Lex Med Blog

The Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands has honored Lexington Medical Center’s Barbara Willm, Vice President of Community Relations, at the 20th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner. Willm was recognized Thursday, April 11, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia for her excellence in leadership throughout the midlands.

“I am honored to be a part of such an esteemed group of women and it is even more special because I was a Girl Scout,” said Mrs. Willm.

First launched in 1993, the Women of Distinction dinner is a recognition and fundraising affair that celebrates outstanding women and their impact on the community. The event pays tribute to women who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, community, visibility and professionalism.

“I was proud to nominate Barbara for this outstanding award,” said Bootsie Wynne, Assistant Director Business Partner of Human Resources at Lexington Medical Center. “When I saw that the criteria asked for women who excelled in professional community leadership andcommunity service, who are excellent role models for girls and have community visibility, I knew she fit the bill perfectly. Not only was Barbara a Girl Scout when she was younger, she has also gone on to exemplify women in leadership. The goal of the Girl Scouts of SC Mountains to Midlands is to build girls with courage confidence and character. I think Barbara is a great example for all girls and women alike,” added Wynne.

Girl Scouts exists to transform today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders. Girls face many critical issues including school bullying, childhood obesity, teen pregnancy, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, and performance pressure in school. Participation in the Girl Scouts is proven to make a life-long difference.

“I’ve worked with Barbara for eight years and she always manages to bring life to the mission of our organization,” said LaTanza Duncan, Chief Advancement Officer, Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands.

Barbara Willm is one of four exceptional community members to receive the 2013 honor:

• Cynthia B. Cooper: Vice President, Government Programs Compliance Office with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
• Sara B. Fisher: Chief Operating Officer with NBSC
• Elizabeth “Liz” McMillan: General Manager, Gamecock Sports Marketing, University of South Carolina
• Elise Partin: Mayor of Cayce, SC and Adjunct Faculty, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
• Barbara Willm: Vice President of Community Relations with the Lexington Medical Center

West Columbia, S.C. – Lexington Medical Center is proud to congratulate six nurses honored with the prestigious Palmetto Gold Award from the South Carolina Nurses Foundation (SCNF). Virginia Hall, Brad Harman Jr., James Jeffcoat, Lori Sutton, Shannon Turner and Amanda Witdoeckt were honored at a gala reception and awards dinner at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Saturday, April 6, 2013.

The SCNF promotes high standards of health care by facilitating the advancement of nursing through awards, grants and scholarships. The organization gives the Palmetto Gold Award to 100 nurses across South Carolina each year for excellence in and commitment to the nursing profession. Criteria for the selection of Palmetto Gold recipients includes promoting and advancing nursing in a positive way in the practice setting or in the community; exemplifying care and commitment to patients, families, and colleagues; demonstrating leadership; facilitating growth and development of others; and contributing to the overall achievement of outcomes in the practice setting.

“We are very pleased to have six of our nurses receiving this distinguished award this year. These nurses go above and beyond expectations every day and we are very proud of each of them,” said Cindy Rohman, RN, MS, CNAA/BC, Director of Nursing at Lexington Medical Center.

Lexington Medical Center’s 2013 Palmetto Gold Winners:

Virginia Hall, BSN, CCRN, Clinical Mentor, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
Virginia is committed to the educational and professional development of students and peers. As the principal author for the Beacon Award application for critical care units, her unit received this prestigious award in December 2011.

Walter Bradley Harman Jr., RN, MBS, CRNA, Staff CRNA
Brad serves as the clinical coordinator for anesthesia students from the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina. In this role, he coordinates morning case clinical discussions on evidence-based anesthesia practice with students and other CRNAs.

James W. Jeffcoat, MSN, RN-BC, Outcomes Coordinator
James organized Lexington County’s first STEMI response program in conjunction with area EMS agencies, community medical centers and physician practices, reducing the hospital’s door-to-balloon times by 46%. A member of Sigma Theta Tau International and a clinical nursing instructor for the University of South Carolina, he is a certified cardiovascular nurse who has received the LMC Gold award.

Lori T. Sutton, Staff RN
Lori is an example of expert practice and clinical curiosity. She has a desire for uncovering best practices and, as a result, has completed one published research study on the use of warmed cotton blankets that resulted in an organizational blanket warmer policy change.

Shannon M. Turner, BSN, CEN, Clinical Mentor, Emergency Department
Shannon displays professionalism and excellence daily through her clinical expertise and positive attitude. An integral part of the Stroke Committee, she was instrumental in achieving Stroke Certification at LMC in August 2011.

Amanda J. Witdoeckt, RN, CCRN, Registered Nurse, MICU
Amanda leads by example with her positive attitude, compassionate care and support of co-workers. She goes the extra mile by mastering new therapies, and supporting her peers.

The diverse nursing staff at Lexington Medical Center is committed to caring not only for our patients, but also for each other. The collaborative medical staff values the nursing practice for its contribution to positive patient outcomes. The six nurses recognized this year come from service capacities, solidifying our priority of quality care in all areas of the hospital.

For more information about Lexington Medical Center visit www.lexmed.com or Like our Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/lexingtonmedical.

It takes two to tango, and Dr. Epps is cutting a rug for Lexington Medical Center in the Dancing with the Stars, Lexington competition on April 22, at the Koger Center.

Dr. Amy Epps, a cardiologist with Lexington Cardiology and a Lexington school graduate, is competing against 11 local celebrities in the event sponsored by Lexington School District 1 Education Foundation.

Each vote raises funds to support district programs and initiatives that are outside the scope of the district’s Annual Fund Budget, such as outfitting STEM Labs at Lexington 1 schools, equipping media centers with up-to-date technology and supporting professional development for teachers.

Dr. Epps has been training with professional dancers from Columbia’s Ballroom Company since early February, check out the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtUy-qzynQw&feature=youtu.be

Dr. Epps Ballroom Training

Vote for Dr. Epps today!
www.dancingwiththestarslexington.com/vote.