2010 WellStar Medical Staff Engagement Survey

The annual WellStar Medical Staff Engagement Survey, ending on June 7, is well underway. The survey provides an opportunity for members of the Medical Staff team to share feedback and identify areas for further improvement. This year, for the first time, advanced practitioners will be included in the survey.

Simone Wins National Recognition

Gregory L. Simone, M.D., President and CEO of WellStar Health System, has been named to Modern Healthcare and Modern Physician magazines’ ranking of the 50 Most Powerful Physician Executives in Healthcare. Ranked as the 20th Most Powerful Physician Executive in Healthcare, Dr. Simone is the only private sector physician executive in the state of Georgia to make this prestigious list.

Physician Presents at International Medical Volunteerism Conference

Jose Rodriguez, M.D., with WellStar Kennestone Pediatric Associates, recently presented at the first annual International Medical Volunteerism Conference held at Emory University School of Medicine. His presentation, “Addressing the Need for Coordinated Health Prevention and Educational Services for Latino Families in Georgia,” shared valuable lessons for providers who work with or wish to volunteer with Latino families.

Physician Documentation Tip: Pneumonia

Clinical documentation is required to be compliant with Medicare and other regulatory standards for accurate coding and to reflect the overall severity/acuity of illness and risk of mortality. Below are some important key elements to keep in mind when documenting the diagnosis of pneumonia.

Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Any physician interested in obtaining board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine must begin a clinical practice pathway a minimum of 24 months before applying for the board certification exam.

Behavioral Health Update: Stress Management – Take Action to Feel Better

One of the most significant issues for healthcare team members is managing stress.

Welcome New Medical Staff Members

For a complete list of new Medical Staff and Advanced Practitioners, click "Read more>>."

Patient Satisfaction

According to research, physician-patient communication can affect patient satisfaction rates. In one study, patients who presented to their family physician for work-related, low-back pain felt that communication with the physician was positive. The physician took the problem seriously, explained the condition clearly, tried to understand the patient's job and gave advice to prevent re-injury. Patient satisfaction rates were higher than they were when the problem could be explained by symptom relief.

Physician Engagement at WellStar Kennestone Hospital (Part 3 of the Series)

Robert Jansen, M.D., VP of Medical Affairs

The 2010 Medical Staff Engagement Survey is well underway and will continue through June 7. I would like to thank each of you who have already participated and I look forward to viewing your feedback. Your input is extremely important and provides insight and data which will help fuel our 2011 planning sessions.

As you may recall from my previous articles, I reviewed a list from Engaging Physicians by Dr. Stephen C. Beeson where he spoke of different stages to improve engagement. I have already covered three of these topics, including:

• Communicate Organization Vision and Goals
• Establish Physician Confidence and Trust
• Training Physicians

60 Never Looked So Good – Kennestone Hospital Celebrates 60th in June

As the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the 47th World Series of baseball and North Korean forces invaded South Korea to begin the Korean War, Georgia Governor Herman Talmadge helped to dedicate what we now know as WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

Clinical Grand Rounds

"The Determination of Brain Death" – Organ Procurement: LifeLink of GA
Presented by: Adam Webb, M.D., Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Neurocritical Care

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
6 – 7 p.m.
WellStar Cobb Hospital – Wisteria/Jasmine Room
WellStar Douglas Hospital – Administrative Conference Room
(Dinner Provided)

Please RSVP to 770-22MYCME (269263) or jennifer.reagan@wellstar.org.

WellStar Health System is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to provided continuing medical education for physicians. WellStar Health System designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME: Wound Case Conference

“Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Adjunct to Advanced Wound Care and Treatment of Late Effect Radiation Injury”

Presented by: Helen Gelly, M.D., FACCWS, FACEP, ABPM/UHM, Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia
Friday, May 14, 2010
12 – 1 p.m.
WellStar Cobb Hospital – Auditorium
(Lunch provided)

Please RSVP to 770-22MYCME (269263) or jennifer.reagan@wellstar.org.

WellStar Health System is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to provided continuing medical education for physicians. WellStar Health System designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

May and June CME Events

For a complete list of May and June CME events, click "Read More>>."

May and June Meetings

For a complete list of each hospitals' committee/department meetings, click "Read more>>."