As originally published by Mega Doctor NEWS newsprint edition August 2021
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center boasts three of their obstetrician gynecologists are among the first in the nation to receive board certifications in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
After completing a review process and examination, the OB-GYNs, Andrew Blechman, M.D., Jocelyn Carlo, M.D., and Karim Elsahwi, M.D., received the newly available focused practice designation, denoting expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques from the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. More inside.
Cristina Rivera, CEO at Rio Grande Regional Hospital (RGRH) congratulated the team of healthcare professionals for their dedication as they once again received national recognition for their continued commitment to the care and improvement of human life. Recently, RGRH earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart – Check Mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Certification.
“Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, COO, The Joint Commission. There is more inside.
DHR Health Clinics announced the addition of neurosurgeon Jacinto I. Mañon, M.D., FAANS, to the DHR Health Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Mañon is fellowship trained in complex and reconstructive spine surgery and board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. He will be treating patients for brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve problems. “I am excited to be joining a team of expert physicians whose mission is to improve the well-being of this community,” said Dr. Mañon. Learn more inside.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ivan Melendez, as the Hidalgo County Health Authority issued an order that students, staff, and visitors to all public and private schools, from grades kindergarten through grade 12, must wear facial coverings while inside area schools regardless of vaccination status. Any Hidalgo County school district may opt out of the mandate if the respective school board votes to do so, the orders said. For details see inside.
A most important note: With a new, faster-spreading COVID variant now appearing in the Rio Grande Valley and COVID cases on the rise in all 50 states, local health officials are telling parents to vaccinate their children as school districts prepare for in-person instruction this fall.
“Studies from the United Kingdom have shown the Delta variant is 225 percent more transmissible than the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” said Dr. Christopher Romero, an internal medicine specialist at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen.
Dr. Beverly Zavaleta, a family medicine physician at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville said, “It’s especially important to vaccinate 12-to-18-year-olds because by vaccinating school-aged children, you can prevent transmission of COVID to family members at home who can’t get vaccinated, such as younger siblings.”
“High-risk older adults, such as people over 65 or someone undergoing cancer treatment, are at risk even when vaccinated, so if your household includes these folks, vaccinating your school-aged children provides them extra protection,” said Dr. Zavaleta. More inside.
The American Medical Association issued a statement on CDC’s updated mask guidance to combat spread of COVID-19. “With cases of COVID-19 continuing to increase in the United States and a significant number of people who remain unvaccinated, the CDC’s updated mask guidance is needed to help curb the spread of COVID-19—particularly the Delta variant, which we know is much more contagious,” said Dr. Gerald E. Harmon, AMA President. “We urge anyone with questions about the vaccines to speak with their physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.” For more, see inside.
Enjoy!
