The Pulse

MY HOSPITAL | MY NEWSI S S U E 6 | J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

PRESIDENT/CEOA M E S S AG E F R O M T H E I N T E R I M

Our winter season is here – and once again, our dedicated team of physicians, employees and volunteers continue to demonstrate an extraordinary ability to collaborate and do whatever is needed

to care for patients. You are working harder than ever before and your hard work is greatly appreciated. We recognize that exceptional service is not based on working more, but lies in our ability to find better and more efficient ways to get things done. Just imagine the benefits to our teams and quality of care we can provide if we work together to eliminate tasks that do not add value to our efforts. Over the past year, many departments have collaborated on special initiatives to help improve processes throughout the continuum of care – this includes the Ortho Tiger Team, who evaluated the entire orthopedic patient experience to determine ways to minimize cost while maximizing quality care for our patients. The same can be seen through the Rapid Admissions and Discharge Teams, who proactively assisted in revising the ways in which our patients are admitted and discharged; and through the 2 West Observation Tiger Team, who successfully reduced the admission documentation time for our registered nurses to approximately 40 minutes – which was originally 79-87 minutes. It is projected that the growth of our community continues on a much faster pace than other metropolitan areas. To give us the capacity to care for the ever-increasing patient volumes, we must improve our processes to decrease the workload of our staff while reducing the patient length of stay and improving patient satisfaction. I have had multiple suggestions from our clinical staff on how we can do this. Now is the time to implement these strategies – this is absolutely the direction we must go. What we have here in Yuma is special – we really are positioned to be the best. I came to Yuma Regional Medical Center in 2011 from the Phoenix area. When my friends in Phoenix ask me why I chose Yuma, I answer

with great pride – “Because of the people.” Our remote location and the resourcefulness of our community are invaluable. We are a collaborative community hospital that is dedicated to serving patients and families and this is what will make us successful. We have what it takes to be not just the only hospital, but the best hospital system for our community members. The journey toward this vision of success starts now, and it starts with you.

I am asking each of you to challenge yourself each day – to improve quality, service and cost by working smarter, not harder. In the coming weeks we will be hosting an event in the cafeteria to share more about our future plans. I invite you to attend and share your ideas, speak with leaders and ask questions. We look forward to your active participation!

Sincerely,Camie Overton

Interim, President & CEOYuma Regional Medical Center

When my friends in Phoenix ask me why I chose Yuma, I answer with great pride –

“Because of the people.”

In January we shared our seven “Strategic Imperatives.”These are what we must focus on in order to continue our path of growth and improvement as we transition to a hospital system. Navigating our way to success requires the effort of every employee, physician and volunteer. Our Accelerate Waste Reduction imperative encourages us “to evaluate everyday processes and implement efficiencies that result in improved quality, with less effort and resources.” I would like to focus on what this means and why it is important. Accelerate Waste Reduction

Objective: To evaluate everyday processes and implement efficiencies that result in improved quality, with less effort / resources.

OUR WAY TO SUCCESS N AV I G A T I N G

PRESIDENT/CEO CONTENTS

HOW TO REACH US

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EDITORIAL BOARDJenn Lotz, Corporate Communication Specialist, Pulse EditorMachele Headington, Vice President, Marketing & CommunicationsTeri Norris, Director of Talent ManagementJennifer Stanton, Director of Pediatrics/Women’s/NICUAlex Wade, Director of Compensation & BenefitsLaura Wisniewski, HR ConsultantAhmanielle Hall, Digital Marketing SpecialistSerena Holthaus, Fund Development SpecialistTonia Ensunsa, Physician Relations Specialist Ron Hayes, Art Director/Designer

The Pulse is published by Yuma Regional Medical Center’s Community Relations department, 2400 S. Ave. A Yuma, AZ 85364, www.yumaregional.org, 928-344-2000The Pulse feedback and story ideas: Jenn Lotz, Community Relations, [email protected]

Our Mission: The mission of YRMC is to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families and the communities we serve through excellence, innovation and prudent use of resources.

Our Vision: YRMC will be recognized as the model regional medical center. We will work collaboratively to evolve the best system of integrated healthcare in our service area.

Our Primary Value: Patients Come First

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TEAM YRMC Outpatient Services

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTShawn Williams, Medical Physicist

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTRichard & Carol Moore, YRMC Warehouse

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHTJon Karroll, M.D., Emergency Department

CLINICAL TRIALSThe Importance of Bringing Clinical Trials to our Community

GETTING TO KNOWHighlighting the Accomplishments of our YRMC Family

IN MEMORIAMRemembering Dr. David Haynes

AWARDS, HONORS & RETIREMENTS Congratulations to our Employees

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY 2015 Scholarship Opportunities

http://www.yumaregional.org

mailto:[email protected]

4 | YUMA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER THE PULSE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

TEAM YRMCYUMA REGIONAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES

In November 2014, Yuma Regional Outpatient Services finally found a home. Since the program’s inception approximately 25 years ago, this critical component of patient care moved locations throughout

the hospital on average every two years. “I’ve been in this department for 17 years and we’ve lapped the hospital three times,” said Liz Jones, Outpatient Services Resource Coordinator. “We have been in the ICU, on all the floors, where the endoscopy unit is and in the original Parkview area.” Although their location may have changed, what has remained over the years is the department’s commitment to putting patients first – a success that is measured through consistently high patient satisfaction scores, lack of departmental turnover and tokens of appreciation from patients and families. “We have even received wedding invitations,” said Jones.

Describing YRMC Outpatient Services in a few words is a difficult task, considering the number of responsibilities the department maintains on a daily basis. “We take care on average about 50 patients a day – more in the winter time – and we care for infants through the elderly,” said Jones. “We also work with the entire community of physicians from pediatricians to rheumatologists and oncologists. It’s hard to put into a nutshell what we do because it’s a whole gamut of things.”

Jones says a large number of Outpatient Services patients visit them for infusions, but they also assist with treatment following chemotherapy and blood transfusions. As certified by the FDA, Outpatient Services and the YRMC Pharmacy are also permitted to administer selective medications, including Tysabri, which is given to patients with multiple sclerosis. She says the team often works with those battling chronic diseases, and that treatments are customized for patients. “Patients are here a lot – some every month, every week,” said Jones. “Some patients are here twice a day, and in six, seven or eight weeks, you really get to know families.”

When Yuma Regional Cancer Center moved to its new location in July of 2014, it was time for Outpatient Services to settle in what would be their permanent location. “When we had the opportunity to move here, I met with Camie Overton and the rest of our administration,” said Jones. “I can honestly say we had 100 percent input into this department and the design of the new building. I met with the architect, I worked with the construction workers – I even have my own hardhat and glasses. It’s been an awesome experience for me. As a nurse, I can honestly say that there are not many hospitals that would say, ‘What do you need? What do your nurses want?’”

The new area is spacious with ample parking, private and semi-private infusion rooms and larger bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs. “We wanted to be accessible and we wanted to be away from the hospital,” explained Jones. “A lot of our patients spend so much time in a hospital that it’s nice if you’re in outpatient not to go into the hospital.”

While she is thankful for the new Outpatient Services building and space, Jones acknowledges that it is not the building that shapes patient trust, noting that even when they were located in the oldest portions of the hospital, the department never received patient complaints. “I’ve realized that it’s not the environment you work in – it’s nice to have modern – but that’s not necessarily what patients want,” said Jones. “What they want to know is that they can trust that you are taking care of them. It’s overwhelming to be in a hospital if you’ve never been a patient. Just think of the lingo we use with each other. We need to meet them where they are, be kind to them and explain things to them.”

Yuma Regional Outpatient Services consists of six, full-time registered nurses, one seasonal nurse and two support staff. The six full-time nurses have worked a combined 105 years at Yuma Regional Medical Center, a true testament to the department’s commitment to our hospital and community. The success of the department is also demonstrated in their consistent HCAHPS scores:

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105104

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EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR

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2014 Target

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OVERALL TEAMWORK BETWEEN DOCTORS, NURSES & STAFF

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 | YUMA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER THE PULSE | 5

INTERVIEWE M P L O Y E E

SHAWN WILLIAMSMEDICAL PHYSICIST Yuma Regional Cancer Center

“Shawn is the heart of the radiation therapy department. He is an exemplary employee

because he leads by example. Shawn cultivates an atmosphere of growth and achievement. Because of

him, we strive to be better and to be the best.”

Alex Summers, Radiation TherapistYuma Regional Cancer Center

Explain your role as a medical physicist. I am in charge of quality assurance programs at the Cancer Center. Physicists by nature try to minimize error. We take a look at systemic errors and random errors so we can accurately focus on the tumor in the patient. Our team consists of a nurse, an Medical Assistant, a radiation oncologist, dosimestrists and therapists. A CT tech takes a computerized tomography of the patient which is sent to the dosimetrist who then uses the program that I’ve written. The dosimetrist then identifies organs that may be at risk. They then ask me if this is an acceptable plan before they show it to the radiation oncologist. He has the ultimate word in the process. On a weekly basis, the radiation oncologist meets with the patient to monitor their toxicity and gauge how they are feeling. If they are feeling bad, he can then prescribe medications.

What was your path to becoming a medical physicist?I first started out with NASA as a trajectory physicist. Say you are going to put satellite on Mercury. We go through all the calculations and figure out all the probabilities of getting the satellite out of our atmosphere. After that, I began working for the Department of Defense building nuclear weapons, but President Bill Clinton put a moratorium on that. I met with a friend who was a physicist in Phoenix and he suggested I become a medical physicist, so I went back to school and finished up some more education.

It’s pretty unique for a cancer center to have a full time medical physicist.It is kind of a unique situation – the interesting thing about it is that healthcare is changing. We are now able to understand more about genetics. There are a lot of specialties at Yuma Regional Cancer Center that are unique for a smaller town. Medical physicists are not usually at one facility full-time. Our Cancer Center and hospital understood that it was important to have a complete team of people to do a quality radiation oncology program. If you are going to have a program which is comparable to that of Mayo and U of A and Sharps, there is no way you can do that with a part-time medical physicist.

Where are you originally from and where did you attend school?I grew up in Idaho on a farm. My dad made me work for other people – a lot. I figured out what I did not want to do. I attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and picked up my physics degree. After I finished up my undergraduate, I attended Georgia Tech and then finished up my studies at Oregon State University.

What do you enjoy most about working at the Cancer Center?Everyone here is willing to put in the time to achieve great things. They are up for challenges. I enjoy the team camaraderie and the teamwork you feel here in this department.


INTERVIEWV O L U N T E E R

RICHARD & CAROL MOOREMATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Richard 2,010 hoursCarol 1,860 hours

“Richard and Carol are a vital part of Yuma Regional Medical Center and our Warehouse team. I look forward to seeing them every week

and listening to Richard’s stories. Overall, they are just caring people. They come to work early in the morning with the biggest smiles –

always wearing a smile really makes a difference to me personally and makes working at the warehouse that much better.”

Alberto “Jr.” Martinez, Warehouse Representative

Where is your hometown? How long have you been volunteering with YRMC?Prineville, OR. This will be our 11th year in Yuma.

What do you do when volunteering at YRMC?Carol: I work in Purchasing and I do the filing for the hospital – and that’s a lot of filing.

Richard: I work in the warehouse and we take care of all the empty boxes, cutting them up and putting them in the compactor. We open boxes so the guys who work in the warehouse can fill the orders. We are busy all the time!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Yuma Regional Medical Center?Carol: Well, it’s keeping my mind busy and helping me stay active. I was an accountant for 42 years so I have ways of filing the purchasing orders. There are a lot of numbers. You have to alphabetize all the time.

Richard: I enjoy being around people and Elizabeth Hammonds is the greatest!

Carol: Our kids thought that this would be nice, and I do believe it is. At the hospital in Oregon, the only opportunities for our volunteers are at the flower shop and gift shop, but I like working in the offices. You can do that here. I think it’s wonderful to volunteer and give back to the community.

Would you recommend that people volunteer here at YRMC?Carol: Oh yes! We have people ask us, “What do you do all the time?” And we say we volunteer two days a week. I think it’s very nice. I also spent three years in Outpatient Surgery.

How many children and grandchildren do you have and what do you enjoy doing when you’re not at YRMC?Carol: We have two children, a daughter and a son. We have five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, expecting the 11th one in March.

Richard: That will be their fourth boy! Our son works in Seattle and our daughter is in Prineville.

Carol: I like to quilt and doing knitting and crocheting. Some of the blankets I donate are given to children in the Emergency Department here when they have to fly to Phoenix for care.

Richard: I like to read and watch TV when there is a ballgame on.


INTERVIEW INTERVIEWP H Y S I C I A N

“Dr. Karroll takes time to listen to his patients as well as the family members. He also takes time to talk with staff, not just

on a physician/nurse level, but on a personal level. I asked one of the nurses today what they liked about Dr. Karroll.

She stated that he will sit down and listen to the patients – he doesn’t go in and mumble some terms and leave.”

Brad Hoops, RN, Emergency Department Resource Coordinator

JON KARROLL, M.D. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

20 years at Yuma Regional Medical Center

What do you enjoy most about being a physician in theEmergency Department?I enjoy the intellectual stimulation. YRMC is the only large hospital for two hours in any direction. Many of our patients arrive here undiagnosed with disease processes in advanced stages. We then have the challenge of making the diagnosis and arranging for appropriate care. When other physician offices are closed, we are here 24/7. I enjoy the people I work with – not only the physicians but the nurses and all the ancillary personnel. It’s a great group we have. The medical staff here is exceptional and it’s a good community.

I understand you worked a lot with our Medical Residents last year and you were recently awarded “Teacher of the Year in Emergency Medicine” at the Family & Community Medical Residency Awards Banquet. What did you enjoy most about working with the medical residents?I was really surprised to receive the award – I had no idea it was coming! They are a good group. We have stimulating discussions when they are down in the Emergency Department. They ask me things that make me really think about what I am doing and why I am doing it. It sounds kind of funny, but I probably learn more than they do.

What influenced your decision to become a physician?Medicine is a fascinating field and a unique way to work with people – I still feel that. Growing up in Southern California, I had studied classical piano and in college, I initially considered pursuing my piano studies. However, I found myself drawn to medicine. I liked the idea of combining the sciences with the art of medicine and that the role of the physician can extend beyond the examination room as patient advocate, teacher, and mentor. During my senior year of medical school I did electives in emergency medicine and family medicine and these were the two areas that were most interesting.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not in the Emergency Department?In addition to playing classical piano, I like to run and hang out with my family – my wife, Ann, and my sons, Jordan and Alex. Jordan is in college and Alex is a senior in high school.


Margaret Sutherland considers herself blessed. She is the recipient of cutting-edge medical technology to bring her relief from the leg discomfort she had suffered for years as a

result of peripheral arterial disease. And she didn’t even have to go out of town to undergo the procedure.

Sutherland is a participant in a clinical trial at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in a program that is bringing cutting-edge treatment options to local patients through research studies before the treatment is made available to the general public.

“I’m grateful these opportunities are available here,” Sutherland said. “Many people I know are tickled to be in Yuma where all these things are going on.” She continued, “It’s a new kind of stent … they’re watching to see how it’s going. I think the trial is great. And if I can help someone else, I’m all for it.”

That’s what YRMC’s clinical trial program is all about, said Debra Putt, who was hired a year and a half ago to start and coordinate the new program. The program grew out of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to provide the latest treatment options to its patients without having to send them out of town, explained Putt. Clinical trials are designed to test the effectiveness of new procedures, drugs and medical devices on patients. They are the final step in a long and expensive process from laboratory to market that can take up to 14 years and cost millions of dollars, Putt said.

“Everything that is on the market right now - all drugs, all devices - have all gone through a clinical trial,” Putt

said. “As clinical research opens new doors to finding ways to diagnose,

prevent, treat or cure diseases, clinical trial participation of volunteers is

essential to help us find the answers.”

A few years from now, new treatments on the market may well have been tested on Yuma patients, she noted. She also suggested that in the future, people will come to Yuma to participate in the studies that will be available here.

Launched in late 2013, YRMC’s clinical trials program today has nearly 70 patients and continues to grow with more patients and additional trials on the horizon. YRMC’s first cardiology clinical trial began in November 2013 with cardiologist Dr. Joseph Cardenas performing a balloon angioplasty procedure on a patient who suffered leg pain caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels. The medical device is identical to regular angioplasty balloons but is coated with a special medication. YRMC is the only medical facility in Arizona that was selected to participate in this clinical trial. The other cardiology study at YRMC is testing a new kind of stent – the stent that Sutherland received.

In addition to the cardiology clinical trials, YRMC’s research program also includes oncology studies, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Yang. There are treatment trials for advanced breast cancer and head and neck cancers using genetic information to determine treatment that is specific to the patient Another is a supportive care trial designed to test the effectiveness of a new treatment for depression in cancer patients and an observational trial for Polycythemia Vera.

Also ongoing at YRMC is a study that offers free risk screenings for relatives of people with type 1 diabetes, with Dr. Edward Paul and Peggy Hampton, RN who are the Principle Investigators. Those found to be at risk during the screening will be closely monitored, encouraged to make lifestyle changes before developing symptoms and be eligible to participate in future prevention studies.So far one person has tested positive.

Putt said she sees a potential for a variety of other research studies in Yuma, attributing the opportunities to the hospital’s progressiveness and the vision of its physicians.

“We will probably be in discussion with wound care trials,” she said. “There is such a need for that here. We have a huge wound clinic.”


She also would like to see work done with orthopedics. “There are a lot of orthopedic trials we can do. If there are doctors interested, we can make the trials successful.”

Putt acknowledged that there is still some reluctance by people to take part in clinical trials, noting that less than five percent of patients participate in research studies nationally, perhaps out of fear, distrust or lack of awareness. However, she said, today’s studies are closely regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and an institution review board. YRMC also has a stringent review process to ensure the studies are safe for participants.

Patients who participate in the trials do so voluntarily to seek the most advanced treatment options possible, Putt said. And often, as Sutherland noted, they take part out of a desire to help others even when they themselves may not benefit.

“Those brave people who participate in clinical trials,” Putt said, “I call them heroes.”

Pictured from left to right:Debra Putt, Clinical Research Coordinator

Yesenia Zambrano, Clinical Research AssociateMarcia McCarrell, Clinical Research Associate

The Clinical Trials team standswith the Cancer Center loom.

YUMA REGIONAL CANCER CENTER ANNOUNCES DR. GREGORY YANGAS MEDICAL DIRECTOR OFRESEARCH & OUTREACH

Yuma Regional Cancer Center and YRMC are pleased to announce Gregory Yang, M.D. as Director of Research & Outreach. Dr. Yang’s new role will have an expanded emphasis on clinical research, trials and outreach. Dr. Yang served as Medical Director of the Cancer Center since January 2012 and he was instrumental in working in collaboration with Dr. Peter Sullivan to make the Yuma Regional Cancer Center dream a reality. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Yang to his new role.


GETTING TO KNOW

In MemoriamDAVID HAYNES, M.D. It was with tremendous sadness that we learned of the death of Dr. David Haynes and his wife Lissa on November 28, 2014. Dr. Haynes grew up in San Diego, CA, and attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE. He completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. His career as an Emergency Room physician extended almost 20 years in the Yuma Regional Medical Center Emergency Department. During that time, he was notably recognized for his compassionate manner with patients and staff.

“We have lost an exceptional physician, colleague and friend – a man who dedicated his life career to caring for patients in our community,” said Phillip Richemont, M.D., Chair of YRMC Department of Emergency Medicine. “Dr. Haynes was an outstanding and dedicated physician, who genuinely cared for people. His compassion and kind nature is deeply missed.”

LIZ CHAVEZ-DAMMEYERExecutive Assistant Organizer and Representative, Special Olympics

Yuma native Liz Chavez-Dammeyer began working with the Special Olympics in 2011 when she registered her son Jacob as an athlete to participate in year-round sports. In 2013, she was asked by the Special Olympics River Area Director to join their council, representing Yuma Regional Medical Center as well as parent athletes. This was the first time the Yuma-area has had a local council. Recently, Liz was named Chair of the Council. On October 4, 2014, Yuma hosted the first annual Special Olympics Tri2Unify triathlon. “This community came together so quickly to support our athletes,” said Liz. The Council exceeded its goal of raising $25,000, which will be used to fund equipment, sports apparel and travel costs for the state competitions. Additionally, more than 40 people participated in the sprint triathlon, racing side-by-side with 20 Special Olympic athletes in the unified race. “I can recall a special moment when Dr. Peare finished his sprint triathlon and still had the energy and motivation to run/bike side by side with a Special Olympics athlete – amazing,” said Liz.

Liz describes her 11 year-old son Jacob as her inspiration. “He strives for the best and always does it with a smile,” she says. Jacob has conquered track and field, bocce ball and basketball. He recently brought home a bronze and gold medal at the Arizona state competition for Special Olympics Bocce Ball. “My role with Special Olympics has taught me that with compassion and inspiration a team can accomplish anything,” said Liz. “After seeing the Special Olympics athletes work so hard and feel so proud of their accomplishments, it brings humbleness to me as a person. This has made me a better person and I strive to pay it forward at YRMC.”

KATE MCCANN, MDIVSpiritual Care, Chaplain ResidentPublished Author

Originally from Weymouth, MA, Kate’s path to becoming a poet was through studying the craft of poetry through workshops in the early 1970s in and around Boston. Kate has two chapbooks (smaller collections) of poetry and two full-length collections published. Titles of her books include, “The Sea’s Rosary,” “The Small Hours,” “A Roof Gone to Sky” and “Barn Sour,” which was a finalist for the May Swenson Poetry Award, a prestigious honor in the poetry world. “What I love about writing is the working with the beauty of words, the concentrated effort to make something organic and lyrical out of a phrase or an idea,” says Kate. When asked what she enjoys most about working at YRMC, Kate said, “I enjoy the consulting, both with patients and staff members. I am amazed at the level of commitment people have. It is impressive work and I know it will stay with me wherever I go.”


AWARDS & HONORSW E L C O M E S

LEADERSHIP WELCOMES,PROMOTIONS AND DESIGNATIONS

Breanna Caraway, DirectorEmergency Department

YRMC is excited to announce that Breanna Caraway has accepted the position of Emergency Department Director. Breanna has worked for Yuma Regional Medical Center for 16 years, starting her nursing career on Med West in 2001 and transferring to the Emergency Department in 2003. She has

assisted the Emergency Department through various roles, including as Clinical Supervisor since 2012. In 2011, Breanna obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree from Grand Canyon University. She then continued her education and received her Master’s Degree in Nursing with an emphasis on Nursing Leadership and Administration in 2013. Breanna has taken advantage of the many opportunities provided to employees, including her graduation from the LEAD program this past year. Breanna has been a long standing resident in the Yuma community and is active in various civic functions. Please join us in welcoming Breanna to her new role.

Jillinda FreemanDirector of Urgent Care Network

Congratulations to Jillinda Freeman who has accepted the position as Director of Urgent Care Network. Jillinda began her healthcare career in Accounting and Finance at a facility in Flagstaff, AZ. After relocating to Yuma, she served as business manager for (former) HealthSouth Outpatient Surgery Center. As Executive Director of Yuma Regional Outpatient Surgical Center, Jillinda transitioned the facility from a privately owned entity to a thriving auxiliary service of the hospital. As Director for PrimeCare Urgent Care Facilities, Jillinda says she looks forward to continuing to deliver high quality, patient-focused care in an urgent care setting.

Rinely Aguiar-Olsen, M.D.Medical Director, Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital

Congratulations to Dr. Aguiar-Olsen, who recently was awarded the 2014 Clinical Excellence Award during HealthSouth’s Medical Directors’ Meeting, held in San Antonio, TX. The award recognizes outstanding clinical knowledge, technical and clinical skills, clinical judgment, com-munication skills and exemplary performance in the development of clinical programs. Dr. Aguiar-Olsen is one of only six physicians serving in HealthSouth’s network of 104 rehabilitation hospitals to earn this prestigious designation. Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital/HealthSouth is a partner of Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Charles Harmon, Administrative DirectorCardiac Clinical Service Line

Yuma Regional Medical Center has announced Charles Harmon as Administrative Director of the Cardiac Clinical Service Line. Charles and his family joined us from Jackson, MS, where he served as the Director of Cardiovascular Labs and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at the Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute of

St. Dominic Hospital since 2012. Charles holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Radiology Technology Studies and a Masters of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Charles has served many years as a healthcare business leader with expertise in developing programs, managing relationships and effective utilization of resources. Welcome to the team, Charles!

Nicolle Griffin, AIASenior Facilities Project Manager

Nicolle Griffin, Senior Facilities Project Manager at YRMC, was one of five individuals appointed to the Yuma Joint Technical Education District (JTED) governing board. Nicolle is responsible for overseeing design and construction of YRMC’s current Emergency Department expansion projects. Prior to joining YRMC, Nicolle was the Senior Construction Manager overseeing construction of the new John M Roll Federal US Courthouse in downtown Yuma. Nicolle was also involved in design and construction of all of Yuma County’s Library projects. As a JTED board member she will be responsible for hiring a superintendent and finalizing logistics so Yuma can welcome its new career and technical education high school in fall of 2015. A JTED offers and funds career and technical education programs for high school students while they concurrently complete academic courses at their high school.

Jamie Legan- Leone, RNCardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator

Congratulations to Jamie Legan-Leone for successfully passing the Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) examination, which is awarded by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Jamie began her nursing career at Yuma Regional Medical Center in 2004 working in

the cardiac unit on Tower 2 before joining the Cardiac Rehab team in December 2005. She was promoted to her current role as Resource Coordinator in spring of 2013.


CONGRATULATIONSRecently, members of the Sterile Processing team were certified through the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). Thank you to Leslee Palmer, Supervisor, for her guidance and mentorship through their studies and certification process. And congratulation to the following YRMC employees on this accomplishment:

Lester Hall, CRCSTDonie Soper, CRCSTImelda Cordova, CRCST

WELLNESS RECOGNITIONCongratulations to Nicole Bozich, wellness coordinator, the wellness committee and the entire wellness team. YRMC’s employee wellness program, Fit for Life, was awarded with the American Heart Association Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite status for 2014!

forBe well. Live well. Stay well.

Be well. Live well. Stay well.

for

for

CONGRATULATIONS LEAD GRADUATES!

Melody BaldwinNicole BenvenutaLorri FarrStephanie NicholsonJoanna WattsBreanna Caraway

Maggie CadyBrian BeaumontDr. BudmanJustin FarrenDebra PuttJenni Welch

Royal SeftonDeb BezdicekLance DavisElizabeth LaraCelia RenteriaTarisai Zivira

Announcing our 2013-2014 LEAD (Leadership, Evaluation, Assessment and Development) graduates:

LEAD is a comprehensive program designed to identify talented people within YRMC and provide them with individualized opportunities for growth and development. The program provides systematic evaluation of participants to assess their strengths and developmental needs relative to YRMC’s leadership core competencies.


NEW MEDICAL STAFF OFFICERSThe YRMC Medical Staff has elected new officers for the upcoming term (January 1, 2015-December 31, 2016):

Chief of Staff – Alberto Mejia, M.D., Critical CareVice Chief of Staff – John Brock Amon, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology Officer of Physician Relations – Jayareena Mahalingam, M.D., Internal Medicine

ASSOCIATESDEGREE IN NURSINGCongratulations to the following students who received their nursing degree:Jessy AguirreJaime AvilaMaria Balles-GunterMarina Castro (Velasco)Kaylin ClaytonJennifer CooperSilvina DuranDavid FraustoKimberly Gamboa (Duarte)Denisse GarciaAmber GarnicaErica GomezTania GonzalezPuaonalani HoopsBryce KellyHaille LinesAbigail MarquezMiguel MartinezAmanda OchoaGina OrtegaMonica RamirezGriselda RendonMonique RuisecoAlexandra SeresunClaudia SilvaDoyle StanleySarah ToepferEric VaughnRegina VelezCristin Zarnik

FALL 2014BSN GRADUATESCongratulations to the following nurses and students who received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing:Tina EldrigeArturo GomezNoriko IshidaKarina MartinezDiana MecumApril Rojas-Daily

MASTERS OF SCIENCEIN NURSINGCongratulations to the following employees who received their Master of Science in Nursing:Claudia Arvizo, ICUMegan Graham, ICUAdrian Estrada, ICUJohanna Lopez, LDRPAdelina Offutt, LDRPErica Smith, LDRP

(continued)Darion RoushChandler SylvesterDaphne VictorMari Noel, NICUJoanna Watts, PEDSSisy Thomas, ICUJhamiel Robles Phan, ICUAilema Arballo, MWEmily Krauss, LDRPKarley Casey, LDRPDannia Padilla, LDRPBrenda Everett, Tower 2Yanin Walle, NICU Martin Lawseth, NICU


CLINIC MOVES & UPDATESYuma Regional Specialty Clinic has officially opened in Tuscany Plaza. Please note the relocation of the offices of Dr. Gregory Lau, Maternal Fetal Medicine; Dr. Ankur Bindal, Psychiatry and Dr. Yanal Masannat, Endocrinology. The new address is: 2851 S Avenue B, Bldg. 20, Ste. 2001, Yuma, AZ 85364. 928-336-2434.

Yuma Regional Outpatient Surgical Center on Avenue B will close on January 31, 2015. Beginning February 1, all YRMC outpatient surgery cases will transition Yuma Regional Medical Plaza. We have had two outpatient surgery centers, both giving excellent care but both running less than 50% of the volume potential. The consolidation to the larger of the two facilities reduces overhead costs while still bringing excellent clinical care to our patients. We understand how much our community enjoyed this location and its staff and we are assisting in the transition process for all employees affected. Patients scheduled for surgery from now until January 31 will continue to report to the Avenue B location as scheduled.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONQuality AwardThe Southwest Alliance for Excellence (SWAE) has announced that Yuma Regional Medical Center is one of five organizations in Arizona, Nevada and Utah to be recognized as a 2014 Performance Excellence Program recipient. The annual Performance Excellence Program identifies organizations that exhibit excellence in quality, performance and outcomes. YRMC was recognized for its process to prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers, an important and strategic hospital-wide initiative lead by YRMC’s nursing staff, Inpatient Wound Care team and the Quality Department.

Excellence in Education AwardOn Tuesday, December 2, 2014, the 2013-2014 AWC Paramedic Academy presented the Excellence in Education Award to Yuma Anesthesia Medical Services and Dr. Timothy Graham. The award recognizes Yuma Anesthesia Medical Services for their contributions to the education of future EMS professionals.

RETIREMENTS –YOU WILL BE MISSED!

Please join us in congratulating the following Yuma Regional Medical Center employees on their recent and upcoming retirements. Through your time at YRMC, you were dedicated to the organization and the community. You affected the lives of patients, their families and your colleagues. Thank you for your service!

Carole Irvin, ICU David McManamen, Respiratory CareLeone Neegan, Medical Librarian Cynthia Seely, Blood Bank Douglas Smith, Diagnostic Imaging Lora Smith, RN, Tower 4 Mike Weeks, Security

YRMC SELECTS NEW OPERATING BOARD MEMBERS YRMC is excited to announce the selection of three new members to the hospital’s Operating Board of Directors.

The YRMC Board is responsible for managing the affairs of the corporation, overseeing organizational development, strategic planning, finances, quality of care, executive management and operational improvement. The new board members will serve a four-year term with potential eligibility to serve up to three consecutive, four-year terms. Lora, Louie and Page were selected because they demonstrated a strong commitment to the mission, vision and values of YRMC. Welcome to the YRMC team!

Lora Dana

Jose “Louie” Gradias

Page Misenhimer, Jr.


COMMUNITYC A R I N G F O R O U R

2015 FOUNDATION OF YRMC SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE MORE THAN $40,000 TO BE AWARDED THIS YEARWith the spring season approaching, now is the time to think about Scholarship opportunities for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year.

More than 20 scholarships are awarded each year, and YRMC employees who are pursuing healthcare-related fields are eligible to apply. Arturo Gomez, a Clinical Associate at Med West, was awarded $2,000 towards his Nursing studies at Northern Arizona University. With an already accomplished career under his belt, Arturo decided to pursue his Nursing Degree as a way to serve our community. He cites YRMC’s supportive environment and our willingness to “grow our own” as a key factor in continuing his education: “So many mentors here have helped me chart this course and remove barriers so that everything fell into place,” he said. “Yuma Regional has been the place that helped everything come together.”

Arturo is well on his way to the next chapter in his career, and expects to transition to the MOSU Unit within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) upon completion of his Board exams. He plans to continue his education even further by pursuing a Nurse Practioner degree.

If you would like to further your education and grow with YRMC, the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center Scholarships are a great opportunity. Any student who has a 2.5 GPA or higher and is pursuing a healthcare-related field is eligible to apply. The Foundation of YRMC

will consider applications from students at all stages of their healthcare careers – from graduating high school seniors pursuing technical degrees to PhD candidates.

Applications are available on the Foundation of YRMC website at www.yumaregional.org/programs. Please download the 2015 Healthcare Scholarship Request for Proposal (RFP) for reference before filling out the online Scholarship application. All Scholarship applications are due March 20, 2015 and recipients will be notified by April 10, 2015.

For more information, contact Shirley Phillips [email protected].

In addition to scholarship opportunities with the Foundation, YRMC’s Volunteer Services department also contributes five, $2,000 scholarships annually to Yuma County residents attending or who will attend Arizona Western College or Northern Arizona University. Since 2000, YRMC volunteers have contributed more than $136,500 in scholarships. Dollars are raised through book fairs, donations and memorial contributions. The deadline to apply is April 17, 2015.

For questions or applications, contact:Elizabeth Hammonds [email protected] or ext. 2005.

Last year’s recipients of the Volunteer Service awards

Arturo Gomez with his daughter Georgina at the Yuma Pinning Ceremony

http://www.yumaregional.org/programs

http://www.yumaregional.org/programs



2400 South Avenue AYuma, Arizona 85364

Grab your girlfriends for a fun

evening of manicures, massages

and…mammograms? YES

Wednesday, February 25 • 5:30 - 8:00 pmYuma Regional Medical Plaza

For information call: 928-336-7005 or visitYumaRegional.org/MammosAndManicures

1501 West 24th Street

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