HJAR Nov/Dec 2019

64 NOV / DEC 2019  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS Hospital Rounds The software helps brain surgeons protect important parts of the brain that control functions like the senses, movement, language, and mem- ory through planning and interaction with compat- ible real-time navigation systems during surgery. As a result, surgeons may be able to operate on tumors in parts of the brain previously considered inoperable, while still preserving important func- tions, maximizing the amount of tumor removed, and minimizing hospital length of stay. “This type of planning technology is known as tractography, which uses 3D modeling of MRI scans and computer-based diffusion tensor imag- ing to help the surgeon visualize the complex net- work of nerve tracts and critical structures of the brain,” said J.D. Day, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery in the College of Medicine. “It is complementary to our existing systems for the most ‘brain saving’ approach. From radiology, to planning, to every cut — we’re confident we offer the most accurate surgeries available with existing technologies,” Day said. UAMS’ Department of Neurosurgery is also the first academic medical center program in the nation to receive the latest edition of the software, which UAMS surgeons began using in September. The system is used primarily by Day and Direc- tor of Neurosurgical Oncology Analiz Rodriguez, MD, PhD. Day and Rodriguez see patients in the Neurosurgery Clinic at UAMS. “By investing in the latest technology, our ulti- mate goal is to open new avenues and give our patients hope,” Rodriguez said. “In addi- tion, advanced tractography has been shown to improve patient outcomes like length of stay and maximum tumor resection, which — especially for aggressive brain cancers like glioblastomas — cor- relates long-term with longer survival times.” CHI St. Vincent Appoints Qualenta Forrest as Vice President of Human Resources CHI St. Vincent has appointed Qualenta Forrest as vice president of human resources to develop, prioritize, and lead human resources across the CHI St. Vincent health system. Forrest will provide strategic leadership over recruitment, talent man- agement, employee engagement, employee ori- entation, employee relations, employee health, employee assistance, regulatory compliance, and compensation. She will also be accountable for organizational and performance management; learning and development; and labor relations. “We’re fortunate at CHI St. Vincent to have an incredible staff committed to our healing minis- try across Central and Southwest Arkansas,” said CHI St. Vincent CEO Chad Aduddell. “We look forward to the vision and leadership Qualenta now brings as we make sure they feel celebrated as well and we continue to recruit the very best healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care in our communities.” Forrest previously served as division human resources director for CHI St. Luke’s Health Sys- tem in Texas, where she was the primary human resources liaison on national CHI projects to improve operational efficiencies within local, divi- sional, and national functions. She most recently served as the associate chief people officer for the Medical University of South Carolina, where she was responsible for human resources opera- tions and strategy. A Jacksonville, Ark. native, Forrest earned a juris doctor from the University of Arkansas at Lit- tle Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She received Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Crimi- nal Justice with a minor in political science from the University of Arkansas. Forrest is certified in the GE change acceleration process, critical inci- dent stress management, Just Culture, and Total- SDI facilitation. Baptist Health-Fort Smith Nurse Receives DAISY Award Brittany Clark, RN, of Baptist Health Senior Care Behavioral Health-Fort Smith recently received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Clark was nominated for the award after spend- ing several hours with an elderly patient who was upset and disoriented upon admission to the hos- pital. Clark calmed the patient and even accom- panied the patient the next morning during a CT scan to ensure the patient felt comfortable. The Panama, Ok. native has a background in psychi- atric nursing and joined Baptist Health-Fort Smith in 2017. “Brittany’s experience with Crisis Prevention Training and her compassion make her an excel- lent nurse,” said Crystal Lougin, MS, LPC, direc- tor of behavioral health, Baptist Health-Fort Smith. “She recognizes when patients are in emotional distress, and in this case, was able to help her coworkers provide care for the whole patient, both body and mind.” Clark serves as nurse at Baptist Health Senior Care Behavioral Health-Fort Smith, which is a 23-bed inpatient unit dedicated to patients over the age of 55 who suffer from the early stages of depression, psychological disorders, and other mental health issues. The goal of the DAISY Foundation’s program is to inspire nurses to provide exemplary care and applaud them for their compassion and skill. Recipients of the DAISY Award are given a con- gratulatory banner to be hung in their unit until the next award is given, a plaque and DAISY pin, and a Healer’s Touch sculpture handcrafted in Zim- babwe. Patients and their family members can nominate nurses who they feel deserve recogni- tion for their outstanding care. n Brittany Clark, RN Qualenta Forrest