April 2019 • Vol. 49, No. 4
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
National Infant Immunization Week April 20-26
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Expert hematology care in Mecklenburg County From leukemia to stem cell transplants, the team at Novant Health has you covered When your patients need treatment for a blood cancer or complex blood disorder, you want to refer them to specialists you can trust. Meet Omotayo Fasan, MD, and Alan Skarbnik, MD, board-certified and fellowshiptrained experts at Novant Health Hematology. Together with their team, they offer chemotherapy and radiation, as well as more specialized services such as immunotherapy and cell therapy. •
Omotayo Fasan, MD
Conditions treated include: • Leukemia
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Our goal is to provide effective, high-quality services in a compassionate setting to help your patients live life to the fullest. The team at Novant Health is here to partner with you. Novant Health Hematology 1718 E. Fourth St., Suite 807, Charlotte, NC 28204 Call 704-316-3297 to make a referral.
NovantHealth.org/HematologyCharlotte © Novant Health, Inc. 2019 3/19 • GCM-372745
Alan Skarbnik, MD
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Mecklenburg Medicine • April 2019 | 3
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: CORE By Elizabeth B. Moran, President, MCMS
6 National Health & Wellness Observances 7 Feature: Update on the Mecklenburg County Hepatitis A Outbreak By Meg Sullivan, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Mecklenburg County Public Health
8 Building a Healthier and More Resilient Community 9 Feature: Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know: Cancer Survivorship By Thomas Rapisardo, MD, Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute
10 11 12 13 13 14
New Members At the Hospitals Upcoming Meetings and Special Events Independent Physicians of the Carolinas Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for April Advertising Acknowledgements
April 2019 Vol. 49 No. 4 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 | April 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
CORE By Elizabeth B. Moran, MD
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hen I applied to medical school my senior year of college, I had a basic framework of what I thought the training process to become a physician would be like. After all, my parents had completed medical school and residency (albeit a zillion years prior). I myself had completed a few internships during my undergraduate studies and, heck, I even had met a few real-life medical students and residents who were the older siblings of close friends. From my senior year perspective, everything about the process of applying to, and attending, medical school seemed like what I was looking for to feel comfortable in the next phase of my life. Those next steps seemed organized, methodical and ripe with the surety and knowledge of what was supposed to come next. I was comforted at the thought of taking a systematic step into post-college life. By my estimation, the plans of my other college friends to get jobs, move places and figure things out without such a concrete blueprint for the future were mind-blowing. In most ways, the training lived up to my expectations. There were gobs of things to learn in the classroom, including anatomy, physiology, pathology and so much more. Then, on the wards, even more information was presented rapid-fire in a dizzying fashion. The pockets of my short white coat had handwritten lists, notes, lists of the lists, miniature reference books, cheat sheets, highlighters and who knows what else. There was always a next stop, a hierarchy to follow, new terminology to learn and new skills to apply. So many acronyms are associated with medicine and medical training. To a trainee or junior doctor, it seems like a code you must learn in order to keep up and follow along ... a secret language to be part of the club. First, you master the easy ones, such as CC, HPI, SOAP, DM, HTN. And then, of course, you move on to the multitude of tedious specialty-specific terms and abbreviations learned while on rotations (and, let’s be honest, typically forgotten later in your career). Ortho, I’m looking at you
So many acronyms are associated with medicine and medical training. To a trainee or junior doctor, it seems like a code you must learn in order to keep up and follow along ... a secret language to be part of the club.
as having the hardest to retain (MCP or PIP, or maybe it’s DIP? I still have no idea). Now that I have finished my training, mastered the acronyms unique to my field, settled into a mature practice and gloriously emptied the pockets of my white coat, I’m sometimes amazed at how much human interaction actually takes place in the middle of the seemingly orderly quest for information and diagnosis during practice. If you have followed my writings this year, a central theme is connection and why it is crucial for personal satisfaction in our medical careers. The more technology we encounter, the more clicks we make on our mouse, the easier it is to become lonely. As humans, we need connection to those around us. As doctors, this includes not only our colleagues, but all those who work with us, for us, and the patients and families we serve. Our training is unique, and we are privileged to lead the team care for our patients. We learn the medical knowledge necessary for this role through our many orderly years of hierarchical education. Yet, we don’t learn the art of connection in formal training. That comes only from examples offered by our mentors, our attendings, our residency classmates, the members of the care team and, of course, our patients. As I was delving deeper into the concept of leadership and connection as it relates to medical practice, I found a decidedly non-medical acronym, which makes a lot of sense (credit to John Brandon @Inc.). So, with apologies upfront about adding yet another acronym to the physician world, I want to introduce the importance of CORE as a key term. The four elements of CORE are: Communication, Organization, Relationship and Expectation. In a team, communication is essential. John Brandon calls it the “connective tissue” of team work. Communication is essential in health care, not just electronically, but human to human. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks sometimes a two-minute phone call to another physician or care provider can clarify the plan much more easily than reading electronic notes. This applies to us as team leaders in patient care, and also to members of the healthcare environment, whether they are in direct contact with the patient or not. Being clear with patients and receiving communication from others in a kind and respectful way is a skill that is crucial in satisfaction. O is for organization. Good leaders have a plan and communicate that plan. Disorganization promotes anxiety; everyone craves certainty. There are many things we cannot control in medicine, but as physicians we usually make a diagnostic and therapeutic plan. We should be certain to communicate that clearly to all members of our team. Also, those in management need to be continually aware of the importance of organized communication in groups and systems.
Mecklenburg Medicine • April 2019 | 5
Feature Fulfillment of these two goals still does not, however, make a good team. The crux of the matter rests in building relationships. It is perhaps one of the downfalls of the current environment in which we practice. Previously, physicians often cared for their patients for years, both in and out of the hospital. They knew them, their families and their challenges. Physicians also knew one another as they interacted in their clinics or within the hospital environment. Now, we seem to work in silos of isolation. The patient sees doctor after doctor, many of whom have no opportunity to build a relationship with the patient. Doctors often are isolated from each other and other members of the care team, as well. It is important to try to cultivate an environment in which each member of the team, including the patient, is seen as an individual. Brandon encourages leaders to try to see life through the eyes of the staff. In our case, we also should strive to see experiences through the eyes of the
Good leaders have a plan and communicate that plan. Disorganization promotes anxiety; everyone craves certainty.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES APRIL 2019
National Alcohol Awareness Month n National Autism Awareness Month National Cancer Control Month n National Child Abuse Prevention Month Counseling Awareness Month n National Donate Life Month Stress Awareness Month n National Humor Month National Minority Health and Health Disparities Month National Occupational Therapy Month n Sexual Assault Awareness Month Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month n Testicular Cancer Awareness Month April 1-7: National Public Health Week April 3: National Day of Hope April 5-7: Alcohol-Free Weekend April 7: World Health Day April 11: National Alcohol Screening Day April 14: International Moment of Laughter Day April 14-20: National Volunteer Week April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day April 18-22: National Youth Violence Prevention Week April 19-21: Global Youth Service Day April 20-26: National Infant Immunization Week April 22: Earth Day April 22-28: National Environmental Education Week April 22-28: Medical Fitness Week April 25: Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day
6 | April 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
patient. This is much different than simply considering patient satisfaction or job satisfaction scores — it is trying to return to the doctor-patient relationship model. Finally, Brandon emphasizes the need to set expectations. We often are given a set of numbers which must be met, or we pay the consequences. This is not setting key performance benchmarks or lists of tasks that must be accomplished; it is establishing expectations for what role each member should fulfill. We should strive to ensure these expectations are realistic and patient-centered. In managing care of patients, we are, in fact, also managing a team. This includes not only the other interacting healthcare workers, but more important, the patient, their family and support people. Maybe thinking about how we can address our patient challenges as less HPI/CC/SOAP and more CORE, we can promote all of those on our team with the ultimate goal that our patients are receiving what they need and deserve: the best medical care.
Member News
Update on the Mecklenburg County Hepatitis A Outbreak By Meg Sullivan, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Mecklenburg County Public Health clinical services programs to offer the free vaccine to priority populations Mecklenburg County currently is experiencing an outbreak of and craft targeted messages about hepatitis A prevention. Since June hepatitis A. Healthcare providers can play a key role in containing 2018, we have hosted 10 “pop-up” clinics throughout the county to this outbreak by increasing public awareness and promoting reach those at highest risk. MCPH also has conducted two large-scale vaccination among patients, particularly to those patients in immunization clinics in response to possible identified priority populations. exposure to the virus at local restaurants. In During 2018, 29 cases of hepatitis A addition to our public health efforts, we are were reported in Mecklenburg County, partnering with several community clinics so which represents a significant increase they may offer the hepatitis A vaccine to their from previous years. Due to the rising Mecklenburg County Public Health offers FREE clients free of charge. number of cases, on April 20, 2018, hepatitis A vaccines to our priority populations. Mecklenburg County is just one of the Centers for Disease Control and several areas of the country experiencing Prevention (CDC) determined that Call our vaccination clinic for an appointment. an outbreak. To our east, Tennessee has Mecklenburg County is experiencing reported 726 cases from the December an outbreak. Of note, 85 percent of the 2017 to January 2019 and to our north, individuals were hospitalized at the time of diagnosis. None of these individuals reported having previously West Virginia has reported 2,275 in roughly the same time frame, according to the CDC. Overall, a total of 16 states are responding to received a hepatitis A vaccine. The specific priority populations at higher risk of contracting the outbreaks of hepatitis A. In Mecklenburg County, we are at a critical moment; we must hepatitis A virus during this outbreak include: work together to contain this current outbreak. Through proactive • Men who have sexual encounters with other men and targeted awareness, education and vaccination campaigns, we • Persons who use drugs (both injection and non-injection) can prevent further cases in our community. We urge you to promote • Persons experiencing homelessness awareness and vaccination among your clients, especially those at • Persons who have close contact, care for, or live with someone the highest risk. For more information about Mecklenburg County’s who has hepatitis A. Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) is working diligently response and/or available resources, please call the hepatitis A through immunization, communicable disease, population health and information line at 980-314-9400.
Do you have a patient who wants a hepatitis A vaccine?
704-336-6500
Don’t forget … Women Physicians Section
&
Meet Greet Tuesday, April 2 6-8 p.m. (Drop In)
Save the Date!
14TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
MELANOMA AWARENESS AND RESEARCH MONDAY, JUNE 10 BALLANTYNE COUNTRY CLUB
WINE AND CHEESE BOUTIQUE IN DILWORTH
2400 Park Road RSVP to ssmith@meckmed.org.
Martin Kreshon Docdoc54@hotmail.com
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704-541-6191
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Building a Healthier and More Resilient Community We hope you will join us as we learn more about the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma and toxic stress, and how to support positive health outcomes for children, ourselves and our community. ACEs affect people of all income and social levels and can have a serious, costly impact across your lifetime.
Tuesday, April 9 6:30-8:30 p.m. Myers Park Presbyterian Church | Oxford Hall 6:30-7:30 p.m. Documentary showing Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope
7:30-8:30 p.m. Panel Discussion and Q&A Dr. Sara Horstmann, Atrium Health Dr. James M. DuRant III, Novant Health
$30 Healthy Charlotte Alliance members $30 Mecklenburg County Medical Society members $40 General Admission Register to attend at healthycharlottealliance.org. Light dinner will be served. Special thanks to
8 | April 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
for your partnership.
Feature
Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know:
Cancer Survivorship By Thomas Rapisardo, MD, Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute
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ome of you may have seen an article on cancer survivorship in USA Today entitled “Life After Cancer: More Survivors Live Longer, Face New Health Challenges.” The article profiled a 71-year-old retired cancer nurse who had treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1972, but was only able to get the advice to “try taking a good multivitamin pill” from her radiation oncologist; he admitted he did not know anything else to do to keep the problem from coming back. The woman subsequently developed “three more cancers and heart damage, probably linked to the aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments that helped save her life.” Certainly, things have improved therapeutically since then, but the main point of the article was that just knowing what to expect and what to look for would make a major contribution to subsequent patient care. There is now an actual mandate by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) to provide Cancer Survivorship Care Plans to patients who have completed a course of treatment to usher them into the next stage of their life. The first time this got my attention was when one of our pediatric oncologists gave a grand-rounds more than 15-20 years ago profiling what long-term issues we could expect to see in adult patients who were survivors of pediatric cancers and treatments. It was timely advice, so I did not dismiss the vague symptoms from a fairly healthy 40ish-year-old woman who subsequently needed coronary
bypass surgery (another pediatric Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor). My career has evolved and now is mainly directed at addressing cancer survivorship. To say my learning curve has been steep would be an understatement. It was somewhat heartening to hear from a few of the oncologists that even they have difficulty keeping up. In fact, there is a move to sub-specialize in specific cancer sections to maintain mastery. Thanks to major progress in successfully treating cancer, now there are many more cancer survivors. The issue is that the very success of cancer treatment has (thankfully) significantly extended the life and health of patients such that the eventual after-effects of therapy may start exacting a toll. Late-effects of radiation seem to accelerate aging in the exposed tissues, contributing to premature atherosclerosis and skin cancers. Muscle fibrosis may develop in some patients. The lifesaving chemo cocktails, which include Anthracyclines like doxorubicin/ Adriamycin or trastuzumab/Herceptin for breast cancer, adversely can affect cardiac function years after treatments. As a primary care internal medicine physician, I found it nearly impossible to keep up in all specialties, much less the complexity of cancer care. The information in survivorship care plans is key to care continuity and, when absent, hurts the patient and the provider’s ability to know what to anticipate for that individual. Thankfully, this movement to provide a Cancer Survivorship Care Plan document should remedy the problem substantially, if completed with accuracy and completeness. We can learn a lot from our pediatric oncology colleagues by following what they have been doing for decades. For adult patients, there are protocol-driven evidence-based guidelines accessible through the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) or American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) websites or by contacting Cancer Survivorship clinics, if geographically accessible. The most important guideline will be from the Cancer Survivorship Care Plan; make sure your patients get one as they move out of care for their cancer and back into your care.
The information in survivorship care plans is key to care continuity. Mailing Address: Center for Supportive Care and Survivorship
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711 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28202 Mecklenburg Medicine • April 2019 | 9
Member News
NEW MEMBERS Matthew G. Baker, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd. #5201, Charlotte, NC 28262 704-547-1495 Midwestern University, 2003 Jennifer H. Christenbury, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 16455 Statesville Road #420, Huntersville, NC 28078 704-892-2949 Medical College of Ohio, 2008 Elizabeth A. Dabrowski, MD Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy. #200 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-512-3636 Tulane University, 2001 Laurel L. Drayton, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 10650 Park Road #320, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-541-8207 Wingate University, 2017 Michelle S. Hopkins, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy. #350 Matthews, NC 28105 704-841-8877 Duke University, 2006 Dakota G. Irwin, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 1450 Matthews Township Pkwy. #350 Matthews, NC 28105 704-841-8877 Wingate University, 2017 Melissa L. Lemnah, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 10650 Park Road #320, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-541-8207 Midwestern University, 2013 Win J. Lin, PA-C Family Practice Atrium Health Urgent Care Mountain Island 10210 Couloak Drive, suite E, Charlotte, NC 28216 704-801-2000 University of Nebraska, 2009
10 | April 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Christine T. Lomboy, MD Internal Medicine Rosedale Infectious Diseases 103 Commerce Centre Drive #103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 St. George’s University, 1994 Monica A. Manzi, PA-C Gastroenterology Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology 13808 Professional Center Drive Huntersville, NC 28078 704-377-4009 Barry University, 2001 M. Catherine Meadows, PA-C Urology Urology Specialists of the Carolinas 325 Hawthorne Lane #300 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-372-5180 Duke University, 2009 Jakub Mieszczak, MD Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy. #200 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-512-3636 Medical University of Silesia, 2003 Viral D. Patel, MD Gastroenterology Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology 13808 Professional Center Drive Huntersville, NC 28078 704-377-4009 University of Kentucky, 2010 Meg S. Sullivan, MD Pediatrics Mecklenburg County Health Department 249 Billingsley Road Charlotte, NC 704-533-1331 University of California-San Diego, 2009 Mark R. Vanderwel, MD Pediatric Endrocrinology Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists 4501 Cameron Valley Pkwy. #200 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-512-3636 Michigan State University, 1997
At the Hospitals well as the neuropsychology team, to care for patients and their families. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-384-9437.
of the American College of Surgeons. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-3070. Novant Health Pediatric Gastroenterology Welcomes Timothy Menz, MD Originally from Massachusetts, Timothy Menz, MD, is excited to be practicing in the Charlotte area. Menz received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, and completed his residency at Warren Alpert Medical Timothy Menz, MD School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Menz went on to complete a fellowship at Rhode Island Hospital before moving to Charlotte with his wife and two sons. If not seeing patients in the clinic, he is providing consults at the hospital or performing procedures in the OR. He has a special interest in endoscopy, quality improvement and electronic health records. Novant Health Pediatric Gastroenterology has three locations in Charlotte, Huntersville and Salisbury. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-5060 or visit NHpedsgastro.org. n
Novant Health Senior Leader Recognized for Physician Resiliency Program Thomas Jenike, MD, senior vice president and chief human experience officer, accepted althenahealth’s Innovation Award during the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference recently Thomas Jenike, MD held in Orlando. Dr. Jenike leads the unique Novant Health Leadership Development Program that focuses on deep and comprehensive development for leaders and providers. Participants are invited to participate in a self-leadership development process designed to expand their ability to influence their lives and their work to create greater personal and professional satisfaction and lower symptoms of burnout. More than 800 Novant Health physicians, nurses and leaders have completed the program that has been recognized by the North Carolina Medical Board. n
Mark Pippenger, MD, Joins Novant Health Neurology and Sleep Novant Health Neurology and Sleep, 1918 Randolph Road, welcomes board-certified behavioral neurologist, Mark Pippenger, MD. Dr. Pippenger brings more than 20 years of experience in treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Pippenger grew up in Mark Pippenger, MD Jonesboro and received his undergraduate degree in zoology from Arkansas State University. While attending the University of Arkansas medical school, he became interested in behavioral and cognitive neurology, and went on to complete his fellowship in behavioral neurology and dementia at the University of California, Los Angeles. Pippenger will lead Novant Health’s memory clinic located within the Neurology and Sleep practice. He will work closely with memory nurse practitioner, Mary Splain, as n
Eric M. Deshaies, MD, Joins Novant Health Brain and Spine Surgery Eric M. Deshaies, MD, greater Charlotte market executive lead physician for neurosciences, has joined Novant Health Brain and Spine Surgery and will be seeing patients in the Mint Hill office at 8201 Healthcare Loop. Dr. Deshaies specializes in cerebrovascular, endovascular and skull base microsurgery, performing both the traditional open and the minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, including carotid artery disease, brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas, intracranial arterial stenosis, cranial by-pass surgery and spinal vascular abnormalities. Deshaies has pioneered some of the minimally invasive technology for stroke and brain aneurysm treatments, and he is a key part of the stroke response protocol, performing mechanical thrombectomies for large vessel occlusions, brain aneurysm clipping and coiling, carotid artery stenting and endarterectomies, and radiosurgical procedures for cerebrovascular disease. Deshaies also offers surgical treatment of the brain and spinal cord tumors, including those of the skull base, such as pituitary tumors, vestibular schwannoma’s and brainstem tumors, malignant and metastatic brain tumors, and benign tumors, such as meningioma. Other conditions he treats include trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, normal pressure hydrocephalus, surgical treatment of seizure disorders and degenerative disease of the cervical and lumbar spine. Deshaies attended medical school at the University of Connecticut, Farmington, followed by his neurosurgery residency at Albany Medical Center in New York. He is dual fellowship trained in cerebrovascular/ skull base tumor surgery, completing his fellowship training at the University of Miami, and also in endovascular neurosurgery with his fellowship completed at Albany Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and a Fellow n
Novant Health Recognized as One of the Nation’s Top Integrated Delivery Networks Novant Health ranked No. 21 in the 2018 IQVIA report of the 25 largest integrated delivery networks (IDNs). IQVIA, a health informatics and technology company, ranks U.S. networks based on the number of facilities for which they have purchasing authority. According to IQVIA, “U.S. healthcare delivery has evolved rapidly over the past few years, causing a shift in how purchasing decisions are made. Economic challenges and the Affordable Care Act have driven the emergence of large-care delivery networks with common branding that focus on better patient outcomes and cost reductions. IDNs expand their networks and influence to meet population health management goals.” Novant Health is proud to be named to this list and will continue to provide better patient outcomes and cost reductions, and meet population health management goals. n
Mecklenburg Medicine • April 2019 | 11
At the Hospitals going through cardiac arrest,” says Street, who now advocates for the importance of AED and CPR education. Levine Cancer Institute Earns National Award for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute’s (LCI) multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer program is designated as a National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) Center, one of 42 hospitals nationwide, and the only adult hospital in Charlotte to earn this distinction. LCI David Iannitti, MD received this prestigious award for its focus on implementing a well-rounded treatment of pancreatic cancer; treating the “whole patient” with an emphasis on the best possible outcomes and an improved Jimmy Hwang, MD, FACP quality of life. An approved NPF Center must meet criteria that were developed by a task force comprising experts and patient advocates. Criteria include having the required expert physician specialties, such as medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, pathologists and interventional radiologists, along with patientfocused programs, such as a pain management service, psychosocial support and more. “Pancreatic cancer cannot be beat with one approach; we are attacking it on multiple fronts, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trials, and we are starting to impact the outcomes of this disease,” says David Iannitti, MD, chief of HPB surgery at Levine Cancer Institute. Levine Cancer Institute has a highlytrained, experienced and focused team of specialists focused on treating pancreatic cancer, allowing patients and their families to stay close to home while receiving the most effective, comprehensive care available. The team consistently develops new treatments and treatment paradigms to improve the care of, and outcomes in, patients with pancreatic cancers. “This kind of designation reflects a large and dedicated group of professionals, who work hard to improve the care of patients with pancreatic cancer,“ says Jimmy Hwang, MD, FACP, chief of GI medical oncology at
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Doctor Saves Man’s Life During Pickup Hockey Game Life often comes at you fast, but in the blink of an eye it almost ended for one man who went into sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a pickup hockey game. Thanks to the quick thinking of a fellow hockey player and emergency room doctor at Atrium Health, the man is alive and eager to get back on the rink. What started as a pickup game of ice hockey, soon turned into a near-death experience when longtime hockey player, Jib Street, suddenly fell to the ground, unresponsive as he went into sudden cardiac arrest on the rink at Pineville Ice House in January. Craig Bryant, MD, who happened to be playing in the same pickup game, recognized the seriousness of the situation and was able to rush to Street’s side to help. As a physician at Atrium Health Pineville’s emergency department, Dr. Bryant understood he only had a few minutes to react and try to save Street’s life. Within minutes, Bryant was able to attach the electrodes from a nearby AED to Street’s chest. The device detected a heart arrhythmia and instructed him to administer a shock current. “Time was very vital, but the stars were aligned that day,” says Bryant. After nearly six minutes without a pulse and continued CPR, Street was able to regain consciousness and slowly open his eyes. “I’m just so grateful I was in Dr. Bryant’s presence during all of this,” says Street. “Mr. Street is very lucky in that he has 100 percent of his neurological function back,” added Bryant. “One of the major organs affected by cardiac arrest is the brain, but today he’s as good as he was before he ever went down.” Street is feeling healthy with his new defibrillator pacemaker that was surgically implanted into his chest by the Sanger Heart & Vascular team at Atrium Health Pineville to help to control future abnormal heart rhythms. “If there’s something I can bring back from this experience, it’s don’t give up on a person
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Levine Cancer Institute. “Ideally, we work toward curing them, but in the instance when a cure is not feasible, our goal is to help improve the quality of their lives, as well as helping them live longer.” Atrium Health Physician Elected President of the SREI Congratulations to Brad Hurst, MD, director of assisted reproduction in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Atrium Health, for being elected as president of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). Membership in SREI shows the highest level of training and certification in the field, as fewer than 1,000 providers Brad Hurst, MD can claim membership in this elite society. Membership requires subspecialty training in reproductive endocrinology, successful completion of a rigorous board certification process and ongoing participation in lifelong learning. n
Upcoming MCMS Meetings & Events APRIL Special Events n
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Tuesday, April 2 Women Physicians Section Meet and Greet Mere’s Wine & Cheese Boutique 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 MedLink Seventh Annual Community Forum Project 658 11:30 a.m.
Upcoming Meetings Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
Monday, April 15 MCMS Executive Committee meeting 5:45 p.m. n Thursday, April 18 CAMGMA Meeting Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center Noon n Friday, April 19 Office closed for Good Friday. n Monday, April 22 June magazine deadline. n
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
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. Sensenbrenner Primary Care welcomes Zackery Wood, DO. A board-certified physician in family practice and osteopathic medicine, Dr. Wood has been in practice since 2008. He evaluates and treats patients with diverse needs, including full-service family practice ages 13 and older, and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, as well as The American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners. Wood incorporates Zackery Wood, DO a very holistic approach, encompassing mind, body and spirit, and aims at healing patients the natural way, if possible, without the need for pharmaceuticals. He is accepting new commercial insurance and Medicare patients at Sensenbrenner Primary Care, 8821 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte. ANI Neurology will be sponsoring the third annual Memory Gala on May 11. Congratulations to Nelsa Andersson Ciapponi, MD, IFMCP. Dr. Ciapponi is celebrating 10 years of serving Charlotte and surrounding communities by providing integrative and functional medicine services. Her new office is at the Forum in Ballantyne, 11220 Elm Lane, Charlotte. For more information, visit www. optimalhealthmed.com. Oncology Specialists of Charlotte (OSC) has moved its main office to 2630 E. 7th St., suite 210, Charlotte. The phone and fax numbers remain the same. For appointments, call 704-342-9577. The south Charlotte location on Pineville-Matthews Road remains the same in order to better serve patients in this area. Independent Physicians of the Carolinas member and Board member, Justin Favaro MD, PhD, is the solo oncologist at OSC after the restructuring on February 1. Joining Dr. Favaro are oncology-trained nurse practitioners, Hadley Spencer, FNP-C, and Natalie O’Kelly, FNP-C. For more information, visit www.oncologycharlotte.com. Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte has partnered with DJL Clinical Research to grow their clinical research department. Deborah Nixon, MD, has trials in the following areas: Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Alopecia Areata, Acne (nutritional supplement) and Hidradenitis Suppurativa. If you have patients that could be candidates, have them call Justin Favaro MD, PhD 704-247-9179 or 704-943-3714, option 6. For more information, visit www.dscmd.com.
Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology welcomes Amanda Muller, FNP, to its provider team. She received her undergraduate education at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg and her medical education at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Prior to completing her master’s degree in nursing, Muller worked 12 years as a registered nurse, two of which were spent with Charlotte Gastroenterology & Amanda Muller, FNP Hepatology’s endoscopy units. Muller grew up right outside of Charlotte, graduating from Fort Mill High School. She and her husband have two children, Parker and Norah. They also have a dog, Roscoe, who they love to snuggle.
CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS
Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
APRIL 2019
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 4/3 Creating a New Healthcare 4/6 2019 UNC Eye Symposium 4/12 Adolescent Medicine Hot Topics 4/27 Molecular Surgical Pathology, Hematopathology and Cytopathology: No Longer Esoteric 4/30 Hurt So Good: Opioid Stewardship in Action 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.
Mecklenburg Medicine • April 2019 | 13
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
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Atrium Health.........................................................................................15 Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center........................................................3 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.....................................14 Charlotte Radiology...............................................................................14 LabCorp..................................................................................Back Cover Novant Health...........................................................................................2 Southeast Pain & Spine Care..................................................................3
14 | April 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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 • April 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
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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
16 | April 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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