Fall 2011

memorial

Medical Milestones

Fall 2011

hip hip hooray!

There’s help for hip pain.

Page 8

Innovations Page 4

High Risk Pregnancies Physician Spotlight Page 6 Page 12

To our community There are so many ways to measure milestones. During the past year, there have been some interesting, notable milestones. As healthcare and technology change and merge for improved patient access, so must Memorial.

Focusing on the growing healthcare needs of the community, we recruited seven new physician specialists in 2011 for internal medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedic trauma, rheumatology, and ear, nose and throat.

Larry Graham, CEO

Focusing on the growing healthcare needs of the community, we recruited seven new physician specialists in 2011 for internal medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedic trauma, rheumatology, and ear, nose and throat. With close to 300 physicians and specialists on staff at Memorial, finding a physician and getting an appointment has never been easier. To ensure that, we also launched our physician referral call center in January to help you find the specialist you need, when you need it. The 1-800-494-LCMH toll free number is available 24/7 to give a list of physicians, their specialties, and assist you in making an appointment. We’ve revamped our online physician directory, giving you more background credentials on our physicians so you can make an informed decision. Memorial also gives you mobile access to the online physician directory and health source database with our new mobile site for smart phones.

It’s all about convenient access for our patients. When we say, we are “everything your healthcare should be,” we mean it.

And as such, we realize that we must continue to reinvent, recruit and revamp our medical services, our facilities, and our technology to meet our community’s expectations. For almost 60 years, Memorial Hospital has been your community hospital and, needless to say, there have been and will continue to be many more milestones from the leader in southwest Louisiana healthcare.

Sincerely,

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

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memorial

Medical Milestones Innovations

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Two million dollar upgrade unveiled

Higher Standards

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For high risk pregnancies

Cover Story

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There’s help for hip pain

New Docs

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More specialists, easier access to care

Physician Spotlight

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Page 6

Gregory Rubino, MD: Foodie by night

Keeping Up The Pace

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MRI approved cardiac pacing system

Modern Cancer Care

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Close to home

Letters 19 4 Tower Oncology Team recognized

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On the Cover The Hip Center of Louisiana at Orthopaedic Specialists offers expert, innovative treatment options to patients who suffer from hip and groin pain – even those who may not have been candidates for treatment in the past.

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front cover photo by Lindsey Janies Photography

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Page 18

two million dollar

all photos by Lindsey Janies Photography

The new and improved Sterile Processing Department at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Behind the doors of the newly redesigned Sterile Processing Department at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, lies the most advanced sterilization equipment around. In fact, hospitals around the country are modeling their sterile processing areas after Memorial’s layout and groundbreaking design.

Innovations

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For more information about this topic, log on to www.lcmh.com/surgery.

Upgrade Unveiled Be Prepared for Cold & Flu Season Specialized equipment resembling industrial dish washers, large convection ovens and car wash apparatuses fill the expanded Sterile Processing Department to decontaminate, clean, sterilize, process and inspect thousands of medical instruments and surgical tools used daily throughout the hospital.

“The Sterile Processing Department is little-known to the general public, but in the healthcare industry it is considered the spine of the hospital,” says Lynn Savoy, Sterile Processing Department Manager. “Powerful washing and disinfection systems process high volumes of medical instruments quickly, efficiently and safely.”

Memorial’s new state-of-the-art sterilization equipment offers a higher productivity level, optimizes water consumption and promotes environmental friendliness within the facility. It also enhances operator safety and helps reduce the risk of infection for both patients and staff members.

According to Larry Graham, Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer, the $2 million project was heavily influenced by the hospital’s commitment to clinical quality.

“The sterilization process ultimately affects patient outcomes. There is no room for error,” says Graham. “We want our patients to feel safe and secure knowing the very best technology is in place and it meets the highest standards for decontamination, cleaning and sterilization.”

The Sterile Processing Department improvements are part of Memorial Hospital’s three-year, $7 million dollar surgery department upgrade. Last year, $2 million was invested in modernizing the outpatient surgery department.

More upgrades to the hospital’s operating rooms are planned for 2012.

Meet Bridget Boudreaux, RN Memorial Hospital’s Infection Prevention Manager

Unfortunately, germs can be found anywhere and everywhere—on door knobs, counter top surfaces, stair rails, toilet seats, and clothing– even in the air we breathe. It is important to take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful bacteria that can cause illness.

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, Bridget Boudreaux, RN, Memorial Hospital Infection Prevention Manager, recommends the following germ-fighting strategies for the entire family: • • • • •

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash immediately after using it.

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Germs spread this way.

Stay up-to-date with immunizations and vaccinations.

Finally, if you plan to visit a patient in the hospital or nursing home and you are experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms, it is best that you stay home until you are completely symptom-free.

Bridget spends a majority of her time educating the hospital staff, patients and the community on the importance of preventing the spread of infectious diseases and conditions.

Constant surveillance of patient care areas, treatment zones, operating rooms and even public waiting areas is necessary to ensure illnessspreading bacteria and transmittable infections are avoided in the healthcare setting.

“At Memorial, we consistently follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, as well as other stringent mandates for all areas of infection control,” says Boudreaux. “From disinfection and sterilization of medical instruments, to proper hand washing techniques and specialized housekeeping procedures; we always have the patient, guest and employee’s safety in mind.”

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higher standards for high risk pregnancies “One of my favorite things about practicing medicine is helping a mother bring her child into the world,” says Gisele McKinney, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist on staff at Memorial Hospital for Women. “That part of my job never gets old. No two pregnancies or deliveries are ever the same.”

For most families, having a baby is quite natural: conception occurs spontaneously; the baby grows normally; labor occurs on its own near the mother’s due date; and after a routine delivery, mother and baby go home without incident.

“Luckily, very few women face the potential of having complications along the way,” says Dr. McKinney. “But every now and then a patient will tend to fall into one of three high risk pregnancy categories. When this occurs close monitoring, proactive care and specialized treatment plans become essential.”

“Treating high risk pregnancies requires medical collaboration, and not every hospital is equipped to handle these types of deliveries.”

Gisele McKinney, MD

The three major high risk pregnancy groups Dr. McKinney is referring to include: patients who have medical problems before becoming pregnant, women who develop medical problems during pregnancy and women with problems related to pregnancy. Hypertension, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, multiple pregnancies and pre-term labor are just a few conditions that fall into the danger zone.

“Treating high risk pregnancies requires medical collaboration, and not every hospital is equipped to handle these types of deliveries,” says Dr. McKinney. “At Memorial, our obstetricians, neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, radiologists, pathologists and many other medical specialists work together to provide the best treatment plan for high risk mothers and their babies. This multidisciplinary approach to maternal, childbirth and postpartum care is highly beneficial to the patients we serve.”

While many of the physicians on staff at Memorial Hospital for Women are in private practice, such as Dr. McKinney, the doctors come together in many different ways to decide on the best approach for their patient’s total care.

“We do whatever we can to help our patients conceive, carry and deliver healthy babies,” says Dr. McKinney. “The goal is to get the best clinical outcome for both mother and baby.”

When Memorial Hospital opened the 38-bed Women’s Campus in 2003, it set out to provide a modern healthcare facility with the most advanced maternal/

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fetal technology and specialized treatment options around. From housing the one of the only state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the area, to the comfortable homelike environment of the labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites, Memorial is equipped and prepared to handle an array of pregnancy-related situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We see more, treat more and deliver more babies than any other hospital in the Southwest Louisiana region,” says Janice Redlich, RN, Director of Women and Children Services at Memorial Hospital for Women. “Our physicians and staff members are experienced and forward-thinkers when it comes to the latest methods and treatments associated with complicated pregnancies and deliveries. Cooperation and team work is necessary when you’re dealing with a difficult medical situation; it’s something we take very seriously.”

Potential complications during pregnancy and delivery can be daunting for a family. Fortunately, Memorial Hospital for Women can effectively manage these problems and offer hope. The facility provides the highest level of professional and technical care in the region.

“We understand our patients require more than expert medical care, they have individual needs,” Dr. McKinney adds. “We work hard to provide the most effective care from the beginning of pregnancy to post delivery.”

For more information about maternity services at Memorial Hospital for Women, log on to www.lcmh.com. If you are an expecting parent and would like to schedule a personalized tour of the Family Birth Center, call (337) 480-7243.

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1,581 babies were born at the Memorial Hospital for Women’s Family Birth Center last year alone. The Family Birth Center is home to the region’s only private LDPR Suites where labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care take place in one spacious room.

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

Cover Story

There’s help for hip pain.

photo by Lindsey Janies Photography

Hip Center of Louisiana Physicians (L-R): orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Nathan Cohen, Dr. Thomas Alexrad, Dr. Brett Cascio and physical rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Michael Lane.

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“It’s pioneering orthopaedic medicine, and experts treating all aspects of adult, active hip pain and pathology from arthroscopy to osteotomy to anterior hip replacement – all under one roof.”

Brett Cascio, MD

For athletes and active people, hip injury can bring about a world of pain on both the playing field and in daily life. As a leader in orthopaedics and sports medicine in Southwest Louisiana, Orthopaedic Specialists is “pumping up” hip care by introducing the Hip Center of Louisiana.

Under the collaborative direction of esteemed orthopaedic surgeons Nathan Cohen, MD, and Brett Cascio, MD, and orthopaedic trauma specialist Thomas W. Axelrad, MD, PhD, the Hip Center of Louisiana brings innovative treatment options to patients suffering from hip and groin pain – even those who may not have been candidates for treatment in the past.

“It’s pioneering orthopaedic medicine, and experts treating all aspects of adult, active hip pain and trauma care pathology from arthroscopy to osteotomy to anterior hip replacement – are now under one roof,” said Dr. Cascio. “This allows patients to explore every possible option, usually in only one visit with the support of a full service hospital and rehabilitation services on the same campus should the need arise.”

Many hip problems are treatable without surgical intervention, and the physicians at the Hip Center of Louisiana believe that surgery should be reserved as a last resort for patients when all other measures have been unsuccessful in returning the patient to an active lifestyle.

Emerging non-surgical treatments employed by the Hip Center physicians, such as Platelet-rich Plasma therapy and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, belong to a newer branch of medicine called orthobiologics, which follows the philosophy of merging new technologies with the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

In some cases, surgical intervention is still necessary, and the physicians at the Hip Center of Louisiana specialize in cutting edge surgical procedures of the hip, including hip arthroscopy, pelvic osteotomy, hip replacement, and the treatment of hip trauma such as breaks and fractures.

Patients from all over the state are traveling to the Hip Center of Louisiana as its reputation as a leader in orthopaedic expertise continues to grow.

Hip Center of Louisiana at

OS

Orthopaedic Specialists

There is no need to let hip pain keep you out of the game. For more information about the physicians or the specialized, innovative treatment options available at the Hip Center of Louisiana, call 800-530-7733 or visit www.lcmh.com/hip-center.

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PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

New Docs

More Specialists

The bar has been raised as Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial for Women build, expand and recruit accomplished specialists from the local community, across the nation‌even the world and bring them home to Lake Charles. So far this year, seven key practice specialties have been added or expanded to fill much needed physician services.

Thomas Axelrad, MD, PhD, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Most recently completing his fellowship in orthopaedic trauma at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, New York, Dr. Thomas Axelrad joined the team of Orthopaedic Specialists specializing in pelvic and acetabular fractures, an area of critical orthopedic care that, before now, sent such injuries to hospitals hundreds of miles away from Lake Charles. In addition, his expertise includes hip replacement, resurfacing and osteotomy, as well as the treatment of bone infections. With a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and a doctorate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from LSU Health Sciences Center, he went on to do his internship in general surgery and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts. He later served as Director of Orthopaedics at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts. For an appointment with Dr. Axelrad, call Orthopaedic Specialists at (337) 494-4900.

Bradley Forsyth, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist Delivering babies in Southwest Louisiana is nothing new for Dr. Bradley K. Forsyth, board certified obstetrician and gynecologist, but the establishment of his own private practice this year on the campus of Lake Charles Memorial for Women is. Originally from Sulphur, Dr. Forsyth earned his Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory science from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, and then completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior to opening his own practice, Dr. Forsyth was a physician with OBG-1 Clinics in both Lake Charles and Sulphur. He provides women with comprehensive care for a variety of conditions including acute and chronic illnesses, pregnancy and family planning, menopause, urinary tract disorders and operative gynecology, including minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery. For an appointment with Dr. Forsyth, call (337) 480-5540.

Neena James, MD, Rheumatologist Board Certified Rheumatologist Dr. Neena James brings cutting edge knowledge to the staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, filling a void for patients suffering from rheumatological conditions such as arthritis, lupus and gout. Dr. James earned her medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine, where she received a summer research scholarship as a clinical research assistant. She then completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois and her fellowship in rheumatology at Case Western Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to being board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and rheumatology, Dr. James has published research in several national rheumatological medical journals. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology. For an appointment, call (337) 494-4785.

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Easier Access to Care Rajesh Joseph, MD, Gastroenterologist Recruited from the world renowned Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rajesh Joseph, board certified gastroenterologist and internist has joined the Digestive Health Center. Earning his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine in Roostown, Ohio, he completed his residency in categorical internal medicine at Akron City Hospital/Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio and his fellowship in gastroenterology at MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has published and presented research on various topics including liver and esophageal problems, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis and irritable bowel syndrome. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. For an appointment, call (337) 494-4785.

Brad LeBert, MD, Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat) Dr. Brad LeBert recently established Southwest Louisiana Ear, Nose & Throat. He brings comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose and throat conditions, in particular pediatric ear tubes and tonsils surgery. In addition, his expertise includes sinus disease, tinnitus, ear infections, and facial reconstruction. A Lake Charles native, he graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge majoring in zoology with a minor in psychology. He went on to earn his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, completing his residency in otorhinolaryngology, as well as head and neck surgery. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 480-5595.

Ron Lewis, MD, Internal Medicine Specialist As a distinguished physician in the Lake Charles community, Dr. Ron Lewis joined The Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles bringing years of experience and a stellar reputation in the specialty of internal medicine.

Dr. Lewis graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson and completed both his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Lewis previously practiced with the Lake Charles Medical and Surgical Clinic. Board certified in internal medicine, his expertise involves the management and treatment of such conditions as diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 494-6800.

Cristian Santiago Romero, MD, Internal Medicine Specialist Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles expanded its physician roster to help meet the high demand for primary care physicians in the Lake Charles area. Dr. Cristian Romero’s expertise includes the treatment of adults with chronic and/or multi-system conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. After receiving his medical degree from University of Cuenca in Ecuador, he secured his residency in internal medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York through the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University and is certified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. For an appointment, call (337) 494-6800.

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Physician Spotlight Gregory Rubino, MD

Doctor by day.

foodie by night.

By day, he is an accomplished neurosurgeon. But after performing intricate, delicate surgeries in the operating room, he often trades his scalpel for a chef’s knife. That’s because long before Dr. Gregory Rubino followed his calling into the field of medicine, he was pursuing his passion . . . cooking.

Yes, his mother was a great cook, but his “self-taught” culinary skills blossomed from his quest to replicate the flavors he liked most and to eat good, varied food. His lifelong love of cooking began in grade school. While in college, he borrowed cookbooks from Cornell’s Hotel School library, focusing on one type of cuisine at time and cooking that cuisine until he developed a basic understanding of it - Indian, Chinese, Russian, and French. But that was just the beginning.

In medical school, dorm life did not lend itself to cooking, nor did the long hours of studying. But he resumed his flavor pursuit when he began his residency. He hosted dinner parties for friends that would last 5 to 6 hours while he prepared multiple courses. His nurse practitioner soon joined him in the kitchen as sous chef and wife. Fast forward to the present and the recent remodel of his home kitchen fit for a master chef and you’ll find he and wife Lisa cooking many times a week in their own “kitchen stadium” and still holding dinner parties on the weekend.

“About 12 years ago, the Food Network had a show for amateur chefs. I sent them a demo tape, and they wanted to book me for the show,” says Dr. Rubino. “However, my twin daughters were born around the same time, and so I passed on the opportunity because my schedule was quite full raising children and taking care of patients.”

Despite his close encounter of the “food fame kind,” he doesn’t have a favorite chef, but has several favorite restaurants that include La Truffe Sauvage here in Lake Charles, Da Marco and Mark’s in Houston, August and Stella! in New Orleans, and Bouley and Le Bernardin in New York. One of his favorite dishes is bouillabaisse, a

all photos by Lindsey Janies Photography

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Persimmon & Buttermilk Pudding Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fresh persimmon puree 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 3/4 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 4 eggs 1/4 cup melted butter

popular Mediterranean fish stew, but finding his recommended ingredients locally won’t happen. He would search the globe for the right fish to bring out the essence of the dish.

“Currently dabbling in Thai food, I’m perfecting my pad thai recipe.

And I found all the ingredients in Lake Charles on Ryan Street,” Dr. Rubino is happy to report. “My next project is learning how to make good tortillas from scratch and tamales.”

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix persimmon puree and buttermilk just to combine.

Sift together the dry ingredients (sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg) and add to persimmon mixture. Beat the eggs and add to mixture, with melted butter. Pour batter into greased 6 cup baking dish (soufflé or corning ware). Set the baking dish in a larger pan partially filled with water (in oven) to make water bath. Bake for 35-45 minutes until pudding is set. Cool and serve with whipped cream.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce

“An example is foie gras made into a frozen dust, sprinkled over another dish. Some things are frozen in liquid nitrogen while others are reduced to a liquid or sauce, solidified into a gel and then cut,” according to Dr. Rubino. “What’s the point of manipulating food if it does nothing to improve the flavor.”

Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries 1/2 cup frozen raspberry juice concentrate (okay if mixed w/ complementary flavors, ie, cran-rasberry) 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 orange – zest chopped and orange juiced 1/2 cup sugar (to taste) 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp cardamom (ground) 1/4 tsp ground and dried ginger 1/4 tsp nutmeg 3/4 cup walnut pieces

And he’s all about the flavor. Check out some of Dr. Rubino’s holiday recipes at www.lcmh.com/recipes.

Mix all ingredients in saucepan except walnuts, and cook 10-20 minutes until cranberries begin to pop and sauce thickens slightly. Cool and add walnuts.

He’s not a fan of the chemical gastronomy trend, as he puts it, a new wave of cooking style over the past decade most advanced

by Ferran Adria at El Bulli in Spain. This type of cooking involves changing the physical appearance of the food using cold, heat, agars, etc. to surprise the taster.

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PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

Memorial Cardiologist

Kevin Young, MD photo by Lindsey Janies Photography

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keeping up the pace The first and only cardiac pacing system FDA approved for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) use is now offered

MRI is the gold standard diagnostic tool for most medical

in the Lake Area. Memorial Hospital Cardiologist Kevin

and surgical specialists; such as neurologists, oncologists

Young, M.D., with the Heart & Vascular Center, was the

and orthopedic surgeons. About 40 million MRI scans are

was the first physician in the Southwest Louisiana region

performed annually in the United States. MRI provides a

to implant the much anticipated and highly advanced Revo

level of detail and clarity not offered by other soft tissue

MRI SureScan pacing system manufactured by Medtronic,

imaging modalities.

Inc. “The number of patients with pacemakers is growing at the This new device addresses the safety concerns surrounding

same time the use of MRI is increasing,” says Dr. Young.

MRI procedures for patients with implantable pacemaker

“It has been estimated that there is a 50 to 75 percent probability that cardiac device patients will be indicated

devices.

for an MRI over the lifetime of their devices.”

“For the first time, I can implant a state-of-the-art pacing system that provides proven cardiac care and MRI access

In the past, more than 200,000 patients per year have had

when my patient needs it,” says Dr. Kevin Young. “Medical

to forego an MRI scan because they have a pacemaker.

imaging and electronic implantable devices are important

The new system, a true milestone in the field of cardiac

technological advances, particularly for older people.

care, helps address this important unmet patient need.

Memorial Hospital is proud to provide safer access to MRI for our patients.”

Prior to the release of the Revo MRI SureScan system, MRI procedures for patients with implanted cardiac devices, such as pacemakers, were not recommended

Find out more at www.lcmh.com/heart

because patients might face serious complications such as interference with pacemaker operation, damage to system components, lead or pacemaker dislodgement or change in pacing capture threshold.

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PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

Calendar of Events Support Groups

LA LECHE LEAGUE

COPING WITH CANCER

A breastfeeding group, La Leche League offers a series

For those cancer patients who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or who have completed

of meetings consisting of four classes that are helpful for pregnant moms and moms who are already nursing.

treatment. For more information call Memorial’s

Meetings are free and open to mothers and babies. For

Chaplain, Rev. David DeWitt at (337) 802-1933.

more information or to register, call (337) 480-7243.

Third Tuesday of Each Month Noon – light refreshments served

First Thursday of Each Month 10am – 11:30am

DESIGNER GENES A support group by and for the parents of children with genetic disorders. Located at Memorial Hospital for

blood drive COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Approximately half of the nation’s blood supply is

Women, 1900 W. Gauthier Road. For more information,

collected at blood drives. Memorial partners with United Blood Services to provide blood products for

call the group’s founders, Ashleigh Hornsby (337) 853-7657 or Jessi James (337) 563-1178.

Second Saturday of Each Month

our patients. Join us for the next Community Blood Drive, which will be held in the parking lot across

Noon

from Memorial’s main entrance, located on Oak Park Boulevard. For more information, call (337) 235-5433.

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Don’t underestimate the importance of education

Fourth Monday of Each Month 2pm – 6pm

and peer support when living with diabetes. Located at Memorial’s Diabetes Education Office, 1801 Oak

Free Community Seminars

Park Boulevard. For more information, call Memorial’s Diabetes Education at (337) 494-6425.

First and Third Tuesday of Each Month 10am – 11am

LEAVES FALLING… NOSES RUNNING… EARS HURTING It’s fall again – that time of year when the weather cools and the foliage changes, and also when many of us suffer from our worst seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and ear problems. To learn more about these autumn illnesses and how to combat them, join Dr. Brad LeBert, an otolaryngologist on staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Southwest Louisiana Ear, Nose and Throat for this free seminar. Call 494-2936 to register.

Thursday, October 27 12 Noon Shearman Conference Center

SISTERS SURVIVING A breast cancer support group for African-American women, but open to any woman regardless of race. For more information, call (337) 433-5817.

Third Tuesday of Each Month 6pm

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Fall 2011 Prenatal and Family Education Classes ONE DAY PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS

BABY CARE CLASS

Learn comfort, relaxation, positioning, breathing, and massage techniques for increasing the comfort

The Baby Care Class reviews newborn characteristics, general baby care, early parenting issues and community

level and enhancing the birth experience during this

resources. Recommended during the last 3 months of

condensed version of the Prepared Childbirth Series.

pregnancy. For more information or to register, call (337)

Recommended for the last 3 months of pregnancy. For more information or to register, call (337) 480-7243.

480-7243.

Tuesday, November 8

Saturday, November 19

6:30pm – 8:30pm

9am – 4:30pm $35

$10 INFANT AND CHILD CPR CLASS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

BREASTFEEDING CLASS Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the

Learn and practice rescue for choking and CPR for

importance of assessing baby’s intake during the

infants. This is not a certifying or credentialing course, but is recommended for expectant parents, new parents and support persons. For more information or to

Breastfeeding Class. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy. For more information or to register, call (337) 480-7243.

register, call (337) 480-7243.

Tuesday, November 29

Thursday, November 10 Thursday, December 8

6:30pm – 8:30pm $5 per person

6:30pm – 8:45pm $10 SIBLING CLASS This class is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Preparing siblings for the arrival of a new baby can be as confusing as it is joyous. This class focuses on the unity of the family. Older siblings ages 2-10 are asked to attend with one or both parents. The children will have hands-on practice with dolls to learn how to interact with a new baby. Parents will receive informative guidelines and everyone will tour the mother/baby unit. For more information or to register, call (337) 480-7243.

Monday, November 7 Monday, December 5 6pm – 7pm $10 per family

Find out more at www.lcmh.com

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Modern Cancer Care Close to Home If you or a loved one has ever been diagnosed with cancer, one thing is for certain—you want access to the best tumor fighting technology around. Some of the same advanced technology utilized at major cancer centers, such as M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, is provided right here in Lake Charles.

James Maze, MD synchronizes the radiation therapy with a patient’s breathing patterns. This enables doctors to safely treat lung and other cancers of the chest and abdomen with radiation therapy, while sparing healthy tissue surrounding the cancer mass. It also allows for fewer treatment sessions; all with the same level of safety offered in the past.

Among the greatest advancements in radiation oncology treatment is the high-powered medical linear accelerator called the Trilogy System, manufactured by Varian, Inc. And Memorial Hospital is the only healthcare facility in the Southwest Louisiana region to offer it.

The revolutionary Trilogy System utilizes the latest 4-D advanced imaging techniques to verify the patient’s tumor position at the time of treatment. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells by varying, or modulating, the intensity of the radiation beam. The shape of the resulting dose distribution is tightly matched to the shape of the tumor.

“This machine is one of the finest multi-purpose pieces of technology on the market,” says Dr. Maze. “Memorial has expanded the local cancer treatment services tremendously with this equipment.”

The Trilogy linear accelerator can treat cancer anywhere in the body. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT can be used to treat tumors that might have been considered untreatable in the past due to close proximity of vital organs and structures.

IMRT is being used to treat tumors in the brain, breast, head and neck, liver, lung, nasopharynx, pancreas, prostate and uterus. A powerful computer program optimizes a treatment plan based on a physician’s dose instructions and information about tumor size, shape and location in the body. A medical linear accelerator, equipped with a special device called a multileaf collimator that shapes the radiation beam, delivers the radiation in accordance with the treatment plan.

“One of the greatest challenges in radiation therapy is treating cancerous tumors that shift positions within the body,” says James Maze, M.D., board certified radiation oncologist on staff at Memorial Hospital. “Sometimes a tumor can change in size or move in relation to the anatomy. This is a particular problem when treating lung cancer patients because the tumor can move during respiration.”

The Trilogy machine rotates around the patient delivering radiotherapy from different angles at higher doses; more quickly and with greater accuracy. Real-time positioning manages tumor motion during radiation therapy. The computer-aided technique

For more information on the Trilogy and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Center, log on to www.lcmh.com/cancer.

The most advanced cancer fighting technology is available; and it’s improving medical outcomes right here at home.

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

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Letters

(L-R): Deena Reed, RN; Charlotte Edwards, RN; Susie Knowles, RN and Christi Jeffels, RN of the 4 Tower Oncology Department Team.

To the Physicians and Staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital: I would like to take a moment to praise the 4 Tower Oncology Team for the incredible service and care they provided during my husband’s recent hospital stay. Everyone was so attentive; especially the nurses who went out of their way to meet all of our needs. We could sense their compassion immediately. Special thanks to Deena Reed, RN; Charlotte Edwards, RN; Susie Knowles, RN and Christi Jeffels, RN for making us feel like we were well taken care throughout our entire hospital visit.

Sincerely, Tonya M. DeRidder, Louisiana

tell us your story Have you or a loved one recently received excellent service and compassionate care at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital or Memorial Hospital for Women? If so, tell us about it. Log on to www.lcmh.com and click on the “Tell Us Your Story” feature located on the home page.

Your story could be featured in the next issue of Memorial Medical Milestones.

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