San Andreas, CA…December 18, 2020 – Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) staff received the county’s first round of health care and first responders COVID-19 vaccinations last evening. Nancy Hiteshew, Chief Nursing Officer, was the first person to make history at MTMC in receiving the vaccination. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pardeep Athwal was the second to receive the vaccination. Kristine Dittman; Emergency Department Manager/Interim Employee Health Nurse administered the vaccines.

Pictured left to right, Dr. Shannon Linton; Chief of Staff, Doug Archer; CEO, Nancy Hiteshew; Chief Nursing Officer, Kristine Dittman; Emergency Department Manager/Interim Employee Health Nurse, Dr. Pardeep Athwal; Chief Medical Officer and Dr. John Krpan; Clinical Medical Director of the Family Clinics.

Pictured left to right, the second person to receive the vaccination, Dr. Pardeep Athwal; Chief Medical Officer, administered by Kristine Dittman; Emergency Department Manager/Interim Employee Health Nurse.

Vaccinations will be administered over the next several weeks in order to ensure that all staff that chooses to receive one will be given the Covid vaccine.

While we are encouraged by news about the progress of vaccine development, we must remain vigilant and follow CDC guidelines – including wearing a mask and social distancing – to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The care and safety of our employees and the patients we serve is always our top priority, and we look forward to sharing more with our community when additional information is available.

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About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the area’s largest employers. More than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. For more information, please visit our website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.