Hospital Happenings: Five Things You Need to Know

March marks exciting accomplishments as well as fun and useful events for residents and medical providers throughout Washington County.

1. Adding to an already long list of accomplishments, Dr. Jennifer L. Lewis can now add president of the Washington County Medical Society. Lewis, a general internist physician out of McMurray, has been serving as president-elect for the past year. On Nov. 11 though, she was officially elected for the position beginning this year.

The Washington County Medical Society is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. This organization provides resources and services to area doctors, medical students as well as patients and residents.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Canonsburg native now practices at Waterdam Medical Associates, as well as Canonsburg Hospital. Not only is she a doctor, Lewis works as an associate professor for Drexel University School of Medicine, teaching medical students who do a rotation through her practice.

2. Also receiving honors recently was Corkery, Heise, Dainesi and Trapanotto, part of the West Penn Allegheny Health System Primary Care Network.  The primary care physician group, located in Waterdam Plaza, received commendation by the Heart/Stroke Recognition Program for the outstanding treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease or of those who have suffered a stroke.

The recognition is valid for three years and is awarded to medical professionals who have a proven record of quality monitoring and control of blood pressure, cholesterol and other conditions that increase the likelihood of further complications or even another heart attack or stroke.

The honor is presented by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

3. , along with Peters Township Cable Television Channel 7, is sponsoring an “Ask the Doctor” segment to be aired for Peters Township residents. The call-in show will be aired live at 7 a.m. April 12.

Board certified emergency medicine physician, Eugene Hammell, M.D., will be available to answer questions. Any Peters Township residents who have questions can call in or tweet to @ASonavec.

4. For those looking for a night out, Canonsburg General Hospital is hosting a Cash Bash on Saturday, March 26. The event will be held at the South Franklin Township Fire Hall. The $25 ticket covers admission, refreshments and a dinner catered by Julian's.

The cost also covers the opportunity to win cash prizes ranging from $400 to the grand prize of $3,000. Those wishing to attend but who do not care to be in the drawing can purchase guest tickets for a discounted price of $15.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Patient Gateway Project. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the hospital's snack shop or by calling (724)745-3912.

5. Any driver over the age of 55 who is interested in a refresher course will have the opportunity thanks to a driver safety program being offered by Canonsburg General Hospital in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons.

The eight-hour course will be split between two days, Wednesday and Friday, from 1-5 p.m. and will be held at the hospital's McNary Conference Center. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members.

Topics covered in the class will include physical changes that aging drivers face, review the rules of the road, and discuss local issues drivers may face. The course will be taught by a certified instructor provided by AARP.

Class size is limited to only 30 people, so anyone interested should call Physician Access at 1-877-284-2000.