Physician Leadership Academy

WellStar’s Physician Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its inaugural class starting on May 22. The Academy will bring graduate level leadership and business education to physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants. Applications and information are available on eSource under the WellStar Learning Network tab or by contacting Don Campbell, M.D., at don.campbell@wellstar.org. The deadline for applications is April 26. 

Increased Neuroradiology Coverage by Quantum Radiology

Quantum Radiology has expanded neuroradiologist weekend coverage for WellStar Health System. This sub‑specialized radiologist will read neuroradiology studies and will be readily available for referring physician consultation.

Brywczynski named Senior Vice President and Health Parks Administrator

Joseph L. Brywczynski has been named Senior Vice President – Health Parks Administrator for WellStar. He will join the team in late April or early May and will report to Mike Graue, Executive Vice President and COO. In this position, Joe will be responsible for defining and implementing the WellStar Health Parks initiative.

Avril Beckford, M.D., FAAP, Leads Georgia Pediatrics Chapter to Award

The Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (GAAP), led by chapter president, WellStar’s own Avril Beckford, M.D., FAAP, was selected to receive the outstanding chapter award in the very large chapter category. The award’s selection process included a detailed report and presentation by Dr. Beckford on the chapter’s work, education and advocacy for Georgia’s children and pediatricians. Dr. Beckford, who heads the WellStar pediatric service line, has served as the GAAP president for the past two years.

William A Cooper, M.D., Demonstrates Valve Replacement

On March 9, 2010, through a live video feed, William A. Cooper, M.D., Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery for WellStar Kennestone Hospital, demonstrated a new valve replacement procedure for a group of Mayo Clinic physicians. During the procedure several notable surgeons from across the country discussed concept and design, implantation techniques, applications and hosted panel discussions.

WellStar System Computers to be Down from Saturday, April 24 to Sunday, April 25

In order to replace the aging Uninterruptible Power Supply unit at the WellStar Development Center, all electrical power to the WDC must be shut off. Therefore, all WellStar computer systems must be shut down and off line.

Welcome New Medical Staff Members

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

Patient Satisfaction

According to research, physicians can increase patient satisfaction by improving the way they interact with patients. Perhaps the most important lesson for physicians is to take time with each patient and make an effort to determine their expectations. When a physician recognizes and addresses a patient's expectations, satisfaction is not only higher for the patient but for the physician as well. It may help to keep in mind that patients often desire information more than they desire a specific action and/or outcome. In addition, one study showed that approximately 10 percent of patients had one or more unvoiced desires in a visit with their physician.

WellStar Student Identification Process

Beginning in April, students who are obtaining clinical experience in WellStar facilities will be identified with a new badge. The student badge will be configured in a landscape format and indicate “Student” in the identifier bar. Students are expected to wear the badges whenever they are in a WellStar facility.

WellStar Health System Teams with 11 Alive News for Atlanta’s Biggest Loser

Atlanta’s newest Biggest Loser Contest began March 1 with 12 contestants from all walks of life being divided into competing teams of six. Each team has workouts with a WellStar Health Place trainer and all contestants will eat healthy courtesy of a free, weekly meal plan. WellStar Health Place trainers Jenny Swift and Tim Palmer are motivating the red and blue teams throughout the contest.

Clinical Documentation Improvement: Focus on Sepsis

The terms “bacteremia” and “sepsis” are often used interchangeably by healthcare providers. However, these should not be considered synonymous terms.

WellStar Foundation Physician Partners

The WellStar Foundation recently launched a new initiative to create greater awareness of WellStar’s philanthropic efforts throughout our physician community.

WellStar Cobb Hospital – Physician Town Hall Meeting

Presented by Randy Cook, Senior Vice President and Hospital Administrator

Thursday, April 15
12 p.m. (noon)
WellStar Cobb Hospital – Auditorium

Two new da Vinci® Robots added to WellStar Health System

WellStar’s surgical robotics program has expanded with the addition of a second da Vinci® Surgical System robot at WellStar Kennestone Hospital and the purchase of a device for WellStar Cobb Hospital. Both hospitals received the upgraded da Vinci Si HD Surgical System which allows for a teaching console.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital Awarded Three-Year CARF Accreditation

CARF International announced that WellStar Kennestone Hospital has been accredited for a period of three years for its Inpatient Rehabilitation Program: Hospital, Adults; and its Inpatient Rehabilitation Program: Hospital, Stroke Specialty Program. This is the sixth consecutive, three-year accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to Kennestone.

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

In June, WellStar Kennestone Hospital will mark 60 years of providing world-class healthcare to our community. The hospital opened June 12, 1950, with 105 beds, 80 employees and 28 physicians. Today, Kennestone is licensed for 633 beds, has more than 4,000 employees and 800 medical staff coming onto the campus throughout the week.

April and May: CME Events

For a complete list of CME offerings, click "Read more>>."

Physician Satisfaction at WellStar Kennestone Hospital (Part 2 of the Series)

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

As we draw near the Medical Staff Engagement Survey, I would like to update you on Kennestone’s active involvement to continue improvements based on survey feedback and how we are aligning our efforts with Dr. Stephen C. Beeson’s book Engaging Physicians.

Save the Date: Orthopaedics for the Primary Care Physician

Saturday, May 1, 2010
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marietta Conference Center

Who should attend?
Primary Care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners & RNs

April and May Meetings

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