Serving Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties
HOUSTON
February 2019
Volume 9 | Issue 2
Inside This Issue
A Trauma Surgeon’s Plea to Houston Drivers See pg. 9
Deal Breaker – Cyber Security Risk in Health Care Transactions
By Iliana L. Peters, J.D. Lidia M. Niecko-Najjum, J.D. Polsinelli, PC
H INDEX Mental Health...................... pg.3 Oncology Research......... pg.5 Healthy Heart....................... pg.7 Accolades........................... pg.12
Oakbend Medical Center Announces 2018 Physician Of The Year See pg. 12
ealth care organizations’ lack of compliance with the data privacy and security requirements of both state laws and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules and the resulting cyber security risk could be a literal “deal breaker” for mergers and acquisitions. Buyers must prioritize fulsome due diligence in investigating the data privacy and security practices of their targets, and sellers must be prepared to provide excellent documentation regarding their policies and practices to buyers to ensure that the deal does not stall, or worse, based on concerns about potential state and federal regulatory enforcement actions. Recent business deals in other industries have been affected by cyber attacks, causing a lowered purchase price or resulting in buyers acquiring big liabilities related to previous information breaches. In health care, buyers must also consider state privacy and security laws, and particularly the HIPAA Rules. Generally, most health care organizations must ensure they are compliant with: • The HIPAA Privacy Rule which requires the permitted uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI) and individuals rights to it. • The HIPAA Security Rule which requires the necessary physical,
administrative and technical safeguards that must be put in place to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. • The HIPAA Breach Notification Rule which requires parties to be notified when a breach of PHI has occurred. Violations of HIPAA have serious consequences. These include civil penalties that range from $50,000 per incident up to $1.5 million per incident for violations that are not corrected, per calendar year. “Per violation” means that any particular investigation of a breach incident could result in $1.5 million in penalties for each year of a six-year statute of limitations for each requirement of the Privacy, Security or Breach Notification Rules that may be implicated. Both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the State Attorneys General have jurisdiction to enforce civil penalties. HIPAA violations may also result in criminal penalties that end in more fines and violators facing up to 10 years in prison; the Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces the criminal provisions of HIPAA.
Too many potential buyers do not conduct the requisite HIPAA compliance due diligence and expose themselves both to HIPAA penalties and general cybersecurity liability. At the same time, many sellers do not anticipate that buyers will inquire about HIPAA compliance and are unable to provide key information that should be necessary to complete the deal. To avoid HIPAA liabilities and cybersecurity risk, due diligence should include a review of the following: 1. Copies of HIPAA Policies and Procedures for the previous six years: Privacy Rule • Updated policies and procedures regarding uses, disclosures, and safeguards to protect PHI • Updated policies and procedures regarding individual’s rights • Updated policies and procedures regarding Business Associate Agreements and sample forms • Designation of HIPAA Privacy Officer • Notices of Privacy Practices • HIPAA Authorization Forms see Cyber Security... page 14
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 1 HOUSTON TX
Houston Medical Times
Page 2
We pledge to help build your practice. Equipment Loans as low as
4.20
%
We’re dedicated to boosting your bottom line. So now for a LIMITED TIME, we’re offering tremendous financing rates for the medical equipment you need to keep things moving onward and upward.
up to
72
months
AllegianceBank.com
Call 281 894 3200
February 2019
medicaltimesnews.com
Houston Medical Times
Page 3
Mental Health Training Law Enforcement to Reverse Opioid Overdoses — Texas A&M Opioid Task Force’s Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Administration Training for Emergency Responders from Across the Brazos Valley By Mary Leigh Meyer
T
he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 68 percent of last year’s more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths involved an opioid. In other words, an average of 130 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. The Texas A&M Health Science Center Opioid Task Force is dedicated to decreasing these alarming mortality rates, partly through expanding access to the opioid overdose reversal agent known as naloxone, or Narcan. The Opioid Task Force, in collaboration with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, facilitated naloxone training sessions for law enforcement and emergency service departments from seven counties across the Brazos Valley this week. “Law enforcement will most likely be the first responder on the scene,
especially in a rural setting, so it is important they feel empowered and comfortable using naloxone,” said Joy Alonzo, M. Engineering, PharmD, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy, who is leading the naloxone training effort. In December 2018, the Task Force trained over 200 law enforcement and emergency responders in reversing opioid overdoses using naloxone. Additionally, the Task Force held a training at Texas A&M University at Galveston for the University’s Police Department last June. During the training, participants learn how to identify a potential opioid overdose and employ the Opioid Overdose Action Plan, which spells out the exactly what to do to render assistance during an opioid overdose and use naloxone to reverse the opioid overdose. The trainings also review the basics of opioid pharmacology,
Police officer (first responder ) seen here with Joy Alonzo PharmD, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy, who is leading the naloxone training effort.
factors influencing the opioid crisis, officer safety during an opioid overdose situation and Texas specific legislation pertaining to naloxone. This information helps to debunk any common myths about opioids, opioid overdose and the use of naloxone. An integral part of the workshop is the hands-on opioid overdose simulation exercise. The exercise requires participants along with trainers to simulate an opioid
medicaltimesnews.com
overdose situation and implement the Opioid Overdose Action Plan, which includes activating 911, naloxone administration, rescue breathing, reassessment and monitoring. The naloxone trainings are only one intervention that the Opioid Task Force is employing to decrease opioid-related mortality and expand access to substance use see Mental Health... page 13
February 2019
Houston Medical Times
Page 4
Scientists Develop Universal Ebola Treatment Effective in Single Dose
T
here is a new medication that in one dose successfully protected nonhuman primates against a lethal infection of all strains of the deadly Ebola virus. The findings are now available in Cell Host & Microbe. Dr. Thomas Geisbert, a world-renowned Ebola researcher at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said that previous therapeutics typically were of the “one bug, one drug” variety. But because of the unpredictable nature and variety of the Ebola virus, scientists have been seeking a way to protect against different strains of the virus. “Our experimental drug can protect against all forms of Ebola known to harm people, suggesting that it will continue to protect people if the Ebola viruses evolve over time,” said Geisbert, who is a professor of microbiology and immunology at UTMB. The team of scientists demonstrated that a two-antibody cocktail called
MBP134 could fully protect nonhuman primates and ferrets against lethal Ebola virus infections of caused by the Bundibugyo and Sudan strain as well as the deadliest Zaire strain that caused the 2013-16 epidemic in West Africa and the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We were able to protect the nonhuman primates against all the Ebola species plaguing people at a single low dose,” said Larry Zeitlin, president of Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. “Further studies exploring even lower doses could open the door to treatment via auto-injectors like the kind used for allergic reactions. The ability to quickly and efficiently provide protection against all Ebola viruses in a single dose would reduce the burden on health care workers in the field during outbreaks, especially in regions that have a less-developed infrastructure.”
Postdoctoral Certificate in
Neuropsychology Expand your practice through this unique program designed for licensed psychologists who want to extend the scope of their assessment practices and treatment interventions to include neuropsychology. Study with renowned neuropsychologists: Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, New York, NY Dr. Arnold Purisch, Orange County, CA
CHANGE THE WORLD. START WITH YOURS.
www.Fielding.edu/Neuro February 2019
medicaltimesnews.com
Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg New York, NY
Houston Medical Times
Page 5
Oncology Research Top Five Cancer Trends In 2019 By Muffaddal Morkas, MD Texas Oncology– Memorial City Houston
M
edical science and technology are constantly advancing, creating innovations in oncology that provide more and better options for cancer patients. Trends shaping cancer treatment and prevention in 2019 blend a focus on the opportunities that lie in deeper understanding of what is unique to each patient with insights gleaned from probing what is common to many. 1. Immune Based Therapies to Grow Chemotherapy remains a primary treatment for cancer; however, the use of immunebased therapies continues to grow. Oncologists increasingly recommend immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, as a
treatment option for some patients. Immunotherapy is a treatment option that can be more effective and less toxic than chemotherapy. This is a particularly promising development for higher risk patients. 2. Big Data = Big Picture of Cancer This year, we’ll continue to see advancements in the use of big data to help inform treatment plans and analyze patient outcomes. Advancements in technology have made it possible for providers like Texas Oncology – which treats tens of thousands of patients each year – to discover powerful ways to provide the most optimal care. For example, patient tracking data required in the Oncology Care Model, a novel program through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, is giving us the clearest ‘big picture’ look we’ve ever had about our patients’ treatment and outcomes. Patient data help healthcare providers better understand genetic risk, new approaches to therapeutics, and trends in healthy living post-treatment. In turn, we can improve patient outcomes.
3. Putting Patient Priorities First Managing a cancer diagnosis requires an ongoing dialogue between medical teams and caregivers. Patients are becoming more empowered to put their values and priorities forward in treatment decisions – enabled by the evolving approach physicians take in communicating with patients. For example, more providers are embracing telemedicine which adds convenience and provides more immediate and actionable access to care. This helps break silos between patients and providers, allowing cancer patients to be more involved in their treatment decisions. 4. On the Lookout for Cancer
Early detection has long been an emphasis when it comes to health. We will continue to see providers promote screenings and early detection, as well advancement in screening solutions like liquid biopsies. A recent American Cancer Society study found that the cancer death rate dropped by 27 percent in the last 25 years, primarily because of advancements in early detection and treatment, and decreases in smoking. We are engaging primary care physicians on early detection and genetic testing to provide patients with a better understanding of cancer risk and the opportunity to treat cancer sooner, with greater success. see Oncology...page 14
NOW LE ASING LUXURY APARTMENT HOMES Med Center Living with Exclusive Shuttle Unique 1 & 2 bedrooms floor plans Walking distance to Hermann Park & The Museum District Immediate freeway access
5755 Almeda Rd. Hou., TX 77004 www.5755HermannPark.com 281.310.5755 medicaltimesnews.com
February 2019
Houston Medical Times
Page 6
Nation’s First School of Biomedical Informatics Welcomes New Space In The Texas Medical Center By Amy Laukka
A
$15 million space designed to foster technology innovation and collaboration in biomedical science discovery, health care delivery, and disease prevention has open its doors to students, faculty, and staff from the School of Biomedical Informatics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The first freestanding school of biomedical informatics in the country will move into an open-concept home filled with state-of-the-art technology reminiscent of Google’s headquarters. “UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics now has a home that reflects the core of its mission: to educate biomedical leaders, leverage data to transform health care discovery, and develop tools to enhance clinical and public health care,” said Giuseppe
Colasurdo, MD, UTHealth president and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. “We are grateful to the members of the Legislature and generous donors who have helped make this beautiful space possible, and look forward to what our exceptional faculty and students will accomplish within these walls and beyond.” Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, the building provides the necessary space for the rapid growth of the school, which collects and converts data into actionable information that can accelerate discovery. The school has tripled in both student enrollment and faculty size since 2013. With its larger footprint and additional resources, the new building positions the school to continue leading the industry in leveraging big data for the improvement of health care
Call 713-600-9500 for a free assessment, 24/7.
delivery, said Jiajie Zhang, PhD, dean of UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics and Glassell Family Fo u n d at io n Distinguished Chair in Informatics Excellence. “A new era of tech nolog y-ba sed health care is here,” Zhang said. “Soon, you won’t be able to find a doctor who isn’t using biomedical informatics in some way, so it is more important than ever that we provide the opportunity for students to learn and apply the most advanced understanding in the UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics unveils its new home. PHOTO CREDIT: Jacob Power Photography field and continue filling the growing number of jobs in health information collaboration, brainstorming, and idea sharing that is critical for pioneering technology.” The area features an innovation discovery. Three of the new classrooms lab for students and faculty for group
Your provider of choice
Behavioral health and substance use treatment We offer: • Services for Adolescents, Adults and Seniors • Exclusively women program • Detoxification • Outpatient services for adults - Intensive Outpatient Program - Partial Hospitalization Program
Physicians are on the medical staff of Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. 162038 6/16
February 2019
see UTHealth...page 14
medicaltimesnews.com
Houston Medical Times
Page 7
Healthy Heart February Reminds Us to Keep Heart Health at The Forefront of Our Minds By American Heart Association
F
ebruary is American Heart Month and there’s no better time than now to pay careful attention to your heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. February 1 is also designated as National Wear Red Day, bringing awareness to heart disease and education on heart-healthy living. Additionally, February is Black History month and according to statistics, 40 percent of African Americans suffer from high blood pressure, putting them at risk for strokes and heart disease. Recognizing the importance of heart health during February crosses over to multiple areas and observances. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health
conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices. American Heart Month efforts focus on raising awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community. You can make a difference in your community: spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives. Dr. David E. Persse, M.D., Physician Director for Emergency Medical Services, Public Health Authority for the City of Houston and Heart Ball medical honoree, says that hospitals across Houston are reinforcing this message. “Taking care of your heart and being proactive about heart health is crucial if we all want to make the mission for longer, healthier lives in our community a reality.” While some conditions are genetic, there are many things you can do to better your heart health. The American Heart Association’s research cites six factors as being critical to
heart health. They are healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, stress management, smoking and workplace health. It is also important for every person to know their five key numbers: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index. These numbers are important because they can help determine risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Aside from creating a healthier food diet, you should also exercise. Exercise tips for overall cardiovascular health include: • At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five days per week for a total of 150 minutes, or at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least three days per week for a total of 75 minutes, or
a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity; and • Moderate-to high-intensity musclestrengthening activity at least two days per week for additional health benefits. In order to raise awareness about heart disease, February 1 is designated as National Wear Red Day. Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. People across the country will wear red, raising awareness for women with heart disease. There are also many valuable additional resources available for women’s heart health at Go Red for Women – www.heart.org/ HoustonWearRedDay.
CENTERED LIVING
LUXURY APARTMENT HOMES In The Texas Medical Center
10 WEEKS FREE RENT!
281-417-3096 LiveLatitudeMedCenter.com
12-18 month lease on any floor plan* *Ask For Details.
medicaltimesnews.com
February 2019
Houston Medical Times
Page 8
Houston Methodist Urogynecologists Perform Life-Changing Surgeries for Haitian Women
READY, SET . . .
O
lmigue St. Fleur didn’t think twice about making the five hour drive from her city to Pignon, Haiti after learning that a group of American doctors was coming to perform free surgeries at a hospital there. For 17 years she suffered from severe pelvic organ prolapse — a condition that greatly impacted her life every day. After years of seeing doctors, St. Fleur knew she needed surgery, but doctors in the country didn’t have the skills required to perform this complex procedure. Her prolapse was so severe that her bladder and uterus protruded from her vagina by five centimeters, which made most daily activities uncomfortable.
PLAN your 2019
business meetings, conferences, retreats and events at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center now.
of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Houston Methodist Hospital. “That number doesn’t represent the many women who ignore their symptoms, are too embarrassed to talk about them, or are treated nonsurgically. And I believe pelvic floor disorders are even more common in a poor country like Haiti, so thousands of women there are suffering with conditions that can be easily treated.” The Houston Methodist team worked at Hospital Bienfaisance de Pignon, a nine-building facility powered by a single generator that provides family planning resources, maternal care and labor/delivery services, cholera treatment, prosthetic limbs, an HIV/
2 5 0 0 S O U T H S H O R E B O U L E VA R D | S S H R . CO M | 2 8 1 . 3 3 4 . 1 0 0 0
A team of Houston Methodist urogynecologists traveled to Pignon, Haiti to perform free surgeries for women suffering with pelvic floor disorders. From left to right, Fiona Lindo, M.D., Tristi Muir, M.D., Danielle Antosh, M.D., Shweta Pai, M.D. spent four days in Pignon where they evaluated 13 patients, performed six surgeries and trained Haitian health care professionals.
St. Fleur is one of many Haitian women who are suffering unnecessarily because they cannot access the care of a urogynecologist, a surgeon who specializes in the pelvic floor which provides support for a woman’s urological and reproductive organs. There are few urogynecologists in the U.S. and none in Haiti who can treat pelvic floor disorders that wreak havoc on a woman’s quality of life. The Houston Methodist team of urogynecologists – Tristi Muir, M.D., Fiona Lindo, M.D., MPH, Danielle Antosh, M.D., and Shweta Pai, M.D. – spent four days in Pignon where they evaluated 13 patients, performed six surgeries and trained Haitian health care professionals. “One in five U.S. women undergo surgery for a pelvic floor disorder such as urinary or fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse,” said Muir, chairwoman February 2019
medicaltimesnews.com
AIDS clinic, and emergency care to locals and other Haitians who travel to Pignon for care at one of the country’s most modern hospitals. One of the team’s goals was to train local physicians on how to diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders, so that Haitian women could receive care even after the team returned to Houston Methodist. “The local physicians, nurses, and OR teams were so welcoming and eager to learn,” said Lindo, global health director of women’s services at Houston Methodist Hospital. “We taught them how to perform easy tests to help them reach the right diagnosis. They worked alongside us in the operating room to learn the surgical techniques, and we left behind specialized surgical instruments so that they would be equipped to use their see Methodist...page 13
Houston Medical Times
Page 9
A Trauma Surgeon’s Plea to Houston Drivers By Michelle McNutt, Chief of Trauma at Red Duke Trauma Institute Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
H
ouston, we have a serious problem on our hands. We are home to some of the nation’s most distracted drivers. How do I know this? Every day on my way to work in one of the country’s busiest Level I trauma centers, I can’t help but notice all of the other drivers looking down at their phones, their eyes off the road. It frightens me – as a trauma surgeon, as a commuter and as a mother. No text message, social media post or phone call is worth your life or the lives of those around you. The Deadliest City for Motorists Texting and driving is a nationwide epidemic, but in Houston, the problem is especially serious. Did you know we are the deadliest city for motorists, according to the Houston Chronicle? Distracted driving has become a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions in Harris County and surrounding areas. More than 3,000 people were killed across the country
in 2016 due to distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Houston, distraction was listed as a likely cause of more than 8,000 motor vehicle collisions. A Witness to the Deadly Results of Distracted Driving As Chief of Trauma at Red Duke Trauma Institute, I see the damage and devastation caused by distracted driving. Our team does everything we can to save lives, yet for some survivors, their lives are forever altered because of their injuries. The reality is that trauma is preventable; we each can take steps to reduce our risky behaviors and lessen the chance of causing needless injuries and deaths. It’s time to put down our phones. To my fellow parents, I urge you to lead by example. Talk to your children, even before they are able to drive, about the dangers of using a phone behind the wheel. From a very young age, our kids are watching our behavior and looking to us to be their role models.
It’s time to change the way we think about distracted driving. As a society, we have collectively advocated against drinking and driving. We are outraged when people get behind the wheel while intoxicated. I believe that distracted driving should merit that same level of outrage. Help Us Save Lives & Stop Distracted Driving As a leading provider of trauma care in the Houston area, Memorial Hermann is dedicated to making Greater Houston safer and healthier. As part of the drive to end distracted driving, Memorial Hermann Life Flight® is working to motivate the
medicaltimesnews.com
entire community to put down their phones and keep their eyes on the road through targeted prevention initiatives. We launched Live Your DREAMS, a program that teaches high school students about safe driving behaviors. Recently, we began working with mobile app SAFE 2 SAVE to tackle the life-threatening epidemic of distracted driving. SAFE 2 SAVE is a free mobile app that rewards drivers for not using their cellphones when they are behind the wheel. The app
see Plea to Drivers...page 13
February 2019
Houston Medical Times
Page 10
MD Anderson Notes Passing of Waun Ki Hong – Innovator, Mentor, Colleague Former Cancer Medicine Leader Leaves a High-Impact Legacy for Cancer Patients, Physicians
W
www.qualitydocllc.com Serving Greater Houston
ABOUT US QualityDoc, LLC is a veteran-owned Health Information Management company dedicated to providing efficient record management and administrative services for short and long-term solutions. We are here for you, we are QualityDoc!
Medical Record Review Services HEDIS
HIM Vendor Service
Coding Review
Risk Adjustment
Claim Integrity
Office Assistance
Contact Us 281.203.8842
info@qualitydocllc.com
PO Box 2972 Spring TX, 77383
qualitydocllc.com
February 2019
aun Ki Hong, M.D., a trail-blazing physicianscientist and mentor whose clinical research innovations led to successful organ-sparing cancer treatment, advanced the field of targeted therapy and launched chemoprevention, died Wednesday at his home in California. Hong, 76, retired from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as head of the Division of Cancer Medicine in 2014. He remained as a special advisor to a variety of MD Anderson programs that nurtured the careers of young scientists. “Waun Ki Hong’s Waun Ki Hong, M.D. brilliant clinical research and his mentorship of hundreds of when treated with chemotherapy and clinicians have extended the lives radiation as those who underwent and improved the quality of life of surgery that removed the larynx, cancer patients everywhere,” said MD robbing them of the ability to speak. Anderson President Peter WT Pisters, This model helped shift treatment in M.D. “His colleagues at MD Anderson other types of cancers as well. remember Dr. Hong as an optimistic, Known as the father of engaging and creative leader. He’ll be chemoprevention, Hong conducted a greatly missed, but he leaves a powerful, clinical trial at MD Anderson to treat far-reaching legacy both personally and precancerous lesions for oral cancers professionally.” that established proof of principle He is survived by his wife, Mi for preventing cancer by treating its Hwa, his two sons, Edward and Burton, precursor growths. The trial opened and four grandchildren. the field to other organ sites, such as Known to friends as “Ki” the use of tamoxifen and raloxifene to (pronounced “Key”), he conceived, prevent breast cancer. designed and completed clinical Hong conceived and organized trials described by colleagues as brave a unique clinical trial using biopsies to and innovative that led to practice- identify molecular targets in patients’ changing advances. tumors and then matching treatment “Ki Hong also was passionate to the appropriate targeted therapies, about mentorship and many in the field a new field of therapy. It was such a are indebted to his selfless advice and new approach at the time that research help through the years,” said Patrick funding agencies doubted its feasibility. Hwu, M.D., Hong’s successor as head of Hong secured the participation of Cancer Medicine at MD Anderson and several drug companies and funding one of many who considered him to be from the U.S. Department of Defense an important mentor and colleague. to launch the Biomarker-Based Three crucial advances Approaches of Targeted Therapy for “Most of us involved in cancer Lung Cancer Elimination (BATTLE) research and treatment hope to make a trial, which showed that a personalized major impact in a single area. He broke approach was not only feasible, but new ground in three major fields,” Hwu highly promising. Treatment with said. targeted therapies is now routine in As chief of medical oncology lung and other cancer types. at the Boston Veterans Administration Hong earned his medical Medical Center in the early 1980s, degree from Yonsei University School of Hong led a series of landmark clinical trials showing that patients with laryngeal cancer fared just as well see Waun Ki Hong ...page 13
medicaltimesnews.com
Houston Medical Times
Scientists Identify Factors Contributing to Dwarfism
Depression is almost twice as common among women than men.
N
ew research from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) could open up novel ways to treat a severe inherited dwarfing condition called pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH). Findings appeared in the American Journal of Pathology. PSACH is characterized by disproportionate short stature, joint laxity, pain, and early onset osteoarthritis. The research team identified molecular mechanisms that disrupt bone growth in people Studying dwarfism at UTHealth, from the left, are Karen with pseudoachondroplasia. In Posey, PhD, and Jacqueline T. Hecht, PhD. PHOTO CREDIT: a mouse model of dwarfism, Maricruz Kwon, UTHealth the investigators dampened the malfunctioning mechanisms by In 1995, a team led by administering either aspirin or a dietary McGovern Medical School professor supplement called resveratrol. Jacqueline T. Hecht, PhD, identified As for the next step, the group COMP as the gene that causes PSACH. will begin a clinical trial for resveratrol In particular, COMP mutations cause in coming months to address the severe misfolding of the protein. Misfolded joint pain. proteins are proteins that do not have “This is the first study to the correct 3D shape and are toxic to define cellular mechanisms that the cell. preserve cellular viability at the same Posey’s UTHealth coauthors time preventing clearance of misfolded include senior author Hecht; Francoise proteins. These results identify new Coustry, PhD; Alka Veerisetty; and therapeutic targets for this pathologic Mohammad Golber Hossain, PhD. process in a wide spectrum of misfolded The study, titled “Novel protein disorders such as Type 2 mTORC1 mechanism suggests diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and therapeutic targets for COMPopathies,” tuberous sclerosis,” explained Karen L. was supported by the National Institute Posey, PhD, first author and associate professor of pediatrics at McGovern see Dwarfism ...page 12 Medical School at UTHealth.
Page 11
If you are feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, The Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire’s Exclusively Women’s Program provides specialized mental health and substance use treatment tailored to your needs.
Take the first step and call 832-934-9495 today. We offer no-cost assessments, 24/7.
BEHAVIORAL HOSPITAL of BELLAIRE
bhbhospital.com For GPS Directions, use 6638 Clarewood Drive, Houston, TX 77081 Source: National Institute of Mental Health. Most insurances accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE®. TRICARE® is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved. With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of this hospital. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 183416
Patient Celebrates 102 Birthday
M
yrtis B. “Tiny” Gates celebrated her 102 birthday on January 8 while recovering in OakBend Medical Center’s newly renovated fifth floor. Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Tiny now lives in Pecan Grove. All smiles, Tiny was surrounded by family, friends and OakBend staff while she enjoyed her favorite vanilla cake decorated with pink, her favorite color. Tiny has two daughters, Judy, who lives in Richmond and who was in attendance for her mom’s birthday and Glenda who resides in Dallas. According to Judy, “Mom is a strong woman, At the age of 85 she had
a triple by-pass operation and was out of the hospital in three days, she didn’t want to stick around any longer than necessary. She also likes to tell dirty jokes but she always forgets the punch line!” OakBend Medical Center, Richmond Tx, was thrilled to share this occasion with Tiny and wish her many more healthy, happy birthdays.
medicaltimesnews.com
February 2019
Page 12
Houston Medical Times
Oakbend Medical Center Announces 2018 Physician of the Year
D
r. C. Funsho Fagbohun, MD, PHD, FACOG, FACS has been named OakBend Medical Center’s 2018 Physician of the Year. The award was given at the employee holiday party held on December 15th at Safari Texas. The Physician of the Year award, OakBend’s highest recognition, is presented annually to one outstanding physician who possesses significant practice experience, compassion, kindness and sincerity that Photo L to R: Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical translates not only to their Center and Dr. C. Funsho Fagbohun, MD, PHD, FACOG, FACS patients, but to their nurses and other staff members that Resident” during his training. Dr. work closely with them. These physicians look and act professional Fagbohun was voted one of America’s at all times and are a role model both top Obstetricians and Gynecologist by the Consumers’ Research Council of professionally and personally. According to Joe Freudenberger, America as a specialist in practice. Fagbohun is the Chief of Staff, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, “Dr. Fagbohun is a great friend to me and and currently serves as a member of this organization; he is a great physician the Medical Executive Committee and and a wonderful person. We are lucky a board member at OakBend Medical Center. He is proficient in obstetrics, to have him as our Chief of Staff.” gynecology and Dr. Fagbohun is Board Certified comprehensive minimally invasive surgery, including in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been in practice in Fort Bend County laparoscopic hysterectomy. Dr. Fagbohun is blessed with four since 2000. He completed his MD degree and was an assistant professor wonderful grown daughters and resides in Nigeria before moving to the United in Fort Bend County. His interests States on full scholarship to pursue a include travel, spending time with his PhD degree at Marquette University in family, and mentoring middle and high Wisconsin. He completed his residency school students who are interested in training at St. Joseph hospital in the medical career. He has led medical mission trips to Africa. Houston, Texas. He is a multiple award-winning Accepting the award, Dr. specialist who provides exceptional Fagbohun stated, “It is a great honor Obstetrics, Gynecology, and minimally to receive this award on behalf of the invasive surgery care in an atmosphere entire medical staff. We work as a group of complete trust and confidence. He and our goal is to walk in a collaborative has won numerous awards including fashion with the Administrative team being named “Resident educator of to make OakBend the envy of hospitals the year” and “Outstanding Chief around here.”
Dwarfism
Continued from page 11 of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number RO1AR057117-05 and the Leah Lewis Family Foundation. Hecht has appointments at two UTHealth schools. At McGovern February 2019
medicaltimesnews.com
Medical School, Hecht is vice chair for research in the Department of Pediatrics, where she holds the Leah L. Lewis Distinguished Chair, and serves as division head of the Pediatric Research Center. At UTHealth School of Dentistry, Hecht is associate dean for research, director of the Center for Craniofacial Research, and distinguished teaching professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Houston Medical Times
Page 13
Mental Health
Continued from page 3 treatments. They are also evaluating the contributing factors to opioid use disorder for further interventions. “It will take a multi-faceted and multi-disciplined approach to reverse the number of mortalities occurring in the opioid epidemic,” said Joy Alonzo. “We are training all Health Science Center students on every campus how to recognize an opioid overdose and use naloxone as well as educating them about opioid use disorder and the contributing factors.” She said their goal is to eventually
Methodist
Continued from page 8 new skills. Because we were able to work so closely with the local medical staff, I know that care for Haitian women with pelvic floor disorders will improve.” While Haitian and American women face different barriers in accessing care, they share the isolation often brought on by pelvic floor disorders. The fear of leaking urine or stool in public or being unable to engage in sexual activities lead to limited social engagement, which often leads to depression. “One of the reasons I became
train Texas A&M undergraduates and resident assistants in the dorms on Texas A&M campuses as well as place naloxone kits in high traffic areas on all campuses. The Texas A&M University Health Science Center is the first health science center in the nation to commit to training all health sciences students on factors contributing to opioid misuse, recognizing an opioid overdose and opioid overdose reversal. This huge enterprise will include training Health Science Center
students in every discipline on every campus. “We are all responsible for finding a better way forward,” Alonzo said. “This is why we want our students to understand the best practices regarding medical treatment with opioids, how to recognize opioid misuse and intervene appropriately when necessary.” The Task Force is working every day to decrease opioid overdose mortality rates and spread awareness about naloxone as an opioid overdose reversal agent. Everyone plays a role
in stopping the opioid epidemic, especially law enforcement. Frequently, they find themselves first on the scene of an overdose, and need to respond immediately to avoid another opioid overdose related death. “If we can work together, then we can not only reduce the number of deaths related opioids but we can also start to change the way people view opioid use disorder and those affected by it, thus increasing successful treatment outcomes.”
a urogynecologist is that it gives me an opportunity to help women who are in a very vulnerable state,” said Pai, a urogynecology fellow at Houston Methodist Hospital. “The Haitian women we treated conservatively left with big smiles because they finally knew what their condition was and how to fix it. The women we operated on were thanking us and giving us hugs the day after their surgeries because they knew their suffering was over. We want to bring that same relief to other Haitian women dealing with pelvic floor disorders by continuing to come back to Haiti each year.” Muir, Lindo, and Antosh plan to go back to Pignon once a year to treat patients, continue the
education of local physicians and bring much needed medical supplies and equipment. This trip was funded by Derek Potts, a Houston-based trial lawyer who served as one of the lead attorneys on transvaginal mesh litigation and learned about the complex urogynecological issues women face. “I feel very lucky to have been a part of this medical mission trip to Haiti, and I’m looking forward to going again,” said Antosh, director of the female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital. “An important part of what we should do as physicians is giving back our time to less fortunate communities and
countries. On this trip, we helped some women and we trained some physicians, but there are many more women to help and much more work to be done to create lasting improvements in the health of Haitian women.” As for St. Fleur, she was one of the six patients the team operated on while in Pignon. The morning after her surgery, she was walking around the hospital and noticed that she was no longer bothered by the prolapsed organs. Through a translator, she said she was happy to have relief after so many years and that she was very appreciative for the doctors who helped her.
be redeemed at select Houston area businesses. It is our hope that this app will help curtail distracted driving and help us all refocus on what’s important – creating a safe environment for
everyone. Join me in saving lives and making our community safer, for my children and for your own. Take the pledge today to drive change in our
great city so we all have an equal opportunity to get home safely.
2001 to 2014. He was a past president of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and served on the board of directors of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). In 2013, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and as an Inaugural Fellow of the AACR Academy. He was awarded the American Cancer Society’s Medal of Honor in 2012. He won numerous international awards as well as major honors from AACR and ASCO. His expertise and advice were
widely sought, including appointment by President George W. Bush in 2008 to the President’s Cancer Panel, a three-member committee that advises the president on the National Cancer Program. He also served in a variety of advisory capacities for the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and many cancer centers and private companies. As a tribute to his extraordinary contributions to cancer research, care, and prevention, in 2016 the AACR established the AACR Waun Ki Hong
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Translational and Clinical Cancer Research. The award is given each year to a young investigator who has conducted significant translational or clinical research anywhere in the world.
Plea to Drivers
Continued from page 9 rewards users with points for refraining from using their mobile devices in the car. For every minute a driver does not touch his or her phone while driving, he or she receives points that can
Waun Ki Hong
Continued from page 9 Medicine in 1967. After completing his military service, he had an internship at Bronx/Lebanon Hospital in New York City and then his residency at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Boston. Hong then served a two-year fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York before returning to the VA Medical Center as Chief of Medical Oncology. Hong came to MD Anderson in 1984 as section chief in head and neck medical oncology. He led the Division of Cancer Medicine from
medicaltimesnews.com
February 2019
Page 14
Houston Medical Times
Cyber Security
HOUSTON
Continued from page 1 Security Rule • Copies of required enterprise Risk Analyses and Risk Management Plans (these are not security audits or gap analyses, for example). Roughly 80% of HHS’s settlement agreements and civil money penalties include violations of these requirements • Updated policies and procedures regarding administrative, physical and technical controls • Designation of HIPAA Security Officer • Evidence of technical safeguards required by the HIPAA Security Rule, including encryption, malware protection, access and audit controls, device and media controls, and facility access controls
Breach Notification • Updated policies and procedures regarding investigating suspected or actual breach incidents and providing notice • Updated policies and procedures regarding record retention and destruction • Updated policies and procedures regarding training of employees 2. List of Business Associates and confirmation of existing BAAs 3. Documentation regarding any data security incidents or security breaches, and any open HHS investigations 4. List of complaints received related to HIPAA, and any open HHS investigations 5. Documentation of current Cyber liability insurance Buyers should consider that
reoccurring HIPAA compliance issues found at health care organizations include failure to manage identified cybersecurity risk and insider threats, lack of encryption, lack of appropriate access controls, lack of mobile device controls, improper disposal of PHI, insufficient data backup and contingency planning. Entities also fail to obtain requisite business associate agreements, conduct risk analyses, ensure information transmission security, conduct appropriate auditing and patch their software. These failures, if investigated by HHS, State Attorneys General or the DOJ, would be a real eye opener for potential buyers, maybe even “deal breakers.”
very early, but developments in this area hold great promise. As we look to the future, new developments in cancer detection and treatment are exciting. These trends represent advancements that will continue to pave the way forward, leading to better outcomes and quality of life for patients during and after treatment, and ultimately delivering
greater hope to everyone impacted by cancer.
The 44,709-square-foot facility spans two floors adjacent to UTHealth’s University Center Tower (UCT), a size equal to three existing floors. The wider footprint allowed designers to create a more efficient space complete with 230 workstations. The addition sits above the UCT parking garage. “Constructing a new expanded space on top of a 1970s parking garage came with unique challenges, like ensuring alignment and structural stability, but also distinct financial advantages over trying to construct a stand-alone building,” said Ginger Williams, senior project manager. “Our project team worked with others across the university to mitigate the potential risks by separating the project into phases and bringing the general contractor on board to review precision alignment with the existing structure.”
This multi-phase process allowed the team to deliver the project at the highest quality, faster than anticipated, and under budget, said Julie Lucas, director of project management. In 2019, UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics will launch the first-ever applied Doctorate in Health Informatics program, in addition to its existing PhD program, master’s program with two tracks, graduate certificate programs, and dual MD/MS, PhD/MPH, and MS/MPH programs. For more information about the school, its degree offerings, and facilities, please visit UTHealth School of Biomedical Informatics.
Muffaddal Morkas, MD is a Medical Oncologist at Texas Oncology– Memorial City, Houston, Texas. For more information, visit TexasOncology. com. .
UT Health
Continued from page 6
February 2019
Senior Designer Jamie Farquhar-Rizzo Web Development Lorenzo Morales Distribution Robert Cox Accounting Liz Thachar
For Advertising advertising@medicaltimesnews. com
Continued from page 5
have flexible walls that transform them into an auditorium for large-scale events, including conferences and seminars. Technological advances include a modern media lab, which will play host to educational videos and lectures distributed to internal audiences as well as other universities across the country. The new home also offers plenty of space for convenience while studying, including a coffee bar and café area, break room, and cushioned benches. “We wanted to provide a space for students to feel like they could comfortably spend the day here surrounded by all the resources they would need to succeed in their studies, including access to our faculty and staff,” said Amy Franklin, PhD, associate professor and assistant dean at the school.
Director of Media Sales Richard W DeLaRosa
Office: 713-885-3808 Fax: 281-316-9403
Oncology
5. It’s in Your Blood In 2019, we expect to hear more about advancements in a variety of blood tests as a new approach to detect and diagnosing cancer. Though still in the trial/study phase, recently developed blood tests are being used to detect cancer cells in the bloodstream. As for using blood testing as a wide-spread method of testing for cancer, it’s still
Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group Inc.
medicaltimesnews.com
Editor editor@medicaltimesnews.com
Houston Medical Times is Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group, Inc. All content in this publication is copyrighted by Texas Healthcare Media Group, and should not be reproduced in part or at whole without written consent from the Editor. Houston Medical Times reserves the right to edit all submissions and assumes no responsibility for solicited or unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions sent to Houston Medical Times are considered property and are to distribute for publication and copyright purposes. Houston Medical Times is published every month P.O. Box 57430 Webster, TX 77598-7430
Houston Medical Times
Page 15
Earn CME today. Apply it to your practice tomorrow. FEATURED COURSES
ADDRESSING ACEs: Learn how to identify, treat and reduce the effects of trauma and toxic stress and reinforce resiliency in young patients. Earn ethics CME.
INTERPERSONAL YOUTH VIOLENCE: Implement proven strategies to identify, intervene in and prevent behaviors such as bullying, self-injury and suicide, dating violence and sexting.
Join more than 100,000 medical professionals who get free CME with Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education. Choose from a wide range of courses relevant to your practice, including short tutorials and podcasts on topics like Medicaid guidelines, ethics and mental health — all available 24/7. Learn more at TXHealthSteps.com.
PRECONCEPTION AND PRENATAL HEALTH: Integrate best practices for preconception health care and counseling into preventive medical checkups.
Content on Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education website has been accredited by the Texas Medical Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Commission for the Health Education Credentialing, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education, UTHSCSA Dental School Office of Continuing Dental Education, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Academy of Audiology, and International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Continuing Education for multiple disciplines will be provided for some online content.
medicaltimesnews.com
February 2019
Houston Medical Times
February is #HeartMonth Be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives by spreading the word about heart disease.
In the US, cardiovascular diseases kill approximately
1 3 IN
WOMEN EACH YEAR
Join us as we continue the conversation and work to make longer, healthier lives a reality at our Houston-area Go Red for Women Luncheons.
NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY Friday, May 3
HOUSTON Friday, May 17
medicaltimesnews.com
MONTGOMERY COUNTY Friday, May 23