WV Physician Magazine Volume 6, Issue 1

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1 2 015

The Magazine for Health Care Professionals

The New CAMC Cancer Center 110,000 square feet of cancer fighting power WVP_Vol6_Issue1.indd 1

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Our highly-trained urologists cover nearly every discipline within the field of urology

Specializing in complex and common urological conditions: Cancer (Bladder, Kidney, Prostate) • Minimally-invasive prostate and kidney cancer surgery (robotic surgery) • Partial and radical nephrectomy (robotic surgery) • Prolaris® testing for prostate cancer • Cysview® technology to detect bladder cancer Stone Center • Stone disease and lithotripsy • Minimally-invasive kidney stone removal • Medical management and prevention of stone disease Pelvic Floor Center • Male and female incontinence • Bowel and bladder disorders • Minimally-invasive treatment for pelvic-floor prolapse and urinary fistula reconstruction • Urethral reconstruction/management of stricture disease Other Urologic Care • Pediatric urology • Erectile dysfunction • Urology laser surgery • Vasectomy • Male infertility and andrology • Sexual dysfunction and impotence • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) therapy • Advanced laparoscopic surgery/da Vinci Surgical System

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Samuel Deem, DO, fellowship trained in urologic oncology Joshua Lohri, DO, fellowship trained in reconstructive urology R. N. Haricharan, MD, pediatric surgeon fellowship trained in urology James P. Tierney, DO, specializing in robotic and general urology Ryan H. Fitzwater, DO, specializing in kidney stones, bladder control and general urology Frederick Martinez, MD, FACS, specializing in all aspects of general urology Anthony Sibley, MD, specializing in all aspects of general urology

Now accepting patients. | (304) 388-1900 | camc.org/Urology

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Category Contents

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COVER STORY

The new CAMC Cancer Center

110,000 square feet of cancer-fighting power

Features

Hospital News

6 Treating

and Tweeting Examining Social Media Policies in the Healthcare Practice

9 Cabell Huntington Hospital 10 Charleston Area Medical Center 12 Davis Health System

8 WVU’s

Department of Radiation Oncology provides Cutting Edge Radiation Therapy

14 Marshall University Medical School 16 Mon General 16 Preston Memorial

COVER PHOTO: Front row (L to R): Robert Oldham, MD; Brian Plants, MD; Steven Jubelirer, MD; Ali Sayed, MD. Second row (L to R): Ahmed Khalid, MD; Lewis Whaley, DO; Prem Raja, MD. Third row (L to R): Justin Cohen, MD; Arun Nagarajan, MD; Terence Rhodes, MD. Back row (L to R): Lloyd Farinash, MD; James Frame, MD. Not pictured: Michael Harmon, MD

Although every precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials. WV Physician Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts expressed by its authors. ©2015, Austin Development Company, LLC dba WV Physician. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

18 Thomas Health Systems 19 University Healthcare 19 WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences

Send press releases and all other related information to: WV Physician Magazine Post Office Box 11311 Charleston, WV 25339 Contact us at 866-844-7376, or submit via email to: info@wvphysician.net Visit us on the web at: www.WVPhysician.net Volume 6 - Issue 1 • 2015

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Cover Story Category

The new CAMC Cancer Center:

110,000 square feet of cancer-fighting power Light pours into the new building from every angle and highlights each architectural curve. From the moment you enter the soaring lobby with its abundance of artwork, you’ll realize that the CAMC Cancer Center has been thoughtfully designed to inspire hope – and perfectly outfitted to facilitate healing.

“Patient care is what we’re all about.

That’s our mission, and that’s what we are here for, first and foremost,” said James Frame, MD, CAMC oncologist and medical director of the CAMC Cancer Center.

“When you walk through the door, there is a sense of purpose,” said Arun Nagarajan, MD, CAMC oncologist. “The natural light is uplifting. There is new hope. The building is inspiring – it’s going to be a beacon of hope for the community.”

“Some constraints that we had in the previous facility were space for our staff as well as convenience for our patients,” Frame said. “As we’ve grown to meet the mission of serving our community, our staff has grown to meet those challenges.”

Living the mission In keeping with CAMC’s mission of striving to provide the best health care to every patient, every day, the new Cancer Center has been built to do just that.

Frame said the need for a new center had been evident for quite some time.

But the challenges of trying to serve the needs of an ever-increasing population seeking cancer services in a facility the program had long outgrown had become too great. So it was time for a change.

CAMC employees responded in force by contributing about $570,000 toward the $50 million dollar cancer center through the CAMC Foundation’s Power of Many fundraising campaign.

“This is not just a building with CAMC’s name on it,” said Gail Pitchford, president of the CAMC Foundation. “Employees rallied behind this cause. They believed in it so passionately and so deeply that they gave from their own pockets to give those fighting the greatest fight of their lives the best possible chance for survival.”

“This is a testament to our employees’ dedication,” said CAMC CEO and President Dave Ramsey of CAMC employees, who routinely go above and beyond the call of duty when help is needed. “We had a vision; they helped make it a reality.”

The CAMC Cancer Center is located in Kanawha City at 3415 MacCorkle Ave. SE in Charleston across from CAMC Memorial Hospital’s main campus.

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The Vital Role of Research “We do a lot of research at the cancer center with all varieties of cancer: lung, breast, colon, lymphomas, leukemia,” said Steven Jubelirer, MD, CAMC oncologist and senior scientist of the CAMC Institute.

The 32-chair infusion area allows patients to receive therapy privately, with others, or even outdoors on the Cancer Center’s terrace.

The center’s healing garden, which greets visitors at the entrance, is dedicated to the hundreds of employees who helped make the cancer center a reality.

A breath of fresh air The contrast between the old and the new cancer center is dramatic in every respect. Lack of space in the former facility often meant that patients had to visit multiple offices and various buildings while undergoing treatment.

The new center brings comprehensive services to one beautiful, spacious, convenient place. From diagnostics, radiology, chemotherapy and infusion to pharmacy, dietary counseling and psychological support – it’s all there.

“The opportunity to work more closely in a team-focused fashion is greatly enhanced at the new center,” Frame said.

The differences between the old and new locations are especially evident in the areas dedicated to IV treatments. The old building located at CAMC Memorial Hospital didn’t allow for much privacy or more than one or two visitors to accompany patients during treatment. Personal belongings had to be stacked on the floor. Nurses literally had to step over obstacles at times while performing their duties. But that has all changed at the new center.

Spacious, sunlit rooms; treatment areas equipped with multiple chairs to allow communal therapy sessions; room for family and friends to sit privately with patients during therapy; and perhaps best of all, a second-floor outdoor terrace where patients can opt to receive therapy while enjoying the sun or soothing breezes give patients and their loved ones a welcoming, comfortable environment.

At the ground level, a beautifully landscaped healing garden provides an area for meditation and reflection. Inside, a multipurpose room for support groups and education sessions is positioned with an ideal view of the garden. The first-floor entrance via the grand lobby features a boutique – complete with pedicure stations and massage tables – as well as a fireplace, piano and spacious waiting areas. The lobby also provides access to the Outtakes Café, where snacks and small, fresh meals will be available daily.

Personal assistance, every step of the way A cancer diagnosis – and figuring out what to do next – is overwhelming and life-changing.

From the physicians to the patient navigators to the nursing staff, the entire team at the CAMC Cancer Center helps guide

Jubelirer explained that in addition to industry-sponsored studies to research diagnoses, drug therapies and molecular markers to predict treatment response, CAMC also works in tandem with the National Cancer Institute. But looking ahead is only one component of research that’s necessary in treating cancer and delivering good outcomes.

“We also have evaluated our treatment of various cancers to see whether we’re following the national Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in terms of patients who have had their cancers removed surgically, whether they receive preventive chemotherapy or not,” Jubelirer said. “We’ve reviewed our breast cancer cases.

We’ve collaborated with the State Cancer Registry, and we’ve done three or four studies with them.

We’ve looked at elderly patients in the last five or six years, the patterns of malignancies and the most common malignancies. We also did a study that’s not yet published looking at the delay between diagnosis in breast cancer patients in the state of West Virginia and the time of first treatment. We’ve collaborated with the State Cancer Registry on a study looking at lung cancer, what determines long-term survival and that the patterns of care in women are different from those in men. And we’re involved with a study at West Virginia University in Morgantown looking at patients with kidney cancer. The research is non-stop.”

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CAMC only hospital in WV to earn Outstanding Cancer Achievement Award The Commission on Cancer has recognized CAMC with its Outstanding Achievement Award. This award is given to cancer centers that meet every standard plus accomplish the commendation level of performance for all seven possible commendations. In order to be awarded, the facility had to have perfect scoring for all three years of the survey period. CAMC is the only hospital in West Virginia to achieve this award in 2014. and support patients and their loved ones from the very beginning, assisting them with all aspects of treatment and care.

“The center is comprehensive, so whatever the patient needs we can handle – conveniently and quickly,” said Bev Farmer, clinical practice administrator.

“Whether it’s pre-certification of insurance, in-house labs, pharmacy or infusion therapy, we’ll take care of it all.”

Carrie Wines, RN, patient navigator, said

the new center provides patients and families with an abundance of resources, along with the comfort and care they deserve.

“In 10 years, we’ll look back and remember that we started out in a tiny space and then grew into this amazing center,” Wines said. “The new facility will allow us to continue to grow and provide better and more services, and it will create ease for the patients and their families throughout their journey.”

Listening and responding With input from staff, donors and patients, the CAMC Cancer Center took shape as a place of accessibility, convenience, hope and healing. Close to home, friends and family, technologically-advanced and aesthetically pleasing, it’s clear that this center was built for patients, some of whom contributed to this article.

Lillian Mills, breast cancer survivor, noted the compassionate care she received and continues to receive at CAMC. “I think it’s the best. If anybody has to go through it (cancer), the CAMC staff is caring and loving. I’m looking forward to seeing them in the new place where they’ll be able to do an even better job

with patients,” she said.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep fighting,” said Samuel Samples, currently in treatment for an aggressive form of cancer. He says the CAMC staff refuses to let him despair. “They don’t let you give up – they hold my hand, and they’re there for me.”

Samples said that when he went out of state for a second opinion, he was told to “go back home; you’re already receiving the best care.” He added, “Being close to home means everything.”

Amy Smith has her hands full with a large family that includes four children. But she faced the challenge of a lifetime two years ago when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma – an aggressive form of breast cancer. While she squared off to fight it with all of her strength, she was momentarily taken aback when she saw the small, congested infusion therapy area at the current facility.

“The cancer treatment bays were so tiny, there was barely enough space for a guest. More space was absolutely critical to the needs of cancer patients,” Smith said.

The CAMC Cancer Center brings together an expert team of medical oncologists/hematologists, radiation oncologists, and specialists in breast, brain, urological, colorectal and gynecological cancer, among others. Front row (L to R): Roberto Kusminsky, MD; Ali Sayed, MD; Lloyd Farinash, MD; Ahmed Khalid, MD; Lana Christiano, MD; Terence Rhodes, MD; Steven Jubelerir, MD; Michael Shiano, MD; Justin Cohen, MD. Back row (L to R): John Orphanos, MD; James Frame, MD; Lewis Whaley, DO; Todd Witsberger, MD; Prem Raja, MD; Samuel Deem, MD; Arun Nagarajan, MD; Brian Plants, MD; Robert Oldham, MD

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CAMC Cancer Center

Carries Wines, RN, sits with breast cancer patient, Amy Smith, during her chemotherapy treatment.

She said throughout her treatment, CAMC staff became her champions – and friends.

“On the last day of my treatment, my nurses came in and we sang Katy Perry’s Roar. We cranked up the music in our little room, and they sang with me, my husband got video footage of it, and we celebrated. We celebrated!”

Advanced radiation therapy and comprehensive services Treating cancer cannot happen without advanced technology.

State-of-theart radiation oncology services are provided through a joint venture between CAMC, Charleston Radiation Therapy Consultants (CRTC) and Alliance Oncology, an industry leader in radiation oncology services across the country.

“This partnership elevates the level of care available to patients,” said Lewis Whaley, DO, CRTC radiation oncologist. “Certain advancements in cancer radiation therapy have shortened treatment time and reduced some side effects – it’s all part of the latest technology available at the new center. Together, we’ll be

integrating the patient’s care to make treatment seamless and will ensure that CAMC continues to be a leader in oncology care.”

Radiation oncology services will be located on the first floor of the cancer center once installation of all-new equipment is completed in the fall of 2015.

Also located on the first floor of the cancer center is a private entrance to an elevator that will take patients to the Breast Center on the third floor, which relocated from Women and Children’s Hospital. The Breast Center provides services including mammograms, and when needed, breast biopsies and consultations with breast surgeons, in one central location.

Helping patients find answers – and hope Cancer turns a person’s world upside down. Patients have a million questions, fears and concerns, and they turn to their physician for guidance and support.

“It’s very important for physicians to listen carefully to patients and family members because it gives the health care team a

Services Infusion Radiology Radiation oncology Medical oncology Oncological surgery Chemotherapy Outpatient pharmacy Dietary counseling Patient navigators Financial navigators Breast Center Clinical trials Amenities Wig Shop Boutique (manicure, pedicure, massage) Healing garden Café Outdoor terrace Multipurpose room better understanding in meeting patients’ needs,” Frame said. “Sometimes we need to be the scientist, sometimes we need to be the minister, sometimes we need to be the therapist. We need to bring all of these things together, from the cancer biologist to the caring person to touching people’s hearts and helping them find hope and a way forward.”

Nagarajan added, “When you see the suffering the patients go through, you want to make them better. You want to take their pain away, so you work hard for it.”

“This cancer center has been developed with patients, families and the community in mind,” Ramsey said. “We hope someday that cancer will be a distant memory, but until then, we’re here for whoever needs us.”

For more information about the CAMC Cancer Center, call (304) 388-8380.

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Social Media

Treating and Tweeting

Examining Social Media Policies in the Healthcare Practice An outbreak of social media activity has plagued the workplace in recent years, and healthcare employers have not been immune.

Social media communications are seemingly Caleb P. Knight 1 contagious, as popular outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn continue to add subscribers and users at a staggering rate. For the healthcare employer, the risks associated with employee “sharing” through social media communications are heightened by federal and state privacy laws protecting patient health information – most notably the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).2 The practical tips and guidance below are prescribed as an “ounce of prevention” to assist in the implementation of an effective and legal social media policy for the healthcare workplace.

Any effort to implement a social media policy must strike a balance between competing concerns: effectiveness and lawfulness. If a policy is too lenient (or non-existent), it can invite abuse and expose the employer to liability for employee violations of federal and state privacy laws such as the HIPAA. By comparison, a policy that is too strict can have a chilling effect on the workplace; it can lead employees to harbor feelings of mistrust or alienation towards the employer. The practical and legal implications of the HIPAA on social media policies are examined below.

However, it is equally important to understand that social media activity can implicate other penalties arising under state privacy laws, private causes of action for privacy violations, investigation by state medical boards and resulting penalties, monetary and nonmonetary, and the suspension or termination

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of medical licensure, depending on the applicable laws of the employer’s jurisdiction. By way of example, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) has been interpreted as prohibiting the policing of certain social media communications for unionized employers.3 HIPAA Employers that fit within the definition of “covered entities” or “business associates” under the HIPAA, including most healthcare providers and their workforces, are generally prohibited from using or disclosing protected health information without a written authorization from the individual to whom the information pertains.4 Under this standard, in order to use or disclose a patient’s information without obtaining the patient’s consent, the disclosed information must be for treatment, payment or healthcare operations or otherwise as permitted or required by the Privacy Rule.5 An employer can be liable for the conduct of an employee when the employee is acting within the scope of employment, which means that an employer can be liable for an unauthorized disclosure of a patient’s protected health information by an employee on a social networking site. Potential violations of the HIPAA can arise in a variety of ways. In one seemingly innocent example, a couple of enterprising nurses began using Facebook to provide unauthorized shift change updates to their coworkers. In a more startling example, a paramedic posted details about a rape victim on his MySpace page in sufficient detail that the victim’s identity (and the subsequent police investigation) were compromised.6 Although no HIPAA penalties resulted from the disclosed information, the victim’s resulting civil complaint alleged that the employer had negligently hired, trained, and supervised the paramedic.7

The penalties involved in HIPAA disclosures can be substantial. An employer’s failure to comply with the HIPAA can result in civil and criminal penalties.8 HIPAA violations can result in monetary penalties in wide-ranging amounts, from $100 to $50,000 per violation (and up to $1.5 million within a single year).9 State attorneys general now have the ability to bring civil actions on behalf of state residents,10 and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conducted a series of training courses to encourage these types of actions in 2011.11 The damages recoverable on behalf of state residents in such actions are $100 per violation up to $25,000 per calendar year.12 Recommendations Against this background, the following threepart approach is recommended: 1.Revise the Employee Handbook The employee handbook must be revised to incorporate clearly written and well-defined social media policies and procedures that dictate how employees should protect patient information. No healthcare employer can safely assume that its employees understand how to protect patient information in the absence of such policies. An effective social media policy must emphasize the compliance responsibilities of the employer both within the workplace and after hours, whether using the employer’s computer systems or using a network at home.

A social media policy should accomplish the following: a. Emphasize and recite standards regarding patient privacy and confidentiality; b. Emphasize and recite standards regarding employer confidentiality; c. Recommend privacy settings to safeguard personal information and social media content;

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Social Media d. Prohibit all social media communications regarding patients, even in very general terms; e.

Prohibit social media communications regarding conditions, treatments, and research regarding patients, except in very general terms; f. Prohibit, in narrow terms, any social media communications regarding confidential or proprietary information about the employer; g. Prohibit the combining of personal and professional social media accounts, activity, content, and communications (i.e. accepting patients as “friends”); h. Prohibit the taking of photos or videos of patients with personal devices; i.

Require the prompt reporting of any breach (or suspected breach) of privacy or confidentiality.

In addition, a stand-alone acknowledgement (in addition to the employment handbook acknowledgment) is recommended following distribution of a social media policy. Employers should require employees to acknowledge receiving and reading the social media

policy. The employee handbook remains the most effective measure against employee misuse of social media.

2. Engage in Employee Training Many healthcare employers are familiar with “in-service” type training, and implementation of a social media policy should involve a similarly robust training program. Healthcare employee training should already include the HIPAA, but employees can be quick to overlook the intersection of protected health information and social media. Employees need to understand the importance of protecting patient information through specific examples; they need to understand that certain information related to the healthcare practice has to stay within the walls of the practice. Practical guidance and examples are necessary to enable a fuller understanding of the consequences of an unauthorized disclosure. An employer can never assume that employees understand the substantial risks involved.

3. Actively Police Compliance Finally, every healthcare employer must play an active role in policing employee compli-

ance with its social media policy. It is not enough to implement a clearly written and well-defined social media policy if the employer does not actively enforce it. Employees should be reminded, among other things, not to post information about patients on any social media outlet, not to take pictures of patients, charts, or x-rays, and not to share confidential information. All employers should actively police compliance by looking for reasons to remind employees of their obligations and enforcing the policy when appropriate.

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Caleb P. Knight is a healthcare, employment, and transactional attorney practicing with Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia.

2 45 C.F.R. § 164.502.

3 “NLRB.gov.” The NLRB and Social Media. Web. 24 Oct. 2014. <http:// www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/fact-sheets/nlrb-and-social-media>.

4 45 C.F.R. § 164.502.

5 Id. 6 Jane Doe v. Simon P. Green, Case No. 0704-04734, Circuit Court for the State of Oregon, Multnomah County.

7 Id. 8 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5.

9 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-6.

10 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5.

11 “HIPAA Enforcement Training for State Attorney General - United States Department of Health and Human Services.” Web. 24 Oct. 2014. <http://www.hhshipaasagtraining.com/>.

12 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5(d)(2).

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www.flahertylegal.com

Experienced Specialists.

Trusted Hospitals. Expert Care.

As one of the largest multi-specialty groups in West Virginia, CAMC Physicians Group brings together nearly 100 doctors at physician practices, CAMC hospitals and multi-specialty clinics in Charleston, Teays Valley and surrounding counties with one goal: to provide easy access to high quality care.

At Charleston Area Medical Center, we are able to provide the most advanced technology you expect along with the personalized care that your patients deserve.

Our growing scope of specialties includes: Bariatric Surgery Cardiology Cardiothoracic Surgery Dentistry Fertility General & Vascular Surgery Hospitalists Maxillofacial Surgery Neurology

Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopedic Surgery Orthopedic Trauma Pediatric ENT Pediatric Neurology Pediatric Surgery Plastic Surgery Urology

To learn more about our physicians, services and locations, visit camc.org/cpg.

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Radiation Oncology

WVU’s Department of Radiation Oncology provides

Cutting Edge Radiation Therapy

By Sherry Stoneking

The Department of Radiation Oncology at West Virginia University participates in a multidisciplinary, teamwork approach to providing advanced radiation oncology care to cancer patients. The department, an integral part of the WVU Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, provides patients with individualized plans of care based on their specific cancer diagnosis as well as access to radiation therapy clinical trial studies. Radiation oncology, together with surgical and medical oncology, is one of the three primary disciplines involved in cancer treatment. Approximately 60% of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy with either curative or palliative intent as part of their treatment regimen.

The Department of Radiation Oncology has kept pace with the many advances in radiation therapy. New targeted radiation delivery methods are available to our patients using treatment machines including the Varian Trilogy linear accelerator, Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, Elekta Precision Gamma Knife, Varian VariSource iX High Dose Rate Remote After-loading system, Mammosite breast brachytherapy system, and Zeiss IntraBeam intraoperative radiation therapy of the breast. This array of sophisticated equipment has greatly enhanced our ability to manage advanced and complex diseases more successfully and with fewer side effects. Using treatment techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) allows the radiation oncologist to deliver the highest possible dose to the tumor while sparing normal surrounding structure.

The Fairmont Regional Cancer Center, owned and operated by West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc., provides radiation therapy services to patients in Marion and surrounding counties. As part of the WVU Department of Radiation Oncology, patients receive advanced care using the latest technology and treatment techniques.

The Department of Radiation Oncology’s four board-certified radiation oncologists are an integral part of a multidisciplinary cancer team that comes together to develop tailored treatment plans for each cancer patient based on type of cancer, stage, lifestyle needs and overall health. Other members of the radiation oncology team that support patient care include medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, and support staff.

WVU’s Department of Radiation Oncology was recently granted accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for a period of three years.

For further information, please contact the Department of Radiation Oncology at 304-598-4706.

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Dr. Chistopher Watson

Dr. Christopher Watson specializes in radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, gamma knife and stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and brachytherapy. His special interests are lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer, and pediatric brain tumors.

Dr. Malcolm Mattes specializes in radiation therapy, with special interests including gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, and sarcomas. He is currently involved in several clinical trials, all oriented towards improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and the quality of life of cancer patients.

Dr. Ann Morris

Dr. Malcolm Mattes

Dr. Ann Morris’ specialties include gynecologic malignancies and medical education.

Robert L. Coffield

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WV Physician

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Cabell Huntington Hospital News

Cabell Huntington Hospital Team Completes First Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Surgery

Barboursville resident received total knee replacement and returns home the same day Although total knee replacements are a regular occurrence at Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center, Barboursville resident David Steinbrecher’s complete knee replacement was unique because it was performed on an outpatient basis last week.

Steinbrecher, 59, received a total left knee replacement the morning of April 27 and was home in his own bed just 12 hours later. Just years earlier the same surgery on Steinbrecher’s right knee kept him in the hospital two nights. According to Ali Oliashirazi, MD, Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the successful outpatient knee replacement required careful planning.

“Mr. Steinbrecher is a superstar and he deserves so much credit for this,” Dr. Oliashirazi said. “Although partial knee replacements have been done as an outpatient procedure for a very long time, the idea of leaving the hospital the same day after total joint replacement would have been unimaginable a generation ago. Still, even today, only about 1% of total joint replacements in this country are done on an outpatient basis, and I’m delighted to report that we have the framework and ability to do this in Huntington at Cabell Huntington Hospital.”

“Because I had already had one knee surgery I knew what to expect, but to be able to have it done on a Monday morning and be home that same evening was beyond my expectations,” Steinbrecher said. “I’m just so pleased to be alive in the time that I am because of opportunities to have a surgery this complex but to be home same-day,

walking without pain a week later and on my way to getting back to enjoying fishing and tennis. Those are things I haven’t been able to do for quite a while because of the pain.”

Oliashirazi led the joint replacement team that completed the hospital’s first outpatient total knee replacement and he said it took perfect execution and superb performance at all levels of care by this team.

“Though this may not be an option for every patient, we are again one of the few centers around the country that can offer outpatient total joint arthroplasty to patients,” Dr. Oliashirazi said.

For more information about joint replacement services at Cabell Huntington Hospital, please call 304.526.2607 or visitwww.cabellhuntington.org/services/orthopedics/ joint-replacement.

Oliashirazi Named Among Nation’s Top Doctors for Joint Replacement Ali Oliashirazi, MD, Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital, has once again been named Ali Oliahirazi, MD a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the field of joint replacement surgery. Dr. Oliashirazi was nominated by his peers and reviewed by a physician-led research team that selected him for excellence in medical care and practice.

Under Dr. Oliashirazi’s leadership, Cabell Huntington Hospital has been named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement for four consecutive years — the only hospital in West Virginia and the Tri-State area to be named to that group in 2015.

Healthgrades has recognized Cabell Huntington Hospital as: • The only hospital in West Virginia to be a recipient of the Healthgrades Joint Re-

placement Excellence Award in 2015 – an award it has received for eight years in a row.

• Ranking among the top two percent of hospitals in the nation for joint replacement and No. 1 in the Tri-State.

• Huntington’s only hospital to receive a five-star quality rating for Total Knee Replacement, a distinction it has received for eight years in a row.

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Cabell Huntington Hospital News

Cabell Huntington Hospital Named 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare Today Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) was named among 150 great places to work in healthcare in the United States. Becker’s Hospital Review has published the 2015 edition where CHH is the only hospital in the Tri-State Region to receive this national honor.

CHH was selected by the Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team based on workforcecentric awards received, benefits offerings, wellness initiatives, and efforts to improve professional development, diversity and inclusion, work-life balance and a sense of community and unity among employees.

For the second year in a row, the list features both healthcare providers as well as other types of healthcare-specific companies, such as consulting firms, health IT vendors, medical societies and more. A version of this list has been published every year since 2011.

“We are honored to be named among the top healthcare employers in the nation,” stated Kevin Fowler, President and CEO, Cabell Huntington Hospital. “We are proud of the robust benefits package CHH offers to attract and keep top-quality staff members who are committed to caring for patients.

This award is validation of our commitment to our talented and dedicated staff.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital is a 303-bed academic medical center located in Huntington, West Virginia. Cabell Huntington is home to the Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and cares for patients from more than 29 counties throughout West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio.

Opened in 1956, it is affiliated with Marshall University Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing.

CAMC News

CAMC’s Stroke Center Strikes Gold (Again) CAMC has received its second consecutive Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Quality Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association for providing excellent stroke care.

CAMC has earned the 2014 Gold Plus award, which is the highest level of recognition for treatment of patients with stroke, a lifethreatening condition in which blood flow to part of the brain is blocked by a blood clot or torn blood vessel. Last year, CAMC earned the Gold award.

“Treating stroke means getting the patient the right treatment at the right time,” said Candace Cowger, RN, CAMC’s stroke program manager. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and knowing how to identify a stroke and give the proper treatment is crucial to a successful recovery.”

The Gold Plus distinction recognizes CAMC for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. To receive the award, CAMC achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines- Stroke

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Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The GuidelinesStroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care.

Following Get With The Guidelines for stroke, patients are started on aggressive risk-reduction therapies including the use of medications such as t-PA, antithrombotics and anticoagulation therapy, along with cholesterol-reducing drugs and smoking cessation counseling. These are all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

“The quick and efficient use of these guidelines improves the quality of care for stroke patients, reduces disability and saves lives,” Cowger said. “CAMC is dedicated to making care for stroke patients among the best in the country, and this program helps us accomplish that goal.”

CAMC’s comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department includes being equipped 24 hours a day,

seven days a week to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clotbusting medications when appropriate.

“Studies show that patients treated in hospitals participating in the American Heart Association’s Get With The GuidelinesStroke program receive a higher quality of care and may experience better outcomes,” said Lee H. Schwamm, MD, chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States.

On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For more information about the Stroke Center at CAMC General Hospital, visit camc. org/stroke.

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CAMC News

CAMC Recognized as the Only Hospital in WV Named Among Top 5% in Nation for Clinical excellence For the second year in a row, Charleston Area Medical Center has been named among the nation’s top 5 percent of hospitals for overall clinical excellence, according to an independent study of mortality and complication rates for nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide as released by Healthgrades, the nation’s leading health care ratings company.

CAMC is the only hospital in West Virginia and one of only 261 hospitals nationwide to achieve the 2015 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ (DHACE) based on its outstanding clinical quality performance.

“Many hospitals claim to be the best,” said Dale Wood, CAMC’s chief quality officer.

“That’s why it’s important to read the fine print associated with some of those claims, which often reflects only specific areas of expertise or high-quality outcomes in certain areas.”

The Healthgrades analysis, unlike other hospital quality ratings, is based solely on clinical outcomes data across a broad spectrum of services, which is more reflective of overall quality. Healthgrades also does not include opinion surveys of doctors or patients, or any other subjective measures that can lack objectivity.

“HealthGrades’ national database comparison is based on what matters most to patients – low rates of injury and mortality,” Wood said. “Although every hospital aims to provide the highest quality care, only some manage to achieve superior performance across many common treatments.”

From 2011-2013, if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to hospitals receiving the DHACE, an average of 163,488 lives could potentially have been saved.

“Clinical excellence has long been a top priority at CAMC,” said Dave Ramsey, president and CEO of CAMC. “To be named

among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation is an honor.

We’re proud to be recognized for our high level of performance across a number of departments and specialties. This award is important validation that we strive to provide the highest quality care for all our patients.”

Hospitals that achieve Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence™ status deliver overall clinical excellence in at least 21 of 32 clinical procedures and specialties measured by Healthgrades for both riskadjusted mortality and complication rates during and after a hospital stay. Healthgrades analyzes data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare

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Volume 6 - Issue 1 • 2015

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CAMC News Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) database, and recipients are selected entirely based on clinical outcomes, risk adjusted to account for variations in patient

acuity and procedural complexity. No hospital can opt in or out of the analysis, and no hospital pays to be measured.

For more information about the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award or hospital and physician quality, visit healthgrades.com/ quality.

Davis Health System News

DHS Planning for a Change in Leadership At a recent Davis Health System (DHS) Board of Directors meeting, President and CEO Mark Doak announced his intent to retire. The board has begun the process of planning for a Mark Doak, change in leadership.

CEO & President

“Mr. Doak will continue to serve as President/CEO until a new leader is found,” said Steve Toney, M.D., chair of the Davis Health System Board. “This will ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity of our health system’s mission and strategy.”

“The Board feels Davis is in a strong position today,” added Toney. “We have a new outpatient care center, financials are sound, quality ratings are high and we have an outstanding team of physicians and staff.”

“Finding a leader who has the appropriate leadership skills and experience to continue the positive course we have set for Davis Health System is important for the long-term good of the organization.”

The board has formed a search committee to lead the hiring and transition process.

The plan is to have a successor named within 12 months to provide a seamless transition of leadership.

Doak’s decision to retire will bring to close 14 years of continuous service to the health system and a career of 41 years. Mr. Doak joined Davis Health System as Chief Operating Officer in 1998 and in 2001 was named president and CEO. “I am extremely proud of the Davis Health System team, and that which we have accomplished together in building a better health system for the region,” said Doak.

In addition to his leadership and business acumen, Mark pioneered the “Patients First” culture of DHS by driving high standards of quality, access, convenience and patient experience to the forefront of the Davis mission.

“We are grateful to Mark for his valuable contributions spanning more than a decade,” said Toney. “In addition to his leadership and business acumen, Mark pioneered the “Patients First” culture of DHS by driving high standards of quality, access, convenience and patient experience to the forefront of the Davis mission.”

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“Working alongside the outstanding men and women who care for patients every day is a privilege.”

“Mark Doak is one of West Virginia’s best healthcare strategists,” said Joe Letnaunchyn, president and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA). “He is certainly recognized by his peers as a re-

spected leader in shaping the future of West Virginia’s hospitals.” Doak is a member of and served as chair of the West Virginia Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

He also served as chair of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Section for Small/Rural Hospitals, and was a member of the AHA’s Coalition to Protect America’s Healthcare. “Mark’s leadership, advocacy, and representation for the unique needs of rural hospitals have helped advance the patient’s experience of care and population health for a lower per capita cost. He has been a champion for the rural hospital safety-net and his contributions to the delivery of care in rural America are appreciated greatly by all,” said John Supplitt, senior director of the Section for Small or Rural Hospitals of the American Hospital Association (AHA).

Other professional distinctions include the 2010 Who’s Who in West Virginia Business and the 2014 Center for Rural Health Development’s West Virginia Rural Health Leadership Award.

He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), as well as several community boards including the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, Randolph County Development Authority and Tucker Community Foundation.

Prior to joining DHS, Doak was a partner with the accounting firm of Doak, Cuppet and Poling (DCP). At DCP he provided accounting and consulting services to rural health care organizations in West Virginia., including small and rural hospitals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

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Davis Health System News

Jenny Cross, M.D. Elected President of National Allergy Society Dr. Jenny Cross, Otolaryngologist and Director of Tygart Valley Medical Specialties (TVMS) of Davis Medical Center, was elected President of the Pan Mark Doak, American Allergy SoCEO & President ciety (P.A.A.S.) during the group’s March 2015 meeting in Houston, TX. Dr. Cross will serve a one-year term.

“The Pan American Allergy Society is instrumental in providing educational opportunities for those in the medical allergy field,” said Dr. Cross. “It’s a privilege to serve as an Officer of this organization which is committed to medical excellence and optimal patient care.”

The Pan American Allergy Society (P.A.A.S.) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Dr. Cross, a long-time member of P.A.A.S., attends educational activities annually with her staff.

“It’s important that we continually build on our knowledge, competencies and skills so that we provide the best care possible to our patients,” said Cross.

“We’re proud of this outstanding designation,” Mark Doak, CEO of Davis Health System said of Dr. Cross. “Her personal commitment to excellence makes her one of the most highly respected ENT physicians in her field. It’s an honor that she was selected by her peers to lead the society for the 2015-2016 term.”

Dr. Cross received her medical degree from Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tenn.

She completed her internship in general surgery and residency in otolaryngology at West Virginia University. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head

and Neck Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. She is the Medical Director for Sleep Solutions, the Davis Medical Center’s outpatient sleep lab. She was also appointed by West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to serve on the West Virginia Board of Hearing Aid Dealers.

Tygart Valley Medical Specialties provides comprehensive allergy care for children and adults. Specialized testing and treatment is available for inhalation allergies (injection immunotherapy and sublingual drops), food allergies, insect venom allergies, and asthma among others.

In addition, TVMS provides hearing testing, hearing aid fittings, balance and vertigo testing, head and neck surgery, pulmonology, and diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

For information about Davis Medical Center’s Tygart Valley Medical Specialties call 304.637.6302.

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Marshall University Medical School News

Marshall University School of Medicine Announces New Administrative Chair of Radiation Oncology Marshall alumnus to provide leadership to new department Sanjeev S. Sharma, M.D., a 1993 graduate

Sharma was born in Ireland, but spent most of

cians for the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer

of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards

his youth in Huntington and graduated from

Center to be able to expand our services to

School of Medicine and board-certified ra-

Huntington High School in 1986. He enrolled

the surrounding communities.”

diation oncologist, has been named adminis-

in Marshall University, completing the prereq-

trative chairman of the newly formed depart-

uisites for medical school in just three years

In addition to his clinical practice, Sharma

ment of radiation oncology at the School of

before beginning medical school in 1993. After

has authored several research publications

Medicine, Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of

completing a residency in radiation oncology at

including a recent article on lung cancers

the school, announced today.

the University of Kentucky, Sharma went through

that appeared in the Journal of Radiation

additional education including Cyberknife®

Oncology, an international interdisciplinary

“Dr. Sharma is a perfect match for this posi-

clinical training at Oklahoma City, Okla., and Cy-

journal that publishes original research, clin-

tion,” Shapiro said. “He understands the mis-

berknife technical training in California.

ical investigations, review articles, editorial

®

comments and other scientific articles relat-

sion of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and he understands the importance

“I’m very happy to return to my alma mater

ing to radiation oncology. He also is princi-

of providing outstanding medical education

and become part of the education team,” Shar-

pal investigator on several clinical trials un-

in all areas to our students. Dr. Sharma is a

ma said. “Short-term academic goals include

derway involving prostate and lung cancers.

dynamic, forward-thinking addition to our

laying the groundwork to begin a fellowship

team as we work to expand medical educa-

in radiation oncology in the subspecialties of

Sharma will continue seeing patients at his

tion and corresponding cancer research and

stereotactic radiosurgery and gynecologic on-

current practice, Premier Radiation Oncol-

treatments. “

cology. An additional goal is to recruit physi-

ogy Inc., at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

School of Medicine Inducts New Medical Honor Society Members The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards

assistant professor in the department of

school has to offer. We are thrilled to wel-

School of Medicine inducted 10 students,

neuroscience, are the faculty inductees for

come these amazing students, residents

three residents and two faculty members

2015.

and faculty members into AOA,” said Syd-

into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor

nee A. McElroy, M.D., assistant professor

Medical Society April 16 at the Touma Med-

“The induction ceremony this year truly

with the department of family and commu-

ical Museum.

reflected some of the best that our medical

nity health at the SOM and AOA advisor.

New inductees for the Class of 2015 are Amanda Adkins, Shane Cook, Andrew Martin, Casey Patick and Meaghan Tranovich. For the Class of 2016, inductees are Matthew Abadir, Hagger Ali, Kyle Burner, Jordan Hilgefort and Paul Viscuse.

Resident inductees for 2015 are Jesse Cottrell, M.D., Carolyn Curtis, M.D., and Joshua Hess, M.D.

Anthony Alberico, M.D.,

professor and chairman in the department of neuroscience, and Justin Nolte, M.D.,

14

Newest members of the Alpha Omega Alpha chapter at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine during their induction ceremony, Thursday, April 16 at the Touma Medical Museum. Pictured left to right are: Jordan Hilgefort, Matthew Abadir, Haggar Ali, Jesse Cottrell, M.D., Kyle Burner, Josh Hess, M.D., Paul Viscuse, Anthony Alberico, M.D., Justin Nolte, M.D., and Carolyn Curtis, M.D.. Missing from the photo are: Amanda Adkins, Shane Cook, Andrew Martin, Casey Patick and Meaghan Tranovich.

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Marshall University Medical School News “Since its inception, our society’s mission

given class based on academic perfor-

Alpha Omega Alpha is the national medi-

has been to honor physicians who strive in

mance, leadership, professionalism and a

cal honor society. The Marshall Univer-

their professional and personal lives to be

firm sense of ethics, as well as the promise

sity Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

‘worthy to serve the suffering’ and these

of future success in medicine and a com-

chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha is one of

inductees are just that.”

mitment to service in the school and com-

123 chapters across the country. Since the

munity. Resident and faculty inductees are

organization’s founding in 1902, more than

Student inductees are selected from

selected by a caucus of members of the

150,000 members have been elected to the

among the top quartile of students in a

society, including students.

society nationwide.

Marshall University School of Medicine and Cabell Huntington Hospital Announce Successful Surgical Treatment of First Patients in the United States with New Light-Curable Bone Stabilization System Felix Cheung, M.D., and team utilize world’s first minimally invasive, patient-conforming implant to treat impending humerus fractures The first two United States patients have been successfully treated with an innovative medical device through a clinical trial underway at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Marshall Clinical Research Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital.

The institutions are working in conjunction with IlluminOss Medical, a commercial-stage medical device company focused on minimally invasive orthopedic fracture repair, as part of its U.S. Lightfix clinical trial for the treatment of impending and pathologic fractures in the humerus due to metastatic carcinoma.

The surgeries were performed by Felix Cheung, M.D., associate professor and chief of the division of orthopaedic oncology at the School of Medicine. Cheung is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in tumors of the musculoskeletal system and joint replacement surgery.

Gene DiPoto, senior vice president of research and development at IlluminOss Medical, worked closely with Cheung and his team to facilitate the successful surgeries. Assisting Cheung was Franklin D. Shuler, M.D., Ph.D.,

associate professor and vice chair of research in the department of orthopaedic surgery.

“We are excited for the opportunity to be the first clinical site in the U.S. to apply IlluminOss’ technology to the treatment of a patient with a complex fracture and the results have been remarkable,” said Cheung. “The patients were completely stable following the procedure and reported little to no discomfort. Having seen firsthand how effective the IlluminOss System is, I believe the benefits it provides to both the surgeon and the patient have the potential to make it a true game-changer in the way fracture repair can be approached.”

Both patients were diagnosed with metastatic cancer and had a pathologic fracture of the humerus.

The IlluminOss System has proven successful in the treatment of over a thousand patients in Europe, where it is commercially available and has been in clinical use since 2010. Benefits observed from the use of the IlluminOss product in patients include smaller incisions, shorter procedure times, and more rapid post-procedure patient mobility with reduced hospital stays and

lower complication rates. Once cured, the implant provides longitudinal strength and rotational stability over the length of the implant and the small diameter of the flexible catheter gives the surgeon greater freedom of surgical approach. In many cases it allows the patient to get back to daily activities more quickly without the hindrance of a hard cast.

“We have had tremendously successful results treating complex fractures with the IlluminOss System internationally and are excited to now begin applying it to the treatment of patients with impending and pathologic fractures in our first U.S. trial,” said Robert Rabiner, president of IlluminOss Medical. “The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is renowned for its commitment to providing excellence in both medical education and patient care and we are appreciative for the opportunity to work with such a well-respected team – led by Dr. Cheung – to help validate the effectiveness of our technology in the U.S.” This clinical trial is underway at surgical centers across the country and is currently enrolling patients. For additional information, please refer to www.ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT 02338492 Volume 6 - Issue 1 • 2015

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Mon Gen News

Mon General Recognized by Healthgrades for Achievements in Both Patient Safety and Patient Experience For the second year in a row, Mon General Hospital is the only hospital in West Virginia to achieve two distinctions of quality excellence from Healthgrades – the Healthgrades 2015 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ and the Healthgrades 2015 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, announced the awards on April 7.

Only 93 out of the 3,558 hospitals evaluated for both patient safety and experience excellence had the superior performance to be recipients of both achievements. This places Mon General Hospital among the top 2% of all hospitals in the nation evaluated for excellent performance in safeguarding patients from serious, potentially preventable complications during their hospital stays as well as providing a positive experience for patients.

Both awards are based on hard data and measurable outcomes. The patient experience award is based on results from a national, standardized, publicly-reported survey of patient’s opinions of their hospital experience (HCAHPS).

The patient safety award is based on data from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ.) “To be recognized among the top 2% of all hospitals in the nation is a great achievement,” said Mon Health System President and CEO

Darryl Duncan. “This is a direct reflection on the compassion and diligence Mon General’s healthcare team provides to patients each and every day.

“What’s most rewarding about these honors is that they have become a pattern for Mon General,” Duncan said. “We have received both of these awards, either individually or together, many times over the past decade. This achievement shows that Mon General’s caregivers take the safety and wellbeing of those we serve very seriously.”

Safety is the number one service standard at Mon General. The hospital has committed itself to ensuring that patients and staff are provided a safe environment, free from harm.

Patients treated in hospitals receiving Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average: • 43.9% less likely to experience an accidental puncture or laceration during a procedure, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 53.6% less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 47.4% less likely to experience catheter-related blood stream infections, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

• 43.8% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital,

than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

During the study period (2011-2013), Healthgrades 2015 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals performed with excellence in providing safety for patients in the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes (risk-adjusted patient safety indicator rates) for 13 patient safety indicators defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

In addition to being recognized as one of Healthgrades 2015 Patient Safety Excellence Award, Mon General Hospital also out-performed peer hospitals in patient experience.

Healthgrades evaluated performance by applying a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures, using data collected from a 27-question survey of the hospital’s own patients. The survey questions focus on patients’ perspectives of their care in the hospital. Question topics range from cleanliness and noise levels in patient rooms to factors such as pain management and responsiveness to patients’ needs. The measures also include whether a patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family.

For more information about Healthgrades or to download a full copy of the report or to receive information about hospital and physician quality, visit: www.Healthgrades.com/ quality.

Preston Memorial News

Governor Tomblin Attends the Dedication Ceremony For The New Preston Memorial Hospital Kingwood, WV – A new era in healthcare for Preston County began with the dedication of the $38.5-million Preston Memorial Hospital.

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin was there to cut the ribbon, along with representatives of the congressional delegation, local

16

dignitaries, hospital officials and Mon Health System executives.

“This new facility will not only expand access to quality care, but will have a significant impact on the rest of the entire

Preston County Community,” said Governor Tomblin. “Hospitals are the centers of our communities, and the new Preston Memorial Hospital will serve residents here for many years to come.”

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Preston Memorial News “We recognize that the fundamentals of economic development require that communities have local access to high quality care. It is because of this understanding and commitment to these ideals that we are here today.”

About 150 local dignitaries and Preston Memorial employees attended the hospital dedication ceremony. A public “grand opening” event is being planned to coincide with the Preston County Buckwheat Festival in September.

Preston Memorial is an acute care facility, state licensed for 25 beds. The new hospital has 25 beds as well, but all patient rooms are private, maximizing comfort for patients and their families.

The new 80,500 square foot, state-of-the-art facility replaces the old hospital built in 1955.

The new hospital includes surgical suites and two intensive care rooms; specialized cardiac, trauma and psychiatric rooms in the expanded Emergency Department, and expanded outpatient services including an integrated Physician Center and Physical Therapy Center. A stone fireplace is the focal point of the spacious and comfortable lobby with an adjoining cafeteria.

The Preston Memorial Hospital Foundation began fundraising for the new building in 2013 with its “Building for A Health Future” campaign.

“Like any great accomplishment, it takes a large group of committed people to succeed.

Just like those who worked so hard before us to build the hospital that opened in 1955, our community came together time and again to make this beautiful new building a reality,” said Preston Memorial Hospital CEO Melissa Lockwood who has been the driving force in bringing this project to fruition.

Preston Memorial Hospital officially joined Mon Health System in Morgantown, WV in February 2014. The health system, which includes Mon General Hospital, secured loans from the USDA and WesBanco for the construction of the new hospital. Ground was broken in October 2013.

“The Mon Health System partnership with Preston Memorial Hospital is based on our vision that high quality care should be affordable and close to home,” said Mon Health System President and CEO Darryl Duncan.

We Practice What We Teach West Virginia University Physicians of Charleston provides worldclass medical care to citizens of Southern West Virginia, while conducting ground breaking research and continuing education at one of the nation’s oldest regional medical education campuses.

Our providers are recognized leaders in their chosen specialties.

Our practice plan includes providers that specialize in everything from primary to specialty care and from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to practicing medicine, each doctor is on the faculty at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. As mentors in the medical field, dedicated to training a new generation of doctors, our physicians have a passion for knowledge that pushes them to learn more.

As physicians and medical university faculty members, we are at the forefront of medical science. We are committed to delivering the most technologically advanced and compassionate care available.

Our faculty physicians also conduct important research and use cutting edge medical advancements to improve patient outcomes.

We aren’t content just to practice medicine -- we’re committed to teaching it, too.

Visit our brand new website and see the many specialists and services we offer to meet all of your family’s health care needs.

Search for providers: • by name • by specialty • by location • by keyword search

www.wvupc.org Volume 6 - Issue 1 • 2015

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Thomas Health News

The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals Board of Directors Anounces New Executive Director

Sally N. Barton

The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals is pleased to announce Sally Noakes Barton as the new Executive Director of The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals.

Sally N. Barton joins the Foundation after serving as the founding executive director of the Tamarack Foundation. In that role, Barton was responsible for setting the strategic initiatives contributing to an annual economic impact of $18.6 million to the people

of WV. She has directed the efforts to raise nearly $5 million dollars benefitting West Virginia’s artisan entrepreneurs.

Previously, Barton was employed by Charleston Area Medical Center in Corporate Development and was the first Director of Development for the CAMC Foundation.

She received a Masters from West Virginia University in Business and Organizational Communication and graduated from UNCGreensboro with a BA in Media Studies with a concentration in healthcare.

Barton was named one of West Virginia’s Young Guns and recently by WV Focus as

one of West Virginia’s most powerful women. She is a member of the Association . for Fundraising Professionals, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, and Leave A Legacy of Southern WV. Barton has served on numerous boards including Philanthropy West Virginia, Leadership West Virginia, West Virginia Arts Advocacy, West Virginia Alliance for Economic Inclusion, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Economic Development Committees, and the Clay Center Marketing Committee.

She is a past president of the Junior League of Charleston. Barton resides in Charleston with her twin sons.

Thomas Health System Board of Trustees Announcement The Thomas Health System Board of Trustees announces that effective July 31, 2015, Stephen P. Dexter, will retire as President and CEO of Thomas Health System. Since 1994, Steve has brought a wealth of leadership and knowledge to this organization. “We appreciate the years of Steve leading this organization and developing the Thomas Emergency Room, beginning the Clinical Pavilion, overseeing the acquisition of Saint Francis Hospital thus forming Thomas Health System and significantly, his role in healthcare policy government relations,” states Thomas McHugh, Chairman of the Thomas Health System Board of Trustees.

Steve will remain on as a senior executive with Thomas Health System through January 2017 as President of TMH Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Health System.

Over the next six months, Dan Lauffer will transition as the newly appointed Thomas Health System President and CEO. Dan is the current Executive Vice President/COO of Thomas Health System, Inc. “Dan is a great visionary and has the knowledge to lead Thomas Health System during the challenging times of healthcare,” states McHugh. Since

18

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Saint Francis Hospital Thomas Memorial Hospital

Make us your trusted personal choice.

The hospitals which make up the Thomas Health System – Saint Francis Improving Life in downtown Charleston and Thomas Memorial in South Charleston – joint replacement to deliver a full range of healthcare services to ourFrom community.

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The hospitals which make up the WV Physician

WVP_Vol6_Issue1.indd 18

™ Y O U R C O M P L E T E H E A L T H C A Managing R E T E A MHealth

Thomas Health System – Saint Francis and Thomas Memorial – deliver a full range of healthcare services

From diabetes education to the latest in imaging services7/28/15

2:45 PM

University Healthcare News Thomas Health System formed, Dan has been part of the Senior Administrative team, serving as Chief Operation Officer for Thomas Health System, managing the operations at both Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals.

“I’m excited to be turning the reigns over to Dan Lauffer. I have known Dan for 20 years.

He is an exceptional individual and a true leader in the healthcare community. Under Dan’s guidance, the best days are ahead for Thomas Health System,” states Steve Dexter.

Dan is a graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College and is a Certified Physician’s Assistant.

He is a graduate of Marshall University with a

Master of Science in Health Care Administration. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executive and a Board Member of the West Virginia Hospital Association, who served as Chair in 2006 and 2007. Dan has served his entire career in healthcare and understands the demands of the industry and the challenges for the future.

Dan Lauffer states, “I’m excited for the opportunity to be the President and CEO of this organization where I first started my healthcare career. This transition comes at time when the healthcare industry is undergoing great change; the Thomas Health System is positioned well to take on these challenges

because of the talent of its Board of Trustees, the Medical Staff, department leaders, the dedicated employees and the senior executive team. I appreciate Steve’s Dexter’s leadership in influencing my career and I will work hard to ensure our community continues to value the Thomas Health System to be the first choice of those in need of quality healthcare in our region.

“The Thomas Health System Board of Trustees is confident that Dan’s strong leadership and insight will take Thomas Health System successfully into the future of healthcare,” states McHugh.

University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center Receives Echo Accreditation Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of Echocardiography procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Echocardiography testing.

The skill of the Echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing.

University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center’s cardiovascular department recently underwent a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts and has been granted a three-year accreditation in Echocardiography in the area of

Adult Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

IAC is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of Echocardiography.

WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News

WVU Healthcare Stroke Program Draws National Acclaim In the event of a brain vessel blockage or hemorrhage, time lost is brain lost, and the hospitals that routinely see patients recover share one thing: a commitment to providing the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. In recognition of its role as a regional and national leader in stroke care,WVU Healthcare’s Stroke Center has again earned the highest honor possible from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines® program.

The Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite awards are reserved for hospital teams who meet the highest measures of following the most up-to-date guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“These awards recognize the efforts put forth by our staff and physicians to provide stroke care of the highest quality,” John F. Brick, M.D., director of WVU Healthcare’s Stroke Center and endowed chair of the West Virginia University School of MedicineDepartment of Volume 6 - Issue 1 • 2015

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Category WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News Neurology, said. “In order to obtain this recognition, we are compared to the finest programs in America. We are honored to be recognized as being a member of this elite group.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Get With the Guidelines-Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they learn how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital and recognize the F.A.S.T. warning signs of a stroke.

F.A.S.T. stands for: • Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Is the person’s smile uneven?

• Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb?

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one

arm drift downward?

• Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

• Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

The Stroke Center at WVU Healthcare has an emergency response team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to evaluate and treat a stroke in time to minimize damage. West Virginia University Hospitals is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations in recognition of excellence in patient care.

“We are pleased to recognize WVU Healthcare for their commitment to stroke care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H., national chairman of

the Get With the Guidelines steering committee and Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow Get With The Guidelines quality improvement measures can reduce length of stay and 30-day readmission rates and reduce disparities in care.”

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest researchbased guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 5 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org/quality orheart.org/QualityMap. To learn more about the Stroke Center at WVU Healthcare, visit: http://wvuhealthcare.com/services/neurology/stroke/about-the-wvu-strokecenter/.

Brancazio Named Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology Leo R. Brancazio, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has been named professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, according Leo R. Brancazio, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. to Clay Marsh, M.D., vice president and executive dean of health sciences.

“We are delighted to welcome back Dr. Brancazio to his alma mater,” said Dr. Marsh. “His broad-based clinical, academic and research experience will help him further the reputation of a department that gave him his start and is recognized as one of the best in the area.”

In June Brancazio came back to WVU from Duke University School of Medicinie where he served as medical director for Duke University Hospital Labor and Delivery and associate professor in the Duke School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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He received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in Medicine degrees from West Virginia University. He completed his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Magee-Women’s Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Following his residency and fellowship training, Brancazio returned to Morgantown to work as chief of staff and president of medical staff affairs at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was also associate professor and residency program director for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the WVU School of Medicine.

“Another Mountaineer is returning home,” Marsh said.

“Dr. Brancazio is a nationally recognized expert in high-risk obstetrics,” said Albert L. Wright Jr., WVU Healthcare president and CEO. “He brings a level of excellence that will enhance

our ability to provide the highest level of care to mothers and babies at WVU Children’s Hospital and throughout our health system.”

Brancazio has extensive clinical experience in medical complications of pregnancy and pharmacology during pregnancy. He is an active researcher and a published author in the field, and his current research interests include coagulation disorders and medical complications during pregnancy.

He is board certified in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology and is a member of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Brancazio will fill the post currently held by Michael Vernon, Ph.D., who announced last year that he will step down as department chair this summer.

WV Physician

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WVU Radiation Oncology

ADVANCED THERAPIES HELP MANAGE COMPLEX DISEASES

Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator

Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator

The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center provides advanced, personalized radiation oncology care, incorporating the latest technologies. New, targeted radiation delivery methods have greatly enhanced the ability to manage advanced and complex diseases more successfully and with fewer side effects for patients. We offer: • External Beam Radiation Therapy

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy • Image-Guided Radiation Therapy • Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion

The better targeting techniques afforded by stereotactic radiosurgery enable us to effectively treat patients with a limited number of metastatic lesions, offering a high level of tumor control in the treated area with minimal side effects. We offer stereotactic radiosurgery therapy for cancers that have metastasized to the brain, bone, liver, and lung, offering patients an additional option to chemotherapy.

Please call 800-WVA-MARS for information and consultations.

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy • High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy • MammoSite® Breast Radiation Therapy • Intra-operative Breast Radiotherapy Palliative radiation therapy can have a major benefit in patients’ lives by controlling cancer-related symptoms. In as little as a single treatment, radiation therapy can be used to alleviate symptoms from cancer that has spread to the bone, brain, or liver.

These treatments are highly effective, have minimal side effects, and are convenient for our patients.

Hazard

Craig

Jacobson

Hannah Hazard, MD, surgeon-in-chief and director of clinical services of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University Michael Craig, MD, physician-in-chief of oncology Geraldine Jacobson, MD, chief of radiation oncology for WVU Hospitals and physician-in-chief of radiation oncology for the Cancer Center

wvuhealthcare.com The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center is operated by WVU Hospitals. WVU Hospitals is a member of the WV United Health System.

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Patients would have to drive a long way to find cancer care this comprehensive.

Fortunately, they don’t have to.

From Pittsburgh to Lexington, no other facility has a more complete range of academically affiliated medical, surgical and radiation oncologists providing a comprehensive range of highly specialized cancer services for all ages than the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Choosing a cancer care team is important.

We’re confident you’ll find that the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital is the team for your patient.

PEDIATRICS

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY TEAM

Maria Tria Tirona, MD Medical Oncologist

Aneel Chowdhary, MD Medical Oncologist

y Hospital

Mohamad Khasawneh, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

n Hospital and the rds School of Medicine

Toni Pacioles, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

Yehuda Lebowicz, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Linda Stout, MD Pediatric Oncologist/

Grace Dixon, MD Radiation Oncologist

Andrew Freeman, MD Radiation Oncologist

Mary Legenza, MD Breast Surgeon

Nadim Bou Zgheib, MD Gynecologic Oncologist

Terrence Julien, MD Neurosurgical Oncologist

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY TEAM

#356

#3415

Gerard Oakley, MD Gynecologic Oncologist/ #349 ECCC Medical Director

James Jensen, MD Urologic Oncologist/

Felix Cheung, MD Orthopedic Oncologist

Amanda Arrington, MD Surgical Oncologist

Jack Traylor, MD Breast Surgeon

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 304.399.6500 OR VISIT WWW.EDWARDSCCC.ORG WVP_Vol6_Issue1.indd 22

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