New anesthesiologist coming this month

A new anesthesiologist will begin practicing in Helena on July 15. Dr. Joe Murphy is joining Capital Medical Anesthesia Group.

Murphy received his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle and completed his residency training at four different hospitals in the Seattle area: University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Children's Hospital, and the VA Hospital. He completed his internship at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.

Murphy, a native of Butte, received his undergraduate degree in biology from Montana State UniversitynBillings, where he was recognized as the 2000 Outstanding Graduating Senior in Biology. Murphy is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists.

Hospital offering free sports physicals for high school athletes

St. Peter's Medical Group is offering free sports physicals for high school students, along with a free health fair. "Stay Strong, Play Strong," is Saturday, July 18, 8 a.m. to noon, at St. Peter's Medical Group Broadway, 2550 Broadway. (Across the street from St. Peter's Hospital.)

Local family physicians, pediatricians, internists, and orthopedists are donating their time to conduct the physicals, including: Dr. Jessica Bailey, Dr. Tracy Dill, Dr. Paul Eodice, Dr. Kerry Ford, Dr. David Lechner, Dr. John Michelotti; Dr. Don Skillman; Dr. Paul Steele; Dr. Tom Strizich; and Dr. Todd Wampler.

The physicals are for students who will be participating in high school sports in the upcoming academic year. They will be done on a first-come, first served basis. For more information, visit www.stpetes.org.

The event will also include presentations from medical professionals, and vendors from the community will offer health-related information.

Quit-smoking class begins July 14

St. Peter's Hospital and the Montana Tobacco Quit Line are offering the three-week course "Quit for Life."

The course will run Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., beginning July 14 at St. Peter's. Class fee is $35 and includes patches and gum.

The course includes skills for stress management, weight control, assertive communication and exercise to help participants succeed.

Payment is due before the first class. To register, at www.stpetes.org and click on classes; e-mail lmatheson@stpetes.org; or call 444-2130.