National Hospital Week began in 1921 and has grown into the nation’s largest annual healthcare event. This year’s theme, A Healthy Commitment in Changing Times, envisions a society of healthy communities where all individuals reach their highest potential for good health.

Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center are pleased to offer a series of free events to the community during Hospital Week, encouraging individuals to work toward maintaining or improving their health.

At Flagstaff Medical Center:

• Tuesday, May 12 – Steven Peterson, M.D., Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, discusses “Heart Surgery at its Peak.” Dr. Peterson specializes in minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures and off-pump or “beating heart” coronary artery bypass surgery. Dr. Peterson is the medical director of Cardiovascular Surgery at Flagstaff Medical Center and a physician at the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona.
• Wednesday, May 13 – Tim Bonatus, D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon, discusses “Treatment Options for Arthritis of the Knee.” Dr. Bonatus specializes in sports medicine, hand surgery and joint replacement.
• Thursday, May 14 – Bill Badger, M.D., Urological Surgeon, discusses “Minimally Invasive Management of Urologic Diseases.” Dr. Badger specializes in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for urologic diseases including prostate cancer.

The free lectures are from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in FMC’s McGee Auditorium, 1200 N. Beaver St. To RSVP or for more information about these lectures call 928 773-2080.

At Verde Valley Medical Center:

• Monday, May 11 – Kenneth Bescak, M.D., Diagnostic Cardiologist, discusses “Risk Factors in Heart Disease – Modifiable and Nontraditional,” in VVMC Conference Rooms B & C, 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 12 – Health Screenings: high blood pressure, body mass index, peripheral arterial disease and ankle blood pressure, in the VVMC Outpatient lobby, 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 14 – Michael Campenni, D.O., and Steven Kurzweil, M.D., Urologists, discuss “Updates for Treatment of Enlarged Prostate and Urinary Incontinence,” in VVMC Conference Rooms B & C, 4 p.m.

Please call 639-6551 to register for any or all the events. Walk-in attendance also is welcome. For easiest access to the events, please park in the VVMC visitor lot on Candy Lane and enter through the Outpatient Services entrance. The conference rooms are located to the right.