5 minute read
Cherokee Medical Center
by adigeorgia
Advertisement
of Service Decades
It is exciting that so many of the professionals who work here are natives, returning to the area after residencies and college. Although they each have their own histories, one common thread unites their thinking. They like the service they can provide and are happy to live here. Some of the medical and administrative staff have been here for decades.
35 YEARS 34 YEARS 19 YEARS
Brian Perry, MD Family Practice, Board Certified Brian Perry, MD
Dr. Perry is a Centre native, and has been in practice here since 1982. After attending medical school at UAB in 1979, he completed his residency in Family Practice in Huntsville. He is also certified by the FAA as a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, performing FAA flight physicals including Class 1 physicals. Dr. Perry is also a medical review officer of the American Association of Medical Review Officers, overseeing services in alcohol and drug testing for area businesses.
He was voted by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America from 2001-2013, a national recognition received by only the top 5% of physicians in each specialty.
Sheli is a native of Cherokee County, growing up in Sand Rock, Alabama. She received her degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. After becoming a registered nurse, Sheli completed her advanced training (which is a minimum of a master’s degree) in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions and chronic illnesses. Her job is to collaborate with the physician while focusing on the condition of the patient. Among the many duties she performs, Sheli obtains medical histories, helps educate patients on self-care and treatment options, and monitors chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. She conducts patient research and is often active in patient advocacy activities. “We see patients of all ages, with many types of illnesses and conditions. “I am glad t o be here to help. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Sheli Gilbreath, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner Bryon L. Nelson, MD
Cherokee Health Clinic Internal Medicine, Cardiology An Alabama native, Dr. Nelson came to Cherokee Health Clinic in 1983. He graduated with honors from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1980, and performed his residency at Medical University of South Carolina. Board certified, Dr. Nelson also serves as the medical director of the Cherokee County Health and Rehab center in Centre, and believes that Cherokee Medical Center is a major asset to the area. “An important change we have experienced,” he says, “has been with the transition to electronic medical records, this speeds things along when timing is vital.” When a patient first meets one of the Cherokee County Medical nurses, they are usually pleased to discover it is someone they know. Many of those on the nursing staff have received their medical training and degrees in highly respected Alabama colleges. In turn, many of our nurses were happy to return home, to enjoy the benefits of living and working in the beautiful environment of Cherokee County, home, friends and family. Each nurse is qualified, certified and above all else is a caring professional, with your health and well-being always on the forefront. Bryon L. Nelson, MD
Becky Smith, RN Registered Nurse Becky Smith, RN Registered Nurse
Becky Smith fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse when she joined CMC over 45 years ago. She began in the Medical Surgical department and after 10 years moved to the Emergency Room, where she has worked since 1983.
She credits the longevity of her nursing career to the small town feel of their ER. “Here we get to treat a little bit of everything,” says Becky. “Over the years I have had the opportunity to care for many, many families of Cherokee County. Becoming a nurse and joining the staff of Cherokee Medical Center was the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Vickie Garmon, RN Registered Nurse
Vickie has had the opportunity to work in every medical department in the hospital over her career with Cherokee Medical Center. Through many changes in staffing and leadership, Vickie has remained steadfast.
“I have given many years of my life to working at our hospital, because I feel so fortunate to be able to care for ‘my people’ – the people of Cherokee County. It is my service to my community and the people who live here.” Vickie has been offered jobs at many nearby hospitals, but has rejected them all. “I have never considered any offers, as I know where I should be – here at CMC.”
44 YEARS 43 YEARS 25 YEARS
Ann Martin Financial Counselor Ann Martin
Ann has seen much change and growth over the years. She has worked in essential departments such as admitting, accounts payable, Insurance, and as cashier. What she loves most about the hospital she says is that “we take excellent care of our patients. Being in a small town, we can give much more personal attention and service. The patients know how much we care about them.”
Cathy Oliver Rehab Secretary Cathy has been the secretary of the Rehabilitation department for 43 years. She shares; “Employees are like a family and patients are friends and family also – so we want to make sure they receive the best care possible. We care about what they are going through and the patients would be amazed at the impact they have on us as employees.”
Jeff Grimes Facility Care
Jeff maintains the hospital facilities and, “fixes whatever needs to be fixed.” He completes work orders that are turned in from various areas of the hospital and staff. The most important change he has witnessed in the last 25 years is the impact of technology. “The change is amazing. When I first came here, we were dispatched by pagers, now everything come directly to our smart phones.”
