American College

Names in the newsHospice of the Chesapeake,8424 Veterans Highway, Millersville, recently appointed Millie L. Jarrell, R.N., its director of clinical operations. She will oversee the hospices' clinical programs and supervise the agency's quality improvementprogram. Information: 410-987-2003.Dr. Douglas D. Dykman of Anne Arundel Gastroenterologists Associates, P.A. has opened an office in the Empire Medical Building, 200 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Dykman is an enterologist who specializes in digestive and liver diseases.

Sylvan Learning Systems Inc. says it has been sued by American College Testing Service over charges that Sylvan broke laws in its successful fight for a National Association of Securities Dealers' contract.In January, Columbia-based Sylvan was awarded a 10-year contract to conduct the NASD's Series 7 exams for licensing brokers. American College Testing, a not-for-profit, also sought the contract, which Sylvan said will be worth $5 million to $6 million annually.American College Testing charges in a suit filed in federal court in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that Sylvan interfered with an agreement it had pending with the NASD and violated antitrust laws, Sylvan said.

Dr. James E. Toher, former chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at St. Agnes Hospital, died Tuesday of heart failure at his residence in Catonsville. He was 70.He spent his entire career at the Southwest Baltimore hospital where he was appointed ob/gyn head in 1973. He retired from there in 1986.Dr. James Castellano, who succeeded him in the department chairmanship and retired this year, said, "He was honest as the day is long and was very ethical and deeply religious. In 1980, he organized the obstetrical group at the hospital which provided 24-hour coverage and also introduced micro-surgery to the hospital."

* French Bray, the Glen Burnie-based printing house, has added two Heidelberg presses to its operations. A third Heidelberg GTO-DI direct imaging press is to arrive early next year, to coincide with the opening of a new addition that will house its prepress operations.* Marlar International, an executive search and consulting firm headquartered in Baltimore, has joined seven other independent national and international search firms to form a global alliance under the name of Stanton Chase International.

WASHINGTON -- As college seniors leave their dorm rooms, many will be leaving something else behind as well: health insurance.Of the estimated 1 million students receiving college diplomas this spring, the American College Health Association says 20 percent will lose their health insurance when their college health plan expires or when they no longer qualify as dependents on their parents' policies.Collin Winterbottom, a researcher in the Health and Long Term Care Department of Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization, said that although more college graduates secure long-term coverage (60 percent)

Center administrator advances to FellowJoanne Bonfardeci, administrator at Bel Air Convalescent Center, was recently advanced to Fellow in the American College of Health Care Administrators in recognition of professional achievement and adherence to ethical and professional standards of the college.The advancement to Fellow represents the highest level of membership the college bestows on a member health care administrator. Fellowship requires at least two years of full membership in the college, suitable formal education, and a record of participation in the professional and educational activities of the college.

So you want to work out with a personal trainer? Here are a few general guidelines to get you started:* Personal trainers are not required to be certified. However, various fitness associations and organizations offer a certification program, which means trainers are tested for their knowledge. Two of the most prominent national organizations are the American Council on Exercise and the American College of Sports Medicine.* Know your trainer's background. Some have college degrees in exercise or fitness disciplines.

Podiatrist elected association treasurerPodiatrist Dr. Gene S. Mirkin, has been elected treasurer of the Maryland Medical Association.In addition to a private practice in Silver Spring and Kensington, Dr. Mirkin is affiliated with Howard County General Hospital, Greater Laurel Beltsville Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital and Montgomery Surgery Center.Prior to his election as treasurer, Dr. Mirkin served as secretary of the association. He also serves as the chairman of the community relations committee.

Kellam graduates from police academyLeroy S. Kellam Jr. of Belcamp recently graduated from the Maryland Toll Facilities Police Training Academy.The 23rd graduating class consisted of 26 recruits who will become Toll Facilities Police officers, and six recruits from the Department of General Services Police. The Toll Facilities Police have law enforcement powers at the state's four toll bridges and two tunnels. These facilities are operated and maintained by the Maryland Transportation Authority.

Apple pie, motherhood and . . . midwives?To Tamara Thiel, midwifery indeed falls into place right next to the things that many of us hold dear."I have two kids and both of them were born with the assistance of nurse-midwives," she says. "It was a wonderful, beautiful, warm experience. I wanted personal attention and personal care. They treated me like a smart, intelligent woman able to make my own choices."She is far from being the only woman who feels that way.An increasing number of women are opting to have midwives deliver their babies rather than choosing an obstetrician's care.