September 2015 • Vol. 45, No. 8
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
e d a r G e h t Pediatric Hospitals ake M 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
Novant
Here for your patient’s cancer journey Novant Health Cancer Specialists When your patients are facing cancer diagnoses or blood disorders, you want to connect them with a team they can rely on every step of the way. At Novant Health Cancer Specialists, we’re committed to making the cancer journey as easy as possible for your patients. That’s why we’ve expanded access to our renowned oncologists and support experts by opening a Charlotte location. The new office means your patients have improved access to a variety of treatment options tailored to minimize side effects while maximizing cancer-fighting benefits. We understand that cancer treatment requires emotional support in addition to advanced medical expertise, and we believe your patients deserve the convenience of getting that comprehensive care close to home.
Schedule your patient’s appointment at one of our convenient locations: New! Charlotte 1718 E. Fourth St., Suite 105 704-316-4485
Matthews 1700 Matthews Township Parkway 704-841-8151
Jennifer Dallas, MD Ayla Kessler, MD (fall 2015) Nasfat Shehadeh, MD (fall 2015)
Nusrat Chaudhary, MD Lance Lassiter, MD Adam Kuykendall, MD Alfred Newman, MD
Visit nhcancerspecialists.org to learn more about our services. © Novant Health, Inc. 2015
2 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
17336
September 2015 Vol. 45 No. 8
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: ‘Live Long and Prosper’
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 Feature: Children’s Hospitals Provide A+ Care By Lee McCracken
7 National Health & Wellness Observances for September 2015 8 MMAE 12 Member News 12 Upcoming Meetings & Events
BOARD MEMBERS 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
13 New Members
Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Mimi Compton, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment
14 At the Hospitals
Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS President-Elect
16 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA
17 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings
Marcus G. Plescia, MD, Health Director Mecklenburg County Health Department
18 Advertising Acknowledgements
Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency
EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director Sandi D. Buchanan Meetings & Special Events Jenny H. Otto Finance & Database Specialist Stephanie D. Smith
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org Copyright 2015 Mecklenburg County Medical Society 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.
MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF 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 Simon V. Ward III, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker
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.
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 3
Surgical Specialists of Charlotte Is Now In South Carolina Surgical Specialists of Charlotte is pleased to welcome three highly experienced and respected York County surgeons to our team. Our Rock Hill and Fort Mill offices will allow patients to see an expert surgeon close to home, while providing access to our many surgical subspecialists throughout the Charlotte area.
Our 28 surgeons provide a comprehensive array of general and specialty surgical care.
CharRadAdR1.pdf
1
3/4/15
Dr. Corey Crain
Dr. Shamly Dhiman
Dr. Christopher Schroeder
Rock Hill 1721 Ebenezer Road, Ste. 175, Rock Hill, SC 29732 Fort Mill 1700 First Baxter Crossing, Ste. 102, Fort Mill, SC 29708 Rock Hill/Fort Mill: 803.324.5256 • Main: 704.364.8100 • SSCLT.com
4:15 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
4 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
President’s Letter
‘Live Long and Prosper’ By Simon V. Ward III, MD
S
ome people seem to be born for a certain movie or TV role. Tommy Lee Jones was perfect for the role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard in “The Fugitive.” Maggie Smith is perfect as the Dowager Countess in “Downton Abbey.” It is hard to imagine anyone doing better in the role of Mr. Spock on the original “Star Trek” series than Leonard Nimoy, the science officer on the Starship Enterprise. Spock was from the planet Vulcan. Residents of that planet were without human emotion. Mr. Spock was constantly reminding the very human Capt. Kirk and Dr. McCoy to control their emotions and remain logical in the face of whatever danger the starship and its crew were facing. DeForest Kelley who played “Bones” McCoy was from Georgia. Of all the places from which Star Fleet could have chosen the physician for their best starship, they chose Georgia. The obvious conclusion is that people from the South, in the United States, on the third planet orbiting a G2V star 27,000 light years from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, make the BEST physicians in the universe. Look on the medical school websites for admission requirements in North Carolina. Besides a strong academic background showing the ability to devour and absorb a ridiculous amount of information, many medical schools require four semesters of chemistry, two semesters of biology and two semesters of physics. Not one medical school in North Carolina or several other states, according to their websites, have a requirement for art appreciation, philosophy or creative writing. While those courses are important and certainly make life more interesting and enjoyable, it is apparent that medical schools emphasize a curriculum based on sound scientific reasoning. Physicians and physician assistants are human. We do experience emotion. Many of us have had the experience of walking in our backyards at dusk, looking down and seeing a snake. The sight almost always evokes absolute terror for that brief moment until we can safely jump away. Fortunately, most often, the snakes in our yards are garter snakes or similar species. We don’t know or care if it is a dangerous species — we just want to get away from the snake. But, when we look at a beautiful scene from a high vantage point, we do not have a similar reaction. The last recorded snake bite death in North Carolina was in 2008. The chances of dying from a snake bite are significantly less than dying from a lightning strike. This past May, a woman died from a fall on a family outing at Crowders Mountain. Several young people have died in recent years from falls at Stone Mountain. Most summers, we read of someone from our area dying from a fall in the mountains. Gravity is much more dangerous than any snake, and yet, the latter is what we intuitively fear. When a patient checks into one of our offices for an appointment, we routinely ask, “Have you done any recent
international travel?” We don’t ask how many sausage biscuits they ate that week. We don’t ask how many speeding tickets they have had in the past year. The reason for this question, of course, is our concern for Ebola. The Ebola epidemic is tragic. First identified near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ebola has killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa in the most recent outbreak – mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Many brave members of the medical profession have been willing to take the risk and go to the hardest hit areas and help. Viruses are very scary things, especially when they are contagious and deadly. None of us wants to miss the diagnosis and fail to provide proper care, but each year 600,000 Americans die of myocardial infarction. Each year, more than 37,000 Americans die in motor vehicle accidents. So far, two patients have died of Ebola in the United States. When patients check into our offices, are we asking them a logical question or are we giving into fear? When a 48-year-old patient comes to us with miserable hot flashes, many of us will discourage her from taking hormone replacement therapy. We know that estrogen and progesterone are dangerous. We read the Women’s Health Initiative and the more recently released papers that show an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and myocardial infarction in patients taking the combination of conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate. What we have forgotten or overlooked is that the risk does not start until age 55. Yet, we tell our 48-year-old patient that hormones are too dangerous, when she could get relief from her symptoms for more than five years without risk. Are we being logical or giving into fear? Fortunately, we are not from Vulcan. Life is fuller with emotion – love, happiness and fear. If we were all like Spock, we would all have 3.99 averages in medical school and Massachusetts General would not know which ones of us to admit to its residency program. What we do need to remember is that — like Spock — we should be logical in our thinking and make treatment decisions based on scientific principles, and not fear. By doing so, we all can, as Spock said, “Live long and prosper.”
P.S. How many species of poisonous snakes are found in the mountains of North Carolina? Answer on page 7.
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 5
Feature
Children’s Hospitals Provide A+ Care By Lee McCracken, Contributing Writer
N
ine years ago, Jennifer Squires, MD, was inspired by the expert treatment her 14-year-old brother received at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital after suffering a dissection of his internal carotid artery, resulting in a stroke with hemiparesis. “The ICU and hospitalist teams were amazing, and the Child Life specialists spoiled him rotten!” says Dr. Squires, a pediatrician in Charlotte with Walker Pediatrics. She also gives kudos to the new St. Jude Affiliate Clinic, with a current patient battling kidney cancer. “She’s 9 years old, and newly diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor. Working with the St. Jude oncologists, we were able to diagnose her within a day and start her treatment plan later that week,” Squires explains. For families, it is reassuring to know their children are receiving nationally recognized quality care. From congenital heart defects to leukemia to kidney disease, life-threatening childhood conditions in the Charlotte region don’t always have the upper Jennifer Squires, MD hand. Families are cheering for the care their children receive at the top-notch pediatric hospitals in the Queen City.
ACUTE, IN-PATIENT EXPERTISE
Pediatricians and primary care physicians, too, are applauding the quality of medical treatment and surgical skill available at Carolinas HealthCare System Levine Children’s Hospital and Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. Arnold Snitz, MD, says he’s watched the pediatric medical community grow from mostly local care to being recognized statewide and across the southeast. An independent pediatrician since 1978, Snitz adds that he’s increasingly been able to refer his patients to local specialists rather than send them to university medical centers. “Parents and patients can remain in town — close to their home base support — and not have to waste time and money traveling. Having both hospital systems in Charlotte allows non-hospital-owned doctors to have more choices in local referrals.” Hemophagocytosis lymphohistiocytosis —a rare, often fatal, genetic disease — nearly claimed the life of 16-month-old Kirstin when she was just 6 months old. Prior to the scheduled transplant from her father, she suffered several infections, including adenovirus. Coupled with her HLH, Kirsten went into liver failure. But Michael Eckrich, MD, MPH, knew a new drug would be the key to her survival. Within 36 hours, the blood marrow transplant team was able to coordinate with Levine Cancer Institute’s Research Trials Division and pediatric intensive care to enroll Kirsten in a trial and receive the life-saving drug.The team also was able to enroll her in a trial for a second non-FDAapproved drug to treat her liver disease. Both treatments were successful, and Dr. Eckrich reports Kirsten went home after just three months and is a completely different child today.
6 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
LEVINE GAINS NATIONAL RANKING
Pediatric cardiac intensive care, bone marrow transplants and orthopedics is the kind of comprehensive care that goes on daily at Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH), which opened in October 2007 on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center. LCH offers several of the region’s “firsts,” such as the first day hospital, first cardiac intensive care unit, first pediatric bone marrow transplant program and the first 24-hour pediatric emergency department. LCH is recognized as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report in five specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, gastroenterology and GI surgery, nephrology and orthopedics. The pediatric cancer program includes bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant and brain tumor treatment, and LCH clinical research includes more than 60 clinical trials. Also, LCH has one of the largest pediatric dialysis units in the country — the only unit in North and South Carolina — handling more than 6,000 patient visits a year. Jaziah is thriving and almost ready to celebrate her first birthday, due to the quick-thinking team of the congenital heart center at LCH. When she was 2 months old, she began getting sick on a regular basis. One night, her mother took her to Levine’s 24-hour emergency department. Gonzalo Wallis, MD, a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in heart failure and heart transplant, noticed a congenital anomaly and recognized Jaziah’s heart was not getting enough oxygen. Benjamin Peeler, MD, chief of pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery at CHS’ Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, fixed her heart so Jaziah did not need to be placed on the heart transplant list. Both Wallis and Peeler are optimistic about Benjamin Peeler, MD the little girl’s prognosis and say her heart function has recovered nicely.
HEMBY WELCOMES ST. JUDE
Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital opened at Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte in 1995. The new partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital established the opening of the St. Jude Clinic at Hemby, formerly known as Blume Pediatric Hematology & Oncology. The pediatric clinic will have more access to treatment protocols for childhood cancer and blood disorders than any other location in the southeastern United States. Previously, Charlottearea patients who wanted to participate in clinical trials through St. Jude had to travel to Memphis. Now they’ll be able to get the treatment they need in Charlotte. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-famous center, and the Novant clinic marks only its seventh affiliate clinic in the country.
“Knowing that my kids will be well cared for by specialists who are experts in acute pediatric illness gives me peace of mind,” says Squires, noting her patients are like family. “With this new affiliation, patients easily can be connected to groundbreaking clinical trials. It’s exciting to know our oncologists will be prescribing the best-researched and mostpromising treatment plans, in order to continue to promote childhood cancer survival rates.” Since it opened in 1962 in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent. “The St. Jude affiliate clinic is maintaining Charlotte’s place on the map for top-notch medical care. Children and their families will travel from all over the southeast to Hemby, and we will be part of the progress of pediatric cancer research.”
19th Annual Komen Charlotte Race for the Cure® Marshall Park, Uptown Charlotte Saturday, Oct. 3 n 6 – 10 a.m.
Healthcare community:
Walk your talk about breast cancer awareness. Show your support for your patients, friends and family.
#TogetherInPink
Trade your white coat for a race T-shirt in October!
Register with a friend or as an office team.
www.komencharlotte.org
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES SEPTEMBER 2015 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Fruit and Veggies – More Matters Month Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Healthy Aging Month Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month National Cholesterol Education Month National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month Newborn Screening Awareness Month Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Month Sepsis Awareness Month Sports Eye Safety Month World Alzheimer’s Month September 7-12: National Suicide Prevention Week September 20-26: Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Week September 9: September 10: September 13: September 15: September 18: September 21: September 26: September 29: September 30:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day Suicide Prevention Day National Celiac Disease Awareness Day World Lymphoma Awareness Day National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day World Alzheimer’s Day Family Health & Fitness Day World Heart Day National Women’s Health & Fitness Day
None. All the snakes can be eaten without harm. There are two VENOMOUS species: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. The copperhead also is endemic to Mecklenburg County. Watch out during those late-night walks through your backyard. Answer from page 5:
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 7
MMAE
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a restful summer and already are already feeling the welcome cooler days of fall. Your MMAE Board and committees were busy bees all summer planning for the year ahead. Co-Vice Presidents of Programs Becky Williford and Donna Mauerhan and their committee have planned some fun and educational programs — a save the date should be in your mail soon. Vice President of Health Promotions Pam Bullard has started planning the next Community Health Classroom for early next spring, so stay tuned for further information in the coming months. I’m looking forward to our first printed directory in several years, and I hope you renewed your membership by July 31 so your name will be included. Thirty years ago, the Mecklenburg Medical Auxiliary saw a need to provide housing for the families of chronically ill patients and MMA’s Inn was born. We have both gone through some name changes since then, and we are now respectively known as the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment and Hospitality House of Charlotte. In July, Hospitality House sponsored a lovely tea party to honor MMAE as the founding organization and to show off the newly refurbished guest rooms. I look forward to having fun and learning together this year as we work toward our common goal of building a healthier CharlotteMecklenburg community.
Mimi Compton
2015-2016 MMAE President
8 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
RESERVE YOUR SEAT for
TESS VIGELAND Anchor of NPR’s “Marketplace” for 11 years and host of “Marketplace Money” for six years until making a major career change in 2012. Currently the CEO of Tess Vigeland Productions, she can be heard as backup anchor for NPR’s “All Things Considered” as well as KCRW’s “To the Point” and KPCC’s “Take Two in Los Angeles.” Her first book, “Leap Without a Net: Leaving a Job with No Plan B” arrived in bookstores on August 25. She continues to write for The New York Times and The Guardian. The Medical Alliance invites the medical community and guests to an evening of food, fun and entertainment. Tess will speak about her decision to leave a career when she was at the top of her game, but will answer questions about other parts of her career and her expertise developed from years with “Marketplace.” Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Red Rocks Café at Strawberry Hill Three-course dinner PLUS speaker just $35 Reservations at www.mmaeonline.com by September 9.
Save the Date!
ANOTHER MECKLENBURG COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY EVENT SPONSORED BY TUCKER BOYNTON FINANCIAL GROUP
“ When it comes to financial planning, I want to work with an advisor who understands the specific needs of physicians.”
6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28210 ■ 704-557-9750 www.sdtplanning.com
For over 50 years, we have specialized in the needs of healthcare providers. The advantage of our approach is the experience, process and specialization of working with others just like you. So, whether you are well established in practice, just finishing your training, or planning for retirement, we encourage you to explore how our services can help you reach your financial goals.
Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210, 704-557-9750. Spaugh Dameron Tenny is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.
BCC4519
315
CRN201703-190883
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 9
Introducing Our Newest Providers Aisha Traish, MD
Rachel Sabo, MD
Ross Udoff, MD
• Comprehensive Ophthalmology • Cataract Surgery • Corneal and External Diseases • Refractive Lens Exchange
• Comprehensive Ophthalmology • Routine Eye Care • Diseases of the Eye
• Comprehensive Otolaryngology • Head and Neck Surgery • Thyroid and Parathryoid Surgery • Chronic Ear Pain
Belmont and Pineville Offices
Statesville Office
Monroe Office
Call 704.295.3100 to schedule your referral today. WE JUST MAKE SENSE.
10 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
GOODSENSES.COM
704.295.3100 800.654.3368
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 • September 2015 | 11
Member News
Upcoming Meetings & Events SEPTEMBER Events n
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 11-12 AAFP Post-Graduate Symposium. Renaissance SouthPark.
n
Wednesday, Sept. 16 David G. Welton, MD, Society Fall Luncheon. Charlotte Country Club. 11:30 a.m.
Meetings Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted. n
n
Tuesday, Sept. 1 AAFP Quarterly meeting. CMC Mercy Auditorium. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting. Safe Alliance office. 6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day – MCMS office closed. n Tuesday, Sept. 8 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. n Wednesday, Sept. 16 MMAE Finance meeting/Board meeting. 9 a.m. / 10 a.m. n
Thursday, Sept. 17 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. n Friday, Sept. 18 Child Health Committee meeting. 7:30 a.m. n
Monday, Sept. 21 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. n Tuesday, Sept. 22 November/December magazine deadline. n Monday, Sept. 28 MCMS Board meeting 5:15 p.m. n Tuesday, Sept. 29 Charlotte Pediatric Society meeting. Myers Park Country Club 6 p.m. n
Did You Know? In 2004, members of the Child Health Committee of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society developed a Developmental and Behavioral Services Resource Guide. They recognized a need for a resource tool for physicians when referring children with developmental or behavioral problems. The guide is available for your use on our website at www.meckmed.org under the Community Resources tab. It is updated on a regular basis, but if you should find anything that needs to be corrected or if you, or someone you know, would like to be added to the guide, contact Stephanie Smith at 704-376-3688.
12 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
MCMS Awards Grants from the Smith Arthritis Fund By Janice E. Huff, Chair, Smith Arthritis Fund Committee
T
he MCMS Smith Arthritis Fund Committee is pleased to announce three grants totaling $3,000 were awarded in August for programs and studies which benefit, either directly or indirectly, patients who have arthritis. The first grant was awarded to Arthritis Services to provide funding to gain resources to extend the reach of their executive director in grant writing and research, as well as fundraising events, along with communication strategies for fundraising, with the hopes of building a larger donor base. The second grant was awarded to Helen E. Gruber, PhD, and Edward N. Hanley, Jr., MD, at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center. This grant provides funding for a study entitled “Unraveling cytokine production patterns in 3D-cultured healthy and degenerated disc cells: Novel application of multicytokine array screening.” The aim of this study is to characterize the proinflammatory cytokines produced by human annulus cells under 3D control conditions or when exposed to IL-1βb (102 pM) (IL), or TNF-α (103 pM) (TNF). Proinflammatory cytokines are well recognized for their importance in the pathogenesis of arthritis and disc degeneration. In this proposed research, they will obtain novel, simultaneous data on cytokines being produced by human disc cells in 3D culture. Cytokine targets are of increasing interest as an approach to battle arthritis and disc degeneration. The third grant was awarded to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., North Carolina Chapter. This grant will provide funding to support their 2016 “Ask the Experts” educational series, to continue its efforts in educating individuals living with lupus in Mecklenburg County. “Ask the Experts” is a series of live education teleconferences and pre-recorded webcasts on a variety of topics designed to provide individuals with important information about living with lupus. 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 under the guidance of Janice E. Huff, MD, who is the 2015 chair of the Smith Arthritis Fund Committee, along with H. David Homesley, MD, and Ahmad A. Kashif, MD. The fund is designed to support research projects as they relate to the needs of patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases. Since 1979, more than $76,000 has been awarded.
Member News
NEW MEMBERS
Colleen W. Cardella, MD
Colleen W. Cardella, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology Novant Health Randolph OB/GYN 2711 Randolph Road #512, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-333-4104 Wake Forest University, 2010
Jessica L. Fowler, PA-C
Jessica L. Fowler, PA-C Surgical Oncology Carolina Surgical Clinic of Charlotte 2104 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-377-3900 Duke University, 2014
Bhavna K. Gvalani, PA-C
Monique D. May, MD
Cheryl N. Onwuchuruba, MD
Erin M. Stone, MD
Bhavna K. Gvalani, PA-C Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1701 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 704-355-1322 Emory University, 2009 Monique D. May, MD Family Medicine Concentra Urgent Care 4221 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-395-0060 Temple University, 1996 Cheryl N. Onwuchuruba, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology Novant Health Randolph OB/GYN 2711 Randolph Road #512, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-333-4104 Wake Forest University, 2010 Erin M. Stone, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN 1918 Randolph Road #300, Charlotte, NC 28207 704-377-5675 East Carolina University, 2008
Cancer Recovery Programs Now Offered at the Center for the Healing Arts The Center for the Healing Arts is now offering Cancer Recovery programs focused on optimizing the diet and lifestyle of cancer survivors. Individual health coaching programs are specifically designed for cancer patients who have completed treatment and are ready to start recovery with a healthy lifestyle that will minimize their risk of a recurrence. The Center for the Healing Arts is at 335 N. Caswell Road, Charlotte, 28204. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 704-315-5756.
Election of New Officers, Directors and Delegates for 2016 Ballots for the election of MCMS officers, directors and delegates will be sent by email to MCMS members who have an email address on file with the MCMS office. Those who do not have an email address on file will receive a copy by U.S. mail. Return your marked ballot by email to meckmed@meckmed.org or by U.S. mail to Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. If returning by U.S. mail, write “BALLOT” on the outside of the envelope. Ballots must be received no later than December 1, 2015. Ballots will be counted by an MCMS accountant and teller(s) appointed by the MCMS Board of Directors. Election results will be posted in the January issue of the Mecklenburg Medicine magazine.
The Child Health Committee The Child Health Committee includes physicians and community members whose aim is to improve the lives of children in Mecklenburg County. School health is one of our main focuses. Our recent work has centered around the fight for increasing the number of school nurses in CMS. A second main focus has been reducing childhood obesity through education initiatives of both parents and coaches of recreational sports, as well as outreach to local primary care providers with exercise “prescriptions.” We hope to expand our committee to include a variety of physician providers interested in the health of children. We would like to involve more community members on the committee so that we can be a catalyst for initiatives that directly affect our youth. We welcome you to join us for a meeting, to share ideas that you have for what you would like to see MCMS do in this area, or provide us with connections to the community. Please contact Sara Horstmann at sara.horstmann@carolinashealthcare.org or Jenny Otto at jotto@meckmed.org or call 704-376-3688 for more information.
In Memoriam BOB W. BRAWLEY, MD June 16, 2015 Charlotte Neurological Associates University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1959 Neurosurgery
TERESA S. FLIPPO MORTON, MD
June 7, 2015 Levine Cancer Institute West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1986 General Surgery
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 13
At the Hospitals
Novant Health Expands Cancer Services in Charlotte with Jennifer L. Dallas, MD In July, Novant Health Cancer Specialists opened its first Charlotte location at 1718 E. Fourth St., suite 105. Novant Health Cancer Specialists will be staffed by Jennifer L. Dallas, MD, previously of the Pearlman Cancer Center at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta. She completed medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, followed by a residency and hematology-oncology fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Dallas has several partners poised to join the clinic later this year. The new clinic complements existing cancer services in Charlotte to ensure Novant Health provides the entire spectrum of care. It will offer specialty cancer care and a variety of treatment options tailored to minimize side effects while maximizing cancer-fighting benefits. The clinic will partner with Novant Health’s patient support system, highlighted by cancer nurse navigators who are available to answer questions and provide any resources needed to understand the treatment process. Patients also will have access to nearby survivorship and rehabilitation services available through the Novant Health network. For more information, visit nhcancerspecialists. org. To refer a patient, call 704-316-4485. n
Novant Health Introduces CardioMEMS™ Heart Failure Device Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute is using the new CardioMEMS™ HF System to monitor heart failure patients and prevent hospital readmissions. The patient is implanted with a sensor that monitors pulmonary artery pressure. Pressure readings are downloaded and sent to the provider via a secure website. The readings indicate the patient’s response to therapy and can show worsening heart failure 10-14 days before noticeable symptoms like shortness of breath or weight gain appear. Providers are able to adjust medication and prevent an unnecessary hospital visit. This new tool for comprehensive heart failure care is n
the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitor proven to significantly reduce heart failure admissions and improve quality of life. For more information or to refer a patient to Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, call 704-343-9800.
in treating acquired cardiac disease, heart failure therapy, surgical heart failure therapies and interventions on the thoracic aorta. For more information or to refer a patient to Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, call 704-343-9800.
Novant Health Introduces Comprehensive Vein Services Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Matthews now provides comprehensive venous disease assessment and treatment; helping patients suffering from swollen, achy, painful legs improve their quality of life. The program is led by Gabriel Delgado, MD, FACC, who serves as the medical director for the peripheral vascular laboratory. Delgado specializes in the comprehensive treatment of circulation issues, including arterial blockages and venous problems in the legs. Procedures offered include radio-frequency ablation, sclerotherapy and phlebectomy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Delgado, call 704-264-3500.
n Interventional Neuroradiologist Cuong T. Nguyen, MD, Joins Novant Health In July, Cuong T. Nguyen, MD, of Mecklenburg Radiology Associates joined Novant Health’s interventional neuroradiology program at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Nguyen will be working closely with Gregory Joseph, MD, and other members of the neuroscience program to provide endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms, acute ischemic stroke and cerebral/spinal vascular malformations. He also specializes in minimally-invasive percutaneous spine interventions, such as vertebral augmentation, including kyphoplasty, synovial cyst fenestration and complex spine biopsies. Nguyen completed his fellowships in neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. For more information or to refer a patient, call 855-273-7226 or 704-384-7226.
n
New Providers Join Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute Non-invasive cardiologists Richard Browne, MD, and Sandy Charles, MD, and cardiothoracic surgeon Tom Theruvath, MD, have joined Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte. Browne completed his fellowship in cardiology at the University of Virginia Medical Center and comes to Novant Health with more than 10 years experience as a non-invasive cardiologist. He specializes in transesophageal and stress echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Charles completed her fellowship in cardiology and was a chief fellow of cardiology at New York University and has a special interest in women’s heart health. Theruvath received his medical degree from the Medizinische Hochschule in Hannover, Germany, followed by postgraduate training in general surgery at the Charité-Virchow Klinik in Berlin. He then pursued academic clinical research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He specializes n
14 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Novant Health Presents Stroke Symposium On Saturday, Sept. 26, Novant Health Stroke & Neurosciences will present its fourth annual Stroke Symposium, a multidisciplinary forum. The event will be held in the multipurpose room at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Local and regional experts will lead a program focused on the epidemiology of stroke in North Carolina. Breakfast will be provided. Program topics will include stroke epidemiology, EMS partnerships, re-examining acute eligibility for thrombolysis, endovascular stroke treatment clinical trials, and anticoagulation reversal in hemorrhagic stroke. CME credit and contact hours will be offered in conjunction with this opportunity. Registration fee is $25. For more information, contact Denise Sorenson, RN, BSN, at dsorenson@novanthealth.org. n
At the Hospitals
LAA Closure Device Opens New Opportunities A new device tested at Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute that helps patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot take oral anticoagulants has been approved for general use by the FDA. Carolinas HealthCare System is the only center in the region offering the device. Afib patients who cannot take blood thinning drugs to prevent blood clots due to risk of bleeding can now have the device, which closes the left atrial appendage (LAA), implanted under general anesthesia, the device is implanted into the heart through a vein in the leg. “Most blood clots that form during Afib occur in the left atrial appendage, a pouch that serves no useful purpose,” says Michael Rinaldi, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of clinical Michael Rinaldi, MD research at Sanger. “We’ve known that this has been an issue for 90-95 percent of our Afib patients and, until now, there was nothing we could do about it.” Dr. Rinaldi is the longest tenured, most experienced, highest volume implanter in the Carolinas and Tennessee. n
Focus on Sepsis Yields Results More than one million Americans fight sepsis each year and one-third of them don’t survive. During the first year of a coordinated program to identify and treat sepsis at Carolinas HealthCare System, the mortality rate decreased to 17 percent and 30-day hospital readmissions fell 4.3 percent. The System’s Code Sepsis emergency response program, an organized, multiteam approach to reducing complications and deaths, quickly diagnoses patients with sepsis and provides a treatment plan for the most critical patients within the first hours of care. An organized group of clinical
n
and administrative leaders of 17 System facilities helps establish a workplace culture where employees are more aware of sepsis and sets a new standard of care that recognizes acute sepsis and septic shock as medical emergencies that can be prevented or treated through coordinated care. For its efforts, Carolinas HealthCare System was the only health organization among six Sepsis Heroes named by the Sepsis Alliance, a patient advocacy group. Sanger Posts North Carolinas’s Best Heart Transplant Outcomes Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute has North Carolina’s best heart transplant outcomes, and also exceeds national one-year and three-year survival rates, according to new data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. 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 three-year 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. An LVAD can be permanent, but also can be used as a temporary device for patients waiting for a transplant. The transplant and surgical teams at Sanger recently performed five transplants and implanted both one LVAD and one total artificial heart. In addition to the advantages associated with these new technologies, the collaboration between the surgeons and the transplant team at Sanger serves a major role in ensuring long-term success.
n
System Leads Effort to Fight Childhood Obesity Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Children’s Hospital is leading community partners and engaging star quarterback Cam Newton in a new public awareness
n
campaign aimed at fighting childhood obesity. The superhero-themed campaign encourages healthy habits for the whole family, and Carolinas HealthCare System wants 10,000 local families to take part by pledging to be healthy together this year. The campaign urges families to join the ‘5-2-1-0 League’ and pledge to follow healthy habits every day, aiming for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary beverages. Families can visit CarolinasHealthCare.org/HealthyTogether to learn more about 5-2-1-0, access helpful health tips and resources, and pledge to follow the program. The campaign is one of the many efforts of Healthy Weight Healthy Child, a community-backed coalition formed in 2010 through the partnership of Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Mecklenburg County Health Department to combat childhood obesity in Mecklenburg County. Heart of a Champion Day Screenings Set Record A total of 2,755 student-athletes were screened during Carolinas HealthCare System’s four Heart of a Champion Day events this year, exceeding last year’s total of 2,705 and setting another record. The screenings ensure athletes can safely participate in high school sports. Included was a general medical exam, orthopedic evaluation and, unlike most athletic screenings, heart tests to detect hereditary conditions that could lead to sudden cardiac death. Participants received an electrocardiogram and, if necessary, an echocardiogram to provide a more detailed view of heart function. This year, 98 student-athletes were found to have medical issues that will require follow-up before they can be cleared to play sports. These included 39 general medical conditions, 34 orthopedic issues and 25 potential heart issues. The screenings, staffed by more than 500 volunteers, were held in York County (SC), Lincoln County, Mecklenburg County and Union County.
n
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 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.
WELCOME
New Members for 2015: Tarun Narang, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates Glen Portwood, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates
Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology (CGH) welcomes Atul Khanna, MD, to their team. Khanna received his medical degree from the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi University, in Delhi, India, and completed his residency at State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. He completed his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Atul Khanna, MD Tennessee State University. Khanna joined CGH’s Randolph Road office this August after completing an advanced endoscopy fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, Calif. His specialties include endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and advanced interventional endoscopy. Khanna lives in Charlotte with his wife and two children. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) is pleased to announce the addition of Leah Warren, PA-C, MMS, MPT, to the AAIR team.
WELCOME BACK
Renewed Members for 2015: Alireza Nami, MD, Joint & Muscle Medical Care and Ballantyne Rheumatology
Congratulations! The following Independent Physicians members were chosen as 2015 Top Doctors in the annual survey published in
Allergy
Maeve O’Conner, MD Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief, PA (AAIR)
Dermatology
Marc A. Darst, MD Darst Dermatology
Family Medicine
Dino Kanelos, MD Carolina Family Healthcare
Oncology/Hematology James Boyd, MD Justin Favaro, MD Geoffrey Chapman, MD Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, PA
Ophthalmology
Pediatrics-General Wissam Nadra, MD Lakeshore Pediatric Center Matthew Samarel, MD Kids First Pediatrics, PA
Pediatrics-Pulmonology William S. Ashe, Jr., MD Hugh R. Black, II, MD Asthma & Allergy Speicalists, PA
Physical Medicine Rehabilitation
Leah Warren, PA-C, MMS, MPT
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Brackett Flagship Properties......................................18 Care Ring...............................................................Insert Carolinas HealthCare System...................................19 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates..........10 Charlotte Radiology...............................................4, 17 kure Network........................................................10, 18 LabCorp......................................................Back Cover
Sharon Kanelos, MD Integra Rehabilitation Physicians
Novant Health...............................................................2
Radiation Oncology
Parsec Financial..........................................................11
Steven Plunkett, MD Southeast Radiation Oncology Group, PA
William Branner, MD Charlotte Ophthalmology
16 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Spaugh Dameron Tenny..............................................4 Surgical Specialists of Charlotte.................................9
CTLung3625x 9.25.pdf
1
6/1/15
2:19 PM
Congratulations! The following practices have paid 2015 MCMS dues for all eligible physicians in their practice. Arthritis and Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Carolina Surgical Clinic of Charlotte Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology Charlotte Radiology Eastover OB/GYN Associates – Main Greenman Eye Associates Mecklenburg Radiology Associates Novant Health Carolina Family Physicians Novant Health Dilworth Pediatrics Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN Novant Health Randolph OB/GYN Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Pediatric Surgical Associates Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Presbyterian Pathology Group Southeast Radiation Oncology Group Urology Specialists of the Carolinas
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings
K
Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
9/11-12 Mecklenburg County AAFP 54th Annual Post Graduate Symposium 9/15, 10/13 Measuring Healthcare Improvement 9/25 Carolinas HealthCare System’s Surgical Summit 9/25-27 Integrative Pain Care for the 21st Century 9/29 New Drug Update 2015: A Formulary Approach Online DOT Medical Examiners Course Online Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
Mecklenburg Medicine • September 2015 | 17
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
18 | September 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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 • September 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 | September 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