Health Happenings

Dr. James Vining retired in May after 38 years of practice in Yuma as an obstetrician and gynecologist.

Yuma Regional Medical Center credits Vining with pioneering technological advances in Yuma to treat reproductive health problems and spearheading initiatives that produced better health outcomes for patients. He laid the foundation for patient safety in the obstetrical department, and was key in developing and implementing the department standards that ensure quality care.

Over nearly four decades, he was the leader of initiatives that earned him the Southwest Alliance for Excellence Award for Reducing Early Elective Deliveries and the Quality Service Award for Management of Patients with Postpartum Hemorrhages.

YRMC credits those initiatives with earning its listing in Newsweek magazine as one of the top two hospitals in Arizona for maternity care.

Vining graduated with bachelor of science and medical degrees from the University of Iowa, and completed his residency at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy. Vining is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association and the Arizona Medical Association

Yuma Regional Medical Center in May honored employees for longevity of service. Among those recognized were five who have been with the hospital for 40 years: Frieda Madrigal, Case Management; Rae Rico, Patient Access; Marty Schotten, Diagnostic Imaging; Kathy Seale, Clinical Informatics, and Rita Zazueta, Health Information Management.

Dr. Peter Dashkoff has joined Hospice of Yuma as a hospice physician.

Dashkoff brings years of experience from his work in multiple facilities, including Yuma Regional Medical Center and Yuma Rehab Hospital. He joins the organization’s medical director, Dr. William Shea, in providing the end-of-life care in Yuma County.

Dashkoff said he has always had a passion for hospice care; in fact, his mentor was a hospice doctor. Dashkoff said he was “really struck by how Hospice of Yuma seeks to fulfill its mission. Profit is not above patient care at HOY and all the employees are truly invested, loyal, and supportive to Hospice of Yuma’s cause.”

Smile Straight Orthodontics, a national chain, now has a Yuma branch. Smile Straight celebrated its grand opening at 2383 W. 24th St., Suite 120, in May.

Dr. Micah Yetter is the primary provider in the Yuma office. The family-friendly Smile Straight offers orthodontic care for all ages. It provides advanced treatments with top-quality care in a comfortable, fun environment, as indicated by the murals and décor. Treatments such as Invisalign, Empower and clear braces allow the team to ensure that patients receive the treatment that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

Yuma Dermatology recently moved into its new location at 1079 W. 23rd St.

Their phone number remains the same: 928-247-6825. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

The staff consists of Dr. M. Shane Hamman, Salvador Alonzo, a nurse practitioner, four medical assistants and three front desk personnel.