Advancements in Knee and Hip Replacement: Insights from Austin McPhilamy, MD 

In this episode of the We Are Regional West podcast, host Julie Franklin is joined by Dr. Austin McPhilamy, an orthopaedic surgeon at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Orthopaedics. They discuss Dr. McPhilamy’s journey to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, his experiences, and the various practice models he has encountered. The conversation focuses on the innovative Mako SmartRobotics technology for knee and hip replacement surgeries, its benefits, and its application in clinical practice. Dr. McPhilamy provides detailed insights into the procedure, patient eligibility, and the expected outcomes and recovery process. The episode wraps up with information on how patients can schedule an appointment and the resources available to them.

00:42 Meet the Expert: Dr. Austin McPhilamy
00:49 Journey to Becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon
02:27 Innovations in Knee and Hip Replacement
04:42 Understanding Mako SmartRobotics Technology
09:25 Patient Experience and Procedure Details
13:29 Future of Joint Replacement Surgeries
17:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Behind the ER Doors at Regional West

In this episode of the We Are Regional West podcast, host Julie Franklin explores the workings of the Emergency Department with emergency medicine physician Dr. Troy Dean and Clinical Coordinator nurse practitioner Alice Fillingham. The discussion highlights the processes for patient intake, the challenges faced by employees, and the high standards maintained by the Regional West Emergency Department. They delve into the various ways patients arrive at the ER, the prioritization of care, the importance of emotional support for employees, and significant achievements such as the Quest for Excellence Award. The team emphasizes their commitment to providing top‐notch care and the collaboration with other regional hospitals.

00:35 Meet the Emergency Department Team

01:02 Patient Intake and Emergency Care

03:14 Managing Emergencies and Patient Prioritization

04:30 Conditions for ER Visits vs. Urgent Care

05:37 ER Process and Patient Care

08:47 Award-Winning Emergency Services

12:02 Emotional Support for ER Staff

13:59 Final Thoughts and Patient Assurance

Exploring Imaging Services with Josh Lively: Part 2

In this episode of the 'We Are Regional West' podcast, we explore the extensive range of imaging services offered at the Regional West. The discussion highlights the mammography program; advanced specialized radiologists; and various imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine. The podcast delves into the function and benefits of interventional radiology and the state-of-the-art equipment in the new interventional radiology suite. The role of PET CT scans in cancer detection and treatment, as well as the significance of the linear accelerator in radiation therapy, is explained. The episode also covers flexible service hours, outpatient options, and the Regional West School of Radiologic Technology, emphasizing its contribution to the hospital's skilled workforce. Personal experiences and the integral role of Regional West in the community underscore the importance of these advanced imaging services. 

00:10 Introduction to Mammography Services

02:46 The Role of Radiologists

05:11 Exploring Nuclear Medicine

07:40 Interventional Radiology Insights

11:43 PET CT Scans and Cancer Detection

13:52 Linear Accelerator in Cancer Treatment

15:36 Flexible Imaging Services

16:39 Regional West School of Radiologic Technology

18:59 Personal Stories and Conclusion

Exploring Imaging Services with Josh Lively: Part 1

Join host Julie Franklin in this episode of the Regional West podcast as she chats with Josh Lively, Imaging Services director at Regional West. They discuss the evolution and nuances of imaging services, from traditional X-rays to advanced MRI and ultrasounds. Josh provides in-depth explanations of how these imaging modalities work, their applications, and the latest advancements in the field. Stay tuned for part two to explore even more about Imaging Services at Regional West and the exciting future of medical imaging.

00:31 Meet Josh Lively: Imaging Services Director

01:55 Understanding Radiology and Imaging Services

03:05 Diagnostic X-Ray and Fluoroscopy Explained

04:56 The Evolution and Benefits of CT Scans

08:37 Bone Density Tests: Who Needs Them?

10:50 MRI: How It Works and Patient Considerations

22:08 Ultrasound: Beyond Baby Imaging

24:46 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Recruiting Excellence and Celebrating Our Community: A Conversation with Lisa Steele and Dr. Monica Sarawagi

In this episode of the We Are Regional West podcast, host Julie Franklin is joined by Lisa Steele, Director of Physician Recruitment, and Monica Sarawagi, MD. Julie and Lisa discuss the importance and challenges of physician recruitment, particularly in rural areas like Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and highlight the strategies used to attract and retain top provider and physician talent. They celebrate the recent successful recruitment of 23 providers in 2024, which has significantly reduced the cost of temporary locum tenens physicians. Dr. Sarawagi, who has returned to Regional West after completing a geriatric fellowship, shares her passion for serving the community and her approach to geriatric care. The episode underscores Regional West’s commitment to patient satisfaction and creating a supportive work environment for healthcare providers.

00:34 Meet Lisa Steele: Director of Physician Recruitment
00:50 The Importance of Physician Recruitment
02:06 Challenges and Strategies in Recruitment
06:35 Welcoming Dr. Monica Sarawagi
07:28 Dr. Sarawagi's Journey and Geriatric Care
10:00 Conclusion and Thank You

Transitioning to EPIC: Enhancing Patient Care at Regional West

In this episode of the Regional West podcast, host Julie Franklin is joined by Caleb Wilson, MD, to discuss the health system’s transition to Epic, a new electronic health record (EHR) system. Dr. Wilson explains the benefits of the Epic system, including improved accessibility of patient records and a more streamlined experience for providers and patients. The discussion covers the advantages of the MyChart portal for patients and the process of transitioning from the current system to EPIC. Dr. Wilson highlights the collaborative efforts with UCHealth to implement these advancements, aiming to enhance patient care and overall communication.

00:35 Meet Dr. Caleb Wilson
01:28 Understanding Electronic Health Records (EHR)
02:20 Benefits of EPIC for Providers and Patients
03:22 Transitioning to EPIC: What Patients Need to Know
05:15 Improving Patient Experience with MyChart
06:34 The Transition Process and Future Improvements
08:28 Final Thoughts and Patient Advice

Celebrating 100 Years: Innovations and Improvements at Regional West

In the inaugural episode of the We Are Regional West podcast, host Julie Franklin interviews Bradley Hertzler, MD, a surgeon at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics. The episode celebrates the 100th anniversary of Regional West while discussing significant changes to enhance the patient experience, such as expanding physician representation on the Board of Directors, improving communication and billing processes, and transitioning to the Epic electronic health record system. Dr. Hertzler shares his personal journey, the importance of detailed patient care, community involvement, and ongoing physician recruitment efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services. The episode underscores a renewed commitment to serving the community with passion and dedication.

00:00 Welcome to the Regional West Podcast
00:33 Meet Dr. Bradley Hertzler
00:43 Celebrating 100 Years of Care
02:16 Improving Patient Experience
04:03 Community Engagement and Events
04:39 Enhancing Communication and Details
06:22 New Electronic Health Record: Epic
07:15 Expanding Services and Physician Recruitment
08:47 Looking Forward to the Next 100 Years
09:33 Conclusion and Future Episodes