Latest News

 July 11, 2008

    For almost 30 years, runners and walkers have enjoyed Flagstaff’s fresh air, pines and high altitude while helping to support the medical needs of children by participating in the Machine Solutions Run for CHC. The annual fund-raiser, which benefits the Children’s Health Center (CHC) at Flagstaff Medical Center, draws participants of all ages and ability. CHC provides specialty pediatric outpatient clinics and healthcare for Northern Arizona children with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
    This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2, offers a 5K and 10K trail run or a 2K family fitness walk/run along Soldiers Trail at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds, located just two miles south of Flagstaff on I-17, exit 337. Soldiers Trail winds through pines and over unique mountain terrain. A free 100-yard Kids’ Fun Dash will be offered for children 7 and under after the race. The event is the fourth run in the annual Flagstaff Summer Running Series.
    Early registration fees (before July 21) for the 5K and 10K runs and up to four family members for the 2K family fitness walk/run are $30-$35. Day-of registration fees are $35-$40. Registration is from 7-7:45 a.m. at the Posse Ramada, with the races beginning at 8 a.m. All participants will receive a T-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall men’s and women’s winners in both the 5K and 10K runs, and the top three winners in each age category in the 5K and 10K runs.
    To pre-register before 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 2, visit active.com or call 928 773-2093.

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.