Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

SJRMC sponsors physician appreciation and recognition evening

FARMINGTON, NM (November 14, 2007) - Local doctors were honored Nov. 9 during the sixth annual Physician Appreciation and Recognition Evening, sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center. More than 225 people attended the dinner event at the Courtyard by Marriott. The special evening is organized each year by the Medical Alliance, comprised of a group of physicians' wives, and is intended to pay tribute to the fine work area physicians contribute to the region

Dr. Robert Lehmer, M.D. received the SJRMC Career Achievement Award for his 35 years of service and his numerous leadership roles on committees for the medical staff at San Juan Regional Medical Center.

Drs. Dennis Robison, M.D. and William Barkman, D.O. received the Dictation Excellence Award.

Dr. Paul Rivet, M.D. received the Community Advocacy Award for his continued service as a neurosurgeon for the community when he was slated for retirement. He chose to continue service so the community and hospital would have sufficient coverage for our patients.

Dr. Gayle Murphy, M.D. received the Physician Leadership Award for her service as Credentials Committee Chair since 2002, and for her service on the Physician Health and Rehabilitation Committee since its inception.

Dr. Harold McFarling, D.O. was recognized for his service as Chief of Staff. Local physicians were also honored for five, 10, 15 and 25 years of service.

35 Years
Robert Lehmer, M.D.

25 Years
Mark Bevan, M.D.
Wilbur Tso, M.D.

20 Years
Duane Vanderslice, M.D.

10 Years
Jack Eberhart, M.D.&
Sean Faherty, M.D.
Charles Hoffman, M.D.

5 Years
Diana Drinko, M.D.
Duane Wiggins, M.D.
Ariadna Sadziene-Bessinger, M.D.
Lynne Bliss, M.D.
Jeffrey Neidhart, M.D.
Edward Maurin, M.D.
Joseph Szekely, M.D.

Media Release
Public Service Announcement
For Immediate Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or dmathis@sjrmc.net

Aztec Health Fair Promotes Wellness

FARMINGTON, NM (October 22, 2007)The Aztec Community Health Fair, co-sponsored by San Juan Regional Medical Center and the Aztec Chamber of Commerce, is being held on Friday, November 9, 2007. The free-admission event will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 505 N. Oliver in Aztec. Free flu shots for adults, healthy living information, diet and exercise education, diabetes education, massages, and information on car safety for kids will be offered. In addition, childhood immunizations will be available for children up to 18, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring current immunization records. A number of blood tests will be offered by the San Juan Regional Medical Center lab, including thyroid panel, lipid panel, PSA, glucose screen, and C-reactive protein test for $10 each. Fasting 12 hours prior to testing is recommended.

Media Release
Public Service Announcement
For Immediate Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or dmathis@sjrmc.net

Open House for SJRMC´s Wound Treatment Center

FARMINGTON, NM (October 22, 2007)San Juan Regional Medical Center´s Wound Treatment Center, located at 4251 English Road across from Animas Valley Mall, is holding an open house for their new facility on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 4pm to 6pm. As part of the open house, Sherman and Sally Dugan, who donated the funds for the center's new hyperbaric chamber, will be recognized. The event is open to the public.

Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

SJRMC Provides Funding for Education Programs

FARMINGTON, NM (August 14, 2007) San Juan Regional Medical Center is providing $250,000 to San Juan College in support of several new Allied Health Programs.  This financial support is made possible by a grant from the State of New Mexico in support of the hospital's trauma services.  San Juan College will develop and manage programs leading to designations in several critical healthcare fields:  Surgical Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Paramedic, and Respiratory Therapist.  The programs may be offered as early as spring 2008, depending on how soon staffing needs can be met.  San Juan Regional Medical Center continues to support programs that develop and train tomorrow's healthcare providers through innovative partnerships.  Such programs not only provide employment opportunities to San Juan County residents, but are also a cost-effective means of filling needed positions in healthcare.

Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

SJRMC Introduces Cancer Navigator Program

FARMINGTON, NM (September 6, 2007) - The recent creation of the cancer navigator program at San Juan Regional Medical Center will help make the cancer journey more seamless and a little easier for area patients. To further enhance services to oncology patients in the Four Corners, the Robert W. Umbach Cancer Foundation recently approved a two year grant to San Juan Regional Medical Center which made the cancer navigator program possible. This program, which is offered free to patients, is the first such program of its kind in the area.

Fran Robinson, R.N, serves as the hospital’s cancer navigator and guides each cancer patient through the journey from early detection to rehabilitation and after-treatment support. After a physician consultation, Robinson meets with patients and provides them with educational information about different types of cancer, their treatments and possible side effects. She also works closely with physicians and other care providers to assess a patient’s needs and develop a comprehensive plan of care, as well as providing emotional support to patients and their families.

“This is a program that patients appreciate and need” Robinson said. “Surveys have shown that patients say they need contact and support through the process because they often don't know where to turn. I will be able to work to help guide them to appropriate support services – even those that are not available at San Juan Regional Medical Center."

In addition to serving as the new cancer navigator at San Juan Regional Medical Center, Robinson is currently the breast health coordinator at the hospital. The hospital provides comprehensive breast cancer care from early detection and diagnosis through treatment, rehabilitation and support. The navigator program enhances not only this comprehensive program, but is also available to other cancer patients.

"Early detection and appropriate treatment is the key to the best possible outcome for most cancer patients," added Robinson. "The navigator program will help answer questions and offer support to help patients and family as they navigate through a complex system."

Established in 2001 by an endowment from Robert W. Umbach, the Robert W. Umbach Cancer Fund seeks to provide leading-edge oncology programs using state-of-the-art cancer therapy, research and education, as well as compassionate care for patients and their families.

Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

Cardiologist Joins Hospital Staff

FARMINGTON, NM (September 24, 2007) Luther Weathers, MD has recently joined San Juan Regional Medical Center as a Cardiologist. His practice, San Juan Regional Cardiology, is located at 655 West Pinon in Farmington. Before moving to Farmington for the medical practice opportunity, he was in private practice in Lubbock, Texas. Born in Roswell, New Mexico, Dr. Weathers attended Texas Tech University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center where he also served his internship and residency in Internal Medicine. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Dr. Weathers is married to Rosa Weathers, and they have two children, Chris and Josh. His favorite recreations are fly fishing, bike touring, sailing, woodworking and blacksmithing.

Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

Sara Kaynor Named Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary

FARMINGTON, NM (April 10, 2007) On March 29, 2007, the Farmington Rotary Club honored SJRMC board member Sara Kaynor by naming her a Paul Harris Fellow. A donation of $1000 will be made to the Rotary Foundation in Sara's name. Rotarians often designate a Paul Harris Fellow as a tribute to a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation. Sara was named because of her work with Echo, Inc. (she is the Executive Director), with San Juan Regional Medical Center, and with many other vital community services. Echo, Inc. includes the Echo Food Bank, Echo Aztec Pre-school, and Echo's affordable housing program.

The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International in 1905. A statement from the Farmington Rotary Club notes the importance of this program: "It is because of monetary gifts like the one made in Sara's honor by the Farmington Rotary Club that the Rotary Foundation is able to carry out …programs (for) improved living conditions, increased food production, better education, wider availability of treatment and rehabilitation for the sick and disabled…".

Sara Kaynor has made enormous contributions to the health and welfare of the entire Four Corners area, and this recognition is richly deserved.

Media Release

Contact: Dennis Mathis, Public Relations Coordinator, San Juan Regional Medical Center, 505-324-2238 or email dmathis@sjrmc.net

SJRMC Provides Funding for Education Programs

FARMINGTON, NM (August 14, 2007) San Juan Regional Medical Center is providing $250,000 to San Juan College in support of several new Allied Health Programs. This financial support is made possible by a grant from the State of New Mexico in support of the hospital's trauma services. San Juan College will develop and manage programs leading to designations in several critical healthcare fields: Surgical Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Paramedic, and Respiratory Therapist. The programs may be offered as early as spring 2008, depending on how soon staffing needs can be met. San Juan Regional Medical Center continues to support programs that develop and train tomorrow's healthcare providers through innovative partnerships. Such programs not only provide employment opportunities to San Juan County residents, but are also a cost-effective means of filling needed positions in healthcare.