The VitaLinkAUGUST 2020 • VOL. XXXIX, ISSUE VIII

Maury Regional Health is a not-for-profit regional health system serving southern Middle

Tennessee through our hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, outpatient facilities and physician

practice group. We are the largest health system between Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville,

Alabama, with a medical staff of more than 210 physicians encompassing 34 medical specialties.

MRMC among nation's top performing hospitals for treatment of heart attackMaury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) is one of only 124 hospitals nationwide to receive an award from the American College of Cardiology for the organization’s success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association’s clinical guidelines and recommendations.

MRMC received the American College of Cardiology’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain – Myocardial Infarction (MI) Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award for 2020. The Chest Pain – MI Registry empowers

health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease — specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

“This award from the American College of Cardiology demonstrates the commitment to outstanding patient care that our cardiology, emergency department and emergency medical services (EMS) teams exhibit each day,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson.

IN THIS ISSUE

Maury Regional Health celebrates Class of 2020

MRMC welcomes new physicians to medical staff

MRMC recognizes August recipient of DAISY Award

CEO Watson named to Leadership Tennessee

Foundation provides support for first responders

(see "Chest Pain" on page 2)

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Chest Pain(continued from page 1)

PHYSICIANS JOIN MEDICAL STAFF

Vanessa M. Henri, M.D., a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC). She is associated with Maury Regional Medical Group.

Dr. Henri received her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.

Amelia E. Owens, M.D., a specialist in anesthesiology, has joined the medical staff at MRMC. She is associated with Cardiovascular Anesthesia Associates.

Dr. Owens received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee. She completed her residency at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Patrick C. Yu, M.D., a specialist in vascular surgery, has joined the medical staff at MRMC. He is associated with The Surgical Clinic at Mid-South Surgeons.

Dr. Yu received his medical degree from University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, where he also completed his internship and residency. Dr. Yu completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Surgical Clinic at Mid-South Surgeons is located in suite 211 of the Medical Office Building on MRMC’s campus at 1222 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia. Hours are Monday–Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 931.380.3033.

Dr. Henri

Dr. Owens

Dr. Yu

Watson named to Leadership Tennessee

Leadership Tennessee announced their class of 2021, which includes Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson, FACHE. In January, Watson will join 37 other

leaders from across the state who will spend the next year engaging in collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of statewide importance.

Each year, Leadership Tennessee selects a new class of members who represent each geographic region of the state as well as a variety of professional industries, including health care, education, economic development, government, agriculture and tourism. The goal is to bring together leaders with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to ensure members can learn from each other, build new relationships and foster productive discourse.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a variety of unforeseen and unprecedented challenges for businesses and communities across Tennessee — challenges that underscore the importance of working collaboratively to solve problems and identify new avenues to address the most pressing issues facing our state,” said Leadership Tennessee Executive Director Cathy Cate. “Now more than ever, we need to facilitate constructive engagement and discussion in Tennessee to support future success and prosperity.”

Visit LeadershipTennessee.org to learn more about the organization and to view the full class of 2021.

Watson

To receive the Chest Pain – MI Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award, MRMC demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for four consecutive quarters in 2019 and performed with distinction in

specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

Learn more about MRMC's cardiology services at Heart.MauryRegional.com.

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 3

Drs. Dhulipala, Kochanski speak with Kiwanis Club

Varun Dhulipala, M.D., a specialist in oncology, medical oncology and hematology, and Joel D. Kochanski, M.D., a specialist in radiation oncology, spoke with members of the Kiwanis Club of Columbia on August 7.

During the meeting, Drs. Dhulipala and Kochanski outlined types of cancer treatments available, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. They also discussed the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients’ overall health and access to care.

Dr. Dhulipala is associated with Maury Regional Medical Group Oncology and Dr. Kochanski is associated with Columbia Cancer Institute, Inc. Both physicians see and treat patients at the Maury Regional Cancer Center in Columbia.

Dr. Dhulipala

Dr. Kochanski

Bravo Wellness screening informationBravo Wellness screenings will occur September 10–30 for those who scheduled appointments during the allotted window in August. Be sure to check your email confirmation for the exact date and time.

Employees are encouraged to arrive five minutes early to the screening site. Bring photo identification and a copy of the registration confirmation email you received.

Fasting for 10–12 hours prior to the screening is recommended. Take all medications as prescribed. Stay hydrated before the screening and drink six to eight ounces of water the day of the screening. Do not smoke or use tobacco products one hour before the screening.Avoid strenuous activity before and after your screening.

To change your appointment time, visit BravoWell.com/MauryRegional or use the Bravo Wellness portal on the intranet. Watch for a follow-up email from Human Resources with the updated location.

The deadline to appeal wellness screening results will occur in November. Specific instructions for appealing your results will be contained in your wellness report.

The Bravo program is voluntary; however, employees who do not participate in the biometric screenings will pay a significantly higher insurance premium. Employees who change to a benefit-eligible status but do not participate in the screenings will default to the non-participant health insurance rate.

MRMC to provide safety materialsPreventing the deaths of children inside hot vehicles is the goal of a new hang tag being distributed by state officials to hospitals across Tennessee.

The hang tags serve as a reminder to parents to always check their vehicles to ensure a child was not left inside and will be provided to parents leaving Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) after childbirth.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett was joined by Senator Joey Hensley and Representatives Scott Cepicky and Michael Curcio to deliver a supply of hang tags to MRMC in August. They are pictured with Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson as well as Peggy Lewis, Candace Johnson and Joyce Green with the Tennessee Department of Health, which will also distribute the hang tags.

Maury Regional honors retireeApril Pilkinton, RN, retired from the Anesthesiology Department on August 14 following 38 years with Maury Regional Health (MRH).

"April was an exemplary employee and an excellent patient advocate," said Chief CRNA Elizabeth Foster. "She assisted the Anesthesia Department as we developed a system to evaluate

surgical patients and to meet our goals of decreasing day-of-surgery cancellations. I consider her a great RN and friend. We wish her all the happiness in her retirement."

Pilkinton

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CLASS OF 2020CLASS OF 2020congratulations to the

Courtnee BoydA.A.S., Columbia StateAdmitting/Registration

Jonathan BowenSpring Hill High

Heather Bell, NICU

Caitlin BennettSummit High

Dana Bennett,Pre-Service

Marcus BarraganHickman County High

Miah Barragan, Surgery

Austin BaldwinSpring Hill High

Beth Baldwin, SurgeryLinda Clayton, Care

Mgmt., Grandmother

Charles Auer, M.D., Ph.D.

M.S., Swinburne Univ.

Savanna BrockSummertown High

Carissa Black, Microbiology

Sam BoydZion Christian Academy

Helen Boyd, ED

Ashlan BrownM.S., TreveccaNazarene Univ.

CVSD

Adron CarterCulleoka Unit School

Lisa Carter, Pre-Service

Taylor ChaneyD.O., Lincoln

Memorial Univ.Martin Chaney, M.D.

Bratcher ClaytonLewis County High

Christy Clayton, LHC

Joseph CollieLewis County High

Melissa Collie,Cancer Center

Caleb ClaytonSummertown HighKimberly Clayton,Hospital Medicine

Savanna CollieB.S., Lee Univ.Melissa Collie,Cancer Center

Raven DavisM.S., East Tenn.

State Univ.Robinn Davis, HR

Charlie EdmonsonForrest High

Amanda Edmonson, Surgery

William EdmonsonB.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–KnoxvilleAmanda Edmonson,

Surgery

Joseph FoxRichland High

Sherian Fox, Admin., Grandmother

Sebastian EvansFayetteville City High

Donna Evans, Care Mgmt., Grandmother

Allyson FrazierSummertown High

April Frazier, IT

Shelly FulksB.A., Samford Univ.

K. Dwayne Fulks, M.D.

Makayla GivensIndependence High

Courtney Givens, Rehab. Services

Krista HallA.A.S., Columbia State

Jennifer Hall, CVSD

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 5

Hailee HaurezMarshall County HighDena Haurez, MMCTim Haurez, MMC

Kobe HarneyColumbia Central High

Tina Harney, ICUSD

Luke HayesBlackman High

Scott Hayes, Surgery

Gaven HaymonsLawrence County High

Melissa Haymons, Laboratory

Dylan HendersonFrank Hughes High

Jennifer Henderson, WMC

Clark HillMt. Pleasant High

Leigh Ann Hill,Cancer Center

Noah HollisCollinwood High

Candy Hollis, WMC

Jenna HillMarshall County High

Jackie Hill, Cardiac Rehab.

Emma HubbellColumbia Central High

Jeff Hubbell, MRMG Oncology

Megan HuffmanB.S., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Stephanie Huffman,

Cancer Center

Dillon HughesB.S., Tenn. Tech. Univ.

Kristi Hughes, Pre-Admission Testing

Cole HumphreysLewis County HighGerri Humphreys,

Radiation Oncology

Debra JacksPh.D., Intl. Bible

College and SeminaryHome Services

Christy JackB.A., Trevecca Nazarene Univ.

WMC

JaLeah JacksColumbia Central High

Debra Jacks,Home Services,

Grandmother

James Jacks, IIIB.A., Saint Leo Univ.

Debra Jacks, Home Services

Sloan JacobySpring Hill High

Lara Jacoby, MRMG OB-GYN

Bryce JohnsonA.S., Tenn. College of Applied Technology

Karen Johnson, WMC

Logan JohnsonLawrence County High

Kim Johnson,Laboratory

Kasee JohnsonWayne County High

Karen Johnson, WMC

Selena KingM.S.N., American

Sentinel Univ.Pre-Admission Testing

Rachael LedbetterJ.D., Univ. of MemphisLucy Ledbetter, M.D.

C.J. LedfordM.B.A., Martin

Methodist CollegeTiffany Ledford,

Lewisburg Pediatrics

Abigail LeeCornersville High

Jennifer Lee, Lewisburg Family

Practice

Tucker LongLawrence County High

Amandia Long, Women's Center

Hannah LightfootB.S., Univ. of Tenn.–Martin

Karen Lightfoot, HIM

Addison MarshallA.A.S., Columbia State

Paula Marshall, Anesthesia

Olivia MartinLoretto High

Eric Martin, Surgery

Blake MastalerzB.A., Pepperdine Univ.

Joanna Mastalerz, Rehab. Services

Morgan MayM.Ed., Univ. of Missouri

Beverly May, Accounting

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Ashley McBrideSummertown High

Danielle Corbin,Home Services

Allyson McBrideB.S., Univ. of

North AlabamaDanielle Corbin,Home Services

Don'Tavious McClainMt. Pleasant HighAletha McClain,Women's Center

Hannah McCormackSanta Fe Unit SchoolDeborah McCormack,

Mother/Baby

Jake McDougalB.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–Knoxville Tabriya McDougal, Patient Accounts

Rachel McFallB.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–Knoxville Ronald McFall,

Plant Operations

Chad MontgomeryLawrence County High

Deanna Azarch, 3WGreg Azarch, CCU

Brennan McNeeseColumbia AcademyJennifer McNeese,

MRMG OB-GYN

Anna MorrowHampshire Unit School

Kim Morrow, Mother/Baby

Chance NobleColumbia Central HighJennifer Towers, FQHC

Christina OakleyM.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–KnoxvilleLinda Oakley,

Occupational Med., GM

Michael OakleyB.S., Univ. of Tenn.–Knox.

Infection PreventionLinda Oakley,

Occupational Med., GM

Grant PasoldLewis County HighJan Pasold, EMS

Javontae OwensMt. Pleasant HighBrunetta Owens,

Endoscopy, Grandmother

Ashley PeckB.B.A., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Elizabeth Hinson,

Pharmacy

Kaitlyn PeckLawrence County High

Elizabeth Hinson, Pharmacy

Alexis PerrySummertown High

Ronnie Perry, IT

Emily PettyCollinwood High

Christy Petty, Primary Care–Waynesboro

Rachel RaifordSpring Hill HighKellye Raiford,

Quality Services

Preston PriceColumbia Central HighDac Hill, Supply Chain

Tybria RogersColumbia Central High

Crystal Mathers, 6W

Christopher ShortB.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–KnoxvilleMike Short, Safety,

Security & EVS

Annie SmithM.S., Bethel Univ.Tony Smith, M.D.

Tori SparksHampshire Unit SchoolJenny Canups, PACU,

Grandmother

Peyton StaggsB.S.N., Harding Univ.

Stephen Staggs, Imaging

Will SpencerColumbia Central High

Allison Hanback, Outpatient Surgery,

Jennifer Spencer, Admin.

Allison StarlingA.S., Columbia State

Andrea Woodard, MMC

Austin StarlingB.B.A., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Andrea Woodard, MMC

Sam SteigerColumbia Academy

Heidi Steiger, Outpatient Surgery

Shane ThomasonRichland High

Patti Clark, Sleep Center

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 7

Kerrigan TownsleyColumbia Central High

Angela Walker, Labor & Delivery

Brandon ThornhillMarshall County High

TransportationLoretta Pollock, MMC

Mary WhiteLoretto HighGrace White,

Wound Center

Tiffany WingerWayne County High

Shannon Winger, WMC

Madison WisdomA.A.S., Columbia State

Cardiology

Ian WoodHampshire Unit School

TransportationJanet Wood, Cardiology

Tiyana WoodsonColumbia Central High

Lamonica Houston, Nursing Svcs.

Kiana WoodardMt. Pleasant High

Lee Woodard, MRMG

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We know that 2020 hasn't been the year anyone could have ever expected — in more ways than we can count. But while graduation season may have been less than

conventional, all of us at Maury Regional Health recognize and applaud you for your academic achievements.

MRMC recognizes Kirby with DAISY AwardMaury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) recognized 3W nurse Kayla Kirby, RN, as the August recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

“Kayla is just genuinely the nicest, most kind and caring person I’ve ever met,” said a patient in their nomination form for Kirby. “I was going through such a hard time I almost walked out twice irresponsibly. Kayla is the reason I stayed and I can’t thank her enough. Kayla personally took care of literally everything I asked for: from getting to sit down and talk to my doctor to taking care of my sickness. Most importantly, [she] made me realize someone cares about me. I felt like I was drowning and Kayla pulled me out at just the right time.”

The DAISY Award is presented to MRMC nurses as part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the compassionate and extraordinary nursing care award recipients and nominees provide to patients every day.

Nominations for the DAISY Award are accepted from patients, families and colleagues by submitting a paper form available on the nursing units or at MauryRegional.com. One nominee is selected as the award recipient per month.

Pictured (l-r) are 3W Nurse Manager Barbara Purcell, BSN, RN, CNML; Kirby; and Chief

Nursing Officer Deborah Lumpkins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, during the DAISY Award presentation.

Rebecca Gibbs, Pharmacy, and family welcomed Joe Michael Gibbs on August 12. He weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces.

BIRTHS

Bloodmobile to visit MRMCDue to an overwhelming response during the Blood Assurance blood drive at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) on August 25, Blood Assurance will return to MRMC on September 3 for a mobile blood drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To register to donate, visit BloodAssurance.org/

MRMC93.

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NEWS FROM THE MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION

Foundation provides UV cleaning lights for first respondersThe Maury Regional Health Care Foundation approved funding in July to purchase 10 ultraviolet (UV) cleaning lights for Maury Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Columbia Fire & Rescue in response to COVID-19.

The handheld, portable lights will be utilized in response vehicles and living spaces to target viruses, bacteria, mold and spores on surfaces. These tools will serve as a complement to the first responders’ already stringent disinfection routines and as an extra barrier of protection against viruses like COVID-19.

“We are pleased to help provide this important resource for our first responders as they continue to do their part in keeping our communities safe,” said Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore. “I would also like to thank Dr. B.I. Naddy and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Columbia for their generous contributions to support our first responders and make this endeavor possible.”

In addition to the support from retired Columbia State professor B.I. Naddy, PhD, and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, additional funding for this project came from the Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was developed this spring in response to challenges introduced by the ongoing pandemic. The fund has provided support for Maury Regional Health employees financially impacted by the pandemic and for general COVID-19 relief projects. Visit MauryRegionalFoundation.com for more information.

Expectant Parent ClassesExpectant parent classes at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) for the month of September have a limited capacity to allow for social distancing. Registration is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at MauryRegional.com. Face masks are required for all participants.

Classes for the month of September will take place in the MRMC Auxiliary Conference Room and include:

• September 5: Understanding Birth (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)• September 12: Newborn Care (9 to 11 a.m.)• September 12: Infant CPR (12 to 2 p.m.)• September 19: Breastfeeding (9 to 11 a.m.)

Support GroupsAs part of our effort to prevent the spread of illness, Maury Regional Health has canceled most support groups until further notice. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for this inconvenience.

Exceptions to this cancellation as well as contact information for those in need of support are outlined at MauryRegional.com.

Calendar of Events: SeptemberPEOPLE CONNECTION

During the Holly Jolly Heroes summertime holiday celebration in July, the Events and Recognition Committee hosted several events for Maury Regional Medical Center employees, including a summer wreath-decorating contest and dessert food trucks available in the parking lot. The festivities culminated with a family movie night at Hi-Way 50 Drive-In in Lewisburg with a screening of “Elf.”

Maury Regional employees enjoy holiday fun this summer