Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. James R. Langevin visited two Brown University brain research labs on June 7, seeing first hand the state-of-art research in developing new tools to combat severe paralysis, depression, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. more

An array of residents, doctors, nurses and hospital administrators all spoke glowingly in favor of Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island’s proposed merger to join the Care New England hospital network at a public hearing held on June 11 in the auditorium of Joseph Jenks Junior High School. more

Rhode Island Hospital is joining a national research study to assess the treatment of traumatic brain injury with the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. more

Public Art Works principal talks about the role of public art in health. more

Employees at The Miriam Hospital recently received the American Heart Association Hospital Cup at a fundraising event to fight heart disease and stroke. Miriam Hospital President Arthur Sampson presented the trophy to Miriam employees Karen Joost, Jaime Longval and Monica Anderson at the Southern New England Heart Walk at Colt State Park in Bristol. The recipients served as company leaders and helped the hospital recruit 333 walkers, who raised more than $58,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke. more

Though most would rather dangle a carrot than wield a stick, more businesses are moving toward a tough-love approach to corporate-wellness programs, with employees who don’t participate facing higher health-insurance premiums and other financial penalties. more

It was Henry Ford who said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” His wisdom has an amazing array of applications, and our current effort to overhaul the health care system is certainly one. more

PROVIDENCE – John C. Langenus has joined Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island as the newest member of its board of directors, the health insurer announced on June 5. more

WASHINGTON – Edwin J. Santos, chairman of the board of Chartercare Health Partners, was recognized as a “Grassroots Champion” by the American Hospital Association, in partnership with the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, officials announced on May 28. more

PROVIDENCE – Dr. Ikenna Okereke has been appointed chief of thoracic surgery at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. He previously served as assistant professor of surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine and chief of thoracic surgery at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. more