May 2019 • Vol. 49, No. 5
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
Be Smart.
Wear Sunscreen. Mecklenburg County Medical Society
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Mecklenburg County Medical Society Foundation @meckmedsociety
Leading-edge care for pediatric cancer patients is closer than you think Connect with the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Help is closer than you think. Referring your pediatric cancer patients to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital means access to clinical trials — right here in Charlotte. (use an em dash) Our experts provide leading-edge care to pediatric cancer patients from around the region, which means families get care closer to home. The St. Jude Affiliate Clinic also is home to the pediatric hemophilia center. Children with complex blood disorders have access to the physicians, nurses, therapists and social workers they need — all right inside the clinic.
To make a referral or consult with a physician, call 704-384-1900 or email us at NHPediatricCancer@NovantHealth.org.
NovantHealth.org/Hemby/StJudeClinic © Novant Health, Inc. 2019 4/19 • GCM-372772
Improving Range Of Motion With An Impressive Range Of Physical Therapy Services We o f fe r m anu al therapy, exerc is e p ro grams, Pil ates, g o l f f itnes s therapy, Grasto n Tec hniq u e, dr y needl ing and mo re to g et patients bac k to wo r k , bac k o n trac k , and bac k to l ife.
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Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Spring Update By Elizabeth B. Moran, President, MCMS
7 Feature: Sunscreen By Patricia K. Roddey, MD, Medical Director of Dermatology, Tryon Medical Partners
8 National Health & Wellness Observances 9 Member News 9 New Members 9 Upcoming Meetings and Events 10 At the Hospitals 11 Advertising Acknowledgements 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 12 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for May 14 Feature: Women Physicians Section April 2 Meet and Greet Photos
May 2019 Vol. 49 No. 5 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.
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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
Spring Update By Elizabeth B. Moran, MD
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his edition of the magazine should arrive and be in your hands in early May — one of the most beautiful times of the year in Charlotte. It also tends to be a busy time for everyone, with many social and school events at the end of the academic year, many patients wanting to get in for appointments before summer travel and people preparing for graduations and other milestones. These are wonderful ways to connect with family, friends and colleagues. If you have read some of my previous articles, you know I have been trying to emphasize the theme of human connection as vitally important to satisfaction in our profession. In my March letter, “A Place at the Table,” I appealed to membership for feedback on this topic and, at the time this issue goes to press, I have just started to see some very insightful and interesting responses come in. I look forward to sharing the insights I have gained from you in an article later this year (and it is not too late if you would like to contribute your thoughts). For me, one of the great joys of being in a leadership role with MCMS has been being able to connect with my colleagues and our community in different ways. One of the most fun things I have done is give a talk to the senior UNC medical students based in Charlotte. They were participating in a series of lectures to help prepare them for residency and beyond. This relaxed round-table discussion at Sycamore brewery just a few days before their Match Day allowed me to introduce our local medical society as an avenue to connect in person and discuss the benefits of knowing and interacting with members of the professional community face to face, in addition to electronically. They were surprised to learn MCMS is completely unaffiliated with any major hospital systems, and the membership, as well as the Board of Directors, is representative of physicians and physician assistants across diverse work environments. I educated them about our mission and that it includes not only to connect and support one another, but also is actively involved in volunteerism in the medically underserved community. In
These are wonderful ways to connect with family, friends and colleagues. If you have read some of my previous articles, you know I have been trying to emphasize the theme of human connection as vitally important to satisfaction in our profession.
addition, MCMS offers opportunities, such as our PAC, to provide a way to become more politically active. These earnest students came to this meeting in the context of medical school rotation groups and many organized interactions. They reminded me that they literally are around one another all the time. It was hard for them to imagine that spontaneous moments of interaction at a lunch table or in the corner of a conference room after a lecture could become rare as they move forward toward a career in medicine. They simply couldn’t imagine that seeking out connection and camaraderie might become a more active process and online forums can only go so far. I was glad to let them know organizations like MCMS can make this much easier. Below are some highlights of what MCMS and your Board have been hard at work making happen so far this year, as well as what we are planning moving forward to help our members connect and make a difference locally. We also have completely updated the website, meckmed.org, making it more interactive and user friendly. MCMS Annual Dinner Meeting was March 7 at Myers Park Country Club. It featured speaker John M. Barry, author of the bestselling book, “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History.” Some 120 people attended. If you have suggestions or connections to a speaker you would like to see featured in upcoming Annual Meetings, email sbuchanan@meckmed.org. David G. Welton, MD, Society Annual Spring Luncheon was March 28, featuring a speaker and attendance by 40 Emeritus and Early Retired members. The annual fall luncheon will be in September. For more information on the Welton Society, email jotto@meckmed.org. The Child Health Committee, chaired by Sara Horstmann, MD, met March 28 in the MCMS office. The next meeting is May 3 at 7:30 a.m. The committee has been organizing and planning school health physicals, immunizations for the next school year, the resilience program, ACES, transgender educational meetings and the child health issue of this magazine (July-August). If you have interest in joining this committee, email jotto@meckmed.org. The Women Physicians Section Meet and Greet on April 2 had 75 anticipated attendees (at press time). In addition to planning mixers, this group assists in planning the annual “Fighting for Women With Fashion” event. The event was created more than eight years ago by a collaborative group of women physician members of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society and local women attorneys. The proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Safe Alliance, a local non-profit committed to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Safe Alliance is a tremendous community resource. Feeling safe is vital to the health and well-being of men, women and children.
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President’s Letter FFWF is an accomplishment of which women physicians can be proud. More women physician committee participation is needed to keep our partnership and our event a successful annual event. There are many ways to participate; if interested, email ssmith@meckmed.org for more information. The 2019 event will be October 1. Meck PAC is co-chaired by John Allbert, MD, and John Williford, Jr., MD. The PAC seeks to identify, educate and support those candidates who have a real understanding of the issues physicians face in caring for patients, and who support legislation that positively impacts the practice of medicine. These issues include, but are not limited to, medical malpractice reform, payment and contract negotiations, pay for performance and scope of practice. In the past year, our PAC organized meetand-greets with state Senators Dan Bishop and Jeff Jackson, and candidate Dan McCready. These were very well attended and offered face-to-face access to legislators. PAC makes contributions to candidates in both parties who are committed to the practice of medicine and patient access. If you have interest in the MCMS PAC, email ssmith@meckmed.org. Mecklenburg Medicine Magazine will be celebrating its 50th year in 2020. Members are encouraged to send articles for consideration by the Editorial Board to be published in the magazine. If you would like to submit an article, email sbuchanan@meckmed.org.
Volunteer Match Program is a new initiative started by MCMS. It aims to help physicians and ACPs fulfill their desire to volunteer their time and talents in the care of the underserved, with less effort. We are creating a database of the needs of our community clinics and facilitating scheduling of your valuable time. Our hope is simply to make it easier for you to find and fill those needs in a timely manner. The support we can give and receive as a part of a community builds social capital within our ranks and can help to support and encourage our peers. I realize your time, like camaraderie, is a precious commodity. I encourage you to consider ways in which you can help foster a community of your physician peers, by renewing your membership and perhaps becoming involved in one of our programs.
Skilled specialists building stronger relationships. The Tryon Medical team includes board certified specialists in: Cardiology
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Feature
By Patricia K. Roddey, MD, Medical Director of Dermatology, Tryon Medical Partners
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hose of us who have an opportunity to remind people to protect their skin from the sun should do so. Current national statistics estimate the incidence of skin cancer at one in five Americans (or 20 percent). The occurrence of the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, can be attributed to ultraviolet light exposure, both natural and artificial. The level of risk in an individual is directly related to the cumulative level of ultraviolet exposure, regardless of age or skin type. • The first rule of thumb regarding sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Stay in the shade and wear protective clothing. Choose clothing with a tight weave that cannot be seen through when held up to light. Don’t forget to wear a broad-brimmed hat. • If activities require sun exposure during the hours of strong rays: Apply sunscreen 15 or 20 minutes before going outside. Be sure to shake the bottle to distribute the active ingredients evenly. For lotions, use a shot glass full to cover your face, neck, trunk and extremities. For application of sprays to the face, it is best done by spraying it in the hand and then rubbing it on the face. For the rest of the body, apply as much as can be rubbed in, then repeat. Uneven application with sprays results in areas of sunburn. Regardless of whether lotion or spray is chosen, reapply every two hours and immediately after sweating or getting out of the water. • Choosing sunscreen: The FDA just proposed a new regulation in February aimed at making sure sunscreens are safe and effective. They are currently asking for comments on the proposal. It is found on the FDA website at www.federalregister.gov/ documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-overthe-counter-human-use. Currently, only two active ingredients are considered proven safe by the FDA, thus they are in Category I, due to available data supporting that they comply with GRASE (general recognition of safety and effectiveness). These two ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the agents known as physical or mineral blockers. They can be in concentrations up to 25 percent in sunscreens in compliance with FDA standards. Other current ingredients in sunscreens — the so-called chemical agents — cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, oxybenzone, or avobenzone, would be categorized as Category III in the proposal because insufficient data exists to declare them as Category I. PABA and trolamine salicylate data suggest the risks of using them in sunscreen products outweigh the benefits, so they are proposed to be placed in Category II.
Consumer Reports conducts tests on sunscreens in its laboratories. In the latest rating published May 2018, Consumer Reports found mineral sunscreens — those that contain only titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both as active ingredients — tended to underperform compared to those that have chemical active ingredients, such as avobenzone. In fact, none of the mineral sunscreens in the tests did well enough to make the ratings list. Regarding sunscreen ratings, it is worth reviewing sunscreen designation terms. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) test measures the amount of UV radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when sunscreen is in use compared to how much UV exposure it takes to cause sunburn when sunscreen is not used. For example, if a sunscreen is rated as SPF 15, that would mean that use would cause it to take 15 times longer for the skin to burn than if not using the sunscreen. Because SPF values represent the product’s level of sunburn protection, they are primarily, though not exclusively, an indicator of expected protection from UVB radiation, which is the part of the light spectrum that causes sunburn. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. To be labeled broad spectrum per the FDA, sunscreen products must demonstrate that they provide UVA protection in addition to UVB protection. Only products that prove both to provide broad spectrum protection and to have a minimum SPF of 15 have been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun, when used as directed with other sun protection measures. By contrast, sunscreens that have not been demonstrated to provide both broad spectrum protection and an SPF value of at least 15 only have been demonstrated to help prevent sunburn, and not specifically skin cancer and the signs of aging skin, such as brown spots, fine wrinkles, loss of elasticity and roughness. The new proposal by the FDA requires encouraging consumers to use a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher product, regularly use sunscreen and apply it liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2019 | 7
Feature every two hours with more frequent application when sweating or exposed to water. Other notable inclusions in the recent FDA proposal include Category I designations for oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments and sticks. Powders will be Category III, as not enough data exists to put them in Category I. Wipes, towelettes, body washes and shampoos are categorized as new drugs and not rated. Because of evidence showing improved benefit from broadspectrum sunscreen products with an SPF of 60, the FDA is proposing to raise the maximum labeled SPF value to SPF 60+. Marketing of up to, but not beyond, SPF 80 will be allowed to encourage development of products with more UVA protection and to account for variability in SPF test results. Some of this information may seem contradictory, as the FDA says the only proven-safe ingredients in sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and, yet, Consumer Reports analysis confirmed that chemical sunscreens offer more effective coverage from UVA and UVB. What is the best choice? For now, as always, I try to avoid as much sun exposure as possible. When I plan activities out in the sun, l cover myself with as much sun-protective clothing as feasible and then use sunscreen on the areas not covered by clothing. I make certain I apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, and I apply it liberally and every two hours, or more often if I am sweating or in water.
Save the Date!
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I choose mineral sunscreens until I see further data confirming that absorption of chemical sunscreen is definitively safe. Furthermore, I opt for zinc oxide mineral sunscreen over titanium dioxide, as there have been some concerns about micronized titanium dioxide being linked to a form of hair loss (frontal fibrosing alopecia) that is rapidly increasing in incidence. For pregnant women, I recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens until absorption assays have proven safety beyond a doubt. Specifically, vitamin A derivatives ingested can cause birth defects and sunscreens containing vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol palmitate or retinyl palmitate, should be avoided by pregn,ant women since absorption levels are not known. References: Consumer Reports online. https://www.consumerreports.org/ products/sunscreen/ratings-overview/ Federal Register. The Daily Journal of the United States Government. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/ sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use Semantic Scholar online. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/ Detection-of-titanium-nanoparticles-in-the-hair-of-Brunet-PossentiDeschamps/f851402cdf6a7b3a29149e2a1faf7400230e7 United States Food and Drug Administration website. https://www. fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ Guidances/UCM473464.pdf
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES MAY 2019 Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month n Better Sleep Month Correct Posture Month n Healthy Vision Month Hepatitis Awareness Month n Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month Lupus Awareness Month n National Arthritis Month National Bike Month n National High Blood Pressure Education Month National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month National Mental Health Month n National Osteoporosis Month National Physical Fitness and Sports Month National Stroke Awareness Month National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month n Older Americans Month May 1: Project Aces Day (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) May 1-7: National Physical Education and Sports Week May 5-11: North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) May 6-12: National Nurses Week May 6-12: National Hospital and Healthcare Week May 8: School Nurse Day May 8: World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day May 12-18: Women’s Health Week May 13-17: Bike to Work Week (Bike to Work Day: May 17) May 20: World Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Arthritis Day May 29: National Senior Health & Fitness Day
Member News
Welton Society Spring Luncheon Thursday, March 28
NEW MEMBERS
Stephanie M. Chismar, DO Anesthesiology Providence Anesthesiology Associates 131 Providence Road #200 Charlotte, NC 28207 704-749-5800 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2014
Charlotte Country Club
Kellie E. Schneider, MD Gynecology/Oncology Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates 200 Hawthorne Lane Charlotte, NC 28204 704-384-8200 University of Alabama, 2004 Catherine M. Wares, MD Emergency Medicine Carolinas Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine 1000 Blythe Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-355-3181 University of North Carolina, 2007
Upcoming MCMS Meetings & Events
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Upcoming Meetings Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
Friday, May 3 Child Health Committee meeting 7:30 a.m. n Thursday, May 9 Charlotte Dental Society Social Legion Brewing SouthPark 6 p.m. n Monday, May 13 MCMS Executive Committee meeting 5:45 p.m. n Tuesday, May 14 MedLink Meeting Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Charlotte 8:30 a.m. n Thursday, May 16 CAMGMA Social Time and location TBD n Monday, May 20 MCMS Board meeting 1112 Harding Place, suite 200 5:15 p.m. – dinner; 5:45 p.m. – meeting n Wednesday, May 22 July/August magazine deadline. n Monday, May 27 Office closed for Memorial Day. n
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
Atrium Health...................................................................................................... 15 Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates....................................................... 3 Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center..................................................................... 3 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.................................................. 13 Charlotte Radiology........................................................................................3, 13 LabCorp................................................................................................Back Cover Novant Health........................................................................................................ 2 Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic..................................................... 13 Tryon Medical Partners......................................................................................... 6
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2019 | 9
At the Hospitals
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Welcomes New President and Chief Operating Officer Novant Health is pleased to welcome Saad Ehtisham as the new president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Ehtisham comes to Novant Health from Florida, where he was the senior vice president and system chief Saad Ehtisham operating officer of three Central Florida Health hospitals. Ehtisham has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University and began his career as a lab tech. He went on to earn his bachelor of science degree in nursing from Texas Woman’s University and served in various nursing roles for three years, including as a charge nurse, float pool nurse and administrative supervisor. He then pursued master’s degrees in healthcare administration and business administration from Texas Woman’s University, launching his career in healthcare administration. n
Novant Health Launches Cultural Ambassadors Program As the United States becomes more diverse, health systems are seeking new ways to connect with and meet the needs of their patients. Like other health systems in North Carolina, Novant Health is experiencing an exponential increase in the number of medical interpretation encounters — from 87,000 encounters in 2015 to 157,000 encounters in 2018. Supported by a three-year, $195,000 grant from the Duke Endowment, the Novant Health Cultural Ambassadors program seeks to incorporate cultural ambassadors into the care team to ensure care is individualized and understood by patients whose primary language is not English. The program represents a major transformation in how Novant Health is delivering interpreter services to Spanish-speaking patients. n
“The most important thing is to establish an authentic connection with the patient,” says Pedro Mendez, director of language and cultural services at Novant Health. “Novant Health is focused on bridging the culture gap to ensure patients are informed about their health, regardless of which language they speak.” Cultural ambassadors are licensed national medical interpreters who are trained in cultural competence to act as navigators and advocates for patients, ensuring their healthcare needs are met. Cultural ambassadors also help enhance the healthcare team’s understanding of patient needs, including social determinants of health, and link patients with community organizations that can address those needs. Program leaders will collaborate with Novant Health community benefit department leaders and community healthcare workers to leverage partnerships with other organizations that provide services, such as food, housing and transportation for referrals, as well as work with Novant Health’s diversity and inclusion team. Q&A with Tanya S. Blackmon Tanya S. Blackmon is the executive vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer for Novant Health. In her role, she is responsible for embedding diversity and inclusion across the Novant Health system. n
What is Novant Health doing to incorporate diversity and inclusion into its mission, vision and values?
Novant Health serves communities that are richly diverse across many dimensions. With this in mind, we study consumer survey data to ensure we’re meeting the Tanya S. Blackmon diverse needs of our patients and addressing any disparities. For example, we are harnessing the power of technology to provide on-demand language translation in all our facilities. Through our extensive chaplaincy program and partnerships with faith leaders in our communities, we strive to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of patients of a wide range of faith traditions. We also foster relationships with businesses and vendors through our supplier diversity program, which helps us establish partnerships with women, racial
10 | May 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
and ethnic minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities and more. We’re proud to say that, since establishing our program in 2006, we have partnered with more than 400 diverse suppliers, representing a $500 million investment. What are some other ways Novant Health celebrates diversity and supports inclusion?
Recently, Novant Health created a visually compelling traveling exhibit to share stories that highlight team members’ diverse experiences, backgrounds and beliefs. Through photos, stories, videos and interactive features, the exhibit shares the many dimensions of diversity represented within Novant Health and speaks to inclusion as team members. Some of the stories we have featured include a CNA who received support from her managers after coming out as a transgender woman, a team member who teaches sign language to his peers and an interpreter who helped a patient’s family members from Colombia get an emergency visa to visit their loved one in hospice. Another aspect of embedding diversity and inclusion throughout Novant Health is through leadership development and accountability metrics. Through the office of diversity and inclusion, a team provides consulting support and expertise across the footprint in all areas to embed diversity and inclusion. This work is about a culture change strategy, and it is transforming how our organization lives and supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace. From patient satisfaction to team member engagement to supplier diversity to health equity, Novant Health’s patients, communities and workforce will benefit the most and represents a culture shift for Novant Health. Novant Health Go-Health Urgent Care Opens in Matthews The Matthews urgent care center is at 9600 E. Independence Blvd., suite B. The center is open seven days a week, 8 a.m.8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Novant Health Go-Health Urgent Care plans to continue to open a number of new and renovated centers in the greater Charlotte area over the next 12-18 months, with continued expansion into 2020 and beyond. n
At the Hospitals
Atrium Health Welcomes Vicki Block as Central Division President Atrium Health welcomed Vicki Block as the new senior vice president of the Central Division in the beginning of April. Block leads facility operations for three key acute care facilities, including Carolinas Medical Center, Vicki Block Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy and Levine Children’s Hospital. Most recently, Block was a senior leader at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the flagship facility for OhioHealth’s nationallyrecognized neuroscience, heart and vascular, and oncology service lines. This appointment also serves as a “coming home” for Block. Early in her career, she served as director of the heart center at Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy, where she chaired the Cardiac Services Committee, leading improvements in continuity of care and operational efficiency between the cardiac catheterization lab, emergency room, operating room and nursing units. “I could not be more thrilled to be returning home to Atrium Health to lead the Central Division,” says Block. “Carolinas Medical Center, Levine Children’s Hospital and Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy are medical bedrocks in the Charlotte community, and I look forward to working side by side with the teams here to continue fulfilling Atrium Health’s mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all.” Block currently serves on the American Heart Association’s Central Ohio Board of Directors and has long been a leader and supporter of the organization’s work in the community. She also is active with the American Red Cross, serving on both its Board and Philanthropy Committee. She also is the recipient of the 2011 Business Journal’s 12th Annual Women in Business Award. Block is a published author, whose work has appeared in the Journal of Electrocardiology and the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. She earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Akron and a master’s degree n
in hospital and healthcare administration from facility executive of Atrium Health’s Levine Xavier University in Cincinnati. Children’s Hospital, during the launch event. “We are so thankful for your ongoing n Advance Care Planning Gives Insight commitment and dedication to the health of into Patient Goals children in our community.” Advance Care Planning gives insight into The new app offers information on patient goals for their health and future well- the following: being, and helps providers determine the best • Registration and packing tips (for both plan of care. Aligning care with wishes can lead children and adults) to increased patient satisfaction, as well as a • Information on lodging for patients coming reduction in unwanted care thereby decreasing from out of town inpatient costs, avoidable emergency • When and where friends and family can visit department visits and readmissions. • How parents can access their child’s To help support advance care planning electronic medical records and goals of care discussions, a Care • Pet therapy and music therapy programs Alignment Tool has been made accessible to • Interpreter services providers to assist with goal discussions over • Religious services and more the course of a patient’s serious illness. This The app also provides entertainment, with tool helps ensure patients: games like Percy’s Pounce and Bounce, • Understand their illness and their fears about featuring one of Morris-Jenkins iconic living with a serious illness. marketing characters. It also provides a connection to Atrium Health Directions, a • Can set goals if their health gets worse and they feel the end is near. mobile app with turn-by-turn directions to • Choose who will make healthcare easily navigate Atrium Health’s Carolinas decisions if they lose the ability to make Medical Center and Levine Children’s healthcare choices and have legal forms Hospital. For more information, visit naming that person. AtriumHealth.org. For assistance or more information on Advance Care Planning, Advance n Heart of a Champion Day Directives or the Care Alignment Tool, visit Atrium Health’s free athletic screening yourcareyourchoice@atriumhealth.org. program returns to Mecklenburg County June 1. The system launched the program n New App Launched for Atrium in 2008 to ensure high school athletes with Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) A new mobile app has been created could compete safely in sports. Unlike typical allowing patients, families and visitors at athletic screenings, Heart of a Champion Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital Day includes electrocardiograms to detect to stay better informed and connected. genetic heart abnormalities that could lead Between remembering what to pack for a to sudden cardiac arrest during competition visit or how to get to the cafeteria, traversing — a rare but catastrophic event that seems to a new hospital can be disorienting for occur somewhere every athletic season. patients and their families. Heart of a Champion Day aims to: Thanks to a generous gift from Morris- • Identify high-risk disorders in student-athletes. Jenkins, a Charlotte-area HVAC and • Educate student-athletes and their parents plumbing company (owner Dewey Jenkins about injury prevention. chairs the Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s • Provide at-risk student-athletes with a Board of Ambassadors), families now have treatment plan. access to all this information and more on • Ensure previous injuries have been the all-new Levine Children’s mobile app. treated properly. “On behalf of Levine Children’s Hospital, • Discuss referral options recommended for as well as the patients and families that we further evaluation and provide resources to serve, I want to first and foremost thank establish a primary care physician. Dewey Jenkins and the entire Morris Jenkins family for powering this app,” For more information, call 704-667-2570 or says Callie Dobbins, vice president and visit AtriumHealth.org/Heart-of-a-Champion.
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2019 | 11
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.
Oncology Specialists of Charlotte recently added a new clinical trial for breast cancer. Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator for this Phase II trial to compare efficacy of xentuzumab in combination with everolimus and exemestane versus everolimus and exemastane in post-menopausal women with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and nonvisceral disease. To learn more about the study and patient enrollment, email joe.howe@djlresearch. Justin Favaro MD, PhD com or call 704-247-9179, ext.201.
Southern Oncology Specialists offers low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening at its Denver office at 268 Gilman Road, suite A. This screening is open access to physicians to order for their patients and the procedure does not require a prior consult. CT lung cancer screenings are covered by most insurance plans for current and former smokers ages 55-77 with a classified history. All candidates should be asymptomatic, have no metastatic disease and should not have a diagnosis of lung cancer within the past five years. Offices for medical oncology care are located at Huntersville, Denver and Charlotte/Mallard Creek. Call 704-659-7830 to inquire on physician ordering. For more information, visit www.southern-oncology.com. Join the team at Vascular Solutions for dinner and a presentation by Peter Ford, MD, FACS, RPVI, at the Palm Charlotte on Thursday, June 26, 6:15-8:30 p.m. Learn about lower extremity venous anatomy, understand the pathophysiology of CVI (chronic venous insufficiency), discuss the various treatment modalities for
12 | May 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
CVI and determine when to refer your patients for a CVI consult. RSVP to Katie Ford, practice manager, at kford@vasc-solutions. com. For more information, visit www.vasc-solutions.com.
CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS
Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
MAY 2019
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 5/1-3 The Patient Experience Symposium 5/4 33rd Annual Meeting of the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (GDCN) 5/17 Children and Screens: Causes and Cures for Digital Addiction 5/21 Aligned Together to Realize, Innovate, Unite and Motivate Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ATRIUM ASP) 5/22 2019 Gerontology Conference 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.
Randolph Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY’S EARS
Wade Kirkland, M.A. Audiologist
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No-cost trial period on hearing aids
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Auditory processing evaluations
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All new patients receive complimentary balance and memory screenings
704-367-1999 Randolph Medical Park | Randolph Building 3535 Randolph Road, Suite 211 Charlotte, NC 28211 Terry P. Jordan, M.S. Audiologist
SERVING THE CHARLOTTE AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS
www.randolphaudiology.com
Patients with cataracts? Help them see clearly again with a referral to CEENTA.
ceenta.com/refer
Mecklenburg Medicine • May 2019 | 13
Women Physicians Section
&
Meet Greet
April 2
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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 • May 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. MCMS Initiatives: 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
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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