Canterbury Appoints Dr. M. Taruj Ali as Vent Unit Director

Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Richmond has appointed pulmonologist M. Taruj Ali, MD, FCCP, FAASM, as the director of its recently opened, highly specialized Ventilator Unit. The skilled nursing center’s 18-bed, in-facility suite – geared to treat patients who are ventilator and tracheostomy dependent, or have debilitating respiratory conditions – is the first of its kind in the Richmond area.

Board certified in pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine and sleep medicine, Dr. Ali possesses 18 years of experience with expertise in managing complex respiratory and sleep disorders. He maintains a private pulmonary practice in Richmond and is affiliated with Mary Washington Healthcare. Dr. Ali previously served as ICU director and Chief of Staff at Henrico Doctors Hospital. He was voted as a Top Doc by his peers in Richmond Magazine for three years in a row.

Canterbury is the only skilled nursing facility in Richmond that can take ventilator patients directly from an acute care setting. Its Vent Unit provides 24/7 respiratory therapy coverage and is optimal for vent weaning and management.

“Canterbury’s specialized Vent Unit is next-level skilled nursing care,” said Dr. Ali, who is working closely with Jackie Wiggins, the center’s director of respiratory care. “I am pleased to join the talented team here as we aim to provide for the best possible outcome for each of our patients.”

Canterbury is supported by Marquis Health Consulting Services, an administrative and consulting services provider. “Dr. Ali is a distinguished physician, committed to providing the highest quality of care and advancing pulmonary rehabilitation; Canterbury is fortunate to have him in this leadership role,” said Marquis’ Megan Shilling, regional director of market development.

Canterbury continues to undergo a multi-million-dollar modernization. In addition to its new Vent Unit, the center recently opened a nine-chair, in-facility Dialysis Unit, featuring in-patient and out-patient services. The state-of-the-art unit has the capability to treat patients who are ventilator and tracheostomy dependent; it is also the first of its kind in the Richmond market.

Located at 1776 Cambridge Drive, the 190-bed Henrico County skilled nursing facility provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. More information on Canterbury can be found at canterburyrehab.com.

Brick, N.J.-based Marquis Health Consulting Services provides administrative and consulting services to skilled nursing facilities and senior housing communities along the Eastern Seaboard. The organization’s operational guidance enables its clients to exceed their quality and customer service goals by embracing a progressive, multi-specialty approach to healthcare and lifestyle.