Summer 2015 Avoiding AAA Surgery with Customized Treatment Teen Loses 165 Lbs. Thanks to New Impact The Eyes Have It: Advanced Care at GHS A Publication of Greenville Health System
Double Teaming Cancer Improves Teacher’s Future
CHOOSE A TOP DOCTOR BACKED BY EVEN MORE. CHOOSE A GHS DOCTOR.
When you choose a Greenville Health System primary care physician, you get more than just a great family physician, OB/GYN, internist or pediatrician. You get a great doctor and a medical home backed by hundreds of leading specialists, all networked together. And with primary care physicians located at multiple sites across the Upstate, there’s one near you. Find yours today at ghs.org/mydoctor.
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CONTENTS
Fertility Treatment at GHS Is High-tech, High-touch 2 GHS wants to make the process, as well as the end result, a positive experience.
New Technology Leaves Patient AAA-OK 6
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This retired Navy captain has smooth sailing with a customized, less invasive procedure.
New Impact Changes Life 10 After losing more than half of her body weight, Chandler Cunningham is healthier and happier.
Taking Cancer Treatment to Heart 14 GHS is taking an innovative approach to help patients thrive after cancer—and the treatment for it.
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Departments Message from the President and CEO 1 Spotlight 2 What’s Right in Health Care 3 Clinical Trials 16 Q & A 17
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Practice Profile 18 Physician Directory 19
We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Call (864) 797-7541 or email nparker@ghs.org.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Class Is Full Hot summer days and vacation travel may be top of mind, but thoughts will soon begin to shift to the beginning of a new school year. At Greenville Health System (GHS), “back to school” started in July when we welcomed students to the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine Greenville, including the Class of 2019. This special group—102 students selected from 3,074 applicants—is the first full class of students to matriculate at USC School of Medicine Greenville. These gifted young men and women will find an integrated blend of interactive experiences from classroom to bedside to enhance their knowledge as well as their skills in communication, critical thinking and patient care. “Indeed, the vision of this medical school is to create a different type of physician capable of leading and participating in the transformation of America’s healthcare delivery system,” said Jerry Youkey, MD, founding dean, USC School of Medicine Greenville. “Students receive clinical training across their four years of medical school, breaking from traditional block curriculums that have two years of lecture followed by two years of clinical training. In this and other ways, the school is employing innovative strategies to prepare doctors who will connect with communities, patients, colleagues and technology in new, more progressive ways to practice a Total Health approach to medical care.” This full complement of students for USC School of Medicine Greenville is an exciting milestone as we train doctors to meet the looming physician shortage in South Carolina and elsewhere—and 1 Inside Health
as we seek to fulfill our mission to heal compassionately, teach innovatively and improve constantly. For patients with cancer such as Diane Alton (featured on our cover), we’re “improving constantly” through the creation of a cardio-oncology program that aims to safeguard against potential damage to the heart from cancerfighting drugs. In this issue, you’ll also meet Wayne Hickam, a self-proclaimed “poster boy” for GHS’ Vascular Health Alliance. After a successful abdominal aneurysm repair thanks to an advanced procedure, Capt. Hickam again is enjoying an active lifestyle. Our most transformative story in this issue belongs to Chandler Cunningham. This inspirational teen, with the encouragement and guidance of our New Impact program, has lost 165 pounds— and discovered her real self in the process. New Impact, a comprehensive weight program for children and teens, offers effective ways to manage weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Diane Alton, Wayne Hickam, Chandler Cunningham—these and many others are the real people whose lives have been changed for the better, thanks to the caring and skill of many dedicated people at GHS. For them—and for you and your family—we are training the next generation of physicians to continue our mission to heal compassionately.
Michael C. Riordan President and CEO
SPOTLIGHT
Fertility Treatment at GHS Is High-tech, High-touch With its pleasant music and muted colors, the Fertility Center of the Carolinas’ new procedure suite at Greenville Health System (GHS) evokes a sense of serenity. If it seems more upscale spa than high-tech procedure suite, then Paul Miller, MD, its director, says he and his team of fertility specialists have accomplished their goal. “Along with offering leading-edge science, we wanted to create a welcoming environment for patients and their partners,” said Dr. Miller, also a certified mind/body medicine instructor. Everything about the nearly $1 million, 3,000-square-foot facility was created with a patient’s physical and emotional well-being in mind. The center even offers a mind/body program to address the link between well-being and fertility. Before the suite’s opening in March 2014, fertility procedures were performed in the main operating room areas where patients had to arrive up to an hour early. Patients were processed and wheeled down the hallway as if they were having outpatient surgery. Treatments, such as egg retrieval, now are conducted in a way that resembles an office visit with some procedures being completed in 30 minutes or less. And a woman’s partner now may remain with her during most of the process, save for the egg retrieval itself. Patients also appreciate having procedures performed in a location devoted exclusively to women wishing to conceive. The high-tech gem of the new center is the spacious Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) “clean room” laboratory. Clean room technology eliminates air toxins and other pollutants that could interfere with successful outcomes. While the previous clean room—first used at GHS in 1993—had to fit a given space, the new location was built completely to specifications.
Though the center previously enjoyed an exceptional success rate, the new lab and amenities have boosted the rate even higher above the national average.
“Everything was optimized to improve results,” noted Dr. Miller. A major component of the center’s notable success rates is its ability to test embryos for abnormalities through pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS). PGS is offered for women over 35, those who have experienced repeated miscarriages, couples who have had recurrent IVF (in vitro fertilization) failure and men with severe male factor infertility. Ongoing research in the area of testing also is part of the mission. Though the center previously enjoyed an exceptional success rate, the new lab and amenities have boosted the rate even higher above the national average. “We are proud to say,” noted Dr. Miller, “that our clinical pregnancy rate has improved by close to 40 percent since our lab opened.” That accomplishment translates into the birth of healthy babies for many hopeful couples and fuels the fertility team’s determination to help achieve more happy beginnings. For more information on Fertility Center of the Carolinas and to hear from its patients, visit ghs.org/womens or its Facebook page.
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W H AT ’ S R I G H T I N H E A LT H C A R E
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on at GHS as we live our mission to heal compassionately, teach innovatively and improve constantly.
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Patients treated for stroke at Greenville Memorial Hospital (GMH) in 2014. (An additional 60+ patients across the Upstate were seen through telemedicine.) GMH recently received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines program. In addition, Greer Memorial Hospital earned the Gold Plus Achievement Award from the same program for outstanding stroke care.
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Consecutive years that Greenville Memorial Hospital has been named a Consumer Choice Award winner by National Research Corporation for providing highquality care. GMH is the only hospital in South Carolina to have won this prestigious award every year it has been given. Look for our name in Modern Healthcare magazine.
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Times that Greenville Memorial Hospital has received coveted Chest Pain Center accreditation by the Society for Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). It is the only hospital in Greenville County to earn this three-year accreditation.
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Number of GHS’ MD360® urgent care centers in the Upstate—in Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville and Powdersville (in collaboration with Baptist Easley). In an online vote sponsored by the Greenville News, MD360 was voted Best of the Upstate Urgent Care for 2015. For locations and hours, visit ghs.org/md360. The GHS Life Center® Health & Conditioning Club also won Best of the Upstate for Best Exercise Studio and Best Wellness Center. For info on Life Center offerings, visit ghs.org/lifecenter.
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Employees at Greer Memorial Hospital who contributed to its being named one of Truven Health Analytics’ Top 100 hospitals in 2015 for delivering high standards of care. It also received the 2015 Top Hospitals Everest Award, given to the top 100 hospitals with the most improvement over a fiveyear period. And in a review of over 2,500 hospitals this year, Consumer Reports ranked Greer Memorial Hospital in the top 10 for patient safety and respect.
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The National Committee for Quality Assurance recently announced that 31 GHS primary care practices have received Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition. In addition, all six Baptist Easley Hospital’s primary
Likes on GHS Facebook page. From information to help you have a safer summer to why cancer treatment is about more than a machine, GHS Facebook page and other social media sites are a quick and convenient way to stay current on what’s new in health care, ask questions and tell us what topics you want to know more about.
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Number representing the select group GHS was named to as a top learning organization by Elearning! Media Group. In its fourth year, the Elearning! award honors the top 100 groups that embrace collaboration and innovation and are high performers. For these 100 organizations, learning is a core success factor that drives business performance.
care practices received PCMH Recognition (GHS is 50% owner of this hospital). PCMH Recognition focuses on improving experiences for patients, providers and staff. This model of care emphasizes care coordination and communication with the goal of making primary care what patients want
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Our first priority: taking care of patients and their families.
it to be. To learn more, visit ghs.org/pcmh.
Inside Health 4
After a successful abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, Wayne Hickam is free to return to outdoor pursuits, community theater, ballroom dancing and all the activities he loves.
Caption, caption caption Caption, caption caption
New Technology Leaves Patient AAA-OK Less invasive endovascular approach shortens hospital stay and recovery time. By Leigh DeLozier
Photo used courtesy of Kelly Godwin.
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want to be the poster boy for GHS’ Vascular Health Alliance,” said Capt. Aubrey Wayne Hickam, Navy (Ret). “Their help and patience have kept me here doing the things I want to do.”
Those who know the 76-year-old Hickam realize he’s not joking. He has a longstanding relationship with the vascular surgeons of Greenville Health System (GHS) and can’t say enough positive things about them and the care they offer. Hickam’s story began in April 2004, when a CT scan at Johns Hopkins Hospital pinpointed a small aneurysm of his abdominal aorta. He returned for a CT or sonogram each year so that doctors could monitor him.
When Hickam moved to Seneca, South Carolina, in 2008, one of the first things his new primary care physician did was refer him to GHS’ Vascular Health Alliance. “They got copies of my medical records from Johns Hopkins and started their own set of records,” Hickam recalled. “I kept having CT scans or sonograms every year, so they slowly built a picture of what was happening.” “The main problem with an aortic aneurysm is that the aortic wall weakens and the artery expands,” explained John Eidt, MD, an endovascular surgeon with Vascular Health Alliance (VHA). “If left untreated, it eventually bursts. Our goal is to avoid rupture by detecting the aneurysm early and repairing it.”
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3D Creates Model to a T Once Hickam’s aneurysm began to grow, he went for checkups every six months. Near the start of 2012, doctors said Hickam was a candidate for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery, an open procedure to take care of the problem. But reviewing the options—do nothing, have open surgery or have endovascular surgery through a vein in the groin—the endovascular approach interested Hickam. It would mean a much less invasive type of surgery with fewer potential complications and a two- or three-day recovery (instead of weeks). Hickam was introduced to Dr. Eidt, who performs fenestrated stent procedures to correct AAA. Surgeons often treat aneurysms by placing stent-grafts (fabric-covered tubes) inside the affected vessel to protect it from blood flow that might eventually cause the aneurysm to burst. Most aneurysms occur in a straight segment of the abdominal aorta that has no significant side-branches. These aneurysms are relatively simple to repair using conventional endografts that have been commercially available for more than 15 years.
But approximately 15 percent of aneurysms are adjacent to the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys and bowels. Blood flow to these critical side-branches must be preserved. One technique in these cases involves the creation of a window (“fenestration”) in the fabric of the endograft to allow blood to enter the side-branch artery. Fenestrated grafts are custom-made and personalized to fit the size of each patient’s aorta, so the blood can flow properly to the kidneys and bowel. The stents have reinforced openings (fenestrations) that allow the surgeon to attach arteries that lead to other organs. “There are two surgical approaches to the repair of abdominal aneurysm,” Dr. Eidt noted. “With conventional surgery, the abdomen is opened and the diseased aortic segment is completely replaced with a synthetic graft. With the endovascular approach, you work inside the vessel with a catheter rather than through open surgery. The fabric sleeves of the fenestrated graft reinforce the vessel wall, so it can’t further expand and rupture.” He continued, “Most of the preparation before surgery goes into making the graft. We use 3D computer modeling software with very precise imaging to custom-design the endograft itself. Then we can use a 3D printer to see how the endograft might fit in reality. It helps us be confident that the measurements we have will translate into real-world use.”
“Dr. Eidt had a 3D baked clay model of my aneurysm on his desk,” Hickam remarked. “It showed the stents, the aneurysm and where the fenestrations needed to go. They sewed special sleeves to the stent so it could reach the arteries.” He added, “A team worked up everything exactly so that they could rehearse the procedure. You can imagine the kind of confidence that gives a patient.”
John Eidt, MD, holds a model of a fenestrated graft, customized to allow blood to enter sidebranch arteries. 7 Inside Health
AAA-OK “With the surgery date approaching, I intensified my physical fitness routine and watched my diet,” said Hickam. “In those four months, I lost 18 pounds and strengthened my abs to be ready for the procedure. I thought it was important to do my part.”
Hickam’s endovascular surgery took place February 26, 2014, and he was released from the hospital five days later. Patients who have the traditional open approach to surgery usually stay in the hospital for about 10 days and have a six-month recovery period. “I’m on no special medication and never had any activity restrictions except for no water skiing until after the Fourth of July,” Hickam said. “I can feel the scar tissue, but haven’t had any problems. I play golf and tennis, ride bikes, go dancing— everything is the same as before.” GHS is the only health system in the Upstate to offer fenestrated stent graft procedures. Dr. Eidt has performed
the procedure on a number of other patients at GHS since Hickam’s surgery. “Our philosophy is that we want patients to understand what their condition is in the best way they can, so they can make an educated decision about what’s best for them,” Dr. Eidt noted. “We’re like cobblers making one pair of shoes at a time—we want the treatment to fit the patient the best it can.” Dr. Eidt’s colleagues on the fenestrated graft team are Mark Androes, MD; Bruce Gray, DO; and Tod Hanover, MD. To learn more about these surgeons and about one of the Southeast’s leading facilities for vascular health care, visit ghs.org/vha.
“I want to be the poster boy for GHS’ Vascular Health Alliance. Their help and patience have kept me here doing the things I want to do.” — Wayne Hickam
Healthy Bottom Line GHS Business Health program helps companies cut costs by improving health. By Leigh Savage
New Impact Changes Life An Anderson teen has dropped 165 pounds with the help of New Impact, a weight-management program at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS). By Lark Reynolds
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t 16 years old and more than 300 pounds, Anderson native Chandler Cunningham had difficulty defining herself beyond her obesity.
“It was hard for me to know who I really was,” Cunningham said. “All anyone ever focused on was the weight.” It was around that time that she began meeting with the treatment team of New Impact, a comprehensive weightmanagement program at GHS Children’s Hospital for those between ages 6 and 21. The yearlong program includes eight weeks of active treatment with an emphasis on nutrition and physical activity, followed by a maintenance phase. New Impact combines the disciplines of medicine, psychology, nutrition and exercise to help participants achieve and maintain weight loss. Focus on Health Promotes Weight Loss At the start of the program, participants meet with the physician and the psychologist to identify medical and psychological co-morbidities. Cara Reeves, PhD, the clinical psychologist who works with New Impact, remembered Cunningham’s initial meeting, in which she expressed she often felt hopeless about her weight loss. The teen remembered her feelings about starting New Impact, too. “It was really very nerve-wracking but exciting at the same time,” she stated. “It was something completely new, and I was scared of failing.” During Cunningham’s active treatment phase, in addition to her exercise and nutrition regimen, she met regularly with Dr. Reeves.
“Chandler is a very kind person who often avoided conflict to prevent hurt feelings,” Dr. Reeves explained. “A lot of our work together focused on appropriately asserting herself with others and the development of healthy coping skills for stress as opposed to turning Chandler Cunningham before beginning to meet with the treatment team at New Impact (above) and two years after losing nearly 155 pounds (left).
to food for comfort.” Inside Health 10
Cunningham said her discussions with the dietitian on the team proved extremely helpful, as well. “I am a very structured person,” she said. “After consulting with my dietitian, we came up with a plan to count my calories that worked perfectly for me. After counting my calories for a little while, I realized how much more I could eat if I ate fresh and healthy items versus processed food. As I ate better, I felt better and saw weight starting to come off. This encouraged me to exercise, and I began to shed more pounds. Now good nutrition and exercise are a part of my daily life.” A year later, Cunningham had successfully completed the program and lost almost 100 pounds. But, she said, the emphasis was never on losing that much weight but on being healthy in general. Dr. Reeves agreed and said Cunningham’s approach to the program matched that emphasis.
“She was very healthy in her approach, never too radical,” Dr. Reeves pointed out. “There were times she just was so busy and couldn’t exercise, and she was able to adjust to that and not put pressure on herself.” In the year following her completion of the program, the teenager chose to continue meeting with Dr. Reeves, and she has continued to lose weight—now 165 pounds. Cunningham shared that when she reached 100 pounds lost, her mother had a necklace made with the number 100 on it. “That was a really big milestone,” she recalled. “My mom got the necklace made for me and surprised me with it. I wear it every day, and it really means a lot. It always reminds me that I’ve come that far.”
“The Person You Want to Be” As Cunningham has dropped weight, she has gained confidence and a greater sense of self. She has become a runner and has taken part in several 5K races.
“I really enjoy running now, which I never thought I would,” she admitted. Another hobby she has explored—one that might seem at odds with weight loss—is baking and decorating cakes. Having the right frame of mind about this pastime has helped her avoid self-sabotage. “I mostly enjoy the decorating part,” remarked Cunningham. “I actually am at the point where I don’t eat cake or anything 11 Inside Health
similar, and it’s not so much a temptation for me anymore. I just have to keep it in perspective: If you eat this, it’s going a step back, instead of a step forward.” Cunningham’s weight loss has affected other areas of her health, too. She had been taking a medicine to help prevent diabetes that often caused an upset stomach. Once she lost 100 pounds, though, her pediatric endocrinologist, Bryce Nelson, MD, PhD, of GHS Children’s Hospital, told her there was no need for her to continue taking it. “This not only has impacted her psychological well-being, but we also are seeing a change in associated potential medical issues,” Dr. Reeves noted. Cunningham graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in the spring of 2014 and now attends Winthrop University, where she plans to major in healthcare management and minor in nutrition. As part of her application, she penned an essay on her personal journey of overcoming obesity. “It probably was something I wouldn’t have been able to do a year or two ago, to share that experience with the College Board and know that they look at it as an accomplishment,” Cunningham acknowledged. “It was just cool to be able to write about my transformation.”
Cunningham is just one of nearly 1,200 patients who have sought help with weight management through New Impact since the program began in 2010. Kerry Sease, MD, MPH, program director for New Impact, said although the program will work with any child between the ages of 6 and 21, the majority of the patients fall between the ages of 10 and 14. And although in Cunningham’s case the amount of weight lost by itself is an impressive statistic, Dr. Sease said a patient’s true success is a much more subjective measure. “It’s definitely more than just weight lost or BMI [Body Mass Index],” Dr. Sease said. “There are some quality of life indicators that Dr. Reeves looks at, and we also look for an overall decrease in sedentary activity and an increase in physical activity, along with changes in nutrition habits.” “I know how far I’ve come,” Cunningham observed. “I tell people my weight-loss story and about its importance to my character and me. I love telling my story because I receive looks of shock and awe. No one ever expects me to tell him or her that I lost 165 pounds.” For more information about New Impact, call (864) 675-3488 or visit ghschildrens.org/GoNewImpact.
In her essay, Cunningham wrote that these days, with her situation so different from what it was a mere two years ago, she often has to remind herself about all that she has been through.
“It is always important to remember where you have come from, because this will help you excel in your future and become every bit of the person you want to be.” — Chandler Cunningham
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Diane Alton, schoolteacher and patient with cancer, gives GHS’ new cardio-oncology program an A+.
Taking Cancer Treatment to Heart Through a new collaboration, GHS specialists are tracking the effects of chemotherapy on the heart. By Leigh Savage
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n abnormal echocardiogram showed that the chemotherapy drugs helping Diane Alton battle stage 4 breast cancer also might be damaging her heart.
Then, after further testing, doctors found that her heart function was in the normal range, so she has remained on the drug combination that she and her team think is most effective against her cancer. “I know this is something new, putting oncology and cardiology together,” said Alton, an elementary schoolteacher. She now alternates between echocardiograms and MRI scans to ensure her drug combination is not harming her heart. When a patient is undergoing treatment for cancer, defeating the disease is the primary objective. But doctors now recognize that observing and treating the effects of that treatment can be just as important. To address this concern, Greenville Health System (GHS) is launching a cardio-oncology program that brings cardiologists and oncologists together to ensure that the patient’s overall health is at the forefront of treatment. “Some chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects on the heart, and those side effects need to be monitored while patients are receiving those drugs,” said Mark O’Rourke, MD, medical director at the GHS Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship and Alton’s oncologist. “After people have completed chemotherapy, sometimes issues related to heart function develop.” The field of cardio-oncology came about as cancer specialists began to see how new cancer drugs might be more effective at treating cancer but may have detrimental effects on the heart, including weakening of the heart or congestive heart failure. New GHS Team Answers Need Dr. O’Rourke has teamed with Jeffrey Dendy, MD, a cardiologist with GHS Carolina Cardiology Consultants, to best serve patients with cancer who may have heart issues related to treatment. “What makes it special is the fact that we have a defined team of cardiologists who have a special interest in and knowledge of cancer treatment effects on the heart, and we are building a body of knowledge between the two groups,” Dr. O’Rourke explained.
Jeffrey Dendy, MD (left), and Mark O’Rourke, MD, are joining forces to help patients with cancer.
“This is a new field, and this is the first time it’s been addressed in the Upstate,” Dr. Dendy added.
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Alton was diagnosed in February 2011 and has undergone different treatments but said her recent combination of Herceptin and Perjeta has led to two clean scans. “My results have me believing that these two drugs are working for me,” she said. She is glad to be one of the earliest beneficiaries of the cardio-oncology program. “A lot of people don’t know about it,” she noted. “I talk to friends who say their doctor has not addressed this, so they are very interested to hear about it.” New imaging methods allow doctors to detect the effects on the heart earlier. “We’re identifying high-risk medications and performing echocardiograms to make sure patients are staying out of trouble,” Dr. Dendy said. “We want them to stay on the drugs as long as possible to beat the cancer, but we also can give them medications that help the heart pump more efficiently.” The formalized program began developing 18 months ago after representatives from the Vanderbilt University cardio-oncology program spoke at GHS on their success in integrating the two fields. The GHS team has outlined protocols and the structure of the program, and started working with the first group of patients. About 50 patients have had heart imaging, with a database of about 560 patients targeted for the first round. The team has created a database that includes all GHS patients with cancer who are on medications deemed high risk for heart issues. All patients on these medications are automatically enrolled and will have images taken every three months. An echo suite has been created just for this purpose so that cardio-oncology patients can go to the same place for every appointment and can get to know their physicians and support staff. According to Dr. Dendy, patients with breast cancer often need cardio-oncology services because of the type of chemotherapy used to eradicate the cancer. For some new breast cancer drugs, up to 10 percent of patients have some form of heart failure. And the earlier heart issues are caught, the sooner they can be addressed.
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Helping the Whole Patient GHS’ Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship opened in 2012 with the purpose of adding complementary therapies to traditional cancer care and treating the whole patient—mind, body and spirit. “We give people a summary of their care, recommendations for checkups, healthy habits to follow and warnings of possible side effects of their therapy,” Dr. O’Rourke reported. “This is a new field that is growing rapidly nationwide.” Teaming up with cardiologists is another means of ensuring that cancer treatments take a “whole patient” approach. “Cancer is not a simple disease,” Dr. O’Rourke continued. “Survivorship care is about healing each person and helping improve his or her quality of life.” Oncology Rehabilitation holds a 12-week exercise program and yoga class at the GHS Life Center® Health & Conditioning Club that is customized for patients with cancer. Dr. Dendy hopes the cardio-oncology program will grow to include follow-up care for participants. “This is our first step,” Dendy said. “We also see some sort of new rehabilitation center for cancer patients with heart trouble. We think teaming up will help patients with cancer in a big way.” If you or a loved one is undergoing treatment for cancer and would like more information about this program, please visit ghs.org/cardio-oncology.
CLINICAL TRIALS
Participants Needed
Hundreds of clinical trials are conducted throughout Greenville Health System on a variety of drug therapies, surgical devices and other treatments in all areas of medicine. Cancer Survivors for Registry GHS Cancer Institute’s Cancer Survivor Registry is a database of cancer survivors that includes demographics, contact information, and tumor and treatment information. Survivors can receive information about cancer issues, as well as surveys and studies on subjects such as quality of life and survivorship challenges. Survivors may enroll by completing a consent form and a registration form. Contact Annie, (864) 455-3459 or aanderson6@ghs.org.
Survivors of Cancer This clinical trial concerns heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and cancer survivors who have completed radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy who are experiencing pain, distress, fatigue, depression or insomnia. Participants come in for 4-6 weekly training sessions in HRV feedback, during which they are coached to breathe at a slow rate that improves the balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, reduces stress and may relieve symptoms. Call the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship at (864) 455-1346.
Survivors of Colon Cancer This study is looking for people who recently have been treated for colon cancer to investigate if taking two daily medications by mouth can lower
the risk of developing new adenomas (precancerous polyps) or a second primary cancer in the colon. You may be eligible to take part if you have had stage 0, I, II or III colon cancer that was removed with surgery in the past nine to 15 months, have completed any necessary chemotherapy and are now cancer free. This is a three-year study, and the study drugs are provided at no cost. Call Jennifer at (864) 455-2860.
Breast Cancer Survivors and Healthy Adults
free of charge. Benefits of participation include finding out your family members’ risk level for developing diabetes, possibly receiving an early diagnosis of diabetes that would allow for early treatment and contributing to the fight against type 1 diabetes. Adult patients or their relatives may call Shirley at (864) 455-3261. Relatives of pediatric patients may call Lisa at (864) 454-5168.
Children with Type 2 Diabetes
This study will investigate effects of breast cancer and treatment on skeletal muscle health through a non-invasive technique. The purpose is to compare skeletal muscle health in breast cancer survivors to healthy individuals. A $15 gas card will be provided to participants. Call Samantha, (864) 404-6682.
If you are 10 to 17 years of age and have type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for this study, the purpose of which is to evaluate the effectiveness of the oral suspension medication Welchol for decreasing HbA1c levels. In addition to receiving the study drug, participants are counseled on ways to improve eating and exercise habits. Call Lisa at (864) 454-5168.
Relatives of People with Type 1 Diabetes
Children and Teens with Type 2 Diabetes
This study is searching for ways to prevent and quickly medically intervene in those newly diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers are seeking to test family members of people with type 1 diabetes to determine if they show signs of developing the disease. Parents, brothers, sisters and children of those who have type 1 diabetes (ages 1-45), and cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandchildren (ages 1-20) can be tested for their risk of developing type 1 diabetes
This trial evaluates the blood sugarlowering effect as well as the safety of the medication Liraglutide when given along with Metformin as a once daily injection to treat children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The study involves 17 visits to the clinic along with 9 interim phone calls and will last up to 67 weeks. Call Lisa at (864) 454-5168. To learn more about research at GHS, please visit ghs.org/research. Inside Health 16
Q & A
Grant Holds Promise for Patients with Cancer
The National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) awarded the Greenville Health System (GHS) Cancer Institute a multi-million dollar grant to conduct clinical trials and research studies. What is NCORP? NCORP is a national network of investigators, cancer care providers, academic institutions, and other organizations focused on improving patient outcomes and on reducing cancer disparities through multi-state clinical trials and research studies. In 2014, 34 programs in the U.S. were lauded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a leader in community-site care delivery and research: GHS’ Cancer Institute is one of these sites. It is the only community-based program originating in South Carolina to attain this distinction. Along with national inclusion as an NCI program, the Cancer Institute was awarded the largest grant in GHS history to conduct clinical trials and research studies that improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequities.
Why are research and clinical trials important? Clinical trials are structured research studies conducted to answer specific questions about new therapies, medications, devices, vaccines or ways of using existing treatment. Before these potential options can be offered to patients, they must be studied through research. If a new treatment or procedure appears safe and shows promise for improving patient outcomes, it is first tested on 17 Inside Health
a small group of patients. Eventually, these new treatments, medications and therapies may become incorporated into standard cancer care practices.
What is meant by “reducing cancer disparities”? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines “health disparities” as differences in health outcomes that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage. They often are driven by the social conditions in which individuals live, learn, work and play. Cancer affects people of all ages, races, backgrounds and socioeconomic classes; however, some populations are impacted more than others. According to the NCI … • Socioeconomic status is closely connected to the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, obesity, limited physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption • People from medically underserved populations are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage diseases that might have been treated more effectively or cured if diagnosed earlier • For all cancers combined, the death rate is 25 percent higher for blacks than for whites • Aggressive breast tumors—which are less responsive to standard cancer
treatments—are more common in younger African American and Hispanic women living in low-income areas GHS sponsors the annual Minority Health Summit, which focuses on educating and empowering those in the minority community to take charge of their health. This summit was cited by the NCI as a strong method for helping achieve the goal of reducing cancer disparities.
What kinds of cancer research and trials are happening at GHS? Clinical trials at GHS focus on improving cancer prevention, cancer control, screening for early cancers and posttreatment surveillance. Cancer care delivery research focuses on quality of life and understanding the factors that affect access to and quality of care. Through research, we hope to find new therapies and delivery approaches that improve access and outcomes for all patients. For more information about cancerrelated clinical trials, visit itor-ghs.org/ clinical-trials.php.
W. Larry Gluck, MD, medical director of the GHS Cancer Institute, recently received a national award from Cancer Support Community for leadership in creating significant solutions for improving the lives of people living with or touched by cancer.
PRACTICE PROFILE
The GHS Eye Institute Eyes are our windows to the world, and when they’re not working properly, we’re quick to notice. The physicians at the Eye Institute of Greenville Health System (GHS) are here to help patients in the Upstate see, feel and look better. The practice’s board-certified ophthalmologists offer more than 40 years of combined experience in managing difficult eye pathology and surgical cases, including cataract, eyelid and corneal operations. The GHS Eye Institute relies on a strong team approach, led by eye surgeons and complemented by ophthalmic assistants, technicians and administrative staff. The institute offers routine eye care, including eye exams and contact lens fittings, and medical management of eye diseases. Specialists at the GHS Eye Institute employ the latest technology for their patients. All exam rooms are equipped with the ability to view images immediately. The institute offers the only Lipiview and Lipiflow equipment in the Upstate, which is the latest FDAapproved device to help treat and manage chronic dry eye. In the operating room, surgeons work with new technology such as the femtosecond laser, used in cataract surgery. Alan Leahey, MD, GHS’ chief of Ophthalmology, joined GHS in 2014 after practicing for 22 years in Pennsylvania. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania and a cornea/external disease fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
“Our goal is to provide the best eye care possible for residents of the Upstate, and we have a dedicated group of ophthalmologists to help achieve that goal.” — Alan Leahey, MD Providers Catherine Baston, MD • General Ophthalmology Alan B. Leahey, MD • Cornea & External Disease John D. Siddons, DO • Oculoplastics Alison E. Smith, MD • Pediatric Ophthalmology Julius W. Welborn III, MD • General Ophthalmology C. Jane Eddins, OD • General Optometry and Contact Lenses
(l-r) Drs. Siddons, Baston, Welborn, Eddins and Leahey see eye to eye on providing excellent care to upstate patients.
GHS Eye Institute 104 Simpson St. • Greenville, SC 29605 (864) 522-3900 Hours Monday-Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
ghs.org/surgery/eye
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GHS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES Having a personal physician with whom you can establish a lifelong relationship is as important as getting your screenings. If you need assistance finding one, here is a list of GHS primary care practices or call GHS Physician Finder at 1-844-GHS-DOCS (447-3627). To find out more about these practices, go to ghs.org/mydoctor. For a complete list of primary and specialty physicians, go to ghs.org. CLEMSON Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 208 Frontage Rd., Ste. 1, 29631 654-6034 CLINTON Advanced Family Medicine* 210 S. Broad St., 29325 833-0973 Carolina Women’s Center 102 Medical Park Ct., 29325 938-0087 DUNCAN Palmetto Medical Associates* 500 Squires Pte., 29334 968-5123 Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 500 Squires Pte., 29334 582-8135 EASLEY Pediatric Associates–Easley* 800 N. A St., 29640 855-0001 GRAY COURT Laurens Family Medicine* 9100 Hwy. 14, 29645 876-4888 GREENVILLE Carolina Pediatrics of Greenville* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. A120, 29615 454-2670 Center for Family Medicine* 877 W. Faris Rd., Ste. A, 29605 455-7800 The Children’s Clinic* 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-1450 415 Duncan Chapel Rd., 29617 522-2600 Children’s Hospital After-hours Care (Urgent Care) 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-3681 Christie Pediatric Group* 9 Mills Ave., 29605 242-4840 3911 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1340 19 Inside Health
Cross Creek Internal Medicine* 50 Cross Park Ct., 29605 797-7035
Riverside Family Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3909 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1320
Cypress Internal Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3907 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1300
GREER The Children’s Clinic* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 150, 29650 797-9300
Cypress Internal Medicine–Patewood* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B460, 29615 454-2226 GHS Pediatrics & Internal Medicine* 1809 Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 120, 29609 522-5000 Greenville Family Medicine* 2-A Cleveland Ct., 29607 271-7761 Greenville Midwifery Care & Birth Center 35 Medical Ridge Dr., 29605 797-7350 Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 2 Memorial Medical Dr., 29605 295-4210 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. F, 29607 286-7500
Cypress Internal Medicine–Greer* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 200, 29650 797-9550 Family Medicine–Mountain View* 406 Memorial Dr. Ext., 29651 877-9066 Greer Family Medicine* 1107 W. Poinsett St., 29650 879-8886 Greer OB/GYN 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 100, 29650 797-9200 MD360® (Urgent Care) 1305 S. Suber Rd., 29650 989-4609
Greenville Pediatric Health Center*† 1350 Cleveland St., 29607 263-3012
Pediatric Associates–Greer* 318 Memorial Dr., 29650 879-3883
Gynecology Specialists 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 510, 29605 101 Halton Village Circle, 29607 455-1600 (for both)
LAURENS Laurens Family Medicine* 106 Parkview Dr., 29360 984-0571
Internal Medicine Associates of Greenville 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. A, 29607 242-4683
PIEDMONT/POWDERSVILLE Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wren* 1115 Wren School Rd., 29673 859-0740 (in collaboration with Baptist Easley)
MD360® (Urgent Care) 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. B, 29607 286-7550 Piedmont OB/GYN 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 330, 29605 455-1270 3917 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1360 Riverside Family Medicine–Eastside* 215 Halton Rd., 29607 454-2700
MD360® (Urgent Care) 11402 Anderson Rd., Ste. A, 29611 631-2799 (in collaboration with Baptist Easley) Pediatric Associates–Powdersville* 207 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-1110 Premier Women’s Care 209 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-4209
SENECA Between the Lakes Primary Care 106 Ram Cat Alley, 29678 888-4445 Blue Ridge Women’s Center 103 Carter Park Dr., 29678 482-2360 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 985-1799 Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 207 Main St., 29678 888-4222 Mountain Lakes Community Care (Urgent Care) 109 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 885-7425 Mountain Lakes Family Medicine 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 482-3148
Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 120, 29681 454-6500 Family & Internal Medicine–Simpsonville 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 300, 29681 522-1170 Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Simpsonville* 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 320, 29681 454-6440 Keystone Family Medicine* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. B, 29680 454-5000 MD360® (Urgent Care) 300 Scuffletown Rd., 29681 329-0029
Dr. Timothy Sanders Family Medicine 100 Omni Dr., Ste. A, 29672 885-7520
SPARTANBURG Children’s Hospital Spartanburg Night Clinic*† 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 804-6998
Seneca Medical Associates 11082 N. Radio Station Rd., 29672 882-2314
Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 1686 Skylyn Dr., Ste. 201, 29307 582-8135
Upstate Family Medicine 12016 N. Radio Station Rd., 29678 882-6141
Spartanburg Pediatric Health Center*† 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 707-2135
SIMPSONVILLE The Children’s Clinic* 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 100, 29681 454-6520
TRAVELERS REST Travelers Rest Family Medicine* 9 McElhaney Rd., 29690 834-3192
Christie Pediatric Group* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. A, 29680 454-5062 Cypress Internal Medicine–Simpsonville* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. D, 29680 454-6540
*The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Recognition Programs assess whether clinicians and practices support the delivery of high-quality care and are built on evidence-based, nationally recognized clinical standards of care. †Most insurances accepted, including S.C. Medicaid program and Medicaid Managed Care. The practices listed here are part of Partners In Health Inc. and affiliated with Greenville Health System.
Inside Health is published by Greenville Health System as a community service. This information is for educational purposes solely—it should not take the place of medical advice or diagnoses made by healthcare professionals. Greenville Health System is known for its comprehensive services and world-class physicians, in addition to being an academic health center and conducting leading-edge research. However, our compassion and strength come from our people—14,000 dedicated professionals, your neighbors, who work together to care for you and your family. Editor-in-chief Jerry R. Youkey, MD Executive VP, Medical and Academic Affairs, Greenville Health System Founding Dean, USC School of Medicine Greenville USC Associate Provost for Health Sciences Greenville Art Direction GHS Creative Services Contributing Photographer George Reynolds Contributing Writer Kathleen Stevens For more information, contact Nancy Parker, Editor, Marketing Communications Greenville Health System 701 Grove Road Greenville, SC 29605-5601 (864) 797-7541 nparker@ghs.org © 2015 Greenville Health System 15-21413971 7/15
701 Grove Road • Greenville, SC 29605-5601
GHS Vision Transform health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve. GHS Mission Heal compassionately. Teach Innovatively. Improve constantly. GHS Values Together we serve with integrity, respect, trust and openness.
A Change of Epic Proportions To constantly improve each patient’s experience, Greenville Health System (GHS) is moving to a new electronic medical record and billing system called Epic. Starting in July at most GHS physician offices, the new system is providing innovative health tools to both patients and care providers. (GHS hospitals will begin using Epic in 2016.) Epic will help improve care and service to patients by … Increasing efficiency in accessing information. Eventually, GHS will use just one health information system instead of many systems to gather patient health information. This uniformity will improve access to health information for patients and their doctors. Enhancing patient safety. The system allows for checks regarding drug interaction and allergic reaction. Enhancing participation through advanced patient portal. GHS is providing patients with a free online patient portal called MyChart. By using MyChart on your computer or mobile device, you can communicate with your care provider, view test results, ask for prescription refills and much more! GHS is pleased to improve care for patients through this advanced technology. To sign up for MyChart, ask your doctor’s office for more information or sign up at mychart.ghs.org.
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