2010-q1-spring-wellaware

MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER Spring 2010www.mcmc.net

The Wait Is OverThe Wait Is Over

Good to The Bone

MCMC I OHSUOrthopedics

Kids on WheelsKids on Wheels

Good to The Bone

Racing atWater’s Edge

More Primary Care is Here

Well Aware Spring 2010Final_Well Aware Spring 08 5/14/10 10:49 AM

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Dear Friends,

A few months ago, when we announced the arrival ofheart specialist David Guarraia, M.D., we told you we

had reached the point where Mid-Columbia communities nolonger could be adequately served by part-time cardiologistsfrom out of the area.

With heart disease as America’s No. 1 health problem, ithad become imperative to recruit a cardiologist who would livein, and become part of, our community, offering timely accessto appointments and saving patients a long trip out of the area for care.

With the help of a new partnership with Oregon Health & Science University, we struck gold whenwe found Dr. Guarraia, an OHSU cardiology resident whose goal was to live and practice in a smallarea like ours.

Dr. Guarraia is an outstanding heart specialist and a fine addition to our medical staff andcommunity. Though he has been in practice less than a year, it already has become clear we may haveunderestimated the need for a physician with his skills and area of focus. In fact we have alreadybegun the process of recruiting a second cardiologist to practice alongside Dr. Guarraia in his clinic on19th Street in The Dalles.

Once again we will be partnering with OHSU in this effort. This model has proved extremelyeffective in both our cardiology and orthopedics clinics, enabling us to make full-time specialty careavailable to our patients that previously was only available part-time or required a trip into Portland.

Our OHSU partnership has been so productive that we are continuing to pursue other avenues forexpanding specialty care locally in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. To this end I am happyto announce that we will soon be bringing to the community visiting OHSU specialists in pulmonologyand endocrinology.

A pulmonologist is a specialist who deals with diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.Endocrinologists are specialists in diseases of the endocrine system and hormones and are perhapsmost commonly known for their care of patients with diabetes. Like Dr. Guarraia, we expect these newspecialists to begin providing immediate benefits to local patients living with these conditions.

This is an exciting period for the Mid-Columbia Medical Center medical staff. It wasn’t too longago that I was having to address in this space the efforts we were undertaking to alleviate a physician-shortage problem. Today, I am able to report that the care available from our medical staff has perhapsnever been more comprehensive, diverse and, importantly, readily available.

That is good news for patients throughout the Mid-Columbia region.

Duane FrancisPresident/CEO

A New EraIn Care


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Inside ScoopIt is Our Mission…

To lead and act as a catalyst inpromoting health for all people.

To recognize the individual as a wholehuman being with different needs that

must be enthusiastically met.

To communicate a vision of health, art,education, technology and create a centerfor healing which will continually upgrade

the quality of life in the communityenvironment in which we live.

To empower people to becomepartners in their health care.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center is a not-for-profithealthcare organization offering comprehensive

services to the Mid-Columbia Region, and isgoverned by a volunteer Board of Trustees:

Robert L.R. BaileyDaniel Boldt

Paul Cardosi, M.D.Duane Francis

Gretchen KimseyCarina Schmidt

Wallace Wolf, Jr., D.V.M.

WellAware is published byMid-Columbia Medical Center

1700 East 19th StreetThe Dalles, OR 97058

541-296-7545

Photo Credits:Jim Semlor Photography

Chad Sperry, Break Away Productions

Printed with Agri based inks on recycled paper,10% post consumer. All rights reserved. No information may

be reprinted without the written consent of MCMC.

Spring 2010

The Wait is OverAn influx of new providers has easedthe primary care access problem.

Mind Body Calendar

Good to the BoneWhen Vern Beito injured his arm onthe job, he turned to the specialists atMCMC I OHSU Orthopedics.

Water WorksOpening day is only a few weeksaway for Mid-Columbia MedicalCenter’s new Water’s Edge facility inLone Pine Village.

One of a KindThe MCMC Auxiliary and its Gift Shopcontinue to support important patientcare services.

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A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital

(ON THE COVER)Kids on Wheels The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Kid’sRace moves to MCMC’s new Water’sEdge facility.


One of the most popular events inone of the most popular bike

races in the country gets a new homethis year.

The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Kid’sRace is one of the highlights of the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, whichorganizers call “one of the premierprofessional bike races in the country.”

The main race draws national and international athletes to theColumbia River Gorge. Four years ago,organizers approached Mid-ColumbiaMedical Center about forming a

MCMC once again is proud to bthis year from downtown The D

Kids


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partnership on a children’s event to promote bike safety, helmets and fitness.

MCMC signed on, and in theyears since the event has grown toone of the largest kids cycling eventsin the Pacific Northwest, attractingnearly 150 participants.

This year’s Kid’s Race will movefrom its previous downtown location to Water’s Edge, MCMC’s new healthfacility in Lone Pine Village. It will beheld Friday, June 4. Registration beginsat 4 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m.

Cyclists from 3 to 12 arewelcome to participate. Courses and distances will be scaled toaccommodate each age groups skillsand ability.

The entire crew from the adultrace helps put on the youth event,setting up the courses with banners,putting together the finish-linestructure, and handling raceannouncements, music and all other

details. The goal is togive the race thelook and feel of atop professionalcycling event.

“Each kid ismade to feel like

they are a pro,”says Chad Sperry,executive directorof the Mt. Hood

Cycling Classic. “In addition to theracing there is food, helmet checksand bike safety checks to assure thekids are ready for safe riding. There is

also a skills course to challenge eachrider’s bike handling.”

Sperry says several of theprofessional riders attend the event tocheer the kids on and even, in someinstances, ride along.

“Cycling is a tremendous activitythat promotes fitness and wellness inkids while giving them something

exciting to focus their attention on,”says Paul Cardosi, M.D., medicaldirector of MCMC’s new Water’s EdgeHealth and Wellness Center and a

cyclist himself. “The low-impactnature of the activity helps youthattain fitness without the excessivejarring and stress to growing jointsand ligaments. This is really a greatevent for MCMC to be involved with.”

For more complete informationabout the new Water’s Edge facility,please see the article on Page 16.

“In addition to the racing there isfood, helmet checks and bike safetychecks to assure the kids are readyfor safe riding.”

— Chad Sperry

o be a partner in the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Kid’s Race, which movese Dalles to the hospital’s new Water’s Edge facility.

s on Wheels


The Wait is Over

A world of progress has beenmade since the days when a

shortage of primary care providersin the region was making it

difficult for many people to makea timely appointment for care.

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Over the last several months,the management team at

Mid-Columbia Medical Group hasbeen executing an aggressiverecruitment plan that has seenthem searching across the countryfor primary care candidates.

As a result, several newphysicians and other providershave been brought to town andplaced in MCMG clinics, where anew concept of team care ishelping ensure patients haveaccess to the appropriate level ofcare they need, when they need it.

Today, residents ofcommunities throughout Mid-Columbia Medical Center’sservice area, are being served bymore primary care providers thanever before. And getting a timelyappointment for care now is aseasy as picking up the phone anddialing a number.

We’d like to introduce you to the newest members of theMid-Columbia Medical Group teamand invite you to call one for anappointment if you are looking fora primary care provider.

LAWRENCE ELZINGA, M.D.Internal Medicine Associates1825 E. 19th StreetAPPOINTMENTS: 541.506.6940

About a year ago, LawrenceElzinga, M.D., began to expand

his view of the meaning of health,and he started by looking within.

“I wasn’t a good example tomy patients,” says the board-certified internal medicine physicianwith Mid-Columbia Medical Group. “I didn’t practice the habits ofhealth. I was 50 pounds overweight.I was not exercising, gettingenough sleep or dealing with my stress.”

Slowly, the former Portlanderand Oregon Health & ScienceUniversity grad started makingchanges in his lifestyle. He began toexercise, altered his diet, reallybegan to work on some lifestylechanges that would have a lastingimpact on his health.

The changes were so dramatic,they got Dr. Elzinga thinking abouthealth in, what for him, was a new way.

“I think we are entering a thirdera of medicine,” he says. “In thefirst era, we looked to treat acute

Just a few members of the Mid-Columbia Medical Group team.


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diseases; the second focused oncuring chronic conditions. Now we’rehelping people create health ratherthan just responding to disease.We’re really in a health revolution.”

“When a doctor and patientwork together to create health,” Dr. Elzinga adds, “the physicianshows the patient ways to improvehis or her entire well-being, not just the specific problem that hasappeared. This can solve other issues the patient would have facedin the future.”

Dr. Elzinga uses as an example a recent patient who was obese, had diabetes, high cholesterol, and afuture that promised many otherweight-related issues. Instead of just dispensing more medications, Dr. Elzinga prescribed a weight-lossand exercise program. Four monthsand 100 pounds later, the patient isoff insulin.

That’s creating health.“It’s a lot different than being

just non-sick,” Dr. Elzinga says.“Being non-sick is health purgatory.You’re waiting for diabetes or a heartattack or arthritis. That’s a lotdifferent than being vigorous andvital and creating health.”

Dr. Elzinga is thrilled to havejoined an organization that has foryears promoted the concept andvalue of wellness. In Mid-ColumbiaMedical Group and MCMC, thedoctor and his patients have accessto a range of wellness tools,including numerous programs and

classes for smoking cessation, stressmanagement, weight loss and more.

When Dr. Elzinga was consideringnew practice opportunities, thehospital’s Planetree philosophy was a convincing sales tool.

“We are always looking for careproviders whose practice philosophy

includes encouraging patients to takeback ownership of their health, andmake life decisions that prevent theneed for so much medicine and somuch medical care,” says PaulArmerding, M.D., medical director ofMid-Columbia Medical Group.

“… We’re helping people createhealth rather than just respondingto disease.”

— Lawrence Elzinga, M.D

PRACHI GARODIA, M.D.,Internal Medicine Associates 1825 E. 19th StreetAPPOINTMENTS: 541.506.6940

It took quite a sales job to convincePrachi Garodia, M.D., to choose The

Dalles as the location for her newpractice. First, the pilot had to landthe plane that carried Dr. Garodia andher husband, Murari from their formerhometown of Houston to Oregon.

Second… well, actually, therewas no second.

“We knew this was the place wewanted to be as soon as we landed,”says the internal medicine specialist.

The Dalles is a far cry fromHouston, where Dr. Garodia spent thelast 10 years in practice. But the areaoffers everything she and herhusband, a business consultant, hadbeen looking for — small-townenvironment, friendly people, plentyof outdoor activities and aprogressive hospital that embraced awhole-person approach to healing.

A native of India, Dr. Garodia’smedical philosophy blends traditional Western medicine with

complementary therapies (many ofwhich are considered traditional inher home country) in an approachthat encourages patients to addressthe root causes of so many healthproblems, namely poor nutrition, lackof exercise and too much stress.

“I always talk to my patientsabout the importance of diet andother lifestyle changes,” she says.“But we always set baby-step goals.I’ll tell my patients to just trysomething for a week then reportback to me how they did. It’s alifelong process, but we get thereeasiest by making small changes.”

Dr. Garodia says the vast majorityof her patients have been very opento the idea of exploring naturalremedies to their condition inaddition to the more traditionalapproaches she learned in medicalschool, in New Delhi, and residencytraining, in New York City.

(Continued on page 8)


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THE WAIT IS OVER (Continued from page 7)

“I know of other health organizations that offercomplementary therapies, but what attracted me herewas how thoroughly these programs have beenintegrated into the care of patients.” — Prachi Garodia, M.D

“Patients are never thatinterested in taking anothermedication, so I always ask if theyare interested in learning aboutnatural approaches; I have only hadone patient tell me he wasn’t,” she says.

Dr. Garodia says nature providesmany powerful healers. For example,certain spices, like turmeric andcinnamon, can help manage diabetes,while garlic and ginger are ofteneffective in controlling cholesterol.

In her efforts to help patientsmanage their stress, Dr. Garodia saysshe feels fortunate to be able to referpatients right across the street toMCMC’s mind and body medicineprogram, where they can takeadvantage of yoga classes, learndeep-breathing techniques and more.

“I know of other hospitals thatoffer complementary therapies, butwhat attracted me here was howthoroughly these programs havebeen integrated into the care ofpatients,” she says.

While she has only been herethree months, Dr. Garodia says life in the Gorge already has lived up toher expectations. She’s started hergarden. She and Murari have alreadyhiked the Rowena Plateau. They’vemade lots of friends. Her practice is abusy combination of former patientsof retired physician Tom Hodge, M.D.,and newcomers.

She’s landed right where shewanted to be.

“New York and Houston weregreat, but we wanted more quiet in our lives,” she says. “Here, in the midst of all this beautiful nature, you can be working and still feel relaxed.”

Ben Pate may be new to Mid-Columbia Medical Group,

but the physician assistant is nostranger to the Columbia River Gorge.

When he was a bible student inPortland, Pate used the Gorge as hisgetaway for camping, hiking and justenjoying the scenery.

Now, as a physician assistant with a young family, he’s rediscoveringthe enjoyment of living in an area with a vibrant culture and abundantrecreation opportunities whilepracticing his profession.

“We love it here,” says Pate, 30,who moved to the area with his wife,Stephanie, their 5-year-old daughterand 3-year-old son. “There’s so muchgoing on. Everyone seems pretty activeand I’m getting to know the wholeGorge and the people who live here.”

A native of Chiloquin in southernOregon, Pate received his degree tobecome a physician assistant lastyear from the University ofWashington. But his career includeseight years as a nurse, during whichhe worked overseas for the U.S.government and also took on avariety of volunteer assignments.

He was attracted to The Dallesand MCMC by the medical center’scommitment to the Planetreephilosophy of patient-centered care.

“It seemed like a good fit,” Patesays. “I like the aspect of usingwestern medical techniques alongwith complementary remedies thathave been proven to work. I like theidea of including the surroundingsand the environment in treating thewhole person. And it can help lessen costs to the patient, which isalso important.”

Pate works in internal medicineas a primary care provider, mainly forpeople ages 18 and older. As aphysician assistant, he is qualified toprovide many of the same services asa physician, but also works under aphysician’s supervision. In June Patewill be moving to with other InternalMedicine Associates providers toWater's Edge, where he will teamwith Prachi Garodia, M.D., to whomhe can refer patients with moreserious and complex ailments.

He also uses his training tosuggest preventive measures peoplecan take to delay or avoid the onsetof debilitating medical conditions.

BEN PATE, PA-CInternal Medicine Associates1810 E. 19th Street, Suite 210APPOINTMENTS: 541.506.6920


Dr. Garodiacontinued from page 7


Mind, Body HealingUPCOMING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FROM THE CENTER FOR MIND & BODY MEDICINE AT MID-COLUMBIA MEDICAL CENTER

Pre-registration required; please call 541-296-7319to register unless otherwise indicated.

Spring 2010

A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospitalwww.mcmc.net

&You will experience gentle meditativeyoga and other natural techniques,called mindfulness relaxation practices,to help you activate your own naturalhealing powers.

The practice allows you to obtain:

• lasting decreases in physical andpsychological symptoms;

• an increased ability to relax;• reductions in pain levels and an

enhanced ability to cope with pain • improved self-esteem; • greater energy and enthusiasm

for life;• an ability to cope more effectively

with both short and long-term stressful situations.

Pulmonary Health ServicesThe Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program atMid-Columbia Medical Center is designedfor patients with chronic respiratorydisease (COPD), emphysema, asthma,chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosisand other chronic lung conditions. Thisclass explores the relationship betweenbreathing disorders and physicalactivity. This 10-week clinic will guidepatients in lifestyle changes that willhelp them to improve their enduranceand quality of life.

Goals within this program include:

• decreasing shortness of breath;• improving physical conditioning

and exercise tolerance;• improving emotional well being.

Core Clinics

HealthWellness

Cardiac Rehabilitation ClinicCardiac Rehabilitation is the next stepafter a heart attack or heart surgery, adiagnosis of stable chest pain or othercardiac conditions. This 10-week clinicincludes supervised exercise, nutritionand education in heart healthmanagement. This clinic will help youregain strength and lessen fatigue,while learning the tools to reducecardiac risk factors. Classes are offeredthroughout the year and covered bymost insurance plans.

Medical Symptom and Stress Reduction ClinicPeople with a wide variety of medicalconditions will benefit from this non-medication approach to improvingoverall health. People with chronicpain or illness, autoimmune disorders,headache/migraines, hypertension,insomnia and much more can learnhow to better manage symptoms andgain greater control of your life.

Living Healthy with DiabetesMONDAYS DAY CLASS: July 12, 19 & 261 to 4 p.m. Water’s EdgeThe Diabetes Self-ManagementEducation Class is a learningexperience for people who are newlydiagnosed or have a history of

diabetes. In thisclass, you willlearn blood sugarmonitoring,nutrition and

meal planning, stress reduction,medications and much more.

We encourage a support person to attend, at no additional fee. Day and evening classes are available throughout the year. The Diabetes Education Program atMCMC is accredited by the AmericanDiabetes Association.

Individual Diabetes Nutrition EducationMeet one on one with our registereddietitian. In this visit, our dietitianwill review your blood sugars inrelationship to your nutrition. Togetheryou will customize a healthy eatingplan that will support living healthywith Diabetes. Covered by mostinsurance plans.

Individual Certified DiabetesNurse Educator ConsultMeet one on one with our registerednurse and learn about the many aspectsof blood sugar management. In this visitour nurse will work with and customizethe visit to your specific concerns.

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&Exercise Movement

YOGA CLASSES ARE HELD AT CELILO CANCER CENTER

Gentle Yoga WEDNESDAYS8 to 9 a.m., $40 for 5 sessions, $60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-inThis easy-does-it class is perfect forbeginners or people with limitedmobility. Stretch, breathe and easeyour way into greater flexibility.

Flow Yoga WEDNESDAYS5 to 6:30 p.m., $40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-inJoin Jill Kieffer in this movingmeditation yoga class designed toincrease strength, flexibility and balancewhile decreasing stress and tension inthe body and mind. No previous yogaexperience necessary.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS5:30 to 7 p.m., $40 for 5 sessions,$60 for 10 sessions or $10 drop-inUnwind and rejuvenate your mind andbody with yoga stretching, breathingexercises and relaxation. This class isdesigned for all ages and levels offitness. Increase your flexibility,strength and balance.

Yoga

MON 5:30-9 a.m. & 4-8 p.m.TUES/THURS 5:30-1 p.m. & 4-8 p.m.WED 5:30-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

& 4-8 p.m.FRI 5:30-9 a.m. & 4-6 p.m.SAT 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Please call 296-7201 for more information,or visit during hours listed. Medical CenterOffice Plaza, Ste. 226.

Circuit TrainingTuesdays, Noon to 12:45 p.m.Interested in building strength whilesimultaneously getting a great cardioworkout? All fitness levels welcome. Thisclass is led by an exercise physiologist.

Fitness MembershipsAvailable

Opening early summer

Pilates ClassThursday 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.This is a mat-based core stabilizationclass lead by a certified Pilatesinstructor. Two, 45-minute classesoffered on Thursdays; located in theColumbia Room at Celilo. All fitnesslevels welcome. Space is limited; call541-296-7209 to pre-register.

Personal Training$45 for 1 hour; $120 for three 1-hour sessions. Contact Meghann at296-7209 for more information or toschedule an appointment.

MCMC Fitness CenterThis summer, MCMC’s Fitness Centerwill have a new name, a new locationand much more to offer. The newWater's Edge Health & WellnessCenter will offer a medical-fitnessapproach to helping members achievelasting lifestyle changes and optimalwellness. We invite you to call ourmessage line, 541-506-5799, to learnabout membership rates, enrollmentdiscounts and expanded hours. Allclasses offered now at MCMC FitnessCenter will be held through our move.

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&Workshops ClinicsMind Body Healing

Breathe Your Way to Better HealthPart 1 Wed., June 2 Part 2 Wed., June 97 to 8 p.m., Celilo Cancer Center$20 Learn simple breathing techniquesthat can help lower blood pressure andpulse, decrease stress and anxiety,improve immune function, easeinsomnia, improve digestion and speed healing time. Wear loose,comfy clothing.

Journal Writing

EVERY TUESDAY11 a.m. Meditation Room,Celilo Cancer CenterFreeYou will be guided in journal writingtechniques designed to help youprocess life events and to open to inspiration.

Introduction toMeditationWednesdays Part 1, June 16;Part 2, June 237 to 8 p.m., CeliloCancer Center$20 Mounting research is showingthe benefits of relaxation practices. In this basic class you will learn thehistory of meditation, the medicalbenefits and simple relaxationtechniques that you can use in yourpersonal plan of good health.

Guided Relaxation with HarpEVERY TUESDAY10:15 to 11 a.m.Meditation Room, Celilo Cancer CenterFreeThis 45-minute session can help youreduce stress and relax with the use ofguided imagery and beautiful music.

Individual Nutrition ConsultMeet one on one with our registereddietitian. Research indicates, nutritionplays a vital role in health. Ourdietitian will guide you in eatinghealthy and feeling your best.

Freshstart Tobacco Cessation Classes are held each month4 sessions, 6:30 to 8 p.m.Classes are free through August 2010There’s never been a better time to quitsmoking or using tobacco than right now.Freshstart provides you with the structureand support you need to help you quitand stay quit for good. Tobacco cessationcoordinator Emily Curtis leads youthrough four one-hour classes designedto help you discover the keys you need toleave tobacco behind for good. Classesare offered every month. To register, call541-296-7319.

Healthy Weight SolutionsWEDNESDAYS

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call for class schedule.

This outpatientprogram is a unique

eight-weekprogressiveweight loss andwellness clinic

that will provide asafe and supportive

environment for weightloss achievement, stress reduction anddisease prevention. The program willfocus on a holistic solution to weightmanagement. The multi-disciplinary teamincludes a dietitian, registered nurse andphysician. The curriculum will includeresearch-based integrative strategies thatare simple, practical and lifelong.

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Infant MassageTUESDAY, July 276:30 to 8 p.m.Water’s Edge, Lone Pine Village$20

Join Judy Shinn,LMT, certifiedinfant massageinstructor, andlearn loving touchmassage for your

infant or child ages newborn to 2years. The class will focus onrelaxing massage, colic relief andbonding between parent and child.

Massage TherapyMassage therapy is one of the oldestforms of health practice. It has beenused to enhance healing and generalwell being since ancient times. This therapy manipulates the skin,muscles and joints for musclerelaxation, improved circulation andstress relief. The therapists at Mid-Columbia Medical Center offer a variety of massage techniquestailored to your specific needs.

To schedule an appointment orpurchase a gift certificate for amassage, please call 541-506-6998.Beginning June 21 New massageservices to begin at Water's Edge.

Acupuncture TherapyBEGINNING JUNE 21

Two Locations:Water’s Edge andCelilo Cancer Center$20

Acupuncture is onediscipline taken from

the heritage ofChinese medicine. The

technique involves theinsertion of very fine needles

at specific points in the body whichhave been shown to be effective inthe treatment of various conditions.Call 541-506-6998 for appointmentsor for more information.

&Therapeutic Body WorkHealing Therapies

Rehabilitation ProgramsORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATIONOur physical and occupational therapists can evaluate and manage conditions/injuries of the joints and soft tissues forall ages, to include dysfunctions of thehand, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, footand spine.

NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATIONOur team is trained to treat a variety ofneurological conditions including stroke,multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries.

Specialized Rehabilitation Physical TherapyOSTEOPOROSISThis program is designed to helpindividuals recognize risk factors forosteoporosis and how to address them,participate in an exercise programdesigned to increase bone strength andposture, understand the impactmedications may have on bone health,and to make wise food choices to reduceadvancing osteoporosis. Following a DEXA or bone density scan your doctormay refer you to the program.

GOLF CLINICProper body mechanicsare essential tocreating an effective

golf swing and preventing injury. Open togolfers of all ages and abilities, this clinicwill focus on helping you achieve the bestposture, balance, flexibility and muscularendurance. We train your body, the mostimportant piece of golf equipment, for amore powerful, consistent golf swing.

MOBILITY & SEATINGCLINICThis clinic is designed forindividuals who need apower or manualwheelchair for the firsttime (pediatric, geriatric,athletic); are experiencing

current or recurrent issues with wounds;have had recent changes in seating orpositioning needs; have equipment that isolder than five years or is broken or unsafe.

VESTIBULAR REHAB & BALANCE THERAPYVestibular rehabilitation is an alternativeform of treatment involving specificexercises designed to decrease dizziness,increase balance function and increasegeneral activity levels.

FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATION(FCE)Completed by a skilled physical therapist,FCE is used by physicians, case managers,and employers to transition injuredworkers from disability to function andemployment. FCE is the single mostreliable measure to determine if asuccessful return-to-work is possible.

Occupational TherapyLYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT AND THERAPYA therapy program that will help minimize and manage the symptoms of lymphedema.

HAND THERAPY AND UPPER EXTREMITYAppropriate for individuals with upperextremity wounds, scars, damaged tendonsor nerves, fractures and amputations.

Speech TherapyDYSPHAGIAOur speech-language pathologists are specially trained in treatingswallowing, voice and other language/communication impairments.

Outpatient Therapy ServicesTwo Locations:

Westside: 115 W. 4th St. 541-298-8985 • MCMC Campus: 1810 E. 19th St. 541-296-7202We will be relocating both clinics to Water’s Edge in early summer,

located at 551 Lone Pine Blvd. 541-296-7202. Our multi-disciplinary approach to outpatient rehabilitation services includes

physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

With a physician’s referral, these therapiesare covered by most insurance plans,including Medicare. We will assist you todetermine your insurance benefits.12


Carrie Vieira would pinch herself tomake sure she isn’t dreaming, but

if the last few months of her life haveall been part of a dream, why chanceruining it?

In the course of a few shortmonths, the physician assistant hasrelocated to a new hometown she hasquickly fallen in love with; bought herfirst house near downtown The Dalles;set up practice in RiverView FamilyMedicine, an affiliate of a hospitalwhose patient-care philosophymatches her own; and begun caringfor the diverse mix of patients thatshe has found makes her professionmost rewarding.

This may not be a dream, butVieira says it’s pretty close to a visionof her ideal work/play experience.Interestingly enough, part of hervision didn’t even come into focusuntil after she had moved here.

“I wasn’t really sure I was readyto do the small-town thing,” saysVieira, who most recently practiced inBoise, did her PA training at OHSU inPortland, and had lived in Washington,D.C., while doing research for the


National Institutes of Health. “Butthen I came out to visit the area, gota tour of the hospital and learnedhow closely all the members of thecare team work together to ensurethe best care for their patients. It alljust blew me away.”

Vieira also learned about Mid-Columbia Medical Center’scommitment to caring for the needsof the whole person, and was equallyimpressed. “Being a Planetreehospital was a huge determinant inmy coming here,” she says.

At RiverView, the New Mexiconative works in a team setting with clinic physicians to providecomprehensive family care to patientsof virtually all ages. “We are trainedin the medical model along sidemedical students, so that when webecome physician assistants we havemany of the same skill sets andmedical background, allowing us to

provide much of the same care that aphysician would provide,” she says.“I see my own patients but work in ateam model, so I also help care forthe patients of our clinic’s physicians. I am supervised by, and consult with,a physician, but also have quite a bitof autonomy.”

The team model, Vieira says,helps ensure patients have thetimeliest access possible to the levelof care they need. “Most of mypatients’ main concern is to be seenin a timely manner by a qualifiedhealthcare professional, and thatdoesn’t always have to be aphysician,” she says.

Though her practice has beengrowing steadily, Vieira is still findingtime to enjoy her favorite pastimes,which include cycling, hiking, skiingand spending time with herhousemates, a Siberian husky and aNorwegian elkhound.

CARRIE VIEIRA, PA-CRiverView Family Medicine1810 E. 19th Street, Suite 211APPOINTMENTS: 541.296-7677

“Being a Planetree hospital was a huge determinant in my coming here.” — Carrie Vieira, PA-C

MARK TABOR, PA-CInternal Medicine Associates1825 E. 19th StreetAPPOINTMENTS: 541.506.6940

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Physician assistant Mark Tabor, PA-C, brings some rare skills to

his new practice. While a few mightnot be used over the course of anormal patient-care giverrelationship, (like, oh, fencing ormarksmanship), they do helpdemonstrate the diverse backgroundand wealth of knowledge that helpmake him such a good primary care provider.

Tabor’s roundabout road to The Dalles began when he joined theCoast Guard out of high school. Inboot camp, he was exposed to all ofthe jobs he could perform for theservice, including corpsmen, theCoast Guard’s medics.

That one intrigued him.



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By the time Vern Beito couldno longer straighten his left

arm he knew he’d waited longenough to seek specializedorthopedic help. He was thrilled hedidn’t have to look far.

Beito, a truck driver and retiredlaw-enforcement officer from The Dalles, was one of the manyarea patients who have benefitedfrom the partnership Mid-ColumbiaMedical Center forged in 2009with Oregon Health & ScienceUniversity to expand theavailability of specializedorthopedic care in the region.

The MCMC I OHSUOrthopedics clinic opened lastFebruary on 12th Street in The Dalles, immediately increasingaccess to comprehensive care forskeletal issues, both general andthose that require the more highlyspecialized training available fromthe providers and surgeonsaffiliated with Oregon’s onlyacademic medical center.

The major benefit of thisrelationship, of course, is it bringsOHSU’s expertise to patients in theMid-Columbia region, rather thanthe other way around.

“I can’t say enough about the people who took care of me,”said Beito. “They really knew their stuff.”

Beito, whose job involvestransporting commodities,sustained his injury while shoveling

lime. The pain in his left arm wassharp and immediate, but Beitodidn’t think it was all that serious.

“I thought it was just asprain,” he said. “Thinking ofmyself as being big and tough, I figured it would get better in afew days. But it didn’t.”

Beito didn’t realize that theextension and pressure he hadplaced on his elbow had snapped abone. He tried to work through ituntil he was almost completelyunable to straighten his arm.

“I figured it might be tendonor ligament damage,” Beito said.

He first saw Margot Bolstad inMCMC’s occupational medicine

department. After examination, shereferred Beito to orthopedicspecialist Jennifer Van Atta, PA-C,with MCMC I OHSU Orthopedic

Good to the BoneBy Jim Hays

When Vern Beitoinjured his arm onthe job, he savedhimself a long trip toPortland by turningto the specialists atMCMC I OHSUOrthopedics.

“I can’t say enoughabout thepeople whotook care ofme. Theyreally knewtheir stuff.”

— Vern Beito

O R T H O P E D I C S E R V I C E S


Services. Van Atta discovered a smallpiece of bone that had broken awayfrom Beito’s elbow and had becomelodged in the joint, preventing himfrom straightening his arm.

Van Atta referred Beito to hercolleague George Brown, M.D., anMCMC I OHSU orthopedic surgeon,who scheduled surgery for April 1.The bone chip was removed, theelbow repaired and just over two

weeks later, Beito was back on thejob — pain-free and with full rangeof motion.

“Usually when you have surgery,you expect some pain after it,” Beitosaid. “That wasn’t the case here.After the first day or two, I didn’thave any pain at all.”

Without the MCMC I OHSUpartnership, Beito said he may havehad to shuttle back and forthbetween The Dalles and Portland toget the orthopedic expertise heneeded. Instead, he just had to driveacross town.

“It made the whole process somuch more convenient,” Beito said.

15

Tabor became an EMT andworked in clinics at bases inHouston, San Francisco, Astoria andKodiak Island, Alaska, but also gotto jump into helicopters (similar toLifeFlight) when a call came in.

On a call, Tabor would ride outwith his search and rescue team. If a sailor was in the water, thehelicopters could land in the wavesfor the rescue. If the patient was ona boat, Tabor was hoisted downfrom the helicopter to the deck.

While he enjoyed theadrenaline rush that came withsuch work, Tabor’s work at baseand ship clinics sparked his desireto become a physician assistant.The Coast Guard clinics exposedhim to many aspects of medicalcare. It also introduced him to therole of the physician assistant.

In 1995, Tabor left the CoastGuard and began studying tobecome a physician assistant at the University of WashingtonMedical School.

After his training, Tabor and his family moved to Portland,where he worked with hospitalizedpatients, many elderly, with severemedical problems, helping managethe complicated care before andafter surgeries.

His work in that complexsetting impressed Paul Armerding,M.D., medical director of Mid-Columbia Medical Group.

“Mark’s had to deal with a lotof crises, and he learned how tohandle those sorts of situationsquite well,” Dr. Armerding says.

“He puts people at ease, especiallysenior citizens. He has a goodrapport with them.”

Virtually every small town inAmerica is facing the challenge ofrecruiting physicians from the ever-decreasing pool of candidates, saysDr. Armerding. In the last two years,however, MCMC has beenextremely successful in attractingnew primary care physicians. But

physician assistants and nursepractitioners, working in clinicsalongside physicians, also playimportant roles to fill gaps in care.

Tabor had offers from threehospitals besides MCMC, but The Dalles was the right choice, he says.

“I really like the hospital and I really like the clinics,” he said.“Everyone is just so nice. What afantastic group of people.”


Mark Tabor, PA-Ccontinued from page 13

“Mark putspeople at ease,especiallysenior citizens.He has a good rapportwith them.”

— Paul Amerding, M.D.Medical Director, MCMG

An affiliate of


16

Let’s go down to Water’s Edge” may sound like a great start to a gospel song, but

Mid-Columbia Medical Center envisions it as more of an invitation — a call to action that in the comingweeks and years gets used over and over againthroughout the region.

A simple sentence that inspires a quick tripdown to the edge of the Columbia River for a health encounter with a wellness professional, aconversation over a delicious meal or an afternoonof mind-and-body pampering.

On the eve of its opening, Water’s Edge, Mid-Columbia Medical Center’s beautiful new facilityoverlooking the Columbia River, has come togetherbetter than even its most optimistic architects

(both building and program designers) could have imagined.

The facility itself is at once beautiful, functionaland earth-friendly, and the views from withinsomehow look even more picturesque when framedby the building’s many large windows.

The programs, too, took on new life once theideas left the scratch pad, staff had been selected,equipment and furnishings began arriving, andmenus (food, spa and otherwise) had been written.

It has been almost a decade since MCMCconstructed its last new health facility, Celilo CancerCenter, but Water’s Edge is well worth the wait.

Water’s Edge is scheduled to open in June, andan open house is being planned to introduce thefacility to the community. But here is a sneak peak ofthe three new programs MCMC has developed toco-habitate the building with several existinghospital programs.

Water’s Edge

Opening day is only

a few weeks away

for Mid-Columbia

Medical Center’s new

Water’s Edge facility

in Lone Pine Village

By Dick BaltusWater


Water’s Edge Health & Wellness Center

Member services and amenities will include:• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.• State-of-the-art fitness equipment and

individualized training.• Aquatic therapies that take advantage of

the center’s three pools: 25-yard lap pool,a warmer pool for water aerobics and astate-of-the-art flow pool.

• Group fitness classes — yoga, tai chi, Pilates, group cycle, aerobics, circuit training,water exercise.

• Sports and exercise testing (body fat, VO2,lactate threshold).

• Nutritional education.• Health-risk assessments.

Through the concept of medical fitness, Water’sEdge Health & Wellness Center members will benefitfrom a comprehensive and multi-dimensionalapproach to wellness that merges traditional fitnessconcepts with medically supervised activities and anarray of other health services.

The Spa at Water’s Edge

For additional informationabout services andappointments, contact Barbat 541.296.7414.

In this comfortable setting,Mid-Columbia Medical Center

professionals will blend thehospital’s mind-body

philosophy with the offeringsof a traditional day spa.

The Spa will offer an arrayof mind-body therapies andcosmetic services, including:

MassageMineral bath therapy

HydrotherapyVichy shower

AromatherapyBody wraps

Facials and otheresthetician services

The Bistro will offer diners a casual

environment (with a fantasticview) and the chance to enjoy a

delicious sit-down meal, a healthy snack on the run, an

espresso drink or any of anumber of other selections.

The emphasis will be onhealthy and tasty food items

made, whenever possible, fromlocal ingredients. The creativeand diverse menu will feature

items such as:

The Bistro atWater’s Edge

Crepes, both sweet and savoryPanini sandwiches

Fresh saladsFlat bread pizzas

Coffee and tea barSmoothies

Works

While healthy individuals will be attracted to the centerfor its non-threatening setting and state-of-the-artequipment, many others will use their memberships to:

• Gain knowledge and skills to better managechronic diseases.

• Participate in health-maintenance andpreventive programs and activities.

• Recuperate from hospital stays.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: Members are now beingenrolled in Water’s Edge Health & Wellness Center. Formembership or other information, please call: 541.506.5779. 17


18

Oneof aKindThere’s nobetter way todescribe boththe MCMCAuxiliary andthe Gift Shopthey run tosupportimportantpatient careservices.

The Mid-Columbia Health Foundation is investingin the future health of area communities byoffering financial assistance to nursing studentsthroughout the Mid-Columbia region.

The foundation offers scholarships from three funds:

• The Evelyn Kaser Nursing Scholarship supports theeducational interests of individuals who wish to becomeregistered nurses

• The Marty Aalbers Nursing Scholarship funds trauma andostomy training for nurses intending to practice in the Mid-Columbia region.

• The Non-Traditional Nursing Student fund is designed for students who are over age 25 and currently enrolled in anursing program after an interruption in their studies due to life circumstances.

“By providing these scholarships, we hope to encourage aspiringnurses in our community and, at the same time, positively impact thelocal nursing industry,” said Celeste Hill Thomas of the Foundation.

Applications for 2010 scholarships are due June 30, 2010.Interested Mid-Columbia residents can apply for one of these

scholarships by contacting the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation at(541) 296-7275 or via email, [email protected].

Applications are also available online at www.mcmc.net.

NursingScholarshipsAvailable

By Dick Baltus


Dewanda Clark would like therecord to show that she hates

to shop — at least for herself. But for the customers of the

Mid-Columbia Medical Center Gift Shop? Well, that’s another story altogether.

As a long-time member of theMCMC Auxiliary and its buyingcommittee, Dewanda has beenhelping keep the Gift Shop stocked with such a diverse and high-quality selection of merchandisethat it has become a populardestination not just for hospitalemployees and visitors, but also formembers of the general public.

As a result, the Auxiliary hasover the years been able to fund thepurchase of more than $665,000worth of critical hospital equipment,furnishings and supplies.

“The Auxiliary has contributedimmensely to the quality of care andservice we have been able to provideover the years at MCMC,” saysPresident/CEO Duane Francis. “The financial support they providehas in many instances made itpossible for us to upgradetechnology or add capabilities thatsimply wouldn’t have been possiblewithout their help.”

And to think, it all started backin the old The Dalles GeneralHospital, where Auxiliary memberswould push a small library and giftcart from one patient room to thenext. Dewanda joined the group in1960, just after the current facilitywas built and in the same year theAuxiliary made its first official gift tothe hospital.

The total was just $228.50, butthe Auxiliary was now operating afull-scale gift shop, whose sales justkept growing, ultimatelynecessitating two remodels.

This year, the group fundedabout $36,000 worth of grantrequests from MCMC departmentmanagers, who each year submitapplications for the Auxiliary toconsider. For the last decade theAuxiliary has given between $28,000and $36,000 per year.

The largest gifts the Auxiliaryhas ever made were given in 1999and 2000, when the Beanie Babycraze sent Gift Shop salesskyrocketing and boosted thegroup’s hospital contributions toover $50,000 each year.

The Auxiliary’s gifts have comein a variety of forms. “We’ve fundedeverything from CPR mannequinsand staff education to recliners forpatient rooms and ICU telemetrysystems,” says current presidentMary Fields.

This year the group funded,among other things, the purchase ofseveral new mattresses for thehospital’s inpatient rehabilitation

program. Grant requests that aredesigned to increase patient safetyand comfort or that involve childrenare given a special consideration,Dewanda adds.

She and the other four membersof the Auxiliary buying committee —Evelyn Brockman, Ava Kerr, NancyRosebraugh and Joan Spotton —spend a lot of time, and take a lot of pride, finding unique items for the Gift Shop that can’t be easilyfound elsewhere.

They have been so successful tothat end that their shop has becomea model for other hospital gift shops.“We had a buyer for a gift shop inSanta Rosa stop in who said she hadbeen visiting gift shops up and downthe west coast looking for ideas, and

ours was one of the best she’sseen,” Mary says.

“We call it the best-kept secretin The Dalles,” Dewanda adds.

It’s certainly no secret amonghospital staff and managers, who arewell aware of what the Gift Shopand the devoted members of theMCMC Auxiliary have meant to themover the years.

“The Auxiliary has contributedimmensely to the quality of care and service we have beenable to provide over the years at MCMC.”

— President/CEO, Duane Francis

19


1700 E. 19th St., The Dalles, OR 97058A Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Hospital

CURRENT RESIDENT

NON-PROFITU.S. Postage

P A I DMID-COLUMBIA

MEDICAL CENTERPermit #161

We will kick off our Storytime Series this summer

Saturday, June 5th from 10:30-11 am at The Dalles Farmer’s Market

at City Park in The Dalles.

All other storytimes will be held Tuesdays, June 8th – June 29th

at the Planetree Health Resource Centerat 200 East 4th Street, The Dalles.

Call 541-296-8444 for more details. Hope to see you there!

The Planetree Health ResourceCenter is offering a freesummer enrichment programfor children ages 3-6 throughthe month of June. Each week a different story will focus onattitudes and habits to keepkids healthy. Special guests will be on hand to lead a funactivity to reinforce the lessonslearned from the story. Join usfor stories, rhymes, sharing,learning, fun and activities.

Saturday, June 5thWhere Our Food Comes From/Eating Healthy with Brad and Lolly Tweed, Master Gardeners, @ The Dalles Farmer’s Market

Tuesday, June 8thActive Bodies & Healthy Hearts with Meghann Jenkins, Mid-Columbia Medical Center Fitness Instructor

Tuesday, June 15thGood Habits for Healthwith Diane Kerr, RN with the NorthCentral Public Health District

Tuesday, June 22ndYoga! Strengthen, Stretch and Breathewith Jeff Albin, Certified Yoga Calm Teacher

Tuesday, June 29thSowing the Seeds of Happinesswith Joella Anglin, LCSW, Social Worker

Join the Planetree Health Resource Center and Special Guests for our

Healthy Storytime 2010 SeriesJune 5th – June 29th • 10:30 – 11 am


2010-q1-spring-wellaware

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