Southern Ohio Medical Center

Pettit Named To Master Faculty At OU-COM

March 30, 2007 » Local physician George Pettit, MD, was recently honored for his commitment to higher education and work with medical students. The Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE) System and Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) have selected Dr. Pettit as a member of the college’s Master Faculty.

Dr. Pettit received this honor based on his exceptional teaching of the clinical and academic programs that comprise OU-COM. He joins an elite group of 89 other clinical faculty members who have been named as part of the Master Faculty.

Dr. Pettit was nominated for the award by Terry Johnson, DO, assistant dean for CORE and OU-COM. During a formal presentation, he was awarded with a Master Faculty pin and plaque for his important role in preparing OU-COM students, interns and residents to be caring, compassionate and competent physicians.

A native of Portsmouth, Dr. Pettit received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1969. He completed his internship and residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Madigan Army Medical Center, where he received the award for top OB/GYN resident.

Dr. Pettit was Chief of OB/GYN Service at the Army Medical Hospital, US Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. until 1977. He then became part of the medical staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center, where he has practiced for the past 30 years. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Portsmouth Health Department, Medical Director of the Shawnee State University Health Clinic, as well as on various committees throughout the community.

SOMC Welcomes ENT Schrimpf

March 29, 2007 » Robert Schrimpf, MD, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, has been welcomed to the staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center.

Dr. Schrimpf comes to the Portsmouth area from Cincinnati, where he has been in practice since 1982. He received his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill. He completed his internship at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, and his residency with the Boston University-Tufts University Combined Boston Residency Program of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Schrimpf is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American College of Surgeons. He is board-certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Call 353-7881 for an appointment or more information.

Surgeon Scarpinato Welcomed At SOMC

March 29, 2007 » Vincent M. Scarpinato, MD, general and breast surgeon, has been welcomed to the staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center.

Dr. Scarpinato has joined the practice of Thomas L. Khoury, MD, coming to the Portsmouth area from St. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan, New York.

Board-certified in General Surgery, Dr. Scarpinato received his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. He most recently has served as Program Director of the Department of Surgery as well as Chief of Surgical Education at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center. He has been practicing general and breast surgery for 15 years.

Dr. Scarpinato has been featured in “New York Best Doctors” in New York Magazine in 2003, 2004 and 2006, and Castle Connolly guides “Top Doctors” and “Best Surgeons” 2002-2006.

Dr. Scarpinato can be reached at Southern Ohio Surgical Associates, (740) 353-8661.

Volunteers Needed For Challenger Baseball League

March 28, 2007 » Volunteers are needed for the Challenger Baseball League. With the help of volunteers, children with disabilities are given the opportunity to play baseball. The Challenger Division is in need of buddies to help players during their games. This is a wonderful experience and opportunity to help others. If you are interested in helping make a difference with these children please contact Gretchen Briggs at 574-6467 or Noelle Metzler 354-3120.

Coroner Urges Safety On Area Roadways

March 22, 2007 » With the first hints of spring in the air, Dr. Terry Johnson, Scioto County Coroner, wants to remind everyone in the region to stay safe.

“It’s been a long, cold winter,” Johnson says, “and did we ever have a February that we’re glad to put behind us! I just want us all to be safety-conscious in the months to come.”

With brighter skies and warmer temperatures, he warns that pedestrians will be walking the roads and streets and more kids will be out on bikes and skateboards. As motorists, we need to watch out for them.

“We’ll also see the usual up-tick in motorcycle riding, ” Johnson says. “Please, please, please—watch out for the bikers. They have a perfect right to be there, and they are extremely vulnerable to collisions. Watch out for the four-wheelers, too. They are not supposed to be on the roads, but they are. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not designed and are not licensed for highway use, and I hope that all law enforcement agencies and responsible citizens will work together to keep these vehicles off-road, where they belong. We’ve had far too many injuries and deaths from these vehicles being used improperly, and I just hate to see the tragedy it brings upon our families. If someone gets hurt or killed on an ATV this year while riding on the highway, that casualty will be totally uncalled for and totally preventable – period.”

Johnson urges truckers and car operators to look out for one another during the spring and summer driving season. Among the points he wants to stress:

• Do not drink and drive.
• Always use your safety belt, and make sure that your passengers do as well.
• Drive defensively and assume that the people driving near you will do something stupid—all too often, they do!
• Leave early for your destination and do not get in a rush.
• Show courtesy to your fellow drivers.
• Avoid road rage: if you find yourself cursing and banging the steering wheel and making obscene gestures, you’re wrong—period!
• Avoid in-car distractions , such as cell phone use and “gadgeteering.”
• Do not tailgate or “push” the operator ahead of you down the road.

“Watch out for motorcycles and bicycles and people walking and kids playing. This is stuff that everyone knows to do, but right now is an especially dangerous time as we make the transition from stuffy housebound living to the wonderful out-of-doors. I just want folks to pause and think about being safe.”

Regarding motorcycles, Johnson urges operators to ride as responsibly as possible. “Be conspicuous. From a safety standpoint, you can’t make yourself too conspicuous.” Unfortunately, most of the “cool” garb that bikers prefer to wear tends to make them “disappear” against the road, particularly at dusk or dawn, and while riding at night. “Bright, reflective gear makes you much more visible, and can save your life.” Wear protective equipment regardless of the state law minimums. “It makes no sense to ride a motorcycle without a helmet,” says Johnson. “The risk of a head injury in the event of an accident—even a minor accident—is just too great.”

Wear a long sleeve protective shirt or jacket and good boots that come over the ankle. Eye protection is essential, as are gloves. “You have to think like you’re going to wind up hitting the pavement. If you don’t prepare for the worst, your skin and bones are going to pay a heavy price when things go wrong.” As you get your bike out of winter storage, make sure that it is mechanically sound and that the tires are in good shape and properly inflated. “Know your equipment, know what it can and can’t do, and stay within the operational envelope.”

Also, if you are a new rider, be especially cautious. Inexperienced riders are particularly vulnerable, especially if they are not safety conscious. “When you take a motorcycle out on the street for the first time, the learning curve is steep. There are just too many things that can hurt you. You have to go slow and be smart as you learn.” Johnson is an experienced motorcyclist who has been riding since age 16. “Experienced riders, on the other hand, have to guard against being complacent. Accidents happen to riders with lots of experience, too.”

For ATV riders, Johnson urges much the same as he does for motorcyclists. “It’s all about doing smart things. If you treat ATV riding like you’re playing a video game, eventually you are going to pay the price,” Johnson says.

ATVs have limits, and each year too many people come up against those limits. Some hills are just too steep, some terrain is just too rough, and just because your ATV is as fast as lightening doesn’t mean you have to go faster than conditions will bear.” If your ATV isn’t designed for doubling a passenger, do not do it! Your machine will be outside of design limitations as you go through curves or up hills. That means that it will flip or tumble. “Every year we have many, many injuries due to this simple fact.”

Wear a helmet, eye protection, sturdy clothes and boots. Take a safety course—manufacturers offer these courses free of charge, and that information can be obtained through ATV dealers. “Most of all, keep them off the highway. They are not designed for the road, not licensed for the road, and accidents involving ATVs on the highway are typically catastrophic.”

For automobile operators—be courteous and watch out for others. For motorcyclists—be conspicuous and assume that others do not see you, and wear a helmet and eye protection. For ATV operators—keep them off-road and wear a helmet and eye protection.

Stay safe – let’s all live to see and enjoy the changing leaves of fall!

Dr. Johnson can be reached for comment or questions at: (740) 259-5699 (SOMC Lucasville Office) or (740) 355-0113 (Coroner’s Office, Scioto County Courthouse).

Gill Director of Physician Services

March 22, 2007 » Ben Gill has accepted the position of Administrative Director of Physician Services at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Gill is responsible for the operational direction of the Medical Care Foundation, which includes employed physician offices, Medical Education, and the Center for Occupational Medicine.

A Wheelersburg native, Ben is a 1997 graduate of Princeton University. He joined SOMC in 2001 as a physician office manager for the Medical Care Foundation and has served the last five years as Medical Education Coordinator. In November, he began serving as the Interim Director of Physician Services.

Ben and his wife, Toni, reside in Portsmouth with their two children.

SOMC Lab Receives Accreditation

March 21, 2007 » The Southern Ohio Medical Center Laboratory has been awarded a two-year accreditation by the commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Leeann L. Sammons, SOMC vice president of Health and Safety, stated that the laboratory’s success is the result of the efforts of a well-trained, conscientious staff.

“The lab staff is committed to achieving and sustaining exceptional results, through benchmarking with national top performers,” Sammons said. “This accreditation is another validation of their hard work to offer the best services available.”

Inspectors examine the records and quality control of the laboratory for the preceding two years, as well as the education and qualifications of the total staff, the adequacy of the facilities, the equipment, laboratory safety and the laboratory management to determine how well the laboratory is serving the patient.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. The SOMC Laboratory is one of more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide.

The College of American Pathologists is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. It is a medical organization serving nearly 16,000 pathologists and the laboratory community throughout the world.

Promise Guild Supports Art Therapy For Cancer Patients

March 19, 2007 » The Promise Guild, part of the Friends of SOMC, recently purchased art supplies as part of the complementary therapy using arts and crafts for cancer patients at the SOMC Cancer Center. The art therapy proposal was presented by SOMC Cancer Center Oncology Nurse Jenifer Combs, RN, BSN, OCN. Shown (l-r) with some of the supplies are Combs with Promise Guild members Anna Cardenas and Joyce Payton.

Adams Appointed at OUCOM

March 19, 2007 » Dr. Terry Johnson, Assistant Dean for Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUCOM), is proud to announce that Darren C. Adams, DO, has been appointed to the position of Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the college.

Dr. Adams’ appointment is effective through 2010. This is an appointment of the Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education (CORE) Group IV in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Adams received his medical degree from OUCOM. He completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at OUCOM and O’Bleness Hospital in Athens.

Dr. Adams is a member of the medical staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center and practices Obstetrics and Gynecology in Portsmouth.

Snook Joins SOMC Cardiology

March 19, 2007 » Mamie Snook, RN, MS, CNS, CNP, RDCS, has accepted a full-time position as a nurse practitioner with SOMC Cardiology, beginning April 2. She will continue in her role of helping expand Southern Ohio Medical Center’s heart and vascular program and be intricately involved in the care of SOMC cardiology patients.

Snook has served as the clinical nurse specialist for SOMC Heart and Vascular Services for the past year. For the past seven years, she has also served as nurse practitioner in the office of Drs. Ronald Arrick and Kevin Kammler. She has been with SOMC for 27 years, serving in critical care, cardiac rehabilitation and cardiovascular testing.

Snook is a graduate of Holzer Medical Center as a diploma nurse, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Ohio University, graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as a CNS from the Ohio State University and graduated in her post masters program as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from Ohio State. She became a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in 1989.

SOMC Personnel Complete OSHA Safety Training

March 15, 2007 » Safety leaders at Southern Ohio Medical Center recently completed OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Certification in the Standards for General Industry and the Standards of the Construction Industry. Certification training consisted of 30 hours of training in each area. The training provided OSHA guidelines that assist with SOMC’s organizational goal of achieving OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Programs) Star status and in continually striving to make SOMC safe.

Those completing the training are (front, l-r): John Schaffer, Manager Telecommunications, Leeann L. Sammons, vice president of Health and Safety Services; Greg Malone, Bio-Medical Engineering; Sharon Nolan, Infection Control; Abby Floyd, Plant Operations; Sheri Anderson, Safety Services; Craig Gilliland, administrative director of Facilities; back (l-r); Penny Cooper, director of Safety Services; Ted Stidham, Warehouse; Tom DeCamp, Plant Operations; Joan Thomas, director of Environmental Services; Henry Stewart, Maintenance; Randy McGraw, Maintenance; Joe McKinnon, manager of Security Services and Harold Bise, Maintenance.

Guild Flower Sales Under Way

March 14, 2007 » The Scioto Guild, a part of the Friends of Southern Ohio Medical Center, will host their annual flower sale through April 3. Orders are available for geranium baskets, hanging baskets for a variety of flowers and ferns. Flowers are purchased locally. Orders may be placed by calling Bonnie Johnson at 354-6536 or Gerri Nourse at 259-5868. Pick-up dates are May 8 and 9 at the Friends Community Center. Pictured, members of the guild begin planning for the event.

New Emergency Residency Program Launched at SOMC

March 13, 2007 » John S. Kasper, DO, has been named the director of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

“We’re developing a four-year internship/residency training program in Emergency Medicine,” he explains. “Graduates coming from various institutions will have an opportunity to observe and learn approaches to address acute or life-threatening emergencies.”

Following the initial “foundation” year of work in the Emergency Department at SOMC, participants will have a choice to commit to three additional years of training and experience or pursue studies elsewhere.

“This program complements the family practice program already in place at SOMC,” he says, adding that students are expected from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as other institutions in West Virginia and Kentucky.

Dr. Kasper is certified in Emergency Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine. He has more than 28 years of experience in the practice of Emergency Medicine, recently serving at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Trauma Center in Dayton. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, and received his undergraduate degree and master of science degree from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA. He completed his internship at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI. He began his residency training in orthopedic surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, but ultimately changed his interest to Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Kasper has more than 30 years of US military service, attaining the rank of Brigadier General in the US Army Reserve. He recently retired with honors.

Stewart Receives IDEAS Award

March 13, 2007 » Terry Stewart, Southern Ohio Medical Center Emergency Services, left, receives an IDEAS (Ideas Developed by Employees At SOMC) award from Amy Beinkampen, Director of Heart and Vascular Services and Quality Leadership Team Leader, for his suggestion to develop an Excel program to automatically calculate Emergency Department census numbers to reduce error. Stewart also received $25 in tokens that can be cashed in or saved for a day off with pay. The SOMC IDEAS program was developed to encourage and promote suggestions and reward employees for taking an active role in making SOMC a great place to work.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 9, 2007 » Li-fen L. Chang, MD, radiation oncologist at Southern Ohio Medical Center, reminds everyone that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“About 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum this year (out of 1.4 million total cancer diagnoses), ” she says. “The disease affects men and women equally. Often, there are no signs of colorectal cancer, but symptoms can include change in bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.”

Risk factors for the disease include family history of colorectal cancer, a history of polyps in the colon, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

The American Cancer Society recommends both men and women over age 50 be screened for colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of the disease, ask your doctor about earlier screening.

There are several screening tests for colorectal cancer. The best-known test is the colonoscopy. To perform this test, doctors insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to look for signs of cancer. If doctors see something unusual, they may remove some tissue and examine it under a microscope.

If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer it’s important to talk about your options with several doctors, including a radiation oncologist, a surgical oncologist and a medical oncologist, to find the treatment that’s best for you.

Surgery is the main treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer. If the disease has not spread, surgery alone may cure your cancer.

Radiation therapy is the careful use of radiation to treat cancer. Radiation therapy works within cancer cells by damaging their ability to multiply. Radiation may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor to make it easier to remove or after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may remain. For rectal cancer, doctors use radiation to keep the cancer from returning. This also helps prevent the need to remove the anus, thus preserving normal bowel function.

Chemotherapy is medicine designed to help kill cancer cells. It may be given before or after surgery and often with radiation.

Doctors at Southern Ohio Medical Center offer all three types of treatments. For an appointment call the SOMC Cancer Center at (740) 356-7490. Visit the Cancer Center online at www.somccancer.org.

To learn more about colorectal cancer and how to treat it, visit www.rtanswers.org or call the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology at (800) 962-7876 for a free brochure.

Jacobs Receives Coronary Certification

March 9, 2007 » Norman Jacobs, MD, MS, diagnostic radiologist at Southern Ohio Medical Center, has earned Level 2 certification in Cardiovascular Computerized Tomography Angiography (CTA) from the Society of Cardiovascular Computer Tomography (SCCT).

Dr. Jacobs’ certification is part of SOMC’s ongoing commitment to bringing the latest effective diagnostic imaging procedures and technology to the community. The SCCT is a professional medical membership organization committed to the further development of cardiovascular computer tomography through education, training, accreditation, quality control, and research.

Level 2 certification reflects extensive training in administering and reviewing computerized imaging of the heart and surrounding vessels for diagnosis of medical conditions.

Dr. Jacobs received his medical degree from Temple University Medical School and completed his training at Duke University Medical Center and Georgetown University Medical Center. He has been in practice as a radiologist in the Portsmouth area for the past 20 years.

Tower Crane Erected At SOMC Site

March 9, 2007 » One of the largest construction cranes ever used in Scioto County arrived on 14 semi-tractor trailers at Southern Ohio Medical Center March 8. Mounted on a pad of 116 cubic yards of concrete, the crane stands 140 feet above the site of the new Emergency and Surgical departments’ expansion on the hospital’s south side.

With an arm-like “jib” with a reach of 196 feet, the crane will lift construction materials at the site during the coming months. Pictured, the cab of the crane is lifted by a temporary extended crane onto the tower.

SOMC’s 50,000-square-foot expansion of Emergency and Surgery is expected to be complete next year. Combined with the expansion in front of the hospital, the $100 million project is expected to employ about 500 construction personnel over the next three years and 200 permanent medical professional jobs.

SOMC’s Rapid Response Team Featured In National Publication

March 9, 2007 » Southern Ohio Medical Center has been acknowledged in a national publication for its success with a program that brings intensive care to patients outside the Intensive Care Unit.

Since September 2005, SOMC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to respond to calls from staff members concerned about patients outside ICU who show signs of failing health. The program was recently recognized for its outstanding work in the February issue of the Voluntary Hospital Associations’ national newsletter.

Christie Aeh, nurse manger of the ICU, says the RRT program at SOMC is similar to those in other area hospitals. However, SOMC’s outcomes are very unique, exceeding those of other hospitals in the state.

“It’s quite an honor to be held so highly among other hospitals,” Aeh said. “The program has worked so well for us and our patients and we hope to further improve upon its effectiveness far into the future.”

Each RRT consists of ICU nurses and a respiratory therapist on-call 24 hours. When a staff member becomes concerned about a patient’s condition due to changes such as rapid heart rate or lowered blood pressure, the RRT is called to intervene.

Upon arrival, the RRT receives a bedside report from the receiving unit and evaluates the patient. The team then collaborates with the department nurse and supervisor to determine the best treatment options for the patient.

SOMC’s program was created as part of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s “Save 100,000 Lives” campaign.

“Rapid Response Teams provide staff with the necessary resources to seek immediate help when handling patients who may be showing signs of deterioration, often determining the difference between life and death,” Mamie Snook, clinical nurse specialist for Heart and Vascular Services at SOMC, said. “Because of this, the RRT program has proven to be very beneficial to our hospital and patients.”

“In a nutshell, RRT brings the Intensive Care Unit to the bedside of any patient anywhere within the hospital,” Dr. Elie Saab, medical director of the ICU, said.

“The RRT is helpful because it provides nurses and other hospital staff with a group of clinicians who can be called at any time to give critical care expertise,” Amy Carter, assistant nurse manager of the ICU, said. “Many times, nurses know when something isn’t quite right with their patients, and these teams allow us to act ahead of time before conditions can decline.”

SOMC also has been participating in the VHA’s database, which tracks the effectiveness of a hospital’s RRTs, and has been recommended as a mentor hospital for the RRT model.

Crawford Earns IDEAS Award

March 9, 2007 » Mike Crawford (second from right) of Emergency Services at Southern Ohio Medical Center was recently presented with the SOMC IDEAS (Ideas Developed by Employees At SOMC) award by Sheri Anderson of SOMC Safety Services. Crawford suggested additional lighting to assist pedestrians from the Red Parking garage to the Emergency Department. Scott Malone (left) and Ernie Curtis (right) worked on the installation of the lighting. SOMC’s IDEAS program rewards employees for presenting viable ideas that support the organization’s values of safety, service, quality, relationships and performance.

SOMC’s Skaggs At Conference

March 9, 2007 » Mary Kate Dilts Skaggs, RN, MSN, CNA, of Southern Ohio Medical Center recently attended the Emergency Nurses Association Leadership Conference 2007 in Boston, Mass., Feb. 22-25.

More than 1,400 nursing leaders from across the country and around the world attended topics including education, professional development, personnel, quality, and safety, as related to emergency department operations.

Skaggs presented “Drug Dependency and Drug Testing – Lessons for Leaders” at this conference.

She has been the director of Nursing for Emergency and Outpatient Services for more than 10 years at SOMC.

SOMC Cancer Services Receives Komen Grant

March 9, 2007 » Beginning in April, Southern Ohio Medical Center will be able to offer more breast cancer services to uninsured and underserved women in Scioto, Pike and Lawrence counties, thanks to a grant received from the Columbus chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

“The grant is going to open a lot of doors for us and will really give us a chance to provide a unique service to the women of our area,” Heather Ashley, RN, BSN, OCN, clinical manager of Medical Oncology at SOMC, said. “We’ve never had something on this level happen to us and we’re all very excited about its possibilities.”

The $48,500 grant given to the SOMC Cancer Center will be used to start the Hands of Hope program. Hands of Hope will be geared toward educating community woman 40 years and older about the importance of early breast cancer detection and supplying those already diagnosed with added guidance and support.

“Women diagnosed with breast cancer at an earlier stage have much higher survival rates,” Ashley said. “Unfortunately, not everyone in our community is financially able to go through the steps necessary to complete early detection, which is why the Hands of Hope program is so important.”

Hands for Hope will provide free mammograms and financial assistance for breast biopsy to uninsured women. Those currently affected by breast cancer will be provided with a special nurse contact, called a Breast Health Navigator, to bridge the gap between the physical aspects of breast cancer and the immediate needs throughout diagnosis, surgery and treatment. After breast surgery, patients will receive a visit from the Breast Health Navigator nurse for education regarding post-surgical care and the recovery process before leaving the hospital.

“We’re so glad to have the opportunity to partner with Komen Columbus,” Ashley said. “The program will be a great service to our community and we hope it will help the women of our area in winning the fight against cancer.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest and most progressive network of breast cancer survivors and activists. For the past 25 years, the foundation has contributed more than $1 billion in funding for basic, clinical and translational breast cancer research and innovative projects in the areas of breast cancer education, screening and treatment.

To learn more about Hands of Hope and its qualifications, call Heather Ashley at (740) 356-7594.

SOMC Again On State’s ‘Best Place To Work’ List

March 8, 2007 » For the second consecutive year, Southern Ohio Medical Center has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Ohio.”

“This confirms that our family atmosphere of caring for our patients as well as each other has made us a great place to work,” Vicki Noel, vice president of Human Resources at SOMC, said.

The awards are presented by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Society for Human Resource Management. Data was collected and ranked by the company ModernThink.

The distinction was given based on an evaluation of workplace camaraderie, fairness, credibility, pride and respect but most importantly the thoughts and opinions of the employees of SOMC. SOMC was evaluated against various organizations statewide including large corporations and other healthcare organizations.

“This is quite an honor for our organization,” SOMC President Randy Arnett said. “It only further proves that SOMC houses some of the best employees in the state of Ohio.”

Arnett said the distinction will not only emanate pride to our community through employees, but will also help with recruitment and retention.

“People want to be a part of something great. This distinction will be a way to show those seeking employment, that SOMC is the place to be,” he said.

In the next few weeks, SOMC will receive a feedback report and the ranking of the organization based on data accumulated from the evaluation process. Arnett said SOMC is always searching for methods of gathering information to make adjustments and improvements in work life.

“Listening to our employees is important. Based on feedback from various venues such as the employee opinion survey and distinctions such as this, we have made changes to our organization that will continue to make SOMC a great place to work and receive quality health care. We will continue to listen and learn from those who make the greatest impact on our organization – our SOMC team,” Noel said.

The official ranking of SOMC on the Best Employers in Ohio list will be revealed during an awards ceremony on April 24 in Columbus. SOMC was number three on the list in 2006.

Donini Earns IDEAS Award

March 5, 2007 » Roger Donini, a nurse with Southern Ohio Medical Center Emergency Services, left, receives an IDEAS (Ideas Developed by Employees At SOMC) award from Amy Beinkampen, director of Heart and Vascular Services and Quality Leadership Team leader, for his suggestion in developing a program that would use editable text to update ambulatory infusion clinic data bases and/or orders. Donini also received $50 in tokens that can be cashed in in Human Resources or saved for a day off with pay. The SOMC IDEAS program was developed to encourage and promote suggestions and reward employees for taking an active role in making SOMC a great place to work.

Nurse Richards Earns IDEAS Award

March 5, 2007 » Dawn Richards, Southern Ohio Medical Center Emergency Services, left, receives an IDEAS (Ideas Developed by Employees At SOMC) award from Amy Beinkampen, director of Heart and Vascular Services and Quality Leadership Team leader, for her suggestion in developing a tool to help Magnet Champions deliver the message of Magnetism to their departments. Richards also received $100 in tokens that can be cashed in in Human Resources or saved for a day off with pay. The SOMC IDEAS program was developed to encourage and promote suggestions and reward employees for taking an active role in making SOMC a great place to work.