The Diagnostic Clinic of Longview (DCOL) and Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) have revealed their impending collaboration and how it will advance healthcare services yet further for East Texans already accustomed to expert care from both institutions.
This partnership will spawn perhaps the most advanced, integrated, progressive and effective medical unit in the region.  LRMC’s parent company, Community Health Systems, Inc., will effect a merger with DCOL, to be completed over the next few months.  All physician ownership interests in LRMC will be repurchased.  DCOL President Dr. Robert Wheeler, M.D. has great expectations for the new alliance.
“DCOL and Longview Regional have worked side-by-side for more than 30 years to bring revolutionary medical advancements to our patients, recruit physicians to our region, and broaden the health services we provide,” he said.  “We have deep respect for one another and common goals for medical excellence and patient service.  Affiliation between our organizations solidifies an already strong relationship and brings the promise of immeasurable benefit for our patients and the region.”
The healthcare industry’s evolving dynamics have already established collaboration as a positive trend, producing improved medical treatment and advancement in the overall patient experience.  With learning being an ongoing process despite a field’s state-the-art status doctors and hospital administrative staff are careful to keep seeking means for advancing these goals in all health systems.
“DCOL physicians value the opportunity to create a system of coordinated patient care across the full spectrum of health services,” said DCOL CEO Bert Ratay.  “Whether it’s an office visit, a diagnostic test, an emergency room visit, surgery or hospitalization, DCOL physicians will have a greater involvement in the healthcare landscape than ever before.”
With over 700 employees DCOL is one of East Texas’ biggest multi-specialty establishments.  There are 132 doctors and mid-level healthcare providers in the 18 locations, all of which will continue to operate under the name of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview following the merger, and with the same skilled staff.  The changing ownership structure will have little impact on the facilities’ day-to-day service and procedures.
Following the merger a joint oversight committee comprised of representatives from both DCOL and LRMC will direct DCOL.  Furthermore, DCOL physicians will commence serving on the LRMC Board of Trustees.  LRMC CEO Jim Kendrick is enthusiastic about the coming union.
“The forward-thinking physicians at DCOL have always been pioneers in their field,” he said.  “We have great respect for their commitment to their patients, the community and to clinical excellence.  We welcome their increased involvement in our hospital.”
Dr. John Greifencamp, M.D. is one of DCOL’s original founders, and echoes Kendrick’s enthusiasm about the merger’s positive implications.
“I am proud of how DCOL has evolved over the years, and the opportunity we have now through this affiliation with Longview Regional,” he said.  “We’re excited about partnering with a physician-oriented hospital that shares our vision for the future and commitment to the patient.  We look forward to what we can accomplish in our work together.”
DCOL concentrates on such primary care services as pediatric/adolescent medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, family practice and internal medicine, although a broad spectrum of medical specialists have recently joined the staff. Most practitioners are board-certified.
A 131-bed acute care facility, LRMC aims to provide East Texans with medical care that is constantly updated through advancements in treatment and technology.  It is Longview’s only hospital providing daVinci robotic surgery, Stryker joint replacements, BrainLab spine and trauma solutions, 100% off-pump beating heart surgery with minimally invasive technique, the HALO procedure for reversing damage to Barrett’s esophagus, and bariatric weight-loss surgery.
This hospital has the city’s only vein treatment center in which interventional cardiologists perform all procedures, in the process earning the recognition of “Best Vein Care Center of Excellence.”  LRMC employees are delighted by their hospital being named one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Texas.”  This is unsurprising since the owning partnership includes a number of physician-owners, some of whom are on the hospital’s staff.  For more information on LRMC please visit www.longviewregional.com.

It seems like yesterday when Longview Regional Medical Center started recognizing local woman who add to the quality of life in this community. This is the 12th year since the first fateful event dubbed “Stars over Longview.”
Since then, the event has grown with tremendous community support netting 900 tickets this year. The recent Stars over Longview awards luncheon again was first-rate. Royal colors of purple and gold with beautiful fresh lilies adorned the tables. Guests were treated to a delectable lunch from Lori’s Eats and Sweets of Gilmer. Chris Murray provided desserts, and attendees enjoyed valet parking.
Some Stars expressed surprise at the honor. “I am so surprised that I was chosen,’ said Donna Blalock, the December Star.  I felt that others have done more and deserve to be a Star.”
Ms Linda Buie, April Star is very honored and humbled because there are so many deserving women. Amy Allen August Star over Longview thanks God for His gifts that enables her to serve the community. “Longview has so many women who serve in various capacities,” she said. “Every year, I am amazed and astounded at what goes into this celebration.”
In addition, attendees look forward to the event every year. “I know this to be a great event for Longview,” said Debbie Leith with Longview ISD. “They honor women. I believe this is a good event to have in our town.”  LISD Assistant Superintendent Micah Lewis agrees. “I think it is a great celebration  – that women are recognized in the community,” he said. “Women contribute so much to society and this celebration recognizes that.”
Keynote speaker for this anniversary event was Abby Rike. She spent 13 years as a high school theater and debate teacher.  Her work in this field was a great inspiration for her students to be the best they could be. However, she had to pull herself out of a terrible personal tragedy in 2006 when her husband and two young children were killed in a car crash.  In May 2009 she embarked on her personal journey of healing both herself and others. She became a motivational speaker appearing on the NBC reality series The Biggest Loser.  It was a start.
She has since appeared on the Today Show, the Ellen Show, Jay Leno, and has addressed multitudes nationwide, honoring her faith and family.  She sees God’s healing touch in her life as a blessing to be shared with as many as possible.  She is a living, vibrant and thriving example of how even the worst disasters can be overcome by faith in the Holy Spirit.  The title of her topic was, What Defines You. Rike gave the audience a hard hitting, truthful and loving lesson about living and giving. Her favorite saying “Even in your darkest hour, there is hope,” says it best. She encouraged the audience to leave fears of failure or inadequacy behind and jump into helping others and make ‘ripples’ as she calls it.
For more information on Rike and her mission please visit www.abbyrike.com.

Longview Regional Medical Center, (LRMC) has opened its brand new state-of-the-art Heart and Vascular Institute. The technologically equipped 23-bed unit offers monitored private rooms and more. Virginia Hardaway, RN, MSN is excited about the new unit. “The comfort, warm environment and privacy are some of the things we are bringing to our patients,” she said. “I am excited about the growth of the hospital and the physicians who bring quality care to our patients.”
All twenty three rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. It is important to note, everything in this unit is pristine including hospital equipment.
Four rooms for the handicapped have large walk-in showers. The bariatric room has Texas-size recliner and side chair.
According to Hardaway, she had the opportunity to work somewhere else but the culture of Longview Regional Medical Center got her attention during her leadership clinical at the hospital. “I decided I want to work here because of company culture,” she said. “From housekeeping to the CEO, everyone works together for best outcomes. It is a family here and they treat their patients as such.”
Hardaway said LRMC has a standard of care that comes naturally. Co-workers are committed to each other and work as a team. This type of work-ethic translates into better care for patients and this is what Hardaway likes about her work.
Longview Regional Medical Center’s commitment to quality healthcare and operational excellence earned them the Outstanding Achievement Awards from Community Health Systems.

LRMC CEO Jim Kendrick and Virginia Hardaway, RN, MSN standing in one of the rooms

With the 2012 Stars over Longview–Women Who Rise to the Occasion program approaching Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has released its list of local ladies to be honored at the event.  LRMC Marketing Director Kim Brown explained the significance of this list.
“The day the nomination period opened in August for Longview Regional’s Stars Over Longview the nominations began flowing into my e-mail’s inbox,” she said.  “It’s amazing how many deserving women our community wishes to have recognized each year.  New people continue to be submitted.”
Along with the Women’s Advisory Council (WAC,) LRMC presents Stars Over Longview every January. The WAC is made of sixteen local businesswomen, volunteers and activists, and have the task of compiling the annual list of winners.  With so many deserving nominees this task keeps getting harder, but the panel managed to complete the list October 17.
“The Women’s Advisory Council reviews plentiful nominations for such commendable candidates,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Jill Berney.  “The twelve extraordinary women who were chosen to be honored all exemplify fortitude of service, dedication and devotion to improving the lives of Longview’s citizens and community as a whole.”

2012 Honorees

February Star Over Longview is Brenda Jones
March Star Over Longview is Nancy Murray
April Star Over Longview is Linda Buie
May Star Over Longview is Linda Eaves
June Star Over Longview is Barbara McClellan
July Star Over Longview is Lynette Goodson
August Star Over Longview is Amy Allen
September Star Over Longview is Dale Sage
October Star Over Longview is Glennis Woodall
November Star Over Longview is Shirley Griffin
December Star Over Longview is Donna Blalock
January 2013 Star Over Longview is Amy Brown

These Stars will be honored Tuesday, January 12, 2012 at the 12th Anniversary celebration and awards luncheon at Maude Cobb Activity Center, beginning at 11:30 a.m.  LRMC will provide valet parking, and tickets will be $25 apiece and can be bought beginning in mid-November at the LRMC at 448 East Loop 281.  Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card.  Eight-person tables can be reserved for $175, and guests will savor a plated hot lunch and dessert by Lori’s Eats and Sweets of Gilmer and by Chris Murray Confections.  For additional information on the event please call (903) 381-7239.
The keynote address will be delivered by motivational speaker Abby Rike, who spent thirteen years as a high school theater and debate teacher. She changed her life after her husband and two children were killed in a 2006 traffic accident.  In 2009 she set out to better her personal lot by participating in the NBC reality program Biggest Loser.  She followed up by appearing on the Today Show, Ellen Show and with Jay Leno.  She has shared her message of self-improvement, faith, family values and personal healing with multitudes nationwide.
Rike considers her calling a privilege as she strives to give God’s word of love and healing with so many who, like her, stand to gain so much from it.  Her rejuvenated health and personal life are a testament to the truth of her words and assertion that with God’s help there is always hope.  Her message comes through clearly and with power in her recent book Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss and Hope.  For more information on this remarkable woman please visit www.abbyrike.com.

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt was recently honored by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison counties.
Stoudt graduated from Georgia State University with a business administration degree before moving to Longview. He is a 40-year resident of Longview and an experienced, successful businessman. He is happily married to Suzanne, a teacher in Longview ISD. He also has one daughter, Cameron a practicing Veterinarian at Equine Surgery in Bryan College Station.
Stoudt has a stellar record in community service.
He has served as director or chairman in many organizations including:
Longview Economic Development Corporation
Gregg County Appraisal District
City of Longview High Education Council
Cherokee Water Company
Regions Bank
University of Texas-Longview Campus
Boys & Girls Club of East Texas
He currently serves as a Trustee of the Centurion Club, a non-profit cooperative foundation that provides financial assistance to the families of East Texas Police Officers killed in the line of duty.  In addition, he is an active member of the Rotary. Stoudt worships at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview.
The Children’s Advocacy Center that honored Stoudt is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children who are entering the justice system due to suspected sexual or serious physical abuse or have witnessed a violent crime.
According to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg & Harrison Counties they conducted:
296 interviews in 2009
385 interviews in 2010
210 of those children made an outcry of abuse
52 of those clients had sexual assaults exams
45 are receiving ongoing mental health services
The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Gregg and Harrison Counties is to lessen the emotional trauma to children by coordinating multidisciplinary investigation, assessment, prosecution and treatment of child abuse.
Several advocates and sponsors joined in recognizing Stoudt and giving to the Center and they include AEP Southwestern Electric Power Co., Longview Regional Medical Center, Martin Gas, R & K Distributors, Cammack & Strong P.C. in Austin, Perry Reed & Company.

Keith Honey, external affairs manager, AEP SWEPCO; Suzanne, and husband, Judge Bill Stoudt

“I speak two languages–English and Southern, and I only speak one of them fluently,” said keynote speaker Dale Smith Thomas at Longview Regional Medical Center’s recent Healthy Woman anniversary event.  The event is used to educate East Texas women on how to maintain healthy lifestyles for themselves and their loved ones.  This was one of the installments in a series aiming to inspire and teach local women how to achieve wholesome bodies, minds and spirits.  Local businesses and organizations set up booths at the affair, which was followed by a dinner and a keynote lecture by Thomas. She is a motivational speaker specializing in energizing others to achievement through positive thinking.
Her speech about diet, exercise and health screenings was expected, but she went further in her efforts to upgrade her listeners’ well-being.  She urged the audience members to wake up each morning and announce, “Good Morning, Gorgeous!,” to the lady in the mirror.  She stresses how such a positive outlook is the first step towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.
This advice may seem too obvious, but women every day face stressful, overwhelming situations. Thomas challenged her listeners to reject such negative emotions as anger and stress.
“You are not angry, you are disenchanted.  You are not stressed, you are in demand,” are the alternatives she recommends.
She pointed out how these changes in perspective will enable women to live optimistically, which will bring the mental, inner peace to enable them to lead healthy lifestyles and be a greater blessing to loved ones.  She pointed out that improved health comes from more than just exercise, wise eating habits and medical screenings–it requires maintaining a healthy vision of life.  Her audience and the vendors came for several reasons, though.
Scentsy owner Sharon Michaud said, “It is a great event with lots of people.  It is a great opportunity to make contacts with people.”
Carol Pearson with Gary Lawrence Allstate and a few other local businesses made a contribution of 400 roses to be handed out to the audience.
“I am being shown love with these roses,” said Pam Hunt.
The Loud Family described the event as “Very nice, a good learning experience.”
Event veterans Susan Cantrell and Bonnie Bell said, “We have been enjoying the Healthy Woman seminars.”
Susan Lewis said, “This is my third time. I come to show women how to better themselves from inside out.”
“It is wonderful.  That is why I come back,” said Pat Lighthall.
Silvia Turk of Cook’s Nook said, “We are a small business, and we appreciate our community that supports us.  They have never disappointed us, so we came to support the Healthy Woman anniversary.”
“I love it. It is a wonderful thing that Longview Regional Medical Center Healthy Woman is doing for the people of East Texas,” said Donna Cash of Longview Occupational Medical Center.

For the past three years Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has used its Healthy Woman Program to educate East Texas ladies on how to pursue healthy lifestyles for themselves and their loved ones through continuing Healthy Woman seminars.  These events are intended to inspire and teach women how to maintain healthy bodies, minds and spirits.  LRMC is continuing this tradition by presenting another expo and dinner for the whole community.
This latest Healthy Woman Anniversary Celebration will be held Thursday, August 11 at the Maude Cobb Activity Center.  Doors for this free event will open at 4:30pm, remaining open until 6pm.  At 6:30 the main hall will open for those who have previously purchased tickets for the dinner program.  Lori Metcalf of Lori’s Eats & Sweets will cater a delectable meal followed by coffee and special desserts by Chris Murray of Chris Murray Confections.
The evening’s keynote speech will come from motivational speaker Dale Smith Thomas, who has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, Country Music Television and other significant venues.  Smith spoke earlier this year at the Stars Over Longview event, receiving such rave reviews that LRMC is bringing her back to share more inspirational words.  Smith will have a space reserved for her to meet attendees and sign books and other items following her lecture.
There will be valet parking at the activity center’s main entrance.  For more information on Smith visit winnersbychoice.com.  For more information on the expo call (903) 381-7238.

Dale Smith Thomas to keynote event

Gorman Brown is a Longview native and senior-to-be in Longview High School (LHS,) and has been making her city and alma mater proud with her achievements in academics and community service.  She is aiming for a collegiate career at Texas A&M, where she looks to study Animal and Human Sciences with double minors in Italian language and Equine Science.
For the moment, though, she has her eye on the present. She has just won the 2011 Junior Culinarian of the Year award while representing the mid-East Texas chapter of the Texas Chefs Association (TCA.)
“I have always loved to cook,” she said.  “I had an Easy Bake Oven as a little girl, and used it till it broke down.”
She has a drive for the kitchen because of the healthy meals she prepares for her mother, Kim Brown, director of marketing at Longview Regional Medical Center.
Gorman’s part-time job at Cook’s Nook gives her access to the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and the TCA. She became a member of both organizations, and met some interesting people such as LHS culinary instructor Vickie Trammel, who taught her knife skills and food temperatures.
“She [Trammel] is a lot of fun.  She pushes all of us because she knows we have potential,” said Brown.
This new knowledge came in handy during competition with well-known Dallas culinary schools.
“I am real proud of what our school did,” she said.  “Just competing with the schools in Dallas was no small feat.”
The unique aspect of Brown’s award is that its winners are normally college students.  She is the only active high school student member of the Texas Culinary Chefs in the East Texas region.
She foresees a busy future with careers both in the culinary arts and animal and human sciences.
She is also a busy lady at LHS.  She is a three-year member of the student council, two-year member of the Z-Club, two-year member and vice-president of the LHS chapter of Future Farmers of America and Agriculture.
Apart from her membership in the Texas Chefs’ Association & American Culinary Federation, she is a distinguished alumnus of National Youth Leadership Forum, and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
Gorman pursues her volunteer work through the following organizations–Longview Regional Medical Center’s events, Stars over Longview, Healthy Woman, Hospital Week, Family Night, various walks, Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center, American Heart Association heart walks, Lifepoint Christian Church, as a First Christian Church day camp counselor, and the Longview Historic Downtown Farmer’s Market.
With her senior year looming Gorman plans to live out the tradition of attending Texas A&M University. She credits her parents for helping her to be the best she can be.  She also thanks the TCA and ACF for providing the opportunities she has received.

Gorman Brown, Junior Culinarian of the Year, with mother, Kim Brown, marketing director, Longview Regional Medical Center

The management of Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) never expected the high number of nominations for this year’s Patient Choice Award.
This recognition goes to the nurse with the highest number of votes for compassion, competence and quality care.  Held during National Nurses’ Week, this year’s voting went to Sherry Benson.  Part of the Emergency Department staff, Benson was humble upon hearing the news.  LRMC queries former patients on which nurses have performed best
“Sometimes it’s just too hard to spot one nurse when there are so many nurses in our hospital doing such an unbelievable job caring for our patients,” said LRMC Chief Nursing Officer Stephanie Foster. “That’s why we asked patients to help us make the choice.  They see the little things that matter so much on a very personal level.  We are honored to spotlight Sherry for her extraordinary care as one of our nursing staff.”
“She was the best nurse I have ever had,” said one former patient.
“She kept my family informed all the way through, letting us know what was being done and why,” said another.
“Sherry was so caring, and always smiled,” said a third.
Apart from an engraved plaque, Benson will receive a cash prize and be honored at a special luncheon with the LRMC administrative staff, board of trustees, her supervisor, nursing director and the families who nominated her.  She will have a newspaper ad to publicize her accomplishment and be featured on the 2011 Patient Choice Award winner’s poster.

Longview Regional Medical Center Healthy Woman program and Senior Circle recently held a pampering event for mothers, daughters and grandmothers. The event was free. Attendees were fed natural home grown delectable food. In addition, they were massaged, given prizes and roses.
Ann Allen who won the grand prize said, “I did not expect to win. I am excited, this is nice.” Aruna Patel another attendee said, “It was fun.” “This exceeded expectation for the first event,” added Melinda Whitehurst, manager, Senior Circle.
“We are very pleased with the outcome,” said Kim Brown, market director LRMC. “We are delighted to honor mothers, daughters and granddaughters.”
Healthy Woman upcoming seminars include: Weight loss, nutrition and supplements on June 2nd; Women safety course by Debra Stiles on July 14th and Healthy Woman anniversary celebration and Expo on August 11 at Maude Cobb.  For more information or to register please call 903.242.3400.

Ann Allen won the grand prize at the recent Healthy Woman Event

Olivia Crouch from Optimum Wellness in Tyler massages Key'occa Pickron

Aruna Patel teams up with Melinda Whitehurst, manager of Senior Circles

Kim Brown and Claire Henderson of LRMC Marketing Department with Melinda Whitehurst, manager Senior Circle enjoy salad from Bill’s Organic Garden at the event

It is a family thing for Kim Boyd, Rose Boyd, Whitney and Carol Sanders, and Jaquelyn Brown

Rose Wright, Darnecia Wright, and Gail Tennison