Clinical Connections | Fall 2021 by Independence Health System

Fall 2021 Clinical Updates Page 2 & 3

Friends and Colleagues,

“Why did you become a doctor?” Stop and think. Why? Appointments & Recognition Page 4 New on Staff Page 6 Provider Personalities Page 7 Engagement Page 8 & 9 House Calls Page 10

We have each been asked, and answered, this question countless times. We talked about it in college. We interviewed for Medical Schools, and then Residency programs. We have been asked by our families, friends, students examining career paths, some random person at a social event. We all have a standard answer, although each is unique. The last I wrote to you, we were all very hopeful. Vaccines were in great supply, the community was enjoying a return to outings and activities, and work had some normalcy. I have been struggling somewhat with what to write to you this fall, and concluded it’s because most of us are struggling in some way. Offices and hospitals are crowded, we are battling patients with covid, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, alterations in our schedules, and on and on. And that’s just at work. Many people talk about strained personal and family relationships due to opinions on covid. Kids are in and out of school making daily planning difficult. Whether you have been practicing medicine for 2 years or 40 years, in many ways, this is not what we envisioned. And so back to my original question, “Why did you become a doctor?” I can think of many examples for myself, my colleagues, my past classmates… • Family tradition • Fascination with medical science • Life changing care or advice from a physician for themselves of a family member But I think the underlying theme to all our answers would be similar, we like to help people. We like to make a difference. We have a sense that our purpose in this world is bigger than we are. If we are honest, as hard as this is, most of us would choose this same path again. I have been trying to remind myself that medicine is a calling. We never thought it was going to be easy, we also didn’t think it would be this hard. You are all likely growing tired of me asking, because I do at every meeting, to please support each other. Ask a colleague if they are ok. Do something nice for your staff. Take a little time for yourself. Spend some quality time with people you love outside of work. Find a way to recharge. So, take a minute, close your eyes, and really think, “Why did you become a doctor?” The world needs us to remember why we became doctors, and not to give up on them. Even if right now some of them appear to have given up on us. We will stay strong if we do it together.

Heather Walker, MD President, Excela Medical Staff

Clinical Updates Follow My Health App Can be Used to Verify Vaccination Status Anyone using the patient portal “Follow My Health” app can provide vaccination documentation right from their phone simply by logging onto the app, clicking “My Health” and then selecting “Immunizations”.

COVID-19 Update

As of October 14, thus far in the month of October: 279 positive cases have been diagnosed system-wide, the result of a 15.6% positivity rate. Of positive cases: Approximately 25% are under the age of 24. Approximately 64% of these positive cases are under the age of 50. 92% of all positive cases are UNVACCINATED. Sadly, there have been 11 COVID-related hospital mortalities thus far in the month of October, with three of them age 63 or younger. The most recent data in Westmoreland County for the week of Sept. 29-Oct. 5 indicates there were 199 COVID (+) cases in children ages 1-18. Since school began, there have been 1,227 school-age children diagnosed with COVID-19, or about 2% of the total school population. Per the CDC for Westmoreland County Of all individuals eligible for the vaccine (age 12 or older), 72.4% are partially vaccinated; 60% are fully vaccinated. For individuals 65 and over, 99.9% are partially vaccinated and 79.7% are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Excela Health is currently offering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Moderna vaccine is available for anyone over the age of 18 and the Pfizer vaccine is available for individuals age 12 years and older. Booster Doses In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, Excela Health is administering COVID-19 boosters for those who have received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine more than six months ago AND meet one of the following criteria: • 65 years of age and older • 18 to 64 years of age at high risk of severe • COVID-19 • 18 to 64 years of age with an occupation that puts • them at high risk of occupational exposure to • COVID-19. At the time of publication only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved to be give as a booster dose. Third Dose Available for Immunocompromised Vaccinated Individuals In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, Excela Health is administering a third vaccine dose to those people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised. This dose can be administered at least four weeks (28 days) after an initial two dose mRnA series and should be the same type of vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) that was initially received. If you are unsure if you need a third dose, please contact your physician. COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Individuals 12 Years of Age and Older Excela Health is offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to those age 12 and older. We are also offering the Pfizer third dose, currently approved for use in those who are immunocompromised and are 12 and older, at least 28 days after their second dose. If you do not have computer access you may schedule an appointment by dialing 724-689-1690 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please note that this phone line WILL NOT ACCEPT MESSAGES or make return calls to individuals requesting information or appointments.

Clinical Updates Prolotherapy: Available Through Excela Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Prolotherapy is an innovative technique that relieves pain by directly impacting the underlying condition causing that pain. Prolotherapy promotes long-term, often permanent pain relief by stimulating the body’s ability to repair itself. A solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic is injected into the affected ligaments, tendons or joint capsules. The solution acts by stimulating the body’s natural ability to repair these tissues, encouraging growth of new ligament or tendon fibers. Multiple treatments encourage additional tissue growth to restore and strengthen the affected area. This treatment gives patients an option to heal pain without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia and a hospital stay. The average appointment time takes 30 to 60 minutes including preparation, treatment and recovery time. To discuss a Prolotherapy treatment plan for your patients contact Dr. Bryan Lee or Dr. Andrew Schleihauf.

Excela Health Cardiothoracic Program Ranked Among Nation’s Elite in Heart Surgery

Excela Health continues to raise the bar for quality patient care, with the latest recognition coming from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), which ranks the health system’s heart surgery program among the top 2 percent nationwide. The honor comes in the form of a distinguished three-star rating from STS for patient care and outcomes in three separate categories: aortic valve replacement combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR+CABG), isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Historically, less that 10 percent of all programs within the STS database achieve this elite standing. The three-star rating denotes the highest category of clinical quality within the STS rating system, and is considered one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare, rating the benchmarked outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery programs in the United States and Canada. The star rating is calculated using a combination of quality measures for specific procedures performed by an STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database participant.

Appointments & Recognition Excela Health Remains National Leader in Wellness, Ranked Among Best and Brightest Honorees

Excela Health is once again recognized among the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness® sponsored by the National Association for Business Resources, having been included among 35 organizations of varying sizes lauded during its Summer 2021 recognition period. Excela first received this designation in 2016 and has remained a recipient each award period. This program honors companies that promote employee well-being, worksite health and wellness. The 2021 Summer National winning companies were evaluated by an assessment created and administered by SynBella, the nation’s leading wellness systems firm. These winning companies will be honored during the Illuminate Business Summit week-long celebration November 1 to 4, 2021.

Excela Health Continues To Earn National Recognition For Exemplary Care Of Heart And Stroke Patients

Excela Health through its three member hospitals has received multiple American Heart Association Achievement Awards for demonstrated commitment to ensuring cardiovascular patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer returns to the hospital. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® and Get With The Guidelines® programs help reduce barriers to prompt treatment for cardiovascular events. As a participant in both programs, Excela Health earned award recognitions by demonstrating how the health system has committed to delivering quality care for patients.

Excela Health Ranked Among Most Wired In Nation Once Again For Using Technology To Partner With Patients On Health

Technology continues to make it easier for patients and providers to interact, thus improving communication, safety and patient-provider relationships. Likewise, Excela Health continues to be recognized as a respected leader for its use of information technology to help patients become more actively involved in their care and maintain their health. The latest recognition comes from The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), where Excela Health is ranked among the 2021 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired healthcare organizations for the second consecutive year. The honor comes during October, earmarked as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to acknowledge the significance of safeguarding the vast stores of electronic data that are enveloped across the informational technology spectrum, including healthcare information. Excela achieved a certified level 7 and Special Recognition designation for both acute (hospital) and ambulatory (outpatient) performance. Specifically, this honor reflects Excela Health’s demonstrated commitment to implementing technologies and strategies such as population health/cost-of-care analytics, health information exchange integration and patient portals to help analyze data and to achieve meaningful clinical and efficiency outcomes. Excela also deploys more advanced technologies, like telehealth, to expand access to care beyond traditional settings.

On the Mic Excela Health Orthopedics on the Radio

Hear from multiple Excela Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine physicians on the WDVE player show segment on Tuesday evenings.

What is ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound)? Presented by Dr. Sharon Goldstein.

Tuesday, October 26 Dr. David Lee Sports Cardiology Specific to COVID-19 Tuesday, November 2 Dr. Bryan Lee Sports Hernias, Lacerations, Ribs Tuesday, November 9 Dr. Andrew Schleihauf Fractures & Dislocations - hand, elbow, fingers Tuesday, November 16 Dr. Jennifer Erdos Shoulder Dislocations, Stinger/Burner, Labral Tear

Dr. Rachelle Johns Speaks to Excela Health Mall Walkers Dr. Johns discusses fatty liver disease.

Tuesday, November 23 Dr. Ralph Passarelli Clavicle Fixes Tuesday, November 30 Dr. Daniel Leigey ACL, MCL, PCL Tears Tuesday, December 7 Dr. Jim Masterson Concussions Tuesday, December 14 Dr. Ryan Flanigan Ankle Sprain/Syndesmosis & Ankle Fracture/Lisfranc

Technique Meets Technology

The Hybrid Operating Room at Excela Health. Opening new horizons for sophisticated, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries like TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Tuesday, December 21 Dr. David Lee Sports Cardiology Specific to COVID-19 Tuesday, December 28 Dr. Bryan Lee Sports Hernias, Lacerations, Ribs Tuesday, January 5 Dr. Andrew Schleihauf Fractures & Dislocations - hand, elbow, fingers

New on Staff Lauri Adler

Nadia Nubani Bowling

Dennis Phillips

Greensburg

724-547-1188

724-261-5610

724-832-4003

Dan Bodnar

Monica Malinowski

Lauren Sciullo

Ligonier

North Huntingdon

Latrobe

724-537-0733

724-765-1271

724-537-1406

Anesthesia

Family Medicine

Neurology

Family Medicine

Anesthesia

Family Medicine

Ray Rides Again: Local Shop 'n Save Owner's Journey Back to Biking

Ray Charley, one of the owners of Charley Family Shop ‘n Save grocery stores in Greensburg and Murrysville, local biking enthusiast, and chair of the Westmoreland/Frick Foundation embarked on a 12-day, 440-mile cycling journey over rugged, difficult terrain across the Hayduke Trail MTB in Utah. According to Lizard Head Cycling Guides, the trail is considered “one of American West’s ultimate point-to-point mountain biking tours.” During a practice training ride in January 2020, Ray dodged a distracted driver, resulting in a fall, shattering his pelvis. He was grateful the accident did not result in a fatality. “It was a blessing,” he said. Unable to walk due to the accident, he was determined to make a comeback. His primary goal was not only to be able to walk again but pick up where he left off in his training. Ray credits his successful surgery and recovery to the physicians and clinicians at the Excela Health Orthopedics Institute. Following surgery, Ray underwent many months of physical therapy at Excela Square at Latrobe as well as a private therapist. It is with gratitude that he is seeking his community to join him in support of the world class orthopedics care here in Westmoreland County.Ray began his journey in early October and successfully completed 220 miles of the trail. Please see below to learn more about Ray’s journey. To my friends and colleagues, As you know, I recently set forth to ride the Hayduke trail in Utah, a 440 mile, challenging mountain bicycle ride. I want to give you an update on my experience and voyage in discovery on 220 of those miles. Letter continued here.

To donate to the Ray Rides Again campaign benefiting the Excela Health Orthopedics Institute, click here. As of October 18, 2021 the Ray Rides Again campaign has raised $19,760. Ray thanks all his supporters!

Provider Personalities Which Excela Health physician is a part of a search and rescue team with her canine companions?

Do you know which physician was recently inducted into their High School Hall of Fame?

Dr. Michele Belak, Emergency Medicine

Dr. David Richards, Internal Medicine

Dr. Belak has two dogs, Gabe is a cattle dog mix, adopted from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and Hope is a German Shepherd, adopted from Animal Friends of Westmoreland. They are members of Lower Kiski Search and Rescue. Dr. Belak and her dogs joined the team in 2018.

Dr. Richards was recently inducted into the Penn-Trafford High School Hall of Fame!

Who is the Excela Health Physician that aside from earning a medical degree also earned a third degree black belt?

Many physicians attend medical school all around the globe, but do you know which Excela Health physician attended in Poland?

Dr. BenFauzi El-Attrache, Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery Dr. El-Attrache is a Tae Kwon Do Third Degree Black Belt (Sam-Dan)!

Dr. Monica Malinowski, Family Medicine Dr. Monica Malinowski received her medical degree from Poznan University of Medical Sciences Center. She is also fluent in Polish.

Engagement Recent/Upcoming Birthdays July

August

Daniel L. Haffner, MD Bharat Jain, MD Theodore A. Lazzaro, MD Ralph A. Miranda, MD James J. Nolfi, DO, FACOOG Robert E. Sanders, MD Rhonda Gretz-Ward, DPM Suzana Stepanek, MD Jennifer Ann Steffensen, CRNP Owais Rahim, MD Carol A. Curry, CRNA Yeshvant Ashok Navalgund, MD Lisa Ann Urie Groft, CRNA Kuk Lee, MD Igor M. Poltinnikov, MD Courtney Willner, DO Elizabeth Ann Eisler, PAC Shyam Vijay Gohel, MD Alan David Christianson, MD Jerome William Gera, MD Aldo John Prosperi, MD Jonathan M. Wilson, MD Christopher Mark Hunzeker, MD Maryann Coates Dowling, CRNP Sandeep Arora, MD, FHRS, CCDS David Charles Mowery, MD, FAAP Mandee Lynn Mikeska, CRNP Kristen M. Schnauber, CRNA Dennis M. Hutt, DPM Sunitha Vavilathota, MD Ashley M. Sawyers, PAC Melissa Cunningham, CRNA Micah R. Wallace, PAC Sehar S. Gafoor, MD Molly Morgan Knoll, PAC Matthew S. Staum, MD Jeffrey Stebbins, PAC Nishant Tageja, MD Parthasarathy D. Thirumala, MD Christin L. Sylvester, DO Alisha J. Nowakowski, CRNP Dana A. DeFelice, PAC Kunakorn Atchaneeyasakul, MD Jessica A. Witte, MD Kali Alvarado, DO Euhan John Lee, MD Brooke A. Williams, CRNP Christine E. Bishop, MD Okkes Kuybu, MD Colleen B. Bertoni, MD

Alicia Baum, MD Oscar Reyna, MD George L. Austin, MD Jack D. Smith, MD Daniel Walter, MD C. Rao Punukollu, MD Juan A. Lora, MD Stephen Charles Mills, MD Stephan Kowalyk, MD Lawrence A. DeNino, MD, FACC Ruodan Zhang, MD Carol H. Gilmour, MD, MPH Jeffrey R. Balzer, PhD Sarvotham Shetty, MD Norman P. Gebrosky, MD Lisa Jo Berdar, CRNA Linda Pfeifer, CRNP Yvonne M. Rafter, CRNA Richard Kozakiewicz, MD Mark W. Hennicke, PAC Mouhanad Al-Fakih, MD Ralph William Passarelli, MD Lisa Marie Barr, MD Amy Acie, CRNA Brian Stairs, DO Dante M. Ross, PAC Jody E. Dlugos, PAC Stacy A. Trybus, CRNP Charis A. Venditti, MD Ayman Aboud, MD Danielle Marie Cooley, CRNA Eric Wayne Farabaugh, PAC Lindsey A. Groves, PsyD Angela Rae Rumbaugh, PAC Shoaib Ali, MD Keri L. George, CRNP Cynthia L. Kenmuir, MD,PhD Jason J. Thomas, PAC Justin Wentworth, DO Deborah Pofi Sokolowski, DO Maria Kimmel Marquette, PAC Katherine Jane Czekanski, PAC Onome Oghifobibi, MD Danielle Rene Gray, CRNA Jerod C. Smith, CRNP Eric R. Strayer, DMD Lauren E. Cowan, CRNP Nathaniel E. Kriger, DO Ryan P. Floyd, MD Julia L. Rife, PAC

Siddharth B. Reddy, MD BenFauzi M. El-Attrache, DO Khoi Vo, DPM Taranjit S. Gill, MD Kathryne Hannan Kendrick, PAC Jordan A. Culler, CRNP Kyle Covert, MD Allison M. LaDuke, PAC

September V. Hema Kumar, MD Lee Bankin Beerman, MD Regis W. McHugh, MD Robert G. Tymoczko, MD Francis X. Pessolano, MD Daniel Bradley DiCola, MD Edward J. Halusic, DMD David Andrew Wyszomierski, MD Donna P. Ross, CRNA Michael Buckley, DMD Saghir Ahmad, MD Patricia M. Eisner, CRNA Francis Michael McCaffrey, MD Richard F. Kucera, MD Carlos J. Marrero, MD William T. Newman, MD Deborah M. Ferriero, CRNA Laurie Marie Christner, CRNP Matthew W. Levin, MD Elias Memari, MD Maged A. Shenouda, MD Gauri J. Kiefer, MD Bruce A. Bradley, DO Todd A. Hrtyanski, CRNA Sally Ann Cline, CRNP Brenda L. Walther, MD Gregory Samuel Markantone, DPM Charlene M. McFeeley, CRNP Raji Balu, MD Danielle J. Smith, CRNP Robert Paul Zimmerman, MD Paramvir Bains, DO Ajoy Kapoor, MD Anthony Gennaro Daniele, MD Krista Helleson Perez, PAC Matthew R. Panahandeh, MD Brenda Sue Bellissimo, PAC Michael R. Podolinski, CRNP David Anthony Geiger, CRNP Rebecca A. Quel, MD

Engagement Recent/Upcoming Birthdays Cont. Theodore Brian Bakowicz, PAC David Regalla, PAC Rebecca Ann Sullivan, CRNA Thomas J. Seery, MD Bryan M. Lee, MD Subarna H. Eisaman, MD Neil Yoder, DO Sandra Narayanan, MD Riyaj A. Kasekar, MD Vinod S. Kudagi, MD Jennifer Leigh McDanel, PAC Nevin C. Baker, DO, FACC, FSCAI Razel Siron Gonzales, MD Nicholas R. Gross, DO John Ibrahim, MD Kristina M. Keefe, PAC Megan Klamerus, DO Daniel F. Leigey, MD Elizabeth T. Cutrell, DO Sarah B. Wittman, MD Sara E. Weimann, CRNP Alexander D. Katich, DO Rebecca Lynn Bartolomucci, PAC Megan E. Weaver, PAC Matthew J. Govora, DO Nicholas Furlani, MD Nadia Nubani Bowling, MD Allen M. Rakers, PAC Michalene M. Graham, PAC Rebecca Pollard, MD Leanne Wiltrout, CRNP

In Sympathy

Ed Gumm, MD Member of the Medical Staff Suzanne Wigle Stepmother of Dr. Wigle Mary McHugh Mother of Dr. McHugh

House Calls Photography Capturing the Essence of Excela Health

Share Your Story

Have something that you would like to share for future editions? Email information to insight@excelahealth.org