- Breast Cancer Tumor Board – Feb. 1, 8, 22 and 29; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Feb. 3 and 17; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiology Case Conference – Feb. 28; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiothoracic Case Conference – Feb. 21; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room
- Cobb Network Tumor Board – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cobb Surgical M&M – Feb. 23; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- GI Tumor Board – Feb, 2, 16 and 23; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Network Conference – Feb. 3 and 17; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Surgical M&M – Feb. 29; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference – Feb. 1; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Neurosciences Conference – Feb. 1; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital – Purple Tower
- Safety First Recertification - Kennestone – Feb. 17; 10:30 a.m.; Admin Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic – Feb. 1, 8, 22 and 29; 5 p.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds – Feb. 23; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Thursday, January 26, 2012
February CME Events
Illuminating the Right Path has Been Postponed
Illuminating the Right Path is an event that will inform providers about how Right Orders, our CPOE system, and other technology will change and improve patient care. Originally scheduled for Feb. 11, 2012, the event has been postponed since we are revising the CPOE implementation timeline. It is our desire to present the information when it will have the most value to our providers. When the timeline is finalized and a new event date is set, we will send a new Save the Date and will post the information here on Medical Staff News. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Morris, M.D. at jon.morris@wellstar.org.
WellStar Appoints Vice President and Chief of Hospitalist Services
Dr. Akopov brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to WellStar. Most recently, he served as director of hospital medicine services for Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM) where he helped establish the facility’s academic hospitalist program. Under his leadership, EUHM’s hospital medicine program grew from eight full-time employees to more than 30. His leadership will have a positive impact on our hospitalists’ ability to provide the highest quality care to the inpatients at WellStar’s hospitals.
WellStar’s hospitalists play an important role in inpatient care and are typically trained in internal medicine. From admission through discharge, they focus exclusively on inpatient care and may order tests, monitor a patient’s recovery from surgery, prescribe medicine, and implement treatment options to ensure a patient’s best outcome.
Prior to his position as EUHM’s director of hospital medicine, Dr. Akopov was the hospital’s director of care coordination, where he oversaw operations of Social Services and the Utilization Review Department. Under his supervision, the hospital improved key metrics including mortality, length of
stay and core measures compliance.
In 2009, Dr. Akopov was appointed EUMH Associate Chief of Medicine. Academically, he served as assistant professor of medicine for Emory University School of Medicine and associate program director with the J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program at EUHM. While at Emory, Dr. Akopov received a number of teaching awards including multiple Golden Apple Teaching Awards, Emory Hospital Medicine teaching Award and Overall Excellence in Hospital Medicine Award.
Dr. Akopov is board certified in internal medicine. He received his medical degree from Tbilisi (Republic of Georgia) Medical Institute and completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory University Hospital.
Mammography Screening Direct Mail Campaign
A new mammography screening direct mail campaign began this month. Approximately 1,500 pieces are being mailed monthly across our service area, and ROI will be determined on an ongoing basis. As with the colonoscopy campaign, this effort will support volume for the WellStar Cancer Network as well as other service lines.
WellStar Health System Acquires OrthoSport Physical Therapy
WellStar Health System has completed its purchase of OrthoSport Physical Therapy, a Cobb County-based practice with locations in Kennesaw, Marietta and Woodstock.
Owned and managed by Kim Chastain, a board-certified physical therapist with more than 25 years of orthopedics experience, OrthoSport was established in 2002 and employs more than 20 individuals. Therapies and programs include aquatic therapy, sports medicine, work injury management, spinal rehab and vestibular and dry needling programs.
Chastain is now executive director of outpatient rehabilitation services for WellStar and all OrthoSport employees have become WellStar team members. OrthoSport and WellStar’s current outpatient rehabilitation locations will be managed by one management team. For patients, this will mean a more cohesive and seamless experience throughout WellStar’s seven outpatient facilities.
WellStar currently offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services focused primarily on intensive rehabilitation programs for stroke patients, patients with traumatic or acquired brain injury or neurological disorders. Patients with spinal cord injuries, amputations, hip fractures and multi-trauma also are treated within the current program. With the addition of OrthoSport, WellStar will be able to expand access to world-class rehabilitation services to meet the full range of needs within the community.
OrthoSport’s three locations are 3450 Acworth Due West Rd. in Kennesaw – Acworth, 3855 Shallowford Rd. in Marietta and 209 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock/Towne Lake. WellStar currently provides outpatient rehab services at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone and Windy Hill Hospitals.
Owned and managed by Kim Chastain, a board-certified physical therapist with more than 25 years of orthopedics experience, OrthoSport was established in 2002 and employs more than 20 individuals. Therapies and programs include aquatic therapy, sports medicine, work injury management, spinal rehab and vestibular and dry needling programs.
Chastain is now executive director of outpatient rehabilitation services for WellStar and all OrthoSport employees have become WellStar team members. OrthoSport and WellStar’s current outpatient rehabilitation locations will be managed by one management team. For patients, this will mean a more cohesive and seamless experience throughout WellStar’s seven outpatient facilities.
WellStar currently offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services focused primarily on intensive rehabilitation programs for stroke patients, patients with traumatic or acquired brain injury or neurological disorders. Patients with spinal cord injuries, amputations, hip fractures and multi-trauma also are treated within the current program. With the addition of OrthoSport, WellStar will be able to expand access to world-class rehabilitation services to meet the full range of needs within the community.
OrthoSport’s three locations are 3450 Acworth Due West Rd. in Kennesaw – Acworth, 3855 Shallowford Rd. in Marietta and 209 Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock/Towne Lake. WellStar currently provides outpatient rehab services at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone and Windy Hill Hospitals.
Stroke Program Receives Gold Plus Performance Award
The AHA/ASA Get with the Guidelines® - Target: Stroke campaign was created to help hospital teams achieve the goal of door-to-needle times of 60 minutes or less for ischemic stroke patients who receive thrombolytic therapy (t-PA), by providing evidence-based strategies, clinical decision support, measurement tools and other resources.
WellStar Kennestone Hospital is one of only seven hospitals in Georgia to have been designated as an AHA/ASA Target: Stroke facility. This designation means that 50 percent, or more, of our patients who receive thrombolytic therapy (t-PA), receive it in less than 60 minutes.
The Gold Plus Performance Award is a tribute to the outstanding efforts of this inter-disciplinary team, which is comprised of physicians and team members from the Emergency Department, Neurology, Radiology, Lab, 3 West ICU/IMCU, 7 West Neuro, Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Services and emergency medical services providers. Together, they work to provide the highest quality of care to our stroke patients.
According to the AHA/ASA, the Gold Plus Performance award represents a current gold or silver award and additional 75 percent compliance with module-specific quality measures for at least 12 consecutive months.
WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement
General and Neurology-Specific Clinical Documentation Tips
WellStar Health System’s Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Program is designed to ensure that clinical documentation in a patient’s medical record appropriately reflects the care provided. The most vital role of the CDI program is facilitating a true representation of healthcare services provided, through accurate reporting of the principal diagnosis, co-morbidities and any treatments or procedures.
As part of the program’s ongoing efforts, the CDI team offers specific tips monthly from the Program’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement.
General Tips
- Indicate acuity, even when it is obvious, i.e. congenital, chronic, acute, acute or chronic (exacerbation).
- When radiology/pathology/laboratory findings are clinically significant they need to be referenced in the progress notes by a physician or mid-level provider.
- Altered mental status: Clarify if related to encephalopathy, dementia with acute confusional state, acute delirium/dementia.
- Link late effect to CVA, if appropriate, i.e. dysphagia, hemiplegia.
- Dementia: Indicate if presenile or senile and whether it is related to delirium, delusional features or depressive features.
- Dementia: Indicate behavioral disturbance i.e. aggressive, combative, violent or wandering.
- TIA: Clarify cause i.e. arrhythmia, carotid artery occlusion, electrolyte imbalance, CVA, DM.
WellStar Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Begins Program for Breast Cancer Survivors
A new educational program for breast cancer survivors, called S.E.L.F. (Survivors Learning About Exercise Lymphedema and Fatigue Management) is being offered by the WellStar Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center. The program will be led by physical therapy certified lyphedema therapists.
Class dates:
• Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 10, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 8, 6-7 p.m.
Call 770-793-7600 for more information.
Class dates:
• Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 10, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 8, 6-7 p.m.
Call 770-793-7600 for more information.
LifeVest Saves Patient’s Life
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming up to 450,000 lives a year. Five hundred Americans suffer SCA every day and only 30 survive. Acworth, Georgia resident Sean Mazza would have been part of that statistic if he had not been wearing a wearable defibrillator – a one-of-a-kind therapy used to prevent sudden death for patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, but aren’t eligible for an implantable defibrillator.
Mr. Sean Mazza is 26 years old and began wearing the LifeVest after his implantable defibrillator was removed. Sean had been wearing the LifeVest for just over two weeks when he received two lifesaving treatment shocks. Sean was playing a Nintendo game when he lost consciousness and was treated by the LifeVest. His caretaker Sharon Mazotti heard the alarms from another room. She went to Sean’s side and discovered that he had already been treated. Ms. Mazotti called Sean’s doctor and reported that he had regained consciousness and felt fine.
Ms. Mazotti expressed “We are very grateful to Dr. Kanuru for prescribing the LifeVest for Sean.” She continued, “We feel very fortunate that Sean was wearing the LifeVest at the time of his cardiac arrest.”
Sean is looking forward to getting back to some of his favorite activities, including going out to eat, going to local festivals, and playing video games from his favorite store GameStop.
Below is some additional information on the LifeVest wearable defibrillator.
LifeVest wearable defibrillator backgrounder and Q&A
LifeVest wearable defibrillator animation
Mr. Sean Mazza is 26 years old and began wearing the LifeVest after his implantable defibrillator was removed. Sean had been wearing the LifeVest for just over two weeks when he received two lifesaving treatment shocks. Sean was playing a Nintendo game when he lost consciousness and was treated by the LifeVest. His caretaker Sharon Mazotti heard the alarms from another room. She went to Sean’s side and discovered that he had already been treated. Ms. Mazotti called Sean’s doctor and reported that he had regained consciousness and felt fine.
Ms. Mazotti expressed “We are very grateful to Dr. Kanuru for prescribing the LifeVest for Sean.” She continued, “We feel very fortunate that Sean was wearing the LifeVest at the time of his cardiac arrest.”
Sean is looking forward to getting back to some of his favorite activities, including going out to eat, going to local festivals, and playing video games from his favorite store GameStop.
Below is some additional information on the LifeVest wearable defibrillator.
LifeVest wearable defibrillator backgrounder and Q&A
LifeVest wearable defibrillator animation
Traveling Exhibit Comes to WellStar
Jan. 23 – Feb. 3
Kennestone Hospital - Opposite Gift Shop
For more information, contact Stephanie Taylor, Director, Cultural Competency at 770-956-6419 or Stephanie.taylor@wellstar.org.
Opening Doors is a collaborative effort between the National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture in Baltimore, the largest African American museum on the east coast of the United States.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
November New Providers
Below is a list of new providers who joined WellStar Medical Group in November.
Antonio V. Baute, M.D., F.A.C.C
A native of Columbia, Dr. Baute moved to the United States in 1974. He completed his internship at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh and his residency at Temple University Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. He was also a cardiac fellow at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Dr. Baute has 31 years of clinical experience in addition to seven years of teaching at the Medical College of Georgia, VA Medical Center and the University of South Carolina. His special interests include performing cardiac catheterizations and other advanced procedures and in clinical cardiovascular care.
He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is also a member of the Cobb County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
William Michael Brown, M.D., F.A.C.C
Dr. Brown, a board certified invasive cardiologist, received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at Talmadge Memorial Hospital. He also has an master’s in business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Brown’s family has lived in Cobb County since the 1830s. While attending Georgia Tech, he worked part-time at Kennestone Hospital as a cardiac monitor technician. Dr. Brown entered private practice in 1982. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Medical Association, Cobb County Medical Society, and the Georgia Medical Association. He is currently on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, and Kennestone hospitals.
Devin Campbell, M.D. - Douglas Hospitalist
Dr. Campbell received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Campbell is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also certified in advance cardiovascular life support, basic lifesaving for health providers and pediatric advance life support.
Amy Elsass, M.D., F.A.C.C. - Cardiovascular Medicine
Dr. Elsass is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology. She completed her undergraduate degree at Albright College in Reading, Penn., and graduated from medical school at MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed an internal medicine residency at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. During fellowship, she developed an great interest in general interventional cardiology and went on to complete an interventional cardiology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta.
Prior to joining WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine in 2009 as an interventional cardiologist, she practiced for two years as an interventional cardiologist in Columbia, S.C., where she implemented a program for percutaneous structural heart disease intervention at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital. She also started a program for cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Elsass is on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital since.
Paul C. Guichard, D.O., F.A.C.C
A native of California, Dr. Guichard graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a major in biochemistry and cell biology. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He completed his residency and both general cardiology and interventional fellowships at the University of Cincinnati. Dr Guichard was also on faculty at the University of Cincinnati as a Clinical Instructor.
He is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Special interests include acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and preventative cardiology. Dr Guichard is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is on staff at WellStar Kennestone hospital.
Dennis Incorvati, D.O., F.A.C.C
Dr. Incorvati received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and then went on to complete his internship at the Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and his cardiac fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Dr. Incorvati is board certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Salvatore F. Mannino, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Mannino received is a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Boston University. After medical school, he went on to complete his internship and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N. J. During his final year of residency, he served as the chief resident in internal medicine. Dr. Mannino subsequently went on to complete fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City.
During his medical training, Dr. Mannino was the recipient of numerous academic and teaching awards, including Intern of the Year, Resident of the Year, and Fellow of the Year. Dr. Mannino is a comprehensive cardiologist with specialty board certifications in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography. He is also recognized by the American Society of Hypertension as a Specialist in Clinical Hypertension.
Dr. Mannino specializes in the non-surgical treatment of complex coronary and peripheral artery disease.
Dhaval Patel, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Patel, originally from Houston, is an invasive cardiologist with board certification in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Patel graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Austin. He completed medical school and internal medicine residency at The University of Texas – Houston. He completed a fellowship at The Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va.
Dr. Patel’s interests include preventive cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and ischemic heart disease. Dr. Patel also has experience in sleep medicine for which he is board eligible.
Bryan T. Piedad M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Piedad is a board certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist . He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Piedad received his medical degree from the University of Rochester and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
He completed his residency tin internal medicine at the New York University Medical Center and his fellowship training at the New York University Medical Center for cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
Dr. Piedad specializes in cardiac electrophysiology. His interests include complex arrhythmia management, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, resynchronization devices, electrophysiologic studies and ablations for arrhythmias. He is particularly interested in ablation for atrial fibrillation.
He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cobb County Medical Society.
Tonette Robinson, Ph.D. - WellStar Psychological Services
Dr. Robinson received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Georgia. She also earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Robinson completed her postdoctoral fellowship in administration and evaluation psychology at the University of Colorado, Denver Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry. She is a licensed psychologist in George and Colorado. Dr. Robinson is also a board member of the Georgia Psychological Association and co-chair of the Early Career Psychologists Committee, Georgia Psychological Association.
David A. Zimmerman, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Zimmerman is an invasive cardiologist and is board certified in cardiovascular disease. He attended Duke University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. After completing his internship and residency at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, he went on to complete a cardiology fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. He also completed a fellowship in heart failure and cardiac transplantation at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans.
He is on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals. His interests include cardiac catheterization, nuclear cardiology, preventive cardiology, and heart failure. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
A native of Columbia, Dr. Baute moved to the United States in 1974. He completed his internship at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh and his residency at Temple University Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. He was also a cardiac fellow at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Dr. Baute has 31 years of clinical experience in addition to seven years of teaching at the Medical College of Georgia, VA Medical Center and the University of South Carolina. His special interests include performing cardiac catheterizations and other advanced procedures and in clinical cardiovascular care.
He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is also a member of the Cobb County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Dr. Brown, a board certified invasive cardiologist, received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at Talmadge Memorial Hospital. He also has an master’s in business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Brown’s family has lived in Cobb County since the 1830s. While attending Georgia Tech, he worked part-time at Kennestone Hospital as a cardiac monitor technician. Dr. Brown entered private practice in 1982. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Medical Association, Cobb County Medical Society, and the Georgia Medical Association. He is currently on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, and Kennestone hospitals.
Dr. Campbell received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Campbell is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also certified in advance cardiovascular life support, basic lifesaving for health providers and pediatric advance life support.
Dr. Elsass is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology. She completed her undergraduate degree at Albright College in Reading, Penn., and graduated from medical school at MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed an internal medicine residency at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. During fellowship, she developed an great interest in general interventional cardiology and went on to complete an interventional cardiology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta.
Prior to joining WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine in 2009 as an interventional cardiologist, she practiced for two years as an interventional cardiologist in Columbia, S.C., where she implemented a program for percutaneous structural heart disease intervention at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital. She also started a program for cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Elsass is on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital since.
A native of California, Dr. Guichard graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a major in biochemistry and cell biology. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He completed his residency and both general cardiology and interventional fellowships at the University of Cincinnati. Dr Guichard was also on faculty at the University of Cincinnati as a Clinical Instructor.
He is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Special interests include acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and preventative cardiology. Dr Guichard is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is on staff at WellStar Kennestone hospital.
Dr. Incorvati received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and then went on to complete his internship at the Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and his cardiac fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Dr. Incorvati is board certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Dr. Mannino received is a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Boston University. After medical school, he went on to complete his internship and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N. J. During his final year of residency, he served as the chief resident in internal medicine. Dr. Mannino subsequently went on to complete fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City.
During his medical training, Dr. Mannino was the recipient of numerous academic and teaching awards, including Intern of the Year, Resident of the Year, and Fellow of the Year. Dr. Mannino is a comprehensive cardiologist with specialty board certifications in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography. He is also recognized by the American Society of Hypertension as a Specialist in Clinical Hypertension.
Dr. Mannino specializes in the non-surgical treatment of complex coronary and peripheral artery disease.
Dr. Patel, originally from Houston, is an invasive cardiologist with board certification in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Patel graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Austin. He completed medical school and internal medicine residency at The University of Texas – Houston. He completed a fellowship at The Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va.
Dr. Patel’s interests include preventive cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and ischemic heart disease. Dr. Patel also has experience in sleep medicine for which he is board eligible.
Dr. Piedad is a board certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist . He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Piedad received his medical degree from the University of Rochester and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
He completed his residency tin internal medicine at the New York University Medical Center and his fellowship training at the New York University Medical Center for cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
Dr. Piedad specializes in cardiac electrophysiology. His interests include complex arrhythmia management, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, resynchronization devices, electrophysiologic studies and ablations for arrhythmias. He is particularly interested in ablation for atrial fibrillation.
He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cobb County Medical Society.
Dr. Robinson received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Georgia. She also earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Robinson completed her postdoctoral fellowship in administration and evaluation psychology at the University of Colorado, Denver Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry. She is a licensed psychologist in George and Colorado. Dr. Robinson is also a board member of the Georgia Psychological Association and co-chair of the Early Career Psychologists Committee, Georgia Psychological Association.
Dr. Zimmerman is an invasive cardiologist and is board certified in cardiovascular disease. He attended Duke University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. After completing his internship and residency at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, he went on to complete a cardiology fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. He also completed a fellowship in heart failure and cardiac transplantation at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans.
He is on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals. His interests include cardiac catheterization, nuclear cardiology, preventive cardiology, and heart failure. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
New Medical Staff as Approved at the November Governing Board Meeting
New Medical Staff Members
| Name | Specialty | Group Name | Appointment | Current Staff Membership |
| Baute, Antonio V., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Brown, William M., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Elsass, Amy L., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | KH |
| Freitas, Alessandrina M., M.D. | LTAC Coverage | Windy Hill LTAC | WH, GRP | |
| Greene, Deidre J., M.D. | Pediatrics | WS Kenmar Pediatrics | KH | GRP |
| Guichard, Paul C., DO | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Harris, Drew A., M.D. | LTAC Coverage | Windy Hill LTAC | WH, GRP | |
| Holtz, Margaret C., M.D. | Anesthesiology | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Incorvati, Dennis L., D.O. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Mannino, Salvatore F., D.O. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Orjioke, Ngozika A., M.D. | Pulmonary Medicine | The Lung Centers of Georgia | DH | |
| Palac, Susan M., M.D. | Tele-NeuroMonitoring | Impulse Monitoring, Inc. | CH, DH, KH, PH, WH | |
| Patel, Dhaval G., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Piedad, Bryan T., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Thopu, Anuradha R., M.D. | Pulmonary Medicine | The Lung Centers of Georgia | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Williams, Eric L., M.D. | Family Medicine | WS Family Medicine | KH, GRP | |
| Zimmerman, David A., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
New Advanced Practice Professionals
| Name | Specialty | Group Name | Appointment | Current Staff Membership |
| Austin, Jennifer C., NP | Nurse Practitioner | NW Georgia Oncology Centers | KH, WH | CH, DH |
| Batson, Jessica M., PA-A | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Benson, Jennifer A., PA | Physician Assistant | Family Medicine | KH, GRP | |
| Butler, Diane B., PA | Physician Assistant | Pinnacle Orthopaedics & Sports | CH, DH, KH, PH | |
| Chen, Michele A., NP | Nurse Practitioner | Georgia Kidney Associates | CH, KH, WH | |
| Choi, Jonathan W., PA | Physician Assistant | The Bortolazzo Group, LLC | CH, DH, KH, PH | |
| Culver, Robert L., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Tri-County Anesthesia | WH | CH, DH |
| Elder, Torra Y., PA | Physician Assistant | Metro Atlanta Surgical Assist | WH | CH, KH |
| Flynn, Patricia, PA | Physician Assistant | Marietta Dermatology Assoc. | KH | |
| Guercio, Cynthia V., CNM | Nurse Midwife | South Cobb OB/GYN | CH, GRP | |
| Holden, Horace P., Jr., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Jacquet, Nelson, PA | Physician Assistant | Cardiovascular Medicine | PH | CH, DH, KH |
| Miller, Marlene S., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Minear, Alissa P., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Nelson, Casey R., PA | Physician Assistant | Marietta Dermatology Assoc. | KH | |
| Ratliff, Rebecca A., AuD | Audiology | ENT, LLC | KH, GRP | |
| Ridings, Tansy, PA | Physician Assistant | Georgia Urology, P.A. | CH, DH, KH | |
| Stubbs, Elizabeth J., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Tri-County Anesthesia | CH, DH | |
| Thon, Daniel W., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH |
WellStar is 2 Weeks Away from Becoming a Tobacco-Free Environment - New Policy Starts Jan. 1, 2012
As you know, a decision was made last year to become a completely tobacco-free environment at all WellStar facilities by Jan. 1, 2012. This process began with the implementation of the Absence from the Unit procedure in Feb. 2011, which restricts patients from leaving their units for non-therapeutic reasons, such as smoking.
The next step in the journey will be the implementation of the Tobacco-Free Environment policy (No. 3075) effective Jan. 1, 2012. This policy prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone, anywhere on WellStar facilities. (Residents of the WellStar hospice facilities, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are excluded from this policy.)
As a healthcare organization, we know the detrimental effects of smoking and use of tobacco products. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States. It increases the risk of coronary heart disease by two to four times; stroke by two to four times; men developing lung cancer by 23 times and women by 13 times; and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.
For these reasons, WellStar believes it is important that we set an example and protect the safety and health of all those who work in or visit our facilities by becoming tobacco-free. This is also part of a major wellness initiative to improve the health of our team members.
Over the past few months, we have been preparing our facilities and our team members to make this transition. This included new signage at our facilities, eliminating our smoking pavilions, making our community aware of our initiative, developing scripting and processes for dealing with visitors who use tobacco and, most importantly, helping our team members who use tobacco products kick the habit.
We have provided tobacco-using team members with a wide variety of resources to ease their transition. These resources included traditional cessation classes, nicotine replacement therapy, peer support groups, one-on-one assistance and much more.
Everyone’s support is needed in order to make this initiative successful. Thank you for helping us create a healthier environment for our System and the communities we serve.
The next step in the journey will be the implementation of the Tobacco-Free Environment policy (No. 3075) effective Jan. 1, 2012. This policy prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone, anywhere on WellStar facilities. (Residents of the WellStar hospice facilities, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are excluded from this policy.)
As a healthcare organization, we know the detrimental effects of smoking and use of tobacco products. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States. It increases the risk of coronary heart disease by two to four times; stroke by two to four times; men developing lung cancer by 23 times and women by 13 times; and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.
For these reasons, WellStar believes it is important that we set an example and protect the safety and health of all those who work in or visit our facilities by becoming tobacco-free. This is also part of a major wellness initiative to improve the health of our team members.
Over the past few months, we have been preparing our facilities and our team members to make this transition. This included new signage at our facilities, eliminating our smoking pavilions, making our community aware of our initiative, developing scripting and processes for dealing with visitors who use tobacco and, most importantly, helping our team members who use tobacco products kick the habit.
We have provided tobacco-using team members with a wide variety of resources to ease their transition. These resources included traditional cessation classes, nicotine replacement therapy, peer support groups, one-on-one assistance and much more.
Everyone’s support is needed in order to make this initiative successful. Thank you for helping us create a healthier environment for our System and the communities we serve.
January Department Meetings
WellStar Cobb Hospital
WellStar Douglas Hospital
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
WellStar Paulding Hospital
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/10 - noon | Administrative Board Room |
| Cobb Diabetes Team | 1/12 – noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/17 - noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Pediatric Department | 1/31 - 5:15 p.m. | Magnolia Room |
WellStar Douglas Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/3 – noon | Sweetwater Room |
| Douglas Diabetes Team | 1/9 – 12:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/10 – noon | Sycamore Room |
| General Staff and Departments | 1/19 – noon | Syscamore Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/4 – 7 a.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/10 – 6 p.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Kennestone Diabetes Team | 1/11 – noon | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| OB/GYN Department | 1/16 – 5:30 p.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Surgery Department | 1/18 – 7 a.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| New Provider Orientation and Safety First Training | 1/20 – 8 a.m.-noon | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
WellStar Paulding Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/12 – 12:30 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
| Paulding Diabetes Team | 1/19 – 9 a.m. | Dogwood Room |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Windy Hill Diabetes Team | 1/10 – noon | Garden Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/17 – 5:15 p.m. | Windy Hill Board Room |
Holy Moly Remove My Foley!
Catheter associated urinary tract infections are a preventable source of harm to patients. “Holey Moly, Remove my Foley” is the tag line for a new program at WellStar Kennestone Hospital aimed at reducing those infections. A card will be placed in the chart to alert the rounding provider that a patient’s foley may not meet best practice protocols. Physicians will be prompted to remove the catheter or justify its continued use.
Indications for a foley catheter:
Indications for a foley catheter:
- Perioperative use for selected surgical / invasive procedures
- Urine output monitoring in critically ill patients
- Management for acute urinary retention and urinary obstruction
- Assistance in pressure ulcer healing for incontinent patients
- End of life comfort care measures
- Alternatives to a foley catheter
- External catheters
- Intermittent catheterization multiple times a day
- Utilizing bladder scan to assess urinary retention instead of catheter
- Timed voiding
- Manage constipation/impaction (increases urinary incontinence)
WellStar Launches Nursing Leader Program
In partnership with the University of West Georgia, WellStar is offering a new graduate-level, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program. CNLs mentor and guide other RNs and serve as patient advocates.
Eighteen WellStar RNs began the program in August and will finish in May 2013 with a master’s degree. Participants work full-time while pursuing this advanced degree; classes are primarily online, with periodic face-to-face classes held at WellStar Development Center. The program is offered through WellStar’s Organizational Learning Scholar’s Program, which covers tuition and books in return for a two-year work commitment.
“CNLs will be assigned strategically to select units throughout our System,” explained Chenille Jones, MSN, RN, CNL, director of Learning and Development. “They will ensure best practices are employed, and that patients receive timely, cost-effective care.”
Studies show that CNLs are having a measurable impact on the quality of nursing services by:
Eighteen WellStar RNs began the program in August and will finish in May 2013 with a master’s degree. Participants work full-time while pursuing this advanced degree; classes are primarily online, with periodic face-to-face classes held at WellStar Development Center. The program is offered through WellStar’s Organizational Learning Scholar’s Program, which covers tuition and books in return for a two-year work commitment.
“CNLs will be assigned strategically to select units throughout our System,” explained Chenille Jones, MSN, RN, CNL, director of Learning and Development. “They will ensure best practices are employed, and that patients receive timely, cost-effective care.”
Studies show that CNLs are having a measurable impact on the quality of nursing services by:
- Quickly making significant progress on raising patient, nurse and physician satisfaction.
- Improving care outcomes.
- Realizing sizable cost savings.
- Promoting critical thinking and innovation in nursing care.
- Constructively managing change and promoting a team-based approach to care.
- Understanding the bigger picture when considering next steps, needed changes and setting improvements.
WellStar Nurse Residency Program Welcomes RN Graduates
In October, the Organizational Learning Department welcomed 105 newly-graduated registered nurses to the WellStar Nurse Residency Program.
“The Nurse Residency Program is designed to support WellStar’s mission and vision by assisting new graduate nurses as they transition to professional practice and the delivery of world-class healthcare,” said Ruth Wingel, MSN, RN, residency coordinator, WellStar Organizational Learning.
WellStar has partnered with the University Health Consortium (UHC) /AACN Nurse Residency Program, which was developed by experts from medical centers and schools of nursing across the country. The one-year program is designed to effectively support new graduate nurses as they transition into their first professional roles as caregivers in the acute-care hospital setting. Upon completion, the new graduate nurse gains clinical autonomy at the point of patient care.
The program is built on an evidence-based curriculum that meets national residency accreditation standards. Its core content focuses on three critical areas: leadership, patient outcomes and professional role. Nurse residents complete evidence-based team projects that provide the impetus for practice changes to promote safe, high-quality nursing care. Each nurse resident also develops a career plan to establish future goals within the nursing profession.
In order to maximize the success of the program, Organizational Learning has partnered with Nursing Leadership, Human Resources and Nursing Clinical Practice. Unit educators serve as group facilitators at each residency session to bring bedside nursing expertise to discussions.
WellStar also has partnered with academic institutions, such as the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Highlands College, to share knowledge and resources that assist the nurse residents in making a seamless transition into the profession.
“The Nurse Residency Program is designed to support WellStar’s mission and vision by assisting new graduate nurses as they transition to professional practice and the delivery of world-class healthcare,” said Ruth Wingel, MSN, RN, residency coordinator, WellStar Organizational Learning.
WellStar has partnered with the University Health Consortium (UHC) /AACN Nurse Residency Program, which was developed by experts from medical centers and schools of nursing across the country. The one-year program is designed to effectively support new graduate nurses as they transition into their first professional roles as caregivers in the acute-care hospital setting. Upon completion, the new graduate nurse gains clinical autonomy at the point of patient care.
The program is built on an evidence-based curriculum that meets national residency accreditation standards. Its core content focuses on three critical areas: leadership, patient outcomes and professional role. Nurse residents complete evidence-based team projects that provide the impetus for practice changes to promote safe, high-quality nursing care. Each nurse resident also develops a career plan to establish future goals within the nursing profession.
In order to maximize the success of the program, Organizational Learning has partnered with Nursing Leadership, Human Resources and Nursing Clinical Practice. Unit educators serve as group facilitators at each residency session to bring bedside nursing expertise to discussions.
WellStar also has partnered with academic institutions, such as the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Highlands College, to share knowledge and resources that assist the nurse residents in making a seamless transition into the profession.
January CME Events
With the January opening of the PCI program at WellStar Douglas, you are invited to attend the following CME:
WellStar Douglas Hospital Cardiac Grand Rounds
Jan. 17, 2012
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Centre @ Arbor Connection, 7475 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 100-A, Douglasville, Ga. 30135
Presentations by WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine physicians to include:
- Updates on Revascularization Therapies
- The Radial Approach in the Catheterization Lab
- Advances in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
- Management of Arrhythmias
Dinner, drinks and networking in advance of the presentation beginning at 5:55 p.m.
To register, call 770-226-9263
Primary Care Course
Topic: Endocrinology
Jan. 14, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WellStar Development Center
Breakfast will be included
To register, call 770-22-MYCME (69263)
“The Prevention of Surgical Site Infections with Valid Interventions”
Donald E. Fry, M.D.
Michael Pine and Associates
Jan. 18, 2012
6:45 – 8 a.m.
Kennestone Auditorium, 310 Building
WellStar Douglas Hospital Cardiac Grand Rounds
Jan. 17, 2012
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Centre @ Arbor Connection, 7475 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 100-A, Douglasville, Ga. 30135
Presentations by WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine physicians to include:
- Updates on Revascularization Therapies
- The Radial Approach in the Catheterization Lab
- Advances in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
- Management of Arrhythmias
Dinner, drinks and networking in advance of the presentation beginning at 5:55 p.m.
To register, call 770-226-9263
Primary Care Course
Topic: Endocrinology
Jan. 14, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WellStar Development Center
Breakfast will be included
To register, call 770-22-MYCME (69263)
“The Prevention of Surgical Site Infections with Valid Interventions”
Donald E. Fry, M.D.
Michael Pine and Associates
Jan. 18, 2012
6:45 – 8 a.m.
Kennestone Auditorium, 310 Building
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board – Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; 7 a.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Jan. 6 and 20; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiology Case Conference – Jan. 31; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiothoracic Case Conference - Jan. 17; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room
- Cobb Surgical M&M – Jan. 26; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room
- GI Tumor Board – Jan. 5, 19 and 26; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Surgical M&M – Jan. 25; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
- Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference - Jan. 4; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Neurosciences Conference – Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Safety First Recertification - Kennestone – Jan. 20; 10:30 a.m.; Administrative Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Safety First Recertification – Douglas – Jan. 18; 6 p.m.; Administrative Conference Room; WellStar Douglas Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic – Jan. 4, 11 and 25; 5 p.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds – Jan. 26; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Wound Case Conference – Jan. 6; 12 p.m.; Cobb Auditorium
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