Crestwood Medical Center continues to expand cardiac care with the addition of pulse field ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib). This procedure is performed by Dr. Quinton Foster, electrophysiologist and cardiologist. Dr. Foster is an independent member of the medical staff at Crestwood Medical Center.

Understanding Atrial Fibrillation

“Atrial fibrillation is essentially a short circuit in the upper chambers of the heart,” Dr. Foster explains. “The electricity goes haywire, which can cause the heart to race, beat irregularly or feel like it’s fluttering.” Dr. Foster says atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke.

Treatment Options for AFib

There are several ways to treat atrial fibrillation. According to Dr. Foster, medications are often the first step, but AFib frequently returns despite medication therapy. Cardioversion, using an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm, can stop AFib temporarily but does not prevent it from coming back.

Dr. Foster says when medications or cardioversion are not effective, catheter ablation is often recommended. Ablation targets the source of the abnormal electrical signals in the heart.

“Ablation actually goes into the heart and treats the source of the short circuit,” Dr. Foster said. “The benefit is that it’s designed to prevent atrial fibrillation from coming back.”

What Is Pulse Field Ablation?

Pulse field ablation is the newest evolution in ablation technology. Traditional ablation methods use heat (radiofrequency) or freezing (cryoablation) to destroy the heart tissue causing the abnormal rhythm. Pulse field ablation, however, uses controlled electrical energy to treat AFib.

“I like to describe pulse field ablation as electricity, as opposed to freezing or burning,” Dr. Foster explained. “It selectively targets the heart muscle we’re trying to treat, without targeting surrounding structures.”

This targeted approach allows physicians to treat the “short circuit” in the heart more precisely, potentially reducing certain risks associated with other ablation techniques.

While traditional thermal ablations are still appropriate in some cases, pulse field ablation expands the options available to physicians and patients.

Shorter Procedures and Faster Recovery

Another benefit of pulse field ablation is a shorter procedure time. The amount of time spent in the left atrium of the heart, known as left atrial dwell time, is reduced, which may lower the risk of complications related to longer anesthesia and procedure duration. Overall, procedure times are typically 20% shorter compared to traditional ablation methods.

Recovery from pulse field ablation is similar to other catheter-based ablation procedures. Patients typically go home the same day, with no major incisions. Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, following simple precautions such as avoiding heavy bending or lifting.

Advanced Care, Close to Home

According to Dr. Foster, having pulse field ablation available gives patients a range of tools needed to safely and effectively treat heart rhythm disorders, while tailoring care to each individual patient.

For patients living with AFib, pulse field ablation at Crestwood offers a new option for heart care, one that combines innovation and safety for patients.

We are proud to share an exciting milestone for our Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Residency Program. Members of our first graduating class have successfully matched into highly respected fellowship programs across the country. This achievement marks a defining moment for our program and reflects the strength of our training, mentorship, and commitment to developing exceptional physicians.

As our inaugural class, these physicians helped shape the culture, standards, and identity of our residency program. Their success is a testament not only to their individual dedication and talent, but also to the collaborative environment created by our faculty, program leadership, and clinical partners.

Match and Career Placement Highlights

Tumpa Patra, M.D. — Nephrology, University of Rochester, New York
Indira Babu Poojary, M.D. — Infectious Diseases/Critical Care Medicine, East Tennessee State University
Junu Giri, M.D. — Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Maida Chaudhry, M.D. — Hematology, University of Minnesota Medical School
Ammar Al Heyasat, M.D. — Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida
Subekshya Khadka, M.D. — Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida
Rabi Shrestha, M.D. — Infectious Disease/Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida
Alexander Flugrad, M.D. — Emergency Medicine, MaineGeneral Health
Sayeda Basith, M.D. — Addiction Medicine, Institute of Living / Hartford Hospital

These placements span a wide range of competitive subspecialties and nationally recognized institutions.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of this historic class and grateful for the leadership they demonstrated as pioneers of our residency program. Their accomplishments set a strong foundation for future residents and reinforce our mission to train compassionate, skilled, and innovative physicians who will make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

We look forward to following their continued success and celebrating the many contributions they will make to their patients, institutions, and communities.

Congratulations to our graduates—we are honored to have been part of your journey.

For many people with severe hearing loss, even the most advanced hearing aids can only go so far. When conversations become exhausting, background noise drowns out every word, and when social situations feel overwhelming, it may be time for something more powerful.

Dr. Sabina Dang, an ENT specialist with Huntsville Ear, Nose & Throat Physicians, P.C. and an independent member of our medical staff, has performed the first cochlear implant procedure in North Alabama right here at Crestwood.

“A cochlear implant is a powerful device,” Dr. Dang explained. “Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, a cochlear implant directly stimulates the nerve of hearing using electrical signals. This provides a level of clarity that hearing aids just can’t provide.”

Candidates are typically people who have used hearing aids but still struggle to understand speech. After evaluation, they may find that a cochlear implant can help restore the clarity they’re missing.

The procedure is a short outpatient surgery, so patients go home the same day. After a few weeks of healing, the device is activated and patients begin working with an audiologist to fine-tune the implant.

Milestone for North Alabama

Until now, patients needing cochlear implants often traveled to Nashville or Birmingham for surgery and follow-up visits. According to Dr. Dang, this barrier often prevented patients from receiving a cochlear implant.

“Some of these patients are 80 or 90 years old,” said Dr. Dang. “A long day of travel, surgery, recovery, and multiple follow-up visits can be too much. Having this procedure available locally removes a major obstacle.”

Life-Changing Outcomes

When a cochlear implant is activated for the first time, the results are often emotional.

“It’s life changing,” Dr. Dang shared. “Patients go from hearing almost nothing to suddenly being able to hear ambient sounds again, the hum of the AC, footsteps, doors closing. Their world opens back up.”

Bringing Advanced Care Back Home

For Dr. Dang, offering cochlear implants in Huntsville carries personal meaning.

“I’m from Huntsville,” she said. “To bring this procedure back to my hometown and offer it to people who may otherwise never have access, it’s something I’m very proud of.”

Now, with cochlear implant services available at Crestwood, patients needing this technology can receive care close to home.

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HUNTSVILLE, Alabama, November 3, 2025 – Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the U.S. and the statistics on the rates by age have surprised the medical community. Between 2012 and 2021, more colorectal cancer cases have been identified in adults under 50 each year while the rates for adults 50 and older have been going down over the same period. The American Cancer Society estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be found in 2025.

Gastroenterologist, Dr. Smita Shah, says colorectal cancer screening is a critical tool to fight the disease, because precancerous growths can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer. The American Cancer Society and US Preventive Services task force both recommend the age to start screening for colorectal cancers is 45 for those at average risk.

For patients at higher risk, their physician may advise having an initial screening before age 45 or more frequent screening. These risk factors include:

• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or of certain types of polyps;
• A personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease;
• A history of radiation in the abdomen or pelvis, in treatment of previous cancer(s);
• A genetic and hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.

In addition to colonoscopy, the most commonly known screening, several types of tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool test are also used.

“While we are doing a better job of screening for and removing polyps before they become cancerous, the overall lifestyle and diet choices of our population are driving up the risk and incidence of these cancers,” says Dr. Shah.

Dr. Shah says that beyond regular screenings, there are a number of lifestyle factors you can manage to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include maintaining a healthy body weight; managing your Type 2 diabetes; minimizing red meats in your diet such as beef, pork, lamb and liver, and processed meats; avoiding smoking; and limiting your alcohol intake. Just as with heart health, staying active and maintaining a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting red meats and sugary drinks, may lower your risk.

Depending on your age, a colonoscopy screening may be a covered wellness test under your insurance plan – and most plans cover a colonoscopy completely as a follow-up test or diagnostic tool.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, or have reached age 45 or more, talk with your primary care provider to see if it’s time for you to begin screening, which test is right for you and how frequently to be screened.

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Huntsville, AL (October 16, 2025) – At Crestwood Medical Center, we believe the best healthcare happens when patients, families, and caregivers work together. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a new partnership designed to strengthen communication, build trust, and enhance the overall patient experience.

The PFAC serves as a collaborative forum where patients, family members, and hospital leaders come together to share ideas and feedback that help shape policies, programs, and the environment of care at Crestwood. Council members provide valuable insights that ensure the patient and family perspective is part of every decision, from how we design our spaces to how we communicate discharge instructions and more.

What the PFAC Does

The council will:

• Advise on hospital policies and initiatives that promote patient-centered care
• Provide input on patient education materials and discharge processes
• Offer feedback on quality, safety, and patient experience projects
• Support efforts to improve patient experience and overall satisfaction
• Encourage community engagement and representation in hospital decisions

Who’s Involved

The PFAC includes a diverse group of former or current patients and family members, alongside hospital representatives from nursing, clinical services, quality, and administration. Together, the council will meet regularly to review data, share stories, and collaborate on improvement projects.

Making a Difference

By bringing together the voices of our patients, families, and care teams, Crestwood’s PFAC reinforces our commitment to compassionate, connected care.

“Through this PFAC, we will be partnering directly with those we serve and will be able to identify opportunities for improvement that truly matter to them,” said Gina Jordan, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Crestwood Medical Center. “I believe this council will lead to better experiences, stronger relationships, and ultimately, better outcomes.”

Now Accepting Applications for the Patient & Family Advisory Council

If you’re passionate about improving healthcare and want to make a meaningful impact at Crestwood Medical Center, we invite you to apply to serve on the Patient & Family Advisory Council.

Member Expectations

PFAC members serve a 1–2 year term and are expected to:

• Attend at least 75% of scheduled meetings
• Participate actively and share honest, constructive feedback
• Maintain confidentiality and respect diverse viewpoints
• Collaborate with hospital staff and fellow advisors and work toward a shared goal

Meeting Details

The PFAC meets quarterly at Crestwood Medical Center during lunch time.

During meetings, members review patient experience data, provide feedback on projects and educational materials, and discuss ways to enhance quality and safety throughout the hospital.

Ready to Get Involved?

Applications are now open! If you’re interested in joining Crestwood’s Patient & Family Advisory Council, please apply online.

Together, we can continue to strengthen our culture of care.

(HUNTSVILLE, Alabama) – Crestwood Medical Center recently wrapped up its “Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life” email campaign, which included the importance of prevention and addressing other medical needs for overall health and longevity. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who procrastinate when it comes to preventive health screenings and elective medical procedures, now is the time to get it scheduled and checked off the list before the end of the year.

From colon cancer screening to joint replacements, getting procedures scheduled during the remainder of 2025 may also maximize insurance benefits for patients who have met their health plan deductible. However, the real benefit is taking care of your health.

“If a health screening is recommended it is typically because early detection of a disease or condition can prevent more serious health issues,” said Dr. Ayman Ghattas, a family medicine physician with Crestwood Medical Group. “With certain elective procedures like joint replacement or hernia repair, delay can mean more pain or a more complicated procedure and recovery. Physically and mentally, we all feel better when we make our health a priority.”

Preventive screenings to schedule by the end of the year include:

• Wellness visit – An annual appointment with a primary care physician is a key component of preventive health. These visits will likely include discussions about overall health, any health concerns or issues and health history. The physician will check your blood pressure and heart rate and may also recommend blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar or other conditions.
• Mammogram – The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women of average risk starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk, including African American women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and women with a family history of breast cancer.
• Colonoscopy – The CDC recommends colon cancer screening for adults of average risk starting at age 45 and continuing at regular intervals based on physician guidance. Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps which can be found and removed during a screening colonoscopy. A colonoscopy should be repeated every 10 years for those who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

In addition to preventive health screenings, many adults often put off surgical procedures that could significantly improve their quality of life and overall health such as joint replacements.

Whether you’re ready to schedule an elective procedure or just want to take care of annual screenings and visits, the patient access team at Crestwood Medical Center can help you understand your insurance coverage and what you can expect to pay for care. To talk with someone on the patient access team, call 256-429-4000.

Crestwood Medical Center is making it easier to get a screening mammogram with the addition of online scheduling. According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the United States.

Crestwood Women’s Center and Crestwood Outpatient Center offer a variety of diagnostic imaging services, including those that can help identify breast issues before they become more serious health problems. The ACR recommends annual screening mammograms starting at age 40 for women of average risk and more intensive screening for high-risk patients.

“Staying up to date on screening mammograms is so important for the health and well-being of women over 40, and we’re trying to make it as easy as possible,” said Julie McCain, manager of mammography services. “Mammograms can detect cancer before any symptoms, such as a lump, occur. It’s now convenient to schedule the appointment online and the screening takes less than 30 minutes – a half hour that could save your life.”

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40.

To schedule a mammogram at Crestwood Women’s Center or Crestwood Outpatient Center online, please visit crestwoodmedcenter.com/mammogram, or call 256-429-4700.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA – The last several months of the year are often spent enjoying cooler weather, watching football and preparing for the holidays. This is also a great time to review your health plan to determine whether you’ve met or are close to meeting your insurance deductible. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), it’s time to check the balance for the remainder of the year.

Scheduling elective procedures and preventive screenings before the end of the year can help to maximize your healthcare dollars.

Most insurance plans require patients to pay more until they reach the amount of the deductible. When the deductible is met, the insurer begins paying a larger portion of the cost of services eligible through in-network providers. FSAs are typically “use-it-or-lose-it,” meaning funds have to be used for eligible healthcare expenses by the end of the year. These end of year deadlines make the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule medical procedures and screenings.

“Scheduling elective procedures – such as diagnostic tests or elective surgeries like joint replacement – in the same calendar year after a deductible has been met helps patients get the most value out of their health insurance plan, while taking care of their health,” said Sherry Jones, chief financial officer at Crestwood Medical Center. “Utilizing remaining FSA funds can also help to cover any out of pocket costs and ensure you don’t forfeit dollars that you’ve already set aside for healthcare.”

Private health insurance, including most Medicare Advantage plans, requires the beneficiary to cover most medical expenses until they reach their deductible. For example, someone who has a $2,000 deductible and a $4,000 out-of-pocket maximum is responsible for paying for medical expenses until they reach the $2,000 threshold. Once they pass this mark, the insurer begins paying a larger portion of the cost of services eligible through in-network providers. And when they reach the $4,000 out-of-pocket maximum, insurers usually will pay the total cost for eligible services.

Preventive health services – such as screening mammograms, colonoscopies and annual wellness visits – are often covered by insurance even when a deductible hasn’t been met. FSAs typically cover a broad range of services including screenings, diagnostic services and office visits. Dr. Alexander Flugrad, a family medicine physician with Crestwood Medical Group, says routine preventive care is key to maintain health and longevity.

“Even individuals who feel great should stay up to date on all recommended preventive health screenings to help identify any potential health issues or risk factors early,” said Dr. Flugrad. “Early detection of many health issues such as high cholesterol or hypertension not only allows for more effective treatment, it can also reduce the need for more expensive treatments associated with advanced medical conditions.”

Now is the time to schedule an appointment to obtain medical services before the end of the year. Demand for services often increases in the second half of the year, and with surgeries, there may be preliminary tests and appointments needed before the procedure can be scheduled.

Whether you’re ready to schedule an elective procedure or just want to take care of annual screenings and visits, the patient access team at Crestwood Medical Center can help you understand your insurance coverage and what you can expect to pay for care.

(Madison, AL) (September 5) — Crestwood Outpatient Center in Madison (Hughes Road) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®).

Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provide the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

“Earning ACR accreditation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our imaging team,” said Julie McCain. “Our patients can feel confident knowing they are receiving the highest standard of mammography care in a safe, comfortable environment. We are proud to provide this level of quality and excellence to the community we serve.”

In addition to this accreditation at the Madison location, Crestwood Women’s Center in Huntsville is recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Comprehensive Breast Center. This national recognition includes accreditation in mammography, breast ultrasound, breast ultrasound guided biopsy, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast MRI.

With board-certified radiologists and a team of highly trained technologists, Crestwood provides accurate imaging and timely results to support patient diagnosis and treatment.

About the American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), founded in 1924, is a 42,000-member medical association that advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research and education. Learn more at www.acr.org.

HUNTSVILLE, AL — Crestwood Medical Center welcomes Scott Bracci as chief operating officer, starting September 8, 2025.

Scott’s career in healthcare began as an ultrasound technologist at Baptist Health’s flagship hospital in Miami, more than 25 years ago. His clinical background provides him with valuable insight and a strong appreciation for care teams and patient care needs.

Throughout his career, Scott has held key leadership roles across several facilities, including Mercy Hospital Miami, Westside Regional Medical Center in Florida, and most recently, Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.

“Scott’s leadership experience and operational insight make him a strong addition to our executive team,” said Justin Serrano, chief executive officer of Crestwood Medical Center. “He shares our commitment to delivering high-quality care and will play an important role in supporting our physicians, staff, and patients.”

Scott holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of St. Francis and is active in several professional organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. He is also trained in Studer Principles as well as Six Sigma/Lean Six Sigma.