UM Shore Regional Health’s Clinical Nutrition Manager Christine Allen, RD, CSO, LDN, along with her fellow Shore dietitians Hunter Plog, RD, LDN, Kathy Toepfer, RD, LDN, and Xingyue (Joy) Zhang, MS, RD, LDN, do their part to help achieve UM Shore Regional Health’s mission, Creating Healthier Communities Together. As they visit hospital inpatients to discuss dietary guidelines and serve outpatients through dietary consultations, the dietitian team provides guidance to patients and also their fellow SRH team members on nutritious eating options for optimal health.

Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is celebrated in March as a nutrition education and information campaign. The national campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

According to Joy Zhang, while adopting a healthy diet is important, being mindful of the food you consume can help you to gain control of your eating habits. “Mindful eating takes the concept of mindfulness and applies it to why, when, where, what, and how you eat,” she explains. “Mindful eating is about listening to our physical sensations, like hunger, fullness and satisfaction cues, and taking time to notice our thoughts and emotions while eating so we can have a more enjoyable and healthful eating experience.”

Photo: Shown is the UM Shore Regional Health Clinical Nutrition team: Christine Allen, RD, CSO, LDN, manager (seated); and standing L-R: Hunter Plog, RDN, LDN, Xingyue (Joy) Zhang, MS, RDN, LDN and Kathy Toepfer, RDN, LDN.

Interested in seeking advice from a registered dietitian/nutritionist to help develop an individualized eating and activity plan to meet your health goals? With a referral from your health care provider, you can receive nutrition counseling services from dietitians at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown (410-778-3300), ext. 2297), Dorchester (410-228-5511, ext. 8035) and Easton (410-822-1000, ext. 5339). For more information, contact Christine Allen, 410-822-1000, ext. 5351 or [email protected].

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health has announced a new check-procedure for patients visiting the Diagnostic and Imaging Center (DIC), the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center and Shore Rehabilitation Center at Easton, 10 Martin Court. The new procedure supports the enforcement of COVID-19 social distancing guidelines designed to ensure patient and team member health and safety.

Effective immediately, when you arrive at the DIC/Breast Center/Shore Rehabilitation at Easton, please park your vehicle and call 410-820-7778, and press 7, to check in for your procedure or appointment and respond to the required COVID-19 screening questions. Once our team members are ready for you, they will call you back on your mobile device and you may walk in for your procedure or scheduled appointment.

As always, Imaging Services (excluding x-rays) are made by appointment only by calling Central Scheduling at 410-822-1000, ext. 2600. Imaging Services at this location include CT scanning, MRI, PET/CT, Digital Mammography with Tomosynthesis (3-D) (evening appointments available for a mammography), Bone Density, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound and US-guided biopsies and stereotactic biopsies. Laboratory Services, including blood draw and processing for other specimens such as urine and cultures, as well as EKGs and x-rays, do not require an appointment.

Patients who have access to MyPortfolio can access test results; check-in for your next visit ahead of time by logging in and following the e-check-in instructions for your appointment date; request prescription refills; meet your care team; and message your provider. E-check-in helps improve your patient experience and expedite your visit by going through the registration process, COVID-screening questions, as well as any other information related to your health history, ahead of time. You may e-check-in up to seven days ahead of your appointment date. (Those who visit the DIC, Breast Center or Shore Rehabilitation Center at Easton for an appointment and have e-checked-in via MyPortfolio or those who wish to walk-in for a laboratory service are still required to call 410-820-7778 and press 7 to alert staff to their arrival and wait in their cars until called in.)

Please note, UM Shore Rehabilitation Center at Easton will move to its new, permanent home at The Orthopedic Center, 510 Idlewild Avenue, Easton, on April 2.

To sign up for MyPortfolio today, please visit www.umms.org/patient-portal. For more information about UM SRH and this location, please visit umshoreregional.org.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation in helping to ensure your safety and that of all patients and health care team members.

About UM Shore Regional Health: As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,600 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers work with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

The Nearly New Shop, located at 320 High Street in Chestertown, will re-open on April 5, after being closed due to the pandemic since mid-March 2020. Donations of spring and summer clothing are needed now, said Nanny Porter, shop manager and member of the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary, which has owned and operated the shop for over 60 years to benefit the hospital.

The shop offers a variety of used clothing, including men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, linens, china and household goods and is now accepting donations every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Beginning Monday, April 5, the shop will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CDC safety requirements will be in effect. All patrons will be required to wear a mask and socially distance.

“We are thrilled to finally be able to open our doors again,” said Porter, shop manager. “We are grateful to the hospital’s infection prevention and control staff as well as the maintenance staff for assisting in our efforts to ensure all the necessary safety and social distancing measures are in place to help ensure our volunteers and patrons remain safe.”

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Shore Rehab at Easton, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s outpatient rehabilitation service presently located at 10 Martin Court, will move across the street to The Orthopedic Center on April 2, 2021.

The renovation and addition now in progress at The Orthopedic Centerofferssignificantly expanded facilities to accommodate the full spectrum of rehabilitation services — physical and occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

“The first floor of the new addition has doubled the space dedicated to rehabilitation therapy services,” says Frank Rath, Outpatient Rehab Services manager for UM SRH.“Having all therapists under one roof will enable them to collaborate more easily on cases where the patient is receiving more than one kind of therapy, and will allow patients to receive all services in a single location.”

The Orthopedic Center’s expanded rehab space also will include new, state of the art equipment, including the Gould lift, which assists therapists working with patients who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices for mobility.

“Our therapists are excited to be part the largest and most experienced rehabilitation team in the Mid-Shore region,” says Rath. “We’re looking forward to serving our community in a first class facility.”

For more information about outpatient rehabilitation services offered by UM Shore Regional Health, visit umshoreregional.org/outpatientrehab

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

University of Maryland Shore Medical Group (UM SMG) welcomes a new practice, UM Shore Medical Group – Nephrology, effective March 1, 2021. Formerly known as the Kidney Health Center of Maryland, UM SMG – Nephrology is located in Easton at 5 Martin Court and includes five providers: physicians Anish Hinduja, MD, Christina Turner, MD and Adam Weinstein, MD; and nurse practitioners Michelle Dennis, CRNP and Mary Kate Williams-Feldman, CRNP.

UM SMG – Nephrology offers a complete range of consultative, diagnostic and treatment services, including comprehensive renal function evaluation, kidney stone management, hypertension management, fluid and electrolyte management, diet and medication management, dialytic therapies (peritoneal and hemodialysis) kidney transplant evaluation and post-transplant care.

In addition to the Easton location, UM SMG – Nephrology providers see patients by appointment at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown and Dorchester, and at UM Shore Medical Pavilion at Queenstown. Dialysis services are provided at Davita Dialysis Centers in Easton, Cambridge, Denton, Chestertown and Queenstown; Peake Healthcare at The Pines in Easton; and UM Shore Medical Centers at Easton and Dorchester.

“Kidney disease is more prevalent than many people realize – it’s estimated that one in seven adults has kidney disease, with older adults having an even higher rate, said Timothy Shanahan, DO, medical director, UM Shore Medical Group. “We are delighted to welcome this excellent kidney health team to UM Shore Medical Group and we look forward to new opportunities for closer collaboration between nephrology and other SMG practices, such as endocrinology and cardiology.”

UM Shore Medical Group includes 21 medical practices with office locations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. Specialties are: behavioral health, cardiology, the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center, diabetes and endocrinology, ENT, sinus and hearing, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery and sleep medicine, oncology services, pain care, palliative care, pediatrics, primary care, pulmonary care, radiation oncology, rehabilitation, surgical care, urology/continence and pelvic health, women’s health and wound care.

To make an appointment to see a UM SMG – Nephrology provider or request more information, please call 410-820-9823.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health recently welcomed Joshua Cherrix as the director of the health care network’s Heart and Vascular Center.

“I am delighted to welcome Josh to the UM Shore Regional Health team,” says Pam Addy, vice president, Ambulatory and Clinical Services, UM SRH. “His leadership, business and clinical experience make him a great addition to our Cardiovascular Services team and our Heart and Vascular Center.”

The Heart and Vascular Center at UM Shore Regional Health includes the Cardiac Intervention Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton; UM Shore Medical Group-Cardiology offices in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties; cardiovascular diagnostics and the Vascular Labs in Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties; and the Centers for Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Wellness at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton.

Cherrix comes to UM SRH from the University of Virginia Health System (UVHS) in Charlottesville, Va., where he was the manager of the Cardiac Cath Lab. Previously, Cherrix was an invasive cardiology staff nurse for UVHS. Cherrix has more than 10 years of experience in the health care setting, having also worked in emergency care, intensive care and as a pre-hospital provider. Cherrix is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and the American Nurses Association.

Cherrix received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and his Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership/Health Care Administration from Wilmington University in Delaware. He completed his associate’s degree in nursing at Delaware Technical Community College.

Stephen Eisemann, director of Respiratory Care Services, filled the Heart and Vascular Center director position in an interim capacity following the retirement of Gary Jones in December 2019. Eisemann was promoted to director of Respiratory Care Services at UM SRH in October 2019.

Serving in the director of Respiratory Care Services capacity since October 2019, Eisemann is responsible for the operations and clinical oversight of the Department of Respiratory Care; Pulmonary Function Labs at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton; the Regional Sleep Disorders Center; Neurodiagnostics at UM Shore Medical Centers at Chestertown, Dorchester and Easton; and three off-site diagnostic centers. Eisemann has been with UM SRH since 1998, when he began with UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown as a respiratory therapist.

Eisemann became the Chestertown hospital’s cardiopulmonary manager in 2000 and director of Inpatient Services in 2010. Prior to his current role as director of Respiratory Care Services, he served for six years as regional manager of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for UM SRH.

Eisemann received his Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy in 1993.

For more information, please visit umshoreregional.org.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Construction remains on schedule at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Campus at Cambridge in Cambridge Marketplace on Route 50/Ocean Gateway at Woods Road. Brickwork is in progress and the facility’s roof is nearly complete. Contractors are wrapping up weather-proofing the exterior of the building before moving to interior construction. When ready to open in fall 2021, the freestanding medical facility will house a 39,000 square foot Emergency Department with observation beds as well as a 2^nd floor medical pavilion that will accommodate a wide array of outpatient medical care services.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.