Allina’s Mercy Hospital visited by US Rep. Erik Paulsen
COON RAPIDS, Minn. 04/10/2009--US Representative Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) visited the pathology laboratory at Mercy Hospital this week to experience the critical and expanding role laboratory testing plays in patient care. Representative Paulsen was greeted and given a tour of Mercy’s state-of-the-art medical facilities by pathologist Joseph Goswitz, MD.
The tour focused on the important role of pathologists in health care, and included a demonstration of how pathologists use cutting-edge technology to screen for cancer and precancerous lesions. Of particular interest was the important role pathologists can play as a diagnostic consultant for personalized patient care.
Dr. Goswitz said the tour demonstrated the laboratory’s role as a vital component of patient care from diagnosis to treatment. "Using state-of-the-art technology, pathologists can look at individual specimens, make a rapid diagnosis, and help guide therapy often without any surgical intervention at all. We are honored that Representative Paulsen would take time out of his busy schedule to visit our laboratory."
"Health care reform will be major issue during this session of Congress, one that will directly impact the residents of the 3rd District. Minnesota is a leader when it comes to health care quality and innovation, and it was fascinating to witness the different diagnostic tests conducted on a daily basis at the Mercy Hospital Laboratory. Today’s visit provided me with a stronger understanding of pathology and its growing role in the health care system," Representative Paulsen said following the conclusion of the tour.
About Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital is a 271 bed medical center in Coon Rapids, Minn., in the northwestern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. With support from more than 50 laboratory professionals, the pathology laboratory processes more than 12,000 surgical cases per year and the clinical lab performs more than 700,000 tests per year. Medical directorship and pathology professional services are provided by Hospital Pathology Associates, one of the largest providers of subspecialty pathology services in the Midwest.
Mercy is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. # # #
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