Oak Ridge Today

Baby’s Best Fest celebrates World Breastfeeding Month

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Like ice cream and a summer day, some things are just made for each other. That’s how we feel about breastfeeding, too.

Breast milk is made especially for your baby. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, La Leche League, and WIC encourage all new mothers to consider breastfeeding for your baby’s health and development. Remember, breast is best for baby!

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Month, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, La Leche League, and WIC will host Baby’s Best Fest, a free event featuring a family ice cream social, children’s activities, community resources, and more. Baby’s Best Fest will take place Tuesday, August 5, from 6-7 p.m. at the Bissell Park Playground, located at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Ice cream quantities are limited. Bring your picnic blanket, your family, and your friends and show your support for breastfeeding and giving your baby the best start possible!

For more information, call (865) 835-4662.

Woman points handgun at officers, who fire shots

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Charges pending against suspect

A 46-year-old woman who had threatened to harm herself on Jonathan Lane on Saturday night abruptly pointed a handgun at officers, who responded by firing multiple shots, the Oak Ridge Police Department said. None of the shots hit the woman, who was then subdued and later taken to Methodist Medical Center for evaluation and treatment, a press release said.

Three police officers had responded to 123 Jonathan Lane at 11:38 p.m. Saturday to check on the woman’s welfare, the ORPD press release said. The officers arrived within three minutes and observed a female subject on the sidewalk armed with a handgun, the release said.

“Officers directed her to place the handgun on the ground; however, the subject refused to follow the officers’ commands and alternated holding the handgun to her head and throat,” the release said. “As officers continued to talk to her, she abruptly pointed the handgun at the officers, who responded by firing multiple shots, none of which struck the subject. The subject was then subdued by the officers without further incident. Additional officers and paramedic units responded to the scene, and the suspect was transported to Methodist Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.”

The press release said charges against the suspect are pending, and no more information will be released at this time.

Doctors’ rock band to perform for Free Medical Clinic’s Atomic Blast

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Second Opinion

Members of Second Opinion include, from left, Melissa Carter, vocals; John Jernigan, drums; Tim Comer, vocals; Todd Wright, lead guitar, and Daryl Harp, keyboards. (Submitted photo)

 

Second Opinion, a group of Methodist Medical Center physicians and friends who perform classic rock, will provide music for dancing Saturday, Aug. 16, during the Atomic Blast, the annual fundraiser for the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge.

The fundraiser will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Parish Life Center of St. Mary’s Church, 327 Vermont Ave. It will include a catered dinner, Celebrity Dance Contest, and live auction conducted by the entertaining Bear Stephenson.

Second Opinion was formed about 20 years ago. The group, which has had several generations of physician band members, plays for charitable and other local events.

“We have performed for Doc Rock, which benefits Hospitality Houses for MMC outpatients and their caregivers,” said Dr. Ken Luckmann, a recently retired gastroenterology specialist in Oak Ridge and a volunteer at FMCOR. “Our band also performed at the Feast With The Beasts on the Knoxville Zoo main stage and on stage at the Tennessee Theater and Bijou Theater.” [Read more…]

MMC receives quality achievement award for heart attack treatment

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MMC Cath Lab Blurry Action

 

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge has received the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

“Methodist is honored to receive recognition from this highly respected organization,” said Dr. Milan Sheth, a board-certified and fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist on the staff of Methodist Medical Center. “We are deeply committed to preventing conditions that can lead to heart attacks and to diagnose and treat even the most critically ill cardiac patients.”

Each year in the United States, approximately 300,000 people have a STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to immediately restore blood flow, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals, emergency medical services, and communities improve response times so people who suffer from a STEMI get prompt, appropriate treatment. The program’s goal is to streamline systems of care to quickly get heart attack patients from the first 9-1-1 call to hospital treatment. [Read more…]

Methodist ties for fourth in state in best hospital ranking

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Methodist Medical Center Entrance at Night

The main entrance to Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge is pictured above at night. (Photo courtesy Covenant Health)

 

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge tied for fourth in the state in an annual ranking of America’s best hospitals compiled by U.S. News and World Report.

MMC tied for fourth with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville. Covenant Health’s third major medical center, Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, ranked ninth in Tennessee.

All three were in the Top 10 for metro areas, a press release said. All three were lauded for high performance in a variety of specialties such as gastroenterology and GI surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology, among others. All three hospitals also achieved patient satisfaction levels that are higher than national and state averages.
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Police officer, two others taken to hospital after Sunday afternoon crash

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South Illinois Avenue Police Car Crash

An Oak Ridge police officer driving a police car and two occupants of a second car were taken to the hospital after a Sunday afternoon crash at South Illinois and Rutgers avenues.

 

An Oak Ridge police officer driving a police car and two occupants of a second car were taken to the hospital after a Sunday afternoon crash at South Illinois and Rutgers avenues.

The two-car crash occurred at about 2:12 p.m. Sunday, the Oak Ridge Police Department said in a statement.

The officer, the only occupant of the police vehicle, was taken by ambulance to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, ORPD Capt. Charles R. Smith said in the statement. [Read more…]

Methodist’s Survivor Sundae proves just how sweet victory can be

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Crystal, Kim, and Shari

Photos courtesy Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge

 

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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 1, life after cancer looked like a warm summer day resplendent in sunshine. It sounded like old-fashioned mountain music being carried on a gentle Tennessee breeze. It tasted like a bowl full of ice cream topped with chocolate and cookies and sprinkles…and a bit of whipped cream for good measure. On Sunday, June 1, life after cancer looked beautiful whether it was still a little weak, still healing a scar, still re-growing hair, or whether it was an old friend that had come many years before, but never looses its sweetness.

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge honored these cancer survivors, their family, and friends by holding Survivor Sundae, an ice cream social celebrating National Cancer Survivor Day on Sunday, June 1. Nearly 100 people 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, also known as CALM.

“Sometimes people have a negative idea of what life after cancer looks like,” said Kim Maes, coordinator of the Hospitality Houses at Methodist 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…]

Spotlight: Methodist recognizes employees during National Hospital Day, Nurses Week

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Thompson Cancer Survival Center

The team from Thompson Cancer Survival Center at Methodist is ready to “strike out” cancer. (Photos courtesy Methodist Medical Center)

 

Methodist Medical Center held a celebratory picnic on the top level of its parking deck earlier this month as a way to say “thanks” to employees, physicians, and volunteers. The annual event coincides with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Day. The hospital’s “Picnic on the Parking Deck” featured a full cook-out, a variety of games, and music. Whether it was on the parking deck or in the Secret City Café, all shifts including evening and midnight staffs had an opportunity to enjoy the picnic meal.

“It’s vitally important to take time to celebrate and recognize those individuals who wake up everyday to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Mike Belbeck, Methodist Medical Center president and chief administrative officer. “They all put forth such a tremendous effort to make sure our patients and guests are given excellent care and service. I feel incredibly privileged to work alongside these professionals.”

In addition to the annual celebrations such as the picnic and end of the year holiday event, known affectionately as “Turkey Day,” Methodist focuses on employee reward and recognition consistently throughout the year. For years, the hospital has honored employees through service award events and employee of the month celebrations. More recently, programs available through the hospital’s system affiliation with Covenant Health have added opportunities to salute individual employee excellence through nomination-generated awards and on-the-spot recognition. [Read more…]

Honors: Tammy Sparks named May’s MMCer of the Month

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Tammy Sparks

Tammy Sparks

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Tammy Sparks, a licensed practical nurse and certified surgical technologist in the Family Birthing Center at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for May.

In her duties, Sparks provides care for patients in the Family Birthing Center, assists physicians with c-section deliveries, and assists registered nurses in patient care as well as stocks and manages supplies for the Family Birthing Center and operating room. She has been with Methodist since 2010.

Sparks is described by Donna Hamby, director of Surgical Services, as “an asset to her patients, co-workers, physicians, Methodist Medical Center, and Covenant Health.”

Hamby continued, “She provides excellent patient care and has good clinical judgment and skill.”

The person who nominated Sparks said, “She is the most efficient and productive employee that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.” [Read more…]

Neurosurgeon to discuss pinched nerves, false symptoms at health lecture Tuesday

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Lawrence Maccree

Lawrence Maccree

A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, tingling, or numbness, which can even travel into the shoulder, arm or fingers. But how can you tell the difference between a pinched nerve and a problem that only acts like a pinched nerve, such as shoulder problems, bicep tendonitis, a heart attack, or a sprain or strain? Join Methodist Medical Center for Health Night on the Town as board-certified neurosurgeon Lawrence Maccree, DO, explains the difference.

Health Night will take place Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. in the Ridge Conference Room, located in the hospital at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The program is free and open to the public.

Dr. Maccree is a board-certified neurosurgeon who earned his degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California. He completed his neurosurgery residency at the Garden City Osteopathic Hospital in Garden City, Michigan. Dr. Maccree is in practice with the Cumberland Neurosurgery and Spine Center.

For more information about Health Night on the Town, call (865) 835-4662.

Honors: Becky Cox named April’s MMCer of the Month

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Becky Cox

Becky Cox

Becky Cox, a registered nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit, or PACU, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for April.

In her duties, Cox prepares patients for surgery as well as cares for their needs in the recovery room. She joined Methodist as a student nurse in 1979 and has been employed as an RN since 1981. Prior to working in the PACU, Cox worked in the Acute Care Unit and was one of the first two RNs to open Methodist’s Cath Lab in 1988.

Cox is described by Deborah Lively, nurse manager in the PACU at Methodist, as “dependable, committed, and someone who provides excellent care to each and every patient and family she comes in contact with.”

Lively continues by saying, “She is a team player and works well with all of her co-workers, surrounding departments, and physicians.” [Read more…]

Methodist Medical Center’s classes in May

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Methodist Medical Center

Methodist Medical Center

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Prepare for baby’s birth, exercise for better health, find support group

Whether you want to get in shape, prepare for the birth of a baby, or find support from others going through a similar experience, Methodist has a class for you.

Classes will be held at the hospital, located at 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge, unless otherwise noted. For more information and registration, call (865) 835-4662 or 1-800-468-6767.
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