GrandRounds Senior Scam Topic of Presentation by Expert Gary Cordell at Appalachian Christian Village
JOHNSON CITY—To raise awareness of the national senior scam issue, Appalachian Christian Village, one of the first established Continuing Care Retirement Communities in East Tennessee, recently presented “Hands Up, Scam Artist” with Gary Cordell, Director of Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division. During the event, greater Tri-Cities area seniors and caregivers were educated on how to protect their finances by avoiding fraud, theft and scams. During the educational seminar, Cordell explained the importance of understanding how fraud such as identity theft, credit card fraud and fake lottery winnings occur. Additionally, he informed the attendees that seniors are targeted due to their potential money savings, good-hearted nature and their presence at home during the day. Cordell also educated attendees about how to be a smart consumer in 2013 by providing an outline of when and how to check their credit card reports, make smart investment choices, purchase their next car and avoid telemarketing scams. Additionally, he distributed an informative packet that included preventative steps and tips to avoid scam and becoming a victim. Attendees also received a calendar in the packet that provides monthly reminders on how to control and monitor finances.
Local physician receives Servant’s Heart Award from Mountain States Health Alliance
JOHNSON CITY – Dr. Melinda Lucas of Niswonger Children’s Hospital was one of five physicians from around the region this year to receive Mountain States Health Alliance’s (MSHA) highest honor – the Servant’s Heart Award, recognizing those who Dr. Melinda exemplify what it means Lucas to be a caregiver. She was nominated by co-workers and chosen by the MSHA executive team for the award. Lucas is often found working late hours in the pediatric intensive care unit, ensuring that each of her patients receives the highest quality of care possible. As a nomination letter stated, “Dr. Lucas puts the work of caring for families and children above anything else she does.” Lucas gives her time freely to the pursuit of quality care and education. She has also built a strong relationship with the Niswonger staff, including the volunteers who give their time in the hospital. Lucas always strives to make others feel appreciated. Each year during nurse’s week, she plans a picnic for the pediatric floor staff, setting aside a special time to celebrate her co-workers. She is also a strong supporter of familycentered rounds, during which she visits each patient on the floor to establish relationships with family members in order to best communicate the plans of care needed. The four other 2013 awards in the medical staff category were bestowed
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upon Dr. Douglas Pote of Glade Spring (Va.) Community Clinic, Dr. Damian Sooklal of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va., Dr. Alfredo Cervantes of Clearview Psychiatric Unit at Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon, Va., and Dr. Thomas Renfro of Thomas E. Renfro Community Clinic in Coeburn, Va. Each doctor will receive a crystal trophy, framed certificate and $1,000 donated to the charity of their choice.
Laura Phillips White Joins Takoma Foundation Board
GREENEVILLE – Laura Phillips White has joined Takoma Regional Hospital’s Foundation board of directors. She currently serves as superintendent of the Greeneville Water Commission. White received her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in environmental health from East Tennessee State University. Since graduating, she has worked as a water treatment operator for the City of Johnson City, and an environmental specialist and regulator for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in the water supply division. She also was superintendent of the City of Kingsport’s water treatment plant.
Bristol Regional Leadership Changes to Provide New Opportunities, Continue Tradition of Strength
BRISTOL – Bristol Regional Medical Center is making administrative changes that will build on the hospital’s tradition of success and provide leaders with new opportunities to enhance quality of care. Terry Eads, who has successfully guided Bristol Regional’s quality, accreditation and risk management initiatives, has been named to a similar role at Wellmont Health System. Eads will now serve as Wellmont’s director of quality, safety and acTerry Eads creditation. She will provide strategic direction in the development and measurement of the system’s accreditation processes. She will also develop a comprehensive medical safety program to enhance the safety of patients, visitors and Wellmont co-workers. Eads worked for Bristol Regional since 1990 in multiple risk management roles before being named director of quality, accreditation and risk management in 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in safety engineering from Kennedy Western University and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business administration from King College. Replacing Eads will be Penny Miller. Miller will be responsible for hospitalwide quality improvement projects, core data collection and reporting, accreditation requirements and Penny Miller risk management duties. She will also oversee the hospital’s quality, stroke and risk management programs. In another revision, Tim Anderson will now serve as Bristol Regional’s vice
president of patient care services and oversee all nursing care. Early in his career, Anderson worked as a nurse and nurse case manager at Bristol Regional. He reTim Anderson turned to Bristol Regional in 2011 to serve as director of acute care services. Anderson has a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Old Dominion University and a Master’s degree in education from Virginia Tech.
Pelle Named Interim President of Community Hospital Division, Neal to Serve at Bristol Regional
KINGSPORT – Fred Pelle, a veteran healthcare executive with extensive experience at Wellmont Health System, has been named interim president of its community hospital division, effective May 1. Pelle will serve as the president of Mountain View Regional Medical Center, Lee Regional Medical Center and Lonesome Pine Hospital in Virginia and Hawkins County Memorial Hospital and Hancock County Hospital in Tennessee. He has been chief operating officer of the community hospital division since July. He was a Wellmont co-worker from 2002-2011, including several years as president of Hawkins County Memorial and Hancock County, before leaving to serve as president of a hospital in Kentucky. Pelle’s appointment by Denny DeNarvaez, Wellmont’s president and CEO, is a result of Greg Neal being selected as interim president of Bristol Regional Medical Center. Neal is succeeding Bart Hove, who is resigning, effective May 1, for health reasons. Since he rejoined Wellmont, Pelle has been a key figure in standardizing and coordinating care in the community hospitals.
Teresa Harper, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Joins Wellmont Medical Associates’ Rogersville Practice
ROGERSVILLE – Wellmont Medical Associates has expanded mental health services in Hawkins County. Teresa Harper, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 25 years of experience, has joined Wellmont Medical Associates in Rogersville. Harper will work alongside Dr. Liliana Murillo, a board-certified in- Teresa Harper ternist who provides both physical and psychiatric care for patients. Together with Murillo, Harper will provide evaluations and therapeutic interventions for patients with anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Harper will also help patients obtain nonmedical resources so they can adapt to living with a mental health disorder. Harper has an undergraduate degree from Tusculum College, a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a candidate for a doctorate in behavioral health from Arizona State University.
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