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Y C A G E L G N I G N A H C E M A G A
. G N I K A M E H T IN
TriHealth and Xavier are continuing to change the game for years to come. After working with Xavier University for more than 20 years, TriHealth is proud to announce a new long-term affiliation that has the ability to deliver a full breadth of wellness to student-athletes, students, faculty, staff and alumni. Together, TriHealth and Xavier will continue to invest in the University by building a state-of-the-art Recreation and Wellness Center on campus and, with the support of Beacon Orthopaedics, embark on a major renovation of the Sports Medicine and Training Center. This new affiliation will give Xavier University game-changing care far into the future.
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TriHealth.com | 513 569 5400
#TriHealthGameChangers
1/24/17 9:05 AM 2/8/17 11:34
Mark C. Clement, President and CEO of TriHealth, announces the new affiliation with Xavier University.
Welcome to
Faces of TriHealth Meet a more personal side of 14 TriHealth physicians, and see how they’re changing the face of medicine in Cincinnati. TriHealth physicians are medical specialists, scientists and healers. They’re also real, caring people who are actively involved in the communities they serve. To help you get to know your doctors beyond the clinical setting, we’ve created Faces of TriHealth. Enjoy this supplement to Cincinnati Health & Life magazine. You’ll discover some surprising ways in which TriHealth doctors are helping to change the face of medicine and enrich lives in Cincinnati—from creating a place where people can play beach volleyball in the dead of winter to sharing musical talent to cycling across the country to raise funds for medical charities. While our physicians work as individuals to enhance our communities, TriHealth as an institution is doing the same. One example: our new affiliation with Xavier University, which puts TriHealth at the center of health and wellness for students, student-athletes, professors and other staff. Initial benefits of the 10-year agreement will include the construction of a health and recreation center on the university’s campus; enhanced comprehensive primary care on campus; expanded and more specialized clinical care and support services; advanced wellness programming, and new educational opportunities for students. In this issue of Faces of TriHealth, you’ll learn more about three physicians who, as part of their practices, work with Xavier students. Stephen Cleves, M.D., (page 14) is Medical Director for the university. Richard Okragly, M.D., (page 19) and Emily Dixon, D.O., (page 22) are both sports medicine specialists who provide care to Xavier student-athletes. We believe that caring for students, many of whom are living away from home for the first time, is an important part of making Cincinnati a better place. As Dr. Okragly says: “It’s rewarding to become a trusted resource to patients and a link back to their families.” We hope you enjoy getting to know our doctors a little better in the pages that follow. Look for other Faces of TriHealth profiles in the months ahead.
mark C. clement President and CEO, TriHealth Inc.
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Action this day! —Winston Churchill Not one to rest on his laurels, Mark is a firm believer in giving his all—at home, at work and at play.
Mark c. Clement TriHealth President & CEO Why a career in healthcare? It’s in my DNA. My dad and older brother were physicians, and I grew up in a family devoted to caring for others. Being able to fulfill this commitment through my career has been a privilege and an honor.
Favorite quote: “Action This Day!” Winston Churchill stamped that on memos to urge speedy resolution. It’s a great motto for living.
Last book you read: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder. This inspiring true story is about a physician’s quest to bring modern medicine to remote peoples around the globe.
What do you do for fun? Besides spending time with my family, I love outdoor activities, especially cycling, running, mountain climbing and hiking. Little known fact about you: I’m a carpenter, and put myself through college by building houses.
Your hometown: Cincinnati! I was born and raised right here, and did both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Xavier University.
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Fascinated by hearts & strings When not working to fix patients’ hearts, Dr. Ghazi makes music— from classical to foot-stompin’ bluegrass.
Freidoon Ghazi, M.D. Cardiovascular Disease TriHealth Physician Partners Why cardiology? I’ve always been fascinated with the heart. It’s a marvelous creation. No engineer could come close to creating anything like it. My interest is in heart failure—figuring out what can go wrong and how to fix it.
What’s your passion? At the age of eight, I began playing violin. My mom was my first teacher, then I attended the Tehran Conservatory of Music, where I trained in both Persian and western classical music. In 1987, I founded the Cincinnati Persian Music Ensemble. We still give a concert every year. I also play fiddle in a bluegrass band—I love to play The Devil Went Down to Georgia for live performances!
Your hometown: I grew up and went to medical college in Tehran. In 1979 I left Iran for Louisville, where I completed my medical residency, then went on to the Cleveland Clinic for a cardiology fellowship. Now, I’ve lived in Cincinnati for 30 years. #1 health tip: Listen to music—studies have proven that it has real health benefits.
Favorite travel destination: I have two: Europe, where I take a yearly vacation, and Croatia, where I go on an annual medical mission.
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Riding to heal To raise funds for medical charities, Dr. Moody took the ride of his life—and loves what he learned along the way.
Douglas Moody, M.D. Family Medicine TriHealth Physician Partners What is your passion? I’m an avid cyclist and bicycle racer. Last spring I participated in a cross-country ride to raise money for international medical charities. We started in San Diego and rode 80 miles a day, six days a week until we reached the Delaware coast—a 3,300-mile trek. Best part of the ride: At night we camped, or slept in community centers, firehouses or churches. We “begged” for nearly every evening meal. Complete strangers opened their homes and wallets to host us for dinner or buy us groceries. It was truly an immersion in good. With the money raised, we sent Ohio State nursing students to East Africa to teach infant respiratory techniques to local midwives. We also sent money to a high-risk obstetrics practice in the Peruvian Andes. The ride recharged me and made me even more passionate about providing care to everyone, especially those without access.
Last place you went on vacation: Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and Seattle. Favorite charity: Partners for Belize. Every year we go to Belize for a week to provide surgical and primary care in a number of small towns.
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Empathy guides these partners With nine children between them, including twins and triplets, Drs. Mittiga and DeMarco use both professional and personal experience to help patients.
Kristen DeMarco, M.D. Pediatrics TriHealth Physician Partners Why pediatrics? Because I love the resilience and helpfulness of children. I also love the truly personal aspect of working with kids and parents. It’s such a fun job and directly taps into who I am. As I was finishing my residency, I had triplets, which changed everything. I was slated to be chief resident, but decided to step away for seven months to focus on my babies. Being a parent has helped me develop tremendous empathy for my patients and their parents. I’ve dedicated myself to working hand-in-hand with parents to determine the best care for their children. Last place you vacationed: We took our kids to a working dude ranch. We weren’t horse people when we arrived, but we certainly love them now! How do you spend your spare time? With four school-age children, I’m essentially an unpaid Uber driver. I love being engaged with my kids through their sports and interests.
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Heather Mittiga, M.D.
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Pediatrics TriHealth Physician Partners Why pediatrics? I really love connecting with families and helping them parent and care for their children. I enjoy providing preventive care to keep kids healthy, but also providing support when they need us most—when they’re sick. I’m a mother of five, including one set of twins, and that experience is extremely useful! Last good book read: Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. It’s a World War II novel and I’m a fan of historical fiction.
#1 health tip: I recommend that parents spend time talking with their kids every day. That means face-to-face conversation with no distractions for all kids, from newborns to 18-year-olds. Even just five minutes a day will help create a healthy relationship between parents and children.
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Creating the beach life in Loveland To cure the wintertime blues, Dr. Fackler heads to his family business: an indoor beach-volleyball center.
Jon Fackler, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology TriHealth Physician Partners How do you spend your spare time? With five children, there was a period when we really didn’t have any free time. Now my wife and I own Grand Sands in Loveland. It was Cincinnati’s first indoor and outdoor multi-court sand-volleyball facility. I spend a fair amount of time managing the business. When it’s 3 degrees outside, it’s a really fabulous place to come and strip down to your shorts, relax with friends and play volleyball.
Last good book read: I constantly read, and I listen to audio books while biking. My favorite book lately is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. It’s a fictional account of twin brothers who are surgeons. Favorite charity: I serve on the board for First Step Home, which is an addictiontreatment center in Cincinnati that allows children, up to the age of 12, to live with their mothers while they’re in treatment.
Favorite quote: “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” — Maria Robinson.
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Spreading cheer through music In addition to working with veterans charities, Dr. Kaya spends his spare time playing in an accordion band.
James Kaya, M.D. Internal Medicine GE Family Wellness Center managed by TriHealth Last place you vacationed: My parents are both from Hawaii, so I enjoy going back there every few years.
Little known fact about you: I play accordion with Squeeze Play, a local accordion band. I started playing when I was 6 years old, but gave it up after medical school. I didn’t play for about 25 years. As my kids got older, I picked it back up and joined the band. We play at Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati every year, as well as a number of regional festivals, nursing homes and weddings. We do about 30 performances a year, plus weekly practice. #1 health tip: Stay active. Find a hobby you like, and use that to stay active. Even playing the accordion helps burn calories! Being involved in any type of music—playing, singing or even listening—can positively impact your physical and mental health.
Favorite local charity: I help support two veterans groups—the Disabled Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. I’m excited that through my work with the Cincinnati VA Hospital, I get to be involved in the upcoming national wheelchair games hosted in Cincinnati this summer.
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Cincinnati through and through Dr. Cleves loves taking care of Cincinnatians—from his own patients to Xavier students to Reds players.
Stephen Cleves, M.D. Internal Medicine TriHealth Physician Partners Hometown: I was born in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, attended St. Xavier High School, Xavier University for undergrad and the University of Cincinnati for medical school. I am Cincinnati through and through.
Dr. Cleves
Why internal medicine? Primary care was always my first love. Being a PCP is about relationships, and I was drawn to the long-term partnerships I can make with patients in my practice. But I also like looking at the bigger picture and enjoy being Board Chair of TriHealth Physician Partners, as well as Medical Director for Xavier University. I could not tie anything more personal into my life than being able to combine medicine with Xavier! I’m excited about the new state-of-theart health and wellness facility TriHealth is partnering with Xavier to build on campus. My vision is to ensure that students and faculty can receive as much care as possible on campus so they spend less time away from school. Favorite sport: I’m a big sports guy. I play a lot of golf. I have season tickets to the Bengals and to Xavier basketball. I’m starting my 18th season as primary care provider for the Cincinnati Reds. I see all of the staff and players, provide all spring-training physicals, and am in the clubhouse on a regular basis during the season. Favorite movie: I’m a sappy guy. I love musicals. My favorites are The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof and White Christmas.
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A passion for people Though her first calling is patient care, showing dogs has given Dr. McCoy many gifts, from the love of loyal pets to the joy of making new friends.
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Peggy McCoy, M.D. Internal Medicine TriHealth Physician Partners Little known fact about you: For 25 years, I’ve trained and shown Rhodesian ridgebacks. My involvement with dogs has taken me all across the country, and given me the opportunity to meet many new friends from all walks of life. That experience really helps me relate to my patients. Favorite movie: Sea Biscuit. It’s such an inspiring story: a little horse that nobody but his owners thought much of, and he makes it big.
Why internal medicine? I feel it’s a vocation to be an internist. You have to have a passion for seeing patients, and I truly do.
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Strength, service and song Full-time oncologist and family man. Part-time spiritual band guitarist. Sharing the joys of music, faith and community keeps Dr. Jones smiling.
Jason Jones, M.D. Medical Oncology TriHealth Physician Partners Where did you grow up? Greenville, Ohio. I went to Xavier University, then to medical school at University of Toledo. Both my residency and fellowship were at Mayo Clinic. Why oncology? I discovered that I can make a real, immediate difference in someone’s life through oncology. Even if I can’t cure their disease, I can take care of their pain or nausea, and that instantly makes a person’s day better. What is your passion? I love participating in my parish because of the sense of community and belonging to a greater good. Three of my children go to school there, and I spend a lot of time volunteering. I’ve done everything from coaching fast-pitch softball to working at the annual church festival. Overall, my parish community not only supports me spiritually, it helps me provide the best care possible to my patients.
Little-known fact about you: I’ve played guitar for 22 years, and play every Sunday at Mass. Most of the musicians are professionals, and it’s great fun playing together.
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The apple didn’t fall very far Inspired by her grandfather, Dr. Enaker views family medicine as a special calling.
Reena Enaker, M.D. Family Medicine/Urgent Care TriHealth Physician Partners Your hometown: I’m a small-town Kentucky girl, born in Danville and raised in Mt. Sterling. I once lived in Nashville, but it didn’t spark me. Give me Cincinnati any day! Why family medicine? When I was 15, I visited my grandparents in India. My grandfather practiced general medicine from his home, and I witnessed lines out the door until 11 p.m. every night. Many of his patients could not pay, but he still treated them. I saw the true impact of compassionate care and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Favorite quote: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Little known fact about you: Food and travel are my passions. My last trip was to San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma, and my next trip will be to Argentina and Chile.
Favorite breakfast: A chocolate croissant in one hand and a mimosa in the other—on a beach!
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Why not take the stairs? A self-described Parrothead promotes changes in attitudes toward fitness.
Richard Okragly, M.D. Family Medicine & Sports Medicine TriHealth Physician Partners What do you like best about sports medicine? I provide nonsurgical orthopedic care to student-athletes at Xavier University, Mount St. Joseph University and Norwood High School. Often collegiate athletes are living away from home for the first time. It’s rewarding to become a trusted resource to patients and a link back to their families.
Sports you most enjoy playing: Golf and volleyball. I’m not an especially good golfer, but I really enjoy the outdoor surroundings.
Little known fact about you: I’m an official Parrothead, having seen nearly two dozen Jimmy Buffett shows over the years. In college I actually won Buffett tickets by singing a song live on air during a radio contest. #1 health tip: Take the stairs instead of the elevator. That’s just one example of easy little ways to become more active in daily life. Favorite quote: “Laughter is the best medicine.”
Favorite breakfast: Breakfast for dinner!
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Finding rewards in the E.R. Dr. Patton and Dr. Oblinger enjoy both the rewards and challenges of providing care to patients in the moment they need it.
Phillip Oblinger, M.D. Emergency Medicine TriHealth Physician Hospital Organization What do you like best about emergency medicine? No two days are the same, and the work is frequently challenging. Plus, there’s a lot of immediate gratification when people get better quickly.
What are your hobbies? Spending time with family, playing baseball, gardening and painting. And I’m a big Reds fan! Last good book read: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. It’s a fascinating look at Appalachian culture, and it’s set in the Cincinnati area.
Last place you vacationed: Italy and Sicily. #1 health tip: Establish a relationship with a primary care physician. A lot of people we see in the emergency department don’t have one. It becomes a passion for us to help them find the right doctor.
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Kenneth Patton, D.O. Emergency Medicine TriHealth Physician Hospital Organization Why emergency medicine? I like the challenge of seeing patients of all ages and treating all conditions. Being able to see patients at the beginning and providing care in the moment that they need it is tremendously satisfying.
What do you do in your spare time? I love to be with my kids, as well as scuba diving and surfing— I completed my undergrad studies in Hawaii.
Little known fact about you: I was a competitive NCAA diver in college and trained with many Olympic athletes. #1 health tip: Wear your seat belt and wear your helmet. We’d see less injury if everyone followed that advice. Favorite song: If I Had a Million Dollars by Barenaked Ladies.
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Driven to compete Curious, caring and constantly on the go, Dr. Dixon is energized by her work with student-athletes.
Emily Dixon, D.O. Sports Medicine TriHealth Physician Partners Why did you become a physician? I was inspired by my mom, who, as a lawyer and mother of five kids under 8, decided to switch careers and attend medical school. I was always drawn to science, and I loved being able to join in on her anatomy classes.
What drew you to sports medicine? My passion for athletics. Knee injuries derailed my soccer career in college, but ultimately helped me appreciate the studentathlete’s perspective as a patient.
Little known facts about you: Being from Missouri, I’m a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan and a St. Louis Cardinals fan.
#1 health tip: Set small fitness goals. Say, “I will walk for 15 minutes today,” not, “l will lose 50 lbs.” Favorite ways to relax: I read three to five books a week. If I’m stressed, I go for a run or do Pilates.
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Mark your calendar and plan to join us for our
To learn more about these upcoming events, call
2017 SPECIAL EVENTS
/BASEBALL101
/DATENIGHT
/YOGA
(513) 765-7237 or visit
/EVENTS
THURS. JUNE 15, 2017
FRI. AUG. 4, 2017
SAT. AUG. 26, 2017
Subject to change.
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This wasn’t just a case of stage fright. This was Bob giving a toast at the company picnic when he started to show signs of a stroke.
Emergency care near you:
You’re more than just a patient, and we’re more than just an ER. Bob was really looking forward to recognizing this year’s outstanding team members at the company picnic. Instead, his VP recognized the warning signs of a stroke as soon as Bob took the mic—confusion, slurred speech, loss of balance. Immediately, Bob was rushed to one of our stroke-ready emergency departments where the type of stroke he was having was quickly pinpointed along with the best treatment options. And with award-winning nurses and specially trained physicians by Bob’s side, next year’s picnic was in the bag.
Bethesda North Hospital 10500 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 (Located on Montgomery near Pfeiffer)
513 865 1112
Bethesda Butler Hospital 3075 Hamilton-Mason Road Hamilton, OH 45011 (Located near Bypass 4 and Highway 129)
513 894 8888
Bethesda Arrow Springs 100 Arrow Springs Boulevard Lebanon, OH 45036 (Located off I-71 on Ohio 48)
513 282 7000
To learn more, visit TriHealth.com/emergency
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