HJAR May/Jun 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAY / JUN 2025 31 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalAR.com The group will meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at 10117 Kanis Road in Little Rock. Pre-registration is required. Refresh- ments will be provided. This supportive group, led by a team of Bap- tist Health professionals (a nurse, a dietitian, and a community health educator), focuses on achieving holistic wellness and sustainable weight management. Each month, the meetup discusses key aspects of a healthy lifestyle, including: • Physical activity — finding enjoyable ways to move your body and increase your fit- ness level. • Mindful eating — Developing a healthy relationship with food, exploring nutri- tious options, and cultivating mindful eat- ing habits. • Stress management — learning effective techniques to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. To sign up visit, bit.ly/BHwellnessmeetup or call (501) 202-1540. CARTI Expands Teamof Fellowship-Trained Breast Imaging Specialists CARTI is expanding its team of fellowship- trained breast imaging specialists with the addi- tion of Stephen Routon, MD. Routon will see patients at the CARTI Breast Centers in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff. “Dr. Routon has consistently shown a commit- ment to delivering compassionate and innova- tive care,” said Donald Norwood, MD, medical director of diagnostic radiology. “His steadfast dedication to patients and his expertise make him a natural fit for The Breast Center at CARTI.” Routon graduated from the University of Arkan- sas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed a residency and internship in diagnostic radiology and a fellow- ship in breast imaging at UAMS and holds a bach- elor's degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Hendrix College. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology and is also affiliated with the Arkansas Radiological Society, Ameri- can College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America, and Society of Breast Imaging. Northwest Medical Center – Springdale Earns ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Northwest Medical Center – Spring- dale for its demonstrated expertise and commit- ment in treating patients with chest pain. North- west Medical Center – Springdale was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in March based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symp- tom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not lim- ited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn- like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness, and fainting. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coro- nary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols and are equipped with a robust hypothermia program for post-cardiac arrest treatment. These facilities also maintain a "No Diversion Policy" for out-of- hospital cardiac arrest patients. Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sus- tained success. Improved methods and strate- gies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and stan- dards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly sup- port the efforts leading to better patient educa- tion and improved patient outcomes. UAMS Announces UAMS Health OrthoNow, aWalk-In Clinic for Orthopaedic Care The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) launched a new service called UAMS Health OrthoNow, a walk-in clinic that provides orthopaedic care for patients of all ages. OrthoNow is located on the first floor of The Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital at UAMS, 801 Cot- tage Drive in Little Rock. The service is available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. “OrthoNow offers a convenient solution for patients with sprains, fractures, and other inju- ries who in the past might have gone to the Emer- gency Department for orthopaedic care,” said C. Lowry Barnes, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the UAMS College of Medicine. “This service enhances their access to experts who can provide the specialized treat- ment they need without the cost of an emergency room visit.” n Stephen Routon, MD