IN THE NEWS

Zeiter Eye Medical Group, Inc. | Vision Is Our Passion

Another Dr. Zeiter is joining Zeiter Eye Medical Group. John Zeiter, Jr. grew up in Stockton, graduating as valedictorian from St. Mary’s High School in 2008. He then moved across the country to Dartmouth College for his undergraduate work in chemistry, finishing in 2012. He completed medical school in 2017 at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, followed by four years of ophthalmology training at the Kresge Eye Institute in the Detroit Medical Center, graduating in 2022. Finally, Dr. John, Jr. completed a one-year fellowship in Glaucoma at the UCSF Medical Center. His glaucoma training included extensive medical, laser, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in addition to complex anterior segment glaucoma and cataract surgery. Dr. John Jr. and his wife, Amy, have two children, Liliana and Braden. Dr. John Jr.’s hobbies include skiing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, listening to classic rock, and playing video games. He is excited to join Zeiter Eye which has served the residents of San Joaquin County for more than 60 years providing the gift of sight.

John Zeiter, Jr., MD

Advances in Patient Blood Management at Shriners Children’s Northern California

Shriners Children’s Northern California has implemented a new approach to pediatric surgical blood transfusion, using a state-of-the-art viscoelastic testing device from a leading hematology instrument maker. This device, which uses ultrasound technology, is the first of its kind being used in a pediatric hospital in the United States. It allows the anesthesia team to identify specific blood components a patient needs during a surgical procedure, including fresh frozen plasma, platelets and fibrinogen. This is particularly important during surgeries with rapid blood loss, such as trauma, burns or scoliosis surgery. The results are available in just 10 minutes, providing a faster alternative to traditional lab testing which can take up to 45 minutes.

Prior to the implementation of this technology, blood transfusion during surgeries with rapid blood loss was based on clinical signs and the use of pediatric massive transfusion protocols. But those protocols are not always precise and can lead to unnecessary blood component therapy.

By using the goal-directed viscoelastic testing, the team at Shriners Children’s Northern California is able to reduce the use of blood products and potentially lower transfusionrelated morbidity and mortality. Dr. Sundeep Tumber, chief of anesthesiology, and his team are currently working on publishing their results.

This is a significant advancement in pediatric surgical blood transfusion and demonstrates Shriners Children’s Northern California's commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

Dameron Specialty Surgery Clinic transitions to Adventist Health Physicians Network

The Dameron Hospital Specialty Surgery Clinic became a part of the Adventist Health Physician Network (AHPN) in February, 2023.

Now operating under the business name of AHPN Stockton Surgical Specialties, its participating physicians provide general, cardiothoracic and colorectal surgical services and includes these local surgeons:

DeAndrea Sims, MD

Dr. Sims is a general surgeon practicing in Stockton, California. Originally from Guam, she attended medical school at Howard University of Medicine and completed her post graduate training in Stockton at San Joaquin General Hospital. She is proficient in several surgeries including treatment of benign and malignant breast disease, gallbladder, hernia, and intestine disorders.

Jennifer McNeil, MD

Dr. McNeil is a board-certified surgeon with expertise in colon and rectal surgeries with an emphasis on abdominal and anorectal disorders. Using laparoscopy and other minimally invasive procedures, she provides surgical treatment for colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pelvic floor issues, fecal incontinence and more.

Osama Zahriya, MD

Dr. Zahriya is a board-certified general surgeon with experience in laparoscopic, scope and robotic surgery, treating common conditions such as hernias, gallbladder removal and colon resections. Originally from Michigan, Dr. Zahriya trained internationally before completing his residency in Detroit. He was first inspired to practice medicine by his father, who is also a general surgeon.

AHPN Stockton Surgical Specialties offices are located across the street from Dameron Hospital. The offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The address is 530 West Acacia Street, Suite 1, Stockton, CA 95203.

For consultations, call the AHPN Surgical Specialties offices at 209-242-7098.