WV Physician Magazine Volume 5, Issue 1 by P. J. Hutton

VO LU M E 5 • I S S U E 1 • 2 014

The Magazine for Health Care Professionals

Heart Valve Replacement

Without Open Heart Surgery

relentless

devotion

Sanjeev Sharma, MD Medical Director St. Mary’s Radiation Oncology & Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Devotion drives us to acquire the latest technology. St. Mary’s has the only CyberKnife® in the entire state of West Virginia.

St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center has advanced cancer technology other hospitals in our area don’t. Like the CyberKnife® Radiosurgery System, which precisely targets cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue. So as the latest technology helps fight cancer, our compassionate team battles for your patient. Because comprehensive cancer care demands comprehensive treatment solutions for your patient’s mind, body and spirit.

The Hands of Experience® in Advanced Cancer Care To refer a patient, call 304-526-1349 | www.st-marys.org

Category Contents

COVER STORY

Heart Valve Replacement

COVER PHOTO: Nepal Chowdhury, MD and Mohi Mitiek, MD, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, are two members of the TAVR Team at St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute in Huntington.

Without Open Heart Surgery Features

Hospital News

6 T eam Provides Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment of Fetal Abnormalities at CAMC

10 Cabell Huntington Hospital

6 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. ©2013, Austin Development Company, LLC dba WV Physician. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

14 Charleston Area Medical Center 14 Davis Health System 16 Marshall University Medical School 23 St. Joseph’s Hospital 23 St. Mary’s Medical Center 27 Thomas Health Systems 28 University Healthcare 29 WVU Charleston 30 WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences

Send press releases and all other related information to: WV Physician Magazine Post Office Box 11311 Charleston, WV 25339 Contact us at 866-844-7376, or submit via email to: info@wvphysician.net Visit us on the web at: www.WVPhysician.net Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

Cover Story Category

Heart Valve Replacement

Without Open Heart Surgery A

ortic stenosis affects millions of people in the United States. It is estimated that up to 7 percent of the population over 65 may be impacted by aortic stenosis. The average lifespan of symptomatic individuals who go untreated is approximately two years. The only effective treatment for severe aortic stenosis is aortic valve replacement. Many high risk individuals are not candidates for traditional aortic valve replacement through open-heart surgery. For over a year, St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Regional Heart Institute in Huntington has been offering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for those patients that are deemed high risk or inoperable for traditional open-heart surgery. TAVR is a less invasive procedure which allows for a new valve to be inserted within the native, diseased aortic valve. The TAVR procedure can be performed through the transfemoral or transapical approach. The Heart Team approach is critical to the success of any TAVR program. It involves a collaborative approach between interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons. St. Mary’s Heart Team consists of interventional cardiologists Mark A. Studeny, MD, and Daniel Snavely, MD, and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons Nepal C. Chowdhury, MD, and Mohi O. Mitiek, MD. Other team members include cardiologist Silvestre P. Cansino, MD, anesthesiologist D. Grant Shy, DO, and Brooke Leaberry, DNP, WHNP-BC, RN, cardiovascular nurse practitioner. “TAVR is safe and effective and offers people a new lease on life,” said Daniel D. Snavely, 2

WV Physician

Daniel Snavely, MD

Nepal C. Chowdhury, MD

Brooke Leaberry, DNP, WHNP-BC, RN

Mark A. Studeny, MD

Mohi O. Mitiek, MD

Silvestre P. Cansino, MD

D. Grant Shy, DO

MD, interventional cardiologist. “It is the biggest breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine in 40 years.” “This has opened a big door for patients who are not getting better with medicine,” said Nepal C. Chowdhury, MD, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. “A lot of patients are suffering but are not surgical candidates. They can get help now. We can help them.” Patients are no longer required to travel long distances for TAVR and can follow-up with local physicians for post procedure care. “It’s the opportunity for us to offer people the chance for better treatment locally when we couldn’t offer them anything in the past,” Dr. Mitiek said. “Before, patients had to travel out of state, which carries risk to the patients and causes stress to the family. Plus, it was not easy to proceed with what can be lifelong follow-ups. Now, follow up access is easy because we are local doctors and patients can always call us.” Claire Horton of Huntington was one of those patients who took advantage of having TAVR close to home. “It was immeasurably helpful to have this surgery here in Huntington,” Horton said. “I probably wouldn’t have taken advantage of the surgery if I had to go far away.” Horton is now using her newfound energy to try and find the words to thank the St. Mary’s TAVR team. “I’m very grateful that the surgeons took a chance on me,” Horton said. “I need to abundantly express my thanks to them.” Horton’s experience has been the norm for the TAVR procedure at St. Mary’s, according to Dr. Snavely. “It’s been very successful and very gratifying,” he said. Dr. Snavely said some TAVR patients have been in their 80s or 90s—near the end of their lives—but just wanted to improve the quality of their lives. One female patient just wanted to live to see her grandson graduate college. Dr. Studeny, St. Mary’s Medical Center Cardiac Cath Lab director, said the procedure has the potential to improve the quality of life in many patients who would otherwise have only palliative care as an option. “Hopefully, through physician and patient education, patients with aortic valve disease who would have been deemed hopeless will be referred

and evaluated for TAVR at St. Mary’s Medical Center Valve Clinic,” Dr. Studeny said. Currently, TAVR is only approved for patients with aortic stenosis who are not open surgery candidates or are high-risk candidates. It cannot be used for patients who are candidates for traditional AVR. For more information regarding TAVR and how it can help patients with aortic stenosis, call the St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute at (304) 526-6029.

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

Pediatric

Team Provides Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment of Fetal Abnormalities at CAMC By Courtney Dotson

CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the state of West Virginia that offers a Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Group (FDTG) and the only center that offers fetal MRI.

surgical specialists together monthly to review and orchestrate a care plan for our patients,” said Dr. Maxwell.

“The purpose of FDTG is to offer highlyspecialized care to mothers who may be carrying fetuses with known birth defects that may require fetal treatment or intervention before or after birth,” said Damian Maxwell MD, FACS, pediatric surgeon, surgical director of the FDTG. The FDTG team coordinates all the treatments and also offers care, counseling and comprehensive support services. Maxwell brought FDTG to Women and Children’s Hospital. His first exposure to this type of treatment was at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH). MCH is where Dr. Maxwell completed his fellowship training in pediatric general and thoracic surgery. “MCH established their FTDG in the 1980’s, and I was impressed with the comprehensive care that was offered to their patients,” said Maxwell. Seeing this type of exposure, firsthand, inspired him to bring this type of resource model specifically to Women and Children’s Hospital, and to West Virginia as a whole. “Historically, we have been offering a fragmented service of this kind at Women and Children’s but this model will bring the multidisciplinary group of medical and

WV Physician

Damian Maxwell, M.D., FACS

The FDTG group consists of many highlytrained specialists such as perinatalogy/ maternal fetal-medicine, neonatology, pediatric general and thoracic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, pediatric radiology, pediatric cardiology, genetic counseling and social work. FTDG has many specialists from different departments at Women and Children’s who work as a team to provide prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal abnormalities. Some services the team provides are detailed fetal ultrasounds, fetal MRI, amnio-

centesis and more complex fetal interventions. Team members also offer counseling in fetal surgical interventions (together with an obstetrician/perinatalogist) and genetic counseling, including determining the risk of associated anomalies, and risk of recurrence. Consultations can also be coordinated by the FDTG with specialists and appointments for imaging. Neonatology counseling and perinatal management is provided for patients. All care happens under one roof with maternal, fetal and neonatal care. Therefore, pregnant women have access to all specialists and equipment without moving from site to site. “Patients rarely, if ever, require fetal surgery and the FDTG will identify the patients that do in order to refer them to a fetal center out of state that can provide those services. We care for patients with a host of congenital anomalies for which information can be obtained by accessing our website at camc.org/fdtg,” said Maxwell. If physicians would like to refer patients to the FDTG they can contact the center for maternal-fetal medicine at (304) 388-1599 or Dr. Maxwell’s office at (304) 388-1770. The numbers provided are answered during regular working hours and after hour messages are checked daily. A 24-hour hotline that would allow 24/7 access for referrals is currently in the works.

Cabell Huntington Hospital News

Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Internal Medicine Welcome Diabetes Specialist Rodhan Khthir, MD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified endocrinologist, has joined Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall Internal Medicine Rodhan and the Bruce S. Chertow Khthir, MD Diabetes Center at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Dr. Khthir, an assistant professor with Marshall University Joan C. Edwards

School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, is experienced in diagnosing and treating diabetes in adults. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and endocrinology. He earned his medical degree at the University of Jordan School of Medicine in Amman, Jordan, completed residency training in internal medicine at Lincoln Hospital and Mental Health Center at Cornell University in New York, NY, and completed fellowship training in endocrinology at Pennsylvania

State University at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. Dr. Khthir has joined the Huntington/TriState region’s largest and most experienced team of diabetes specialists at the Bruce S. Chertow Diabetes Center, located in the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center. The Chertow Diabetes Center offers a self-management program that has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association and has been accredited since 1992.

Experienced Breast Surgeon Joins Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Dr. Mary Legenza brings more than 15 years of experience as a breast cancer specialist to ECCC Mary Legenza, MD, a longtime breast surgeon in the Tri-State region, has joined Dr. Jack Traylor and the comprehensive breast cancer team at the Mary Edwards Comprehensive Legenza, MD Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital and has been named an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Dr. Legenza is certified by the American Board of Surgery and she is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She earned her medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio (University of Toledo) in Toledo,

Ohio and completed residency training in general surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She is well-known throughout the Huntington/Tri-State region for her work treating breast cancer patients. She is now accepting new patients at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. Please call 304.399.6556 for more information or to make an appointment. The experienced team at the Cabell Huntington Hospital Breast Health Center and Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Diagnostic Breast Center uses 3D mammography for all mammograms. Additionally, a team of breast health navigators assist patient throughout their diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Stereotactic and digital ultrasound biopsies

are also performed in the center and additional services include a mentoring program for cancer patients, physician-performed evaluations for genetic testing and education for the patient and family using one-to-one instruction and a library of books and videos. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Huntington/Tri-State region’s most comprehensive cancer center that includes specialists in areas of radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and hematology, orthopedic oncology, pediatric oncology, surgical breast oncology, clinical trials and cancer research. It is located on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Visit www.edwardsccc. org to learn more.

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

Cabell Huntington Hospital News

Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Internal Medicine Welcome Infectious Diseases Physician Mahmoud Shorman, MD, a board-certified and fellowship-trained specialist in infectious diseases, has joined the Cabell Huntington Hospital Medical Staff Mahmoud and the Marshall UniversiShorman, MD ty Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine as an assistant professor.

Dr. Shorman is certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree at Jordan University of Science and Technology and he completed residency training in internal medicine at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York, NY. Dr. Shorman also completed fellowship training in infectious diseases at East Tennessee State

University in Johnson City, TN. As an infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Shorman diagnoses and treats patients with a wide range of health problems that can be caused by infections, including those caused by bacteria and viruses.

Founding Physician Gerard Oakley, MD, Named Medical Director of Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Gerard Oakley, MD, a longtime cancer specialist and Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School Gerard of Medicine, has been Oakley, MD named medical director of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC) at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Dr. Oakley has been caring for patients at ECCC since its doors opened in 2006, and is a founding physician for the most

comprehensive cancer program in the Huntington/Tri-State region. In his new role, he oversees clinical operations that include programs for surgical oncology, pediatric oncology, medical oncology and hematology and radiation oncology for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of all types for patients of all ages. He will also continue to see patients in his clinic and perform surgical procedures. During his career, Dr. Oakley has held numerous hospital and academic leadership positions including Professor and Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine; Chair of the Oncology Committee at Cabell Huntington Hospital and President of the Medical Staff at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Dr. Oakley earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan and he completed his fellowship training in gynecologic oncology at the University of Minnesota. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Cabell Huntington Hospital Honored with Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for Stroke Care Cabell Huntington Hospital has received the Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for meeting patient care quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients.

American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping hospital care teams ensure that the care provided to heart failure and stroke patients is aligned with the latest evidence-based guidelines. The goal of hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines is to save lives.

Get With The Guidelines® puts the unparalleled expertise of the American Heart Association and

In addition to helping Cabell Huntington Hospital’s stroke team provide patients with

WV Physician

Cabell Huntington Hospital News the most up-to-date stroke care, Get With The Guidelines empowers hospital staff to provide education about stroke warning signs and risks that can help prevent stroke or reduce serious events that may lead to death or disability. “We are honored that the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have recognized Cabell Huntington Hospital’s drive to offer premier stroke care to the community with the organization’s most prestigious award,” said Dr. Justin Nolte, medical

director of the Advanced Primary Stroke Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital, stroke neurologist with Marshall Neuroscience and assistant professor with the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “It is a great feeling to be a part of this dedicated team that provides elite stroke care to the community and I look forward to assisting in the growth of our current efforts that will lead us to an even more successful stroke center into the future.” According to the American Heart Association

and American Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. To learn more about the Advanced Primary Stroke Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital, please visit www.cabellhuntington.org/services/ stroke-center or call 304.526.6317.

Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Internal Medicine Welcome Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Scott Gibbs Dr. Gibbs is the Huntington/Tri-State region’s only fellowship-trained Laryngologist Scott Gibbs, MD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), has joined Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall Surgery. Scott Gibbs, MD

Dr. Gibbs, a longtime laryngologist in the Huntington area, earned his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, and he completed residency training in otolaryngology and gen-

eral surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He completed his fellowship training in laryngology/neurolaryngology at Roosevelt/St. Luke’s Medical Center in New York, New York, and is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology in Head and Neck Surgery. At Cabell Huntington Hospital, Dr. Gibbs serves as section chief for ENT services and director of Speech/Swallowing Services. Dr.

Gibbs is a clinical associate professor in the Department of General Surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Dr. Gibbs is accepting new patients in his office at Marshall Surgery – ENT located at 6007 U.S. Route 60 East, Suite 203 in Barboursville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 304.691.8690.

Endocrinologist Joins Cabell Huntington Hospital and Chertow Diabetes Center at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Randa Nazem Al-Jayoussi, MD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified endocrinologist, has joined Cabell Huntington Hospital, Marshall Internal Medicine Randa Nazem and the Chertow Diabetes Al-Jayoussi, MD Center at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Dr. Al-Jayoussi is an experienced endocrinologist who earned her medical degree at Jordan University in Amman, Jordan and completed residency training at Lincoln Medical Center at Cornell University in New York, New York. She also completed clinical fellowship training and research fellowship training in endocrinology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American Endocrinology Society.

Dr. Al-Jayoussi specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes, thyroid conditions and pituitary conditions. She is a member of the Huntington/Tri-State region’s largest and most experienced team of diabetes specialists at the Chertow Diabetes Center. The Center offers a self-management program that has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association and has been accredited since 1992. Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

CAMC News

CAMC Physicians Group: Experienced Specialists, Expert Care For the past 30 years, CAMC has provided ex-

Thomas Bowden, DO, medical director of

pert care to the region. It has grown to incor-

CAMC Physicians Group, said bringing

porate a wide variety of specialized services to

the practices together under one umbrella

meet the needs of the people in our commu-

has provided the opportunity to streamline

nity, and to ensure our patients have access to

processes and make overall care more

the highest level of care, close to home.

convenient for the patient.

CAMC Physicians Group brings together

“As a group, our goal is to make everything

nearly 100 doctors and other clinicians at phy-

more efficient so we can take better care of

sician practices, CAMC hospitals, Teays Valley

our patients. Through information sharing

Hospital and multi-specialty clinics in Charles-

and maintaining similar structures at each

ton, Teays Valley and surrounding counties.

office, we can make it easier for patients to move between practices for various health

CAMC Physicians Group is a division of

care needs,” Bowden said.

Integrated Health Care Providers, Inc.,

CAMC Physicians Group has a large number of experienced doctors, surgeons, nurses and support staff that offer a wide range of medical specialties: • Cardiology • Cardiothoracic Surgery • Dentistry • Fertility • General & Vascular Surgery • Maxillofacial Surgery • Neurology • Oncology • Ophthalmology • Orthopedic Surgery • Orthopedic Trauma • Pediatric Neurology • Pediatric Surgery • Plastic Surgery • Urology • Weight Loss/Bariatric Surgery

which serves as the physician practice

CAMC Physicians Group also provides

group within the CAMC Health System.

hospitalists and intensivists at CAMC’s

The group provides an array of health care

General,

services, including specialty care, acute care

Children’s hospitals, as well as at Teays Valley

and ambulatory care, all available in easily-

Hospital. Hospitalists are physicians that work

accessible locations. For the patient, this

exclusively in the hospital to manage the care

means better coordination of care, more

of patients in coordination with their primary

To learn more about these specialties or find a

convenient scheduling and efficiency through

care physicians and specialists. Intensivists

physician, visit http://camc.org/cpg.

sharing patient information.

are specially-trained critical care physicians

Memorial

and

Women

and

that care for patients in an intensive care unit.

CAMC Recognized as Only WV Hospital Ranked Among Top 5% in Nation Charleston Area Medical Center has been

consistently high levels of clinical care,” said

hospitals recognized with this award exhibit

ranked among the nation’s top 5 percent of

Dave Ramsey, CAMC’s president and CEO.

comprehensive high-quality care across mul-

hospitals, according to an independent study

“Our physicians and staff have demonstrated

tiple clinical specialties.

of mortality and complication rates for nearly

the commitment and collaborative spirit

4,500 hospitals nationwide as released by

necessary to implement the best possible

Healthgrades, the nation’s leading health care

programs and processes that produce

ratings company.

exceptional clinical outcomes, which this recognition validates.”

CAMC is the only hospital in West Virginia and one of only 260 hospitals nationwide to

The Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital

achieve the Distinguished Hospital Award for

Award for Clinical Excellence is presented

Clinical Excellence™ based on its outstanding

only to those hospitals that stand out above

clinical quality performance.

the rest for overall clinical care across a broad spectrum of services. While many hospitals

“This award acknowledges the achievements

have specific areas of expertise and high-

CAMC has made to provide our patients with

quality outcomes in certain areas, the select

WV Physician

CAMC News “National honors like these are important

they can feel confident that they are receiving

“We’re fortunate to be part of a health system

because they represent years of commitment

high quality care.”

that places quality and patient safety at the

to excellence by our physicians, clinicians

forefront,” Wood said. “Our success comes

and staff,” said Dale Wood, CAMC’s chief

From 2010 through 2012, if all other hospitals

from everyone working together and being

quality officer. “For patients, this recognition

performed at the level of Distinguished

committed to doing the right thing for every

represents objective confirmation that we are

Hospitals for Clinical Excellence, 156,036 lives

patient, every time.”

continuing to offer exceptional quality, and

could have potentially been saved.

Skilled Transport Team Brings Critical Care to Outlying Hospitals The neonatal/pediatric transport team keeps the services of CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital’s intensive care units readily available to premature and critically ill newborns and pediatric patients up to 2-years-old. The team may travel by ambulance or fly in a helicopter based on the patient’s acuity and weather conditions.

Services include: • Provides patient care through the use of the nursing process • Transport of critically ill patients by ground or air

cause it allows us to educate outlying facilities on how to care for critically ill babies,” Kish said. “A big thing I’ve learned during my time as a transport nurse is how to be a leader on the unit and how to better work as a team.”

• Continuous non-invasive EKG, blood pressure, respiratory and oxygen satura-

“We don’t always know the doctors in outly-

tion monitoring

ing hospitals, so to be able to work as a team

• Invasive monitoring

to assess and treat the baby is a benefit,” Jones

“We bring in patients from outlying facilities

• Medication administration

added.

throughout West Virginia and in other states

• Intravenous therapy administered through

who need a higher level of care,” said Valerie Jones, RN-C, transport team member. “Our modes of transportation are Kanawha County Critical Care ambulances and HealthNet.” The transport team is a multidisciplinary ef-

peripheral or central lines • Management of artificial airways and ventilator management

fers via the neonatal/pediatric transport team to CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital.

• Family education

Physicians or hospitals requesting a patient

• Outreach education (NRP, PALS and

transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit

S.T.A.B.L.E classes)

(NICU) or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Women and Children’s can call the Transfer

fort that includes registered nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics/emergency

The CAMC Transfer Center facilitates trans-

“Our outreach education is important be-

Center’s toll-free number at 1-877-226-2273.

medical technicians. The team functions under the supervision of a neonatologist or pediatric specialist who provides telephone consultation and advice. “To be on the transport team, you must have good assessment skills because there’s not always a physician available in person,” said Amanda Kish, RN, transport team member. “We have specialized training in intubation, central and PIC line insertion, needle aspiration and also survival training for our flights.” Complex care is initiated by the transport team on arrival at the referring hospital and continued throughout the transport to CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital’s neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

L-R: Valerie Jones, RN-C; Ashley Brown, RN; Trisha Spell, RN; Robert Casto, RN; Amanda Kish, RN; Debby Menders, RN-C Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

CAMC News

TAVR Heart Valve Procedure at CAMC Severe aortic stenosis involving a buildup of calcium on the aortic valve is most commonly seen in elderly patients. As this narrowing becomes severe, patients begin suffering from shortness of breath, tiredness and heart failure. In the past they have had only two options. One is traditional open heart surgery which involves splitting the breastbone and stopping the heart. Those who are too ill or too high risk for surgery are known to do poorly with medical

therapy alone in terms of poor quality of life and high risk of death within two years.

the same equipment through a small incision at the tip of the heart.

CAMC is now offering an innovative new procedure for replacing the aortic valve in patients with severely narrowed valves who are high risk or too ill to undergo open heart surgery. Using this technique, called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), the new valve is introduced through an incision in the groin without ever opening the chest. Alternatively the valve can be replaced using

This avoids splitting the sternum and stopping the heart (cardiopulmonary bypass) as is done in the standard operation. Research has shown improved survival and quality of life as compared to standard medical therapy. Potential candidates for this less invasive procedure can be referred by calling (304) 388-8104.

Davis Health System News

Sophisticated Medical Technology Offers Lower Radiation Dose at Davis Medical Center Davis Memorial Hospital’s LightSpeed™ VCT with ASiR (Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction) will reduce the amount of radiation patients receive by 40 percent while also producing higher quality images. “It is the most advanced CT technology available and helps physicians provide higher quality patient care,” said Debbie Dean, director of radiology at Davis Memorial Hospital. “This technology allows us to examine a wider range of conditions – everything from exams of the heart, spine, lungs and colon, to advanced techniques such as angiography, virtual colo-

noscopy and radiation therapy planning.” The state-of-the-art system can acquire 64 high-resolution images of the internal anatomy with each image representing an area of the body as thin as a credit card. Physicians can more easily view details on such things as blockages in the coronary arteries, as well as the motion and pumping action of a patient’s heart. “The reduced radiation exposure is especially beneficial for children and young adults who are more susceptible to harm from excessive

radiation exposures,” Dean said. “It is designed so that the patient – young or old – is comfortable and has a good experience.” Mark Doak, Davis Health System president and chief executive officer, said that the diagnostic system helps physicians provide a higher level of patient care. “This advanced technology extends the range of quality diagnostic services that Davis Memorial Hospital offers patients,” he said. “Faster scans mean faster exams, and less stress and anxiety for the patient. This system will ensure patients receive the best care.”

Marshall University Medical School News

Marshall School of Medicine Health Policy Fellows Honored by State Senate Calling their service commendable, the West Virginia State Senate adopted a resolution honoring Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine resident physicians for their work at the Legislature providing physician resources through the Paul Ambrose Health Policy Fellowship Program.

WV Physician

Dr. Kimberly R. Becher, a third-year resident from Sissonville, W.Va., Dr. Matthew Q. Christiansen, a first-year resident from Spencer, W.Va., and Dr. Kane A. Maiers, a thirdyear resident from Short Gap, W.Va., were honored by the resolution authored by Sen. Robert H. Plymale of Wayne County. The resolution also names Dr. Tracy Hendershot,

MUSOM class of 2008, who served as the first Ambrose fellow. “Our physicians have worked diligently to help our lawmakers explore and vet dozens of issues that affect the health and well-being of the citizens of West Virginia,” said Dr. Stephen M. Petrany, co-director of the health

Marshall University Medical School News policy track at Marshall and chairman of the department of family and community health. “One of the goals of this program is to help young physicians fine-tune their leadership skills so they can effectively contribute to the health policy process. They have committed many hours to the process and we are very proud of their efforts.” Both Becher and Maiers have served in the program for three years and tackled such topics as this year’s catastrophic water crisis in central West Virginia and the Methamphetamine Lab Eradication Act. The Ambrose Health Policy Program was started at Marshall University in 2010 and is believed to be the only such program of its type in the country. It is a partnership of Marshall’s department of family and community health, Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural

p Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Ambrose Health Policy Fellows are, from left, Dr. Kimberly Becher, Dr. Kane Maiers and Dr. Matthew Christiansen.

Health, and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. It was inspired by namesake Paul Wesley Ambrose, a Marshall

medical alumnus whose life and dynamic health policy career were cut short on September 11, 2001.

Marshall’s Dr. Stephen M. Petrany Tapped to Lead Department of Family and Community Health

Dr. John Walden transitions to new role with School of Medicine Stephen M. Petrany, M.D., has been appointed chairman of the department of family and community health at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the school’s Stephen M. dean, Joseph I. Shapiro, Petrany, MD M.D. announced February 17th. He succeeds John Walden, M.D., who served as chairman for five years and now transitions to a new role with the school. “Steve Petrany is a perfect fit to lead the department of family medicine,” Shapiro said. “He is an excellent clinician, dedicated teacher and astute business leader. I couldn’t be more pleased that he has accepted the position. He understands the mission of our medical school and I expect the department to grow and flourish under his leadership.”

A professor in the department and full-time faculty member since 1989, Petrany was selected for the position after serving as interim chair for several months. “I am very excited by the opportunity to continue the important work of the department of family and community health in my new role,” Petrany said. “Under my predecessors, Marshall Family Medicine has earned a well-deserved national reputation for excellence in education and clinical service. With the help of our outstanding faculty and staff, and with the ongoing support of Dean Shapiro, I am confident the department will continue to build upon its special mission to the people of our region and the state.”

College of Virginia. He has been recognized with nearly a dozen teaching awards including receiving the inaugural Dean’s Award for Excellence in Medical Education in 2013. Heavily involved with Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Petrany currently serves as its medical director and on its board of directors. He is also the co-director and co-developer of the Paul Wesley Ambrose Health Policy Residency Track, the nation’s first health policy track within a family medicine residency program. Walden will continue teaching at the school of medicine and assist the dean’s office with special projects. Walden was appointed chairman in 2008 and has worked for decades in the fields of rural medicine and international health.

Petrany graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a family medicine residency with the Medical Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

Marshall University Medical School News

Research Day Winners Announced The 26th annual Research Day at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine wrapped up with awards presented to eight students and medical residents. The two-day event showcases the work of medical students, graduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows, and includes both poster and oral presentation competitions. This year’s entries included projects that focused on heart disease, children and physical activity, lung and other cancers, drug abuse during pregnancy, and many other areas of biomedical and clinical research.

The winners were: Poster Presentations Basic Science Category Caroline A. Hunter - Mitochondrial Elongation Factor Tu: Translational Regulation by Phosphorylation Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology Clinical Case Study Category (Student) Jill Goodwin - Posterior Tibial Tendon Dislocation: A Case Report Department of Orthopaedics

Clinical Case Study Category (Resident) M. Adeel Mahmood - An Atypical Presentation of Adrenal Insufficiency in Pregnancy as Recurrent Abdominal Pain Department of Internal Medicine

Clinical Science Category (Student) Rebecca M. Hayes - Development of Phone Application for Congestive Heart Failure Patients in a Rural Setting Department of Internal Medicine

Clinical Science Category (Student) Laura G. Wilson - Withdrawing into Society: Characteristics of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on Final Day of Admission Department of Pediatrics

Clinical Science Category (Resident) Jodi Pitsenbarger - Total Postnatal Opiate Exposure Using Two Different Weaning Methods in Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Department of Pediatrics

Clinical Science Category (Resident) Heidi Michael - Retrospective analysis of patients entering the Maternal Addiction and Recovery Center (MARC) program evaluating pregnancy and neonatal outcomes Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Oral Presentations Basic Science Category M. Allison Wolf - Benzyl Isothiocyanate Sensitizes Hnscc Cells To Cisplatin, And Inhibits Hnscc Cell Migration And Invasion Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology

Dr. Richard M. Niles, vice dean for biomedical sciences at the school of medicine, congratulated all the winners, saying, “We had more than 80 presentations this year and the competition was outstanding. It is quite exciting to see all the fascinating research being done at our medical school and to know these students will be making a real difference in the lives and health of those who live in our communities.” For more information about Research Day, contact the Office of Continuing Medical Education at 304-691-1770.

Orthopaedics Professor at School of Medicine Honored with National Award Dr. Felix H. Cheung,

make a significant impact on their students

appreciated, but the real reward for me is

associate professor in

and medical education and is given to one

seeing our students’ progress.”

the department of or-

person annually. Cheung credited his wife, Cara, for helping

thopaedics, department vice chair of operations

“Dr. Cheung is an outstanding educator as

him create novel ways to teach Marshall’s

and finance, and chief

is evidenced by this prestigious award,”

students.

of the division of ortho-

said Dr. Joseph I. Shapiro, dean of the

paedic oncology at Marshall University’s

Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “His

“My wife has two master’s degrees in

Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, has

commitment to our students and residents

teaching and she helped me develop

been awarded the 2014 National Golden

is unparalleled, and we are all very proud

methods of connecting with my students

Apple Award for Teaching Excellence by

of him.”

as adult learners,” he said. “I am grateful for her help and also want to thank our

the American Me: felixcheungdical Student Association (AMSA).

“I am honored and humbled to have been

students for nominating me for the award.”

chosen for this education award,” Cheung Cheung becomes the first Marshall professor

said. “I teach because I am committed to

Zachary Sanford, a second-year medical

to win the award. It was created in 1996 and

helping our students become outstanding

student and president of the Marshall

recognizes medical school professors who

physicians. The award is very much

chapter

WV Physician

AMSA,

said

nominating

Marshall University Medical School News Cheung for the award was based on his

carefully blends independent learning

The award was presented March 8 at

tireless commitment to improving student

with problem-based case presentations,

the 2014 AMSA Annual Convention and

performance.

effectively conveying material necessary

Exposition in New Orleans.

for lifelong success as a physician,” Sanford “Dr. Cheung’s unique method of teaching

said.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Students ‘Match’ for Future Training Sixty-seven Joan C. Edwards School of Medi-

ates have matched at dynamic programs

into psychiatry residencies which is the high-

cine graduating seniors found out March 21

across the United States,” said Dr. Marie Veitia,

est number of students in the history of the

where they will train for the next three to sev-

associate dean of student affairs. “The Class

school to have chosen that specialty. Six Mar-

en years via the annual National Residency

of 2014 has distinguished itself with students

shall seniors also matched earlier this year in

Matching Program (NRMP).

matching into highly competitive specialties

the U.S. Military Match.

like dermatology, emergency medicine, orMarshall’s students and their counterparts

thopedic surgery and ophthalmology, in addi-

The NRMP reports that 16,399 U.S. allopathic

nationwide opened sealed envelopes at the

tion to prestigious programs in primary care.”

medical school seniors matched to first-year

stroke of noon which contained their resi-

residency positions. The match connects

dency decisions. Joined by family, friends

Just over 43 percent of the class members are

graduating seniors with graduate medical pro-

and School of Medicine faculty and staff, the

entering into primary care fields like family

grams across the country using an algorithm

students gathered for a class luncheon prior

medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

which pairs the preferences of applicants with

to the noon reveal.

Additionally, about one-third of the class will

the preferences of residency programs result-

stay in West Virginia for their training, 11 of

ing in a best result for graduating students.

“We are delighted that our soon-to-be gradu-

them at Marshall.

Five students matched

p Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine graduating doctors gather for a photo on Match Day. Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

St. Joseph’s News Category

St. Joseph’s Hospital Opens Skilled Nursing Facility to Provide Rehabilitative and Sklled Nursing Care St Joseph’s Hospital, recognized by the US News and World Report as having one of the best overall nursing homes in West Virginia, has now expanded its care to the community with the addition of the St. Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Facility. The St. Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Facility opened in February of 2014 and is located on the third floor of the hospital, adjacent to its long-term care facility. The Skilled Nursing Facility provides specialized skilled and rehabilitative services to Medicare

Nursing. They report that they are looking

areas another option when looking for care

patients meeting the requirements for

forward to providing the specialized skilled

beyond the hospital setting.

Skilled nursing services.

In addition to

and rehabilitative services to Medicare

Nursing Facility will give patients in our

twenty-four hour skilled nursing care,

patients. Both noted that patients will “not

community the opportunity to receive the

Social Services, Physical Therapy and

settle here for the very long term” which

best in rehabilitative and skilled nursing

Rehabilitation Services, and Pharmacy and

has been associated with our current

care in an environment that is closer

Nutritional support will also be important

Nursing Care Facility. Rather these patients

to home,” said Sue Johnson-Phillippe,

services provided to patients.

will require a higher level of nursing,

President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital.

rehabilitative Dr. Clyde Mitchell provides the Medical

medical

“The Skilled

management

needs, and will be treated in the short term.

For more information about St Joseph’s Skilled Nursing Unit, call 304-473-2068.

Leadership for both the Nursing Care Facility and the Skilled Nursing Facility and

The opening of this new facility provides

Donna Lewis, RN serves as the Director of

residents in Upshur County and surrounding

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Aquires Advanced Ultrasound with 3D and 4D Technology St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon now

large adults. We get clear, detailed scans

informed

has an innovative new tool for patient care

that help us provide excellent patient care

treatment options,” said Sue Johnson-

with the acquisition of the LOGIQ™ E9

for the community.”

Phillippe, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s

ultrasound system from GE Healthcare.

Hospital.

diagnoses

and

determine

“It shortens exam times for

With volume ultrasound, it is able to capture

our patients and opens the door for our

“The LOGIQ E9 expands our diagnostic

3D and 4D images of organs and tissues,

physicians to a wider variety of advanced

ultrasound capabilities beyond what we’ve

enabling physicians to see them from every

applications.

previously been able to accomplish,”

angle. The ultrasound system is also able to

said Kimberly Radcliff, Service Leader for

image fetal facial characteristics.

Imaging. “No two patients are alike. This

Thousands of ultrasound tests are done in the U.S. each year. It is a non-invasive

advanced technology takes body type into

“This new ultrasound gives our physicians

medical test that uses high-frequency

account, from small pediatric patients to

highly detailed scans to help them make

sound waves to create images of internal

WV Physician

St. Joseph’s News planning,” said David Rosiello, MD, Medical Director of Imaging. “Patients like the fact that ultrasound exams are non-invasive and do not expose them to the same radiation as X-Ray or CT exams. Additionally, ultrasound exams generally cost less than other types of exams, such as CT or MRI.” This ultrasound system uses an innovative new technology called Agile Acoustic Architecture

which

quickly

captures

extraordinarily detailed and uniform images of internal organs and tissues.

It is an

important benefit because of the increasing number of obese patients who can be more difficult to scan due to distortion of the diagnostic sound waves when they attempt to penetrate large body mass. body structures and organs as well as to

“Ultrasound is growing in use for a number

show blood flow through vessels. Sound

of reasons. The latest ultrasound technol-

A new high-frequency transducer also

waves are sent and received by a hand-held

ogy produces images of the body that have

increases the resolution and detail in breast

device called a transducer which is placed

exceptional clarity.

Advanced features

tissue and thyroid nodules, standardizing

on the body.

enable us to work efficiently as we obtain

the labeling, measuring and describing of

information for diagnosis and treatment

lesions and nodules in breasts and thyroids.

Experienced Specialists. Trusted Hospitals. Expert Care. As one of the largest multi-specialty groups in West Virginia, CAMC Physicians Group brings together nearly 100 doctors at physician practices, CAMC hospitals and multi-specialty clinics in Charleston, Teays Valley and surrounding counties with one goal: to provide easy access to high quality care. At Charleston Area Medical Center, we are able to provide the most advanced technology you expect along with the personalized care that your patients deserve. Our growing scope of specialties includes: Bariatric Surgery Cardiology Cardiovascular Surgery Dentistry Fertility General & Vascular Surgery Hospitalists Maxillofacial Surgery Neurology

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

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

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

St. Joseph’s News

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Achieves Critical Access Status St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon was

for Medicare patients receiving outpatient,

transfer of patients to a higher level trauma

awarded Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status

inpatient, laboratory and therapy services.

center. “

on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2104 following a

Currently, there are 1330 CAHs nationwide

year-long application and preparation process

and 19 in West Virginia, with St. Joseph’s

In addition, the conversion to a CAH has

leading up to a survey by the Office of Health

Hospital qualifying as its 20th CAH.

allowed St. Joseph’s Hospital to open a new service for the community, St. Joseph’s

Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and

CAH status has been extremely successful in

Skilled Nursing Facility. This facility brings a

Medicaid (CMS).

The conversion was a

assisting rural hospitals to ensure their long-

short-term rehabilitative and skilled nursing

result of the hospital undergoing a lengthy

term sustainability in their communities. This

facility closer to home for patients in Upshur

application and preparation process which

designation will provide St. Joseph’s Hospital

County and surrounding areas. “For those

took more than a year of extensive work by a

increased reimbursement as well as benefit

patients that need further care following

team of task forces within the hospital.

the hospital with additional funds for capital

surgery, a serious illness or other chronic

expenditures and expansion.

conditions, our Skilled Nursing Facility

The Critical Access Hospital designation was

offers them therapy and nursing care here in

initially established as a federal reimbursement

“While Critical Access Hospitals focus on

Buckhannon,” said Johnson-Phillippe. “This

program under the government’s Balanced

providing primary and outpatient care,

facility allows patients and their families to

Budget Act of 1997. The hospitals that meet

the hospital will continue to evaluate the

receive the care they need closer to home.”

the requirements are deemed as “critically

community’s need for services consistent

important” to the people they service. One

with our Mission and focusing on our strategic

“The conversion to a Critical Access Hospital

of the requirements is the distance from other

initiatives,”

Johnson-Phillippe,

and the addition of the Skilled Nursing Facility

hospitals; 15 miles by secondary roads and 35

President and CEO.

“Our Emergency

is truly a great benefit to St. Joseph’s and to

miles by primary roads, or as in St. Joseph’s

Department will maintain their Level IV

the community. It enables us to continue

Hospital’s case, 15 miles in a mountainous

Trauma Designation, a status that means that

providing the best in healthcare to our

terrain. With Critical Access Status, hospitals

they have demonstrated an ability to provide

community,” said Johnson-Phillippe.

receive a higher rate of reimbursement

advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to

said

Sue

Sue Johnson-Phillippe, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Named Chamber Business Woman of the Year The Buckhannon-Upshur

community involvement, and recognition as a

Degree from Western Michigan University

Chamber of Commerce

well-respected citizen.

and a Master’s Degree from University of

named Sue Johnson-Phil-

Notre Dame. She is a member of the Upshur

lippe, President and CEO

Johnson-Phillippe

the

County Development Authority Board of

of St. Joseph’s Hospital,

President and Chief Executive Officer of St.

Directors, the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber

Chamber Business Wom-

Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon for the

of Commerce, and the Buckhannon Rotary

an of the Year at their an-

past six years.

Through her efforts, she

Club, in which she plays an integral role

nual awards banquet on

has provided leadership to her staff and

in their blood screenings, a service which

March 13, 2014. The Business Woman of the

increased the growth of the organization,

benefits the health of more than 2000

Year Award goes to a Chamber member who

providing valuable services to the Upshur

residents annually.

has achieved success and added value to the

County community and beyond.

Sue Johnson-Phillippe

has

served

On a statewide level, she serves with the

community through their actions, including a leadership position in their business, strong

WV Physician

Ms. Johnson-Phillippe holds a Bachelor’s

West Virginia State and Regional Trauma

St. Joseph’s News Emergency Institute, assisting with the

She

awards

“It was a great honor to receive this award,”

development of trauma systems throughout

including the Nursing Executive Excellence

said Johnson-Phillippe, “in part because

the state.

She also serves on the West

Award from Quorum Health Resources

of my belief that the members of the

Virginia Hospital Association Board of

and was featured in a national television

Chamber are always working in concert

Directors and will become its Chairperson

documentary-“Women

with businesses to meet the needs of the

in the fall of 2014.

Roles.”

has

received

numerous

Leadership

community, and do so in a manner that serves as an example for all of us.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Receives Awards for its High Level of Care From the West Virginia Prenatal Partnership

Payment Solutions

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon was

for the

honored by the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership during the 2013 Perinatal Summit in Charleston. The awards were presented by First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The awards recognized hospitals whose staff had made significant accomplishments in achieving key initiatives of the partnership.

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“Our goal at St. Joseph’s Hospital is to provide

the best results for our Mothers and their

n 24 x 7 x 365 support

babies,” said Dr. Kimberly Farry with the .Associates for Women’s Health at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “Our staff is committed to the ideals of the partnership. Maintaining a low C-section rate is achievable when less interventions are

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our Mothers to breastfeed which provides the

best nutrition for the baby.” St. Joseph’s Hospital received two awards;

Reports exportable to Quicken, QuickBooks, Microsoft Money, and Excel

one for “Hospitals Maintaining a Low C-section Rate Averaging 10 Percent or Lower, and Birthing Centers that Work to Support

ContaCt Mary ritenour at 304-727-3564

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2009-2012” and a second award for “Hospitals

by ‘Banning the Bag’ of Infant Formula Traditionally Given to Mothers.” Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

St. Joseph’s News

St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care by Women Certified St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon has been named as one of the 2014 America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care by WomenCertified Inc., home of the Women’s Choice Award®. The mission of WomenCertified Inc. is to empower women to make smart healthcare choices. This is the only award that identifies the country’s best healthcare institutions based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and what women say they want from a hospital, including quality physician communications, responsiveness of nurses and support staff, cleanliness and trusted referrals from other women.

St. Joseph’s Hospital is one of only 241 hospitals nationwide to receive this award for emergency care from WomenCertified Inc. They were selected for their high ranking based on analysis of data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

the highest levels of professionalism and compassionate patient-centered care possible. I feel that this award shows that we have one of the very best professional emergency care teams in the State of West Virginia.”

“This designation is a tribute to the hardworking Nurses, Physicians and mid-Level Providers working in the Emergency Care Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Amanda Jones, RN, BSN, Service Leader for Emergency, Trauma, OPS and DME Services. “They strive day in and day out to provide the very best care possible while maintaining

St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Care Center is a designated Level IV Trauma Center, a status that recognizes their ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher level trauma center.

St. Mary’s Medical Center News

St. Mary’s Regional Stroke Center Honored with Quality Achievement Award for Stroke Care St. Mary’s Regional Stroke Center has once again received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients. St. Mary’s has received the Stroke Gold Plus award every year since 2011. Get With The Guidelines Stroke helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. St. Mary’s Regional Stroke Center earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include aggressive

WV Physician

sociation/American Stroke Association,” said Christy Franklin, BSN, MS, CNRN, director, St. Mary’s Regional Neuroscience Center. “This award demonstrates our commitment to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care.”

use of medications and riskreduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. St. Mary’s was the only hospital in Huntington to also receive the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll recognition for meeting stroke quality measures that reduce the time between hospital arrival and treatment with the clot-buster tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. People who suffer a stroke who receive the drug within three hours of the onset of symptoms may recover quicker and are less likely to suffer severe disability.

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

“We are truly appreciative of receiving these honors from the American Heart As-

For more information about St. Mary’s Regional Stroke Center, call (304) 526-1281.

St. Mary’s Medical Center News

Kumar Joins St. Mary’s Medical Management Staff

Pramod Kumar, MD

Pramod Kumar, MD, has joined the staff of St. Mary’s Medical Management and St. Mary’s Regional Spine Center as a physiatrist, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

bert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and his fellowship in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y.

bilitation, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Dr. Kumar is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the New York Society of Physical Medicine and Reha-

Anyone wanting to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar should contact their physician for a referral. For more information, call (304) 399-7212.

Dr. Kumar is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He has a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Calicut Government Medical College. He did his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Al-

Rushton joins St. Mary’s Medical Management staff Thomas C. Rushton, MD, FACP, FSHEA, FIDSA, has joined the staff of St. Mary’s Medical Management. Dr. Rushton is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine. He has a Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He did his residency in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and his fellowship in infectious diseases and tropical medicine at University of South Florida College of Medicine. Thomas C. Rushton, MD, FACP, FSHEA, FIDSA

A member of the West Virginia State Medical Association, Dr. Rushton is a fellow of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American College of Physicians/American Society of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rushton has over 19 years of experience in treating and preventing infections. To make an appointment with Dr. Rushton, call (304) 399-7213.

We Practice What We Teach West Virginia University Physicians of Charleston provides worldclass medical care to citizens of Southern West Virginia, while conducting ground breaking research and continuing education at one of the nation’s oldest regional medical education campuses. Our providers are recognized leaders in their chosen specialties. Our practice plan includes providers that specialize in everything from primary to specialty care and from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to practicing medicine, each doctor is on the faculty at the West Virginia University School of Medicine. As mentors in the medical field, dedicated to training a new generation of doctors, our physicians have a passion for knowledge that pushes them to learn more. As physicians and medical university faculty members, we are at the forefront of medical science. We are committed to delivering the most technologically advanced and compassionate care available. Our faculty physicians also conduct important research and use cutting edge medical advancements to improve patient outcomes. We aren’t content just to practice medicine -- we’re committed to teaching it, too. Visit our brand new website and see the many specialists and services we offer to meet all of your family’s health care needs. Search for providers: • by name • by specialty • by location • by keyword search

www.wvupc.org Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

St. Mary’s Medical Center News

United Health Professionals Becomes St. Mary’s Women and Family Care St. Mary’s Medical Center has announced an expansion of its physician services as United Health Professionals has joined St. Mary’s effective earlier this year. The practice is now known as St. Mary’s Women and Family Care.

St. Mary’s Women and Family Care includes OB-GYN physicians Allan Chamberlain, MD, Amber Kuhl, MD and Steven Brumfield, MD, as well as family practice physician Ben Allan, MD. Services provided include: gynecologic care, obstetric care, midwifery services, urogynecology, infertility, ultrasound, family medicine and laboratory services.

All St. Mary’s Women and Family Care surgeons are experienced in minimally invasive and robotic assisted surgeries and perform nearly 90 percent of all their hysterectomies with robotic assistance. The practice is located at 143 Peyton Street in Barboursville. To make an appointment, or for more information, call (304) 697-2035.

St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center Provides Free Hip and Knee Replacements to Three Patients as Part of Expanded Operation Walk USA Orthopedic surgeons at St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center provided free hip and knee replacements to three patients from the Tri-State as part of Operation Walk USA. Currently in its third year, Operation Walk USA, an independent medical charitable organization, coordinates with hospitals across the country who provide all aspects of knee

and hip replacement treatment—surgery, hospitalization, and pre-and post-operative care— at no cost to patients who may not qualify for government assistance, have no insurance or cannot afford surgery on their own. Kyle R. Hegg, MD, Steven C.Lochow, MD, and Vivek S. Neginhal. MD, of Scott Orthopedic Center and St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center, each performed a surgery as part of Operation Walk USA. Drs. Neginhal and Lochow performed hip replacements and Dr. Hegg performed a knee replacement. St. Mary’s also provided hospitalization and pre- and postoperative care to these patients at no charge. In addition, ALL MED in Huntington donated durable medical equipment for all three patients. The patients were referred through Ebenezer Medical Outreach. “Operation Walk USA is a wonderful effort and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Christy Franklin, director of the St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center. “We are excited to be able to give back to our community by helping restore mobility to these three people.”

WV Physician

Operation Walk USA is a volunteer effort on behalf of more than 120 volunteer orthopedic surgeons and 70 participating hospitals in 32 states. This year, the program has been expanded from one day to the entire first week of December, beginning on Monday, December 2, to allow more hospitals, surgeons and patients to participate. An estimated 120 orthopedic surgeons will treat more than 230 patients—twice the number of patients and orthopedic surgeons in Operation Walk USA in 2011, the first year of the program. “Joint replacement surgery is one of the most life changing medical procedures available,” said Kyle Hegg, MD, medical director of St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center. “We are honored to be able to provide, through Operation Walk USA, these life improving procedures to three Tri-State area residents who otherwise would not be able to receive them.” For more information about the St. Mary’s Regional Joint Replacement Center, call (304) 526-1311 or (800) 9ST-MARY, ext. 1311, or visit www.st-marys.org.

St. Mary’s Medical Center News

Barker Joins Joslin Diabetes Center Education Affiliate at St. Mary’s

Wendy Barker, RN, BSN, MA, MAEd

Wendy Barker, RN, BSN, MA, MAEd, has joined the staff of the Joslin Diabetes Center education affiliate at St. Mary’s Medical Center as the program coordinator.

Barker, who is from Barboursville, has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a Master

of Arts degree in counseling from Marshall University. She also has a Master of Arts degree in education from Wheeling Jesuit University.

Barker was a school nurse for 23 years, working with students with diabetes and other acute and chronic conditions. Her experience also includes cardiac nursing at St. Mary’s.

As the program coordinator, Barker provides self-management education for patients with diabetes, assists patients with insulin and insulin pump therapy and monitors patient outcomes. Prior to joining the Joslin program,

The Joslin Diabetes Center education affiliate is a partner of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, an international leader in diabetes treatment, research and education. For more information, call (304) 526-8363.

Thomas Health Systems News

Preparing for a Disaster Became a Reality for Thomas Health System By Paige Johnson, Director of Marketing & Public Relations January 9th put all of the practice drills and emergency preparedness planning that Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals had worked on for years into reality. That evening, the chemical, MCHM, spilled into the Elk River, contaminating water for over 300,000 West Virginians. “Once we received the call that evening saying we were under a Do Not Use Order for our water, both campuses immediately went into our Emergency Operations Plan and set up the Command Centers,” said Brian Ulery, Vice President for Thomas Health System. Dan Lauffer, Thomas Health System’s COO stated, “When you practice disaster drills you think you know how you’re going to put everything into motion but nothing totally prepares you because of the unknowns and uncertainty. However, because we had been routinely practicing different scenarios for drills, we all knew our places and our responsibilities.” Under this Emergency Operations Plan, which is a requirement under The Joint Commission, employees had specific duties and roles. The first concern was sanitation for patients and sterilization of equipment. Bottles of water & hand sanitizer were given to patients and staff. Realizing very quickly

the urgency for sterilization of equipment and laundry needs, both Thomas and Saint Francis worked with other hospitals that were outside of the affected areas. Multiple phone calls, emails and conversations of different ideas, alternative ways to get to the end result for the safety and care for our patient was the way we worked for days. That following Tuesday is when our hospitals were given the word to start flushing our system. “That’s probably the longest that our Command Centers have ever been active. Our managers, employees and staffs went into place, followed the plan and took care of our patients without delay,” stated Lauffer. “The bottom line is that teamwork is what got every single one of us through,” stated Ulery. Planning, practicing and table top drills are what kept both Command Centers from panic and it’s what kept minds clear so that practicing medicine with seamless care was top priority. “Throughout this external disaster, our employees, our physicians and our vendors showed amazing teamwork to get through this.” Ulery went on to state, “Without fail, our teams did a phenomenal job in executing our Emergency Operations Plan.”

Thomas Memorial Hospital Decreases “Door-toBalloon” Treatment Time The American College of Cardiology reports the National “door-to-balloon” treatment times for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have improved and the percentage of patients meeting the guideline recommendation of 90 minutes or less has increased. Out of 1,515 hospitals reporting to the American College of Cardiology, the 90th percentile of those hospitals have a rate of 48 minutes “door-to-balloon” and the 50th percentile is 61 minutes from balloon-todoor treatment. Thomas Memorial Hospital is proud to report their rate of “door-to-balloon” treatment is 54 minutes Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

University Healthcare News

University Healthcare Physicians Welcomes New Providers to Jefferson County

Catherine Feaga, DO

Jessica Roelkey, MS, PA-C

University Healthcare Physicians (UHP) is pleased to welcome Catherine Feaga, DO, and Jessica Roelkey, Certified Physician Assistant, to Jefferson County. Dr. Feaga is a graduate of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She recently completed a residency in Family Medicine at

the Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine. As an Assistant Professor for the WVU School of Medicine Eastern Division, Dr. Feaga will also help to train resident physicians and medical students. She primarily sees patients at Harpers Ferry Family Medicine and is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with her, please call 304-535-6343. Jessica Roelkey, MS, PA-C completed her physician assistant studies at Shenandoah University in Winchester and she holds a Master’s of Science degree in Biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University in

Baltimore. Ms. Roelkey will be seeing patients at University Primary Care Associates in Ranson – located across the street from Jefferson Medical Center in the WVU medical office building. To schedule an appointment with Ms. Roelkey, please call 304-725-6343. Ms. Roelkey also sees walk-in patients periodically at University Urgent Care in Charles Town, another UHP facility. Both Dr. Feaga and Ms. Roelkey have medical staff privileges at University Healthcare Jefferson Medical Center in Ranson.

University OB/GYN Associates Welcomes New Providers

Jabin Janoo, MD

University OB/GYN Associates is pleased to welcome obstetrician gynecologist, Jabin Janoo, MD and Anna Kent, certified nurse midwife, to the practice.

Dr. Janoo is a graduate of the Aga Khan University medical school. She completed residencies in both internal medicine and obstetrics

Anna Kent, MSN, CNM

and gynecology at West Virginia University Ruby Memorial Hospital and has been a practicing obstetrician gynecologist since 2003. Janoo is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Anna Kent, MSN, CNM, received her certificate of midwifery and her Masters of Science in Nursing

from Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky. She’s been practicing as a certified nurse midwife since 2006. Both Dr. Janoo and Ms. Kent have medical staff privileges at Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg. University OB/GYN Associates is part of University Healthcare Physicians (UHP).

University Healthcare at Home Awarded Accreditation from the Joint Commission University Healthcare at Home has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in home care. The accreditation award recognizes University Healthcare at Home’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state of the art standards. University Healthcare at Home underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in October 2013. A team of Joint Commission expert

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surveyors evaluated University Healthcare’s home health agency for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

safe manner. The Joint Commission develops its standards in consultation with health care experts, providers and researchers, as well as measurement experts, purchasers and consumers.

Established in 1988, The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation Program accredits more than 5,600 organizations. The Joint Commission’s standards address the home care organization’s performance in specific areas, and specify requirements to ensure that patient care and services are provided in a

“With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down,” stated Judy Hockman, system director of outpatient clinical services at University Healthcare at Home. “Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization

University Healthcare News to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence.” University Healthcare at Home provides nursing, physical and occupational therapy, home

health aide, nutritional and medical social services to patients in Berkeley and Jefferson counties. “In addition to being Joint Commission Accredited, we are also a Medicare certified home health agency,” Hockman said.

The University Healthcare at Home corporate office is headquartered in the Burr Industrial Park in Kearneysville (behind the DMV). For more information, call 304.728.1750.

Berkeley Medical Center Awarded Accreditation From The Joint Commission University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with the organization’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.

The accreditation award recognizes Berkeley Medical Center’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s stateof-the-art standards. The hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in October 2013. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Berkeley Medical

Center for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. “In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Berkeley Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” said Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Berkeley Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.” The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients. “With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis,” said Anthony P. Zelenka, president and chief operating officer at Berkeley Medical Center. “Achieving Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, is a major step toward maintaining a culture of excellence and continually improving the care we provide.” Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, it is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

University Healthcare News

UHP Welcomes Dr. Lorne Sheren to Jefferson Medical Center’s Department of Anesthesia University Healthcare Physicians (UHP) is pleased to welcome board certified anesthesiologist, Lorne Sheren, MD, JD, FCLM, to University Healthcare Jefferson Medical Center.

Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital and a residency in anesthesiology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center at Columbia University in New York. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Anesthesiology. Additionally, Dr. Sheren has earned a Juris Doctorate (JD) from Seton Hall University of Law in Newark, NJ.

Dr. Sheren received his medical doctorate (MD) from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical College in Brooklyn, NY. He completed a residency in Internal

Prior to joining Jefferson Medical Center and UHP, Dr. Sheren was the director of the anesthesia department at Fairmont General Hospital in Fairmont, WV. He’s been an

Lorne Sheren, MD, JD, FCLM

anesthesiologist since 1982. As an Assistant Professor for the WVU School of Medicine Eastern Division, Dr. Sheren will also help to train resident physicians and medical students for the WVU School of Medicine. University Healthcare Physicians (UHP) is a multi-specialty physician group, employing more than 60 healthcare providers in 19 medical offices and University Healthcare hospital facilities in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia.

WVU Charleston News

WVU Medical Students Meet their Match 100 Percent of Medical Graduates Selected for Residency Training For four years, students at the WVU School of Medicine have worked toward Match Day – the day they learn where they will spend the next several years as resident-physicians. WVU medical students, as well as those throughout the nation, participated in the complex process that matches graduating medical students’ preferences with program preferences. Members of the Class of 2014 received traditional Match Day sealed envelopes, which contained letters identifying their resident match at noon today. This year’s WVU celebrations were held simultaneously at Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa in Morgantown, Four Points by Sheraton for the Charleston campus and the Purple Iris in Martinsburg for the Eastern campus. “We have seen more students choosing to stay in the state or nearby for the start of their residency training, despite being heavily recruited by programs all over the country,” Norman Ferrari, M.D., vice dean for education and academic affairs and chair of

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the WVU Department of Medical Education. “Research has shown that residents tend to establish their practices close to where they train. Forty percent of our graduating medical students will begin their residency training in West Virginia this July.” Fifty-three percent of the Class of 2014 will train in internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, or obstetrics/gynecology, fields that typically represent a person’s primary care.

The WVU School of Medicine places an emphasis on rural health and teaching in local communities throughout the state. Just this month, the School was ranked 11th for rural medicine in U.S. News and World Report’s 2015 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” “The Class of 2014 has earned a 100 percent pass rate on both U.S. Medi cal Licensure Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 tests for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013,

WVU Charleston News an accomplishment that is distinctly rare,” Arthur J. Ross, III, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the WVU School of Medicine, said. “We are so proud to have this talented group of students become physicians. The number of students remaining in West Virginia and bordering states, plus the number of students entering primary care indicate that we are keeping the important promises as the state’s land grant institution of caring for West Virginians and helping West Virginia students succeed in their education.”

accounting for 5.6 percent of U.S. grads. WVU has the largest number of graduate medical education offerings in the state, with more than 50 specialty training programs, all of which are fully accredited. One-half of the training programs are the only such specialty programs offered in the entire state. Residency training begins at WVU the first week of July for more than 100 new residents from medical schools across the country.

By the numbers: Top States: West Virginia (40 percent), Ohio (9 percent), Pennsylvania (8 percent), South Carolina (5 percent) Top Specialties: Internal Medicine (20 percent), Family Medicine (13 percent), Transitional Year (13 percent), Pediatrics (9 percent)

QUALITY CARE THAT’S RAISING THE STANDARD. Students in the School of Medicine Class of 2014 matched in 22 different fields and will go to 21 different states. Some selected training opportunities not offered anywhere in West Virginia, such as radiation oncology, plastic surgery, and combined pediatrics/ psychiatry/child psychiatry programs. The National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) couples prospective applicants with residency programs. Each applicant makes a list ranking the residency program in their order of desirability. The residency programs do the same with the applicants, and the NRMP ma tches them up.

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Residency training typically takes three to five years. Residents practice medicine under the supervision of experienced physicians before being certified in a specialty. Not all graduating medical students get matched. According to NRMP, last year 975 graduates of U.S. medical schools did not match,

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Wexford Health

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

WVU Charleston News

Residents Place 4th Nationally in “Mind Games” Competition The team of residents from the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at the CAMC/ WVU Charleston Division clinical campus finished fourth out of more than 90 programs in the recent “Mind Games” competition sponsored by the American Psychiatric Association. Congratulations!

Dr. Veena Bhanot Recognized as Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Congratulations to Dr. Veena Bhanot, who has been recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Distinguished Fellows are nominated first by their district

branches before being recommended for approval by the APA Membership Committee and voted upon by the Board of Trustees. Candidates for this category have to meet more comprehensive criteria, including significant achievement in several areas of psychiatry.

Dr. James Mears Honored for His Work with CHASM Students and colleagues of Dr. James Mears, assistant professor of family medicine at West Virginia University’s Charleston Division gathered recently to honor him for his service to Project CHASM, a student led project to bring medical attention to the streets of our community. WVU physicians are required for every street rounds as a physician leader and teacher, and Dr. Mears has been a true champion of the program from its inception. Medical students, pharmacy students, nursing students, and social work students are all needed and welcome on street rounds. In addition, professional or community members may attend as well. Setting out on foot, Project CHASM (Charleston Homeless and Street Medicine) strives 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 and respect that everyone deserves.

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Participants complete brief online training and HIPPA module before attending rounds, then gather for street rounds in small multidisciplinary groups of students and a WVU physician to provide services and participate as a team in medical education.

They seek out the homeless on the streets and in homeless shelters to provide care in the environments most comfortable to them, providing needed supplies, medical advice, blood pressure checks, medication counseling, and connections to various resources around Charleston.

WVU Charleston News

Dr. Heather Tarantino Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Dr. Heather Tarantino, an assistant professor of internal medicine at West Virginia University Charleston Division has been elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a professional medical organization that recognizes and advocates for excellence in scholarship and the highest ideals in the profession of medicine. Alpha Omega Alpha is to medicine what Phi Beta Kappa is to letters and the humanities and Sigma Xi is to science. The society’s values include honesty, honorable conduct, morality, virtue, unselfishness, ethical ideals,

dedication to serving others, and leadership. Members have a compelling drive to do well and to advance the medical profession and exemplify the highest standards of professionalism.

More than fifty Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine, and in Chemistry, have been AΩA members. More than thirty of those were elected to AΩA prior to winning the Nobel Prize.

The top percentile of a medical school class is eligible for nomination to the society, or can be elected based on leadership, character, community service, and professionalism. Members may also be elected by chapters after demonstrating scholarly achievement and professional contributions and values during their careers in medicine. Distinguished professionals may also be elected to honorary membership

Nearly seventy-five percent of deans of U.S. medical schools are members of AΩA. Each year, AΩA grants more than $575,000 to medical students and faculty for awards, projects, and prizes that recognize outstanding commitment and dedication to caring for others and providing high quality health care. Our congratulations to Dr. Tarantino on this honor!

Congratulations Dr. Molly John in Journal of to Dr. Amanda American Geriatrics Society Dye and cation in The Journal of the American GeriDr. Molly John, an associate professor of internal atrics Society for her study titled: Long-Term Dr. Ritu Walia Outcomes of Patients Aged 75 and Older medicine at West Virginia Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Dye on passing her American Board of Pediatrics Endocrinology exam. Dr. Dye completed her Pediatric Endocrinology training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University and joined our Department of Pediatrics in 2011 as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Congratulations to Dr. Ritu Walia on passing her American Board of Pediatrics Gastroenterology exam. Dr. Walia completed her Pediatric Gastroenterology training at Cleveland Clinic and joined Department of Pediatrics in 2013 as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.

University Charleston Division got a Letter to the Editor accepted for publi-

with Pulmonary Embolism. tions, Dr. John!

Congratula-

New Books in the Health Sciences Library: • Current Practice Guidelines in Primary Care (2014)

• Clinician’s Pocket Drug Reference 2014 (The Scut Monkey Drug Manual)

• Middle Range Theory for Nursing (3rd edition, 2014; co-authored by WVU’s Dr. Mary Jane Smith)

• Publishing & Presenting Clinical Research (3rd edition)

• Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, volumes 1 & 2 (9th edition, 2012)

• The Successful Match: 200 Rules to Succeed in the Residency Match (1st edition, 2009)

• Step-Up to Medicine (3rd edition)

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK (8th edition)

• Physical Assessment of the Newborn (4th edition)

• COMLEX Secrets Study Guide (2014 edition)

• Rosen’s Emergency Medicine (8th edition) Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

wvuhealthcare.com

OTOLARYNGOLOGY Medical and Surgical Treatment for Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions

WVU Healthcare physicians are available for consultation of patients with complex ear, nose, and throat conditions. Our board-certified physicians provide detailed communication to all referrers to ensure a seamless continuity of a patient’s care on their return back home. WVU Healthcare providers offer: • specialized ear surgery • treatment for hearing loss and other disorders, including cochlear implant procedures • surgery for head or neck cancer • procedures to treat voice and swallowing disorders • balance and dizziness clinics • facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery Please call our physician referral number 800-WVA-MARS (800-982-6277) for information and consultations.

Otolaryngology services in Morgantown are operated by WVU Hospitals.

WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News

WVU Cancer Center Study Focuses on Promising New Lung Cancer Treatment A clinical research study at the West Virginia University Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center offers hope to patients with advanced earlystage non-small cell lung

“These patients, who have received an ablative dose of radiation over a course of a few days, have had excellent clinical outcomes,” he said. “However, it is not yet known what the most appropriate dose of SABR is to effectively treat those with more advanced early-stage lung cancer.”

cancer. Alexander Chi, M.D., assistant professor in the WVU Department of Radiology Oncology, is leading the study, which involves stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) – a new and increasingly utilized radiation therapy used to treat early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and isolated recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. Dr. Chi, an associate member of the Cancer Center’s Sara Crile Allen and James Frederick Allen Lung Cancer Program, said SABR has already been proven successful in treating early stage non-small cell lung cancer. His current study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of escalated doses of SABR for lung cancer patients with more advanced early-stage lung cancer.

Chi is optimistic that patients who participate in the study will benefit. “It is very possible that the escalated doses of SABR will be able to cure the disease in 80 percent of the patients,” he said. “In the remaining 20 percent, whose cancer is likely to recur beyond the chest wall, SABR will still help delay the cancer’s spread.” A second purpose of the study is to establish a set of potential predictive biomarkers in blood and tumor tissue to identify patients who would benefit from high-dose SABR alone and those at high risk for lung cancer recurrence who will need additional chemotherapy.

treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer,” Chi said. “The Department of Radiation Oncology has acquired and implemented new technology that improves our ability to deliver precise treatments,” Geraldine Jacobson, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, said. “These include on-board imaging for accurate daily treatments, RapidArc for fast and precise delivery, and stereotactic body radiation (SBRT), which allows us to treat small lung cancers and other small tumors in less than a week. We have also implemented breath-hold treatments for left-sided breast cancer, which can reduce the radiation dose to the heart. Our philosophy is to continue to advance our capability to provide precise, rapid, and safe radiation therapy to our patients.” For more information on the WVU Department of Radiation Oncology, see http://wvucancer. org/patients/Teams/radiation-oncology.

“The results of this research study will contribute to strategies aimed at individualizing

WVU Blood and Marrow Transplant Patients Gather at 21st Annual Reunion The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University and WVU Healthcare honored blood and marrow transplant patients during the 21st Annual Patient Reunion of the Alexander B. Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa in Morgantown. “We are extremely honored to share this very special day with our transplant patients and their family members,” Michael Craig, M.D., medical director of the Osborn Program, said. “It is an opportunity for our patients as well as our extended multidisciplinary healthcare team to celebrate the victories

patients have attained during and after their transplants.” During the event, patients and their guests will be treated to lunch and will have a chance to win gift baskets made by the oncology staff. The most recent transplant patient and the longest surviving transplant patient will receive an angel handcrafted by one of the program’s nurse clinicians. Each member of the WVU Healthcare transplant team contributes to the personalized care of each patient, whether it is working with the National Donor Marrow Program to locate donor matches for patients without a

sibling donor, engaging in research to find potentially useful drugs and treatments, or caring for the wellbeing of patients while they are hospitalized or are outpatients before, during, and after their transplants. The Osborn Program, West Virginia’s only source for blood and marrow transplants, performed its first transplant in October 1992. Since then more than 1,000 patients throughout West Virginia and the surrounding area have undergone bone marrow, cord blood, or stem cell transplants and hundreds of non-transplant patients have received the latest treatments close to home.

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News

WVU Healthcare Bariatrics Earns National Accreditation from American College of Surgeons The bariatric surgery center at WVU Healthcare’s Ruby Memorial Hospital, with its team approach to treating severe obesity, has been accredited as a Level 1 facility under the Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The accreditation demonstrates WVU Healthcare’s commitment to delivering the highest quality care for its bariatric surgery patients. To earn the accreditation, WVU Healthcare met the essential criteria that ensure its ability to support a bariatric surgical care program and the institutional performance requirements outlined by the BSCN Accreditation Standards. Accredited bariatric surgery centers provide both the hospital resources necessary for optimal care of morbidly obese patients and the support and resources necessary to address the entire spectrum of care and needs of bariatric patients, both pre- and postoperatively.

WVU Bariatrics offers a comprehensive, surgical weight loss program with a focus on pre-surgery education and post-operative success. Regular follow-up appointments and monthly support groups help patients. A team of physicians, dietitians, clinical psychologists, physician assistants, and nurses work with each patient before, during, and after the surgery to ensure the best care. “For many patients, weight-loss surgery is the only effective, lasting relief from severe obesity,” WVU bariatric surgeon Robert Quinlin, M.D., said. “WVU Healthcare has recognized the importance of bariatric surgery for many years, but earning national accreditation from the American College of Surgeons will help more patients identify WVU Healthcare’s bariatric surgery services. We will continue to provide optimal care, from the initial consultation to the follow-up appointments after the surgical procedure.”

In the United States, more than 15 million people suffer from severe obesity, and the numbers continue to increase. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks. Bariatric surgery centers accredited under ACS BSCN program standards are part of the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), administered by the American College of Surgeons. ACS BSCN accreditation is awarded in categories, each with its own criteria that must be met. Facilities undergo a site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon, who reviews the facilities’ structure, process, and data quality. Because optimal surgical care requires documentation using reliable outcomes measures, accredited bariatric surgery centers are required to report their outcomes data to the MBSAQIP Data Registry Platform.

Health Sciences Vice President to Retire Fred R. Butcher, Ph.D., vice president for planning and operations at the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, has announced that he will end his long career at the University this summer. From 200709, Dr. Butcher served as WVU’s interim vice president for health sciences, the chief administrative post for all three health campuses of the University. “Fred Butcher has been the go-to person for many important jobs and the leader of significant programs that advanced the WVU Health Sciences Center for more than three decades,” Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., chancellor for health sciences, said. “He never said ‘no’ to an assignment and made decisions that were in the best

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interests of the institution. His efforts and devotion to duty have contributed to the

successes of our students, our faculty, and our staff in hundreds of ways. He is a valued colleague and friend.” Butcher, a biochemist and cancer researcher, was recruited to the WVU School of Medicine from Brown University in 1978. He served as a professor, and later chair, in the Department of Biochemistry until 1984, when he was appointed associate dean for research and graduate studies. In that role, he was among the leaders of the group that led the development of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. When the Cancer Center opened in 1989, he was named its founding director, a post he held for 11 years. During that period,

WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News he recruited the Center’s original research and patient-care faculty and led the effort to equip the facility with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available. In 2012, in recognition of his work, he was named Director Emeritus of the Cancer Center. “Dr. Butcher has been a tireless leader and advocate for West Virginia University and our Health Sciences Center,” WVU President E. Gordon Gee, J.D., Ed.D., said. “His work in establishing the Cancer Center

has benefitted tens of thousands of West Virginians. We will be forever grateful for his service to this institution and the people of this state. We wish him the very best in his retirement.” Among his other roles at WVU, Butcher has served as the senior associate vice president for health sciences; associate dean of the School of Medicine; and as interim executive director of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute during its formative period.

Since 2009, he has served as vice president for planning and operations for the Health Sciences Center, responsible for campuswide academic affairs and the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of facilities across the three campuses. His most recent accomplishment has been overseeing the $20 million new state-of-the-art vivarium on the HSC campus. He was the principal investigator of the competitively-awarded grant from the National Institutes of Health that funded the construction of the project.

Entire WVU Med Class Passes First Licensure Exam for Second Year Running All 107 students in the West Virginia University School of Medicine Class of 2015 passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, better known as “the boards” — for the second year in a row. This year’s class matched the previous year’s success by achieving a 100 percent pass rate. The achievement is an extraordinary distinction both for the students and for the School.

to the next stage of their medical education. The exam’s 322 multiple-choice questions are designed to test basic science knowledge learned during the first two years of medical school. Subjects covered include anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Interdisciplinary areas, including genetics, aging, immunology, nutrition, and molecular and cell biology, are also emphasized.

Average is not good enough for us... Dean Ross “I haven’t seen or heard of a school where, two years in a row, 100 percent of the students passed this exam,” Arthur J. Ross, III, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the WVU School of Medicine, said. “If it has occurred, it’s rare.” The boards are the first step of a three-part examination that medical students must pass to gain licensure to practice medicine in the United States. Until they successfully pass this first step, students may not proceed

WVU’s pass rates have historically been in line with the 92 percent average. Dr. Ross credits the School’s recent success in part to a decision by the faculty a few years ago that average was not good enough, which resulted in faculty and students collaborating to restructure the curriculum. “The students worked very hard to hit this bar, and we are all quite proud of them,” Norman D. Ferrari III, M.D., vice dean for education and academic affairs and

professor and chair of the WVU Department of Medical Education, said. “The faculty has worked hard to make alterations to the curriculum based on student feedback in an effort to make each of our learning opportunities significantly better. The student-faculty collaboration is so important to the ultimate success of hitting such an outstanding accomplishment.” Ross also credited the students for their hard work and their collaborative spirit. “This class was incredible in the way that they all pulled together and helped each other. I think the passion to help is part of what being a Mountaineer is all about. In some places the competition among students is unpleasantly intense. This is a collaborative environment.” The students are already turning their attention to the Step Two exam, a two-part exam based on the students’ upcoming clinical experience. That exam will take place in six to eight months. Drs. Ross and Ferrari joined WVU Health Sciences Chancellor Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to congratulate and recognize the achievements of the students of Class of 2015 at the Health Sciences Center’s Fukushima Auditorium.

Volume 5 - Issue 1 • 2014

Category WVU Healthcare & Health Sciences News

Medical Students Receive WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health Scholarships

Students receive financial award for commitment to stay in rural W.Va. Garrett Butler, a fourth-year student in the West Virginia University School of Medicine, isn’t a West Virginian by birth, but he plans to be one long into the future. This year, he has been named the first fourtime recipient of the WVU Institute for Garrett Butler Community and Rural Health (ICRH) annual scholar. The ICRH awards scholarships to reduce financial debt and enable quality health professionals to practice in rural areas of the state. Recipients are required to practice in a part of West Virginia that is considered either medically underserved or a health professions shortage area. “One of the most effective ways we can help to improve the health and wellness of West Virginians is to ensure that our best and brightest graduates remain here in West Virginia,” Arthur J. Ross, III, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the School of Medicine, said. “The availability of these wonderful scholarships is a great help if we are to achieve this important goal.” Butler, a native of Nebraska, will graduate from the School of Medicine next month and will begin his residency training in Family Medicine at WVU in July. Residency training typically takes three to five years. After that, he will practice medicine in a rural West Virginia community. In his application for the ICRH scholarship, Butler wrote about how his love for West Virginia has grown during his time at the School of Medicine. Most recently, he had the opportunity to visit every elementary school in Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Roane,

WV Physician

and Webster counties as part of a research project. “Over the hundreds of miles covered, hours and hours of driving, gallons of coffee consumed, and smiling faces I met, it only solidified my desire to give back as much as I can to this state,” Butler wrote. There are two other West Virginians who have impacted his decision to live and work in the state – his fiancée, a native of Wetzel County, and his daughter, who was born in Monongalia County. “I plan on setting my roots down and growing a family here,” Butler wrote. “The state has already given me so much, I can only hope to pay it back, plus interest.”

For the 2013-14 academic year, Butler received a $25,000 ICRH scholarship in exchange for his commitment to practice in rural West Virginia for one year. Two first-year medical students – Alyson Leo of Elkins, W.Va., and Darrin Nichols of Walker, W.Va. – also received the scholarship. “These scholarships are an important part of encouraging our students to pursue a primary care specialty. If their debt is so large when they graduate, they may feel compelled to select a more lucrative subspecialty to avoid

Alyson Leo

Darrin Nichols

their loan payments,” Norman D. Ferrari, III, M.D., School of Medicine vice dean for education and academic affairs and professor and chair of the WVU Department of Medical Education, said. “The program is also an excellent adjunct to our rural health track as part of a pipeline program to get physicians practicing in rural areas of our state.” “Growing up in a small town has shown me the value of being a part of a tight-knit small community,” Leo wrote in her application. “I think that I am a good match for rural practice because I truly want to get to know peDarrin Nicholsople and follow their health issues throughout their lifetimes.” Though Walker is his physical hometown, Nichols grew up in the Wirt County school system and calls Elizabeth, W.Va., his hometown as well. He plans to return to Wirt County to practice medicine. “The members of the communities of the Wirt County area that I have grown to know over my lifetime are incredible people that have contributed copious amounts of time and energy into helping the community grow and thrive,” Nichols wrote in his application. “I feel a great sense of gratitude to the people of these communities, and I feel that by practicing as a physician in their area, I would be able to give back just as they have.”

Stroke survivor benefits

from coordinated response Golfing better than ever On a recent October morning, 78-year-old pharmacist James Phillips suffered a stroke. His local hospital diagnosed his symptoms and sent James to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where the WVU Stroke Team was awaiting his arrival. Thanks to the coordinated response of all medical teams, Jim has experienced an excellent recovery and is back on the golf course. The WVU Stroke Center provides: • An Acute Stroke Team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including: - Emergency medicine staff, EMS, and HealthNet Aeromedical Services - Neurology and neurosurgery, radiology, and neurointerventional radiology - Nursing - Pharmacy - Inpatient clinical labs - Rehabilitation services - Care management • Stroke and Intensive Care Units staffed by registered nurses and therapists who have received extensive stroke education • Advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques • Prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation services provided for patients at risk for stroke or who have had a stroke.

Call 1-800-WVA-MARS for more information

Stroke Center Ruby Memorial Hospital

The Stroke Center is operated by WVU Hospitals.

KNOWLEDGE SAVES. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY/HEMATOLOGY TEAM

Maria Tria Tirona, MD Medical Oncologist

Aneel Chowdhary, MD Medical Oncologist

Mohamad K. Khasawneh, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

PEDIATRICS

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Toni Pacioles, MD Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

Yehuda Z. Lebowicz, MD Andrew Freeman, MD Radiation Oncologist Medical Oncologist/ Hematologist

Mark Mogul, MD Pediatric Oncologist/ Hematologist

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY TEAM

Pleasant Valley Hospital A partner of Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

#356

Gerard Oakley, MD Gynecologic Oncologist/ ECCC Medical Director

James C. Jensen, MD Urologic Oncologist/

Felix Cheung, MD Orthopedic Oncologist

Terrence Julien, MD #3415 Neurosurgical Oncologist

Jack R. Traylor, MD Breast Surgeon

Mary Legenza, MD Breast Surgeon

#349

From Pittsburgh to Lexington,

no other facility has a more complete range of academically-affiliated medical, surgical and radiation oncologists providing such a comprehensive range of highly specialized cancer services for both adults and children than the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Deciding where to go for cancer treatment is critically important. Before making that decision, we invite you to compare all hospitals in the region. We’re confident you’ll find that the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital offers a distinct difference in cancer care.

For more information, call 304.399.6500.