March 2014 • Vol. 44, No. 3
Mecklenburg Medicine eeting Annufeaatl M uring
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A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
A Wealth of GI Excellence in North Carolina
Myers Pa rk
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
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2 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Caring for • Stroke • Headache • Epilepsy • Memory disorders • Sleep-related problems • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinson’s disease • Spinal cord disorders • Neuromuscular disease
March 2014 Vol. 44 No. 3
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Medical Marijuana, an Oxymoron
OFFICERS James B. Hall, MD President Simon V. Ward III, MD President-Elect Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary JP McBryde, MD Treasurer Janice E. Huff, MD Immediate Past President
By James B. Hall, MD
7 Feature:
A Short History of the N.C. Society of Gastroenterology
By Dennis D. Kokenes, MD
8 Member News 9 Upcoming Meetings & Events 10 At the Hospitals 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 13 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for March 13 National Health & Wellness Observances for March 14 Advertising Acknowledgement
daylight saving time
Set your clocks ahead on Sunday, March 9!
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org Copyright 2014 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, call Mark Ethridge at 704-344-1980. 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.
BOARD MEMBERS Lloyd L. Bridges, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA Jonathan A. Buice, MD Scott L. Furney, MD William F. Ingram, MD Scott L. Lindblom, MD Shivani P. Mehta, MD Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD Thomas N. Zweng, MD EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Gretchen Allen President, Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Keia V. R. Hewitt, MD President, Charlotte Medical Society Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS Speaker of the House Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Medical Director, Mecklenburg County Health Department Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP Medical Director, Mecklenburg EMS Agency EXECUTIVE STAFF Sandi D. Buchanan Executive Director Trisha G. Herndon Director, Meetings & Special Events Stephanie D. Smith Executive Assistant MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF Editor Mark E. Romanoff, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editor Lee McCracken Advertising Mark Ethridge 704-344-1980 Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD James B. Hall, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 3
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4 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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President’s Letter
Medical Marijuana, an Oxymoron By James B. Hall, MD, President
I
have been fascinated by the rapid adoption by a number of states of a previously controlled substance. This has been a remarkably coordinated plan instituted by NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), which was founded in 1970 by Keith Stroup with a grant from the Playboy Foundation. More recently, much of NORML’s support has come from the Soros Foundation and grass roots efforts. Just like any good marketing campaign, one tells a story to gain empathetic identification with the protagonist, then feigns disbelief and/or outrage that “folks” don’t want to help, then produces a need (perceived or real) for the product, mounts-up the true believers to take it to the people and then sells, sells, sells. This seems to be the formula that has worked in each state that has legalized the sale of marijuana. For economic reasons, states are jumping on the bandwagon as a way to raise money through taxes. In 1937, the U.S. Treasury began taxing marijuana at $1 an ounce. It all stopped with the passage of the Boggs Act in 1951, when it became classified with narcotics. Now, once again, the states see a potential for raising money via taxation on a “legally” produced product. For “medical use,” marijuana now is legal in 20 states and the District of Columbia, and now is legal for “recreational use” in Colorado and Washington state. There is disagreement regarding medical efficacy. Interestingly, the medical data has a spectrum of results with none being consistent as to the drug’s true applications, as well as a variation in the forms that are effective. To state my bias, when I was a fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard (yes, many years ago), we participated in a study done by the NCI looking at the efficacy of purified tetrahydracanabinnol (THC) as an anti-emetic in our chemo patients. A number of ladies would come into Boston, find a supplier, smoke a little pot and come in for their chemo. I can still see Mrs. DW, an 82-year-old grandmother who wanted to give it a try, coming down the hall with a smile on her face hugging everyone. She still had nausea and vomiting, but she really didn’t care. As for the study, the pure THC didn’t have a statistical benefit, but it was observed that the drug seemed to work better in those individuals who were long-time users, raising the question of a psychological benefit as opposed to an organic one. One of the “medical” problems is the inability to determine dosage (i.e., dose of the drug based on where it was grown, what part of the plant was used) and the variability based on the mode of introduction (i.e., oral or inhaled). When smoked, it gets into the system faster. Ingested, one gets a “double effect” in that there is the effect from the drug itself,
and then when THC is processed in the liver, an additional psychoactive effect is produced. So, it makes little sense as to why users would want to smoke, when, if truly for medicinal purposes, it is more quantifiable when ingested and indeed there is an added benefit. Some data suggests efficacy in pain management, most notably in cancer patients and in those individuals with fibromyalgia and glaucoma. In patients with glaucoma, the effect is short-lived. Doses large enough to be effective There is disagreement cause multiple side regarding medical effects, including compromise of efficacy. Interestingly, the blood supply the medical data has a to the optic nerve. Clearly, its touted spectrum of results with benefit in cancer patients has been none being consistent one of the major as to the drug’s true selling points in convincing the applications, as well as a voting public as variation in the forms that to why it should be legalized. When are effective. one looks at the data, marijuana is often compared to a placebo, or there are already multiple alternatives on formulary; I should note that there are some studies which suggest an additive effect when used with opiates. There is potential benefit as an appetite stimulant for cancer patients (ahh, the munchies), but again, a clinical trial showed no greater benefit over standard therapies. It should be noted that there has been benefit seen in patients with AIDS/HIV. According to its supporters, cannabis is a veritable panacea. Included are anti-bacterial properties, inhibition of malignant tumor growth, bronchial dilatation for asthma patients, control of seizures, calming of muscle spasms/seizures in patients with spinal cord injuries, curing of diabetes, arthritis, migraines and insomnia. As for its detractors, and there are many in the medical community, some of the negative observed side effects include mental and emotional effects, including euphoria, short-term memory loss, difficulty in completing complex tasks, changes in the perception of time and space, sleepiness, anxiety, confusion and the inability to concentrate, as well as depression, paranoia and hallucinations. Physical side effects observed include low blood
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 5
President’s Letter pressure, tachycardia, dizziness, slow reaction time and palpitations. The pulmonary consequences are not well-appreciated compared to cigarettes, but to date don’t seem to be as significant, probably due to the fact that most individuals don’t smoke as many joints as cigarettes. It should be noted that cannabis smoke does have a number of carcinogens. Are there medical benefits from marijuana’s availability and usage? Clearly, the drug does have some positive medical benefits. Are there alternatives with equivalent or better efficacy profiles in our formularies? Yes. This is a drug that has not been studied in humans with any of the scrutiny of the average FDA-approved medications. It is governmentally being approved for use because of a perceived public ground swell of need at the same time we are finally making progress in decreasing cigarette smoking. It’s an interesting conundrum that states are legalizing its use so that they can then tax the sale of marijuana. It almost seems like a conflict of interest, but then when have some politicians had an issue with ethics? This is especially troublesome given data that shows marijuana to be a gateway drug. What is perhaps more disconcerting to me are the questions, “Do we as a society really need yet another mind-altering drug?” “Just what are we are trying to escape?” and, “Is it really the best thing for our society to provide yet another escape?” Even if there is some “medicinal” benefit, there is little else of redeeming value. Just how bad is the reality that users feel a need to escape it on such LambMeckMedAd#2v1_7.5x4.5 12/4/13 5:34 PM Page 1
a regular basis? How productive are users for themselves and those around them? There is a verse from the Bible that says, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful” (1 Corinthians 10:23, International Standard Version). Is making the day speed by just to get to the next what it’s all about? Two of my favorite sayings to share with the residents when things are tough for them are, “Without valleys, there would be no mountains,” and “The finest diamonds are formed by lots of heat and lots of pressure.” I truly believe the daily crucibles of life that we experience make us better. So, why would we want to miss that ride? Finally, from the practical side, the next time you go to Colorado or the state of Washington, think about those drivers in the oncoming lane. I hope this missive helps you better sort the flowers from the “weed(s).” Note: Primary sources have been NCI and ACS data and neither Mother Jones nor NORML.
Correction to February President’s Letter: The Durwood Clinic was founded by Monroe T. Gilmour in 1940.
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6 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Feature
A Short History of the N.C. Society of Gastroenterology By Dennis D. Kokenes, MD
I
n 2003, gastroenterologists from Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University, along with private practice gastroenterologists from across the state, came together to develop a North Carolina Gastroenterology (GI) Society. Many of us who had trained in large cities, such as New York City and Boston, already were familiar with state GI societies. The New York GI Society is especially well-known to many because of a popular course they offer each year before Christmas. In fact, at an early steering committee meeting in Raleigh, we brought in a representative from the New York GI Society to work with us; however, it quickly became apparent that we are not the Big Apple, and we would have to come up with our own unique design. Defining our mission, purpose and model became our first order of business. Our mission statement remains, “To promote the highest Dennis D. Kokenes, MD standards of gastroenterological care and practice in the state of North Carolina and to educate practitioners, trainees and the public about gastroenterology.” Given the diaspora that is our state, a centrally-located annual meeting became the obvious choice for our fledgling society. We held our first meeting in 2004 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. One thing quickly became clear: We have a wealth of academic GI excellence in our state. Representatives from Duke University, the University of North Carolina and Wake Forest University continue to keep us educated and up to date in all aspects of gastroenterology, hepatology and endoscopy. This is the cornerstone of our society meetings. We are extremely fortunate to have such quality academic medical centers in our state, and now we have a forum to share that expertise annually with practitioners from across the state. Since that first meeting, our conference has grown into a twoday event held the first weekend in March at the Pinehurst Resort. This has been our home for the last eight years. The conference grew to 190 participants last year and society membership to more than 300 practitioners, which represents about 50 percent of gastroenterologists in North Carolina. We always have worked hard to also include updates in the meetings concerning the politics of gastroenterology in North Carolina and tools for the support of private practice management. We were addressed by the Chief of the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation in 2004, who was responsible at that time for awarding Certificate of Need licenses. This was a critical time in the evolution of the development of office and ambulatory surgical center-based endoscopy. Since then, we also have explored the everchanging insurance structure and the challenges of the Affordable
Care Act. The March conference is providing an update on the latest developments and impacts of social media. The North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology (NCSG) Annual Conference is an ideal opportunity for showcasing the GI fellows from the aforementioned academic centers, and now the newer GI Fellowship Program at Carolinas Medical Center Our mission statement in Charlotte. All North Carolina GI fellows were remains, “To promote invited for the weekend the highest standards of at Pinehurst, and the expenses were paid by gastroenterological care the Society and private practice sponsors. The and practice in the state medical case “vignette” of North Carolina and to presentations and competition between the educate practitioners, fellows is a highlight of trainees and the public the conference for many and offers a chance for about gastroenterology.” collegial bragging rights and a financial reward. It also allows us to meet these talented young physicians, many of whom we hope will stay and practice in North Carolina. The Society always has been a cooperative effort between academically-based physicians and private practice physicians. After Nick Shaheen, MD, from the University of North Carolina and then Stan Branch, MD, from Duke University, completed their terms as president, Tom Swantkowski, MD, from Pinehurst, took the helm. His wife, Donna Swantkowski, served as our administrator and she deserves credit for re-organizing our Society’s nonprofit status and all the legal and tax implications that carries. Going forward, we needed a central permanent administration, and starting in May 2012 with our current president from Wilmington, Joe Kittinger, MD, I am proud to say that our own Mecklenburg County Medical Society accepted the job. Under the direction of Sandi Buchanan, we have continued to grow and are now positioned in such a way that our leadership can transfer smoothly and seamlessly throughout the state. It has been an exciting adventure to watch an idea become a reality. The Society and our Annual Conference has brought something of quality and value to the practice of gastroenterology in North Carolina. Our future is bright, and I invite anyone interested to check out our website at www.ncgisociety.org. Dr. Kokenes practices at Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology at their Ballantyne office.
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 7
Member News
You are invitedeting
MCMS Annual Me Thursday, March 20 Myers Park Country Club 2415 Roswell Avenue 6 - 6:45 p.m. ~ Reception 7 p.m. ~ Dinner & Speaker
nthers Greg Olsen of the Carolina Pa
Followed by a wine tasting with dessert pairings s / $10 Fellows & Residents $35 Members / $50 Non-Member org Or call 704-376-3688 RSVP to therndon@meckmed.
Medical Park Plaza Mooresville, NC
• 35,000 SF Class “A” Medical Office Building • Completion date April 2014 • 1,500 to 12,000 SF still available for lease • Located directly across the street from Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and just off I-77 at Exit 33 • Other tenants include Lake Medical Associates and Carolina Urology
For leasing inquiries or to schedule a tour, please contact: 2701 Coltsgate Road | Suite 300 | Charlotte, NC 28211
www.brackettflagship.com
8 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Reed Griffith reed@brackettflagship.com
704.971.8908
u, doctors, o y k n a h T for all you do! The first Doctors Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Ga. Eudora Brown MARCH 2014 Sunday Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided N ational to set aside a day to honor physicians. This first DoctoDrsay observance included the mailing of greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is used commonly as the symbolic flower for National Doctors Day. On March 30, 1958, a Resolution Commemorating Doctors Day was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctors Day. Following overwhelming approval by the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, President George Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30, 1991 as “National Doctors Day.”
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Developmental and Behavioral Services Resource Guide Do you ever wonder where to refer a child with a developmental or behavioral problem? One in four or five children has such a problem; so, if you are in pediatrics or family medicine, you undoubtedly have had such a question. You will be happy to know that the Developmental and Behavioral Services Resource Guide is available for your use on our website at www.meckmed.org under the Community Resources tab. The Guide was developed by the MCMS Child Health Committee in 2004 in response to expressions of need for such a resource in our area. Many MCMS members find it to be a useful tool. We hope that you do, too.
Congratulations!
The following practices have paid 2014 annual dues for all of their physicians. We appreciate the continued support. Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Carolina Surgical Clinic of Charlotte Greenman Eye Associates Novant Health Dilworth Pediatrics
Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute Pediatric Surgical Associates Presbyterian Pathology Group Southeast Radiation Oncology Group
Women Physicians If you are a member of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society and would like to help plan the fourth annual Fighting for Women with Fashion event to benefit the local domestic violence shelter, we would love to have you join us! The event is co-hosted by the Women Physicians Section of the MCMS and the Charlotte Women Attorneys and will be held in October. To date, the women physicians and attorneys of Mecklenburg County have raised more than $85,000 to benefit the shelter, and we are excited about what we can accomplish this year to assist the women and children who need our help. If you are interested, contact Stephanie Smith at 704-376-3688.
Member News Upcoming Meetings & Events Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
Monday-Wednesday, March 17-19 n Saturday-Sunday, March 1-2 AMA Advocacy Conference. N.C. Society of Washington, D.C. Gastroenterology Annual n Monday, March 17 Conference. MCMS Executive Committee Pinehurst Resort meeting. n Tuesday, March 4 5:45 p.m. MedLink of Mecklenburg n Wednesday, March 19 Forum. MMAE Board meeting. Harris Conference Center. 10 a.m. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. n Thursday, March 20 n Tuesday, March 4 CAMGM meeting. Charlotte Dental Society Board Myers Park Baptist Church meeting. Cornwell Center. 6 p.m. Noon. n Tuesday, March 4 n Friday, March 21 AAFP Quarterly meeting. Child Health Committee Location TBD. meeting. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m. n Saturday, March 8 n Friday, March 21 Charlotte Pediatric Society May magazine deadline. House Call Ball/Casino n Monday, March 24 Night to Benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. MCMS Board meeting. 5:15 p.m. The Big Chill, 911 E. Morehead Street. 6-10 p.m. n Tuesday, March 11 Relief for your patients and a MedLink of Mecklenburg business opportunity for you! meeting. FDA-cleared Alpha-Stim is a drug-free Mecklenburg County Health approach for the treatment of Department. Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression and Pain. 8:30 a.m. Contact us for your free n Tuesday, March 11 consultation and trial! Charlotte Dental Society Jack White Lisa Null Membership meeting. 704.287.1960 864.593.8866 Myers Park Country Club. www.mybrainchemistry.com 6 p.m.
MARCH
n
ALPHA-STIM
CLASSIFIED ADS Huntersville Primary Care Office has extra 4 exam rooms to rent to any specialty except primary care – sharing waiting room. $2,750.00 per month, all inclusive. Ready-to-use fluoroscope (digital) available for $500 a month. Contact Chris Le at 704-806-6197 or humbledoc@aol.com. Anthony H. Wheeler, MD is pleased to announce he is accepting new EXECUTIVE HEALTH patients at PAIN & NEUROLOGY in Charlotte. They attempt to make their business hours flexible to accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals. Call 980-272-6444 or fax referrals to 704-595-7128.
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 9
At the Hospitals
Joint Commission Names Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital as One of the Nation’s Top Performers On Key Quality Measures Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital was named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by the Joint Commission. The recognition, based on data reported for calendar year 2012, is for evidence-based clinical processes shown to improve care for certain conditions, like heart attack and heart failure, and education on patient conditions. n
Novant Health Neurology Specialists Welcomes Memory Specialist Novant Health Neurology Specialists is pleased to welcome Berneet Kaur, MD, MAS. Dr. Kaur specializes in the assessment of older individuals with neurodegenerative memory and cognitive disorders. Kaur graduated from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She completed her residency in neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed her fellowship in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. She also received her Master’s degree in advanced studies at the University of California, Davis, Clinical and Translational Science Center. Dr. Kaur’s specialties include Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, mild cognitive impairment and other types of dementia. n
Novant Health Announces Community Wellness Initiative Through its first system-wide wellness campaign, Novant Health will screen 500,000 people in inpatient, outpatient and community settings for prediabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. This will include providing more than 25,000 A1C blood tests and other screenings for those they determine to be at risk for developing prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This campaign is a far-reaching long-term community wellness initiative. Novant Health proactively will screen consumers where they live and work. This includes screening patients in all primary care clinic settings. n
Novant Health started important groundwork to create healthier communities three years ago, embarking on a unique journey to find undiagnosed diabetes in patients admitted to their hospitals for other medical reasons. As part of a “search and rescue” mission, Novant Health has tested more than 150,000 inpatients for elevated hemoglobin A1C levels and diagnosed nearly 6,000 people with diabetes. This new multi-year initiative expands Novant Health’s wellness goals by reaching more people with chronic health indicators sooner, giving them a better chance of preventing damaging and potentially lifethreatening health effects. Novant Health Expanding Audiology Services In February, Novant Health Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte opened an additional audiology sound booth and expanded services to provide better access for adult patients. The center continues to provide comprehensive pediatric hearing health services, including auditory processing disorder evaluations. Services include hearing screenings and diagnostic testing for newborns, visual reinforcement audiometry, conditioned play audiometry, diagnostic auditory brainstem response testing, auditory steady state response testing and other state-of-the-art assessment tools. Novant Health Rehabilitation Centers accept most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-1900. n
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Services Novant Health offers musculoskeletal ultrasound at six Charlotte-area locations for patients with orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an affordable diagnostic alternative to MRI for common injuries, including the rotator cuff, hamstring and quad tears, Achilles tendon and bicep ruptures, as well as differentiating between tendonitis and tendinosis. Musculoskeletal ultrasound also can be used to improve accuracy of injections into muscles, tendons, bursa, joints and nerves. Locations that offer this service are Barron & Homesley Orthopedic Specialists, Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Novant Health Lakeside Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Novant Health Cotswold n
10 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Medical Clinic, Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians and Novant Health Waxhaw Family Physicians and Sports Medicine. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-SPRT (7778). Novant Health Opens Wellness Centers in Matthews and Huntersville Novant Health recently opened Novant Health Wellness Centers in Matthews and Huntersville. Located in Novant Health Matthews Medical Center and in the Physicians Plaza at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, the wellness centers offer comprehensive cancer, cardiac, vascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients benefit from receiving a personalized prescription for supervised group exercise, nutrition therapy and social support. To refer a patient to the Wellness Center in Matthews, call 704-316-3990. For a referral to the Huntersville location, call 704-316-5655. n
Cardiac Scoring and Carotid IMT Exams Offered for $99* Novant Health Imaging is offering cardiac scoring and carotid IMT (CIMT) exams for $99* at hospital-based and outpatient imaging locations throughout the Charlotte region through March 31. These exams use CT and ultrasound technology to detect atheromatous disease in the coronary arteries and carotid artery, respectively. Both effectively assess risk for cardiovascular diseases. Males over 45 and females over 55 would benefit from the information provided by a cardiac scoring exam. Males under 45 and females under 55 would benefit from the information provided by a CIMT exam. Others also may benefit if additional heart disease risk factors are present. A physician order is required for these exams. Following the test, your patient’s results will be sent directly to your office. Take advantage of this unique opportunity; refer your patients by calling 704-384-SCAN (7226). n
*The total cost of each screening is $99 during the promotional period of Feb. 1 through March 31, 2014, and must be paid in full at the time of service. No other discounts or payment plans apply. Patient accepts full financial responsibility. Screenings of this nature are generally not covered by health insurance; however, insured patients may check with their insurance company to determine if the service is covered by their plan.
At the Hospitals
International Medical Outreach Helps Open Echo Lab in Belize Carolinas HealthCare System’s International Medical Outreach (IMO) Program has donated an echocardiography machine and training of an echo tech native to establish an echocardiography laboratory in Belize’s largest public hospital, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). In Belize, this is among the first echo labs installed in a public hospital. Until now, patients with possible heart conditions have waited months to be seen at KHMH for a diagnostic heart test. The new echo lab will cut down the waiting time for patients from months to weeks. The echocardiography laboratory is part of a “Central America Echo Project” led by the IMO Program that establishes echo labs in hospitals in rural communities in Guatemala, El Salvador and, now, Belize. The project aims to create a large “network” of echo labs that can be used to diagnose heart disease. Echo machines are among today’s most basic tools n
used to diagnose heart problems, yet they are not readily available to patients in rural areas in Central America. In addition to successfully opening one more echo lab in its network in Central America, the IMO Program will complete its mission of providing KHMH in Belize with a full suite of equipment needed to perform a range of cardiac services, from diagnostics to invasive and non-invasive interventions. They now are able to perform echocardiographs, catheterizations (via the mobile cath lab) and open heart surgeries. Researchers Win North American Spine Society Grant Carolinas HealthCare System’s Director of Biology Research in Orthopaedic Surgery, Helen Gruber, PhD, recently received a $50,000 grant from the North American Spine Society to research disc degeneration and low-back pain. In collaboration with Edward Hanley, Jr., MD, chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Carolinas HealthCare System, and Jim Norton, PhD, statistician, Dr. Gruber will examine nerve and disc cell biology. Dr. Gruber and Dr. Hanley’s grant, titled “Do human annulus cells actively try to n
Grand Opening of New Behavioral Health Hospital in Davidson Set for April Carolinas HealthCare System’s new behavioral health hospital in Davidson, currently under construction, is set to open in early April. A community event is set for Saturday, April 5. On that day, visitors can tour the campus and take part in festivities to celebrate the opening, including the opportunity to meet the team who will be leading day-to-day hospital operations. Sitting on 23 acres, the hospital is accessible from all directions and provides a convenient point of access for other Carolinas HealthCare System services throughout the area. The 67,000-square-foot inpatient hospital will have 66 private rooms and an adjacent clinic for outpatient visits. More than 150 jobs will come to the area, including six psychiatrists, 45 psych nurses, 55 psych technicians, 18 master’s level therapists, four recreation therapists, three peer specialists and two pharmacy techs. By designing the facility, rather than adapting an existing building, form will follow function to serve patient needs in the best possible way. The goal is to create a facility that will be a model of innovation that can be adopted by other communities throughout the country.
repel nerve ingrowth into the disc?” will be a part of their cell-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research projects, which have the potential to re-introduce cells into the disc. One of the most widelyrecognized problems resulting from disc aging and degeneration is the low number of cells contained in the disc, which makes it difficult for the human body to maintain healthy disc tissue. Drs. Gruber and Hanley are planning to launch an initial clinical pilot study at Carolinas Medical Center. Gruber has been nationally recognized for advancements in spine research. In 2012, she received the NASS Henry Farfan Award, which recognizes unique and outstanding contributions in spine-related basic science research. She has been both principal and co-investigator on multiple research grants including a prestigious NIHfunded RO1 award. CMC-Randolph Researcher Participates in Clinical Trial for Alzheimer’s Disease More than five million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a figure that is expected to nearly triple over the next generation as the current population lives longer. Oleg Tcheremissine, MD, research director at Carolinas Medical CenterRandolph, is participating in a trial study for a drug to help patients with AD. Dr. Tcheremissine, along with researchers from CMC-Randolph and Carolinas HealthCare System’s Neurosciences Institute, is currently conducting a Phase 3, placebo-controlled study in mild AD patients ages 55-90. The amyloid-β (Aβ) hypothesis for AD, which holds that the production and deposition of Aβ is an early and necessary event in the pathogenesis of AD, suggests that treatments that slow the synthesis or deposition of Aβ, or that increase clearance, might be expected to slow the progression of AD. The primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that a drug, administered as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 400 mg every four weeks for 76 weeks, will slow the cognitive decline of AD in patients with mild AD. This study is designed to collect data on the long-term safety and efficacy of the drug, including cognitive outcomes, as well as functional outcomes, quality of life, resource utilization and biomarker measures. n
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 11
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief in Charlotte celebrates its oneyear anniversary since opening the practice in the Blakeney area. The practice relocated this month to a larger office in the Jennifer Caicedo, MD same medical park complex. The new address is 8810 Blakeney Professional Drive. Jennifer Caicedo, MD, has joined Maeve O’Connor, MD, in the practice. Dr. Caicedo is boardcertified in allergy/immunology and pediatrics. n
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 conglomerate and to provide educational programs and resources to physician members and their administration. Ashvin Amara, MD, will see patients in his new practice, Amara Pain & Spine PLLC, opening on April 1. His practice is at 6429 Bannington Drive, Suite B, in Charlotte. n
Lakeshore Women’s Specialists, PC, 235 Medical Park Road, Suite 201, Mooresville, recently introduced an innovative Serotonin-Plus weight loss program that is medically managed. n
James Antezana, MD, in private practice with South Charlotte General & Vascular Surgery at 10512 Park Road, Suite 111, Charlotte, took a week-long medical mission trip to Guatemala last year and is returning to serve again this n
Sometimes Iife hurts. WE’RE THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR THAT.
Monarch
MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MonarchNC.org/Cares • (866) 272-7826 350 Pee Dee Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001
Putting the care into mentaI heaIth care.
12 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
month. Dr. Antezana works closely with the Catholic charities to provide much-needed medical assistance. Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center has added a new physician, Emily Langley, MD, FABP, FBAI, who is a rare breed: a Charlotte native! She joined Emily Langley, MD, FABP, FBAI Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center in September 2013. n
Box Arthritis & Rheumatology has added Ashton Chamblee, PA-C, to the practice at 10502 Park Road, Suite 100, Charlotte. n
Carolina Family Healthcare has consolidated its Weddington and Ballantyne offices into a newly outfitted larger facility at 11220 Elm Lane, Suite 102, in Charlotte. n
Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic “Tomorrow’s Technology for Today’s Ears”
Wade Kirkland, M.A., Audiologist
• No-cost trial period on hearing aids • Auditory processing evaluations • Evidence-based hearing aid fittings • Assistive listening devices
704-367-1999
Randolph Medical Park - Randolph Building 3535 Randolph Road, Suite 211 Charlotte, NC 28211
www.randolphaudiology.com
Serving the Charlotte area for over 20 years
Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
MARCH 2014
Care Management Education
3/14 Healthcare Reform: Impact on Providers, Employers and the Workforce
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
3/19–3/21 38th Annual Internal Medicine Conference
Nursing Education
3/21 2014 Wound Care Conference: Ostomy and Wound Care For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES MARCH 2014 American Red Cross Month Brain Injury Awareness Month Hemophilia Month National Colorectal Awareness Month National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month National Eye Donor Month National Kidney Month National Nutrition Month National Poison Prevention Month Save Your Vision Month Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month March 2–8: National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week March 11–17: National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week March 16–22: National Poison Prevention Week March 19: Kick Butts Day (Campaign for Tobacco–Free Kids) March 26 : American Diabetes Alert Day
Fifteen years ago, Don Rudisill decided it was time to get a pair of glasses. But what started as a single pair and one prescription soon became another pair at a stronger prescription. And then another. And another, stronger still. When he flunked a driving test, he knew something had to change. So how did an appointment at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. lead to Don tossing a baker’s dozen of prescription eyewear? To hear Don’s experience with cataract surgery, visit www.ceenta.com/don
WE JUST MAKE SENSE.
GOODSENSES.COM
704.295.3000 800.654.3368
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 13
Advertising Acknowledgement The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Alpha Team Medical, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Brackett Flagship Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Carolinas HealthCare System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Affordable pricing for your patients at all income levels Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center is the only hearing center in this area that provides discounts based on income levels. It is our mission to provide affordable high quality hearing healthcare for those in need. We have been serving the Charlotte area since 1967 and offer:
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates . . . . . . 13
• Full diagnostic evaluations for • children and adults
Charlotte Radiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• Advanced Hearing Aid Technology • including Completely in the Canal Aids
Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Labcorp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• Free Hearing Screenings
Lamb Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monarch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Novant Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Randolph Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Ivey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
14 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
• Nancy J. McKeown, Au.D., Board Certified in Audiology 741 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 100, Charlotte NC 28204
704.523.8027 - Ext. 10
www.charlottespeechhearing.com
WORKING AS ONE The power of one system means smarter collaboration among physicians and better healthcare for all. Visit us at CarolinasHealthCare.org
Mecklenburg Medicine • March 2014 | 15
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** Matthews Northridge* Pineville Randolph** Rock Hill 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 102 211 W. Matthews Street, Suite 103 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 101 611 Mocksville Avenue 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road
*Drug Screens only **Blood Draws only
16 | March 2014 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Concord, NC Charlotte, NC Gastonia, NC Huntersville, NC Huntersville, NC Mooresville, NC Matthews, NC Matthews, NC Charlotte, NC Pineville, NC Charlotte, NC Rock Hill, SC 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 704-846-9186 704-849-0154 704-598-6266 704-341-1145 704-334-2629 803-328-1724 704-637-1676 704-480-7004 704-878-0948 704-549-8647