Wednesday, January 29, 2003

SRMC helping chaplain interns, cancer survivors

The Rev. Amy Greene, supervisor of pastoral care for Southern Regional Health System, recently completed a four-year certification process and became a full supervisor in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.

In this CPE role, Greene serves as a "pastor to other pastors" by assisting chaplain interns through their own residency process.

"We here at Southern Regional are extremely proud of Amy's achievement." said John Hursh, vice president of human resources. "Working in a high intensity environment like a modern medical center puts all your beliefs and ideas to the test ... it is hard work but I wouldn't want to do anything else."

This certification allows her to train and supervise other chaplains and ministers in their post-graduate clinical work. Some of Greene's papers written during the certification process will be published in The Journal of Supervision and Training for Ministry, a national professional journal, in February.

Also, Southern Regional has recently become the home base for FASS - Family and Survivor Support. FASS is for cancer survivors and their families. The group's first meeting was Jan, 7, with cancer survivor and former Channel 11 news reporter Steen Miles serving as keynote speaker.

Each month, the group will focus on a topic, such as pain management, radiation therapy, and nutrition. "This is a community-wide effort," said Chaplain Charlene Moore-Peters.

Alongside Chaplain Moore-Peters, the planning committee has members from around the Southern Crescent community. American Cancer Society's Ernestine Johnson, serves as co-chair. Others on the committee include: Kaiser Permanente's Fatima Harrington, Annette Harris from County Commissioner Crandle Bray's office, Dr. James Powell, a psychologist, and Barbara Reese of the Georgia Cancer Pain Initiative.

FASS's goal is to enhance awareness of cancer by providing professional information. "With people representing so many different areas, we are able to address every facet of cancer care and support," Moore-Peters said.

FASS will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. For more details, contact Chaplain Peters at extension 8399 or Ernestine Johnson at 404-929-6829.