Anniston, AL April 30th, 2026 RMC Health System (RMC)  is proud to announce the launch of its Ion Bronchoscopy service line, marking a significant advancement in the early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer for patients across northeast Alabama. 

This innovative program represents a critical next step in progressing survival rates for one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the United States. From 2018 to 2025, five year survival rates have improved nationally by 12% in part because advancements like the Ion system are becoming widely adopted, accelerating this trend. By 2025, Ion is projected to be the highest-volume modality for lung nodule biopsy in the United States, contributing to a U.S. average five-year survival rate exceeding 90% across all stages when detected and treated appropriately. 

The need for this technology is especially urgent in Alabama, which ranks among the lowest in the nation for lung cancer survival. Current data shows a five-year survival rate in the state is only about 22%. One major reason for this is late detection; just 25% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early enough stage  so that the survival rate is approximately 65%. In contrast, about 43% of cases are not identified until  later stages, when survival rates can fall to around 10%. 

The Ion system is designed for early detection and minimally invasive diagnosis of lung cancer. It utilizes ultra-thin, highly maneuverable catheter that enables physicians to navigate deep into the lungs with precision and stability. This technology allows access to peripheral lung nodules, particularly those located in the outer third of the lung, which have historically been difficult to reach using traditional methods and is the best early indicator of present cancer in the lungs. 

In 2025 alone, more than 3,100 patients in Alabama were impacted by Ion technology, demonstrating its growing role in improving diagnostic outcomes within the state. 

RMC will be among the first 1,000 hospitals nationwide to implement this technology, the 13th in Alabama, and the first facility north and northeast of Birmingham to offer Ion Bronchoscopy to area patients. 

The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, enhancing patient comfort and reducing procedural risks while providing real-time navigation, allowing physicians to accurately locate and mark nodules for surgical intervention when necessary. Traditional CT-guided biopsy procedures have a national complication rate of 17%, while the robotic-assisted Ion procedures have a complication rate below 5%, a drastic difference when considering patient volumes and quality of care. 

Timelines are crucial in lung cancer care, as some aggressive forms of cancer can advance complete stages in as little as six weeks. Traditional diagnostic timelines can take up to six months; however, Ion technology has reduced this window to approximately 28 days, enabling earlier intervention and improved outcomes.  

Through the expansion of its respiratory oncology program, RMC aims to enhance early-stage cancer detection capabilities beyond traditional CT methods. By enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses, the program seeks to reduce mortality rates in northeast Alabama while also improving the timeline from detection to treatment, an essential factor in increasing patient survival. 

About Regional Medical Center   

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information and Referral Center will be hosting a Parkinson’s “Good Start” Education Program at Regional Medical Center (RMC).

The APDA Parkinson’s Good Start Program will be held on Friday, May 15, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the RMC Tyler Center; 731 Leighton Avenue, Anniston, AL.

The program is free to attend for, though advance registration is required via the QR Code below. Designed for individuals diagnosed within the past three years, as well as their care partners, and family members. This signature APDA program delivers essential information and practical strategies to help participants better understand and manage Parkinson’s disease early in their journey, primarily those who have received a diagnosis within the past year.

Attendees will gain insight into: 

• Understanding Parkinson’s disease and how it progresses 
• Building an effective healthcare team 
• The importance of rehabilitation, movement, and exercise
• Medication strategies for daily functioning 
• Emotional wellness and coping techniques
• Local and national resources for ongoing support 

“A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming,” states Brooklyn White, Program Coordinator, APDA and I&R Center at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). “Many people may be confused, anxious, and unsure about where to begin. APDA is here to empower them, helping them learn more about the condition and the steps they can take to live their best lives. Our Parkinson’s Good Start Program is a great starting point because it gives those who are newly diagnosed a comprehensive overview of the disease, as well as strategies for managing both the physical and emotional challenges that come with it.”

The program will be led by Parkinson’s disease specialists, including Advanced Practitioner Laura Lieb from the UAB Comprehensive Center of Movement Disorders, along with local physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals from Calhoun and Etowah counties. 

The APDA I&R Center offers a wide range of programs and services for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, including educational events, support groups, and personalized resources. For more information, visit www.apdaparkinson.org/alabama.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than one million people with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $282 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and end this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through our network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as our national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit us at www.apdaparkinson.org 

About Regional Medical Center

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Anniston, AL (April 7, 2026) – RMC Health System and the City of Anniston announced today that it has entered into an agreement to join Orlando Health, a private, not-for-profit healthcare system, following approval by the RMC Board of Directors and the City of Anniston City Council. The agreement, which is pending regulatory approvals and expected to close fall of this year, is designed to strengthen the future of healthcare in Northeast Alabama through new investments, expanded services, and access to the resources of a health system focused on culture and clinical excellence.  

Regional Medical Center has served as a cornerstone of care for families in the region for decades. RMC’s leadership team has worked to strengthen the hospital, improve operations, expand services, and work to build a stronger future for healthcare in Northeast Alabama. While the hospital has the team and vision to achieve that goal, executing that strategy requires the scale, capital, and operational resources that a larger health system like Orlando Health can provide.  

“Since joining RMC a little over a year ago, our leadership team has worked with the Board of Directors and our City of Anniston elected officials in developing a strategy to revitalize RMC as a true acute care referral center for our region,” said Keith Parrott, CEO.  “Two of the things that excite us the most about this partnership with Orlando Health are their ability to amplify and accelerate our growth and improvement plans and their track record of success in multiple markets with similar situations to RMC’s.”  

Under the agreement, RMC will become part of Orlando Health’s Alabama Region. All current employees will transition to Orlando Health on day one, with their existing titles, pay, and years of service honored.  

Orlando Health is committed to investing significant resources to enhance RMC’s facilities, equipment, and technology. This initiative includes the implementation of an electronic health record system for medical records management. These investments are expected to support physician recruitment, expand specialty services, and improve access to care for patients throughout Northeast Alabama.  

“We are excited to welcome RMC’s team members and physicians to Orlando Health,” said David Strong, president and CEO, Orlando Health. “Together, we look forward to investing in excellent services that will benefit the region, partnering with physicians, purposefully growing, and becoming the best place to work.”     

Local leaders say the agreement represents an important step toward strengthening healthcare access for the region.  

“Healthcare across rural America is changing, and communities everywhere are facing difficult decisions about how to sustain quality care for the future,” said Ciara Smith-Roston, Mayor of Anniston. “Our hospital has served this region for generations, and as stewards of this important community asset, our responsibility is to ensure it remains strong and sustainable for the long term. Strong healthcare is essential not only to public health, but also to economic growth and community confidence. Our priority has always been to protect the long-term healthcare needs of our citizens, and this step helps ensure that quality care will remain available in Anniston for generations to come.”  

Orlando Health has a growing presence in Alabama following its 2024 acquisition of Baptist Health in Birmingham, with more than 1,700 licensed beds, 58 primary and specialty care clinics, 2,600 affiliated physicians, and more than 6,100 team members.  

“This is an exciting opportunity to improve healthcare around Calhoun County and beyond,” said Bud Owsley, Chair of the Healthcare Authority of the City of Anniston. “We strongly believe that now is the right time and Orlando Health has the right vision and values to bring our hospital to the forefront of advancing medical care in the region.”  

“We know trust is built over time,” Parrott continued. “This partnership is about ensuring that patients and families across Northeast Alabama continue to have access to excellent care close to home, today and for decades to come.”  

All involved parties are committed to transparency throughout the process, and additional information will be shared with the community as it becomes available.  

About Regional Medical Center
Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.   

About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States — including Florida and Alabama — and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida, the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health is dedicated to improving the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 2024, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.  

About City of Anniston
The City of Anniston serves as a regional hub for government, commerce, culture, and community life in Northeast Alabama. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Anniston was founded in 1872 as a private iron company town and officially opened to the public in 1883. Today, the city remains committed to expanding economic opportunity, enhancing public safety, revitalizing neighborhoods, and delivering transparent, responsive public service. The city is distinguished by assets including the Chief Ladiga Trail — Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails project — the Anniston Museums and Gardens, the Anniston Regional Airport, the Anniston Army Depot, and the former Fort McClellan.

Regional Medical Center Physician named “Master of ASGE,” becoming the first in Alabama to receive the distinction

ANNISTON, Ala. — Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce that Dr. Mohamad Eloubeidi, Director of Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound, has been awarded the prestigious Master of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (MASGE) designation, one of the highest honors in the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Eloubeidi is the first physician in Alabama to receive this distinction, which is granted to a select group of physicians who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to research, education, and leadership in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The MASGE designation represents the next level of recognition beyond the longstanding FASGE (Fellow of ASGE) credential, which Dr. Eloubeidi has held for over a decade.

The MASGE designation is not open for application, and fewer than 100 physicians globally currently hold this title. It is instead awarded by the ASGE Governing Board to physicians who have made sustained and impactful contributions to the specialty. Fewer than 100 physicians across the United States and globally currently hold this title.

“This is an incredible honor, and I am both humbled and grateful,” said Dr. Eloubeidi. “Throughout my career, my focus has been on advancing care, contributing to research, and improving outcomes for patients. To be recognized by my peers in this way is truly meaningful.”

Dr. Eloubeidi has been practicing for nearly 31 years, has served the RMC community for 13 years, and has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles. He is widely recognized for his expertise in advanced endoscopic procedures and has contributed extensively to clinical research and innovation in the field. In fact, he was recently recognized for performing a first-in-state procedure, gaining national recognition. 

“Dr. Eloubeidi’s recognition as a Master of ASGE reflects not only his individual excellence, but also the level of care available right here in our community,” said Dr. Almena Free, Chief Medical Officer at Regional Medical Center. “We are proud to have a physician of his caliber leading our endoscopy program.”

This milestone reinforces RMC’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, advanced care in the region, ensuring patients have access to nationally recognized expertise without having to travel. 

About Regional Medical Center   

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

RMC understands that healing doesn’t end at discharge. Our new Post-Acute Care Clinic ensures patients have the care and support they need during recovery, especially those who may not have a primary care provider or quick access to an appointment.

The clinic provides a seamless bridge between hospital and home, offering follow-up care within 72 hours to help patients manage medications, understand discharge instructions, and address any health concerns early.

By guiding patients through this important phase of recovery, RMC aims to help prevent complications and avoid hospital readmissions, while keeping the focus where it belongs — on better outcomes and healthier lives.