USACS NEWS
USACS shares news and information that keep you informed and demonstrate our commitment to efficiency and improved patient care and outcomes. A USACS representative is available for media inquiries.
Press Release
Dec 30, 2021
Hospitalist Services at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Hollister, CA (December 30, 2020) VEP Healthcare Inc. (Operating as US Acute Care Solutions as of June 2021), a national leader in emergency medicine and hospital medicine management and staffing services, will lead Hollister, California-based Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s (HHMH) hospitalist program effective December 23, 2020. “The executive team at HHMH is excited about the partnership that will bring their expertise in a managed group model to the hospital’s important inpatient medicine service.” Steven Hannah, M.H.A., HHMH CEO says. The group has managed HHMH’s emergency department since 2015. The expanded partnership enables their skilled emergency medicine and hospital medicine experts to collaborate to deliver a smooth patient experience between emergency room care and inpatient admission. “Patients are the focus of these types of decisions and while we’ve had a solid hospitalist service leading up to this transition, we believe that this partnership will provide a strong foundation for providing inpatient care into the future,” Hannah says. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Hazel Hawkins to provide outstanding care to San Benito and southern Santa Clara counties,” President of USACS West Region Steve Maron, MD says. About Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (HHMH) is a full-service 25-bed not-for-profit hospital providing exceptional health care to San Benito County and southern Santa Clara County. After more than 100 years of operation, HHMH remains dedicated to its values of respect, compassion, and excellence. HHMH is a locally-governed, community-based hospital offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, laboratory services, palliative care, physician, speech, occupational therapy, respiratory care, and a new modern birthing center.
Press Release
Aug 20, 2021
USACS Clinician-Owners Vote to Mandate COVID Vaccine for all USACS Clinicians
The National Clinical Governance Board (NCGB) of US Acute Care Solutions announced today that USACS clinician-owners have voted to self-mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all its clinicians. “At USACS, our mission is to care for patients – and each other,” said Chief Medical Officer Amer Aldeen, MD. “The research data demonstrating vaccine effectiveness has been overwhelmingly reinforced by our actual epidemiologic experience. Science has clearly shown that the COVID vaccine is incredibly effective at saving lives. The vast majority of our clinicians already have chosen to get the vaccine, and many of our hospital partners are mandating vaccines as well.” “As an acute care practice group whose clinicians all work on the front lines, we know more than anyone the burden COVID-19 has placed upon our patients and our healthcare system,” said Chief Clinical Officer Matt Patlovany, MD. “In voting for this vaccine mandate for ourselves, our clinician-owners have democratically upheld the highest standards of patient safety and public health. We pride ourselves in being leaders in doing what’s right in support of our patients, our clinicians, science and society.” “The USACS National Clinical Governance Board is comprised solely of physicians and is tasked with all clinical governance issues facing the group,” said NCGB Chair Joan Kolodzik, MD. “Physician partners asked for this vote, and their voices were heard loud and clear. Our mission:To care for patientsis at the center of every decision we make, and we believe this vaccine mandate is how we can best care for patients. We hope that patients will, in turn, feel more comfortable in following our lead so that together we can end this pandemic.” Throughout the pandemic, USACS has prioritized state-of-the-art patient care, the safety of our clinicians, and the needs of our hospital partners. Examples of this include creating a nationwide COVID Task Force to quickly share best practices, sourcing PPE backup supplies nationally to mitigate local shortages, creating the first-in-the-industry quarantine fund to pay for clinicians’ lost time, and providing our clinicians with home-based COVID antibody and antigen tests. To help our hospital partners, we built evidence-based care clinical management tools to identify COVID patients suitable for discharge, developed surge ICU and hospital floor protocols, and staffed pre-ED triage tents, pop-up acute care settings, and even full-service COVID hospitals.
Press Release
Aug 13, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Names Dr. Benjamin Morel a Vice President of its East Region
US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today named Benjamin Morel, MD a vice president of its East Region. Most recently, Dr. Morel served as the medical director of Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, NC, where he led the clinician team to deliver high quality, efficient, and compassionate care. He implemented directives such as operations for MED-1 deployment and extended supertrack, authored the Atrium Health External ED Guideline for Treatment, achieved improvements in critical emergency department metrics, improved the overall patient experience and developed a culture fostering provider satisfaction. As a regional vice president, Dr. Morel will provide medical and administrative leadership necessary to support the efforts of individual site medical directors within the Atruim Health System. In collaboration with his clinical colleagues and other regional leadership, he will oversee the quality and effectiveness of each medical director while providing the resources and direction required to maintain the highest-quality patient care. “I’m excited to step into this new role,” said Dr. Morel. “The North Carolina community has overcome tremendous challenges in the past 18 months, and strong, positive leadership is more critical than ever. I’m grateful for the confidence that has been placed in me to care for patients and my fellow clinicians.” A board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Morel has been with USACS since 2013. He completed the prestigious USACS Scholars Program in 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Morel completed his residency in emergency medicine from Carolinas Medical Center, where he was chief resident. # # # About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Director US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406 [email protected]
Press Release
Jul 26, 2021
US Acute Care Solutions Names Dr. Jayne Kendall President East Region
CANTON, OHIO, July 26, 2021 – US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced it has named Jayne Kendall, MD, MBA, FACEP, CDE, CPE, the President of its East Region effective immediately. Most recently Dr. Kendall served as a vice president of the USACS East Region, a position she has held since 2012, and she practices clinically at hospitals in the Atrium System around Charlotte.Since joining USACS in 2006, Dr. Kendall has served as a quality director, assistant director and medical director in addition to her most recent vice president role and her current position as president. Dr. Kendall said, “It is a privilege and an honor to be tapped to lead the USACS East Region. I am grateful to my clinical colleagues and our leadership for their confidence and support. I am excited to take on this expanded role as we continue to grow our physician-owned scaled partnership.” USACS Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Matt Patlovany, said, “Jayne is a perfect fit for this position. She is a gifted physician and a demonstrated leader. She earns the instant respect and admiration of those she leads and those she serves. I am very excited to work more closely with her as president.” Dr. Kendall takes over for Dr. Aaron Snyder, a 20-year veteran of USACS and its predecessor, who is leaving to pursue an opportunity outside the acute care specialty. All the USACS physician-owners, APPs and non-clinical staff wish Dr. Snyder well. Dr. Kendall earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University-Bloomington and a medical degree from Indiana University.She completed her emergency medicine residency at Carolinas Medical Center, where she was chief resident. In May 2012, she completed the Executive Master of Business Administration program at Queens University of Charlotte. She earned her credentials from the Institute for Diversity Certification andis a Certified Diversity Professional. Dr. Kendallearned the Certified Physician Executive credentials through the American Association of Physician Leadership in 2019. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visitusacs.comto learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 29, 2021
Drs. James Augustine, Michael Beeson Honored by American College of Emergency Physicians
Canton, Ohio, June 29, 2021– US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced that physiciansJames Augustine, MD, FACEPandMichael Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEPwill be awarded two of the most prestigious lifetime awards by American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Dr. Augustinewas named theJames D. Mills Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Medicinerecipient, an award that is presented to an active, life, or honorary member for significant contributions to emergency medicine. This award is named after the late James D. Mills, Jr, MD, the second president of ACEP. Dr. Mills practiced emergency medicine in Alexandria, Virginia, for many years, and is commonly referred to as a designer of the "Alexandria Plan" for staffing emergency facilities with full-time practitioners of emergency medicine. James Augustine, MD, FACEP, is the USACS National Director of Prehospital Strategy for USACS and most recently chaired USACS’ National Clinical Governance Board. He is a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and a fellow in the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). He recently concluded his second term on the ACEP Board of Directors, where he was honored for his lifetime of service at the 2019 conference. In addition, he has been a member of national groups and organizations overseeing emergency medical services, emergency service quality improvement, benchmarking and best practices and disaster preparation. Dr. Augustine earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, and his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine. He performed an integrated residency in emergency medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine. He continues to serve as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Wright State University. He has been married to Linda Augustine, a critical care nurse, for more than 40 years, and they have three grown children. Jim and Linda have long careers in fire and emergency services. Dr. Augustine is the Medical Director for Fire EMS agencies in Atlanta, GA; Naples, FL and Dayton, OH. Michael Beeson, MD, MBA, FACEPwas named theJudith E. Tintinalli Award for Outstanding Contribution in Educationaward recipient. This is presented to an ACEP member who has made a significant contribution to the educational aspects of the specialty. Dr. Beeson is Program Director for the USACS Emergency Medicine Residency at Summa Health in Akron, OH, where he also is Vice-Chair of Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He started his career as Emergency Medicine Program Director at Summa Akron City nearly three decades ago and most recently was Program Director at Akron General Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Beeson is one of the most honored Program Directors in the country, having received the Emergency Medicine Residency Association’s Program Director of the Year, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education’s Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s Hal Jayne Excellence in Education Award and the Council of Residency Director’s Michael P. Wainscott Program Director Award.Dr. Beeson has served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and is Editor-in-Chief of ACEP’s Critical Decisions in Emergency Medicine. He is the author of more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and numerous textbook chapters. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visit usacs.com to learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 8, 2021
Dr. Steve Maron and Dr. Barbara R. Paul Join US Acute Care Solutions Board of Directors
CANTON, Ohio, June 8, 2021– US Acute Care Solutions (USACS) today announced Steve Maron, MD and Barbara R. Paul, MD have joined the USACS Board of Directors. Dr. Maron is President of the USACS West Region, and was most recently president of VEP Healthcare, which merged with USACS June 1, 2021. Dr. Maron had been with VEP since 1990 and served as its president since 2001. Dr. Paul has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Community Health Systems and a board member of Quorum Health. She served at the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services during the Clinton and Bush administrations. Currently, Dr. Paul is Board Chairperson of Natus Medical Incorporated, a medical device manufacturer focused on the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous and sensory system disorders. Executive Chair of the USACS Board, Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, said, “Steve and Barbara will both make outstanding board members. Steve, representing his colleagues from recently-joined VEP, and Barbara representing an independent point of view. With these additions, our Board maintains its majority-physician makeup, consistent with our vision to preserve the physician-ownership model for the long term.” About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately 7 million patients annually across more than 300 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. Visit usacs.com to learn more. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406
Press Release
Jun 1, 2021
VEP Healthcare Joins US Acute Care Solutions
CANTON, Ohio, June 1, 2021– VEP Healthcare Inc. (VEP) and US Acute Care Solutions (USACS), national physician-owned leaders in hospital-based physician services have merged, effective today. Together, the companies form the largest physician-owned provider of integrated acute care medicine and the fourth-largest provider of emergency medicine services in the U.S., serving more than seven million patients annually in approximately 300 hospital-based locations. VEP was founded in 1981 to staff hospital emergency departments in California communities that needed a better solution. Since then, VEP has grown into a premier provider of clinical management services in emergent and inpatient settings in large markets with leading systems. For more than 40 years, VEP has remained devoted to its mission: deliver quality, compassionate care to those in need, within a culture supportive of healthcare providers. VEP serves one million patients annually in eight states through more than 40 hospital partners. USACS Executive Board Chairman, Dominic J. Bagnoli, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, said, “A merger of this magnitude, coming on the heels of the greatest healthcare crisis of our lifetimes, speaks volumes about the strength and permanence of the physician-ownership model. USACS is delighted to welcome our colleagues from VEP who share our singular mission:To Care for Patients.” “VEP has a reputation for excellence in clinical leadership and a large West Coast presence,” said USACS Chief Executive Officer, James Frary. “Through this merger, we add a partner that will strengthen our presence in the West and deepen our relationships with key existing health system partners.” “We believe the provider-owned scaled partnership model creates tremendous value for patients, hospitals and clinicians alike,” said VEP President, Steve Maron, MD. “We are excited to join forces with a partner that shares this belief and offers expanded infrastructure we can leverage to better serve our patients, hospital partners and each other.” Sidley Austin and Ropes Gray served as legal counsel to USACS. Greenhill Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to VEP; McDermott Will Emery and Buchalter served as its legal counsel. About USACS Founded by 16 emergency medicine and hospitalist physician groups across the country, USACS is the national leader in physician-owned integrated acute care, including emergency medicine, hospitalist and critical care services. USACS provides high-quality care to approximately six million patients annually across more than 260 programs and is aligned with leading health systems across the country. About VEP Healthcare Inc. (VEP) VEP is an independent, democratic, provider-owned-and-led clinical management and staffing group. For 40 years, VEP has remained devoted to its mission: deliver quality, compassionate care to those in need, within a culture supportive of healthcare providers. From humble beginnings staffing emergency rooms in rural California in 1981, VEP has grown into a premiere provider of emergency medicine, hospital medicine, intensivist, laborist, and telehealth management services. Today, VEP serves one million patients per year in eight states, in rural, suburban, and urban settings, through more than 40 hospital programs. ### Media Contact Marty Richmond Corporate Communications Department US Acute Care Solutions 330.493.4443 x1406