<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/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/_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/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>
<p class="article-body"> <em>Baltimore</em> Magazine's best nurses are at GBMC! Eight of GBMC HealthCare’s outstanding nurses have been recognized as Baltimore Magazine’s 2020 Excellence in Nursing winners! GBMC is extremely proud of all its caregivers and congratulates the following nurses on their well-deserved honor: <br> <br> <em>First row (left to right):</em> <br> Jennifer Babcock, BSN, RN, CHPN - Gilchrist Center Baltimore <br> Theresa Breitenbach, RNC, BSN - NICU <br> Jennifer Nicole Chen, RN - Gilchrist Center Towson <br> Laura Clary, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A – SAFE <br> <br> <em>Second row (left to right)</em> <br> Melissa Cross, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, CEN– SAFE <br> Carolyn Keller, MS, RN, NE-BC - U36 <br> Kelly Lucas, MSN, RNC-OB– Labor & Delivery <br> Corin Mauldin, BSN, RN – NICU <br> <br> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> For some, working remotely during the global pandemic can make it more difficult to complete tasks and communicate. But for people like Megan Brasauskas, LCSW-C, Coordinator for the GBMC Center for the Protection of Children, the implications could be much more serious. <br> <br> Prior to the first wave of COVID-19 and the closure of the state, Megan, alongside Sara Eleoff Van Durme, MD, MPH, FAAP, physician lead for the Center, and their team were seeing an increase in patients, especially crisis patients, in the Emergency Department. Since then, volumes have significantly decreased causing a major concern for the team. <br> <br> "We are worried that the chance of child abuse is increasing right now because of all the factors of COVID-19 that families are facing: people are out of work, people are home, and they are not getting out of the house," Megan said. "But, unfortunately, because there are less eyes on the children, we are seeing less reports. Schools are a primary resource for reporting abuse and neglect. When kids aren't in school, a decline in reporting occurs. There's a lot of research articles out right now surrounding the concern of an increase in unreported abuse.” <br> <br> The GBMC Center for the Protection of Children works with victims across the spectrum of child maltreatment including physical abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, neglect and substance-exposed newborns. It is made up of a multi-disciplinary team working to identify, evaluate and manage children who may be victims of maltreatment. <br> <br> "We're the only hospital in Baltimore County that has this program, and actually, the only other hospital in the state that has this program is Johns Hopkins," Megan said. "But the way the city is set up, sexual abuse cases go to University of Maryland Medical Center and physical abuse cases go to Johns Hopkins. Whereas the uniqueness of GBMC is we can provide sexual and physical abuse care services for everyone. We’re able to provide that ‘one-stop shop’ so to speak." <br> <br> It's a heavy load that is becoming more taxing with the uncertainty and concern for children in the community during this time, but Megan is working harder than ever to take care of children and it shows. <br> <br> "She definitely doesn’t do this job for the recognition or seek it, but she certainly deserves it," Emily <br> Smith, LMSW, a social worker for maternal health at GBMC, said. "My office is next to hers, and I can see and hear how hard she is working to stay in contact with the local DSS (Department of Social Services) offices and other organizations to best serve the children in our community during these unprecedented times. We have both expressed our worry with children being out of school and the lack of mandated reporting that is likely occurring as a result." <br> <br> Even with phases of reopening sweeping across Maryland, hospitals are still the primary source of identification for these vulnerable children in addition to individuals staying vigilant of their neighbors and friends. <br> <br> "Our staff, when we started the program, all completed training on what to look for when treating a child in the Emergency Department and how to recognize abuse," Megan said, "Our pediatric nurses and doctors are very good about identifying red flags and any time there is a concern they call me directly." <br> <br> For community members, the best way to help is to stay educated. The Baltimore County Police Department Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit is the best place to call (410-853-3650) if you suspect child abuse or maltreatment, and GBMC (443-849-STOP) continues to serve as a community resource for everyone seeking help as well. The Center for Protection of Children team partners externally with DSS, the CAC Unit, the Child Advocacy Center and more to ensure full coverage of help and service for children, but works most closely internally with GBMC's Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) and Domestic Violence (DV) program. Both teams have adapted their admissions process to bypass the Emergency Department as much as possible in order to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Families should feel safe bringing children to GBMC if they need to for these cases. <br> <br> Unfortunately, during a pandemic or not, abuse is still prevalent. GBMC is grateful to have the Center for the Protection of Children, Megan and the team to serve when families and victims need them most. </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KXUwac7I7mU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Did you know that one out of every thousand babies born in the United States has a cleft lip and/or palate? Patrick Byrne, MBA, MD, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at GBMC, explains the condition and how it affects the children experiencing it. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ka1Fim9OUDY" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Felicity Kirby, RN, BSN, OCN, Survivorship Coordinator at GBMC, explains cancer survivorship and talks about the services available cancer patients at GBMC. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IY-lGvqp71Q" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Robin Motter-Mast, DO, Medical Director, Primary Care at GBMC, describes how <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">telehealth video visits</a> help patients during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h17y7HSDhpw?list=PLyZD8LRG_xb2eAtG-qUYXTxVRGLDBRPkA" 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 they’ll 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 Keri Ryniak, RD, CSO, LDN, CNSC, oncology dietitian at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Cancer Center at GBMC, to talk about the role diet plays in cancer treatment. <br> <br> There is a lot of information, some true and some false, about what cancer patients should be eating during treatment. This can be incredibly overwhelming, so Keri tries to meet her patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis. “I like meeting with patients right from the beginning so that I can establish a rapport with them and help them with any questions they might have,” she expressed. While Keri is a member of the team at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Cancer Center at GBMC, she provides services free of charge to <em>any</em> cancer patient at GBMC. <br> <br> Each person experiences cancer differently, and Keri is committed to meeting patients where they are. “If a patient is receiving chemotherapy, I pull a chair right next to the chair they’re sitting in and we’ll have a conversation there,” she described. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused her workflow to look a little different, but Keri makes sure to always be fully present with her patients. Like every GBMC provider, Keri now wears personal protective equipment (PPE) during every patient interaction (<a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">click here to learn more about the safety measures being taken at GBMC</a>) and practices physical distancing with her patients. In addition to in-person care, she is also providing care over the phone and through <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">telehealth video visits</a>. <br> <br> Oncology dietetics is unique in the field. “It’s difficult as a dietitian, but sometimes I have to suggest that patients to do the opposite of what is healthy just to get them through treatment,” Keri explained. Cancer treatment can cause significant fatigue and sometimes a frozen meal or takeout is the best option for a patient. For others, it may be hard to eat solid food at all, in which case, Keri often recommends supplemental shakes similar to those given to children who aren’t getting enough nutrition. “I spend a lot of time telling people that they don’t have to eat perfectly during treatment,” she said. <br> <br> Keri decided that she wanted to be an oncology dietitian during her last semester of college. “My oncology rotation was my final rotation and I fell in love. I’ve been lucky enough to work in oncology ever since then.” She was drawn to oncology because of the ongoing relationships she is able to form with her patients. She is able to meet with them on a regular basis and has known some of her patients for more than ten years. <br> <br> When asked why she chose GBMC, Keri responded: “I love that I can walk down the halls of GBMC and everyone says ‘Hi’ to everybody. That hasn’t happened at any other institution I’ve worked at and it’s one of the things that I think makes GBMC so remarkable.” She previously worked at a large academic institution and felt that she couldn’t provide the personal care that she wanted to for her patients – this isn’t the case at GBMC. “The team is incredibly supportive, and no one tries to hold me back if I have a new idea. It’s wonderful.” To learn more about oncology dietetics and other cancer services at GBMC, visit <a href="/node/2190" target="_blank">www.gbmc.org/cancer</a>. You can also ask your nurse or physician about Keri or call her directly at 443-849-8186. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wKPCfy-3uw8" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In this era of healthcare reform, GBMC is moving toward a patient-centered, evidence-based medicine model where physicians and care teams focus on a patient's overall wellness and long-term care rather than episodic care. To accomplish this, we are making significant investments in healthcare information technology (EMR, CPOE) and are building a network of hospital and community-based healthcare providers (GBHA) to deliver integrated and coordinated care. <br> <br> We are moving into the future with renewed energy and increasing insight and have adopted a new vision: "To every patient, every time, we will provide the care that we would want for our own loved ones." </p>
<embedded-content data-plugin-config="{"video_content_config":{"video_image":[],"video_image_alt":"","video_upload":[],"video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ylNgY_5G614","video_url":""},"video_style_config":{"video_background_color":{"settings":{"color":""}},"video_play_background_color":{"settings":{"color":""}},"video_play_opacity":"","video_play_color":{"settings":{"color":""}}}}" data-plugin-id="embedded_video"> </embedded-content><p class="article-body"><em>*This interview was recorded on June 17, 2020. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC website at </em><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank"><em>www.cdc.gov</em></a><em>*</em> </p><p class="article-body">The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been the predominant topic in healthcare for several months, but other health issues have not gone away. Unfortunately, many people have delayed their care for fear of the virus, which may have very serious consequences. John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare, joined WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to talk about why it’s critical for people to come to the hospital when they need medical care and what GBMC is doing to keep patients safe. </p><p class="article-body">Throughout the pandemic, especially in the past few weeks, the number of COVID-19 positive patients and patients under investigation (PUI) at GBMC has held relatively steady. “We’ve been very lucky,” Dr. Chessare explained. “Since the beginning of the outbreak, people have followed the Governor’s guidance – they maintained physical distancing and washed their hands frequently – so we didn’t get a significant number of cases.” </p><p class="article-body">Dr. Chessare emphasized that it’s crucial for patients to continue their care and come to the hospital if they need to. He pointed to data from New York City that found a substantial number of people had died in their homes from heart attack or stroke because they had been too afraid to go to the emergency department. He urged anyone who is having an emergency to come and get the help they need. </p><p class="article-body"><a href="/node/3704" target="_blank">GBMC has many safety measures in place</a>, including, but not limited to, extensive cleaning in between patients and throughout the day, temperature screenings at entrances, requiring visitors and staff to wear masks, and more. Every employee at GBMC who has direct patient interaction wears full personal protective equipment to protect themselves and the patients they care for. For non-emergent health issues, GBMC offers <a href="/node/4383" target="_blank">telehealth video visits</a> to all patients. </p><p class="article-body">GBMC tests all patients scheduled to have elective surgeries for COVID-19 in a separate building on its campus before their procedure. This prevents patients who may have contracted the virus from coming to the hospital and potentially spreading it to others. </p><p class="article-body">Many are concerned about a second wave of COVID-19, but Dr. Chessare assured listeners that GBMC is still on full alert and prepared to handle a spike in cases. “We are standing ready if the number of cases starts going back up,” he explained. He encouraged people to continue following public health safety measures such as physical distancing and hand washing to prevent further spread of the virus. He also expressed that while people need to remain diligent, they should not be “over-afraid” if they follow all of the safety precautions. </p><p class="article-body">It’s impossible to predict the full impact of people putting off their care, but GBMC is proactively working to minimize the negative consequences. “We don’t want to wait for research to determine the additional negative health effects of COVID-19,” said Dr. Chessare. “We want to be in action now to prevent these outcomes from happening.” Particularly concerning is the postponement of children’s vaccinations and screening procedures like colonoscopies. Getting behind on vaccinations may cause future outbreaks of other illnesses and putting off screenings can make it much more difficult to treat otherwise preventable diseases. </p><p class="article-body">When asked what he wanted to tell the community, Dr. Chessare responded: “Thank you for maintaining physical distancing and washing your hands. We want people to know that they are safe at GBMC, in any of our GBMC Health Partners physician offices, and at Gilchrist. If you need help, please call us or come to the emergency department.” <em>*Click here for more information and articles about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em></p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u2ksZm8TMuA" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Jennifer Heller, MD, Medical Director of The Wound Center at GBMC, explains the latest technology available for healing chronic wounds at GBMC. </p>
<p class="article-body"> 80 days. It’s been 80 days since my unit became the COVID-19 floor. I remember dating my PPE bag 3/25 as my boss was making the announcement that we were going to only have COVID patients. We had to wear masks at all times, we had to start being screened for fevers and get the same, repetitive question at the door, “do you have any symptoms?” <br> <br> It’s been 80 days. In these 80 days, I’ve seen more death and decline than in my entire career. I’ve seen so many families torn apart from this virus - all from behind a FaceTime screen since we don’t allow visitors at the moment. I’ve seen perfectly healthy individuals dance around the grave - and it’s our job to fix them. One minute they’re stable, the next they’re laying on their bellies getting intubated. And the only person there is someone behind a giant blue trash bag-like gown, a mask, and face shield. They can’t even see our faces. <br> <br> For 80 days, we’ve had to fear bringing this home to our families. Stripping at the door and showering before you even make contact with loved ones. Shoes in a bag in your car. Every day - new scrubs, scrub cap, and mask. Change shoes in the car. Wipe them off before you leave your shift. Every. Single. Day. <br> <br> For 80 days, we’ve worn masks for 13 hours straight, swapping between a surgical mask and an n95. We’ve worn gowns in every room, changed gloves over and over again, washed our hands nonstop. Our ears, nose, and hands are rubbed raw. <br> <br> For 80 days, it’s been engrained into our brain. Wash your hands, put on a gown, gloves, mask, shield, strip your gloves, wash your hands, new gloves, enter room. Over and over and over again. Before you leave the room, strip your gown, pull gloves off with it. Ball it up so the Covid stays inside. Wash your hands. New gloves. Take off mask and face shield. Wipe down face shield. Put in the paper bag. Take off gloves. Wash hands again. Wipe down all equipment. Over and over and over again. For 80 days. <br> <br> For 80 whole days, my patience and strength has been tried. I’ve been pushed to my limits. I’ve been family for patients who need us. I’ve been taught what it really means to be a nurse. <br> <br> The country is beginning to reopen, but this is not over. It’s not going to end soon. Please, as you all go out and enjoy your summers, wear a mask. I know its a pain, but a surgical mask is better than a ventilator. Stay away from large gatherings as much as possible. Wash your hands. I promise, from the other end of things, the country reopening is scary. So give us some time, some patience, and some love. We really need it. <br> <br> Love, <br> <br> Your exhausted COVID 19 nurses <br> <br> <a href="https://www.wmar2news.com/news/coronavirus/nurse-shares-experiences-working-80-days-in-covid-19-unit" target="_blank">Click here to watch Avery's interview on WMAR 2 News.</a> <br> <br> <em>*Click here for more information and articles about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*</em> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
