CENTRAL FLORIDA
THE OFFICIAL AND ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 2017 volume 7 issue 5
www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com
MEDICAL
RESEARCH E D I T I O N
LOCAL PHYSICIANS SHED LIGHT on RECENTLY APPROVED LEUKEMIA TREATMENTS from the FDA
ORAL CAVITY AND PHARYNX CANCER: A CLOSE LOOK
at CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS and PATIENT CARE from the FRONT LINES PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS SAFELY: HOW to Have DIFFICULT PATIENT CONVERSATIONS
ON THE PULSE: Welcoming New Medical Staff, Recognizing Local Accolades, and More
MEDICAL MEMOIRS: Dr. Jay Avashia Shares His Thoughts on the Rewards of Being an Oncologist Permit No. 335 Lakeland, Fl.
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Advancing
BREAST CARE
in the HEART of FLORIDA photo by PEZZIMENTI
Dr. Paul Williams Joins the Medical Team at Heart of Florida Physician Group
A good and positive experience with personal health care as a youth, following a long period of pain and disappointment, was all it took to propel Houston native Paul Williams to a career in medicine and a specialty as a breast-care physician and surgeon. Dr. Paul Williams is among the newest physicians with the Davenport-based Heart of Florida Physician Group, a multispecialty medical practice associated with Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center. Dr. Williams says that during his teenage years, he suffered from back problems and “unrelenting back pain.” No form of traditional treatment really worked to reduce the pain and get to the root cause of it, he says. Eventually, he decided to try chiropractic back care. The good experience brought to Dr. Williams, as a teenager, thoughts about becoming a doctor himself. “This had such a positive impact on my life,” he says. “I thought that if this doctor could help me, maybe I could do something similar and help others with my life. That’s when I decided to pursue a career in health care.” Dr. Williams first followed in the footsteps of the man who helped him so much with his back pain. He studied and trained to become a doctor of chiropractic care, and for two years he owned and operated a multidisciplinary pain-management and chiropractic clinic. “After two years as a chiropractor, I wanted to advance my education further and become a medical doctor,” Dr. Williams says. After Dr. Williams earned his medical degree, he completed his general surgery residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pa. He was fellowship trained in breast surgical oncology at
A GOOD AND POSITIVE EXPERIENCE with personal health care as a youth, following a long period of pain and disappointment, was all it took to propel Houston native Paul Williams to a career in medicine and a specialty as a breast-care physician and surgeon. Emory University in Atlanta.
Dr. Williams says he fell in love with breast care as a medical specialty during his second year of his five-year general surgery residency training and made the final decision to become a breast care surgeon during his fourth year of residency. “I was seeing that breast surgeries were getting shorter, scarring was getting smaller and less noticeable, and that patients diagnosed very early with breast-related problems were achieving much better outcomes,” Dr. Williams says. “Women with breast disease have many more options for treatment today. “When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages, most women can expect to live long and happy lives,” he says. Dr. Williams provides a full spectrum of breast-care services in Davenport. With advanced fellowship training in breast surgery and breast oncology from Emory University, he is experienced in providing high-quality care for all patients with breast disorders. From diagnosis to treatment, he offers the latest and most up-todate management options available. In addition to treating patients with benign and malignant disease, Dr. Williams offers screening services for patients without breast problems. “Not all breast problems are cancer problems,” he says. “Some women would rather see a breast-care specialist if they have an abnormal mammogram or if they feel a lump.” Dr. Williams’ services include: ➜ Breast biopsies ➜ Lumpectomies ➜ Mastectomies
➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜
Nipple-areola sparing mastectomies Excisional biopsies Oncoplastic reductions Mastopexy Axillary (lymph node) surgery
Dr. Williams says open communication is the cornerstone of his practice philosophy. He says he focuses on creating an easy-to-understand plan of care for each patient so she can clearly understand her diagnosis and treatment options. “This allows our patients to be active participants in decisions regarding their health,” he says. “I want to communicate with a patient, in non-medical terms, exactly what’s going on and to make sure she understands the process, clearly laying out all of the treatment options.” “We treat women from all walks of life and all ages,” Dr. Williams says. “We treat every patient individually; the treatment is not always one size fits all.” On a personal basis, Dr. Williams says he loves anything outdoorsy, the arts, music, and reading about medicine. He enjoys beach activities, fishing, and snow skiing. His biggest passion is travel, particularly as part of humanitarian and medical missions trips to South America. Dr. Williams has joined Dr. Vincent Carifi at the Heart of Florida Breast Care office on 171 Webb Drive, Suite 1, Davenport, Fla. 33837, and is now accepting new patients. Please call 863-4217276 today to request an appointment. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
171 Webb Drive, Suite 1 Davenport, FL 33837 Phone: 863-421-7276 Fax: 863-421-7109 www.HeartOfFloridaPhysicianGroup.com Dr. Paul Williams is a member of the medical staff at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center. Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians. www.centralfloridahealthnews.com CFDoctor | 3 PAID ADVERTISEMENT: The opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply endorsement.
CONTENTS | september 2017
5
LOCAL PHYSICIANS SHED LIGHT ON RECENTLY APPROVED LEUKEMIA TREATMENTS FROM THE FDA
Two new drugs have recently been approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Idhifa and Besponsa target certain patients with great success, and local physicians shed light on how these treatments are most effective.
7
PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS SAFELY: HOW TO HAVE DIFFICULT PATIENT CONVERSATIONS
Building a strong doctor-patient rapport can help facilitate tough conversations with patients about opioid prescriptions and reduce risks that could lead to malpractice suits.
11
ORAL CAVITY AND PHARYNX CANCER
14
ON THE PULSE: WELCOMING NEW MEDICAL STAFF, RECOGNIZING LOCAL ACCOLADES, AND MORE
With 4,390 new cases anticipated this year, the incidence of head and neck cancers in Florida is higher than the national average. Take a close look at current developments and patient care from the front lines.
Summer is winding down, but the hospitals, clinics, and doctor offices are as busy as ever. See the new hires, classes, additional services, healthcare industry awards and accolades, and other goings-on in the business healthcare community. CENTRAL
allsaintsacademy.com Director of Admissions: Rebekah Krahe rkrahe@allsaintsacademy.com
on the cover
In this edition’s Medical Memoirs, Dr. Jay Avashia, a physician with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, shares his thoughts on the rewards of being an oncologist.
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THE OFFIC IAL AND ENDORSED PUBLI OF THE POLK CATION COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATIO N SEPTEMBER 2017 volume 7 issue 5
MED
ICAL RESEA E D I T RCH I
LOCAL PHY
SICIANS
O N
SHE on RECENT LY APPROV D LIGHT LEUKEM IA TREATME ED NTS from the FDA
ORAL CAV ITY AND CAN PHA
CER: A RYNX at CURREN CLOSE LOOK T DEVELO PMENTS PATIENT and CARE from the FRONT LINES
PRESCR IBING OPI OIDS SAF HOW to Have DIFF ELY: ICULT PAT CONVER IENT SATIONS
PRESORT STD U.S. Postag e PAID Permit No. 335 Lakeland, Fl.
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ON THE PULSE: Welc New Med oming ical Staff, Recognizing Local Acco lades, and More
MEDICAL Dr. Jay Avas MEMOIRS hia Shares His Thoughts : the Rewards on of Being an Oncologis t
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departments 6 9 10 16 18 21
Publisher’s Note Caring for Seniors PCMA Column Calendar of Events Editor’s Dose Medical Memoirs www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
FEATURE | medicine
New TARGETED
TREATMENTS Available for
LEUKEMIA PATIENTS Local Physicians Shed Light on Recently Approved Leukemia Treatments from the FDA THE SPECTER OF CANCER haunts us in many forms. Leukemia lurks in the blood and bone marrow, distorting the lymphocytes and crippling the immune system. Approximately 27,350 people will be diagnosed with one of the two main forms of leukemia this year. Roughly 12,000 people will die of those two forms, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Leukemia operates by overpowering the bone marrow cells and hijacking production of the white blood cells. Lymphocyte counts plummet as the disease takes hold. Because of this lowered immunity, infection is a big risk with leukemia. Transfusion treatment is often required to replenish regular blood cells as well as platelets. AML is diagnosed in about 21,000 patients each year, and about half of them die of the disease. ALL has slightly better odds, with about 1/3 of 6,000 patients diagnosed with the disease dying of it. Half of the patients who do respond positively to treatment for AML do relapse. It is generally treated with intensive chemotherapy induction treatment usually at leukemia centers. The goal is to wipe out the leukemia cells from the bone marrow. Because of this, treatment can increase the risk of infection. Patients are prescribed antibiotics and isolated to avoid
exposure to pathogens. Additional chemotherapy treatment is used to treat any residual disease. White blood cell count can actually be very high or very low, depending on how the disease presents. Therefore, the risk of infection or bleeding is very high. Nosebleed, bruising, bleeding from the gums, and bleeding from other parts of the body can all be symptomatic of leukemia. Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon, in the form of two recently FDA-approved treatments for AML and ALL. These new targeted treatments can significantly increase the survival rates of both types of leukemia. Idhifa and Besponsa are the two new drugs. Idhifa is for use on patients who carry a certain genetic mutation. The RealTime IDH2 Assay is the accompanying diagnostic tool continued on page 20
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CFDoctor | 5
CFMG | publisher’s note
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Important Dates to Remember NELSON KIRKLAND, Publisher
nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com
W
hen you take a glance at the calendar of events for the upcoming months on page 16, one event may stick out to you: The Central Florida Health Expo. The team and I at Central Florida Media Group are excited to host this event on Friday, October 13, 2017. This event is free to the public! So make sure to mark it on your calendar. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market located at 1052 US 92 W. in Auburndale. We welcome vendors from all across Central Florida to join us and reserve a booth, however, space is quickly filling up for the October show, so get in contact David Kiessling at Central Florida Media Group to reserve your space. David can be reached via phone at (863) 248-7537 or by email at david@centralfloridamediagroup.com. Of the many booths that will be set up, some will include free health screenings, door prize drawings, healthcare education, blood donation, and health insurance information and enrollment. This is an excellent opportunity to come and ask healthcare professionals any questions that may be of concern to you or a loved one. If the October expo does not work for your calendar, have no fear. We have two more dates available to you, one on Friday, December 1, 2017 and the final one on Friday, February 9, 2018. Another important date to mark on your calendar is October 31. That is the early bird registration for the Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Professionals Guide. Make sure to contact us at (863) 2487537 to reserve your ad space. To make sure you receive a free listing in the directory, go to this link and fill out the form: centralfloridahealthnews.com/add-listing-centralflorida-physicians-directory. We are the only publishing company that makes sure every known physician and medical professional in our region gets a free listing, so our directory is a powerful referral tool for the community. We go to great lengths to make sure the directory is complete and accurate, so please take a moment to help us by submitting your updated information. If you would like more information in the listing (beyond your name and phone number), you do have several options for an enhanced listing. For questions, don’t hesitate to call or reach out to us here at Central Florida Media Group. ✱ 6 | CFDoctor
www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com PUBLISHER
Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR
Celeste Jo Walls
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
David Kiessling, Kelly Johnson
CONTENT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR
Alex Price
LIAISON EDITORS
Sergio B. Seoane, MD; Arvind B. Soni, MD ASSISTANT EDITOR
Abby Crawford
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erika Aldrich; Mary Toothman; Roneet Lev, MD; Teresa Schiffer CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Eileen McHargue, Luis Betancourt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Luis Betancourt DELIVERY
DLS Distribution DATABASE AND DIRECT MAIL
Melanie Coker
Published by Central Florida Media Group in cooperation with the Polk County Medical Association
56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE 863.248.7537
Copyright © 2017 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Central Florida Doctor is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Central Florida Doctor makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein however, neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials. Furthermore, the opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply an endorsement.
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FEATURE | for providers
PRESCRIBING
OPIOIDS
Safely
How to Have Difficult Patient Conversations DRUG OVERDOSE is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., and opioids account for over 60 percent of those deaths.1 While opioids are effective pain medications when used in the proper setting, concerns arise when the patient’s condition lasts longer than three months, and prescribing more medication does not necessarily result in better pain control. Building a strong doctor-patient rapport can help facilitate tough conversations with patients about opioid prescriptions and reduce risks that could lead to malpractice suits. The Doctors Company reviewed 1,770 claims that closed between 2007 and 2015 in which patient harm involved medication factors.2 In 272 of these claims (15 percent), the medications were narcotic analgesics. Sixty-four percent of these claims were in the outpatient setting, including: ■ Physicians’ offices and hospital clinics (78 percent). ■ Ambulatory and day surgery (10 percent). ■ Emergency room (9 percent). ■ Patient’s home (3 percent). The admitting diagnoses for these outpatient narcotic-related claims were pain not otherwise specified (NOS) (24 percent), spine-
related pain (22 percent), joint/extremity-related pain (9 percent), mental health issues (6 percent), and drug abuse/dependence (4 percent). Patient allegations for these claims included improper medication management or treatment (70 percent), wrong dose (9 percent), and wrong medication (3 percent). Final diagnoses in these claims included poisoning by methadone, heroin, and opiates/narcotics NOS (76 percent) and drug dependence (8 percent). Communication problems are among the patient-contributing factors that lead to injury, appearing in 40 percent of claims.3 Incomplete or unclear communication can compromise the patient’s ability to understand the doctor’s instructions and, especially in the case of pain medications, also make him/her feel as if the doctor doesn’t care about his/her issues or concerns. These tips can help when dealing with opioid requests and prescriptions: ✔ Don’t make the mistake of jumping to conclusions that the patient is a drug seeker because the patient is there repeatedly for the same pain complaint. It could instead be a situation of missed diagnosis. Treat this patient like any other patient. Take a good history, including a very detailed medication history. Do a thorough physical examination. See if something was missed on previous visits. ✔ Your prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is a valuable tool, like checking allergies and old records. Use the PDMP to learn about your patient’s prescription patterns, not just to check for doctor shopping. ✔ Medication refills for chronic conditions should have a medication agreement. ONE doctor and ONE pharmacy should prescribe controlled medication given for three months or more. This is true for dental pain, fractures, fibromyalgia, cancer, anxiety, and ADHD. continued on next page
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
CFDoctor | 7
FEATURE | for providers continued from previous page
✔
✔
✔
✔
If you see a patient for the third month of a controlled medication, then start a medication agreement if you plan on continuing this therapy. Opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable but not life-threatening. New patients who present to a new pain specialist should not immediately be given the pain medications they state they need. A pain specialist typically completes thorough research before making medication recommendations and it could be two weeks before the patient is placed on a regular regimen. You may find it necessary to send a patient home without a pain prescription if that patient has already received one in the past month from a different provider. When patients say that their medication is not working, ask the patient, “How are you taking the medication?” You’ll be surprised how many patients used 400mg of ibuprofen twice a day and it was not enough. Taking a detailed medication history and providing patient education about the right dosage, right timing, and side effects to be aware of is essential to medication safety. When you hand a patient a prescription for a controlled medication, add a few words to let the patient know that these are serious medications: “I will give you a prescription for Norco. Please realize that this is a medication that can be abused. Keep it secure; take it only as prescribed, and do not drive if not fully alert.” Be aware of the level of health literacy of the individual patient, and adjust your language appropriately. Ask patients to repeat back the information you gave to ensure they properly understand.
✔ Communicate the risk of medication theft to patients. Patients who are on a chronic treatment plan should know to watch their medication as closely as they would their money. Get more safe prescribing resources at SanDiegoSafePrescribing.org and learn more about effective doctor-patient communication at thedoctors.com/ askme3. ✱ References 1 Increases in drug and opioid-involved overdose
deaths—United States, 2010-2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 30, 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/ mm655051e1.htm. Accessed January 26, 2017. 2 Analysis of medication-related claims from The Doctors Company. The Doctors Company. http:// www.thedoctors.com/KnowledgeCenter/Publications/ TheDoctorsAdvocate/Analysis-of-MedicationRelated-Claims-from-The-Doctors-Company. Accessed April 17, 2017. 3 Patient-centered communications: Building patient rapport. The Doctors Company. http://www. thedoctors.com/KnowledgeCenter/PatientSafety/ articles/Patient-Centered-Communications-BuildingPatient-Rapport. Accessed January 9, 2017.
CREDITS
by RONEET LEV, MD, Chief of Scripps Mercy Emergency Department, Chair of Prescription Drug Abuse Medical Task Force, and President of Independent Emergency Physicians Consortium. Contributed by The Doctors Company (thedoctors.com).
8 | CFDoctor
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
CARING FOR SENIORS We Are Joining in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s— Again! by TRACY KELLEY
HERE AT COMFORT KEEPERS, we offer dementia care and Alzheimer’s care to help our clients stay safe and healthy in the comfort of their home, but we would much rather see a cure or treatment breakthrough for this debilitating form of dementia. That’s why this October, we are again joining the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Lakeland, Florida. LAST YEAR’S WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S In 2016, the Comfort Keepers team joined the event, “taking the first step to a world without Alzheimer’s,” as they say. The event is hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, and they hold similar walks all over the country— in over 600 communities— to raise funds to try and find a cure. It’s the largest event in the world aimed at ending Alzheimer’s. Last year, we were proud to be one of the 83 teams that participated in the event and helped raise over $120,000 for research on Alzheimer’s. IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2017 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S This year’s event is slated for Saturday, October 21, 2017. As of
this writing, 59 teams totaling 268 participants have signed up, and they’re about 44 percent of the way to raising the $146,000 that is their goal. Teams can be made up of families and friends, businesses or other organization. Participants raise funds, and then donate those funds through the walk. Registration for this year’s event starts at 8 a.m., and the walk itself begins around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland at 9:30 a.m. In preparation for the event, there will be a Team Recruitment Party at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 4810 Florida Avenue S in Lakeland, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 7. Whether you dine-in or takeout, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s will donate a portion of the sales back to Walk to End Alzheimer’s. While you’re there, you can sign up your team and pick up your packet. We hope to see you and your team at the next Walk to End Alzheimer’s event! This article is sponsored by Comfort Keepers of Polk County.
BIO: Tracy Kelley is the owner/operator of Comfort Keepers of Polk County. For over 14 years, she has been leading professional and extensively-trained caregivers to help seniors of Central Florida maintain their quality of life. Her motto— and that of Comfort Keepers of Polk County— is “we get to help the hands that built America.” For more information about Comfort Keepers, visit lakeland-381. comfortkeepers.com or call (863) 292-6199.
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Trusted Caregivers Make All the Difference Interactive Cargiving™ is Comfort Keepers®’ Keepers® unique system of care that is incorporated into our companion care, light housekeeping, and personal care services. “As a caregiver, caregive the thing I find most rewarding is being able to help my clients and make them smile. They appreciate my help so much, and I enjoy giving them my help. I feel happy when I walk into their house as I see they are happy to see me.” – Amanda Call for a FREE In-Home Assessment
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CFDoctor | 9
PCMA | president’s column
POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813 863-644-4051 ✱ ✱ ✱
2017 OFFICERS
SERGIO SEOANE, MD President
JAMES SANDERS, MD Vice President
GEORGE LYLE, MD Secretary
STUART PATTERSON, MD Treasurer ✱ ✱ ✱
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair JAMES SANDERS, MD GEORGE LYLE, MD STUART PATTERSON, MD GARY SCHEMMER, MD SERGIO SEOANE, MD ARVIND SONI, MD
MARK Your CALENDARS for the NEXT PCMA SOCIAL IN THIS EDITION of Central Florida Doctor magazine, about some important advancements in the medical field, but most importantly, you’ll read about how these advancements are being applied on a local level. For example, there are some new treatments available for certain types of leukemia patients, and one local physician talks about his involvement in the early phase clinical trials for one of them. In additional, you’ll also read about how to manage the sometimes difficult (but always complex) conversation with patients about the safe use of opioids for treatment of chronic pain management. The PCMA is an important advocate for physicians, made up of doctors who promote a high standard of care as well as the quality and accessibility to healthcare in Polk County. If you are not a member of the PCMA, then we’d like to invite you to join. Some of the many benefits of membership include the following: ✱ Physician referrals ✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company ✱ Ongoing relevant communication ✱ Access to CME Programs ✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits ✱ Complimentary socials/dinners ✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in
Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications ✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Professionals Guide ✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels Other news you’ll read about in this edition includes the business community update, which will make sure you stay “On the Pulse” of business happenings in our surrounding area. Last, but certainly not least, we have an event coming up that you should mark on your calendar and plan to attend: the PCMA Social, 6 p.m. on September 21 at Ric’s Wine in Lakeland. For more information about membership or to RSVP for the social, call the Polk County Medical Association at (863) 644-4051. ✱
JACKIE COURTNEY Executive Director 4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813
10 | CFDoctor
Sergio B. Seoane, M.D. Sergio B. Seoane, MD Family Practitioner and Pulmonary Medicine Specialist, Lakeland President, Polk County Medical Association
photo by PEZZIMENTI
✱ ✱ ✱
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
FEATURE | research
ORAL CAVITY and PHARYNX CANCER A Close Look at Current Developments and Patient Care from the Front Lines IN 2017, an estimated 49,670 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer are expected to be diagnosed, and about 9,700 people will die from these cases. With 4,390 new cases anticipated this year, the incidence of head and neck cancers in Florida is higher than the national average.
continued on next page
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FEATURE | research continued from previous page
12 | CFDoctor
RISK FACTORS ■ Males are affected more than females ■ Long-term moderate tobacco and alcohol use ■ Betel quid and gutka chewing in south and Southeast Asia, etc. ■ Diet low in fruits and vegetables ■ Weak immune systems ■ Rarely genetic predisposition ■ Human papilloma virus (HPV). Although many are exposed to HPV, most immune systems clear this virus. However, a few individuals will maintain chronic infection leading to increased risk of cancers of the mouth and throat. According to the American Cancer Society, tow out of three oropharyngeal cancers, and in a much smaller fraction of oral cavity cancers, are associated with HPV infection. This trend is attributed to increased open-mouth kissing and oral sex practices. Head and neck cancers associated with HPV DNA tend to have better prognoses and occur in younger patients without histories of smoking and tobacco use. PATIENTS MAY PRESENT WITH: ■ Chronic sore throat ■ New difficulty with chewing and/or swallowing
Neck swelling Pain with eating Swelling of the cheek Discolorations of the tongue or gums or other areas in the oral cavity ■ Voice changes or impaired word pronunciation ■ Chronically bad breath ■ Weight loss without effort It is unclear whether or not the increase in incidence is limited to Florida. However, heavy sun exposure can increase the risk of developing lip cancer that is categorized as head and neck cancer. There was a report published by Mc Gorray et al. in general of public health dentistry in 2012 titled, Trends in Incidence of Oral and Pharyngeal Carcinoma in Florida: 1981-2008. Upon review of 53,648 cases of oral or NTI pharyngea cancer, E M I ZZ PE the study revealed significant increasing trends only for pharyngeal cancers in males with significant decrease er, erri in pharyngeal cancer Kris Gu in females. There was a decrease in oral cancers for both sexes. There was a trend for increased incidence of tonsil and base of tongue cancers, specifically, for white males only. With closer examination of the white male cohort. The incidence of both cancers increased across all age groups with the largest increased for both tonsil and base of tongue in the 45- to 64-year-old age group. The exception was white males aged 20 to 44 years old who had base of tongue cancer. Another study by Guo et al looked at cancer incidence data of the oral and pharyngeal sites from 1991-2008 obtained from the Florida cancer data system. They found that Blacks had an overall decline in incidents of oral cavity and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas and were more likely to have early-stage oral cavity cancers found compared to their white counterparts. Whites demonstrated significant increase in pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma especially for late stage diagnoses. Coordinated public health approaches with dentistry and healthcare teams regarding education about symptoms and screenings for underserved population were felt to likely be advantageous. ✱ by
■ ■ ■ ■
to
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that the patient can preserve their voice. ■ For advanced cancers, predominantly curative chemoradiation is employed with surgery before chemoradiation to reduce the bulk of the primary lesion. This allows for reduction in radiation to decrease toxicity. In the same patients, surgery can be utilized after a full course of chemoradiation for persistent bulky tumors a few months afterward. ■ Radiation is utilizing more conformal techniques, such as IMRT, to help enhance the dose to the tumor, while minimizing the dose to surrounding normal structures. This allows for dose escalation with fewer long-term side effects. Medical oncology utilizes traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy with radiation as well as targeted agents and immunotherapy or a combination of the above, when indicated. ■ At Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center, we have been fortunate to offer our patients participation in several oral mucositis prevention clinical trials when receiving chemoradiation for head and neck cancers. We have noticed significant improvement in treatment tolerance in many of our patients who participate in the studies.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Head and Neck (SCCHN) accounts for 90 percent of all head and neck cancers, and up to 50 percent will relapse in two years. Kris Guerrier, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center, was gracious enough to help us address the latest in the field on this disease. We also received insight from Madhavi Venigalla, MD, Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Medical Oncologist iga n e and Hematologic iV Madhav Oncologist. “Those at risk or those with symptoms need to seek immediate attention because head and neck cancer is very aggressive,” says Dr. Venigalla. “Because of the location of the tumor, patients have multiple issues throughout the course of treatment. These issues include difficulty with swallowing, difficulty with their voice, and problems with dentition. Patients also worry about their physical appearance due to radiation changes and intense chemotherapy side effects leading to weight loss and lymphedema.” “Patients with head and neck cancer require a multimodality approach, and treatment generally involves surgery plus chemotherapy and radiation in certain instances,” explains Dr. Venigalla. The care providers involved will include an ENT surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, speech and swallow therapist, registered dietitian, and psychiatrist. Patients also receive beneficial counseling and are given treatments for smoking cessation. “Most of these cancers can be controlled for a very long time with available chemotherapy and radiation treatments only, but patients have to be monitored for relapse,” she continues. “There is a new treatment called immunotherapy that looks promising to improve survival for patients who have late stage or relapsed head and neck cancer.” We asked Dr. Guerrier for an in-depth look at the following latest treatments: ■ For early stage disease, many patients will undergo surgery to achieve a cure. However, if the vocal cords are involved, early stage disease is treated primarily with radiation alone or radiation and chemotherapy together if more advanced, to assist with organ preservation, so
CREDIT
by MARY TOOTHMAN www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
Finding PROFESSIONAL Senior Care SUPPORT The Value of an Aging Life Care Manager on Your Care Team AGING LIFE CARE MANAGERS are experts at helping families sort through the rapidly growing assortment of services and resources aimed at keeping older adults independent later in life. Because they maintain ongoing relationships with various service providers, care managers are familiar with their qualifications and are able to make referrals based on the needs of the client and their family. Attorneys often rely on care managers to determine appropriate levels of care for clients and make recommendations for specific services that meet their clients’ needs. After appropriate resources are identified, many families have difficulty getting the older adult to agree to care, whether being provided in the home or in a care community. The Aging Life Care Manager, as advocate, is tasked with ensuring that the older adult is encouraged to be as independent as possible, while also mitigating health and safety risks. They assess your loved one’s needs and help the older adult redefine what it means to be independent. For an older adult who is resistant to care, Aging Life Care Managers take the time to understand their fears and concerns. Equipped with this knowledge, they work with the client to help them understand that the use of care isn’t a sign of disability, but rather an opportunity to focus
on a client’s abilities, while being supported in other areas. When the care manager works with them to accept some assistance, it can delay the transition to a long-term care setting. Sometimes families consider guardianship because their loved one’s reluctance in using support services is threatening their health and wellbeing. Care managers can quickly address these concerns by connecting with the older adult and are often able to eliminate the need for a guardianship. All About Aging is a Geriatric Care Management practice serving Polk and Highlands County. Let us know how we can assist. Contact us at (863) 557-7604 or visit us online at www.allaboutagingllc.com.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT: This article is sponsored by All About Aging LLC.
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CREDIT
by ERIKA ALDRICH
Welcoming New Medical Staff, Recognizing Local Accolades, and More SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN, but the hospitals, clinics, and doctor offices are as busy as ever. See the new hires, classes, additional services, healthcare industry awards and accolades, and other goingson in the business healthcare community of Central Florida. ✱ BAYCARE MEDICAL GROUP: BARTOW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, WINTER HAVEN HOSPITAL, AND WINTER HAVEN WOMEN’S HOSPITAL In new employee news, BayCare welcomed primary care physician, HaiDang Hoang, DO, to its Auburndale primary care center. In services news, the three hospitals that are a part of BayCare Medical are offering a slew of classes, such as classes for expecting mothers, weight loss, joint care, and support groups for a wide array of issues, such as stroke, diabetes, and mental health, just to name a few. The complete listing can be viewed online on BayCare Medical Group’s website. Additionally, in other community events, Winter Haven Hospital held a blood drive in August at The Community Blood Center featuring s’mores and movie tickets for blood donors. ✱ BOND CLINIC In employee recognition news, Bond Clinic’s June Employee of the Month was Laurie Haromy, a Transcriptionist in the Transcription Department. In new employee news, Bond Clinic welcomes Elvin Muniz, MD to the hospitalist team; the clinic also welcomed Clayton Reedy, ARNP; Laurel Lawrence, ARNP; and Brian Harte, ARNP ✱ CORNERSTONE HOSPICE Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care recently announced it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® by demonstrating
continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care. The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, home care providers and researchers, as well as industry experts, purchasers and consumers. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance. “Cornerstone Hospice is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” said Chuck Lee, Cornerstone Hospice president and CEO in an official statement. “Staff from across our organization continue to work together to strengthen the continuum of care and to deliver and maintain optimal home care services for those in our community.” ✱ GESSLER CLINIC In new employee news, Gessler Clinic welcomed nephrologist Haldane Porteous, MD, MSc, FACP, to the clinic in August. He finished his nephrology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in July. In the coming months, Gessler Clinic will also welcome Laura Pellegrini, ARNP, and OBGYN Dr. Maria Martino, to the Women’s Division. In services news, Gessler Clinic is offering an Extended Hours Clinic from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Thursday for new and established continued on page 18
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the Supporting the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Winter Haven Hospital Patients
A Golf, Tennis & TAILGATE Event at Country Club of Winter Haven
SAVE DATE the
Saturday Oct. 21, 2017
enjoy a day at "The Game!" Winter Haven's Premier Golf and Country Club will host a day of fun benefiting the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Winter Haven Hospital patients. Enjoy and compete on one of Florida’s highest rated golf courses in an 18-hole four man scramble event - OR is tennis your game? Compete on the Country Club of Winter Haven’s exclusive clay courts in the tennis tournament. Join in after the golf and tennis tournament at our Tailgate Party, complete with all the big games televised. Don’t miss this day of fun for a great cause! For more info visit www.forethelove.org Email ForeTheLove@gmail.com or Call 863.595.2197 Like Us www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
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calendar
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This is just a sampling of the many events going on in your medical community. For more great eve
SUPPORT GROUPS AND CLASSES Alzheimer’s Support Group – Held the first Thursday of each month at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center: 40100 U.S. 27 in Davenport. For more information or to register, call (863) 292-9210. Better Breathers Program – This course provides information and support for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Held the third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 3:00 p.m. at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Highway 27 in Davenport. The program is endorsed by the American Lung Association. Preregistration is required by calling (863) 419-2247. Blood Pressure Program – Held at Lake Wales Medical Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 410 South 11th St. in Lake Wales, Hunt Building (2nd Floor, Room 201) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. For more information, call (863) 676-1433.
Heart-to-Heart Cardiac Support Group – This course will offer support for individuals with various cardiac health issues on September 12 and October 10 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. It is held at Bartow Regional Medical Center, classroom 1, at 2200 Osprey Boulevard in Bartow. Registration is not required and the sessions are free. For more information, call (863) 519-1526. HeartSmarts Cardiac Class – Lakeland Regional Health offers this free program on the second Tuesday of every month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the B-Wing Classroom B201. Registration is not required. For more information about HeartSmarts, please contact Kara Bailey, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CCCC at (863) 687-1100 ext. 7618 or kara.bailey@myLRH.org. Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Support Group – This course is open to all Watson Clinic patients and families of patients with heart rhythm problems that have led to a pacemaker or defibrillator. The group meets quarterly to discuss concerns and questions about ICD devices. This group meets at the main location of Watson Clinic in the library, 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland at 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (863) 680-7558. Lupus Support Group – Held on the third Monday of each month, 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Hwy 27 in Davenport. For more information, call (800) 339-0586.
Brain Injury Support Group – This is an open forum for brain injury survivors and their caregivers on how to live life to the fullest after a traumatic injury. Group meets on fourth Tuesday from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Winter Haven Hospital Wellness Center conference room. For more information, call (863) 292-4060. Breastfeeding Class – Offered by the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, this Breastfeeding Class will be held on Saturday, July 8, from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and again Thursday, August 10, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. in classroom A, 101 Avenue O SE in Winter Haven. Registration is required and the cost is $15. For more information and to register, call (855) 314-8352. Caregivers Support Group – Meetings are held the second Friday of each month at the Winter Haven Hospital Wellness Center conference room, 200 Ave F, Northeast, Winter Haven, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. For more information, please call (863) 291-6095. Conquering Chemo – This weekly education class is offered to new patients before their chemotherapy session begins. It’s designed to empower patients and their family members/ caregivers with the most up-to-date information on cancer treatment and side effect management. Classes are available every Monday from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., Tuesday from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., and Thursday from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at Watson Clinic Cancer Center Boardroom, 1730 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. For more information, please call (863) 603-4739. Diabetes Self Management Class – Lake Wales Medical Center holds this class on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. There is no charge for this course. For more information, please call (863) 676-1433.
Mental Health Peer Recovery Program – This program is offered by Winter Haven Hospital Center for Behavioral Health on two different days per week. The first meets weekly on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lions Park Clubhouse, 820 Avenue L SW in Winter Haven. The second meets at the center, 1201 First Street North in Winter Haven on Wednesdays from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. This program is free and registration is not required. Ostomy Support Group – Meets in the Winter Haven Hospital Wellness Center conference room on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. For more information, please call (863) 293-1121 ext. 1511. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group – Held the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m., this support group is located at Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center. The address is in the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine building, 1021 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Interested attendees can get more information at therathcenter.org or by calling (863) 937-8023. Pregnancy and Childbirth Education Class – This class is available for established Watson Clinic OB patients. It is designed to prepare couples for the miracle of childbirth and is held on Thursday evenings at Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Building, 1755 North Florida Avenue in Lakeland. For more information or to register, go to WatsonClinic.com/events. Total Joint Replacement Class – For any individual considering or scheduled for total joint replacement, this class teaches expectations pre- and post-surgery (i.e. pain, exercise, length of stay, equipment, and follow up care). The class is taught by orthopedic nurses and occupational and physical therapists, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. It meets at Winter Haven Hospital’s Orthopedic Department Waiting Room, 200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven. Registration is required. For more information, please call (863) 293-1121 ext. 1806.
Grief Support Group – Cornerstone Hospice offers a weekly support group each Thursday to help you on your journey of grief recovery and rebuilding your life. This is a free support group that is facilitated by a trained counselor who understands the grieving process, and is held 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Highland Park Church, corner of Hallam Drive and 540A, at the Main Campus, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Room 101, Lakeland, FL 33813. Registration is required. For more information, call Cornerstone Hospice at (863) 291-5560. Hearing Loss Association of America, Lakeland Chapter Meeting – The Hearing Loss Association - Lakeland Chapter extends an invitation to join them every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland. The meeting will be held in Multipurpose Room A. To learn more about the Lakeland HLAA Chapter meetings, visit hla-lakeland.org.
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Woman to Woman Cancer Support Group – Meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Winter Haven Hospital Wellness Center, 200 Ave F NE in Winter Haven at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (863) 291-6095.
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ember-october
ents in your area, visit our comprehensive online calendar at www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com.
EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS September 7 – Healthy Aging & Wellness Fair Get tons of great information on healthy aging and wellness, plus free health screenings. There will be interactive educational displays as well as caregiver resources. Refreshments will be available, with the proceeds going to support Calvary Youth. Chair massages, spinal checks, a virtual dementia tour, and more. It will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 1945 N Florida Ave in Lakeland, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. September 7 – Poinciana Medical Center Physician Lecture Dr. J.C. Alvarez will be presenting a lecture on joint replacement techniques with a focus on minimally invasive, rapid recovery procedures. There will be a Q&A after the lecture. This will be held at Poinciana Library, 101 N Doverplum Ave, Kissimmee, at 2:30 p.m. Make your reservation by calling 1-888- 253-8117. For more information, email pmct.marketing@ hcahealthcare.com. September 28 – Diamonds & Denim Gala Put on your western wear, add a little something sparkly, and come out to support South Florida Baptist Hospital. It’s sure to be a good time socializing for a worthy cause. The gala takes place at Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center, Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2508 West Oak Ave in Plant City, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact SFBH Foundation at 813-757-8478.
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October 2 – Tee Up for TaTas! Grab your clubs and get ready for the “Tee Up for Tatas” Golf Scramble at Cleveland Heights Golf & Country Club in Lakeland. This unique chance to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is part of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink” Polk County campaign. Entry fee is $125 per individual or $400 for a foursome. There are also sponsorship opportunities available. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. is the Shotgun Start. For more information contact Tim Hodgson, thodgson@hallradio.net. October 13 - The Central Florida Health Expo This event will be held at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market located at 1052 US 92 W. Auburndale, Florida from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Vendors are welcome to reserve a booth, however, space is filling up quick, so contact David Kiessling at Central Florida Media Group to reserve your space. David can be reached via phone at (863) 248-7537 or by email at david@centralfloridamediagroup.com. October 14 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Polk County The American Cancer Society invites readers to come walk or jog around Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland during the event, which starts at 9:00 a.m. The 5k is put on by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds to end the fight against Breast Cancer. October 17 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Peace River Center Crisis Campus This is the opening of a new facility which will house a Crisis Stabilization Unit as well as Crisis and Outpatient Services. Peace River Center is one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Florida and provides access to mental health services for adults and children. The ceremony will be at 11:00 a.m. and admission is free. For more information about Peace River Center, visit www.peacerivercenter.org or contact Rebecca Paul at 863-519-0575 ext. 6886. ✱
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CFMG | editor’s dose
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Polk County – We’ll See You There CELESTE JO WALLS, Editor
I
celeste.walls@centralfloridamediagroup.com
t’s the end of August as I write this letter, and guess what I saw while I was in the grocery store earlier this week? Halloween candy. I feel like as soon as they clear out the back-to-school supplies, they are filling the shelves with fall decorations, pumpkins, and trick-or-treat propaganda (my kids, and my husband, both love it). While it signals the coming of fall, for me, it reminds me of another very important time of year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and there are a lot of community events surrounding this awareness initiative. One of the biggest and most widely participated events, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Polk County event, is
being held October 14 at Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. All proceeds from the 5K fundraising walk will benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9 a.m. For more information or to register, go to makingstrideswalk.org/polkfl. While you’re there, make sure to stop by our tent and learn more about survivors from the October Breast Cancer edition of Central Florida Health News, where we will be sharing how these fighters are claiming victory over this disease. Thanks for reading Central Florida Doctor magazine, and we’ll see you at the walk. ✱
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community. The Four Corners ER will be a freestanding Emergency Department on the corner Beth Guinn of Avalon Road and Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Winter Garden (across the street from Wawa). For more information, call (863) 419-2177. patients located in the Gessler Clinic Annex, and a Weekend Clinic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for established patients only in the Gessler Clinic Annex. ✱ HEART OF FLORIDA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of their new Specialty Care center in ChampionsGate, Florida, on August 9. The event allowed the public to tour the new facility and meet the physicians who will offer services at that location. For more photos from this event, please see the Health Community page of Central Florida Health News magazine, September 2017 edition. In addition, HOFRMC will be hosting a special groundbreaking ceremony on September 13 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the newest development to serve the Four Corners
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✱ LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER Lake Wales Medical Center (LWMC) recently announced the Employee of the Month awards. June’s winner was Shazam Abdul, an occupational therapy assistant; and July’s winner was Beth Guinn, an anesthesia tech in Surgical Services. Additionally, LWMC announced their second quarter 2017 employee awards. Award winners were Employee of the Quarter Karey Lewis, social worker; Manager of the Quarter Lori McKinney, ER; and Volunteer of the Quarter Joan Hartshorn, gift shop. In community outreach news, the LWMC staff held their annual stuffed backpacks drive, a competition among the hospital’s departments to collect backpacks and school supplies for local school children. They collected nearly 100 backpacks and additional school supplies. The
winner of the most backpacks donated— for the second year in a row— was the Rehabilitation department, with 23 stuffed backpacks. Additionally, LWMC announced registration as open for the “Art & Sole for the Cure” event, a breast cancer awareness event presented by Lake Wales Medical Center in partnership with the Lake Wales Arts Council. The event is slated for Friday, October 20, from 5-8 p.m. near the gazebo on Lake Wailes lake. It will include an awareness walk, fun run, live music, food trucks, games and activities for the whole family, a decorated bra contest, survivor recognition, a luminaria ceremony, and more. It is free to the public, but online registration is required in advance in order to receive an event t-shirt. Tickets will be sold for door prize drawings, and donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. ✱ LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH Florida Southern College and Lakeland Regional Health announced in late July that a new college major will be offered that utilizes the resources of both institutions to enhance healthcare capabilities in Central Florida. A Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology) will launch at Florida Southern in the 2017-2018 academic year. The program is limited to six students per year. To
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gain entry into the program, students must submit a competitive application and meet stringent academic requirements. In new employee news, Lakeland Regional Health announced three new medical team members in early August. Cristina CuevasKorensky, MD, FACP, joins Lakeland Regional Health as a hospitalist; John F. Hower Jr., MD, PhD, FACS, rejoins Lakeland Regional Health as medical director of its Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center; and Erjola Balliu, MD, joins the team as an endocrinologist and pediatric endocrinologist.
Cristina Cuevas-Korensky, MD, FACP
John F Hower Jr, MD, PhD, FACS
✱ WATSON CLINIC In new employee news, Watson Clinic welcomed Megan B. Luciano, MD to the OB-GYN department at Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Building; Elaine C. Turcan, DO, a family medicine physician, to Watson Clinic South; Kenneth J. Stroub, DO, an Urgent Care physician, to the walk-in care to patients of the Watson Clinic Urgent Care in Lakeland; Caitlyn Erjola Balliu, MD S. Bierly, ARNP-C, to work with board-certified urologists at the Watson Clinic Main; and Patricia C. Bayshore, ARNP-C, to work with board-certified family medicine specialists at the Watson Clinic Bartow. In employee award news, Watson Clinic’s Program for Employee Excellence and Recognition (PEER) award winners were announced. July’s PEER award winner was Rene Connors, a reception team leader at the Watson Clinic Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine location in south Lakeland; and August’s PEER award winner was Teresa French, a senior representative in the Patient Financial Services department. Additionally, in July, family medicine specialist Dr. Thomas McMicken was honored for his 50 years of service with a ceremony at Bartow Civic Center. In services news, the Watson Clinic Breast Health Services division was awarded a full 3-year re-accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). In news about outreach efforts, Watson Clinic sponsored or participated in the Peace River Center’s Feel Good 5K Run & Walk event on Friday, August 18. They also announced the Healthy in Pink Social, an event devoted to breast cancer education and community empowerment, for Friday, October 6 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium at 121 South Lake Avenue in Lakeland. RSVP for this event by calling (863) 802-6220 or visiting WatsonClinic.com/PINK. They also announced the 24th Annual Benefit Golf Classic for Saturday, October 21. The event is being held at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in Lakeland. For more information about the event, call (863) 602-6220. Lastly, Dr. Louis Saco MD, chairman of the Watson Clinic Foundation, recently presented the Achievement Academy with an automated external defibrillator (AED). ✱
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FEATURE | medicine continued from page 5 released to determine if a patient is a candidate for this treatment. The patients, with just a few hematopathology lab is responsible for bringing the panel into use for rare side effects that require patients at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. monitoring. Although it is Dr. Manish Patel took part in the early phase clinical trials for Idhifa an appropriate treatment at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. That took place about for just a portion of AML four years ago. “Florida Cancer Specialists was the first site to open that patients, Dr. Patel still feels trial,” says Dr. Patel, Director of the Drug Development Unit. “We’ve a sense of gratification when seen that drug from the very beginning, so it’s very rewarding to see the he is able to connect those development and the pathway of the drug to approval.” Several Florida patients to the proper drug. Dr. Manish Patel Cancer Specialists patients took part in that trial and Dr. Patel is still Patients around the country treating patients with refractory AML responding very well to Idhifa. have benefitted from this Idhifa is a very specific drug, an IDH2 inhibitor, targeting the drug and have continued their remission. IDH2 mutation, which is present in Besponsa is the other drug recently approved by the about ten percent of the AML-affected FDA for use on ALL cases. It is used on precursor B-cell These new targeted population. The IDH2 enzyme regulates lymphoblastic cells. In ALL, the bone marrow creates treatments can the differentiation and growth of the cells, too many immature white blood cells, known as B-cell and the mutation causes the enzyme to significantly increase the lymphocytes. “This is an antibody drug conjugate,” says not allow the differentiation to take place. Dr. Jay Avashia, also of Florida Cancer Specialists, “in the survival rates of both Idhifa specifically blocks that enzyme, sense that there is an antibody called inotuzumab and it is known as isocitrate dehydrogenase-2. conjugated with a cytotoxic drug called ozogamicin.” Dr. types of leukemia. Avashia goes on to explain the process by which Besponsa works. Ninety percent of B-cell ALL patients have the CD It allows the cells to positive receptor on the surface. “This drug targets the CD22 on the differentiate and grow cell surface, so this antibody-drug conjugate binds to CD22 and gets normally. Idhifa is produced internalized into the cell, where the cytotoxic drug destroys the cell,” Dr. by Celgene Corporation Avashia elaborates. Besponsa is an IV infusion drug. and the RealTime IDH2 Both of these drugs are intended to help relapsed and refractory Assay is produced by Abbott patients, which is great news for the many people who thought they had Laboratories. no options left. Besponsa was compared with standard chemotherapy for The Idhifa drug is taken B-cell ALL, and in a Phase III competitive trial, Besponsa almost doubled orally, so the treatment the survival rate compared to the standard chemotherapy treatment. A can be administered at follow-up study two years later shows similar trends in the overall survival home without the need for rates and remission. Although these drugs will not be suitable for every hospitalization. It tends to patient, they will help to increase the survival rate of this disease. ✱ be tolerated well overall by CREDIT Dr. Jay Avashia by TERESA SCHIFFER • • • •
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Medical Memoirs Dr. Jay Avashia Shares His Thoughts on the Rewards of Being an Oncologist DR. JAY AVASHIA is one of the many dedicated doctors at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. He is an oncologist specializing in breast, colon, and lung malignancies. When asked what inspired him to go into the medical profession, Dr. Avashia recalls with clarity what brought him to where he is now. “I was always fascinated with the development and treatment areas, and the different presentations of disease,” he explains. “The ‘cancer’ word is so frightful; I wanted to take some part in what was going on.” Dr. Avashia finds fulfillment in rising to the challenges presented by the variety of forms of cancer and the multitude of new treatments that are always coming out in the battle against the disease. Dr. Avashia went to Christ Hospital, which is an affiliate of Rush Presbyterian University located in Chicago. He completed that in 1984 and went on to do his subspecialty Fellowship training in Hematology/Oncology at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio in 1990. Dr. Ronald Bukowski was one of Dr. Avashia’s mentors during his education in Cleveland. Dr. Bukowski was prolific in immunity and related studies during the 1980s, specializing in adenocarcinoma and ileum cancers. Another big influence on Dr. Avashia during that time was Dr. Brian Bolwell, a leukemia specialist also at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Bolwell is currently the Chairman of Taussig
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Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Avashia remembers fondly how accessible and inspiring he was to the Fellows he was mentoring. “Dr. Bolwell always inspired Fellows to work hard. He would be available in his office in those days when I did my training, from 1988 to 1990,” he recalls. “I still vividly remember that in his office there
“Each patient is unique,” says Dr. Avashia. “Every cancer, and every patient is unique in their own perspective.” were drawers, and each and every drawer was lined up with articles according to the disease and the developments. So we as Fellows would go in there and you would pull up the article, because these were the paper days, and he would immediately hand over the article to us to read and make copies. He was very inspiring and motivating.” Lured to the Sunshine State by the blue skies and palm trees, Dr. Avashia
came to Central Florida in 1991, where he worked with Bond Clinic, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, and was affiliated with Moffitt Cancer Center. In 2016, he joined the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. The organization offers a very comprehensive delivery of cancer care, providing worldclass medicine locally. Dr. Avashia is charmed by the hometown setting. He is proud to be part of an organization that participates in drug development trials and offers cutting edge therapies. “Each patient is unique,” says Dr. Avashia. “Every cancer, and every patient is unique in their own perspective.” It’s that interest in the patients as individuals that keeps Dr. Avashia enthralled with his work and always striving to find the next cure. He appreciates the strength of his patients, who fight physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally to overcome the disease. “Each and every patient rewards me with lots of smiles, gratitude, and untold thanks for all that we offer to them.” ✱ CREDIT by TERESA SCHIFFER
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The Dorchester floorplans are almost move in ready, customize it - just pick your paint colors, wood cabinetry and finishes. Take delivery of your new home in less than 90-days!
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Available for a Limited Time FIVE AVAILABLE / QUICK MOVE-IN / EXCEPTIONAL INTERIOR WITH MANY UPGRADES MAINTENANCE FREE / IMMACULATE LANDSCAPING / COUNTRY CLUB LIFESTYLE GATED 24-HOUR MANNED ENTRANCE / CONVENIENT IN-TOWN LOCATION STARTING IN THE MID-$300’S
MODELS OPEN DAILY | 2945 SANCTUARY CIRCLE, LAKELAND, FL 33803 863.647. 1100 MON-FRI 9-5 | SAT 10-5 & SUN 12-5 | PAT JONES 863.581.4699 | DANI MILLER 863.255.2276 22 | CFDoctor
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
“We’ve lived here since 1992, and for us there is no other place to live. Grasslands offers beautifully maintained grounds with sidewalks for walking and visiting with your friends and neighbors. In addition, you feel a level of comfort knowing that there is a security guard on duty 24-hours a day. The central location gives us easy access to Polk Parkway, plus we’re next door to Lakeside Village for great shopping and restaurants. And we have one of the best golf courses in Central Florida. Come and join us and discover for yourself how great it is to live in Grasslands!”
TOM & PAULA GRAHAM Residents Of Grasslands For 25 Years
863.647.1100 | MON TO FRI 9-5; SAT 10-5; SUN 12-5 PAT JONES 863.581.4699 | DANI MILLER 863.255.2276
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com
GRASSLANDSHOMES.COM
CFDoctor | 23
Look Who’s Joined BayCare Medical Group If you’re a primary care physician or a specialist, we have exciting opportunities for you. Whether you’re a new or experienced physician, if you’re looking for a new professional home consider BayCare Medical Group. Russell T. Brown, MD General Surgery 199 Ave. B N.W. Suite 310 Winter Haven (863) 292-4124
Omprakash K. Pansara, MD Family Medicine 5999 Dundee Road Suite 750 Winter Haven (863) 292-4077
HaiDang Hoang, DO, MMM Family Medicine 2028 U.S. Highway 92 W. Auburndale (863) 965-9327
Parth Patel, MD Family Medicine 7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven (863) 324-4725
Paramjeet Kaur, MD, FACS Breast Surgery 199 Ave. B N.W. Suite 310 Winter Haven (863) 294-7050
To learn about employment opportunities, visit BMGPhysicians.org or contact a recruiter at (813) 636-2009. 17-144827-0817
24 | CFDoctor
www.centralfloridahealthnews.com