Calvert Memorial names Schnabel as new ER chief

Friday, April 2, 2010

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Calvert Memorial Hospital has named Dr. John Schnabel of Emergency Medicine Associates (EMA) as chief of its emergency medical services. He brings outstanding training and extensive experience in a community setting to his new post, according to a press release.

"My top priority for the coming year is to focus on the patient's experience," Schnabel said in the release. "To ensure the delivery of high quality care and good service from arrival to discharge, that is my number one goal."

Schnabel, who is board certified in emergency medicine, joined EMA in 2006 as an attending physician at Virginia Hospital Center. VHC is a teaching hospital that is long-associated with Georgetown University's School of Medicine. Located in one of the fastest growing communities in the metropolitan area, its emergency department treats 55,000 patients annually. While there, he developed the emergency ultrasound program and implemented a hospital-wide cooling program for cardiac arrest patients. The new treatment has shown to be effective in reducing brain damage.

Schnabel joined Calvert Memorial Hospital in 2009 as assistant director of the emergency department with a focus on improving patient flow.

"Since coming to CMH, he has developed an excellent rapport with the emergency department and hospital staff," said Dr. Martin Brown, chief medical officer at EMA, in the release. "His selection as chief was enthusiastically supported by the entire team."

EMA is a well-established physician group that is the largest provider of emergency services in our region. Formed in 1971, the group staffs 11 emergency departments in northern Virginia and Maryland including Sibley Memorial Hospital and Washington Adventist Hospital.

Schnabel is a graduate of Drexel School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his emergency medicine residency at George Washington University Hospital. He has also worked with both DC United Soccer and the Washington Redskins as one of the team physicians.

Schnabel said he chose to come to Calvert because of the hospital's good reputation, exceptional staff and advanced technology.

"CMH is a well managed hospital with a bright future," he said. "It has a community feel but all the features of a larger hospital with access to good specialists."

"You'd have to go a long way to find a team this outstanding," Schnabel said. "They are a large part of what makes this opportunity so great."

He replaces Dr. Kraig Melville who served in that capacity since 2000. Melville founded the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program and served as its medical director for five years. He was instrumental in developing the stroke program at CMH, implementing the fast track system and designing the new emergency department.

"We are very happy to announce that Dr. Melville will continue to practice at CMH, which will allow for a smooth transition," said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis, in the release.

Schnabel enjoys golf, baseball, running and travel. He and his wife Kasy live in Davidsonville with their two children.

Visitors guide available

The 2010 Calvert County Visitors Guide is now available. The guide contains information on shopping, restaurants and county visitor attractions like Breezy Point Beach and Campground, Annmarie Garden, Calvert Marine Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, historic churches, five local wineries and many other places of interest.

The guide also features contact information and details on charter boating, marinas, boat ramps, campgrounds, golf courses, accommodations and biking/hiking trails as well as a listing of major events throughout the year.

To receive free copies of the 2010 Visitors Guide or for more information on county attractions and events, contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 or 800-331-9771, e-mail info@ecalvert.com, or go to www.ecalvert.com.

Marketing seminar set for April 20

Casey Willson, Maryland Small Business Development Center retail and sustainability programs manager, will be in Calvert County on Tuesday, April 20, for two separate marketing seminars.

Willson, affiliated with the University of Maryland, is an expert in business management and marketing with specific experience in the retail and restaurant industries. The seminar, "What Now? Business Decisions for 2010," will focus on techniques and tips that Calvert County business owners can employ to grow and manage their businesses more effectively, lessons in how to assess a marketing plan, best practices of successful businesses and information business owners can use right now to reevaluate product and service offerings. The morning seminar will be held at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons from 8:30 to 10 a.m.  The same seminar will be offered later in the day at the Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The seminars are free but preregistration is required to ensure adequate seating. For more information or to register, call 410-535-4583, 800-331-9771 or 301-855-1880; send an e-mail to Gypsy Stephenson at stephejt@co.cal.md.us, or visit online at www.ecalvert.com. For more information on the Small Business Development Center, call 301-934-7583, or go to www.sbdchelp.com.