TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center

11/21/2025

We recently celebrated a remarkable group of student nurse externs who have officially graduated as registered nurses. Their journey has been filled with long hours, steady determination and an unwavering commitment to the patients we serve.

Our team came together for a special lunch to honor this milestone and thank them for continually raising the bar for compassionate, high-quality care. Their passion and dedication reflect what makes TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center—and HCA Healthcare—a trusted place for the families who rely on us.

As they step into their new roles, we’re excited to support them, cheer them on and watch them continue to make a difference in more lives, in more ways.

Please help us congratulate our newest RNs. We’re grateful for the heart they bring to every patient, every shift and every moment.

11/21/2025

No matter what you’ve got cooking this , remember to prioritize safety. In crowded kitchens and around deep fryers, accidents can happen fast. Each year around Thanksgiving, there’s an increase in cooking-related burn injuries, and unattended cooking is the primary cause, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Follow these tips for what to avoid if you or someone else needs .

If you suffer a mild or first-degree burn, the affected area may swell or turn red. You can treat these burns at home with simple first aid steps:

🧼Clean the area with soap and cool water.
🧴Apply a thin layer of ointment.
🩹Dress the wound with sterile non-stick gauze.
💊Take over-the-counter medication to manage pain.

For more serious burns, immediate medical attention is critical. You can always find help fast at your local emergency room – but for complex cases, specialized care is available through our broader HCA Healthcare network, home to 11 American Burn Association-recognized burn centers across nine states.

Know where to go in an emergency: https://bit.ly/3KeWfHa

11/20/2025

Celebrating 10 Years of the Spine Surgery Institute

At TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, we’re celebrating a decade of restoring strength, movement and confidence for our patients. Since opening on October 26, 2015, the Spine Surgery Institute has been committed to delivering advanced, patient-centered care with a comprehensive team approach.

For 10 years, our expert spine surgeons, specially trained nurses, therapists and technicians have worked side by side to guide patients through every step of their journey—from pre-op education to recovery and rehabilitation. Their dedication has shaped an experience built on reassurance, support and exceptional outcomes.

A decade by the numbers:
• 8,025+ patients treated
• 4,300+ pre-op spine surgery class participants
• 10,000+ postoperative therapy sessions
• 32+ reunion luncheons held
• Ongoing investment in new technologies and techniques

The Spine Surgery Institute is proudly accredited by The Joint Commission, earning The Gold Seal of Approval® for Spine Surgery, and recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center for Spine Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

We are deeply grateful to every colleague, provider and partner who helped make this milestone possible—and to the patients who trust us with their care.

11/19/2025

Your family story holds clues that affect your risk for . Start a conversation with the women in your life – mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, cousins – to uncover any history of breast cancer. If you’re gathering with loved ones for Thanksgiving or the holiday season, it may be the perfect time for a chat.

Ask questions like:
➡ Who in our family has been diagnosed?
➡ At what age did they receive their diagnosis?
➡ Did they have other cancers that are linked to breast cancer, like ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer?

Once you’ve gathered your family health history, it’s time to talk to a genetic counselor. They’ll help you:
✅ Understand how genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 influence risk 🧬
✅ Navigate the ins and outs of genetic testing
✅ Receive personalized screening and prevention recommendations

Early knowledge is power. When you combine family insights with expert guidance, you take control of your health journey. Learn more about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and guidelines for genetic testing: https://bit.ly/4i8nAak

11/19/2025

Your family story holds clues that affect your risk for . Start a conversation with the women in your life – mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, cousins – to uncover any history of breast cancer. If you’re gathering with loved ones for Thanksgiving or the holiday season, it may be the perfect time for a chat.

Ask questions like:
➡ Who in our family has been diagnosed?
➡ At what age did they receive their diagnosis?
➡ Did they have other cancers that are linked to breast cancer, like ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer?

Once you’ve gathered your family health history, it’s time to talk to a genetic counselor. They’ll help you:
✅ Understand how genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 influence risk 🧬
✅ Navigate the ins and outs of genetic testing
✅ Receive personalized screening and prevention recommendations

Early knowledge is power. When you combine family insights with expert guidance, you take control of your health journey. Learn more about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and guidelines for genetic testing: https://bit.ly/3LTUTSx

11/18/2025

Regardless of whether you smoke or have never smoked, “if you have lungs, you can get lung cancer,” explains Dr. Susan Garwood, pulmonologist and advanced bronchoscopist at TriStar Health.

Even more concerning, lung cancer doesn’t often show symptoms until later stages when it has already spread and is more difficult to treat.

In observance of , Dr. Garwood joined Today In Nashville to talk about the importance of lung cancer screenings, who is considered high-risk and should get screened, and the various screening options available within our network.

👉 Watch the full segment and learn how lung cancer screening could save your life: https://bit.ly/4oQU7oa

11/18/2025

Staff Spotlight: Sonjia – Compassion, Experience and a Heart for Caring

Meet Sonjia Glenn, PCT, one of our deeply committed patient care team members at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. With more than 30 years in healthcare and 12 years at TriStar StoneCrest, Sonjia brings experience, empathy and a steady, calming presence to every patient she cares for.

Sonjia’s passion for caring began early in life. While volunteering at a local nursing home where her mother worked as a PCT, she passed water, helped with activities and quickly saw how meaningful the smallest acts of support can be. She remembers how a smile or a few minutes of comfort could lift someone’s spirit during a difficult time — and she wanted to be part of that kind of impact.

Sonjia says she chooses to be part of the StoneCrest team because of the strong leadership, supportive environment and teamwork that allow her to provide exceptional care while maintaining balance at home.

Recently, while precepting, she gave a patient a bath — something she approaches with dignity, respect and a focus on patient comfort. The patient shared that he felt “fresh and renewed,” and thanked her for helping him feel like himself again. Soon after, telemetry alerted the team that he had gone into afib. When Sonjia and the team reached his room, he appeared unresponsive. After several attempts, he finally replied that he could hear them — he was simply resting after feeling so relaxed and clean, and didn’t want his peaceful moment disturbed. He quickly converted out of afib and remained stable.

Sonjia left the room grateful he was safe — and moved by how much the small but meaningful act of care had positively affected him. “This is why I choose to work in healthcare as a PCT,” she said.

Today, Sonjia serves as one of our primary PCT preceptors, helping train and mentor new team members with the same compassion and dedication she brings to her patients. Her decades of experience and the pride she takes in her work reflect the heart of who we are at StoneCrest.

Thank you, Sonjia, for your commitment to caring for patients with purpose, integrity and compassion.

11/18/2025

“As a therapist, there are times when a patient touches your heart in a way that reminds you why you chose this profession," said Aubrey, therapist at TriStar Summit.

When Kevin arrived at the outpatient rehabilitation facility two years ago, he was 16 years old and reeling from a severe gunshot wound that damaged the T10 vertebrae in his spine, leaving him without sensation or movement below his lower abdomen and legs.

Even with his world flipped upside down, Kevin was determined to heal and achieve personal milestones. Aubrey and the TriStar Summit Medical Center rehab team watched Kevin work tirelessly toward his goals. Over the course of two years, Kevin regained his strength, improved his range of motion, reduced his contractures, graduated high school, landed his first job and learned how to drive.

Kevin is grateful for the support of his caregivers, like his therapist, Aubrey, who encouraged and supported him every step of the way.

Read more about Kevin's story of resilience: https://bit.ly/484kQX0

11/17/2025

Today is and November is — a time to raise awareness and inspire action for the thousands of lives born prematurely in Middle Tennessee. In our state, approximately 11.3% of babies are born preterm, placing Tennessee above national averages and highlighting the importance of prenatal investment and early care.

Across TriStar Health, our network includes multiple Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units, bringing care closer for communities like Dickson, Smyrna, Hendersonville and Hermitage. Our Level III NICU at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in downtown Nashville can care for babies born less than 32 weeks gestation. Neonatologists across the network work together to coordinate care and ensure every family has access to the high-quality care, compassion and expertise that each of these early beginnings need.

We invite our Middle Tennessee community to join us in , and we encourage you to learn more, share resources and reach out. Let’s grow awareness, reduce stigma and build stronger support for the tiniest among us, because every early arrival deserves extra support. 💜

11/16/2025

We're excited to share that TriStar Centennial Medical Center has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in Tennessee for cardiology services for 2026 by Healthgrades! The ranking is based exclusively on patient outcomes and recognizes hospitals who demonstrate superior performance in specialty care.

“We are honored that our world-class cardiac care has been recognized in achieving the highest standard of care by Healthgrades, earning the No. 1 ranking in Tennessee for cardiology services,” said Tom Ozburn, chief executive officer at TriStar Centennial. “These distinctions are a true testament to our continued commitment to provide nationally recognized, patient-centered care at TriStar Centennial Medical Center.”

In addition to its No. 1 ranking for cardiology services, TriStar Centennial was recognized among Healthgrades "America's 100 Best Hospitals" in multiple specialty areas, including:

💙 Cardiac Care for 4 years in a row (2023-2026)
💙 Coronary Intervention for 3 years in a row (2024-2026)
💙 Joint Replacement for 6 years in a row (2021-2026)
💙 Gastrointestinal Care for 3 years in a row (2024-2026)
💙 Gastrointestinal Surgery for 3 years in a row (2024-2026)
💙 Critical Care for 3 years in a row (2024-2026)

TriStar Centennial also earned the Surgical Care Excellence Award for 2026, recognizing superior clinical outcomes across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures, including cardiology, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine and gastrointestinal surgeries.

🔗 Tap the link to learn more about TriStar Centennial’s award-winning care: https://bit.ly/49nkw85

11/15/2025

As a part of HCA Healthcare, TriStar Health is committed to creating healthier tomorrows for our communities. We are proud to announce that we collected more than 1,100 pounds of medication during HCA Healthcare’s seventh annual “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take back day. In total, HCA Healthcare has now collected more than 108,500 pounds of medication since launching “Crush the Crisis” across the country in 2019.

Our hospitals across Middle Tennessee partnered with local law enforcement to help community members safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired medication while bringing awareness to the dangers of prescription drug misuse. The event was held in alignment with the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which collected 571,054 pounds of medication.

➡️Learn more about HCA Healthcare’s efforts to help reduce prescription drug misuse and transform pain management: https://bit.ly/4nToWqP

11/14/2025

is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, according to the American Lung Association. And for many people, there are no symptoms until later stages of the disease. That’s why lung cancer screening is so important. Screening can detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. It’s performed through a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan – an X-ray of your lungs that could lead to life-saving care.

Not sure if you should get screened? Follow these guidelines from HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. If you’re between age 50 and 80 and you meet at least one of the criteria shown here, you’re eligible for a low-dose CT scan. If you have Medicare, you must be 50 to 77 to be eligible. Talk with your doctor to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our experts: https://bit.ly/4pgMbwl.

11/14/2025

is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, according to the American Lung Association. And for many people, there are no symptoms until later stages of the disease. That’s why lung cancer screening is so important. Screening can detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. It’s performed through a low-dose computerized tomography (CT) scan – an X-ray of your lungs that could lead to life-saving care.

Not sure if you should get screened? Follow these guidelines from HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. If you’re between age 50 and 80 and you meet at least one of the criteria shown here, you’re eligible for a low-dose CT scan. If you have Medicare, you must be 50 to 77 to be eligible. Talk with your doctor to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our experts: https://bit.ly/4oDqFBH.

11/13/2025

As part of HCA Healthcare, we’re proud to share that HCA Healthcare is giving $150,000 to veteran support organizations in honor of Veterans Day. Since 2012, HCA Healthcare has hired more than 65,000 veterans, active-duty and reserve personnel and military spouses.

This year, HCA Healthcare is contributing $50,000 each to Operation Stand Down Tennessee, Creativets and The Honor Foundation – organizations dedicated to helping veterans transition to civilian life and thrive through tailored programs and resources.

We are also honored to share that VIQTORY has recognized HCA Healthcare as a Military Friendly® Employer for the 15th consecutive year, earning the Gold designation for the third year in a row. We’re equally proud to be named a Gold-designated Military Spouse Friendly Employer and ranked among the nation’s top 10 employers for military spouses.

Learn more about HCA Healthcare’s commitment to veterans and military families: https://bit.ly/49ikrm5

11/13/2025

Thankful Thursday

At TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, caring for patients is only part of what we do. Our care extends beyond the walls of our hospital and into our community.

This Thankful Thursday, we’re grateful for our Cultures and Values Committee for organizing an opportunity to give back through Shower the People. Together, our colleagues assembled essential hygiene kits and winter weather packs filled with gloves, blankets, hats and hand warmers — helping care for those in need across our community.

As part of HCA Healthcare, we’re proud to continue a legacy of giving back. Since 1998, the HCA Healthcare Foundation has contributed more than $242 million to strengthen communities and improve more lives in more ways.

We’re thankful to be part of an organization that inspires compassion and community care — inside and outside our hospital walls.

11/13/2025

🚑Freestanding emergency rooms are transforming access to care by reducing wait times and bringing hospital-level services closer to home.

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center recently opened a new freestanding ER in , one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities, to better serve patients with access to high-quality, convenient care.

Staffed by our board-certified physicians and fully equipped with the same advanced capabilities as the hospital ERs our patients have relied on for years, our newest facility delivers 24/7 access to lifesaving care. In 2024 alone, our freestanding ERs provided critical treatment for 67 cardiac arrest cases, 76 strokes and 732 patients battling sepsis—proving that speed and proximity save lives.

With 173 freestanding ERs nationwide, HCA Healthcare serviced 9 million visits last year, with an average wait time of just 8.6 minutes. For communities, that means shorter drives, shorter waits, and trusted emergency care—now even closer to home.

🔗 Tap the link to find a freestanding ER near you: https://bit.ly/4hVW7c9

11/12/2025

TriStar Centennial Medical Center is the only hospital in Tennessee, and one of 19 nationwide, selected to participate in the American Heart Association’s new Pulmonary Embolism Quality Improvement Initiative. Together, we’re committed to improving health outcomes for patients with pulmonary embolism and reducing disparities across systems of care.

Did you know that pulmonary embolism, a type of blood clot in the lungs, sends more than half a million people to U.S. hospitals each year? Yet despite its severity, pulmonary embolism remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and inconsistently managed across hospitals.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center has joined American Heart Association's Pulmonary Embolism Quality Improvement Initiative, which is designed to better understand barriers and advance best practices for pulmonary embolism diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.

Learn more: http://heart.org/PEQualityImprovement

11/12/2025

Considering home health or hospice care for a loved one? Our larger HCA Healthcare network offers & Family Care services, supporting patients and their loved ones at nearly 90 hospitals and their surrounding communities. Through these services, we provide care specifically tailored to meet the delicate needs of those facing a terminal illness who, rather than continuing to undergo curative treatment, would prefer to live comfortably and peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

This National Home Care and Hospice Month, we’re honored to recognize the meaningful work of the nurses, therapists, aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers who serve our hospice and home health patients and their families. Thank you for providing patients with the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need, with the dignity and respect they deserve.

If you’re exploring home health or hospice services, see how we can help: https://bit.ly/4qR6UbD

11/11/2025

Honoring Our Heroes at TriStar StoneCrest
This Veterans Day, we proudly celebrated our colleagues who have served our country with courage and honor. TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center hosted a special breakfast to recognize our veterans for their military service and their continued dedication to caring for others.

Mayor Mary Esther Reed of Smyrna joined the event to thank our veterans for their commitment—both in uniform and in healthcare—sharing her appreciation for how they continue to embody the values of service, integrity, and compassion that define our military.

We are grateful for our veteran colleagues who make a difference every day through their leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those we serve.

11/11/2025

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center proudly celebrates Brannon, a U.S. Army veteran who continues to serve his community through compassionate, patient-centered care.

Brannon served with distinction as part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, where he deployed to Afghanistan and supported critical missions with courage and dedication. Additionally, Brannon is a recipient of two Bronze Stars, graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. The challenges Brannon faced on a 15-month deployment to Iraq shaped him into a resilient, empathetic leader.

Today, Brannon brings that same discipline and teamwork to his role as a Physical Therapist at TriStar StoneCrest, helping patients regain strength and independence.

“Adversity made me more flexible and empathetic,” Brannon shared. “The military taught me how to lead, adapt and step outside my job description to help others.”

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we’re proud to be recognized as a 2025 Military Friendly® Gold Employer and a Military Spouse Friendly Employer, designations awarded through Military Friendly®. These honors reflect our continued commitment to helping veterans and military families transition into meaningful careers where their leadership and service shine.

Join us in thanking Brannon and all veterans for their service, strength and impact—both in uniform and across our hospitals.

11/11/2025

This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize Jennifer Beecham, trauma director at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, for her dedication to service—both in uniform and in healthcare.

Jennifer proudly served at Fort Campbell with the 801st Brigade Support Battalion before continuing her military journey in Germany. As an Air Assault-qualified soldier, she learned that discipline, teamwork and accountability aren’t just military values—they’re foundations of excellence.

Today, Jennifer brings that same strength and precision to her role in trauma care. Her leadership reflects the discipline instilled during her service and her continued commitment to improving more lives in more ways.

Jennifer shared-
“I believe one of the most unique strengths veterans bring is the ability to connect with one another,” Jennifer shared. “The military teaches you to stand proud, be ready, and always do your best.”

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we’re honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer for ten consecutive years, hiring thousands of veterans and military spouses each year. Their courage and commitment continue to strengthen our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

Join us in celebrating Jennifer’s service, leadership, and excellence—and every veteran who continues to make a difference both in and out of uniform.

11/11/2025

Today, and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We are proud to recognize our veteran colleagues, patients and families whose service and sacrifice embody our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we have a longstanding connection to the U.S. Armed Forces, military veterans and their families. Since 2012, more than 65,000 veterans, active-duty and reserve personnel, and military spouses have joined our organization. On this , we’re proud to spotlight some of our remarkable and caregivers:

💙 Jennifer Beechmam, U.S. Army veteran and trauma program director at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, proudly served at Fort Campbell with the 801st Brigade Support Battalion before continuing her military journey in Germany. She's proof that service doesn’t stop at the battlefield. It continues at the bedside, where she brings strength, compassion and leadership to her role every day. Read her full story: https://bit.ly/43lnXsb

💙Donald Batiste, imaging system administrator at TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center and TriStar Skyline Medical Center, retired as a Staff Sergeant in 2015 before transitioning into healthcare. He was inspired by our culture of compassion and integrity. “Good people beget good people,” he says. Read his full story: https://bit.ly/4qSgivB

💙 Brannon Askew, a physical therapist at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. As a two-Bronze Star recipient and graduate of Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault Schools, Brannon brings creativity, adaptability and a mission-first mindset to patient care. Read his full story: https://bit.ly/3JNroRQ

To all those who have served and continue to serve, we salute you!

11/11/2025

Honoring Those Who Serve

This Veterans Day, TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center proudly recognizes our own IT director, Michael Tauber, who shares what his military service meant to him — and his message of appreciation for veterans in our community.

Michael reflects on his time serving during the Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines, where his unit helped rebuild and care for others — an experience that continues to inspire his work today.

At HCA Healthcare, we’re honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer for ten consecutive years, hiring thousands of veterans and military spouses each year. Their leadership, dedication, and service continue to strengthen our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

Watch Michael’s message below as we say thank you to all who have served — and continue to serve — our country.

11/09/2025

Staff Spotlight: Sharee – More Than 20 Years of Dedication and Excellence

Meet Sharee, one of our amazing and longtime members of the Imaging Team at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center!

Sharee attended Nashville General Hospital’s X-ray School from 1980 to 1982 and began her journey with HCA Healthcare in July 1984. In November 2003, she joined the StoneCrest family, where she has continued to bring skill, dedication and heart to every shift for more than 20 years.

Her favorite X-ray to perform? The T-spine, or thoracic spine, which captures detailed images of the middle section of the spine — the area that supports the upper body and protects the spinal cord. This type of imaging helps physicians diagnose fractures, disc problems and spinal conditions with clarity and precision. (Her favorite word to say-The humerus!)

Sharee’s decades of experience and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted and beloved part of our imaging team. Her calm presence, expertise and compassion help us deliver the high-quality, patient-centered care our community deserves.

We’re proud to celebrate Sharee’s remarkable career and her unwavering dedication to caring for patients with purpose and integrity.