The VitaLinkMAY 2021 • VOL. XL, ISSUE V

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.

MRH partners with Columbia Pediatrics to offer COVID-19 vaccinationFollowing authorization in May from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adolescents ages 12 to 15 to receive the two-dose Pfizer vaccine, Maury Regional Health (MRH) and Columbia Pediatrics joined forces to offer free Pfizer vaccination clinics for individuals ages 12 and older.

“There are a multitude of reasons that adolescents should be vaccinated, including preventing the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations and missing school, sports and other activities due to quarantine or illness,” said Heather Michalak, M.D., a pediatrician at Columbia Pediatrics.

Columbia Pediatrics in collaboration with Maury Regional Health began offering first-dose vaccination clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays in late May with additional dates scheduled for June. The vaccination clinics are open to anyone regardless of whether the individual is a patient of Columbia Pediatrics.

“Maury Regional Health is pleased to partner with Columbia Pediatrics to offer

(see "COVID-19 vaccine" on page 3)

During Hospital Week in May, Maury Regional Health celebrated the commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care that MRH employees, physicians and volunteers demonstrate throughout the year — particularly during this past year while navigating challenges related to COVID-19.

Thank you for all that you do. Together, we serve.

MRH celebrates Hospital Week 2021

2 | THE VITALINK

Organizational Announcements —

Effective June 1, Dennis Fisher has been named to the role of chief human resources officer for Maury Regional Health (MRH), where he will provide oversight for all human resources functions, including recruitment, retention, employee relations, benefits, training and development, employee health and volunteer services.

“We look forward to Dennis joining the senior leadership team,” said MRH CEO Alan Watson. “His expertise and leadership in organizational development will greatly benefit our organization.”

Fisher brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in human resources and recently served as the human resources director for Baptist Memorial Health System (BMHS) in Memphis, a 706-bed facility with 3,100 employees. He also served in this role for BMHS at a 350-bed facility in Oxford, Mississippi.

Fisher earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in human resources at Keller Graduate School of Management in Atlanta, Georgia, and his undergraduate degree from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Fisher is also a graduate of the Coca-Cola Diversity Leadership Academy.

Fisher

Fisher named chief human resources officer

Drew Keller, PharmD, recently accepted the position of outpatient pharmacy manager for Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC). In this role, Keller is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day distribution, procurement and billing operations of the MRMC Outpatient Pharmacy.

“I am very pleased that Drew has chosen to accept this leadership position and invite you to welcome him to his new responsibilities,” said Administrative Director of Pharmacy Jeff Binkley, PharmD.

Keller brings nearly 10 years of experience in retail and outpatient pharmacy settings to this role. Prior to beginning his new position, Keller was a member of the medical center's outpatient pharmacy team for three years and recently worked in Sam's Club pharmacy locations in Nashville and Cookeville.

Keller earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy in Nashville and has obtained additional certifications in immunization and medication therapy management.

Keller named outpatient pharmacy manager

Keller

Solomon Lee, D.O., a board-certified specialist in pathology, has joined the medical staff at Maury Regional Medical Center. Dr. Lee is associated with Opus Pathology.

Dr. Lee received his medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderon, Nevada. He completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a fellowship in soft tissue and bone pathology at Pennsylvania Hospital and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Lee also completed a fellowship in oncologic surgical pathology at Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University Health System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pathologist joins medical staff

Dr. Lee

Richard Warf, RT (R)(CT)(T), has assumed the role of manager of radiation oncology at the Maury Regional Cancer Center. Warf is responsible for the department's daily clinical and business operations.

“Richard has more than 14 years of clinical experience in radiation oncology and brings a wealth of expertise to this position,” said Administrative Director of Oncology Dana Salters, MBA, RT (R)(M). “I am pleased Richard has chosen to accept this leadership role and ask you to please join me in welcoming him to management team.”

Prior to accepting this position, Warf has worked as a staff radiation therapist at Maury Regional Medical Center since 2013. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Trevecca Nazarene University and his associate degree from Columbia State Community College.

Warf named manager of radiation oncology

Warf

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 3

MRMC earns accreditation for CT imaging servicesMaury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) has been awarded another three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

MRMC offers CT exams in its Outpatient Imaging Center adjacent to the medical center and in the Emergency Department for patients whose physicians order an exam to assist with their diagnosis.

“We are very pleased that CT services at the medical center have been recognized with this accreditation,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Alan Watson. “Our radiologists and imaging professionals are to be commended for their continuous focus on providing quality and safe exams for our patients.”

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice parameters and technical standards after a peer-review evaluation that assesses image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment adequacy, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

vaccinations,” said MRH CEO Alan Watson. “Since January, our organization has administered more than 25,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses through our vaccine clinics, drive-through collaborations with the Maury County Health Department and our mobile unit. We have an outstanding medical community and through these collaborations — rarely seen in rural communities — we have been able to significantly impact the health of our region, reducing hospitalizations and deaths.”

For more information about adolescent vaccination or other upcoming COVID-19 vaccination opportunities offered by MRH, visit MauryRegional.com/COVIDvaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine(continued from page 1)

MRH introduces SyncTalkMaury Regional Health (MRH) has launched SyncTALK, a new telehealth service for employees and physicians that connects individuals to certified, master’s-level counselors who can help build skills in coping with stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

The SyncTALK program enables participants to schedule counseling 24/7 at a time convenient for them in the comfort of their own home. It is HIPAA compliant and no personal details are shared with your employer. In addition, SyncTALK offers Karla, an app that offers between-session support, words of encouragement, advice and suggestions as needed. SyncTALK is offered at no additional cost to eligible MRH employees and family members.

For more information, visit mrh.synctalk.us or call 931.256.2608.

MRH celebrates retireeGail Robertson, inventory specialist in the Supply Chain Department, retired May 5 following 10 years of service with Maury Regional Health.

“We have had the absolute honor and pleasure of working with Gail for the past several years and congratulate her on her retirement," said Jessica Gipson, supply chain manager. "Gail was an invaluable asset to our team with her cheerful, positive presence and her willingness to support our team with any task requested of her. She will genuinely be missed by all."

Dr. Heather Michalak (l) is pictured with her daughter, Catie Michalak (r), after Catie received her COVID-19 vaccine at Columbia Pediatrics.

In Memory —Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) retiree Doris Grooms passed away May 19.

Grooms worked at MRMC for 31 years. She retired from Nursing Administration in 2006.

4 | THE VITALINK

Hailey BrewerAgathos

Classical SchoolTabitha Brewer,

MRMG Float Pool

Tucker BowlingColumbia Central HighBobby Turner, Imaging,

Grandparent

Drake BlackwoodSummertown HighKellie Blackwood,

Imaging

Brooke BishopM.S.S.W., Univ.

of Tenn.Brenda Bishop,

Emergency Services

Bryce AndersonRichland High

Jaimie Waugh, Imaging

Sophia AmicucciIndependence HighMichele Amicucci,

NICU

Alexis CervantesB.S.N., Martin

Methodist CollegeDana Lemay, PrimeCare

Francesca CavenEast Hickman High

Christy Caven, Food & Nutrition

Hope CalvertB.S.N., Univ. of

Tenn.–ChattanoogaTammy Calvert,

Care Mgmt.

Hannah CalvertAveda Arts & Sciences

InstituteTammy Calvert,

Care Mgmt.

Gavin BusbyGiles County High

Jennifer Busby, Legal/Risk Mgmt.

Tyler BroughtonHampshire Unit SchoolDottie Conner, MRMG

Pulmonology

Hannah DavisB.S.N., Univ. of Tenn.–MartinWMC Nursing

Alexis CruzNorthfield Academy

Millie Recalde, Endoscopy

Jaylin CountsIndependence High

Natalie Counts, Same Day Surgery

Johnathon Counts, Finance

Charity ComptonM.S.N., American

Sentinel Univ.Clinical Informatics

Alyssa ChoateTCAT–Hohenwald Surgical Services

Stephanie Choate, NICU

Lisa ChambersM.S.N., American

Sentinel Univ.CVSD

Erin EnglandSpring Hill HighWayne England,

Pharmacy

Adrianna EastepB.S., Tenn. Tech Univ.

Melanie Eastep, IT

Genia DurhamLawrence County HighAmy Durham, MRMG

Finance

Jack DunnB.S., Bryan CollegeTracie Neal, MMC

Imaging

Aaliyah DunavantGiles County HighAmber Dunavant,

ImagingMichael Dunavant, EMS

Blake DelkCulleoka Unit SchoolAngela Delk, Coding

Reese AlbrightColumbia Central High

TransportCarey Albright, Nursing Admin.

Zane AkinsSummertown High

Keila Akins, Outpatient Surgery

Congratulations, class of 2021!

Congratulations,CLASS OF 2021

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 5

Anna GorbatoffB.S.N., Univ. of North AlabamaTammy Stokes, Palliative Care

Austin FrazierCollinwood High

Brandi Horton, WMC LabKyle Horton, WMC

Physical Therapy

Jackson FlemingB.S., Tenn. Tech Univ.

Beth Fleming, Risk Mgmt.

Tylor FernandezMarshall County High

Sonja Fernandez, Pharmacy

Rachel EnglandSpring Hill HighWayne England,

Pharmacy

Kara EnglandSpring Hill HighWayne England,

Pharmacy

Montrell HarrisB.S., Austin Peay

State Univ.Talitha Harris, Palliative Care

Chelsea HargroveMarshall County High

Michelle Hargrove, Critical Care

Steve HaganM.S.N., Univ. of

Alabama–HuntsvilleJane Smith, CVSD

Madison GriggsA.A., Martin

Methodist CollegeJason Griggs, EMS

Hunter GriggsGiles County HighJason Griggs, EMS

Patrick GordonMt. Pleasant High

Amber Mendez, ICUSD

Landon KurtzColumbia AcademyBryan Kurtz, M.D.

Kylie JohnsonMarshall County High

Laura Hendricks, Care Mgmt.

Cassidy HoltWayne County HighStephen Holt, WMC

Plant Operations

Bobby HendrickSpring Hill High

Jennifer Hendrick, Home Services

Blaine HeatherlySummertown HighBecky Heatherly,

Cancer Center Pharmacy

Matthew HazlettMarshall County High

Michelle Hollister, Outpatient Surgery

Zari MalbaciasB.S., Univ. of

Tenn.–KnoxvilleMaya Malbacias,

Nursing Service Admin.

Peyton LynchSanta Fe Unit School

Tiffany Lynch, MRMG Primary Care & Rheumatology

Brock LoydZion Christian

AcademyAmanda Loyd,

Emergency Dept.

Anias LilesColumbia Central High

Angelia Wilson, Surgery, Grandparent

Allye Kathryn LelandB.S., Western

Kentucky Univ.Jennifer Leland,

Outpatient Surgery

Braxton LangfordRichland High

Stephanie Thomason, Lactation

Hunter McKnightColumbia Academy

Jamie McKnight, Internal Audit

Arielle MayesColumbia Central High

Cherrie Mayes, Respiratory Care

Olivia MastalerzColumbia AcademyJoanna Mastalerz,Physical Medicine

Marissa MastalerzB.A., Pepperdine Univ.

Joanna Mastalerz, Physical Medicine

Julie MarkusM.S.N., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Critical Care

Tyler FinleyMt. Pleasant High

Stacie Finley, Imaging

6 | THE VITALINK

Nakiya MostellaColumbia Central HighJackie Davis, Surgery,

Grandparent

Blake MorrowHampshire Unit School

Kim Morrow, Mother/Baby

Jordan MorganSummertown High

Selena King, Pre-Admission Testing

Blake MorelandMarshall County High

Joan Moreland, PrimeCare,

Grandparent

Sara MillerSummertown High

Melissa Miller,Critical Care

Ryan MillerSummertown High

Melissa Miller, Critical Care

Addison SeamanBay Path Regional Voc.

Tech. High SchoolBeth Tosh, Accounts Payable, Grandparent

Jayla RogersM.S., Univ. ofTenn.–Martin

Stephanie Choate, NICU

Abraxas RodenLewis County HighJessica Roden, LHC EVS, Grandparent

Braden PowersLewis County HighCassandra Carroll,

Surgery

Cole OwensSanta Fe Unit School

Kristin Owens, MRMG OB-GYN

Johnathan NuttMt. Pleasant High

Madeline Nutt, Food & Nutrition

Bayleigh ToshHampshire Unit School

Beth Tosh, Accounts Payable

Danielle ThomasColumbia Central HighLori Thomas, Inpatient

Wound Care

Chelsea ThomasB.S., East Tenn.

State Univ.Lori Thomas, Inpatient

Wound Care

Lexie SpearsLewis County High

Melissa Spears, LHC Physical Therapy

Mason SmithCollinwood HighHeather Smith, Cancer Center

Kathryn SelveyB.S., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Julie Selvey, Urgent Care

Hayden WardMarshall County High

Barbara Haskin, MMC Registration,

Grandparent

Amandrea WalkerB.S.W., Middle Tenn.

State Univ.Darlene Polk, Patient Mgmt.

Trisha Van WykM.S., Lipscomb Univ.

Food & Nutrition

Emily VanettenWayne County High

Carolyn Gee, Primary Care–Waynesboro

Briana TurnerUltimate Medical

AcademyPrimeCare

Brandon ToungettLawrence County High

Karen Toungett, Care Mgmt.

Benjamin ZolkiewiczB.S., Yale Univ.

Deborah Goldsmith, M.D.

Blake WoodardMarshall County High

Andrea Woodard, MMC Imaging

Quitrel WilsonColumbia Central HighJackie Miles, Nursing

Prof. Dev., Grandparent

Marissa WildmanA.A.S., Columbia State

MRMG Pain Mgmt.

Trenton WatrudLincoln County High

Salena Watrud, Surgical Services

Daniel MillerSummertown High

Melissa Miller, Critical Care

MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH | 7

Maury Regional Health Assistant Director of Health Information Management (HIM) Christi Deloy earned recognition in April from the Tennessee Health Information Management Association (THIMA) as the recipient

of the 2021 THIMA Rising Star Award for demonstrated potential for future leadership, innovation, creativity and administrative capacity.

“As the HIM team leader for the Cerner Millennium EMR project over the past four years, Christi has been a shining star for Maury Regional and is known by all working on the project as the go-to person for medical records questions,” said HIM Director Neal Coke when nominating Deloy for the award. “She is extremely knowledgeable and innovative when faced with difficult problems that require creative solutions and consistently demonstrates the core values of Maury Regional.”

Deloy receives THIMA 'Rising Star' award

FOUNDATION NEWS

Lewis Health Center (LHC) partnered with Lewis County Schools again this year to offer pre-season sports physicals to high school and middle school students in Lewis County. The event, held May 10–11, resulted in 205 student athletes being screened. Pictured are LHC representatives Tim Wells (second from left), a certified athletic trainer, Nicky Edwards, NP, (center) and Tonia Carroll, LPN, (second from right) alongside Shannon Denton and Sasha Powers of the coordinated school health program.

Community supports 'Feed the Frontlines' initiativeThe Maury Regional Health Care Foundation raised $2,825 in May as part of “Feed the Frontlines,” a community-led initiative to provide meals for employees, physicians and volunteers at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) during National Hospital Week.

Sondra Wilson-Martin, an educator in Maury County and co-founder of Parker’s Project, approached the Foundation with the idea as a way for interested community members to lift up the health care workers who have served on the frontlines throughout the pandemic.

“It goes without saying that the frontline staff have been working tirelessly, night and day, under significant stress to care for others throughout the pandemic,” Wilson-Martin said. “This project was a simple way for the community to show their appreciation for the staff. I'm thankful for the community's support and efforts to pay it forward!”

Contributors to the “Feed the Frontlines” initiative include Jeff Adams, M.D., Brenda and Mike Baxter, Beck Dental Care, Bethel Chapel AME Church, Hendley Edwards, Rebecca Hawkins, Ph.D., Adrienne Law, Winona Locke, Christa Martin, B.I. Naddy, Ph.D., Rodney Poling, M.D., Sandra Robinson, St. Peter's Episcopal Church and Sondra Wilson-Martin.

LHC offers sports physicals

Deloy

Carly Burton, 3W, and family welcomed Mila Rose Burton on May 18. She weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces.

Laiken Fuller, Labor & Delivery, and family welcomed Bennett Faithe Fuller on May 10. She weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces.

Bailey Kelso Haddock, Nursing Administration, and family welcomed Treyger Knox Haddock on May 4. He weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces.

Amelia Shelton, IT, and family welcomed Everett Crews Shelton on May 2. He weighed 6 pounds.

Birth Announcements —

8 | THE VITALINK

During National Nurses Week, which is observed May 6–12, the Image of Nursing Council at Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) recognized multiple nursing professionals for their commitment to nursing excellence.

“The annual Nursing Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate and honor the individuals who consistently go above and beyond for their patients throughout the year,” said Chief Nursing Officer Deborah Lumpkins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. “I am grateful for these individuals as well as our entire nursing team for their resilience and compassion: coming in each day to provide the best possible care and support for their patients and units. Thank you for all that you do.”

During the nomination period, the council received a total of 221 nominations for 130 different nominees.

The 2021 award recipients were surprised with their awards by their managers during their shifts. Their photos, along with

the names of past awardees, are featured in MRMC's Nursing Hall of Fame, which is located on the ground floor of the medical center outside the cafeteria.

The Nursing Award recipients for 2021 include: − Nightingale: Pat Woodard, BSN, RN, CCRN, Critical Care − Charge Nurse of the Year: Carly Burton, BSN, CMSRN,

3W − Nurse Leader of the Year: Ginger Dickens, MSN, RN,

CCRN, CNML, Critical Care − Preceptor of the Year: Becky Walters, BSN, RN,

Cardiovascular Step-down − Renown Outcomes: Alison Pigg, BSN, RN, CCRN,

Critical Care − Rising Star: Kaitlin Saylor, RN, 6W − Support Staff Excellence: Nichole Williams, PCA,

Emergency Department

MRMC employees recognized during Nurses Week 2021

Woodard Burton Dickens Walters Pigg Saylor Williams

Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) recognized 6W surgical nurse Anna Cook, RN, CMSRN, as the recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the month of May.

In Cook's nomination, a patient's mother shared how Cook's timely response helped to save her adult son's life when he began to show signs of sepsis, a medical emergency that stems from the body's toxic response to an infection from a condition unrelated to their admission. Sepsis is a fast-acting medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage and organ failure if it is not promptly treated.

“I knew something was different and Anna listened to a mother’s instinct and intuition,” the nominator said. “I believe because of Anna’s quick action, [his condition] was caught in the early stage. She was also kind and caring — carrying on small conversation that made my son feel comfortable. Thank you, Anna.”

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 provide every day.

Visit MauryRegional.com/DAISY-Award to learn more.

Pictured (l-r) are Nurse Manager Tiffany Crews, MSN, RN, CNML; Cook; and Chief Nursing Officer Deborah Lumpkins, DNP, RN, NEA-BC.

Cook receives DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses