July/August 2019 • Vol. 49, No. 7
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” — Nelson Mandela
Building Personal Connections Means a Better Future for Us All
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
n
facebook.com/meckmed
Mecklenburg County Medical Society Foundation @meckmedsociety
Turn to the orthopedic team that helps patients feel better faster Total joint replacements? We’ll get your patients back to doing what they love. When your patient needs a total joint replacement, turn to Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital, ranking in the top 5% nationally for surgical care measures. We offer robotic-assisted surgery and same-day discharge, meaning your patients get back to doing what they love quickly and safely. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons use evidence-based research to determine which of the following procedures is best suited for your patient. • Total knee arthroplasty • MAKOplasty • Direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty • Total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty • Computer-assisted total joint replacement And we support your patient with: • Advanced imaging and treatment options • Customized physical therapy programs • Highly skilled orthopedic nurse navigators The team at Novant Health is here to partner with you and your patient for total joint replacements.
To refer a patient to Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, email NHOrthopedics@NovantHealth.org. A referral specialist will respond within 24 hours. © Novant Health, Inc. 2019 5/19 •GCM-372852
You Cannot Truly Measure A Career Of Innovation, Leadership And Healing. You Can Only Honor It. Congratulations Craig VanDerVeer, MD On Your Retirement! A guiding force in neurosurgery for this region and the nation is beginning a new chapter of possibilities with his retirement. Dr. Craig VanDerVeer has made a difference for more than 10,000 surgical patients, and his leadership has positioned our practice and our specialty to successfully face the challenges that lie ahead.
Thank you for a career that includes: • • • •
33 Years of Neurosurgical Care Director and Vice President of the American Board of Neurosurgery Distinguished Practitioner in Neurosurgery, Southern Neurological Society (2015) Director of the Carolinas Neuroscience and Spine Institute (1996-2011)
C a roli na Neuro s u rg e r y. c o m | 704-376-1605
Back-to-School Eye Exams? Make sure your patients can see clearly with a referral to CEENTA.
ceenta.com/refer
Thursday, Sept. 26 4-9 p.m. NoDa Brewing Company Charlotte Radiology is proud to present its annual Pink Pint Night at NoDa Brewing Company! Pink Pint Night raises critical funds, providing screening and diagnostic mammograms to local, uninsured women through Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK. Kicking off breast cancer awareness month each year, this event is free to the public and consistently draws 800+ patrons, all of whom come together to enjoy live music, a silent auction, food trucks, an exclusive “pink” brew, and support an amazing cause. For more information, visit charlotteradiology.com/pink-pint-night.cfm.
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2019 | 3
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Communication By Elizabeth B. Moran, MD, President, MCMS
6 Feature: Where Did We Go Wrong? A Pediatric Perspective By Sara E. Horstmann, MD, Chair, Child Health Committee
7 Feature: Community Spotlight: Building a Resilient Charlotte By Stefanie Reed, DO, FAAP
8 Feature: How Immunotherapy is Transforming Cancer Treatment Options for Patients By Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, PA
8 National Health & Wellness Observances 9 Member News 9 New Members 9 Upcoming Meetings and Events 10 At the Hospitals 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 13 Fighting for Women With Fashion 14 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for July/August 14 Advertising Acknowledgements
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 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
July/August 2019 Vol. 49 No. 7 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
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
Communication By Elizabeth B. Moran, MD “The single greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — George Bernard Shaw
T
his famous quote by the Irish playwright seems to ring truer today than it did at the peak of Shaw’s career. It is hard to think of important interactions between people that are more crucially linked to good communication than those in health care. In the clinic setting, this starts with the first staff member-patient interaction and continues in increments throughout the flow of the visit, peaking in the exam room. There, the physician or care provider synthesizes the information he or she has gathered into a plan that is intended to start the patient on a road to a solution. If communication is on point, this is an extremely satisfying interaction for both parties. However, due to the complex nature of health care — the hodgepodge of electronic messages, centralized scheduling, time pressure, inconsistent interfaces between EMRs, insurance authorizations and approvals — it frequently goes off the rails. If the patient does not follow the plan, what often happens is the plan-maker/communicator is frustrated, while remaining confident in his or her ability to communicate. The patient remains equally confused, believing only that nothing was gained. According to a study at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, patients’ reports of their understanding of the post-discharge information and instructions they received was significantly less than what their doctors perceived. For example, while physicians thought 89 percent of their patients understood the potential side effects of medications, only 57 percent of patients said they understood. Anyone who has spent any time in an office or practice setting knows the feeling of communication mismatch all too well. Who among us has not entered a patient room feeling (based on the information we quickly review ahead of time) that we already have an idea what is going on, only to find a completely different scenario? Or, alternatively, we also might have absolutely no information available? For example, I not infrequently have faced a new patient with the chief complaint of “issues.” I think much of this is related to the modern input fatigue in society. Generally, we (patients and physicians alike) are constantly inundated with
While most people believe communication needs to change, few see it as their role. Confused and frustrated, people feel powerless to change.
“messages” and communication seeking attention. Think about it from this perspective: Patients likely are overwhelmed and distracted from the very beginning due to baseline anxiety over the problems they are having, frustrations over scheduling, driving to an unfamiliar place, navigating parking and signage, check-in and medical intake forms on top of not feeling well. Consequently, they may only be able to express “issues” as their problem, or are disorganized enough by that time that the physician misunderstands entirely. Physicians also have been inundated with electronic and human messages seeking attention of varying importance all day and are somewhat overloaded at baseline. Ideally, physicians would be able to invest the time and effort to dissect all of this, but in reality, it is all too unlikely, given time and volume pressures, that we can ever understand messages in exactly the way the communicators meant to be understood. Also supported by literature is how a physician communicates information to patients is as important as the information being communicated. Patients who understand their doctors are more likely to acknowledge health problems, understand treatment options, modify behavior accordingly and follow medication schedules. In fact, research has shown that effective patient-physician communication can improve patients’ health as quantifiably as many drugs. While most people believe communication needs to change, few see it as their role. Confused and frustrated, people feel powerless to change. This is further exacerbated by a constant demand for better, and more, communication without explanation of what, how or why. This is an uphill battle in the current landscape due to our many pressures and limited time. Here are a few actionable suggestions. Remember, in the midst of all of the distractions, stress and chaos, the core goals of an office encounter with a patient are things that can’t be done by a computer. Slow down a bit when entering the room, greet the patient as a friend, take time to listen fully to the complaint in their own words and be candid about the condition. Emphasize the benefits of following your prescriptions at least as much as you stress the negative consequences of not doing so. Give positive feedback for their efforts, even if incomplete. Accentuate the positive where appropriate and treat setbacks in the course of their treatment as bumps in the road that you can work on overcoming together. Be understanding of patients and they likely will be more understanding of you. These are truisms every physician learned in medical school, but in the reality of daily medical practice, especially with the increasing and often unnecessary burdens put on physicians, they tend to fall by the wayside. Make it your goal to renew your commitment to them for a week and gauge the results. The benefits of maximizing mutual patient-physician trust and respect is the best possible anti-stress strategy, because it brings us back to what attracted us to clinical medicine in the first place.
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2019 | 5
Feature
Where Did We Go Wrong? A Pediatric Perspective By Sara E. Horstmann, MD, Chair, Child Health Committee
It has happened again; this time, in our own Queen City. Mass shootings are the new norm and, although I am not surprised by what happened, I am called to action because of it. That action is not just about guns.
W
here did we go wrong? For me, as a pediatrician, the tragic loss of life is heartbreaking. Also heartbreaking is to think that the shooter, barely more than a child, came through our collective doors. Pediatricians see children at least 24 times from birth to age 18. How did we not see this tragedy in the making? How can we prevent it from happening again? When we ask these important questions, the answer becomes clear. Pediatricians no longer can focus only on physical growth and development. We need to focus on assessing for trauma, social determinants and mental health concerns just as much as we focus on hearing, vision and diet. We need to ask about adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and toxic stress, because we know these experiences affect the way the brain is formed and develops. These experiences directly impact health and, in this horrific case, the health of our community. A person’s brain begins to form mere weeks after conception, and isn’t completely formed until the mid-20’s. Early brain growth is critical to successful brain functioning as an adult. When young brains are exposed to adversity, it takes its toll. These negative effects can be ameliorated through resilience-building at both an individual and community level. There is myriad evidence-based programs that can be put into practice that address these risk factors and prevent horrible outcomes, such as the death of the two students at UNCC. We, as a community, no longer can afford to ignore the toll that early adversity plays in the way our brains develop. We need to identify these difficult issues and tackle them. We need to acknowledge that ACES are universal, work to eradicate them and support people through these experiences as best we can. When we don’t ask, we miss an opportunity to intervene and heal. I don’t know the shooter or his family. We each make our own decisions in life. But those decisions are shaped and molded by our experiences in society. We, as a society, need to accept responsibility for the actions of all people. If we could have stepped in earlier and recognized what this person needed before he made the decision to take innocent lives, we would not be in this place. The Charlotte Resilience Project is trying to help. We are trying to educate EVERYONE on the health effects of ACES and toxic stress, as well as teach people ways to prevent them and build resilience.
6 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Our sense of connectedness is one of the strongest resilience factors we have. Building personal connections is free, and it is something we all can do. From the stranger on the street to your family, EVERY single interaction matters. The more we can build connections, the more likely we are to prevent tragedies like the shooting at UNCC. The more we can listen to others — to get their perspectives and understand their stories — the healthier we will be. How do we go right from here? We focus on educating everyone on ACES and toxic stress. We support programs, policies and practices that focus on the prevention of ACES and the promotion of resilience. We support connectivity with one another. We ask the difficult questions and know what to do when people answer them. We take responsibility for our community, each and every one of us. Together, we can prevent this from happening again. I am ready to make this happen for Charlotte. Are you?
Feature
Community Spotlight: Building a Resilient Charlotte By Stefanie Reed, DO, FAAP
T
he Charlotte Resilience Project is a community initiative focused on creating awareness around the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress, providing resource information on trauma-informed care and resilience, and mobilizing efforts to support successful outcomes for children and families. Their mission is simple: to create a healthy, compassionate, resilient community. 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the landmark study by Kaiser Permanente and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), titled “Adverse Childhood Experiences,” or the “ACE study.” This study has been foundational to our understanding of the connection between childhood trauma and life-long health and coping outcomes. Since that time, there have been numerous other studies, stories, movies and national movements highlighting the impact of toxic stress — such as that experienced during childhood trauma — its impact on the developing brain, and subsequent adult health and behavior. Most notably, when intense stress is applied to the early developing mind, neuronal connections, biochemical transactions and parasympathetic pathways may be altered disrupting behavior, growth, immune systems and learning. Such alterations may lead to an increase in attention deficit/hyperactivity, learning disabilities, cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Family and community resilience skills, such as positive parenting interactions, mentorship, safe schools, coping skills, quality pre-K and access to health care have been shown to mitigate many of the shortand long-term outcomes of ACEs/toxic stress. Ways you can get involved: • Host a showing of the film “Resilience” with local experts. • Sign up to receive trauma-informed and resiliency training. • Sign up to participate on one of the Resilience subcommittees: Early Childhood, Corporate, Faith, Education, Health Care, Justice, Legislative and Nonprofit.
What can I do as a parent? • Take the ACEs test and know your score. • Determine if your child has a high ACE score and know his or her resilience score. • Reach out to your pediatrician for local experts. • Advocate for ACEs training and screenings in your community. For more information, visit https://charlotteresilienceproject.org.
Bigger, Better, Big Shots Saturdays All Summer Long
It’s not too early to start talking about back-to-school immunizations. Big Shots Saturdays Clinic Schedule at MECKLENBURG COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH Saturday Clinics are 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
July 20 – Beatties Ford Road Health Department August 3 – Billingsley Road Health Department n August 17 – Beatties Ford Road Health Department n September 7 – Billingsley Road Health Department n September 14 – Beatties Ford Road Health Department n September 21 – Billingsley Road Health Department (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) n n
Mecklenburg County Public Health also offers immunization services at three clinic locations Monday-Friday: Valerie C. Woodard Center Community Resource Center at 3205 Freedom Drive n Northwest Health Department at 2845 Beatties Ford Road n Southeast Health Department at 249 Billingsley Road n
Call 704-336-6500 for an appointment. Visit Meckhealth.org for more information.
On April 9, Healthy Charlotte Alliance and the Charlotte Resilience Project partnered to bring the Building a Healthier and More Resilient Community symposium to the public. The event featured the documentary “Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope” and a panel discussion with moderator Elizabeth Trotman from the Charlotte Resilience Project and panelists Courtney Brantley, MD, with Atrium Health; James DuRant III, MD, with Novant Health; and Ian Murray, M.Ed, L.P.C., with Southeast Psych. Mecklenburg County Medical Society sponsored the event. If you or your group is interested in showing the documentary film, go to www.charlotteresilienceproject.org/host-resilience to complete the request form.
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2019 | 7
Feature
How Immunotherapy is Transforming Cancer Treatment Options for Patients By Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, PA
I
mmunotherapy is by no means new to the world of cancer treatment. In fact, it was first discovered in 1891 by William B. Coley, MD, who injected killed bacteria into tumors and realized a reduction in the tumor size. Fast forward to 2019, and multiple immunotherapy options are now available for patients. Immunotherapy, according to the American Cancer Society, is a specialized treatment that uses a person’s immune system to attack cancer cells. As seen in Fig. 1, tumor cells can turn off T cell activity by interacting through specific receptors. This allows tumor cells to evade the immune system and continue to grow. Drugs which block the T cell-tumor interaction, such as Keytruda as seen in Fig. 3, allow the T cells to remain active and form an immune response against the tumor cells. In 2017, I began treating a 52-year-old otherwise healthy female with stage IV high-grade neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. She presented with metastases to the liver, peripancreatic lymph nodes and abdominal pain. I treated her with combination chemotherapy, and she had improvement of her abdominal pain but suffered the inevitable side effects of the treatment. After one year on different combinations of chemotherapy, her disease progressed with increasing pain and increasing size of the liver and peripancreatic metastases. We began treatment with dual-agent immunotherapy, and after three treatments, she had a dramatic clinical benefit and reduction in the size of the metastases (see Fig. 2). The patient had side effects of diarrhea and pneumonitis, which were controlled with steroids. Recently, she suffered a stroke and is currently off treatment, recovering well and remains in remission. Many of us followed the story of former President Jimmy Carter, who in 2016, at the age of 91, was diagnosed with stage IV Fig. 3:
Image courtesy of Merck - Keytruda Mechanism of Action (keytruda.com)
8 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Before and After Immunotherapy A 52-year-old female patient with stage IV high-grade neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, metastases to the liver and peripancreatic lymph nodes. Fig. 1: PET scan before starting immunotherapy. Note: High volume disease in liver and lymph nodes.
Fig. 2: After three treatments of immunotherapy, almost complete resolution of cancer.
melanoma with metastases to the brain and liver. He was treated with immunotherapy and radiation therapy and has since led an active life. What a dramatic improvement in outcomes for this disease compared to just a few years ago. Immunotherapy does not work for all patients. Tumors with the highest mutation burden (lung, melanoma and bladder) have shown the best response rates, while colon, prostate and others have a lower response rate. The amount of expression of PD-L1 receptor on the tumor surface can predict the benefit of these drugs in some cases. The side effects typically are manageable with steroids, but rarely they can be more severe or fatal. We are seeing more immunotherapies studied earlier in the course of the disease and combined with chemotherapy or targeted agents. With success seen in many highly mutated tumors, I am hopeful for continued improvements in outcomes for patients with the less immunogenic tumors. The use of newer immunotherapy drugs alone, or in combination with other treatments, may eventually transform cancer into a chronic disease.
Member News
NEW MEMBERS Upcoming Meetings & Events Nathan P. Fergus, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 700 E. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-334-7800 Wright State University, 2007 Alyssa A. Mills, MD Maternal and Fetal Medicine Novant Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine 1717 E. 4th St. Charlotte, NC 28204 704-384-5701 University of Connecticut, 2000
Save the Date! Welton Society Fall Luncheon
Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
JULY n
n
n
n
n
Thursday, Sept. 12 Open to all Emeritus and Early Retired members of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society.
n
n
RSVP at jotto@meckmed.org
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” — John Lubbock
n
Thursday-Friday, July 4-5 MCMS office closed for Independence Day holiday. Tuesday, July 9 MedLink meeting Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Charlotte 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 15 Executive Committee meeting 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting Safe Alliance office 6 p.m.
AUGUST n
n
n
Thursday, July 18 CAMGMA Social Location and time TBD
n
Monday, July 22 September magazine deadline.
n
Monday, July 22 MCMS Board meeting 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200 5:15 p.m. – dinner 5:45 p.m. – meeting
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES
Wednesday, July 24 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting Safe Alliance office 6 p.m.
n
Tuesday, Aug. 13 MedLink meeting Community Care Partners of Greater Mecklenburg 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Charlotte 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 14 Fighting for Women With Fashion Planning meeting Safe Alliance office 6 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 15 CAMGMA meeting Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center Noon Monday, Aug. 19 Executive Committee meeting 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22 September magazine deadline.
Wednesday, Aug. 28 Fighting for Women With Fashion Planning meeting Safe Alliance office 6 p.m.
JULY 2019
First and Only Weight Loss Clinic Especially Tailored to Medical Professionals
National Park and Recreation Month UV Safety Month
Abundant Health & Vitality Associates Medical Weight Loss Clinic
July 14-20: Every Body Deserves a Massage Week
AUGUST 2019
$20 off First Visit
+ Free Virtual Follow-up
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month Medic Alert Awareness Month National Breastfeeding Month National Immunization Awareness Month
Personalized and Comprehensive Weight Management Services: Personalized Nutrition, FDA Approved Weight loss Medication, Food Sensitivity Testing, Meal Replacement, Management of weight related diseases
August 1-7: World Breastfeeding Week August 5-11: National Health Center Week August 6: National Night Out
Email info@abundanthealthvitality.com Learn more at www.abundanthealthvitality.com
CALL TO SCHEDULE 704-997-9661 6135 Park South Drive, Suite 510, Charlotte NC 28210
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2019 | 9
At the Hospitals
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center opens new patient tower Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center has a new four-story, 60,000-square-foot patient tower that includes 44 additional patient rooms, two additional procedure rooms, an operating room and renovations to several hospital areas. With this $50-million expansion, Huntersville Medical Center becomes a 139-bed hospital on a 29-acre campus. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in patient encounters due to the tremendous growth of the Huntersville area,” says Mike Riley, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center president and chief operating officer. “We made this investment to not only meet this demand and alleviate some capacity issues, but also to ensure we’re able to deliver the remarkable patient experience that our community deserves.” The expansion includes two new beds in the existing intensive care unit, as well as two new beds in the neonatal intensive care unit, which increases the number of level 3 NICU beds to four. Twenty-two of the 44 additional rooms are designated labor-and-delivery recovery rooms to help meet demand. In 2018, 1,734 babies were born at Huntersville Medical Center, compared to 610 births in 2004, its first year of operation. Huntersville Medical Center opened in 2004 as a 50-bed community hospital. The medical center, at 10030 Gilead Road, has expanded access to comprehensive services in addition to several facility expansions over the years. Equipped to treat complex heart disorders in its state-of-the-art catheterization lab and provide compassionate, personalized cancer care in its robust infusion center, Huntersville Medical Center is positioned to serve the growing Huntersville community and its health care needs. Outpatient care is available at more than 30 Novant Health Medical Group clinic locations in Huntersville and surrounding areas. “I’m proud of Novant Health’s commitment to ensuring our community has access to quality state-of-the-art care, right here, close to home,” says Riley. “This investment
n
addresses our long-term sustainability and to apply to the program. “Our community, ensures we’re able to grow in the specialty as well as our humanity, more than likely hangs in the balance of our ability to make areas our patients need.” connections with others who do not look, n Novant Health accepting applications sound or think like we do,” says Draa. “This for community leadership program program offers the opportunity for a person, Honoring the leadership of Martin Luther group and community to delve into difficult King, Jr. and his service to others, Novant conversations in a safe and supported way Health is accepting applications for a unique in order to promote the positive changes we community leadership program called the need to see in our world.” H: Drive Experience. The “H” represents The ten-month program begins in August “hidden.” The program aims to identify less- and ends in June 2020. Participants are heard, high-potential leaders who are invested asked to make a firm commitment to attend and engaged in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg the scheduled sessions and invest in their community, but who may otherwise personal development. To learn more about lack access to leadership development the H: Drive Experience, visit mynovant. opportunities. This is the second year Novant com/hdrive. Health has offered this program. H: Drive Experience participants will be “At Novant Health, diversity and inclusion recognized during Opera Carolina’s opening are part of our core values,” says Tanya night performance of “I Dream,” presented by Blackmon, executive vice president and chief Novant Health on April 25, 2020. “I Dream” diversity, inclusion and equity officer. “As is a musical drama based on the life of Dr. we enter our second year of the program, we Martin Luther King Jr. Questions about the are proud to continue providing a leadership program can be directed to Arlene Ferebee at development opportunity through the H: aferebee@NovantHealth.org. Drive Experience that will further benefit our n Dari Caldwell named vice president of diverse communities.” Through a combination of core sessions, Novant Health Foundation leadership coaching, shared group Novant Health is pleased to announce Dari experiences, and interaction with business Caldwell as vice president of the Novant Health and community leaders, participants will Foundation. Caldwell will focus clarify their sense of purpose, strengthen on fundraising in Rowan County their leadership voice and deepen their and beyond. For the past nine commitment to serve. Further, they will years, Caldwell has served as gain an understanding of change-activating president and chief operating servant, intentional and adaptive leadership officer of Novant Health Rowan styles alongside Dr. King’s practical approach Dari Caldwell Medical Center. to leadership. During Caldwell’s tenure at Rowan Medical “I learned about the importance of Center, the hospital achieved significant growth kinship,” explains Alexandra Arrington, and brought many needed services to the director of Community Impact for Justice community. Rowan Medical Center remains Initiatives, who participated in the H: Drive fully accredited by The Joint Commission and Experience last year. “We really have to find has earned some of the nation’s top honors and become people others can walk with in quality care, including Stroke Center to create and support community change certification, Chest Pain Center accreditation, and this program puts you in the room with Baby-Friendly designation and more. The vibrant and dedicated people looking to take hospital also became a Comprehensive Center their leadership to the next level individually under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement and collectively.” Dana Draa, visual impairment services Program (MBSAQIP). Gary Blabon, senior director of professional team coordinator for Hefner VA Healthcare System, participated in the H: Drive and support services at Novant Health Rowan Experience last year and encourages Medical Center, will be named as the interim people passionate about their community president and chief operating officer of the Center.
10 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
At the Hospitals “At Atrium Health Pineville, we offer the most advanced techniques in cardiovascular care and do so with exceptional outcomes. Whether in need of a complex vascular or coronary or arrhythmia intervention, a minimally invasive option for heart surgery, complex heart failure care or access to a national clinical trial — all are readily available to our patients,” says Geoffrey Rose, MD, president of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. “Access to the highest quality care should not be determined by where you live; care should be accessible, as close to home as possible. This national recognition affirms we are delivering on this, given the scope and quality of the cardiovascular care we are providing to those in the greater Pineville area.”
Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD, President of Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Recipient of the 2019 World Citizen Award Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte presents the annual World Citizen Award to prominent citizens and organizations who have enhanced Charlotte’s standing in the world through their accomplishments of n Atrium Health Team is One of the international significance and First in North Carolina to Perform Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD contributions to the city, this region and our international community. This New FDA-Approved COPD year, the Council presented the 2019 World Treatment Procedure One of the first FDA-approved Citizen Award to Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD, FACP, FRACP, president of Atrium Health endobronchial valve lung volume reduction procedures in North Carolina was completed Levine Cancer Institute. in May by Michael Zgoda, MD, and the care n Atrium Health Pineville Celebrates team with University Pulmonary Associates National Cardiovascular Ranking at Atrium Health University City Hospital. Atrium Health Pineville’s Sanger Heart The new treatment helps to increase the & Vascular Institute teams recently gathered lung function of millions of Americans who to celebrate a national honor — being ranked suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary as one of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular disease (COPD). Hospitals by IBM Watson HealthTM. “This national recognition showcases our commitment to delivering local world-class cardiovascular care,” says Chris Hummer, president of Atrium Health Pineville. “With a growing population, we understand the importance of offering personalized expert care close to home, and we are honored to be recognized.” For decades, patients have had access to a world-class network of heart experts through Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. With more than 175 providers and more than 20 care locations, Sanger’s nationally and internationally recognized experts provide patients with the most comprehensive care, ranging from general cardiology to the most complex surgical procedures. As one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, Sanger achieved lower readmission rates, shorter lengths of stay for patients and fewer complications. n
Endobronchial valve lung volume reduction is a minimally invasive procedure — no cuts or incisions necessary — that allows patients with COPD, such as emphysema, to breathe better by allowing the lungs to expand normally, relieving pressure from the diaphragm. To help improve airflow, one or more miniature valves are placed into a patient’s airways, closing off a diseased portion of a lung and preventing it from being overinflated. The goal of the procedure is to help move air freely through the lungs again and help the diaphragm return to normal size and activity. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. Most patients are able to return home within a day or two with improved lung function, exercise capacity and overall quality of life. “This procedure takes what was a major surgery and provides patients with an alternative minor procedure with no scars or cuts,” says Michael Zgoda, MD, University Pulmonary Associates, which is part of Atrium Health University City Hospital. “Patients have a better quality of life, they can minimize medications and possibly come off oxygen.” The care team with University Pulmonary Associates at Atrium Health University City Hospital from left to right: Troy Chaney, territory manager for Pulmonx (device company); Ann Ranatza, RN; Julie Amadori, RN; Michael Zgoda, MD; and Iris Burke, RN.
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 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. Mecklenburg Heart Specialists, a heart and vascular institute, moved to 2711 Randolph Road, suite 305, Charlotte, NC 28207. Aamer Qureshi, MD, is looking forward to providing heart and vascular care to established and new patients at this new location. Davidson Family Medicine (DFM) recently received accreditation from CLIA for a full-service, in-house laboratory to provide patients with timely and value-based results. DFM has been a patient-centered medical home since 2011 and recently was awarded recertification status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Due to a heavy influx of new patients, DFM is interested in employing or partnering with independent-minded, board-certified family physicians in the north Mecklenburg area. Email info@davidsonfamilymedicine.com or call office manager at 704-892-5454. Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology is pleased to announce the addition of Nick Crews, MD. Dr. Crews attended medical school at Saint Louis University, completed his residency at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, and his fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. After 15 years in the Midwest, he and his wife and two children are happy to be coming home to Charlotte. Beginning in August, Crews will be seeing patients in Charlotte Gastro’s Lake Norman offices. South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery (SCGVS) is pleased to announce Elias J, Arbid, MD, has joined James Antezana, MD, in his surgery practice. Dr. Arbid earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester and completed the coveted Smithwick Fellowship in vascular surgery at Boston University Medical Center. Prior to joining SCGVS, Arbid taught at several universities and practiced vascular and endovascular surgery and served as chief of vascular surgery, chairman of surgery and director of the surgical residency program.
12 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
A seasoned vascular surgeon, he is a highly regarded teacher and educator of residents, students and nurses. He currently serves as associate editor for the journal Frontiers in Surgery. He has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored textbook chapters in vascular surgery. Arbid is a speaker at national and international vascular meetings. He is board-certified in vascular surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is an active member of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. His area of expertise is advanced limb salvage and amputation prevention, complex arterial and venous diseases, and dialysis access creation and management. “I believe that caring for patients is a privilege they choose to entrust me with, and the best way I can serve them is by ensuring they receive the highest level of skilled and compassionate care. I have long advocated for shared decision–making with patients and primary care physicians. I am very excited to join Dr. Antezana, and, with my wife Rita, look forward to making Charlotte our new home,” says Arbid. South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery is accredited by AAAHC. Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte has partnered with DJL Clinical Research to expand its clinical research department. Deborah Nixon, MD, has trials in atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, alopecia areata, acne (nutritional supplement) and hidradenitis suppurativa. If you have patients who qualify as candidates, they should call 704-247-9179 or 704-943-3714, option 6. For more information, visit www.dscmd.com. Northeast Digestive Health Center is now offering a wide range of procedures to diagnose, evaluate and treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, symptoms and digestive diseases. They include colonoscopy, endoscopy (EGD, endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP), research, FibroScan®, hemorrhoid banding and pill cam. Northeast Digestive Health Center in Concord is at 1070 Vinehaven Drive NE and at 10030 Edison Square Drive NW, suite 204.
Charlotte Skin & Laser introduces the new Genius™ Intelligent RF. Infini, a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that has allowed them to treat acne scars and rejuvenate skin of all types safely and predictably for years, has been improved and upgraded. The upgrade to the new Genius™ system features improved needles, energy delivery and mechanics for a more comfortable procedure with minimal downtime, making it a great option for patients looking to improve the health and beauty of their skin. Charlotte Skin & Laser is at 130 Providence Road.
9TH ANNUAL
Fighting For Women With Fashion MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS OCTOBER 1, 2019 7 PM
FASHION PRESENTATION SILENT AUCTION WINE PULL
Proceeds to benefit Safe Alliance’s mission to provide hope and healing to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Proud partnership of Mecklenburg County Medical Society Women Physicians Section and Women Lawyers of Charlotte
To become a sponsor or make a donation, please contact Lori Maxwell at Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August Lori.Maxwell@safealliance.org or 704.367.2705
2019 | 13
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
All rights reserved. Southeast Pain and Spine Care, and the S mark are registered trademarks of Southeast Pain Management Services, PLLC.
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
JULY-AUGUST 2019
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 8/9-11 Inaugural Charlotte Plasma Cell Disorder Congress 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.
14 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Abundant Health & Vitality Associates.............. 9 Atrium Health...................................................... 15 Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates........3 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.....3 Charlotte Radiology...............................................3 Novant Health.........................................................2 Southeast Pain and Spine Care............................14
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 • July/August 2019 | 15
Mecklenburg County Medical Society
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.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTE, N.C. PERMIT NO. 1494
MCMS Initiatives: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, NC MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out
BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR Saturday, Aug. 10 n 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $25 BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND SPORTS PHYSICALS/*IMMUNIZATIONS (*Immunizations for uninsured/Medicaid students will be provided free of charge. Otherwise, insurance will be billed.)
FREE FOOD AND GAMES n n FUN FOR THE FAMILY n n STREAMLINED WAIT TIMES n n FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES n n
(If you receive a physical, while supplies last.)
Call 704-393-7720 ext. 1045 to schedule your physical! Appointments available Friday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Aug. 10. 16 | July/August 2019 • Mecklenburg Medicine
3333 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 704-393-7720 | www.cwwilliams.org