From the General Manager | October & November 2019

With six major hospitals, dozens of clinics, five universities and colleges with medical-related degree programs and more than 10,000 employees, “healthcare” is a big deal in Bell County. This edition of Tex Appeal puts the spotlight on a few of the “Healthcare Professionals” that provide world-class care to their patients and the community.

There are literally thousands of stories to tell, this issue barely touches the surface.

Debra Monticciolo, M.D., is a physician, researcher and internationally recognized expert in breast imaging. The vice chair for research and the breast imaging section chief in the Radiology Department at Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, she is the current president of the American College of Radiology, an organization with more than 38,000 members. Read about her singular goal — saving women’s lives, page 22.

Planners for the Armed Services YMCA in Harker Heights wanted to have a professional clinic attached to the new facility. Concurrently, officials at Seton Medical Center were looking for new ways to serve the community. The result is an outpatient physical and occupational rehab clinic. Learn about this successful, growing partnership that’s unique in Central Texas, page 28.

One of the country’s first board-certified ”lifestyle physicians,” Stephen Ralph, M.D., is affiliated with AdventHealth Central Texas and follows his passion for promoting lifestyle changes at his office at the Elms Creek Family & Urgent Care Clinic in Killeen. Get his prescription for way to achieve optimal health, page 26.

Two local hospitals — a Baylor Scott & White in Temple and AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen — are connecting with the community, providing information and encouraging regular exercise with “Walk With a Doc” events. Take a short hike to better health with a local physician at a city park, page 70.

Everest Rehabilitation Hospital in Temple is the region’s newest medical facility. The $23 million, 41,000-square-foot building is designed to help spinal injury patients get treatment and regain the motor skills needed for everyday life. Take a peek at the state-of-the-art equipment, including a car retrofitted by Temple High School students, page 42.

The Temple Community Clinic added a social worker to its staff this year — an initiative that helps the clinic better serve its clients. Meet Hollie Spinn, who is working with clients and providing them with the resources they need, page 36.

In addition to the focus on healthcare, this issue includes features on the Tiny Hooves rescue farm for animals (page 8), a day trip to New Braunfels (page 72), fall fashions from Sissy Lala’s boutique in Holland (page 16), the transformation of an historic building in downtown Belton by Gunter Financial (page 60) and much more.

Don Cooper
Temple Daily Telegram General Manager
dcooper@tdtnews.com | 254-774-5203