WV Physician Magazine Volume 1, Issue 4 by P. J. Hutton

VOLUME 1 â&#x20AC;˘ ISSUE 4

The Magazine for Health Care Professionals

Medical Oncology Team at Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center

Provides Wide Range of Specialty Cancer Care

We Are the Only Cancer Center in West Virginia and the Tri-State to Have CyberKnife®, the Latest Technology in the Fight Against Cancer Call 304.399.7460 for Physician Referral to CyberKnife

Philip Lepanto, MD, and Sanjeev Sharma, MD, design custom treatment plans for cancer patients exclusively at St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center

5 Treatments Instead of 40 The Hands of Experience® in Advanced Cancer Care

304.399.7460 • 800.9ST.MARY www.st-marys.org

Category Contents

COVER STORY

COVER PHOTOS of Cabell Huntington Hospital

Medical Oncology Team at Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center provides wide range of specialty cancer care

New Cancer Physicians

them without the added strain of traveling hundreds of miles to a major city for treatment. And those patients can also take comfort knowing the region’s largest team of medical oncologists and hematologists is committed to managing every step of that care.

Another first for St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center

Although every precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials. WV Physician Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts expressed by its authors. ©2010, Austin Development Company, LLC dba WV Physician. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Lung Cancer Research

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 1 - Issue 4

Cover Category Story

Medical Oncology Team at ECCC Provides Wide Range of Specialty Cancer Care By Charles Shumaker and Molly McClennen

Physicians and patients can take comfort knowing the region’s largest team of medical oncologists and hematologists is committed to managing every step of their care. The five highly trained physicians of the medical oncology/hematology team at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital serve as “quarterbacks” of the most advanced,

diverse and comprehensive cancer team found anywhere in the area. As academic cancer specialists affiliated with the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards

Photos Courtesy of Cabell Huntington Hospital

While nothing can fully eliminate the fear and worry that cancer patients experience when they hear a cancer diagnosis, patients throughout the Huntington/Tri-State, and the surrounding region, can find assurance knowing that leading-edge cancer care is available to them without the added strain of traveling hundreds of miles to a major city for treatment. And those patients can also take comfort knowing the region’s largest team of medical oncologists and hematologists is committed to managing every step of that care.

The team of Medical Oncology/Hematology physicians at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinate care for a wide range of cancer patients and work closely to develop treatment plans with surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Additionally, in their work with the Clinical Trials Program at the ECCC, this physician team provides patients with access to more than 30 open studies.

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School of Medicine, these physicians serve on the front lines of cancer care and are often the first cancer specialists to assume care for the cancer patient. Part of their role is to understand how the various modalities of cancer treatment – chemotherapy, surgery and radiation – work together to provide each patient with the most effective treatment plan. They then oversee that plan – working closely with the center’s surgical and radiation oncologists, monitoring the patient’s progress and fine-tuning the plan, when necessary. And at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, all of that care, coordination and treatment takes place under one roof. Referring physicians will find that sending a patient to the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center means they are going someplace that carefully considers every aspect of a patient’s care and treatment with convenience and comprehensive care in mind. “Patients don’t have to go from one place to another to get everything done. All the care is consolidated in one place,” said Rajesh Sehgal, MD, medical oncologist at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. “That’s important when someone is facing something as serious as cancer.”

Aneel Chowdhary, MD, (center) a medical oncologist at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, has a specific interest in caring for lung cancer patients but coordinates care for a cancer patients with various forms of the disease.

The center’s medical oncologists provide systemic therapies like chemotherapy, as well as biological and hormonal therapy to prevent the return of cancer after surgery or to slow the growth of a tumor. According to Maria Tirona, MD, director of medical oncology, providing cancer care is now a highly individualized process.

“Cancer care used to be one-size-fitsall,” she said. “Today, cancer care is very personalized.” While the physicians in the medical oncology program can treat any cancer, they each take a specialized approach to specific kinds of cancer. Dr. Tirona specializes in breast cancer; Dr. Sehgal in colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers; Dr. Oscar Ballester in lymphoma/leukemia and prostate cancer; Dr. Gabriella Ballester in leukemia and other blood disorders; and Dr. Aneel Chowdhary in lung cancer. Because all medical, surgical and radiation oncologists work together in the same building, the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center facilitates professional collaboration and coordination of patient care. The oncologists have weekly meetings to review the cases of all new patients, providing them the chance to gather a variety of opinions on each patient’s diagnosis and treatment.

Rajesh Sehgal, MD, said patients benefit from the consolidated services available at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center because all of their care and treatment is available under one roof.

As an academic facility, the primary focus of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is on treating patients, teaching and advancing the field of cancer research. Volume 1 - Issue 4

for a wide range of cancers. Adult and pediatric trials are among the more than 30 trials currently enrolling patients. “Clinical trials are very important to move forward in treating cancer,” said Dr. Tirona, “so we encourage our patients to participate.”

Maria Tria Tirona, MD, director of medical oncology at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center leads a team of cancer specialists focused on a wide range of treatment plans, clinical trials and comprehensive services for patients.

This allows the center to offer an extensive clinical trials program to its patients. The Clinical Trials Program at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center provides patients with opportunities to take part in National Cancer Institute sponsored trials

Not only do clinical trials benefit cancer research as a whole, they also benefit the individual patient. Often, much of the cost of participation in clinical trials is absorbed by the sponsoring organization, which lessens the financial burden on the patient. Clinical trials also provide an opportunity for patients to receive the most current treatments available, the same treatments being offered at the largest and best-known cancer centers in the United States. “Clinical trials are a big plus for our patients,” said Dr. Sehgal. “Not only can we offer them the highest standard of care for their particular type of cancer; with clinical trials, we can offer them a step ahead of that.” Board-certified physicians act as investigators for studies in disease areas including prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal

ECCC becomes a member of a major national cooperative cancer clinical trials group Group gives ECCC physicians and researchers access to additional high quality cancer care clinical trials and research The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center has been accepted as a member of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG), a prestigious cancer research network that will give Huntington/ Tri-State cancer patients access to even more promising new cancer therapies. Because of this membership, the ECCC will soon be able to offer cancer patients Phase I-III clinical trials involving various tumor sites such as breast, gastrointestinal, lung and other malignancies from this major cooperative group. Dr. Maria Tria Tirona, a medical oncologist at the ECCC and principal investigator for the NCCTG at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, said she hopes the clinical trials that come through this membership will be offered in the future to patients throughout West Virginia. The North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG), working with Mayo Clinic to bring the latest cancer research to the community, was founded in 1977 by pioneering physicians from the north central region of the United States and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. These physicians saw a need to bring high-quality cancer care and research to the communities where patients live and receive most of their medical care. To achieve this goal, they formed a cancer clinical trials cooperative group. This cooperative group allows promising scientific ideas developed at Mayo Clinic to be tested in many communities throughout the NCCTG network, allowing broad access to the latest therapies. For information about clinical trials available at ECCC, please visit www.edwardsccc.org and click on “Clinical Trials and Research” tab or call (304) 399-6617. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is a cooperative effort between Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

Gabriela Ballester, MD, a hematologist with the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializes in care for patients with leukemia and blood disorders.

cancer, lung cancer, hematology, head and neck cancers and multiple myeloma. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center has grown tremendously since it was established five years ago, and that growth continues. The center is also starting a new fellowship to train the next generation of oncologists. Additionally, the medical oncology team recently received news that it has been accepted as a member of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, a national clinical research group located at the Mayo Clinic and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Plans are being finalized for the center’s medical oncologists to start working with the Mayo researchers as they participate in clinical studies through the organization. Dr. Tirona credits the well-trained physicians and dedicated staff of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center with providing a positive environment for the region’s cancer patients. “Huntington is fortunate to have a facility like this here, where we have almost everything a cancer patient needs in one building,” she said. “You don’t have to travel somewhere else now. The majority of cancer patients can be treated right here.” www.edwardsccc.org

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Hospital News

HealthNet Unveils New Helicopter (Charleston) — HealthNet Aeromedical Services has invested in the future of air medical services by putting a new helicopter in the air. The new EC – 135, manufactured by American Eurocopter with medical configuration and completion by METRO Aviation in Shreveport, LA. is equipped with the following state of the art items: • Avionics Package • XM Weather radar • Pratt Whitney P2+ engines

• Ground proximity warning system • Sky Connect Satellite Tracking • Collision Avoidance Warning • Ergonomic medical seating • Night Vision Goggle compatible lighting and avionics • External liquid oxygen • Mid skid gear cross tube HealthNet helicopters transport approximately 3,500 patients a year, providing scene, interfacility, neonatal and pediatric transfers. HealthNet was created in 1986. It

is a partnership between CAMC, West Virginia University Hospitals in Morgantown and Cabell Huntington Hospital. HealthNet has continued to grow and expand its service area. In

addition to the three original bases in Charleston, Morgantown and Huntington, other sites include bases in Beckley, Buckhannon, Portsmouth, Ohio and Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

Metabolic Link to Asthma Seen in Children

Imbalanced diet and inadequate exercise may underlie asthma MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –Children of any weight who have an imbalanced metabolism due to poor diet or exercise may be at increased risk of asthma, according to new research at West Virginia University. The findings, derived from data on nearly 18,000 West Virginia children, challenge the widespread assumption that obesity itself is a risk factor for asthma.

not obviously obese or overweight.

“Our research showed that early abnormalities in lipid and/or glucose metabolism may be associated to the development of asthma in childhood,” said Giovanni Piedimonte, M.D., chairman of pediatrics at WVU and physician-in-chief at WVU Children’s Hospital, who led the study. “Our findings also imply a strong and direct influence of metabolic pathways on the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of asthma in children.”

The researchers gathered demographic data, estimates of body mass index (BMI), and asthma prevalence on thousands of children who were 4 to twelve years old and were participating in WVU’s longrunning Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project. The large sample size is unusual in pediatric research.

The research, which was published online ahead of the print edition of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, implicates metabolic disorders directly in the development of asthma, and points to a new way of viewing diet and lifestyle as risk factors for asthma, even in children who are

“The key takeaway message for parents is this: there’s one more good reason to make sure your children eat healthy and exercise,” said WVU pediatric researcher Lesley Cottrell, Ph.D. “Even healthy-looking children can be at higher risk for asthma if they are sedentary and have a poor diet.”

The researchers found that while asthma prevalence generally increased with increasing BMI, asthma prevalence in obese and morbidly obese children was significantly higher than in children with healthy BMI. Simple overweight status did not appear to be linked to increased asthma prevalence. However, after controlling for BMI and other confounding variables, asthma prevalence was significantly associated with triglyceride

levels and the presence of a biomarker for diabetes, regardless of body weight. “The association between asthma risk, triglyceride levels, and the diabetes marker, even among children who are a healthy weight or underweight, suggests that a subtle metabolic dysfunction may exist that is a central hub from which the asthmaobesity-diabetes triad originates, at least in a subpopulation of patients,” said Dr. Piedimonte. “This opens a Pandora’s box of questions concerning the role of preand early post-natal nutrition as a critical determinant of chronic diseases throughout life.” The article, “Metabolic Abnormalities in Children with Asthma,” was authored by Drs. Cottrell and Piedimonte, along with William Neal, M.D., Christa Ice, Ph.D., Miriam Perez, M.D., all of the WVU Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Research Institute. For More Information: Kim Fetty, HSC News Service, 304-293-7087 fettyki@wvuh.com

Volume 1 - Issue 4

Hospital News

New Cancer Physicians Bring Expertise from Two of the Nation’s Top Facilities In August, the David Lee Cancer Center welcomed new physicians, Suzanne Cole, MD, and Ni Gorsuch, MD. It is the first time in many years that female adult oncologists are practicing at Charleston Area Medical Center. These physicians join Elizabeth Kurczynski, MD, and Lisa Palmer, DO, two female pediatric oncologists who practice at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital. “I think it’s great for the community to have female oncologists,” Cole said. “Our presence gives patients a choice. I often find myself gravitating toward women physicians

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when it comes to my own health needs. Female doctors can identify with what it means to be a mother, or a wife, and how we often are in the role of taking care of our families and loved ones. A cancer diagnosis can impact these roles and affect the physical qualities that make us feel feminine. It is devastating to have to endure a cancer treatment that causes one to lose their hair or breast, and, as a woman, I can empathize.” Cole came here from Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completing a fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, she was looking for a place with a large focus on patient care.

“I had never been to Charleston and was uncertain what I would find,” Cole said. “But the doctors at the David Lee Cancer Center clearly have their priorities straight. They are, first and foremost, committed to providing the best medical care possible. There is a true mandate to serve the people of this community regardless of the patient’s type of insurance, and believe it or not, many practices throughout the United States are so profit driven that patients with undesirable financial circumstances are simply denied cancer care. One of my partners told me that he slept well at night knowing that whether the patient is a senator or unemployed, the two will receive exactly the same type of

care [at CAMC]. That allows us to practice medicine in its purest form to do what is right. Coming from a fellowship at MD Anderson, one of the top tier cancer institutions in the world, I was in the position to choose what practice I wanted to join. I want the people of Charleston to know that I chose to come here because of the integrity of the physicians in this group, their high ethical standards and the top notch hospital system behind them.” Gorsuch is originally from Malaysia and trained at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, before completing residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, another nationallyrenowned medical institution for cancer treatment. “I originally came here for an interview because of the proximity of CAMC to our family in North Carolina,” Gorsuch said. “I was impressed by the patient-oriented focus at the David Lee Cancer Center. CAMC puts patients’ needs and priorities first, which is one of the reasons why I decided to join the practice. In addition, I was attracted by the collegial atmosphere within the group. Everybody is very helpful and supportive to each other. Now that I’m here, I hope the extensive training I received at the Mayo Clinic can help enhance the efficiency of the system and cancer care.” Having both come from huge facilities, the benefit of practicing at a community medical center the size of CAMC is not lost on these physicians. “I like the idea of a tertiary referral center,” Cole said. “I like to treat leukemias, and many community hospitals cannot provide the intensive therapy needed to pull these people through a life threatening acute leukemia. CAMC has every ancillary service needed. We can provide nearly every type of cancer treatment a patient might require. Also, the arrival of the proposed cancer center will provide huge advantages in that there will be more opportunities for multiple disciplines to meet once they are under the same roof, and it will be so much more convenient for patients to have everything in one area.”

“We¹re already busy seeing patients,” Gorsuch said. “I anticipate that the patient wait times will continue to decrease as a result of our joining the cancer center staff. People need to know that we [the David Lee Cancer Center] can take a referral as soon as there is a diagnosis to expedite work-up and treatment.”

“We both trained at renowned facilities, and therefore maintain a connection with them,” Cole said. “It’s not a bad thing that we are on a first name basis with some of the world¹s top cancer experts. If I have a tough case or want to know if there is a clinical trial available for my patient, I just have to pick up the phone.”

Maybe the best thing about the arrival of these physicians is the combined expertise that they both gained during years of training at two of the top cancer hospitals in the United States.

For more information about Dr. Cole, Dr. Gorsuch or the David Lee Cancer Center, call (304) 388-8380.

We Practice What We Teach West Virginia University Physicians of Charleston provides world-class 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. WVU Physicians of Charleston benefits from a multi-faceted collaboration with Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia’s largest hospital system. Patients benefit from a synergy of resources that provide excellence in care. Area physicians’ ability to provide care is enhanced by the educational and consulting services available and new physicians are trained to provide outstanding, comprehensive health care while contributing to the scientific basis of medicine. We aren’t content just to practice medicine -- we’re committed to teaching it, too. Visit our website and see the many specialists and services we offer.

www.wvupc.org

Volume 1 - Issue 4

Hospital News

Another First for St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center Nepal Chowdhury, MD, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, says patients have a new minimally-invasive option for the removal of lung tumors. Dr. Chowdhury recently removed tumors from two patients using the da Vinci SI robotic surgery system and the patients were back home within two days of surgery. “I think the da Vinci system is incredible and it significantly

reduces the risk to patients for infection and other complications,” Dr. Chowdhury said. “With this procedure we don’t have to separate muscles or spread the ribs and I don’t have to make a large incision. The patient gets to go home more quickly. I can remove both malignant and benign tumors so I’m getting referrals from oncologists and pulmonologists,” Chowdhury added.

Timothy Parsons of Huntington was the first patient to benefit from the new procedure. “I’m back home and feeling really good,” Parsons said. “When I was done with the surgery, one of the nurses in the recovery area said, ‘You just made history.’” Physicians may call Dr. Chowdhury at 304-399-7530 or visit at www.st-marys.org

Nepal Chowdhury, MD, Becomes the First Surgeon in West Virginia to Use the da Vinci Si High Definition Robotic Surgery System to Remove Lung Tumors.

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News

Medical order form research published MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – When people think about their end of life options, they might want to put their decisions on a hot pink form. The importance of this form, Physician Orders Life-Sustaining Treatment” (POLST), was recently confirmed by a study done in three states, including West Virginia. An article about the study’s findings will be published this month in the “Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.” The authors concluded that the research suggests that the POLST program has advantages over traditional methods, such as advance directives, to communicate preferences about lifesustaining treatments. Alvin H. Moss, M.D., director of the Center for Health Ethics and Law of West Virginia University, is a co-author of the article and a National POLST Paradigm Task Force member. Researchers analyzed the medical records of 1,711 nursing facility patients in Oregon, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. They found that patients with POLST forms were more likely to receive the amount of treatment they wanted than patients without the form.

“These research findings are very gratifying. The goal of the POLST program is to honor treatment preferences of those with serious illnesses or frailties. The research indicates the POLST program is achieving this goal,” Moss said. The Center for Health Ethics and Law of West Virginia University has distributed more than 200,000 of these forms since 2002. The POLST form is usually brightly colored so that it won’t be overlooked, and is sent with the patient wherever he or she goes, such as a hospital or nursing home. West Virginia’s system identifies documents and ensures that patients’ treatment wishes are honored. The Center provides downloads of this form, and others, on their Web site. Next year, the system will be improved when POLST forms, advance directives, and Do

Not Resuscitate cards become part of the West Virginia Health Information Network. The study was funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research. Note: In West Virginia, the POLST form is called Physicians Order for Scope of Treatment (POST.) For more information, about West Virginia’s program, see http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/ chel/wvi/.

CHH VP for Medical Affairs earns healthcare leadership certification HUNTINGTON, WV – Hoyt Burdick, MD, MMM, CPE, FACHE, Vice President for Medical Affairs at Cabell Huntington Hospital, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. “Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization,”

says Thomas C. Dolan. PhD, FACHE, CAE, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACHE. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community.” Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 7,500 healthcare execu-

tives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional/community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years. The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations.

Volume 1 - Issue 4

News

WVU researchers find genetic marker for repeat lung cancer Recovery Act funds research

usually proving fatal. If doctors could predict whose cancer will come back, they could develop a more individualized, effective treatment strategy for each patient. The team of WVU researchers has determined that a specific sequence of 12 genes can be used as a lung cancer prognostic tool. Their work “Hybrid Models Identified a 12-Gene Signature for Lung Cancer Prognosis and Chemoresponse Prediction” haa been published in the August 17 edition of “PLoS ONE,” an international, peerreviewed, online publication of the U.S. Public Library of Science.

Lan Guo

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Current lung cancer survival statistics present a grim prognosis, but new findings could greatly impact survival rates. Researchers led by Lan Guo, Ph.D. at the West Virginia University Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center have identified a gene pattern associated with lung cancer patients who are at high risk for recurrence of the disease. Lung cancer recurs in nearly half of early stage patients who initially receive surgery,

“Using a computational model to analyze 442 patient samples, we found that the 12-gene signature was more accurate in predicting lung cancer recurrence than other gene signatures documented in articles previously published in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ and ‘Nature Medicine’,” Dr. Guo said. “We also found that the gene signature could predict response to chemotherapy in cancer cell lines, indicating its potential use to predict patient response to chemotherapy commonly used to treat lung cancer.” WVU has filed for a patent on the 12-gene

New Learning Resources Lab opens at WVU Charleston Health Sciences Library The WVU Charleston Health Sciences Library, in the WVU Charleston Building on MacCorkle Avenue next to CAMC Memorial Hospital, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Learning Resources Lab. The Lab is perfect for computer classes, medical didactics, journal clubs, or small group meetings. Its layout is in the unique shape of a large triangle with glass panes on two of its sides drawing in much natural light for

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illumination. Visitors to the Lab have access to computers with widescreen monitors, and instructors have access to a smartboard at the front of the room. Guest patrons may use the lab when no classes have reserved it. For further information please contact Rob Cagna, WVU Charleston Health Sciences Library Director, at 304-347-1287.

signature. Guo’s group has already been successful in identifying specific genes found in lung cancer tumors. Guo is a faculty member of the WVU Department of Community Medicine and part of the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for Signal Transduction and Cancer, led by Laura Gibson, Ph.D., the Cancer Center’s deputy director. Her research was supported by a $1 million National Institutes of Health grant provided under the Recovery Act and a $1 million grant funded by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Co-authors of the research include Ying Wooi Wan, Ebrahim Sabbagh, Rebecca Raese, Dajie Luo, and James Denvir of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Yong Qian, Val Vallyathan, and Vincent Castranova of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. For More Information contact Kim Fetty, HSC News Service, 304-293-7087. fettyki@wvuh.com

News

Marshall Physician Addresses International Bodily Injury Congress HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Dr. Mohammed Ranavaya, chief of the Occupational Medicine Division at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and president of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners board of directors, was a keynote speaker at the International Bodily Injury Association Congress Sept. 20-24 in Madrid, Spain. Co-sponsored by the European Association of Personal Injury Evaluation Physicians, the meeting included more than 1,000 physicians involved in evaluating personal injury claims. Ranavaya said the European physicians have expressed interest in standardizing their disability evaluations based on the system set out in the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. He is a co-author and associate editor of the most recent edition of the reference book, which isWVPhysBakri:GKad used by most U.S. 7/23/10 states and 2:08 manyPMnations Page

seeking credentials as certified independent medical examiners.

around the world in the legal resolution of personal injury, worker’s compensation, impairment and disability claims. Ranavaya is a professor of occupational and environmental medicine at Marshall, and he also is director of the Appalachian Institute of Occupational & Environmental Medicine in West Virginia. He has performed several thousand independent medical evaluations, and has taught skills for performing independent medical evaluations to more than 10,000 physicians in the U.S. and abroad. A past president of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians, Ranavaya is one of the founders of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and helped 1 develop the certifying exam for physicians

He has authored several chapters and numerous articles on disability medicine. He also has served as the chair of the editorial board of the Medical Disability Advisor, a book on workplace disability duration guidelines for various injuries and diseases. He is editor in chief of the journal Disability Medicine and serves on editorial board of the AMA Guides newsletter. Holding degrees in both medicine and law, Ranavaya is a certified independent medical examiner. He is a fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians, the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians, and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Now seeing patients in West Virginia Celebrated gynecologic oncologist and inventor Younes Bakri, MD, changed the treatment of post-partum hemorrhage around the world. Bakri POSTPARTUM BALLOON

Dr Younes Bakri, who recently joined WVU Healthcare, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of gynecologic oncology. He is also well-known as the inventor of the “Bakri Balloon” – a device now used in Labor & Delivery units around the world. These medical balloons, inflated in the uterus, control excessive post partum bleeding, the number one cause of maternal mortality in many countries. Dr Bakri brought his highly regarded skills and creativity to WVU when he joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center as Senior Surgeon in Gynecologic Oncology. He welcomes consultations and patient referrals.

Illustration courtesy of

For more information or to refer patients to Dr. Bakri, call 304-293-4500

Visit wvuhealthcare.com to learn more about our world-class providers.

Volume 1 - Issue 4

News

Wetzel County Hospital receives national award New Martinsville, WV – George Couch, CEO of Wetzel County Hospital has announced that Amerinet, a leading healthcare group purchasing organization, has recognized Wetzel County Hospital as one of three national winners of the “Community Impact and Innovation Award” at its second annual Amerinet Healthcare Achievement Awards. Wetzel County Hospital was presented the award for its’ Emergency Department Renovation and Expansion project that included addition of full-time emergency helicopter service with Air Evac LifeTeam and other hospital improvements. “These awards recognize and celebrate members who are innovators, collaborators and leaders,” said Todd Ebert, Amerinet president and CEO. “Utilizing Amerinet’s diverse portfolio of contract services and solutions, these nominees successfully meet the challenges of the healthcare industry and deliver high-quality, cost-effective patient care.” “This is a great honor for Wetzel County Hospital, our Board and Staff for innovation and forward thinking by expanding these vital trauma, emergency and in-patient services for our surrounding communities,” added Mr. Couch. “Being able to effectively and professional respond to life and death situations with a quality facilities, equipment, staff and transfer services is one of the primary functions of rural hospitals.” Marge Knight, R.N. and Chief Nurse for Emergency and Outpatient Services for Wetzel County Hospital noted that the new Emergency Department has been expanded from 1,750 square feet to 6,300 square feet. It has its own entrance and large waiting area; reception desk; trauma room; cardiac room; gynecology room; orthopedic/suture room; isolation room; decontamination room; three triage rooms; four treatment rooms; physician office; medication room; clean and soiled utility rooms; private patient bathrooms; and coffee bar.

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Other features of the new Emergency Department include a decontamination area; public and staff bathrooms, staff break room, a family room for counseling or bereavement; large nursing station; upgraded ambulance bay and an office for hospital security staff that is located to control after-hours access to the hospital. The hospital’s mobile M.R.I. trailer area was relocated Shown with the crystal award for Community Impact and Innovation and includes the areas first and banner presented to Wetzel County Hospital are (l-r) Arlene Summers, R.N. Chief Nursing Office for Inpatient Services; Marge Knight, enhanced open M.R.I. service. R.N. Chief Nursing Officer for Emergency and Outpatient Services and Improvements were made to George Couch, Chief Executive Officer. the hospital’s helipad area, as well as in the construction of a helicopter To earn the designation, the hospital hanger and crew quarters to accommodate must have the necessary equipment and the areas first hospital based 24-hour per day resources for trauma cases. Hospital staff emergency helicopter service, a partnership must constantly review trauma cases, which between Wetzel County Hospital and the Air enables staff to provide care based on the Evac Lifeteam. best practices of trauma centers across the country. “We have taken great strides as a small rural hospital in providing high quality emergency, Also, the hospital must staff radiology, inpatient and outpatient services. Many of lab, surgery and other departments to our services and technology exceeds that of immediately treat trauma patients. Doctors hospitals in the Wheeling and Parkersburg and nurses must pass advanced trauma area. There is no reason for anyone to leave classes to provide patients with the latest our area for radiology, lab, rehabilitation or procedures. All Emergency Department general in-patient surgery and acute care. nursing staff at Wetzel County Hospital are Even if your doctor orders labs, therapy or credentialed in Advanced Cardiac Life radiology at another hospital, you can bring Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life your order here and be assured that our Support (PALS); Neonatal Advanced Life services meet the highest standards of care Support (NRP); and advanced Trauma Nurse and service, “added Arlene Summers, R.N. Core Course (TNCC). Chief Nurse for Inpatient Services at Wetzel County Hospital. Partial funding for the emergency The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services re-designated Wetzel County Hospital as a Level IV Trauma Center. Wetzel County Hospital is the only traumadesignated facility in Wetzel County and one of only 13 hospitals in West Virginia to receive a full three-year designation.

department project came through a Grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Resources, Health Resources and Services Administration, in the amount of $853,062 secured with the assistance of the late United States Senator Robert C. Byrd. The balance of the funding came from the refinancing of Wetzel County Hospital’s long term bonds by Wesbanco Bank along with

News the cooperation and assistance of the Wetzel County Commission and Wetzel County Building Commission. The project was designed by Kreps and Zachwieja Architects from Charleston West Virginia and R.C. Construction of Charleston, West Virginia is the General Contractor. Mr. Ebert said that Superior Amerinet member performance was recognized in

areas including financial and operational improvements, quality and patient care delivery, supply chain and data management and community impact.

long term care facilities, physician offices and clinics. All entries were evaluated on a rigorous set of criteria by a panel of expert judges.

Facility categories honored by Amerinet included acute care facilities under 300 beds, acute care facilities over 300 beds, IDNs and critical access hospitals. In the alternate care sector, categories included surgery centers,

The 18 winners were honored at the 2010 Amerinet Member Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 14-17, 2010.

Cabell Huntington Hospital Has Been Designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery® Huntington, WV, – Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield has designated Cabell Huntington Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. To date, more than 230 facilities nationwide have received a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery designation. However, this marks the first time that any West Virginia facility has received this prestigious honor. Obesity is widely recognized as a contributor to serious health risks. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the total number of bariatric surgeries increased 400 percent from 1998 to 2004. Bariatric surgery may help some individuals reduce extreme obesity and its associated health risks, and Blue Distinction provides objective information to help them make informed decisions when choosing a provider. “We are very honored to be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery,” said Blaine Nease, MD, Surgical Director of the Center for Surgical Weight Control at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “As with all surgical procedures, patients should conduct research and thoroughly educate themselves about all aspects of bariatric surgery when considering it as an option. We believe this Blue Distinction designation is one of many reasons the informed patient should choose

Cabell Huntington Hospital for their surgical weight loss needs and that it confirms the quality of care and service we strive to provide our patients.” Cabell Huntington Hospital is a 313-bed academic medical center that provides a full range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, postoperative care, outpatient follow-up and patient education. Cabell Huntington Hospital is also a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. “We are pleased to be able to designate Cabell Huntington Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery,” said Fred Earley, MSBCBS President. “The commitment and quality of care demonstrated by this hospital in treating patients with obesity issues, is truly an example of the exceptional health care the citizens of West Virginia can feel confident in receiving right here in their own state.” To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, Cabell Huntington Hospital met the selection criteria posted at www.BCBS.com, which includes: • an established bariatric surgery program, actively performing these procedures for the most recent 12-month period and performing a required minimum volume of 125 such surgeries annually

• appropriate experience of its bariatric surgery team • an acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care and emergency services • full accreditation by The Joint Commission, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) or national equivalent • a comprehensive quality management program Blue Distinction is a designation awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians’ and medical organizations recommendations. Today, more than 800 Blue Distinction Center designations have been awarded to facilities nationwide, providing consumers with a framework for making informed decisions on where to go for specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, and transplants. Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Mountain State provides or administers coverage for more than 540,000 customers, and has over 900 employees in Parkersburg, Charleston, Wheeling and Weirton. To learn more about Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield, please visit www.msbcbs.com.

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Welcome New Physicians

The following physicians recently joined the medical staff of Charleston Area Medical Center American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery. To contact Dr. Cousins, call (304) 767-7770.

Suzanne M. Cole, MD, joins the Department of Medicine specializing in Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Cole received her medical degree from the University of Texas. She completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Texas and a hematology/oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cole is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine. To contact Dr. Cole, call (304) 3888380.

Geoffrey R. Cousins, MD, joins the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine specializing in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Dr. Cousins received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed a General Surgery residency at St. John Hospital in Detroit and a Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship at Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. Dr. Cousins is certified by the

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Ni Gorsuch, MD, joins the Department of Medicine specializing in Hematology/ Oncology. Dr. Gorsuch received her medical degree from the University of Dublin. She completed an internal medicine residency and a hematology/oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Gorsuch is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine. To contact Dr. Gorsuch, call (304) 388-8380.

Kelly A. Hager, MD, joins the Department of Medicine specializing in Internal Medicine. Dr. Hager received her medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. She completed an Internal Medicine residency at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. Dr. Hager is certified by

the American Board of Internal Medicine. To contact Dr. Hager, call (304) 347-1320.

Michael S. Jaskolka, MD, DDS, joins the Department of Surgery specializing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Jaskolka graduated from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Ontario and received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He completed a Dentistry residency at the University of British Columbia and an Oral and Maxillofacial residency at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. To contact Dr. Jaskolka, call (304) 388-3290.

Sangeeta Mandapaka, MD, joins the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine specializing in Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Mandapaka received her medical degree from Kasturba Medical College. She completed an internal medicine residency

News at University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville. Dr. Mandapaka completed a fellowship in Cardiac MRI at Wake Forest University, a fellowship in Cardiology at East

Carolina University and an Interventional Cardiology fellowship at Brody School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with a

subspecialty in Cardiovascular Disease. To contact Dr. Mandapaka, call (304) 347-1204.

Mon General Offers New Breast Cancer Detection Diagnostic Tool Mon General’s Imaging Department recently began offering a new diagnostic tool for the detection of breast cancer and other breast abnormalities – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast. The hospital’s current MRI unit, located on the second floor of the South Tower, went into service in the fall of 2008. “When we purchased the MRI unit for the hospital, we also purchased special software and a breast coil to allow us to use the magnet to do breast imaging,” said Peggy Pust, Director of Imaging Services. The coil is used to focus the MRI and create the images.

This past June, the hospital’s MRI technologists received advanced training on breast MRI. The hospital began offering the new service on July 1. “Breast MRI is only targeted to a specific population of women,” Pust said. “Mammography is still the gold standard for screening for breast cancer. Breast MRI is an adjunct diagnostic test for women with certain risk factors.” According to the American Cancer Society, a screening MRI is only recommended for certain women at high risk for breast cancer,

along with a yearly mammogram. An MRI may also be used in other situations, such as to better examine suspicious areas found by a mammogram. It can also be used in women already diagnosed with breast cancer to better determine the actual size of the cancer and to look for other cancers in the breast. “This is cutting edge technology,” Pust said. The software used for the breast imaging is from iCAD, the leading provider of advanced imaging analysis and computer-aided detection solutions.

Cabell Huntington Hospital earns “Hospital of Choice” Award for 2010 Award from The American Alliance of Healthcare Providers recognizes CHH for excellence and quality care HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington Hospital has been named a “Hospital of Choice” by The American Alliance of Healthcare Providers (AAHCP) for 2010.

this honor again shows that our efforts do not go unnoticed,” said Brent A. Marsteller, President and Chief Executive Officer of

The honor is in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to quality care for patients, customer satisfaction and community service. Cabell Huntington Hospital was also recognized in 2008 by the AAHCP as “Hospital of the Year” for being the best among 10 finalist facilities for areas including staff development and training, good citizenship and performance management. “We continue to work hard to provide our patients with the best possible care, and

America’s Choice Hospitals for 2010 were rated on the AAHCP’s 10-point criteria in Professional Ethics, Standards of Conduct, Patient’s Rights, Performance Management, Staff Development, and Communication Systems. “The hospitals selected for this honor must display a remarkable affinity toward quality care, customer satisfaction and community service,” explains AAHCP President R. Vincent Parr. “In short, we recognize hospitals that care about all their customers.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital. “We are proud of the level of service we provide to our patients and also for the work we do to serve the community.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital is a 313-regional academic medical center affiliated with the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. www.cabellhuntington.org Volume 1 - Issue 4

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Cabell Huntington Hospital Makes Second $50,000 Contribution to Continue Operations at Huntington’s Kitchen for Another Year HUNTINGTON, WV – Cabell Huntington Hospital today announced it will contribute another $50,000 to Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc., to help it continue operations at Huntington’s Kitchen for another year. The contribution is Cabell Huntington’s second $50,000 gift to the kitchen, which offers a wide range of free and low-cost healthy cooking classes for anyone in the community. Huntington’s Kitchen, located at 911 Third Avenue, was created last fall by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who established the kitchen as his base of operations for the Emmy Award winning television series, “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” which aired on ABC-TV in March and April. At the conclusion of the show’s production, Oliver turned the kitchen over to Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc., which, with Cabell Huntington Hospital’s initial $50,000 contribution, began operating it as a hands-on, community cooking classroom on February 23. Since then, 375 people have participated in at least one healthy cooking class at Huntington’s Kitchen and nearly half of those participants have graduated from the kitchen’s 10-week “Basic Steps to Healthy Cooking” course. Additionally, the kitchen is now offering the “Operation Frontline” curriculum of free cooking and nutrition classes, sponsored by the Share Our Strength Foundation. “Huntington’s Kitchen has proved there is a real need and interest in our community to learn more about simple, healthy food preparation,” said Brent A. Marsteller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cabell Huntington Hospital. “Beyond that, Huntington’s Kitchen has done a remarkable job of meeting that need by offering a variety of free and low cost cooking classes that interest every segment of our population. We firmly believe that many of the health problems associated with unhealthy eating

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can be reduced by learning and adopting the lessons and techniques taught at Huntington’s Kitchen.” “Ebenezer Medical Outreach is so thankful that Cabell Huntington Hospital has agreed to continue its support of Huntington’s Kitchen with another generous donation of $50,000,” said Yvonne Jones, Executive Director of Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc. “Without their support, we would not be able to continue to operate the Kitchen. I think it is progressive of Cabell Huntington Hospital to not just provide quality medical care to the region, but to also invest in prevention by supporting Huntington’s Kitchen.” Jamie Oliver will soon begin work on a second season of “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” which will take place in Los Angeles. He recently acknowledged Cabell Huntington Hospital’s latest contribution in a video he produced for his international, online newsletter. “Cabell Huntington Hospital has been a fantastic supporter of the Food Revolution

in Huntington and I am so pleased they are continuing their commitment to support the Kitchen and the future of the community,” said Oliver. “The Revolution gang has been visiting and keeping up to date with Huntington’s Kitchen and the classes are packed with people learning to cook. And it even looks like downtown Huntington is undergoing a transformation. There’s a new restaurant and deli serving local, freshcooked food and even a great Farmer’s Market. Cabell Huntington Hospital has been a key partner in this transformation.” In addition to Cabell Huntington Hospital’s contributions to Huntington’s Kitchen, the hospital also contributed $100,000 to Cabell County Schools to help remove the majority of processed foods from school lunches, develop new menus and train all school cooks to prepare meals from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients. For more information about Cabell Huntington Hospital’s involvement in the Food Revolution, please go to www. cabellhuntington.org/food_revolution.

Their comfort. Your security. Nothing is more important than your child’s health. Which is why CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital provides more than 30 pediatric specialties and the highest level of pediatric intensive care.

News

Mon General Adds Gynecologic Oncologist to Staff through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the Outstanding Resident Teaching Award, a nomination for Intern of the Year at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and a nomination for the John W. Traubert Family Medicine Award. He has authored several scientific papers in major

medical journals and a chapter in a surgical oncology textbook. Dr. McBee’s has joined the practice of Heiskell, King, Burns, and Tallman Surgical Associates, located at 600 Suncrest Town Centre, Suite 310. He can be reached by calling 304-598-2200

Teays Valley Orthopedics, affiliated with CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, offers the latest techniques in orthopedic care

William C. McBee Jr., MD, recently joined Mon General’s Medical Staff, specializing in Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. McBee was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia. After graduating from Morgantown High School, he completed his undergraduate and medical school training at West Virginia University. He then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Case Western University (MetroHealth Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Foundation) in Cleveland, Ohio. He went on to complete a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Magee-Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. McBee specializes in the care of women with gynecologic cancers. He provides both surgical and medical treatments to these patients, including chemotherapy. He also specializes in complex and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gynecologic surgery for patients with benign conditions. He is Board Eligible in General Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology

• Minimally invasive total hip and knee replacement surgery • Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle • Kyphoplasty (minimally invasive spinal procedure used for treating vertebral fractures from osteoporosis) • Cartilage replacement surgery • Pediatric orthopedics • Occupational medicine • Sports medicine • Treatment of arthritis • Hand surgery • General fracture care

James B. Cox, DO

Board certified orthopedic surgeon

David Felder, MD

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

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Cabell Huntington Hospital ranked #1 in West Virginia & Tri-State for Overall Orthopedic Services and Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery HUNTINGTON, WV – The Thirteenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study ranks Orthopedic Services at Cabell Huntington Hospital in the top 5% in the nation. HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent hospital quality ratings organization, evaluates patient outcomes for 5,000 hospitals. This research is the only comprehensive analysis based solely on patient mortality and complication rates.

• Total Hip Replacement (Three of the last four years) • Hip Fracture Repair • Back and Neck Surgery (without Spinal Fusion)

The study ranked Cabell Huntington Hospital number one in the state of West Virginia and the Huntington/Ashland TriState Area for Overall Orthopedics Services and Joint Replacement for 2011. Due to its outstanding patient outcomes in the clinical area mentioned above, Cabell Huntington received the following awards:

“What’s important for health care consumers to realize about these awards and ratings is that they are based on objective data about patient outcomes and complication rates,” said Ali Oliashirazi, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “When it’s time to have a hip or knee replacement or when you need any other kind of orthopedic surgical procedure, you want it done right.

• The HealthGrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ in 2011, ranking the hospital in the top 5% of all hospitals in the United States for Overall Orthopedic Services • The HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ in 2011, ranking the hospital in the top 5% of all hospitals in the United States for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery. Cabell Huntington Hospital has been the recipient of this award for four consecutive years. The study also showed that Cabell Huntington Hospital was one of only twelve hospitals in the nation to receive five-star quality ratings in each of the following four areas in 2011: • Total Knee Replacement (Four consecutive years)

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Additionally, Cabell Huntington Hospital has received HealthGrades five-star quality ratings for Joint Replacement in each of the last four years.

“Patients look at this data to help them make decisions about where to go for their surgery,” said Dr. Oliashirazi. “And I think that’s why patients come to us from many different states. They’re willing to travel far – very far – to get the best outcomes.” The HealthGrades study, the largest annual report of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes in nearly 40 million Medicare hospitalization records from the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. The findings related to in-hospital complications in this year’s study show:

• Across all procedures in which complications were studied, there was an 80% lower chance of experiencing one or more complications in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital. • Across all procedures studied, there was a 63% lower chance of experiencing one or more in-hospital complications in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the U.S. hospital average. • If all hospitals performed at the level of a 5-star rated hospital, 185,875 in-hospital complications may have been avoided among Medicare patients over the three years studied. HealthGrades rates hospitals independently based on data that hospitals submit to the federal government. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated. For 26 procedures and treatments, HealthGrades issues star ratings that reflect the mortality and complication rates for each category of care. Hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have mortality or complication rates that are below the national average, to a statistically significant degree. A 3-star rating means the hospital performs as expected. One-star ratings indicate the hospital’s mortality or complication rates in that procedure or treatment are statistically higher than average. Because the risk profiles of patient populations at hospitals are not alike, HealthGrades risk-adjusts the data to allow for equal comparisons. www.cabellhuntington.org

News

WVU Healthcare Recognized for Technology Efforts

Designation given to less than 3 percent of hospitals nationwide MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Healthcare has joined an elite group of healthcare institutions across the country that have been recognized for their efforts in using electronic medical records. HIMSS Analytics, a subsidiary of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), scores hospitals based on their transformation to electronic medical records in stages. Stage 0 means that none of the organization’s key systems have been installed, while Stage 7 means that a hospital is virtually paperless. WVU Healthcare is now at Stage 6. Of the more than 5,000 hospitals in the country, only 2.6 percent have attained a Stage 6 designation. Those hospitals include two hospitals in the Mayo Health System and two in the Johns Hopkins Health System, in addition to WVU Healthcare.

Rich King, WVUH vice president and chief information officer, said achieving this designation required the efforts of many individuals across the entire spectrum of WVU Healthcare. “This achievement is certainly not the work of any one person. It takes the focus of the whole organization to truly adopt the electronic medical records system and make it successful. It was a total team effort.” According to Kevin Halbritter, M.D., WVUH chief medical information officer, achieving this designation is another example of WVU Healthcare’s continued commitment to providing quality care and improving patient safety. Now that the Stage 6 designation has been achieved, WVU Healthcare’s eye is on the Stage 7 prize – one that will take up to two years to obtain.

Kim Clarke, director of applications and data management, said that climbing higher and higher on the designation ladder requires support from everyone within the institution as well as a significant amount of resources to put the necessary technology into place. “In Stage 7, the hospital is truly paperless. Based on this, I would say that it is probably one to two years out before we would meet this definition,” she said. There are currently 40 Stage 7 hospitals in the country. For more information on WVU Healthcare, see www.wvuhealth.com. For more information on HIMSS Analytics, see www.himssanalytics.org. For More Information: Angela Jones, HSC News Service, 304-293-7087 or email jonesan@wvuh.com

WVU Research Finds Sense of Taste May be Related to Risk of Tooth Decay MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Tooth decay and the sense of taste may be related, according to new research by Richard J. Crout, D.M.D., Ph.D., of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Dr. Crout and WVU colleague Daniel McNeil, Ph.D., found a genetic link between taste pathway genes and the risk of decay. “Identification of this relationship between genetics and tooth decay could help us reduce the poor oral health of so many people in this state. The identification of these key genes may explain why some people are more prone to tooth decay,” Crout said. “In addition, it will help us in our efforts to encourage the public to seek treatment. We can also use this information in our efforts to educate the public about proper dental hygiene.”

In this study, families were recruited by the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA) for collection of biological samples, demographic data and clinical assessment of oral health including tooth decay (also known as caries) scores. Caries occurrence and progression are known to be influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, with numerous contributing factors, such as bacteria, diet, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, salivary flow, salivary composition, and tooth structure. Previous reports have characterized the influence of the genetic variation on taste preferences and dietary habits.

be passed from parent to child, with genes accounting for 39 percent to 66 percent of variation. In permanent teeth, it may be as high as 50 percent,” Crout said. Lead researcher is Steven Wendell, and other researchers are Melissa Brown, Margaret Cooper, Rebecca DeSensi, Mary Marazita, Xiaojing Wang and Robert Weyant, all of the University of Pittsburgh. The complete research study is the featured article in the current Journal of Dental Research (JDR.) For more information about the WVU School of Dentistry, see www.hsc.wvu.edu/sod.

“Prior research from our group has revealed that tooth decay in baby teeth could easily Volume 1 - Issue 4

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General Surgeon Joins Wetzel County Hospital renovated

staff at Wetzel County. I am proud to be working at such a fine small hospital.”

Dr. Marcano was Chief Resident at Providence Hospital / Wayne State University in Southfield Michigan where he also completed his general surgery internship.

Jeffry Pilney, M.D., Chief of Surgery said, “Dr. Marcano will be a great addition to our staff. His training and experience will be a great asset to our patients and assist us in meeting the needs of patients who need emergency or routine surgical care.”

New Martinsville, WV – Hector Marcano, M.D. has joined the Wetzel County Hospital medical staff as a general surgeon. His new office is located in the New Martinsville Plaza. His staff members include Ronda Bohrer, Clerk and Receptionist along with Brenda Monroe, R.N.

recently expanded and Emergency Department.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Marcano joining the other quality physicians and surgeons on our medical staff,” said George Couch, CEO of Wetzel County Hospital. “He has been praised by faculty and medical staff who worked with him during his residency for his quality of care as well as his great bedside manner with patients and staff.”

Dr. Marcano is a native of Venezuela and completed medical school at the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas and now resides in New Martinsville.

Dr. Marcano also serves as an on-call trauma surgeon for Wetzel County Hospital’s

“I am delighted to join the medical staff at Wetzel County Hospital and look forward to working with the operating room and emergency staff,” said Dr. Marcano. “I am impressed with the outstanding diagnostic equipment, operating room equipment and

Right to left: Hector Marcano, M.D., Ronda Bohrer, Receptionist, Brenda Monroe, R.N.

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Dr. Marcano’s office may be reached at 304-447-2075. Wetzel County Hospital, located 35 miles south of Wheeling and 60 miles north of Parkersburg, is a licensed and accredited, 58-bed facility, offering comprehensive acute care inpatient, outpatient services, emergency department and transitional care unit.

Ranked in WV & the Tri-State for Hip & Knee Replacement and Overall Orthopedic Services! The Thirteenth Annual HealthGrades Quality in America study ranks Cabell Huntington Hospital #1 in West Virginia and the Tri-State Area for Hip & Knee Replacement and Overall Orthopedic Services. The study, which evaluates patient outcomes for 5,000 hospitals across the U.S., also shows that Cabell Huntington Hospital is one of only twelve hospitals in the nation to receive five-star quality ratings in each of the following four areas in 2011: Total Knee Replacement Total Hip Replacement Hip Fracture Repair Back & Neck Surgery (without spinal fusion) Due to its outstanding patient outcomes in the areas mentioned above, Cabell Huntington Hospital received the 2011 Joint Replacement Excellence Award (four years in a row) and the 2011 Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award from HealthGrades, ranking Cabell Huntington in the Top 5% of All Hospitals in the U.S. for Hip & Knee Replacement and Overall Orthopedic Services. When facing orthopedic surgery, shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you choose the facility that gives you the best chance of receiving a positive outcome? Based purely on objective data, the clear choice is Cabell Huntington Hospital.