<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ThYQqz8epo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC Health Partners is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at the corner of York and Padonia Roads in Lutherville-Timonium! This brand-new, 14,000-square-foot space offers advanced primary care, gynecology, urogynecology, pelvic floor therapy, orthopaedics, and physical therapy services in a safe, comfortable, and patient-centered setting. This edition of ‘Greater Living Live,’ hosted by Mary Beth Marsden, gives a look into the practice through interviews with clinicians and video tours of the space. <br> <br> The practice offers care from birth to end of life, explained primary care physician, Jonathon Hennessee, DO: “We truly feel like we can take care of the whole family.” Dr. Hennessee, who is passionate about sports medicine, talked about how staying active can improve overall health across all ages. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made that more challenging, he emphasized there are ways to remain active and stay safe. This is especially important for children because of their increased screen time from virtual learning. “Kids are spending all day at home in front of screens, but they need to move their bodies,” he stated. “It helps with emotional development, which is something that’s plaguing children right now – not being able to socialize in the ways they are intended to. It also helps with immune functioning, which can prevent infection in general.” <br> <br> Nurse practitioner, Kelsey Terrones, CRNP, then joined the conversation to talk about how primary care has changed during the pandemic. The sudden shift to telehealth was a challenge for many, but GBMC had been working to make telehealth services available to patients for a year prior, and was able to quickly mobilize that infrastructure. While there has been a move back to in-person visits in recent months, telehealth remains a critical part of patient care. GBMC Health Partners at Padonia offers dedicated hours for telehealth visits and has a built-in space for providers to talk to their patients virtually. The practice also has many safety precautions in place for patients who prefer to come in-person. These include plexiglass barriers, temperature checks, mask requirements, and regular extensive cleaning. <br> <br> Ms. Terrones also discussed the challenges of diagnosing COVID-19 due to its symptoms being similar to those of other diseases. “Patients will often have symptoms that could come from the flu, strep throat, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness,” she explained. “Testing is really key right now to know what is happening with the patient.” She encouraged patients to call their primary care provider if they feel ill for any reason to talk about their symptoms. “Going through everything the patient is experiencing will help the clinician know if testing is necessary and what testing is appropriate,” she said. <br> <br> In addition to primary care, GBMC Health Partners at Padonia gives patients access to experts in various specialties. One of these experts is Joan Blomquist, MD, Chief of the Division of Urogynecology at GBMC and an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University. “From a GYN perspective, we’re fortunate that we’re able to see a couple of different subspecialty types of patients here,” she said. “We offer primary GYN care, treatments for advanced gynecologic conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and fibroids, as well as urogynecology services.” Dr. Blomquist explained that pelvic floor disorders occur in at least one third of women at some point in their lives. She described the common types of urinary incontinence, the kinds of treatments available, and when to seek help from a healthcare provider. The conversation ended with her saying “This is a beautiful place, and I can tell you that patients absolutely love coming here.” To learn more about GBMC Health Partners at Padonia, visit <a href="/node/2500">www.gbmc.org/padonia</a>. If you’d like to make an appointment, please call the practice at 443-589-5252. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ihQPQzx9UY4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, but for cancer patients who may already have weakened immune systems, this is a particularly worrisome time. To help answer your questions, Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO, Herman and Walter Samuelson Medical Director at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC, spoke with Mary Beth Marsden in an exclusive and interactive session. <br> <br> The conversation began with Dr. Celano explaining that he became interested in cancer at a young age when his aunt unfortunately passed away from ovarian cancer. After years of training, he has found that he is especially interested in treating gynecologic, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and breast malignancies. He also leads the <a href="/node/2351" target="_blank">Clinical Trials Program at GBMC</a>. <br> <br> When asked what drew him to practice at GBMC, Dr. Celano quickly pointed to the community-based, personal care that patients receive. He also mentioned his appreciation for the multidisciplinary approach to care that is used at GBMC. “This is a truly comprehensive cancer program,” he said. “When patients are being cared for at GBMC, it’s not just one person providing treatment, it’s a whole team.” Every week, clinicians from all aspects of cancer care meet to discuss patient cases and work together to create treatment plans for each patient. <br> <br> Dr. Celano and Mary Beth then shifted the conversation to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has specifically affected cancer patients. Cancer patients – from their disease, treatments, or both – are immunosuppressed and therefore at a higher risk of infection. Because of this, infection prevention was a major focus in cancer care long before the pandemic hit. “While additional safety measures may change the patient’s experience in the office,” Dr. Celano explained, “what hasn’t changed is our ability to provide critical cancer treatments in a safe manner.” <br> <br> Clinical trials have also continued at GBMC. These allow patients to have access to the most leading-edge treatment options available. Through clinical trials, patients have the opportunity to explore treatment options not yet approved by the FDA and contribute to medical advancements that may benefit generations to come. “At any given time, GBMC is participating in anywhere from 55 to 60 clinical trials in the Cancer Institute alone,” he described. GBMC is currently participating in a trial that examines cancer patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to better understand how their clinical outcomes may be different than those who have not been infected. <br> <br> Dr. Celano recognized that some cancer patients may be unsure about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, but assured viewers that there is no evidence showing that cancer patients are at a higher risk of negative side effects from the vaccine. He also noted that adjusted visitor policies can cause additional stress for cancer patients receiving treatment. Dr. Celano suggests communicating with your care team and taking advantage of the support resources available to cancer patients. Through <a href="/node/2491" target="_blank">Oncology Support Services at GBMC</a>, patients are provided with free counseling, education, and connections to organizations that help them and their families shoulder the burden of a cancer diagnosis. To learn more about cancer care at GBMC, visit <a href="/node/2190">www.gbmc.org/cancer</a>. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lrTJn4l7h08" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Maryland Governor Larry Hogan takes time out of his busy schedule to send a message of congratulations to the GBMC HealthCare family. <br> <br> Learn more about our https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige Journey! <br> <br> GBMC HealthCare has become the first healthcare system in Maryland to receive the Malcolm https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence. The https://www.gbmc.org/baldrige criteria are accepted around the world across all industries as the gold standard of quality. GBMC HealthCare was one of only five organizations nationwide to receive the award in 2020 and one of only 29 health care recipients in two decades of the award’s history. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/flP5Oqryb7I" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Groundbreaking medical research happens every day at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). Each year, GBMC’s physicians in The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute enroll their patients in more than 50 clinical trials designed to identify medical interventions that provide the greatest advantages for patients. GBMC’s dedicated and experienced staff is committed to conducting research that impacts patients’ lives while contributing to the development of new therapies for future cancer patients. Please consider making a donation to GBMC’s #GivingTuesday campaign to support medical advances for current and future cancer patients. <a target="_blank" href="https://wwww.gbmc.org/givingtuesday">www.gbmc.org/givingtuesday</a> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lTlnlo9subo" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Learn how you can make a difference for the healthcare workers fighting for you and your loved ones: gbmc.org/https://www.gbmc.org/donations. Have a safe and happy holiday! </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gjIcYHGM5mM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The hospital can be a scary place for children and the adults who love them. At GBMC, Child Life Specialists like Jennifer Seiler, MED, CCLS, are there to help ease anxiety and answer any questions that children and parents have while they’re in the emergency department (ED) or the hospital. Jennifer and Mary Beth Marsden talked about how Child Life Specialists help families and what parents can do to be effective advocates for their children. <br> <br> “You are your child’s best advocate,” Jennifer said. “Don’t be afraid to ask the doctors and nurses questions or ask them to explain what’s happening with your child. And remember, you know your child best. Share what works and what doesn’t with your child in terms of getting them to cooperate and helping them feel safe.” <br> <br> She also suggested that when you bring your child to the ED, if possible, bring his or her comfort item, whether that’s a blanket, stuffed animal, or tablet, so that your child has something familiar and calming with them during this stressful experience. <br> <br> Jennifer and GBMC’s other Child Life Specialists are available at no cost to any child receiving care in the ED or as an inpatient. They help children and families know what to expect in the hospital and can explain treatments and demonstrate certain procedures to help prepare your child. <br> <br> “What I always say is there are no surprises,” she said. “If your child needs an IV, we’ll explain how it works so that they’re as prepared as possible. The goal is to reduce the child and parents’ anxiety and give a sense of control back to them. We ensure that the voices of our patients and their parents are heard and that they’re part of the decision-making process.” Child Life Specialists are also there to support parents and caregivers. “Your main job is to support your child, but we know you’re also worried and stressed,” Jennifer added. “We’re here to support you and answer your questions. Children look to their parents for how to react, so our goal is to help you be as calm as possible so both you and your child are less anxious.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3FNYXl5r_08" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Few things are as stressful as having a very sick or injured child, and a trip to the emergency department (ED) can make an already tough experience even more nerve wracking. That’s why GBMC has a separate pediatric emergency department where children and their parents get the care they need as quickly as possible in a calm, comforting atmosphere. The pediatric ED was recently redesigned and renovated to make the experience even better for families. Lauren Rogers, RN2, a pediatric ED nurse, talked with Mary Beth Marsden about what’s new and what families can expect in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic. <br> <br> “One of the questions we get frequently is whether parents can stay with their child with the COVID-19 restrictions,” said Lauren. “Each child can have two parents or guardians with him or her throughout the process. If the child needs to stay in the hospital overnight, there is a pullout couch and chair that fully reclines as well as blankets so the parents can spend the night with their child. Both parents and children need to wear a mask while they’re in the hospital and other children in the family need to stay at home to protect them from potential exposure to the virus.” <br> <br> The newly renovated pediatric ED is designed so that even before a child is taken back into the ED, nurses can gather information about symptoms and order the necessary tests. Then, when the physician sees the child, he or she is ready to be assessed. “The new design allows us to provide hands-on care to our patients more quickly, streamlining the process,” Lauren explained. <br> <br> If you’re not sure whether your child needs to go to the ED, she recommends that, when possible, you call your pediatrician first, which may save you a trip to the hospital. If your child is having trouble breathing, is unusually pale, sweating, has a new fever of 100.4 degrees for 24 hours, or is not acting like him or herself, Lauren says you should bring your child to the ED without delay. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R_libVAhTAE" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC has made some changes to the Emergency Department (ED) to help keep patients safe during the pandemic and, even more importantly, to help get patients the care they need as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. Mary Beth Marsden talked with ED nurse Ariel Leone, RN2, about what’s new and what people can expect if they need emergency care. <br> <br> “Our new ED design allows us to triage patients as quickly as possible and get their care and any testing they need started more quickly so, whenever possible, they can spend less time in the hospital,” Ariel explained. “The end goal is to create a better experience for our patients.” <br> <br> While patients still cannot have a visitor or family member with them in the ED, the nurses keep family and loved ones updated about the patient’s condition and test results via phone and video chat. There are exceptions to that rule, however, for patients with developmental disabilities and children. “We don’t allow visitors in the ED to limit their possible exposure to COVID and other illnesses,” said Ariel. “It’s for their protection and the protection of our patients.” Since Ariel now has a wealth of experience wearing a mask and personal protective equipment all day, Mary Beth asked for any tips she has to help the rest of us stay safe and comfortable in our masks. “My best tip is to breathe through your nose,” she answered. “It makes wearing a mask much more comfortable.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wSqCd_Na2YM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC Health Partners is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at the corner of York and Padonia Roads in Lutherville-Timonium! GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Padonia will begin seeing patients on Monday, October 12. This brand-new, 14,000-square-foot space offers advanced primary care, gynecology, urogynecology, pelvic floor therapy, orthopaedics, and physical therapy services in a safe, comfortable, and patient-centered setting. Similar to our Family Care Associates practice on the GBMC campus, the Padonia office has no waiting rooms. This allows patients to go directly to their exam rooms, eliminating wastes in time, money, and space. Our well-coordinated team is always working behind the scenes to take care of the community. We regularly review patients’ data to make sure they are up to date on their routine health screenings, and we call them if something needs to be addressed. This proactive type of care reduces emergency department visits and helps maintain the overall health of the community. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8OBUh9ADf7g" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The GBMC Internal Medicine Residency Program recognizes the need for primary care physicians who can heal and lead in all corners of the U.S. healthcare space. As an agile independent hospital in the Baltimore area dedicated to quality and reliability, in close proximity to government and CMS (a driver of innovation in healthcare), in the only state with a global payment system, and with affiliations to Johns Hopkins University, we are well-positioned to prepare our trainees to adapt to and lead change in healthcare. From a scholarship perspective, our department leads the country in supporting a widely circulated medical journal (JCHIMP). We prepare our residents for the many forces which will disrupt, reshape and shift the U.S. healthcare system from the way we know it today. These forces include rapid developments in artificial intelligence and other electronic tools, financial pressures, patient expectations, new therapies, demographic shifts, and the necessity to create a resilient and supportive community that might thrive in this environment. To be successful in this changing environment, residents will need both solid foundational diagnostic and management skills and flexible problem solving and leadership skills. GBMC seeks to match medical students with a strong desire to engage these challenges, whether through patient safety and quality, business of medicine, data management and analysis, education, team leadership, or advocacy. We hope that you will give us an opportunity to interview you and show you how our program will evolve in the next year to be the leader in primary care training. <a href="/node/2201">Read more about our program here</a>. </p>
<p class="article-body"> GBMC Health Partners is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at the corner of York and Padonia Roads in Lutherville-Timonium! GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Padonia will begin seeing patients on Monday, October 12. This brand-new, 14,000-square-foot space offers advanced primary care, gynecology, urogynecology, pelvic floor therapy, orthopaedics, and physical therapy services in a safe, comfortable, and patient-centered setting. <br> <br> Similar to our Family Care Associates practice on the GBMC campus, the Padonia office has no waiting rooms. This allows patients to go directly to their exam rooms, eliminating wastes in time, money, and space. Our well-coordinated team is always working behind the scenes to take care of the community. We regularly review patients’ data to make sure they are up to date on their routine health screenings, and we call them if something needs to be addressed. This proactive type of care reduces emergency department visits and helps maintain the overall health of the community. <br> <br> To make an appointment with one of the primary care providers at Padonia – Sarah Whiteford, MD, Jon Hennessee, DO, or Kelsey Terrones, CRNP – please call 443-849-2707 before October 12. After October 12, you may reach the office by calling 443-589-5252. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> While the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis presented huge challenges to the healthcare system, it also provided opportunities for innovation in the field of patient care. GBMC’s mission is to every patient, every time, provide the care we would want for our loved ones, and the <a href="/node/2352" target="_blank">Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence at GBMC</a> truly took that to heart over the past six months. <br> <br> For those with hearing loss, the pandemic has been especially difficult. The widespread adoption of face coverings muffles the voice and visually blocks the mouth, making it challenging to hear and impossible to lip read. With impacted communication, many cochlear patients and those with hearing loss have struggled with feelings of isolation. It became apparent that ensuring optimal performance was critical. Unfortunately, during the time that in-person care was provided for emergent cases only, the Cochlear Implant Center found it challenging to provide service to patients in need of care. <br> <br> The staff at the Center recognized patients’ needs and the fact there would be a backlog of patients when restrictions were lifted. They decided to reevaluate their current protocols to ensure patients were receiving the most comprehensive and efficient care possible. Using GBMC’s Model for Improvement – Plan, Do, Study, Act – the Center began to examine patient data, both within the GBMC HealthCare System and from other Cochlear Implant Centers around the world. <br> <br> <u>Plan: Develop a Hypothesis</u> <br> <br> When analyzing patient attrition rates (the rate of patients lost to follow up), the staff discovered that many patients, both at GBMC and globally, stop seeking care approximately one year after implant surgery. The Center typically offers annual follow-ups, and they hypothesized that these follow-ups may not actually be necessary to ensuring positive patient outcomes. <br> <br> <u>Do: Conduct an Experiment</u> <br> <br> The Center’s staff reached out to previous patients and other hearing health experts to evaluate the effectiveness of post-activation follow-ups and determine which ones were clinically important. They participated in virtual national conventions and outreach programs to better understand strong clinical protocols and efficient practices. They found that many patients stop seeking care because they were performing well and did not feel that office visits were necessary on an annual basis. <br> <br> <u>Study: Evaluate the Results</u> <br> <br> After confirming that some follow-ups were not audiologically necessary, the Center looked into ways that the time for those follow-ups could be redirected to care for new patients. “Our goal is to serve more people without jeopardizing current patient care,” said Regina Presley, Au.D., FAAA, CCC/A, Senior Cochlear Implant Audiologist. “We want to develop high quality care in a way that creates a seamless transition for our patients.” <br> <br> <u>Act: Refine, Standardize, and Stabilize Protocols</u> <br> <br> The Center is now implementing a revised protocol and sharing the results with others in the medical community through publications and international presentations. They are educating both patients and colleagues about the services offered at the Center to ensure that patients have access to hearing healthcare. Hearing is vital to communication, education, occupation, and overall health. Hearing loss has been linked to dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, just to name a few. It affects many aspects of a patient’s wellness and by sharing data with primary care providers and other specialists, the Center is ensuring that patients receive care not only for their hearing health, but for their health overall. <br> <br> During these unprecedented times, the Center continued to strive towards better care during the pandemic. In April, the Center participated in a <a href="/node/4122" target="_blank">controlled market release of Remote Check</a>, a brand-new technology that allows clinicians to virtually assess and troubleshoot cochlear implants. GBMC was one of just 10 centers across the country chosen to be part of the initial release. Staff also worked to enhance care for patients who could not be treated remotely through curbside service and office modification. They utilized an existing observation room and video captioning technology to communicate. With a physical barrier in place to protect both the patient and clinician, providers were able to remove their masks to allow patients to see the visual cues they rely upon for communication. <br> <br> In addition, clinicians in the Center dedicated time to creating educational and rehabilitative materials to help patients and their caregivers navigate through the cochlear implant journey from start to finish. These new materials help patients create realistic expectations and track their progress as they adapt to their cochlear implant. The Center is sharing these resources with other hearing professionals across the country and is serving as an example for cochlear centers nationwide. <br> <br> GBMC is incredibly proud of every member of the Cochlear Implant Center team. Thank you for your dedication to continuous improvement and for the amazing care that you provide to patients every day! </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qEXw8d-r4U" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Having to find a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether the provider will be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. <br> <br> In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Stephanie Wappel, MD, a sleep and pulmonary medicine physician at GBMC Health Partners Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. They discussed sleep apnea, a condition that often goes undiagnosed but that can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life. <br> <br> “The factors that increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea include high blood pressure, a BMI over 35, being age 50 or older, a neck circumference of 17 inches or more in men and 16 inches or more in women, and being male,” explained Dr. Wappel. “Some of the common indicators of sleep apnea are snoring, being tired during the day, and waking up gasping for air while sleeping. Fortunately, we have a wide range of treatment options to help people with this condition.” <br> <br> The process of diagnosing sleep apnea begins with a sleep study, which can be conducted at home or at GBMC’s sleep lab. For the home test, a device will be mailed to you and you wear it while sleeping for two nights, then mail it back to GBMC. The device tracks your breathing, blood oxygen levels, and whether you snore or gasp in your sleep. <br> <br> If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, there are several different types of treatment. The choice of treatment is based on how many times your airway collapses while sleeping, an indicator of the severity of your condition. <br> <br> “CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices are the most effective treatment for most patients,” said Dr. Wappel. “There are also mouthguards that reposition the jaw to help keep your airway open. In cases of severe obstructive sleep apnea, surgical treatments can be effective. We work with all our patients to figure out what option will work best for them.” Lifestyle changes, especially losing weight if you are overweight, can also lessen the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. “Losing weight can make a big difference and can lead to near or complete resolution of sleep apnea,” added Dr. Wappel. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/806mFkM-b38" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Meet Dr. Benjamin Lowentritt, Urologist Having to find a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether the provider will be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. <br> <br> In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Benjamin Lowentritt, MD, FACS, Medical Director of GBMC’s Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Program and Director of Robotics, about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. <br> <br> “Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men,” Dr. Lowentritt explained. “It affects between one in seven and one in nine men during their lifetime and it’s the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. The good news is that when prostate cancer is found early, it’s often more treatable, so that’s why we encourage all men age 50 and older and men with a family history of prostate cancer or breast or ovarian cancer to talk with their primary care physician about what screening schedule is appropriate for them.” <br> <br> Typically, prostate cancer screening includes a blood test called a PSA test, which looks at the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, and a digital rectal exam. If test results are abnormal, you’ll be referred to a urologist, who will repeat the PSA test and can also order new blood and urine tests that can help determine prostate cancer risk. If these tests suggest a cancer diagnosis, the next step is a needle biopsy, which can be done under local anesthetic or sedation. <br> <br> “Prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms until it’s in its advanced stages,” said Dr. Lowentritt. “That’s why it’s important to be proactive with screening. Once a patient is experiencing symptoms, it’s often too late for effective treatment.” <br> <br> Dr. Lowentritt explained that the gold standard treatments for prostate cancer, surgery and radiation, achieve equivalent long-term results. If you do choose surgery, Dr. Lowentritt performs the majority of procedures laparoscopically with the assistance of a robotic surgery system. “The incisions are less than an inch long and the robot allows us to work within the tight space of the pelvis with a full range of motion that wouldn’t be possible manually,” he said. “Deciding which treatment to pursue can be a difficult decision,” he added. “Talking with your urologist about the different side effects of each treatment can help men make this complex decision. For me, it’s very rewarding to guide my patients through the process of making this decision.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7qjO2tqzEpM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Having to find a new healthcare provider can be a daunting task. It’s difficult to know whether the provider will be a good fit for you from just a biography and a photo online. In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews providers across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their specialties. In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews Joel Turner, MD, Vice Chair, Department of Surgery, and an endocrine surgeon, about treatment for conditions that affect the thyroid. <br> <br> Dr. Turner has been practicing at GBMC since 1999 and has performed approximately 3,000 endocrine surgeries on the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands during that time. One of the most common surgeries he performs is thyroidectomy (the removal or partial removal of the thyroid gland). <br> <br> “Thyroid problems can affect people at any age, from teens to people in their 80’s and older. Patients who notice a lump in the area of the thyroid or experience symptoms of thyroid problem such as fatigue, hoarseness, or pressure in the area around the thyroid are referred to me by primary care physicians and endocrinologists,” he explained. “The next step is to perform a biopsy of the nodule to determine whether the nodule is cancerous. The good news is that 90% of thyroid nodules are benign.” If a patient does have thyroid cancer, Dr. Turner will remove either half or all of the gland. And while many patients worry that thyroidectomy will cause weight gain or leave them with an unsightly scar, Dr. Turner said the surgery has been finetuned a great deal in recent years. “From a cosmetic perspective, the incision is only about two inches and I place it in a normal crease in the skin on the neck, so you can’t see it on most people. In terms of worries about weight gain, after a total thyroidectomy, patients take hormone therapy medication that prevents hyper- and hypothyroidism and most experience no change in weight at all.” </p>
