Claxton-Hepburn

Calling Claxton-Hepburn Home At Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, physicians are not only dedicated to their work, but to the community and the health of those who live here. WHEN PRASAD YITTA, MD, general and vascular surgeon, and his wife, Suseela Yitta, MD, pediatrician, both on staff at Claxton-Hepburn, came to the North Country from Houston, Texas, in 1980, they didn't plan to stay for more than two years. Now, 32 years later , they can't imagine leaving the area they call home. "I always thought I would get experience here, then move to a larger city," says Dr. Prasad Yitta. "But I found that the quality of the medical staff and the hospital were beyond my expectations. Our colleagues are very efficient and friendly, and we enjoy caring for the patients in this community." Dr. Prasad Yitta has also enjoyed building a long-lasting relationship with his surgery team. He has worked with the same anesthesiologist during his three decades here and believes the team's years of experience together make their work in the operating room more successful. Dr. Suseela Yitta adds, "We love the children, their parents, and grandparents of this community." The Yittas, married for 36 years, have also been active in the community and enjoy working with local organizations, such as the Ogdensburg Knights of Columbus. Dr. Prasad Yitta recently received a commendation from New York State Senator Patty Ritchie for his work on the Knights of Columbus' annual Thanksgiving dinner. "We truly love the community we work and live in," says Dr. Prasad Yitta. "And we have absolutely no regrets about staying at Claxton-Hepburn." For more information about Drs. Prasad and Suseela Yitta, as well as other physicians on our medical staff, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org. Thank a Doctor Who's Made a Difference Has a physician improved your life or that of a family member? Honor him or her by making a donation to the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation. WHETHER A PHYSICIAN helped you meet your health goals or provided care when a loved one urgently needed it, giving in that physician's name through the Grateful Giving program ensures a provider's contributions don't go unnoticed. "When a donor gives in honor of a physician or other medical staff member, we celebrate that recognition with the provider," says Cindy Clusen, executive director of the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation. "It means so much to continue to serve residents of St. Lawrence County, and we are honored when the community gives back." Giving on Your Terms Some people may prefer to recognize the excellent care of multiple providers rather than an individual staff member. Donors have the option to give to specific departments within the hospital to further elevate care for generations to come. Find out more about the Grateful Giving program by visiting www.claxtonhepburn.org and selecting "Giving & Volunteering," or call Cindy Clusen at (315) 313-9175. Celebrating over 125 years of building trust. (L to R) Maggie Baker, RN; Emmanuel Ekeke, CRNA; Leslie Erwin, RN; Leigh Heiss, DO; and Kim Colburn, RN LIVING WELL 3

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