Mecklenburg Medicine October 2016 by Wade Baker

October 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 46, No. 9

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

October 6-12 is National Physician Assistants Week Mecklenburg County Medical Society facebook.com/meckmed

Mecklenburg County Medical Society Foundation @meckmedsociety

@meckcountymedsociety

We’re changing the landscape of neuroscience care in our community

Novant Health stroke and neurosciences is adding 14 new physicians in neurosurgery, neurology and neurointensive care. Your patients now have expanded access to expert care and the benefit of multi-subspecialty providers skilled in the latest therapies and treatments for brain, vascular and spine conditions, as well as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, epilepsy and more. At Novant Health, we’re saving lives and improving outcomes. Novant Health Neurosurgery Specialists Charlotte • 704-316-3070 Josh Billingsley, MD Erik Eskioglu, MD Ziad Hage, MD Jenny Orning, MD

Novant Health Neurology Specialists Charlotte • 704-384-9437 Matthews • 704-316-9001 Ebinita Arhebamen, MD James Battista, MD Max Carraro, MD Ana Messler, PhD Deepika Shangula, MD

Novant Health Neurology Inpatient Specialists Hospitalists Javon Edgecombe, MD Laurie McWilliams, MD Kevin Meier, MD Qaisir Toqeer, MD Ali Turk, MD

Call today to refer a patient. NovantHealth.org/neuroscience © Novant Health, Inc. 2016

2 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

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October 2016 Vol. 46 No. 9

Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: A Day in the Life

OFFICERS President Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Treasurer Scott L. Furney, MD Immediate Past President Simon V. Ward III, MD

By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD, President, MCMS

6 Feature: Celebrating Our Physician Assistants! 7 Feature: Caregiver to Chemo Patient — Gaining a New Perspective

BOARD MEMBERS

By Lee McCracken, Contributing Writer

8 MMAE 8 Congratulations to Practices 9 Member News 9 New Members 9 Upcoming Meetings & Events 10 At the Hospitals 12 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 12 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for October 13 National Health & Wellness Observances for October 13 Advertising Acknowledgements

John R. Allbert, MD Maureen L. Beurskens, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA W. Frank Ingram III, MD Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Scott S. Lindblom, MD Shivani P. Mehta, MD, MPH Robert L. Mittl, Jr., MD Babak Mokari, DO Cameron B. Simmons, Jr., MD Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society

Karen Chandler, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Michelle Conner, DDS, President Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS President Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA Marcus G. Plescia, MD, Health Director Mecklenburg County Health Department Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency

EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director Sandi D. Buchanan

1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org

Finance & Membership Coordinator Stephanie D. Smith Meetings & Special Events Jenny H. Otto

MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF

Mecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of Mecklenburg Medicine or the Mecklenburg County Medical Society. Mecklenburg Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as to reject any material submitted. Mecklenburg Medicine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Editor Stephen J. Ezzo, MD

Non-members may subscribe to Mecklenburg Medicine at a cost of $30 per year, or $3.50 per issue, if extra copies are available. Classified Ads: Open to members, nonprofits and non-member individuals only; advance approval of the Managing Editor and advance payment required. Member rate is 0, non-members $20 for the first 30 words; $.75 each additional word. Display Ads: Open to professional entities or commercial businesses. For specifications and rate information, contact Mark Ethridge at mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in no way constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein. We welcome your comments and suggestions: Call 704-376-3688 or write Mecklenburg Medicine, c/o Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editors Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD Scott S. Lindblom, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD

Graphic Design — Wade Baker

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 3

Ready. For. Anything. Ready to lead. Ready to thrive. Ready for the world. Country Day Ready.

Open House Dates: October 5 (Junior Kindergarten – Kindergarten) October 18 (Junior Kindergarten – Grade 4) November 18 (Grades 9 – 12)

charlottecountryday.org

(704) 943-4530 MeckMed.pdf

2/8/16

12:30 PM

CMY

4 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

President’s Letter

A Day in the Life By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Meet in the pre-dawn Do prior auth forms; Add in more visits Weather the storm.

Despite my resilience, There are times when I feel; Both trapped in a maze And on a treadmill.

Clean out the inbasket Move things to “done;” Phone in to conf call Lunch on the run. Ten problem OV Means multiple clicks; With all these check marks Who is truly sick? To Hippocrates’ teachings We should avail; Yet, patience is challenged When EHRs fail. Evening committee Pray do not waste time; There are records to finish And make dinner at nine. I’ve noticed a pattern Which seldom does fail; The end of the work day Blows up my email.

Attend to your muse; Take a much-needed nap; Lower your BP With the cat on your lap. Watch the kids play Or better yet, join; It certainly outweighs Chasing more coin

Please don’t say “robust” In your dealings today; If you ask for my EQ I will SWOT you away.

The work we do Is needed by most, But can surely consume An unaware host.

Do not misunderstand The profession’s a joy; It’s all this minutiae That leaves one annoyed.

Our time here is brief With so much to do; It’s best to determine What matters to you.

Are all the checks green? Which “MU” can I bend? And don’t get me started On ICD-10.

“Running everywhere “At such a speed “‘Til they find “There’s no need “(There’s no need)” — John Lennon

But…. Take a step back, Don’t straighten the house; Just sit and listen To your enduring spouse.

Trivia question: What is the origin of the word “influenza?” Answer on page 8.

Spiritual Wellness Grand Rounds A Series for Healthcare Providers 7 ~ 8:15 p.m. October 3: Incorporating Spirituality in Patient Care October 10: Receiving Peace Throughout the Day – Avoiding Caregiver Burnout October 17: Practicing Christian Ethics in Health Care October 24: Standing in Hope Amidst Suffering Myers Park United Methodist Church n 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 n Room 107-08 of Parish Life Building

For more information, contact Nick Beard, MD, at nbeard38@att.net.

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 5

Feature

ur O g n i t a r b e Cel

s i s s t A a n n ts! a i c i s y Ph

OCTOBER 6-12 IS NATIONAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS WEEK The Mecklenburg County Medical Society recognizes the importance of its Physician Assistant members. There is a seat on its Board of Directors specifically for PA representation. Ray Brown, PA, currently holds that seat and he is also president of the Metrolina Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA). Physician Assistants have full voting rights on all MCMS issues and are considered active members, as are physicians.

North Carolina –

The Birthplace of the PA Profession Did you know North Carolina is the birthplace of the Physician Assistant profession? In 1965, Duke University Medical Center established the first formal program in the U.S. to educate PAs. In 50 years, the profession has grown to include 100,000 clinically-active PAs and 181 accredited educational programs with 6,000 PA students enrolled annually.

North Carolina Association of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) Mission Statement:

NCAPA provides innovative solutions to empower our members to enhance their careers and advocate for optimal health care.

Identity Statement:

Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with physicians. As integral members of the physician-directed team, PAs increase access and enhance quality of patient care while being cost-effective.

NCAPA Firsts:

• First state Academy with a Medical Society that has a PA Section • First state Academy to have PA representation in the Medical Society House of Delegates • First state Academy to have a PA serve on the Medical Society Foundation Board • First state Academy to have a PA serve as president of the Medical Board of Directors • First state Academy to develop a recertification conference • First state Academy to own a building dedicated to the PA profession (Eugene A. Stead, Jr., Center for Physician Assistants) North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants at ncapa@ncapa.org • North Carolina PA information provided with permission from the NCAPA

Thank you to all Physicians Assistants for all you do in our community and for your patients! Come and join the MCMS!

Joint Membership MCMS and MAPA are working together as partners for collaboration and membership opportunities. MCMS offers a discount to PAs who want to join both organizations. MAPA also offers a dual membership program, with just one application to join the MCMS simultaneously. PA membership with MCMS is normally $105, but with joint membership (MCMS and MAPA), dues are only $90 ($65 for MCMS dues and $25 for MAPA dues). 6 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Metrolina Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA) President: Ray Brown, PA metrolina@gmail.com www.metrolinapa.org

Feature

Caregiver to Chemo Patient — Gaining a New Perspective By Lee McCracken, Contributing Writer

he field of oncology takes a special breed of medical professional. Caring for a patient with cancer involves positivity (coupled with realism), stamina and tenacity. After months, if not years, of treatment, oncologists and nurses often are praised by their patients as being Earthly angels. But what happens when the one wearing the white coat unexpectedly becomes the patient? When the healer finds herself hooked up to the chemo drip? Just over a year ago, Charlotte’s beloved breast cancer surgeon Teresa Flippo-Morton, MD, died of cancer (pancreatic) herself just 33 days after her diagnosis and being a patient at Levine Cancer Institute. When faced with their own vulnerability, healthcare professionals gain a better understanding of their patients’ fears and frustrations. Such is the new reality of Pat McKinney, RN, a former veteran cancer nurse navigator with Novant Health. Known for holding the hands of hundreds of cancer patients in the Huntersville/Lake Norman community (most being women with breast cancer), as well as volunteering countless hours in the spring for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Huntersville-Cornelius, McKinney has traded her stethoscope for colorful scarves that adorn her beautiful bald head.

Able to Receive

Over the summer, McKinney found herself in the vulnerable role of patient after she felt a swollen lymph node under her clavicle. Quickly, she made the round of appointments: blood tests, a biopsy, a PET scan, a cancer diagnosis and a CT scan to measure the tumors in her left kidney. “Everywhere I went, the nurses and technicians looked at me like, ‘Why are you here?’ I was totally out of my element at first, being the one wearing the ID bracelet and lying on the table,” says McKinney. Adept at compassionate caregiving, she is navigating the journey of being on the other side. McKinney is learning to walk her talk as she copes with the side effects of chemo — going in for IV fluids, taking anti-nausea medicine and resting when her body needs it. During infusions, other patients (who shake their heads that McKinney is sitting next to them) are the recipients of her encouraging words and warm smile. She says, “Just after I was diagnosed, a church friend asked how she could pray for me. That made me stop for a minute and think. Finally I told her, ‘I want to be able to receive well.’” And she is doing just that — whether it’s accepting meal deliveries, or leaning on the encouragement and support of family and friends. Yet, skilled at fixing broken bodies and healing sickness, many medical professionals could win awards for their equally expert stoicism. When personal health issues strike, they suppress their emotions and struggle over their own physical limitations and, if the prognosis is dire, their own mortality.

Paul Kalanithi, MD, describes this in “When Breath Becomes Air” (Deckle Edge, January 2016), the story of a neurosurgeon-in-training coping with a terminal lung cancer diagnosis. He died in March 2015, while working on the book. Consider these poignant words: “I began to realize that coming face to face with my own mortality, in a sense, had changed nothing and everything. … Who would I be, going forward, and for how long?”

Lessons From the Other Side

While the daily practice of continuously caring for others may make it difficult to switch roles, doctors and nurses can grow personally and professionally by experiencing both sides of health care. Suffering can lead toward more mutual, compassionate connection with patients. Kate Granger, MD, wrote about her five years battling a soft tissue sarcoma. She died this past July at the young age of 34. While still able, she worked as a geriatrician in the United Kingdom and began campaigning for better bedside care, specifically for doctors to introduce themselves to patients. Before her death earlier this year, she received a special award from the the BMJ honoring her “Hello, my name is” campaign. “If being ill has taught me anything about being a doctor, it is the importance of seeing a patient as a person and not merely a condition or disease in a hospital bed,” says Granger in a 2013 blog post (drkategranger.wordpress.com). There are other enlightening physician-turned-author memoirs in the marketplace that tell the story of nervously waiting in an open-to-thefront paper gown for test results. When faced with a health crisis, these doctors write what patients already know — that being sick stinks, medicine often has strong side effects and healing seems to take forever. And through it all, patients often feel invisible and unheard. This is the story of Duke University School of Medicine graduate and Harvard-affiliated surgeon Eben Alexander, MD, who wrote “Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife” (Simon & Schuster, October 2012). In it, Dr. Alexander describes the battle between his scientific-trained mind and his grasping-for-proof Christian faith. He writes, “It took me months to come to terms with what happened to me. Not just the medical impossibility … but — more important — the things that happened during that time.” Robert Klitzman, MD, writes that crossing the border from provider to patient taught him how much he did not know. Klitzman, a psychiatrist, wrote “When Doctors Become Patients” (Oxford University Press, 2007) after he overcame a brief illness and interviewed some 70 physician-patients. The book is a recount of their reactions and roller-coaster emotions. “I don’t ask, ‘Why me?’” says McKinney. “I’m depending on the knowledge I have, but I realize the outcome is not in my control. The support of my family, friends and faith are my lifeline.”

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 7

MMAE

Queens Road West Home Selected for MMAE’s

2016 HOLIDAY HOUSE Home for the Holidays Will Open for Public Tours

Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment (MMAE) has selected the historic Queens Road West home of Robert and Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, as its 2016 Holiday House. Some of Charlotte’s finest interior designers, florists, landscape designers and home décor retailers will decorate the home for the holidays, and it will be open for tours November 4-6. The stately Georgian/Colonial home at 1870 Queens Road West was built in 1951 by James Castanas, an immigrant from Greece who founded the Epicurean Restaurant. Before it closed in the 1990s, the Epicurean was known as one of the oldest restaurants in Charlotte, having operated continuously for five decades. One of the elements Castanas had installed in select rooms was ornate Greek key plaster molding. It remains today and is a key feature in the living and dining rooms. In 1956, Castanas sold the house to Bill Berkely, MD, and his family who lived there for 40 years. Dr. Berkely was one of the founders of Charlotte Plastic Surgery. In 2006, Robert and Dr. Elizabeth Rostan purchased the home and oversaw extensive remodeling and expansion. Today, the home is 5,100 square feet and features four bedrooms and five and a half baths. It was recognized with the Myers Park Homeowner’s Association Preservation Award in 2009.

The 2016 Holiday House will open for public tours November 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and November 6 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning October 1 at all Blacklion locations and online at MMAEonline.com. All Holiday House proceeds directly fund annual community health grants through the MMAE Endowment. In May, MMAE distributed $69,000 to 11 Charlotte-Mecklenburg agencies including Care Ring, Hospitality House, N.C. MedAssist and The Relatives. For a complete list of grant recipients and additional information about the showhouse, visit mmaeonline.com. Find MMAE on Twitter @meckmedalliance, and on Facebook at facebook.com/mmaeonline.

MMAE Recipient of Johnston Award The Board of Directors of Teen Health Connection selected the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment as the 2016 recipient of the Dr. John G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Adolescent Medicine and Health. The selection was based on a heartfelt nomination submitted by Sandy DuPuy and Gail Fernandez. The Medical Alliance is proud to receive this prestigious award. Twenty-five years ago, MMAE was instrumental in the foundation of Teen Health Connection. The Dr. John G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Medicine and Health is named for Teen Health Connection’s founding medical director and Charlotte pediatrician, John G. Johnston, MD. Dr. Johnston is known for his efforts to empower every adolescent to be healthy, safe and successful. As a physician, he is admired and respected by peers and was loved by patients and staff. Johnston exemplifies what it means to be a physician who takes joy in offering his best effort no matter his patients’ backgrounds, problems or financial means. The Johnston Award honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated sustained and significant impact on adolescents in the Charlotte community. The Medical Alliance was honored at the 25th Anniversary Celebration, “Stand Up and Get Down for Teens,” held September 24.

8 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Congratulations! These practices paid MCMS dues for eligible physicians in their practice. Thank you for your continued support of the Medical Society. Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Carolina Surgical Clinic of Charlotte Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology Charlotte Radiology Children’s Urology of the Carolinas Eastover OB/GYN Associates – Arboretum Eastover OB/GYN Associates – Main Greenman Eye Associates Mecklenburg Heart Specialists Mecklenburg Radiology Associates Novant Health Dilworth Pediatrics Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Presbyterian Pathology Group Urology Specialists of the Carolinas Trivia answer from page 5:

In 18th-century Italy there was a significant epidemic. At that time, it was believed the movement of stars and planets influenced one’s life, so the word “influentia” was applied to this illness. Eventually the word was anglicized to influenza.

Member News

NEW MEMBERS Jill M. Antoniazzi, MD Emergency Medicine Carolinas Medical Center Dept. of Emergency Medicine 1000 Blythe Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-355-7058 MCP Hahnemann University, 2002 James Z. Appel III, MD Plastic Surgery Novant Health Appel Plastic Surgery 1901 Brunswick Ave. #200 Charlotte, NC 28207 704-316-5025 Jefferson Medical College, 2001 Aaron H. Baer, MD Neuroradiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Wake Forest University, 2009 Jessica M. Belk, PA-C Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Wake Forest University, 2011 Matthew T. Bennett, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 University of Maryland, 2010 Casey E. Bohl, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Ohio State University, 2007 Byron C. Branch, MD Neurological Surgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 110 Lake Concord Road NE Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2672 Wake Forest University, 2009

Photo not available.

John C. Childress III, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 University of Michigan, 2010

Kevin C. McCammack, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Indiana University, 2010

Bryan K. Criswell, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery 14835 Ballantyne Village Way #210 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-424-5050 University of New Mexico, 1998

Daniel P. Seeburg, MD Neuroradiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Harvard University, 2010

Kara K. Criswell, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery 14835 Ballantyne Village Way #210 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-424-5050 Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara, 1998

Rickin A. Shah, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 Drexel University, 2009

Caroline F. Dana, PA-C Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 University of Alabama, 2013 Andrew T. Healy, MD Neurological Surgery Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates 110 Lake Concord Road NE Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2672 Drexel University, 2009 Hyonah Kim, MD Diagnostic Radiology Charlotte Radiology 1705 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-7800 University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 2006 Matthew S. Kozlowski, MD Anesthesiology Providence Anesthesiology Associates 200 Providence Road #100 Charlotte, NC 28207 704-749-5800 George Washington University, 2006

Upcoming Meetings & Events OCTOBER Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 Fighting for Women With Fashion Event. Design Center Atrium (SouthEnd). 7-10 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 4 Charlotte Pediatric Society Membership mtg. Charlotte Country Club. 6 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 11 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. n Monday, Oct. 17 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 18 Charlotte Dental Society Membership meeting. Myers Park Country Club. 6 p.m. n Wednesday, Oct. 19 MMAE Board meeting. 10 a.m. n Thursday, Oct. 20 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. n

Mecklenburg Medicine â&#x20AC;˘ October 2016 | 9

At the Hospitals

Neurosciences Expanding at Novant Health Eric Eskioglu, MD, recently joined Novant Health to lead neurosciences across the system with the goal of creating a worldclass experience for patients, regardless of their entry point. With a history of spearheading the creation of three comprehensive Eric Eskioglu, MD stroke centers, including the only comprehensive stroke center in southwest Florida, Dr. Eskioglu has the experience and dedication to lead Novant Health into the next generation of neurological care. Eskioglu earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas and completed a twoyear fellowship at the National Institutes of Health with Pfizer Clinical Research Scholars program, as well as an endovascular/vascular neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Florida. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, he completed his neurosurgical residency training. Eskioglu also earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona, experience that helps drive more efficient neuroscience clinical services for the best patient care. In his role at Novant Health, he plans to work with providers and other team members to elevate neuroscience excellence for Novant Health inpatient and outpatient services by implementing best practices and unifying processes and protocols across the system. From neurosurgeons who perform general neurosurgery to neurohospitalists who manage acute neurologic illnesses and neurointensivists who care for patients in the intensive care unit, Novant Health has recruited 20 new neuroscience providers over the last year in the Charlotte market alone. Stay tuned to learn more about Eskioglu, his team of experts and what the expansion of neurosciences at Novant Health means to the community. n

Novant Health Opens New Urgent Care Location in South Charlotte Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine opened in September at 8450 Park Road. The facility, near the Quail Hollow community, offers walk-in care Mondayn

Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine treats individuals of all ages and can provide expert care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, including colds, flu, sprains, fractures, minor cuts, and ear and sinus infections. Services include immunizations, physicals for sports participation and on-site X-ray and lab services for fast and accurate diagnosis. Also provided are complete services for employers, including employment physicals, as well as lab screening and other services for the workplace. “As part of the Novant Health system, we have access to the medical records of any patient at any Novant Health clinic, allowing us to serve as an extension of a patient’s primary care provider,” says Jack Shepherd, MD, a family medicine specialist at Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine. Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. For more information, call 704-638-1551 or visit NovantHealth.org/urgentcare. Division Changes Name to Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology The pediatric cardiology division of Novant Heart & Vascular Institute recently changed its name to Novant Health Pediatric Cardiology. The name change affects three clinic locations: 1718 E. Fourth St., suite 605, Charlotte, NC 28204; 11840 Southmore Drive, suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28277; and 10030 Gilead Road, suite 344, Huntersville, NC 28078. n

Novant Health Offers Sports Injury Clinics for High School Athletes For the fifth year in a row, Novant Health will treat high school sports injuries after-hours at its sports injury clinics now through November 12. The Novant Health Black and Blue Clinic will be held at Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Matthews on Fridays, 10-11 p.m., and at Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians & Urgent Care at 19485 Old Jetton Road, suite 100, Cornelius, on Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. Novant Health’s sports injury clinics provide after-hours care for unexpected high school sports injuries so that student athletes can quickly and safely return to the field. Walk-in patients are welcome and most insurance plans are accepted. When unexpected sports injuries such n

10 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

as concussions, sprains, strains, cuts and broken bones occur, Novant Health’s Black and Blue Clinic is a cost-efficient, timesaving alternative to the emergency room. The clinic will be staffed by board-certified primary care sports medicine physicians and clinical staff. If needed, X-ray services also will be available. “We are excited to continue to provide care in our community for high school athletes at our sports injury clinics again this fall,” says Eric Warren, MD, medical director of sports medicine. “Our staff is prepared to diagnose and treat common sports-related injuries, including ankle sprains, broken bones and concussions. For high school student athletes, the clinic is one of the fastest and safest possible options for them to return to their chosen sport in a timely manner.” Novant Health sports medicine has experts in a broad range of specialties, including primary care sports medicine, orthopedic sports medicine, physical therapy, pediatric cardiology and certified athletic training. Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Reaccredited as a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (NHPMC) is proud to announce the successful reaccreditation as a comprehensive bariatric surgery center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This is NHPMC’s fourth reaccreditation since first receiving the designation in 2007. This renewed accreditation acknowledges Novant Health’s commitment to providing high-quality and safe care for bariatric surgery patients that exceeds clinical benchmarks and guidelines. “We are proud to be nationally-recognized again as a fully accredited comprehensive bariatric surgery center. Our bariatric team, whether in the office, on the hospital floor or in the operating room, takes great pride in providing our patients with the best experience and best outcome possible,” says David Voellinger, MD, medical director of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Bariatric Center. “This recognition reinforces our belief that we are providing excellent care for our patients struggling with severe obesity. We will continue to raise awareness, promote prevention, and offer treatment and support for this chronic, life-threatening disease.” n

At the Hospitals

Game-Changing Method for Identifying Parkinson’s Disease A team at Carolinas HealthCare System is investigating if saliva could be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms begin. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative brain disease in the world and is becoming more frequent in the U.S. Patients often are diagnosed years after the onset of symptoms, such as difficulty walking, shaking, slow movement and falls, in which case the disease already has reached an advanced stage. The Oral Medicine laboratory team is led by Craig B. Stevens; Farah Mougeot, PhD; Jean-Luc Mougeot, PhD; and Mark A. Hirsch, PhD, director, Carolinas Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research Core Laboratory. The team found that during exercise patients’ brains produce proteins that show doctors if the disease is getting worse. These proteins are found in the saliva of Parkinson’s patients. The proteins, referred to as “markers,” give early clues about whether exercise slows, stops or reverses the progression of the disease in the brain. Knowing if exercise affects disease progression gives patients a greater sense of control over the disease — such as choosing to exercise, which could potentially slow, stop or reverse the progression of the disease in the brain. This knowledge can reduce the anxiety and depression many patients with Parkinson’s disease experience after diagnosis. n

Neurosciences Institute Among Best in the Nation for Endovascular Procedure Outcomes Carolinas HealthCare System’s Neurosciences Institute is nationally recognized for its advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke. In particular, their outcomes for endovascular procedures are among the best in the country. An endovascular treatment refers to surgical procedures where a catheter comprised of medication or tiny devices is inserted into blood vessels to help treat vascular diseases. The endovascular technique specific to the treatment of acute stroke is “mechanical n

thrombectomy.” During this procedure, the doctor attempts to remove a large blood clot or open an occluded blood vessel in the brain by sending a wire stent retriever to the impacted area. When the stent arrives, it captures and retrieves the clot, which then gets removed. This technique has seen big improvements over the last year. The new devices used for this procedure have increased dramatically the effectiveness at removing clots, while being less invasive. Previously successful roughly 30 percent of the time, the success has risen to about 80 percent. Patients who receive this treatment tend to have a lesser amount of damaged brain tissue compared to those who do not receive the treatment. While not every stroke patient is a candidate for mechanical thrombectomy, advances in imaging have led to a better selection process for patients who would benefit from the treatment. So far, the data from clinical trials has been overwhelmingly positive, proving this is the best treatment for carefully selected stroke patients. As with all things related to stroke, there is an incredible amount of urgency needed to begin treatment. “Performing the procedure is very time-sensitive, as there is only a six-to eight-hour window after the patient begins experiencing symptoms of an acute stroke,” says Joe Bernard, MD, director of interventional services at Carolinas HealthCare System. “A common phrase referring to strokes is ‘time equals brain,’ so everyone involved must act quickly in order to achieve the best result.” Even after a serious stroke, the odds of having a good outcome are improving greatly, especially for patients identified through advanced imaging techniques. Ongoing studies and clinical trials, along with the collection of additional data, will ensure these trends continue. Nearly 2,200 Screened at Heart of a Champion Day Events A total 2,183 student-athletes were screened during Carolinas HealthCare System’s four 2016 Heart of a Champion Day events. The n

screenings ensure athletes can participate safely in high school sports. Included in the screening was a general medical exam, orthopedic evaluation and, unlike most athletic screenings, heart tests to detect hereditary conditions that could lead to sudden cardiac death. Participants received an electrocardiogram, and, if necessary, an echocardiogram to provide a more detailed view of heart function. This year, 87 student-athletes were found to have medical issues that will require followup before they can be cleared to play sports, a decline from 98 in 2015.These included 44 general medical conditions, 15 orthopedic issues and 28 potential heart issues.The screenings, staffed by nearly 600 volunteers, were held in Lincoln County, Mecklenburg County, Union County, and York County, S.C. Heart of a Champion Day is a team effort that included five Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) hospitals — Levine Children’s Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas HealthCare System Union, Carolinas HealthCare System Lincoln and Carolinas HealthCare System Pineville. Other CHS participants included Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Carolinas HealthCare

A CharlotteMecklenburg Schools athlete is given an electrocardiogram during Mecklenburg County’s Heart of a Champion Day screening.

System Orthopedics, Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine and Injury Care, Dove Internal Medicine, Indian Trail Pediatrics, Elizabeth Family Medicine, Union Primary Care, Shiland Family Medicine and East Lincoln Primary Care. External participants included OrthoCarolina, Metrolina Eye Associates, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Coca-Cola and Gatorade.

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 11

Independent Physicians of the Carolinas Brittany Lowery, licensed aesthetician, has joined Darst Dermatology. The practice is excited to expand its skincare department and offer a full range of chemical peels, microneedle and laser options. Brittany Lowery

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.

Justin Favaro, MD, PhD

Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, was elected president of the Board of the North Carolina Oncology Association. Favaro specializes in oncology and hematology at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte and continues to lead the regional chapter of Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN).

Allergy Asthma and Immunology Relief, PA (AAIR) is pleased to announce the addition of three new providers: Cheryl Walker-McGill, MD, Lester Brigman, DNP, and Erin Welden, PA-C. AAIR is excited to be organizing (with the Immune Deficiency Foundation) the Second Annual Charlotte Walk For Immunodeficiency at Symphony Park on November 5. Food allergy update: Patients are tolerating foods they once had to avoid since AAIR began offering oral desensitization immunotherapy (OIT) for patients suffering with food allergies. Call 704-910-1402 for more information. The AAIR clinical research team is actively recruiting new patients for food allergy, asthma, immunodeficiency and allergic skin conditions. Email Caroline@aairofcharlotte.com for more information.

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

OCTOBER 2016 Oncology Specialists of Charlotte (OSC) once again is a sponsor for the Susan G. Komen Charlotte “Race for the Cure” on October 1, marking the 20th anniversary. OSC is the mile-signs sponsor and there will be a display table at the Expo Village that morning before, during, and after the 5K run/walk for breast cancer. Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology welcomes physicians Rebecca E. Rawl, MD, MPH, and Vinaya Maddukuri, MD. Dr. Rawl is a graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh. She earned her medical degree from East Carolina University and completed both her residency and fellowship in gastroenterology at Carolinas Medical Center. Rebecca E. Rawl, She is accepting new patients at the Randolph MD, MPH Road office. Dr. Maddukuri received his medical education from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India, and completed his residency at the University of Illinois St. Francis Hospital. He became an official Charlottean while completing his fellowships in gastroenterology Vinaya Maddukuri, MD and hepatology, advanced hepatology and clinical and translational research, and transplant hepatology at Carolinas Medical Center. Maddukuri is accepting new patients at the Huntersville and Mooresville offices.

12 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Continuing Medical Education (CME) 10/1 10/4 10/7 10/16 10/21-22 10/27 10/29 10/30 Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online

PeraHealth Webinar Series: Sepsis New Drug Update 2016 — A Formulary Approach 11th Annual Charlotte Regional Neonatology Symposium Measuring Healthcare Improvement 28th Annual Fall Foliage Cancer Conference Personalized Medicine: The New Era of the Pharmacist and Pharmacogenomics Levine Cancer Institute 2nd Annual Symposium on Hematologic Malignancies Planetree International Conference on Patient-Centered Care Protecting Your Patients From Air Pollution DOT Medical Examiners Course Risk Management: Patient Identification Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians Prevention and Management of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Motor Vehicle Crash Victims MTAC Trauma Modules Get the 4-1-1: Everything Primary Care Providers Should Know About Parent Training in Behavior Therapy While Working With Families With Young Children Who Have ADHD For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.

Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.

Brackett Flagship Properties.....................................13 Carolinas HealthCare System..................................15 Charlotte Country Day School...................................4 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.........14 Charlotte Radiology..............................................4, 14 Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region..........14 LabCorp.....................................................Back Cover Novant Health..............................................................2

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES OCTOBER 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness Month n Children’s Health Month Chiropractic Month n Dental Hygiene Month Depression and Mental Health Screening Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month Health Literacy Month n Healthy Babies Month Healthy Lung Month n Liver Awareness Month Physical Therapy Month n Spina Bifida Awareness Month Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month Talk About Your Medicines Month Vegetarian Awareness Month October 2-8: Mental Illness Awareness Week October 3: Child Health Day October 16-22: Infection Prevention Week October 16-22: Health Education Week October 16-22: Healthcare Quality Week October 23-29: Respiratory Care Week

MIDTOWN MEDICAL OFFICE 2310 Randolph Road | Charlotte, North Carolina

Brackett Flagship Properties, LLC (BFP) is a full-service real estate firm providing comprehensive solutions for our healthcare system and physician clients, including: capital, development, leasing, asset and property management, accounting, marketing, and investment expertise to a diverse, growing, and healthcare-centric portfolio of properties.

Your Healthcare Real Estate Specialists

REED GRIFFITH

Partner, Director of Leasing & Brokerage direct 704-971-8908

TIFFANY SLAYDEN Vice President Leasing & Brokerage direct 704-971-8906

WILL ROBERTSON Associate Leasing & Brokerage direct 704-971-8904

• Medical office building available immediately • ± 5,164 SF • 1 1/2 story with ample parking • Monument signage • Prime location near Carolina Healthcare Systems’ Carolinas Medical Center and CMC Mercy Hospital, and Novant Health’s Presbyterian Medical Center

Will Robertson

d. 704-971-8904 | will@brackettflagship.com

2701 Coltsgate Road, Suite 300 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 | 704-442-0222 | www.brackettflagship.com

Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 13

CTLung3625x 9.25.pdf

We offer the latest techniques and technologies for cataract care. CEENTA offers a VIP line to reach our physicians within minutes.

704.295.3100 C

Comfort, compassion, peace of mind. That’s what we can promise your patients. Once you’ve made the decision to refer to hospice, the next choice is easy. Choose the hospice that makes your patients our priority. Choose us.

hpccr.org

704.375.0100

14 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

CMY

6/1/15

2:19 PM

Heidi, 1

The smallest patients. The care. When it’s your child, you want the best. At Levine Children’s Hospital, that’s what you get: exceptional care in more than 30 specialties from cancer to cardiology. We’re consistently ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country. That means you get care that’s world-class. And kid-approved.

Meet some of our little heroes:

LevineChildrensHospital.org/IAMLCH

#I AMLCH Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2016 | 15

Mecklenburg County Medical Society

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

1112 Harding Place, #200 Charlotte, NC 28204 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED MCMS Mission: To unite, serve and represent our members as advocates for our patients, for the health of the community and for z the profession of medicine. Founders of: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, N.C. MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out

LabCorp Laboratory Corporation of America

PATIENT SERVICE CENTERS

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

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15830 John Delaney Drive 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 200A 5633 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100 478 Copperfield Blvd. 1718 E. 4th Street 660 Summitt Crossing, Suite 206 14330 Oakhill Park Lane 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 514 Corporate Road 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road

*Drug Screens only **Blood Draws only

16 | October 2016 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC Concord, NC Charlotte, NC Gastonia, NC Huntersville, NC Huntersville, NC Mooresville, NC Matthews, NC Charlotte, NC Pineville, NC Rock Hill, SC Salisbury, NC Salisbury, NC Shelby, NC Statesville, NC Charlotte, NC

704-540-0251 704-332-6904 704-542-7061 704-795-2710 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 704-221-4407 704-480-7004 704-878-0948 704-549-8647