May 2021: Old theaters remembered

What a joy it was on the evening of May 24, 2021, to join a group of friends in Battle Creek, Michigan, for a nostalgic tour -- remotely -- of the city's myriad theatrical offerings over the past 120 years. All in less than 90 minutes! 

In addition to being the onetime Cereal Capital of the World, the historical record shows that Battle Creek also was a notable place for cinematic entertainment. There were good reasons for that, generally because of the affluence generated by the cereal industry, as well as the presence of a huge military base and a U.S. Army hospital. 

We touched on many high points and even some low ones. Our own brief visit to the local porn theater -- for rather magical reasons -- produces some chuckles here.

Many thanks to our knowledgeable fellow panelists -- especially our esteemed friend and former journalism boss Michael McCullough -- for a great conversation!

To watch the show, click on the phrase "View the program" ... Or cut and paste this URL into your browser: https://fb.watch/5I4ttM5FjA/

May 2021: Oaklawn's high rank

During May 2021, MysteryVisits Communications provided this press release on behalf of Oaklawn ... 

~ Oaklawn among 21 Michigan hospitals to receive highest federal ranking ~

MARSHALL, Michigan – Oaklawn is one of 21 hospitals and health systems in Michigan and 455 such institutions nationwide to earn five stars – the highest possible – in the latest ranking from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This is the second year in a row that Oaklawn has received the distinction, which was first awarded to Oaklawn in 2016 when the federal agency initiated the star-rating system.

Under the current ranking system, the single composite grade reflects a broad range of measures of quality in five categories – patient experience, readmission rates, safety of care, mortality and timely and effective care, said Irene Johnston, Oaklawn's director of quality, safety and risk.

The new ranking is the first star-ratings update since January 2020, showing results for 3,355 hospitals and health systems nationwide, she said.

Of those, 455 received a five-star rating, 988 received a four-star rating, 1,018 received a three-star rating, 690 received a two-star rating and 204 received a one-star rating. More than 4,500 U.S. hospitals were examined in all, and many did not receive star ratings.

Hospitals report data to the agency through the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program, Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program, Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, Hospital-Acquired Condition (Reduction Program and Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program, Johnston said.

The public may view overall hospital ratings at Medicare's Hospital Compare website, found at www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

“Receiving this ranking is a validation of our work over a long period of time,” said Oaklawn President and CEO Gregg Beeg. “It's very gratifying that those efforts are noticed in this way, because every day we do whatever is necessary to make things even better.”

“Oaklawn employees have pride and every one of them does what he or she can to help our mission come to fruition – that is, striving for perfect care every time,” Johnston said.

“Throughout the past year, we have had challenges as many others also experienced,” she added, “but our community helped hold us up and keep us strong to keep fighting the pandemic and challenges head-on.

“As a result, we can continue to be here and exceed our mission to provide personal, accessible and high-quality care to improve the health and well being of the communities we serve,” Johnston said.

May 2021: Oaklawn's new CMO

                                    

During May 2021, MysteryVisits Communications provided this press release on behalf of Oaklawn ... 

~ Dr. J. Summer Liston-Crandall named Oaklawn's chief medical officer ~ 

MARSHALL, Michigan – J. Summer Liston-Crandall, M.D., has been appointed Oaklawn's new chief medical officer, effectively immediately.

The announcement was made by Oaklawn President and CEO Gregg Beeg.

Liston-Crandall, a family-medicine physician, is a Kalamazoo-area native who joined Oaklawn’s active medical staff in July 2007.

In recent years, Liston-Crandall has served as Oaklawn's interim medical director, as a member of its Physician Leadership Committee and physician lead for its COVID-19 Response Team. She also has served on Oaklawn's Medical Executive Committee and as chief of staff.

“Her skills and experience as a family medicine with obstetrics provider as well as physician leader will be a tremendous asset for us from both a clinical and operational perspective,” Beeg said in a statement to Oaklawn employees.

“Dr. Liston-Crandall will serve 50 percent of her time in the chief medical officer role and the other 50 percent of her time caring for her patients that she has served for the past several years,” he added.

Liston-Crandall works out of two offices of the Oaklawn Medical Group – Marshall Primary Care in Suite 1E of the Wright Medical Building at 215 E Mansion St., Marshall, and the Tekonsha office at 2218 Old U.S. 27 North.

In January 2014, Liston-Crandall became the third recipient of Oaklawn’s Physician of the Year Award. The award was established to recognize a physician who has demonstrated their commitment to Oaklawn Hospital’s culture and values and to the community.

Liston-Crandall earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard and Radcliffe colleges and medical degree from the University of Michigan. She completed a family-medicine residency at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Oregon.