Mecklenburg Medicine March 2016 by Mecklenburg Medicine

March 2016 • Vol. 46, No. 3

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

y t i n u m m o C r u Yo Thanks You! Happy Doctors’ Day on March 30 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

Together, we can knock out pediatric cancer Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® are bringing world-renowned pediatric care to our region Austin Wilson is more than a cancer survivor, he’s a superhero. And superheroes are always stronger when they join forces. That’s why Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital has joined the St. Jude Affiliate Program to deliver advanced treatments and innovative clinical trials to children in our community battling cancer and blood disorders. The new affiliation, known as the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, is one of only seven St. Jude affiliate clinics in the nation. We’re proud to bring this level of care closer to home, helping children like Austin focus on bigger things — like saving the world.

Learn more about our new affiliation and what it means for the future of pediatric care in our community. NovantHealth.org/Hemby/StJudeClinic

2 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

March 2016 Vol. 46 No. 3

Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Doubt

OFFICERS President Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Treasurer Scott L. Furney, MD Immediate Past President Simon V. Ward III, MD

By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD

5 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings 5 Upcoming Meetings & Events 6 Feature: Giving Back: It’s Good for Your Health

BOARD MEMBERS

By Donald K. Jonas, PhD

7 Feature: D.R.U.G.S. to Keep Our Patients and Community Safe By Mark E. Romanoff, MD

8 MMAE 9 Member News 10 At the Hospitals 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 12 National Health & Wellness Observances for March 12 Advertising Acknowledgements

John R. Allbert, MD Maureen L. Beurskens, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA W. Frank Ingram III, MD Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Scott S. Lindblom, MD Shivani P. Mehta, MD, MPH Robert L. Mittl, Jr., MD Babak Mokari, DO Cameron B. Simmons, Jr., MD Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Mimi Compton, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Michelle Conner, DDS, President Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS President 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

Finance & Membership Coordinator Stephanie D. Smith Meetings & Special Events Jenny H. Otto

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 Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editors Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD Scott S. Lindblom, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker

Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2016 | 3

AOCC Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas was formed in 2000 by Ahmad Kashif M.D., Robert Kipnis, M.D., Andrew Laster M.D. and Gary Maniloff M.D. We are now expanding to meet the needs of our growing community.

We would like to introduce our new physicians to the Charlotte and surrounding areas ...

Dr. Shabnam Ali

Dr. Heather Gladue

Dr. Ashley Toci

Dr. Shabnam Ali is Board Certified in adult rheumatology. She previously was in practice in Ft. Myers, Florida. She completed her rheumatology fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency at Texas Tech University in Odessa, Texas, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a graduate of Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan where she earned her medical degree. Dr. Ali’s medical interests include all inflammatory autoimmune disorders, with special interest in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Dr. Heather Gladue is Board Certified in adult rheumatology. She comes to us from Emory University in Atlanta where she served as Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology for 2 years. Her rheumatology fellowship was completed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and her internal medicine residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. She attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Dr. Gladue’s medical interests include all inflammatory autoimmune disorders with special interest in scleroderma, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Ashley Toci is Board Certified in adult rheumatology. She comes to us from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where she completed her internship, residency and fellowship. She attended West Virginia University in Morgantown as an undergraduate, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences and graduated summa cum laude. She remained in Morgantown and attended the West Virginia University School of Medicine earning her Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Toci’s medical interests include all inflammatory autoimmune disorders with a particular interest in bone health in women, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.

With a physician referral we are able to schedule a new patient appointment within 7-10 days with one of our new physicians. Other services offered on site in our clinic include: Infusion Therapy | Laboratory services | X-Ray, Bone Density and Ultrasound | Physical Therapy | Clinical Trials

1918 Randolph Road, Suite 600 | Charlotte, NC 28207 | Phone 704-342-0252 | Fax 704-790-4480 4 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

President’s Letter

Doubt Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings

By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD

Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.

Another night Another call Patients seen, EHR subdued Checkout complete Sleep awaits

MARCH 2016

Continuing Medical Education (CME) 3/4 6th Annual Carolinas’ Clinical Sleep Symposium 3/7-9 2016 National Council Conference 3/15 X Marks the Spot: A Review of the Target Specific Oral Anticoagulants 3/24 Contemporary Considerations in the Management of COPD 3/29 Integrated Health Symposium 3/30-4/1 40th Annual Internal Medicine Conference Online DOT Medical Examiners Course Online Risk Management Online Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians Online Prevention and Management of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Online Motor Vehicle Crash Victims Online MTAC Trauma Modules

One little boy 2 years old and “not quite himself” Nothing else No fever, normal exam Crying stopped with mom — that’s good, right? 11 p.m. — contort myself around the cats What did I miss? Right now phone should ring ED telling me What I missed It’s 3 a.m., and I think I’m worried I should’ve cathed him (but he’s circumcised) Was there a hair tourniquet? (seen one in 30 years) Did I check all the limbs? (he walked out next to his mom) Was that my beeper? At 5 a.m. those not on call sleep well Did Tylenol mask a fever? Did I ask about contacts? Pets? Travel? I looked at his vaccine record, I think Maybe I can finish this book New day — no pages, no calls Follow-up: “He’s fine. Thanks for your care.” Was it luck or knowledge? Both? Back to the salt mines Who will it be today?

For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.

Upcoming Meetings & Events MARCH Upcoming MCMS Events n

Upcoming Meetings and Other Events Meetings at MCMS office unless otherwise noted. n

“Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure disease of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing.” — Voltaire n

Question: Who was Ali Maow Maalin? See page 8 for the answer.

Thursday, March 3 David G. Welton, MD, Society Spring Luncheon Charlotte Country Club 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 8 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10 MMAE Community Health Classroom on Autism Myers Park Country Club 9:30 a.m. (Brunch) Monday, March 14 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16 MMAE Finance/Board meeting. 9 a.m./10 a.m Thursday, March 17 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. Friday, March 18 Child Health Committee meeting. 7:30 a.m. Monday, March 21 MCMS Board meeting. 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 May magazine deadline. Friday, March 25 Good Friday – MCMS office closed.

Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2016 | 5

Feature

Giving Back: It’s Good for Your Health By Donald K. Jonas, PhD, Executive Director, Care Ring

arch 30 is National Doctors’ Day, and this is an ideal time to recognize the doctors in our community who give back in so many ways to help our neighbors in need. At Care Ring, we have the good fortune to partner with hundreds of physicians and all of our major hospital and health care systems in the Charlotte region to manage a network of voluntary care for those needing access to care. Originally established by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, Physicians Reach Out has been managed by Care Ring in recent years. Collectively, PRO has generated more than $112 million in donated care from local healthcare providers in just over a decade. This remarkable generosity every year allows thousands of our very low-income neighbors to access life-saving treatments and improve their quality of life. Passage of the Affordable Care Act helped many in our region in a number of ways, including improving access to health care insurance for many who had previously been excluded from getting care. But the ACA is by no means a panacea — we recognize there are still tens of thousands of people across the region who remain unable to access or afford care. Far too many continue to work in low-wage jobs that do not offer affordable care, or for a number of reasons find themselves ineligible for public or private assistance. Thanks to the giving back spirit of Charlotte’s physicians and the leadership of our local medical community, Charlotte has not turned their backs on those in need. Because of the generosity of Charlotte’s medical providers and their voluntary participation in Physicians Reach Out, Charlotte is a more kind, caring and compassionate place. Why do so many of our physicians choose to volunteer to care for others through Physicians Reach Out? And in addition to the clear benefit the recipients of care receive, does the volunteer physician reap any rewards, as well?

The value of volunteering Doctors are our critical friends — knowledgeable of best practices, aware how we have performed in the past, seemingly always optimistic we can adopt healthy behaviors and live more healthy lives. I have come to expect my primary care physician to ask a series of critical questions when I arrive for a check-up. These include: “Are you eating well, exercising every day, getting enough sleep?” To the list of appropriate and expected questions we might need to add one more:

“How many hours did you volunteer over the last month?” A host of recent studies reveal the many health benefits, in some cases the direct correlation, between giving back to serve others and improved health outcomes. Dr. John Rowe, founding director of the Division on Aging at Harvard Medical School and professor of health policy and aging at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, points to numerous studies showing how giving back to help others in need can have multiple positive health benefits for the volunteer. Cited in a recent Huffington Post story as “The Surprising Health Tip That Doctors and Bosses Should Recommend,” Rowe believes volunteering can yield multiple positive results, including: Volunteers are more likely than non-volunteers to take better care of themselves, getting required vaccinations at a greater rate and avoiding risky health behaviors like smoking; Volunteering can enhance an individual’s social network, giving more meaning and purpose to daily living; and Those over 60 who regularly volunteer actually can reverse cognitive declines. Charlotte’s medical community seems to have figured out long ago what the science is telling us today about the value of volunteering. Volunteering to serve others not only helps the recipient of the good deed, but the person who is volunteering reaps multiple positive rewards, too. To all of our volunteer providers — PAs, dentists and physicians at primary and specialty clinics and hospitals across Charlotte — thank you for volunteering through Physicians Reach Out. Your work is so beneficial to our community. And it also is good for you!

Because of the generosity of Charlotte’s medical providers and their voluntary participation in Physicians Reach Out, Charlotte is a more kind, caring and compassionate place.

March 30 is National Doctors’ Day n

6 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Feature

D.R.U.G.S. to Keep Our Patients and Community Safe By Mark E. Romanoff, MD

NCMB-CSRS Advisory Committee, 2016 N.C. Project Lazarus Core Faculty, 2013-15 N.C. Controlled Substance Reporting Service Advisory Board, 2007-present Past President, Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 2006

hronic pain is a serious problem in our nation. More than 40 percent of the U.S. population suffers from pain. The cost of treatment and lost productivity is more than $600 billion each year and it is the leading cause of disability. Opioids for the treatment of Chronic Non Cancer Pain (CNCP) is controversial, but widespread. We are now familiar with the crisis of the use, abuse and misuse of controlled substances, but here are a few facts: 1. There are more than 700 deaths per year in North Carolina due to opioid overdose (100 percent increase over the last 10 years. Ref: N.C. State Center for Health Statistics, August 2015). 2. N.C. county-by-county death rates from opioids vary from 2-50/100,000 (for perspective, motor vehicle accidents 39/100k; breast CA deaths 13/100k; firearm deaths 10/100k; Mecklenburg County opioid deaths 2.2-6.7/100k). 3. About half the people who have died from prescription opioids in the state never received an opioid prescription. Diversion was the source of these medications. 4. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a growing problem in the state. More than 25 percent of patients of child bearing age in the state are taking opioids (my research). And NAS, intrauterine growth issues, prematurity, NICU admissions and increased costs are associated with opioid use in pregnancy. 5. When the front page of the cutting-edge medicine journal “Consumer Reports” described this as a national problem last year, it must be serious. As a core faculty member for Project Lazarus, I have interacted with hundreds of participants, and they have asked for a quick way to remember the information we presented. So, using my background in the Armed Services, where nothing is official until it has an acronym, I came up with an acronym I think will be helpful as a “best practice” for using Opioids to treat CNCP. It hits the highlights of the NCMB position paper on opioids. Project Lazarus, the interactive live course for Primary Care Providers on appropriate opioid prescribing has just finished a two-year grant. Some of the content is now online as part of the chronic pain initiative at www.projectlazarus.org/doctors/community-care-chronic-pain-initiative.

The Acronym is D.R.U.G.S. D – “Diagnoses” that support the use of chronic opioids. R – “Rx” or treatment of pain conditions prior to, and including, the institution of a trial of opioids. U – “Understanding” aberrant behavior related to the misuse and abuse of opioids — who is at risk? G – “Guidelines” are in place. S – “Subsequent” or follow-up visit procedures.

Some quick notes to help understand the “DRUGS” scaffolding. 1. Diagnoses: Some disease states, such as fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and chronic neck and low back pain (without structural abnormalities), are usually not amenable to the use of opioids. A diagnosis supporting opioid use should be a painful condition that is chronic and not acute. It should be severe >7/10 pain. Sometimes consultations to neurology, orthopedics or surgery providers are necessary. 2. Rx or treatment options prior to opioids are plentiful and include any number of medications — NSAID’s, Central Sensitization medications (gabapentin, pregabalin, etc.), muscle relaxants (but not carisoprodol or SomaReg) and antidepressants (duloxetine), to name a few. Physical therapy, behavioral therapy, acupuncture, injections (trigger point, epidural steroid, nerve block) and possibly a pain management evaluation are appropriate. If these are unsuccessful, then a “trial” of opioids may be reasonable. It is important to let the patient know that this is a time-limited trial and the trial will be stopped if there is no improvement in pain or function or they experience intolerable side effects. The choice of opioid is beyond the scope of this article. 3. Understand that aberrant behaviors can occur in up to 20 percent of patients taking opioids and they may be indicative of misuse, abuse or addiction. A comprehensive discussion of these behaviors is beyond this brief introduction. Certainly, repeated loss of medications, obtaining opioids from other providers, forging prescriptions and repeated unauthorized escalation of dosage should elicit concern and a response from the provider. This response may be tapering or discontinuation of controlled substances and/or a referral to an opioid treatment program. 4. Guidelines need to be in place at the time of starting opioids. These guidelines should include an opioid “agreement” describing the patient’s and the provider’s responsibilities concerning these medications. It is recommended that this “contract” include a pharmacy “lock in” (only one pharmacy used), not obtaining pain medications from other providers, pill counts, random drug screens (RUDS) and frequent checking of the Controlled Substance Reporting Service (CSRS) prior to the first prescription and then at specific intervals during treatment. Discontinuing the use of benzodiazepines and carisprodal also is recommended. An excellent resource on RUDS is Dr. Paul Martin’s video at https:// youtu.be/ Wuire10DI3Y. 5. Subsequent visits or follow-up visits should address opioid treatment outcome. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2016 | 7

MMAE

Building a Healthier Community

Community Health Classroom on Autism Thursday, March 10

9:30 a.m.

Myers Park Country Club

A panel from Southeast Psych will address questions about Autism and Autism Spectrum. Dr. Frank Gaskill will give an overview of Asperger’s, Autism Spectrum and Autism, and will explain the DSM-V classification. n

Dr. Kelley Bolton will talk about how the disorders differ between boys and girls.

Dr. Mary B. Moore will discuss social and emotional skills development. n Dr. Josh Jensen will address how children with Autism Spectrum diagnosis can use their strengths to develop skills. n

For more information, visit mmaeonline.com FEATURE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

The five A’s are helpful to remember what should be covered and documented. Analgesia — is there pain reduction? Affect — mood changes present? Aberrant behaviors present? (lost scripts, running out early and documenting monitoring; CSRS, pill counts, RUDS, etc.) Activity — level of functioning? Adverse reactions — any side effects? Document your actions if there are signs of aberrancy. I want to discuss some new ways your Medical Society, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.C. Medical Board have come up with to combat the problem. 1. The NCMB has two policies related to this problem. The Drug Overdose Prevention policy paper was established in 2008 and suggests making naloxone available to patients prescribed opioids to treat overdose. The latest revision of the policy for use of opiates is a comprehensive 58-page paper describing a best practice approach to using opioids in CNCP. An executive summary is being prepared and will be available soon. I strongly advise you take the time to read it if you prescribe long-term opioids. The NCMB also is using the CSRS to prospectively evaluate providers in the top 1 percent of prescribing 100 morphine mg equivalents per patient per day, and those who have had two or more opioid related deaths in a year. You will hear more about this in the future. (http://www.ncmedboard.org/resources-information/professionalresources/laws-rules-position-statements/position-statements/drug_ overdose_prevention) (http://www.ncmedboard.org/images/uploads/other_pdfs/Policy_ for_the_Use_of_Opiates_for_the_Treatment_of_Pain_Jan_2015.pdf)

8 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

2. The CSRS (https://nccsrsph.hidinc.com) is a great resource and has become more valuable with the addition of a face lift and two recent updates from March 2015: Delegate Accounts and Provider Reports. Along with the usual checking on your own patients, now you can run a provider report on yourself. You can see if there are patients on this list you don’t know, and you can spot a prescription forgery. Delegate accounts now allow anyone in your office access to the CSRS on your behalf. This can provide a systematic team approach to checking the database and ensuring patient compliance. The “Help” section on the CSRS website can answer most questions. I am hopeful this article will stimulate more discussion and will encourage readers with questions to learn more. Together, using the D.R.U.G.S. acronym, we can provide excellent care safely for patients with severe chronic pain while limiting the diversion and misuse of these medications that threatens the population of Mecklenburg County and our state. Trivia answer from page 5: Ali Maow Maalin was the last person on earth to contract smallpox. He became infected in 1977 and recovered. In 1979, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox eradicated from the globe. Thank you, Dr. Jenner. In a strange twist of fate, Mr. Maalin, who was a healthcare worker, died of malaria in 2013 while in Somalia. He was there helping vaccinate children against polio, as Somalia had suffered an outbreak. Despite the WHO’s best effort, polio refuses to be totally conquered.

Member News

NEW MEMBERS R. Keith Bailey, PA-C VA Medical Center-Salisbury University of Florida, 1984 Benjamin C. Miles, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Novant Health Huntersville OB/GYN Indiana University, 2006 Timothy S. Roush, MD General Surgery Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 1984 Patrick L. Ware, MD Pathology Presbyterian Pathology Group University of South Carolina, 2008

Charlotte Radiology Michael P. Bazylewicz, MD Diagnostic Radiology Dartmouth Medical South, 2009 Shannon N. Hill, MD Radiology Florida State University, 2009

Shannon M. McCrann, DO Diagnostic Radiology New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2003 E. Marie Ostroff, PA-C Nova Southeastern University, 2006

Shannon R. Ervin, PA-C Wake Forest University Kevin W. Greene, PA-C Duke University, 2005 Amy E. Harrelson, PA-C Duke University, 2003

Taylor J. Stone, MD Diagnostic Radiology University of North Carolina, 2009

Audrey J. Hockeborn, PA-C Wake Forest University, 2007

Daniel B. Wallihan, MD Pediatric Radiology Indiana University, 2001

Ashley M. Medina, PA-C Wake Forest University, 2011

Mecklenburg Radiology Associates Brandon B. Alspaugh, PA-C East Carolina University, 2015

Allyson K. Norwood, PA-C Campbell University, 2014

Michael R. Bonisa, PA-C Wake Forest University

Joshua D. Russ, PA-C Wingate University, 2012

Research Opportunity My name is Sarah Paddon.

I am a senior public health and biology double major at Davidson College conducting a short (<10 minute) online survey with physicians in Mecklenburg County on their awareness and perceptions regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (otherwise known as Truvada). Mecklenburg County has the highest rate of new HIV cases in the state, and I am trying to understand how physicians in our area use and view preventative medicine in at-risk patients. I am very excited about this research and would love to be able to collect enough data to produce impacting results. The link to my mobiledevice friendly survey can be found below. All collected information is anonymous; you will not be contacted for additional information. Thank you for your time, and please do not hesitate to call or email if you would like any additional information.

NC BREATHE Conference April 8

8:00 am - 5:00 pmÂ UNC Charlotte Center City

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! ncbreatheconference.org

Bridging Research on Economics and Air Quality for The Health of Everyone

Join us for an interactive forum to share the latest research related to the impacts air pollution has on human health, the environment and the economy, and to discuss the critical role that policy making plays.

Email: sapaddon@davidson.edu Phone: (949) 887-5850 Link to Survey: https://davidsonedu.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8oGs3NTnTuDKRJH

For more info and to register:

NCBREATHEConference.org

Mecklenburg Medicine â&#x20AC;˘ March 2016 | 9

At the Hospitals

Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center Expands Cancer Treatment Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center announces the addition of radiation oncology to its existing suite of cancer services, including medical oncology, outpatient infusion, surgical oncology, cancer rehabilitation, navigation, counseling and clinical trials. The offering of radiation therapy is part of the hospital’s long-term commitment to bring comprehensive, quality cancer care to Huntersville patients in their own community. Radiation oncologist Kevin Roof, MD, provides radiation therapy in Huntersville using state-of-the-art procedures, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy for select brain lesions. For more information about this new service, call 704-316-6630. n

Two New Rehabilitation Centers Open Novant Health Rehabilitation Center is open in two new locations in Charlotte to better and more conveniently serve patients: • Novant Health Rehabilitation Waverly 11840 Southmore Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, Novant Health Waverly Medical Plaza, 704-316-4443 • Novant Health Rehabilitation Kings 445 S. Kings Drive, Charlotte, 704-384-1737. The centers offer convenient hours Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Services include orthopedic, post-surgical, spine and post-concussion diagnosis. Please call either location for patient referrals or questions. n

Local Physicians Donate $336,800 to Community Organizations The Physicians’ Impact Fund has presented grants totaling $336,800 to eight local nonprofit organizations. Grant recipients include NC MedAssist, Charlotte Neuroscience Foundation, Safe Alliance, Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, The Relatives-NeighborCare, Ada Jenkins Center,

Shelter Health Services and the Lake Norman Community Health Clinic. The Physicians’ Impact Fund was created by physicians and friends in the greater Charlotte region to strengthen the health of the community through comprehensive health initiatives for the underserved. Since its inception in 2010, it has raised more than $1.1 million for area nonprofits focused on health care. “The Physicians’ Impact Fund is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been involved in,” says co-chair Thomas Hayes Woollen, MD, of Novant Health Hallmark Care. “Local physicians have been challenged by the Charlotte community to work together and give back, and we have risen to that challenge.” Through the power of collective giving, Physicians’ Impact Fund has been able to reach more than 28,000 lives in the past two years alone, with estimated savings of more than $20 million in terms of improved access to primary medical care, reduced ER visits, and enhanced patient compliance. NC MedAssist and Charlotte Neuroscience Foundation tied for the Physicians’ Impact Fund’s $10,000 award as the No. 1 choice by PIF members; therefore, each organization will receive an additional $5,000 on top of their original grant requests. NC MedAssist, the only free pharmacy program in Mecklenburg County, will use

the $65,000 grant to help support the addition of a pharmacist and the expansion of their medication possession ratio program, which measures patient compliance and ensures better medical outcomes. The organization saw a 48 percent increase in prescriptions dispensed in 2015. NC MedAssist seeks to ensure that no eligible person in Mecklenburg County has to choose between purchasing food or their needed medication. The Charlotte Neuroscience Foundation, supporting the work of Memory Center Charlotte, will use their $55,000 grant to add a RN and MD team to help meet the growing demand of Alzheimer’s and related dementias patients. The funding also will help cover caregiver training and support programs. Through the power of collective giving, Physicians’ Impact Fund awards high-impact grants to organizations that seek to improve the health of the local community. Woollen, fellow physicians and friends know the health care needs of the underserved in Mecklenburg County are great. The fund’s members agreed to contribute at least $1,000 a year to address those needs. Novant Health Foundation Presbyterian Medical Center provides operational support for the Physicians’ Impact Fund so that 100 percent of the money donated by Physicians’ Impact donors goes directly back to the community. For details, visit www. physiciansimpactfund.org.

L-R: Kristin Young, Lori Giang, Paula Vincent, Ellen Meyer and T. Hayes Woollen, MD.

10 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

At the Hospitals

Two of the Nation’s Top Cardiovascular Surgeons Choose Carolinas HealthCare System Carolinas HealthCare System has hired two elite cardiovascular surgeons who will expand both adult and pediatric specialized cardiovascular care within the System and deliver to patients of all ages across the Carolinas the best cardiac care available in the country. Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., MD, assumes the role of chief of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. McGinn is known for pioneering minimally invasive cardiac surgery, a procedure known as the “McGinn Technique,” which has been incorporated internationally as an alternative to open-heart surgery. Paul Kirshbom, MD, is considered to be one of the preeminent congenital heart surgeons in the country and will be leading the congenital heart center at Levine Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kirshbom brings an extensive background in pediatric cardiovascular surgery from Yale School of Medicine, where he was the first chief to hold the title at both Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. “Dr. McGinn’s extensive experience in the field of cardiovascular surgery, together with his proven commitment to constantly improving heart care for patients, positions him for success in his new role at Sanger,” says Paul Colavita, MD, president of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. “As we continue to evolve our program to meet the growing needs of our patients, Dr. McGinn’s leadership, innovation and talents will be valuable assets to the team.” “Since the opening of Levine Children’s Hospital just eight years ago, creating a worldclass pediatric congenital heart program has been, and continues to be, a goal we strive towards every day,” says Callie Dobbins, vice president and facility executive at Levine Children’s Hospital. “With the arrival of Dr. Kirshbom, our nationally ranked program will continue to soar. We are thrilled to have him lead our multi-disciplined, comprehensive team of world-class surgeons to deliver the best care and outcomes for children with heart disease.”

McGinn has assumed his role as chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He leads Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s cardiothoracic surgery group, which consists of nationally recognized surgeons who perform advanced procedures at Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast and Carolinas HealthCare System Pineville. McGinn earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at St. Peters College and received his Doctor of Medicine degree at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, where he also completed his residency in general surgery. Kirshbom will assume his role as chief of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Levine Children’s Hospital beginning April 4. Kirshbom earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from Johns Hopkins University. He completed his residency in general surgery at Duke University Medical Center and completed fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Duke University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Sanger Heart Transplant Survival Rates Exceed National Average New data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients reveals Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s transplant program exceeds national one-year and three-year survival rates. Under the leadership of Sanjeev K. Gulati, MD, Sanger’s one-year survival rate for transplant patients is 94.9 percent, compared to the national average of 90.4 percent. The threeyear survival rate is 95.7 percent, compared to the national average of 84.3 percent. Much of Sanger’s success can be attributed to the growth of its Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program over the past decade. A kind of mechanical heart, the LVAD is implanted inside a patient’s chest. It doesn’t replace the heart; it helps the heart do its job. “This new technology has helped our heart failure patients tremendously,” says Dr. Gulati. “It’s not only extending lives, but doing so more comfortably and more reliably than ever before. An LVAD helps restore normal heart function for the patient. This allows them to not only live longer but to feel more like they used to and feel more a part of society. It can even let the heart recover a bit by not taxing it so much. That’s big.” n

An LVAD can be permanent, but it also can be used as a temporary device for those patients waiting for a transplant. The transplant team at Sanger recently performed five transplants, implanted one LVAD and one total artificial heart in just one week. “I can’t say enough about the exceptional team we have here,” says Gulati. “Being able to pair innovative technology with exceptional care is such a privilege.” New Urgent Care Opens in Albemarle Carolinas HealthCare System has opened a new facility: Urgent Care-Albemarle. The 5,021-square-foot urgent care facility is at 703 Leonard Ave. and includes seven exam rooms, two treatment rooms, space for radiology and a triage room. As part of Carolinas HealthCare System, urgent care facilities are connected to the latest technologies and medical advancements. The new facility will provide a range of services for urgent medical issues and general illnesses and injuries, including treatment for sore throats, earaches, bronchitis, colds and flu, and upset stomach; care for cuts and burns; treatment for minor injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures; and physicals for school sports, camp and work. Carolinas HealthCare System Urgent Care-Albemarle will be the System’s 26th urgent care facility in North Carolina. CHS also operates three dedicated children’s urgent care facilities that are affiliated with Levine Children’s Hospital.

Stanly Regional Medical Center Now Part of CHS Family On January 1, Stanly Regional became an official Carolinas HealthCare System facility. Integration of Stanly Regional Medical Center is the last phase of a relationship that began in 2009, when CHS and the former Stanly Health Services formed a management services agreement. Becoming a full part of CHS brings many benefits to patients and employees. Over the next 12 years, CHS will improve and enhance patient-care services and facilities at Stanly Regional. Projects include improving the information technology system, expanding and improving the emergency department, upgrading patient rooms and developing an urgent care center in Albemarle.

Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2016 | 11

Independent Physicians of the Carolinas shirts each Friday to help build awareness about colorectal cancer. Renovations have been underway as the Huntersville office prepared for Thangavelu’s arrival. The expansion project includes two physician offices, four additional exam rooms and a large nurse’s station. They also will be adding an infusion room for patients with Crohn’s and colitis. 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. Visit us at IndependentPhysicians.org. Annual dues for 2016 are payable for Independent Physicians of the Carolinas. Please visit our website to complete registration for 2016 membership. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with Charlotte hosting its annual “Get Your Rear In Gear” 5K event on March 5 at Independence Park on Hawthorne Lane. Oncology Specialists of Charlotte (OSC) is hosting the Survivors Tent and raising funds for colon cancer screening, education and research. OSC has a family member, Joe Miller, who was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in November at age 39. This year, their team officially is the team of Joe Miller. The colon cancer rate for the younger-than-50 population has seen an increase. Miller, husband and father of three small children, had been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for three weeks but had no risk factors. He is currently undergoing aggressive cancer treatments. Please join our team and/or Joe Miller donate to the cause through the Colon Cancer Coalition online at www.coloncancercoalition.org/portfolio/get-your-rear-in-gearcharlotte-nc/. Click on Register, Join an Existing Team, type in team search — It’s Miller Time! — with team captain Sandra Downey. Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology (CGH) welcomes Devi Thangavelu, MD, to the Huntersville office. A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Thangavelu earned her medical degree from State University of New York-Brooklyn, Downstate School of Medicine. She completed her residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and her fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. She is boardcertified in gastroenterology and hepatology, as well as internal medicine. Before joining CGH in March, Thangavelu practiced gastroenterology for seven years Devi Thangavelu, MD with a large multi-specialty practice in New York. March will be a busy month at CGH as the practice recognizes Colon Cancer Awareness Month. On March 5, CGH will be one of the presenting sponsors for the Colon Cancer Coalition’s “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5K run/walk. Team CGH will dedicate their participation in honor of Kim Holt, their previous regional endoscopy manager who is battling this disease. Staff members also wear blue

12 | March 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

AAIR of Charlotte welcomes a new physician assistant. Danielle DePierro is board-certified and a recent graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s physician assistant program in Fort Myers, Fla. Originally from Texas, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Delaware. DePierro lives on Lake Norman with her fiancé and is a proud mom to two adorable puppies. Like a typical Italian, she loves to cook and try new recipes. She also enjoys reading, photography, hiking and biking. Danielle DePierro, PA DePierro is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. She currently is accepting new patients of all ages.

NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES MARCH 2016 American Red Cross Month n Brain Injury Awareness Month n Hemophilia Awareness Month n National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month n National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month n National Eye Donor Month n National Kidney Month n National Nutrition Month n Save Your Vision Month n Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month March 1-7: Aplastic Anemia and MDS Week March 6-12: National Sleep Awareness Week March 6-12: National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week March 19: Kick Butts Day March 20-26: National Poison Prevention Week March 22: American Diabetes Alert Day

Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.

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Bobby Collins Performs Live at Susan G. Komen “Laugh for the Cure” 15th anniversary event raises funds and awareness for breast cancer

After an unprecedented cancellation of the Race for the Cure in October due to unsafe weather conditions, Susan G. Komen Charlotte is excited to give supporters a unique and clever opportunity to “laugh it off!” and support the cause. Comic great Bobby Collins will be the headlining comedian at the 2016 Laugh for the Cure event on Thursday, March 10 at the McGlohon Theater in Uptown Charlotte. Komen Charlotte and Wells Fargo present the annual Laugh for the Cure event to celebrate breast cancer survivors and raise money for community health programs and research. The evening fun includes a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, entertainment and a hilarious PG-13 comedy show.

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