Grace Of Healing

We have seen a surge in respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. This surge has many seeking care, but deciding between virtual visits, primary care appointments, urgent care, or an emergency department can be overwhelming when you're feeling unwell. We spoke with Cassandra Annunziata, PA with Dignity Health Medical Group – Sequoia, about her recommendations for making smart health care decisions and healthy habits during flu season.

Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women in medicine – their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care.   For generations, women have faced unique challenges navigating the medical field, and their perseverance has not only enriched the profession but also fundamentally reshaped health care for the better. 

Lifelong wellness depends on effective health management. A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a key element in keeping you healthy. Think of a PCP as a personal coach who knows your individual health needs, keeps you up to date with exams and screenings, and coordinates with specialists if you need additional care.  “Having a Primary Care Provider is important to managing your overall health and practicing disease prevention,” says Samantha Gove, FNP-C, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group. “Primary Care Providers can also help by providing referrals to dedicated specialty practices if needed.” 

We are pleased to announce that Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group was one of 22 provider organizations statewide to receive the Excellence in Healthcare Award from the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) for their performance on clinical quality, patient experience, and cost measures in Measurement Year 2023.

The American Heart Association presents outpatient program achievement awards for proven dedication to ensuring patients have access to best practices that reduce risk of heart disease and stroke. Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group has received three American Heart Association outpatient program achievement awards in recognition for its commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure management. The awards recognize a commitment to following the latest evidence-and science-based care guidelines.

The holidays bring more indoor gatherings and increased travels, which means viruses tend to spread more easily. If you’re gearing up to travel or anticipating spending time with friends and family, there’s still time to get your vaccines.

Dignity Health Medical Group – Sequoia (DHMG – Sequoia) is excited to announce the expansion of its Half Moon Bay primary care clinic to include urgent care services and extended hours of operation. Starting November 13, this pilot program will run for six months and aims to provide essential pediatric and adult urgent care services to the community while gaining valuable insights into the health care needs of coastal residents.

Radiology Medical Group (RMG) and Dignity Health Dominican Hospital are restructuring their long-standing joint venture, Santa Cruz Comprehensive Imaging, which includes Dominican Breast Center. Effective Nov. 1, 2024, RMG facilities will be rebranded as Dignity Health Advanced Imaging – Santa Cruz. This change brings a new name but ensures patients continue to receive the same expert care from the clinicians they know and trust.

Getting enough sleep is critical for overall well-being, especially for children and young adults as their bodies continue to grow. Sheetal Sran, MD a pediatrician with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, shares helpful tips for parents as they navigate their child’s sleep routine.

Living with chronic neck and arm pain can be debilitating. It can affect your sleep, work, and your overall quality of life. But there's good news: if you've tried various treatments for your pain and are still struggling, a cervical disc replacement procedure may be an option for you. Dr. Michael Cluck, with Dignity Health Medical Group — Merced, specializes in spinal surgery and minimally invasive cervical disc replacement. This procedure can relieve pain, improve your ability to move, and help you get back to doing the things you love. Dr. Cluck performs this procedure at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced. We spoke with Dr. Cluck to get answers to common questions about the procedure below.