Centra Health

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a profoundly important and often unspoken topic: Advance Care Directives, perinatal Loss, and Palliative Care for newborns. Joined by Kelli Griffiths BSN, RN, RTSCBC and Dr. Travis Engel, we highlight the critical role of a holistic approach in supporting families during such challenging times. Their dedicated team—comprised of obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, social workers, and spiritual care providers—ensures that families facing perinatal loss receive culturally respectful and comprehensive support. By empowering parents to make informed decisions, we aim to ease anxiety and prevent future regrets. We guide them through creating meaningful birth plans and pivotal choices about labor and delivery. This conversation emphasizes the power of open communication with healthcare providers and acknowledges the ongoing emotional journey of grieving families and the lasting support healthcare professionals offer. https://lnkd.in/eqHj_gw7

We are thrilled to announce that Richard Tugman has been appointed President and CEO of Centra Health, effective October 7! During his interim leadership since March 2024 and 2021, Richard has proven to be a strong guiding force for our complex health system. Centra Board Chair Dr. Thomas Nygaard shared, “Richard’s performance has validated the board’s full confidence, as well as that of our providers, caregivers, and community members.” Richard is dedicated to our mission of providing accessible, reliable healthcare as we adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape. Centra is committed to being a community-centered healthcare provider focused on personalized and compassionate care. We value your feedback and look forward to advancing health and healing together in our region. Please join us in welcoming Richard to this new role!

As part of our National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week celebrations, we awarded our APP of the Year! 🎉 This year, we received 17 nominations for the award, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication within Centra. We are delighted to announce that Sidney Earley, NP, from our Brain & Spine Care service line, has been presented with the 2024 APP of the Year award. Sidney received multiple nominations and was the top choice in the committee vote. Her commitment to patient care and collaboration exemplifies the high caliber of APPs we have at Centra! Congratulations Sidney Earley!

Centra has been recognized as a 2024 Wellbeing First Champion!  This marks our second designation from ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, affirming that our credentialing and licensing applications are free from the stigmatizing language around mental health care and treatment. We are committed to ensuring our workforce can seek the care they need without fear of jeopardizing their licenses or jobs, actively working to eliminate barriers to overall health.   This recognition is independently verified by ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare, a national coalition dedicated to removing obstacles for healthcare workers accessing mental health support. At Centra Health, we believe that supporting our team's mental well-being is crucial for our entire community's health.

Congratulations to the Centra Psychiatry & Behavior Health Department, which has received a prestigious membership in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC)! The organization provides a service to members interested in training doctoral and postdoctoral psychologists and working with the National Match Program, which places psychology doctoral students in internships.

WELCOME WEDNESDAY! We’re thrilled to introduce our new Caregivers who have joined the Centra team! 🎉 Each month, we'll be sharing about our amazing new providers across all Centra locations and departments. Let’s give a warm welcome to our newest Centra Providers! Sandra Iwuala, MD - Endocrinology Natalie Muir, PA – Neurology Christina Canzoneri, MD – Plastic Surgery Sarah Lawson, CNM – Women’s and Children Wojciech Rzechorzek, MD – Cardiology Charles Iwuala, MD - Palliative Care Jill Crawford, NP – Primary Care Jesse Payton, MD – Plastic Surgery Not pictured: Evan Ware, DO – Emergency Services Caroline Wright, NP – PACE Torey Todd, PA – Endocrinology Margaret Bauer, PMHNP – Physical Medicine & Pain Management Karolyn Miller, PA – Neurology Chaitanya Pal, MD – Critical Care Claire Courter, WHNP – Women & Children Ben Grugan, MD – Emergency Services

Join us on Saturday, October 26th, for the October Walk with a Doc event, followed by the Stroke Smart Health Fair on the front lawn of Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital.

Please join us for the October edition of Centra's monthly Lunchtime Learning Series on October 2nd, 2024, at noon Dr. Sunil Rajan, a member of the Centra Medical Group Pulmonology Team, will discuss the diagnosis and medical management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Participants will receive 1 hour of CME credit by attending this event. You can register for this month’s session by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/eK4TNgH5   Dr. Sunil Rajan is a highly skilled pulmonary and intensive care medicine specialist physician who provides care at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, VA. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Rajan has dedicated his career to treating lung and respiratory system disorders including pneumonia, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He also specializes in advanced diagnostic procedures for lung cancer and other cancers affecting the respiratory system. Dr. Rajan earned his medical degree from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. He joined Centra in 2017 after a successful seven-year tenure with Pulmonary Associates of Richmond where he also served on the Board of Directors. His leadership roles extended to Bon Secours Richmond Market, where he chaired the Board of Directors for Cynergy Health Partners and served as President of the Medical Staff at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. In addition to providing pulmonary care at Centra, Dr. Rajan serves in several key leadership roles including Medical Director for the Pulmonology Service Line, Chair of the Centra Medical Group Board of Directors and President of the Medical Staff at Southside Community Hospital. His dedication to patient care, coupled with his leadership and clinical expertise, has established him as a respected figure in pulmonary and intensive care medicine. In support of improving patient care, Centra is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

We’re thrilled to announce that Centra, in partnership with Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, affiliates of Lifepoint Health® is breaking ground on the Centra Simons Run Medical Campus! Set to open in 2026, this state-of-the-art facility will transform how we provide inpatient behavioral health and rehabilitation services currently offered at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. With an expansive 75,000 square feet, the campus will feature two dedicated hospitals: Centra Behavioral Health Hospital with 72 beds Centra Rehabilitation Hospital with 50 beds This new campus will not only enhance the quality of care but also expand access to essential services for our growing community. We’re committed to meeting the increasing need for mental health and rehabilitation support. Learn more about this exciting project here: https://lnkd.in/d5TJGdQw

We are excited to share that Beth Hundt, PhD, APRN, FAHA, has been selected as a Fellow in the American Heart Association. The Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing of the AHA/ASA recognizes and awards members for excellence, innovative, and sustained contributions in the areas of scholarship, practice, education, and service. "This means so much to me - to be recognized by my esteemed peers for a professional career caring for heart disease and stroke patients," Beth explained. Election as a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) is an honorific designation recognizing scientific and professional accomplishments and contributions, volunteer leadership, and service supporting the overall AHA mission: To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Earning the FAHA designation demonstrates your acceptance into one of the world’s most renowned organizations of cardiovascular, stroke, and brain health professionals. Pictured is Beth Hundt and Centra's Sevaro Technology representative for stroke care.