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.

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.

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

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 (LRMC) is to hold its annual Patient Choice Award program in which one of its nurses is honored for providing the best quality care, comfort and compassion of any on the excellent staff.  Once again, the institution is calling on the community for input to help make the selection.  Nominations are to be accepted during Nurses’ Week, May 6-12.
“We are asking patients and their family members to provide us with the nominations because they see the little things that matter so much on a very personal level,” said LRMC Chief Nursing Officer Stephanie Foster.
“They know who goes the extra mile to make sure a patient experience exceeds expectations, and after all–it is the Patient Choice Award.”
Nominations can be mailed, e-mailed or faxed until April 29.  To make an online nomination visit www.longviewregional.com/nominations, or simply e-mail the nomination to Kimberly.brown@longviewregional.com. Snail mail submissions should be sent to Marketing Director Kim Brown, 2901 North 4th Street, Longview, Texas, 75605.  To fax in a nomination please use (866) 336-1001.

Runners will hit the tracks in Longview’s first half- marathon and 5k runs on Saturday, March 19th at 7:30 a.m. The race is presented by the Longview Running Club. Longview Regional Medical Center is the primary sponsor and all proceeds will benefit AMBUCS.  According to Claire Henderson of LRMC marketing department, the race has already exceeded expectations with nearly 500 entries. Runners from east Texas, including a few elite runners from the Dallas area, are attracted to the race. Some of the attractive incentives include an opportunity to win cash prizes while testing their speed on the newly-designed USA Track and Field-sanctioned route that starts and finishes at the LOBO stadium.
“We are so excited with the response we have been getting,” said Longview Running Club President Sandy Maddox. “We are looking forward to a great day.”
Jeff McMahon, American Country Music Award nominee will kick off the event singing our national anthem.
McMahon is the keyboardist and backup singer for Grammy nominee Tim McGraw. He runs with the Tim McGraw running team raising money for cancer research. In addition, McMahon is taking a break from his busy schedule to run the Longview half marathon.
“The Longview Running Club really wanted to bring something to the area that would encourage people to get outside and do something healthy, and they have done a great job getting people signed up,” notes Longview Regional Marketing Director. “Longview Regional Medical Center is proud to sponsor this wholesome, family-friendly event benefiting AMBUCS.”
Anyone can still register for the race during packet pickup on Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Racquet and Jog located at 1419 W Loop 281 #C in Longview. Race day registration and packet pick-up run is from 6:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. For registration fees and more information, please visit www.halfmarathonlongview.com

Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas.
The honor was announced during the recent Texas Association of Business 2011 Annual Conference in Austin. Created in 2006 this awards program is sponsored by Texas Monthly magazine, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, and the Best Companies Group.
Businesses from all over Texas participated in the two-part procedure used to establish which companies are best to work for in the state.  In the first part each company is evaluated as to its workplace policies, practices and demographics.  This constitutes 25% of the overall judging process.  In the second phase workers are interviewed to determine the whole employee experience, making up the other 75% of the process.  Top companies are established by their combined scores on these Levitra buy cheap two categories. The Best Companies Group both managed the entire registration and survey procedure, and interpreted the information in order to make final rankings.
This statewide evaluation project is intended to identify and honor Texas’ most desirable employer companies.  The list contains 100 companies–LRMC is among them, much to the delight of its CEO Jim Kendrick.
“We are honored to receive this distinction, given that the employees themselves provided the feedback to earn this recognition,” he said.  “We strive to hire and retain the best in the industry, and this award reflects well upon their experiences as members of the Longview Regional staff.”
LRMC seeks to provide Longview area residents with the best possible, most state-of-the-art medical care.  It is the city’s only hospital offering daVinci robotic surgery, Stryker joint replacements, HALO treatment to reverse the effects of Barrett’s Esophagus, and Bariatric Surgery to assist in weight loss.  The Vein Center is the only local facility in which all procedures are performed by interventional cardiologists, and has earned the distinction of “Best Vein Care Center of Excellence.”
For additional information on LRMC and the Best Companies to Work for in Texas project, please visit www.longviewregional.com, www.BestCompaniesTX.com or call Jackie Miller at (877) 455-2159.

Everyone is invited to Longview Medical Center’s Healthy Woman program featuring Danielle Heard, MS, HHC, Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Founder of Artemis in the City on Tuesday, January 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. and learn how to achieve optimum health with whole foods.
Danielle, who overcame fibromyalgia and connective tissue disease, cialis 40 mg will share her story while highlighting beneficial foods that support the immune system, aid the body in healing itself and in the process lose and maintain phentermine online without a prescription a healthy weight without dieting.
To reserve a seat, please call Longview Regional Medical Center 903-381-7238 or sign up at www.healthywomanonline.com.
The event will be held at the Longview Regional Medical Conference Center located at 450 E. Loop 281, Longview, TX. Ladies bring your spouses and friends to this free event.

It seems like yesterday when Longview Regional Medical Center started recognizing local women who add to the quality of life in this community. It is eleven years since the first fateful event dubbed Stars over Longview took place. Since then, the event has attracted more attendees and in a way kicks off the New Year for local citizens.
The Stars over Longview annual awards ceremony have taken its rightful place becoming the first important event every January in Longview.
The annual event is no child’s play. Each year during the months of August and September, the Longview Regional Medical Center Women’s Advisory Council receives an abundant number of nominations for Star over Longview selection. The Advisory Council which is made up of 16 local business women, volunteers and activists have the onerous task of selecting the women to be honored from the host of praiseworthy candidates, explained Kim Brown, director of marketing LRMC. The key note speakers have also been exceptional.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson keynoted the event last year. This year the Dale Smith Thomas of Winners by Choice, a well sought after inspirational optimist, dream maker, wife, mother and motivational speaker was the guest speaker. She made clear the attitude of the Stars which everyone needs to emulate. The Stars chose to have a positive attitude about life hence they can look beyond themselves and think of others. “A positive attitude is a choice,” Thomas said. “You can choose to be happy.”
And the 2011 Stars are:
January Star is Melinda Whitehurst whose great smile brightens visitors and co-workers every day at Longview Regional Medical Center Senior Circle. She is a member of Mobberly Baptist Church where she serves on several committees. This Star, in addition makes time to serve on several boards in the city.
Helen Bobo, the February Star among other things, is a den cub scout Mom, Holiday Nursing Home volunteer, coordinator for Meals on Wheels, supporter of the Little League baseball, volunteer for the reading program at Bramlette Elementary School and has been a member of First Baptist Church for 58 years. She has been married to her sweetheart G.A. for 65 years.
March Star Cathy Case said she was born and raised in Longview. She is very honored to be chosen as one of the Stars. She identifies community needs and helps to bring it to fruition. “When she discovered there were few sources of fresh locally grown produce available to the public, she joined with preservation Longview and helped establish the Historic Longview Farmers market downtown.”
Florence Claxton is April’s Star who cares for the sick and elderly. She feeds the poor and works with the homeless. And still finds the time to write a two-page letter to each player on the Lobo team encouraging them in all their endeavors. The storm victims, cialis sale Policemen Wives Club, Federation of Women’s Club, and Goodwill Industries to mention a few all benefit from her love and compassion.
May Star Nancy Duke is devoted to breast cancer survivors. She was Woman of the Year in 2009, an honor that Longview Federation Clubs bestowed for her extensive community service to the community.
Ruth Maness June’s Star “is hardworking, creative, organized, fun and always exhibits a positive attitude.” She has been involved in so many community projects including, Junior League, Neal’s McCoy’s Angel Network, Zonta, Longview Federated Clubs, the Jaycettes and many others.
July Star is Emily Myers. She has been involved in multiple organizations that benefited many people. Born and raise in Longview, Myers has devoted her life to serving others. She has at one time or the other served on the following boards, Junior League of Longview, Texas Shakespeare Festival Foundation and several others.
August Star is Judy Owens the musician. Her music has gladdened many souls at different times. She has been part of the Longview Symphony for 20 years. However her best accomplishment is taking worshippers at the First Baptist Church to the place where their souls are lifted up and they buy prescription drugs online without prescription can join the angels in praising the Almighty God who is worthy of our praise.
Lucy Peacock is September Star. Her love for children is demonstrated as she directs the Crisman School. She helped to start and maintain the Asbury House, a daycare for underprivileged children. In addition, she had been an advocate for the poor and needy especially the homeless.
October Stars are Sonia Henson and Helen Johnson. Henson has given hope to the women and children who were heartbroken, homeless, unemployed, abused, abandoned and addicted to drugs. Helen Johnson or “Sister Helen” is the founder of the House of Hope where over two thousand women have benefited from her services. According to Sister Helen, her greatest joy “is to see women’s lives changed because of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Julie Rachels the November Star is grateful to God for her husband who is “a steady rock.” Her involvement in the Lord’s work via her church First Baptist are too numerous to mention. Suffice it to say that in the business world, she started companies and also helped other women with their start-ups. This star is a perennial volunteer.
December Star is a Team Leader for Women in Crisis at Mobberly Baptist Church. Having gone through great losses of her own, she comforts others with the comfort she received from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Her ministries include the prisons, and women leaving the prison system. According to a friend, this Star is never too busy for anyone.
Again, congratulations!