Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Center for Breast Health

16 Pages·2007·2.84 MB·English

We care for life
…By Providing Nursing Supplies to Future Nurses O F S T. F R A N C I S
(L) St. Francis provided 110 bags filled with nursing supplies
to Columbus State University first-year nursing students to use W I N T E R 2 0 0 7
in their lab. The students who received them in August were
most appreciative! St. Francis also donated 90 bags to first-year
nursing students at Columbus Technical College.
…By Walking for a Cause
St. Francis associates helped raise funds for the local chapter
of the Alzheimer’s Association by walking in the group’s walk
on October 20 at Brookstone School. (L) Team members wear
event t-shirts handpainted by clients of the Oasis adult respite
program at The Bradley Center.
…By Helping High School Students Explore
Health Care Careers
High school students explore health care careers at St. Francis
Hospital one evening a month through the Medical Explorers
program of the Boy Scouts of America-Chattahoochee Valley
chapter. (L) Kevin Ellis, RN, describes careers in surgery to a
group in October.
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage Vision Becomes Reality:
PAID
Columbus, GA
Permit 182 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Center
for Breast Health
St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Inc.
2300 Manchester Expressway
Suite F3
Columbus, GA 31904
www.wecareforlife.com
Holiday Gifts CONTENTS
W I N T E R 2 0 0 7
O F S T. F R A N C I S
That Give Back
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2
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2
Spirit of St. Francisis Vision to Reality
published as a community service
for the friends and patrons of Dr. Chuck Scarborough and Dr. Wade Wallace’s
St. Francis Hospital, Inc., and vision has become a reality at the Elena Diaz-Verson
the St. Francis Foundation. Amos Center for Breast Health.
T
St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Inc.
The holiday season is approaching, and what better 2300 Manchester Expressway, Suite F3
Columbus, Georgia 31904
gift to give your friends, family and customers
[phone]
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than honoring them through your support of www.wecareforlife.com It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts! 6
Quick fixes don’t always work when it comes to digestive problems.
the patients at St. Francis Hospital.
Robert P. Granger
6 Mission to Africa |
Instead of shopping for gifts and mailing cards, President and 8
Dr. Leland McCluskey puts his heart for Africa into action.
Chief Executive Officer
many of our friends and supporters sponsor a
St. Francis Hospital, Inc.
poinsettia in honor of their family or associates.
HO PE for Non-Healing Wounds |
The Foundation sends a personal card to the person McDonald Plummer Jr. A highly-skilled team² of physicians and certified wound 10
Vice President
you designate and, just before Christmas, nurses use the latest in hyperbarics oxygen therapy
St. Francis Foundation
to help patients heal more quickly.
your poinsettia is delivered to a patient at St. Francis.
Amy G. Adams
Director of Communications Aging Energetically |
For more information about dedicating a poinsettia or 8 14
More than 2,100 Primetime Seniors are reaping the benefits
making a holiday gift tribute, visit www.wecareforlife.com Karen L. Johnson of St. Francis’ new program for adults age 55 and older.
Editor
or call the St. Francis Foundation at 706-653-9375.
Leaders in Their Fields
Sara R. Hutchinson |
Floyd Jarrell, MD, founded West Georgia Eye Care, and 18
Writer
Harold Jarrell, MD, founded OB/GYN Associates.
The two brothers will be honored at the Fourth Annual
Image by Design
Butler Service and Leadership Award dinner.
Graphic Design
Member of American Hospital
14 On the cover:
Association, Georgia Hospital
Dr. Chuck Scarborough and Dr. Wade Wallace
Association, Catholic Health Association,
Premier, Inc.
Photo: Mike Culpepper
Accredited by Joint Commission
on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations
Copyright©2007 18
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Spirit of St. Francis 1
E l e n a D i a z - V e r s o n A m o s C e n t e r f o r B r e a s t H e a l t h
Nationally, fewer and fewer women are getting mammograms. This may
be the result of a six percent drop in the number of mammography centers
in the United States between 2001 and 2004, according to the National
Cancer Institute. A government report shows that 1,000 of the nation’s
facilities have shut down because of rising overhead costs and a decline
in the number of doctors willing to read mammograms. The women of
Columbus and surrounding areas are fortunate to have a world class
facility like the Center for Breast Health and its dedicated staff of physicians
and personnel who share the same goals and vision.
Radiologist Wade Wallace, MD, and breast specialist
Charles Scarborough, MD, discuss a patient’s
digital mammogram.
“This will be accomplished in an environ- however, replace the standard screening and
ment that is comfortable, convenient and, best diagnostic tools used first. The American
of all, using the latest technology available.” Cancer Society recommends that a woman
The Center for Breast Health is enhanced with an unusually high risk of developing
by having community support. Two digital breast cancer get an annual MRI as well as a
(L-R) Wanda and Shelby Amos, Sita Amos Frith, Elena Land Delevie, Salvadore Diaz-Verson Jr., Louly Diaz-Verson Jones, mammography units have been donated, one mammogram. Specific criteria must be met in
John and Tracey Amos and Lesley Amos are pictured with the portrait of Elena Diaz-Verson Amos. The Center is named in her honor.
by the St. Francis Auxiliary and the second by order to do so.
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a generous local family. The Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Center for
The Center for Breast Health, formerly The Women’s Diaz-Verson Amos Center for Breast Health is all about. “Our services are available, and we encourage women to get Breast Health is dedicated to providing world class breast
Center of St. Francis, announced its vision to the community The new center delivers the highest levels of technology, their regular screening mammogram,” says Lynn Thompson, care to the women of this community.
with a dedication ceremony on October 1. The Center was skill and compassion to the women of our community. administrative director of the center. “Women are actually their –Amy Adams
renamed in memory of Elena Diaz-Verson Amos to honor With services like digital mammography, diagnostic breast own best breast experts. When a woman checks her breast at
the Amos family’s generosity. The estate of John and Elena ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the same time each month, she is the first to know when a
Amos pledged $1 million to St. Francis to ensure that our (coming in 2008), women in our area can benefit from change has occurred, and she should immediately contact her
Services at the Elena Diaz-Verson Center
community will benefit from world class breast health proper screening and early detection. physician for an examination.”
for Breast Health:
services and the latest technology in future years all under Dr. Charles Scarborough, the medical director of the When a woman gets her screening exam at the Center for
one roof at the center. new center, and Dr. Wade Wallace, the director of Radiology, Breast Health and an irregularity is detected by the center’s
“We waited to make this announcement so we could are natives of Columbus, and our community is fortunate onsite radiologist, she can have confidence that a diagnostic (cid:129) Two full-field digital mammography units, one of which is
determine our future plans for the facility,” explained to have two local experts serving in their hometown. mammogram will be performed quickly, on the same day,
designed to take images of full-figured women
Robert Granger, president and CEO of St. Francis. “When Dr. Scarborough, a breast specialist and board-certified if possible, or certainly by the next day.
(cid:129) Diagnostic breast ultrasound
St. Francis formed a partnership with Columbus Surgical general surgeon specializing in breast care, and Dr. Wallace, “Having a dedicated radiologist on site to read, advise and
Associates to become the St. Francis Center for Surgical Care, a board-certified radiologist, have dedicated their careers to consult if requested by the referring physician can eliminate (cid:129) Minimally invasive breast biopsy
we were fortunate to gain the expertise of breast surgeon breast health and mammography services to benefit all the the fear of the unknown and cut the waiting time to 24 hours.
(cid:129) DEXA scan for diagnosing osteoporosis
Dr. Charles Scarborough. Dr. Scarborough and radiologist women in our community. At the Center for Breast Health, we believe that a woman
Dr. Wade Wallace had a vision for a comprehensive breast “The Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Center for Breast Health should not have to wait and worry for weeks that something (cid:129) PET scans
center, and today their vision has become a reality.” will provide education, diagnostic services and results to is wrong,” Thompson explains.
(cid:129) MRI
St. Francis has a comprehensive center that addresses all referring physicians expeditiously for their review and In 2008, MRI of the breast will also be available. Breast
of a woman’s breast health needs. That is what the new Elena recommendations to their patients,” says Dr. Scarborough. MRI, an exciting and evolving technology, should not, (cid:129) All other physician-requested ultrasound procedures
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2 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 3
It’s What’s On The Inside
“This group venture will allow us, as physicians, to concentrate on what
That Counts
we do best and that is take care of patients,” explains Dr. Robbins.
Gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies to screen for, and hopefully
prevent, the development of colon cancer by removing pre-malignant
polyps. The physicians at the St. Francis Center for Digestive Disorders
Announcing the St. Francis Center for Digestive Disorders treat many other conditions, too, such as diverticulosis, esophageal reflux,
inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers.
H Gastroenterologists also treat and manage patients with abdominal pain,
liver disease, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and gallstones.
Heartburn, indigestion and even nausea can sometimes send you to the pharmacy for quick The new St. Francis Center for Digestive Disorders will offer a new, state-
relief. Complaints related to the digestive tract are some of the most common reasons many people of-the-art Endoscopy Unit. The new unit will improve patient flow by
take over-the-counter medications. But a quick fix doesn’t always work and might not be the adding 10 new pre- and post-op areas, for a total of 17, and an additional
best solution to what ails you. procedure room. One form of new technology being added is streaming
Gastroenterologists,or "GIs," are video. This will allow the patient to remain in the Endoscopy Unit instead of
medical specialists with extensive being transported to the Radiology department for the procedure. By using
Steps to Good Intestinal Health
training in diseases of the digestive tract. video, the radiologist will collaborate with the physician over the phone
“Buying over-the-counter items like instead of having to be in the actual procedure room.
Pepcid and Prilosec are okay for tempo- Opening the new center will expand technology and services at St. Francis.
rary relief, but I see patients that go to Recently, St. Francis employed two nurse anesthetists to provide propofol • Eat a balanced and varied dietthat contains
health food stores and buy all kinds of anesthesia during endoscopy. Propofol provides loss of awareness for short fruits and vegetables, bran and other whole
medication. Some of these drugs have diagnostic tests and a surgical procedure. The term "endoscopy" refers to a grain breads and cereals, beans, dried plums
no scientific basis and can actually special technique for looking inside a part of the body. This method of and nuts.
be harmful to your body,” explains sedation offers completely pain-free endoscopy with rapid recovery and
• Limit fats and avoid concentrated sweets,
gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Pike. almost no post-anesthesia side effects.
emphasizing complex carbohydrates.
Dr. Pike, who will retire later this year, “We also plan to add video capsule endoscopy. This is a small pill camera
is one of the four gastroenterologists that is swallowed and allows us to look at video images of the small bowel,”
• Get enough fluids via beverages or foods.
who make up the newly announced Dr. Fortson says.
Include a beverage with every meal or snack.
St. Francis Center for Digestive “Gastroenterology, like many other fields of medicine, is rapidly
Low-calorie or non-caffeinated selections could
Disorders. The center combines the changing, and new technologies are always being developed. Hopefully,
include water and herbal teas and fruit juices,
experience of Dr. Mark Fortson, by joining forces it will also make it easier to continue to bring new
such as prune juice.
Dr. Richard Robbins and Dr. Chad Sisk. technologies to Columbus,” Dr. Sisk explains.
Dr. Robbins has been practicing Dr. Sisk hopes that as the center is utilized and expanded, consideration
• How you eat is just as important as what
in Columbus for nearly 30 years, will be given to adding specialized clinics, such as hepatology, nutrition
you eat.Eat slowly, stop eating when you feel
and Dr. Fortson has been in practice or more advanced gastroenterological procedures, such as endoscopic
full, and don't eat just before bedtime. Make
since 1994. Dr. Sisk comes to ultrasound, that are sometimes only available in a university setting or
time for proper nutrition.
St. Francis Hospital from Martin teaching center. He explains that these types of services keep patients from
Dr. Robbins discusses the results of a colonoscopy. Army Hospital, where he was the having to go out of town. • Exercise. Try aerobic or strength-building
chief of Gastroenterology. “I appreciate St. Francis giving us the opportunity to expand and
activities. Or try stretching exercises like yoga
“I think it is a great advantage anytime you can combine resources and make access to medical combine our gastroenterology services. This center will seek to establish
or pilates.
care easier for patients and family m embers. Combining several gastroenterologists with differ- St. Francis as not only the local choice for gastroenterology consultation,
ing experience levels gives both patients and referring physicians an added option when contem- but also the referral center for the region,” Dr. Sisk concludes.
• Manage your stress. Relaxing should be a
plating gastroenterology consultation,” Dr. Sisk says. –Amy Adams part of your daily to-do list, just the same as
work, social and family obligations.
For more information, call 706-320-2766.
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4 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 5
It’s What’s On The Inside That Counts
continued
Mark Fortson, MD
Dr. Mark Fortson graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he did his Thirty-year veteran nursing leader Bonnie Franco, RN, of The Bradley Center and orthopaedic surgeon Leland McCluskey, MD,
undergraduate work. He graduated cum laude from Emory University School of Medicine in 1980. of the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute were honored as 2007 Georgia Hospital Hero Award winners by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA)
Dr. Fortson did his residency in internal medicine at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa in December. Franco received GHA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the only one awarded in the State of Georgia, for her numerous
City, Iowa, and his fellowship in gastroenterology at The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He achievements and outstanding leadership during three decades of service at St. Francis. Dr. McCluskey received a Georgia Hospital Hero Award,
is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and one of 10 presented statewide, for his philanthropic work as a short-term medical missionary in Kenya and for volunteering his
Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Fortson is nationally published and belongs to a number of professional expertise locally in support of Voices of the Children Ministries.
organizations, including the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College
of Gastroenterology and the Medical Association of Georgia.
Richard Robbins, MD
Dr. Richard Robbins is a Columbus native. He did his undergraduate work at Cornell University in
Ithaca, NY. Dr. Robbins went on to Yale Medical School in New Haven, Conn., where he earned
Bonnie Franco, RN Dr. Leland McCluskey
his medical degree and graduated cum laude in 1972. He did his residency at Yale-New Haven
GHA Lifetime Georgia Hospital
Hospital and a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco.
Achievement Award Hero Award
Dr. Robbins is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He is also a member of
several professional societies, including the Georgia Gastroenterologic Society, Georgia Society
for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Robbins is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Winning the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Lifetime Dr. Leland McCluskey has made a habit of volunteering his services
W D
Achievement Award came as a surprise to Bonnie Franco. It did not, both locally and abroad.
however, surprise Debbie Saylor, RN, MSN, senior vice president of “Very few people know how much time he gives to public service,”
Chad Sisk, DO, FACG Patient Services. says Robert Granger, president and CEO of St. Francis, “It’s a very
“Bonnie is a legacy leader for nursing,” says Saylor. “She is a role selfless thing to do. He’s a tremendous example to all of us and truly
Dr. Chad Sisk comes to the St. Francis Center for Digestive Disorders from Martin Army Community model and mentor for nurses throughout St. Francis. She has been a hospital hero.”
at St. Francis for almost 31 years when the average tenure of a nurse During the past four years, Dr. McCluskey has served as a medical
Hospital at Ft. Benning, Ga. Dr. Sisk graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega and went
is less than five years. While her tenure alone is significant, her missionary for month-long stints in Kenya, working three of four sum-
on to earn his degree at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He did his internship
accomplishments and contributions are most worthy of recognition.” mers at the Kijabe Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Last July, he performed
and residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Sisk did his
Franco, who first began working as a unit secretary at St. Francis 52 surgeries and helped train local surgeons in orthopaedic techniques.
fellowship in gastroenterology at Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. He is while in high school, became a registered nurse in 1977. She then His goal and that of fellow medical missionaries at the Kijabe Hospital,
board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Sisk has been published regionally worked as a staff nurse in St. Francis’ Medical-Surgical unit until 1984. is to establish an orthopaedic teaching program, which would become
and nationally in several medical journals. He is a diplomat for the American Board of Internal Within a year, she was promoted to charge nurse. Since then, she has the nation’s first.
held several positions in nursing leadership in almost every department Back in Columbus, Dr. McCluskey volunteers to treat poor,
Medicine, a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, a member of the American Society
at St. Francis Hospital, including Outpatient Services, Endoscopy, handicapped and abused youth from southeastern Nigeria through
of Gastrointestinal Endoscopists and the national osteopathic fraternity, Sigma Sigma.
Emergency Services and in Medical-Surgical units. During those years, Voice of the Children Ministries.
she completed Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team leader Sister Patrici Ogbonna, who works with the ministry, admires
training and served as team leader for St. Francis’ first CQI team. She Dr. McCluskey for his compassion and bedside manner.
Benjamin Pike, MD, FACP
was involved in planning the hospital’s new Emergency Department, “Dr. McCluskey doesn’t see his work as a job but as a way to reach
and also led the team that designed the Rosemont Health Center. out to people,” she explains. “He is professional and most of all very
Dr. Benjamin Pike graduated from the University of Georgia and went on to earn his medical degree
In 2003, Bonnie became the administrative director of nursing at compassionate. When you see him smile, you are comfortable…he
at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Pike did his internship and gastroenterology fellow- St. Francis. As a member of the Continuous Survey Readiness Team, makes you laugh. He not only takes care of the children medically, he
ship in San Antonio, Texas, at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center and his residency at USAF Medical she helped lead the hospital through four successful Joint Commission invites us for dinner with his family and makes these kids feel at home.
Center Kessler in Mississippi. He has been in private practice in Columbus since 1976. He is board- surveys with a score of 93 or better. Dr. McCluskey does his job with dedication…and deserves the award
Since becoming The Bradley Center’s administrative director in because of his compassion toward his patients.”
certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Pike is past president of the Georgia Society
2005, she has led the facility to high levels of quality and customer —Karen Johnson
for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the
satisfaction while also helping orchestrate a partnership with Columbus
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and a fellow of the American College of Physicians
Regional Healthcare System. Last year, she helped open a new military
Read more about Dr. McCluskey’s volunteer service on pages 8-9.
and American College of Gastroenterology. unit and a child and adolescent unit, too.
“Bonnie deserves this award for her impact on both St. Francis and
the community. This community is better off for the service she has
provided,” says Robert Granger, president and CEO of St. Francis.
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6 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 7
T
Thirty-five million people live in using a plate. The procedure will enable Little Lambs orphanage was also part of
Kenya. Yet, the country has only 17 the woman to walk again. the family’s experience. Dr. McCluskey
orthopaedic surgeons—fewer than In addition to injuries resulting from says his most fun day was joining
Columbus, Ga. Dr. Leland McCluskey trauma, Dr. McCluskey treats cases Suzanne and his boys at the orphanage
of the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute involving tuberculosis (TB) and on their last day in Kenya.
(2nd from L) Joseph Theurin, MD, and the
and fellow volunteer orthopaedist are Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome “Watching my wife and boys with the
orthopaedic team at Kijabe Hospital, where
trying to change that fact. (AIDS). TB can destroy the bone around children was one of my favorite things,” Dr. Leland McCluskey and fellow volunteer
orthopaedists are working to establish Kenya’s
Dr. McCluskey has worked in one of a person’s spine. Dr. McCluskey must he says. “One of the youngest children,
first orthopaedic teaching program.
two Kenyan hospitals for the past four drain the area and fuse the back. In 10-15 Baby Faith, wouldn’t let any of the
summers. This past July, he served for a percent of the cases he performs, the volunteers touch her when we got there,
month at the 200-bed Kijabe Hospital in patient is HIV positive. but Freeman buddied up with her. That
Kijabe, Kenya, where he also worked in Dr. McCluskey has found his work last day, she smiled…and seemed to be
2004 and 2005. He performed 52 surger- in Kenya meaningful on many levels. enjoying the attention.”
ies while there and spent time teaching “You get a lot out of it,” he says. The agency the McCluskeys served
Kenyan physicians interested in “You get really close to people in a short with—World Medical Mission, a min-
orthopaedics. His goal, and that of time…not all the superficial conversation istry of Samaritan’s Purse—specializes
fellow volunteers, is to establish an you have in other places. I wouldn’t in short term placement of physicians.
orthopaedic teaching program, which trade it for anything.” Dr. and Mrs. McCluskey first learned
would become Kenya’s first. The Kijabe Hospital provides afford- of it while attending “Prescription for
“Lots of general surgeons do able care for people outside larger cities. Renewal,” a retreat for physicians and
orthopaedic work in Kenya,” says Nairobi, an hour and a half from Kijabe, their spouses at the Billy Graham
Dr. McCluskey. “It’s not the same has two very expensive private hospitals. Training Center at The Cove near
“I’ve learned that if you have
level of care as here for sure.” Most physicians at the Kijabe Hospital, Asheville, NC.
a nudge to do something, do it.” Many of the procedures which is run by the African Inland “There are other organizations that do
Dr. McCluskey performs are corrective, Church, are volunteers. A hospital stay what they do, but without the spiritual Many of the cases Dr. McCluskey
–Dr. Leland McCluskey where the bone has healed crooked or runs around $10 per day. component,” explains Dr. McCluskey. sees are one, such as this, where
infections like osteomyelitis, have
not at all. He s ees patients with untreat - “My hat goes off to the long-term “The spiritual aspect of this group adds a stunted growth in the femur bone.
ed fractures, too. people there,” says Dr. McCluskey. special meaning to the whole experience
“People come in with injuries that “They are real examples of servanthood.” for me. You get an opportunity to
would be easy to treat acutely, but This year’s trip was particularly share that you might not have otherwise.
because they were left untreated, special for Dr. McCluskey. His wife, Without words, you have an opportuni-
they’re more difficult to fix,” Suzanne, and four sons accompanied ty to witness to people. With every
Dr. McCluskey explains. him. The family lived for a month in a patient, we prayed with them right
He also treats infections resulting cement block house. All six got involved before they went to sleep. It is part of
from poor nutrition, which involves in the community. Suzanne and the routine and the culture. In front of
removing dead bone and prescribing youngest son Miles read daily with the hospital, there was a garden with a
antibiotics. In one case, an infection in children at a local primary school where sign, ‘We treat. God heals’.”
a woman’s femur had stopped bone older sons Leland, Palmer and Freeman Dr. McCluskey says he felt a nudge to
growth. Dr. McCluskey had to break also taught math. At times, the boys go to Kenya and explains, “I’ve learned
the bone, reset it and lengthen the leg, accompanied Dr. McCluskey to the that if you have a nudge to do some-
hospital. Leland and Freeman assisted thing, do it. In his book, “Jesus, MD,”
at the HIV outreach clinic, too, packing David Stevens, MD, suggests, ‘Even God
Dr. Leland McCluskey holds Baby Faith, an medications and such. can’t steer a parked car’.”
orphan at the Little Lambs Orphanage for One of the highlights of the
Playing with HIV orphans at the —Karen Johnson
children affected by AIDS, on his and his McCluskeys’ month in Kenya was
family’s last day in Kenya. volunteering at the Little Lambs
orphanage. Above, Miles McCluskey
buddies up with his new friend, Daniel.
To learn more about World Medical Mission, visit www.samaritanspurse.org
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8 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 9
New andNoteworthy
St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute NNeeww aannddNNootteewwoorrtthhyy
Welcomes Thomas Walsh, MD
T New Outpatient Pharmacy Fifth Hospitalist Joins
The St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute continues to grow with
Offers Convenience St. Francis Hospital
the addition of spine surgeon Dr. Thomas Walsh. Walsh joined
J
S
the institute in September with the goal of developing spine
St. Francis’ new Jessica Ramos Codjoe, MD, joined St. Francis’ expanding
services at St. Francis. Outpatient Pharmacy team of hospitalists on August 1, bringing the total number
“I have a long term loyalty to St. Francis. This is my home in the hospital’s of hospitalists to five. She and fellow hospitalists consult with
hospital and has been since I started in 1993. I want to supple- Medical Office patients’ primary physicians and surgeons on care and
Building offers added con- progress and are responsible for ensuring the quality of
ment the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute with spine services
venience for patients visiting their clinical care of all hospitalized patients.
and establish the St. Francis Spine Institute,” explains Dr. Walsh.
physicians on the St. Francis Hospital Dr. Codjoe comes
Dr. Walsh has 19 years of orthopaedic experience, having
campus. The pharmacy is open from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on to St. Francis via
practiced in Columbus since 1988. He specializes in neck and
Monday-Friday and can be found just inside the main the University of
back surgery related to ruptured disks, spinal stenosis, pinched entrance of the building. Pennsylvania,
nerves, arthritis, spinal fusion, treating work place injuries and The pharmacy’s phone number is 706-320-3078; refills may Department of Family
non-surgical back and neck pain management. Having him as be ordered by phone or via e-mail at [email protected]. Medicine, where she
was a resident the past
part of the orthopaedic team will benefit patients in many ways,
three years.Having
one of those being the coordination between Dr. Walsh and
Rapid Response Team Receives graduated cum laude
interventional pain management specialist Dr. Bobbi Farber.
with a bachelor of arts
National Recognition
The St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute is the only hospital in this For more information
in biology from Seton
area with collaboration between a surgeon and the only board- S Hall University in
or an appointment,
St. Francis’ Rapid Response Team (RRT) approach has
certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in pain management. South Orange. NJ.
been recognized by the National Association for Healthcare
“Being in the same institute as Dr. Farber will allow better call the St. Francis Quality (NAHQ) with a first place award for its three-year Dr. Codjoe earned her Jessica Ramos Codjoe, MD
patient care coordination. We are able to more easily discuss medical degree from the
track record of life-saving results. The award was given at the
Orthopaedic Institute Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of the University of
surgical and non-surgical options with the patient, sometimes
organization’s annual conference in September in Boston.
Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Camden. She
in one patient visit,” Dr. Walsh explains. Since the RRT approach was implemented at St. Francis,
at 706-322-6646. was a Women in Medicine scholar from 1995-1999 and won
As the Orthopaedic Institute continues to grow, the hospital has helped save the lives of patients showing one
the Achievement in Sisterhood Award from Chi Upsilon
Dr. Walsh hopes to increase the department by adding another or more signs of deterioration, such as an acute change in
Sigma. She is a member of the American Academy of
heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic BP, oxygen saturation
spine surgeon. Family Physicians and the American Medical Society.
or mental status.Any caregiver at St. Francis who becomes
Dr. Walsh is now seeing patients at the St. Francis
concerned about a patient’s overall condition may activate the
Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus and at the Institute’s
team by calling the RRT hotline. Team members, including a
satellite office in Valdosta.
critical care physician, hospitalist, critical care nurse, a respira-
—Amy Adams
tory therapist and a critical nurse educator, respond within
three minutes.
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10 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 11
H O P E
Combining 79 Years
2
of Experience.
for Non-Healing Wounds
Meet the Wound Care Team
Luther H. Wolff Jr., MD
The number of problem The center offers advanced
Dr. Luther Wolff Jr., the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center’s medical
diagnostic services, too, including
director, has practiced general surgery in Columbus for 32 years and has
wounds is on the rise,
non-invasive evaluation of circulation extensive experience in providing complex wound care management.
due largely to an aging and skin perfusion pressures, for a He was previously the medical director of the St. Francis Wound
Management Program. Dr. Wolff is board-certified in general surgery
more accurate diagnosis and specific
population and an increase and is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Georgia Surgical
plan of treatment. Its staff of highly
Society, Georgia Society of General Surgeons and Medical Association
in diabetes. Approximately trained physicians will be available
of Georgia.
five days per week to treat all types
18.5 million Americans
of complex wounds. Troy D. Espiritu, DPM
have diabetes; of that Long-time local surgeon Luther Dr. Troy Espiritu, a podiatrist, has practiced podiatry at Columbus Foot
and Ankle since 2002. He has been affiliated with the St. Francis Wound
“Butch” Wolff Jr., MD, is the center’s
population, about 1.8 Management Program for seven years. Dr. Espiritu specializes in lower
medical director. Other physicians
extremity wounds, foot and ankle surgery and podiatric sports medicine.
million will suffer from on the center’s wound care team
He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of
include Troy Espiritu, DPM;
the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a member of the
a problem wound.
Alap Shah, DPM; and Thomas American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, American Podiatric
Lawhorne, MD. Medical Association and the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates wound healing.
The center provides the only
T
Alap P. Shah, DPM, CWS
The new St. Francis Wound Care py. It will offer our team of experts the latest technology available, ensuring wound care service in Columbus
Dr. Alap Shah, a podiatrist, has practiced medicine at Foot and Ankle of
and Hyperbaric Center offers patients another tool for further enhancing the comfort and safety for the patient. staffed by certified wound care
West Georgia since 2002 and has been affiliated with the St. Francis
with non-healing wounds the latest, treatment of chronic wounds.” Most often, HBOT will be used to specialists. Scott Hiatt, RN, and
Wound Care Program since 2003. He is a board-certified wound care
state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen HBOT, a treatment in which treat difficult-to-heal diabetic foot and Christine Johnson, RN, are certified specialist, specializing in wounds of the lower extremity. Dr. Shah is a
therapy (HBOT) and a highly-skilled patients breathe 100 percent oxygen lower leg wounds. The treatment has in wound care and have a combined member of the American Academy of Diabetic Educators, Academy
team of experienced physicians and inside a pressurized chamber, quickly been shown to: 25 years of successful experience in of Wound Management and Georgia Podiatric Medical Association.
certified wound nurses for the delivers high concentrations of oxygen (cid:129) Accelerate wound healing treating difficult-to-heal wounds.
Thomas W. Lawhorne Jr., MD
best results. to the bloodstream and assists in the (cid:129) Reduce amputation rates The center’s hospital-based,
Dr. Thomas Lawhorne, a vascular surgeon, has practiced vascular
“We wanted to make our wound wound healing process. It also effec- (cid:129) Help patients stay out of the hospital outpatient program operates by
surgery in the Columbus community for 27 years. He is board-certified
care program the best in this commu- tively fights certain types of infections, Additionally, HBOT may be used appointment. Patients are referred in vascular surgery and specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and
nity,” says Scott Vinsant, program improves circulation and simulates to treat crush injuries, osteomyelitis, by their primary care physician or management of vascular diseases. Dr. Lawhorne is a member of the
coordinator at the center. “That’s why the growth of new blood vessels. The failed skin grafts and flaps and brown physician specialist. Society for Vascular Surgery, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery
and Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery.
we’ve added hyperbaric oxygen thera- center’s HBOT chambers incorporate recluse spider bites. —Karen Johnson
For more information, call 706-257-7680 or visit www.wecareforlife.com.
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12 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 13
The number of Americans age 65 and older will more than double to 71 million by 2030,
comprising roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population. According to the last census report,
more than 53,000 adults, age 55 and older, live in the Columbus Metro area, including
Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee and Russell counties. That number will continue
to grow. And while aging is inevitable, it doesn’t have to slow you down.
S
St. Francis Hospital wants to make aging in our community
a little more fun. The hospital launched its new senior
program, Primetime Seniors, in September. The free program
B E N E F I T S
is for adults age 55 and over.
“We talked to several groups of seniors in our community
Free Seminars
and found they all wanted a program that was fun, educational Primetime Seniors members • Creative Living series (physician lectures)
enjoy a group exercise class.
• Health Matters series
and gave them an opportunity to be more involved in the
(health education lectures)
activities at St. Francis,” Senior Services Coordinator Stacy for Primetime Seniors by nationally-known fitness expert
• Coffee Talk Club (wellness lectures)
Scherr explains. Bill Rieger, the program’s director.
Seniors receive free screenings as Pharmacy Discounts
members of Primetime Seniors. Primetime Seniors is a mixture of all those things. Members “The objective is to improve the function of activities of
• Discount pharmacy card
can attend physician lectures in the Creative Livingseries, daily living and increase strength, endurance and mobility,” • Mail order pharmacy program
learn about senior wellness topics at the Coffee Talk Cluband explains Rieger. “A primary goal for seniors is to maintain • Retail discounts at the St. Francis
Outpatient Pharmacy
enjoy discounts on lab screenings and on prescription drugs, their independence. That’s what we help them do.”
among numerous other benefits. Group exercise classes led by Rieger, who is certified by the Wellness Benefits
• Discount on St. Francis’ Forever Young
American College of Sports Medicine, are held twice daily five
Fitness Club membership
New Fitness Program Keeps Seniors Forever Young days a week. Plus, Rieger provides individual consultation after
• Free screenings provided by St. Francis
Another component of Primetime Seniors is exercise. each class. health professionals
Members can join the “Forever Young” fitness program at Since the program was launched in September, membership
Health Screenings
the Fitness and Wellness Center on St. Francis’ Park Campus has more than quadrupled. Read more about Forever Young • Blood pressure
Coordinator Stacy Scherr serves at a discounted monthly rate. This professionally developed, and how members are benefiting on page 16. • Know Your Number
refreshments at the Primetime Seniors
(complete lab screening)
kick-off on October 11. medically-sound exercise program was designed especially —Amy Adams
And many more!
Call 706-596-4030 to join Primetime
Joining Primetime Seniors is easy! Just call 706-596-4030 or visit www.wecareforlife.com
Seniors today!
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14 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 15
31
V O L U N T E E R O F T H E Y E A R
31 Years
and Counting!
A
Members say:
Ann Baker feels safer around her home now. After breaking her hip and having a stroke, she was falling
down a lot, but now her balance is better.
“I had lost some height in recent
Patsy Myrick also had balance problems after breaking her foot, but walks more easily now. years. By strengthening my trunk
And Frank Johnson, age 89, feels the difference in his trunk and especially his back. muscles, I am now able to stand
straighter and have regained
“The last time I trimmed the hedges, I injured my back and could barely move for a week,” explains
height.”—Virginia Connelly
Johnson. “I trimmed the hedges again without injuring my back.”
All three attribute their improved physical well-being to the Forever Young fitness classes they attend “I can’t say enough about how
at St. Francis’ Fitness and Wellness Center. impressed I am with the program…
(L) Bill Rieger gives advice after a class. the instructors helped me walk
Program Director Bill Rieger, a certified fitness professional who previously developed health and fitness
with my cane better and to walk
programs for the military, applies the same approach to teaching seniors. The idea is to help individuals
straighter…”—Patsy Myrick
better perform necessary activities with more energy.
Shirley Traugh (R) makes a delivery to the St. Francis Hospital Laboratory staff.
Forever Young classes focus on posture and proper body mechanics. Participants use towels, books, “This is a great program! The S
exercises, which emphasize muscle
weights and other tools to enhance exercise. The class moves along quickly, with Rieger explaining each
strength, are appropriate for all Shirley Traugh likes to stay busy. That’s why after retiring from Martin Army
movement and its importance. Education is integrated into every session, and participants maintain levels.”—Marge Hatcher Hospital, she began volunteering at St. Francis Hospital. That was 31 years ago. Since
three-ring binders of daily handouts. then, Shirley has volunteered more than 3,425 hours, many of them in the Auxiliary
“My family and friends notice
“Every movement, every exercise we do has a purpose,” emphasizes Rieger. “We provide members Gift Shop, waiting on customers, stocking shelves and wrapping gifts—anything that
that I am stronger…”
with a professional exercise prescription that promotes health and performance and is consistent with needed to be done. She has also served as Gift Shop chairwoman as well as on the
—Anne Baker
Auxiliary board. Currently, she serves as chairwoman of Patient Services.
the quality of care St. Francis offers.”
Three years ago, Shirley decided it was time for a change. So, she began volunteering
As far as Rieger knows, no one else in the area has developed a program like Forever Young that “I’ve never been in a class this
for the Transport department, which keeps her on the move every Wednesday
good.”—Sandy Steele
specifically supports seniors, treating them with dignity and respect.
morning. Shirley is a vital part of the department’s team, picking up and delivering
One member, Carolyn Asbell, describes the overall program as informative, fun and encouraging. “I’ve lost a few inches in my lab specimens and blood samples from various floors of the hospital to the St. Francis
Speaking for herself and on behalf of other members, she says, “We just think this program is wonderful.” waist…” Jenny Hurbert Laboratory. One of the benefits is all the exercise she gets walking during her shift.
What does Shirley like best about volunteering?
“I love the interaction with the people,” she explains. “I love this hospital. The
—Karen Johnson
people have always been so nice to me.”
Volunteer Services Director Kathy Riley says Shirley is the kind of volunteer who
can always be counted on.
“She is a good and faithful volunteer who never seeks the limelight,” says Kathy.
Forever Young Fitness Classes
St. Francis isn’t the only place Shirley volunteers. She also helps out at St. Thomas
Monday through Friday – 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Episcopal Church, where she and husband Dick are charter members. The two have
done a bit of everything over their years there. Recently, their congregation helped the
Fitness and Wellness Center (Bradley Center campus)
couple celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with cake and champagne after the
early service.
Call 706-320-3763 to join or learn more.
—Karen Johnson
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16 Spirit of St. Francis Spirit of St. Francis 17