Published: November 06, 2008 10:17 pm      

11-7 Health briefs

EDMOND — Mercy Health Edmond Santa Fe welcomes new doctor

Kate Wade, M.D., a pediatrician, is the newest member to join the team at Mercy Health Edmond Santa Fe.

Dr. Wade received her medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Ill., and completed an internship and residency at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Ind.

Dr. Wade will partner with Susan Redwine, M.D., a pediatrician at Mercy Health Edmond Santa Fe, and in tandem will provide exceptional, cohesive medical care.

“Both Dr. Redwine and I are mothers of small children and we understand the challenges parents face,” said Dr. Wade. “I feel truly blessed and honored to care for children. Every child is unique and deserves care that is specific to his or her needs. As a pediatrician, I strive for a personal relationship with each child and parent that is focused on honest and open communication. Together we can give children the tools to lead a healthy life.”

Mercy Health Edmond Santa Fe is located at 1575 N. Santa Fe in Edmond. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 285-0660, option 1.

Flu shots available at Logan County Health Department

Flu shots are still available for adults and children at the Logan County Health Department. Shots are given from 8–11:30 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The flu shot is recommended for all individuals 6 months of age and older.

One of the most effective ways to prevent influenza is to receive a flu shot. Other actions you can take to prevent the spread of flu are:

• Avoid close contact with others who are sick, or when you are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Keep your hands clean. Using an alcohol-based gel if your hands are not visibly soiled or washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

For more information about flu shots, call the Logan County Health Department (215 Fairgrounds Rd. in Guthrie) at 282-3485.



Mercy medical director to be in National MS Hall of Fame

Dr. Gabriel Pardo, a neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist and medical director of Mercy’s MS Center of Oklahoma, will be inducted into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame this week in Chicago for his significant contribution to MS as a health professional and researcher.

In addition, he was recently named to the society’s National Clinical Advisory Board, an elite group of physicians from recognized centers such as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Beth Israel.

“Dr. Pardo is one of the nation’s leading experts on MS,” said Paula Cortner, president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the National MS Society, the group that nominated Dr. Pardo for the Hall of Fame. “He opened Mercy’s MS Center in 2002, the only National Multiple Sclerosis Society affiliated center in the state. Through his dedication to MS, Dr. Pardo and his MS team have made it possible for Oklahomans to receive the type of comprehensive medical care required for this condition.”

Under his leadership, Mercy has completed several MS medication studies and is currently involved in seven clinical trials — several investigating potential new medications. Mercy is also leading research in innovative ways to improve balance in MS patients.

Edmond Medical Center names new employees

Edmond Medical Center announced the hiring of several employees: Melissa Delcour, administrative assistant in the cath lab; Sarah Jackson, health unit coordinator in the emergency room; Toney Dake and Karla Wells, both as RRT’s in respiratory therapy; and Mary Lancaster, registered nurse in the medical/surgical unit.

Edmond Medical Center Promotes Mary Drake, R.N., to Chief Nursing Officer

Edmond Medical Center has named Mary Drake chief nursing officer. Her responsibilities include providing leadership for the nursing staff to insure consistent, high quality care delivery in a cost effective manner. She will develop and implement the philosophy and objectives of the department, which are in keeping with the overall hospital mission and objectives.

Drake’s experience is vast and includes more than 20 years of healthcare and leadership responsibilities in the military, as well as hospitals from Maine to Florida.

Drake holds an RN from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge, Va.; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Care Administration from Graceland University in Lamonia, Iowa; and a Masters in Business Administration with a Major in Health Services Management from Oklahoma Christian University. She lives in Edmond.