504 North Cleveland Street • Mount Ayr, IA 50854 • 641-464-3226 • www.rchmtayr.orgRinggold County Hospital does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, gender, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.

Ringgold County Hospital

Caring our Calling!Compassionate. Committed.

When you first talk to Katie Willcox, D.O., you think that the Ringgold County Hospital theme could have been written just for her: caring really is her calling. The newest member of the RCH and Mt. Ayr Medical Clinic staff starts work on July 17, but her desire to help people and improve their health goes back to her middle school days.

“My mother was a physical therapist,” said Dr. Willcox. “I spent a lot of time with her in nursing homes when I was growing up. I saw the difference between unhealthy 60-year olds and 90-year olds doing great. There are not a lot of careers where you can change an entire life for people. With good health, you can make a big difference for a long period of time. It made me decide to do what I’m doing.”

Dr. Willcox is an Iowa native, having grown up in LeClaire in the Quad City area. She went to the University of Iowa for undergrad, A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school, and just finished her residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.

She’s a family practitioner and is excited to face the challenges and enjoy the variety that she’ll see every day. “I was torn between pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health,” admits Dr. Willcox. “I love family practice because I don’t have to choose. I can help patients at all stages of life.” She’ll be providing pre-natal care up to 36 weeks as well.

Her training in Kirksville at Medical School and her Residency prepared her for rural medicine. “I interviewed for a position in Des Moines,” she said. “I realized I didn’t want to work in the city. It just wasn’t for me. CONTINUED ON BACK

Back in Time for NineRinggold County Hospital’s 10th annual golf tournament is just around the corner! Register now and invite your friends to play on Thursday, July 26 at the beautiful Mt. Ayr Golf and Country Club.

This year’s funds will be going towards a bladder scanning device, which is a portable 3D ultrasound machine that enables clinicians to obtain fast, accurate bladder volume measurements. This device helps reduce risk of infections and helps maintain patient comfort.

The tournament will include a four-person scramble, lunch, a prime rib dinner, the opportunity for networking, as well as prizes and awards at the reception following golf.

Contests include: • Hole in One • Closest to the Pin for both

men and women • Longest Putt • Longest Drive for both

men and women Four lucky players will be

drawn for the putting contest! Can’t attend? There are several sponsorship opportunities available.

Additional information and registration can be viewed at: http://www.rchmtayr.org/golftournament.

Making good health a priority

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

JULY 2018

Q: What is a 3D mammography breast exam?A: The Genius 3D Mammography exam is a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection. It is performed in conjunction with a traditional 2D digital mammogram.

During the 3D part of the exam, the X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. Then a computer uses these images to produce a 3D image of the breast tissue, providing greater detail for the radiologist.

Q: What are the benefits of 3D mammography?A: Earlier and easier detection—With conventional mammography the radiologist is viewing the breast tissue in a flat image. Sometimes this tissue appears overlapped, making it difficult to see all the individual structures. 3D mammography allows the doctor to better see the different structures as well as the location, size and shape of any abnormal tissue, such as small cancers.

Fewer call backs—In the past, if the radiologist saw an area that was questionable, the patient would

Each department was down the hall, or across the street. I felt more like I was referring patients, rather than treating them.” So, she’s trained to do it all, and is excited to get started at Ringgold County Hospital and the Mt. Ayr Medical Clinic. “I spent time here in April with Dr. Ricker, and just loved it. The people on staff were so incredibly nice and welcoming. And the patients were wonderful. I can’t wait to get started!”

Dr. Willcox and her husband Jason are living in Winterset with their three girls aged fourteen, five, and two. Her parents and siblings are still living in LeClaire, and they visit often. “It’s an easy drive!”

be asked to return for additional imaging. The Hologic Genius 3D Mammography exam reduces callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D mammography alone. By being able to see the breast tissue in smaller, thinner sections, the “second look” might not be necessary.

Q: Are there any risks with 3D mammography?A: Very low X-ray energy is used during the exam. This means the amount of radiation is below the recommended guidelines of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and is just slightly higher than digital 2D mammography alone. Breast Tomosynthesis is approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Q: Can I choose not to have this exam?A: 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) is an optional addition to a traditional 2D digital mammography exam. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the Imaging Department at 641-464-4400.

RCH provides the GeniusTM 3D MammographyTM Exam

Dr. Mike Magers has retired effective May 24, 2018. He joined RCH and the Mt. Ayr Medical Clinic in June 2002. During his 16 years of practice here he made significant contributions to our hospital and community. Dr. Magers demonstrated many attributes of excellence in Family Medicine. He provided care to patients of all ages and attended to their needs in the clinic, as inpatients, in the Emergency Room, and in nursing homes. The entire Ringgold County Hospital staff wishes him well in his retirement.

Thank you, Dr. Magers!