choose Wisely: McLeod Health

Inside

IN TIMES OF NEED, McLEOD IS THERE

PAGE 10

URINARY INCONTINENCE IS NOT

A NORMAL PART OF AGING

PAGE 34

LEARNING TO LOVE TO READ

PAGE 14

It is an honor and privilege to once again present our

McLeod Magazine to the community, as we share the

stories of personal experiences and medical victories.

In this issue, we recognize the efforts of our

physicians and staff to provide exceptional quality care.

These outstanding outcomes are achieved through the

dedication to the mission and the values of McLeod

Health.

Our McLeod mission is to improve the health and well being of people living

within South Carolina and eastern North Carolina by providing excellence in

health care.

The core values of McLeod include: the Value of Caring, the Value of the

Person, the Value of Quality and the Value of Integrity.

Often we take our health for granted, in that most hospitalizations, surgeries

or lifesaving treatments come as a result of facing life’s unexpected challenges.

At McLeod Health, we are grateful for the expertise and compassion of those

who serve our patients and their families, and we appreciate the opportunity to

participate in the journey of restoration and recovery with those who entrust us

with their care.

Thank you for Choosing Wisely. Thank you for making McLeod the Choice

for Medical Excellence.

Rob Colones,

President,

McLeod Health

Views

Rob Colones

4 A QUADRUPLE MIRACLE

7 AN UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE

10 IN TIMES OF NEED, McLEOD IS THERE

14 LEARNING TO LOVE TO READ

16 A NEW TREATMENT OPTION IN CARDIAC CARE

18 BLESSED WITH A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

21 CHAMPIONING PATIENT SAFETY

22 A LEGACY OF COMMITMENTA FUTURE OF QUALITY SERVICE

30 FAMILY-CENTERED MEDICINE

32 SAVING LIVES

34 URINARY INCONTINENCE IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING

36 A HOLIDAY MIRACLE

38 THE GOLD STANDARD IN McLEOD NURSING CARE

40 THE ARTIST WITHIN

42 BUILDING HEALING ENVIRONMENTS

44 KEEPING KIDS SAFE

47 IN MEMORIAM: J. GIVENS YOUNG

48 McLEOD NEWS

51 McLEOD WELCOMES THESE PHYSICIANS

2

On the Cover:Matt and Susan Lewis welcomedtheir bundles of joy last year atMcLeod Regional Medical Center.

McLeod extends its gratitude toCollin M. Smith for allowing themedical center to use his imagesof the Lewis Quadruplets in ourpublications.

is published by

McLeod Health, Florence, S.C.

Rob ColonesPresident and CEO, McLeod Health

Jumana A. SwindlerEditor, Vice President of Communications

& Public Information

Tracy H. StantonCo-Editor, Coordinator of Publications

Contributing Writers:Celeste Bondurant-Bell, Leah M. Fleming,

Rachel Gainey, Kristie S. Gibbs, Jessica Wall, Tammy White, and Celia Whitten

Photographers:Sidney Glass, Chief Photographer

and Doug Fraser

Design and Printing:Sheriar Press, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

©2012 by McLeod Health.All rights reserved. For permission to reprint,

contact McLeod Publications.(843) 777-2592 • www.mcleodhealth.org

See their story on page 4.

Maylee Addison Parker Brayden

3

Cover Photography by

Married in September of 2005, Mattand Susan waited a few years like othernewlyweds before deciding to expandtheir “nest.” In 2009, they began trying toconceive their first child. After a year,they became concerned that somethingwas wrong.

Susan’s physician, Dr. Gary Emersonwho cares for patients at McLeodOB/GYN, began the process todetermine why the Lewis’ wereexperiencing conception issues. “The first step was to test myprogesterone level,” said Susan. “After learning that my level was low,

Dr. Emerson recommended a low doseinfertility medication called Clomid tohelp increase my hormone level and ourchances of conceiving.”

In July of 2010, after four months oftaking Clomid, enduring monthly bloodwork to test the results of the medicationand numerous ultrasounds, the Lewis’learned that they were finally expecting.However, at their eight-week OBappointment, Matt and Susan receivedthe devastatingnews thatthere was noheartbeat.

Most young married couples dream of the day when they can announce to the world,“we are expecting our first child!” Matt and Susan Lewis of Florence were no different.They just did not expect to announce that they would soon be a family of six!

by Tracy H. Stanton

These precious miracles are the first set ofquadruplets born at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

PHOTO CREDIT: COLLIN M. SMITH

Dr. Emerson recommended a surgicaltreatment as a result of the fetal demise.A month after her surgery, Susan metwith Dr. Emerson to begin the processagain with Clomid.

“Three months later, a week beforeChristmas, I was overjoyed to learn I waspregnant again,” Susan said. The coupleshared the joyous news with theirfamilies at Christmas by presenting them with a present containing a baby’soutfit. Susan’s dad even joked with themsaying, “maybe you will have twins.”

A few days later, on December 28,Susan and Matt had an appointmentwith McLeod OB/GYN to check theprogress of the pregnancy. Susan recallsAudrey Atkinson, the ultrasoundtechnician, beginning to count, “one,two, three, four…” As Matt and Susanlooked at each other in disbelief, Audreyimmediately went to find Dr. Emerson.Susan said, “He walked in the room andsaid, ‘What’s going on in here?’”

After reviewing the ultrasound, Dr. Emerson told a speechless Susan andMatt that there were four sacs, two withheartbeats. He explained to the couplethat it was too early to concludeanything or make decisions. Matt andSusan decided to the keep the news ofpossible multiples to themselves for now.

On January 3, Susan had anotherultrasound to check the progress of herpregnancy. The couple was blessedbeyond measure when they learnedthere were now four sacs and fourheartbeats. During the appointment,Susan recalls Matt saying, “I didn’tunderstand you. Did you say four?”

The couple finally decided it wastime to let their families in on theirsecret. All of the grandparents wereoverjoyed but shocked with the newsthat they would have four grandchildrenat once.

Dr. Emerson, who has been inpractice for 16 years, had never shared in the birth of quadruplets. This was afirst for McLeod, too. Since this wasconsidered a high-risk pregnancy,

Dr. Emerson consulted on Susan’s carewith McLeod Maternal Fetal Medicine, agroup of obstetrical specialists who treatpatients with high-risk or complicatedpregnancies. According to Susan, thebiggest concern for Dr. Emerson waswhether she would be able to carry allfour babies and deliver them at a healthystage in her pregnancy.

“I had never taken care of a mothercarrying quadruplets before,” explainedDr. Emerson. “Susan was placed on thelowest dose of Clomid we prescribe ininfertility cases. The risk of quads takingClomid was about one out of 100,000.The biggest risks with this type ofpregnancy is prematurity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, growthrestriction and genetic abnormalities.

“Susan did better than I could haveever hoped,” added Dr. Emerson. “She isalready a pretty laid back and easy goingperson, and she never got anxious aboutanything during the pregnancy. Early inher pregnancy, we determined that hercervix was strong enough to support thebabies. Around 12 to 13 weeks in herpregnancy everything was progressingwell and the babies were growing so I feltgood that Susan would be able to carrythe babies to a viable stage for survival.”

McLeod Neonatologist Dr. TommyCox said the NICU team was informedthat Susan was carrying quadrupletsaround the start of her second trimester.“We began to mentally prepare for howwe would manage their care.

“In the NICU, we had a plan andschedule in place that when the Lewisquads arrived we would have three to fourdoctors, three respiratory therapists andfour nurses standing by on call to assist.”

“I was due at the end of August,” saidSusan. “As my pregnancy progressed, my swollen hands and feet seemed to get tighter and tighter. But these littlemiracles were well worth the smallamount of misery I endured with asummer pregnancy.” Amazingly, Susanalso only gained 65 pounds during herpregnancy. She said her one truecomplication was an increase in herblood pressure at her weekly OBappointments.

Dr. Emerson said that at around 24weeks, Susan’s activities were altered a bitto keep her off her feet and prescribedextra folic acid. “Our goal was to get herto 28 weeks and amazingly she workedup until that time. We administeredsteroid injections at 31 weeks for the

babies’ lung development. At this time,Susan’s blood pressure was elevated and she was experiencing somecontractions.”

Susan made it successfully to 24weeks, then 28 weeks and approaching32 weeks, Dr. Emerson scheduled her c-section for July 6, 33 weeks gestation.Susan prepared herself that the babiescould arrive at any time and had herbags ready to go at a moment’s notice.On Thursday, June 30, Susan, Matt andher parents arrived for her weeklydoctor’s appointment. Following theexam, Dr. Emerson felt it was wise to goahead and deliver the babies, recallsSusan. “I had less than two hours tomentally prepare myself that this was it –our babies were going to be born today.”

“We were going to try and make it to33 weeks but at 32 weeks her bloodpressure was elevated more, she wascontracting and her cervix was dilating

During the appointment, Susan recalls Matt saying, “I didn’t understand you... Did you say four?”

54

6

A basket of blessings, Parker, Brayden,Addison and Maylee, have enrichedtheir parents’ lives.

6 7

PHOTO CREDIT: COLLIN M. SMITH

Liz and Arthur Moore describetheir daughter as an easy infant.“Blakeney crawled and walked ontime. Everything seemed normal,”said Liz. “However, when Blakeneywas nearing three years of age, westarted to notice a difference. Walkingup a flight of stairs, Blakeney wouldswing her legs around instead ofbending them at the hips and knees. If she fell down, she would sinkstraight down, like an accordion.”

The Moore’s were referred to Dr. Al Gilpin, a pediatric orthopedicsurgeon who cares for patients at the McLeod Children’s Hospital. “We were scheduled for anappointment with Dr. Gilpin forBlakeney, but we ended up in hisoffice earlier than planned with ourson Townsend who had broken hisfoot,” said Liz.

Crawling, standing, walking, running -most children accomplish these tasks withinthe first two years of life. Blakeney Moorewas no different. At least that is how things appeared.

An UnexpectedChallengeby Kristie Salvato Gibbs

Blakeney poses with her bicycle. She is excited about riding herbicycle without training wheels.

indicating that labor was imminent,”explained Dr. Emerson. “We hadpreviously decided on a c-sectionbecause the risk of a vaginal delivery was too great to safely deliver the babies.The surgery was performed with nocomplications. I had one of my partnerson stand by to assist and the Labor andDelivery staff, Operating Room andNICU teams orchestrated everythingperfectly. The entire medical team did a great job planning and preparingin advance for the arrival of thequadruplets.”

“I remember walking into the ORand telling Matt when we leave thisroom we will be a family of six,” saidSusan.

During the surgery, Matt and Susanremember hearing their first child cryand Dr. Emerson holding up each babyfor them to see that they were healthyand strong.

Maylee Margaret arrived first at 11:26a.m. weighing three pounds, one ounce.She was followed closely at 11:28 a.m. by her two sisters, Addison Claire, threepounds and five ounces, and BraydenElizabeth, two pounds and 11 ounces.Matthew Parker made his arrival at

11:29 a.m. weighing the smallest at twopounds and six ounces.

The babies were all relatively healthyand they did not require ventilators toassist with breathing, but they wereadmitted to the NICU because of theirsize and premature delivery.

“Two days after the babies were born,Maylee developed a collapsed lung,”recalls Susan of their time spent in theNICU. “A chest tube was inserted andthree days later, she was fine. Braydenalso experienced periods of apnea whereshe would stop breathing and her heartrate would drop which is common inpremature babies. She wore an apneamonitor for a short time after goinghome. Fortunately, Addison and Parkerwere spared from any complications.”

“This was the first set of quads underour care,” said Dr. Cox. “But you stilltreat them like four separate babies. At birth, they all weighed well over two pounds, and they each breathed on their own. Maylee did develop apneumothorax, a common complicationin preemies, but she recovered in 72hours with placement of a chest tube.”

According to Dr. Cox, the babies hadtheir own area in the NICU and theywere physically kept near each other.

They spent their first two weeks in theNICU and two weeks in the step downunit.

The babies remained in the McLeodNICU for approximately a monthgrowing stronger and receiving aroundthe clock care. “Maylee and Addisoncame home first on July 29,” Susan said.“Brayden followed on August 1, andParker joined his sisters at home onAugust 3.”

Dr. Cox explained that the babies allmade it home four weeks before theiractual due date. “The miracle in this case is that Susan made it to 32 weekscarrying four babies. Babies born at thispoint in a pregnancy normally escapepreemie complications and they did aswell.”

Now 10 months old, each of thebabies have developed their own distinctpersonalities, according to Matt andSusan. And, Addison and Brayden haverecently begun crawling which has madethe Lewis household even more exciting.Susan said she knows it will not be longbefore they are all on the go.

“Our family is complete, and we givethanks to God that we were chosen tobring these precious miracles into theworld,” added Susan.

“The doctors and nurses did an excellentjob taking care of all of us. They wereattentive and answered all of my questions.”

– Liz Moore

While Dr. Gilpin cared forTownsend, Blakeney ran around theoffice like a typical three-year-old. “Dr. Gilpin told us Townsend was going to be all right,” said Liz, “but he needed to speak with us aboutBlakeney.”

He advised the Moore’s that they did not need to wait for Blakeney’sscheduled appointment to return. Hewanted x-rays arranged immediately.

“We were extremely frightened andconcerned that Dr. Gilpin wanted tocheck Blakeney right away,” said Arthur.“It was at that moment that we knew wewere faced with a very serious situation.”

The x-rays revealed a developmentaldislocation in both of Blakeney’s hips.They had been malformed since birth.The hips and sockets were not roundedas they should normally develop butinstead were flat.

“Blakeney was suffering fromdevelopmental dysplasia of the hip,”explained Dr. Gilpin. “Typically, whenwe see dysplasia of the hip, it is in onlyone hip and in an infant. Discoveringthis condition in both hips of an olderchild is very rare.”

Blakeney had not experienced painin her hips and her parents had not seenan irregularity in the way she stood andwalked. It was difficult for her conditionto be recognized at an earlier age,because she was not showing signs ofhaving problems with her legs and hips.

Developmental dysplasia of the hipin children occurs over a period oftime, while the child is in the mother’s uterus andprogressively after birth, according to Dr. Gilpin. The ball (top of the femur)gradually slips outof the socket anddoes not formcorrectly.

When the hip is not formed properly,the socket does not develop correctly,making both areas flat and unable towork together.

“In order to get a round ball it needsto be in the socket, and to have a roundsocket you must have a round ball,”explained Dr. Gilpin. “Blakeney’scondition was highly unusual. If leftuntreated she would experiencesignificant problems in life with arthritis and ambulatory difficulties.”

Surgery was inevitable. “Dr. Gilpin told us he would do his

‘carpentry’ and put the ball into eachsocket so the joints would movetogether in the way they wereintended,” said Liz. “It wouldrequire multiple surgeries.

His recommendation was to performsurgery on one hip, allow her a shortrecovery period, and then performsurgery on the other hip.”

“Initially, we placed the ball of thehips into the sockets followed byreconstruction of the ligaments aroundthe hip,” said Dr. Gilpin. “Because thesockets were flat we had to cut the pelvisand reposition the sockets to contain theball of the hip. Metal pins were insertedin the pelvis to hold everything inplace.”

Blakeney celebrates her recovery with herparents, Arthur and Liz,and big brother Townsend.

Blakeney races her brother, Townsend, who is happy to have Blakeney out of the cast andable to enjoy fun activities with him again.

At the conclusion of the first surgery,Blakeney spent three months in a bodycast. “A body cast encases the entirebody from mid-chest to the feet,”continued Dr. Gilpin. “This ensures thatthe body is not moved and will be ableto heal properly.” Following the secondhip surgery, Blakeney also required abody cast.

“Everything in our world stopped,”said Arthur. “Blakeney went fromwalking, playing and using the restroomby herself to being completelydependent. She spent a total of eightmonths confined by the body cast.”

Following surgery, Blakeney becamea patient in the McLeod Children’sHospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU) and the children’s floor. “Thedoctors and nurses did an excellent job taking care of all of us,” said Liz.“They were attentive and answered all of my questions. It really meant agreat deal to us to have a team of peoplewho knew what they were doing andcompassionately understood.”

“We are so grateful to the doctorsand nurses at McLeod Children’sHospital,” said Arthur. “Blakeney wastheir patient, but they also cared for usas her parents. Their knowledge andexperience surpassed our expectations.”

When Blakeney was released fromMcLeod Children’s Hospital, her hipjoints were healing and functional. TheMoore family prepared for the nextphase of the process. Blakeney requiredextensive rehabilitation to relearn howto walk and function like she did priorto surgery and time spent in a body cast.

“We discovered that Blakeney hadphysically healed, but now she could notdo anything on her own,” said Liz.

“Physical therapy was necessary tohelp Blakeney regain the functionalmovements she had lost,” said LauraEberhardt, a Physical Therapist withMcLeod Pediatric RehabilitationServices. “We re-trained her body tophysically handle the weight on her legs,to walk again, as well as going up and

down stairs. She went through a greatdeal of stretching and strengtheningexercises to stabilize the hip joints andachieve functional mobility. Since herlegs have been tight for such a longperiod of time, Blakeney did not havethe optimal range of motion needed to walk with a normal gait pattern.”

“The stretching was the mostdifficult for Blakeney because it was so painful,” said Arthur. “The physicaltherapist sang songs and played gameswhen they were helping her withstretching. They tried to make it as fun as possible.”

“When I was in the cast, my legspointed out and my body facedforward,” said Blakeney. “I had a pinkcast, one with teddy bears and even one with puppy paws. There were pins

in my body holding it together.” Blakeney endured six surgeries

and one year of therapy. Today, she is a vivacious six-year old. She alsocontinues to see Dr. Gilpin each year tohave x-rays performed checking on thegrowth of her legs.

“Blakeney is an amazing little girl,”says Liz. “She runs and jumps with herbrother, rides her bike without trainingwheels and is as full of energy as otherchildren her age. We never expected togo through something as trying as thisjourney, but we faced the situation anddid the best we could. However, wecould not have done it without Dr. Gilpin and McLeod Children’sHospital. They have given our little girlthe ability to live her life to the fullest.”

8 9

10

Today, Will and Harrison Walker arehealthy, thriving eight-year-old boys.

The Walkers were ecstatic when theydiscovered they were having twin boys.At the time, the couple lived in Atlanta,Georgia. At 20 weeks gestation, Dawnwas placed on bed rest, and she came toFlorence to stay with her mother. Facedwith pre-term labor and some otherdifficulties with her pregnancy, Dawnsoon required the services of McLeodRegional Medical Center.

“I was very impressed with thefacility,” said Dawn, “and Mitch and I knew that McLeod was the hospitalwhere we wanted the boys to be born.”The Walkers also decided to makeFlorence their new home.

Dawn later developed preeclampsia, a condition in which a pregnant womandevelops high blood pressure andprotein in the urine after the 20th weekof pregnancy. She spent one week in thehospital before delivering the twins.“This was the beginning of our journeywith McLeod,” she recalled.

Harrison and William (Will) Walkerwere born at 32 weeks. They were caredfor in the McLeod Neonatal IntensiveCare Unit (NICU) for 45 days. “TheNICU staff was wonderful. They tooksuch great care of both the boys and us,”said Mitch.

Even though the boys were not smallin size and weight compared to other

twins born at that stage, their lungs were not yet fully developed, and theyneeded immediate care to help thembegin breathing. The Walkers credit theMcLeod NICU physicians and staff forsaving the boys’ lives the day they wereborn.

However, on the 33rd day in theNICU, Harrison faced a set-back.

“We almost lost Harrison that day,”remembered Dawn. “This was thesecond time his life was saved byMcLeod.”

Harrison had developed fluid around his lungs, which was preventinghis blood from holding onto oxygen. But, the fluid was not showing up on the imaging scans.

McLeod Neonatologist Dr. JosephHarlan made the decision to giveHarrison a diuretic, which cleared theundetected fluid from his lungs.Harrison also required a few bloodtransfusions, but he was on his was to recovery.

The twins came home from thehospital on heart monitors in June of2004. They were required to wear themonitors for six months. “Harrison didhave two spells during that time,” saidDawn, “and I had to perform rescuebreathing on him once. The McLeodNICU staff had trained us on what to

do before we went home. I am a schoolteacher and also a swim instructor, andtrained in CPR, but I still panicked whenI had to perform it on my own child.”

The boys grew quickly from thispoint, and the Walkers enjoyed watchingthem develop their own uniquepersonalities and discover theirsurroundings. At one-and-a-half years of age, their Pediatrician, Dr. ThomasSpence of McLeod Pediatric Associatesof Florence, noticed their speechappeared not to be progressing. Theirparents agreed, recognizing that the boyshad developed a “twin language” – inother words, they could talk to eachother, but no one else could understandthem. Dr. Spence recommended that the two enter into the speech therapyprogram at McLeod. The boys remainedin the program until they were threeyears old.

“In addition to saving their lives,McLeod has helped them in so manyother ways,” Dawn remarked.

Four years later, the boys were eachexperiencing severe cases of strep throat.Between April and May of 2011, thetwins had nine cases of strep all together.Will was also snoring a great deal, and hewas waking up several times during thenight gasping for breath, according toDawn.

Little did Dawn and Mitch Walker know how vital and how frequent a roleMcLeod would serve in the lives of their sons in the coming years.

In Times of Need, McLeod Is Thereby Leah Fleming

11

1213

was having trouble breathing. McLeodEmergency Department NurseStephanie Duer retrieved a suction tohelp keep Harrison’s airway open, andinstructed him to tilt his head to theside instead of straight back to get some of the blood out.

The Walkers were amazed at howquickly they found themselves in thepre-operative (pre-op) area for theoperating room. “Everything movedright along like it was supposed to,”remarked Dawn. “The transporter whoquickly wheeled Harrison down the hallknew what he needed to do, but alsohelped ease Harrison’s mind by talkingabout baseball.

“McLeod also has a true kid’s heroin Anesthesiologist Dr. Ben King. He was with us when the boys had their first surgery, and he was such anawesome, calming force for us asparents and for our two boys. When we saw his smiling face again as weturned the corner into the pre-op areafor the OR, we were able to relax a little.He remembered that Harrison liked totell jokes and helped make him smilebefore they rushed Harrison intosurgery.”

During surgery, Dr. Hoplacauterized the artery and stopped the bleeding. “We can control this typeof bleed by cauterization, sutures,pressure, or a combination of all ofthree,” said Dr. Hopla. “After Harrison’ssurgery, he did not experience any morecomplications.”

The surgery was also very quick.“Seeing Dr. Hopla’s smile after thesurgery was an enormous relief,” saidDawn. Dr. Hopla told Dawn and Mitchthat because Harrison had lost asignificant amount of blood, he wasgoing to be anemic, and that he wouldrequire additional follow-up from hisPediatrician to treat it.

“The recovery time after this surgery is about the same as a standardtonsillectomy, usually about 10 to 14

days,” explained Dr. Hopla. “We alsoinform patients to not perform anystrenuous activities for about two tothree weeks after surgery.”

“McLeod had all the assets theyneeded to care for our son,” said Mitch.“The physicians, operating room andemergency staff were all standing by tohelp care for Harrison, equipped withspecific pediatric tools and technology. If we did not have McLeod, Harrisonwould not be here today. Even though it was an emergency situation, it wasseamless.”

“In Florence, we have Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons on call 24 hours aday, seven days a week, so that we canquickly, safely, and effectively deal withthis type of bleeding if it should occur,”added Dr. McKay.

“From the physicians who are on-call, to the Emergency Department andOperating Room staff, we are preparedand ready to provide emergent patientswith the best outcome possible,” agreedDr. Hopla.

When Harrison was ready to bemoved to the Children’s Hospital floorto recover from surgery, the Children’sHospital staff was there to assist in hisrecovery. Harrison enjoyed the brightcolors in the room, and when he waswell enough to walk around the floor, he found a mural of frogs that heparticularly enjoyed.

“I really remember the frog painting,”said Harrison. “I would stand in front of

it and hold my breath, and pretend I was swimming with all of the frogs. It was really cool. I am also very thankfulthat McLeod is close to my house.”

The Walkers were also impressedwith the McLeod team approach to care.After Harrison was discharged from thehospital, Dr. Tom Spence called theWalkers to check on Harrison. Thefollowing day they took him to McLeodPediatrics to have his hemoglobinchecked. Even though Harrison wasanemic for a short time, he was on theroad to recovery.

“We are so incredibly thankful toMcLeod,” said Dawn. “Not once, nottwice, but three times they have savedHarrison’s life, and they saved Will’s lifewith the care they gave him in the NICU.They have also helped our children withthe valuable services they provide inspeech therapy.”

“It was not luck,” added Mitch.“McLeod has always been ready for us,and I will never stop appreciating that.”

“We brought them to Dr. ShawnMcKay of Farrell and McKay Ear, Nose,and Throat, in Florence,” said Dawn.“Dr. McKay recommended that theyhave their tonsils and adenoids removedin a procedure called a tonsillectomy.”

“Tonsillectomy is one of the mostcommon surgical procedures performedin childhood,” said Dr. McKay. “Morethan 525,000 tonsillectomies wereperformed in this country in 2006. This is more than double the amountperformed a decade ago. The reason for this increase is that Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy has been recognized as a simple, quick, and very effectivetreatment for Sleep DisorderedBreathing in children.

“Sleep Disordered Breathing iscommon condition that may includeloud snoring, fractured sleep, and evensleep apnea, where children have pausesin their breathing when they aresleeping,” he continued.

Dr. McKay explained that theprocedure is performed on an outpatientbasis and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.He said parents can expect their child tohave a moderate to severe sore throat forabout a week following surgery.

The Walkers scheduled the twins toboth have the procedure performed onJune 8, 2011. After surgery, their recoveryseemed to be progressing normally.

However, a little more than a weeklater, Harrison woke up early onemorning with a small amount of bloodon his pillow and face. Dawn calledDr. McKay’s office, and reached Dr. Dan Hopla of Ear, Nose and ThroatAssociates of Florence, who was theOtolaryngologist on call that morning.Dr. Hopla instructed Dawn to bringHarrison to the McLeod EmergencyDepartment and he would meether there.

Dawn called her mother and askedher to come over to watch Will, who wasstill sleeping. After she arrived, Dawnand Mitch took Harrison to the car. Butwhen they got in the driveway, Harrisonstarted coughing up even more blood.Dawn called Dr. Hopla again anddescribed the amount of blood that wasnow coming out of Harrison’s mouth.Based on this information, Dr. Hoplaknew that Harrison would require anadditional surgery. After they arrived inthe Emergency Department, Harrisonwas taken straight to an OperatingRoom.

“Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy doeshave risks,” said Dr. McKay. “The mostprominent risk is significant bleedingthat can occur one to two percent of thetime, usually on days five through eightafter the surgery. When a ‘scab’ falls offthe tonsil bed, there may be a smallexposed blood vessel that has not yetsealed over, and it may cause bleeding.Although this does not happen often, itdoes happen from time totime.”

Dr. Hopla called theMcLeod EmergencyDepartment and toldthem to prepare for the Walkers’ arrival.

He also called the McLeod OperatingRoom staff and told them that he was onthe way. When the Walkers arrived at theEmergency Department, staff wasexpecting them and ushered themstraight back to see McLeod EmergencyPhysician Dr. Peter Hyman.

“When I entered the room, I couldsee that Harrison had lost a significantamount of blood,” said Dr. Hyman. “I could also tell the family was veryafraid and anxious. Our role was to giveHarrison intravenous (IV) fluids and toget his blood work completed, but alsoto help calm him and the family. It wasimportant for Harrison to remain calmand still to help keep the bleeding undercontrol.”

“I was freaking out, but Dr. Hymanvery calmly put his hand on my shoulderand said, ‘It is going to be ok. We haveseen this before,’” remembered Dawn.“The fact that the physicians and staffwere calm really made a difference. Even though it was early in the morning,everyone was responsive and ready to

go. The staff was very prompt andefficient.”

One nurse in particular stuckout in the minds of the Walkers.Harrison, who was lying down,

Mitch and Dawn Walker are thankful to McLeod

for saving the lives of their twins

Harrison and Will.

Tonsillectomy/AdenoidectomyDr. Shawn McKay, Farrell and McKay Ear, Nose and Throat

Numerous studies have shown associations between Sleep Disordered Breathing

and neurocognitive disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD),

decreased performance in school, and decreased performance on standardized

testing. There is also increasing evidence that Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children

may have associations with diabetes, and possibly heart and lung problems.

Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy has been shown to prevent, and in some cases reverse

changes that may occur in Sleep Disordered Breathing. If your child is snoring loudly,

or certainly if they are “pausing breathing” while sleeping, be sure to tell your doctor.

Often you learn how to read at ayoung age. As you grow older, atransition occurs and you read to learn.Some children develop an early love forreading, but for others, it is a difficult taskthat can leave them feeling embarrassedand defeated.

Nine-year-old Joshua Acosta and 10-year-old Samule Dinkins know whatit is like to have difficulty reading.

“Joshua was in kindergarten when hebegan to struggle,” said Susan Knight,Joshua’s mother. “He was able torecognize letters, but he was not able toput sounds together to form words.Reading became so overwhelming thathe just stopped trying, and he no longerwanted to go to school. Since we wereexperiencing problems, the schoolscreened Joshua for developmental issuesthat could be affecting his ability to read,and I spoke with our pediatrician.”

Samule had been experiencing thesame sort of difficulties. “I noticed when I read a story to Samule he did not comprehend what I wasreading,” said Angela Green,Samule’s mother.

“He was not catching on as quickly as I thought he should. I felt like he wasbehind other children his age and notwhere he should be at this point in hisdevelopment. I also expressed myconcerns to our pediatrician.”

Both families were referred by theirpediatricians to McLeod PediatricRehabilitation for SpeechTherapy. “Speech therapyis for the treatment oflanguage delays anddisorders, voice andarticulation disorders,fluency problems,swallowing disorders,problems induced byhearing loss, and

phonological awareness deficits thatmake it difficult to learn to read andspell,” explained Wynne English, SpeechLanguage Pathology Supervisor. “We provide phonemic awarenessprograms for children like Joshua andSamule who need assistance withlanguage and reading skills.

Learning to Love to Readby Kristie Salvato Gibbs

Reading is an important life skill. Whether reading a road sign, a piece of mail or a

favorite book, reading is essential in life.

Joshua is excited about reading one ofhis favorite books. The progress he hasmade through speech therapy haselevated him to the appropriate readinglevel for his age and grade level. 14

“Phonemic awareness is theunderstanding of how words are madeup of sounds and how the sounds areplaced in sequences to form words.When a child accomplishes the skill ofphonemic awareness they are then ableto read, comprehend and learn how to spell,” said Wynne.

McLeod Pediatric Rehabilitationutilizes various teaching programs toassist children (up to the age of 18years) with improving their readingcapabilities. These programs include:

The Literacy ProgramThis program involves the principles

of sound sequencing (Lindamood) toevaluate and treat children who arehaving difficulty learning to read andspell. It helps to define where the child is breaking down in the process andmoves them progressively through theskills they need to become successfulreaders. The process begins with areading screen to learn what skills thechild already has to determine the planof action.

The Listening Program (TLP) TLP is a home-based program

designed to help improve brainfunction, reduce stress and train thebrain in the auditory skills needed foreffective listening, learning andcommunication. TLP is a safe, effective,medication-free approach to helpchildren with:

• Attention and concentration• Listening and auditory processing • Memory• Communication and social skills• Reading• Sensory processing• Organizational and planning skills

Fast ForWord® Fast ForWord® is a computer-based

program designed to improve a child’sreading and language level by one to two years over eight to 12 weeks.

Fast ForWord® adapts to the child’sobtained skills and indicates when thechild is ready to move to the next level.The program is performed by the childat home. Their progress is reviewed on-line by the Speech Pathologist.

“Helping children learn how to read takes dedication from the speechtherapist, parents and child,” saidWynne. “Remedial reading programs aredesigned for children having difficultiesperforming their work everyday. Weidentify where the deficits are andprovide programs to help children reachtheir highest potential. Children who do well at reading are confident andperform well. We strive to help allchildren gain that confidence andsucceed in reading.”

Joshua has been receiving speechtherapy for four years. He has alsoundergone occupational therapy for finemotor skills to help with his handwriting.

“Parents are sometimes apprehensiveand reticent to admit that their child isnot performing as well as they should,”said Susan. “It is better to get help then

to continue teaching them on your own.We are very excited that Joshua haslearned 90 percent of the requiredsecond grade words. He has even startedto read with expression. Joshua also hasthe self confidence now that he did nothave before.

“We are very pleased with the therapywe have received at McLeod PediatricRehabilitation. If he had not receivedtheir help, I know he would still bebehind in school,” added Susan.

“Samule has been in speech therapyfor three years,” said Angela. “He is veryclose to being at his correct grade levelfor reading, and he is no longerembarrassed to read out loud in front ofhis classmates. He also gets excited aboutreading and that makes me so proud.

“I knew Samule could do it. We never gave up and McLeod PediatricRehabilitation was there from the startto help us reach our goals.”

To inquire about the remedialreading programs offered by McLeod Pediatric Rehabilitation, call 843-777-4075.

15

Speech Language Pathologist Wynne English teaches Samule to break words intosyllables, making it easier to read the words. With the help of Wynne and the speechtherapy programs, Samule has gained a love for reading and the self-confidence heneeded to read out loud to others.

by Tammy White

17

Today, patients coming to the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute for cardiac care

have an additional option in catheterization treatment. In March, McLeod

Cardiologists began offering those patients who meet certain criteria the opportunity

to have their catheterization performed using a transradial approach, which is through

the artery in the wrist.

thin tube), into an artery in the groinarea. The catheter is then fed throughthe body’s circulatory system to reachthe heart.

evaluate blood flow to the heart and theheart’s pumping ability. Traditionally, a catheterization is performed byinserting a catheter, (a very small,

McLeod Cardiologists performthousands of cardiac catheterizationprocedures a year. A cardiaccatheterization is a procedure used to

16

A New Treatment Option inCardiac CareDr. Anil Om is one of the McLeodCardiologists who performs theTransradial Catheterizationprocedure.

Nichols resident Bill Fisher was one of the first patients for the transradialprocedure during its introductory weekat McLeod. Bill was scheduled to haveneck surgery with Dr. Kenneth Kammer,a Neurosurgeon with Pee DeeNeurosurgical Services. Due to aprevious cardiac history, Bill needed tohave clearance from his cardiologist, Dr. Evans Holland, prior to the surgerywith Dr. Kammer. Dr. Holland is anInterventional Cardiologist with Pee Dee Cardiology Associates.

“I had a heart catheterizationapproximately eight years ago,” said Bill.“During my recent appointment withDr. Holland, I underwent a stress test.From the results of the stress test, Dr. Holland thought it was advisable forme to have another catheterization.

“Dr. Holland discussed theTransradial Catheterization with me andexplained that I was a candidate for thismethod. I had heard of this type ofcatheterization before, but I did notknow it was available at McLeod. I amnot surprised however, because McLeodis always a forerunner in new technologyand advancements,” added Bill.

“This is not a new procedure, butrather one with renewed interest becauseof improvements in technology,” saidInterventional Cardiologist Dr. Anil Omwith Pee Dee Cardiology Associates. Heexplained that the procedure, transradialcatheterization, has evolved over the past40 years. Dr. Om even received trainingfor the transradial approach during hisInterventional Cardiology Fellowship.“Back then the equipment availablemade it very difficult to perform. Nowwith advancements in technology, we areable to offer this option which is mucheasier on the patient.”

The Transradial Catheterization maynot be an option for everyone. It is agood tool for diagnostic procedures, butfor anyone who will require complex

intervention, or who has previously hadbypass cardiac surgery, a catheterizationperformed at the groin area is stillnecessary, added Dr. Om.

One benefit patients can expect withthe transradial approach is a reduced riskof vascular complications. “If a patientshould begin to bleed in the groin area itis harder to control the bleeding becauseyou are pressing against soft tissue,” saidDr. Om. “In the wrist, if bleeding occursit is easier to compress and stop thebleeding because there is bone rightbehind the soft tissue.”

Those who have experienced aprevious heart catheterization oftenremember the four to six hours of lyingcompletely still with a compressionweight on the insertion site at the groin.The wrist insertion site only requires oneto two hours of wearing a TR band. TheTR band is a plastic band about the sizeof a wrist watch. It velcro’s onto the wristand then is inflated with a little bit of airto add pressure to the insertion site.

“I was extremely pleased with the newmethod,” said Bill. “I am not the type ofperson that can sit still for very long, sosix hours was excruciating for me. It wasamazing how quickly I got to go homeafter this procedure.”

“Patients only need to limit usage oftheir arm for a couple of days,” addedCletus Sawyer, RN, Director of theMcLeod Cardiac CatheterizationLaboratory.

To determine if a patientis a possible candidate forthe transradial methodrequires a simple test,where the cardiologistcompresses one artery leadingfrom the arm to the hand totemporarily cut off the blood flow.Once the physician releases thispressure he compares the color, or thedegree of redness of the patient’s twohands. This test indicates how well the

blood circulates through the artery. “At this time, there are a limited

number of hospitals offering TransradialCatheterization,” said Sawyer. “In fact,only 15 to 20 percent of all patients in the United States are having theircatheterizations performed using thisapproach. At McLeod, cardiologists withboth Pee Dee Cardiology Associates andAdvanced Cardiology Consultants areperforming this procedure. We arepleased to be able to offer our patientsthis new option.”

Bill received a good report from Dr. Holland regarding his heartcatheterization with no blockages foundgreater than 30 percent. He was back towork in his office in Mullins on Mondayfollowing his procedure on Friday.

Bill Fisher was extremely pleased with theTransradial Catheterization method. He wasalso amazed at how quickly he was able togo home after his heart catheterization.

The TR band, when inflated, provides theone to two hour required compression atthe wrist insertion site.

18

Blessed With a NewLease on Life

A resident of Dillon, South Carolina,Gina was diagnosed in 1997 withendometriosis, the abnormal growth ofendometrial cells similar to those foundinside the uterus that form outside of the uterus.

“Endometriosis is a condition typicallyseen in women during their reproductiveyears,” according to Dr. Rebecca Craigwith McLeod OB/GYN Dillon. Dr. Craigjoined the practice in Dillon in July of 2011after relocating to South Carolina fromAmericus, Georgia. “The main symptomof endometriosis is pelvic pain, and mild to severe cramping that causes pain in the pelvis, back and down the legs.Scarring can also occur depending on the extent or stage of endometriosis.

Gina Scott, a member of the McLeodDillon team since 1999, is happy tohave her life back thanks to Dr. Craigand the entire medical team.

Living with constant and unbearable pain for years,

Gina Scott knew that a hysterectomy, a surgery to

remove her uterus, was ultimately in her future.

“It was all I could do to work, take care of my home,

and attend church,” she said. Fortunately, when Gina

finally embraced the decision to have surgery, she

turned to the qualified physicians with McLeod

Dillon OB/GYN to provide her care.

by Rachel T. Gainey

In addition, it is common for a womanwith endometriosis to be unable to havechildren.”

A health history and a physicalexamination can lead a physician tosuspect endometriosis, but alaparoscopic procedure or other type ofdiagnostic surgery is the only way toconfirm the diagnosis.

“While there is no cure forendometriosis, during a woman’sreproductive years, the goal is to managethe condition in an effort to relieve pain,to limit progression of it, and to restoreor preserve fertility,” explained Dr. Craig.

Recounting her experience with thecondition, Gina said, “I suffered fromsevere cramps and nausea. I was alsoanemic and very tired. After mydiagnosis of endometriosis, my husbandKevin and I were told that we may not

be able to have children. We agreed that I would have a laparoscopic surgery toremove the scar tissue to improve ourchances of having children.

“Within six to seven monthsfollowing the surgery, we were expectingour first child, Layne. After Layne wasborn, however, I started having problemsagain. I developed cysts on my ovaries, and battled the crampingand anemia that left me very fatigued. In addition, the bottom of my stomachhurt all the time. To manage thecondition and symptoms, I received a series of injections over time,” Gina said.

Fortunately, Gina became pregnantagain, and her painful symptomsdisappeared for the duration of herpregnancy.

“We welcomed our second son,

Jacob, into the world, and our family wascomplete. We were blessed to have twochildren despite my condition,” said Gina.

“As time progressed, my symptomsreturned, and my hemoglobin levelsbegan to decrease each time they werechecked. I was also susceptible to everycold and virus that was going around.But, I had grown accustomed to thepain, and with small kids at home, I kept putting off another inevitablesurgery.”

In the summer of 2011, Gina said sherecalls being tired constantly. She wasalso experiencing more pain than usual,and the pain had started to move downher leg. “I prayed for a long time, andrealized that God had given me enoughcommon sense to know it was time forme to do something.”

Dr. Rebecca Craig with McLeod OB/GYN Dillon and the OR team of McLeod Dillon provided excellent care to Gina Scott when shedecided to undergo a hysterectomy.

19

CHAMPIONINGPatient Safety

aThat same summer, Dr. Craig beganpracticing at McLeod OB/GYN Dillon.Gina made an appointment to see her.“She was very thorough,” Gina said. “Dr. Craig informed me of my optionsand gave excellent explanations. She alsodid not jump right to surgery. Sheoffered several options and let me makean informed choice. I appreciated herapproach. I told her that I knew it wastime for a hysterectomy. A few daysearlier my pain had been so excruciatingthat I went to the EmergencyDepartment for treatment. I had nodoubt that I was making the rightdecision about surgery.”

Gina arrived at McLeod Dillon forsurgery on September 27, 2011. “I wasvery emotional,” said Gina. “After ourfamily prayed together, I was taken tothe operating room. As soon as I enteredthe OR, I saw Dr. Craig standing therewaiting for me. She could see theemotions all over my face. Immediately,I found comfort in her warm smile. She put her hand on my leg and said,‘you are going to be fine.’ ”

After surgery, Gina was a patient inthe McLeod Dillon Women’s ServicesUnit. “Dr. Craig was very good with myhusband and family, who all expressedhow impressed they were with her. Shewas very professional, down to earthand family oriented. She did an excellentjob explaining everything to my familyand I,” says Gina.

Following the surgery, Gina said thepain was no longer excessive. “Dr. Craig

had a plan for managing my pain andshe made sure it was well controlled.The nurses were also excellent. Theywere very attentive and helpful. It ishard to find words to describe how kindthey were as they cared for me. It wasobvious that they each loved nursing. I was also very impressed that theyincluded my husband when theyprovided care and medications to me.

“When it was time for me to gohome from the hospital, I felt veryprepared to take care of myself. Dr. Craig and the nursing staff providedexcellent instructions,” added Gina.

“Life is wonderful now,” she says. “I remember waking up one morningthree or four weeks after surgeryrealizing that I was not in pain. Whilemy body was still healing, the pain I haddealt with for years and years was finallygone. I now have more energy that I candevote to my family, work and church,and I feel 100 percent better. I do notknow why I waited so long before I made the decision to have ahysterectomy.”

Today, Gina praises the Lord for theblessings in her life. “My husband and I have two beautiful children that welove unconditionally. Layne is nowthirteen and Jacob is seven. And, I amgrateful that I work at a medical centerthat is devoted to providing excellent,high quality care. Thanks to Dr. Craigand the entire medical team at McLeodDillon, I have my life back.”

“Dr. Craig was very good with my husbandand family, who all expressed howimpressed they were with her. She was very professional, down to earth and family oriented.” – Gina Scott

20

Dr. Rebecca

Craig is board

certified in

Obstetrics and

Gynecology.

“In medical

school, when I

saw my first

delivery of

a baby, I knew that would be my

life’s work,” recalls Dr. Craig. “It is

very exciting to be even a small

part of the beginning of a new

life.” Dr. Craig is equally interested

in the health of women of all ages.

Dr. Craig received her degree in

medicine from Meharry Medical

College in Nashville, Tennessee, in

2002. She completed an OB/GYN

Residency in 2006 at the Tulane

University School of Medicine in

New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Craig

is a member of the American

College of Obstetrics and

Gynecology and the South Carolina

Medical Association.

McLeod OB/GYN Dillon is

located in the McLeod Dillon

Professional Building at 705 N. 8th

Avenue, Suite 3B, in Dillon. They

welcome new patients. For

additional information or to

schedule an appointment, please

call (843) 841-3825.

ABOUT DR. REBECCA CRAIG

Dr. Rose accepted this award onbehalf of the McLeod Surgical ServicesTeam during the Fifth Annual EveryPatient Counts Patient Safety Symposiumin April. Dr. Rose is the second McLeodHealth recipient of this honor. DonnaIsgett, Senior Vice President of Qualityand Safety, received the HealthcareExecutive Award in 2009.

Sponsored by the South CarolinaHospital Association (SCHA), HealthSciences South Carolina, PHT Services,LTD, and Mothers Against MedicalErrors, the Patient Safety ChampionAwards are named in honor of LewisWardlaw Blackman, a Columbia, SouthCarolina boy whose life was cut short in2000 as the result of potentiallypreventable medical complications afteran elective surgical procedure.

Hospitals across the state, andthroughout the country, are working

together to improve patient safety andhealthcare quality so that each patient’sexperience is as safe as possible, which iskey to the SCHA’s Every Patient Countsinitiative.

More than two years ago, Dr. Rose andMcLeod Surgical Services led a charge toadapt the Surgical Safety Checklistintroduced by the Institute of HealthcareImprovement for surgical patient care atMcLeod. This checklist, sponsored by theWorld Health Organization andchampioned by national healthcare leaderDr. Atul Gawande, is designed to improvecare, foster clear communication andencourage positive, engaging behaviorbetween the members of the surgicalteam. Dr. Rose and the team incorporatedsurgical time-out guidelines set forth by the Joint Commission to create aMcLeod specific safety checklist.

The team engaged McLeod Surgeonsin the safety checklist philosophy and

expanded the concept to everyoperating room at McLeod RegionalMedical Center. Their objective was

to reach “every person, every patient,every time.” The next phase for Dr. Roseand the team is to move forward and takewhat they have learned and share it withother healthcare facilities throughoutSouth Carolina and other states.

“Dr. Rose’s medical expertise andcommitment to patient safety continuesto support the efforts of McLeod Health,as our organization evolves into one ofthe top performers in the United Statesfor providing consistent qualityhealthcare,” said Rob Colones, Presidentof McLeod Health.

“Dr. Rose’s insight and knowledgehave led our surgical teams into makingimprovements that have a direct andcrucial impact on the quality and safety of patient care at McLeod.”

Dr. Rose is a physician and a memberof the McLeod Health managementteam. He provides direct patient care as apracticing anesthesiologist and serves as amember of the McLeod Health Board ofTrustees. On a statewide level, Dr. Roseserves as the Chairman of the SafeSurgery 2015 Leadership Team for theSCHA. His passion for safe surgery,eliminating risks, decreasing never events,and improving the care to the surgicalpatient is demonstrated by this endeavor.

Dr. Michael Rose, Vice President of Surgical Services for McLeod Health, has been

recognized as a recipient of the 2012 Lewis Blackman Patient Safety Champion Healthcare

Executive Award. This distinction is given to a South Carolina hospital executive whose

vision, guidance, and support have played a critical role in creating better, safer hospitals.

Dr. Michael Rose (center)with Keith Torgersen and April Howell received the SC Patient Safety ChampionAward on behalf of theMcLeod Surgical ServicesTeam.

21

A Legacy of Commitment A Future of Quality Service

Dr. W.K. Rogers and his clinic serve as the inspirationfor the creation of LorisCommunity Hospital.

E.W. Prince, Sr. is appointed to serve as thefirst chairman of the board of commissioners.

When the hospital opens itsdoors on May 15, 1950, ithas one administrative office,one operating room, adelivery room, an emergencyroom and laboratory. Thefirst baby ever born at LorisCommunity is born later thatday—Mother’s Day.

The first administrator of the hospital is Mrs. GenevaQuinn. She serves while alsoworking as superintendent ofnurses and as an operatingroom nurse.

Between May 15 andDecember 31, 1950, a total of 1149 patients areadmitted and 192 babies are born in Loris CommunityHospital.

E.E. Prince, Jr. isappointed chairman ofthe board, and serves for 38 years.

Operating near capacityby its eighth anniversary,the hospital continues tofunction without afinancial loss and with anaverage length of stay ofonly 3.6 days comparedto the state average of 7days.

S.F. Horton, secretary of theboard of commissioners,welcomes guests to theopening of the new nursinghome.

The Prince family continuesits support with the additionof E.W. Prince, Jr. to theboard of commissioners.

Loris Community Hospitalreceives $25,000 from TheDuke Endowment to assistwith a $183,000 renovationto include new technology for x-ray, laboratory, theintensive care unit, andemergency department.

On July 18, Loris CommunityHospital dedicates its newintensive care unit with anopen house. The four-bedfacility is designed to provideimmediate, life-savingtreatment for victims of heartattack and other illnesses.

The family tradition continuesas Mrs. Margaret Prince joinsthe board of commissioners.

Within a few months of opening, the number of patient beds increased to 27.Seven thousand patients would be admitted to the hospital in the first three years,with more than 1100 babies delivered and 600 surgical procedures performed.

It will always be questionable whether the city of Loris’name originated from a novel or a family pet. But there isno question as to the prosperity of this small community in northwestern Horry County in the 1900’s.

by Celeste Bondurant-Bell

I N T R O D U C I N G M c L E O D L O R I S S E A C O A S T

By the mid-thirties, Loris had athousand residents. In the LorisCentennial history book, Jennings W.Hardwick, mayor, was quoted as sayingthat 50% of South Carolina’s tobaccocrop was grown in a 25 mile radius ofthis small town. Its four warehouses sold

six million pounds a year. Strawberries,beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuceand poultry were also exported tonorthern markets.

In 1943, the late Dr. W.K. Rogersestablished Rogers Hospital on BroadStreet. His original 3-bed clinic was

located over Wolpert’s DepartmentStore, and provided services for minorsurgery and maternity care. In the fall of1945, Dr. Rogers suggested at a Civitanmeeting that the growing ruralcommunity would benefit from havingits own hospital. A three-man

22

committee made up of E.E. Prince, D.O Heniford and Sam D. Hickman,was appointed to study the matter. It would take another five years ofplanning, petitioning, legislation andfundraising before that dream wouldbecome a reality.

Mr. Prince sought after funding forthe project in many ways. He went tosee then SC Senator Frank Thompsonand asked the senator to introduce a billwhich would allow bonds to be issuedfor a hospital. Senator Thompson toldPrince he would have to be convincedpeople in northern Horry Countywould agree to be taxed in order tosupport the project.

In 1946, the Loris Civitan Club had30 members. Prince organized 15 two-man teams to go door-to-door with apetition favoring a tax to support the

proposed hospital. Almost everyonesigned the petition and when the SCGeneral Assembly convened in 1946,Senator Thompson introducedlegislation which allowed the sale of$80,000 in bonds for Loris CommunityHospital.

On March 23, 1946, Act 742 waspassed by the South Carolina GeneralAssembly to create the LorisCommunity Hospital District. The Act also created a Board ofCommissioners to govern the operationof the hospital. Five Commissionerswere initially appointed and would serveuntil successors were appointed by theGovernor, upon the recommendation of a majority of the LegislativeDelegation. The first fiveCommissioners appointed were: S.F. Horton, C.A. Lupo, E.E. Prince,

E.W. Prince, Sr., and L.M. Vaught.The board, armed with $80,000 of

bond money and a four acre tractdonated by the Burroughs and CollinsCompany, began a long hard drive toraise other financing necessary to buildthe proposed 23-bed hospital. Thecounty delegation provided $15,000.Contributions from the communityamounted to $3000 and the FederalHill-Burton fund contributed matchingfunds of one-third of the amount raisedfrom other sources. The total cost of theoriginal building, furnishings andequipment was $157,350.

On May 15, 1950, Loris CommunityHospital opened its doors with 23patient beds, a handful of physiciansand a small, but dedicated staff. In thatmoment, Loris Community Hospital’smission was born and a long-standing

By 1959, Loris Community Hospital was already considered one of Horry County’s largest employers and a vital part of the economic andphysical well-being of the community.

23

Dr. James Craigie, MD isappointed to the LorisCommunity Hospital Board of Commissioners.

On April 4, 1984, Mr. EldredPrince retires, ending 38years on the hospital board,36 of those years serving asboard chairman.

In February of 1987, U.S.Senator Strom Thurmond is theguest speaker for the ground -breaking ceremony of LorisCommunity Hospital’s $10.5million renovation project. This project resulted in therelocation and renovation ofthe entire hospital. The projectwas completed in 1989.

Loris Community Hospitalbegins offering advanced CTdiagnostic service. The unitenables the hospital to havean important diagnostic toolavailable so patients do nothave to travel miles for theservice.

Loris Community Hospitalcelebrates the grand openingof its $3.4 million 88-bedExtended Care Center. The event draws nearly 400 people.

Loris Community Hospitalis designated a SouthCarolina Level IIIEmergency Trauma Centerby the South CarolinaDepartment of Healthand EnvironmentalControl.

Loris Family HealthCenter opens to expandnon-emergency healthservices to the medicallyunderserved.

Mt. Olive Family HealthCenter opens.

North Myrtle Beach MedicalCenter opens to address theneed for additional primarycare in the North MyrtleBeach area.

Loris Community Hospitalacquires Loris Orthopaedics& Sports Medicine withoffices in Loris and in North Myrtle Beach.

To improve access toaffordable quality healthcare,Loris Community Hospitalestablishes Campus HealthCenters at Loris and NorthMyrtle Beach High Schools.

The hospital builds a state-of-the-art Center forHealth & Fitness. The centerprovides a full range offitness programs in additionto massage therapy, healtheducation and wellnessscreenings.

M c L E O D L O R I S S E A C O A S T

Board members: E.E. Prince, A.D. Strickland, Lundy Vaught, andShelton Hayes

commitment to caring and improvingthe quality of lives began.

The opening of Loris CommunityHospital in 1950 was followed by 67years of vision, commitment, growth,and innovation—each decaderepresenting another building block increating the foundation for good healththat is today’s healthcare system.

By 1959, Loris Community Hospitalwas already considered one of HorryCounty’s largest employers and a vitalpart of the economic well-being of thecommunity. Over the next 10 years, thenumber of beds would more thandouble and major additions of x-raytechnology, a surgical recovery room,nursery and several other departmentswould take place. The hospitalestablished itself as a fiscally soundhealthcare facility.

In the 1960s, Loris CommunityHospital experienced a tremendousperiod of growth and expansion,starting with the addition of a long-term care facility in 1963. The ExtendedCare Center had an original capacity of

40 beds and was considered extremelymodern for its time. It offered a fullrange of medical care and rehabilitativeservices for residents. Major additions to the hospital in 1961, 1967, and 1968expanded nearly all inpatient,outpatient and surgical services.Throughout the 60s, several prominentphysicians also joined the medicalstaff – a few of whom are still on thestaff today. Even with the tremendousgrowth, the hospital managed to keeppatients’ costs to a minimum while alsoremaining financially sound. By the endof the 60s, Loris Community Hospitalwas a 105-bed acute care facility with allprivate rooms.

A characteristic that marked thehospital in the 70s and 80s was the level of technology it achieved. LorisCommunity Hospital had alreadyaccumulated some of the most moderndiagnostic tools available. To make iteasier for patients to receive diagnosticand rehabilitative services, the hospitalhad added a new CT scanner,mammography unit, lithotripsy, dialysisand cardiac rehabilitation. The array of

services and procedures that could beperformed in-house was consideredextraordinary for a hospital of its size.Under the leadership of administratorFrank Watts, expansions andrenovations provided the best indiagnostic and treatment equipment,allowed for future technologicaldevelopments, and improved emergencyand outpatient capabilities. The hospitalcontinued to rank among the top forhaving the lowest inpatient cost per stayamong hospitals in the southeast.

By the mid-90s, Loris was considered one of the fastest-growingmunicipalities in South Carolina, with atown population growth of 49 percentbetween 1990 and 1996. To keep pacewith the growing communities andtheir increasing medical needs, LorisCommunity Hospital looked toward the future with a strong vision ofhealthcare. The addition of numerousoutreach facilities throughout thecounty and surrounding areashighlighted the 90s. In July of 1996, the umbrella name, “Loris Healthcare

Alexander Logan, MD, Donald Hardee, TimBrowne and Arnold Green officiate opening ofSeacoast Medical Center in October 2000.

24

System” was introduced to the public.The new name more accurately reflectedthe network of services, facilities andhealthcare options provided by thegrowing healthcare system.

Looking ahead to the newmillennium, the Board ofCommissioners and administration also predicted a need for expandedemergency and inpatient care forgrowing neighboring communitiesalong the coast. Plans for SeacoastMedical Center were unveiled andconstruction began in August of 1998.Seacoast Medical Center, initially acomprehensive outpatient facilityproviding outpatient surgery, diagnosticservices and 24-hour emergency care,opened on October 1, 2000.

In 2004, a certificate of needapplication was filed to bring inpatientservices to Seacoast for the purpose ofmaking quality care more convenientand accessible for the communitiesalong the north strand and in southern

Brunswick County, North Carolina. The filing of this application was metwith great opposition and the ensuinglegal battles delayed construction foralmost three years.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for thelargest and final expansions at bothLoris Community Hospital andSeacoast Medical Center were held inJanuary of 2009. At Loris, the $18million project included a new intensivecare unit (ICU) and emergency

department (ED). The first patientswere admitted into the new ED andICU on the morning of September 1,2010. At Seacoast, the addition ofinpatient care became a reality on July11, 2011. The project was the result ofyears of planning and hard work by theboard, administration, medical staff andemployees. And it represented LorisHealthcare System’s commitment tobringing inpatient services to the northstrand communities.

In February 1999, the Board ofCommissioners andlocal legislativeofficials broke groundfor the new medicalfacility.

Seacoast Medical Center opened in 2000 as an outpatient surgery and diagnostic center; and also brought 24-hour emergency care to thenorth strand.

25

O R I G I N A L M E D I C A L S T A F F :

The North Myrtle BeachPhysical Rehabilitation Center opens in July.

Loris Community Hospitalannounces the expansion of its healthcare servicesnetwork along the coast with the addition of Seacoast Medical Center, an ambulatory surgery and24-hour emergency facility.

The Calabash Imaging Centeropens in Calabash MedicalCenter. The CalabashImaging Center providesimaging and mammographyservices.

Three labor/delivery roomsare added to the Women’sServices at Loris CommunityHospital in September.

In October, the open MRIreceives its first patient atSeacoast Medical Center.This is the first open unit to be located in a hospitalowned facility in HorryCounty.

The Sylvia KitchenMemorial NursingScholarship Fund GolfTournament raises morethan $8,000 inDecember. The Fund isestablished in honor ofthe former vice presidentof nursing who lost herbattle with cancer.

The hospital receives a Duke Endowment grantfor $290,000 forestablishment of CedarBranch Family andChildren’s Health &Wellness Center.

Donald Hardee retires fromhospital board.

Memorial garden for SylviaSlone Kitchen established.

The board of commissionersmakes a commitment toincrease development of carefor cardiac patients andexpand to add diagnosticcardiac catheterization.

Loris Healthcare Systempartners with North MyrtleBeach Aquatic & FitnessCenter to offer health andrehab services at new fitnessfacility.

Loris/Seacoast HealthcareFoundation is established.

M c L E O D L O R I S S E A C O A S T

Today, Loris Community Hospital isa 105–licensed bed hospital which caresfor more than 4,300 inpatients, nearly400,000 outpatients and more than21,000 emergency cases annually.Seacoast Medical Center is licensed for50 beds, and cares for nearly 200,000outpatients and 20,000 emergency caseseach year. Both hospitals offermedical/surgical, orthopedics andpediatric care as well as intensive andprogressive care units. Other servicesinclude obstetrics/gynecology, dialysis, a diagnostic cardiac catheterizationlaboratory, sleep disorders clinic,rehabilitation and cardiopulmonarydepartments.

In early 2011, Loris Healthcare

System signed a letter of intent thatestablished the framework for apartnership with McLeod Health. The board of commissioners andadministration realized that they mustexplore new opportunities to strengthenthe healthcare system and expand theservices and quality of care provided tothe community. They knew they couldaccomplish this by embracing a cultureof change and growth. McLeod Healthshared similar mission and values, anot-for-profit structure, commitment toquality and an established history ofworking with Loris Healthcare System.

Just as the community voted to betaxed in order to build the originalhospital in 1946, the community voted

once again in November 2011 to allow the Loris Community HospitalDistrict to merge with McLeod Health.On January 1, 2012, Loris CommunityHospital became McLeod Loris andSeacoast Medical Center becameMcLeod Seacoast.

Over the years, the vision of offeringoutstanding medical care close to homehas become a reality. Though manythings have changed, the missionremains the same: a primary goal to stillcare for the community’s health andwell-being. The two hospitals lookforward to meeting the health careneeds of its communities for many years to come.

MEDICAL STAFFLoris Healthcare System has

benefited over the years by a verycompetent and stable medical staff. A key component to its success has

been its medical staff. Over the years,they have worked as a team to provideoutstanding medical care to thesurrounding communities. The hospitalis proud of its dedicated, caring medical

staff and the legacy of care they haveprovided.

Dr. W.K. Rogers – It was Dr. Rogers’3-bed clinic that inspired theconstruction of Loris Community

(Left to right) J.D. Thomas, Sr., MD, Chief of Staff • W.H. Johnson, MD • J.D. Thomas, Jr., MD • Grover S. Cox, MDCroft Norton, MD • Ross M. Williamson, MD • R.C. Harrelson, Jr., MD • W.K. Rogers, MD

Hospital. Dr. Rogers provided care for patients until his death in 1971.

Dr. John D. Thomas, Sr. served as the first chief of staff for LorisCommunity Hospital. He received hismedical degree from Medical College of The State of South Carolina in 1912.Local history states the sign on Dr. Thomas’s office read Horse and Buggy Doctor – since the mode oftransportation in those days was horseand buggy. There were no area hospitalsin the early days of his practice, so it wasnecessary many times for him to makehome visits, sometimes as far as MyrtleBeach. His son, Dr. Thomas, Jr. recalls atime when his father had a patient whoneeded surgery. He, along with thepatient, took the train from Loris toChadbourn and then changed trainsand went to the McLeod Infirmary inFlorence for the surgery.

On September 24, 1975, Dr. John D.Thomas, Sr., died at the age of 85 afterpracticing medicine for more than 60years. It was estimated that prior to hisretirement in 1972, Dr. Thomasdelivered more than 5000 babies.

Dr. John D. Thomas, Jr. – Aftermedical school, D r. John Thomas, Jr.attended the McLeod Infirmary for arotating internship. He spent threemonths as a resident physician inObstetrics and Gynecology under Dr.Ziegler in Florence. Dr. Thomasreturned to Loris in February 1947 andpracticed with his father for seven years.In 1954, Dr. Thomas, Jr., affectionatelyknown as Dr. John, opened his own

practice, and continued to practice untilhis death in 2000.

A Florence County native, Dr. W.H.Johnson is descended from a long lineof medical doctors on both sides of hisfamily. He established his first office in1949 in a room at the clinic run by thelate Dr. W.K. Rogers. In those early daysof medicine, there were no specialists –just dedicated doctors and nursesinterested in the health of thecommunity. Dr. Johnson continuedseeing patients until 1988. In July of1988, memorial services were held forthe well-loved and respected physician. Dr. Johnson died after serving 38 yearsof practice in family medicine.

William A. Stout,MD, family physician,joined the staff ofLoris CommunityHospital. Dr. Stoutcontinued to seepatients in his TaborCity office until hisdeath in 2008.

In August of 1962,Dr. James Craigie, a surgeon fromBuffalo, NY, is hired at LorisCommunityHospital. Anoutstand ing

example of physician leadership, Dr. Craigie served on the board of

commissioners for more than 10 yearsand served as chairman during hisboard tenure. Upon retiring from hissurgical practice, Dr. Craigie has servedas vice president of medical affairs.

Eston Williams, MD,a family physician,joined the medicalstaff and continues tosee patients in hisTabor City office. Dr. Williams is one ofthe charter membersof the Horry County Medical Society.He was named Physician of the Year in 2008.

Stephen D. Grubb, MD joined themedical staff. Dr. Grubb continues to be one of the most well-respected andbusiest primary care providers in Horry County.

Gary J. Barrett, MD brings internalmedicine to the Loris community andthe medical staff, and continues toprovide care to patients today.

Tabor City native, T. Chuck Mills, MD,joined the medical staff as a familyphysician. He continues a busy primarycare practice and also serves on theboard of commissioners.

2726

PrincipalsS.F. Horton

Original board commissioner

C.A. Lupo, Sr.Original board commissioner

E.E. PrinceOriginal board commissioner/

committee member

E.W. Prince, Sr. Original board commissioner

L.M. VaughtOriginal board commissioner

Sam Hickmancommittee member

D.O. Henifordcommittee member

Board of CommissionersS.F. Horton1946 – 1974

C.A. Lupo, Sr.1946 – 1956

E.E. Prince1946 – 1984

E.W. Prince, Sr.1946 – 1951

L.M. Vaught1946 – 1978

Allard D. Strickland1951 – 1981

Shelton T. Hayes1956 – 1981

E.W. Prince, Jr.1971 – 1982

Bruce Fipps1975 – 2000

Thomas Dewitt1977 – 1995

A.B. Grainger1981 – 1997

Margaret S. Prince1982 – present

James Craigie, MD1984 – 2005

Donald Hardee1984 – 2003

Hoyt Hardee1984 – present

H.B. Buffkin, Jr.1988 – 1998

J.P. Jones, ex-oficio1988 – present

Doris P. Hickman1995 – present

Frankie Blanton1998 – present

J. Bryan Floyd1998 – 2003

Tracy P. Ray, OD1998 – present

Robert Ziff, MD1998 – 2006

Ronald Fowler2000 – present

Frank V. Boulineau, III2004 – present

Alexander C. Logan,III, MD2005 – present

Chuck Mills, MD2006 – present

Chuck Mills, MD is appointedto board of commissioners.

Loris Community Hospitalrates in top 2% of 998hospitals nationwideaccording to Press Ganey, a nationally recognizedhealthcare surveyorganization.

Mr. EE Prince passes away.Mr. Prince was truly anextraordinary individual wholed a life dedicated tocommunity enhancement. Hiswork to make this communitya better place to live will beremembered by all who knewhim and will continue tobenefit future generations.

Ground breaking for inpatientaddition at SMC.

Ground breaking for new ED and ICU at LCH.

LHS garners nationalattention for quality inConsumer Reports March2010 issue.

New ICU and ED at LorisCommunity Hospital opens in September.

The hospital partners withMUSC to offer enhanced carefor stroke patients.

First patients admitted tonew inpatient addition atSMC on July 11.

Mr. Dick Tinsley is appointednew administrator in August.

Outpouring of support fromcommunity when healthcarereferendum passes, openingway for McLeod partnership.

Ensuring quality healthcareand strengthened patientcare, Loris CommunityHospital becomes McLeodLoris and Seacoast MedicalCenter becomes McLeodSeacoast with new finalizedMcLeod Health partnership.

“During my longcareer, I’ve had thefine people of thiscommunity placeme in variousleadership roles.

Of all the projects wherein I’ve beenplaced in a leadership position, I mustsay that I get more satisfaction from thehospital project than any other.”

– EE Prince, Board of Commissioners 1946 – 1984

“I thank God for the original people who had the visionto start the hospital. Loris Community Hospitalcontinues to play a prominent role in the economichealth of the community.”

– Donald Hardee, Chairman, Board of Commissioners 1984 – 2000

McLeod Physician Associates Practices andPhysicians by Specialty in the Loris Seacoast Area:

M c L E O D L O R I S S E A C O A S T

VISIONARIESThe action of those original, dedicated

individuals has made a difference, andcontinues to make a difference, in thelives of many. As founders of LorisHealthcare System, they implemented acreative and discriminating vision of anorganization dedicated to excellence inevery endeavor.

No single person has done more toshape this healthcare system than Mr. E. E. Prince, who spearheaded theeffort from 1946-1950 to charter ahealthcare institution for the people ofnorthern Horry County. His long-timefriend and professional associate, Mr. S.F.Horton gives most of the credit for thesuccess of Loris Community Hospital to

EE Prince. “If it had not been for Eldred,we wouldn’t have had a hospital. Duringthe first year or so, he worked almostfull-time getting the hospital off theground,” stated Horton in a 2000interview. “The rest of us had neitherthe ability nor the time. Tobacco got uson our feet, but it is the hospital that hashelped us sustain our economic health.”Mr. Prince served as the chairman forthe board of commissioners from 1946until 1984.

Under the leadership of Mr. FrankWatts, administrator from 1968 until1995, the healthcare system experiencedincredible growth and prosperity. He, likethe gentlemen who founded the hospital,

realized that a hospital is more than bricksand mortar. It is a commitment toimproving a community’s health andproviding that community the most

chairman, Mr. Donald Hardee, saw theneed for healthcare along the coastalcommunities and wanted to grow andcontinue the legacy of healthcareexcellence offered by Loris CommunityHospital. In the early 90s, Mr. Watts andMr. Hardee first met with local legislativedelegates and presented the idea ofhealthcare in the North Myrtle Beach andLittle River communities. The idea forSeacoast Medical Center was born thatday. Mr. Hardee spent his remaining yearson the board dedicated to the planning,construction and opening of SeacoastMedical Center. It is worth noting thatMr. Hardee was married to the formerHannah Hickman, daughter of Samuel D.Hickman, one of the members of theoriginal three-man group who set out toplan, petition, and raise funds for theoriginal Loris Community Hospital.

progressive diagnostic and therapeuticservices available. When Frank Wattsassumed the reins as administrator in1968, the hospital’s annual payroll was$653,000 for a staff of 148 employees.When he retired in 1995, payroll exceeded$25 million and more than 600 peopleworked at the hospital. After only one yearon the job, Watts dramatically improvedthe hospital’s bottom line. Net incomeincreased from $85,868 in 1968 to$226,290 in 1969. There was someconcern expressed by some boardmembers that a $226,290 profit might bea bit much for a not-for-profit hospital.But that concern was soon dispelled afterrealizing the urgent need for expandingfacilities and services.

Like the visionaries who initially sawthe need for a community hospital, Mr. Frank Watts and then board

McLeod Loris Seacoast is proud to be affiliated with McLeod PhysicianAssociates, an exceptionalnetwork of more than 50 physician offices locatedthroughout eight counties inSouth and North Carolina.

Providing extraordinarymedical care encompassing alarge spectrum of specialties,these physicians and theirstaff share the McLeodcommitment to be a patient’smost trusted and capablechoice for medical excellence.

To find a physician near you, call toll free 1-855-659-0739 or visitwww.McLeodPhysicians.org.

Family Medicine andInternal Medicine

Barrett Internal MedicineGary Barrett, MD

Family Health CenterNatasha Choyah, MDKimberley Drayton, MD

Family Life MedicinePeter Bleyer, MD

Seacoast Primary CareRaymond Holt, MDCatherine Rozario, MD

Southern Medical AssociatesKeith Harkins, MDTimothy Mills, MDMark Pelstring, MDAndrew SeJan, MD

Sunset Beach InternalMedicineJohn Martin, MD

CardiologyNathan Almeida, MD

Nephrology

McLeod NephrologyAssociatesChristopher Po, MD

Neurology

Seacoast NeurologyAssociatesLeslee Hudgins, DO

Obstetrics andGynecology

McLeod OB/GYN SeacoastBreton Juberg, MDChris McCauley, MDLinda McClain, MDDenise Teasley, MD

Orthopedics

McLeod OrthopaedicsSeacoastFrederick Hamilton, DODavid Lukowski, MD

Seacoast ENT andPlastic SurgeryKimberly Kozak, DO

Pulmonology andCritical Care

Seacoast Pulmonology andCritical Care AssociatesImran Siddiqi, MD

Surgery

Southern Surgical AssociatesRobert DeGrood, MDKenneth Mincey, MDTrevor Poole, MDEric Young, MD

“I have had the good fortune to work with some of the best people in the state. I have often said the hospital’sgreatest asset was its employees. We were fortunate tohave the caliber of people we had. For any success I havehad, I owe to our dedicated employees, our board ofcommissioners and our medical staff. It was indeed aprivilege for me to be associated with such a fine, caringgroup for so many years.”

– Frank Watts, Administrator 1968 – 1995

28 29

by Leah Fleming

Family-Centered MedicineFamily-Centered

“We look forward tocaring for generationsof families for years tocome.”

– Dr. Guy McClary

Dr. Patrick Jebaily and

Dr. Guy McClary share

a long and meaningful

friendship. The two met

the first day of medical

school, in 2004, at the

Medical University of

South Carolina in

Charleston.

While both physicians have familymembers in the healthcare profession,the two men entered medicine fromdifferent approaches.

A native of Florence, Dr. Jebaily knewhe wanted to join the medical field at ayoung age. As a child, he was especiallyenamored with medicine. At the age ofnine, Dr. Jebaily asked his parents for aPhysician’s Desk Reference (a manual of specific pharmaceutical drugs). This was indeed an unusual request, as mostyoung boys that age would probably ask for a bicycle.

Dr. McClary, originally fromKingstree, chose medicine as a “secondprofession.” While he was a student atClemson University, he worked in thefield of engineering. However, aftergraduating from Clemson with a degreein engineering, Dr. McClary made thedecision to return to school to become a doctor.

“I always liked a challenge and toanswer questions,” he said. “Medicineseemed like a good fit.”

Following four years of medicalschool, and many long hours studying,

From Left to Right: The Jebaily’s, Hannah Grace Jebaily, Dr. DeAnn Jebaily, Dr. Patrick Jebaily, and the McClary’s, Reese McClary, Beth McClary, Dr. Guy McClary, and Guy McClary, are picture d here in Timrod Park.

30

the two men celebrated their graduation.Drawn to the specialty of familymedicine, they chose the McLeod FamilyMedicine Residency Program fromamong the nation’s leading hospitals tocomplete the additional three years ofextra training needed to become a familymedicine physician.

They agreed that Florence would be aplace they would like to call home, andthat the McLeod Residency programprovided the knowledge and experiencethey needed.

“I enjoy family medicine because I can help patients with all aspects oftheir healthcare and assist them in bettermanaging their overall health,” said Dr. McClary.

“I think the epitome of familymedicine is taking care of families,”added Dr. Jebaily. “We really enjoy gettingto know our patients and their families.”

As the two neared completion of theresidency program in 2011, McLeodPhysician Associates (MPA) suggestedthat the young doctors stay with theMcLeod “family.” A need for a primarycare practice for families living on thewest side of Florence existed and thiswould be a solution. They consideredand accepted the opportunity to joinMPA and work together.

“Our practice styles reallycomplement each other,” said Dr. Jebaily.“We are both efficient, hard workers, andwe each enjoy both the medical andpersonal sides of medicine.” Their driveand determination was also evident

during their years of medical training asthey both served in leadership roles. Dr. McClary serving as President of theirCollege of Medicine Class, and Dr. Jebailybeing named Chief Resident of theirResidency Class.

Their new practice, McLeod FamilyMedicine West, opened in August of2011. The word quickly spread toMcLeod physicians and staff whobecame excited about continuing towork with the pair.

“It was flattering to walk through thehalls and hear members of the McLeodteam say that they were looking forwardto the opening of our new practice,” saidDr. McClary. “We were encouraged bytheir support and enthusiasm.”

McLeod Family Medicine West offersgeneral medical care to patients, helpingimprove their overall health. Drs. Jebailyand McClary are specially trained to care for the majority of illnesses, fromacute care to chronic disease, as well aspreventative care for all ages. They alsohelp patients with referrals to specialists,and coordinate and facilitatecommunication between these healthcare providers.

In addition, they also strive to developlong-lasting relationships with theirpatients which provides them with criticalinformation regarding the patient’s familydynamic, social supports and stressors.

Their families are good friends, too, which further strengthens the bondof these two physicians. “I think this makes for a stronger partnership,” said Dr. Jebaily. He and his wife, Dr. DeAnn Jebaily, have a daughter,Hannah Grace. Dr. DeAnn Jebaily is alsograduating from the McLeod FamilyMedicine Residency Program thissummer. She will join the McLeodHospitalist team in practice.

Dr. McClary and his wife, Beth, anurse, have a son, Guy, and a daughter,Reese. “Florence is a great fit for ourfamilies,” he said. “We are excited to be apart of this community and look forwardto caring for generations of families foryears to come.”

McLeod Family Medicine West islocated at 3013-B West Palmetto Street in Florence. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (843) 777-7370.

Dr. Patrick Jebaily and Dr. Guy McClary care for patients at McLeod Family Medicine Westlocated on West Palmetto Street in Florence.

31

SAVING Lives

Mortality Committee Members

Dr. Christina Andrew

Hospitalist

Dr. Mark Fox

Palliative Care

Dr. Bryon Frost

Emergency Medicine

Dr. Venugopal

Govindappa

Nephrology

Dr. Coy Irvin

Medical Services

Dr. Kathryn Jarvis

Family Medicine

Resident

Dr. Vinod Jona

Pulmonology

Dr. Greg Jones

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. John Mattheis

Family Medicine

Dr. Mark Reynolds

Trauma Surgery

Dr. Jeremy Robertson

Emergency Medicine

Dr. Deborah Wheeler

Hospitalist

Dr. Ryan Williams

Family Medicine

Resident

Tony Derrick

Nursing Administration

Stacy Holley

CE Outcomes

Donna Isgett

Corporate Quality

and Safety

Cathy Stokes

CE Care Manager

Mavis Turner

Medical Records

Leigh Windham

CE Outcomes

Members of the McLeod Mortality Committee have dramatically improved mortality outcomes by implementing care processes with theassistance of nurse rovers and pharmacists.

32

Dedicated to improving the quality of care provided to patients and families each day,

McLeod Regional Medical Center recently participated in a national project that

resulted in saving lives and reducing healthcare spending.

by Tracy H. Stanton

During the past three years, 278hospitals including McLeod RegionalMedical Center engaged in a nationalcollaborative called QUEST®, led byPremier Healthcare Alliance. As part ofthis initiative, these top performinghospitals saved an estimated 24,820 livesand reduced healthcare spending bynearly $4.5 billion.

The results from the third year of theQUEST project were announced at the

beginning of the year as part of a Capitol Hill briefing in Washington,D.C. Donna Isgett, Senior Vice Presidentof Corporate Quality and Safety forMcLeod Health, was selected by McLeodand Premier with the distinction ofpresenting McLeod qualityimprovement outcomes to thecongressional members.

“McLeod and the QUESTcollaborative gave us the ability to look

at our organization and our workdifferently,” said Isgett. “Initially, whenthe McLeod Quality and Safety teamreviewed our data we thought we weredoing well, but when we comparedourselves to others we realized we couldcontinue to improve. For mortality, theteam talked to other top performers tolearn how they tested, analyzed andmeasured their data to come up withbetter processes. A committee of

33

McLeod physicians, led by Dr. AlanBlaker, analyzed the data andimplemented improvement processes to save lives at McLeod.”

Physician LedAs the first leader of the McLeod

Clinical Effectiveness efforts to improvequality and patient care, Dr. Blaker, acardiologist with Pee Dee Cardiology,agreed in the summer of 2009 to reviewthe mortality data to determine howMcLeod could improve in this area. Forthree months, Dr. Blaker and the ClinicalEffectiveness team obtained accurate riskadjusted data and conducted a review ofthe hospital’s mortality cases. Based ontheir findings, Dr. Blaker moved forwardwith a committee designed to improvemortality at McLeod. The committeebegan meeting in January of 2010.

“At McLeod, our mortality rate wasas expected or average,” explained Dr. Blaker. “After reviewing thepreliminary data, the committeedetermined the areas where we couldimprove. We knew that if we did theright thing on every patient, it wouldimprove mortality.”

Patients at high risk of dying in thehospital, according to Isgett, includethose with a life-threatening illness,patients who transition from anintensive care unit within the last 24hours, patients who control their ownpain pump, patients under restraints,patients who have an abnormal heartrhythm in the last 24 hours, or patientsthe telemetry unit has concerns about.

“Using the Quest data from otherhospitals in the collaborative, we workedto initiate care that has been proven toreduce mortality,” said Dr. Blaker.

Data DrivenMeeting on a monthly basis, the

group conducted a 100 percentmortality review on every patient whohad died in the hospital.

The committee determined thatimprovement required a change in the

system across all departments. “As wemoved forward in our work we foundopportunities to save patients before theygot too sick. But, first we had to learn toavoid reacting and implement pro-activeprocesses to provide care to patients atrisk of dying,” explained Dr. Blaker.

However, it is not always obviouswhat is wrong with a patient when theycome into the hospital which results in adelay in diagnosis. Instead of waiting fora definitive diagnosis, Dr. Blaker’s teamdetermined that initiating care soonersaved lives.

“If you waited to have an establisheddiagnosis, then it was too late to reducemortality,” said Dr. Blaker. “We foundthat if we suspected a life-threateningdiagnosis, and we started treatmentimmediately, we could make an impact.The benefit of this approach outweighedthe risk, and we could always stoptreatment once a diagnosis wasconfirmed.

“For example, if we suspect possiblesepsis, a potentially life-threateningcomplication of an infection, in a patientwho has come in through the EmergencyDepartment, we begin administeringantibiotics immediately while weinvestigate the source of the infection.”

Evidence BasedThis quicker response to patient care

also involves admitting patients to theintensive care unit if their conditionappears unstable to prevent them fromrapidly deteriorating on the floor.

Another development within thehospital that improved mortalityinvolved nurse rovers. A component ofthe McLeod Rapid Response Team, thenurse rovers identify and manage at riskpatients in the hospital. Intensive careunit trained nurses, these RNs ‘rove’ thehospital to assist the patient’s nurse inassessing and identifying patients at riskfor changes in conditions.

“They offer all of us a higher levelnursing opinion of the patient’scondition and can initiate emergency

care. The Rovers also follow up onpatients moved out of the ICU to ensurethe patient does not relapse,” explainedDr. Blaker.

Another opportunity to improvemortality for the committee involved therole of pharmacists. “The pharmacistsare instrumental in reviewing thepatient’s blood cultures. If the results arepositive, they determine the appropriateantibiotic to administer to the patient aswell as inform us of which antibiotics areresistant to the patient’s infection.

“Communications and cooperationbetween the medical staff, admitting andemergency physicians and our nurseshas been excellent in adopting these newtechniques,” said Dr. Blaker.

“We have dramatically improved ourmortality rate,” added Isgett. “In an 18month period, we saw a reduction in ourmortality equivalent to 180 lives. This isthe strongest work we have everaccomplished in quality, and it is allthanks to the diligence and dedication ofDr. Blaker and the physicians and staffmembers of the mortality committee.”

Urinary Incontinence Is Not a Normal Partof AgingUrinary incontinence affects 13 million Americans. On average, however, individuals

wait almost nine years before seeking treatment because they are too embarrassed to

talk with their doctor about the condition.

by Jessica Wall

Urinary incontinence is theinvoluntary loss of urine. There are threemajor types of urinary incontinence:stress, urge, and mixed. Stressincontinence is urine leakage duringnormal activities such as coughing,sneezing, laughing, or exercising, whichmay increase abdominal pressure. Urge incontinence occurs when theindividual feels a strong need to urinate,even though the bladder may onlycontain a small amount of urine. Oftenthe individual is unable to reach thebathroom in time. Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urgeincontinence.

Approximately 15 to 30 percent ofindividuals over the age of 60 suffer from urinary incontinence. It is mostcommonly seen in women, although thecondition affects men and children aswell. The cause of urinary incontinence isweak pelvic muscles, which can resultfrom childbirth, infection, prostatesurgery, medications, hormonal changes,trauma, constipation, abdominal surgery,urinary tract infections, and someneurological diseases.

McLeod Darlington is the onlyhealthcare provider in the Pee Dee tooffer physical therapy as a treatment forurinary incontinence and pelvic floordysfunction. The goal of physical therapyis to help patients strengthen their pelvicfloor muscles as well as educate patientson bladder retraining. Contrary to otherforms of treatment, such as medicationsor invasive surgical procedures, physicaltherapy focuses on behavioral techniquessuch as biofeedback for kegel exercises,bladder retraining, education, andnutritional guidelines.

The average number of physicaltherapy sessions is three to six, althoughsome individuals may require more,depending on the severity of pelvicmuscle weakness and leakage. Eachsession lasts approximately one hour.

Laura Conner, a physical therapist atMcLeod Darlington, works with patientswho suffer from urinary incontinence.She explains that the initial sessioninvolves a thorough evaluation of thepatient through dialogue andbiofeedback.

Biofeedback is a technique that uses

a special sensor probe inserted by thepatient to monitor the patient’s pelvicmuscle activity. The sensors are attachedto a computerized instrument whichdisplays the pelvic muscle activity on acolor screen so that both the patient andphysical therapist can see how themuscles are working. The patientremains fully clothed during thebiofeedback technique.

From this technique, Connerdetermines the severity of the patient’spelvic muscle weakness and prescribes apersonalized exercise regimen designedto target the patient’s particular muscleweakness. Between sessions, the patient is responsible for doing the prescribedexercises.

Conner adds that most people do not realize that they are performing kegelexercises incorrectly so the biofeedback isimportant for them to learn how to dothe exercises the proper way.

“For the treatment to work, thepatient must be committed to theexercise part of the program,” explainsConner who sees her role as that of anencouraging coach. If compliant, the

Physical Therapist Laura Conner usesbiofeedback to evaluate a patient’s pelvic muscleactivity.

patient should begin to see improvementwithin two to three weeks.

Conner recommends that patientscontinue with exercises after achievingcontinence, although not as regularly.Instead of doing exercises three timeseach day, patients can do the exercisesthree to four times each week.

In addition to the exercise regimen,patients also learn about foods anddrinks that irritate the bladder, such asspicy foods and caffeine, as well as theimportance of staying hydrated. Connerexplains that many people think, “if Idon’t drink anything, I won’t have anaccident.” However, dehydration irritatesthe bladder, leading to an increased riskof having an accident.

Conner adds that urinaryincontinence is not a normal part ofaging; it can be prevented. Simplemeasures such as having an active

lifestyle, staying hydrated, and eating afiber-rich diet decrease the chances ofdeveloping urinary incontinence. Andwomen, especially after childbirth, areencouraged to do kegel exercises toprevent weakened pelvic muscles.

For those who suffer from thecondition, however, it is important toseek treatment. According to Conner,“the number one reason people areadmitted to nursing homes isincontinence.” But there is hope.“Urinary incontinence does not have to be a normal part of aging. You can do something about it.”

If you suffer from urinaryincontinence and are interested inphysical therapy treatment, consult with your physician to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the McLeod Darlington program.

Rehabilitative ServicesMcLeod Darlington provides

physical, occupational and speechtherapy to pediatric patients as well asadult patients with disabilities, injuries or diseases. This department is able toprovide one on one treatment tooutpatients with short wait times forinitial evaluations. In addition, McLeodDarlington’s Rehab department provideslate hours two days a week for physicaltherapy and four days a week for speechtherapy. As a therapy department, eachdiscipline is dedicated to restoringpatients to their highest functional levels.The physical therapy staff treats anumber of patients suffering from painand utilizes hands on therapy andexercise programs as well as modalities to alleviate painful mobility.

3534

A Holiday Miracle

Carl and his wife Lorrann werevisiting family in Lamar, SouthCarolina, traveling from Jerome, Idaho,for the holidays. At 11:00 that evening,everyone was gathered together. Theevents of the day were coming to anend, at which time Carl finallyconcluded that he needed to seekmedical care. By 11:30 p.m., he was inthe McLeod Emergency Department for treatment of chest pain.

“The pain was similar to a previousheart attack I had in 2004,” said Carl. “It spread from my chest and radiatedto my shoulder and right arm. I thoughtthis time my treatment would be thesame as it was in 2004. I would have aheart catheterization. They would putstents in to fix the blockages. And, I would go home.”

However, that was not the situation Carl faced. During a heartcatheterization performed by Dr. Llewellyn Rowe, an InterventionalCardiologist with Advanced CardiologyConsultants, Dr. Rowe discovered that

Carl had two heart arteries that wereninety percent blocked. The Morrell’sreturn flight home to Idaho had to waitafter Carl and his family received theunexpected news that he needed openheart surgery as soon as possible.

On December 27, Carl underwentemergent Coronary Artery BypassGrafting (CABG) surgery, performedby McLeod Cardiothoracic SurgeonDr. Jamie Holland.

The coronary arteries supply theheart muscle with blood and oxygen.These arteries are like tiny tubes that canbecome blocked. When one or more areblocked, bypass surgery may be needed.

The holidays are a time for family gatherings, celebration and good cheer. It is also a

season when people will hide symptoms of an illness from their families because they

do not want to disrupt their special time with their loved ones. This is exactly what

Carl Morrell was thinking when he kept silent about the pain he was experiencing

Christmas morning.

by Tammy White

Carl and Lorrann Morrell are grateful forthe outstanding care Carl received fromCardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Jamie Hollandand the Cardiac Medical Team.

36

During the surgery, a blood vessel istaken from the legs, arms and/or chestand is sewn onto the heart arterybeyond the blockage. This allows theblood to flow around the blockage.

By his second post-operative day, Carl was not recovering as expected. He had a build up of fluid in his lungs. It was suspected that there could beissues with his mitral valve. Anechocardiogram of his heart wasimmediately conducted.

“A review of Carl’s echocardiogramindicated to me that he had severemitral regurgitation,” said Dr. Holland.“Mitral regurgitation is a leaking valvethat allows blood to flow back into thelungs.” To correct this condition, Carlwould require mitral valve surgery.

The mitral valve allows blood to flow into the heart’s main pumpingchamber, the left ventricle. When themitral valve leaks, blood flows back intothe lungs. To compensate, the ventriclemust pump more blood with eachcontraction to produce the same output of blood throughout the body.The heart can usually operate with thisextra volume of blood for a period oftime, but it eventually begins to fail,producing symptoms of shortness ofbreath or fatigue.

With acute failure such as in Carl’scase, a large volume of blood is forcedunder high pressure into the lungs. As aresult, the lungs fill with blood, most ofwhich is water. Ultimately the lungs areunable to provide oxygen creating acondition similar to drowning.

The Morrell Family received thenews that this situation was critical.They were given the worst possiblescenario that Carl may not survive thissurgery, and if he did not have thesurgery immediately, he might not makeit through the night. Lorrann graspedfirmly to the 25 percent chance that herhusband had of surviving the surgery

she was given by Dr. Holland. “We tried to prepare Carl’s family for

the worst, because of the diseased stateof his valve and the serious condition ofhis heart after the first surgery,” said Dr. Holland. “Even after his surgery,Carl’s prognosis remained poor with theoutcome yet to be determined.”

Carl was kept in a drug inducedcoma for several days following surgeryto allow his body to recover. “At onepoint, Carl’s blood pressure was so lowthat Dr. Holland suggested calling thefamily,” said Lorrann. “Our daughter,Ashley, spoke to her father, begging himto fight. His blood pressure went upslightly. We do not know if he heardAshley’s pleas or not, but it certainlygave us hope.”

Carl continued to wage a war tosurvive, and his health progressivelyimproved. At the time of his dischargefrom the hospital, Carl was unable tostand on his own, but he was gainingstrength daily. On January 23, 2012, Carl was admitted to Health South forfurther rehabilitation.

“The McLeod medical team

never gave up on Carl,” said Lorrann.“They were right by our side fightingand praying that Carl would pullthrough. Dr. Holland was wonderful. Heand the nursing staff went the extra milefor Carl. Dr. Holland even gave us hiscell phone number when he had to goout of town in case we needed him.

“It was a blessing that we were inFlorence when Carl became ill. We had a top notch hospital and medical teamavailable for Carl’s care, and I wassurrounded by the love and support of my family,” added Lorrann.

February 14, 2012 was a happy dayfor Carl and Lorrann when Carl wasdischarged from Health South. Throughrehabilitation, Carl was once again ableto walk on his own. The following day,Carl and Lorrann received the longawaited news from Dr. Holland thatthey could return home.

Today, Lorrann and Carl are happy to be back home in Idaho. Carl has resumed his full-time job with Hilex Poly Company and on theadvice of his cardiologist, he is walking 45 minutes a day.

Dr. Jamie Holland is a McLeod Cardiothoracic Surgeon highly-skilled in mitral valve repair andreplacement.

37

A McLeod Nurse consistently demonstrates compassion and

caring. McLeod Nurses radiate a genuine heartfelt concern for

others; for many of them, nursing is a calling to serve. This unique

calling sometimes results in special recognition for the quality of patient care

they deliver everyday.

The Gold Standard inMcLeod Nursing Care

by Tammy White

McLeod Health has announced thatten McLeod Registered Nurses (RN)have been selected to receive the 2012Palmetto Gold Award. These nursesrepresent three McLeod facilities:McLeod Regional Medical Center,McLeod Darlington and McLeod Dillon.They join the ranks of the 98 previousMcLeod Nurses who have received this

outstanding award. With the addition ofthe 2012 recipients, McLeod has thedistinction of having more than 100Palmetto Gold Nurses selected over thepast 11 years in a program thatrecognizes only100 nurses annually.

The ten nurses from McLeod Healthwho received the 2012 Palmetto Goldrecognition include: Mary Adams,

Women’s & Children’s Services; WandaCampagnari, Neonatal Intensive CareUnit; Helen Hokanson, ObstetricalOutreach; Kathy Jenkins, CardiovascularIntensive Care Unit; Renee Kennedy,Operational Effectiveness; SharonMcLain, Surgical Services; ShannonMoore, Coronary Care Unit; TimothySmoak, McLeod Behavioral Health

38 39

Services; Patricia Taylor, Trauma SurgicalCare Unit; and Ashley Owen Watford,Patient Care Supervisor.

The Palmetto Gold Award is aprogram that was started by variousnursing organizations throughout SouthCarolina as a platform to recognizenursing, and support nursing educationwith scholarship funds.

This is a competitive process andusually several hundred nominations aresubmitted each year with only 100 beingchosen. To select the 100 RNs, a team oftwelve nurses from across the stateparticipate in a blind review process. Thenominees are not referred to by name orplace of employment on the nominationsections seen by the judges so they areunaware of who the nominees are or for which institution they work.

“In the eleven years that PalmettoGold has been honoring nursing, ten percent of the total recipients areMcLeod Nurses,” said Leanne Huminski,McLeod Chief Nursing Officer. “Thisspeaks well for the nurses we recruit tobe part of the McLeod Team.”

How is it that McLeod consistentlyhas nurses who receive Palmetto Golddesignation year after year?

It starts with recruiting the rightnurse, according to Huminski.

“Our Nurse Recruiters arecommitted to recruit the best nurses,”said Huminski. “To be a McLeod Nurse,you must possess a high level ofprofessionalism and have a compassionfor others. When our Nurse Directorsinterview candidates, of highestimportance to us is finding someonewho will be a team player. They mustimpress upon us that they work wellwith others including licensed andunlicensed staff.”

Experience is valuable but not toppriority when recruiting nurses. “We are fortunate to have two schools here in Florence that provide us with

outstanding candidates,” said Huminski.“An inexperienced nurse brings to thejob fresh ideas, which enhances the team by bringing together differentprospectives.”

Each year, employers from across awide variety of South Carolina healthcare settings nominate outstandingnurses from their organizations to beconsidered as one of the 100 nurseshonored with the prestigious PalmettoGold Award. The nominators are askedto submit written documentation ofhow the nominee demonstratesexcellence to the profession.

The Palmetto Gold SteeringCommittee permits each facility inSouth Carolina to submit nominationsfor six candidates. McLeod Health,system-wide has more than 1,100 full-time nurses.

With so many nurses from which tochoose, how does McLeod select theirnominees?

“Our Nursing Directors look at eachof their team members to see whoconsistently meets the Palmetto Goldprofile,” said Huminski. “The directorssubmit an entry for each of their topcandidates to the Nursing CareLeadership Forum, which is a groupmade up of McLeod Staff Nurses. Thisforum then selects who they consider tobe the top six from all of the applicants.”

“Our selection process is the same asPalmetto Gold,” said Lisa McDonald,McLeod Nurse Liaison. “The applicantsare blinded profiles so the Nursing CareLeadership Forum are unaware of whothe nurses are, or what department theywork for.

“At McLeod, we value the input of our nurses,” said McDonald. “PalmettoGold selection is not the only assignmentfor the Nursing Care Leadership Forum.They meet monthly with Huminski, ourChief Nursing Officer. She brings theirsuggestions and concerns to the Nursing

Care Improvement Council forevaluation. Who better to provide uswith our areas of opportunity andimprovement than the nurses who carefor our patients every day?”

One role that has been verysuccessful in raising the bar for quality inpatient care at McLeod is the ClinicalNurse Manager. Each Medical/Surgicalfloor at McLeod Regional MedicalCenter and McLeod Darlington has aClinical Nurse Manager. To serve in thisrole a nurse must be certified in theirfield of care or currently working ontheir certification. Their goals are toreview the plan of care for each patientin their unit, identify educational needsof the staff, and interact with thephysicians to assure that alldocumentation is compliant and thattheir orders for care are being carriedout to the best of everyone’s ability.

“We serve as the clinical expert forour unit,” said Pam Pritchard, ClinicalNurse Manager for the tenth floor. “Weare available resources for both patientsand nurses. We make rounds daily tomeet our patients, listen to theirconcerns and then work with their nurseto correct any potential problems.

“There are eleven Clinical NurseManagers on staff at McLeod. We meettwice a month as a group to reviewquality data and discuss hospital-wideclinical concerns. I would describe ourteam as a self-motivated group ofprofessionals who love what we do. Weare all seasoned nurses, but we still carrya passion for nursing,” added Pritchard.

“At McLeod, we are true to ourmission,” said Huminski. “We serveevery patient in need and we deliver that patient care with a focus on serviceexcellence.”

“I am proud to work in anorganization that supports such a highlevel of professionalism in the nursingpractice,” added McDonald.

The Artist WithinFrom top to bottom: Dr. Smith’s most prized

sculpture, the Mona Lizard. Dr.Smithperforming a heart catheterization. This

piece is Dr. Smith’s first sculpture.

Dr. Ian Smith, a cardiologist with Advanced Cardiology Consultants, has been

practicing medicine for nearly thirty years, during which time he has impacted the

lives of countless individuals. However, according to Dr. Smith, “Most people do not

realize that physicians are more than just doctors. It reminds me of my childhood

when I was shocked to see my third grade teacher wearing jeans in the grocery store;

I had never imagined that she had a life outside the classroom.”

by Jessica Wall

played an instrumental role in developing her son’s talents, then began to teach himall sorts of printing techniques.

In addition to practicing medicine,Dr. Smith is a third-generation artistwho has since passed the gift on to hischildren. “My grandfather, uncle, andmother were all artists, particularlypainters, and my son and daughter arephenomenal artists,” Dr. Smith explains.

When he was younger, Dr. Smithworked as a photographer for a localnewspaper, which piqued hisinterest. His mother, who

Dr. Smith works on hisfourth sculpture, a hurdler.

40

Dr. Smith lovingly describes hismother as “very eccentric. She wasalways painting, and she would createthe most elaborate Halloween costumesthat were themselves works of art.”

Such is the life of one who lives withan artist. It was because of his mother’seccentric nature that Dr. Smith learnedto appreciate and value beauty. “Anappreciation of beauty is what separateshumans from other animals. Art is thesignature of mankind. I suspect thatthere is something divine in the artisticimpulse; it illustrates a connection withsomething much larger than ourselves,”says Dr. Smith.

Despite Dr. Smith’s dedication to hismedical career, he has remained closelyconnected to art. “Art has been veryimportant in our family, and we valueart in our home. There needs to besomething in life that takes you abovesimple, mindless production. There hasgot to be more to living than just anaccumulation of things.”

Dr. Smith has made pottery fornearly 40 years, but through connectionswithin the Florence art community, hemet the world-class sculptor AlexPalkovich. Through Palkovich’sinsistence, Dr. Smith began taking asculpting class that meets weekly forthree hours.

He is currently working on his fourthpiece, a hurdler. Through this process,Dr. Smith explains that he has become abetter anatomist. “To get the muscleattachments right in the sculpture, I had

to go back and review gross anatomy,relearning the names and relationshipsof muscles.”

However, contrary to what some maybelieve, sculpting is not a stress relieverfor Dr. Smith. “If anything, it is stressfulbecause I want it to be right. Sculpting isan area where perfectionist tendenciescan ruin a person because no piece isever perfect,” he explains.

In some cases, though, the sculptorprefers imperfection. “If a piece is toorefined, it looks like a still photo.Sometimes I leave the piece unfinishedand blurred to give it a sense ofmovement,” says Dr. Smith.

And movement is a key criterion forDr. Smith’s work, for the two things thatmake art interesting are compositionand dynamism.

Sculpting offers an artist the uniqueopportunity to create composition anddynamism where those elements maynot exist. Take, for example, Dr. Smith’smost prized sculpture, the “MonaLizard.” A lizard species known as the“Jesus Christ” lizard because it can runon water, the Mona Lizard is solelysupported by the tail, which gives thepiece a greater sense of movement.

For Dr. Smith, his sculptures andpottery are simply expressions of hisdeep-rooted philosophy that “simpleexistence will not make most peoplehappy; we must do more than exist.

“The things that make life worthliving are work, love, and art,” he added.

“An appreciation of beauty is what separateshumans from other animals. Art is thesignature of mankind.” – Dr. Ian Smith

41

43

Building HealingEnvironmentsAs McLeod continues to serve the region as The Choice for Medical Excellence,

preserving those high standards means continually expanding both services and

facilities to meet the healthcare needs of its patients. On the campus of McLeod

Regional Medical Center, both Intensive Care and Cancer Services are being enhanced

for the convenience of patients and staff into two new facilities currently under

construction.

by Celia Whitten

McLeod Center for Intensive Care

For critically ill patients, part of thehealing process is a gradual awareness oftheir surroundings. The McLeod Centerfor Intensive Care is designed in such away that the exterior glass will allowpatients to re-orient themselves to dayand night, reducing their confusion astheir physical condition improves.

When it is completed next summer,the center will include 100 critical carebeds and 20 step-down beds. “TheMcLeod Center for Intensive Care isbeing designed with wood and warmcolors to make patients feel like they arein a homelike environment,” said DaleLocklair, Vice President of Procurementand Construction. “Studies have shownthat warm, comfortable settings in whichpatients feel at home help with thehealing process.”

Family corridors outside patientrooms will also create comfortingsurroundings for family members wherethey can rest and still be near their lovedones. “The corridors are designed to be

comfortable and soothing,” Locklair said.Moving Hemodialysis from the

McLeod Tower to a central location inthe new center will provide easier accessfor patients in critical care areas whoneed kidney dialysis. Medical/surgicalsupplies for patient care will also beconveniently and quickly available from anew warehouse, with a loading dockunderneath the building. This newwarehouse will make the handling anddelivering of supplies more efficientbecause they will be unloaded closer towhere they are needed.

McLeod Cancer CenterThe new McLeod Cancer Center will

offer an environment dedicated to thephysical and emotional needs of cancerpatients and their families. The centerwill provide innovative multi-disciplinary care, ease of access toappointments with McLeod Oncologists,and participation in research trials as wellas cancer treatment, all in one location.An enclosed walkway from the secondfloor of the McLeod Cancer Center will

also provide added convenience forpatients who park their vehicle in thewest parking deck.

Drawings are also being completed torenovate the Radiation Oncologydepartment, which is currently part ofthe space where the McLeod CancerCenter is being constructed. In additionto these renovations, a new “super” linearaccelerator specifically designed forStereotactic Radiosurgery is beinginstalled. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)is an image-guided procedure for non-invasive treatment of tumors as well asnerve conditions. Advantages of thislinear accelerator include the degree ofprecision it offers, and the rapid dose rateit delivers which will allow the staff toadminister a very large dose of radiationin a short amount of time. Thistechnology also minimizes harm tohealthy tissue and adjacent criticalstructures, such as the spinal cord orlungs.

Utilizing the Varian TrueBeam STxplatform, the McLeod RadiationOncology Team will be able to perform

42

Stereotactic Radiosurgery Therapy (SRT)to target lesions in the brain andStereotactic Body Radiosurgery Therapy(SBRT) to treat areas in the body. Thetechnique of Stereotactic Radiosurgery isnot true surgery, but an intense form ofradiation therapy. Tumors treated by thismethod are generally inaccessible orunsuitable for open surgery.

McLeod ConcourseWhen patients and family members

need to move between buildings on theMcLeod Regional campus, they will beable to use a new concourse that willconnect the buildings and serve as apublic thoroughfare, away from areaswhere patients are being transported to and from procedures. This routeenhances patient confidentiality andsafety.

The wide, glass-enclosed concoursewill also stretch from one end of thecampus to the other, eventually joiningthe McLeod Cancer Center, the McLeodTower, and the McLeod Pavilion. When itis complete next spring, the concoursewill house a new employee and retailpharmacy, a gift shop, and an expandedfood court. After the gift shop is movedfrom the main hallway in the McLeodTower to the concourse, that space will berenovated for a new family waiting area

for the McLeod Heart and VascularInstitute, bringing family members closerto their loved ones being treated in theHeart and Vascular Institute.

McLeod Hospice HouseThe reputation of McLeod Hospice

for care and compassion has madeinpatient hospice care an attractiveoption for families with loved ones whoare critically ill, resulting in increaseddemand for rooms in the McLeodHospice House. An expansion to doubleits size was a priority when the McLeodFoundation launched its One Vision, OneFuture campaign last fall to raise fundsand awareness, responding to the needsof the community.

With care centered on the uniqueneeds of the patient at the end of life,the environment of the McLeodHospice House also speaks to thecomfort and spiritual needs of both the patient and the family. Rooms arespacious, with a seating area that can bemade into a comfortable bed so thatfamily members can spend the nightwith their loved one. Access to theoutdoors and fresh air is also availablefrom each patient room.

The two new wings of the McLeodHospice House will include 12 inpatientrooms, two family comfort areas, and five

offices. The expansion is scheduled to becompleted by late August.

Energy EfficiencyTemperature control of patient rooms

and treatment areas is an importantelement of caring for patients whoseconditions are compromised by illness orinjury. The equipment for monitoringand maintaining ambient temperaturesmust be efficient and constantly kept intop condition.

For that reason, a new Central EnergyPlant, with the latest boilers, chillers, andcooling towers, is being constructed atMcLeod Regional Medical Center, withcompletion expected in May. “Thisproject will provide an automated energymanagement system that will help toreduce energy consumption by 30percent,” Locklair added.

At McLeod Dillon, the CentralEnergy Plant also is being renovated.Teams are replacing cooling towers,chillers, and boilers for energy efficiencyand patient comfort.

With physicians and staff who focusthe delivery of care around the needs of patients and families, McLeod iscommitted to providing exceptionalfacilities to enhance its services andfurther its mission of healing well intothe future.

The McLeod Center for Intensive Care iscurrently under construction at McLeodRegional Medical Center.

The expansion of the McLeod Hospice Houseis scheduled to open later this summer.

The McLeod Cancer Center will providetreatment of oncology patients in onecentralized location.

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal has been dedicated to preventing unintentional

childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability among children ages zero

to 14, for nearly 20 years. Led by McLeod Health and funded in part by the McLeod

Health Foundation, McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal serves families in northeastern

South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. It is a coalition whose members

include local law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other safety personnel,

McLeod Health staff, as well as other community members who are passionate about

child safety.

44

At Home, At Play, At School, and on the Wayby Jessica Wall

The most well-known injuryprevention topic of McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is car seat safety. Incollaboration with Kohl’s DepartmentStore, McLeod Safe Kids offers safety seatchecks on location in Florence andMyrtle Beach monthly and bi-monthly,respectively. At each safety seat check, aSafe Kids Certified Technician checks theinstallation of child safety seats, correctsthose in need, and educates parents onproper installation and use. Eachtechnician receives certification throughan initial four-day training course, andthey must remain up-to-date on car seatsafety standards through continuingeducation and training to maintaincertification. McLeod Safe Kids PeeDee/Coastal recently added seven newcertified technicians to expand this teamand the services they provide.

The program is taking great stridestowards injury prevention. Recently,

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastalreceived a $44,721 grant awarded byKohl’s Cares, which will continue to fundthe safety seat checks. And, the programis proving effective at providing parentsand families with the support they needto ensure the safety of their children. BethDavids recently attended a Safe KidsSafety Seat Check in Florence for the firsttime. She heard about the program froma co-worker and wanted to be sure thather safety seat was properly installed forher first grandchild who is due in May.She described the event and itstechnicians as “friendly, helpful, andinformative.” Another Florence resident,Brandy Hay, echoed the same sentiment.“I want to learn everything I can,”explained the expectant mother.

Although knowledge about the carseat safety program is widespread, there isstill one misconception about theprogram – that it is only for infants.

Ashley Costas, McLeod Safe Kids PeeDee/Coastal Coordinator and InjuryPrevention Specialist, explains, “After thechild reaches the ages of three to four,parents commonly discontinue theservices offered by Safe Kids, but theprogram continues with the child, fromrear-facing and forward-facing car seatsto booster seats and seat belt safety.”

Dr. Timothy Spence with McLeodPediatric Associates of Florence adds, “Ican say, unequivocally, that car seats andseat belts save lives.” This validates whythe safety seat checks, along with thebooster and seat belt safety education, arecritical components of injury prevention.

It is well known that McLeod SafeKids Pee Dee/Coastal is largely associatedwith safety seat checks, but this is only asmall component of an organization thatoffers a variety of injury preventionprograms, including – but not limitedto – fire safety, Operation Medicine Drop,

45

Safe Sitters, and the Photo I.D. Program. Through a partnership with the City

of Florence Fire Department, McLeodSafe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal provideschildren with firsthand knowledge aboutfire safety through mobile firehouses. “Aschildren walk inside what appears to be anormal home, the firefighters simulate afire so that children can practice thesafety techniques they have learned toprevent injuries related to a fire,” explainsCostas. This is an invaluable experiencethat Costas encourages more families andschools to take advantage of.

Partnering with the Florence CountySheriff ’s Department, McLeod Safe KidsPee Dee/Coastal also offers OperationMedicine Drop, which allows for the safedisposal of unused or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications bylocal law enforcement. Drugs are oftenleft unsecured in cabinets and oncounters in the home, and unintentionalpoisoning deaths and injuries areincreasing nationwide. At designatedevents, a narcotics agent and a McLeodPharmacist are present to receivemedications and dispose of them in a safeand environmentally friendly manner.There is also a permanent drop box at the Sheriff ’s Office in Effingham, SouthCarolina, where individuals can drop off medications at their convenience.

Another program provided byMcLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is SafeSitter®. This is a medically-based, hands-on course that teaches young adolescents,ages 11 to 13, how to effectively handleemergencies when caring for children.

They also learn helpful tips to make themmore confident caregivers includingsafety precautions, how to understandchildren of different ages, and thebusiness aspect of babysitting. Costasrecently became certified as a Safe Sitter®Instructor. Safe Kids will resume SafeSitter courses this summer.

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastalalso offers a Photo I.D. Program. Eachidentification card has information aboutthe child such as their name, date ofbirth, and sex, as well as a picture and leftand right thumbprints. In the event of a

missing child, parents can give this cardto law enforcement to strengthen theeffectiveness of search efforts. For thisreason, Costas explains, “It is a good idea to update the I.D. card twice eachyear, or at least every year, so that lawenforcement has the most currentinformation for your child.”

Costas adds that the Safe Kids PhotoI.D. Program has two distinctive featuresthat separate it from similar programs.First, the I.D. card includes any allergiesor medical conditions that the child mayhave, and second, all proceeds benefit theMcLeod Children’s Hospital. Each I.D.card is a nominal fee of five-dollars.

Some other programs offered byMcLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastalinclude Safe Sleep, Stranger Danger, aswell as water, bike, and sport safety.

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is also taking every effort to spreadinformation about injury prevention.Each month, Safe Kids covers a specificinjury prevention topic and then sends

“I can say, unequivocally, that car seats andseat belts save lives.” – Dr. Timothy Spence

weekly tips and information to localmedia partners.

Another aspect of McLeod Safe KidsPee Dee/Coastal is its involvement inlocal schools and communities byattending health fairs and events toeducate families on the importance ofsafety issues.

Costas adds, “Safe Kids is foreveryone, whether it is a school, daycare,Boy or Girl Scout troops, or families inthe community. McLeod Safe Kids PeeDee/Coastal provides a wide array ofinvaluable resources, and we encourageeveryone to be proactive and takeadvantage of the information andservices made available. Only then canwe, as a community, dramatically reducethe number of unintentional injuries anddeaths among children.”

Those who are interested in joiningthe McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/CoastalCoalition, becoming a certified safety seat technician, or who want moreinformation on any of the programs SafeKids offers, can contact McLeod Safe KidsPee Dee/Coastal Coordinator and InjuryPrevention Specialist Ashley Costas at(843) 777-5021.

46 47

Beth Davids has a child safety seatinstalled by Larry Gore, a Certified SafetySeat Technician with the City of FlorenceFire Department, at a recent Third Thursdaywith Kohl’s event.

In MemoriamJ. Givens Young - Patton’s Foot SoldierAugust 6, 1921 - March 26, 2012

J. Givens Young was known to many in the community as a man with a vision and

enthusiasm to serve others. An advocate for progress and advancement, his plan to

improve the access and delivery of healthcare in the region continues to greatly

benefit future generations.

by Jumana Swindler

Mr. Young, among many other greatachievements, is remembered for his tirelessefforts and persistence in developingMcLeod as a regional medical center forpatients and their families. He inspiredmany with his dedication to excellence andhis service to family and community.

Mr. Young served others faithfully as an accomplished and insightfulbusinessman, a community leader, devotedfamily man, and Lifetime Trustee forMcLeod Health.

A native of Florence, he was educated inthe Florence City Schools, graduating fromFlorence High School in 1938. A man withvision, enthusiasm and a plan that benefitthe health of generations, Mr. Young was aClemson University Graduate with a BSdegree in Pre Medicine, where he receivedthe University’s Distinguished AlumniAward in 1975.

He served in the United States Armyduring World War II, serving in combat inthe battlefields of Europe. He was a RiflePlatoon Leader and Company Commanderwith the rank of First Lieutenant and thenbecame a Captain. He was in the 80thInfantry Division United States Third Armyunder General George S. Patton Jr., servingfour campaigns in France, Belgium,

Luxembourg, Germany and Austria. He was decorated with the Combat InfantryBadge, the Silver Star for Gallantry inAction, the Bronze Star for Valor, the PurpleHeart with Oak Leaf Cluster and the FrenchNormandy Medal.

Mr. Young wrote a book on his ownexperiences and historical accounts duringWW II called “Patton’s Foot Soldier.”

After discharge from the Army in 1945,he returned home and entered the familypartnership of Young Pecan. He becameowner and President of Young PecanShelling Company and Young Pecan SalesCorps from 1945 to 1992. He continued toserve as a business partner until hisretirement.

Mr. Young was the first chairman of theMcLeod Board of Trustees when McLeodtransitioned into a regional medical centermore than three decades ago. After nearlyten years of planning, between the 1970sand early 1980s, Mr. Young’s diligence andextraordinary leadership was instrumentalin driving McLeod and the community’splans to establish a regional medical center.The effort to grow McLeod from aninfirmary to a major medical center wascalled “bold and ambitious,” and became a reality in the fall of 1979.

According to “McLeod: A History of the Development of a Medical Center,” by Dr. Larry E. Nelson, Mr. Young chaired theMcLeod Board of Trustees in 1975, on thecusp of the vital and strategic changes which would truly impact the health andexcellent medical treatment of the people of the region.

That promise has been kept andperpetuated as McLeod observes more thana century of excellence.

In recognition of the devotion andcommitment of J. Givens Young to McLeodHealth, and his commitment to providequality health care for the region, a specialceremony and unveiling of a sculpture in hishonor was held on June 6, 2006. This workof art which bears his image remains onpermanent display within the medicalcenter, as a reminder of Mr. Young’soutstanding contributions and service. It will continue to pay tribute to thededicated and inspirational leadership ofGivens Young in addition to the McLeodPavilion Chapel which was also dedicatedduring this event. A gift from Mr. Young, the chapel continues to serve as a place ofrespite, comfort and hope in loving memoryof his wife, the late Florence Hunter Young.

McLeod News McLeod NewsMcLeod Medical Staff Leaders Demonstrate A Dedication to Exceptional Health Care

McLeod physicians are dedicated to providing outstanding medical care to their patients. For many of thesephysicians, their commitment to serveexpands beyond their individual medicalpractices. Every two years physicianleaders are elected to serve on theMcLeod Medical Staff at McLeodRegional Medical Center, McLeodDarlington, McLeod Dillon and McLeod Loris Seacoast.

These elected officers providevaluable knowledge and insight to manyareas of the hospital where they govern.Their duties include working withhospital administration and staff onsafety and patient care initiatives;recommending and appointing otherMedical Staff members for hospital

department chairs and committees; and serving as a liaison between theMedical Staff, hospital administrationand hospital boards, among many other responsibilities.

The McLeod Medical Staff Officersfor 2012 include:

McLeod Regional Medical Center

Chief of Staff: Dr. Dale Lusk,

Advanced Women’s Care

Vice Chief of Staff: Dr. Andrew Rhea,

Florence Neurosurgery and Spine

Secretary: Dr. Walter Connor,

McLeod Family Medicine Center

McLeod Darlington

Chief of Staff: Dr. D. Parker Lilly,

McLeod Family Medicine Darlington

Vice Chief of Staff: Dr. Bonnie Crickman,

McLeod Family Medicine Darlington

Secretary: Dr. George Jacob,

McLeod Psychiatric Associates

McLeod Dillon

Chief of Staff: Dr. Michael Sutton,

McLeod Orthopaedics Dillon

Vice Chief of Staff: Dr. Walter Blum,

The Surgery Center of Dillon

McLeod Loris Seacoast

Chief of Staff: Dr. Mark Pelstring,

Southern Medical Associates

Dr. Dale Lusk Dr. Andrew Rhea Dr. Walter Connor Dr. D. Parker Lilly Dr. Bonnie Crickman

Dr. George Jacob Dr. Michael Sutton Dr. Walter Blum Dr. Mark Pelstring

4948

New Advancement in Cardiac Hypothermia TreatmentAn advancement in hypothermia

care will be available at the McLeodHeart and Vascular Institute. Throughthe use of a new catheter technique, apatient’s body can now be cooled downin one hour to help prevent neurologicaldamage in patients who have suffered acardiac arrest episode.

One of the concerns for patients who experience a cardiac arrest isneurological damage. Cardiac arrest iswhen the heart stops beating, restrictingthe blood supply and oxygen to thebrain. Induced Hypothermia has beenclinically proven to increase survivalrates in these patients.

The goal of hypothermia therapy isto improve patient survival, neurologicrecovery and quality of life after acardiac arrest. It works by decreasing the brain’s demand for oxygen thus

minimizing neurological injury aftersuch an event.

The new approach provides thepower and control to rapidly, safely andeffectively manage the core bodytemperature from the inside out throughthe use of catheters – very small, thintubes. The catheter is inserted into anartery in the leg, chest or neck. Coolsaline is then circulated throughmultiple balloons on the catheter,cooling the patient as blood passes over each balloon. With the cathetertechnique, the patient’s body can becooled down in one hour as opposed tosix using the previous method.

McLeod first introduced the InducedHypothermia protocol in February of2008. The process involved a coolingblanket and head piece, and took sixhours to achieve the requiredtemperature of 32°C to 34°C.

“Induced Hypothermia patients arecared for in the McLeod Coronary CareUnit because such an extreme change in body temperature requires closemonitoring and can result in irregularheart rhythms,” said T rish Handley, RN,McLeod Coronary Care Unit Director.“It is important that the patient is underthe care of nurses skilled and trained incardiac care.

“Time also plays an important role in the likelihood of success forhypothermia. To minimize neurologicalinjury the cooling should be initiated as quickly as possible. With theadvancements in technology, this newcatheter-based treatment will permit us the opportunity to cool the patientdown in one hour’s time, greatlyincreasing the chances for a successfuloutcome,” added Handley.

McLeod Sports Medicine Awards Annual ScholarshipsMcLeod Sports Medicine recently

awarded the Geoffrey Kier MemorialAthletic Excellence Scholarships in theamount of $1,000 each to four local highschool athletes. The scholarships werepresented during the annual McLeodSports Medicine Challenge 5K and 10KRun/Walk held in March.

Geoffrey Kier was a Certified AthleticTrainer with McLeod Sports Medicinewho died in 1999 after a battle withacute meningitis. The scholarshiprecognizes student athletes whopersonify excellence. The athletes chosenexhibit excellence in academics, athletics,and also possess strong leadership skills.

Geoffrey Kier’s parents, Frank and Sally Kier, presented the scholarships to the 2012recipients at the annual McLeod Sports Medicine Run/Walk event. Pictured from left to right: Frank Kier, Emily Ham (Florence Christian Schools), Lisa Marie van Baaren (The King’s Academy), Kesha Rainey (Crestwood High School), Brooke Kirkland (Mullins High School), Sally Kier, and Anita Fleming with McLeod Sports Medicine.

McLeod News

50

McLeod NewsMcLeod

PhysicianAssociateswelcomes Dr. Anna JaneD. Senseney tothe medicalpractice of

Florence Diagnostic Associates. She joinsin practice with Dr. Conyers O’Bryan,Dr. Fripp Ducker, Dr. Michael Mitchell,and nurse practitioner Sharon Gulledge.

An experienced and compassionatephysician, Dr. Senseney is board certifiedin Internal Medicine and Palliative Care.

“I have known and admired the careprovided by many of the physicians in

the practice, and it is exciting to join oneof the area’s most respected andestablished internal medicine teams,”said Dr. Senseney. “It is also a privilege to be a part of the McLeod Healthorganization, which has suchan outstanding reputationfor patient-centered care.”

Originally from the area,Dr. Senseney is delighted to be back in the region andlooks forward to welcomingnew patients and theirfamilies to the practice.

Florence Diagnostic Associates islocated in the McLeod Medical Plaza at 800 E. Cheves Street, Suite 200, inFlorence. To contact the practice, pleasecall (843) 662-1502.

Left to right: Dr. Fripp Ducker, Dr. Anna Jane Senseney,Dr. Conyers O’Bryan, Dr. Michael Mitchell, and SharonGulledge, NP

Soarian Further Improves Patient Safety InitiativesThe implementation of a new

computerized health-care informationsystem at McLeod Health offers the latestin technology and strengthens theMcLeod commitment to deliver safepatient care.

“Soarian is like a new team memberon the clinical team engaged in thepatient’s care,” said Marie Segars,Administrator of McLeod RegionalMedical Center. “We now have a systemthat works with us in patient care.”

Electronic documentation improvescommunication among caregiversthroughout the transitions in thepatient’s care, from admission todischarge. Physicians are able to useSoarian to electronically submit ordersand write program notes, reducing

legibility issues and errors. With Soarian,physicians also have access to patientrecords in the hospital, their offices, or attheir homes.

Built-in safety alerts trigger follow-upby caregivers. If, for example, a physicianorders a lab test and the result is criticalfor the patient, an alert shows up in theclinical summary to let the physicianknow to order medication or a repeat ofthe test.

“These triggers are based on findings from tests or other pertinentinformation about the patient,”explained Jeanean Blackmon, VicePresident of Information Systems andChief Information Officer. “The systemalerts the nurse or another clinician tocertain issues affecting the patient.”

“Soarian also helps us with safety byusing evidence-based clinical rules to aidall clinicians in decision-making andreminds us of patient needs,” Segars said.“Based on the plan of care or themedications the patient is taking, thesystem provides our most up-to-dateclinical orders, developed by our medicalstaff, to the admitting physician withouta delay for printing or searching for theforms.”

Soarian, which has been planned fortwo years by McLeod InformationSystems, Nursing Administration, and aPhysician Advisory Committee, is beingimplemented in stages at each of theMcLeod campuses. McLeod physicians,administrators, and clinical staff havecompleted extensive training in thefunctions of the new computer system.

Dr. Anna Jane Senseney Joins Florence Diagnostic AssociatesMcLeod

Health recentlyannounced theaffiliation of Dr. PeterHyman with the McLeodOccupationalMedicine Team.

Dr. Hyman will serve as the MedicalDirector of McLeod OccupationalHealth and McLeod Employee Health.

Prior to accepting this position, Dr. Hyman served as the MedicalDirector of the McLeod EmergencyDepartment for six years. During his 15 years of service in the EmergencyDepartment, Dr. Hyman also providedmedical support in caring forOccupational Health industry clients for ten years.

Dr. Hyman received his medicaldegree from the Medical University

of South Carolina. He attended theMcLeod Family Medicine ResidencyProgram and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at RichlandMemorial Hospital in Columbia, SouthCarolina.

The McLeod Occupational HealthDepartment is equipped to handle nonlife-threatening occupational injuriesand illnesses. “My experience inemergency medicine will allow us tohandle those cases that previously wouldhave required emergency departmenttreatment due to the seriousness of theinjury,” said Dr. Hyman.

The McLeod Occupational HealthDepartment provides a host ofemployment services including: wellnessprograms, pre-placement screenings,physical evaluations, hearing and visiontesting, immunizations, and drug andalcohol testing.

McLeod Names New Occupational Health Medical Director

McLeod Welcomes These Physicians

One of Dr. Hyman’s duties asmedical director is the supervision of thenurses on staff as part of OccupationalHealth’s On-Site Nursing Services.

“Currently, we have nine registerednurses and five nurse practitionersworking at various industries in ourregion,” said. Dr. Hyman. “It is a growingtrend for industries to keep a nurse onsite to care for minor injuries, as well as,offer support with preventative healthcare programs and health and safetyeducation.

“It is an exciting time for us now at McLeod Occupational Health. The addition of McLeod Loris andMcLeod Seacoast has increased ourcoverage in the region. I am lookingforward to not only working with ournew employees but also developingbusiness relationships with theindustries in Horry County,” added Dr. Hyman.

Brent J. Baroody, M.D. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Baroody received his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicinein Columbia, South Carolina. He completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at theUniversity of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Baroody cares for patients at the office of David R. Chapman, M.D., PC, in Florence.

Gary J. Barrett, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. Barrett received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. Dr. Barrett cares for patients at Barrett Internal Medicine in Loris.

51

Keith G. Harkins, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. Harkins received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine inWashington, D.C. He completed an Internal Medicine and Pediatric residency at Duke UniversityMedical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Harkins cares for patients at Southern MedicalAssociates in Loris.

Raymond R. Holt, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Holt received his medical degree from State University of New York Health Science Center atSyracuse in Syracuse, New York. He completed a Family Medicine residency at Riverside RegionalMedical Center in Newport News, Virginia. Dr. Holt cares for patients at Seacoast Primary Care inLittle River.

Leslee E. Hudgins, D.O. Board Certified in Neurology

Dr. Hudgins received her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia. She completed a Neurology residency at Virginia CommonwealthUniversity, Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, where she also completed aNeurophysiology fellowship. Dr. Hudgins cares for patients at Seacoast Neurology Associates in Little River.

Kimberly A. Kozak, D.O. Board Certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. Kozak received her medical degree from Michigan State University College of OsteopathicMedicine in East Lansing, Michigan. She completed a General Surgery residency at OaklandGeneral Hospital in Madison Heights, Michigan, where she also completed an Otolaryngology andFacial Plastic Surgery residency. Dr. Kozak cares for patients at Seacoast ENT and Facial PlasticSurgery in Little River.

McLeod Welcomes These Physicians McLeod Welcomes These Physicians

53

John S. Martin, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. Martin received his medical degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Martin cares for patients at Sunset Beach Internal Medicine in Ocean Isle Beach, NorthCarolina.

Timothy Chuck Mills, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Mills received his medical degree from Eastern Carolina University Medical School inGreenville, North Carolina. He completed a Family Medicine residency at Pitt Memorial Hospitalin Greenville, North Carolina. Dr. Mills cares for patients at Southern Medical Associates in Loris.

52

Peter M. Bleyer, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Bleyer received his medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem,North Carolina. He completed a Family Medicine residency at St. Vincent’s Healthcare inJacksonville, Florida. Dr. Bleyer cares for patients at Family Life Medicine in Longs.

Philip C. Bowman, M.D., Ph.D. Board Certified in Psychiatry

Dr. Bowman received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond,Virginia. He completed a Psychiatry residency at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco,California. Dr. Bowman cares for patients at Pee Dee Mental Health Center in Florence.

Natasha A. Choyah, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Choyah received her medical degree from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, WestIndies. She completed a Family Medicine residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Choyah cares for patients at Family Health Center Loris and Mt. Olive.

Kimberley A. Drayton, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Drayton received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Portsmouth,Dominica. She completed a Family Medicine residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital inPark Ridge, Illinois. Dr. Drayton cares for patients at Family Health Center Loris and Mt. Olive.

Ifeanyichukwu M. Eruchalu, M.D. Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases

Dr. Eruchalu received his medical degree from the University of Nigeria College of Medicine inEnugu, Nigeria. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at North General Hospital in NewYork, New York. He also completed a Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine fellowship atBoston University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Eruchalu cares for patients atMcLeod Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates in Florence.

Billie J. Hall, D.O. Emergency Medicine

Dr. Hall received her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine inLewisburg, West Virginia. She completed an Emergency Medicine residency at South PointeHospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Hall cares for patients at the McLeod Regional Medical CenterEmergency Department in Florence.

McLeod Welcomes These PhysiciansMark F. Pelstring, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Pelstring received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine inLouisville, Kentucky. He completed a Family Medicine residency at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Covington, Kentucky. Dr. Pelstring cares for patients at Southern Medical Associates in Loris.

Christopher L. Po, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology

Dr. Po received his medical degree from the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines. Hecompleted an Internal Medicine residency at Makati Medical Center in Manila, Philippines, as well as at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also completed aNephrology fellowship at the Albert Einstein Medical Center. Dr. Po cares for patients at McLeodNephrology Associates in Loris.

Catherine Rozario, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. Rozario received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica,West Indies. She completed a Family Medicine residency at Aultman Health Foundation in Canton,Ohio. Dr. Rozario cares for patients at Seacoast Primary Care in Little River.

Andrew J.R. SeJan, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

Dr. SeJan received his medical degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio in San Antonio,Texas. He completed a Family Medicine residency at the United States Air Force Regional Hospital,Eglin Air Force Base, in Florida. Dr. SeJan cares for patients at Southern Medical Associates inLoris.

Anna Jane D. Senseney, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Palliative Medicine

Dr. Senseney received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, where she also completed both an Internal Medicine andRheumatology residency. Dr. Senseney cares for patients at Florence Diagnostic Associates in Florence.

Imran E. Siddiqi, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Siddiqi received his medical degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at State University of New York at Buffalo in Buffalo,New York. He also completed fellowships in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine at theUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Siddiqi cares for patients atSeacoast Pulmonology and Critical Care Associates in Loris and Little River.

54

There’s a big difference between us and other health facilities.

T eerhhhehebetwtweealalththlltlthhhehe

rere’s bi difggbbibiaaee n u andddannndndssunn eeenenwwwewe

thth facil ttiees.tiiieieiiititliaacacffafa

ffff rrenccennncncreeeneneeererffefed ttheereererthhheheooototd

PRSRT. STD.US POSTAGE

PAIDDSL SERVICESMYRTLE BEACH

29577

McLeod Health555 East Cheves Street • Florence, SC 29506-2606PO Box 100551 • Florence, SC 29502-0551Change Service Requested