OurHealth Roanoke and New River Valleys Magazine - December 2018/January 2019

December 2018 • January 2019 ourhealthroanokeNRV.com

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FEATURES

DECEMBER 2018 • JANUARY 2019

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THE IDEAL DOCTOR AND PATIENT WISH LISTS: 7+7 WAYS TO MAKE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS HEALTHIER TO HELP EVERYONE These wish lists give patients and doctors seven ways to increase communication, improve the doctor-patient relationship and produce better outcomes for both.

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12TH ANNUAL BEST BEDSIDE MANNER AWARDS

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ARE YOU REALLY A HEALTHY DRIVER?

Presenting the 12th Annual OurHealth Roanoke & New River Valley’s Best Bedside Manner Awards, recognizing 511 doctors and providers in 63 specialties.

Everyone likes to think they’re a great driver once they get behind the wheel. The bad news is many drivers on the roadways in Virginia are still a danger to themselves and others.

JOIN THE OurHealth Community ON Social Media!

Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! #OurHealthRNRV

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DEPARTMENTS DECEMBER 2018 • JANUARY 2019

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The Pulse | People. Places. News to Know.

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Calendar | Things to Do in Roanoke & New River

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Health Scene | Happenings. Who’s Who. Trending.

97 Aging Well | Wisdom. Dignity. Support.

Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Seniors: In Virginia, the winter months bring more than holiday shopping. Cold temperatures, snow storms and flu season all come along for the ride — and they can put the health of Roanoke & New River Valleys’ seniors at serious risk.

Valleys during December and January for your Mind, Body and Soul

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2nd Annual SVH Services Run for Donuts 5K and Fun Run Raises More Than $9,300.

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105 – Diabetes Looks Different in Men and Women: Diabetes is one of the diseases highly influenced by hormones. Since hormones affect men and women so differently, the warning signs for diabetes and how to prevent and treat it are often different than they are for men.

Volunteer Spotlight

Heroes. Champions. Community Minded.

108 – The Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Men: One important health issue often ignored by men is hearing loss.

Jan Wylie provides dignity and compassion in life’s last moments by volunteering as an end-of-life doula at Good Samaritan Hospice.

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112 – LewisGale Medical Center’s New Robotic Technology Improves Patients’ Spinal Surgery Outcomes: Increased safety, less pain, and reduced radiation and anesthesia exposure are some of the benefits.

Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge.

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Health A-Z | Insight. Awareness. Mindfulness for the Whole Family.

Funny Bone | Spot the Seven Differences

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december 2018 • january 2019

PUBLISHER

PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION

VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS

McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Kim Wood Tori Meador Laura Bower Shawn Sprouse Sunny Wasiela

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EXPERTS & WRITERS

Linda Balentine Jessica Cawley Rich Ellis Lisa Kroulik Jennifer Lamont Barry Martin Katherine Paljug

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Kim Wood | P: 540.798.2504 kimwood@ourhealthvirginia.com

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COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Copyright © 2019 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Roanoke and New River Valleys is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

The Pulse INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS

Awards and Recognitions

Promotions, Additions and Changes

National Group Recognizes LewisGale Hospitals for Patient Safety Results

Good Samaritan Hospice Announces New CEO

All four LewisGale Regional Health System hospitals have received top grades from The Leapfrog Group – a national nonprofit healthcare ratings organization – for meeting and exceeding measures designed to ensure patient safety.

Leapfrog’s process assigns letter grades of A through F to hospitals nationwide annually based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other concerns.

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, LewisGale Hospital Alleghany and LewisGale Regional Medical Center each received an “A” grade and LewisGale Hospital Pulaski received a “B” grade. Of the more than 2,600 hospitals graded nationwide, only 32 percent earned an “A” and just 24 percent earned a “B” for meeting some of the industry’s highest standards.

Developed under the guidance of a Blue Ribbon National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign a grade to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer reviewed, and is fully transparent.

“We congratulate the clinicians, Board of Trustees, leadership, and staff of LewisGale Regional Health System for showing the country what it means to put patient safety first,” says Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

More Information: www.hospitalsafetygrade.com

Aaron Housh has been named CEO of the only non-profit, community-based hospice serving the Roanoke and New River Valleys. He succeeds Sue Ranson in the position, who retired in December.

Housh was born and raised in a small town in central Texas. He earned a Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science from Berea College in Kentucky. After graduation, he accepted a position with a local non-profit hospice organization where he says he “found not only a job, but his passion.” His entire career has been devoted to end of life care where he has gained extensive experience in hospice leadership and operations, serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Hospice of Southern West Virginia and, most recently, the CEO of Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese, North Carolina.

Aaron Housh

“I have a strong belief in and commitment to the mission of community-based hospice,” says Housh. “I believe that serving others is what each of us is called to do, and ultimately is also the heart of the mission of hospice. I look forward to working with the team at Good Sam and living in this beautiful area in Virginia.”

“With fourteen years of hospice experience in a variety of roles, Aaron has a unique perspective on how to grow an organization while staying true to the hospice mission to give patients and families the best possible care at the end of life,” says Kay Hix, Good Sam’s board chair.

“I whole-heartedly believe God is calling me to open a new chapter in my life and that He has called Aaron to Good Sam,” says Ranson. “Aaron is deeply committed to the non-profit, community-based hospice’s role and he will be a vibrant, creative, servant-leader for Good Sam’s next chapter.”

More Information: www.goodsamhospice.com

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT

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The Pulse

Mergers and Acquisitions LewisGale Physicians Acquires Virginia Orthopaedic

“Virginia Orthopaedic has been a pillar in the community since 1999 and enjoys a strong, excellent reputation throughout Southwest Virginia,” explains Michelle Peery, Director of Operations at LewisGale Physicians. “Virginia Orthopaedic has partnered with LewisGale Medical Center’s orthopedic team for years, working together, side-by‐side. It’s a natural fit that this group of experienced, highly‐qualified orthopedic surgeons formally joins LewisGale Physicians where they will comprise a large part our orthopedic and spinal surgery team. We welcome the continued strengthening of our longstanding relationship as it will enable us to work even closer together as one team, delivering the highest levels of quality orthopedic care to patients throughout southwest Virginia.”

“We’ve been affiliated with LewisGale for 25 years – in part because we utilize their facilities for patients who require hospital care – so this new chapter is a natural evolution of that ongoing, strong relationship,” explains Preston Waldrop, MD with Virginia Orthopaedic. “One of the many benefits of moving forward with this new aspect of our relationship is that we’ll be able to offer patients additional services, care and access, while continuing to utilize LewisGale’s facilities.”

• NEWS TO KNOW

LewisGale Regional Health System has acquired Salem-based Virginia Orthopaedic. The new entity is named LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopedics, and nine of Virginia Orthopaedic’s 10 providers remain with the new organization.

company – include online appointment scheduling and other technology-related initiatives – services that are often challenging to implement and maintain in a smaller‐practice setting.

Following the transition, LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopedics continues to operate from Virginia Orthopaedic’s offices at 101 Knotbreak Road in Salem – minutes away from LewisGale Medical Center. LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopedics will also continue to offer the area’s only urgent care/ walk‐in orthopedic clinic open six days a week, but will relocate the clinic from 1917 Electric Road in Salem to the Knotbreak Road facility, treating sports injuries, breaks, accidents and sprains on a walk-in basis.

Virginia Orthopaedic providers remaining with the new organization include: •

Preston A. Waldrop, MD

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Gregory D. Riebel, MD

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James M. Farmer, MD

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Jeremy C. Smalley, MD

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Christian Conrad, PA-C

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R. Michael Wilson, PA-C

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Mackenzie Prandi, PA-C

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Chip Woodyard, PA-C

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Kaitlin Breidel, PA-C

More Information: www.lewisgale.com

Some additional services Dr. Waldrop cites as now being available to the practice through HCA – LewisGale Physicians’ parent

“We welcome the continued strengthening of our longstanding relationship as it will enable us to work even closer together as one team, delivering the highest levels of quality orthopedic care to patients throughout southwest Virginia.”

– MICHELLE PEERY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT LEWISGALE PHYSICIANS

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Cynthia Akers, RN, MSN Patricia Beauzile, MD Chief Nursing Officer LewisGale Hospital Alleghany Low Moor | 540.862.6200 www.lewisgale.com

Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Christiansburg | 540.731.4578 www.carilionclinic.org

Tiffanie Becker, MSN, RN Amanda Bright, PA-C Oncology Nurse Navigator Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Lewis Gale Medical Center Salem | 877.242.2362 www.lewisgale.com

LewisGale Physicians Cardiothoracic Salem | 540.776.2020 www.lgphysicians.com

Lindsay Call, DO

Sarah Childress, NP

Cory Cummings, MD

Belle Jones Dalton, MD

Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Blacksburg | 540.951.0352 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Blacksburg | 540.951.0352 www.carilionclinic.org

New Beginnings Pediatrics Blacksburg | 540.739.3623

www.newbeginningspediatrics.org

Hussein Elmufti, MD

Emma Fauser, PA

Heather Fuentes, DO

Alex Holliday, MD

Brooke McDaniel, NP

Bassel Moughrabi, MD

Anurandha Rao, MD

Luke Robinson, DO

Carilion Clinic Pediatric Endocrinology Roanoke | 540. 224.4445 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Radford | 540.639.9071 www.carilionclinic.org

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Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Roanoke | 540.985.9715 www.carilionclinic.org

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Carilion Clinic Cardiology Roanoke | 540.981.7000 www.carilionclinic.org

LewisGale Physicians Internal Medicine Daleville | 540.966.6430 www.lgphysicians.com

Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Christiansburg | 540.731.4578 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Imaging Roanoke | 540.981.7122 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

VCOM Sports and Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com *Accepting patients January 1, 2019.

The Pulse

CONTINUED...

John Sloboda, MD

Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

Charlene Viers, NP

Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Blacksburg | 540.951.0352 www.carilionclinic.org

Join the OurHealth Community on Social Media. #OurHealthRoanokeNRV

Welcome

Heather Draeger, MD

Promotions, Additions and Changes

Good Samaritan Hospice Founder and CEO Announces Retirement Sue Moore Ranson, founder and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, will retire the end of 2018. Good Sam, as it is fondly referred to, was the first Medicare-certified hospice to serve the Roanoke Valley (licensed in March 1992) and remains the only non-profit, community based hospice in the area.

GROWTH UNDER RANSON Starting from a volunteer staff of two people on January 2, 1992, Good Sam now employs nearly 100 people. The growth of the organization has been phenomenal and in large part due to Ranson’s commitment to its mission, service and excellence.

Sue Moore Ranson

“With natural poise and grace, Sue has shown us the vision for Good Sam and has enabled her team to excellence. She works tirelessly to create a philosophy where everyday excellence is the standard,” says William Fintel, MD, oncologist and Good Sam’s first medical director. “When Sue asked me to become the medical director of Good Sam a quarter of a century ago, the vision of seamless, coordinated, compassionate care at life’s end was like looking into the fog for me.

But Sue, I think by Divine providence, could see through that fog and envisioned exactly what Good Sam could become and, of course, what that could mean for thousands of people and their families.”

Good Sam has adapted to a multitude of changes to both Virginia and Medicare hospice regulations over the years. The percentage of not-forprofit hospices has dropped from about 80 percent in the early 1990s to about 30 percent today. Good Sam has gone from being one of two hospices in the area in 1992 to one of eight hospices today serving the Roanoke/Smith Mountain/New River Valley areas.

“It isn’t always easy,” Ranson admits, “but we’ve learned that our ability to serve people at the end of life, in the manner patients and families deserve, means staying unwaveringly focused on what matters most (our mission) and never forgetting why we do this work.”

Physicians to Women in Roanoke is excited to welcome Heather Draeger, MD. Dr. Draeger provides comprehensive OB/GYN care for women of all ages. Services include, but are not limited to: •

Gynecologic wellness examinations

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Digital mammography screening

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Infertility testing and treatment

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Maternity care

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Colposcopy

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Preconception, birth control and postmenopausal care

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Liposuction and BOTOX®

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Outpatient gynecologic surgery

Physicians to Women, Inc. 21 Highland Avenue SE Roanoke, Virginia 24013

540.982.8881 Business Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

www.ptow.com

LIVING OUT PASSION By the end of 2018, Ranson will have spent 27 years at Good Sam, three as Vice-President of Patient Care Services and 24 as Executive Director/President/CEO. “I feel like I am one of the most blessed people on earth,” Ranson says. “I have spent the majority of my career getting paid to live out my passion to serve people at the most sacred of times.”

(Continued on page 16...)

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• NEWS TO KNOW

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The Pulse

• NEWS TO KNOW

Ranson's career spans six decades (continued from page 15...)

Prior to Good Sam, Ranson’s nursing career started in pediatrics at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals in Richmond. Since moving to Roanoke in 1979, she has worked at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital as a medical/surgical staff nurse, as a staff development instructor and as Coordinator of the Center for Adult Life. She was also involved in implementing the Parents Grief Support Group (now a Compassionate Friends chapter) and SHARE, a support group for parents who experienced the loss of a child in pregnancy.

“NRV struggled for a while,” explains Sue, “but we knew people needed us there and we were just determined to stay the course.”

The NRV office launched with two employees and now has nearly twenty-five staff members and 40 volunteers.

In 2017, Good Sam celebrated 25 years of service to the area and also joined the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation (NPHI), a partnership of non-profit, community-integrated hospice, palliative care and advanced illness providers. Through this collaboration, In 2000, Ranson became Chair of the then-new Roanoke Valley Good Sam aligned itself with hospices of similar values and histories End of Life Care Partnership (now the Palliative Care Partnership who desire to provide the highest standard of care and to respond of the Roanoke Valley, PCPRV). She also chairs the innovatively to patients and families so that Public Policy Committee of the Virginia Association decades from now their fundamental missions can “With natural poise of Hospices and Palliative Care (VAHPC). Ranson still be fulfilled. has a long history of working with other Virginia and grace, Sue has According to Ranson, what has allowed Good Sam Hospices, most recently to help them update the shown us the vision to endure and what has made Good Sam so special Risk Evaluation Mitigation Toolkit for opioid safety for Good Sam and are the people who sacrificially strive each day to developed by VAHPC in 2013. ensure that patients and families are cared for with has enabled her While President of VAHPC, Ranson hired Brenda the utmost dignity and compassion. “Our board team to excellence.

Clarkson to be its Executive Director in 2008. In of directors, advisory board, leadership team, She works true “Sue-style,” she delegated the responsibility administrative and clinical staff and our volunteers tirelessly to create for conducting hiring interviews to other Board are all earnestly dedicated to furthering the mission a philosophy members to avoid any potential conflict of interest to affirm life and honor what matters most to those where everyday based on the years in which they had known each we serve,” she adds. “I hope that when people think other professionally, explained Clarkson. about hospice, they think about Good Sam.” excellence is the

standard,” says “Since meeting her in the 90s, Sue became one of my THE FUTURE hospice heroes; her dedication, passion, innovative William Fintel, MD, Good Sam’s board and search committee worked spirit and soulful approach to end-of-life care filled oncologist and diligently to prepare for this major transition in me with admiration and gave me goals towards Good Sam’s first leadership. They operationalized a succession plan which I continue to strive,” Clarkson says. “As a that would strategically accommodate for Ranson’s medical director. hospice leader, Sue continued to be involved with retirement. The CEO search committee, charged VAHPC even when her Board term expired, especially with upholding Good Sam’s well-established quality in our statewide advocacy work and as a mentor in compliance and of care, secured their next CEO, Aaron Housh, who began with Good the delivery of excellent hospice care. VAHPC and hospice across Sam in November 2018. the Commonwealth have truly been impacted by Sue’s long and Ranson’s last official day as CEO of Good Sam is December 31, 2018. dedicated career.”

EXPANSION AND PARTNERSHIPS In time, Good Sam expanded its service area and admitted its first New River Valley patient in the spring of 2001. The NRV satellite office was launched in the spring of 2005 and it became officially licensed in May 2007, shortly after the arrival of the late Martie Byrum, Good Sam’s first Director of Patient Services in the NRV.

Sue does plan to continue serving at Good Sam. Among other things, she hopes to become a Good Sam doula – a volunteer present with patients and families at the final hours of life.

More Information: www.goodsamhospice.com

Openings, Expansions and Relocations New Orthodontist Joins Vinton Practice Local orthodontist Timothy Janowicz, DDS welcomes Bana Hosseinian, DDS to Mountain View Orthodontics in Vinton. Dr. Hosseinian is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and brings with her experience in treating patients with special needs and patients with cleft and craniofacial anomalies. To better reflect the partnership, the new name of the orthodontic practice is Mountain View Orthodontics.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hosseinian, call 540.342.9876 or visit www.orthomv.com.

More Information: www.orthomv.com

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For More of The Pulse Visit: OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com Do you have health-related news to share for The Pulse?

Send to Stephen McClintic Jr. via email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com.

The Pulse • NEWS TO KNOW

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Getting to Know Lance Jones LewisGale Regional Health System’s New CEO

Lance Jones became the new CEO and market president of LewisGale Regional Health System on December 1st. Jones replaces Brian Baumgardner, who announced his retirement this past June. OurHealth Roanoke and New River Valleys Magazine sat down with Jones to learn more about his background and what he’s looking forward to in his new position. compiled by | RICH ELLIS AND STEVE MCCLINTIC JR.

Will you provide some insight into your career and healthcare experience?

What makes you a good fit for the health system and community?

I began my career in healthcare as a physical therapist (PT) and trained in New Zealand. From there, I relocated to the U.S. when there was a shortage of PT’s, and worked in Indiana and Alabama. In Alabama, I earned my Master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham while working as a PT and also in a leadership capacity. I then enjoyed additional assignments at HCA facilities throughout the South as a COO and later CEO, and most recently was CEO of HCA’s Stone Springs Hospital Center in Northern Virginia.

My experience working for HCA in markets similar in size to LewisGale’s has helped enrich and prepare me to work with the different communities that each of our hospitals are part of in Southwest Virginia and on similar issues. This size market is both familiar and attractive to me, as is the fact that I’ll still be working in the southern region. At the same time, my upbringing in New Zealand allows me to enjoy and embrace the lifestyle in this market because it feels similar to home.

How have those experiences helped shape you as a professional and prepared you to lead LewisGale?

Will you provide some insight into who you are as a person, what attracted you to the region and what you are most looking forward to experiencing here?

Personally, I’m very excited to now be in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia. It feels similar to where I grew up in New Zealand, in part because of the rich culture and genuine, friendly nature of the people here. More than anything, my experiences at other HCA facilities have reinforced the value of the team perspective and working together to address common challenges. Another constant focus I bring with me is the continual search for answers to the question, ‘How do we provide great care to our patients?’ That’s a topic that hasn’t changed in any of the zip codes I’ve worked in, and we’ll continue to search for ways to improve patient care and the patient experience.

What are some of your goals for LewisGale Regional Health System?

I’m going to first learn more about the culture and strategy at LewisGale before formulating and sharing specific goals. In general, I want to support the medical staff and clinical needs, continue to build on the initiatives and objectives – particularly those related to quality and safety – align with physicians and their needs and identify potential opportunities for new services and locations. Most importantly, I want to continue the success and legacy we’ve had in the Roanoke Valley by supporting our regional facilities. As for a 90-day plan, it centers on involvement, engagement, and visibility.

It’s important for me to meet, learn about, understand, and get to know all of our medical staff, employees, and people throughout the community.

My wife Mindy and I have three children. I enjoy the outdoors, cycling and running, as well as pursuing educational and cultural opportunities. Southwest Virginia’s geography is beautiful and a great attraction for my family and I, and I’m looking forward to a little slower pace of life and less traffic compared to the Washington, DC area that I left. Professionally, LewisGale has a great reputation, both within the community and inside HCA where this Health System is very much respected and supported. That reputation is due in large part to the medical staff’s and associates’ focus on quality and safety and the results they consistently achieve. The accolades and improvements LewisGale has earned recently have been exciting and further enticed me to become part of the organization. It’s my hope that by aligning with and supporting our physicians as partners, we’ll continue to provide patients with a great experience and quality outcomes.

Will you share some of your thoughts on modern healthcare and its related challenges and opportunities?

From our perspective as a healthcare provider in the community, some of the issues surrounding healthcare in the future continue to be access to health education, technology adoption, and the national political and legislative impacts on our physicians and staff and their ability to care for patients. There are challenges related to meeting behavioral healthcare needs, and as a country we’re also faced with challenges from addictive behaviors involving opioids and pain management. A big question related to healthcare across the country is how do we continue to provide great healthcare that is also cost effective?

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LANCE JONES

LewisGale Regional Health System’s New CEO and market president

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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DECEMBER & JANUARY

CALENDAR

INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS

T’AI CHI FOR BETTER AGING

MINDFUL EXERCISE FOR BETTER BALANCE AND HEART

What if you could live the second half of life happier, healthier and more fulfilled than the first half? Join David-Dorian Ross, internationally known T’ai Chi Master, T’ai Chi world champion, PBS host and one of YouTube’s Top Ten creators for a special weekend focused on the healing power of T’ai Chi’. Learn about recent medical discoveries by the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School and others that show T’ai Chi’s benefits for those with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and more. $129 – $325 | 9:00 am (Dec 1) | 4:00 pm (Dec 2) Uttara Yoga Studio | 401 Highland Avenue, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/tai-chi-for-better-aging

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12.5 EMPLOYMENT 1 FAMILY LISTENING SESSION SOUTHWEST ST

Join the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Center for Family Involvement for a conversation with families about employment for people with disabilities while sharing your views on the barriers that exist and ideas for improving the system. Each two-hour session will include a brief presentation on Employment 1st policies from partners involved in supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

FREE | 6:00 pm South County Library | 6303 Merriman Road, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ employment-1st-family-listening-session

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

TEAM SUPERFIT ROANOKE 2018

SuperFit Games is proud to announce its next 4-Person Team Event at Brickhouse CrossFit! The Games will highlight a variety of different skill sets that can be scaled to any level athlete, and will incorporate standard movements (bodyweight, weightlifting, kettlebells, running, rowing, etc.) into workouts that will be selected to test athletes in strength, endurance and skill. An announcement of the three events that all competitors will participate in will be made 48 hours prior to the competition.

Participants: $399; Spectator admission: $10; 16 and under: FREE | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Brickhouse CrossFit | 521 Salem Avenue, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/team-superfit-roanoke-2018

$5 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm The Green Goat 802 Wiley Drive, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia. com/events/adhd-andsensory-workshop

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GREATER VIRGINIA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL SOUTHWEST HOLIDAY SOCIAL Come share holiday cheer, network with other green thinkers and celebrate the successes of the year all while learning more about the Greater Virginia Green Building Council and its mission is to advocate and educate for sustainable buildings and communities. Show up early at 4 pm and contribute ideas for topics and speakers for the 2019 Education schedule. Appetizers provided.

FREE | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Green Goat | 802 Wiley Drive, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia. com/events/greater-virginia-green-buildingcouncil-southwest-holiday-so

GROUNDED PARTNER YOGA AT FERGUSON FITNESS

Are you ready to have some fun with a partner? Hosted by Roanoke Yoga, grounded partner yoga is a style in which two people support each other in poses in a way that enhances their postures and builds trust and communication. Working with a partner also provides balance in a pose while establishing and maintaining proper body alignment. Don’t have a partner?

No problem! You can either be partnered up with someone who is also alone or you might just partner with the instructor! Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Mats are available by request. $10 (Pre-registered) | 10:30 am Ferguson Fitness | 2020 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke More information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ grounded-partner-yoga

1.3 WALK STRONG ROANOKE

NEW YEAR’S WALK AND FIRM AEROBIC WORKOUT Join Master Level Instructor and Walk15® group leader Rachel DeVaughn with Walk Strong Roanoke for a free, 60 minute group exercise class for adults and young adults to jump start your new year! Taking the best features from low impact, aerobic style, group exercise, Walk15® live classes are designed with walking-based moves and are easy to follow, yet effective in results.

Best of all, all fitness levels can participate! The class starts promptly at 6 pm, so come a few minutes early to check in. A waiver must be signed to participate. No childcare provided.

FREE | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Bonsack United Methodist Church – Walker Hall | 4493 Bonsack Road, Roanoke More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/walk-strong-roanoke-indoorgroup-walk www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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• DECEMBER | JANUARY

Parents, perhaps your child has been given a label of Autism, ADHD, SPD or maybe you just know in your heart there’s more going on with him or her than others realize. If this is the case, then it’s time to attend the Perfect Storm ADHD and Sensory Workshop for Parents. Joe Cotton, DC of Cotton Chiropractic has been helping children just like yours grow and exceed expectations. You don’t have to accept limits other professionals have given you and your family. When you discover “why” or what your child is going through, you can get to the ACTION to move forward. Food and drink provided.

Calendar

THE PERFECT STORM: ADHD & SENSORY WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS

Calendar

• DECEMBER | JANUARY

SUPER-FOODS AND SUPER-TONICS 1.8–1.9 NATURAL REMEDIES AROUND THE WORLD

Learn how to make and use super-tonics and super-food recipes! This seminar will review topics from naturopathic doctor Robin Murphy, ND’s new book, Natural Remedies from Around the World. Participants will learn how to use the Supertonics Therapeutic Guide for choosing natural foods and natural tonics while discussing the benefits and uses of many new and rare super-tonics. Samples, information and products will be available. $175 (For the two-day seminar) | 9:30 am – 5 pm Hilton Garden Inn Blacksburg | 900 Plantation Road, Blacksburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/super-foodsand-super-tonics

2019 ROANOKE

100 MILER CHALLENGE KICK-OFF

Commit to walking 100 miles in 100 days! Each year, hundreds of people from around the Roanoke Valley celebrate the start of the New Year by accepting the Roanoke 100 Miler Challenge. What makes this Challenge unique is that certain aerobic activities such as Pilates, yoga, biking or fitness classes can count as “miles”, as well! Throughout the Challenge, participants will receive weekly encouraging emails with wellness tips and will be invited to join a private Facebook page to share their experiences with other 100 Milers. The 2019 Challenge kicks off on January 13th and concludes on April 21st, and dozens of prizes will be awarded along the way! $9 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm PLAY Roanoke | 215 Church Avenue SW, Suite 303, Roanoke More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ 2019-roanoke-100-miler-challenge

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IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step into a mental health counselor’s office and see firsthand the impact that organizations like Family Service of Roanoke Valley (FSRV) has on people throughout our communities? Thanks to a sponsorship from David Jones, DDS of Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, you are invited to participate in a virtual tour of FSRV to learn about its history and services, and to hear from actual clients who discuss how counseling has given them hope for a happier, healthier future.

FREE | 9:30 am – 10:30 am Family Service of Roanoke Valley 360 Campbell Avenue SW, Roanoke More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/if-these-walls-could-talk

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Calendar

MENTAL HEALTH

• DECEMBER | JANUARY

FIRST AID CERTIFICATE TRAINING

During this fun, interactive 8-hour training course led by a Nationally Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, you will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses so you can be best prepared to help someone who is in crisis or experiencing associated early symptoms. Those who successfully complete the training will earn a three-year national certification. This training is offered at no cost, thanks to support from Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare and the Vinton Library.

FREE | 8 am – 4:30 pm Vinton Library | 300 South Pollard Street, Vinton www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/mental-health-first-aidcertificate-training

For More Events Visit:

OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com Do you have an event that our readers simply must know about?

Tell us about it by emailing Stephen McClintic Jr. at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com. Please submit your information at least three months in advance to be considered for publication in the magazine.

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Health Scene HAPPENINGS • WHO’S WHO • TRENDING photos | EXPOSURE ROANOKE

2ND ANNUAL SVH SERVICES RUN FOR DONUTS 5K AND FUN RUN RAISES MORE THAN $9,300 The 2nd Annual SVH Services Run for Donuts 5K and Fun Run was held Saturday, November 3rd at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. The 2018 event’s turnout nearly doubled last year’s, with a total of 280 people ranging in ages from one to 71 participating in the Fun Run and 5K races.

Over $9,300 was raised from the event – more than doubling the $4000 amount raised in 2017 – with proceeds split between the three programs offered by SVH Services, which include: SVH Adult Services, Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) and SVH Family Services. These programs provide individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities with opportunities to reach their full potential through education, employment training, social relationships, and ultimately achieving independence. All of SVH Services’ programs can work independently or together to achieve objectives for each individual client’s goals.

The 2nd Annual Run for Donuts 5K and Fun Run was sponsored and supported by many volunteers and organizations, including: Susan Mini, President/CEO of Sherwood Memorial Park, who graciously donated the use of the Sherwood Memorial Park facility for the event, Dunkin’ Donuts, WXFR, Servpro, Business Solutions, Comcast Spotlight, Berglund Center, Fleet Feet Sports, Growing Up in the Valley, Mountain Junkies, The Great 611 Steak Company, Jefferson Surgical Clinic, Union Bank and Trust and Mix 93.5.

The 3rd Annual SVH Services Run for Donuts 5K and Fun Run is scheduled for November 2, 2019 at Sherwood Memorial Park. For more information about next year’s event, visit www.svhservices.org.

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Health Scene • RUN FOR DONUTS 5K

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VOLUNTEER

Spotlight HEROES • CHAMPIONS • COMMUNITY-MINDED

Providing

DIGNITY and COMPASSION in Life’s Last Moments words | KATHARINE PALJUG

JAN WYLIE, End-of-Life Doula at Good Samariatan Hospice

Jan Wylie always pictured herself working with women giving birth. But after several beloved family members died, she started thinking about becoming a hospice volunteer. That was when she had a chance conversation with another member of her church, who volunteered as an end-of-life doula at Good Samaritan Hospice.

“She said they were having an orientation for volunteers, and I thought I could try that,” says Wylie.

supports the dying, along with their family and friends. The service is often integrated into hospice care, which provides support and comfort, rather than curative treatment, to the dying and their families.

“We’re called in when the patient is actively dying,” explains Wylie in the calm, quiet voice that has provided comfort to dozens of Roanoke families. “We’re not trained to give medication or anything like that. We help the family and the person who is dying feel safe and secure.”

The Last Moments

Just as no two families are the same, says Wylie, no two deaths are She went through the training, part of which involved meeting the same either. patients in hospice care and talking with them. And that was where everything clicked into place for her.

“I have been on assignments where I’m there to “The very first client I met, who I sat and talked “It is such a support and reassure the family,” Wylie explains. with, the next day I got a call saying that she “I’ve been on assignments where there’s no family humbling thing for was actively dying,” says Wylie. “I didn’t know with the person who is dying, so I’m there to strangers to allow you whether to go to her or not, but I did.” hold their hand, to alert the caregivers that into their lives at maybe they seem restless, or they need more The experience, she says, was both such an intimate time medication to ease their discomfort.” humbling and beautiful. Wylie, who plays Native American flute, had brought her as the passing of a Even simple acts of service, like making tea or instrument with her, and she played quietly loved one.” washing dishes, can be part of how she supports while the woman she had met peacefully passed, a grieving family as they gather to say goodbye to a - Jan Wylie kept company by the patient’s adult child and loved one. And in the moments after death, Wylie and the another doula. other Good Samaritan doulas help families take the next steps when they may be too overwhelmed to remember what needs to happen.

“Think about this society; the average person doesn’t see death, or at least not very often. People don’t know what to expect or what “It is such a humbling thing for strangers to allow you into their lives at it means,” says Wylie. “I felt the need to be there at these times of such an intimate time as the passing of a loved one,” says Wylie, her voice transition, and it is such an honor to do that.” growing tearful. “You experience so many reflective stories, touching moments and tender things.”

Hospice Care, In Many Forms In the same way that a birth doula cares for women and families through the process of giving birth, an end-of-life-doula — or death doula — 26

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

She has a particular memory of one woman who had been ill for a long time. “Her family knew death was imminent; she didn’t know them

VOLUNTEER Spotlight •

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com FOR EVEN MORE HEALTH RESOURCES!

Providing Dignity and Compassion in Life’s Last Moments

anymore, but they were there with her,” says Wylie. “And when it was time for her medication, here came her spouse, who so tenderly talked to his wife even though she couldn’t respond or recognize him at all, and called his children in to help.”

Wylie stops talking for a moment to gather herself. “It was so humbling and moving to watch him call her sweetheart and care for her so deeply, even at the end,” she says at last. “You see the most amazing moments in people’s relationships.”

Dignity in Death Caring for strangers during such an emotional and intense time can be challenging. And one of the hardest parts, Wylie admits, is seeing the lack of compassion that some patients are faced with in their last days.

“In doing the work that I do with hospice clients, I have witnessed much more than I would like to, in facilities, the lack of treating our elders with the respect than they deserve. I have seen people just not allowing that elder to have any dignity.” Her voice becomes resolute as she adds, “I would love to somehow change that. I hope that’s the next step.”

While she figures out how to make that happen, Wylie feels privileged to help individual patients find their own dignity as they go through life’s last transition. “Even if I’ve never met a client before I walk in, they came before me, and they deserve my respect,” says Wylie. “If I can give them dignity and calmness as they pass, that’s all I want.”

ON THE WEB

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Questions. Answers.

Knowledge.

Considering preservation of one’s hearing,

HEADPHONES may be preferable over

Are today’s headphones better or worse for potential hearing loss?

How do I know I’m getting the right amount of physical rehabilitation?

Numerous brands and qualities of headphones or earbuds are available today. Their use has increased exponentially due to the growing prevalence of portable digital music players.

As a director of rehabilitation, I work diligently to coordinate and deliver the correct rehabilitation program for all patients at Berkshire Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Considering preservation of one’s hearing, headphones may be preferable over earbuds. Earbuds are inserted down into the ear canal, resulting in greater pressure at the eardrum. As a result, sound is transmitted to where the major damage occurs: sensitive inner ear nerve endings. Although perceived as enjoyable, loud sound causes damage. Exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of hearing loss. The damage is typically not reversible.

EARBUDS.

Another contributing factor to damage from headphones/earbuds is when surrounding sounds result in the user increasing volume to compensate. While there are earbuds/headphones designed with noise-cancellation, they only account for a small percentage of products. Ultimately, the best rule of thumb for safe listening is to limit the volume to 60 percent of the maximum volume available on the device and limit exposure to 60 minutes per day.

- Michelle A. Ickes, PhD, CCC-A -

Michelle A. Ickes, PhD, CCC-A

Earbuds are inserted down into the ear canal, resulting in greater pressure at the eardrum.

As a result, sound is transmitted to where the major damage occurs: sensitive inner ear nerve endings.

Director of Audiology Services Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center Roanoke | 540.343.0165 www.rvshc.org

Upon admission to the LifeWorks Rehab therapy program, the evaluating physical therapist, occupational therapist and speechlanguage pathologist recommend a patient-specific frequency and duration of treatment. For example, the therapist may prescribe that patients receive an hour of therapy, six times a week for eight weeks.

The therapists use their clinical expertise, the current best evidence and the patient’s values to make this clinical recommendation. Next, schedules are created to provide each patient with a customized, seven-day-a-week therapy program to maximize progress. The closeknit, multidisciplinary team communicates constantly to adjust the therapy program as needed throughout the patient’s recovery.

Lastly, the team uses a personalized Recovery Map, unique to LifeWorks Rehab, to communicate with the patient and family regarding their progress. We take pride in providing a patient specific rehabilitation program allowing for patients to most efficiently meet their personal goals.

Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center collaborates with the Vinton Public Library to provide free seminars answering similar health questions. Please find the schedule located on the library website.

Jessica Cawley, Rehab Manager

Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center Vinton | 540.252.5471 www.berkshirehealthrehab.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

How does sealing ductwork improve the air quality in my home?

The EPA considers indoor air pollution a major health risk. When ductwork has gaps and cracks, it can allow dust, contaminants and chemical pollutants to enter your ventilation system and recirculate in your home. If the ductwork is in the attic or crawlspace, you can be introducing additional moisture into the home that can cause mold issues. Duct sealing may reduce symptoms for occupants suffering from allergies, asthma and upper respiratory problems.

Call a certified and authorized provider, like Cundiff Heating and Air, that offers the experience, service and technology to address your air quality needs.

Barry Martin, IAQ/Building Services Cundiff Heating and Air Roanoke | 540.366.0648 www.cundiffheating.com

Questions. Answers.

Knowledge.

Studies have shown that

HIGH ENERGY VISIBLE (HEV) BLUE LIGHT –

the light emitted from LED screens – can change the circadian rhythm

that controls our sleep cycle. Doctors

How do I encourage my elderly parents to get rid of excess belongings in order to prepare for downsizing?

Is blue light from our screen use (computer, tablet, mobile phone, TV) really hurting our eyes?

First, be prepared to pitch in and help. Offer to use some holiday time, (and schedule it) to help them sort congested areas of the house, especially garages, attics, basements and closets. Tell your parents you are coming with an empty car in order to take back things they want you to have. Be their hands and feet, helping them reach and clean out hard to access areas. Bring boxes or contractor bags to sort trash and donations. Buy multi-colored, labeling dots at an office supply so you can color code items in place, to be dispensed with later. Most importantly, keep a joyful attitude.

Help parents stay focused on the benefits of trimming their sails and the freedom and peace of mind they stand to gain.

Great question! High Energy Visible (HEV) blue light is emitted from LED screens, including tablets, phones and computers. Studies have shown that it can change the circadian rhythm that controls our sleep cycle, which is why doctors recommend not using your smart phone or tablet right before bed.

Blue light has been shown to decrease our natural blink rate from the normal 12-15 blinks per minute to roughly 5-7 blinks per minute, which can result in more dry eye symptoms.

Linda Balentine, President

Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services Roanoke | 540.556.5800 www.crowningtouchusa.com

recommend not using your smart phone or tablet right before bed.

- Jessica Beaudoin, OD -

Perhaps most concerning, though, is mounting evidence that HEV blue light can cause damage to certain layers of the retina, which may increase the risk of the vision-threatening disease called age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

Eye doctors are now prescribing more blue-blocking treatments for glasses, with and without prescription, to help protect from these effects.

Jessica Beaudoin, OD

Blacksburg Eye Blacksburg | 540.953.2020 www.blacksburgeye.com

Can diet and exercise affect hormonal balance?

Exercise can affect several hormones in positive ways. First is insulin, which is produced by the pancreas to help the body process sugars from the carbohydrates and proteins in our diet. The more you exercise, the more sugars you burn. It helps give your pancreas a rest from over producing insulin, and it may even help prevent you from developing diabetes.

Second is the hormone testosterone that men and women produce.

Testosterone helps us maintain stamina, strength, endurance and libido. As we age, our bodies produce less of this hormone, which can contribute to fat gain and loss of energy. Exercise will help us produce more testosterone, so those things are less likely to occur.

The third hormone is cortisol – also known as the stress hormone – that we produce in response to different stresses. Prolonged cortisol elevations result in sustained elevations of blood sugar, substantial loss of calcium in our bones, depression of important immune responses, high blood pressure and loss of muscle mass.

Exercise helps to lower the level of cortisol and can help you manage stress too.

Kenneth Luckay, DO

Luckay Doc Roanoke | 540.777.6807 www.luckaydoc.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Q A ON HEALTH • Knowledge

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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The Ideal

Doctor and Pa

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Wish List

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That’s one ou untr y in the ranks lower world, to the t of ever y six than most de tune of $3.3 dollars per pe ve lo pe the hands of d countries rs on .

But the U.S. in quality of doctors and co nsistently patients while care. It’s a ‘s continue to ick care’ syst chronic diseas rise. em es like obesit that ties y, heart diseas e and diabet es

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

visit tate what an office thin the system dic wi s and ge rs en all cto ch do in Certa pretty. Both like. And it isn’t ks es loo tic y ac sta pr l e ita ar sp hc or ho ective healt ges that create ineff en all ch e fac s nt patie k of sinking. and put us all at ris ship are highly r-patient relation cto do e th t ec aff Not only can Challenges that health outcomes. ive sit po er nd hi n rs, they can frustrating and ca rious medical erro se to in e lat ns tra communication these challenges d a breakdown in an sts co tra ex y ey are truly cause unnecessar rs want to know th cto Do . nt tie pa d trust doctors between doctor an ile patients must wh r, tte be t ge ective two-way helping patients their lives. So, eff es im et m so d an with their health, essential. communication is mmunication can e doctor-patient co tiv ec eff to s er rri ment models and Most of the ba d money. Reimburse an cy cra au re bu e time they could be blamed on ) rob doctors of th HR (E s rd co re h alt tients. Primar y electronic he ships with their pa ion lat re g rin R ste fo day just doing EH be devoting to e of six hours each ag er av an ly d on en is sp tor, care doctors rk, albeit a huge fac reaucratic busywo data entry. But bu y: are toda ts affecting healthc one of the elemen

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www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Features

• INSIGHT

On the other hand, too many overburdened doctors are limited in the time needed to properly process exhaustive lists of chronic ailments or complicated symptoms. With half of their day spent on clerical drudgework, their time isn’t being treated as a valuable commodity by the system. Although this infuriates many doctors and negatively impacts patient care, most have come to accept it. But patients feel rushed, interrupted and “talked down to” a lot of the time.

Doctor surveys show that, on average, 42 percent of all doctors across the nation report feeling burned out. Doctors who specialize in critical care, neurology and family medicine report the highest numbers at 48 percent.

Similarly, patients are guilty of not listening to their doctors as well, with some patients afraid to speak up or ask questions when they don’t understand something. This creates another barrier to better healthcare when a patient won’t or can’t comply with treatment because of a lack of understanding.

Does Your Doctor Seem Exhausted?

Doctors are required to respond to the needs of demanding patients and an even more demanding healthcare system, while finding time for intellectual stimulation, professional growth and connecting on a personal level with their patients. It’s no wonder so many are feeling burned out.

In fact, doctor burnout is at an all-time high. Many doctors blame the sheer amount of EHR work and the interference of the doctor-patient relationship by insurance companies and non-medical health managers as the driving force behind their burnout.

To doctors, being forced to get permission to order life-saving medications or procedures for extremely ill patients is beyond demoralizing.

One doctor in a recent study called it a “circus.” And it’s one reason a growing number of physicians are leaving traditional insurance companies behind to practice direct pay or concierge medicine.

How Insurance Companies and Healthcare Managers Have Become the ‘Bosses.’

Doctors are trained to diagnose, prevent and treat illnesses. They should be making the decisions in patients' healthcare, but they’re not.

Insurance companies question orders and often exclude medications or treatments they determine are too expensive, whether the patient is in dire need or not.

A 2017 survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) showed that patients perceive there are forces greater than the doctor who are dictating patient care. And they felt these forces – insurance and pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and Congress – have a greater impact on their treatment than their own doctor.

Doctors and insured patients face strict regulations, push back and flat out denials that impede access to quality care. Just because a patient is insured, it doesn’t mean he or she has access to necessary, quality healthcare. Additionally, sky high deductibles, ballooning drug costs and increasing denials of coverage for an ever-growing number of medications and procedures are making both costs and delivery of care unmanageable for patients and doctors alike.

Between insurance companies and an army of health administrators to answer to, doctors are no longer the decision-makers in their patients' health.

Doctors and insured patients face strict regulations, push back and flat out denials that impede access to quality care.

Just because a patient is insured, it doesn’t mean he or she has access to necessary, quality healthcare.

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Even though doctors and patients know there are other forces shaping the healthcare system, they agree the partnership between doctor and patient is the most essential element in a quality healthcare system, according to the AAFP survey. Both doctors and patients can help right the ship with stronger patient and self-advocacy, trust, accountability, follow-through and, most of all, effective communication.

While 86 percent of doctors and 89 percent of patients say they need more face-to-face time, both sides are responsible for improving the quality of care in the time they do have together. These doctor and patient “wish lists” foster the hallmarks of a good doctor-patient relationship while increasing quality of care and doctor-patient satisfaction.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Features

7 Ways to Be a Great Patie

•

: A Doctor’s WishnLtis t

The Ideal Doctor and Patient Wish List

Be as concise as poss ible so we can make the most out of the vis it.

Managed care forces doctors to see aroun d 40 patients a day, patients approximate giving ly 15 minutes – an d usually less – to concerns. Bring a bu discuss lleted list of specific concerns and quest prioritize them in ord ions and er of most pressing . Also bring a writte of all the medication n record s you’re taking, with dosages, as well as when needed. Be acc records urate when describin g symptoms.

Know that “Dr. Google” didn’t go to school like I did.

While doctors are ha ppy for patients to get as much inform they can to make mo ation as re informed decision s, people need to rem that just because ember they google their symptoms online, mean they know mo it doesn’t re than the doctor who has had years and training. of school

Be honest with me.

If you withhold inform ation that can affect your health, your do won’t be able to tre ctor at you effectively, wh ich translates into wa your own time and sting theirs. Be up front about all the reason your visit. s for

Partner with me by pa rticipating in your own care.

While doctors want you to trust them in guiding you, the want you to do yo y also ur part by actively questioning things understand or agree you don’t with. Don’t leave the office with unanswere and reasonable – qu d– estions.

Know that you’re not powerless in the exam room.

Getting your voice he ard is more effective in fostering a robust patient relationship doctorthan passively accep ting whatever the says. Question proced doctor ures, supply costs and medication cho you don’t feel comf ices if ortable.

Be accountable for yo ur own choices and lifestyle habits.

Diabetes medicine can only go so far to he lp a patient who’s sta each day eating donu rting ts. In other words, pa tients must be accou for their diet and exe ntable rcise habits, without expecting a pill or treatment to erase an other unhealthy lifestyle.

Above all, Comply

Treating patients req uires elaborate documen tation to fulfill regulations an d protect against Medicare or insurance audits.

50 percent

This means doctors are spending around 50 percent of their day on EHR, or desk work.

27 percent

That only leaves abou t 27 percent of their day to spend with patients, accord ing to a 2016 study in the An nals of Internal Medicine.

59 percent

In research conduct ed by Stanford Medicine, as many as 59 percent of docto rs polled think EHRs “need a complete overhaul.”

40 percent

Forty percent of do ctors see “more challenges wit h EHRs than benefits.”

While it’s good to qu estion things you do n’t agree with or unde if you and your docto rstand, r create a mutually ag reed upon treatmen follow through with t plan, it. And, if you don’t comply, be honest wit doctor and tell them. h your They can’t read your mind and may believ treatment failed wh e the en, in reality, it wasn’ t followed.

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Features

• INSIGHT

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But at g doctor ok ein lo se ly to on s ed or rs when doct Patients are us ffe su g p in hi ns Us io s. ient relat t with patient the doctor-pat nt ake eye contac tie m pa n’t es do ov d pr an nt im their monitors with the patie elings of education tool also reduces fe It n. tio the EHR as an ica un m m co d an st engagement, tru alienation.

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sometimes don’t not shed, busy and th dignity and Doctors are ru ing patients wi at a tre g t in Bu er . st nt a patie ocess while fo everything to the healing pr s lp he off brushing them t partnership. of doctor-patien stronger sense

s, and n I ask question he w e m te a uc d E when I don’t. and why they’re ical problems

med e derstand their edures done ar g certain proc Patients who un vin ha or ns tio medica taking certain atment plans. comply with tre more likely to

t advocate.

Be my stronges e empowered to demand better

mor st huge are becoming advocates again While patients ors to be their ct almost do le to hi W ok . lo es care, they still nce compani ra su in ly or e lik ng s tro berg doctors can “s bureaucratic ice eyed surveyed felt rv s su nt s tie or ct pa do of 96 percent s than half of les , em th r fo vocate somewhat” ad s as advocates. saw themselve

36

Sources

Physicians emy of Family American Acad www.aafp.org al Medicine Annals of Intern rg www.annals.o aid dicare & Medic Centers for Me v .go ms Services – www.c forbes.com Forbes – www. gy for Biotechnolo er National Cent h.gov .ni nlm bi. nc w.

Information – ww ic Oxford Academ oup.com www.academic. ine Stanford Medic ford.edu www.med.stan ged Care Journal of Mana The American om www.ajmc.c rary Wiley Online Lib y.wiley.com www.onlinelibrar

ON THE WEB anokeNRV.com Ro More at OurHealth

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Is YOUR FAVORITE DOCTOR OR PROVIDER Missing From the List of Winners?

In the Roanoke & New River Valley communities, there are thousands upon thousands of exceptional doctors and providers who are just as committed to providing exceptional bedside manner to their patients as the winners on this list. If you feel your doctor or provider is deserving of recognition for his or her excellent bedside manner and would like to receive reminders of when voting will open for the 2019 Best Bedside Manner Awards so you can nominate him

Presenting the 12th Annual OurHealth Roanoke and New River Valleys Magazine’s Best Bedside Manner Awards

or her, please visit

The OurHealth Roanoke and New River Valleys Magazine’s Best Bedside Manner Awards are widely considered by doctors and providers as the most meaningful and cherished recognition they receive because it comes from patients and peers in our community. Throughout the month of March 2018, the public was invited to visit www.ourhealthroanokenrv.com to cast their votes for their favorite medical providers in 63 medical specialties who they feel exemplify excellence in bedside manner – a medical provider’s total approach to patient care that encompasses the attributes of professionalism blended with compassion and attentiveness and the ability to communicate with concern and empathy.

e-newsletter.

www.ourhealthroanokenrv.com and subscribe to our

For 2018, more than 30,000 votes were cast, which were tabulated by a third party firm to determine the first, second, third and honorable mention winners in each specialty.

Please join us in congratulating the 511 doctors and providers in the Roanoke and New River Valleys who are 2018 Best Bedside Manner Award winners.

If you have any questions, please submit via email to info@ourhealthvirginia.com.

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

39

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

ALEX WATKINS, LAC

JOY YANG, LAC

Queenpin Family Wellness Roanoke | 540.685.2718 www.queenpinroanoke.com

EHE Clinic and Wellness Blacksburg | 540.505.9263 www.eheclinic.com

ACUPUNCTURE

To steal from Teddy Roosevelt, ‘Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.’ That starts with truly listening with curiosity and compassion to get patients on the road to feeling better.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

GREG JOHNSTON, LAC Dancing Crane Center of Chinese Medicine Salem | 540.444.1053 www.dancingcranecenter.com

ALEXANDER DAVIS, LAC Acupuncture Center of Roanoke Roanoke | 540.344.3286 www.acupunctureofroanoke.com

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JOHN THACKER, LAC Blacksburg Acupuncture Blacksburg | 540.315.9763 www.acupunctureblacksburg.com

MICHAEL DENBOW, LAC Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Clinic Blacksburg | 540.951.1888 www.twoelmsomac.com

athelas

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

SAJU EAPEN, MD

KRISTINA KWAK, MD Asthma and Allergy Associates of the New River Valley Christiansburg | 540.779.0002 www.allergynrv.com

Asthma & Allergy Center Roanoke | 540.343.7331 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Obtaining a good history is integral to formulating a patient treatment plan. Visits to the doctor’s office are often stressful to the patient. A provider who appears relaxed and has a good bedside manner will be able to put the patient at ease and thereby obtain an accurate history. With all the changes happening in the healthcare industry, the providers at the Asthma and Allergy Centers of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem have always been dedicated to providing a comfortable experience for our patients, while delivering the best modern treatments.

I am honored to receive this recognition as I feel having a good bedside manner is one of the most important characteristics for a physician. I strive to treat my patients and/or their parents with kindness and respect and truly listen to their concerns.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

CHRISTINA ABRAHAM, MD Allergy & Asthma Associates Roanoke | 540.343.1235 www.allergyandasthmaroanoke.com

THOMAS FAME, MD Dr. Tom Fame Allergy & Asthma Salem | 540.404.9598 www.drtomfame.com

PARAS ACHARYA, MD Pulaski | 540.980.1802

HONORABLE MENTION GATES HOOVER, MD Carilion Clinic Allergy & Immunology Salem | 540.387.0441 www.carilionclinic.org

DANE MCBRIDE, MD Asthma & Allergy Center Roanoke | 540.343.7331 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING THE 2018 BEST BEDSIDE MANNER AWARD WINNERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA! #OurHealthRoanokeNRV

COMMUNICATION 40

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

JEFFREY FORBES, MD

JEFFREY C. BROOKS, MD

Valley Anesthesia, PC Salem | 540.776.4000 www.valleyanesthesiapc.com

Anesthesiology Associates of Radford, Inc. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Christiansburg | 540.731.1898

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MAXINE LEE, MD Anesthesiology Consultants of Virginia, Inc. Roanoke | 540.345.0289 www.acv-virginia.com

MICHAEL SACCOCCI, DO Anesthesiology Consultants of Virginia, Inc. Roanoke | 540.345.0289 www.acv-virginia.com

Good bedside manner is important to me because it is my first opportunity to interact with the patient and hopefully eliminate some of the anxiety and fear they experience undergoing a surgical procedure.

THIRD PLACE

KENDRICK LEE, DO Anesthesiology Associates of Radford, Inc. Christiansburg | 540.731.1898

ANGELA BILLUE, MD Anesthesiology Associates of Radford, Inc. Christiansburg | 540.731.1898

HONORABLE MENTION CHARLES CLARK, MD Valley Anesthesia, PC Salem | 540.776.4000 www.valleyanesthesiapc.com

PAMELA ZOLLINGER, MD Anesthesiology Consultants of Virginia, Inc. Roanoke | 540.345.0289 www.acv-virginia.com

ROGER WESLEY, MD Valley Anesthesia, PC Salem | 540.776.4000 www.valleyanesthesiapc.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

•

ANESTHESIOLOGY

athelas

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

READ THIS EDITION ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

41

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

MICHELLE ICKES, PHD, CCC-A

JANICE ANDERSON, AUD

Roanoke Valley Speech & Hearing Center Roanoke | 540.343.0165 www.rvshc.org

Anderson Audiology Christiansburg | 540.381.6967 www.anderson-audiology.com

AUDIOLOGY

When I am with a client, I try to really listen with my heart – not just my head, although it is vitally important that those two connect! As an Audiologist, my short-term goals are to understand what problems each client is experiencing and to improve their ability to hear, while my long-term goal is to improve their quality of life by not only helping them hear better…but by ensuring that they feel their needs have been heard and understood.

I am honored to receive the Gold in the 2018 OurHealth Bedside Manner Awards for the specialty of Audiology. Our goal is for each patient to know that we care about them personally and want to make their lives enriched through improved communication with their friends and family. We truly believe TO HEAR BETTER IS TO LIVE BETTER.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JEFFREY AKERS, MS The Hearing Clinic Salem | 540.904.4719 www.swvahearing.com

DOUG CAMERON, AUD Hearing Health Associates Roanoke | 540.427.6967 www.hearinghealthassoc.com

RICHARD HARRELL, PHD The Hearing Clinic Blacksburg | 540.307.4258 www.swvahearing.com

JOANNE DILLION, MS, CCC-A, FAAA New River Valley Hearing Radford | 540.731.4327 www.nrvhearing.com

HONORABLE MENTION HEATHER DICKEY, AUD Roanoke Valley Speech & Hearing Center Roanoke | 540.343.0165 www.rvshc.org

athelas

MARIE CHURCH, MS, F-AAA Anderson Audiology Christiansburg | 540.381.6967 www.anderson-audiology.com

KIM LOWER, AUD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6085 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

COMPASSION

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

BARIATRIC MEDICINE

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE KENNETH LUCKAY, DO Luckay Doc Roanoke | 540.777.6807 www.luckaydoc.com

‘Bedside manner’ represents communication. It involves listening to the patient, caring for, and working with the patient. Without it, we are left with the frustrating experience of the five-minute office visit.

•

THIRD PLACE

TA LUCKTONG, MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

NATALIE KLAWONN, MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE CHARLES BISSELL, MD Carilion Clinic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

I believe that the best way to care for someone is to establish a partnership. This way I can learn what is important to that individual. A good bedside manner makes it easier to develop that relationship.

SECOND PLACE CHARLES SHAFFER, MD The Weigh Station Christiansburg | 540.381.2670 www.weighstation.net

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

STEPHEN PHILLIPS, MD

DAVID JINICH, MD

Carilion Clinic Cardiology Roanoke | 540.982.8204 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Cardiology Christiansburg | 540.731.2328 www.carilionclinic.org

I mainly try to be myself when interacting with patients and to explain the patient’s issues in a clear manner to ensure that they understand what their condition is and what we need to do about it. Also, my nurses and staff are very personable which helps put patients at ease.

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

Patients are already in a stressful environment.

Caring for them with compassion and respect helps them to feel comfortable and understood throughout the healing process.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

RICHARD PROKOPCHAK, MD Southwest Virginia Cardiology Salem | 540.375.9375

STEPHAN VIVIAN, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3430 www.lgphysicians.com

SUDHENDU CHOUBEY, MD New River Valley Heart Clinic Christiansburg | 540.283.7252 www.newrivervalleyheartclinic.com

AJAYKUMAR ACHARYA, MD Pulaski | 540.980.1802

STEVEN GOLDSTEIN, DO LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3400 www.lgphysicians.com

RICHARD KONSTANCE, MD Heart of Virginia Cardiology Roanoke | 540.283.4477 www.heartofvirginiacardiology.com

ANDREW MAIOLO, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3430 www.lgphysicians.com

ALAN MCLUCKIE, MD Heart of Virginia Cardiology Roanoke | 540.283.4477 www.heartofvirginiacardiology.com

JOSE RIVERO, MD Carilion Clinic Cardiology Christiansburg | 540.382.6711 www.carilionclinic.org

MOLLY RUTHERFORD, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

UZAIR WYNE, MD The Heart Clinic Christiansburg | 540.731.3191 www.wynemd.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

THIRD PLACE

•

SECOND PLACE

CARDIOLOGY

HONORABLE MENTION

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

BENJAMIN BOWMAN, DC

GREG TILLEY, DC

Walter Chiropractic Clinic Roanoke | 540.362.0811 www.walterchiropracticclinic.com

Tilley Spinal and Wellness Center Blacksburg | 540.951.1183 www.thehokiechiropractor.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Receiving this bedside manner award means to me; that the patients feel that their needs are being met and they are receiving the attention they deserve in our clinic. I am privileged to help people reach their health goals everyday through Chiropractic.

I am honored and humbled to receive such a vote of confidence from the residents of the New River Valley. It has truly been my blessing to be able to fulfill my God-given calling for over 20 years in patient care.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

GARRETT THOMPSON, DC Thompson Family Chiropractic Roanoke | 540.776.8200 www.chiropractorsroanoke.com

NANCY MEYER, DC Chiropractic Wellness Roanoke | 540.777.5556 www.drnancymeyer.com

LOGAN BROOKE, DC Tuck Chiropractic Radford | 540.731.4357 www.tuckclinic.com

STEVE DOWELL, DC Dowell Chiropractic Christiansburg | 540.381.0220 www.dowellchiro.com

HONORABLE MENTION GREGORY CAPPS, DC Capps Chiropractic Clinic, Inc. Roanoke | 540.362.3700 www.cappschiropractic.com

PHILIP COOLEY, DC Radford Chiropractic Clinic, LLC Radford | 540.731.3842 www.radfordchiropractor.com

DAN DAVIDSON, DC The Back Resort Salem | 540.389.2225 www.backresort.com

LEE MATTHIS, DC Tuck Chiropractic Christiansburg | 540.382.3000 www.tuckclinic.com

DARYL RICH, DC, CSCS Core Chiropractic and Wellness Roanoke | 540.344.1055 www.coreroanoke.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE MICHELE MILLS, DDS Mills & Shannon Dentistry Salem | 540.989.5700 www.millsandshannon.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

LISA LAVINDER, DMD Cross, Lavinder, Quinn and Park Family Dentistry Roanoke | 540.989.1170 www.cwcfd.com

AMY HUNTER, DDS Christiansburg | 540.382.4441 f @AmySHunterDDS

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

I am very honored to receive this award. Thank you for voting!

I enjoy getting to know my patients and I firmly believe that you should treat people as you would like to be treated. I am fortunate to have an incredible team that shares my vision and passion for dentistry. It takes a whole team to make a great experience for our patients.

STEPHEN ALOUF, DDS Alouf Aesthetics Salem | 540.375.0095 www.aloufaesthetics.com TOM GALLAHER, DDS Blue Ridge Dental Group Salem | 540.389.0720 www.blueridgedentalgroup.com

AMANDA JOHNSON, DDS Roller and Johnson Dentistry Roanoke | 540.772.9373 www.rollerjohnsondentistry.com ROB SEMTNER, DDS Semtner Dental Roanoke | 540.989.0112 www.semtnerdental.com

DENTISTRY: COSMETIC

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE MATTHEW GLASGOW, MICHELE MILLS, DDS DDS

SECOND PLACE

Cosmetic Smile Center Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.552.3111 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.cosmeticsmilecenter.com www.millsandshannon.com

I thank my incredibly wonderful staff for all our success! Kippen, Cherie, Need Susan, Lori, Judy and Tonya are a dedicated, compassionate and devoted team helping to deliver great dentistry to our patients. We are all happy in our work and passionate about promoting dental health and beautiful smiles. Our patients mean the world to us! We are once again honored and humbled that our patients have chosen to recognize us as the Gold recipient award for The New River Valley’s Best Bedside Manner Award.

THIRD PLACE CHRISTOPHER HUFF, DDS Blacksburg | 540.951.4833 www.huffsmiles.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

GRIFFIN CROSS, DDS

BRICE ROBERTS, DMD

SECOND PLACE

Cross, Lavinder, Quinn and Park Family Dentistry Roanoke | 540.989.1170 www.cwcfd.com

Blue Ridge Dental Group Salem | 540.389.0720 www.blueridgedentalgroup.com

TRAVIS SHANNON, DMD Mills & Shannon Dentistry Salem | 540.989.5700 www.millsandshannon.com

I am humbled and honored to represent my colleagues and staff at Cross, Lavinder, Quinn and Park Family Dentistry. With approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population not going to the dentist due to fear and anxiety, we take pride in making our patients feel comfortable throughout their dental experience. Our staff does a wonderful job of treating everyone as if they are an extension of their own family.

It is a wonderful honor to be recognized by the community! Of course, there are many others at Blue Ridge Dental Group that are crucial to my success as a dentist. A prodigious thank you to all our staff.

Recognizing the real anxieties that many people feel when coming to the dentist is the first step in making patients comfortable. Listening, trust, and respectfulness are keys to a good bedside manner.

DENTISTRY: GENERAL

NEW RIVER VALLEY ROANOKE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE

46

athelas

JUSTIN TEBBENKAMP, DDS Blacksburg | 540.961.3279 www.blacksburgdentist.com

MICHELETHOMPSON, MILLS, DDSDDS DAMON Mills Life & Shannon Real Dental Dentistry Salem | 540.989.5700 Blacksburg | 540.808.4500 www.millsandshannon.com www.reallifedentalcare.com

The Needestablishment of trust between doctor and patient is crucial for treatment success. Trust is established over time and consistency. I want to continue to learn how to give everyone I come in contact with at Real Life Dental the very best of my attention and care!

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE RICHARD ANTHONY, DDS Blacksburg | 540.552.8870 www.richardlanthonydds.com

THIRD PLACE JOHN ROBERTSON, DDS NRV Family Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.552.2551 www.nrvfamilydentistry.com

KIMBERLYN ATHERTON, DDS NRV Dental Blacksburg | 540.951.2260 www.nrvdental.com NICK BOTTORFF, DDS Real Life Dental Blacksburg | 540.808.4500 www.reallifedentalcare.com FRED COOTS III, DDS Cross, Lavinder, Quinn and Park Family Dentistry Roanoke | 540.989.1170 www.cwcfd.com

THIRD PLACE JONATHAN LUBECK, DMD Roanoke | 540.774.1019 www.cavespringdental.com

WILLIAM ROLLER JR., DDS Roller & Johnson Family Dentistry Roanoke | 540.772.9373 www.rollerjohnsondentistry.com MICHAEL HALL, DDS Dental Associates Salem | 540.389.0225 SHADAE PERSON, DDS Community Health Center Christiansburg | 540.381.0820 www.chcnrv.org

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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DENTISTRY: PEDIATRIC

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE DARCY AMACHER, DDS Christiansburg | 540.394.3300 www.darcyamacherdds.com

DERMATOLOGY

CORY SHEPPARD, DDS Anderson & Sheppard Pediatric Dentists Roanoke | 540.989.3639 www.pediatricdentistryroanoke.com

THIRD PLACE My greatest joy is helping a patient become happy and excited to come see the dentist, providing a positive experience for patients and their family while educating them about the importance of preventative care and oral hygiene. We strive to provide the most comfortable environment for both patients and parents and we are delighted to receive such an honor.

GABE BROWN, DDS Pediatric Dental Care of Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.904.2700 Martinsville | 276.403.5500

HONORABLE MENTION SCOTT ANDERSON, DDS Anderson & Sheppard Pediatric Dentists Roanoke | 540.989.3639 www.pediatricdentistryroanoke.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

MARIANA PHILLIPS, MD

DANIEL HURD, DO, FAOCD

Carilion Clinic Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

New River Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.953.2210 www.newriverdermatology.com

The unique patient physician relationships that I have established over the years fuels my passion for my work. I treat each patient as I would a friend or family member... with respect, purpose, and trust.

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SECOND PLACE

My patients present with a new story with each and every visit. It’s imperative for me to stop, take a moment to listen and understand the issue at hand and then lend my knowledge to each patient in order to assist them through their health issue. I find that having these qualities is vital to having a good bedside manner.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MELANIE WALTER, MD Dermatology Practice of Roanoke, PC Roanoke | 540.562.8873 www.dermatologypracticeofroanoke.com

SUSAN DORSEY, MD Carilion Clinic Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Roanoke | 540.981.1439 www.carilionclinic.org

CHAD JOHNSTON, DO, FAAD River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.951.3376 www.riverridgederm.com

ALEKSANDRA BROWN, DO, FAOCD, FAAD River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.951.3376 www.riverridgederm.com

HONORABLE MENTION ALLISON DIVERS, MD The Art and Science of Dermatology Roanoke | 540.725.7546 www.theartandscienceofdermatology.com

GARY GROSS, MD LewisGale Dermatology Roanoke | 540.772.3421 www.lgphysicians.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! #OurHealthRoanokeNRV

JENNIFER NELSON, MD

Roanoke Valley ENT & Allergy Roanoke | 540.968.7368 www.rovaent.com

LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.443.3980 www.lgphysicians.com

I am flattered and very proud to be voted the best ear, nose and throat surgeon in the Roanoke Valley. I look forward to many years of service to our great community.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JOSHUA FARRAR, MD Carilion Clinic Otolaryngology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

GREGORY ZACHMAN, MD, FACS Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

MICHAEL BOWMAN, MD LewisGale Physicians Radford | 540.443.7400 www.lgphysicians.com

KENNETH ROGOTZKE, DO Carilion Clinic Otolaryngology Christiansburg | 540.731.7660 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

athelas

BRIAN GROSS, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.444.8100 www.lgphysicians.com

KURT CHEN, MD Carilion Clinic Otolaryngology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

STEVEN PASTERNAK, MD

BENJAMIN DAVIDSON, MD

Apollo MD Salem | 540.776.4000 www.lewisgale.com

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski Pulaski | 540.994.8100 www.lewisgale.com

In the chaotic environment of the Emergency Department, patients are frequently frightened or confused about all the things that may be happening to them. A good, compassionate bedside manner, with some good corny jokes thrown in, can calm the patient down and set them at ease!

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

I try to put myself in the patient’s shoes and anticipate what their concerns are, what questions they want answered, and what they hope to get out of their appointment. I also think spending the extra time to educate a patient and make sure they understand why you’re recommending a certain treatment plan pays off in better outcomes for the patient.

•

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT (OTOLARYNGOLOGY)

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

PAUL LENKOWSKI, MD, PHD

Bedside manner is important because it builds the physician-patient relationship. In Emergency Medicine we have to quickly gain a patient’s trust. Some of the conversations that we have with patients and their families will be remembered for a lifetime. An empathetic bedside manner has healing properties. The impression we make today can have a lasting impact. We strive to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MICHAEL LUSTIG, MD Carilion Clinic Roanoke | 540.981.7000 www.carilionclinic.org

STEPHANIE LAREAU, MD Carilion Clinic Roanoke | 540.981.7000 www.carilionclinic.org

COURTNEY ROCOVICH, DO Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Christiansburg | 540.731.2000 www.carilionclinic.org

MATTHEW BORLOZ, MD Carilion Giles Community Hospital Pearisburg | 540.921.6000 www.carilionclinic.org

ALISON HESTER, DO Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Christiansburg | 540.731.2000 www.carilionclinic.org

KAREN KUEHL, MD Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Roanoke | 540.981.7000 www.carilionclinic.org

ERIC STANLEY, DO Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Christiansburg | 540.731.2000 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION JAMES HARLESS, MD Apollo MD Salem | 540.776.4000 www.lewisgale.com

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

D. JAMES BAILEY, MD

SCOTT BOERTH, MD

Endocrinology Associates, Inc. Roanoke | 540.344.3276 www.endocrinologymed.com

LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.552.1246 www.lgphysicians.com

ENDODONTICS

ENDOCRINOLOGY

To me, “bedside manner” implies several things. First, being polite, respectful, and empathetic is very important.

Second, taking the time to explain things in a way the patient understands and lastly, never appearing to be hurried or distracted. Patients want to feel they are the most important thing to you at that time.

Good bedside manner shows that the provider listens to their patients and pays attention to details, assisting them with the best course for care as well as showing empathy for their condition.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

JAMES MULINDA, MD Endocrinology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.3276 www.endocrinologymed.com

CARL BIVENS JR., MD Endocrinology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.3276 www.endocrinologymed.com

BRUCE L. FARISS, MD, FACP, FACE Dublin | 540.674.5900

HONORABLE MENTION MICHAEL KOCH, MD Endocrinology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.3276 www.endocrinologymed.com

athelas

ROBERT MOUNTCASTLE, MD Physician Associates of Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.345.4946 www.pavclinics.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

MICHAEL MAYERCHAK, DMD

LEANDER LANIER, DDS

Blue Ridge Endodontics Roanoke and Lexington | 540.772.9515 www.blueridgeendo.com

Lanier Endodontic Group Blacksburg | 540.552.0101 www.lanierendodonticgroup.com

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SEAN LAWSON, DDS, MSD Lawson Endodontics Roanoke | 540.989.9070 www.lawsonendodontics.com

MICHAEL HUNT, DDS Roanoke | 540.563.5858

MATTHEW ANKRUM, DDS New River Valley Endodontics Blacksburg | 540.552.1100 Radford | 443.9220 www.nrvendo.com

AHMED MATRI, DDS Lanier Endodontic Group Blacksburg | 540.552.0101 www.lanierendodonticgroup.com

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NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

NINA SWEENEY, MD

ELLIOT FREED, DO LewisGale Physicians Pembroke| 540.626.4343 www.lgphysicians.com

Roanoke Partners in Health Roanoke | 540.904.7912 www.roanokepih.com

My father, Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley, taught me many things but these are two that help guide how I practice medicine on a daily basis: 1.Treat every patient as if they were your mother.

2. Remember…your next humbling experience is just around the corner.

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

It is an honor to be able to do what I love every day. I strive to build relationships with my patients and give them the care they deserve.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MARK TAYLOR, MD Salem Family Medicine Salem | 540.375.2686 www.salemfamilymed.com

ANTHONY STAVOLA, MD Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Roanoke | 540.265.5500 www.carilionclinic.org

ISAAC SPENCE, DO Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Blacksburg | 540.951.0352 www.carilionclinic.org

MAGGIE BELTON, DO Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia Blacksburg | 540.951.3311 www.medicalassociatesswva.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

THIRD PLACE

•

SECOND PLACE

FAMILY PRACTICE

HONORABLE MENTION JOSEPH BAUM, MD Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Floyd | 540.745.2031 www.carilionclinic.org

HENRY BURGESS, MD LewisGale Physicians Daleville | 540.966.6430 www.lgphysicians.com

BONNIE CULKIN, MD Physician Associates of Virginia, PC Salem | 540.375.3790 www.pavclinics.com

KATIE EDSON, MD Edson Family Practice Christiansburg | 540.251.1394 www.edsonfp.com

EZEKIEL JONES, DO Physician Associates of Virginia, PC Salem | 540.375.3790 www.pavclinics.com

MATTHEW KAATZ, MD New River Medical Group Pulaski | 540.980.0550 www.newrivermedicalgroup.com

CHARLES JUDY, MD Family Health Clinic, Inc. Radford | 540.639.5300

GARY O’HAGAN, MD Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Roanoke | 540.772.8950 www.carilionclinic.org

JOHN PRIDDY, MD Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Salem | 540.387.0441 www.carilionclinic.org

CHAD THOMPSON, MD Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Blacksburg | 540.951.0352 www.carilionclinic.org

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FERTILITY SPECIALIST ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE EMILY EVANS-HOEKER, MD Carilion Clinic Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Roanoke | 540.985.8078 www.carilionclinic.org

A good bedside manner comes much more naturally when you love what you do and truly care about your patients. It’s important to let patients see this so they know that you’re as invested in their care as they are.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

BRUCE BATEMAN, MD Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia, PLC Charlottesville | 434.654.8520 www.rmscva.com

JAMES S. WESTON, MD, PC Christiansburg | 540.639.2037

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE BRIAN VAN DER LINDEN, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.5970 www.lgphysicians.com

To me, bedside manner means treating patients like family. Listening patiently and having true concern for them as a person.

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE

GASTROENTEROLOGY

JENNIFER SINCLAIR, MICHELE MILLS, DDSMD

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LewisGale Physicians Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.552.3670 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.lgphysicians.com www.millsandshannon.com

Need

I love coming to work every day as part of a team that feels like a family. It’s an environment that allows us all to focus on putting our patients first, which is why so many of us go into medicine in the first place.

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VIKAS CHITNAVIS, MD Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org MICHAEL LEE, DO Gastroenterology Consultants of Southwest Virginia, Inc. Roanoke | 540.345.4900 www.colonoscopyroanoke.com

THIRD PLACE MERRITT BERN, MD Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org *Dr. Bern is now retired.

SECOND PLACE MARK RINGOLD, MD Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology – Akers Farm Christiansburg | 540.382.9405 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE ANAND KISHORE, MD Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology Christiansburg | 540.382.9405 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION HARISH GROVER, MD Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology Christiansburg | 540.382.9405 www.carilionclinic.org SEENIANN JOHN, DO VA Medical Center Salem | 540.982.2463 www.salem.va.gov JOSEPH NELSON, III, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.5970 www.lgphysicians.com

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

BRIAN UNWIN, MD

RICHARD WILLIAMS, MD

Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging Roanoke | 540.981.7653 www.carilionclinic.org

Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation VCOM Department Chair for Geriatrics Blacksburg | 540.231.2001

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

ANNE JAEGER, MD Physician Associates of Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.345.4946 www.pavclinics.com

CHRISTOPHER WOOD, DO Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging Roanoke | 540.981.7653 www.carilionclinic.org

MAZEN MADHOUN, MD Carilion Clinic Radford | 540.633.9370 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

athelas

TABASSUM SUBUHI, MD Valley Internal Medicine Roanoke | 540.725.7555 www.valleyinternalmed.com

AUBREY KNIGHT, MD Carilion Clinic Geriatrics Roanoke | 540.981.7653 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

WILLIAM FINTEL, MD

HEATHER BROOKS, MD

Blue Ridge Cancer Care Salem | 540.774.8660 www.blueridgecancercare.com

Blue Ridge Cancer Care Marion | 276.781.1400 www.blueridgecancercare.com

An interaction at the bedside goes well when the person in need has exceptional care from everyone who enters the room. We doctors get the privilege of conducting those intimate moments while so many others do the hard work day after day. I wish there were categories for nurse and nursing assistant and housekeeper and pharmacist and dietary aide and even the person who changes the light bulbs.

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Communication and continually finding and applying new knowledge are the joy of medicine.

Following these essentials give patients the best results and physicians the energy to continue their profession.

•

GERIATRIC CARE

In my line of work, talking about hard things in soft ways is crucial to providing good patientcentered care. I feel that patients in the closing chapters of their lives deserve the comfort of supportive relationships from their caregivers and their clinicians.

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

What an honor to receive this recognition! I am inspired daily by my patients, who have the courage to be vulnerable and selfless even as they face challenges. I am strengthened by those I work with, who on my hardest days, carry me with their love and encouragement. I am thankful for my family, who remind me that we walk the journey of life together.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

VANADANA KARRI, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3411 www.lgphysicians.com

PADMAJA MALLIDI, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

HARRY MCCOY, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Blacksburg | 540.381.5291 www.blueridgecancercare.com

JEROME GOLDSCHMIDT, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Wytheville | 276.228.7665 www.blueridgecancercare.com

ANDREW FINTEL, DO Blue Ridge Cancer Care Salem | 540.774.8660 www.blueridgecancercare.com

AMANDA GILLESPIE-TWARDY, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

JOSH MORALES, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

HONORABLE MENTION MARK CURRIE, MD LewisGale Hematology/Oncology Care Salem | 540.772.3411 www.lgphysicians.com

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE THOMAS KERKERING, MD Carilion Clinic Infectious Disease Roanoke | 540.981.7715 www.carilionclinic.org

Bedside manner is critically important in establishing the patient’s trust. This has a therapeutic benefit. The patient opens up, and if you listen long enough, the patient will tell you the diagnosis, in different words. They also tell you what is important to them in their care and management.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MUDDASAR CHAUDRY, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3407 www.lgphysicians.com

DOROTHY GARNER, MD Carilion Clinic Infectious Disease Roanoke | 540.981.7715 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE VASHIST NOBBEE, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.283.3760 www.lgphysicians.com

Thank you for this incredible honor. When asked to write a definition of bedside manner I thought it would be appropriate instead to define it from a patient perspective as I have heard patients describe it. They expect/want professional friendliness, courtesy, competent care and compassion. It is also the total experience of a visit with us in healthcare. My colleagues are all part of creating an indelible and pleasing experience.

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

GREGORY BEATO,DDS DO, CAQ MICHELE MILLS,

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Medical Associates of Southwest Virginia Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.951.3311 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.medicalassociatesswva.com www.millsandshannon.com

Need Bedside manner is an important detail in being

a holistic and empathetic physician. I truly enjoy helping my patients and having a good time doing so!

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

SECOND PLACE CHETNA JHA, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3400 www.lgphysicians.com

THIRD PLACE ANN AUSTIN, DO Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Roanoke | 540.244.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION ROY HABIB, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3490 www.lgphysicians.com MARY-ELLEN MICK, DO Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Christiansburg | 540.639.9071 www.carilionclinic.org CRAIG MITCHELL, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.344.3020 www.lgphysicians.com

SECOND PLACE

VISHAL PATEL, MD Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

SCOTT JAMISON, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.443.3980 www.lgphysicians.com

QUASIR RAZA, MD LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.283.3660 www.lgphysicians.com

THIRD PLACE

WILLIAM THOMAS, DO LewisGale Physicians Christiansburg | 540.382.6148 www.lgphysicians.com

CHRISTINE JORDAN, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.951.6070 www.lgphysicians.com

PAUL LAFLAM, MD

Valley Nephrology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.1400 www.valleynephrologyassociates.com

Blue Ridge Nephrology Associates Christiansburg | 540.633.5650 www.blueridgenephrologyassociates.com

Listening to the patient and treating them with compassion, consideration and a broad tolerance would be the basis of a ’good bedside manner’.

Ultimately, a good bedside manner helps in building trust and leads to better patient outcomes.

THIRD PLACE

FLETCHER MATTHEWS, MD SWVA Nephrology Medicine, PC Roanoke | 540.904.5366 www.swvakidneydoctor.com

JAMES CAIN, MD Valley Nephrology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.1400 www.valleynephrologyassociates.com

BHAIRVI TRIVEDI, MD Blue Ridge Nephrology Associates Christiansburg | 540.633.5650 www.blueridgenephrologyassociates.com

HONORABLE MENTION SUSAN GUELICH, MD Valley Nephrology Associates Roanoke | 540.344.1400 www.valleynephrologyassociates.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

TIMOTHY HORMEL, MD

JILL CRAMER, MD

Valley Neurology Associates, PC Salem | 540.725.3500

Blue Ridge Associates in Neurology Christiansburg | 540.381.6211 www.swvabrain.com

In some circumstances, merely sitting on the bedside and touching a hand enables patients to ask questions or elaborate fears that they would otherwise not.

NEUROLOGY

THIRD PLACE

ALLAN SKLAR, MD New River Nephrology Associates Blacksburg | 540.381.3750 www.newrivernephrology.com

Good bedside manner means using human interaction to encourage the healing process. I regularly pray that God will give me the wisdom to diagnose correctly, the ability to answer questions clearly, and the compassion to help each person to better manage his or her medical condition.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

CLEMENT ELECHI, MD LewisGale Neurology Salem | 540.772.3450 www.lewisgale.com

WILLIAM TINGLER, MD VA Medical Center Salem | 540.982.2463 www.salem.va.gov

CHUNXIA “BELINDA” ZHANG, MD New River Neurology and Epilepsy Christiansburg | 540.381.9480 www.neurologyepilepsy.com

MANUEL MARRUFO-SALAZAR, MD Neurological Care Clinic, PC Blacksburg | 540.951.5090 www.neurologicalcareclinic.com

athelas

HONORABLE MENTION JOSEPH FERRARA JR., MD Carilion Clinic Neurology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

•

NEPHROLOGY

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

MATT MATTHEW, MD

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

MICHAEL SISK, MD Carilion Children’s Pediatric Neurology Roanoke | 540.985.8454 www.carilionclinic.org

COMPASSION

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SECOND PLACE (TIE)

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE JOLEE PRESTON, MSN, NP-C Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP)

A hug and a sense of humor goes a long way with my patients. It costs me nothing to be nice; to tell my patients I love them; to tell funny stories and try to make their day a little better by being a part of it.

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NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE CAROL BALLARD, RN, FNP, CDE MICHELE MILLS, DDS Medical Associates of SW Virginia Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.951.3311 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.medicalassociatesswva.com www.millsandshannon.com

Need It is a pleasure and privilege to care for my

patients. They make it easy to have a good bedside manner.

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MOLLY CAMPER, NP Carilion Clinic Cardiology Roanoke | 540.982.8204 www.carilionclinic.org TONYA ROBERTSON, NP Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE TIFFANY CARROLL, FNP Asthma & Allergy Center Roanoke | 540.343.7331 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

HONORABLE MENTION GLENDA BALL, FNP Family Medicine of Blacksburg Blacksburg | 540.552.1246 www.lgphysicians.com LAURA BISCOTTE, NP Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine Daleville | 540.992.1251 www.carilionclinic.org LAURIE BUCHWALD, RNC, WHNP, FNP, NCMP Summit Women’s Health Christiansburg | 540.639.9651 f @Summit Women’s Health AUDRA DOYLE, FNP LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.283.3760 www.lgphysicians.com

SECOND PLACE CRISTINA TROUT, NP Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Christiansburg | 540.731.4578 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE MORGAN AKERS, FNP Community Health Center Christiansburg | 540.381.0820 www.chcnrv.org

SUSAN GAITHER, FNP, MSN Derm One Radford | 540.633.3015 SABRINA JOHNSON, NP Carilion Clinic Physical Medicine Pearisburg | 540.731.2992 www.carilionclinic.org STEPHANIE QUINN, NP Physicians to Women Roanoke | 540.982.8881 www.ptow.com

MARGARET GROVE, MD Physicians to Women, Inc. Roanoke | 540.982.8881 www.ptow.com

The solution to a patient’s medical problems is in her story. We as providers just have to listen for it. athelas

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

HONORABLE MENTION

GEORGE MAXYMIV, MD LewisGale Physicians OBGYN Salem | 540.772.3520 www.lgphysicians.com

SANAM CAMPBELL, MD New River Women’s Health Blacksburg | 540.605.7566 www.newriverwomenshealth.com

DIANNA CURTIS, MD Physicians to Women, Inc. Roanoke | 540.982.8881 www.ptow.com

DEBORAH CLAPP, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.774.6000 www.lgphysicians.com

THIRD PLACE

JILL GAINES, MD Physicians to Women, Inc. Roanoke | 540.982.8881 www.ptow.com

MARK GUSTAFSON, MD LewisGale Physicians OBGYN Salem | 540.772.3520 www.lgphysicians.com

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Need

JOHN COLBY, MD

SECOND PLACE

John Christopher Colby, MD PC Christiansburg | 540.639.3540

CARRIE CHAMPINE, DO Virginia Women’s Health Blacksburg | 540.443.0500 www.vawomens.com

I enjoy teaching patients so that they have a full understanding of their medical condition and available treatment options. I want my patients to know what is going on with their body and to be comfortable with the medical and surgical care I provide them. Kindness, patience and understanding are of utmost importance.

THIRD PLACE MARGARITA ABRAMS, MD The Encore OB/GYN Center of Southwest Virginia Blacksburg | 540.251.0980

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE DARRELL POWLEDGE, MD Valley Occupational Medicine Roanoke | 540.362.9620 www.drpowledge.com

One of the greatest desires of the human soul is to be understood. It has been my experience that if I do my best to understand my patient’s concerns, not just make the correct diagnosis and offer the proper treatment, but really make sure I address their concerns, that I am more likely to have a satisfied patient who responds well to treatment.

TRUST

ELIZABETH MCCUIN, MD Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Roanoke | 540.526.2273 www.carilionclinic.org KIMBERLY SIMCOX, DO Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology Christiansburg | 540.731.4578 www.carilionclinic.org KURT STOCKSTILL, MD Drs. Moore & Stockstill, PC Roanoke | 540.904.7710 www.mooreandstockstill.com JAMES WESTON, MD, PC Christiansburg | 540.639.2037 GEORGE ZOLOVICK, MD Virginia Women’s Health Blacksburg | 540.540.443.0500 www.lgphysicians.com

SECOND PLACE LOUIS CASTERN, MD Valley Occupational Medicine Roanoke | 540.362.9620 www.drpowledge.com

THIRD PLACE MARIA JOURNALES, MD Valley Occupational Medicine Roanoke | 540.362.9620 www.drpowledge.com

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ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

CHRIS KEELEY, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3680 www.lgphysicians.com

•

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

BARBARA MOORE, MD Drs. Moore & Stockstill, PC Roanoke | 540.904.7710 www.mooreandstockstill.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

JOHN FACCIANI, MD

RICHARD JOHNSON, MD, FAAO

Vistar Children’s Eye Center Salem | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com

LewisGale Vision Care Salem | 540.772.3480 www.lgphysicians.com

Taking care of my pediatric and adult patients who have eye misalignment is a privilege. I strive to provide the best care and outcome possible. Helping others is at the core of what I love to do and I don’t ever want to take that for granted.

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

OPHTHALMOLOGY

PATRICK BRADLEY, MD

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Eye Care & Surgery Blacksburg | 800.650.7313 www.eyecaresurgery.com

Good bedside manner is important because it demonstrates to the patient that you care about them and value them as a human being. It also helps establish a foundation of trust between the doctor and patient.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

I am blessed to take care of many wonderful people. Over the years they have become friends as much as patients. My staff and I try to treat patients the way we would want to be treated. I am honored and humbled to receive this award again this year. Mostly I am thankful for the trust you have in me.

HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE PARISA FARHI, MD Farhi Vision & Glaucoma Specialists Blacksburg | 540.552.1120 www.farhivision.com

THIRD PLACE TEDD PUCKETT, MD, FACS New River Valley Eye Center Christiansburg | 540.381.2013 www.nrveye.com

FRANK COTTER, MD Vistar Eye Center Roanoke | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com DANIEL DRYSDALE, MD Drysdale Eye Center Blacksburg | 540.951.0525 www.drysdaleeyecenter.com J. STEPHEN HUDGINS, MD Christiansburg | 540.382.8316 DONNA MAXFIELD, MD LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.265.1624 www.lgphysicians.com

SECOND PLACE EUGENE ENG, MD Eye Care and Surgery Roanoke | 540.772.7171 www.eyecaresurgery.com

THIRD PLACE NICHOLAS RAMEY, MD Vistar Eye Center Roanoke | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com

WILLIAM THOMPSON, MD Eye Care and Surgery Roanoke | 540.772.7171 www.eyecaresurgery.com STUART TIMS, MD Vistar Eye Center Roanoke | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

JON GUDEMAN, OD

JOHN DOVIE, OD, FAAO

Invision Salem | 540.387.1183 www.invision2020.com

Blacksburg Eye Associates Blacksburg | 540.953.2020 www.blacksburgeye.com

It is both humbling and rewarding to be acknowledged by my patients as having a good bedside manner. I believe that building a trusting relationship helps create a patientdoctor bond that is important in getting the best results, be it vision, healing, or comfort. For me, that bond starts with a smile, a handshake, and active listening. It’s great to see so many of my patients appreciate that.

I think it’s very important for medical providers to see each patient as an individual rather than just a number or a problem to solve. Each person is unique and I have found that most people are very appreciative when we take the time to get to know them and thoughtfully address their concerns.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

ANGELA STEWART, OD Kartesz Eye Care Roanoke | 540.562.3458 www.kartszeyecare.com

MICHAEL JOHNSON, OD Johnson Curran Optometry Centers Roanoke | 540.366.2457 www.johnsoncurran.com

BECKY MANN, OD Invision Christiansburg | 540.381.2020 www.invision2020.com

COLLEEN MITCHELL, OD Blacksburg Eye Associates Blacksburg | 540.953.2020 www.blacksburgeye.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

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OPTOMETRY

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION MEGAN ANDREWS, OD Star City Eye Care Roanoke | 540.563.8279 www.sceclc.com

NICKOLAS CLARK, OD Clarity Eye Care Christiansburg | 540.381.9086 Pearisburg | 540.921.3921 www.clarityeyecare2020.com

KEVIN COOLBAUGH, OD Eye Care & Surgery PC Roanoke | 540.772.7171 www.eyecaresurgery.com

PATRICK CURRAN, OD Johnson Curran Optometry Centers Roanoke | 540.989.6515 www.johnsoncurran.com

DONALD SCOTHORN, OD Vistar Eye Center Roanoke | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE JASON MARGOLIS, DMD

ORAL SURGERY

Roanoke Oral Surgery Roanoke | 540.362.5900 www.roanokeoralsurgery.com

I treat each of my patients with respect and compassion. Exceptional bedside manner is paramount in building trusting relationships with my patients.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

GEORGE KEVORKIAN, DDS Oral Surgery Center Vinton | 540.344.7252 www.georgekevorkiandds.com

ALBERT PARULIS, DMD Roanoke Oral Surgery Roanoke | 540.362.5900 www.roanokeoralsurgery.com

HONORABLE MENTION SAMUEL SCROGGINS, DMD Southwest Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Salem | 540.989.5257 www.swvirginiaoralsurgery.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE PAUL KAISER, DDS Dr. Paul C. Kaiser, Ltd. Roanoke | 540.362.1097 Daleville | 540.992.5140 Rocky Mount | 540.489.3708 www.kaiserorthodontics.com

Very few things are more important or have more relevance in orthodontics than the doctor/patient relationship. Much of what can be achieved, along with the quality of the outcome, depends on patient compliance and the ability of the orthodontist to motivate the patient to go above and beyond. Making a connection with a patient has never been an area of difficulty for me. It definitely helps produce the best possible outcome for the patient.

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE DOBIN CHOI, DDS,DDS MS MICHELE MILLS,

ORTHODONTICS

Real Smiles Dentistry Mills Life & Shannon Christiansburg | 540.443.9285 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.reallifesmiles.com www.millsandshannon.com

SECOND PLACE (TIE) DAVID JONES, DDS Roanoke Valley Orthodontics Roanoke | 540.563.1640 www.roanokevalleyortho.com MISTY LENK, DDS Lenk Orthodontics Daleville | 540.966.3990 www.lenkbraces.com

HONORABLE MENTION TIMOTHY T. JANOWICZ, DDS, MS Vinton | 540.342.9876 www.janowiczortho.com RICHARD TATE, DDS* Richard H Tate, DDS Salem | 540.389.0491 *Dr. Tate retired September 2018

THIRD PLACE PENNY LAMPROS, DDS, MS Dr. Penny L. Lampros Roanoke | 540.344.2758 www.drpennylampros.com

SECOND PLACE

athelas

EVAN JOHNSON, DMD Johnson Orthodontics Dublin | 540.674.4712 Roanoke | 540.989.5621 www.emjortho.com

THIRD PLACE

INeed want each and every one of our patients at Real Life Smiles to know that they are a priority. It is through our effort to build a relationship that the patients understand and trust in our mission of providing excellent care. For everyone who visits Real Life Smiles, I hope to provide an enjoyable experience while creating a healthy confident smile!

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE MARK HAGY, MD LewisGale Physicians Virginia Orthopaedic Salem | 540.444.4020 www.vaortho.com

Beside manner is important because patients are often afraid and concerned about their condition. Articulating a plan of care, being straightforward, thorough, and encouraging throughout the process helps assure them as they travel along an often-unwanted path.

KENT KISER, DDS Kiser Orthodontics Radford | 540.639.0111 www.kiserorthodontics.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

THOMAS K. MILLER, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

CHRISTOFER CATTERSON, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE

HUGH HAGAN, III MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

JAMES FARMER, MD LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopaedic Salem | 540.444.4020 www.lgphysicians.com

JOHN MANN, III MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org ROBYN HAKANSON, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3530 www.lgphysicians.com

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE BART EASTWOOD, DO MICHELE MILLS, DDS

ORTHOPAEDICS

Sideline Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.552.7133 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.sidelineortho.com www.millsandshannon.com

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Need The bedside is our chance to let patients know we are invested in their care, wellbeing and outcomes. It is also our opportunity to make sure the patient is engaged as well and a participant in their own health care.

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SECOND PLACE JONATHAN MAHER, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE STUART GARDNER, MD LewisGale Physicians Christiansburg | 540.951.6000 www.lgphyscians.com

JOSEPH MOSKAL, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org GREGORY RIEBEL, MD LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopaedics Salem | 540.404.4251 www.lgphysicians.com PRESTON WALDROP, MD LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopaedics Salem | 540.444.4020 www.lgphysicians.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE JANINE TALTY, DO

THIRD PLACE KENNETH LUCKAY, DO Luckay Doc Roanoke | 540.777.6807 www.luckaydoc.com

DAVID HARDEN, DO VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE

SECOND PLACE

VCOM & Osteopathic Mills &Sports Shannon Dentistry Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.osteopathicsports.com www.millsandshannon.com

ELLIOT FREED, DO LewisGale Physicians Pembroke | 540.552.3670 www.lgphysicians.com

MARK ROGERS, MICHELE MILLS,DO, DDSMA, CAQSM, FAAFP

HONORABLE MENTION

SARAH STEELE-KILLEEN, DO Blue Ridge Osteopathic Medicine Salem | 540.387.9090 www.blueridgeomm.org

•

Good bedside manner is important, as it helps me connect Need to the patient and earn their trust, which will help us partner to better understand what’s going on with them and how we can treat whatever ailment they have. It helps to allow me to comfort them in times of discomfort.

THIRD PLACE

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

Clinical Biomechanics & Orthopedic Medicine Roanoke | 540.685.2670 www.drjaninetalty.com

ALICIA HOLLIS, DO Valley Integrative Medicine Roanoke | 540.556.1061 www.draliciahollis.com

HOPE TOBEY, DO, FAAP, FACOP VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE) MURRAY JOINER, MD

SECOND PLACE

Murray E. Joiner Jr., MD, PC Associates Roanoke | 540.772.4448 www.virginiapain.org

Medicine for me is not my job or vocation. I’m fortunate that what I wake up and do every morning is my avocation. It is a ministry of service to others with the primary goal being to make God and my parents proud of what I do for each and every one of the patients I care for each day.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

SECOND PLACE

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE) CHHEANY UNG, MD Virginia Interventional Pain & Spine Center Roanoke | 540.777.0090 www.vapainsc.com

YAOHUA LU, MD Carilion Clinic Pain Management Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE MARC SWANSON, MD Blue Ridge Pain Management Associates Roanoke | 540.444.5670 www.blueridgepm.com

SECOND PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE TEJAL RAJU, MD Virginia Interventional Pain & Spine Center Christiansburg | 540.251.3472 www.vapainsc.com

ANTHONY DRAGOVICH, MD Blue Ridge Pain Management Associates Christiansburg | 540.444.5670 www.blueridgepm.com

THIRD PLACE

I care for all my patients like family, with compassion and respect.

DUANE DIXON, MD Pain Care Center of Christiansburg Christiansburg | 540.381.2425 www.paincarecenters.net

COMMUNICATION

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PEDIATRICS

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE MARK MCBRIDE, MD Physicians to Children, Inc. Roanoke | 540.344.9213 www.p2ckids.com

Bedside manner means providing the care to others that you would like to receive yourself if you were the patient.

Serving others with a warm smile, humility, gentleness and a listening ear are characteristics which help define your health care provider.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

VYDIA PERMASHWAR, MD Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8230 www.carilionclinic.org

JOYCE CUMMINGS, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3580 www.lgphysicians.com

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE SOFIA ABRAHAM-HARDEE, DO, PHD, FACOP New Beginnings Pediatrics Blacksburg | 540.739.3623 www.Newbeginningspediatrics.org

'Do to others as you would have them do to you.' This applies to all aspects of my life and not just how I practice medicine with my patients and their families. The evaluation of good bedside manner can start from the moment we walk into the room with smiles, hugs, trusting conversations, sound medicine and treatment plans. It can also solely be derived from being available to reassure, provide guidance and just listen. I am thankful!

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

TIMOTHY WALKER, MD NRV Pediatrics Blacksburg | 540.552.7272 www.nrvpediatrics.com

DAVID BERRY, DO Blacksburg Pediatrics, PLC Blacksburg | 540.443.3940 www.blacksburgpediatrics.com

HONORABLE MENTION ANN COLLINS, DO NRV Pediatrics Blacksburg | 540.552.7272 www.nrvpediatrics.com

HUGH CRAFT JR., MD Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine Roanoke | 540.772.4453 www.carilionclinic.org

ROBERT GARD, MD Physicians to Children Roanoke | 540.344.9213 www.p2ckids.com

CAMRON JOHNSON, DO Physicians to Children, Inc. Roanoke | 540.344.9213 www.p2ckids.com

PAUL MCELROY, MD NRV Pediatrics Blacksburg | 540.552.7272 www.nrvpediatrics.com

AMY KRYDER, MD Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine Roanoke | 540.772.4453 Daleville | 540.992.1251 www.carilionclinic.org

THOMAS DONAHUE, MD Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine Roanoke | 540.772.4453 www.carilionclinic.org

ZAIRHA SNIDER, MD NRV Pediatrics Radford | 540.639.5188 www.nrvpediatrics.com www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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JOHN BUYER, DDS, MPH, MS, PLLC

Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants Roanoke | 540.562.3166 www.periohub.com

New River Periodontics and Dental Implant Center Blacksburg | 540.951.4848 www.newriverperio.com

In my experience, I’ve realized that patients desire two things, personalized care and affordable treatment. I simply try my best to provide those things. I appreciate all of the patients and all of the dentists who have allowed me the privilege of working with them. Thank you, and may the floss be with you.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

PRIYA ACHARYA, DMD Acharya Periodontics & Dental Implants Roanoke | 540.283.0959 www.acharyaperiodontics.com

LINDA TILL, DDS Roanoke | 540.772.3940 www.lindatill.com

WALTER SHIELDS, DDS, MS Christiansburg | 540.382.7960 www.walterdshieldsdds.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

ANITA BRIGHTBILL, PHARMD

SENTHIL MARIMUTHU, RPH

Kroger (West Salem) Salem | 540.389.7251 www.kroger.com

Blacksburg Pharmacy Blacksburg | 540.552.3000 www.blacksburgpharmacy.com

Good bedside manner creates a trust in the relationship needed to provide the best possible care.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

CRAIG HODGES, PHARMD Kroger (Bonsack) Roanoke | 540.977.6481 www.kroger.com

MITCH WEST, RPH West Pharmacy Roanoke | 540.774.5500

DAVID DAVIDSON, RPH Davidson’s Pharmacy Christiansburg | 540.540.381.9345 www.davidsonpharmacy.weebly.com

KERRY BRISCO, RPH Kroger Pharmacy Blacksburg | 540.951.4136 www.kroger.com/pharmacy

HONORABLE MENTION CAMERON BROOKS, RPH Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy Salem | 540.389.8111

JEREMY COUNTS, PHARMD Main Street Pharmacy Blacksburg | 540.605.7721 www.msblacksburg.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

As one of the most accessible health providers, it is important to build positive relationships with my patients to gain their trust. By doing this, I can empower patients to take an active role in understanding and managing their health and medication. A caring smile and empathy goes a long way. Good bedside manner lets my patients know that I will be there with them on their healthcare journey.

PHARMACY

Service and quality are wise choices of numerous alternatives. It is doing what is right when people are looking and not looking. It is an intentional way of life.

Patients see this as good service. It results in a patient’s confident investment in our periodontal team as we meet their dental implant and periodontal needs.

•

PERIODONTICS

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

GAVIN AARON, DDS

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

LISA HOUCK, RPH Valley Apothecary Salem | 540.772.3788 www.valleyapothecary.com

READ THIS EDITION ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

COMMUNICATION www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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PHYSICAL MEDICINE

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

DEBORAH MOWERY, MD

ETHAN B. COLLIVER, DO

LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.283.3660 www.lgphysicians.com

Valley Sports & Spine Clinic Blacksburg | 540.443.3832 www.valleysportsandspine.com

Much of medicine is communicating well with your patients and gaining a mutual understanding to maximize follow through and improvements in personal health. It starts with a smile and ends with one.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

RICHARD WEISS, MD Carilion Clinic Physical Medicine Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

MARK KASMER, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

BRAD MCCRADY, DO, CAQ, FAAPMR VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com

RALPH BROWN JR., MD Carilion Clinic Physical Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.2992 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE MEGHAN OWENS, PT Cora Physical Therapy Roanoke | 540.982.2208 www.coraphysicaltherapy.com

Good bedside manner is crucial for establishing trusting relationships and leading to better health outcomes.

I treat my patients and their families with the same respect and dignity that I would hope to receive.

NEW RIVERFIRST VALLEY FIRST PLACE ROANOKE PLACE CINDY HENDERSON, MICHELE MILLS, DDSPT, ATC, FAFS

PHYSICAL THERAPY

My goal when entering a patient’s room is multifaceted.

I must discover the patient’s needs, deliver quality care, and always remember the most important thing is to just be present in the moment. I believe patient focused care or bedside manner, builds a trust and rapport between patient and caregiver proving to aid in the healing process.

Blacksburg Physical Therapy Associates Mills & Shannon Dentistry Blacksburg | 540.951.2703 Salem | 540.989.5700 www.blacksburgptonline.com www.millsandshannon.com

I am truly honored to receive this award! I was always Need

taught to treat others the way I want to be treated. I feel taking time to listen, showing respect for all individuals, and caring about my patient’s recovery is important for good bedside manner. Thank you for this honor!

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

REMCO SCHREUDERS, MPT Advance Physical Therapy of Virginia Salem | 540.444.0291 www.aptofva.com

BRYON BATTY, PT University Physical Therapy Blacksburg | 540.302.254 www.universityptonline.com

THIRD PLACE KAYLA OWATA, PT, DPT, LSVT-BIG Pivot Physical Therapy Salem | 540.345.4328 www.pivotphysicalthearpy.com

TYLER BOWERSOCK, PT, DPT, CSCS University Physical Therapy Roanoke | 540.774.0729 www.universityptonline.com MARK GALLANT, DPT, PT, OCS Total Motion Physical Therapy Christiansburg | 540.492.4669 www.totalmotionpt.net NATE GAY, PT Primary Solutions Physical Therapy Vinton | 540.529.9381 www.primarysolutionspt.com

SECOND PLACE CHRIS ROGERS, MPT Carilion Clinic Physical Therapy Blacksburg | 540.961.8090 www.carilionclinic.oeg

THIRD PLACE RON MASRI, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, FAAOMPT Total Motion Physical Therapy Christiansburg | 540.492.4669 www.totalmotionpt.net

FRANCINE NOEL-FORD, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, MTC Back to Basics Family Physical Therapy, PC Roanoke | 540.985.0500 www.backtobasicspt.com ERIC REICHARDT, MPT, OCS, CMTPT Spine and Orthopedic Rehab of Virginia, Inc. Roanoke | 540.985.6500 www.physicaltherapyroanoke.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

JASON BAILEY, PA-C

TERRI BLOMBERG, PA

River Ridge Dermatology Roanoke | 540.951.DERM (3376) www.riverridgederm.com

The Art and Science of Dermatology Roanoke | 540.725.7546 www.theartandscienceofdermatology.com

I’m honored to be recognized. I would like to share this award with my fantastic staff.

A great patient experience goes beyond the bedside; it takes a team of kind, caring, patient people from the front office, medical assistants, and nurses to help make the patient feel comfortable and at home. I’m grateful for their help every day.

Having a good bedside manner is not an option but an obligation for me. I want to build strong relationships with my patients, so they feel comfortable with me to ensure they get the best care possible.

SECOND PLACE REESE CLARK, PA-C LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.283.3660 www.lgphysicians.com

THIRD PLACE PHILIP FURROW, PA-C Express Family Care Roanoke | 540.400.6676 www.expressfamilycare.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

•

SECOND PLACE

ANGIE HURD, PA-C

MATTHEW SHORTT, PA-C Sideline Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Blacksburg | 540.552.7133 www.sidelineortho.com

New River Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.953.2210 www.newriverdermatology.com

THIRD PLACE

PLASTIC SURGEON: COSMETIC

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA)

At New River Dermatology our patients are not just patients, they are our friends, neighbors, and extended family. We want each and every patient to feel that when they come to see us. Thank you for this honor.

DAWN FOUSE, PA-C LewisGale Internal Medicine Christiansburg | 540.381.1882 www.lgphysicians.com

HONORABLE MENTION MONICA COOPER, PA-C LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.283.3760 www.lgphysicians.com

STEVEN EVANS, MSPA-C New River Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.953.2210 www.newriverdermatology.com

ARUN SUN, PA-C Virginia Interventional Pain & Spine Center Roanoke | 540.777.0090 www.vapainsc.com

JEFFREY THOMPSON, PA Carilion Clinic General Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

PAMELA LAPRADE, PA-C Physician Associates of Virginia Roanoke | 540.345.4946 www.pavclinics.com

ANNA MORRIS, PA-C Asthma & Allergy Center Roanoke | 540.343.7331 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

COREY SMOCK, PA-C Carilion Clinic Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences Christiansburg | 540.731.2436 www.carilionclinic.org

athelas

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE (TIE)

PHILLIP GRUBBS, MD

KURTIS MOYER, MD

Plastic Surgery Center of Virginia Blacksburg | 540.951.8885 www.philipgrubbs.com

Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center Roanoke | 540.853.0510 www.carilioncosmetic.com

SECOND PLACE ENRIQUE SILBERBLATT, MD, FACS Aesthetic Surgery of Virginia Roanoke | 540.994.7408 www.silberblatt.com

THIRD PLACE

I have wonderful patients and consider it a pleasure and a privilege to be involved in their care. I genuinely want the best for them.

A good bedside manner is essential to a successful physician patient relationship. Open communication and education about each procedure are of the utmost importance and represent the foundation of my philosophy of care.

NORMAN HARRIS, MD Roanoke | 540.776.6979 www.doctor-harris.com

HONORABLE MENTION MARK FELDMANN, MD Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center Roanoke | 540.853.0510 www.carilioncosmetic.com

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ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

Need

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

PLASTIC SURGEON: RECONSTRUCTIVE

SECOND PLACE

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE Jefferson Surgical Clinic Salem | 540.283.4962 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

PODIATRY

THIRD PLACE ANTHONY CAPITO, MD Carilion Clinic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

Having a good bedside manner is important to me because it is the best way I have found to open a solid line of communication with my patients. This is so valuable in making sure that I understand the patient’s goals and concerns and that the patient understands my pre – and post-operative instructions, assuring a great surgical outcome.

HONORABLE MENTION JAMES THOMPSON, MD Carilion Clinic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

CHARLES ZELEN, DPM

ROBERT SCHOPF, DPM

Foot and Ankle Associates of Southwest Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.344.3668 www.drzelen.com

Sideline Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Blacksburg | 540.552.7133 www.sidelineortho.com

I strive to always provide the best possible foot and ankle care to all my patients with a gentle and personal touch, just as I would with a member of my own family.

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BARTON THOMAS, MD Roanoke Plastic Surgery Roanoke | 540.581.1400 www.roanokeplasticsurgery.com

STEVEN HARRIS, MD

Seeing a healthcare provider can often bring angst to the patient and their family. It’s so important for me to establish rapport, so I can begin working with the patient to understand and treat their medical problems.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JOHN CLEMENTS, DPM Carilion Clinic Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

CRAIG WILHELMS, DPM Carilion Clinic Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences Salem | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

MARK WILT, DPM Foot & Ankle Clinic of the Virginias Blacksburg | 540.552.3668 www.drfootpain.com

JASON NALDO, DPM Carilion Clinic Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION HEATHER PEARMAN, DPM Southwest Podiatry Wytheville | 276.228.2212 www.southwestpodiatryva.com

athelas

NATHAN YOUNG, DPM Foot and Ankle Associates of Southwest Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.344.3668 www.drzelen.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

JITENDRA DESAI, MD

NNENNA OKEREKE, MD

Avenues to Wellness Roanoke | 540.345.6468 www.avewell.com

Carilion Clinic Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.7311 www.carilionclinic.org

Good bedside manner is important to me because I feel that providing it can improve the care of the patients that I treat. As such, I continue to strive to understand, explain, comfort and care for the patients and families that I have the privilege to see.

PSYCHIATRY

I take time to listen. I believe that being polite, empathetic and nonjudgmental is the essence of good bedside manner. I also believe that it takes my entire team to create a safe and healing environment for the patients.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

GERALD DEMASTERS, MD LewisGale Physicians Psychiatry Salem | 540.772.2801 www.lgphysicians.com

ROBERT MURDOCK, MD Roanoke | 540.769.2026 www.roanokepsychiatry.com

CHARLIE SWANSON JR., MD Carilion Clinic Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.7311 www.carilionclinic.org

GAGANDEEP SINGH, MD New River Valley Community Services Blacksburg | 540.961.8300 www.nrvcs.org

HONORABLE MENTION CHARLOTTE HAGAN, MD Physician Associates of Virginia, PC Roanoke | 540.345.4946 www.pavclinics.com

JOSEPH ISKANDAR, DO, FAPA Roanoke | 540.344.5100 www.josephiskandardo.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

KEITH MCCURDY, EDS, LPC, LMFT

ASHLEY SLAGEL-PERRY, LCSW

Total Life Counseling, Inc. Roanoke | 540.989.1383 www.totallifecounselinginc.com

Community Health Center Christiansburg | 540.381.0820 www.chcnrv.org

PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING

The opportunity to help others in the mental health profession has been a privilege. And helping always begins with seeing the value in each individual.

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NICHOLAS ZELTVAY, DO The Center for Emotional Wellness Roanoke | 540.776.0175 www.thecenterforemotionalwellness.com

Whether I’m meeting with a new patient or working with someone I have known for years – I believe that most people are trying their best, have a strong desire to be understood, and need to feel cared for and connected in the world. All lasting change and progress in therapy starts with the strength of the therapeutic relationship.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

J. STEVE STROSNIDER, MA, LPC Psychological Health Roanoke Roanoke | 540.772.5140 www.psychhealthroanoke.com

CHRIS MILLER, PHD, LPC Thriveworks Roanoke | 540.788.5090 www.thriveworks.com

JENNIFER MERCIER, LPC Healing Tree Counseling Blacksburg | 540.808.3382 www.htcounceling.com

ANDREW BURNS, LPC Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center Christiansburg | 540.381.6215 www.lifeinbalancecenter.com

JODY ANDERSON, LCSW Anderson & Anderson Associates Roanoke | 540.400.7841

EMILY DEFRANCE, PHD Psychological Health Roanoke Roanoke | 540.772.5140 www.psychhealthroanoke.com

JOHANNA JONES, LPS Thriveworks Blacksburg | 540.376.3348 www.thriveworks.com

PAULA MARKHAM, LPC Christiansburg | 540.953.5587 www.paulamarkham.com

DAVID PETERSON, DMIN, LPC Total Life Counseling, Inc. Roanoke | 540.989.1383 www.totallifecounselinginc.com

ALICE JACKIE WILKERSON, PHD, LPC Psychological Health Roanoke Roanoke | 540.772.5140 www.psychhealthroanoke.com

HONORABLE MENTION

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NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

SAMEH AZIZ, MD

JOHN LESLIE JR., MD

Carilion Clinic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8505 www.carilionclinic.org

Carilion Clinic Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.7450 www.carilionclinic.org

Growing up, I received exceptional medical care from a general practitioner that impacted how I practice medicine. I always respected this physician’s knowledge, but most of all respected and appreciated how he truly cared about my family and me as people, not just medical cases. He made us all feel like intelligent and valued human beings, in my opinion, the very best part of the practice of medicine.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

NELSON GREENE, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3540 www.lgphysicians.com

ROBERT KEELY, MD Pulmonary Medicine Associates Roanoke | 540.342.6701 www.carilionclinic.com

JOHN WHITE, MD Christiansburg | 540.381.2200

MARY CARTER, MD Carilion Clinic Pulmonary Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.7450 www.carilion.com

HONORABLE MENTION

athelas

JAMES WITTEN, JR., MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3540 www.lgphysicians.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE ROBERT HEATH, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

•

PULMONARY

I always listen to my patients, I try to be available and supportive. My patients and their family always come first.

EDMUNDO RUBIO, MD Carilion Clinic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8505 www.carilionclinic.org

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE KARANITA OJOMO, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Pulaski | 540.994.8545 www.blueridgecancercare.com

THIRD PLACE

Having cancer is frightening. To lessen that fear it is important to take time to explain the cancer and its treatment in terms the patient and their family can understand.

JOHN ROGERS, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Salem | 540.774.8660 www.blueridgecancercare.com

HONORABLE MENTION DAVID BUCK, MD Blue Ridge Cancer Care Roanoke | 540.982.0237 www.blueridgecancercare.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

ROBERT O’BRIEN, MD

DAVID GARZA, MD

Insight Imaging Roanoke | 540.581.0882 www.insighthealth.com

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery Blacksburg | 540.776.4000

RADIOLOGY

My philosophy of medicine is shared by my partners and is incorporated into the functioning of Insight Imaging. We believe that patient care, service to the patients and to our referring physicians are paramount. We are committed to treating them as they should be treated, in a kind, caring way with the dignity they deserve.

When patients seek my care, it is important that they are treated with the compassion and respect that I expect for my family. It is my daily privilege to serve the people of this wonderful community.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

THOMAS STOECKER, MD Carilion Clinic Imaging Roanoke | 224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

JAMES MULLET, MD Carilion Clinic Imaging Roanoke | 224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

DONNA AUBREY, MD Carilion Clinic Imaging Christiansburg | 540.731.2810 www.carilionclinic.org

BRANDON LANGLINAIS, MD Montgomery Radiology Associates, Inc. Blacksburg | 808.782.8721

READ THIS EDITION ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

HONORABLE MENTION EILEEN KENNY, MD Carilion Clinic Breast Diagnostic Center Roanoke | 540.224.6920 www.carilionclinic.org

JAMES MATTHEWS, MD Insight Imaging Roanoke | 540.581.0882 www.insighthealth.com

SARAH THOMAS, MD Carilion Clinic Imaging Christiansburg | 540.731.2810 www.carilionclinic.org

SECOND PLACE ADEGBENGA BANKOLE, MD Carilion Clinic Rheumatology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE

RHEUMATOLOGY

GARRY BAYLISS, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.444.5600 www.lgphysicians.com

THIRD PLACE

My staff and I are privileged to work together with our patients to overcome challenging problems. Our relationship with patients is central to success.

Sleep Disorders Network Christiansburg | 540.382.1165

Carilion Clinic Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8505 www.carilionclinic.com

SLEEP MEDICINE

CARL HENDERSON, DO Carilion Clinic Rheumatology Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

DONALD ZEDALIS, MD

FRANK BISCARDI, MD

Good bedside manner puts the patient at ease which facilitates obtaining the essential history needed to make the correct diagnosis. A thoughtful physical examination shows physician interest and is a key component of bedside manner.

HONORABLE MENTION

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

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SORINA DANCEA, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3707 www.lgphysicians.com

Treating patients from all walks of life with dignity and respect is taught in medical school as the ideal.

I never seek for less and I expect that I will maintain this standard as long as I am given the privilege to practice medicine.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

SAMEH AZIZ, MD Carilion Clinic Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8505 www.carilionclinic.org

BRUCE STEWART, MD Carilion Clinic Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Roanoke | 540.985.8505 www.carilionclinic.org

JOHN LESLIE JR., MD Carilion Clinic Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Christiansburg | 540.731.7450 www.carilionclinic.org

CLEMENT ELECHI, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3450 www.lgphysicians.com

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ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

DELMAS BOLIN, MD, PHD

BRADLEY MCCRADY, DO

Performance Medicine of Southwestern Virginia Roanoke | 540.772.1890 www.pmswva.com

VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com

Collaboration between patient and physician is essential to maximize the benefits from medical care. Good bedside manner allows open communication for the physician to understand how the patient is affected and for the patient to leave the office with a complete understanding of their condition.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JAMES FARMER, MD LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopaedic Roanoke | 540.444.4020 www.lgphysicians.com

BRENT JOHNSON, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

MARK ROGERS, DO VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg | 540.232.8405 www.osteopathicsports.com

ETHAN B. COLLIVER, DO Valley Sports & Spine Clinic Blacksburg | 540.443.3832 www.valleysportsandspine.com

HONORABLE MENTION CHRISTOFER CATTERSON, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

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BART EASTWOOD, DO Sideline Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Blacksburg | 540.552.7133 www.sidelineortho.com

JONATHAN GODIN, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE

SURGERY: CARDIAC

CEMIL PURUT, MD

SURGERY: COLON AND RECTAL

COMPASSION

SPORTS MEDICINE

‘Bedside Manner’ used to mean how the doctors behaved when literally treating the patient in their sick bed at home or in the hospital. I think now it captures the willingness of the physician to allow time to listen and connect with their patient. For me, the goal is always to understand the patient’s goals, how their condition limits them, and to start them on the pathway to getting back to activities they love.

LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.776.2020 www.lgphysicians.com

Good bedside manner in a physician is important because it helps put the patient at ease, facilitates communication, and respects the patient. It is what we all hope for in a doctor.

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE KEITH MUNSON, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

Listen to the patient, tell the patient the truth as you see it, and don’t take a computer into the room while you are with the patient.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

TOM MILLER, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.725.1226 www.carilionclinic.org

SECOND PLACE JOSEPH BAKER, MD Carilion Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery Roanoke | 540.853.0100 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE MARK JOSEPH, MD Carilion Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery Roanoke | 540.853.0100 www.carilionclinic.com

HONORABLE MENTION JOSEPH ROWE III, MD Carilion Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgery Roanoke | 540.853.0100 www.carilionclinic.org

SECOND PLACE FARRELL ADKINS, MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE DAVID STOECKLE, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.552.0005 www.lgphysicians.com

HONORABLE MENTION DAVID MINCHAN JR., MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

NADEEM E. KHURI, MD

DAVID STOECKLE, MD

Salem Surgical Salem | 540.772.3008 www.salemsurgicla.net

LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.552.0005 www.lgphysicians.com

I strive to comfort and heal my patients by calming their fears, relieving their anxiety, and supporting them anyway that I can through their illness.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

JOHN HAGY JR., MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

MADGE ELLIS, MD Salem Surgical Salem | 540.772.3008 www.salemsurgicla.net

JASON FOWLKES, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.961.1590 www.lgphysicians.com

CHARLES HARRIS, MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION CHARLIE BISSELL, MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

JAMES CALLIS, MD, FACS Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

JOLENE HENSHAW, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.961.1590 www.lgphysicians.com

DANIEL TERSHAK JR., MD Carilion Clinic General Surgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE MICAH JONES, DO LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3530 www.lgphysicians.com

SURGERY: HAND

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

SECOND PLACE

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SURGERY: GENERAL

I think that people just want to be heard as well as have complicated issues discussed in a way they can understand. It helps patients to feel comforted, more confident, and empowered to be a part of their own care.

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

I have always believed that it is as, if not more, important to listen to people, their hopes, dreams and struggles, in addition to what is medically bothering them. People are so much more than a medical diagnosis, office visit or surgery, and by using that as a foundation for what I do, I am blessed to help those in need. Not everyone needs a surgery, but everyone can use a compassionate, loving gesture, kind word or simple hug, and those things can go a long way.

SECOND PLACE CESAR BRAVO, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE BRIAN TORRE, MD LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.772.3530 www.lgphysicians.com

HONORABLE MENTION NORMAN HARRIS, MD Roanoke | 540.776.6979 www.doctor-harris.com

SECOND PLACE

SURGERY: NEUROSURGERY

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE GREGORY HOWES, DO Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

I believe bedside manner should be the reflection of sincere care, respect and compassion towards patients. I am honored and thankful to my patients to receive this recognition and am also very fortunate to have great staff to work with that are dedicated to putting our patients' needs first and exemplifying great bedside manner.

RAYMOND HARRON, DO Harron Neurosurgery Roanoke | 540.400.8777 www.harronneurosurgery.com

THIRD PLACE MARK WITCHER, MD, PHD Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

HONORABLE MENTION LISA APFEL, MD Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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SURGERY: ORTHOPAEDIC

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

JAMES FARMER, MD

JONATHAN MAHER, MD

LewisGale Physicians Virginia Orthopaedic Salem | 540.444.4020 www.vaortho.com

Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

The patient-physician relationship is the essence of healthcare. I care for all my patients as if they are a member of the family.

Treating people with compassion, dignity and respect translates into good bedside manner and fosters trust in the doctorpatient relationship.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

MICHAEL WOLFE, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

PRESTON WALDROP, MD LewisGale Physicians Virginia Orthopaedic Salem | 540.444.4020 www.vaortho.com

STUART GARDNER, MD LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.951.6000 www.lgphysicians.com

CHRISTOFER CATTERSON, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Christiansburg | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

SECOND PLACE

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE JAMES LEIPZIG, MD, FACS

SURGERY: SPINE

LewisGale Physicians Salem | 540.725.9771 www.lgphysicians.com

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It is an honor to be selected for this award. Patients trust us to treat them, and it is our responsibility to focus on the patient’s specific needs and strive for excellent outcomes. A key factor in obtaining these outcomes is taking the time to listen to the patients and their families.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

JONATHAN CARMOUCHE, MD Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery Roanoke | 540.510.6200 www.carilionclinic.org

THIRD PLACE GREGORY RIEBEL, MD LewisGale Physicians – Virginia Orthopaedic Salem | 540.404.4251 www.lgphysicians.com

HONORABLE MENTION RAYMOND HARRON, DO Harron Neurosurgery Roanoke | 540.400.8777 www.harronneurosurgery.com

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

JAMES CALLIS, MD

ASHISH RAJU, MD

Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

Carilion Clinic Vascular Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

WILLIAM H’DOUBLER, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

JAMES DROUGAS, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

LAMIERE J. DOWNING, MD Carilion Clinic General and Vascular Surgery Christiansburg | 540.731.7600 www.carilionclinic.org

athelas

WILLIAM TUNG, MD LewisGale Physicians Roanoke | 540.776.2010 www.lgphysicians.com

THOMAS CONLEE, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

DAVID ALLIGOOD, MD

MICHELLE ROCKWELL, MD

Express Family Care Roanoke | 540.400.6676 www.expressfamilycare.com

VelocityCare Christiansburg | 540.382.6000 www.velocitycarebycarilion.com

I consider it a great privilege that my patients entrust me with their care. I treat them as I would my family and try to make each patient feel as if they are the only one I have for the day.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SERGE DEPRET-GUILLAUME, MD AFC Urgent Care Roanoke | 540.904.4431 www.afcurgentcareroanoke.com

SCOTT CROSBY, MD Express Family Care Roanoke | 540.400.6676 www.expressfamilycare.com

KAROL GORDON, DO VelocityCare Christiansburg | 540.382.6000 www.velocitycarebycarilion.com

ROBERT DUMS, MD VelocityCare Blacksburg | 540.961.8040 www.velocitycarebycarilion.com

HONORABLE MENTION SABRINA BERGER, DO MedExpress Salem | 540.389.0374 www.medexpress.com

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS

HONORABLE MENTION

Patients need to feel listened to, and also have their physical needs addressed – both are vital!

URGENT CARE MEDICINE

Good bedside manner is key to establishing strong relationships with patients. It lets them know what to expect, helps calm their fears and encourages them to participate in their care.

•

SURGERY: VASCULAR

For over 60 years, the surgeons at Jefferson Surgical Clinic have maintained the standards that were set by one of our founders, Dr. RLA Keeley: “Treat every patient as if they were your mother.” This is an ideal that we all strive for.

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

AJAI SANDHIR, MD Medexpress Urgent Care

ROBERT CHILDERS, MD VelocityCare Roanoke | 540.772.8670 www.velocitycarebycarilion.com

JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING THE WINNERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA! #OurHealthRoanokeNRV www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Blue Ridge Urogynecology Roanoke | 540.904.2845 www.blueridgeurogynecology.com

UROLOGY

JONATHAN GLEASON, MD Carilion Clinic Urogynecology Roanoke | 540.985.4099 www.carilionclinic.org

Our goal is to ensure women have a safe, open, and honest environment to talk about their health concerns. Ensuring our patients have the time and attention they need to tell their story is what ensures we can truly address their problems.

THIRD PLACE WILLIAM GREER, MD Carilion Clinic Urogynecology Roanoke | 540.985.4099 www.carilionclinic.org

ROANOKE FIRST PLACE

NEW RIVER VALLEY FIRST PLACE

MARK SCHMIDT, MD

BRIAN TULLY, MD

Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

Carilion Clinic Urology Christiansburg | 540.382.3440 www.carilionclinic.org

My approach is to practice what I was taught by my parents and to treat others as I would want a family member or myself to be treated.

Helping our patients feel at ease when they have a medical issue is very important to me and our staff.

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SECOND PLACE

JAMES DAUCHER, MD

UROGYNECOLOGY

ACCESSIBLE

ROANOKE & NEW RIVER VALLEYS FIRST PLACE

For many patients, medical visits are a source of anxiety, fear and often uncertainty about the future of their health.

The heart of the physician’s role, therefore, starts at the bedside by helping patients better understand their ailments, as well as options for care and treatment. I try my best to show concern for the patient as a person, explain their conditions in terms they understand, and then work together with the patient to develop a plan of action in which they have confidence.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

RODNEY POFFENBERGER, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

ROBERT WHISNANT, MD Urology Associates, Ltd Roanoke | 540.343.8066

JUDY CHUN, MD Carilion Clinic Urology Christiansburg | 540.382.3440 www.carilionclinic.org

athelas

HONORABLE MENTION CHARLES DANIEL, MD Jefferson Surgical Clinic Roanoke | 540.283.6000 www.jeffersonsurgical.com

DAVID KAGEY, MD Urology Associates, Ltd Roanoke | 540.343.8066

TRUST

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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MEDICAL PROFILES

BLACKSBURG EYE ASSOCIATES YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR EYE CARE AND EYE WEAR First & Main Shopping Center | 1440 S. Main Street | Blacksburg c 540.953.2020 | w www.blacksburgeye.com | f f g f

Who Are the Doctors of Blacksburg Eye Associates?

Blacksburg Eye Associates is home to three therapeutic-certified optometrists, John Dovie, OD, Colleen Mitchell, OD and Jessica Beaudoin, OD. Each provides a full range of eye care to patients in and around Blacksburg.

Founded in 2008 by Dr. John M. Dovie, a graduate of Virginia Tech and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now Salus University), Blacksburg Eye Associates offers comprehensive eye care and a full-service optical boutique with a large selection of glasses and sunglasses.

In 2013 Dr. Colleen Mitchell joined the staff, bringing with her clinical experience in comprehensive eye care, with a focus on ocular diseases, myopia control, scleral contact lenses, and orthokeratology, or corneal refractive therapy.

AWARD WINNING SERVICES SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW!

What Services Does Blacksburg Eye Associates Offer?

You can think of your optometrists at Blacksburg Eye Associates as the “primary care provider” for your eyes.

With our equipment and expertise, our examination is designed to detect and manage not only diseases and disorders of the visual system, but also signs of systemic disease. We also offer specialty services including our dry eye clinic evaluation, myopia control, scleral contact lenses, low vision services, visual neurorehabilitation, and vision therapy.

Blacksburg Eye Associates most recently welcomed Dr. Jessica Beaudoin to the team. Dr. Beaudoin provides comprehensive eye care. She also has a passion for low vision care, and providing care to patients with significant vision loss.

What Makes Blacksburg Eye Different from Other Optometrists?

Because of our commitment to convenient and accessible service and in order to meet the needs of the growing community in and around Blacksburg we offer the following:

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Pediatric eye care with a focus on visual function and nonsurgical options, including myopia control, visual neurorehabilitation, vision therapy, and free InfantSEE exams.

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We offer online appointment requests, scheduling, and forms.

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Our optical showroom houses over 1200 frames, ranging from budget-conscious to hand-made in Spain.

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We offer a one of a kind in-house “WOW Guarantee” on all glasses bought from us – we unconditionally guarantee the quality of the product and if it breaks for any reason we will replace it for only $25.

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We are conveniently located less than a mile away from the Virginia Tech campus in the First & Main Shopping Center.

•

We are growing! We have three full-time optometrists and a team of over 20 well-trained staff eager to help you see and look your best.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

What’s Special About the Optical Boutique?

Blacksburg Eye Associates is home to one of the largest optical showrooms in the area, including glasses, sunglasses, computer eyewear, prescription sports eyewear, swim goggles, athletic safety glasses, and more.

Whether you are using a prescription from one of our doctors, an outside prescription, or just shopping for a new pair of sunglasses, Blacksburg Eye Associates has your needs covered!

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

MEDICAL PROFILES

INSIGHT IMAGING

ROBERT O’BRIEN, MD | JAMES MATTHEWS, MD 2923 Franklin Road | Roanoke | c 540.581.0882 | w www.mycdi.com | f f f f Hours: Mon-Fri (MRI):8am-10pm | Mon-Fri (CT): 8am-4:30pm | Mon-Fri (X-ray): 9am-5pm | Sat (MRI): 8am-4:30pm

Why Choose Insight Imaging For My Imaging Needs?

At Insight Imaging in Roanoke, we understand that when your health is in question, you want answers. That is why we offer evening and weekend hours, including same-day appointments when needed. Our associates are here to answer any insurance questions and are also able to give you a personalized price quote before your appointment. We understand how critical our role is in getting you the care you need so you have peace of mind. That’s why our team of specialists works with you and your doctor to deliver accurate results the first time, timely and efficiently. With the latest equipment, technology and expertise, we have the power to make the unknown, known. To give you the right answers that lead to important decisions.

Do I Really Have A Choice Of Imaging Facilities?

You have the power of choice. While your doctor or insurance provider may offer referrals, ultimately, you are in control of your own care. In fact, even if you are seen by a doctor at the hospital, you do not need to have your imaging done at that hospital. Not all imaging facilities are the same. At Insight Imaging in Roanoke, we cost 30-50% less than hospital-affiliated imaging providers.

What Are Some Of The Services Offered At Insight Imaging?

HIGH-FIELD MRI: captures high-quality, clear images.

Also, Insight Imaging now offers Prostate MRI. HIGH-FIELD OPEN MRI: high-quality images in an open scanner, ideal for claustrophobic, anxious or larger patients.

CT: detailed images of your organs and vascular system, as well as your abdomen and bones.

INJECTIONS FOR PAIN: cost-effective options to better analyze and treat joint pain.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: non-surgical treatments used to treat various orthopedic injuries, including tendon, joint, osteoarthritic conditions and soft tissue injuries.

ULTRASOUND: imaging with no radiation exposure or injections.

X-RAY: quick and convenient, walk-ins accepted.

Congratulations Robert O’Brien, MD and James Matthews, MD on your award winning services! www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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MEDICAL PROFILES

ROANOKE VALLEY SPEECH & HEARING CENTER Speech Language Pathology | Audiology | Industrial Hearing Testing 2030 Colonial Avenue | Roanoke |

c 540.343.0165 | w www.rvshc.org

What Services Does Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center Offer?

For 60 years, Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center (RVSHC) has been helping people of all ages develop their communication skills so they can better relate to the world around them.

We provide comprehensive speech services for children through adults, including evaluation and speech therapy sessions. We also offer a full array of audiology services, including hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, custom ear molds, and auditory processing disorder (APD) testing.

SPEECH THERAPISTS (L to R): Ann Walsh, MS, CCC-SLP | Melissa Patterson, MS, CCC-SLP | Janet Miller, MS, CCC-SLP

We also provide on-site industrial hearing testing for companies that require testing for OSHA compliance. This mobile unit is operated by a CAOHC Certified Hearing Conservationist and can test up to seven employees at a time.

What Makes RVSHC’s Providers Unique?

RVSHC’s highly-qualified and caring professionals hold master’s and doctoral degrees in their specialties from accredited universities, are licensed by the state of Virginia to practice audiology and/or speech-language pathology and hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

HEARING THERAPISTS (L to R): Heather Dickey, AuD CCC-A Michelle Ickes, PhD, CCC-A | Marty Smolak, Audiology Assistant

To schedule an appointment, contact us at 540.343.0165.

Improving quality of life by helping children and adults communicate effectively.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

Local health. Anywhere you go.

OurHealth magazine is Southwest Virginia’s only resource entirely dedicated to delivering information about local healthcare services and healthy living topics.

Pick up our print edition at more than 900 locations throughout the area or get the digital edition by visiting

OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com .

www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Roanoke and New River Valleys

ARE YOU REALLY A

HEALTHY

DRIVER? words | JENNIFER LAMONT

In Roanoke County alone, there were 1,437 TRAFFIC CRASHES in 2017.Throughout Virginia, 20 percent of all crashes in 2017 were caused SOLELY BY DISTRACTED DRIVERS. Everyone likes to think they’re a great driver once they get behind the wheel. And, in terms of national statistics, Virginia drivers aren’t the worst. You may disagree, especially if you commute, the state doesn’t score too badly against the rest of the nation at number five. That’s the good news.

The bad news is many drivers on the roadways in Virginia are still a danger to themselves and others. Drivers are distracted, impaired, inexperienced and otherwise not taking care of their own health and safety, let alone being mindful of everyone else who’s on the road with them. Throughout Virginia, there is a car crash every four minutes.

Practicing common-sense defensive driving techniques reduces accidents and potential fatalities. But, even good drivers get distracted. Here are quick driver safety tips for staying safe and healthy behind the wheel.

4 DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS FOR DRIVING WELL 1.

STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Pay attention to the road, other drivers, pedestrians and other objects at all times. Don’t give up control of your car to your phone, a conversation or other distractions.

Don’t engage with aggressive drivers. Avoid them.

2. DON’T COUNT ON OTHER DRIVERS TO WATCH OUT FOR YOU. Assume that other drivers will run red lights, blow stop signs or block you from merging. Because they will.

3. FOLLOW THE 4-SECOND RULE. Always leave 4 seconds of stop time between you and the car ahead of you, since that’s where the greatest chance of a collision is.

4. AVOID AGGRESSIVE DRIVING. Speeding, weaving through traffic and tailgating are not helping you get to your destination any faster.

Knowing how to drive defensively is key. But other habits affect your driving skills as well. Here are some healthy habits for yourself, and your car, that keep you safer and make you a better driver. www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Features

• INSIGHT

4 WAYS YOUR OVERALL HEALTH IMPROVES YOUR DRIVING SIGHT. Your vision is directly related to your ability to drive well—but it’s not all about how blurry a sign appears. Your eyes should be able to spot immobile and moving objects, see things near and far, be sensitive to contrasts so you can see in low light conditions, and have good depth perception.

Distra cted drivin risk f g is o actor s for ne of apps y o the m unge can ain r driv help estab ers. T your lish g h e se o y od ha the ro oung bits a ad: drive nd be r safer • on LifeS aver TrueM otion

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DRIVING APPS:

AT&T DrDistracted driving is one of the iveMo

de SafeD main risk factors for younger rive drivers. These apps can help Focu s by TeenD your young driver establish good rive habits and be safer on the road: •

LifeSaver

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TrueMotion Family

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Mojo

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AT&T DriveMode

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SafeDrive

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Focus by TeenDrive

Use your smartphone to your advantage to help you keep both your car and yourself safe. These apps can remind you when to change your oil or track your fuel usage:

Some of these issues are not apparent just by looking around you, even if your sight isn’t blurry.

Regular eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist will tell you if your vision is impaired in any way for driving during different conditions.

SLEEP. It’s the one thing that plagues most of us—sleep deprivation. Getting more, better quality sleep at night will help you be a safer driver the next day. For a huge portion of the population, however, getting enough sleep isn’t that simple. Studies show that 40 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and don’t even realize it because the condition is severely underdiagnosed.

If you wake up perpetually tired even after getting a normal amount of rest, or you tend to get drowsy when driving during the daytime, a sleep test can determine whether you suffer from sleep apnea. It can even save your life. Not only do sleep apnea sufferers have up to five times the risk of being in a serious car crash, they also have a higher chance of suffering a heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

STRESS. More than 132 million people in the U.S. commute to work each day, and they all seem to be on the road with you at the same time. Whether you’re white-knuckling it or calmly sipping a coffee on your commute each day, the drive can cause your stress hormones to rise even if you aren’t aware of it. Reclaim control over your drive by keeping anger in check, listening to relaxing music or podcasts, and being mindful that you can’t control the traffic or other drivers.

SHAPE. Are you in good shape and what does your fitness level have to do with driving? A lot.

Are your neck and shoulders flexible enough to turn your head to look around you? Exercising and keeping flexible will help you get in and out of your car more easily, as well as increase your range of motion so you can see blind spots or scan your driving environment with more ease.

Even if you have 20/20 vision and you exercise regularly, there are risks everyone faces while driving. Distracted driving while on our cell phones is a hazard for people of all ages, simply because everyone has a cell phone. But risk factors differ across age groups and gender.

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Car Minder

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AUTOsist

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MyCARFAX

THE WORST DRIVERS…

•

autoEXP

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS. By far, the biggest risk to everyone driving is newly licensed, inexperienced drivers. They have the highest crash and death rates than other groups of drivers. Teen drivers ages 16-19 are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal crash.

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULT

RISK FACTORS:

TICKET NUMBER

7132018

Distracted driving – texting, using cell phones, carrying several other passengers in the car Speeding and reckless driving, like following other cars too closely Being male. Males are twice as likely to die in traffic accidents at this age than females.

Not using a seatbelt.

Night driving. Crash statistics are highest for this group after 9 p.m.

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To combat these statistics, the CDC’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program helps teens build driving skills and has been proven to reduce fatalities and crashes among new drivers.

•

ADULT DRIVERS. This group’s likely risk factors are driving while under the influence

Are You Really a Healthy Driver?

of alcohol or drugs. While crash statistics for drivers with more experience under their belt get better.

ADULT DRIVER

RISK FACTORS:

TICKET NUMBER

3131991

Distracted driving from cell phones and texting Drowsy driving Over-reliance on vehicle safety technology Women spend more time on their phone while on the road than men Men speed and drive more aggressively than women

SENIOR DRIVERS. Like teen drivers, senior motorists are more negatively impacted by engaging in secondary tasks while driving, like talking on a cell phone. Further, cognition, vision, hearing and reaction time all diminish as we get older.

DID YOU KNOW? Throughout Virginia, there is a car crash EVERY FOUR MINUTES.

The number of drivers aged 65 and older is increasing as more people live longer in the U.S. and here in Virginia. According to the Federal Highway Administration, almost 7,000 seniors are killed in traffic crashes each year.

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• INSIGHT

As drivers get older, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe on the road. Seniors should:

BATTLE OF THE SEXES:

DRIVERS‘ EDITION

•

Keep physically fit and schedule regular screenings

•

Manage chronic conditions that may interfere with driving ability

•

Put the cell phone and other distractions away

•

Keep driving skills updated

•

Know their limitations.

For all drivers at any age, defensive driving skills and healthy habits will keep you safer on the roadways. But the health of your car is just as important. Here are four quick safety tips for making sure your vehicle is in top shape as well:

4 QUICK SAFETY CHECKPOINTS FOR GOOD DRIVERS WIPER BLADES – Drivers tend to let these work way past their shelf life, which creates a serious driving hazard. Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on visibility. Replace blades every six months and keep your windshield clean.

Who drives better… men or women?

Although the gap is narrowing, studies show men are far more likely to engage in reckless behavior behind the wheel.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that, during a forty-year period, twice as many men died in car accident casualties than women.

It’s true that men drive 6,000 more miles each year than women, which accounts for a rise in their crash statistics. But men are also far more likely to speed, avoid wearing seat belts and drive while impaired.

OIL AND FLUID CHECKS – The oil is the life of your engine.

Know how to check oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant so your engine doesn’t overheat.

CLEAN HEADLIGHTS – Clear, bright headlights can give you four more seconds of reaction time. Make sure they’re bright and not clouded.

TIRES – Nearly 250,000 accidents each year are caused by underinflated tires. Know how to check your tire pressure to prevent blow outs and get more mileage out of them. Use a gauge since you can’t tell by just looking at a tire whether it is under – or overinflated. A digital speaking tire gauge makes the process simple.

Sources AARP – www.aarp.org/auto Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov Health in Aging – www.healthinaging.org Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – www.iihs.org International Journal of Epidemiology – www.academic.oup.com National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – www.nichd.nih.gov National Safety Council – www.nsc.org Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – www.dmv.virginia.gov

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Aging Well

Aging Well WISDOM • DIGNITY • SUPPORT

• Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Seniors

STEPS TO A

HEALTHY WINTER FOR

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA SENIORS words | KATHARINE PALJUG

In Virginia, the winter months bring more than holiday shopping. Cold temperatures, snow storms and flu season all come along for the ride — and they can put the health of Southwest Virginia’s seniors at serious risk.

“One of the best things you can do for your health in the winter is to get a flu shot,” says Heather Gearhart, Vice President of Health and Wellness at Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg. Last winter was a particularly bad flu season, with more than 80,000 people in the U.S. dying from flu or flu-related complications.

Even with a flu shot, “Even if the particular strand of flu you come in contact with however, the winter isn’t covered by the flu vaccine you receive, it will lessen the effects and severity of the flu,” explains Gearhart. months still cause

increased health risks Even with a flu shot, however, the winter months still cause due to cold weather, increased health risks due to cold weather, isolation and dangerous conditions outdoors. And poor health puts a severe isolation and dangerous financial burden on seniors who may already be living on a conditions outdoors. fixed income through doctor’s visits, home care expense and additional prescriptions. It also puts a financial burden on the rest of the economy: according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the cost of healthcare is rising sharply as more baby boomers enter their senior years.

On top of the monetary cost, poor health can lead to long-term complications, keep you from staying active or cause depression. It also forces seniors to make a difficult decision: stay at home and risk symptoms becoming worse, or go to the hospital. Not only is a hospital visit expensive, it also exposes you to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other illnesses.

If you are seriously ill or injured, an emergency room is the best place for you to be. But you can prevent things from getting that bad by taking eight steps to protect your health, stay safe and keep active during the winter months.

NEED A FLU SHOT?

1. Think About Temperature, Inside and Out One of the biggest risks seniors face during the winter months is as simple — and dangerous — as becoming too cold.

“Normal changes that come with aging make seniors more susceptible to temperature extremes,” says Christopher Wood, DO, a primary care and geriatric care physician at Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging.

“Changes of skin structure and metabolism impact your ability to maintain a stable temperature.”

Find a Flu Shot Clinic Near You by scanning the QR code provided.

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Aging Well

• WISDOM

34 million

Mental health struggles affect more than 34 million American seniors.

50 percent

Older patients with depression also have healthcare costs that are 50 percent higher than those without mood disorders.

68 percent

About 68 percent of adults over 65 report knowing little or nothing about depression.

42 percent

Only 42 percent of seniors would seek help for depression from a doctor rather than trying to handle it themselves.

In winter, these changes can lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia happens when your body temperature gets dangerously low. It can increase your risk of heart failure and respiratory problems.

The colder the weather is, the more at risk you are for hypothermia, which can be fatal. In fact, cold weather kills 20 times more people than hot weather. In January 2018, Virginia experienced one of the coldest months since the 1980s, and news stations reported multiple instances of people freezing to death when caught outdoors.

If you go outside in the cold, dress warmly in loose layers, including heavy socks, a scarf and a hat to prevent your body from losing heat through your neck and head. Come in from the cold regularly to give your body time to warm up.

Cold is also dangerous inside if you don’t have adequate heating or experience a power outage.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) warns that seniors with existing health conditions are even more at risk, as well as those who live alone and don’t have anyone else helping to monitor the temperature.

When inside, wear warm layers, including socks. Keep the heat set at least on 68 degrees, the NIA warns, even if you are tempted to turn it down to save money.

If you are worried about paying your heating bill, you can contact the Virginia Department of Social Services for assistance by calling 800.552.3431.

You should also avoid alcohol, which can make you feel warmer than you really are. Instead, drink plenty of water.

2. Pay Attention to Your Mood Winter can put your mental health at risk, says Dr. Wood. “Colder temperatures and shorter days can cause increased depression and mood changes,” he explains. “Seniors may be more susceptible to emotional distress as cold temperatures and hazardous weather can lead to decreased outings and socialization.” This is particularly true for the 28 percent of adults over 65 who, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, live alone.

Many seniors are also prone to loneliness around the holiday season. Remembering friends or loved ones who have passed away, or feeling isolated from family, can increase sadness and stress.

Mental health struggles affect more than 34 million American seniors, according to the organization Mental Health America, and seniors dealing with depression are more at risk for isolation, poor physical health and suicide. Older patients with depression also have healthcare costs that are 50 percent higher than those without mood disorders. Yet 68 percent of adults over 65 report knowing little or nothing about depression, and only 42 percent would seek help from a doctor rather than trying to “handle it themselves.”

But depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are health problems that should be treated by a doctor the same way as a heart condition or the flu.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU NOTICE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, INCLUDING:

A B C D E 98

Constant worry or stress Feeling “empty” or sad all the time Feeling despair or hopelessness Loss of interest in everyday activities Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

F G H I

Insomnia or persistent oversleeping Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide Physical problems with no apparent cause, such as stomach pain or headache

Aging Well •

To combat isolation, reach out to your neighbors, join a local senior community center or use technology to stay connected to your family and friends. And if something doesn’t feel right with your mood, says Gearhart, tell your doctor, just as you would for any other health concern.

Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Seniors

3. Talk to Your Doctor Sooner, Rather Than Later If you have health conditions like diabetes or a heart problem, your body is already working hard to stay healthy and fight off illness. A second, untreated illness might be more than your immune system can handle. “Seniors with underlying health conditions have decreased physical reserve. So simple viruses or infections may have more severe symptoms, be more difficult to treat or lead to other serious complications,” Dr. Wood explains.

If you suspect you are getting sick, go to the doctor sooner rather than later. Don’t try to self-medicate for more than two days, even if you think your symptoms are mild or an injury isn’t serious. “Seek medical care if symptoms persist without improvement, or sooner if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain or swelling,” recommends Dr. Wood.

If you suspect

you are getting sick, go to the doctor sooner rather than later.

Telemedicine services, which are available through many hospitals and primary care practices, are an effective way to check in with a doctor during winter, especially if the weather makes it difficult to leave the house or you want to avoid exposure to germs at the doctor’s office. “Telemedicine can be convenient and beneficial if it is from a trusted source. Good advice can be given with easy access,” says Dr. Wood. “However, I would recommend an office visit if symptoms do not improve as there is no substitution for an in-person physical exam.”

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4. Find Safe Ways to Stay Active Exercise is important in every season, but it becomes difficult in the winter. Cold weather and snow make it hard to exercise outside, which can impact your mood, sleep and overall well-being.

Heather Gearhart

Vice President of Health and Wellness at Warm Hearth Village

Cold temperatures, snow and ice can also lead to falls, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports is the leading cause of death and injury for seniors, including hip and arm fractures, as well as head injuries. The costs of these injuries adds up: in 2015, the CDC reports, the total medical cost of falls “Protect your health in the U.S. was $50 billion.

by staying active in the colder weather by exercising indoors whenever possible.”

– Heather Gearhart

For some seniors, this risk of falls causes them to avoid exercise and outdoor activity entirely. However, if you don’t exercise, you lose balance, flexibility and muscle, all of which contribute to falls as well. Exercise also improves your sleep, keeps your heart healthy and lowers your risk of depression.

“Protect your health by staying active in the colder weather by exercising indoors whenever possible,” Gearhart recommends. “There are many local options for low cost gym memberships. Or, you could always grab a buddy and take a walk around the mall.”

Christopher Wood, DO Primary care and geriatric care physician at Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging

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Even if the weather prevents you from leaving the house, you can stay active. Try marching in place while watching TV or carefully stretching your arms and neck.

5. Focus on Hand Hygiene According to experts, one of the best things you can do to prevent dangerous winter illnesses is both simple and easy to forget: washing your hands, especially when using the restroom, preparing food, eating or spending time in a public place like a restaurant or shopping mall.

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Aging Well

“Keeping your hands washed and not touching your face with your hands after coming in contact with other people may save you any number of illnesses this winter,” advises Gearhart.

•

6. Care For Your Heart In the U.S., around 84 million people suffer from some kind of heart disease, and this causes nearly 2,300 death per day. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cost $327 billion every year, and that number is rising.

Seniors are more at risk for heart disease that other groups, particularly in the winter. “Know your limitations and don’t overdo it,” warns Wood.

When it’s cold, your heart is already working extra to keep you warm.

Overexertion from shoveling snow and illnesses like the flu increase your risk of heart disease, especially if you already have high blood pressure or a history of heart trouble.

“Know your limitations and don’t overdo it.”

– Christopher Wood, DO

Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Seniors

According to the CDC, washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, including the flu. For seniors who already have weakened immune systems and other health problems, even a simple cold can cause complications that require a trip to the emergency room. Hand washing can prevent these dangerous complications.

According to the CDC, washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, including the flu.

For seniors who already have weakened immune systems and other health problems, even a simple cold can cause complications that require a trip to the emergency room. Hand washing can prevent these dangerous complications.

To protect your heart, stay warm indoors and out, and get any vaccines your doctor recommends. Be careful not to engage in unusual exercise, especially outdoors. “For example, if someone is not typically active, don’t try to shovel the entire sidewalk or driveway at once,” says Dr. Wood.

Cold temperatures, snow and ice often leads to falls, which the

CDC reports is the leading cause of death and injury for seniors.

If your doctor says it is safe for you to shovel snow or exercise outside, take frequent breaks to rest and warm up. And watch out for warning signs of cardiac distress such as sweating, becoming overheated, shortness of breath or chest pains. If you experience any of these, see a doctor right away.

7. Be Prepared for Bad Weather Virginia winters can be unpredictable, with sudden storms and freezing temperatures. All this bad weather can pose a severe safety risk for seniors.

Unsafe conditions inside and outside can lead to falls or injuries, which are especially dangerous during bad weather when emergency services may be slow to respond. And if you are unable to leave the house during a storm, you may be stuck without food or important medication.

Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishable food items in case a storm hits unexpectedly. Make arrangements ahead of time for snow removal, repair any steps or walkways around your homes, have handrails by stairs and keep ice melt on hand. Inside, keep pathways clear to avoid tripping and falling. “Be sure to clear clutter from your indoor and outdoor spaces,” recommends Gearhart. “Throw rugs are lovely, but they can be a real trip hazard for those with an unsteady gait. Be sure there are clear walking paths for well-traveled routes through your home.”

It’s a good idea to keep a space heater on hand for very cold days, but be careful about the type you choose. Electric heaters should have an automatic shut-off function in case they become too hot or tip over. If you’re using a wood-burning stove or kerosene heater, you may be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you don’t already have one, install a carbon monoxide detector to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Aging Well

• WISDOM

Expert Contributors Heather Gearhart, Vice President of Health and Wellness at Warm Hearth Village Christopher Wood, DO, primary care and geriatric care physician at Carilion Clinic Center for Healthy Aging

Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net National Institute of Aging www.nia.nih.gov Reuters News Agency – www.reuters.com Richmond Times – www.richmond.com The Lancet Journals – www.thelancet.com United States Census Bureau www.census.gov US News – www.usnews.com

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Winter storms or icy roads can also prevent seniors from getting to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, which is especially dangerous if you take regular medication to manage a condition like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. If you know a storm is coming, check with your pharmacy about filling prescriptions early. You can also ask your pharmacist about filling prescriptions for three months at a time, rather than just one.

8. Ask For Help When cold weather limits your ability to leave your home, care for your property or run errands by yourself, many seniors feel a loss of independence. But one of the best ways to stay safe and healthy in winter is to ask for help when you need it.

“Don’t be afraid to ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather,” advises Cooper, especially during an emergency like a winter storm. “If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.”

During bad weather, everyday chores are safer with someone accompanying you. Filling prescriptions, getting to doctor’s appointments and heading to the grocery store are all things that family and friends can help with.

If you don’t have nearby family, your local board of aging can connect you with transportation, home aids and other services. You can contact the Virginia Office for Aging Services at 804.662.9333 to be directed to your local board of aging.

Whether you are turning to a close friend, an adult child or a volunteer, it can be difficult to ask for help. But when spring arrives and you are healthy enough to get out and enjoy the sunshine, you’ll be glad you did.

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Health

A-Z

INSIGHT • AWARENESS • MINDFULNESS

DIABETES DIFFERENT

in Men and Women words | LISA KROULIK

Although you probably know what hormones are, you may not have heard of the medical specialty of endocrinology. The simplest way to connect the two is to think of endocrinology as a study of hormones.

HORMONES: [ HAWR-MOHNS ] noun Chemical messengers that affect your sleep, moods, body temperature, stress level and physical growth. They develop in one area of your body and then travel through your bloodstream to another area.

HORMONES ALSO HELP TO DETERMINE THE FOLLOWING:

Since hormones affect men and women so

Appetite and whether someone becomes obese

differently, the

Regulation of glucose levels

warning signs for

Bone growth

diabetes and how

Level of alertness

to prevent and

When puberty begins

treat it are often different than

A person can develop one of several major diseases when his or her hormones don’t function as they should. Diabetes is one of the diseases highly influenced by hormones. Since hormones affect men and women so differently, the warning signs for diabetes and how to prevent and treat it are often different than they are for men.

they are for men.

Women, Diabetes, and the Role of Hormones Women’s hormones go through significant changes as they approach menopause. The steep decline in the estrogen hormone makes it more difficult for women’s bodies to keep blood www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Health A-Z

• INSIGHT

glucose levels at a healthy level. That’s why middle-aged women have a higher risk of developing diabetes than younger women. Even if you haven’t started showing signs of menopause yet, it’s a good idea to have your doctor check your blood glucose levels every year after age 45.

Other Risk Factors of Diabetes for Women It’s important to pay attention to the risk factors for diabetes no matter what your age. Some of the most common ones include:

A

Being overweight or obese

B

Family history of diabetes

C

Frequent sensation of thirst

D

You have frequent bouts of urinary tract infections (UTI)

E

You need to urinate more frequently

F

Your vision is blurrier after eating foods high in carbohydrates

G

Fatigue

to have your doctor

H

Your thinking feels confused or foggy

check your blood

I

You feel hungrier than usual

Even if you haven’t started showing signs of menopause yet, it’s a good idea

glucose levels every year after age 45.

While these are the most typical symptoms of diabetes in women, some women are entirely asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) and others experience more unusual symptoms. For example, you may lose weight without trying, have little interest in sex, notice that your wounds heal more slowly and struggle with insomnia. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have diabetes, but you should always report any new symptom to your doctor. He or she will order the appropriate tests to confirm or rule out diabetes.

More than 12 percent of the population of Virginia has diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-quarter of them don’t know it.

More than one-third of Virginians have pre-diabetes. That means they have many of the risk factors but their blood glucose doesn’t measure high enough yet to be officially diagnosed as a diabetic.

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

A

The plasma glucose test is the most common way to diagnose diabetes. For this test, you need to fast from all food and drink for at least eight hours. You then visit a laboratory for a blood draw. If you’re non-diabetic, your reading should come back at 100 mg/dL or less when fasting.

B

Some doctors also use an A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over the last three months, and most consider a reading above 6.5 to indicate diabetes. If you do receive a diagnosis, your doctor will repeat both tests at each check-up to ensure that your blood glucose is at healthy levels.

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Completing an oral glucose tolerance test is another way to diagnose diabetes. For this test, you drink a beverage containing glucose and your doctor measures your blood glucose level two hours later.

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Health A-Z

Diabetes Treatment Options

•

If you’re overweight or obese, your doctor will advise you to lose weight. You should also start an exercise program if you’re sedentary and overhaul your diet to balance your carbohydrate intake with other nutrients. Many women find it helpful to meet with a dietitian shortly after their diagnosis for guidance on meal planning.

Diabetes Looks Different in Men and Women

The type of medication you take depends on if you have Type I or Type II diabetes. Type I is typically diagnosed earlier in life.

It requires taking daily insulin injections and careful dietary monitoring. Treatment for Type II diabetes usually involves dietary and exercise interventions first and then adding an oral medication if those changes don’t do enough to help stabilize blood glucose.

Diabetes Prevention Strategies Even if you have pre-diabetes, you could reverse it and not go on to develop diabetes by making some significant lifestyle changes.

Regular exercise not only helps you lose weight, it reduces blood glucose and increases your insulin sensitivity, as well.

A fitness program that contains both resistance training and aerobic exercise may be the most beneficial. Even if you can’t do that, going for a walk every day in Virginia’s mild climate can dramatically improve your health.

Increasing fiber and whole grains in your diet are also effective at lowering blood glucose. Some good food choices to make include beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Although following a fad diet such as the glycemic index or a low-carb diet might be tempting, it’s best just to make healthier choices every day instead.

Diabetes can be frightening, whether you have received a diagnosis or simply think you might have it. In either case, focus on controlling as many risk factors as you can and working closely with your doctor to achieve good health.

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Health

A-Z

INSIGHT • AWARENESS • MINDFULNESS

words | LISA KROULIK

One important health issue often ignored by men is hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 36 million Americans have hearing loss. And unfortunately, these 36 million Americans are dealing with much more than diminished hearing.

WHAT IS AN

OTOLOGIST/ NEUROTOLOGIST? An otologist/neurotologist is an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) who provides medical and surgical care to patients – both adult and children – who suffer from diseases that affect the ears, balance system, temporal bone, skull base, and related structures of the head and neck.

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A study released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that untreated hearing loss was closely associated with quality of life issues like sadness, depression, anxiety, insecurity and irritability. Not surprisingly, the study also indicated that hearing loss affects both the individuals with “Men are far more the loss, as well as their families. likely to work in loud

Men Experience Hearing Loss in Much Higher Numbers Twice as many men as women are likely to experience hearing loss between ages 20 and 69. Advancing age is the biggest factor in hearing loss and it’s diagnosed most often between ages 60 and 69.

occupations such as construction or manufacturing. Hearing noises every day with high decibel levels eventually takes a toll on hearing.”

You may wonder why this problem affects men so much more than women. One of the biggest reasons is occupational hazards. Men are far more likely to work in loud occupations such as construction or manufacturing. Hearing noises every day with high decibel levels eventually takes a toll on hearing.

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Health A-Z •

Men in the military have an even greater risk of hearing loss than men who work in loud occupations. This is easy to understand when you consider that 85 percent of enlisted personnel are men and that they operate noisy machines every day. Tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears, affects up to 10 percent of veterans. Hearing loss affects another six percent.

The Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Men

Even the hobbies men engage in can damage hearing. Hunting, for example, can produce shotgun blasts up to 170 decibels. Riding a motorcycle exposes riders to a decibel level of 95. Most audiologists agree that it’s risky to expose yourself to decibel levels above 85 on a routine basis.

What are Decibels?

A sound’s loudness is measured in decibels (dB).

Normal conversation is about 60 A lawn mower is about 90

dB

dB

Loud rock concert is about 120

dB

In general, sounds above 85 are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.

Preventing Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only type of hearing loss that is preventable, and it is well documented that the use of hearing protection devices work. However, studies show the use of hearing protection devices during recreational activities is quite low for adults.

How Loud is Too Loud?

You may be surprised to learn how loud some everyday sounds can be, especially if you are exposed to ones that produce decibels above the harmful level of 85 dB on a continual basis.

NOISE TYPE

AVERAGE DECIBELS

Leaves rustling, soft music or whispering

30

Average noise in home

40

Normal conversation, background noise

60

Office noise, inside car at 60 mph

70

Heavy traffic, noisy restaurant or lawn mower

80-89

Subway, shouted conversation

90-95

ATV or motorcycle

96-100

Chainsaw or leaf blower

106-115

Sports crowd, rock concert or loud symphony

120-129

Stock car races

130

Gun shot, siren at 100 feet

140 www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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Health A-Z

• INSIGHT

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Men

36 million

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 36 million Americans have hearing loss.

2 times

The symptoms of hearing loss in men are very similar to what women experience. It’s important to schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible if you recognize one or more of these symptoms:

A B C

Speech or other sounds seem muffled

D

You have greater difficulty following conversations when a lot of background noise is present

E

You avoid social situations due to frustration of not being able to hear well or don’t contribute as much to conversations as you once did

F

Consonants in words are harder to understand than vowels

You frequently need to ask others to repeat themselves Your family complains that you turn up the television, your alarm clock, or the ringer on your phone too loudly

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss in Men

Twice as many men as women are likely to experience hearing loss between ages 20 and 69.

The type of testing performed by an audiologist depends on your age as well as the suspected cause and severity of your hearing loss. For adults, the most common types of hearing tests include the following:

85 percent

TRANSTYMPANIC ELECTROCOCHLEOGRAPHY (ECOG): You will lie down in a sound booth to prepare for this test. The audiologist will then place a recording sensor in each ear. The sensor measures electrical signals produced by the nerves located in your inner ear.

Men in the military have an even greater risk of hearing loss, most likely because 85 percent of enlisted personnel are men who operate noisy machines every day.

Virginia Department for the

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

Go to www.VDDHH.org by scanning the QR provided to learn more about services that can make your life easier.

SPEECH AUDIOMETRY: As you sit in a sound booth with a set of headphones, the audiologist will play various words at different volumes and ask you to repeat them to him or her.

PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY: You will wear headphones and a headband while sitting in a soundproof booth. The audiologist will then play different sound pitches and ask you to raise your hand when you can hear them.

The most typical treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss is to wear hearing aids. Speech therapy and counseling if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression about your hearing loss can be helpful as well. If your hearing loss is severe or profound, a cochlear implant may be considered an option. This is an electronic device that helps to restore some hearing by stimulating auditory nerves via the electrodes attached to the cochlea of the inner ear.

Men and Women Experience Hearing Loss Differently Although men experience hearing loss at twice the rate that women do, they are half as likely to inform the people in their lives that they’re hard of hearing. Even when they do let people know, they’re unlikely to state what could be helpful such as talking louder, making eye contact, or speaking closer to the right or left ear.

Consulting a hearing care professional at the first sign of hearing loss is the most effective way to treat your condition and prevent it from worsening so you hear and enjoy all the sounds of life. Be sure to ask your audiologist for resources or check with the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to learn more about services that can make your life easier.

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James M. Leipzig, MD, FACS, demonstrates the Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance Platform for minimally invasive spine surgery procedures on a model at LewisGale Medical Center.

INCREASED SAFETY, LESS PAIN, AND REDUCED RADIATION AND ANESTHESIA EXPOSURE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS

LewisGale Medical Center’s

NEW ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Improves Patients’ Spinal Surgery Outcomes words | RICH ELLIS

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LewisGale Medical Center recently added The Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance

Platform

for

minimally

invasive

spine

surgery

procedures, and is the first hospital west of Richmond with a robotic system designed specifically for this type of surgery. While surgeons at LewisGale have been using other robotic systems for three years to perform general surgery and gynecologic procedures, the new Mazor technology now provides a robotic option for patients requiring spine surgery.

Minimally invasive procedures with their smaller incisions can pose a challenge to surgeons due to the limited view of the patient’s anatomy. The Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance Platform helps overcome this challenge with a 3D comprehensive surgical plan and analytics that give the surgeon detailed information and visualization before the surgery starts.

“This technology is utilized for the placement or implantation of spinal screws,” explains James Leipzig, MD, FACS, spine surgeon, who is the first at LewisGale to use the new system. “Prior to the surgery, we can examine the patient’s anatomy utilizing a high resolution CT scan and plan exactly where we want those screws to go. Having this incredibly precise robotic guidance system, as compared to using previously a handheld x-ray guidance technique, is very beneficial for patients as it reduces operating times, patients experience less pain, and patients’ anesthesia and radiation exposures are also lowered.”

“As spinal surgery has evolved, more focus has been placed on minimally invasive techniques, and this is where the Mazor XTM Platform can deliver its greatest technological benefits.”

James Leipzig, MD, FACS Spine surgeon at LewisGale Medical Center

Dr. Leipzig adds that patients who require a spinal fusion or lumbar fusion would be the ideal candidates for this new technology, and stressed that outcomes and patient safety are critical and what really matter. The Mazor technology increases surgeons’ precision, which in turn helps lower complications and increases patient safety.

“As spinal surgery has evolved, more focus has been placed on minimally invasive techniques, and this is where the Mazor XTM Platform can deliver its greatest technological benefits,” Dr. Leipzig explains. “The system’s pre-operative assessment and intra-operative trajectory precision provide us with additional advanced-spinal-surgery options.”

LewisGale has established a reputation as a leader in spine surgery with its advanced technologies and excellence in patient care. It is a Top 100 Hospital in America for Spine Surgery – based on patient outcomes – according to Healthgrades, and the Mazor X™ Robotic Guidance Platform will help continue the hospital’s leadership in spine surgery excellence.

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

Additional information about the Mazor X is available by visiting www.lewisgale.com/ roboticsurgery. www.OurHealthRoanokeNRV.com

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