Spaw & Phillips Named to Board of Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Albert Spaw, a bariatric surgeon and co-medical director of Baptist Hospital's Metabolic Surgery Center, and Cylinda Phillips, director of bariatric services for Baptist Hospital, have been named to the board of the recently-formed Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Spaw has been named treasurer and Phillips will serve as allied health member for the organization.

Dr. Spaw is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon who has performed more than 500 weight-loss procedures, including Lap-Band, gastric bypass and duodenal switch, over the last five years. He is distinguished as an American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery "Center of

Excellence Surgeon." He is a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.

Phillips, a registered nurse, is responsible for managing Baptist Hospital's Metabolic Surgery Center.

Saint Thomas Research Institute Experiences Unprecedented Growth in 2007

Saint Thomas Research Institute recently experienced its greatest season of growth since its inception in 2000. Founded on a rich history in cardiology, oncology and various surgical specialties, the Research Institute reported a 300 percent growth in 2007, measured by study volume, operating budget, and number of personnel.   

In the last few months, multiple STRI studies were published in well-known medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet.

The Research Institute’s unique model allows the organization to utilize Saint Thomas Health Services’ four regional hospitals with an estimated 2,000 physicians and 1,600 patient beds. Cardiology has historically represented the majority of active studies at STRI, comprising nearly 60 percent of the organization’s trials. Moving forward, the Research Institute plans to expand their efforts to additional service lines, including women’s health and orthopaedics, among others.

Most recently, STRI capitalized on its innovative cardiology series by offering ownership interests to its group of physicians associated with Saint Thomas Heart. In order to qualify for the joint venture, investors must be board certified in cardiology. With plans to eventually expand the offering to other service lines, the joint venture is organized around a flexible series LLC structure that allows the physicians to invest specifically in their particular area of specialty. 

Raymond James Health Care Investment Banking Group Advises HLTH Corporation on Pending $2.5 Billion Merger with WebMD

The Raymond James Health Care Investment Banking Group acted as financial advisor to HLTH Corporation (Nasdaq: HLTH) in connection with the announced merger into its independent, publicly traded subsidiary, WebMD Health Corp. (Nasdaq: WBMD).  The approximately $2.5 billion merger was announced in late February. WebMD is the leading provider of health information services for consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers, and health plans.  Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, each share of HLTH will be converted into the right to receive a mix of cash and shares of WebMD common stock.  The cash portion of the merger consideration will be funded from cash and investments held by both HLTH and WebMD, as well as proceeds from the anticipated sales of certain HLTH assets unrelated to its direct ownership in WebMD.

Raymond James, with offices in Nashville and St. Petersburg, FL, served as exclusive financial advisor to HLTH in connection with the merger. 

AmMed Direct Manager Earns HR Certification

Carey Jay, who was recently promoted to senior human resources manager for AmMed Direct, has been certified as a professional in human resources (PHR). Nashville-based AmMed Direct is a provider of specialty products and services to people with diabetes.

“As AmMed Direct continues to grow, our human resources department is playing an increasingly important role in our success,” said Tom Milam, general manager of AmMed Direct.  “We’re planning to hire more than 100 new employees in the next year, which would bring our total staff to 470. Having someone with Carey’s experience and qualifications is essential for us to effectively manage our growth.” 

NorthCrest’s Lab Receives Accreditation from College of American Pathologists

NorthCrest Medical Center’s Clinical Laboratory has been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examined the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examined the entire staff’s qualifications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.

NorthCrest’s Diabetes Education Program Merits ADA Recognition

NorthCrest Medical Center’s diabetes self-management education program has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association. The program was originally recognized in February 1993.

 The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process which assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

Ameris Health Systems Announces Sale of Phenix City Facility

Ameris Health Systems, LLC, a manager, developer and operator of small acute care and psychiatric facilities located in the southeastern states, recently announced closing on the sale of its Phenix City, AL facility, Summit Hospital. The purchase price was valued at approximately $53 million. The facility was purchased by seven surgeons who are members of The Hughston Clinic, P.C., Columbus, GA. The surgeons have renamed the facility “Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital” in honor of the clinic’s founder, Dr. Jack C. Hughston. 

Nashville-based Ameris Health Systems, LLC, founded in 1991 by Sam J. Lewis, Jr., originally focused its strategy on the management of small county hospitals through management agreements.  Over the last 9 years this strategy shifted to include the acquisition or development of physician syndicated rural and small suburban acute care hospitals and psychiatric units. Ameris Health Systems, LLC is a privately-held company now operating three acute care facilities in Georgia and Arkansas and one geriatric psychiatry unit in Mississippi

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