Summer 2014

memorial

Medical Milestones Summer 2014 Summer 2014

Anxious about Allergies?

Page 10

Cancer Treatment in Minutes Page 4

Treating Post-Surgical Pain Page 8

Physician Spotlight Page 12

To our community growing pains If you have visited our main hospital on Oak Park Boulevard lately, you probably have noticed a few changes happening.

Through surveys and feedback opportunities, we asked you, the public, what is needed to better our healthcare environment in Southwest Louisiana. You spoke, we listened and now we are going to work.

Over the course of several years, we began a focused effort to improve our healthcare delivery processes and infrastructure.

By 2016 we will have invested $110 million dollars in renovations throughout the Memorial Health System, with the ultimate goal to give you a better patient experience.

“We ask for your patience during our growing pains so that we may continue

This means more services and physicians, better technology, newer facilities. It also means we have more patients and employees on our main campus. This coupled with the construction on our main campus has lead to parking issues in the short run, but we are working on it.

to build the premier healthcare system in southwest Louisiana.”

If you take a look at the emergency room construction currently underway, you will notice that several parking areas are being utilized for the expansion. However, Memorial recently purchased land near our main parking area to build additional parking. This will more than double the spots that were taken away for the construction.

Larry Graham, CEO

This is only the beginning. Improved parking will be an ongoing task and we ask for your patience during our growing pains so that we may continue to build the premier healthcare system in southwest Louisiana.

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memorial

Medical Milestones Page 4

Innovations 4 SmartArc Cancer Treatment

Resistant Hypertension

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Controlling Blood Pressure

No Surgery Pain

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New Medicine for Joint Replacement Pain

Cover Story

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Treating Food Allergies

Physician Spotlight

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Page 6

Jon Gray, MD: ER Doctor & Future Wine Maker

New Specialists 14 OB/GYN and Neurosurgeon Join Memorial

Coming Events 16 Education Classes and Support Groups

Online Records 18 Medical Records Only a Click Away

Page 10

On the Cover How to live with food allergies Page 18 3

Page 12

Cancer Treatment

SmartArc is an advanced cancer technology that matches or improves dose accuracy while significantly shortening treatment times.

Innovations

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Memorial’s Cancer Center Receives National Achievement Award •

in Minutes . . . . .

The Lake Charles Memorial Cancer Center was

Patients at the Lake Charles Memorial Cancer Center will see their radiation treatment time decrease rapidly with a state-of-the-art upgrade to the hospital’s Trilogy linear accelerator. SmartArc, also known as volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), or intensity-modulated arc therapy (IMAT) is an advanced cancer technology that matches or improves dose accuracy while significantly shortening treatment times—two to eight times faster than intensitymodulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

granted the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award for 2013. Memorial is one of 74 cancer programs in the United States and the only cancer program in Louisiana surveyed in 2013 to receive the award.

IMRT delivers radiation therapy to a tumor in a way that is meant to more closely match the size and shape of the cancer while minimizing dose to the surrounding normal tissue, but the treatment time is longer due to the need to reposition the machine manually and the use of more beams of radiation.

The 74 award-winning, cancer-care programs represent

SmartArc works by delivering a precisely designed three-dimensional dose distribution using one or more dynamic arc rotations of the linear accelerator. This advanced form of treatment quickly rotates the linear accelerator beam around the patient, significantly reducing treatment time compared to traditional methods, allowing greater accuracy, and less radiation dose to healthy tissue.

Award is designed to recognize cancer programs that

approximately 14 percent of programs surveyed by the CoC in 2013.

Established in 2004, the CoC’s Outstanding Achievement strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.

Programs are evaluated on 34 cancer program standards categorized within one of five cancer program activity

After the patient has been properly placed in position, SmartArc can be used to deliver the treatment in two to five minutes rather than the seven to twenty minutes required by an IMRT plan. Shorter treatment times not only increase patient satisfaction, but may also reduce the chances of patients moving and needing to be repositioned during the treatment.

areas: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, cancer conferences, clinical services and quality improvement. Programs are further evaluated on seven commendation standards.

Radiation oncologist Dr. James Maze, along with the treatment planning team, will help you to decide whether IMRT treatments or SmartArc-style treatments are appropriate for your specific case.

Award recipients must have received commendation

For more information contact the Radiation Oncology Department at 337.494.2121.

cancer program standards. For more information on

ratings in all seven commendation standards, in addition to receiving a compliance rating for each of the 34 program standards, visit: www.facs.org/cancer.

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Fighting Resistant

Hypertension

Hypertension is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients.

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High blood pressure or hypertension hits about one in three Americans.

In many cases, the condition can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medications. When that does not do the trick, patients fall into a resistant

Dr. Peter Angelopoulos

hypertension category.

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is offering a solution for these patients with a new Resistant Hypertension Clinic at the Heart & Vascular Center.

“Hypertension is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients. Twenty to 30 percent of hypertensive patients may fall in the category of resistant hypertension,” says Dr. Peter Angelopoulos, a cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Center, a part of the Memorial Medical Group. “This condition can lead to a number of heart issues that can be life threatening.”

Dr. Angelopoulos, a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, has the training and experience to fight this condition and get patients on track to a heart healthy life.

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The clinic’s goal is to help identify these patients, rule out secondary causes of hypertension, educate the patients on the role their lifestyle can play, and finally help control their blood pressure with appropriate and aggressive medicines.

“If you do not get a person’s blood pressure under control, they will be at higher risk for heart attacks, vascular disease and kidney problems,” Dr. Angelopoulus says. “This condition can be treated with right kind of medication and the right doses of medication. We work to find what works best for each patient.”

Patients who may fall into the category of resistant hypertension and are interested in further evaluation and treatment can call 337.494.3278.

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Game Changer in treating post-surgical pain

Dr. Nathan Cohen

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The pain that follows a major surgery, such as a joint replacement, can be extreme.

Now, there is a new drug being used at Lake Charles Memorial that is considered a game changer in treating post surgical pain. It is called Exparel and it is injected during surgery and takes away the pain in the most critical recovery days.

“We inject the drug around the joint in the operating room,” says Dr. Nathan Cohen, an orthopaedic surgeon with Orthopaedic Specialists, a part of the Memorial Medical Group. “Over the course of 72 hours the medication is released and it typically gives you three days of pain relief.”

Dr. Nathan Cohen

Marilyn Martine experienced the benefit first hand, twice. She has driven a school bus in Allen Parish for 30 years. She had arthritis in both of her knees and the pain became so unbearable, she knew she had to do something.

“Patients are alert. They are comfortable. They can get up and walk right after the surgery,” Dr. Cohen says. “Most of my patients walk the same day and go home within 24 to 36 hours of the operation.”

“I hurt so bad that they could cut the knee off completely and it wouldn’t have bothered me a bit,” she says. “It would’ve felt better.”

Physical therapy after surgery is viewed as important to the overall success of a joint replacement as the surgery itself. The opportunity to start the therapy right away helped Martine move towards a pain free life.

Martine was referred to Dr. Cohen after living with the pain in her knees for three years. She had both knees replaced about six-months apart. Exparel was used each time, giving her a less painful experience and a faster recovery.

Dr. Cohen uses Exparel on all of his total hip and knee replacements. Patients are still prescribed prescription pain killers, but use very few if any.

Oftentimes, over-the-counter medications like Advil, Aleve or Tylenol are sufficient.

“I woke up waiting for that horrible pain to kick in, but it never came,” Martine recalls. “I woke up and I was ready to go. I walked around the hospital that same day without a cane or walker.”

Once the medicine wears off, the pain is dramatically less than it would have been right after surgery. For Martine, all she felt was a little soreness. She was able to start physical therapy earlier and got out of the hospital faster.

For more information, Dr. Cohen can be reached by calling Orthopaedic Specialists at 337.494.4900.

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Cover Story

Anxious about Allergies? fish?

cheese?

corn? milk?

yeast?

peanuts? gluten?

soy? oats? wheat?

lentils?

eggs?

cashews?

Most allergies are written into your DNA, but others can be developed over time. Trees, grasses and weeds can play havoc on our sinuses, but food allergies such as seafood, nuts, dairy and cereal grains can be common culprits that have many reaching for their EpiPens.

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“The things you breathe in bring about a set reaction pretty much every time. Food allergies can cause different reactions each time, with some being quite serious,” says Dr. Samuel Sprehe, an otolaryngologist with Southwest Louisiana Ear, Nose and Throat, a part of the Memorial Medical Group.

“We always start the shots for food allergies as a trial,” Dr. Sprehe says. “We are going to do the shots for six months and at the end of six months, if you are not any better, we are going to stop.”

Dr. Sprehe treats all forms of allergies from various pollens to the many different foods that can give people trouble. Both skin and blood tests are helpful in diagnosing food allergies.

Dr. Sprehe says there are still a lot of unknowns with treating food allergies with shots. This type of therapy is typically reserved for people with terrible lifethreatening allergies, but they do work. An example is someone who has been in the ER or has been really sick.

Seafood is a staple in Louisiana and the Lake Area is no different.

Fishing is a favorite pastime and crawfish boils are near ritualistic.

Being allergic to any form of seafood can really put a damper on this way of life.

nuts?

Another option is to treat the allergies with drops under the tongue. It is a popular treatment option in Europe. Currently, the drops are not covered by insurance, but are an affordable option.

seafood?

Still, the gold standard is to identify the food and remove it from the diet. People with these allergies still need to be careful and have an EpiPen and antihistamine around in case of an accident.

Still, seafood allergies are not all encompassing. There are different types of seafood such as fish, shellfish and mollusks that can cause different allergies. Just because you may not be able to eat shrimp, does not mean you cannot eat fish or oysters. So much of it can be related to spices too. Sometimes you may think you are allergic to crawfish or shrimp and it ends up being the spices that are used in the boil or fry mix.

For more information on all allergies and how to treat them, contact Dr. Sprehe at Southwest Ear, Nose & Throat at 337.480.5595

“Anybody can start a food diary to see what they may be allergic too,” Dr. Sprehe says. “Start a seven to 10 day journal of everything you put in your mouth and any reactions that may occur. You have to get real specific. For example, you can’t just write down salad.

You will need to write down everything that was in that salad.”

While only 10 percent of food allergies are immediately life-threatening they are not fun to live with, but know that all allergies are manageable. For some people the only treatment for food allergies is abstinence.

Other people you can give them shots for food much like you would for trees, grasses and weeds and they will respond to them.

Dr. Samuel Sprehe

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Physician Spotlight

Jon Gray, MD works in one of the

Jon Gray, MD

most fast-paced fields of medicine

ER Doctor & Wine Connoisseur

– the emergency room. Earlier this year, he was named the Director of Emergency Medicine at Lake Charles Memorial, during a time when the emergency room is undergoing a massive renovation that will double its size and turn it into a state-of-the-art facility.

K ““It’s exciting to be a part of what is happening here at Memorial,” Dr. Gray says. “The next year and a half to two years is going to be challenging working around the construction, but once it is finished this ER will no doubt be the premier emergency medicine department in Southwest Louisiana.”

Dr. Gray is a native of Sulphur. He received his undergraduate from McNeese and his medical degree from Louisiana State University – New Orleans. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and returned to Lake Charles in 1998.

Today, he is board certified in emergency medicine and devotes his life to treating patients who must come to the last place anyone wants to be. Still, through all the chaos he runs the department with care and compassion both with the patient and the staff around them.

“This is where I’ve always wanted to be,” Dr. Gray says, referring to the emergency department. “People who come here are in a very vulnerable time in their life, many of them with their life in the balance. We work to counter that with the best care we can give them, both physically and emotionally.”

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Like with everybody else, doctors have their hobbies too. It was during his medical training days when he developed an interest in the art of wine making. The State of Louisiana touts the line Pick Your Passion and for Dr. Gray that is learning the nuances of fine wine production.

Dr. Gray hopes to turn his passion into a business. His dream is to start a small boutique winery on the central coast of California around Paso Robles. He has picked the brains of wine makers and vineyard owners in different parts of the world, has taken classes from the University of California – Davis oenology program and plans on doing a harvest internship in the fall within the next two years.

Dr. Gray has logged miles both on the ground and in the air traveling to wineries across the world. He does the standard tour, but turns his attention to what happens behind the scenes. These trips are not only to escape the bustle of an ER, but also as an educational experience.

Plans are already in the works to buy some land out in California and get started on planting a vineyard, as it takes three years before vines produce viable grapes and close to seven years before the vines are producing at full capacity.

“Being on a vineyard is very peaceful and serene,” Dr. Gray says.

“There’s a great deal of science that goes into making wine from biology, chemistry, agriculture and weather. The final product, which in my opinion is nature’s perfect juice, brings about a sense of happiness while being enjoyed with friends and family.”

“It’s exciting to be so close to this goal I’ve had for many years,” Dr. Gray says. “Some people hunt, others fish. My passion is wine-making and just like with medicine, I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned into practice.”

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Meet the New Docs

Linda Huynh, MD Memorial Medical Group welcomes Linda Huynh, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist, to their staff. She will join fellow OB/GYNs Drs. Gisele McKinney and Dr. Joseph Semien at their practice located at 1890 West Gauthier Road, Suite 135.

Dr. Huynh received her bachelors degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She then went on to receive her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica where she graduated with highest honors before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Hofstra North Shore – LIJ School of Medicine in New Hyde Park, New York.

OB/GYN

Dr. Huynh provides women with a full spectrum of obstetric and gynecological care such as pelvic health, family planning, pregnancy, menopause, urinary tract disorders and operative gynecology.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (337) 480-5510.

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NEUROSURGERY Robert Abramson, MD Memorial Medical Group welcomes Robert Abramson, MD, a neurosurgeon board certified by the American Board of Neurologic Surgeons, to their staff. He will join fellow neurosurgeon Dr. Gregory Rubino with the Neurosurgical Institute of Lake Charles at their new location, 2770 3rd Avenue, Suite 225 in Lake Charles.

An Alexandria native, Dr. Abramson received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He then went on to complete his surgical internship and neurosurgical residency at University of Alabama Hospitals in Birmingham, where he served as Chief Resident.

He also completed a residency in neurology at Barnes and Children’s Hospital of St. Louis through the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. Prior to joining the Memorial Medical Group, Dr. Abramson treated patients at Augusta Back & Neuroscience in Augusta, Georgia. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons.

Dr. Abramson offers diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders that affect the entire nervous system including the brain, spinal column and spinal cord.

For more information, call the Neurosurgical Institute of Lake Charles at 337-494-4720.

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Calendar of Events LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER Looking good can often be an important step

Support Groups COPING WITH CANCER

toward feeling good - especially for women who

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

are fighting the cancer battle. With that in mind, Memorial and the American Cancer Society

completed treatment. For more information call

are offering women struggling with cancer - the

Lenore Hayes, Memorial’s Patient Navigator, (337)

diagnosis, treatment and concerns about their

494-4890.

First Wednesday of each month

appearance - a chance to Look Good...Feel Better.

For more information, call (337) 433-5817.

Café Bon Vie – Memorial Hospital Cafeteria

Fourth Monday of every other month

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Shearman Conference Room Noon - 2:00pm

DESIGNER GENES A support group by and for the parents of

SARCOIDOSIS SUPPORT GROUP

children with genetic disorders. Located at Memorial Hospital for Women, 1900 W. Gauthier Road. For more information, call the group’s

A group for people in our area dealing with this incurable disease, to come together to share their stories, health tips and support. For more

founders, Ashleigh Hornsby (337) 853-7657 or Jessi James (337) 563-1178.

information, call Sabrina Sonnier at (337) 8425939.

Second Saturday of each month Memorial for Women • Noon

Third Tuesday of each month Shearman Conference Room 6pm - 7pm

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Don’t underestimate the importance of education and peer support when living with diabetes.

Located at Memorial’s Diabetes Education Office,

LA LECHE LEAGUE A breastfeeding group, La Leche League offers a series of meetings consisting of four classes that

2804 2nd Avenue. For more information, call Memorial’s Diabetes Education at (337) 494-6425.

First Tuesday of each month Diabetes Education Office • 10am – 11am

are helpful for pregnant moms and moms who are already nursing. Meetings are free and open to mothers and babies.

First Thursday of each month Memorial for Women Education Room 2 10am – 11:30am

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

Third Tuesday of each month MOB II Conference Room • 6pm

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Summer 2014 Prenatal and Family Education Classes Registration is required for all classes. For more information or to register, call 480-7243. All classes are held in the education rooms at Memorial for Women, 1900 W. Gauthier Road. Tours are available after all prenatal classes and at 1:30pm on the first Thursday of each month.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS 4-WEEK SERIES

SIBLING CLASS

This class is highly recommended for its handson, and often fun, approach to dealing with

This class is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy. Preparing siblings for the

labor, delivery and recovery. Birth preparation is

arrival of a new baby can be as confusing as it

discussed regarding natural delivery, birth with an epidural and cesarean birth. Bring your pillows,

is joyous. This class focuses on the unity of the family. Older siblings ages 2-10 are asked to

your questions and don’t forget to breathe.

Recommended during the last three months of

attend with one or both parents. The children will have hands-on practice with dolls to learn how

pregnancy.

Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24

to interact with a new baby. Parents will receive informative guidelines and everyone will tour the mother/baby unit.

Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 24

July 14, September 9, October 28 and December 2

6pm – 8pm • $40/Couple

6pm – 7pm • $10/Family

ONE DAY PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS

BABY CARE CLASS The Baby Care Class reviews newborn

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

characteristics, general baby care, early parenting

comfort level and enhancing the birth experience during this condensed version of the Prepared

issues and community resources. Recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy.

July 28, September 22 and November 4

Childbirth Series. Recommended for the last 3 months of pregnancy.

6pm – 8pm • $10/Couple

August 23 and October 18 9am – 4pm • $40/Couple

INFANT AND CHILD CPR CLASS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS Learn and practice rescue for choking and CPR for infants. This is NOT a certifying or credentialing course, but is recommended for

BREASTFEEDING CLASS Learn positioning, latch-on, early feedings and the importance of assessing baby’s intake during the Breastfeeding Class. Recommended during the

expectant parents, new parents and support persons.

July 31, September 11, November 6 and December 3 6pm – 8:15pm • $10/Person

last 3 months of pregnancy.

July 17, August 21, September 25, October 30, November 13 and December 4 6pm – 8:30pm • $10/Couple

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Access

your medical records online

today!

Lake Charles Memorial Health System believes that every patient should have easy, instant access to his or her health information at any time.

We are pleased to present this opportunity through the use of a secure internet portal. Using this portal, you will be able to access your health information online.

All you need to activate this service is a valid email address. You will then be able to access information from your visit, allergies, procedures, lab and radiology results, vitals, and more

—all in one place!

When registering for admission, please let your Patient Access Representative know you are interested in accessing the portal for your medical records. You will provide your email address during the admission process to get started.

Should you have any difficulty registering for this service, please contact RelayHealth Customer Support by phone at 1-866-RELAY-ME (1-866-735-2963) or by email at relayhealth-support@RelayHealth.com.

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Letters I entered Memorial Hosp ital under the care of Dr. Ken Moss on Monday, March 17 for gallbladder surgery. After surgery I was taken to the 5th floor where I remained un til I went home. When I en tered the room I had a “stream” of nurses ther e to greet me.

Every one of them had co ncern in there voices, an d gave me assurance that they were there to take care of me. By Tues day I was well on my way to recovery, a little groggy but talkative. W hat I saw on Tuesday morning was a God send . EVERY nurse, aide and housekeeper had a smile and a cheerful voic e – something to say to m ake me feel better.

In the remaining days, I came to know them all a little better. They ALL gave me wonderful care . The day before I was to leave each nurse and aide I had came by to wish me well going hom e. I know this doesn’t happen to all, but it did for me and that helped m e.

I would like all of the staff on duty, while I was ther e, to know how much I appreciate their kindn ess, thoughtfulness and care; from every nurse, aide, housekeeper and st udent nurse. The doctors, GOD bless you, keep smiling and be happy. Th at is how we get well an d are able to go home.

Joan Hammer Iowa, LA

1701 Oak Park Blvd.

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Memorial Medical Milestones Kathy DeRouen Senior Vice President of Marketing Matt Felder Communications Manager This is a publication from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

The information in this newsletter is intended to inform patients and potential patients about subjects pertinent to their care not as medical education. Š 2014 Printed in U.S.A.

Memorial’s Cancer Center Receives National Achievement Award only recipient in louisiana The Lake Charles Memorial Cancer Center was granted the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award for 2013. Memorial is one of 74 cancer programs in the United States and the only cancer program in Louisiana surveyed in 2013 to receive the award.

The 74 award-winning, cancer-care programs represent approximately 14 percent of programs surveyed by the CoC in 2013.

Established in 2004, the CoC’s Outstanding Achievement Award is designed to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.

Programs are evaluated on 34 cancer program standards categorized within one of five cancer program activity areas: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, cancer conferences, clinical services and quality improvement. Programs are further evaluated on seven commendation standards.

Award recipients must have received commendation ratings in all seven commendation standards, in addition to receiving a compliance rating for each of the 34 cancer program standards. For more information on program standards, visit: www.facs.org/cancer.