October 2017 • Vol. 47, No. 9
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
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The highest quality stroke care is here Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is Charlotte’s first Joint Commission-certified comprehensive stroke center* Time is the most critical factor when it comes to a stroke. The quicker you receive treatment, the less damage can occur. That’s why the first 60 minutes of a stroke are so important. And now the nationally recognized, life-saving stroke services at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center provide you and your patients quicker access than ever to the highest level of care. When every second counts, count on Novant Health for remarkable care.
To refer your patients, email NHneurosciences@NovantHealth.org.
*Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is the first hospital in Charlotte to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart Checkmark for Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers. © Novant Health, Inc. 2017 7/17 • GCM-143055
2 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
October 2017 Vol. 47 No. 9
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Sooner or Later
OFFICERS President Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD, President, MCMS
7 Feature: Safe Alliance Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Reference Sheet 8 Feature: Survivorship Clinic ... What Is It? By James B, Hall, MD, Levine Cancer Institute
President-Elect Scott L. Furney, MD Treasurer Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Secretary Robert L. Mittl, Jr., MD Immediate Past-President Simon V. Ward III, MD
BOARD MEMBERS
9 Member News 9 Upcoming Meetings & Events 9 New Members 9 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings for October 9 National Health & Wellness Observances for October 10 Committee News: Healthy Snacks Letter Child Health Committee
John R. Allbert, MD Maureen L. Beurskens, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA May N. Doan, MD Donald D. Fraser, MD W. Frank Ingram III, MD Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Shivani P. Mehta, MD, MPH Babak Mokari, DO B. Lauren Paton, MD Rachel L. Storey, MD Andrew I. Sumich, MD
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Tracei Ball, MD, President-Elect Charlotte Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Society
11 At the Hospitals 12 Advertising Acknowledgements 13 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Karen Chandler, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS Past President Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA
On the Cover: Support the Women Physicians Section’s efforts to raise money for the Safe Alliance Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter by attending the Fighting For Women With Fashion event on October 3 or by contributing at www.SafeAlliance.org/Event-Pages/Fighting-For-Women-With-Fashion.
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 Copyright 2017 Mecklenburg County Medical Society
Finance & Membership Coordinator Stephanie D. Smith Meetings & Special Events Coordinator 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. 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.
Editor Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editors Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 3
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President’s Letter
Sooner or Later By Stephen J. Ezzo, MD
I
tried. I really did. I promised myself I would not go down this pathway. I promised my wife, my mother, and the memory of Walker Percy, the first of many physician writers who spoke to me. I tried to be a team player, a good soldier. I shrugged off losing bits of my individuality, with the rationalization that others might have some good ideas and my quality and efficiency of patient care might improve. Or that railing against such things was a Sisyphean task. But somewhere along the way the scales tipped, and I became mired more and more frequently in a Kafkaesque world. The rules and regulations and sameness that are being foisted upon me are sapping the joys of practice, transforming a profession into a job. I had no intention of complaining in these letters. I strove to write with eloquence and elegance, to have you laugh at my cleverness and to pause and consider my observations. After all, if you wanted to hear me complain all you needed to do was talk to me in person (or ride in a car I was driving). It would come soon enough. But I am now in my fourth decade of medical practice. There are some things I know. I hope — and think — I am aware of the things I do not know. I am fairly certain I understand what makes doctors tick, and how they can best function in their work environment to provide the most appropriate, compassionate care for their patients. None of this is unique to me — this knowledge reaches across specialties, settings and age groups. You may recall a recent article of mine on restraint, a quality I strive to incorporate more into my life with age, as I have learned the daily crises we face are rarely as bad as we anticipate. But when one’s tolerance is repeatedly bludgeoned, restraint by necessity is pushed aside. The usual suspects are to be found here, mainly those entities that see health care through a different lens than we do. While I do not doubt their sincerity (OK, at times I do), when you want to know how the battle is faring you ask the troops in the field and not the brass back at headquarters. Will any of this make a difference? I doubt it. This train left the station a long time ago and shows no signs of either slowing or altering its course. Vox clamantis in deserto?* Perhaps. But one never knows the impact of a voice until it is raised. Besides, the cacti do not judge and the sunrises are breathtaking. If you insist that I engage an EHR under the penalty of finance, please give me one that thinks like a physician (there are books written on this subject), is user friendly, and does not crash on a daily basis. My staff and I grow weary of playing Russian roulette to see which exam room is working today.
When you want to know how the battle is faring, you ask the troops in the field and not the brass back at headquarters.
Jumping through hoops/asking questions to fulfill some government/ insurance/ACO idea of sound medicine when outcomes have not been shown to improve serves neither the patient nor the doctor. For many of these matters one does not have the time or resources to properly follow-up and change behavior. Do not recycle failed health care policies from years past, slap a new acronym on them, and think they will somehow magically work now or that we won’t notice. Please explain the constant re-defining of coding. Is it time, or complexity, or prescriptions written, or experience? If experience, does that mean I can charge more than my new partner for the same illness encounter? If complexity, can I copy and paste a 24-point ROS that I did not ask in order to upcode? I have learned that when rules are frequently changed it is either because no one knows what is going on, or they know all too well what is going on. After years of practicing and caring for a consistent group of illnesses, do not suddenly inform me I am no longer qualified to diagnose and treat certain things. I have my training and Academy to tell me that, along with the Hippocratic Oath. Do not pre-authorize me to death. Do you think I have failed to consider the risks/benefits to the patient, or that I am hanging out here in the sticks ordering things willy-nilly? I understand you want to save dollars and control healthcare costs. News flash – so do I. If you insist on pre-auths, grant me a few favors: make them equal across all fields and settings, and when I must speak to someone in your company, make sure they answer the phone the same day I call, have a rudimentary knowledge of medicine and are not just reading from protocols. The art of examining, diagnosing, and treating the vast majority of problems is still done best in the exam room with both physician and patient present. To suggest I can actually fully examine someone —look at their throat and ears, listen to their heart and lungs, palpate their abdomen — via an email or video visit is to offer a false hope. The way we perform our calling is highly individualized and in large part based on our own internal clocks. The pace we set for ourselves is time-tested and best suited to us alone. You cannot expect us to be on the same schedule and to see patients in the same interval regardless of the complaint. What is next, assigning us numbers instead of names? How can you “personalize” medical care when you increasingly take away the physician’s ability to personalize his/her work style? Tell me, where is the value in that?
How does building an express care, urgent care, free-standing emergency room and medical office complex on every corner keep down the cost of health care? Who is going to pay for all this?
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 5
President’s Letter And speaking of “value,” how do you plan to reimburse me for “value” when I have yet to hear a coherent explanation of what that exactly means? It appears to be some type of ether that no one can quite wrap their arms around and define. Maybe I just don’t grasp the concept — that is a good possibility. How does building an express care, urgent care, free-standing emergency room and medical office complex on every corner keep down the cost of health care? Who is going to pay for all this? To Big Pharma, thanks a lot for flooding the television airways and placing your ads directly between me and my patient so you can improve your stock price. I threaten my beleaguered family physician by telling him I am going to write down the drugs in every “Ask your doctor about” commercial I see and bring the list in for review at my next check-up. This is regardless of whether it concerns a male problem, a female one, or one I do not have. One can never be too proactive. By the way, is there some unwritten rule that every single pharma ad has to have a graying, balding “60s will never die” pony-tailed dude who drives around in a classic convertible to the tune of some one-hit wonder? If so, at least make it a cool muscle car. Something like a ’68 Firebird ragtop with a 400 engine will do fine. I realize this is not a very uplifting article. I also know that I do not have any immediate and sweeping solutions. The corporatization of medicine will move forward. As physicians, our primary responsibility is minimizing the walls placed between us and our patients. So while
many of our victories are small, they are ones that are critical to those we care for. It is a slow, uneven process that requires continuation, not just of us, but also the coming generations. I am reminded of a scene from my favorite movie, “The Godfather.” An aging Don Vito Corleone is lamenting to his son Michael, who has assumed control of the family business, that there wasn’t enough time for him to do everything he wanted for his family. With a look of love only a son can give his father, Michael replies, “We’ll get there, Pop. We’ll get there.” We’ll get there. *“The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” “If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about answers.” — Thomas Pynchon
Trivia question: Along with Smallpox, what is the only other disease that has been eradicated globally? Answer on page 13.
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6 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Feature
Safe Alliance VICTIM SERVICES Mecklenburg County
Safe Alliance VICTIM SERVICES Mecklenburg County
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
RAPE CRISIS SERVICES
Each year more than 10,000 victims of domestic violence and their children seek assistance from Safe Alliance.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, help is available!
Chances are you know someone living in a violent situation — someone who isn’t sure where to turn for help. If you are being hurt by your intimate partner or significant other, help is available.
Safe Alliance serves child and adult survivors of rape and sexual assault by providing a 24-hour crisis hotline, hospital accompaniment, individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, support groups, victim compensation application assistance, assistance to victims of human trafficking and community referrals. All services are confidential.
Safe Alliance can help you explore your options and assist you with safety planning, legal advocacy, shelter, emotional support, counseling and other services. We can help you and your children begin to heal from the emotional scars left by domestic abuse. Facts About Domestic Violence: • Women of all cultures, races, occupations, income levels and ages are battered — by husbands, boyfriends, and partners. • 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. • Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to law enforcement. • Almost one-third of all female homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner.
Safe Alliance
24-HOUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
704-332-2513
Please call the hotline any time, day or night, for support and to find out more about services. Or, call 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, to schedule an appointment for victim advocacy or counseling. Facts About Sexual Assault: • Rape and sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, class, gender or sexual orientation. • Most victims know their perpetrators. • Even if rape does not cause physical injuries, it still can cause emotional and psychological ones. • IT IS NEVER YOUR FAULT! No matter where you were, what you had on, who you were with, or what you were doing, you are not to blame. • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by age 18. • 9 out of 10 children never tell anyone they were abused.
Safe Alliance
24-HOUR RAPE CRISIS HOTLINE
704-375-9900
www.safealliance.org Safe Alliance is a United Way member agency. We strive to make our services accessible to all people.
For Appointments: 704.332.9034 (Center City Charlotte) 704.655.8745 (Lake Norman Area)
Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter
704-332-2513
www.safealliance.org
Safe Alliance Lake Norman
704-655-8745
Safe Alliance is a United Way member agency. We strive to make our services accessible to all people.
Safe Alliance Victim Assistance
704-336-4126
Mecklenburg County Women’s Commission
704-336-3210
24-hour crisis line, counseling, referrals, housing
Long-term counseling, support groups, referrals (by appointment)
Protective order assistance and Legal Representation Project (Mon-Fri) Counseling, support groups, referrals
Domestic Violence HealthCare Project — CMC 704-446-3999 Project Safe — Presbyterian Hospital 704-614-7212 National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 800-787-3224
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911
Safe Alliance Sexual Assault Hotline (no fee) 704-375-9900 Safe Alliance Sexual Assault Victim Services (no fee) 704-375-9900 24-hour crisis line, crisis intervention, hospital response, referrals
Safe Alliance Clinical Services (by appointment)
704-332-9034
Victim Assistance (no fee)
704-336-4126
Counseling for adult and child survivors of sexual violence, Charlotte
Information for court advocacy and assistance with protective orders:
RAINN-National Sexual Assault Hotline (no fee) 800-656-HOPE
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 7
Feature
Survivorship Clinic ... What Is It? By James B. Hall, MD, Levine Cancer Institute
“M
rs. Jones, your biopsy is positive for cancer.” These are words that begin a cascade of feelings, fears and actions. This dreaded sentence also often signals a sense of total loss of control of life for the patient. New physicians, who she hasn’t met, begin to order tests, schedule surgery and/or recommend starting chemotherapy or radiation ... and she just goes where she’s told to go, reacting simply out of fear. Alternatively, she can look at the diagnosis as the start of getting better from the symptoms she’s been having and of healing. Survivorship starts with the diagnosis of cancer. The Levine Cancer Institute survivorship clinic is a relatively new initiative. Patients who have gone through their diagnosis and treatment, and have then moved on to the next phase of follow-up, are candidates for this clinic. Historically, the recommendations for follow-up, based on NCCN guidelines, have been primarily for monitoring cancer patients for five years prior to pronouncing them to be cancerfree. What have been underappreciated are the very real issues, and often consequences, of the longterm effects of treatments, which, although life-saving, also have left patients with toxicities that have not gone away. Post-operative surgical changes, such as colostomies, often are obvious, but effects such as cognitive changes from chemotherapy (“chemo brain”) or permanent neuropathies or cardiac changes from chest radiation are not visible, yet are very real and can cause long-term consequences. Additionally, once patients have had one malignancy, they are at greater risk for a secondary malignancy — either due to genetics or even as a consequence of prior treatments. The genetic component is evolving, as recent advances in what can be studied and even what findings now may mean to the patient, from a clinical perspective, are truly in a dynamic state. We often find the limited genetic studies done as recently as 2010 may be totally inadequate. In addition, it is important to re-visit the question of family members who may have had a recent diagnosis of a genetically associated malignancy, which now may warrant re-testing the patient to address new risks with them or their family members. Likewise, prior treatments can present new risks. Patients are living longer, and we are seeing long-term side-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. For example, one of the long-
What have been underappreciated are the very real issues, and often consequences, of the long-term effects of treatments, which, although often lifesaving, also have left patients with toxicities that have not gone away.
8 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
term risks of primary radiation treatment of cervical cancer is the development of a sarcoma in the uterus. Additionally, significant quality-of-life changes relative to sexual function can occur over time. It’s important to consider these questions in order to address them with patients. This clinic has been established to meet very real needs of patients that previously often have not been recognized or addressed. Pain is one concern being addressed by palliative care or integrative medicine, through healing touch or acupuncture, which has been researched and found to have real benefit. Other onsite services include consultations for psychiatry, neuro-psychology, senior oncology, cardio-oncology, integrative oncology, cancer rehab, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, sleep classes and meditation/ yoga classes, etc. Many of these services are offered at no cost to the patient and are funded through the Foundation. What is the value of all this to patients? One of the first patients seen at the LCI survivorship clinic explains the “why” in very real and tangible terms. A presentation was made by Michael Richardson, MD, to primary care physicians, one of whom referred a patient who had been treated and cured of a lymphoma more than 20 years ago, but now, based on recent NCCN guideline recommendations relative to chest radiation and the potential effects on the heart, was seen and sent for cardiac evaluation. Even though the patient was asymptomatic, the evaluation demonstrated the anterior wall of the heart was dysfunctional and a subsequent cath identified significant coronary disease, which could have resulted in sudden death at some further point. Declan Walsh, MD, a medical oncologist by training, was recruited from the Cleveland Clinic to become the Chair of Medical Support Services. His seminal work in nutrition and palliative care in the cancer setting became the basis of his interest in patients going through cancer treatment and the resulting toxicities. As the editor of a number of medical journals, including his recent appointment as editor in chief of the British Medical Journal Supportive and Palliative Care, he brings both his clinical expertise and his interest in research and clinical trials to patients in our service area. Dr. Walsh summarizes the intent of the program: “The survivorship clinic is one of a portfolio of supportive oncology clinical services, designed to deliver on a vision of whole-person cancer care, as part of the medicine of the 21st century.” His concept of the program perfectly fits that of Beth York, administrative director of the Center who stated, “The Cancer Survivorship Clinic at The Center for Supportive Care and Survivorship is providing a wonderful opportunity for patients in the Charlotte metro area to have a medical visit with a physician specializing in survivorship. Given the many intricacies of cancer treatments and the continued advancements in risk reduction strategies, it’s helpful to have such a resource readily available.” A cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a journey to wellness and celebrating survivorship — no longer a death sentence. For consultations and referrals, call 980-442-2000.
Member News
October
NEW MEMBERS
UPCOMING EVENTS Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise indicated.
Tuesday, Oct. 3 Fighting For Women With Fashion. CenterStage NoDa. 2315 N. Davidson St. 7 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 24 Women Physicians Section Meet & Greet. Foxcroft Wine Company. 1235 East Blvd. #1 5:30 p.m. n
UPCOMING MEETINGS n
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Tuesday, Oct. 10 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m.
Ellen A. Carraro, MD Abdominal Surgery Novant Health Bariatric Solutions 325 Hawthorne Lane, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-316-7760 Ohio State University, 2009
Tara Lynn Halpin, PA-C Neurological Surgery Novant Health Neurosurgery Specialists 330 Billingsley Road, Suite 202 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-316-3070 Seton Hall University, 2009
Christopher D. Corso, MD Radiation Oncology Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Road, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-7376 Emory University, 2012
Matthew C. Ward, MD Radiation Oncology Southeast Radiation Oncology Group 200 Queens Road, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-7376 Georgia Health Sciences University, 2012
Monday, Oct. 16 MCMS Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 Charlotte Dental Society meeting. Myers Park Country Club. 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon.
MCMS Members Inducted Into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Charlotte Radiology physicians Christopher G. Ullrich, MD, Robert Lackey, MD, Arl Van Moore, MD, and Dale Shaw, MD, were inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of their dedication to patients, teaching future physicians and improving health care for all North Carolinians. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors a North Carolina citizen can receive.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES OCTOBER 2017
Eat Together, Eat Better Month n Children’s Health Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month n Health Literacy Month Healthy Babies Month n Healthy Lung Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month n National Bullying Prevention Month National Chiropractic Month n National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month National Liver Awareness Month n National Physical Therapy Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month Talk About Your Medicines Month October 1-7: National Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2: Child Health Day October 10: World Mental Health Day October 9-13: National School Lunch Week October 15-21: International Infection Prevention Week October 15-21: National Health Education Week October 15-21: National Health Care Quality Week October 20: World Osteoporosis Day October 22-28: National Respiratory Care Week October 29: World Stroke Day
CHARLOTTE AHEC COURSE OFFERINGS
Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
OCTOBER 2017
Continuing Medical Education (CME) 10/13 10/15 10/17 10/21-22 10/24 10/27 10/27 Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online
CHS Pediatrics Symposium Planetree International Conference on Patient-Centered Care Schwartz Center Facilitation Workshops: New Haven, CT 29th Annual Fall Foliage Cancer Conference Heart Failure Patient Education for Primary Care Providers 12th Annual Charlotte Regional Neonatology Symposium 2nd Annual LGBTQ in Health Care Symposium: Journey to Connection! Breaking the Cycle: Opioid Series Electronic Medical Record on Trial: Risk Management for Nurses and Physicians Healthcare Communication Medical Genomics 101 MTAC Trauma Modules DOT Medical Examiners Course Protecting Your Patients From Air Pollution Risk Management: Patient Identification
For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 9
Committee News
-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 • meckmed@meckmed.org 1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 • 704-376
RE: HEALTHY SNACKS Dear Athletic Association Directors, Coaches and Parents, Thank you for always being eager to improve the health of
our student-athletes.
ting dehydration during vigorous play. PLAIN WATER The primary concern for young recreational athletes is preven given PRIOR to exercise, but be readily available during is the drink of choice for all athletes and should not only be in athletics and may provide calories that overshoot those participation. Sugar-sweetened sports beverages have NO role expended during exercise. ing reasons: Consider eliminating a snack during or after play for the follow meal or with any snack. next the at Electrolytes lost during exercise will be replenished or exceed the calories an athlete has just “burned.” out e balanc Snacks, including juices or sports drinks, frequently THY snack from the suggestions below: If you do plan to offer a group snack, consider selecting a HEAL DRINK: WATER is best apples, bananas CHOOSE: Fresh fruits — oranges, grapes, watermelon slices, es tomato cherry Vegetables — carrots, celery, bok choy, Raisins, dried apricots Low-fat dairy, such as string cheese Plain popcorn Baked chips or whole-grain crackers (limit portions) Low-fat granola bars D: AVOI 100% fruit juices (empty sugar calories) Sugar-sweetened sports drinks Sugar-containing soft drinks High-fat chips, cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, candy Energy bars (which often are full of sugar, caffeine and/or fat) If your team offers a snack, please plan ahead so items also Working with the community to improve the health of our
Child Health Committee Mecklenburg County Medical Society www.meckmed.org
10 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
enhance our athletes’ health!
youth,
At the Hospitals in research and clinical experience in lung cancer, as well as head and neck cancers, with special interest in geriatric oncology and disparities in cancer care. Novant Health Expands Cancer Services in Charlotte Novant Health Cancer Specialists announces the addition of three medical oncologists — Deborah Bradley, MD, Lilian Thomas-Harris, MD, and Obiageli Ogbata, MD — doubling their number of medical oncologists. Novant Health Cancer Specialists now has three locations: 1718 E. 4th St. in Charlotte, 1700 Matthews Township Pkwy. in Matthews, and 14135 Ballantyne Corporate Place in Charlotte. For more information, call 704-316-4485 or visit nhcancerspecialists.org. Dr. Bradley, after earning her medical degree and completing her internal medicine residency from the University of Cincinnati, was awarded a fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of Michigan. Bradley treats all cancer and hematology issues and has a special interest and expertise Deborah Bradley, MD in treatment of genitourinary cancers. She also has a special interest in investigation of novel approaches to cancer treatment through clinical trials. Dr. Thomas-Harris, after graduating medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, completed an internal medicine residency and a fellowship in hematology/ oncology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. ThomasLilian Thomas-Harris, MD Harris treats all types of cancer, but has a special interest in treating cancers of the lung, gastrointestinal tract, breast and hematologic malignancies. Dr. Ogbata attended medical school at the University of Nigeria and completed her internal medicine residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. She was awarded a fellowship in hematology/ oncology at the University Obiageli Ogbata, MD of Tennessee Health Science Center. Ogbata treats all cancer and hematology diseases and has a background n
Outpatient Substance Abuse Program Launches in Matthews Novant Health Psychiatric Recovery and Counseling, Novant Health’s first substance abuse intensive outpatient program in the Charlotte area, is accepting patients 18 and older. The program is led by therapist Patsy Shinn, LCSW, LCAS. Following an initial assessment, participants receive services primarily through group therapy, but also meet with Shinn individually Patsy Shinn, LCSW, LCAS for enhanced care. Groups are small, in order to ensure a patient-centered environment. The clinic is at 1401 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 320. Services are offered Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information or to refer a patient to Novant Health Psychiatric Recovery and Counseling, call 704-316-9064. n
OB/GYN Urgent Care Opens Offering After-Hours Care for Women Novant Health OB/GYN Urgent Care is now open in south Charlotte in the Waverly Medical Plaza. Providers specializing in women’s care treat those experiencing such issues as pregnancy concerns, irregular bleeding or menstruation problems, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and symptoms related to urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The clinic is at 11840 Southmore Drive, Suite 100, and can be reached at 704-316-4440. Hours Augustus Parker III, MD of operation are MondayFriday, 5-9 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Medical Director Augustus “Gus” Parker III, MD, has more than 30 years of experience in private practice. n
Novant Health Pediatric Endocrinology Opens Novant Health Pediatric Endocrinology is now open and staffed by boardcertified pediatric endocrinologist, n
Malaka B. Jackson, MD. Dr. Jackson completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She then completed both her residency and fellowship at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Jackson’s areas Malaka B. Jackson, MD of interest include treating children with diabetes, thyroid disorders and concerns with growth and puberty. The clinic is at 330 Billingsley Road, Suite 101, and can be reached at 704-316-5285. Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Opens Location in Monroe Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has opened an office inside the Novant Health Monroe Medical Plaza at 2000 Wellness Blvd., Suite 100. It is staffed by orthopedic surgeon Larry Martin Jr., MD, who also staffs an office Larry Martin Jr., MD in Mint Hill one day a week. Call 704-316-2338. Dr. Martin has expertise in: • all pathologies around the shoulder and knee • ACL reconstruction • meniscus surgery • rotator cuff repair • glenoid labrum surgery • shoulder arthroplasty • all orthopedic and sports-related injuries • shoulder replacement surgery. n
Save the Date!
MCMS Annual Meeting Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 n 6 p.m. Charlotte Country Club
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 11
At the Hospitals
We’ve Got Your Back: Virtual Behavioral Health For patients in 27 primary care practices, scheduling a virtual visit with a behavioral health expert can happen on the spot, without delay. During a mental health crisis, that can mean the difference between life or death in some cases. n
Virtual behavioral health visits fast facts: • 7,049 patients served virtually in 2016. • 2,400 patients currently under active management. • 21 primary care practices and six pediatric clinics with virtual behavioral health support. Patients participating in the program: • Have demonstrated a 50 percent improvement in depression symptoms. • Have demonstrated an 82 percent decrease in suicidality. • Have significant improvements in Hgb A1C and cholesterol levels. The Virtual Behavioral Health Team comprises licensed behavioral health providers, health coaches, pharmacists and psychiatrists. Transforming Migraine Management For most patients, it’s easy to underestimate the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. A new mobile app that uses a sensor technology called MigrnX™ automatically can capture and record multiple factors that can help lead to a better treatment plan, including factors like: • Light • Barometric pressure • Ambient noise • Weather • Location • Time “One of our patients told us she only suffered three migraines a month,” says George McLendon, PhD, vice n
president, CHS Therapeutics, Research and Development. “But after she began tracking occurrences with this app, she actually was having 19 migraines a month. Unfortunately, patient recall can be very unreliable when recording symptoms, and this app can be instrumental in recording important details to help determine the best treatment plan.” CHS physicians, especially neurologists, are now encouraging their patients to consider using the app. National Leader Named as New President of Children’s Services H. Stacy Nicholson, MD, MPH, joined Carolinas HealthCare System on August 31 as the new president of the children’s service line. He is the Sara H. Bissell and Howard C. Bissell endowed chair in pediatrics. Dr. Nicholson oversees all pediatric physicians at Levine Children’s Hospital, Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital and CHS pediatric practices. He works closely with CHS and hospital leaders on overall pediatrics strategies and approach, a very important role for the System. He has a track record as an innovative leader, who has developed worldclass clinical programs and demonstrated a true commitment to the communities in which he has lived and worked. Nicholson came to Charlotte from Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he was the physician-in-chief and led the medical specialty division, providing oversight to the hospital’s medical education initiatives and programs. He previously held faculty positions at Oregon Health & Science University and Children’s National Medical Center. A pediatric oncologist with expertise in brain tumors, new drug development and cancer survivorship, Nicholson has led and published results from clinical trials in pediatric oncology and studies of late effects and quality of life in cancer survivors. Nationally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Pediatrics and is the immediate past chair of its pediatric hematology/oncology sub-board. He also is keenly interested in faculty advancement, as well as improving the health of children and adolescents. n
12 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Congratulations to Paul D’Amico, DO Congratulations to Paul D’Amico, DO, who has been serving as chief medical officer at Carolinas HealthCare System Stanly and interim chief medical officer at Carolinas HealthCare System Union. Effective August 1, Dr. D’Amico now is the chief medical officer for the CHS Southeast Division, comprising the CHS Stanly, Union and Anson facilities. In his new role, D’Amico is responsible for medical staff interactions and initiatives, as well as oversight of all quality and patient safety work for those facilities. During his four years as the chief medical officer at Carolinas HealthCare System Stanly, he received an award from the North Carolina Quality Center as a PFA Champion. Prior to that, he served as the medical director of the SRMC Emergency Department at Apollo MD in Albemarle. D’Amico earned a bachelor of science degree from Florida State University and his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed a dual residency in internal medicine and emergency medicine at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Kennedy Health Systems, serving as the chief resident for both services. n
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible. Carolinas HealthCare System............................15 Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates....14 Charlotte Radiology........................................4, 14 Flagship Healthcare Properties............................ 6 LabCorp................................................Back Cover Novant Health........................................................ 2 Oncology Specialists of Charlotte.....................14 Parsec Financial..................................................... 4
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.
atulations r g n o C … TO THE 2017 TOP DOCTORS in Charlotte Magazine’s annual review who are members of Independent Physicians of the Carolinas!
Allergy and Immunology
Maeve O’Connor, MD, Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief Dermatology
Join Oncology Specialists of Charlotte (OSC) on October 15 for the inaugural Charlotte Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 5K Walk/Run. It will start at 8:30 a.m. in The Park Expo, 800 Briar Creek Road off Independence Boulevard. OSC is sponsoring the event and forming a team to walk or run to raise awareness and funds supporting patients in our community with multiple myeloma. You are invited to support the team by walking, running and/or donating for the cause by visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oncologycharlotte. For more information, visit https://walkrun.themmrf.org/charlotte. Matthews Internal Medicine is having an open house to celebrate its new state-of-the-art facility at 434 N. Trade St., Suite 104, in Matthews. The open house is November 2, 5-7 p.m. with a Matthews Chamber ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to tour the facility and meet Eugene Sangmuah, MD, and Eliza Sangmuah, MD, and staff. Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group of the Carolinas’ Lake Norman office is moving to 19900 W. Catawba Ave., Suite 201, in Cornelius, on October 30. Their phone/fax numbers have not changed.
Marc Darst, MD, Darst Dermatology David Schulman, MD, South Charlotte Dermatology Family Medicine Steven Bauer, DO, Ballantyne Medical Associates Dino Kanelos, MD, Carolina Family Healthcare William Larsen, MD, Northwest Family Physicians Gastroenterology Jason Wilson, MD, Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology Hematology James Boyd, MD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Internal Medicine Eugene Sangmuah, MD, Matthews Internal Medicine John Sensenbrenner, MD, Sensenbrenner Primary Care Neurology Kenneth Ashkin, MD, Mecklenburg Neurological Associates M. Reza Bolouri, MD, Alzheimer’s Memory Center Oncology James Boyd, MD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Justin Favaro, MD, PhD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Dipika Misra, MD, Oncology Specialists of Charlotte Pain Medicine Ratko Vujicic, MD, V Pain Clinic Physical Medicine Sharon Kanelos, MD, Integra Rehabilitation Physicians Sheila Natarajan, MD, Integra Rehabilitation Physicians Radiation Oncology Steven Plunkett, MD, Southeast Radiation Oncology
Welcome Kristen Lahm, PA-C, to Darst Dermatology. Born and raised in the Charlotte area, she graduated from Appalachian State University in 2013 with a degree in exercise science and minors in biology and psychology. She graduated from Wingate University in 2016 with a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Lahm enjoys spending time with her fiancé, weekend traveling and reading. She is a member of the Kristen Lahm, PA-C American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Association of Physician Assistants. Trivia answer from page 6: Rinderpest, a viral disease of cattle and other even-toed ungulates, was eradicated through vaccination in 2001. As there are some 1.5 billion cattle in the world, that’s a pretty impressive feat.
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 13
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Now offering DigniCapÂŽ to reduce hair loss in breast cancer patients For many patients, hair loss is a significant concern when facing chemotherapy. Oncology Specialists of Charlotte is pleased to offer cold cap therapy to combat hair loss caused by the effects of chemotherapy. The DigniCap cooling system by Dignitana is the first cold therapy to be cleared by the FDA. DigniCap cools the scalp prior to and during infusion, constricting vessels and reducing the amount of chemo that reaches hair follicles. Patients using DigniCap may still experience some hair shedding, but some retain enough hair to style.
Dipika Misra, MD Oncology Specialists of Charlotte
To learn more about the DigniCap cold therapy system we offer to our breast cancer patients, please call Dipika Misra, MD at 704-342-1900.
Advanced and experienced hematology and cancer care.
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2711 Randolph Rd., Suite 100 | Charlotte, NC 28207 7108 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Ste 102 | Charlotte, NC 28226
ONCOLOGYCHARLOTTE.COM | 704.342.1900
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Referrals Made Easy.
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Visit our referring provider web page to: Find a CEENTA Provider Download Referral Forms Register for Continuing Education Contact a Provider Liaison
ceenta.com/refer
Tim Adamson, MD
14 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
More cancer experts. More clinical trials.
More Hope. When you’re fighting cancer, more matters. More experts to choose from means you can find an oncologist who specializes in your type of cancer, no matter how rare. And access to more of the most promising cancer trials and latest treatments gives you the best chance of beating your disease. At Levine Cancer Institute, you get more. More experts. More clinical trials. And more hope for a future that’s cancer-free.
To make an appointment at one of our 25 locations across the Carolinas, visit
CarolinasHealthCare.org/MoreHope or call 704-512-6383
Mecklenburg Medicine • October 2017 | 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 the profession of medicine. Founders of: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, N.C. MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out
LabCorp Laboratory Corporation of America
PATIENT SERVICE CENTERS
Ballantyne Billingsley** Carmel** Cabarrus Charlotte Charlotte** Gastonia Stat Lab Huntersville Huntersville** Lake Norman Matthews Northridge* Pineville Rock Hill Salisbury** Shelby Statesville** University**
… for all of your laboratory testing needs
15830 John Delaney Drive 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 200A 5633 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100 478 Copperfield Blvd. 8401 Medical Plaza Dr, Ste 140 1718 E. 4th Street 660 Summitt Crossing, Suite 206 16525 Holly Crest Lane, Suite 250 10030 Gilead Road, Suite B100 134 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite 1147 5031-G West W.T. Harris Blvd. 10410 Park Road, Suite 450 2460 India Hook Road, Suite 101 601 Mocksville Avenue 809 N. Lafayette Street 1710-A Davie Avenue 10320 Mallard Creek Road
*Drug Screens only **Blood Draws only
16 | October 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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