Hospital News - Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces

August 2018 CEO Newsletter

August 28, 2018

You have often heard me use the expression, “You are the company you keep.” You will see in this month’s newsletter that we are welcoming several new physicians and two key new members of our leadership team. In the almost five years that I have had the privilege of leading this organization, we have placed the highest priority on Our Vision: To be a place where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians want to practice, and employees want to work.

July 2018 CEO Newsletter

July 17, 2018

It is well-known that there is a significant shortage of Primary Care physicians in New Mexico. To help address that issue, Memorial opened up a Family Medicine Residency Program more than 20 years ago. For the majority of those years, Dr. John Andazola has been the Medical Director of the Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program. The Residency boasts a 70% rate for graduates practicing in New Mexico. Dr. Andazola has been a highly successful and inspiring leader, recognized with numerous awards across the country for his work to address population health issues and access to health for underserved populations, among others. This month, LifePoint Health selected Dr. Andazola the LifePoint Physician Leader of the Year out of all the physicians at our 71-hospital corporation. We are incredibly proud to have Dr. John Andazola…one of the nation’s best…guiding and teaching the family physicians of the future right here at Memorial!

Keep Your Cool: How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness This Summer

July 6, 2018

The pools are splashing. Campgrounds and ball fields are hopping. And the highways are filled with families heading out to spend quality time at beaches, mountains and other fun destinations across the country. All of this outdoor activity can only mean one thing – summer has officially arrived! And while now can be the perfect time to enjoy fun in the sun and fill up on vitamin D, it’s important to take the proper precautions against getting overheated as the temperatures climb this time of year.

Colon Cancer Screening Age Lowered

July 6, 2018

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently released updated guidelines that lower the recommended age for colon cancer screening. According to the new ACS recommendations, those at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. The new guidelines were put in place following a major data review that showed a rising rate of colon cancer in adults younger than 50.

June 2018 CEO Newsletter

June 29, 2018

It was an incredible honor and heartwarming experience to share the Ribbon Cutting at our new Memorial Cancer Center with a room filled with more than 100 guests. In the audience were survivors and their families, Memorial staff, members of the Press, the Chambers, and public, and dignitaries including Governor Martinez and Dr. Cheryl Willman, of UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. So many of our guests expressed gratitude for the investment we have made in nationally accredited cancer care – right here at home. To make the front page of both local newspapers is quite an honor, and speaks to the importance of this Cancer Center in making our southern New Mexico communities healthier.