ASHLAND -- KDMC obstetrician/gynecologist Brian Frederick, M.D., and urologist Timothy Dixon, M.D., have earned a special designation by Intuitive Surgical for their accomplishments associated with the use of the da Vinci Surgical System. Intuitive lists on the Web site the names of the physicians who have completed a recommended number of da Vinci cases in the past year, resulting in positive outcomes.

In addition to these accomplishments, Frederick has earned the distinction as the first obstetrician/gynecologist in Kentucky and the first in King's Daughters' service area to complete criteria required to be recognized by Intuitive Surgical on its da Vinci surgery Web site, www.intuitivesurgical.com.

The da Vinci is a robotic-assisted surgery system utilizing state-of-the-art technology that enables physicians to perform a broad range of complex procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

Other King's Daughters physicians who are utilizing the da Vinci system are: obstetrician/gynecologist Richard Ford, M.D., and urologist William Boykin, M.D. Cardiothoracic surgeon Marcos Nores, M.D., has used the da Vinci to perform minimally invasive heart surgery to repair the mitral valve, which may be damaged due to coronary artery disease or infection.

For additional information regarding da Vinci surgeries, call 888-377-KDMC.

OLBH Auxiliary awards $30,000 in proceeds

RUSSELL, Ky. -- The Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) Auxiliary presented hospital officials with a donation of $30,000 at its recent annual Auxiliary Tea.

The OLBH Auxiliary operates the hospital gift shop and conducts various fund raising activities throughout the year to benefit the community and in particular, the patients of OLBH. At the annual tea, the OLBH Auxiliary presented proceeds from the group's annual golf benefit to two worthwhile hospital causes.

A contribution of $15,000 was donated to benefit women's health issues at OLBH and $15,000 was designated to the OLBH Foundation's Jonathan A. Ferguson fund. The Jonathan A. Ferguson Fund finances the purchase of equipment and benevolent health care assistance for programs and patients including Pediatrics and Oncology and supports the annual OLBH Children's Christmas party.

For more information on donating to OLBH, please call the OLBH Foundation at 606-833-3956.

Huddleston Bolen attorney named Fellow in Trial Lawyer Honorary Society

HUNTINGTON -- Melissa Foster Bird, a partner with the law firm Huddleston Bolen, LLP, has been named a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, a honorary society established to reflect and recognize the face of the American bar in the 21st century.

Membership in the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) is by invitation only and limited to 3,500 Fellows nationwide, less than one-half percent of all lawyers in the United States. The LCA selects Fellows based on effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.

Foster Bird's practice is concentrated in workplace sexual harassment and retaliatory discharge. She also has significant experience in railroad defense litigation, products liability, premises liability, professional malpractice and toxic tort cases. She has been published in the areas of privacy and media law, and has taught seminars in the areas of Effective Motion Practice, Expert Witness Direct and Cross Examination, Trial Practice and Tactics, and scientific research concerning Cumulative Trauma Disorders. Currently, Foster Bird serves on the faculty of the litigation trial school, sponsored by the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel. She is a member of DRI, the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, and the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia.

A native of southern Ohio, Foster Bird graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Miami University in 1990. She received her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University in 1994. Foster Bird has served the community as a volunteer for the Huntington Museum of Art Capital Campaign, the United Way of the River Cities and the West Virginia Civil Liberties Union. She also has been actively involved in Andrew's Buddies/FightSMA, an organization that raises funds for research in the area of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Foster Bird is married to Steve Bird and is the mother of Luke and Winnie.

For more information about Huddleston Bolen, visit the firm's Web site at www.huddlestonbolen.com.

United Van Lines recognizes achievements of local moving company

ST. LOUIS - Move Rite Transfer and Storage Co., Inc., Ashland, Ky., an agent of United Van Lines, has been honored by the worldwide household good transportation company for exceptional professional achievement.

Announcement of the recognition, conferred as part of van line's annual awards program, was made by Richard H. McClure, United president, during United's 2008 Convention, in Palm Desert, Calif., with more than 500 United representatives in attendance.

Move Rite Transfer and Storage Co., Inc. received the United recognition of Customer Choice Award, presented to United agents achieving exceptional service scores on the basis of post-move surveys completed by customers.

United Van Lines, with headquarters in suburban St. Louis, is the nation's largest household goods mover and maintains a network of 1,000 affiliated agencies in 135 countries around the world. Visit the company's Web site at www.unitedvanlines.com.

Hospital achieves multiple five-star honors

RUSSELL, Ky. -- Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) announces the hospital has received the 2009 HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award in addition to five-star ratings for multiple clinical care categories, including treatment of heart attack.

OLBH is a recipient of the HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award for the fifth straight year by receiving the highest-possible HealthGrades rating for treatment of pneumonia. OLBH is ranked best in the Huntington/Ashland area for pulmonary care and has ranked among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide in pulmonary care for six consecutive years. OLBH has received five-star distinction for treatment of pneumonia for seven straight years.

OLBH received a five-star rating for treatment of heart attack for the third straight year. Additionally, the hospital received these top quality ratings for treatment of respiratory failure and sepsis, a critical bloodstream infection. Five-star distinction also was granted OLBH in gastrointestinal surgery and procedures. OLBH is ranked in the top five in the state of Kentucky for both gastrointestinal surgery and services.

For more information, visit www.olbh.com.

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