july-august 2011 I Vol. 41, No. 7 - Mecklenburg County Medical ...

AmericA’s50BestHospitAlsPresbyterian Hospital has been namedone of the 50 best hospitals in America. *Based on national hospital rankings for quality patientcare, Presbyterian Hospital joins the elite 50 best listalong with nationally renowned medical centers suchas Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.Presbyterian Hospital is the only hospital in the regionon the “best hospitals” list for 2011. Thanks to all ofour staff for delivering exceptionally high-quality care.www.presbyterian.org/quality.*by Becker’s Hospital Review. July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine

ContentsFeatures7 2011 Medical Society Annual MeetingCharlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx speaks to MCMS members andguests, who say goodbye to Executive Director Carolyn J. Scruggsand welcome incoming ED Sandra Buchanan.9 The Circle of Life Begins AnewRobert W. Schafermeyer, MD, MCMS president, extends a welcometo residents and fellows at Carolinas Medical Center.In Every Issue5 President’s Letter:The Times Are Changing9 Physicians Reach Out Update:Innovative CommunityPartnerships at Work11 Upcoming Meetings & Events11 Board Meeting Highlights12 At the HospitalsOn the Cover: MCMS recognizes its executive directors at the 2011 annualmeeting. Top photo (from left): Mayor Anthony Foxx, Carolyn J. Scruggs and Robert W.Schafermeyer, MD, president. Bottom photo (from left): Robert W. Schafermeyer, MD,president; Ophelia E. Garmon-Brown, MD, MDiv; and Sandra Buchanan.Photos by Cricket Weston1112 Harding Place, #200 Charlotte, NC 28204704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173meckmed@meckmed.orgCopyright 2011 Mecklenburg County Medical SocietyMecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County MedicalSociety, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. Opinions expressed by authors are theirown, and not necessarily those of Mecklenburg Medicine or the Mecklenburg County Medical Society.Mecklenburg Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as toreject any material submitted. Mecklenburg Medicine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.Non-members may subscribe to Mecklenburg Medicine at a cost of $30 per year, or $3.50 perissue, if extra copies are available.Classified Ads: Open to members, non-profits and non-member individuals only; advanceapproval of the Managing Editor and advance payment required. Member rate is 0, non-members $20for the first 30 words; $.75 each additional word.Display Ads: Open to professional entities or commercial businesses. For specifications and rateinformation, call Mark Ethridge at 704-344-1980. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in noway constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein.We welcome your comments and suggestions:Call 704-376-3688 or write Mecklenburg Medicine, c/o Mecklenburg County Medical Society,1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204.July-August 2011Vol. 41 No. 7O F F I C E R SRobert W. Schafermeyer, MDPresidentMaeve E. O’Connor, MDPresident-ElectMark J. Mogul, MDSecretaryJames B. Hall, MDTreasurerB O A R D M e m b e r sLloyd L. Bridges, MDSam R. Fulp, MDHarold R. Howe, Jr., MDJanice E. Huff, MDElizabeth F. Rostan, MDChristopher G. Ullrich, MDSimon V. Ward III, MDThomas N. Zweng, MDEx- Officio BOARD MembersOphelia E. Garmon-Brown, MD, MDivImmediate Past PresidentDocia E. Hickey, MDNCMS Vice SpeakerStephen R. Keener, MD, MPHMedical Director, Mecklenburg CountyHealth DepartmentDarlyne Menscer, MDNCMS Delegate to the AMAJackie PalmerPresident, Mecklenburg MedicalAlliance & EndowmentCheryl Walker-McGill, MD, MBACharlotte Medical SocietyE x e c u t i v e S ta f fSandra Brewer BuchananExecutive DirectorTrisha G. HerndonDirector, Meetings & Special EventsStephanie D. SmithAdministrative AssistantMecklenburg Medicine StaffEditorMark E. Romanoff, MDManaging EditorSandra Brewer BuchananAdvertisingMark Ethridge 704-344-1980Editorial BoardBrent P. Holway, MDN. Neil Howell, MDHytham M. Imseis, MDDarlyne Menscer, MDMichael F. Miltich, MDRobert W. Schafermeyer, MDJessica Schorr Saxe, MDGraphic DesignLydia Sumcad, Sumcad Graphic Design, Inc.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011

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The Times are ChangingBy Robert W. Schafermeyer, MD, PresidentPresident’s LetterIf there is one constant in life Ihave learned about, it is that therealways is change. Change occurs inpersonal and professional life. Certainly,the practice of medicine has changedtremendously since I left medical school.There have been so many discoveriesrelated to the pathophysiology ofdisease and to the advanced diagnostictechnologies and newer treatments.So, too, professional associations alsoundergo change on a regular basis. Butthere are exceptions.Mecklenburg County MedicalSociety has been blessed with stabilityat the executive director level formore than 25 years. Carolyn Scruggscame to Charlotte in September 1985and has served as executive director,historian, community liaison and friendof medicine. She began her nonprofitcareer in Indiana at the EvansvilleChamber of Commerce. Subsequently,she became the executive director of theVanderburgh County Medical Society inEvansville for five years.She came to our medical society in1985 to direct a professional membershiporganization with more than 600members. During her tenure here, shehelped increase membership through the1990s and early 2000s. She has playedan important role in the development ofthe Bioethics Resource Group, ShelterMedical Clinic, Teen Health Connection,N.C. MedAssist, Mecklenburg CountyMedical Society Foundation and N.C.Association for Health Care Access. Withher help and guidance, MCMS physiciansparticipated in building three houses forHabitat for Humanity. Sponsorship ofa professorship in Healthcare Ethics atUNC-Charlotte was a unique project fora county medical society in the country.The first professor, Rosemarie Tong, PhD,assumed her position in January 1998.The MCMS magazine, MecklenburgMedicine, was re-designed under herdirection and increased from six to 10issues per year, providing physicianswith information about medical societyprograms and activities. It also allowsphysicians to share information abouttheir practices and concerns and to allowthe hospitals to update the communityabout important new programs.New programs initiated during hertenure include Physicians Reach Out,the Physicians Leadership Program atQueens University and the CommunityIntern Program. Physicians Reach Out,spearheaded by John T. Klimas, MD,allows more than 1,500 primary andsubspecialty care physicians and alliedhealth professionals to provide careto the uninsured and underinsured inMecklenburg County. Working with theMCMS Board, she helped develop thePhysicians Leadership Program, providingphysicians with new tools to use inleadership positions. The CommunityIntern Program has allowed political, civicand business leaders to spend two dayson site with practicing physicians learningabout healthcare delivery.MCMS is engaged in an array ofpublic health educational programs.The “Medicine and Society” televisionprogram, in collaboration with Dr. Tong,provides bi-annual half-hour programs onhealthcare topics. Other efforts, including“Health Hotline” with WSOC, “Ask theDoctor” column in the Charlotte Observerand “House Calls” on WCNC involvemedical society and alliance members.Carolyn Scruggs lent her timeand leadership skills for a host ofcommunity programs, including UnitedWay, Mecklenburg Medical Allianceand Endowment, Charlotte Speechand Hearing Center and the CharlotteChamber Health Council Board. She alsoworked with the N.C. Medical Society,the American Medical Association andthe American Association of MedicalSociety Executives. The success ofMCMS physicians in leadership andcommittee positions in the AMA and theNCMS are to her credit.Her decision to retire and move tonorth Caldwell County led the Board tosearch for a new executive director. Wewish Carolyn well and thank her for hermany years of service.The new executive director, SandraBrewer Buchanan, will have big shoesto fill, and we are confident she willdo so. Buchanan has an extensivecareer in healthcare and has served asan active volunteer and board memberfor membership associations and humanservice agencies. In her early career,she served as a director of humanresources in High Point, moving on tobecome a practice administrator for anOB-GYN practice and assistant directorof personnel at the High Point RegionalHospital. She then changed her careerdirection by serving as a mid-levelhealthcare provider recruiter, joining theCarolinas HealthCare System, whereshe served for 18 years as an assistantvice president for physician and midlevelprofessional recruitment. Shehas served as president of the NationalAssociation of Physician Services Boardand president of the National Associationof Physician Recruiters. She currentlyserves on the Board of Directors for AChild’s Place in Charlotte. As a nativeNorth Carolinian, Buchanan knowsmany individuals in our community andclearly has a desire to help physicianssucceed professionally. I hope you joinme in welcoming her to MCMS, and feelfree to provide your ideas on how theMedical Society can better serve yourprofessional needs.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011

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2011 Medical Society Annual MeetingJune 1 Westin HotelOphelia E. Garmon-Brown, MD, MDiv,and her sister, Olivia ThomasMark E. Romanoff, MD, at the podium with members of his skit on the 10 “real”reasons Carolyn is retiring. From Left: William K. Poston, Jr., MD; William A. Walker,MD; Maeve E. O’Connor, MD; James B. Hall, MD; and Darlyne Menscer, MD. Notpictured are Janice E. Huff, MD; Stephen R. Keener, MD; Robert W. Schafermeyer, MD;and Mack Scruggs.Dr. Robert and Mrs. Ann SchafermeyerFrom Left: V. Sagar Sethi, MD; MayorAnthony Foxx; and Ophelia E. Garmon-Brown, MD, MDivFrom Left: Janice E. Huff, MD; Maeve E.O’Connor, MD; and Stephen J. Ezzo, MDCarolyn and Mack Scruggs leave with her beautiful gift of 25 long-stem yellow roses.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011

From Left: John L. Ranson, Jr., MD;Nancy Carter, city councilwoman; JaneLucas; and Robert T. Lucas, Jr., MDFrom Left: James M. Horton, MDJames B. Hall, MD; and Kathleen M.Reardon, MDFrom Left: Carmel Joyce; Kal Kardous;Nancy L. Teaff, MD; Don G. Joyce, MD;and Marie-Claire Marroum, MDJessica Schorr Saxe, MD, and CarrieCook, aide to U.S. Sen. Kay HaganT. Hayes Woollen, Jr., MD, and MarkEthridge, Mecklenburg Medicine publisherFrom Left: Dan Murrey, MD; John R.Allbert, MD; and T. Hayes Woollen, Jr., MDDr. Joe H. and Mrs. Dana WoodyDr. M. Mark and Mrs. Amy HesterFrom Left: Kathy Sammis,administrator, CharlotteGastroenterology and Hepatology;Tom Sammis, house leader ofMCMS Habitat for Humanityhouses in 1993 and 1996; andSandi BuchananDr. Darrell A. and Mrs. Ariana Klotz July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine

Physicians Reach Out: InnovativeCommunity Partnerships at WorkBy Rebecca Kehrer, Health Policy and Analytics Manager, Care RingAt Care Ring, we continue to lookfor innovative ways to eliminate thebarriers that vulnerable members ofour community face in accessing healthcare.One way we do that is with the long-standingrelationships Care Ring and Physicians ReachOut have with our local free clinics andFederally Qualified Health Center to providespecialty care for clinic patients who meetPRO eligibility requirements. Historically,between 5 and 10 percent of patients inPhysicians Reach Out come to Care Ring witha referral for specialty care from an area freeclinic. To maintain continuity of care, thesepatients remain with their referring clinic fortheir primary care needs, but once enrolled inPhysicians Reach Out, they become eligiblefor PRO’s network of specialty care services,diagnostics and hospital care.Applicants to Physicians ReachOut complete an application, providedocumentation supporting their eligibility,and meet with an eligibility coordinator foran interview. While Care Ring’s offices arecentrally located on a bus route in uptownCharlotte and easily accessible to most areas ofMecklenburg County, we recognize that freeclinic patients from communities in outlyingareas of our county may experience additionalchallenges in coming to our uptown offices forPhysicians Reach Out enrollment.In order to address the needs of thesepatients, Physicians Reach Out is piloting aprogram to provide eligibility screenings forMatthews Free Medical Clinic patients at theiroffice one day a month. Instead of sendingthem to the Care Ring offices, the Matthewsclinic now is able to schedule patientsbeing referred to Physicians Reach Out theopportunity to interview with a Care Ringeligibility coordinator in a familiar location —their existing medical home. For patients whoPhysicians Reach Outare less familiar with navigating the city ofCharlotte or have limited mobility or time, thisis an option that removes potential barriers toaccessing much-needed specialty care. Thesepatients receive a standard eligibility interview,and, as often as possible, once enrolled inPhysicians Reach Out, are matched with localphysicians in their community.While still a new partnership, the first fewmonths of the pilot have been a success. CareRing looks forward to expanding this pilotprogram to the Lake Norman CommunityClinic, serving an additional outlying area ofMecklenburg County.Allowing Physicians Reach Out staffto conduct eligibility interviews at off-sitelocations further strengthens our long-standingpartnerships with local free clinics and broadensthe reach of our services. As these partnershipsare strengthened, our mutual patients benefitfrom more seamless provision of care.The Circle of Life Begins AnewBy Robert W. Schafermeyer, MD, President, MCMSWelcome to all of the new andreturning resident physicians. Iknow you will have a challengingand interesting experience. I want to sharea few thoughts with you at the beginning ofyour year. Many aspects of our life occur incycles. For me, this has been a very busy andinteresting year. In my personal life, my firstgrandchild was born in January. Another sonwas married in June. My children have grownup and started their own families. At work, Icompleted one project and am on to the nextone. My chairman, John A. Marx, MD, steppeddown after 19 years of outstanding service toour department and hospital. A new chairpersonwill take over this year.Not too long ago, I attended our residentgraduation dinner. It was both a joyous andsad occasion. Joyous, in that another groupof outstanding emergency medicine residentsbegin their clinical and academic careers.These graduating residents are bright, talentedand compassionate physicians ready topractice their specialty and be leaders in theircommunities. The experience also carried anote of sadness because the same individualsare now moving away from our programthat has been their home for the past severalyears. I know from experience that some willkeep in touch and some will go their separateways. And I know familiar faces no longerwill be at the bedside when I begin my shift.Even after 30 years, it’s not easy to preparefor the emotions brought by the constant ebband flow of young physicians whom I havecome to respect and admire. If there is oneconsolation, however, it is knowing I will meetnew residents who share their great desires ofbeing the best physicians possible. Such is thelife of an academic physician. My colleaguesprobably have similar thoughts about themonths of June and July.What makes this all worthwhile ishope. I hope I am making a difference, andthe graduating residents also will make adifference. Writer Charles Sawyer says it best:“Of all the forces that make for a better world,none is so indispensible, none so powerful, ashope. Without hope people are only half alive.With hope, they dream and think and work.”To the new residents who are just startingtheir careers, congratulations! Don’t getbogged down in the day-to-day duties, anddon’t worry so much about what lies ahead.Go as far as you can ... then look farther.Learn as much as you can ... and neverstop learning. As physicians, our learningexperience is a lifelong process. Involvementis another essential component to your career.Be involved in your local, state and nationalmedical societies and your specialty society.The rewards may not be financial, but youwill feel satisfaction as you reflect back onwhat you did for your community and yourspecialty. I subscribe to the old saying, “It isa mark of intelligence, no matter what you aredoing, to have a good time doing it.” Enjoyyour time as a resident, and as you begin,remember the “circle of life” begins anew.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011

MCMS Welcomes Carolinas Medical Center2011 ResidentsEmergency MedicineManeesha Agarwal, MDJonathan Bronner, MDDevin Bustin, MDChristopher Carey, MDSamuel Chang, MDRyan Christensen, MDRobert Dahlquist, MDBradley Efune, MDMargaret Hauck, MDStephen Keller, MDMargaret Lewis, MDPeter McCahill, MDMichael Merrill, MDKatharine Modisett, MDLuis Pinzon, MDAndrew Wyman, MDGregory Zahn, MDFamily MedicineMolly Benedum, MDErika Chambliss, MDAnna Claugus, MDJohn Emerson, MDMarc Guerra, MDAnthony Martin, MDSteven Moore, MDCecilie Only, MDAnna Sedney, MDKimbre Vogel, MDErin Voss, MDInternal MedicineAmit Aravapalli, MDKelsey Barr, MDWalker Brooks, MDAmy Chudgar, MDBrendan Day, MDDavid Edwards, MDJoshua Eichenberger, MDMaya Fetter, MDJohn Johnson, MDVinaya Maddukuri, MDLeigh Medaris, MDWilliam Myrick, MDUchechukwu Obih, MDAlexander Page, MDRavi Patel, MDMichael Roach, MDNeeraj Sathe, DOJohn Tenini, MDJordan Torok, MDNagavivek Vasuki, MDObstetrics/GynecologyGerald Comer, MDJoshua Counihan, MDTresa Lombardi, MDPatricia Mattingly, MDAnkita Patel, MDTyler Pierce, MDOrthopaedic SurgeryPhillip Bell, MDSean Griffin, MDNikkole Haines, MDKaren Hand, MDGavin Hart, MDCrystal Perkins, MDKevin Phelps, MDBrian Tonne, MDMatthew Wilson, MDPediatricsJonathan Buice, MDStephanie Cheetham, MDJoel Gallagher, MDMark Henin, MDSumreen Hussain, MDBenjamin Jarrett, MDMeaghan Kuczora, MDSuzanne Lewis, MDStephen Mercer, MDSara Ryder, MDAnita Shah, DOKristine Uyesugi, MDPhysical Medicine andRehabilitationJustin Alexander, MDGemayaret Alvarez, MDTony Liu, DOCorinne Locke, MDTerrence Pugh, MDCharles Rhoads, MDGeneral SurgeryChase Campbell, MDLaura Carr, MDKarinn Chambers, MDMatthew Dellinger, MDSofiane El Djouzi, MDVandy Gaffney, MDChristopher Hanlon, MDZeid Keilani, MDFernando Navarro, MDSharique Nazir, MDSamuel Ross, MDKerri Simo, MDAlla Zemlyak, MDVascular SurgeryAaron Hurd, MD10 July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine

UpcomingMeetings & EventsMeetings are at the MCMS office unlessotherwise noted.JUly 2011No MCMS Board Meeting.• Monday, July 4Office closed for Fourth of July.• Thursday, July 14Legislative Committee Meeting. 4 p.m.• Friday, July 15Child Health Committee. 7:30 a.m.• Thursday, July 21CAMGM. Myers Park Baptist Church.Noon.• Friday, July 22September magazine deadline.AUGUST 2011• Thursday, Aug. 11Legislative Committee Meeting. 4 p.m.• Monday, Aug. 22October magazine deadline.• Monday, Aug. 22MCMS Board Meeting. 6 p.m.SEPTEMBER 2011• Monday, Sept. 5Office closed for Labor Day.• Tuesday, Sept. 6AAFP Quarterly Meeting.Location: TBD. 6:30 p.m.• Thursday, Sept. 8Legislative Committee Meeting. 4 p.m.• Thursday, Sept. 8Charlotte Medical Society MembershipMeeting.Location: TBD. 6:30 p.m.• Thursday, Sept. 15Managers Annual HealthcareSymposium. Harris Conference Center.All day.• Friday, Sept. 16Child Health Committee Meeting.7:30 a.m.• Tuesday, Sept. 20Charlotte Pediatric Society MembershipMeeting.Speaker: Dr. Zach Moore, Pediatric IDSpecialist and Epidemiologist.“Changes in Influenza Testing andManagement.”Time and Place TBD.• Wednesday, Sept. 21David G. Welton, MD, Society FallLuncheon.Speaker: Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD.“North Carolina Research Campus inKannapolis.”Charlotte Country Club. 11:15 a.m.• Thursday, Sept. 22November/December magazinedeadline.• Monday, Sept. 26MCMS Board. 6 p.m.Member NewsMCMS BoardHighlights of April25 Meeting• Robert W. Schafermeyer, MD,president, called the meeting to order.• Mark J. Mogul, MD, secretary,presented an application for activemembership from Rhonda PenningtonPatt, MD. The Board approved theapplication.• James B. Hall, MD, treasurer,reviewed highlights of the Marchfinancial statement.• Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD, boardliaison to the Women Physicians SectionSteering Committee, presented a proposal tosupport, through fundraising and educationefforts, the United Family Servicescampaign to build a new domestic violenceshelter for women and children. Themotion from a committee did not require asecond and passed unanimously.• Board liaison reports:- Annual Meeting: Ophelia E. Garmon-Brown, MD, MDiv, reported MayorAnthony Foxx will speak at the AnnualMeeting on June 1 at the Westin Hotel.• Health Department: StephenR. Keener, MD, reported the HealthDepartment received a good rating onits accreditation by the state. Upcomingactivities include the county budget,state funding cuts, beginning to plan forthe Democratic National Convention inCharlotte in 2012 and hiring Medic’s newmedical director. Dr. Keener said therewill be a role for the Community MedicalPreparedness Committee to play with theDemocratic National Convention.• Legislative Committee: ChristopherG. Ullrich, MD, summarized state activity,including action on tort reform. He notedthe N.C. Medical Society is organizing acoalition in support of tort reform.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011 11

At the HospitalsMED-1 Helps Indian Hospitalin PhoenixCarolinas MED-1, CMC’s mobilehospital, was deployed in May for thefourth time in its history when it helpedPhoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC)provide emergency care while the hospitalwas closed for renovation. Medicalpersonnel from PIMC cared for patientswith the assistance of advisors fromMED-1’s medical team.The medical center is part of the U.S.Dept of Health and Human Services’ IndianHealth Service and serves as a referralcenter for more than 350 tribes in Arizona,Utah and Nevada. The hospital buildingunderwent major electrical infrastructurereplacement, in addition to central sterilizerand air handler unit replacements thatsignificantly impacted hospital operations.MED-1 is the first mobile hospital thatwas developed and is owned by CMC. Itutilizes a 53-foot trailer with expandablepods that create a 1,000-square-footemergency department, featuring 14 beds anda two-bed surgical suite. It was previouslydeployed to Waveland/Bay St. Louis, Miss.,and New Orleans in the wake of HurricaneKatrina, as well as to Columbus, Ind.,following Midwest floods. It has providedcare for more than 10,000 patients.Kidney Treatment Programat Levine Children’s HospitalRanked in Top 50 byU.S. News & World ReportLevine Children’s Hospital (LCH) wasrecently ranked by U.S. News & WorldReport as being among the top 50 “BestChildren’s Hospitals” in the nation forpediatric care in nephrology. This is thesecond time LCH has been recognized inthe “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings forexcellence in pediatric nephrology. LCH isthe only hospital in the Charlotte area, andone of only 76 hospitals nationwide, to berecognized in the 2011-2012 rankings.“We are proud of the work that ourphysicians and staff do every day to deliverthe highest level of care to patients,” saysLeonard G. Feld, MD, chief medical officerand chairman of Pediatrics at LCH. “It is aprivilege to be counted among a very selectgroup of peer institutions for this type ofclinical excellence.”According to Dr. Feld, the nephrologyprogram at LCH is distinguished by acomprehensive approach to the care ofchildren with kidney problems on aninpatient and outpatient basis. Since thehospital first opened in late 2007, thenephrology team has grown to include fivephysicians; nurses with specialization innephrology, dialysis and transplant; andother specialists. An LCH board-certifiednephrologist is available 24/7 to provideinpatient consultation and care. Thehospital also offers the only in-hospitalpediatric dialysis unit in the Carolinas.Mecklenburg EMS AgencyLaunches New ProgramAimed at Providing MoreOptions for PatientsOfficials with Mecklenburg EMSAgency (Medic), Carolinas HealthCareSystem, Presbyterian Healthcare andMecklenburg County recently launcheda patient-driven response program calledOMEGA. The OMEGA program givespatients with minor medical problemsmore options to better meet their specifichealthcare needs.The new program provides a safe,tested healthcare option that gives patientspresenting specific maladies a choiceto either speak with a nurse or continuetheir request for an ambulance response.OMEGA only will be offered to thosepatients who present minor injuries orillnesses and fall within a specific setof parameters. Medic never will denya patient an ambulance response; theprogram is designed to give patientswithin the community the right care at theright time.OMEGA utilizes a successful, establishednurse help-line system that has been inoperation for over a decade and is managedand staffed by both area hospital systems.Medic spent the past four yearsresearching OMEGA by collectingand analyzing data to ensure theprogram could be safely implementedin Mecklenburg County. Medic’sMedical Control Board, QualityManagement Committee and AgencyBoard of Directors reviewed andapproved the OMEGA research andMedic’s recommendations. Each ofthese oversight boards is comprised ofphysicians and administrators from bothhealthcare providers in MecklenburgCounty and the County Manager’s office.Carolinas HealthCare SystemReceives National OutstandingAchievement Award for QualityCancer CareFour Carolinas Medical Centerhospitals in Charlotte recently received theOutstanding Achievement Award from theAmerican College of Surgeons (ACoS)Commission on Cancer (CoC). The awardrecognizes CoC-accredited cancer programsthat demonstrate a continued level ofcommitment to providing excellence incancer care.Cancer programs at CMC, CMC-Mercy,CMC-Pineville and CMC-Universitycomprise the ACoS-CoC cancer networkthat received the award. This is the onlynetwork program in the Charlotte areaand one of only 90 cancer care programsnationwide to receive the OutstandingAchievement Award in 2011. All four ofthese hospitals are now part of LevineCancer Institute.The Institute, established in 2010, willserve as a catalyst in sharing preventivestrategies and best practices with CHSaffiliatedcare facilities across the regionto reduce cancer care disparities. Clinicalactivity at the Institute will focus onmulti-disciplinary care in conjunctionwith extensive educational and researchendeavors, including clinical trials.In 2009, CMC, CMC-Mercy, CMC-Pineville and CMC-University treated atotal of 4,664 cancer patients. Accordingto CoC officials, receiving care at a CoCaccreditedcancer program ensures a patientwill have access to the full spectrum ofcomprehensive cancer care. CoC-accreditedprograms also report data to monitor thequality of patient care delivered and toimprove cancer care outcomes at both localand national levels.12 July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine

At the HospitalsPresbyterian OrthopaedicHospital Opens Region’s First 3DFluoroscopy RoomOn May 30, Presbyterian OrthopaedicHospital opened the region’s first 3Dfluoroscopy room specifically designed fororthopaedic patients. The hospital is nowable to offer the following imaging exams:• Dynamic 3D spine myelograms and• 3D kinematic and weight-bearingimaging of joints.The new room’s unique designminimizes patient movement andimproves comfort. It also allows for lowdoseradiation and provides faster results.In addition, all imaging tests performedat Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital areperformed by radiology technologistsspecializing in orthopaedic imaging andread by musculoskeletal radiologists whoare on site Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5p.m. Concierge scheduling is available,providing convenient, quick access to thishighly specialized service.To refer a patient for imaging in the3D fluoroscopy room, call 704-316-1411.Presbyterian Healthcare LaunchesLung Nodule Evaluation ProgramImproved diagnostic tests, such asCT scans, allow physicians to detectmore lung lesions in patients withoutany symptoms of disease. While theseincidental findings are helpful, additionaltesting is needed to determine if a lesionis benign or malignant.The Lung Nodule Evaluation Programestablishes a systematic way to evaluateand treat patients with nodules or lesions,according to the latest evidence-basedmedicine. Under this new collaborativemodel, radiologic, oncologic andpulmonary experts will work together toprovide timely and relevant pulmonaryassessment and ongoing care for patients.The ultimate goal of the Lung NoduleEvaluation Program is to increase theearly detection of lung cancer andimprove patient outcomes. Also importantis determining the appropriate evaluationand surveillance approach for each patientto potentially reduce unnecessary testingand patient anxiety.Benefits include:• Evidence-based, systematic approachto the evaluation, treatment and follow-upof lung nodules• Quick, thorough communicationof results and recommendation back toreferring physicians• Fast-tracked appointments forpatients in need of follow-up to ensurerapid diagnosis• Dedicated nurse navigation services• Immediate access tomultidisciplinary lung cancer clinic, ifappropriate• Inclusion in a patient database toestablish performance standards and allowcomparison to established benchmarksReferring physicians will be notifiedof the patient’s plan of care as determinedby the Lung Nodule Evaluation Program.To refer a patient to the Lung NoduleEvaluation Program, call 704-384-9956.Presbyterian Healthcare andNovant Health Receive NationalAward for Customer ServicePresbyterian Healthcare and NovantHealth received the 2011 President’sAward from Professional ResearchConsultants (PRC), a nationally knownhealthcare research company. Eachyear, PRC presents its top award to oneorganization or individual that has made anextraordinary contribution to healthcare.Presbyterian and Novant werehonored for their success in permeatinga customer-focused culture of serviceexcellence. Joe Inguanzo, PhD, presidentand CEO of PRC, noted Presbyterianand Novant’s ability to incorporatenew facilities into their “RemarkableExperience” culture.Novant also received the PRCPresident’s Award in 2006, making thehealth system the only organization to behonored twice with this prestigious award.VHA Awards PresbyterianHospital its Leadership Award forClinical ExcellenceVHA Inc., a national healthcarenetwork of not-for-profit healthcareorganizations, recently presentedPresbyterian Hospital with its 2011VHA Leadership Award for ClinicalExcellence, honoring the hospitalfor exceeding national performancestandards for clinical care and improvingthe patient experience.Presbyterian Hospital is among only 28hospitals nationwide, and one of only threein the Carolinas, recognized by VHA forachieving top performance in Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services’ clinicalcore measures and Hospital ConsumerAssessment of Healthcare Providers andSystems (HCAHPS).Presbyterian Cancer CenterMedical Director RetiresAfter a decoratedcareer spanning fourdecades, Richard B.Reiling, MD, FACS,has decided to retire.Dr. Reiling, a surgicaloncologist by trade,came to PresbyterianRichard B.Reiling, MDCancer Center fromOhio in 2003 and hasserved as medicaldirector during his entire tenure here.Under his leadership, the cancer programreceived two Outstanding AchievementAwards by the national Commission onCancer. Among other accomplishments,Dr. Reiling was awarded the 2010Honored Surgeon Award by the NorthCarolina Chapter of the American Collegeof Surgeons.Mecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011 13

Adult andPediatricENT CareOffice PrOPertiesF O R L E A S EAllergies andSinus DisordersVoice andHearingDisorders11010 David Taylor Drive• 4,908 SF • $15.50 per SF Full Service• Medical Office or General Office• On-Building Signage AvailableIn-HouseDiagnosticsand ResearchRandall Bozard704-335-5626 (o) • 704-779-2397 (m)randall@charlotteofficespace.comTogether, We Just Make Sense.A More Sensible Approach To ENT Patient Referrals.Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates offers areaphysicians a trusted resource for ear, nose and throat care.Through the use of our state-of-the-art Electronic TransferSystem, we can communicate quickly with referringphysicians so that you know the status of your patients atall times. The region’s premiere provider for adult andpediatric patients for more than 80 years, we provide thelatest techniques and highest quality care.Our partnership is a breath of fresh air.Choose CEENTA.Advertising AcknowledgementThe following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.Brackett Flagship Properties.......................................6Carolinas Rehabilitation...........................................15Charlotte EENT........................................................14Charlotte Radiology....................................................4Cutaneous Pathology..................................................4Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region...........6WE JUST MAKE SENSE.GOODSENSES.COM704.295.3000 800.654.3368LabCorp.....................................................Back CoverMD Management Solutions........................................6Office Properties.......................................................14Presbyterian Hospital..................................................214 July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine

www.carolinasrehabilitation.org/differenceThere is a difference.Complete Rehabilitative CareThe difference is the complete range of rehabilitation programs and services weoffer your patients. From infants born with congenital problems to adults withtraumatic injuries, our specialty trained physicians and rehabilitation team areexperts in a full range of conditions and diagnoses. That means we know whatit takes to get your patients on the road to recovery.Some of our programs and services include:» Amputee RehabilitationBrain Injury Program» Brain Injury ProgramCancer Rehabilitation» Cancer RehabilitationGeneral and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation» General and Orthopaedic RehabilitationPediatric Rehabilitation» Pediatric RehabilitationSpinal Cord Injury Program» Spinal Cord Injury ProgramStroke Rehabilitation» Stroke Rehabilitation» Better Balance ProgramCarolinas Concussion Network» Carolinas Concussion NetworkCharlotte Continence Center» Charlotte Continence CenterSports Medicine» Sports MedicineVocational Services» Vocational Serviceswww.carolinasrehabilitation.org/differenceUntitled-1 16/2/11 2:32 PMMecklenburg Medicine • July-August 2011 15

Mecklenburg CountyMedical Society1112 Harding Place, #200Charlotte, NC 28204PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDCHARLOTTE, N.C.PERMIT NO. 1494CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTEDMCMS Mission:To unite, serve and represent ourmembers as advocates for our patients,for the health of the community andfor the profession of medicine.Patient Service Centers...for all your laboratory testing needsBallantyne 15830 John Delaney Drive Charlotte NC 704-540-0251Billingsley** 300 Billingsley Road, Suite 200 A Charlotte NC 704-332-6904Carmel** 5633 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 704-542-7061Cabarrus 478 Copperfield Blvd. Concord NC 704-795-2710East Broad St. 1503 East Broad Street, Suite 102 Statesville NC 704-832-2693Gastonia Stat Lab 660 Summitt Crossing, Suite 206 Gastonia NC 704-854-9497Huntersville 14330 Oakhill Park Lane Huntersville NC 704-948-8101Lake Norman 134 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102 Mooresville NC 704-799-6230Matthews** 211 W Matthews Street, Suite 103 Matthews NC 704-846-9186Northridge* 5031-G West W. T. Harris Blvd. Charlotte NC 704-598-6266Pineville 10410 Park Road, Suite 450 Pineville NC 704-341-1145Randolph** 1928 Randolph Road, Suite 109 Charlotte NC 704-334-2629Rock Hill 2460 India Hook Road, Suite 101 Rock Hill SC 803-328-1724Salisbury 601 Mocksville Avenue, Suite B Salisbury NC 704-637-1000Shelby 809 N. Lafayette Street Shelby NC 704-480-7004Statesville** 1710-A Davie Avenue Statesville NC 704-878-0948Statesville 1503 East Broad Street, #102 Statesville NC 704-832-2693University** 10320 Mallard Creek Road Charlotte NC 704-549-8647* Drug Screens Only ** Blood Draws Only16 July-August 2011 • Mecklenburg Medicine