Under a new agreement they will together create opportunities for young physicians and improve health care for patients throughout the region as the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine begins working in collaboration with SoutheastHEALTH.
"We are pleased to work with The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine," said Ken Bateman, president and CEO of SoutheastHEALTH. "Bringing our two entities together marries the value our community hospital offers with the innovation and excellence only a world-class university can provide.”
Washington University School of Medicine's cardiothoracic division is a leading international cardiothoracic (heart, lungs and chest) surgery program. Established in the 1930s, it was one of the earliest programs of its kind. Today, the division provides care and research in four specialties — adult cardiac surgery, adult general thoracic surgery, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and cardiothoracic critical care — and is dedicated to training future generations of cardiothoracic surgeons.
The new collaboration represents the latest positive chapter in SoutheastHEALTH's impressive comeback story. Just two years ago, the organization faced significant financial challenges. Since Bateman joined the organization in late 2014, his leadership has brought the organization out of the red and into a position where it is well poised to seek opportunities for growth.
Bateman said he's eager to explore the many ways the ideas developed by experts at the Cardiothoracic Division can improve patients' experiences and outcomes at SoutheastHEALTH.
"We're always asking ourselves how we can improve quality, increase patient satisfaction and optimize the value proposition we can offer our patients," said Bateman. "This agreement, and the experience and energy the university's faculty and students will bring to bear, is an exciting way we can do exactly that."
Southeast Medical Group’s Medical Director, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Paul D. Robison, MD, and Ralph J. Damiano Jr., MD, Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, will lead the clinical collaboration efforts focused on providing southeast Missouri patients leading-edge medical treatments, research and access to clinical trials. Robison aspired to develop an affiliation of this nature since joining Southeast in July 2013.
“By design, this collaboration will enhance the level of interventional heart care by bringing evidence-based innovations in surgical techniques and treatment options for our critically ill heart patients,” said Robison. “Dr. Damiano has been a valued collaborator of mine for years and I’m pleased to bring this relationship and collaboration together for the benefit of SoutheastHEALTH and those we serve.”
Dexter, Missouri - The SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County Auxiliary will host its annual St. Valentine's Day Volunteer Drive.
On Tuesday, February 14th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Employees' Lounge inside the Southeast HEALTH Center the Auxiliary members will gladly take your Membership Due of $5.00. there will also be DOOR PRIZES!!
"The purpose of the Auxiliary is service to SoutheastHEALTH and support of its mission through donation of time, talents, expertise, monetary gifts, assistance with volunteer recruitment, and participation in community outreach to promote good health and good will."
Throughout the year, the Auxiliary hosts numerous fund-raising events.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Join SoutheastHEALTH for this free, informative seminar as they discuss strategies for beginning the process of health improvement and weight management on Monday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at HealthPoint Plaza, 2126 Independence in Cape.
Nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification will be discussed and you will receive details about the options HealthPoint Fitness offers to assist with this challenging effort.
You will learn how their individualized approach evaluates your current fitness level, personal goals and medical issues before recommending any weight loss or fitness program.
The program includes: Starting Point and Biometrics Weight Loss Programs; Nutritional Coaching; Personal Training; and more.
Register online at SEhealth.org/classes-events or call 573-986-4440.
Dexter, Missouri - February is National Heart Month! Throughout the month of February, SoutheastHEALTH will feature articles about Heart Health. They are sponsoring 28 days of heart health with heart healthy tips, facts and events.
Click HERE for more details and to go to their website.
Research has proven that participants in cardiac rehab programs have 25% reduction in risk of recurrent heart attack.
Cardiac Rehab is a monitored program, prescribed by a physician, which helps individuals achieve heart healthy lifestyles through exercise training, nutrition education and risk factor modification.
Southeast's program was awarded Certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - one of just three programs in the region to attain this certification.
Phases of Cardiac Rehab
PHASE I
The initial phase of Cardiac Rehab begins during the time a patient is hospitalized, recovering from a heart-related problem or surgery.
PHASE II
The second phase of the program includes a 12-week monitored exercise program and educational sessions on topics such as cardiac risk factors, stress management and healthy eating. On an outpatient basis, patients attend exercise sessions one to three times per week, using treadmills, arm ergometers, stationary bicycles, seated steppers and weights. Exercise is done under the supervision of RNs and an exercise physiologist who help them attain cardiovascular fitness.
PHASE III
This phase is a continuation of Phase II activities but patients do not wear a cardiac monitor. This phase is also self-paid.
Cardiac Rehab may be appropriate for any individual who recently experienced:
- Heart attack
- Cardiac stenting
- Stable angina that is being treated medically
- Open heart surgery (coronary artery bypass graft)
- Valve surgery
- Congestive heart failure
- Angina equivalent dyspnea
In most cases, yes. With a qualifying diagnosis and physician prescription, most health insurance companies will cover Cardiac Rehabilitation. Ask your physician for a prescription to Cardiac Rehabilitation. Then call 573-331-7950 to set up an appointment.
Unlike most fitness facilities, Southeast’s Cardiac Rehab program follows specific guidelines for exercise in keeping with the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
The staff includes registered nurses, an exercise physiologist, respiratory therapist and registered dietitian. Regular reports are sent to your physician for his or her review. The program also includes:
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ECG and blood pressure monitoring
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Individualized exercise programming to meet specific needs of each participant
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Individualized risk factor modification and education
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Exercise sessions in a small group setting with others who have experienced similar health issues
Dexter, Missouri - On February 3, honor the path that female doctors have paved since 1849 as we recognize National Women Physicians Day.
This day marks the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849. Dr. Blackwell initiated the movement that helped women gain entry and equality in the field of medicine.
National Women Physicians Day celebrates the courage of Elizabeth Blackwell and the accomplishments of female physicians everywhere. At the same time, the day strives to bring improvements to the workplace for the growing number of women physicians entering the field of medicine.
While the number of women doctors gradually increased in the last two decades, 2016 statistics show 35% of physicians are women. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year revealed that women doctors earn on average 8% less than their male counterparts. That discrepancy along with nearly a third of women physicians reporting sexual harassment in the workplace and large majority experiencing gender bias. Clearly, there is still work to be done.
National Women Physicians Day recognizes not only the strides that have been made by generations of women doctors but that a balance must be struck that allows women to succeed professionally while balancing family. Join National Women Physicians Day in celebrating these accomplishments and supporting women physicians as collegues, friends, family and doctors.
HOW TO OBSERVE
On February 3rd we are asking not only the medical community, but also our larger community of patients, families, and the public to celebrate National Women Physicians Day in hospitals and clinics, medical schools and on social media. This is an exciting time for medicine as we are connecting virtually and creating a collective voice that can be used to create positive changes for physicians and patients alike. Use #IAMBLACKWELL, #WomensDocsInspire and #NWPD to share on social media.
Shown in the photo are two of SoutheastHEALTH in Dexter finest female doctors Jennifer Sellman and Cheryll Rich.
Photo by Amy Ellinghouse, SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County.
