Arkansas Urology The Gold Standard Magazine

THE GOLD STANDARD

A TEAM EFFORT

A BATTLE FOUGHT BY PATIENTS, GUIDED BY PHYSICIANS AND SHARED BY LOVED ONES.

How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet?

If your closet is like mine, you likely have tennis shoes, dress shoes, sandals, house shoes, slippers, boots and flip flops, along with others. You probably take for granted the act of putting those shoes on in the morning; you simply make sure they are tied or buckled, coordinating with the day's outfit in the mirror while attempting to have your feet be as comfortable as possible for the long day ahead.

At Arkansas Urology, we have Gold Standards to define how we treat each other and our patients. Our No. 1 Gold Standard is Walk In The Patient's Shoes. By this we mean our physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, nurses and clinical staff — along with our administrative and support teams — all recognize the need to empathize with our patients by feeling what they feel, walking their clinical journey alongside them. We share their anxiety, pain, joy and the whole host of emotions they may experience.

I admire the work of Dr. Brene Brown who eloquently speaks on empathy compared to sympathy. She describes sympathy as looking down at a person trapped in a hole and yelling down to see if they are OK, while empathy is being in the hole with them, providing consolation and trying to figure how to get out of that hole with them.

When new employees join our organization, we spend time discussing our AU Gold Standards and, specifically, how to understand the patient’s point of view as they seek care. I ask our staff to treat our patients just like one of their family members. In doing so we are connected, and for that moment, truly walk in their shoes.

E. Scot Davis, MPA, MBA, CMPE Chief Executive Officer Arkansas Urology

Caleb Bozeman, MD

Adam Childs, MD

Kevin Claybrook, MD

Adam Cole, MD

David Coussens, MD

Richard D’Anna, MD

Edwin Diaz, MD, MBA

Tim Goodson, MD

Jonathan Henderson, MD

Lauren Hendrix, MD

Gerald “Jay” Heulitt, MD

TOASTING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

Brad Houston, MD

Members of the Arkansas Urology Foundation and its supporters gathered in the home of Foundation Chairwoman Ellon Cockrill on Nov. 16 to celebrate the success of the inaugural Silver Ball. The gala, which was held in conjunction with AU’s 25th anniversary, exceeded all expectations and goals, with proceeds going to the new Dr. Mack Moore Annual Health Fund.

Robbie Hurtt, MD

Gail Reede Jones, MD

Ronald Kuhn, MD

Jeff Marotte, MD

Keith Mooney, MD

Taylor Moore, MD

Jack Wang, MD

(Left to right) Ashley Berkshire, Marty and Jeremy Reagan; Shelia Harrison, Ellon Cockrill, Kristen Nicholson; Christy Baker, Dr. Brad Houston; Josh and Lyndsey Sullivan; Dr. Tim Goodson, Diane and Randy Zook; Barbara and Dr. Mack Moore, Carol Hodges; Scot Davis, Chris Shenep; David Harrison, Greg and Lee Hatcher, David Bazzel.

(RIGHT) PHOTOS COURTESY OF LITTLE ROCK SOIREE.

NEWS & UPDATES

by JONATHAN RUSHING, COO Chief Operating Officer

AU Announces Partnerships to Expand Care

Effective December 2022, Arkansas Urology began partnering with Arkansas Surgical Hospital (ASH) to provide outpatient surgical procedures. This partnership provides an additional access point as AU is experiencing record demand for urological services. We are excited to offer this option to our patients, especially within a facility recognized for state-of-the-art operating rooms and a deep commitment to quality outcomes. For

patients selecting this facility for procedures, the AU staff will continue to coordinate care on your behalf.

Effective February 2023, Arkansas Urology partnered with Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute (Genesis) to provide medical oncology services for cancer patients. Arkansas Urology’s Central Arkansas location features a qualified staff of physicians equipped to treat cancer, advanced imaging to detect and monitor cancer, targeted therapies and a radiation center. However, patients have historically had to travel to outside agencies for their medical oncology needs. As a result of the newly formed partnership, patients will be able to

receive infusions at the new Diagnostic and Treatment Center located on our Little Rock campus at 1300 Centerview Drive.

Retail Pharmacy Opened in January 2023

Many of you may know that Arkansas Urology has the capability to dispense medications in certain clinics across the state. Now, we are pleased to announce further enhancement of this service offering. Earlier this year, AU welcomed a pharmacist to the team, Jimmy Skaggs, PharmD. With

Jimmy’s assistance, we are launching a full-service in-house pharmacy in 2023. The physical location will be on the Little Rock campus at 1300 Centerview Drive, and the remodeled space will have a storefront and consultation area. As well, we are pleased to announce that prescriptions will now be available for shipment to a patient’s residence.

Pine Bluff Clinic Relocates

Effective December 19, 2022, Arkansas Urology relocated to 7211 Dollarway Road, White Hall, AR 71602 This space is shared with Pain Treatment Centers of America and features five exam rooms and two procedure rooms. Strategically located near I-530 on the dividing line between White Hall and Pine Bluff, the facility is spacious and new. We look forward to serving you there; give us a call if you have any questions.

SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE AWARD

DR. GAIL REEDE JONES

HONORED G

roundbreaking urologist

Dr. Gail Reede Jones was honored by the Large Urology Group Practice Association for outstanding contributions to the field and dedication to her patients over nearly 40 years in practice.

Jones was presented the organization’s inaugural Spirit of Independence Award Nov. 11, during LUGPA’s 2022 Annual Meeting.

“Arkansas is blessed to have a physician like Dr. Jones, who is genuinely a pioneer and trendsetter,” said Arkansas Urology CEO E. Scot Davis. “We have known in The Natural State for quite some time that Dr. Jones is an incredible urologist and person. I’m glad she has now been recognized for her work in front of our colleagues across the nation. I am fortunate to work alongside such an innovator.”

The first female urologist in the state of Arkansas, Jones was one of the physicians who in 1996 founded Arkansas Urology.

“It’s been the honor of my lifetime

to serve as a founding physician at Arkansas Urology,” Jones said. “I’m proud of the growth, impact and evolution our team has seen through the years as the state’s largest independently owned urology practice. It is such a privilege to receive the inaugural Spirit of Independence Award from LUGPA, and I share this honor with our entire team.”

Jones earned her bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, City University of New York, her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and completed her urological surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In addition to her male patients, for whom she performs vasectomies and treats prostate, bladder and kidney disease, she also treats women for many urological conditions.

Certified by the American Board of Urology. Jones is a member of the American Medical Association, American Urological Association, Arkansas Medical Society, Arkansas Urologic Society, Arkansas Medical,

Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, and Pulaski County Medical Society. She is also a member of the Medical Board of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.

In her acceptance speech, Jones acknowledged her colleagues and the role they have played in her success and the success of Arkansas Urology over the years.

“It is critical to understand that being an independent physician does not mean practicing without the aid of members of the greater urologic and medical community,” she said. “In fact, it forces you to be very collaborative, sharing and practicing in a way that collectively enhances the whole practice and uses the resources you have to do what is best for patients.

“This award is about much more than just me. This is a testament to my fellow physician partners at Arkansas Urology, as well as my patients for entrusting their health to me, enabling me to have three decades of urology practice in Little Rock.” •

A TEAM EFFORT

Ed Rupe, North Little Rock

Michigan native and retired life insurance agent Ed Rupe has been battling prostate illness and cancer for 25 years. He just didn’t know it for most of that time.

“I had applied for a life insurance policy, and part of the application was to go to my doctor and get a physical,” he said. “The doctor said, there were some elevated numbers, but we don’t have to be concerned about that. Make a note in 20 or 25 years, and we’ll talk about this again.’

“Well, 25 years came due in 2017. In 2017, I went for a physical and my doctor said, ‘What I’d like you to do is to go to a cancer doctor.’”

A visit to Dr. Edwin Diaz at Arkansas

Urology confirmed Rupe had prostate cancer. Diaz spelled out his treatment options — do nothing, surgery or radiation — of which Rupe chose the latter, undergoing 40 treatments. The grueling regimen paid off, and while he’s still under maintenance, Rupe is officially cancer-free.

The process underscored the strength of the relationships in his life — led by his wife Amy and her sisters — and now he routinely pushes others to get tested.

“What helped most was the help I had from other people, being constructively encouraging. To me, that was second to none,” he said. “Now, when I talk to others, I tell them, ‘If we just say yes to the test, that’s a partial answer to cancer.’”

PROSTATE CANCER, WHILE AMONG THE MOST TREATABLE WHEN CAUGHT EARLY, IS A MEDICAL BATTLE BEST FOUGHT BY PATIENTS ALONGSIDE THEIR PHYSICIANS AND LOVED ONES. EACH PARTY HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY TO HELP ENSURE THE MOST POSITIVE OUTCOME POSSIBLE.

David Harrison, Texarkana

David Harrison shared a remarkable relationship with his father-in-law, Ruebel Holmes. A man of many interests, Holmes was a father figure to Harrison over the years.

“Ruebel taught me a lot about life and human nature and how to interact with people,” Harrison said. “I owe much of my success in life today to him.”

When prostate cancer entered the picture in the last two years of Holmes’ life, Harrison stayed in the fight with his friend to the end when the cancer had spread throughout Holmes’ body.

“The beautiful thing about prostate cancer is it’s a very slow-

growing cancer; if they catch it early, the outcomes are usually really good,” Harrison said. “The bad thing about prostate cancer is it’s a very slow-growing cancer. If it takes your life, it’s a long, painful process. My involvement was really more in his final days, and watching that was really difficult.”

One thing Holmes remained lucid about was cooking, and Harrison holds the memory of their last Thanksgiving together as a special memory. He also holds dear the advice his friend gave him about tending to his own health.

“The most disheartening thing about it all is Ruebel, obviously, waited too late to get checked,” he said. “Later he told me, ‘Brother Dave, getting checked is invasive but it doesn’t hurt, and it could save your life.’ I remember that, and it’s something I’ve done and I’ve encouraged others to do.”

Dr. Gail Reede Jones, Little Rock

New York native Dr. Gail Reede Jones believes relationships are the critical element in any patient relationship and the basis for all successful treatment.

“I think that first meeting is so key, so essential,” she said. “We’re in a specialty where we have to examine people. It’s not like I’m a dermatologist and you’re showing me a rash on your arm; you have to unclothe and expose your body to somebody else you’ve never met before. So, that initial meeting has to really hit home each and every time.”

Reede Jones, who graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and served her residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, treats a clientele that’s 90% men. She said one secret to her success is knowing how to meet patients where they are, and not where she wished they were, health-wise.

“Many people who come in are committed; they drank the Kool-Aid, they got the message and they’re here,” she said. “Unfortunately, there still is that sector that’s not here, who may already have metastatic disease when they enter the door. The response we get is, ‘I’m doing good. I haven’t had a need to see anybody up to now.’ We see it every day.

“Regardless, I want that patient to know that I’m here to work with them along with whatever other people they have in their life. We’re all working together from here on out.” •

“ What helped most was the help I had from other people, being constructively encouraging. To me, that was second to none.”

—Ed Rupe

“ That initial meeting [with a patient] has to really hit home each and every time.

Dr. Gail Reede Jones

“ The most disheartening thing about it all is [my father-in-law] waited too late to get checked.

David Harrison

1300 Centerview Drive

Little Rock, AR 72211

(501) 219-8900

AU FOUNDATION BUILDING ON OUR SUCCESS

As another college football season closes behind us, Arkansas fans are left to their own mixed opinions as to the performance of the Razorbacks, something that will no doubt be hotly debated throughout the off season. But with Georgia’s resounding win in the national championship game, there can be no debate about the SEC’s dominance in the sport, having won 6 of 9 CFP national championships and twice pitting member schools against each other in the title game.

It’s one thing to win a national title, but it’s something else entirely to do so (or be in the running to do so) year in and year out. What sets the elite of the SEC apart from the field is always aiming for the brass ring and once attained, pushing the bar of expectations even higher. In this way, each championship team becomes the stepping stone for the next, building on each success.

We’ve taken a similar attitude at the Arkansas Urology Foundation, and the numbers have shown it to be a winning philosophy. In 2019, we raised about $30,600 in contributions; in 2020’s pandemic year, we more than tripled that with $97,200. We roughly tripled again in 2021,

by CHRIS SHENEP, Director of the Arkansas Urology Foundation & Marketing

reaching $293,000 in contributions and bested that mark in 2022, raising $308,000 through November.

With each milestone, we’ve increased the number of educational and outreach programs we’re able to support, which has grown the number of people we can help. Every dollar that’s been taken in is another step toward a healthier Arkansas.

Of course, this success story didn’t come into being by itself. We cannot express deeply enough our gratitude for the many people who have moved the needle so substantially in such a short period of time. From the astute leadership of our board to the remarkable generosity of our donors, our growth has been an unparalleled team effort. As the foundation director, it is humbling to work alongside such wonderful and committed teammates.

On behalf of the foundation and all the people we will reach this year, I say thank you for helping to establish this dynasty. Here’s to an even better finish in 2023. •

Reach