcoming support groups and special classes meeting at or associated with Redmond Regional Medical Center: May 12: Compassionate Friends-Parent's Grief Support Group; Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B; 7 p.m. May 16: Bosom Buddies-Breast Cancer Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B, 6 p.m. FLOYD URGENT CARE OPENS IN ROCKMART: Floyd Urgent Care in Rockmart, the newest addition to Floyd healthcare services offered in Polk County, is open at 1008 Piedmont Ave On hand are Dr. Mary Daley-Smith, Floyd Urgent Care physician in Rockmart, and doctors Robert Strickland and Joel Jager. Daley-Smith received her bachelor's degree in chemistry from California State University, Los Angeles. She earned her medical doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, and she completed her family practice residency at the University of Southern California and California Medical Center, Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association. Board certified in family practice, she is licensed to practice medicine in both Georgia and California. Jager is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Eglin Air Force Base. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville. Jager is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Strickland received his bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, Mo. and his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also completed a rotating internship at Phoenix General Hospital. Strickland is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the Georgia Osteopathic Association. He is a diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Strickland is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Floyd Urgent Care in Rockmart is open Monday-Friday from noon until 7:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. For more, call 770-684-6100. The office is adjacent to Floyd Primary Care. FLOYD PR TEAM HONORED: The Floyd Public Relations Department won five national Healthcare Advertising awards from Healthcare Marketing Report, the national newspaper of healthcare marketing.
Healthcare Marketing Report honors gold, silver, bronze and merit winners for outstanding work in 25 categories. The publication, which received 3,500 entries for its 22nd annual awards, covers the latest news on winning market strategies, concepts and trends of hospitals, HMOs, PPOs, psychiatric facilities, medical practices and more through a nationwide network of reporters. In addition, The Floyd Brand Spirit Kit, a marketing toolkit distributed to employees and the media to announce the organization's new brand, and the Floyd Web site, earned a Silver Award. Floyd also earned a Bronze Award for its Rehabilitation Services folder in the brochure category. The best entries from each of the categories will be featured in the 2005 Healthcare Advertising Awards Yearbook and Tapes. HARBIN CLINIC LAUNCHES COOKING SHOWTwo Harbin Clinic dietitians are hosting a new cooking show, "Harbin Clinic Healthy Cooking," weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on the Rome Library Channel (Comcast Channel 4).
The program offers low-fat and low-sugar recipes for a healthy lifestyle. Many recipes are tailored for those with diabetes. Buchholtz (top photo) has been with Harbin Clinic for two years. She came to Harbin Clinic from Hutcheson Medical Center in Fort Oglethorpe, where she served as the diabetes program coordinator. She also worked as a Cardiac/Wellness Dietitian at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton and as the Community Outreach Dietitian at West Georgia Health System in LaGrange.
Whelan (second photo) joined Harbin Clinic in December 2003. She came to Rome from the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she served as a clinical and bariatric dietitian for two years. Whelan received her bachelor's of science degree in Dietetics from The University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She received her masters of science degree in Sports Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. She is a registered dietitian. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association; Sports, Cardiovascular and Nutrition Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group. CLARICE LONG HONORED AS 'GOOD SAMARITAN'
Long has volunteered with the hospice program since it began in 1990, and for most of that time she has cared for two hospice families at once. She began serving as a volunteer as a form of therapy to cope with the loss of her husband, the late J.W. Long. Today, she said, volunteering is a blessing. "It brings a happiness and contentment that I could never put into words." Her nominator, Heyman HospiceCare's Marsha Atkins, said, "Her love for people and her devotion to helping others is remarkable. In addition to her many hospice duties, she visits the homebound and nursing home patients in her community as part of her church ministry–general five days per week. Mrs. Long has a very loving presence–her touch and calm demeanor are soothing and healing to patients and families." Also at the luncheon, Amy Astin, director of Volunteer Services at Floyd, awarded the first Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Awards to four charter members of the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary: Mary Hall, Suzanne Smith, Tooken Richardson Cade and Jean Johnson. Each of thesewomen trace their volunteer work at Floyd to the April 26, 1971, founding of the Auxiliary. Hall was co-chair of the gift cart that has evolved into the Auxiliary Gift Shop. Smith has volunteered more than 7,000 hours to Floyd over the past 34 years. Cade was the originator of the Auxiliary newsletter and for a while served as Director of Volunteers. Johnson has chaired nearly every Auxiliary program ever established, and for the past 18 years, she has chaired the Auxiliary's Youth Program. "Each of these women has served their families and community tirelessly," Astin said. "Each of them has an incredible volunteer legacy, and we are very grateful that they have chosen to include the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary for the past 34 years." More than 300 men and women volunteer their time, talent and treasure to the Floyd healthcare system through American Red Cross at Floyd, Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary, Floyd First Steps program, Heyman HospiceCare, Floyd Healthcare Foundation, Floyd Medical Explorers, Floyd Arts in Medicine and Floyd Priority Plus. Friday's luncheon served as the official kickoff of the recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 17-23. The other nominees for Good Samaritan were: Ruth Wilkins, a dedicated volunteer with the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary since 1998. She has given over 2000 hours of her time to Floyd, serving as treasurer of the Auxiliary's Gift Shop since 1999 and in other Auxiliary leadership capacities, including Corresponding Secretary, member of the Nominating Committee, Secretary of the Dogwood Ball and annual Dinner Theater. Currently, she is Secretary/Treasurer of the Dinner Theater Committee. Mrs. Wilkins volunteered with the Community Info Line board, serving as secretary in 2003, and she currently volunteers with Save the Info Line. A member of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church since 1951, Mrs. Wilkins is coordinator for Senior Adults, secretary to the adult choir and serves on the long-range planning team. She also is a member of the Floyd County Baptist Association's Nominating Committee. Betty Mitchell, an administrative volunteer with Heyman HospiceCare for 12 years. After retiring from a 44-year career in radiologic technology, working most of that time at Floyd Medical Center, Mrs. Mitchell said, "I wanted to do something that would help others." Volunteering, she said, has been a very rewarding experience. "I admire the staff for their compassion and love for their patients." Her nominator praised Mrs. Mitchell's commitment to Hospice and volunteering, noting that despite recent health issues, she has continued to volunteer faithfully each Tuesday, "doing what she feels God wants her to do." In addition to her work with Hospice, Mrs. Mitchell also volunteers by serving others in the soup kitchen at First Baptist Church. Ludie Turner, one of the very first volunteers to serve with Heyman HospiceCare, beginning her service in 1990. Never one to back away from a difficult job, she has helped with less than ideal home environments, providing comfort and care for patients, home cooked meals for their families, and even driving and escorting patients on shopping excursions. "She is awesome at caring for others by living, laughing, loving, listening, sharing memories, sitting, talking, cleaning, cooking, reading to her clients out of the Bible, calling during the week to check on them, cutting corn off the cob and most of all just being there for each and everyone of them," said her granddaughter, Christy Corbin. Her nominator said, "At 85, Ludie demonstrates that it is possible to continue to give as long as one has the heart for it." Noel Alexander, a volunteer with the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary. Mr. Alexander's record of community service extends back to his days at the old Rome High School when he earned his Eagle Scout and Explorer Silver Award designations. He has served the U.S. Air Force as a civilian Civil Defense volunteer, worked with the American Red Cross on the United Fund campaign, and, as a member of the Rome Jaycees, chaired numerous community projects including efforts to fund the Open Door Home. Today, Mr. Alexander is a member of the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary. Over the past six years he has volunteered more than 2,000 hours at Floyd. "Noel always has an ear to listen and a hand to help anybody he can," his nominator said. "He takes his work at the hospital seriously and does a wonderful job." Rochelle Teat, a volunteer with the Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary since 1998. Mrs. Teat has served as secretary from 2000 until 2002, First Vice President from 2002 to 2003 and as President from 2003 to 2005. "Volunteering pays dividends well above any six-figure salary, and I have a wealth of memories in my retirement portfolio," she said. In addition to her service to Floyd, Mrs. Teat is a Sunday School teacher, Day Camp Counselor and member of several committees as Second Avenue Baptist Church. She is an elementary school math tutor and a member of Friends of the Library. She took on the daunting task of setting up and starting a library from scratch for a private Christian school. "The really satisfying element of volunteering is making that touch with someone who so badly needs a touch," she said. 'CLOSET OF LOVE' TO HELP NEEDY PARENTS (From Floyd Medical Center) What began as a mission outreach effort at Westminster Presbyterian Church has resulted in a Closet of Love at Floyd Medical Center that will provide layette items for newborn babies of disadvantaged parents. The first donation will be presented to Floyd on April 20 at 10 a.m., said Anne Hamilton, executive director of Floyd Healthcare Foundation. "Their reasoning is there are mission projects and relief efforts that need to be addressed right here in Rome," Hamilton said. "We are grateful that these wonderful people not only have identified a need, but have taken the initiative to meet that need. "We at the foundation are proud to be able to facilitate this gift.” Floyd Healthcare Foundation is the fund-raising arm of the Floyd healthcare system, conducting capital and comprehensive campaigns and serving as a connection between the community and the Floyd medical community to help promote the health of Rome, Floyd County and all of Northwest Georgia. Hamilton said she hopes this is the first of many donations to the Closet of Love. "Our hopes are that other groups will follow the lead of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and give new baby layette items or funds to continue this mission of love." Hamilton said. SUPPORT GROUPS, SPECIAL CLASSES SCHEDULED Here's a look at upcoming support groups and special classes meeting at or associated with Redmond Regional Medical Center: Monday: 6 p.m. Cancer Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom A Tuesday-Wednesday: AARP Driving Class will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anthony Recreation Center. Reservations: 706 235-0094 Thursday: 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends-Parent's Grief Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B. April 18: 6 p.m. Bosom Buddies-Breast Cancer Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B, 6 p.m. April 23: Spring Training Health Fair, The Forum, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25-27: Camp Bluebird, Day Camp for Cancer Patients. Details: 802-3549 April 28: 6 p.m., Diabetes Support Group, Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom A. May 7: 8:30--11:30 a.m. Skin Cancer Screening, Dr. Jason Smith, Dermatologist, Redmond Surgery Center McDONALD IS REDMOND'S CHIEF NURSING OFFICERSherry McDonald, RN, BA, has been named chief nursing officer at Redmond Regional Medical Center. McDonald graduated from Middle Tennessee State University Department of Nursing and Trevecca Nazarene University with a BA in Management and Human Relations. McDonald has 26 years of nursing experience and leadership in the healthcare industry. Prior to Redmond, she worked at Hendersonville Medical Center in Hendersonville, Tenn., where she was chief nursing officer and chief staffing officer. While chief nursing officer at Greenview Regional Hospital in Bowling Green, Ky., McDonald initiated community-based angioplasty services and opened an Infusion Clinic and After-Hours Clinic. She served on the HOPE Steering Committee, assisting in the planning and relocation of Nashville Memorial Hospital to Skyline Medical Center in 2000. During this time, she also served on the Patient Move Committee, coordinating overall activities related to moving patients from Nashville Memorial to Skyline. A member of Sigma Theta Tau International, McDonald also serves as a member of the Georgia Hospital Association and the Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders. McDonald has two sons, Adam and Travis, both attending Middle Tennessee State. She and her husband, Denny, plan to build a home in the Rome area. FLOYD LINKS WITH ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM: Floyd Healthcare System has selected Allscripts Healthcare Solutions to provide physicians, nurses and residents "real time access" to patient records, lab results and other clinical data. Floyd will use the TouchWorksElectronic Health Record
to connect its network of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners
and residents. The Web-hosted Allscripts technology will let Floyd's health
providers in nine communities access up-to-date clinical information on
patients wherever and whenever they need it. "Our physicians are truly excited by the EHR's ability to provide
a seamless connection to the entire continuum of care, helping them to
work more efficiently while enhancing the quality of care they provide
our patients." ""Floyd's commitment to providing the highest possible level of care and customer service is reflected in their decision to implement the TouchWorks EHR," said Glen Tullman, Allscripts' chief executive officer. "Our award-winning clinical information solutions are helping to
transform healthcare by consistently delivering significant improvements
in quality, efficiency and productivity." REDMOND SUPPORT GROUPS TO MEETThe following groups are meeting at Redmond Regional Medical Center this month: March 21/Bosom Buddies-Breast Cancer Support Group: Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom B, 6 p.m. March 24/Diabetes Support Group: Redmond Regional Lower Level Classroom A, 6 p.m. For more, contact Wanda Whitten at 802-3924. AREA STUDENTS JOINRELAY FOR LIFE
"Students and teachers are very important to the success of this year's relay," said Ann Hook, this year's relay chair. "Many students and teachers are affected by cancer. They are excited about raising money to help support their friends and loved ones who are battling the disease." Alto Park Elementary has been busy raising money, says Team Captain Shasta Williamson. Students recently had a grade-level competition to make paper chains throughout the school. Students purchased links for 25 cents each. The fourth grade won and will celebrate with a pizza party. Students also are buying luminaries in honor or memory of those with cancer. "We have a couple of teachers with cancer at our school and the students have been doing a lot of things in their honor. They really enjoy doing it and supporting the American Cancer Society," said Williamson. Tyler Collum, a student at Floyd College, is helping coordinate school teams and activities. He is trying to set-up a "Leap for Life" event with both the city and county school systems. This would be a leap frog event where students raise money for the ACS. If enough schools participate, his goal is to set a world-record for leap frog. He's already seeing more participation than last year. Those interested in getting a team from their school involved in Relay can contact Tyler at (706) 266-9769 or via email at jotyco2020@aol.com Last year, some 76 teams with more than 1,100 participants and 268 cancer survivors raised nearly $179,000. The 2005 Relay begins with the Survivors' Reception at 4 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Ridge Ferry Park. The event ends Saturday, April 16, at 9 a.m. For more information about Relay or to register a team, please call 291-9352 ext 249 or visit the Web site at www.cancer.org. NEW PHYSICIANS CENTER COMING ONLINE(2/22/05) Several specialty groups with Harbin Clinic are beginning to move into the new 330 Physicians Center on the Floyd Medical Center campus. Harbin Clinic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine opens there next Monday, Feb. 28. The second floor suite will include the offices of these doctors: Sidney Bell, Alan Bowen, Darrell Lowrey, Stephen Klasson, John McCord, Frank Russo-Alesi, Randall Anderson and Chris Piller. The current office close will be close Friday although the on-call physician will be available in case of a patient emergency. The office number, 706-236-6426, remains the same. Harbin Clinic Pediatrics makes the move on Monday, March 14. The fourth floor suite will be home to doctors David Dohrmann, Dilip Patel, Robersteen Howard, Josh Donner, Caroline Yaphockun, Michelle Calabro and Todd Kelley. Their main number also remains the same: 706-238-8030. On March 28, Harbin Clinic Norton Women's Clinic will open in the third floor suite. Making the move are doctors Pope Jordan, Barry Brass, Ricardo Aranda, James Haley, Ray Jarvis, Chris Mitchell and Leigh Barrell. Their main number remains unchanged: 706-291-1754. In addition to these offices, 330 Physicians Center also will be home to a new surgery center for Floyd Medical as well as Mocha Delites coffee shop. HARTON NAMED TOP 100 SURGEON BY LASER VISION: Dr. Paul J. Harton Jr., a Harbin Clinic ophthalmologist and a leading LASIK surgeon in Rome, has been named a Laser Vision Top 100 Surgeon for 2004. He was chosen from more than 1,000 Laser Vision -affiliated surgeons nationwide. Laser Vision, one of the world's largest providers of refractive laser services, presented the award to the 100 surgeons who achieved the highest volume for LASIK in 2004. Harton performed more than 250 LASIK procedures last year. Harton has been practicing at Harbin Clinic since 1999. He earned his medical doctorate degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Harton also is a member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Society of Refractive Surgery and Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. For more>>HARTON FLOYD SEEKS GOOD SAMARITAN NOMINEES: Floyd health system's Department of Volunteer Services is searching for nominees for the annual Good Samaritan volunteer award. The award honors a volunteer for Floyd American Red Cross, Floyd Medical Center Auxiliary, Floyd First Steps program, Heyman HospiceCare, Floyd Healthcare Foundation, Floyd Support Services, Floyd Medical Explorers and Floyd's Arts in Medicine and Priority Plus programs. The award is given each year to a volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary service to Floyd. Criteria: • Actions or achievements that substantially advance Floyd toward fulfillment of its goals • Long-term involvement in charitable community service activities, in addition to Floyd involvement • Actions or achievements that substantially advance patient care, promote the economic health of Floyd or ensure the physical safety of personnel or patients • Performance of a distinguished act in the interest of humanity that epitomizes excellence and leadership. The Good Samaritan volunteer award will be given April 15 at Floyd's annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Coosa Country Club. The luncheon honors all of Floyd's more than 300 volunteers. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 1. Forms are available from the Floyd Volunteer Services Department at 509-5109 or 509-5110, or online at www.floyd.org. FLOYD TO BE IN LANDS END BUSINESS OUTFITTERS Employees of the Floyd health care system will be featured in two upcoming catalogs from Lands' End Business Outfitters, supplier of embroidered logo wear for the Floyd healthcare system. The Lands' End creative team will be in Rome Monday and Tuesday to photograph several Floyd employees on the hospital campus. The April catalog will feature Dr. Todd Hold, a Floyd emergency physician, on its cover. The theme for that catalog is "Unsung Heroes." After caring for the injured feet of a homeless patient who had walked to the hospital, Hold realized the patient had no shoes. Knowing that the medical care he had just received would quickly be compromised, Hold gave the man his own tennis shoes to wear to continue his journey. The May catalog will focus on Women in Business, and several Floyd employees also will model for that catalog. 2005 RELAY FOR LIFE SEEKS $190,000, CURE
Perhaps as many as 84 local teams will walk the track at Ridge Ferry Park on April 15-16 in hopes of raising $190,000 to continue the battle to beat cancer through research and education. Ann Hook, chair of the 2005 campaign, says the group hopes 275 survivors will be at Ridge Ferry for this year's event. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. that Friday, April 15, with the survivors reception set for 4 to 6 p.m. The survivors will then be asked to walk the first lap. The annual luminaries ceremony is set for 10 p.m. Friday with the closing ceremonies expected around 9 a.m. Saturday. This year's relay campers are being asked to follow the "games" theme. Board games and game shows are among the ideas suggested. Hook and other speakers addressed more than 200 people gathered for the relay's kickoff celebration Tuesday night at Forrest Place. At times amid only the glow of candles, the group heard of the ongoing battle against the disease and emotional tales of survival. For now, the group is seeking teams, team captains and volunteers as well as corporate sponsors. A new Web site for the relay, www.floydrelayforlife.org, is up and will grow in coming days. It will feature forms and registration information. One new idea this year is the tiki torch. For a $50 donation, you can dedicate a track-side torch in memory of a loved one lost to cancer. Track-side luminaries, at $5 each, also are available. The first relay in the country was held in 1985 and Floyd County's initial event was staged 10 years later. Since 2000, Floyd County residents have contributed nearly $593,000 to cancer research and education, including $178,973 last year. The 2004 event featured 76 teams, more than 1,100 participants and 268 cancer survivors. DUNCAN EARNS CERTIFICATIONCarol Duncan, CRRN, recently earned her certification as a Rehabilitation Registered Nurse. After graduating from Holy Name of Jesus Hospital School of Nursing in Gadsden, Ala., Duncan obtained and held certification in medical surgical nursing. With more than 28 years experience in health care, she has spent the last five years at Redmond Regional Medical Center where she has been a Fifth Floor Nurse and now works in Inpatient Rehabilitation. Duncan and her husband, Douglas, live in Gadsden. She has two sons, Derek and Alex, and is an active member of Union #3 Baptist Church. FLOYD MEDICAL ADDS ENDOSCOPY ULTRASOUNDA new service combining endoscopy with ultrasound technology is now in use at Floyd Medical Center.
Physicians use endoscopic ultrasound as a tool in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis and common bile duct stones and to evaluate upper abdominal pain. Endoscopic procedures are where physicians use a tube equipped with a light and small camera lens to view the digestive system or other organs. Ultrasound uses a transducer to send and receive sound waves that provide images of tissue and organs. Endoscopic ultrasound adds the ultrasound transducer to the end of endoscopic tube, allowing physicians to use both ultrasound and endoscopy within the abdomen to produce images or to guide a small needle to obtain tissue samples. Minimally invasive, it is the most accurate method of staging pancreatic cancer and is effective in delivering pain blockers that are more durable than other delivery methods. "Endoscopic Ultrasound has already established itself as standard of care for staging of a variety of GI cancers. In addition, it has emerged as an important new modality in staging and diagnosis of non-GI cancers, such as lung cancer," said Dr. David Weinstein, a gastroenterologist affiliated with the Harbin Clinic. "It has proven to be an indispensable utility in addressing multiple medical issues by non-invasive means that otherwise would necessitate surgical or invasive procedures. Finally, it provides a potentially new method of administering localized therapy or palliative care." Weinstein worked closely with Floyd in obtaining this new technology. FEB. 8: WOMEN & HEART DISEASE
Nearly twice as many women die of cardiovascular disease as from all forms of cancer which is why Redmond and the Heart of the Community Foundation are sponsoring the event. Details and reservations: 800-265-8624 The guest speaker is actress Tracey Conway, 38, who collapsed onstage and was resuscitated in 1995. The schedule: 11 a.m. Health exhibits FLOYD NAMES NEW EMS DIRECTOR
David Young has been named director of emergency
services at Floyd Medical Center. FLOYD HONORS LONGTIME EMPLOYEES
Barbara Ortiz has had only one employer in her 45-year nursing career-–Floyd. Ortiz, a registered nurse in the Outpatient Surgery department at Floyd Medical Center, was honored for reaching her milestone anniversary at the healthcare system's annual Celebration of Service last week. The annual event honors employees celebrating milestone anniversaries of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years, those with distinguished professional achievements and members of teams and departments that achieved outstanding results in the previous year. Ortiz came to work at Floyd in 1959, at the age of 21. She has served as the Operating Room Supervisor, Assistant Director of the Operating Room, Clinical Coordinator for the Operating Room and Recovery and Charge Nurse.
Nancy Dodgens, an employee in Floyd Medical Center's Cardiopulmonary Services department, was recognized for 40 years of continuing service to Floyd. The award for Most Improved in Customer Service was presented to the Emergency Care Center and director Kenna Baker. The award for Customer Service Excellence was presented to Heyman HospiceCare and director Joy Jones. Two teams were honored as the Operational Teams of the Year: The Corporate Identity Implementation Team was honored for its work to transition Floyd from its previous logo and color scheme to the health care system's new look, and the Omnicell Implementation Team was recognized for its continuing work in expanding the usage of this digital dispensing system for pharmacy and supplies. The Neuroscience Team was named the Clinical Team of the Year. The Information Technology Department was named Department of the Year. Alison Land, director of Planning, Quality and Utilization Management, received the Executive Team Award, conferred by the team of Floyd Vice Presidents. Robin Cater, RN, received the President's Award, given by Kurt Stuenkel, president and CEO, in recognition of her dedication to Floyd, her clinical expertise and her example in service. Vice President and Corporate Compliance Officer Mary Maire was recognized for reaching fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives. This pinnacle of achievement in healthcare management recognizes her high standards of professional development, excellence and leadership as a health care executive. Wade Monk, general counsel for Floyd Healthcare Management Inc., was honored for being elected President of the Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys and for his selection in Atlanta Magazine as a 2004 Georgia Super Lawyer. Bill Fortenberry, public relations specialist, was honored for receiving a Target Award of Excellence from the Georgia Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations in the writing category. Amy Astin, director of Volunteer Services, was recognized for receiving the 2004 Georgia Association of Volunteer Administrators June Sammons Award for providing statewide impact, advocacy, leadership, inspiration and service for the creation and development of the volunteer administration profession. In addition, the following individuals were recognized for reaching milestones in consecutive years of full-time service to Floyd: For 35 years of service: Lynn Dougherty and Jessie Stewart. For 30 years of service: Kathy Carver, Jackie Dutton, Lois Houston, Renee Jarrard, Sherry Ray, Shirley Wells, Dorothy Whatley and Landis Winters. For 25 years of service: Ola Caldwell, Bobby Colston, Rita Davis, Kim Gray, Ann McGill, Mary Morrison, Karen Patterson, Johnny Reynolds, Al Rowland, Steve Scoggins, Lillie Stewart, Robert Strickland, Twila Thacker and Charlotte Warren. For 20 years of service: Nancy Bell, Traci Daniell, Keith Davis, Jan Mitchell, Glenda Thomas, Barbie Townsell and Cyndy Warren. For 15 years of service: Deborah Adams, Karen Baity, Lynn Batts, Tonya Bowden, Karen Brannon, Flora Buck, Jane Carroll, Tony Cooper, Mike Davis, Jeanette Dugger, Linda Duke, June Edwards, Renee Edwards, Janet Everett, Taunya Faulkner, Danny Hall, Bev Kaylor, Marina Lopez, Marie McArdle, Sherry McClain, Linda McMurray, Robin Prince, Susan Riley, Jeanettia Rush, Helen Shropshire, Lisa Smalley, Rhonda Sorrells, Sharon Spivey, Myrtis Strawbridge and Dr. Joel Todino. For 10 years of service: Janice Allee, Sherry Allred, Marcia Austin, Kenna Baker, Ginger Beard, Charles Blackwell, Christie Chapman, Tamela Chastain, Dr. David Childs, Lisa Clement, Pat Coker, Dr. James Collins, Marcellous Cooke, Louise Daniels, Linda Davis, Penny Draper, Connie Eason, Debbie Eberhart, Barbara Fennell, Bobby Fuller, Marie Gossett, Loma Grisham, Stacy Hansard, Janis Hardin, Joyce Harris, Kim Hash, Sheila Helms, Nancy Holbrook, Tammy Holley, Charleen Hughes, Carole Johnson, Diana Johnson, Lionel Jones, Denise Ledford, Denise Martin, Tina Mathews, Dale McCranie, Sandi McCray, Nancy Mount, Joan Osborne, Sherry Payne, Connie Perkins, Gene Proctor, Dr. Allan Purdie, Tommy Roberson, Aleta Robinson, Jennie Slater, Judy Smith, Donna Storey, Dr. Melvin Thomas, Jennifer Thompson, Phyllis Townsend, Julie Treadaway, Pam Triplett, Gia Vines, Patricia Walker, Debbie Weaver, Tara Williams and Jaci Wilson. NUTTER NAMED ACUTE CARE SUPERVISOR OF REHABILITATION: Daphne Nutter, PTA, has been promoted to Acute Care Supervisor of Rehabilitation at Redmond Regional Medical Center. During her 12 years at Redmond, Nutter has been a Physical Therapy Technician, Staff Physical Therapist Assistant, Marketing Coordinator for Outpatient Rehabilitation Services and Acute Care Supervisor. She attended Floyd College and Kennesaw State before being accepted to Physical Therapy Assistant school at Chattanooga State Community College. She is a member of Redmond's Orthopedic and Stroke Teams, Club Secretary of the Pilot Club of Rome and the Co-Chairperson for the 2005 Redmond Regional Medical Center United Way campaign. Nutter, her husband Johnny and their daughter Shelby Claire reside in Rome. REDMOND EMPLOYEES EARN CERTIFICATIONSeveral Redmond Regional Medical Center employees have recently become certified case managers: Sandra Chambers, RN CCRN CCM, is Cardiology Case Manager and has worked at Redmond for more than 32 years. She is active in the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Barbara McEntire, RN CCM, is Redmond's Cardiovascular Case Manager. She has worked at Redmond for 19 years. Beth Tolbert, RN ONC CCM, is Orthopedic Case Manager and has worked at Redmond for more than five years. She is a member of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. Melissa Bass, RN CCRN CCM, Redmond's Medical Pulmonary Case Manager, has been certified as a case manager for six years. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and has worked at Redmond for 17 years. HARBIN CLINIC VEIN CENTER OPENS MONDAY: Harbin Clinic's Vein Center opens Monday at 115 John Maddox Drive, Suite B, and is one of at least two major projects planned by the medical group in early 2005. Click HERE for more. Harbin Clinic's vascular surgeons--Dr. John Kirkland (medical director), Dr. Michael Rogers, Dr. Joseph Magnant, Dr. Glenn Whitney and Dr. Jonathon Molnar--will provide minimally invasive treatments for patients with vein disorders, such as varicose veins and spider veins. Nearly 50 percent of adults--especially women--suffer from sometimes painful vein diseases. Many are inherited. The most common forms are spider veins (small blue or red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the leg, face, neck or chest) and varicose veins (dilated and ropey appearing blue vessels visible under the skin, often a quarter-inch or larger in diameter). The clinic will be using a Dornier D940 Laser System (left) to treat both spider andvaricose veins. Until recently, the removal of varicose veins required the actual stripping of the vein, a surgical procedure that requires a hospital stay, a painful recovery and possible scarring. Using the laser, doctors can remove varicose veins during a single, minimally invasive procedure at the clinic. For more on the vein center, call (706) 232-4122 or visit the Web site, www.harbinclinic.com/veincenter Harbin also is preparing a new Dialysis Center at 172 Three Rivers Drive off the Bypass in Rome. The 6,800-square-foot clinic is scheduled to open in April. In August, the clinic announced the hiring of 15 additional physicians. GORDON HOSPITAL RN CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT: Sue Lewis, a registered nurse at Gordon Hospital, has attained board certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This certification is the gold standard of competency in the lactation field. As a member of the health care team, Lewis can provide specialized skills and knowledge in lactation management and is qualified to provide skilled technical breastfeeding assistance to mothers and babies experiencing breastfeeding problems. Lewis has worked as a registered nurse for 21 years, and is presently working in Gordon Hospital's New Beginnings Maternity Center. REDMOND REGIONAL NAMES NEW COO: Shawn Strash has been named chief operating officer at Redmond Regional Medical Center, effective Jan. 10.
He was named COO at Palmyra Medical Center in Albany, Ga., in August 2002. Strash, his wife Norma Jean and their three children will live in East Rome. Strash replaces Mike Esposito, who recently was promoted to a chief executive officer position at an HCA hospital in Hendersonville, Tenn. NEW HEARING AID IMPLANT PERFORMED A new hearing loss treatment known as bone anchored hearing aid system has been performed in Northwest Georgia for the first time. Dr. Robert King, a Harbin Clinic otolaryngologist, did the procedure at Floyd Medical Center on Dec. 15. He's the only local physician trained to perform this procedure that particularly benefits those with single-sided deafness. HOW IT WORKS: The system includes a small, detachable sound processor anchored by a titanium implant and abutment placed in the patient's skull, behind the deaf ear, through a minor outpatient surgical procedure. Sound is transmitted by bone conduction through the skull to the hearing ear, allowing someone with single-side deafness to hear sounds from the deaf side. This treatment is FDA approved and is being used by more than 18,000 people worldwide. Over the next three months, the implant will be monitored to make sure the bone is growing around it. The detachable sound processor will then be anchored to the implant. THE PATIENT: The patient is a 24-year-old woman who has had hearing loss for several years following a surgical procedure. She recently completed college and plans to begin her career as an elementary school teacher soon. King has surgically implanted more than 40 BAHA systems in his training at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He joined Harbin Clinic in August. He received his Medical Doctorate degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. His office is at Harbin Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat Center at 1825 Martha Berry Blvd. For more on Dr. King, please click HERE. FOR MORE ON BAHA: Please check the University of Maryland Medicine site (which provided the graphic above) by clicking HERE. HEALTH NOTESTHUY EARNS NURSING DEGREE: Ngoc Thuy Duong, RN, earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Floyd College in December. Thuy, known to her friends as "Tweety," has worked as a nurse aide for three years at Redmond Regional Medical Center, where she plans to continue her nursing career. Thuy's parents are Phuoe Huu Duong and Bich Lan Luu. She is married, has one son and lives in Rome. TWO AT REDMOND NOW REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS: Stacey Leonard and Tara Metcalf are now registered respiratory therapists at Redmond Regional Medical Center after passing their boards. Both were certified in Respiratory Therapy from Coosa Valley Technical College and earned their associate's degrese from Floyd College. Leonard has worked at Redmond for over seven years. She lives in Rome with her husband, Michael, son Trey and daughter Madison. Metcalf has worked in Respiratory Therapy at Redmond for nine years. She and her husband, Todd, and son Rhett live in Summerville SYSTEM AIDS IN BREAST CANCER DETECTIONGordon Hospital has a new, computer-aided detection system for mammography that assists radiologists in breast cancer detection. Second Look from iCAD Inc. is a screening tool that assists radiologists by providing a computerized second review of mammograms. It is approved for screening use only. The review process draws their attention to potential areas of concern that may indicate the presence of cancer. "It provides a valuable second read that increases the chances of catching breast cancer," says Dr. G. Paul Forsyth, a radiologist at Gordon Hospital. U.S. clinical trials of approximately 9,000 patients performed at 18 medical institutions across the United States have shown that 26.2 percent of cancers missed by a radiologist would be detected with the use of Second Look. How it works: Once a patient has had her annual mammogram, the patient information is entered into the Second Look system using a bar code reader or interactive touchscreen. The patient's mammogram is fed into the system and the Second Look software analyzes it using proprietary algorithms. The machine then produces a laser-printed report which highlights potential areas of concern. Click HERE for 2004 health headlines |
Joseph
C. Mazzola, D.O., has joined the Floyd Family Medicine
Residency Program as an associate director. 
Jackie
Eschbaugh, R.N., has joined the staff as director of
Surgical Services. She's responsible for overall supervision
of the surgical services from pre-testing to discharge. 
Tamara
Lankford has been named Marketing Communications Specialist
at Redmond Regional Medical Center. 
Swati
Joglekar, M.D. has been named medical director of the Hospitalist
program at Floyd Medical Center. 
Redmond
Regional Medical Center's expansion is continuing on both sides
of the hospital.
Floyd's
logo, (left) which debuted in March 2004, and an employee T-shirt, a premium
given to Floyd employees to celebrate the organization's success in earning
top honors for customer service and employee satisfaction, were Gold Award
winners in the logo and imprinted materials categories, respectively.
The
hosts are DeNeese Buchholtz, RD, LD, CDE, and Mary
Beth Whelan, MS, RD, LD, both of whom are with the Harbin
Clinic Diabetes Management Center.
Buchholtz
received her bachelor's of science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from
Georgia State University in Atlanta. She is a registered
dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. She is a member of the American
Dietetic Association, American Diabetes Association and American Association
of Diabetes Educators. 
(From
Floyd Medical Center) Clarice Long, a longtime volunteer
with Heyman HospiceCare, an affiliate of the Floyd
healthcare system, was named Good Samaritan of the Year
at Floyd's annual volunteer appreciation luncheon Friday. 
At
least 15 area schools are joining the 2005 Relay for Life
and its goal to raise $190,000 in the fight against cancer.
Redmond Regional Medical Center presents a special program focusing
on women and heart disease, "Drop Dead Gorgeous, from 11
a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at The Forum.
Strash
began his career with Redmond's parent company, HCA,
as director of development in Dallas, Texas. In September 1999, he was
named Director of Operations for Ambulatory Surgery Division at HCA's
Southeast Division Office in Atlanta. 
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