WINTER 2018
Medical Ethics What happens when health care professionals cross the line? ©2017 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (28459) stjude.org/hannah Experience Hannah’s storyat St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to hervisitswiththemusictherapistat on beingparents whileshelooksforward our donors,hermomanddadcanfocus her familywasdevastated.Butbecauseof When Hannah’s bloodworkrevealed cancer, is Hannah should worryabout All Hannah’s parents their childlive. aboutishelping all theyshouldworry housing orfood—becausewebelieve a billfrom St. Jude fortreatment, travel, Families likeHannah’s willneverreceive we reallycanjustfocusonher.” because St. Jude makes it so “We’re blessedtobehere“We’re –Chandra, Hannah’s mom . ® TM magazine
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AROUND THE STATE
NORTHEAST OHIO 18 PERSONALITIES Teaching for Tomorrow Mentoring future doctors
20 THE WRITE ADVICE A Different (Heart)Beat Women’s cardiovascular issues
22 HEALTHY HAPPENINGS
NORTHWEST OHIO 24 PERSONALITIES The Cutting Edge Innovative vascular surgery 8 26 THE WRITE ADVICE A Safer, Easier Surgery Breathe Easy Developments in gynecological surgery Free lung cancer screening saves man’s life 28 HEALTHY HAPPENINGS CENTRAL OHIO 30 PERSONALITIES 12 Catch Your Breath Expanding His Horizons Now part of the State Medical Board of Ohio, licensed Medical director Jack O’Handley
respiratory care professionals provide critical support 32 THE WRITE ADVICE The Power of One 14 RD: Registered Dietitian = Real Deal Addressing infant mortality Licensed dietitians provide expertise in food’s important role 34 HEALTHY HAPPENINGS in our daily choices, lifestyles and long-term health status SOUTHERN OHIO 16 Crossing the Line 36 PERSONALITIES A New Hope What happens when health care providers violate boundaries Treating addicted moms-to-be set by laws and ethics standards? 38 THE WRITE ADVICE Hot Topic 42 44 46 48 Helping child burn victims LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CALENDAR BOOKMARKS SCENIC OHIO 40 HEALTHY HAPPENINGS
2 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com
BOARD OFFICERS Maintaining Medical Ethics
Welcome to the winter 2018 edition of HealthScene Ohio. Highlighting this issue is a story on medical ethics, a topic that’s been getting a lot of media attention lately. Medical professionals are obligated by their Ohio license to adhere to Robert P. Giacalone, Andrew P. RPh, JD Schachat, MD legal and ethical boundaries. As one would expect, the vast majority of President Vice President them never approach the line, much less cross it. But when doctors and other licensees of the State Medical Board of Ohio do violate those rules, the Board does everything in its power to investigate such complaints and take action. The topic of sexual assault has come into sharp focus in recent months as national attention has centered upon Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar, who was alleged to have sexually abused hundreds of victims, many of them young girls, over a period of decades. In January, Kim G. Bruce R. Saferin, Rothermel, MD DPM Nassar was given a 40-125 year prison sentence for criminal sexual con- Secretary Supervising duct toward girls at a gymnastics facility. This is in addition to the 60-year Member sentence he received for a conviction related to child pornography in a BOARD MEMBERS separate federal case. In those few unfortunate situations where misconduct does occur, here in Ohio, we have some of the most stringent regulatory standards in the country to address such events. In this issue, you’ll read about the ways in which the State Medical Board of Ohio keeps doctors accountable and ensures that, in the unlikely case that sexual misconduct does occur, such events will be dealt with quickly and effectively. The board takes its stan- Mark A. Richard A. dards very seriously, and encourages patients who feel their physicians or Bechtel, MD Edgin, MD other licensees have broken the rules to report it. Continue reading, and you’ll also learn about a Cincinnati doctor who heads up a program to help pregnant women break free from substance use disorders. We are also proud to feature two new professions that have just come under the umbrella of the medical board: respiratory care profession- als and dietitians. In addition, you can also read about efforts to fight infant mortality in Ronan M. Michael L. Ohio, and some of the latest developments in treatment for severe child- Factora, MD Gonidakis, JD hood burns. And just in time for Heart Health Awareness Month in Feb- ruary, we’ve included a story on cardiovascular diseases’ impact on women and how they differ from the more frequently-discussed cardiovascular issues faced by men. We hope you’ll enjoy reading through the winter edition of HealthScene Ohio, and find all the information both fascinating and useful to you.
Betty Michael Sincerely, Montgomery, JD Schottenstein, MD Robert P. Giacalone, RPh, JD President, State Medical Board of Ohio
Amol Soin, Anita M. MD, MBA Steinbergh, DO
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scene Vice President, Sales Dave Prosser Chief Creative Officer Garth Bishop Managing Editor Amanda DePerro, Jenny Wise Assistant Editors Lydia Freudenberg Contributing Editor Valerie Mauger, Ann Poirier, Tessie Pollock, Emily Real, Debbie Rigaud Contributing Writers Laura Baird, Laura Cole, Rocco Falleti, Tessa Flattum, Mikayla Klein Editorial Assistants Sheila Rossiter Advertising Director Brenda Lombardi, Timothy McKelly, Diane Trotta Advertising Sales Jamie Armistead Accounting Manager
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HealthScene Ohio is published quarterly. For advertising information, call 614-572-1240. The content, statements, and opinions contained in HealthScene Ohio are those of the individual authors and contributors and not necessarily those of the State Medical Board of Ohio, unless expressly stated. The appearance of ad- Sign up at vertisements in HealthScene Ohio is not an endorsement by the State Medical Board of Ohio of the products or services advertised. Individuals should consult with their own health cityscenecolumbus.com care providers before making any health care decisions, or for guidance regarding any specific medical condition. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. HealthScene Ohio is a registered trademark of CityScene Media Group. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2018 6 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 It’s time to celebrate GOVERNOR’S AWARDS WINNERS and support the arts in ARTS ADMINISTRATION Howard Parr | Akron (Summit) Ohio. Join us for Arts
ARTS EDUCATION Day & the Governor’s Center for Arts-Inspired Learning | Cleveland (Cuyahoga) Awards luncheon. ARTS PATRON Stuart and Mimi Rose | Springboro (Warren) Reserve your spot today! Your $50 BUSINESS SUPPORT OF THE ARTS (LARGE) ticket includes the Arts Day kickoff, The J.M. Smucker Company | Orrville (Wayne) Award Ceremony lunch, and dessert
BUSINESS SUPPORT OF THE ARTS (SMALL) reception. All proceeds go to the Ohio Heartland Bank | Gahanna (Franklin) Citizens for the Arts Foundation.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION oac.ohio.gov/governorsawards Sierra Leone | Dayton (Montgomery) ohiocitizensforthearts.org COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PARTICIPATION David Poe Mitzel, Ph.D. | Zanesville (Muskingum)
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST | Oxford (Butler) Ricardo Averbach, DMA With Support From:
IRMA LAZARUS AWARD Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Dayton (Montgomery)
Award Artist: Carol Stewart
Artwork: “Marigold” by Carol Stewart | Design: Formation Studio SUCCESS STORY Breathe Easy Free lung cancer screening saves man’s life By Ann Poirier
8 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com hen 76-year-old Pike County resident Lewis Robinson visited Adena Regional Medical Center in June 2016, Whe overheard a nurse talking about the health system’s free lung cancer screening program.
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 9 Because his father died of lung cancer, After his diagnoses, treatment began. “This is a great way to look for a disease and he was a regular smoker, Robinson’s “I was referred by the care team to in a person who might have no symp- interest was piqued. Dr. Alex Wilson, a radiation oncologist toms, which allows us to find the disease “Since the disease runs in my at the Adena Cancer Center,” as early as possible,” Oyer says. “With family, I thought, ‘Well, the Robinson says. “At first, I was cancer, especially lung cancer, the earlier screening is free. I should worried and scared of the it’s found, the better chance for a cure. sign up. Why not?’” unknown. But after the That’s our ultimate goal.” Robinson says. first round of radia- And this was surely the case with Rob- Heather Oyer, a tion, I was relieved. inson. Today, Robinson has quit smoking lung health special- It turned out to be and is cancer-free, and he hopes his story ist at Adena, sees entirely painless and leads others to think seriously about the the tremendous val- a very simple process. health of their lungs. ue in the free lung I was even able to “I hope this encourages somebody cancer screening. go back to work that to take the first step,” he says. “If you’re “With our pro- same day.” concerned and it’s free, what in the world gram, you don’t need Since it began in would stop you? Take the first step and a referral. Patients just 2014, Adena Health Sys- go find out for your own peace of mind.” call and speak to me so I tem’s free lung cancer screen- For a while, Robinson returned for can review the qualifications ing program has become a national follow-up CT scans every three months, with them. If they qualify, I model for excellence and saving but now, because there has been no recur- schedule them for a free, lives. More than 3,000 peo- rence, he goes back every six months. He low-dose CT scan,” says ple have been screened, says with gratitude, “The screening really Oyer. “We see a lot and 37 of those people saved my life.” of success with our have been diagnosed For more information on the screen- program due to the with lung cancer. ings, call 740-542-5864. fact that it’s free.” “I’ve always been Little did Rob- very grateful to offer Ann Poirier is a contributing writer. Feedback inson know that this program to our welcome at [email protected]. this free lung cancer patients, and I en- screening would courage everyone that save his life. Within meets the requirements Quick Facts About Lung Cancer two days of a quick CT to have the screening,” Lung cancer is by far the leading scan, a nurse called Rob- Oyer says. cause of cancer death among both inson, looking to set up an The lung cancer screening is men and women. Each year, more appointment to discuss his results. done through a simple, painless, low- people die of lung cancer than colon, It was then that he learned that he dose, non-invasive CT scan. It identifies breast and prostate cancers com- had stage 1 lung cancer and stage 3 any tumors or lesions that may require bined. kidney failure. medical attention. This year, about 226,000 people Although these diagnoses were scary, A candidate for Adena’s free lung can- (116,000 men and 110,000 women) in Robinson felt optimistic given that both cer screening must: the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung of his conditions were discovered early. • Be between the ages of 55 and 74; cancer. In this group, about 160,000 Plus, he thought, “It’s better to find out • Be a current smoker or have quit smok- people will die of the disease. now than not at all,” he says. Robinson ing in the last 15 years; and Although these numbers are staggering, it’s good to know that the simply wouldn’t have known about his • Have 30 “pack years” of smoking in his lung cancer rate has been dropping diagnoses without the testing. or her past. among men for many years and is A “pack year” is calculated by tak- starting to drop among women. ing the number of packs of cigarettes A few ways to decrease your risk of smoked per day and multiplying it lung cancer include: by the number of years that person Don’t smoke. Smoking is the smoked. For example: Someone who biggest risk factor for lung cancer. smoked two packs a day for 15 years has If you already smoke, try to quit. 30 “pack years” of smoking. Options include nicotine replacement Robinson ended up completing five products, medications and support short rounds of radiation therapy. “I’m groups. In addition, do your best to so thankful that I found out I had cancer avoid secondhand smoke. in the earlier stages,” he says. “If I would Test your home for radon. High have waited, the cancer would have taken levels of radon can be fixed in order over my body. My kidneys would have to make your home safer. failed and I would not be living the life I Eat right and exercise. A diet rich am today.” in fruits and vegetables, as well as Adena hopes to continue the free screen- exercising most days, goes a long way ings and their benefit to the community. in preventing lung cancer. Photos courtesy of Adena Health System 10 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com WANT TO GET ACTIVE? START OUTDOORS Discover Riverboxes™, artist- created vessels inspired by letterboxing and geocaching. Embark on a scenic treasure hunt
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Who says you can’t take it with you? Digital access is free and available on ANY device Access HealthScene Ohio features and web exclusive editorial at home or on the go with ANY device: tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop Two ways to enjoy – on the website or the digital edition with pages that flip and magnify Create an online library of favorite issues and features HS Sign up for a FREE digital subscription Get connected today! O www.HealthSceneOhio.com www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 11 Catch Your Breath Now part of the State Medical Board of Ohio, licensed respiratory care professionals provide critical support
By Tessie Pollock
ake a deep breath. A breath of fresh air. with additional clinical experiences and more in-depth study in respiratory care techniques. A simple inhale gives life, something we don’t notice “I spent some time during a semester in college shadowing until it becomes a problem. But Ohio’s respiratory care various medical personnel,” says Yagodich. “They all clearly con- professionals have made it their life’s work to make sure that tribute to making a difference in patients’ lives, but the specialty patients get the critical care they need. T of respiratory therapy really drew me in.” “Being able to breathe is one of the most basic essentials for Yagodich says almost every respiratory therapist has a mem- life, and respiratory therapists are the monitors and guardians of orable patient or experience that stands out in his or her mind. a patient’s ability to access this necessity,” says Andrea Yagodich, For some, it’s that patient who everyone expected to pass away, assistant director of respiratory therapy at The Ohio State Uni- who instead walked out of the hospital of his or her own accord. versity Wexner Medical Center’s University Hospitals East. Or it’s those infants born too soon who come back to visit the The State Medical Board of Ohio licenses more than a dozen hospital every year on their birthday to show the team how far allied medical professions, and as of Jan. 21, that now includes they have come. respiratory care professionals. Respiratory therapists and respi- “But it’s so much more than that. It’s holding someone’s ratory care providers help physicians evaluate, diagnose and care hand as they pass and knowing that because of you, they for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. That can include weren’t alone,” says Yagodich. “It’s watching a student’s eyes everything from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or light up the first time they learn to do a procedure and you are emphysema, to emergency care following heart attacks, stroke, directly responsible for teaching them. It’s having a patient look near-drowning or shock. you in the eye and tell you thank you for giving them back the The specialty started decades ago here in the Midwest. gift of breathing.” According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the profession was born on April 15, 1947, when the Tessie Pollock is director of communication at the State Medical Board of Inhalation Therapy Association (now AARC) was legally char- Ohio. Feedback welcome at [email protected]. tered as a not-for-profit entity in the state of Illinois. That same association worked throughout the 1980s to make respiratory therapy a licensed profession. “Licensed respiratory therapists must complete a special- Andrea Yagodich grew up in Colum- ized, college-based educational training program from an bus, Ohio with her twin sister and younger accredited college, and must successfully complete a national brother. She is a graduate of The Ohio State credentialing process consisting of rigorous examinations University with a BS in Allied Health Profes- before they are eligible to apply for state licensure,” says sions. She started her career as a Respiratory Yagodich. “Licensure gives the public assurance that their Therapist at a long-term acute care facility respiratory care provider is sufficiently trained and capable of in Cincinnati, Ohio but returned to her providing the level of care needed.” hometown of Columbus in 2001 and began The minimum requirement for entering the respirato- working at The Ohio State University Wexner ry therapy profession is an associate’s degree, although it is Medical Center. She has a 17-year history as a bedside respi- quite typical for respiratory therapists to hold more advanced ratory therapist, educator and, most recently, as the Assistant degrees. These advanced degrees provide more professional Director of the Respiratory Therapy department at OSU East. She currently resides in Pickerington, Ohio with her husband of opportunities and higher pay. Advanced degrees in respiratory 16 years and two children. care, such as bachelor’s and master’s degrees, provide students
12 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Catch Your Breath
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 13 RD: Registered Dietitian = Real Deal Licensed dietitians provide expertise in food’s important role in our daily choices, lifestyles and long-term health status
By Karen Morrison
ou’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” Everyone eats, and many know about healthy choices, but is it enough to just know which foods are good for you? Christopher A. Taylor, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, professor with The Ohio State University’sY Medical Dietetics Division/Family Medicine, gets to the core of what this really means. “Food is everywhere. Food is essential. The impact of food is never going away,” says Taylor. “Different health professions make different impacts, and many diseases that used to be significant problems are no longer problems. However, nutrition issues persist.” 14 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com The State Medical Board of Ohio dietitian saves the physician time, ensures Karen Morrison is a member of the licenses more than a dozen allied that the patient receives the time and ed- communications team at the State Medical medical professions, and as of Jan. 21, ucation he or she deserves, and allows the Board of Ohio. Feedback welcome at that list covers the scope of dietetics physician to reinforce these messages and [email protected]. practice. Registered and licensed dieti- convey the importance of nutrition as tians go beyond fruits and vegetables to part of his or her care. They have found Christopher A. complete a comprehensive assessment that nutrition has had a great impact on Taylor, PhD, RDN, LD, to determine a patient’s nutritional improving acute and chronic diseases in FAND is a Professor status and needs. Malnutrition exists the patients. of Medical Dietetics in various states outside the of the “When I educate students and patients, and the Director of the stereotypical perception. Surprisingly, I want them to know that that every Coordinated Program an individual eating an unbalanced diet nutrient acts like a drug in the body,” says in Dietetics at The Ohio may find himself or herself overweight, Taylor. “After that realization, we can State University. His yet malnourished. create opportunities for them to optimize research efforts focus Dietitians must attend an accredit- their dietary intakes based on their pref- on the dietary patterns of Americans as they ed educational institution and obtain erences, culture and their means.” relate to health, obesity and chronic disease. a bachelor of science in nutrition and dietetics, complete a 1,200-hour intern- ship through an accredited institution, and pass the national registration exam. Only then can they apply for licensure. In 2024, the Commission on Dietetics Registration will mandate a minimum of a master’s degree to qualify to take the registered dietitian exam. “The extensive training to become a registered dietitian is more intensive than many realize,” says Taylor. “This level of knowledge and skill cannot be obtained from attending an online workshop.” Registered dietitians have a unique skill set that interprets the science of food and behaviors into personalized guidance that is intentional and makes sense to the patient and his or her personal situation. “This is more than scientific informa- tion. It is communicating with the people and addressing their barriers,” says Taylor. “Our scientific evidence shows that life- style behaviors, such as diet and exercise, have a magnificent impact on health, but these are services our health care system doesn’t cover.” Some of Taylor’s ongoing research has been in partnering with family medicine physicians, such as Dr. Randy Wexler, clinical vice chair of family medicine at OSU, to provide nutrition counseling to (614) 759-0023 (614) 888-7492 (614) 656-4100 primary care patients. www.WesleyRidge.com www.WesleyGlen.com www.WesleyAtNewAlbany.com “These studies demonstrate that this 2225 Taylor Park Dr 5155 North High Street 4588 Wesley Woods Blvd synergy can produce positive health care Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Columbus, Ohio 43214 New Albany, Ohio 43054 outcomes when primary care physicians refer patients to a registered and licensed dietitian,” says Taylor. In their research, dietitians provide Know. Understand. Care. comprehensive nutrition assessments, which include health conditions, an- thropometric data (body measurements), laboratory results for various indicators in the blood, and nutrition counseling that coincides with the patient’s lifestyle Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and abilities. Referring patients to a www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 15 Crossing the Line What happens when health care providers violate boundaries set by laws and ethics standards?
By Tessie Pollock t is the mission of the State “Significant misconduct by a health care Medical Board of Ohio to provider can result in probation, suspension or permanent loss of a license,” says Bechtel. protect the health and safety “Health care providers demonstrating seri- of the public through effective ous misconduct or threat to patient safety I have had career-ending license revocations.” medical regulation. The doctor-patient relationship is a Patients are While the overwhelming majority of sacred one. “Patients are vulnerable and put their vulnerable and patient-physician interactions that occur each day in the U.S. are conducted in complete trust in their health care pro- put their complete an appropriate and professional manner, vider,” says Bechtel. “They need to feel “ there are occasional issues including comfortable, respected and secure in their trust in their health care licensee alcohol and substance abuse, interactions with their physician.” fraud, and sexual misconduct. During exams, the patients should provider. They need to feel “We take this responsibility very seri- have adequate drapes and gowns, a comfortable, respected and ously,” says Dr. Mark Bechtel, who serves chaperone if desired or appropriate, and on the State Medical Board of Ohio. privacy respected. secure in their interactions “Ohio’s board has some of the strictest “The physical exam should be done re- rules in the country.” spectively and appropriately,” Bechtel says. with their physician.” The medical board took formal Speaking Up – Dr. Mark Bechtel action 165 times on Ohio licenses during fiscal year 2017 (FY17), 50 of Many consumers are unaware of where which resulted in a permanent license they should turn when they encounter an revocation. The most frequent reason issue of competence or ethics with a phy- for action remains licensee impairment sician. The medical board is the designat- from drugs or alcohol (28 percent); ed state agency to investigate complaints prescribing issues account for 19 per- about physicians and, when warranted, cent and criminal acts and convictions take action against them. account for 14 percent. Consumers must feel safe and secure in Formal action begins with a complaint, any medical interaction, and they should which can come from any number of always speak up if they suspect inappro- sources: patient complaints, colleagues priate behavior. reporting misconduct, media reports, and Physicians, hospitals, law enforcement information from law enforcement and agencies and consumers all can help reduce the justice system. future issues by reporting inappropriate
16 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com behavior. Ohio law outlines that physicians fessionally, mistreated, touched inap- Additional Information have a duty to report to the medical board propriately or given substandard care The U.S. Medical Regulatory Trends any belief that a violation of the board’s which affected outcomes,” says Bechtel. and Actions Report, compiled by statutes and rules has occurred. That belief “Inappropriate touching or improper the Federation of State Medical only needs to be the individual’s opinion, verbal communication should be report- Boards (FSMB), provides information based on reliable information; it does not ed. Report concerns for fraud or obvious to the public about the work of the require absolute certainty. Failure to report substance abuse.” nation’s state medical boards and can result in fines of up to $20,000 and their mission of public protection. The disciplinary action up to the permanent If you feel there has been a report includes: violation of an appropriate revocation of the physician’s license. • National data on physician licen- The medical board received 5,687 provider/patient relationship: sure and discipline complaints in FY17. Complaints are • Call the police. • Demographic trends and informa- prioritized according to the potential for • File a complaint with the medical tion about licensed physicians patient harm; cases in which an inves- board. This can be done 24/7 tigator determines imminent patient on the medical board’s website, • Details about the structure and op- harm is possible are typically fast-tracked med.ohio.gov. Complaints can be erations of each of the nation’s 70 state and territorial medical boards to ensure swift action by the medical made anonymously. board. Examples of complaints receiving • Information about the role and high priority by investigators include a How to Check a Physician’s function of state medical boards Qualifications physician engaging in sexual misconduct, • Special resources for consumers, practicing medicine while under the in- The medical board wants patients in Ohio ranging from how to access infor- fluence of alcohol or drugs, and providing to be empowered, informed consumers. mation about a physician’s disci- substandard care. “Selecting a health care provider can be plinary record to how and when to “The most common complaints are challenging,” says Bechtel. “Obtaining a file a medical complaint. unprofessional conduct with a patient referral from your primary care provider View the complete report at www. including crossing sexual boundaries, or close friends is a good start.” fsmb.org. inappropriate use or management of Local hospitals and health care systems narcotics, alcohol or substance abuse, can provide guidance, as their provid- diverting prescriptions for self-use, ers have gone through a credentialing patient management below standard of process. Local pharmacists are also a good care which affects patient outcomes, and resource, Bechtel adds. fraud,” says Bechtel. “For those found by Once a patient has identified a phy- the board to be in violation, the conse- sician he or she is interested in seeing, quences are severe.” that patient should invest some time and The Federation of State Medical energy in learning more about the phy- Boards tracks complaints and discipline sician’s skills and training, as well as the across the nation. It reports that the most quality of care he or she provides. Mark A. Bechtel, common complaint received by medical Patients are encouraged to utilize the MD is a board- boards is an allegation that a physician medical board’s website to review a phy- certified dermatologist has deviated from the accepted standard sician’s license and record. elicense.ohio. in Columbus, Ohio. of medical care. Some of the most com- gov can help provide info on any actions He is affiliated with mon standard-of-care complaints include: taken against a provider. The Ohio State • Overprescribing or prescribing the “In Ohio, we are blessed with excellent University Wexner wrong medicine; health care providers who are dedicated, Medical Center, • Failure to diagnose a medical problem compassionate and deliver high quality Nationwide Children’s that is found later; care. Only a very small percentage are Hospital, and The Ohio State University • Failure to provide a patient with guilty of misconduct,” says Bechtel. “It is Comprehensive Cancer Center – James medical test results in a timely manner, important that all health care providers, Cancer Hospital and Solove Research which can lead to harm; patients and clients, and health care in- Institute. He received his medical • Failure to provide appropriate post- stitutions work together to maintain this degree from Indiana University School operative care; and goal at the highest level.” of Medicine. Bechtel is an American • Failure to respond to a call from a Academy of Dermatology Fellow. He hospital to help a patient in a trau- served on the State Medical Board of matic situation. Tessie Pollock is director of communication at the Ohio from 2014 to late 2015 and, after “A patient should file a complaint if State Medical Board of Ohio. Feedback welcome moving back to Ohio, was reappointed in they feel they have been treated unpro- at [email protected]. 2017 for a term through 2021. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 17 AROUND THE STATE NORTHEAST OHIO Personalities
ClevelandTeaching physician for recognizes Tomorrow the importance of mentoring future doctors
By Jenny Wise
You might expect a medical mentor to be someone who knew, from day one, that he or she was bound for the field. But the students benefiting from the knowledge of Dr. Charles Garven are learning from someone who, for a long time, didn’t want to go into medicine – and, now that he’s practicing it, can speak in-depth on the appeal and importance of helping people. Setting out on a different path For Dr. Charles Garven, medicine was a field he long knew he didn’t want to pursue. Garven may have been raised by a doctor, but the Cleveland native packed Dr. Chad Garven works closely with Neighborhood Family Practice’s his bags for Marquette University in 2003 electronic records system, EPIC. with no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. of developing an organization called returned to Cleveland with his wife, “I thought I would always end up do- Global Brigades,” says Garven. “I grew Bridget, to work at the Tremont location ing something different than medicine,” to love medicine in its ability to manage of Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP). says Garven. “Science, initially, was always not just a cough or a rash, but deal with An incredible wealth of knowledge something I thought I was capable of. the patient’s whole story – what brought But I enjoyed the stories of why people them to the office that day, what their Garven fills many roles at NFP. First do what they do; things that history families are like, why they make certain and foremost, he is a full-time clinical focused on.” health decisions.” physician who sees patients every day. He As a history major, Garven started And just like that, Garven changed the also works closely with EPIC, the elec- getting involved with a group of students course of his life and career. He would go tronic records service that NFP utilizes, at Marquette who were planning medical on to attend medical school at Wright in the Provider Builder program. service trips to Honduras. He began to State University, while simultaneous- “(This) is a program that puts providers realize there were stories to be heard in ly earning his master of public health through some of the back-end training medicine and history alike. degree. After completing his family med- that EPIC requires its technical support “I fell in love with the work and, icine residency at the Medical Univer- people to go through, (which) allows pro- during my time in undergrad, was a part sity of South Carolina in 2015, Garven viders and tech support to use the same 18 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com language when describing changes to the system,” says Garven. “Often, electronic health records have nonclinical support staff trying to best-guess the implemen- tation on the clinical side. This program attempts to bridge that gap.” Though Garven is involved in these other aspects of NFP, he truly enjoys paying forward all of the mentorship he’s received over the years by mentoring the next generation of physicians. As head of student experiences at the practice, Garven helps to coordinate medical and nurse practitioner student rotations with several schools in the area, including Case Western Reserve University, Ursuline College and Northeast Ohio Medical University. “I’ve had a variety of mentors in my career path through Dayton, Ohio, and Charleston, South Carolina, that have provided me with an incredible wealth of knowledge in my brief career,” says Garven. “With them in mind each day, I view it as my responsibility as a newly certified family physician to provide that Garven works to bring high-quality patient care to Cleveland-area refugees. same experience to any medical student I work with at NFP.” The Ohio Academy of Family Phy- sicians Foundation recognized Garven can patients seek primary medical care at now happy to be back,” says Garven. “I’m with the 2017 Family Physician Mentor- NFP, they can visit the dentist who is in a die-hard Cleveland sports fan. I can talk ship Award, thanks to a nomination from office daily, consult with behavioral health to anyone, anywhere about the Indians one of his students. services or even deliver a baby with one of latest playoff run, the consistent disap- “I was honored to receive the award. the midwives on staff. pointment of the Browns or the night the It was a nomination by a particular stu- “Neighborhood Family Practice, truly, Cavs won the title in 2016.” dent who spent two years with me early can become a home for these patients, in her clinical training,” says Garven. and they can have most of their needs Jenny Wise is an assistant editor. Feedback “It’s always nice to hear such great feed- met here without ever having to go to a welcome at [email protected]. back, reassuring the student experience new office,” says Garven. NFP is able to offer is worthwhile and One underserved population in partic- impacting future generations of provid- ular has sought out NFP as a safe space. Chad Garven, MD, ers that will hopefully choose to work in The majority of newly-settled refugees in MPH completed his a similar location.” the Cleveland area have their initial med- undergraduate degree But it’s not just the students who ben- ical visits at NFP. A welcoming place for at Marquette Universi- efit from these mentoring relationships. these patients, most continue to utilize ty. He earned a Master Garven finds that working with students NFP for all of their primary care. of Public Health and constantly reminds himself of his own More than anything, Garven is glad to his medical degree ambition, enthusiasm and passion for be home in Cleveland with his wife and from Wright State helping others. their 1-year-old son, Jack. His passion University. Dr. Garven for teaching medicine is matched by his completed his family medicine residency Creating a medical home passion for spending time with family, in 2015 at the Medical University of South NFP has cared for the underserved in traveling and Cleveland sports. Carolina and returned home to Cleveland the Cleveland area for decades. As a com- “We both have lived away from the to practice family medicine at Neighbor-
Photos courtesy of Rob Musser, Bright Iris Photography Photos courtesy of Rob Musser, hood Family Practice. prehensive primary care setting, not only Cleveland area for many years and are www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 19 AROUND THE STATE NORTHEAST OHIO The Write Advice With Garth Bishop
WomenA Different face cardiovascular (Heart)Beat issues differently than men
The prominence of heart attacks in popular culture have increased awareness of their signs and symptoms, but the picture they paint is far from complete. That’s especially true when it comes to women. Heart problems are depicted as far more commonplace among men than women, and the symptoms shown are generally those experienced by men. But heart disease is still the No. 1 killer among women. increasing. This result comes from both BW: Skipping breakfast confers Barb Williams, MD, is part of the younger women and the medical system increased CV risk compared to women Women’s Cardiovascular Center at not fully comprehending their risk. who ate breakfast. Skipping breakfast has a University Hospitals Harrington Heart significant effect on appetite regulation and & Vascular Institute, and knows all about HSO: What, in your experience, metabolic efficiency, according to a 2017 the true danger cardiovascular disease accounts for that gap in awareness? study in the Journal of the American College plays among women – and how that dan- BW: Observational studies in the 1970s of Cardiology. The body perceives it is in a ger can be identified and mitigated. and 1980s concluded heart disease was a starvation state when breakfast is skipped. male disease. Women appeared protected As a result, the body’s metabolic rate is HealthScene Ohio: Are women from it. It was concluded that hormones lowered. This makes weight loss difficult. more likely than men to overlook (estrogen) were cardio-protective. This was Early detection of coronary athero- the risk of cardiovascular disease? disproved in the 1990s when clinical trials sclerosis can be identified with coronary Dr. Barb Williams: Clinical research found that estrogen therapy in post-meno- artery calcium scan. This technique uses has been studying cardiovascular risk in pausal woman actually increased the risk of CT technology to measure coronary calci- women for more than 25 years. When heart disease. Our modern-day guidelines um. Calcium is a marker for the presence clinical trials began, only 17 percent of reflect this point. Hormone therapy should of atherosclerosis. The scan measures the women could identify cardiovascular never be administered for the primary burden of atherosclerosis within the coro- disease (CVD) as the leading cause of purpose of reducing cardiovascular risk in nary arteries. The score used to risk stratify death in women. That number has now post-menopausal women. into low, intermediate and high risk. For increased to 55 percent. This awareness low risk scores (0-99), dietary manage- has resulted in a reduction in deaths from HSO: What are some of the more ment and exercise is recommended to CVD in women over the last decade in recent developments you’ve keep cardiovascular risk low. For high all categories except for woman under encountered in terms of detection risk scores (risk for heart attack is greater 55. For younger women, death rates are and prevention? than 2 percent per year), acetylsalicylic 20 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com acid (ASA) and cholesterol medication (percutaneous coronary intervention) ciation’s Go Red for Women campaign. (statins) are recommended. Intermediate as men. Symptoms of a heart attack in This program offers free blood pressure, risk needs a personalized approach. women include chest pressure, squeezing cholesterol and carotid artery screenings, or tightness. This discomfort may involve and also calculates participants’ 10-year HSO: What are some of the any area of the torso from the lower jaw cardiovascular risk. In addition, there are biggest cardiovascular risk factors to the waistline. This includes the neck, cooking and fitness demonstrations. Uni- faced by women? upper back, right chest and arm, as well versity Hospitals also offers Community BW: Traditional risk factors are as the stomach area. Shortness of breath Health Promotion programs throughout diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, with or without chest pain is another the year focusing on people at younger smoking and family history of premature symptom of coronary artery disease. ages, working at the family and commu- coronary artery disease (CAD), in which Heart attacks can be associated with nity level to change health behaviors to a heart attack is suffered by men under 55 nausea and cold sweats. prevent cardiovascular disease. or women under 65 years of age. Diabetes carries the greatest risk for developing HSO: Are there conditions to Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback heart disease; one out of every four wom- which women are more naturally welcome at [email protected]. en with diabetes will develop CAD. susceptible, such as heart failure? Visit www.healthsceneohio.com for BW: Women have higher rates of hy- more questions and answers! HSO: How does heart trouble break pertension. Hypertension is a risk factor for along ethnic lines in women? What congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and accounts for those differences? strokes. Three conditions more frequently BW: One in three Hispanic and seen in women, especially as they age. Digital health and mobile African-American women will develop technology continues to evolve. CVD, while one in four Caucasian women HSO: Is a woman at risk for heart This technology encourages develops it. The increased risk for Hispanic disease likely to see warning signs, individuals to be more accountable women comes from high rates of diabetes, or are there early signals that are for their daily health habits – food while, for African-American women, it is only likely to be detected by a choices, exercise, blood pressure from higher rates of hypertension. doctor? and heart rhythm. BW: Women need to be aware, the –Dr. Barb Williams HSO: What do survival rates look first time they experience chest pain, like for heart attack and heart it could be from a heart attack. Some disease? Are there significant women never have warning signs; their differences in survivability between first episode of chest discomfort is from a women and men? heart attack. That is why women should BW: Rates of death from CVD have not wait to see a doctor. If symptoms About the Expert declined in the last decade by 31 percent. are lasting more than five minutes, they Barb Williams, MD, However, CVD still remains the leading should seek immediate medical attention. of University Hospitals cause of death for both men and women. I would rather tell a woman her symp- is board certified in CVD accounts for approximately one of toms of chest pain or indigestion have internal and cardio- every three deaths. Coronary artery disease been evaluated and we are not finding vascular medicine. alone caused one out of every six deaths. a cardiac problem than to have her at She completed Women do not fare as well as men home, suffering from a heart attack. The medical school at the when it comes to surviving a heart attack. longer one waits to be evaluated during Case Western Reserve On average, women are 10 years older a heart attack, the more cardiac muscle University School of than men at the time of their heart attack. damage results. The more damage, the Medicine in 1994, her residency in internal Women generally have more cardio- greater the risk for other cardiac compli- medicine at Cleveland Clinic in 1997 and vascular risk factors at the time of their cations including congestive heart failure her fellowship in cardiovascular disease heart attack, such as hypertension, high and sudden cardiac death. at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 2000. cholesterol and diabetes. The increase Her areas of expertise include women’s in cardiovascular factors occurs most HSO: What efforts are being under- cardiovascular health, diagnostic imaging, frequently after menopause. It is import- taken at University Hospitals, and valve repair, preventive cardiovascular ant for patients to present to the hospital in Ohio in general, to raise aware- medicine and coronary artery disease. early when they are experiencing a heart ness and advance research? She is a clinical instructor in medicine at the Case Western Reserve University attack. Woman have comparable success BW: University Hospitals is a proud School of Medicine. rates for target vessel revascularization supporter of the American Heart Asso- www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 21 AROUND THE STATE NORTHEAST OHIO Healthy Happenings
Above: MetroHealth recently opened the doors of two new hospitals in Cleveland Heights and Parma. Below: The new Parma hospital has 16 single rooms, while the new Cleveland Heights hospital has 12.
MetroHealth This site plan for MetroHealth’s transformed main campus Photos courtesy of MetroHealth will increase the on-site greenspace from one or two acres to 25 acres.
In December, MetroHealth launched its new MetroHealth Line through a partnership with the Greater Cleveland Regional An image inside the new Cleveland Heights hospital. Transit Authority.
22 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com The 2018 Twilight Indoor Triathlon took place Jan. 6 at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium.
Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital caregivers Twilight Indoor Triathlon celebrate the hospital’s one-year anniversary in Nov. 2017. Photos courtesy of Mickey Rzymek
Cleveland Clinic
Photos courtesy of Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Toby Cosgrove, former Cleveland Clinic president and CEO, and his Members of the successor, Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, Cleveland Cavaliers visit Cleveland speak at Q&A event for Cleveland Clinic Children’s Dec. 13 to sign autographs, deliver Clinic employees. presents and take photos with patients.
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 23 AROUND THE STATE NORTHWEST OHIO Personalities
InnovationThe Cutting is a major focus Edgeof vascular surgeon
By Valerie Mauger
Dr. John Pigott’s pioneering work of Ohio recognized his success at both going to focus on the patient.’ That’s really ProMedica Innovations and Ven- the basis of why we do what we do.” in vascular surgery is reaping divi- tureMed Group, which he founded in dends, and not just for his patients. 2012. ProMedica was asked to be the VentureMed Group In addition to his work at ProMedica lead applicant for funding from the state Starting VMG was a clear path for Pig- Toledo Hospital, Pigott is chief inno- of Ohio, which was to be used to create ott because he has a passion for improving vation officer for ProMedica Health an entrepreneurial services provider care for vascular patients and is optimistic Systems, founder of the medical device to support new high-tech projects in about the transformations to come. startup VentureMed Group (VMG) northwest Ohio. “There’s always some better process,” and one of the driving forces behind “The state came to ProMedica Innova- he says. “There’s always some better NextTech Ohio. tions and said ‘Hey, this needs to be done for surgical tool.” the region,” says VMG CEO Gary Smith. His most successful medical innovation “‘It needs to be done not only in medical to date is the FLEX Scoring Catheter. Used ProMedica Innovations technology, but also in energy, in automotive for vessel preparation before balloon-based Pigott’s efforts to be at the forefront and manufacturing technologies.’” interventions, FLEX was specifically created of surgical technology caught the eye ProMedica collaborated with Mercy to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) in of ProMedica executives, leading to his Health System, The University of Toledo the upper leg. appointment as chief innovations officer. and Bowling Green State University on PAD is a disease in which the “Mr. (Randy) Oostra, who is the project. The application was a success, peripheral arteries are narrowed by the president and CEO, and Lee and the funds raised by the four organi- a buildup of plaque, and while bal- Hammerling, who is the chief physician zations were matched by the state to total loon-based interventions are incredibly executive of the system, saw what I was $8.7 million. effective for treating the disease, their doing, and they said, ‘Geez, we should Considering the many different posi- high atmospheric pressures are more probably be doing more in innovations tions held by Pigott, he clearly has had likely to cause dissections of the vessel. across the system,’” says Pigott. a significant impact on innovators and With FLEX, vessel preparation through Following Pigott’s lead, ProMedica entrepreneurs in northwest Ohio. Still, micro-surgical incisions is done at much Innovations has a multitude of projects despite his busy schedule, he makes sure lower pressures, which allows for safer in progress, including an application that to consistently dedicate time to direct PAD interventions. allows laboratory personnel to complete patient care. FLEX has now received approval paperwork and take notes through a “Even though I’ve been involved in a lot from the Food and Drug Administra- computerized tablet. of papers and academics and presentations tion, but Pigott and Smith are already Pigott’s success with ProMedica over the years,” says Pigott, “I most en- looking toward future improvements Innovations has sparked an even greater joyed and found it most rewarding to help and uses for the device. In fact, FLEX is opportunity for northwest Ohio through patients. There are things that get chal- already being used to extend the lifes- NextTech Ohio. lenging… but I always did well if I could pan of dialysis fistulas in patients with Just as ProMedica executives noticed step back and say, ‘You know, I’m going to end-stage renal disease and for PAD Pigott’s effective strategies, the state channel all those things out and I’m just interventions below the knee. 24 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com We think it could be a game-changer for the way “that coronary disease is treated as well.” – Gary Smith
“A lot of diabetic patients have blockages below the knee that can lead to an amputation,” says Pigott. “We’ve had a lot of our interventionalists use this below the knee with some excellent results.” Pigott and Smith have even loftier plans for FLEX in the future. “We think it could be a game-changer for the way that coronary disease is treated as well,” says Smith. Many cardiologists have told Pigott that if the device had a smaller diameter basket and a longer catheter, it could eventually be used in the heart, he says.
Valerie Mauger is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at [email protected].
John Pigott, MD, FACS is board- certified in vascular surgery. Dr. Pigott is the medical director of ProMedica Inno- vations and also a member of Cleveland Clinic Innovations Commercialization Advisory Board. He currently serves as a faculty member of the Jobst Vascular Fellowship Program at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He obtained his medical degree from The University of Toledo, finished his residency at Akron City Hospital and completed his fellow- ship at the Mayo Clinic Foundation. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 25 AROUND THE STATE NORTHWEST OHIO The Write Advice With Emily Real
Dr.A Lorie Safer, Thomas Easier breaks down Surgerynew developments in robotic gynecological surgery
HSO: What impact do these new LT: Gynecologic surgery focuses on The move toward minimally in- developments have on patients vasive surgery has been noticeable one specific area, the pelvis, unlike general undergoing these surgeries? surgery that may require movement across a vast array of medical fields. LT: The ability to perform these robotic throughout the abdomen. The newest Obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. and minimally invasive surgeries will version of the robotic platform called the Lorie Thomas of Blanchard Valley Health allow a patient to go home the same day da Vinci Xi addresses this and allows the System has worked alongside colleagues or simply require an overnight stay. These surgeon to be able to move the camera to develop robot-assisted surgeries that patients would otherwise have a two- to or instruments into any port for better help surgeons reduce patients’ time in four-day hospital stay. Robotic typical- visualization or function. surgery, lessen pain and shorten recovery ly surgery reduces post-operative pain Each specialty has instrumentation that time after procedures are done. because smaller incisions are made which may be more individualized for needs requires less narcotic pain medications. during a procedure. These instruments HealthScene Ohio: What have been The use of less narcotics helps to prevent are all able to be used by the Xi platform. some of the new developments severe constipation, reducing pain. Intuitive Surgical is continuously working within the field of robotic Robotic surgery also facilitates a rapid with its biomedical engineers to develop gynecologic surgery? return to work, such as one week after new instruments to meet the needs of the Dr. Lorie Thomas: The benefits of the a hysterectomy rather than six weeks, procedures being performed. robotic platform, such as improvement in which helps the individual as well as the HSO: Is it particularly important to visualization and precision, allow com- company he or she works for. A minimal- have surgery be as non-invasive as plex surgeries in gynecology to be done ly invasive procedure also has less blood possible in the field of gynecological in a minimally invasive fashion, such as loss, which, in turn, reduces the need for surgery? Why or why not? resection of endometriosis, large uterine blood transfusions and the side effects fibroids, sacro-colpopexy and retropubic and complications related to transfusions. LT: It is for appropriate cases. Less urethropexy. Improvements in the robotic blood loss, quicker return to work, less HSO: How does robotic surgery platform have allowed surgery to be done complications, less pain and smaller make gynecological surgeries in more than one area of the abdomen scars are benefits in less invasive surgi- less invasive? without having to move large equipment cal procedures. or the patient. LT: The incisions are dime-sized, HSO: What did gynecologic surgery New instruments are being developed compared to completely open from the look like before robotic surgery? on a regular basis to meet the needs of umbilicus to the pelvic bone or from one the procedures and surgeons performing side of the pelvis to the other. LT: Gynecologic surgery involved them. The improvements are assisting large incisions and, many times, signif- HSO: How does the approach to surgeons in ways that shorten the length icant blood loss. The patient would re- performing surgery in the field of of surgery by making the procedures cover over two to four days in the hospi- gynecology differ from the easier to accomplish. tal, and would return home dealing with approach to surgery in other fields? significant pain, requiring narcotic pain Is there a difference? meds for several weeks, leaving them 26 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com LT: The surgical field in the past in- volved a large open inci- sion with a patient placed on a table and several people around retracting and assisting with visualization. The surgical field of today involves a patient on a table with several small ports placed through tiny incisions the size of a dime. These ports allow instruments to be switched by an assistant while the sur- geon sits at a console next to the patient, performing the surgery while viewing the unable to perform their inside of the patient’s abdomen through routine home activities magnified 3-D visualization. without assistance or return to work before six to eight weeks. Emily Real is a contributing writer. Feedback Returning to the operating room for welcome at [email protected]. complications, treating infections and receiving blood transfusions were more HSO: Are there ways to do min- commonly seen. imally invasive surgeries without robotic surgery? About the Expert Dr. Lorie Thomas is HSO: How has robotic surgery LT: Many of the surgeries can be per- a graduate of Jack- improved the field of formed by standard laparoscopy, but are gynecological surgery? sonville University in much more difficult. Robotic surgery has Jacksonville, Florida. LT: Robotic surgery has allowed me to been able to give the gynecologic surgeon She received her take all of the laparoscopic procedures I who was limited in his or her abilities to Doctor of Osteopathy could not accomplish leading to an open perform laparoscopic surgery, due to its degree from the Ohio incision and make them all minimally in- difficulty, the confidence and skill needed. University College of vasive. This is a win for everyone involved More surgeons able to perform the Osteopathic Medicine but, most importantly, for the patient. needed surgeries in a minimally invasive in Athens and completed her residency in manner allows more patients the oppor- obstetrics and gynecology at St. Vincent HSO: How do you see the field of tunity to have their procedures with all Mercy Medical Center in Toledo. She gynecological surgery and robotic the above-listed benefits. is certified by the American Board of surgery evolving from here? Before 2010, I would perform ap- Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology. LT: I see many other specialties even- proximately 60 percent of my surgeries Dr. Thomas has been practicing in the tually having robotic applications, giving minimally invasive, and after 2010, all Findlay area for more than 15 years. each surgeon and specialist the benefits viable surgeries have been accomplished Dr. Thomas’s clinical focus includes all seen in urologic, gynecologic, general with the da Vinci robotic platform. aspects of gynecology, with a particular surgery, ENT and vascular surgery. I look interest in minimally invasive surgery, forward to one day being able to have HSO: How has the development including robotic surgery. She is the chair- robotic applications in vaginal surgery, of robotic surgery changed the person of robotic surgery at Blanchard which is limited by poor visualization. surgical field in general? Valley Hospital. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 27 AROUND THE STATE NORTHWEST OHIO Healthy Happenings
From left: Dr. Praveen Tamirisa of ProMedica Physicians Cardiology, patient Michael Przybylski, Dr. Timothy Phelan of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Dr. Kamala Tamirisa of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Dr. Johan Aasbo of Cardiac Electrophysiology and ProMedica Metro Region President Arturo Polizzi cut the ribbon on the new Heart Rhythm Center at ProMedica Toledo Hospital in January.
ProMedica
Photos courtesy of ProMedica
From left: Senior VP of Neurosciences Darrin Arquette of the Heart & Vascular Institute, Cardiovascular Department Manager Crystal Cowell, Polizzi, Praveen Tamirisa, Aasbo, Phelan and Kamala Tamirisa pose during the center opening.
Left: ProMedica Heart Rhythm Center Electrophysiology Lab 1. Below, continuing right: Entrance to ProMed- ica Heart Rhythm Center, ProMedica Heart Rhythm Center adjunct proce- dure room, ProMedica Heart Rhythm Center teaching conference room, control room for ProMedica Heart Rhythm Center Electrophysiology Lab 1 and the new Heart Rhythm Center from its entrance.
28 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Blanchard Valley Health System Blanchard Valley Health System stakeholders cut the ribbon on the newly Photos courtesy of Blanchard Valley Health System renovated Bluffton Primary Care office. From left are Chris Keller, Bluffton Hospital president; Kelly Shroll, Blanchard Valley Medical Practices president; Paula Scott, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce CEO; Dr. Cheri Diller; Dr. Leah Eiden; and chamber board members Larry Hoffman, Ryan Brauen and Mandy Gerken-Snyder.
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 29 AROUND THE STATE CENTRAL OHIO Personalities
FromExpanding Trappist monk to Hismedical Horizonsdirector, Jack O’Handley thrives
By Amanda DePerro
30 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Populations that need the As a high school student in O’Handley found himself in the resi- most medical care, to me, New York, Seattle-born Dr. Jack dency director position at Mount Carmel, and then moved to medical director for are the homeless. (Mount O’Handley, with Mount Carmel Mount Carmel’s Community Outreach “ Carmel’s) mission is to help the Health System, didn’t have a clue in 2001. He taught residents out of the poor and underserved.” as to what he wanted to do. He Mobile Medical Coach, which provides basic medical care to the homeless and received a scholarship to St. John’s other underserved populations in Colum- University in New York City, bus. Sometimes, it delivers more extensive but wasn’t feeling fulfilled. As an patients basic care such as vaccinations and regular checkups, and sometimes avid reader, he stumbled upon more extensive help, including mental still enjoys reading and running, and also the Trappists, a Catholic order of health counseling and urgent health spends his free time swimming and cheer- monks, during his studies. needs. He’s now worked in the mobile ing on The Ohio State University football coach for 25 years. team and Cincinnati Bengals. O’Handley “They have the happiest lives, just Trappists and mobile doctors may seem has bounced around to various practices happy people. I also thought I was going to be in completely different fields, but throughout his life, and is happy to have to die young, because I thought the what O’Handley learned during his time wound up where he is today. good only die young,” the 77-year-old as a monk is interwoven into his medical “I always feel I’ve been pretty blessed adds, laughing. career even today. with the family that I was raised in, the From 1959-1965, O’Handley passed “Do unto others as you would have country that I live in and the organization his time doing manual labor as a Trappist others do unto you,” says O’Handley. that I work for,” he says. “I feel a duty to monk in Kentucky. He and the other “Populations that need the most medical help others because of that. Not every- monks worked on a farm, making cheese, care, to me, are the homeless. (Mount body has that advantage.” though they also spent time reading and Carmel’s) mission is to help the poor and learning. Two names O’Handley found underserved. I’m lucky to be working for Amanda DePerro is an assistant editor. Feedback between the pages, and that resonate an organization that has that mission.” welcome at [email protected]. with him still today, were those of Albert O’Handley practices exactly what he Schweitzer, a humanitarian, Nobel Peace preaches. He runs a 5K almost every Prize recipient and physician; and Thom- weekend, and invites others to join. as Dooley, a U.S. Naval physician known Many of his running buddies, he says, are for his humanitarian work during the his students and residents. O’Handley John O’Handley, Vietnam War and in Cambodia. inspires them to lead healthy lives, and MD, serves as medical director for Mount Car- It was through those role models that they inspire him to continue doing what mel Health System’s O’Handley got the inspiration to pursue he does in the medical coach. Community Outreach, “They really keep you up to date and on medicine. He left the monastery, went teaching residents out to medical school at the University of your toes. You have to stay one step ahead of the Mobile Medical Missouri and met his wife, Hannah, of them,” O’Handley says. “It’s good to Coach. After 14 years who is from Ohio. The pair would return see their enthusiasm, their love for what in private practice in to Ohio, and O’Handley began prac- they do, and the energy they have and Lancaster, Ohio, O’Handley joined Mount ticing family medicine in Lancaster in bring to their work. It keeps you going.” Carmel in 1995 as program director of 1975. After 14 years in family medicine, O’Handley’s dedication hasn’t gone un- the Family Medicine Residency Program. O’Handley once again felt as if there was noticed. In August, the Ohio Academy of Through the Mobile Coach, O’Handley something else calling him. Family Physicians recognized him as the reaches underserved populations such “After a while in practice, I felt, was I Family Medicine Educator of the Year as the homeless with chronic and acute getting enough bang for my buck? Was for his work with students and residents, medical problems, offering diagnostic I really having an effect on society?” says as well as for his passion for helping the tests, minor surgeries, free medication and O’Handley. “I thought that by teaching, underserved. O’Handley says it validates more. He also teaches medical students I had more of an influence on a larger the work he’s done, and it was humbling and residents. He completed his degree at number of people. What I can teach to to receive the award. the University of Missouri, residency at St. residents, they’ll incorporate into their “I didn’t turn it down,” he says, laughing. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis practices and that influences the way they O’Handley and Hannah have four adult and a fellowship at The Ohio State Univer- Photo courtesy of Mount Carmel Health System approach patients.” children and eight grandchildren. He sity Wexner Medical Center. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 31 AROUND THE STATE CENTRAL OHIO The Write Advice With Debbie Rigaud
AddressingThe Power the factors thatof leadOne to infant mortality
Infant mortality is defined as the Dr. Deena Chisolm, a principal investi- determined by the level of health care death of a live-born baby before gator in the Center for Innovation in Pe- needs, and not by demographic factors.” diatric Practice at the hospital’s Research The lack of health care equity is seen in his or her first birthday. Through- Institute, answers questions about infant lingering gaps in access to and use of out the world, the infant mortality mortality and the fight against it in Ohio high-quality preconception and prenatal rate is an important indicator of with help from Christine Sander, director care by racial ethnic group, income and of infant wellness initiatives. geography that could address these risk health of a whole community. If HealthScene Ohio: What causes factors before they influence the outcome the community is safe and has infant mortality in a community? of a pregnancy. good access to health care and Dr. Deena Chisolm: Prematurity HSO: What infant mortality factors education, more babies will thrive remains the leading cause of infant related to health care equity might beyond their first birthday. mortality. While there are several known people not be aware of? Though Ohio’s rate is not among the underlying health factors that contribute DC: It is important to remember that highest in the country, there has been to prematurity, other, non-medical fac- health care is an important factor, but little positive change, and disparity tors are not yet fully understood. Known not the only factor, in influencing birth among demographic groups continues factors include having a prior pre-term outcomes. That is why we try to redirect to be a concern. Officials in Columbus birth, hypertension, diabetes, closely the discussion from health care equity and Franklin County have taken steps to spaced pregnancies and smoking while to health equity. A health equity focus push back against infant mortality, and pregnant. Health care equity can be considers equity in all of the factors Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been defined as “the state in which access to that impact health, including the social a crucial part of the efforts. and use of high quality health care is determinants of health: housing instabil- ity, food instability, economic instability, community and family violence, environ- mental concerns, stress, and more. HSO: What effects of health care disparities have you seen in at-risk moms? DC: Some at-risk moms avoid care for fear of being disrespected, being unable to understand the provider due to health literacy issues, being unable to carry out in- structions due to financial or other barriers, or even being referred to the justice system. Our data sometimes makes it look like moms just don’t come to the doctor or do not follow instructions, but we have to look at the upstream causes of health care disparities. 32 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com HSO: What is being done to home visitation programs. We are also en- tor you trust, quitting smoking, obtaining address the rates in and around gaging communities to address the social health care coverage or additional support. Columbus? determinants of health through programs Don’t hesitate to ask questions so that you DC: Ohio’s infant mortality rate targeted at improving educational, em- can advocate for yourself and your unborn currently stands at 7.4 per 1,000 live ployment and housing opportunities. child. If you feel you are not receiving the births, with minimal change over the past care you need because of who you are, don’t five-plus years. Disparity also remains an HSO: What are the challenges just stop seeking care; seek referrals from issue, with the infant mortality rate for you’re facing in achieving this trusted sources for a provider that makes you non-Hispanic blacks (15.2) almost triple goal, and what would help feel comfortable and respected. that of non-Hispanic whites (5.8). Frank- mitigate them? lin County experiences similar trends DC: The greatest strength that our com- HSO: Where can new or expectant with overall infant mortality rate at 8.4 munity has in the effort to achieve a reduc- moms go for help or more info in and a disparity ratio of 2.9. tion in both infant mortality and disparity combating this issue? In Franklin County, there are many is a focused and coordinated approach DC: New or expectant moms can find organizations working together to im- within the medical community via OBBO, more information on many topics by prove this outcome. These organizations’ and across sectors outside of health care via visiting the CelebrateOne web site, www. efforts are coordinated by the backbone CelebrateOne. Our greatest strength is also celebrateone.info. Moms can find infor- entity CelebrateOne, a department of the our greatest challenge. The issue of dispar- mation on locating a prenatal provider, mayor’s office in Columbus. The health ities in infant mortality is multi-factorial smoking cessation and obtaining health care arm of this effort is called Ohio and multi-sectorial. Bringing together care coverage, as well as home visitation Better Birth Outcomes (OBBO), and has different sectors – government, health and other support services. representation from the four major health systems, education, social services, crim- systems in the community, PrimaryOne inal justice, housing – all of which speak Debbie Rigaud is a contributing writer. Feedback Health and Columbus Public Health different languages, collect different data welcome at [email protected]. Department. The efforts are divided and have different strategic approaches into three work teams: Prenatal Care, can make it hard to develop and maintain Perinatal Quality and Reproductive a unified approach. The community-wide About the Expert Health. Work teams are comprised of groups described above are working to Dr. Deena Chisolm, medical professionals who use a quality bring these varied voices together. PhD is a Principal improvement approach to implement We are also challenged to find the right Investigator in the changes in clinical care that affect the key mix of approaches that don’t just lower Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice at drivers of infant mortality. overall infant mortality, but that really The Research Institute close the gap in infant mortality by mov- at Nationwide Chil- HSO: What are some of the ways ing the needle fastest in the populations dren’s Hospital, and is you’re working to bolster health of greatest need. Finding this mix requires equity for at-risk moms? an Associate Professor more research focusing on the specific of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University DC: A continued focus for OBBO will questions of disparities and equity. College of Medicine and Public Health. be increasing access to quality, consistent She is a Health Services Epidemiologist prenatal care as well as linking pregnant HSO: What should some women understand about their risk factors? whose research is focused on measuring moms to additional support services. Over and improving the effectiveness, efficien- the past few years, a centralized intake DC: Women should understand that a cy, and equity of pediatric health care. source, StepOne, was established and big part of the health of their baby even Much of her current research is focused promoted to target audiences in high-risk before it is born is their own health. You on the role of health care technology in neighborhoods. StepOne finds an ap- can’t wait until you are pregnant to make improving pediatric health care quality. pointment in a clinic that accepts mom’s the healthy lifestyle changes that can She is also interested in research inves- insurance – or lack thereof – and is easy make a difference for you and your child. tigating the factors associated with use for mom to get to. Over the next year, of e-health services by at-risk youth. In OBBO clinics will be working on increas- HSO: What actionable advice do addition, Dr. Chisolm serves as a resource ing the number of prenatal appointments you offer expectant or new moms to Nationwide Children’s Hospital clinical a mom attends prior to delivery, and also regarding obtaining health equity? researchers on issues including: the use consistently screening for certain medical DC: Connect with an OBBO clinic at of clinical and administrative data in and non-medical risk factors that qualify one of the central Ohio hospitals if you are research, cost-effectiveness analysis, and mom for further intervention through pregnant and need support in finding a doc- quality indicator development. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 33 AROUND THE STATE CENTRAL OHIO Healthy Happenings
Fairfield Medical Center hosts a flag-raising ceremony outside the hospital’s main entrance on Veterans Day.
Fairfield Medical Center
Photos courtesy of Devon Marshall
The center’s annual Shine a Light event, held Nov. 9, raises awareness of lung cancer and honors survivors, patients and family members.
FMC cuts the ribbon on its new medical office in Amanda.
FMC’s 2017 Turkey Day 5K, held Nov. 23, had a record number of 800 participants.
34 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Mount Carmel Health System Photos courtesy of Mount Carmel Health System
Dr. Jack O’Handley is recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for being named Family Medicine Educator of the Year award by the Ohio Association of Family Physicians, and receives a plaque from state Rep. Jim Hughes.
Dr. Timothy Harlan, Tulane University professor of clinical medicine, visits the Mount Carmel Internal Medicine Grand Rounds to discuss culinary medicine in clinical practice.
Thanks for Giving 4-Miler Photos courtesy of Theresa Halpern
The 2017 Thanks for Giving 4-Miler took place on Thanksgiving Day in New Albany.
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 35 AROUND THE STATE SOUTHERN OHIO Personalities
AddictedA New moms-to-be Hope have the opportunity to transform their lives through TriHealth program
By Tessie Pollock
There can be many complications during pregnancy, from gestation- al diabetes to hypertension. But some women are entering into motherhood with an even greater challenge to their health and the baby’s: drug addiction. The Ohio Department of Health says there were about 84 infants a day being treated for drug withdrawal in 2015, the most recent data available. Health officials say caring for newborns suffering from the syndrome was associated with more than $133 million in health system charges that year. Through the Helping Opiate-addicted Pregnant women Evolve (HOPE) pro- gram, TriHealth strives to provide safe and non-judgmental care to chemically dependent women in the Cincinnati area. “I’ve worked with over 1,000 pregnant women who have opioid use disorder in our program, and they almost all come to us with the same desire – they want to be in treatment so they can stop using illicit opiates and start getting into recovery,” says Michael Marcotte, MD, director of the HOPE program based at Good Samaritan Hospital in the TriHealth network. The HOPE Program supports com- prehensive prenatal care integrated with chemical dependency treatment to reduce the rate of low birth weight in this pop- ulation and improve the percentage of pa- tients who remain substance-free during 36 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com and after their pregnancy. HOPE is one many barriers for them. Not only are that has to be provided to get to good of four programs supported by the State they struggling to overcome their own outcomes,” Marcotte says. “If we could do of Ohio MOMS (Maternal Opiate Med- diseases, but there is often the involve- well on this, it could be an example for ical Supports) program, an investment ment of the criminal justice system and Ohio’s larger, general population.” of $2 million across the state to improve Department of Job and Family Services To learn more about the State of Ohio health outcomes for opioid-dependent to protect their vulnerable children. To MOMS program and supported programs pregnant mothers. help overcome these barriers, Marcotte like HOPE, visit www.momsohio.org. “This time in their lives is a pivot point; and the HOPE team focus on the “tri- it is an opportunity,” says Marcotte. “It is ple aim” model of health care delivery: Tessie Pollock is director of communication at the an opening for them to engage in effec- evidence-based care, cost-effective care State Medical Board of Ohio. Feedback welcome tive treatment for their chronic disease of and patient-centered care. at [email protected]. opioid use disorder and for us to connect “We do a lot of care coordination with them to resources that are effective.” other partners, like medication-assisted Marcotte says the majority of the treatment programs and behavioral health It is an opening for them women want to parent, but there are programs,” says Marcotte. “We specifical- to engage in effective ly focus on trying to build a treatment “treatment for their program that will allow women and chronic disease of opioid their families to obtain the goals they use disorder and for us to have set for themselves. We’re all connect them to resources about empowering the women to be successful in achieving their goals.” that are effective.” The HOPE team includes social workers, nurses, case managers, a midwife, faculty at the medical center, obstetricians and OB/GYN residents. Each team member works with the Michael Marcotte, mom-to-be at different stages, from MD is a staff Perinatol- helping her get into treatment to ogist in the Division of managing pregnancy complications to Maternal-Fetal Med- delivery and postpartum care, includ- icine, Department ing long-term behavioral health care. of Obstetrics and “You don’t get an opioid use disor- Gynecology at Good der just because you took some pills, Samaritan Hospital. Dr. Marcotte earned or because you experimented with his medical degree from the Medical Col- drugs. You get it because of multiple lege of Ohio in Toledo in 1991. He then factors, one of them being a lot of performed his internship, residency and trauma and loss in your life,” says Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at the Marcotte. “To get to recovery – to get Medical College of Ohio. He is a fellow to a healthy, productive life – you have of the American College of Obstetricians to go down the journey of healing and and Gynecologists. He is a member of it can’t be done with just a prescrip- the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, tion. Our best providers of addiction the American Medical Association and treatment are the ones who recognize the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine. Dr. and hold that philosophy.” Marcotte is subspecialty board certified in Marcotte says the most effective Maternal-Fetal Medicine. In 2009, he was treatment of opioid use disorder is appointed to be the Director for Quality flexible and customizable. It has to in Maternity Services at TriHealth and include collaboration with other spends about 25 percent of his time work- programs that provide behavioral ing on quality improvement in obstetrics. health care at all levels, in addition to Quality improvement is also his focus in medication-assisted treatment. perinatal research. He is the co-chair of “It is like a microcosm of the larger the perinatal research advisory committee problem in terms of complexity of care at TriHealth. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 37 AROUND THE STATE SOUTHERN OHIO The Write Advice With Garth Bishop
CincinnatiHot Topic doctor helps make the lives of child burn victims easier
A serious burn injury to an adult can result in pain, scarring and psychological trauma. For a child, the problems are amplified, and joined by the risk of deformities as he or she grows. That makes the importance of prompt and strategic burn treatment and recovery all the more important. Dr. Philip Chang of Shriners Hospital for Children – Cincinnati, a renowned expert in acute burn injury and recon- struction, answers some of our questions about the ways in which doctors are helping to reduce the risk of burn injuries causing lasting harm. coordination within hospitals, with more Because children are still growing, they participating team members, especially for face challenges with burn scars because, HealthScene Ohio: What those critically injured patients. often, the burn scars do not grow with the advancements have you seen child, and the child may have to undergo HSO: What sorts of advancements of late in the treatment of acute multiple surgeries. When the children have been made recently in terms burn injuries? who are burned come from socioeconom- of acute burn reconstruction? Dr. Philip Chang: Without a doubt, ically distressed families, an injured child looking back over the past 10 years, PC: The single biggest advancement can greatly magnify the stressors on the three advancements have really changed has been the use of laser energy to help family. We’re fortunate that the Shriner the practice. No. 1 is the emergence of modulate scars. Laser treatments can help system can at least help cover the cost of longer-acting dressings that decrease the treat scar thickness as well as the itching the medical care, but there are still issues frequency of dressing changes. This has and redness associated with scars in a way that go beyond the economic aspects. allowed patients to be discharged earlier that does not involve prolonged hospital- Especially if the burn was caused by abuse, from the hospital, and decreased pain and ization or more invasive surgeries. the children often need to be assigned to suffering so that patients don’t require the foster families, and even for those families HSO: What extra considerations same dosages of medication anymore. No. that stay intact, that’s time off of work have to be made when treating 2 is the emergence of Laser Doppler Imag- that the parents have to take. ing for burn depth diagnosis. This develop- child burn victims? ment has allowed for early, more accurate PC: Children especially face challenges HSO: What factors need to be diagnosis of burn depth assessment and with burn injury because, with young considered when doctors are also, in turn, allowed for a more predictable children, their skin tends to be thinner treating a burn victim who is healing course for patients. No. 3 is better and they are more prone to deeper burns. still growing? 38 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com PC: Scars that are over joints and over injury is. Burn injuries in visible spots, Shriners Hospital for Children’s Be Burn hands can be range-limiting scars that such as the face and hands, will often have Aware campaign launched in November. prevent the child from being able to fully the most significant effect, because that’s More information is available at www.shriners utilize his or her arms and legs. That what people in the public are more able to hospitalsforchildren.org/shc/bawtips. can obviously have effects on develop- see, whether it be scars or bandages. The ment, especially with younger children. pain and itching associated with the burn Among children ages 4 and under, Fortunately, reconstructive procedures, injury can be quite difficult for patients scald burns account for 65 percent of as well as laser procedures and corrective to deal with because it can interfere with burn-related hospitalization, and con- physical therapy, can help correct these sleep, it can interfere with the patient’s tact burns account for 20 percent. deformities if identified early enough in ability to play and enjoy life, and that can Scald burns among children ages 6 the patient’s course of treatment. be a significant stressor, not just on the months to 2 years are most common- child, but on the parent as well. Often, ly caused by hot foods and liquids HSO: What are some burn risks burn victims will have to wear pressure spilled in the kitchen. the average person might not be garments for about a year after treatment, aware of? Hot tap water is the No. 1 cause of deaths and the pressure garments can be difficult and hospitalizations from scalding. PC: In the winter, the dangers can for the child to wear year-round. The most likely in-home culprits for range from hot fireplace glass doors to childhood burns include hair curlers, treadmill injuries, for families that are HSO: What are some of the cutting-edge treatments you’re curling irons, room heaters, ovens, exercising indoors. Kids will see Mom or ranges, irons, fireworks and gasoline. Dad running on the treadmill, and they’ll working on? run and touch the belt, and get a friction PC: There’s amazing research go- – Information courtesy Stanford burn on their hands. That friction burn ing on here at the Shriners Hospital Children’s Health is often deep enough that the child may for Children and at the University of require skin grafting. After the weath- Cincinnati addressing wound healing er gets warmer, campfires and bonfires issues and working on finding improved About the Expert become risks. Around the Fourth of July, skin substitutes to treat burn victims. Philip H. Chang, fireworks become a risk. And any time of The holy grail for burn care is to come M.D., is an attending year, house fires present a risk to children up with a skin covering that would not burn surgeon at Shri- and family members. Scaldings are by far involve having to take skin grafts from ners Hospitals for Chil- the most common injuries in children – the patient’s own body and would match dren – Cincinnati. He coffee, tea, ramen noodles – and those are the patient’s original skin color and have is board certified by the American Board of injuries we see year-round. all the functions of skin. Our team here Surgery and received at Shriners Hospital is working toward HSO: What efforts are being made to his medical degree a skin substitute that has some of those reduce the pain of burn treatment? from the University of Alabama School of properties and then, hopefully, down the Medicine. He completed his residency at PC: At our hospital, we carefully assess road, would have all of those properties. University of Illinois at Chicago Medical the patient and listen to the parents to get Center and a fellowship at University a sense of the child’s pain tolerance, and we Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback of California Davis Medical Center. His have a range of sedation and pain medi- welcome at [email protected]. previous position was as attending burn cations available to make the wound care surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children treatments tolerable. We can’t prevent all of Visit www.healthsceneohio.com for more questions and answers! – Boston and Massachusetts General the pain, but we can make the pain man- Hospital. While in Boston, he was on the ageable for the patient so they can sleep and faculty of Harvard Medical School. Shriners Hospital for Children – eat relatively well. Limiting the number of Dr. Chang cares for burn patients in the Cincinnati has a special summer dressing changes can decrease the amount acute injury phase and then in the recon- camp for children who have sustained of pain experienced by the burn treatments. structive phase. He enjoys participating burn injuries. Usually, the most pain is experienced when in the education of medical professionals the burns are exposed to air. Camp Ytiliba features fishing, of varying disciplines, including medical horseback riding, rafting, swimming, students, physician assistant students and HSO: What are some of the crafts and nature programs. It’s an pre-medical students. He has a partic- psychological ramifications of opportunity for child burn victims ular interest in improving burn care in severe childhood burns? to make new friends and build developing countries and has traveled PC: A lot of it depends on the extent confidence and self-esteem. Shriners to a number of countries in both Latin Hospital staffers serve as counselors. of the burn injury and where the burn America and Africa. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 39 AROUND THE STATE SOUTHERN OHIO Healthy Happenings
Kristen and Caleb Chaney hold new daughter Nova Chaney, the first baby of 2018 born at Adena Regional Medical Center.
Adena Health System
Photos courtesy of Adena Health System Adena employees Jackie Rebman, Shannon Morgan and Robin Berno sort through and prepare to deliver some of the more than 1,100 new coats purchased by Adena caregivers for area school children in November.
Mercy Health
Photos courtesy of Mercy Health Mercy Health dedicates the Shalom Room, the prayer space at the health system’s Jewish Hospital, on Dec. 17.
40 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com UC Health
Photos courtesy of Colleen Kelley, Byron Photography and UC Health
UC Health employees paint downtown Cincinnati pink and volunteers pass out headbands before the Bengals-Colts game in October to raise the importance of cancer screening and early detection.
J. Wesley Alexander, MD (left), founder of Cincinnati’s first transplant program and the person who performed UC Health’s first kidney transplant in 1967, celebrates the program’s 50th anniversary at a Dec. 10 gala. More than 500 attended the UC Health Opioid Symposium on Nov. 27.
West Chester Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Tom Daskalakis and Chief Nursing Officer Kathie Hays celebrate the hospital’s receipt of magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in November.
Beckett Springs Hospital
Beckett Springs Hospital in West Chester Photo courtesy of Beckett Springs Hospital completes a second expansion in November, growing its capacity from 48 to 96 beds.
www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 41 KeepLegislative up with the latest stateUpdate legislative initiatives in health.
House Bill 146 Health Care Coverage Rep. Larry Householder for the Ohio House 72nd District House Bill 72 Rep. Terry Johnson for the Ohio House Coroners Editing Death Certificates 90th District and Rep. Nickie J. Antonio This bill allows a coroner to change the for the Ohio House 13th District cause, manner and mode of death in a filed death certificate only after a hear- Step Therapy Protocols ing in the court of common pleas. This bill adopts requirements related to step therapy protocols implemented by House Bill 191 health plan issuers and the Department Rep. Anne Gonzales for the Ohio House 19th District of Medicaid. House Bill 156 Registered Nurse Anesthetists Rep. Kirk Schuring for the Ohio This bill makes changes House 48th District to the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists. Vision Insurance Limitations This bill makes changes regarding House Bill 273 limitations imposed by health insurers on Rep. Theresa Gavarone for the Ohio House 3rd District vision care services. House Bill 184 Physician Certification Rep. Theresa Gavarone for the Ohio This bill prohibits a physician from House 3rd District and Rep. Anthony being required to secure a maintenance of DeVitis for the Ohio House 36th District certification as a condition of obtaining licensure, reimbursement or employment, Authorize Teledentistry Services or obtaining admitting privileges or This bill authorizes dental services surgical privileges at a hospital or health through teledentistry, requiring a proposal Allied Health Professionals care facility. for the creation of a primary care dental student component of the Choose Ohio House Bill 75 Senate Bill 16 First Scholarship Program. The bill also Rep. Theresa Gavarone for the Ohio Senator Charleta B. Tavares for Senate makes changes to the laws governing the District 15 House 3rd District and Rep. Derek Merrin practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. for the Ohio House 47th District Health Care Cultural Competency House Bill 286 Professional Licensure: Armed Forces This bill requires certain health care Rep. Sarah LaTourette for the Ohio This bill requires an expedited process professionals to complete instruction in House 76th District to grant a professional license to an indi- cultural competency. vidual who is on active duty as a member Palliative Care Programs of the armed forces of the United States, Senate Bill 55 This bill creates the Palliative Care and or is the spouse of such an individual, and Senator Michael J. Skindell for Senate Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Council, District 23 holds a valid license in another state. establishing the Palliative Care Consum- er and Professional Information and Ed- House Bill 111 Nurse-Patient Ratios This bill establishes minimum ratios of ucation Program, and requires health care Rep. Rick Carfagna for the Ohio facilities to identify patients and residents House 68th District ans Rep. Scott Ryan direct-care registered nurses to patients for the Ohio House 71st District in hospitals. The bill also specifies rights who could benefit from palliative care. of registered nurses working in hospitals, Registered Nurses: Mental Health and prohibits retaliatory actions by hospi- This bill authorizes certain advanced tals against registered nurses. practice registered nurses to have a person involuntarily transported to a hospital for a mental health examination. 42 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Senate Bill 121 pervised release. This bill specifies that the peer review committee records maintain Senator John Eklund for Senate District 18 therapy is to be provided during both their their confidentiality; and to clarify the confinement and their supervised release. definition of “medical claim.” Mammography Insurance Requirements House Bill 231 House Bill 45 This bill includes tomosynthesis as part Rep. Tim Ginter for the Ohio House 5th Rep. Robert Sprague for the Ohio of the required screening mammography District and Rep. Robert Sprague for the House 83rd District benefits under health insurance policies. Ohio House 83rd District Month Designation: Neurofibromatosis Senate Bill 126 Controlled Substances – Lockable Awareness Senator Charleta B. Tavares for Containers Senate District 15 This bill designates May as “Neurofi- This bill requires pharmacists to offer to bromatosis Awareness Month.” Conversion Therapy Ban: Minors dispense controlled substances in lockable or tamper-evident containers House Bill 145 This bill prohibits certain health care Rep. Stephen Huffman for the Ohio professionals from engaging in conversion House 80th District and Rep. Robert therapy when treating minor patients. Public Health Sprague for the Ohio House 83rd District Prescription Drugs/Controlled Impaired Medical Practitioners Substances House Bill 7 Rep. Bob Cupp for the Ohio House This bill provides for the establishment 4th District of a confidential program for the treat- House Bill 74 ment of certain impaired practitioners Rep. Jeffrey Rezabek for the Ohio House Medical Care Protections and to declare an emergency. 43rd District and Rep. Kyle Koehler for the Ohio House 79th District The bill grants qualified civil immunity to certain medical providers who provide House Bill 317 Rep. Ron Young for the Ohio House Prohibit Dextromethorphan Sale emergency medical services because of a 61st District The bill prohibits the sale of dextro- disaster. The bill also provides that cer- methorphan without a prescription to tain communications made regarding an Pro Bono Healthcare Deduction persons under age 18. unanticipated outcome of medical care, This bill authorizes, for six years, a the development or implementation of personal income tax deduction for a House Bill 101 standards under federal laws, and an insur- physician based on the number of hours Rep. Derek Merrin for the Ohio House er’s reimbursement policies on health care 47th District the physician provides uncompensat- are inadmissible as evidence in a medical ed medical services through a hospital, Epinephrine Accessibility Act claim. The bill provides that medical bills free clinic or nongovernmental medical This bill authorizes an epinephrine au- itemizing charges are inadmissible as organization. toinjector substitution when a prescription evidence and an amount accepted as full Senate Bill 143 is filled or refilled. The bill also authorizes payment for medical services is admissible as evidence of the reasonableness of the Senator John Eklund for Senate epinephrine to be dispensed without a District 18 prescription under a physician-established charges. The bill specifies the manner of protocol, and to declare the act the “Epi- sending a notice of intent to file a medical Day Designation: Ataxia Awareness nephrine Accessibility Act.” claim and provides a procedure for the This bill designates Sept. 25 as “Inter- discovery of other potential claims within a national Ataxia Awareness Day” in Ohio. House Bill 117 specified period after the filing of a medical Rep. Stephen Huffman for the Ohio claim. The bill provides that any loss of a House 80th District and Rep. Andrew O. chance of recovery or survival by itself is Brenner for the Ohio House 67th District not an injury, death or loss for which dam- Opioid Therapy for Drug Offenders ages may be recovered. The bill provides To find more information on the Ohio General This bill establishes a statewide pilot civil immunity to certain medical providers Assembly members, please visit the Ohio House of program for the provision of long-acting regarding the discharge of a patient with a Representatives at www.ohiohouse.gov and the opioid antagonist therapy for offenders mental condition that threaten the safety of Ohio Senate at www.ohiosenate.gov. For more convicted of an opioid-related offense who the patient or others. The bill also requires information on legislation, please visit www. will be released from confinement on su- that governmental agencies that receive legislature.ohio.gov. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 43 Calendar
NORTHEAST NORTHWEST CENTRAL SOUTH
Feb. 24 Feb. 17 Through April 8 Feb. 17 Meridian Health Care Hot Cocoa Run Walk and Run 101: Frosty 14 Center Winter Sprinter 9 a.m., Olander Park, Sylvania Winter-to-Spring Season 9 a.m., Caesar Creek State 8 a.m., Mill Creek MetroParks www.runsignup.com 6:15 p.m., Premier Allergy, Dublin Park Visitor Center, Warren Canfield Bike Trail www.columbusrunning.com www.orrrc.org www.meridianhealthcare.net March 4-5 Acoustics for Autism Feb. 17 Feb. 25 March 2 Noon-2 a.m., The Village Fight for Air Climb Splash and Dash 5K Sports Medicine Update: Idiot, Maumee 8 a.m., Rhodes Tower, Columbus 7:30 a.m., Dayton Raiders Building Young Athletes – www.acousticsforautism.com www.climbcolumbus.org Aquatic Center Safe and Healthy XII www.orrrc.org 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Hilton March 11 March 1-4 Akron/Fairlawn Packo’s Panther 5K Arnold Sports Festival March 4 www.akronchildrens.org Run/Walk Throughout Columbus Little Miami 10 Mile 9 a.m., Washington Junior www.arnoldsportsfestival.com 1 p.m., Yellow Springs March 10 High School, Toledo Community Center Prevent and Reverse Heart www.davesrunning.com March 10 www.orrrc.org Disease and Auto Immune Run for More Birthdays 5K Disease for Women March 16 9 a.m., Academy Park, Gahanna March 10 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Cleveland St. Paddy’s Fun Run www.run4morebirthdays. St. Patrick’s 5K Clinic Wellness Institute 8 p.m., The Blarney Irish webs.com 9 a.m., Wayne High School, www.dresselstyn.com Pub, Toledo Huber Heights www.runtoledo.com March 11 www.orrrc.org March 10 Frozen Banana Race Akron Indoor Triathlon March 24 11 a.m., Dublin Community March 18 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Toledo Heart Ball Recreation Center G-Town Run University of Akron Student 6-11 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, www.runsignup.com 10 a.m., Germantown Recreation & Wellness Center Perrysburg Metropark www.runningintheusa.com toledoheartball.heart.org March 31 www.orrrc.org Westerville Parks Foundation April 2 April 21 Bunny Hop 5K April 8 AMSA 5K for Kids March for Babies 8 a.m., Westerville Sports 51st ORRRC Marathon 9 a.m.-noon, Watson and 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Complex & 29th Half Marathon Tressel Training Site, Civic Center, Lima www.westerville.org 8 a.m., Xenia YMCA Youngstown www.marchforbabies.org www.orrrc.org www.runningintheusa.com April 7 April 21 Lady Tutu 5K April 14 April 7 Emerald Ball 9 a.m., Easton Town Center Twin Creek 10K Funny Bunny 5 p.m., Romer’s Westlake www.ladytutu5k.com 9 a.m., Twin Creek Metropark, 9 a.m., Sippo Lake, Canton Lodge, Celina Germantown www.runcanton.com www.grandlakehealth.org April 8-May 6 www.orrrc.org Healthy Kids Running Series April 13 April 22 5 p.m., Westgate Park, Columbus April 20 That 70’s Party – A VeloSano Mercy Health Glass www.healthykidsrunning ARC of Butler County Fundraiser City Marathon series.org Annual Dinner 7 p.m.-midnight, Windows 7-11 a.m., University of Toledo 6-9 p.m., Redeemer Church, on the River, Cleveland www.glasscitymarathon.org April 28 Hamilton giving.ccf.org OhioHealth Capital City www.arcbutler.org April 28 Half Marathon April 21 Super Saints 5K 8 a.m., High and Rich streets, April 28 Ride the Rainbow 9 a.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Columbus Sugar Maple 5.642 6:30-11:30 p.m., Huntington Church, Napoleon www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com 9 a.m., Sugarcreek Board of Convention Center, Cleveland www.davesrunning.com Education, Bellbrook www.uhgiving.org April 29 www.orrrc.org April 29 Superhero Run/Walk April 28 Dooby Du Duathlon 12:45 p.m., Hilliard Davidson March for Babies 8:30 a.m., Secor Metropark, High School 10 a.m., Wade Oval, Cleveland Sylvania www.orphanworldrelief.org www.marchforbabies.org www.trisignup.com
44 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com FIGHTING FOR EVERY MOM AND BABY Every baby deserves the best possible start. We are fighting for the health of all moms and babies because it makes the future brighter for us all. © 2018 March of Dimes
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The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers The River of Consciousness in “Healthy” Foods That Cause Disease By Oliver Sacks and Weight Gain $27, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group By Steven R. Gundry, M.D. $27.99, HarperCollins Publishers The River of Consciousness is one of two books that reveal the unexplained ability to What if we’ve been spending more time on understand life and what makes us all human, the wrong problem? Dr. Gundry highlights written by an Oxford-educated wonder versed the most important issue that is diminishing in literature, botany, animal anatomy, chemis- our health – lectins – and offers simple hacks try and history of most natural sciences. on how to easily detect and avoid them with- out sacrificing deliciousness. Memory Rescue: Supercharge Your Brain, Reverse Memory Loss, and Being Mortal: Medicine and What Remember What Matters Most Matters in the End By Daniel G. Amen, MD By Atul Gawande $25.99, Tyndale House Publishers $16, Henry Holt & Company By using a multifaceted strategy that in- In this gripping page-turner, Gawande talks cludes diet changes, spiritual practices and about the truths of being a practicing surgeon stress-relief techniques, Dr. Amen clears and recognizes some limitations of his pro- the path for a healthier brain and reduces fession, arguing for better quality of life for all one’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s patients, even in their last moments. disease and other memory-loss conditions in the future. Another Kind of Madness: A Journey Through the Stigma and Hope of Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness Mental Illness By Susannah Cahalan By Stephen Hinshaw $16, Simon & Schuster $26.99, St. Martin’s Press Susannah Cahalan retells the powerful Hinshaw’s newly released book is a deep true story of her rapid descent into madness and captivating memoir calling for an end to after she woke up one morning strapped to a the dark stigmatization of mental illness. After hospital bed, unable to move or speak, without living in a home full of secrets with a father any certain clue of what happened or how she who was routinely absent and hospitalized, he got there. calls for a change in perspective about mental health through a moving family narrative. Fat for Fuel: A Revolutionary Diet to Combat Cancer, Boost Brain Power, The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Se- and Increase Your Energy crets of Weight Loss By Joseph Mercola, M.D. By Jason Fung, M.D. $27.99, Hay House, Inc. $18.95, Greystone Books Dr. Mercola, best known for his book Dr. Fung’s exciting and provocative new Effortless Healing, is back with an all-new book tells the secret to weight loss: insulin. guide about the power of metabolic pro- The book offers five basic steps and some cesses and what it’s really doing to you and tricks of the trade on intermittent fasting to your health by explaining what he calls the maintain one’s own insulin levels so the reader “ketogenic” diet. can reach a healthy weight for good. Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed on the Mat, Love Your Body in America By Jessamyn Stanley By Elizabeth Wurtzel $16.95, Workman Publishing $17, Penguin Publishing Group Stanley transcends stereotypes in this yoga In this book, now a major motion picture, how-to for readers of all shapes and sizes. Wurtzel recounts her time spent in a part of Individuals interested in starting yoga or life full of anxiety, bouts of depression, new renewing their enjoyment of it are offered drug prescriptions, ever-changing music tastes additional tools. and questionable coping methods as part of the overdiagnosed generation.
46 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com In the News How running may or may not help Health Phone Apps the heart www.nytimes.com These applications are for informational purposes only and are not an endorsement The relationship between running and a by the State Medical Board of Ohio. healthy heart is actually a lot more complex than most people think. In this article, New York Runkeeper Asana Rebel Times reporter Gretchen Reynolds talks about a Free; iOS, Google Play Free; iOS, Google Play string of recent studies that have shown that, in Both beginning runners and Traditional yoga meets some cases, running frequently, particularly for seasoned marathoners can stay motivated high-intensity interval training long periods of time, can actually cause plaque with this GPS running tracker. Users can in this yoga-inspired fitness app. Choose buildup and other heart problems. Reynolds set pace and distance goals, create person- from workouts targeting fat burn, strength, isn’t saying that running is bad for you, just that alized routines and share real-time progress flexibility, balance and relaxation. the effects of running on the body are a bit more with friends. complex than some might think. Simple Habit Full Fitness Free; iOS, Google Play When healing’s needed, seek out these $2.99, iOS Taking time out of each day to immunity-boosting foods Developed by licensed fitness simply relax and be present is tough with www.washingtonpost.com professionals, this catalog of hundreds of a busy schedule. Breathe easier with these With freezing cold winter weather comes exercises is sorted by body region, target five-minute meditation guides, designed to weakened immune systems, and that means muscle group and required equipment. quickly calm your nerves on-the-go. you’re a lot more likely to get sick. This article Each exercise includes detailed instruc- suggests foods to eat to help readers boost tions, images and videos. MyWater their immune systems and stay healthy this Free; iOS, Google Play winter – both for those who are looking to Streaks Drinking eight glasses of water stay healthy, and for those who are already sick $4.99; iOS a day is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Keep and looking to shorten their recovery time. Break negative habits and form track of your daily water, tea, coffee and positive ones with this simple to-do list. milk intake and receive reminders to drink A comprehensive guide to the new Stay motivated to accomplish recurring throughout the day. science of treating lower back pain tasks by building a streak of consecutive www.vox.com days, but don’t break the streak or it resets Mealime Whether from a previous injury, poor to zero. Free; iOS, Google Play posture or just wear and tear, millions of Meal planning, grocery Americans suffer from chronic back pain. In 8fit shopping and cooking can quickly this article, journalist Julia Belluz reviews more Free; iOS, Google Play become frustrating and time-consuming than 80 scientific studies to find the best treat- This pocket personal trainer chores. This app streamlines the entire ment for alleviating lower back pain, and how and nutritionist creates workouts and meal process with personalized weekly plans, effective less-invasive practices like yoga and plans tailored to your fitness goals. Its exer- automatically-generated grocery lists psychotherapy can be in comparison to surgery. cise programs, based on high-intensity and healthful 30-minute recipes. interval training, speed up weight loss The science of when: hack your timing while building strength and endurance. Sway to optimize your life $2.99; iOS www.wired.com Pacifica This interactive meditation Upon the release of his new book, When: Free; iOS, Google Play experience uses your phone to track your The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, behavior- Stress and anxiety don’t have movement and offers feedback to improve al science writer Daniel Pink breaks down the to define your day. Learn the basics of your overall attention span. Whether you science of timing, and how much of an impact cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness are lying in bed or at a bus stop, simply by that the right timing can have on things such and meditation at your own pace using moving your phone, the app will provide as productivity, marital success and income. the app’s guided self-help paths. Users you with tasks geared toward helping you can track moods, sleep, exercise and gain more focus. It is recommended to Eating before you go to bed is an thought patterns and even connect with a use this app with headphones for the best awful idea local therapist. possible experience. www.gq.com As much as consuming that leftover slice of pizza or pint of Ben and Jerry’s before heading off to bed might seem like a good idea in the moment, it probably comes as no surprise that that’s not the healthiest thing one can do before turning in for the night. In this article, GQ are completely free, ranging from something as culties with being taken seriously as a mentally breaks down the results and limitations of a new simple as inviting friends over, to taking time to ill person who is also high-functioning. study that further affirms the fact that eating be- enjoy that first cup of coffee in the morning, to fore bed isn’t objectively the best for your health. going on a hike with loved ones. It’s suddenly cold out. Am I going to get sick? 100 of the best things in life that are When you’re too functional to have www.theatlantic.com totally free your mental illness taken seriously In this article, reporter Katie Heaney ex- www.goodhousekeeping.com www.themighty.com plores the perceived connection between cold The holidays are over, and that means that Psychologist Karen Lowinger shares her temperatures and the increased risk of getting waistlines are considerably bigger and wallets thoughts and experiences on being a high- sick. Per the story, the risk of getting sick in are considerably smaller. This list gives readers functioning person with mental illness. Through cold weather is higher, but that’s not necessar- some ideas for some cheap, fun things to do that relaying her experiences, she addresses the diffi- ily because of the temperature itself. www.healthsceneohio.com HealthScene Ohio 47 ScenicOld Man’s CaveOhio Courtesy of Explore Hocking Hills
48 HealthScene Ohio www.healthsceneohio.com Let’s Talk About Pelvic Pain The Pelvic Pain Center at Bluffton Hospital is committed to identifying and treating chronic pelvic pain in men and women.
Several common causes of pelvic pain: • Bladder pain • Endometriosis • Fibroids • Hernia • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Nerve entrapment • Ovarian cysts • Pelvic organ prolapse • Pelvic adhesions 419.369.2270 • Referred musculoskeletal
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