Mississippi Hospitals Today

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2005-04-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

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2005-03-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

Terri Springer has joined Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg as Director of Human Resources. Terri has more than 17 years of experience in human resource management. Most recently, she served as director of human resources at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, a Health Management Associates facility. Prior to her tenure at Central Mississippi Medical Center, Terri was director of human resources at HMA's River Oaks Health System in Jackson, MS. Terri received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, and she is currently working on her MBA.

Finding Time To Workout Can Add Time To Your Life

2005-03-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

Horton G. Taylor, Jr. M.D (Colonel Medical Corp)

Horton G. Taylor, Jr. M.D. will tell you he’s just a simple country doctor. He even describes his long-time family practice as a chance to “visit with my friends and try to keep them healthy.” But this unassuming small town physician may very well have the secret to eternal youth. Because when the soon-to-be 65 year old isn’t at Camp Shelby preparing troops for Iraq, treating patients in his hometown of Ripley or teaching future doctors at the University of Mississippi, he’s exercising. In Hattiesburg, he does this at the Institute for Wellness and Sports Medicine (IWSM) at Wesley Medical Center.

“If you want to live to be 100, this is the way to go, “said Taylor. “ I have no doubt regular exercise is the secret to living a long full life.”

While Taylor has genetics on his side, both of his parents lived into their 90s, he believes regular exercise is what will keep him active for years to come. In fact, he has every intention of being around to play with his great grandchildren, even though his oldest grandchild is only eight.

“Working out not only helps you physically it can be great for mental health as well,” said Taylor. “It helps with anger management and depression. It keeps you balanced. Exercise beats almost anything you get in a bottle.”

Taylor began incorporating exercise into his life in the late 80s. Today, he works out at IWSM at least three to four times a week doing both aerobic and strength training. It helps keep his weight, which he admits is his trouble spot, manageable and his heart healthy. He encourages all seniors to find a workout plan that works for them.

“Anyone can exercise,” said Taylor. “Just get with your doctor and develop a plan. If there are some workouts that are too strenuous it’s easy enough to find something else.”

Nadine Archuleta, Director of IWSM believes finding the right exercise is simple at Wesley. “There are a variety of activities available for individuals to choose from. The center has over 25 different types of land and water fitness classes, indoor cycling classes, an outdoor and indoor walking/jogging track, new cardio equipment, and a swimming pool for lap swimming and soon to arrive “NEW” strength training machines. With the wide selection to choose from, individuals find what they enjoy participating in. A Healthy Lifestyle is a lifetime commitment and that is why we assist in identifying activities individuals enjoy and why we offer so much.,” said Archuleta.

Taylor, who turns 65 on June 29, will retire from the Mississippi National Guard the very next day. Then he plans to go home to Ripley and get back to spending time with his friends and keeping them healthy.

IWSM has been a part of Wesley since 1986. For more information about joining the Wellness Center, log onto www.wesley.com or call (601) 268-5010.

Partnership to build innovative respiratory therapy device

2005-03-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dan Jones, left, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, talks during a March 16 news conference to announce the agreement between UMC and the Mississppi Band of Choctaw (MBCI) Indians to manufacture the mobile medical gas utility stand. Also speaking at the conference are, from left, MBCI Chief Phillip Martin, Jerry S. Bridgers, a UMC respiratory therapist and inventor of the stand, and Lester Dalme, president/CEO of Chahta Enterprise.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) have announced a partnership to build a device that could impact the care of patients worldwide.

During a March 16 press conference at the Choctaw reservation in Philadelphia, Dr. Dan Jones, UMC vice chancellor for academic affairs, and MBCI Chief Phillip Martin signed an agreement to manufacture a mobile medical gas utility stand. The stand, the brainchild of Jerry Bridgers, a respiratory therapist and manager of the Medical Center’s Biomedical Equipment Department, facilitates respiratory therapy in close proximity to patients safely and effectively.

Standing alongside the trapezoidal device replete with gas canisters, color-coded hoses and other attachments, Jones expressed his gratitude to Martin for the partnership.

“Part of our mission as an academic health science center is to generate new ideas to improve the delivery of health care to people,” Jones said. “We believe this is a great opportunity to take new technology and partner with Chief Martin and his colleagues to not only improve the health of people around the world, but to improve the economy of the people in Mississippi.”
Martin praised the Medical Center’s visionary leadership for nurturing the partnership.

“This apparatus has a lot of potential and could be highly successful,” Martin said. “This partnership is right in line with our policy of bringing high-tech opportunities here to the reservation.

“We’re glad the University of Mississippi Medical Center thought of us to manufacture a product useful in the medical field.”

Made of nonferrous aluminum, the stand can be used in IMRI suites, computerized tomography areas, MRI suites and special procedure areas that employ magnets. Designed with a low center of gravity, the stand can be easily pushed across a room without risk of overturning. Clamps on the front of the stand can hold vacuums, electronic devices and other patient care accessories. In therapeutic areas, blenders and heated humidifiers can be added to administer different gas mixtures and therapy, and the device can be structured to administer more than one gas at a time or multiple lines of the same medical gas.

According to Dr. David Dzielak, associate vice chancellor for strategic research alliances, approximately 10 percent of the nation’s hospitals have critical care beds. Dzielak estimates that if the partnership can realize 20 percent market saturation, there is a possibility of selling 19,000 stands in the United States alone.

“This is one of the things we’ve always wanted to do with technology developed at the Medical Center,” Dzielak said. “We’re very pleased to have this partnership and we’re very excited about the possibilities.”

Lester Dalme, president and chief executive officer of Chahta Enterprise, the manufacturing arm of the MBCI, said the stand will be assembled at the Choctaw Manufacturing Enterprise (CME) plant in the Red Water Tribal Community near Carthage. CME is a division of Chahta Enterprise.

“Our engineering department is located there,” Dalme explained, “and they hold everything from low-volume to high-volume products.” He said CME will rely on Mississippi-based vendors to supply the materials necessary to build the stand.

Chahta Enterprise is one of the largest tribally owned manufacturing firms in the United States, employing 1,500 in its plants in Mississippi and Sonora, Mexico. Chahta produces 130 different part numbers and more than 11 million wiring harnesses each year.

For more information about the mobile medical gas utility stand, call Bridgers in the Medical Center’s Biomedical Equipment Department at (601) 984-4660, or Alan Hines of AGT at (601) 389-3084, ext. 400.

Black Tie and Blue Jeans Gala to help fight heart disease

2005-03-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

The goal is to raise $35,000 to help fight heart disease. Money raised at the themed Black Tie and Blue Jeans event set for Friday, April 22, will go toward research and education to help find a cure for diseases related to the heart.

The price is $100 per couple to attend the Rankin County gala for the American Heart Association function to be held at the Luckett Lodge on Clark Road off Holly Bush Road.

This casual event will be a way to contribute to a worthy cause that may help save your life some day. This 8th annual event will include silent and live auctions, heavy hors d'oeuvres and an opportunity to enjoy the company of others.

Chairing the Rankin County group this year are Davis Richards, Rankin Medical Center administrator, and Sally Larson, vice-chairperson.

Tickets are available by contacting Rocky Zachry, developmental specialist for the American Heart Association, at (601) 321-1214. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Items may also be donated for the auction.

Price receives Emmerich Award

2005-03-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

Southwest Health Systems Chief Executive Officer Norman Price recently received one of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development District's highest honors.

Price, who's celebrating 20 years in McComb at the helm of Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, received the chamber's Oliver Emmerich Award at the group's annual banquet held at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

In presenting the Emmerich Award - named for the late Enterprise-Journal editor - incoming economic development district chairman George "Lucky" Chaplain noted Price's leadership at the hospital, which has seen a vast expansion in the past two decades.

In Memoriam: Dr. J.O. Wood

2005-03-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dr. Joseph Ottis Wood, 88, of Summit, died Feb. 21, 2005, at his home.

Dr. Wood was a retired radiologist. He attended Southwest Mississippi Junior College before moving on to Millsaps College, and later the University of Mississippi Medical School and the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He interned at Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson. He practiced in Pike County, then returned to UMC to do his residency in radiology.

He was chief of staff at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in 1873-74. A former chief of staff and radiologist at Neshoba County Hospital, he aslo served the DeKalb, Mason and Choctaw Indian hospitals.

Memorials may be made to Horizon Hospice or Centenary United Methodist Church.

MRHC celebrates 40 years of progress

2005-03-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Regional Health Center is celebrating 40 years of progress in Corinth in 2005.

"Even though Magnolia Regional is looking toward going in a new direction, I feel that it is important for us to remember our 40 years of history and how important our relationship with the community has been during these years, and we look forward to celebrating our 40th year with the whole community," said Rick Napper, MRHC chief executive officer.

MRHC opened on Alcorn Drive in 1965 as a 116-bed facility heralded as "one of the best-equipped hospitals in North Mississippi."

Four years later, its radiology department added over 1,100 square feet, a four-bed coronary unit was established and pathology services were offered for the first time.

In 1972, the 10,000-square-foot Doctors Plaza was completed with room for eight physicians offices and the hospital began operating an ambulance service.

The hospital's first major expansion effort in 1977 involved an expansion of the emergency department; the radiology department received additional space; and new stations from which to operate the physical therapy department, laboratory and pharmacy.

The second large-scale expansion of MRHC came in 1982 and doubled the facility's size with the addition of 62 private patient rooms, a 12-bed Critical Care Unit, a new five-room operating suite, facilities for same-day surgery and an expanded business office and pharmacy.

An $8.5-million expansion in 1991 resulted in the opening of the cancer treatment center. The Family Birthplace opened in 1994.

For more history, click here.

In 2005, MRHC continues to employ more people than any other business in Corinth and Alcorn County.

Work by high school students on display throughout Pascagoula

2005-03-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

Link - In recognition of Youth Art Month, art work from students at Pascagoula High School, Gautier High School and middle schools will be displayed at Singing River Hospital and other locations citywide.

Oncology Director "Driving Force" Behind GOG Committee

2005-03-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

Link - More than 30 years ago, Dr. James Tate Thigpen, professor of medicine and director of the Division of Oncology, was one of the first medical oncologists to join the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a national, nonprofit organization that promotes excellence in the quality and integrity of clinical and basic scientific research in the field of gynecologic malignancies.

Thigpen also was the first medical oncologist to chair a GOG committee.

Today he continues to chair the GOG Protocol Committee, the body that determines and implements all GOG research. He also serves as GOG vice chair for science

Medical Students Find Their "Match" at Traditional Ceremony

2005-03-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

Link - One of the most significant events for senior medical students across the nation was also one of the most successful for the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Orthopedist Elected Hand Surgery Endowment President

2005-03-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

Link - Dr. Alan E. Freeland, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is the new president of the National Hand Surgery Endowment. He was elected at the American Association for Hand Surgery’s annual meeting in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Jan. 12, to a four-year term.

Walton earns health care credential

2005-03-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

Davis Walton, associate administrator at Singing River Hospital, recently advanced to Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of 30,000 health care executives.

Walton, who began his career at Singing River Hospital in 1988, was recognized by the ACHE during the Convocation Ceremony on March 13 in Chicago. Fellow status is the highest level of professional achievement in ACHE, as only 3,200 health care executives hold this distinction.

To obtain Fellow status, candidates must demonstrate their education, experience and leadership in the health care field. They must also complete a case studies or a thesis on a health care management topic or participate in a year-long mentorship project.

Cancer Support Camp Planned

2005-03-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Camp Bluebird is right around the corner. The first camp of 2005 has been scheduled for April 22-24 at Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs. This year's spring camp will be centered around a nursery rhyme theme. Twice a year, adult cancer survivors gather at Camp Bluebird for a three-day, two-night experience that's unlike any other part of their treatment regimen.

In a setting of great natural beauty, campers can relax, slow down and gain new insights by sharing their experiences with others who are living with cancer. Campers participate in group activities aimed at helping everyone focus on coping with change. These sessions include such topics as:

Lifestyle adjustments
Family support - how to give it and take it
Assessing non-medical needs and how to meet them
Educational assistance for medically related concerns
Managing cancer treatments and their side effects
Nutritional information
Creative outlets through arts and crafts activities

Any adult, age 18 or older, who has been diagnosed with cancer may attend Camp Bluebird. Campers share dormitory rooms with other campers and counselors. Meals are provided, but individual campers should bring their own bed linens and toiletry items. Camp Bluebird offers a very informal atmosphere with abundant opportunities for recreation.

The "camp counselors" who lead the activities are staff members at Singing River Hospital System, area physicians, military and community volunteers. The camp staff includes nurses, a social worker, a dietitian, a pharmacist, a physical therapist and pastoral care associates.

For camper applications or counselor/worker forms, contact the Regional Cancer Center at (228) 809-5251.

SRH names Boutwell Employee of the Month

2005-03-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Leigh Boutwell, operations supervisor, Information Systems, has been named Singing River Hospital's March Employee of the Month.

Leigh was born in Cordele, Ga., and grew up in Pascagoula. She graduated from Pascagoula High School and attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Before beginning her career at SRH, she worked for four years in the computer department of Gulf City Fisheries. In 1986, she began working part time at SRH as a data entry clerk and computer operator. She began working full time in 1988.

Leigh lives in Pascagoula and attends Safe Harbor Methodist Church. She enjoys reading and going to the movies.

Two new physicians join SRHS

2005-03-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Board of Trustees of Singing River Hospital System is pleased to announce the appointment of two new physicians to the medical staffs of Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital.

Dr. Randall Hofbauer, MD, emergency medicine specialist, is a native of Rochester, Minn. Dr. Hoffbauer received his undergraduate degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He performed an internship and residency at Health Parnters Institute for Medical Education in St. Paul.

Dr. Hofbauer is board certified in emergency medicine and will be on staff at Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital Emergency Departments.

Dr. Sam Dennis, radiation oncologist, is a native of Washington, DC. He received his undergraduate degree from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Tex. He received a master's degree and doctorate degree in physics from Rice University in Houston, Tex. His medical degree, internship and residency were completed at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Dr. Dennis is board certified in radiation oncology and will practice at the Regional Cancer Center.

Money is the number one cause of stress

2005-03-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

As April 15 quickly approaches and Mississippians prepare their taxes, stress levels will be on the rise.

A survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 73 percent of Americans single out money as a very significant factor contributing to stress. Work, physical health and children follow next.

“Tax season can be a joyous time for some – those expecting returns, but for most it is a very stressful time. Stress related to money worries can have a real impact on people’s psychological health,” said Pat Alexander, Ph.D., director of psychology at Mississippi State Hospital. “There are high levels of stress during tax time, but people can learn to manage financial stressors and other challenges by taking steps to build and enhance their resilience.”

Dr. Alexander suggests exercise, religious activities and hobbies to counteract the effects of stress. She recommends that a person seek help if they feel trapped, like there’s nowhere to turn; they worry excessively and can’t concentrate; or they way they feel affects their sleep, eating habits, job, relationships and other occurrences in their everyday life.

“Licensed, qualified mental health professionals can help people address the causes of their distress and teach effective ways to deal with those causes,” said Alexander.

Alexander is a member of the Mississippi Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

Howell tapped as OSH Employee of the Month

2005-03-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Derick Howell, RN, SICU, has been selected as the March Employee of the Month at Ocean Springs Hospital.

Derick grew up in Biloxi and graduated from St. Martin High School. He received his bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi.

After finishing USM, Derick began working at OSH as an RN on Two Southeast. He worked there for one year, and then transferred to SICU and has remained there since.

Derick and his wife, Melanie, a second grade teacher at Magnolia Park Elementary in Ocean Springs, live in Biloxi. They have two children, Delanie, age 12, and Darcy, age 4.

When he is not working, Derick enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym and traveling.

"I like working for the hospital and in the SICU because of the people I work with and the people I get to meet," he said.

New capsule makes testing easier for patients

2005-03-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Heartburn Treatment Center at Singing River Hospital System is now using PillCam ESO, a wireless diagnostic video capsule specifically designed to photograph the esophagus. The capsule, about the size of a large vitamin, is made of smooth plastic and swallowed by the patient. It has two tiny cameras on each end that together take 14 photos per second, giving a physician over 2,600 images to make a diagnosis.

The capsule is used as a diagnostic tool to detect abnormalities of the esophagus, such as gastroesophogeal reflux and Barrett's esophagus. Patients who are candidates for this capsule testing may be able to avoid having a traditional endoscopy, which involves sedation and the use of a surgery suite, as well as time for recovery.

The simple test takes only 20 minutes from the time the capsule is swallowed. Patients must lie down and swallow the capsule. The capsule begins working immediately, taking photos and transmitting them to a data recorder worn on the patient's belt. Following the procedure, the physician should have enough images to make a diagnosis, and the patient can return to work.

For more information on the PillCam ESO test or the Heartburn Treatment Center, call (228) 809-6000.

SRH lab receives CAP accreditation

2005-03-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Singing River Hospital Laboratory recently received accreditation from the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists.

CAP inspectors visited SRH on Feb. 22 and found no defiencies in the main laboratory. The CAP has conistently accredited SRH since 1970.

"The employees of the our Laboratory are, and always have been, committed to providing the highest quality of testing," said Eric Reed, director of the SRH Laboratory. "They understand that excellent findings by the CAP, upon on-site survey, define that commitment. They are proud of what they do and the services they provide to our patients and that is evidenced by the results of our recent survey. I am fortunate to work with this group of professionals."

"The pathologist with the inspection team made a comment that in his 19 years of inspecting, has never had an inspection go as smoothly as ours," said Becky Walton, assistant director of the SRH Laboratory. "I can attribute that to the strong sense of ownership and teamwork we have in the Lab. I am so proud of all of our employees and the first-class service they provide for our patients."

Nelson named director of food and nutrition at OSH

2005-03-28T09:40:00.001-08:00

Cahty Nelson has been named director of food and nutrition at Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs.

Cathy is a California native, growing up in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from North Hollywood High School and received her bachelor's degree in nursing from California College.

Before beginning her career in food service, she was a psych nurse for many years. While living in Kentucky, she began working for Morrison's, first as a patient service supervisor at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington. She has also been the director of food services at Bellwood Children's Home and later served as assistant director at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville, Tenn.

Cathy and her husband, Gregory, an apartment complex supervisor, have a 13-year-old daughter, Lyndsey. They are currently living in Long Beach but are looking to move to Ocean Springs soon.

"This is a very nice hospital, and everyone works well together," said Cathy. "Truly, the people are so very welcoming. Everyone greets you with a smile and they don't make you feel like a stranger."

Rushing named gift shop manager at SRH

2005-03-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

Cindy Rushing has been named manager of the Singing River Hospital (SRH) Gift Shop.
Cindy is a native of Jones County, but has lived in Jackson County since she was nine. She is a graduate of Moss Point High School.

Before beginning her career at SRH, she worked for almost 10 years at the Flower Cottage in Moss Point. She began working at SRH 13 years ago as the sales clerk in the Gift Shop.
Cindy and her husband, Herman, now the retired owner of City Shoe Shop in Pascagoula, live in Escatawpa. She has one daughter and three stepchildren, as well as five grandchildren and one more on the way.

"I'm enjoying my new role as manager of the Gift Shop," said Cindy. "It has been challenging in our current smaller space, but we are very much looking forward to our new space (in the renovated front lobby)."

Wellborn named director of food and nutrition at SRH

2005-03-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Laquita Welborn has been named director of food and nutrition at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula.

Wellborn holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Arkansas Tech University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in business with an emphasis in health care administration. She has been with Morrison’s Food Service, the Hospital System’s food service provider, for eight years.

She has worked in different types of hospitals throughout the South, including hospitals in Atlanta, Ga., Murphreesboro, Tenn., and Hopkinsville, Ky. In 2002, she worked with the Morrison's team providing food for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Laquita and her 15-month-old daughter, Brooke, will be living in Gautier.

"Singing River Hospital is a very unique setting, much different from other hospitals where I have worked," said Laquita. "I have enjoyed working with administration, as they have been very supportive of the changes and ideas I have had to continue the high quality of food service we provide."

Free screenings may prevent alcohol abuse

2005-03-28T06:07:00.000-08:00

Link - About 5,000 hospitals, alcohol and addiction treatment centers, primary care offices, colleges and other community sites nationwide are participating in National Alcohol Screening Day, a one-day outreach, education and screening event designed to educate the public about alcohol. The day, a part of Alcohol Awareness Month, allows individuals to seek help in a non-threatening and easily accessible manner.

2005-03-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

Wendy D. Bailey of Brandon has joined Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) as the media/public information manager in the hospital's Public Relations Department. Bailey earned her bachelor degree in communications from Belhaven College. Bailey comes to MSH from her previous position as communications specialist with Information and Quality Healthcare.