News Around the State

Luther is Newly Inducted Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Cindy Luther, FNP (center) is pictured with Dr. Mona Counts, FAANP past chair (left) and Dr. Virginia Lee Cora, GNP (right).

Cindy Luther, FNP, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) during the FAANP Induction Ceremony on June 22, 2012, held during the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 27th National Conference in Orlando, FL.

The purpose of the AANP Fellows Program is to impact national and global health by engaging recognized nurse practitioner leaders who make outstanding contributions to clinical practice, research, education or policy. The Fellows of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) was established by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 2000 to recognize nurse practitioner leaders who have made outstanding contributions to health care through NP clinical practice, research, education or policy, and to provide a forum to extend and enhance such efforts. Priority initiatives of FAANP are the creation and development of leadership and mentorship programs to foster the advancement of nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students.

FAANP members are visionaries committed to the development of imaginative and creative future nurse practitioner leaders. A limited number of nurse practitioners are selected for this highly coveted distinction each year.

Luther received a Doctorate in Science of Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Originally a diploma graduate from Matty Hersee School of Nursing, she earned BS and MS degrees in Nursing from The University of Southern Mississippi, and completed post graduate education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has been affiliated with Rush since 1977, where she has served as Assistant Administrator/ Director of Nursing Service, and Director of Home Health Care and Senior Services. Presently, she practices as a Nurse Practitioner at North Hills Family Medical Clinic, a division of Specialty Hospital of Meridian. Luther also serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Adult/Geriatric and Psychiatric/Mental Nurse Practitioner programs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association of Mississippi and is a member of the Advanced Practice Council of the Mississippi Nurses Association.

New invasive cardiologist joins Baptist Golden Triangle medical staff

Donny Stokes, M.D., an invasive cardiologist, has joined the staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle. He began his duties on August 8, and will be in practice with Michael Boland, M.D. and John King, M.D. at Baptist Medical Group – Columbus Cardiovascular Care, located at 255 Baptist Blvd., Suite 402, Columbus.

Stokes received his undergraduate degree in pre-med from Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena in 2000. He also earned an associate degree in nursing from Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorehead in 1994. Stokes is a 2004 graduate of American University of the Caribbean in Montserrat. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he was chief resident. He also completed a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Stokes join our medical staff. He will be a tremendous asset to our hospital as we strive to expand our cardiology program in the region,” said Baptist Golden Triangle Administrator and CEO Paul Cade.

Three new physicians join staff at Baptist Golden Triangle

Three new physicians have joined the medical staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle as hospitalists: Owusu Asamoah M.D., Matthew Williams M.D., and Meraj Asif, M.D. All three will be joining the Baptist Medical Group – Hospitalist and practice in Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.

Originally from Worcester, Mass., Dr. Asamoah received his medical degree from Penn State Medical School in Hershey, Pa. in 2009. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Massachusetts Hospital in Worcester, Mass. He also received a doctor of pharmacy degree from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. in 2004. Dr. Asamoah and his wife have a three-year-old son.

Dr. Williams is a native of Tulsa, Ok. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile.

Dr. Asif grew up in the Birmingham, Ala. area. He is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, Wis. Dr. Asif completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. He and his wife have one child.

“We are extremely pleased to have these three physicians join our already outstanding hospitalist staff, allowing us to expand our hospitalist program to better serve our patients,” said Baptist Golden Triangle Administrator and CEO Paul Cade.

A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in acute care and who manages a patients’ hospital care from the time of admission until the patients discharge, keeping in close contact with the patient’s primary care physician.

“Our hospitalists are in the hospital 24 hours a day, allowing primary care physicians to focus on seeing patients in their offices,” Cade explained.

Friends of Mississippi State Hospital Celebrates 25 Years

At the 2012 Friends of MSH Annual Meeting, members voted in the board of directors for the upcoming year. Pictured are (front row, l to r) Vice President Bridget Lowery, Marilyn Garth, Miriam Hollens, Secretary Sheila Shows, Jerald Ball, Tim Durr, (back row, l to r) Kathy Denton, Marc Lewis, Treasurer Bill Payne, Bobby Stephens, Steve Lesley, and MSH Director James G. Chastain. Mr. Ball was also recognized during the meeting for his contributions to Mississippi State Hospital’s Volunteer Services Program.

Nearly 100 members of Friends of Mississippi State Hospital gathered on August 22 for a momentous occasion – the 25th anniversary of the volunteer organization that does so much for the hospital, its employees, and most importantly, its patients.

During the meeting, members voted in a new board of directors and approved a slate of projects for the organization’s upcoming year, including employee recognition, volunteer appreciation, and patient events like the annual fireworks celebration and the Harry O’Steen Golf Tournament for patients.

It also gave those present a chance to look back on the history of Friends of MSH and recognize some of those volunteers and employees who were instrumental in getting the group its start back in 1987. In particular, Mr. Jerald Ball, former Volunteer Services Director at Mississippi State Hospital, was honored for his achievements in helping the hospital’s volunteer program become what it is today.

“Even though Mr. Ball retired in 2005, he has built a volunteer services program that can transition into the future and continue to reap dividends for our patients, residents and our hospital,” Mississippi State Hospital Director James G. Chastain said.

“He continues to be an avid supporter and volunteer at MSH. Mr. Jerald Ball exemplifies the spirit of volunteer service, and has spent his professional and personal life promoting and nurturing that spirit in others.”

Though the Friends charter was signed in 1987, Mr. Chastain said the foundation for the group was laid in 1984, when Mr. Ball became Director of Volunteer Services. At the time, the hospital had a core group of loyal volunteers and employees who made donations and provided activities, but the no real volunteer organization or outreach.

Mr. Ball immediately developed a plan to recruit and retain volunteers. He focused on making sure patients had adequate clothing and that they were not forgotten during the Christmas holiday season. The Clothing Donation Center at the hospital was established, and Mr. Ball promoted it through presentations to area churches and civic organizations.

He also established the Christmas House and Santa Day, traditions that still continue, by once again presenting the needs of the MSH patients to churches and volunteer groups, and sending personal letters that described how others could get personally involved in helping meet those needs.

Mr. Ball’s initiatives that were just fledgling programs back then are full-blown successes today. In 2011, the Clothing Donation Center recorded 324 donations from individuals and groups valued at more than $96,000. During the year, more than 4,500 clothing items were distributed to MSH patients and residents. Also in 2011, more than 3,000 volunteers provided a record 232 activities and parties for patients and residents. Of those, 115 were provided during the holiday season by more than 2,043 volunteers. A total of 15,168 volunteer hours were logged for the year, valued at more than $315,000.

“I have such fond memories of Mississippi State Hospital and the staff here, the Friends organization, all the presidents of Friends who put up with me to do so many of the good things that have happened over the years,” Mr. Ball said.

“I could sit here and call people by name and just say thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done, but I’ll just say thank you to everyone, and keep up the good work.”

Hancock Medical Center celebrates debt free status

The simple shredding of a small piece of paper recently was a sign of good times for the Hancock Medical Center. The hospital's board of trustees shredded a $9 million bond note, the last payment on major renovation projects that began in the early 90s.

That "bond shredding" ceremony leaves HMC debt free, meaning it can provide many services to the people of Hancock County. It also allows them to complete renovations without any financial issues.

Read more here.

Anderson Opens Area’s Only CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) Management Center

Anderson Regional Medical Center announces the opening of the area’s only CHF Management Center on the Anderson-South Campus. 

Congestive heart failure affects over 5 million Americans each year, with symptoms resulting in debilitating fatigue, shortness of breath and dependent edema, all of which limit lifestyle choices and can cause frequent hospitalizations.

Anderson CHF Management Center offers a valuable service to patients with congestive heart failure by providing education and close follow-up.  The CHF Management Center staff, led by Wesley S. Bennett, MD, FACC, and Joan Griffin, RN, BS, closely monitors weight and fluid intake, makes adjustment to medications if needed, administers IV medications and provides dietary counseling, all with physician direction.  This treatment program is designed to improve the quality and length of life for patients with CHF.  

“Anderson CHF Management Center is another example of our mission to improve the lives of the people we serve,” said Ray Humphreys, President and CEO of Anderson. “This is a service that we are proud to bring to the people of Meridian and the surrounding region,” said John Anderson, Vice President of Anderson- South.

Greenwood Leflore Hospital receives highest level of Accreditation by the MSMA for CME

Greenwood Leflore Hospital has been surveyed by the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA), and awarded for exemplary performance. This award reaccredited GLH for the next 6 years as a provider of continuing medical education for physicians. The CME team ,including GLH physician, Dr. Randall White, Annette Irving, Director of Education and Sybil Lucic, Director of Quality Management, are commended for their efforts in attaining this highest level of accreditation.

The MSMA rigorously evaluates the overall continuing medical education programs of institutions according to standards adopted by all seven sponsoring organizations of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. These are: the American Board of Medical Specialties; the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association; the Association for Hospital Medical Education; the Association of American Medical Colleges; the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, and the Federation of State Medical boards of the U.S., Inc. Less than 15 percent of continuing medical education providers nationwide have reached this level of Accreditation.

MSMA accreditation seeks to assure both physicians and the public that continuing medical education activities provided by Greenwood Leflore Hospital’s CME program meet the high standards of the essential areas, elements and policies for Accreditation as specified by the MSMA.

Accredited under the newest criteria, Greenwood Leflore Hospital’s CME program is one of only 6 accredited programs available among Mississippi’s 116 acute care hospitals. Physicians may attend CME’s anywhere they are offered, however the hours acquired at Greenwood Leflore Hospital are fully accredited and “count” towards the required hours set by the Mississippi State Medical Association. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure CME Requirements states as the basic requirement “every Mississippi licensee must earn or receive not less than forty hours of continuing medical education in a two-year cycle as a condition precedent to renewing his or her license for the next fiscal year.”

According to James Jackson, Jr., Executive Director of Greenwood Leflore Hospital, “Our accredited program provides our medical staff a valuable educational resource in their efforts to provide the very best care possible to our patients. In the medical environment that is forever changing, our physicians strive to stay abreast of the current technologies and standards of care.”

Fouche appointed Nurse Manager

Tammy Fouche, RN, BSN, has joined Central Mississippi Medical Center (CMMC) as Nurse Manager for Behavioral Health.

Prior to joining CMMC, Fouche was employed in a similar position at Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare in Flowood and another Jackson area hospital.

Fouche earned her associate's degree in nursing from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gautier and her bachelor's degree in nursing from Alcorn State University.

“Tammy is a great addition to the CMMC team,” Elvie Willis, Director of Behavioral Health said. “The experience she brings our hospital makes her an asset as she leads this vital department.”

SRHS Names Chief Nursing Officer

Singing River Health System recently welcomed Judy Wurstner, RN, BSN, MSM, as the Chief Nursing Officer for SRHS. She began serving in this role September 2011 as interim CNO and was named to the position in July. She brings more than 35 years of nursing leadership with her to SRHS.

Wurstner has associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and a master’s degree in Management. Before moving to Mississippi, she served in various nursing leadership roles, including as the CNO at hospitals in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas, she served as administrator of ambulatory and diagnostic services, where she was over operations of the non-nursing clinical areas as well, which gives her a diverse background in overall hospital operations. She started with SRHS as vice president of surgical services.

Wurstner will be responsible for all nursing operations at both Singing River Hospital and Ocean Springs Hospital in collaboration with service line vice presidents. She will be instrumental in maximizing the strengths of the entire organization and ensuring that nursing care is standardized across the system.

“After 35 years of nursing leadership positions across the United States, SRHS has some of the best and brightest nurses that I have encountered,” Wurstner said. “My goal is to provide a great environment for our nurses so they can continue to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients and their families. I want us to create a collaborative and creative model of nursing where nurses can practice at their highest level and with maximum satisfaction for the impact they make for our patients and community.”

 

August Employees of the Month Honored at SRHS

Singing River Health System has honored Joe Lohfink, Jennifer Winstead and Cori Winstead as August Employees of the Month.

Singing River Hospital has honored Joe Lohfink, ultrasonographer and vascular technologist, Radiology.

Lohfink was born in Mobile, Ala. and relocated with his family to Pascagoula in the mid-1960s. He attended Moss Point High School and graduated in 1976. He continued his education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and graduated from the Perkinston and Jackson County campuses with associate degrees in science, emphasis in radiology technology, and accounting.

Prior to working for SRHS, Lohfink was employed at Wayne Lee’s grocery store and worked full time for Mississippi Mechanical, where he helped fund his college tuition. He began his employment with SRHS in 1982 as a dark room technician during his second year of radiology school. Upon graduation, he was hired as a full time radiology technologist and worked in this position for five and a half years, mostly as the surgical radiology tech for the Surgery unit. At the request of the radiologist and hospital, Lohfink attended The Institute of Ultrasonic Diagnostics in Mobile, Ala.

Lohfink currently resides in Mobile, Ala. When he’s not working, Lohfink enjoys fishing, boating and swimming.

When asked about what he enjoys most about working for SRHS, Lohfink said, “I enjoy working with the staff of the entire hospital, especially the Radiology family I have acquired over the years. Last, but not least, I enjoy working with the wonderful ultrasound department where I am the only male amongst nine lovely ladies who spoil me to death.”

Ocean Springs Hospital has honored Jennifer Winstead, registered X-Ray technologist, Radiology.

Jennifer was born and raised in LaRue, Miss. She attended St. Martin High School, graduating in 2001. She graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with an Associates of Arts degree in 2007 and an Associates of Applied Science and Radiologic Technology in 2011. She graduated from X-Ray school in May 2011 and then began her employment with SRHS.

Jennifer currently lives in LaRue, Miss. with her two daughters. When not working, Jennifer enjoys fishing and spending time with her children and family.

Jennifer believes in improving patient satisfaction by treating patients and their families as if they were her own family.

The Outlying Facilities have honored Cori Winstead, registered nurse, The Neuroscience Center. 

Cori was born and raised in Pascagoula, Miss. where she attended Pascagoula High School. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in nursing. Cori began her career at Providence Hospital and joined SRHS in 2000 working in the Neurology ICU and later Neurosurgery.

Cori currently resides in Pascagoula, Miss. with her two children. When not working she enjoys spending time with family, traveling and participating in local Think First chapter activities. Cori is the director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Think First chapter, which focuses on brain and spinal cord injury prevention.

In providing world class service Cori said that, “Requiring any type of medical treatment is a stressful process for anyone. I try to help our patients understand everything at this going on with them and educate them about that we can or are doing to help them. I answer every question and explain every procedure until the patient feels comfortable.”