Pregnancy is a magical time. To prepare for your new little one, University Medical Center is offering three series of Childbirth Education classes. The first three series of five classes will be held on Tuesdays at the medical center from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. on the following days: January 11, 18, and 25, Feb. 1 and 8; then March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and finally April 19, 26, May 3, 10 and 17. There will also be a marathon day for refresher class on Saturday, March 12.

For more information, please contact Karen Clairday, RN, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 453-8188.

University Medical Center (UMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Jeremy Cuzzourt, board certified Otolaryngologist, to the medical staff. Cuzzourt specializes in adult and pediatric general otolaryngology including nasal and sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty, allergy, thyroid/parathyroid surgery and general head and neck oncology. He also specializes in surgery for chronic ear disease.

Dr. Cuzzourt earned his B.S. in microbiology from the University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia). He earned his M.D. from Mercer University School of Medicine, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his internship in general surgery at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center (Lexington, Kentucky) and remained there to complete a four-year residency program in otolaryngology: head and neck surgery.

Dr. Cuzzourt is board certified and a member of the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology Allergy, American Medical Association, West Virginia State Medical Association and the Cabell County Medical Society. Dr. Cuzzourt joins UMC from the Huntington Internal Medicine Group in Huntington, West Virginia.

Dr. Cuzzourt is in practice with Lebanon ENT & Allergy Associates - with Dr. John Tate. Their practice is located on the University Medical Center campus at 206A Babb Drive, in Lebanon. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call (615) 444-6667.

Dr. Cuzzourt and his family have relocated to Lebanon and are looking forward to being active in the Wilson County community.

University Medical Center (UMC) is promoting a convenient new way to experience the emergency room. As part of the "ER Extra" program, a measure designed to ensure patients get extra fast, extra easy and extra great care, UMC has made ER wait times available on its website at www.universitymedicalcenter.com.

"We know that quality and speed of care are important to our patients. At University Medical Center, we believe that giving patients access to ER wait times is just one more way we can improve the level of service we provide every day to those in our community," said Saad Ehtisham, Chief Executive Officer.

This service will also allow patients who believe that their individual situation does not require emergent care to access wait times and choose the most opportune time to come in and see a medical professional.

"We know from patient feedback that long wait times in the ER have become a source of frustration. At University Medical Center, we wanted to be part of the solution. The goal is to make our patients' experience in the ER as streamlined and efficient as possible while maintaining the best quality care," said Ehtisham.

The ER wait time is calculated to represent the approximate time it takes to see a qualified health care professional and is updated in real time.

"We implemented this important tool because at UMC, we believe in giving patients access to ER waiting times enables them to make better, more informed choices about their personal medical care," said Ehtisham.

For more information about "ER Extra" at University Medical Center, contact Jody Glenn, Emergency Department Clinical Director at 453-7228.

After dusk on Oct. 31, our streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins seeking treats in our community. Your local emergency department at University Medical Center would like to share a few health and safety tips for trick-or-treaters and party planners.

COSTUME TIPS

• Purchase accessories such as knives and swords that are short, soft and flexible.
• Check costume packaging to be sure it is flame-resistant.
• Masks, costumes and shoes should fit well to prevent trips and falls.
• Reflective tape fastened to the front and back of costumes helps a driver see trick-or-treaters.
• Lower the risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

SAFETY TIPS

• Never trick or treat alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult chaperon.
• Carry a flashlight to help you see better and to help others see you.
• Look both ways when crossing the street and use established crosswalks when available.
• Use sidewalks at all times or walk on the far edge of the street facing on-coming traffic, if sidewalks are not available.
• Never enter the home of someone you do not know.
• Avoid eating home-made treats unless you know the person who made them.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and check for tampering before eating them.

TRICK OR TREATER & PARTY PLANNING TIPS

• Provide healthy treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of pretzels, raisins or trail mix.
• Keep candle-lit pumpkins and luminaries away from doorsteps, sidewalks and landings. Place them on a sturdy surface, out of reach for pets and small children.
• Turn your outdoor porch/entry light ON. This lets trick-or-treaters know they are welcome and prevents trips and falls.
• Clear all walking areas of obstacles that could result in a fall.
• Use party games as an opportunity for children to get their daily dose of exercise.
• For party guests, offer a health snack such as a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.

Keep your family safe this Halloween and enjoy trick or treating!

University Medical Center's (UMC) Anita Farmer has worked in the nursing profession at UMC for 38 years. She was recently honored by the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and presented the 2010 Nurse of Distinction Award at the 72nd Annual THA meeting.

A nurse who has transitioned into non-clinical positions, Farmer is described as "the epitome of a nurse." In her current role, she is responsible for ensuring quality care is delivered while fiscally responsible initiatives are met. With a focus on core measures, she checks everywhere to find the required documentation and then takes it to the next step - educating staff on the right thing to do and why.

Early in her career, Farmer was influential as a recruiter for the hospital, convincing many new nurses to become part of the UMC team. Although her primary position currently focuses on quality and performance improvement, she is always willing to assist staff, whether individually or by participating in hospital educational fairs and emergency drills.

Farmer's contribution to quality and performance improvement cannot be overstated. Her continuing efforts on compliance with core measures has not only made a substantial improvement in patient care, but has also had a significant impact on cost reduction and containment.

When talking with Farmer about the award, she stated, "I am extremely honored to have been selected for this award; however, the greatest honor is that it was in the category for nursing. I love nursing and patient care, and although the job I currently do requires a nursing degree, many people do not know that I am a nurse, because I don't do direct patient care. I am honored that there are those people like Janelyn Knowles, RN, who 'remember' the years I did spend doing direct patient care. Although we worked very hard during those days, I think nursing now is so much harder in some ways. There are so many entities that 'guide' patient care anymore, so not only do you have to have great nursing skills, but organizational skills, time management and writing ability to get everything you have done down on paper."

Farmer continued, "I have worn many hats over the years as a nurse from nursing tech to an interim as Director of Nursing at the McFarland Hospital. However, my heart has always been in the emergency room There, you can make an immediate impact on taking care of patients, and hopefully relieve their pain and suffering. I am honored to receive this award and hope to be able to represent all of nursing at UMC."

Named Nurse of the Year at UMC in 2009, Farmer received an associate's degree at Middle Tennessee State University. She and her husband, Glenn, live in Lebanon and have two children, Patrick and Lauren.

University Medical Center CEO Saad Ehtisham has been appointed to represent the middle district of Tennessee on the Tennessee Hospital Association Board, according to a news release issued by UMC on Oct. 19, 2010.

The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) was founded in 1938 and serves as an advocate for hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and other healthcare organizations as well as the patients they serve.

"I am honored to be selected by my peers to serve in this capacity. My commitment to healthcare delivery begins here at University Medical Center and serves the residents of Wilson County. I am pleased to also be able to contribute to Middle Tennessee and excited about this opportunity."

University Medical Center is a 245-bed, two-campus acute health care facility with over 250 physicians on staff. The hospital has approximately 800 full and part-time employees and is the sole provider of health care service in Wilson County. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services along with intensive care and telemetry services. UMC's diagnostic imaging services include basic radiography, digital fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and mammography. The hospital's rehabilitation services include an inpatient rehabilitation unit as well as outpatient, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies. Specialties include: orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology, general surgery, psychiatry, ENT, urology and obstetrics/gynecology. UMC is proud to be owned and operated by Health Management Associates, Inc. of Naples, Florida.

In 2009, construction was completed on the $26 million, four-story patient tower that offers 60 new private patient rooms. The 77,000-square-foot facility provides state-of-the-art health care for Wilson County. The multi-specialty Surgery Center at UMC is the hospital's latest construction project to meet the needs of Wilson County ... the place to be. The center will begin welcoming patients in early 2011.

For more information, please visit www.universitymedicalcenter.com.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Sam Crutcher, board-certified Family Physician, to the medical staff.

Dr. Crutcher earned his B.A. in Biology, graduating magna cum laude from Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he was president of the student government association and in the Alpha Chi Honor Society. He earned his M.D. from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, and completed his residency program at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia, S.C., where he received the Most Compassionate Resident Award, Resident Teacher of the Year Award and served as Resident Council President. Dr. Crutcher completed a fellowship in healthcare quality improvement while serving as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine.

Dr. Crutcher is board-certified and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He received recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing quality care to diabetic patients in the NCQA Diabetes Recognition Program.

Dr. Crutcher is a native of Lebanon and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Friendship Christian School in 1997. Dr. Crutcher is the son of Johnnie and Ramona Crutcher. His father is a pharmacist at Kroger in Mt. Juliet, and his mother is co-owner of Ramona & Company at Providence in Mt. Juliet.

Dr. Sam Crutcher is in practice at Family Medical Associates - with Drs. Roger McKinney, Bill Robertson, George Robertson and Bernard Sy - located on the University Medical Center campus at 1407 West Baddour Parkway in Lebanon. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call 615-444-6203 or visit online at www.familymedicaldocs.com.

Dr. Crutcher and his wife Julie, a physician and native of Memphis, have one daughter, Anna. The family is looking forward to establishing their home in Lebanon and being active in the Wilson County community.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Kelly Burke, OB/GYN, board eligible OB-GYN physician to the medical staff.

Dr. Burke earned her B.A. in Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit and completed her pre-medical core curriculum at the University of Michigan. She earned her M.D. from the American University in St. Maarten, N.A. and completed her residency program at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich. where she served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Burke is board eligible with her board certification in progress. She has been in group practice since 2009 in Michigan and is a member of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, a member of the American College of Surgeons and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

According to Dr. Burke, she is "looking forward to joining a progressive new practice where women are committed to the healthcare of women in all stages of life." She has a particular interest in adolescent medicine and is excited to be able to offer Just For Teens Care.

Dr. Burke and her family have relocated to Wilson County, where they are enjoying life on our wonderful lakes. She is excited to now be living close to her sister, who lives in Columbia, Tenn. Dr. Burke enjoys traveling, sailing, kayaking and all types of water sports, having grown up on the lakes in Michigan. She also participates in an annual medical mission trip where the physicians provide free medical and surgical care. She is looking forward to a successful practice in Lebanon and being a very active member of UMC's medical staff and in the community.

Dr. Kelly Burke is in practice at Premier Women's Wellness, located at 115 Winwood Drive, Suite 201 in Lebanon. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call 615-453-7865 or visit online at www.premierwomenswellness.com.

University Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of John W. Fisk, Jr., MD, Family Practitioner. Dr. Fisk is a board-certified Family Physician who treats a wide range of health concerns and specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes - being a diabetic himself.

A graduate of Mississippi College, John Fisk earned his medical degree from University of Mississippi School of Medicine. In 1989, he completed his internship in family medicine at Pensacola Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Fla. and his residency at Naval Regional Medical center, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He then served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1991 until 1996.

Dr. Fisk has enjoyed a successful private practice in Brookhaven, Miss. for the last 14 years. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Fisk and his family are relocating to the Lebanon area. They enjoy mission trips, traveling and photography.

Dr. Fisk's new practice is located at 1029 West Main Street, Suite O, in Lebanon. To schedule an appointment, please call 615-453-7824.

Saad Ehtisham has been named Chief Executive Officer of University Medical Center (UMC), officials announced on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

Ehtisham most recently served as Senior Vice President Clinical Operations & Chief Nursing Officer of Via Christi Wichita Health Network, an 1,150-bed not-for-profit Catholic Health Care Network in Wichita, Kansas. Now entering his 20th year in healthcare service, he has also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Medical Center of Southern Indiana (Charlestown, Indiana), Chief Operating Officer for Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (Somerset, Kentucky) and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer for West Mesa Medical Center (Albuquerque, New Mexico).

"At UMC, I look forward to being part of a hospital with such a rich tradition and to working hand-in-hand with the talented physicians on the medical staff who have served this community for so many years," Ehtisham said. "We want University Medical Center to be the hospital that Lebanon and Wilson County deserve. I am very eager to begin working toward that goal and getting to know all of the citizens, leaders and organizations that will be our partners in that process."

Ehtisham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Baylor University, where he received the Outstanding Young Alumni award. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Masters of Business Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.

Ehtisham's organizational affiliations include Governor-appointed member of the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma, appointed member of the Kansas Hospital Association Council on Health Delivery, appointed member of the Kansas Hospital Association Education Council, Work Force Alliance of South Central Kansas and Midwest Transplant Network Advisory Board. His extensive community involvement includes work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Haven House (Shelter for Battered Women). He is an Honorary Commander 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, as well as a number of other local, regional and national organizations.

Ehtisham and his wife, Tracy, are relocating to Lebanon and look forward to becoming involved in the community.