Features

Dannemann: There’s No Mystery About Malpractice

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© 2025 By MERILEE DANNEMANN

We can’t take action on the medical malpractice issue, said Rep. Liz Thomson, because we don’t have data.

You’ve got to be kidding, I muttered.

Thomson made this comment to a standing-room-only audience at a pre-legislature town hall where she was one of eight legislators on stage. It was almost the end of the event, which had until that moment been pretty  cordial.

Instead of asking for closing statements, the moderator asked for each legislator’s final comments to be his or her proposed solutions on the issue of healthcare, which all had agreed was a major concern. Read More

Health Care Authority Launches New Office Of Data And Analytics To Drive Improvements Across New Mexico

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HCA Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo

HCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has announced the launch of its new Office of Data and Analytics (ODA), a pioneering team dedicated to leveraging data-driven strategies to improve health outcomes across New Mexico.

“We’re excited to launch the Office of Data and Analytics bringing on talented professionals who are ready to make a real difference,” HCA Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo said. “The data office will allow us to leverage advanced analytics to support decision-making that leads to better, more equitable health outcomes Read More

DEA Announces Three New Telemedicine Rules That Continue To Open Access To Telehealth Treatment

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DEA News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is announcing three new rules to make permanent some temporary telemedicine flexibilities established during the COVID-19 public health emergency while also establishing new patient protections. 

In developing these rules, DEA has focused on the patient to ensure telemedicine is accessible for medical care. Importantly, these rules do not apply to telemedicine visits in which a patient has already been seen in-person by a medical provider. Once a patient has had an in-person visit with a medical provider, the medical Read More

LARSO To Host ‘A Matter Of Balance’ Fall Prevention Program At BESC Beginning Monday Jan. 27

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Instructors Judy Lovejoy, second from left, and Kate Cleveland, front, with October 2024 graduates. Courtesy/LARSO

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Certified MOB Trainer

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) will offer another session of A Matter of Balance (MOB) starting later this month. This evidence-based fall prevention program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels of older adults.

The classes are designed for seniors age 60 and older. The program is FREE and completed in eight two-hour sessions, twice a week.

The new classes are 9:30-11:30 Read More

LAMC Welcomes Debra Temple As Interim CNO

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Debra Temple, LAMC Interim Chief Nursing Officer

LAMC News:

Los Alamos Medical Center is pleased to announce the arrival of Debra Temple, MHA, BSN, RN as the hospital’s Interim Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Debra has more than 14 years of medical executive leadership, spanning inpatient rehabilitation, long term acute care and acute care settings.

“Quality is our top priority at LAMC, and Debra has shown her commitment is to high quality patient care, safe patient care and safe nursing practice,” Tracie Stratton, CEO of Los Alamos Medical Center. said “As a healthcare leader in our region, Read More

Kiwanis Club Of Los Alamos Speaker Elizabeth Martineau Discusses Importance Of Community Nonprofit Support

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LACF Executive Director Elizabeth Martineau discusses importance of supporting non-profit organizations. Courtesy/Kiwanis

By BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos

At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos heard a presentation from Executive Director Elizabeth Martineau of the Los Alamos Community Foundation (LACF). She started off by asking the audience to remember where, when and from whom did they learn about giving and why do they give today.

Her own story includes coming from a military family with a dedication to service and a desire to always be part of a community. She Read More

Touro College Of Dental Medicine In New Mexico Names Exec. Assistant Dean Dr. Joseph Parkinson To Lead College

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Dr. Joseph Parkinson

TOURO COLLEGE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Touro University, a leading New York-based non-profit institution of higher and professional education, announces the appointment of Joseph Parkinson, DDS, MPA, FAGD as Executive Assistant Dean at Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) in Albuquerque.

Dr. Parkinson will serve as the highest-ranking professional at the New Mexico campus, leading all aspects of the dental college’s operations and clinical training programs. He will report directly to Dr. Ronnie Myers, DDS, Dean of the Touro College of Dental Medicine, and will Read More

NM House Democrats Preview Priorities For 2025 Session

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The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo

STATE News:

  • “You deserve to feel safe in your home and your community…” –House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albq.).
  • “There is nothing more fundamental to the well-being of our families and communities than public safety.” –Rep. Christine Chandler (D-Los Alamos)

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico House Democrats (NMHD) shared a preview Friday of select policy priorities for the upcoming 60-day Legislative Session, which begins Jan. 21.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Improving public safety;
  • Supporting the well-being of New Mexico’s children;
  • Relieving
Read More

Benson: Be A Hero

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By JODY BENSON
Los Alamos

What if you were offered a quick, easy, inexpensive way to clean up litter, lower chemical pollution, and reduce endocrine disruption affecting sexual development and obesity? What if I told you that this action contributes to a healthier, cleaner future for you and your kids? Would you think about it, or dismiss the offer out of hand? (Remember, it’s quick, cheap, easy.)

What is this tiny little action? Just bring your own shopping bags wherever you go.

First let’s clarify what is meant by single-use carry-out disposable plastic shopping bag. These are the brown-Smiths/white-Walmart Read More