|
|
| Monday, September 8, 2025
| |
| The Memorial Difference: Watch Charles' Story
| |
First thinking he had a prolonged sinus infection, Charles Foote’s stunning diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma led him on a chaotic and scary treatment journey. His is the latest Memorial Difference story we have chronicled and have the privilege of sharing with you.
With memories of his father’s incredibly difficult cancer death in his mind, Charles was ultimately told elsewhere that he could not be treated anymore. He had accepted the fact that he was going to die. But that’s when he found the comforting care of Memorial’s Radiation Oncology team, led by Jason A. Call, MD. “For the first time in a long time, my wife and I felt hope,” Charles recalled.
Now cancer-free thanks to our extraordinary team, Charles is incredibly grateful to be alive today. “You just walk into their office and you’re in their caring arms,” he said. “They just make you feel peace and at home. That was the difference.”
I hope you are inspired by Charles' story, as it reminds us all about the power of hope and the importance of living life to the fullest.
| |
Advocating For Our Community:MMC Hosts Roundtable With U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
| |
It was our privilege to host U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján for a healthcare roundtable at MMC on August 20th for a discussion on the importance of federal assistance programs in our state and the negative impacts of future funding cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Estimates warn that more than 100,000 New Mexicans could lose healthcare coverage with these changes. Further, these cuts will directly affect the ability of rural hospitals and clinics in our state to remain open to serve our communities.
Panelists included Memorial CEO Dennis Knox and leaders from our healthcare partners Amador Health Center, Mimbres Valley Medical Center in Deming, Three Crosses Regional Hospital and Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences. Additionally, representatives from the New Mexico Medicaid Program, BeWellNM, and parent advocates shared their insights with Sen. Luján, his team and attendees.
Thank you to Sen. Luján for visiting and for everyone who spoke about how we need to work together to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.
| |
| How We're Making Communities Healthier:
Launching Mom's Health Matters Community Program
| |
We are very proud to announce the launch of the Mom’s Health Matters Community Program, an initiative aimed at improving postpartum care and reducing maternal mortality in our community and region. This innovative program provides postpartum patients with educational materials and a “Still At Risk/Mom’s Health Matters” teal wristband to wear for six weeks after delivery, helping ensure they receive timely and appropriate care for any potential complications.
Many postpartum complications, such as anemia, hypertension, heart conditions, and infections, occur days or weeks after delivery, and 53% of pregnancy-related deaths happen between 7 and 365 days postpartum. The Mom’s Health Matters program seeks to change this by empowering postpartum patients to advocate for their health and ensuring providers are aware of recent deliveries when diagnosing and treating these patients.
In addition to wearing the wristband, loved ones, friends, and community members are encouraged to “check in” on patients that recently delivered during this critical postpartum period.
We invite and encourage the community to join us in raising awareness about postpartum health and supporting individuals during this critical time.
| |
| Memorial Mercy Award Winner Traci White
Finishes In Top Four In National Competition
| |
We are thrilled and very proud to share that our very own Traci White, PharmD, PhC, BCGP, BCOP, was celebrated as a Top Four finalist for Lifepoint Health's 2025 companywide Mercy Award at the recent festivities in Nashville. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.
Chosen as MMC’s 2025 Mercy Award facility winner, Traci has superbly and selflessly served as Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Oncology and Palliative Care since 2019. In addition to providing daily high-quality, compassionate patient care at our Cancer Center, Traci has served on numerous boards and has volunteered for many committees, in addition to shaping the future of her profession through various educational and instructional capacities.
Traci and all of this year’s Mercy Award recipients are driven by compassion, connection and a deep commitment to others. They truly exemplify this year’s award theme of “Caring Takes Heart.” Their selflessness and kindness shine through in how they live and lead each day.
Congratulations and way to go, Traci! You represented MMC and our community so well in the Music City. Your relentless dedication to our patients, our community and your profession are incredibly deserving of this national recognition.
| |
| Advancing Cardiovascular Services:
Treating Complex PAD With New Procedure
| |
As we observe National Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month this September, we are very proud to announce that Udit Bhatnagar, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI, is the first in our region to treat complex PAD using an innovative new therapy called Percutaneous Transmural Arterial Bypass (PTAB) with the DETOUR System. The first case at MMC was successfully completed on Aug. 18.
PAD is a common circulatory problem caused by blockages in the arteries, which can lead to a reduction in the flow of oxygenated blood to your body, particularly in your lower limbs. In the U.S., approximately 8.5 million adults suffer from lower extremity PAD. If left untreated, the disease can cause pain, loss of mobility, sores on your legs, feet or toes, and in severe cases, amputation.
This minimally invasive therapy uses the femoral vein to bypass blockages in the superficial femoral artery, restoring blood flow to the affected area. The new technology provides an alternative to current options, including open bypass surgeries and endovascular treatments that may require repeat interventions.
We are proud to bring this innovative technology to our community and look forward to helping patients with complex PAD.
| |
We’re celebrating another major milestone for heart care at MMC. Our team, led by Director of Structural Heart Disease Roi Altit, MD, FSCAI, FACC, recently performed our first procedure using the new Abbott Navitor TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) System valve. The valve offers a minimally invasive, lifesaving solution for individuals with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who are at high or greater risk for traditional open-heart surgery.
This device is different from other heart valves on the market as it has been shown to greatly improve the blood flow of patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, helping their hearts quickly resume normal, healthy blood flow.
Congratulations, Dr. Altit and team! Your dedication to advancing care for patients is inspiring.
| |
| Celebrating Our Ronald McDonald Family Room's 9th Anniversary
| |
At our Family Room located on the fifth floor at MMC, we invite families and loved ones to enjoy a comfortable and welcoming place to rest and regroup just steps away from their child. The room is open every day and features free meals, snacks, a coffee maker, microwave, TV, computer stations, comfortable seating, and activities.
We are incredibly proud to have the only Ronald McDonald Family Room in Southern New Mexico and cherish our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso. A special thank you to our wonderful Auxilians for helping stock and oversee this space that holds a special place in our hearts.
It isn’t just a room; it’s a place to exhale, to rest and to gather strength for tomorrow.
| |
|
|
|
