<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIJV7Ej6cU0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Very few members of the community know what GBMC’s state-of-the-art Simulation Innovation Center is, and even fewer have gotten to see inside of it. The 4,000-square-foot center is home to replicas of multiple types of hospital environments and hi-fidelity mannekins that mimic living patients. The mannekins are programmed to breathe, have pulses, and perform other bodily functions so that staff members can complete training on them, rather than a human being. Instructors sit within a control room, operating the mannekins from behind the scenes and observing staff members as they care for the “patient” and work through problems as a team. This allows staff to train in a safer environment, starting IVs, administering medications, and putting mannekins on ventilators without risking harm. This type of realistic learning is especially important for practicing the skills needed during “low frequency, high acuity” medical scenarios. </p>
<p class="article-body"> No one plans for a trip to the Emergency Department (ED) or the hospital. When the visit involves a child, it can be even more stressful for everyone involved. The Child Life Program at GBMC is there to make the visit a little less uncertain. <br> <br> "Our main job is to help educate and normalize the hospital experience for patients and their families," says Certified Child Life Specialist Jennifer Seiler, MED, CCLS. "We help children understand the reason they're in the hospital and prepare them for the experiences they're going to encounter." <br> <br> Seiler said those experiences can look different depending on the unit the child is visiting. The Child Life Program has specialists in several GBMC pediatric care units, the pediatric combined care unit (ED and inpatient), pediatric surgeries in the Women & Children's Outpatient Surgical Center, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). <br> <br> "Younger children often feel hospitalization is a punishment for something they did wrong, so we help ease their fears through play and conversation," Seiler says. "We let them ask questions, read books, watch the doctors, and play role reversal with a teaching doll." <br> <br> Seiler says the specialists are also there to support the parents. "They're often more nervous than the kids, so we talk to them about who they're going to meet and what's going to happen next with their child's treatment." <br> <br> Seiler emphasizes that the goal is to build trust with the medical staff and familiarize the children with any procedures they need. Accomplishing this goal eases anxieties for both the patient and family members. <br> <br> The specialists in the Surgical Center play more of a preparatory role: meeting with families before the child's scheduled surgery, getting to know the family, and explaining ways to help the child prepare and feel more comfortable with the surgical visit. <br> <br> The Child Life Program has specialists in several GBMC pediatric care units, helping children and families prepare for the stresses of going to the hospital. <br> <br> "We encourage families to use play medical equipment at home and practice taking deep breaths to keep the kids calm before going under anesthesia," Seiler explains. "The conversations prior to surgery also allow families to ask questions and know how the day of the surgery will play out." <br> <br> The focus in the NICU tends to gear more toward the parents and families of the patients, Seiler says. <br> <br> "Because the babies are so small, a lot of families either don't know how or are afraid to bond with them. We promote and encourage bonding in a way that's both comfortable for the families and beneficial to the babies' development." <br> <br> Child Life Specialists also help provide developmental stimulation and support for parents and family members who can't be in the NICU as often as they'd like during the baby's stay. <br> <br> "We have voice recorder books and will have families leave articles of clothing to familiarize the child with their smell," Seiler says. "We help bridge the gap when families can't be there 24 hours a day." <br> <br> Child Life Specialists are available seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., in the Pediatric ED and Inpatient Unit, and during normal business hours in the Surgical Center and NICU. The specialists are available at no cost to any child receiving care. Seiler encourages families to reach out if they're interested in working with a Child Life Specialist and emphasized they're there to help. <br> <br> "We wear pink, and we're easy to see," Seiler says. "Families can always ask to call for a Child Life Specialist if they're needed outside normal hours." <br> <br> <a href="/node/2341">Learn more about the Child Life Program at GBMC.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> Head and neck cancers have a variety of causes, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, alcohol and tobacco use, sun exposure, poor oral health, or occupational exposure to hazardous materials. Regardless of the cancer's cause, recovery often depends on how quickly a patient can begin treatment. The experience of starting treatment is of particular interest to Farzad Masroor, M.D., a surgeon at GBMC's Milton J. Dance, Jr. Head and Neck Center, and his team. <br> <br> "The head and neck areas are how we interface with the world," he said. "The mouth and throat are vital to talking and tasting, and when treatments focus on those areas, it will invariably affect a patient's quality of life." <br> <br> To help minimize the need for invasive treatments like surgery and radiation, Dr. Masroor and his colleagues prioritize early detection and care to yield the best possible outcomes. <br> <br> Although patients are encouraged to see their primary physicians or dermatologists before making an appointment with a surgeon, Dr. Masroor also recommends that patients refer themselves if they are concerned that cancer is present. <br> <br> "I would rather see my office filled with people who I can reassure about their health than have patients delay care and end up with something seriously wrong that requires a significant procedure," he said. <br> <br> Courtesy phone consultations with a head and neck surgeon at the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Center are available for patients in these instances. Though these are not designed to replace in-person visits, they allow patients to seek reassurance or validation about medical concerns from a professional. <br> <br> "We live in a time when you can communicate with someone on the other side of the world, yet for some reason in healthcare, we place all these barriers between effective doctor/patient communication," he said. "A consultation can involve reassuring a patient who's seen multiple providers and just needs another set of ears to [listen and give] a second opinion." <br> <br> Phone consultations are a newer service being offered by the Milton J. Dance, Jr. Center due to need and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team plans to continue them in the future. <br> <br> "I don't think what we're doing here is common practice," he said. "But we know open communication between doctors and patients is better for everyone, and it ties into our broader mission to get patients to a timely diagnosis." <br> <br> To learn more about Dr. Masroor and his team's work, visit <a href="/node/2428">www.gbmc.orghttps://www.gbmc.org/headandnecksurgery.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hUezHusB8WI" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Vein Center at GBMC offers expertise and technology to address the entire spectrum of venous issues – from the diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions like varicose veins to cosmetic procedures like sclerotherapy. Varicose veins form when the valves responsible for pushing blood up towards the heart and sealing off blood from coming back down malfunction, which can cause blood to leak back down and pool in the vein. Varicose veins are more common in women and have a genetic component to them. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SPEsJCCikBk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4991cf20e515f2a4b71131d2390f7ee4.jpg" alt="Kimberly Blay"> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> Kim Blay is a neonatal advanced practitioner who supports the Child Life Program at GBMC. Giving and compassionate, she serves all children, no matter who they are. Regardless of their age, color, or creed, if a child is in need, she is one of the first to volunteer her help. <br> <br> Kim comes to work with a dedicated, cheerful demeanor. She wants to help others and ensures that not only are her patients well cared for, but that her colleagues are cared for, too. <br> <br> She performs an amazing amount of community service. Last year, Kim hand-decorated a tree for the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees in honor of her daughter, Zara, who passed away two years ago. The decorated trees are then sold to raise money for the Kennedy Krieger Institute. <br> <br> Kim has also traveled outside of the country to Campamento El Guacio in Puerto Rico. After the recent earthquakes, she raised money to participate in a mission trip to give back to the people of the country. She spent a full week there (but much longer preparing to go) helping a local farmer who was still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Kim helped with roof repair, painting, and many cleanup projects. Her team prayed and shared discussions with some of the Puerto Rican people who were incredibly grateful for their assistance. She also helped to build a roof for a half-blind woman, cleaned debris, painted, and sawed wood. She felt the immense determination of the Puerto Rican people who had no power or running water for so long. <br> <br> In addition to supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the Child Life Programs at Johns Hopkins and GBMC, Kim believes in giving the gift of life. As such, she advocates for and supports the American Red Cross as often as she can. Several times a year, including on the anniversary of her daughter's passing, she donates blood and platelets. She knows all too well how critical the need for blood products is from Zara's time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. <br> <br> Kim is also an advocate for The Compassionate Friends. With a network of more than 600 chapters and locations in all 50 states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, The Compassionate Friends provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child. Kim is a trusted friend to others who are going through grief. She attends a regular conferences and participates in retreats and outings. We are thrilled to celebrate Kim as a woman of great inspiration and courage. HERstory is another great example of the phenomenal women at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EepRByx1HO4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e4fd254d444efb5d51bb3b3839506da1.jpg" alt="Johanna Supensky"> <figcaption> Johanna Supensky, Surgical Procurement Billing Specialist </figcaption> </figure> Johanna Supensky has been a GBMC HealthCare employee for 23 years. Johanna’s compassion for her department and colleagues, along with her zest for life, shines through every interaction. <br> <br> When COVID first hit in early 2020, Johanna recognized the impact, havoc, and uncertainty the pandemic was having on her co-workers' lives. She identified that staff were fearful and concerned about what would happen to them personally should they or a loved one became ill. She recognized how the patients were coping without family during their hospitalization. She noted how staff members were adjusting to supply constraints and changes to their jobs, and she saw the overall impact to the hospital. <br> <br> During this time of concern, Johanna wanted to uplift and bolster the spirits of those around her to let them know it was okay to experience an array of emotions in the face of uncertainty. She drafted the following statement to share with her team: <h3> Sharing Words of Inspiration – Covid-19 </h3> <blockquote> Sometimes I think I’m the luckiest person in the world. There is nothing better than having work that you enjoy and care about. Frequently I feel my greatest problem is lack of confidence. I’m scared, which I think that can be healthy. I feel confident some days and lucky on others. I survived WW-II, disease, and disaster during my lifetime. Now I will need to survive Covid-19. Changing emotions are part of the normal living process. We all need to maintain a good life balance. It is good that fear makes us cautious, but too much fear can immobilize us. We should always take charge of our emotions to make them work for us and bring stability to our lives. The world has changed. Please take Covid-19 seriously. May you and your loved ones stay healthy and may God bless. </blockquote> <br> During the recent cyber-attack, Johanna was the first person on the team to volunteer to help outside of her normal work hours - in any capacity - if she could assist the staff and patients in any way. During recent inclement weather, Johanna spent at least 5 nights in the hospital to ensure she would be to work on time in the morning, so supplies would be in place to care for the GOR patients that day. <br> <br> Johanna is a woman who, as shared in her words of inspiration, lived through WWII. Many may not know that Johanna was in a concentration camp from the time she was 4 years old to 7 years old. She has seen tragedy first hand and lived through atrocities none of us will hopefully ever see. She has a fascinating story and has experienced so much in her lifetime. She's been a business owner and has been very active in the community running art expos and working on staging and set design for local theater. Yet, during the initial days of COVID, one of her first concerns was not for herself, but for her coworkers at GBMC who are much like a second family to her. She wanted to share her words as a beacon of hope for others when life seemed bleak during the peak of quarantine. We are thrilled to celebrate Johanna as a woman of great inspiration and courage. HERstory is another great example of the phenomenal women at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Le7dpPXiko" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/4cc1c48f6099541cd7a3fa7ee25fbe13.jpg" alt="Amy Gueydan"> <figcaption> Amy Gueydan, Quality Outcomes Manager </figcaption> </figure> Amy Gueydan has been a GBMC employee for more than two decades. Prior to joining the Quality & Patient Safety department, Amy worked with the EPIC team and was an analyst for Infection Control and Radiology. <br> <br> Amy’s first day in her new role in Quality happened to be the first day COVID-19 really began making its presence known. Even on her first day in the department, with the challenges of COVID and the beginning of the Baldridge application process, Amy remained positive and quickly jumped in as an instrumental team member. Amy is constantly researching and studying to become more knowledgeable related to core measures. <br> <br> During the computer downtime, Amy was the first to volunteer to work nights; she never complained and was happy to pitch in. While pitching in as a runner, Amy also studied for the NSQIP certification and passed with a perfect score. Amy always displays the GREATER behaviors -- she helps her team, is kind and supportive, and has a positive can-do attitude that is evident to her whole team. <br> <br> Amy is devoted to her family and is a loving, mother, grandmother, and wife. She hopes her story inspires other women to accomplish anything they put their minds to, live in their purpose, and surround themselves with others who inspire and influence them to achieve excellence. Amy’s story, like many other women at GBMC, is worthy of celebration and we are excited to spotlight and celebrate Amy as part of Spotlighting HERstory: Celebrating Women’s History Month at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Z6xg1Be3ws" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <figure class="image-left"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/c6a5a2353c095be751a86a9692061c0d.jpg" alt="Tyra Curley, Chaplain"> <figcaption> Tyra Curley, Chaplain </figcaption> </figure> Tyra Curley has been a GBMC HealthCare employee for six years. As a chaplain for Gilchrist Hospice Care, Tyra goes into people’s homes, embraces diversity, and accepts people for who they are and where they are. She is constant and dependable. <br> <br> In addition to the outstanding work she performs for Gilchrist, Tyra also volunteers at City Temple of Baltimore, a Baptist Church located in Baltimore City. City Temple’s goal is to provide a meal, clothes, and shelter to those in need. Additionally, the organization ministers to and visits incarcerated adults. City Temple serves anyone in need, no matter who they are, the color of their skin or religious affiliation. <br> <br> Tyra’s service extends beyond the community and work; she also serves a primary caregiver for her family members. <br> <br> Tyra does all this quietly behind the scenes, never expecting recognition. Those who work alongside Tyra in the community and at work, cannot say enough good things about her. She is available, she is an advocate, a counselor, and a volunteer to feed the hungry. As we celebrate the great women at GBMC who make an impact in the organization and the community, Tyra’s story is worthy of sharing and we are excited to spotlight and Tyra as part of Spotlighting Women’s History Month at GBMC.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEQmho2eBBc" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> GBMC HealthCare President and CEO, John Chessare, MD MPH, sits down with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski and Mrs. Jacqueline Hrabowski to commemorate Black History Month - 2021. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQKImkboG1M" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> There has been a lot of concern about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the State of Maryland and across the country. To help answer some of the public’s questions, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC, joined WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to explain local vaccine distribution and how GBMC is responding to the ever-changing situation. <br> <br> “Our team has done a remarkable job,” he said, “there has been a lot in the news about the speed at which vaccines were being given, but I don’t think that’s the full story. We had to create systems that did not exist in order to immunize people.” The situation remains fluid. There is not a set schedule for when doses are delivered to hospitals or how many will come, making it challenging to plan. Each week, the State gets an allotment of vaccines from the federal government, which it then distributes to local hospitals and health departments. “We don’t actually know how many doses we are going to get from week to week,” Dr. Chessare explained, “that makes it very difficult to schedule.” <br> <br> GBMC HealthCare is following the State’s timeline for vaccinating patients and community members. Due to the limited supply of doses available, Marylanders ages 65 and over must be given priority for COVID-19 vaccine over all other groups in Phase 1B and 1C. “We are also working with school systems to vaccinate teachers and other educators,” he said. Dr. Chessare recognized the difficulty and frustration many are having making a vaccination appointment, but he urged people to be patient. <br> <br> He also assured those who have received their first dose at GBMC that there will be a second dose for them. Every morning, a team meets to go over the schedule and make sure that every single person vaccinated at GBMC will have access to their second dose. There is also a team watching throughout the day to account for last-minute cancellations and no-shows. “If they see it’s possible that a slot will go unfilled, they immediately contact someone else who can fill it. GBMC has wasted zero vaccines.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NJcwicaQOk" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is still limited, few know what being vaccinated is like, and many people have questions about the process. Emergency medicine physician, William Zirkin, MD, who was the first person at GBMC to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, participated in WBAL Radio’s Coronavirus Townhall to describe his experience. <br> <br> For the past 10 months, Dr. Zirkin’s life has looked very different than it did before the pandemic. Every day that he goes to work, he wears a mask and PPE and fully changes his clothes when he gets to his car. When he gets home, he immediately showers in order to protect his family. While the challenge of treating a new disease has been exciting for him, it is also stressful. “Compared to other diseases, this is really a unique problem because it’s so contagious and prevalent,” he explained. “You’re worried about both yourself and your patients, so it really is a completely different clinical experience for me.” <br> <br> When it was time to be vaccinated, Dr. Zirkin was the first in line. “I was thrilled to get it,” he said, “it’s been a long road, and in a few weeks when full immunity kicks in, I’ll feel really good about it.” Asked about the side effects he experienced, Dr. Zirkin described them as very minimal. “I received the Moderna vaccine. After the first dose, I had a minor headache, and after the second, I felt a little sore and tired.” He was able to go about his day without interruption. “It wasn’t a big deal at all,” he explained. <br> <br> Not everyone getting vaccinated will have the same experience. Studies have shown that it is possible to develop symptoms such as: </p> <ul> <li> Muscle aches </li> <li> Fatigue </li> <li> Headache </li> <li> Chills </li> <li> Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea </li> </ul> These symptoms should go away within 48 hours. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the vaccine can occur. There is a 15-minute observation period after every vaccination to ensure that patients stay well and receive additional care if needed. There have been no severe reactions to the vaccine at GBMC. <br> <br> Dr. Zirkin maintains an optimistic outlook. “We’re starting to see a plateau in cases and hospitalizations. I’m hopeful that as more and more people get vaccinated, we’ll be able to get back to some semblance of normal. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and GBMC’s vaccination process, visit www.gbmc.org/covid-19-vaccine-faq.
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dhDVvYaqQW4" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Finding 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 Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diana Whitehead, MD. <br> <br> Gastroenterology is truly an all-encompassing field. Dr. Whitehead describes it to her patients by saying “we take care of anywhere from the mouth to the anus.” This can include the esophagus, the intestines, the colon, and even the liver. The discussion began with one of the most important parts of Dr. Whitehead’s job – screening. Recently, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer, which highlights the need for regular screenings. For many years, it was recommended that people of average risk begin getting colonoscopies at age 50, but in October 2020, the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/american-cancer-society-updates-colorectal-cancer-screening-guideline.html" target="_blank">American Cancer Society lowered the age to 45</a>. <br> <br> Dr. Whitehead acknowledged that many patients are apprehensive about this procedure, but emphasized its importance for catching and preventing cancer. During a colonoscopy, clinicians are able to check for cancer and remove any polyps that might be found in the colon. Polyps are clumps of cells that form along the lining of the colon. While not all polyps are precancerous, many are. Removing those cells can prevent cancer from forming and potentially save that person’s life. <br> <br> Dr. Whitehead said that GBMC has almost cleared the backlog of appointments from the beginning of the pandemic, but recognized that some patients are still hesitant to come to the hospital. She assured viewers that GBMC follows significant safety precautions such as mask wearing, chairs spaced apart to maintain social distancing, protective barriers, and regular cleanings. Dr. Whitehead urged patients who are due for a colonoscopy to call and schedule one as soon as possible. <br> <br> The conversation then shifted to Dr. Whitehead’s background. She lived in the West African country of Ghana until she was 10 years old, and then moved to the United States. She spent the rest of her childhood in Germantown, MD, which she considers home. Her Ghanaian roots inspired her to go into medicine because she saw how challenging it was for some people to access healthcare there. <br> <br> After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, Dr. Whitehead travelled north for her medical training. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, and went on to a fellowship in Gastroenterology with a focus in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. After fulfilling all her training, Dr. Whitehead moved back to Maryland. “I learned a lot up north,” she said, “but it was time for me to come home.” <br> <br> While Dr. Whitehead enjoys general gastroenterology, she is truly passionate about treating patients with IBD and was thrilled when she had the opportunity to lead the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at GBMC. She explained that inflammatory bowel diseases, which are different from irritable bowel disease, cause structural damage to the bowel, creating symptoms that can significantly disrupt a person’s life. The Center offers IBD patients multidisciplinary care with access to gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, general surgeons, radiologists, and more. “I feel like treating patients with IBD allows me to make a tangible difference in their quality of life,” she expressed. When asked why she chose GBMC, Dr. Whitehead simply stated: “Working here is like coming home to friends and family. I truly enjoy every minute of it.” To make an appointment with Dr. Whitehead or schedule a colonoscopy, please call the Gastroenterology office at 443-849-3400. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03pUT37Z3YY" 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 Jennifer Sullivan, MD, a thoracic surgeon at GBMC. They talked about lung cancer screening and treatment. <br> <br> “Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in both men and women, but because there are usually no symptoms during the early stages of the disease, most patients are diagnosed when receiving care for another problem,” said Dr. Sullivan. “I hear from patients so often, ‘I had no idea I had lung cancer. I was in an accident and broke my rib and they found the lung care by accident on the CT scan.’” <br> <br> While there are usually no symptoms in lung cancer’s earliest stages, if the tumor is located in certain parts of the lung, it can cause coughing up blood and recurrent pneumonia. If you experience these symptoms, you should see your primary care provider who can start the process of finding the cause of your symptoms. <br> <br> Unlike breast and colon cancer, there is no widespread lung cancer screening. Dr. Sullivan explained that’s because screening everyone not only exposes them to the radiation of the CT scan, it also often finds nodules that are not cancer. Those findings can lead to invasive testing to confirm that they’re not cancerous. <br> <br> In the last five years, however, screening for lung cancer for certain groups of people has gained momentum. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued guidelines about who should be screened — people between the ages of 55 and 80, with a 30-pack year smoking history (smoking a pack a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, or three packs a day for ten years), who are still smoking or who quit less than 15 years ago. Those guidelines are expected to be updated next year to a 20-pack year threshold. <br> <br> “Updating these guidelines will mean two million more people will be eligible for screening, which will allow us to catch about 3,000 more lung cancers in their early stages,” explained Dr. Sullivan. She also discussed how lung cancer is staged and advances in lung cancer surgery, including minimally invasive video-guided and robotic surgery. Asked why she chooses to practice at GBMC, Dr. Sullivan said, “During training, I experienced working at bigger hospitals. At GBMC, we provide the same excellent care, but we’re able to provide individualized attention to each patient.” </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddAK4odmLiQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> In the series, “What’s Up, Dr. Dovec?” GBMC bariatric surgeon, Elizabeth Dovec, MD, FACS, FASMB, interviews employees across the GBMC HealthCare System so you can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about their role. In this episode, Dr. Dovec interviews JoAnn Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). <br> <br> While healthcare leadership is typically male-dominated, GBMC is proud to have an executive leadership team that is primarily female. Dr. Ioannou recently became the highest-ranking woman in the organization when she was promoted to Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations in addition to her role as CNO. Dr. Dovec asked how she started her journey in leadership. In response, Dr. Ioannou recalled a story from her early career. <br> <br> After one year of nursing, she was approached by her manager to apply for a leadership position that had opened up in her hospital. Dr. Ioannou said she was surprised and didn’t think she was ready, but her manager encouraged her to apply anyway. She emphasized that her leaders went out of their way to support and mentor her, which was invaluable to both her personal and professional growth. “Having people believe in you early on, even when you don’t see it yourself, is huge,” she said. Dr. Ioannou was promoted to the leadership position, and that began her path of leadership, both in and out of healthcare. <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou was fortunate to have supportive managers throughout her career. Prior to joining GBMC, she completed her training and took on various leadership roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She spoke about how the CNO regularly promoted professional growth, even if that meant moving on to another organization. This mindset gave Dr. Ioannou the confidence to apply for her position at GBMC. When Dr. Dovec asked why she decided to pursue GBMC, she pointed to a moment in her interview when Dr. Chessare, President and CEO, said that he was looking to hire a change agent. “As soon as I heard that, I lit up,” she remembered. “Change is inevitable – nothing is constant – and the mission of GBMC matched what I wanted.” <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou takes the mission – <em>to provide medical care and service of the highest quality to each patient and to educate the next generation of clinicians, leading to health, healing and hope for the community</em> – to heart and strives every day to ensure that GBMC embodies a culture of mentorship and learning. “Mentorship is my number one passion,” she expressed. “It’s my job to hire the right people and mentor them to be the best they can be. It’s an absolute privilege to watch people grow.” Under her leadership, the nursing residency program grew from a few graduates per year into an award-winning program with up to 100 graduates at any given time. <br> <br> She also spearheaded the development of a Professional Excellence Model that creates multiple opportunities for nurses to advance. There are three tracks that nurses can choose from – educator, administrator, and performance improvement and quality – each of which involves different tasks and training opportunities. GBMC also offers tuition reimbursement and scholarships to all employees who want to further their education. <br> <br> Dr. Ioannou rounded out the interview by discussing the impact COVID-19 has had on employees and how she and the rest of the leadership team are working to support GBMC staff throughout the pandemic. To learn more about nursing at GBMC, visit www.gbmc.org/nursing. </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8sz7YNaOek" 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 Michael Asike, MD, a gastroenterologist with GBMC Health Partners. They talked about diagnosing acid reflux in people who’ve had bariatric surgery and how long-term acid reflux can lead to a more serious condition called Barrett’s esophagus. <br> <br> “I see bariatric surgery patients both before their surgery and after,” explained Dr. Asike. “I can help them determine which approach to bariatric surgery they want to pursue and can also work with them to manage conditions like acid reflux, which can sometimes occur after surgery for a period of time.” <br> <br> The first step is to check the esophagus and stomach for signs of inflammation and other issues by performing endoscopy. While the patient is under light sedation, a thin tube with a light and camera are inserted through the mouth down to the stomach. It’s a painless procedure that doesn’t require any preparation other than skipping breakfast. The procedure lets Dr. Asike see if the upper gastrointestinal tract is inflamed or if there are ulcers in the esophagus or stomach. <br> <br> For many patients, a few months of treatment with medications makes the acid reflux go away. For others, additional treatment, including surgery, may be needed. During the endoscopy, Dr. Asike also looks for signs of Barrett’s esophagus. The condition is caused by long term exposure of the esophagus to excess stomach acid via acid reflux disease. The damage causes permanent changes to the lining of the lower esophagus, which develops abnormal cells. Explained Dr. Asike, “We consider Barrett’s esophagus a pre-cancerous condition and it can increase your risk for esophageal cancer. To reduce that risk, we treat your acid reflux more aggressively or may need to do procedures to remove the abnormal tissue.” </p>
