RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER
Above All Else IN THIS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2020
Integrity Compassion Always Respect Excellence
Hello Research Family,
PG 2: WELCOME NEW PROVIDERS PROMOTED LEADERS WELCOME NEW LEADER EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH PG 3: RESEARCH CEO NAMED ON TOP 25 EMERGING LEADERS LIST LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
As I reflect over the past six months, it feels hard to remember a time when social distancing and wearing a mask were not the everyday norm. I imagine that many of you, like myself, are beginning
FIGHTING COVID-19 AT RMC
to plan your family gatherings for the 2020 holiday
DR. KARLA HOUSTON-GRAY, INGRAM'S 2020 TOP DOCTORS
season. As we continue to see high numbers of
UPDATE FROM MOTHER, DAUGHTER TREATED AT RMC FOR COVID-19 DR. STEPHANIE GRAFF, ADVANCES, RESEARCH, AND SCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER PG 4: DR. WILLIE LAWRENCE, HYPERTENSION AWARENESS PGY1 PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM ACCREDITATION RMC RECOGNIZED BY HEALTHGRADES INCREASED IN-HOUSE PASTORAL CARE PRESENCE PG 5: CONSCIOUS INCLUSION TRAINING SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY HONORING OUR VETERANS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY CRUSH THE CRISIS PG 6: 2021 BENEFITS ENROLLMENT PG 7: HOLIDAY SAFETY DURING COVID-19
COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients, I encourage each of you to lead by example by incorporating masking and social distancing into your holiday plans and limiting your gatherings to no more than 10 attendees. You can find additional holiday gathering safety tips on page 7. I would like to take a moment to remind you that although your holiday plans may look different than previous years, you can still show love, gratitude and support to your family, friends and colleagues. Our commitment to our Mission and my gratitude for this healthcare family remains strong. Lastly, I love tradition, and on Thanksgiving my family has a tradition of making brown sugar pies and sharing what we are thankful for, as I’m sure many of you do with your own families. Each of you will be on my list as I am grateful for the important role you serve in our organization. With a grateful heart,
HAPPENINGS PG 8: THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
PUBLISHING TEAM: Kimberle Bovard Manager of Marketing (816) 276-9475 kimberle.bovard@hcamidwest.com
facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter
Ashley McClellan, FACHE, MHA, MBA Chief Executive Officer Research Medical Center
2 Welcome New Providers
Kayla Barnard, MD – (Breast) Surgery Sarah Dolven, MD – Tele-Endocrinology Mohammed Shweikeh, MD – Family Medicine Hospitalist New Leader
Promoted Leaders
Angela Giegerich, NP, TCRN Director, Trauma Services
Lindsay Underwood , RN Director, Neuroscience
Welcome New Leader
Courtney Davidson, RN Manager, Emergency Services
Wendy Collins, RN Manager, NICU
Employees of the Month Research Medical Center
Research Brookside Campus
Research Psychiatric Center
Connor Malone Medical Technologist ASCP Laboratory
Sharon Pickens Registrar Patient Registration
Ralonda Bradley Mental Health Tech Psych Adolescent
Connor is a great coworker, he always goes above and beyond. Connor is reliable and always has a great attitude. His positive energy really impacts the team. He displays our I CARE values daily.
Sharon is dependable and extremely knowledgeable. She exudes our I CARE values and mission. Sharon receives recognition from staff and patients frequently.
Ralonda is always willing to help. She is happy and always has a cheerful disposition, which puts the rest of the team in a good mood. Patients love her and talk about her kindness.
RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
3 Research CEO on Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Emerging Leaders List Modern Healthcare featured RMC CEO Ashley McClellan on their Top 25 Emerging Leaders list. She is recognized for being a vigilant leader to our front line heroes taking care of the region’s most medically complex patients. The list of 25 honorees represents the most impressive leaders driving change across the healthcare industry. Congratulations!
COVID-19 Surge and Holiday Safety Dr. Olevia Pitts, Chief Medical Officer here at RMC, spoke with the Kansas City Star about precautions for family gatherings during the pandemic. Dr. Pitts stresses the importance of protecting each other this holiday season so we can work towards a "normal" 2021 holiday season. To view the full story, visit https://bit.ly/38zZ28N.
Advances, Research, and Screening for Breast Cancer
Director of breast cancer at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at RMC, Stephanie Graff, MD sat down with TODAY’s Hoda and Jenna to discuss advances in research and the importance of cancer screening. To watch the full segment, visit https://youtu.be/SqAxI1mkpbA.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
On a recent edition of House Call, Dr. Michael Chacey, a board-certified pulmonology specialist at RMC, raised awareness about lung cancer and the benefits of low-dose CT scans. To view the full video, visit facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter.com
Karla Houston-Gray, MD Listed on Ingram's 2020 Top Doctors Karla Houston-Gray, MD is among 14 physicians named to Ingram's 2020 Top Doctors: Defining Exceptional Care list. Dr. Houston Gray is saluted for her life-long commitment to outstanding care and tireless efforts in the midst of a global pandemic.
Mother, Daughter Share Side-by-Side Stories of COVID-19 Survival
Mother-daughter duo treated for COVID-19 at RMC sat down with KCTV 5 to share an update on their recovery. Both say they are feeling better and are grateful to spend the holidays with their family. To view the full story, visit www.facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter.
RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
4 Dr. Willie Lawrence, Hypertension Awareness
Chief of Cardiology at RMC, Dr. Willie Lawrence, spoke with KOAM, a CBS affiliated TV station, on World Hypertension Day. Dr. Lawrence raised awareness about hypertension and the importance of keeping high blood pressure in check.
RMC's Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program Accreditation
RMC's PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program was granted accreditation for eight years from ASHP. This is the maximum length of accredidation available. ASHP has been the sole accrediting body for pharmacy residencies since 1962.
Research Medical Center Recognized by Healthgrades Research has proudly earned new awards from Healthgrades. We are a Five-Star Recipient for Defibrillator Procedures, Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis, Recipient of the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery for five Years in a row and have been Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety in 2020.
Increased In-House Pastoral Care Presence In order to better align our services with RMC’s current needs and in light of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Pastoral Care Department is readjusting and increasing their in-house availability effective Monday October 19, 2020. During evening hours and on weekends chaplains will be available to respond to deaths, codes, and traumas as noted below. Monday-Friday 8 AM - 12 AM Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 12 AM Looking forward: All Chaplain intern students will be completing their educational programs in-house and are now participating in moderated evening and weekend clinical assignments. Pastoral Care anticipates returning to a full 24/7 in-house call schedule by January 1, 2021. RE S E AR C H MED ICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
5 Conscious Inclusion Training
The HR Team recently hosted Conscious Inclusion training sessions with leaders across all four campuses. Leaders learned how to identify types of unconscious bias and act to eliminate them through practical inclusive skills and behaviors. This training experience is one piece of HCA Healthcare’s comprehensive strategic plan for diversity and inclusion, which you can expect to see more of in 2021.
Honoring Our Veterans
Research hosted our Annual Veteran's Day Celebration honoring all colleagues who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation through service in the U.S. armed forces.
Supporting our Community Colleagues from RMC's Emergency Department volunteered with the Tri-Blenheim Neighborhood Association to clean up yards in our community.
Support from our Community
Church of the Resurrection (COR) teamed up with Sheridan's Frozen Custard to provide a pep rally at RMC for our healthcare heroes. The pep rally featured positive encouragement from COR members, live music and free custard.
World Mental Health Day
In support of World Mental Health Day, Rebecca Rogers, a Licensed Professional Counselor with Research Psychiatric Center, shared tools individuals can use to reduce anxiety. To view the full video, visit: Facebook.com/ResearchPsychiatricCenter.
Crush the Crisis Research proudly partnered with the KCMO Police Department and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) to help combat the misuse of opioids by providing a safe disposal location for unused and expired medications. Together, we collected over 61 pounds of medication.
RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
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RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
7 Keep Your Holiday Gathering Safe: With COVID-19 cases rising throughout the country, holiday planning becomes even more challenging and potentially dangerous this year. The CDC recommends avoiding group gatherings to help stem the spread of the virus. However, if you’re planning a holiday gathering either at work or home, please follow these safety precautions: Get out and go big. Gather outdoors instead of indoors. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, open your windows and doors to ensure good ventilation inside. And choose a larger space to ensure proper distancing. Think smaller, low-key. Limit the number of attendees and the length of your gathering. By shortening the event, you’ll help reduce people’s risk of exposure. Many local health officials recommend no groups larger than 10. Pay heed to protocols. At Research Medical Center, you must maintain six feet distance when eating in the breakroom or any time you’re unmasked. Please remember our universal mask policy and wear yours when not eating/drinking.
HAPPENINGS APPRECEATION CART THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 2020 VIRTUAL BENEFITS FAIR OCTOBER 22 - NOVEMBER 20 HCAHRANSWERS.COM BENEFITS ENROLLMENT NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 20 BLUE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SERVICE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 VIRTUAL: RESEARCH FAMILY - RMC, RPC, RB (INTERNAL FACEBOOK) COVID-19 REMEMBERANCE EVENT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 5:00 PM VIRTUAL: RESEARCH FAMILY - RMC, RPC, RB (INTERNAL FACEBOOK) PGY1 PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM INFORMATIONAL SESSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 5:30 - 7:00 PM VIRTUAL: HTTPS://BIT.LY/3N6OZ3F ALL EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY MEAL
Cover the spread. We advise against potlucks and open self-serve food containers. If you do bring food in to share, designate a server (wear gloves!) and properly cover containers. Grab-and-go items or BYOF (bring your own food) remain the safest serving option.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 MINGLE ALL THE WAY 1N CONFERENCE ROOM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 7:15 - 8:30 AM MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1:00 - 2:30 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Keep it clean. Disinfect surfaces and shared items in between and after gatherings. This is especially important for hightouch surfaces like door knobs, tables, counters, chair backs, handles and faucets. And always practice good hand hygiene and wash for at least 20 seconds.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 7:15 - 8:30 AM MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 6:30 - 7:30 AM
Lead the way. As healthcare leaders, we must model the behaviors we want others to follow. Remember to wear your mask, social distance and stay home if you’re unwell. RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS
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CREATE A FUTURE FOR STUDENTS LIKE SAM I’m Sam Zech and I’m a junior at Research College of Nursing. The health crisis surrounding COVID-19 interrupted my nursing education. However, it has shown me just how critical this career is and reinforced my desire to help in any way I can. I’m more motivated than ever to become a nurse and care for others. This Giving Tuesday, you can help me and other students get there! I’m the recipient of The Research Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Scholarship. Because of the pandemic, I’ve worked less hours and my income has been affected. This scholarship has lightened the financial burden I’m experiencing and ensured I’ll be able to continue pursuing my nursing degree.
“NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN UP SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDENTS LIKE ME. IN DONATING EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF Donate to The Research Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Scholarship on MONEY, YOU ARE HELPING LIFT Tuesday, December 1 and help create future nurses like me. Thank you for THE HEFTY FINANCIAL LOAD THAT supporting nursing students! NURSING STUDENTS ARE FEELING.” theresearchfoundationkc.org/futurenurses