Appalachian Regional Medical Associates
ARHS Announced Administrative Structure Changes
Sparks named Mr. Chuck Mantooth as President of Watauga Medical Center in Boone. In addition to this new responsibility, Mr. Mantooth will remain President of Appalachian Regional Medical Associates (ARMA), ARHS’ physician practice management division, and CEO of Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville.
This change aligns Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital and ARMA under a new division known as “Hospital and Physician Group”. According to Sparks, “The alignment of these three entities is critical for a successful implementation of the upcoming 2013-15 ARHS Strategic Plan”.
Mantooth has served the healthcare system for over 20 years in a variety of roles, most recently as President of ARMA and President and CEO of Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville. While Mantooth will retain the role of CEO of Cannon Memorial Hospital, he will welcome Avery County native Carmen Lacey, MSN, RN, in as President of Cannon Memorial Hospital. Ms. Lacey has worked in healthcare in Avery County for over 25 years. Her first role was as a staff nurse at Sloop Memorial Hospital and she has filled various leadership roles at Cannon Memorial Hospital over the years, most recently serving as Director of Patient Care Services.
Additional changes to the administrative structure include Tim Ford, President & CEO of Blowing Rock Hospital taking on additional duties as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, which will focus on Government Relations, Legal Services, Corporate Compliance and Planning.
Claire Cline, MPH, RN, Senior Vice President Patient Care Services, who manages the majority of inpatient services for ARHS, will take on additional duties of management of the ARHS Pharmacy. Kim Bianca, MSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Clinical & Outpatient Service Lines will enhance her management of ARHS service lines by adding Lab and Imaging to her division.
“These organizational changes will better position ARHS’ Senior Leadership Team to address current issues and move the healthcare system into the future,” Sparks went on to state.
Preparing for the Flu Season
Chris McCracken, MD
Dare we say it… Flu?! Yes, it’s time to start thinking about and preparing for the upcoming flu season. Dr. Chris McCracken shared these thoughts…
The flu usually hits in January or February. It takes at least 2-3 weeks for the shot to convey immunity to the flu, so get the flu shot as soon as it’s available in the fall.
If you or your kids gets flu symptoms like fever/chills/sweats, aches, and cough, stay home so that you don’t spread the flu to classmates and colleagues.
If you have to go out, remember to wear a face mask and wash your hands often. Avoid infants, the elderly and anyone else likely to have a worse course of illness.
- Chris McCracken, MD
Appalachian Regional Adult & Family Medicine
Back to School: Keeping Kids Healthy
Chris McCracken, MD
School has started back and every parent knows that colds/flu are just around the corner. So, we asked our own Dr. Chris McCracken for his thoughts…
Make sure your kids are up-to-date on immunizations, including Flu shots in September or October. They need a healthy diet and lots of activity. Getting sick is part of being a kid, but healthy active kids should be able to shake off most colds pretty easily. The more colds kids get, the better their immune system will be, overall.
- Chris McCracken, MD
Appalachian Regional Adult & Family Medicine
Rheumatology Office Moving to Doctors Drive
In August, Appalachian Regional Rheumatology is relocating to a new office space located at 166 Doctors Drive in Boone. The new office is the former location of the Harmony Midwives. Drs. Winfield and Nicks look forward to seeing their patients in their new location on August 11, 2011.
If you have any questions or need more information, please call (828) 263-5506.