Heart Innovation Reduces Risk, Improves Recovery
A less invasive cardiac care procedure is allowing patients with a structural heart abnormality called aortic valve stenosis to avoid open-heart surgery, decreasing their hospital stay to just 24 to 48 hours.
Caring for a loved one with a heart condition?
As a caregiver, the prospect of helping someone with a heart condition may feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make this important role easier for you and the cardiac patient in your care.
Home Remedies That May Help You Feel Better When You Have the Flu
Feeling cruddy with the flu or maybe a bad cold? Sarah Spengler, RN, offers practical advice about home remedies that can help you feel like you again.
‘Make all the difference’; UVM Medical Center volunteers change lives in Rwanda
Last year, Frankie was a 14-year-old Rwandan with a million-dollar smile and a death sentence due to rheumatic heart disease. But the teen’s life changed when he crossed paths with volunteers from the medical nonprofit Team Heart, including Bruce Leavitt, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at University of Vermont Medical Center.
Flu Season Has Arrived!
With Cindy Dion Noyes, MD, University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group UVM Medical Center Infectious Disease Influenza has arrived in our region and is considered to be widespread at this time. This means that at least half of the regions in the state of VT and NY are reporting laboratory confirmed influenza (usually with […]
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Quitter?
Join thousands of people across the country and let the Great American Smokeout event on November 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life.
Flu: Adults 65+ at Greatest Risk for Serious Complications
Compared with young, healthy adults, older individuals are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu because our immune systems become weaker as we age.
What Is the Flu and What Can Be Done to Prevent It
In this interview with Dr. Kathy Mariani, Medical Director at Family Medicine South Burlington at the UVM Medical Center, learn about what happens when you get the flu and how to reduce your chances of getting it.
Middlebury-The UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center has recently acquired the new Philips Ingenia 1.5 Tesla MRI system, the first digital broadband MR scanner. According to Michelle Aines, Radiology Director at Porter, the new unit features faster scans, excellent image resolution, and a more open patient-centered experience. “Our new MR unit can scan patients of varying […]
An anonymous donation of more than $1.1 million will be divided between the UVM Health Network-Porter Medical Center and the UVM Foundation as the result of a collaborative proposal to an Addison County supporter of both entities. The donation will provide $575,000 for a new air handling system at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing, as well […]
Middlebury—Dr. Diana Barnard, a palliative care physician and long-time member of the Addison County medical community who works at both Porter Medical Center and the UVM Medical Center, has been awarded the UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice Madison-Deane Award for Excellence in End-of-Life Care. This annual award is given by the Madison-Deane Education […]
UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center Names New Chief Medical Officer
MIDDLEBURY—UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center has announced the appointment of Dr. Anna Benvenuto as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Benvenuto will replace Dr. Carrie Wulfman who announced her resignation from this post in order to focus on her work as a primary care physician in Brandon and as Porter’s Regional Physician Leader for […]
Porter to Expand Audiology Services in June
MIDDLEBURY—Dr. Melissa L. Clark will join the team at Porter Ear, Nose & Throat in June and will be offering expanded audiology services to patients of all ages, including a full range of diagnostic hearing tests and hearing aids, in the Middlebury office. Dr. Clark is originally from Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science […]
Does your child have a cough? This time of year, chances are the answer to that question is “Yes!” Coughs can be a major pain: they make kids uncomfortable, disrupt sleep for everyone at home and are one of the most common reasons that parents take the time to bring their kids to the doctor’s office.
Bug bites can be a real pain! While most mosquito, fly, and tick bites cause only mild irritation, they can also cause more serious reactions and, rarely, lead to diseases such as Lyme disease.
The best way to deal with a tick bite….is to not get one in the first place! Here are some tips for preventing tick bites.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs
In a self-management program, you can develop strategies to manage your life. Each program is evidence-based and facilitated by trained leaders. These workshops address a range of conditions and topics, including Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention, Chronic Pain, Tobacco Cessation, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, and any type of Chronic Disease. Workshops are offered on days and […]
Free Tobacco Cessation Program
Free Tobacco Cessation Program to begin Wednesday, May 22nd, at Primary Care – Brandon. Learn how to make practical lifestyle changes with the support of a trained facilitator and a small group of other people looking to make a change too. Nicotine Replacement Therapy available at no cost. This workshop is open to everyone in […]
Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs
In a self-management program, you can develop strategies to manage your life. Each program is evidence-based and facilitated by trained leaders. These workshops address a range of conditions and topics, including Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention, Chronic Pain, Tobacco Cessation, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, and any type of Chronic Disease. Workshops are offered on days and […]
Breast Cancer Screening Project
An in-house mammography program which offers reduced cost mammograms to eligible women living in our area. Workplace presentations regarding good breast health (self-breast exam, clinical breast exam, and mammogram) are available. For more information contact Lisa Burritt at 802-388-4757.
CPR Courses
American Heart Association CPR courses taught by certified instructors. May be geared to specific requirements. 802-388-4723
Breastfeeding Class
A two-hour evening class for new or expectant mothers to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding to mother and baby, deciding whether or not to breastfeed, returning to work, and more. Meets 6:00-8:00 p.m. See schedule for dates. Pre-registration required. Your partner is ALWAYS welcome at the prenatal classes. Schedule and Registration Form (to print out and mail […]
Condensed Weekend Expectant Parents’ Class
This weekend course covers pregnancy, labor, birth, breathing/relaxation skills, care of the newborn, and family changes. The class meets two mornings in one weekend. Meets 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday of one weekend. See schedule for dates. Pre-registration required. Your partner is ALWAYS welcome at the prenatal classes. Schedule and Registration Form (to print out […]
Vermont Entrepreneur Sivan Cotel Joins UVM Health Network Board
BURLINGTON, VT – Sivan Cotel of Vergennes, VT has joined the University of Vermont Health Network Board of Trustees. He is Co-Founder and Director of Operations for Stonecutter Spirits in Middlebury and serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at UVM Health Network – Porter Medical Center. Cotel was previously the Chief Operating Officer […]
MIDDLEBURY— The annual state-wide conference of the Vermont Chapter of the Association of Women’s Health and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) will be hosted by Porter Medical Center in Middlebury on April 4 at the Kirk Alumni Center at Middlebury College. The event will bring together nurses from throughout our region for a full day program featuring […]
Porter plans new cardiac rehabilitation services
MIDDLEBURY — Local residents who have experienced a heart attack, heart failure or heart surgery soon won’t have to travel outside Addison County for medical rehabilitation appointments. Porter Medical Center next spring will begin offering cardiac rehabilitation services at its Middlebury campus, a new service that’s expected to extend lives and offer greater convenience to […]
MIDDLEBURY—UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center President, Dr. Fred Kniffin, has announced that Dr. Elya Vasiliou has accepted a general surgery position with the UVMHN Medical Group-Porter Medical Center and will start this December. “Dr. Vasiliou is a Johns Hopkins fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon and will continue Porter’s long tradition of outstanding general surgery […]
MIDDLEBURY — Porter Medical Center (PMC) on Monday officially launched its search for a new leader to replace Dr. Fred Kniffin, who will be vacating the post next spring to resume more fully his duties as an Emergency Department physician. The search is being guided by an 11-member committee led by former PMC Board Chairwoman […]
UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center Elects New Slate of Board Officers
Middlebury–The UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers at its monthly meeting in September. Elected to the position of board Chairman was Sivan Cotel, the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for Stonecutter Spirits. A craft spirits veteran focused on growing startups into businesses, Sivan was previously the […]
UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center Announces Plans for Leadership Transition
MIDDLEBURY—UVM Health Network Porter Medical Center Board Chair Maureen McLaughlin has announced that Porter’s President, Dr. Fred Kniffin, will step down from his leadership role next spring. The search for a new leader for Porter will begin shortly. “We will always be deeply grateful to Fred for answering our call two years ago and serving […]
Patient Stories
High School graduate Andi Boe was well on her way to soccer season-high goal and assist totals last fall before suffering a season-ending injury in the fifth game of her senior year.
MyHealth Portal
Our patients are able to access their health information, review test results and pay bills online via the Porter MyHealth Portal.
MIDDLEBURY– After many months of planning, fund-raising, and anticipation, a major renovation project was launched this week at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing. This $900,000 project will result in a state-of-the-art post-acute unit for residents recovering from surgery or other conditions requiring short-term rehabilitation, and a new end-of-life suite offering a comfortable and family-centered environment […]
Major Renovation Project Launched at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing
MIDDLEBURY– After many months of planning, fund-raising, and anticipation, a major renovation project was launched this week at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing. This $900,000 project will result in a state-of-the-art post-acute unit for residents recovering from surgery or other conditions requiring short-term rehabilitation, and a new end-of-life suite offering a comfortable and family-centered environment […]
Porter Programs Help Residents Quit Tobacco Products
PORTER MEDICAL CENTER in August will launch a new series of classes aimed at weaning Addison County residents off of tobacco products. Porter Tobacco Treatment Specialist Jessica Stocker, right, will lead the “Let’s Quit!” program. Michele Butler, left, Porter’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program coordinator, was also instrumental in setting up the program. MIDDLEBURY — Randy […]
MIDDLEBURY– The UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center has recently expanded clinical services and added new providers at its Brandon Primary Care office according to Porter President and CEO Dr. Fred Kniffin. Earlier this year, Brandon Primary Care welcomed Todd Smith, APRN and Renee Bratspis, MD to their primary care staff, and starting in April the […]
Decision by Green Mountain Care Board Supports High Quality Care BURLINGTON, VT — The Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has approved the implementation of a new electronic health record system (EHR) across four hospital affiliates of the University of Vermont Health Network, a significant step that will enhance the delivery of high quality care with […]
MIDDLEBURY– The first offering in a six part community health series sponsored by UVM Health Network/Porter Medical Center will feature Dr. Ben Rosenberg who will present: “Advances in Knee Replacement Surgery” on Tuesday, May 15 from 4 to 5 PM at the Middlebury Regional EMS headquarters on Porter campus. Dr. Rosenberg, who has been practicing […]
MIDDLEBURY — “We’re trying to turn the earth in a different direction.” That’s how Susan Bruce describes what the state is doing with healthcare reform in Vermont. Bruce directs Addison County’s Blueprint for Health, which coordinates the numerous caregivers that connect the dots outside the doctor’s office. Bruce says the state’s journey into “uncharted territory” […]
MIDDLEBURY–A two year commitment of $150,000 from the Porter Auxiliary has capped off an impressive two month fund-raising campaign that has attracted more than $320,000 in community donations in support of a special renovation project at Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing. “We have been overwhelmed by the response of our community to this appeal to […]
A community-wide town hall meeting will take place on Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Middlebury Regional EMS Conference Center for a six-month progress report and update on the recent affiliation by Porter Medical Center with the University of Vermont Health Network. Dr. Fred Kniffin, President of Porter Medical Center, and Dr. John […]
MIDDLEBURY–On Friday September 22, the University of Vermont/Porter Medical Center announced a new three-year contract with the union representing the Porter nursing staff that will run through September 30, 2020. “We are very pleased to have successfully concluded these negotiations which I would characterize as a respectful process, where both sides listened to each other […]
The Full Community Is Invited To The Kick-Off Event And Free Community Dinner September 18 MIDDLEBURY – Vermont Council on Rural Development, joined by partners Efficiency Vermont and Green Mountain Power, announces that Middlebury will be the second community to participate in the Climate Economy Model Communities Program. The program, named by a local planning […]
Helen Porter rehab, ARCH rooms to be upgraded
MIDDLEBURY — Helen Porter Health Care & Rehabilitation Center (HPH&R) will soon undergo around $850,000 in renovations that will make the facility better equipped to serve patients rehabbing from serious injuries and illnesses, as well as those who are in the final stages of their lives. The repairs, to begin as soon as next February, […]
Local addiction treatment options expand: Services growing in three area towns
MIDDLEBURY — Addison County will soon see a substantial expansion of Medication Assisted Treatment services for locals who are addicted to narcotic painkillers. That treatment — which includes the prescribing of Suboxone — is now being offered in Middlebury and will soon take root in Vergennes. And leaders of Mountain Health — a Federally Qualified […]
MIDDLEBURY–The new UVM Health Network/Porter Express Care clinic will open in early June, in the Collins Building on the main Porter campus. “This location offers easy access to a variety of hospital support services including lab and radiology, while providing convenient, high-quality healthcare services to our community, said UVMHN-PMC President Dr. Fred Kniffin. “We have […]
Burlington(VT) – The University of Vermont Health Network has named Jerald Novak as the network’s chief people officer, effective, May 1. He most recently led Human Resources for Global Assets at Biogen in Cambridge, MA. The position replaces the former chief human resources officer function. As chief people officer, Novak will not only provide strategic […]
MIDDLEBURY — Porter Medical Center has begun construction on a new clinic that will serve people requiring immediate medical services, but who do not require the resources of an emergency department. It’s going to be called “Porter Express Care,” and it is now being built into a 1,600-square-foot space within Porter’s Collins Building. Porter officials […]
MIDDLEBURY-Porter Medical Center will hold a special community celebration on May 11 to formally announce and celebrate the recent affiliation with the University of Vermont Health Network. Although the affiliation became effective in April following a vote at the PMC annual meeting in March, a community launch celebration is planned for May 11 during National […]
MIDDLEBURY-The members of Porter Medical Center voted unanimously at the PMC annual meeting on March 15 to approve necessary amendments to the Porter bylaws representing the final step for Porter to complete an affiliation with the University of Vermont Health Network. The affiliation will become effective in April, and the formal community launch is planned […]
Porter Staff to Participate with other Vermont Hospitals in Week-Long Disaster Response Training
Middlebury–During the week of November 14th, healthcare professionals from across Vermont, including 12 staff members from Porter Medical Center, will be traveling to a national emergency preparedness training facility in Anniston, Alabama under a federally-funded program to train at the “Center for Domestic Preparedness” (CDP). In 1998, the Center for Domestic Preparedness opened its doors […]
MIDDLEBURY–The Porter Medical Center Board of Directors and the University of Vermont Health Network Board of Trustees voted unanimously on October 5th to sign a non-binding “Letter of Intent” to formally negotiate terms under which Porter Medical Center would join the University of Vermont Health Network. Although not a binding contract, the Letter of Intent […]
MIDDLEBURY— Today, Dr. Fred Kniffin shared with Porter Medical Center employees that the PMC Board of Directors has identified the University of Vermont Health Network as their potential partner, should they choose affiliation at the conclusion of Porter’s ongoing strategic planning process. The UVM Health Network was selected from among four institutions that responded to […]
The Porter Medical Center Board of Directors is pleased to welcome four new members who will join the board this summer, two of whom fill vacant board positions prescribed by the PMC Bylaws. Anne Collins, by virtue of her election as President of the Porter Medical Center Auxiliary Board of Directors will be joining the […]
Middlebury–The federal government released its first overall hospital quality rating last week, similar to the long-standing 5-Star CMS rating used for nursing homes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based the star ratings on 64 individual measures that are published on its Hospital Compare website. The number of stars each hospital receives depends […]
Community discussions, advisory committees and an online questionnaire designed to receive public feedback Middlebury, Vt. – Porter Medical Center’s Board has launched a community conversation including community forums and an online questionnaire as part of their strategic planning process regarding the future of Porter and health care delivery in our community. According to PMC spokesperson […]
Porter Auxiliary Donates $131,000 to Hospital for State-of-the-Art Patient Monitoring System Upgrade
Dr. Fred Kniffin, Interim CEO of Porter Medical Center, discusses the need for a new patient monitoring system with PMC Auxiliary President, Jan Bark. Last week, the PMC Auxiliary Board of Directors approved a contribution of $131,000 to Porter Hospital in support of a state-of-the-art patient monitoring system upgrade project. The Porter Medical Center Auxiliary […]
The Cancer Patient Support Foundation of Vermont has awarded a grant to Porter Hospital to support nutritional counseling for cancer patients. The $3,700 grant will be available to offset any out-of-pocket expenses cancer patients might otherwise incur and “fund gaps in insurance reimbursement for nutritional counseling and other supportive services” according to a letter from […]
MIDDLEBURY—The Porter Medical Center Auxiliary Board of Directors has approved a contribution of $131,000 to Porter Hospital in support of a state-of-the-art patient monitoring system upgrade project. The total cost of the project is $350,000 with the Auxiliary donation providing the final funding portion of what Porter’s interim CEO Dr. Fred Kniffin has called “one […]
MIDDLEBURY–Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing has achieved it’s first-ever “5- Star Rating” from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is the highest CMS level of rating for the quality of care, staffing and results from health department inspections. In addition to notifying the facility, the data is published on the CMS “Nursing […]
The Annual Meeting of Porter Medical Center, Inc. will take place on March 30, 2016, at 7:00 pm in Bicentennial Hall, Room 216. The Meeting Agenda is now available here. Also, the proposed changes to the Bylaws are also available here.
By Dr. Fred Kniffin, Interim President and CEO At our recent Porter Medical Center Annual Meeting I announced that I had learned that morning that Porter Internal Medicine would be closing soon. Since then, I have received numerous calls and letters from community members who are deeply concerned by the closing of this practice and […]
MIDDLEBURY–Porter Medical Center Interim CEO Dr. Fred Kniffin sent a letter this week to the patients of Porter Internal Medicine formally announcing the plans for closing this practice. “I am writing to share with you the news that Dr. Naomi Hodde and Dr. Cynthia Smith will be leaving our practice to pursue professional opportunities outside […]
By Maureen McLaughlin, Porter Medical Center Board Chair The future of Porter Medical Center has never been brighter. That is a very broad, potentially provocative, statement – especially in light of all of the recent changes, challenges, and difficult decisions our community has been hearing about. Nevertheless, it is a statement that is embraced by […]
MIDDLEBURY–By early spring, Porter Medical Center will be introducing a new “Porter Access Center” to facilitate faster and better access to care for all Porter patients. “Our Mission is to provide excellent healthcare services, create an exceptional patient/family experience and do so without waste and excessive cost. In assessing areas for improvement that enhance attainment […]
New Year’s Baby
MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Only minutes after welcoming the New Year, the staff at the Porter Hospital Birthing Center welcomed the first baby born in a Vermont hospital. Gary Augustus Brodowski, a 9-pound, 3-ounce baby boy, arrived at 12:07 a.m. on January 1 and was Vermont’s “New Year’s Baby” for 2016. The family lives in Rutland […]
MIDDLEBURY–Since 1990, Porter Hospital has been providing free screening mammograms to area women who do not qualify for the “Ladies First” program or who have high deductible insurance plans. Thanks to a recent grant from the Susan G. Komen foundation and in concert with the Ladies First program and the Open Door Clinic, Porter has […]
MIDDLEBURY–Porter Medical Center is preparing to open a new “Infusion Center”, a clinical space designed to address the medical needs of hundreds of area patients who currently have to travel outside of Addison County for many types of therapeutic services required to treat a wide-range of diseases. “Infusion (IV) therapy involves the administration of medication […]
Montpelier, VT – After completing its review of Vermont’s hospitals’ budget requests for fiscal year 2016, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has set the total fiscal year 2016 budget increase for Vermont’s hospital system at 3.5%, including 0.5% that qualifies as investments in health reform. This marks the third year in a row that […]
MIDDLEBURY–Dr. Carrie Wulfman, a family practice physician who sees patients at Primary Care – Brandon in Brandon and is also the Medical Director of Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, has been appointed to serve as the next Chief Medical Officer of Porter Medical Center effective January 1, 2016. Her new role will begin as […]
In an effort to improve quality, enhance efficiency and facilitate greater collaboration within our organization, the two Nutrition Services Departments at Porter Hospital and at Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing Center are being consolidated into a single, campus-wide PMC Nutritional Services Department as of Monday, August 3rd. The department will be led by the new […]
Read more about this new technology.
In recognition of Jim Daily’s thirty-one years of service and commitment to Porter Medical Center, the PMC Board of Directors announced last week the re-dedication of the hospital’s “North Wing” as the “James L. Daily North Wing”. “The North Wing exists due to Jim’s foresight and leadership.” said Maureen McLaughlin, Porter Medical Center Board Chairperson. […]
Porter hospital now offers The C.A.R.E channel for patients and family. It is a soothing addition to the TV channels currently offered. More Information.
Middlebury–Porter Medical Center Board Chair, Bill Townsend, announced today that Lynn Boggs, MBA, MSN, RN, will be Porter’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding James L. Daily who will retire this spring after 31 years in this role. “After a comprehensive national search for a new leader for Porter Medical Center, we are absolutely […]
Middlebury– As part of the Vermont Regional Perinatal Health Project, representatives of the Porter Hospital Birthing Center recently reviewed the 2014 Perinatal Statistics for Vermont Community Hospitals at a May meeting sponsored by the Vermont Child Health and Improvement Program (VCHIP).” This annual meeting of hospital providers of maternity care focuses on ways to continuously […]
MIDDLEBURY–As of March 30th, Podiatry became the newest area medical practice to join the Porter Hospital network of practices according to PMC spokesperson Ron Hallman. “We are excited to welcome Podiatry to our Porter Practice Management family of practices and to play a role in ensuring the continued success of this practice supporting the outstanding […]
MIDDLEBURY–The 2015 Annual Meeting of Porter Medical Center will be held on Monday evening, March 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the McCardell Bicentennial Hall (Room 216) on the campus of Middlebury College. The meeting is free and open to the public. The keynote speaker will be Vermont House of Representatives Speaker Shap Smith, who will […]
NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home™ standards emphasize enhanced care through patient-clinician partnership WASHINGTON, DC—The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recently announced that Primary Care – Middlebury, Primary Care – Bristol, Porter Internal Medicine Middlebury Family Health and Pediatric Primary Care have received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that […]
Second long term care facility in the state to participate in a network managed by Vermont Information Technology Leaders BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont Information Technology Leaders, Inc. (VITL) today announced Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing located in Middlebury is Vermont’s second long term care facility to connect to the state’s health information network. Through a […]
MIDDLEBURY–Building upon a collaboration which has already resulted in the creation of three “home-like” end-of-life rooms for area residents, Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing (HPHRC) and Addison Respite Care Home (ARCH) have agreed to move forward with another community service project— the construction of a new “Family Center” addition at Helen Porter. This project, which […]
During their trip to the AHCA conference in Chicago, Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing has also recognized as one of the 2009 recipients of the Step I National Quality Award presented by the AHCA and the National Center for Assisted Living. Last year 664 nursing and assisted living facilities from across the nation applied for […]
MIDDLEBURY–Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing has received a grant of $23,700 from the State of Vermont in support of its efforts to pursue a new “transformational project” to define, implement and evaluate an innovative model of resident care. The grant comes from the “Enhancing Quality of Life” program via the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging […]
