SVMC's Wellness and Care Connection: November Update

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November 2025

Your monthly update on regional health services and wellness.

Estevan Garcia, MD named SVMC CEO

 

Estevan Garcia, MD, will succeed Thomas A. Dee, FACHE as CEO and president of SVMC in January 2026. Dr. Garcia, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine, has most recently supported Dartmouth College in addressing the student mental health crisis by utilizing a public health preventative approach.

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daVinci 5 surgical system

 

SVMC has acquired the latest surgical technology, making it the first hospital in Vermont to offer the da Vinci 5 surgical system

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Honoring our Vets

 

Two SVMC physicians share the impact of their military experience. Watch their stories on our Facebook page.

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The Jingle Bell Raffle is back!

 

Enter today for six chances to win a fabulous prize. All proceeds support Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Get the details at this link.

Seasonal Depression: Here's what helps

 

Dartmouth Health experts provide guidance on understanding the risk and managing seasonal depression. Originally shared in Dartmouth Health's Living Healthier newsletter.

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Bennington Rising Gala, Nov. 20

 

Join Bennington College and Mount Anthony Union (MAU) High School students to learn “What’s in your food?” at the Bennington Museum on Thursday, November 20.

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What Our Patients Say

 

We're sharing direct feedback, (pictured below) collected from patient satisfaction surveys. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to enhance the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate.

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If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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