News from Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals

Providence Hospitals and Lexington Medical Center Reach Significant Agreement

2009-02-25T00:00:00

West Columbia, S.C. – After several months of discussions, Lexington Medical Center and Providence Hospitals are pleased to announce the terms of an agreement that advances both of their efforts to improve health care delivery in the Midlands. Specifically, Providence Hospitals will support Lexington Medical Center’s efforts to secure an open heart surgery program and Lexington Medical Center will drop its objections to a proposed expansion at Providence Hospitals Northeast.

Under the terms of this agreement, Providence Hospitals will support Lexington Medical Center in seeking regulatory approval through a joint Certificate of Need (CON) application. Within the application, Lexington Medical Center will request approval for one open heart surgery suite and the authority to perform open heart surgery and therapeutic cardiac catheterizations. If approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Providence Hospitals will de-license one of its open heart surgery suites, allowing Lexington Medical Center to add a suite, in keeping with the 2008-2009 State Health Plan.

Lexington Medical Center has dismissed its lawsuit which opposes Providence Hospitals’ plans to expand and improve its existing Northeast facility. Additionally, Lexington Medical Center, upon approval of the joint application by DHEC, would provide $15 million over a three-year period to Providence Hospitals in consideration of de-licensing one open heart surgery suite. Those funds will allow Providence Hospitals to reinvest in technologies and equipment for other service lines.

Lexington Medical Center’s unique situation as the only hospital located within Lexington County, with one of the state’s busiest emergency departments and a busy diagnostic catheterization lab, supports the need for a full service open heart surgery program to perform open heart surgery and therapeutic catheterizations. This agreement will allow Lexington to obtain such a program for the citizens of Lexington County.

Providence Hospitals believes that this joint CON application will not create new capacity in the open heart market, since no new open heart surgery rooms are being added to the service area. In addition, Providence believes that collaborating with LMC on the delivery of health care services and preserving the integrity of the health planning process is in the long term best interests of the Midlands community. While each of the hospitals will continue to be strong health care competitors, they may now also be able to explore additional strategies that would serve to improve patient care.

Providence Hospitals President and CEO George Zara noted the impact of working collaboratively in coming to a resolution on the issue. “In keeping with our faith-based mission, it is incumbent that we move past these conflicts to focus on our common goals of providing quality patient care.”

Mike Biediger, Lexington Medical Center’s president and CEO commented on the joint agreement, “For years, it has been our priority to make cardiovascular care more accessible to the people of Lexington County. We are now one step closer to achieving that goal. We fully expect that this agreement will allow us to address acute cardiac events in a more timely fashion, ultimately saving more lives.”

According to Thad Westbrook, chairman of Lexington Medical Center’s board of directors, “This agreement has been a long time coming and is an important milestone for citizens of Lexington County and the Midlands. The need for a full service open heart program for the people of Lexington County has never been greater, and we now see that our dreams may soon be realized thanks to this agreement with our colleagues at Providence Hospitals.”

Providence Hospitals’ board chairman Michael Kapp is optimistic about the understanding the two hospitals have reached. “I firmly believe that this marks a turning point in the relationship between Providence Hospitals and Lexington Medical Center. We have put aside our differences in order to pursue initiatives that will advance the delivery of quality health care for the people of the Midlands.”

Both Providence Hospitals and Lexington Medical Center appreciate the volunteer assistance of Mr. Frank Mood, senior vice president & general counsel for SCANA, during the mediation process.

About Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center, in West Columbia, S.C., anchors a county-wide health care network that includes six community medical centers throughout Lexington County and employs a staff of 5,100 health care professionals. The network also includes the largest extended care facility in the state, an occupational health center and physician practices. At its heart is the 384-bed state-of-the-art Lexington Medical Center, with a reputation for the highest quality care. Lexington Medical Center was voted one of the “Best Places to Work” by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, “Best Hospital” by readers of The State for nine years in a row, “Best Hospital” by readers of the Free Times and “Best Place to Have a Baby” by readers of Palmetto Parent. Visit www.lexmed.com or www.lexmed.tv.

About Providence Hospitals
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Health System, Providence Hospitals was founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1938 and is known statewide for its compassionate care. This non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds at its downtown and Northeast facilities and employs more than 1,900 caring individuals. Providence Heart & Vascular Institute is recognized nationally as a referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease with several national rankings for quality outcomes including the Society for Thoracic Surgeons and the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease program. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina recently designated Providence Heart & Vascular Institute as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care, signifying Providence’s commitment to quality care, resulting in better overall outcomes for cardiac patients. Learn more at www.providencehospitals.com.

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Providence Hospitals Names Dr. Wayne Sribnick Chief Medical Officer

2008-11-01T00:00:00

Providence Hospitals recently named Dr. Wayne Sribnick, the chief medical officer. Dr. Sribnick will provide leadership in collaboration with executive management and medical staff in coordinating medical affairs within Providence Hospitals. He will be tasked with promoting understanding and cooperation between physicians and the hospitals through communication, collaboration, and education to improve clinical effectiveness and patient care.

Dr. Sribnick received his bachelor’s degree with honors in chemistry from the University of South Carolina. He completed medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, an honor medical society. Dr. Sribnick completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala.

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Health System, Providence Hospitals is known statewide for its compassionate care. This non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds and is comprised of four entities: Providence Hospital, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, Providence Hospital Northeast and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

Providence Hospital, located in downtown Columbia, was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine in 1938. The facility is best known for the expertise in cardiac care it provides through Providence Heart Institute, which is recognized statewide as a referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Providence Hospital Northeast was established in 1999 and offers a range of medical services in surgery, emergency care, women’s and children’s services and rehabilitation. Providence Northeast is home to Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute, which provides medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints and spine.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Names Director of Public Relations and Marketing

2008-10-09T00:00:00

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals recently named Margaret Gregory director of public relations and marketing. Gregory will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of public affairs activities and marketing for the hospitals.

Margaret most recently served as marketing and public relations manager for Lexington Medical Center, where she was responsible for the hospital’s marketing efforts and media relations for nearly six years.

Margaret’s experience includes several years in the public relations field as public information director for the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and as media coordinator for the Alliance for a Smoke Free South Carolina, a grassroots organization that targeted tobacco use prevention. She has extensive background in the broadcast industry as an account executive in television and radio. She began her career as a news anchor and news director with WSPA in Spartanburg and WCOS-FM in Columbia.

An active participant in professional organizations, Margaret currently serves as treasurer for the American Advertising Federation 3rd District and as chairman emeritus/treasurer of the American Advertising Federation of the Midlands. She is also the awards chair for the Carolinas Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations Society and a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Margaret is active in the community as well, serving on the Board of Directors for the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council and the American Red Cross. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Rage Against the Haze, a teen smoking awareness organization.

Since writing is a favorite pastime, Margaret is a freelance writer for several local magazines, including Columbia Metropolitan Magazine and Lake Murray Magazine. She is a 1985 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and a 1993 graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. She and her husband Dennis live in Chapin with their son Taylor.

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Health System, Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals is known statewide for its compassionate care. This non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds and is comprised of four entities: Providence Hospital, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, Providence Hospital Northeast and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

Providence Hospital, located in downtown Columbia, was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine in 1938. The facility is best known for the expertise in cardiac care it provides through Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, which is recognized statewide as a referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Providence Hospital Northeast was established in 1999 and offers a range of medical services in surgery, emergency care, women’s and children’s services and rehabilitation. Providence Northeast is home to Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute, which provides medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints and spine.

South University and Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals

2008-09-11T00:00:00

South University’s College of Nursing announces a clinical partnership with Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals. South University received approval to begin a professional level (4-year) nursing program from the South Carolina State Board of Nursing last month.

Under the new partnership, Providence Hospitals will provide learning experiences for South University’s students in the form of clinical rotations, relative to the hospitals’ specialties, and simulated nursing experiences at Providence Learning Institute.

“This partnership is a win for Providence Hospitals, a win for South University and a win for anyone seeking health care services in South Carolina,” said Joan Ross, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Providence. “It is our responsibility to support nursing education programs given, not only the national shortage but, the serious state-wide shortage of nurses in South Carolina.”

South University students have the opportunity for life-changing experiences by choosing to apply for the nursing program and completing clinical practice courses at hospitals like Providence.

“To address the nursing shortage, partnerships between universities and hospitals are strongly encouraged,” said Michelle Liken, PhD, RN, program director for South University. “As our nursing students strive for clinical excellence, high quality faculty and facilities are critical.”

“Joining forces with Providence Hospitals enhances the clinical experiences that our nursing students will have while earning their degrees,” said Anne Patton, president of South University. “South University’s nursing students will have the benefit of learning from a committed and highly qualified hospital staff.”

South University is currently enrolling students into the Health Science program to complete prerequisite nursing courses.

Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level, with campuses located in Savannah, Ga., Columbia, S.C., Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala. Further information on South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu?pr.aspx=su094.

Owned by the Sisters of Charity Health System, Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals is known statewide for its compassionate care. This non-profit organization is licensed for 304 beds and is comprised of four entities: Providence Hospital, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, Providence Hospital Northeast and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Announces Nurse Support of the Year

2008-08-03T00:00:00

Frances Jordan has been named Nurse Support of the Year by Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals. A Providence employee for 38 years, Jordan is an anesthesia technologist in general surgery.

Known as “Granny” to coworkers, Jordan was nominated by a surgical technologist, who wrote, “Granny is always there when you need a hand or an encouraging word or even a kick in the pants to get you going. Granny comes by her nickname honestly. She shares one trait with all Grannys - a boundless supply of love and caring.”

Jordan resides in Northeast Columbia with her husband Buck. They have two children and three grandchildren.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Names Employee of the Year

2008-07-08T00:00:00

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals recently named Corey Floyd of Lexington as its Employee of the Year. A Providence Hospitals employee for five years, Floyd currently serves as a data analyst for the Organizational Development department and as basic life support course director for Providence Heart & Vascular Institute.

Floyd graduated from West Florence High School. He attended Florence Darlington Technical College and has completed several courses through the University of Phoenix working toward a bachelor’s degree in information technology.

Floyd was elated with the news of his award, saying, “I strongly believe in the mission, vision, and values of Providence. It’s wonderful being part of such a supportive department and organization.”

Providence Heart & Vascular Institute Hosts Healthy Cooking Classes

2008-06-20T00:00:00

Providence Heart & Vascular Institute’s Red Dress Campaign and the University of South Carolina’s cancer prevention and control program Columbia’s Cooking!, are hosting several healthy cooking classes this summer.

On July 16, Providence Red Dress Ambassador Patricia Pastides will demonstrate easy Mediterranean recipes that are perfect for summer and great for heart health. The cooking demonstration will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the USC Public Health Research Center. The cost is $20 per person.

Later this summer, Pastides will teach a hands-on Mediterranean cooking class on August 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Capital Senior Center. The cost is $30 per person.

To register for one or both of these classes, contact Brooke Harmon at brookharmon@sc.edu or (803) 734-4432 to register.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Announces Nurse of the Year

2008-06-18T00:00:00

B.J. Dall, RN, has been named Nurse of the Year by Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals. Dall is an administrative supervisor at Providence who has previously worked in the emergency room and the intensive care unit.

Dall, a resident of the Lake Katherine community and a member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, received a diploma in nursing from South Carolina Baptist Hospital in Columbia.

Dall’s co-workers describ her as a consummate professional whose loyalty and devotion to the hospital and patient are apparent in all she does. A Providence employee for 25 years, Dall still takes great pleasure in her position. “I’m honored to receive this award and grateful for the support of my co-workers,” she says.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Announces 2008 Society of St. Luke Recipients

2008-06-09T00:00:00

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals inducted three physicians into the Society of St. Luke, a program that celebrates and honors selected members of the Providence medical staff, at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 27. Established in 2003, The Society of St. Luke recognizes physicians for their distinguished service to their patients, the mission of the hospitals and their service to the community.

The following physicians were inducted into The Society of St. Luke:
Dr. Preston A. Jones, an Anderson native, graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his internship and residency at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, and his fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

Throughout his career in pulmonary medicine, Dr. Jones has served as chief of the hospitals’ department of medicine; as medical director of Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and the Bronchoscopy Lab; and as secretary and chief of the medical staff. Currently the medical director of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Heart Care Unit (HCU), and Medical Coronary Care Unit (MCCU), Dr. Jones also serves as chairman of the ICU committee.

Dr. E. McIver Leppard nominated Jones of Carolina Pulmonary and Critical Care for the award, describing him as a “caring physician whose primary concern has always been the welfare of his patients.”

Dr. Richard L. Sribnick received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and graduated from medical school at Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of the medical honor society.

An internist at Associates in Internal Medicine and member of the Providence medical staff for more than 30 years, Dr. Sribnick served as medical director for the Columbia Free Medical Clinic from 1994 to 2002, and has twice been recognized as Physician of the Year by the Columbia Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Dr. Jones was nominated by his brother, Dr. Wayne Sribnick, who wrote, “Dr. Sribnick’s patients know him to be both a thorough and compassionate physician.”

Dr. Richard E. Umbach, a Providence cardiologist, received his undergraduate degree in biology from Auburn University. He attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his internship, residency and fellowship at Yale. He currently practices at Columbia Cardiology.

Dr. Umbach has spent his career diagnosing, preventing and curing heart conditions. He has been an investigator in several clinical trials and has been important to the emergence of Providence Heart & Vascular Institute as “South Carolina’s Heart Hospital.”

Dr. Umbach was nominated for this award by Dr. S. Stanley Juk, Jr., who wrote, “He has provided the top notch medical care which has been the hallmark of Providence Hospitals’ reputation.”

President & CEO of Sisters of Charity Health System Receives Order of the Palmetto Award

2008-05-30T00:00:00

Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, president and CEO of Sisters of Charity Health System and former president and CEO of Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, received the Order of the Palmetto Award at a reception held in her honor Thursday night. The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor awarded for extraordinary lifetime achievement and service to the state and nation.

Providence Hospitals Chief of Staff Dr. E. McIver Leppard, who nominated Karam for the award, and Senator Joel Lourie presented the Order of the Palmetto award to Karam at the reception, citing several examples of her positive impact on the community. Karam took a leading role in establishing the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina in 1996, an organization that has invested more than $34 million in financial resources to impact poverty and assist low-income families. Karam also spearheaded expansion of the Healthy Learners program, which provides medical, vision and dental services to low-income children in the state. In addition, Karam helped create the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families in 2002, an organization that aids thousands of low-income fathers by providing job training, parenting skills, improvement in child support payments, and a better relationship with their children.

In a letter to Karam, Governor Mark Sanford wrote, “You have an outstanding record as a community, civic and business leader and, in these pursuits, you have helped improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals in our state. Your work has had a positive impact on children, fathers, and families across our state, and your efforts have made South Carolina a better place to work, learn, and play.”

In addition to receiving the Order of the Palmetto award, Mayor Bob Coble presented Karam with a key to the city and proclaimed May 29 “Sister Judith Ann Karam Day.”

Karam has been a member of the boards of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Midlands Business Council in Columbia; is a member of the Health Care and Work Committee of the United Way Health Care Cabinet and the New Covenant Steering Committee; and is an advisory member of the Salkehatchie Healthy Communities Collaborative and is actively involved in various capacities within the South Carolina Hospital Association.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals is a not-for-profit 304-bed organization sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Health System. Other members of the Providence family include Providence Hospital, Providence Hospital Northeast, Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, and Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute.

Providence Hospital, located on the downtown campus in Columbia, SC, is best known for the expertise in cardiac care it provides through Providence Heart & Vascular Institute, which serves as a regionally recognized referral center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Providence Hospital Northeast was established in 1999 and offers a range of medical services in surgery, emergency care, women’s and children’s services and rehabilitation. Providence Northeast is home to Providence Orthopaedic & Neuro Spine Institute, which provides medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the bones, joints and spine. A faith-based health care facility in the Midlands area of South Carolina, Providence employs more than 1,900 caring individuals.

The Sisters of Charity Health System is an organization that sponsors not only Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, but also Healthy Learners, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and the South Carolina Center for Fathers & Families. In addition to its ministries in South Carolina, the Sisters of Charity Health System serves Northeast Ohio through the sponsorship of three hospitals, two charitable foundations, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, and outreach ministries that address the needs of the underserved.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Volunteer Recognized for Over 12,700 Hours of Service

2008-05-28T00:00:00

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals recently recognized volunteer Dunah Gandy for more than 12,700 hours of service to the hospitals at an annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. A volunteer since 1991, Gandy has served as president, treasurer, and secretary of Providence Hospitals Auxiliary.

Ruth Nichols, director of Volunteer Services at Providence says, “As a volunteer in our gift shop, Dunah is a model leader who renders excellent customer service. Her commitment to the hospitals has been unwavering and admirable.”

Shortly before her retirement several years ago, Dunah was hospitalized with food poisoning and admitted at Providence for treatment. She said, “I loved the way I was treated by the doctors and nurses. I decided then that I would like to volunteer at Providence when I retired.”

Gandy is a member of First Baptist Church and the Shepherd’s Center, an organization that provide activities, programs, services, and volunteer opportunities for older adults in the community. She and her husband Ralph, also a volunteer at Providence Hospitals, reside in Shandon.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Now Offers Valet Parking

2008-05-01T00:00:00

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals will offer free valet parking for patients and visitors at its downtown campus, 2435 Forest Drive, beginning Monday, May 5. Providence Hospitals is the only hospital in the Midlands to offer this service.

Free valet parking will be available in front of the main lobby Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This service is complimentary, and tips will not be accepted.

“Providence is committed to providing an excellent experience to everyone who comes to our hospital,” says Dusty Deringer, director of service excellence at Providence. “Valet parking offers convenience and allows our visitors to focus on their loved ones rather than worry about parking.”

Seven Nurses at Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Receive Prestigious Statewide Award

2008-04-21T00:00:00

Seven nurses at Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals have received statewide recognition as Palmetto Gold winners. Virginia Ard, Stephanie Baker, Karen Buchanan, Kara Jones-Schubart, Katherine Miller, Elizabeth Myslinski and Jodi Shelton have been recognized for excellence with a Palmetto Gold award from the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. Palmetto Gold winners are selected for epitomizing excellence in their profession.

Virginia (Jenny) Ard, RN – Ard has been a Providence Hospitals employee for more than 20 years. In addition to being a registered nurse, she is a certified diabetes instructor, aerobics instructor, advanced cardiac life support instructor and basic life support instructor.

Ard received her associate degree in nursing from Florence – Darlington Technical College. She is a member of the South Carolina Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, an American Heart Association (AHA) Midlands Heart Walk team leader, an AHA Heart-to-Heart golf tournament organizer, and a Providence Heart & Vascular Institute Red Dress Ambassador.

Ard lives in Camden and is a member of Pisgah Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday school, directs music and plays piano. In addition, she is an executive member of the Kershaw Baptist Association. She and her husband Buddy have three children: Jennifer, Kenny, and Matthew.

Laura Herbert, director of Cardiovascular Heart Services at Providence, nominated Ard for the award, saying, “Jenny takes the time to get to know all of her patients during their rehabilitation. Because rehabilitation can often take months, she develops healthy, nurturing relationships with patients and thinks of them as part of her extended family.”

Stephanie Baker, RN, BSN – Baker has been employed at Providence for more than 10 years. She is the clinical manager for the intermediate care unit (IMCU) at Providence and a member of the Association of Critical Care Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing.

Baker received her associate degree in nursing from Midlands Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in science from Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. She resides in southeast Columbia with her two children, Madison and Jack.

Baker was nominated by Kathy Miller, clinical manager of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Recovery at Providence, who said, “Stephanie works collaboratively with education to meet the needs of her staff. She also mentors nursing students and has made a real difference during her time at Providence.”

Karen Buchanan, RN – Buchanan is a clinical educator in Providence Hospitals’ Organizational Development department. She is a member of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

Buchanan received a diploma of nursing from Watts School of Nursing in Durham, NC. In addition, she has completed prerequisite courses at University of North Carolina in Wilmington, for the bachelor’s degree she is currently pursuing.

Buchanan is an active member of Lugoff Friendship Baptist Church where she provides support in various ministries

She lives in Lugoff with her husband James, associate pastor at Lugoff Friendship Baptist Church, her son Hunter, and daughter Olivia.

Providence Clinical Educator Sheila Gatch nominated Buchanan, writing, “Karen is committed to patients, families and colleagues. She ensures that staff members are competent in providing patient care based on best practices.”

Kara Jones-Schubart, RN, MSN – A Providence employee for five years, Jones-Schubart is a clinical educator in the Providence Hospitals’ extern program. She is a member of the South Carolina Nursing Association (SCNA), the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and Sigma Theta Tau; the international honor society of nursing.

Jones-Schubart, a resident of downtown Columbia, received her bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina.

Forrest Fortier, director of Organizational Development at Providence, nominated Kara, writing, “Kara is committed to providing compassionate nursing care to her patients and families. As a role model to staff and nursing students, she promotes excellence in patient care through mentorship.”

Katherine (Kathy) Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN – Miller has been a Providence employee for five years and is currently the clinical manager for the Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Recovery unit. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and Sigma Theta Tau; the international honor society of nursing. Kathy is president of the South Carolina mid-state chapter of the AACN.

Miller received her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of South Carolina and her master’s degree in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. A Heathwood resident, Miller is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and a sustaining member of Junior League.

Forrest Fortier, director of Organizational Development, nominated Miller, saying, “Kathy leads by example and never hesitates to lend a hand in the delivery of patient care.”

Elizabeth (Betty) Myslinski, RN, BSN – Myslinski is the clinical manager of 4 East at Providence where she has been employed for 15 years. She is currently enrolled in The Management Academy; a formal, yearlong leadership development program of the South Carolina Hospital Association.

Myslinski received her bachelor of science in nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She lives in Irmo with her two daughters, Ellie and Rachel.

Myslinski was nominated by Providence Clinical Nurse Specialist Trina Vecchiolla who wrote, “Betty is an outstanding role model who displays a professional demeanor and a willingness to serve. She gently and calmly works with staff to develop their skills, judgment and compassion.”

Jodi Shelton, RN - Shelton has been a Providence employee for 21 years and currently serves as the clinical manager of the Mobile Cardiac Care Unit (MCCU), Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR). She is a member of the South Carolina Organization of Nursing Leadership (SCONL), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Shelton graduated from Trumbell Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Warren, OH. She lives in Forest Acres with her husband Jeff. They have one son, Troy.

Providence nurse Sylvia Southerland nominated Shelton, saying, “Jodi has been a positive force in the promotion and advancement of nursing. She is a motivating and inspiring leader who selects educational and organizational opportunities for her nurses based on individual needs to foster professional growth and development.”

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Announce Addition of New Physician at Northeast Practice

2008-04-17T00:00:00

Dr. Donald M. Millus has joined Providence Northeast Family Care at Lake Carolina, located at 300 Long Pointe Lane. This practice provides comprehensive and compassionate family care in a rapidly growing community. Lake Carolina is a satellite branch of Providence Northeast Family Care.

Dr. Millus received his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Valley Baptist Family Practice in Harlingen, TX. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Millus is board-certified in family medicine and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He was the recipient of the Roger W. Black Award for Psychological Research. Dr. Millus is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the South Carolina Medical Association, and the Columbia Medical Society.

A participant in international medical missions, Dr. Millus has worked with Volunteers in Medical Missions, the Summer Medical Institute, and Greater Europe Mission. He and his wife reside in Lake Carolina with their new baby boy.

Dr. Millus is accepting new patients. For more information on Providence Northeast Family Care at Lake Carolina, call 803-462-7193 or visit www.ProvidenceFamilyCare.com.

Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals Names New CEO

2008-04-16T00:00:00

Today, the board of trustees of Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals announced the appointment of George A. Zara as President and CEO. Zara will succeed Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA, who has served in this role since May 8, 2006. Sister Judith Ann will return full-time to her position as President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System in Cleveland, Ohio, but will continue as a member of the Providence board, where she has served since 1992. Zara will assume his responsibilities on May 5.

Zara most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Anthony Hospitals (Centura Health) in Denver, Colorado, a 694-bed health system that housed the state’s largest Level 1 trauma center, two medical campuses and a regional air ambulance program. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Carondelet Health in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Zara has held significant positions in health administration throughout his career, beginning in 1977. He holds a master’s degree in public health and health services administration from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“After an extensive national search, the board is proud to have found such an accomplished, experienced executive to lead Providence to its next level of service to the people of South Carolina,” says J. Michael Kapp, chairman of the board of Providence Hospitals. “His extensive experience in Catholic health care, cardiovascular services and diversification strategies will support the strategic priorities of Providence and our mission to serve our community and state.”

Sister Judith Ann concurs. “As President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, I, too, am especially pleased to welcome Mr. Zara to our organization,” she says. “His vast experience will serve Providence well and help the hospitals maintain their position of leadership in South Carolina and their vital role in the health care ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine.”

In the two years Sister Judith Ann has served as CEO of Providence, the hospitals have received approval by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to expand their facility at Providence Hospital Northeast and to modernize the downtown campus with the addition of a six-story patient tower that replaces semi-private rooms. The hospitals also opened two additional physician practices and became tobacco-free across both campuses.

“Although we will miss seeing Sister Judith Ann on a daily basis, her role as President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System and a member of our board of trustees will keep her very actively involved in the mission and activities of Providence,” says Kapp.