October 2015 • Vol. 45, No. 9
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
BIG YEAR WILL 2016 BE A
FOR A CURE?
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
Good news for some of your busiest patients 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
2 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
October 2015 Vol. 45 No. 9
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: It Was a Very Good Year
OFFICERS President Simon V. Ward III, MD President-Elect Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Treasurer Scott L. Furney, MD Immediate Past President James B. Hall, MD
By Simon V. Ward III, MD
6 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings 6 National Health & Wellness Observances for October 2015 7 Feature: Reclaim Joy in Practice!
BOARD MEMBERS
By Judi Tassone Campbell, MD
8 Feature: Congratulations to Members Named “Top Docs” 10 Feature: Knights Game Membership Event 12 MMAE 13 Member News 13 Upcoming Meetings & Events 13 New Members 14 At the Hospitals 16 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 16 Advertising Acknowledgements
John R. Allbert, 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 Pulak D. Patel, 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 Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS President-Elect 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 Meetings & Special Events Jenny H. Otto
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org
Finance & Database Specialist Stephanie D. Smith
MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF
Copyright 2015 Mecklenburg County Medical Society
Editor Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
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.
Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan
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.
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 Simon V. Ward III, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 3
Ready. For. Anything. Ready to lead. Ready to thrive. Ready for the world. Country Day Ready.
Open House Dates: October 7 (Junior Kindergarten – Kindergarten) October 27 (Junior Kindergarten – Grade 4) November 5 (Grades 9 – 12)
charlottecountryday.org/RSVP
(704) 943-4530
Healthcare Real Estate Specialists To learn more about how we can assist you with your office space needs, please contact a member of our medical office leasing team.
Reed Griffith
Tiffany Slayden
Will Robertson
Director of Leasing & Brokerage 704-971-8908
VP of Leasing & Brokerage 704-971-8906
Leasing & Brokerage Associate 704-971-8904
2701 Coltsgate Road | Suite 300 | Charlotte, NC 28211 | www.brackettflagship.com
4 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
President’s Letter
It Was a Very Good Year By Simon V. Ward III, MD
W
e elect a U.S. president every four years. We have been doing that for a very long time. Always an important event, the election affects the lives we live in the United States, as well as our country’s place in the world. It does seem that 2016 may be an especially big election year. The world seems more dangerous than usual — Russia, North Korea, Iran, ISIL. Just counting the two major parties, there already are 22 people running for president. Several more are thinking about it. When was the last time 22 people were running for that office? CNN spends a large part of its news coverage talking about what one of the candidates said or what one of the other candidates said about what one of the candidates said. All of this coverage and commentary is about candidates for an election that is more than a year away. 2016 could be a very big year. Science and medicine have had some very big years, as well. Anyone over 50 remembers where they were on July 20, 1969. We all watched Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. I was in a cinderblock building on the side of a mountain in Henderson County. For the first time in human history, someone stood on a different celestial body than the one on which we were born. It was a monumental human achievement. While it is somewhat disappointing that 45 years later we do not have an all-inclusive resort to go to on the moon, we have continued our endeavor to explore outer space. Right now, there are seven functioning probes wandering on, or around, Mars. Opportunity, which landed in 2004 with a planned lifespan of 90 days, is still functioning. In March of this year, Opportunity completed a marathon, travelling 26.2 miles on the Martian surface. How is that for an overachiever? Last November, the Rosetta spacecraft successfully landed on the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. In July, the New Horizons spacecraft flew within 8,000 miles of the former planet known as Pluto. It started long before, but 1969 was a big year for the space program and our desire to know more about other worlds. No one will underestimate the impact cell phones and the Internet have had on our lives, but the biggest year of the 20th century was 1908. That year, the first Model T Ford rolled off the assembly line in Detroit, Mich. Gasoline-powered automobiles already were on the roads, but the Model T made it possible for anyone with a modest income to own a car. It revolutionized transportation in the United States. Instead of hitching up the wagon or boarding a train, people could walk out to their cars and drive wherever they wanted to go. While modern cars have SiriusXM and may even soon drive themselves, the most common engine is a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, just like the Model T. Certainly, 1908 was a very big year for American transportation.
Humans have tried to heal themselves since the time of the ancient Egyptians. We have benefitted from some very impactful medical advances. Poliomyelitis was a terrible disease. The paralysis and later sequelae caused generations to suffer its terrible effects. In 1955, the Salk vaccine became available, and with large numbers of vaccinations the incidence of the disease dropped dramatically within six years. Soon, the oral Sabin vaccine became available and mass vaccinations became even more available. Polio now is eliminated from most of the world; 1955 was a very important year. Infectious diseases have killed millions of people over the centuries. The Bubonic Plague alone caused tens of thousands of people to die. Pneumonia was once a common cause of death. In 1945, penicillin became available to the public. Sulfonamide antibiotics already were available and were a big first step, but penicillin, with its effectiveness and safety, made treating infections possible. We still use it and its many derivatives today. With the continued advances in antibiotics, infectious diseases are not the problem they were less than a century ago. For medicine, 1945 was a very good year. We need more good years. Even with so much research and effective medical care, many diseases remain uncontrolled. We do not have an accurate screening test for ovarian cancer — it remains a big killer. As skilled and as capable as our oncology colleagues are, cancers like melanoma and pancreatic carcinoma remain difficult to treat and often progress in spite of our efforts. The No. 1 cause of death for infants is prematurity. While our neonatology colleagues do a magnificent job with these smallest of human beings, we have made little progress in decreasing the number of premature births. These and many other diseases need a major breakthrough. Elections are important. The people who serve in office make a difference in our lives and can change the course of history, but no politician stays in office forever. The major advances in science and medicine do last forever. They are a major step that is then built upon for decades. While 2016 may be a big year in the political world, let’s hope it also is a big year in the medical world.
P.S. Was Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, born in South Carolina or North Carolina? Answer on page 13.
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 5
Small Grants Available! Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
OCTOBER 2015 Continuing Medical Education (CME) 10/2 1st Annual Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Symposium 10/2 Alzheimer ’s Disease: The Challenges of Today, Promises of Tomorrow 10/8 Measuring Healthcare Improvement 10/11-14 Planetree International Conference on Patient-Centered Care 10/17 Transgender Care Symposium for Healthcare Professionals 10/23 10th Annual Charlotte Regional Neonatology Symposium 10/23-24 27th Annual Fall Foliage Cancer Conference 10/24 1st Annual Sickle Cell Disease Symposium: A Comprehensive Approach 10/27 Attention Please: Pharmacologic Options for Management of ADHD 10/30 7th Annual Coping with Cancer: Identification and Management of Late Effects of Cancer Treatment Online DOT Medical Examiners Course Online Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians Online Prevention and Management of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Online Motor Vehicle Crash Victims
Susan G. Komen Charlotte is accepting applications for small grant programs with the following funding priorities: • Identify and reach populations who currently are without a primary care provider (PCP), to help them establish a PCP and enter and progress through the breast cancer/breast health continuum of care. • Identify and reach populations with low screening rates, with emphasis on the rarely- and never-screened and the newly uninsured. • Implement innovative and culturally competent outreach and education programs reaching underserved women and men, with emphasis on the highest need counties (Cabarrus and Mecklenburg). Some funding opportunities will run out soon — apply now! Applications for small grants up to $5,000 are available. For more information on how to apply, call 704-817-4078. Applications must be submitted through the online grant system (GeMS) at https://affiliategrants.komen.org.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES OCTOBER 2015 Domestic Violence Awareness Month n Down Syndrome Awareness Month Eye Injury Prevention Month n Health Literacy Month n Healthy Lung Month Liver Awareness Month n National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Down Syndrome Awareness Month n National Orthodontic Health Month National Physical Therapy Month n National Spina Bifida Awareness Month Rett Syndrome Awareness Month n Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
6 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
October 4-10: Mental Illness Awareness Week October 12-20: National Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week October 18-24: International Infection Prevention Week October 18-24: National Healthcare Quality Week October 7: World Cerebral Palsy Day October 8: National Depression Screening Day October 10: World Mental Health Day October 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day October 16: World Spine Day October 19: World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day October 20: World Osteoporosis Day October 28: Lung Health Day October 29: World Psoriasis Day
Feature
Reclaim Joy in Practice! By Judi Tassone Campbell, MD Judi Tassone Campbell, MD, is studying physician resiliency and burnout as part of her independent project for The Leadership Program in Integrative Healthcare at Duke University. Physician resiliency and burnout represents a prominent business challenge in our era of evolving healthcare system performance goals. Physicians in practice are at the front lines of care paradigms, and they bear great responsibility to carry out organizational initiatives. The wholehearted effort of physicians is critical to successful implementation. What matters to you when you hear about physician burnout? What do you think you need to learn on a personal and organizational level to address this challenge? The Leadership Program in Integrative Healthcare offers a new vision for health organizations by utilizing “Informed Mindfulness” as the basis for cultural change. This concept connects mindful self-awareness and self-regulation with educated decision-making. A good integrative leader also understands the principles of integrative healthcare and is committed to the transformation of our healthcare system.1
We’re here at 2am.
To assess the matter of physician burnout, Campbell intends to interview 50 or more providers, individually or collectively, to find out what matters in their everyday work life. The questions will take into account organizational and individual goals and the alignment of professional values between the two. The key deliverable will be a qualitative analysis of what’s going on at the grass roots level to preserve joy in practice by physicians in the Charlotte Metro region. Ultimately, the project will serve as a foundation to unite organizational needs around purpose and meaning that drives professional fulfillment. Judi Tassone Campbell (nee Judi Lyn Tassone) is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has been in practice for 15 years. Campbell is conducting this independent peerled assessment where anyone with interest is encouraged to participate. Call 980-272-8450 or email jltassone1@gmail.com. Perlman, A et al. The Pebble in the Pond: How integrative leadership can bring about transformation. Explore. 2014;10(5) (suppl): S1-14. 1
Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY’S EARS
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.
Wade Kirkland, M.A. Audiologist
n
No-cost trial period on hearing aids
n
Auditory processing evaluations
n
Evidence-based hearing aid fittings
n
Assistive listening devices
704-367-1999 Randolph Medical Park | Randolph Building 3535 Randolph Road, Suite 211 Charlotte, NC 28211
www.randolphaudiology.com 704.375.0100
hpccr.org
SERVING THE CHARLOTTE AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 7
Congratulations! The following MCMS members were named “Top Docs” in the July 2015 issue of Charlotte Magazine. The names designated with asterisks are members of the 2015 Mecklenburg County Medical Society Board of Directors.
Allergy & Immunology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Pediatrics – General
Rheumatology
John T. Klimas, MD J. Gray Norris, MD Maeve E. O’Connor, MD
John R. Allbert, MD ** Hytham M. Imseis, MD
Robert J. Kipnis, MD Andrew J. Laster, MD
Anesthesiology
J. Larry Brady, Jr., MD
Timothy J. Eichenbrenner, MD Glenn C. Holladay, MD Susan C. Shaffner, MD Raymond L. Swetenburg, Jr., MD
James G. Benonis, MD C. Jay Duggins, MD
Nephrology
Cardiology
John E. Alexander, MD Robert S. Iwaoka, MD Edward B. McMillan, MD John A. Pasquini, MD Critical Care
Stuart J. Garner, MD Dermatology
Marc A. Darst, MD Patricia K. Roddey, MD Emergency Medicine
J.P. McBryde, MD ** Endocrinology
Adam F. Spitz, MD Family Medicine
Lillian M. Teigland, MD T. Hayes Woollen, MD Gastroenterology
John S. Hanson, MD Sanjib P. Mohanty, MD
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Nancy J. Gritter, MD George M. Hart, MD Neurology
Frederick E. Pfeiffer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology
Amy D. Fletcher, MD Astrid G. Jain, MD Simon V. Ward III, MD ** M. Kathryn Whitten-Bohmer, MD
Pediatrics – Neurosurgery
Surgery – General
C. Scott McLanahan, MD Scott D. Wait, MD
Wyatt C. Fowler, MD Peter S. Turk, MD
Pediatrics – Orthopedics
Surgery – Hand
Virginia F. Casey, MD
Lois K. Osier, MD W. Alan Ward, MD
Hugh R. Black II, MD
Oncology
Pediatrics – Radiology
James F. Boyd, MD Geoffrey S. Chapman, MD
Marc A. Mancuso, MD
Tim E. Adamson, MD Anthony L. Asher, MD E. Hunter Dyer, MD
Pediatrics – Urology
Luis M. Perez, MD
Surgery – Oncology
Ophthalmology
Timothy G. Saunders, MD Fredrick D. Weidman III, MD
Psychiatry
Wyatt C. Fowler, MD Peter S. Turk, MD
John E. Humphrey, Jr., MD
Surgery – Orthopedic
Pulmonary Medicine
Jerry L. Barron, MD David H. Homesley, MD
Orthopedics
Jerry L. Barron, MD David H. Homesley, MD Otolaryngology
Pathology
David C. Tanner, MD
David G. Rupar, MD
John G. Morrison, MD Douglas M. Rosen, MD
Pediatrics – Infectious Diseases
Lawrence W. Raymond, MD
James B. Hall, MD ** Robert V. Higgins, MD
Infectious Diseases
Surgery – Colon & Rectal
Pediatrics – Pulmonology
Hunter A. Hoover, MD
James F. Boyd, MD Geoffrey S. Chapman, MD Justin P. Favaro, MD
Daniel A. Bambini, MD Andrew M. Schulman, MD
Occupational Medicine
Gynecologic Oncology
Hematology
Pediatrics – General Surgery
Surgery – Cardiovascular
D. Scott Andrews, MD Barry B. K. Chan, MD Eric R. Skipper, MD
Arthur R. Cohen, MD William K. Poston, Jr., MD Pediatrics – Cardio Surgery
Benjamin B. Peeler, MD Pediatrics – Endocrinology
Lisa D. Houchin, MD Mark W. Parker, MD
Internal Medicine
Jimmie W. Adcock, MD Edwin H. Shoaf, Jr., MD
8 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Stuart J. Garner, MD Scott L. Lindblom, MD ** Radiation Oncology
L. Scott McGinnis III, MD Steven Plunkett, MD William B. Warlick, Jr., MD
Surgery – Neurology
Surgery – Plastic
David C. Matthews, MD Paul A. Watterson, MD Surgery – Thoracic
Harold R. Howe, Jr., MD
Radiology
Surgery – Urology
M. Alan Burns, MD Christina M. Chaconas, MD W. Stuart Hartley, MD John D. Howard, MD Andrew J. Kapustin, MD James P. O’Brien, MD
John A. Kirkland, Jr., MD Samuel J. Peretsman, MD Daniel L. Watson, MD
Reproductive Endocrinology
Roberto F. Ferraro, MD John A. Kirkland, Jr., MD Daniel L. Watson, MD
Richard L. Wing, MD
Surgery – Vascular
Lance E. Diehl, MD Urology
YOU’VE EARNED THIS. You understand that working hard while spending and saving wisely has its rewards. The wealth management team at Parsec Financial works closely with you to integrate your financial plans with your investments. We help you determine the best path for your assets to ensure they last your lifetime. Since 1980, individuals and businesses alike have trusted our fee-only wealth management process. Through careful listening, diligent research and hard work, Parsec Financial has been helping clients find and enjoy success. When you succeed, we succeed.
Individuals | Businesses | Trust Services Asheville 828.255.0271 | Charlotte 704.334.0894 | Southern Pines 910.684.8054 parsecfinancial.com
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 9
Thank You Tucker Boynton Co.Sponsor of the MCMS Knights Game Event
MMAE
CTLung3625x 9.25.pdf
1
6/1/15
2:19 PM
Dear Friends,
Our year is off to a good start and I hope you will join us for all of the fun and educational programs we have planned. We have a lot to look forward to throughout the year, but I will mention only some of what we have in store to pique your interest: Enjoy one of the pleasures of autumn — Oktoberfest! Learn about the importance of sleep for good health. Spruce up your decorations for the holidays. Discover the healing properties of the garden. As important as it is to have fun and learn together, we are a service (or serving) organization, not just an organization that is self-serving. MMAE has had a long tradition of giving back to the community. This year, I will highlight some of the local nonprofits MMAE has been instrumental in starting. One is Teen Health Connection. A study done by the County Commission in the 1980’s determined that teens in Mecklenburg County were being underserved, and the process was put into motion to create a medical facility that would target the teen population. I encourage you to look at our website, mmaeonline.com, and view the short video on the homepage. Libby Safrit, executive director, speaks briefly about MMAE’s role in helping found the Teen Health Connection.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Mimi Compton
2015-2016 MMAE President
12 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Member News
NEW MEMBERS Rebecca O. Bakkestuen, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, 704-334-7800 Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program, 2012 Donna M. C. Beaty, PA-C Dermatology Dermatology, Laser & Vein Specialists of the Carolinas 1918 Randolph Road #550, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-375-6766 Chatham College Physician Assistant Program, 2006 Jonathan D. Grant, MD Radiation Oncology Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Road #400, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-7376 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 2010 Chelsea Hanne, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Alderson Broaddus College Physician Assistant Program, 2011
Upcoming Meetings & Events OCTOBER Events n
n
n
Laura S. Pratt, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 South College School of Physician Assistant Studies, 2013 Emily Troutman, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 East Carolina University Physician Assistant Program, 2010 Michael V. Varricchio, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program, 2001
Monday, Oct. 12 MCMS Membership event. Planet Ballroom. 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24 NCMS Annual Meeting. Grandover Resort, Greensboro, N.C.
Meetings Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
No MCMS Board meeting. No magazine deadline. n
n
Hani A. Mahgoub, MD, DDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery 10035 Park Cedar Drive #300, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-542-9600 University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio, 2012
Tuesday, Oct. 6 Fighting for Women With Fashion. Foundation for the Carolinas. 6 p.m.
n
n
n
Tuesday, Oct. 13 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 Charlotte Dental Society Membership meeting. Myers Park Country Club. 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. Monday, Oct. 19 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 MMAE Finance meeting / Board meeting. 9 a.m. / 10 a.m.
Answer from page 5: Andrew Jackson said he was born in South Carolina. If you drive down County Road 1105 in Union County, NORTH Carolina, you will find the stone marker indicating the location of the cabin about 300 hundred yards from the South Carolina line. Back in the 18th century, they did not have the signs telling you to start wearing your motorcycle helmet when you rode into North Carolina, so it is understandable that he got it wrong ... all of this is assuming that the stone marker is in the CORRECT location.
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 13
At the Hospitals
Jason Bernd Named Vice President of Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital Jason Bernd has been named the new vice president of Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital and the orthopedic service line. Most recently, Bernd served as vice president of medical group operations and the cancer care service line in the greater Charlotte market. He led operations for specialty physician practices including orthopedics, psychology, obstetrics and critical Jason Bernd care. Under his leadership, Novant Health’s cancer program successfully integrated Novant Health medical group oncologists into one unified cancer center offering and strengthening personalized care for patients. Bernd began his career at Novant Health in 2006 as director of financial planning, a position he held for three years. During this time, he played a key strategic business role in the organization’s merger with the Virginiabased Prince William Health System. He also also was instrumental in Novant Health’s 2008 merger with Rowan Regional Medical Center. In 2009, he became the service line leader for Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte. In this role, Bernd was responsible for directing the cardiovascular service line and was involved in the affiliation with Cleveland Clinic. He worked with physicians on the governance structure of the service line and the integration of Novant Health’s cardiovascular practices into one branded entity. n
Eric Eskioglu, MD, Named as Novant Health Neurosciences Service Line Leader Eric Eskioglu, MD, recently joined Novant Health to lead neurosciences across the 14-hospital system with the goal of creating a world-class experience for patients regardless of their entry point. He will work with providers to elevate neuroscience excellence for Eric Eskioglu, MD Novant Health inpatient and outpatient services n
by implementing best practices and unifying processes and protocols across the system. Dr. Eskioglu joins Novant Health from Physicians Regional Healthcare System (PRHS) in Florida, where he served as the executive medical director for the PRHS Comprehensive Stroke Center and as the medical director of the Neurovascular and Stroke Institute and neuro intensive care unit. He also has served as the medical director for endovascular/vascular neurosurgery with Cerebrovascular Specialists of Florida, Lee Memorial Hospital System. Eskioglu earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas and completed a two-year fellowship at the National Institutes of Health with Pfizer Clinical Research Scholars program. His neurosurgical residency training took place at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He completed an endovascular/vascular neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Florida. Eskioglu earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona. Novant Health to Open Two New Rehabilitation Centers This fall, Novant Rehabilitation Centers will be adding two locations. The first will be located along the South 485 corridor near Waverly and a second in south Charlotte. Co-located with new urgent cares, the rehabilitation centers will offer scheduled and walk-in outpatient physical therapy services, including treatment of overuse injuries, post-operative rehabilitation and concussion management. The current hospital-based outpatient centers are accepting new patients for physical therapy, occupational, hand and pediatric specialties, speech and audiology services.
including evidence-based weight management for both adults and adolescents, evaluations for medical vs. surgical management of obesity, specialized dietary planning, screening for medical causes of obesity, metabolic testing, body composition analysis and physician education on obesity prevention and treatment. Covington sees patients in the Novant Health Bariatric Solutions offices in Charlotte, Huntersville and Matthews and can be reached at 704-316-7760.
n
Melody Covington, MD, Joins Novant Health Bariatric Solutions Novant Health Bariatric Solutions would like to introduce its newest physician, Melody Covington, MD. Dr. Covington obtained her doctorate of medicine from The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina in Greenville, Melody Covington, MD N.C. before completing her medical residency training in internal medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. In her new position with Novant Health Bariatric Solutions, Covington specializes in bariatric medicine n
14 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Unveils Its Newly Renovated PICU A completely redesigned pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) recently opened at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. The new unit, which began caring for patients on September 8, provides critical care services to seriously ill infants, children and adolescents. “We are thrilled to unveil our beautiful new PICU that is much larger and features private patient rooms,” says Paula Vincent, president of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. “Going from 3,200 square feet to 6,700 square feet allowed us to create an all-private eight-bed unit, along with two dedicated procedure rooms.” Each private room offers conveniences such as a refrigerator, along with a pullout sofa so parents can comfortably spend the night with their child. Other amenities include a flat-screen television and an Xbox video game console for entertainment. In addition to a multidisciplinary team that includes intensivists and specially trained nurses, the PICU is also staffed by child life specialists to address the emotional, developmental and cultural needs of each patient. n
At the Hospitals
New Drug Offered for Multiple Sclerosis The Neurosciences Institute at Carolinas HealthCare System is the first healthcare provider in North and South Carolina to offer the newest FDA approved drug for multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug, Lemtrada, is approved for patients with relapsing forms of MS. Lemtrada has demonstrated remarkable benefits in terms of stabilizing the disease, reducing the risk of relapse or worsening disease on MRI. However, given some of the potential side effects of this medication, it is typically reserved for more aggressive forms of MS. “Lemtrada offers remarkable benefit in reducing the risk of relapse and progression of MRI lesions and this is the first drug for MS that has shown improvement in disability for patients,” says Donna Graves, MD, a neurologist with Carolinas HealthCare System. “Patients are very excited for this drug as the MS community has been waiting a long time for a medication that offers benefit for our more aggressive MS patients.” Currently, nine patients within the Carolinas HealthCare System are getting the drug. There are five infusions over a one-year period. Dr. Graves and her team evaluate patients on a number of measures, including physical exams, quality of life and cognitive function, to get a better idea of how the drug is affecting their overall health. While it is still too early to tell how Lemtrada will work on these patients, Graves says some patients already have reported improvement in function after just one series of infusions. There are ongoing clinical trials, including trials at the Neurosciences Institute at CHS, evaluating the benefits and safety of Lemtrada.
n
System Recognized for Technology Innovation Carolinas HealthCare System is ranked in this year’s InformationWeek Elite 100 — a list of the top business technology innovators in the U.S. For eight years, the system ranked in the top 500 list.
n
Carolinas HealthCare System specifically was recognized for combating asthma using information technology to provide clinical decision support. Since 2014, more than 7,000 patients have received an asthma action plan, which allows physicians to efficiently provide a custom care plan to assist patients and improve self-management. Pediatric patients with a custom plan experienced a 43 percent decline in asthma-related emergency room visits and a 50 percent decline in hospitalizations over 12 months. Asthma-related adult patient emergency room visits declined by 44 percent and hospitalizations declined by 67 percent. Pediatric patients also saw a decline in use of oral steroids for asthma by 39 percent over 12 months. “For this project, we took a complex 400page clinical guideline with thousands of medication options and produced a tool that could be used right at the point of care in less than a minute,” says Michael Dulin, MD, PhD, chief clinical officer for analytics and outcomes research for the system. “To support this, as well as future work in the health IT domain, Carolinas Healthcare System has built a foundational collaborative environment that connects the clinical endusers with technology experts who work together to enhance care delivery and improve patient outcomes.” Horton Receives National Recognition for Infectious Disease Work The Board of Directors of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has selected James Horton, MD, to receive the 2015 Watanakunakorn Clinician Award. Horton is chief, Faculty Division of Infectious Diseases, in Carolinas Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine. The Watanakunakorn Clinician James Horton, MD Award is given annually by the IDSA Education and Research Foundation to an IDSA member or fellow in recognition of outstanding achievement in the clinical practice of infectious diseases. Dr. Horton received this honor based on the following criteria: • Is in clinical practice, spending at least 75 percent in direct patient care.
n
• Exhibits excellence in clinical care, patient or community education, patient advocacy. • Demonstrates excellence in general community service and service to a national or state infectious diseases society. Top Ten ICD-10 Facts for Physicians In October, Carolinas HealthCare System joined the ranks of HIPAAcovered entities that must now adhere to the new International Code of Diseases, Version 10 (ICD-10). Whether or not you are a Carolinas HealthCare System physician, the new process, which increases the number of diagnostic codes from 16,000 to 155,000, affects you. Here are the top 10 facts all physicians should keep in mind as they transition to the new coding system: 1. Physicians do not need to learn how to code. 2. The bulk of the expanded codes have been created to capture laterality, so if there’s a left or a right, be sure to specify. 3. ICD-10 is not about more documentation; it’s about better documentation. 4. Accurate physician profiles depend on the most accurate codes, which depend on the most accurate documentation. 5. CPT codes and their use do not change. 6. In many instances, one word (such as “acute”) can vastly change the interpretation of the severity of illness. 7. Timing is everything. Carefully noting minutes or hours for loss of consciousness; weeks for trimesters; days for previous MIs and injury; and episode of care (initial, subsequent or sequelae) makes a significant difference. 8. “Tell me where it hurts.” Be very specific as to site. Where are the adhesions? What exact site in the bowel, etc.? 9. If you can think of it, there’s a code for it. To give you an idea of the scope of codes available, visit: www.icd10data.com/ 10. Carolinas HealthCare System physicians have many resources available, no matter the practice setting. These include the Documentation Excellence team, the Clinical Documentation Improvement team, Coding Support and more. You also can email ICD10info@ CarolinasHealthCare.org. n
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 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. Visit us at IndependentPhysicians.org.
Maeve O’Connor, MD
Congratulations to physician member Maeve O’Connor, MD, with Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief, who was honored for being a “Physician of the Year” finalist at the Charlotte Business Journal’s 5th Annual Excellence in Health Care Awards dinner on September 21 at The Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte.
Oncology Specialists of Charlotte welcomed Benjamin Miriovsky, MD, to its oncology/hematology team. After two years of practice in Bend, Ore., he and his family have relocated to Charlotte. A native of Lincoln, Neb., he completed his undergraduate work at the University of NebraskaLincoln and then received a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Iowa. He returned to Nebraska to complete medical Benjamin Miriovsky, MD school and an internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Fellowship training in oncology and hematology brought him to Duke University, where he spent three years. After his fellowship, he joined Bend Memorial Clinic as an oncologist, but the warmth and culture of the southeast drew him back after two years. He enjoys caring for patients across the spectrum of hematologic and oncologic diseases. He is joined in Charlotte by his wife and five children. When not working, you’ll find Dr. Miriovsky outdoors with his family at the pool, skiing, hiking or reading and exploring new restaurants with his wife. To schedule an appointment, call 704-342-9577. Please join our medical community in well wishes to physician member, Geoffrey Chapman, MD, with Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, on his retirement on August 31. Dr. Chapman was a founding physician of the practice in 2000. He will be missed by patients and colleagues. Geoffrey Chapman, MD
John Hanson, MD
Sanjib Mohanty, MD
Congratulations to Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology’s John Hanson, MD, and Sanjib Mohanty, MD, for being recognized in the 2015 edition of Charlotte Magazine’s “Top Doctors.”
16 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Join the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) team as they sponsor two upcoming events: Walk for Primary Immunodeficiency on Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m. at Freedom Park in Charlotte. For information and to register, visit www.WalkForPI.org. 10th Anniversary of the Charlotte FARE Walk for Food Allergy, Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. at Park Road Park in Charlotte. For information and to register, visit www.FoodAllergyWalk.org/ faf/home/. AAIR physician, Maeve O’Connor, MD, is the medical chair of both events with the goal of raising awareness and funds for local families affected by primary immunodeficiency and food allergies. On Saturday, Sept.12, physician member practices Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Carolina Digestive Health Associates and Oncology Specialists of Charlotte continued their support and sponsorship of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the PurpleStride Charlotte 5k Run held at Marshall Park in uptown Charlotte. This annual family-friendly walk/run raises awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer research, as well as support for patients and loved ones affected by the disease.
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Brackett Flagship Properties........................................4 Carolinas HealthCare System...................................19 Charlotte Country Day School....................................4 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates..........18 Charlotte Radiology.............................................12, 17 Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.............7 kure Network........................................................17, 18 LabCorp......................................................................20 Novant Health...............................................................2 Parsec Financial............................................................9 Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic..............7
CharRadAdR1.pdf
1
3/4/15
4:15 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 17
S P E C I A L I S TS YOU C AN COU NT ON.
CEENTA offers a comprehensive group of specialists for all your patient’s senses. Comprehensive Ear, Nose & Throat Care Allergy Department Optical Shop
Facial Plastics Sleep Department & Sleep Center Voice & Swallowing Department
18 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Comprehensive Eye Care Audiology & Hearing Services Contact Lens Services
I am a twin I am a miracle
I am a heart surgery survivor
#I am LCH I AM LevIne CHILdren’s HospItAL
Leslie, 8 months
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2015 | 19
LevineChildrensHospital.org
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTE, N.C. PERMIT NO. 1494
1112 Harding Place, #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED MCMS Mission: To unite, serve and represent our members as advocates for our patients, for the health of the community and for the profession of medicine.
LabCorp Laboratory Corporation of America
PATIENT SERVICE CENTERS
Ballantyne Billingsley** Carmel** Cabarrus Charlotte** Gastonia Stat Lab Huntersville Huntersville** Lake Norman Matthews Northridge* Pineville Randolph** Rock Hill Salisbury** Salisbury* Shelby Statesville** University**
… for all of your laboratory testing needs
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 1928 Randolph Road, Suite 109 2460 India Hook Road, Suite 101 601 Mocksville Avenue 514 Corporate Road 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road
*Drug Screens only **Blood Draws only
20 | October 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Concord, NC Charlotte, NC Gastonia, NC Huntersville, NC Huntersville, NC Mooresville, NC Matthews, NC Charlotte, NC Pineville, NC Charlotte, NC Rock Hill, SC Salisbury, NC Salisbury, NC Shelby, NC Statesville, NC Charlotte, NC
704-540-0251 704-332-6904 704-542-7061 704-795-2710 704-372-6609 704-854-9497 704-948-8101 704-875-9130 704-799-6230 704-849-0154 704-598-6266 704-341-1145 704-334-2629 803-328-1724 704-637-1676 704-221-4407 704-480-7004 704-878-0948 704-549-8647