Mercy offers phone seminars for Anderson medical professionals

Mercy Grand Rounds, a weekly forum where physicians give presentations to other physicians and health care personnel, is now available via remote access in Anderson. The forum originates at Mercy Medical Center, and airs at lunchtime each Friday at the Public Health/Teen Center Building, located at 2889 East Center Street in Anderson.

This source of medical education has been valued for some time as a continuing way to improve the quality of patient care in Redding. Public Health Nurse, Matt Richards RN, noticed that there were many medical providers in outlying areas who simply could not carve out the time from their busy schedules to travel to Mercy Medical Center to get the continuing education.

Dr. Norman Arai M.D., a family physician who practices in Anderson just two blocks from the Public Health/Teen Center building, said, "This is a good service you are providing that allows me not to have to travel to Redding."

The teleconferencing equipment is provided through Shasta County Health and Human Services. In addition to Mercy Grand Rounds access, the equipment will also be used by people with mental health needs to remotely access a psychiatrist and nurse. According to Richards, who serves the Anderson, Happy Valley, and Cottonwood communities, "One to three medical professionals have participated each week since December. The goal is to increase that number by four or five and include pharmacists, mental health and other medical professionals as part of the dynamic of this continuing education opportunity."

Continuing Medical Education credits required for physicians and nurses to maintain their licenses are available for attendees of Mercy Grand Rounds. "It's nice to be able to get CMEs within walking distance of my practice," says Dr. Nirmal Mehton M.D. and Medical Director of Anderson Medical Associates. Cottonwood medical providers, school nurses, and even county employed medical professionals have the opportunity to cut their travel time significantly.

"I think this will have other benefits over time," said Richards "it is good for medical professionals to come together and talk about how best to serve the health needs of the community."