Video: Colon Cancer Survivor Advocates for Timely Screenings

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With more people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at a younger age, it is now recommended that those at average risk for CRC begin screening at age 45 instead of 50.

It’s possible that Michele Battista’s life could have been different had the recommended first-time screening age been lowered sooner. Still, her decision to be screened at 50 was lifesaving.

Without any CRC symptoms, Michele scheduled a screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. She followed her prep and arrived at the center on Valentine’s Day.

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” Michele said.

Her physician discovered a peach-sized tumor during her colonoscopy. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Michele underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now celebrating her 11-year cancerversary®.

She has become a fierce advocate for early CRC detection, sharing her story and encouraging people to receive timely screenings.

“If I can get one person to go get their colonoscopy based on my story at 50, then I’m happy.”

Candid Conversations: Colorectal Cancer Awareness With Jeff Snodgrass

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In this Candid Conversations episode, Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG, talks about colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and all that our teams do to save people’s lives. As a leading provider of colonoscopies (our teams provided more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022), AMSURG helps patients prevent and detect CRC. We are uniquely positioned to continue contributing to research, education and advocacy that advances screening practices and the health of communities. Take it from us — timely colonoscopies are important in maintaining your health, and the colonoscopy process isn’t all that bad.


As we recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, here are some key facts to know and share with family and friends:

  • CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
  • CRC is one of the most preventable cancers
  • More people are being diagnosed with CRC at a younger age
  • People at average risk for CRC should receive their first screening colonoscopy at age 45 instead of 50, which was the previous recommendation
  • Those with a family history of CRC are at a greater risk of developing CRC and should be screened earlier and more frequently
  • A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method, as a physician can remove a polyp before it becomes cancerous and can detect and sometimes remove cancerous polyps
  • The sooner CRC is detected, the more opportunity someone has to survive
  • To learn more about CRC prevention and where to receive a colonoscopy, visit StopColonCancerNow.com

About Candid Conversations
The video series features Envision teammates in endearing and curiosity-fueled interviews. We share stories about our lives and work caring for our communities. We also learn about the qualities that make us unique and find common ground on the ones that make us all human. While these videos are snapshots of our interactions, I hope they bring us closer together and inspire you to create similar meaningful moments with your teams.

Look for more videos here and engage with teammates.

AMSURG Performs More Than 1 Million Colonoscopies in 2022

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AMSURG Performs More Than 1 Million Colonoscopies in 2022, Helping Prevent Colorectal Cancer and Save Lives

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, is continuing its mission to help people maintain their health and raise awareness about the importance of timely, appropriate screenings in the fight against colorectal cancer. AMSURG and its national network of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons performed more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022, helping people prevent, detect and overcome colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society predicts that 52,550 people will die from it in 2023. However, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Timely screenings – especially colonoscopies – play a significant role in an individual’s chance of beating colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method. During the procedure, a physician can examine the entire length of the colon, remove a polyp before it becomes cancerous and detect and sometimes remove cancerous polyps, giving people a greater opportunity to survive.

“Our care teams have made a meaningful impact in countless patients’ lives, helping them prevent colorectal cancer, detect it and continue ongoing surveillance,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “Still, so much work remains to educate people about gastrointestinal health and the importance of not delaying care. Even as people are making up for colonoscopies missed during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know more people are being diagnosed younger and that many aren’t receiving their first screening at the recommended age of 45.”

Research on the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer by AMSURG and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai supports recommendations by the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventative Services Task Force for individuals at average risk to begin screening at 45 instead of 50. However, AMSURG data shows that the average age of patients seen in its ambulatory surgery centers receiving their first screening is 57 – more than a decade late.

“As a 22-year colon cancer survivor, I’m begging people to get screened,” said Keith Lyons, an endoscopy technician at AMSURG’s Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. “I am living proof that you can survive and thrive. Nobody should have to experience what I did after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at 32 – surgeries to remove my colon, chemotherapy and so much more. I am very thankful. Now, I fight every day to care for others and give them a chance to live.” Watch his story to learn more about his colon cancer journey and mission to care for and protect people.

“Our team’s dedication to caring deeply for patients and helping them navigate some of their most difficult times is truly inspiring,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG. “We all play a role in caring for one another and raising awareness. Talking more openly about the signs, risk factors and screening recommendations for colorectal cancer is important. In doing so, anyone, no matter who you are, can help save someone’s life.”

Individuals with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or pre-malignant polyps are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer and need to be screened earlier and more frequently. That also applies to individuals with a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal cancer symptoms are not always noticeable, but they can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Individuals should consult a physician if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms or have questions about when they should be screened. To learn more about colorectal cancer or where to schedule a colonoscopy, visit StopColonCancerNow.com.

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About AMSURG
AMSURG acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) in partnership with physicians throughout the United States. AMSURG owns and operates more than 250 ASCs in 34 states and the District of Columbia with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. To learn more about AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare Corporation, visit www.amsurg.com.

About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

Video: Colon Cancer Survivor and Endoscopy Technician Urges People to Get Screened

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Second chances aren’t a given, which is why Keith Lyons is determined to make the most of his.

“I’m a survivor. I got a second chance at life, and I’m not going to sit on it,” said Keith, an endoscopy technician at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey.

He is committed to helping others survive. In addition to raising awareness, he supports physicians in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer through colonoscopies at work.

As a teenager, he had an inflammatory bowel disease and didn’t like the thought of having to receive additional colonoscopies. Then, at 32, with the help of a trusted nurse and knowing the importance of his gastrointestinal health, he decided to get screened. That’s when he learned of his Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis, which he has worked to overcome.

“It’s an everyday fight. I’m not going to lie. But I’m still here to fight because I chose to get myself checked out.”

Now 55, Keith continues to spread his message of survival, encouraging people to get screened and using his experience to break stigmas around colonoscopies.

“‘Colon cancer is preventable.’ That’s my slogan,” he said. “Please get checked.”

Celebrating Black History Month

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Legacy, love, inspiration and leadership – these are some of the many meanings of Black history. From learning the achievements of Black trailblazers and honoring their families’ culture to uplifting the next generation, our teammates talk about the many ways they celebrate Black History Month and the stories of Black people.

Black history is American history and during February and beyond, we encourage everyone to reflect on the different experiences of our community members and how we can all work to create a more supportive, inclusive and just society.

Envision Healthcare and Its Charitable Fund Donate $4 Million to More Than 50 Organizations

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, today announced that Envision, along with the Envision Healthcare Charitable Fund (the “Charitable Fund”), has contributed more than $4 million in 2022 to more than 50 charitable organizations supporting the health of communities across the United States and the globe.

“It is truly an honor to work with so many talented people who care deeply about supporting one another and the communities we serve,” said AMSURG President and Envision Healthcare Charitable Fund Chair Jeff Snodgrass. “We are pleased to invest our collective time, resources and expertise to support and uplift those in need.”

The team has contributed to several organizations dedicated to providing much-needed services locally, nationally and globally. Some of the initiatives include, but are not limited to:

  • Championing clinician well-being efforts that are working to mitigate burnout among healthcare professionals and safeguard their mental health.
  • Providing medication and medical support to communities impacted by the devastating flooding in Pakistan.
  • Providing individual first aid kits to medical personnel on the frontlines in Ukraine and cardiology surgical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals.
  • Sending medical teams to the Dominican Republic and Honduras to provide essential care to communities in need.
  • Supporting nationwide efforts to educate the public about gastrointestinal health and preventing colorectal cancer – the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
  • Providing supplies to communities impacted by Hurricane Ian – a destructive Category 4 hurricane that tore through Florida and South Carolina.

In August 2022, about 370 clinical and clinical support Envision teammates gathered in Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas to build more than 1,600 health and hygiene kits with essentials, such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Envision teams across the country led a similar effort in December 2022, assembling smile kits with oral care products to give to underserved youth. In addition, more than 300 Envision teammates have written notes of encouragement to first responders, teachers, students, veterans and patients throughout the year.

“Thank you to everyone at Envision for stepping up in so many ways to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “Our team’s sense of duty is profound and inspiring. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that focuses on serving others. Our actions have a meaningful impact, and I’m confident we’ll continue making progress on improving health equity in communities across the U.S. and the world.”

Since 2020, Envision, together with the Charitable Fund, has contributed more than $8 million in donations to support healthcare-related philanthropic initiatives focusing on care for those in need, research, education and community action locally, nationally and globally. It supports programs, including but not limited to disaster response initiatives, global mission trips, health and wellness programs, hospital foundations, medical research and awareness campaigns. The Charitable Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

Envision Healthcare Releases New White Paper Addressing Social Determinants of Health

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, is continuing work to improve health equity by addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The medical group’s new white paper details how clinicians and healthcare professionals can work together to improve medical care for all patients. SDOH are the economic, political and/or cultural forces that influence the health of people and the communities in which they live. For many people in the United States, external factors have as great of an influence on their physical and mental health as any actionable guidelines for healthy living.

“Social determinants of health affect every person in every society, and their impact on health equity can be positive or negative,” said Sara Champoux, DHSc, PA-C, Vice President of Clinician Value and practicing emergency medicine clinician at Envision Healthcare. “Our clinician-led medical group is working to educate teammates, healthcare partners and stakeholders about these factors and their impact on an individual’s health. We are committed to providing quality care, establishing clinical best practices and advocating for reforms that advance the highest level of health for all people.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought social determinants of health to the forefront, highlighting, and – in some instances – exacerbating existing healthcare disparities. The higher rates of illness and death among people of color is one example. Moreover, patients in rural communities were also disproportionately affected by COVID-19, experiencing 175 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 residents compared with 151 deaths per 100,000 residents for urban communities, according to data by McKinsey.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists several SDOH ranging from early childhood development to residential segregation to household income. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has organized these factors into five domains:

  1. Health and Healthcare
  2. Education
  3. Neighborhood and Built Environment
  4. Economic Stability
  5. Social and Community Context

The white paper explores these domains and includes examples of how medical groups like Envision can address SDOH within each domain.

Envision is committed to advocating for local, state and federal policy changes that address SDOH. This includes supporting the following:

  1. The development of and access to health equity measures
  2. The efforts to provide additional resources and facilitate stakeholder coordination
  3. Improving access to virtual health
  4. The transition to value-based care

The full white paper is available here. It builds on the work Envision has done to address healthcare disparities.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology, and neonatology to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers, and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

White Paper: Social Determinants of Health

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Envision is committed to establishing best practices, implementing innovative approaches to care and advocating for reforms that will help attain the highest level of health for all people. As part of its efforts to improve health equity, the medical group released a new white paper examining social determinants of health and how clinicians and healthcare professionals can work together to address the social, cultural, economic and political factors that help or hinder individuals’ health.

Read the white paper here.

Introducing Candid Conversations

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I’m excited to introduce the new “Candid Conversations” video series, featuring Envision teammates in endearing and curiosity-fueled interviews.

We share stories about our lives and work caring for our communities. We also learn about the qualities that make us unique and find common ground on the ones that make us all human. Join us as we share some laughs and tears and gain a deeper appreciation for one another.

In this first conversation, Dr. Mansoor Khan talks about starting a business in a basement and caring for those in need through Envision’s trips to the Dominican Republic.


In my nearly three years with Envision, I’ve had the honor of meeting many of you. While these videos are snapshots of our interactions, I hope they bring us closer together and inspire you to create similar meaningful moments with your teams.

Look for more videos as we head into 2023 and engage with teammates.

In the Eye of the Storm

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When hurricanes happen, our thoughts first go to our teammates and partners in the path of the storm. Are they safe? Do they have the resources and support they need? But more than that, as a medical group, we have an obligation to the patients and communities we serve.

In preparation for Hurricane Ian, Envision leaders stood up the Incident Response Task Force, led by Dr. Brian Baxter, President of Alliance National Group, and Dr. Christopher Scott, Senior Vice President for HCA West Florida Region. “We have been doing hurricane response for years and have a good process in place for Florida, but Mother Nature gave us a break over the last three years. So, when hurricane season approached, we knew that we had to get ready,” Dr. Baxter said.

Sky Falls at Hospital in Port Charlotte

“No one anticipated the hurricane to turn toward Fawcett,” said Dr. Ali Vaziri, Hospital Medicine Site Medical Director for Fawcett Memorial Hospital.

In the days leading up to Hurricane Ian’s arrival, the team had been preparing for the storm, but all projections showed the storm moving north toward Tampa. However, on Tuesday, Oct. 4 the winds shifted, and the team braced for the Category 4 hurricane’s impact.

Dr. Alaina Hunt, Emergency Medicine Site Medical Director for Fawcett Memorial Hospital, was on point in the emergency department that day. “We knew from Hurricane Charlie that the ER flooded, so our team started by moving the ER up to the PACU, making a makeshift ER up there.”

Meanwhile, in the ICU, Envision hospitalists Dr. Michael Stagg and Dr. Elise Lambird were holding down the fort. The ICU is located on the fourth floor, making what that team did even more impressive, Dr. Vaziri says. “The roof of the ICU came off. Water started to collect and then started trickling down to floors below, causing the elevators to short out.”

Dr. Hunt and her team immediately jumped into action. “I immediately started assigning teammates to figure out where we could mobilize patients,” she said. “Our team started waking up and moving patients out of the ICU. Some patients were intubated and had to be manually bagged for transport.”

“One by one, the team carried patients down to floors below; wherever they could find a bed or a safe place to put them,” Dr. Vaziri said. “Truly heroic.”

At this point, the team began evacuating patients. Around 1,000 patients were evacuated from Lee County. Envision teammates at a different hospital in Brooksville took in several med-surg patients. Amy Nixon, DCI, Dr. Eric Sladek and Dr. Monicka Felix coordinated with the resident team to ensure patients were evacuated safely.

Scoping Out AMSURG Needs

Gulf Coast Endoscopy Center South, an AMSURG partner center in Fort Myers, was not immune to the storm’s devastating impact.

Teammates preparing supplies

“This team has truly stuck together through some of the worst times of their lives,” said AMSURG Director of Operations Alex Blair.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Blair loaded a truck with supplies and headed to the ambulatory surgery center. Nearing the facility, Blair said she encountered a city that looked more like a war zone than a thriving tourist town, with debris piled on the shoulders of roads, non-functioning traffic lights and National Guard members at intersections guiding traffic.

As Blair and the Gulf Coast Endoscopy Center South team have demonstrated, recovery isn’t measured by what you put back up. The recovery process begins as soon as people come together to bring hope to survivors.

“I was encouraged to see how they stuck together when they themselves are struggling through the hurricane aftermath,” Blair said. “They prevailed. Safe. And together.”

Radiating Hope

As stories rolled in from teammates across the state, Radiology Services’ Chief Clinical Officer Dr. David Dascal and Senior Vice President Dr. Roi Bittane jumped into action.

Dr. Dascal (left) and Dr. Bittane (right) loading up supplies

“We had called all our radiology teammates in the area where Hurricane Ian had made landfall,” said Dr. Dascal. “A few responded, saying they were in need of assistance. For some, it was help getting off shift – one physician had been at the hospital for three days. Others needed supplies.”

It was Roi’s idea to deliver the supplies. “We made a list of the needs we were hearing from people and loaded up.”

The duo arrived in Port Charlotte and Sarasota with resources like generators, gas, water and canned foods and a ready willingness to lend a hand.

“We realized quickly that we were going to have to get creative to get to everyone,” Dr. Dascal said. “Roi is the military guy, so he had a tow rope and all kinds of other gadgets to help. I was in good hands.”

Road conditions in Southwest Florida on Oct. 4

Throughout the day, they traveled to any teammate they could reach, providing supplies, support and a friendly face. Dr. Dascal reflected on the state of his team. “They were all so happy to see us, but they were struggling.”

Thank You From Dr. Baxter, Dr. Scott and Envision

“I really just want to say, ‘thank you,’” Dr. Baxter said. “The collaboration across teams was incredible. Everyone worked together. Everyone was focused on doing what was best for patients and each other. No one complained or asked why. When things got hairy, they jumped right in. And that sentiment has been echoed all over by both Envision leaders and our hospital partners.”

“I am most proud of the teamwork and comradery that was displayed,” Dr. Scott said. “Everyone came together. Providers stepped up to help each other and ensure patients were safe. It’s one thing to be a company, but when we start to think of each other as family, it takes a whole different slant.”

At Envision, caring deeply for each other is core to what we do and who we are. No matter someone’s role, the city in which they live or their proximity to the bedside, we each are here to make a difference. As devastating as events like Hurricane Ian can be, they also can bring out the best in people and unite us as a team and a community.