Three podiatrists to help you get BACK IN STEP page 2 Going the distance for hospice page 4 COMPASS FALL 2022 DEVOTED TOHEALTHFUL LIVING
In Clatsop County, three boardcertified physicians provide patients with essential foot and ankle care. Combined, these specialists have more than 40 years of experience providing podiatry services. Adam Bingham, DPM (pictured on the cover), serves patients at the CMH-OHSU Health Foot & Ankle Clinic – Seaside. Mike Murdock, DPM, and Mark Rawson, DPM, serve patients at the CMH-OHSU Health Foot & Ankle Clinic – Astoria. The doctors care for all patients’ foot and ankle needs, from treatment for heel pain to full surgeries. “The foot is pretty amazing. It’s a complex structure, requiring a thorough understanding of its bones, tendons and ligaments,” Dr. Bingham says. “The foot is probably one of the most unappreciated parts of the body until it has pain or problems. If your foot hurts, your whole body hurts.” A step in the right direction Dr. Murdock has worked for CMH for about 10 years and was CMH’s only podiatrist for half of that time. He helped build the Foot & Ankle program to what it is today. “The clinic has evolved quite a bit over the last several years,” says Dr. Murdock. “Over time, we have been able to institute advanced treatment techniques, both clinically and surgically, to provide leading-edge foot and ankle care locally. This allows people to get excellent care in our community.” Dr. Murdock has been trained in total ankle replacement and deformity correction of the foot and ankle. He also has a special interest in bunion surgery. As the Foot & Ankle Clinic has grown, the providers have focused on prevention, resulting in a decrease in hospitalizations and transfers. “Since we’ve added more doctors, there have been less foot problems seen in the hospital and more clinic availability,” Dr. Murdock says. “The hospital is able to facilitate a more proactive approach that has helped the community by preventing hospitalizations and worsening prognoses in patients.” Dr. Rawson joined CMH in 2019. He has 27 years of experience practicing podiatric medicine and is a certified wound specialist physician and a Off on the right foot CMH-OHSU Health podiatrists care for patients’ foot and ankle needs TAKE THE FIRST STEP Learn more about the CMH-OHSU Health Foot & Ankle clinics in Astoria and Seaside at columbiamemorial.org/podiatry. By Alyssa Evans Marketing and Communications Specialist Mike Murdock, DPM 2 HEALTH COMPASS FALL 2022
board-certified foot surgeon. Since he was a medical student, he felt drawn to wound care. While in school, he had the opportunity to work with patients at a wound care center. His interest was reinforced after spending time learning from a friend who was a podiatrist. “When I was younger, I was in lots of athletics and sports and had some injuries,” Dr. Rawson explains. “I had a friend who was a foot doctor, so I followed him around a little bit and learned that I liked the variety of what he did and what doctors do.” Dr. Bingham joined CMH in 2020 as its first Seaside-based podiatrist. He has more than 10 years of experience. “We provide surgical treatment for really anything foot and ankle, from treating foot and ankle fractures and flat feet to bunions, hammertoes and even ingrown toenails,” Dr. Bingham says. Other podiatry services include heel pain treatment, treatment for arthritis and other chronic conditions, cortisone injections, custom orthotics, bracing, splinting, and help with guiding physical therapy for patients. All three doctors provide both clinical and surgical care to patients. “We try to keep it balanced and tend to see more clinical patients than surgical patients,” Dr. Bingham says. “As much as I like surgery, I always try to exhaust nonsurgical treatments first.” About half of Dr. Rawson’s practice is wound care, which often means treating patients with diabetes. He focuses on ulcer care and prevention and limb salvaging. He also provides general podiatry services. “People with diabetes are more likely to have ulcers in the foot, which is basically limb-threatening for amputation,” says Dr. Rawson. “We treat the wounds to heal them so patients don’t have amputations. We also do other kinds of wound care.” Caring for yourself All three doctors aim to set their patients up for success and work to educate them so they can be active players in their health care. Daily foot checks are the start to improving foot and ankle care, they say. They also recommend controlling obesity, wearing supportive and well-fitting shoes, and avoiding going barefoot. “We want you to understand how to keep your feet healthy and functioning,” Dr. Bingham says. “Be proactive with your care. Stretch your feet to maintain your muscle strength as well as elasticity — whether it’s hiking, biking, just walking or playing sports, stay active.” For those with diabetes, Dr. Rawson echoes the importance of frequent foot inspections. “A lot of people with diabetes get neuropathy, which is how they often get wounds — they don’t feel them because of decreased circulation and other issues,” Dr. Rawson says. “Most of us get a little cut, and it heals within two weeks, but most diabetic wounds take several months to heal. It is essential to ensure no blisters, cuts or open sores form.” If those problems arise, the podiatrists urge patients to make an appointment with them or their primary care provider. Dr. Murdock says as far as shoes go, a stiff-soled shoe that fits well and is supportive is imperative to prevent chronic foot issues. “The goal should be to have the shoe take the force or the impact of terrain or activity, not the foot,” he explains. Mark Rawson, DPM COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG FALL 2022 3
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 2111 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 CMH HEALTH COMPASS is published as a community service by COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, a Planetree Gold-Certified Person-Centered Care Facility. 2111 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103, telephone 503-325-4321, website: columbiamemorial.org For information about CMH HEALTH COMPASS: Sarah Bello, MBA, Interim Director of Communications Erik Thorsen, MBA Chief Executive Officer Nicole Williams, MPA Chief Operating Officer Zach Schmitt, MBA Chief Financial Officer Christopher Strear, MD, FACEP Chief Medical Officer Photos by Sarah Bello, Interim Director of Communications Information in CMH HEALTH COMPASS comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Jarrod Karnofski, PT, DPT Vice President, Ancillary and Support Services Judy Geiger, MBA Vice President, Patient Care Services Christopher Laman, PharmD, MBA Vice President, Strategy Robert Holland, MD, PhD President, Board of Trustees Find us on social media! @cmhcommunity @cmhcommunity linkedin.com/company/ columbia-memorial-hospital @cmhcommunity Going the distance for Lower Columbia Hospice For Aaron Brown, DO, it’s a race against time in more ways than one. From Sept. 21 to 22, he’ll join a friend across the pond for a 180-mile bike ride across England. They plan to complete the distance in just 24 hours, each raising money for hospice care as they go. Dr. Brown is a primary care physician with the CMH-OHSU Health Primary Care Clinic – Astoria. When he heard about his friend’s goal, he knew he had to come along for the ride. He has chosen to raise funds for Lower Columbia Hospice with his effort. Hospice, which usually cares for patients in their last days or weeks of life, holds special meaning for Dr. Brown. He is riding in memory of his father and sister, who have passed away. “The pain of biking 180 miles doesn’t compare to the loss of a loved one, whether it comes as a surprise or happens gradually,” he says. “I have seen firsthand how Lower Columbia Hospice offers families meaningful care and support as they say goodbye to their loved ones. It’s an honor to support them with this ride.” Dr. Brown and his friend will ride from Liverpool to Mablethorpe, England, with a stop halfway at Leeds. Dr. Brown has been training for two hours a day, riding up to 40 miles. To be fully prepared, he aims to go up to 80 miles a day at home. Although he hasn’t completed a 180-mile ride before, he is up for the challenge and is excited to spend time with his friend while supporting local hospice care. HOW CAN YOU ASSIST? Help Dr. Brown and area hospice patients as he races to the finish. Donate any amount per mile that Dr. Brown completes for Lower Columbia Hospice: columbiamemorial.org/bike-for-hospice.
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