January 2018 • Vol. 48, No. 1
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
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Welcoming our first pediatric neurosurgeon Erin N. Kiehna, MD, joins Novant Health Brain and Spine Surgery We are proud to introduce Novant Health’s first pediatric neurosurgeon, Erin N. Kiehna, MD. Dr. Kiehna’s experience and passion for helping children mean kids have access to expert neurosurgical care, right here in Charlotte. Dr. Kiehna earned her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. She completed neurosurgery residencies at University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Starship Children’s Health in Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Kiehna comes to Charlotte from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She is excited to return to the East Coast and join the Novant Health team. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-3070.
Novant Health Brain and Spine Surgery 330 Billingsley Road, Suite 202, Charlotte © Novant Health, Inc. 2017
2 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 3
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4 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
cnsa.com
January 2018 Vol. 48 No. 1
Table of Contents 6 President’s Letter: To Unite, Serve and Represent
OFFICERS
President Scott L. Furney, MD
By Scott L. Furney, MD, President, MCMS
6 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for January 7 Feature: North Carolina Hospitals Offer Breath of Fresh Air, Literally By Stephanie Carson, N.C. Public News Service
Secretary Babak Mokari, DO
Treasurer John R. Allbert, MD
Immediate Past-President Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
8 Feature: HPV Vaccine: Why or Why Not?
BOARD MEMBERS
By James B. Hall, MD
9 Feature: The Importance of Addressing Mental Health: A Teen’s Perspective By Rachel Musa, Member of the Teen Advisory Board, Teen Health Connection
10 12 12 14 14 14 14 15 17
President-Elect Elizabeth B. Moran, MD
2018 MCMS Board of Directors and Leadership Member News New Members Upcoming Meetings & Events MCMS Election Results National Health & Wellness Observances, January Advertising Acknowledgements At the Hospitals Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
Raymond E. Brown, PA Sarah M. Edwards, MD E. Carl Fisher, Jr., MD Donald D. Fraser, MD Vishal Goyal, MD, MPH Jane S. Harrell, MD Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH B. Lauren Paton, MD Anna T. Schmelzer, MD Rachel L. Storey, DO Andrew I. Sumich, MD G. Bernard Taylor, MD
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Tracei Ball, MD, President-Elect Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA
Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency
EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director Sandi D. Buchanan
Finance & Membership Director Stephanie D. Smith
Meetings & Special Events Coordinator Jenny H. Otto
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org Copyright 2018 Mecklenburg County Medical Society Mecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of Mecklenburg Medicine or the Mecklenburg County Medical Society. Mecklenburg Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as to reject any material submitted. Mecklenburg Medicine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Classified Ads: Open to members, nonprofits and non-member individuals only; advance approval of the Managing Editor and advance payment required. Member rate is 0, non-members $20 for the first 30 words; $.75 each additional word. Display Ads: Open to professional entities or commercial businesses. For specifications and rate information, contact Mark Ethridge at mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in no way constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein. We welcome your comments and suggestions: Call 704-376-3688 or write Mecklenburg Medicine, c/o Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204.
MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF Editor Scott L. Furney, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editors Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith
Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board Stephen J. Ezzo, MD N. Neil Howell, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD Graphic Design Wade Baker
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 5
President’s Letter
To Unite, Serve and Represent By Scott L. Furney, MD
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s I start my one-year term as president of MCMS, I must first express my profound thanks to Dr. Stephen Ezzo, who selflessly agreed to serve a second term in 2017 as president of this great organization. I can think of no better person to have served two terms while I completed my MBA and the new officers learned of the deep roots and connections of the Medical Society. Steve also is a gifted writer, drawing on patients, colleagues and history for his musings. I have big shoes to fill, with few of his talents. Thank you, Steve (and Janice, his wife), for your service. As we start a new year, in a rapidly changing environment rife with conflict and angst, I am comforted by our mission statement: To unite, serve and represent our members as advocates for our patients, for the health of the community and for the profession of medicine. Divisions can deepen in chaotic times, in medicine as in politics. In the Medical Society, I have found a comradery that transcends practice, employer and political leanings. We unite as a medical society to work on behalf of the patients of Mecklenburg County — those we serve and those who need services but cannot access them. While it is easier to keep our heads down and work on what we know than to examine what we do not see, we can unite around the common goal of promoting health for all the patients in our county. Each of us can struggle in our practices, but together we can drive changes none of us could accomplish alone. Unity in purpose and advocacy for high-quality care for our patients, and for our neighbors, should be our top priority. As a physician-administrator in CHS, I have long-held beliefs in servant leadership. I first was inspired after being exposed to Robert Greenleaf’s work a decade ago. For physicians, it calls to our nature to care for those in our charge. A brief summary of this from his website www.greenleaf.org:
A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. And so I ask, “What can the Medical Society do for you, our patients, and our community?” We need to hear from you so we are working on our shared mission — with your help, of course!
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In paying your dues, you should expect representation for taxation. In advocating for our physicians, we have the dual role of advocating on behalf of our patients. For those of you who struggle, on occasion, to take good care of your patients, it is important to step back and identify the core issues. If we speak with one voice, issues like pre-authorizations and scope of practice can become currency for meaningful discussion. For those new to the topic, I would strongly suggest the vlog “Bowtie Briefing” by Chip Baggett of the North Carolina Medical Society. You can access his most recent five-minute video (come on, you have time) at www.ncmedsoc.org/bowtiebriefing-special-sessions-re-cap-your-chance-to-be-doctor-of-the-day/. A year is a long time, and it is also very short. The Board of Directors needs to hear from you on what we can do to help unite, serve and represent our members. In humble service,
“All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.” — Samantha Power
CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
JANUARY 2018
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 1/26 Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiovascular Symposium 2018 Online Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Series Online Electronic Medical Record on Trial: Risk Management for Nurses and Physicians Online Healthcare Communication Online Protecting Your Patients From Air Pollution Online Risk Management: Patient Identification For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
Feature
North Carolina Hospitals Offer Breath of Fresh Air, Literally By Stephanie Carson, N.C. Public News Service
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wo major hospital systems in North Carolina are taking steps to make sure their communities and patients breathe easier on their campuses. Beginning January 1, Carolinas HealthCare System and Novant Health now require all construction equipment on site to use the lowest exhaust-emitting machinery and promote anti-idling practices. The change came about after Clean Air Carolina reached out to hospital leadership to educate them about the impact some construction equipment can have on air quality. Clean Air Carolina Executive Director June Blotnick explains, “This is a major clean air win for public health, and we are hoping other hospital systems across North Carolina will follow suit and take steps to reduce diesel emissions on their construction sites.” The group worked with Novant Health on a study in 2016 to demonstrate the impact hospital construction projects can have
“This is a major clean air win for public health, and we are hoping other hospital systems across North Carolina will follow suit and take steps to reduce diesel emissions on their construction sites.”
on air quality as it monitored the construction of Novant’s new Women’s Center in Matthews. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that every dollar spent on reducing diesel pollution results in $13 in public health benefits. Thomas Zweng, MD, chief medical officer with Novant Health, championed Clean Air Carolina’s request from the beginning and says the decision to reduce emissions on their campuses is in line with his organization’s mission. “We exist to improve the health of the communities one person at a time, and foundational to that is that we all have clean water and clean air,” says Zweng. “So it’s a natural alliance, a natural partnership, to work with others in the community who are focused on clean air.” Carolinas HealthCare System has changed its policies regarding construction equipment. Director of Environmental Sustainability Solutions for the health system, Kady Cowan, says construction happens on medical campuses more often that you might imagine. “We are constantly renovating and expanding and changing our facilities,” says Cowan. “The idea is to really start to look towards market transformation and making sure that the most cleanburning equipment is the equipment that is the most widely used and available across Charlotte.” According to the EPA, diesel exhaust contains more than 40 toxic pollutants and is a designated carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Particulate matter found in the exhaust contributes to asthma in vulnerable populations, as well as to climate change.
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 7
Feature
HPV Vaccine: Why or Why Not? By James B. Hall, MD
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ccording to the Centers for Disease Control, presently some 80 million Americans are infected with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Absent a re-infection, the immune system is usually able to clear the virus within 6-12 months. There are some 200 sub-types of the HPV that have been identified, but from the clinical perspective we know there are about 20 low-risk types (these include HPV 6 and 11, causative for venereal warts) and about 20 high-risk types (these include HPV 16 and 18, which are the most common genotypes associated with squamous cell cancers, as well as some adenocarcinomas). This high-risk group has been found to play a prominent role in the development of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers; more recently HPV also has been associated with oropharyngeal cancers. These oropharyngeal cancers are five-times more common in men than women and more common in African-American men than any other group; however, a recent report from MD Anderson demonstrated that it is now the fastest growing cancer in young white men. Clearly, this virus can impact both men and women and all ethnic groups. While this is essentially an endemic virus in humans, there is a prevention. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccines, Cervarix, a GSK product, and Gardasil, made by Merck, for use in girls and young women ages 9-26. Then, in 2010, there was FDA approval in boys and young men, as well. Cervarix was a bi-valent vaccine against HPV 16/18, and Gardasil was a quadra-valent vaccine against HPV 6/11 and 16/18. HPV 16/18 have been identified as the causative agent in 70 percent of squamous cell cancers. These explained the panoply of abnormal Pap smears as precursors to cervical cancer. Logically, if vaccinations occurred prior to exposure to these viruses, then one’s risk of developing cancers caused by HPV 16/18 potentially could be eliminated. The initial studies involved a three-shot regimen given at the time of the office visit, then again two months later and six months later. This proved to be cumbersome in that most patients either could not or did not return to receive the complete regimen. Unfortunately, despite a national education endeavor on the value of the vaccine, there is still only about a 42-percent usage in targeted patients. But, fortunately, those numbers are increasing, especially in young men, and yet there is still about a 20-percent difference in 17-year-old girls who have been vaccinated over
It is remarkable, and perhaps unconscionable, that we have a vaccine that is very effective and safe, and yet only about 40 percent of those needing it have received the vaccine.
8 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
boys. It has been problematic getting the three-shot regimen completed. Even in patients who began the regimen, completion of therapy often was not carried out. In recognition of this, and given the immunogenicity of children, in 2016 the FDA approved and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the adoption of a two-shot regimen (time 0 and =/> 6 months +/- 4 weeks) in children up to 14 years of age, with the caveat that based on available data, those over 15 years of age are still recommended to use the three-shot regimen, and if there is any history of immunocompromise, then the standard three-shot regimen still is recommended. The good news is that more children are getting vaccinated. In 2016, 60 percent of adolescents received one or more doses of HPV vaccine, compared to only 30 percent a decade ago. An interesting observation of Amy Middleman, MD, head of adolescent medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, was that a secondary benefit now being observed in young women in their early 20’s who had taken the vaccine as children, is the reduction of the most dangerous strains of HPV by more than 30 percent. The other important fact is that even though most of us are living in the same geographical area (the United States), there now have been noted different ethnic tendencies of infectivity. While HPV 16/18 are most common in Caucasians, a study done at Duke demonstrated that HPV 16/18 occurs in African-Americans at only about half the rate that it does in Caucasians. Evaluation of CIN (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia) in African-Americans identified the more common genotypes of HPV 33, 35, 58 and 68. As of 2016, a nine valent Gardasil was approved and became the only available vaccine in the American market. In addition to the previous four genotypes covered (HPV 6/11/16/18), the five additional that are covered include 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. This then provides better coverage for the U.S. population. Presently, the 9vHPV vaccine Gardasil is FDA-approved as prevention for genital cancers. But, as of yet, it is not approved as a prevention for the oropharyngeal cancers. The keyword here is “prevention.” To be effective, one must be immunized prior to one’s exposure/”sexual debut;” hence, the timing of the ACIP’s recommendation of immunization of 11- and 12-yearolds. Remarkably, the only states that mandate HPV immunization are Rhode Island and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia. Based on 2017 American Cancer Society statistics, the six cancer sites covered by the HPV vaccine represent more than 83,000 new cancer cases annually in the U.S. It is remarkable, and perhaps unconscionable, that we have a vaccine that is very effective and safe, and yet only about 40 percent of those needing it have received the vaccine. This needs to be a priority from a community health perspective, not to mention from a health economics perspective (e.g., there are about 55 million Pap smears done annually, and of these, about 5-10 percent are abnormal). Not only could we potentially eliminate these cancers and the millions of dollars spent treating them, but even more money is spent annually simply in the evaluation of the millions of abnormal PAP smears, which potentially also could be eliminated. In the words of the late Sen. Everett Dirksen, “A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you’re talking real money.”
Feature
Save the Date!
The Importance of Addressing Mental Health: A Teen’s Perspective By Rachel Musa, Member of the Teen Advisory Board, Teen Health Connection Teenagers constantly are being pulled from all different directions. We have to finish English essays, study for calculus tests, go to sports practices and live up to expectations set by our parents, teachers and peers. As a member of the Teen Advisory Board at Teen Health Connection, I have learned how these pressures can lead to negative choices and often result in alcohol and substance abuse, peer stress and low self-confidence. Teen Advisory Board has given me the skills to manage these stressors, as well as the opportunity to form friendships with teens who care about leading a healthy lifestyle and encourage other teens to do the same. Teen Health Connection has opened my eyes to the impact teens can have on their community when they voice their opinions. My experiences with Teen Health Connection sparked my particular interest in the problem of undiagnosed mental health problems in teens. Specifically, I focused my high school graduation project on incorporating mental health evaluations in routine physical examinations to help uncover mental health disorders that teens often do not recognize in themselves and avoid discussing. Thirty-seven percent of teens meet the criteria for a mental disorder at some point in their adolescence, but 80 percent of these teens do not receive mental health services or evaluations. This large disparity shows that many teens are silently suffering with an undiagnosed mental health problem. The most common mental health disorders for teens are depression, anxiety and adjustment issues with family, school and social relationships. Teens with mental health problems are more likely than their peers to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance and alcohol abuse. Parents think they would recognize the signs of a mental health problem, but family members often fail to pick up the signs of teenage depression. In fact, parents are unaware of 90 percent of suicide attempts by teenagers, and the majority of teens who commit suicide do not give any warning to their parents. Routine mental health screening is an effective method for monitoring an adolescent’s mental health. The United States Preventative Task Force endorses mental health evaluations for those ages 12-18. Early identification is important because half of adult mental disorders begin developing by age 14. Screening in primary care offices at annual physicals is efficient, as short screening questionnaires can be given in the waiting room. General practitioners see adolescents on average 3.3 times a year and have developed trusting relationships with patients and their families. This confidential relationship helps adolescents feel comfortable completing the screening questionnaire. The screening process is a two-step program in which teens fill out a questionnaire and are interviewed by the doctor to determine if additional treatment is needed. The PSC-Y (Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth) is a common screening questionnaire that has proven accurate with 94-percent sensitivity and 88-percent accuracy. The questionnaires capture teen’s candid emotions that they are reluctant to discuss. My review of three mental health screening programs showed that, on average, 22 percent of teens will screen positive for a mental health disorder and 12 percent will then be referred for mental health treatment. The adolescent years are a time of tremendous physical and social growth. Mental health screenings, alongside routine physical examinations, effectively monitor an adolescent’s mental well-being and promote the healthy development of all teenagers.
North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology 2018 Annual Conference Feb. 17-18, 2018 n Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, N.C. Promoting High Standards of Care for North Carolina Patients
Target Audience Physicians in gastroenterology and hepatology, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists and nurses working specifically in gastroenterology.
Keynote Speakers John E. Pandolfino, MD n G.S. Raju, MD Vijay H. Shah, MD n Michael B. Wallace, MD
More Information
For information on NCSG membership and to register, visit www.ncgisociety.org or contact Sandi Buchanan, executive director, at sbuchanan@meckmed.org.
Please visit www.ncgisociety.org for more information.
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 9
Member News
Meet Your 2018 MCMS Board Officers
Scott L. Furney, MD, President Born in Lake Orion, Mich., Dr. Furney completed his medical degree at the University of Michigan, where he also completed his residency and chief resident year in internal medicine. Furney is chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center and Senior Medical Director of Academic Operations. He remains clinically active, seeing both inpatients and outpatients at CMC. Elizabeth B. Moran, MD, President-Elect Dr. Moran is a native Charlottean who earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Duke University. She then received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center, serving as the administrative chief her senior year. She is a Fellow of the American Congress of obstetrics and gynecology and has been practicing in Charlotte since 2008. Babak Mokari, DO, Secretary Dr. Mokari grew up in Athens, Ohio. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in osteopathic medicine from Ohio University. He completed a rotating internship at Henry Ford Health System and family medicine residency at Carolinas Healthcare System. His work experience spans from urgent care medicine at Carolinas HealthCare System and
Kaiser Permanente in Northern California to academic medicine at Touro University California. He founded Healing Arts Medical, an integrative medicine practice in Charlotte in 2014. Mokari is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
Directors
Sarah M. Edwards, MD Dr. Edwards is a native of Gatlinburg, Tenn., and has been in Charlotte for a little over a year. She attended the University of Tennessee and majored in exercise science and played basketball for the Lady Vols under legendary John R. Allbert, MD,Treasurer coach Pat Head Summit. She Born in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. attended medical school at Quillen Allbert attended College of Medicine in Johnson Texas Tech University City, Tenn. While in medical and obtained his school, she was inducted into the medical degree at the prestigious medical fraternity AOA University of Texas and met her husband, Gaurav Medical Branch. He completed Bharti, MD. Edwards attended his residency in obstetrics and Wake Forest Baptist Medical gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center for Emergency Medicine Center and a fellowship in residency and served as chief maternal-fetal medicine at the resident during her third year. University of Mississippi Medical Edwards worked the next three Center. He now is a maternal-fetal years for Wake Forest as clinical medicine consultant with Novant faculty in multiple emergency Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine departments in the state. She Associates. He is a past-president moved with her family back to of the North Carolina Obstetrics Tennessee and worked part-time and Gynecology Society and is and taught first- and second-year the current North Carolina Chair medical students at Quillen. Last for the American Congress of year, her husband joined Hunstad Obstetrics and Gynecology. Kortesis Bharti Cosmetic and Plastic surgery in Charlotte. Edwards has worked part-time for Stephen J. Ezzo, MD, Immediate MEMA in the Novant emergency Past-President department in Matthews for the Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., last year. She also is starting to Dr. Ezzo graduated practice wellness medicine at from St. Louis Hunstad Kortesis Bharti Cosmetic University School and Plastic Surgery. of Medicine. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Carolinas E. Carl Fisher, Jr., MD Dr. Fisher attended Wake Forest Medical Center. He currently University School of Medicine is practicing at Novant Health and completed his Matthews Children’s Clinic and is residency at Carolinas a Physician Executive for Novant Medical Center. He Health. Ezzo has served on the also completed a Matheson Foundation Committee fellowship at Wake and as a delegate to the North Forest University School of Carolina Medical Society.
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Medicine. He is board-certified in internal medicine and nephrology and practices at Metrolina Nephrology Associates. Donald D. Fraser, MD Dr. Fraser was born in Queens, N.Y., but raised in Northern New Jersey. After graduating from Villanova University, he earned his medical degree at New Jersey Medical School. He completed his dermatology residency at UNC-Chapel Hill and moved to Charlotte to join the Nalle Clinic. Fraser eventually went into solo practice, where he remained until recently joining Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. He is a pastpresident of the North Carolina Dermatology Association. Jane S. Harrell, MD A North Carolina native, Dr. Harrell completed her undergraduate degree at Davidson College and received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She finished a residency in internal medicine and worked for Carolinas Medical Center for 13 years before starting H3 Healthcare. Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Dr. Keener is a native of Denver, Colo., but has lived most of his life in North Carolina. He graduated from Davidson College and Duke University Medical School, and then completed a residency in family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he served as
d of Directors and Leadership Chief Resident. He later earned a master’s degree in public health from UNC-Chapel Hill, and completed a residency in general preventive medicine and is board-certified in public health and general preventive medicine. Keener recently retired his position as medical director with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and now provides contract public health medical services for the county. B. Lauren Paton, MD Dr. Paton was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Western Ontario. She received her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completed her residency in general surgery at Carolinas Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been on faculty with the Department of Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center since 2011. Anna T. Schmelzer, MD Dr. Schmelzer is a native of North Carolina and earned her undergraduate degree in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Carolinas Medical Center. She remained at CMC after residency to serve as fourth-year Chief Resident and Junior Faculty member. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has been with Charlotte Pediatric Clinic since 2006.
Andrew I. Sumich, MD Dr. Sumich was born in Metairie, La. He completed undergraduate studies at Texas Christian University followed by medical school at LSU School of Medicine. He moved to Charlotte in 2002 for his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Carolinas Medical Center. Following a fellowship in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine in Winston-Salem, he returned to Charlotte to work at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates in 2006, where he has worked since. G. Bernard Taylor, MD Dr. Taylor received his medical degree in 1994 from the UNCChapel Hill. He then completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center in 1998. After spending five years as a general obstetrician and gynecologist, he completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Advanced Gynecologic Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Northside Hospital/Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology in Atlanta. He currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Assistant Fellowship Program Director for the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery program at Carolinas HealthCare System. Taylor is recognized as an educator and mentor. He has won numerous teaching awards for his work with undergraduates, medical students, and residents. He lectures internationally on topics related to women’s health and the
treatment of pelvic floor disorders. His dedication to caring for women in need of surgery has led to his involvement in global missions and work with women suffering from birth trauma and fistula on the west coast of Africa. Taylor’s special interests include gender health and healthcare policy, genital reconstructive surgery, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and bowel incontinence, bladder and bowel fistula, and advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
degree in public health in Policy and Management. He returned to his home state for medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. Goyal is currently a secondyear Family Medicine resident at Carolinas Medical Center at Elizabeth Family Medicine. He will serve as CMC House Staff Liaison President beginning in July.
Rachel L. Storey, DO Dr. Storey was born in Tallahassee, Fla., and earned Physician Assistant her undergraduate Representative degree in biology Raymond E. Brown, PA from the University of As the first PA Board member, Massachusetts-Boston. Brown brings a wealth of experience She then received her to the Board. He joined medical degree from the Virginia Charlotte Eye Ear Nose College of Osteopathic Medicine& Throat Associates in Carolinas Campus. She currently 1993, after practicing is a second-year family medicine general medicine for resident with Novant Health. nine years. Brown has specialized in otolaryngology for the past 13 Also serving on the Board years. He is a member of the North Carolina Medical Society, president as Ex-Officio Members Tracei Ball, MD of Metrolina Association of President-Elect, Charlotte Medical Physician Assistants, vice-president Dental and Pharmaceutical Society of the North Carolina Academy of Sandi D. Buchanan Physician Assistants and a trustee MCMS Executive Director for the North Carolina Association of Physician Assistants Endowment. Darlyne Menscer, MD
Resident Representatives Vishal Goyal, MD, MPH Dr. Goyal was born and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta. He attended Emory University where he pursued pre-medical coursework while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Decision Science from the Goizueta Business School. Afterwards, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health and earned a master’s
NCMS Delegate to the AMA and Chair of the NCMS Committee on Medical Education
Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP
Medical Director, Mecklenburg EMS Agency and member of the North Carolina EMS Advisory Council
Mecklenburg County Medical Society Executive Staff Sandi D. Buchanan Executive Director
Stephanie D. Smith
Finance and Membership Director
Jenny H. Otto
Meetings and Special Events Coordinator
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 11
Member News
NEW MEMBERS Amjad AlMahameed, MD Interventional Cardiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #501, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 University of Damascus, 1993 Oluseun O. Alli, MD Interventional Cardiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #501, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 University of Ibadan, 2001 Carlos S. Anzola, PA-C Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 University of Kentucky, 1988 Thomas A. Barringer III, MD Family Medicine Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 125 Baldwin Ave. #100 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-384-5043 University of North Carolina, 1979 Richard W. Bock, MD Vascular Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 University of Virginia, 1986
Martin J. Carignan, MD Vascular Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, 1991 Kate W. Chan, PA-C Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Philadelphia University, 2010 Sameer S. Chaudhari, MD Cardiovascular Disease Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1640 E. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28112 704-226-0500 University of Mumbai, 2006 Bhalaghuru Chokkalingam Mani, MD Interventional Cardiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1401 Matthews Township Parkway #110 Matthews, NC 28105 704-264-3500 University of Chennai, 2007 Elton S. Clawson, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Wake Forest University, 2002
Lawrence H. Braccia, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Hahnemann University, 1993
Jennifer O. Coker, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Louisiana State University, 2008
Justin T. Brooks, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Philadelphia University, 2010
Lauren W. Colombo, PA-C Pediatric Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2013 Justin B. Corbin, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Nova Southeastern University, 2011
12 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Sean J. Cunningham, PA-C, MPAS Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Rochester Institute of Technology, 2006 Kaustubh C. Dabhadkar, MD, MPH Cardiovascular Disease Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1401 Matthews Township Parkway #110 Matthews, NC 28105 704-264-3500 Grant Medical College, 2009 Paul E. Damm, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Wayne State University, 2009 Angela M. Darket, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Wake Forest University, 2011 Gabriel A. Delgado, MD Interventional Cardiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1401 Matthews Township Parkway #110 Matthews, NC 28105 704-264-3500 Universidad Del Norte, 1998 Samantha M. Gates, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 University of Detroit Mercy, 2012 David M. Grack, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Gannon University, 1997 Sanders D. Guignard, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Wingate University, 2014
Member News Leah B. Hall, PA-C Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Duquesne University, 2000 Myerlann Z. Haser, PA-C Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Alderson Broaddus, 1980 Lindsey A. Howard, PA-C Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2013 Sarah C. Jernigan, MD, MPH Pediatric Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 University of Louisville, 2004 Thomas R. Kambur, MD Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #901, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 Louisiana State University, 2010 Sanjiv S. Lakhia, DO Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2002 Joseph S. Matarese, PA-C Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Duquesne University, 2000
Michael J. McCormick, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Midwestern University, 2008
Megan Taylor, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 University of Florida, 2012
M. M. Naveen, MD Child Psychiatry CMC Behavioral Health Charlotte 501 Billingsley Road Charlotte, NC 28207 704-358-2810 University of Kentucky, 2012
Tom P. Theruvath, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Hannover Medical School, 2000
Michael F. Nido, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 University of Detroit Mercy, 1981
Parampreet S. Vidwan, MD Cardiovascular Disease Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #501, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 University of North Carolina, 2005
Sapnil D. Patel, PA-C, MSHS Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 George Washington University, 2011
Lauren C. Waldron, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 University of Texas Southwestern, 1998
Abigayle L. Price, PA-C Neurosurgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 225 Baldwin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-1605 Nova Southeastern University, 2010
William H. Wearmouth, PA-C Cardiothoracic Surgery Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 301 Hawthorne Lane #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-5100 Wake Forest University, 1986
Jeffrey J. Senfield, MD Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #901, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 State University of New York, 2009 Joshua K. Shoemake, MD Internal Medicine H3 Healthcare 1518 E. 3rd St. #150 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-806-0038 Medical College of Georgia, 2002 Lindsay S. Taylor, PA-C Cardiovascular Disease Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #501, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 Wingate University, 2015
Miranda L. Williams, PA-C Cardiovascular Disease Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute 1718 E. 4th St. #501, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-343-9800 Wingate University, 2016
Correction from October 2017 issue Ellen A. Carraro, MD Bariatric Surgery Novant Health Bariatric Solutions 325 Hawthorne Lane, #110 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-7760 Ohio State University, 2009
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 13
Member News
Upcoming Meetings & Events JANUARY Upcoming MCMS Events n
Thursday, Jan. 18 MCMS Annual Dinner Meeting. Speaker: Karen Garloch. Charlotte Country Club. 6 p.m.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Jan. 1 Office closed for New Year’s holiday. n Tuesday, Jan. 9 MedLink meeting. Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg. 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Charlotte. 8:30 a.m. n Monday, Jan. 13 MCMS Board Meeting/Orientation. Whitehead Manor Conference Center. 7:30-11:30 a.m. n Monday, Jan. 15 Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. n Tuesday, Jan. 16 Charlotte Dental Society meeting. Myers Park Country Club. 6 p.m. n Thursday, Jan. 18 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. n Monday, Jan. 22 March magazine deadline. n
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES JANUARY 2018 Cervical Health Awareness Month National Birth Defects Prevention Month National Blood Donor Month National Glaucoma Awareness Month Thyroid Awareness Month January 18-24: Healthy Weight Week January 21-27: National Certified Nurse Anesthetists Week
14 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
Election Results
Terms Began on January 1, 2018
Board of Directors Officers (one-year term): President...................................................... Scott L. Furney, MD President-Elect..................................... Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Secretary.........................................................Babak Mokari, DO Treasurer......................................................John R. Allbert, MD Immediate Past-President.........................Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
Directors (two-year term): Sarah M. Edwards, MD E. Carl Fisher, Jr., MD Jane S. Harrell, MD Anna T. Schmelzer, MD G. Bernard Taylor, MD
The following directors, who were previously elected, also will serve on the Board in 2017: Raymond E. Brown, PA, Physician Assistant Representative (appointed by the Board) Donald D. Fraser, MD Vishal Goyal, MD, MPH, Carolinas HealthCare System Resident Representative (appointed by the Board) Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH B. Lauren Paton, MD Rachel L. Storey, DO, Novant Health Resident Representative (appointed by the Board) Andrew I. Sumich, MD
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center......................................................18 Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates..........................................4 Carolinas HealthCare System...............................................................19 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.......................................4 Charlotte Radiology...............................................................................18 Flagship Healthcare Properties............................................................ 17 LabCorp..................................................................................Back Cover Novant Health...........................................................................................2 Oncology Specialists of Charlotte..........................................................3 Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Center.........................................4
At the Hospitals Infectious Disease Clinic Opens in Davidson Novant Health Infectious Disease Specialists is open at 610 Jetton St., suite 214, in the Davidson Commons Shopping Center. The clinic is staffed by Heather Michael, MD. Dr. Michael is board-certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine. She attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Michael completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and her infectious diseases fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Michael is an expert in treating and managing diseases linked to viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria. To refer a patient, call 704-384-1940.
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Pediatric Neurosurgeon Joins Novant Health Erin Kiehna, MD, has joined Novant Health as its first pediatric neurosurgeon. Dr. Kiehna comes from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Kiehna earned her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. She completed her neurosurgery residency at the University of Virginia Health System, including a year at Starship Children’s Health in Auckland, New Zealand. She then completed a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Kiehna sees patients at both locations of Novant Health Brain and Spine, formerly Novant Health Neurosurgery Associates, 330 Billingsley Road, suite 202, and at the Pediatric Multispecialty Clinic, 201 Queens Road. She cares for children with brain and spinal disorders, including hydrocephalus, brain and spinal cord tumors, epilepsy, spasticity, congenital anomalies, craniosynotosis, vascular malformations and spina bifida. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-3070.
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Novant Health Barron, Homesley & Valentine Orthopedic Specialists Welcomes James Fraser, MD James Fraser, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery with advanced training in primary and revision hip and knee replacement, and partial knee replacement. He specializes in the direct anterior approach for hip replacement, with a special interest in rapid recovery and outpatient total joint replacement. Born and raised in Charlotte, Fraser received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and both a medical degree and a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic residency at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., and the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, and a fellowship specializing in total joint replacements at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. Novant Health Barron, Homesley & Valentine Orthopedic Specialists is at 449 Wendover Road, suite A, Charlotte. To refer a patient, call 704-365-6730. n
New Medical Plaza in Denver Features Six Specialties Denver Medical Office Building is now open at 269 Gillman Road. Six clinics occupy the building: • Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians • Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians Urgent Care • Novant Health Lakeside Pediatrics • Novant Health Huntersville OB/GYN • Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine • Novant Health Rehabilitation Center To refer a patient to one of these clinics, call 704-384-2273 (CARE).
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Novant Health Rheumatology and Arthritis Opens in Ballantyne Novant Health Rheumatology and Arthritis– Ballantyne at 12311 Copper Way, near Johnston and North Community House Roads, is staffed by Amit M. Patel, MD, and Ashwini M. Punjabi, MD. These board-certified physicians specialize in general rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, other connective tissue disorders, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Dr. Patel completed medical school at Medical College of Georgia and his internal medicine residency at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, N.J. He then completed a rheumatology fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Punjabi attended medical school at Seth G. S. Medical College in Mumbai, India. She completed her internal medicine residency at NorthShore University HealthSystem in n
Evanston, Ill., and completed a rheumatology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 704-316-2916 or visit NovantHealth.org/ArthritisBallantyne. Introducing Novant Health Osteopathic & Family Medicine in University Area Novant Health Meridian Medical Group has changed its name to Novant Health Osteopathic and Family Medicine to better reflect the philosophy of care and the training of physicians Andrew Blodgett, DO, Anthony Elkins, DO, and Adrienne Evans, MD. The clinic, at 8420 University Executive Park Drive, suite 850, Charlotte, will continue to provide routine health care, such as annual physical exams, well-child checkups, sports physicals, gynecological exams, vaccinations and chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For more information, call 704-316-1750 or visit NovantHealth.org/OsteopathicFamilyMed. n
Novant Health Adds Its First Critical Care Transport Helicopter, Connecting Patients to Advanced Care Novant Health has taken another step in expanding its critical care transportation services with the addition of Novant Health Med Flight, a state-of-the-art helicopter designed to airlift patients to the advanced critical care they need. With this new aircraft, the Novant Health critical care transport fleet is poised to increase care to rural communities, providing the fastest access to needed advanced care. Med Flight provides fast, safe air transportation for critically ill and injured patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is strategically located at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and serves all adult, pediatric and neonatal patients within 170 miles of Rowan County. Upon receiving a call, the Med Flight team is dispatched to the scene of the accident or referring hospital. At all times, the flight crew has access to EMS personnel at the scene or the care team at the referring hospital. Novant Health estimates the helicopter will transport 300-400 people in its first year in service. For air transport services, call 1-866-642-4717.
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Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 15
At the Hospitals
Cutting-Edge Cancer Therapies Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) is home to nearly 300 clinical trials, ranking among the top 25 percent of hospitals in the country. A few have been Phase I trials, bringing some of the newest, most cutting-edge treatments to patients. Edward Kim, MD, says open dialogue between patient and provider is the best way to determine if a clinical trial is a good fit. The two should discuss standard therapies and available trials to review the potential benefits and risks of each. Although some patients have concerns about safety, Dr. Kim says LCI clinical trials have an emphasis on minimizing patient risk. Each patient gets paired with a trial manager who carefully tracks and documents all aspects of treatment, keeping track of appointments, medications and changes on behalf of the patient. About 20 percent of Levine Cancer Institute patients have the opportunity to enter a clinical trial. While that number is about three times the national average, Kim’s goal is to increase that number so as many patients as possible have clinical trials as a treatment option. n
Pulmonary Respiratory Rehabilitation Program Receives National Honor Reflecting the high-quality care Carolinas Healthcare System respiratory therapists provide to patients on a daily basis, the respiratory care team at the Pineville and SouthPark Pulmonary Rehabilitation centers has been recognized with American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) certification. AACVPR certification is the only peerreviewed accreditation process that reviews individual pulmonary programs for adherence to the guidelines and standards set by the AAVPR and other professional societies. It provides a benchmark to compare our pulmonary rehab program to other facilities for quality care. Pulmonary rehabilitation includes respiratory and functional assessments, n
exercise, education, dietary consultation and emotional support. Eligible patients include those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, pre/post lung transplant and pre/post lung reduction surgery. Respiratory therapists develop a plan of care for each patient to help them achieve their personal goals. Each goal is different, such as walking to and from the mailbox without getting short of breath, being able to dance at a daughter’s wedding or obtaining enough strength and endurance to be listed for a lung transplant. Class sessions include stretching, aerobic exercise and education. The patients exercise in a group setting with others who have similar chronic lung disease. This prestigious national honor is a direct result of CHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation program’s commitment to improving quality of life and health by reducing hospital readmissions, elevating hope and advancing healing in patients with lung disease. 5 Marathons in 5 Days For most people, it’s a feat to run one marathon, but Theodore Frank, MD, ran five marathons in five days. That’s 131 miles, roughly the distance from Center City Charlotte to Danville, Va., or Gastonia to Johnson City, Tenn. Dr. Frank, director of heart failure services at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, ran the back-to-back marathons to benefit heart transplant patients with a goal of raising $25,000 in 2017. The marathons took place from November 12 to November 16. Each day, at roughly the midway point in his marathon, patients and supportors joined him in a one-mile walk or run. Frank recently was featured on Spectrum News and WCNC-TV for his efforts. n
“Alexa, where is the nearest Carolinas HealthCare hospital?” Carolinas HealthCare System patients now can use Amazon’s electronic personal assistant “Alexa” to locate the nearest urgent care or emergency department and get current wait times. Once patients enable the CHS skill on Alexa, they say, “Alexa, use Carolinas HealthCare to find the closest urgent care n
16 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
or hospital.” Alexa responds with the closest CHS location and estimated wait time. Patients then can reserve their spot at one of the 28 CHS urgent care locations, via the Carolinas app on their tablet or smart phone, or visit CarolinasHealthCare.org/urgentcare. CHS is one of only a few healthcare providers with an Alexa “skill” and will be adding similar capabilities for Google Assistant in the near future. Over the last several years, CHS has provided new, easier ways to access information, from live video visits to eVisits answered within hours, online scheduling for doctor and urgent care visits and MyCarolinas portal, which provides patients with doctors’ notes, and lab and test results. In addition, CHS pioneered the use of palm scanning technology in visits where patients’ medical records are matched with them. Easing the Transition From Hospital to Home In 2015, Robin Kelley lost his wife of 48 years. The former U.S. Navy officer now enjoys woodworking and playing with his West Highland Terrier, Pee Wee. Things Kelley does not enjoy are hospital stays due to COPD complications, like the one he endured in June 2017. When Kelley left Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland after a five-day stay, the hospital scheduled a follow-up appointment with his primary care provider for the next day. Thanks to his timely attention, Kelley learned his prescriptions had been sent to the wrong pharmacy and was able to get the care he needed and avoid a readmission. Carolinas HealthCare System formalized efforts to address readmissions in 2015 by forming nine workgroups to tackle this complex issue. Through their efforts, readmission rates at CHS have seen a 4to 6-percent improvement each year and continue to be lower than the national average. Standardizing the schedule process for the hospital follow-up appointments is one of several initiatives CHS is putting in place to lower hospital readmissions. Teammates across the System, from acute care caregivers and physicians to home health nurses, play an important role and must work together to prevent readmissions. n
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas enjoyed CTC’s productions with my children, friends and family. The ability of the performing arts to enlighten, empower and transform people closely aligns with my personal and professional goals. I am honored and eager to begin my work with the Board to continue and expand the great legacy of this organization,” says Dr. Black. Oncology Specialists of Charlotte chemotherapy nurse Joanne Monaco spearheaded the second annual Jazzercise for Komen Charlotte fundraiser this past fall, raising more than $2,200 in the onehour event. Seventy participants of all levels of physical activity came out to support the cause.
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization whose mission is to create public awareness of medical doctors not employed by a network or hospital system and to provide educational programs and resources to physician members and their administration. Visit us at IndependentPhysicians.org.
Gregory Georgiou, LPC
Carolina Family Healthcare welcomes Gregory Georgiou. Georgiou is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience counseling individuals, couples and groups in community, school and private practice settings.
Kristin S. Black, MD, at New Day Wellness Center, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. The Children’s Theatre, nearing its 70th year, is a leading organization in the Charlotte arts community and is one of the top theater and education organizations for young people in the United States. “The talent, diversity and creativity Kristin S. Black, MD that Children’s Theatre has fostered in the Carolinas has had incredible impact on the youth of our community. For years, I have
3 chemo RN’s: Brook Davis and baby daughter, Mark LaRocque and Joanne Monaco
Oncology Specialists of Charlotte has introduced another breast cancer clinical trial. This unique observational study screens metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and follows a patient through a mobile application titled Madeline. To review the abstract, go to http://cancerres.aacrjournals. org/content/77/4_Supplement/OT3-03-01. Any MBC patient interested in participating should contact the local investigative network at 704-247-9179 or email jen.ponder@djlresearch.com.
FAIRVIEW CENTER
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
150 Fairview Road | Mooresville, North Carolina
• Move-in ready medical suites for lease • (2nd generation) • Class “A” medical and professional office • building • Building & monument signage opportunities • Excellent accessibility with close proximity • to I-77, I-85 and I-40 • Less than 0.25 miles to Lake Norman • Regional Medical Center • Availability - Suite 110: ± 2,115 SF • Availability - Suite 120: ± 5,023 SF • Availability - Suite 330: ± 1,493 SF
TIFFANY SLAYDEN
d. 704-971-8906 tiffany@FlagshipHP.com
Flagship Healthcare Properties (FHP) is a full-service real estate firm providing comprehensive solutions for our healthcare system and physician clients, including: capital, development, leasing, asset and property management, accounting, marketing, and investment expertise to a diverse, growing, and healthcare-centric portfolio of properties.
2701 Coltsgate Road, Suite 300 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 | 704-442-0222 | www.flagshiphp.com
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 17
With 12 locations in and around Charlotte, referring a patient to us is easier than ever. Mooresville
Huntersville
Serving the Charlotte area since 1952, Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center is Charlotte’s largest asthma & allergy practice that is comprised entirely of Board Certified physicians. Our physicians deliver patient-focused care to all ages. We are committed to educating the patient and caregiver, improving quality of life, and maintaining our own high standard of expertise and care. Areas of specialty include food allergy, drug allergy, insect venom allergy, and asthma.
Call 704.372.7900 to refer a patient to us today. SouthPark
Matthews
Waverly
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18 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT. WE’RE ALL THE SAME. When we need healing, we all want the same thing: expert care, tailored to our unique situation. Because when it comes to healthcare, everyone deserves the best.
Mecklenburg Medicine • January 2018 | 19
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTE, N.C. PERMIT NO. 1494
1112 Harding Place, #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED MCMS Mission: To unite, serve and represent our members as advocates for our patients, for the health of the community and for the profession of medicine. Founders of: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, N.C. MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out
LabCorp Laboratory Corporation of America
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15830 John Delaney Drive 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 200A 5633 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100 478 Copperfield Blvd. 8401 Medical Plaza Dr, Ste 140 1718 E. 4th Street 660 Summitt Crossing, Suite 206 16525 Holly Crest Lane, Suite 250 10030 Gilead Road, Suite B100 134 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite 1147 5031-G West W.T. Harris Blvd. 10410 Park Road, Suite 450 2460 India Hook Road, Suite 101 601 Mocksville Avenue 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road
*Drug Screens only **Blood Draws only
20 | January 2018 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Concord, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Gastonia, NC Huntersville, NC Huntersville, NC Mooresville, NC Matthews, NC Charlotte, NC Pineville, NC Rock Hill, SC Salisbury, NC Shelby, NC Statesville, NC Charlotte, NC
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