Mecklenburg Medicine February 2019 by Wade Baker

February 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 49, No. 2

Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org

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Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Change By Elizabeth B. Moran, President, MCMS

6 Member News 7 New Members 7 Upcoming Meetings 7 2018 Fighting for Women With Fashion Sponsors 8 MedLink Free and Low-Cost Health Services in Mecklenburg County 10 At the Hospitals 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 12 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for February 12 National Health & Wellness Observances 14 Advertising Acknowledgements

February 2019 Vol. 49 No. 2 OFFICERS President Elizabeth B. Moran, MD President-Elect John R. Allbert, MD Secretary/Treasurer Babak Mokari, DO Immediate Past-President Scott L. Furney, MD

BOARD MEMBERS Raymond E. Brown, PA Sarah M. Edwards, MD E. Carl Fisher, Jr., MD Jane S. Harrell, MD Kate E. Long, MD B. Lauren Paton, MD Bennal M. Perkins, MD Patricia K. Roddey, MD Anna T. Schmelzer, MD Andrew I. Sumich, MD G. Bernard Taylor, MD Christine S. Wu, MD

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Tracei D. Ball, MD, President Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA

Meg Sullivan, MD, Medical Director Mecklenburg County Health Department

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, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org Copyright 2019 Mecklenburg County Medical Society Mecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, suite 100, 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 and $.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 100, Charlotte, NC 28204.

4 | February 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine

MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF Editor Elizabeth B. Moran, 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

President’s Letter

Change By Elizabeth B. Moran, MD

hange, as we all know, is inevitable. And over the past few years, much writing about modifications in the medical profession has focused on the negatives — physician burnout, the rising costs of practice, a reduction in job security, ever-increasing documentation and regulations, and an uptick in recertification requirements. These all serve to paint a pessimistic picture of the current state of affairs in medicine. Through this lens, it is difficult to see the positives of what we do. It may be even more difficult to recall why we started down the path of becoming physicians in the first place. What drove us to choose this profession? And, has the landscape changed so drastically that those choices are no longer viable for our children, for the next generation of doctors? With the constancy of change in mind, I recently found myself reading about “Human Needs Psychology,” a theory developed by well-known leadership guru Tony Robbins (link to his TED talks at the end.) Robbins’ theory, entitled “6 Core Human Needs,” surmises there are six fundamental needs that govern human behavior and happiness. While each of these may have varying significance across individuals, each and every person is influenced to some degree by them all. Although Robbins’ writings on this subject are geared primarily toward leadership and team development, I see a strong parallel between medicine as a career and the fulfillment of each human need. Medicine, as a profession, provides all the necessary ingredients for human happiness, and I argue this has not changed over time. The recognition of these core human needs and the ways in which our work can lead to their attainment is evergreen. Focusing on the constants, rather than on the relentlessness of change in other aspects of our profession, can lead to a better understanding of what we do and a greater satisfaction in doing it. Robbins espouses the importance of certainty as a fundamental human need. Certainty in our jobs, within our homes and throughout our relationships, leads to a sense of control and security. When certainty is lacking, there’s increased stress. However, as nothing in medicine — or life for that matter — is ever 100-percent certain, doctors, as a rule, are uniquely equipped

Certainty in our jobs, within our homes and throughout our relationships, leads to a sense of control and security. When certainty is lacking, increased stress occurs.

to cope with the anxiety inherent in dealing with some degree of uncertainty in every decision. Just as we are taught in our training the unique skills to manage this in clinical arena, perhaps this skill is transferrable to other areas of our work and lives. One way of improving our sense of certainty is via better communication and clarity, Robbins suggests. Although we work hard to have clarity in our diagnostic and treatment plans, perhaps we need to strive for greater discussion and clarity regarding job security, work environment and the other nonclinical parts of our profession. One example might be to join a committee or take steps toward a leadership role either in our day-to-day practices or in the local or state medical society. This could result in a greater sense of understanding, and ultimately, a sense of control. Variety in our lives and jobs is another fundamental need. For some, continuous variety is a must; for others, too much variety can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety. Patient encounters are infinitely varied, and it is difficult to see how any physician could ever want for more diversity in clinical challenges. Indeed, the trouble often arises from too much variety, which may fall outside our individual comfort zone. But, with experience, larger patterns in patient visits may emerge that allow for enough variety to keep the job vibrant and exciting, while also providing a comfort level on a daily basis. Perhaps some self-reflection on what type of schedule matches our desired need for variety might increase our appreciation for this fundamental quality inherent in our profession. Then we can take active steps, as we are able, to tailor our day to better suit our need. The third aspect of Robbins’ theory to increase personal satisfaction, is the need to engage in significant and meaningful work. This seems self-evident, but recently there has been a shift to customer satisfaction forms, documentation requirements, and the increasing pressure of volume. Let us never lose sight of the fact that we have dedicated years of our lives and thousands of dollars in tuition for the privilege of making a significant difference in the lives of those around us. Let’s remind not only ourselves, but also each other, of this fact on a daily basis. I believe the simple act of saying “thank you” to a colleague for a consult, for their contribution to the plan of care, for their dedication overall, can have an impact so much greater than the effort required to express that gratitude in the first place. Small things matter, and within a profession that deals with such large outcomes — life or death — those small things easily get lost in the shuffle. A heartfelt compliment from a patient, an expression of gratitude from a colleague and the simplest of kind gestures in a busy day offer us the opportunity to see anew the true meaning and significance of our work. Connection also is a fundamental need which feeds human happiness. We are social creatures and, within his theory,

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 5

Robbins reminds us that we all need connection to the people around us. The medical profession provides abundant opportunities for connection and meaningful human interaction. Growth, learning and expanding both personally and professionally, is a vital human need espoused within Robbins’ work. Additionally, we want to feel we are contributing something of value to those around us and to the greater community. As physicians, we have spent much of our lives setting goals and achieving them. Admission to medical school, success in residency and developing our practices, were goals we set for ourselves that required both significant learning and growth. Medicine as a profession demands growth, and we have met that demand. But, let’s not forget, in spite of all the goals we have achieved, we must continue to set our sights ahead on new horizons. It can be frustrating when benchmarks, such as MOC, CME and metrics set by others, seem to overshadow our own intentions; yet we should take care not to let goals set by others dissuade us from continuing to set priorities of our own. Our success in this profession is founded on our desire to connect, grow, learn and contribute. Continuing to develop our own plan toward improving ourselves and the outcomes for our patients is of paramount importance to our happiness as human beings and as physicians. Lastly, the final “core human need” outlined in this theory, and I would argue for many of us the most important, is the sense of contribution to our world. A career in medicine offers endless opportunities to realize this, whether it be in research and innovation, individual patient encounters, public health advocacy, or teaching. Engaging in significant and meaningful work that makes a difference ultimately is a key driver for us as humans and has one of the greatest impacts on our sense of satisfaction. In medicine, we have chosen a path which has the potential to fulfill all of these fundamental needs in myriad ways. In this new year, let’s focus not only on how our profession allows us to improve the quality, and often the quantity, of life for those around us, but also how fortunate we are to practice a profession with the potential to truly fulfill ourselves, as well.

Engaging in significant and meaningful work that makes a difference ultimately is a key driver for us as humans and has one of the greatest impacts on our sense of satisfaction.

Link to Tony Robbins TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/talks/tony_ robbins_asks_why_we_do_what_we_do?language=en Respectfully yours,

Save the Date! MEETING L A U N N A Thursday, March 7 n 6 p.m. Myers Park Country Club

Speaker:

Award-winning and best-selling author

John M. Barry Register online at meckmed.org or call 704-376-3688.

Save the Date! Women Physicians Section

Meet Greet Tuesday, April 2

WINE AND CHEESE BOUTIQUE IN DILWORTH

2400 Park Road 6-8 p.m. (Drop In) 6 | February 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Member News

Upcoming Meetings & Events FEBRUARY

Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise indicated.

The Women Physicians Section of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, in partnership with the Women Lawyers of Charlotte and Safe Alliance, held the eighth annual Fighting for Women With Fashion event at CenterStage in NoDa on Oct. 2, 2018. Proceeds from the event, more than $106,000, will benefit victims of domestic violence in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties through our support of the Safe Alliance Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter. To date, our collaborative efforts have raised more than $474,000 for this worthy cause. If you are a member of MCMS and would like to be on the 2019 planning committee, contact Carol.Shinn@safealliance.org.

We would wholeheartedly like to thank our 2018 Sponsors! Brocade Level:

Atrium Health

Silk Level: Mecklenburg County Medical Society • Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Satin Level: Moore & Van Allen • Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Providence Anesthesiology Associates, PA • RM Machinery

Linen Level: Arthritis and Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas • Burt & Cordes, PLLC • Carolinas Fertility Clinic Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology • Charlotte Plastic Surgery • Collins Family Law Criswell & Criswell Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery • Dixon Hughes Goodman Wealth Advisors Eastowne Family Physicians, PA • Hall Booth Smith, PC • Integrative Health Carolinas Investor Advisory Group, LLC • Law Offices of Michelle Gessner, PLLC • McGuireWoods • McIlveen Family Law Mecklenburg Radiology Associates • Novant Health • Novant Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Novant Health Providence OB/GYN • Novant Health Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Novant Health Queen City OB/GYN • Orsbon & Fenninger, LLP • REACH – Reproductive Endocrinology Associates of Charlotte • Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, PA • Tom Bush Law Group • Women Lawyers of Charlotte

Denim Level: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP • Carolina HealthSpan Institute • Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, PA • Charlotte Skin & Laser • Charlotte Women’s Bar • Cranford, Buckley, Schultze, Tomchin, Allen & Buie, PA • Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes, PA • Hull & Chandler, PA • Kiger Law, PC Knox, Brotherton, Knox & Godfrey • Law Offices of J. Baron Groshon • Marcellino & Tyson, PLLC Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein • Northwestern Mutual • Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN Queen City Court Reporting • Robyn Stacy-Humphries, MD • Thrive Center for Personalized Healthcare & Wellness • Urology Specialists of the Carolinas • Waple and Houk, PLLC

Friends of the Event: The Anderson Law Firm • Cameron Caudle • Descalzo Shoes • Essex Richards • The Freedmen Law Group Katie Garvey • Astrid Jain, MD • Law Firm of David C. Herring, PLLC • Law Office of Heather Carty Ward, PC C. Renee Little • RTS Law Group • Stephanie Smith • Mandana Vidwan • Kathryn Whitten, MD

Tuesday, Feb. 12 MedLink meeting Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Charlotte 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15 MCMS office closed. Friday, Feb. 15 North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Board meeting Pinehurst Resort 2-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 16-17 North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Annual Conference Pinehurst Resort Monday, Feb. 18 Executive Committee meeting 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 CAMGMA meeting Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center Noon Friday, Feb. 22 April magazine deadline. Wednesday, Feb. 27 Fighting for Women With Fashion Planning Committee meeting Safe Alliance office 601 E. 5th St. 6 p.m.

NEW MEMBERS Omalara Layeni, PA-C Family Medicine Quinnipiac University, 2012 Naomi S. Simon, MD Dermatology Mooresville Dermatology Center 128 Medical Park Road #201 Mooresville, NC 28117 704-235-1827 University of Michigan, 2004

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 7

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?

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MedLink advocates for improved access to care in Mecklenburg County through education, communication and collaboration among service providers.

Free and Low- Cost Health Services in Mecklenburg County Find more detailed clinic information in the chart on the facing page.

If you think you may qualify for Medicaid, contact the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services at 704-336-3000 or visit www.charmeck.org for additional information.

CLINIC

Phone

Camino Community Center

133 Stetson Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262 | nafcclinics.org/content/bethesda-health-center

P F

704-596-5606 704-596-7570

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

800-939-5911

Care Ring

704-375-0172

CATS Bus

Map*

29 Lynx Blue Line

A B

550 S. Caldwell St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202 | www.cardinalinnovations.org Low-Cost Clinic, Physicians Reach Out, Nurse-Family Partnership

601 E. 5th St., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28202 | www.careringnc.com

Charlotte Community Health Clinic

3, 23

3 blocks from Transit Center P

704-316-6561

5 Airport Sprinter

8401 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28262 | www.charlottecommunityhealthclinic.org Goodwill Opportunity Campus

5301 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 | www.charlottecommunityhealthclinic.org

CMC Biddle Point Family Medicine

704-446-9987

1, 7

CMC Elizabeth Family Practice

704-304-7000

CMC Myers Park

704-446-1600

6, 18

704-446-9991

39, 11

C.W. Williams Community Health Center

704-393-7720

2, 5, 10, 30, 31, 34, Airport

Free Clinic of Our Towns — Davidson

704-896-0471

704-316-6611 704-316-6612

77x, 48x

14230 Hunters Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 | www.lnchc.org

P F

Matthews Free Medical Clinic

704-841-8882

65x

1801 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, NC 28208 | www.atriumhealth.org 2001 Vail Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207 | www.atriumhealth.org OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Med/ID, Orthopedics

1350 S. Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC 28207 | www.atriumhealth.org

CMC NorthPark

Family Medicine and OB/GYN

251 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213 | www.atriumhealth.org 3333 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 | www.cwwilliams.org PO Box 1842, 212 Gamble St., Davidson, NC 28036 | www.adajenkins.org

Lake Norman Community Health Clinic — Huntersville

196 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105 | www.matthewsfmc.org

Mecklenburg County Health Department

Info 704-336-4700 Appts 704-336-6500

7, 30 201, 26

Mecklenburg County Health Department

Info 704-336-4700 Appts 704-336-6500

Info 704-336-4700 Appts 980-314-9600

1, 7

1801 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, NC 28208 | www.meckhealth.org

NC MedAssist

704-536-1790

Project 658/Smith Family Wellness Center

704-910-5810

Shelter Health Services

Services for Salvation Army Center of Hope residents only

704-334-0000

13, 26

Shifa Free Health Clinic

Open on Saturdays; call for more info

704-706-7856

2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216 | www.meckhealth.org 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 | www.meckhealth.org

Mecklenburg County Health Department

Pediatric Dental Clinic

Free pharmacy program for uninsured residents of North Carolina

4428 Taggart Creek Road, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28208 | www.medassist.org 3622 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 | www.smithfamilywellnesscenter.com 534 Spratt St., Charlotte, NC 28206 | www.shelterhealthservices.com 4301 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 | www.shifahealthclinic.com

w w w. M e d L i n k o f M e c k l e n b u r g . o r g *Map locations relevant to the map on page 8.

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 9

At the Hospitals

Novant Health and Movement Foundation Partner to Bring Quality Medical Care to West Charlotte Movement Foundation and Novant Health have partnered to open a primary medical care clinic on Freedom Drive in the Ashley Park community. The Movement Family Wellness Center powered by Novant Health is the newest tenant in the Movement Center, a community and nonprofit Heather-John Montero, MD co-working space. The Movement Family Wellness Center provides preventive and primary care in addition to behavioral health services. It is staffed by family physician Heather-John Montero, MD, and pediatrician Martha Ferretti-Muise, MD, as well Martha Ferretti-Muise, MD as clinical social worker Jerris Bell, who works alongside doctors to address diet, mental health, addictions and other health concerns. The wellness center marks the next step in the Movement Foundation’s efforts to facilitate community renewal along Freedom Drive. The Foundation, the nonprofit investment arm of Movement Mortgage, intends to act as a catalyst for community renewal by acquiring, renovating and repurposing real estate in partnership with local community organizations and nonprofits working to meet the needs of their neighbors. For more information on the Movement Family Wellness Center, call 980-302-9000 or visit movementfamilywellness.org. n

New Oncology Clinic Opens in the University Area Novant Health Lake Norman Oncology has opened a third clinic in University City. The clinic is staffed by Prashant Joshi, MD, who is board-certified in internal medicine and hematology; he is awaiting results for his certification in oncology. n

Dr. Prashant diagnoses, manages and treats a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia and lymphoma, as well as blood conditions, such as anemia and bleeding or clotting disorders. He also has a special interest in Prashant Joshi, MD gastrointestinal oncology. The clinic includes a lab, where blood draws are completed onsite. It also features an infusion center that maximizes patient comfort and privacy. Novant Health Lake Norman Oncology is just off North Tryon Street near W.T. Harris Boulevard at 8401 University Executive Park Drive, suite 130. For more information, call 704-316-2016. Pediatric Infectious Disease Clinic Opens Novant Health Pediatric Infectious Disease, led by Nazario Rivera-Chaparro, MD, recently opened on Queens Road near Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Rivera-Chaparro, who recently completed his infectious disease fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, is skilled in identifying infections, including those common in the Carolinas Nazario Rivera-Chaparro, MD and those seen more frequently in other parts of the world. He also is available for travel medicine services, including administering required vaccines before international travel and providing information about precautions to take before and during travel. Conditions Rivera-Chaparro diagnoses, manages and treats include: • Recurrent fevers and fevers of unknown origin • Recurrent infections • Infections acquired during travel • HIV infection • Infections in patients on immunemodulating therapy • Transplant infections • Primary immune deficiency • MRSA infections • C. difficile infections • Lyme disease and other tick-borne n

10 | February 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine

diseases or infections • Tuberculosis • Perinatal exposure to Hepatitis C • Congenital infections and sexually transmitted infections including herpes, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasma, parvovirus and syphilis The clinic is in the Novant Health Pediatric Multi-specialty Center at 201 Queens Road. Call 704-316-3022 for more information. Pam Oliver, MD, FACOG Named Executive Vice President and President of Novant Health Physician Network Pam Oliver, MD, FACOG, has been named executive vice president of Novant Health and president of Novant Health Physician Network. Novant Health Physician Network is the umbrella organization that encompasses Novant Health Pam Oliver, MD, FACOG Medical Group, as well as other physician partnership models administered through AXIA Physician Solutions and Novant Health Clinically Integrated Network. The network brings together our providers and aligned community physicians in innovative and meaningful ways to collectively deliver value-driven, accountable care to the patients we serve. In her new role, Dr. Oliver oversees medical group operations, Care Connections, clinic quality and safety initiatives, as well as provider education, enrollment and engagement efforts. She will partner with our physician leaders in delivering highquality patient outcomes and improved access in all of the communities we serve. Oliver is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has been practicing at Novant Health since 2005. She has served in various leadership roles, including submarket leader for specialty practices in the greater Winston-Salem market, physician service line leader of women’s services for the greater Winston-Salem market and senior physician executive for Novant Health Physician Network, supporting clinical and business strategy across the system. n

At the Hospitals

A Clinic That Reduces Readmissions Atrium Health’s Transition Services provides patients an integrated approach to care transitions, offering close, wrap-around care to patients through follow-up appointments and via Virtual Visits. Led by Stephanie Murphy, DO, Transition Services — which encompasses the Transition Clinic and Heart Success (for heart failure patients) — shows a 35 percent reduction in readmission rates for patients who attend the service when compared to usual care. Transition Services ensures patients gain confidence about following medicallyappropriate care outside of the hospital by providing them access to high-touch, wraparound services with providers, pharmacists, care manager nurses, social workers, health advocates, community paramedicine and clinical nurses. “Transition Services fits into the overall readmission strategy at Atrium Health by providing integrated and patient-centric care,” says Dr. Murphy. “We meet the patients where they are and provide them with the care and resources they need to be successful in the management of their illnesses, both in the post-acute and in the chronic state. We teach patients to self-manage their chronic medical illnesses and re-educate on appropriate levels of care utilization.” Transition Services is appropriate for medically-complex patients with a high-risk score (such as patients who are high users and on multiple medications). It also serves patients with high-risk diagnoses, such as sickle cell disease and pulmonary embolism/ deep vein thrombosis, as well as high users of emergency department services and patients who return to the emergency department within 30 days of discharge. n

Atrium Health University City Unveils New Sign In December, Atrium Health unveiled a new hospital sign, reflecting the organizations’ name change. The hospital, located in University City, was the first Charlotte facility

to make the switch. Formerly Carolinas HealthCare System University, the hospital at 8800 N. Tryon St., has been providing care to patients in the University City, Mint Hill, North Mecklenburg and Southwest Cabarrus regions for more than 30 years. The new name, Atrium Health, captures the essence of the organization and was selected for its meaning: a place filled with light; a gathering ground where diverse thinkers come together and connections are made; and, literally, the chamber of the heart where each and every heartbeat begins. While the system and hospitals names may change, the heart of who they are remain the same, and patients continue to receive the compassionate and world-class care they have come to expect. Dionisios Vrochides Elected President of ERAS® International Society Dionisios Vrochides, MD, PhD, FACS, FRCSC and vice chair of Quality of Outcomes at Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, has been inducted as president of the U.S. chapter of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) International Society for 20182020. Prior to his new role, he served as vice president, president-elect and chair of Quality Measurement and Improvement. “I am honored to be at the helm of the society as we grow and influence recovery after surgery through education, analytics and outcomes in the United States,” says Vrochides. “Giving healthcare professionals, patients and families the tools they need to heal will continue to improve care across organizations.” Vrochides will oversee the expansion program of ERAS that includes both ERASqualified centers and ERAS centers of excellence. He also will be responsible for optimizing the collaboration with ERAS International Society, comprising nearly 200 ERAS centers around the world, and will lead efforts to optimize analytics as related to compliance and outcomes. Vrochides helped lead efforts at Atrium Health to implement ERAS protocols within the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary service, which led to Carolinas Medical Center becoming the first ERAS Society-accredited center of excellence in the United States in 2016. Teams currently use ERAS pathways in major surgical disciplines, including colorectal, n

hepatobiliary and pancreatic, head and neck, and urologic surgery, among others. Internationally, Carolinas Medical Center is one of only 23 ERAS centers of excellence in the world. “By leading a patient-centered, evidencebased approach to surgical recovery, Vrochides has shown his commitment to high-quality care,” says Atrium Health’s Surgeon-in-Chief Brent Matthews, MD. “This work has directly improved patients’ recovery rates, and we look forward to expanding ERAS into additional specialty areas.” Why Your Zip Code Matters More Than Your Genetic Code Did you know that 80 percent of health outcomes can be attributed to one’s physical environment, socioeconomic factors and health behaviors? Atrium Health is committed to the communities it serves and has a formal community health strategy to meet at-risk patient needs and those in underserved areas. Alisahah Cole, MD, chief community impact officer at Atrium Health, took some time to explain what community health means and how Atrium Health is meeting the health needs of its communities. n

What is community health and how does it affect our community as a whole?

We look at the health and well-being of our community across different segments, such as our patients and the impact we have on those coming through our doors and how we help support individuals to help them achieve and maintain good health. What are the barriers our community currently faces that affect how they can achieve or maintain good health?

At Atrium Health, we were intentional about making sure our community health priorities were community-driven, which led us to uncover the five main priorities:

• Reducing pediatric and adult obesity • Improving mental health prevention and treatment • Reducing tobacco use • Improving access to primary care, behavioral health and dental services • Focusing on social and economic needs, specifically food insecurity

To learn more about Atrium Health’s Community Health involvement, visit AtriumHealth.org/Community.

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 11

Independent Physicians of the Carolinas pursued integrative avenues because we wanted to find whatever ways we could to assist patients in solving the complex issues they couldn’t find help for elsewhere. That is what AAIR’s philosophy is all about, and I am privileged it was noticed in this competition.”

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. Carolina Bone & Joint, PA, turned 40 this year and is growing. For four decades, its physici,ans, surgeons, clinicians and therapists have been providing quality and comprehensive multispecialty services for orthopedics, rheumatology and pain management. They continue to expand their presence in communities in North and South Carolina so they can continue to offer high-quality and comprehensive care to their patients and their families. They recently announced a new office in Columbia, S.C., at 1 Wellness Blvd., suite 104, Irmo, SC 29063. Their other offices are located in Charlotte, Monroe and Greensboro. Call 704-541-3055 for an appointment. AAIR of Charlotte, a specialty medical practice with three offices in Charlotte, focused on delivering care in the areas of allergy, asthma and immunology has announced that founder Maeve O’Connor, MD, has been named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Female Entrepreneur of the Year — Consumer Services (11-2,500 employees) category of the 15th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Dr. O’Connor was recognized for the integrative path she chose to patient care and her practice, which includes combining integrative and conventional approaches to help those with allergy, asthma and immunologic disorders. She is among a handful of physicians nationwide practicing integrative medicine within her specialty. Using the combined approach as the foundation for AAIR, O’Connor recently expanded her offering and grew her practice in new and different ways. These initiatives were among the key factors judges recognized. “I am honored to be recognized by the Stevie Awards with this prestigious honor. It is gratifying to be in the company of so many successful women from around the globe. I am gratified the judges acknowledged our innovative practice and novel initiatives we put in place over the past year across the three offices that comprise AAIR’s practice,” says O’Connor. “We built this practice and

12 | February 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine

NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES FEBRUARY 2019

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month American Heart Month National Cancer Prevention Month National Children’s Dental Health Month National Condom Month Wise Health Consumer Month February 2: National Wear Red Day February 6: National Girls & Women in Sports Day February 10-16: National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week February 10-16: Random Acts of Kindness Week

CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS

Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.

FEBRUARY 2019

Continuing Medical Education (CME) 2/22: 3rd Annual T.H.I.N.K Academy: Treating Health Inequities with New Knowledge Webinar: Project ECHO: Sickle Cell Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Alternatives to Opioids in Primary Care Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Chronic Pain and Safe Opioid Prescribing Best Practices Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Considerations of Co-Morbid Mood and Anxiety in Chronic Pain Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Pain Management in the Cancer Patient Online: Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Epidemic - Responsible Pain Management in the Emergency Department Online: CHS Approach to Sepsis and Infected Patients Requiring Hospitalization Online: Heart Failure Patient Education for Primary Care Providers Online: High-Risk Medications in the Elderly Online: Introduction to HCCs for Practice Managers and Physicians Online: Medical Genomics 101 Online: Protecting Your Patients From Air Pollution Online: The Role of the PCP in the Management of Pediatric Obesity (5-2-1-0 Principles)

For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.

Your Leader in Non Surgical Spine Care 14 convenient locations throughout North and South Carolina to serve you and your patients.

704-255-5808 Southeast

Pain & Spine Care

sepainandspinecare.com

Welcoming Exceptional Surgeons Is A Routine Procedure For Our Practice

Iyore James, MD, is the latest board-certified surgeon to join our Matthews and Mint Hill offices. She brings years of surgical experience, offers compassion for each patient, and provides minimally invasive procedures for a wide range of conditions.

Iyore James, MD MEDICAL SCHOOL: Tufts University School of Medicine SURGICAL RESIDENCY: The Ohio State University Medical Center ABDOMINAL ORGAN TRANSPLANT FELLOWSHIP: The Ohio State University Medical Center

Offering surgical services related to: • Abdominal wall reconstruction for complex hernias • Colon cancer and diverticular disease • Gallbladder and biliary disease

• Hiatal hernia repair/ anti-reflux surgery • Umbilical and inguinal hernia repair • Small intestine disease • Splenic disorders • Adrenal tumors

Please call 704.841.1444 to schedule a patient appointment with Dr. Iyore James at one of these two offices: Matthews 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy. Suite 250 Matthews, NC 28105

Mint Hill 8201 Healthcare Loop Suite 202 Charlotte, NC 28215

Offering 30 board-certified surgeons at 11 area locations

www.ssclt.com

Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 13

There Is Strength In Numbers

We care for little eyes and ears, too. CEENTA offers comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology and otolaryngology.

ceenta.com/refer

Advertising Acknowledgements Pediatric Neurosurgeons Sarah Jernigan, MD, Martin Henegar, MD, Mark Van Poppel, MD & Scott Wait, MD

Pediatric patients often have the most complex neurosurgical issues, which demand collaboration and insight from neurosurgical subspecialists. With the largest pediatric neurosurgery team in the Southeast, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made an enduring commitment to serve the smallest patients, and we have the numbers to back it up.

The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.

Atrium Health........................................................................................ 15 Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center........................................................3 Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates........................................14 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.....................................14 Charlotte Radiology.................................................................................3 LabCorp..................................................................................Back Cover Novant Health........................................................................................ 2 Southeast Pain & Spine Care................................................................13

cnsa.com

14 | February 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Mecklenburg Medicine

Surgical Specialists of Charlotte...........................................................13

FOR THE CAROLINAS

Every day, more than 32,000 people choose us for their healthcare. From the region’s most advanced heart program and cancer institute to a nationally ranked children’s hospital, we remain strong in our commitment – not just to delivering better care, but to delivering the best care. For all. Mecklenburg Medicine • February 2019 | 15

Mecklenburg County Medical Society

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTE, N.C. PERMIT NO. 1494

1112 Harding Place, Suite 100 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

PATIENT SERVICE CENTERS

Ballantyne Billingsley** Carmel** Cabarrus Charlotte Charlotte** Gastonia Stat Lab Huntersville Huntersville** Lake Norman Matthews Northridge* Pineville Rock Hill Salisbury** Shelby Statesville** University**

… for all of your laboratory testing needs

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

16 | February 2019 • 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

704-540-0251 704-332-6904 704-542-7061 704-795-2710 704-372-6609 704-372-6609 704-854-9497 704-948-8101 704-875-9130 704-799-6230 704-849-0154 704-598-6266 704-341-1145 803-328-1724 704-637-1676 704-480-7004 704-878-0948 704-549-8647