Blogs

July 25, 2012 - Current Events at VVRMC

Jul 25, 2012 by Marc Strode, CEO
Folks,
I just returned from a very nice reception held today to recognize Dr. Joe Saunders' 40  years of service to the radiology department here at Val Verde Regional Medical Center.  While I have only worked with him for a bit over a year, I'm better for having gotten to work by his side, and certainly he has worked exceptionally hard all these years to make VVRMC a better place for our patients.  He started in July 1972 so you have a few days left in the month in case you missed the party today to say "congratulations" and "thanks!" on his anniversary. 

Dr. Michael Sabesta is our latest traveling urologist who starts a 9-week tour of VVRMC today.  He's a real nice guy, and we welcome him here even though just temporary.  His clinic is in the RT area, and he'll be doing procedures in the OR as well as covering the ED.  I might have some news real soon on our long-term recruitment plans around urology....stay tuned!

There is a new pediatric pulmunologist who is coming to Del Rio on a monthly basis.  Dr. Deane is seeing patients out of Dr. Faz's clinic.  We went and visited with him yesterday and made sure he knew who we were and that we were here to help him in any way we can.  He will be using the hospital for PFTs, labs, and x-ray.  We've got him wired in and connected on his laptop so he can view and receive results remotely.  Glad to have another doctor in the community.  Dr. Deane is affiliated with Methodist Children's Hospital. 

Dr. T, our visiting vascular surgeon, is liking VVRMC and Del Rio so much that he is working this Fall to try and increase the frequency of his visits here.  He has made quite an impact so far, performing the first angioplasty and the first interventional stent procedure ever at VVRMC, both in the cath lab.  We will be "splashing" these stories very soon to generate some additional awareness of the service and make sure the community knows all the good things going on here at VVRMC.  He is also hosting an event that we will co-sponsor w/ UT Health Science Center for the medical community and public on vascular disease in September.

Tom Grimmert made the front page of the news paper this week on his announcement as our new CFO and I suspect they will run a release next week on Dr. Sanchez as our new medical director of the ER.  We are planning a reception upcoming for both of these guys so that those of you who don't routinely work near them have a chance to meet them and put a face w/ name.  Both are key leaders in our organization and great guys to get to know.  When you see this invite, please make every effort to come by.  We'll incent you w/ free food and other goodies!!!

We still have a vacancy on our Hospital District Board.  Dan Lloyd, who was slated to take the last open spot, as it turns out does not live in the precinct he would have been representing.  So, there is a call out to the public for nominations that the District Board will consider and ultimately vote on.  This is for precinct 2, and we ought to have an announcement and a picture up in the lobby real soon. 

This weekend we will be participating in the high school athlete physicals.  Dr. Rigney, Jeri and Linda from our outstanding Val Verde Health Clinic will be providing the service.  I am so greatful to them for taking time on a Saturday morning to do this for these student athletes and their parents.  All the money raised will be donated back to the athletic department.  Physicals are $15. 

Have a great rest of the week!

Keep the Spirit,
Marc