Newsmakers in Health Care

Dr. Stan Hall of Parkcrest Dental Group attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's 20th annual Scientific Session in Vancouver, British Columbia. The academy's scientific session provided access to clinical education on new treatment techniques in cosmetic dentistry.

St. John's Clinic was awarded the Preeminence Award by the American Medical Group Association at its recent national conference. The award is presented annually in recognition of exceptional leadership, innovation, vision, contributions to the advancement of quality, effective health care delivery practices and structure, and outstanding contributions to the community. St. John's Clinic consists of more than 430 physicians and 90 midlevel and allied health practitioners in 67 offices.

U. S. Sen. Kit Bond was honored as a Home Health Care Hero by the National Association for Health Care & Hospice for his strong support of home health care programs. Bond was honored at the 2004 National Policy Conference held recently in Washington, D.C. In the Senate, Bond has advocated for home health care programs, and he has pledged to continue working to ensure that the option of home health care remains intact under the Medicare program.

St. John's School of Nursing at Southwest Baptist University was recommended for eight years of continued accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The recommendation is for the associate of science degree and the bachelor of science degree in nursing programs. Final approval will be determined in July.

Allen J. Waldo, administrator and CEO of Barton County Memorial Hospital in Lamar, was elected to a one-year term as president of the Missouri Hospital Association Southwest District Council. His responsibilities include presiding over quarterly CEO council meetings and guiding discussions of association policy and activities.

Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson was awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography following a recent survey by the American College of Radiology. The American College of Radiology awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation.

Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who assess qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. Skaggs' mammography unit has been accredited since 1995.

Dr. Ralph J. Duda Jr. was recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Diabetes Association through the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program for providing quality care to his patients with diabetes. The Diabetes Physician Recognition Program is designed to improve the quality of care that patients with diabetes receive by recognizing physicians who deliver quality diabetes care and by motivating other physicians to document and improve their delivery of diabetes care. Recognition is valid for three years.

Dr. Paul N. Arnold has written a new book "Common Cents: An Overview of Investing for Ophthalmologists and Their Administrators."

The book describes the common pitfalls that derail many investors, and it is written expressly for physicians and administrators.

St. John's Mercy Villa was recognized as a quality partner by Missouri PRO, a statewide health care quality improvement organization. The designation is given to health care organizations that participate in the Nursing Home Quality Initiative sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

As a quality partner, St. John's Mercy Villa demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of care provided to elderly citizens.

Hal Agler, primary therapist for Lakeland Regional Hospital's residential youth center, was appointed by Gov. Bob Holden to serve on the State Committee for Social Workers.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

The principals of Medical Consulting Group, in conjunction with Bausch & Lomb, presented two seminars at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons' convention in San Diego. Medical Consulting Group presenters were managing principals Bill Rabourn, Steve Sheppard and Joe Nunneley, and principals Jim Brocato and Rob McCarville.

LaCinda Ennis joined Missouri Eye Institute as an ophthalmic assistant. She is responsible for vision checks, pre-operation tests for referral patients and checkups following surgery.

Jean Grabeel, coordinator of student health services for Springfield Public Schools, was recently chosen to represent Missouri on the National Association of School Nursing Board of Directors. The association's goal is to advance the delivery of professional school health services to promote better student learning.