System News: July 2021

Atrium Medical Center

Several physicians took part in a Juneteenth event organized by Atrium Medical Center, the City of Middletown Health Department, and Community Building Institute of Middletown. Andre Harris, MD, chief medical officer at Atrium, was joined by Michael Robertson, MD; Michelle Eakins, MD; and Adrian Taylor, director of diversity and inclusion for Premier Health, in a community discussion at the Robert “Sonny” Hill Community Center about health disparities among African Americans. Chauncy Eakins, MD, and Nkeiruka Okoye, MD, also attended the event, which included free health screenings by Premier Community Health.

Atrium was recognized at the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony on June 22. Atrium received the Industry of the Year Award, which is given for contributions to the community. The award reads: “Atrium Medical Center is ranked as one of the top 100 hospitals in America, which speaks to their clinical excellence. Area residents know them for much more than that, as they serve in countless ways, improving community safety, partnering with schools, expanding access to services, and investing in technologies. During the pandemic, Atrium Medical Center both cared for patients and worked to ensure that the vaccine was available and accessible to all.” Rhonda Seidenschmidt, vice president of operations at Atrium; Lyndsey Pittman, Atrium’s director of finance; and Lori Etmans, PPN director of operations, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital.

The strong partnership between Warren County Career Center and Atrium is now reflected in the name of the school’s health science academy on the hospital campus. The career center’s board of education approved a resolution June 24 authorizing the name change of Greentree Health Science Academy to Warren County Career Center at Atrium Campus. The previous name had been in use since 2010 and reflected “antiquated terminology,” according to the school.

The Lebanon business community learned more about the services and providers that will be part of the new Premier Health Center at Union Village when it opens Aug. 10. Atrium President Keith Bricking, MD, shared details about the health center when he was the guest speaker on June 15 at the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting. In addition, he spoke about Premier Health’s COVID-19 success stories; efforts toward vaccine equity; and recent awards and advancements at Atrium.

More than 150 children were remembered during the Help Endure a Loss (HEAL) Remembrance Walk on June 12 along Turner Trail and the HEAL Memory Garden on Atrium’s campus. Photos from the Remembrance Walk and information about the HEAL endowment campaign through Atrium Medical Center Foundation can be found at HEALatAtrium.GiveSmart.com.

Miami Valley Hospital Campuses

Miami Valley Hospital South’s maternity license has been renewed by the Ohio Department of Health through 2023. 

Aaron Block, MD, was the guest presenter at the virtual South Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce Safety Meeting. His topic was: “Food Allergies in the Workplace.” 

A dedication ceremony for the new Cancer Celebration Bell Garden at Miami Valley Hospital South took place on June 22. Located next to the entrance of the hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, the garden contains a 14-foot brass bell which will be used by oncology patients to celebrate significant milestones in their cancer journey. Funded by a generous gift from Gary and Rachel Auman through the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, the Cancer Celebration Bell Garden offers a pleasant outdoor location for patients to share their achievements in treatment goals with their family, friends, and caregivers. As a former patient, Gary Auman says he intends his gift to serve as inspiration for other patients and in appreciation for the care he received at Miami Valley Hospital South.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for the Michael Sawdey Samaritan Clinic for Women and Families on June 15. Located inside the St. Vincent de Paul's Gateway Shelter for Women and Families, the new clinic will provide pediatric care, women’s health care, and primary care, serving more than 1,200 individuals annually. Good Samaritan Foundation-Dayton is funding the entire shelter clinic through donations and support from the Good Samaritan Foundation Board of Trustees. As part of the community support, a very generous donation came from Jeff and Connie Sawdey, of Sawdey Solution Services, Inc., in appreciation for the care received by Jeff’s brother Michael at Samaritan Health Center. The addition of this clinic inside the shelter ensures that access to health care is enhanced, rather than interrupted, by the fact that a family is experiencing homelessness.  An additional partner is Five Rivers Health Center. 

Emergency and trauma center physicians came together to recognize exceptional staff members from Miami Valley Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital South, Miami Valley Hospital North, Austin Boulevard Emergency Center, and the Jamestown Emergency Center at the annual Jana Matthews Awards of Excellence. This year, Norman Schneiderman, MD, and Roger Pacholka, MD, presented the Miami Valley Emergency Specialists Consultant Excellence Award. The MVES Consultant Excellence Award was created in 2017 by Dr. Schneiderman and his wife to recognize a member of the Miami Valley Hospital medical staff who goes above and beyond the call of duty to deliver care to emergency department patients. This year the award was not only given posthumously to beloved cardiologist Mukul Chandra, MD, but it was also renamed the MVES Dr. Mukul Chandra Exemplary Consultant Award. Dr. Chandra’s wife and daughter were present to receive the award. 

Several individuals from Premier Health were presented the Aviator Achievement Award at the Vandalia – Butler Board of Education meeting. The award is presented by Superintendent Robert O’Leary each month to recognize individuals who do outstanding things in the district. Premier Health supported the district as they developed return to school plans, vaccination clinics, and sports medicine services.  

Dr. MiLinda Zabramba spoke with students attending the Aileron Student Leadership Summit.  This opportunity came from our partnerships with the Northmont City Schools and the Northmont Chamber of Commerce. 

Upper Valley Medical Center

Ristenka Prnarova, DO, of the Premier Cardiovascular Institute/Troy gave a heart health talk to the Miami County YMCA Silver Sneakers group and participated in a heart wellness fair at the YMCA Piqua branch on June 11. The event also included free blood pressure screenings by Upper Valley Medical Center Wellness and on-site registration for cardiac CTs and mammograms.   

Scott Kanagy, DO, MBA, chief medical officer at Upper Valley Medical Center, and Brian Jans, PT, DPT, SCS, participated in Troy Power 107.1 Radio and Piqua WPTW Radio morning show interviews on June 21. They discussed bike safety and the Bike Fit and Performance program Brian conducts at the UVMC Center for Sports Medicine. These interviews aired during the week that the Western Ohio Bicycle Adventure was taking place in Miami County. Additionally, the Bike Fit and Performance program was featured in a Piqua Chamber of Commerce email blast to all chamber members and affiliates on June 22. 

The Upper Valley Medical Center Foundation Inaugural Golf Classic was hosted June 28 at the Piqua Country Club. This successful fundraising event was filled to capacity and raised more than $20,000 to support the upgrade and renovation of UVMC’s Level II Special Care Nursery. Pediatrician Paul Weber, MD, spoke about the project at the event.

Upper Valley Medical Center Cancer Care, UVMC staff, and the Dayton Physicians Oncology office at UVMC partnered to form a 2021 Miami County Relay for Life team. The walk will be held June 19 at the Eagles Campgrounds in Troy.  

The Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s Teen Leadership group visited Upper Valley Medical Center for a health care program on June 10. Chris Snider, UVMC facilities director, and Travis Grasley, cardiopulmonary director, presented programs which were well received by the students and adult visitors. In addition, the students received information about careers in health care.  

Upper Valley Medical Center is lead sponsor for the 2021 Sculptures on the Square exhibit launched by Troy Main Street in downtown Troy. Kevin Harlan, UVMC president, gave remarks at a VIP opening celebration at the Troy Rec to honor sponsors and the 20 artists from throughout the United States whose works are displayed in the exhibit.

Upper Valley Medical Center hosted a special Heart Healthy Day in the hospital cafeteria on June 29. The event featured a heart healthy menu along with education about heart health and our collaboration with the American Heart Association’s 2021 Heart Walk fundraiser.

Premier Physician Network

There's still time to schedule summer doctor appointments for kids. We're scheduling now for annual wellness visits and $24 basic sports physicals. Our marketing team is emailing PPN patients reminders to make these important appointments. Learn more about annual wellness visits and sports physicals for kids and teens from Michael W. Barrow, MD.

Surprise injuries and nagging joint pain don’t keep regular office hours. That’s why Premier Orthopedics offers walk-in clinics at three locations - Centerville, Englewood, and Vandalia. Patients can walk in without an appointment during our walk-in clinic hours — or schedule in advance by calling our office. Please visit our website for office locations and phone numbers: PremierOrthoOH.com.  We treat adults and youth patients for sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, sports and work injuries, joint and muscle pain, and more. New and existing patients are welcome. Most insurance plans are accepted; co-pays apply. No referral is needed, unless required by the insurer. 

Back to the July 2021 issue of Premier Pulse