Aiken Physicians Alliance

Aiken Regional Medical Centers hosted a pumpkin-decorating contest among employees, and Aiken Physicians Alliance practices showed up! Here are their outstanding pumpkins: "The Up-kin" by Primary Care - Southside, "Boo to the Flu" by Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, "Charlotte's Web" by Urology, "Moana" by the Family Medicine Residency Continuity Clinic, and "Neurology" by Neurology.

This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, it's important to not only learn about the early warning signs of breast cancer but also dispel some common misconceptions. "One common misconception I see patients have is that people think that once you cut a cancerous growth, that will cause it to spread. This has not been scientifically proven at all, and it can be quite a dangerous misconception, causing reluctance in some patients to have a biopsy done and begin treatment. Biopsies are safe procedures, and they will not cause a cancerous growth to spread," says Jill Enter, MD, FACS, of Aiken Surgical Associates. "Another common misconception is that breast pain equals breast cancer. The truth is, in general, breast cancer doesn't hurt. The main symptom is a palpable lump in the breast. That's why it's so important to do regular self-checks and mammograms. These tools help us catch breast cancer early and begin treatment right away."

Urology Practice Manager Eleshia and Marketing Manager Emma had a great time meeting community members and passing out candy at the Aiken County Family YMCA's Trick or Treat on the Trail last Saturday! You can come out and see us again this Saturday at Jack O' Lantern Jubilee in downtown North Augusta.

"When working with breast cancer patients, I really get to know my patients and their families on a more personal level. It's an amazing feeling when you get to celebrate all the milestone victories in their treatment: when you get the patient cancer-free, when they're done with surgery and therapy, when they come back for a reconstruction, and when they are feeling like a complete woman again. All those moments really stick with with me," says Dr. Jill Enter of Aiken Aurgical Associates. Catching breast cancer early can make all the difference. "I always recommend women get their first mammogram at age 40 unless they are at a high risk of breast cancer - this means if they have an immediate relative who has had breast cancer. This could be a mom, a sister, a grandmother, an aunt, or even a male relative. In the case of high-risk individuals, they should start being screened for breast cancer 10 years before the age their relative was diagnosed. If your mom was diagnosed at 40, then you should start getting screened at 30."

Due to the hurricane, we had to postpone celebrating Revenue Cycle Specialist Tressa's birthday, but what a celebration it was! Tressa baked homemade cupcakes to share with the admin team.

On Tuesday of last week, Aiken Physicians Alliance staff enjoyed a night out with friends, family, and coworkers as part of Night in the Alley hosted by Aiken Regional Medical Centers. This was a very fun event, and it was so nice to see the team outside of work enjoying themselves!

Earlier today, Carolina Heart and Vascular Center held a memorial honoring Dr. Doris Tummillo. Dr. Tummillo's friends, family, and the team she worked alongside each day each attached a rose to a wreath that will be displayed at Carolina Heart and Vascular Center's entrance. Thank you to everyone who attended. It has been very humbling to hear over the past few days how many lives Dr. Tummillo touched and saved. We will always be grateful for the time we spent with her.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Doris Tummillo, MD. Our community has lost a great friend and physician. She touched so many lives through her work. Dr. Tummillo could always be seen with an extremely vibrant smile and friendly nature, and she truly illuminated any room she walked into with her joyful spirit. She had the biggest heart and cared deeply for those around her – her loved ones, animals, patients, team members and our community. Dr. Tummillo lived in Aiken for more than 30 years and ran a private practice in Augusta prior to joining our team in 2022. She had a love for animals, trained thoroughbred horses and was known to rescue any animal that needed a home. Her farm was her happy place where she lovingly cared for her dogs, horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, turkeys and more. She left a mark on our team and our community and will be greatly missed. We will remember her for her dedication to serving others with true compassion. Aiken Regional and Aiken Physicians Alliance extend our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time. (Photo was taken of Dr. Tummillo donating during our June blood drive.)

Aiken Physicians Alliance orthopedic surgeons use advanced techniques and technology to diagnose and treat injuries and disorders involving the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. To learn more about our capabilities and to schedule an appointment, call Aiken Physicians Alliance Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at (803) 761-9191 or visit aikenphysicians.com/ortho.

Aiken Physicians Alliance offices went pink last week in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Here are some snapshots from Primary Care - Southside and Pulmonology.