WellStar Congratulates our Top Doctors

WellStar Connect Video Minute

The latest WellStar Connect Video Minute highlights Training and Go-Live. Physician Champion Matt Grabowski, M.D., reviews the dates of training, phases and go-live dates. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbII3da0Pko&feature=youtu.be.    

All WellStar Connect Video Minutes are available on the WellStar Connect website on eSource.

Secure Texting with PerfectServe is Live

Secure texting is now enabled on PerfectServe. Using the PerfectServe app, you can receive Protected Health Information (PHI) in text messages from nursing units. If you do not have the PerfectServe app on your phone, all PHI in text messages will be stripped.

In August, a further enhancement will allow providers to text each other through the PerfectServe app.  Download the free app from your iPhone or Andriod store today if you don't have it.  If you have problems using the app or other concerns about the messages you are receiving call the PerfectServe help desk at 877-844-7727. 

An FAQ is posted on the Medical Staff Services web page on eSource with tips on how to best use PerfectServe.

WellStar Connect Myth Busters

WellStar Health System to Build Health Park in Cherokee County

60 acre property on Sixes Road to be site of new 150,000 sq. ft. facility 

WellStar Health System announced it has finalized the purchase of more than 60 acres of property at Sixes Road and Interstate 575 in Holly Springs to serve as the location of its new 150,000 square foot health park in Cherokee County.

“WellStar is committed to the health of Cherokee County residents and is pleased to offer this convenient, comprehensive and high-quality care to our community,” said Chris Kane, WellStar senior vice president for strategic business development.  “The purchase of this property ideally positions WellStar to address the needs of the residents in this rapidly growing county.”

With outpatient healthcare expected to grow 30% over the next five years, WellStar health parks have been developed to deliver outpatient care in community-based facilities.   WellStar health parks, currently open in Acworth and under construction in East Cobb, are tailored to provide innovative coordinated care to the local community.

“By combining and coordinating services under one roof, Cherokee County residents will no longer have to endure long drive times, frustrating traffic congestion and multiple trips to numerous locations for healthcare,” said Joe Brywczynski, senior vice president health parks development.  “The health park is truly a one-stop-shop opportunity.”

Plans for the health park in Cherokee County include a wide array of comprehensive medical diagnostic testing services such as medical imaging, urgent care, lab and pre-admission testing, cardiac and sleep diagnostics, physical therapy and sports medicine, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, pharmacy and community education, health screening and wellness services.
These services will be integrated with a multi-specialty mix of physicians including primary care and specialists, such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, ENT, gastroenterologists, surgeons, allergy/asthma, endocrinology and others based on community needs.

The health park’s services will be linked together with all other WellStar facilities via an electronic medical record.  This will greatly improve patient convenience and allow for better care coordination for patients.

The new health park will enhance the already strong presence in the county including WellStar facilities in Towne Lake and Canton and many WellStar affiliated physicians and providers who practice in Cherokee County.

Construction on the Cherokee County facility is expected to begin in 2014. WellStar opened the Acworth Health Park in July of 2012. WellStar also broke ground on its East Cobb Health Park, in April of 2013, and expects to begin seeing patients in September of 2014.

WellStar Health System Hosts National Cancer Survivors Day

In observance of the 26th Anniversary of the annual National Cancer Survivors’ Day, WellStar Cancer Network, Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers and The American Cancer Society teamed up to honor the more than 1,200 WellStar cancer survivors at the “Growing Stronger Together” Celebration on Saturday, June 1 from noon – 2 p.m.

Dr. Mark McLaughlin, medical director of radiation oncology for WellStar, recognized survivors and those in attendance planted brightly colored pinwheels in the WellStar Cancer Center Garden of Courage. A potted plant from Home Depot and bookmark with embedded flower seeds from the WellStar Cancer Network was given to each survivor as part of the Gifts To Grow program. Pat Jester, a cancer survivor, shared her story and read a moving letter she wrote to “cancer.”

Festivities included a buffet lunch and live music by Kris Roberson, breast cancer survivor and Marsha Nix, held at the WellStar Cancer Center Garden of Courage. WellStar Health System, The Home Depot, Northwest Georgia Oncology, other key sponsors and the American Cancer Society worked together to create this meaningful day to recognize, honor and support those who are an inspiration to so many in our community.

The WellStar Cancer Center is located at on the WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center campus at 320 Kennestone Hospital Boulevard. For additional information call 470-793-HOPE (4673).

WellStar Douglas Hospital Earns “A” in Patient Safety by Hospital Safety Score

WellStar Douglas Hospital was recognized with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The A score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety ScoreSM, the A, B, C, D or F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals based on preventable medical errors, injuries accidents, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety (April 2013), Hospital Safety Score is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

“The Leapfrog Group is well-respected within the healthcare industry and our “A” score reinforces the high quality of care we deliver to our patients every day,” said Craig Owens, President of WellStar Douglas Hospital.  “This score is the result of a tremendous amount of collaboration among the talented physicians, nurses and team members across WellStar Douglas Hospital and I am very proud of this recognition.”

“Earning an ‘A’ on the Hospital Safety Score demonstrates that this hospital has exhibited excellence in our national database of patient safety measures,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I’d like to congratulate WellStar Douglas Hospital for your achievements and encourage you to continue to put a priority on the safety of your patients.”

To see WellStar Douglas Hospital’s scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org, which provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay. Local hospitals’ scores are also available on the free mobile app, available at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s eight-member Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single score representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. The panel includes: John Birkmeyer (University of Michigan), Ashish Jha (Harvard University), Arnold Millstein (Stanford University), Peter Pronovost (Johns Hopkins University), Patrick Romano (University of California, Davis), Sara Singer (Harvard University), Tim Vogus (Vanderbilt University), and Robert Wachter (University of California, San Francisco). 

New SpyGlass™ System at WellStar Kennestone Hospital Helps to Detect Biliary Tumors

A new technology at WellStar Kennestone Hospital is assisting gastroenterologists in the diagnosis of biliary tumors and treatment of complex stone disease without invasive surgery. The SpyGlass™ Direct Visualization System provides physicians an optical view of the inside of the bile duct, overcoming the limitations of traditional fluoroscopic imaging during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.

SpyGlass™ direct access into the bilary duct allows visualization of difficult-to-evaluate stones and masses. A fiber optic probe is attached to a camera and inserted via a catheter into the bile duct. This

tiny camera can be steered in all directions, creating color images in real time. Devices such as miniature forceps and ultrasonic lithotripsy probes can be inserted into the bile duct with interventions performed under direct vision. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis.

“SpyGlass™ can safely provide diagnostic and treatment options without an invasive surgical procedure. This is a major advancement for our patients,” said gastroenterologist Sachin Goel, M.D.

For more information on SpyGlass™, contact the WellStar Kennestone GI Lab at 770-793-5851.

Diabetes Education Office Move

Audrey Dean, Best Practice Nurse, Diabetes Education, office will be moving from the Markle Building to inside WellStar Cobb Hospital. Her new office will be located in the basement of WellStar Cobb Hospital with Core Specialists. Her phone and fax numbers will remain the same: phone 770-732-4119, Spectralink 770-732-7484 and fax 678-945-8901.

Safety & Quality Focus – Physicians Recognized During Medical Retreat

The Medical Staff Retreat, held March 22-23, was an opportunity to recognize the WellStar commitment to safety. Below are a list of award recipients and recognitions:

Cobb

• Dr. Prashant Mishra – Lead Hospitalist at Cobb. Has spearheaded many performance improvement programs, patient and physician satisfaction champion.
• Dr. Rifqat Giwa – Strong supporter and advocate for our Stroke Center program. She has just been named Medical Director for the Clinical Decision Unit at Cobb after the transition from Apollo MD to the WellStar Cobb Hospitalist group.

Surgery:

• Dr. Harry Lightfoot – Pioneered Single Site Laparascopic Surgery at Cobb. Leads Performance Improvement Committee.
• Dr. Eric Knauer – Champion for Quality and Safety by example he sets on a daily basis but also through his leadership on the Credentials Committee.
• Dr. Stephen Odom – Service Line Leader for Quality and Safety through the NSQIP project.
• Dr. Hodar Brooks – Passionately leads the Joint Replacement Program at Cobb with a keen interest in Quality Improvement, Patient Satisfaction and being a market leader for Service Excellence and Innovation.
• Dr. Tappan Daftari – Leads Spine Committee at Cobb. Very focused and engaged with staff and administration to make Cobb's Spine Service a 'Destination Location.'

Medicine:

• Dr. Lisa Oakley (ID) – Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiative leader. Team won Second Place in GHA Patient Safety Summit in January.
• Dr. Joseph Havlik (ID) VP, Medical Staff – Medical Director of Wound Program at Cobb the success of which has prompted plans to expand the program.
• Dr. George Deriso (CVM) Project – RED Physician Champion. Team won 3rd Place at GHA Patient Safety Summit in January.
• Dr. Abdul Sheikh (CVM) Medical Director, Cardiac Cath Lab – Focused on Continuous Quality improvement.
• Dr. Jermaine Jackson (GLA) Chairman, Dept. of Medicine – Thought Leader at Cobb. Committed to Quality and Safety improvement as well as advocate for improved Peer Review.
• Dr. Chad Case (GLA) Medical Director, Critical Care Units at Cobb.
• Dr. Rafiq El Hammali (Nephrology) – Quality and Performance improvement for Nephrology Care at Cobb. Leads Physician Task Force on Utilization for Dialysis patients. Helped Implement Project RED for Nephrology Cases.
• Dr. Subodh K. Lal (GI) – Credentials Committee leader.

Obstetrics/Gynecology:

• Dr. Timothy Schaefer (So. CobbOB) Chairman, Dept. of Ob/Gynecology and MCE – Very positive and leads by example. Sets the performance bar high for his peers to achieve highest levels possible.
• Dr. William Green (Cobb Ob/Gynecology) – Dr. Green is very focused on Patient Safety and Quality. He has been chairman of the Woman's and Newborn Quality Committee and has served on the Service Line Quality Committee. He is very engaged in assuring that documentation in the patient record is accurate and he has been a leader in helping to improve the Medication Reconciliation Process.
• Dr. Vidya Soundararajan – Very passionate advocate for patients and their safety. Puts others first before her needs when issues of patient care arise.

Pediatrics:

• Dr. Despina Dalton (ED- ApolloMD), President, Medical Staff – Conveys very high principles and expectations for her colleagues and peers regarding Patient Safety and Quality. Passionate advocate for Cobb's continued growth and development.

Anesthesia:

• Dr. Pam Weigandt – Natural born leader, steadfast in her determination to raise the performance bar for Surgical Services at Cobb.

Advance Practice Professionals:

• Ed Mahan, PA (GLA) – Leadership in organizing the APP Council at Cobb. He is the President of the Council and help draft the charter and bylaws for the group. Also, very engaged in clinical initiatives and Quality and Safety work at Cobb. He has taken a special interest in assisting with our clinical utilization and provider communication initiatives.
• Mike McCann, CNM, (So. Cobb Ob) – Safety initiatives for OB including C-Section reduction before 39 weeks and safe delivery environment. On national mid-wife boards as well.
• Brian Horton, NP (ApolloMD) – Leads Performance Improvement initiatives in the ED.
• Emily Vaughan, NP (CVM) – Leader among CVM practitioners in clinical care delivery and throughput initiatives.
• Jade Willis, PA (Cobb Hospitalists) -  Helps promote efficient use of physician and extender time to reduce LOS and Readmissions.
• Nancy Dempster, PA (Int. Rad.- Quantum) – Implemented safety programs and policies in the Radiology department to reduce radiation exposure.

Douglas

• Asher Galloway – For leading the medical staff as president.
• Greg Amaya – For leading the ED and providing an example of excellence.
• Vivek Gupta – For demonstrating strong leadership qualities.
• Van Hill – For leading the Hospitalist group with strong leadership and demonstrating strong leadership qualities.

Kennestone
Leadership Award:

• Dr. Aziz – New leadership of the medical staff.
• Dr. Kamdar – CUSP Physician leader. Began interdisciplinary rounds w/the trauma team; mentor, educator, collaborates well with Nursing staff.
• Dr. Schlosnagle – Successful and outstanding CAP Inspection.
• Dr. Nair – Successful CARF Inspection
• Damon Denzin (APP) – APP Champion of Unit Partnerships, Leader of the organized APP staff, representative to the MEC, Contributed to Special Projects.
• Dr. Deval Patel – Sepsis Core Measure Improvement/lectures to ED Nursing Staff.
• Dr. Sandifer – Neuro Critical Care; excellent teacher; exemplifies world-class care.
• Dr. Wottrich - Continued improvements of medical imaging appropriateness education.
• Dr. Campbell – Significant assistance in responding to patient concerns at Kennestone Hospital.
• Jennifer West (APP) – Champion of Unit Partnerships; identifying and encouraging APPs to become Unit Champions/Partners, Mentor and APP Champion Neuro Critical Care APP; helped start ICU CUSP rounds.
• Dr. Val Akopov, Dr. Washington, and Dr. Gonzalez (as a team) – Collaboration with ED to create HAU use of VARU to expedite patient movement out of ED, expanding chest paint observation to include medical observation/relocation of short stay to CDU, improved a Process for WellStar.
• Dr. Muster – Championship of Pneumonia Core Measures, primary physician partnered to develop the critical alert process to expedite ICU patient to cc units. Significantly reduced cc patient LOS in the ED. Works diligently to improve care and processes; lead on several committees.
• Dr. Redwood – Significant assistance in responding to ED Patient Concerns, Work on throughput with modular unit, vertical zone, Elimination of ED hall beds, Additional use of NPs for low acuity patients, Chair of ED MCE.
• Dr. Goel - For work on developing the GI department and protocols.
• Dr. Shroff – For developing standards for colon cancer care.
• Dr. Murphy Townsend – Encouraging Unit Partnerships; identifying and encouraging Physicians, Leadership of WellStar Connect.
• Julie Spankowski (APP) – NP for Trauma Surgery; sees that trauma ICU well equipped w/knowledge and support, assisted in development of trauma policies, advocate for trauma team.
• Dr. Cooper, Dr. Myung, Damon Denzin, Deleen Bode, Alison Hallmark (as a team) – CUSP Rounds in CVICU Contributed Greatly to a Committee.
• Dr. Nath – Diligently to improve care and processes, Lead on several committees.
• Dr. Jacobsen – New leadership over QRC.
• Dr. Stephen Kim – Chair to Total Joint Program, Provides In-Services for staff, System changes of Zynx order set to ensure best practice, Start program of mid-level/MD Ortho program to see patient in Pre-Op joint class and throughout stay, Community Outreach – community center providing information of Total Joint Awareness.
• Dr. Mike Ray – Work on throughput with modular unit, vertical zone, Elimination of ED hall beds, Chair of ED PIC Committee, Additional use of NPs for low acuity patients.
• Dr. Richard Cohen – Critical Care Summit, Ethics Committee

Paulding

• Dr. Val Akopav – Because of his leadership which has led to the strengthening of the Hospital Medicine Practice, the development of facility specific Medical Directors for Hospital Medicine, and his role in increasing Hospitalist engagement as Medical Staff Leaders.
• Dr. David Burns – For leadership of the Medical Staff.
• Dr. Sharon Amaya – Led the PICC teams, Champions for Chest pain Accreditation and for demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities in her role as ED department head.
• Dr. Patrick Melder – Led the PICC teams.
• Dr. Harvey Sacks – Led the PICC teams Champion for Chest pain Accreditation.
• Dr. Yourself Hindi – For his strong leadership of the Dept. of Medicine.
• Dr. Michael Vick – For demonstrating strong leadership qualities in his leadership of the Surgery Department.

Windy Hill
Surgery:

• Dr. Craig Weil, President, Medical Staff – Committed to Patient Safety and Growth Opportunities to expand services to the community.
• Dr. Faramarz (Fara) Movagharnia, Chairman, Dept. of Surgery and MCE Peer Review Committee – Very focused on Quality Improvement and Safety in the Operating Room.
• Dr. Mark Beatty, Member, Med Exec. Committee. ENT Physician – Dr. Beatty is committed to Quality and Safety as well as long term Growth of Windy Hill Hospital.

Medicine:

• Dr. Wesley Bray, Medical Director, LTAC Unit – Is passionate about patient care and highly principled in his oversight of the facility. Works tirelessly to assure that there is a full array of services available to serve the needs of the LTAC patient population so as to maintain a safe and high quality environment.
• Dr. Vimla Nair, Member of Medical Executive Committee, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – Dr. Nair is very committed to the needs of the patients and the facility to assure maximal improvement and safe transition to the next level of care whether that is to home or another post acute facility. She focuses on education for nursing, patients and families so there is a cohesive care plan.
• Dr. Henry Frysh, Chairman, Ethics Committee, Anesthesiology – Committed to providing a Safe and Appropriate level of care for Surgical Services and all services at WHH within the scope of our capabilities. He is a thought leader and the conscience of the facility with a deep sense of responsibility for the stewardship of the institution and its long term viability.
• Dr. Gunjan Kelotra-Jindia, Past President, Medical Staff Anesthesiologist – Like her partner, Dr. Frysh, Dr. Jindia shares the passion for Safety and Quality for the entire facility. She is also deeply committed to expanding needed services and future growth while maintaining high standards of performance and excellence of the Medical Staff. She is a true ambassador for the facility.
• Ed Mahan, PA (GLA) – His distinction is related to his leadership in organizing the APP Council at Cobb. He is the President of the Council and help draft the charter and bylaws for the group and very engaged in clinical initiatives and Quality and Safety work at Cobb. He has taken a special interest in assisting with our clinical utilization and provider communication initiatives.
• Mike McCann, CNM, (So. Cobb Ob) – Safety initiatives for OB including C-Section reduction before 39 weeks and safe delivery environment. On national mid-wife boards as well.
• Brian Horton, NP (Apollo MD) – Leads Performance Improvement initiatives in the ED.
• Emily Vaughan, NP (CVM) – Leader among CVM practitioners in clinical care delivery and throughput initiatives.
• Jade Willis, PA (Cobb Hospitalists) – Helps promote efficient use of physician and extender time to reduce LOS and Readmissions.
• Nancy Demester, PA (Int. Rad. - Quantum) – Implemented safety programs and policies in the Radiology department to reduce radiation exposure.

WellStar Kennestone Outpatient Ortho Rehab Move

WellStar Urgent Care Center at Kennestone Now Open

A new WellStar Urgent Care Center at Kennestone is now open. The Urgent Care Center is located at 818 Church Street, Suite 100, Marietta, GA 30060. Business hours are 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., with extended hours planned for Fall 2013. Patients from newborn through adulthood are welcome for treatment of a full range of conditions.

“Opening our seventh Urgent Care Center reemphasizes our commitment to providing convenient, high quality care to our patients,” said Robert Jansen, M.D., executive vice president, WellStar Medical Group president & chief administrative medical officer. “The Kennestone location is strategically placed to better serve the community with efficient, quality care, when our emergency department is at high capacity.”

WellStar Urgent Care Centers are located in Marietta-Church Street, Marietta-Powers Ferry, Marietta-Shallowford, Acworth-Health Park, Smyrna-Cooper Lake, Woodstock-Towne Lake and Kennesaw-Wade Green/Cherokee Street. The Centers provide treatment for routine conditions such as sore throat, stomach pains, minor injuries and illnesses, stitches for minor lacerations, lab and x-rays, specialty care referrals, occupational health services, worker's compensation services, school and sports physicals, flu shots and free blood pressure checks.

For directions to WellStar Urgent Care Centers, please visit wellstar.org or call 770-956-STAR (7827).

Physicians Honored on Doctors’ Day with Donations to WellStar Foundation

Doctors’ Day was March 30 and over the past three months, WellStar Foundation has received 347 gifts from grateful patients in honor of 205 different physicians. Almost $14,000 has been raised and will go toward the Foundation’s greatest area of need.

The following physicians have been honored by 10 or more patients in the past four years:

Dr. Jackson Bates

Dr. Tami Breton

Dr. David Cantrell

Dr. Ryan Cantwell

Dr. India Chervu

Dr. Toni Coombs

Dr. Charles Crabbe

Dr. Charles Denton

Dr. Amber Driskell

Dr. Jose Figueroa

Dr. James L. Fisher

Dr. Thomas E. Gearhard

Dr. John Gelly

Dr. David Gose

Dr. Anthony Greco

Dr. Hillary Hahm

Dr. Timothy Helton

Dr. Roger E. Hill

Dr. Edward Himot

Dr. Glenn Hirsch

Dr. Christopher Jimmerson

Dr. Narendra Kanuru

Dr. Carmen Klass

Dr. Ellis Malone

Dr. Charles David Markle

Dr. Frank McCoy

Dr. Stanley Mogelnicki

Dr. Robert J. Ollins

Dr. Satyajeet Patel

Dr. Devender Reddy

Dr. Arthur Reitman

Dr. Harvey Sacks

Dr. Judith Volcy

Dr. Rosa Urrutia

Dr. Roy Ujjin

Dr. Jeffery Tharp

Dr. Suzanne Starke

Dr. Girish Shroff

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School

Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Open School is open to all WellStar team members and affiliated providers to access the Open School Curriculum and obtain Continuing Education credits for their work. 

The IHI Open School offers a range of online courses in quality improvement, patient safety, patient- and family-centered care, managing health care operations, leadership and population health. Each course takes roughly an hour to two hours to complete and consists of several lessons, which take 15-30 minutes each. Course can be taken from anywhere with Internet access and participants are able to save their work until they can complete the course.

Each course offers continuing education contact hours and upon completion of all courses participants can obtain a Basic Certification. Currently, 26 contact hours for nurses, physicians and pharmacists are available. Courses are also approved by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) to provide CPHQ CE credit. 

To view the curriculum and get instructions on how to enter the School, visit the Organizational Learning tab on eSource.

WellStar Receives National 2013 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Award

For the fourth time, WellStar has received the AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award, co-sponsored by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). WellStar ranks tenth among the 50 winners.


The award is given to employers who demonstrate exemplary practices with regard to recruitment, retention and promotion of older workers. Employers who are recognized create and foster workplaces supportive of the contributions older workers offer to the business community.

WellStar Connect Team Creatively Presents Workflow Walkthrough

  From left, Nurse Baby Deer (a.k.a. Nancy Leap, LPN, WellStar Connect application coordinator, Ambulatory); Snow White (a.k.a. Candace Jones, WellStar Connect, team lead, Inpatient Orders; and Doctor Doc (a.k.a. Tom Gearhard, M.D., WellStar Connect physician champion

On June 11, WellStar Connect project team members and physician champions presented a skit that creatively and effectively illustrated the “single patient record” benefit of Epic® electronic health record (EHR) functionality.

Approximately 450 team members, WellStar Connect advisers, subject matter experts and senior leaders came together at the Cobb Galleria Centre to celebrate and learn about the immense positive impact in store for WellStar patients.

Karen Schmidt, principal trainer, Willow (pharmacy application within Epic), conceived of the Snow White and the Seven Docs infotainment-type skit.

“The intent was to show a patient (Snow White) moving through the range of healthcare services WellStar provides, while illustrating the Epic functionality the WellStar Connect team has built for our System,” said Schmidt.

Characters like Abby Dominal, Billy Rubin, Will Butrin, Trauma Queen and Anita Xanax made the workflows come to life in an educational and entertaining way.

“The integration across the organization will be a huge benefit for patient care and satisfaction. Another benefit is the user friendly software.

“The enthusiasm and participation of our physician champions really set the stage for our System to embrace the coming changes.”

WellStar Connect transforms our delivery of healthcare by using a single patient record, standardized best practices and a team-based approach to provide world-class, patient-centered care.
Visit the WellStar Connect website on eSource for project information – and to view the Snow White and the Seven Docs skit.

WellStar Cobb Hospital Opens Inpatient Burn Unit

  From left, Kem Mullins;  Ilona Wozniak; Thomas McNamara, M.D.; Victoria Gallespie, RN;  Jocelyn Hills-Beasley, NP (JMS);  Becca Coley, RN; Callie Carter, PAC; Kathy Hunt, RN; Peggy Sterbenz MA, RN; Veronica Martin; and Claus Brandigi , M.D. (JMS)

In late May, WellStar Cobb Hospital opened an inpatient burn unit in collaboration with the Joseph M. Still (JMS) Burn Center.

 “We are excited about opening this new unit,” said Kem Mullins, senior vice president and Cobb Hospital president. “It will provide patients who must undergo long-term burn care and treatment an option closer to home. We estimate the new unit will have approximately 365 admissions in the first year. Initially, the unit will provide care for patients with burns on 20 percent of their bodies or less and who are 14 years of age or older.”

For the past seven years, Cobb has had a collaborative partnership with JMS, offering outpatient burn care and treatment. Based in Augusta, Ga., JMS is the largest burn center in the United States. They extend their expertise through four specialized burn centers in hospitals across the Southeast. Cobb’s center has delivered more than 20,000 treatments to patients in the local community and those who travel from across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and beyond for these critical services.

JMS will provide the medical director and 24/7 physician coverage to the new inpatient burn unit. Approximately 25 WellStar nurses and other team members have been hired to staff this specialized unit. WellStar hospitalists, infectious disease and other sub-specialists also will play an important role in the care of these patients. The burn unit is located on the second floor, North Tower of Cobb.

WellStar Medical Group Welcomes New Provider

Jeffrey Hines, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., joined WellStar Gynecologic Oncology (1700 Hospital South Drive, Suite 102, Austell; and 116 Upper Riverdale Road SW, Riverdale). Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, with special competence in gynecologic oncology, he is a diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners, a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the National Medical Association and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation.

Patient Satisfaction Graphs

July 2013 Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	July 16; noon	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Pediatrics	July 30; 12:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Advanced Practice Professionals	July 31; 6 p.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	July 9; noon	Sycamore Room
QRC PI Committee	July 11; 7:30 a.m.	Sweetwater Room
General Staff	July 18; noon	Community Room-DMC

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	July 9; 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	July 9; 6 p.m.	KMR
Advanced Practice Professionals	July 31; 7 a.m.	Auditorium

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	July 11; 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	July 17; 5:15 p.m.	Board Room

New Medical Staff as Approved at the June Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Acree, Sara C., M.D.	Anatomic & Clinical Pathology	WellStar Pathologist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Athavale, Sanjay M., M.D.	Otolaryngology	Northwest ENT Associates, PC	KH
Ballard, David C., III, M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
Bryant, Joseph B., M.D.	Obstetrics and Gynecology	WellStar Kennestone OB/GYN	KH, MG
Callahan, James D., M.D.	Hospitalist (Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Casiano, Maria M., M.D.	Obstetrics and Gynecology	WellStar South Cobb OB/GYN	CH, MG
Chishom, Patrice G., M.D.	Pediatrics	Kennesaw Pediatrics, PC	KH
Giletto, Joseph B., M.D.	Otolaryngology	Atlanta ENT Sinus & Allergy	WH
Harley, Ronnika C., M.D.	Pediatrics	WellStar Pediatric & Adolescent Center	CH, MG
Hnilica, Pavol (Paul), M.D.	Hospitalist (Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	DH	KH, MG
Oyola, Raul H., M.D.	Hematology/Oncology	NW Georgia Oncology Centers	WH	CH, DH, KH
Simmonds, Dale S., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Turpeau, Alem D., M.D.	Hospitalist (Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Adams, Holly S., NP	Physician Assistant	WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, KH
Anthony, Lauren E., PA	Physician Assistant	Pinnacle Orthopaedics & Sports	KH
Aubert, Amber D., PA	Physician Assistant	Tariq Javed, MD	KH
Holen, Michelle A., PA	Physician Assistant	NW Georgia Oncology Centers	CH, DH, KH, WH
Kesselman, Alyssa L., NP	Physician Assistant	WellStar Towne Lake Pediatrics	KH, MG
Pruitt, Barbara L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Palliative Medicine	CH, KH, MG
Roberts, Ashley E., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, KH, MG
Sallusti, Andrea M., PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Shums, Mona A., PA	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Hospitalist Group	KH, MG
Sobolik, Kim E., NP	Nurse Practitioner	NW Georgia Oncology Centers	WH	CH, DH, KH
Tate, Lorrie S., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH	KH, MG
Wright, Shea A., PA	Nurse Practitioner	Quantum Radiology	CH, DH, WH	KH

July 2013 CME Events

• Kennestone Surgical M&M: July 31; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Trauma Grand Rounds-KH: July 25; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: July 8, 15, 22, 29; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: July 3, 10, 24, 31; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: July 11, 18, 25; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: July 11, 18, 25; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Wound Case Conference-CH: July 12; noon; Auditorium; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference: July 3; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiology Case Conference: July 30; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Anesthesia M&M: July 17; 7 a.m.; Anesthesia Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital