Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 3/18/2022

Mar. 18, 2022

COVID-19 update

With Spring Break ushering in a new season this week, I wanted to share an abbreviated note as we continue to see low COVID-19 numbers.

This morning, we had 27 COVID-positive inpatients, with only 15 requiring isolation. Our seven-day rolling symptomatic positivity rate is 3.75%, down from over 46%.

We know it is possible that this is a trough between waves, but this is a moment to enjoy. With low disease prevalence, now is the time to get out and take part in the activities so many of us have avoided in the recent peaks of the pandemic.

Our improving COVID trends offer renewed hope for better days ahead. I hope your spring is a bright one and you and your loved ones are able to get out and enjoy the season.

CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency announces class of 2025

Today is Match Day, when resident physicians learn where they will begin their medical careers. The CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency announced its class of 2025. Since 1987, the residency has graduated more than 200 physicians, many of whom build their careers here in southwest Missouri. The new resident physicians are:

Sharyl Alendry, DO, A.T. Still University – Kirksville, Kirksville, Mo.

Alexis Bean, MD, Ross University, Bridgetown, Barbados

Mallory Howard, DO, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, Ark.

Melanie Kim, DO, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa

Katelynn Main, DO, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, Ark.

Kevin Martin, DO, A.T. Still University – Kirksville, Kirksville, Mo.

Elizabeth Mazza, DO, Kansas City University, Kansas City, Mo.

Colby Smith, DO, Kansas City University, Kansas City, Mo.

Michelle Smith, MD, University of California – Riverside, Riverside, Calif.

Colton Webber, DO, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, Ark.

Congratulations to all of the physicians and I look forward to welcoming them to our campuses.

Thank you for all you do,
Steve