Lankenau Medical Center is the recipient of a $41,599 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Community-Based Health Care Subsidy Program to support its Medical Student Advocate Program.

The Medical Student Advocate Program was developed to provide patients with assistance for non-medical needs to improve health outcomes. Lankenau Medical Center has collaborated with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and includes second- and third-year PCOM students who serve as non-clinical patient advocates, helping with such needs as food assistance, child care, health insurance and housing search. Lankenau’s Medical Student Advocate Program is part of its Patient Centered Medical Home, where the Lankenau Clinical Care Center (LCCC) and Lankenau Medical Associates functions as a medical home by using systematic, patient-centered and coordinated care management processes.

“It is an honor for Lankenau to be a recipient of this grant which allows us to offer this program for the benefit of our patients and as an educational partnership for local medical school students,” said Chinwe Onyekere, director of Ambulatory Services and Business Development. “Thanks to the grant, the Medical Student Advocate Program will enable patients to receive access to key resources which positively impact health outcomes.”

PCOM students work with the LCCC, which serves as the teaching site for 39 internal medicine residents and 26 fellows in cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology and nephrology and serves mostly underserved and vulnerable populations, and are assigned up to five patients per semester. The program teaches students system-based practice activities, improved outreach techniques and the importance of communication at points of transition of care.

“We are very interested in tracking programmatic outcomes for this program to determine if the program is successful,” said Dr. Madelaine Saldivar, Medical Director for Lankenau Clinical Care Center and Lankenau Medical Associates.  All of the Medical Student Health Advocate referrals will be tracked in the electronic medical record (EMR). We intend to track the impact of resource referrals to improved health outcomes. For example, will a food resource connection impact obesity or diabetes. We are also interested in learning if this program can decrease readmissions and improve patient satisfaction.

Main Line Health is pleased to announce that Carol Henwood, DO, FACOFP, has been elected to a one-year term as President of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP).  A board-certified Family Practice physician, Dr. Henwood practices at Main Line HealthCare Family Medicine in Royersford, one of 22 primary care offices in the Main Line Health employed physician network.

“I am honored to be elected president of such a prestigious association as the ACOFP, which represents more than 20,000 of my fellow family physicians, resident and students in the U.S.,” said Dr. Henwood.  “I value my long-standing relationship with ACOFP and will work to continue our mission of promoting excellence in osteopathic medicine.”

A distinguished Fellow of the ACOFP, Dr. Henwood is a nationally recognized expert on the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) concept. She has practiced as an NCQA Level 3 practice since 2010 and speaks both nationally and internationally about PCMH. In 2012, she was the recipient of the inaugural ACOFP Outstanding Female Leader Award, and was one of 150 physicians invited to speak at the White House on the Affordable Care Act and patient engagement. She also received the ACOFP Distinguished Fellowship Award in 2011 and the ACOFP Pennsylvania Chapter Family Physician of the Year Award in 2004.

Dr. Henwood earned her medical degree and completed her Family Practice residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her memberships include the ACOFP, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society and the American Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Henwood sees patients of all ages at Main Line HealthCare Family Medicine in Royersford, Limerick Professional Center, Suite 130, 649 North Lewis Rd. She accepts most insurance plans including HMOs and PPOs and has same-day appointments available. For more information you may contact the office at 610.495.8101.

Main Line Health has adopted a new cardiac monitoring technology, created by Medtronic, Inc. The Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) System is the smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available for patients. Lankenau Medical Center has completed several implantation cases, and the other Main Line Health hospitals will be adopting this technology in the coming weeks.

“There is evidence that this new system can be an important tool in diagnosing the cause of stroke,” says Douglas Esberg, MD, Lankenau Heart Institute cardiologist. “The device is monitored remotely without the need for the patient to actively interact with the monitor—meaning they can find answers to their heart-related issues without interrupting their lifestyle.  It’s also faster and easier to implant, taking about a minute, requiring only local anesthesia.”

Placed just beneath the skin through a small, minimally invasive incision of less than 1 cm in the upper left side of the chest, the Reveal LINQ ICM is often nearly invisible to the naked eye once inserted. The Reveal LINQ ICM is approximately one-third the size of a AAA battery (~1 cc), making it more than 80 percent smaller than other ICMs. While significantly smaller, the device is part of a powerful system that allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient's heart for up to three years.

“This technology will help our patients who are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias” says Peter R. Kowey, MD, chief, Cardiovascular Medicine, Main Line Health. “This diagnostic device expands upon our commitment of delivering life-saving services with life-changing outcomes in our region.”

In addition to its continuous and wireless monitoring capabilities, the system provides remote monitoring through the Carelink® Network. Through the Carelink Network, physicians can request notifications to alert them if their patients have had cardiac events. The Reveal LINQ ICM is indicated for patients who experience symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, syncope (fainting) and chest pain that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia, for patients at increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias, and to look for arrhythmias as a cause for stroke in patients when no other cause is known. The Reveal LINQ system also includes the new MyCareLink (TM) Patient Monitor, a simplified remote monitoring system with global cellular technology that transmits patients' cardiac device diagnostic data to their clinicians from nearly any location in the world.

For more information about the Lankenau Heart Institute, visit mainlinehealth.org/heart .

WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (news media is invited from 11 a.m.-noon for a ceremony honoring clinical trial patients by Dr. John Devlin)

WHAT: The Bryn Mawr Hospital Oncology Program will sponsor a C.H.I.L.I. (Champions for Hope, Information, Levity & Inspiration) Cook-Off and Cancer Community Day, honoring Bryn Mawr Hospital’s cancer clinical trial patients. The event will feature various program and treatment information offered by the Oncology Program including: smoking cessation, nutrition, wig program, clinical trials, pet therapy and much more. Free activities for the whole family including: games, face painting, Dunk-a-Doc tank, Strollin’ Colon, live music performed by the Brigade, and raffles for a chance to win a prize! Reiki sessions or massages will also be offered, as well as food and beverages, including the chili cook-off. Winners of the chili cook-off will be announced at the end of the event.

WHO: Bryn Mawr Hospital’s oncology physicians and clinicians will be present. BMH’s clinical trials heroes will be honored by Dr. John Devlin,Bryn Mawr Hospital hematologist and medical oncologist.

WHERE: Bryn Mawr Hospital, Parking Lot C, 130 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.

Lankenau Medical Center (LMC), part of Main Line Health (MLH), was awarded LEED® Silver Certification from the U. S. Green Building Council for new, sustainable design and construction of LMC’s Master Facility Project--including the Heart Pavilion—a $446 million, 600,000 square-foot construction project on the LMC campus. This facility plan represents the first and largest LEED Silver-Certified health care project in the region, and the largest on the east coast.

LMC was recognized in six environmental categories, including: site planning and design, landscaping, water, energy, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

“On behalf of the entire LMC team, I am so honored and proud to be receiving this certification,” said Phil Robinson, president of LMC. “Our primary focus has always been to keep our communities healthy, and from this project’s beginning, we’ve carried through with that mission. Whether it’s by conserving water and energy, or by providing the highest quality medical care, our commitment to the community and to our patients are our number one priority. We’ve created a building that offers innovation and design as the cornerstone of sustainability.”

“I applaud our Lankenau and MLH staff, as well as our green partners—the Sheward Partnership, Stantec, P. Agnes and RTKL—for this tremendous accomplishment and dedication to ensuring that our commitment to excellence in health care delivery is reflected in every design detail of the new campus construction,” said Jack Lynch, President and CEO, Main Line Health. “The MLH Leadership team will continue to integrate similar sustainability elements into additional construction projects as we build MLH for the future.”

Some of LMC’s sustainability achievements include:

• 1.7 million gallons of water will be saved annually. That’s enough to supply 50 homes for one year.
• 35 percent of the energy used in the Heart Pavilion is offset by renewable energy credits—enough energy to power over 750 homes for a year.
• 2,600 tons of all construction debris was diverted from landfills.
• The landscaping design includes vegetation that is both locally adapted and drought tolerant, reducing the need for irrigation and supporting local and migrating animal populations.
• Over 1,000 new trees planted.
• 16,000 sq. ft. vegetated roof installed that can absorb and filter storm water runoff, and increases roof life and insulation performance while providing views for patients and staff.
• 70 preferred parking spaces for fuel efficient and low emitting vehicles.

“The certification serves as an example to the healthcare industry, proving that hospitals and health care facilities can be environmentally friendly while providing high-quality care,” says Marc Heisterkamp, director of Strategic Accounts at U.S. Green Building Council. “The leadership of the Main Line Health Board and leadership team during the process of attaining LEED certification on this project was so important to the industry and our mission. Being the largest LEED Silver-Certified health care facility on the east coast is a tremendous accomplishment, and I applaud the efforts of all involved in the planning and construction. LEED certification proves that LMC is lowering their environmental impact while providing a healthy and productive environment for employees and patients.”

The Master Facility Project includes the Heart Pavilion at LMC, which serves as a regional destination for advanced, high-quality cardiovascular care. The building was constructed by P. Agnes, project managed by Stantec, and designed by RTKL Associates. The Sheward Partnership provided environmental sustainability consulting. Visit mainlinehealth.org/heart for information about the Heart Pavilion at LMC and the Lankenau Heart Institute, Main Line Health’s team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and subspecialists seamlessly integrated into one uncompromising service focused on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and disease management. 

On April 23, Lankenau Medical Center held a dinner at the Philadelphia Country Club honoring Lawrence Livornese, MD, the Dorrance H. Hamilton Chair of Medicine and chairman of the Department of Medicine at Main Line Health. Keynote speaker was Marla J. Gold, MD, dean emerita and professor, Health Management and Policy, Drexel University School of Public Health.

“Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Hamilton, the Department of Medicine is able to continue its mission of teaching, research and patient care,” said Dr. Livornese. “I am honored to be the second Dorrance H. Hamilton Chair of Medicine, an endowment that underscores the importance of providing superior patient care to our community.”

The endowment was established in 2009 and provides ongoing financial support in perpetuity for an academic medical staff leadership position. In his role as the Dorrance H. Hamilton Chair of Medicine, Dr. Livornese is responsible for developing, aligning and deploying the extensive talent and competencies of the Department of Medicine across all Main Line Health campuses in support of clinical, academic and research missions of the System.

Prior to his official appointment, Dr. Livornese had been serving as interim chair of the Department of Medicine since 2012, while also fulfilling his roles as Lankenau Medical Center’s Campus Chief of Medicine and Chairman of Infection Control, clinical assistant professor of Medicine at Drexel University School of Medicine, and partner, Delaware Valley ID Associates.

In photo (from left): Lankenau Medical Center President Phil Robinson; LMC Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Alfred Putnam; Nancy Wingo, Executive Director of The Hamilton Family Foundation; keynote speaker Marla J. Gold, MD; Dr. Livornese, and Main Line Health President and CEO Jack Lynch.

Selected by their physician peers throughout the region, 77 outstanding Main Line Health physicians have been recognized by Philadelphia magazine’s May 2014 “Top Doctors” issue.

“Being named to Philadelphia magazine’s ‘Top Doctors’ list is an honor, and I am very proud of the physicians who were included,” said Andrew Norton, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Main Line Health. “With over 2,200 doctors practicing throughout Main Line Health, our clinical staff strives to deliver a superior experience to all who come to us for care. I am honored to lead such a talented group of professionals, and want to commend them for their dedication and commitment to the communities we serve.”

The “Top Doctors” list is based on results from Castle Connolly, an independent research company. MLH physicians can nominate peers for Top Doctor recognition 365 days a year by visiting the Castle Connolly’s confidential online physician nomination portal: http://www.castleconnolly.com/nominations/index.cfm?DoctorID.    

Main Line Health applauds its entire medical staff and extends its sincerest congratulations to the following physicians for their outstanding achievement:

*Hospital affiliation is listed differently in the magazine.

Bill Walton, Basketball Hall-of-Famer and sports television analyst, will speak about his journey to recovery after undergoing innovative spine surgery at a free educational seminar, “Treatment Options for Back and Leg Pain,” on Wednesday, May 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Main Line Health Center in Newtown Square. Main Line HealthCare neurosurgeon Robert Elliott, MD and Guarav Jain, MD from Main Line Health will then speak about innovative spine surgery procedures offered by Main Line Health. The event will also feature stories from former patients, who will answer questions about their own surgical experiences.

Walton, who experienced numerous injuries during his years on the court, suffered from debilitating chronic back and leg pain that compromised his job as a commentator and left him unable to walk, sit, or drive a car. Walton will share his story, including the relief he found from his back and leg pain after undergoing a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®).  He will also speak about his experiences helping other back pain sufferers as a Patient Ambassador for The Better Way Back®, a support and education community.

This free event, which is co-sponsored by NuVasive®, Inc., will feature refreshments and giveaways for all attendees. For information and to register, please call 1.866.CALL.MLH or visit mainlinehealth.org/events.

Main Line HealthCare and Rita El-Hajj, MD, Violeta Popii, MD, and Donna Steel, CRNP are pleased to welcome Dina E. Green, MD to Main Line Endocrinology. Dr. Green is board certified in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, and has more than 10 years experience in practice. She has a special clinical interest in diabetes, osteoporosis, and endocrine disorders of pregnancy, and for 3 years worked as an Endocrine Consultant in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Green earned her medical degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and completed her Fellowship in Endocrinology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Green is a member of the Endocrine Society, American Diabetes Association, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. She is on staff at the Main Line Health Hospitals®; Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, and Riddle Hospitals.

Main Line Endocrinology is conveniently located on the campus of Lankenau Medical Center in Suite 222 of Medical Office Building South. Dr. Green accepts most insurances, including HMOs and PPOs, and sees patients age 18 and older. For an appointment, call 610-649-1922.  

Bryn Mawr Hospital, part of Main Line Health, will host a free screening at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute of the film“42,” a powerful drama based on the true story of two heroic men who broke through the wall of racial inequality and made history. In 1946, Major League Baseball was forever changed when Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager, Branch Rickey, signed Jackie Robinson, the first player to cross the color barrier that segregated the sport for more than 50 years. Facing racism with tremendous courage and restraint, “Number 42” ultimately won over fans and teammates with his legendary talent, silencing his critics and paving the way for others to follow. A panel discussion on diversity and inclusion will follow the film.

When: Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute (824 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr)

Cost: Free admission (first come, first served).

Information: Visit mainlinehealth.org/events. The event is rain or shine. (Door prizes donated by The Hamels Foundation.)

On Saturday, May 17, the 13th Annual Fight from the Fairway golf tournament will take place at the Honeybrook Golf Club in Honey Brook, PA. For over a decade, both current and former employees of Weston Solutions have coordinated this charity event benefitting breast cancer research and education at Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) and Breastcancer.org.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women (12%) in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Almost 232,700 new cases of breast cancer will be discovered in 2014, and nearly 40,000 women will die from the disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. However, those numbers have been steadily declining in the last 25 years, due in large part to breakthroughs in clinical research leading to earlier detection and cutting-edge treatment methods. Thanks to the generous and passionate employees of Weston Solutions over the years, LIMR’s cancer research program is making great progress in the fight against breast cancer.

“The dedicated group of individuals at Weston Solutions continues to be one of Lankenau Institute’s most steadfast benefactors of breast cancer research,” stated George Prendergast, PhD, Professor, President and CEO of LIMR. “Their generous support from the annual Fight from the Fairway makes it possible for LIMR scientists to advance their research in finding a cure to defeat breast cancer. Due to the tireless efforts of Weston Solutions, Fight from the Fairway volunteers, participants and donors, LIMR is leading the way in improving breast cancer treatments and outcomes.”

Fight from the Fairway was conceived in 2002 as a way to help show support for Karen Schneider, a Weston employee, when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Karen lost her battle in the spring of 2008, and this fundraising event continues in her memory, having raised nearly $360,000 for breast cancer research and education.

This year’s golf competition will have an 8 am shotgun start. Post-tournament activities include a comedy show performed by local radio favorite Joe Conklin, “Man of a Thousand Voices.” Tickets for lunch and the show can be purchased separately for those not playing golf. There is also a raffle with a first place cash prize of $500, and a $250 gift certificate at mlb.com for second place. Raffle tickets are $10 each, three for $25, and seven for $50. You do not have to be present to win.

To register for the golf tournament, buy raffle tickets, help sponsor the event, donate to the cause, or learn more about Fight from the Fairway on May 17, visit www.FightfromtheFairway.org.

About Weston Solutions, Inc.

Founded in 1957, Weston Solutions (WESTON®) is a leader in environmental, sustainable, and energy solutions; property redevelopment; and design/build construction. We bring technical expertise and a proven ability to integrate teams, technologies, and services to solve our clients’ most complex challenges. Visit WESTON at www.westonsolutions.com.

About Lankenau Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1927, the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research center located in suburban Philadelphia on the campus of Lankenau Medical Center. Part of Main Line Health, LIMR is one of the few freestanding, hospital associated medical research centers in the nation. The faculty and staff at the Institute are dedicated to advancing an understanding of the causes of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. This information is used to help improve diagnosis and treatment of these diseases as well as find ways to prevent them. LIMR is also committed to extending the boundaries of human health and well-being through technology development and the training of the next generation of scientists and physicians. To learn about LIMR, visit www.limr.org.

About Breastcancer.org

Breastcancer.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast health and breast cancer. Its mission is to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast cancer, informing and empowering them to make the best decisions for their lives. Since its inception, Breastcancer.org has become the leading online resource for breast health and breast cancer information and support, with more than 7,000 pages of expert-reviewed information and a robust, dynamic peer support community. Breastcancer.org gets over 42,000 visits a day, 1 million visits each month, and received more than 15 million visits in 2013. For more information, please visit www.Breastcancer.org.

Main Line HealthCare (MLHC) and Drs. Chiu,Fox, Lawrence,Mankin, Montgomery, and Romano are pleased to welcome Lisa A. Kenis, DO, to MLHC Primary Care in Newtown Square on June 1, 2014. Dr. Kenis is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine with 23 years of practice experience, the last 18 years in Drexel Hill, PA.  

She earned her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed her internship at Metropolitan Hospital/Springfield division, and her family medicine residency with Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Kenis has a special interest in preventive care, as well as routine care and follow-up of other medical problems such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Associations.  

Dr. Kenis sees patients ages five and older in Suite 300 of the Main Line Health Center in Newtown Square, located at 3855 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square. She accepts most insurance plans including HMOs and PPOs and has same-day appointments available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the office at 484.427.8000. 

On Saturday, May 17, the 13th Annual Fight from the Fairway golf tournament will take place at the Honeybrook Golf Club in Honey Brook, PA.  For over a decade, both current and former employees of Weston Solutions have coordinated this charity event benefitting breast cancer research and education at Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), part of Main Line Health, andBreastcancer.org.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women (12%) in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Almost 232,700 new cases of breast cancer will be discovered in 2014, and nearly 40,000 women will die from the disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. However, those numbers have been steadily declining in the last 25 years, due in large part to breakthroughs in clinical research leading to earlier detection and cutting-edge treatment methods. Thanks to the generous and passionate employees of Weston Solutions over the years, LIMR’s cancer research program is making great progress in the fight against breast cancer.

“The dedicated group of individuals at Weston Solutions continues to be one of Lankenau Institute’s most steadfast benefactors of breast cancer research,” stated George Prendergast, PhD., Professor, President and CEO of LIMR. “Their generous support from the annual Fight from the Fairway makes it possible for LIMR scientists to advance their research in finding a cure to defeat breast cancer. Due to the tireless efforts of Weston Solutions, Fight from the Fairway volunteers, participants and donors, LIMR is leading the way in improving breast cancer treatments and outcomes.”

Fight from the Fairway was conceived in 2002 as a way to help show support for Karen Schneider, a Weston employee, when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Karen lost her battle in the spring of 2008, and this fundraising event continues in her memory, having raised nearly $360,000 for breast cancer research and education.

This year’s golf competition will have an 8 am shotgun start. Post-tournament activities include a comedy show performed by local radio favorite Joe Conklin, “Man of a Thousand Voices.” Tickets for lunch and the show can be purchased separately for those not playing golf. There is also a raffle with a first place cash prize of $500, and a $250 gift certificate at mlb.com for second place. Raffle tickets are $10 each, three for $25, and seven for $50. You do not have to be present to win.

To register for the golf tournament, buy raffle tickets, help sponsor the event, donate to the cause, or learn more about Fight from the Fairway on May 17, visit FightfromtheFairway.org.

Paoli Hospital, Main Line Health, has received full re-accreditation with PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), an international organization that focuses on transforming cardiovascular care by assisting facilities in their effort to create communities of excellence that bring together quality, cost and patient satisfaction. Offering cardiac care as part of the Lankenau Heart Institute, this is the second time Paoli has received this accreditation.

“Paoli is honored to receive this recognition as a reflection of our efforts to provide patients from the Chester County area expert care in rapid response and treatment of heart attacks,” said Jim Paradis, President, Paoli Hospital. “As an accredited chest pain center, Paoli Hospital has enhanced the quality of care for its patients and has demonstrated its commitment to higher standards. I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication exhibited by the staff and physicians to achieve this honored status.”

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 people dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. SCPC’s goal is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.

The Accredited Chest Pain Center’s protocol-driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether or not they are having a coronary event. Such observation helps ensure that patients are neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted. With the increase in chest pain centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. SCPC’s accreditation process ensures that centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.

The Accredited Chest Pain Center at Paoli Hospital has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and undergoing an onsite review by a team of SCPC’s accreditation review specialists. Key areas in which an Accredited Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include the following:

•    Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
•    Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
•    Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms
•    Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
•    Ensuring the competence and training of Accredited Chest Pain Center personnel
•    Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
•    Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
•    Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack

When: Wednesday, May 14, 5-7 p.m. (news media is welcome from 5-6 p.m. for the keynote speaker presentation)

What: The Ruth Grandin Faith, Health and Human Experience Symposium at Lankenau Medical Center provides a forum for health care workers, clergy and faith leaders to explore jointly the connections between faith and health in order to enhance healing of patients, family members and the community. “Inspirations from the Dying” will be the topic of this year’s symposium.

Who: Keynote speaker will be Daniel Gottlieb, PhD, a psychologist and family therapist who hosts “Voices in the Family” on WHYY FM. Gottlieb is also the author of five books and lectures nationally and internationally on matters affecting people’s well-being.

Where: Lankenau Medical Center Auditorium (100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood).

Main Line Health (MLH) has named Konstadinos A. Plestis, MD, System Chief of  Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the Lankenau Heart Institute. Dr. Plestis, who most recently served as Director of Aortic Surgery and the Aortic Wellness Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, brings more than 20 years of cardiovascular surgical experience, specifically in aortic surgery, to his new role. As a nationally recognized leader in the field of cardiac surgery, Dr. Plestis maintains an active surgical practice focusing on the care of patients with complex aortic disease, including aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections, and complex valvular and coronary disease.

In his position at MLH, Dr. Plestis will assume a leadership role within the Lankenau Heart Institute—Main Line Health’s team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and subspecialists seamlessly integrated into one uncompromising service focused on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and disease management. In particular, Dr. Plestis will oversee the ongoing clinical advancement of the Lankenau Heart Institute’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery program.

In welcoming Dr. Plestis, Andrew Norton, MD, Chief Medical Officer, MLH, stated:  “Dr. Plestis brings considerable talents and clinical knowledge to MLH and the Lankenau Heart Institute, further enhancing our ability to provide superior cardiac care to our patients across the region and beyond. We are honored that Dr. Plestis has chosen to come to MLH to offer his experience and partner with us as we advance our position as a true destination for heart care.”

Kyle Kramer, Vice President, Clinical Operations at Main Line Health noted, “Dr. Plestis’s experience builds upon an already strong foundation in minimally invasive cardiac surgical intervention at MLH and immediately positions our program as one of the most comprehensive and advanced cardiac surgical programs in the broader region.”  

During his tenure with Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Plestis led a service that offered integrated care of aortic disease, available only at a few hospitals in the nation, involving collaboration among cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, structural cardiologists and internal medicine physicians. Prior to joining Lenox Hill, Dr. Plestis served as Associate Director of Aortic Surgery and Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

Dr. Plestis earned his medical degree from Aristotelian University Medical School in Thessaloniki, Greece. He completed a General Surgery residency at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, a Vascular Surgery residency at Baylor College in Houston, where he trained with Michael DeBakey, MD, during the development of aortic surgery in the early 1990s, and a Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York.

Dr. Plestis, who is board certified in General Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, has been honored with top doctor status from Castle Connelley, Best Doctors in America, New York Super Doctors, U.S. News & World Report and the Consumers Research Council of America. His memberships include the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, The Society of Vascular Surgery, and The Michael DeBakey International Surgical Society and the Society of Heart Valve Disease amongst others. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/ Hemostasis.

Dr. Plestis has made numerous contributions to peer-reviewed journals, has participated in many clinical trials and is a frequent presenter on aortic surgery at national and international conferences.

The latest technology in breast mammography, Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (also known as 3D Mammography), will be offered to patients at each of the Main Line Health Breast Centers at Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital this summer.  The cost will be the same as a standard mammogram, which will continue to be offered to those patients requiring 2D mammography.

“3D mammography is recommended for women of all ages. It has shown to make the most difference in women between 40 and 50 years of age and/or those that have dense breasts,” said Emma Simpson, MD, interim system chair, Radiology. “It provides a clearer, more accurate view of the breast and allows our radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities. This can lead to better detection, fewer call backs and greater peace of mind for our patients.”

The benefits of 3D mammography include:

•    Greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of abnormalities
•    Earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden during 2D mammography
•    Fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests
•    Greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors, which occur in 15% of breast cancer patients

For more information about 3D Mammography or to schedule an appointment, which will start in July, please call 484.580.1800 or visit mainlinehealth.org/imaging.

Denise Scott, RN-BC, CRRN, WCC, staff nurse on Spruce Unit at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, was selected over four other finalists as the winner in the clinical nursing, inpatient, category at the recent GEM (Giving Excellence Meaning) Awards celebration sponsored by Nurse.com. Susan Decker, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital wound, ostomy and continence nurse, nominated Scott for this recognition.

Scott cares for patients after orthopedic surgery, spinal cord injury and amputee surgery, as well as for patients who are deconditioned with neuromuscular disorders. She is wound care certified and plays a key role in the hospital’s dermal defense team, providing timely skin assessments on newly admitted patients. She is known for her superior insight into clinical and social issues which affect patient care. She is also involved with patient education.

In nominating Scott, Decker stated: "If you had the pleasure of working in our rehabilitation facility, you would know this nominee’s reputation as a strong educator, clinical expert, and patient advocate are common place. This RN has created a positive reputation by being self-motivated in the thirst for knowledge and experience, an innovator in clinical practice, and a mentor for new nurses and students. I can’t stress how I have personally depended on this RN for immediate answers to questions or suggestions for patients with Spinal Cord Injury. There are less than a handful of nurses at one time that share this RN’s years of knowledge and passion for rehabilitation nursing. This nominee is an obvious mentor for others who are following in the same path."

In her speech, Denise recognized Main Line Health and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital as well as all the disciplines on our teams at Rehab that have helped her achieve this prestigious award.

Two other MLH nurses were finalists for a G.E.M. Award in other categories:

•   Advancing and Leading the Profession
Sara Hollstein, RN, MSN, AOCNP, CRNP, ANP-BC, Paoli Hospital

•   Education and Mentorship
Susan Lynch, RN, MSN, CNE, CNOR, RNFA, clinical educator, Surgical Services, Riddle Hospital

The G.E.M. awards have hundreds of applicants from Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who are nominated by Nurse.com readers.

Denise Scott, RN-BC, CRRN, WCC, staff nurse on Spruce Unit at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, was selected over four other finalists as the winner in the clinical nursing, inpatient, category at the recent GEM (Giving Excellence Meaning) Awards celebration sponsored by Nurse.com.  Susan Decker, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital wound, ostomy and continence nurse, nominated Scott for this recognition.
Scott cares for patients after orthopedic surgery, spinal cord injury and amputee surgery, as well as for patients who are deconditioned with neuromuscular disorders. She is wound care certified and plays a key role in the hospital’s dermal defense team, providing timely skin assessments on newly admitted patients. She is known for her superior insight into clinical and social issues which affect patient care. She is also involved with patient education.

In nominating Scott, Decker stated: "If you had the pleasure of working in our rehabilitation facility, you would know this nominee’s reputation as a strong educator, clinical expert, and patient advocate are common place. This RN has created a positive reputation by being self-motivated in the thirst for knowledge and experience, an innovator in clinical practice, and a mentor for new nurses and students. I can’t stress how I have personally depended on this RN for immediate answers to questions or suggestions for patients with Spinal Cord Injury. There are less than a handful of nurses at one time that share this RN’s years of knowledge and passion for rehabilitation nursing. This nominee is an obvious mentor for others who are following in the same path. "

In her speech, Denise recognized Main Line Health and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital as well as all the disciplines on our teams at Rehab that have helped her achieve this prestigious award.

Two other MLH nurses were finalists for a G.E.M. Award in other categories:

•    Advancing and Leading the Profession -- Sara Hollstein, RN, MSN, AOCNP, CRNP, ANP-BC, Paoli Hospital

•    Education and Mentorship -- Susan Lynch, RN, MSN, CNE, CNOR, RNFA, clinical educator, Surgical Services, Riddle Hospital

The G.E.M. awards have hundreds of applicants from Southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who are nominated by Nurse.com readers.   

For an audience of 120 clinicians, clergy and community members in Lankenau Medical Center’s Auditorium, WHYY radio host Daniel Gottlieb, PhD, set the stage for the Ruth Grandin Symposium, Inspirations from the Dying, by saying, “The purpose of our discussion is not to learn new things but to unlearn old things – assumptions, expectations, our five-year plan.”

The Ruth Grandin Faith, Health and Human Experience Symposium at Lankenau Medical Center provided a forum for health care workers, clergy and faith leaders to explore jointly the connections between faith and health in order to enhance healing of patients, family members and the community.

Drawing insight from his experience in the past 35 years, which included a crippling auto accident, MRSA, sepsis, pneumonia, and three concussions, the psychologist and family therapist noted, “Learning to live with dying teaches us how to live.”  He added, “The real difference between life and death is breath,” mentioning several biblical passages where breath was the highlighted as the key element.

Dr. Gottlieb (seated in photo) encouraged the audience members to explore their own understanding, viewpoint and awareness of life and death through essays written and read by MLH staff members, who were asked to relate an experience with a terminally ill individual.

Reading their essays were (from left in photo, standing) Barbara Bryne Notte, Reike master teacher, BMH; Susan A. Gregory, MD, medical director, Lankenau Medical Center ICU; David L. Phillips, EdD, Lankenau Medical Center Development executive director; and Thomas J. Meyer, MD, Pulmonary Diseases/ICU, Lankenau Medical Center. Their essays were selected from 25 submitted; all 25 were published in a booklet for the attendees.