Carter's experience with Baptist Union County goes beyond employment. Her journey is a personal calling shaped by an experience she had nearly 20 years ago when her father was a patient at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He and Carter received exceptional care during the last days of his life in the hospital. That's when Carter realized Baptist Memorial Health Care was more than just a workplace.

Working on the medical-surgical unit at Baptist Union County, Carter has witnessed countless moments that remind her of her purpose and dedication. Speaking of the moment that makes her most proud, she shares the story of a patient visiting with a pastor. The patient spoke of how one nurse's encouragement made a difference in his recovery. That nurse was Carter, a member of the same church.   

Carter appreciates Baptist Memorial's commitment to integrating faith with its mission, allowing her to provide care to patients physically and spiritually. 

She attributes her longevity at Baptist Memorial to the friendly, supportive and collaborative environment she experiences daily, making it a place she proudly calls home. 

She loves that nurses at Baptist Memorial practice evidence-based care. “We have excellent doctors, and everyone's involved in giving quality care.”

“The word that sums up my experience at Baptist would definitely be ‘purpose,’” Carter said. "My passion for nursing keeps me coming back each day.” 

Find your purpose, and explore your “why” at Baptist Memorial Health Care.

Stroke is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death and long-term disability among adults in the U.S. North Mississippi is located within the Stroke Belt, a geographic region where stroke incidence and mortality rates are among the country’s highest.

It’s also home to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto in Southaven, which began offering expanded, in-person stroke services in December 2025. Baptist Desoto’s stroke program is designed to deliver fast, coordinated care through a multidisciplinary team of experts, including neurologists, emergency physicians, nurses, radiology and lab specialists, pharmacists and rehabilitation therapists.

Dr. Violiza Inoa is also medical director of stroke and neurointervention at Baptist Desoto, which has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Primary Stroke Center Certification for its commitment to high-quality stroke care.

Who’s at risk?

Risk factors for stroke mirror those of cardiovascular disease and include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, substance abuse, physical inactivity and diets high in sodium and saturated fats.

Limited access to health care can increase risk, particularly when conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, are not well controlled.

Although stroke is most common in adults age 65 and older, it can occur at any age. Inoa said 10-15% of strokes occur in adults younger than 50.

Pregnant women also face increased risk, especially in the third trimester and postpartum period when blood clotting disorders may occur.

Know the signs

It’s critical to know the signs of stroke. Baptist recommends the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym as a guide to recognizing stroke symptoms.

Other symptoms of stroke can include sudden severe headache, confusion or vertigo.

“Stroke is a sudden-onset condition, and a person can be completely normal one moment, then suddenly lose the ability to speak, see or move,” Inoa said. “And for every minute that passes, we lose neurons and function.” 

Fast treatment equals better outcomes

The good news is rapid treatment can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Studies show that patients who receive treatment within four and a half hours of symptom onset are more likely to survive and less likely to experience long-term disability. But when it comes to treatment, the sooner the better.

Treatment depends on the type of stroke, but for many patients, medications known as thrombolytics can restore blood flow to the brain.

In some cases, particularly when a large blood vessel is blocked, doctors may perform a mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot.

The most common type of stroke is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. But about 15% to 20% of strokes are hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.

Prompt treatment for hemorrhagic stroke can improve outcomes by stabilizing blood pressure and preventing further damage.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, it’s imperative that you call 911 immediately.

Acting quickly can save brain function, reduce disability and save lives.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto Stroke Services

Baptist DeSoto has been awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Primary Stroke Center Certification, a symbol of quality that reflects commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Baptist DeSoto’s stroke team includes a neurologist and several departments working together to quickly assess signs of a potential stroke and begin administering care. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025.

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation is gearing up for the 2026 Art of Caring auction, benefiting the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. It’s slated for Thursday, April 16, 6-8:30 p.m., at the FedEx Event Center in Shelby Farms Park, with a special VIP reception for sponsors and artists from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Situated on Hyde Lake, the venue’s spectacular sunset views make it the ideal spot to dance the night away to live music by The Gold Standard Quartet or enjoy cocktails and conversation on the patio.

Now in its 27th year, Art of Caring has grown into one of the Mid-South’s premier art auctions, where guests can bid on works of art in various mediums — from oils on canvas to glass and wood — while mingling with the talented local and regional artists who created them.

Miranda Griffin, a mixed-media artist based in Memphis, Tennessee, has been involved with the event for the past decade. This year, she has donated an original 3-by-4-foot canvas titled Beauty Beyond the Chaos.

This year’s media sponsor is WMC Action News 5, and longtime Chief Meteorologist Ron Childers will serve as Art of Caring’s emcee.

The 2026 party theme is “Santorini Sunset,” and guests are encouraged to wear semiformal attire in white or bold colors. A heavy hors d’oeuvres menu will feature Mediterranean delicacies, such as gyros, pasta salad, falafel with tzatziki, chicken shawarma and a hummus bar, and guests craving a sweet treat can customize their own take-home cannoli, choosing from a variety of toppings and fillings.

A flower bar will allow party guests to create their own colorful, complimentary mini bouquets to take home as souvenirs.

Missy Rainer, who, along with her husband Jimbo, has supported Art of Caring for the past 14 years said increasing community awareness and raising funds for Baptist’s free bereavement counseling is paramount to her as a donor.

More than 334 guests attended last year’s event and auction, which raised nearly $128,000 for the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief, where children, teens and adults can receive free grief counseling.

Proceeds from Art of Caring have allowed Baptist to provide free grief counseling services to thousands of people in our community and send more children in need of healing to Camp Good Grief.

Tickets to Art of Caring are $50, which includes food, drinks and complimentary valet parking.

In addition to art, auction items will include gift cards and experiences, such as massages and rounds of golf.

Those who can't attend can view auction items and bid online beginning at noon on Thursday, April 9, and winning bidders can pick up their items at the event or arrange for pickup later.

About Baptist Centers for Good Grief

Baptist Memorial Health Care offered Camp Good Grief, the first grief camp for children in the Mid-South, in 1999 and opened the Baptist Trinity Center for Good Grief, the region’s first comprehensive grief center for children, teenagers and adults in 2005. The center moved to Collierville, Tennessee, in 2010 with the new name Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. In 2017, Baptist recognized the need to expand its grief services and opened two new bereavement centers — Baptist Centers for Good Grief, Milla’s House in midtown Memphis, Tennessee, and NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 2023, Baptist opened Dorothy’s Cottage, an expansion of the grief center on Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville’s campus. Milla’s House relocated to The Front Porch, a community gathering center in East Memphis, in 2025. These four locations make up the Baptist Centers for Good Grief, the first and only comprehensive bereavement center to offer free year-round grief services in the Mid-South.

The event celebrating cancer survivors was hosted by Pettigrew Adventures, a Memphis-based company that offers boutique luxury travel stays, and benefited both The Pink Wig Project and Baptist Cancer Center.

Prior to his diagnosis in August 2020, Owens was a busy working professional, an avid traveler and a fitness enthusiast who worked out with a trainer several days a week.

A husband and father, Owens had been excitedly awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild.

“I was living life to its fullest until the day everything changed,” he said.

Owens, who was 48 at the time, began to lose his stamina and suffer from fatigue. After visiting his primary care doctor, he received a call about an issue with his bloodwork.

His PCP then scheduled an appointment with an oncologist who ordered a biopsy. The results: Owens had a blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, which causes low blood cell counts and can result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.

“It results in people not making enough blood, and you need your blood to help prevent infection, stop infections, give you oxygen and to stop bleeding,” said Dr. Salil Goorha, a Baptist Cancer Center hematologist and oncologist who specializes in cancers and blood diseases. “When people have MDS, they become anemic from not getting enough oxygen in their body, and then they feel exhausted.”

The oncologist who diagnosed Owens gave him a grim prognosis, telling him the cancer was terminal.

But he sought a second opinion, which led him to Dr. Goorha and his dedicated team of experts at Baptist Cancer Center on the campus of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. It’s one of 27 centers providing cancer care across the Mid-South. 

About one-third of MDS patients will develop acute myeloid leukemia, a more aggressive form of blood cancer. Although there are treatments that can increase blood counts and improve symptoms, such as anemia and fatigue, a stem cell, or bone marrow, transplant is the only potential curative treatment for MDS.

“Ultimately, unless we do a bone marrow transplant, a lot of patients with MDS will develop leukemia,” Goorha said. “We thought Gerald had a pretty high risk of developing leukemia, so we recommended doing a transplant.”

Transplant preparation requires carefully coordinated care from a team of experts.

“Every organ system matters,” said Baptist Cancer Center Data Manager Angie Young, a specialized nurse who served as Gerald's blood and marrow transplant coordinator. “You have to make sure their cardiac and pulmonary situations are fine and their liver is good, and if anything isn't OK, that has to be addressed first.”

In 2021, Owens underwent several months of chemo treatments to prepare his body for an allogeneic transplant, in which the patient receives healthy stem cells from a donor — in this case, Owens’ adult son.

Meanwhile, this was all unfolding for Owens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That kind of made things a little tricky, as far as my immune system and having to go back and forth to the doctors,” he said.

After his transplant, Owens grappled with fatigue, hair loss and sleepless nights due to pain.

“I was weak some days, but I always had hope and tried to keep the faith,” he said. “And I think that's the most important thing when you're going through something like this.”

Owens went into remission, but a year and a half later, during a checkup in June 2023, he learned there had been a recurrence of the cancer.

With the support of his wife Netasha, who’d been with Owens every step of the way, and his trust in the Baptist Cancer Center team, Owens in November 2023 underwent a second allogeneic stem cell transplant, this time from a donor in Brazil.

Young said Owens’ positive attitude and deep involvement in his own care positively affected his treatment experience.

“He was very engaged in his care and wanted to know how everything worked and what everything meant, and he had the most positive attitude about everything,” she said.

The procedure was a success, and Owens has remained cancer free for more than two years.

“Tomorrow's not promised, so I try to live my life to its fullest and live in the present,” he said.

During his recent speech at the gala, Owens gave a shout-out to all the cancer survivors in the audience and encouraged them to join him in giving a big round of applause to Goorha and his team from Baptist Cancer Center.

It turned out Owens wasn’t the only person in the audience whose life had been saved by Goorha.

“Something that Gerald and I have in common is that we actually share an oncologist: Dr Goorha, who is here with us tonight,” said Laura-Kathryn Mosby, board president of the 2026 Glitz Gala and a blood cancer survivor.

Dr. Goorha treated Mosby’s Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the young mother of triplets just celebrated five years being cancer-free.

As for Gerald Owens, he said his battle with cancer has allowed him to share his testimony with others. He shared with the audience the Bible verse that helped guide him through those darker days.

About Baptist Cancer Center

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, Baptist Cancer Center offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer.

“When you have somebody who is not only so established, but also a person of faith, they can really share valuable insight with us because they can relate to how we're progressing in our careers,” said McCoy. “It’s a good opportunity for students to learn.” 

Collins, the only NIH director to serve under three presidents, is a physician-geneticist who is known for his leadership of the international Human Genome Project and monumental discoveries of disease genes. He is also a Christian who spoke to students about his journey from atheism to Christianity and how it was kickstarted by a patient reading a scripture to him. 

Collins emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong sense of curiosity throughout his guest lecture. Both Luk and McCoy look forward to practicing this wisdom in their own medical journeys. 

“It’s something that I try to implement in my own personal life,” said McCoy. “Even just aside from medicine, remain curious about people and really try to understand them. When you're talking with people, listen with the intent to ask them more about who they are rather than about yourself. I think that creates more of a safe bond with others. It’s a skill that I want to develop because it’ll help me connect with my patients and other people. Remain curious and leave your heart open to what they have to say."

Remaining humble by remembering that medical professionals exist to serve people is another key takeaway that both Luk and McCoy wish to embody. 

Deepening faith while working toward a medical career at BUCOM 

McCoy was introduced to BUCOM during a medical school expo at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A representative from BUCOM spoke with McCoy about the program and the Memphis community. Hearing that BUCOM was a Christian school interested him the most.  

“I wanted to go to a place where I could grow in my faith while growing in my medical career,” said McCoy. “That was the main driving factor behind me applying.” 

Enrolling at BUCOM has allowed McCoy to achieve this goal.   

“The school encourages your faith in every way possible,” said McCoy. “I think having a faculty who speaks about their faith so openly and practices it without anybody batting an eye has been really encouraging. They also create a space for us and give us so many opportunities to be bold about our faith while surrounding us with a supportive community, which is important.”

BUCOM's existence within the Memphis area has also been helpful for Luk. 

For students wanting to feed their own curiosity about Christ like Collins has, McCoy says BUCOM offers all the support they need.  

“On the graduate side of things, CMDA is completely free to join and you get access to so many different resources by becoming a member,” said McCoy. “If you're an undergraduate, talk to Chaplain Rusty Woods. He does a lot with undergraduate students, so he’s a great resource as well.”  

McCoy also recommends people reach out to the Christians in their own personal lives. “Just talk to them and pick their brain to see what Christ is about,” said McCoy. 

About Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is the first school for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in Memphis and West Tennessee and is one of 15 majors of study offered by Baptist Health Sciences University. Part of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems with 25 hospitals across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s DO students have the unique opportunity to study and train at some of the best hospitals and with one of the largest multispecialty physician groups in the Mid-South. Like medical doctors, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine students complete four years of medical school, followed by residency and fellowship training. The primary location for the school includes a 100,000-square-foot building with the latest medical technology in Memphis’ medical district.  

When Chip confirmed Glynn was his dad, the doctor said Chip needed more tests. They showed Chip had a heart murmur, which was was a major red flag for someone with his family history. He was later diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition in which the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult to pump or receive blood from the heart.

Chip's condition was manageable until he reached his 30s. 

He started having more tests done, and each one indicated his heart was getting weaker over time. His heart function gradually decreased over the next nine years. 

“I had a lot of different bad rhythms until, eventually, it got so weak that I couldn't see my doctor anymore,” said Chip. 

Chip was referred to Baptist Heart Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. 

“We're from Tupelo, so when we went to Memphis, it was for three straight days of tests,” said Chip. “That way, I didn't have to go back and forth so many times.”

Based on the test results, Chip’s care team, which included a cardiologist, transplant coordinators and nurses, recommended him for a heart transplant. 

They responded to every question Chip and his family had, no matter how simple or “silly” the question seemed.  

“Dr. Yaranov and Dr. Mahmoud were the ones I was meeting with the most and they gave us every answer we could imagine,” said Chip. 

Chip’s first assessments happened in May 2022. By Sept. 15, tests revealed his heart had decreased in function again. He stayed in the hospital for the next three and a half weeks until his heart transplant surgery on Oct. 8, 2022.

“Everybody was amazing,” said Chip. “They explained everything to us ahead of time. We knew what to expect, what was next and what to do."

Chip’s heart transplant has allowed him to be more active. It was a major change he’s still learning to accept.   

During a post-operative health screening scheduled before a trip to Universal Studios, his wife mentioned he wouldn't be able to ride the roller coasters because of his heart condition. But a nurse practitioner reminded Chip and his family, he could finally enjoy the roller coaster rides.  

“The nurse said, 'No, he doesn't have a heart problem. He had a transplant. He's healthy. Go do whatever you want to do.’  It’s really been a major mind shift to remember I can freely do all the things I told myself I couldn’t do for decades.” 

Receiving timely guidance from his care team at Baptist has also played a major part in Chip’s ability to enjoy this new era of his life. 

“You constantly have a medical professional that's always there,” said Chip. “Even if it's at night, in the middle of the night or on the weekend, you know they're going to give you a call back within 10 or 15 minutes.” 

Chip regularly gets messages, cards and other mementos from his Baptist care team during the holidays and his heart transplant anniversary.

Chip doesn’t consider his heart transplant a miracle. He sees his surgery as the product of the miracle workers at Baptist Heart Institute. His goal in life now is to do whatever he can to ensure others experience the same life-changing level of care he did. Sharing his story is one way Chip hopes he can make this possible. 

“A lot of people ask me if I had my transplant done at Vanderbilt in Nashville or outside of Tennessee,” said Chip. “I tell them, ‘No, it's in Memphis!’ I tell them it’s right at Baptist Memorial Hospital.”

About Baptist Heart Institute

Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis offers comprehensive heart services, including the only certified adult heart transplant and the only adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. Baptist also offers advanced cardiac care for patients through the Baptist Advanced Heart Failure Program. 

Splitting her time between Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville and Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, Sam spends her days visiting patients and their families. She listens, not just to what’s going right, but also to what could be better. Patients and families open up with full hearts, sharing their stories in hopes that someone will truly hear them. Sam is that someone.

“Patient experience is the human experience," said Holesome. "It’s the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated or even better. We all expect and deserve to be treated with compassion, empathy and to have someone actively listen to us.”

But Sam’s reach extends beyond patients and families. She also advocates for the experience of nurses and clinical teams, meeting with everyone from auxiliary staff to C-suite leaders. She gathers feedback and translates it into meaningful change. In many ways, Sam is a bridge between those receiving care and those delivering it, a direct catalyst for progress.

“I have seen an impact on the employee experience," said Holesome. "Interviews give me a lot of feedback to take to senior leadership. It’s opened up conversation between frontline employees and C-suite leadership. It gives us an opportunity to talk about things we can improve upon or to celebrate wins and successes.”

Sam credits the culture at Baptist for making this work possible and meaningful. 

“Baptist is a community within a hospital," said Holesome. "Everyone’s smiling, everyone’s speaking. The culture at Baptist has drawn me in and kept me here. It’s one of the most welcoming hospitals that I’ve ever encountered.” 

This work also reflects her “why.” Sam’s servant heart thrives in spaces where compassion meets action, and Baptist gives her that platform. When asked what she wants to do within the next 10 years at Baptist:

Sam is one of three patient experience coaches at Baptist, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the team. Together, they’re redefining what it means to truly listen — and to lead with love.

Find your purpose and explore your “why” at Baptist Memorial Health Care.

They didn’t just take care of Connie, Richard stressed.

“Aug. 3 is my birthday, and I remember going into Connie’s room that day and seeing ‘Happy Birthday Dick’ on the whiteboard where the nurses usually write their updates,” said Richard, who had never mentioned his birthday to anyone at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.

Connie died on Aug. 15, but Richard never forgot the kindness of her care team.

Richard doesn’t think the word “hero” is good enough to describe the hospice team. 

Richard’s advice to anyone experiencing a similar journey is to trust that they and their loved ones are in good hands. “It’s a very difficult time to recognize you’re possibly losing a loved one,” said Richard. “The nurses at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House are wonderful. Rely on them for information about your loved ones and what you’re going through emotionally and mentally.”

Richard also finds it helpful to talk with other people about what you’re going through. “I actually met the gentleman whose wife was across the hall from Connie,” said Richard. “We’ve bonded to the point that I’ll be spending my 50th wedding anniversary with him over steak and potatoes.” 

Richard also attends loss of life group sessions at the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief.

Steven had emergency open-heart surgery for a tear in his aorta that was initially mistaken for a kidney stone.   

On Aug. 22, 2003, Steven called DeVona after lunch about pain in his lower back.  

“He'd had kidney stones in the past, so we assumed it was a kidney stone,” said DeVona. But when he visited the office where she worked, he struggled to get out of his truck. His pain was so bad he couldn't stand up straight. 

“This had never happened with a kidney stone,” said DeVona. 

A trip to a nearby urgent care center didn’t provide a conclusive diagnosis or any answers. "They did blood work and scans, and nothing showed evidence of an acute stone,” said DeVona. “They gave him a shot for pain, and we went home.”

Steven felt horrible that whole night, but he didn’t want to go the hospital overnight because the couple’s son, who was almost 3 years old, would need a babysitter. Steven believed he would be fine until the morning. 

“He wasn't fine in the morning, so that’s when we went to Baptist,” said DeVona.

Hospital staff ran tests and X-rays. It wasn't until they ran a CT scan of Steven’s abdominal area that they realized he had a Type A aortic dissection, a tear in the upper part of the aorta near the heart, which was the source of his pain. 

“The aortic dissection started just above his aortic valve and continued all the way to his abdomen,” said DeVona. “Of course, I didn't have any idea what that meant at the time. So I asked the doctor who said Steven needed to be taken to the operating room as quickly as possible for emergency open-heart surgery,” said DeVona.  

The lower back pain her husband felt was from the tear draining blood and other fluids into his lower abdominal area. 

"It upset me,” said DeVona. “I didn't want Steven to see me upset so I walked outside to call my mom.”  

Before DeVona could finish her call, a nurse came outside to find her. She encouraged DeVona to stay with her husband because of the seriousness of the illness. “She told me in the nicest way possible most people normally don’t survive,” said DeVona. “She just wanted me to understand the seriousness of what was going on so I’d be in the right place if Steven didn’t make it.”

When DeVona went back into the waiting room, another nurse was there to comfort her.

“There was a male nurse named Rick that I will never forget,” said DeVona. “He kept coming in and out and asking me if I needed anything. He just seemed so caring. He didn't know who I was. He didn't know me at all. But he just wanted to check on me and make sure there wasn't anything I needed because I was by myself.” 

While DeVona’s family was on the way to the ER, Rick continued to keep her company. 

"He never left my side,” said DeVona. “Once Steven was taken to the operating room, Rick took me to the waiting room and waited there with me until my family and friends made their way.”

Dr. Mart McMullen, who has since passed away, was Steven's surgeon. McMullen explained to DeVona most people died within four hours of an aortic tear, so Steven’s survival without medical treatment for 28 hours was a miracle. 

“I feel like God had his hand on my husband the whole time,” said DeVona.  

Steven survived the surgery, but has since experienced other medical issues.

“Steven has had three open-heart surgeries, abdominal surgery, knee and hip surgery and a repair of a right carotid artery dissection,” said DeVona. “He also overcame paralysis on his right side after a stroke a few years ago. And not long after that, he had a seizure that left irreversible effects, such as hand tremors, weakness, short-term memory issues and balance/coordination issues.”  

With these challenges, finding a role that would allow DeVona to balance having a career while caring for her husband became more of a priority. Medical coding initially caught her attention because she had seen how a close friend who worked remotely as a medical coder could better take care of her quadriplegic husband. 

“I just kind of thought that might be something I could do at home and be around Steven to make sure he's not climbing ladders while also getting him to doctor's appointments,” said DeVona.   

Despite receiving her medical certification, DeVona could not find a job as a medical coder. Employers kept rejecting her because she didn’t have enough experience. So DeVona started looking for accounting positions.  

“I've always loved numbers and problem solving,” said DeVona. “That's when this job for Baptist popped up. I applied, interviewed and was offered the job.”   

Working at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center feels like having the opportunity to return the grace she and her husband received during his emergency surgery.    

"I'm very thankful this is where I ended up,” said DeVona. “Working at Baptist really feels like a full circle moment. I'm working at the same hospital where Steven’s life was saved.”

“Our patient population is such that the medical home is broken,” she said. “Many people use the ER as their primary care for various reasons. Sometimes, they can’t get an appointment with their regular pediatrician, or it’s hard for parents to take time off work to get to a scheduled appointment.”

When parents see red, itchy and watery eyes, it’s time to take action. Long-acting over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra, are good choices. Jain recommends using a nasal steroid spray in conjunction with antihistamines, such as Flonase Sensimist. Nasal saline rinses also help.

“It’s not as harsh and is better tolerated by children,” she said.

More than anything else, Jain recommends finding ways to avoid the trigger — which often is easier said than done, especially when kids play outside during the school day.

Jain suggests parents get the allergen off the child as soon as possible. When your kids come inside, wash their face and hair, if possible. Otherwise, allergens will sit on your child’s skin and hair, causing further irritation. A change of clothes might help. For itchy and swollen eyes, a cool compress can help alleviate irritation. 

Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain has been a pediatrician for nine years. She is the medical director of the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s hospital and serves as the department chair of pediatrics. Additionally, she sees patients in the emergency department for approximately 80 hours each month.

Dr. Jain also shared tips about concussions. Click the link to learn more. 

About the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital

Baptist Children’s Hospital features a 10-bed pediatric emergency room, a 12-bed combined pediatric intensive care/general inpatient unit and an outpatient services area. With 24-hour pediatric intensivist coverage, multiple pediatric specialties and access to a critical care transport team for neonatal, pediatric and maternity patients, the hospital is equipped to provide high-quality care for a wide variety of pediatric patients and issues. For more information about the hospital, click here.

The health care experience can be scary for children and their families. Baptist’s child life specialists offer medical play, free play, pre-operative teaching, procedure education, social interaction and other distractions or support to help minimize your child’s stress during medical procedures. Child life specialists are available in pediatric areas throughout the hospital, Monday through Friday. Click here to read about Baptist’s child life specialists.

How mass shootings affect those involved   

“It is life altering,” said Hamblen Kelly. 

“Everything suddenly feels unsafe, unknown and unfamiliar. For those involved, all they hoped and believed about the world becomes a point of question. What they knew once to be true is no longer.”

How gun violence affects children not involved  

There can be big implications, even when the shooting did not happen in a child’s community. 

“Children may wonder, ‘When will this happen at our school?’” said Hamblen Kelly.    

Mass shootings create fear, and that fear has physiological symptoms. When we are afraid, we produce stress hormones. The fear affects our bodies, our brains and our emotions.  

A child’s feelings may be expressed in behaviors or physical symptoms, more than language. “You may notice disruptive sleep, an upset stomach or clingy behavior,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Fearful children may revert to thumb sucking or baby talk or wanting to be with you all the time. That is a fear response.”  

How can parents help children cope with fear  

Children have a natural need for safety. So, at times like this, we need to look for ways to make our children feel safe. 

“Sometimes that means spending more time together," said Hamblen Kelly. "It is having game night; it is going on a walk together; it is being physically close to each other and doing things together to help children remember that there is safety within their family."  

Parents also need to speak with their children. 

“When we do not talk to children about events like mass shootings, it can create another level of fear for them,” said Hamblen Kelly. “They know these things are happening, even if it’s just from a brief mention on TV or from friends.” 

When parents avoid talking about traumatic events with their children at home, it can make them think, “Oh, this is really big and scary. It is so big and scary that we cannot even talk about it within our family.”  

Putting some of that emotion into motion can be helpful as well. Ask your child if there is something you can do together to help. Children might suggest making and sending cards or doing something helpful for a local group.  

What to keep in mind when talking with children   

Be mindful of age-appropriate language and how much information is shared. Consider timing when you go talk with your children. 

“It is not wise to do it right before bedtime as it could prevent restful sleep,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Also avoid interrupting a fun activity.” Approach the topic when you have some time to spend around your kids, but don’t make it a very lengthy conversation.  

“I always encourage adults to also share their feelings with children,” said Hamblen Kelly. “It is important to use ‘I’ statements with children and include a feeling word like ‘sad.’ This helps parents teach children how to express their feelings. You may say something like, ‘I do not understand this. I do not know why this is happening. I feel angry. I feel scared.’”  

It can also be helpful to talk through safety strategies with children. Ask yourselves what things you can do as a family to stay safe. Ask your children what things they can do at school to stay safe.  

When to seek help from a mental health professional 

School is a place that represents safety. So, it’s important to process those feelings of disbelief about what’s happened, either with your support system or even more in-depth with a therapist. 

“I encourage people to start with their own support network, their friends and family,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Traumatic events can be processed together with those in our community.” 

When there is more heightened anxiety, going to see a therapist may be beneficial. It’s important to make sure that anxiety is not growing and becoming debilitating, causing long-term implications, such as not being able to participate in daily life.  

The American Counseling Association has a list of resources for gun violence trauma.  

“What we must remember about our children, and all of us right now, is that we are all overwhelmed,” said Hamblen Kelly. “What I am hearing from a lot of people is that they’re feeling like they have nothing left or they are running on empty, and now there’s one more terrible thing that’s happened.”

“I believe that we must look for those good moments too and to hold onto those,” said Hamblen Kelly. “It is so important that families, in these times, come together more because we want our children to remember that life is good.”  

Angela Hamblen Kelly is the executive director for Baptist Centers for Good Grief. She is a licensed clinical social worker specifically trained in death and dying. Baptist Centers for Good Grief provides a safe, caring environment for grieving children, teens and adults to explore their feelings.  

How to treat heat-related illness    

Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you can manage heat-related illnesses on your own. 

At the first signs of danger, stop any physical activity and rest (preferably in a shaded, cool area). 

“You can use damp, cool cloths to place on the body to lower the body temperature,” recommended Slate. Drink cool water or a sports drink like Gatorade. Gently stretch or massage your muscles if cramping.  

For heat rash, drying off sweat from the affected areas is key. You can also use a non-talcum powder product to help keep the skin dry. “If itching continues, you can use over the counter hydrocortisone cream,” said Slate. Seek medical attention if the rash does not resolve in three to four days.  

If someone does not respond to basic first aid, seek medical care as quickly as possible or call 911. 

How to protect yourself against hot weather 

Gearing up against the heat will keep heat-related illness from canceling your summer plans.  

Monitor your local weather to avoid extreme physical activity on very hot and humid days. Take frequent breaks if working out in the heat. Wear appropriate clothing that is breathable and loose fitting.  

“Moisture-wicking clothing is a good option if available,” said Slate.    

Stay hydrated. “If planning to be outdoors in the heat, it is wise to begin hydrating the day before so you will go into the day prepared,” said Slate. “Avoid drinks, such as alcohol, as these can increase the risk of dehydration.”    

Ensuring minors are equally equipped to be out in the sun is also essential. Dress them appropriately for the weather and offer frequent water breaks. Avoid participation in outdoor activities during peak heat times of the day (generally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when it is cooler. Slate also stressed that adults should never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.  

Kimberly Slate, Nurse Practitioner
 

“If a child appears tired, very sweaty and flushed or stops playing, be mindful that they could be overheated,” said Slate. “Apply basic first aid, seek medical care as quickly as possible or call 911.” 

Kimberly Slate has been practicing as a nurse practitioner for 26 years. She is a nurse practitioner with Baptist Medical Group-Finn Medical Associates. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

“He usually bounces back pretty quickly from injuries,” said Olivia Simmons, Thomas’ mother, “but not this time. He was dizzy and said his pain was a nine on a scale of one to 10.”

Simmons took Thomas to the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

The hospital staff examined Thomas and did a neurology examination, then gave him pain medicine. He did not have a concussion but did have a knot on his head. The doctor instructed Simmons to watch him to see if it became hard to wake him up and to let them know if he began vomiting. Simmons slept with Thomas that night to keep an eye on him. He didn’t have any additional problems.

“Our experience was great,” she said. “They gave him a popsicle and a warm blanket, and the bed was big enough that I could lie next to him and snuggle with him. They attended to us quickly, which means a lot. When your baby is in pain, the last thing you want to do is sit and wait.”

When to seek emergency care for a head injury

It can be difficult to determine when a head injury is serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department. Some parents immediately head to the hospital, while others may watch their child at home before seeing a doctor.

“Parents should always go to the emergency department if their child loses consciousness, has a severe headache or is behaving differently in any way,” said Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain, medical director of the pediatric emergency department.

Don’t worry about looking for dilated eyes yourself. While that’s a common thing to observe on medical TV shows, Jain explained that a patient’s eyes would only be dilated if there’s a brain bleed and swelling, in which case the patient would be unconscious. If the child is awake, there’s no need to check for dilation.

Dr. Sweeti Bhakta Jain has been a pediatrician for nine years. She is the medical director of the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital and serves as the department chair of pediatrics. Additionally, she sees patients in the emergency department for approximately 80 hours each month.

“Baptist Memorial Health Care provides holistic and comprehensive visits to our patients,” said Dr. Prashanth Bhat, a family physician and clinical epidemiologist with Baptist Medical Group-Memphis Family Medicine. “We look at a prevention spectrum with four stages — primordial prevention, primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention.”

Primordial prevention focuses on a patient’s lifestyle to prevent the development of risk factors. An example might be finding a safe environment for the patient to get regular exercise or ensuring schools have free lunch options available for students who need them. This is different from primary prevention, which focuses on preventing one specific health concern (vaccinations fall into this category). Secondary prevention aims to catch and treat diseases in early stages, while tertiary prevention focuses on limiting disability and rehabilitation when a disease is more advanced.

Bhat refers to the seven pillars of health and says he discusses these when he sees patients for their wellness visits. The pillars are diet, activity, sleep, stress management, social functioning, avoidance of addictions and spirituality. Paying close attention to the seven pillars is an important aspect of disease prevention.

“When we optimize primordial health, we can prevent many health conditions that will affect us,” said Bhat.

Wellness visits are so important that most insurance carriers will cover the entire cost of the consultation, vaccinations and associated screenings. All insurance providers in compliance with the Affordable Care Act cover wellness visits, but some private insurers may not. If a patient wants to discuss current health issues beyond the scope of a wellness visit, this may result in an additional charge.

What to expect during a wellness visit

A typical wellness visit should take between 30 and 45 minutes. It begins with a comprehensive review of medical, surgical, social and family history. Patients seeing a Baptist provider can submit their personal and medical history in advance using Baptist OneCare MyChart, or they can arrive early for their visit to answer these questions prior to their appointment.

Family history is especially important to prevent or postpone cancer, heart attack, stroke, dementia and osteoporosis. An open discussion about the patient’s social history should include an assessment of addictive substance use, sexual history and risk assessment.

Following recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, your physician will offer immunizations. Your doctor will check height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, abdominal girth, respiratory rate and temperature. He or she will conduct a risk assessment for depression and anxiety, order labs to screen for health conditions and administer a basic vision test.

Common screenings include determining the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years, as well as screening for preventable cancers, such as colon, breast and cervical cancer. Physicians also screen for obesity, diabetes and lung cancer.

For patients with Medicare, physicians follow the guidelines from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services for annual wellness exams. In addition to the regular exam, these patients will be assessed for fall risks, hearing loss, home safety issues, transportation and food insecurity issues, financial challenges related to medications and advanced care planning. Your doctor should provide a comprehensive plan for the near future to optimize your health.

Bhat often sees patients who have not had regular physical exams, which puts them in “catch-up” mode. “People say they don’t have the time for a physical, and they wait too long. We take better care of our cars than our bodies and minds,” he said.

Many life-threatening conditions are preventable, including most cancers and strokes, but patients need an annual exam to stay on top of these.

“We see many elderly patients with pneumonia,” said Bhat, “but we have very good pneumonia vaccines that cut the risk by two-thirds. Similarly, we have excellent vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is common and highly contagious. It’s mild for most people but very dangerous for infants and adults older than 65. We have two vaccines for infants, one for pregnant mothers and another for those 65 and older.”

Bhat is passionate about wellness and hopes more people will adopt habits to be proactive about their health.

“We want all our patients to use these tools to prevent disease and detect illnesses as early as possible. When we all follow prevention recommendations, our health can vastly improve. There’s zero harm in following a healthy diet, being active, getting enough sleep and reducing stress.”

Dr. Bhat is a family physician and clinical epidemiologist. He practices at Baptist Medical Group–Memphis Family Medicine in East Memphis, and he is the associate program director of the Baptist Family Residency Program. He has been a physician for 25 years.

“I wrote that I wanted to leave a footprint on every person I encounter,” she said. “I try to do that every day.”

Harris didn’t start out as a nurse. In fact, she was a personal trainer before switching career paths.

Her mother underwent triple bypass surgery at age 50 and was diagnosed with diabetes. Harris was instrumental in her mother’s healing process post-surgery, helping her lose weight, get off medications and improve her lifestyle. That experience sparked Harris' interest in nursing.

She has been a head nurse in the medical surgical unit (3 North) at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis for three years. Prior to that, she served as a charge nurse and clinical resource nurse. She also previously helped as needed in the neurology unit and emergency department.

“There’s no unit like 3N,” she said. “It’s so family oriented. Nursing is hard, and we have to work together as a team.”

Creating a positive team environment is just one way Harris shines as head nurse. Her manager is Encarnacion Baker, whose story we shared here.

Baker shared her thoughts on how Harris embodies Baptist’s mission of love.

That generosity extends to her colleagues as well. She works three days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but she arrives around 5 a.m. to get ahead of the day.

“I want to make each day smooth for everyone,” she said, “because we’re in this together. I’ve developed wonderful friendships here. It’s why I’ve stayed at Baptist.”

 Baker said Harris runs the floor with calm efficiency.

“Her skills as a head nurse are already impeccable, but she manages to raise the bar each day. Her servant leader heart embodies Baptist’s mission. She truly cares for her patients and advocates for them daily.”

For Harris, the best part of her job is connecting with patients.

“So many of them are in vulnerable and desperate states,” she said, “and it’s an honor to help them.”

Click here to learn more about career opportunities at Baptist.  

 Meet Kiera Harris, RN, head nurse at Baptist Memphis.

Erle already knew a thing or two about the excellent care at Baptist Memorial Health Care. Her father had throat and lung cancer and received pulmonology care from Dr. Emmel “Sunny” Golden Jr. at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis from 1990 to 1994. He spent the last three months of his life at Baptist Memphis under the care of Golden and Dr. Kurt Tauer.

Both Schuylers were diagnosed with cancer in a roundabout way. Doctors were looking for something else and happened to discover cancer incidentally.

“I went to my primary care physician because I felt like my heart was beating irregularly,” said Erle. “I have many friends with atrial fibrillation and wanted to get checked out. He ordered a heart CT and discovered a tumor in my kidney.”

Erle didn’t have any symptoms of renal cancer, and the incidental diagnosis meant the cancer was discovered in the earliest stage. Her treatment involved surgery to remove her kidney, which happened quickly. No additional treatment was necessary.

“I was diagnosed in February 2023, and my surgery was in May. Dr. Aleksandar Jankov is so kind and smart; he’s just a doll! Everything was very efficient. I’d get results from the follow-up tests in MyChart before I even got to my car after an appointment.”

Today, Erle is in remission and goes for renal scans every six months.

In 2021, Phil’s annual physical included a chest X-ray. His doctor noticed a small nodule in the upper lobe of his right lung. A nodule is a spot on the lung, which may be the result of infections or inflammation, or it may be a sign of cancer.

Baptist introduced a program for scenarios like Phil’s — the incidental nodule program ensures all images of the lungs are checked for nodules. Phil’s physician was Dr. Anurag Mehrotra, an interventional pulmonologist with Memphis Lung Physicians Foundation.

Phil was added to Baptist’s multidisciplinary program to monitor the size of his nodule. Every six months, he underwent a scan to check for changes. During his screening in March 2024, the nodule had more than doubled in size, and he was diagnosed with Stage II lung cancer.

The incidental nodule program leads to early detection and better outcomes. By the time someone has symptoms of lung cancer, the cancer is usually in a late stage. In Phil’s case, the cancer was caught before he had any symptoms and was much easier to treat.

Since 2015, Baptist has diagnosed 2,439 people with lung cancer through incidental scans.

Phil underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of his lung, and that surgery took place even faster than Erle’s.

“It would’ve taken weeks or months to get all the scans, MRIs and tests if we went to another hospital,” said Erle, “but Phil had surgery one month after his diagnosis and was back to work a week later.”

He used supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day for nearly five months and had regular X-rays after surgery to monitor his lung tissue. When we spoke to Erle, the medical company was scheduled to pick up his oxygen equipment the next day. He will resume scans every six months but is cancer free. 

“I can’t say enough positive things about both of our experiences,” said Erle. “Dr. Mehrotra is amazing. He was in New York when we learned the nodule had doubled in size. He called us while traveling to give us his cell number so we could reach him with any questions.”

To say the Schuylers are grateful for early detection would be an understatement.

“Because they caught our cancer early, the diagnosis was not a life sentence,” said Erle. “Baptist was on top of it through the scans and worked quickly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

The stigma associated with lung cancer

There’s an unfortunate stigma attached to lung cancer, as many people assume it’s a disease that only affects smokers.

“Phil was never a smoker,” said Erle, “but when people heard he had lung cancer, they often assumed he’d been a heavy smoker at some point.”

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, causing more deaths than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. About 10% of lung cancer patients are nonsmokers.

For more information about Baptist Cancer Center, click here.

Click here to read about another patient Dr. Jankov treats: this 37-year-old mom is fighting metastatic breast cancer.

Everything they do centers around helping kids feel comfortable in the hospital setting, which varies from one patient to another. When asked about a typical day, Baker laughed, “There IS no typical day. Every day is so different.”

Upon entering the pediatric inpatient unit, visitors first see a large playroom. Generous gifts from Spence and Becky Wilson and the Toy Foundation funded P.D. Parrot's Playroom, which opened in the summer of 2023. This fun space is filled with toys for a variety of ages — soft foam blocks, shape sorters and stacking rings for toddlers; a dollhouse, play kitchen and doctor’s office are ideal for preschoolers; and older kids enjoy the puzzles and games, such as Connect 4.

“The language of children is play,” said Larrea. “We let them use our resource materials in a ‘play’ way, which helps us see how they’re feeling. You can tell a lot about how kids feel based on how they act during play.”

Fall and winter are busy seasons in the hospital, with many children suffering from respiratory illnesses like RSV or walking pneumonia. These children might require oxygen support or fluids, and many are in isolated rooms. The day we visited, most patients were infants, which didn’t quite work for the plan to have a Halloween party.

Larrea and Scholes pivoted and organized a reverse trick-or-treat instead. The pediatric team delivered candy and treats to each room and handed the goodies to parents or filled a bag left outside the room. Even if the young patients couldn’t eat the candy, their worried and exhausted parents could.

Not all fun and games

While their roles certainly involve play and fun activities, that’s not how Larrea and Scholes spend most of their time. They constantly juggle tasks to keep their tiny patients feeling comfortable and safe. A child with a fear of needles may need distraction, and the little one undergoing surgery benefits from preparation before the surgery.

Children in the pediatric unit are there for a variety of reasons. The respiratory season exacerbates asthma, so some children come in for frequent treatments. Other patients have gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, which means they return to the unit for infusions. Children with skin infections, like cellulitis, may require antibiotics or surgery. Many pediatric patients are hospitalized for surgeries, including appendectomies, orthopedic surgeries or spinal fusion surgery.

“Most adults are scared of surgery,” said Larrea, “and kids have no idea what to expect. We meet with them to talk through the steps, explaining they’ll wear a face mask to help them fall asleep. We practice putting on the mask, taking deep breaths and holding still.”

Larrea and Scholes use technology to help explain procedures to their young patients. iPads are loaded with photos, videos and preparation books to show kids what hospital rooms look like. On Halloween, Larrea took an iPad into a patient’s room to show her photos of different Halloween costumes. The child chose the costume she liked, and Larrea retrieved it from a storage room. The storage room is filled with donated items, from new Halloween costumes in every size to toys for all ages.

Larrea and Scholes are often on the move. They might meet a child in the emergency department to prepare them for stitches, explaining how the nurse will numb the area first, distracting the child during the procedure with toys or bubbles, and even advocating for medicine if the child needs help calming down.

“Worried parents aren’t always able to think about all the things, especially in an emergency visit,” said Larrea. “Our job is to support patients and families, working with medical staff to find a game plan that works and is supportive. We want patients to feel as in control as they possibly can.”

“Some families don’t know if they can ask for things, like whether they can hold their child while a nurse puts in an IV,” added Scholes. “We can have those conversations with the medical staff so the parents can focus on their child.”

Sometimes they visit a child in Baptist's outpatient facilities to walk them through a procedure, and other times they spend time with children who are hospitalized in the pediatric unit.

“When they are staying in the hospital, it’s more about event processing,” said Scholes. “We help them cope with the situation through play. A lot of them have IVs, and preschool kids really hate those. We’ll put an IV on a stuffed animal to help normalize it.”

Child life specialists show patients videos of MRIs and CT scans to help them understand the process. An Aladdin doll in the playroom is equipped with a feeding tube through the nose to help explain this to little ones.

The child life specialists get to know medical staff and learn about doctor preferences, which helps them prepare families. One doctor might prefer parents step out during a sterile procedure, but it’s hard for a parent to leave their infant in that situation. Larrea and Scholes can explain what’s going to happen, escort parents out and emotionally support them during that time.

Sometimes the job involves helping siblings understand why their baby brother or sister is in the newborn ICU. While siblings younger than 17 can’t visit, the child life specialists provide books explaining what the NICU is.

Donations to pediatric services

Another piece of the child life specialist’s role is managing donations from individuals, corporations and charitable groups.

“We get so many donations,” said Larrea. “Our playroom was all donation and grant based, and the Toy Foundation gave us a $25,000 grant to stock it. The Forrest Spence Fund, Project Sunshine and the Juvenile Diabetes Research fund have all contributed.”

The playroom construction was a gift from Spence and Becky Wilson, the hospital’s namesake benefactors. The Wilsons made this contribution in honor of their mothers. The Wilsons’ adult children funded an interactive light beam in the playroom. 

The Forrest Spence Fund donates books and “lovies” for the NICU and provides quarterly breakfasts for newborn and pediatric ICU families. Their most recent donation provided two Kindles for the pediatric ICU. Physical books can’t be reused in a hospital setting, but Kindles can be sanitized between uses. Kids can access the Kindle library to find reading material for their age level and interests.

Many other generous individuals and organizations support Baptist's pediatric services. Former Memphis Grizzlies player Marcus Smart donated smart carts, several tablets and Nintendo Switches, and the Kindles are stored with these items for portability. Project Sunshine donates craft kits, Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) provides bags with resources for newly diagnosed diabetes patients, and Girl Scout Sarah Gruber designed and built whimsical IV pole seats to bring cheer to pediatric patients.

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation funds party supplies for patients celebrating birthdays in the hospital, holiday parties and an annual NICU reunion.

Donations are greatly appreciated, and the only restriction is that items must be new. For donation inquiries, please email childlife@bmhcc.org.

“We are always on our toes, and we have to be flexible all the time,” said Larrea. “There is no ordinary day, and that’s what keeps it interesting.”

For more information about Baptist Children’s Hospital, please click here.

Jones has a family history of diabetes and heart disease. His sister has Type 1 diabetes, his mother has Type 2 diabetes and both his grandmothers also had Type 2 diabetes. Jones’ father died from heart disease at age 63, and Jones received his diabetes diagnosis on the anniversary of his father’s death.

“That was the catalyst,” he said. “I knew I had to make some changes.”

Jones took advantage of Baptist’s BestHealth initiative, a wellness program designed to encourage and support team members in taking control of their health. Jones joined the weight loss management and diabetes programs.

By the time Jones had his annual wellness visit in September, his cholesterol and A1C were dramatically reduced — and he was just getting started. His LDL was 158 in June and dropped to 79 in just three months, and his A1C has gone from 8.7 to 5. He’s lost 45 pounds in the past year, and his liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) went from 247 to 37. 

“I’ve learned so much,” Jones said. “I attend weekly virtual meetings, and the leaders hold me accountable. They helped me recognize I’m a stress eater, so I needed to find other tactics to manage stress. A high protein diet has helped a lot, and I’ve learned about portion control.”

Jones attends 5 a.m. exercise classes at least three days a week, plus he coaches hockey and is on the ice a couple times a week. His wife, Nikki, joins him at the gym, providing support and accountability. Jones has burned more than 40,000 calories in his workout sessions.

Baptist launched the BestHealth initiative in 2017 after a wellness program through a third party wasn’t effectively helping team members.

“We were spending a lot of money on these resources with only 14% participation,” said Lansky. “We put a lot of thought into it and created our own program with incentives so we could really motivate our team to be proactive about their health.”

Baptist team members can earn up to $300 to shop in Baptist’s gift card mall for doing such things as getting annual biometric screenings and wellness exams. Lansky said 97% of employees get their biometric screenings, and 92% see a provider for annual wellness visits — all those costs are covered by Baptist.

_{Lia Lansky is BestHealth's chief wellbeing officer.} 

BestHealth has been so successful that Baptist now assists other organizations with their own wellness programs. Using claims data, health risk assessments and annual wellness visits/biometric screenings, BestHealth by Baptist helps organizations understand what’s driving the costs for their insurance plans. They can determine which health issues, factors and trends affect a company’s employee population to maximize health results and cost savings.

For more information about BestHealth by Baptist, please click here.

Several states away in Texas, Toby Hasten’s family and friends were mourning the loss of a vibrant young man, just 25 years old. Hasten had been on his way home from singing karaoke with friends on Dec. 23 when a tragic car accident occurred.

Toby loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry. He and his fiancée Katie Pennartz were planning a fall wedding and intended to adopt Toby’s nephew after their wedding.

“He was such a good man — very family oriented,” said Martin Hasten, Toby’s father. “I saw him almost every day. He was excited to get married and have kids.”

Toby was so eager to marry Pennartz that the hospital staff coordinated a symbolic commitment ceremony for the couple on Christmas morning.

“We’d known each other since we were 11,” said Pennartz. “I worked at the hospital, and my friends were taking care of Toby. They recorded his heartbeat for me, and I listen to it every night.”

A meeting and a reunion

Two years later, Pennartz heard Toby’s heart beating again — in Easterling’s body.

Easterling and Toby’s family participated in a special event coordinated through Baptist Heart Institute and Mid-South Transplant Foundation where nine heart transplant recipients met their donors’ families in an emotional and touching ceremony.

When Maxine and Martin Hasten were approached about meeting the man who received their son’s heart, they jumped at the chance.

“All we knew was a man in his 50s got Toby’s heart,” said Martin. “We didn’t know what to expect when we met him.”

They would soon meet Easterling during the event, which featured videos of the transplant recipients sharing their stories. Hasten recalled his reaction to seeing Easterling’s video.

“We didn’t know yet if the man in the video was Toby’s match,” he explained, “but he was wearing a Patriots jersey, and I told my wife, ‘I bet that’s him.’ Toby loved football.”

Sure enough, the man in the Patriots jersey was Patrick Easterling, who threw his arms around Martin and Toby’s sister, Amanda, when they met.

Meeting Toby’s family was a surreal experience for Easterling. He broke down during the event when he saw a photo of the man who gave him a new life.

“It hit me so hard,” he said. “They hugged me as tightly as my own mother would have. Meeting them felt like a family reunion. I told them I’m their family now.”

Toby’s parents and fiancée traveled from Texas to meet Easterling, and Toby’s sister came from Illinois with her husband and children. They spent hours visiting and solidifying their unique but strong new bond, marveling over the similarities between Toby and Easterling.

 “I did tell Patrick, ‘You know, you’ve got a Dallas Cowboys heart in there,’” Martin laughed. 

Toby’s nephew Trace also attended. Pennartz formally adopted the 7-year-old boy six months ago, and he’ll grow up hearing about his outdoorsy and hardworking uncle. 

The families discovered Easterling and Toby shared more than just a love of football. They both enjoyed cooking for their families.

“Toby would always be smoking meat for big family cookouts,” Martin said.

“Oh, that man could cook!” Pennartz said. “I swear you could gain weight just looking at his brisket.”

Pennartz said she laughed when Easterling told her he’d been waking up at 2 a.m. and working on his car. He’d never done that before, but it sounded familiar to Toby’s fiancée.

“Toby was always working on something. We spent nine months renovating our house. He’d be at work for 12 hours, then we’d get right to work tearing down walls when he came home. When Patrick said he was suddenly doing DIY projects, it sounded just like Toby.”

The families have kept in touch and feel a special bond with one another, especially after Toby’s family listened to Toby’s heart beating in its new home.

Easterling’s transplant journey didn’t end with surgery. It’s a lifelong commitment to keep a new organ healthy. He takes about 30 pills a day and will return to Baptist Heart Institute for checkups for the rest of his life.

A heart for helping

Three others received organs from Toby, but the family doesn’t know anything about those recipients. They are proud of the young man who saved four lives through organ donation, a decision he made in the aftermath of another tragedy. He registered as an organ donor after losing two friends in a car accident years ago.

“His friend was an organ donor,” said Pennartz, “and Toby wanted to be able to help others if he were in a similar situation.”

When asked what she’d want people to know about Toby, Pennartz immediately said, “He had such a big heart and was the first person to jump in if someone needed help.”

That heart lives on in Patrick Easterling, and Toby’s loved ones know it’s in the right place.

“Patrick is a great guy,” said Martin.

“It was a very good match,” Pennartz added. “I wouldn’t want his heart going to anyone else.”

April is National Donate Life Month National Donate Life Month was established by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003. Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation. More than 100,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list, and another person is added to the list every eight minutes. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people with cornea donation and heal up to 75 people with tissue donation. Click here for more information about organ donation, including answers to common misconceptions. Baptist Heart Institute and Mid-South Transplant Foundation celebrated National Donate Life Blue & Green day on Friday, April 11. They raised the Donate Life flag and planted 586 pinwheels, representing the 93 lung transplants and 493 heart transplants performed at Baptist Heart Institute, in a heart shape. Baptist Memorial Health Care has the only certified adult heart transplant program in West Tennessee. Located in Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Baptist doctors performed the Mid-South’s first heart transplant in 1985 and have transplanted 493 hearts in the past 40 years. Click here to read about the transplant team at Baptist Heart Institute.

“It felt like the hospital was calling my name,” said Small, “and I began asking myself why I never went to nursing school.”

So she pivoted. She returned home to DeSoto County and enrolled in nursing school at 29 years old, working part-time at a bank while taking classes. She graduated in December 2016 and began her nursing career at Baptist Memorial Health Care just two weeks later.

Small began her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. She spent much of that time working in the obstetrics emergency department.

“I really thought I didn’t want to work in labor and delivery,” she laughed. “I remember crying on my first day of clinicals because I didn’t want to go, but after just one day, I was hooked.”

In January 2022, she began working as an educator. Today, she’s an advanced nurse clinician, which means she’s the unit educator over the OB emergency department, labor and delivery, level II nursery and the mother/baby unit. She oversees ongoing education, certifications, licensures and is a general resource for doctors and nurses. She’s also an Epic “super user,” meaning she’s undergone comprehensive training to educate others about Baptist OneCare MyChart, the electronic health record system powered by Epic’s software.

When the hospital is short staffed, Small picks up day shifts in the OB emergency department.

“I live nearby, and I wanted to work at Baptist DeSoto so I could serve members of my own community,” she said, “but I’ve stayed here because of my Baptist colleagues. I have this sweet second family here, and I love them dearly. I trust every single person who works here.”

When Small was pregnant, her husband worked nights, and she relied on her Baptist family when she needed help. In fact, Small's colleagues were there to help deliver her baby.

“It was a rough delivery,” she said, “and I was supposed to be at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. I ended up in the emergency room here, and the ladies I work with every day took care of me. As soon as I was admitted, I knew I was going to be fine.”

Baby Charlie was born among his mom’s work family, inheriting a group of 102 Baptist “aunts” who loved him from the start. These women threw a baby shower for Small, visited her on maternity leave, snuggled her baby and joyfully welcomed her back when she returned to work.

“Everything about this job has been a gift from God,” she said. “I could ask anyone for help at any time of day. Labor and delivery is an intense department, and we are like one big, cohesive family. We respect one another and love what we do. I leave work and actually say, ‘I love you’ to my co-workers. How many people can say that about their job?”

Meet Courtney Gray Small

To join the Baptist team, click here.

It takes roughly 25 minutes to go through patients' medical history, gather details about their home life and document all their medications. Discharges take another 15 minutes and pull nurses away from other patients who need in-person care.

Enter virtual nurses — experienced nurses who basically function as floaters. They don’t have specific patients assigned to them; they are intended to off-load tasks from on-site nurses as needed.

The virtual nurse is stationed at a central site. When bedside nurses need assistance, they contact the virtual nurse to handle the task. This nurse can access the patient’s electronic health record, independently drive the robot to a patient’s room and communicate with the patient and staff members through the robot’s camera.

For a discharge, a virtual nurse reads all documentation, attends multidisciplinary rounds and prepares discharge instructions. A surgery patient might need instructions for emptying a catheter or changing a bandage. The nurse instructs patients about follow-up care and medication schedules. They fill out the paperwork, attach education materials and print this information on the unit. The virtual nurse then drives the robot to the nurses station, asks someone to put the documents in the robot’s basket and returns to the patient’s room to discuss the information in detail.

“When we first began, the process was complicated,” said Palfrey. “An on-site nurse would have to locate the device and move it to the right room. Getting the camera to the patient was the biggest hurdle, and that prompted us to come up with something innovative. It’s much more efficient now that virtual nurses can fully operate the robots.”

Virtual nurses must have significant experience on medical-surgical units. Some are nurses who can no longer handle the physical requirements of bedside nursing or may be considering retirement. Virtual nurses also may serve as a clinical resource or mentor for bedside nurses.

“Virtual nursing is a great option for nurses who have physical limitations or personal health concerns that make it difficult to work in the hospital setting,” said Stacy Hammett, TeleHealth systems administrator. “There’s a lot of physical exertion required of bedside nurses.”

Virtual health care isn’t just for admissions and discharges. Baptist also uses virtual monitoring technicians in 13 facilities. These individuals, also known as telesitters, virtually monitor patients at high risk for falls, eliminating the need for in-person monitoring. The telesitter can interact with patients, redirecting them back to bed or even activating the bed-exit alarm to notify on-site nurses. One virtual monitor can watch 12 patients at a time. Since August 2022, virtual monitoring technicians in Baptist Memorial hospitals have monitored patients for more than 350,694 hours.

Telesitters are not nurses but must have patient care experience. Most have been personal care attendants or home health patient sitters.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis was the first Baptist Memorial facility to introduce virtual nursing in April 2022. The hospital expanded its virtual services in February 2024 with the purchase of OhmniLabs robots, becoming the first hospital in the Memphis area to offer virtual nursing. A $740,000 grant from Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation funds the robots and virtual nurse staff.

In January 2023, six Mississippi hospitals introduced virtual admissions — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Attala, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Calhoun, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Leake and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center followed in February 2023, and Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi introduced virtual nursing in June 2023.

In 2023, the Tennessee Department of Health’s Healthcare Resiliency Program awarded Baptist $9.1 million for various projects and programs, which included $3.6 million earmarked to fund wireless network capabilities and TeleHealth equipment and services. This enabled Baptist to expand virtual services at three West Tennessee hospitals — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City. The project, called the West Tennessee Virtual Care Project, began with virtual monitoring and admissions. These hospitals already had electronic intensive care units (eICU) in place but needed updated equipment. The grant included funding to replace and/or upgrade devices in the eICU and install new devices in rooms for virtual monitoring. In June 2024, the West Tennessee hospitals began upgrading cardiac monitoring and telemetry equipment and using virtual medicine for physician consults.

“Physician consults are a game changer in rural communities,” said Palfrey. “In Carroll County, we use TeleHealth for some specialties, such as cardiology. Our on-site ICU doctors and physicians care for the patients, but many patients really need an intensivist (a critical care specialist). Currently, the specialist must call the unit and ask someone to move a camera to the right room.”

A long-term component of the expansion includes the installation of cameras in all rooms on medical-surgical units. Those fixed devices are on track for installation by spring 2025.

In November 2024, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital began virtual admissions.

Since 2022, Baptist has conducted more than 15,246 virtual admission assessments. At 25 minutes per session, that adds up to 6,352 hours in which on-site nurses were able to provide more bedside care. Virtual discharges began in February 2024 at Baptist Memphis and the West Tennessee hospitals. They handled more than 2,291 discharges at approximately 15 minutes each, the equivalent of 572 hours.

The Baptist team includes 18 virtual nurses, 17 virtual monitor technicians and 14 eICU nurses. Virtual nurses cover day shifts seven days a week, and Baptist Memphis is currently training a night shift virtual nurse.

So how do patients feel about interacting with robots?

"Patients are generally receptive to this process,” said Hammett. “Some even like to take selfies with the robots.”

“COVID-19 pushed the need for telemedicine to the forefront, and patients actually get more attention when virtual nurses are part of their care team,” said Palfrey. “A nurse on the floor may be caring for six patients, getting pulled in different directions throughout his or her shift. Virtual nurses can give their undivided attention to patients. As you might imagine, patients tend to like that.”

The OMM Clinic is the only clinic of its kind in the metro-Memphis area. Physicians at the clinic practice osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment to help patients with pain management and other conditions.

“I was skeptical, but I wanted to find an alternative to medicine or surgery,” Titus said, “so I went with some coworkers to see what it was all about.”

She met Dr. John C. Biery Jr. at the open house and liked how he listened to her and thoughtfully answered her questions, so she made an appointment.

“Dr. Biery did a thorough review of my records and complaints. Then he had me lie on the table and gently touched my body from my head to toes. It didn’t hurt at all, and I felt like there was no way it was doing anything,” laughed Titus. “I left there still doubtful, but then I slept all night on my right side. I haven’t been able to sleep on that side for a year!”

Her second visit with Biery focused on her shoulders, ending years of stabbing pain. She estimates her shoulders are 85% to 95% better since seeing Biery.

“Everything went from doom and gloom to hope,” she said. “I can lift my arms above my head and comb my hair without pain. I thought I had to accept that I’d always be in pain, and Dr. Biery showed me it doesn’t have to be that way. I feel better than I’ve felt in years!”

What is osteopathic manipulative treatment?

OMT is a hands-on approach that helps correct structural imbalances in the body, relieve pain and improve circulation. OMT focuses on the nervous system, muscles and joints to improve body movement and organ function for overall health and well-being. It is practiced by doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, who are trained in comprehensive health care for the body, mind and spirit.

Using several OMT techniques, DOs apply gentle pressure to move the muscles, soft tissues and joints. The treatment encourages the body to heal itself by ensuring bones and muscles are aligned and balanced properly.

Maricarmen’s story

Maricarmen Windisch, 61, has suffered from back pain for years. She’s been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a herniated disc, cervical stenosis, pinched nerves in her neck, sciatica and arthritis. Specialists have prescribed medication, injections and physical therapy.

“My physical therapists were great, but PT wasn’t providing enough relief,” she said. “I also really don’t like to take medicine if I don’t have to, so I felt like I was stuck.”

Windisch was nervous when she arrived for her first appointment, but Biery instantly made her feel comfortable.

“He’s professional and empathetic, and he really listened to my concerns. Every time I go, I feel much better. For the first time, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

What to expect during OMT?

There are more than 40 OMT techniques to reduce pain, improve range of movement and encourage blood flow. Your doctor may use one technique or several.

Depending on the technique, you will lie on your back, roll onto your side or pull your knees to your chest. While you’re in these positions, the doctor will use gentle pressure and resisted movements to stretch your muscles and move joints into better alignment. Your DO may ask you to hold and release your breath at specific times.

The doctor may use slow, continuous pressure or quick, sudden movements. Some motion may feel a little strange or awkward, but they shouldn’t hurt. Some movements may cause a clicking noise.

How is OMT different from chiropractic care or physical therapy?

DOs are fully licensed physicians and work in conjunction with other practitioners across the spectrum of medical care. 

“Having a full medical education gives a DO a different perspective,” explained Biery. “We are trained first as physicians, and then we also specialize in musculoskeletal care. Our scope of experience gives us a broad perspective.”

Chiropractors are primarily limited to manual medicine and nutritional interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapists are often limited to consultative visits and use manual medicine for rehabilitation from injury or illness. These practitioners usually need to refer patients elsewhere for interventional services like injections or to prescribe medication, but a DO can order additional testing, perform injections or prescribe medication with or without additional referrals.

Some studies have shown including OMT in the patient’s health management can lead to a decreased need for injections and pain medications.

Biery added, “We don't want to take another doctor’s patients; we want to work with them to provide the best care, especially if they’re not getting the results they’d like.”

Who is a candidate for OMT?

Referrals are not needed to see a DO for OMT, but many patients come to the clinic based on referrals from a variety of areas: pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, sports medicine, orthopedics, nephrology, surgical specialties, cardiology, pulmonary and internal medicine.

OMT is especially helpful in treating pain for patients who aren’t suitable for orthopedic surgery, and it also can help with easing pain that may persist after surgery. It’s beneficial for pregnant women who can’t take pain medication and for newborns who have trouble with latching and feeding or plagiocephaly (flattened head) and torticollis (a condition where a baby’s neck muscles are tight). OMT can help with breathing difficulties, sports injuries, bowel issues, anxiety and depression.

OMT in a hospital setting may shorten hospital stays, especially with patients suffering from pneumonia, as OMT can help with diaphragm restriction and help mobilize fluid.

Samantha’s story

Samantha Goodwin, 30, made an appointment at the clinic because she was feeling rundown and had inflammation in her knees. As the director of marketing and business communications at Baptist Medical Group, she was familiar with OMT.

“I loved learning about it from the physicians coming on board with us,” she said. “They were so passionate about helping people, so I thought, ‘why not?’”

Outside of her role at Baptist, Goodwin teaches three Pilates classes a week and is an avid runner, but fatigue and lack of motivation were taking a toll on her active lifestyle. She saw Dr. Amanda Robinson at the OMM clinic.

“I was having a lot of headaches, but I didn’t mention that to Dr. Robinson,” Goodwin said. “She said I had a tight muscle in my calf and a tight Achilles tendon. She explained there’s a fascial connection that runs from my calf to my neck that could cause pain when I overworked my calves, leading to headaches. On the days when I teach two back-to-back classes, I was getting migraines after I taught, but I never would’ve guessed it was related to my calves.”

Robinson worked on Goodwin’s calves and neck, completely eliminating Goodwin’s headaches.

“I haven’t had a migraine since that first treatment!” Goodwin said. “I used to get right in bed after I taught those classes because the pain was so bad.”

Dr. Robinson also used OMT to reduce inflammation and fluid in Goodwin’s knees.

“I felt like my body was failing me. Dr. Robinson was genuinely interested in getting to the root cause of my issues, not just treating my symptoms. She gave me the tools to help myself, and now I’m careful to pay attention to my calves and properly stretch. Seeing her for OMT enabled me to keep the active lifestyle I love, and I’m so thankful.”

About the Baptist Medical Group-Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Clinic

Located in Southaven, Mississippi, the BMG-OMM Clinic is the first OMM clinic in northern Mississippi and western Tennessee. The clinic is a collaboration among Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Baptist Medical Group and Baptist Health Sciences University.  

In July 2025, the OMM Clinic will launch an Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Residency Program and host third- and fourth-year osteopathic medical students from BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Four board-certified osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine physicians see patients at the OMM clinic, with a fifth scheduled to begin in the spring. Because they all teach at BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, their days in the clinic are staggered, but at least one DO is practicing in the clinic Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Contact the clinic

Baptist Medical Group-Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Clinic is located at 391 Southcrest Circle, Suite 101 in Southaven, Mississippi. For more information, contact the clinic at 662-772-3460.

Reneé Hatcher, RN, has been the program’s administrative director since 2022, but she has worked in the transplant unit her entire 37-year nursing career. She knows keeping this program running smoothly requires excellent teamwork.

“We have a really special team here, and they all have a keen ability to connect with patients,” said Hatcher. “Our patients become our patients for life, so developing strong relationships with them is essential.”

Transplant patients receive care from a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, transplant coordinators, case managers, financial coordinators and physical therapists.

Unlike most other hospital units, a transplant program involves lifelong relationships with patients. Many patients arrive at the hospital in very poor health, awaiting a new heart. After receiving the transplant, they need follow-up care at the hospital for the rest of their lives.

Ashley Salameh, RN, first joined the transplant team in the transplant ICU, caring for critically ill patients with heart failure and recent heart transplant recipients. Patients in the ICU receive a variety of heart failure therapies, including medication, implantable devices and transplantation.

“When I first began working in the unit, I’d never seen an environment that intense before. We are with these patients throughout a difficult journey. When we get to see them finally live without heart failure, it’s very rewarding.”

The process does not end when a patient receives a new heart. Recipients require lifelong care to ensure their transplanted organ is thriving, including medications that suppress the immune system.

“A transplanted organ is not native to the patient’s body,” explained Salameh, “so immunosuppressant medication is essential to preventing the immune system from attacking the new organ. That means transplant recipients are more susceptible to viruses because their immune systems are suppressed.”

Today, Salameh is a transplant coordinator and sees patients post-transplant, educating and guiding them through life as an organ recipient.

Three post-transplant coordinators work with recipients, and someone is on call 24 hours a day. After a transplant, patients meet with transplant coordinators weekly, eventually transitioning to monthly appointments. During the second year after a transplant, coordinators meet with patients every six weeks, then every eight weeks for the third year. The fourth year and beyond, transplant recipients see their transplant coordinator every 12 weeks.

An additional two transplant coordinators work specifically with patients prior to transplant, overseeing the process of evaluating patients and getting them on the organ wait-list.

The transplant unit is a fast-paced and sometimes stressful work environment, and Nurse Manager Jenifer Graham believes teamwork is what makes their group successful.

“We communicate well and trust each other because we all want to take the best care of our patients,” said Graham. “We are highly engaged and constantly learning about new therapies and equipment to serve patients with advanced heart failure.”  

Meet members of Baptist Heart Institute’s transplant team:

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

For more information about Baptist Heart Institute, click here.

“The aneurysm basically wrapped around all the nerves in my arm, and I had a very risky surgery to separate all the nerves,” she said. “They told me I might not survive, and if I did, I might never use my right arm again.”

As a young child in the hospital, Carrington felt alone and very scared. Her nurses stepped in to comfort her.

“The nurses explained everything in a way I could understand. I was terrified about surgery, and they helped me through all of it. I also found Jesus during this time, and I realized I wanted to become a nurse because this field is so mission based.”

Carrington’s surgery was a success, and the only lingering side effect is occasional tingling in her arm.

Now 21, she is a recent nursing school graduate and is working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career at Baptist Memorial Health Care began in May 2022 when she became a personal care assistant at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

“I worked in the float pool,” she said, “so I called in to find out where I was needed each shift. I didn’t know what area of nursing I wanted to pursue, and this gave me a chance to see a little bit of everything.”

Carrington remained at Baptist DeSoto for her externship and internships, mostly in the emergency department.

In October 2024, she took on a new role as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. She’s a member of the mother-baby unit where she cares for postpartum mothers during a very vulnerable time.

“We get mamas and babies two hours after delivery,” she said. “These moms have gone through so much. Giving birth is one of the hardest things women go through, and I love getting to help them through this time, explaining what’s happening and making connections with them.”

Carrington noted many people don’t know what to expect after birth, so this time can be overwhelming for new moms.

“They might not know I’m going to need to massage their belly every few hours as the uterus contracts, which helps improve blood flow. They don’t realize how painful it will be to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I help them with these things, and it’s very emotional to be a part of this process. When they light up to see their baby smile for the first time or the baby finally latches during breastfeeding, it’s so exciting to celebrate these moments with them.”

In January 2025, Carrington began additional shifts in the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

“I love being with mamas and their babies during such a beautiful time of their lives, but I also miss being there for people during the scary times. The pediatric emergency department gives me a chance to think critically and meet new people all day. It gives me the opportunity to show people the love of Jesus during a difficult time.”

A childhood illness led her down this path, but the mission at Baptist has captured Carrington’s heart.

“Being at Baptist feels like working with my second family,” she said. “I love working in a Christian hospital because I can openly share my faith with coworkers and patients.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

Meet Holly Carrington, RN at Baptist Women’s Hospital:

Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities. Even when tumors are detected, the full extent of the disease may not be clearly visible with a standard mammogram. Many women with dense breast tissue may require additional imaging after their initial mammogram, such as ultrasounds and MRIs. With the new contrast-enhanced mammogram, the extra steps may be eliminated.

An iodine-based dye is injected through an IV before taking mammogram images. The dye travels to areas of increased blood flow. Because tumors require a blood supply to grow, the surrounding blood vessels collect the dye, making it easier to detect tumors. Special software minimizes the dense tissue in the background, so areas of concern are more visible.

“Contrast-enhanced mammography helps level the field for detecting breast cancer early in all women,” said Dr. Lynn Gayden, medical director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “This new technology may decrease the number of breast biopsies and follow-up testing required, as well as provide more comfort and reassurance for women with dense breast tissue.”

Contrast-enhanced mammograms have several additional benefits. The process is faster and less expensive than an MRI, and it’s generally more comfortable for women, particularly those with claustrophobia who may be anxious during an MRI. The CEM may also provide patients with a definitive answer on the day of their visit compared to possibly waiting days or weeks for MRI results.

A contrast-enhanced mammogram does not take much longer than a standard 3D mammogram. Once an IV has been inserted, it takes two minutes for the contrast dye to be injected. The imaging takes place within seven minutes of the contrast entering the body.

“We’re excited to offer the latest technology in early breast cancer detection,” said Jennifer Martinez, administrative director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “We traveled to Boca Raton to learn about the contrast-enhanced mammogram and knew this would benefit so many women in the Mid-South. We’re proud to be the first to offer these advanced mammograms to our patients.”

Most women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer should begin earlier. If you have a family history, talk to your health care provider about your risks.

A physician referral is required for the contrast-enhanced mammogram, based on the patient’s medical and family history. The CEM is part of a diagnostic mammogram workup if an irregularity is found on a regular mammogram.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE DENSE BREASTS?

Breasts contain several types of tissue: glandular, fibrous connective and fatty breast tissue. A woman’s breast density is based on how much of each tissue type is present in her breasts. Dense breast tissue has higher amounts of glandular and fibrous connective tissue, but lower amounts of fatty breast tissue.  

Dense tissue can make it more difficult to see abnormal breast changes, such as tumors, because the tissue itself and the abnormality both appear as white areas on a mammogram. Fatty tissue appears as a dark area, so the white area of a tumor is more visible in contrast to the tissue.

How can I find out if my breast tissue is dense?

Your personal breast tissue density can’t be determined through a self-exam or from your doctor’s manual breast exam. Only a radiologist can determine breast density based on your mammogram images.

I’ve been told my breast tissue is dense. Is this common?

Yes, approximately 50% of women have dense breast tissue. It’s not something that needs to alarm you, but it does mean you may require additional screening techniques to get the best views of your breasts. Dense tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities, so your doctor may want you to have follow-up procedures, such as ultrasounds, MRIs or even a contrast-enhanced mammogram as mentioned above.

Are there different levels of breast density?

Doctors use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to classify breast density. This system was developed by the American College of Radiology and classifies breast density into four categories:

A. Entirely fatty breast tissue: Almost all of the tissue is fatty. Because this tissue is not dense, it is easier to see tumors or other abnormalities on a mammogram. This is found in about 10% of women and is more common in older women.

B. Scattered fibroglandular breast tissue: The breasts contain mostly fatty tissue with some areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue. About 40% of women have this type of tissue. 

C. Heterogeneously dense breast tissue: This breast tissue contains large areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with some areas of fatty tissue. It is difficult to detect changes and abnormalities in dense areas. This is found in about 40% of women. 

D. Extremely dense breast tissue: Almost all tissue is dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with little to no fatty tissue. Women with extremely dense breast tissue have a higher risk of cancer than those with little to no dense tissue. This occurs in about 10% of women.

The four categories of breast density, in order from A to D. 

Mammogram reports contain information about your breast density. If your report says you have dense breasts, your tissue falls into the category of either heterogeneously dense breast tissue or extremely dense breast tissue.

For more information about breast cancer services at Baptist Women’s Health Center, click here.

Program director Janice Taylor has been with Baptist Operation Outreach for 20 years.

“The mobile goes to various locations that serve the homeless population, and we work together to spread the word about our services. This program brings together charities, churches, shelters and more.”

How Baptist Operation Outreach works

Baptist Operation Outreach has two providers available to see patients for a variety of services, including sick visits, physicals, immunizations and other preventive care, diabetes education, mental and behavioral health, STD and HIV screenings and nutrition guidance. Vision and dental care are available by appointment.

When the mobile clinic goes to a large location like Memphis Union Mission, both providers are there. The goal is for each provider to see 16 to 18 patients a day, but they will see as many people as they can. Appointments are helpful and preferred, but walk-ups are common. Both providers are licensed to treat adults, and one is licensed to treat children as young as 4 years old.

Once patients visit the clinic, they officially have a primary health care provider who can make referrals for additional testing and any necessary follow-up appointments. Labs can be taken right then, and many medications are available during the appointment. If a medication is not available, the patient is sent to the Christ Community Health Services pharmacy. Every single part of this process is free of charge, and health insurance is not a requirement.

If a patient needs additional testing elsewhere, Baptist Operation Outreach will arrange those appointments. Such testing might include an appointment for a mammogram on Baptist’s mobile mammography unit. Those with transportation limitations receive free bus passes, and Baptist Operation Outreach also has a taxi account if needed.

“We try to overcome all the barriers we can,” said Taylor.

Baptist Operation Outreach is funded through contributions from Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation, Christ Community Health Services, Tennessee's Health Care Safety Net, the Health Resources and Services Administration and private individuals.

Tree of Faith, Hope & Love

Baptist Operation Outreach recently hosted the 15th annual Tree of Faith, Hope & Love holiday luncheon at Memphis First United Methodist Church. The event provided 170 guests with a holiday meal and plenty of fellowship.

Volunteers with Orgill Inc. greeted guests with a hot meal of turkey, macaroni and cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes and a slice of cake. Attendees enjoyed Christmas music while writing holiday cards to loved ones. Each guest received a backpack filled with essential winter items, including socks, thermal undergarments, gloves, hats, scarves and toiletry kits. The backpacks and their contents were donated by Baptist, Christ Community and their employees. Volunteers filled 300 backpacks to distribute to guests at the event. The remaining backpacks were donated to local shelters.

This year’s event included a sit-down dinner for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The partnership between Baptist and Christ Community is one of the best things that could happen to Shelby County,” said Taylor. “When you work with homeless patients, the most important thing is to make them comfortable and let them know you care by treating them with dignity and respect. Baptist Operation Outreach does exactly this, while ministering to both their physical and spiritual needs.”  

According to Community Alliance for the Homeless, there were nearly 1,300 individuals without permanent housing in 2023. This number is determined by an annual “Point-In-Time” count (PIT), where individuals without housing are counted on a single day in late January. The count includes those in shelters and those who are unsheltered. The next Point-In-Time count will take place in January 2025.  Required nationally by Housing and Urban Development, the PIT count provides a snapshot of homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County at a given point in time, and it is one of several critical elements used for measuring progress in efforts to end homelessness.

Where to find the Baptist Operation Outreach mobile clinic

The Baptist Operation Outreach mobile clinic visits churches and other areas with large homeless populations upon request, including the following locations:

• Catholic Charities of West Tennessee at 1325 Jefferson Ave. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Memphis Union Mission at 383 Poplar Ave. on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Room in the Inn-Memphis at 409 Ayers St. on the third Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Willie Mae Brooks Resource Center  at 1300 Jackson Ave. on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-Entry at 1362 Mississippi Blvd. on the second Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hospitality Hub at 590 Washington Ave. on the third Wednesday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon.

For more information about Baptist Operation Outreach or to schedule an appointment, please call 901-283-8233. 

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, to be there on their hardest days and share Christ’s light. We all need to be seen and heard, and I wanted to connect with patients and make them feel loved.”

Baptist DeSoto is where Riley’s own family and loved ones turn when they need hospital care, and she is grateful to serve in her community.

“I love that the mission statement is the three-fold ministry of Christ. I feel supported and have a wonderful manager who puts a priority on work-life balance. Working here has provided many opportunities for growth, and I’ve gotten to try different things. This is my community, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here.

Meet Lisa Riley, RN, advanced nurse clinician at Baptist DeSoto.

“Grief is already difficult on an average day, but special days can make those feelings seem unmanageable,” said Hamblen Kelly. “The weight of sadness feels heavier, the emptiness more acute, the anger more intense and the joy and spirit of gratitude harder to access.”

Family is a central focus of the holiday season, and when a key member of your family or friend group is missing, your loss is immediately highlighted. It affects your cherished holiday traditions and may create tension with other relatives if you disagree about how to manage the season without your loved one. 

Tips to make the holidays a little less stressful

Just as there is no “right” way to grieve, there’s no magical cure for grief. It takes a lot of time, patience and all the coping skills you can muster. Here are some tips to help you cope this holiday season:

1. Expect to feel your grief. Your grief won’t disappear just because this is “supposed” to be a happy season.

2. Feel whatever you feel — and know that your feelings may change by the minute. It’s OK to feel sad, happy, angry or any combination of emotions.

3. Make a plan for yourself, but also be flexible. Create an exit strategy in case it feels too hard to stay at an event.

4. Accept your limits and manage your expectations. It’s OK to say no to that holiday party if it feels like too much to bear.

5. Include your loved one in the holiday — engage in deliberate remembering. “It’s important to acknowledge your loved one, even if it feels difficult. Family and friends also feel the weight of their absence, and talking about it allows you to support one another,” said Hamblen Kelly. You could do something as simple as lighting a candle and saying a prayer as you begin the day or activity.

6.  Volunteer with a local charity. Helping somebody else is a great way to connect with others and find meaning during a time when many feel isolated.

7. Take care of your needs.

·       Physical: We all know it’s important to eat healthy foods, but we also tend to go overboard with heavy foods around the holidays. Allow yourself some treats, but be mindful of getting the right nutrition, including plenty of water.

·       Emotional needs: Take a nap if you need one, or just set aside some time for quiet reflection. Taking a break in the middle of a busy activity is OK and sometimes necessary. Step outside for some fresh air and give yourself grace if the festivities are too much. Make time to talk about your feelings with someone you trust, write in a journal or practice deep breathing.

·       Spiritual needs: Pray, meditate or attend a religious service. If you’re part of a faith community, this can help you feel more connected to others.

 Above all, maintain hope that the holidays will be good once again, even if not this year.

How to help a grieving loved one

Have you ever been unsure of what to say when someone is grieving? Maybe you fumble with your words, struggling to express yourself and then say something you regret later. Maybe you’re so worried about saying the “wrong” thing that you don’t say anything at all.

Sometimes what we think might be a comforting phrase is really the opposite. We asked some of the teens who attend Baptist’s grief centers what they really do or don’t like to hear. These sentiments apply to adults as well.

DO say: “I know I’ll never understand what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.”

DON’T say: “I know how you feel.”

DO say: “I’d love to hear about your loved one if you feel like talking.”

DON’T say: “They’re in a better place now./It was God’s plan.”

DO say: “I wish I knew the right thing to say, but I don’t. I’m here to listen, to hold your hand or just be with you.”

DON’T: Ask for details about the death, illness, etc.

DO: Ask how you can help them. Do they want visitors, someone to provide meals or someone to watch the kids?

DON’T: Share their personal grief with others.

DO: Use their loved one’s name and share a nice memory you have of that person. 

Remember: It’s not about saying the best thing. You don’t have to make it your goal to cheer them up; the important part is to show up and listen when they want to talk. Keep in mind that grief doesn’t have an expiration date. Just because it’s been months or even years since someone died, the grief is still there and people continue to need support.  

The  Baptist Centers for Good Grief  offers safe environments for grieving children, teens and adults to explore and express their feelings after the death of a loved one and to learn to thrive in a world without that special person. This important work is funded entirely by generous donations and grants, and these services are free of charge to anyone in the community.

This year, the Baptist Centers for Good Grief has provided more than 8,500 individual grief counseling sessions. For more information about Baptist Centers for Good Grief, click here.

As more consumers seek online reviews and feedback on health care providers, the Reputation Score provides a good measurement of how providers are perceived. The higher the score, the more likely providers stand out in online reviews and search engine results.

Baptist’s 800 Award recipients had scores ranging from 800 to 880. The maximum Reputation Score available is 1,000, so individuals with scores in the 800s represent those who consistently provide excellent patient care.

“We are thrilled to see Baptist Medical Group providers receiving these high scores,” said Justin Rhodes, CEO of Baptist Medical Group and vice president of Baptist Connected Care. “Finding the right caregiver is very important to a person’s health and well-being. When you’re entrusting someone with your health, feedback from other patients is valuable information.”

Top Performers

Dr. Scott Hoke is a primary care physician in Jonesboro, AR. He received a Reputation Score of 880.  Dr. Alison Pomykala practices internal medicine in Germantown, Tennessee. She received a Reputation Score of 865. Dr. Fang Zhou practices family medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. She received a Reputation Score of 815. 

Is your doctor on the list?

All Baptist providers receiving the 800 Award have the logo on their profile pages on baptistonline.org and  baptistdoctors.org. 

Find a doctor at baptistdoctors.org.

Angela Palmer was diagnosed in 2018 after she fell and broke her shoulder. She was on leave from her job as a home health nurse and decided to take time to get caught up on all her health care assessments. She usually had an annual mammogram, but she hadn’t gotten one that year.

Palmer underwent chemotherapy and radiation and has been in remission for five years.

While at an appointment, she noticed some pamphlets for Baptist programs and began attending a monthly support group at Baptist Women’s Health Center every first Wednesday of the month.

“There are about 30 of us in the group now,” she said. “I wouldn’t know any of these women without Baptist. I’ve learned so much from other survivors, and we’re all so close.”

Breast cancer survivors meet every month to support one another.

Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson is a two-time cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed in 2009 and underwent two lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. Her first mammogram was on the Baptist mobile mammography unit when it came to her employer.

Due to the pandemic and some scheduling conflicts, she did not get her annual mammogram as usual in 2021. She was diagnosed for the second time in November 2022. She had a mastectomy and is currently on a five-year medication treatment.

“With the second diagnosis, I was pretty mopey,” Johnson said. She began attending the support group and found herself surrounded by women who could relate. “We’re all so different,” she said. “We have all ages, races and religions in there, but we all have this thing in common. We sit down and talk and have a wonderful time.”

Elle Coleman, Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson and Angela Palmer met at  Baptist Cancer Center's Women's Breast Cancer Support Group and now regularly volunteer with the mobile mammography unit. 

Queen Cunningham was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2018 at age 36. When she went for genetic counseling, she learned about the cancer support group and began attending.

“I went to the group before I made any decisions about my treatment,” she said. “Meeting those women was the best thing that could’ve happened.”

Because she had a strong family history of cancer, she opted for a double mastectomy. She encountered some other health issues the following year that led to a full hysterectomy.

Today, Cunningham is a regular on the mobile mammography unit— as a mammogram coordinator. In March 2024, she began working for Baptist. She drives the mobile, organizes outreach events and assists with appointments. She loves that she can use her personal experience to help others.

Queen Cunningham prepares a patient for her mammogram.

“A lot of women are so scared that they don’t even want to know if they have cancer,” she said. “I tell them what happened to me and how it’s better to know. I love that we can go into the community and meet them where they are. They don’t have to leave their comfort zone, and they don’t have to worry about transportation. I think if we don’t go to them, many women will never get a mammogram.”

Cunningham celebrated her sixth year of remission on Oct. 11. Every year she holds a big party with loved ones. This year, it was an extra special party — she got married on her remission anniversary.

For more information about Baptist's breast cancer services, please visit baptistpink.org. 

To schedule a mammogram, please call 901-227-PINK.

Breast cancer survivors Elle Coleman, Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson and Angela Palmer provide support to women when they arrive for mammograms on the mobile unit. 

The ladies in pink did not know each other before their cancer diagnoses. They met through Baptist’s monthly support group and formed special friendships through their shared experiences. They all found themselves eager to use their own experiences to support other women. 

“I started going to the support group and met Jennifer Coleman,” said Elle. “We hit it off right away, and we even have the same last name,” she laughed. “Jennifer told me about Baptist’s community outreach program, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Jennifer Coleman (no relation to Elle Coleman) is the outreach coordinator for Baptist Women’s Health Center and a three-time cancer survivor. 

Baptist’s Mobile Mammography Unit

The  mobile mammography unit bridges the gap for early detection. Baptist partners with many community groups and businesses to provide convenient locations for mobile mammography services.

One community partner is Knowledge Quest, a nonprofit organization serving South Memphis. Knowledge Quest founder and CEO Marlon Foster stopped by the unit and expressed gratitude for Baptist’s involvement. 

“We’re so grateful for the way Baptist comes through for the community we serve,” said Foster. “The folks at Baptist understand we have to make mammograms accessible. When people have limited transportation means or can’t take off work for an appointment, having the mobile come to them makes all the difference.”

Mobile volunteers pose with the Knowledge Quest team.

Mom to 3-year-old Grace and 1-year-old Andrew, Rapp was shocked but quickly transitioned into mama bear fighting mode, and her faith played a major role.

"Of course I’m scared, but there was a time when I didn’t think I’d be able to have children. God’s not going to bless us with these beautiful babies and take me away from them. I sat on the bed with my husband, and we prayed. We gave it all to God.”

Baptist Cancer Center  hematologist/oncologist Dr. Aleksandar Jankov ordered a lung biopsy, and Rapp received her diagnosis — Stage IV breast cancer. She was on full oxygen and could barely get out of bed. She was in the hospital for two weeks and had about 30 bags of antibiotics. 

“We weren’t sure I’d ever leave the hospital, and we thought I’d always need oxygen. Making it out of the hospital was nothing short of a miracle.”

Rapp not only left the hospital; she arrived at her follow-up appointment without oxygen.

The treatment plan

Because the cancer was so advanced, surgery wasn’t an option. So Rapp chose an aggressive treatment plan and immediately began her first round of infusion chemotherapy. She completed six full rounds of two types of chemotherapy — in just four months.

"I told Dr. Jankov I didn’t care what I have to go through; I want to be here to see my kids grow up."

Rachel and Dr. Jankov during a follow-up appointment.

Dr. Jankov wants women to know it’s easy to get a referral for genetic counseling.

“You don’t need a specialist to order the counseling; your primary care physician can do that.”

Baptist’s genetic counseling program  offers grants for women whose insurance may not cover the costs.

 Click here for a short quiz to determine whether you should consider genetic testing.

Rapp’s support system

“My husband and mom have been my rocks throughout this. I couldn’t even do laundry. I’ve needed so much help from others, and it’s been overwhelming to see how many people are jumping in to help us.”

Rapp isn’t just a Baptist patient; she’s also an employee. She’s worked as an administrative secretary at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women for two and a half years, and her work-family rallied around her. 

"God surrounded me with selfless and caring coworkers who have dedicated their lives to helping women. And Dr. Jankov — he is wonderful! I told him in the very beginning that I knew God sent him to heal me."

Rachel's coworkers kept her spirits up during her hospital stay.

Baptist Cancer Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer patients. A team of professionals meets weekly to discuss cases, working together to find the best options for each patient.

“It’s so much more than just having an oncologist. It’s a galaxy of providers,” Dr. Jankov said. “That includes nurses, genetic counselors, surgeons, mammographers and social workers. It really takes a village.”

Rapp is grateful for her Baptist village, and she believes she is meant to use her diagnosis to spread awareness to others. Her children will have important information about their cancer risks, which will lead to early screenings, and she recognizes that knowledge is a valuable gift. She is thankful for the opportunity to show her young children how faith can carry them through difficult times.

“I want them to know you’re going to go through storms, but it’s not about what you go through. It’s how you get through it, and it’s important that your faith never wavers.”

Next steps

Because Rapp’s cancer is so advanced, the primary focus is to prevent additional spreading. Cancer cells were found in both breasts, her lungs, two ribs and her right hip bone. After she completed the infusion chemotherapy, a CT scan showed no cancer in her lungs and no new areas. Her original mass is considered stable.

“They say I’ll always have cancer, but I’m technically in remission,” she said. “My remission isn’t the same as what most people think of when they hear remission. MY remission means it’s stable. It’s still cancer, but it’s not as bad as it was.”

In September, she began an oral chemotherapy regimen. She takes two different medications — one daily, but the other is so strong that her body needs time to recover. She takes that medication for 21 days, then takes a week off before starting again.

Rapp’s faith has been instrumental during this difficult time.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I’m thankful God has allowed me to see His goodness through this, that He’s healing me. I’m so grateful for everyone who has prayed for me and supported my family, especially all my fantastic nurses.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other women, Rapp said, “If something is wrong, take it seriously. Don’t stop until you know what it is. I can feel my mass now, but I never noticed it before. Self-exams are extremely important, and getting mammograms earlier could be lifesaving.”

For more information about Baptist Cancer Center, please click here. 

Brannon P. used to live a double life. He excelled in school and sports, had a lot of friends, graduated from college and began working for a cotton company downtown. He began drinking and experimenting with drugs in college, and the next 20 years led him to cocaine, opioids and pain pills. He spent his 30s in and out of treatment centers.

“People thought I had it together, until I didn’t. I kept digging the hole deeper until I came to the end of myself. I think everyone has to get to that place. Change has to come from the inside.”

When that change came for Brannon, it stuck. He hasn’t touched a mind-altering substance for 10 years.

Madelynn R. recalls going through the motions but not really living.

“I had a family, even new grandchildren, but I had no emotions. I saw the eyes of my grandbabies and knew I had to change.”

When she went to a treatment center in her town, others assumed she was a counselor, not there for treatment. “I wasn’t someone you’d identify as an alcoholic. I didn’t know what to expect from treatment, and I knew I had to humble myself. I always tell people, 'Never forget where you were, but never go back. We do recover.’”

It’s been almost six years since Madelynn stopped drinking and using drugs.

Lisa C. had a painful childhood and began drinking at age 14. For many years, she managed to keep up appearances, getting her child to school on time and staying on top of her job responsibilities.

“I made it look pretty on the outside, but it was really ugly on the inside,” she said. “I didn’t drink every day, but whenever I got the chance, I’d make up for the days I hadn’t been drinking.”

Everything changed when she drove under the influence and had a car accident, badly injuring the other driver. She spent the next four and a half years in prison, where she turned her life around.

“I decided I could be mad the whole time or use it for personal growth. I read 250 books, I graduated from the therapeutic community and began teaching others.”

Lisa has been sober since 2017.

In October 2021, Lisa was released from prison. Her new lease on life did not begin smoothly, and 2022 was a difficult year. She almost severed her finger in a work accident, leading to surgery and physical therapy for six months. She then needed another surgery a month later, followed by a terrible case of COVID-19.  In September 2022, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She’s in remission now, but the chemotherapy caused constant bone pain. Despite these challenges, Lisa never turned to drugs and alcohol.

A lifelong friend helped Lisa get a job as a mentor for others struggling with addiction. That friend was Madelynn.

Madelynn (left) and Lisa at a work event. 

THE TURNING POINT FOR RECOVERY

Brannon, Madelynn and Lisa have a lot in common. They’ve faced similar demons with addiction and turned their lives around, each relying on their faith to do so. They also turned their recovery into a way to help others, working as certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS), through the Baptist Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine.

A CPRS is someone with lived experience in long-term recovery who works to help patients identified as having an addiction problem. These positions are key roles in the West Tennessee Addiction Network, funded by a Health Resources and Services Administration grant.

When a Baptist physician identifies a patient who needs help in this area, the CPRS receives an email with information about the patient. They reach out to the patient — sometimes by phone, sometimes in person. They might help someone find a safe house, direct them to a nearby rehab facility, provide job resources or locate the closest Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. They have a network of contacts throughout West Tennessee. 

Because they are recovering addicts themselves, the peer recovery specialists often connect with patients in ways others can’t.

“I think people feel like they can open up to me because I’m not wearing a white coat,” said Madelynn. “That makes them more comfortable, and they’ll talk to me in a different way than they might talk to a doctor. I tell them it doesn’t matter what they tell me, because I’m not going to judge them. Then I tell them my own story.”

Madelynn and Brannon at a work event

Brannon added, “I just listen and meet people where they are. We all come from different backgrounds, and God created all of us. He didn’t create any junk. I made choices that created junk. God restored me and gave me a gift to help others. I’m so grateful to be able to extend hope to people."

ERASING THE STIGMA

When talking to Brannon, Madelynn and Lisa, one thing stood out right away — they all indicated they didn’t “look” like an addict to others. Each made a reference to keeping up appearances, hiding their inner turmoil from others for years.

“An extremely important part of what we do involves helping others recognize these are people too,” said Lisa. “These aren’t just junkies in the hospital — they’re moms and dads, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. How you treat them can really affect them. If you treat them like nobody, they will continue thinking they are nobody.”

Madelynn shared similar sentiments. “You can’t look at a person and tell what’s going on. I always tell people that addicts aren’t the people lying in the streets. This is a disease, and the people suffering are normal people you see every day.”

“I tell people all the time that if I can do this, they can too,” said Lisa.

“I think my purpose in life today is to love and help others, so that’s what I try to do,” said Brannon. “We’re all in recovery from something.”

BAPTIST CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN ADDICTION MEDICINE

The COE in Addiction Medicine  is the first-of-its-kind program that provides immediate treatment — in the emergency department or hospital – for patients with substance and alcohol use disorders. The Center of Excellence includes 15 locations within Baptist Memorial Health Care. It also includes the only fellowship program of its kind in the region, which educates future addiction medicine physicians.  

For more information about Baptist’s Center of Excellence in Addiction Medicine, click here.

If you need help with addiction, please click here for a list of phone numbers in your area. 

When Campbell made his grand entrance into the world, his parents were not exactly expecting him. 

“I was at my office and felt strange. My colleague saw me on my knees and told me to get to the doctor,” said mom Meredith Aden. “While driving, I noticed the pain was coming in consistent intervals. It turned out those were contractions. Campbell was born 20 minutes after I was admitted.” 

Campbell’s father, Mason Lowe, was traveling for work at the time. He had just landed at the Memphis airport and was talking to his wife when a nurse grabbed the phone and said she had to go. 

“All I knew was our baby had been born. The cab driver heard me and asked who had a baby,” laughed Lowe. “Then the nurse texted me photos of our little boy a few minutes later.”

Campbell was born prematurely on Feb. 19, 2015, at 27 weeks and two days gestation. He weighed just 2 pounds, 2.5 ounces and was 14.5 inches long. He spent more than seven weeks in the Baptist NICU before coming home. 

Feeling the love: NICU staff support

Campbell’s NICU stay included many ups and downs. He had a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. It’s not unusual for this to happen with premature babies, but sometimes requires surgery. Campbell ultimately didn’t need the surgery, but he did have three blood transfusions and a scare about a possible neck infection. He required a ventilator for nine days and had a feeding tube for about five weeks.

Campbell’s parents raved about their experience at Baptist.

“It felt like everyone was rooting for our kid,” said Lowe. “I have a vivid memory of walking in, and a couple of nurses who weren’t even taking care of Campbell that day came over all excited to tell me he’d taken his whole bottle. The emotional support was amazing.”

Aden added, “There were times I called in the middle of the night to check on him, and they were always so happy to talk and give updates. They did a really nice job of encouraging us to take care of him while in the hospital, so we were the ones feeding him and changing his diaper. We loved every chance we got to do kangaroo care, and they made sure we got to do this regularly.”

Kangaroo care is a method of skin-to-skin contact between a parent and baby, and it’s particularly beneficial for premature babies. Because preemies are often taken immediately to the NICU after birth, many mothers don’t get the chance to snuggle their newborn right away, and they may not even get to hold their child for days. Aden wasn’t able to hold Campbell until he was 10 days old.

“It’s not easy to get set up for kangaroo care,” said Aden. “Campbell had all these wires connecting him to machines, and he had a feeding tube and was on oxygen. It’s really kind of a hassle to move a baby, but the nurses always happily helped us with kangaroo care so we could cuddle our baby.”

Baby Campbell came home on April 26, 2015, weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces. He had a home apnea monitor for a short time, but he has no long-term issues related to his prematurity. 

“He did some developmental therapy and physical therapy through Tennessee Early Intervention System, but they kicked him out when he was 2 years old. He was completely caught up,” said Aden. 

All grown up

Today, Campbell is a witty and clever fourth grader. He plays baseball, basketball and football, and he loves Harry Potter and traveling.

2024 NICU Reunion

“We had a great experience at Baptist, and we’ve been very involved ever since,” said Aden.

Campbell and his parents were among 140 families attending the NICU’s reunion on Saturday, Sept.14. The festive event for families and hospital staff celebrated NICU graduates during  NICU Awareness Month with the theme “NICU graduates are out of this world.” Kids enjoyed bounce houses, snow cones, face painting, crafts and visits with P.D. Parrot. They even got to cuddle with some furry friends from 901 Goats. 

NICU staff members hugged grateful parents, welcoming them back and celebrating how far each NICU graduate had come. The Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation provided funding for the reunion, and the event raised almost $5,300 to support the NICU.

Nurses joyfully sing happy birthday to one of their former NICU patients. 

Shannon Rister, RN, has been planning these reunions since 2015 and says it’s a team effort, with many nurses volunteering their free time. 

“Last year, a mom told me it feels more like a family reunion. Her words meant so much to me because it proved we had done our job to make them feel at home in the NICU. We love these babies and their families, and we really do think of them like family.”

For more information about the NICU at Baptist Children’s Hospital, please click here. 

“I knew I needed to be a nurse so I could always take care of my son,” she said. “When he turned 1, I enrolled in nursing school at Baptist College of Health Sciences (now  Baptist Health Sciences University). I have so much history in this place.”

Today, Baker’s son is 24 years old and in great health. “He’s so tall — you’d never think he was premature!”

She’s been a registered nurse at Baptist Memphis  for 20 years, with 14 of those years working in the medical neurosurgical intensive care unit. Today, she manages 67 staff members in the 38-bed medical surgical unit. 

Baker loves finding ways to create as much joy as possible in her unit. Every week, she makes rounds with her staff and asks them to share something about a patient that wouldn’t be listed in their medical chart. 

“At first, the nurses weren’t sure what to do with this,” she laughed, “but when you connect with patients, you create rapport and trust. That leads to better outcomes for everyone. The patients know we care, and the nurses feel good about bonding with their patients. Now, they are flooding me with stories about their patients. It’s almost cathartic — in the hustle and bustle of the day, these connections are so touching.”

Baker and her team discovered a patient and his wife had been married in the hospital a year earlier and were there again on their first anniversary. Naturally, they threw a party to celebrate! The “bridesmaids” are pictured here. 

Baker’s passion for nursing is evident in just a brief conversation with her. She mentioned a quote the chief nurse executive, Mary Ellen Sumrall, recently shared with her: “Happiness begins where selfishness ends.” (Coach John Wooden)

“That’s really something to really think about,” she said. “When you’re not focused on yourself, you’re creating happiness for others. That’s how we can bring joy back into nursing.”

Grateful patient family praises Baker and her team 

Baker and her team left a lasting impression on former patient John Dixon and his family. He and his wife, Arlene, delivered gifts and a heartfelt letter to the unit. Arlene Dixon expressed appreciation for the entire team who cared for her husband, but she had especially high praise for Baker:

“Your attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile assisted his family in remaining hopeful and prayerful for a complete turnaround…Your dedication and enthusiasm are truly appreciated, and you are a valuable asset to your profession and organization.”

To join the Baptist team, please click here. 

Baker's team reunited with former patient John Dixon and his wife, Arlene. 

Meet Encarnacion Baker, RN, nurse manager at Baptist Memphis

During orientation, Dr. Peter Bell, DO, the school's vice provost and dean, likened the rigorous medical training to climbing Mt. Everest, with faculty and staff serving as “sherpas” guiding them to the summit by supporting  students in body, mind and spirit. He stressed the importance of students proactively engaging in their own wellness. In that vein, the YMCA board offered each student a free membership to the  Memphis-area YMCA.

Mid-South Representation

Doctors of osteopathic medicine have many specialties, but 53% tend to go into primary care, often in rural areas with underserved populations. Like many areas of the country, the Mid-South is facing a shortage of primary care and family medicine doctors, and BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine hopes to address this challenge by producing high-quality physicians to serve this region.

“Forty percent of the class of 2028 is from Tennessee. Our hope is these students will ultimately choose to practice in the Mid-South,” said Meghan Woodham, director of admissions.

White Coat Ceremony

Dr. Teresa Hubka, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association, invited students to consider the AOA as their national professional home.  Today, AOA supports 150,000 osteopathic physicians and 40,000 osteopathic student physicians.

“I want you to wear the initials OMS [osteopathic medical student] proudly as you enter the classroom and our clinics and hospitals. You’re joining a wonderful profession during a time of tremendous growth.” 

Dr. Teresa Hubka, DO

Keynote Speaker

Keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO, welcomed students to the house of medicine. Dr. Ross-Lee was one of only two females and one of two minorities in her osteopathic medicine program in 1973. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to be appointed dean of a medical school in the U.S.

“Each of you brings a personal perspective, born of your life experiences and backgrounds. Your diverse perspectives are important. Producing excellence is what diversity is all about, and it is why diversity is such a powerful force in addressing the health of the American population. The white coat is a symbol to the public that you are prepared." 

Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, DO

The class of 2028 brings its own diversity to the field of medicine. Women make up 58 percent of the class, and students represent 21 different states. A total of 1,884 individuals applied for admission.

Five students were “coated” by their physician parents, as they continue their family legacy of providing medical care. 

The school has a rolling admissions process and is currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. For more information about the application process, please  click here.

What is a doctor of osteopathic medicine?

Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every medical specialty. Trained in holistic health care, DOs incorporate the body, mind and spirit of the patient in their approach to care.

DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to restore health and stay well. They treat the whole person, incorporating the latest science and technology with other treatment options, considering how lifestyle and environmental factors affect a patient’s well-being. 

Just like medical doctors (MDs), students of osteopathic medicine complete four years of medical school, followed by residency and fellowships. DOs hold some of the most prominent positions in health care today, including overseeing the care of the president of the United States, the NASA medical team, Olympic athletes and many members of the military.

For more information about BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, please click here.

“Our  full-service hospital has an emergency department, intensive care unit, step-down unit, acute care beds, a sleep disorders center, women’s health center and many outpatient services. Equipped with 81 beds, all rooms are private and spacious."

Lindsay Stencel, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville CEO and administrator

What services does your  emergency department offer? 

The most common ailments we see are sepsis and pneumonia. We frequently care for patients who need general surgery, such as an appendectomy. We also see a lot of patients who need casts or stitches.

What about strokes and heart attacks? Can you treat these patients?

If someone is in a life-threatening situation and we are the closest hospital, we can absolutely stabilize them. We frequently admit and care for stroke patients, but if the patient needs brain surgery or a stent, they would be transferred to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. We have teleneurology services and can perform some procedures, such as breaking up a brain clot.

Ambulances often attempt to get the patient to the closest hospital that offers the services needed. Though Baptist Collierville is not chest-pain accredited and cannot perform cardiac catheters or open-heart surgery, we can take those first steps to getting the patient treated and stabilized and then transfer them to another facility for specialized procedures if necessary. Some patients even come back to Baptist Collierville for recovery after their procedure. When someone does need a transfer, we take care of the details by contacting the other hospital and arranging the needed medical transportation.

What does your women’s health center offer?

We have a full array of women’s services, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast biopsies and ultrasounds. We get a lot of praise about these services because we are so efficient with them. We also offer bone densitometry testing (DEXA scans), lymphedema therapy and cyst aspirations.

What outpatient services are available?

Our outpatient services are really our best kept secret. We do a lot of outpatient surgeries, from ortho to urology. People can come here for an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, respiratory therapy or general labs. A vascular surgeon inserts ports and lines. Many people come to our hospital for physical, occupational or speech therapy following their discharge from surgery or other procedures. Our wellness center is available for a fee to physical therapy alumni and community members who may need a little extra guidance with exercise.

What surgeries do you perform?

Forty percent of surgeries at Baptist Collierville are orthopedic. A total-joint-certified hospital, we see patients needing spine, hip, knee, ankle and shoulder surgeries. We have a great relationship with Campbell Clinic, currently housed in the physician office building across the street from the hospital. (Campbell Clinic is expanding and building a freestanding office down the street and will continue to partner with Baptist for surgeries.)

We also offer ear, nose and throat surgeries; gastrointestinal procedures (such as endoscopies and colonoscopies); cataract surgery; plastic surgery; and general surgery.

One exciting thing completely unique to Baptist Collierville is the single-port da Vinci surgical system. Most hospitals have a multi-port robot with many arms, which makes four small incisions for minimally invasive surgeries. Baptist Collierville is the first in the area to launch the single-port robot, which makes only one incision for an even less invasive process. For about six months now, we’ve been using the device for urology procedures, such as prostate removal and nephrectomies. We are the only hospital in a large radius with this single-port technology and a physician specially trained to use it.

What does the sleep disorders center do?

We have a fantastic facility that many people don’t know about, and it was one of the first sleep disorders centers to be accredited in the country. We have a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) clinic and an in-house sleep lab with seven rooms, where people can sleep in a home-like environment while our medical experts evaluate them to identify issues and offer solutions to help improve their sleep.

What’s the future like for Baptist Collierville?

We are about to start construction to expand our ICU from seven to 14 beds and increase our ICU space to 17,000 square feet. We’ll be moving into our former labor and delivery space and then adding more space. This will include an expansion for our emergency department, going from 13 beds to 20. We anticipate the ICU expansion to be complete in summer 2025, with the emergency department completion a few months later.

For more information about Baptist Collierville, please click here. 

Sarah began researching ideas and saw something on Pinterest about IV “lily pads,” and the idea intrigued her. The lily pads are round bases attached to IV poles, offering pediatric patients a fun way to move around the hospital.

Sarah could only find photos of completed lily pads, but no blueprint for how to design and make them. Because Gold Award project goals include changing the world and driving lasting change, Sarah knew she’d found her winning idea — make these lily pads and teach others how to do the same.

The Gold Award requires a minimum of 80 hours. Sarah spent more than 400 hours perfecting her lily pads and donated 17 bright and colorful bases to the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children's Hospital in June 2024.

The labor-intensive project involved much trial and error. Baptist employees provided measurements, and Sarah converted the measurements to a circular platform to make her first prototype. After Baptist shipped an IV pole to Sarah’s home in Georgia, she noticed things to tweak when she attached the lily pad. She started again, making the IV slot smaller to allow for a tighter fit and adjusting the curves so the base would cover all the wheels, making it safer for young patients. Sarah and her mom, Toni Gruber, drove to the Memphis hospital to ensure the new prototype would fit perfectly.

The Grubers met with Kate Baker, a certified child life specialist at Baptist Children’s Hospital, during their visit. Baker helps comfort and calm young patients who might be scared and anxious. One of her roles is to help get kids up and moving, which can be difficult.

“It’s always a challenge to get kids to move from their rooms, but it’s so important, especially in a case when someone has pneumonia,” said Baker.

Baker had never heard of an IV lily pad before, but thought it sounded interesting. Now, she says she’s seeing things about lily pads more frequently. She’s excited to see how they’re already making a difference after just a short time.

“The lily pads help motivate kids to move,” said Baker. “Even if they aren’t ready to walk, they are sitting upright on the lily pad base, which is very useful for healing. We can take them to see the playroom, and then encourage them to take a few steps into the room. The lily pad is a great way to motivate them to take that first step.”

The cheerful lily pad designs include unicorns, sea creatures and dinosaurs. They’re intended for children ages 3 and up, and they are sturdy enough for an adult to sit on them. Children get to choose the design they want and use it throughout their stay in the hospital, which gives them a sense of control during a time they don’t feel like they have much of it.

Employees at the Memphis branch of Alston Construction were inspired by Sarah’s project and donated materials for an add-on project — 525 coloring books and crayons to distribute to patients and their siblings.

In addition to creating the lily pads, Sarah has created instructional materials to teach others how to recreate lily pads for other hospitals. She’s already trained 30 teens and hopes this project will continue to grow.

“It’s important to me to both inspire and teach others so they can carry on this project long after I’ve finished mine,” said Sarah.

For more information about Baptist Children's Hospital, click here. 

Q&A with Dr. Christian Nunez

The infant formula shortage is a crisis affecting many families. While the reasons for the shortage are complex and include a recall from a major manufacturer, what’s most important right now is getting families through this crisis. We discussed options parents have with Dr. Christian Nunez, pediatric hospitalist with the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.

Let’s start with why formula is so essential. What does it do for babies?  

It’s important because it provides the nutrition infants need for their high metabolic demand. The neonatal timeframe is a period of rapid growth and development. In the first few weeks and months of life, the proportionate drastic change in the baby’s weight isn’t seen again until puberty. Formula is designed to not only fulfill babies’ caloric requirements, but to maintain their electrolytes. That’s why we consider formula to be so important if breast milk isn’t available or an option. Families can consult with a pediatrician to select what is appropriate for their child.

Why is it important not to water down formula?

If you water down formula too much, it’s going to be essentially useless. It won’t have the calories to support growth, and you run the risk of seizures and kidney damage. It’s very important for the formula to be mixed properly. If too much water is added, there can be serious electrolyte abnormalities — most notably with sodium. If sodium drops in the blood too quickly, it can cause seizures. And babies’ kidneys aren’t fully developed until close to a year and can’t handle that much water.  

Is it appropriate to offer infants cow’s milk or plant-based milk?

The type of proteins in cow’s milk and even plant-based milk can be harmful to infants under 1 year old. The proteins can affect their kidneys, which are not fully developed enough to handle the high protein load, and can also affect the intestinal tract, potentially causing intestinal bleeding. It is best to stick with infant formulas or breastmilk, which is safer and has the correct amount of nutrients needed for that stage of development. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers other tips on infants’ dietary needs.

Are you seeing patients and parents affected by the shortage?

Personally, I’m not, but I do know it’s very prevalent today. The question we get a lot is, “Should we switch formulas? Is it safe?” What I generally say is that if it’s a standard infant formula, 19 or 20 kilocalories per ounce, and most brands are, it should be sufficient for an infant. All the different name brands are just brands. They are comparable. What’s important is that they are mixed correctly to prevent abnormalities.  

What alternatives do parents have during the shortage?

They can switch formulas. Some parents worry that switching formulas can cause stomach upset, and that can happen when you introduce something new to the diet. It can affect the intestinal tract slightly. So, it can take about five to seven days for the baby to adjust. Parents should avoid frequent switching without giving the baby enough time to adjust. Give it a week after switching. If there are still issues, consult with a pediatrician. Some other symptoms that may come up with switching formulas include gas, irritability, spit up, diarrhea or change in color of stools. Ask a pediatrician about gas drops to help with symptoms. What I recommend to families, especially parents of newborns I see in the nursery, is to start breastfeeding from birth if possible. Breast milk supplies nutrients that can’t be produced in formula. It also has antibodies from the mother. Studies have also shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, eczema, allergies, frequent stomach infections, and they have increased cognitive development. The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital is one of the leading pediatric hospitals in Memphis and includes a pediatric emergency room, advanced pediatric intensive care unit, spacious inpatient rooms and outpatient diagnostics and surgeries. Find a physician by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Postpartum Recovery: Healing After Birth

Meeting your newborn is a time filled with love, promise and joy. When nurses place your baby in your arms, you may forget about your post-delivery discomfort. However, once you are ready to leave the hospital and return home, you will want to understand the postpartum recovery process—including how to handle the pain and exhaustion that comes with it. Dr. Charles Ryan, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Cornerstone Women’s Center, says that most postpartum complaints resolve within two to three months. If this sounds like a long time, don’t worry! Time takes on a new meaning with a newborn, and the minutes and hours seem to fly by. Your baby will be a beautiful bright spot during your postpartum recovery process.

Postpartum Symptoms

Recovery starts right after childbirth. The body begins to heal, which can include a variety of symptoms. Most notably, you may feel after-pains, or contractions, that help reduce bleeding and shrink the uterus back down to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. While it took 40 weeks for your uterus to expand, the shrinking process occurs over just four to six weeks. In addition to after-pains, you will likely feel extreme soreness after giving birth. “Many people describe it as feeling like they just ran a marathon or completed a full-body workout,” said Ryan. “Musculoskeletal soreness typically lasts for several days after labor and delivery. If you delivered your baby vaginally, you would also feel soreness from vaginal lacerations.” Common symptoms in the first week after childbirth include: • Heavy bleeding • Abdominal cramping • Constipation • Hemorrhoids • Chills/night sweats • Difficult bowel movements • Engorged breasts • Back pain • Headaches • Pain in the perineum (vaginal births) • Incision pain (C-section births)

Recovery Time

Recovery doesn’t happen instantly, and Ryan encourages new parents to set realistic expectations. “Be patient and forgiving with yourself,” said Ryan. “It’s normal for it to take six weeks for your uterus and blood pressure to get back to normal. You may still notice some physical changes—such as pelvic relaxation or the width of your hips—that may never go back completely the way they were before.” You may bleed for four to six weeks; some people bleed for a longer or shorter time period. Items like oversized pads and mesh underwear may not sound glamorous, but they are a practical way to stay comfortable as your body heals.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects one in seven women. “We screen for depression at the hospital and in the doctor’s office,” said Ryan. “Depression is normal due to hormonal changes in the body. You might not feel happy about your new baby or your recent life changes. This should be temporary. However, if it affects how you care for your baby or yourself, your doctor can recommend ways to alleviate those feelings.” Treatment options for postpartum depression include support groups, self-care and medications. “We don’t want you struggling by yourself,” said Ryan. “Reach out to your doctor. Tell someone what you’re going through.”

Finding Support

In addition to support for your mental health, you can do certain things to support your physical healing. “Be mindful of headaches or changes in vision, which can signal high blood pressure,” said Ryan. “If you lost a lot of blood while giving birth, take an iron supplement to ensure you don’t become anemic which can increase fatigue.” People who had a C-section should refrain from exercise and sexual intercourse and should not lift anything heavier than their baby. “It can be very helpful to have a supportive person at home with you while you’re recovering,” said Ryan. “That person can help you make meals, clean the home and care for your newborn to give you a chance to rest and build up strength.”

Follow-up Care

According to Ryan, newborns typically see a pediatrician within the first week of birth. However, if you have concerns after delivery, he or she could see your baby the day after birth. “If you have a vaginal delivery, you will see your obstetrician six weeks after delivery,” said Ryan. “If you have a C-section, you will see your obstetrician two weeks after delivery, then four weeks after that.” During that follow-up appointment, your doctor will perform a breast and vaginal exam, check C-section incisions and make sure the uterus has returned to its normal size and shape. At this appointment, you might be cleared to resume sexual intercourse, exercise and birth control. Follow-up care may also include physical therapy for people who experience a relaxed bladder or pelvic floor problems due to a vaginal delivery. “Most physical therapists offer pelvic health treatments for pelvic pain, as well as bowl and bladder dysfunctions,” said Ryan. “These ‘mommy bounce back’ sessions can be very helpful.” No matter what your road to recovery looks like, postpartum is a healing journey that takes time, support and grace. Remember—if you’re struggling with postpartum depression or need to talk to someone, reach out to your health care provider. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

With the arrival of your new baby, you may feel exhausted, hungry and overwhelmed with love. Getting to this point is an achievement—and it’s certainly time to celebrate! However, the journey isn’t over yet. You may have been so focused on pregnancy and delivery that you forgot to learn what to expect about post-delivery. If that’s the case, don’t worry. There’s plenty you can learn about post-delivery so that you feel confident and prepared. Dr. Alok Kumar, a board-certified OB/-GYN at MOGA in Southaven, MS, breaks down what you can expect after you deliver your baby—from what your baby should look like upon delivery to postpartum checkups, sex after having a baby and much more.

Your Newborn’s Appearance

You may be eager to see if your newborn has your nose or your partner’s mouth. What you may not expect is the color of your baby’s complexion immediately after birth. “It’s normal for babies to have a blue or purple hue, especially in their extremities,” said Kumar. As your baby starts to breathe, within about 30 seconds after birth, that bluish color subsides.” Labor and delivery is a stressful event for both of you. If your baby is born vaginally, he or she travels through a 10 centimeter (or four-inch) space in the pelvis and birth canal. “Parents are sometimes alarmed, but the blue color resolves on its own in about 12–24 hours,” said Kumar. Head molding is less likely with C-sections, especially if you have a scheduled C-section. If you have a long labor that eventually requires a C-section, your baby’s head may still appear irregular from attempting to move through the birth canal.

The Delivery Room

“The room can be fairly crowded during delivery,” said Kumar. “A number of specialized people help you and the baby. This usually includes a physician, labor nurse, scrub technician and charge nurse. This health care team, plus anesthesia members, also attend a C-section.” The delivery room quiets down once you have your newborn in your hands. “Typically, the people in the room at this point are family—often, it’s your mom and one support person, such as your partner, sibling or aunt. The labor nurse stays with you to assist with breastfeeding and bleeding.” According to Kumar, the first hour post-delivery is important for bonding. Baptist DeSoto is designated a Baby Friendly® hospital, which means it encourages breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact right after birth, as long as no health emergencies arise. “We take care of the baby as much as possible while he or she rests comfortably on your chest,” said Kumar. Nurses tend to your baby by gently suctioning fluid from the nose and throat, applying antibiotic ointment to the eyes to prevent infection, and giving a dose of vitamin K to help the blood to clot. They will also footprint your baby and place an identification tag on his or her wrist or ankle.

Colic and Crying

Crying might not seem like a good thing, said Kumar, but it’s an important way for your baby to communicate with you. “Babies cry when they’re born,” said Kumar. “Physically, this crying is a good thing. It helps with the breathing process and encourages physiological changes in the baby.” As time goes by, your baby’s cries can be a sign of hunger or discomfort related to temperature or a dirty diaper. Colic, on the other hand, is prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. “Colic is when a baby cries more than three hours a day, more than three days a week and for more than three weeks,” said Kumar. “This can make parents feel frustrated and helpless. Your pediatrician or health care provider can recommend treatments and comfort measures for babies with colic.” Colic remedies may include warm baths, changes to the baby’s formula or medications.

Postpartum Checkups

Your body changes considerably as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. During these physical and emotional changes, you may experience discomfort, stress, mood swings or postpartum depression. That’s why checking in with your doctor is very important. “Most of your care will come from your obstetrician,” said Kumar. “You will see your OB exclusively for most things. Screening protocols occur at six weeks postpartum and include monitoring blood pressure and checking for postpartum depression.” If you're seeing other providers, tell them if you are choosing to breastfeed so that your doctor knows not to prescribe any medications that are incompatible with breastfeeding.

Your Menstrual Cycle

After birth, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. “A true menstrual cycle doesn't occur until 6–12 weeks after delivery,” said Kumar. “And that depends on if you’re breastfeeding or not. If you bottle feed, your period may return sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed.” Before you resume ovulation and menstruation, your body goes through postpartum lochia, or bleeding that lasts four to six weeks post-delivery. Lochia is a combination of red and white blood cells, amniotic fluid, mucus membranes, and tissues sloughed off as part of your body’s healing process. Lochia should get better with time, not worse. “If your bleeding worsens or increases, we need to know. Call us right away so we can check out what’s going on.”

Sex and Birth Control

While there’s no required waiting period, Kumar and other health care providers recommend waiting at least six weeks before engaging in penetrative sex after birth. “At the beginning, there are some infection concerns,” said Kumar. “The cervix is still open a little bit. Early intercourse could also lead to problems as you heal from lacerations and repairs.” Kumar says sex may not be a priority at the beginning of your postpartum phase; it becomes important later. “Sex is important,” said Kumar. “But it’s not the only way to have intimacy with your partner. Communicate your feelings and concerns. Spend time alone with your partner without the baby—just a few minutes when baby is asleep can really re-establish the bond between partners.” You can still get pregnant soon after giving birth, so abstaining from sex for six weeks eliminates the chance of getting pregnant again before you’ve fully healed. When you resume intercourse with your partner, let your health care provider know if you experience pain. “Having intercourse too early can lead to more tears where a laceration or episiotomy was performed,” said Kumar. “Many things can be done to help you heal and get your body ready for sex again. For example, Kegel exercises can help get you back to your normal self.” As you step into this new role as a parent, it’s important to allow your body the time it needs to heal. The first six weeks post-delivery bring a tremendous amount of change. “It’s a wonderful time, but it can be difficult,” said Kumar. “You may feel pressure to do it all—take care of the baby, clean the house, wear makeup, return to work—all with a smile. These are unrealistic goals for you to reach on your own. Always accept help when it’s offered. You deserve it.” To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Crisis Callers Receive Emotional Support and Resources The Memphis Crisis Center takes calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 901-CRISIS7. Suicide calls are only one of many types of calls the center receives. The Memphis Crisis Center is a full-service crisis line, receiving calls for emotional wellness, mental health issues, grieving, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder neglect and material needs. In addition to the main crisis line, the center operates Call 4 Kids, Elder Lifeline and the HIV Care Hotline. The Memphis Crisis Center also provides an after-hours answering service for the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center. As the local affiliate of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Veterans Hotline, the center also receives a few calls from outside of the Shelby County area. “Our primary goal is to be here to listen and do some collaborative problem-solving and link people to the long-term resources they need,” said Michael LaBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center. How Volunteers Help Prevent Crises From Escalating According to LaBonte, the act of listening to someone and providing emotional support can prevent a crisis from escalating. He said that when the center receives a call, the volunteer on the call takes the time to make a compassionate connection with the caller. “We use the least intrusive means necessary when dealing with callers,” said LaBonte. When a call comes in, the trained volunteer assesses the safety of the caller and determines if it’s a suicide call. While many potential callers may think that emergency services are sent out when they call for help, that’s usually not the case. LaBonte said that they typically de-escalate the situation, engage in safety planning and link the caller to needed resources in the community to help them through their situation. The Memphis Crisis Center is a confidential service that provides a type of emotional first aid, which LaBonte compares to CPR — doing what’s necessary to keep the caller going until they receive more assistance. “We’re the people doing the CPR, linking folks to available resources to work their way through a crisis,” said LaBonte. “Oftentimes when people are in crisis, there’s a tunnel vision that kind of takes over, and people may forget the resources in their own lives. What we try to do is turn that tunnel into a funnel and bring some of those resources that are already there back into perspective.” Helping the Memphis Crisis Center “We could not do what we do without our community partners, including the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center, the United Way of the Mid-South, the Family Safety Center, UT Health Science Center and Baptist Memorial Health Care,” said LaBonte. Right now, what the center needs is more trained volunteers to take calls. LaBonte said that since the start of the pandemic, they’ve lost several volunteers and have been trying to rebuild capacity. “A lot of people are afraid to work on crisis lines, but more people can do this than think they can,” said LaBonte. Volunteers complete a 40-hour training process, offered at various times throughout the year. For more information about volunteering, email volunteers@crisis7.org. For more information about the center or to get help, visit memphiscrisiscenter.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-CRISIS7 (901-274-7477) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Giving Birth: What to Expect in Labor and Delivery

As the third trimester comes to an end, parents start actively preparing for their child’s birth. You may turn a spare bedroom into a nursery and purchase toys and clothes. Many first-time parents want to plan for labor and delivery too. Knowing what to expect can lessen your concerns and make preparing for your big day a little easier. Dr. George Sean Tucker, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group-Women’s Consultants, has been a practicing physician since 2004. He answered our questions about giving birth for the first time, from labor pain and pain relief options to what post-delivery care looks like for you and your baby.

Labor Contractions

Labor causes a dull ache in the back and lower abdomen. Contractions move from the top of the uterus to the bottom. It may be difficult to recognize a contraction with your first pregnancy. Some pregnant people describe labor as very strong menstrual cramps. “When labor starts, it’s common to fear you won’t get to the hospital in time,” said Tucker. “However, you probably have more time than you think. It’s usually time to go to the hospital when you experience painful contractions every five minutes that last for one full minute and continue for an hour.” According to Tucker, your water might break before you get to the hospital—or it might not. “Your water doesn’t always break when you’re in labor,” said Tucker. “But if you experience a big gush of fluid or just leaking fluid, we need to address that. We want you to get to the hospital so we can evaluate you and make sure everything is normal. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto has an OB emergency department, so you can walk in and be evaluated.” Once you arrive at the hospital, labor can last hours or days. Each person is different and each pregnancy is also a little different; although in general, people tend to labor longer in their first pregnancy than in subsequent pregnancies.

Pain Relief Options

There are several ways to manage labor pain, including medical and non-medical techniques. “Slow, deep breathing can bring relief for many people, as can a warm bath or shower, changing positions and back massages,” said Tucker. You can also request an epidural during labor. An epidural is administered continuously and can last as long as you need pain relief. “Some doctors prefer to give an epidural only after you’re two to three centimeters dilated,” said Tucker. “But more doctors are open to giving epidurals almost immediately, as long as the laboring person is committed to not leaving the hospital until after delivery.” After birth, you will experience painful uterine cramps, which keep you from bleeding and help the uterus start shrinking back to its normal size. You’ll require stitches if you have a perineal laceration or a C-section incision. Those stitches could be uncomfortable as your body heals. “We generally give aspirin or ibuprofen for muscle pain,” said Tucker. “Opioids are reserved for incisional pain.”

Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced restrictions for laboring people, their families and health care teams. For safety, you will receive a COVID-19 test before you go to your delivery room. Most deliveries are vaginal deliveries, but there is a chance you may require a Cesarean section. In the United States, the C-section rate is just over 30%. You may need to deliver your baby by C-section if labor does not progress or if the baby is in distress. Most people who deliver their baby vaginally will have a perineal tear with delivery. When this happens, doctors repair the tear with stitches while you are holding your baby for the first time.

Post-Delivery

After you deliver your baby, doctors make sure you are hemostatic, which means you aren’t bleeding or hemorrhaging. If you need stitches, you’ll receive those before the physician leaves the room. Babies who are delivered vaginally will have a temporarily elongated head from passing through the birth canal. Babies delivered by C-section don’t have an elongated head at birth. Most babies, despite how you deliver them, will have some bruising on their skin. “When you’re back in bed with clean sheets and blankets, we encourage skin-to-skin contact with your baby,” said Tucker. “If you choose to breastfeed, a lactation consultant will be there to help you. A team of nurses will care for you, while others are dedicated to monitoring your baby.” One to two hours after delivery, as long as your bleeding and blood pressure are stable, you will move to a private postpartum room to recover.

Going Home

Many parents are eager to take a new baby home. You may be surprised at how quickly you can leave the hospital after giving birth. “It keeps getting earlier and earlier,” said Tucker. “People used to stay for three days, sometimes four days. Right now, if there are no problems with C-sections, people are going home in two days. If there are no problems with vaginal deliveries, people can often go home the next day after they have rested and any anesthesia has worn off.” When you go home, it’s important to rest as much as possible. Accept help if family, friends or neighbors offer it. Giving birth is an achievement, and you and your baby deserve to recover peacefully. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Callers Affected by a Variety of Issues Find Help With the Crisis Line

Mid-South residents are facing a lot of stressors — poverty, economic pressure from inflation, crime, gun violence, numerous issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and simply feeling let-down after the holidays are over. All this is in addition to everyday life stress, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mental health problems, such as depression. The Memphis Crisis Center has been available through it all — since 1971 — to offer support for residents.

COVID-19 Has Added Layers of Stress, Isolation and Hardship

The pandemic has made people feel a sense of loss, even if they haven’t directly experienced the death of a friend or loved one. It’s the loss of a sense of normalcy and increased isolation that can be very difficult. “Connection is so important to mental health. That can’t be overstated,” said Michael LaBonte, executive director of the Memphis Crisis Center. With the pandemic, people need safe forms of connection. It’s important to check on neighbors and reach out to friends and family via phone or text, urged LaBonte. “When people call us, it may not manifest directly as a COVID call, but it’s one of those underlying issues from COVID because people have been laid off, lost loved ones and are dealing with additional stressors,” said LaBonte. “A lot of people have felt isolated and that’s had an impact on calls we get.” LaBonte said that he’s noticed a correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and suicide calls, material needs calls and calls for mental health issues. He believes that the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues for many people, particularly those who have lower income levels and fewer resources. Even people without existing mental health problems and financial issues have also had a tough time dealing with pandemic-related stress. A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas indicated 32.8% of U.S. adults had elevated depressive symptoms in 2021, and 27.8% of adults experienced such symptoms in the early months of the pandemic in 2020. In comparison, only 8.5% of adults had elevated depressive symptoms before the start of the pandemic. The most significant predictors for depressive symptoms were having a low household income, being unmarried and experiencing multiple pandemic-related stressors. “The past two years have been exhausting to individuals,” said LaBonte. “People are worn out. We’ve dealt with the pandemic, political uncertainty and economic fallout from the pandemic.”

Connecting With Those Who Need Help

The Memphis Crisis Center is an important resource for the community, especially now, but how do callers find the center? Often, it’s through online searches. Since 2014, Baptist Memorial Health Care has provided a yearly grant to the center to enable them to reach people where they are with behavioral online targeting through Google searches. “We cherish our relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care,” said LaBonte. “Lives have been saved because of that relationship.” When someone in the Memphis metro area uses Google to search for certain terms, the Memphis Crisis Center comes up in search results along with the phone number for the center. Some examples of these targeted search words are “how to kill myself” or “help with depression.” The Google algorithm also includes COVID-related terms so that people dealing with difficulties from the pandemic may receive help too. “We stay in contact with our media firm to make sure the search words are consistent with the needs of our community,” said noted LaBonte. “Multiple callers have told us, ‘Your call center came up and I decided to call.’” If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-CRISIS7 (901-274-7477) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

If you’re in the third trimester of pregnancy—from week 29 to week 40—it won’t be long until your baby arrives. You may feel a mixture of tiredness, anxiety and excitement. Your emotions may be unpredictable, but the third trimester doesn’t have to be. Dr. Charles Ryan, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Cornerstone Women’s Center, recommends using these last few weeks to rest and enjoy time alone or with loved ones. As you move into this next stage and gear up for your due date, it’s also important to keep a few things in mind about your body and the baby’s development.

Changing Symptoms

With a new trimester comes new symptoms—and even some familiar ones. Morning sickness often disappears in the second trimester, but in the third trimester you may notice nausea start to return. “It’s not morning sickness this time,” said Ryan. “Because the uterus is getting larger and pushing on the stomach, it may cause gastric reflux. While anti-nausea medicine worked for morning sickness in your previous trimesters, Pepcid Complete or an acid reducer will probably be the best thing for you in the third trimester.” As the uterus grows larger, you may also feel shortness of breath because the lungs can’t expand as much as they did before. Some people may develop preeclampsia in the third trimester. This is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and other abnormal lab results. According to Ryan, the only way to get rid of preeclampsia is to deliver your baby. “Preeclampsia is a serious, potentially fatal condition,” said Ryan. “If you have a persistent severe headache, abdominal pain, swelling or problems with your vision, call your doctor right away to have your blood pressure tested and to catch preeclampsia early.”

Weight Gain

“You’ll probably gain about half your pregnancy weight in the third trimester,” said Ryan. “Typically, weight gain of 25–35 pounds is recommended. Some people may gain more.” A lot of weight in the third trimester comes from increased fluid retention. More fluid causes increased swelling in the lower extremities, which can be normal, but Ryan cautions against ignoring this symptom. “Swelling can also be a symptom of preeclampsia,” said Ryan. “That’s something that you would want to talk to your doctor about as well.”

The Baby’s Growth and Position

The third trimester is an important growth phase for the baby. “Your baby is growing and putting on weight,” said Ryan. “The lungs are the last thing to mature. They may not be fully mature until the baby reaches full term—so that’s why doctors don’t elect to induce labor before 39 weeks. We want to make sure the lungs are fully mature before that time.” The third trimester is also the time when babies start to move into a downward position for birth. “Typically, babies turn head-down by 36 weeks,” said Ryan. “We always check the position of the baby at 36 weeks, along with checking your cervical dilation.” Don’t worry too much if your baby is still breech, or feet-first, around 36 weeks. According to Ryan, sometimes doctors can still turn the baby to a head-down position by doing what’s called an external cephalic version. However, doctors typically wait to see if the baby turns naturally, and if not, usually deliver by Cesarean section.

Safe Workouts

Regular exercise can help relieve some discomfort you may feel in the third trimester of pregnancy. People with certain pregnancy problems should avoid certain workouts. You can talk to your doctor about exercises that are right for you. “Some people don’t know that yoga can lower stress and improve the quality of your sleep,” said Ryan. “Walking and swimming can also be good cardio activities. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.”

Red Flags

One of the main things to watch out for in the third trimester, said Ryan, is premature or preterm labor. This is when your body starts getting ready for birth too early—usually around three weeks before your due date. “Up until 36 weeks, if you’re having contractions that are closer than 10 minutes apart and last for an hour, you should get checked out at the hospital or in the doctor’s office. Acting fast can make a big difference, and doctors can do things to delay an early delivery.” In addition to preterm labor, you should also be aware of decreased fetal movement toward the end of the third trimester. “Babies are running out of room, and the fluid around the baby is decreasing as well,” said Ryan. “From about 36 weeks on, you may feel squirming rather than big kicks. This is normal. But any prolonged, decreased fetal movement should be checked out by your doctor.”

Taking a Childbirth Class

Childbirth classes can help reduce fear and anxiety while increasing your confidence about labor and delivery. “The more information you have, the less scary birth can be,” assured Ryan. Childbirth classes through Baptist-DeSoto teach about breathing and visualization techniques, different modes of pain relief, what's going to happen when you go into labor, as well as newborn care and breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. “If you take some of the mystery out of it, it's not as tense or nervous of a situation,” said Ryan. “Childbirth classes can really help demystify the process.” To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

In part one of our series, “What No One Told You About Having a Baby,” Dr. Andrew Stahler, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group, discussed what you need to know about preconception care and the first trimester of pregnancy. Today, we sat down with Dr. Elizabeth McAdory, a board-certified OB-GYN at MOGA in Southaven, MS, to talk about potential complications that can arise during the second trimester and what to watch out for as you enter this phase of your pregnancy.

Common Second Trimester Complaints

One issue some women may experience in their second trimester is bleeding, though this doesn't always mean something is wrong. "Bleeding doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem," said McAdory. "If it's light bleeding and it goes away quickly, this is very normal and common. Heavier bleeding that looks more like a period, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by stomach cramps can be a cause for concern, though, and you should get checked out by your doctor." Another common complaint in the second trimester is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are located in the pelvis and help support the uterus. "As the baby grows it starts to stretch everything out, and those ligaments can start to pull and cause a sharp pain down the side of the abdomen or even into the groin area," said McAdory. "This can be concerning if you're not expecting it, but it's completely normal."

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be a serious concern during pregnancy. For some women, hormones present during pregnancy can cause the body to make less insulin or not respond as well to insulin, making the body behave like it is diabetic during pregnancy. To screen for gestational diabetes, health care providers typically use a two-step process. First, your physician will have you consume a drink containing 50 grams of sugar and then check your blood sugar one hour later to see how your body responded. If your blood sugar is in a normal range (typically less than 140 mg/dL), you do not have gestational diabetes. If your blood sugar is higher than normal, that's still not enough to diagnose you with gestational diabetes. Next, your physician will test your blood sugar while fasting, then have you consume a drink containing 100 grams of sugar and check your blood sugar every hour for three hours. If you fail two of these four blood sugar tests, you have gestational diabetes, and your health care team will begin counseling you on how to manage it. If it's not closely monitored and controlled, gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. It also puts the baby at higher risk of being overweight, which can put the mother at greater risk for Cesarean-section delivery or potential complications during a vaginal delivery. "The good news with gestational diabetes is that it goes away at the end of the pregnancy," said McAdory. "You will have a higher risk later in life for developing Type 2 diabetes, though. So, you want to continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Do all of the things you would do to prevent diabetes in the future."

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

While physicians monitor for high blood pressure throughout a pregnancy, it's especially important to keep an eye on it during the second trimester. "If we know you have high blood pressure before you're 20 weeks pregnant, it most likely means you have chronic hypertension, meaning you have high blood pressure outside of pregnancy," said McAdory. "If you have high blood pressure after 20 weeks, then it's typically a pregnancy-related issue." Women who have hypertension during pregnancy face a higher risk for developing worsening blood pressure problems at the end of the pregnancy, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Physicians will typically check blood pressure at every prenatal visit to monitor for these conditions.

Family History Matters

Having a good understanding of your own health and your family history can help you and your health care team know what to watch out for in your second trimester. "Typically, you get an ultrasound at 20 weeks to look for any signs of birth defects," said McAdory. "It's helpful to know if your family has a history of birth defects or genetic issues, because we can specifically focus on those areas in the ultrasound or offer you additional screening tests." Patients with preexisting conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, patients who are overweight, and patients with a family history of diabetes can also be at a higher risk for gestational diabetes. If health care providers know this ahead of time, they can begin screening for the condition earlier in the pregnancy. "It's also good to know about any issues the patient had with previous pregnancies," said McAdory. "There's going to be a higher risk for that to happen again, so we want to start screening for problems earlier."

The Good News

Round ligament pain and light bleeding aside, McAdory says many women actually feel better in their second trimester than their first. "Many women tend to get more energy than they had in the first trimester," said McAdory. "Your nausea usually gets better or completely goes away, and you're just a lot more comfortable. It's still important to keep up with your prenatal appointments in the second trimester, though! These give us the opportunity to detect possible problems early in the pregnancy." To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Becoming a parent is an exciting time of change, growth and learning. To help you feel empowered and prepared to welcome a new member to your family, we sat down with Dr. Andrew Stahler, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Baptist Medical Group. In part one of our series, “What No One Told You About Having a Baby,” Stahler discusses what you need to know about preconception care and the first trimester of pregnancy.

Preconception: Planning for a Baby

Your health before pregnancy is called your preconception health. Being healthy before pregnancy can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery, and baby. If you want to try to have a baby, there are certain things you can do to prepare.

Take some personal health measures.

Start your pregnancy off right by getting your body ready at least three months in advance of becoming pregnant. “I like to call it ‘act like you're pregnant,’” said Stahler. “If you’re trying to conceive, don't do things you wouldn’t do if you were pregnant. For example, don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.” You can also boost your preconception health by doing the following:

• Exercise 20–30 minutes per day
• Work out your pelvic floor (Kegel exercises)
• Eat a diet high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and low-fat forms of protein
• Drink eight to 12 cups of water per day
• Eat enough calories (about 300 calories more than normal)
• Reduce stress

Talk to your doctor about your medical conditions.

Some medical conditions can increase your risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects, so it’s important to discuss a health plan with your doctor if you have one or more of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Overweight or obesity
• Psychiatric illnesses
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

“It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking, because some medications are not safe to take if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant,” said Stahler.

Birth defects can happen before you know you’re pregnant.

To decrease the risk of birth defects like neural tube defects, preterm delivery and others, you can take the following steps before becoming pregnant:

• Talk to your doctor about existing health conditions and medications you take
• Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations
• Take folic acid
• Get to a healthy weight
• Get a genetic health screening

First Trimester: Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain daily vitamins and minerals needed before conception and during pregnancy—such as folic acid, iron, vitamins A, C and D, zinc and others. So, who needs to take a daily prenatal vitamin, and when? According to Stahler, any person with a uterus who is of reproductive age and may want to become pregnant should take prenatal vitamins—even if they are not actively trying to get pregnant. “The reason is because of the folic acid contained in prenatal vitamins,” said Stahler. “Multiple studies have shown that supplementation with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day can decrease the rates of neural tube defects by at least 50%.” Neural tube defects are severe birth defects of the brain and spine. Whether you might become pregnant soon or down the road, prenatal vitamins can help your body get the folic acid it needs for healthy fetal development.

Prenatal vitamins don’t help you get pregnant.

A prenatal vitamin is not a magic fertility pill, and it won’t make you any more likely to get pregnant. However, starting a prenatal vitamin before conception can reduce the chance of not only neural tube defects but also heart defects, limb deformities and cleft palate, according to research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.

You don’t need to take the biggest prenatal vitamins.

“Horse pills aren’t any better than other forms of prenatal vitamins,” said Stahler. “You can take what you’re comfortable with, whether it’s a chewable tablet, gummy or pill format. You don’t have to take the biggest vitamin on the market. Some prenatal vitamins are available in smaller forms and are meant to be taken twice a day.”

A prescribed prenatal vitamin could be right for you.

Some women with certain health conditions may need higher doses of specific supplements. Depending on your medical conditions and medical history, your doctor might prescribe a prenatal vitamin instead of recommending you purchase an over-the-counter variety. “If you’re unsure if you need a prescription for prenatal vitamins, talk with your doctor,” said Stahler. To learn more about Baptist DeSoto maternity offerings, view the full-service listing. If you need a doctor for your pregnancy journey, see a list of physicians here.

Unlike some chronic diseases, managing diabetes is complex. People with diabetes must take medication, learn to monitor their glucose level, understand their physical symptoms and adapt to new habits, such as healthy eating and daily exercise. To help Mid-South patients with diabetes make lifestyle adjustments, Baptist Medical Group primary care physicians and the Diabetes Education Center  developed a leading-edge program, called the Diabetes Care Coordination Implementation Team. The program regularly follows more than 5,200 patients and combines affordable diabetic education classes with phone calls to offer proactive treatment for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes Self-Management Classes Make an Impact

A diabetes diagnosis came as a surprise for Jennifer Coburn-Washington, a Memphis resident and customer service employee for Baptist Medical Group. “I started feeling bad and couldn't figure out what was going on with me,” said Coburn-Washington. “My doctor ran some tests and told me I was pre-diabetic. Of course, I thought, 'No, not me. Other people have diabetes, but not me.'” Coburn-Washington’s doctor prescribed medication and recommended diabetes education classes. “I started classes at the Diabetes Education Center at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis,” said Coburn-Washington. “I didn’t have an open mind when I arrived. I was probably the worst student in the program when it came to eating habits.” According to Dr. Gregory Jenkins, general internal medicine specialist with Baptist Medical Group-Internal Medicine, the Diabetes Care Coordination Implementation Team was designed with patients like Coburn-Washington in mind. “We developed the program to ensure patients with uncontrolled diabetes see their diabetic care provider every 90 days,” said Jenkins. “We also want patients to go to a diabetic self-management education class at least every two years. Our third objective is to make sure patients can access their medications and that they understand how to take them.” Coburn-Washington experienced a learning curve, but with her doctor’s help, she learned to test her blood sugar level. “I struggled at first because I faint when I see needles or blood,” said Coburn-Washington. “My doctor taught me how to measure my blood sugar level without being queasy. He did it for me a couple of times — and I quickly realized that it's not painful. That helped me overcome my fear.” Measuring her blood sugar level was simple compared to changing her diet. At 48 years old, Coburn-Washington believed it was too late to make significant changes. However, she learned to incorporate new foods into her diet by attending diabetes education classes. “Ms. Jennifer Reed teaches the classes,” said Coburn-Washington. “She’s a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian. Her classes helped me learn how to eat and what to eat. She gave me recipes and a diagram of my plate to show food groups and portion sizes. I keep the diagram in my purse as a constant reminder to eat from each food group.”

A Team Approach Achieves Promising Results

According to Jenkins and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a team approach to diabetes management can effectively help patients cope with diabetes complications and lower their risk for kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. “A team of seven trained, certified medical assistants reach out to patients by phone on a regular basis,” said Jenkins. “This is the real beauty of the program. They ask patients how they're doing with their diabetes. They remind patients to attend diabetes education classes and see their doctor every 90 days. They also answer questions and help them get medications.” Data show the team approach has been successful in helping patients manage their diabetes. To gauge improvement, Baptist Medical Group physicians measure patients’ A1C, a blood test that shows average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. “We compared their A1C when they entered the program with their most recent one,” said Jenkins. “About 2,300 patients gained control of their diabetes over the course of the program. We're outpacing the national benchmark for telephone diabetic outreach in terms of A1C drop rates.” Additionally, patients who completed all 10 hours of diabetes education classes reduced their A1C by 1.9 points, which is more than patients can achieve with any single medication. “I'm not tired anymore,” said Coburn-Washington. “I have extra energy, and I'm eating a lot of great vegetables, fish and other foods I never would have tried before. It’s an informative program. It helped open my eyes.” Patients who are cared for by a Baptist Medical Group primary care physician are automatically eligible for the program. Patients who are not cared for by a Baptist Medical Group primary care physician can access the program through the Baptist Outpatient Care Center, which is located at 2100 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN, 38138 or by calling (901) 701-5538. Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Diabetes Education Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Mid-South especially hard, with more than 8,391 deaths in Tennessee as of mid-January. Coronavirus deaths are sudden, and families cannot be with loved ones during their last moments because of restrictions designed to stop the spread of the virus. This separation, loss and confusion can be overwhelming for grieving people. There are no right or wrong ways to experience grief. To better understand how people cope with grief during COVID-19 and how Baptist’s grief support groups can play a role in the healing process, we spoke with Angela Hamblen Kelly, executive director of Baptist Centers for Good Grief.

COVID-19 and Grief Overload

Grief is a normal expression of love after a loved one dies. Everyone grieves—children, teens and adults. Unfortunately, the pandemic is making it even harder. “Grief is lonely and isolating when we’re not in a pandemic,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Then you add the pandemic, and it complicates the grief experience.” Grieving people cannot say goodbye in traditional ways, such as funerals, shivas or memorial services because of pandemic restrictions that prohibit large gatherings. At Baptist Centers for Good Grief, counselors work with people who are looking for a place to process their grief. “A lot of our families are grieving multiple people who have died from COVID-19,” said Hamblen Kelly. “The griever might have had COVID-19 or may currently have COVID-19. They may not get to attend a memorial service because it is postponed or because they themselves are sick.” Without traditional ways of honoring and remembering loved ones, many people experience what Hamblen Kelly calls grief overload. “You may be grieving the death of a loved one from COVID-19, and that grief continues because COVID-19 is still here,” said Hamblen Kelly. “Grief makes us feel like we are forever changed. The pandemic has a similar effect on us. The pandemic also creates the lingering fear and anxiety that another loved one will get sick.”

Virtual Support Group for Grieving Loved Ones

To help people cope with the grief of losing a loved one to COVID-19, Baptist Centers for Good Grief designed a six-week virtual support group. “Many people feel like they can't talk about their loved one because the pandemic is so big—there are so many deaths,” said Hamblen Kelly. “However, listening is the best thing we can do for a grieving person. Our support sessions will give people a chance to come together virtually.” A grief counselor will facilitate discussions on certain topics each week. Virtual sessions give members a supportive environment in which they can feel comfortable sharing stories and beginning the healing process. All services at Baptist Centers for Good Grief are free of charge and funded through grants and donations to Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation. Virtual COVID-19 grief support sessions begin Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 pm and continue through the end of February. To register by January 20, please call 901-861-5656. “It’s so important for people to understand how real grief is,” said Hamblen Kelly. “The pandemic has impacted everyone. Grief changes us, and it's important to share that with a counselor, a grief group or a trusted friend. Now more than ever, we need to talk to each other about how we're doing.” Learn more about the Baptist Centers for Good Grief, and find a licensed professional counselor on our Find a Physician page.