winter 2013
2 0 1 2 a n n u a l r e p o rt a n d d o n o r l i s t i n g s — pa g e s 5 - 8 Winter calendar and program planner
Ten stents later, a healthier lifestyle
Health News & Information for Healthy Living
See pullout
Page 4
The HPV-cervical cancer connection Page 10
Seeing
green High-tech OR lighting offers surgeons a better view Page 3
winter 2013
Juice or whole fruit?
Healthy Living Altoona Regional’s Healthy Living Magazine is published four times a year by the Marketing and Communications department.
President/CEO Jerry Murray Chief Operating Officer Ronald J. McConnell Director, Marketing and Communications Dave Cuzzolina Staff Writers Patt Keith Anne Stoltz Designer Chip Mock Mock Creations LLC For more information, please contact: Altoona Regional Health System Marketing and Communications 620 Howard Ave. Altoona, PA 16601-4899 889.2271 info@altoonaregional.org
No contest when it comes to nutrition Wake up. Take a shower. Go to the kitchen for your morning glass of orange juice.
drinks’ — that are made from a variety of concentrates and sugar derivatives. These contain very few nutrients.”
Wait!
If you must have juice…
Before reaching for that OJ, you may want to rethink and grab a piece of fruit instead.
If you can’t function in the morning without having your juice, then Pam recommends drinking 100 percent real fruit juice. Specifically, she advises consumers to reach for:
“People often think fruit juices give you those important nutrients you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Altoona Regional clinical dietitian Pam Sepp, R.D., L.D.N. “But actually, consuming the whole fruit is healthier than consuming the fruit juice.” Why? Because fruit juices often lack two important things: fiber and fruit skin.
• Wild blueberry juice, which also packs an antioxidant punch
Juices remove fiber
• Orange juice that is fortified with calcium or plant sterols, which help lower cholesterol
“One advantage of eating the whole fruit is the high fiber content,” Pam said. “Many juices have removed the fiber from the fruit, so you lose a nutrient-rich, diseasefighting component.” Fiber is essential for a healthy diet because it helps: • Normalize bowel movements • Lower blood cholesterol levels • Control blood sugar levels • Weight loss
Join online at www.altoonaregional.org or call 889.2630 or 1.888.313.4665.
• Cloudy apple juice, which contains more apple solids than the usual clear apple juice. The extra apple solids mean that cloudy juice has up to four times more polyphenols, a group of antioxidant plant compounds, than clear juice.
g
The bottom line on fruit juice?
• Maintain bowel integrity and health
If you are not receiving Healthy Living Magazine in the mail and would like to, you need to join the Healthy Living Club. It’s free, and the magazine is just one of the many benefits!
• Concord grape juice, which ranks the highest in antioxidant activity among 13 juices tested, according to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Further, fiber plays a role in satisfying hunger. “Think about what will make you feel fuller, longer,” said Pam. “It often takes time to eat and chew whole fruit, whereas you can drink juice — and other beverages, for that matter — more quickly and still feel hungry.” Skins contain nutrients
“No juice will ever match the nutritional punch of whole fruits,” said Pam. “Fruit juice can be a very concentrated source of calories, so if you decide to drink it, do so in moderation. Just remember, a serving size for most fruit juices is only 4 ounces, or a half of a cup.”
And just like fiber, most fruit skins, or peels, are often removed during the juicing process.
“No juice will
“The skin of fruits interacts with the sun ever match and forms different colors that contain various nutrients like carotenoids and the nutritional flavonoids that can help improve our punch of health,” said Pam. “Fruit skin, such as grape skin, has been studied for its whole fruits.” ability to reduce the risk of cancer and helps protect the body from ultraviolet rays.” Consumers also need to be mindful of added sugar in fruit juices, which may also adversely affect blood sugar control in diabetics. “Unfortunately, fruit juice often contains added water and sugar to make it taste better,” warned Pam. “There are many juices on the market — typically called ‘juice-based 2
Program alert! Better Nutrition for Healthier You in 2013 See calendar insert for details, dates and times
Going
green High-tech lighting just one advance in new OR
Skilled surgeons, the latest tools and a state-of-the-art operating room suite are the components of world-class surgical services.
That was the reasoning behind the extensive renovations performed on Altoona Regional’s surgical floor on the Altoona Hospital Campus: to offer surgery patients a world-class experience. “Patients and their families notice only a fraction of the improvements,” said Dana Kopera, administrative director of Surgical Services and an R.N. with advanced education in OR operations. “They see the additional privacy improvements made in Same Day Surgery, the first stop on their journey, but they are under anesthesia for the best parts.” Only one in region One of the “best parts” is the new multifunctional, fully integrated OR — the only one like it in the region. The nearest are in Pittsburgh and Danville.
special procedures. It is used mostly for neurosurgery but is available It is equipped with to all specialties. advanced X-ray technology compatible with the “Investing in such a hospital’s existing digital technologically advanced system so surgeons and operating room is the right the nine members of the thing to do for the patients assisting surgical staff of today and tomorrow,” may simultaneously view neurosurgeon James P. diagnostic and real-time Burke, M.D., Ph.D., of images on three highAllegheny Brain and Spine, definition flat-panel displays. explained. “This new OR increases quality care for Directed by the surgeon, patients because the surgical circulating registered conditions are optimal. nurse Ty Clouser makes Surgeries tend to be shorter technology adjustments and the patient spends less happen. He is the “master time under anesthesia, so controller,” encircled by risks are lessened.” monitors and touch screens. OR 12, as the new area is known, is 2½ times larger than the other ORs. All equipment is ceiling mounted for greater manipulation, and a unique center-mounted boom-and-light combination system allows for adjustable, non-glare lighting. Has ‘green lighting’ It also has “green lighting” that turns the entire suite a dim green, enhancing vision for surgeons performing
Through fiber optic-based digital integration, Ty can zoom in on specific surgical areas, change lighting, bring in X-ray equipment and special microscopes, and much more.
Transmits via Internet
Another advanced feature is the capability of transmitting digital audio and video of surgeries over the Internet to remote locations for teaching and mentoring, case documentations and video archiving. “The new operating room at Altoona Regional is spacious, has excellent lighting for improved visualization and is equipped with camera equipment for teaching purposes. Our patients truly are benefitted by this state-of-the-art facility,” said orthopedic surgeon Charles Harvey, D.O.
Highlights
of the upgrade
The transformation of Surgical Services involved many phases and much cooperation among surgeons and hospital departments during the past two years. The ultimate goal is to better serve patients. Highlights: • More privacy for patients reporting to Same Day Surgery • More privacy and capacity in the holding room, where anesthesiologists further prep patients • Improved lighting, electrical upgrades and cosmetic improvements for 11 existing ORs • New, state-of-the-art OR • Updated technology and increased capacity in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where patients are monitored while waking up. On the cover: The new high-tech operating room on the Altoona Hospital Campus
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Survival mode
Facts about cholesterol and statins
disease, Plagued by heart lifestyle w e n a to s it m m o he c
• Cholesterol is so important to the body that it makes it itself. So the body of a person who eats a completely cholesterolfree diet would make the approximately 1,000 mg it needs to function properly.
“I ate a lot of fast food …” Dale Shaw of Duncansville lived life at full speed, working two jobs and raising three boys. His boys guaranteed he was physically active. All were high school wrestlers, two of whom went on to compete in college. A coach, an encourager and a great example of putting in gym time to get better, their dad sparred, lifted weights and jogged with them daily. He also played racquetball and softball. He never smoked and didn’t drink. One day while jogging with his oldest son, Dale had pain in his armpit. It continued intermittently until he relented and saw a doctor. Heart testing revealed an artery that was 99 percent blocked. An angioplasty removed plaque and restored proper blood flow. Dale escaped a close call: no heart attack, no damaged heart muscle or valves. He was 39 years old.
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Did not heed doctor Despite that shock, Dale didn’t heed his doctor’s warnings to change some risky behaviors, especially his eating habits. “I was a big eater and ate a lot of fast food because I was always on the run,” he admitted. In the next 17 years he would undergo five more heart procedures. Today, 10 stents help keep his heart functioning properly. “He is essentially a great example of how cholesterol causes coronary artery disease,” said George Y. Jabbour, M.D., of Blair Medical Cardiology, Dale’s cardiologist since 2009. “He also had a great response to statins. Initially, his LDL was 329 — very high. After statins, 81. Triglyceride 1645 — disastrous. After statins, 205. “Finding the appropriate statin to lower cholesterol levels — Dale’s or anyone’s — is crucial to reducing coronary artery disease
risks,” Dr. Jabbour said. “Although statins are very effective at lowering your cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks, they should never be regarded as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise.” Statins part of plan Taking statins is only part of the equation, Dr. Jabbour said. To lower cholesterol and improve heart health, Dale was committed to healthy lifestyle changes, and his family supported him. “Those have been the keys to his success,” the doctor said. Dale and wife, Sandra, credit Dr. Jabbour and his nurse practitioners, Kristi Montrella and Holly Kratzer, for explaining Dale’s medication, the importance of exercise and a healthy diet, and how all three work to reduce the risks associated with high cholesterol. “They encouraged him like crazy and it really made a big difference,”
Dale and Sandra prepare food for the grill in the kitchen of their Duncansville home.
Program alert! All About Statins See calendar insert for details, dates and times
Sandra said. He eats salads, healthy soups, grilled or baked fish and chicken and very little red meat. “Dale is a die-hard griller,” Sandra said. “It is a healthy and quick way to prepare chicken and fish, so he grills even in the winter.” “The cholesterol medicine can only do so much,” Dale said. “You have to mentally decide to make the lifestyle changes. I was on as much medication as I could be on. If I did not do anything else, I would have had a heart attack or worse.”
• Sixty to 70 percent of cholesterol is carried in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. If you have too much LDL in the bloodstream, it deposits cholesterol into the arteries, which can cause blockages and lead to heart attacks or strokes. • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are basically the opposite of LDL. HDL acts as a vacuum cleaner, sucking up as much excess cholesterol as it can. • In general, high-fat diets raise LDL and HDL, while low-fat diets lower both. • Statins work by blocking an enzyme involved in how the body makes cholesterol. Blocking this enzyme helps your body achieve a better balance between good and bad cholesterol. • In 2010, U.S. doctors wrote 94.1 million prescriptions for simvastatin, the generic for ZOCOR, making it the second most prescribed drug. The most prescribed drug at 131.3 million was the pain-reliever hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen. • Most statins are prescribed by cardiologists because these specialists see patients who already have had a heart attack or stroke or have peripheral vascular disease — consequences of coronary artery disease caused by elevated cholesterol. • In general, at least 70 percent of patients nationwide who had a cardiovascular event are on a statin. Estimates are that another 15 to 20 million people should be taking statin drugs based on their risk factors for heart disease. Information provided by George Y. Jabbour, M.D., of Blair Medical Associates Cardiology
2011-2012
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Enhanced facilities and services mark fiscal 2012 A message from Jerry Murray, president and CEO There is so much to talk about for fiscal 2012* but I have no problem knowing where to begin. As always, our priority has been on clinical quality and patient safety.
Staff members saw the need for and started a new support group to help people who have experienced a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death.
To that end, we employed a team of doctors who specialize in critical care medicine to staff our intensive care units. It was a considerable investment but reliable studies show that such programs help patients recover more quickly.
Health system employees donated more than 150 coats, along with hats, gloves, handmade scarves, boots, blankets and more, to The Family Resource Center of United Way’s Toasty Toddler campaign to make sure needy youngsters stay warm and healthy this winter. I would be remiss if I did not mention that our Regional Trauma Service celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2011. In that 10 years, the trauma team has touched the lives of more than 11,000 patients and their loved ones.
Also, our Emergency department began using LifeNet System technology to receive EKGs from ambulances transporting patients with heart attack symptoms. The ED physician can determine well ahead of the ambulance’s arrival whether to have a cardiac catheterization team ready for the patient. It saves time and lives.
And finally, in March 2012, the 7th Avenue Campus (known through the years as Mountain City, Mercy and Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital) closed.
And our Critical Care and Emergency departments worked together to offer victims of sudden cardiac arrest a treatment called “therapeutic hypothermia.” Clinicians lower a patient’s body temperature to help reduce the risk of damage from insufficient blood flow. Again, studies have demonstrated meaningful improvements in recovery.
In anticipation of its closing, almost 1,000 people attended a Mass of Thanksgiving the previous November at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in recognition of 76 years of Catholic health care in Altoona.
Along with care enhancements, facility enhancements were a hallmark of fiscal 2012, as they were the previous year when we opened our outpatient services complex at Station Medical Center and expanded into our “G” building (the former Altoona Center).
The Mass honored the previous owners (the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who brought Catholic health care here when they took over the hospital in 1935, and the Sisters of Bon Secours) and everyone who served patients there from the time of its founding in 1910.
This fiscal year we opened several new or renovated units on the Altoona Hospital Campus, including a 20-bed medical/surgical/pediatrics unit and a 24-bed medical/ telemetry observation unit. We also completed a new state-of-the-art operating room and a bigger post-op unit.
We cherish the long, proud tradition of that hospital, as well as the long, proud tradition of the former Altoona Hospital. Both traditions are alive and well at Altoona Regional Health System.
Our most expensive project was our new $11 million Emergency department, with 51 private patient rooms and a streamlined process of care.
We plan to build on those traditions in fiscal 2013 and beyond.
As always, though, Altoona Regional is about people, and any annual report must include a celebration of the compassionate and generous people we have here. I could list 100 examples for you, but here are just two:
Sincerely,
* July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012 5
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Highlights:
Key hospital statistics Admissions
Inpatient days 87,734 Average length of stay
4.54 Days 360,567
Emergency 65,337 room visits Inpatient surgical procedures
5,532
Outpatient surgical procedures
14,968
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August Adding to its long list of support groups for community members in need, the health system offers a new group to help people who have experienced a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death.
September
Our patient care revenues come from:
Medicare 50.58% Medicaid 14.26% Commercial insurances
6.75%
Managed care
July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012
19,340
(includes newborns)
Outpatient visits
Clinical and community service
25.59%
Self-pay 1.87% Other 0.95%
Where we spend our dollars:
Altoona Regional and eight other health systems in Western Pennsylvania partner to create a network that allows doctors and hospitals to easily share patients’ electronic medical records. The group includes Jefferson Regional Medical Center, St. Clair Hospital, UPMC and others. The American College of Radiology awards the Imaging Services department a gold seal of accreditation, affirming the highest level of image quality and patient safety in nuclear medicine and mammography.
October The Regional Trauma Service celebrates its 10th anniversary, having treated more than 11,000 patients from 20 counties in westcentral Pennsylvania, impacting not only their lives but the lives of everyone close to them.
November Almost 1,000 people attend a Mass of Thanksgiving Nov. 6 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in recognition of 76 years of Catholic health care in Altoona. The Mass is celebrated by BishopEmeritus Joseph V. Adamec.
37%
Employee benefits
12%
Professional fees, supplies & others
38%
Depreciation and amortization
5%
Financial Information
As part of the health system’s Facility and Service Enhancement Project, a new 20-bed medical/surgical/ pediatrics unit at Altoona Hospital Campus is approved for occupancy by the state Department of Health.
Dr. Zane Gates is named one of 10 recipients of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Award. 2 0 1 2 The national award honors exceptional men January and women who have overcome significant Southern Alleghenies obstacles to tackle some Elite Orthopedics, the of the most challenging health system’s new, health and health care full-service orthopedic problems facing their practice serving all of communities. Central Pennsylvania, opens in Hollidaysburg. The staff of Medical ICU celebrates patient An intensivist program satisfaction scores above begins in the intensive 90 for an entire year. care units at Altoona MICU deals with some of Hospital Campus. the sickest patients with Intensivists are physicians many significant needs. who direct and provide medical care in hospitals’ December intensive care units. In just one small example Studies have shown that of the generosity of health such programs improve system employees, a the quality of care for patients. donation of more than 150 coats, along with March hats, gloves, handmade A 12th operating room, scarves, boots, blankets a bigger post-op unit and and more, plus $140 a new 24-bed medical/ cash is made to The telemetry observation unit Family Resource Center open at Altoona Hospital of United Way’s Toasty Campus as the health Toddler campaign. system’s Facility and
Hospital
Salaries and wages
The Maternity/Nursery department celebrates patient satisfaction scores above 90 percent for an entire year.
7/1/11 to 6/30/12
Service Enhancement Project nears completion. On March 28, the 7th Avenue Campus — formerly known as Mountain City Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Bon Secours-Holy Family Hospital — is closed, and the physical unification of the two city hospitals into Altoona Regional is complete.
April The Emergency department completes its $11 million enhancement project, with all 51 private patient rooms open. The new ED also includes a streamlined care process.
May The Emergency department begins using technology called the LifeNet System. Ambulance crews with patients experiencing symptoms of a heart attack can now transmit EKGs to the emergency room physician. The advance notice of the possible need for a heart catheterization saves valuable time — and lives.
June The Critical Care and Emergency departments collaborate to provide therapeutic hypothermia, the most effective treatment available to improve neurological and survival outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest.
Bal ance sheet Assets Current assets
74,599,106
Assets whose use is limited
62,211,922
Other assets
Income statement
Total assets
Total operating revenues
339,853,848
Liabilities
Total operating expenses
333,393,755
Current and other liabilities
152,926,248 289,737,276 109,992,989
Income from operations
6,460,093
Long-term debt
81,366,038
Provision for bad debt 7%
Nonoperating gains
2,943,140
Fund balance
98,378,249
Interest 1%
Excess revenues over expenses
9,403,233
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Total liabilities and fund balance
289,737,276
Report
of charitable giving
Ms. Jacqueline K. Dodson Mr. and Mrs. Jesse S. Dodson Ms. Shirley Drzal Departmental Gifts Mr. and Mrs. John J. Dumm Mr. Stephen J. Dunio Sr. Center for Cancer Care Mr. Harold H. Dunlap Mrs. Bertha Eichelberger General Miss Dorothy H. Eicher Anonymous (9) Mr. Travis Elden Mrs. Donna J. Abraham Mr. Russell C. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis Mr. and Mrs. John R. Akers Mr. and Mrs. William R. England Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Albright Mr. Leonard G. Esposti Mr. and Mrs. Terence M. Anderko Mrs. Veronica M. Evey Mrs. Rose M. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers Mr. Richard J. Auman Ms. Alice Ference Mrs. Gail G. Ayers Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Fetsik Mr. Todd Azeles Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fickes Mrs. Betty L. Baird Mrs. Carol B. Field Mr. Glenn E. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Filer Mr. and Mrs. Lee F. Baranik Ms. Charlotte I. Foor Mr. and Mrs. Francis G. Barner Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Foor Mr. Keith Beauseigneur Ms. Ethel M. Ford Mr. and Mrs. William J. Beiswenger Mrs. Marjorie Forsht Ms. Louise I. Benn Mrs. Mary A. Fozard Mr. and Mrs. William P. Benzel Mr. and Mrs. William E. Frey Mrs. Genevieve J. Berardinelli Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fromell Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein Mr. Joseph R. Fromknecht Mr. Dennis B. Berkey Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Furry Ms. Carol A. Berry Ms. Alice M. Fyock Mr. Charles M. Bevans Ms. Mary Gallagher Ms. Eileen E. Bickel Ms. Nicole Gampe Mrs. Corrine F. Bickings Mrs. Carol F. Garofalo Mr. and Mrs. Merrill L. Bickle Mrs. Mary J. Geishauser Mr. and Mrs. David L. Black Mr. Donald H. George Blair County Antique Auto Club Mr. and Mrs. Leroy F. George Mr. and Mrs. John W. Blatt Mr. Walter L. Ghering Mr. and Mrs. Francis E. Bloom Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gherrity Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Bloom Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Gilchrist Ms. Nancy C. Blyler Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Glunt Mr. and Mrs. Vance C. Bolan Mr. Jakob Golant Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Bolt Ms. Helen L. Gority Mr. Brent A. Bookman Mrs. Ruth M. Goshen Dr. and Mrs. Norman E. Bowers Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Goss Ms. Melissa Bowman Mr. Duane L. Graham Ms. Lorraine J. Boyles Mr. John W. Gray Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Bradley Mrs. Nancy E. Griffiths Ms. Karen Brady Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Grimm Mr. Dee J. Bragonier Mr. and Mrs. Albert B. Gromley Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mrs. Eleanor Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Leroy G. Brink Mr. and Mrs. Arch L. Gunnett Mrs. Dorothy D. Brumbaugh Mrs. Catherine R. Hall Mrs. Stella Buck Ms. Michelle Hall Ms. Audrey R. Burget Mrs. Lillian R. Hallinan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Burk Mrs. Cynthia A. Hammaker Mr. and Mrs. James G. Burke Ms. Joyce Haney Mrs. Sandra Burket Mrs. Kelly M. Harris Miss M. Pauline Burkey Mr. Robert L. Hastings Mrs. Doris Burkholder Mrs. Mary E. Hazenstab Mrs. Emily Burns Mr. and Mrs. Lee Helmer Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Caldwell Mr. H. Zane Helsel Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Caldwell Ms. Denise A. Heming Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Dennis E. Heming Mrs. Shirley M. Caramadre Ms. M. Geraldine Hepner Mrs. Elizabeth N. Carrieri Ms. Patricia Hershel Mrs. Betty M. Carter Mr. and Mrs. William T. Hesley Ms. Catherine A. Castellucci Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Hetrick Mrs. Michela Castrechini Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Hetrick Mr. and Mrs. John J. Cerro Ms. Sandra L. Hileman Mrs. Susan Chew Mr. and Mrs. Brian Himes Ms. Diane P. Christine Mr. and Mrs. Lewis E. Himes Mr. Mark Chuff Mrs. Veronica Holmberg Mrs. Betty L. Churella Mr. and Mrs. David L. Holtz Mr. and Mrs. Domenic S. Ciambotti Mr. and Mrs. Terrance N. Hoopes Mr. and Mrs. Chester R. Claar Mr. Walter J. Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Clapper Mr. and Mrs. Wayne E. Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Deryl R. Clark Mr. and Mrs. William Hoover Mr. Omar A. Clark Ms. Joan A. Housel Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Cochrane Mrs. Judith A. Hughes Mr. Randall L. Coffman Mr. William M. Hunt Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cogan Mrs. Shanda L. Imler Mr. Robert E. Cohenour Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Irwin Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Cole Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Jones Mrs. Norma E. Colyer Ms. Benita M. Jorkasky Ms. Margaret Conway Mrs. Patricia D. Jubelirer Mr. and Mrs. John R. Cottle Mr. Robert C. Jubelirer Mr. and Mrs. Reed O. Cox Mr. Melvin A. Kadane Ms. Rose M. Cramer Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Kanick Ms. Amanda Crawford Ms. Susan C. Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Creppage Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Keller Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider Mr. and Mrs. Luke Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cummings Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Kensinger Mrs. Pauline M. Dalessandro Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dambeck Mr. and Mrs. Gerald H. King Miss Sylvia E. Daniele Mr. and Mrs. Julius Kiraly Mr. James F. Daski Mr. and Mrs. John Kirsch Ms. Karen Day Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Deagostino Ms. Bonnie Kissell Mr. and Mrs. William Klayko Mrs. Margaret Decoskey Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Kline Ms. Maryann L. DeLeo Mrs. Betty L. Klobetanz Mrs. Kerry J. Delozier Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Knott Mr. Leo J. Delozier Mrs. Joyce A. Knowles Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Mr. Francis B. Kolbenschlag Mr. John F. Didyk Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Kopp Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Diehl Mr. John A. Kost Ms. Michele Dignan Mrs. Joan Kowalski Mr. Herbert Divelbliss Ms. Nancy W. Kraybill Mrs. Barbara J. Dobbins
Following is a list of those who generously extended financial support to Altoona Regional Health System from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. As a nonprofit charitable organization, Altoona Regional is grateful to every donor for helping us strengthen and enhance health care in our community. Mr. Ronald R. Sell Ms. Deborah Semanchik Mrs. Diana M. Shaffer Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaffer Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sheffield Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mrs. Janet C. Sherry Miss Elsie Shultz Mr. Thomas Shultz Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Sickles Jr. Mr. Robert P. Slattery Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sleeth Ms. Loretta Smearman Mr. and Mrs. Roy C. Smeltzer Mrs. Lois A. Smith Mr. Robert B. Snively Mr. John O. Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Wayne H. Snyder Mrs. Harriet M. Sotirokos Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Spinazzola Mrs. Diane Sponsler Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sponsler Mrs. Shelby J. Stapleton Mr. and Mrs. William K. Steach Mr. and Mrs. John E. Stonerook Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Strong Ms. Patricia Tarlton Mr. and Mrs. Harry Taylor Mr. & Mrs. George A. Toth Mrs. Edith B. Trinks Mrs. Emma H. Trout Ms. Jolinda Trude Mrs. Louise Tutko Mrs. Evelyn G. Urbanek Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Vakharia Mrs. Margaret C. Vanallman Mr. William E. Vanallman Mr. and Mrs. John M. Vargo Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Veit Mrs. Kathy J. Vincent Mrs. Dolores J. Wachter Mr. and Mrs. James M. Waite Mrs. Gail W. Walker Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Walter Mr. Robert P. Walter Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Walters Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Warner Mr. P. Dale Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Weger Ms. Dorothy Weichel Mr. Gregg A. Weise Mrs. Stephanie Wertz Mr. and Mrs. Charlie M. Wheeler Mr. Bob W. Whetstine Mr. and Mrs. Donn C. Whetstone Mr. Richard C. Whited Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin J. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wills Mrs. Hazel R. Wilt Ms. Margaret Wingard Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Woomer Mr. Mark Wooster Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Wray Mrs. Joyce A. Wright Mrs. Phyllis B. Wright Mr. Shawn Wyant Mrs. Agnes Wyland Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Wyland Mr. and Mrs. Marcus J.R. Yeatts Mr. Joseph Yeckley Mrs. Naomi R. Yon Ms. Natalie A. Yothers Mr. Mike Zabinsky Mr. R. Thomas Zeek Mr. and Mrs. James M. Ziegler Mr. and Mrs. John Zock
Mrs. Jean A. Krug Mr. Daniel D. Kubitsky Mr. Robert Kunselman Mr. and Mrs. Zupe Kuzupas Ms. Susan D. Laird Mrs. Dorothy Lansberry Mr. Maurice Lawruk Mr. and Mrs. Martin L. Leaper Mr. Robert E. Lehman Ms. M. Louise Leighty Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lenhart Mrs. Arlene M. Leonard Mr. Thomas P. Lesher Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Letcher Ms. Kristen Letzo Mrs. Joanna R. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Liebal Ms. Martha L. Liebegott Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ling Ms. Erin Lingafelt Mrs. Judy S. Lloyd Mrs. Gloria F. Lockevich Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Loibl Ms. Susan A. Lokey Mr. William L. Lowey Mr. John Luciano Mr. Gerald D. Luther Jr. M&T Bank Employees Mrs. Louise Magee Mr. Andrew D. Maier Mr. Richard E. Mains Dr. Anthony Maniglia Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Marasco Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Martino Jr. Ms. Selma Massabni Miss H. Eleanor May Mrs. Sylvia Mazman Mrs. Carol A. McCartney Mr. and Mrs. William E. McCarty Mr. Samuel L. McClure Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Harry McConnell Mrs. Arlene McDowell Ms. Susan M. McGeary Mrs. Frances J. McGee Mr. Francis H. McMullen Mr. Robert V. McMullen Mr. and Mrs. Robert McPhee Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Meintel Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Mellott Mr. Frank T. Miller Mrs. Irene S. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. James R. Miller Mrs. Ruth A. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Miller Mr. and Mrs. William C. Miller Ms. Catherine Mincin Mrs. Betty L. Mishler Mrs. Stasia P. Mishock Mr. Robert Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mollish Ms. Wendy M. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Bob R. Mulhollen Mr. James Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Muro Mr. and Mrs. John W. Murphy Ms. Frances Musselman Ms. Tempie E. Musselman Mrs. Edna R. Nagle Mr. and Mrs. Denis J. Navarro Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Norris Mrs. Dorothy L. Ohara Mr. Mahlon Osterhout Sr. Ms. Carol A. Otto Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Panaro Ms. Darlene Panek Mrs. Estelle C. Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Parson Mr. Samuel W. Patterson Mr. William B. Patterson Mrs. Betty J. Patton Mr. Joseph Peroni Mr. and Mrs. Stephen T. Phillips Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Aldo Piccerillo Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Pierce Jr. Mrs. Shirley R. Pike Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Potter Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rapsky Mrs. Winifred C. Reed Mrs. Shirley Reigh Mr. John Reiter Mrs. M. Carol Rhodes Mr. Clayton C. Rickens Mr. and Mrs. John T. Riley Mrs. Chelsea L. Rizzo Mr. David P. Roberts Mrs. Twila A. Robine Mr. and Mrs. James Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Rogal Miss Darlene F. Rose Attorney James S. Routch Ms. Irene M. Rubus Monsignor John R. Sasway Ms. Helene M. Satka Ms. Dawn Schandelmeier Mrs. Leone M. Schmittle
In Honor Of In honor of Altoona Regional – Radiation Oncology Department Mr. and Mrs. David T. D’Elia In honor of Jill Arthurs Mrs. Mary C. Miller In honor of Doris M. Barrett Ms. Phyllis J. Eamigh In honor of Laura L. Lenz Mr. R. Raymond Lenz In Memory Of In memory of David Aikens Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Sokol In memory of Miles Bussard Mrs. Vallie L. Bussard In memory of Phyllis Contres Mr. John J. Contres In memory of Carol Corrado Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Knote In memory of Jackie Dickson Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Monahan In memory of Donna Filson Anonymous In memory of Michael R. Frost Mr. Keith Benedict Mr. Charles V. Brady Mr. and Mrs. Patrick T. Dandrea Mr. Matt Fitzpatrick Mrs. Mildred Frost 7
Mr. and Mrs. James Hartzel Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hawkins Mr. and Mrs. G. Lynn Lovell Mr. and Mrs. John McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Savino Mr. and Mrs. Jerry C. Sharer Ms. Ruby R. Shaw Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mrs. Sheri L. Simpson Sunshine Fund at Charles W. Longer Elementary School Ms. Mary Ann Walker Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wyss In memory of Helen Funari Ms. Geraldine Siedlarczyk In memory of Josephine Hicks Anonymous In memory of Benjamin C. Jenkins Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Silverman In memory of Wayne Keller Mrs. Madeleine L. Keller In memory of Peggy Marasco Mr. and Mrs. John D. Stormer In memory of Mardell Nail Miss Myrna J. Nail In memory of Beverly Senchak Ms. Mary Ann Mamula In memory of Barbara Turek Mr. Michael A. Turek In memory of William Wilson Mrs. Anne L. Wilson In memory of Gary L. Woomer Mrs. Marjorie F. Edwards In memory of Mary Jane Yakner Mrs. Rita Kibler In memory of Mary Zanylo Mr. David S. Hess
Center for Cardiac Care General Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Beeney Mr. John Brawdy Mr. and Mrs. Jim R. Burchfield Ms. Barbara M. Butler Mr. and Mrs. Domenic S. Ciambotti Mr. and Mrs. Dustin E. Conner Ms. Laura Cresswell Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Detwiler Ms. Christina Edmonson Mrs. Bertha Eichelberger Mrs. Pauline E. Harpster Mr. and Mrs. John Hawksworth Ms. Virginia Heidler Ms. Karen W. Ickes Ms. Michele Lacovitch Ms. Shirley M. Lattieri Mrs. Debbie McClellan Mrs. Georgeanne Pettenati Ms. Mary L. Reilly Mr. William Santre Mrs. Helen F. Seidel Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Spinazzola Mrs. Maureen Steinbugl Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sutton Ms. Claudia Weise In Memory Of In memory of Connie Plowman Ms. Anne T. Stoltz
Ira B. Kron Dialysis UniT General The Samuel and Rose Port Philanthropic Fund
Digital Mammography General Claysburg Kimmel Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team Claysburg Pizza Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Ms. June D. MacGregor Ms. Stacey Patterson Penn State Altoona - Women’s Basketball Penn State Altoona – Women’s Volleyball Windber Health Care Foundation, Inc.
Drug & Alcohol Services General The EADS Group Employee Charity Fund
Education General Mr. Richard J. Donoway
Emergency Department General Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Adams Mr. Clark M. Ake Mr. David A. Alianiello Mr. and Mrs. Terence M. Anderko Mr. Richard J. Auman
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Bloom Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Bolt Mr. and Mrs. William Bravin Mrs. Edna H. Brenneman Mr. and Mrs. Leroy G. Brink Mrs. Stella Buck Mr. and Mrs. James G. Burke Ms. Patricia Butterbaugh Mrs. Elizabeth N. Carrieri Mrs. Betty M. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Carter Mr. and Mrs. John J. Cerro Mrs. and Mr. Donna M. Civils Mr. John J. Contres Mr. and Mrs. John R. Cottle Mr. and Mrs. William L. Cover Mr. and Mrs. Reed O. Cox Ms. Rose M. Cramer Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Creppage Mr. and Mrs. C. Elton Crider Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dambeck Miss Sylvia E. Daniele Ms. Maryann L. DeLeo Mrs. Beverly Delozier Mrs. Kerry J. Delozier Mr. Leo J. Delozier Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Detwiler Drs. Tomislav and Lauren Deur Mr. John F. Didyk Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ditcher Mr. Gerald D. Drenning Miss Dorothy H. Eicher Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ellis Mr. and Mrs. William R. England Ms. Vivian Evans Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers Ms. Ethel M. Ford Dr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Fulchiero Sr. Mr. William P. Gable Mrs. Carol F. Garofalo Mrs. Rita A. Gaut Mrs. Denise C. Gdula Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Grimm Drs. Pawan K. and Anju Gupta Mrs. Catherine R. Hall Mrs. Mary E. Hazenstab Ms. Vivian Hennaman Mr. and Mrs. Brian Himes Mr. and Mrs. Terrance N. Hoopes Mr. James E. Hoover Mr. Walter J. Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Steven Horell Mr. and Mrs. John E. Huff I.B.E.W. Local No. 5 Ms. Valorie Imler Mr. and Mrs. Michael Irwin Mrs. Karen Isenberg Mr. Melvin A. Kadane Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Karns Ms. Susan C. Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Keith Mr. and Mrs. John Kirsch Mrs. Betty L. Klobetanz Mr. and Mrs. Ben Knisely Mrs. Dorothy Lansberry Ms. M. Louise Leighty Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin I. Levine Jr. Ms. Ruth A. Long Mrs. Louise Magee Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Marasco Mr. and Mrs. Kent Martin Mr. and Mrs. Edgar H. McAlevy Mr. and Mrs. William E. McCarty Mr. and Mrs. Harry McConnell Mr. Robert V. McMullen Mr. and Mrs. William C. Meredith Mr. and Mrs. James S. Miller Ms. Laura M. Miller Mrs. Sharon L. Miller Mrs. Delores J. Morvan Mr. and Mrs. Bob R. Mulhollen Mr. James Mullen Ms. Frances Musselman Mrs. Edna R. Nagle Mrs. Jessica Nail Miss Myrna J. Nail Mr. and Mrs. Denis J. Navarro Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Norris Mr. Mahlon Osterhout Sr. Mr. Samuel W. Patterson Mr. William B. Patterson Mr. Joseph Peroni Mr. George C. Port Miss Mary A. Pruner Mr. and Mrs. John Puch Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rapsky Mrs. Shirley Reigh Mr. Clayton C. Rickens Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Robison Mr. James M. Robuck Attorney James S. Routch Ms. Dona J. Savine Monsignor Michael Servinsky Mr. and Mrs. John A. Settimio Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaffer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Ms. Brenda A. Smithmyer
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sponsler Ms. Marcella Summers Mr. and Mrs. Harry Taylor Mrs. Edith B. Trinks Mrs. Emma H. Trout Mrs. Evelyn G. Urbanek Dr. and Mrs. Vijay Vakharia Mr. James A. Verbeck Mrs. Emma L. Wagner Mr. Richard D. Wagner Mrs. Gail W. Walker Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Walter Mrs. Ethel M. Walters Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Weber Mr. and Mrs. Charlie M. Wheeler Mrs. Bernadette K. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Wyland Ms. Natalie A. Yothers Mr. and Mrs. John Zock In Honor Of In honor of Altoona Regional – Emergency/Trauma Department Mrs. Marilyn M. Shaw In honor of Altoona Regional – Medical Staff Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Sickles Jr. In honor of Patricia A. Barefoot Mr. and Mrs. James L. Hilling In honor of Eugene M. Campbell Mrs. M. Joyce Campbell In honor of Dr. Thomas Gore Mrs. Charmayne G. Edwards In honor of the Halbritter Children and Grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Halbritter In honor of Dr. Matthew Newlin Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hershberger In honor of Brenda Reeder Mr. and Mrs. William E. Reeder In Memory Of In memory of Mildred K. Brady Mr. Charles V. Brady In memory of Dorothy Casner Mr. David S. Hess In memory of Harry E. Criswell Mrs. Doris A. Criswell In memory of Richard A. DeGol Mrs. Connie DeGol In memory of Helen G. Dodson Ms. Susan A. Lokey In memory of Josephine Hicks Ms. Jacqueline M. Hicks In memory of John B. Hopfl Captain Lynne M. Hopfl In memory of Gerry M. Kester Mrs. Olana L. Hedrick-Sheaffer In memory of Kenneth O. Knowles Mrs. Joyce A. Knowles In memory of Susan Miller Mr. William C. Miller In memory of Judy Moore Mr. Terence Moore In memory of Carl F. Ott Mrs. Nancy M. Ott In memory of Carolyn R. Reed Mr. and Mrs. Roger Corle In memory of Matthew Shea Mr. and Mrs. Bernard M. Shea In memory of Kristen Stormer Mr. and Mrs. John D. Stormer In memory of Nancy Walla Mr. Andrew Walla
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Snowberger Ms. Virginia Socey St. James Lutheran Church Ward Avenue United Presbyterian Church Ms. Patricia A. Winters Mrs. Naomi M. Yonkosky In Honor Of In honor of Jerrika Jo Burket Mrs. Kay Burket In honor of Carlos N. Wiegering Dr. and Mrs. Carlos M. Wiegering In Memory Of In memory of Rowan Sprague Dr. John D. Littlejohn
Parenting and Child Education General Friends of Altoona Regional Health System
Partnership for Free Medical General Christian Ride and Courier
Pastoral Care In Memory Of In memory of Sylvia Price Mr. and Mrs. Gregory M. Price
Radiation Oncology General Ms. Eileen Dumm Ms. Cindy Eicher Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Mrs. Dorothy L. Marchetti Mr. and Mrs. Larry Snowberger In Memory Of In memory of Erin Dodson Mrs. Michelle A. Dodson
Bernard A. Rosch Palliative Care In Memory Of In memory of Joel Axelrad Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gerber Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Sabatelli Ms. Marcia Sherriton Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stockman Mr. and Mrs. John Wilcox In memory of Diane E. Beach Home Instead Senior Care In memory of Emma Osmolinski Osmolinski Family In memory of Judith K. Smith Mr. and Mrs. John Gordon
Sleep Lab
General Co-workers of Jeff Krug Trauma Services In Honor Of In honor of Dr. Manuel Guerrero Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sleeth In Memory Of In memory of Elizabeth L. Detwiler Mrs. Lois L. McCall Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Stultz Mr. and Mrs. Steve Szynal
FRee Dental Clinic General Mr. and Mrs. James W. Barner
Endowments
Glover Memorial LibrarY General In Memory Of In memory of Benjamin C. Jenkins Altoona Regional Health System Medical Staff
Maternity Department General Mrs. Helen Aikens Altoona Ward Relief Society Bethany Lutheran Church Ms. Jeannie Bosar Mrs. Lois E. Bottomfield Ms. Helen M. Butler Ms. Diane Calihan Ms. Maxine Colyer Ms. Mary Ellen Crock Mrs. Rosemarie Dibert Ms. Patti Faith Friends of Altoona Regional Health System Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gardner Ms. Inge Gill Mrs. Louise C. Hampton Mrs. Donna Holmberg Mrs. Betty L. Kimmel Ms. Emma Kneidinger Ms. M. Yvonne McConnell Ms. Gwen Miller Mrs. Sara G. Miller Ms. Elizabeth Muhlbauer Mrs. Mary Ellen O’Donnell Mr. and Mrs. Lyle V. Rea Ms. Helen Rodfong Salem Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School Scotch Valley Grange #510 Mrs. and Mr. Sharon A. Shoenfelt Mr. and Mrs. Dave Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Matthew P. Bouchard Mr. and Mrs. David J. Duncan Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. McConnell Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Mr. and Mrs. Gary Naugle Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Zorger Mr. and Mrs. Gary Zuckerman
General Anonymous (3) Mrs. Kay Adams Ms. Michelle Adams Mr. Dennis W. Albright Altoona Beauty School, Inc. Mr. Drew M. Appleman Jr. Ms. Christina Arnsparger Drs. Linnane and Todd Batzel Mrs. Dona Baughman Mrs. Janine Beard Mrs. Grace Beere Mr. Cloyd Beers Bennett Holdings, Inc. Ms. Donna L. Benson Mrs. Nancy J. Bergstein Miss Evalyn Bernhardt Mr. and Mrs. John R. Beyer Mrs. Shirley Bickers Ms. Vicki L. Bilka Ms. Miranda R. Bohn Mrs. Polly Boring Mr. Wesley Brallier Mrs. Janis Brawand
Dr. Jeffery L. Brown Ms. Kelly Brunhuber Dr. and Mrs. Robert Budd Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell Ms. Judy Carey Ms. Cathy Chirdon Ms. Angela Claar Ms. Karen Clapper Ms. Ronna Clark Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Cohen Compassionate Friends Mr. Tony Conrad Ms. Marylou E. Conway Ms. Kimberly J. Corle Mr. Joshua Corman Mr. Michael Corso Ms. Patricia Cox Ms. Sarah Crider Dr. Wilhelmina P. Cruz-Vetrano Mrs. Deborah K. Curran Mr. David M. Cuzzolina DelGrosso Foods, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. James V. DeStefano Mr. and Mrs. Donald Devorris Mr. James W. Drenning Attorney John E. Eberhardt Jr. Mr. Raymond M. Eckenrode Mr. Bruce R. Erb Mrs. Dolores M. Fabbri Mrs. Paulette Farabaugh Mr. and Mrs. James R. Feathers Ms. Theresa Finamore Mrs. Debra J. Finochio Mr. John A. Freas Mr. Mark Frederick Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Jr. Mr. Dale Fuller Ms. Lori Gaeto Mr. R. Geoffrey Geesey Ms. Rosemarie Gibson Mr. David Gracey Mr. David Gracey Jr. Ms. Mandy Greaser Ms. Janet L. Grove Drs. Anju and Pawan K. Gupta Reverend David C. Hammerle Mr. and Mrs. Rodger K. Hammond Mrs. Diane L. Harris Ms. Linda J. Harris Mr. and Mrs. John Hawksworth Mr. Gregg Henry Miss Judith A. Himmelein Mr. and Mrs. R. Lee Hite Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hockenberry Ms. Sarah Hollis Dr. J. Grant Hormell Ms. Ann M. Hudak Mrs. Lisa A. James Ms. Janice Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell W. Joseph Mr. John R. Kepler Mrs. Gina M. Kirby Ms. Patricia L. Koch Mrs. Dana M. Kopera Mrs. Sandra Kozielec Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kreuz Jr. Ms. Barbara Kuhn Mrs. Andrea Lauer Ms. Heather M. Lear Ms. Karen Lenning Mr. Greg Madison Dr. and Mrs. R. Samuel Magee Mr. Michael J. Maiocco Mr. Neal Maneval Dr. Anthony Maniglia Dr. and Mrs. Scott D. Marlowe Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Martinelli Mrs. Pauline M. Marzo Dr. Manesh Mathew Ms. M. Kathleen Maurer Mr. Michael T. McCloskey Mr. Samuel L. McClure Sr. Mr. Ronald J. McConnell Mr. and Mrs. John McGregor Ms. Cheryl McKendree Mrs. Lisa McKnight Ms. Audrey McMullen Ms. Paula McNulty Ms. Karen Morral Mrs. Lynne M. Muri Mr. and Mrs. John A. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Drs. Matthew and Laura Newlin Mr. Joseph Noel Ms. Victoria Noel Mrs. Barbara Nosek Mrs. Verla Oakley Mrs. Pamela O’Donnell Mrs. Ellen M. Paterson Mrs. Shirley A. Pechter The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas G. Peoples Jr. Dr. and Mrs. J. Richard Pfeffer Jr. Mr. Anthony Phillips Pittsburgh Critical Care Association, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Steven T. Pope Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Pruznak Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Pufka Ms. Naomi Rajnish Ms. Nina L. Ramsey Drs. Angel and Cynthia Raposas Ms. Sharon Richardson Mr. Clayton C. Rickens Mr. Randall Riva 8
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rossman Dr. Leslie Roub Mrs. Sharon A. Rydbom Ms. Leslee Sady Dr. Jack D. Schocker Ms. Ellen C. Schraff Mr. Randy Sciarrillo Ms. Dana J. Shade Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger Mrs. Lorene S. Shelow Mr. and Mrs. David Shrift Mrs. Marjorie D. Simpson Mrs. Sheri L. Simpson Ms. Carolyn L. Sollenberger Mrs. Catherine Sprouse Mrs. Sharon M. Squillario Ms. Alice M. Straw Mrs. Jacquie Strawser Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Strong Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stuart Sr. Mrs. Bonnie J. Sultage Mrs. Susan J. Taneyhill Ms. Kathryn Terlinsky Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Thursfield Mr. Joseph Trout Ms. Julie A. Vitko Mr. and Mrs. William G. Wallen Ms. Jhodie Waters Mrs. Susan Wertz Ms. Karen Westrick Ms. Velma Williams Mrs. Beverly A. Williamson Ms. Catherine A. Wilt Mrs. Linda Winston Wolf Furniture Company Mr. and Mrs. Larry Woolheater Mr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Wright Mrs. Loretta F. Wyland Mrs. Naomi R. Yon Ms. Mary L. Zabinsky Drs. Maged Zaky and Irini Youssef Ms. Carol R. Zamboni Mrs. Kiersten Zelnosky Mr. Barry Zernick In Honor Of In honor of Margaret Barr Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Thursfield In honor of Drs. Brumbaugh, Chuu and Bouassaf Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Thursfield In honor of Dr. Stanley DeFay Mrs. Jayne P. Chirdon In honor of Dr. J. Michael Dinger Mrs. Jayne P. Chirdon In honor of Dr. Anthony Maniglia Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Kaplan In honor of Dr. Robert D. Sullivan Altoona Regional – Infection Prevention & Control In honor of William G. Wallen Mr. and Mrs. Philip Sky In honor of Dr. Robert E. Wertz Mr. Matthew Phillips In Memory Of In memory of John E. Barr Mr. and Mrs. Fred F. Thursfield In memory of Steve E. Beretsel Mrs. Pearl F. Beretsel In memory of Eric Bordell Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kulmatycki In memory of Harry E. Criswell Mrs. Doris A. Criswell In memory of Elizabeth L. Detwiler Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Irvin Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Michelone Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Williams In memory of Dutch & Mabel Elling Ms. Mary J. Campolong In memory of Judith E. Hogan Mr. David E. Hogan In memory of Benjamin C. Jenkins Ms. Karen Esposito In memory of Nellie E. Johnson Mr. G. Roy Johnson In memory of James “Pap” McCabe Mr. and Mrs. William Bratton In memory of Virginia G. McCormick Mr. Charles V. Brady Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shellenberger In memory of Irene Mirkowski Dr. Amy K. Metzger and Mr. Jack Mirkowski In memory of L. Jean Reighard Ms. Alice M. Straw In memory of Doris J. Rickens Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Boslet Mr. and Mrs. John W. Gentry In memory of J. Carolyn Routch Attorney James S. Routch In memory of Charles and Alice Sheehan Ms. Ruth A. Slippey In memory of Harry Sprankle Mrs. Lilia J. Sprankle In memory of Anna Mae Thompson Mr. and Mrs. William C. Harshberger In memory of Lawrence A. Way Ms. Annette R. Heidel and Family Immanuel Bible Church of Three Springs Area Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Irvin Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Stampfle Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Taras
Begin With Us Childcare and Preschool Bell Mansion Tea House Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Shaun Benzel Mr. and Mrs. William Benzel BKD, Inc. Blair Companies Blair County Anesthesia Blair County Arts Foundation Blair County Golf Blair Gastroenterology Associates Radiology – C-Arm for Blair Medical Associates Operating Room Calvin House Carbis Walker, LLP General Allegheny Brain and Spine Surgeons CBIZ Benefits and Insurance Services Altoona Center for Nursing Care Dr. and Mrs. Michael Cohen Altoona Regional – Education Color Me Beautiful Department Cornerstone Advisors Asset Altoona Regional Health System Management, Inc. AMED Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Cover ARAMARK Healthcare Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cristillo Bennett Holdings, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John Crust Benzel’s Pretzels Dale Oxygen BKD, LLP DeGol Carpet Blair Companies CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, DeGol Organization DelGrosso Foods Inc. Delightful Ewe Mrs. Sharon Ciccarella Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Dietrick Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Conner Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Dodson Cornerstone Advisors Asset Fiore True Value Management Mr. and Mrs. Michael Forosisky Mr. Michael Corso Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Credit Control Collections Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Fulchiero Jr. DeGol Carpet Mr. and Mrs. Dale Fuller DeGol Organization Gardner’s Candy Dixon, Hughes, & Goodman, LLP Dr. and Mrs. Charles Haas Mrs. Sally Earnest Mr. and Mrs. Robert Halbritter H.F. Lenz Company HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hayes Large Architects, LLP Hospital HealthCare Benefits, Inc. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Revenue Resolutions HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital The Hite Company Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hite Home Health Resource Holliday Corvette Hospital Council of Western PA Horizon Hospice Hoss’s Steak and Sea House Hoss’s Steak and Sea House Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyne Howard Industries Image Signs Mr. and Mrs. William Hoyne Insight Investments Image Signs Mr. and Mrs. Marty Kooman Investment Savings Bank Lawruk Realty Jazzercise Limbach Company, LLC Johnny on the Spot Marzoni’s Dr. and Mrs. Neil Kaneshiki MedAsset Kerr Kreations Floral and Gifts Medline Kitchen and Gift Mr. Jerry Murray Kooman and Associates, Inc. Mr. Gary Naugle Kranich’s Paris Healthcare Linen Services Labor Specialties, Inc. Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lapierre Primary Healthcare Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Levine Radiology Business Solutions Limbach, Inc. Ravine Medical Uniforms, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Logan Embroidery & Screen Printing Lytle’s Transport Reed Smith, LLP Mainline Bank Reilly, Creppage & Co., Inc. Mama Randazzo’s S&T Bank Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Maniglia Schultz Company Mattas Motors Sheetz, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald McConnell Siemens Healthcare Stiffler, McGraw and Associates, Inc. McQuaide Blasko Attorneys at Law Mrs. Sharon Squillario Mr. J.V. Meadows Subway Mr. and Mrs. David Miller Ms. Kathi Terlinsky Mr. and Mrs. Milton Miller UPMC Moments Photography Value Drug Pharmacy Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Murray Xanitos, Inc. New Look Uniform Olive Garden Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Burt Orwig Ms. Peg Panasitti Penn State Altoona Development Judge and Mrs. Thomas Peoples Pepsico Mr. and Mrs. Neil Port Procare Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rickens Mr. and Mrs. John Roberts VAscular Institute and Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort S&T Bank Diabetes Education Saint Francis University General Select Specialty Hospital Adler’s Landscaping ServiceMaster Allegheny Ballet Company Sheetz, Inc. Allegheny Orthotics and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Prosthetics Shellenberger Allegro Restaurant Stiffler, McGraw and Associates Altoona Center for Nursing Care Subway Altoona Community Theatre Target Altoona OB/GYN Associates Tea Merchant 101 Altoona Regional – Administration Ms. Kathi Terlinsky Altoona Regional – Community Thompson Pharmacy Education Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thursfield Altoona Regional – Education Top to Bottom Interiors Altoona Regional – Finance UPMC Altoona Regional – Foundation Drs. Joseph and Wilhelmina for Life Vetrano Altoona Regional – HealthForce Warner’s Florist Altoona Regional – Imaging Ms. Kitty Wilson Services Xanitos, Inc. Altoona Regional – Marketing and Dr. and Mrs. George Zlupko Communications Altoona Regional – Medical Staff Altoona Regional – MICU Altoona Regional – Volunteers Please contact the Foundation for Altoona Symphony Orchestra Life office at 889.6406 if we have Baby World omitted or made an error in the Beere Construction listing of your donation.
Golf Outing
Holiday Splendor
n e w s
f r o m
A l t o o n a
R e g i o n a l
Sav e dat the e!
Foundation for Life
Golf Classic National Research Corporation names Altoona Regional a top hospital
Monday, June 24, 2013 Scotch Valley Country Club
National Research Corporation of Lincoln, Neb., has recognized Altoona Regional Health System as one of the nation’s top hospitals and winner of a 2012/2013 Consumer Choice Award. The award identifies hospitals that health care consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image in over 300 markets throughout the U.S. This is the 17th year National Research has recognized hospitals whose consumers have recognized them for providing the highest quality health care. Other Pennsylvania winners include Allegheny General, Lancaster General, Geisinger Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and UPMC. Winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company’s Market Insights/ Ticker survey. The Consumer Choice Awards recognize hospitals that patients have rated as the most preferred places to receive care according to quality and image.
HOW to give To make a gift in love, tribute or remembrance, contact the Foundation for Life at 889.6406, or send a check with a note providing background on the reason for your gift. You can also make your gift at www.altoonaregional.org/gift giving. The Foundation will notify the person of your tribute gift with an appropriate card, and you will receive a receipt and letter thanking you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Mural in Maternity A teacher and two students from Bellwood-Antis High School hand-painted a “Welcome to Maternity” mural in the Labor/Delivery waiting area on Tower 9. Teacher Leah McNaul, current student Meghan Claar and former student Hannah Claar volunteered six hours of their own time on a Saturday to complete the mural and make the waiting area more inviting.
Altoona Regional adopts tobaccofree policy Altoona Regional Health System becomes tobaccofree effective Jan. 1. There will no longer be designated areas on owned or leased hospital property for smoke or smokeless tobacco use (including electronic cigarettes) by employees, physicians, volunteers, contractors, vendors, patients or visitors. All must leave hospital property to use tobacco products. In addition, Altoona Regional will no longer hire people who use tobacco products. These new policies are designed to create a safer environment for patients and a healthier overall workforce. Altoona Regional joins a nationwide trend that includes almost 70 Pennsylvania hospitals with tobacco-free medical campuses. Patients who smoke will be invited to speak with their physician or nurse about options that are available while they are in the hospital. “We strongly believe this is the right thing to do for our community,” said President/ CEO Jerry Murray. “Tobacco use is unhealthy for the users and those around them. As a health care system, our goal is to model healthy behaviors because we care about the health of our community.” Program alert! Freedom From Smoking: Become Tobcco-Free See calendar insert for details, dates and times
HPV
and cervical cancer
New tool helps better assess a woman’s risk Each year, 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer — almost all associated with HPV (human papillomavirus), according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 4,000 die.
False sense of security?
Multiple types of HPV
Barbara L. Walton, M.D., pathologist at Altoona Regional’s Laboratory, cautions those who have had the HPV vaccine and may have a false sense of security.
Screening is useful but gynecologists and family physicians face a hurdle getting women into the office for a Pap smear/ HPV test.
“It’s important to remember that not all highrisk strains are covered by the HPV vaccine,” she said. “Routine Pap testing, and HPV testing when recommended, is the best way to screen for cervical cancer.”
HPV comes in many different types, and a person may be infected with more than one type. The advance testing at Altoona Regional distinguishes the presence of 14 high-risk types of HPV, including the two associated with 70 percent of all cervical cancer.
“I want to emphasize that the current guidelines of less frequent Pap smears do not mean less frequent well-woman visits to health providers, whether a family medicine doctor or a gynecologist who does their breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap smears,” said Ryan J. Zlupko, M.D., chairman, Altoona Regional Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Cervical cancer screening is only a small part of routine well-woman care, which should continue on an annual basis regardless of the need for a Pap smear.”
Dr. Zlupko said a Pap smear is the current method for screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes to the cervix. Current guidelines from the American College of OB/ GYN and other societies recommend Pap screening for low-risk women in their 20s every two years and women over 30 every three years. “High-risk human papillomavirus is a necessary risk factor for almost all cervical cancers and for significantly precancerous changes to the cervix,” Dr. Zlupko said.
“...not all high-risk strains are covered by the HPV vaccine.”
With this specific knowledge, gynecologists and family physicians are immediately better equipped to develop a more precise treatment for the patient. “The new testing system has not only provided outstanding turnaround time, but patient continuity with regard to quality assurance has been stellar,” Dr. Walton said. “We carefully scrutinize all cervical specimens from the initial smear to other procedures dictated by the patient’s initial diagnosis. This ensures a high diagnostic quality for the doctor.” Dr. Zlupko said his group offers the community high quality health screening and treatment, according to current best-practice guidelines. “We are very pleased to now have the tools available at Altoona Regional to accomplish that goal with respect to cervical cancer screening,” he said.
Cytotechnologist Carisa Lepley transfers cell samples for further testing.
Cervical cancer ‘easy’ to prevent About 20 million American men and women are infected with HPV. Another 6 million become newly infected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. HPV is so common that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. Because most infected people have no symptoms, they spread HPV to their sex partners and may do so for many years. The first warning sign of cervical cancer is changes in the cervix cells, detected through a Pap smear.
Barbara Walton, M.D. and Ryan Zlupko, M.D.
Contact: Ryan J. Zlupko, M.D. Altoona OB/GYN Associates Inc. 1701 12th Ave., Bldg. A, Altoona 944.5062 10
“Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, with regular screening tests,” said Altoona Regional cytotechnologist Becky Illig. “Our state-ofthe-art diagnostic tests involve multiple levels, but at each step each woman can be reassured that her sample is thoroughly examined personally by the highly skilled, experienced eyes of a cytotechnologist and a pathologist.”
Here’s how they work and what they look for
imaging
What’s your
?
You have a pain in your side and your physician wants to investigate further with a CT scan. Your son injures his knee during a basketball game and the trainer says he’ll most likely need an MRI. When it comes to medical imaging services, most people don’t know one test from the next.
Ultrasound — By moving a specialized scanner over an area of the body, sound waves bounce off of internal organs, creating an instant image. Ultrasound is useful for visualizing the gallbladder, kidney stones, intestinal obstructions and babies in utero. It uses no radiation and requires no contrast.
“Patients often wonder why their physician referred them to one test instead of another,” said Mike Corso, administrative director of Imaging Services and Cardiology at Altoona Regional. “Understanding what your physician ordered and why can help you feel more confident and be better prepared for your test.”
X-ray — The grandfather of all imaging technology, X-ray remains useful in detecting many health concerns, with limitations. A chest X-ray, for example, limited by twodimensional pictures, cannot detect subtle changes in growths over short periods of time. It is most beneficial to check for bone fractures and for viewing organs.
CT (or CAT) scan — Uses combined X-ray and computer technology to image bones, lungs and other organs in three dimensions. The camera of the CT spirals around the patient’s body and can provide multiple super-thin images.
Altoona Regional has the latest and greatest in CT technology — a 64-slice CT scanner. It benefits patients with faster imaging times and physicians with clearer images for more accurate diagnoses.
MRI — Pulses of radio waves and a powerful magnet work together to create clear images without radiation. For some MRI exams, contrast is used, much like a CT scan. However, MRI contrast is not iodinebased (gadolinium), so
people who are allergic to iodine can tolerate it. MRI is often used to diagnose cancers because it detects small tissue abnormalities. In 2011, Altoona Regional installed the region’s first wide-bore 1.5 Tesla MRI system at its Station Medical Center location. This MRI combines a larger opening for obese and claustrophobic patients, with the ability to capture high-quality diagnostic images.
Nuclear medicine (including PET-CT) — Visualizes the molecular structure of the body through radioactive agents. These agents attach to abnormal tissues and are highlighted in the image. Nuclear medicine visualizes body parts ranging from bones to heart to lungs, and shows the function of various body parts, which other imaging technologies cannot.
• Customizes CT exams for each patient based on weight, age, body type and other factors.
Digital mammography — Uses compression and X-rays to create images of the inside of the breast. The images are viewed electronically using special high-resolution monitors. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found. Every study examined “Radiologists examine every imaging study and determine whether an additional test should be ordered,” said Mike. “In the event an abnormality arises and a different look at the area could be beneficial, a second or third test may be ordered. It’s the best way to investigate a potential problem without surgical intervention.”
To schedule an imaging procedure at Altoona Regional, call 889.4222. Altoona Regional at Station Medical Center • Outpatient Imaging department hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday • 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays
Although the lifesaving value of imaging technology is undeniable, Altoona Regional understands the concerns that patients and their doctors have over radiation exposure. “We are fully committed to minimizing exposure to radiation for our patients and staff,” said Mike Corso, administrative director of Imaging Services and Cardiology. “We always try to use the lowest radiation dose while getting images that are of appropriate diagnostic quality. Patient safety is our top priority.” More ways Altoona Regional minimizes radiation dose:
Toward that end, here are the diagnostic imaging technologies available at Altoona Regional and what they are most commonly used for: CT uses radiation to generate images with faster scanning (in most cases) than MRI. Some CT scans require an injection of a special iodine contrast before the scan. This contrast is absorbed by abnormal tissues and is detected by the CT scanner, giving physicians a clear view of the problem area.
Making testing as safe as possible
• Uses radiation-free alternatives, such as ultrasound and MRI, when clinically appropriate. • Maintains, upgrades and replaces equipment to ensure patient safety and take advantage of technological advances. • Follows strict procedures for checking and double-checking patient information and the type of exam to be performed. The American College of Radiology (ACR) publishes guidelines on radiation levels for various types of scans. Altoona Regional, which is ACR-certified in CT, comes in well below these levels for most exams, according to Dr. Peter James, medical director of Imaging Services at Altoona Regional. Mike Corso
Altoona Hospital Campus 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601-4899 A nonprofit community health care system
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Altoona Regional Health System
Change Service Requested
ASK THE SPECIALIST Matthew B. Maserati, M.D., is a neurosurgeon who practices with Allegheny Brain and Spine Surgeons, 501 Howard Ave., Building E-1, Altoona. Phone 946.9150.
Why did you choose to get into medicine?
I actually backed into the field. In college, I imagined myself a researcher in the life sciences. After about two years, I realized that what I found most compelling was the application of all this powerful knowledge to people’s lives — to human health and disease — rather than the researcher’s never-ending pursuit of the unknown. In fact, I remember swearing as a child I’d never
be a doctor, probably just to be different from my friends! And how did you choose neurosurgery?
exhilarating ways to help patients, and they called to me as nothing else ever had.
And, fortunately, I had several mentors in the Believe it or not, after field who disproved the deciding to pursue stereotype. medicine, I swore I’d never You mentioned become a surgeon! You brain tumors and see, in medical school, blood clots, but don’t there are stereotypes just you specialize in spinal like anywhere else. I heard that surgeons were arrogant, surgery? scalpel-happy and lacking I do. During in compassion, not to residency, I learned mention uninterested in the to take out brain tumors scientific side of medicine to and clip aneurysms, but which I had been so drawn. I was also exposed for I believed this stereotype right up to the first day of my first surgical rotation — neurosurgery. After just one day, I was hooked. Curing tremors by implanting electrodes deep inside the brain, removing a blood clot from a patient’s brain to pull him back from the brink of death, plucking a tumor the size of a grapefruit from the brain — these were dramatic, p
r
o
the first time to the world of spinal surgery. Much to my surprise, I found disorders of the spine most interesting, and the surgeries to treat them most rewarding. With spinal surgery, we have the ability to restore function, such as allowing a patient to walk again by removing pressure on the spinal nerves, to bring relief of disabling back and f
i
l
leg pain by fusing unstable areas of the spine, and to get patients up and walking after sometimes devastating trauma by reconstructing the fractured spine, just to name a few.
quicker mobilization and shorter hospital stays. Just as important, though, less damage to the surrounding tissue means less chance that further surgery will be needed.
Are there any special areas of spine surgery that interest you?
Spinal deformity, which includes disorders like scoliosis and kyphosis, is a particularly compelling subspecialty for two reasons. First, it is often the result of longstanding wear and tear on the spine, and it is therefore becoming increasingly common as people are living longer. Second, spinal deformity can have profound effects on patients’ lives, whether from disabling back or neck pain, concerns about appearance, or even the inability to maintain horizontal gaze.
Two — minimally invasive approaches and spinal deformity. I did a fellowship (an extra year of training) in these two areas of spine surgery. Minimally invasive surgery, which should really be called “minimally disruptive surgery,” means not just smaller incisions but also using tubes and advanced X-ray imaging in the operating room to minimize damage to the supporting structures of the spine, such as the muscles and ligaments. We know that in the right patient this translates into less postoperative pain,
Fixing such deformities, which typically requires complex spinal reconstruction using metal screws and rods, can produce dramatic improvements in quality of life, making these surgeries extremely satisfying.
e
Dr. Maserati is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon whose specialties are minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal deformity, degenerative spine and spine trauma. He received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He did his general surgery internship, neurological surgical residency and spine surgery fellowship at the 12 University of Pittsburgh.