Centra Health

Join us on the front lawn of Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital this Saturday, September 14th from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. for our Walk with a Doc event! ??♀? This event will feature Centra Medical Group Regional Medical Director Dr. Darlene B. Nigro. Dr. Nigro will be discussing hypertension, prevention and treatment. Please visit https://lnkd.in/ekPCTnsA to register for this event!?

Centra enhances patient care with new radiation technology! In an effort to continually provide innovative care to our patients, Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center recently purchased a new linear accelerator. This radiotherapy system, known as the Varian TrueBeam, offers increased precision and decreased treatment times. Its meticulous technology strengthens our ability to utilize different treatment modalities while delivering tailored interventions that are unique to each patient. Additionally, its fast treatment times and enhanced imaging help us improve outcomes and the patient’s experience during radiation therapy. The Varian brand is a frontrunner in the world of radiation therapy, which means Centra can provide the communities of central Virginia the highest quality radiation treatment possible without the inconvenience of traveling to a larger city for treatment. The machine also possesses a respiratory gaiting system which facilitates precise tumor targeting while sparing surrounding healthy tissues and structures. Amber Smith, Radiation Oncology Manager at the Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, summarized it well, “In essence, this machine just provides more of everything. It’s more precise, faster and offers greater treatment capabilities.” We are excited to have this new technology at Centra!

Could proactive mental health care save lives? In our latest episode of "& So Much More," Psychiatric nurse practitioner Drew White MSN, PMHNP explores this question and how early intervention and the EMPATH unit are making a difference. In this episode, we dive into the rise of anxiety, depression and substance use post-pandemic. Drew shares essential tips on recognizing suicide warning signs and the power of human connection in prevention. You won’t want to miss this episode, tune in on all platforms here: https://lnkd.in/evQ9R-zn #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalhealth #centrahealth

Today, we are highlighting the new Centra Doctoral Psychology Internship (CDPI), a one-year, full-time training opportunity designed for doctoral-level clinical, counseling, or school psychology students. This program offers comprehensive training and includes opportunities for post-doctoral development. The CDPI currently has two full-time internships available for the 2025-2026 year, allowing interns to focus on either Adult or Child/Adolescent Psychology. This initiative marks a significant step in our commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals in the field. ? Dr. Emily Bradshaw has been instrumental in developing this program. As the Chair of our Education and Collaboration teams, she has championed ongoing training for our multidisciplinary staff and forged valuable collaborations with local and external agencies. In 2022, she launched a practicum training program to address the needs of neurodiverse individuals in the Lynchburg area. Building on this success, Dr. Bradshaw spearheaded the creation of the CDPI, supported by our Psychiatry and Behavioral Health leadership. ? In her role as the CDPI Training Director, Dr. Bradshaw will oversee the program, provide group supervision, and lead didactic training on various topics. Her dedication to enhancing training models and advancing the field of psychology is truly inspiring. ? Pictured from left to right are Crystal Collette, Sr. Director of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health; Nika Saffarian-Toussi, CDPI Psychology Intern; Emily Hilton, CDPI Psychology Intern; and Dr. Emily Bradshaw, Clinical Psychologist, and CDPI Training Director. For more information on the internship program, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eY9QHUzG

WELCOME WEDNESDAY! We are pleased to welcome several new Caregivers to the Centra team! Please help us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Centra Providers! ???? ? Please welcome: Sian Lewis-Bevan, MD – Emergency Services Daniel De Los Santos, MD – Emergency Services Micah Brickhill-Atkinson, MD – Primary Care Jem Boncales, NP – Primary Care Zach Quigg, PA-C – Urology Bernadette Flynn, DO – Primary Care Cindy Hanawalt, MD – Medical Director, HealthWorks Quan Phan, MD – Emergency Services Clayton Young, DO - Emergency Services? ? #Centrahealth

Recently, several of our case management and social work Caregivers volunteered with World Help, an organization that ships lifesaving supplies and provides essential aid to 22 countries. They dedicated their time to preparing hundreds of sandals for women in need in Peru. Thank you for your commitment to giving back and making a difference on behalf of Centra! #Centrahealth

Get ready for the I Am Woman 5K 2024! ??♀? ?? ?? Through our partnership with the Centra Foundation, we're raising funds to support families in our community. Your participation and donations directly benefit local parents and children by funding specialized equipment like fetal monitors, radiant Panda warmers and Omni beds for our Intensive Care Nursery. Every dollar raised stays right here in Lynchburg, helping us save and support our tiniest patients. Registration price increases after September 13th!

Save the date for our FIRST mental health conference! ?? The conference will include a keynote speaker as well as breakout sessions covering topics around psychiatry and behavioral health.

Mark your calendars for our September Walk with a Doc event in Bedford!

Congratulations to the Centra College Multicultural Student Nurse Organization, led by one of the nursing faculty members, Ashley Camm! US Senator Tim Kaine recently recognized the organization's incredible commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. ?? Founded in 2023 at the request of Centra College students, this organization has been making strides with numerous events and projects that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion among nursing students. We're so proud of all their hard work and dedication!