Grand Rounds October on Memphis Medical News

Grand Rounds October

Trio of Physicians Launch New Oncology Practice

Three Memphis oncologists have announced the formation of a new practice, Integrity Oncology, which will serve Memphis, Collierville, Union City and West Memphis.

Dr. Margaret Gore, Dr. Earle Weeks and Dr. Suhail M. Obaji, who previously worked together for more than seven years at the Family Cancer Center and have served the greater Memphis area more than 20 years, made the announcement today.

The four locations will be:

Memphis: 6286 Briarcrest Avenue, Suite 308. Drs. Gore, Weeks and Obaji will see patients at this location.
Collierville: 400 Market Boulevard, Suite 115. Drs. Gore and Weeks will see patients at this location.
Union City: 1012 South Miles Avenue. Dr. Gore will see patients at this location.
West Memphis: 271 West Polk. Dr. Obaji will see patients at this location.

Dr. Gore received her undergraduate degree at Harvard University and her medical degree from Duke University. Her internship and residency was completed in internal medicine at the University of Alabama, where she also completed her fellowships.

Dr. Obaji has maintained a private practice in the areas of hematology and medical oncology for more than a decade, both in Memphis and in Arkansas. His medical interests include the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors, anemias, coagulation disorders, as well as platelet and leukocyte diseases. He attended medical school at Aleppo University in Aleppo, Syria and did his Internship and residency at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

Dr. Weeks has practiced in the fields of medical oncology and hematology for more than 20 years. An undergraduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Weeks attended the University of Texas Medical School and did his internship and residency at University of Texas affiliated hospitals. His fellowships include the Department of Medical Oncology, University of Texas; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Department of Hematology; and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Howard and Aguda Join St. Francis Hospital

Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis welcomes Michelle Howard who joins the hospital in the role of Director of Patient Access. Howard comes to Memphis from NorthShore Regional Hospital in Slidell, Louisiana where she served in a similar role.

Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is pleased to announce that Arlene Aguda has accepted the position of Director of Revenue Analysis. Aguda served in a similar capacity at NorthShore Regional Hospital in Slidell, Louisiana, prior to joining the Saint Francis management team.

Alan L. Levy, M.D. Announces the Opening of Levy Dermatology, PC

Alan L. Levy, M.D. is pleased to announce the opening of his new practice, Levy Dermatology, PC.

Dr. Levy, a native Memphian is a 2004 graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis (UTHSC). He completed both an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Dermatology at UTHSC -Memphis. He did his fellowship training in Mohs Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Levy is Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Academy of Dermatology - 2008.

The West Clinic Participates In Ova1t Test Clinical Trial

The West Clinic announced recently that it was one of 27 sites nationwide to participate in the multi-center OVA1T Clinical Trial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the OVA1(TM) test that can help detect ovarian cancer in a pelvic mass that is already known to require surgery. OVA1 helps patients and health care professionals decide what type of surgery should be done and by whom.

According to Joseph Santoso, MD, The West Clinic-Site Principal Investigator, the clinic in partnership with the Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network (ACORN) enrolled 96 patients in the study. He said they are hopeful that this new test will help to identify potential malignancies and save the lives of scores of women with ovarian cancer as well as reduce the high number of women undergoing unnecessary surgery to diagnose ovarian masses.

OVA1T uses a blood sample to test for levels of five proteins that change due to ovarian cancer. The test combines the five separate results into a single numerical score between 0 and 10 to indicate the likelihood that the pelvic mass is benign or malignant.

OVA1T was developed by Vermillion, Inc. headquartered in Fremont, California, in conjunction with researchers at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

New Spine Surgeon Joins Health System  

West Tennessee Neurosciences welcomed Dr. Robert Talac. Dr. Talac is a fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon (the highest level of training in spine surgery). He concentrates his practice exclusively on restorative spine care using innovative surgical approaches. Dr. Talac comes to Jackson from the Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH. He brings an expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of all aspects of adult spine disease, with particular emphasis on degenerative disorders cervical and lumbar spine, adult deformity, and complex reconstruction and revision techniques, and emerging technologies (i.e. minimally invasive surgery, artificial disc replacement, kyphoplasty)

He received his medical degree from the Medical School of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. He received an extensive clinical education and training. His accomplishments include: Ph.D. in Biophysics (Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic); Diploma in Minimally Invasive Surgery (University of L. Pasteur, Strasbourg, France); Orthopedic Surgery Residency (University of California San Diego, CA); Board Eligible in Orthopedic Surgery (American Board of Orthopedic Surgery). Spine Surgery Fellowship (Center for Spine Health, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH). Dr. Talac also spent 4 years at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, where he worked on tissue engineering strategies for reconstruction of bone defects using biodegradable polymers. He is an author of more than 30 original, peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. His research work was presented on more than 25 international congresses and meetings.

Strikes For Tikes Benefits Kiwanis Center For Child Development

Now is the time to form your team to bowl at Strikes for Tikes. Strikes for Tikes is a fun family event consisting of teams of four. Become a team captain and ask your friends, co-workers, church or civic club members to join your team or sponsor you to bowl for this worthy cause. Team members raise funds prior to the event and present them on event day.

This year's event, sponsored by BancorpSouth, will be held Saturday, October 24th from Noon - 4 p.m. at the Jackson Bowling and Family Fun Center. All proceeds from the event benefit the Kiwanis Center for Child Development. Each year, the Center serves more than 800 children across West Tennessee who have a variety of disabilities.

On event day, teams will enjoy free bowling, food , games and children's activities along with an opportunity to win prizes. Team members who raise $100 or more will receive a free shirt. Event organizer Beth Koffman says, "You donít have to be great bowler to have fun at this event. In fact, most of our teams arenít regular bowlers. This is a fun day thatí's all about helping kids." Strikes for Tikes is the largest fundraiser for the Center each year. For more information, contact Beth Koffman at 731-984-2144 or visit www.strikesfortikes.org.

Brian Johnson Joins Comprehensive Pharmacy Services as Chief Financial Officer

Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS), the nation's leading pharmacy services provider, announced recently the addition of Brian Johnson as Chief Financial Officer.

Johnson previously worked as a public accountant with Ernst & Young. In addition, through previous positions with US Office Products and Accredo Health, he brings extensive experience to CPS in financial analysis, planning, workflow management, process improvement, and controllership responsibilities.

Johnson is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive), and he is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. He received a Bachelor's of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi.

Women's Health Specialists

Women's Health Specialists is proud to announce Frank W. Ling, MD a partner at Women's Health Specialists in Germantown, TN has been appointed for a 3 year term as a member of the Board of Appeals Panel for Obstetrics and Gynecology by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The ACGME oversees the residencies in all medical specialties. This panel is responsible for making final decisions regarding programs in the specialty which have been recommended for probation or closure.

Women's Health Specialists founding partners are Frank W. Ling, MD, Thomas G. Stovall, MD, Robert L. Summitt Jr., MD and Val Y. Vogt, MD. All have been awarded appointments as Clinical Professors to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Ling, former Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, current President of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and former President of The Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Dr. Ling focuses on pelvic pain, vulvar vestibulitis, and primary care of women. Dr. Stovall, former Vice Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and a past President of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, focuses on pelvic surgery, fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, and primary care of women. Dr. Summitt, former Residency Program Director and Chief of Section of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, focuses on urogynecology, reconstructive pelvic surgery, and primary care of women. Dr. Vogt, former Associate Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and currently involved nationally with the American Urogynecology Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, focuses on urogynecology, reconstructive pelvic surgery, and primary care of women.

Gridiron Great Shares Connection with AAA

NEW YORK – Professional football legend Joe Theismann joined leading physicians, patients and advocates today to kick-off "Find the AAAnswers," a multi-faceted public education campaign designed to saves lives from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) by increasing the number of people at risk for this life-threatening condition to seek a low-cost ultrasound screening.

Sponsored by Medtronic, the program is supported by the Find the AAAnswers Coalition, an alliance of concerned medical societies that have come together to provide accurate information about AAA and increase the number of at-risk individuals that get screened. The medical societies include the Society for Vascular Surgeons, the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.

Due to his family history of abdominal aortic aneurisms, Joe Theismann understands the risks associated with this disease. His father wouldn't be alive if his aneurysm had not been detected through a routine exam, but most people with AAA won't be as fortunate.

The Find the AAAnswers campaign will help individuals, local communities and healthcare professionals take action against AAA. Campaign activities include:

Education and screening events in local communities with a high prevalence of AAA
An interactive Web portal where individuals can learn more about AAA and make a personal pledge to get screened (www.FindtheAAAnswers.org)
Educational materials and resources on AAA screening for healthcare professionals, patients and their loved ones
Public service announcements on the importance of AAA screenings
More information about the campaign – including resources on abdominal aortic aneurysms and details on campaign initiatives – is available online at www.FindtheAAAnswers.org.

Services, Inc., a for-profit subsidiary which furthers the provision of high quality medical management services.

President of Watkins Uiberall Healthcare Consulting Group, LLC Nominated to American College of Medical Practice Executives

J. William "Bill" Appling, President of Watkins Uiberall Healthcare Consulting Group, LLC, was recently nominated to and will serve on the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). Appling will begin serving his three year term in October 2009.

"It is an honor to be part of an organization that provides such great support and benefit to the medical community," said Appling. "I am committed to help carry out the mission of the ACMPE and will use this opportunity to grow on both a personal and professional level."

Appling joined Watkins Uiberall Healthcare Consulting Group in 2008. In his role as president, he is responsible for managing, facilitating and coordinating all physician and hospital organization consulting engagements. Beyond his work with the ACMPE, Appling is a member of the National Medical Group Management Association, MidSouth Medical Group Management Association and Medical Group Management Association/University Advisory Committee.

Established in 1956 as an affiliate of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the ACMPE is the national board and the standard-setting and certification body of the MGMA. The goal of the ACMPE is to promote the professional growth of leaders in healthcare practices. Through its Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management, the ACMPE provides a central framework for MGMA resources.

HMCT and Methodist North Hospital in Cardiac Care Effort

Methodist North Hospital has been selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to participate in a new effort to improve the quality and equality of cardiac care delivered in hospitals to racial and ethnic minority populations. The Aligning Forces for Quality: Equity Quality Improvement Collaborative (Equity QI Collaborative) will identify and test ways for hospitals to improve the quality of their cardiac care, while also identifying and reducing any racial and ethnic disparities.

While we all know that the quality of health care is poor for many Americans, specific racial and ethnic groups continue to experience lower-quality health care when compared to white patients. Methodist North Hospital will work with other hospitals across the nation to test new ideas, quantify results and share learnings.

This is the second quality improvement collaborative that will be operating in hospitals in our community as part of Aligning Forces for Quality. The Aligning Forces for Quality: Transforming Care at the Bedside Collaborative (TCAB Collaborative) launched in the spring and is working with frontline nurses to improve the quality of care that people receive in Memphis.

The Healthy Memphis Common Table will work to benchmark the hospitals' successes and spread the new quality improvement innovations across Memphis.

Electrophysiologist Joins Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Staff

Jackson-Madison County General Hospital welcomes Andrew Scott Rudin, MD to its medical staff as the staffís first electrophysiologist serving all of West Tennessee.

Dr. Rudin has come to Jackson from Chicago, Illinois. He is board certified in Cardiac Electrophysiology. Dr. Rudin earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York graduating No. 1 in his class. He also attended Yale University Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut for his medicine residency where he was selected chief resident. Dr. Rudin holds fellowships in both cardiology and electrophysiology from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Madison Michael Named Medical Director at Methodist University Hospital Neuroscience Institute

Madison Michael, M.D., assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and neurosurgeon at Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute, has been named medical director for the Methodist University Hospital Neuroscience Institute.

Dr. Michael specializes in skull base surgery including pituitary surgery, acoustic neuromas and glomus jugulare tumors, trigenminal neuroalgia, and hemifacial spasm, complex spine surgery of the occipitocervical junction, cervical spine, and thoracic spine and endoscopic treatment of brain tumors.

Dr. Michael received his bachelor of science degree from the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee and completed his medical degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. His postdoctoral training included a surgical internship in general surgery and residency inneurosurgery with a special interest in skull base tumors and complex spinal surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Dr. Michael continued his education with a clinical fellowship in the department of neuroscience at North Bristol NHS Trust and Frenchay Hospital in England.

Serenity Garden Changes Location at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital

During October, the Serenity Garden will move from its location at the Highland Park Conference Center over to the grassy area between the new JMCGH front entrance and the labyrinth. ìWe are happy that the Garden will have a permanent home in this serene location,î said Deena Kail, administrative director of West Tennessee Womenís Center.

The Garden is a special memorial for babies who have died. Many families who experience the loss of an infant through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or other causes often have nowhere to grieve or a grave to visit. The Serenity Garden helps those families find peace and closure in a unique, reverent way. The Garden consists of a commemorative wall etched with names of babies and families, benches, and a special path that leads to two statuesóa grieving angel and an angel of hope.

Annually, the West Tennessee Womenís Center hosts an Walk to Remember as part of national recognition of grief following the loss of an infant. This yearís event will be November 1 at 2 p.m. and will begin in the new location of the Serenity Garden.

For more information, call the West Tennessee Womenís Center at 731-541-6448 or go online to www.wth.org/women.

Fetal Medicine Training Receives Approval at UTHSC

Giancarlo Mari, MD, interim chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-director of the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Institute at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), announced the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) has given approval to begin a fellowship training program in maternal fetal medicine. Additionally, Edward Stanford, MD, gynecology division chief, announced that the Board of the Fellowship in Gynecologic Endoscopy has given approval for the division of gynecologic specialties at UTHSC to serve as a fellowship preceptor site for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Program will accept one fellow per year, for a total of three. The training program is currently reviewing applications for its first fellow who will begin training in the fall. The state of Tennessee will now be able to train its own maternal-fetal medicine doctors. The program will be reviewed in approximately three years for continuation.

The Gynecologic Specialties Program is a two year fellowship, which accepted its first fellow for the 2009-2011 cycle.

Only 22 centers in the U.S. to currently have such a fellowship program accredited by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. The training will emphasize research, education and hands-on advanced vaginal, laparoscopy — traditional and robotic — and hysteroscopic surgery.

West Tennessee Healthcare Earns High Bond Rating

Standard & Poorís Rating Services has affirmed the A+ rating and stable outlook for West Tennessee Healthcare during the annual bond review. The systemís financial performance has been consistently positive even with current economic times that include a national decline of historical trends of inpatient volume and changes in payor mix.

West Tennessee Healthcare consists of six area hospitals, medical equipment businesses, outpatient rehabilitation centers, medical clinics, and behavioral health medicine offices located throughout an 18-county service area. It is anchored by 635-bed Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, which was built in 1950. The public system is owned by Jackson and Madison County and is solely self-supported.