July 2020 Newsletter

JULY, 2020

NEWSLETTER

CEO Corner

Message from Jim Hobson, CEO

Thank you for taking the time to read the first edition of our newsletter. Life has certainly been filled with challenges and concerns over the last few months, but our team at MRHC has worked tirelessly to ensure we continue to provide outstanding care for our patients and a safe environment for all who enter our facilities.

All of the medical professionals who train, both now and historically, here at MRHC are invaluable, consistently providing care for the patients of our region and pursuing education and training. Each of our GME programs continue to be a shining light for our organization, community and region, and we look forward to supporting the growth of each program over the coming days.

Thank you for what you have done, are doing, and will do for our hospital and community. I am proud of each of you! If I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

FROM THE DIO DESK

WOW 2020 has been one for the books hasn’t it?

With all that is going on, I think unrest sums up what some of us feel. Most of our “normal” or “routine” activities have been interrupted and revamped, personally and professionally, by an invisible deadly enemy. GME has stayed strong and committed on the front line of caregiving, as the novel Coronavirus impacts our area with increasing rates. I and our facility do not take for granted all that you are doing. We are so very grateful for your commitment and dedication to medicine and patient care.

As we plan for a different interview season and match this year, it made me step back and realize that I have always said, “change is good”, but I think I meant controlled change – well organized change – coordinated change. Some of the adjustments we have had to make have made me step out of my comfort zone and I have found the positive in that also. It is important to view things from a different perspective every so often to connect with yourself on a deeper level.

So to you, alumni, cohorts, peers and friends of MRHC GME, I still believe change is good - because I have seen the resiliency and compassion in all of you! Even from those of you that are miles away. You show up every day. . . You go when I know you want to sleep or be with family. . . You call or send messages at just the right time to check on me or our team. . . You are truly heroes in my eyes and I am so blessed to be on this journey with you!

Until next time, Stay Well….Stay Strong

Always,

Gena Lindsey, RN, C-TAGME

Designated Institutional Official

INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY

Program Director M. Hayes Baker, MD, FACP

Associate Program Director J. Peyton Preece, DO, FACOI

The home of Dr. Hayes Baker served as the graduation venue and fine dining experience this year. The meal prepared onsite by world-renowned chef Erling Jensen, was superb. Family, friends and faculty were able to join in the celebration via virtual broadcast and heard prerecorded well wishes for the graduating class. It was a different event compared to years past, but extremely enjoyable and honoring for our graduates. We also want thank MRHC GME Alumni association for providing transportation to and from Memphis!

Congratulations Internal Medicine Class of 2020.

Front Row: Abram Arnold, DO; Sahar Jahan, MD

Back Row: C.Taylor Smith, DO; Jennifer Nickol, DO; Thomas Brown, DO; Adriano Duran, DO

Our new residents hit the ground running and we look forward to a great academic year! Welcome to Magnolia Regional Health Center and to Corinth.

Take a minute to MEET OUR RESIDENTS!

Besseri Ako, MD, PGY 1

Dr. Ako received his Medical Degree and completed undergraduate studies at the Université de Yaoundé I Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Biomédicales, Cameroon. Dr. Ako is a current member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association and served on the Cameroon Medical Corp. In his spare time, Besseri enjoys playing and watching soccer (Manchester City Soccer Club), spending time with family and friends, reading novels, and listening to music.

Brian Chase Bennett, DO, PGY 1

Dr. Bennett received his Medical Degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, West Virginia. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. Dr. Bennett is a current member of the American College of Physicians, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Internists, and American College of Physicians. In his spare time, Chase enjoys playing the upright bass, jiu-jitsu, and hunting.

Tara George MD, PGY 1

Dr. George received her Medical Degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Sint Maarten. She attended the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Master of Education in Theory of Medical Education and Curriculum Development. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Dr. George is a current member of the American College of Physicians. In her spare time, Tara enjoys exploring the beaches of Florida, scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddle boarding with her dog, Lilly. She is interested in linguistics and has spent the past year studying French and perfecting Spanish.

John P. Raper, DO, PGY 1

Dr. Raper received his Medical Degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN. He graduated from Rhodes University in Memphis, TN with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. Dr. Raper is a current member of the American College of Physicians, Tennessee Osteopathic Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, and the American College of Osteopathic Internists. In his spare time, John enjoys many sports including golf, snow skiing, tennis, running and fencing, in addition to water sports such as boating, kayaking and canoeing. He is also an avid guitar player and enjoys carpentry.

Chelsey Stewart, DO, PGY 1

Dr. Stewart received her Medical Degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus. She graduated from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Stewart is a current member of the American College of Physicians, Medical Association of Alabama, Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Internists, and the American Association of Cancer Research. Chelsey is an avid cross fitter, nature enthusiast, and dog lover. She also likes to go for hikes or nature walks with her two rescue dogs.

Abdalaziz (Aziz) Tabash, MD, PGY 1

Dr. Tabash received his Medical Degree from Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt. Aziz obtained his research experience at Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, where he was instrumental in the publication of several peer review journal articles, abstracts and case reports. He is a current member of the American Medical Association and American College of Physicians. In his spare time, Aziz enjoys soccer, swimming, cooking, and reading.

Conor Lingard, DO, PGY 2

Dr. Lingard received his Medical Degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, MS. He graduated from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Lingard is a current member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, and the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association. In his spare time, Conor enjoys sports cars, snowboarding, hiking, camping, exploring the latest technology and building custom desktop computers.

CARDIOLOGY FELLOWSHIP

Program Director John W. Prather PhD, MD, FACC

Associate Program Director Mandar Jagtap, DO FACC, FASE

We had the pleasure of having a more intimate graduation celebration this year due to COVID 19.

Dr. Thomas Flautt and Dr. Alison Spangler completed their fellowship requirements at Magnolia Regional Health Center and are continuing their education at Debakey Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX. Dr. Flautt in Electrophysiology and Dr. Spangler Advanced Imaging. Congratulations Cardiology Fellowship Class of 2020! We expect great things from you both and hope to see you soon.

Dr. Allison Spangler and Dr. Thomas Flautt

As we send off two to pursue their dreams, we congratulate our advancing fellows and welcome two new Cardiology Fellows to Magnolia Regional Health Center. We look forward to what the new academic year holds. Please take a minute to MEET OUR CARDIOLOGY FELLOWS.

Vivek Menon, MD, PGY 4

Dr. Menon received his Medical Degree from Lekarska Fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Czechia. He completed Internal Medicine Residency at Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, where he served as Chief Resident. His undergraduate studies were completed at The Institute for Language and Academic Preparation for Foreign Students, Slovak Republic, where we earned his degree in Basic Sciences and Slovak Language. Dr. Menon obtained his research experience at Emory University, Altanta, GA. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Association for Cardiologists of Indian Origin, Association of Black Cardiologists, Heart Rhythm Society, and the American College of Cardiology. In his spare time, Vivek enjoys martial arts, traveling, reading, playing guitar, and bodybuilding.

Christopher Taylor Smith, DO, PGY 4

Dr. Smith received his Medical Degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, South Carolina. He completed Internal Medicine Residency at Magnolia Regional Health Center, Corinth, MS. Taylor graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degrees in Biomedical Science from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. He is a current member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Cardiology, and the American College of Osteopathic Internists. In his spare time, Taylor enjoys playing guitar, hiking, running, fishing, swimming and hunting with his dog “Jack” and spending time with his wife Elizabeth and daughter, Anne Douglass.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Paul Volansky back to MRHC.

Dr. Volansky is one of the core faculty members for our Cardiology Fellowship and will provide interventional cardiology care for our facility. Paul completed his third and fourth years of Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiology Fellowship here at MRHC. We are glad to have you back home Paul!!

EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESIDENCY

Program Director Frederick Carlton, Jr., MD FACEP

Associate Program Director Japheth Baker, DO

We have patiently waited for ACGME accreditation and are so pleased to formally announce the startup of our Emergency Medicine Residency in July 2020.

The residents completed orientation, and core faculty are preparing for the onslaught of questions and rotations that begin in August. We are so very excited to have this program at Magnolia Regional Health Center and look forward to what this year holds.

Please welcome our pioneering class of Emergency Medicine Residents.

Sabrina Azavedo, MD PGY 1

Dr. Azavedo received her Medical Degree from Washington University of Health and Science, Ambergris Caye, Belize. She earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Walden University and completed her undergraduate studies at Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science. Dr. Azavedo has twenty years’ experience in paramedicine. She has authored articles in environmental pathology, toxicology, and oncology journals and presented at the National Trauma Conference. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Emergency Medicine Residents Association. Sabrina enjoys traveling the country, hiking, spending time with friends, family, and her 13-year-old Labrador Chocco.

Bennett Davis, MD PGY 1

Dr. Davis received his Medical Degree from the University of Queensland -Ochsner Clinical School, Brisbane, Queensland Australia/New Orleans, LA. He completed his undergraduate studies at Auburn University Honors College in Auburn, AL, where he obtained a Bachelor's of Nutrition Science, Cum Laude. Dr. Davis is currently a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Australian College of Physicians, Louisiana State Medical Society and served in the New Orleans, LA, medical reserve corp. In his spare time Bennett enjoys tennis, yoga, rugby, basketball, fishing, and woodworking.

Laura Hanson, DO PGY 1

Dr. Hanson received her Medical Degree from Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, AZ. She graduated from Midwestern University with a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona, Tucson, where she obtained a Bachelor of Health Science Degree. Laura served as an EMT with the Rural/Metro Southwest Ambulance in Tucson, AZ and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue, Phoenix, AZ. She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association, National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation, and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. In her free time Laura enjoys CrossFit, traveling and baking.

Jeff Hudgens, MD PGY 1

Dr. Hudgens received his Medical Degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN. He received a Master of Science in Medical Sciences degree from Mississippi College, Clinton, MS and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Jeff recently completed a preliminary surgery year at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN and has served as adjunct professor in Microbiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology at Austin Peay State University. He is a current member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In his spare time, he enjoys racing, baseball, hunting and shooting.

Courtney Rich, MD PGY 1

Dr. Rich received her Medical Degree from the University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland. She obtained a Master of Public Health from University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC and obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Biology, with minors in chemistry and zoology, summa cum laude, from Washington State University in Vancouver, WA. She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Medicine Residency Association. In her spare time Courtney enjoys equestrian sports, traveling, hiking, amateur artist/art and interior design.

W. David Wynn, MD PGY 1

Dr. Wynn received his Medical Degree from Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston, SC. He completed his undergraduate studies at Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC, where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. Dr Wynn has assisted with numerous ultrasound educational activities and served as President of the medical ultrasound interest group at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is a current member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In his spare time David enjoys playing guitar, biking (road and mountain), hiking, running, cooking and his dog Griffon.

MEDICAL STUDENT PROGRAM

Director Student Medical Education J. Peyton Preece, DO, FACOI

Undergraduate Medical Education Manager, Wendy Hurley

On July 20 we welcomed our new group of core third year osteopathic medical students. Many come from different areas of the country and we are excited to help them grow and learn to succeed as clinical physicians. They will call Corinth home for the next one to two years, and some will consider staying for internal medicine or emergency medicine residency. These students depend on our excellent physicians to help guide and teach them through their last two years of medical school.

As the Director of Student Medical Education, having students is an integral part in creating a true academic environment at MRHC as well as a way to give back to our community through their influence, volunteer work, and direct patient care. Please take a minute to MEET OUR STUDENT DOCTORS!