health notes - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T17:27:48Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/health+notesHealth Notes: Doctor performs hundreds of procedures to treat carotid artery diseasehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-doctor-performs-hundreds-of-procedures-to-treat-caro2024-02-27T16:54:09.000Z2024-02-27T16:54:09.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming<div><p>Dr. Joseph Ricotta, national medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare, recently completed his 350th transcarotid artery revascularization procedure since 2018.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390115078,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390115078,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="102" alt="12390115078?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a></p>
<p>TCAR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat carotid artery disease. </p>
<p>“Performing 350 successful TCAR procedures displays our team’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art treatment for patients with carotid artery disease and preventing stroke,” said Ricotta, professor of surgery and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine Delray Medical Center. “It gives us the unique ability to offer all available treatment options to people in need, including TCAR, carotid stenting, surgical carotid endarterectomy, and medical management under one umbrella.” </p>
<p>Being able to provide this lifesaving treatment is humbling, Ricotta said. In 2020, he received the national TCAR Clinical Operator of Excellence distinction, awarded by Silk Road Medical, the manufacturer of the TCAR device. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, he has earned consistent recognition as a National Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and has written more than 300 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.<br /> <br /><strong> Palm Beach Health Network</strong> has introduced a new tagline: “Stronger Together. For You.”</p>
<p>Its network includes six hospitals: Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Delray Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center. The network also includes free-standing emergency rooms, imaging centers, surgery centers and a team of physicians. </p>
<p>“We are thrilled to unveil our new tagline, ‘Stronger Together. For You,’” said Maggie Gill, group president for Tenet Healthcare. “This mantra represents our continued commitment to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive health care services in Palm Beach County. We are proud of our long-standing role as a pillar in the community.”<br /> <br /> <strong>Heather Havericak</strong> was recently named the chief operating officer of Delray Medical Center. She will manage daily operations and oversee the development and <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390115258,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390115258,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="104" alt="12390115258?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>implementation of long-range plans, goals and objectives for the hospital.</p>
<p>Previously, Havericak was at Broward Health, where she served in various leadership roles for 17 years. </p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: FAU, brain health center join in effort to prevent Alzheimer’shttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-fau-brain-health-center-join-in-effort-to-prevent-al2024-01-30T16:13:56.000Z2024-01-30T16:13:56.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming<div><p>The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University and Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine are partnering with Thema Brain Health, a cognitive brain health center at the Research Park, with the goal of preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias.</p>
<p>Thema Brain Health aims to empower patients to take control of their brain health and it provides information on taking early remedial action. Also, it is likely that Thema Brain Health will become a training site for the university’s medical students and resident physicians. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12368590899,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12368590899,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="218" alt="12368590899?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a><br /><strong>Orthodontists open new practice in Delray Beach</strong><br /> Drs. Janet Stoess-Allen and Kevin McCaffrey have partnered to establish Delray Orthodontics, 10 SE First Ave., Suite D, Delray Beach. They are ranked as Diamond Plus Invisalign providers, and their practice uses cutting-edge technology. They aim to create a comfortable and efficient patient experience. They invite patients affected by the recent closure of Smile Direct Club to join them to continue their orthodontic treatment.</p>
<p><strong>JFK Hospital opens doors for volunteer activities</strong><br /> After a long hiatus, volunteers are welcomed back to HCA Florida JFK Hospital. </p>
<p>Volunteers contribute by assisting in the lobby, taking on administrative tasks, providing companionship to patients and offering emotional support to families. Schedules are flexible.</p>
<p>Volunteers must be 15 or older, complete an application and background check, and attend an orientation. To learn more, call the hospital’s volunteer services manager, Christie Lee Geltz, at 561-548-1357 or email Christielee.Geltz@hcahealthcare.com </p>
<p><strong>Alzheimer’s drug trial </strong><strong>put on hold by FDA</strong> <br /> InMune Bio’s phase-two clinical trial for the Alzheimer’s disease drug XPro is on hold after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested additional information about its long-term potency. In a statement, Boca Raton-based InMune Bio reported that it will provide clarification to the FDA before the end of the year to resolve questions. </p>
<p>“The hold will not impact our progress in completing the Phase II AD study on schedule,” CEO R.J. Tesi said in the statement. The clinical trial is still open in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Poland, France and Spain and is expected to launch in additional European Union countries. <br /> <br /><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Ultrasound technology used in treatment of Alzheimer’s patienthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-ultrasound-technology-used-in-treatment-of-alzheimer2023-03-28T17:23:48.000Z2023-03-28T17:23:48.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11004844886,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11004844886,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11004844886?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Technicians at Delray Medical Center work with an Alzheimer’s patient using ultrasound technology as part of a study in collaboration with FAU. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
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<p>Delray Medical Center is treating an Alzheimer’s patient using ultrasound technology as part of a study being conducted in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention. <br /> In the FDA-approved clinical trial, this technology is used to disrupt patients’ blood-brain barrier. The Delray Medical Center patient enrolled in the clinical trial received the first of three treatments at the hospital on Feb. 15. To find out more about Delray Medical Center’s focused ultrasound program, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/neurosciences/focused-ultrasound.&nbsp">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/neurosciences/focused-ultrasound.&nbsp</a>;</p>
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<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11004846486,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11004846486,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="103" alt="11004846486?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Peter B. Licata, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Delray Medical Center governing board. <br /> Licata is the regional superintendent of the south region of the Palm Beach County School District. He earned his Ph.D. in global leadership from Lynn University and he has served as adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, where he taught courses preparing future school administrators. </p>
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<p style="text-align:left;">Caron Treatment Centers has announced its new older-adult program at Caron Florida’s new Keele Medical Center. <br /> The residential program, with 15 private en suite bedrooms, provides comprehensive diagnostic assessment, 24/7 on-site medically managed care, daily health assessments, substance use and mental health disorder treatment, chronic pain management, relapse prevention, spiritual counseling, holistic services, on-site physical therapy and family support. The Keele Center is located at 4575 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach.</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><em>Send health news to Christine Davis, cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Delray Medical Center welcomes new chief executivehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-delray-medical-center-welcomes-new-chief-executive2022-08-02T21:07:12.000Z2022-08-02T21:07:12.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><strong>Daniel Listi</strong> was appointed chief executive officer of <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> in June.<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10741631468,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10741631468,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" alt="10741631468?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Listi came from Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama, where he served as CEO for the past four years. Both Delray and Shelby are Tenet Healthcare hospitals.<br />Prior to that, he was the chief operating officer of Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, and the market chief operating officer of the El Paso/RGV hospitals, overseeing six Tenet Healthcare hospitals.<br /> Listi holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in health care administration from Texas A&M’s public health school. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. <br /> <br /> Following the completion of its 250th TCAR procedure, Delray Medical Center honored its patients and clinicians for achieving this milestone at a reunion event, with past patients — including the first and the 250th — who attended and shared their experiences. <br /> For some background: In June 2018, Delray Medical Center began using TransCarotid Artery Revascularization, for high-surgical-risk patients who need carotid artery treatment. The procedure was performed by <strong>Joseph J. Ricotta</strong> MD, MS, FACS, now Tenet’s regional medical director for vascular surgery and endovascular therapy. <br /> With TCAR, blood flow is temporarily reversed so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/cardiovascular/tcar">www.delraymedicalctr.com/services/cardiovascular/tcar</a>.<br /> <br /> Delray Medical Center and HCA Florida JFK Hospital received these awards from the <strong>American Heart Association</strong>’s Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines program: Stroke Quality Achievement award and the Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. JFK was also given the Stroke SM Elite Plus award, and Delray Medical Center was given both the Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award and the Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award. <br /> <br /> <strong>Hacker Dermatology</strong>, with 29 years in Delray Beach, is expanding its practice and has brought in podiatrist Dr. Andrea P. Aedo. She will use a multidisciplinary approach to help patients with foot and gait problems avoid falls. <br /> “Foot disorders currently affect 80% of our older patients and those problems can result in falls and difficulty walking due to pain and arthritis,” said Dr. Steven Hacker, founder of Hacker Dermatology. <br /> Aedo, with more than 12 years of surgical podiatry experience, completed a three-year intensive surgical and trauma podiatric medicine residency at Jackson North Medical Center, where she served as chief resident in 2009. <br /> Appointments for Aedo can be requested at <a href="">www.HackerDermatology.com or</a> by calling 561-276-3111. Hacker Dermatology is at 230 George Bush Blvd., Unit B. <br /> <br /> <strong>CR8 Health</strong>, an anti-aging and wellness clinic, debuted its new center at 8234 Glades Road, Boca Raton, in July. <br /> Founded by Dr. Nadav D. Fields, CR8 Health focuses on age management, aesthetic enhancement and health maximization. Services include medical weight loss, hormone replacement, Botox and dermal fillers, skin tightening, skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, SkinPen microneedling, peptide therapy, functional medicine, acupuncture and herbs, IV therapy, injection therapy, sexual wellness and hair restoration. <br /> “We take a personalized approach to the science of wellness and beauty and strive to provide an increasingly improved patient experience,” Fields said. <br />“CR8 Health brings comprehensive medical services, aesthetic treatments and weight management programs to Boca Raton, empowering our clients to look and feel better with age.” <br /> Fields received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and attended medical school in New York City.<br /> He completed his residency training in internal medicine at the University of Arizona and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine.<br /> Fields is trained in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as well as peptide therapy. For more information, visit cr8health.com or call 561-922-8418. <br /><em>— Christine Davis</em></p></div>Health Notes: Delray chamber honors nurses with Hometown Heroes Awardhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-delray-chamber-honors-nurses-with-hometown-heroes-aw2021-02-02T20:36:54.000Z2021-02-02T20:36:54.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8507554477,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8507554477,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="8507554477?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>Members of the Delray Medical Center nursing team gather for a photo as they celebrate receiving the 2020 Hometown Heroes Award from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce in December. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>The Delray Medical Center nursing team was awarded the Hometown Heroes Award for 2020 from the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, as it honored local health care professionals. </p>
<p>“This year more than ever, it means so much to our team to have our community recognize our nursing staff for their hard work, heroism and amazing dedication during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Maggie Gill, CEO of Delray Medical Center. “We are thankful for all of the support we have received, and we want to remind our community that our hospital is safe, and they should not delay care for a new or urgent condition.”<br /> <br /> In January, Michael Nordness became Delray Medical Center’s new chief administrative officer as well as the group chief operating officer for the Palm Beach Health Network. Previously, Nordness served as the chief operating officer at Orange Park Medical Center in Jacksonville. Before his time there, Nordness was the assistant administrator at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde, North Carolina. <br /> </p>
<p>Jonathan Price is the new chief executive officer of the Faulk Center for Counseling in Boca Raton. Previously, he served as the vice president of grants and fund development for Alzheimer’s Community Care. </p>
<p>After serving as vice president of the Faulk Center’s board of directors, Gwenesia S. Collins, PharmD, has been appointed president of the board. She is currently the assistant vice president of acute care pharmacy for the north region at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. </p>
<p>The Faulk Center is at 22455 Boca Rio Road. <br /> </p>
<p>Kelly Skidmore is the new chief executive officer of Palm Beach Medical Society and Palm Beach County Medical Society Services. Skidmore, who was recently elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 81, also served as public relations specialist for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida since 2016. She replaces Tenna Wiles, who is retiring after 22 years.<br /> </p>
<p>A research team from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine has developed a simplified COVID-19 testing protocol, which can detect minimal quantities of SARS-CoV-2 using samples from nasal and throat swabs as well as saliva, and can be easily used in research laboratories. Results, published in PLOS ONE, have shown that this protocol is efficient. </p>
<p>Study co-authors are Sean Paz, Christopher Mauer and Anastasia Richtie, graduate students in the college of medicine. This work was supported by a Florida Blue Foundation grant. <br /> </p>
<p>Palm Health Foundation invested $2,316,345 in solutions to health challenges during 2020, including funding toward COVID-19 relief. The foundation’s Healthier Together initiative grant-making strategy became the platform for rapid deployment of resources and funds in vulnerable communities and inspired organizations across the county to form new alliances during the crisis.</p>
<p>For information about Palm Health Foundation, call 561-833-6333 or visit <a href="">www.palmhealthfoundation.org.&nbsp</a>;</p></div>Health Notes: Clinical trial available for coronavirus patients at Boca hospitalhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-clinical-trial-available-for-coronavirus-patients-at2020-12-29T19:51:56.000Z2020-12-29T19:51:56.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>By Christine Davis</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Patients admitted with COVID-19 at Boca Raton Regional Hospital may enroll in a clinical trial to test a new treatment for the disease. The trial is named Prevent, reflecting the hope that it will rapidly reverse the damages of pneumonia associated with COVID-19.</p>
<p>Researchers at Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute are enrolling patients for the trial, which uses a single, low dose of thoracic radiation to reduce the inflammatory process in the lungs. Very low doses have been effective in treating benign inflammatory diseases. </p>
<p>Experts say the treatment may prevent deaths and avoid the need for intubation. </p>
<p>Patients diagnosed within nine days of hospital admission with pulmonary pneumonia symptoms and 50 years of age or older are eligible for the trial. The Prevent multicenter clinical trial is jointly led by principal investigators from Lynn Cancer Institute and the Ohio State University. The trial is one of several investigational treatments for COVID-19 being researched at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. </p>
<p><br /> Certified clinical research coordinator David Scott, president and CEO of Palm Beach Research in West Palm Beach, announced that Palm Beach Research is enrolling people for two phase 3 trials regarding COVID-19. </p>
<p>The Janssen’s study, of an adenovirus type 26 vector vaccine, is a two-year project for which Palm Beach Research will provide access to COVID-19 testing and related medical care. Participants will be compensated for every visit, up to a total of $775. Half of the patients will get the vaccine and the other half a placebo. </p>
<p>“Janssen’s vaccine is constructed to encode the COVID-19 spike protein. It is like a genetically engineered cold virus meant to look like the COVID-19 virus outer shell. So, your body will produce antibodies to remove that protein shell whenever it sees it. Thus, it trains your body’s immune system,” Scott explained.</p>
<p>To take part, visit <a href="https://palmbeachresearch.com/2020/03/02/covid-19-vaccine-study/">https://palmbeachresearch.com/2020/03/02/covid-19-vaccine-study/</a></p>
<p>AstraZeneca’s convalescent study is of a prophylaxis, an infusion of antibodies intended to provide immediate protection from COVID-19. It is a one-year study, and during that time Palm Beach Research will provide access to COVID-19 testing and related medical care to participants. Patients will be compensated for every visit, up to a total of $850. </p>
<p>About one-third of the patients will get the placebo and the remaining two-thirds the convalescent plasma. </p>
<p>“AstraZeneca’s convalescent plasma study is providing patients with an infusion of antibodies that should provide protection against COVID-19, as the antibody (formula) came from hospitalized patients who recovered from a bad COVID-19 infection. This is not training your body’s immune system: It is providing immediate immunity,” Scott explained.</p>
<p>To take part, visit <a href="https://palmbeachresearch.com/2019/12/09/convalescentplasma/">https://palmbeachresearch.com/2019/12/09/convalescentplasma/</a></p>
<p>Asked when patients receiving placebos would get an actual vaccine or plasma, Scott said: “Patients receiving placebo are enrolled in the clinical trial and the sponsors have been providing active product or vaccine after reaching important study milestones. The short answer is the protocol does not need a patient on placebo after a certain point, and the sponsors grant access to active product to those patients, at that point. Every sponsor is different.”</p>
<p>An optimistic time line for public access to vaccines may be the summer or fall of 2021, he thinks, adding: “If the FDA rescinds emergency use authorization, then the general public will have to wait until the clinical trials are concluded. The earliest would be October 2022.</p>
<p>“Vaccination through a clinical trial is the fastest path for most. Additionally, medical care is provided and ongoing in a clinical trial setting. Also patients are compensated for their time. And anyone receiving a placebo can expect to receive the actual product in due course. </p>
<p>“As an example, the Moderna vaccine trial will be distributing active vaccine to the 15,000 that received placebo in their clinical trial, and that is expected to occur possibly January 2021. Every sponsor is expected to follow a similar path.”</p>
<p>A related note: To see the current COVID hospital capacities, check out <a href="https://data.tallahassee.com/covid-19-hospital-capacity/">https://data.tallahassee.com/covid-19-hospital-capacity/</a>.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8361906283,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8361906283,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="95" alt="8361906283?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Hilary Shapiro-Wright, D.O., has joined Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Regional. She specializes in breast cancer surgery, high-risk breast pathology, benign breast disease, oncoplastic surgery and hidden scar surgery.</p>
<p>Previously, Shapiro-Wright was with the Kettering Health Network and Kettering Cancer Care. She was named the Cincinnati Top Doctor in Breast Surgery/Breast Cancer in Cincinnati magazine from 2013 to 2020. </p>
<p>She earned her medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at Botsford Hospital at Michigan State University and her surgical breast oncology and diseases of the breast fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital. </p>
<p>She sees patients at Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, 690 Meadows Road, Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> In December, palliative care physician Patricia Jacobs, M.D., joined the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute. Jacobs provides care that addresses a cancer patient’s physical symptoms as well as the emotional, psychological and social stress of undergoing cancer treatment. </p>
<p>Previously, Jacobs was at UCLA Medical Center, where she completed a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship. She is board-certified in internal medicine and worked in internal medicine before pursuing a subspecialty in palliative care. </p>
<p>Jacobs serves as an affiliate faculty member at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. She earned her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed an internal medicine residency and a hospice and palliative care fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. </p>
<p>She sees patients at the Lynn Cancer Institute, Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion, 701 NW 13th St., Boca Raton.<br /> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8361907456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8361907456,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="98" alt="8361907456?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Joseph J. Ricotta MD, MS, DFSVS, FACS, was recognized as a 2020 TCAR clinical operator of experience for improving carotid artery disease treatment using the transcarotid artery revascularization procedure. </p>
<p>Ricotta is the national medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare, chairman of the vascular surgery department at Delray Medical Center, and professor of surgery and program director of the vascular surgery fellowship at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. </p>
<p>TCAR is a proven, minimally invasive approach to reduce incidence of stroke in patients who face high risk in surgery. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com">www.delraymedicalctr.com</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dr. Eric Rudnick, MD FAAD, recently received his board certification in dermatopathology. As both a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, he has the training to analyze skin samples both clinically as well as under a microscope. Rudnick’s Dazzling Dermatology office is at 22029 State Road 7, Boca Raton, Florida. He is offering at-home general dermatology and cosmetic services. For information or to book a house call, visit <a>https://dazzlingderm.com or</a> call 561-923-0905.<br /> </p>
<p>Delray Medical Center’s trauma research department earned awards at the 2020 Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine Research Day event. Sarah Rabinowitz was awarded both first and second places in the Research Poster competition for her work related to the transfer of patients with abdominal injuries. <br /> </p>
<p>With the goal of promoting lifelong learning opportunities for its registered nurses, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County signed a memorandum of understanding with Palm Beach State College to support Health Care District RNs in obtaining Palm Beach State’s bachelor of science in nursing degrees. </p>
<p>This “RN to BSN” bridge program, sanctioned by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, is offered online and open exclusively to licensed registered nurses who have earned an associate’s degree or diploma. The Health Care District nurses will add to the more than 400 RNs from the state who have earned the college’s BSN degree to date. </p></div>Health Notes: Hospitals share strategies for handling rise in COVID-19 caseshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-hospitals-share-strategies-for-handling-rise-in-covi2020-12-01T21:25:49.000Z2020-12-01T21:25:49.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>The rate of COVID-19 infections is on the rise, and following are statements from county hospitals in late November.</p>
<p>Palm Beach Health Network, which includes Delray Medical Center: “We continue to closely monitor the situation, and our hospitals have plans in place to continue providing care safely. We have the appropriate supplies, PPE and the ability to operationalize additional beds within the hospitals to increase our capacity, if needed. </p>
<p>“We encourage our community not to delay care for new or chronic conditions requiring medical attention, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses, and we have taken the appropriate steps and implemented protocols to continue to provide safe care. We remind everyone that it is important to continue to adhere to safe personal practices, masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing.”</p>
<p>JFK Medical Center: “Early in the pandemic, JFK Medical Center and JFK Medical Center North Campus implemented a number of enhanced safety measures — including universal masking, touchless temperature checks, elevated sanitation practices and modified visitation hours. Our hospitals have the bed capacity, staff, supplies and equipment we need at this time. We are prepared to access the resources, support and best practices across our hospitals, should the need arise, to help ensure that we are able to meet the needs of the communities we serve as the situation continues to evolve. </p>
<p>“It is important for our community to remain vigilant in wearing masks, practicing social distancing when possible and washing hands frequently to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”</p>
<p>Baptist Health, which includes Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Bethesda hospitals in Boynton Beach: “The number of COVID-19-related admissions across Baptist Health has gradually increased in the past couple of weeks, but remains manageable. However, as we see COVID-19 cases increase locally and nationally, we continue to work with the Florida Department of Health and monitor trends so that we can plan for the possibility of an increased number of patients with COVID-19 at our facilities. We have ICU and regular acute care bed capacity across our system and have the ability to increase capacity at our hospitals based on our surge plan as needed. </p>
<p>“We are providing a safe environment for patients and staff with everything from mandatory mask use and temperature checks to social distancing in common areas and Plexiglas dividers.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Baptist Health notes</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8237898285,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8237898285,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="96" alt="8237898285?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Vascular surgeon Aidan Hamm, M.D., recently joined Bethesda Health Physician Group, a part of Baptist Health South Florida.</p>
<p>Hamm specializes in vascular surgery, general surgery, endovascular and open aortic surgery. Previously, he was with Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hamm earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed a general surgery residency at the University of Colorado and a vascular surgery fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center, part of Atrium Health. He sees patients at 2800 S. Seacrest Blvd., Suite 200, Boynton Beach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>• Orthopedic surgeon Alexander D. Gaukhman, M.D., M.S., joined BocaCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, in <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8237919899,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8237919899,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="93" alt="8237919899?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>October. Gaukhman specializes in total joint replacement surgery. </p>
<p>He arrived from the NYU Langone Medical Center/Hospital for Joint Diseases and the Insall Scott Kelly Institute, where he completed his adult reconstruction fellowship. He earned his medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Boston University. </p>
<p>He sees patients at 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 202, Deerfield Beach, and 670 Glades Road, Suite 300, Boca Raton. </p>
<p>• In November, vascular surgeon Eileen de Grandis, M.D., RPVI, FACS, joined BocaCare Vascular Surgery, a part of Baptist Health South Florida. De Grandis specializes in the <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8237902671,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8237902671,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="97" alt="8237902671?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>diagnosis and management of aortic disease, peripheral artery disease for limb salvage, cerebrovascular disease, and hemodialysis access, as well as comprehensive venous and lymphatic treatment. </p>
<p>She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia. She completed a general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and a vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota. </p>
<p>She sees patients at 670 Glades Road, Suite 100, Boca Raton. </p>
<p>• Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute has a new advanced neuro-interventional suite, with technology to provide minimally invasive treatments that offer patients faster, more precise care when facing conditions such as stroke and brain aneurysms. It offers Siemens Artis Icono Biplane, an imaging system that gives physicians views of the brain on two planes. It also has the Corindus CorPath GRX Robotic System, which allows physicians to perform complex vascular procedures.</p>
<p>• To treat cancer patients, the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Regional now offers the noninvasive Radixact System, which provides continuous delivery of radiation from 360 degrees around the patient. It increases the control doctors have in getting radiation where it needs to be and helps to decrease damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs.</p>
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<p><strong>Palm Beach Health notes</strong></p>
<p>In October, the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center appointed Michelle Cartwright, CPA, as chief financial officer. Cartwright was the CFO of Tenet sister hospitals St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Cartwright received her B.A. from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and went on to earn her master’s in accounting from Nova Southeastern University. </p>
<p>• Mahdi Taha, DO, FACOI, FACP, is now medical director of medical oncology at Delray Medical Center. Taha specializes in head and neck cancers as well as skin cancers.</p>
<p>Previously, Taha worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Newman, Georgia. He earned his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. </p>
<p>After completing his residency in internal medicine at the Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, he was awarded a fellowship at Cancer Treatment Centers of America through Oklahoma State University. He received his B.A. in biology from Kean University, Union, New Jersey, where he graduated magna cum laude. </p>
<p>His office is at 5130 Linton Blvd., Suite B-4, Delray Beach. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8237929868,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8237929868,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="97" alt="8237929868?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>• Delray Medical Center’s bariatric dietitian for its surgical weight loss program, Samantha Barone, R.D., recently became a certified specialist in obesity and weight management.</p>
<p>As such, she helps patients manage their weight through nutritional, physical, psychological, behavioral, medical and/or surgical interventions. For more information, call 561-495-3022. </p>
<p>• Delray Medical Center was named among the top 5% in the nation for stroke care, according to new research by Healthgrades. “I want to encourage our community not to delay care in the event of a medical emergency. We have the appropriate supplies and protocols in place to provide care safely,” said Maggie Gill, CEO of the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical.</p>
<p>• Delray Medical Center is using the new 64-wire cobalt chromium Surpass Evolve flow diverter, which redirects blood flow and promotes aneurysm healing. “Surpass Evolve is a cutting-edge technology that is advancing the frontiers of patient care in aneurysm treatment,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, who practices neurointervention at the medical center. “Treating at-risk intracranial aneurysms before they rupture is a focus of our stroke program that can help save lives and provide some of the best care in the community.”</p>
<p>• Delray Medical Center now offers the Watchman FLX for patients who have a high risk of stroke with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. “People with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of stroke if they are not on blood thinners, which can also increase the risk of bleeding. This can often result in higher mortality and disability rates because of an injury to the brain or other affected areas,” said Dr. Martin Kloosterman, electrophysiologist at the center. </p>
<p>The design lets doctors safely enter and maneuver within the left atrial appendage. <br /> <br /><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com. </em> </p></div>Health Notes: JFK offers mental health education course for students in middle, high schoolshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-jfk-offers-mental-health-education-course-for-studen2020-10-27T19:25:44.000Z2020-10-27T19:25:44.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p> </p>
<p>JFK Medical Center main and north campuses and Palms West Hospital collaborated with the technology company EverFi to launch a mental health and wellness digital education course for middle and high school students in Palm Beach County.</p>
<p>Called Mental Wellness Basics, the course provides learners with accurate information about mental health disorders, the sharing of peer experiences with mental illness and messaging that treatment is effective and available. For information, email Community.Engagement@HCAhealthcare.com. <br /> <br /> JFK Medical Center announced in October that the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation certified its cardiovascular rehabilitation program. The program includes exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.</p>
<p>Delray Medical Center was certified by DNV GL Healthcare in August for its stroke care based on standards set by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. <br /> Comprehensive stroke centers treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication, and a stroke center certification determines which facility a patient is taken to for the most appropriate care when a stroke occurs. <br /> <br /> As of August, Delray Medical Center offers GE Discovery IQ PET/CT. Physicians use this tool to determine whether a patient has cancer even before it shows up on other imaging exams. Scans are available on Tuesdays. For information, or to schedule an appointment, call 561-637-5303. <br /> <br /> In September, Delray Medical Center’s surgical weight loss program received national accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Bariatrics from Optum Health. For information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com">www.delraymedicalctr.com</a>. Also of note, Tenet Healthcare’s Palm Beach Health Network hospitals, which include Delray Medical Center, are allowing most patients admitted through the Emergency Department to have a visitor. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084711277,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084711277,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="96" alt="8084711277?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>Khalid A. Hanafy, MD, Ph.D., has joined Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital as medical director of neurocritical care and director of research. He specializes in the care of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and the study of neuroinflammation.</p>
<p>He is associate professor of neurology at Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in Boca Raton. Previously, he was the director of the neurological intensive care unit and an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.<br /> <br /> In September, board-certified urologist Blake Evans, MD, FACS, joined BocaCare Physician Network, a part of Baptist Health South Florida. Evans has <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8084728855,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8084728855,RESIZE_180x180{{/staticFileLink}}" width="93" alt="8084728855?profile=RESIZE_180x180" /></a>experience in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Previously, he served as the interim chair of the Department of Surgery at Cape Coral Hospital in southwest Florida.</p>
<p>He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Evans earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his urologic training at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He sees patients at 10 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton.</p>
<p>An article that appeared in the ACS Central Science journal in September reported the findings of Scripps Research chemist Matthew Disney, Ph.D., and colleagues, who have created druglike compounds that, in human cell studies, bind and destroy a COVID element to stop the coronavirus from replicating.</p>
<p>“This is a proof-of-concept study,” Disney says. “We put the frame-shifting element into cells and showed that our compound binds the element and degrades it. The next step will be to do this with the whole COVID virus, and then optimize the compound. We wanted to publish (the report) as soon as possible to show the scientific community that the COVID RNA genome is a drug-able target.” </p>
<p>In our last issue, we reported about Palm Beach Research Center’s Moderna COVID vaccine phase three clinical trial, which began July 31. As of mid-October, the study is nearly over, having almost met the enrollment goal nationwide, said David Scott, president and CEO of the research center.</p>
<p>“Moderna has been very pleased with the study’s progress. We all look forward to the study gathering meaningful data for Moderna to analyze and share with the FDA.” <br /> Clinical studies for Regeneron, the COVID antibody cocktail that President Donald Trump received under a compassionate-use request, are underway in Boca Raton.</p>
<p>For information on Regeneron studies as well as others, visit <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov">https://clinicaltrials.gov</a>.</p>
<p>Physicians at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital have begun and are part of a multi-institutional randomized study on the use of umbilical cord stem cells to treat patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 infection. The treatment involves an infusion of mesenchymal stem cells, known for their ability to reduce inflammation and regenerate damaged lung tissue.</p>
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<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: New visitor guidelines announced at Boca, Bethesda hospitalshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-new-visitor-guidelines-announced-at-boca-bethesda-ho2020-06-30T18:00:00.000Z2020-06-30T18:00:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p>Want to visit a friend or family member in the hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak? Check the new rules first, like these for <strong>Baptist Health South Florida</strong>, which operates Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Bethesda hospitals in Boynton Beach.<br /> As of June 15, for inpatient units, one adult visitor at a time is allowed from 3–9 p.m. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors except under exceptional circumstances.<br /> For labor and delivery and maternity, one partner may stay continuously with a patient. <br /> For outpatient facilities, including emergency department and urgent care centers, one adult visitor may accompany patients at all times.<br /> At physician offices with enough space to accommodate visitors, one adult visitor may accompany a patient. <br /> At the Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Regional, no visitors will be able to accompany adult patients for the duration of the pandemic. This is to protect immuno-compromised cancer patients and the center’s employees from the risks of COVID-19.<br /> Limited exceptions may allow a single adult visitor for new patients, pediatric patients, adult patients with identified neuro-cognitive impairments, and patients with physical impairments that require special assistance from their caretakers, as determined by their clinical teams. <br /> All visitors must be 18 or older and will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Anyone displaying symptoms or risk of exposure will not be allowed to visit. <br /> Masks are required to be worn at all times, and will be provided upon entry. All visitors will need to follow social distancing guidelines, and waiting rooms and other common areas will be monitored to ensure social distancing. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.baptisthealth.net/coronavirus.%C2%A0">www.baptisthealth.net/coronavirus. </a>; <br /> <br /> <strong>HCA Healthcare</strong> hospitals, which include JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, continue with precautions against spreading COVID-19.<br /> They include limited entrances where screening and temperature checks will be performed; a separate tower for COVID-19 patients; masks that exceed federal guidelines required for all; and limited visitation with social distancing. One visitor (screened negative and wearing a mask) is permitted to accompany each patient during procedures; the hospital also offers virtual visitation. Common areas have been reconfigured to ensure adequate spacing.<br /> <br /> <strong>JFK Medical Center</strong>, as well as its north campus and Palms West Hospital, now offers an insurance hotline. For people who need insurance coverage option assistance, call 833-867-8771 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.<br /> Hotline advisers can discuss eligibility and advocacy services such as continuing on an employer’s existing plan after job loss; applying for coverage through a spouse’s benefit program; resources that may help offset the costs of health insurance; Medicaid resources; and state and federal health insurance exchanges, such as the Affordable Care Act, and how to enroll due to a changing life event.<br /> The hospital network is not representing companies or selling insurance plans, and there is no cost for this service.<br /> <strong> </strong> <br /> <strong>Tenet Healthcare’s Palm Beach Health Network</strong> hospitals, which include Delray Medical Center, have relaxed visitation policies to allow one designated support person to accompany each elective surgery, pediatric and maternity patient. Visitors will be screened for fever, respiratory symptoms or travel to high-risk locations before entering the hospitals, and they are required to wear visitor identification, face masks, and to sanitize their hands. <br /> In mid-June, Delray Medical Center’s Imaging Center at Palm Court resumed its outpatient and diagnostic services with safety standards in place. <br /> “We understand that many of our patients were unable to schedule, or had to postpone their diagnostic appointments due to state orders and social distancing. They can now reschedule these important screenings and tests at our Palm Court location,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer of the Palm Beach Health Network and Delray Medical Center. “We are making sure safety protocols are in place for our patients so they can feel safe and confident about getting the care they need.” <br /> DMC Imaging Center at Palm Court is at 5130 Linton Blvd., Suite I-1, Delray Beach.<br /> <br /> <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> received the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award for the third consecutive year.<br /> “It is an honor to be recognized for our commitment to providing safe care, especially at a time when our community needs us most,” Gill said. <br /> “We are seeing cases where people are delaying care for things like strokes and heart attacks, which can lead to life-threatening illnesses, and we want our patients to understand that our hospitals are safe places. We have always cared for patients with infectious diseases, and we are prepared. We have taken the appropriate steps, and we have the supplies needed to ensure appropriate safety standards are in place.” <br /> <br /> <strong>SBA Communications Corp.</strong> has rolled out a new wellness program with its exclusive corporate wellness partner, <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong>. The arrangement encompasses services that include on-site and off-site doctor’s appointments, blood pressure checks and blood screenings, mobile mammograms, yoga, meditation and mental health services, nutrition, lectures and other services, many of which are available to SBA’s entire 1,500-person workforce by video. <br /> In other news, SBA made a gift of $1 million to support Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Keeping the Promise campaign.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sun Capital Partners Foundation Inc.</strong>, with founders <strong>Rodger R. Krouse</strong> and <strong>Marc J. Leder</strong> and their families, donated $1 million to Boca Regional’s Keeping the Promise campaign in May. <br /> “As local residents operating a global business headquartered here for the past 25 years, we and the Sun Capital family truly appreciate the dedication and hard work that frontline health care professionals do every day to keep community residents safe and healthy,” Leder said.<br /> <br /> To identify patterns and symptoms of COVID-19, a team of scientists from <strong>Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine</strong> launched a study using the Oura ring, a device that tracks body temperature, movement and sleep data. Led by <strong>Janet Robishaw, Ph.D.</strong>, senior associate dean for research and chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, the university’s research team is part of the TemPredict global study spearheaded by the University of California, San Francisco. <br /> The Oura ring, which looks like a wedding band, is worn around-the-clock to provide data in real time. The data alerts the user and the researchers of physiological changes.<br /> The FAU research team has taken TemPredict to the next level by incorporating two additional phases: determining if study participants go on to develop acute COVID-19 infections, and to garner an understanding of the prevalence rate. At six and 12 weeks, the researchers will conduct blood tests to identify whether the study participants have developed immune responses to COVID-19. <br /> Also, the FAU research team members, who have developed a COVID-19 test that uses a saliva sample instead of a sample obtained with a nasal swab, will conduct weekly saliva tests.<br /> Once they’ve gathered the data, they will work with scientists of Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science to use artificial intelligence for predictive purposes. They also will be able to correlate their data to the TemPredict study of more than 2,000 health care workers who are caring for COVID-19 patients.<br /> <br /> <strong>Ethan Strikowski</strong>, <strong>Rylie Lougher</strong> and <strong>Megan Lougher</strong>, students from Park Vista Community High, started a project through their Facebook page, “Feeding our Heroes,” to raise money to purchase food from restaurants to bring to frontline workers caring for COVID-19 patients. <br /> In May they began to deliver lunches from Long Island Bagel and Deli to health care workers at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and they brought food to workers at JFK Medical Center, purchased from In Good Taste Catering and Gourmet Café and Nature's Corner Café.<br /> <br /> <strong>BeWellPBC</strong>, a countywide behavioral health initiative, has launched “Be Well Do Well Mini-Grants,” which will fund creative projects with awards up to $5,000.<br /> Applicants must be Palm Beach County residents or organizations with ideas to build behavioral health support, promote workforce wellness, and/or focus on residents most in need. Applicants are not limited to nonprofit organizations.<br /> Residents of all ages, community groups, religious organizations, for-profit businesses, schools, other educational facilities and local municipalities are eligible to apply through July 11 at bewellpbc.org/dowellgrants.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Light the Night Challenge nets $316,468 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-light-the-night-challenge-nets-316-468-for-leukemia-2020-03-03T22:30:00.000Z2020-03-03T22:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960936061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960936061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960936061?profile=original" /></a>Palm Health Foundation’s ‘Let’s Move! ‘ program this month encourages people of all fitness levels to exercise. <b>Photo provide</b></em></p>
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<p>Seventeen local people took part in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2019 <b>Light the Night Executive Challenge</b>, an eight-week fundraising competition leading up to the West Palm Beach and Boca Raton Light the Night walks. The people, mainly executives from throughout Palm Beach County and cancer survivors, raised $316,468 for the <b>Leukemia & Lymphoma Society</b>.</p>
<p>The 2019 challengers included Bill Burns (Cross Country Healthcare), Bill Rucker (Florida Power & Light Co.), Brian Follbaum (FPL Energy Services), Bridget Hayes (Avella BriovaRx), Heather Stubblefield (FPL), Jeffrey Dunn (FPL), Joe Lopez-Cepero (Good Samaritan Medical Center), Keith Pence (Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil PA), Ken Namerow (survivor), Lisa Myers (Gerstle, Rosen & Goldenberg PA), Mike Blackman (survivor and retired IBM executive), Naomi Gersh (in memory of her husband, Barry Gersh), Richard Brooks (survivor), Rick Farah (Salesforce), Salvatore D’Amico (Privaira), Sam Forrest (FPL) and Tony Bajak (Good Samaritan Medical Center). </p>
<p>For more news about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society visit <a href="http://www.lls.org/lls-newsnetwork.%C2%A0">www.lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. </a>;</p>
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<p>Former professional athletes faced off against local police in February to raise money for breast cancer programs at Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s 11th annual <b>Pinkball</b> event. Proceeds benefit the <b>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</b>, through the hospital’s Go Pink Challenge. It supports women in need of mammograms or breast ultrasounds, but who lack health insurance.</p>
<p>Athletes included Jorge Posada, Mo Vaughn, Tanyon Sturtze, Johnny Damon, Tino Martinez and Ki-Jana Carter.</p>
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<p><b>Palm Health Foundation</b> has undertaken its eighth annual <b>Let’s Move! Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge</b>, a monthlong event that kicked off March 1. The challenge asks people to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. It offers physical and wellness activities across Palm Beach County and logs participants’ minutes to motivate them to achieve fitness goals. To participate and for more information, visit <a href="">www.letsmovepbc.org. </a>;</p>
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<p><b>Delray Medical Center</b> has received a Healthgrades 2020 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award, placing it in the top 1% of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for its consistent, year-over-year superior clinical performance. </p>
<p>“It’s an honor to be recognized for the care we provide. It means we are doing our job in giving patients the highest quality care and best experience possible,” said Maggie Gill, chief executive officer at Delray Medical Center. “Our outstanding physicians, nurses and staff earned this achievement on behalf of the hospital.” </p>
<p>Delray Medical Center is one of only five hospitals in the country to be recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 14 consecutive years. It has also been recognized among the top 10% in the nation for stroke care and critical care in 2020 and has been a five-star recipient for treatment of heart failure for 18 years in a row.</p>
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<p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s <b>Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> recently entered Phase II of its grant agreement with the <b>Marcus Stroke Network</b> to continue reducing the high rates of death and disability for stroke in the southeastern United States.</p>
<p>As a result of Phase I, the institute significantly elevated the quality of stroke treatment. The institute provided tissue plasminogen activator within 45 minutes for 100% of eligible patients in 2019, up from 58% in 2017 and 79.3% in 2018. </p>
<p>The institute was also honored with the Stroke Gold Plus and Honor Roll Elite Plus, the highest quality achievement awards from the <b>American Heart Association</b>’s Get With the Guidelines program. </p>
<p>A major accomplishment during Phase I was the institute’s recognition as a certified thrombectomy-capable stroke center by The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Phase II of the grant will build upon the success of Phase I and be completed in May 2022. </p>
<p>During this period, the institute will aim to secure comprehensive stroke center certification by the Joint Commission, continue to expand its expert telestroke service and complete a third interventional neuroradiology suite with direct-to-angiography capabilities. Phase II also includes an analysis to be completed to determine the viability of a mobile stroke unit in Palm Beach County. </p>
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<p>The <b>Hospital for Special Surgery</b> has just opened a 60,000-square-foot facility in West Palm Beach. HSS Florida announced its medical team and leadership structure and that nearly 1,000 patient appointments have already been scheduled. </p>
<p>HSS has ranked No. 1 in the nation for orthopedics for the past 10 consecutive years, according to <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>. </p>
<p>A large academic medical center specializing in orthopedics, rheumatology and related specialties, HSS attracts patients nationally and internationally as well as high-performance athletes. In 2019, nearly 3,000 Florida residents travelled for care to the HSS main campus in New York. </p>
<p>“HSS is committed to the health, wellness and lifestyle of our patients,” said Dr. Bryan Kelly, surgeon-in-chief and medical director. “We are always advancing innovative pathways to provide better care, and an important part of that process is providing access to more people in new locations.”</p>
<p>HSS Florida is led by founding Medical Director <b>David Altchek</b>, MD, a renowned sports medicine surgeon, chief emeritus of the HSS Sports Medicine Institute and medical director for the New York Mets. Nick Sama, MD, orthopedic trauma surgeon, will serve as associate medical director for inpatient services. Ryan Simovitch, MD, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon, will serve as associate medical director for ambulatory services. </p>
<p>Located at 300 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., HSS Florida-West Palm Beach offers comprehensive outpatient orthopedic care, including physician consultations, advanced diagnostic and imaging services, specialized rehabilitation, sports performance programs and surgery. </p>
<p>Physicians practicing at HSS Florida include those based in Florida full time as well as those who split their time between New York and Florida.</p>
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<p><b>Eric Moum</b>, MD, has joined <b>Clearlyderm Dermatology</b> at the Delray and Boynton Beach locations. Moum is board certified and has practiced in Boynton Beach for more than 30 years. Every year since 2000, he was selected by Castle Connolly as an “America’s Top Doctor.”</p>
<p>Clearlyderm is an independent dermatology group with six locations in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Visit <a href="">www.clearlyderm.com for</a> information or to book an appointment. </p>
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<p><b>Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society</b> has announced <b>Pua Cooper</b> as recipient of the Chapter Leader of the Year Award for 2020. Cooper is the assistant vice president, chief clinical informatics officer for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where she oversees the operations of clinical informatics and the infection prevention department. Cooper will be recognized during the 2020 HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, March 9-13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.</p>
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<p>Cardiologist <b>Heather Johnson</b>, MD, has joined the medical staff of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s <b>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</b>, part of Baptist Health South Florida. She specializes in cardiovascular medicine, preventive cardiology, hypertension management and vascular health. </p>
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<p><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: FAU’s White Coats-4-Care raises more than $185,000 for class of 2023https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-fau-s-white-coats-4-care-raises-more-than-185-000-fo2019-09-01T15:43:58.000Z2019-09-01T15:43:58.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1"><b>White Coats-4-Care</b>, FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine’s principal scholarship fundraising event, raised more than $185,000 to “dress and equip” the incoming class of 2023 and fund scholarships.</p>
<p class="p1">Several donors increased their annual gifts.</p>
<p class="p1">The initiative, developed nine years ago and co-chaired each year by Bonnie and Jon Kaye, has raised more than $600,000 since its inception.</p>
<p class="p1">Supported by honorary co-chairs June and Dr. Ira Gelb, the planning committee had Melissa Azrack, Robin Bresky and Dr. Kenneth Bresky, Phyllis and Dr. Michael T.B. Dennis, Dr. Joanna and Bryan Drowos, Beth and Dr. Kenneth Garrod, Bonnie Halperin, Arlene Herson, Beth Johnston, Dr. Allen Konis, Deborah Leising, Loretta Litten, Elizabeth and Dr. Stuart Markowitz, Francine and Dr. Nathan Nachlas, Lynn and Dr. Joseph Ouslander, Constance Scott and the Hon. Thomas Scott, Robin Trompeter, and Dr. Thomas L. and Eugenia Tzikas.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Jerry Fedele</b>, retired president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital and a resident of coastal Boca Raton, has a new position:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> an executive adviser at Blue Sea Capital, a West Palm Beach private-equity fund that invests in health care, aerospace and manufacturing start-ups.</p>
<p class="p1">“Although I’ve retired from the hospital, I couldn’t go from 100 mph to nothing,” Fedele said. “The role will allow me to stay engaged on a part-time basis in meaningful work while stepping back from the 24/7 demands of a hospital president and CEO. I am excited about this position that will draw on my industry and legal experience while providing me with new learning opportunities in the private-equity industry.”</p>
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<p class="p1">Six <b>Baptist Health South Florida</b> hospitals, including Bethesda Hospital East and Boca Raton Regional Hospital, earned a total of 32 high-performing awards spanning 14 types of care in <i>U.S. News &World Report’s</i> annual ratings. That made Baptist Health the most honored health care system in South Florida.</p>
<p class="p1">Categories were gastro-enterology and GI surgery, geriatrics, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, urology, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, colon cancer surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hip replacement, knee replacement and lung cancer surgery.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Also, six Baptist Health Centers of Excellence, including Lynn Cancer Institute and Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute, were recognized as high performing.</p>
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<p class="p1">In July, a team of physicians performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement at <b>Bethesda Heart Hospital</b>. The minimally invasive procedure was performed on a 79-year-old woman from Delray Beach, who was out of bed within 12 hours and went home the next day.</p>
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<p class="p1">In July, Healthgrades named <b>Delray Medical Center</b> a 5-star recipient in the hysterectomy category.</p>
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<p class="p1">For the January <b>2020 Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure</b>, discounted registration fees are available through October, $25 for adults and $10 for youth. To register, visit <a href="http://www.komensouthflorida.org/race.%C2%A0">www.komensouthflorida.org/race. </a>;</p>
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<p class="p4"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Grant to help FAU study marine products’ use on breast cancerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-grant-to-help-fau-study-marine-products-use-on-breas2019-05-28T22:08:50.000Z2019-05-28T22:08:50.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">Researchers from <b>Florida Atlantic University</b>’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute received $801,000 from the Florida Department of Health’s Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program to investigate the use of marine natural compounds as potential treatments of triple negative breast cancers. The five-year survival rate for this very aggressive form of breast cancer is about 77 percent compared to 93 percent for other breast cancer types. About 12 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are triple negative.</p>
<p class="p3">The objective of FAU’s project is to discover compounds from the extensive marine natural products library at FAU Harbor Branch. The researchers hope to identify clinically active compounds that will revolutionize treatment regimens and provide more effective treatment options, with fewer side effects and greater survival rates.</p>
<p class="p3">For more than 10 years, <b>Amy Wright</b>, Ph.D., a research professor of natural products chemistry and co-investigator in this project, has developed libraries of natural compounds isolated from marine organisms — many from deep-water habitats around the Atlantic and Caribbean.</p>
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<p class="p3">Adjusting the frequency and dosage of medications is a complication in managing <b>Parkinson’s</b> disease. This is due to motor fluctuations that alter the patient’s “on” state, when he responds positively to medication, and “off” state, when symptoms resurface. </p>
<p class="p3">Currently, the only way to address these on and off states is by a clinical exam, history-taking or relying on the patient’s self-report. These methods are not always practical or reliable. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and collaborators have developed a new way to automatically and reliably detect a patient’s medication on and off states.</p>
<p class="p3">They combined an algorithm and a system using two wearable motion sensors. Data from the two sensors provide objective measures of patients’ on and off states, training the algorithm to detect each patient’s response to medication with an average accuracy of 90.5 percent.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960869681,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960869681,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960869681?profile=original" /></a>Safiya George</b>, Ph.D., was named dean of Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She will assume her role July 8.</p>
<p class="p3">George comes to FAU from the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama.</p>
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<p class="p3">Doctors at <b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</b> are exploring the use of the axillary fossa (the hollow of the armpit) as an alternative site to implant cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, according to a recent article in <i>The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management.</i></p>
<p class="p3">According to Dr. E. Martin Kloosterman, Dr. Jonathan Rosman, and Dr. Murray Rosenbaum, inadequate thickness of subcutaneous tissue in certain patients can cause problems for those with — or requiring — cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.</p>
<p class="p3">Normally, those devices are implanted below the collarbone. In examining the axillary fossa as an option, the doctors found several advantages: The area usually has a preserved fat pad; the site is not disturbed by arm movement; and the site is easily accessed.</p>
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<p class="p3">In April, <b>Baptist Health South Florida</b> and <b>Aetna</b> signed an agreement that allows members enrolled in Aetna commercial health plans in-network access to Baptist Health facilities in Palm Beach County.</p>
<p class="p3">The agreement encompasses Baptist Health’s Palm Beach hospitals and ancillary health facilities including Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Bethesda Health Outpatient Imaging facilities, Bethesda Health Urgent Care, Baptist Health Surgery Center at Northpoint, Baptist Health Surgery Center at South Palm, and Baptist Health Endoscopy Center at Flagler.</p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>2019 Annual Heroes in Medicine Awards</b>, selected by the Palm Beach County Medical Society, included the following Tenet hospital employees:</p>
<p class="p3"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960869299,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960869299,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960869299?profile=original" /></a>Lisa Rocheleau</b>, administrator of the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, won the Bruce Rendina honor as a professional hero; <b>Rob Moreland</b>, EMS liaison for St. Mary’s Medical Center & the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, was named an outreach wellness prevention hero; and <b>Diane Schofield</b>, director of the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Delray Medical Center, was a health care provider hero.</p>
<p class="p3">Also, West Boca Medical Center was honored as a project access hero. </p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Delray Medical Center</b> recently received two awards: an “A” from the Leapfrog Group’s spring 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, in recognition of its efforts to protect patients from harm and provide safer health care; and a Healthgrades 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award for the second year in a row.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Experts combine efforts to create new treatment for stroke patientshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-experts-combine-efforts-to-create-new-treatment-for-2019-04-30T18:24:06.000Z2019-04-30T18:24:06.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1"><strong>J</strong><b>ang-Yen Wu</b>, Ph.D., professor of biomedical science in Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, and <b>Dr.</b> <b>Brian Snelling</b>, chief of cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery and medical director of the Marilyn and Stanley Barry Center for Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and Boca Raton Regional Hospital, have joined forces to combine an interventional procedure for stroke with a new drug compound.</p>
<p class="p1"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960865097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960865097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960865097?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p class="p3">Snelling performs a procedure (mechanical thrombectomy) that uses a stent within the walls of the artery to retrieve and remove blood clots in stroke patients. This method significantly reduces stroke-related disability and death, and one out of every two patients can walk out of the hospital soon after the procedure.</p>
<p class="p3">Wu has been developing a method to replenish new brain cells with a drug (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) used to enhance blood cellular development. The idea is to administer the drug during a thrombectomy directly to the site of the blockage.</p>
<p class="p3">“Dr. Wu’s discoveries have the potential to deliver pharmaceutical solutions to treat stroke in combination with Dr. Snelling’s cutting-edge interventional procedure,” said Daniel C. Flynn, FAU’s vice president for research. “The combination of their expertise could revolutionize the way we treat stroke patients and ultimately patients with other devastating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.”</p>
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<p class="p3">After her recent trip to Indonesia, Dr. <b>Juliette The</b>, a Lynn Women’s Institute radiologist, invited a group of Indonesian radiologists to experience the breast imaging technology offered at Lynn Women’s Institute’s Boca Raton facility. The group viewed methods in screening and diagnostic mammography, ultrasound and MRI, and learned about related procedures.</p>
<p class="p3">“By sharing our expertise, visitors can bring home new techniques to their communities and implement more advanced strategies to better detect and treat breast cancer,” The said.</p>
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<p class="p3">The ORBEYE 4K-3D Video Microscope has begun to be used by neurosurgeons at the <b>Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> for skull-based and spine procedures. The technology provides superior visualization, shortens surgical time and enhances patient outcomes through minimally invasive techniques.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Delray Medical Center</b> recently honored Delray Beach <b>Fire Rescue EMS 111, Engine 114</b> and <b>Rescue 112</b> for their efforts in saving the life of a patient with a cardiac arrest and pulmonary embolism. The patient, Chris Castaldo, made a complete recovery.</p>
<p class="p3">Delray Medical Center recently appointed <b>Mary</b> <b>Elizabeth “Libby” Flippo</b> as its new chief nursing officer. Flippo will also serve as the CNO for Tenet Healthcare’s Palm Beach Group hospitals. She has<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> extensive health care leadership experience and focuses on patient-centered care and performance improvement. </p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Philanthropy Guild</b> reception in March recognized lead donors of Keeping the Promise — the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, a fundraising effort to support a building initiative. </p>
<p class="p3">The following donors were thanked for each entrusting a minimum of $10 million: Stanley and Marilyn Barry and the Barry Family Foundation; Louis B. and Anne W. Green; Christine E. Lynn, E.M. Lynn Foundation; Billi and Bernie Marcus, Marcus Foundation Inc.; Richard and Barbara Schmidt, Schmidt Family Foundation; and Elaine J. Wold. </p>
<p class="p3">The event also recognized lead donors who each gifted a minimum of $1 million: Anonymous, Eleanor R. Baldwin, Sandra and Malcolm Berman, Jean Blechman, Edward and Freyda Burns, Diane and Lawrence Feldman, Michael and Michelle Hagerty, Mary Perper, Rubin Obstgarten Family Foundation — Sandra and Marvin Rubin, Rubin Obstgarten Family Foundation — Carrie Rubin, The Sands Family Foundation and Constellation Brands (Rob and Pamela Sands), Betty and Bill Scaggs, G. Robert Sheetz and Deborah Lindstrom, Myrna Gordon Skurnick, Mason and Graziela Slaine, Martin and Toni Sosnoff, Fran and Stuart Steinberg, and Thea Stoneman.</p>
<p class="p3">The evening concluded with a tribute to Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital since 2008, who plans to retire this year.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>The YMCA of the Palm Beaches</b>, West Palm Beach, held a Healthy Kids Day in April as part of its initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and their families. The free event offered face-painting, health and wellness discussions, American-Latin cuisine, and entertainment. Kid activities featured a 40-yard dash, a punt/pass/kick competition, three-point basketball contest, Zumba and an obstacle course.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>The Lynn Cancer Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s eighth annual Run for the Ribbons 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile is 7 a.m. June 2. The 5K race starts at Lynn Cancer Institute and continues through Old Floresta. The 5K costs $35 to enter, the mile $25. Proceeds benefit the cancer institute’s League of Ribbons. For more info: Darci McNally at 955-4501 or DMcNally@brrh.com.</p>
<p class="p3">Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/BocaRaton/RunForTheRibbons5K.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Pinkball game raises money to help uninsured get mammogramshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-pinkball-game-raises-money-to-help-uninsured-get-mam2019-04-02T18:30:00.000Z2019-04-02T18:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960860477,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960860477,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960860477?profile=original" /></a><em>Women from the Woodfield Country Club show their support for Pinkball 2019. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</b> struck out against breast cancer during its 10th annual <b>Pinkball</b> event on March 9.</p>
<p class="p1">Proceeds benefit the <b>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</b> and support women who need mammograms or breast ultrasound, but lack health insurance.</p>
<p class="p1">The softball game was held at the South County Regional Park fields in west Boca Raton.</p>
<p class="p1">The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office played against a Pinkball team that included Ki-Jana Carter, former National Football League running back; Jeff Nelson, former major league baseball pitcher; Jorge Posada, five-time All-Star and former New York Yankees catcher; Tanyon Sturtze, former pitcher; Mo Vaughn, three-time All-Star and former first baseman; and Preston Wilson, former major league center fielder.</p>
<p class="p1">Pinkball, started in 2008 by Boca Raton Regional Hospital employee Michelle Stallone, has raised nearly $500,000 since its inception.</p>
<p class="p1">A dedication ceremony for breast cancer survivor Shannon Lotitto was held.</p>
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<p class="p1">In February, <b>Dr. Aaron Klein</b> joined Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s BocaCare physician network to offer a concierge medicine <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960861065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960861065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960861065?profile=original" /></a>option.</p>
<p class="p1">Klein, board-certified in internal medicine, has been practicing medicine in Boca Raton for 13 years.</p>
<p class="p1">His primary interests are preventive, geriatric and sports medicine.</p>
<p class="p1">For more information, call 955-5847.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>James E. Galvin,</b> a neuroscientist at <b>Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine,</b> received a $3 million, three-year grant in March from the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation to expand the dementia prevention initiative. </p>
<p class="p1">Galvin, principal investigator and director at the Comprehensive Center for Brain Health in the college, developed the initiative.</p>
<p class="p1">It incorporates personalized evaluation and prevention plans to reduce dementia risk. Galvin and his team examine the disease’s biomarkers and predictors, such as physical performance, retinal imaging and gait analyses.</p>
<p class="p1">For more info, call 297-0164 or email healthybrain@health.fau.edu.</p>
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<p class="p1">Florida Atlantic University opened its first primary care physician practice in Boca Raton, which is managed by the university’s Schmidt College of Medicine. <b>FAU Medicine</b> is in the Galen Medical Building, 880 NW 13th St.</p>
<p class="p1">Services include preventive care, routine check-ups, management of acute and chronic health problems, medical and laboratory tests, diagnostic services, specialized geriatric care, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research studies.</p>
<p class="p1">FAU Medicine accepts insurance from traditional Medicare Part B and other major insurance plans. For more information or to make an appointment, visit <a href="http://www.faumedicine.org">www.faumedicine.org</a> or call 566-5328. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except Wednesdays, when the hours are 1-8 p.m.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Jerad Hanlon</b> was named Delray Medical Center’s new chief strategy officer as well as group chief strategy officer for Tenet <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960860695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960860695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" alt="7960860695?profile=original" /></a>Healthcare’s Palm Beach County hospitals in March.</p>
<p class="p1">For the past three years, he served as the chief administrative officer for Community Health Systems in Virginia, and prior to that, as a chief operating officer of Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Va.</p>
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<p class="p1">In February, Delray Medical Center received a bariatric surgical center accreditation as a comprehensive center under the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement programs of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To earn this designation, Delray Medical Center met criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Silk Road Medical</b> has designated Delray Medical Center as a center of excellence to perform the trans-carotid artery revascularization procedure to treat carotid artery disease. Silk Road Medical develops and manufactures the devices used in the procedure.</p>
<p class="p1">This achievement honors both Delray Medical Center and <b>Dr. Joseph Ricotta,</b> regional medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy for Tenet Healthcare. This procedure is a new, less-invasive treatment option used to repair clogged carotid arteries, reducing the risk of stroke.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Tenet Healthcare</b> was one of the platinum sponsors for the 2019 National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives leadership summit in Orlando in February. The conference focused on how health care organizations across the country are optimizing performance and promoting health via the integration of health equity, diversity and inclusion.</p>
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<p class="p4"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: $10M gift from Greens moves Boca Hospital closer to $250M goalhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-10m-gift-from-greens-moves-boca-hospital-closer-to-22019-02-27T00:43:54.000Z2019-02-27T00:43:54.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="500" alt="7960851686?profile=original" /></a><em>Louis B. and Anne W. Green made the drive's sixth gift of at least $10 million. Their names will grace the lobby. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital has received a $10 million gift from Louis B. and Anne W. Green for Keeping the Promise …the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The Greens’ gift is one of six eight-figure gifts received by the campaign, which has raised at least $118 million toward its $250 million goal. The redesigned hospital lobby will be named the Louis B. and Anne W. Green Lobby in recognition of the gift.</p>
<p>“I am honored to have served on Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Corporate and Foundation Boards of Trustees for many years and privileged to be part of a leadership team that has helped guide us to become one of the area’s premier medical centers,” said Louis Green. “We are steadfastly committed to the promise made more than 50 years ago by Gloria Drummond, and know, though we have come so far, there is so much yet to accomplish.” </p>
<p>The campaign officially launched in January. A main component of the project includes a patient tower with surgical suites, lobby, and three floors set aside for future growth.</p>
<p>Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, College of Business and College of Education were listed in the January 2019 U.S. News & World Report national rankings for Best Online Graduate Programs. </p>
<p>The College of Nursing climbed from the No. 39 spot in 2018 to the No. 23 spot nationwide among the 2019 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.</p>
<p>The College of Business is ranked No. 51 among the Best Online MBA Programs, and No. 43 among the Best Online Business Programs, non-MBA. The College of Education is ranked No. 77 among Best Online Education Programs. <br />The university’s online graduate nursing programs, online MBA programs and online business programs, non-MBA, are all listed on the Best Online Programs for Veterans 2019.</p>
<p>The Best Online Programs methodologies are based on factors that include engagement, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion, student excellence, and services and technologies provided at online degree-granting programs at regionally accredited institutions.<br /> <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="100" alt="7960851290?profile=original" /></a>Dr. David G. Forcione was appointed as Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s medical director of advanced therapeutic endoscopy of The Center for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy and BocaCare Physician Network. Forcione specializes in interventional endoscopy, including disorders of the pancreas and bile ducts, early gastrointestinal malignancies and minimally invasive endoscopic therapies.<br /> <br />Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Toppel Family Place now offers nitrous oxide as a pain management tool to women during labor. It is self-administered and can be used during all stages of labor.</p>
<p>“We are continuously focused on making sure our new mothers are comfortable and have access to the latest innovations during labor,” said Karen Edlington, RN, BSc, director of Toppel Family Place. Using nitrous oxide does not interfere with the mother’s labor progress and can be used at any time during labor right up to the point of birth.<br /> <br />Delray Medical Center achieved the Healthgrades 2019 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for the 17th straight year. The distinction places the hospital in the top 1 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for its consistently superior clinical performance.<br /> <br />Dr. Pedro J. Greer Jr. delivered the keynote speech during the recent 12th annual Future of Medicine Summit in West Palm Beach. The event was presented by the Palm Beach County Medical Society.</p>
<p>Greer, from Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, has received numerous awards, including a 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom and a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” Fellow.</p>
<p>At FIU he is professor of medicine, founding chairman of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society, and associate dean for community engagement.</p>
<p>The Palm Beach County Medical Society Excellence in Medicine Award was given to Dr. James Goldenberg, medical director for a regional, clinically integrated network representing more than 1,700 physicians.</p>
<p>The winners of the annual James J. Brynes, MD Poster Symposium and Memorial Fund for Medical Education and Physician Wellness, were:</p>
<p>In the Vignette Category, Shayne Polley, Sameer Gupta and Christina Mesoraco, with Evan Stuchin receiving honorable mention. In the Research Category, winners were Danielle Steinberg, Nicole Lin and Matthew Stankard, with Dr. Peter Edemekong receiving an honorable mention.</p>
<p>FAU Internal Medicine Residency 2019 won the inaugural medical challenge. The team included Drs. Kevin Almerico, Wayne Fluss and Elizabeth Hidlebaugh.<br /> <br />The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has created image enhancement programs for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The Be U Tiful for women and Him II for men programs teach techniques on coping with skin changes, hair loss, hand and nail care, scar camouflage and other cancer treatment-related conditions. The programs are open to anyone in active treatment up to one year post-treatment.<br /> <br />VITAS Healthcare, a provider of end-of-life care, is offering an orientation class for new volunteers in Palm Beach County. The next trainings will be held March 28, May 4 and June 6.</p>
<p>The local VITAS office is at 1901 South Congress Ave., Suite 420, Boynton Beach. To RSVP for orientation, call Gayle Stevens at 733-6332 or email Gayle.Stevens@Vitas.com, or Patricia Powell at 731-6203 or Pat.Powell@vitas.com.</p>
<p>For information about becoming a VITAS volunteer, visit vitas.com/volunteer.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Large gifts boost Boca Hospital campaign’s $250 million launchhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-large-gifts-boost-boca-hospital-campaign-s-250-milli2019-01-29T18:29:38.000Z2019-01-29T18:29:38.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960850673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960850673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="7960850673?profile=original" /></a><em>A seven-story tower</em> <em>for patients</em> <em>is the centerpiece</em> <em>of</em> <em>the hospital’s</em> <em>expansion</em> <em>plans.</em> <em><strong>Rendering</strong></em> <em><strong>provided</strong></em></p>
<p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s $250 million campaign, launched in mid-January, is off to a good start. “Keeping the Promise … The Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital” has already received large philanthropic gifts from Christine E. Lynn, Stanley and Marilyn Barry, Richard and Barbara Schmidt, Elaine J. Wold, and Louis B. and Anne W. Green.</p>
<p>“As always, our supporters have demonstrated their spirit, commitment, and unflagging devotion by helping ensure these plans become reality,” said Jerry Fedele, the hospital’s president and CEO. “We all owe them a debt of gratitude for the sophisticated level of health care we will all enjoy as we move forward with this transformative initiative.”</p>
<p>This campaign, the largest in the hospital’s 51-year history, has already raised $115 million.</p>
<p>Initial steps of the project include a new 180,000-square-foot, seven-story patient tower; investments in neuroscience programs and staff for the Marcus Neuroscience Institute; renovations in the current hospital building; and the addition of a 20-bed observation unit, as well as a 972-car parking garage.</p>
<p>“We’ve all come together in the spirit of Gloria Drummond, whose pioneering spirit helped build this hospital, to help take us to the next level as a health care provider,” said Lynn, donor and chairman of the board of trustees. “We hope and expect those who care deeply about sophisticated world-class health care will embrace this effort and help us bridge the gap between the $115 million we’ve raised to date and the $250 million we need to move forward. Our community has always been there for the hospital, as demonstrably as the hospital has been there for the community.”</p>
<p>The announcement of this campaign took place at the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute on the campus of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. <br /> <br /> In December, Boca Raton Regional Hospital celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion, a $73 million, 98,000-square-foot facility made possible through a $20 million lead gift from the Sandlers and other community philanthropists. The Sandler Pavilion houses the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, which treats about 4,000 newly diagnosed patients each year. <br /> <br /> And more good news: In December, officials at the hospital announced that Fitch Ratings has upgraded the rating of Boca Raton Regional Hospital bonds from BBB+ to A-. The rating outlook also improved from stable to positive.<br /> <br /> Research fellows from the Florida Atlantic University Brain Institute collected grants totaling $1,137,227 from the Florida Department of Health’s Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program. That program supports research leading to the prevention and possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease as well as better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.</p>
<p>Among the FAU Brain Institute award recipients are: Mónica Rosselli, Ph.D., assistant chair and a psychology professor in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science; Henriette van Praag, Ph.D., an associate professor of biomedical science in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine; Ruth M. Tappen, Ed.D., a professor and the Christine E. Lynn Eminent Scholar in FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; Behnaz Ghoraani, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Jianning Wei, Ph.D., an associate professor of biomedical science in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine.<br /> <br /> On Feb. 5 and March 5, Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center will offer free Rock Steady Boxing informational sessions, introducing its noncontact boxing program for people with Parkinson’s disease. On Feb. 14 and March 14, the center will offer free informational sessions on its FyzFit program. All informational sessions will begin at noon. Fyzical Fitness is at 7103 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth. For more information and to RSVP, call Nicole Chaplin at 432-0111, ext. 216.<br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960851267?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851464,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960851464,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960851464?profile=original" /></a>The Future of Medicine Summit XII of the Palm Beach County Medical Society & Services will be held Feb. 7-8 at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion. Speakers will include Dr. Patrice A. Harris, president-elect of the American Medical Association; Dr. Corey Lee Howard, president of the Florida Medical Association; Dr. Marc Hirsh, president of the Palm Beach County Medical Society; Matthias Haury, Ph.D., chief operating officer of Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience; Tom Kodadek, Ph.D., professor and department chairman in cancer biology for Scripps Research’s Florida campus; Janet Robishaw, Ph.D., senior associate dean for research chair, Department of Biomedical Science, FAU; and Dr. Phillip M. Boiselle, dean of Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, FAU. For more information, contact Katherine Zuber at KatherineZ@pbcms.org or 433-3940, ext. 102.<br /> <br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Bethesda Hospital East gets new bedshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-bethesda-hospital-east-gets-new-beds2018-11-28T17:00:38.000Z2018-11-28T17:00:38.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960827291?profile=original" /></a>More than 250 new beds have been installed in Bethesda Hospital East. With one of them are (l-r) Dr. Daniel Goldman, the hospital’s chief medical officer; Chief Operating Officer Ela C. Lena; Jeff Lepior from manufacturer Stryker; and Roger L. Kirk, CEO of the Bethesda hospitals. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1">New beds are in use at <b>Bethesda Hospital East</b>. The Boynton Beach hospital bought 234 medical surgical beds, 26 critical care beds, 13 labor and delivery beds and three bariatric beds, all manufactured by Stryker Medical. This is the 401-bed hospital’s largest bed investment in its 59-year history.</p>
<p class="p3">“This purchase underscores our commitment to providing an excellent environment of care for our patients and families,” said Ela C. Lena, chief operating officer of Bethesda Hospital East.</p>
<p class="p3">The new beds each have a system that tracks the patient’s position and alerts caregivers if the patient is at risk of falling, as well as mattresses specially made to reduce pressure ulcers.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Susan G. Komen South Florida</b> named its 10 Warriors in Pink for 2019, part of a program supported nationally by Ford Motor Co. Komen South Florida Warriors took action, raised money and got involved to support the Jan. 26 Race for the Cure for breast cancer.</p>
<p class="p3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960827670?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960827682?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827868,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827868,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960827868?profile=original" /></a>Of the 10, three are South County residents. <b>Tara Gustman</b>, 35, of Boca Raton, who was diagnosed within the last year, is using her story to inspire others through her Facebook group and blog, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> LetMeGetTheseOffMyChest.com.</p>
<p class="p3"><b>Kirsten Stanley</b>, 42, of Gulf Stream, who has stage 4 breast cancer and goes for treatment every three weeks, still works full-time, volunteers and is active playing tennis and riding horses.</p>
<p class="p3"><b>Rona Tata</b>, 54, of Delray Beach, is a one-year survivor who is using her recent experience to walk her coworkers and friends through their fear of getting mammograms and teaching others about the importance of early detection. She is the principal at S.D. Spady Montessori Magnet School.</p>
<p class="p3">The 2019 Warriors in Pink will share their experiences with the community throughout the year and have a special role at the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure on Jan. 26 in West Palm Beach, where they will lead other survivors to the Meyer Amphitheatre stage during the survivor recognition ceremony. For information, visit <a href="http://www.komensouthflorida.org/race">www.komensouthflorida.org/race</a>.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Delray Medical Center</b> was given five-star ratings for cardiac, orthopedics, neurosciences, pulmonary and gastro outcomes, according to a study released in October by Healthgrades, an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.</p>
<p class="p3">This achievement is part of new findings and data featured in the Healthgrades 2019 Report to the Nation. The complete report and detailed study methodology can be found at <a href="http://www.healthgrades.com/quality">www.healthgrades.com/quality</a>.</p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has partnered with the West Palm Beach <b>Veterans Administration Medical Center</b> to establish a neurology and neurosurgery alliance in accordance with the VA Mission Act of 2018. The collaboration will open lines of communication to better track patient progress and outcomes. </p>
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<p class="p3"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960827481?profile=original" /></a></span><b>Maureen Mann</b>, executive director of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute and Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, received the volunteer award for Excellence in Advocacy by the <b>American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network</b>. This honor, awarded in October, recognized her efforts to enhance awareness of cancer research and treatment.</p>
<p class="p3">Mann was a leader in Florida’s successful effort to raise the state’s cigarette excise tax by $1 per pack in 2009, the first increase in more than two decades. She played a key role in defeating a proposal to cut millions from Florida’s tobacco control program earlier this year. She also helped grow the South Florida Policy Forum into one of the largest American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network fundraising events in the country.</p>
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<p class="p3"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960827877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960827877?profile=original" /></a></span><b>Call 4 Health </b>will host <b>Kevin Ames</b>, Tanner Institute’s director of speaking and training, as keynote speaker at its fifth annual user conference on Jan. 16 and 17 at the Delray Beach Marriott. Ames will talk about the best practices for developing successful workplace cultures. </p>
<p class="p3">“The annual user conference is our way of equipping industry clients and partners with the influential tools they need to thrive in the health care industry,” said Joseph Pores, CEO of Call 4 Health.</p>
<p class="p3">Conference sponsors include 1 Call, Compass IT Compliance, Commonwealth Purchasing Group, Crown Castle and Blue Stream. For information or to register, visit <a href="">www.call4health.com and</a> click on the user conference banner. Call 4 Health is a medical call center headquartered in Delray Beach.</p>
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<p class="p7"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Delray Medical Center earns stroke center certificationhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-delray-medical-center-earns-stroke-center-certificat2018-10-31T14:00:00.000Z2018-10-31T14:00:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1"><b>Delray Medical Center</b> earned the thrombectomy-capable stroke center certification from The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Certification means the hospital meets standards for performing mechanical endovascular thrombectomy, a specialized surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from the brain during an ischemic stroke.</p>
<p class="p1">Stroke is the fifth- leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 87 percent of cases are ischemic strokes. These types of strokes are largely treatable if a patient gets to a hospital that can provide the right treatment in time.</p>
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<p class="p1"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960826492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960826492,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" class="align-left" alt="7960826492?profile=original" /></a>Delray Medical Center appointed <b>Maggie Gill</b> to the position of chief executive officer in September. Previously, Gill was CEO of Novant Health UVA Health System, which runs three hospitals in Virginia. Prior to that, she was president and CEO at Memorial Health in Savannah, Ga.</p>
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<p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960826501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960826501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960826501?profile=original" /></a><em>The exterior of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute is bathed in pink to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1"><b>The Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital was illuminated with pink lights during October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initial lighting included a program that was attended by Boca Regional administrators, physicians, supporters and other community leaders.</p>
<p class="p1">The new Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan was on display to showcase its customized interior and advanced mammography equipment, and Saks Fifth Avenue featured designer Lafayette 148 New York with a fashion presentation and beauty bar.</p>
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<p class="p1">Basis Medical’s <b>Basis Fitness Recovery</b>, a health and fitness center that is drug- and alcohol-free and caters to people battling addiction, opened at 2702 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach. The center is at the newly constructed Basis Medical, Delray Beach, a multi-specialty practice. For information, call 775-4900 or visit <a href="http://www.basismedical.org">www.basismedical.org</a>.</p>
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<p class="p4"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: YMCA program helps folks live well after cancer diagnoseshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-ymca-program-helps-folks-live-well-after-cancer-diag2018-10-03T14:02:47.000Z2018-10-03T14:02:47.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960817690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960817690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960817690?profile=original" /></a><em>Breast cancer survivor Ellen Crane, director of public affairs for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, works with Steven Squadrilli of the Boca YMCA fitness staff. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1">A new program at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County helps people affected by cancer reach their holistic health goals. It’s called <b>Livestrong</b> and it’s a free activity available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton. A second class will launch at the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA in Boynton Beach in January.</p>
<p class="p3">Participants are not required to be members of the YMCA. </p>
<p class="p3">“Research shows exercise is the simplest way for cancer survivors to reduce fatigue, improve their mood and bounce back from the debilitating effects of cancer treatment more quickly,” said Greg Lee, president and CEO of the Livestrong Foundation. “But there weren’t enough programs to help people affected by cancer reach their health and well-being goals, so Livestrong and the Y joined forces to create Livestrong at the YMCA.” </p>
<p class="p3">As part of the program, cancer survivors work with trained staff to build muscle mass and strength and to improve flexibility, endurance and functional ability. The program also focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors by providing a supportive community environment.</p>
<p class="p3">Locally, Boca Raton-based Cancer Treatment Centers of America, a national network of facilities, is a supporter of the YMCA and participating funder of the YMCA Livestrong classes.</p>
<p class="p3">For more information, call Robin Nierman at 300-3227 or email him at rnierman@ymcaspbc.org. </p>
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<p class="p3"><span class="Apple-tab-span"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960818477,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960818477,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" class="align-left" alt="7960818477?profile=original" /></a></span><b>Kerry-Ann McDonald</b>, M.D., has been appointed to the medical staff of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and BocaCare Physician Network. A specialist in benign and malignant breast disease, she is a board-eligible breast surgeon. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y. She then completed her general surgical residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania, followed by a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.</p>
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<p class="p3">Last month, <b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital Urgent Care Centers</b> received Certified Urgent Care Category 1 designation by the Urgent Care Association of America. The designation was awarded for meeting or exceeding the association’s guidelines in patient-care processes, facility management, and scope of care, record management, quality, technology and human resources.</p>
<p class="p3">The Boca Raton care centers offer both basic services as well as serve as an immediate gateway to care at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Centers are at 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 100 in Deerfield Beach and 10 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. Both are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.</p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital again received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons. The commission evaluates cancer-care programs on their commitment to provide comprehensive, high-quality and multidisciplinary patient-centered care.</p>
<p class="p3">In addition to the accreditation, the institute received five high commendations for standards of clinical research accrual, public reporting of outcomes, College of American Pathologists protocols and clinical documentation, oncology nursing care and data submission accuracy. </p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>Parkinson’s Foundation</b> will host a fundraiser, Bagels & Schmears, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 8. Bagels will be offered along with a lecture on speech and swallowing as well as the benefits of group exercise to complement therapies.</p>
<p class="p3">The event will be at Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Ticket price is $18. The event will honor the temple’s Rabbi Emeritus Merle Singer, who has Parkinson’s disease and is an ambassador for the Parkinson’s Foundation.</p>
<p class="p3">For information and to RSVP, call Robin Miller at 962-1702 or email her at RMiller@parkinson.org.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com</i></p></div>Health Notes: ‘All Health, All the Time’ provides 24/7 access to medical expertshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-all-health-all-the-time-provides-24-7-access-to-medi2018-08-28T18:41:06.000Z2018-08-28T18:41:06.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">South Florida PBS and Baptist Health South Florida have joined forces to launch a new health channel, “All Health, All the Time,” which is on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week.</p>
<p class="p3">The channel, launched in August, offers quick and easy access to Baptist Health medical experts, who can answer questions on health and wellness concerns. Issues addressed include child psychology, care for the aging, health insurance, breast cancer, orthopedic and sports injuries, medical breakthroughs and heart health.</p>
<p class="p3">“Nationwide, there is increasing concern about access to medical experts and information,” said Dolores Sukhdeo, CEO and president of South Florida PBS. “Our diverse and growing South Florida communities are particularly impacted by this concern. As a community-supported nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the interests and needs of South Florida, we are dedicating an entire digital TV channel to offer credible and trustworthy information about health, medicine and wellness.”</p>
<p class="p3">The health channel may be found on over-the-air (free TV) Channel 2.3 and Comcast Cable Channel 205 or 1193 in Palm Beach County.</p>
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<p class="p3">Lawrence Toll, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical science in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Medicine and a member of the college’s Brain Institute, secured a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for the project “Mixed NOP/MU Compounds and the Involvement of Their Receptors in Analgesia.”</p>
<p class="p3">Toll, the principal investigator for the grant, has focused his research on the management of pain and drug addiction through pharmacology and new drug discovery. He is recognized as the co-discoverer of the endogenous neuropeptide nociception, which is involved in regulating reward and motivation pathways related to substance misuse, and regulating pain pathways from the spinal cord to the brain.</p>
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<p class="p3">Melissa Durbin, vice president and chief nursing officer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, was appointed president of the Nursing <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="99" class="align-left" alt="7960806259?profile=original" /></a>Consortium of South Florida.</p>
<p class="p3">She will lead the organization in uniting community leaders to address the region’s shortage of qualified nursing staff.</p>
<p class="p3">Her responsibilities include increasing interest in nursing among middle and high school students, improving the public perception of nursing, and advocating for greater funding for nursing education.</p>
<p class="p3">After graduating from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> nursing programs in Florida, candidates to be registered nurses and licensed practical nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination.</p>
<p class="p3">Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing placed in the No. 1 spot in Florida because all 71 graduates of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program passed the licensure examination, performing above the national average passage rate of 90.05 percent.</p>
<p class="p3">“Achieving a 100 percent passage rate by our graduates is a testament to our innovative and rigorous program, as well as our highly accomplished faculty and scholars who are instrumental in ensuring that the next generation of nurses in Florida succeed,” said Marlaine Smith, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Nursing.</p>
<p class="p4"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806657,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="196" class="align-center" alt="7960806657?profile=original" /></a></span></span>Joshua Chalkley, D.O., M.S., and Timothy Miller Jr., M.D., M.S., have been appointed to the medical staff of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and BocaCare Physician Network. Chalkley is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. His special areas of interest include autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, infusion therapies, multiple sclerosis, neurological infections and neuromyelitis optica. Miller is board eligible in neurosurgery. His specialties include brain surgery, functional neurosurgery and spine surgery.</p>
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<p class="p3">Boca Raton Regional Hospital appointed Dr. Brian M. Snelling to the medical staff of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960806666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="100" class="align-right" alt="7960806666?profile=original" /></a>BocaCare Physician Network. Snelling is board-eligible in neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery with special areas of interest in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, cranial neurosurgery and endovascular neurosurgery.</p>
<p class="p3">The medical center was also recognized as a top-ranked regional hospital in <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>’s 2018–2019 annual review of its Best Hospitals. It is currently ranked 13th out of approximately 300 hospitals in Florida. The annual Best Hospitals rankings aim to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care. Its methodologies are based on risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, patient experience, patient safety and quality of nursing, among other care-related indicators.</p>
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<p class="p3">HJ Sims, a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm headquartered in Fairfield, Conn., has announced its 2018 partnership with Boca Raton-based Gift of Life Marrow Registry, marking the inaugural year of Sims’ corporate social responsibility program.</p>
<p class="p3">As part of the firm’s effort to support Gift of Life, Sims held its first Virtual Swab event for its employees on July 25. The company connected via VIDYO technology, along with the Gift of Life team, to learn more about the donor process and to hear CEO and founder Jay Feinberg’s story.</p>
<p class="p3">After Feinberg was diagnosed with leukemia almost 30 years ago, he and his parents launched a years-long drive to find a marrow match; the very last and 60,000th donor was the person who saved his life. This process inspired him to start Gift of Life.</p>
<p class="p3">“All it takes is one person to perform a painless, life-saving swab to discover a potential match for someone suffering from blood cancer — and a cure,” Feinberg said. The Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.giftoflife.org">www.giftoflife.org</a>.</p>
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<p class="p3">Delray Medical Center is a five-star recipient for hysterectomies from Healthgrades, an online resource for information about doctors and hospitals.</p>
<p class="p3">“With more options than ever on where to receive care, consumers need to do their homework,” said Dr. Brad Bowman, chief medical officer for Healthgrades.</p>
<p class="p3">“Hospitals that have received a five-star rating have shown dedication and expertise, resulting in high-quality outcomes for patients.”</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Clinical trial uses engineered polio virus to treat brain tumorshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-clinical-trial-uses-engineered-polio-virus-to-treat-2018-07-31T21:30:00.000Z2018-07-31T21:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1"><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p class="p1">Researchers at <b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> are investigating the effectiveness of using an engineered polio virus, PVSRIPO, in the treatment of patients with aggressive brain tumors. “When induced at the tumor site, it directly kills tumor cells and elicits inflammatory events that engage the immune system,” said Dr. Sajeel Chowdhary, the Neuroscience Institute’s director of neuro-oncology and sub-investigator for the study.</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> In the past, therapy for patients with brain tumors was impeded by the blood-brain barrier, which blocks chemotherapy agents from reaching tumor sites. Breaching that barrier through neurosurgical technique is a turning point.</p>
<p class="p3"> “Through the use of micro catheters under MRI guidance and using a technique called convection-enhanced delivery, we can now bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver the therapeutic agent, such as PVSRIPO, to the tumor site,” said Dr. Frank Vrionis, director of the institute and principal investigator for the trial there.</p>
<p class="p3">The procedure is minimally invasive and usually requires a one- to two-day hospitalization. Cancer patients interested in participating in the trials can contact Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Clinical Research Center at 955-4800 or the Marcus Neuroscience Institute Research Office at 955-5784.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960802666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960802666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="97" class="align-left" alt="7960802666?profile=original" /></a>Dr. John Roberts</b> was appointed to the medical staff of the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute and BocaCare Physician Network at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. A board-certified thoracic surgeon, he earned his medical degree with honors from Yale University and his master’s of business degree at Auburn University.</p>
<p class="p3">His postgraduate training included an internship and residency program in surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and he completed an additional residency in cardiothoracic surgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. Roberts served as the chief of general thoracic surgery at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He was also an instructor of surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Vanderbilt School of Medicine.</p>
<p class="p3">Roberts was selected by his peers to the “Best Doctors in America” list from 2003 through 2018.</p>
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<p class="p3">Delray Medical Center now offers patients with coronary artery disease the newest-generation <b>Abbott XIENCE Sierra</b> heart stent. It is specifically developed for complex cases such as patients with multiple or totally blocked vessels, which now account for up to 70 percent of cases.</p>
<p class="p3">“This new, less-invasive technology could offer hope for improved quality of life for patients who have very limited options today,” said Mark Bryan, medical center CEO. “This procedure can help extend lives and improve outcomes for those who are suffering from heart disease.”</p>
<p class="p3">New features of the stent include a thinner profile, increased flexibility, bigger lengths and small diameters.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Bethesda Hospital East</b> was recently granted American Association of Blood Banks accreditation for transfusion services.</p>
<p class="p3">Accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained assessors and establishes that the level of technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB.</p>
<p class="p3">This accreditation program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. It assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Inpatient tower’s name honors Boca Raton hospital’s founderhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-inpatient-tower-s-name-honors-boca-raton-hospital-s-2018-07-03T20:19:41.000Z2018-07-03T20:19:41.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1">Boca Raton Regional Hospital is paying homage to its founder by naming its existing inpatient facility the <b>Gloria Drummond Patient Tower</b>. The action was taken in response to a $25 million gift from philanthropist <b>Elaine J. Wold</b> and the <b>Bay Branch Foundation</b> in April. Wold requested that a new seven-story patient tower, which is part of the hospital’s proposed $260 million expansion and renovation, carry the name of Drummond, Boca Regional’s founder and Wold’s lifelong friend.</p>
<p class="p3">While the structure, when completed, will reflect that name, it was thought that Wold’s largesse should be immediately recognized.</p>
<p class="p3">“With the magnitude of Elaine’s gift and her material and long-standing support of our hospital in other areas such as our Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine and the Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute, we thought it most fitting to have her request realized now and affix Gloria’s name to the present-day hospital as well,” said Mark Larkin, president of Boca Regional’s Foundation.</p>
<p class="p3">Boca Raton Regional Hospital has begun offering regenerative medicine therapy for orthopedic patients undergoing rehabilitation for conditions of the tendons, bone and peripheral joints as well as osteoarthritis of the knee. The treatment uses the body’s natural healing process to stimulate healing, diminish pain and restore natural function in the affected areas. </p>
<p class="p3">Joshua Rothenberg, D.O. and director of regenerative medicine at the hospital, notes that the therapies often help patients recover quicker and obtain better pain relief.</p>
<p class="p3">“I employ regenerative medicine as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program that is focused on the strengthening of the musculoskeletal system,” he said. “While the field is still relatively new, we know that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself from injury.”</p>
<p class="p3">The mainstays of the therapy include the use of platelet-rich plasma as well as new regenerative cellular treatments, which contain a patient’s own mesenchymal stem cells.</p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>Kathy Krickstein Pressel MammoVan</b> arrived at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in June, showing off a new design. The van, which travels to South Florida community events, businesses and health fairs, has customized mammography and exam suites, a waiting area, new awning and wheelchair lift. It also offers the more comfortable Senographe Pristina 3-D Mammography. The Kathy Krickstein Pressel MammoVan is financed with contributions from Boca Raton resident <b>Morgan Pressel Bush</b>, the <b>Morgan Pressel Foundation</b> and the <b>St. Andrews Country Club</b>.</p>
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<p class="p3">The <b>Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has begun to offer Saturday appointments for mammograms, breast ultrasounds and bone density on the first Saturday of each month. Major insurances are accepted and financial assistance is available for those without coverage who qualify. Appointments can be made by calling 955-4700.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Florida Atlantic University</b>’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing received a $2.8 million grant from the federal Health Resources & Services Administration for a four-year project, “Caring-based Academic Partnerships in Excellence, RNs in Primary Care.” It aims to recruit and prepare nursing students and registered nurses to practice in community-based primary care teams. Awarded to the college for three consecutive years, the grant totals $6.4 million.</p>
<p class="p3">“The overarching goal of our project is to create healthier communities in rural and underserved populations,” said <b>Karethy A. Edwards</b>, project director, associate dean of academic programs and a professor in FAU’s College of Nursing. “With this latest grant, we will educate and provide clinical training to establish a primary care workforce of students with a bachelor of science in nursing degree who are practice-ready and willing to serve our veterans and patients in rural and underserved communities.” </p>
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<p class="p3">Some good news in the fight against strokes: <b>Delray Medical Center</b> is offering a new procedure, transcarotid artery revascularization, to treat carotid artery disease and prevent strokes. It’s clinically proven, minimally invasive and a safe approach for high surgical-risk patients who need carotid artery treatment. </p>
<p class="p3">“TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke and is particularly suited for the large portion of patients we see who are at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy or other medical conditions,” said <b>Dr. Joseph Ricotta</b>, medical director of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy at Tenet Healthcare, who performed the procedure at Delray Medical Center.</p>
<p class="p3">The new procedure is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. For more information or for a free physician referral, call 800-897-9789 or visit delraymedicalctr.com.</p>
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<p class="p3">Summer mornings are looking brighter for many people who are food-deprived. Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center donated more than 71,000 servings of cereal to local food banks in Palm Beach County during their <b>Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive</b>, which ran in the first week of June.</p>
<p class="p3">“The donations we collected will help provide local children and adults struggling with hunger with a healthy breakfast during the summer, and I am so grateful for the support of our staff and community in this effort,” said Mark Bryan, chief executive officer of Tenet’s Palm Beach County hospitals. “Good nutrition is essential to good health, and we wanted to help lead the fight against hunger in Palm Beach County.”</p>
<p class="p3">The hospitals partnered and donated to the following local organizations: 7,000 servings from Delray Medical Center to CROS Ministries' Food Pantry; 2,749 servings from Good Samaritan Medical Center to Feeding South Florida; 8,432 servings from Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center to Feeding South Florida; 4,721 servings from St. Mary’s Medical Center to Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County; and 8,190 servings from West Boca Medical Center to Boca Helping Hands.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Wendy Lo</b>, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens’ curator of education, has<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> received the <b>Health Care Innovation Award</b> for her work on the Stroll for Well-Being Program at the gardens. The award was presented at the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services’ annual luncheon and awards ceremony at the Kravis Center.</p>
<p class="p3">The Stroll for Wellness benefits include the enhancement of mental and physical wellness, and mitigating symptoms of depression. Lo has represented the program for nine years at national garden conferences, inspiring others to launch similar walking initiatives, including San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden and the Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson. For more information, call 495-0233 or visit morikami.org/for-adults/special-programs/stroll-for-well-being/.</p>
<p class="p3">The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach.</p>
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<p class="p3">Abbey Delray South senior living community has a new executive director, <b>Rachel Blumberg</b>.</p>
<p class="p3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960793865,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960793865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="103" class="align-left" alt="7960793865?profile=original" /></a>“Rachel has the background, experience and leadership skills necessary to lead <b>Abbey Delray South</b> to continued growth and success,” said Sloan Bentley, president and CEO of Lifespace, which owns and operates Abbey Delray South. Blumberg has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University as well as a master’s degree in health service administration from Florida International University. She’s also a Florida State Humanitarian of the Year award winner, recognizing her hospice-related volunteer efforts.</p>
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<p class="p3">Nominations are open for the <b>Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure 2019</b> Florida Warriors in Pink breast cancer survivors. Each year, eight Warriors are selected and recognized for their fight against breast cancer to shine a light on advancements in breast cancer survival and to help others through their journeys. Tell a breast cancer survival story in writing or on video about your mother, sister, best friend or yourself. Send nominations to info@komensouthflorida.org. To download the nomination form, visit komensouthflorida.org/2019-warriors-in-pink/.</p>
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<p class="p3"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Boca Raton hospital reduces choice of partners to twohttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-raton-hospital-reduces-choice-of-partners-to-tw2018-05-29T20:18:18.000Z2018-05-29T20:18:18.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960789889,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960789889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960789889?profile=original" /></a>In a nod to history, nurses at Boca Raton Regional Hospital wore traditional uniforms and caps during National Nurses Week in May. <b>Photo provided</b></em></p>
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<p class="p1" style="text-align:left;"><em><b>By Christine Davis</b></em></p>
<p class="p1">In a process that began a year ago, <b>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</b> has narrowed its choice of potential strategic partners to <b>Baptist Health South Florida</b> and <b>Cleveland Clinic</b>.</p>
<p class="p3">“Each of the five health care systems that we selected to explore are impressive organizations that presented exciting and robust proposals,” said Jerry Fedele, president and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “While each brought interesting and innovative ideas to the table, in the final analysis we believe the two chosen presented offerings that were best suited to meet the goals and objectives the board established for the partnership.”</p>
<p class="p3">Those aims include enhancing Boca Regional’s ability to develop nationally recognized clinical programs, mitigate the challenges of a stand-alone organization in the health care industry, and provide greater access to capital.</p>
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<p class="p3">Boca Raton Regional Hospital has two new reasons to celebrate when it comes to its care for stroke patients. The hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s <b>Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award</b>, in recognition for the hospital’s commitment to ensure that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment.</p>
<p class="p3">To earn the award, the hospital met quality achievement measures that evaluated the proper use of medications and up-to-date guidelines for speeding recovery and reducing mortality and disability for stroke patients. </p>
<p class="p3">The hospital also received the association’s <b>Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus award</b>. To qualify, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.</p>
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<p class="p3">In honor of <b>National Nurses Week</b>, May 6-12, nurses at Boca Raton Regional Hospital participated in a “Throwback Thursday” event by wearing traditional white nursing uniforms and caps during their shifts.</p>
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<p class="p3">In May, <b>Delray Medical Center</b> received a Healthgrades 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award for superior performance in preventing the occurrence of serious complications for patients during hospital stays. The distinction places Delray Medical Center among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades, an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>David C. Brodner, M.D.</b>, has begun offering a new procedure to treat postnasal drip. He uses a special cooling probe, part of the new ClariFix device, to freeze a small area of nasal tissue in the back of the nose. It is performed in his office with local or topical anesthesia.</p>
<p class="p3">“The ability to select out the nasal nerve and to reduce its function without actually severing the nerve is a huge advance in the treatment of these disorders,” Brodner says. “ClariFix works by selectively freezing the ‘runny nose nerve.’ The procedure involves no cutting or suturing.”</p>
<p class="p3">Brodner’s office is at 8794 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach.</p>
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<p class="p3"><b>Ken Dawson-Scully</b> recently became associate vice president for strategic initiatives and head of institutional partnerships for <b>Florida Atlantic University</b> and <b>Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience</b>. He will develop and implement co-branding programs, develop new educational programs, secure joint-funding opportunities, conduct research training, build partnerships and foster collaboration between academic and administrative units.</p>
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<p class="p6"><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Boca Regional has a new chief operating officerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-regional-has-a-new-chief-operating-officer2018-05-02T13:00:00.000Z2018-05-02T13:00:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p>Mindy Shikiar has been appointed chief operating officer for <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong>. She replaces Karen Poole, who retired <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960788273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960788273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="99" alt="7960788273?profile=original" /></a>in early April. Shikiar has been at Boca Regional since 2003 and served in positions such as vice president of oncology services, ambulatory services and business development. She has had oversight of major program and facility expansions at the hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute and the Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute.<br /> “Mindy Shikiar’s experience and skill set are ideally suited for this important role within our organization. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our position as a preeminent, academic referral medical center in the region,” said hospital President and CEO Jerry Fedele. <br /> <br /> Tarsha Jones, an assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University’s <strong>Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing</strong>, got some good news times two. She received a $182,812 diversity supplement grant from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health awarded through Columbia University and a $5,000 grant from the D.A.I.S.Y. Foundation. <br /> The two-year National Institutes of Health grant will further Jones’ research and career development skills and enhance diversity among biomedical and behavioral scientists. Jones, along with her research mentors, will examine racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genetic testing among young breast cancer survivors. In her research funded by the D.A.I.S.Y. Foundation, Jones is studying barriers to genetic testing of black and Hispanic women with cancer risks who receive care in community health centers. <br /> <br /> <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong> was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “150 great places to work in health care” for the second consecutive year. Becker’s Hospital Review accepted nominations and developed an editorial review process. <br /> Boca Regional’s submission included a look at its offerings in employee recognition and professional development programs, along with wellness initiatives and competitive benefits. Examples include the hospital’s @WorkCare Health Center and its Healthy Habits program.<br /> <br /> <strong>Symphony</strong>, a senior living community on West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, will open this summer. It plans to offer 88 supportive independent living and assisted living apartments and 34 memory support apartments. Monthly apartment prices range from $4,595 to $6,600. Amenities and services include restaurant dining, bar, salon and spa, a movie theater, gym, as well as nursing care options. For more information, call 672-0774.<br /> <br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Boca Regional narrows down potential partners to fivehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-regional-narrows-down-potential-partners-to-fiv2018-04-04T15:34:41.000Z2018-04-04T15:34:41.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960783069,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960783069,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960783069?profile=original" /></a><em>Boca Raton Regional plans to identify a partner this summer.</em></p>
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<p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>Officials at <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong> have established a list of five health care providers as potential partners from a group of 12 health systems that responded to the hospital’s request for proposals. <br />They are: Baptist Health South Florida, Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Healthcare System, Novant Health and Orlando Health. <br /> In June 2017, the hospital formed a steering committee to explore the possibility of a strategic partnership with another provider, with a goal to enhance the hospital’s ability to develop nationally recognized clinical programs, to mitigate the challenges of a stand-alone organization and to provide greater access to capital. The preferred partner is expected to be identified by this summer.<br /> <br /> <strong>Darci McNally</strong>, director of oncology support services and community outreach at Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, received the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award from the American Cancer Society. She was recognized in February for her leadership in providing care and support to patients through support groups and one-on-one therapy. <br /> McNally, a clinical social worker, is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers and the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers. She completed the advanced psychosocial oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and has received a specialty certification in oncology social work. <br /> <br /> <strong>Juvy Villanueva</strong>, a senior physical therapist at Boca Regional’s Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute, was recognized in February as a multiple sclerosis-certified specialist through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program. “A recognition of this caliber commends Juvy’s dedication to providing high-quality care to her patients,” said Genie Lieberman, director of the Drummond Institute. <br /> <br /> <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> announced in February that it received the Healthgrades 2018 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award, which named it as one of the top 1 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for its consistently superior clinical performance. Healthgrades is an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals. Delray Medical Center has made this list yearly since the inception of the award 12 years ago.<br /> <br /> Delray Medical Center announced in February that it was the first hospital in the United States to perform the robotic-assisted peripheral vascular intervention procedure using the CorPath GRX System. The procedure, performed by <strong>Dr. Joseph Ricotta</strong>, brings robotic-assisted precision to both percutaneous coronary and percutaneous vascular interventional procedures. Peripheral artery disease is a disease of blood vessels outside the heart that commonly affects arteries carrying blood to the lower extremities. It has affected an estimated 8.5 million people in the United States. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.delraymedicalctr.com">www.delraymedicalctr.com</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Bethesda Health Quality Alliance</strong> was selected as one of 124 new Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations providing Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality coordinated care. <br />Through this alliance, physicians and other providers aim to transform health care delivery through a quality-focused, integrated approach intended to engage patients in their health choices. “Patients, taxpayers, employers, insurers and other stakeholders have long demanded better quality and greater value out of health care. Our alliance can respond by providing better integration, information sharing, and accountability for the cost, quality and overall experience,” said Shawn Franklin, executive director of Bethesda Health Quality Alliance.<br /> “We believe a full-service network, including physicians, hospitals and other health care providers, is key to delivering on our mission of advancing the quality of health care in our community by delivering patient-centered, compassionate care through a culture of collaboration, transparency, integrity and innovation,” said Roger L. Kirk, president and CEO of Bethesda Health Inc. and a board member. <br /> <br /> <strong>The YMCA of South Palm Beach County</strong> will hold a free community annual event, Healthy Kids Day, on April 14 as part of its national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. Activities will include obstacle courses, a rock climbing wall, sports clinics and demonstrations, a bike rodeo, bounce houses and fun games to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer. <br /> The event will be held both at the Peter Blum Family Y of Boca Raton, 6631 Palmetto Circle S., and DeVos-Blum Family Y of Boynton Beach, 9600 S. Military Trail, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 237-0974 or visit <a href="http://www.ymcaspbc.org">www.ymcaspbc.org</a>.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: FAU’s medical school launches first fellowshiphttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-fau-s-medical-school-launches-first-fellowship2018-02-28T16:07:14.000Z2018-02-28T16:07:14.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p>Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for its first university-sponsored fellowship. Launching this summer and to be based at the Delray Medical Center, the FAU Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship will be a member of the FAU College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Consortium. A subspecialty of internal medicine, it will complement the existing residency programs at the university. <br /> <strong>Dr. Brijeshwar S. Maini</strong>, the regional medical director of interventional cardiology and transcatheter therapy at the medical center and a professor at the university’s Department of Integrated Medical Science, is the new fellowship program director. <strong>Dr. Sachin S. Sule</strong>, the university’s internal medicine residency program director and an associate professor of integrated medical science, will supervise and guide to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.<br /> Cardiology fellows will have the opportunity to train alongside top physicians and other clinicians in the field. <br /> <br /> <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> announced in January that it had received the 2018 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence from Healthgrades. It is one out of four hospitals in the country that have achieved the award for 16 straight years, placing it in the top 5 percent for clinical performance among nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Healthgrades is an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.<br /> <br /> <strong>Optimistic Medicine Studio Boca</strong>, formerly WOW Health, celebrated its one-year anniversary and its 1,000 clients and monthly members with a grand reopening in February, showcasing Optimistic Medicine Studio Boca’s new facilities and services.<br /> <br />To combat the opioid crisis in Palm Beach County, <strong>Palm Healthcare Foundation</strong> in partnership with <strong>Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, Hanley Foundation</strong> and the <strong>Town of Palm Beach United Way</strong> brought in the Rapid Results Institute, an international nonprofit organization that pioneered the use of 100-day challenges. <br /> Thirty Palm Beach County nonprofits, health organizations, law enforcement agencies, businesses and governments joined the effort to provide a system that connects anyone with an opioid use disorder to appropriate services. The 100 days of the challenge started Feb. 12.<br />Components of this effort include scholarship beds and treatment for indigent people in certified recovery residences, peer specialists at four hospitals to work with people brought in after overdoses, and recovery navigators paired with people leaving treatment centers to prevent relapse and support their continued recovery at certified residences.</p>
<p><em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Boca Regional adds epilepsy monitoring unithttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-boca-regional-adds-epilepsy-monitoring-unit2018-01-31T17:45:39.000Z2018-01-31T17:45:39.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p>In January, the <b>Marcus Neuroscience Institute</b> at Boca Raton Regional Hospital established an epilepsy monitoring unit, which is designed to evaluate, diagnose and treat seizures in adults. </p>
<p>“The ability to continuously monitor each patient in the EMU allows our team to refine diagnoses and respond in real time to a patient’s needs as a seizure occurs,” said Dr. Pooja Patel, the unit’s director. </p>
<p>“Based on the evaluation, the best treatment options can be determined with the goal of reducing a patient’s seizure burden and improving quality of life.”</p>
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<p><span class="Apple-tab-span"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960770100,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960770100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="98" class="align-left" alt="7960770100?profile=original" /></a></span>In December, Delray Medical Center named <b>Sheri Testani</b> as chief nursing officer. Testani brings more than 20 years of nursing experience to Delray Medical Center. Previously, she worked as chief nursing officer at Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center, where she oversaw patient care services at its trauma and burn center.</p>
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<p><i>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</i></p></div>Health Notes: Health conference coming to Delrayhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-health-conference-coming-to-delray2018-01-03T17:58:13.000Z2018-01-03T17:58:13.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960769853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960769853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="104" alt="7960769853?profile=original" /></a>Former Baltimore Ravens punter and Super Bowl XXXV champion <strong>Kyle Richardson</strong> and <strong>Shaun O’Neill</strong> of the FBI’s health care task force will be keynote speakers at the fourth annual Call 4 Health user conference. The event, open to the public, will be Jan. 9-10 at Marriott Delray Beach. <br /> Call 4 Health, a medical call center and nurse triage service headquartered in Delray Beach, will host the event. It will focus on customer service satisfaction and offer lectures, networking opportunities and discussion. <br />Richardson is a vice president of Caring One, which offers information services to health care providers. For more info or to buy tickets: <a href="http://www.call4health.com">www.call4health.com</a>.<br /> <br /> Boca Raton Regional Hospital presents “Mindful Boca 2018: An Evening With <strong>Glennon Doyle</strong>” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Doyle, a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of <em>Love Warrior,</em> had a good upbringing but suffered from bulimia, alcoholism and bad relationships. In 2002, finding herself addicted, unwed and pregnant, she vowed never to have another drink, cigarette, drug, unhealthy relationship or food binge. <br /> Sponsored by Elaine J. Wold, the event will be hosted at Lynn University’s Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $100 for priority seating. Registration is required. To register, call 955-7227 or visit <a href="http://www.brrh.com/WIEvents">www.brrh.com/WIEvents</a>.</p>
<p><br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Delray Medical rated tops in neuroscience, cranial neurosurgery, stroke carehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-delray-medical-rated-tops-in-neuroscience-cranial-ne2017-11-29T16:28:05.000Z2017-11-29T16:28:05.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p> <strong>Delray Medical Center</strong> has been recognized as a five-star recipient for a wide range of treatments and surgeries. It received neuroscience, cranial neurosurgery and stroke care excellence awards and was named among the top 5 percent in the nation for neurosciences, cranial neurosurgery and the treatment of stroke.<br /> These achievements are part of findings released by Healthgrades, an independent health care ratings company, and are featured in its 2018 “Report to the Nation.”<br /> For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 45 million Medicare inpatient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance in 32 common conditions and procedures, using all-payer data provided by 17 states.<br /> <br /> Officials at Delray Medical Center announced that <strong>Teresa C. Urquhart</strong> is their new chief operating officer. They also announced that they offer a new procedure, the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve for mitral valve replacement inside a failed surgical valve. This is the only valve approved for valve-in-valve procedures due to failure of a surgical mitral valve. <br /> Also, Delray Medical is the first hospital in South Florida to implant a new device used to seal off the left atrial appendage — a small appendage connected to the left atrium <br /> The device, called Amplatzer Amulet Occluder, works by blocking the left atrial appendage at its opening, which minimizes the opportunity for blood clots to form and move into the bloodstream. <br /> <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960762077,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960762077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="100" alt="7960762077?profile=original" /></a> <strong>David C. Brodner</strong>, M.D., was appointed associate medical director for sleep medicine with eviCore Health-care. <br /> Brodner is board-certified in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), head and neck surgery and sleep medicine. His office is at 8794 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. </p>
<p> In October, Baptist Health South Florida acquired a majority interest in <strong>South Palm Ambulatory Surgery Center</strong>, which has changed its name to Baptist Health Surgery Center. This center, at 1905 Clint Moore Road in Boca Raton, is Baptist Health’s second outpatient surgery center in Palm Beach County.<br /> <br /> In honor of Veterans Day, <strong>Boca Raton Regional Hospital</strong> recognized its physicians, employees, volunteers and board members who are veterans of the U.S. armed services. <br /> Included in the program were Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Melvin Pollack, director of Vets Helping Heroes. <br /> The Boca Raton Community High School NJROTC, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services, Boca Raton Police Department, the Spanish River High School Super Splash Show Choir and other community and veterans group leaders attended.<br /> <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960761695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960761695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="101" alt="7960761695?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960762254,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960762254,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" width="100" alt="7960762254?profile=original" /></a> <strong>Call 4 Health</strong> has hired three new team members: Alex Karanau is its new chief information officer; Lissette Ferro-Lloret is now the director of operations, and Victoria Rodriguez is the new marketing specialist.<br /> Call 4 Health is a medical call center and nurse triage service headquartered in Delray Beach.<br /> <br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>Health Notes: Neurologist joins Boca Raton Regional; teen reaches finals in 3M Scientist Challengehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/health-notes-neurologist-joins-boca-raton-regional-teen-reaches-f2017-11-01T17:02:43.000Z2017-11-01T17:02:43.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Christine Davis</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960752079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="325" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960752079,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960752079?profile=original" /></a> <strong>Pooja Patel</strong>, M.D., is now part of Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute and BocaCare physician network and will be director of the institute’s epilepsy monitoring unit. <br /> She is a board-certified general neurologist who is fellowship-trained in clinical neurophysiology. Patel’s clinical specialties include epilepsy and headaches.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960752263,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960752263,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960752263?profile=original" /></a><em>FAU High’s Devin Willis, 14, made a machine that he says can improve cancer diagnoses. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
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<p> While he did not take the top prize, Florida Atlantic University High School freshman <strong>Devin Willis</strong>, 14, did compete as a finalist in the Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge in October. <br /> He developed a “Slidemap” machine that improves the speed and accuracy of a cancer diagnosis. Using a 20X microscope, the machine captures several images of a tumor at the cellular level, then uses an algorithm to stitch the images together. The final image is passed through a neural network to analyze the tumor and determine whether it’s benign or cancerous. <br /> “I recently read that when pathologists were given the same tissue sample, they agreed on a diagnosis only 75 percent of the time,” Devin said. “I hope this machine can create more consistency among diagnoses.” <br /> He got the idea for “Slidemap” from his dad, Scooter Willis, who works in data analytics for cancer research.<br /> “My dad knew I loved robotics and computer programming and thought this would be a great project for me,” Devin Willis said. <br /> He’s been building and developing “Slidemap” since he was in sixth grade. Last year, he made a two-minute video about his invention and submitted it to the Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge. He was chosen as a finalist in June.<br /> <br /> <strong>Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine</strong> unveiled its newly expanded 8,000-square-foot <strong>Clinical Skills Simulation Center</strong> in October. At its ribbon-cutting ceremony, nurses participated in exercises using human-like mannequins that simulate medical emergencies, and first-year medical students practiced their skills while working with actors posing as patients. Jeff Atwater, vice president for strategic initiatives and CFO; Dean Phillip M. Boiselle, M.D.; Senior Associate Dean Sarah K. Wood, M.D.; and community leaders were in attendance.<br /><br /> <em>Send health news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.</em></p></div>