Latest News

May 6, 2008

    Flagstaff Medical Center recently received a $76,275 grant from the Phoenix Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formally the Susan G. Komen Foundation). This is the fifth year FMC has received a Komen grant. Past grants have covered lymphedema treatment, education, post-surgical and mastectomy undergarments for patients, as well as healthcare provider education. This year, the grant has been expanded to include massage therapy, increased healthcare provider education and additional funding for travel and lodging so patients who live outside Flagstaff can receive care.  
     The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure serves Central and Northern Arizona, and has a volunteer base of more than 1,500. Since 1993, the Phoenix Affiliate has granted more than $11 million to breast cancer treatment, education, prevention and outreach programs in addition to breast cancer research.
    Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, affecting one out of every eight women. A potential side-effect of breast cancer treatment, lymphedema affects approximately 20 percent of cancer survivors. Symptoms include swelling and loss of motion and/or pain, usually in the arms or legs. Although lymphedema is not curable, treatment by physical and occupational therapists can decrease swelling, pain and sensitivity, and increase movement and strength.
    Recent studies show that people with sever illnesses such as cancer benefit from massage therapy resulting in decreased pain and improved feelings of well-being. Through this grant, massage therapists can provide massage to women during and after treatment. Additionally, therapists provide education on skin care to avoid further problems.
    The Cancer Center at Flagstaff Medical Center and the Breast Cancer Resource Center are devoted to making an impact on breast cancer in our community through prevention and early detection. The Cancer Center provides excellent care through advanced technology with an individualized approach.
    For more information about the grant or how to access the funds, call 214-3519. For more information on the Cancer Center visit CancerCenteratFlagstaff.com.

March 26, 2008

     Harnath Singh, M.D., nephrology, has been named Flagstaff Medical Center’s 2008 Physician of the Year. Dr. Singh will receive FMC’s 15th annual Healing Excellence and Leadership (HEAL) award at a ceremony on Monday, March 31, as part of FMC’s celebration of National Doctors’ Day.
    Each year, FMC presents the HEAL award to a physician on its active staff who exemplifies the mission, vision and values of FMC by working in partnership with the hospital to provide excellent healthcare services to patients and the community. This year, 27 physicians were nominated for the award by FMC staff, physicians, volunteers and board members.
    In nomination forms, Dr. Singh’s compassion for his patients and the respect he shows for patients, families, staff and colleagues was expressed. “Dr. Singh really cares about his patients; you can see his care and compassion when he is with patients,” said Stefanie Bodnar, Medical/Surgical unit. “He has a way with his patients and their family that encourages them and helps them with their long-term treatment of kidney disease. He is always happy.”
    Dr. Singh is the medical director of the dialysis units at Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center, in addition to his private medical practice. Born in Jaipur, India, Dr. Singh earned his medical degree from S.M.S. Medical College in Jaipur in 1975. After moving to the U.S., he completed his fellowship in Nephrology at Winthrop Hospital, New York. Dr. Singh has more than 30 years experience as a physician and 17 years specializing Nephrology.
    “I am truly honored to receive this award,” Dr. Singh said. “I love my job. I get a blessing from helping people. The patient care team I work with are truly remarkable people. They really care about our patients and they always go out of their way for the patients and their families. I owe my success to those I work with everyday.”
    Previous HEAL recipients are Brad Noblett, M.D.; Edgar Clark, M.D.; Tamara Johnson-Baack, M.D.; John Steenbarger, M.D.; Stephen Ritland, M.D.; Theodore Lewis, M.D.; Mark Peterson, D.O.; Jeff Christenson, M.D.; Dan Wesche, M.D.; Jerry Mohr, M.D.; John Mougin, M.D.; John Durham, M.D., Kenneth Salce, M.D., and Andrew Aldridge, M.D.

March 18, 2008

    Flagstaff Medical Center’s Women and Infants’ Center recently was awarded the Johnson’s Childbirth Nursing Awards Certificate of Recognition for the care provided to patients. Nominations for the award are submitted by patients. As a result of the nomination, the center will be entered into a drawing to win one of four $1,000 educational grants. The center will use the grant money to provide scholarship funds for nursing students.
     FMC’s Women and Infants’ Center focuses on family-centered care for labor and delivery and antenatal patients, newborn infants and children up to 18 years of age. The center offers 11 private labor/delivery rooms and 19 private mother/infant rooms; an enhanced Level II Special Care Nursery for premature and at-risk newborns; a 10-bed, child-friendly Pediatrics Unit and four-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for critically ill and injured children; as well as support groups and childbirth education classes. In 2007, 1,569 babies were delivered at FMC.