Business Digest

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Ashlie Anderson

Bullard native receives teacher intern award

Bullard native Ashlie Anderson is among 12 Mississippi State University College of Education graduates who was recently recognized for exceptional work as teacher interns in Mississippi and Alabama school districts.

The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across Mississippi and in Hoover, Alabama. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession.

Anderson, an elementary education major, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha School District.

“I am thrilled to honor the recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award. Their exceptional performance, professionalism and dedication have distinguished them in their teaching internships,” said Teresa Jayroe, MSU College of Education dean. “They represent the bright future of the teaching profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”



MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.

UT Health welcomes Sheryl Sutfin

UT Health East Texas is expanding pain management services in East Texas with the addition of Sheryl Sutfin, APRN, FNP-BC.

She is welcoming patients at:

  • 1123 S. Palestine
  • Athens, TX 75751
  • 2408 W. Main St.
  • Gun Barrel City, TX 75156
  • 203 Nacogdoches St., Ste. 180
  • Jacksonville, TX 75766
  • 709 E. Goode St., Ste. 100
  • Quitman, TX 75783

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-596-3504.

UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes 10 hospitals, more than 80 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services covering 41 counties, an EMS fleet of more than 50 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive seven-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.

Heaton Eye Associates receives national award

Thousands of ambulatory healthcare professionals from across the US traveled to Orlando between Nov. 29 – Dec. 2 to gather insights on navigating the ever-changing healthcare landscape, including how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce provider burnout and maximize outcomes.

Held at Rosen Shingle Creek, 26th annual User Group Meeting — also known as UGM23 — was the showcase of NextGen Healthcare, a leading provider of innovative, cloud-based healthcare technology solutions.

Attendees participated in more than 140 expert-led breakout sessions and engaged with the newest AI-driven healthcare technology innovations, including NextGen® Patient Engage powered by Luma, a mobile-centric digital front door for end-to-end patient journey management, and NextGen® Ambient Assist, an ambient listening solution that can save providers up to two hours of documentation time per day.

The main highlights of the event was the awards presentation, recognizing leadership and advancements in the field. Heaton Eye Associates was awarded Excellence in Financial Operations, for utilizing advanced functionality in NextGen® Enterprise PM to automate financial processes, prevent denials, and improve A/R.

“Our clients are making some of the biggest strides in the healthcare industry today as they implement technology to maximize outcomes for their patients,” said Dr. Robert (Bob) Murry, chief medical officer, NextGen Healthcare. “It was an honor to spend the past few days with this tremendous group of healthcare professionals and a special privilege to recognize our Excellence in Healthcare Awards winners for contributions that inspire us all.”

UGM23 session materials will be available to registered attendees via the Attendee Hub through Jan. 31, 2024. Visit the UGM website for more information.

NextGen Healthcare, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology and data solutions. They are reimagining ambulatory healthcare with award-winning EHR, practice management and surround solutions that enable providers to deliver whole-person health and value-based care. Their highly integrated, intelligent and interoperable solutions increase clinical quality and productivity, enrich the patient experience and drive superior financial performance.