News Around the State

Combs joins MHA as vice president for policy

In September, Gwen Combs joined the staff of the Mississippi Hospital Association as Vice President for Policy. 

Gwen recently retired from the State, having served as Deputy General Counsel for the Mississippi Bar for seven years, Special Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Division of Medicaid for 10 years, Deputy Administrator for the Division of Medicaid for two years, Senior Staff Attorney for the Mississippi Supreme Court for four years, and law clerk to then-Presiding Justice Dan Lee of the Mississippi Supreme Court for two years.

Gwen received her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law, graduating with Special Distinction in 1987.  She served as Senior Associate Editor of the Mississippi College Law Review and her case note was published in 1986.  Gwen has a Master’s Degree in English from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Kentucky Wesleyan College, in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Gwen and her husband, Perry, reside in Jackson. They are the parents of two sons, Ian Combs of Fairhope, Alabama, and Evan Combs of Hattiesburg, Mississippi,  and the grandparents of Savannah Marie and Lucas Gregory Combs.  They are members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Gwen is  a member of the American Bar Association and its Health Law Section, and the Mississippi Bar, where she serves on the Ethics Committee.

River Oaks Healthcare Network of Hospitals Hosts Banquet to Recognize EMS Heroes

(Left to right) Allen Tyra, CEO, Crossgates River Oaks Hospital; Scott Smith, CEO, Central Mississippi Medical Center; Sherry Pitts, CEO, Woman’s Hospital; Paul Peiffer, COO, River Oaks Hospital; Tony Acy, AMR; Ed Powers, General Manager, AMR; Kaci Ramsey, AMR; Haley Sledge, AMR; Chuck Lavender, AMR and Derek Poole, AMR.

Central Mississippi Medical Center, Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, Madison River Oaks Medical Center, River Oaks Hospital and Woman’s Hospital joined together to honor Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers for their dedication, teamwork, spirit and commitment to saving lives. 

A reception and dinner was held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in May to recognize and celebrate these “Everyday Heroes” for their extraordinary measures in the field.

Administrative leaders from each hospital personally spoke about how the services provided by EMS workers truly brings quality care to the patients they serve.  Some guests were presented with an “Everyday Hero” certificate.  These heroes were nominated by the hospitals’ ER staff.

Those receiving the “Everyday Hero” honor were Tony Acy, Kevin Courtney, Chuck Lavender, Derek Poole, Kaci Ramsey, Haley Sledge and Larry Smith.

Kim Wade named HIM Director at Madison River Oaks

 

Madison River Oaks Medical Center recently announced that Kim Wade has joined the staff as Director of Health Information and HIPAA Privacy Officer. In this role she is responsible for directing and implementing processes that ensure record compliance at the local and national level.  Additionally, as privacy officer she ensures that the facility meets the Joint Commission Record of Care standards.  Kim will lead a variety of Utilization Review and Performance Improvement Processes. 

Ms. Wade joins the River Oaks with over ten years of experience in her respective field and holds CCS and RHIT certifications.  Her expertise will be instrumental to the successful implementation of an electronic medical records (EMR) environment.  Madison River Oaks Medical Center, slated to open in May joins the River Oaks Healthcare System which operates four other facilities in metro Jackson.

Kim is married to Daniel Wade. They have two children and reside in Philadelphia, MS. In her free time they enjoy MSU football and camping.  Kim states her primary goal is to ensure that patients and physicians have ease of access to accurate health information needed to make the right decisions at the right time in order to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Beth Gasson named Director of Surgery at Madison River Oaks

 

Madison River Oaks Medical Center recently announced that Beth Gasson, RN has joined the staff as Director of Surgery.  Beth earned a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Southern University and a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi.  Additionally, she holds a CNOR certification.  She is very active in the Association of Peri-Operative Nursing (AORN) on the local, state and national levels.

Beth has over twenty years of healthcare experience.  She most recently served as Clinical Director for River Oaks Hospital.  Surgery will be a lead service for Madison River Oaks Medical Center, scheduled to open its doors in May. The four oversized Smart OR’s feature an extra large design and state of the art technology. The design and unique features of these suites will provide benefit both to the patients and physicians alike. Beth’s expertise in the surgical arena along with the top notch staff will ensure that the quality and patient experience is second to none.  

Beth and her husband Wayne have two children, Emily and Rebecca, and reside in the Brandon area.  Ms. Gasson states that she was so excited to have the opportunity to be part of this new and challenging venture; but also delighted to stay within the River Oaks Healthcare System. Along with the new facility, River Oaks operates four hospitals in the Jackson metro area. Gasson states that her primary objective is to ensure the best quality experience and exceed the expectation of the patient, their family and the physician each time they have an encounter at Madison River Oaks.

Cobb named director of pharmacy at Madison River Oaks

 

Madison River Oaks Medical Center recently announced that Tommy Cobb has joined the staff as Director of Pharmacy. Tommy received his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Samford University and completed a Primary Care Specialty Residency at the Medical Center of Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Columbus, GA.

With over 13 years of healthcare experience, Cobb has held positions as Regional Account Director and Clinical Director for Cardinal Health-Pharmacy Management prior to joining Madison River Oaks Medical Center. He has published numerous pharmacy-related articles and newsletters, and is a member of the Mississippi Society of Health System Pharmacy, the Mississippi College of Clinical Pharmacist, and the American College of Clinical Pharmacist.

 

Rhoden joins Madison River Oaks as hospitalist

 

Chad Rhoden, MD, PhD, has joined the medical staff at Madison River Oaks Medical Center as the new Hospitalist. Dr. Rhoden will launch the hospitalist program, a new service line for the hospital, at the new, state-of-the-art facility scheduled to open in May. Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. 

Dr. Rhoden earned his medical and doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed his residency at North Mississippi Medical Center and is a board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Preventative Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Rhoden is a Certified Nutrition Specialist by the American College of Nutrition. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Medical Fitness Association, Mississippi Alliance for School Health, and the Partnership for a Healthier Mississippi.

As a physician, Dr. Rhoden embraces the mission to make life better for all and believes in the importance of providing health education and knowledge to patients and the local community.
 As a recognized expert and author in his field, his writing provides knowledge and insight to help improve well-being at work, home, and at play. Dr. Rhoden has been responsible for a number of health educational grants designated for his expert speaking on chronic diseases that threaten the health of our nation. He has also been involved in scientific research involving chronic disease and its prevention.

Dr. Rhoden is the Co-Founder and CEO of Flavor Doctor Foods and is the author of “Bringing Down High Blood Pressure” (2010, M. Evans).  He has written countless articles on and been the featured speaker at medical conferences and symposiums, as well as the guest speaker on numerous TV and radio programs.

Madison River Oaks Medical Center Names New Directors

Amidst the most significant investment and growth effort in its history, Madison River Oaks Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of five new directors in anticipation of the opening of its new hospital in May 2011.

“Madison River Oaks Medical Center finds itself at an exciting, pivotal time in our organization’s history,” says Glen Silverman, chief executive officer of Madison River Oaks Medical Center. “As we prepare to open a new, $42 million state-of-the-art hospital, the addition of this esteemed leadership to the Madison River Oaks team will help ensure a promising future for Madison River Oaks Medical Center in the years to come.”

The new members to the leadership at Madison River Oaks Medical Center include:

Linda Dunigan, RN, Assistant Administrator
With over 25 years of healthcare experience, Dunigan earned her nursing degree from Boise State University and holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from Tulane University, as well as a Doctorate degree in Healthcare Administration from Warren National University. She has previously held positions as Chief Executive Officer for Guardian Angel Hospice Care for Children Inc., Chief Executive Officer for Guardian Angel “Special Needs Developmental Center”, Inc., and Vice President of Neo-Ventures Health Services.

Thomas Cobb, Pharm.D., Director of Pharmacy
With over 13 years of healthcare experience, Cobb received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Samford University and completed a Primary Care Specialty Residency at the Medical Center of Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Columbus, GA. Prior to joining Madison River Oaks Medical Center; Cobb held positions as Regional Account Director and Clinical Director for Cardinal Health-Pharmacy Management. He has published numerous pharmacy-related articles and newsletters, and is a member of the Mississippi Society of Health System Pharmacy, the Mississippi College of Clinical Pharmacist, and the American College of Clinical Pharmacist.

Elizabeth Gasson, RN, Director of Perioperative Services
With nearly 25 years of healthcare experience, Gasson received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi. Prior to joining Madison River Oaks Medical Center, she served as the Clinical Director at River Oaks Hospital, overseeing and monitoring the clinical practice of all Surgical Services. Gasson is a member of the AORN, Advanced Technology Specialty Assembly and elected the governing council of the Leadership Specialty Assembly.
 
Kim Wade, Director of Health Information Management
With more than 10 years of healthcare experience, Wade currently has certifications in both CCS and RHIT. As the Director of Health and Information Management and HIPPAA Privacy Officer, Wade will be responsible for directing and implementing record compliance processes, overseeing all HIPPAA compliance activities, and ensuring the facility meets the Joint Commission Record of Care standards. Wade will also help to ensure that Madison River Oaks Medical Center showcases its technological advancements by implementing electronic medical records (EMR).

Madison River Oaks Medical Center is scheduled to open its new, state-of-the-art facility located off I-55, just minutes from where Madison County families live and work, in May 2011. It will be the newest addition to the River Oaks Healthcare System, which operates five hospitals in the Jackson area.

Madison River Oaks Medical Center Names New Chief Nursing Officer

Terri Meadows, RN, former Director of Product Line Services for Women’s, Oncology and Orthopedics at Baptist Health System in Jackson, Miss., has been named chief nursing officer of Madison River Oaks Medical Center, effective immediately.

“It is an honor to be selected as the CNO of the new, $42 million state-of-the-art hospital opening here in Madison County," said Meadows. “Always striving toward excellence, the nursing staff at Madison River Oaks is committed to providing quality and compassionate care for every patient and I am excited to have this extraordinary opportunity.”

Meadows, who has more than 30 years of nursing experience, served as the Director of Product Line Services for Women’s, Oncology and Orthopedics at Baptist Health Systems for the past year, serving as an integral part of the business development team and demonstrating positive outcomes in all three areas.  She has built a reputation for having a positive impact on employee and medical staff relations, as well as improving the hospital’s reputation in the community by focusing on clinical excellence and customer service.

In her new role, Meadows will oversee the Emergency Department, Women’s Services, Surgical Services, Respiratory Therapy, Infection Control/Education and Quality.

“Terri’s track record for quality, innovation and patient safety, all of which are key drivers in maintaining Madison River Oaks’s continued reputation for excellence, is what makes her a great fit to our team,” said Glen Silverman, Chief Executive Officer of MRO. “Her expertise in bringing clinical excellence and customer service together to provide a high level of patient care gives me enormous confidence that Madison River Oaks will continue to transform the healthcare delivery system in Madison County for years to come.”

Prior to serving as the Director of Product Line Services at Baptist Healthy System, Meadows functioned as a Clinical Director there, as well as the Joint Replacement Service Line Coordinator from 2006-2008. Prior to these experiences, she was a Nurse Manager for Medical/Surgical patient care areas, a Continence Clinic Coordinator and a Director of a Home Health agency.

A member of the Mississippi Organization of Nurse Executives and the Mississippi Nurses’ Association, Meadows earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Health Services Administration degree from Mississippi College.  She received an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Hinds Junior College.

Madison River Oaks Medical Center is scheduled to open its new, state-of-the-art facility located off I-55, just minutes from where Madison County families live and work, in May 2011. It will be the newest addition to the River Oaks Healthcare System, which operates five hospitals in the Jackson area.

MAHAP holds spring meeting

 

The Spring meeting for the Mississippi Association of Healthcare Administrative Professionals (MAHAP)was held in the MHA Educational Conference Center on April 1, 2011.  Georgia Myers, Executive Assistant, King’s Daughter Medical Center, Brookhaven, is the President of the organization. 

The keynote speaker was Barbie Bassett, WLBT Chief Meteorologist and motivational speaker. The fall meeting will be held in Tupelo on November 4, 2011.

Shawn - An attendees list is attached (those in the picture)

Participating members represent hospitals and healthcare systems from all over the state of Mississippi. The organization was formed in 2003. 

Each year, MAHAP members make donations to various organizations, such as financial assistance to Yazoo City tornado victims, MS State Hospital residents, Lincoln Residential Center for mentally disabled adults, etc.   Members at this meeting voted to make a $300 donation to Madison ARK which is an organization that provides an animal shelter offering food, shelter and medical attention for homeless dogs and cats and is privately funded. 

Meetings, which are held twice a year, are very educational, informative and provide professional growth and excellent networking.  Membership is $50 per year and is open to individuals who serve as the administrative support to executive and senior management teams in hospitals and health care systems.  Members may hold leadership and committee positions within the organization.

For more information or to join, please contact Belinda Boozer, Membership Director, at (800) 289-8884, (601) 368-3209, or bboozer@mhanet.org. 

 

 

St. Dominic Hospital Acquires Madison Medical Imaging

St. Dominic Hospital has acquired Madison Medical Imaging located in the Highland Medical Arts building in Madison to meet the area’s needs for imaging services. Madison Medical Imaging is now operating as part of St. Dominic’s imaging services and will be called St. Dominic’s Madison Medical Imaging.

“The acquisition was made possible by working with Lakeland Radiologists, who are physician partners with St. Dominic Hospital. Both St. Dominic’s and Lakeland Radiologists felt the outpatient imaging center would be best positioned for the future as part of the hospital with the many changes occurring in healthcare today,” said Lester Diamond, Executive Vice President of Operations at St. Dominic Hospital.

St. Dominic’s will continue its relationship with Lakeland Radiologists in both the hospital and outpatient imaging settings. Lakeland Radiologists will continue to provide interpretation of images at St. Dominic Hospital’s radiology department and Dominican Plaza as well as St. Dominic’s Madison Medical Imaging.

Scheduling patients at St. Dominic’s Madison Medical Imaging will now be done through St. Dominic Hospital and can be accessed at 601-853-9149.

“We will strive to keep the same integrity and service that has already been established at St. Dominic’s Madison Medical Imaging,” Diamond said.