Partners17_Oct_11_3_spreads_high

3Paulding extends
cardiac care
6Breast cancer survivor
finds miracles
12
WellStar
physician
bikes for charity
PARTNERS
NEWS FOR TEAM MEMBERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM
OCTOBER / 2017
Joy Peterson, Clinical Pharmacist:
WELLSTAR 2017 WORKING MOTHER OF THE YEAR
WellStar’s Working Mother of the Year
Joy Peterson, PharmD, had to learn
quickly what it meant to balance work
with family life. Her story begins 18
years ago, as a single mom of twin girls.
“I was always motivated to provide for
my daughters,” said Peterson, who today works as a clinical
pharmacist for WellStar Kennestone Hospital, where she
pursues her passion for controlling infectious diseases.
WellStar seeks nominations annually for a working mother
who will represent the Health System as our Working Mother
of the Year. One winner is selected from among five finalists
by a panel comprised of members of the WellStar Board of
Trustees and senior leadership.
Jessica Smith, RD, LD, a clinical pharmacy nutritionist at
Kennestone, nominated Peterson for the Working Mother of
the Year honor.
Continued on page 4...
With infant daughters, Peterson worked night jobs through
college, pursuing a degree in chemistry. She quickly became
fascinated with how different medications impacted the body
and realized she wanted to go into pharmacy. Through the
encouragement of a local pharmacist – and with the help of
her supportive parents – she entered pharmacy school at
Mercer University’s Gwinnett campus when her daughters
were only six-years-old. A few years later, she applied for a
post-graduate clinical pharmacy residency at Kennestone.
“I thought people would think I was crazy to apply for this
residency with two small children,” said Peterson. “But
everyone was so supportive.”
Peterson never left WellStar. “They really make work-life
balance a reality,” she said, noting that both her supervisors
and co-workers support one another.
WellStar’s 2017 Working Mother of the Year winner, Joy Peterson,
PharmD, (center) with her twin daughters, Hannah Locklear (left) and
Hailey Locklear (right).
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WellStar Extends Mission to
Hurricane-Ravaged Communities
WellStar’s mission to deliver high-quality healthcare services expanded beyond our
local communities, following the recent hurricanes that hit the U.S. mainland and
devastated the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix and others.
In the aftermath of the storms, WellStar facilities accepted approximately 20 patients
from the islands, as medical evacuees arrived at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta.
Additionally, just before Hurricane Irma hit Georgia, eight babies were transferred,
as a precaution, from Savannah to WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Their parents were permitted to stay at the hospital free
of charge so they could be near their little ones during this time.
WellStar also identified $50,000 to fund medical supplies to the islands. Our
Emergency Preparedness team worked with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) and island authorities to identify what was needed to ensure
supplies were properly distributed and utilized.
Last, many WellStar physicians and team members volunteered their time
and resources to aid with relief efforts. If you receive individual requests from
impacted colleagues, friends or family members, please send the information
to EmergencyPreparedness@wellstar.org for consideration. The Emergency
Preparedness team will work with local and national authorities to coordinate any
relief efforts to again ensure our response is appropriate and effective.
WellStar Named to
Working Mother
100 Best Companies
List for Tenth Time
For the tenth consecutive year,
Working Mother magazine
recognized WellStar as one of
the 2017 Working Mother 100
Best Companies for the System’s
commitment to progressive
programs, geared toward
supporting the advancement of
women, flexibility, child care and
paid parental leave. The 100 Best
Companies are featured in the
October/November issue of Working
Mother and on workingmother.com.
WellStar Now
Offers Pediatric
Cardiology Services
From mild conditions that can correct
themselves to more complicated or
even life-threatening issues, heart
defects in children are more common
than we may think. That’s why WellStar
now offers pediatric cardiology services
at our Pediatric Center in Kennesaw.
Jeffrey Sacks, M.D., who leads the new
program for WellStar, said the practice
and patient base are growing rapidly.
“Our team evaluates and treats concerns
such as fainting, heart murmurs, chest
pains, heart rhythm issues and more,”
said Dr. Sacks. “Additionally, many
children come to the WellStar Pediatric
Cardiology Program through a referral
from a primary care physician as the
result of a well check-up.”
Chief Pediatric Officer and member
of the WellStar Board of Trustees,
Avril Beckford, M.D., believes this new
service will further WellStar’s dedication
to providing the proper care when
those in our community needs it most.
“We are committed to seeing children
close to home for all services within our
capabilities,” said Dr. Beckford. “Right
child, right time, right place.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics
now recommends that children with
certain issues, such as high blood
pressure or high cholesterol, be
referred to a cardiologist for review.
“In these situations, our goal is to help
[families] make lifestyle modifications
to prevent [their children] from facing
these issues as adults,” said Dr. Sacks.
Dr. Sacks, who worked in college
as a tech in the WellStar Paulding
Jeffrey Sacks, M.D.
Emergency Department said “it is
good to be back” in his home System,
and is enthusiastic about offering this
new service for WellStar’s patients and
families.
WellStar Pediatric Center is located at
1180 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw,
Ga., 30144.
WELLSTAR PAULDING HOSPITAL EXPANDS CARDIAC CARE
Patients in Paulding County now have access to a full-service,
interventional cardiology program at WellStar Paulding
Hospital. Interventional cardiology focuses on minimally
invasive treatment of coronary heart disease.
WellStar Paulding has added the percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI) procedure to its services. The PCI
procedure helps ensure healthy blood flow to the heart and is
performed on patients with stable coronary artery disease or
patients experiencing a heart attack.
WellStar Pharmacy Department and Distribution Center team members worked with representatives of Angel Flight Southeast to prepare a
shipment of medical supplies to deliver to the islands affected by recent hurricanes.
“Bringing interventional cardiology here allows people to be
treated near home, and makes it easier for their families to be
with them at the hospital,” said Harvey Sacks, M.D., WellStar
Paulding director of cardiology.
The PCI procedure is less invasive than coronary artery
bypass surgery, less expensive and faster to perform, with the
patient usually returning home the next day.
Interventional cardiologists, cardiologists, nurses, team members
and senior leadership came together to celebrate the launch of the
interventional cardiology program at WellStar Paulding Hospital on
Sept. 18.
PARTNERS / OCTOBER 2017
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2017 Working Mother of the Year
Runners Up
Joyce Mesa, LPN, WellStar
Medical Group
Cherish Rhodeback, manager,
Organizational Learning
Miheret Tesfaye, PharmD, Clinical
Pharmacist, WellStar Atlanta Medical
Center South
Michelle Tillis, director, Inpatient
Specialty Applications Shared
Service
In February 2018, WellStar Connect
(Epic Electronic Health Records)
will be implemented throughout all
hospitals in our System, enabling every
facility, provider and caregiver access
to their patients’ records on one of
the most advanced electronic health
records (EHR) applications available.
“It’s important to me, as a patient, to
not have to worry about remembering
my medical history when going from
one doctor to the next,” said patient
David Morrison. “I know if I go to my
primary care doctor, cardiologist or
endocrinologist, each have my records
as well as notes from my previous visit at
their fingertips.”
David, like many of our patients, trusts
that his providers across the spectrum
of care have the proper information to
treat him.
Targeting a go-live date of Feb. 25, 2018,
each of the remaining WellStar hospitals
WORKING MOTHER, continued from page 1
“Joy has started many new programs here and greatly advanced antibiotic
stewardship measures at Kennestone,” said Smith.
Peterson said she appreciates that her supervisors give her the tools and resources
to pursue new studies and new opportunities that will improve care for patients.
One example that Peterson is particularly proud of is Kennestone’s placement on
the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Antibiotic Stewardship Honor Roll.
“I have incredible management here, and I know it starts even higher – at the very
top of the organization. It is so rare to have so many demands and a fulfilling career;
and have a healthy home life,” said Peterson.
“I am so blessed.”
ONE PATIENT – ONE RECORD – ONE WELLSTAR
(Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta Medical
Center South, North Fulton, Spalding
Regional, Sylvan Grove and West
Georgia Medical Center), will migrate
to WellStar Connect, helping us to truly
move toward our “One Patient – One
Record – One WellStar” goal.
Through the System’s full transition to
WellStar Connect, our providers and
team members are enabled to deliver
the very best and safest medical care for
our patients.
To ensure transitioning caregivers and
team members continue to provide
world-class healthcare on day one of
go-live, training will be required. Training
course catalogs and registration for team
members and providers is now open in
SuccessFactors Learning.
Registration should be completed by
Nov. 6, 2017.
WellStar Expands Mayo Clinic
Care Network Collaboration
WellStar Health System is pleased to announce the
expansion of our collaboration with Mayo Clinic as a
member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The care
network is a network of like-minded healthcare
organizations that share a commitment to better
serving patients and their families.
Originated in February 2014, the revised agreement
extends the resources of Mayo Clinic to all WellStar
Medical Group and WellStar Clinical Partners
physicians, as well as clinical team members at all
WellStar facilities, including Atlanta Medical Center,
Atlanta Medical Center South, West Georgia Medical
Center and North Fulton, Spalding Regional and Sylvan
Grove hospitals.
WellStar staff may access Mayo Clinic knowledge
and expertise using a variety of electronic tools and
services and connect directly with Mayo Clinic experts
on complex diagnosis and treatment plans. The primary
tools and services include:
AskMayoExpert: An online resource that provides
disease management information, care guidelines,
treatment recommendations and reference materials. It
is a great reference tool for our primary care physicians
to use in determining whether patients need to be
referred to a WellStar specialist.
eConsults: Allows WellStar specialists to consult directly
with Mayo Clinic specialists on complex patient cases.
Patient Education Materials: Mayo Clinic-developed
education materials, including video, in English and
Spanish.
For more information on care network tools and
services available, visit eSource>homepage>Mayo
Clinic Care Network or email Caryn Kim, eConsult
Program Administrator, at caryn.kim@wellstar.org.
The new WellStar mobile app was designed to save patients time.
WELLSTAR INTRODUCES
NEW MOBILE APP
To meet our patients and consumers when, where and how they
wish – an important component of delivering our brand promise
– WellStar launched its new application for mobile users.
WellStar combined consumer research on individuals digitally
seeking medical information with WellStar’s own website
user data to get started. While most consumers use sources
like WebMD for medical research, such as learning about a
condition, WellStar’s users want features that connect them
with the care they need. The team developed the WellStar
app to zero in on the most useful features to our patients and
consumers. The WellStar app includes:
• Find My Doctor: Users can search by name, specialty or
geographic location to choose from more than 1,700 providers;
• Locations: Provides turn-by-turn directions to our hospitals,
health parks, imaging centers, pediatric center, pharmacies
and practices;
• Visit Urgent Care: Informs users of the nearest urgent care
centers and allows them to check-in online;
• Access to MyChart: Allows patients to securely log in
to our patient portal to access their medical records and
communicate with their healthcare providers.
Team members are encouraged to download the app and
encourage patient use as well. Found on the App store, the
WellStar app is now available for iOS and Android devices.
PARTNERS / OCTOBER 2017
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BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR LOOKS FOR LIFE’S ‘LITTLE MIRACLES’
Miracles come in all shapes and sizes. That’s something Dorris
Narbut, known to her friends and family as “Vet,” knows all too
well. It only took a small lump to change her life.
Narbut recently completed 30 straight days of radiation
following a lumpectomy. She then began a five-year regimen
of taking a chemotherapy pill daily. She often feels sick to
her stomach. Yet, she spends her days focusing on the good
around her.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you see things in a
different light,” she said. “I get up every day and am grateful
God gave me another day. Things that may be insignificant to
others are little miracles to me. Oh, the sunrise!”
At first, things were the opposite of miraculous. Before Narbut
learned she had cancer, the company she worked for 20 years
closed, leaving her without insurance. A friend helped her get
a voucher to have her annual mammogram at WellStar at no
cost. (See related story, page 8.)
Reeling from the shocking diagnosis her mammogram
revealed, and unsure of how to proceed with treatment,
Narbut met with Diane Austin, a WellStar nurse navigator.
Austin works with patients to do exactly what her title says –
navigate cancer treatment and the emotions that go with it.
“Diane helped me get in touch with the right people,” Narbut
said. “I wouldn’t have known what to do without her leading
me. She is truly an angel.”
Austin connected Narbut with resources to fund her
treatment, and helped her in other ways too.
“She explained things to me
When you’re so I wouldn’t be so scared,”
diagnosed with cancer, Narbut said.
you see things in a
As she continues her daily
different light.
chemotherapy, Narbut
– Dorris Narbut
is taking life day-by-day,
relaxing in the garden she
worked 20 years to create. Recently, she spotted a rare moth
that resembles a hummingbird for the first time in her life.
She was thankful for the chance to experience another
example of life’s miracles.
This birdhouse (below) was
handmade by Dorris Narbut’s
sister, so she could enjoy the
wonder of hummingbirds
outside her front door. It was
painted pink in honor of Dorris’
battle with breast cancer.
Breast cancer survivor Dorris Narbut (above) appreciates miracles,
big and small, in her life. She lives with a heart of gratitude for
everything from garden treasures to the team at WellStar Douglas
Hospital, who helped her fight cancer.
OCTOBER IS
BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
WellStar is committed to serving women
and their families in the battle against breast
cancer. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness
month, we participated in numerous community
events to help educate and screen women for
potential cancers..
WellStar Team to
Participate in Atlanta
2-Day Walk
For the fourth year, WellStar is the
Medical Crew Sponsor for It’s The
Journey, Inc.’s “Atlanta 2-Day Walk
for Breast Cancer” event. The event
will be held in downtown Atlanta, Nov.
11-12. To date, more than 50 medical
volunteers and walkers for “Team
WellStar” are registered to help support
It’s The Journey’s mission to raise
money for breast health and breast
cancer programs.
Interested in joining Team WellStar as
a walker? There is still time to join – to
register, visit itsthejourney.org. If you
join Team WellStar, you will receive
2016 Atlanta 2-Day Walk’s WellStar medical crew volunteers.
a WellStar Walker t-shirt that can be
picked up at the Marriott Marquis
Medical Triage location at the start of
the event.
WGMC’s Wound Care Center team members had a groovy time at
Paint The Town Pink! Shown are Paige Huey, RN; Chase Jaramillo,
program director; Rhonda Terry, clinical nurse manager; and
Shonda Knight, RN.
Since 2003, It’s The Journey has raised
$13 million to fund 298 grants in Georgia
that provide screening, diagnostics,
Paint The Town PINK!
genetic counseling and testing, support
services, and research. In the last four
years, the WellStar Foundation received
$131,830 in grants from It’s The Journey
to pay for mammograms for patients in
need. (See related story, page 8.)
WellStar West Georgia Medical Center’s (WGMC) Paint The
Town Pink and HOPE for a Day Walk covered LaGrange’s
downtown square with the signature color of breast cancer
awareness. The event also is sponsored by Breast Friends
for Life and HOPE for a Day, Inc.
Proceeds fund mammograms and other breast cancer
screenings, which are performed at WGMC’s Women’s
Health Center; financial assistance for cancer patients’
personal expenses during their treatment period; breast
cancer treatment books for newly diagnosed patients; and
scholarships for LaGrange College students whose lives
have been affected by breast cancer.
Ashley Stewart, M.D., and Vincent Scoglietti, M.D., from
WellStar Medical Group General Surgery provided clinical
breast exams at Paint The Town Pink, as well as vouchers for
follow-up necessary diagnostic and treatment options.
PARTNERS / OCTOBER 2017
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BRAdazzled Event
Raises Record Amount
to Support Free
Mammogram Program
WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital
hosted more than 280 guests at its
fourth-annual BRAdazzled fashion
show and live auction on Oct. 19.
This year’s event was the most
successful ever, raising more than
$13,000 for the WellStar Foundation
in support of Spalding Regional’s
free mammogram program for
uninsured and underinsured women
in the hospital’s service area.
THINK PINK
SPIRIT GIRLS’
NIGHT OUT
More than 300 women recently
attended Spirit Girls’ Night Out –
an annual celebration hosted by
WellStar Health System in partnership
with Town Center at Cobb’s Think
Pink campaign to kick-off Breast
Cancer Awareness month. WellStar’s
Community Education & Outreach
Department performed 191 free health
screenings. The event also featured
“Ask the Expert” health information
booths, and a fabulous “Ribbons and
Bows” fashion show, featuring 12 local
breast cancer survivors.
WellStar Honors Susan G. Komen
Greater Atlanta and It’s the Journey, Inc.
for Continued Grant Support
At WellStar, we honor our patients, team members, oncology physicians and
everyone personally impacted by breast cancer through partnerships with
charitable foundations, allowing us to educate and treat more individuals in the
communities we serve.
In 2016, Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta and It’s The Journey, Inc. supported
WellStar with grants funding 700 free mammograms and diagnostic services to
uninsured and underinsured patients. This year, both organizations presented
the WellStar Foundation with even larger grants to help more patients across the
entire System.
To say thank you, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center recently hosted events
honoring each organization. Representatives from both the Komen and Journey
organizations were onsite at AMC and WellStar Outpatient Imaging at Camp
Creek, so patients could personally thank them for funding the mammograms.
“I think it’s very important for women to get screenings done for breast cancer,”
said patient Tracie Johnson.
“I want to be in the know about my own health,” she said. “I am very thankful I was
able to partake in the free mammogram program at WellStar.”
Patients from WellStar Camp Creek Outpatient Imaging got a chance to thank representatives
from Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta for funding free mammograms. From left, Theru Ross
from Susan G. Komen, patient Tracie Johnson, Rashan Noble of Community Outreach &
Education, and Tamara Nash of Komen.
WELLSTAR WELCOMES
FIRST EMPLOYED
BREAST SURGEON
When Laura Pearson, M.D., received her first Fisher-Price ®
medical kit at the age of three, she immediately decided she
wanted to be a doctor. And she never changed her mind.
“No one in my family is a doctor,” said Dr. Pearson, who
just became WellStar Medical Group’s first employed
breast surgeon. “I just really liked it.”
“All I wanted in my stockings were band-aids and bandages,
and I always got them.”
Dr. Pearson also is the medical director of WellStar North
Fulton Hospital’s STAT (Specialty Teams and Treatment)
Clinic, a place where patients with breast cancer can expect
to meet with a full multidisciplinary team of specialists and
make treatment decisions faster than traditionally possible.
“I like surgery because I like to fix problems. But what I really
like about being a breast surgeon is that I get to establish
a long-standing relationship with my patients,” said Dr.
Pearson, who has served patients as an affiliated physician
at North Fulton Hospital for the past seven years.
(L-R): Roxanne Graham, supervisor, Maternal
and Infant Support Services; Debora Mastin,
professional educator, Nursing; and Jeff
Cooper, vice president, Operations.
“I now see sisters, friends, mothers and daughters,”
continued Dr. Pearson.
“I’ve seen kids grow up and go to college. I establish a
relationship not only with my patients, but with their families
and I really value that. It is great to see these families
throughout the years.”
About her new position with WellStar, Dr. Pearson said,
“It’s a transition that makes sense. I’ve seen how truly
committed WellStar is to patients.”
Laura Pearson, M.D., second from left, and her team at WellStar
Medical Group Breast Surgery treat breast cancer patients in
the North Fulton area.
WellStar Honors Team Member for Contribution
to Rachel’s Gift Angel Dash 5K
When Debora Mastin, Surgical Services Operating Room educator at WellStar
Kennestone Hospital, first learned of WellStar’s partnership with Rachel’s Gift, Inc., she
was so moved by the shared mission of supporting grieving parents after the loss of a
child that she made a personal contribution in support of the Rachel’s Gift Angel Dash
5K. Debora’s contribution, along with a donation from WellStar Health System, made
WellStar an official sponsor and a team in this year’s race, held Oct. 21.
Rachel’s Gift connects with hospitals across the southeast to assist families in grief
after an infant loss. Rachel’s Gift is now partnered with eight WellStar hospitals:
Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta Medical Center South, West Georgia Medical
Center, and Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, North Fulton and Spalding Regional
hospitals. Through this partnership, WellStar patients will receive additional support
after experiencing an infant loss, as well as keepsake reminders of their child.
PARTNERS / OCTOBER 2017
9

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What You Need
TO KNOW
Giving Tuesday Campaign
Nov. 1-28
As we approach the holiday season, the WellStar
Foundation encourages all team members to share
its Giving Tuesday campaign with family, friends and
followers on social media. While Giving Tuesday (Nov.
28) is acknowledged worldwide as a day to give back,
we are celebrating charitable giving throughout the
entire month of November.
At WellStar, caring for those in need is at the core of
everything we do, and Giving Tuesday offers another
way for us to expand that care in the spirit of the
holidays. We hope you will join us by making a pledge
to benefit the health of loved ones in our communities.
To participate, visit wellstar.org/givingtuesday and
select the WellStar hospital or initiative most meaningful
to you, or text WELLSTAR to 74121. Then share your
contribution on social media using #GivingTuesday,
encouraging others to make a pledge too.
2017 Flu Vaccination Window
Extended through November 15
One of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal flu
infection is through annual vaccination. Because of this,
WellStar requires all team members (unless approved for a
medical or religious exemption) to be vaccinated each year
in accordance with WellStar’s Influenza Vaccination Program
(Policy IP-30-01). This program is important because it
protects our team members, patients, their families and
our communities from potential health risks associated
with influenza.
To ensure adequate time for all WellStar team members to
receive the vaccine, we are extending the flu vaccination
deadline to Wednesday, Nov. 15. We strongly encourage
you to complete this requirement as soon as possible to
avoid scheduling issues or delays.
Flu Vaccination Availability Please continue to check
the Flu Information page on eSource for opportunities to
receive your flu vaccination.
If you have any questions, please contact your facility
Employee Health department.
WellStar Nurse Recognized by Georgia Hospital
Association as Emerging Leader
Congratulations to Chutney Sumpter, BSN, RN, nurse leader of the Ortho Trauma
Unit at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, who recently received the Emerging Nurse
Leader Award for Excellence in Leadership by the Georgia Hospital Association’s
Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders (GONL).
“Her passion for high quality, patient satisfaction, and high reliability exudes in
everything she does in her current leadership role, and I am fortunate to have her
on my team,” said Stuart Downs, vice president and chief nursing officer for WellStar
Atlanta Medical Center, who nominated Chutney for the award.
According to Downs, Sumpter has aligned her priorities as a nurse leader with
bedside service excellence and quality patient outcomes. Due to her leadership,
she has helped reduce hospital-acquired infections on her units of responsibility,
and currently has a track record of being 20 months CAUTI-free. She also has
implemented a unit-based falls-reduction program and instills in her team how
“Purposeful Rounds Keep our Patients off the Ground.” To that end, her falls rate
has decreased by just over 50 percent from the prior year.
“She is a servant leader to the fullest, and she is known and recognized for her
exemplary qualities as an outstanding team member and patient advocate,”
said Downs.
(L-R): Chutney Sumpter, BSN, RN, and Stuart
Downs, vice president and chief nursing
officer, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center.
Due to her leadership, she has helped
reduce hospital-acquired infections on
her units of responsibility.
WELLSTAR WEST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
INVESTS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH
WellStar West Georgia Medical Center (WGMC) is donating
$15,000 to Friends of the Thread to fund an initial Health
Impact Assessment relating to the area surrounding The
Thread, the 29-mile multipurpose trail currently under
construction around Granger Park in LaGrange.
Complete WellStar’s Annual
Required Training
Deadline: Nov. 10, 2017
All team members, including WellStar Medical Group
physicians and advanced practitioners, are required to
complete WellStar’s annual required training program,
which includes GAMES (Goals for Achieving Mandatory
Education and Safety), through SuccessFactors Learning
by Nov. 10, 2017.
Any team member hired before Oct. 9, 2017, will need to
complete the program.
An electronic version of the GAMES 2017 book was
emailed to all team members and is available through the
eSource homepage.
Questions? Please contact Organizational Learning at
organizationallearning@wellstar.org or 470-956-6400.
Jerry Fulks (third from left), WGMC president, with Friends of The
Thread board members Olugbenga Obasanjo, director of District
4 Public Health and assessments chairman for The Thread; Rick
Brock; Natalie Hale, the Friends executive director; Susan Bowie;
and Scott Landa.
“We agree with the goal of physical exercise for our community
because it is consistent with our hospital’s focus of improving
the health and wellness of our entire population,” said Jerry
Fulks, senior vice president and president of WGMC.
The funding will allow for a baseline health assessment of
the area surrounding The Thread. Friends of The Thread are
determining details of the process and partnership between
Georgia Health Policy Center, University of West Georgia and
LaGrange College to conduct the Health Impact Assessment.
PARTNERS / OCTOBER 2017
11

WellStar Physician Bikes Nation’s Perimeter,
Raising Money for Charity
WellStar Medical Group physician Glenn Hirsch, M.D., has logged thousands of
miles biking the perimeter of the United States, but he’s not finished yet. Dr. Hirsch
has used his long-distance bike rides to raise funding and awareness for various
charities over the years.
Now, Dr. Hirsch is preparing for a 500-mile ride from Phoenix, Ariz., to Santa Monica,
Calif. The December journey will complete his loop of the country, but will not end
his quest to do more to raise awareness of childhood cancer and its treatments.
In 2006, Dr. Hirsch’s nephew, Ian, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic
leukemia. Though he underwent chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free after
only 15 days of treatment, Ian was unable to fight off the meningitis that attacked his
weakened immune system. Ian’s parents started a foundation to dedicate funds to
look for effective treatments that would be more tolerable for children’s bodies.
Dr. Hirsch’s efforts exemplify his commitment to service and caring for the
communities we serve. Have a safe ride, Dr. Hirsch!
Going the Extra Mile(s): In December, Glenn Hirsch, M.D., will complete a full circle around
the perimeter of the continental U.S., cycling more than 10,000 miles in 17 years —
all for charities.
A PUBLICATION FOR TEAM MEMBERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM
PARTNERS
WellStar Health System Board of Trustees
Avril Beckford, M.D.
Randall Bentley
Charles Brock
Otis Brumby, III, Vice Chair
H. Speer Burdette, III
Robert N. Cross, M.D.
Paul L. Douglass, M.D.
David Hafner, M.D., Chair
Fitz Johnson
Charles J. Jones
Gary A. Miller
Mitzi Moore
Greg Morgan
Michael B. Patton
Tom Phillips
Walter G. Robinson
Frank Ros
O. Scott Swayze, M.D.
Jeffrey Tharp, M.D.
Ambica Yadav
Ex-Officio: Candice Saunders,
President & CEO
PARTNERS is published monthly by Internal Communications, Marketing,
Public Relations & Digital Communications. Send submissions to
Pat Torres, Internal Communications Strategist.
About WellStar Health System
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for
its innovative care models, which are focused on improving quality and access to
healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations,
outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice,
homecare, as well as 11 inpatient hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar
Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
(anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center,
and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan
Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest in
the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments.
For more information, visit wellstar.org.
Learn how to become
a social media star at
wellstar.org/social.
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