May 2016 • Vol. 46, No. 5
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
FOR MAY: Get Active Outdoors 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 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 affiliation and what it means for the future of pediatric care in our community. NovantHealth.org/Hemby/StJudeClinic
© Novant Health, Inc. 2016 3/16 • GCM-49165
M E C K L E N B U R G
C O U N T Y
PARK AND RECREATION Mecklenburg County has more than 19,000 acres of park land and 210 facilities, including 20+ recreation centers. This is not a complete list.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.PARKANDREC.COM. PARKS
GREENWAYS
2 Blythe Landing Park, 15901 NC 73 Hwy., Huntersville
1 Briar Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 1.33 miles
10 Campbell Creek Park, 6601 Barcliffe Drive, Charlotte
10 Campbell Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 1.27 miles
2 Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Road, Matthews
9 Clarks Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 3.47 miles
25 Elon Park, 12435 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte
8 Four Mile Creek Greenway, 4.17 miles
27 Flat Branch Park, 11830 Tom Short Road, Charlotte
4 Irwin Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 2.51 miles
27 Frazier Park, 1200 W. 4th Street Ext., Charlotte (Dogs )
5 Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 6.42 miles
4 Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Ave., Charlotte
8 Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 2.38 miles
6 Hornets Nest Park, 6331 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte
9 Mallard Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 6.44 miles
8 Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne, Lane, Charlotte
10 McAlpine Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 4.51 miles
James Boyce Park, 300 Boyce Road, Charlotte
11 McDowell Creek Greenway, Huntersville, 1.66 miles
9 Jetton Park on Lake Norman, 19000 Jetton Road, Cornelius
8 McMullen Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 2.44 miles
10 Kilborne Park, 2600 Kilborne Drive, Charlotte
12 Six Mile Creek Greenway, Charlotte, .92 miles
13 McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte (Dogs )
South Prong Rocky River Greenway, Davidson, 2.89 miles
14 Nevin Park, 6000 Statesville Road, Charlotte
3 Stewart Creek Greenway, Charlotte, .74 miles
15 Park Road Park, 6220 Park Road, Charlotte
Toby Creek Greenway, Charlotte, 2 miles
8 Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius (Dogs )
14 Torrence Creek Greenway, Huntersville, 2.17 miles 15 Walker Branch Greenway, Charlotte, .54 miles
18 Renaissance Park, 1200 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte 17 Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte (Dogs ) 19 Revolution Park, 2425 Barringer Drive, Charlotte 26 Shuffletown Park, Charlotte (Dogs ) 21 Sugaw Creek Park, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte 22 William R. Davie Park, 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte (Dogs )
NATURE PRESERVES 1 Auten Nature Preserve, Neck Road, Huntersville Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve, 20520 Shearer Road, Davidson 3 Copperhead Island, 15200 Soldier Road, Charlotte 1 Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge, Neck Road, Huntersville 2 Evergreen Nature Preserve, Norland Road, Charlotte 27 Flat Branch Nature Preserve, Tom Short Road, Charlotte Gar Creek Nature Preserve, McCoy Road, Huntersville
POOLS AND SPRAYGROUNDS 1 Aquatic Center, 800 E. 2nd Street, Charlotte 4 Cordelia Community Park, 2100 N. Davidson Street, Charlotte
3 Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville
5 Double Oaks Pool, 1200 Newland Road, Charlotte
4 McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, Charlotte
6 Latta Community Park, 601 E. Park Ave., Charlotte
5 Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
7 Marion Diehl Community Park, 2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte
6 Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve, 4601 Nevin Road, Charlotte
14 Nevin Regional Park, 6000 Statesville Road, Charlotte
5 Rural Hill Nature Preserve, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville
9 Rays Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore Street, Charlotte
26 Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve, Winding River Road, Charlotte
10 Veterans Neighborhood Park, 2136 Central Ave., Charlotte
Stephens Road Nature Preserve, Stephens Grove Lane, Huntersville
6 West Charlotte Neighborhood Park, 2401 Kendall Drive, Charlotte
Recreate All Year www.parkandrec.com
We will not keep you waiting. CEENTA offers a VIP line to reach our physicians within minutes.
Leading-Edge, Compassionate Hematology & Oncology Care OUR CARE PROVIDERS James F. Boyd, MD Justin P. Favaro, MD Dipika Misra, MD Catherine E. Moore, MD Jason G. Shultz, MD Anne Poutier, FNP-C Since 2000, we have provided care for patients with cancer and blood disorders in both the clinic and hospital setting. To refer a patient to one of our experienced oncologists, call 704-342-1900.
704.295.3100 2711 Randolph Rd., Suite 100 | Charlotte, NC 28207 7108 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Ste 102 | Charlotte, NC 28226
ONCOLOGYCHARLOTTE.COM | 704.342.1900 MeckMed.pdf
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4 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
May 2016 Vol. 46 No. 5
Table of Contents 3 Feature: Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation List of Parks and Greenways
OFFICERS President Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Treasurer Scott L. Furney, MD Immediate Past President Simon V. Ward III, MD
6 President’s Letter: ... And Losing Them By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
BOARD MEMBERS
8 Member News 8 New Members 8 Upcoming Meetings & Events 10 MMAE 10 National Health & Wellness Observances for May 2016 11 At the Hospitals
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
13 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
Mimi Compton, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment
14 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings
Michelle Conner, DDS, President Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society
14 Advertising Acknowledgements
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
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org
Meetings & Special Events Jenny H. Otto
Copyright 2016 Mecklenburg County Medical Society
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 • May 2016 | 5
President’s Letter
... And Losing Them By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
C
hristopher came to me early in my career. His parents, both professionals, had relocated from California and were referred to me by my residency director, JC Parke, MD. The fact that JC felt I was capable of caring for Christopher was flattering. JC wore many hats — general pediatrician, educator, neonatologist, geneticist — and it was for the last category Christopher’s parents originally had sought him out. By the time he arrived, Christopher had been evaluated at three genetics centers, trying to determine the cause of his anomalies. Nothing turned up. What a list it was. Every single organ system appeared to be affected. I spent hours poring over the records the mom provided to catalog them in his new chart. Although we cannot This was back in the days always do it immediately, of paper charts, and our clinic used 8-inch-bywe need to grieve the 11-inch sheets of paper with 41 lines on each loss of our patients. side. I filled an entire And not just with the page front and back. A few weeks later, when family — we must set he was hospitalized aside time for ourselves, with dehydration from viral gastroenteritis, my whether alone or with partner on call had the loved ones, to mourn presence of mind to go to the office and copy my them, honor them and notes for insertion into the hospital chart. The remember what they parents were impressed. taught us. I wondered what I had gotten myself into, and also, what Dr. Parke was thinking. If the specialists could not figure Christopher out, how could I? I soon came to realize his parents were not looking for answers, but rather for someone who would be there for them when needed, anticipating changes as he grew. Despite that, about every two to three years we repeated genetic testing, hoping that newer techniques would reveal an answer. We never found anything, and I could only believe that in some way this was an error in collagen synthesis. I told his mom he had Christopher Syndrome (always avoiding the word “disease”). Even with all his problems, Christopher was remarkably healthy, and his innocence and good nature never failed to brighten my day. He never learned to speak our language, but I was quite certain he was more aware of what was going on than we gave him credit for. He allowed me to examine him with a grinning tolerance, as if to say, “Sure, buddy, give it your best shot.”
6 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
One instance stands out from all the rest: Christopher walking down the hallway. Orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists who would accept only his best, combined to bring him toward me with a smile that said he understood the significance of his achievement. Now, I don’t cry. First, I’m a man. Second, I’m Italian. Third, I was raised in a generation with such boyhood heroes as John Wayne, Batman and Sinatra. “Tears of joy” was a concept, not a reality. I learned how wrong I was on that day, and I have Christopher to thank for it. About 10 years after I met him, Christopher died in his sleep. The autopsy revealed several acute episodes of aspiration leading to asphyxia as cause of death. His funeral was both sad and joyous, as he touched the hearts of so many. He remains with me to this day, serving as one of my guiding angels. Aleeah was an adorable little girl who never grew quite right. Her growth and weight gain were maddeningly slow, and her little protuberant abdomen gave her a kwashiorkor look. Yet, despite numerous labs, imaging studies and seeing every specialist I could think of, all we were left with were some mildly elevated liver enzymes and a liver biopsy showing fatty deposits … but nothing definitive. Her mother was incredibly patient with me, and I often was left with telling her that since all other evaluations were normal, Aleeah’s abnormal labs were stable and she continued to make slow but steady progress in growth and development, I remained hopeful. But reality intruded on our hope. Aleeah’s undetermined liver disease worsened, and she was placed on a transplant list at a regional medical center. During her initial evaluation there, an MRI of the brain revealed extensive white matter disease (one done in Charlotte a few months earlier was normal). She was removed from the list, went downhill rapidly and soon died. Her autopsy revealed the same fatty liver we knew about. Her brain, however, revealed a white matter disorder seen exclusively in Ashkenazi Jews. I called the neuro-pathologist who assured me his diagnosis was correct. When I informed him she was an African-American little girl, he withdrew his statement and could offer nothing else. Aleeah’s funeral was more somber then Christopher’s, as expected. I sat in the church wondering where I had gone wrong, what I could have done differently and what clue I had missed. When her parents embraced me, thanked me and said they loved me, I broke down. We all lose patients — it is part of our profession. Some, like Christopher and Aleeah, impact us more because we are closer to them. Both their deaths were more than a decade ago, and I have made my peace in both cases, but these children never will be forgotten. So why do I write about them now? It is because of an observation. My wife, who is the type of physician I want to be when I grow up, was reading a recent article about US Air Flight 1549 that had a forced landing in the Hudson River more than six
years ago. One of the crew members remains so traumatized from the incident to this day that they have not returned to airline duty. “How sad,” my wife said. “Can you imagine how they would have felt if anyone had died?” I immediately was struck by the fact that when we lose a patient, although we are traumatized, we almost invariably go right back to work. Christopher died on a weekend, so I had a chance to process it. I learned of Aleeah’s death while seeing patients. I paused, hugged my nurse who had been as close to the family as I had been, and went into the next room. I imagine I told myself my patients needed me and that keeping to a routine would help with the loss. Although we cannot always do it immediately, we need to grieve the loss of our patients. And not just with the family — we must set aside time for ourselves, whether alone or with loved ones, to mourn them, honor them and remember what they taught us. If we were especially close to the patient, taking a mental health day may be required. So be it. Our patients most likely will wait for us. Besides, if they understand our reason for taking time away from practice, I’m fairly certain they will see us as more humane and compassionate … and feel more connected.
(unbeknownst to her) when life is particularly stressful. The memory of her special little guy raises my spirits. Aleeah’s parents had another child, a healthy boy (they had an older son at the time of her birth). Tragically, the mom succumbed to cancer a few years later. The boys remain my patients, and I have eagerly followed their academic and athletic achievements through high school. The dad and I always embrace when we see each other — he is a large, muscular man who swallows me up in his arms. His resilience after losing a child and spouse is remarkable, and I hope to have the same reserves if placed in a similar situation. “Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.” — Emily Dickinson
Two Postscripts
Although Christopher’s parents divorced and moved away, his mother and I remain close and keep in touch often. Maybe it’s all in my head, but it seems his mother has a knack for contacting me
Trivia Question: Who was Louis Washkansky? Answer on page 10.
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2701 Coltsgate Road, Suite 300 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 | 704-442-0222 | www.brackettflagship.com
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2016 | 7
Member News
Upcoming Meetings & Events
J O I N U S!
MAY
Meetings at MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, May 10 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. n Friday, May 13 Child Health Committee meeting. 7:30 a.m. n Monday, May 16 Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. n Wednesday, May 18 MMAE Finance Committee/Board meeting. 9 a.m./10 a.m. n Wednesday, May 18 Fighting for Women With Fashion Planning meeting. Safe Alliance office, Room 106. 6 p.m. n Thursday, May 19 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. n Friday-Sunday, May 20-22 55th Annual Post-Graduate Symposium. Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. n Monday, May 23 MCMS Board meeting. 5:15 p.m. – dinner; 5:45 p.m. – meeting. n Monday, May 23 July/August magazine deadline. n Monday, May 30 Memorial Day – MCMS office closed. n
JOIN THE NCMS AND THE MCMS
for the MEMBER MIXER
The Ballantyne Lodge Friday, July 15 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends while getting to know the NCMS and MCMS Board of Directors. Hosted by NCMS President Docia Hickey, MD. The event is free and spouses are welcome! Watch your email for details and registration info.
www.ncmedsoc.org
NEW MEMBERS Kathleen A. Hickey, MD Bariatric Medicine Carolinas Weight Management & Wellness Center 2608 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-355-9484 University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, 1995 Edward S. Kim, MD Medical Oncology Levine Cancer Institute 1021 Morehead Medical Drive #3100, Charlotte, NC 28204 980-442-3105 Northwestern University Medical School, 1996 Ebony N. Parson, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Novant Health Bradford OB/GYN 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy. #200, Matthews, NC 28105 704-246-1846 Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2011
The Smith Arthritis Fund Committee Is Now Accepting Grant Applications The Smith Arthritis Fund was established in 1979 when Carolyn Kirkpatrick Smith donated $41,500 for arthritis research. This fund is administered through the Mecklenburg County Medical Society and is designed to support research projects as they relate to the needs of patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases. Each year the Committee awards about $1,000 per grant. There are no rigid restrictions. The Smith Arthritis Fund Committee of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society is now accepting grant applications from interested physicians through the end of June. Please contact the Medical Society office at 704-376-3688 for more information.
8 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Michael D. Paloski, DO Orthopaedic Surgery OrthoCarolina 1915 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-323-2543 Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006
Photo not available.
Melissa H. Ratliff, MD Family Medicine Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians 5815 Blakeney Park Drive #200-B, Charlotte, NC 28277 704-316-5080 Eastern Virginia Medical School, 2009
Exercise: * Brisk walking * Swimming * Cycling * Water aerobics * Body sculpting * Yoga * Barre classes * Do what you love!
Healthy Snacks:
Mix carbs with protein Apple slices with peanut butter (or almond butter) and granola flakes Babybel cheese with a piece of fruit Trail mix package Hard Boiled egg with whole grain toast Ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, raisins)
Hydration is important. Water is best. Try sparkling water mixed with fruit juice for a refreshing alternative.
Join the MCMS Walk/Run team and participate in local events with other members to bring awareness to our obesity initiative. Send an email to sbuchanan@meckmed.org to be notified of upcoming events and receive a free MCMS Walk/Run Team shirt!
Our National Park Service turns 100 this year! What is your favorite U.S. National Park ... and WHY? Deadline is May 4. Email ssmith@meckmed.org. Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2016 | 9
MMAE
Dear Friends,
As we close the door on another year, I would like to thank Becky Williford and Donna Mauerhan, co-vice-presidents of programs, for the fun and informative programs they planned throughout the year. We started the year with an informative presentation by author Tess Vigeland on starting over in life. We continued with presentations by physicians about the importance of sleep, the dangers of UV radiation, patient-centered care and the CMC-Mercy Healing Garden. There also were programs that were purely fun: wine and beer tasting at Harris Teeter, holiday decorating ideas presented by Tim Bagwell and a morning of learning about food and sampling tasty delights with Chef Jim Noble. Our Community Health Classroom, headed by Pam Bullard, vicepresident of health promotions, featured a panel of four clinicians from Southeast Psych, who gave a very informative presentation about Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. The Planning and Development Committee, under the able leadership of Linda Kramer, is attempting to identify a healthrelated need in the community that could lead to new project. Past projects have included Hospitality House, Teen Health Connection and MedAssist. Letters were sent out to MMAE members and the community asking for assistance in identifying areas of need. Stay tuned for more information as suggestions are considered. Your Board works to spend MMAE money wisely. We work from a budget that does not allow use of Endowment funds for operating expenses; Alice Nichols, vice-president of financial development, has worked hard to try to find new sources of revenue. Alice explored tapping into retailers that allow a portion of their sales to go to charitable organizations. Through her efforts, Whole Foods agreed to designate 5 percent of their profits on April 5 from both their Lake Norman and SouthPark stores to MMAE. Two ongoing opportunities to earn funds are through the Amazon Smiles program and Beauty Kind (brought to us by member Barbara Lucas). If you shop online, remember these two retail sites. The year ends with installation of officers and presentation of grants at the Annual Meeting. This year, the meeting will be on Tuesday, May 24, at Myers Park Country Club. Our speaker will be Tracy Lee Curtis, a Charlotte Observer writer, humorist and mother. We know laughter is good for our health, so expect a very healthy day as we lunch and laugh together. I look forward to seeing you there!
Mimi Compton
2015-2016 MMAE President
Trivia answer from page 7: Louis Washkansky was a 55-year-old South African dying of heart disease, when in December 1967, Christiaan Barnard, MD, performed the first heart transplantation in him. He lived 18 days. Today, there are more than 5,000 heart transplantations performed annually, although it is estimated more than 50,000 patients are in need of a new heart.
10 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
ATTENTION FAMILY PHYSICIANS
55th Annual Post-Graduate Symposium Hosted by the NC Academy of Family Physicians and the Mecklenburg County Chapter of Family Physicians Program Chair: Jewell P. Carr, MD 12+ AAFP Prescribed Credits
Friday–Sunday, May 20-22 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge (discounted room rate of $179 per night). Register online at www.ncafp.com. Online registration for this event will close on Friday, May 13. Provided seating is still available, only on-site registrations will be accepted after May 13. Seating is limited to 125 attendees.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES MAY 2016 Arthritis Month n Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Better Sleep Month n Bike Month Correct Posture Month n Employee Health & Fitness Month Healthy Vision Month n Hepatitis Awareness Month High Blood Pressure Education Month Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month n Lupus Awareness Month Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month Mental Health Month n Osteoporosis Month Physical Fitness and Sports Month Stroke Awareness Month n Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month May 1-7: Physical Education and Sports Week May 4: Project Aces Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) May 6-12: Nurses Week May 8-14: Women’s Health Week May 9-15: Hospital and Health Care Week May 11: School Nurse Day May 16-20: Bike to Work Week May 20: World Autoimmune Arthritis Day May 25: Senior Health & Fitness Day
At the Hospitals
Novant Health is First Organization Worldwide to Achieve Prestigious Revalidation from HIMSS Analytics Novant Health is the first health system worldwide to be revalidated for the prestigious Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Stage 7 Ambulatory Award for its adoption and use of an electronic health record (EHR). All Novant Health medical group clinics — some 440 locations — were revalidated as part of the award. “We are honored to be the first organization to receive this prestigious recognition from HIMSS Analytics,” says Keith Griffin, MD, chief medical information officer for Novant Health Medical Group. “This award speaks to our continued partnership with our physician clinics in using technology to provide remarkable patient care across our organization.” In July 2013, Novant Health finalized the implementation of the EHR in all its physician clinics. The implementation was completed three years early and under budget. The health system initially received the HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 Ambulatory Award in October 2013. As a Stage 7 organization, Novant Health uses a variety of EHR features and tools to elevate the quality of care provided to its patients and to increase affordability. n
Novant Health Opens Medical Office Building in Mooresville At Exit 31 off of I-77, Novant Health has opened four clinics inside of a new medical office building in the Langtree community of Lake Norman. Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians, Novant Health Nurse Midwifery Associates, Novant Health Huntersville OB/GYN Langtree and Novant Health Urogynecology are at 106 Langtree Village Drive, Suite 200, in Mooresville. Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians is staffed by David Cook, MD, Anna Claugus, MD, Nancy Deem, NP, Henry Clark, MD, Jessica Reisner, PA, and Mike Durbin, PA. The clinic is open n
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-384-7101. Novant Health Urogynecology has relocated from Cornelius to Langtree. The clinic is staffed by William Porter, MD, and Cary Fishburne, MD. Dr. Porter will see patients at this location on Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Dr. Fishburne will see patients on Fridays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit NHurogynecology. org, or call 704-316-1120. Novant Health Nurse Midwifery Associates has relocated from Huntersville to Langtree. The clinic will be staffed by Cynthia Dellinger, CNM, Beverly Holmes, CNM, Alexandria Montgomery, CNM, and Amanda Younger, CNM. The clinic will be open Monday-Friday, with varying hours. For more information, visit NHmidwiferylangtree.org, or call 704-316-5570. Novant Health Huntersville OB/GYN Langtree is a new satellite location staffed by Ehab Sharawy, MD. This clinic will be open one day each week. For more information, call 704-316-4830. Cary Fishburne, MD, Joins Novant Health Urogynecology Cary Fishburne, MD, has joined Novant Health Urogynecology. He developed his interest in urogynecology while in the U.S. Navy as a faculty member at the teaching hospital in Bethesda, MD, from 1999 to 2003. As the chief of gynecology, he was the physician for any gynecological specialty needs for the First Family from 2001 to 2003. Fishburne has been practicing in the Charlotte area Cary Fishburne, MD for more than 10 years and will see patients in the University area in Charlotte and in Mooresville. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-316-1120. n
Jonathan Hinson, MD, Joins Novant Health Hallmark Care Jonathan Hinson, MD, has joined Novant Health Hallmark Care. Before Hallmark Care, Dr. Hinson practiced at Novant Health Lexington Primary Care in Lexington and at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Hinson received a bachelor of science degree n
from Wake Forest University in 1986 and his medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1990. He is boardcertified in family medicine. Hinson will be joining Lillian McKay Teigland, MD, K.D. Weeks, MD, Hayes Woollen, MD, and Christopher Snyder, MD, at Hallmark Care. This unique service is an integrated concierge medical practice whose mission is to provide enhanced, personalized medical care Jonathan Hinson, MD for the busiest of patients. The practice creates an all-encompassing evaluation based on a patient’s specific health history. Patients connected through Hallmark Care enjoy exclusive benefits, such as comprehensive annual evaluations, travel medical services, personalized medical reports and house calls. For more information, call 704-384-7910. Novant Health Hospitals Receive Chest Pain Center Accreditation Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center have been awarded full Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC). Only 800 facilities in the country are accredited by the SCPC. These hospitals have a detailed referral protocol in place which addresses transfer procedures or potential fibrinolytic therapy if the expected first medical contact to intervention time will exceed 120 minutes. These plans include written agreements with EMS ground transport agencies, air transport agencies, as well as the receiving centers where they send patients for Primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). This accreditation speaks to Novant Health’s dedication to assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly, continually seeking to improve processes and procedures, maintaining organizational structure and commitment, and supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack. n
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2016 | 11
At the Hospitals LCI is a leading voice supporting the fact that access to world-class care, clinical trials and innovative research is foundational to transforming cancer care in this country. Levine Cancer Institute Launches Breakthrough Clinical Trial Levine Cancer Institute will be one of only four centers nationwide enrolling patients in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, with implications that could shape the future of cancer diagnosis and treatment. In June 2015, the TAPUR (Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry) study was announced at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) as the first clinical trial to be sponsored by the organization. The study will give patients with various forms of advanced-stage cancer access to an increased number of molecularly-targeted drugs, while providing oncologists with new knowledge that could allow them to treat a wider range of patients more effectively and precisely. Recent studies have demonstrated the value of tailoring treatment to a patient’s tumor, rather than just the cancer site. Due to varying gene expressions that make certain patients resistant to the current standards of care, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, one of the goals of the TAPUR study will be to determine how subsets of cancer patients respond to targeted therapies that attack specific genetic mutations… and why. TAPUR will include a broader patient population than most clinical trials. Any advanced solid tumor, multiple myeloma, or B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient who is no longer benefitting from other treatments, is eligible to participate. Along with Levine Cancer Institute, other participating sites include the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium, the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan and the University of Michigan. Levine Cancer Institute has been significantly involved in other relevant trials, testing targeted therapies, and recently opened a biospecimen repository for the collection of sample tissue.
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Levine Cancer Institute Announces New Outpatient Center, Expansion of Services Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) will undergo a significant expansion, including a second outpatient center, renovations to the existing research and administration headquarters, and related renovations to Carolinas Medical Center. The new and expanded facilities will allow for further development of several cancer treatment areas, including heightened research efforts around novel treatments, as well as improvements to existing survivorship, palliative and rehabilitation programs that will support patients and their families throughout their care journey. The new $150-million investment will include the construction of a seven-floor 260,000-squarefoot advanced outpatient center adjacent to the LCI’s research and administration headquarters. This will expand hematologic, thoracic and gastrointestinal oncology practices available in the region. It also will expand hematologic oncology, infusion capacity and specialty pharmacy capabilities, and will continue to grow its survivorship programs, fully integrated palliative services, rehabilitation and telemedicine services. In addition to the new building, enhancements will include the brachytherapy and urological programs. A portion of the funding also will be used to create a 32-bed advanced clinical unit in Carolinas Medical Center capable of treating all advanced cancer patients to support the Institute’s blood and marrow transplant unit, which has surpassed expectations since its opening in January 2014. The Institute’s continued growth has been significant in recent years, with additional clinical space at Carolinas HealthCare System Anson; Carolinas HealthCare System Union; Carolinas HealthCare System Pineville; Carolinas HealthCare System Northeast; Carolinas HealthCare System Stanly; Levine Cancer Institute-Rock Hill, S.C.; Levine Cancer Institute-Carolina Lakes; a new Phase I clinical trials unit at Roper Hospital in Charleston, S.C.; and expansion into Cleveland and Columbus counties. Levine Cancer Institute currently has 25 sites within the System’s geographic footprint.
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Outpatient Behavioral Health Center Moves from Dilworth to Ballantyne Behavioral Health Center-Horizons Outpatient Services, a Carolinas HealthCare System facility treating patients with substance
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12 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
use disorders, has moved to a new location. The center offers outpatient treatment and medication-assisted treatment for patients with primary substance use disorders, including addiction to alcohol, opiates and stimulants. The Dilworth center, 1816 Lyndhurst Ave. in Charlotte, is closed. The Ballantyne center, 7825 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Suite 110, in Charlotte, began accepting patients on April 13. To receive additional information about these services, to request an appointment or to make a referral, call the Behavioral Health Help Line at 704-444-2400 or 800418-2065. If you call after 5 p.m., a counselor will connect you with the facility or with crisis services, as needed. If admitted, the facility will ask your patient to sign a release form, so the facility can keep you updated on your patient’s care. Region’s First Clinically Integrated Network Opens In February, Carolinas HealthCare System launched the Charlotte region’s first clinically integrated network (CIN). This collaborative network is designed to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care and enhance the health of residents in the community by developing best practices to reduce the overall cost of care, manage chronic illnesses and create seamless transitions of care between primary care, specialty, hospital settings and outpatient services. Over the past year, Carolinas HealthCare System has hosted design and development work with physicians in the community to help determine aspects of the CIN that would benefit the Charlotte area. A broad crosssection of physician leaders spent more than 700 hours in planning and development. The CIN will be a physician-led organization in collaboration with Carolinas HealthCare System, with leadership from both system and independent physicians. The CIN will use a data-driven approach to sharing best practices across the network that will allow members to reduce gaps in care, lower total healthcare costs and improve the health of patients and communities served by the network. Patients will be able to receive coordinated care from a network of expert providers who are committed to high-quality care that leads to improved outcomes. n
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas The Lupus Foundation hosted a fundraising walk on April 16 to raise awareness about the disease. For more information, visit www.lupusnc.org. DJL Clinical Research participated in the event and had an information table letting patients know about new clinical trials taking place. 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.
Asthma & Allergy Specialists announces the opening of its newest satellite location in Waxhaw. The practice is sharing space with Novant Health Child and Adolescent Medical Group at 3614 Providence Road S., Suite 101. For more information, visit www.asthmanc.com or call 704-341-9600.
Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology annually sponsors the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Take Steps walk. The 2016 event is on May 14. Participants will be walking to raise awareness of IBD in a new location this year at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall.
Oncology Specialists of Charlotte (OSC) had a recordbreaking fundraiser for the “Get Your Rear In Gear” 5K run/walk in March for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. No other team raised as much money as OSC’s team, “It’s Miller Time!,” honoring family member Joe Miller, who was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in November. The team raised more than $36,000, exceeding its goal by 30 percent.
Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology broke ground on the future home of its Mooresville location. The 16,500-square-foot facility will accommodate five physicians in the medical office and the endoscopy center. The Mooresville office expansion and relocation is at the Fairview Center across from Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Lowes Corporate offices. The grand opening is expected in November. There is an additional 5,000 square feet available for occupancy. Pictured left to right: Ashish Thekdi, MD, Scott Brotze, MD, John Moore III, MD, Devi Thangavelu, MD, and Michael Ryan, MD.
Direct all questions and topic suggestions for upcoming meetings for Independent Physicians of the Carolinas to Charlotte Ramirez at charlotte@ip-carolinas.org.
Justin Favaro, MD, and Catherine Moore, MD, along with staff and family, pose in front of the giant inflatable colon at the “Get Your Rear in Gear” Charlotte 5K.
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2016 | 13
Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY’S EARS
Wade Kirkland, M.A. Audiologist
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No-cost trial period on hearing aids
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Auditory processing evaluations
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Evidence-based hearing aid fittings
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Assistive listening devices
704-367-1999 Terry P. Jordan, M.S. Audiologist With a master’s degree in audiology from Florida State University, Terry brings 25 years of audiology experience to Randolph Audiology.
We’re here at 2am. We are the only hospice in the region with a dedicated After Hours team to care for your patients in the middle of the night. And we’ve been here for over 37 years. We’re available 24/7. Call us. We can help.
Randolph Medical Park | Randolph Building 3535 Randolph Road, Suite 211 Charlotte, NC 28211
SERVING THE CHARLOTTE AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS
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Advertising Acknowledgements Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
MAY 2016
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 5/5 5/6 5/6 5/13-14 5/18-21 Online Online Online Online Online Online
Treatment Resistance Depression: Considerations for Older Adults 10th Annual Quality Conference of the Carolinas (ASQ Charlotte) 2016 Surgical Summit Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care, and MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction Training Excellence in Health Care DOT Medical Examiners Course Risk Management Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians Prevention & Management of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Motor Vehicle Crash Victims MTAC Trauma Modules For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
14 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Brackett Flagship Properties............................................7 Carolinas HealthCare System........................................15 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates................4 Charlotte Radiology..........................................................4 Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region............14 LabCorp.......................................................... Back Cover Novant Health...................................................................2 Oncology Specialists of Charlotte...................................4 Randolph Audiology......................................................14
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More than 175 providers and 20 care locations across the Carolinas Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2016 | 15
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
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Ballantyne Billingsley** Carmel** Cabarrus Charlotte** Gastonia Stat Lab Huntersville Huntersville** Lake Norman Matthews Northridge* Pineville Rock Hill Salisbury** Salisbury* Shelby Statesville** University**
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15830 John Delaney Drive 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 200A 5633 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100 478 Copperfield Blvd. 1718 E. 4th Street 660 Summitt Crossing, Suite 206 14330 Oakhill Park Lane 10030 Gilead Road, Suite B100 134 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite 1147 5031-G West W.T. Harris Blvd. 10410 Park Road, Suite 450 2460 India Hook Road, Suite 101 601 Mocksville Avenue 514 Corporate Road 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road
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16 | May 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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