Plyler Receives Recognition

Morganton, NC (April 25, 2012) - In conjunction with annual observation of the National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians, Dr. Edward Plyler of Burke Primary Care in Morganton was recognized for his service as the Medical Director at Grace Ridge Retirement Community. Dr Plyler has served at Grace Ridge for the past 23 years and helped establish the facility’s Healthcare Center. In 2001, he began providing patient care at Grace Heights LTC and Rehab.

As medical director at Grace Ridge, Dr. Plyler helps oversee care policies, monitors quality care indicators, acts as liaison with other physicians, as well as attends and cares for patients in the facility. He provides care for patients undergoing short-term post-procedure rehab and long term care for the elderly. He has over 25 years experience in geriatric medical care.

Within the facilities, Dr. Plyler works with an interdisciplinary team to help reduce the number of medications, if appropriate, institute nutritional and physical therapy, and endeavors to provide the best quality of life for the long term care patient. He also works to reduce unnecessary ER and hospitalizations for patients during their stay in the rehab or Long Term Care facility (LTC) and works in conjunction with Hospice care as appropriate.

Dr. Edward Plyler is an active member in the American Medical Director’s Association (AMDA). The AMDA is the professional association of medical directors, attending physicians, and others practicing in the long-term care continuum. The association is dedicated to excellence in patient care and provides education, advocacy, information, and professional development to promote the delivery of quality long term care medicine.

In 2010, the United States Congress designated March 20th as the National Day of Recognition for Long Term Care Physicians. This initiative started with a resolution from the Georgia Medical Directors Association honoring the memory and work of AMDA founder William Dodd, MD, CMD.

Dr. Dodd was a community physician who recognized that residents of nursing homes were patients with complex medical problems and that physicians needed to be involved in establishing the standards of management and clinical care for the frail elderly and other residents in long term care facilities.

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