WV Physician Magazine Volume 2, Issue 3 by P. J. Hutton

V O L U M E 2 â&#x20AC;˘ I S S U E 3 â&#x20AC;˘ 2 0 11

The Magazine for Health Care Professionals

Electrophysiology Lab continues to grow 20 years after its beginning

Welcomes

Aamir A. Cheema, MD Dr. Cheema Will Help Get Your Heart Back in Rhythm

To refer a patient call, (304) 399-7548

C. Kevin Moore, C-FNP

Esam Baryun, MD

Dr. Cheema’s services are available to adult and some pediatric patients. They include:

• Treatment of acute and chronic heart failure

Cardiac Electrophysiology 2828 First Ave., Suite 510, Huntington, WV 25702 304-399-7548

Mark Adkins, ACNP

Dr. Cheema is now part of the team of heart rhythm experts at St. Mary’s Cardiac Electrophysiology.

• Comprehensive electrophysiology and rhythm disturbance management

St. Mary’s

Aamir Cheema, MD

• Management and treatment of atrial fibrillation/flutter with medication and/ or catheter ablation • Treatment of supraventricular tachycardias, PVCs and ventricular tachycardia with medication, electrophysiology study and/or catheter ablation • Anti-arrhythmic drug management and follow-up

• Implantation and evaluation of pacemakers/defibrillators based on CMS guidelines • Remote home monitoring of pacemakers/ICDs • Implantable loop heart recorders for patients with syncope of unknown etiology and other hard to capture arrythmias • Holter monitoring • Cardiac event monitoring

Category Contents

COVER STORY

Electrophysiology Lab

continues to grow 20 years after its beginning Hospital News 8 Cabell Huntington Hospital 10 CAMC 12 Davis Health System 14 HealthSouth 14 Marshal University Medical School 16 Preston Memorial Hospital 17 Thomas Health System 17 St. Joseph’s Hospital 18 Princeton Community Hosptial integrates advanced germ-killing technology into its patient care program

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. ©2011, Austin Development Company, LLC dba WV Physician. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

20 St. Mary’s Medical Center 22 WVU Charleston 24 WVUH 27 WVUH-East 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 3 • 2011

Cover Story Category

Electrophysiology Lab continues to grow 20 years after its beginning By Leslie Carpenter, CAMC CAMC’s electrophysiology program began in

radiofrequency, while 3.75 percent are done

education through physician in-services,

1989 under the direction of Ronald McCowan,

using cryotechnology.

lunch and learns and conferences. When

MD, FACC. There were two dedicated RNs

time and resources permit, team members

and one dedicated CVT at that time. The lab

Nurses cross train on monitoring and mapping

may also attend the Heart Rhythm Society’s

itself functioned on a floor separate from

systems and all staff can scrub in and assist on

National Scientific Sessions.

other cardiac services until it was integrated

implants. All EP staff is required to be certified

into the new facility in 2009.

in both advanced cardiac and basic life

One of the most unique things about CAMC’s

support. There are two full-time EP labs, and

lab is that Dr. McCowan and two nurses,

Shawn Allen, RN, has worked in the EP lab

one shared with cath. CAMC has three full-time

Shawn Allen and Cliff Thorpe, were the

since its inception. “Our EP program is very

electrophysiologists, two cardiologists who

pioneer EP staff and have remained here for

unique in that it started without much guidance

perform implant procedures, four dedicated

more than two decades. That experience is

from the outside,” she said. “It was put together

EP nurses, three float nurses, five dedicated

an extraordinary benefit to CAMC.

through much dedication and education.”

RTs and one float RT.

Approximately 1,500 EP cases per year are

Many of the EP staff are trained to assist in

amount of credit for providing EP services

performed in the lab at CAMC and include

the catheterization labs. However, if they are

in Charleston for many years, essentially

pacemakers,

ICD’s,

electrophysiology

hired as dedicated EP staff, extensive training

by himself,” said Brett A. Faulknier, DO,

studies

complex

ablations.

Most

is done by existing staff to prepare them.

Associate Professor of Medicine at West

ablation procedures are performed with

Staff of the EP lab also receive continuing

Virginia University - Charleston Division, and

“Dr. Ronald McCowan deserves a tremendous

and

cardiology and electrophysiology specialist with the WVU Physicians of Charleston. “He has been a deliverer of top notch EP care, and it is a pleasure to be able to return to my hometown and help to provide what continues to be much needed service in an underserved area.” The primary goal of the EP lab was, and still remains, to provide specialized diagnostic and interventional treatment for all types of cardiac arrhythmias. “Our lab is similar to others that I have had the opportunity to visit around the country,” said McCowan, who is an Associate Professor of Medicine at West Virginia University – Charleston Division and CEO of Arrhythmia The inner core of the cath/EP labs is where supplies are kept for quick access during procedures. The central location keeps supplies in close proximity and for all of the labs.

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Treatment Associates, PLLC. “There is a prevailing sense of service to the patient

Drs. Brett Faulknier, Ronald McCowan and Chafik Assal specialize in clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

and a desire to deliver excellent, current and

most up-to-date software and also to bring

procedure volumes for many years. Since

compassionate care.”

in additional highly-trained and motivated

EP is labor intensive and demands expertise

support staff to allow for increased volumes

in training of ancillary personnel, CAMC

and the ability to handle more complex cases.

continues the training of more technicians

Nationally, EP procedures continue to rise, and there is no exception locally.

and nurses and recently welcomed another CAMC continues to grow and has remained

“In Charleston we’ve seen a significant

EP physician, Chafik Assal, MD.

in the top 20 hospitals nationally in heart

growth in electrophysiology,” said McCowan. “There has been a progressive increase in EP interventional procedural management of tachyarrhythmias and heart failure. The added expertise of additional EP physicians has allowed us to be viewed as a full service EP provider.” “With atrial fibrillation becoming so prevalent in our aging population, there is definitely a need for more ablation to be performed in West Virginia,” added Faulknier. “Further tools need to be developed that will make the ablation lesions more uniform and deliverable.” Obtaining and maintaining the tools needed to perform these cases can sometimes be a challenge. The lab at CAMC is working to upgrade the current mapping systems to the

This photo shows the close proximity and ease of access from the inner supply core into the labs. Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

Physicians performed their first cases in the CAMC Heart and Vascular Center in January 2009.

CAMC’s state-of-the-art facilities

Charleston campus. Each year more than 80

to the surgery suite at Memorial Hospital

Patients who receive many types of cardiac

medical students and 150 residents choose to

for emergency situations. The new labs

and vascular services at CAMC do so in

come to the WVU-CAMC Charleston campus

also house the most advanced cath lab

the state-of-the-art CAMC Heart & Vascular

programs to further their education.

technologies.

The Vascular Center of Excellence, cardiac

The pre- and post-cardiac catheterization

Center, which opened at CAMC Memorial Hospital in early 2009.

catheterization labs and recovery areas

patient rooms on the third floor encourage

The CAMC Robert C. Byrd Clinical Teaching

moved to the newer, larger area in 2008.

increased time for nurses at each patient’s

Center, a $72 million, 210,000 square foot

An increase in space and capacity in both

bedside through their well-organized design.

facility, is comprised of the behavioral

departments has benefited patients and

medicine, outpatient care, family medicine

staff. The facility also houses an outpatient

“The computers and supplies that the nurses

and vascular medicine centers. Through its

laboratory and testing area, registration area,

need are stationed in each patient’s room,

educational partnership with West Virginia

lobby and café.

so the nurses can spend more time at the patient’s bedside,” said Lisa Hoffman, RN,

University - Charleston Division, the teaching cardiac

director of the cardiac cath/EP lab and PCCU.

opportunities for medical residents and

catheterizations are performed, includes

“We wanted to create a sense of openness

other health professional students, as well

seven

two

with the location of the nurses’ stations, so

as more convenient and efficient access to

electrophysiology labs. This floor is also

they wouldn’t have to go as far to get what

health care for thousands in the region. Some

designed with efficiency in mind, as patients

they need.” The spacious private rooms on

100 faculty and 400 clinical faculty provide

enter from the perimeter of the labs and

this floor include special family areas.

training and educational oversight to both

supplies are located in center, allowing

medical student clerkships and to the CAMC

quicker access to supplies needed for

For more information about cardiac services

residency programs at the CAMC-WVU

procedures. The unit has direct access

at CAMC, visit www.camc.org/heart.

centers

provide

WV Physician

increased

educational

The

second

floor,

catheterization

where labs

and

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Certain Direction in a Changing World

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Business Spotlight

ScribeStat Medical Transcription Software boasts efficiency, reliability and flexibility. ScribeStat Medical Transcription Software is an intuitive program providing clients a state of the art patient chart and record keeping system which is fast, powerful and easy-to-use. Created exclusively by Terradon Communications Group (TCG) for the medical field, ScribeStat is an easy to use transcription management system which is accessible online via a MAC/PC anytime of the day and night. An Internet connection and a valid username and password are all you need to access ScribeStat – it’s that simple. ScribeStat was created for medical professionals to organize and manage their patient notes. ScribeStat allows doctors the ability to remotely record their audio files via a handheld digital recording device and securely upload them into ScribeStat anytime. Once uploaded, the company administrator or assistant can view and assign the audio files to designated transcriptionists; alternatively, they may also be assigned automatically, to bypass this step. Transcriptionists will then receive an email, notifying them to log into ScribeStat due to pending work. When they have logged in notes can be typed directly into ScribeStat or in another word processing software and copied into ScribeStat. The transcriptionist then saves or releases their work when finished. Once released, the system will display the pending approval of the designated doctor. When the doctor logs in again, they can edit, approve, or reject work with comments as they see fit. ScribeStat will append the doctor’s digital signature to the document which is then stored in the system or uploaded automatically to an EMR. TCG’ programmers will assist IT personnel with a

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tie-in to an EMR system, such as AVATAR or SCERIS, if required. ScribeStat is seamless, and requires very little setup time and administration. In fact, ScribeStat’ interface makes the process between administrative staff, medical professionals and transcriptionists effortless. There is no need for additional software, tapes or courier services. The software is so flexible that it can also be used for legal work or publishing work! ScribeStat boasts efficiency, reliability and flexibility. The software is adaptable to any doctor’s office or medical facility. Whether you are a small practice with 1-2 doctors or a large hospital with hundreds of practitioners, the software will suit to fit your needs. It is robust enough to upload hundreds of dictations at once. There is also no need for any additional security measures as only personnel designated within ScribeStat have access to upload, add, edit, and remove files, respectively. Also, log files help identify when the note was accessed, edited or approved. The site is securely hosted in a HIPAA compliant hosting environment. ScribeStat has saved many of our clients both time and money; when paper charts are sometimes difficult to locate, ScribeStat’s standardized client search area wins. Whether you like to search by patient name, upload date, doctor, patient ID

number, chart number, or job number, patient notes are returned and displayed within seconds. Company Administrators can keep track of the audio files that their transcriptionists are working on and also ensure that doctors are uploading and approving their notes in a timely manner. All transcriptions once approved, are date and time stamped and are considered off-limits to editing for everyone other than the designated doctor. Administrators have the ability to track when notes are viewed, edited, approved and printed. The highlighted ‘Reports’ section shows Company Administrators different types of data, such as the number of uploads carried out in a specific date range, files that were transcribed versus pending files, doctors that are still approving notes, transcriptionists work schedule and much more. In fact, TCG can build customized reports for any client as needed using the

data stored within the ScribeStat database. In addition to the ScribeStat software, TCG also employs highly skilled transcriptionists proficient in all areas of the medical field to assist with any medical or legal transcription work. TCG has an incredible 24-48 hour turn-around time and our work has been described by all our clients as “Excellent” and “Impeccable.” Stat reports are returned within hours of receipt. Collectively, TCG’s transcriptionists have more than 45 years of transcription experience. Many are versed in almost all areas of the medical industry and are also quick to learn new skills too! Transcriptionists have described ScribeStat, as “Its ease of use and audio clarity has led to a more relaxed and pleasurable work experience.” Another describes the software as “…extremely convenient and easy to access, download reports and transcribe with clarity. The time I save probably doubles my output in work. I also love this system because it accurately keeps count of my lines I transcribe each week.”

on-site or off-site and you are ready to get started. TCG maintains ScribeStat with the help of its dedicated staff and programmers. TCG has been in the website development business since 2000 and serves web clients throughout the United States ranging from jcpenney and Whirlpool to mid-sized and smaller clients on a local and regional scope. Doctors currently using the software have described ScribeStat as “one of the best software programs that they have used within the medical industry.” In fact, many have said that ScribeStat is “so reliable” that they would rather search for their patients in ScribeStat than via their EMR. IT staff

have also spoken about how their workload have been made easier due to ScribeStat. ScribeStat is affordable to all medical facilities small or large. Whether you choose to license the software alone or use ScribeStat with our transcriptionists, TCG provides very competitive rates. The software’s durability, ease of use and cost-effectiveness is what makes ScribeStat stand out from the crowd. ScribeStat is an incredible piece of software; in fact, TCG’s ScribeStat software has a 100% retention rate when it comes to its clients. Transcriptionists love it, Doctors brag about it and TCG continues to perfect it. Please contact TCG President, Brent Pauley at 304755-1324 or e-mail brent.pauley@terradon. com to learn more.

Another transcriptionist states, “Being able to quickly and efficiently download sound files and upload completed work is an important part of the transcription process. ScribeStat makes the process run smoothly.” If you prefer to have your own transcriptionists use ScribeStat, you can license only the software for your company use, and provide your internal or external transcriptionists the necessary login information. For many transcriptionists new medical software is difficult to use and has a steep learning curve. ScribeStat is different; it is intuitive and requires none to very little training. Even if your transcriptionists like using their own word processing programs to do their work, they can do just that and copy and paste their notes into ScribeStat when finished. Audio files are also color coded for easily identifiable files needed quickly. To get started, all we require are the names of your office personnel, an understanding of their roles and some basic company and transcriptionist information (if you employ your own transcriptionists). Once the details are gathered, minimal training takes place Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

Cabell Huntington Hospital News

Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital Breast Health Center Approved by National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center and the Cabell Huntington Hospital Breast Health Center have each been granted a three-year designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center and the Cabell Huntington Hospital Breast Health Center are the only breast centers in Huntington with this accreditation. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center has two full-time breast surgeons and the Tri-State region’s only fellowship-trained breast surgeon. “The significance of the accreditation as a

patient means that when you walk through our door, you and your family should feel assured that on each level, everyone is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Shawn McKinney, surgical breast oncologist at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center. “Our breast health program stands apart not only in its superior diagnostic, treatment and support services, but is distinct in providing a true team approach. It is rare to have such a committed and compassionate group of physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and staff who consistently put patients first to give them the care they deserve close to home.” During the survey process, the centers must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with any of the full spectrum of breast diseases. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education,

and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that there would be 230,480 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 20111. Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to: •C omprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services •A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options • I nformation about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options And, most importantly, •Q uality breast health care close to home. For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit their Web site at www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

Cabell Huntington Hospital Named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Hip and Knee Joint Replacement A report released today by HealthGrades, a national, independent hospital quality rating service, named Cabell Huntington Hospital one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement. HealthGrades today also announced the following additional 2012 clinical achievements for Cabell Huntington Hospital, which are all individual awards with separate criteria for each: • Recipient of the Joint Replacement

WV Physician

Excellence Award (Top 5% in the Nation) • Ranked #1 in WV for Joint Replacement •R anked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Joint Replacement • Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement • Five-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement •F ive-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic Services • Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery •F ive-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion)

The HealthGrades report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals. Additionally, CareChex, a hospital quality rating service of The Delta Group, has announced the following 2012 awards for Cabell Huntington Hospital: •R anked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Joint Replacement

Cabell Huntington Hospital News • Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Joint Replacement • Ranked in the Top 3% in the Nation for Excellence in Joint Replacement • Ranked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery • Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery • Ranked in the Top 7% in the Nation for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery • Ranked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Spinal Surgery • Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Spinal Surgery • Ranked in the Top 6% in the Nation for Excellence in Spinal Surgery “Patients today have a wide array options

when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades chief executive officer. “We commend Cabell Huntington Hospital for its superior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Huntington-Ashland area.” “This does speak to the level of care and results that are being delivered to patients, and these ratings distinguish Cabell Huntington Hospital related to others,” said Bob Stahlsmith, Principal of The Delta Group. “They identify that there are consistent and repeatable outcomes that underscore patient safety and medical excellence.” “These results are from the hard work of Cabell Huntington Hospital’s nurses, physical

and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, home health personnel, anesthesia, medical and surgical personnel, operating crew and all other paramedical personnel with whom the patients interact,” said Ali Oliashirazi, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “Patients and also the government are intensely looking at outcomes data. The most important aspect of your recovery is your outcome, and patients are willing to travel very far to have the greatest chance at the best possible outcome. This is one reason patients come to us from so far away.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital President and CEO honored with Senior Executive Leadership Award from West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives Cabell Huntington Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Brent A. Marsteller was recently awarded the Senior Executive Leadership Award from the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

leadership positions, Marsteller is a past chairman of the West Virginia Hospital Association Board of Trustees and he is also a member of the American College

of Healthcare Executives, where he has achieved the rank of FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.)

Marsteller was presented the award during the West Virginia Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting held at The Greenbrier. Marsteller, a Huntington native, has been President and CEO at Cabell Huntington Hospital since 2000 and has led the hospital through an era of unprecedented growth and expansion. He has held other leadership positions at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling; Martin’s Ferry Hospital; East Ohio Regional Hospital; Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Florida; Good Samaritan Health Systems in West Palm Beach, Florida; Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley and Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City, Florida. In addition to numerous roles in community

p Brent A. Marsteller (left), President and Chief Executive Officer of Cabell Huntington Hospital is joined by Glen A. Washington (center), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Mike King (right), CEO of Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital as he was presented with the Senior Executive Leadership Award from West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

CAMC News

Robot helps physicians and patients More physicians practicing at CAMC are using the da Vinci surgical robot for more procedures than at any other hospital in West Virginia. At least 11 physicians are performing a variety of urological, gynecological and general surgical procedures with the help of this cutting-edge surgical technology. More physicians in other specialties are in the process of being trained and credentialed. Three surgeons practicing at CAMC are considered proctors by Intuitive Surgical and four have performed more than 100 cases. “The program is rapidly expanding as more patients hear about their family and friends experiences with the robot-assisted surgery.” said Dr. Stephen H. Bush, associate professor and chairman, department of obstetrics and gynecology, West Virginia UniversityCharleston Division. “The patients stay overnight, although it is possible to send some home on the same day as surgery.” The da Vinci robot virtually extends the surgeon’s eyes and hands into the surgical field. It offers improved viewing resolution, clarity and detail of tissue planes and critical anatomy while providing surgeons with improved precision, dexterity and control.

“The da Vinci robot mainly reduces recovery time in half,” said Dr. Gina Busch. “The pain and blood loss are significantly reduced from conventional surgery including less than other minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries. Patients should know that robotassisted procedures mean decreased pain, blood loss, faster recovery, smaller incisions and fewer postoperative complications.” Connie Marano, clinical management coordinator, 2 West Memorial, called it the simplest surgery she’s ever had. “I felt so good, that it was hard to believe I just had a major surgery,” Marano said. “I had surgery Thursday. Friday morning I walked down the hall and made some coffee. On Sunday I went to church.” Physicians say one of the advantages is the visualization and magnification available. Blood vessels and dissection planes are easily identified, which reduces the risk of injury to other structures. The ease of stitching and tying knots is also an advantage over traditional laparoscopy. “General surgery covers the body from head to toe. We perform many different operations for many different diseases and the robot is well designed to operate on many different

conditions,” said Dr. Edward Tiley, III. “As surgeons gain experience, the robot is being used to assist in even more operations.” CAMC is taking robot-assisted surgery to the next level with its latest purchase: a new da Vinci robot model that includes a teaching console (with controls for the resident as well as the attending physician). CAMC will also receive a robot simulator for the simulation center. “This recent purchase brings the most sophisticated robotic instrument available,” said Dr. J.P. Tierney. “Teaching instruments to train the surgeons of the future will be an additional element to the program. CAMC and the surgeons practicing here are on the leading edge of surgical techniques.” “As a training hospital, our residents have a great interest in learning this skill,” Tiley added. “Robotics is growing for education purposes in addition to patient usages.” This program could not have been successful without the total commitment and hard work by an extremely efficient team. “The level of dedication has been incredible and the staff is really the backbone of this service,” said Marian Campbell.

New scanner helps detect, diagnose heart disease earlier CAMC now offers patients the possibility of discovering heart and vascular disease in an early stage, before the onset of serious symptoms. A newly purchased, highly advanced, 256-slice scanner can produce crisp, detailed images of the entire heart in just two heartbeats. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an imaging method that uses a computed tomography or CT scanner to look at the structures and blood vessels of the heart. CAMC has the only two 256 slice scanners in the state.

WV Physician

CAMC News These scanners have been used to image

pleasant experience.”

blood vessels in other parts of the body for

the heart and related structures. These can help doctors understand the anatomy of a

many years. The heart vessels (coronary

Cardiac catheterization uses thin plastic

heart that developed abnormally at birth. The

arteries), however, are more difficult to view

catheters that pass from an artery in the leg

data can also be used by cardiologists that

because they are small and move quite fast

up to the heart and inject imaging contrast

specialize in the heart’s electrical system,

with the heartbeat. CT (sometimes referred to

directly into the coronary arteries. This allows

to build a 3-D computer model of the atria

as “CAT”) scanners are now fast enough and

for very precise pictures of the arteries - but

and cardiac veins to help with procedures

can create an image with enough detail to see

also has a small, but real, risk of injury during

involving these structures.

the small moving coronary arteries better.

the procedure.

“It does save lives,” said Ramakrishnan

CCTA uses imaging contrast injected through

assessing a wide range of heart conditions,

Iyer, MD, medical director of cardiology CT.

a vein in the arm and takes pictures of the

including coronary artery disease, diseases of

“Using this new equipment and the proper

heart vessels from outside the body. The

the aorta and other structural heart problems.

techniques, we can get an image of the heart

images produced by cardiac catheterization

It is particularly helpful in patients who have

with much less radiation on the patient. It’s

are more finely detailed. However, the images

had an inconclusive stress test, but it may

very effective in ruling out coronary disease.”

from a CCTA are detailed enough for doctors

also be used to help surgeons, interventional

to make decisions that are very accurate in

cardiologists, and electrophysiologists to plan

patients without severe disease.

and perform complex heart procedures.

undergo an invasive (inside the body)

Unlike catheterization or stress testing, CCTA

The new equipment is nice, but you need

procedure called cardiac catheterization.

sees into the wall of the coronary artery and

qualified people to use it.

CCTA is a non-invasive (outside the body)

can estimate the extent of coronary disease.

way to evaluate the blood vessels of the

Physicians can measure the amount of

“Our technologists are very experienced in

heart. In some situations a CCTA can be done

calcium in the wall of the coronary arteries

cardiac CT,” said Stacy McPherson RT (R),

instead of, or in addition to, a stress test.

to help predict the risk of heart attacks and

cath lab/CT cardiology manager. “Together

“Our new CT system is a powerful tool in the

cardiac death. The extent of calcium may

they have a combined 10 years of experience.

fight against heart disease,” said Lisa Hoffman,

help doctors decide how aggressively to treat

For a procedure that has only been around

Director Cath Lab/PCCU/CT cardiology. “This

a patients’ risk factors for heart disease.

for six years. I believe their experience makes

Cardiac CT angiography is helpful in

Prior to CCTA, to directly look at the blood vessels of the heart, one would have to

technology will help provide patients with quicker scan times in a more comfortable and

CAMC stand above of other facilities offering CCTA can create 3-dimensional models of

the same procedure.”

CAMC Breast Center offers minimally-invasive biopsy options The CAMC Breast Center is the first of its

The equipment used can be a special table

CAMC Breast Center. “It’s an outpatient

kind established in West Virginia. Patients

with X-ray capabilities called a stereotactic

procedure that takes only about 30 minutes

with an abnormal mammogram, ultrasound

table, or an ultrasound machine like the one

to perform, is less invasive than a surgical

or any type of breast problem can be seen

used to check a baby in a pregnant patient.

biopsy and doesn’t leave a scar.”

and evaluated within 24 hours by a breast

The spot that might need biopsy is pinpointed

specialist. The Breast Center setting is

with a computer, which guides the needle to

While the Breast Center has been doing

designed so patients can have most of the

the precise location within the breast. The

stereotactic biopsies for more than 10 years,

diagnostic tests needed during that same visit.

needle allows the physician to take tissue

their upgraded equipment has the latest

Currently, the Breast Center offers patients the

samples, which are then analyzed.

technology with sharper imaging and a table

option of having a “biopsy without surgery”

designed with the patient’s comfort in mind.

when needed, using the most advanced

“Stereotactic breast biopsies allow us to see

technology currently available in the country.

areas inside the breast that can only be seen

For more information, call (304) 388-2872 or

with mammography. The patient can get a

visit camc.org/breastcenter.

A “biopsy without surgery” means the patient

diagnosis of a breast lesion without having

undergoes this procedure using a needle only.

surgery,” said Missy Bohan, nurse manager, Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

CAMC News

CAMC: ONLY hospital in WV with 4 Blue Distinctions Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield West

provide the best health care to every patient,

• Appropriate experience of its care teams

Virginia has named CAMC a Blue Distinction

every day,” said Glenn Crotty Jr, MD, CAMC

•F ull facility accreditation by a Centers

Center for cardiac care, knee and hip

chief operating officer. “This distinction also

for Medicare & Medicaid Services

replacement, spinal surgery and bariatric

shows we’ve demonstrated a commitment

(CMS)-deemed national accreditation

surgery.

to excellence when it comes to delivering quality care, treatment expertise and overall

organization •A dherence to evidence-based clinical care

This designation makes CAMC the only

better outcomes in cardiac care, knee and

hospital in West Virginia recognized in four

hip replacement, spine surgery and bariatric

specialties.

surgery.”

Blue Distinction® is a national designation

“Our Blue Distinction program recognizes

To learn more about the Blue Distinction

awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield

hospitals that demonstrate higher levels of

designation, visit bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

companies to medical facilities that have

performance in providing better specialty

demonstrated expertise in delivering quality

care for patients,” said Fred Early, Highmark

health care in various areas.

WV president. “Improving quality of care

program

is integral to transforming the health care To earn this designation, CAMC was evaluated

system. Facilities like CAMC are helping

based on objective, evidence-based selection

southern West Virginia achieve this by

criteria established with input from expert

offering patients safe specialty care delivered

physicians and medical organizations. The

by medical teams with expertise.”

facilities that deliver better overall quality

Blue Distinction selection criteria cover

and medical outcomes for a specific area of

a broad range of quality measures and

specialty care, helping patients and doctors to

are

make more informed hospital choices.

bluedistinction. By earning the designation,

available

First accredited breast center in WV The CAMC Breast Center recently received notice of accreditation by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). It was

goal of Blue Distinction is to identify medical

publicly

measures and guidelines •A comprehensive quality management

bcbs.com/

CAMC has demonstrated: “This designation is a tribute to the dedicated

• An established program, performing

team of physicians, nurses, technicians and

required annual volumes for certain

therapists who are constantly striving to

procedures

the first accredited breast center in the state, and is the only one in the region. To receive accreditation, centers must meet the standards of the NAPBC through a rigorous application process and on-site survey. Centers that are accredited meet or exceed the standards for quality breast care. Visit camc.org/breastcenter to learn more.

Davis Health Systems News

New 16-Slice CT Scanner Available at Broaddus Hospital High-level CT scanning capabilities are now

improving treatment plans and patient health

“Not only are we able to get results faster, but

part of the full line of radiological technology

outcomes,” says Cindy Britton, director of

the image can be further enhanced through

that Broaddus Hospital offers in its state-of-

radiology at Broaddus. The new CT scanner

the system at Davis Memorial Hospital,”

the-art Imaging Department.

and new digital mammography equipment

Britton explained. “Being able to provide

have been in place since early summer and

more detailed images in house also means

“This higher definition 16-slice CT scanner

have already been providing physicians

that patients don’t need to go elsewhere. This

can aid in the diagnosis and early detection

with high quality images with enhancement

allows us to provide a continuity of care to our

of cancer, cardiac, neurological and other

capabilities.

patients which is so important,” she said.

conditions with the goal of significantly

WV Physician

Davis Health Systems News The new GE scanner not only allows for

we could not image sufficiently with our

conditions such as cancer, blood clots,

heavier patients to be scanned, but also the

4-slice CT,” Britton said. A CT scan uses x-ray

infections, lung and liver disease, head and

images themselves provide more detail with

technology to obtain images of the body from

spine injuries, internal bleeding and other

less contrast.

different angles to show cross-sections of

diseases and illnesses.

bone, organs and soft tissue. This technology “We can now image areas of the body that

aids physicians in diagnosing a variety of

“Adding this exciting technology to our Imaging Department means that we will be able to provide images necessary for physicians to make important decisions about patient care. Early diagnosis is often key to effective treatment,” said Jeff Powelson, CEO of Broaddus Hospital. The Imaging Department at Broaddus Hospital also provides around the clock general radiology, digital mammography, Magnetic

Resonance

Imaging

(MRI),

ultrasound, DEXA scan bone densitometry and echocardiography. For more information, p Radiologic technologist Malissa Thomas, right, with the new 16-slice CT scanner that is part of the Imaging Department at Broaddus Hospital.

call 304.457.8162. Broaddus Hospital is located at 1 Healthcare Drive, Philippi.

Specialist care available at Buckhannon Medical Center

Dr. Kerry Rodgers

Residents in the Upshur

Schmidt, nephrology; Dr. Muhammad M.

having received training at Mary Imogene

County area now can see

Rahman, neurology; Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar,

Bassett Hospital, Columbia University, in

some of the region’s best

gastroenterology; and Dr. Hal D. Zorger,

Cooperstown, N.Y., before doing additional

medical specialists right in

podiatry.

training at the Cleveland Clinic.

their hometown. They join Dr. Johnny Smith and Dr. Andrew

“I love working in the Potomac Highlands

Davis Health System Inc. is expanding the

Talkington, who practice family medicine,

region, and we already have a number of

services available at Buckhannon Medical

and Dr. Stephen Smith, who practices internal

patients coming from Upshur County to Davis

Care. Since 1996, Buckhannon Medical Care

medicine.

Memorial Hospital,” Dr. Rodgers said. “This is

has provided quality family and specialty care

just another way to bring our quality care to a

in a location convenient to north central West

“We understand people want to be treated

more convenient location.”

Virginia residents.

close to home, and we’re committed

Buckhannon Medical Care includes modern

to providing the best possible care in a

technology and a dedicated nursing staff

Now, residents will be able to make

convenient location,” said Mark Doak, CEO of

to provide basic care as well as specialized

appointments and see even more board-

Davis Health System. “Buckhannon Medical

treatments by appointment. The office is open

certified specialists without having to travel.

Care is an important part of the Davis Health

from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

System family, and we’re pleased to offer

at 11 North Locust St.

Dr. Kerry C. Rodgers, who practices general,

additional outstanding specialized care in the

thoracic and vascular surgery, is among the

Upshur County area.”

physicians now available for consultation at

To make an appointment with a family physician or a specialist, call 304.637.9302.

Buckhannon Medical Care. Other specialties

Dr. Rodgers joined the staff of Davis Memorial

You also can visit www.davishealthsystem.org

include Dr. Sharon J. Joseph, psychology;

Hospital in November 2009. He is board-

for more information.

Drs.

certified by the American Board of Surgery,

Bethany

Pelligrino

and

Rebecca

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

Health South News

Morgantown physician earns Patient Experience Award Russell Biundo, M.D., medical director

including myself, takes great pride in working

and outpatient rehabilitation services. Serving

with him.”

patients throughout northern West Virginia,

HealthSouth

MountainView

Regional

Rehabilitation Hospital, recently received

the hospital is located at 1160 Van Voorhis

the 2011 Patient Experience Award during

Dr. Biundo has served as the medical director

Road in Morgantown and on the Web at

HealthSouth’s Medical Directors’ Conference

at HealthSouth MountainView since 1991.

http://www.healthsouthmountainview.com.

held in Orlando, Fla.

Board certified in Physical Medicine and

The

award

recognizes

Rehabilitation, he also serves on the clinical

About HealthSouth

HealthSouth’s

staff at Preston Memorial Hospital and United

HealthSouth is the nation’s largest owner and

physicians that set the highest standards for

Hospital Center. He received his bachelor’s

operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals

patient care. By providing quality outcomes,

degree in science from St. Peter’s College

in terms of revenues, number of hospitals,

protecting privacy, listening to needs and

and his doctorate from Northeast University

and

respecting preferences, Dr. Biundo, is one of

School of Medicine. He completed his

Operating in 26 states across the country and

only ten physicians serving in HealthSouth’s

internship at Woodhull Medical Center and

in Puerto Rico, HealthSouth serves patients

network of 97 rehabilitation hospitals to earn

his residency at State University of New York.

through its network of inpatient rehabilitation

this prestigious designation.

His interests lay in catastrophic injuries.

hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation satellite

“Under Dr. Biundo’s leadership, our clinical

About HealthSouth MountainView

HealthSouth’s hospitals provide a higher

staff works together as a team to provide high-

Regional Rehabilitation Hospital

level of rehabilitative care to patients who are

quality, cost-effective healthcare services,”

HealthSouth

Regional

recovering from conditions such as stroke

said Vickie Demers, chief executive officer

Rehabilitation Hospital, owned and operated

and other neurological disorders, orthopedic,

Regional

by HealthSouth Corporation in affiliation with

cardiac and pulmonary conditions, brain

Rehabilitation Hospital. “He goes above

Monongalia Health Systems and Robert C.

and spinal cord injuries, and amputations.

and beyond to build a day-to-day culture

Byrd Health Science Center of West Virginia

HealthSouth can be found on the Web at

where patient care is delivered with comfort,

University, is an 80-bed inpatient rehabilitation

www.healthsouth.com.

professionalism and respect. All of our staff,

hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient

clinics

HealthSouth

MountainView

patients

and

treated

home

and

health

discharged.

agencies.

Marshal University Medical School News

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation awards major grant to MU’s Center for Rural Health $2.6 million to help Appalachian communities fight type 2 diabetes The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has

Disease Control and Prevention.

awarded $2.6 million to Marshall University’s

“Type 2 diabetes is one of the United States’

greatest

health

challenges

and

Center for Rural Health to help diabetes

Patricia Doykos, director of the Bristol-Myers

disproportionately affects the poor, minorities

coalitions in 10 Appalachian communities

Squibb Foundation, announced the five-

and the elderly,” said Lamberto Andreotti,

implement effective local solutions to the

year grant Thursday at the Appalachian

chief executive officer of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

widespread problem of diabetes.

Regional Commission annual conference

“’Together on Diabetes’ draws on the strengths

in Prestonsburg, Ky. The grant is part of the

of communities and supports public- and

The coalitions are part of Marshall’s Appalachian

foundation’s “Together on Diabetes” program,

private-sector partners coming together to

Diabetes Control and Translation Project, which

which supports efforts to develop and expand

identify and implement disease management

since 2000 has created 66 such coalitions in nine

effective patient self-management programs

approaches that work for large segments of the

states through funding from the Appalachian

and to draw whole communities into the fight

population.”

Regional Commission and the Centers for

against type 2 diabetes.

WV Physician

Marshal University Medical School News Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp

counties classified as “distressed”: a recent

coordinator. “People have become more

was pleased with the announcement of the

study showed the rate of diabetes there was

sedentary, leading to obesity, which is a major

grant.

more than 1.6 times the national average.

risk factor for diabetes. Thus the solution is in the community, not the doctor’s office.”

“Study after study has shown that we have an alarming situation with Type 2

The grant will provide support for

diabetes in the areas served

coalitions

by the Marshall University

distressed

counties, helping them to

Center for Rural Health,”

implement

he said. “The awarding

evidence-

based programs that

of this five-year grant

promote

long-term

will allow us to

behavior change and

continue to work

improve the health

toward

effective

of people who have

solutions to our

type 2 diabetes.

region’s unique challenges.

The CDC and ARC will

We appreciate

provide training, and Marshall

the vision, collaboration and

will guide the 10 diabetes

generosity of the Bristol-Myers Squibb

coalitions through a planning process,

Foundation in assisting us in our work to

equip them with evidence-based programs,

alleviate a pressing medical need.”

and provide ongoing technical assistance. “Diabetes is such a big problem in distressed

Marshall also will evaluate the program, looking

Appalachia has a higher rate of diabetes than

Appalachian counties in part because lifestyles

at the coalitions themselves, changes in their

the nation as a whole, and the problem is

have changed over the last 20 years,” said

communities, and improvements in patients’

especially acute in the rural Appalachian

Richard Crespo of Marshall, who is the project

diabetes health.

Medical school names research institute in honor of longtime dean McKown The new Translational

Nerhood said McKown’s contributions to the

philanthropist Joan Edwards and U.S. Sen.

Genomic

medical school were many.

Robert Byrd to turn that vision into reality, he

Research

Institute at Marshall

Dr. Charles McKown

said.

University’s Joan C.

“His uncanny ability to almost instantaneously

Edwards

perceive

School

convoluted

relationships

and

The Charles H. McKown Jr. Translational

Medicine has been

unintended consequences of simple or

Genomic Research Institute is located on

named in honor of Dr.

complex actions has ideally suited him to be

the top floor of the Edwards Comprehensive

Charles H. McKown

an eminently successful dean of a community-

Cancer Center. Completed this summer, it

Jr., who served as the school’s dean for more

based medical school in West Virginia,” he

includes more than 10,000 square feet of

than 22 years before becoming Marshall’s vice

said. “I am not at all sure that this talent can

research space and has advanced scientific

president for health sciences advancement

again be found.”

equipment including a “next-generation”

this summer.

genetic sequencer. Nerhood said the genomic research facility

The Marshall University Board of Governors

is an outgrowth of McKown’s vision and

At the dinner, Nerhood also announced

cited McKown’s “extraordinary service to the

advocacy.

that the medical school has established a

University” in approving the facility’s naming,

scholarship in McKown’s honor.

which Interim Dean Robert C. Nerhood, M.D.,

“Dr. McKown foresaw the importance of the

announced at a School of Medicine reunion

new field of translational research in the

dinner.

area of cancer care,” and then worked with

http://musom.marshall.edu

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

Preston Memorial Hospital News

Preston Memorial Hospital and Dr. Ehab Akkary Earn Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Designation Preston Memorial Hospital and Dr. Ehab Akkary, Director of the Bariatric and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Department at PMH, received notification that they had become an American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Surgical Review Corporation Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. To earn the BSCOE designation, Dr. Akkary and Preston Memorial provided information on all aspects of its bariatric surgery program and processes, including data on its surgical outcomes. The ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care.

The program is structured to help bariatric surgery providers continuously improve care quality and patient safety. The BSCOE designation currently enables reimbursement from major health insurers, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), CIGNA, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. More than 262 million Americans are insured by health plans that recognize the BSCOE designation. Preston Memorial Hospital and Dr. Akkary met the program’s objective requirements and evaluation processes, as developed in conjunction with leading bariatric surgeons, hospital administrators, health plans, researchers, and patient advocates. A commitment to long-term patient care and

success necessitates that the requirements be comprehensive, research-based and verified through a rigorous site inspection. “Earning the ASMBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation signifies our ability to consistently deliver the safest, highest quality care to bariatric surgery patients,” said Dr. Akkary. “The ASMBS BSCOE program fosters quality improvement in bariatric surgery, and participation has focused our team on exceeding clinical benchmarks and guidelines. But most importantly, our commitment to excellence improves the health and well-being of our patients.” For more information about the BSCOE designation, please contact the Bariatric Department at PMH at (304) 329- 1400 x 262

PMH Recognized for its Electronic Health Record Progress On Friday, July 22, 2011, Preston Memorial Hospital administration announced a major accomplishment with the hospital’s electronic health record system. The administration filed a formal attestation statement with the federal government acknowledging that it has met the required criteria outlined in the new health care reform law relating to the use of electronic health record systems. As a result of this attestation, PMH is the first hospital in the state of WV to have accomplished this goal so far, and one of few Critical Access Hospitals nationally to achieve this high level of recognition. Melissa Lockwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of PMH stated, “The federal government wants health care providers to use technology in ways that can improve patient care, reduce errors, enhance clinical communication, and accumulate quality data in more efficient manners. We have been investing in our business and clinical information systems for several years, even before the government mandated these

WV Physician

requirements. As a result, we were poised and ready to meet these objectives when the health care reform law was announced.” As part of the national health care reform legislation, hospitals and physicians were given specific, measurable objectives that needed to be met to qualify as “meaningful users” of a certified electronic health record system. Early adopters of these technologies who are able to meet specific criteria for “meaningful use” would be eligible for financial incentives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Some of the criteria include having the ability to securely exchange clinical information with other care providers and governmental agencies, electronically submitting medication orders for patients, and providing electronic copies of discharge instructions and medical records upon request. Starting in 2015, hospitals and physicians will have their Medicare and Medicaid payments reduced if they are not using certified electronic health record systems.

Beth Horne, Director of Information Systems at PMH believes this is all about quality patient care. “While there is a lot of time, money and education invested in the use of electronic health record systems, I truly believe these systems will improve quality of care. Additionally, we will continue to invest in our system to meet the government’s requirements from here on out. It’s just the right thing to do for the patients.” While more stringent and challenging objectives are on the horizon, PMH Administrators are optimistic that they will be just as successful in meeting these goals. “The first step is always the most challenging,” Lockwood stated. “Our excellent physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support staffs have made this early implementation possible. I cannot say enough about how dedicated our medical teams have been to make this happen. Being among the top few hospitals nationally to achieve this goal is a wonderful accomplishment for our hospital and the community we serve.”

Thomas Health System News

St. Francis Hospital announces new Chairman of the Board John H Brown Jr. has been elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Saint Francis Hospital. Brown, who is president of Brown Communications John H. Brown Jr. in Charleston, is also a member of the Thomas Health System Board of Trustees and the Thomas Foundation Board. Saint Francis Hospital is a 155-bed community hospital, providing compassionate quality care for over 90 years in the Charleston area. The Mission of Saint Francis Hospital is to provide a broad continuum of quality health care services to enhance the well-being of

St. Joseph Hospital News

Free pregnancy classes offered by the associates for Women’s Health at St. Joseph’s Hospital The Associates for Women’s Health at St. Joseph’s Hospital will be holding Free Pregnancy Classes on Monday evenings from 6 pm to 7 pm. Classes will be held at the Associates for Women’s Health offices located on the second floor of the St. Joseph’s Medical Office Building located at 100 West Main Street in Buckhannon. Classes will cover topics such as developments during pregnancy, labor basics, what to expect following the birth of your child, and breastfeeding. Any expectant mother is welcome to attend. For more information, call 304-472-7473.

the people of Charleston and surrounding communities. Saint Francis Hospital offers a wide range of services to include Advanced Women’s

Imaging Center, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, 24 hour Emergency Department, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, One Day Surgery, as well as a wide range of medical imaging and ancillary services.

Teays Valley Orthopedics, affiliated with CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, offers the latest techniques in orthopedic care • Minimally invasive total hip and knee replacement surgery • Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle • Kyphoplasty (minimally invasive spinal procedure used for treating vertebral fractures from osteoporosis) • Cartilage replacement surgery • Pediatric orthopedics • Occupational medicine • Sports medicine • Treatment of arthritis • Hand surgery • General fracture care

James B. Cox, DO

Board certified orthopedic surgeon

David Felder, MD

Orthopedic surgeon 3703 Teays Valley Rd. • Hurricane, WV 25526 Phone: (304) 757-2273 • Fax: (304) 760-9290 camc.org ©Charleston Area Medical Center Health System, Inc. 22001-D10

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

Princeton Community Hospital News

Princeton Community Hospital integrate advanced germ-killing technology into its patient care program In

early

September,

Hospital, places it on the leading edge of

Princeton Community

automated, remotely operated

medical care in southern West Virginia.

Hospital

added

mobile

system

Princeton’s CEO, Wayne B. Griffith, challenges

Tru-D

the

“Tru-D

technology disinfection

SmartUVC™

that self-adjusts to the size and

his staff to provide the highest level of

Room Decontamination

content dynamics of any room to

healthcare. Griffith researched the claims of

System to its arsenal

deliver an ideal dose of cleansing

several emerging disinfection technologies.

technology

germicidal ultraviolet light to the

“We looked at a number of technologies. Tru-

that

new

disinfect

space. Ultraviolet light has been

D’s SmartUVC™ method was the only device

environmental surfaces

helps

used for many years in a variety

with multiple, device-specific peer-reviewed

in patient rooms and in

of applications for food, air and

studies that gave us the confidence to invest

operating room suites.

water purification. UV light is

in this automated environmental disinfection

effective in destroying the DNA of bacteria,

technology. This same device is being used

Using traditional cleaning protocols, our

viruses and spores, thus rendering them

by Duke University Medical Center. Our goal

dedicated housekeeping staff has consistently

harmless,” explained Larry Perdue, RN, BSN,

at Princeton Community Hospital is to provide

kept the hospital environment as pathogen-

Director of Surgical Services at PCH.

ongoing improvements in patient safety and

free as possible. This new device simply

quality of care, and Tru-D is an excellent tool

adds one more layer of protection against

This technological advancement introduced

healthcare-associated infections.

to the area through Princeton Community

in our pursuit of that mission.”

p Larry Perdue, RN, BSN, Director of Surgical Services at PCH, readies the Tru-D unit to cleanse an operating room suite

WV Physician

Princeton Community Hospital News “We understand that every patient has a

citizens of Mercer and surrounding counties” For more information, please contact Richard

choice in healthcare facilities. We’re helping stated Griffith. “We are invested in our patients’

A. Puckett RN, BSN, Vice President Quality

to make that choice a bit easier by integrating

and Safety, at 304.487.7794.

health, wellness and peace of mind. This is

advanced germicidal disinfection equipment just one less thing that our patients and their that improves the quality of healthcare for the families have to worry about.”

Princeton Community Hospital is the first hospital in West Virgina to receive Breast MRI Accreditation On November 3, 2011, Princeton Community

serves this community, that belongs to this

In most cases, lesions or other abnormalities

Hospital became the first and only hospital

community, is currently ahead of WVU and

can be found and biopsied using ultrasound

in West Virginia to receive breast Magnetic

UVA in this area. For the confidence that our

or mammography. However, breast MRI can

Resonance Imaging (MRI) accreditation from

community has placed in us, I feel that I and

find abnormalities that would not be detected

the American College of Radiology (ACR).

other members of the medical staff must do

otherwise. If needed, PCH offers MRI-guided

the very best we can to give area residents the

breast biopsies within the scanner. MRI-

highest quality hospital possible.”

guided breast biopsy is a unique component

Accreditation was awarded after a lengthy and thorough application and review process that

of breast MRI accreditation.

began in February. The award acknowledges PCH’s commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety in breast MR. Dana O. Olson, M.D., a diagnostic radiologist at PCH, was instrumental in guiding the hospital toward accreditation. “It occurred to me in February that it would be possible for Princeton Community Hospital to be the first accredited breast MRI facility in the state of West Virginia. I and others, including our very, very capable group of committed and driven registered technologists began to work toward that goal,” Dr. Olson explained. The application required documentation of all cases including their findings and outcomes. Dr. Olson pointed out that in addition to being part of the accreditation process, these reports also illustrated the overall high quality

Because breast cancer is such a prevalent

The American College of Radiology offers

of work being performed daily at Princeton

disease, it has become a primary focus of

the gold standard in imaging accreditation.

Community Hospital.

the Medical Imaging Department at Princeton

Princeton

Community Hospital. Breast MRI is a very

accepts the ACR gold seal for breast MRI

“We sent in our application at the end of

sensitive exam that can detect malignancies

accreditation and views it as one more

June,” Dr. Olson said. “We were the first on

at the earliest stages. A woman with a high

example of its commitment to improving

the ACR website from West Virginia to apply

lifetime probability for breast cancer, such as

the health and quality of life for the citizens

for breast MRI accreditation. Three weeks

having several first-order relatives (i.e. mother

of southern West Virginia and southwest

later, West Virginia University applied.

and sister) who have had breast cancer, would

Virginia.

WVU and UVA are currently under review, but

be a primary candidate for a breast MRI.

our very dynamic community hospital that

Community

Hospital

proudly

www.pchonline.org Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

St. Mary’s Medical Center News

Leaberry receives doctorate degree, among first in nation to earn heart failure certification

Dr. Brooke Leaberry

Brooke Leaberry, invasive cardiology nurse practitioner in St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, recently received her doctorate degree in nursing practice

from West Virginia University and passed the exam for heart failure certification from the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses. Leaberry has the distinction of being among the first group of nurses in the country to earn the heart failure certification, which recognizes her knowledge in providing specialized care for heart failure patients.

She is a certified women’s health nurse practitioner from University of Cincinnati with a post master’s degree as a cardiovascular nurse practitioner from Duke University. Leaberry began working at St. Mary’s in 1986 and has worked there for a total of 20 years. She lives in Huntington with her family.

St. Mary’s Urology Welcomes Dr. Rocco A. Morabito Jr. to medical staff St. Mary’s Urology is pleased to welcome Rocco A. Morabito Jr., MD, a physician specializing in adult and pediatric urology, to the medical staff. Dr. Rocco A. Dr. Morabito Jr. offers Morabito Jr. minimally invasive da Vinci® procedures to patients, including robotic-assisted kidney, prostate and bladder surgeries. Dr. Morabito Jr. received his medical degree from West Virginia University School of

Medicine in Morgantown, W.Va. He completed a residency at West Virginia University, Division of Urology, and an internship at West Virginia University, Department of Surgery. Dr. Morabito Jr. offers the following services to adult and pediatric patients: • General adult urology • Pediatric urology • Urological cancer surgery • Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery • Robotic-assisted surgery •M inimally invasive surgery for enlarged prostates • Kidney stones

•M ale and female incontinence, including surgery • Voiding dysfunction • Sacral neuromodulation (Interstim) • Male infertility • Female urology • Office-based procedures •M edical and surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction St. Mary’s Urology is located at 2860 Third Ave., Suite 230, in St. Mary’s Outpatient Center. To refer a patient to Dr. Rocco A. Morabito Jr., or for more information about services, call (304) 525-3711.

St. Mary’s Medical Center named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for both Orthopedic Surgery and Spine Surgery for 2012 by HealthGrades Patients Treated at 5-Star Hospitals have a 63% Lower Chance of Experiencing a complication Compared to 1-Star Hospitals A recent report by HealthGrades, the

Total Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery.

rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of

nation’s most trusted, independent source

St. Mary’s is a recipient of the Orthopedic

mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications

of physician information and hospital quality

Surgery Excellence Award for 2 years in a row

compared to 1-star rated hospitals.

ratings, named St. Mary’s Medical Center

(2011-2012) and a Spine Surgery Excellence

one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for

Award recipient for 2012. Choosing a hospital

Orthopedic Surgery, measuring excellence

can be a life or death decision. HealthGrades

in outcomes for Hip Fracture Treatment,

report found that patients treated at 5-star

WV Physician

Here is the list for St. Mary’s Medical Center: •O ne of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery (2012)

St. Mary’s Medical Center News • One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery (2012) • Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award for

(except Spinal Fusion) For 3 Years in a

of consumerism and transparency in the

Row (2010-2012)

Huntington area.”

• Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery

Two Years in a Row (2011-2012)

(Spinal Fusion) in 2012

Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011

• Spine Surgery Excellence Award for Two Years in a Row (2011-2012)

“St. Mary’s has been a leader in orthopedics

• Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Spine Surgery in 2012 • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services

Healthcare

For 2

Years in a Row (2011-2012) • Ranked #1 in WV for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2012 • Ranked #1 in WV for Spine Surgery For 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

Consumerism

and

Hospital

Quality in America report include:

and neurosurgery for decades and we

•P atients had, on average a 73% lower risk of

appreciate this recognition of excellence

dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared

from

to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower

HealthGrades,” said Christy Franklin, RN, BSN,

risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital

director of Neuroscience and Orthopedics at

compared to the national average.

patient

treatment

and

care

St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Our physicians,

•P atients had, on average, were 63%

nurses and staff are committed to making

less likely to experience in-hospital

sure patients have the best possible outcomes

complications than patients at 1-star

when they need surgery,” Franklin added.

programs, and had a 43% lower chance

• Ranked Among the Top 5 in WV for Overall

of developing an in-hospital complication

Orthopedic Services For 3 Years in a Row

“Patients today have a wide array options

(2010-2012)

than the national average.

when it comes to choosing a healthcare

• If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010

• Five-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic

provider,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades

had been treated at 5-star hospitals, 240,040

Services For 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)

chief executive officer. “At HealthGrades, we

• Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery For 3

are proud to have led the way for empowering

• I f all Medicare patients from 2008 through

patient choice based on objective clinical

2010 had gone to 5-star hospitals for

outcomes and access to actionable quality

their procedure, 164,472 in hospital

measures. We commend St. Mary’s Medical

complications could have potentially

Center for its superior quality and support

been avoided.

Years in a Row (2010-2012) • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Treatment For 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012) • Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery

lives could have potentially been saved.

David P. Wise, MD, DDS James M. Henderson, MD, DDS, FACS Bruce B. Horswell, MD, DDS, MS, FACS Board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Michael Jaskolka, MD, DDS Specializing in facial surgical procedures for 15 years CAMC General Hospital Medical Pavilion 415 Morris St., Suite 309 Charleston, WV 25301

CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital Medical Staff Office Building 830 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 302 Charleston, WV 25302

(304) 388-3290 1-800-348-6099

(304) 388-2950 1-800-348-6099

n Facial cosmetic surgery

n Skin and mouth lesions

n Vein sclerotherapy

n Facial and jaw reconstruction

n Oral cancer treatment

n Dental and zygoma implants

n Skin care programs/Micropeels

n Sleep apnea and snoring treatment

n Removal of teeth

n Microdermabrasion

n Cleft lip/cleft palate

n Sedation/general anesthesia

n Laser treatment

n Misshapen heads

n Craniofacial trauma surgery

n Hair transplants

n Infant jaw lengthening

n TMJ reconstruction

Emergency care and financing available. • For billing information, call (304) 388-1799. Most major credit cards and insurances accepted. camc.org/facialsurgery 23369-G11

©Charleston Area Medical Center Health System, Inc. 2011

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

WVU Charleston News

CHASM -

operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The ICAEL 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.

Project CHASM (Charleston Homeless And Street Medicine) is a non-profit organization composed of multidisciplinary healthcare providers who seek to serve the medical needs of the homeless community in Charleston, WV.

Each year 35,000 babies (nearly 1 in 100) are born in the United States with some type of congenital heart defect, making it the most common birth defect in newborns. It is also the most critical, as congenital heart defects cause more deaths during the first year of life

Charleston Homeless And Street Medicine Now on Facebook

than any other birth defect. Over the past few decades, however, diagnosis and treatment has improved, allowing almost all affected children to not only grow into adulthood, but to lead an active and normal life. Among the advanced diagnostic tools available, a noninvasive ultrasound study called an echocardiogram is commonly used to evaluate heart structure and function. The skill of the 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.

We are modeled after Project Safety Net in Pittsburgh, PA and MUSHROOM (Multidisciplinary Unsheltered Homeless Relief Outreach of Morgantown) in Morgantown, WV. Our organization unites medical, pharmaceutical, social work and other dedicated community volunteers on “street rounds”. We go by foot to those places where we are needed most: along the Kanawha river, under bridges downtown, and in the local homeless shelters. Setting out on foot, Project CHASM will strive to seek out the homeless, bridge gaps, & break down barriers to ensure that all members of our community have access to basic medical needs and are treated with the human dignity & respect that everyone deserves.

WV University Physicians of Charleston Receives Accreditation by the ICAEL West Virginia University Physicians of Charleston located in Charleston, WV, has been granted a three-year term of accreditation in the areas of Pediatric Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Accreditation by the ICAEL means that West Virginia University Physicians of Charleston has undergone a thorough review of its

WV Physician

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

WVUH News

WVU’s Dr. Frederick Blum receives American College of Emergency Physicians’ highest honor Frederick C. Blum, M.D., associate professor

Blum said he chose to pursue emergency

they know the person that paved the way for

in the West Virginia University Department

medicine because of the variety it brings

their specialty, but I can. Although he wasn’t

recently

to the table. “It’s a different job every day.

here to see me win the award, it was still very

recognized by the American College of

There’s no routine to it,” he said. “Every day

special,” Blum said.

Emergency Physicians (ACEP) with its

has its own flavor and vibe to it.”

Emergency

Medicine,

was

John G. Wiegenstein Leadership Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Blum was one of 10 recognized at the Initially, Blum pursued active roles in

ACEP’s annual meeting, Scientific Assembly,

organizations such as the ACEP and the

which is the largest gathering of emergency

The award is given to current or past national

International

Emergency

medicine physicians in the country each year.

leaders

recognition

Federation

outstanding

Physicians because he felt the need to make

The awards were presented Oct. 17 in San

leadership in emergency medicine. Its

a difference and help fix the problems facing

Francisco.

namesake, the late John G. Wiegenstein,

the specialty. He served as president of the

M.D., was a founding member and the first

ACEP in 2005.

president of the ACEP. Dr. Wiegenstein died in

Other award winners with ties to WVU included School of Medicine alumna Debra

2004 as the result of a car accident. According

Receiving the Wiegenstein Award, he said, is

G. Perina, M.D., who received the Outstanding

to the ACEP, Wiegenstein represented “the

the pinnacle of the specialty in terms of award

Contribution in EMS Award, and College of

epitome of leadership, both personal and

recognition. “It’s not an automatic thing that

Law alumna Leah J. Heimbach, J.D., R.N.,

professional.”

you receive this award after you’ve served as

who received the Honorary Membership

president, so it really is an honor,” Blum said.

Award for outstanding service to the medical

A native of Wheeling, Dr. Blum has been on

“You only get this award because of what you

profession.

the faculty at WVU for 26 years. He completed

did. It’s recognition of the fact that you were

his undergraduate and medical degrees and

a good and effective leader. And that means

Founded in 1968, the ACEP promotes the

his residency training at WVU. Though he

a lot to me.”

highest quality of emergency care and is the

always knew he wanted to stay in the state,

leading advocate for emergency physicians

Blum said he went into academic medicine

Blum knew Wiegenstein, whom he called

and their patients, and the public. The

because of the intellectual stimulation of

one of the fathers of emergency medicine,

ACEP currently represents more than 28,000

teaching students and residents. “That sealed

and he said that made receiving the award

emergency physicians, emergency medicine

the deal for me,” he said.

even more special. “Not many people can say

residents and medical students.

WVU study finds strong link between arsenic and lung cancer incidence A study at West Virginia University’s Mary

water are common, have established a

Researchers developed an epidemiology

Babb Randolph Cancer Center raises new

clear association between arsenic and lung

model based on national statistics on arsenic

concern about arsenic exposure and lung

cancer,” Dr. Guo said. “But until now little has

stream sediment and soil concentration,

cancer occurrence in the United States.

been known about the effect chronic low-

estimates on smoking prevalence and income

Research led by Lan Guo, Ph.D., found that

level arsenic exposure has on lung cancer

levels in more than 700 counties in 12 states.

arsenic soil concentration is significantly

incidence rates in this country.”

associated with lung cancer incidence rates in the U.S.

“Our findings revealed that exposure to Another aspect of the WVU study was to

arsenic likely contributed to significantly

better understand the effect of arsenic on

higher lung cancer incidence rates in the U.S.

“Numerous studies have linked arsenic to

lung cancer rates independent of and in

and may contribute to more than 5,000 lung

many types of cancer including lung; and

conjunction with smoking – the leading cause

cancer cases per year in the U.S,” Guo said.

studies in Chile, Taiwan and Bangladesh,

of lung cancer in the U.S.

where high levels of arsenic in drinking

continued on page 24 Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

WVUH News The model also suggests that the higher lung

U.S. than previously thought. Even though

Researchers are seeking federal funding to

cancer incidence rate in West Virginia and

the concentration of arsenic is lower here

support their work on the effect of heavy

Kentucky is strongly associated with higher

compared to some countries, it still is toxic

metals on cancer. In the meantime they are

arsenic exposure and smoking prevalence as

and poses a significant health risk,” Guo said.

looking at the mechanisms of heavy metal

well as lower income in those states.

“In addition, smoking prevalence appears to

on carcinogenesis and hope to identify

strengthen the effect that arsenic exposure

biomarkers for early detection of heavy metal

“These findings indicate that environmental

has on lung cancer incidence, resulting in an

induced lung cancer.

exposure to arsenic may have a significantly

excess of lung cancer cases in areas with high

larger effect on lung cancer incidence in the

levels of arsenic exposure and smoking.”

Judie Charlton, M.D., named Chief Medical Officer at WVU Healthcare Judie F. Charlton, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer (CMO) of WVU Healthcare and vice dean for clinical affairs Dr. Judie F. Charlton of the WVU School of Medicine, effective immediately. Dr. Charlton has been serving as interim CMO since shortly after the creation of WVU Healthcare in 2010. The appointment was made jointly by Dean Arthur Ross, M.D., M.B.A., of the school and Bruce McClymonds, president and CEO of WVU Hospitals. The role of the chief medical officer is to serve as the primary physician executive in WVU Healthcare, which manages WVUaffiliated hospitals and medical practices in the Morgantown area. “Dr. Charlton’s appointment is based on her solid record of accomplishment,” Dr. Ross said. “She has been a leader both in the

School of Medicine and on several governing boards that oversee healthcare organizations affiliated with WVU. Most importantly, she has earned the complete trust of the faculty over and over again.” “Dr. Charlton’s selection recognizes the valuable work she has done in the first year of unified hospital and clinic management,” McClymonds said. “What solidified our support for this appointment was the growing recognition that her qualifications, experience, temperament and judgment placed her at or above the level of any of the applicants from across the academic medical community.” Charlton, an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma, is a native of Fairmont, W.Va. She graduated from the WVU School of Pharmacy in 1981, the WVU School of Medicine in 1985 and completed postgraduate training at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh and at WVU.

She joined the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology in 1989 and has been its chair since 2008. As chair, she has been the leader of the WVU Eye Institute, which treated more than 32,000 patients last year and houses WVU’s broad array of research into eye diseases and development. The Eye Institute also has a strong outreach program to assist West Virginians with vision problems. She also has served on the governing boards of the West Virginia United Health System and United Physicians Care, which emphasizes placing primary care physicians in rural or underserved areas of West Virginia Charlton serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology and was on the Residency Review Committee for Ophthalmology of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. She has conducted research studies related to visual disability and dry eye and holds two patents for ophthalmic medication.

Dr. Lawrence Phillips II named WVU School of Medicine’s 2011 Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Lawrence H. Phillips

Lawrence H. Phillips II,

Dr. Phillips is a nationally known clinician

the University of Virginia and co-director of

M.D., 1974 graduate of

and researcher specializing in the practice

the Muscular Dystrophy Association clinic.

the West Virginia Univer-

of electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular

sity School of Medicine,

medicine. He joined the faculty of the

Phillips research focuses on the practice of

was recognized as the

University of Virginia School of Medicine

testing the electrical activity of muscles called

school’s Distinguished

in 1981 and is currently the vice chair of the

electromyography

Alumnus as part of the

Department of Neurology. He is the medical

neurophysiological monitoring to identify

director of the Lou Gehrig’s disease clinic at

changes in brain, spinal cord and peripheral

annual Alumni Weekend Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

WV Physician

(EMG);

intraoperative

WVUH News nerve

function;

and

the

epidemiology

helped us understand more about disorders

Phillips is editor-in-chief of “Muscle and

of neuromuscular diseases, in particular

of muscles and nerves and thereby provide

Nerve,” an international and interdisciplinary

myasthenia gravis, where the body produces

better care to patients.”

publication devoted to publishing important

antibodies that block the muscle cells from receiving messages from the nerve cell.

findings on neuromuscular disorders and Born in Clarksburg and raised in Weirton,

treatment options.

Phillips received his bachelor’s degree in “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Phillips

biology from Princeton University in 1970

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was

back to his medical school alma mater to

and his medical degree from WVU in 1974.

established

celebrate his achievements as a Distinguished

He completed an internship in internal

“whose distinguished careers and unselfish

Alumnus,” Arthur J. Ross III, M.D., M.B.A.,

medicine at the University of Wisconsin in

contributions to society have enhanced the

dean of the WVU School of Medicine, said.

1975 and a neurology residency at the Mayo

prestige of the School of Medicine and helped

“Dr. Phillips’ work has had a significant impact

Clinic-Rochester in 1978. Phillips joined the

to upgrade the quality of healthcare.”

on the medical treatment of neuromuscular

staff of the Mayo Clinic after a year of clinical

diseases. Through his pioneering efforts,

neurophysiology fellowship with Dr. E.H.

he has discovered knowledge which has

Lambert, an early pioneer in EMG.

1984

honor

alumni

Gibson named first Osborn Distinguished Professor in Hematological Malignancies Research Laura Gibson, Ph.D.,

Excellence

Health

to establish models to investigate leukemic

was installed as the first

Sciences. She has mentored more than 40

cell infiltration of the central nervous system

Alexander B. Osborn

pre-doctoral students, postdoctoral trainees

as an extension of her lab’s interest in tumor

Distinguished Professor

and summer research fellows.

microenvironment.

nancies Research at the

She has presented numerous lectures on her

Gibson will give a talk, “The Bone Marrow

West Virginia University

research in the U.S. and abroad. Her research

Microenvironment: A Site of Sanctuary,”

focuses on the tumor microenvironment,

during the installation, which will begin at 4

Award

from

WVU

in Hematological MaligDr. Laura Gibson

School of Medicine on Sept. 13.

influences on therapeutic response and

p.m. in the Fukushima Auditorium at Health

Dr. Gibson is co-leader of the Osborn Hemato-

chemotherapy-induced alterations of the

Sciences.

poietic Malignancy and Transplantation Pro-

marrow microenvironment as it relates to

gram and deputy director of the Mary Babb

a patient’s immune system recovery after

In addition to the professorship, the Osborn

Randolph Cancer Center (MBRCC) at WVU.

transplantation. Her lab also studies the

gift will also support lab and equipment

survival and growth of leukemic stem cells

needs, as well as fellowships, as determined

The Osborn professorship was made possible

in the bone marrow to learn better ways to

by Gibson.

by a donation from the Alexander Bland

treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia – the most

Osborn Trust and a West Virginia Research

common cancer diagnosed in children.

Trust Fund match to create a $1.57 million

Alexander Bland Osborn of Clarksburg attended West Virginia University and was

investment in the hematological malignancies

Gibson is the principal investigator on grants

associated with the College of Engineering

program as well as the professorship.

that total more than $1 million annually,

and Mineral Resources’ Class of 1926. He was

including the MBRCC’s Centers of Biomedical

founder and president of Osborn Construction

Gibson, a professor in the Department of

Research

Signal

Company and West Virginia Welding. He

Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology,

Transduction and Cancer, recently renewed

created the trust in 1993, designating the

is recognized as an outstanding leader,

for Phase III support by the National Institutes

MBRCC among the charitable beneficiaries of

researcher, mentor and educator. She has

of Health (NIH); two NIH R01 grants awarded

his estate. The trust has also provided support

earned a Robert C. Byrd Professorship, the

by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood

for scholarships for in-state students at WVU

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research

Institute and the National Cancer Institute;

and two state colleges.

and the Women in Science and Health

and a grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Excellence

Award

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

WVUH News

New chair named for new department in WVU School of Medicine Dr. Geraldine Jacobson to lead department of radiation oncology The West Virginia University School of

Dr. Jacobson is the current medical director

Babb Randolph Cancer Center to enhance

Medicine has named Geraldine Jacobson,

of the department of radiation oncology at

patient services in the radiation oncology

M.D., to be the founding chair of the newly

the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics,

clinic.

established department of radiation oncology.

where she has served on the faculty for the

School of Medicine Dean Arthur J. Ross

last nine years. She earned her undergraduate

“Once this has been accomplished we will

announced the appointment this week in a

degree at Michigan State, was pre-med at the

aspire to become recognized as a medical

message to faculty members.

University of South Florida and the University

school with one of the country’s finest

of Miami before earning her medical degree

departments of radiation oncology by virtue

“One sign of a healthy institution is that it

from the University of Utah. Her residency

of the excellent clinical care it provides, the

continues to adapt and expand over time to

training was at Latter Day Saints Hospital in

superb nature of its training programs and the

meet the changing needs of the community

Salt Lake City, Utah. She also has a Master’s

critical nature of the knowledge it creates,”

it serves,” Dean Ross said. “Another is that it

in Public Health from the University of South

Ross said.

is able to attract the best and the brightest to

Florida and an MBA from the University of

join its ranks. Dr. Jacobson has the credentials

Chicago.

For more information about the WVU School of

to create the type of academic department

Medicine, visit http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/.

that will advance the research and education

Dr. Jacobson’s first priority will be working

mission of the School of Medicine.”

closely with the leadership of the WVU Mary

Basu joins blood and marrow transplantation program at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center

Dr. Soumit K. Basu

Soumit K. Basu, M.D.,

Wood Johnson Medical School and his

Basu was acting instructor in the Division of

Ph.D., has joined the Os-

doctoral degree from Robert Wood Johnson

Hematology at the University of Washington

born Hematopoietic Malig-

Medical School and Rutgers University, Basu

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

nancy and Transplantation

completed his residency at Cleveland Clinic

Program at the West Vir-

Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

ginia University Mary Babb

received fellowship training at the University

and Transplantation Program is the state’s

Randolph Cancer Center.

of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer

only source for blood and bone marrow

Research Center. Before coming to WVU,

transplants.

Dr. Basu, who is board certified in internal medicine, treats patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

His

special interests include treatment of germ cell tumors and bone marrow diseases. His research focuses on the bodily environments that support various cancers, especially blood cancers such as leukemia. After earning his medical degree at Robert

WV Physician

He also

The

Osborn

Hematopoietic

Malignancy

WVUH-East News

WVUH-East’s Jefferson Memorial Hospital One of the First to Offer 3D Mammography: The Latest in Breast Cancer Screening for U.S. Women Women who undergo routine mammograms at West Virginia University Hospitals-East Jefferson Memorial Hospital now have the latest screening and diagnostic technology available to them. WVUH-East officials recently announced that Jefferson Memorial Hospital’s Womens Imaging Center is the first women’s center in the state of West Virginia and one of the few in the United States to offer 3D breast tomosynthesis (tomo) for breast cancer screening. Jefferson Memorial Hospital’s Womens Imaging Center is equipped with a Selenia® Dimensions® digital mammography system, the latest generation of mammography equipment from Hologic. “Our new digital mammography system allows us to look at 3-dimensional images that can show very small breast cancers,” stated Christine Vetter, MD, radiologist. “The advanced ergonomic design provides more patient comfort, and the ground-breaking 3D tomosynthesis platform is designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance,” she added. Breast tomosynthesis is a revolutionary technology that gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of onemillimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast. “In addition to the 3D breast tomo feature, our digital mammography system also offers many conveniences, from very soft and slow application of breast compression for smooth

positioning and increased patient tolerance, to having digital images immediately available for viewing and interpretation,” Vetter said. There are more than 8,000 breast cancer screening sites in the U.S. Nearly 5,000 have at least one digital mammography system. Less than 100 have installed this newest generation of digital mammography equipment. “We are proud to be the first hospital in West Virginia to offer 3D breast tomo for breast cancer screening,” said Dr. Christina Coad, chief executive officer. “Jefferson Memorial Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer. By offering women the latest technology in mammography, we hope to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened,” she added. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast

cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. For more information on Jefferson Memorial Hospital’s ACR accredited digital mammography service, call the Womens Imaging Center at 304.728.1648 or visit www.wvuh-east.org.

TRANSLATIONAL GENOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE Marshall University

AWARD WINNING DESIGNS | TRUSTED EXPERTISE ABIDING SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Huntington, WV | www.etarch.com

Volume 2 - Issue 3 • 2011

WVUH-East News

WVUH-East Jefferson Memorial Hospital Recipient of Best Practice Award West Virginia University Hospitals-

your willingness to share your Best

East’s Jefferson Memorial Hospital has

Practice with our hospitals,” stated

received a Best Practice award from

Lisa D’Amico, DNP, MSN, RN, clinical

Highmark for the overall highest Heart

quality

Failure Defect-Free Care Rate for the FY

adding, “Congratulations to you and

2011 program year.

your

consultant Jefferson

for

Memorial

Highmark, Hospital

Heart Failure team for receiving a Best Konrad C. Nau, MD, vice president of

Practice award.”

medical affairs at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, accepted the heart failure

According to Nau, the staff at Jefferson

indicator award at a recent meeting

Memorial Hospital is proud of this

of Highmark providers in Pittsburgh.

accomplishment and committed to

As part of the meeting agenda, Nau

continuous quality improvement. “We

shared Jefferson Memorial Hospitals

want to prove every day that hospital

Best Practice data with Highmark’s

size has little to do with quality – it

readmissions panel.

is the care our patients receive, and our patient-centered teamwork that

“We want to extend our gratitude to

must earn the reputation for quality

you for the excellent presentation

that WVUH-East’s Jefferson Memorial

you provided and we appreciate

Hospital is creating,” he added.

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.

www.himgwv.com 5170 U.S. Route 60 East Huntington, WV 25705 28

WV Physician

(304)

528-4657

We welcome your referrals.

Neurology

• Epilepsy • Headache • Head trauma • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis • Dementia • Huntington’s disease • Movement disorders • Multiple sclerosis • Muscular dystrophy • Pediatric neurology • Neuromuscular transmission disorders (Myasthenia gravis) • Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)

Patient appointments: 304-598-4865 Referrals: 800-982-6277 (800-WVA-MARS) Fax: 304-598-4907 wvuhealthcare.com

Ali Oliashirazi, Chairman, JointMD Chairman, Joint Replacement Replacement

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Zach Tankersley, DPM James B. Day, MD, PhD Gregory Hendricks, MD John Jasko, MD Franklin Shuler, MD, PhD Foot and AnkleJames Surgery Trauma Sports Medicine Orthopedic Zach Tankersley, DPM B. Day,Orthopedic MD, PhD Gregory Hendricks, MD John MD Jasko, MD Zach Tankersley, DPM James B. Day, MD, PhD Gregory Hendricks, John Jasko, Sports MD Surgery Primary Care Orthopedic Medicine Foot AnkleZach Surgery Orthopedic Trauma Sports Medicine Tankersley, DPM James Day, MD, PhD Gregory Hendricks, John Jasko, Sports MD Franklin Shuler, MD, PhD Orthopedic trauma Foot and Ankle Surgery Orthopedic Trauma Sports MD Medicine Orthopedic Zachand Tankersley, DPM James B. Day, MD,B. PhD Gregory Hendricks, JohnMD Jasko,Sports MD Tice, FelixMedicine Cheung, MD Primary Care Sports Foot and AnkleSurgery Surgery Orthopedic Trauma Medicine Orthopedic SurgeryB.S.Day, Primary Care Medicine Foot and Ankle Surgery Orthopedic Trauma Sports Medicine Orthopedic Zach Tankersley, DPM Douglas James MD, MD PhD Gregory Hendricks, MD Sports John Jasko, Sports MD OrthopedicAlan trauma R. Koest Surgery Care Medicine S. Trauma Tice, MD FelixMedicine Cheung, MD Sports Alan R. Koeste Douglas Primary CarePrimary Foot and AnkleSurgery Surgery Orthopedic Orthopedic Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper E Surgery Primary Care Medicine Orthopedic Surgery Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper E

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Only 12 hospitals in the country have HealthGrades Only 12 quality hospitals in theforcountry have HealthGrades five-star ratings Hip Replacement, Knee five-star quality ratings for Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Hip Alan Fracture Repair Steve andNovotny, Back & Neck Felix Cheung, MD R. Koester, MD MD Douglas S. Tice, MD Replacement, Hip Fracture Repair and Back & Neck Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper Extremity Hand/Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgery Douglas S. Tice, MD Felix Cheung, MD Alan R. Koester, MD Steve Novotny, MD Felix Cheung, MDof them Alanis R.Cabell Koester, MD Steve Novotny, MD Douglas S. Tice, MD Surgery. One Huntington Hospital. And Surgery Surgery Orthopedic Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper Extremity Hand/Upper Extremity Douglas MDCheung, Felix MD Alan R. Cabell Koester, MD Steve MD Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper Extremity Hand/Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgery Douglas S. Surgery Tice, MD S. Tice, Felix MD Cheung, Alanof R. them Koester, MD Steve Novotny, MD Novotny, Surgery. One is Huntington Hospital. And Surgery Surgery Orthopedic Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper Extremity Hand/Upper Extremity Surgery Surgery Orthopedic Surgery Orthopedic Oncology Hand/UpperinExtremity Hand/Upper Douglas S. Surgery Tice, MD only Felix Cheung, MD Alan R. Koester, MD – Extremity Steve Novotny, MD one hospital West Virginia Cabell Huntington – Surgery Surgery Surgery Surgery – Cabell Orthopedic Surgery Orthopedic Oncology Hand/Upper Extremity Hand/UpperHuntington Extremity only one hospital in West Virginia – is ranked by HealthGrades in the TopSurgery 5% in the country Surgery is ranked by HealthGrades in the Top 5% inReplacement the country for quality outcomes in both Hip & Knee theoutcomes hospital quality of The DeltaReplacement Group, has ranked forCareChex, quality inratings bothservice Hip & Knee and Overall Surgery. CareChex, the Orthopedic hospital quality ratings service of The DeltaSurgery Group, has ranked Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Department of Orthopedic at Marshall and Huntington Overall Orthopedic Cabell Hospital and theSurgery. Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Marshall #1 in West Virginia for #1 in West Virginia for Major Orthopedic Surgery MajorSpinal Orthopedic Surgery Surgery Spinal Surgery Joint Replacement Joint Replacement

University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine #1 in West Virginia and the TriUniversity JoanMajor C. Edwards School of Medicine in West and the TriState Areaproud for Surgery, Spinal #1 Surgery andVirginia Joint Replacement. We’re ofOrthopedic our national standing in orthopedic care, State Area for Major Orthopedic Surgery, Spinal Surgery and Joint Replacement. Additionally, HealthGrades has namedstanding Cabell Huntington Hospital care, One of We’re proud of our national in orthopedic but what care most about is youHuntington – the people theof Additionally, HealthGrades hasJoint named Cabell Hospitalof One America’s 100 we Best Hospitals for Replacement. but what we care most about is you – the people of the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement. We’re proud of our state, regional andextremely national standing in orthopedic care,for but Tri-State region. And we’re grateful to you We’re proud of our state, regional andof national standing in orthopedic care, but Tri-State region. And we’re extremely grateful to you for what we care most about is taking care your comprehensive orthopedic needs. recognizing usabout as “Consumer Choice #1 fororthopedic Orthopedic what we care taking care ofhave your needs. Whatever yourmost orthopedic condition, we acomprehensive highly-trained experienced recognizing us asis“Consumer Choice #1 for and Orthopedic Whatever your orthopedic condition, we have a highly-trained and experienced Care in the Huntington/Ashland/Ironton Area. specialist to give you the care you need and deserve. Care into the Huntington/Ashland/Ironton Area. specialist give you the care you need and deserve.

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