Med Center Health

🧠 Knowing the signs of stroke, also called a brain attack, can save a life. In case of #stroke, can you "BE-FAST?" ➡️ B: Loss of balance ➡️ E: Blurred vision ➡️ F: Face drooping ➡️ A: Arm difficulty ➡️ S: Speech slurring ➡️ T: Time to call 911 🧠▶️ bit.ly/2PxAF44

Your health information is personal. Your access should be secure and convenient. MyChart provides a secure way to access your health information online — giving you convenient access when you need it. MyChart is Coming to Med Center Health. ▶️ MedCenterHealth.org/MyChart

🏬 Med Center Health Moment 🏬 In 2018, Med Center Health celebrated the opening of the UK College of Medicine, Bowling Green Campus, a landmark partnership with the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University. As Kentucky's first four-year regional medical school campus, the new facility allows students to complete their entire medical education in Southcentral Kentucky while training alongside Med Center Health physicians and healthcare professionals. More than a building, this investment represented a commitment to the future, helping educate the next generation of physicians, strengthen our healthcare workforce, and improve access to quality care throughout the region. From groundbreaking to grand opening, the UK College of Medicine, Bowling Green Campus, stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to community health. ▶️ 100.MedCenterHealth.org

🩷 Lisa has over 15 years of experience as a dedicated social worker and has a profound passion for helping patients and families navigate life’s challenges. Her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others drives her work and inspires her every day. 👉 Lisa also facilitates the Cancer Support Group, which offers a safe, compassionate space to connect, share experiences, and draw strength from others on similar journeys. 💻 Learn more about Lisa ▶️ bit.ly/2RdmhPe 💻 Learn more about the Cancer Support Group ▶️ bit.ly/4bqgKKC

💙 Faces of Med Center Health: Dr. Paul Cook 💚 For Dr. Paul Cook, what started as an invitation to serve one four-year term on The Medical Center Board of Directors quickly turned into a four-decade commitment and involvement in the rapid growth of what is now a multi-county healthcare system. Cook, then an administrator at Western Kentucky University, had modest expectations when he joined the board of directors in 1983. “I thought I would serve one term and that would be it,” recalls Cook, who taught history at WKU before moving into administration and eventually rising to executive vice president. “But, when a term would come to an end there always seemed to be something else going on that I wanted to be part of.” There has been plenty going on during Cook’s tenure on the board. The Medical Center at Bowling Green, started a century ago as a small rural hospital, had already begun its growth under the leadership of CEO John Desmarais and that growth would only accelerate after Desmarais passed the baton to current CEO Connie Smith in 2010. Now the longest-tenured member of the board of directors, Cook has witnessed the transformation of the Bowling Green campus and the expansion of Med Center Health into a healthcare system that has more than 60 outpatient and specialty clinics and seven hospitals across Southcentral Kentucky. Most recently, The Medical Center at Bowling Green campus continued its growth with the addition of the five-story High Street Tower that expands the hospital’s women’s and children’s services. “I’m pleased that the institution has evolved the way it has,” Cook said. “It has a regional impact now. In some cases, if Med Center Health hadn’t purchased these entities (small rural hospitals) they would’ve just gone out of existence.” A past chairman of The Medical Center Board of Directors, Cook downplays his role in the healthcare system’s growth and gives credit to staff leaders like Desmarais and Smith. “I give the staff credit for being forward-thinking,” he said. ▶️ 100.medcenterhealth.org

Have a question for your care team? Connect with MyChart. MyChart will give you another convenient way to stay connected with your Med Center Health care team. MyChart is Coming to Med Center Health. ▶️ MedCenterHealth.org/MyChart

👉 Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere. Until help arrives, the first responder is YOU. Know the two steps of Hands-Only CPR to save a life! 🚑 If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help can arrive. ▶️ MedCenterHealth.org/Heart

🚑 Stroke is an emergency you can't treat at home. If you think it's a stroke, call 911 immediately. 👉 To learn more about the symptoms of stroke, visit bit.ly/48JGUYD.

🩷 Michelle Del Rey, Oncology Patient Navigator, has several years of experience helping cancer patients as both a nurse and patient navigator. She is a dedicated nurse navigator who will help guide you through the process and answer your questions. 📲 Contact Michelle at 270-781-7178 for more information on questions related to your cancer care, resources to help with side effects and treatment, help with referrals, or general information needs about your care. ▶️ medcenterhealth.org/navigate…

🏬 Med Center Health Moment 🏬 A groundbreaking partnership took shape in 2017 as Med Center Health, the University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University broke ground on the UK College of Medicine, Bowling Green Campus, Kentucky's first four-year regional medical school. This transformative project was designed to train future physicians close to home, expand research opportunities, and strengthen healthcare access across Southcentral Kentucky. The year also brought continued growth through acquiring OrthopedicsPlus Physical Therapy, that allowed the Med Center to expand rehabilitation services and investments in technology and patient care facilities. By investing in education, innovation, and community partnerships, Med Center Health continued its mission of caring for people and improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. ▶️ 100.MedCenterHealth.org

Annual mammography remains the most effective tool for early breast cancer detection—studies show it can reduce breast cancer mortality by up to 40%. With today’s technology and expert imaging, you can take proactive control of your health. For your convenience, Med Center Health has multiple locations throughout Southcentral Kentucky that offer mammograms. ▶️ MedCenterHealth.org/Mammo

Meet Brianna Edwards, APRN, with the Hematology & Oncology team at Med Center Health. She believes the best care starts by listening. Her goal is to help every patient feel heard, respected and supported. She works closely with patients and their families to provide compassionate, high-quality care every step of the way. Learn more about Cancer Care services offered at Med Center Health at MedCenterHealth.org/Cancer.

💙 Faces of Med Center Health: Dan Cherry 💚 His status as a decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who attained the rank of brigadier general may be Dan Cherry’s best-known achievement, but he also views his brief tenure on the staff of Med Center Health as another noteworthy accomplishment. Not long after he retired from a 29-year career in the Air Force in 1988, Cherry was approached by John Desmarais (then Med Center Health CEO) about joining his staff. Cherry accepted a role in property management, inspecting Med Center Health properties and evaluating potential acquisitions. Although he served in that role only three years, Cherry came away with a great appreciation for the leadership and culture at what is now a century-old healthcare company. “John Desmarais was a true visionary for what Bowling Green needed in terms of a hospital facility,” Cherry recalls. “My time with Med Center Health was a great learning experience. It made me feel good to be part of an organization that values people.” Cherry, who left Med Center Health to accept the role of Justice Cabinet Secretary in Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton’s administration, is grateful to Desmarais both for hiring him and for allowing him to take on another important role that benefited Bowling Green. Then-Bowling Green Mayor Johnny Webb approached Desmarais about loaning out Cherry to help start a beautification program now known as Operation PRIDE. Desmarais agreed, and Cherry laid the groundwork for a nonprofit organization that in 1993 purchased the L&N Depot and saved from demolition a building that today serves as the Historic RailPark and Train Museum. Cherry credits Desmarais for allowing him to help Webb start Operation PRIDE. “That says a lot about Med Center Health’s commitment to the community,” Cherry said. “It (Operation PRIDE) turned out to be very successful, and the community is better for it.” The same can be said for other events and organizations Med Center Health has supported, Cherry believes. “Med Center Health has been so instrumental in so many important things,” he said. “The people there are top-notch.” ▶️ 100.medcenterhealth.org