CommonSpirit Health announced today that Wright L. Lassiter III has started in his role as the organization’s next CEO, succeeding Lloyd H. Dean, who retired.

“I’m honored to lead this organization, which is a driving force for access to high-quality, essential health services for all,” said Lassiter. “Among my priorities is supporting the health and well-being of CommonSpirit’s nurses, physicians, and staff, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to our patients and the CommonSpirit mission through one of the most difficult periods in modern history.”

Lassiter brings 30 years of experience working in large health systems, most recently at Henry Ford Health in Michigan. As CEO since 2016, Lassiter led Henry Ford through the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly expanding its footprint and growing revenue. He also earned recognition for the system’s focus on employee well-being and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.

Known as a strong voice for improving healthcare and a champion for health equity, Lassiter is the current Chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

“Wright’s experience and success with complex health systems positions him well to lead our organization,” said Chris Lowney, vice chair, CommonSpirit Board of Stewardship Trustees. “His career focus embodies CommonSpirit’s vision of health care as an essential aspect of every person’s life.”

About Wright L. Lassiter III

Lassiter has a proven track record of success with nonprofit, public, and faith-based health organizations. As CEO of Henry Ford, Lassiter led the system through a comprehensive strategic planning effort, completed two successful mergers that expanded the system’s geographic footprint and grew revenues, and implemented a recent rebranding.

Prior to joining Henry Ford, Lassiter was CEO of Alameda Health System in Oakland, CA, where he was credited with leading the public health system’s expansion. As chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees, he plays a key role in advancing the priorities of hospitals across the country. In addition, he is a past chair of America’s Essential Hospitals.

Originally from Tuskegee, AL, Lassiter received his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University. Lassiter completed his bachelor’s degree with honors in Chemistry from Le Moyne, a Jesuit college in upstate New York.

About CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. With  its national office in Chicago and a team of over 150,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit operates 140 hospitals and more than 1,500 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2021, CommonSpirit had revenues of $33.3 billion and provided $5.1 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at www.commonspirit.org.

 

 

The Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Foundation Board of Directors has announced its slate of elected officers for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and new directors who have recently joined the board.  The officers include Kevin Keighron resuming his prior role as Chair; Pierre Tibi, MD, continuing as Vice Chair, and Bill Sonsin, continuing as Secretary and Treasurer.  

Dave Barrett, owner of Barrett Propane, has now earned Emeritus status on the board, having served since 2013 and as Chair since 2018.  His longtime support of the Foundation includes extensive fundraising for the Breast Care Center at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center and sponsorships of numerous community fundraising events.  The YRMC Foundation greatly values Mr. Barrett’s expert leadership and many devoted years of service.

Mr. Keighron was Chief Operations Officer for YRMC for many years prior to serving on the YRMC Foundation board from 2005-2014.  He held various positions including Chair, and rejoined the board in February 2022.  Dr. Tibi, a leading cardiovascular surgeon who was instrumental in the establishment of the James Family Heart Center at YRMC, has served as a board director since 2020 and as Vice Chair since 2021.  His longtime support of the Foundation has included sponsorship of the Crawfest events to benefit YRMC programs and helping to launch the forthcoming Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Cardiac program.  Mr. Sonsin, a retired financial advisor for American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise), has served as a board director since 2017, as board Secretary since 2018, and as Secretary and Treasurer since 2021.  He is a dedicated supporter of various YRMC programs.

New directors joining the YRMC Foundation in 2022 are Paul Braithwaite, DO, of Prescott Anesthesiology and the YRMC medical staff; Chad Burge, Director of Full Service for Desert De Oro Foods; Leigh Ann Frankel, YRMC nurse and President of a private foundation; and Kevin Schleeter, Vice President and Commercial Banker with National Bank of Arizona.

The expertise and talents of our YRMC Foundation board members span backgrounds in healthcare, business, finance, law, communications, and more. These directors represent our community and business leaders, medical staff, and hospital leadership.

The YRMC Foundation is committed to supporting the healthcare mission of Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center through fundraising and relationship building. The Foundation solicits philanthropic gifts, provides stewardship of these gifts, and grants funding to the hospital to advance the community's access to quality healthcare close to home. All charitable gifts received by the Foundation stay in our community and are utilized as directed by the donor. Donors may designate their gifts to any of the Foundation’s 16 special purpose funds. 

To learn more about programs supported by the YRMC Foundation or to speak with a staff member, please contact (928) 771–5686 or [email protected], or visit www.yrmcfoundation.org. 

“This change is part of the rebranding rollout plan launched in conjunction with the YRMC– Dignity Health affiliation,” says Ken Boush, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dignity Health, YRMC. “Patients and community members will soon see new signage at both imaging centers. We want them to be aware that the name change is related to YRMC’s network-wide rebrand. It will not affect the care or services at the Dignity Health Imaging Center in Prescott or Prescott Valley.”

For example, experienced, local radiologists will continue to interpret imaging studies and procedures performed at both locations, according to Mary Sterling, Imaging Services Director at Dignity Health, YRMC.

“Our locally based radiology team has always differentiated us from other imaging centers, many of which use radiologists based in markets outside of Yavapai County to interpret imaging studies,” says Sterling. “At our Imaging Centers in Prescott and Prescott Valley, an imaging study performed in our community is interpreted by radiologists who live and work in our community.”

Sterling adds that Dignity Health Imaging Center radiologists have long-established, working relationships with physicians throughout the area. This collaboration, she says, is a benefit to both individual patients and overall quality of care.

Dignity Health Imaging Center radiologists and radiologic imaging technologists also are:

• Certified by the American College of Radiologists (ACR) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Experts in advanced radiology modalities
• Graduates of leading medical schools and radiologic technology programs

Michael Locke, Operations Manager, Dignity Health Imaging Center, notes that the Imaging Centers have also earned ACR accreditation.

“This means our Prescott and Prescott Valley facilities have undergone rigorous, objective evaluations by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists,” Locke explains.

He also emphasizes that both facilities – along with the Breast Care Center at Dignity Health, YRMC – will continue to offer an all-inclusive menu of computer-enhanced, digital imaging services.

YRMC’s Imaging Center facilities – both of which may be reached at (928) 771-7577 – are located at:

• 810 Whipple Street, Prescott, Arizona 86301
• 7700 East Florentine Road, Building B, Suite 105, Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314

Visit DignityHealth.org/YRMC to learn more about services provided at both Dignity Health Imaging Center locations.

Dignity Health has announced that Anthony Torres, MD, will serve as the next president and chief executive officer of Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Dr. Torres has nearly 40 years of healthcare experience, and his leadership skills, medical expertise, and dedication to the community are an excellent fit for leading YRMC into the future.

“Dr. Torres was selected for the role after an in-depth process that involved the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Board, executive leadership, and medical staff,” states Tim Bricker, Interim President, Dignity Health, Southwest Division. “His institutional knowledge, clinical experience, and strong reputation will be great assets in helping YRMC to grow services to meet the needs of an expanding population. Look for Dr. Torres to continue to build community and physician partnerships and continue important integration work with Dignity Health.”

Dr. Torres has been a member of the YRMC team for 13 years, and has served as the hospital’s chief medical officer (CMO) since 2016. As CMO, Dr. Torres has provided leadership for the highly effective Medical Executive Committee. In addition, Dr. Torres has championed several quality programs to support patient care, and he has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the James Family Heart Center.

Prior to becoming CMO, Dr. Torres was the medical director for Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG). In this role, he was a catalyst for growth across the organization and helped develop neurosurgical, palliative medicine, and behavioral health programs.

Dr. Torres is an internal medicine physician by training, having completed his medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by internship and residency training at the Hunter S.P.O.R.T.S. Medical Center at Fairview Heights, Illinois. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Northland Cares in Prescott.

Dr. Torres will assume his new leadership duties on Monday, July 11. John Amos, who announced his retirement in March, will continue to provide advisory and transition support through Friday, September 30. 

After 33 years of service to the healthcare industry, John Amos, President and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), will retire on September 30, 2022.

Amos began his career as an occupational therapist in Vero Beach, Florida in 1989 before moving to the Prescott area in 1993 to pursue a leadership opportunity with Therapeak Rehabilitation Services. Amos began his career at YRMC in 1999 and has served in several leadership roles during his tenure, including Director of Physical Rehabilitation Services, Chief Operating Officer for YRMC’s East Campus in Prescott Valley, and President and Chief Executive Officer – a role he assumed in 2013.

Amos has been a member of the YRMC Executive Leadership Team for more than 18 years and has served as president for nine years. His vision and energy were instrumental in leading YRMC through the successful affiliation with Dignity Health in 2020.

During his tenure with YRMC, Amos has guided the organization through tremendous growth, including the opening of YRMC East in Prescott Valley, expanding facilities and services at YRMC West in Prescott, and securing land for future development of a north campus. In addition, Amos led the rapid growth of Yavapai Regional Medical Group, a multispecialty group practice with 26 locations, and was instrumental in launching North Central Arizona Accountable Care.

Aside from his administrative responsibilities, Amos serves on the Board for the Central Arizona Partnership (CAP), the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation (PVEDF), the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, and Chair for the Board of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA). Amos is also active with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and serves on several business and community advisory committees.

“My career in healthcare has been an amazing journey, and I am thankful for the friendships and opportunities I’ve developed through the years,” says Amos. “I’ve been blessed to lead and work with the talented healthcare family at YRMC and I will always value the accomplishments we achieved together to improve healthcare for our community. YRMC and the community are in good hands as I begin the next chapter of my life.”

A search for Amos’ successor is underway.

 

Learn More

For more information, or to schedule an appointment at YRMG, Orthopedic Surgery, speak to your primary care provider or contact the clinic at (928) 708-4545. YRMG, Orthopedic Surgery is located at:

3195 Stillwater Drive, Suite D

Prescott, Arizona 86305

Outpatient Services Building West on the YRMC West Campus

1001 Willow Creek Road, Suite 1300

Prescott, Arizona 86301

Del E. Webb Outpatient Center

3262 North Windsong Drive, Suite B

Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314

Beginning Wednesday, January 12, Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center will allow limited in-person visitation for COVID-positive patients in isolation at its hospitals in Prescott and Prescott Valley. The new visitation guidelines will be monitored closely and may be revised based on future developments.

“Allowing in-person visitation for patients in isolation provides peace-of-mind for our patients and their families while allowing for more effective communication with our staff.” states Ken Boush, Director of Marketing and Communications, Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “We are pleased to announce that limited face-to-face visitation is now an option for patients in COVID isolation.”

• COVID unit visitation may take place between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily in non-critical care units. Visitation may take place between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily in critical care units.
• One designated family member may visit daily.
• Every visitor will be required to sign a visitation agreement and watch a short educational video to properly apply (DON) and remove (DOFF) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• All visitors will enter through the main entrance of the hospital where they will be screened and given a mask to wear while inside the hospital.
• Following the screening, all visitors will check-in at the reception desk where they will be escorted to a room to watch the educational video and sign the visitation agreement. Visitors may then proceed to the unit, check in at the Nurses Station, DON their PPE and proceed with their visit.

“Although there are limitations on the number and type of visitors to our hospitals, we understand that communicating with loved ones and friends is an important part of a patient’s healing,” states Boush. “We continue to encourage patients to communicate electronically or by phone with loved ones and friends. Video chat, voice, and texting options are alternatives to help patients and loved ones feel connected.”

For questions regarding visitation at YRMC, please call (928) 445-2700 or visit www.DignityHealth.org/YRMC. 

In November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAB) for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

Two COVID monoclonal antibody products – Regeneron and BAM/Ete – are not effective against the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is no longer administering Regeneron and BAM/Ete treatments based on current recommendations due to the high proportion of Omicron cases present in Arizona.

YRMC will continue to offer Sotrovimab COVID monoclonal antibody treatments, which have shown to be effective against the Omicron variant.

The supply of Sotrovimab is severely depleted and will be administered to only the highest risk patients based on availability.

What are the criteria for COVID MAB therapy (Sotrovimab)?

• Must be 60 years of age or older; and
• A positive test result for SARS CoV-2 viral testing (COVID-19) is required; and
• Must have mild to moderate symptoms for 10 days or less; and
• No new or increased oxygen requirement; and
• Must have either a severe underlying health condition or be immunocompromised.

Who cannot receive COVID MAB therapy (Sotrovimab)?

• Anyone still waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
• Anyone who has received a negative COVID-19 test result.
• People with symptoms for more than 10 days.
• New or increased oxygen requirement, hospitalized patients.
• People without an underlying health condition (your doctor can help you determine if you do or don’t have risk factors).
  

How do I schedule an appointment for COVID MAB therapy (Sotrovimab)?

• Call your doctor as soon as possible if you are sick and believe you qualify.
• An order must be sent by your physician to the Infusion Center at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center.
• A representative from YRMC will call you to schedule your appointment once the physician order has been received. 

The Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) 2021 Physician of the Year, Ronael Eckman, MD, is challenging the old saying that no one is a hero in their own country, or in this case, their community.

“I’m a third-generation native of Yavapai County and a fourth-generation resident,” says Dr. Eckman, who grew up in the Verde Valley. “It was important to me to serve my community and the county by coming home to practice medicine.”

Dr. Eckman graduated in 2007 from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. She then undertook a three-year pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. By the fall of 2010, Dr. Eckman was back in Yavapai County caring for newborns and young children at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG), Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott.

Combining Medicine and Technology

But, Dr. Eckman didn’t stop there. She became interested in how information systems and clinical data can be used to improve patient care and inform healthcare decisions. This inspired her to pursue certification in Clinical Informatics from the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

Soon, Dr. Eckman was serving her community in a dual role: As YRMC's Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) and as a pediatrician. Her knowledge and experience as YRMC’s CMIO have been particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Eckman has been at the center of every innovative response developed to care for the people of our community during the pandemic,” says John Amos, President and CEO, Dignity Health, YRMC. “Her colleagues witnessed her tireless efforts to protect the health of our community this past year. They’re acknowledging that extraordinary work with the 2021 Physician of the Year recognition.”

Some of Dr. Eckman’s recent achievements include coordinating, launching and managing:

• A monoclonal antibody therapy program for people with COVID-19.
• Telehealth virtual visits for all YRMG clinics.
• Remote monitoring of eligible COVID-19 patients.
• A community COVID-19 vaccination site.

Friends & Family

“There are many people – administrators, employees, physicians, and even my own family members – who have, in different ways, worked hard to ensure the success of these initiatives,” Dr. Eckman says. “The collaboration on these projects has been intense. They’ve stretched all of us. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped make these important initiatives a reality for our community.”

YRMC’s Physician of the Year is selected annually by YRMC employees and medical staff and presented to a physician who:

• Provides excellent patient care.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to patients’ needs and desires.
• Fosters positive relationships with employees and volunteers.
• Shows respect to all and is a team player.
• Takes pride in YRMC and the community.

A lost set of keys … missed dental appointment … forgetting the name of an acquaintance, these may be signs of normal aging. Coupled with other symptoms, however, they may also signal the start of dementia or other conditions that early-on could be mistaken for dementia—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), depression, Parkinson’s disease or even a small stroke.

These “neurocognitive conditions” all affect a person’s ability to think and reason. They also can’t be diagnosed with a simple blood test or during a 30-minute doctor’s appointment. Accurately diagnosing a neurocognitive condition requires a comprehensive evaluation by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare experts.

Thanks to Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, that important service is now available in our community. The Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic – the first of its kind in northern Arizona – was launched August 4, 2021. The new Clinic brings together the expert team needed to conduct comprehensive cognitive (brain) assessments all under one roof.

Why a Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic?

Sam Downing, MD, Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, is leading the team that developed the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic. The Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic fills an important community need for our aging population. In Yavapai County, approximately 32 percent of the population is 65 years of age or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s significantly higher than Arizona’s statewide average of 18 percent.

In addition to supporting the needs of an aging population, the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic also reflects a new approach to cognitive health in the healthcare community.

“We know that people can suffer from different kinds of organ failure,” explains Dr. Downing. “Heart failure occurs if the heart isn’t pumping as effectively as it should. Some people experience liver failure or kidney failure. So, it makes sense that we can also experience brain failure. This is the brain’s decline over time, possibly related to aging but also possibly due to disease processes that keep the brain from functioning as it should.”

A 360-Degree Check of Your Brain Health

What does an evaluation at the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic include? The assessments take place over a 3-hour appointment and feature an array of tests, screenings and exams, including:

• Neurocognitive test – This exam is conducted by a neuropsychologist—an expert at the relationship between the brain, behavior and cognitive function in multiple areas including memory, orientation, language, and executive functioning.

  “A major benefit of the neurocognitive exam is that it serves as a baseline to measure any future changes in brain function,” Dr. Downing says.

• Physical exam – A primary care physician conducts a physical exam and recommends screenings and tests the patient needs. This physical may identify causes for memory issues unrelated to dementia, such as lack of vitamin B-12, other medical issues or mental health conditions.

  “The Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic team will work with partners in the community on behalf of patients,” says Dr. Downing. “If we identify an issue like depression, for example, we’ll reach out to local mental health partners – psychologists and counseling colleagues – to arrange assistance for the patient.”

• Medication evaluation – The risks, benefits, side effects and interactions of the patient’s medications – from over-the-counter to prescription – are reviewed by a clinical pharmacist.

  “Often, we find that seniors are not only taking way too many medicines, but many are confused about how to take their medications correctly,” notes Dr. Downing. “The Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic is a great opportunity to sort that out for people.”

• Social impacts – A social worker talks to the patient and family about their current living situation: work status, means of transportation, financial management and more.

  “This portion of the cognitive assessment is especially helpful for families and caregivers, who unfortunately are often overlooked,” Dr. Downing says. “Our social worker will identify people who need additional support at home and recommends valuable resources.”

• Functional assessment – A check of the patient for balance problems and any difficulty with walking as these issues pose an obvious safety risk and are also an indicator of certain neurocognitive conditions.
• Nutritional assessment – The link between diet and brain health has been established by extensive research. The assessment includes a clinical review of the patient’s diet and how diet can support brain health.
• Sensory evaluation – Vision and hearing loss are part of aging, but when unaddressed they can affect the brain, lead to social isolation, and even contribute to dementia.

“Early Alzheimer’s disease is often associated with a loss of smell,” Dr. Downing says. “That’s one reason a sensory screening is important to a cognitive assessment.”

Getting Results

Following an evaluation at the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic, patients and the providers they designate will receive a report of the team’s findings. The report will include specific recommendations for follow up.

“In my work, I’ve found that as people age, they want to be fully engaged in life both physically and mentally,” Dr. Downing says. “They want a quality of life that endures. Supporting that goal is the overarching purpose of the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic.”

To learn more about the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic, and other YRMC Geriatric Services, contact Geriatric Services at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, at (928) 775-5567.

Beginning Tuesday, August 3, Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) will restrict patient visitation at its hospital locations in Prescott and Prescott Valley. The new visitation restrictions will be monitored closely and may be revised based on COVID-19 infection rates in the community.

“The ongoing safety of our patients and caregivers remains our top priority,” states Ken Boush, Director of Marketing and Communications, Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “Due to increased community spread of the COVID-19 virus, higher positive test rates, and a growing number of hospitalizations, YRMC’s leadership made the difficult decision to tighten visitation until the situation improves.”

• Limited inpatient visitation will be permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. All visitors must wear a procedural mask during their visit.
• All visitors will check-in at the front entrance of the hospital where they will be temperature and symptom screened and given a procedural mask to wear. If a visitor fails the screening process, they will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors will be provided a visitor pass after the health screening process has been successfully completed. The visitor pass must be worn at all times while in the hospital.
• All visitors are expected to follow YRMC’s strict mask-use policy while inside any YRMC facility. YRMC currently requires all visitors to wear a procedural mask to enter a YRMC facility. Visitors without a procedural mask will be given one during the screening process.
• Patients hospitalized in non-COVID-19 units may choose one individual (18 years of age or older) to be their designated visitor.
• Visitation restrictions for COVID-19 units remain in place. Exceptions will be allowed for end-of-life visits and/or care planning discussions.
• Patients that require the assistance of a family member or caregiver to receive care will be allowed to designate a support person (18 years of age or older) to accompany them to their appointment.
• Patients who present for care to YRMC’s Emergency Department may have one visitor (18 years of age or older) accompany them. Visitors will not be allowed entrance to the COVID-19 triage tents.
• Visitation is allowed on a limited basis at YRMC’s Family Birthing Center. For visitation questions relating to YRMC’s Family Birthing Center, please call (928) 442-8800.
• Pediatric patients may designate two parents/guardians for visitation, including visitation to YRMC’s COVID-19 units. Two parents/guardians may also accompany a pediatric patient during a visit to YRMC’s Emergency Department.
• Outpatients and inpatients going for surgery or an invasive procedure may have one adult support companion accompany them to the perioperative area, wait during the procedure or surgery, and see them, as appropriate, post-operatively.
• Visitors will not be allowed to visit the cafeteria or gift shop while on campus during visitor hours or while waiting for loved ones in surgery or in procedure.
• There are special circumstances that may be deemed an appropriate exception.YRMC leadership will consider exception requests on a case-by-case basis.

“Although there are limitations on the number and type of visitors to our hospitals and emergency rooms, we understand that communicating with loved ones and friends is still an important part of a patient’s healing,” states Boush. “We continue to encourage hospital patients to communicate electronically or by phone with loved ones and friends. Video chat, voice, and texting options are digital alternatives and help patients and loved ones feel connected”.

For questions regarding YRMC’s visitation restrictions, please call (928) 445-2700 or visit www.DignityHealth.org/YRMC.