Yes, you can! In October, NMC and Northwest Access TV launched a new television show, “NMC Health Beat”. For those in the St. Albans viewing area with access to local public access programming, it airs on Channel 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For everyone with internet access, it is available online. As new 15-minute episode becomes available, we post it at that location on our website and announce it via social media.
This is an exciting new way for NMC to connect with our community. Our goal is to provide education about health topics and available services viewers be healthier and become more informed consumers of healthcare. It is also an excellent opportunity for viewers to hear local physicians, advanced practice providers, hospital staff, and community partners talk about topics they are passionate about. That’s a great way to begin to get to know someone! I serve as the host of this conversational program and really enjoy the enthusiasm and expertise my guests bring to the table, even if none of us are truly perfectly comfortable in the television spotlight. So far, all of my guests have come to the same conclusion: it is worth being on camera if it helps our community better understand their health and the care which is available to them. Fortunately, Elizabeth Malone and her team at Northwest Access TV are so helpful and accommodating that they make this nearly pain free for all of us. It is wonderful to have such strong community partners helping us get the word out on important topics.
Our first show aired in October and focused on the importance of screening mammography, which is available through NMC in both St. Albans and (without an appointment, even) in Georgia. Dr. Ryan Kirwan of NMC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department and Caryn Burleson, NMC’s Lead Radiologic Technologist discussed the importance of mammograms in early detection of breast cancer. It saves lives. Dr. Kirwan also spoke about the recommended ages and timeframes for mammography. I also had a chance to talk with Caryn about a special challenge she set for herself during national breast cancer awareness month. You’ll see her beautiful long hair in the segment, hair that she later donated to a good cause to raise money and heighten awareness of breast cancer. Quite a first show!
Two shows aired in November. The first featured Dr. Greg Brophey of Northwestern Ophthalmology in a discussion of cataracts, cataract surgery, and eye health. This is an example of a topic where not everyone may know that their care can be provided right here in Franklin County, with their surgery done at NMC if needed, avoiding the need to travel for care in most instances. The second show in November featured Dr. Rob Beattie of Northwestern Orthopaedics, talking about arthroscopy and what patients can expect from this minimally invasive approach. Shorter healing times and less risk of infection are just two of the benefits of this approach, which again, is done right here at NMC. In December, I was joined by Dr. Leonard Tremblay of Northwestern Obstetrics and Gynecology. We talked about “Healthy Beginnings,” the exciting new best-practice approach to prenatal care for expectant families. This is such an exciting collaboration between the OB/GYN practice, NMC’s Family Birth Center, and our community partners. Our second show in December featured NMC’s Vice President of Planning, Jonathan Billings, and our Director of Facilities, Tyson Moulton, who shared information on NMC’s Master Facility Plan and the proposed renovation and construction projects which we are pursuing to better align our facility with our future. Such an exciting topic for our hospital as we work to adapt to community need and the future healthcare system! Up next are Dr. David Simcoe talking about Occupational Medicine, Suzanne Tremblay previewing the February 7th Healthy Hearts event, and Judy Ashley of the Vermont Department of Health and Dr. Elisabeth Fontaine of NMC Lifestyle Medicine discussing RISE VT.
We have gotten some positive feedback from our initial viewers and hope you will tune into “NMC Health Beat” either via Channel 15 of Northwest Access TV or online through NMC’s website. If you have suggestions for a topic for the show or a guest who you would like to see appear, please contact Health Beat’s producer, NMC Community Relations Specialist Kate Laddison, at (802) 524-1239 or [email protected] We are pleased to add this new approach to our outreach to you on topics of wellness, health, and healthcare. Please tune in!
— Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer
