A. Kacem Sekkal, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon, has joined Williamstown Medical Associates (WMA) and the Medical Staff of North Adams Regional Hospital. Dr. Sekkal is accepting new patients and can be reached through WMA at (413) 458-8182.
Dr. Sekkal most recently has practiced surgery at Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, New Hampshire, but also has practiced as a temporary (locum tenens) surgeon at NARH and other hospitals in New England. "We are excited to have Dr. Sekkal join our surgical services. His professional expertise and demeanor will compliment our already well respected staff," said Dr. Patrick O'Brien, chairman of WMA's surgery department.
Dr. Sekkal earned his medical degree from the University of Algeria in Algiers, Algeria, and served his internship and residency in general surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, and an additional residency in general surgery at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He is certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. His clinical interests include laparoscopic surgery, vascular surgery, and colonoscopy.
"North Berkshire has a progressive health care system that I want to be a part of," said Dr. Sekkal. "The staff of WMA and the hospital are friendly and very dedicated to the care of their patients, in addition to being very capable. I'm looking forward to using the new surgical facilities at NARH."
NARH opened two state-of-the-art operating theaters in January, as part of the hospital's $23 million modernization and renovation project. Two additional operating rooms will be opened in June. WMA opened its doors on April 29, 1958, when H. Collier Wright, M.D., and Robert K. Davis, M.D., established the practice with a staff of four. Now, more than 47 years later, WMA has become one of the largest independent physician-owned and operated facilities in New England.
WMA has offices on Adams Road in Williamstown and in the Ambulatory Care Center at North Adams Regional Hospital. For information about the physicians and services of WMA, one may call (413) 458-8182.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
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