PMC Now Affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Heart Surgery

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PIKEVILLE, KY – At a special called press conference today at 1 pm, Pikeville Medical Center President/CEO Walter E. May announced that the hospital has become affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic’s heart surgery program.  The Cleveland Clinic heart program has been ranked #1 in the nation for the last 16 years by U.S. News and World Report.

Cleveland Clinic is among the nation’s top 10 hospitals in many categories, including cancer, gastroenterology, rheumatology, urology, orthopedics, gynecology, nephrology, diabetes and endocrinology, respiratory disorders, geriatrics and ophthalmology.  This world-renowned medical facility recorded more than 3.7 million visits through their system in 2009, and more than 54,000 hospital admissions.  Patients travel from all over America and from more than 80 countries for treatment at Cleveland Clinic.

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Flood Aid Radithon Tops $200,000 in Donations

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Pikeville, KY – The Pike Ministerial Association, Pikeville Medical Center and East Kentucky Broadcasting joined forces on Sunday for a five-hour radiothon to provide relief to victims of last week’s flooding in Pike County.  As of yesterday evening, the total of financial donations and pledges was $153,715.83, and the seven truck-loads of donated items was valued at more than $50,000 – making the grand total well in excess of $200,000.

The event began at 1:00 pm, and was broadcast on the nine radio stations of East Kentucky Broadcasting.  The radiothon was also streamed live on the internet from EKB station websites.  Donations ranged from a $5.00 bill donated by a 3-year-old to a $5,000 Continue reading →

Overwhelming Response from Local Businesses for Hearts for Haiti Campaign

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PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville College, and East Kentucky Broadcasting have had an overwhelming response to the Hearts for Haiti campaign.

The fundraising venture, which will conclude with a radiothon at Pikeville Medical Center from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, will benefit the American Red Cross and its efforts to assist the Haitian people.

“We are extremely pleased with the response from local businesses, churches, and civic organizations,” said Cindy May Johnson, vice president of East Kentucky Broadcasting. “The people of our region know firsthand the obstacles faced by those during a natural disaster. We are very confident that this fundraising campaign will be very successful.”

More than 150 donation containers have been placed throughout the region, including all Food City, Appalachian Wireless, Double Kwik, Quality Foods, Economy Drug, Velocity Market and Cardinal Mart locations. Additionally, containers can be found at Harley Davidson of Pikeville, Honda of Prestonsburg, Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez, Family Bank, Infamous, Knott County Sports Complex, First Commonwealth Bank, Holly Hills Footwear at Hindman, Subway, Maggard’s Furniture, Rogers Petroleum/Autobahn Stores, Jewelry Doctors, Pike Automotive, and Quizno’s. More locations are becoming available daily.

All proceeds from the event will go to the American Red Cross.

Randy Johnson, a chaplain at Pikeville Medical Center, has distributed donation containers to local churches. “The Pike County Ministerial Association has opened their arms to our efforts,” Randy Johnson said. “We encourage all Christians to join us as we help the American Red Cross with its efforts to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives.”

PMC Expands Cardiac Services

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PIKEVILLE – The Heart Institute at Pikeville Medical Center, the region’s highest accredited Chest Pain Center, has announced an expansion of services with the addition of Dr. Rodney Handshoe.

Dr. Handshoe at a press conference

Cardiologist Dr. Rodney Handshoe has joined the staff of Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute. Dr. Handshoe will practice on Tuesday through Thursday at the Heart Institute and on Mondays and Fridays at the newly opened Cardiology Clinic in Paintsville. To schedule an appointment, call (606) 218-2939.

An eastern Kentucky native, Dr. Handshoe cared for patients in eastern Kentucky for nearly 20 years before moving to central Kentucky in 2005.   Pikeville Medical Center’s mission of providing quality regional healthcare in a Christian environment was a compelling reason for Dr. Handshoe to return home.

“As so many native eastern Kentuckians do, I am returning to my roots,” said Dr. Handshoe.  “My wife and I are eager to be back home, and I am looking forward to joining Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute as we care for the people of eastern Kentucky.”

Dr. Bill Harris, spokesman for the Heart Institute, says the addition of Dr. Handshoe to the Heart Institute staff is a benefit to the community.  “Dr. Rodney Handshoe is a welcome addition to our staff.  He is well-known and respected, and many patients will be glad to hear he has returned.  Bringing on quality people like Dr. Handshoe certainly contributed to Pikeville Medical Center’s National Hospital of the Year award.”

Dr. Handshoe is now available to see patients.  Office hours will be in Pikeville Tuesday through Thursday, and in Paintsville on Mondays and Fridays.  Both offices will be open from 9:00 am till 4:30 pm.  The Pikeville office is at the Heart Institute inside Pikeville Medical Center at 911 By-Pass Road.  The Paintsville office is at the Cardiology Clinic at the Belhasen Complex on the South Mayo Trail.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodney Handshoe or any staff member of Pikeville Medical Center’s Heart Institute, call 606-218-2939.

Hearts for Haiti Campaign Kicks Off

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PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville College and East Kentucky Broadcasting are pleased to announce the “Hearts for Haiti” campaign to raise money for relief efforts in Haiti.

The “Hearts for Haiti” campaign will begin on February 1 with donation containers located throughout the region at area businesses, and will conclude with a radiothon on Sunday, February 14, at Pikeville Medical Center from noon to 4 p.m. on the stations of East Kentucky Broadcasting.

“We have all seen the images of the devastation in Haiti,” said Walter E. May, President and Chief Executive Officer at Pikeville Medical Center. “I feel that our partnership with the college and East Kentucky Broadcasting will allow us to do our part in helping the Haitian people as they try to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.”

Officials estimate more than 200,000 people are dead following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12.

Former Governor Paul Patton, President of Pikeville College, said eastern Kentucky residents know firsthand the importance of helping neighbors during a disaster.

“Although the floods we’ve experienced in eastern Kentucky are not of the same magnitude of what’s happened in Haiti, those experiences have demonstrated to us the importance of helping the victims of a disaster during their times of need,” Patton said.“This effort will, in a very small way, provide through the American Red Cross relief for some of the people in Haiti, just as the American Red Cross has helped the people of eastern Kentucky during our times of disaster.”

Keith Casebolt, President of East Kentucky Broadcasting, said local businesses, and church and civic organizations have been receptive to the “Hearts for Haiti” campaign.

“We all feel compelled to do something,” he said. “The images are heartbreaking, and the Haitian people will need aid for many months and years to come. I want to encourage everyone to open their hearts and give to this worthwhile cause.”

All money raised from the campaign will benefit the American Red Cross’ efforts in the country.

“The American Red Cross is a reputable organization that is doing magnificent work in Haiti,” May said. “We have a strong local Red Cross chapter, and we look forward to assisting in its continued efforts to help the Haitian people.”

Hagy Named Chief Financial Officer

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Michelle Hagy, Pikeville Medical Center's new CFOPIKEVILLE –PikevilleMedicalCenter president and Chief Executive Officer Walter E. May recently announced that Michelle Hagy has accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer.

“Michelle is a valuable asset to our organization,” May said. “She demonstrates the core values of our organization and we are pleased that she has accepted this new position.”

Hagy has worked at PMC since 1997 and served as interim chief financial officer since August. Prior to that, she worked as assistant chief financial officer, controller, accounting manager, and provided other types of services for the hospital.

“It’s a huge honor that Mr. May and Jerry [Johnson] and the Board of Directors has that much confidence in my abilities to be able to take on a role this big,” Hagy said. “It’s exciting also, too, because we’re just growing so much. It’s wonderful to be a part of something like that.”

She loves her career. When asked what makes her want to come to work everyday at PMC, she had a simple answer.

“I love working for a Christian organization and the wonderful people that I work with who surround me and prop me up,” she said.

Over the past 12 years, Hagy has seen many changes and lots of advancements at PMC. She’s planning to see several more.

“We want to continue, from both a quality and financial perspective, to be the great organization that we are,” she said. “We’ve come a long way, but there are still some things that need to be addressed. I’m sure that there are some services that we still don’t offer that we need to provide to the community. We hope to tap into those services and provide them to our community. This hospital means so much to me and to my family and to the community, I’m just really glad to have the opportunity to be a part of it. I hope I continue to make a difference here.”

Jerry Johnson, chief operating officer at PMC, said Hagy’s performance as assistant chief financial officer and interim chief financial officer made her the clear choice for the permanent position.

“She has a distinguished work record at Pikeville Medical Center,” Johnson said. “Her promotion brings on many new challenges, but we feel Michelle is more than capable to do the job and help our organization reach new and exciting levels of success.”

PMC Announces New Hours of Operation for Regional Flu Center

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PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has announced new hours for its Regional Flu Center.

The center will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., effective Saturday, December 12.

“The Regional Flu Center has been a tremendous success, but we are seeing a slowdown in the spread of the virus in our region,” Pikeville Medical Center president and Chief Executive Officer Walter E. May said. “If the virus escalates, we stand ready to meet any challenges that may arise.”

Operated by Pikeville Medical Center and its Family Practice Clinic, the Regional Flu Center is fully staffed by physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. The center also provides complete testing, lab and x-ray services.

For more information, call the Regional Flu Center at (606) 218-4855.

PMC Named National Hospital of the Year by The American Alliance of Healthcare Providers

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PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Walter E. May encourages employees to “dream big and big things will happen.”

It doesn’t get much bigger than this. This is like winning the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four or the World Series for a hospital.

Pikeville Medical Center has been named the National Hospital of the Year by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers (AAHP). The hospital was among 400 elite health care facilities to apply for this prestigious honor.

“This award validates what I see every day,” May said. “We have positioned ourselves as one of the premier hospitals in the nation. We will celebrate our anniversary in December and we have only just begun.”

Earlier this year, Pikeville Medical Center was recognized as a Hospital of Choice recipient by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. No other health care facility in Kentucky earned this distinction.

To earn the honor, PMC competed against over 400 hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic, the John Hopkins Hospital, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Duke University Medical Center and Vanderbilt University. None of these hospitals have been named the National Hospital of the Year.

Pikeville Medical Center underwent a thorough on-site survey from the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers that was based on six principle areas: standards of conduct, performance management and improvement, staff development and training, systems of communication, good citizenship and educational and promotional material available to consumers. The award aims to find the nation’s most customer-friendly hospital.

Jerry Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Pikeville Medical Center, said the hospital’s unwavering commitment to provide world-class care at home starts with the hospital’s more than 1,700 employees.

“We feel that a world-class hospital is not only measured in its technological advances or services, but also by our world-class employees who are committed to providing quality care,” Johnson added. “As an organization, we have set high goals, and we truly feel that the nation’s very best health care can be found here in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.”

Patty Thompson, Director of Customer Service at Pikeville Medical Center, said the hospital has always placed patient care a top priority.

“Our passion for our work is evident in our mission to provide ‘quality, regional health care in a Christian environment,’” Thompson said.

Pikeville Medical Center’s Cardiologist Dr. Bill Harris Reports from Tanzania, Africa

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Dr. Harris on Mountain Top

TANZANIA, Africa— Pikeville Medical Center Cardiologist Dr. Bill Harris recently completed his goal of climbingAfrica’s tallest mountain.

Harris first envisioned climbing the Mount Kilimanjaro 12 years ago, when he was visiting the East African country ofKenya. Loc

als there talked about the adventure and he promised himself that he would attempt the hike one day.

Six months ago, Harris was reminded of that promise when he sawMount Kilimanjaroon television.

The thought of conquering the 19,340-foot mountain became his 60th birthday present.

He’s climbed mountains as tall as 7,000 or 8,000 feet, but he’d never attempted anything likeMount Kilimanjaro.

Harris wanted to see if he was physically able to climb the mountain.

And there were other reasons.

“I knew I am stubborn, so the desire would be there, but I didn’t know if my body would match up to that,” he joked. “This was my 60th birthday present. And, too, I knew it was going to be gorgeous.”

Harris trained hard for the hik

e for four months. He hiked at theBreaksInterstateParkand in the mountains ofTennesseeandNorth Carolina. He also rode an exercise bike several times a week and started eating a healthier diet. He had to be physically and mentally prepared to make it to the top.

There are several routes to get to the top ofMount Kilimanjaro. His tour group—eight people guided by Thomson Safaris—chose a more scenic, less traveled western route up the mountain. The tre

k gave the hikers more time to adjust to the increasing altitude.

At higher altitudes, oxygen levels decrease, making it difficult for hikers to breathe. High-altitude hikers are also prone to altitude sickness; something Harris said wasn’t a problem on his trip.

PMC Announces Bariatric Services; Welcomes Dr. Salvadore Ramos

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Dr. RamosPIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center announces a new service line, Bariatric Weight Loss program.

“We are very pleased to offer this service to the people of eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia,” said Walter E. May, President and Chief Executive Officer at Pikeville Medical Center. “Bariatric services provide a great benefit to people who have struggled with obesity and obesity-related diseases.”

Led by Dr. Salvador D. Ramos II, the program will offer Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic and Open Revisional Bariatric Surgery, Laparoscopic and Open Biliopancreatic with Duodenal Switch, Laparoscopic and Open Management of Internal Hernia and Small Bowel Obstruction, as well as critical care management and nutritional management of bariatric surgical patients.

Performing these surgeries with laparoscopic techniques allows for smaller incisions, which helps patients recover and heal faster.

“Bariatric surgery is a life-changing event, but our commitment to our patients far surpasses the realm of surgery,” Dr. Ramos said. “We’re committed to seeing our patients rediscover their quality of life through not only with the bariatric procedure, but also through a detailed education program and long-term follow-up care.”

The Bariatric Weight Loss program at PMC is the most comprehensive bariatric program in the region.

Dr. Ramos is also the region’s only full time, on-site bariatric surgeon.

“When I visited Pikeville Medical Center I was impressed with the facility, and the hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge technology,” Dr. Ramos said. “The technology here far surpasses that of larger, metropolitan centers.”

The bariatric procedures performed at PMC will do more than assist patients with weight loss. They will significantly decrease, or in some cases eliminate, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis.

Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, is a critical health issue across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 25.6 percent of Americans are obese.

Dr. Ramos’ ultimate reward as a bariatric surgeon is the long-term success of his patients.

“My biggest reward is when I see a patient embrace life, not only through bariatric surgery, but also through a new-found focus on living a more healthy and productive life,” Dr. Ramos said.

Pikeville Medical Center plans to offer a wide variety of long-term, follow-up care services for bariatric patients, including local and regional support group meetings.

“We find that our patients have a much higher success rate when they are involved in support groups,” Dr. Ramos said. “This is also very beneficial for people who are inquiring about bariatric surgery.”

A 2001 graduate ofMidwesternUniversity’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ramos completed his internship and general surgery residency atSt.James Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois and at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Upon completion of his residency training in 2006, Dr. Ramos completed an extensive bariatric fellowship at the Legacy Health System in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Ramos has spent the past two years as a bariatric surgeon at the Barix Clinics inGroveport,Ohio. He is a member of the AmericanCollegeofOsteopathic Surgeons, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons and American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

For more information about the Weight Loss Surgery program at Pikeville Medical Center, please call (606) 218-4811 or visit [www.medicalleader.org].