Phillip Betz is nurse of the year
Phillip Betz, a Florida Hospital Zephyrhills ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurse was named Nurse of the Year in an awards ceremony during national Nurses Appreciation Week. Betz was selected by hospital management from among 291 nurses at the hospital. After graduating from Polk State College in 1997, Betz started in the ICU at a Lakeland hospital and joined Florida Hospital Zephyrhills nine years ago. Betz accepts the Nurse of the Year award from Gwen Alonso (left), the hospital’s chief nursing officer, and Monica Wills, administrative director of patient care services.
Genetic cancer testing
The Intrinsic Wellness Center, 2808 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel, will now offer genetic cancer testing, designed to inform and help oncologists devise a personalized treatment plan for patients. The test can detect early signs of developing cancer, monitor existing cancers, and create individual profiles showing which cancer drugs and natural substances can be used to achieve the best treatment outcome.
The clinic also offers functional medicine, weight loss, chiropractic care and gluten sensitivity support.
For information, call (813) 549-3551, or visit IntrinsicWellnessClinic.com.
Alternate blood-thinning meds
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, is the first hospital in Pasco County to offer an implant that can help reduce the risk of stroke in some patients with atrial fibrillation.
The hospital’s heart institute team recently performed the first implant of Boston Scientific’s Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant, a small, flexible wire and mesh system that when inserted into the heart via a catheter placed in the groin, closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage. This is where blood can pool and clots most often form. These clots are believed to cause the majority of strokes in people with nonvalvular AFib.
The Watchman offers a nondrug alternative, and over time, patients may be able to stop such blood thinners as soon as 45 days from the date of the implant.
Gulfside receives $3,350 donation
Members of Bay Area Bassmasters presented a donation check in the amount of $3,350 to Gulfside Hospice. The donation was from the group’s annual Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge.
The club started the annual challenge in 2010 to raise money for Gulfside as a way to say thank you for the care provided to Ina Mahoney, the wife of Tom Mahoney, president of Bay Area Bassmasters.
Since the challenge began, more than $18,000 has been donated to Gulfside Hospice in support of patient care and bereavement services in Pasco County.
