New medical facility opens in Russellville

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
The Russellville Wellness Center welcomed its first patient as it opened its doors to the public Monday morning.
The former Food World building now holds some of the most advanced, high tech medical equipment in the area.
Phillips engineers worked tirelessly over the weekend to speed up the opening of the featured open MRI room located on the Diagnostic side of the complex.
Clinical director of the Wellness Center and Medovations LLC employee Vikki Simpson has worked in the Radiology field for 32 years. She said the center is one of the most up-to-date medical sites she has ever been a part of.
The highly technical, multi-dimensional facility will host a number of different diagnostic tests. The center is currently able to perform routine x-rays and MRI scans as of now. They will soon be able to conduct nuclear medicine exams and ultrasounds. The center holds one of the most highly technological, open MRIs in North Alabama. The open MRI is one of the center’s most premier features and sets the complex apart from all other medical facilities. The center will not, however, be equipped to perform CT Scans or mammograms.
A total of four patients were scheduled for diagnostic testing at the center’s grand opening. Managing partner of Medovations LLC Randall Spradlin said that number should pick up soon.
Spradlin said there are still a few part-time positions available for people who want to work at the facility. The center is currently employed with six diagnostic technologists and nine urgent care nurse practitioners, including a full-time Spanish to English translator to help with the local Hispanic community.
The urgent care side of the medical complex is scheduled to open on Jan. 27. Urgent care will be the place to go if anyone is suffering from respiratory issues, minor trauma, urinary infections or anything of that nature. It will also be the site for vaccinations when that part of the season rolls around.
The building will also be the place to find two local specialists, Dr. David R. Longmire, who specializes in neurology, and Dr. Said G. Osman, who is an orthopedic specialist. A sleep lab has also been added for examining patient’s sleeping patterns.
The Diagnostic part is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and the Urgent Care part will open Jan. 27 with office hours being 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on the Russellville Wellness Center, contact them at 332-1996.