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POPLAR BLUFF, MO – The summer heat is on, and many experts predict that 2025 could surpass 2024 as the hottest year on record in the United States. According to Heather Chasteen, director of the emergency department at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, warmer temperatures often bring more patients to the ER with symptoms of heat-related illnesses. “An increase in outdoor activity is one of the reasons we all enjoy the summer months, but heat waves can create dangerous conditions for anyone spending ... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a significant addition to its behavioral health services. This program is designed to provide structured, non-residential treatment for individuals facing mental health challenges, offering a flexible alternative to inpatient care. The IOP at PBRMC offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining individual therapy and group sessions. This structure allows patients... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO, June 23, 2025 – The hot, sunny days of summer are a great time to jump into the water and swim your way to better health. Dr. Preston Jones, an orthopedic surgeon with Regional Physician Services, says swimming is easy on your joints and one of the best ways to get and stay in shape and prevent chronic disease. According to Dr. Jones, swimming is one of the best non-impact forms of exercise that helps strengthen the extremities and has a low risk of damage to the joints. Cardiovascular... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO, June 18, 2025 – Colon cancer – also known as colorectal cancer – is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and remains a significant public health concern in the United States. However, when detected early, it is also one of the most treatable cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection can result in a survival rate of more than 90 percent. When caught after the cancer has spread, however, survival drops to around 10 percent. Colorectal cancer... ... Read More

By Dr. Shazib Sagheer, M.D., Interventional Cardiologist, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common yet often underrecognized vascular condition affecting over 8.5 million Americans, with incidence sharply increasing among those over 65. In Southeast Missouri, particularly around Poplar Bluff, the burden of PAD risk is high due to elevated rates of smoking, diabetes, and limited access to vascular care. As an interventional cardiologist at Poplar Bluff Regional Med... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Poplar Bluff native Aaron Aden, FNP-C, has joined Poplar Bluff Medical Clinic, a department of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, as a primary care provider. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to better my community,” said Aden. “I look forward to managing long-term care and building meaningful relationships with my patients.” Aden began his healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in 2016. Since then, he has gained experience ... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO, June 6, 2025 — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain and those who come into the cardiac cath lab, including diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PBRMC was reaccredited as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI through the ACC based on an onsite evaluation of the staff’s a... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and its medical staff encourage residents to know the symptoms and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families against the highly contagious measles. This year, the CDC has confirmed three measles cases in Missouri. According to the CDC, the outbreak has been centered mainly in Texas, but it serves as a strong reminder of the importance of vaccination and vigilance across our region. Who is at Risk Measles is an extremely contagio... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., May 15, 2025 - Jami Belew began her journey at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center—then known as Lucy Lee Hospital—in April of 1995, joining the radiology and interventional radiology teams. At the time, she was three months pregnant with her son, who was born at Lucy Lee in the Fall of 1995, delivered by Dr. John Patty—who also delivered three of her grandchildren. From the start, Jami was part of some major medical milestones at the hospital. She helped with some of the very first ... ... Read More

POPLAR BLUFF, MO, May 12, 2025 – For nearly five decades, Dodson Cravens, Pharm.D., has been a part of the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center story—one that began long before he ever donned a white coat. Cravens faced a life-threatening illness as an infant, and he was admitted to Doctors Regional Hospital–which years later would become Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Thanks to the skill and dedication of the medical staff, he survived—a moment that would shape his future. "I knew I always wante... ... Read More