March 2015
The first of a three-part guide to the lives and people of Wilson and surrounding areas for 2015.
Wilson County Schools:
Students Become Teachers
I Am Wilson Spotlights
Wilson Medical Center: Caring for our Community
Providing Excellence. One Patient at a Time. WILSON MEDICAL CENTER PHYSICIAN PRACTICES Wilson ENT & Sinus Center Ken Johnson, M.D. 1700 Tarboro Street SW, Suite 100 • Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-5300
Wilson Gastroenterology Louis Antignano, M.D. • Amjad Awan, M.D. 2605 Forest Hills Road SW • Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 243-7977
Wilson Neurology Ben Thomas, M.D. • Rick Guarino, M.D. 1700 Tarboro Street SW, Suite 103 • Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-5306
Wilson New Hope Primary Care Nadine Skinner, M.D. • Karyl Noonan, PA-C 4845 Nash Street NW, Suite A • Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 243-0053
Wilson Pulmonary Associates Sayeed Hossain, M.D. • Caitlin Moyer, PA-C 1700 Tarboro Street SW, Suite 103 • Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-5308
www.wilsonmedical.com
Need a Physician? Call our Physician Referral Line at 1-800-424-DOCS (3627).
2001 Downing Street, Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsontimes.com
Publisher Morgan Paul Dickerman, III
____________________ Advertising Director Shana Hoover (252) 265-7858 shana@wilsontimes.com
Special Sections Manager Jennifer Strickland (252) 265-7848 jstrickland@wilsontimes.com
Account Executives Cynthia Collins (252) 265-7826 ccollins@wilsontimes.com
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I am Wilson:
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Students Become Teachers
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I am Wilson: Dr.
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I am Wilson: Robin
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I am Wilson: Dr.
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Remembering WCC Student
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Matthew Hands
Christine Fitch Hauser
Barbara Conklin
I am Wilson: Jordan Lee
Information on area schools, medical and government contacts
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Wilson Medical Turns 50
Lisa Pearson (252) 265-7827 lpearson@wilsontimes.com
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WMC is bringing 3D mammography to Wilson
Beth Robbins (252) 265-7849 brobbins@wilsontimes.com
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I am Wilson: Laura Lowe
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New Health Care Providers in Wilson
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and Rhonda Leegins
Caring for our Community Representative Susan Martin
I am Wilson:
Contributors Writers Lisa Boykin Batts Gérard Lange Jennifer Strickland Photography Gérard Lange Keith Tew Gray Whitley Graphic Design Gérard Lange
Wilson in pictures: snapshots of the people and places that make up Wilson.
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March 2015
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March 2015
Matthew Hands Matthew Hands
For the last 5 years, Matthew Hands has been a teacher at Stantonsburg Elementary School. He started out teaching first grade for 3 years, before moving on to second grade for a year. Now, he’s in his first year as a third grade teacher. Recently, he was named Teacher of the Year for Stantonsburg Elementary School. While it is a small school, with roughly 270 students, Stantonsburg Elementary School is very close knit and all the students know their teachers well. The staff works closely together to make sure the students receive the best education they can give. “Getting this award makes me more confident that what I am doing is making a difference. It makes me see that my fellow educators see the difference I am trying to make. It hasn’t changed the way I do things, but it has made me realize that people are paying attention and that what I’m doing is working,” he says. When asked what led him to become a teacher, his answer was very direct and shows the dedication he has to his job. “I teach because those that rely on me today are those that I will rely on in years to come. Today’s students are our future decision makers and the ability to have any impact at all on the growth and development of those future
leaders is an honor. Teaching is instilling a sense of responsibility, ethics and open-mindedness about what is and what may be. It’s my duty as an educator to produce functioning and informed citizens who will be afforded opportunities as a result of their hard work,” he says. Hands recently had the opportunity to attend a conference in Ocracoke, N.C. with fellow teachers from Wilson. “The conference gave me the chance to bounce ideas off of teachers from other schools and an opportunity to see what they are doing in their school that we might be able to adapt to ours.” Originally from the Akron,Ohio area, Hands moved to Wilson in 2007. After moving here, he met his wife of four years, Christy, and they are now enjoying life in Wilson County. “We like it here. It’s a great town and a good place to be.” When he’s not in his classroom, Hands enjoys cooking, photography and watching movies. “I’m a big movie buff,” he admits.
March 2015
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3rd Grade teacher at Stantonsburg Elementary
Students Become Teachers Students will be helping each other learn in a new peer tutoring program in the Wilson County Schools. 6
March 2015
By Lisa Boykin Batts
The company Learning Together worked with teachers from Beddingfield, Fike and Hunt high schools as well as Daniels Learning Center to provide the curriculum and reinforce the fundamentals of BLAST (Building Leadership and Academic Strengths Together.) David Lyndon, executive director of secondary education, said BLAST started this semester here. The teachers already have the training, and now the students are being trained. “Oftentimes, our students can explain things a little differently than our teachers, so students may be able to learn some con-
cepts better from their peers,” he said. At Daniels, the focus is language arts. At the other three schools, it’s math. Lyndon said Foundations of Math 1 and Foundations of Math 2 classes are paired at the high schools. Students who want to be tutored by their peers are in Foundations of Math 1. These students are in the process of setting longrange goals for themselves and devising plans for how to realize those goals. Those who will be tutoring are in Foundations of Math 2 and are currently learning how to handle a tutoring session. Once the initial training is over in the next few weeks, the Foundations of Math 2 students will work one-on-one with students in Foundations of Math 1, using BLAST strategies. “It’s very structured in the way lessons are mapped out,” he said. BLAST, which is similar to the AVID peer tutoring program, is used in other North Carolina districts as well. Lyndon said the goal is to have both sets of students benefit from this program. It’s a winwin situation, he said. When a person teaches something, it reinforces his knowledge of a subject. “We anticipate that the tutors will actually benefit from being the helpers in the subject area.” Lyndon, who taught for 12 years, said he became a much better math student because of teaching it for so long. “You have to learn it on a different level in order to teach it,” he said.
He also sees long-term benefits for the students with BLAST. Businesses tell educators they want students who have the ability to collaborate, he said. “We think this improves students’ collaboration skills in this situation.” The roughly 30 students participating in BLAST at each school were identified by principals and counselors as students they thought could benefit from the program, Lyndon said. In the high schools, the math classes count as a math elective. Once it was explained to the students, they were excited about the opportunity to try something new, he said. At the conclusion of this school year, Lyndon hopes the students who received tutoring will turn around and become tutors themselves next year. “It’s the get-one, give-one mentality,” he said, adding BLAST will provide students with the opportunity to give back and help another class of students. Jessica Harris is a reading specialist at Daniels Learning Center. She said she is excited about launching BLAST at the school. “We have selected our high school students to be a part of the Scholars Institute,” she said. “The Scholars Institute will prepare them to tutor our middle school students in reading and comprehension. There’s so much more reading we can all do in a BLAST. Students will learn, create and inspire their knowledge as we kick off this new program with a BLAST.”
Look for the next two installments coming soon...
Experience March 16
Grow
March 30
“Gentle and Caring Dentistry for the Entire Family”
AMY S. WATSON, DDS, PA 603 West Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27893 (252)237-5124 • dramywatson.com
Accepting New Patients
Dr. Christine Fitch Dr. Christine Fitch,
Wilson County Board of Education Chair
Recently elected Wilson County School Board chair Dr. Christine Fitch is excited to be back at the helm. The 25-year school board veteran is just beginning her second term as leader of the organization. Dr. Fitch’s first time in the position was from 1999 to 2002, but this session represents a first in her tenure with Wilson County Schools in that it is the first time where all seven board members have a background in education. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the board members to think about the system as a whole,” Fitch shared. “We are going to be looking not just at decisions that will affect individual students, but everyone. Fitch sees her commitment to education being primarily for the benefit of the children in the school system. Of the special projects the board will soon be evaluating are an initiative for reading improvement especially in grades kindergarten through second. “Scores may go up and down,” she continued, “but, we are looking forward to great changes in students’ overall academics.” Dr. Fitch has devoted a lifetime to education. A Wilson native, she attended C. H. Darden High School, before studying special 8
March 2015
education at Bennett College in Greensboro. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Fitch went on to get a MAEd at George Washington University in Washington DC, as well as a PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Both of her advanced degrees were also in special education. Before beginning her service to the Wilson County School board, Dr. Fitch served for 25 years as a faculty member at East Carolina University. Her own personal history aside, Dr. Fitch comes from an entire family of educators. Her grandmother taught for 50 years, while her mother spent 37 years working for the schools. Including her first two years teaching for Wilson County Schools at the beginning of her career, Dr. Fitch is at 52 years and counting. This dedication is shown best through her professed, “commitment to all children in the school system… not one, but all.” Looking forward to her upcoming service as board chair, Dr. Fitch is excited about developing good policies for the school system. She feels strongly that the board should work towards meeting the needs of all students in the system. “It is vitally important,” she proclaimed, “that everyone in public education be compassionate, caring, efficient and well-trained.” Through this she believes that both members of the community and society as a whole will benefit greatly.
Wilson County Public Schools Barnes Elementary, 1913 Martin Luther King, Jr. Pkwy E, Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7875 Beddingfield High, 4510 Old Stantonsburg Rd., Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 3997880 Daniels Learning Center, 723 Elvie St., Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7900 Darden Middle, 1665 Lipscomb Road Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 206-4973 Elm City Elementary, 5544 Lake Wilson Rd. Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 236-4574 Elm City Middle, 215 E. Church St. Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 236-4148 Fike High school, 500 Harrison Dr. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7905 Forest Hills Middle, 1210 Forest Hills Rd., Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-7913
Gardners Elementary, 5404 NC 42 Hwy. East Elm City, NC 27822 (252) 399-7920
Springfield Middle, 5551 Wiggins Mill Road Lucama, NC 27851 (252) 237-4250
Hearne Elementary, 300 W. Gold St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7925
Stantonsburg Elementary, 409 S. Main St. Stantonsburg, NC 27883 (252) 238-3639
Hunt High School, 4559 Lamm Rd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7930 Jones Elementary, 4028 Hwy. 42 W. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 265-4020 Lee Woodard Elementary, 103 Church St. Black Creek, NC 27813 (252) 399-7940 Lucama Elementary, 6260 Blalock Rd. Lucama, NC 27851 (252) 239-1257 New Hope Elementary, 4826 Packhouse Rd. Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-7950 Rock Ridge Elementary, 6605 Rock Ridge Rd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7955 Speight Middle, 5514 Old Stantonsburg Road Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 238-3983
An advertising supplement to The Wilson Times
Toisnot Middle, 1301 Corbett Ave. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7973 Vick Elementary, 504 N Carroll St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7886 Vinson-Bynum Elementary, 1601 Tarboro St., SW, Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7981 Wells Elementary, 1400 Grove St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7986 Wilson Early College Academy, 902 Herring Ave. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 246-1418 Winstead Elementary, 1713 Downing St. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 399-7990
Wilson County Private Schools Community Christian School 5160 Packhouse Rd. Wilson, NC 27896 (252) 399-1376
Wilson Christian Academy 1820 Airport Blvd. Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 237-8064
Greenfield School 3351 NC Highway 42 West Wilson, NC 27895 (252) 237-8046
Garnett Christian Academy 4747 Lake Wilson Rd. Elm City, NC (252) 237-8668
March 2015
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Robin Hauser Robin Hauser has been a part of the Wilson community all her life. “I was born and raised here. My mother, Romaine Woodard, and her family are all from here. When my daughter was born, I wanted her to have the same feelings I had growing up so I wanted to raise her here too. It’s a great place to have a family. It’s a small community where everyone cares about one another and what’s going on in the community,” she says. Over the years, Hauser has worked with many organizations in Wilson and has been instrumental in making some big things happen for the community. In 2005, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the new Target store, which opened on Raleigh Road Parkway in 2007. “I was a big part of the negotiations that led to the Target Corporation putting a store here. I knew it would help our local economy and I wanted to do what was best for the community,” she says. In addition to the Target store project, Hauser was also instrumental in facilitating the funding for the recent renovations of Fleming Stadium. “The money we raised, approximately $600,000, allowed us to build a new concession stand, new entrance, additional display space for the N.C. Baseball Museum as well as a new women’s restroom. Currently, Hauser is the Director of Advancement for Greenfield School. In this role, she is responsible for student retention and recruitment of new students. She also handles the marketing and communications for the school
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March 2015
and works on fundraising projects. Since she loves the school and enjoys her position, it is easy for her to get her job done . . .well! “At Greenfield School, we are all just one big family. We all know each other, from students and parents, to staff and administration. When you send your child here, we want you to feel confident that we are providing them with the quality education you expect from our institution.” Hauser also works closely with several non profit organizations in Wilson, including the Wesley Shelter, and has been a member on the YMCA Board since 2006. When she isn’t at school, Hauser enjoys spending time with her daughter, Anna Merritt, a 10th grader at Greenfield School, going to Atlantic beach, volunteering her time and reading. “I love to read. I just finished a James Patterson book recently and now I am looking for something new to read!”
Robin Hauser, Director of Advancement at Greenfield School
Wilson Community College Information 902 Herring Avenue P.O. Box 4305, Wilson, NC 27893 252-291-1195 | Fax 252-243-7148 www.wilsoncc.edu
Adult High School/ASE 246-1295
Financial Aid 246-1274
Admissions 246-1281
Human Resources 246-1263
Bookstore 246-1222 Business Office 246-1345 Continuing Education 246-1317 Curriculum SECRETARY 246-1351
Library 246-1235 Institutional Effectiveness 246-1311
Purchasing 246-1319 Registration Center 246-1285 Small Business Center 246-1232
Public Relations 246-1293
Wilson Community College offers a welcoming studentcentered environment that enhances lifelong learning. Photograph courtesy of Wilson Community College
Curriculum Information and programs
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates in many different curriculum areas
Accounting Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Associate Degree Nursing Automotive Systems Technology Basic Law Enforcement Training Biotechnology Business Administration College Transfer Community Spanish Interpreter
Computer Technology Integration (IT Support Track) (Networking and Security Track) (Web Design Track) Cosmetology Criminal Justice Technology Culinary Arts Early Childhood Education Electrical Systems Technology Fire Protection Technology General Education General Occupational Technology
Information Systems Security Interpreter Education Lateral Entry Mechanical Engineering Technology Medical Office Administration Office Administration Practical Nursing Paralegal Technology School-Age Education Surgical Technology Welding Technology March 2015
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Barton College Information What will it take to achieve your dreams? A strong academic foundation. Leadership opportunities. Hands-on experiences. Honest advice. Valuable resources. Professional contacts. Personal connections. Look no further than Barton College. Whether your goals are clear or still a little undefined, Barton delivers the best combination for success. Need proof? Consider our graduates. They’ll be the first to tell you just how well Barton prepared them for the work they’re doing…and the lives they’re living…right now. Barton inspires.
www.barton.edu
Vital Stats
Photograph courtesy of BARTON COLLEGE
President: Dr. Norval C. Kneten Status: Private, co-educational, liberal arts college Campus size: 65 acres Mascot: Bulldogs Fall Enrollment 2013: 1,122 Full-time Faculty: 71 Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Average Class size: 15 Church Affiliation: Christian (Disciples of Christ) Athletic Affiliation: Member NCAA Division II Conference Affiliation: Conference Carolinas
Major Programs
Accounting Art & Design Art Education (K-12) Athletic Training Biology Business Administration Chemistry Criminal Justice and Criminology Education of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (K-12) Elementary Education (K-6) English Fitness Management Gerontology Health and Physical Education (K-12)
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History Mass Communications Mathematics Middle School Education (6-9) Nursing Political Science Psychology Religion & Philosophy Social Studies Secondary Education Social Work Spanish Special Education (K-12) Sport Management Theatre Visual Communications
Degrees Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts Bachelor of Liberal Studies Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Social Work Master of Education in Elementary Education
Accelerated Programs
A perfect complement to Barton’s traditional full-time academic program, the College’s Accelerated Professional Programs (APP) now provide expanded options for our adult students, specifically designed with the working adult in mind. Barton’s Accelerated Professional Programs now include online and evening courses in addition to weekend classes, giving adults more choices in completing their degrees. APP offerings include Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in: Accounting, Business Administration, Birth-Kindergarten Education (B-K), Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12), and Gerontology; an R.N. to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree; and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (B.S.W.) degree. For additional information, please contact the Office of Accelerated Professional Programs by phone, at 1-800-345-4973, Email: accelerate@barton.edu, or Visit on the web: www.barton.edu Or through the app: http://www.barton.edu/app
Dr. Barbara Conklin Dr. Barbara Conklin
Associate Professor, Barton College Dean, School of Social Work
Stereotypes about social workers usually fit into two categories: those people who take children away and the ones that hand out government checks. But, Dr. Barbara Conklin, Barton College associate professor and dean of the School of Social Work explains that the field is much more personal than this narrow view. According to Dr. Conklin, the best social workers are ones that are empathic and compassionate. “A good social worker must first be a good listener,” she shared – a quality that also makes for a good college professor. With numerous social work students under her charge, Conklin is responsible not just for training students, but guiding them towards their choses careers – something she knows from first hand experience. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies, Conklin went to work for the Girl Scouts. Wanting to further her education but not being exactly sure in what profession, Conklin interviewed professionals in a variety of fields including psychology and counseling. Then, a professor at Syracuse University told her, “You
definitely want to be a social worker.” Conklin was surprised that someone in a completely different field identified this quality in her. Conklin went on to complete her Master’s of Social Work at Tulane University in New Orleans and her PhD at Virginia Commonwealth University. With a degree in social work students could explore careers as a school-based social workers, in youth agencies, the Department of Social Services and Child Welfare or the Department of Public Health in addition to gerontological positions like assisted living facilities, hospitals, home health care and hospice. “There is even a social work caucus in the United States Congress,” Conklin commented. “Ultimately, this field is about being an advocate for people who feel like they don’t have a voice.” Main values that Dr. Conklin instills in her students are empathy and being non-judgmental, working towards social justice, advocating on behalf of marginalized groups, being culturally competent when relating to people’s problems and approaching their profession from a holistic approach. Regarding the latter she commented, “social workers should look at someone’s whole environment: the person, their family, where and how they live along with their resources and challenges.” In this way a good social worker can help people find solutions to their problems. Dr. Conklin’s program at Barton College includes both classroom work as well as 400 hours of field placement in a student’s senior year. Working in a social service agency gives students hands on experience that prepares them for
their career. “Something really important that students need to learn how to do is set boundaries,” she continued. “They need to develop genuine interest in the cases they are working with, have interest in them as people, put themselves in their shoes, work hard for these people, then leave the job and not bring it home.” Self-care is really important, because a lot of social workers form personal relationships with those they are helping – but, they should not let their empathy compromise their own life. Looking forward, Dr. Conklin believes that social work is an important field for young people to consider. As the baby boom generation moves towards retirement and old age there will be more positions available in the healthcare industry, including advocacy for the elderly. “There is also a lot of opportunity for those that are bilingual or are from multicultural backgrounds,” Conklin added. In addition to her position as Barton College, Dr. Conklin is also a representative of the Wilson County Department of Social Services board made up of professionals who provide oversight to the department. Barbara Conklin enjoys living in Wilson, especially the fact she, her husband, Tom Curran, and dog Mazlo can get anywhere they want to go in about ten minutes. The couple moved here in 2006 from Cincinnati, where Dr. Conklin was teaching at Northern Kentucky University. “It’s really easy to get to know people here and easy to get involved in the community.” Spoken like a true social worker. March 2015
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Remembering Longtime Wilson Community College Student Alphonso Dennis O’Neal, an alumnus of Wilson Community College and a fixture on the campus for more than 28 years, died Jan. 22 at the age of 77. O’Neal was busy working on his third associate’s degree from WCC when he decided to move to Columbia, S.C. to be closer to his daughter, Donna Green, and her family. This third degree would have been in Accounting. Students, faculty and staff remember O’Neal as an inspiration and compassionate person. He was known on campus as “Al.” Wherever O’Neal was on the WCC Campus, everyone appreciated his unique brand of wit, compassion, humor, and charm. When informed of O’Neal’s passing, WCC fellow alumnus, Jasper Jones commented, “The place will not be the same without him. He made people laugh, even if we were stressed about class. I will always remember the funny things he said.” O’Neal, a fixture on the WCC Campus for more than 28 years, first started taking Continuing Education classes at WCC in 1986. Over the years, he earned two associate degrees, the first in business administration at age 70, followed by a paralegal technology degree at age 75. Vickie Lewis, accounting specialist in the WCC business 14
March 2015
office, refers to O’Neal as an inspiration: “He showed that no matter what age you are, you are never too old to further your education. He had hurdles to overcome at times but still managed to keep his work done for the classes. Even just attending was sometimes a struggle, but he would make it.” Campus Police Chief Aubrey Pearson, saw O’Neal on campus, usually in the Student Lounge area of the G Building, on a daily basis for years. They developed a close friendship based on mutual respect. O’Neal had served in the Army, was completely devoted to his country, and had great regard for those sworn to uphold its laws. He always had a kind word and would make students laugh, but had a serious side as well. He would never tolerate discrimination of any kind and inspired others to be open-minded and loving. He would often help struggling students by giving them money so they could get something for lunch. With no immediate family close by, O’Neal often said he considered the people at Wilson Community College his family and everyone on the WCC Campus felt the same. He kept his college family updated on his children’s and grandchildren’s milestones and achieve-
ments. His pride and love for his family was obvious, he lit up when speaking of them. O’Neal was often referred to lovingly by faculty, staff, and fellow students as “an institution within the institution.” When students and instructors asked why he put himself through the rigors and demands of the challenging courses required for the Business Administration and Paralegal Technology degrees, his answer was simply, “I do it to keep my mind active and
because I want to learn everything I can.” He said that going to classesand meeting the people there was his social life. Now O’Neal’s WCC family is honoring him. A scholarship has been established with the Wilson Community College Foundation in memory of O’Neal. Contributions can be sent to WCC Foundation, 902 Herring Ave., Wilson, NC 27893. Please contact Lynn Moore, director of Institutional Advancement, at 246-1293 or by emailing lmoore@wilsoncc. edu.
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Wilson Medical Center is bringing 3D mammography to Wilson Not sure if a 3D mammogram is right for you? Check out these frequently asked questions below to learn more. Then talk to your physician. 1. What is a 3D mammography breast exam?
3D mammography is a new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection that can be done in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram. During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the patient’s breast, taking multiple breast images. Then, a computer produces a 3D image of the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, providing greater visibility for the radiologist to see breast detail. The radiologist can scroll through images of the entire breast like pages of a book.
2. Why is there a need for tomosynthesis breast exams? What are the benefits?
With conventional digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of the breast tissue in a one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area. 3D mammography looks at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, making it possible to see harder to find cancers. It also means there is less chance the doctor will call the patient back later for a “second look,� because now they can see breast tissue more clearly.
3. What is the difference between a screening and diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is your annual mammogram that is done every year. Sometimes the radiologist may ask the patient to come back for followup images which is called a diagnostic mammogram to rule out an unclear area in the breast or if there is a breast complaint that needs to be evaluated.
4. What should I expect during the 3D mammography exam?
3D mammography complements standard 2D mammography and is performed at the same time with the same system. There is no additional compression required, and it only takes a few more seconds longer for each view.
5. Is there more radiation dose?
Very low X-ray energy is used during the exam, just about the same amount as a traditional mammogram done on film.
6. Who can have a 3D mammography exam?
It is approved for all women who would be undergoing a standard mammogram, in both the screening and diagnostic settings.
We are now taking appointments for late March! Call 252.399.8900 for your physician-ordered 3D mammogram! March 2015
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Laura Lowe
Chief Nursing Officer, Wilson Medical Center
Laura Lowe and Rhonda Leegins Wilson Medical Center was built on a foundation of providing quality health care to all members of the community. Over the last 50+ years, hospital leadership has adjusted to meet the needs of the ever changing health care environment. Since Wilson Medical Center’s partnership with Duke LifePoint in March 2014, staff has even more finely tuned its focus on meeting the community’s health care needs. “Wilson Medical Center has always focused on providing quality care to the people of and around Wilson,” says CEO Bill Caldwell. “As a Duke LifePoint hospital, we have even more resources to provide the safest and highest quality care available.” “We all know we’re here for our patients,” says Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Laura Lowe. “As the CNO, my first directive was to de-
termine how to build locally on the reputation Duke has for clinical quality on the national stage. Duke delivers care based on a tried and true set of standards and evidence-based practices. We’re using that to the best advantage for our hospital and our people.” One of the first steps Wilson Medical Center took toward meeting an even higher quality standard was to review the oversight of clinical quality and patient safety. The team elected to appoint Gail Brewer the director of Quality & Outcomes management. Rhonda Leegins was named Patient Safety Officer, a new position for the hospital. A registered nurse, Mrs. Leegins has worked at Wilson Medical Center for 30 years. She is both the Patient Safety Officer and director of Case Management. Case managers are assistant coaches to the physician’s head coach, in effect, Mrs. Leegins says. They work with the patients as part of a care team. Their goal is to ensure quality care from a patient’s entry to the hospital through discharge and after. In this way, the
Laura has worked in nursing for 33 years, which includes experience as a member of the Mayo Clinic Health System executive team and in hands-on patient care as a flight nurse and in intensive care, critical care and cardiovascular care. She and her husband Don live in Wilson with their dogs – Sissy and Dolly. They enjoy outside activities, travel and music. 22
March 2015
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission’s goal is to ensure that people always experience safe, high quality, best-value health care. Each year, the Commission sets patient safety goals. This year, The Joint Commission’s goals are broken down into seven goals, with eight sub-goals – a total of 15. Below are the 7 primary goals: 1. Identify patients correctly 2. Improve staff communication 3. Use medicines safely 4. Use alarms safely
5. Prevent infection 6. Identify patient safety risks 7. Prevent mistakes in surgery
team plans for the transitional care of the patient, making the care both safe and of excellent quality outside of the hospital as well. “One of the first steps in partnering with another organization is looking at your existing staff and making sure their talents are being used to their highest ability,” Mrs. Lowe says. “In Rhonda, we saw clinical expertise and a passion for taking care of our patients. We knew placing her in that dual role would give our patients a real advocate for their safety and their care.” Mrs. Leegins says one of her first steps was to build on a culture of patient safety in the hospital. “Our culture has always been one of ‘patient first,’” she says. “We felt like we needed to even more firmly ingrain in our staff their safety in speaking up about patient safety to reduce risk to the patient.” Wilson Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission. As such, leadership is focused on meeting the 15 patient safety goals set forth this year by the Commission (see above), Mrs. Leegins says. For example, the first goal is to identify
the patient correctly. Mrs. Leegins says the staff identified an opportunity to better that process in working with outside health care agencies. Internally, the hospital’s policy is to ID patients by both name and date of birth. Now, the hospital follows the two-ID protocol with outside agencies as well. Hospital leadership also fine-tuned an existing Patient Safety & Clinical Quality Plan that included a higher level of teamwork between physicians, the hospital’s board and the staff, Mrs. Leegins says. “Communication is key in health care,” Mrs. Leegins says. “And our Os (CEO, COO, CNO and CFO) jump at the chance to go on executive patient safety rounds. They want to see firsthand the care we provide and hear firsthand from our front-line staff where we can improve.” “We are committed to using past success to create a path for future successes,” Mrs. Lowe says. “We see a bright, bright future for Wilson Medical Center and our community.”
Rhonda’s 30 years as a nurse include experience in medical/surgical oncology, critical care, IV therapy and in Cardiac cath. She and her husband Billy live in Kenly and have three daughters – 22-year-old Victoria, 15-year-old Elizabeth and 12-year-old Caroline. They enjoy the arts with a focus on dance, including ballet, clogging, jazz, lyrical and tap. March 2015
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Rhonda Leegins
Patient Safety Officer, Wilson Medical Center
New Health Care Providers in Wilson Wilson Medical Center welcomed new faces to its medical community Amjad Awan, M.D.
Wilson Gastroenterology 2605 Forest Hills Road SW 252-243-7977 Medical degree: Nishtar Medical College in Pakistan; Residency: Internal Medicine, New Hanover Regional Medical Center; Fellowship: Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque; Accredited training: Gastrointestinal and biliary surgery at Royal College of Surgeons of England Dr. Awan is board certified in gastroenterology.
Eduardo Borja, M.D.
Vidant Medical Group at Wilson Medical Center 1705 Tarboro Street SW 252-399-8040 Medical degree: Universidad La Salle in Mexico City; Internship/Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Miami; Fellowship: Critical Care Medicine, University of Miami. Dr. Borja is board certified in critical care and internal medicine.
Shannon Drohan, M.D.
Caitlin Moyer, PA-C
Eduardo Marsigli, M.D.
Karyl Noonan, PA-C
Eastern Carolina Pediatrics 1702 Medical Park Drive 252-243-7944 Medical degree: Wake Forest University School of Medicine; Internship/Residency: Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston Dr. Drohan is board certified in pediatrics.
Nash Orthopedics 220 Nash Medical Arts Mall 252-937-4323 Medical degree: University of Buenos Aires in Argentina; Internship: Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ; Residency: Surgery, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ and Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago; Fellowship: Hand Surgery, North Western University in Chicago Pediatric Orthopedics at Hospital for Sick Children in Ontario. Dr. Marsigli is board certified in orthopedic surgery.
Wilson Pulmonary Associates 1700 Tarboro Street, Suite 103 252-399-5308 Education: Georgia Regents University in Augusta
Wilson New Hope Primary Care 4845 Nash Street NW, Suite A 252-243-0053 Education: East Carolina University
Not Pictured: Amanda Cannon, NP with Dr. Hal Woodall 24
March 2015
Kathryn Murphy, NP with Wilson Orthopedics, a division of Triangle Orthopaedic Associates
Linda King, NP with Dr. Keith Lerro
Wilson Medical Center Contact Info General Information & Switchboard 252-399-8040
centralized scheduling 252-399-8900 The Growing Tree 252-399-8438 Health Information/ Medical Records 252-399-8120 Hospice/Home Care of Wilson Medical Center 252-399-8924 Human Resources 252-399-8136
Wilson New Hope Primary Care Nadine Skinner, M.D., Karyl Noonan, PA-C 4845 nash st nw, suite a 252-243-0053
Wilson Pulmonary Associates Sayeed Hossain, M.D. Caitlin Moyer, PA-C 1700 Tarboro Street, Suite 103 252-399-5308
Oncology Nurse NavigaTOR 252-399-7470
REHAB SERVICES 252-399-8147
Outpatient Imaging Center 252-399-7430 Pastoral Care 252-399-8959 Patient Financial Services main number 252-399-8151 admitting office 252-399-8152
The Sleep Center 252-399-8894 Visitor Assistance 252-399-8107 Volunteer Services 252-399-8770
WilMed Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Center 252-399-8998 Wilson ENT & Sinus Center Ken Johnson, M.D. 1700 Tarboro St., Suite 100 252-399-5300 Wilson Gastroenterology Louis Antignano, M.D. Amjad Awan, M.D. 2605 Forest Hills Road 252-243-7977
Wilson Neurology Benjamin Thomas, M.D. Rick Guarino, M.D. 1700 Tarboro St., Suite 200 252-399-5306 Wilson Radiation Oncology 252-399-7400 Wilson Wound Healing Center 1701 Medical Park Drive, Wilson, N.C. 252-399-5302
March 2015
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Caring for Our Community
Wilson ENT & Sinus Center Ken Johnson, M.D. Wilson Gastroenterology Louis Antignano, M.D. Amjad Awan, M.D. Wilson Neurology Benjamin Thomas, M.D. Rick Guarino, M.D Wilson New Hope Primary Care Nadine Skinner, M.D. Karyl Noonan, PA-C Wilson Pulmonary Associates Sayeed Hossain, M.D. Caitlin Moyer, PA-C
Wilson Medical Center’s commitment to providing quality care and making the community healthier extends beyond what the hospital is today, says CEO Bill Caldwell. “Caring for our community is our mission,” Caldwell says. “That includes today and tomorrow and in the months and years to come.” He says a hospital-commissioned Physician Needs Assessment showed that eastern North Carolina needs more physicians - in almost all specialties - Wilson included. “The shortage here mirrors the shortage of physicians nationwide,” Caldwell says. Fighting a local battle against a shortage of physicians is not new for Wilson Medical Center. In the early 1990s, administrators realized the hospital needed to recruit physicians. They also heard from members of the community who expressed concern about a lack of medical care in Wilson County. Today, Wilson Medical Center has five hospitalbased physician practices: Wilson New Hope Primary Care, Wilson Gastroenterology, Wilson Neurology, Wilson ENT & Sinus Center and Wilson Pulmonary Associates. The hospital also employs an infectious disease physician. “Duke LifePoint (DLP) really made a commitment to the community when partnering with Wilson Medical Center,” Caldwell says. “Our commitment is strong; we have a recruiter on staff in addition to taking advantage of our DLP partnership.” “The physicians in our existing practices are a solid foundation to build on as we seek more physicians,” says Marketing & Development Director and Physician Recruiter Lisa Briley. “We’re going to keep growing.” “As a hospital, we made a promise to the people of Wilson: quality care close to home,” Caldwell says. “We’re going to fulfill that promise by continuing to bring physicians here, continuing to bring needed specialties here. “We’re going to keep that promise by giving people access to quality care every day,” Caldwell says.
Dr. Talks Wilson Medical Center offers dr. talks as a free educational forum for the public. Dr. talks is held at 7 p.m. in the Wilson Medical Center auditorium. For more information or to register, call Marketing & Development Assistant Sue Barnes at 252-399-8478.
March
Amjad Awan, M.D.
Wilson Gastroenterology Amjad Awan, M.D. 2605 Forest Hills Road SW 252-243-7977
April
Sam Cohen, M.D.
Eastern Carolina ENT Sam Cohen, M.D. 2801-A Wooten Boulevard 252-291-2525
May
Will Bynum, M.D.
The practice of Will Bynum, M.D. 2402 Camden Street, Suite 700 252-293-9898
September
Cassandra Moore, M.D.
Southeastern Medical Oncology Center Cassandra Moore, M.D. 2817 Wooten Boulevard 252-293-0777
Blood Drives Wilson Medical Center is a blood drive site for The American Red Cross. Blood drives are held in the auditorium from Noon to 6 p.m. To pre-register or for more information, call Marketing & Development Assistant Sue Barnes at 252-399-8478.
March 18 May 13 July 15 September 16 November 18 March 2015
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March 2015
Representative Susan Martin Susan Martin is beginning her second term representing Wilson and Pitt counties in the North Carolina House of Representatives. She is motivated by a sincere desire to make a difference for our families and impact the direction of our state. Susan’s experience in the private sector taught her firsthand that budget decisions are not always easy, especially when big government regulations and burdensome taxes get in the way of job creation. Before choosing to stay at home to raise her children, Susan earned an MBA from the University of Richmond and worked for twelve years at IBM. There she worked with clients as large as Philip Morris and as small as a few employees. She received numerous awards and recognition as one of the first Certified Sales Specialists in her area. Growing up Susan learned hard work from the example of her father, who worked his way up from apprentice mechanic to VP of Operations, and the value of an education from her mother who went back to community college to earn a nursing degree. She married her husband Lew in 1992 and helped support her family during his medical training. Lew joined Wilson Orthopedic Surgery & Neurology in 2005, specializing in Shoulder and Knee Surgery and other Sports Medicine. Before deciding to run for office Susan devoted much of her time serving locally, particularly in the public school system where her two teenage daughters attended. She served as Vice President of the Toisnot Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). She has volunteered in the classroom and school office be-
cause she believes strongly that parents, teachers, and administrators should strive together as a team for the success of students. Susan currently serves on the Board of Wilson Education Partnership and on the Eastern NC School for the Deaf Regional Advisory Committee. You can’t get to know Susan without learning about her faith. It’s central to her life, drives her commitment to her family and her community, and affects every decision she makes. She has a track record of service to God and her community. A longtime member of Bible Study Fellowship, Susan has served at First United Methodist Church of Wilson on the Church Council, Evangelism Committee, and United Methodist Women. She’s led women’s Bible studies, taught adult Sunday School, and served as President of Interactive Faith Circle. She worked with her daughters to establish a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle at Toisnot and continues to support the FCA ministry. She is currently a member of Peace Church. “The citizens of the Wilson area are good, hard-working people. Serving them is an honor and a pleasure, because they are fair-minded people who don’t play political games. We work together, regardless of political party, to improve our area. In so many different endeavors, our community partners together to make a difference for the needy and for all who live here. That’s what’s most enjoyable about serving — seeing how much our community cares for each other.” March 2015
Susan Martin Representative of District 8, North Carolina House of Representatives
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Wilson Police Department Wilson Police Department Headquarters 120 N. Goldsboro St. | Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Main Phone: 252-399-2323 Main Fax: 252-399-2346 Central District- Five Points 1001 Goldsboro St. | Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 252-296-3099 North DistrictMon – Fri, 8 am. – 5 p.m. 252-399-2319 South District- Hwy 301 N 700 N. Ward Blvd. | Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 252-399-1358 WPD Crime Stoppers 252-243-2255 Drug Hotline 252-293-5333
Gang Hotline 252-296-3359
Wilson Fire Department and Rescue Services Fire Station #1 307 W Hines Street 252-399-2845
Fire Station #4 109 Forest Hills Rd 252-399-2897
Fire Station #2 1807 Forest Hills Rd 252-399-2895
Fire Station #5 3530 Airport Blvd 252-399-2898
Fire Station #3 6111 Ward Blvd 252-399-2896
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March 2015
Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Calvin L. Woodard, Jr. 100 E Green St. Wilson 252-237-2118 Wilson County Animal Enforcement Lt. Todd O’Neal 4001 Airport Rd. Wilson 252-265-5971 Wilson County Detention Center 100 E Green St. Wilson 252-237-2522
Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Substations:
Saratoga Sgt. Jeremy Renfrow 6902 US Alt 264 East Saratoga 252-237-2118 Lucama Sgt. Trent Howell 111 Main St., Lucama 252-237-2118
Sims Sgt. AJ O’Briant 6402 US Alt 264 West, Sims 252-237-2118 Elm City Sgt. Steven Boswell 115 Railroad St., Elm City 252-237-2118
City of Wilson Quick Reference Numbers www.WilsonNC.org For all emergencies , dial 911 All Billing Questions 252-399-2200
Parks & Rec programs 252-399-2261
Appliance, debris or limb pickup 252-399-2485
Planning services 252-399-2219
Business/privilege license 252-399-2762 Dead animals in road 252-399-2485 Fire, non-emergency 252-399-2880 Greenlight customer/ tech. service 252-399-2200 Jobs hotline 252-399-2246 Landlord/tenant disputes 252-399-2308
Police, non-emergency 252-399-2323 Pothole/street/sidewalk 252-399-2480 Street light outage 252-399-2424
County of Wilson 252-399-2803 Parks & Recreation 252-399-2261 (administration) Wilson Chamber of Commerce 252-237-0165
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation 252-399-2228 Wilson Economic Development Council 252-237-1115 Wilson Visitors Bureau 252-243-8440
Wilson County Public Library 252-237-5355
Getting Around Wilson
Stormdrain clogged up 252-296-3413 or 296-3403
Amtrak 800-872-7245
Enterprise 252-246-0003
Tall grass/rundown houses 252-399-2219 or 399-2220
Blue Star Cab Company 252-237-1134
Greyhound & Trailways 252-243-3279
Budget Car and Truck Rental 252-234-1634
Rocky Mt/ Wilson Airport 252-446-7057
Volunteer for city boards or commissions 252-399-2302
Missed garbage pickup 252-399-2485
Water/sewer lead, break or backup 252-296-3403
Missing signs 252-399-2467
Wilson Energy outage 252-399-2424
Parade/food vendor permits 252-399-2323
Other City & County Numbers
Safety Cab Company 291-7749 Wilson Transit System 252-291-2850
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