Health Briefs:

The new 8,273-square-foot facility scheduled to officially open in March 2007 includes the services of pathology, the study of the disease process; histology, the study of cells, tissues and organs; cytology, the study of the anatomy, physiology, pathology and chemistry of cells; immunology, the study of the immune system; and endocrinology, the study of internal or hormonal secretions and their reactions.

Kintner served as director of the hospital’s laboratories from 1951 through 1983, and he was a member of medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Association of Clinical Chemists and the American Association of Blood Banks. During his tenure, Kintner led the charge for the Blount Memorial Hospital laboratory to become the first laboratory in Tennessee to receive the College of American Pathologists Accreditation of Laboratories certificate.

Continuing his leadership in areas of advancing laboratory practice, Kintner was named to the laboratory advisory committee for licensure for the Tennessee Department of Public Health. Recognized as a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and a fellow and emeritus fellow of the College of American Pathologists, Kintner served as a member of the Tennessee Medical Association and the Tennessee Society of Pathologists, which he led as president from 1960-1961.
Additionally, Kintner has distinguished himself through research, publications and presentations to members of the American Association of Clinical Chemists, the Association of Medical Examiners and the World Congress of Pathology, just to name a few.

In the community, he formed a local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), led a Girl Scout troop, chaired a stringed instrument program in local schools, and served as president of the Maryville Kiwanis Club and as a Kiwanis Legion of Honor member.

Kintner, a World War II veteran, served through the United States Public Health Services. Entering as a medical student, Kintner was ranked as an assistant surgeon, which is comparable to the rank of first lieutenant in the United States Army. Duties of a hospital staff physician, which Kintner was, included medically serving personnel of the Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Veterans Administration. Upon discharge, Kintner, who specialized in pathology, found an opportunity to practice pathology in Maryville. Kintner and wife, Ethel, have been married for 64 years and have four children.

MEDIC Regional Blood Center announces new executive director
Jim Decker has been named Executive Director of MEDIC Regional Blood Center. He has more than 30 years of hospital administration experience and prior to joining MEDIC he was senior vice president of Baptist Health System of East Tennessee. Decker holds B.A. and M.S. degrees in Microbiology from Louisiana State University, a M.S. in Hospital and Health Administration from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an M.B.A. from University of Tennessee. Decker is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and he and his wife, Michelle, have three children.

MEDIC Regional Blood Center is a not-for-profit community blood bank serving the needs of 21 counties and 28 area hospitals.

Diabetes Management courses at BMH in December
Blount Memorial Hospital offers morning and evening classes in diabetes management in December. Physician referral and an initial evaluation are required prior to attending a class session. The classes are recognized by the American Diabetes
Association and covered by most insurance carriers.

A morning class series meets from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 5 and 7 at the Blount Memorial Wellness Center at Springbrook.

An evening class meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 12, 13 and 14 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Blount Memorial Hospital.

Each participant may bring one guest to any of the classes. For more information, call the hospital’s Diabetes Management Center at 865-977-5767.

Blount Memorial offers Jammin’ for the Joy
The Blount Memorial Wellness Center at Springbrook presents Jammin’ for the Joy on Monday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

In conjunction with the Junior Service League and Toys for Tots, the Wellness Center at Springbrook invites res individuals to workout for a great cause. Group exercise instructors team up to teach Rep Reebook, turbokick, cardio, Pilates and yoga classes. Non-members are encouraged to attend, and the entrance fee is a new toy for a child 10 years or under. This fundraiser will be held in place of all other evening classes on this date.

Pre-registration is required for all classes and programs held at the Blount Memorial Wellness Center at Springbrook. For more information or to register, call 865-980-7100.

Advances in the treatment of lung cancer program offered
The Blount Memorial Cancer Center presents a teleconference on Advances in the Treatment of Lung Cancer on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in conference room 1 on the center’s second floor.

The teleconference is hosted by licensed clinical social worker Debbie Roberts, and is provided by the national organization CancerCare.

For more information, call 865-980-5025.

Class in session for joint replacement patients
Blount Memorial Hospital’s "Joint School," an educational program for people scheduled to undergo total joint replacement surgery, is being offered at the hospital during December. Classes meet from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Sessions let participants know what to expect during their total joint replacement experience, and information covers all phases from pre-op to full recovery.

Reservations are required and must be made by calling Maryville Orthopedic Clinic at 865-984-0900.

Blount Memorial presents grief and the holidays
Blount Memorial Hospital presents Grief and the Holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. – noon in the Blount Memorial Cancer Center conference rooms 1 and 2 on the second floor.

Licensed clinical social worker Debbie Roberts will share practical tips for coping with grief during the holidays. This session also will include a focus on the importance of practicing good self-care habits. Take-home handouts and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, call 865-980-5025.