’s
February 21, 2014 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Hospital Begins Physician Search SCKMC is joining a growing trend of hospitals directly employing the physicians who practice at their facilities. According to American Medical Association roughly 42% of physicians are now employed in some manner versus owning their own practices. A figure that has doubled since 2000. In late December SCKMC unveiled a new local networking program to solicit information on health care professionals, particularly physicians, who have local ties to the community. In addition, the hospital has recently signed a one-year agreement with the Kansas Recruitment Center to assist in promoting physician employment opportunities to upcoming graduates of the KU Med Center. While the medical center has employed physician specialists in the past, including general surgeons and most recently an OB/GYN, this will be their first attempt at employing family practice physicians. "As we work with candidate physicians we will be able to offer them a choice of practice- a physician group practice by being with one of the community clinics or employed by the hospital. This choice broadens our opportunities," said Steve Perkins, CEO. For more information on the Family and Friends Networking Program visit www.sckmc.org.
Moving On Up Progress continues on the Best Western Plus hotel constructed on the Southeast corner of Patterson Parkway. Framework of the third story began earlier this week.
Bryant Earns Lab Certification Hannah Bryant recently passed the national registry exam for certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). A MLS (also referred to as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory technologist) is a healthcare professional who performs chemical, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, as well as other specimens. Bryant has her bachelors degree in medical technology from Wichita State University and has been employed at SCKMC since November.
Healthy Living: Are You at Risk for Heart Disease? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) —including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number one killer of adults in the United States. CVD does not affect all groups of people in the same way. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable CVD. Having a close relative who has heart disease puts you at higher risk for CVD. Race and ethnicity also affect your risk. Nearly 46% of African Americans have some form of CVD. Many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits and better management of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Try these strategies for better heart health: •Work with your health care team. Get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. •Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, have it checked on a regular basis. •Get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. •Eat a healthy diet. Limit sodium, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber. •Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for CVD. •Exercise regularly. Adults should engage in moderateintensity activity for at least 150 minutes per week. •Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for CVD. Your physician can suggest ways to help you quit. •Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. •Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your health care team about treatment options. •Take your medicine. If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something, or if you have side effects. For more information on this topic visit: www.cdc.gov.
We’ve Got What It Takes to Get You On Your Feet Again.
Now Offering Expanded
Orthopedic Services Chris Siwek, MD Main Office: Private Practice, El Dorado KS Ark City Specialty Clinic Hours: Every Tuesday and Friday
Damion Walker, DO Main Office: Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine at Cypress, Wichita KS Ark City Specialty Clinic Hours: Every Wednesday
Orthopedic Procedures: •Trauma Fracture Surgery •Minimally Invasive Fracture Care •Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopy •Total Hip, Knee, & Shoulder Arthroplasty •Carpal Tunnel
Ortho Related Services: •Private patient rooms •64-slice CT •High Field 1.0 Open MRI •In/Outpatient Physical Therapy •Full Service Laboratory
Dr. Siwek and Dr. Walker are seeing patients at SCKMC's Outpatient Services Building Specialty Clinic located just east of the hospital; 6403 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City, KS.
Find out more about our services at www.sckmc.org