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What's New in AREA HOSPITALS R. KEVIN BRYANT, MD, NAMED GALICHIA HEART HOSPITAL 'SENIOR FRIENDLY' NICHE MEDICAL DIRECTOR Galichia Heart Hospital has named R. Kevin Bryant, MD, its new Senior Friendly Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) Medical Director, providing leadership and clini - cal expertise for the elderly at Kansas' only NICHE-certified hospital. "We always say kids aren't just little adults, so we're developing Wesley Children's Hospital to provide that specialized care kids need," Dr. Bryant says. "Well, seniors aren't just older adults — they have special needs, too. Our senior certification at Galichia brings together resources like geriatric-certified nurses, pharmacists and physicians to meet the distinctive needs of the seniors of Kansas." Dr. Bryant has been in practice for more than 25 years with Wichita Medical Associates, where he specializes in geriatric care. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda School of Medicine in California and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. He is board-certified in family medicine and geriatric medicine, and he has previously served as a medical director of several long-term care facilities. Galichia earned its Senior Friendly designation last year as a NICHE- certified hospital. NICHE is the only national designation indicating a hospital's ongoing commitment to geriatric nursing care. "Dr. Bryant understands that seniors have special needs when they are hospitalized," says Francie Ekengren, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Wesley Medical Center, which owns the Galichia campus. "Medications affect the elderly differently; they have different mobility challenges. With Dr. Bryant's leadership, we can do a lot from a clinical standpoint to improve outcomes and satisfaction for our elderly patients and their families." Through Galichia's participation in the NICHE program — the most comprehensive geriatric nursing program available — the hospital has developed a dedicated team of nurses who have undergone special- ized geriatric training to provide the evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote positive experiences for older adults. The hospital participates in an annual program evaluation to maintain its Senior Friendly certification. Dr. Bryant began his new position with Galichia in June. For more information about Galichia Heart Hospital and its NICHE certification, please visit wesleymc.com. TWO NEW PHYSICIANS JOIN VIA CHRISTI CLINIC Via Christi Clinic has welcomed two new physicians. Orthopedist Kevin M. Marberry, MD, received his medical de- gree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He completed his residency in orthopedics at University of Missouri at Columbia and his fellowship in or - thopedic sports medicine at Methodist Sports Medicine Center, in Indianapolis. He is certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and his subspecialty is sports medicine. Dr. Marberry sees patients at Via Christi Clinic, 1947 Founders' Circle, in Wichita. Appointments can be made by calling 316-613-4640. Dermatologist Brandon R. Litzner, MD, received his medical de - gree from Vanderbilt University School R. Kevin Bryant, MD Brandon R. Litzner MD Kevin M. Marberry, MD M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Greater Kansas | 1 7