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Cyber-Mayhem 2021: Zero-trust and The Way Forward Healthcare is the industry most susceptible to ransomware

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CONTENTS || FEATURES PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Bringing a New Procedure to a New Medical Center FEATURES 4

COVER Cyber-Mayhem 2021: Zero-trust and The Way Forward

IT FOCUS Is IT Getting in the Way of Your Teams’ Productivity?

IT FOCUS Technology Innovations Being Utilized in the Medical Setting

IT FOCUS Can Your Staff Access All Your Business Information?

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT Bringing a New Procedure to a New Medical Center. Incisionless brain surgery a career milestone for Dr. Nizam Razack

HEALTHCARE LEADER Michele Johnson, Takes Reins as Medical Director of Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology

EOCC Exhibiting Your Business for Success

The Perfect Flooring for a Healthy Home

Your Building Might be Making you Sick: Is it time for a Checkup?

PUBLISHER John Kelly jkelly@orlandomedicalnews.com ——————————————————————————— AD SALES John Kelly, 407-701-7424 ——————————————————————————— EDITOR PL Jeter editor@orlandomedicalnews.com ——————————————————————————— CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katy Barrett-Alley kbarrettalley@gmail.com ——————————————————————————— CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Awsumb, Nick Gaffey, James Gentry, Dorothy Hardee, Cheryl Brown Merriwether, Lauren Oddo, Alexis Parker, Mary-Catherine Segota, PsyD, Keith Thomas ——————————————————————————— UCF INTERN Brianna Kirby ——————————————————————————— CIRCULATION jkelly@orlandomedicalnews.com ——————————————————————————— All editorial submissions and press releases should be emailed to editor@orlandomedicalnews.com ——————————————————————————— Subscription requests or address changes should be emailed to jkelly@orlandomedicalnews.com

The Future of Healing Technology & Pain Management A Non-Invasive Treatment for Pain Management & Relief

Sober Curious Movement Enters the Workplace

Stimulating Mitochondria to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The Relationship Between Chronic Medical Illness and Mental Health Diagnoses

FDA Approved Laser Treatment with No Significant Risks or Contra Indicators Patented technology

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MARA ROBERTS | PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR ENDOCRINE ASSOCIATES | LAKE MARY, FL

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Cyber-Mayhem 2021: Zero-trust and The Way Forward Healthcare is the industry most susceptible to ransomware quickly, suggesting that JBS paid a ransom (though JBS has not commented one way or another). • A water treatment plant in Oldsmar, Fla., was accessed by hackers, who increased the level of certain chemicals in the drinking water to dangerous levels.

BY JAMES GENTRY

As we reach the halfway point of 2021 and look back over the last 18 months, I think we may all be sick of scary news 24 x 7. Don’t you just want to pull the covers over your head? It might not surprise you to know that I and my peers often feel the same way, and so it’s with no small degree of antipathy that I write, again, about cyber-threats, but this time with a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s start with where we are today. If you haven’t actually been under the covers, you’ve heard about several large cyber attacks in the last few months:

It’s tempting to look at these examples and breathe a sigh of relief. None are medical entities, and they are large and have deep pockets. You may assume that only big guys are threatened. You would be wrong: According to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: • Small businesses comprise one-half to threequarters of the victims of ransomware. • Ransomware attacks are up almost 300 percent in the last year. According to Datto, a backup provider that compiles a report each year:

• Colonial Pipeline was compromised, and fuel distribution was disrupted for the southeastern United States. They paid a $4.4M ransom; it took several days to get back up and running, causing long fuel lines and short-term fuel outages. • Meat producer JBS was compromised and shut down all of its U.S. production facilities. It was resolved

• The average ransom demand in 2020 was $5,600. • The average cost of downtime in 2020, however, was

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$274,200! • The industry most susceptible to ransomware is Healthcare, (59 percent of attacks in 2020). It is also reported that 60 percent of small businesses fold within six months of a cyber-attack. Also: • Your number one cyber risk today is your employees. • The number one way that ransomware is deployed is from an employee clicking on a link in an email. • These links cause files to run silently in the background, deploying malware that can travel to other machines on the same network, causing a reinfection at a later date. Now that we’ve discussed cyber-reality, we can discuss some new ways to mitigate the risk. There are now more modern ways to reduce risk to your business: You are likely already familiar with two-factor authentication, whereby you are required to enter a numeric code you get from a phone app after you have entered your regular credentials. This is a big help for online accounts (and it can also be deployed for your PC’s), but it is not foolproof. The most interesting and effective new tool for mitigating malware risk is called “Zero-trust.” One Zero-trust vendor calls it “The Way Forward,” and I must agree. So, what is Zero-trust? It’s exactly what the name suggests. No file or process is trusted on your network unless it’s specifically given permission. If it’s not trusted, it cannot run. A software agent is installed on all servers and PCs, and any file or process that tries to run is prevented from doing so unless/until it has been approved. How does this differ from traditional anti-malware? Traditional anti-malware must recognize that a file or process is malicious. If a new malware variant finds its way to your network, it’s possible (even likely) that anti-malware will not recognize it, and it will be able to run. Zero-trust will not allow ANYTHING to run until it has been investigated and given explicit permission to do so. This is a game changer. The challenge with zero-trust is how to keep it from blocking things that you need. Modern versions of zero-trust have a learning mode that detects normal files and processes so they are automatically allowed. Once learning mode is turned off, the network is “locked down” and any unrecognized file is blocked from that point forward. There are mechanisms in place to easily request that a file be investigated so that it can be allowed if it is determined to be safe. I should end by reminding everyone that it is just not possible to perfectly protect any network. But deploying two factor authentication and zero-trust makes compromising a network exceedingly difficult, and compels hackers to move on to easier game. James Gentry is the president of Atlantic Data Team, a central-Florida-based business IT company. For more information go to www.atlanticdatateam.com.

IT FOCUS

Is IT Getting in the Way of Your Teams’ Productivity? One of the main objectives of any workplace is to be as efficient and productive as possible. Afterall, the more productive a team can be, the more profitable that team will be.

Unless you have a psychic in the office, the internet going down is never an expected event. Things happen to take networks down and teams cannot reach their EHR system. What do you do? The good thing is, as time has progressed, the cost of networks is declining and offices are now seeing the benefits of having multiple connections throughout, all while being cost effective. By implementing multiple networks, a productive office can be maintained even when unforeseen circumstances occur. Another circumstance no one can properly predict with technology is a cyberattack. Cybersecurity risks are on the rise and with them, preventive measures in the office are becoming a necessity. A cybersecurity awareness training program is one of those necessary preventive measures. Repeatedly, training is proving to be the most effective way to combat cyberattacks. For best results, implement frequent, but short training sessions. An email phishing simulator sends fake, but safe, emails to your team to measure their training needs and awareness over time. IT equipment is, in many cases, large and not exclusive to one sole piece of tech. This leads to too much space being taken up in the office. A cluttered office has never resulted in a more productive environment and is typically frowned upon by patients. Equipment does not have to take up a lot of space, and there are many options available. Wall mounted computer monitors, purchasing special “micro” computers and attaching them to the back of monitors, and mounting keyboard trays under counters or desks are some great ways to make the best use out of your office space. Quite possibly the best and easiest way to evaluate your tech and ensure it is benefiting your office, is to treat it like an employee. When someone is hired, they

One way a medical office attempts to raise productivity is by utilizing technology. In this age, technology is at the forefront of innovation and has the ability to upgrade any office, but what most medical practices don’t realize is that if technology is not being utilized correctly, it can hinder your team’s productivity. This means spending thousands of extra dollars on IT so it isn’t detrimentally impacting the practice. Failed technology, resulting from lack of proper preparation, brings with it unnecessary costs that can cripple an office. Fortunately, technology has an average lifespan to follow so that the unexpected is prepared for. All practices should have an inventory list of all their IT equipment with the date purchased, expected life span and warranty information. Preparing and budgeting for these replacements will ensure your team stays productive. Medical offices often report their faxing is slow and printing costs add up. With a HIPAA compliant electronic faxing service, an office can fax documents directly from a computer without printing them first, sometimes directly from inside the EHR system. Another option is to encrypt your team’s emails. With today’s technology, filters can be programmed to encrypt any email containing patient’s personal information like a social security number, any form of payment info, etc. Making these tasks not only as efficient as possible, but also cost effective and HIPAA approved.

typically have a training process and then an evaluation after a certain amount of time, as well as periodic checks for success. You wouldn’t hire someone and then not review their work for a few years, so why would you do that with technology? Similar to an employee, technology is a valuable player that aids practice operations and should be treated as such. Technology used in the right way can help an office prosper and be significantly more productive. If you’re not positive your technology is doing this for your medical practice, many IT service companies offer inexpensive or free network security audits to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of your network. A workday where your office can have full control over their time and stay focused to be the most productive, is the ideal and can be achieved through IT. When it comes to ensuring your technology is actually benefiting your team’s productivity and profitability, the once imagined is now the mission “possible.” Alexis Parker is a member of BrickTech, an IT Consulting company. BrickTech primarily focuses on Managed IT Services for businesses looking to promote cybersecurity, productivity and profitability. For any information regarding Bricktech’s services, visit www.BrickTechIT.com or email SecurityFirst@BrickTechIT.com

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Technology Innovations being utilized in the Healthcare Setting:

Cutting-edge technology is no stranger to the healthcare market with some of the best companies in the world competing to bring the latest and greatest innovations to the OR. These technologies promise to help provide more efficient and safer outcomes for patients and healthcare staff. Companies are bringing futuristic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and ultra-high definition (UHD) to the medical setting and changing the way healthcare providers are treating patients. These technologies are being utilized throughout medical settings in and out of the OR.

of devices (endoscopes, catheters, etc.) to maintain and adjust the ROI. The process is automatic and hands-free – reducing distractions and input requirements from the physician or staff without disrupting workflow and blocks radiation outside this working ROI. This use of AI technology helps improve patient outcomes and assists in maintaining a safe work environment for the clinical team.

Robotics: Robotic technologies appear in many areas throughout the healthcare environment. They can be used in a variety of applications including sterilization of patient rooms and operating suites, performing complex movements during surgeries, and operating lasers, for example. Data shows that robot-assisted procedures accounted for 15.1 percent of all general surgeries in 2018 and that number is rising. Robots in healthcare is not a new concept, however the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated adoption of the hospital-based robotic technology by using technology for contact-free disinfection and telepresence. St. Louis, MO-based Stereotaxis Inc. (STXS) aims to improve patient care and help physicians treat better with robot precision and safety. According to their website, the Stereotaxis Niobe® Robotic Magnetic Navigation System consists of two robotically controlled magnets next to the table. During a procedure, a physician uses an intuitive computer interface to adjust the magnetic field around the patient. This allows a physician to precisely direct and steer a catheter that has a magnet embedded in its tip. This pioneering use of robotic and magnetic technology improves patient safety and outcomes while helping the doctor to reach unprecedented precision.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI seems to have become the latest buzzword in healthcare technology and is being utilized in various capacities throughout healthcare systems from devices in the OR to AI-powered database search solutions. Artificial intelligence in healthcare refers to the use of complex algorithms designed to perform certain tasks in an automated fashion. One type of AI technology that is well suited for healthcare is machine learning. If there is one activity at which machine learning excels, it is identifying patterns and extracting insights about complex systems given lots of data. Healthcare, therefore, represents an ideal challenge for AI. Omega Medical Imaging, based in Sanford, FL uses a machine learning-based AI technology called Fluoroshield®, to predict what a physician will need to view in a region of interest (ROI) during interventional procedures and uses this information to significantly reduce dangerous radiation to patients and staff. During an interventional case, Omega’s unique AI-enabled technology immediately and automatically detects the ROI of the interventionalist. This true AI system follows the movement

4K Ultra-High Definition: A technology that is literally improving the way doctors view procedures is ultra-high definition or 4K reso-

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patients 15 & up for treatment We accept mostAccepting health insurance plans, workers’ compensation carriers and discount We accept most health insurance plans,networks. workers’ and onConnect demand repairs with us on Social Media compensation carriers and discount networks. Call today to learn more 800.626.3876 • NeuLifeRehab.com Connect with us on Social Media

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lution. 4K refers to the number of pixels which make up the resolution (3840 x 2160). Resolution, in terms of TV hardware, refers to the number of pixels that compose the picture on the TV. A single pixel, or discrete picture element, consists of a tiny dot on the screen. The more pixels that make up the picture, the sharper and clearer the images on the monitor will be. In recent years 4K resolution monitors and TVs have become increasingly common in commercial and business environments alike as they have a resolution four times greater than standard full HD. As medical vendors harness this technology, 4K equipment including monitors, medical recorders, and cameras are now becoming increasingly common in the medical scene. To make clinical decisions during surgery, surgeons need to have confidence in the images they are seeing. 4K resolution offers better depth and perspective and richer detail than standard HD. Increasingly, video integration providers are enhancing procedure rooms in hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient facilities with a full array of 4K equipment. This 4K equipment extends beyond just the display. Companies such as FSN Medical Technologies manufacture monitors, medical video recorders, video managers, and switchers to enhance how the doctor sees during procedures to enhance patient outcomes and improve care. Amico Corporation, based in Ontario, Canada, supplies a 4K camera mounted in the center of their surgical light. This cutting-edge use of technology allows providers to record video during surgery with crystal clear resolution and impeccable lighting. Using these state-of-the-art tools in concert, a doctor can view 4K images live during a procedure, record these images for future use, and stream the images to colleagues all at the same time. The healthcare sector is arguably the most important sector in the U.S. and world economy and will continue to fuel and utilize new and innovative technology advancements. One key to these advancements will be the ability of manufacturers to make this technology user-intuitive and easy to understand and use. If technology becomes too complex for the clinician to easily take advantage of or the learning curve for advanced devices outpaces the return on investment, technology will not be widely adopted. Healthcare as an industry has the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of patient care possible. As new waves of AI and robotics technology enters the market, these new advances should be judged on their ability to improve safety and patient outcomes. As more technologies enter the healthcare market, one thing is for certain, these technologies are not slowing down and are transforming the way care is being provided and patients are treated.

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Nick Gaffey is the CEO at OMI MedTech, LLC., a medical equipment service and technology company. Before being named CEO of OMI MedTech, Nick worked in the medical industry as a medical group practice administrator, OR video integration specialist, capital equipment sales rep, and service director of a capital equipment OEM. You can find out information about Nick’s company by visiting https://www.omimedtech.com. If you are interested in reaching out to Nick regarding this article or any other relevant healthcare topics, please contact him at Nick.Gaffey@OMIMedTech.com.

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IT FOCUS

Can Your Staff Access All Your Business Information? BY BRIAN AWSUMB

point — if an employee stores important business data on their computer and opens a solicited phishing email, a hacker can steal access to their computer files. This outcome can place your practice in critical danger, especially if important financial information was leaked. Putting sensitive files in the hands of authorized personnel and creating guidelines of its usage and distribution can eliminate this troublesome threat.

Running a medical practice involves many time-consuming and strenuous considerations, from achieving quality patient care to facilitating a culture of qualified and working professionals. With that said, sometimes the most basic threats can go undetected. Typically, these are security issues. While healthcare institutions have been safe from the security threats of other industries, such as armed robberies, for over a millennia, they still fall victim to attempts of cyberattacks. Cyberattacks are both elusive and catastrophic. Once a hacker accesses a small portion of your network, it is often too late to prevent widespread data theft and ransom. To prevent this outcome, it is important to make sure all of your data is safeguarded, even among your own staff. If a majority of your team has access to all of your business’ information, then it could open the door for a potential cyberattack if this data is misplaced.

Obtaining High Level Cybersecurity HIPAA has established a precedent, in which healthcare organizations can be held legally responsible for any data breaches that were caused by negligence. In other words, if you do not perform your due diligence in protecting your business’ important information, you could be federally penalized. For this reason, obtaining high-level cybersecurity insurance is essential. In addition, medical facilities should enact rigid cybersecurity protocols, such as implement a multiple step authorization process (passwords, pins, etc) in order to access crucial business data. This also shines a mirror on healthcare organizations that are in violation of HIPAA today. Facilities that are still operating with paper files and cabinets can have their information easily accessed by anyone. Storing essential data on a network is much more secure than a locked door or file cabinet. Cyberattacks are nothing new, and it’s up to medical facilities to protect their own interests and the data of innocent men and women.

Sensitive Data is Lucrative On August 21, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) into law. This mandated all medical facilities and healthcare institutions to reduce unauthorized access and distribution of patient medical records. This law acknowledged that medical facilities have sensitive data that shouldn’t be placed in the wrong hands. People unknowingly provide intimate details, such as their social security numbers, addresses, and even income statements to receive healthcare services. Therefore, healthcare organizations were required by law to safeguard this information, usually on a secure network instead of the old-fashioned file cabinet system. Organizations who knowingly distribute these records to unauthorized individuals or sell them to third parties can be penalized by the U.S. government. This created a precedent that patient medical records are absolutely sacred. On top of that, medical facilities began acting with utmost discretion of protecting their own business data from outsiders and even staff that would have no business viewing important records. These records, if exposed, could net a significant profit to cyberterrorists, hackers, and unscrupulous third-party organizations.

Safeguard All Important Business Data The threat of cyberattacks are real and present. In accordance with federal law and common sense, you should make sure that all of your business data and patient records are duly protected. Fortunately, this can be as easy as restricting access to unauthorized individuals. Brian Awsumb is the founder of AwsumbTech, a local, veteran-owned managed service provider specializing in small and medium-sized businesses, taking a proactive approach to IT, meaning that all assets on your network are monitored and maintained 24/7 to catch issues before they impact business operations. Visit https://awsumbtech.com or email info@awsumbtech.com

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The Dangers of Highly Accessible Business Data At first glance, it may seem harmless to grant access to important business data, such as details on net profit and how much you and your colleagues earn. After all, when you hire someone, you expect to maintain a high degree of trust. Being naive to the fact that staff can leak data, either willingly or involuntarily, can hurt your practice. According to Security Magazine, stressed employees caused 40 percent of data breaches in the United States. To make matters worse, 53 percent of all companies shared more than 1,000 sensitive files with every employee. Both of these statistics paint a very grim picture. A recently fired or unsatisfied employee that should not have access to sensitive files in the first place can post a security issue. On the other hand, employees that also should not have access to sensitive files can accidentally misplace them or allow cyberterrorists easy access to them. Case in

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Bringing a New Procedure to a New Medical Center Incisionless brain surgery a career milestone for Dr. Nizam Razack

beginning, their team covered many trauma calls, routinely performing stressful emergency surgeries. Today, he still answers the occasional trauma call, but concentrates his practice on elective spine and brain procedures. “In my 20s and 30s, I was immersed in trauma emergencies, where nothing is planned and everything you do is reactive,” said Dr. Razack. “Elective procedures, however, are very controlled and technical, which is critical given the level of technology we’re using today – particularly with something like the focused ultrasound.”

Nizam Razack, MD, JD, FACS, a neurosurgeon at UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, which opened to the public in March, is among the first neurosurgeons in the country to perform incisionless brain surgery using focused ultrasound for the treatment of essential tremors.

A Cutting-Edge Procedure In an MRI-guided focused ultrasound, a metal frame is placed around a patient’s skull, creating a fixed point of reference. The patient is then put into an MRI scanner, where sound wave energy is administered directly to the thalamus – an area of brain tissue believed to be the source of tremor. No surgical incision or anesthesia is involved, and many patients report immediate or significant reduction in hand tremors, markedly improving their ability to perform previously challenging daily activities. “Tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting 3 percent of Americans or 10 million people in the U.S.,” said Dr. Razack. “This non-invasive therapy is a game changer for individuals who live with tremor and for whom medication alone will not work and surgery is not an option. There are no incisions or holes made to the skull, meaning a reduced risk of infection and clot formation – which can be associated with traditional neurosurgical procedures.”

This pioneering procedure is new to the Orlando market, and UCF Lake Nona Medical Center is the first hospital to offer it in Central Florida.

Getting Started Born in a small village in India and raised in Buffalo, NY, Dr. Razack attended undergraduate school at the University of Michigan, where he took many science classes and volunteered at a hospital. While he had every intention of becoming a radiologist, his plans changed after observing a single neurosurgical procedure which, in his words, “blew me away.” He went on to complete medical school at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a residency in neurological surgery at University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital, as well as fellowships at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Razack moved to Orlando in 2001 to start a neurosurgery practice with three fellow physicians whom he had met throughout his education and early career. In the

Increased Access to Lifechanging Therapy While MRI-guided focused ultrasound became FDA-approved in the summer of 2016, it was only approved for reimbursement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in all 50 states in July of last year. With that critical approval, UCF Lake Nona Medical Center has expanded access to this potentially life-changing therapy – both in price and proximity. “We hope to perform one to two of these procedures per week,” Dr. Razack said. “Our location in Lake Nona serves many seniors, which is the population most plagued by essential tremor. By creating access to focused ultrasound here in our region, we are positioned to help these patients restore their ability to perform everyday activities like eating and writing with full control of their hands.” Of course, not all patients are good candidates for this new treatment. Since it relies on sound wave therapy, Dr. Razack must determine factors like skull thickness and skull density ratio to ensure success. Still, he encourages neurologists to familiarize themselves with focused ultrasound as an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS), thalamotomy and gamma-knife surgery (GKS). “This procedure is a new tool in our arsenal to help restore quality of life and independence for essential tremor and Parkinson’s tremor patients,” added Dr. Razack. “Whether focused ultrasound patients are self-referred or referred by their neurologist, the procedure still requires a lot of management. Patients need to continue to return to their neurologist for ongoing observation and medication.”

Embracing Change While focused ultrasound is an outpatient procedure with often immediate results, the therapy requires the same level of patience and expertise as alternative practices. Prior to administering sound waves to the brain, Dr. Razack utilizes computer software and calculations to ensure the beams of energy are all focused into an extremely small target. In total, the procedure takes about two to three hours. “After 30 years as a neurosurgeon, I’ve seen it all,” said Dr. Razack. “Neurosurgery is a field that relies very heavily on technology – and you have to keep up with ever-changing technology to stay relevant and effective. You have to be ready for dramatic changes in the procedures you’re performing every five to eight years.” When asked if he had any advice for medical students considering neurosurgery, Dr. Razack encourages physicians-in-training to watch a brain or spine surgery to see if it matches up with their goals and skill set. Looking ahead, virtual reality, computer software and imaging will become increasingly critical in this field, so it is important to not only have an affinity for technology, but to also have an interest in it.

CONTINUED P.9

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HEALTHCARE || LEADER SPONSOR BY

Michele Johnson,

Takes Reins as Medical Director of Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology In March, Michele Johnson, DO, FACOG, took the leadership role as the new Medical Director of Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates. She has been charged with closely collaborating with the executive management team to implement strategies that perpetuate and further enhance the delivery of superior quality care and patient experience that have become hallmarks of the practice. Johnson was born in Arizona and grew up in New York. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johnson attended medical school at the Ross University School of Medicine in the Dominica, West Indies after graduating with honors from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. While in Dominica, Johnson initiated a program to provide transportation and care for pregnant women in villages around the country. Upon completion of her basic science curriculum, she returned to New York City to complete her clinical rotations. This is where her passion for OB/GYN began. Following completion of residencies at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan, and David Grant USAF Medical Center in California, she practiced general OB/GYN for several years before becoming an Obstetric Hospitalist. Johnson has been a member of the clinical staff at Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology since 2018 but practicing medicine for the past 13 years. Before coming to Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, she served as Medical Director for the Hospi-

talist programs at Oviedo Medical Center in Oviedo, and Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida. Johnson specializes in managing obstetrical emergencies as well as patients in the emergency room. Her passion lies in caring for patients in the hospital during their delivery. Her interests include high risk obstetrics and hospital-based medicine. “We are truly fortunate and grateful to have a physician of Dr. Johnson’s experience, character and deep commitment to care excellence on our team. She is a superb clinician who is beloved by her patients and colleagues, alike, and has proven to be a natural born leader. She was the ideal person to be named as our Medical Director and is sure to play a significant role in the ongoing success of our practice for many years to come,” said Dr. David Marcantel, who founded Celebration Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1998. Gynecological services at the practice include preventive care and family planning with a special interest in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. During pregnancy, the focus is on prenatal services and support. Johnson loves calling Celebration home. In her spare time, you can usually find her at the baseball fields supporting her sons in their competitive baseball leagues. Her family just welcomed a baby girl in March of 2019. For more information on the practice, visit www.celebrationobgyn.com

PHYSICIAN || SPOTLIGHT CONTINUED ...

Bringing a New Procedure to a New Medical Center Dr. Razack also highlights the importance of stamina – critical for making it through lengthy and complicated procedures. In medical school, he recalls a general surgery colleague joking that, “These guys in neurosurgery don’t sleep,” something he’s come to learn firsthand. “This job is challenging, labor-intensive and often very stressful,” said Dr. Razack. “It’s imperative that you have a healthy mind and a healthy body to navigate these stressors. You can find me in the gym every morning at 5 a.m. before surgery. Exercise is the best way I’ve found to maintain physical and emotional health – beyond spending time with family and friends.”

A Note of Gratitude Dr. Razack reflects on his career and the many lessons he’s learned along the way. It’s through his

tireless dedication to his field, to his patients, and to his own continued education and physical training that he is now among the pioneering physicians performing focused ultrasound therapy. “Being named the consulting physician for focused ultrasounds at UCF Lake Nona Medical Center is a testament to the hospital leadership’s confidence in my reputation and my abilities to treat patients, as well as their commitment to delivering effective, innovative care,” Dr. Razack said. “I am honored to be able to provide this new treatment in our region, and I’m eager for the great outcomes we will achieve for our patients.” To learn more about focused ultrasound, please call patient coordinator Roc Cadet at 689-216-8010 or visit https://ucflakenonamedicalcenter.com/service/ neurological-services.

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EAST ORLANDO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EOCC || MEDICAL CITY

PRESENTED BY

CALENDAR:

Exhibiting Your Business for Success

Coffee Club East

JULY 1, 2021, | 8:30 AM

Bonefish Grill Waterford Lakes |“5 Myths Busted to Help Grow Your Business” | Ralphy Perez, Spectrum Reach Free EOCC members | $10 non-members

EOCC Guardian Knights Hotel Safety & Security Briefing

BY DOROTHY HARDEE, EAST ORLANDO CHAMBER DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

JULY 6, 2021 | 8:30 AM

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton UCF | “Fundamentals of Hotel Safety” OCSO | Free to EOCC Hotel Members & Nonmembers* *introductory offer

Exhibiting your practice or healthcare organization at a business expo means business for you while impacting our community where we work and live.

EOCC After Hours at Nailed It DIY Orlando

JULY 13, 2021 | 5:30 PM

Nailed It DIY Studio Orlando | Cost is based on your project Light snacks, wine, beer & water available

It is an opportunity to showcase your practice and demonstrate products and services to potential clients. Unlike the typical trade shows the East Orlando Chamber Business Expo not only provides B2B connections but also encourages B2C interactions giving your company utmost exposure to potential clients.

Coffee Club Nona

JULY 15, 2021, | 8:30 AM

Sam’s Club Lake Nona | “Hot Seat” Networking Free EOCC members | $10 non-members

Chamber Luncheon

Why is this important and what are a few key things to consider before attending as an exhibitor?

JULY 21, 2021, | 11:30 AM

Bonefish Grill | “Leveraging the Value of a Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive Workforce Panel including: Sheryle Woodruff (Conflict Management Associates); Francis Rios (Women Who Lead); Lina Graves (Culture ConNext); Dr. Lynn Johnson, Ph.D. (Triumphant HR Solutions); Rebecca Viera Cox (Simple Management Group)

The Business Expo offers you face-to-face interaction with prospective clients, allowing you to answer questions for your audience on the spot giving you a better understanding of your business perception. It is critical that you engage attendees by smiling, speaking to them as they approach and inviting them into your space. During a past event, I personally witnessed two businesses side-by-side. One business requested additional chairs for their space. Their team sat behind their table talking to each other and later complained they did not get any business from the event. The other business team stood near the front of their table, saying hello to everyone, passing out cookies, smiling and having a genuinely good time engaging with potential clients. This engagement resulted in a great deal of business for their company and fantastic follow up appointments increasing their revenue. The client experience goes a long way in closing the sale. If you cringe at the thought of cold calling, then the Business Expo is a perfect option for grabbing attention of your target market. We always recommend exhibitors invite clients and prospects to visit their booth to see the newest items and hear more about your services. Visitors are always in the right frame of mind when attending, making capturing their attention with design and effectively crafted messaging important. Participating in an exhibition helps your company build brand relevancy. Raising awareness to your brand value will enable you to boost advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Your table display should get your company noticed with branded table coverings, engaging activities, giveaways, and product samplings to create a memorable experience for your audience. Some of our members make it a best practice to create a sample table display ensuring a clean, enticing presentation attracting clients into their space. There is no need to bring everything in your arsenal. Pick and choose items that highlight your business and make you unique from other like companies. Speaking of like companies, exhibitions help you know your competitors as well. It is a competitive marketing world, so besides providing the best services and innovative products, it is critical to have a fair knowledge of your competitors too. While technology provides the opportunity to check competitor websites

Barakat Insurance Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening After Hours JULY 23, 2021 | 5:30 PM

Barakat Insurance Sun Vista Way Location. Register to attend

#Buzz4Biz Meet & Greet for Chamber Curiosity Seekers JULY 27, 2021 | 8:30 AM

The 5th Floor Avalon Park | Are you considering membership? Want more information about the EOCC? This is the place for you. Hear it straight from our members. Register to attend & Be Our Guest

W.I.S.E. (Women in Successful Endeavors) AUGUST 4, 2021, | 11:30 AM

The Celeste Hotel | Featuring “Women in Transportation” including Diane Sears (I4 Biz); Laura Kelley (CFX); Christine Kefauver (Brightline); Robyn Willson Hattaway (Canaveral Port Authority); Kathleen Sharman (GOAA) | $40 EOCC Members | $50 Non-members

Florida Institute for Political Leadership Series

AUGUST 23 – AUGUST 25, 2021 | 5:30 PM

Online Training hosted by ORRA & co-presented by EOCC | Free to participate | Visit eocc.org for more information

EOCC Business Expo 2021

AUGUST 26, 2021 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM DoubleTree Orlando Airport | Reserve Your Space today or Stand out as a Sponsor. Register to participate at eocc.org

EOCC 75th Anniversary Commemorative Golf Tournament

OCTOBER 22, 2021, | 7:30 AM

Rio Pinar Country Club | $125 Individual | $400 Foursome | $500 Foursome & Hole Sign | Check out sponsorship and added opportunities available at eocc.org

10 Visit EOCC.org for a complete listing of July events

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and feedback, exhibitions allow you to watch all the market leaders in one place. What is your next step? First sign up to reserve your table at the EOCC Business Expo today, since space is limited. The East Orlando Chamber Business Expo is Thursday, August 26th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the DoubleTree Orlando Airport, 5555 Hazeltine National Drive. Next, reach out to one of our member professionals in promotional products. They will help guide you in making your brand stand out with the perfect array of products. Finally, share your participation with clients and prospects on your social media and with displays in your office. The more the merrier when it comes to the Business Expo. Looking for more ways to highlight your business? The East Orlando Chamber has a plethora of opportunities to get you noticed, connecting you with your next clients and partners, keeping your business healthy. For the health of your business reach out to the East Orlando Chamber for a menu of unique offerings elevating your businesses visibility and connect you with others helping your business thrive. We are the first in the state offering traditional Health Insurance plans, as well as supplemental products including dental, vision, critical illness, accidental and more. For more information or to register call (407) 2775951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.

PRESENTED BY

The Perfect Flooring for a Healthy Home BY LAUREN ODDO

When making a flooring selection, application is going to be the first and arguably the most important issue to address.

Think of all flooring as fitting somewhere on the scale of soft to durable. Carpet is going to be further toward the soft side, tile closest to the durable side with luxury vinyl and wood flooring falling somewhere in the middle. The question is, where do your needs put you on that scale? If you’re still at a loss for the best type of flooring for your home, a consultation with a flooring professional is the best way to clear things up. Give us a call and schedule one today!

While commercial applications like medical offices and retail spaces may require certain flooring features, a residential application may call for completely different specifications. Even certain areas of a residential application can lend themselves to different requirements than other areas – for example soft materials like carpet in areas where peace and quiet are valued like bedrooms and hard, waterproof surfaces for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. That said, the most common trend nowadays is to run the same flooring throughout the home. That’s right! – Living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and even bathrooms are receiving the same floorcovering. This creates a little bit of a challenge for those selecting or specifying the floors. Not only does the floor need to meet the softness and sound dampening specifications you’d want in a bedroom, but it also must withstand the moisture of a bathroom and have the durability of an entryway. Going along with this trend, for the sake of this article, I am going to shy away from what type of flooring works best in what area of the home and focus on a product that works best throughout. While wood flooring has been recognized for hundreds of years as the most sought-after type of flooring, and it may very well still be, there is a newer type of flooring that has recently taken over the market called luxury vinyl. It checks all of the boxes customers have on their list of requirements – especially here in Florida where water and moisture resistance are high up on the list. As mentioned above, for centuries, wood has been used as a floorcovering in homes. This is because, while considered a hard surface, wood flooring is actually fairly soft underfoot and dampens sound quite a bit better than tile or natural stone. That said, wood doesn’t preform quite as well in moisture ridden environments as it tends to expand and contract significantly with heat and moisture changes. That’s where floating luxury vinyl plank and tile come in. While glue down luxury vinyl is used more in commercial applications, floating or click-lock luxury vinyl is more suitable for residential environments as it provides a bit more cushion underfoot and has noise reduction properties built in. It also installs a bit quicker, is open to foot traffic instantly after installation and has more relaxed subfloor requirements than its glue-down counterpart. Oftentimes, luxury vinyl can even be floated over your existing flooring! Once your luxury vinyl is installed, it’s extremely easy to care for. A dry sweep and damp mop is all you will need to keep your floors looking as good as they did on day one. Because these products are fairly non-porous, they do not like to hold onto dirt and thus clean up very well. Like luxury vinyl, porcelain tile is also non-porous, stain and water resistant – probably even more-so. So why not go with tile throughout your home? Well, you can! You will just want to take into consideration that it is much harder underfoot than any other option.

Lauren Oddo has been with US Design Source for six years managing sales and specifying products. Upon graduating from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship, she sought a career that would allow her to combine her love for home design and education in entrepreneurship into one passion. The owners of US Design Source, Michael and Ginny Hill, have been part of the Orlando flooring and building industry for over 50 years. As a company, we've installed hundreds of thousands of square feet of flooring throughout Central Florida.

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Your Building Might be Making You Sick: Is it time for a Checkup? “Buildings can act as a tool to fight infectious disease, or work against us!” … Joseph Allen BY KEITH W. THOMAS

body systems: Cardiovascular, Digestive, Endocrine, Immune, Integumentary, Muscular, Nervous, Reproductive and Respiratory, Skeletal, and Urinary.

Healthcare professionals are in the daily battle of fighting sickness and disease for people, but could the environment you and others live and work in be making people worse?

Air/Surface Quality Air and surface quality are primary factors that doctors, scientists, engineers and architects are digging deeper into understanding how to engage buildings in the health fight today. We’ve seen through Covid that transmission of disease via air and particles can impact people’s health significantly. The world changed to using PPE and other means to minimize transmission of the pathogens. The good news is there are new and effective engineering tools that can be used in the fight to improve air quality including UVC lights, bipolar ionization, and hydroxyl peroxides. UV lights have been used in the medical environment to destroy pathogens in ductwork and unoccupied spaces. Possibly more effective in air quality is the introduction of ions in the space to attach to pathogens and destroy viruses, bacteria, mold spores and odors inside the building spaces. This technology has been implemented in over 250,000 public and private facilities ranging from hospitals and clinics to educational and public venues like airports, sports arenas and the East Wing of The White House. Environmental air quality can be quantified using digital instruments to measure PM2.5/10 dust particles, VOC’s and other harmful elements that impact nearly every body system. Peter Drucker, the 20th century business guru stated, “if you can measure it, you can manage it”. This is certainly applicable in nearly every area of our lives and realized everyday in medical practices. Surface quality was at first believed to be a primary fomite transmission of the Covid virus prompted CDC and others to put forth sanitization and disinfectant policies to

The Covid-19 pandemic brought to the forefront a look at building environments as a place for healing, particularly with respect to air and surfaces. Joseph Allen, director at the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, recently published a book ‘Healthy Buildings’ with nine foundational concepts for creating places for health and productivity.

Well Buildings Recent developments integrating Building and Health sciences are currently being utilized to create healthier places for people. The International Well Building Institute (IWBI) has put forth new standards for healthy environments and supported the idea from Allen by offering a Well Building Certification. The CDC and GSA also initiated a certification process in 2016 to implement the Fitwel Certification. This program was a result of over 3000 academic research studies and has over 600 projects registered to date to create healthier buildings and communities. IWBI is working to educate the public on the need for getting buildings “Certified” by WELL AP professionals according to the seven concepts of Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Sound, Comfort and Mind. In these standards, they address the interaction and impact on human

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reduce transmission of the Virus. Further studies indicated the Virus didn’t remain on surfaces for extended lengths of time and factors such as air quality impacted its duration. Medical staff was busily cleaning surfaces with alcohol based cleaners that would kill pathogens like the Covid virus, but the bad news is most surfaces were cleaned with chemicals that would “off-gas” harmful chemicals. Dispersed in the air it caused additional exposure of damaging chemicals affecting staff lungs, throats and noses. Is your office causing more damage than good with over cleaning using these potentially toxic chemicals?

Healthy Results We can enlist buildings as tools to bring health and life to people. By measuring, assessing and implementing good engineering principles including ventilation, filtration and purification in HVAC systems there are excellent results that can be achieved. The medical profession expertise along with professional analysis of building environment can help win the battle to create healthier and happier lives in our community. Perhaps a checkup of your building could help you understand and reduce the risks of an unhealthy environment. Future investigation of other health concepts would include Nutrition, Water, Sound, Light, Comfort and Mind/Body connections impacting all body systems and medical practices. Keith W. Thomas AIA, LEED AP, CEE , Fitwel Amb. is the CEO of inpura, a healthy building consulting firm specializing in measuring and purifying indoor air quality in the Southeast U.S. His 35+ years of architectural practice and healthy living initiatives offer his clients a global perspective to solving environmental design and health issues in commercial and residential buildings. Reach out to him at keitht@inpuradesign.com

Sober Curious Movement Enters the Workplace Substance misuse costs the U.S. economy more than $740 billion yearly BY CHERYL BROWN MERRIWETHER

stress reduction, weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise, and nutrition programs, while at the same time frequently failing to address issues related to alcohol or substance misuse. This failure by omission is particularly noteworthy given that substance misuse costs the U.S. economy more than $740 billion every year, according to American Addiction Centers. And the impact on the workplace is felt through employee absenteeism, theft, on-the-job accidents, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs. The good news is that Sober Curious individuals are increasingly part of a ‘Sober Curious” movement that is growing in popularity. Support for the movement comes from a variety of sources including individuals in ‘recovery’ from substance misuse or addiction. We know, based on research done by SAMHSA that 70 percent of illicit users of alcohol or other substances work full or part-time, and more than 24 million people in the U.S. self-identify as being in recovery. Many individuals in recovery are often eager to support others that are curious enough about sobriety to take a step to learn more. Other supporters include manufacturers of non-alcoholic “craft mocktails,, along with a growing number of social media groups like SHE RECOVERS, DITCHED THE DRINK, SOBER NATION, and TEMPEST. In recognition of these trends, employers can demonstrate support for Sober Curious and other interested employees by working with their Wellness Program providers to incorporate new programs, policies, and practices within their workplaces. For example, companies can:

People think about alcohol consumption in a variety of ways. Some use the term “sober curious” to describe their relationship with alcoholic beverages. In 2018, Ruby Warrington published her book, Sober Curious that introduced the term and challenged readers to pause from drinking long enough to explore the what, how, when, where and why behind their drinking. While some Sober Curious people may be motivated to consider their alcohol consumption because of an alcohol, health-related, or other incident, others simply desire to improve their overall health and well-being, which can be accomplished, in part, by being more mindful and making better choices with respect to their use of alcohol or other substances. Unlike individuals who are committed to total abstinence or sobriety, Sober Curious people may reduce or avoid alcohol consumption for a period of time, which can range from one occasion to a lifetime. As a result of this conscious change in their behavior toward alcohol, these individuals may experience the documented health benefits associated with abstinence or moderate alcohol use. In the workplace, employers also recognize many benefits from implementing programs that are designed to improve employee health and wellness. According to a 2019 survey by the National Business Group on Health and Fidelity Investments, large employers spend an average of $3.6 million annually on Wellness programs. These programs primarily focus on chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure),

• Shift the focus of “Happy Hours” away from alcohol consumption to things ke “networking”. • Reduce / limit the frequency and quantity of alcohol provided at company-sponsored

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events, while including more non-alcoholic beverage options for non-drinkers. • Diversify the types of companysponsored activities to include more alcohol-free events and prominently promote participation in these events. • Utilize Certified Professional Recovery Coaches, Certified Addiction Awareness Facilitators, and others to provide Addiction Awareness education, training, and resources to all employees. Workplaces are encouraged to utilize existing Wellness and other programs and initiatives (i.e. Diversity & Inclusion) as a way to provide information, access to resources and encourage safe conversations about substance misuse, addiction and recovery for the benefit of Sober Curious and other individuals proactively as opposed to the current normal protocol, whereby these topics are only discussed reactively in response to serious performance issues, critical incidents or accidents. Companies that incorporate Sober Curious policies, programs and practices are able to create a workplace culture and community that is inclusive of a broader spectrum of talented individuals who are committed to maintaining a sense of wellbeing and personal resilience for themselves and others. Article originally published in Employee Benefit News. Cheryl Brown Merriwether, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPRC, CRSS, CM is Vice President, Executive Director, International Center for Addiction & Recovery Education™ (ICARE). Merriwether brings over two decades of experience in corporate Human Resource management, addiction recovery awareness, and adult education to ICARE. Cheryl is also the 2021 President of GOSHRM. Connect with Cheryl via LinkedIn.

The Relationship Between Chronic Medical Illness and Mental Health Diagnoses BY MARY-CATHERINE SEGOTA, PSY.D

also associated with depression, including fatigue, sluggishness, trouble concentrating, and increased need for sleep. Individuals with hyperthyroidism can experience unusual nervousness, which is also related to anxiety. Patients learning how to deal with the dietary modifications associated with diabetes, and ongoing monitoring of blood sugar levels may experience distress related to the lifestyle changes. Depression is common among people who have chronic illnesses such as:

Dealing with sudden medical events such as a heart attack or stroke, or a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, or chronic pain, can evoke feelings of sadness or worry. Illness-related stress or anxiety can trigger symptoms of depression. Patients may be worried about treatment, the treatment outcome, or their future. They may have difficulty adjusting to the treatment, or the lifestyle limitations that these conditions may cause. These feelings of sadness or worry, if not addressed, may lead to clinical depression which is a serious medical illness. Research indicates that individuals diagnosed with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for developing depression. It is imperative that both formal and informal depression screening is integrated into medical care on the outset of treatment and on an ongoing basis. Symptoms of depression include:

• Alzheimer's disease • Autoimmune diseases, (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis) • Cancer • Coronary heart disease • Diabetes • Epilepsy • HIV/AIDS • Hypothyroidism • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinson's disease

• Aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease even with treatment

• Stroke Certain medications used to treat medical illnesses also can trigger depression, including betablockers, corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, anticonvulsants, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticholinergic drugs, medications for Parkinson’s, acne, pain, allergies, thyroid regulation, hormone regulating medication, and antibiotics. While patients with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for developing clinical depression, the reverse is also true. Patients who experience chronic clinical depression are at higher risk for developing other medical conditions. An increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, pain, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, has been associated with patients with clinical depression. Many patients with depression may have difficulty caring for themselves and their health, following through with doctor’s appointments, and being compliant with treatment. Depression interferes with a patient’s ability to practice good wellness through proper diet and exercising, and related symptoms such as lack of interest or motivation may prevent them from gaining

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic • Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling "slowed down" • Feeling irritable, easily frustrated‚ or restless • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Changes in appetite or weight • Suicide attempts, thoughts of death or suicide Having certain medical conditions places patients in a high-risk category for developing depression. For example, conditions that cause structural changes in the brain, such as Parkinson's disease and stroke, may play a direct role in the development of the symptoms of depression. Individuals with hypothyroidism experience symptoms

access to good medical care. In research studying the mind-body connection, researchers are investigating the role of the physiological changes associated with depression on the risk of developing physical illnesses. In patients experiencing depression, research has identified changes in the way different systems in the body function. The changes in these systems and bodily function that could impact physical health include: • Increased inflammation • Changes in the control of heart rate and blood circulation • Abnormalities in stress hormones • Metabolic changes such as those seen in people at risk for diabetes While it is common to experience symptoms of depression after being diagnosed with a medical illness, these symptoms may decrease as the patient adjusts to the diagnosis, or treatment of the condition occurs. Research suggests that patients who have depression AND another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses. When patients experience both depression and another medical condition, they may have more difficulty adjusting to their medical condition. Additionally, they may have higher medical costs than those who do not have both depression and a medical illness. Physical symptoms such as chronic pain may be prolonged or reported at higher rates in those patients who are also experiencing depression, as well as poorer treatment compliance in many medical conditions such as diabetes. Even as a patient’s physical health improves, symptoms of depression may continue. The good news is, depression is treatable, even when the clinical picture is complicated by another medical condition. In primary care, initial and ongoing assessment of depression is critical. Collaboration with mental health specialists in order to address the physical and mental conditions simultaneously presents the opportunity for better outcomes of both conditions and a greater improvement in overall health. Treating depression and a chronic medical illness together can help patients better manage both their depression and their medical condition. Why is depression difficult to recognize? Patients don’t always disclose symptoms of depression. Additionally, symptoms of medical conditions are often similar to those experienced in depression. A thorough assessment, as well as ongoing education about the symptoms and treatment options will help demystify the topic for patients that are resistant to disclosing mental health difficulties. Research indicates that treatment is best through a combination of treatment approaches, including medication and different psychotherapeutic approaches. Depression affects every patient differently. It may take different medication trials and therapeutic interventions to find the combination of treatment that works best. Treatment may improve the physical symptoms related to chronic medical illness and reduce the risk of future medical problems, and treating medical illness and improving physical symptoms will help improve the symptoms of depression. Recovery from depression takes time, and patients need continued re-evaluation and support throughout the process. Collaboration with a mental or behavioral health provider will help identify patients that may be experiencing depression, and ultimately improve patient physical and mental health outcomes. With a doctorate in clinical psychology and over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Mary-Catherine Segota has conducted university-based behavioral medicine research, acted as a consultant to professionals and organizations, and worked with a diverse number of psychological and medical conditions. By identifying unique needs, the source of distress, and what’s perpetuating the problem, she will help develop the tools to overcome seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Visit www.CounselingResourceServices.com

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ORLANDO || GRAND ROUNDS

RX2Live Central Florida Welcomes Alejandra Fogarty to the Team as VP of Marketing and Sales

New $5.5 Million Simulation Training Center for Nurses Opens in Central Florida HCA Healthcare North Florida Division announced the opening of a $5.5 million state-of-the-art simulation training center in Central Florida designed to empower and suport nurses through innovative learning experiences and leadership development opportunities. The HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement (HHCCA) provides HCA Healthcare North Florida Division nurses and nurse residents advanced training in a supportive, interactive environment to ensure patients receive the highest quality care possible. The HHCCA provides an environment which simulates a healthcare setting, including interactive high fidelity manikin patients operated from control rooms to mimic real-life interactions. Programs include on-site training for nurse residents and other nursing team members and new employee orientation and onboarding, as well as remote training to other locations in the North Florida Division. The center is located in Lake Nona Medical City, adjacent to HCA Healthcare North Florida Division’s newest hospital, UCF Lake Nona Medical

Center and is one of 9 HHCCAs across the nation. As part of HCA Healthcare’s efforts to nurture a pipeline of next-generation nurses and nurse leaders, last year the company acquired majority ownership of Galen College of Nursing, one of the largest educators of nurses in the United States. HCA Healthcare and Galen work together to provide access to nursing programs for colleagues as well as the larger community, which will help in addressing the nation’s nursing workforce needs. Additionally, as a part of the organization’s robust clinical education offerings and support, HCA Healthcare provides qualifying nurses who wish to pursue a specialty certification the opportunity to take advantage of discounted rates, a voucher program and reimbursement upon successfully completing the certification exam. In 2020, more than 3,753 HCA Healthcare-affiliated registered nurses expanded their professional expertise and advanced their professional skills through this program.

Daniel Tribby Expands Practice to Help Private Healthcare Owners Reach Goals Coach Daniel Tribby is rolling out yet another gem for healthcare entrepreneurs. On the heels of his successful book, “Unf*cking Private Healthcare: The Playbook on Owning your Dream Practice,” Coach Tribby is expanding his body of work to help private healthcare owners achieve financial success and improve the customer experience. “I want to teach you how to grow your dream practice through self-mastery and better business skills,” said Coach Tribby, ATC, CNP, a certified athletic trainer specializing in physical rehabilitation for athletes, and co-owner of an Orlando-based regenerative medicine practice and physical rehabilitation practice. “The problem is most of us as healthcare professionals lack the skills we need to build a successful business. It’s not our fault; we were taught to effectively treat people and fix their problems. Most of us never had a business development class as a part of our education.” Coach Tribby offers membership, virtual, and live training options. When Coach Tribby started out as a healthcare provider and business owner, he admittedly made numerous mistakes. After struggling to get it right and stop wasting money, Coach Tribby turned his shortcomings into strengths. He learned the intricacies of running a business, began to see positive changes in himself, how he interacted with his team, and how much his efforts had influenced the growth of his practice. “My mission is to share what I learned with other

healthcare practice owners so they can become better business owners through better leadership, sales training, customer service, marketing skills and financial IQ,” Coach Tribby explained. By nature of America’s broken healthcare system, most healthcare practices are operating on outdated business models, Coach Tribby pointed out. “The majority of today’s private healthcare practices fail to meet the already low expectations of their patients,” he said. “Most healthcare consumers in the U.S. expect to have long wait times, poor customer service, and ultimately receive low value when they go to a healthcare office. If this broken healthcare system existed in big businesses, those businesses would cease to exist. Why shouldn’t your practice by the anomaly? Shouldn’t consumers be offered a great outcome and a great experience, by you, as their healthcare provider?” Coach Tribby addresses those issues and much more through his coaching platform, his book, and his website. Daniel Tribby, ATC, CNP, a certified athletic trainer specializing in physical rehabilitation for athletes, also co-owns an Orlando-based regenerative medicine practice and physical rehabilitation practice. He has built an industry-leading practice as an author, speaker, podcaster, and business coach. Reach him at daniel@coachtribby.com. Read his blog, buy the book, and gather useful information at www.coachtribby.com

Alejandra Fogarty (Ale), has recently joined RX2Live in the Greater Orlando area as the VP of Marketing and sales. Ale has been busy the past year helping to care for her three grandchildren. She will be responsible for sales and marketing of RX2Live’s services Improving Patient Care, Improving Practice Revenue & Reimbursements, while Lowering Overall Medical Cost. Before joining RX2Live, Ale worked as a chief ethics officer for an international utility company supporting their investments in South America. She also has worked in several senior roles supporting people and change management efforts. She brings her enthusiasm and professionalism for helping people be successful and live healthy lives. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and basic Japanese. Visit www.RX2LIVEcentralflorida.com or contact Ale at afogarty@rx2live.com or 484.225.7173

Inpura Design Launches Healthy Building Consulting Firm Inpura Design announces the opening of its healthy building consulting and design division in Orlando. Inpura’s Chief Executive Officer, Keith Thomas, a LEED AP certified Architect and Fitwel Ambassador (certified healthy building consultant), has developed a three-step system to provide natural, healthy interiors for both residential and commercial facilities. “During my 35 plus years as an Architect and my understanding of Building and Health sciences, I have discovered that most buildings, both residential and commercial, are unhealthy with respect to air quality and surface microbes, so I developed a MAP system to Measure, Assess and Purify spaces,” said Inpura’s CEO Keith Thomas. The EPA states that indoors are typically 2-5x worse air quality than outdoors. Mr. Thomas also stated that, with the recent pandemic, individuals are realizing they are spending 90 percent of their time indoors and the importance of air and surface purity in their business and home environments is critical. Inpura Design LLC is a privately held limited liability company based in Orlando, Florida, operating a specialty consulting firm providing an analysis of air quality and surface microbes, a comprehensive healthy building assessment, and a custom treatment plan to ensure interior purity for both commercial and residential facilities.

AdventHealth Promotes Medical Leader to Head Seven-County Division AdventHealth has created a new leadership role and promoted Dr. Neil Finkler to serve as chief clinical officer for the entire Central Florida Division which includes Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties. This is the first time AdventHealth has named a chief clinical officer who will be responsible for the seven-county region. “As we begin to transition to normalcy in a post-COVID-19 world, this leadership change will help us streamline clinical operations for efficiency and best practices,” said Randy Haffner, Ph.D., President and CEO of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division. “Dr. Finkler’s almost 30 years of service at AdventHealth speaks to his commitment to the patients we serve. Nearly three decades ago, he founded our gynecologic oncology program and fellowship program and brought national prominence to this discipline, which continues to this day. Most recently, Dr. Finkler played a critical role in leading

our journey to earn a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and A ratings from Leapfrog. I’m excited to see what’s on the horizon under his broader clinical leadership.” As chief clinical officer, Finkler will lead the entire continuum of clinical care across the seven-county region that includes nearly 6,000 physicians and advance practice providers. Finkler is board certified in both obstetrics oncology and gynecologic oncology, has served in multiple leadership and teaching positions at AdventHealth, Boston University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and held the title of principle investigator for all GYN Oncology Group clinical trials, a National Cancer Institute cooperative group. After completing his medical training at the Mount Sinai

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School of Medicine in New York (now renamed as Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Finkler conducted his OB-GYN residency and fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School. Finkler joined AdventHealth Orlando in 1992 where he founded the gynecologic oncology program and fellowship program. He led the gynecologic oncology program until 2010 when he became the chief medical officer for AdventHealth Medical Group, a coalition of employed physicians and advanced practice providers. In 2014, Finkler accepted his most recent leadership role as senior vice president and chief medical officer for AdventHealth Orlando – Acute Care Services, which encompasses all hospitals in Orange, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA || GRAND ROUNDS

Ocala Health Announces Graduation of First Class of Anesthesiology Resident Physicians

Ocala Health Begins Construction On $65m Expansion Project on Ocala Regional Medical Center Campus Since 2017, Ocala Health has made the following investments totaling more than $300M. These projects include: • Renovated and expanded emergency departments at ORMC and WMCH with the addition of 20 ED beds between both hospitals, bringing the total to 62 ED rooms across both campuses • Addition of eight operating suites between both hospitals, bringing the total to 10 operating suites at WMCH and 13 operating suites at ORMC • Addition of 80 inpatient beds at WMCH ( 44 Med/ Surg beds and 36 beds dedicated to orthopedic services) • Addition of 70 inpatient beds at ORMC (34 beds dedicated to neuro services and 36-bed cardiac unit) • Expansion of Summerfield ER to 19 beds in 2019 • Addition of Maricamp ER in 2019 and Trailwinds Village ER in 2020 (24 total ED beds) • Additional CV services at WMCH including the addition of a second cath lab as well as the addition of a dedicated 10-bed, pre-post cath lab recovery unit

Area residents, local officials and business leaders were present as Ocala Health leadership broke ground today to celebrate their latest expansion at Ocala Regional Medical Center. This $65M project will add over 49,091 square feet of new space and renovate 9,976 square feet of existing space. Ocala Health is one of the largest employers in the Ocala Metro area with more than 2,600 colleagues and 600 physicians serving families in multiple counties. This latest investment by Ocala Health brings their five-year capital investment to a total of nearly $365M. This latest project will include expansions at Ocala Regional Medical Center: • Addition of 36 inpatient beds, bringing the total to 323 inpatient beds. These 36 beds will create a new, dedicated Neuro ICU which will include a 10-bed Neuro ICU, a 10-bed Neuro step-down, and a 16bed general med/surg. unit. This unit is scheduled to open in Q3 of 2022. • Addition of five CV procedural suites (two cath labs, two electrophysiology suites, one hybrid OR) • Renovation of current dining space and laboratory department

“Our focus is centered on delivering best-in-class healthcare to the communities we serve. We continue to diversify, enhance and expand access to our services to provide the advanced and highly specialized healthcare our patients need and have come to expect from Ocala Health,” said Chad Christianson, CEO, Ocala Health. “As the regional comprehensive stroke center, and with cardiovascular services being a foundational service at Ocala Health, we remain committed to investing in state-of-the-art facilities. Our patients are at the center of everything we do; whether we’re adding capacity, services, or sites of care, each investment increases our ability to better care for our communities. We are proud to continue to be a provider of choice for thousands of individuals and families each year.”

This announcement comes less than two months after breaking ground on a $33M expansion project on the West Marion campus to include: • 36-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit, bringing the total to 222 inpatient beds once project is completed • Expansion of ED, including addition of six low-acuity beds • Additional parking At the completion of these most recently announced projects, Ocala Health will have grown to 545 beds across both campuses.

AdventHealth launches exclusive pediatric cardiology services in Marion County AdventHealth Ocala is the only hospital in Marion County providing specialized pediatric cardiology services, helping families receive exceptional heart care close to home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40,000 infants in the United States are born with a congenital heart defect each year. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Ashish Patel and his team at Children’s Specialty Clinic at AdventHealth Ocala are equipped with the most advanced care to help get even the tiniest hearts back on track. The team specializes in general pediatric cardiology and fetal cardiology, putting the smallest patients and their families at the heart of their care. Dr. Patel most recently provided EKG, ECG and stress tests as needed for any Marion County high school students who received free sports physicals at AdventHealth Wellness Center Ocala. “We are excited to expand our expert cardiology care to our pediatric community,” said Dr. Michael Torres, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Ocala. “Our community is continuously growing and so is our care to meet the needs of even our smallest patients. We look forward to being the first and only choice for expert heart care for families in our community.” Children’s Specialty Clinic at AdventHealth Ocala extends the connected AdventHealth network of care to provide continuity of pediatric care that doesn’t require families to transfer to other health care systems. AdventHealth Ocala the only hospital providing birthing services, level-2 NICU care, a dedicated children’s emergency department, and a pediatric inpatient unit for families in the area.

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Ocala Health recently celebrated the graduation of the first class of anesthesiology resident physicians. The Class of 2021 launched in July 2018. Ocala Health’s graduate medical education program has now grown to 147 residents across eight specialties including anesthesiology, family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, surgical critical care, and transitional year. (L TO R): Matthew Guthrie (Program Coordinator), Evan Davidson, MD, Neisaliz Marrero Figueroa, MD, Adambeke Nwozuzu, MD, Katarina Kapisoda, MD, Heather Christopherson, MD, W Marc Blanchard, MD, Ettore Crimi, MD (Program Director), Bruce Dixon, MD

Raccoon in Umatilla Area Tests Positive for Rabies The Florida Department of Health in Marion County wants Umatilla-area residents to be aware that a raccoon in their area has tested positive for rabies. People who live or work in the Umatilla area, particularly those who live south of Southeast 153rd Place, west of Southeast 265th Avenue, north of Southeast 173rd Lane and east of Southeast Highway 450, should maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in the area. An animal with rabies could infect other animals that have not received a rabies vaccination. Domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated; rabies is always a danger in wild animal populations. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention and report the injury to your county health department. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate veterinary assistance for the animal, and contact your county’s Animal Services department. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to humans and warm-blooded animals. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease. Residents and visitors are advised to always take the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies: • Avoid all contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. • Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly. • Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash. • Keep rabies vaccinations current for all pets. • Keep pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals. • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets. For more information on rabies, visit www.floridahealth. gov/diseases-and-conditions/rabies

VOLUSIA-BREVARD | | GRAND ROUNDS

Donald Scott Covington, MD, FACS becomes CWSP Certified D. Scott Covington, M.D., FACS, has become a CWSP certified (Certified Wound Specialist – Physician) after passing the National Board Certification Exam from American Board of Wound Management. The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) was established in 1995, and is dedicated to the multidisciplinary team approach in promoting the science of prevention, care and treatment of acute and chronic wounds. The primary function is to establish and monitor a national certification process, recognize competency, promote education/research, and elevate the standard of care across the continuum of wound management. Currently the ABWM has certified approximately 4,000 individuals nationwide with their three wound management designations. Dr. Covington recently joined Halifax Health in January 2021. He has over 30 years of clinical wound care experience. He completed his undergraduate and medical education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a general surgical residency at the University of Texas. Along with his training, he completed the Thomas G. Cronin Fellowship in Plastic Surgery and Wound Healing Research at the University of Texas. On this achievement, Dr. Covington says, “I am very pleased to be recognized by the American Board of Wound Management, an entity dedicated to the recognition and promotion of wound care as an advancing and vital specialty in today’s complex healthcare environment.”

Live Your Life Well Race Series The race series consists of 9 distinct events throughout 2021 and is being hosted in partnership with Halifax Health and the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. As part of Halifax Health and the YMCA’s commitment to improving the overall health and wellness of the local community, individuals and corporations are being challenged to participate in multiple events throughout the duration of the Live Your Life Well Race Series. All of the series events are professionally managed, and timed events are professionally timed using RFID timing chips. The series events have been selected to highlight the highest quality events in the area benefitting the best local causes. For questions about race participation and sponsorship, please contact Mica Lill, Halifax Health at mica.lill@halifax.org or 386.425.5210. 2021 Race Series Schedule • Saturday, January 16: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA 5K, Aunt Catfish’s on the River, Port Orange • Saturday, April 3: Tomoka Marathon/Half Marathon/5K, Gemini Springs Park, DeBary • Saturday, July 17: Aunt Catfish Triathlon/5K/Adaptive Mile, Aunt Catfish’s on the River, Port Orange • Saturday, September 25: Winona Mud Fest/Go Ruck, Camp Winona, DeLeon Springs • Saturday, October 2: Run & Walk for Success 5K, LPGA, Daytona Beach • Saturday, October 30: Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon & 5K, Port Orange • Saturday, November 6: Halifax Health – Hospice 5K, City Center, Port Orange • Sunday, November 21: Central Florida Legends Marathon/Half Marathon/5K, DeBary • Saturday, December 18: Holiday Bridge Challenge 5K, Granada Bridge, Ormond Beach

Halifax Health Awarded Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission Halifax Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification. Earning this certification means that Halifax Health offers the highest level of stroke care in Volusia and Flagler Counties. “Halifax Health has led the healthcare community in stroke care for many years. This new certification from The Joint Commission gives us the opportunity to, once again, differentiate ourselves from other hospitals by providing the absolute highest level of stroke care in the area. Quite frankly, if you or someone else is having a stroke you should seek the highest level of care and that is us. I congratulate our entire team for achieving this certification for our community,” said Jeff Feasel, President and CEO of Halifax Health. Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We congratulate Halifax Health and all of its Team Members for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

Halifax Care for the Caregiver Support Group This group is offered for caregivers affected by all cancer types. • Feeling isolated or burned out as a caregiver? • Feeling frustration of guilt and need a safe place to process those feelings?

• Interested in learning from other caregivers? Join us the first Wednesday of every month to share experiences and reduce caregiver stress. In order to maintain COVID-19 standards, in-person attendance may be limited. The group will also be available via a Zoom link to ensure everyone can attend. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Susan Joss or Jennifer Lanni susan.joss@halifax.org or call 386.425.7321 jennifer.lanni@halifax.org or call 386.425.7383

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Daytona Beach Black Nurses Association Scholarship Luncheon Held at Halifax Health The Annual Daytona Beach Black Nurses Association Scholarship Luncheon was held in April. The Daytona Beach BNA is comprised of Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses in Volusia and Flagler counties. There are over 75 nurses both active and retired who are members and provide services throughout the community. A $500 scholarship was awarded to Lafawn Williams. She is currently studying to be an LPN at Daytona State College. The Halifax Health Foundation provided these scholarship funds. A delicious meal, venue and gift was provided by Halifax Health. The mission and vision of the Black Nurses Association is to provide a forum for nurses to determine the needs of minorities in the community and implement health promotion and prevention services and asks our Nurses and Health Care Professionals commit to working as a team, to promote the highest quality of culturally competent care involving patient support care services, resources, and the community at large. According to Sharon James, RN and current chapter president, “Halifax Health has been here year after year supporting Daytona Beach Black Nurses Association and as our relationship continues to flourish, we expect to see more nurses with motivation to pursue their education and provide dedication to an awesome organization such as Halifax Health.”