With the unanimous support of WellStar’s Clinical Council and a statement of commitment from the WellStar Health System Board of Trustees, WellStar Kennestone Hospital has begun the long and involved process of becoming an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residency training site.
“We now have the infrastructure to support training and, more importantly, we have enthusiastic support from the medical staff at Kennestone who sees this as a great opportunity to both improve patient care and to engage those physicians who are eager to teach,” said Don Campbell, M.D., WellStar’s senior vice president for physician education and career development.
The need for increased numbers of physicians, particularly primary care physicians, is clear when looking at the aging population and the anticipated needs for wellness and prevention services found in the Accountable Care Act. The need for residency training positions has dramatically increased as medical schools across the country have increased their class size and new medical schools have opened.
Representative Tom Price, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, noted at a recent event in Smyrna “more than 700 graduates of medical schools in the United States last year were unable to find a residency training position in this country.” Georgia is a net exporter of medical school graduates, most of who will practice near where they do their residency training outside of Georgia. Georgia’s medical schools have increased their enrollments over the past five years, yet the number of residency training positions has not kept pace with the increased class size.
“Kennestone has a broad scope of high quality services that will make it a great place for residents to train,” said Bob Lubitz, M.D., vice president, medical affairs at Kennestone. Dr. Lubitz has had extensive experience with graduate medical education in his previous role as the chief academic officer of the Ascension Health System in St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Lubitz is a member of the newly formed Graduate Medical Education Committee that was chartered in April of this year at Kennestone to begin the formation of a residency training program. An initial site visit from a representative of the ACGME occurred in early September to review the plans.
If ACGME’s New Program Committee approves the institutional application made by Kennestone, the next step will be to develop the individual programs. Programs are currently being planned in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology and the transitional year. The transitional year is a one-year general program that prepares physicians for specialty training in areas such as Radiology. If all deadlines are met and programs approved, Kennestone will see its first residents in July 2016. When all programs are completely staffed in 2021, there will be 70-80 residents on site at Kennestone and in primary care offices connected to Kennestone’s family practice and internal medicine programs.
As part of the ramp-up to residency training WellStar’s Student Affiliations office will increase the number of medical students who do clinical rotations at WellStar hospitals and physician practices. If you are interested in becoming a preceptor for medical students or need more information on residency training at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, contact Dr. Don Campbell at don.campbell@wellstar.org.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
WellStar Connect Update
Phase I is live!
- Phase II Go-Live is December 1, 2013
- eLearning modules for Phase II providers are now available on SuccessFactors
- Training catalogs for Phase III will be distributed mid-October
For more information on Epic including videos and physician champion messages, visit the Wellstar Connect website via the portal or eSource.
WellStar Welcomes Cardiovascular Surgery to WellStar Medical Group
Cardiovascular Surgery has recently joined WellStar Medical Group (WMG). The practice will be known as WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Surgery and will remain in their current office location of 61 Whitcher Street, Suite 4100, Marietta, Ga., 30060.
“Drs. Cooper and Myung bring a wealth of knowledge to the WMG,” said Robert Jansen, M.D., executive vice president, WellStar Medical Group president and chief administrative medical officer. “We are also excited to welcome Dr. Theresa Luu who will join the Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery teams in November.”
William Cooper, M.D., has been affiliated with WellStar Kennestone Hospital since the inception of the cardiac surgery program in 2004. Richard Myung, M.D., joined the group as the practice’s growth expanded. Cardiovascular Surgery will provide Cardiothoracic and Thoracic surgery.
“We are extremely excited about continuing with delivering excellent cardiovascular healthcare services to the WellStar community,” said Dr. Cooper. “This is a natural evolution of a process that began here 10 years ago with the implementation of the cardiovascular surgery program. We are looking forward to maintaining our standing in the top 15 percent of the country’s heart programs. And this enhanced integrated relationship gives us the opportunity to extend new and innovative therapies such as percutaneous heart valves, hybrid therapy for atrial fibrillation, as well as advanced heart failure therapies such as ventricular assist devices. My team and I remain dedicated to the advancement of world class healthcare within the community.”
Dr. Myung added, “I am extremely excited to be joining WellStar and honored to be a part of a team delivering world-class healthcare to our region.”
“Drs. Cooper and Myung bring a wealth of knowledge to the WMG,” said Robert Jansen, M.D., executive vice president, WellStar Medical Group president and chief administrative medical officer. “We are also excited to welcome Dr. Theresa Luu who will join the Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery teams in November.”
William Cooper, M.D., has been affiliated with WellStar Kennestone Hospital since the inception of the cardiac surgery program in 2004. Richard Myung, M.D., joined the group as the practice’s growth expanded. Cardiovascular Surgery will provide Cardiothoracic and Thoracic surgery.
“We are extremely excited about continuing with delivering excellent cardiovascular healthcare services to the WellStar community,” said Dr. Cooper. “This is a natural evolution of a process that began here 10 years ago with the implementation of the cardiovascular surgery program. We are looking forward to maintaining our standing in the top 15 percent of the country’s heart programs. And this enhanced integrated relationship gives us the opportunity to extend new and innovative therapies such as percutaneous heart valves, hybrid therapy for atrial fibrillation, as well as advanced heart failure therapies such as ventricular assist devices. My team and I remain dedicated to the advancement of world class healthcare within the community.”
Dr. Myung added, “I am extremely excited to be joining WellStar and honored to be a part of a team delivering world-class healthcare to our region.”
WellStar and Walgreens Announce Clinical Collaboration Agreement
WellStar Health System and Walgreens announced a clinical collaboration agreement that will provide coordinated and expanded health care services, while improving access to high-quality, convenient and affordable care for patients in the northwest Atlanta market.
WellStar Urgent Care Centers and physician practices will work with Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens to handle serious conditions outside of the clinics’ scope of practice, and to help manage the treatment of chronic diseases. While Walgreens and Healthcare Clinic strongly encourage all patients to have a designated primary care physician and medical home for ongoing needs, the collaboration will provide WellStar patients access to quality care seven days a week. The collaboration will include direct communication between WellStar physicians and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners to facilitate care coordination and sharing of patient information, and enhanced awareness of Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens and WellStar services.
“This collaboration extends quality care directly into our communities to provide greater access for patients,” said Reynold Jennings, WellStar president & CEO. “We believe our communities will benefit from this type of collaborative model as we join forces with Walgreens to deliver more coordinated care.”
With the Affordable Care Act expected to bring millions of new patients into the healthcare system, the relationship aims to help address some of the needs and challenges facing both patients and healthcare providers.
“With the healthcare system today facing a myriad of challenges, Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens can play an important role in enhancing patient access to quality, convenient and affordable care,” said Alan E. London, chief medical officer, Consumer Solutions Group, Walgreens. “Working with a highly integrated health system such as WellStar offers an ideal opportunity to further coordinate patient care in northwest Atlanta. We look forward to working together to help patients in these communities get, stay and live well.”
Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens-area locations partnering with WellStar include:
•1762 Mars Hill Road, NW, Acworth
•4120 Austell Road, Austell
•9465 Highway 5, Douglasville
•2779 N. Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw
•2464 Roswell Road, Marietta
•2988 Shallowford Road, Marietta
•5230 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
•2670 Cobb Parkway, SE, Smyrna
WellStar Urgent Care Centers and physician practices will work with Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens to handle serious conditions outside of the clinics’ scope of practice, and to help manage the treatment of chronic diseases. While Walgreens and Healthcare Clinic strongly encourage all patients to have a designated primary care physician and medical home for ongoing needs, the collaboration will provide WellStar patients access to quality care seven days a week. The collaboration will include direct communication between WellStar physicians and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners to facilitate care coordination and sharing of patient information, and enhanced awareness of Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens and WellStar services.
“This collaboration extends quality care directly into our communities to provide greater access for patients,” said Reynold Jennings, WellStar president & CEO. “We believe our communities will benefit from this type of collaborative model as we join forces with Walgreens to deliver more coordinated care.”
With the Affordable Care Act expected to bring millions of new patients into the healthcare system, the relationship aims to help address some of the needs and challenges facing both patients and healthcare providers.
“With the healthcare system today facing a myriad of challenges, Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens can play an important role in enhancing patient access to quality, convenient and affordable care,” said Alan E. London, chief medical officer, Consumer Solutions Group, Walgreens. “Working with a highly integrated health system such as WellStar offers an ideal opportunity to further coordinate patient care in northwest Atlanta. We look forward to working together to help patients in these communities get, stay and live well.”
Healthcare Clinic at select Walgreens-area locations partnering with WellStar include:
•1762 Mars Hill Road, NW, Acworth
•4120 Austell Road, Austell
•9465 Highway 5, Douglasville
•2779 N. Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw
•2464 Roswell Road, Marietta
•2988 Shallowford Road, Marietta
•5230 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
•2670 Cobb Parkway, SE, Smyrna
New Provider Bios
Dr. Pitt graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, and earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her residency at Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans.
Board certified, Dr. Pitt is in practice with WellStar Cobb Medical Group.
Dr. Mulamalla earned her medical degree from Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Medical College in Pune, India. She completed her family medicine residency at Northeast Iowa Medical Education Foundation in Waterloo, Iowa.
Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Mulamalla is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and Maharashtra Medical Council, India. Dr. Mulamalla is in practice with WellStar Towne Lake Medical Center.
Dr. Freeman received his bachelor’s degree at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., and his medical degree at Meharry Medical University in Nashville, Tenn. He completed his residency at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta and earned his master of public health degree at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Certified by the American Board of Family Practice, he is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association and the American Preventative Medicine Association. Dr. Freeman is in practice with WellStar Urgent Care – Kennestone.
Uma Mudaliar, M.D.
Dr. Mudaliar received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas and her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She completed her residency at the Emory University Department of Medicine Residency Program in Atlanta.
Board certified, Dr. Mudaliar is in practice as a hospitalist at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Dr. Roberts-Lopez received her bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. She earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Roberts-Lopez completed her fellowship training in advanced pelvic surgery/urogynecology at Northside Hospital, Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology Group.
Board certified fellow in obstetrics & gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Roberts-Lopez is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also a member of American Urogynecology Society, American Medical Association and International Urogynecology Society. She is in practice with WellStar Urogynecology.
Lloyd Damon Weddington, M.D.
Dr. Weddington earned his bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and his medical degree from the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. He completed his residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego.
Board certified, he is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Internal Medicine. Dr. Weddington is in practice with WellStar Internal Medicine.
Dr. Wong earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., and his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. He completed his internship and his residency at the University of Florida and Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla.
Board certified, he is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Wong is in practice with WellStar ENT Associates.
October 2013 CME Events
- Kennestone Surgical M&M: October 30; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cobb Surgical M&M: October 24; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: October 7, 14, 21, 28; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: October 2, 9, 23, 30; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: October 3, 17, 24, 31; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Physician Leadership Retreat: October 19; 7 a.m.; WellStar Development Center; 4 hours of CME credit
October 2013 Department Meetings
WellStar Cobb Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time |
Place |
| Credentials | Oct. 1; noon | ABR |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 15; noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Pediatrics | Oct. 8; 12:30 p.m. | Magnolia Room |
| OB/GYN | Oct. 7; 12:30 p.m. | Auditorium |
| APP General | Oct. 30; 7 a.m. | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
WellStar Douglas Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time |
Place |
| Credentials | Oct. 1; noon | Sycamore Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 8; noon | Sycamore Room |
| QRC PI Committee | Oct. 3; 7:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| General Med. Staff & Medicine & Surgery Depts | Oct. 17; noon | Douglas Medical Center Community Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time |
Place |
| Credentials | Oct. 2; 7 a.m. | KMR |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 8; 6 p.m. | KMR |
| OB/GYN | Oct. 14; 5:30 p.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Surgery | Oct. 16; 7 a.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Advanced Practice Professionals | Oct. 30; 7 a.m. | KMR |
WellStar Paulding Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 10; 12:30 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time |
Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 15; 5 p.m. | Galleria |
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