Latest News

June 29, 2008
10:30 p.m.

Today, June 29, a helicopter with Guardian Air Transport, a division of Flagstaff Medical Center, and a helicopter operated by Classic Lifeguard were involved in an apparent collision. FMC contracts with Air Methods for all aviation services for Guardian Air Transport, including the FAA license, pilots and maintenance. FMC owns the Guardian Air helicopters and provides medical personnel for the flight crews.
   Flagstaff Medical Center received three crash victims – two are deceased and one is in critical condition. Additionally, FMC treated three emergency responders injured at the scene – two were treated and released and one is in good condition.
   All inquiries about the crash are being referred to the Flagstaff Police Department, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

June 20, 2008

   On June 17, Flagstaff Medical Center became the first hospital in Arizona to “Give the Bag the Boot.” In an effort to promote breastfeeding, the Women and Infants’ Center at FMC, in conjunction with the national Ban the Bag campaign, will be eliminating bags sponsored by baby formula companies, including formula samples given to moms when they leave the hospital.
   “Breastfeeding is important because it offers health benefits for children that cannot be obtained through formula,” said Brenda Phipps, lactation consultant for FMC. “There are many studies which indicate that formula in discharge bags undermines breastfeeding and leads to lower breastfeeding duration. The practice of distributing these bags is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice, the World Health Organization, the Surgeon General’s Office and the Government Accountability Office,” Phipps said.
   In place of the bags supplied by formula companies, FMC has created its own insulated bag for moms when they are discharged from the hospital. The bag will contain community resource information and breastfeeding information for those mothers who plan to breastfeed.
   FMC’s Breastfeeding Center is located on the third floor of the Women and Infants’ Center and has been providing support for moms, for almost 15 years. The Breastfeeding Center offers information, support and encouragement to approximately 1,300 mothers each year. Services also include phone counseling, specialized outpatient consultation, breast pump rentals and sales, and breastfeeding accessories.  
   For more information on the Breastfeeding Center, call 928 773-2605.

June 19, 2008

Celebration, rejoicing and remembering are all part of the annual Cancer Survivor’s Day from noon - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 29 at The Arboretum. The Cancer Center at Flagstaff Medical Center is sponsoring the12th annual survivor’s celebration, honoring people throughout Northern Arizona who are living with and beyond cancer. As part of this nationwide event, Flagstaff will join hundreds of communities in focusing awareness on cancer survivors and creating an opportunity for them to share their experiences and continued success with those who supported them through their journey.   
A “survivor” is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. In the U.S., there are approximately 10.5 million cancer survivors – individuals who prove every day that even with a cancer diagnosis, people can lead active, productive lives.
This year’s theme is “Cultivating a Healing Life,” and attendees will be treated to a variety of Arboretum activities as well as food, laughter and entertainment. The Cancer Center staff looks forward to this day of celebration each year, which allows them to visit with many of the patients and families they have treated and cared for.
Everyone whose life has been touched by cancer is encouraged to attend. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, call the Cancer Center at Flagstaff Medical Center
928 773-2261. For more information on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, visit ncsdf.org.

June 9, 2008

     Flagstaff Medical Center recently received three awards for its overall quality of care and customer service. Professional Research Consultants (PRC) named FMC a 5-Star Customer Service Hospital in Overall Quality of Care in its Emergency Department and in its 3-West Medical/Surgical Unit; and a 4-Star Customer Service Hospital in Overall Quality of Care in Inpatient Services. Last year, FMC received one 5-Star and one 4-Star award.
    The designation of 5-Star status is limited to only those hospitals or healthcare facilities that achieve a score in the top 10 percent nationwide, while 4-Star status is limited to healthcare facilities that achieve a score in the top 25 percent nationwide.
     PRC is an independent customer and marketing research firm based in Omaha, Neb., which specializes in the healthcare industry. Research is conducted throughout the year. PRC contacts a random sample of patients after their hospital experience to assess their level of satisfaction with FMC. More than 200 hospitals and health facilities nationwide participated in the surveying.

June 2, 2008

   Eric D. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., interventional cardiologist, recently joined Northern Arizona Healthcare. NAH is the largest healthcare system in Northern Arizona, and is the parent company of Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center. Dr. Cohen will care for patients at both FMC and VVMC. With the addition of Dr. Cohen, NAH is embarking on a more regionalized approach to the delivery of cardiovascular services, including diagnostic and interventional catheterization for cardiac and vascular disease, and cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
   A native of New York, Dr. Cohen is board-certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency training at Albany Medical College. After a fellowship program in Invasive and Laboratory Cardiology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Dr. Cohen returned to Albany Medical College to finish another fellowship in Clinical and Laboratory Cardiology.
   Prior to moving to Arizona, Dr. Cohen spent 20 years in private practice as an interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates P.C. and with Heart South Cardiovascular Group, both in Birmingham, Ala. Before going into private practice, Dr. Cohen held the positions of attending cardiologist and assistant professor of Medicine at Albany Medical College and Medical Center. He also was an attending cardiologist, chairman of Critical Care for the Medical College Program at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, and co-director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at St. Peter’s Hospital. 
   Dr. Cohen is a published author of numerous medical articles, case reports and reviews. He is heavily involved with research and development pertaining to interventional device progress, and will be bringing that interest to Northern and Central Arizona. He has lectured across the United States and internationally regarding technologies and serves as consultant for multiple companies specializing in interventional device equipment.
   Dr. Cohen is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama Jefferson County Medical Society and the Arizona Medical Society. He also is a charter member of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography.
   Dr. Cohen’s special interests include coronary and non-coronary cardiac interventions, peripheral vascular angiography and intervention, aortic endografts, limb salvage procedures, venous intervention and carotid stenting.
   For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen please call 928 773-2150 in Flagstaff, 928 649-7910 in the Verde Valley or 1 800 270-2150.

May 6, 2008

    Flagstaff Medical Center recently received a $76,275 grant from the Phoenix Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (formally the Susan G. Komen Foundation). This is the fifth year FMC has received a Komen grant. Past grants have covered lymphedema treatment, education, post-surgical and mastectomy undergarments for patients, as well as healthcare provider education. This year, the grant has been expanded to include massage therapy, increased healthcare provider education and additional funding for travel and lodging so patients who live outside Flagstaff can receive care.  
     The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure serves Central and Northern Arizona, and has a volunteer base of more than 1,500. Since 1993, the Phoenix Affiliate has granted more than $11 million to breast cancer treatment, education, prevention and outreach programs in addition to breast cancer research.
    Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, affecting one out of every eight women. A potential side-effect of breast cancer treatment, lymphedema affects approximately 20 percent of cancer survivors. Symptoms include swelling and loss of motion and/or pain, usually in the arms or legs. Although lymphedema is not curable, treatment by physical and occupational therapists can decrease swelling, pain and sensitivity, and increase movement and strength.
    Recent studies show that people with sever illnesses such as cancer benefit from massage therapy resulting in decreased pain and improved feelings of well-being. Through this grant, massage therapists can provide massage to women during and after treatment. Additionally, therapists provide education on skin care to avoid further problems.
    The Cancer Center at Flagstaff Medical Center and the Breast Cancer Resource Center are devoted to making an impact on breast cancer in our community through prevention and early detection. The Cancer Center provides excellent care through advanced technology with an individualized approach.
    For more information about the grant or how to access the funds, call 214-3519. For more information on the Cancer Center visit CancerCenteratFlagstaff.com.