RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM RECOGNIZED

Saint Francis Medical Center earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about respiratory care services available in hospitals. About 700 hospitals, or approximately 15 percent of hospitals in the U.S., applied for and received this award; Saint Francis has been a consecutive recipient since 2004. Hospitals earning QRCR designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. The full 2012 list of QRCR hospitals will be posted at www.yourlunghealth.org on April 15.

PRETZ GETS PHYSICAL THERAPY DOCTORATE

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Ryan Pretz, owner and lead physical therapist at Poplar Bluff Rehabilitation, received a doctoral degree in physical therapy March 2 from A.T. Still University's Arizona School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Ariz.

P.B. GETS CHEST PAIN CENTER ACCREDITATION

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has received Chest Pain Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Accreditation recognizes the higher level of expertise the hospital has achieved in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack. The hospital engaged in rigorous evaluation by the SCPC for its ability to assess, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. Since December 2011, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has invested more than $2.5 million in new improvements and services, including a new cardiovascular intensive care unit and a "Fast Track" system to the emergency room to help reduce wait times.

NEW CLINIC OPENS IN SIKESTON

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Rural Health Center opened Jan. 16 at 1226 Linn St., Suite B, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported. Terry Cole, a local businessman, and Charlotte DeWitt, an advanced practice registered nurse and board certified nurse practitioner, own the clinic. The facility has a large reception area, three exam rooms and a lab. It serves as a primary care provider for patients with Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance.

SIEBERT COMPLETES HYPERBARIC TRAINING

KENNETT, Mo. -- Debbie Siebert, a licensed professional nurse at Twin Rivers Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, completed hyperbaric medicine and safety training in Jacksonville, Fla. The course was provided by Diversified Clinical Services and is approved by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology.

NEW S.H.O.W. MOBILE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED

Southeast Missouri State University announced a new partnership with SEMO Health Network on March 9 that representatives of both say will extend mobile medical and dental services from the S.H.O.W. Mobile farther into the Bootheel region than ever before. A partnership the university had with SoutheastHEALTH for the services ended in the fall. SEMO Health Network CEO Cheryl White said with the new partnership that all Bootheel counties in the network's service area, including Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard, will receive medical and dental services through the S.H.O.W. Mobile, and additional access to other programs through the network. That is possible because the network has clinics in all of those counties. The service is funded by the fees it charges patients as well as a federal grant. The university pays for the bus' fuel, maintenance and driver's salary. White said the S.H.O.W. Mobile will also be used as an emergency mobile unit when necessary, as in the case of a major natural disaster.

Dr. Howard Smith

SMITH JOINS BRAIN & NEUROSPINE CLINIC

Dr. Howard L. Smith, a board certified neurosurgeon, joined the Brain & Neurospine Clinic of Missouri in Cape Girardeau. Smith, who has 20 years of experience, will hold clinics at Saint Francis Medical Center's Healing Arts Center.

TWIN RIVERS WELCOMES PEDIATRICIAN

KENNETT, Mo. -- Dr. Mary Kay Bowen joined the medical staff at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center. She is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics. She assumed Dr. Teresita Manubay's practice at Twin Rivers Pediatrics on March 19.

Cheryl Klueppel

KLUEPPEL JOINS CHATEAU GIRARDEAU

Cheryl Klueppel joined Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau as director of program services. She brings 20 years of experience in health care and not-for-profit organizations, most recently as executive director of the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter. In her new role, Klueppel is responsible for social services in independent and assisted living; serves as a liaison between residents and services; develops volunteer and support programs; and is involved in community relations.

GIVENS COMPLETES CERTIFICATION COURSE

Dr. Michael Givens of Cape Girardeau completed a 100-hour postgraduate certification course in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash injuries.

CAPETOWN GETS GOLD HONOR AWARD

Capetown Assisted & Independent Living by Americare was recognized for outstanding resident care at the company's annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Capetown met stringent criteria in order to be considered for the award, including for resident care, employee and community relations and business operations. Communities with Honor Club distinction met even more stringent award criteria. Capetown is an assisted and independent living community on Cape La Croix Road in Cape Girardeau.

MIRACLE EAR OPENS SIKESTON OFFICE

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Miracle Ear has a new service center at the Sikeston Rural Health Clinic, 1226 Linn St. The office is staffed by Kyle R. Griffin of Cape Girardeau.

MIRACLE EAR SPECIALISTS WIN AWARD

Cynthia Bradley and Joyce Hill Cooley of Southeast Missouri's Miracle Ear franchise were honored for excellence in continuing education by the Missouri Hearing Society at its annual convention and education seminar March 1 to 4 in Kansas City, Mo. Bradley received the Gold Award for 24 hours of excellence in continuing education, while franchise owner Cooley received the Platinum Award for 36 hours. Bradley was also recognized for her advanced training in hearing instrument dispensing.

SOUTHEAST PARTNERS WITH EMCARE

SoutheastHEALTH partnered with Dallas-based EmCare Inc. for physician staffing of the hospital's emergency services and hospitalist programs. The partnership was effective April 1 and will be fully implemented by Aug. 1. All emergency services physicians and hospitalists will be invited to partner with EmCare at Southeast Hospital, said Wayne Smith, president and CEO of SoutheastHEALTH. EmCare has national reach with physician management services in more than 500 hospitals in 40 states, said Smith.