HJAR Sep/Oct 2024

56 SEP / OCT 2024  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS Hospital Rounds colleagues from California and Colorado to per- form this breakthrough study that will not only enhance the understanding of the viruses and their infection in children but also pave the way for future clinical trials evaluating treatment options based on the immunologic fingerprints identified. “This NIH support empowers us to delve deeper into the complexities of respiratory viral infection and coinfections that can make children seriously ill,” Mourani said. “Through our discoveries, we can unlock the secrets of the immune response to these viruses and develop targeted interven- tions to improve outcomes for children world- wide. Because of this work, children will reach their healthier tomorrow faster and with fewer compli- cations as they battle viral respiratory infections.” Baptist Health Encourages Adults to Move with Ease During Free Monthly Class Discover the joy of movement in a welcoming and supportive environment with Baptist Health Community Outreach’s Move with Ease free monthly class from September to December. Each session – held the first Wednesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. at 10117 Kanis Road in Lit- tle Rock – is designed for beginners and those seeking a gentle approach to exercise. Through mindful movements and low-impact exercises, participants focus on: • Improving strength and flexibility. • Increasing energy and vitality. • Reducing stress and promoting relaxation. • Connecting with your body and breath. No prior experience is necessary, and all fitness levels are welcome. This class is ideal for adults of all abilities, including seniors looking for a safe and effective way to stay active and healthy. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register for the class, visit bit.ly/BHmove or call Baptist Health Community Outreach at (501) 202-1540. NARMCWelcomes Jessie Little, MD North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) announced the addition of Jessie Lit- tle, MD, a pediatrician, to the medical team. Little earned a bachelor’s degree fromOuachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. She furthered her medical training at the University of Arkan- sas for Medical Sciences, followed by a residency at both UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. An impactful milestone in Little’s career includes the development of a widely distributed breast- feeding education video at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, aimed at support- ing both parents and healthcare providers. She is currently accepting new patients at the Med Plaza, located at 1401 Hwy 65 North, Suite 110. Jay Quebedeaux Named Baptist Health’s President of Regional Hospitals Baptist Health recently promoted Jay Quebe- deaux to the role of president of regional hospi- tals for Baptist Health. Quebedeaux will now have operational respon- sibilities for all five of the healthcare system’s regional facilities in Arkadelphia, Heber Springs, Malvern, Monticello, and Stuttgart. All Baptist Health regional hospital presidents will report to Quebedeaux. He will continue to serve as the president for Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot Spring County and Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia. Before coming to Baptist Health in 2022, Quebedeaux was CEO of the Mena Regional Health System for seven years. He was also the CEO and COO at Sabine Medical Center in Many, Louisiana, and the CEO of North Metro Medical Center in Jacksonville. Quebedeaux has addition- ally held leadership roles in Texas and Colorado. Quebedeaux earned a Master of Business Administration from Amberton University in Garland, Texas, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lamar University in Beau- mont, Texas. From 1991 to 1998, Quebedeaux was a medic and nurse and served in the 94th general hospital. He has many professional and community affilia- tions and is also a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Arkansas Children’s NW Auxiliary Celebrates $3MGift The Arkansas Children's Northwest (ACNW) Auxiliary has committed $3 million to support the expansion initiatives at ACNW. Since its establishment in 2022, the ACNW Aux- iliary, consisting of 130 members, has played a role in providing support to patients and families through various fundraising events and projects. During their June year-end meeting to commem- orate the accomplishments of the 2024 fiscal year, Toni Lindsey, president of the auxiliary, revealed that the auxiliary had achieved a record-breaking fundraising amount of $333,387. Garrett Lewis, MD, Appointed as CHI St. Vincent Vice President of Medical Affairs for Central Arkansas CHI St. Vincent announced the appointment of Garrett Lewis, MD, to Vice President of Medical Affairs for Central Arkansas. In his new role, Lewis will help oversee management and operations of CHI St. Vincent’s Central Arkansas medical staff. Lewis has served since 2019 as medical director of the CHI St. Vincent emergency department, where he has also worked as an emergency phy- sician since 2010. Lewis will retain his emergency department duties while assuming his new role Jay Quebedeaux Garrett Lewis, MD