Stories
Introducing dermatological care to the area
I’m excited to be one of the newest members of the Bothwell Regional Health Center medical team offering a new specialty … dermatology, which is the medical and surgical care of skin. As a general dermatologist, I am formally trained to conduct skin checks, as well as to surgically remove skin cancers on the trunk,…
Read MoreTaking a rise in colorectal cancer seriously
In 1985, then-president Ronald Reagan underwent a life-saving surgery to remove a cancerous polyp in his large intestine. The polyp was discovered during a colonoscopy, which was the only screening test at that time that detected and prevented colon cancer. The attention created by President Reagan’s test and surgery led to the first screening recommendations…
Read MorePrecision treatment for prostate cancer
The world of cancer treatment is complex and as varied as every person diagnosed with the disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way. As a radiation oncologist, I use radiation therapy to provide carefully targeted and regulated doses of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Recently, a new…
Read MoreFifth annual Wear for Women event Feb. 23
A record 430 women from Sedalia and surrounding communities donned their best red outfits and gathered at Foundry 324 in downtown Sedalia last February to support the Bothwell Foundation’s annual Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction. The annual event raises funds to place life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in places where people work, learn,…
Read MoreAccess to your health information is at your fingertips
Hospitals and clinics nationwide use patient portals to house important patient documents, medical information and as a channel of communication between medical staff and patients. MyBothwellHealth, Bothwell Regional Health Center’s patient portal, rolled out in 2015 and has made access to health information and communication more efficient. Natalie Sims, Bothwell’s Health Information Management director, said…
Read MoreNew Bothwell K9 team ready to work
“Man’s best friend” is a common phrase to describe the relationship between humans and dogs. Mike VanDeusen, Security officer and K9 handler at Bothwell Regional Health Center, has already established a strong connection with his new four-legged best friend and coworker, K9 Officer Ringo. In a little more than eight weeks on the job as…
Read MoreSaying so long to Sedalia’s cardiac care pioneer
Dr. Ken Azan to retire The saying, the “third time’s the charm” doesn’t apply to Dr. Ken Azan. “I said I was going to retire at 60,” he said, “I couldn’t do it, so then I said I’d go at 65, then 70, then 75.” Now at 78, Azan said it’s finally time to hang…
Read MoreFrom the Expert | Do you need the shingles vaccine?
One of the most common questions I get asked in the clinic is, “Do I really need the shingles vaccine?” The quick answer is yes, but most people appreciate more evidence to support it. One in every three people will experience shingles in their lifetime. It most commonly affects adults over the age of 50…
Read MoreExpanding urological services
October was the start of a new partnership between Bothwell Regional Health Center and Kansas City Urology Care (KCUC). This partnership allows Bothwell to offer additional urological services provided by KCUC physicians in the hospital and clinic that will mean faster care for area patients. Dr. Philip Fracica, Bothwell’s chief medical officer, said there is…
Read MoreUnderstanding the new COVID-19 vaccine
In an effort to learn more about the new COVID-19 vaccinations from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, we sat down with Dr. Philip Fracica, Bothwell Regional Health Center’s chief medical officer, to get answers for frequently asked questions regarding the new vaccine. Fracica has been Bothwell’s chief medical officer since 2015. Prior to joining Bothwell, Dr. Phil…
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