Growing orthopedic department supported by Memorial Hospital golf tournament

Media Contacts
Carrie Burkett,  603-356-5461 ext. 2264, Carrie.Burkett@MaineHealth.org
Tim Kershner 603-356-546, ext. 2198, Timothy.Kershner@MaineHealth.org

More than 140 golfers and 46 sponsors helped Memorial Hospital raise over $53,000 toward the purchase of a unique mobile X-ray unit to support its growing orthopedic practice.

The Hospital’s 43rd annual Golf Tournament was held July 20 at the Wentworth Golf Club in Jackson, NH.

Mary Vigeant, APRN, co-chair of the golf tournament committee, was enthusiastic about this year’s cause. “Over the years we have raised money for many different items, but this particular year we felt, given that we are a true four-season community, we needed to emphasize and continue to grow our orthopedics team. We needed a second piece of equipment to help with the expansion called a C-Arm [Mobile Imaging Unit].”

“A C-Arm is something we call a fluoroscopy, so it’s almost like an x-ray that’s portable,” explained Orthopedist Josh Knowles, DO, Memorial’s newest member of the orthopedics team. "While we operate, we’re able to take pictures of the bones to make sure they’re perfectly aligned. We can often do more minimal incisions with that equipment so it’s vital to what we do.”

Danielle Phinney, DO, orthopedic surgeon, explains that this equipment will increase the hospital’s capacity to do more surgeries, “We will have more availability with an additional C-arm in the operating rooms so there could be two surgeons working at once, each using a C-arm in different rooms. It will be very helpful.”

This year’s golf tournament was filled up early in the spring and required additional tee times in the morning to accommodate the demand. “We saw an impressive outpouring of support from the community,” said Dawn Morrison, Memorial Hospital’s director of development. “We returned to a shotgun start at Wentworth Golf Club which was well received. Despite the pattern of rain and flooding this summer, the weather held out for a clear and dry day. We are already brainstorming ways to fit more golfers in next year. We are honored that so many people are excited to support the hospital.”

Jimmy Puccio and Nick Jonah took first place for the men’s flight. Sue Shaw, Pam Barker, Vicky Ela, and Jessica Ross took first place for ladies’ flight. Karla Ficker, Devon Ficker, Tate Ficker, and Chris Saunders took first place for the mixed flight.

The winner of the putting contest was Bobby Cotter. The winners of the closest to the pin contests were Debbie Gilmore and Tom Harmon. The winners of the longest drive contests were Leslie Leonard and Greg Morin.

Visit memorialhospitalnh.org/golf to see a full list of results and view a video with highlights of this year’s tournament. In the tournament’s 43 years, the event has raised well over $1 million, purchasing life-saving equipment, benefiting community health programs, and improving the patient experience.

Dr. Joshua Knowles, DO (left) and Dr. Danielle Phinney, DO enjoyed a sunny day of golf on Team Orthopedics at the golf tournament.

Mary Vigeant, APRN, co-chair of Memorial Hospital’s golf committee.

(From the left) Jessica Ross, Pam Barker, Sue Shaw, and Vicky Ela took first place for the ladies’ flight at the Memorial Hospital 43rd Annual Open Golf Tournament.

(From the left) Ryan Winch and Jimmy Puccio took first place for the men’s flight at the Memorial Hospital 43rd Annual Open Golf Tournament.

(From the left) Tate Ficker, Karla Ficker, Devon Ficker, and Chris Saunders took first place for the mixed flight at the Memorial Hospital 43rd Annual Open Golf Tournament.