’s
August 21, 2015 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Dr. Keesling Begins Practice
Rice Named Paramedic of the Year
Ark City’s newest doctor began seeing patients full-time earlier this week. Dr. Adam Keesling is a family medicine provider with the Ark City Clinic. Dr. Keesling is a graduate from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency program in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He moved to Ark City this month, after deciding he wanted to practice in a smaller community. “I want to know who my patients are as people,” Dr. Keesling said. Dr. Keesling’s desire to help others comes from his deep faith. He has provided medical services on several mission trips, including a 2013 trip to the Dominican Republic, and plans to volunteer for additional mission trips in the future. Dr. Keesling was recruited to Ark City through SCKMC’s “Family and Friends Networking Program.” The program will pay a "recruitment bonus" as high as $5,000 to anyone able to provide a lead that ends up in the permanent placement of a physician, specialist, mid-level practitioner, therapist, or registered nurse that relocates to the area in order to provide full-time healthcare services. Dr. Keesling was referred by his parents, who reside in Wichita. Dr. Keesling is now accepting new patients, for scheduling call the Ark City Clinic at 442-2100. For more information on the medical center's "Family and Friends Networking Program" visit the hospital website at www.sckmc.org.
Brandy Rice, a firefighter-paramedic with the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department (ACFD), and part-time ER tech with SCKMC has been named the 2015 Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Nominees for the Paramedic of the Year award are scored on how they provide superior patient care; are an effective advocate for patients and their families; work with peers to foster a positive work environment; display professionalism in interacting with patients, their families and other medical professionals; and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional education. The award will be presented at NAEMT’s general membership meeting and awards presentation on Sept. 16 in Las Vegas, Nev., and on Sept. 17 at EMS World Expo’s opening ceremony. Rice teaches several EMS and community CPR classes, has implemented a Vial of Life program, and is involved in many other organizations that benefit the safety and health of community members. She was nominated by ACFD EMS Director Jeri Smith, who said, “Brandy is a true ‘caretaker’ of the people of Arkansas City, she goes above and beyond the call of duty.” “She often stays after an EMS call to help people with special needs,” Smith added. “When a wheelchair-bound woman returned home after an emergency hospital run with Brandy, she found her dishes clean, her grass mowed, new cordless phones installed, and a longer string attached to the ceiling fan she had been unable to reach before.”
SCKMC Ready for Landrush On August 29th Patterson Parkway will be invaded with dozens of people ready to test their strength and endurance during the first annual “SCKMC Landrush.” The 5-K race includes 12 obstacles such as scaling walls and ladders, wading through a pond and an ice pit, and crawling over or through mounds of dirt. To date over 130 runners have registered with races beginning at 9:00 a.m. Runners will receive a registration packet that includes a 24-can soft side cooler, t-shirt, and other goodies. Register online through www.sckmc.org. There is plenty to do for those not quite ready to tackle the course including food vendors, booths from area businesses, a performance by members of the ACHS band, and a “splash zone” where spectators can squirt runners with water cannons as they run.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has strengthened their warning that non-aspirin NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Examples of NSAIDs include OTC drugs like aspirin, and ibuprofen, and prescription drugs such as Daypro, or Lodine. Drug Facts labels on both OTC and prescription NSAIDs will be updated to reflect the new safety information gathered through studies. Some of the updates include an increased risk of heart attack or stroke as early as the first week of starting treatment. The risk appears greater with increased doses. People taking NSAIDs should seek medical attention if symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in one part of their body, or slurred speech should occur.
Register Online Today!
Saturday, August 29th – Patterson Park, Arkansas City SCKMC has partnered with professional race organizers for event registration and timing of an
"extreme obstacle" style race. The 5K (3.1 miles) with 12 obstacles race will be unlike any other event in the area. • Food & Beverage Vendors • Entertainment for all ages • Free spectator area The funds raised will benefit South Central Kansas Medical Center and our mission to serve within the community. All money raised will be used as the foundation for growth and development of the services we provide, such as equipment purchases, physician recruitment, and program enhancement.
www.sckmc.org to register or for more information Obstacle photos are representative only. Obstacles are subject to change without notice
.