PMC Earns National Recognition for Sepsis Care During Awareness Month

September is nationally recognized as Sepsis Awareness Month, shining a light on one of the most common and deadliest infections. Sepsis can develop from bacteria, fungi, parasites or other organisms that cause infectious diseases. These illnesses can spread from person to person and are often transmitted through insect or animal bites, contaminated food/water or exposure to environmental sources.

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has made sepsis prevention and treatment a top priority. Under the leadership of Fadi Al Akhrass, MD, MBA, FACP, Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention, PMC’s team works diligently to diagnose, treat and control cases of sepsis while also focusing on prevention.

That commitment was recently recognized at the national level. PMC has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease Specific Care for Sepsis Certification, one of the highest honors in the infection prevention field. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s dedication to safe and high-quality patient care.

“Pikeville Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review of its sepsis performance standards on June 20, 2025, and we are privileged and honored to receive The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease-Specific Care for Sepsis,” said Dr. Fadi. “Our nurses, physicians and staff have shown incredible dedication in achieving this certification, and we are incredibly proud of them. This recognition reflects our commitment to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.”

The certification is awarded to healthcare organizations that deliver comprehensive clinical programs for sepsis. It evaluates how hospitals use patient outcomes and performance data to improve care, as well as how they educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge. With this achievement, PMC reinforces its role as a regional leader in infection prevention and patient safety, continuing its mission to provide exceptional care for the community.