A publication for the employees & volunteers of the Lexington County Health Services District
JULY 2014
Star Light, Three Stars Bright at LMC! Lexington Medical Center’s cardiovascular program has earned a three-star rating for heart surgery from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). For 2013, only 15 percent of heart programs nationwide have achieved this prestigious designation, which recognizes quality and clinical excellence. STS developed the comprehensive rating system for the quality of coronary artery bypass surgery among hospitals across the country. STS ranked LMC in the highest quality tier for 2013 after surveying more than 1,000 participating programs nationally. LMC began its complete cardiac care program in 2012 with expectations to perform about 100 open heart surgeries each year. But new loop recorders are as small as a paper clip and require an incision the program has far exceeded expectations. To date, LMC has performed of just a few millimeters. more than 500 open heart surgeries. As reflected in the three-star rating, Importantly, quality oversight is part of LMC’s affiliation with Duke patients have experienced excellent outcomes. Medicine for cardiovascular care. Twice each year, Duke cardiologists The hospital has continued to build its heart program by offering and heart surgeons come to LMC to review a variety of new services. This spring, LMC The cardiac care program has far heart surgery and catheterization cases with began to offer transcatheter aortic valve physicians. The Duke physicians also provide replacement, known as TAVR. This stateexceeded expectations. ongoing peer review and evaluate new of-the-art cardiovascular technology allows To date, LMC has performed more procedures for both the open heart and Cath doctors to replace the aortic valve in high-risk than 500 open heart surgeries. Lab programs. When the hospital performs patients without open heart surgery. In May, new procedures for the first time, a Duke LMC performed the first fully percutaneous representative is usually present for support. TAVR procedure in S.C. The hospital also LMC’s work with cardiovascular care offers non-surgical closure for atrial septal doesn’t end here. It extends into the defects (ASDs) and patent foramen ovale community with a comprehensive heart (PFO). Like TAVR, this minimally invasive education program that teaches people procedure eliminates the need for open heart about risk factors, prevention and cardiac surgery for some patients, resulting in shorter technology. This is especially important hospital stays and faster recovery. in South Carolina where 1 out of every 3 people in the state dies of In addition, LMC has started to use insertable cardiac monitors, cardiovascular disease. commonly known as loop recorders, to monitor heart rhythms around the clock. While versions of this technology have been available for years,
Intercom is published by LMC’s Marketing department. Editorial material and pictures are solicited and should be sent to Marketing. Materials submitted for publication will not be returned unless otherwise requested. The Marketing department reserves the right to accept or deny any article and/or photo for publication. For more information, please contact Sarah McClanahan at 936-7123 or email srmcclanahan@lexhealth.org. JULY 2014 INTERCOM 1
Good Works: Sherry Stukes and Deep Creek Outdoors For Sherry Stukes, medical office technician at Lexington Rheumatology, giving back to her community through Deep Creek Outdoors (DCO) is an opportunity to share her faith and make dreams come true. DCO is a non-profit Christian organization that takes children with illnesses, disabilities, and less fortunate children and veterans on hunting and fishing trips. “We take kids who are battling cancer, spina bifida and cerebral palsy – just to name a few,” said Stukes. “My husband Donnie and I started DCO in 2009. We have always loved the outdoors, and wanted to give back to the community by witnessing to others and getting them in the outdoors.” This month, DCO will have its 4th annual Youth Day. Families can enjoy free skeet shooting, archery, games, face painting and a meal. They also get a DCO T-shirt and goodie bag. “We will be sharing God’s word and what He has done for us.” DCO doesn’t stop its mission with outdoor adventures. Volunteers have provided meals for a local senior center as well as various women and men’s shelters. “We recently had a clothing drive for one of our local women’s shelters, which was a huge success.” In addition, DCO hosts fundraisers to benefit cancer research organizations and foundations Deep Creek Outdoors Youth Day 2013 that help with the expenses of having a child with a disability or illness. For more information on DCO, visit DeepCreekOutdoors.org.
We’ve Moved! EACH MONTH, GUEST SERVICES WILL HIGHLIGHT A SERVICE EXPECTATION IN INTERCOM.
I will complete work orders or report anything that needs to be fixed to my supervisor. Example: A patient called to report that a light over his bed was not working. The patient made a second request to a visiting volunteer who reported it to Guest Services. A work order was completed to repair the light. Many times, requests are postponed due to time restraints. But as part of the hospital’s Service Expectations, we are all responsible for reporting things that need to be fixed to our supervisors or the appropriate departments. Informing the patient that a request for the repair has been made is one way to show them that we have the time.
120 West Hospital Drive West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 796-2222 MidCarolinaInternal.com
I will turn lights on and off when appropriate. Simply turning lights on and off is one way to conserve energy. From a patient’s perspective, he or she may not be able to reach or walk to the switch. Ensuring that patients are comfortable may include dimming the lights in their exam or hospital rooms, or asking them if they would like the lights turned down. 2 INTERCOM
1 Wellness Blvd., Suite 203 Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 749-9920 LexingtonWomensCare.com JULY 2014
On Point at Otarre Pointe Each month, Intercom will feature updates on construction at Lexington Medical Park Otarre Pointe until the facility opens this fall. Construction continues to progress at Lexington Medical Park Otarre Pointe. In June, workers completed the brick exterior of the front side of the building and window installation. Wall paint and installation of hard tile in restrooms, cabinets for exam rooms and nursing stations, and elevators began inside the building. Additional work includes installing drywall, water piping and light fixtures as well as centering fire sprinklers. At about 70% completion, the building committee recently toured the facility to coordinate plans for the opening of the center, such as job availability and office locations.
Pictured, clockwise: Cabinets have been installed in exam rooms. LMC board members and administrators recently toured construction of Lexington Medical Park Otarre Pointe. The brick exterior for the front of the building is completed and window installation is underway.
Join Lexington Medical Center for a free Physician Lecture Series For more than 40 years, Lexington Medical Center has been dedicated to improving the health of its community through early education, detection and diagnosis of disease and illness. The hospital’s free monthly physician lecture series is one way it supports this commitment. Physicians provide information on topics most relevant to your health and answer your questions. Recent lectures have focused on memory loss, acute heart attacks and stroke. If you would like promotional materials for any of the LMC lectures for patients in your area, contact Marketing at 791-2191.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Robert A. Leonardi, MD Lexington Cardiology
Monday, July 28 • 6:00 p.m. Lexington Medical Park 1 Auditorium Lexington Medical Center
Physician
Light Refreshments. Free to the Public. Visit LexMed.com for upcoming topics and dates. JULY 2014
INTERCOM 3
FOU N DATIO N F O C US Gifts from the Lexington Medical Center family and the community makeit possible for the Lexington Medical Center Foundation to supportour mission — providing quality health services that meet the needs of our community.
Lexington Medical Center Foundation Scholarships For more than 20 years, the Lexington Medical Center Foundation has cared for the future of health care by providing scholarships to students who have been accepted into nursing or other health care programs. This program is one way the Foundation supports the hospital’s commitment to providing quality health care to the community. Many of these scholarship recipients come to work at the hospital after completing their education.
In fiscal year 2013, the Foundation provided more than $140,000 in nursing scholarships to students. This year, the Foundation has received 55 applications. “This scholarship is allowing me to go to school and not worry about how I am going to pay for it. It allows me to focus on my studies while still being a mother to my children. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to each of you and how much this truly means to me and my family,” said Rachel Ross, registered nurse, 4th Floor North Tower.
Save the Date Women of Hope Honor Doulas Doula Appreciation Event
Women of Hope will celebrate the LMC Doula program’s 20th anniversary with an appreciation event on July 29. Doulas provide physical, emotional and educational assistance to women in labor and during the postpartum period. The Foundation and Women of Hope are proud that, more than two decades ago, a belief in encouraging families to start in the best way possible was the basis for one of the first hospital-based doula programs in the country. Become involved with Woman of Hope! In 2014, the group will focus on supporting the Women and Children’s Fund, which provides clothing and basic supplies for newborns, CPR kits for families of special care infants and education materials for new mothers.
Women of Hope’s Wine on the River Join Women of Hope for wine tasting, food sampling and musical entertainment on the beautiful banks of the Congaree River.
Wine on the River
Saturday, August 23 7:00–10:00 p.m. Stone River & West Columbia Riverwalk $30 in advance | $40 at the entrance Proceeds benefit the Women and Children’s Fund at LMC. For more information, call (803) 791-2540.
Visit our website, Facebook or Twitter page for all the latest news about the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. 4 INTERCOM
Website: lmcFoundation.com Twitter: @FoundationLMC Facebook: Facebook.com/lmcFoundation JULY 2014
Climbing On Up On Saturday, May 31, Carolina Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine’s team, Airway to Heaven, participated in the American Lung Association’s local Fight for Air Climb at the Capitol Center in downtown Columbia. The Airway to Heaven team climbed 479 steps to raise funds and awareness for the millions of people fighting lung disease. Nearly 200 people participated in the “vertical race” that raised more than $40,000 for the American Lung Association. Several Airway to Heaven team members also placed in their individual groups. Mike Guidotti was the overall male winner with a time of 2:18.48. Tanyatta Gray from the Lexington Medical Center Intensive Care Unit came in second among all female climbers to Heaven Team Airway with a time of 3:48.60. The male age groups went to Joseph Lewis (11-19) at 3:31.17, Francis M. Dayrit, MD, FCCP, (50-59) at 3:20.54 and Paul M. Kirschenfeld, MD, (60+) at 3:41.78. Dr. Dayrit also came in eighth overall. Katie Jones won her age group (20-29) with a time of 4:16.62. Congratulations to the Airway to Heaven team!
Sizzlin’ Summer Snapshots Summertime is full of sandcastles, vacations and family fun. And Intercom wants to see your adventures! Enter your photo for a chance to appear in the September Intercom.
Get Connected Every day, Lexington Medical Center connects with patients throughout our hospital, physician practices and community medical centers. Now we can connect patients with their personal health information through LMC FollowMyHealth, the new online portal that allows patients to manage their health care when it’s convenient for them. LMC FollowMyHealth gives our patients access to their health information 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any Internet-capable device. Currently, this easy-to-use online tool allows patients of Lexington Medical Center’s Physician Network to: • view lab and test results; • review office visit summaries; • make bill payments. In the future, additional functionality will be added for patients with an LMC FollowMyHealth account. Visit lmcFollowMyHealth.com to get connected. It’s free, simple to sign up and completely secure.
Here are the rules: • Submit your digital pictures by email to srmcclanahan@lexhealth.org in JPEG format or send a photo via interoffice mail to the Marketing department, Attn: Sarah McClanahan. • Include the following information with your entry: your name; your department; description of photo; your email address; and the most direct number to reach you at work. • Submit your entry by July 31.
Sizzlin’ Summer Snapshots Categories • Vacations • B ackyard and neighborhood fun, including block parties and barbecues • S ports and outdoor activities, such as fishing and camping • F un with furry friends • Scenery
JULY 2014
INTERCOM 5
PRACTICE PROFILE
Lexington Medical Center is pleased to welcome Eddie M. Williams III, MD, and James Brandon Emery, MD, FAAP, to its network of care. Dr. Williams joins the board-certified physicians and nurse practitioner at The Columbia Medical Group to provide comprehensive medical care for adults, including the diagnosis and treatment of general health issues, care for chronic diseases, and advice on preventive care, diet and exercise.
Now Accepting Patients 4540 Trenholm Road Columbia, SC 29206 (803) 790-4700 ColaMed.com
A native of Irmo, S.C., Dr. Williams graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C. He went on to complete his internal medicine internship and residency, critical care residency, and pulmonary medicine fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. His additional education achievements include earning a diploma in tropical disease and hygiene from the University of Liverpool, U.K., and studying French at Institut de Formation de Cadres pour le Développement (IFCAD) in Brussels, Belgium. Board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary diseases, Dr. Williams specializes in general adult internal medicine and pulmonary medicine. He has more than 30 years of experience as a physician.
Volunteer:
A magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College in Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, Dr. Emery graduated from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and completed his pediatric residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Most recently, Dr. Emery treated pediatric patients in private practice and served as a clinical preceptor at the USC Department of Pediatrics. He is board certified and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the South Carolina Medical Association. Specializing in pediatric and adolescent medicine, Dr. Emery joins the board-certified physicians and nurse practitioner at Lexington Pediatric Practice. Dedicated to providing childfocused medical care, the Now Accepting Patients practice offers a full range of pediatric services, including 811 West Main Street, Suite 204 routine check-ups, vaccinations Lexington, SC 29072 and in-office procedures. (803) 359-8855 LexPediatricPractice.com
South Carolina Mission 2014 Midlands will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 8–9 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia. This two-day event will provide free medical and vision care to people who are uninsured or underserved. Clinical and non-clinical Lexington Medical Center employees can volunteer to work a shift. Clinicians are needed in a variety of specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, emergency medicine and gynecology. The experience is very rewarding and makes a significant impact on our community. To sign up, go to the United Way of the Midlands’ volunteer page at uway.org/ volunteer and click on the Eventbrite link. Clinical volunteer registration began May 15. Non-clinical volunteer registration opens July 1.
6 INTERCOM
JULY 2014
Partners Program Welcomes New Class The annual Partners Program has started at Lexington Medical Center once again! Now in its 24th year, this program introduces some of Lexington County’s brightest students to a career in the health care industry. During their three-week session, students will rotate through three clinical areas in the mornings. They will participate in hands-on activities two days a week at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Midlands Technical College and LMC Extended Care. Students will also tour the hospital’s lab, view a virtual surgery and participate in a team-building activity. The Partners Program continues to be a popular program with Lexington County students and LMC staff. In fact, several hospital employees participated in the program when they attended high school. Jon Bridges, associate director in the Physician Network, is one of those employees. “The Partners Program gave me an early opportunity to learn about health care in our area. As a result, I realized that I wanted to seek further hands-on exposure to determine if health care was a good, long-term fit for me,” said Bridges. Supported by LMC Foundation, the Safety Council of South Carolina and Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, this year’s Partners Program received more than 100 applications. At the end of the program, a rising senior from each Lexington County high school and one rising senior from home/private schools will be awarded a $1,000 book scholarship for their freshman year of college.
SAVE D TE OCT. 14
THE
2014
LexMed.com
Join Team LMC
to honor first responders and military service members who have sacrificed in the line of duty.
Friday H September 19 H 7:00 p.m. H Cost: $25 HOW TO REGISTER: 1) Visit T2TRun.org 2) C lick on the South Carolina event 3) Click Register on the right side of the page 4) Enter the promotional code “LMC” and click apply 5) Choose the number of Team LMC participants you would like to register 6) Click the Register button and fill out the remainder of the form
SUPPORTED BY
All Team LMC participants will receive a free T-shirt! JULY 2014
INTERCOM 7
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Awards, Honors & What’s Happening with LMC Employees
Employee Changes/ Additions Physician Network Finance would like to welcome Tiffany Ayers, administrative assistant II, and Zdenka Plechata, cash applications associate. Courier Services welcomes Fred Brock, Ron Coston and Larry Ward as couriers. Lexington Endocrinology welcomes Jamie Deal, who is now a full-time medical office technician. Lexington Medical Specialists would like to welcome Marilyn Fox and Miranda Gray, business office associates.
Congratulations to Samuel Scoma, business office associate at Internal Medicine Associates, on his acceptance to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
LMCEC Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Stephanie Strickland, medical office technician with Lexington Pediatric Practice, on successfully passing the registered medical assistant exam on May 17.
Congratulations to Carrie-Ann Ayers on her selection as Employee of the Month. Carrie-Ann has been employed as a physical therapy assistant at LMCEC for eight years and has made quite an impression on residents and co-workers. Dedicated to providing excellent care, she has a genuine heart for helping others. In her free time, CarrieAnn enjoys going to the movies, bowling, swimming and visiting the beach with her husband Larry and son Hunter.
Wedding Bells
Central Supply welcomes Ryan Gaskins and Davar Robinson, central supply technicians.
Best wishes to Amanda Manner, credentialing assistant for Physician Network Finance, on her marriage to Adam Ferrell. The couple wed on March 29.
LMC Batesburg Leesville would like to welcome English Rogers, RN, PRN.
Oh, Baby!
LMC Gilbert welcomes Joanna Shealy, business office associate.
Congratulations to Jennifer Bolin of Physician Network Administration and her husband Doug on
Women’s Health & Diagnostic Center would like to welcome Sonya Robertson, medical office technician, to its lab.
the birth of Reagan Paige in February.
Lexington Pediatric Practice would like to welcome Diane Tyson, medical office assistant.
Congratulations to Heather Evans, administrative assistant III in Purchasing, and Ricky Marushia on the birth of Camryn. He weighed 7 lb 5 oz.
Recognition
Congratulations to Jill Howell, buyer in Purchasing, her husband Brad and big brother Jackson on the birth of Parker on April 10. He weighed 8 lb 6 oz.
Congratulations to John Leech, MA, manager of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, on his selection as a Fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Congratulations to Marion Paige, buyer in Purchasing,, his wife Roderia, and big sisters London and Paris on the birth of Marion III on May 5. He weighed 7 lb 1 oz.
Wellness Corner
Congratulations to Stephanie Stearns, RN on 6th Medical, and her husband Damian on the birth of William Bo. Congratulations to Miranda Stoner, clinical mentor on 6th Medical, and her husband Matt on the birth of their daughter Olivia.
Wellness Destinations
Congratulations to Carrie Taylor, medical office technician at The Columbia Medical Group, and her husband Chris on the birth of Ethan on May 16.
Thank you to the employees who participated in Wellness Destinations this spring! Lexington Medical Center employees recorded more than 17 million steps, which comes to 8,557 miles!
Congratulations to Kenneth Waldhour, warehouse technician, his wife Gloria and big sister Alaya on the birth of Kaylee on January 18. She weighed 6 lb.
Couch to 5K
Retirement
Couch to 5K training begins on Monday, July 14. This is a great way to get ready for this year’s Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers South Carolina 5K Run & Walk! Log on to lmcWellnessPath.org for more details.
Congratulations to June Mill, financial counseling supervisor in Patient Financial Services, on her retirement after 32 years of dedicated service.
Health Directions will be closed on Friday, July 4. 8 INTERCOM
Congratulations to Susan Stevens, medical office assistant at Internal Medicine Associates, on her retirement after 13 years of dedicated service.
JULY 2014