Welcome To Dothan - Rick Sutton - CEO of SAMC and Dr. John Whapham

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: May 16 2016 10:43 PM

DOTHAN:    Today marked a change in leadership at Southeast Alabama Medical Center.

We welcome Rick Sutton to Dothan. Today marked his first day as Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Alabama Medical Center. Sutton takes over the reigns of the vibrant medical facility on the retirement of Ron Owens.

Tonight at ACOM ( Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine ) a Emergency Medical dinner for some of the first responders. A chance for the first responders and Wiregrass LifeFlight to meet Dr. John M. Whapman. Mr. Sutton was also on hand to personally meet the EMS field persons on the ambulances and Lifeflight.

I think the Wiregrass area will be proud of the selection of Hospital Board with Rick Sutton. While he is charged with the operations of great healthcare, he seems to bring a personal approach of being "Rick". 

Introduced to the EMS guests tonight, SAMC is becoming home to someone that will indeed save lives. Dr. John Whapham has joined SAMC in the Neuroendovasular Surgery and Cerebrovascular Center. Being able to non invasive procedures that save lives and the quality of lives in stroke victims and neurosurgery.

SAMC is spending in excess of $ 6 million dollars in equipment and facilities to provide quality neuro medical care. Care that is not offered anywhere near Dothan.

Dr. Whapham stepped the volunteers towards what can be done. But one crucial aspect of the saving lives begins in the field with the EMS workers. Identify the symptoms and rapid transport to SAMC.

Dr. Whapham expressed two minutes can make a difference. And with the recent Lifeflight helicopter unit, that rapid transport can happen. From areas of a 75 mile radius of Dothan, to include areas of Georgia and Florida.

Dr. Whapham comes to Dothan from Michigan. His parents are retiring to area near Dothan. So he has moved his field of expertise to our area in order to save lives.

In the immediate future we will feature signs and symptoms of stroke. We will emphasize procedures that are provided to unclog areas and allow blood flow, therefore saving people from death or long term disability.

Dr. Whapham also demonstrated how today's electronics allow medical providers to conduct evaluations and examinations of patients from their Iphone6. The physician can be contacted by EMS in the field or the hospital, and examine patients and tests as simple from his IPhone while eating dinner. The innovative technology has broadened the horizon in order to save lives.

TO AREA EMS IN GEORGIA, FLORIDA AND ALABAMA

DO NOT wait on contact from SAMC. Take the effort to contact SAMC public relations department and schedule a information session on what is available. It will make the difference in a life you play a role in saving. And that life could be your very own!

EMS agencies, fire agencies, law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, contact SAMC. Be familiar with the services offered, develop procedures and policies. When the emergency hits, be prepared.

THANKS to Ron Owens for the initial kick off of this visionary medical care. THANKS to Rick Sutton for his interest in meeting the EMS persons on his first and busy day.

THANKS to ACOM for hosting the EMS time and Wiregrass Lifeflight for coordination.

It is a team approach. From the 911 Centers to the boots in the field.

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