San Andreas, CA…“Saving Lives from the Inside Out” was the topic for the March 26 workshop which is the latest in Mark Twain Medical Center’s (MTMC) “A Plan 4 Me” series. The session began at 11 a.m. in the MTMC Education Center with a free lunch to follow. “A Plan 4 Me” workshops provide access to information that can help to address everyday situations, as well as identifying and preventing health issues. It also creates opportunities for MTMC to showcase staff experience and depth of knowledge.

Radiologist Dr. Pardeep Athwal highlighted MTMC Diagnostic Imaging expertise – explaining how these
tests are the first step toward saving lives, looking inside the body for clues into medical conditions.
The workshop will also feature MTMC’s team of Physical Therapy experts sharing insights into treatment
options and follow-up when imaging tests reveal osteoporosis, a challenge faced by many in the senior
population.

“There are specific types of exercises that are optimal for bone health, MTMC Physical Therapy Department
Manager Sandy Buecher, DPT, MBA “There is no one exercise program that can work for everyone. A
physical therapist can provide you with an individualized program that fits with your lifestyle, interests, and
make sure you are neither over exercising nor under exercising based on your specific health needs.”
Dr. Athwal will talk about the variety of machines and techniques used to create pictures of the structures and
activities inside the body. His topics include “Imaging Exposures – Myths and Truths,” “Mammography,
Bone Density – Check list for annual screenings” and “MRI and CT Scans – What are the differences and
when are they needed?”

Timely imaging results are critical, so MTMC staff is available to read results 24 hours every day, seven days
a week. Dr. Athwal notes, “Our goal is to have a one day turnaround on all imaging. It’s important that our
physicians receive imaging results as quickly as possible so they can start treatments immediately. Their
success depends upon us.”

Dr. Athwal joined the MTMC team in 2017 after completing his musculoskeletal fellowship at the University
of Utah Medical Center. He received his Doctor of Medicine at the St. George’s University School of
Medicine; and completed his Internal Medicine Internship at the University Hospital of Brooklyn and his
Diagnostic Radiology residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

A wide variety of speakers and resource materials have been featured since this workshop series was launched
nearly two years ago. When attending their first session, participants receive a free “A Plan 4 Me” binder in
which to organize reference materials distributed at each event. Workshop seating is limited and reservations
are required. Reserve now; contact Nicki Stevens, MTMC Manager of Marketing & Business Development,
at 754-5919.

###

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, the fifth largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the nation. For more
information, please visit our website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org. Mark Twain Medical Center is also
on Facebook.