BEACON — February 2010 - Beebe Medical Center

“People tell us that we make a difference in theirlives. Patients come back to visit us and thank us.Even the family members of those who don’t makeit say that we have touched them.”A FamilyAnn M. Regacho, a medical social worker,joined Beebe Medical Center recently after workingmore than 15 years for a large medical center inthe Baltimore area. It was the beach that causedher children to beg her and her husband to move“They return as their condition is being followedand their families come with them. You come tocare about them and truly feel good when theyare getting better.”Ms. Cauley, who has been in radiology for18 years, says she trusts and depends on herco-workers. “We’re a good team. We make sure thejob is done safely and accurately, no matter what.”Besides working at Beebe Health Campus, sheoften is on call for the Emergency Department whereshe comes across people who need immediate attentionto the area, but it hasbeen Beebe’s familyspirit that has capturedher heart.“When you walkthrough the doors, youbecome part of a family,”she says. “The employeeshelp each other. Theyoften wear several hatsand pull together to dowhat they have to do. It is“People tell us that we “Beebe is one of the “When you walk throughsuch a blessing. It is sucha difference from a large make a difference in best hospitals in the doors, you becomeinstitution.”their lives.”Delaware.”part of a family”Mrs. Regacho worksas a case manager forpatients on the fifth floor.—Noah Piper, RN—Mary Jo Cauley, RT CT—Ann M. Regacho, medical social workerThey are people who have pulmonary diseases, heartfailure, and other chronic problems. Her role is tohandle all aspects of discharge planning, which helpsensure that patients have the care they need afterthey leave the hospital.“I love making a difference in their lives, especiallyat such a difficult time.”Mary Jo Cauley, RT CT, a CT tech at Beebe HealthCampus, says she enjoys getting to know the patientsand their families. Many of her patients are battlingcancer, and they come to Ms. Cauley when they needCT scans.for illnesses such as appendicitis and pulmonaryembolism, and injuries from falls, motor vehiclecollisions, and beach accidents.“Beebe is one of the best hospitals in Delaware,”she says. “And I’m happy to be here.”Helping OthersHelping patients to recover is a powerfulmotivator for Graham Robbins, PT, Director ofRehabilitation Services.“Helping others makes my life better,” saysMr. Robbins, who has worked as a physical3

“Helping others makesmy life better.”—Graham Robbins, PT,Director of Rehabilitation Servicestherapist at Beebe Medical Center for more than12 years. “The patients have touched my life. Theirstories, their struggles, and their successes haveinspired me to be a better therapist, a kinder friend,and a more caring husband and father. I feel I play asmall part in each one of their successes.”Mr. Robbins leads a team of more than 50 rehabilitationprofessionals, including physical therapists,occupational therapists, and speech/language pathologists,who provide therapy services at multiple sitesthroughout the community.“My biggest rewards have been the many friendshipsdeveloped and the opportunity to have my lifeenhanced through countless patient interactions.”FriendshipsJenni Callard, RN, a nurse in the Critical CareUnit, also worked for a major medical institution“It’s like neighborslooking after neighbors.”—Jenni Callard, RNin the Baltimore area before coming to BeebeMedical Center nearly four years ago. But it wasn’tuntil she came to Beebe that she discovered whattrue community means.“You’re able to follow up more with yourpatients. It’s like neighbors looking after neighbors.You have so much invested.”Mrs. Callard sees both her patients and herBeebe team members “everywhere”—when shetakes her children to school, when she is at thesupermarket, or when she is just around town.“It’s so personal here. You always seem to knowsomeone, or someone who knows someone. Youtake care of people you already care about. And,people are genuinely nice here.”Denise Larson, RN, a clinical education specialist,who has worked at Beebe as a nurse for more thana decade after working in a large metropolitan area,echoes what has been said about community.“You are more than a member of a hospital,you are a member of this community. You take careof a patient as if thatpatient is a member ofyour own family.”Mrs. Larson believesthat Beebe can give suchgood care to the patientsbecause the team memberswork so closelytogether.“When you call the Labto ask the result of a test,for example, you knowthe person on the otherend of the phone, and youboth trust each other andknow you are trying todo the right thing for thepatient.”Mrs. Larson has workedin Labor and Delivery,Home Health, Wound Care, and recently beganto serve as the Clinical Education Specialist in themedical center’s Education Department.“You take care of apatient as if thatpatient is a member ofyour own family.”—Denise Larson, RN,Clinical Education Specialist4

“I hope to make a difference with our youngnurses, and to encourage them in their careers,”she says.Supporting OthersJean Winstead, Beebe’s Health Sciences Librarian,enjoys supporting Beebe physicians, surgeons,nurses, nurse educators, and other medical professionalswho regularlywork with her to findthe latest informationon diseases, medications,and treatment options.“I have the opportunityto coordinate medicallibrary resources that ourphysicians and staff relyon for direct patient care.I feel that helping ourmedical professionalssearch for articles andnew study results mayhold the key to a patient’spositive outcome.”Mrs. Winsteadapplauds Beebe MedicalCenter’s participationin DelMIRA, Delaware’sMedical InformationResource Alliance.DelMIRA allows physiciansand team members to access the subscriptionelectronic databases of medical journals that includethe latest medical information available throughoutthe nation and around the world.Deborah Della Camera and Marie Adams, telephoneoperators and greeters with Beebe MedicalCenter’s Patient Access Team, both enjoy Beebe’ssense of community.“We often are the patient’s first point of contact,and we want to make that contact positive,” says“I feel that helping ourmedical professionalssearch for articlesmay hold the keyto a patient’spositive outcome.”—Jean Winstead,Beebe’s Health Sciences LibrarianMrs. Adams. “We want peopleto know that Beebe has been there for them.”Mrs. Adams, who previously workedat Lewes Convalescent Center, says many peopleremember her from there and say “hello” whenthey see her at Beebe. “It makes me feel as if Iam with family.”Mrs. Della Camera also enjoys helping“We often are thepatient’s first pointof contact, and wewant to make thatcontact positive”—Marie Adams,Patient Access telephone operator and greeterpeople. “Sometimes just a kind word makesall the difference. They need help in stressfulsituations. And when I serve as a greeter, showingthem where the cafeteria is, or the Same Day Surgerywaiting area is, or taking flowers to their rooms, itlightens my own load.”One of her favorite stories she has heard frompatients and visitors is one in which hospitalco-founder Dr. James Beebe used to help localfamilies when they were in need. n“Sometimes just akind word makes allthe difference.”—Deborah Della Camera,Patient Access telephone operator and greeter5

Quality Orthopaedic CareOrthopaedic surgeon James P.Marvel, Jr. beamed (centerin black suit) when his peershonored him recently. Left toright, Wilson C. Choy, MD; PaulJ. Harriott, MD; Mark J. Boytim,MD; John E. Spieker, MD; JamesP. Marvel, Jr., MD; RonaldSabbagh, MD; Edmund Carroll III,DO; and David Sopa, DO.Beebe Medical Center Names OrthopaedicWing After Lewes Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. James P. Marvel, Jr.It was a special day in November 2009 for Beebe Medical Center and forLewes orthopaedic surgeon James P. Marvel, Jr., MD, who began the hospital’sOrthopaedic program in 1980.Despite storm-filled, blustery winds on a threatening November day,more than 125 people defied the elements to attend the official dedicationof the “James P. Marvel Jr. MD Wing,” Beebe Medical Center’s renovated thirdfloor and new orthopaedic wing.“Dr. Marvel is the father of our Orthopaedic program,” said Jeffrey M. Fried,President and CEO of Beebe Medical Center. “We are proud of our surgeons,and there is no greater tribute to Dr. Marvel than being recognized by hispeers.”Both Mr. Fried and Janet McCarty, Chair of the Beebe Medical Center Boardof Trustees, noted that the dedication was a collaborative decision by the sevenother orthopaedic surgeons who are on the Beebe Medical Staff. They aremembers of three different local private practices.The remodeled wing includes 22 patient rooms and a dedicated areafor patients who have had joint replacement surgery. All staff members whowork on the wing are specially trained and educated in the care of orthopaedicpatients.James P. Marvel, Jr., MD6

Over the past four years HealthGrades ® has ranked Beebe Medical Centeras a top Orthopaedic program. For 2010, HealthGrades ranked Beebe MedicalCenter among the top 5 percent of all hospitals in the nation. HealthGrades ratedBeebe Medical Center as the only hospital in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia toreceive 5 stars for all orthopaedic procedures it measures.Dr. Marvel has a private practice in Lewes, serves as the Trauma MedicalDirector for Beebe Medical Center, and was recently appointed to the BeebeMedical Center Board of Directors. He also is active in the Medical Society ofDelaware and serves on the Board of the Medical Society Insurance Subsidiaryand as Chairman of the Delaware Medical Education Foundation.“Dr. Marvel set the standard for this hospital, and all the surgeons here are inhis debt,” Lewes orthopaedic surgeon and keynote speaker John E. Spieker, MD,said during the dedication. Dr. Marvel brought Dr. Spieker to Beebe MedicalCenter in 1988. “I came because of his national reputation,” Dr. Spieker added,as he shared details of Dr. Marvel’s impressive career with the audience.Dr. Marvel, a grandson of James Beebe, one of the medical center’sco-founders, was accomplished early in his career. After earning his medicaldegree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1962, he interned atMemorial Hospital in Wilmington and started a residency in orthopaedic surgeryat Jefferson. His residency was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army, servingas an orthopaedic surgeon at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and as an orthopaedic traumasurgeon in Viet Nam. He then completed his residency at Jefferson and practicedwith Dr. Anthony F. DePalma, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. For 10 yearsbefore coming to Beebe Medical Center he was associated with Dr. RichardRothman at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, which was affiliatedwith the University of Pennsylvania for its residency program.Since he joined Beebe Medical Center he has served as Chief of Staff andChief of Surgery. He has been Trauma Medical Director since 1999, during whichtime Beebe Medical Center has gone through three re-verification visits by theAmerican College of Surgeons, with trauma verification being approved as a LevelIII Trauma Center. He served on the Blue Ribbon Commission for MalpracticeInsurance when there was no viable malpractice insurance carrier in Delaware.He served twice as the President of the Medical Society of Delaware and servedas a Delegate to the American Medical Association from the Medical Society ofDelaware.State Representative Pete Schwartzkopf also spoke during the dedicationand read the official tributes from the Delaware House and from the DelawareSenate. Stephen R. Permut, MD, JD, Professor & Chair, Department of Family& Community Medicine, and Associate Dean of Academic Affiliations at TempleUniversity School of Medicine, read the official tribute to Dr. Marvel from theMedical Society of Delaware.Beebe Medical Center’sOrthopaedic SurgeonsDavid Sopa, DOChief of OrthopaedicSurgeryBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryLewes Orthopaedics16704 Kings Highway,Unit 2Lewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-645-493917 North Atlantic AvenueOcean View, DE 19970Phone: 302-537-7993Mark J. Boytim, MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryCape Orthopaedics, P.A.701 Savannah RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-645-2805edmund Carroll iii, DOBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopaedic Associates ofSouthern Delaware, P.A.17005 Old Orchard RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-644-3311329 Mullet Run StreetMilford, DE 19963Phone: 302-422-5242wilson C. Choy, MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopaedic Associates ofSouthern Delaware, P.A.17005 Old Orchard RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-644-3311609 Atlantic AvenueMillville, DE 19967Phone: 302-644-3311Paul J. Harriott, MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryCape Orthopaedics, P.A.701 Savannah RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-645-2805James P. Marvel, Jr., MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryCape Orthopaedics, P.A.701 Savannah RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-645-2805Ronald Sabbagh, MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopaedic Associatesof Southern Delaware, P.A.17005 Old Orchard RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-644-3311329 Mullet Run StreetMilford, DE 19963Phone: 302-422-5242John E. spieker, MDBoard Certified inOrthopaedic SurgeryOrthopaedic Associatesof Southern Delaware, P.A.17005 Old Orchard RoadLewes, DE 19958Phone: 302-644-3311329 Mullet Run StreetMilford, DE 19963Phone: 302-422-52427

H E A L T H G R A D E S®G U I D I N G A M E R I C A T O B E T T E R H E A L T H C A R E ®A Leader in Back SurgeryH E A L T H G R A D E S®G U I D I N G A M E R I C A T O B E T T E R H E A L T H C A R E ®5-star rating, 4 years in a row!H E A L T H G R A D E S®Mark Ostroski, hating to admit that he has rounded the age of 40, has alwaysbeen an avid outdoorsman, a runner, a hunter, and lover of sports. He playedcatcher as a young man, often taking the brunt of a missed fastball or the forcefulmomentum of a runner sliding into home plate. Just a few years ago he evenbroke his leg playing in a slow pitch softball league.He was not surprised when lower back pain crept up with his stream ofbirthdays. Two years ago he turned to Lewes orthopaedic surgeon RonaldSabbagh, MD, to find out what could be done. He learned that he was sufferingfrom disc degeneration and that there was nerve impingement.“We tried all kinds of treatments to avoid surgery,” recalls Mr. Ostroski, a20-year veteran with the Delaware State Police. “I did physical therapy and tookmedication. But I couldn’t get any relief, and then the numbness got worse.”G U I D I N G A M E R I C A T O B E T T EFinally,R H EinAOctoberL T H C2009,A R Eafter®it got so bad that Mr. Ostroski could not standor sit for long periods of time, he and Dr. Sabbagh agreed on a new, minimallyinvasive surgical procedure using the Aspen Spinous Process System by LANX ® .The system is a tiny device that the surgeon inserts and positions on the spine,after making a small incision, to align and stabilize it.Below: Back patient Mark Ostroski, of Lewes, searches for wildlife with sonJackson and daughter Sydney.“The pain was gone the morning after the surgery,” Mr. Ostroski says. “I can’tInset: Mark Ostroski (left) is treated for back pain by Dr. Ronald Sabbagh. believe how wonderful it is to be able to stand up and to just walk again.”H E A L T H G R A D E S®G U I D I N G A M E R I C A T O B E T T E R H E A L T H C A R E ®H E A L T H G R A D E S8G U I D I N G A M E R I C A T O B E T T E R H E A L T H C A

“In 2007 there were just over 200 procedures performed here,and this year the number is expected to top 300 procedures.”According to Dr. Sabbagh, this surgical procedure is one of several minimallyinvasive options used at Beebe Medical Center that can improve certain kinds ofback problems and allow patients to get back on their feet much quicker thanwith traditional surgery.Beebe Medical Center was the first hospital in Delaware to offer the LANX ®procedure, an example of one of the latest technologies available.“Our back surgery program has grown and improved in recent years,” saysMarie Berntsen, Director of Orthopaedic Services. “In 2007 there were just over200 procedures performed here, and this year the number is expected to top300 procedures.”Beebe Medical Center’s back surgery program not only has grown, but itsquality has been recognized. HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcareratings company, has given Beebe Medical Center a 5-star rating for spine surgeryand a 5-star rating for back and neck surgery for 2010. HealthGrades also rankedBeebe Medical Center Orthopaedic Services among the top 5 percent of allhospitals in the nation, and rated Beebe Medical Center as the only hospital inDelaware, Maryland, and Virginia to receive 5-stars for all orthopaedic proceduresit measures. According to HealthGrades, patients were 80 percent less likely toexperience a major complication in 5-star-rated hospitals when compared with1-star-rated hospitals.“We have a complete multidisciplinary approach to our back and neck surgerywith dedicated surgical and nursing teams that support our surgeons,” saysMrs. Berntsen, emphasizing the specialized education and training of all thestaff members who work with orthopaedic patients.Beebe Medical Center also has a dedicated wing, the James P. Marvel Jr. MDWing, for patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. While Dr. Sabbaghspecializes in back surgery, orthopaedic surgeon David Sopa, DO, Chief ofOrthopaedic Surgery atBeebe, and neurosurgeonBalepur Venkataramana, MD,also perform back and necksurgical procedures.“It is important to talk toa physician if you are havingback pain,” says Dr. Sopa.“There are so many minimallyinvasive treatment optionsavailable today. And if thereis degeneration in the disc,early treatment can avoidmore serious problems.” nOrthopaedic Department nurses Ashley Dorman, RN, ONC; Regina Newell, RN,ONC; Diane Wilson, RN, ONC; and Beth Waite, RN, ONC, have all receivedorthopaedic certification.Brad Bradford, surgical tech; Dr. David Sopa, orthopaedic surgeon; andDr. Balepur Venkataramana, neurosurgeon (left to right), perform spinalsurgery at Beebe Medical Center. Nurse anesthetist Cheryl Cowan, CRNA,is visible in the background.Ronald Sabbagh, MD, uses a model to explain the anatomy of the spine.9

Providing Hopefor the FutureTaking Part in the BattleAgainst Breast Cancer“I feel certain that clinical trialswere involved in developing thecourse of treatment that I received.Now it is my turn to help in thetreatment of others.”Adela Gladwell takes a special pill once a day. TheLewes resident doesn’t know what is in it, but sheknows that by following her daily regimen, sheis taking part in the battle against breast cancer.Adela is a seven-year survivor of breast cancer, apatient of Tunnell Cancer Center, and a participantin a randomized, “double-blind” clinical trial todetermine whether the drug Letrozole, an aromataseinhibitor, will reduce the risk of breast cancer in thepatients who already have had five years of hormonaltreatment. The trial also will help determine whetherthis extended Letrozole treatment will increase thepatient’s risk of blood clots or osteoporosis. Becauseit is a double-blind trial, Adela does not know if herpill is Letrozole.“It’s not a hardship,” Adela says. “I feel good anddidn’t have a problem with my original treatment.I feel certain that clinical trials were involved indeveloping the course of treatment that I received.Now it is my turn to help in the treatment of others.”Adela entered the five-year trial in April 2009.She returns to Tunnell Cancer Center every sixmonths for an examination. She meets with oncologynurse Kari Souder, RN, OCN, one of the center’s tworesearch coordinators. She also meets annually withmedical oncologist/hematologist Srihari Peri, MD,Medical Director of Tunnell Cancer Center.Tunnell Cancer Center, which is part of BeebeMedical Center, can enroll Adela in a clinical trialbecause of Beebe’s affiliation with the Delaware/Christiana Care Community Clinical OncologyProgram (CCOP). Through the CCOP network,Beebe Medical Center physicians work with scientists—Adela Gladwell, of Lewes10

to conduct National Cancer Institute–supported clinicaltrials. This collaboration helps to offer the latestresearch findings at the community level and to providequality care to those at Tunnell Cancer Center.Focus on Quality CareIn 2008, 8.4 percent of Tunnell Cancer Centerpatients participated in clinical trials, which exceedsthe national average of 3 percent. Though TunnellCancer Center has the opportunity to enroll patientsin as many as 60 clinical trials, on average, patientsare enrolled in around 20 at any one time.Adela, for example, is enrolled in the ProtocolB-42 clinical trial of the National Surgical AdjuvantBreast and Bowel Project (NSABP).Tunnell Cancer Center’s impressive participationis due to its focus on bringing the best care to itspatients. Kari and Donna Miskin, RN, the otherresearch coordinator, remain up to date on theongoing National Cancer Institute–supported clinicaltrials taking place across the nation. The two nursesscreen all newly diagnosed Tunnell Cancer Centerpatients for their eligibility in these trials and discusstheir evaluations with the Tunnell Cancer Centermedical oncologists.“The standard of cancer treatment today is whereit is today because of the patients who participatein trials,” Donna says. “And our patients have thesame opportunity as those being treated at majoruniversity hospitals to take part in clinical trials.”Tunnell Cancer Center has received nationalrecognition for its quality standard of care. InJune 2009 it was named a recipient of the 2008Commission on Cancer Outstanding AchievementAward for excellence. Tunnell Cancer Center is oneof only 95 cancer programs across the nation, andthe only community hospital program in Delaware,to earn this prestigious award from the AmericanCollege of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.The award means that Tunnell Cancer Centernot only meets the standards set down by theCommission onCancer, but thatit has exceededthem. Just a fewmonths before, theCommission grantedTunnell Cancer Centera Three-Year Approvalwith Commendation.It was the second timein a row that TunnellCancer Center has gained the covetedCommendation designation, although TunnellCancer Center has consistently received approvalfrom the Commission. In 2009 Tunnell CancerCenter also was recognized by The OncologyNursing Certification Corporation for the professionalismof its nursing staff.To Adela, it’s also about quality of life. She is gladthat she can help others and that she can sing in thechoir at her church, Conley’s United MethodistChurch. “Singing is my passion,” she says. nKari Souder, RN, OCN (left),and Donna Miskin, RN, enroll acancer patient in a clinical trial.Medical oncologist/hematologist Aasim S. Sehbai, MD, reviews a patient’s clinical trial medications withKari Souder, RN, OCN (left), and Donna Miskin, RN.11

For Our CommunityW h o ’ s l o o k i n g o u t f o r y o u rHeart Health?Support GroupsCAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUPThird Thursday of Each MonthA support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’sdisease and related diseases meets at The Gull House(Bay Mart Shopping Center, opposite Spring Lake,Rehoboth). For further information, please call KathleenGraham Frey at (302) 226-2160.FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUPFirst Friday of Each Month at 1 p.m.Integrative Health sponsors a support group witha positive approach to help with lifestyle, exercise,cooking, and networking. The group meets at LewesSenior Center in Nassau. Contact Sherry McGoldrickfor more information at (302) 644-8181.George Foremanand Beebe cardiacrehab nurse JanGlasscock, RN,both Beebe heartpatients, enjoypunch and conversationat the 2009Beebe CelebrateLife event.Diabetes Support GroupBeebe Medical Center has a new Support Groupfor people with Type II diabetes. The group offersinformation and support to patients and their familiesdealing with diabetes. It meets once a month at BeebeMedical Center’s Diabetes Management Center at32060 Long Neck Road in Millsboro. For information,call (302) 947-2500.Mended Hearts Support GroupThird Tuesday of Each Month at 2 p.m.Join BEEBE MEDICAL CENTERFOR ITS 6th annualThursday, February 18, 201010 a.m. – 2 p. m.Rehoboth Beach Convention CenterA support group for those who have had open-heartsurgery. McCurry Conference Center in the MedicalArts Building, next to the Tunnell Cancer Center onRoute 24. Call (302) 645-3514 for more information.STROKE SUPPORT GROUPFourth Thursday of Each Month at 5 p.m.A stroke support group meets at Tunnell Cancer Center,18947 John J. Williams Highway in Rehoboth Beach.The group provides support to stroke survivors, carepartners, spouses, and friends. It provides educationand resources to maximize participation in home andcommunity. The instructor is Holly Sullivan, Speech/Language Pathologist at Beebe Medical Center. Foradditional information, call (302) 645-3100 ext. 2436.Registration is NOT required for this free event.IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, Please call 645-3468.FREE activities, food, and screeningsOur MissionBeebe Medical Center’s charitable mission is to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, andrestore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting the communities we serve.Our VisionBeebe Medical Center will be a community-based healthcare system committed to providinghigh-quality, cost-effective healthcare in fulfillment of our charitable mission.LEWES, DELAWAREwww.beebemed.orgThe Beacon is published by Beebe Medical Center to presenthealth information to the people of Sussex County. Healthinformation provided in the Beacon should not be substitutedfor medical advice offered by a physician. Please consult yourphysician on medical concerns and questions.Jeffrey M. Fried, President and CEO, jfried@bbmc.orgSusan L. Towers, Writer and Editor, stowers@bbmc.orgWith photography by Kevin FlemingLewes, Delaware • (302) 645-3300 • www.beebemed.org