Oak Ridge Today

Man allegedly threatens officers with shovel

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William Arley Rauhuff

William Arley Rauhuff

An Oak Ridge man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened officers with a shovel on Friday, August 18.

William A. Rauhuff, 62, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of resisting arrest.

Police had responded to a report of a possible suicide attempt on Marion Road at about 5:17 p.m. August 18, according to affidavits filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court in Oak Ridge.

Oak Ridge Police Department Officer Sherrill Selby was the first to arrive. Speaking through the front door of the home, Rauhuff told Selby that he was going to take her gun from her and shoot her, the affidavits said. [Read more…]

Crashes with injuries reported in Oak Ridge, Clinton

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A three-car crash was reported at Oak Ridge Turnpike and Florida Avenue on Friday morning, July 14, 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

A three-car crash with injuries was reported at Oak Ridge Turnpike and Florida Avenue on Friday morning, July 14, 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Three crashes with injuries were reported Friday morning in Oak Ridge and Clinton. A University of Tennessee Lifestar medical helicopter was reported to have responded to the crash in Clinton.

The first two-vehicle crash was reported at 9:18 a.m. Friday on Laboratory Road at Bus Terminal Road. One vehicle ended up on its side, trapping the driver, who had to be extricated, or freed from the vehicle. That driver was taken to Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, authorities said.

The second crash was reported sometime around 11 a.m. Friday in the 300 block of Main Street in Clinton. At least two vehicles were reported to have been involved, and Lifestar was reported to have responded. [Read more…]

Forbes names Covenant Health one of ‘America’s Best Employers’

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Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

 

Covenant Health, parent company of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named one of “America’s Best Employers” by Forbes magazine and is the highest-ranking Tennessee organization to receive the designation this year. Only seven Tennessee firms made the list of 500 top large companies, a press release said.

Covenant Health was ranked 38th on the list this year, the health system’s second year to be ranked as one of America’s Best Employers by the national business publication. The 2017 lists include the best large and midsize companies in the United States.

Companies and organizations in the top 38 along with Covenant Health included such major institutions as Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Costco, Facebook, Sandia National Laboratories, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Duke University, Publix, Michelin, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. Covenant Health was listed 10th among hospitals and healthcare organizations and is the only East Tennessee healthcare entity selected in 2017.

Jim VanderSteeg

Jim VanderSteeg

“Covenant Health is proud to receive the Forbes designation for the second year in a row and to be included in such a prestigious list of national and international companies and organizations,” Covenant Health President and Chief Executive Office Jim VanderSteeg said. “Our employees make a commitment to support our health system’s pledge of excellence, which includes putting our patients first, excellence in everything we do, and making Covenant Health the first and best choice. This commitment creates a workplace environment that instills pride among all of us at Covenant Health.

“Our employees are essential to our health system’s success and to accomplishing our mission of improving the quality of life in our communities,” he added. “I am grateful for their expertise and dedication and for the compassionate care they give our patients every day.”

Forbes partnered with statistics firm Statista to compile data from a survey of more than 30,000 U.S. employees, 84 percent of whom work full-time. Employees were contacted anonymously online without the involvement of their employers, and respondents represented the U.S. workforce by gender, age, region, education, and ethnicity. According to Forbes, the direct score which determines placement and title as a top employer is derived from the question: “How likely are you to recommend your employer on a scale of 0-10?” [Read more…]

MMC hosts Walk to Remember for those dealing with the loss of a child

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No matter the length, every child’s life leaves an impression on a parent’s heart. That’s why the Walk to Remember was established 16 years ago. The national event brings together parents, nurses, and caregivers who’ve lost children. It is a time to celebrate the lives of children who’ve passed away, a time to share memories and remember the life of a child.

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge will host the Walk to Remember on Sunday, October 30, from 2-4 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Arboretum, located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. (The walk will be canceled in the event of rain.)

Whether you are a parent who has lost a child of any age or a nurse or caregiver of a child, all are invited to attend the walk, bring mementos, and take part in a remembrance ceremony, a press release said. Walk to Remember is a free memorial walk sponsored by Methodist Medical Center. The program is held in cities across the country each October, and the Oak Ridge walk is the only program in the greater Knoxville area. [Read more…]

Stanley, a doctor running for Charter Commission, supports term limits

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David Stanley

David Stanley

David Stanley, a doctor running for Anderson County Charter Commission, supports term limits for the county mayor and the County Commission, as well as more active citizen participation, a press release said.

Stanley is running for the District 7 seat on the eight-member Charter Commission in the November 8 election. District 7 includes the Highland View, Glenwood, and Pine Valley voting precincts.

Stanley was born and raised in Maryville, the press release said. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and graduating from medical school in Memphis, Stanley spent time as a medical missionary in Laos, where he founded a modest hospital on the border of Cambodia and Laos, bringing modern medicine to the area for the first time, the press release said.

Once he returned to the United States, he moved his young family to Oak Ridge, where he built his medical practice from the ground up, the release said. [Read more…]

Suicide prevention is topic of September’s Health Night on the Town

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John Kupfner

John Kupfner

Renu Bhateja

Renu Bhateja

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and in support of this important initiative, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is bringing together medical professionals from Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, and Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services for a special Health Night on the Town presentation. The program will take place Tuesday, September 27, at 7 p.m. in the Ridge Conference Room at Methodist Medical Center, 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Join Methodist as John Kupfner, MD, board-certified psychiatrist on staff at Peninsula Behavioral Health, and Renu Bhateja, MD, psychiatrist at Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services, discuss suicide prevention, warning signs to look for in loved ones, and how to receive help.

Kupfner has been fellowship trained in child and adolescent psychiatry, a press release said. He received his medical degree from the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, and he completed fellowship training at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kupfner currently serves as the department chair of Peninsula, medical director for Peninsula Outpatient Clinics, and works as a staff psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. He also serves as an attending psychiatrist at Peninsula Hospital. Kupfner is the current chair of the Physician Wellness Committee at Parkwest Medical Center. [Read more…]

One driver possibly injured when SUV rolls in two-car crash on Turnpike

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Oak Ridge Turnpike Illinois Avenue Crash July 21 2016

One driver was possibly injured and had to be extricated by the Oak Ridge Fire Department after a two-car crash on Oak Ridge Turnpike near Illinois Avenue on Thursday, July 21, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

A driver was possibly injured when his sport utility vehicle rolled after colliding with another SUV on Oak Ridge Turnpike on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

The crash was reported in the westbound lanes of Oak Ridge Turnpike just east of Illinois Avenue at about 1:38 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities said Charles W. Rhoads, 70, Oak Ridge, was driving west in the left lane in a 2002 GMC Envoy SUV when he tried to move over to the right lane, hitting the left side of a 2005 Ford Escape SUV driven by Carla F. Wheeler, 48, of Kingston.

The Envoy driven by Rhoads turned over onto its driver side after the collision, a crash report said. Rhoads was trapped, and the Oak Ridge Fire Department used power tools and a crew to remove him before he was taken by ambulance to Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

MMC: Renovations under way on third Hospitality House for visiting patients, families

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To help the renovation efforts, employees from National Strategic Protective Services, or NSPS, have put in many hours of hard labor at Methodist Medical Center’s soon-to-be third Hospitality House. (Submitted photo)

To help the renovation efforts, employees from National Strategic Protective Services, or NSPS, have put in many hours of hard labor at Methodist Medical Center’s soon-to-be third Hospitality House. (Submitted photo)

 

The Methodist Medical Center Foundation and the Hospitality Houses are adding a third Hospitality House near Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

The Hospitality Houses are located just minutes from MMC, and they primarily serve patients and families visiting for cancer care, wound care, intensive care, cardiac critical care, or certain short stays related to specific tests and procedures. There are no charges for guests staying at the Hospitality Houses. All costs are covered by charitable contributions raised through annual fundraising events and by food and related necessities donated by caring individuals, area churches, civic clubs, and businesses, a press release said.

Last year, 211 guests spent 1,787 nights in Methodist’s two existing Hospitality Houses. They came from 18 Tennessee counties and 14 different states. One guest with a family member in Intensive Care Unit came all the way from France, the press release said. [Read more…]

Attendees make their own sunshine at Methodist’s Survivor Sundae

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Guests of all ages enjoyed building ice cream sundaes at Methodist Medical Center’s third annual Survivor Sundae event, which is held to honor cancer survivors and educate the public on cancer prevention and screening. (Photo submitted by MMC)

Guests of all ages enjoyed building ice cream sundaes at Methodist Medical Center’s third annual Survivor Sundae event, which is held to honor cancer survivors and educate the public on cancer prevention and screening. (Photo submitted by MMC)

 

National Cancer Survivors’ Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of life where cancer survivors unite to show the world what life after cancer looks like. On Sunday, June 5, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge honored these cancer survivors, their family, and friends by hosting its third annual Survivor Sundae, an ice cream social celebrating National Cancer Survivors’ Day.

Cancer survivors, caregivers, and the community gathered to enjoy the free event, make ice cream sundaes, connect with other survivors and cancer support organizations, and listen to music by the Mt. LeConte Jug Band, which was sponsored by the Cooperative Agreement of Labor and Management, or CALM.

“Sometimes people have a negative idea of what life after cancer looks like,” said Kim Maes, manager of Methodist’s Cancer Support Services and event organizer. “But the reality is that more people are living longer and having better quality lives after cancer than ever before. Survivors are showing us that life after cancer can be meaningful, exciting and filled with joy.” [Read more…]

Walkup named May’s MMCer of the Month

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Jennifer Walkup

Jennifer Walkup

Jennifer Walkup, a clinical specialist physical therapist and pediatric coordinator in Outpatient Therapy Services at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for May.

In her job, Walkup evaluates and treats pediatric physical therapy patients. These include children with developmental delay, cerebral palsy, autism, and other disorders. Additionally, she coordinates pediatric therapy services for the department. She has been at Methodist since December 2005.

Walkup is described by Amy Dorset, manager of Methodist Therapy Services, as someone who “gives 120 percent every single day.”

The nomination says, “She is always willing to come in early or stay late to accommodate patient treatment to be sure her ‘kids’ (patients) receive the therapy they need.” [Read more…]

Treece named MMCer of the Month

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Danny Treece

Danny Treece

Danny Treece, a radiology technologist in the Radiology department at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for April.

Treece has been with Methodist since 2006. In his job, he performs x-rays in the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Treece is described by Michael Manfredo, director of Medical Imaging, as “dependable,” “the consummate professional,” and “a team player.”

“He does an outstanding job of taking care of our patients and always provides excellent care,” Manfredo said.

Treece received two nominations.

“He always completes his work and is willing to lend an extra hand to his co-workers,” one nomination said. [Read more…]

Methodist’s In It to Win It fundraiser earns more than $45,000 for Hospitality Houses

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Dr. Adam Shrewsberry- Junk in the Trunk Champ

Hospitality House Manager Kim Maes presents urologist Adam Shrewsberry, MD, with the “Junk in the Trunk” trophy after he won the special physician challenge, which required him to shake ping pong balls out of a tissue box attached to his waist. (Submitted photo)

 

Second annual fundraiser offered evening of fun and games

The Methodist Medical Center Foundation hosted its second annual “In It to Win It” fundraiser benefiting the Hospitality Houses on Saturday, April 2. Community members, hospital staff, and physicians turned out for the event, which gave guests the opportunity to compete in a series of 60-second party games. Cups, ping pong balls, and pencils were flying as game participants battled to be the first to complete the challenges.

The winners of the six preliminary games had the opportunity to compete for the grand prize: a two-night stay at the Riverside Tower hotel in Pigeon Forge and two tickets to Dollywood. The evening’s big winner was Joey Dembek.

Competing with Dembek for the grand prize were Susan Kuhling, Matt Meslsendori, and Jamie Lesko. These finalists put their hand-eye coordination to the test with the “Tilt-a-Cup” challenge, which required contestants to build a wobbling, hand-held tower of plastic cups separated by ping pong balls. Dembek completed the challenge first to earn the title of “In It to Win It” Champion. [Read more…]