http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/ Top 10 Most Recent News articles for LRMC en-us Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:36:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=80 Congratulations to Glenna Greene, Urology Medical Assistant and Cheryl McQuaig, Inventory Management Clerk. They have been selected as LRCCs Employees of the Quarter. Glenna joined LRCC in 2003 and works with Dr. Smith and urology patients. She is the most thoughtful and compassionate person, says Dr. Smith. She takes great care with the patients and others. Cheryl joined LRCC in 2007 as Inventory Management Clerk. She places all the supply orders for the center and is in charge of inventory control. Cheryl is always positive and willing to help. She is knowledgeable about her job and the Lawson system, says Stephen Brechue, Manager, Purchasing Operations. She always follows through and has a great attitude, says co-worker Glenna Greene. These ladies exemplify the values and culture of LRCC and LRMC and are a great asset to the cancer center. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=80 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=99 Congratulations to Pauline Parker, PCA, Hemodialysis Unit. She has been selected as the July 2008 Employee of the Month. She has been with LRMC for over five years working with the Hemodialysis Unit. Pauline performs many tasks to help her unit, from ordering supplies to preparing the dialysis machines for the nurses. Not only is she a PCA for the patients, she handles our inventory, our machines, our QI checks and logs, charges, and so many things that we take for granted. She does them all equally well; her talents and skills far exceed her position, says Sandra King, RN. Pauline exhibits the highest level of integrity both personally and professionally. She is very conscientious of her work. Her high standards and ethics dictate her every action, says Sandra. Pauline really enjoys working with the patients. They are like family and my goal is to do the very best I can to help someone along lifes journey, says Pauline. Her many tasks keep her running in different directions but the care of the patient always comes first. Pauline is a very caring, dedicated employee. She will do whatever is asked of her with a happy attitude. She is a go-getter and gets the job done, says M6 Manager Katherine Handlin-Rowe. In her spare time, Pauline likes working in her garden where she meditates and enjoys what God has created. She and her husband like the outdoors, especially riding motorcycles and camping. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=99 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=97 Lakeland Regional Cancer Center is pleased to announce the arrival of Sushma S. Nakka, M.D., Medical Oncology/Pain and Palliative Care Specialist. Dr. Nakka comes to Lakeland Regional Cancer Center from Maimonides Medical Center, where she completed Fellowship Training in Hematology and Oncology, Sub-Specializing in Breast Oncology. Prior to that she completed Fellowship Training in Pain and Palliative Care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Nakka is Board-Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Pain Medicine, and Internal Medicine. She received Medicine and Surgery Degrees from the University of Health Sciences at Kakatiya Medical College in India and then completed certification through the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates. Additional noteworthy experience includes a faculty position as Clinical Instructor in Pain and Palliative Care Service with the Department of Neurology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where she was involved with the fellowship-training program and served as principal investigator of several clinical trials. She also completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Nakka has been involved in numerous research activities and studies, co-authored a paper and contributed to a medical publication. She speaks English, Hindi and Telugu and is involved with ASCO, ASH, American Medical Association, and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=97 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=98 Lakeland Regional Cancer Center is pleased to announce the arrival of Helen Chan, M.D., Surgical Oncologist. Dr. Chan is a Surgical Oncologist with Board Certification in Surgery. She comes to Lakeland Regional Cancer Center from Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, where she received the honor of 2002 Physician of the Year Kaiser Riverside Medical Center. Prior to that, she worked at Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group as Staff Surgical Oncologist and Staff Thoracic Oncologic Surgeon. During this time she was also an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Chan attended Medical School at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Postgraduate training includes a Residency in General Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA and a Fellowship in Oncologic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL. Dr. Chan has published her research in numerous papers and contributed to several medical articles. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=98 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=96 David Diaz has accumulated 7,000 volunteer hours since he joined LRMC Volunteer Services in 2001. He is currently volunteering as an escort three days a week. David is most appreciated for his versatility and extensive knowledge of the departments and services in the hospital. He is a very valuable resource to his escort cohorts, says Marie Madison, fellow volunteer. He goes beyond his duties, cleaning carts and equipment. In his spare time he is an accomplished origamist and likes studying chemistry. LRMC is honored to have such a dedicated volunteer. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=96 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=95 Lakeland Regional Medical Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. LRMC earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an unannounced on-site review in April 2008. Lakeland Regional Medical Center demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients, says Jean E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, Joint Commission. Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nations third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today. Were proud to achieve the distinction, says Carlos Villar, MD, Neurology, Watson Clinic LLP, Director of the Stroke Center at LRMC. Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes LRMCs commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community. Dr. Villar has also recently taken and passed the Board exam for Vascular Neurology. The Joint Commissions Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Associations statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the programthe nations firstin 2003. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org. -more- Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more then 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. In addition, the Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nations oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about the Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org. ### Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=95 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=94 On July 14, 2008 Lakeland Regional Orthopedic Associates will open their doors at a convenient new office space located at 2135 Harden Blvd. Building C. Appointments can be made by calling 687-1250. The physicians are employed by Lakeland Regional Medical Center. They are: Todd Hall, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Certification Specializing in orthopedic trauma and post-traumatic reconstruction Mark Munson, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Certification Specializing in sports medicine Donald Serot, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Certification Specializing in treatment of the knee, including arthritis, partial knee resurfacing and total knee replacement utilizing computer navigation, and arthroscopic surgery Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=94 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=93 Traditional surgery for many heart and lung diseases requires a long incision through the chest muscles and spreading the ribs. This very invasive procedure made a long recovery period necessary. Lakeland Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon Andrew J. Sherman, Watson Clinic, offers an entire arsenal of minimally invasive Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) procedures. Using this technique, he is able to operate through one to three tiny openings between the ribs while viewing the patients internal organs with the use of High-Definition cameras and television monitors. Dr. Sherman is one of a small group of surgeons in Florida who has made a near total conversion to VATS lobectomies for the treatment of patients with lung cancer. He was also the first surgeon in Florida to use this technique in conjunction with a special device to treat a patient with atrial fibrillation. Multiple studies have now shown that compared to open procedures, patients undergoing VATS have less pain and inflammation, spend less time in the hospital, and return to full activity and work sooner, said Dr. Sherman, who has successfully performed over 300 VATS procedures. He also adds, VATS may be the answer for patients who cannot otherwise tolerate open surgery. Dr. Sherman also uses the VATS approach to diagnose and treat fluid around the lungs and heart, diagnose and treat mediastinal tumors, diagnose or stage lung cancer, and place pacemaker leads to help patients with heart failure. John Hironimus, Area Vice President, Covidien, a manufacturer specializing in designing the equipment used in VATS procedures, recognizes Dr. Sherman as one of the leaders not only in Florida, but also throughout the country in performing these technically demanding surgeries. To arrange a photo or interview of Dr. Sherman and his patients, please contact the Public Relations Department at 863-687-1122. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=93 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=92 Lakeland Regional Cancer Center is pleased to announce that Cynthia Daniels, LPN, was recognized as the Oncology Nursing Society of Polk Countys 2008 LPN Nurse of Hope. She was honored for her practice, professionalism, enthusiasm, and empathy. Cynthia works very closely with Dr. Altdorfer and Dr. Guerrier in the radiation therapy department at LRCC. She assists with patient education from treatments to side effects, along with continued encouragement and hope. I enjoy my job. I look forward to each day, being there for the patients, says Cynthia. They are all very special people, just as if they were my own family. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=92 http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=20 Congratulations to our new Manager of the Quarter - Linda Munday, ARNP, Mental Health/Addictions Recovery unit. Linda has been with LRMC for 17 years and currently manages LRMCs Mental Health unit. This department consists of a 23-bed adult mental health unit, an 8-bed mental health observation unit, an 8-bed adolescent psychiatric unit and a 12-bed memory disorder unit. Linda has a Masters Degree in Nursing, a Masters Degree in Public Health and is currently working on a certificate for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has started many positive initiatives in the department, from ice cream socials to weekly cookouts for patients and staff. This has inspired the staff, and patient satisfaction scores have increased due to Lindas focus on normalizing the patients psychiatric stay. She has extended her team leader agenda to encourage team leaders to provide feedback at bi-weekly meetings, resulting in improved attendance and participation. Linda takes time each day to conduct clinical staffing. During this time, the nurse, RT, social worker, and pharmacist are involved in reviewing the patients plan of care. It is a great way to round with staff and develop both their psychiatric and medical skills, says Silvia Falcon, Director, Behavioral Health. She also responds to Code 5s within and outside the Mental Health department, in order to lend support, assist, coach, and develop staff on how to offset the situation both from a medical and psychiatric perspective. In her spare time Linda is an instructor for the Lakeland Police Department on how to respond to situations in which the suspect is a person suffering from mental illness. Linda helps the officers understand the system and how to leverage resources before the decision is made to bring the person to the Emergency Department. Linda is very visible and approachable. She is the poster child for seeking the opinions of others and valuing the opinions of her staff. Trust and respect are a standard in every encounter. She is an excellent leader, says Falcon. Linda has a passion for mental health. She would like to pursue being more active in community education and advocacy for the mentally ill and elderly. Linda enjoys yoga, tennis and reading. Congratulations, Linda. LRMC appreciates your dedication to our mission and values. Wed, 21 May 2008 04:00:00 EST http://www.lrmc.com/site/about/news/details.asp?NewsID=20