Health Care Empowerment

Healthcare knowledge can empower you in making meaningful medical decisions. Each session will focus on different aspects of health care.  Experts in their respective fields will present each week.  See below the class descriptions.

Please see LINKS below for materials on these well received presentations.

September 12

Life:  “A gift from God”

Rev. Dr. Ravi Isaiah, BCC., LPC.
Was born in India.  He immigrated to the U.S. in 1973 with his family.  Ravi completed his undergrad at West Virginia Wesleyan in Psychology and received a Master’s in Divinity from METHESCO.  He completed a Doctoral degree in Counseling from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and is a Board Certified Chaplain.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1994.  Dr. Isaiah is currently serving as the Director of Pastoral Care Department at CAMC.  He is a member of Ethics Forum and is the current chairperson of the System’s Ethics for CAMC.

For your convenience here is a LINK to the September 12 presentation.

September 19
Surgeries and Hospital Admission

Dr. David Santrock
Was born in Charleston, WV, graduated from Dunbar High School, attended WVU, graduating from Medical School in 1967.  Completed his internship at the US Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA, followed by two-years of active duty.  He began his orthopedic residency in Jacksonville.  After two years he decided to return to Charleston where he practiced until his retirement in December 2007.  Dr. Santrock continues as a volunteer at Health Right, performing non-operative Orthopedics.  He married his high school sweetheart, Linda McNeely.  They have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren.


For your convenience here is a LINK to the September 19 presentation.

September 26
 Introduction to Palliative Care

Ms. Vickie Powell, NP
Our Mission:  To affirm life by committing to enhance the lives of the dying and their families by recognizing the dignity and uniqueness of individuals and by responding to the changing needs of our communities.


For your convenience here is a LINK to the September 26 presentation.

October 3
Hospice Care/Common Issues at the End of Life

Deborah Rectenwald, MSN, APRN, CNR
Neurosciences Nurse and Palliative Care

Nurse Practitioner for Palliative Care Team, responsible for daily clinical management of palliative care consults, including education and counseling for chronic/acute illness, goal clarification, end of life planning and pain and symptom management. She serves on the CAMC Ethics committee.


For your convenience here is a LINK to the October 3 presentation.

Video Link for Hospice Care

October 10
Advance Medical Directives/POST Form/DNR/DNI


For your convenience here is a LINK to the October 10 presentation.

October 17
“Living with Dignity” -
Pain Management/Ventilator

Dr. Debbie Cotes, DO

Medical Director of Palliative Care, CAMC

Dr. Cotes practiced as a nurse for number of years and graduated in 2008 from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Lewisburg, WV.  She is a certified instructor in Respecting Choices.  Serves on the CAMC Ethics Consultation team.


October 24
“Community Resources/Conclusion”

 Rev. Dr. Ravi Isaiah, BCC., LPC.

Subpages (1): Healthcare Empowerment Presentations
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