Mecklenburg Medicine October 2014 by Mecklenburg Medicine

October 2014 • Vol. 44, No. 9

Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org

Promote Cancer Awareness TOO MANY COLORS

TOO MANY CANCERS Mecklenburg County Medical Society • Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment Founders of: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, N.C. MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out

Same-day mammograms? We make screening mammograms convenient and easy to schedule Novant Health is making it easier than ever for your patients to prioritize their health. We offer same-day screening mammograms with extended evening and Saturday hours. Help your patients stay healthy by encouraging them to visit one of our eight Charlotte locations when it's convenient for them, or request an appointment online. For a list of our locations and hours, visit NovantHealthImaging.com

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October 2014 Vol. 44 No. 9

Table of Contents 6 President’s Letter: Physician Burnout ... Are You In the Right Seat on the Bus? By James B. Hall, MD

8 Feature: Breast Cancer and Advances in Genetic Testing By Lee McCracken, Contributing Writer

11 Feature: Home for the Holidays – 2014 Holiday House By Julie Fields

12 Cancer Observances by the Month 13 Member News 13 Upcoming Meetings & Events 13 National Health & Wellness Observances for October 14 At the Hospitals 16 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 16 Advertising Acknowledgement

daylight saving time

Set your clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 2!

OFFICERS President James B. Hall, MD

President-Elect Simon V. Ward III, MD Secretary Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Treasurer JP McBryde, MD

Immediate Past President Janice E. Huff, MD

BOARD MEMBERS Lloyd L. Bridges, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA Scott L. Furney, MD W. Frank Ingram III, MD Scott L. Lindblom, MD Shivani P. Mehta, MD Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD Pulak Patel, MD Thomas N. Zweng, MD

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Sherry Ward, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Keia V. R. Hewitt, MD, President Charlotte Medical Society Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS Speaker of the House Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA Marcus G. Plescia, MD, Health Director Mecklenburg County Health Department Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency

EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director Sandi D. Buchanan

Director, Meetings & Special Events Trisha G. Herndon Executive Assistant Stephanie D. Smith

MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF

Mecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of Mecklenburg Medicine or the Mecklenburg County Medical Society. Mecklenburg Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as to reject any material submitted. Mecklenburg Medicine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Non-members may subscribe to Mecklenburg Medicine at a cost of $30 per year, or $3.50 per issue, if extra copies are available. Classified Ads: Open to members, nonprofits and non-member individuals only; advance approval of the Managing Editor and advance payment required. Member rate is 0, non-members $20 for the first 30 words; $.75 each additional word. Display Ads: Open to professional entities or commercial businesses. For specifications and rate information, contact Mark Ethridge at mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in no way constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein. We welcome your comments and suggestions: Call 704-376-3688 or write Mecklenburg Medicine, c/o Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Editor Mark E. Romanoff, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editor Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith

Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD James B. Hall, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD

Graphic Design — Wade Baker

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2014 | 5

President’s Letter

Physician Burnout ... Are You In the Right Seat on the Bus? By James B. Hall, MD, President

urnout seems to be one of the topics of the day in many different fields, but especially in medicine. I keep reading surveys of physicians asking the question, “Would you go into medicine if you had it to do over again?” Or, “Would you recommend your children go into medicine?” Sadly, many physicians say they would not go into medicine if they had it to do over, nor would they recommend their children follow in their footsteps. Clearly, there are myriad reasons for these opinions. In business, the phrase that often is used is that employees need to be in the “right seat on the bus,” suggesting they need to be in a place where their talents can best be utilized, and where there is a “best fit” to achieve the greatest sense of job satisfaction. This notion of job satisfaction seems to be a universally diminishing endpoint that also seems age related. According to a recent study by a group called The Conference Board, only 45 percent of the 5,000 U.S. households surveyed were satisfied with their jobs, which contrasted with their previous survey in 1987, when the “satisfaction score” was 62 percent. The numbers, broken down by age groups, were very telling: < 25 yrs. – 36 percent; 25-34 yrs. – 47 percent; 35-44 yrs. – 43 percent; 45-54 yrs. – 47 percent; 55-64 yrs. – 46 percent; > 65 yrs. – 43 percent. However, age is but one factor that speaks to physician burnout. One of the earliest studies to look at this issue was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2012. A questionnaire was sent to more than 27,000 physicians; there were only 7,288 responders (26.7 percent), and I would have to assume the rest were too “burned out” to respond. It also should be noted that

In business, the phrase that often is used is that employees need to be in the “right seat on the bus,” suggesting they need to be in a place where their talents can best be utilized, and where there is a “best fit” to achieve the greatest sense of job satisfaction.

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72 percent of the respondents were male and only 28 percent female. This is disproportionate to the actual ratio of men to women in medicine, which is now about 60:40 male to female. There has been a significant shift, as now over 50 percent of med school classes are filled with females. To make the study have real-life practicality, there also was a sampling of nonmedical population controls. The authors used the Maslach Burnout Inventory and found 46 percent of responders had at least one symptom of burnout. As one would suspect, there are real differences based on specialty, with the highest rates being found in those on the front lines/primary care: #1- emergency medicine; #2 – internal medicine; #4 – family medicine. Surprisingly, orthopedics, anesthesiology and radiology were above the mean; dermatology, pediatrics, pathology and radiation oncology experienced some of the lowest incidences of burnout. So, what are the characteristics of burnout? Typically, those experiencing burnout demonstrate a loss of enthusiasm for work (emotional exhaustion), have feelings of cynicism (depersonalization) and a low sense of personal accomplishment. The professional impact of these sequelae are manifested in erosion of professionalism, problems with quality of care and increased risk of medical errors — all of which result in physicians taking early retirement. In addition to the professional issues, there are very real personal consequences, such as broken relationships (divorce), substance abuse (most commonly alcohol) and even suicidal ideation. The authors also found that, on average, physicians worked a median of 10 hours more a week than did the controls. In spite of this, 40 percent of the physicians also felt their work schedule left adequate time for personal or family issues. Relative to work-life balance, women physicians were only slightly more likely than their male counterparts to feel this was an imbalance. It also should be noted that a study of Mayo Clinic physicians found hours worked per week, having a work/home conflict within the past three weeks, and how that conflict was resolved were independently associated with burnout. It all boils down to the question, “So what?” If you look at the literature from any number of specialties (Lancet, JAMA, Annals of Surgery, Family Practice, etc.), it is clear that physician burnout can, and does, adversely affect quality of care. Another study estimated that one in two U.S. physicians has symptoms that are not emanating from personal issues of a few susceptible individuals, but rather from problems in their work environment and care delivery

systems. I would add that this translates into more and more regulations, requirements for never-ending “re-certification,” EMR documentation and other things that take away from the one thing we never have enough of: time. A recent piece on Medscape reviewed the time involved in and the cost of maintaining documentation of our competency, as determined by yet another self-proclaimed board of experts, and how many physicians simply are opting to retire so they don’t have to deal with yet another mandate. None of these boards do this out of a sense of selflessness, as they all represent significant cost in actual dollars, as well as lost wages and time. So, back to the original question: “If you had it to over again, would you go into medicine?” I find the number of respondents who say they wouldn’t, sad. Were these the folks who were not in the right seat on the bus, and should never have gone into medicine in the first place? Did they have the wrong personality for the specialty they chose? Have they truly simply gotten burnt-out? Most literature on burnout looks at techniques to reduce individual stress. It actually seems counter-intuitive, as most things that tend to negatively impact us are not patient interactions, but rather organizational mandates/requirements (employers/government/insurance companies) over which we have, seemingly, no control. It is this sense of total loss

of control, or “time-stealers,” that seems to be the most frustrating for physicians. In spite of the fact that the doctorpatient relationship is THE most significant interaction in the delivery of health care, somehow this has been truncated to have become one of the least important components. This is antithetical to the reason most of us went into medicine. Somehow, we need to recapture that special sacrosanct relationship with our patients and make everything else ancillary, (I would bet that patient satisfaction scores would become irrelevant). When you think about it, it is a wonder more physicians are not suffering from burnout. On a personal note, this is not a cathartic piece for myself. Even after all these years, I look forward to going to work and am grateful to have the privilege of caring for patients in some of the most trying times of their lives, as well as seeing what new and unusual challenges and situations the day will bring. Each day is a blessing and full of opportunities. Burnout? No! I remain blessed to be in the right seat on the bus.

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Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2014 | 7

Feature

Breast Cancer and Advances in Genetic Testing By Lee McCracken, Contributing Writer

es, it’s October. Pink ribbons and orange pumpkins are everywhere. The significance of pink for breast cancer awareness is as ingrained as that of orange for Halloween. This is the season of breast cancer awareness, and we have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Breast cancer is one of the top three cancers diagnosed in women. In 2013, there were more than 2.8 million women living with breast cancer in the United States, and the number of breast cancer survivors is increasing. Part of the success story in breast cancer is well known: Screening detects early cancers, which are cured. However, another chapter in this story is in prevention, and that is where genetics are crucial. Genetic counseling with genetic testing for breast cancer is an important option for many women. While not appropriate for all women, used correctly this is a powerful tool for helping women manage their breast cancer risk before they develop breast cancer. And, in women with breast cancer, this tool can give valuable information to assist with choosing the correct surgery and advising family members about their risk. Genetic testing should not be performed without prior genetic counseling. Breast cancer experts advise primary care physicians to stay current with these genetic advances and to rely on genetic counselors, and those who treat breast cancer, to help educate patients.

Breast cancer experts advise primary care physicians to stay current with these genetic advances and to rely on genetic counselors, and those who treat breast cancer, to help educate patients.

BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 A woman’s risk of breast cancer is increased if her mother or sister has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. However, breast cancer usually isn’t inherited. More than 85 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer. For those where genetics is involved, there is mixed emotions. “Not only can there be anxiety about one’s cancer diagnosis, but also guilt experienced,” says Teresa Flippo-Morton, MD, a breast surgical oncologist with Levine Cancer Teresa Flippo-Morton, MD Institute. “Women of all ages, married and unmarried, worry about the effect their breast cancer diagnosis will have on their children and siblings.”

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The number of genetic mutations associated with breast cancer is increasing, and as research continues, more will be identified. The bestknown genes associated with hereditary breast cancer are the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. These were discovered in the mid 1990s. Physicians currently know a lot about these genes and a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer in her lifetime if she carries one of these genes. Up to 87 percent of women who have a BRCA 1 or 2 mutations will develop breast cancer by the age of 90, and about 45 percent of women with a BRCA 1 mutation and 20 percent of women with a BRCA 2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer. “We know African-American women are more likely to get aggressive cancers at a younger age — triple negative (Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor and Her 2 neu receptor negative) breast cancer for instance,” says Flippo. “These cancers are more likely to be associated with a BRCA 1 mutation.” She adds that ALL women who present with triple negative breast cancer under the age of 60 should be referred for genetic counseling. These genes can be associated with other cancers (prostate, pancreatic), and we must not forget the way these genes are transmitted, men can be carriers or affected by a cancer risk – for instance, the increased risk of male breast cancer in a BRCA 2 carrier. One of the newer-identified genes associated with breast cancer, PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2), was identified in 2002. A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge in England reported in the August 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine that women who carry the PALB2 mutation have a 33 percent chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70. This risk is higher (up to 60 percent) in women who carry this gene and have a family history of breast cancer.

Counseling Empowers Knowledge is power, and women with a family history of breast cancer in multiple generations, premenopausal breast cancer or male relatives with breast cancer, can speak with their physician about undergoing genetic counseling to assess their individual risk. “There is a misconception that all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer should have genetic testing,” says Flippo. “Another misconception is that if they are tested and the results are positive they will be ushered into surgery. Not all women need testing, and not all decide to get tested. Some women are under the false assumption that if they have counseling they must have testing. Likewise, a positive genetic result doesn’t mean the patient must have surgery, which is one of many options of how we manage risk.” She adds, “Genetic counseling is not biased and what patients decide to do with the information is under their control.” Many labs now do genetic testing for BRCA 1 and 2 mutations and report results within two to four weeks. Patients can choose to be

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tested only for BRCA 1 or 2, or for more comprehensive gene panels that include PALB 2 and others which may take six to eight weeks to get results. “Genetic testing has become much more available to the public,” says Flippo, referring to the Supreme Court ruling that Myriad couldn’t patent BRCA testing. “The panels are more affordable. However, with this has come testing which results in finding variants in the genes of unknown significance, or variants for which there are no guidelines for management. It is very complicated.” Flippo advises primary care physicians to refer patients to genetic counselors. “This is more important than ever with these new panels. Interpreting the results is difficult. I work every day with these patients and their gene mutations, and I rely heavily on our genetic counselors,” says Flippo. “We have substantive discussions within our division about the management of patients who test positive with these various mutations.” The Charlotte region has many genetics counselors and multiple sites where patients can receive counseling. When patients test positive for these mutations, they may choose to be followed more closely with imaging and exams, or to reduce their risk with medications or surgery. “There is a lot of information, and it is only getting more complicated,” says Flippo. “Women who have history to suggest a genetic component should see a genetic counselor. It is very individual, and the decisions are very personal.” `

Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, New England Journal of Medicine

Genetic testing of embryos

Women of childbearing years who have tested positive for BRCA gene mutations have options if they desire to stop the cycle of breast cancer in their family. Preimplantation genetic testing is available for embryos that are produced through in vitro fertilization. “Couples are able to make informed decisions,” says Nancy Teaff, MD, a fertility specialist with REACH (Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte). According to an article in The New York Times (Feb. 3, 2014), preimplantation genetic diagnosis of embryos often goes unmentioned by doctors. A study conducted by a professor of clinical psychiatry and bioethicist at Columbia University, revealed that most internists are unsure about talking to couples with genes for diseases like cystic fibrosis or breast cancer about PGD and IVF. Only about 6 percent had ever mentioned it, and only 7 Nancy Teaff, MD percent said they felt qualified to answer patients’ questions. “Genetic counseling is available, and essential, to help patients evaluate their options,” advises Teaff. She adds that these women, and especially those who are not yet married, may consider fertility preservation – harvesting their eggs – as well, if removal of their ovaries to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, is in their future. `jv

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Feature

Home for the Holidays – 2014 Holiday House By Julie Fields

he home of Drs. Sid and Amy Fletcher will come to life when the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment (MMAE) opens the 2014 Holiday House for tours November 14-16. According to co-chairs, Karen Chandler and Paula Reutlinger, some of the area’s most talented florists, interior designers, home décor retailers and landscape designers will use the Fletchers’ beautiful home as a backdrop to display their vision of this year’s Holiday House theme, “Home for the Holidays.” Built in 1926, the Fletcher’s Tudor-style house at 2148 Selwyn Ave. is steeped in the rich history of our city. For a period of time, the house served as a dormitory for Queens University (then Queens College) but was later converted into a residence for the late Dr. Billy Wireman and his wife, Katie, while Wireman was president of the school. The Fletchers (Amy, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Novant Health Rankin OB/GYN, and Sid, an emergency room physician who recently became Vice President of Medical Staff for Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center) have lived in the house with their three children since 2003. This year’s Holiday House designers are: Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, B.home, Flowers Plus, Kelilabee Flower Company, Frontgate, The Royal Gardens, Discovered Traditions, the Gift Shop at Temple Beth El, Dunlap Interiors, Inc., Flowers by Lingky, Scott Sistare Landscaping, Katie Emmons Design, Natalie Wilson Interiors, Cammie Stutts and Party Blooms. Pianists from Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center’s team of volunteer musicians, best known for the uplifting music with which they fill the hospital lobby to greet visitors, will be on hand to liven the mood for guests touring the house. Tours are available on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.5 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 16, noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, with discounts available for group sales. Gifts for all occasions will be available for purchase in a gift shop featuring vendors including: The Gifted Box, For Goodness Cakes, LA LADY, Lisette Pottery, Angelika’s Fine Swiss Bakery, Multiple Blessings, The Purple Rooster, Kaitlyn Rae Fraser Pottery and Eva Crawford’s fine art. The gift shop co-chairs, Brenda Wing and Judy Verross, promise to have gifts for everyone on your shopping list! Mayobird, a new East Boulevard eatery, will be serving several versions of their famous chicken salad, as well as other treats from their kitchen for those wishing to eat lunch after touring the house. Santa promises to make an appearance and bring some snow from the North Pole. Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment is a volunteer organization, whose membership dues pay all programming and administrative expenses. Every penny made on the Holiday House will go into the Alliance’s Endowment and come out as a grant to a local nonprofit. In May of this year, the Endowment gave $81,000 to the following local nonprofits: Pat’s Place, Care Ring, Beds for Kids, Samaritan House, Thompson Child and Family Focus, A Child’s Place, Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Supportive Housing Communities, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, Camp Care, Florence Crittenton Services and NC MedAssist (an organization

that the Alliance helped found). Throughout its 30-year existence, the Endowment has given more than $1.5 million to help build a healthy Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, and by supporting this biennial project, you will help the Endowment continue to have a positive impact on the health and wellness of our city. For members of the Medical Alliance and their guests, a preview event will be offered on Thursday evening, Nov. 13. Tours of the Fletchers’ home will begin early that evening, and then guests will move to the home of Dr. Elizabeth and Robert Rostan on Queens Road West for food, drink, music and fun. Tickets to the Holiday House can be purchased on the MMAE website (mmaeonline.com) or at any of the three Blacklion locations starting October 24.

Save the Date! 2014 Holiday House

Home of Drs. Amy and Sid Fletcher 2148 Selwyn Ave.

Preview Party – November 13, 6-9:30 p.m. Starts with a tour of the Holiday House, 6-7:30 p.m., and then moves to the home of Elizabeth and Robert Rostan at 1870 Queens Road West for food, drink, music and door prizes, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $80 each.

Tour opened to the public: Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 each with discounts for group sales. Tickets can be purchased at all three Blacklion locations starting October 24 or online at www.mmaeonline.com.

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2014 | 11

NORTH CAROLINA SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY

PROMOTING HIGH STANDARDS OF CARE FOR N.C. PATIENTS

SAVE THE DATE

February 28 - March 1, 2015

2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, NC

TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Physician Assistants, Nurse Anesthetists and Nurses working specifically in Gastroenterology. FEATURED SPEAKERS: Lawrence Kosinski, MD Joseph A. Murray, MD Satish Rao, MD MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on how to become a member of the North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology, visit: http://ncgisociety.org or contact Sandi Buchanan, Executive Director at sbuchanan@meckmed.org

Cancer Observances by Month and Awareness Color JANUARY: MARCH: APRIL: MAY: JUNE: SEPTEMBER:

Cervical Health Awareness Month National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month National Cancer Control Month Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month (June 1) National Cancer Survivors Day Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Leukemia Awareness Month Lymphoma Awareness Month Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Prostate Cancer Awareness Month OCTOBER: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month NOVEMBER: Lung Cancer Awareness Month National Hospice and Palliative Care Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Other cancers not recognized on a particular month: Bladder Cancer; Bone Cancer; Brain Cancer; Esophageal Cancer; Head & Neck Cancer; Kidney Cancer; Liver Cancer; Sarcoma; Stomach Cancer; Testicular Cancer; Thyroid Cancer; Uterine Cancer; Cancer Caregivers Appreciation

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Member News

NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES OCTOBER 2014

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.

OCTOBER

American Heart Walk n Eat Better, Eat Together Month Children’s Health Month n Domestic Violence Awareness Month Health Literacy Month n Healthy Babies Month n Healthy Lung Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month n National Bullying Prevention Month National Chiropractic Month n National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month National Family Sexuality Education Month National Liver Awareness Month n National Physical Therapy Month National Spina Bifida Month n Talk About Prescriptions Month National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month October 5-11: National Mental Illness Awareness Week October 6: Child Health Day October 8: International Walk–to–School Day October 10: World Mental Health Day October 13-19: National School Lunch Week October 14-17: National Consultant Pharmacy Week October 19-25: International Infection Prevention Week October 19-25: National Health Education Week October 19-25: National Healthcare Quality Week October 19-25: National Respiratory Care Week October 20: World Osteoporosis Day October 29: Lung Health Day

P L E A S E

No MCMS Board meeting. No magazine deadline.

Friday, Oct. 3 Child Health Committee meeting. 7:30 a.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 7 Fighting for Women with Fashion event. Foundation for the Carolinas. 6-9 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 7 Charlotte Dental Society Board meeting. 6 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 14 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 14 Charlotte Dental Society membership meeting. Myers Park Country Club. 6 p.m. n

J O I N

Wednesday, Oct. 15 MMAE Finance Committee meeting. 9 a.m. n Wednesday, Oct. 15 MMAE Board meeting. 10 a.m. n Thursday, Oct. 16 CAMGM meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. n Monday, Oct. 20 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. n Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28 NCMS Annual Meeting and House of Delegates. Grandover Resort, Greensboro. n

U S !

Fourth Annual

Fighting for Women with Fashion to benefit the Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00 p.m. Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 North Tryon Street

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT SAFEALLIANCE.ORG Proud partnership of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society Women Physicians Section and the Charlotte Women Attorneys Women Physicians Section

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2014 | 13

At the Hospitals

Cancer Support Services Now Available in the Matthews Area Cancer patients in the Matthews area now have easy access to valuable counseling and case management services that can help them along their journey. Every Monday, one of Novant Health Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center’s licensed clinical social workers are onsite at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center to offer counseling and support for cancer patients and families. Patients can call 704-384-5223 to schedule an appointment for this free service.

These services are offered in addition to the palliative care services offered at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. To request a consultation, call 704-384-6478.

Navin Bhojwani, MD, Named Physician Leader for Women’s Service Line Navin Bhojwani, MD, has been named physician leader for the Novant Health women’s service line in the greater Charlotte market. In his new role, Bhojwani will work with key stakeholders to enhance Novant Health’s ability to achieve goals for service, quality and affordability across women’s services. Physician partnerships are extremely important to the success of Novant Health. Bhojwani is a practicing obstetrician/ gynecologist and has served in numerous leadership roles in the Charlotte market. n

Palliative Care Service Expands to Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Novant Health Matthews Medical Center now offers inpatient palliative, or supportive care consults for patients facing a serious illness. Our specialized team works alongside the patient’s primary care physician to maximize quality of life by minimizing the symptoms, pain and stress associated with the disease and its treatment. Services include: • Expert treatment of symptoms, such as pain, nausea, fatigue and anxiety • Emotional and spiritual support • Assistance with decision-making and guidance with treatment choices • Assistance with advance directives, such as a Health Care Power of Attorney and living will • Assistance with communication and coordination across the continuum of care settings n

Infectious Disease Specialists Available at Three Locations Novant Health Infectious Disease Specialists provides inpatient and outpatient consultation and follow-up for a variety of infectious diseases including HIV, orthopedic infections, skin and soft tissue infections, UTI, blood stream infections, pneumonia and others. The physicians of Novant Health Infectious Disease Specialists include Michael Blocker, MD, MPH; William Harley, MD; and Carmen Tichindelean, MD. They are available for consultations at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital and Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. To schedule a consultation, call 704-316-5330. n

with a ceremony that included remarks from U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger; Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor and Carl Armato, president and chief executive officer of Novant Health. Matthews Medical Center opened on August 24, 1994, and since then has undergone many expansions and improvements, including earning primary stroke designation and chest pain center accreditation. Most recently, the hospital added a fifth floor with medical surgical, observation and hospice rooms, and launched a STEMI program. The hospital also recently renovated its maternity rooms and is planning for the construction of a new 26,500-square-foot women’s center that will bring the total obstetrics bed count to 30. Two ante-partum and two gynecologic beds, and community meeting and staff workspace also will be added. Construction will begin in early 2015, and the center will open in early 2016. Register Today: Maya Angelou International Women’s Health Summit November 20-21 A two-day international health summit on contemporary issues affecting women’s health is planned for November 21-22 by the Novant Health Maya Angelou Center for Women’s Health and Wellness. Chairing the event is Chere Gregory, MD, senior vice president of women’s services. This engaging conference will be held at the Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Conference Center and will feature more than 40 individuals speaking on a variety of topics. A few examples include: The Affordable Care Act: Will Women Benefit or Suffer in the Future of Healthcare; A CrossCultural Journey Through the Minds of Women; Global Warriors: War, Conflict and Women’s Health; and, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Ally Health. To register online and/or learn more about the conference, visit novanthealth.org/womensconference. This event is designated for a maximum of 14 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. n

Novant Health Bariatric Clinics Move to One Name: Novant Health Bariatric Solutions Effective September 1, Novant Health Southeast Bariatrics (Charlotte and Huntersville) and Novant Health Bariatric Surgical Associates in Matthews became Novant Health Bariatric Solutions. All clinic locations, phone numbers, providers and staff will remain the same. This name change brings consistency to all bariatric services within Novant Health, including the current Bariatric Solutions clinics in Kernersville and Salisbury. David Voellinger, MD, Craig Kolasch, MD, Christine King, PA-C, and Tim Leonard, PA-C, along with the entire Bariatric Solutions staff, are committed to improving patients’ quality of life through a patient-centered and team-oriented approach. Patients enjoy better continuity of care and an expansion of bariatric services, including bariatric medical services, nutrition, exercise and counseling services, online and in-person information seminars, support groups, pre-op classes, bariatric supplements and products, and access to MyChart. n

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Celebrates 20 Years On August 22, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center celebrated its 20th anniversary n

14 | October 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine

At the Hospitals

System Receives $3.7 Million NIH Grant to Study Relationship between Gum Disease and Heart Disease Carolinas HealthCare System’s Department of Oral Medicine has received a $3.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the role of poor oral hygiene and periodontal (gum) disease in patients who develop an infection of the heart valves, known as infective endocarditis (IE). Nearly 30 percent of IE originates from oral bacteria, which often moves from the inflamed tissue around the teeth into the blood stream, thus infecting the heart tissue. Peter Lockhart, DDS, professor emeritus in the department of oral medicine, is the principal investigator for this five-year grant, which also involves dentists and cardiologists at three patient enrollment sites: Carolinas Medical Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Kings Daughter’s Medical Center in Kentucky. Michael Brennan, DDS, MHS, chair of the department of oral medicine, along with Geoffrey Rose, MD, chief of cardiology at the System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, are site co-investigators on the study. In addition to transforming researchers’ understanding of IE risk factors, this study has the potential to reduce the incidence of IE and its associated morbidity, mortality and cost. It could provide key information for future clinical guidelines for prevention of IE, and it could play a critical role in public health for all individuals at risk of developing this disease. n

Carolinas Rehabilitation Becomes World’s First CARF-Accredited Cancer Rehabilitation Program Carolinas HealthCare System’s Carolinas Rehabilitation recently received the world’s first accreditation in oncology rehabilitation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This three-year accreditation n

recognizes the commitment of Carolinas Rehabilitation and Levine Cancer Institute to provide standardized treatment for cancer patients that includes the highest level of quality care. Vishwa S. Raj, MD, associate medical director of Carolinas Rehabilitation and director of cancer rehabilitation, co-authored the CARF standards of care guidelines, which were published in early January. The partnership between Carolinas Rehabilitation and Levine Cancer Institute brings cancer patients increased access to specialized cancer rehabilitation therapies provided by Raj and his multi-disciplinary team of physiatrists, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists. The Institute’s growing number of cancer survivors – who often require comprehensive, long-term care – have unique needs that are addressed through the specialized services provided by Carolinas Rehabilitation’s oncology rehabilitation program, which is the only dedicated inpatient program of its kind in the Southeast. Mary Nolan Hall, MD, Named Associate Dean of UNC Med School’s Charlotte Campus Reflecting the academic collaboration between the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and Carolinas HealthCare System, the university has appointed the System’s Mary Nolan Hall, MD, FAAFP chief academic officer, Mary Nolan Hall, MD, FAAFP, as the associate dean for the UNC School of Medicine regional campus in Charlotte. For more than 40 years, Carolinas HealthCare System has provided clinical education in a variety of specialties to UNC School of Medicine students. In 2010, the institutions partnered to create a regional campus, UNC School of Medicine Charlotte Campus, on the grounds of Carolinas Medical Center. The Charlotte Campus each year hosts the equivalent n

of 50 full-time medical students who complete rotations across facilities. As chief academic officer for Carolinas HealthCare System, Hall oversees academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate medical education, nursing and allied health programs, continuing medical education and advanced clinical practitioner fellowships. Carolinas HealthCare System Named “Most Wired” for 11th Straight Year Hospitals and Health Networks magazine has named Carolinas HealthCare System a “Most Wired” healthcare system for the 11th straight year. Results from hospital systems that participated in this year’s survey show growing use of information technology to make healthcare data available to physicians to better coordinate care. Efforts are also growing to use technology to improve patient access to their own medical records and establish true partnerships between patients and physicians to improve lifestyles and manage chronic conditions. Among the initiatives Carolinas HealthCare System has under way are: • Using clinical data available through its Dickson Advanced Analytics unit to improve how physicians practice medicine and spot lifestyle trends among populations that can contribute to health problems. • Launching MyCarolinas, a patient portal that allows patients to access their medical records, view test results, schedule appointments and communicate securely with their doctors. • Proceeding with the rollout of an electronic medical records platform that allows the sharing of medical information among physicians in multiple locations to improve continuity of care. The Most Wired survey asked healthcare systems nationwide to answer questions about their IT initiatives. Respondents completed 680 surveys, which represents 1,900 hospitals, or 30 percent of all U.S. hospitals. n

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2014 | 15

Independent Physicians of the Carolinas

Independent Physicians of the Carolinas is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization whose mission is to create public awareness of medical doctors not employed by a network or hospital system and to provide educational programs and resources to physician members and their administration. Find them online at IndependentPhysicians.org.

multiple body areas. It normally is a single treatment and results have been shown to last about two years on the face. Additional touch-ups can be done. Another new treatment, Rejuvapen™, is performed by the aesthetician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. Rejuvapen™, a micro-needling technology that is a non-laser, non-surgical treatment that stimulates collagen production, tightens skin, and treats wrinkles, fine lines, scarring and hyperpigmentation. It decreases pore size, and the overall health of the skin is improved. Charlotte Skin & Laser is one of only a few providers that offer this treatment in Charlotte.

Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, on Randolph Road in the Eastover Medical Park, welcomes two new providers. Catherine Moore, MD, is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Carolina Family Healthcare, on Elm Lane at the Ballantyne eligible in Hematology/Medical Oncology. Moore earned Commons Parkway intersection, is now offering CoolSculpting. Under the her medical degree at Southern Illinois University School medical direction of Dino Kanelos, MD, it is the only non-surgical body of Medicine and has clinical and research background in contouring treatment that freezes and eliminates stubborn fat from the body. genitourinary cancers (prostate, bladder, renal testicular) If you missed the September 24 “Cool Event” demonstration, contact them and breast cancer, and was awarded the Iowa Oncology Catherine Moore, MD at 704-945-4510 to get on the list for the next event. Society Travel Award on breast MRI imaging. Jason The providers and staff at Carolina Family Healthcare welcome new Shultz, MD, returns to this area, where he earned his clinician, Kirsta Norwood, PA-C. undergraduate degree from Davidson College. He then taught middle school science in Sarasota, Fla., and earned Carolina Digestive Health Associates sponsored this year’s his medical degree from the Medical University of the Purple Stride Charlotte 2014 pancreatic cancer fundraiser through Americas in Nevis, West Indies. Shultz continued his the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The gastroenterology team education and training at the University of Oklahoma and Jason Shultz, MD of physicians and professionals continues to offer at East Tennessee State University. He is board-certified digestive health education to the communities in Internal Medicine and eligible in Medical Oncology. served by its 22 providers, eight clinical offices and four endoscopy centers. Congratulations to Darst Dermatology, in south Charlotte and Monroe, will hold a Fall gastroenterologist Barry Schneider, MD, for making Open House on Thursday, Oct. 2, 5-7 p.m. at the Charlotte office, 11301 the finalist list of Charlotte Business Journal’s 2014 Golf Links Dr. North, Suite 203. There will be giveaways, specials on Excellence in Health Care Awards in the individual skincare items, laser packages, special injection prices, and wine, cheese Barry Schneider, MD category for advancements in health care. Schneider and desserts. All are welcome to attend to learn about skin care, body care was recognized for performing the first fecal transplant in the Charlotte and advanced procedures. area. Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a stool transplant procedure of fecal bacteria from a healthy individual into a recipient who might Advertising Acknowledgements have acute debilitating disease due to Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other digestive or autoimmune The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible. diseases. The goal of FMT is replacement of healthy intestinal flora. Brandon Gynecology and Charlotte Radiology are hosting a Mammogram Party on Thursday, Oct. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Radiology Breast Center-University, 101 W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite 2122-A, University Medical Park Building 2000. Contact Michelle Russell with Charlotte Radiology at 704-332-0991 to register. Charlotte Skin & Laser on Providence Road announces new procedures under the direction of dermatologist Elizabeth Rostan, MD. ThermiRF™ is the first FDAcleared aesthetic device that employs temperature controlled radiofrequency to tighten skin. Rostan is the only physician in Charlotte using the procedure. The radiofrequency, which is the energy used to treat tissue Elizabeth Rostan, MD layers beneath the skin, tightens the skin. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia and can be used to treat

16 | October 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine

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Mecklenburg County Medical Society

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20 | October 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine

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