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Renown Recognized for Quality Care for Heart Attack & Failure
American Heart Association awards shine national spotlight on care offered in northern Nevada. Renown Regional Medical Center has been honored once again by the American Heart Association (AHA) for high quality heart care. Renown’s focus on quality and applying the most up-to-date, evidenced-based treatment guidelines improves patient outcomes, getting people home sooner and back to doing what they love. “We are pleased to recognize Renown for their commitment to heart failure care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Recognizing the significance of preventing, diagnosing and caring for people with heart and vascular disease, which continues to be on the rise and taking far too many lives, is of critical importance to us at Renown,” says Tony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO, Renown Health. “We are proud of our incredible team for providing the highest-quality clinical care, and thank the American Heart Association for this national recognition.” Renown Regional was awarded The Get with the Guidelines – Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement award for continually ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, as well as AHA’s Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving honor for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. “Renown offers the most highly-skilled and experienced heart and vascular team and the most advanced heart center in the region. Having national recognition for being the region’s heart care leader is critical to a Destination Health strategy,” said Josiah "Sy" Johnson, MBA, chief of staff for Renown Health. “We at Renown are proud to bring a high level of world-class care providers, leading-edge care and new delivery approaches to meet the needs of people in northern Nevada through our Institute for Heart & Vascular Health.” Por qué este reconocimiento es importante para usted: atención del ataque cardíaco Cada año, más de 250,000 personas experimentan un infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (STEMI), el tipo más mortal de ataque cardíaco, causado por un bloqueo del flujo sanguíneo al corazón que requiere tratamiento oportuno. Renown earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick treatment to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients. “Our expert staff treat problems that extend from mild to the most critical of emergencies,” said Christopher M. Kozlowski, MD, MHA, vice president and medical director of Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. “Specialized physicians including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, emergency medicine and trauma surgeons, primary care providers, nurses and other clinicians work as a team to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. We encourage all patients to discuss with their care team whether they should undergo formal screening for early heart disease.” Por qué este reconocimiento es importante para usted: atención de la insuficiencia cardíaca De acuerdo con la AHA, más de 6.5 millones de adultos en los Estados Unidos experimentan insuficiencia cardíaca. Heart failure patients can lead full, enjoyable lives when their condition is managed with proper medications or devices and with healthy lifestyle changes. “Renown’s reputation as the region’s heart care leader has been built over many years. We performed the area’s first open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent and valve replacements decades ago. Renown Regional offers incredible advancements like trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and trans-catheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip therapy, lifesaving alternatives to open-heart surgery for patients considered high-risk or inoperable,” said Erik Olson, chief executive officer of Renown Regional Medical Center. “Al ofrecer el más alto nivel de cuidado completo a los pacientes que sufren enfermedades cardíacas y vasculares, Renown desarrolló su primera división de cirugía cardiotorácica dedicada a los pacientes elegibles para cirugía cardíaca en 2019”. The Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health program now offers a Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab; a Chest Pain Center using the D-SPECT® heart camera; multiple Interventional Labs; Heart Failure Program; several Cardiac Catheterization Labs; Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery when necessary; and the only Pritikin-certified Healthy Heart Program in the West, creating individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s needs, so they can exercise safely, eat healthy, manage stress and cook nourishing, balanced meals, all while gaining a healthy mindset. Renown se encuentra entre los hospitales de mejor desempeño del país para el tratamiento de ataques cardíacos y es uno de los únicos 105 hospitales de todo el país en recibir el premio ACTION Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award del Colegio Estadounidense de Cardiología, que reconoce el éxito en la implementación de un estándar de atención más alto para pacientes con ataques cardíacos. Renown’s Roseview, Sierra and Cardiac Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are the only ICUs in Nevada to receive the Beacon Award of Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospital rankings recently named Renown hospitals as best in the state of Nevada. Los pacientes que necesitan atención cardíaca avanzada pueden hablar con su proveedor de atención médica sobre la atención de especialidad del Renown Medical Group, con el que puede comunicarse llamando al 775-982-6270 o si visita renown.org/HeartCare. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información. About Mission: Lifeline The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org. About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Desarrollado con el objetivo de salvar vidas y acelerar la recuperación, Get With The Guidelines ha influido en la vida de más de 9 millones de pacientes desde 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
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Nationally Recognized Vascular Surgeons Join Renown Health
Two vascular surgeons bring a quarter of a century of experience to patients and community. As part of a continuing focus to bring comprehensive care to patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease across northern Nevada, Renown Health Department of Surgery and Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular announce that vascular surgeons, John C. Hansen, MD, FACS and Benjamin P. Jaquish, MD, FACS have joined Renown Health. "Recognizing the significance of preventing, diagnosing and caring for people with heart and vascular disease, which continues to be on the rise and taking far too many lives, is of critical important to us at Renown," says Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman Department of Surgery at Renown Health. "Both Drs. Hansen and Jaquish are superb clinicians, skilled investigators, and effective educators. We are fortunate to have them helping to lead the growth of both the department and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery." Together, the vascular surgeons have more than 26 years of combined experience caring for northern Nevadans. Dr. Hansen has 20 years of experience in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and currently serves as medical director of vascular and endovascular surgery for Renown Regional Medical Center. "Since 2002, Dr. Hansen has led our region with his expertise and knowledge of aortic stents, grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms, as well as treating patients with carotid disease," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Hansen specializes in the comprehensive management of vascular disorders, including open and endovascular surgeries. He is meticulous, thorough, and compassionate in the extraordinary care he provides to patients. We are thrilled that he has joined the Institute for Heart & Vascular Health team at Renown." Dr. Hansen completed his fellowship in Vascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of South Carolina, Greenville. He graduated with his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, and is board certified in both Surgery and Vascular Surgery from the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hansen has an interest in complex and acute vascular surgery and is committed to expanding access to qualified vascular care in the region. His mission is to further develop and establish Renown as a premier vascular center in northern Nevada. "Dr. Jaquish has extensive experience in carotid artery disease, carotid endarterectomy, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and peripheral vascular disease," says Sam Obilie-Mante, MBA, MIS, RDCS, RVT, LBBP, VP Administrator, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Jaquish is intelligent, professional, conscientious, and always perseveres on behalf of his patients. How proud we are to have him bringing his time and talent to patients across Renown Health." Dr. Jaquish received both his B.S. in Biochemistry (2005), graduating Magna Cum Laude with his Doctor of Medicine (2009) from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Dr. Jaquish completed his fellowship in General Surgery at Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit and a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Texas A&M at Baylor, Scott & White Hospitals in Temple, TX. He is board certified in both General Surgery and Vascular Surgery. Dr. Jaquish currently serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery for UNR Med. Dr. Jaquish is bilingual in Spanish, proficient in American Sign Language and serves as an instructor for Advanced Trauma Life Support. Why Vascular and Endovascular Care Matters to You People with complex and serious conditions of the blood vessels and lymph system (vascular diseases) often find the help they need from Renown Health's vascular and endovascular surgical team. Renown's experts provide coordinated and comprehensive treatment to people of all ages. Renown's surgeons use advanced technology to perform vascular and endovascular surgery, including complex stenting procedures, blood clot removal and bypass surgery. Conditions treated include peripheral artery disease, aortic disease, mesenteric disease, nutcracker syndrome and carotid artery disease. "Our expert vascular and endovascular surgeons and staff treat problems that extend from mild to the most critical of emergencies," says Adnan Akbar, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care. "Specialized physicians including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, emergency medicine and trauma surgeons, neurologists, radiologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, primary care providers, nurses and other clinicians work as a team to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. We encourage all patients to discuss with their primary care providers whether they should undergo formal screening for early vascular disease." "Renown's reputation as the region's vascular and endovascular care leader has been built over many years. We performed the area's first open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent and valve replacements decades ago. Renown Regional offers incredible advancements like trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and trans-catheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip therapy, lifesaving alternatives to open-heart surgery for patients considered high-risk or inoperable," says Chris Nicholas, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Regional Medical Center. "Offering the highest level of comprehensive care for patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease, Renown developed its first division of cardiothoracic surgery dedicated to heart surgery patients in 2019." The Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health program now offers a Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab; a Chest Pain Center using the D-SPECT® heart camera; multiple Interventional Labs; Heart Failure Program; several Cardiac Catheterization Labs; Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery when necessary; and the only Pritikin-certified Healthy Heart Program in the West, creating individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient's needs, so they can exercise safely, eat healthy, manage stress and cook nourishing, balanced meals, all while gaining a healthy mindset. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. Ningún otro hospital del estado cumplió con sus estrictos estándares para el ranking de 2021. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. La calificación de un hospital se basa en múltiples categorías de datos, que incluyen resultados de los pacientes, seguridad y volúmenes. Los hospitales calificados como sobresalientes eran significativamente mejores que el promedio nacional. Las instituciones que componen los rankings de Mejores Hospitales de 2021-22 se seleccionan de entre un conjunto de 4,523 instalaciones, que representan a casi todos los hospitales estadounidenses que brindan atención para pacientes hospitalizados. Los hospitales se evalúan en función de una amplia gama de afecciones y procedimientos, incluidas 16 áreas de especialidad médica. US News & World Report evaluó 58 hospitales en Nevada. Renown Health is Nevada's largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children's hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada's first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Desde 1969, UNR Med ha capacitado a más de 3,900 estudiantes, residentes y becarios. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.
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Spine, Sports and Pain Management
How We Can Help You may benefit from treatment for neuromuscular (nerve, muscle and bone) disorders – that cause pain and impair normal functions. But, first, consult your primary care physician for a referral to Renown Health's Spine, Sport & Pain Management. Dr. Keating, Medical Director and his colleagues, Dr. Su and Dr. Storm, will customize a treatment plan that best suits your needs and lifestyle while providing the most effective care possible. For more information: Call 775-982-3608 | Fax 775-982-8001
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Concussion Risks and Prevention
It’s important to be aware of the risk of a concussion, which can have serious health implications. Susan Park, MD, discusses the effects of concussions and how they can be prevented. According to Susan Park, MD, a Renown Medical Group doctor who specializes in sports and family medicine, concussions are a serious issue — especially among children whose developing brains “are more susceptible to brain injury and long-term effects from concussions.” All parents, coaches and athletes, she points out, should be aware of the risks of concussions and take precautions to avoid them. What is a concussion and how does it occur? Dr. Park describes a concussion as a traumatic brain injury resulting from direct or indirect impact to the head or body, during which the brain shakes back and forth in the skull. This may cause some bruising of the brain. In severe cases, traumatic head injuries can cause bleeding, which if not treated quickly, can be fatal. What are the health implications of a concussion? Symptoms of drowsiness and confusion can be a sign of a concussion after a head injury. Some short-term effects may include headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. Long-term concerns can further include mood disorders, sleep disturbance and problems with cognitive function-concentration, which may affect school performance. What sports carry the highest risk of suffering a concussion? Dr. Park notes participation in any impact sport can result in a head injury. But among school-age kids, she treats more concussions from football and soccer than any other sport. However, during the winter months, skiing and snowboarding injuries can be a common cause of concussions Any blow to your head, neck or upper body can result in a concussion with symptoms including, but not limited to, feeling dazed or confused, dizziness, nausea/vomiting or a headache. Initial treatment of concussions varies depending on severity. Rest, avoiding vigorous activity and a reduced school workload help young athletes recover after a concussion. Dr. Park notes that sometimes further imaging and an ER visit will be required. Otherwise, rest from activities is the main treatment, along with not returning to sports activities until further clearance from a healthcare provider.
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When Is It Time to See a Physiatrist
Physiatry (fi-zahy-uh-tree), also referred to as physical medicine and rehabilitation, encompasses the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disabilities or injuries related to the brain, nerves, bones and muscles. The goal of this specialty is to maximize physical functioning, greatly decrease or eliminate pain, foster independence and improve quality of life for those suffering with a disability, chronic pain and physical impairments. Who Is It for? Physiatry can help patients with functional deficits and secondary medical conditions as a result of the following: Amputation Brain Injury Osteoarthritis Spasticity and Movement Disorders Spinal Cord Injury Spine Pain Sports-Related Injuries Stroke Some of these medical conditions can often cause chronic pain or impede physical functioning, ultimately affecting a person’s overall well-being and making it difficult for them to sustain a desired quality of life.
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Head Injuries, Sprains and Broken Bones
Participating in sports and physical activities is enjoyable and beneficial for our health. However, the risk of injuries comes with the fun and excitement of sports. Sports-related injuries, including sprains, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones, are more common than we realize and can land you in the emergency room. Dr. Scott Shepherd, Emergency Medicine Physician, provides a wealth of information. Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Invisible Threat Traumatic brain injuries come in many forms. From “mild” brain injuries, concussions, to major brain injuries and bleeds. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference between a major injury and a minor injury because many of the symptoms are the same. Concussions Concussions are a type of “mild” traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the body that causes a transient alteration in mental function. They are particularly prevalent in contact sports such as football, soccer and boxing. A concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination. Typically, concussions are not life threatening and usually short lived. However, multiple concussions can lead to permanent disabilities. So, remember there is nothing “mild” about injuring your brain. Contusions The more serious brain injuries from brain contusions (actual bleeding in the brain material) and bleeding that presses on the brain are life threatening. These injuries are caused by the same blow to the head as a concussion and the symptoms are the same from memory deficits, loss of coordination to coma. Because of this, anyone who has a blow to the head and is not acting normal should be evaluated by a medical professional. Anyone suspected of having a severe head injury should seek immediate medical attention and follow a strict protocol for rest and a gradual return to play. It is important to note a person may not lose consciousness if they suffer a concussion; however, major consequences can occur if not properly managed. If you suspect you have an emergency that needs immediate medical attention, please call 911 or visit an emergency room near you. While it is impossible to prevent traumatic brain injuries altogether, the severity of the injury can be mitigated through proper helmet usage and knowing your skill level when participating in high-risk activities. The guidelines for picking a helmet for summer activities such as mountain biking, dirt biking and riding off highway vehicles are similar to those of picking a helmet for winter sports. Learn more about choosing the right helmet. Any blow to your head, neck or upper body can result in a major head injury Signs to watch for include the following: Headache Dizziness Blurred vision Difficulty with thinking, attention or memory Sensitivity to noise or light Ringing in the ears Changes in hearing Double vision Changes in behavior Balance issues Nausea/vomiting Sprains: The Annoying Twist One of the most common sports injuries is a sprain, which occurs when ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. Sprains typically occur in joints, such as the ankle, knee or wrist, and are often caused by sudden twists or impacts. Symptoms may include: Pain Swelling Bruising Limited range of motion Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are the initial recommended treatment, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
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Guide to Injury Healing: Heat or Ice?
Heat and ice are two of the most common treatments used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in injuries. However, each one is better suited for certain types of injuries Dr. Luis Palacio, MD explores the differences between the two. When it comes to treating aches and pains, the debate between heat and ice has been ongoing for quite some time. Both have their benefits making it crucial to understand which option is better suited for your specific needs. Determining which method is better depends on various factors such as the type of injury or pain you are experiencing. For instance, if you have recently sprained your ankle or pulled a muscle during exercise, applying ice within the first 48 hours can help minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort. It's worth noting that some individuals find alternating between heat and ice therapy beneficial as well. This approach combines the benefits of both methods by using heat to increase blood flow followed by ice to reduce inflammation. Cold Therapy Cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation after an injury, heat can have the opposite effect. Therefore, heat therapy should be reserved for those who have chronic pain issues and are not dealing with an acute injury. Cold therapy is often recommended immediately after an injury or during the initial stages of inflammation. Cold therapy such as ice packs are especially effective in treating: Sprains Strains Any injury that involves swelling Heat Therapy Heat therapy is known for its ability to relax muscles, increase blood flow and soothe pain. It is often used for chronic conditions or injuries that are not inflamed. Applying heat can help alleviate stiffness, promote healing and provide a comforting sensation. This increased circulation can bring more nutrients and oxygen to the area, helping it to heal faster. Heat therapy such as heating packs are especially effective in treating: Stiffness with associated pain Injuries that are not inflamed Muscle pain
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Why Your Teen Athlete Should See a Sports Medicine Doctor
Seeking specialized care for your teen from a sports medicine doctor is essential. Like a coach fine-tunes a player's skills, our experts fine-tune your teen's health, ensuring they stay at the top of their game. Luis Palacio, MD, a sports medicine physician with Renown Health, shares information to help young athletes safely push their boundaries and achieve their personal best. The Role of Sports Medicine Sports medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare that focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to physical activity and sports. Renown's Sports Medicine team consists of skilled professionals passionate about keeping young athletes performing at their peak while minimizing the risk of injury. With a comprehensive approach to care, our sports medicine doctors provide tailored guidance and solutions to help your teen reach their full potential. Injury Prevention and Education Prevention is the key to maintaining a long and successful athletic journey. Our sports medicine doctors collaborate with young athletes to educate them about proper warm-up techniques, body mechanics, and techniques to prevent overuse injuries. From understanding the importance of rest days to practicing correct form, our experts empower teen athletes with the knowledge they need to stay in the game.
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Departamento destacado: Special Procedures
Chronic pain can be one of the most distressing feelings someone may encounter – and more likely than not, you know someone who is managing their pain as a part of their healthcare journey. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced chronic pain in recent years. One of the most common methods of treating pain is through prescription pain medications; however, with the rise of the opioid epidemic across the country, leveraging other interventions to help patients manage their chronic pain has become increasingly more important. What if there was a way to treat pain directly without the automatic need for pain medication? Luckily for patients in northern Nevada, our Special Procedures department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in exactly that: interventional pain mitigation sans painkillers. With nearly 95% of their patients who come in with pain-related mobility issues being able to physically walk out of the hospital after their treatment, much-needed relief is clearly in store. Tight-knit and forever-caring, the Special Procedures team knows how to transform the purpose of pain management. A Penchant for Pain Alleviation Renown's Special Procedures team offers a wide variety of pain management solutions that are uniquely tailored to each individual patient’s needs. With the help of a team of 14 attentive nurses, interventional radiology technologists and a surgical technician – plus a dedicated patient access representative ensuring everything goes smoothly behind-the-scenes – these lifechanging interventions include: Epidurals (including steroid epidurals) Nerve blocks Ablations Tenotomies Spinal cord stimulator trials Peripheral nerve stimulator trials The nurses on this specialized team guide patients before, during and after their procedures, making sure they are at ease throughout the entire process. Each nurse emulates both expertise and empathy to help light the path towards healing. “Before each procedure, we get the patient’s vitals, health history and work with the doctor to answer any questions they may have about what is going to happen in the procedure room,” said Michon Edgington, RN. “After they’re all done, they come back to me, and I make sure they are ready to go home by educating them on their discharge. Our goal is to get them back to their families very quickly.” “In the actual procedure room, we perform safety checks, do charting, prepare the sterile tray for the doctor and give medication for conscious sedations, all while consistently monitoring the patient and helping the doctor out along the way to help the procedure go well,” added Shannon Boelow, RN. This team’s dedicated imaging professionals harness expertise that goes beyond capturing images. Their skillful utilization of X-ray technology serves as a guide for doctors administering treatments for pain – and according to our own physicians, our imaging technologists are some of the best in the business. “Our X-ray skills here are specialized,” said Julie Smith, Imaging Lead. “Visually, the doctor needs to see what’s going on inside the body so they can accurately place needles and steroids. We all work together collectively and work with each doctor to accommodate their preferences, helping the treatments go much faster and minimizing the patient’s exposure to radiation.” Serving as the ideal representation of both precision and support, the surgical technician on this team is an important collaborator in the procedure room, helping to ensure the success of every interventional procedure with a meticulous eye for detail. “As the Special Procedures surgical technician, I get the room ready with all the necessary instruments, including making sure everything is sterile,” said Carrie Crow, Surgical Technician. “I enjoy keeping the team organized.” Overseeing it all are the physicians, who are eternally grateful for the team for the life-changing interventions they offer every day. “Our physicians are so phenomenal,” said Brittney Summerfield, Manager of Nursing. “They are very supportive and collaborative, and they always do the right thing. They have total confidence in us.” Seeing patients walk out of the hospital happy and healthy is a driving motivator for this team. Whether they had significant experience in pain management or were ready for a completely new challenge, each team member comes to work every day inspired to move mountains. “I had worked in pain management in other facilities, and I was extremely excited to come here and solely focus on pain,” said Jodi Eldridge, Supervisor of Special Procedures. “I enjoy seeing the patients so happy when they leave no longer in pain. I feel immediate gratification, because you truly feel like you’re doing something big for the patient. It’s very rewarding.” “I decided to come work here because I worked in the inpatient setting for a long time, and I was ready to see a different side of healthcare and provide a different type of care to our community; plus, my coworkers are the best,” added Lisa Dunnivant, RN. There’s no question that the realm of pain management is a delicate one – and there is no team better suited to take on that challenge than Special Procedures, working harmoniously to bring relief and a renewed sense of livelihood for every patient they serve. “Some people believe pain management is just all about pills, and that is simply not true,” said Carrie Crow. “Our procedures are yet another way to help them manage their pain and find relief.”