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July 3, 2008

Don Nelms of Farmer’s Insurance in Sedona recently awarded the Healthy Families program at Verde Valley Medical Center $1,000 for its Diapers and Dreams Program.

“The Diapers and Dreams Program was established to help Verde Valley families become more self-sufficient and promote better quality of life while providing opportunities for advancement in education, employment and personal development,” said Lance Spears, a supervisor in the Healthy Families Program. “The Farmer’s Group first became involved in 2006 when they heard about our family-related programs and wanted to help. Nelms and Dorothy O’Brien, Farmers marketing representative, have helped raise $3,500 for the program since then.”

“We plan to continue to raise funds and awareness,” said Nelms. “Our plans include utilizing more community support to aid in resources available to the programs.”

Young parents face many different challenges, and often struggle just to provide basic needs for their children – one of the most costly being diapers. Many parents put their dreams on hold when children come into their lives. Some have dropped out of high school, left college or lost jobs as the result of becoming a parent. The Healthy Families program believes parents should be able to pursue their dreams. The Diapers and Dreams program was developed to help families become more self-sufficient. It promotes better quality of life while providing opportunities for advancement in education, employment and personal development.

To learn more about the Healthy Family programs, call Lance Spears at 639-6657.

July 3, 2008

For an unprecedented third time, Verde Valley Medical Center has been presented the C.H. William Ruhe, M.D. Award by the American Medical Association (AMA). This award recognizes meritorious achievement and innovation in continuing medical education programs in Arizona. VVMC is the only rural hospital in the state to receive the award.

Since the commencement of VVMC’s program, the CME committee has been viewed as one of the most effective, quality providers of continuing medical education. James Swain, M.D., chairman of the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) Committee on Accreditation and Medical Education said, “…the longevity of the VVMC CME leadership and staff is to be commended and lends to the excellence of the program…the revision to Exemplary Status is not easily achieved, and your CME program should be proud as we find VVMC to be one of the best in the State of Arizona.”

To be eligible for the award, a provider must be accredited in Arizona by the AMA and ArMA. An award recipient is recognized for achievement of high standards in its overall CME program, and for outstanding creativity and successful implementation of new ideas that enhance compliance with the Essential Areas of Education as set forth by the Committee on Accreditation and Medical Education.

Members of VVMC’s CME committee include Debby Castro, Medical Staff Services coordinator; Peg Crowell, R.N., risk manager; Donald Curran, D.O.; Karen Fanning, Library associate/CME coordinator; Jay Fleishman, M.D.; Bridgett Gollogly, R.N., Education; Kim Hemphill, R.N., director/Senior Lifestyles Behavioral Health; Henry Kaldenbaugh, M.D.; Cory Krueger, M.D.; Devin Mikles, M.D., chairman; Terence Mueller, M.D.; and Alan Wilson, M.D.

June 30, 2008

Steven J. Kurzweil, M.D., urologist, recently joined the Medical Staff of Verde Valley Medical Center. Board certified in urology, Dr. Kurzweil received his medical degree from the Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines. He completed his internship and two years of general surgery at the Harlem Hospital Center, New York, followed by a residency in urology at the University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore.  Dr. Kurzweil then completed a fellowship in stone disease and endourology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Dr. Kurzweil is a member of the American Urology Association and the Luzerne County Medical Society in Pennsylvania. His clinical interests include stone disease, erectile dysfunction, cancer and infertility.

Prior to moving to the Verde Valley, Dr. Kurzweil had been in private practice since 1988 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He now will be located at 294 W. State Route 89A, Ste. 208, Cottonwood, 649-7970. He is joined by his partner of nine years and fellow urologist, Michael A. Campenni, D.O.