WellStar Kennestone Hospital Receives Accreditation for Treatment of Breast Disease

WellStar Kennestone Hospital has been granted a three-year/full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. 

During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.  The standards include proficiency in the areas of center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement.  A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• Quality breast care close to home.

For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

WellStar Cardiovascular Physicians Named to Cardiac Leadership Posts

Two physicians with WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine have been named to leadership roles with prominent cardiac organizations.

WellStar’s Chief Cardiology Officer, Barry Mangel, M.D., has been named president of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Metro Atlanta Division Advisory Board.  Additionally, Donald Page, M.D., has been named president of the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Dr. Mangel serves as the American Heart Association's Metro Atlanta Division’s voluntary health leader and official spokesperson on science, medical, health and public policy matters related to the American Heart Association in Metro Atlanta.  He has been a member of the AHA Metro Atlanta Advisory Board since 2010 and began his term as board president on July 1, 2012.

A board-certified, interventional cardiologist with WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine, Dr. Mangel studied at Boston University, where he completed a six-year Bachelor of Arts/Doctorate of Medicine program with honors. He completed his internship and residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and was a cardiac fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Mass., where he received training in cardiac intervention.

Dr. Mangel is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology. He is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the Cobb County Medical Society, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Donald Page, M.D., an invasive cardiologist, was elected president of the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).  The presidency is the only office in the ACC that is selected with a general election by members, not by appointment.

The Georgia Chapter of the ACC promotes high standards in the practice of cardiovascular medicine/surgery in the state of Georgia. In addition, the Chapter advises local and state governments, as well as professional organizations and citizens concerning issues related to cardiovascular disease and the practice of cardiovascular medicine/surgery.

Dr. Page is vice president of WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine.  He attended Emory University School of Medicine where he received his medical degree with honors and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, as well as a cardiology fellowship. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease and trained in nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Page is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and chairman of the Cardiac Foundation Board of WellStar Health System. He has served on the WellStar Kennestone Hospital Medical Executive Committee and the WellStar Kennestone Community Healthcare Board.

Dr. Page is a member of the American Heart Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, Cobb County Medical Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Society.

Making a Hospice Referral: A Step-by-Step Guide

WellStar Community Hospice Makes it Convenient, Quick

Easy, fast, efficient – that’s what it’s like when you refer a patient to WellStar Community Hospice. Hospice provides same-day evaluations and admissions. Here’s how it works:

If you’re at a WellStar Hospital: Contact the Hospice Central Intake or Hospice Liaison Nurse (each WellStar hospital has one) with an order. He or she will evaluate the patient, educate the patient/family, obtain all necessary documents and begin medication orders. Hospice will make all arrangements and move the patient to their placement of choice (home, one of WellStar’s two inpatient hospice facilities, assisted living or skilled nursing facility)

If you’re off-site: Call/fax/scan/e-mail the Hospice intake coordinator, Margo Daniels, 770-732-6741, margo.daniels@wellstar.org; 770-732-6736 (fax) during office hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) ; After hours/Sundays/Holidays, call 770-793-5000 – the WellStar Kennestone Hospital operator will contact the on-call RN.

Please note: Patients are not required to be in a 'Do Not Resuscitate/Allow Natural Death' status to be considered for Hospice care.

Family members also can request evaluations. Hospice will contact you for a consultation/order once the evaluation is complete. Hospice also is happy to provide an information-only visit – in the hospital, your office, the home or an inpatient facility.

As part of our System, WellStar Community Hospice provides excellent coordination of care – with WellStar facilities, physician offices and clinics. For home patients, Hospice provides the medical management you choose. You can manage them, or you can choose to have WellStar’s three fellowship-trained, board-certified palliative physicians and three palliative-certified nurse practitioners manage them. In addition, short-term continuous care or acuity-based care is available for patients needing more intensive support.

Home hospice care can prevent readmissions and reduce calls to your office by supporting patients and families, and anticipating/planning care to meet their needs. Hospice encourages the patient/family/caregiver to call the nurse case manager or on-call nurse so symptom management can be coached or managed with a visit.

Inpatients are managed first line by the palliative medicine team and you may consult, if you wish. Palliative Medicine is available around the clock for patient and family needs.

Founded in 1982, WellStar Community Hospice is one of the state’s oldest hospital-based hospice programs. More than 1,500 patients each year receive care through the program, which includes home hospice care and two inpatient hospice centers (WellStar Tranquility at Cobb and WellStar Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain).

Once again, to make a referral to WellStar Community Hospice, please call:

• HospiceCentral Intake: 770-732-6741 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.); Fax – 770-732-6736; margo.daniels@wellstar.org
• 770-792-5000 (After Hours/Sundays/Holidays)
• Hospice Liaison Nurse at all WellStar hospitals
• WellStar Community Hospice – Austell – 770-732-6710
• WellStar Community Hospice – Kennesaw Mountain – 470-245-9930

Xenex Ultraviolet Light Room Cleaning Implemented at WellStar

In October, WellStar will complete Systemwide implementation of a new cleaning process called Xenex™. The process uses pulsed ultraviolet light technology to decontaminate rooms in five to 12 minutes.

Ten Xenex machines are in use Systemwide; WellStar Kennestone Hospital piloted two machines in November 2011 and will begin using three more this month; all other WellStar hospitals began using their machines in July 2012. There are two machines at WellStar Cobb Hospital, and one each at all other WellStar hospitals.

“In keeping with our mission and vision, WellStar is always looking for innovative ways to provide better and safer care to our community,” said Chaele Ellsworth, director, Quality & Safety, WellStar Kennestone. “Part of this commitment means ensuring our patients don’t acquire infections while in the hospital. The Xenex technology will help us keep our commitment.”

A.J. Kassim, manager, WellStar Kennestone Hospital Environmental Services Department, and EVS team member Jocelyn Josaphat, with one of the hospital’s five Xenex machines

Xenex’s efficacy has been confirmed in more than 1,400 independent lab samples and several hospital studies, including one at MD Anderson Cancer Center which showed the system was 20 times more effective than the regular cleaning protocol. It has been confirmed effective against MRSA, VRE, C. diff spores, Acinetobactor, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Norovirus and many more organisms. WellStar also conducted its own research to substantiate these results.

It will be used in patient rooms, the Emergency Departments, public restrooms, procedural areas (OR, GI Lab, EP Lab), supply rooms and nursing stations.

Environmental Services (EVS) team members are operating the machines at each hospital. A.J. Kassim, manager of EVS at WellStar Kennestone, appreciates the speed with which Xenex machines can disinfect patient rooms. “Now we can expedite room cleaning when there’s a crunch for beds,” he explained. “EVS team members find the machines easy to use and efficient, and I particularly appreciate that they are supported and maintained by the manufacturer.”

Lisa Brown, infection preventionist at WellStar Kennestone is excited that an independent study conducted at Kennestone on Xenex vs. standard cleaning showed a significant reduction in organisms. “This information confirms what independent studies have already revealed in hospitals currently using the technology,” she said.

Eunice Pollard, coordinator, Performance Improvement, at WellStar Kennestone, said Xenex is more effective and efficient than Bioquell, WellStar’s previous cleaning method. “Xenex is environmentally friendly and faster – we can clean a room in 10 minutes vs. two hours with Bioquell,” she said.

Xenex uses reflectors and movement to focus UV light toward high-touch surfaces. A visible light filter blocks the bright xenon pulse so rooms with interior glass can be treated without distraction. A motion detection system and door guards ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff.

WellStar Cancer Network Offering Free Workshop for New Cancer Patients

The WellStar Cancer Network is excited to announce a new educational opportunity - "Help, Hope and Courage: An Orientation for New Cancer Patients and Their Families."
 
This free workshop will provide newly-diagnosed cancer patients with valuable tips to use during their cancer treatment journey, including how to make the most of their medical appointments, helpful coping skills, how to navigate the system and where to find supportive and practical resources.

• Date: Nov. 16, 2012
• Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
• Location: WellStar Kennestone Hospital Auditorium

For more information and to register, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

WellStar Health System Named to Top 10 of Working Mother 100 Best Companies for Three Consecutive Years for Leadership on Creating Family-Friendly Policy and Culture

Working Mother magazine has named WellStar Health System as one of the 2012 Working Mother 100 Best Companies. The companies are recognized in the October/November issue of the magazine, on workingmother.com and will be honored at the Working Mother Work Life Congress, to be held in New York City in October.  This makes five years for WellStar to place on the list and the third year to be recognized among the coveted Top Ten companies.

Working Mother rewarded companies for their wide array of progressive workplace programs, including child care, flexibility, advancement and paid family leave. This is the 27th year Working Mother has recognized organizations for their initiatives.

“WellStar is honored to be named a Working Mother 100 Best Companies Top 10 company for the third straight year,” said David Anderson, executive vice president of human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer for WellStar Health System. “Part of the formula for delivering world-class healthcare is having world-class employees. To attract and retain these talented team members, WellStar offers competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and innovative work/life programs."   

Some of the other companies who were awarded recognition are: Bank of America, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, General Mills, Grant Thornton, IBM, KPMG Procter & Gamble and PwC.

WellStar Named One of America’s Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces

WellStar ranked first in the healthcare industry and 35th overall on the 2012 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list released by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

WellStar offers its full-time employees 120 hours and eligible part-time employees 60 hours of paid leave, per adoption.  WellStar also offers employees a maximum of $10,000, per finalized adoption ($20,000 maximum lifetime amount).

“Retaining our exceptional team members and recruiting new ones are vital to WellStar’s vision, as is our on-going commitment to making WellStar a great place to work,” said David Anderson, WellStar’s executive vice president, human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer.  “Offering these kinds of exceptional benefits enables our employees to maintain a work-life balance for a fulfilling personal and professional life.”

Every year, the Foundation announces America’s top 100 adoption-friendly employers, the top 10 by size, and the leaders in each industry from its annual survey of U.S. employers. Rankings are determined by an analysis of a company’s adoption benefits, including the maximum amount of financial reimbursement and paid leave for families who adopt. The top 100 are featured in the September issue of Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is the leading source of information for benefits decision makers.

Olympic Champion Triple Jumper Christian Taylor Partners with WellStar

WellStar Health System is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Triple Jumper, Christian Taylor.

“I’m very excited to embark on this partnership with WellStar Health System,” states Taylor. “To be able to align with such a great system and really make a difference in my hometown community is a dream come true."

As part of his partnership, Taylor plans to visit patients and team members and share his motivation for healthy living throughout the WellStar five-county service area.

“Having an Olympic gold medalist serve as an advocate for healthy living is a great way for WellStar to connect with our community,” said Michelle Robinson, vice president of Marketing, PR and Internal Communications at WellStar. “Christian is a role model for leading an active lifestyle and good sportsmanship.”

Born and raised in Fayetteville, GA, Taylor became the youngest Olympic Triple Jump Champion in more than 100 years. As the reigning World Champion and former NCAA Champion at the University of Florida, Taylor now has his eyes set on bringing down the world record. Maintaining his health and wellness are a priority to achieve this goal.

Serving a population of more than one million residents of NW metropolitan Atlanta, WellStar consistently looks at total patient wellness and works to ensure that all systems support that focus. With industry awards ranging from Integrated Delivery Networks to Working Mother Magazine’s Best Places to Work, WellStar strives to provide the best care possible with Atlanta’s top medical professionals.

At WellStar, specialists and primary care providers work in a multi-disciplinary environment with more than 12,000 diverse team members throughout their five hospitals and medical group offices. By working through a patient-centered model of care, WellStar places an enormous value on quality and safety.

Additionally, WellStar is a huge proponent in giving back to the community. Its influential community outreach allows WellStar to serve 1.5 million annually. The WellStar Foundation continues to fund initiatives ranging from new medical facilities to genetic testing services.

WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement

Clinical Documentation Tips: General and Specific for Neoplasms/Malignancy

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:

• Document the diseases associated with the patient’s signs/symptoms  
• Indicate acuity, even when it is obvious (i.e., congenital, chronic, acute, acute on chronic [exacerbation])

Neoplasms/Malignancy

• Clarify the reason requiring inpatient admission (i.e., diagnosing, treatment or staging of malignancy)
• Clarify if the reason for admission is a sign/symptom that is due to the malignancy (i.e., dehydration, malnutrition, cachexia, intractable pain, ascites,  anemia or weakness)
• Clarify malnutrition, indicating acuity (i.e. mild, moderate or severe)
• Clarify anemia, indicating if it is associated or due to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy
• Clarify any coagulation disorders as well as the cause
• Clarify if thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia or anemia is induced by malignancy or treatment of malignancy (i.e., chemotherapy induced)
• Clarify if fractures are a result of the malignancy (i.e., due to neoplasm)
• Clarify any electrolyte abnormality (i.e., hyponatremia, hypokalemia [up and down arrows plus corresponding electrolyte does not constitute a diagnosis])
• Clarify all secondary diagnoses, indicating if condition is acute or chronic during current admission
• Clarify all diagnoses/conditions that are present on admission (POA)
• Clarify if the patient is placed in palliative care (i.e., hospice care, terminal care, comfort care or end-of-life care)

WellStar Medical Group New Providers – September

Nana Arthur, M.D.

Nana Arthur, M.D. – Hospitalist, WellStar Douglas Hospital

Dr. Arthur earned her bachelor’s degree and medical degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. She completed her internship in internal medicine/obstetrics and gynecology from Komfo Anokya Teaching Hospital, also in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. Dr. Arthur completed her residency in internal medicine from the Hospital of St. Raphael’s in New Haven, Conn. and her fellowship in geriatrics from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

Dr. Arthur is board certified in geriatric medicine. She is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

Avi Bhavaraju, M.D.

Avi Bhavaraju, M.D. – Trauma

Dr. Bhavaraju earned his medical degree from the University of Saint Eustatius School of Medicine in St. Eustatius, Netherlands-Antilles. He completed his residency in general surgery at Atlanta Medical Center and his fellowship in trauma/surgical critical care from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Dr. Bhavaraju is board certified in surgical critical care and general surgery. He is a member of The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Telemedicine Association, American Medical Association, Southeastern Surgical Congress, American College of Surgeons, and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Medical Student and Resident Section.

Megan Bowles, M.D.

Megan Bowles, M.D. – Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 

Dr. Bowles earned her bachelor’s and medical degree from Georgetown University. She completed her internship and residency at Vanderbilt University in ambulatory and internal medicine.

Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Bowles is a member of the American College Health Association and American College of Physicians.

Danny Branstetter, II, M.D.

Danny Branstetter, II, M.D. – Infectious Disease

Dr. Branstetter received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine in Memphis. Dr. Branstetter completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory University in Atlanta and his fellowship in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Branstetter is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine. 

Caroline Gibbons, M.D.

Caroline Gibbons, M.D. – Northwest Women’s Care

Dr. Gibbons earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Bradley Goff, M.D.

Bradley Goff, M.D. – WellStar ENT Associates

Dr. Goff received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wabash College and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his internship in general surgery at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and his residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, at Indiana University Hospital.

Board certified in otolaryngology, Dr. Goff is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Rhinologic Society and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Ahmad Khaldi, M.D.

Ahmad Khaldi, M.D. – Neurosurgery

Dr. Khaldi earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology and international studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his master’s degree and medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. and his endovascular fellowship at University of Florida.

Prior to joining WellStar, Dr. Khaldi was co-director of cerebrovascular neurosurgery and an assistant professor of neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery at The George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Alexander Liaugminas, M.D.

Alexander Liaugminas, M.D. – Rehabilitative Medicine

Dr. Liaugminas earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from The Ohio State University and his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Cincinnati.

Dr. Liaugminas is a member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Medical Association.

Sona Patel, M.D.  - Endocrinology (Photo not available)

Dr. Patel earned her bachelor’s degree in medical sciences and medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center. She completed her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Dr. Patel is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Society.

Sholah Pitman, M.D. – OB/GYN Hospitalist, WellStar Cobb Hospital (Photo not available)

Dr. Pittman earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Emory University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pittman is a junior fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and a member of the National Medical Association.

Kiran Pratap, M.D.

Kiran Pratap, M.D. - Hospitalist, WellStar Cobb Hospital

Dr. Pratap earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Pratap is board certified in internal medicine.

Pradad Rao, M.D.

Pradad Rao, M.D. - Hospitalist, WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Dr. Rao earned his medical degree at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India. He completed his residency at Wenlock District Hospital and T.M.A. Pai Rotary Hospital in Mangalore.

Prior to joining WellStar, Dr. Rao was associate director of hospital medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Patient Satisfaction Graphs

October Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
OB/GYN	Oct. 1; 12:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Credentials	Oct. 2; noon	ABR
APP General	Oct. 10; noon	Dogwood Room
Medical Executive Committee	Oct. 16; noon	ABR
WellStar Combined General MEC	Oct. 17; 6 p.m.	Cobb Galleria

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Oct. 2; noon	Sycamore Room
Medical Executive Committee	Oct. 9; noon	Sycamore Room
QRC PI Committee	Oct. 11; 7:30 a.m.	Sweetwater Room
WellStar Combined General MEC	Oct. 17; 6 p.m.	Cobb Galleria
Gen’l Medical Staff and Medicine & Surgery Depts.	Oct. 18; noon	Douglas Medical Center – Community Room
APP meeting	Oct. 23	Admin. Conference Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Oct. 3: 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	Oct. 9; 6 p.m.	KMR
OB/GYN	Oct. 15; 5:30 p.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
Surgery	Oct. 17; 7 a.m.	Azalea/ Camellia Room
WellStar Combined General MEC	Oct. 17; 6 p.m.	Cobb Galleria
New Provider Orientation and  Safety First Initial Training	Oct.19 21;  8 a.m.-- noon	KMR

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Oct. 11; 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room
WellStar Combined General MEC	Oct. 17; 6 p.m.	Cobb Galleria

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Oct. 17; 5:15 p.m.	Cobb Galleria
WellStar Combined General MEC	Oct. 17; 6 p.m.	Cobb Galleria

September Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Sept. 4;  noon	ABR
Surgery	Sept. 10;  5:30 p.m.	ABR
Internal Medicine	Sept. 10; 5;30 p.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Family Practice	Sept. 10; 5:45 p.m.	Dogwood Room
General Staff	Sept. 10; 6:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Medical Executive Committee	Sept. 11; noon	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Physician Orientation	Sept. 12; 7:30 a.m.	Dogwood Room
Pediatrics Department	Sept. 25; 12:30 p.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
APP General	Sept. 26; 6 p.m.	Auditorium

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Sept. 4; noon	Sycamore Room
QRC PI Committee	Sept. 13; 7:30 a.m.	Sweetwater Room
Medical Executive Committee	Sept. 11; noon	Sycamore Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Sept. 5: 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	Sept. 11; 6 p.m.	KMR
Medicine	Sept. 13; 7 a.m.	KMR
Family Practice	Sept. 13; 6 p.m.	KMR
OB/GYN	Sept. 17; 5:30 p.m.	Azalea Room
Surgery	Sept. 19; 7 a.m.	Azalea Room
New Provider Orientation and  Safety First Initial Training	Sept.21 21;  8 a.m.-- noon	Admin. Conference Room

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Sept. 13; 12:30 p.m	Dogwood Room
Medicine	Sept. 25; noon	E. Paulding Primary Care Center Conference Room

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Sept. 12; 5:15 p.m.	Admin. Conference Room

Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain Offers Comfort, Serenity to Patients and Families

Since opening in March, Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, WellStar Community Hospice’s newest inpatient hospice center, has already touched the lives of a number of patients and their families.

Courtyard behind Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain

Like its sister facility at WellStar Cobb Hospital, Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain provides compassionate care in a homelike setting to patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

“Patients have been pleased with the serene environment and the sense of peace they have while they’re here,” said Barbara Ballard, vice president, Post Acute Services. “Most importantly, they know they’re being well cared for.” “We had a patient here recently who asked me to come see him in his room,” said Ballard. “He told me that, while he received great care at Kennestone, nothing has compared to the level of service he has received here. I’m grateful that we were able to touch his heart in a special way.”

The facility has a capacity for 18 private suites, each of which will offer amenities designed with both patients and their families in mind. Currently nine of those suites are open, with another three opening soon.

For Carolyn Meier, whose mother-in-law is a patient at Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, exceptional care and attention to detail have added much needed comfort during a difficult time.

“We’ve had an excellent experience since she’s been there,” said Meier. “The facility is beautiful and the staff is very attentive to the patients, as well as the families who are there. You couldn’t ask for better care. They even did a Fourth of July cookout for all the families. Small things like those really mean a lot when you’re going through something like this.”

Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain was funded by the WellStar Foundation through generous gifts of support from WellStar, team members and the community. Founded in 1982, WellStar Community Hospice is one of the state’s oldest hospital-based hospice programs. More than 1,500 patients each year receive care through the program.

Help Us Celebrate the Opening of WellStar Acworth Health Park

WellStar Acworth Health Park 

Family Fun Day is Sunday, Sept. 16, 2-5 p.m.
4550 Cobb Parkway NW, Acworth, Ga.

Fun Day activities will include a rock wall; giant slide; inflatable obstacle course; tethered hot air balloon rides; police/fire/EMS vehicles; flu shots and blood pressure checks; SafeKids Cobb County presenting youth sports safety tips; the Atlanta Braves B.A.T team and two alumni players; and Christian Taylor, 2012 Olympic gold medalist, in the triple long jump (son of WellStar’s own Stephanie Taylor, director of Cultural Competency).

Participants can register to win prizes including a home gym, a set of four mountain bikes with helmets and an all-expense paid trip for four to Walt Disney World. Plan to attend!

WellStar Medical Group New Providers - August

Adaeze C. Adigweme, M.D., MPH

Adaeze C. Adigweme, M.D., MPH – Hospitalist, WellStar Kennestone Hospital - Dr. Adigweme received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida. She earned her master’s degree from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in internal medicine. Dr. Adigweme is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Melissa N.H. Boekhaus, M.D.

Melissa N.H. Boekhaus, M.D. – Pediatric & Adolescent Center - Dr. Boekhaus received her bachelor’s degree in biology summa cum laude from Mercer University. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed her residency in pediatrics at Emory University.

Dr. Boekhaus is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Ebon Bourne, M.D.

Ebon Bourne, M.D. – WellStar Internal Medicine (ACW) - Dr. Bourne earned his bachelor’s degree from Emory University in Atlanta and his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Dr. Bourne is a member of the American Medical Association. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Travis C. Bowles, M.D.

Travis C. Bowles, M.D. – WellStar Internal Medicine/Pediatrics - Dr. Bowles received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He completed his internship in internal medicine and his residency in internal medicine/pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Dr. Bowles is a member of the American Association of Pediatrics and the American College of Pediatricians.

Binu George, M.D. 

Binu George, M.D. – WellStar Pulmonary - Dr. George received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Emory University and his master’s degree in developmental biology from Georgia State University. He earned his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. George completed his residency in internal medicine from Morehouse School Medicine – Grady Memorial Hospital and his fellowship in pulmonary critical care from George Washington University Hospital.

Dr. George is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

Maureen Lamm, M.D. – Acworth Urgent Care (Photo unavailable)
Dr. Lamm received her bachelor’s degree in biology magna cum laude from Boston University and her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She completed her internship at Georgetown University/Inova Fairfax Hospital and her residency in family practice at George Washington University/Holy Cross Hospital.

Mark Quinn, M.D.

Dr. Lamm is a member of the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, American Academy of Family Medicine and American Academy of Environmental Medicine. She is board certified in family and urgent care medicine.

Dr. Lamm has been affiliated with WellStar Health System Urgent Care Centers since 2006.

Mark Quinn, M.D.
Dr. Quinn received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his residency in radiation oncology at The Medical College of New York in Westchester, N.Y.

 Dr. Quinn is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology. He is board certified in radiation oncology.

Perfect Serve Update

As of Aug. 22, medical staff members and advanced practice professionals across all WellStar hospitals are able to communicate directly with each other through the PerfectServe® system. 

PerfectServe routes clinical calls and messages to you according to your specific instructions. Because PerfectServe allows you to selectively filter and control the communications you receive, you experience fewer unnecessary interruptions and fewer delayed and lost messages. Keep in mind that as you use PerfectServe, it also can be adjusted to improve your efficiency. Simply tell us how you would like your calls handled and PerfectServe will make it happen.

Meanwhile, you can manage your communications and access other features with the additional tools PerfectServe provides.

What do you need to do? Take a few moments and update or install your PerfectServe mobile app.

• For iPhone users, access the App Store and find the PerfectServe app. Tap “Update” to automatically update your PerfectServe mobile app. You will not need to enter your PerfectServe username and password.
• For Android users, click here for instructions on updating your current PerfectServe mobile app. You must first uninstall your current PerfectServe app, then access the Google Play store to download the newest version. You will be prompted for your PerfectServe username and password. If you do not have your username and password information, please call PerfectServe’s 24/7 Help Center at 877-844-7727.
• If you do not currently have the PerfectServe mobile app, click here for detailed instructions on downloading it for iPhone or Android devices. Select your device under “Features” and follow the instructions to download the app.
• Physicians who do not carry a smart phone may contact medical staff colleagues by dialing 855-DocLink (855-362-5465) from your mobile phone.  As long as that mobile device number is registered with PerfectServe, you will be identified and allowed access to WellStar physicians.

If you have additional questions, need live assistance, or would like to register your mobile phone number, please call the PerfectServe support team at 877-844-7727.

Townsend Named Physician of the Year

By Georgia Association of Physician Assistants

GAPA’s Mary Vacala presents Murphy Townsend, M.D.,
with his award at the association’s annual meeting in July.

Murphy Townsend, M.D., WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s medical staff president from July 2010 to June 2012, was named Physician of the Year by the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (PAs).

The award is presented to a physician who has provided exemplary service to PAs in Georgia, either as a mentor, preceptor or teacher, or has in other ways furthered or facilitated the practice of PAs in Georgia.

“Dr. Townsend has been a tireless and proactive champion for PAs and other advanced practice professionals (APPs) at Kennestone,“ said Damon Denzin, PA, WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Advanced Practice Professionals Department chair.“The APP staff is valued and integrated within the System in a way previously reserved for physicians. Dr. Townsend’s leadership and hard work have impacted all APPs at WellStar in a meaningful and lasting way,”

Physician Leadership Academy: New Cohort Starts Sept. 15

WellStar’s Physician Leadership Academy is a leadership program for physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants that was created in partnership with the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. A fourth cohort of the program will start on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the WellStar Development Center. A limited number of seats are available.

Our first three cohorts of the Physician Leadership Program were a resounding success. Ninety-eight of your fellow physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners have completed the program.  Feedback from each cohort has allowed us to improve the program.

 This certificate program gives participants an introduction to leadership and teaming skills, along with introductory business knowledge.  The program runs for 10 Saturdays from September to March. Those who complete the program will be granted a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from WellStar and the Coles College of Business.

Complete program details, including application forms and a detailed course syllabus, are available on eSource > Organizational Learning.

WellStar Cobb and Kennestone Hospitals Receive UnitedHealth Total Joint Replacement Specialty Center Designation

WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals received the UnitedHealth Premium specialty center designation in recognition of quality care. Both hospitals received three-star ratings (three: highest, one: lowest).

UnitedHealthcare developed the specialty center program to give its members information and access to hospitals meeting rigorous quality criteria. The designation is based on detailed information about specialized training, practice capabilities and outcomes and is designed to help members make informed decisions should they need total joint replacement care.

To receive this designation, WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals met extensive quality and outcomes criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards and expert advice. The criteria incorporate measurements of breadth and depth of care, staff experience, emergency care, quality and outcomes reporting.

The hospitals’ total hip and knee joint replacement programs also are certified by The Joint Commission.

For more information on the Center for Joint Replacement, contact Kim Purvis, RN, at 770-732-4598.