VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1
The Magazine for Health Care Professionals
St. Mary’s
Regional Joint Replacement Center The Hands of Experience in Advanced Orthopedic Care
We Are the Only Cancer Center in West Virginia and the Tri-State to Have CyberKnife®, the Latest Technology in the Fight Against Cancer Call 304.399.7460 for Physician Referral to CyberKnife
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5 Treatments Instead of 40 The Hands of Experience® in Advanced Cancer Care
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Category Contents
COVER STORY
2
St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center
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18
The hands of experience in advanced orthopedic care
St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center recently became the first joint replacement program in West Virginia to receive diseasespecific certification for hip and knee replacement from The Joint Commission for national quality approval.
Migraine Sufferers Find Relief with New Approaches to Treatment
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. ©2010, Austin Development Company, LLC dba WV Physician. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
The distinction was awarded in the Spring of 2010 and it established St. Mary’s as a leader in joint replacement with other programs now working to meet the same standards of quality first achieved by St. Mary’s.
Mon Health System Board Names COO Darryl Duncan as President/CEO
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 2 - Issue 1
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Cover Category Story
St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center The Hands of Experience in Advanced Orthopedic Care St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center
center, with the volume of patients served
stayed on top of all the latest advances in
is the recognized leader in advanced joint
increasing more than 200 percent during
orthopedics,” said Dr. Hegg. “It’s great to see
replacement and orthopedic care for the
that short amount of time. Scott Orthopedic
patients recover more quickly as the most
Huntington area. The program was the first
physicians Kyle Hegg, MD, Vivek Neginhal,
advanced procedures become part of our
in West Virginia to receive disease specific
MD, and Steve Lochow, MD, are leading the
program here.”
certification for hip and knee replacement
team that provides excellence in patient
from the Joint Commission for national
treatment and care at St. Mary’s.
Vivek Neginhal, MD Dr. Vivek Neginhal
quality approval. The physicians, nurses and staff were recently re-certified for 2011,
Kyle Hegg, MD
is the only surgeon
recognizing continued excellence in patient
Dr.
outcomes. “We are proud of the recognition
a
board
certified
who
we received from The Joint Commission
orthopedic
surgeon.
trained in total joint
and every member of the team at St. Mary’s
He has been providing
replacement.
has worked so hard to make sure patients
orthopedic excellence
Neginhal
have quality outcomes for hip and knee
for nearly a quarter
at Lenox Hill Hospital, Cornell University,
replacements,”
Orthopedic
century and he is the
NY, with emphasis on surgical arthritis and
physician Kyle Hegg, MD, medical director of
senior member of the team of surgeons at St.
uncommon primary joint replacements. He
the joint replacement program at St. Mary’s.
Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center.
also was a fellow at the University of Chicago
said
Scott
Kyle
Hegg
is
in
Huntington is
fellowship Dr. studied
Dr. Hegg received his medical degree from
with
Record Growth
the Mayo Medical School and is a member of
techniques and reconstructive surgeries of
Surgeons at St. Mary’s have been performing
the Marshall University Sports Medicine Hall
the hip and knee. He also received additional
hip and knee replacements at St. Mary’s
of Fame. Dr. Hegg specializes in all types of
training at one of the busiest trauma centers
since the early 1970’s, but it was about
knee replacement surgery. He also performs
in Houston. Dr. Neginhal specializes in hip
three years ago that St. Mary’s collaborated
anterior hip replacement, a minimally-
and knee replacement, including custom
with Scott Orthopedic Center to create the
invasive surgery technique that requires
made knees and partial knee replacements.
regional joint replacement center. The added
no muscle to be cut and patients have a
“It is so rewarding to work with patients and
attention to patient care, education and
quicker recovery time. “I’ve been helping
see them back on their feet without a cane
rehab has resulted in record growth at the
patients for more than thirty years and I’ve
or walker,” Dr. Neginhal said. We take on
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WV Physician
emphasis
on
minimally-invasive
some of the most difficult joint replacement
in Huntington. The quicker recovery time
Lou Ann Waldron,
patients here and help them on the path to
for patients receiving the anterior hip
RN, BSN, ONC, CNOR
recovery.”
replacement is one reason for the program’s
Lou
tremendous growth. “We get patients from
serves
other programs who’ve been told they’re
orthopedic
Steve Lochow, MD Dr.
Steve
Ann
Waldron as
the nurse
Lochow
not candidates for this less invasive surgery,”
specialist
is a board certified
Dr. Lochow said. “Most of them are able to
coordinator
orthopedic
surgeon
have the anterior surgery and they’re up
Mary’s
and
received
walking the same day. It’s great as a surgeon
Joint
his medical degree
to see the dramatic outcomes. Patients are
Center. She helped develop a complete
from
so thankful.”
set of patient education materials for
he the
Marshall
University School of
and at
St.
Regional Replacement
patients before and after their surgeries.
Medicine and completed his residency in
All three surgeons in the program now
The program is based on a wellness model
orthopedics with the Greenville Hospital
use the anterior surgery technique and the
and represents a collaborative effort among
System in Greenville, South Carolina. He
center has two of the special surgical tables
physicians, nurses and occupational and
was fellowship trained in trauma at Duke
used for the surgeries so patients don’t have
physical therapists who are instructed
University and he brought the anterior
to wait as long to get the surgery they need.
to care for the patients according to the model. Waldron leads patients through a
Photos Courtesy of Cabell Huntington Hospital
approach to hip replacement to St. Mary’s
The surgery team at St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center with the two surgical beds used for anterior hip replacement surgery. Volume 2 - Issue 1
3
Physical therapists help patients in the specialized gym at St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center.
pre-operative education class approximately
is set aside for the center’s patients. A key
Orthopedic Center and the entire program
four weeks before surgery. She is also there
part of the recovery is interacting with other
is also a collaboration with Scott Orthopedic
to oversee follow-up education and care
patients who are facing the same medical
Center. “Together with Scott Orthopedic
in the dedicated patient unit. “I love being
condition and the dedicated unit fosters that
Center, St. Mary’s has provided orthopedic
part of a program where patients who are
“team” approach to healing. A specialized
services here for more than 80 years,” said
suffering get the treatment and care they
gym for group physical therapy is also
Christy Franklin, BSN, MS, CNRN, director
need to return to a normal life,” Waldron
located in the wing and a team of physical
of St. Mary’s Regional Orthopedic Center.
said.
and occupational therapists works with
“We’re defining it as a service line now. This
patients to get them home within just a few
is to help the public recognize that we do
days of surgery.
offer all of these comprehensive services
Dedicated Patient Unit St. Mary’s now has the Huntington area’s
and they are coordinated.”
only dedicated hospital unit reserved
Joint Center Part of Orthopedic
exclusively for people recovering from
Center of Excellence at St. Mary’s
“Our goal has always been to develop
joint replacement surgery. An entire wing
The St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement
a regional referral center for advanced
of the 5th floor on the south patient tower
Center is part of the St. Mary’s Regional
orthopedic care, and I believe we have
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WV Physician
achieved that over the last decade,” said Luis
of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and is
Bolano, MD, of Scott Orthopedic Center. “We
fellowship trained in hand/upper extremity
orthopedic
accept patient referrals 24-hours a day, seven
/ microsurgery from The Hand Center
and former managing
days a week, in all of the specialty areas. It
of San Antonio. Special interests include
partner
is our availability and expertise that makes
reconstructive/trauma
Orthopedic
our group and the facilities at St. Mary’s
shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Dr. Bolano
is
unique.” Scott Orthopedic physicians focus
is a member of the American Academy of
consultations
on providing specialty orthopedic care. The
Orthopedic Surgery and American Society
physician group is one of the few private
for Surgery of the Hand and is board certified
practice groups in the state with an array
in orthopedics with specialty board in hand
of fellowship-trained and specialty- trained
surgery.
surgery
of
Thomas F. Scott, MD, a board certified
the
surgeon of
Scott Center,
available
for of
adult and pediatric orthopedic cases. Dr. Scott serves as an orthopedic consultant to Albert Schwietzer, des Chapellis, Haiti,
orthopedists in joint replacement, hand/ microsurgery,
Earl J. Foster, MD, a board-certified
the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital
sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery.
orthopedic and hand
in Lexington, Kentucky and as association
surgeon, received his
director for the West Virginia Handicapped
Physician Profiles
medical degree from
Children’s Commission. He is a long-
Kevin D. Brown, DPM, earned his podiatric
the University of Iowa
standing and distinguished member of the
degree from Temple
School of Medicine.
tri-state medical community.
University School of
He
Podiatric
Medicine.
orthopedic internship
Jack R. Steel, MD, a board certified
He is board certified
at Indiana University and an orthopedic
orthopedic surgeon,
in reconstructive foot
residency program at Upstate Medical Center
received his medical
and
ankle
in Syracuse, New York. Additionally, Dr.
degree
He
completed
a
Foster completed a hand surgery fellowship
Virginia
reconstructive
under Dr. Daniel Riordan in New Orleans. Dr.
School of Medicine
foot and ankle surgery from the Kentucky
Foster, who specializes in upper extremity
and
Podiatric Residency Program, which is
surgeries, has been named to the Marquis
his
affiliated with the University of Louisville
Who’s Who in Medicine and “Best Doctors
orthopedic residency program at the West
and Norton Community Hospital System.
in America” list, a prestigious, peer selected
Virginia Department of Orthopedics. Dr.
Dr. Brown joined Scott Orthopedic Center in
honor.
Steel’s areas of specialization are sports
upper
extremity,
36-month
trauma,
residency
in
surgery.
completed
an
medicine,
2007. From 2005 until 2007, he was in private
from
West
University completed post-graduate
arthroscopic
surgeries
and
practice in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Brown
Robert W. Lowe, MD, a board certified
general orthopedic procedures. He is a
has been named as one of “America’s Top
orthopedic surgeon,
member of the Arthroscopy Association of
Podiatrists” by the Consumers’ research
earned his doctor of
North America (AANA), and has practiced at
Council of America and is a Diplomate of
medicine degree from
Scott Orthopedic Center since 1988.
the American College of Foot and Ankle
Vanderbilt University
Surgeons (ACFAS).
and completed his internship,
Luis E. Bolano, MD, a board certified
surgical
Stanley S. Tao, MD, a board certified
general
orthopedic surgeon,
residency
earned his medical
orthopedic and hand
and residency in orthopedic surgery at
degree
surgeon,
received
Vanderbilt Medical Center. A member of
Western
degree
Scott Orthopedic Center since 1971, he
University
from Baylor College
specializes in spine disorders and non-
of
completed
his of
medical Medicine.
from
Case
Reserve School
Medicine.
He both
He
operative orthopedics, as well as medical
completed a general
evaluations. Dr. Lowe has been named to the
internship and residency programs in
surgical internship and
“Best Doctors in America” list, a prestigious,
Orthopaedic
peer selected honor.
College of Ohio and a Sports Medicine and
orthopedic residency programs at University
Surgery
at
the
Medical
Volume 2 - Issue 1
5
Arthroscopy Fellowship at Orthopaedic Research of Virginia. He has obtained a certificate of added qualification in sports
Orthopedic Center Physicians Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic Trauma
Joint Replacement Kyle Hegg, MD Vivek Neginhal, MD Steven Lochow, MD
Hand, Upper Extremity, Microsurgery
Luis Bolano, MD Earl Foster, MD Kyle Hegg, MD Steven Lochow, MD Vivek Neginhal, MD Jack Steel, MD Stanley Tao, MD
State University.
Luis Bolano, MD Earl Foster, MD
Foot and Ankle
For more information and referrals to
Sports Medicine
Kevin Brown, DPM Kirt Miller, DPM
medicine. Named annually since 2002 as an American Top Surgeon, Dr. Tao specializes in the areas of sports medicine and arthroscopic joint surgeries. He also serves as a team physician for local high schools and is an orthopedic consultant for Shawnee
St. Mary’s Regional Orthopedic Center, call 304-526-1469. For information and referrals
Kyle Hegg, MD Stanley Tao, MD Jack Steel, MD
Radiology/Musculoskeletal Donald Lewis, MD Torin Walters, MD
to St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center call 304-526-1311.
St. Mary’s Regional Orthopedic Center Our Expert Team • Orthopedic surgeons • Podiatry • Hospitalists • Anesthesia • Clinical staff
Services Joint Replacement Center • Total hip arthroplasty • Anterior approach total hip arthoplasty • Total knee arthroplasty • Partial knee replacement Orthopedic Surgery • Limb-lengthening procedures • Total joint replacement revisions Orthopedic Trauma • Acetabular fractures • Fractures and dislocations • Post-trauma reconstruction Hand, Elbow and Shoulder • Total joint replacements • Shoulder • Elbow • Wrist • Shoulder, elbow and wrist fractures • Carpal tunnel and other compression nerve syndromes • Nerve tendon surgery Sports Medicine • Arthroscopy (Knee & Shoulder) • ACL reconstruction • Sprains • Strains • Tendonitis
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WV Physician
Foot and Ankle • Foot and ankle trauma/fractures • Ankle replacement • Reconstructive surgery • Bunions • Hammer toes • Archilles tendon repair • Plantar fasciitis
Advanced Diagnostics and Technology • X-Ray, MRI, CT, Dexascan
Rehabilitation Services • Acute care • Outpatient physical and occupational therapy • Orthopedic and sports injuries, including neck and back pain, sprains, strains and post-surgical rehabilitation • Treatment of upper extremity orthopedic and neurologic injuries • Balance disorders/fall prevention
Features • Joint replacement unit with dedicated private suites • Orthopedic unit • Dedicated Joint Replacement Center • Pre-op education • Group therapy • Dedicated orthopedic care team • Dedicated surgical teams • Patient education • Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in hip and knee joint replacement
News
New National Patient Study Looks at a Way to Reduce Colon Cancer Recurrences In 2008, 165 new cases of colon cancer
are taking the active drug or a placebo for
Stage II colon cancer survivor, less than one
were identified at CAMC with the patients
the five years of active treatment. Patients
year from your surgery, and have questions
receiving all or part of their care here
are randomly selected to participate in one
related to participation in the NSABP P-5
according to the Cancer Incidence and
of these two groups and neither the patient
trial, or you would like to be screened
Statistical Overview. It was the third most
nor the treatment team will know what
for eligibility in this trial, CAMC would
common type of cancer diagnosed in West
study supplement the patient was assigned
welcome your call.
Virginia that year.
to until the treatment period is completed. Only colon cancer survivors with Stage I or
For more information on this study and
Colon cancer returns in about 10 percent to
II colon cancers are eligible to participate.
other cancer research at CAMC, call Karen
15 percent of the patient cases. That’s why
The drug/placebo therapy is provided free
Shirey, RN at (304) 388-9936. Or visit
investigators at CAMC have joined other
of charge by the NCI. If you are a Stage I or
www.camc.org.
physicians across the country to participate in the NSABP’S (National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project) study to see if a drug called Rosuvastatin (also called Crestor) may stop the re-growth of these tumor cells. The researchers believe that giving Rosuvastatin (Crestor) after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after patient surgery to remove the colon cancer. They believe that the use of this drug may keep polyps from forming and/or the colon cancer from coming back. Research studies completed in the general population have shown that lipid-lowering drugs (statins like Crestor/ Rosuvastatin) have activity against cancer, including colon cancer. “The accepted protocol was to treat the patient for colon cancer and then send them home,” said Steven Jubelirer, MD. “Doctors might not see the patient again until the cancer returned. Hopefully we’ll find that we can to be proactive and prescribe Rosuvastatin to keep the cancer from returning.” The NSABP’s P-5 trial is the largest trial of its kind in the United States, and expects to accrue 1740 participants. The trial therapy is “blinded” meaning that the patients selected to participate will not know whether they
Steven Jubelirer, MD Volume 2 - Issue 1
7
Neurology
Migraine Sufferers Find Relief with New Approaches to Treatment Migraine sufferers know the symptoms all too well – a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting and/or sensitivity to light. For nearly 30 million Americans, when migraine strikes life comes to a debilitating halt, and nothing else matters but making the pain stop. Dr. Carol Foster’s mission is to do just that – to help patients understand migraine and enjoy a better quality of life without pain. “Migraine is not just a bad headache, it’s an inherited brain disease,” said Foster, a board certified neurologist with Neurological Services at CAMC, who has extensive training in treating headaches. “Like asthma or diabetes, migraine is a chronic medical disorder.” As one of only two headache specialists in West Virginia, Foster sees how migraine impacts patient’s lives every day. She has also experienced it firsthand as a migraine
ABOUT MIGRAINE • Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine, with women being affected three times more often than men. • Five percent of West Virginia’s population suffers from chronic daily headache. • Migraine is most commonly experienced between the ages of 15 and 55, and 70 to 80 percent of sufferers have a family history of migraine. • Less than half of all migraine sufferers have received a diagnosis of migraine from their health care provider. • Migraine is often misdiagnosed as sinus headache or tension headache.
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WV Physician
sufferer herself, which led to her life-long study of understanding the disease and helping others manage it. “Migraine is a brain thing, not a pain thing, meaning headaches are caused by a problem with the brain chemical serotonin,” Foster said. “A bad marriage or a bad hair day doesn’t cause headache; lack of serotonin causes headache. And like asthma or diabetes, it’s a disease that can be managed with lifestyle changes. The key is making a complicated • Many factors can trigger migraine attacks, such as alteration of sleepwake cycle; missing or delaying a meal; medications that cause a swelling of the blood vessels; daily or near daily use of medications designed for relieving headache attacks; bright lights, sunlight, fluorescent lights, TV and movie viewing; certain foods; and excessive noise. Stress and/or underlying depression are important trigger factors that can be diagnosed and treated adequately. • Migraine characteristics can include: - Pain typically on one side of the head - Pain that has a pulsating or throbbing quality
Carol A. Foster, MD
brain process something people can understand so they can become empowered to take control of it.”
-M oderate to intense pain affecting daily activities - Nausea or vomiting - S ensitivity to light or sound -A ttacks lasting four to 72 hours, sometimes longer -V isual disturbances or aura - Exertion, such as climbing stairs, makes headache worse • Talk to your family doctor if you are medicating a headache more than four days a month. Source: National Headache Foundation
Certain foods and environmental factors such as stress, lack of sleep or missed meals can trigger a headache. “Just as an asthma attack can be triggered by a cat for someone allergic to cat hair, a migraine attack can be triggered by a missed meal or a late night,” Foster said. “Being aware of your triggers helps you avoid them and control the frequency of attacks.” Foster works with patients to find out what triggers their migraine and how those triggers can be avoided. “One of the biggest culprits is food additives,” she said. “It’s critical that people change their diet, reduce food additives and bring the neurochemicals in their brain back in balance with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Controlling the biological stress response is the key to controlling migraine.” Foster said migraine can be easily treated, yet less than half of migraine sufferers have been diagnosed or treated, in part, due to medication overuse. “Migraine is biological, not psychological. Just taking a pill when you have a headache does not treat the cause of the headache. You have to treat the disease.” Foster said many people don’t understand that the medications they take for headache may actually cause more headaches. Frequent use of prescription and nonprescription pain pills, sinus pills, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills and tranquilizers often result in a cycle of headaches. “Giving pain pills to a person with headaches is like giving cookies to a diabetic. You feel better for a little while, but it only makes the problem worse,” Foster said. “You break the cycle by understanding what’s causing the headache and changing the behaviors that contribute to it. When you understand the disease and make changes in your life, often you can control your headaches and improve your quality of life.” Foster says her approach to treating migraine is much like that of treating any other chronic
disease, meaning patients don’t come in for a “quick fix” just when they have a headache. “In between attacks of migraine you feel fine, so it’s natural to want to deal with the problem when you experience the attack and ignore the condition when you are symptom-free. The problem with this is you’re simply treating the symptoms and not the disease.” Foster has created a comprehensive “brain cell fitness program” where patients learn
how to manage their disease and reduce the frequency of their headaches through a combination of approaches, including lifestyle changes and medication, if needed. “It’s not always easy, but being headachefree can be life changing and well worth the effort,” Foster said. For more information call Neurological Services at CAMC at (304) 388-6620. Sources: “Migraine: Your Questions Answered” and “Gotta Headache?” by Carol A. Foster, MD.
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 2 - Issue 1
9
News
Doak Appointed WVHA Chairman In his new leadership role, Doak will work closely with state officials, and lawmakers and the Health Care Authority on issues such as Medicaid reimbursement and other policies or laws that might have an impact on health care in the state. “The nice thing about all this is that the West Virginia Hospital Association has a talented, hard-working staff that handles day-to-day operations,” Doak said. One of the interesting aspects of the chairman’s role is that he leads an association that represents facilities of all sizes, from those with just a few overnight beds to large teaching hospitals and research centers. ELKINS--- Mark Doak, chief executive officer of Davis Health System, will serve as chairman ofLanthe GuoWest Virginia Hospital Association for 2011. Members elected Doak to the post during their annual meeting. Doak first joined the organization’s board in 2004 and earlier served as treasurer and chairman-elect. He takes the lead role in the organization during a time of significant change in health care, with federal reforms set to begin in the coming year.
“We work hard to find common ground and support initiatives that benefit all of the hospitals and patients around West Virginia,” Doak said. “The day-to-day operations of such diverse hospitals may vary greatly, but our core mission remains to create the best health care network possible for the state’s residents.” Doak will benefit from his experience at Davis Health System, which operates both Broaddus Hospital, one of the state’s
critical access facilities, and Davis Memorial Hospital, a mid-size institution that handles many trauma cases. “As members of the West Virginia Hospital Association, we’re not here to represent our individual facilities, we’re here to make decisions that are in the best interest of all,” Doak said. Although health care reform is a hot topic right now, many of the major changes won’t occur during Doak’s 2011 tenure. “It’s also not going to happen overnight,” he said. “It’s important to lay the groundwork now so the system is in place 20 years from now. Changes will take place, but the longterm impacts may not be seen for a while.” Doak said another goal for his year as chairman is to put goals in place to ensure that the board is accountable to the entire association. During the annual meeting members also voted David Ramsey, president and CEO of Charleston Area Medical Center, as chairmanelect. He is expected to succeed Doak in 2012.
A “Stronger and Healthier” future in Parkersburg West Virginia United Health System has welcomed Camden-Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg to its statewide family of affiliate healthcare centers. The new medical center was formed by the recent joining of Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. As the newly-consolidated facilities have gained a new name, logo, and “Stronger and Healthier” slogan, Camden-Clark Medical Center has become the state’s third-largest healthcare operation. The new structuring “will improve the efficiency of our operations and expand
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WV Physician
and enhance our services in ways many of us never dreamed possible under the previous arrangement,” said Mike King, Chief Executive Officer of Camden-Clark Medical Center.
merger and the new center’s affiliation with WVUHS fulfills the state-mandated mission of the “creation of a coordinated, integrated, efficient, and effective health science and delivery system in our state.”
Initially, the Memorial and St. Joseph’s campuses will continue to operate as two fully-functioning hospitals offering the same level of care, and doctors who formerly had privileges at one hospital can now treat patients at both. Decisions will be made regarding the consolidation of some service areas at a later date.
As part of West Virginia United Health System, Camden-Clark Medical Center will gain new resources and opportunities for research and education. Created by the West Virginia legislature in 1996, WVUHS is the largest healthcare system based in West Virginia, also including hospitals in Morgantown, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, and Ranson.
Tom Jones, CEO of WVUHS, said the
News
W.Va. Regional HIT Extension Center Among Top Ten In Nation, According To Federal Agency CHARLESTON, W.VA. – The West Virginia
“This success is due to the collaborative spirit
Regional HIT Extension Center (WVRHITEC) is
and joint efforts by the many partners involved
one of the top ten programs of its kind in the
with the West Virginia program,” said Roger
nation. During a meeting in Washington D.C. in
Chaufournier, Chairman of the West Virginia
December, the Office of National Coordinator
Health Improvement Institute and Program
for Health Information Technology reported
Director for the WVRHITEC. Organizations
that West Virginia’s physician recruitment
and agencies encompassing the state’s health
by the Office of National Coordinator for
success rate is the sixth best in the nation. The
care industry and the medical community
Health Information Technology/U.S. DHHS.
WVRHITEC is a new resource operating under
are aligned with the WVRHITEC and assisting
It has been established as part of the federal
the West Virginia Health Improvement Institute
with the mission to help advance electronic
stimulus plan and is operating under the West
and was created under a national program by
health record use across the state, he added.
Virginia Health Improvement Institute (http://
the Office of National Coordinator for Health
“Adoption and use of electronic health records
www.wvhealthimprovement.org. This project
Information Technology/U.S. DHHS.
will provide many benefits for our citizens and
is supported by Grant Number 90RC0017/01
will improve our health care system.”
from the Office of the National Coordinator, Department of Health and Human Services.
Under the program, the WVRHITEC has been designated as the statewide organization
The West Virginia Regional Health Information
to provide education, training and support
Technology Extension Center (WVRHITEC)
For more information, please go to
services to aid the state’s primary care provider
was created as part of a national program
www.wvrhitec.org.
community in implementing and using certified health information technology and achieving health
improvement
outcomes
through
“meaningful use.” The program also will help to prepare providers to be eligible to receive
MARSHALL UNIVERSITY FORENSIC SCIENCE CENTER 2010 Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture from the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicare/Medicaid incentive payments, which will be provided from 2011 to 2016. The WVRHITEC is recruiting West Virginia health centers and medical professionals in an effort to help them to implement and use certified health information technology and achieve health improvement outcomes through “meaningful use.” To date, the WVRHITEC has recruited nearly one-half of its goal of 1,000 providers. “The West Virginia regional extension center is a leader among similar programs that have been set up across the nation,” said Laura Rosas, an ONC Program Coordinator. “West in helping to transform the nation’s health care system through the use of electronic health
916 Fifth Avenue • Suite 208 Huntington, West Virginia 25701 304.697.4990 telephone
| etarch.com |
Virginia…can take pride in the role it is playing
technologies.” Volume 2 - Issue 1
11
News
WVRHITEC Adds ‘EHR 101’ Info To Web Site The West Virginia Regional HIT Extension
a clinical perspective and from a technology
The WVRHITEC expects to make an
Center has added a new section (EHR 101)
perspective. The WVRHITEC EHR team
announcement
to its web site to help providers understand
members provide their services in a vendor-
recommended list of EHR vendors/products
electronic health records and to share
neutral manner so providers get the best
that providers may want to consider as
useful tips and information. The WVRHITEC
advice and independent guidance.
they implement certified electronic health
works to assist primary care providers
very
soon
about
a
records in order to achieve meaningful use.
and health practices with the evaluation,
Visit the following link to see the list of
selection and implementation of certified
certified
electronic health records systems. The
have
center’s team of EHR specialists has direct
Office of National Coordinator (ONC):
to: http://www.wvrhitec.org/Contact/
experience in implementing and using
http://onc-chpl.force.com/ehrcert
ProviderContactMe/tabid/216/Default.aspx
EHR
been
vendors/products
approved
by
the
that federal
To learn more or to join the WVRHITEC, please call 1-877-775-7535 or go online
electronic health record systems…both from
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n Microdermabrasion
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n Removal of teeth
n Laser treatment
n Misshapen heads
n Sedation/general anesthesia
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Emergency care and financing available. • For billing information, call (304) 388-1799. Most major credit cards and insurances accepted. camc.org 22000-D10
12
WV Physician
©Charleston Area Medical Center Health System, Inc. 2010
Cabell Huntington Hospital News
CHH Children’s Hospital Project Receives $5,000 Donation from Huntington Young Professionals Committee Donation comes from group’s New Year’s Eve event HUNTINGTON, WV – The Cabell Huntington Hospital
Children’s
Hospital
Eve at the Pullman Plaza Hotel.
The
project
proposed
$12
million
Children’s
Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital will
received a $5,000 donation from the Young
“This gift is an example of the type of
create a child-friendly environment that will
Professionals Committee of the Huntington
“grass roots” generosity that will cause our
be comforting to children and their families,
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Children’s Hospital to become a reality,”
as well as a state-of-the-art facility for the
Graley said. “Literally thousands of people,
region’s most comprehensive pediatric team.
The
Young
Professionals
Committee
businesses
and
charitable
foundations
presented the donation to Cabell Huntington
have made donations. Our community as
For more information about the Children’s
Hospital Foundation Vice President and
a whole should be very proud of what it is
Hospital project or to learn how you can
Chief
Graley
accomplishing. We truly thank these young
become involved, please call (304) 526-6314
Wednesday morning at the Chamber offices.
Operating
Officer
David
leaders of tomorrow for doing this for our
or visit www.cabellhuntington.org and click
The donation comes from the group’s Black,
children.”
on the Children’s Hospital logo.
White & Red Carpet Ball held on News Year’s
CHH receives accreditation from College of American Pathologists HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington
This accreditation process is recognized by the
Each year, Cabell Huntington Hospital’s
Hospital has been awarded accreditation
federal government as being “equal to or more
Laboratory Department processes more
from the College of American Pathologists
stringent than the government’s own inspection
than 1.4 million blood tests for patients.
for laboratory services.
program,” according to a news release from the College of American Pathologists.
www.cabellhuntingtonhospital.org
During the accreditation process, inspectors examined Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Laboratory
Department
records
and
quality control procedures. The Laboratory Department’s staff qualifications, equipment, facility, safety programs and procedures were also examined. “The Cabell Huntington Hospital Laboratory continues to perform the highest quality of laboratory testing as recently confirmed by our accreditation by the College of American Pathologists,” said Linda Brown, MD, Medical Director of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Laboratory. “I, as well as my pathology colleagues, am proud to be associated with these laboratory professionals.”
Volume 2 - Issue 1
13
Cabell Huntington Hospital News
Cabell Huntington Hospital
donates $10,000 to expand “The Huntington’s Kitchen Fresh Market” and to help make local produce more available HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington
hope to improve the health and eating
community. It’s also great that it will support
Hospital contributed $10,000 to Huntington’s
habits of people in our region and to provide
our local farmers and food producers.”
Kitchen and Ebenezer Medical Outreach to
sustainable funding for the great work being
help expand their Fresh Market program,
done at Huntington’s Kitchen.”
In addition to the cash donation, Cabell Huntington Hospital announced it will
establish a stronger and more coordinated local food system and help make locally-
Earlier this month, Cabell Huntington
provide Huntington’s Kitchen and The
grown fruits and vegetables more available
Hospital was one of ten hospitals nationwide
Huntington’s
and affordable to the community.
to receive the National Hospital Charitable
with
Service Award and a $10,000 prize for its
communications with the community about
The
contribution
will
allow
Kitchen
marketing
Fresh
support
to
Market enhance
Ebenezer
extensive efforts to combat obesity and
cooking classes, course schedules and
Medical Outreach, Inc., to hire a coordinator
obesity-related disease. Those efforts include
kitchen news, as well as information about
to identify and work with local farmers and
a donation of $100,000 to help train all cooks
the dates, times and locations for each
food producers to sell their products to
in Cabell County Schools to prepare lunches
offering of The Huntington’s Kitchen Fresh
stores, restaurants and other businesses.
from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients;
Market. The marketing support will include
It will also help create a more bountiful
two donations of $50,000 each to fund two
development of a new website, brochures,
supply of fresh produce for the community
years of operations at Huntington’s Kitchen;
fliers, advertising templates and consultation
through expansion of “The Huntington’s
the creation of the “Cabell Huntington
services.
Kitchen Fresh Market,” which was originally
Hospital Healthy Kids Play Place” at The
developed to provide healthy, affordable
Huntington Mall; and the sponsorship of
Additionally, Ebenezer Medical Outreach,
produce to the low-income neighborhood
major health education campaigns on WSAZ-
Inc.,
surrounding Ebenezer Medical Outreach,
TV, WCHS-TV and WVAH-TV.
Huntington’s Kitchen and The Huntington’s
today
unveiled
new
logos
for
Kitchen Fresh Market, created by the Cabell
but has subsequently grown in popularity “We knew from the very beginning that if
Huntington Hospital Marketing & Public
we won the National Hospital Charitable
Relations Department. Both logos capitalize
Service Award, we were going to invest the
on the brand image of the exterior sign at
“This is a wonderful opportunity to increase
prize money back into our efforts to improve
Huntington’s Kitchen, which was donated by
the number of people who have access to
community
Chef Jamie Oliver, as well as colorful images
fresh, local produce in our region,” said
of healthier food choices,” said Brent A.
Andrea Leffingwell, Director of Development
Marsteller, President and Chief Executive
for Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc. “More
Officer of Cabell Huntington Hospital. “Our
For more information about Huntington’s
and more people, as well as local chefs,
previous efforts have already addressed
Kitchen or The Huntington’s Kitchen Fresh
seek out local produce because it is fresh,
school lunches and food preparation at
Market, call the kitchen at (304) 522-0887,
affordable and helps support the local
home, so we thought this money could
or Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc., at (304)
economy. By providing greater access to
best be utilized to help make healthy fruits
529-0753.
fresh, local foods at affordable prices, we
and vegetables more accessible to our
throughout
the
entire
Huntington
community.
14
WV Physician
health
through
promotion
of fresh, healthy vegetables.
Cabell Huntington Hospital News
Cabell Huntington Hospital awarded stroke certification from The Joint Commission HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its Advanced Primary Stroke Center by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes Cabell Huntington Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Cabell Huntington Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site survey. A Joint Commission expert surveyor evaluated Cabell Huntington Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. “In achieving Joint Commission certification, Cabell Huntington Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care
for its patients with stroke,” says Jean Range, MS, RN, CPHQ, Executive Director, DiseaseSpecific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Cabell Huntington Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.” “This Joint Commission review validated the processes already in place that assure evidence-based timely care for patients presenting to Cabell Huntington Hospital with symptoms of stroke,” said Hoyt Burdick, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Cabell Huntington Hospital. The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national
standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities. Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, notfor-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standardssetting and accrediting body in health care.
I’m Dr. Myron Lewis and I choose HIMG because I wanted to work
alongside some of the most respected and talented physicians and health care providers in the area. At HIMG, we work together to deliver the absolute best in quality patient care. We like to say “I’m HIMG” because every member of our team is proud to carry the strong reputation of our operation in all that we do.
We’d like you to consider becoming part of our team. Headquartered in Huntington, West Virginia, HIMG is the largest privately held multi-specialty group in the state. Our 150,000 square-foot facility and our business practices have been a model for many operations throughout the nation. We are currently recruiting physicians and mid-level providers in many areas and encourage you to contact us for a confidential review of the opportunities available.
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www.himgwv.com 5170 U.S. Route 60 East Huntington, WV 25705
(304)
528-4657 Volume 2 - Issue 1
15
Cabell Huntington Hospital News
Cabell Huntington Hospital Joint Replacement Program awarded Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval and Disease-Specific Care Certification for Hip and Knee Replacement HUNTINGTON, WV - The Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital has been recognized again for quality care by earning the Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality from the Joint Commission. Additionally, the Joint Commission has awarded Cabell Huntington Hospital Disease-Specific Care Certification for both Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery. Cabell Huntington was awarded this distinction after an extensive, on-site evaluation by a team of reviewers from the Joint Commission. The hospital voluntarily pursued the evaluation to enhance the safety and quality provided by its Joint Replacement Program. The program’s processes, ability to improve patient care and patient and staff interview responses were among the many items evaluated by the Joint Commission team.
“We are pleased that our program and staff have been recognized with such high honors by both HealthGrades and the Joint Commission,” said Dr. Oliashirazi. “Very few programs in the country can say this and I am so proud of everyone involved in this process”. The Joint Commission launched its Disease-Specific Care Certification program in 2002. It is the first program of its kind in the country to certify disease management programs. A list of programs certified by the Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org. For more information about joint replacement services at Cabell Huntington Hospital, please call (304) 526-2607 or visit www. cabellhuntington.org and click on “Joint Replacement” under the “Services” tab.
“This certification means Cabell Huntington Hospital does the right things and does them well for hip and knee replacement patients,” said Jean E. Range, MS, RN, CPHQ, executive director, DiseaseSpecific Care Certification, Joint Commission. “Once again, we were given the opportunity to showcase the quality joint replacement services provided at Cabell Huntington Hospital and we were rewarded for our years of hard work and our proven processes to give patients the best possible outcomes,” said Ali Oliashirazi, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “You can have all the processes in place, but the proof is in the outcomes and our patients’ outcomes place this program among the nation’s finest.” In October, HealthGrades, the nation’s leading hospital quality ratings organization, ranked Cabell Huntington Hospital number one in West Virginia and the Tri-State for Joint Replacement and Overall Orthopedic Services. The hospital was also one of only 12 hospitals in the nation to receive five-star quality ratings for total knee replacement, total hip replacement, hip fracture repair and back and neck surgery (without spinal fusion). Additionally, HealthGrades ranked Cabell Huntington among the top 5 % in the nation for Joint Replacement and Overall Orthopedic Surgery quality.
16
WV Physician
We
you.
As a national leader in cardiac procedures performed, CAMC offers a full range of heart and vascular services. CAMC’s new state-of-the-art heart and vascular center is devoted to caring for you with private rooms, more cath labs and expanded capabilities.
camc.org
Davis Health System News
DMH Now Offers New Capsule Endoscopy ELKINS
Ratnakar,
photos are wirelessly transmitted to a data
gastroenterologist and endoscopist at Davis
–
Dr.
Nitesh
recorder, attached to a belt patients wear on
Memorial Hospital (DMH), now offers a
the outside of their clothing.
new, less invasive endoscopy procedure that means no sedative or recovery time
“This new technology is helpful, because
for patients. Dr. Ratnakar recently began
images of the small bowl are normally
using the PillCam for the detection of small
difficult to capture. However, the PillCam
intestinal disorders. With this technology,
allows us to see the entire small intestine
far to take advantage of this new endoscopic
patients swallow a pill about the size of large
which helps us make a faster and more
technology,” he said.
vitamin, which can be administered in a
accurate diagnosis.” The pill then passes
physician’s office, and continue their day in
naturally from the body within 24-48 hours.
This technology is used to help diagnose small bowel disorders and conditions such
a normal manner. According to Dr. Ratnakar, “Patients are
as Crohn’s disease, causes of anemia, celiac
This mini-camera capsule contains a light,
very pleased with the procedure because
disease and small bowel tumors.
batteries, radio transmitter and antenna.
of the convenience, comfort and immediate
“The procedure is less invasive for the
recovery. They are, however, limited to non-
For more information, contact Dr. Ratnakar
patient,” says Dr. Ratnakar. “Patients swallow
strenuous activities during the procedure.”
at 304.637.2360. He has offices at 213 Main Street, Elkins and Buckhannon Medical Care,
the camera and for the next eight hours, 50,000 pictures, or two images per second,
“It is exciting to be able to offer this procedure
are taken of their small intestines. These
here at DMH. Patients will not have to travel
11 North Locust Street, Buckhannon.
Orthopaedics at West Virginia University WVU’s Department of Orthopaedics provides excellent services for a wide range of orthopaedic disorders and injuries. Our goal is to heal and help through surgery, medication, rehabilitation, or a combination of several therapies. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians have expertise in a comprehensive range of services and procedures, including: Spinal fusion surgery Thoracic, cervical, and lumbar surgery Minimally-invasive knee replacement Sports medicine Pediatric orthopaedics Microvascular, arthroscopic, and reconstructive surgery of hand and upper extremities Musculoskeletal oncology Trauma MARS 800 982-6277 • wvuhealthcare.com
Volume 2 - Issue 1
17
Monongalia Health System News
Mon Health System Board Names COO Darryl Duncan as President/CEO The Board of Directors of Monongalia Health
focus was to have a viable candidate to
continue to work hard to move us into the
System has named Mon General Hospital
succeed the CEO.
future with integrity and creativity.”
as the new President/Chief Executive Officer
“Since then, Darryl has been an excellent
“As we implement health reform in this
of Monongalia Health System.
COO often demonstrating the skills and
nation, Darryl’s knowledge of Mon General
attributes to move up and be a successful
Hospital, his strong clinical knowledge,
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Darryl Duncan
Duncan
Robertson
CEO,” Martin said. “He is bright, analytical,
and his experience in hospital operations
as President/CEO effective Feb. 1, 2011.
succeeded
David
and energetic which, when coupled with his
will greatly benefit our organization,” said
Robertson stepped down on Jan. 31, 2011 to
experience via his background and clinical
outgoing Mon Health System President/
become Senior Vice President and Executive
knowledge, should serve him and our
CEO David Robertson. “I wish him well as he
Officer for the Oklahoma and Arkansas
System very well as we move forward in our
leads the Health System into the future.”
region of the Voluntary Hospitals of America
mission to deliver the best healthcare.” “I am excited about this opportunity and
(VHA). “While we are grateful for the leadership
consider it an honor to work with the
Duncan, 47, is a native of Charleston, WV,
of Dave Robertson as CEO over the past
employees,
and has served as Mon General’s COO since
eight years and sad to see him leave, I am
associated with the Health System,” Duncan
June 2006. During his tenure, Duncan has
very pleased and happy to welcome Darryl
said. “Healthcare is about to embark on
spearheaded physician recruitment at Mon
Duncan as the new CEO of the Health
some significant change, but I feel confident
General, adding more than 30 physicians to
System,” said Sister Nancy White, Chair of
we are strongly positioned to continue to
its staff.
the Mon General Hospital Board of Directors.
provide the best healthcare to this region of
“Although we are saddened by David
“Darryl had a wide breadth of Administrative
Robertson’s departure, and certainly wish
experience when he came to the hospital in
As President/CEO, Duncan will oversee the
him the best as he ventures into his new
2006 as COO and has proven over his years
operation of Monongalia Health System,
position, we, the System Board, tried to be
here that he is very knowledgeable of the
which includes Mon General Hospital, Mon
prepared for such an event,” said Patrick
Mon Health System, especially the inner
HealthCare, Mon EMS, and The Village
Martin, Chair of the Monongalia Health
workings of the hospital,” White said. “Darryl
at Heritage Point. He will serve on both
System Board of Directors. “When Darryl
is very dedicated to our mission ‘to deliver
the Mon Health System and Mon General
was hired in 2006 as COO, the Board’s main
the best healthcare’ and I believe he will
Hospital Boards of Directors.
physicians,
and
volunteers
West Virginia.”
18
WV Physician
St. Mary’s Medical Center News
St. Mary’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Awarded Joint Commission Re-certification in Treatment of COPD The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program
COPD refers to a group of long-term lung
St.
at St. Mary’s Medical Center has been
diseases that block airflow and make it
program is certified by the American
awarded the Joint Commission Gold Seal
increasingly difficult to breathe. Emphysema
Association
of Approval™ certification for treatment of
and chronic bronchitis are the two main
Pulmonary Rehabilitation. All staff members
advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary
conditions that make up COPD. Damage to
are facilitators for the American Lung
disease (COPD) for the second consecutive
the airways eventually interferes with the
Association’s
year. The gold seal status signifies that COPD
exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
program.
care at St. Mary’s Medical Center meets high
in the lungs. Currently, COPD is the fourth
national standards. It also recognizes the
leading cause of death in the nation.
The
Mary’s
Joint
pulmonary of
rehabilitation
Cardiovascular
Freedom
Commission
from
and
Smoking
evaluates
and
accredits more than 18,000 healthcare
program’s exceptional efforts to improve “Joint Commission certification recognizes
organizations and programs in the United
St. Mary’s exceptional quality of care for
States.
To earn this distinction, St. Mary’s Pulmonary
our patients,” said Debra Parsons, RN, BA,
organization is the nation’s oldest and largest
Rehabilitation
director of pulmonary rehabilitation at St.
standards-setting and accrediting body in
extensive, on-site evaluation by a surveyor
Mary’s.
health care.
certified by the Joint Commission. This
program educates participants on ways
evaluation
to manage lung disease, including how to
For more information about treatments and
retrain and control their breathing.”
services for COPD, call St. Mary’s pulmonary
long-term patient outcomes.
program
confirmed
underwent
the
an
pulmonary
rehabilitation program’s ability to evaluate
“Our pulmonary rehabilitation
The
independent,
not-for-profit
rehabilitation program at (304) 399-7402.
and improve care for patients with COPD.
St. Mary’s First in the Nation to be Awarded Joint Commission Certification in Spine Surgery St. Mary’s Regional Spine Center is the first
invasive and microscopic, approach with
“Certification is a voluntary process and
program in the nation to receive disease-
excellent results.”
I commend St. Mary’s for successfully
specific certification in spine surgery from
undertaking this challenge to elevate its
The Joint Commission. The certification
To earn this distinction, St. Mary’s Regional
standard of care and instill confidence in the
award recognizes St. Mary’s as a leader in the
Spine Center underwent an extensive, on-site
community it serves.”
treatment of patients with spine conditions.
evaluation by a team of Joint Commission
“This
great
achievement
reviewers. The program was evaluated
The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific
demonstrates
against Joint Commission standards through
Care
and confirms the commitment of St.
an assessment of the program’s processes,
in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical
Mary’s Medical Center, physicians and
the program’s ability to evaluate and
programs across the continuum of care. The
staff to providing state-of-the-art spine
improve care within its own organization,
Joint Commission evaluates and accredits
care to patients in our area,” said David L.
and interviews with patients and staff.
more than 18,000 healthcare organizations
Weinsweig, MD, neurosurgeon at St. Mary’s.
Certification
Program,
launched
and programs in the United States. The “In achieving Joint Commission certification,
independent, not-for-profit organization is
“We have the experience and expertise
St. Mary’s Regional Spine Center has
the nation’s oldest and largest standards-
to treat virtually all spine conditions from
demonstrated its commitment to the highest
setting and accrediting body in health care.
the skull to the tailbone conservatively,”
level of care for its patients with spine
Dr. Weinsweig continued. “And, when an
conditions,” said Jean Range, M.S., R.N.,
For more information about the services offered
operation is necessary, we can provide
C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific
at St. Mary’s Regional Spine Center, call (304)
treatment from an open, as well as minimally
Care Certification, The Joint Commission.
526-6025 or (800) 9ST-MARY, ext. 6025. Volume 2 - Issue 1
19
St. Mary’s Medical Center News
St. Mary’s Awarded Re-Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission After undergoing an on-site evaluation and
are pleased to have The Joint Commission
director, Disease- Specific Care Certification,
demonstrating compliance with nationally
recognize and validate our continuing
The Joint Commission. “By achieving
developed standards for stroke care, St.
commitment to providing the best possible
certification as a Primary Stroke Center, St.
Mary’s Medical Center has been awarded
care to our patients and our community.”
Mary’s Medical Center has proven that it has
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of
the ability to provide effective, timely care to
Approval™ for certification as a Primary
Each year about 795,000 people experience
stroke victims and can significantly improve
Stroke Center. St. Mary’s has maintained this
a new or recurrent stroke, which is the
outcomes for stroke patients.”
certification since 2004.
nation’s third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every
The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke
“We are very proud of this distinction
40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke
Center Certification is based on the
from The Joint Commission,” said Christy
every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause
recommendations for primary stroke centers
Franklin, RN, MS, director of St. Mary’s
of serious, long-term disability in the United
published by the Brain Attack Coalition
Regional Neuroscience Center. “As the fourth
States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors
and the American Stroke Association’s
certification of our stroke center, first in West
alive today.
statements and guidelines for stroke care.
Virginia and the tri-state region, St. Mary’s
The
has shown long-standing commitment to
“In stroke care time is brain,” says Jean
providing excellence in stroke care.
E. Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., executive
We
Joint
Commission
launched
the
program—the nation’s first—in 2003.
St. Mary’s Awarded Gold Seal of Accreditation for MRI Services St. Mary’s Medical Center has been awarded
“St. Mary’s has always offered
a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic
exceptional patient care and
resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of
this is just another example of
a recent review by the American College
our dedication to quality and
facility
of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a non-invasive
service,” Fred Kirby, director
control
medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to
of radiology at St. Mary’s, said.
quality assurance programs
produce anatomical images of internal body
“Our MRI department is proud
are assessed. The findings are
parts to help physicians diagnose and treat
to have achieved this recognition
medical conditions.
and wants to assure patients that they
St. Mary’s MRI staff members, pictured left to right: Erin Floyd, Christy Meade, Pam Moore and Dreama Marion. Not pictured: Jean Galvez, Jackie Lester, Rebecca Thornton, Barbara Bryan, Michelle Farrell, Jennifer McNeel and Shane Kiser.
20
WV Physician
medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications,
adequacy
equipment, procedures
of
quality and
reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently
will continue to receive
provides the practice with a comprehensive
the best possible care at
report they can use for continuous practice
St. Mary’s.”
improvement.
The ACR gold seal of
The
accreditation represents
organization serving more than 34,000
the highest level of image
diagnostic/interventional
quality and patient safety.
radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine
The recognition is given
physicians, and medical physicists with
only to facilities that meet
programs focusing on the practice of
ACR practice guidelines
medical imaging and radiation oncology
and technical standards
and the delivery of comprehensive health
after
care services.
a
evaluation
peer-review by
ACR
is
a
national
professional radiologists,
board-
certified physicians and
For more information visit www.st-marys.org.
Thomas Health System News
Thomas Hospital – First in West Virginia to Eliminate Deadly Superbugs with Xenex Disenfection System South Charleston, WV – Thomas Memorial Hospital announced it is the first hospital in West Virginia to use the Xenex PX-UV disinfection system in its operating rooms. The Xenex system is the fastest, safest and most effective method for the advanced cleaning of operating rooms in the world today, scientifically proven to destroy all major classes of microorganisms that cause hospital acquired infections. The Xenex PX-UV disinfection system uses pulsed xenon technology to deliver high-intensity, broad spectrum ultraviolet light to quickly kill microorganisms on surfaces and in the air without contact or chemicals. The UV penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, essentially fusing their DNA, leading to instant damage, the
inability to reproduce or mutate, and killing the organism. “This is very exciting for Thomas to have this type of equipment. This new technology will provide the safest area for our patients and save lives.” said Steve Dexter, President and CEO of Thomas Health System. The Xenex system has been proven effective on a variety of the most dangerous “superbugs” in several independent labs in the U.S.. and internationally. In hospital trials, Xenex has consistently shown to be more than 20 times more effective than standard cleaning practices. “The Foundation is so pleased to be able to help bring this high tech equipment to Thomas and to be the first in the state with
WVU Charleston Division Faculty in the News
this amazing infection control technology, stated Owen Higgins, board member of The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals. “Innovative hospitals like Thomas Memorial Hospital are investing in Xenex disinfection technology to make their patients safer,” said Brian Cruver, CEO of Xenex Healthcare. “Traditional chemical cleaning methods are proven to be inadequate, which results in a significant increase in the infection risk. Much like the first automobile makers to install airbags because seatbelts were just not enough, Thomas Memorial Hospital is taking patient protection to the next level while leading the healthcare industry toward a new and better standard of cleanliness and care.”
WVU Charleston Division News
Jack L. DePriest, M.D. Inducted into the 2010 Class of the Academy of Excellence in Teaching and Learning at West Virginia University. Jack L. DePriest, M.D.,
University of South Carolina. He completed
graduates of the HSC Teaching Scholars
associate
Program.
professor,
his residency in Internal Medicine at George
department of internal
Washington University Hospital and his
medicine, was honored
fellowship training in Critical Care Medicine
This year’s inductees also included the
in
in
at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He
following
November as part of
recently received his Masters of Academic
Mahreen Hashmi, M.D., associate professor,
the 2010 class of the
Medicine from the University of Southern
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
California.
Charles J. Hochberg, M.D. associate professor,
Morgantown
Academy of Excellence in Teaching and
School
of
Medicine
faculty:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Learning at West Virginia University. The Teaching Academy is designed to advance
Dr. DePriest is an Associate Professor in
Rosemarie
the educational mission of WVU Health
the Charleston Division of the West Virginia
professor, Department of Family Medicine,
Sciences through innovation, collaboration
University School of Medicine. His research
Eastern Campus, and Harold James Williams,
and scholarship by recognizing faculty for
interests include end-of-life decision-making
M.D., professor, Department of Pathology.
excellence in education.
and resident professional development. The
Cannarella
induction
is
Lorenzetti,
mentioned
M.D.,
under
Dr. DePriest came to Charleston by way of
Members of the academy are inducted based
“Noteworthy” in the December issue of the
Johnstown Pennsylvania in June of 2009. He
on teaching awards received from any year
WVU School of Medicine Enews:
received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt
from university, department, school, state and
University and his M.D. from the Medical
national organizations. Members also include
http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/eNews/ Volume 2 - Issue 1
21
WVU News
Making Memories Last
WVU research opens new path for possible Alzheimer’s drugs MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Findings presented
pathways, but caused nausea and vomiting.
in new research by a team of West Virginia
One of four subtypes of the enzyme, PDE4D,
University scientists could eventually lead
seemed to be responsible for the unwanted
Zhang was recently recognized as one of
to innovations in the treatment of memory
side effect.
the most outstanding Chinese scientists in
and vomiting could be on the horizon.
the United States during Chinese President
loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease. HanTing Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., WVU School of
With the support of the National Institute of
Hu Jintao’s January visit to Washington,
Medicine assistant professor, was the lead
Aging, Dr. Zhang’s group altered the genes of
D.C. Based on his research achievements
author of the study published in the January
mice to remove the PDE4D subtypes that led
and influence in the Chinese community,
5, 2011 edition of the weekly “Journal of
to the nausea and vomiting.
Zhang was invited by the Chinese embassy to join other top Chinese professionals and
Neuroscience.” He said the results may be the foundation for the development of new
“PDE4D is the important target for memory,”
students to meet President Hu. Meeting
memory-preserving drugs.
Dr. Zhang said. “There’s potential here for
attendees were praised for their significant
development of new treatments for memory
contributions to their respective fields,
isolated
an
loss
nervous
and were applauded for strengthening the
contributed
to
system disorders like Alzheimer’s disease,
relationship between China and the United
Parkinson’s disease, and depression.”
States through their work.
breaks down a cellular molecule important
Though Zhang says there’s far more study
Zhang is in the WVU Department of
for maintaining memory. That molecular
needed before PDE4D inhibitors will be
Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and
substance acts as a signaling pathway in
formulated and approved for use with
part of the WVU Center for Neuroscience.
the brain that “turns on” memory genes.
humans, the WVU study leaves scientists
He is president of the Chinese Professionals
Previous studies found that drugs blocking
around the world very optimistic memory-
Association of West Virginia.
PDE4 improved the function of these
enhancing drugs that do not cause nausea
Scientists enzyme
had they
previously believed
memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. Called
associated
with
central
phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), the enzyme
WVU Cancer Researcher Awarded Grant for Study on Cholesterol-lowering medicine MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A researcher at
undergone matched sibling bone marrow
West Virginia University is trying to determine
transplantation.
whether a drug commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol can help prevent a serious
A bone marrow transplant patient develops
complication associated with a type of bone
GVHD when the donor’s immune cells
marrow transplant used in cancer treatment.
attack the patient’s tissues and vital organs such as the skin, liver and gastrointestinal
Mehdi
the
tract. The condition can be acute or chronic
Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and
Hamadani,
M.D.,
of
depending upon how soon it develops after
Transplantation Program at the Mary Babb
the transplant; it also puts the patient at risk
Randolph Cancer Center, received a $60,000
for life-threatening infections.
grant from the American Society for Blood
22
WV Physician
and Marrow Transplantation for novel
“At least one out of every three patients
research on atorvastatin, otherwise known
who undergo matched sibling stem cell
as Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medicine.
transplantation
He is leading a clinical trial to determine if
Hamadani said. “It is the second most
atorvastatin will prevent acute graft-versus-
common reason patients die after a
host disease (GVHD) in patients who’ve
transplant.”
develops
GVHD,”
Dr.
WVU News There are various drugs being used to
The clinical trial offered at WVU’s Cancer
researchers, which strives to promote the
prevent the condition, but there is no
Center is based in part on Hamadani’s earlier
advancement of the blood and marrow
standard method of prevention.
research that showed statin drugs, such as
transplantation field.
atorvastatin, have potential for reducing the Hamadani is cautiously optimistic that
incidence of acute GVHD.
atorvastatin will improve patient outcomes.
“We are very proud of Dr. Hamadani,” Laura Gibson, Ph.D., deputy director of the Mary
Three of the patients enrolled in his research
Upon selecting Hamadani as one of five
Babb Randolph Cancer Center, said. “The
study at WVU are doing well and have had
winners of the New Investigator Award,
ASBMT is comprised of renowned BMT
no side effects from the drug.
the associate executive director of the
physicians and basic scientists. To receive an
American Society for Blood and Marrow
award from this elite group speaks highly of
“If this phase 2 trial shows that atorvastatin is
Transplantation (ASBMT) called Hamadani’s
the scientific merit of Mehdi’s research and is
safe and effective, the next step would be a
research study “outstanding.”
characteristic of his significant contributions
multi-center phase 3 trial involving hundreds of
to the research team at WVU.”
transplant patients to see how the drug compares
The ASBMT is an international professional
to current approaches to prevent GVHD.”
association for clinical and laboratory
WVU Children’s Hospital Changing the Way it Cares for its Tiniest Patients MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – There’s a special
changed. But the one thing that has not
there for about one month and then move to
section of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
really changed is the care plan.
another part of the NICU for the remainder
(NICU) at West Virginia University Children’s
of their stay.
Hospital with the words “Wee Care” over the
A multidisciplinary team that included
doorway; it’s called the Small Baby Pod. This
physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists,
To better accommodate the needs of the
is where the unit’s tiniest patients receive
physical therapists and palliative care staff
babies, the lighting and sound levels in the
care and where a new approach to that care
decided that patients would benefit from a
Small Baby Pod are decreased. Babies born
is taking place.
unified approach for care built on evidence-
so prematurely should be in darkness, Polak
based best practices, Polak said.
said. These changes help make them more
Mark Polak, M.D., director of the NICU,
comfortable.
said that changes in the care of newborns
“What we’re doing does not involve a new
have occurred in the last 30-plus years.
structure or a new piece of equipment but
Another change involves recognizing and
Intensive care units have been established
instead involves a change in thinking,” he
addressing the emotional needs of the parents.
and expanded. Equipment and drugs have
said. “It’s a huge investment. But here the
Expectant parents prepare themselves to take
investment is in our minds.”
their baby home shortly after birth. Parents of NICU babies, especially those in the Small
The Small Baby Pod houses babies born
Baby Pod, face a hospital stay of six months
before the 26th week of pregnancy and those
or longer, Polak said. Palliative care staff can
who weigh less than 2 pounds. Dr. Polak said
help the parents with the emotional upheaval
these babies are born healthy but they are
of having a baby in the NICU.
immature in all their organ systems, which can make them as sick
“What we’re doing now is as close to ideal as
as those who have the
possible based on what has been published,”
flu or were involved
he said. “We can make a big difference
in a car accident. He
on their time in the hospital and not only
anticipates that there
increase the quality of care we provide but
will always be four
also increase their quality of life.”
babies in the pod, which is as many as it
For more information on WVU Children’s
can hold. They will be
Hospital see www.wvukids.com. Volume 2 - Issue 1
23
WVU News
First Diaphragm Pacemaker Implanted at WVU Service offered in less than 35 cities nationwide MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Patients who suffer
patient made more progress in the day after
is tremendously less
upper spinal cord injuries are often left
the pacemaker implantation than in the
expensive.
unable to breathe on their own and require
prior three weeks of hospitalization with a
said the batteries
the assistance of a ventilator, sometimes for
ventilator.
for the pacemaker
the rest of their lives. But a revolutionary procedure
being
performed
at
Knight
cost about $20 to
WVU
Most patients who could be candidates for
replace every three
Healthcare is helping to get patients off
the diaphragm pacemaker come into the
weeks whereas it
ventilators and on the road to recovery.
Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center during
can cost upwards
the summer months when ATV accidents
of $500,000 for a
An upper spinal cord injury breaks the
and diving accidents occur more frequently,
patient to remain
connection between the brain and the
Dr. Knight said. She anticipates that there
on a ventilator for a
diaphragm – the brain can no longer tell
are other patients in similar situations who
year.
the diaphragm to contract. But for some
are treated at other facilities in the state who
people who suffer this type of spinal cord
could benefit from this procedure.
injury, a diaphragmatic pacemaker can be put into place to help them breathe. Just as
“West Virginians who are candidates for
a pacemaker for the heart helps to control
diaphragm pacemaker implantation don’t
the heartbeat, a diaphragmatic pacemaker
have to go to Baltimore or Cleveland to have
stimulates the diaphragm to contract, allowing
the procedure done,” Knight said. “We’re
“For the patients who will benefit from this,
the patient to breathe.
doing it right here in their own backyards.”
it is life changing. Your life is totally different when you’re not hooked to a machine,”
The surgical team at West Virginia University’s
In order to move to a nursing or rehabilitation
Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center implanted
facility, patients cannot be dependant on
a diaphragm pacemaker on Feb. 14 in a patient
a ventilator for breathing. The use of the
The device, NeuRx DPS is currently being used
who sustained spinal cord and traumatic
pacemaker allows patients who wouldn’t be
in less than 35 cities nationwide, according
brain injuries in a car accident in late January.
able to come off the ventilator to take the next
to its manufacturer, Synapse Biomedical.
step in their treatment.
For more information on the device, see
Jennifer Knight, M.D., assistant professor in
www.synapsebiomedical.com.
the WVU Department of Surgery and member
In addition, the cost of using the pacemaker
of the team caring for the patient, said the
versus the cost of being hooked up to a ventilator
24
WV Physician
Knight said.
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