St. Clair Hospital HouseCall_Vol V Issue 3

VOLUME V ISSUE 3 2

HouseCall The New

Center of Healthcare in Peters Township

Page 2

INSIDE: A floor-by-floor breakout of the state-of-the-art diagnostic services and the outstanding physicians available at St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center–Peters Township. See Page 2.

plus

Spotlight On New Physicians I St. Clair Delivers Picture-Perfect Family Birth Center I Guided Imagery I Hospital Reaches Out To Refugee Population I Community Health Needs Report Available I Summer Swing Memories

ContinuED GroWtH

St. Clair HoSpital’S new $20 million faCility ServeS patientS and pHySiCianS in tHe growing peterS townSHip area.

ON JUNE 3, THE ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTER IN PETERS TOWNSHIP OFFICIALLY OPENED ITS DOORS.

L

ike its sister Outpatient Center in Bethel Park, the Peters Township location is designed to allow patients, if necessary, to see multiple physicians and access the diagnostic services they need in one day, all under one roof.

The exterior of the two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility features a portico drop-off to protect

patients and visitors from inclement weather. The surrounding landscaped campus includes free parking for 180 vehicles and a Safe Zone Walkway to and from the building’s entrance.

The new Outpatient Center is green, utilizing sustainable principles and materials in an eco conscious way. No mechanical equipment has been placed on the roof. Instead, it has been mounted behind the building in a “service zone” situated behind acoustical screening to dampen any noise.

What follows over the next four pages is a floor-by-floor breakout of services at the St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center–Peters Township and corresponding contact information for each service. Just as with the previous issue of HouseCall on the Bethel Park Outpatient Center, we encourage readers to save this handy guide for future reference.

St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center–Peters accepts all major insurance. To contact the Outpatient Center, please call 412 .942.8400.

2 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 3

ContinuED GroWtH Continued from Page 3

First Floor A

B

rECEption/CoMMon arEa

Café at pEtErS toWnSHip

Everyone who walks through the Outpatient Center’s front doors is

Patients and visitors to the Outpatient Center are enjoying the Café’s

greeted in the Reception/Common Area by a member of St. Clair Hospital's

“almost famous” coffee, as well as its delicious selection of breakfast

Guest Relations staff. Patients and visitors can also find their way via the

and lunch items, including danish and other baked goods, fresh salads

Center’s large electronic directory, which lists diagnostic services and

and ready-to-eat sandwiches. Nuts, dried fruits and other bite-sized

the names and suite numbers of every physician in the building.

snacks are also available, along with bottled beverages suitable for breakfast and lunch. Patrons can enjoy their meals in the café’s spacious and comfortable seating area, which is bathed in natural light thanks to the Center’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

C D A

B

A

rECEption/ CoMMon arEa

B

Café at pEtErS toWnSHip

4 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

C

SitE of futurE MEDiCal offiCES

D

piatt DiaGnoStiC CEntEr

BuilDinG naMED in Honor of DonorS C

CoMinGSoon!

Soon!

CoMinG

This space is reserved for physicians and programs to be announced at a later time.

A

t its founding and throughout its 60-year history,

generous contributions from individuals and

organizations have allowed St. Clair Hospital to grow

and become a nationally recognized healthcare institution.

This spirit of giving is alive and well today and exemplified

D

piatt DiaGnoStiC CEntEr

most recently with the celebration of the Hospital’s new Peters Township Outpatient Center. Michael and Dolores Kara of

Named after St. Clair Hospital benefactor Jack B. Piatt and Family, the Piatt Diagnostic Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities, including a 1.5 Tesla wide bore MRI; a 32-slice CT scanner; Discovery XT 656 X-ray; digital

Southpointe, Pa. and Boca Raton, Fla. have made one of the largest philanthropic gifts to St. Clair in support of the

mammography; obstetrical and diagnostic ultrasound; and bone density testing.

Outpatient Center. The building, located in the heart of Peters

The Piatt Diagnostic Center also includes laboratory services (including blood

Township, has been named The Michael and Dolores Kara

draws and specimen collection), as well as cardiodiagnostics (echocardiography

Building in their honor.

and EKG), and pre-operative testing.

Within the Piatt Diagnostic Center is also a specially designed Women’s Imaging Center, where patients undergoing mammography, ultrasound, or other studies can enjoy added privacy and amenities.

To schedule an appointment at the Piatt Diagnostic Center, please call 412.942.8150.

“After dedication, hard work, sacrifice, early investing, and many blessings, we are pleased to share our success with St. Clair Hospital,” said Michael Kara. “Our experience with St. Clair has exceeded our expectations and has resulted in annual gift giving since 1999. We wish to extend a special thanks to Dr. David Burkey and Dr. Nalina Prabhu.”

“The Karas have been a great partner of St. Clair for more than a decade,” said Andrea Kalina, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Human Resources Officer, St. Clair Hospital. “Naming this important new building after the Karas is tangible recognition of their longstanding commitment to the Hospital and its mission to provide highly valued, service-oriented healthcare to the community now and for many years to come.”

IN ADDITION TO THE KARAS, ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL ALSO EXTENDS OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING DONORS WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE THE ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT CENTER–PETERS TOWNSHIP A REALITY:

Jack B. Piatt and Family

Debra and Andrew Hays

The Jardini & Shober Family

Sarris Candies, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Phillip D. Bollman, Jr.

The Kaylor-Shanahan Family

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 5

ContinuED GroWtH Continued from Page 5

Second Floor A

CoMMunity rooM

Health education classes are held in the spacious Community Room, with its picturesque views of Canonsburg Lake and its tree-lined shores.

B

patriCia J. BulSECo, M.D., p.C. • SuitE 230

The obstetrics and gynecology medical practice of Patricia J. Bulseco, M.D., P.C., offers premier OB/GYN care for patients throughout the South Hills. The practice’s six physicians offer personalized prenatal and postpartum care, and clinical expertise for all stages of a woman’s life. In addition to regular exam and treatment services, the practice offers minimally invasive hysterectomies via the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system at St. Clair Hospital’s main campus in Mt. Lebanon.

To contact Patricia J. Bulseco, M.D., P.C., please call 724.941.1866.

Shannon H. McGranahan, M.D., FACOG; Stephanie S. Brown, M.D.; Patricia J. Bulseco M.D.; Deborah A. Lenart, M.D.; Douglas H. MacKay, M.D.; and Kristen Peske, D.O.

C

B

D

A

A

CoMMunity rooM

E B

patriCia J. BulSECo, M.D., p.C. SuitE 230

6 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

C

SpECialty SuitE 270

D

prEfErrED priMary CarE pHySiCianS SuitE 220

E

fatiGati-nalin aSSoCiatES SuitE 280

C

SpECialty SuitE • SuitE 270

D

prEfErrED priMary CarE pHySiCianS • SuitE 220

The Outpatient Center’s Specialty Suite is home to physicians representing a wide variety of specialties, including: Breast Surgery; Cardiology;

Preferred Primary Care Physicians, or PPCP, was founded in 1995 by

Colorectal Surgery; Ear/Nose/Throat; Endocrinology; General Surgery;

10 primary care physicians and has grown to 34 physicians specializing

Ophthalmology; Orthopedics; and Plastic Surgery.

in internal medicine and family practice. The group is well-known for

Breast Surgery/General Surgery Budway Surgical Associates Raye J. Budway, M.D. 412 . 942 .3177 Cardiology US Heart and Vascular, P.C. David Burkey, M.D. Leonard G. Gehl, M.D. James W. Marcucci, M.D. Adil Waheed, D.O. Ryan W. Zuzek, M.D. 412 .429. 8840 Colon and Rectal Surgery Colorectal Surgical Associates Leigh H. Nadler, M.D. Scott A. Holekamp, M.D. 412.572.6192 Ear/Nose/Throat South Hills E.N.T. Association David P. DeMarino, M.D. Stephen F. Wawrose, M.D. Paul Scolieri, M.D. Brian R. Elford, D.O. 412.831.7570 Endocrinology Evron Endocrinology Associates Wayne A. Evron, M.D. 412 . 942 . 7295

General Surgery Southwestern Surgical Associates, P.C. Antonio J. Ripepi, M.D. 412 .466.4121

its quality improvement programs, participation in research studies designed to advance primary, wellness and preventative care, and its pioneering implementation of electronic medical records.

To contact Preferred Primary Care Physicians, please call 724.941.8877.

Ophthalmology Glaucoma-Cataract Consultants, Inc. James P. Mondzelewski, M.D. Patrick Danaher, M.D. Evan B. Dreyer, M.D. Bradley A. Unruh, O.D. 412.572.6121 Orthopedics South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates Eric D. Nabors, M.D. Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D. Brett C. Perricelli, M.D. 412.283.0260 Plastic Surgery Bragdon-Stofman Plastic Group, P.C. Robert W. Bragdon, M.D. Guy M. Stofman, M.D. John P. Brosious, M.D. 412 .572 .6164

Stephanie Colodny, M.D.; Walter Robison, M.D.; and Ashith Mally, M.D.

E

fatiGati-nalin aSSoCiatES • SuitE 280

With 10 board-certified internal medicine physicians and five registered nurse practitioners, Fatigati-Nalin Associates is one of the largest primary care providers in the greater South Hills area.

In addition to the convenience of the Peters Township office, patients have the added advantage of using the practice’s Patient Portal. The portal provides 24-hour online access to a host of services, including the ability to ask questions, view history of previous visits, print health forms and even pay bills.

To contact Fatigati-Nalin Associates, please call 724.731.0090.

For more information on the above physicians, please visit www.stclair.org.

Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D.; Mario J. Fatigati, M.D.; and Nithin V. Bhandarkar, D.O.

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 7

SpotliGHt on nEW pHySiCianS

Drs. Duncan anD conway

together again tHE BESt friEnDSHipS oftEn SEEM to HavE HaD no BEGinninG. tHEy EvolvE So naturally tHat nEitHEr pErSon Can pinpoint tHE MoMEnt WHEn a ClaSSMatE, Co-WorkEr or nEiGHBor BECoMES a truE friEnD. it JuSt fEElS likE tHat SpECial friEnD HaS alWayS BEEn tHErE. Paula A. Duncan, M.D., and Tera S. Conway, M.D., two young physicians who joined the Medical Staff at St. Clair Hospital this

It’s worth it because Drs. Tera Conway and Paula Duncan both believe that they have the best job in the world: they are obstetrician/

summer, know that feeling. They met and became friends as first-

gynecologists, and every day they deliver babies, provide prenatal

year students at Northeast Ohio Medical University, which is located

care to pregnant women, and take care of the health needs of women.

near Akron. They had a lot in common and were both gifted in nearly

They share a passion for this work and now are colleagues, having

every way that a person can be: they were academic achievers,

both joined the very successful practice of Paul M. Zubritzky, M.D.

athletic, and grounded by strong families and communities. Both

and Patrick T. Christy, M.D.

had grown up in small, solid towns in Ohio: Dr. Duncan is from the Akron area, and Dr. Conway hails from East Liverpool.

In those early days of medical school, as their friendship took root, Drs. Conway and Duncan could not have imagined that their initial meeting would lead to not only the development of a deep friendship, but also the sharing of many significant life experiences and adventures: moving to Pittsburgh and completing OB/GYN residencies, among others. Fortunately, they have other traits in common: strength of character, a clear sense of purpose, and a desire to fulfill themselves in order to contribute to the greater good. One might call it an intrepid spirit.

Medical school and then the long, arduous days of residency are most certainly an adventure, and one that calls for a spirit of endurance and fortitude. It was, recalls Dr. Duncan, intense and exhausting, especially because both she and Tera Conway were enrolled in an accelerated program. “You don’t realize the sacrifices you are making, until you are in the midst of it, or maybe not even until afterwards. Essentially, you sacrifice your 20s, when all of your contemporaries seem to be having the most wonderful time! But it’s worth it. Absolutely.”

“

… i felt Compelled to learn more and to enligHten otHer obStetriCianS and women’S HealtHCare profeSSionalS about ptSd. — PAULA A. DUNCAN, M.D.

”

8 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

Paula A. Duncan, M.D.

Tera S. Conway, M.D.

According to Dr. Zubritzky, “Our practice was originally based in the West End of Pittsburgh and we delivered babies at Ohio Valley General Hospital. When OVGH closed its obstetric service in 2009, we relocated to St. Clair Hospital and added a South Hills office. We now have that office and others in Robinson and Kennedy. With the growth of our practice, we needed additional physicians to meet the demand, and we know that some patients want female OB/GYNs. Fortunately, we found two outstanding candidates in Tera Conway and Paula Duncan. Dr. Christy and I believe they will be a perfect fit. We both have a hands-on, friendly, personal approach; we believe in treating patients with empathy and compassion. Paula and Tera have the same approach; they’re warm, down-to-earth, and giving. They are also excellent clinicians. Both are willing and wanting to work hard, and they will.

In our practice, we’re dedicated to providing

beyond. I can provide the preventive care

great healthcare to women.”

and screenings that she needs to stay

Providing great care to women is both

healthy, and I can treat problems that arise.

a professional and personal mission for

I love the variety of my work and I hope to

Dr. Conway and Dr. Duncan. They themselves are

have a nice mix of obstetrics and gynecology

strong, spirited women, and strong is what

in my practice. Although I enjoy surgery,

they want all women to be. As obstetrician/

there is nothing quite like the joy of delivering

gynecologists, they are all about caring for,

a baby and that very special moment that

supporting and empowering women, and

I feel honored to be part of ― it’s what

their own friendship is a testament to how

really sparked my interest in the field in

essential women are to each other. Both

medical school.”

appreciate that in their specialty of OB/GYN

“

i CHoSe to praCtiCe ob/gyn beCauSe it iS eSSentially primary Care. … i Can Care for a woman in adoleSCenCe, tHrougH Her pregnanCieS and CHild-bearing yearS, and beyond.

”

— TERA S. CONWAY, M.D.

For Dr. Duncan as well, the highlight

they will be able to have long-term relation-

of her work is the delivery room. “It’s just

ships with patients. “I look forward to

so beautiful,” she says. “The wonder of birth

working with my patients as partners and

is never lost on me. Sometimes I can’t

specialty care all rolled into one, touching

helping them develop healthy lifestyles,”

believe that I get to do what I do.”

every age group. An OB/GYN might spend

Dr. Conway says. “I’m a believer in being

Of course, there is much more to

the morning in a Birthing Suite, delivering

pro-active about one’s health; a healthy

being an OB/GYN than delivering babies.

and tending to newborns and mothers,

lifestyle is empowering.

OB/GYNs are among the most diversified

then head to the office to counsel a young

medical specialists; their training and

woman about contraception or treat a

OB/GYN is because it is essentially primary

repertoire of skills includes obstetrics,

mid-life patient for menopause symptoms.

care,” says Dr. Conway. “I can care for a

gynecology, surgery, fertility care,

woman in adolescence, through her

neonatology, urology, GYN oncology,

women’s experiences of labor and birth and

pregnancies and child-bearing years,

genetics and diagnostic imaging. OB/GYN

their emotional and psychological impact.

through the transitions of mid-life and

is primary care, preventive care and

“One of the reasons I chose to practice

Dr. Duncan has a special interest in

Continued on Page 10

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 9

SpotliGHt on nEW pHySiCianS Continued from Page 9

Although they love their work, both

Traumatic birth experiences can have

As they immerse themselves in their new practice, Drs. Conway and Duncan

devastating, long-term consequences.

doctors acknowledge that there can be a lot

“I studied women who had horrid birth

of pressure. When they need to decompress,

are quick learners. As Dr. Zubritzky says,

experiences and were so traumatized that

they go separate ways. Tera Conway follows

“Healthcare is so complex now, and

they were terrified to consider another

the sun: she loves the outdoors, and relaxes

doctors have to learn about many things

pregnancy. I was stunned by how many

by immersing herself in the calm, scenic waters

beyond the care of patients. But that is

women felt this way. It haunted me, but it

of the Allegheny River, in a kayak. She and her

still the priority.

also opened my eyes. I felt compelled to learn

husband Collin, a general

more and to enlighten other obstetricians

surgeon, and their cat,

and women’s healthcare professionals

Jacoby, live in Morningside,

about it. It’s important because this kind

not far from the river,

of trauma is associated with postpartum

and they love to be active:

depression.” She developed a lecture about

biking, skiing and scuba

the topic for Grand Rounds, titled “Birth

diving. Paula Duncan, who

“

we Have a HandS-on, friendly, perSonal approaCH … paula and tera Have tHe Same approaCH; tHey’re warm, down-to-eartH, and giving. tHey are alSo exCellent CliniCianS.

”

Trauma,” and when she presented it, her

lives in the South Hills

colleagues were as stunned as she had

with her husband, Zack,

been. “They thought, from the title, that

likes to immerse herself in a good book.

I was going to be discussing birth-related

“I curl up with a good novel and that’s my

throughout the South Hills and the western

physical injuries. Like me, they did not

escape. I’m a bookworm. I want books that I

suburbs. No matter where they are from or

— PAUL M. ZUBRITZKY, M.D.

“We see a diverse population of women

realize the scope of this problem and the

can really get lost in, in another world that is

why they come in, our patients want to talk to

impact on women.” With typical resolve,

completely new to me. I love fantasy, but I

their doctors. That’s why Tera and Paula are

Dr. Duncan plans to study the topic further

also love classics. Jane Eyre and the books of

so good — they are young, energetic and eager

and to address traumatic birth experiences

Jane Austen are favorites.” The Duncans also

to give of themselves to help the community.

in her practice in the hope of helping

love travel and Paula is a runner who has

I’m confident that these two young doctors

traumatized women heal.

completed a half marathon.

are going to simply shine in our practice.”

ZuBrITZKy anD cHrIsTy oB-Gyn PAUL M. ZUBRITZKY, M.D.

PATRICK T. CHRISTY, M.D.

Dr. Zubritzky specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. He earned his medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine and completed his residency at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Zubritzky is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Christy specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. He earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, Pa. Dr. Christy is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

TERA S. CONWAY, M.D.

PAULA A. DUNCAN, M.D.

Dr. Conway specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. She earned her medical degree at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Dr. Conway completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, where she served as Administrative Chief Resident.

Dr. Duncan specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. She earned her medical degree at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Dr. Duncan completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UPMC Magee Womens Hospital.

THrEE conVEnIEnT LocaTIons ROBINSON TOWNSHIP 6000 Steubenville Pike, Suite 105 McKees Rocks, PA 15136

10 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

KENNEDY TOWNSHIP 1767 Pine Hollow Road McKees Rocks, PA 15136

MT. LEBANON 1050 Bower Hill Road, St. Clair Hospital Professional Office Building, Suite 205 Pittsburgh, PA 15243

To schedule an appointment with Zubritzky and Christy OB-GYN, please call 412.788.1330.

faMily BirtH CEntEr

St. Clair Delivers

FamILy BIrTH cEnTEr

piCturE-pErfECt faMily BirtH CEntEr

• Almost 1,400 babies are delivered in the FBC every year.

D

octors and nurses in St. Clair Hospital’s

• Added new furnishings, including cribs,

Family Birth Center (FBC) have become

couches, chairs and flat screen TVs,

quite adept at delivering babies who

to patients’ rooms

are picture-perfect the minute they are born.

So, in an effort to make the babies’ new environment just as inviting and photogenic as they are, the Hospital recently completed a

• Stripped and replaced old wall finishes • Painted and more Crews also redid the Family Waiting Room,

comprehensive remodeling of the FBC, where,

before adding new furniture and a flat screen

today, almost 1,400 babies are born every year.

TV there, as well as giving the adjoining

Over the last few months, construction crews, ever-so quietly so as not to wake any sleeping babies, have: • Removed carpeting and replaced it with distinctive “wood-look” flooring • Installed dramatic sconces for lighting fixtures that cast a warm, soft glow throughout the hallways • Replaced standard ceiling tile with specialized tiles that reduce ambient noise

Community Education Room a fresh look.

All of the renovations were completed this summer and, while they will never really compete with the natural beauties who call the Family Birth Center their first home, the new look serves as a great backdrop for lots and lots of picture-taking.

FasT FacTs • About 36 sets of twins are delivered annually.

• Fourteen obstetricians deliver babies in the FBC. • Rooms are designed to accommodate each patient’s labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum time with baby.

• The FBC has two fully equipped operating rooms for C-sections.

• The FBC’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can accommodate six babies.

• St. Clair maintains 24/7 in-house pediatric coverage, staffed by specially trained pediatricians experienced in handling difficult deliveries as well as caring for newborns.

• All rooms are private and offer sleeping accommodations for fathers or other family members.

• Built striking design elements into the borders of the FBC’s two nurses’ stations

• Parents-to-be may tour the FBC. Please call 412.942. 5895.

• Replaced doors to patients’ rooms

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 11

SpotliGHt on nEW pHySiCianS

Richard G. Foster, M.D.

Gordon K. McLean, M.D.

St. Clair’s Interventional Radiologists OFFER MINIMALLY INvASIvE DIAgNOSIS AND PROCEDURES WITHOUT SURgERY t St. Clair Hospital, board-

guided by imaging technology and threaded

And they are the right men for the job: they

certified interventional radiol-

through the body to their destinations, where

bring a wealth of experience, clinical expertise,

ogists Gordon K. McLean, M.D.

the doctors perform exquisitely detailed

enthusiasm for the challenge, and passion

and Richard G. Foster, M.D.,

interventions. All this is accomplished, not

for their work.

spend long days performing

through a surgical incision, but through a tiny

A

a variety of minimally invasive procedures.

puncture. There is nothing small, however,

and Foster are practitioners of a subspecialty

They open blocked arteries, destroy tumors,

about the vision that Drs. McLean and Foster

that is one of the most innovative, progressive

As interventional radiologists, Drs. McLean

place ports, PICC lines and stents, and perform

have for their specialty at St. Clair Hospital.

and important in all of medicine. Interventional

hundreds of other procedures that improve

They intend to enhance the Hospital’s

radiology is the use of image-guided, minimally

and prolong the lives of patients. They achieve

Department of Interventional Radiology (IR)

invasive technology by highly trained physicians,

this by wielding miniature instruments ―

so patients will have easy access to nearly

to treat patients with a variety of conditions,

needles, catheters and probes ― that are

every kind of clinically sophisticated procedure.

reducing or eliminating the need for surgery.

12 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

“

tHe tHruSt of mediCine today iS to do everytHing in a way tHat iS faSter, eaSier and leSS invaSive — and we fit tHat approaCH perfeCtly.

”

— GORDON K. MCLEAN, M.D.

Dr. McLean is distinguished among interventional radiologists as one of the specialty’s pioneers and leaders. He wrote the very first textbook, Interventional Radiology: Principles and Techniques (Little, Brown), with Ernest J. Ring, M.D. The Philadelphia native is proud that he was involved in the field in its infancy, but he actually came to it by a rather circuitous route. “I was an indifferent student in college, with no specific plans. In my sophomore year, I had a bad car accident, left school and became essentially a hippie. I took up jewelry making for a few years, then decided to return to college and

Although relatively new as a field of medicine, interventional radiology is the engine that has propelled — and continues to propel — many significant medical advancements, such as angioplasty and the stenting of blocked arteries without open surgery. It intersects with nearly every other specialty and its often dazzling capacities have transformed many of those specialties.

Despite this tremendous impact, however, interventional radiology is largely unfamiliar to the public, even though some IR procedures have become relatively commonplace. “IR is well known within medicine; it is now part of every physician’s training. But the public is just beginning to hear the term, to understand what we do,” says Dr. McLean, who, along with Dr. Foster, joined the St. Clair Hospital

try again. I happened to fall in love with biology and thought I would apply to medical school. But the medical schools thought differently — they said I was too old, at 26. I persisted, though, and eventually Dartmouth accepted me.”

Following medical school graduation, he went home to Philadelphia and an internship in internal medicine at Penn. There, he fortuitously encountered Ernie Ring and Stanley Baum, two inspired teachers and mentors who helped set the course of his career. Ernie Ring, M.D. was chief of interventional radiology at Penn. Stanley Baum, M.D., chairman of radiology, was a pioneer of angiography and one of the first interventional radiologists. “I still wasn’t sure I wanted to go Continued on Page 14

team this summer. “The thrust of medicine today is to do everything in a way that is faster, easier and less invasive — and we fit that approach perfectly. We try to keep people out of the operating room and out of the hospital; essentially, we accomplish surgical objectives without surgery. I love the great responsibility of it, and the direct, hands-on nature of it.” The advantages are significant: no need for general anesthesia; no large incisions and subsequent scars; minimal blood loss; less risk of infection and other complications; less pain; reduced hospital stay; and shorter recovery time.

Interventional radiology is a combination of diagnostic and therapeutic arts; it uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to visualize and diagnose problems, and minimally invasive technology to “intervene” with precision, accuracy and effectiveness. The techniques of interventional radiology have become an integral part of cardiology, oncology, gynecology, urology, nephrology and neurology.

Interventional radiologists perform biopsies, drain diseased kidneys and livers, recannulate chronically occluded veins, perform cryoablation (freezing) or heating (with radiofrequency energy) of tumors to destroy them, and treat benign uterine fibroids with embolization as an alternative to hysterectomy. Interventional radiologists treat vascular disorders, including peripheral artery disease, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. They dissolve clots and repair vertebral stress fractures — all without open surgery. The possibilities appear limitless.

Drs. McLean and Foster in the IR Lab. Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 13

SpotliGHt on nEW pHySiCianS Continued from Page 13

into radiology but when I met Stanley Baum,

aspect of radiology, and interventional radi-

we hit it off, and I decided to become a radi-

ology is the next step. My passion is treating

ologist and scientist. Ernie Ring was a rising

people with peripheral artery disease, which

star in the new specialty and probably the

can cause severe pain, ulcers and necrosis.

most dynamic person I’d ever worked with,”

I like the interaction we have with patients,

says Dr. McLean. “I was so excited that I

meeting with them first in a consultation

couldn’t wait for the weekends to be over so

appointment and getting to know them. It’s

“

wHat we do HelpS people in a direCt and immediate way. tHe riSkS are minimized and tHe outComeS are exCellent.

”

that I could get back to work on Monday. Up

gratifying. It may sound trite, but I went into

until then, radiology had been all diagnostic

medicine for a simple reason — I was altruistic

— interventional radiology was an entirely

and wanted to help people. What we do helps

new concept. It felt exhilarating to be able

people in a direct and immediate way. The

to intervene like that in a life and death

risks are minimized and the outcomes are

artery embolization to treat fibroids. “In my

situation. I stayed on as a fellow under

excellent. Interventional radiology is a work

experience, Drs. McLean and Foster are the

Dr. Ring, then joined the faculty.”

in progress; most people have no idea what

best interventional radiologists I have seen,”

it is but they are learning what we can do.”

says Dr. Orr.

Dr. McLean eventually became section chief himself, after Dr. Ring relocated to

— RICHARD G. FOSTER, M.D.

“Our goal is to continue developing an

Enhancing the interventional radiology

California. He became a full professor at

program at St. Clair Hospital represents

interventional radiology department that

Penn and was soon a highly sought speaker

a new beginning for both physicians, as

will support the growth of St. Clair Hospital

and consultant whose reputation took him

well as for the Department of Radiology.

and bring new services to this community,”

all over the globe. But, when an opportunity

Donald Orr, M.D., chairman of the Hospital’s

Dr. McLean says. “We plan to offer new

to move to West Penn Hospital arose, he

Medical Imaging Department, says having

clinical programs and procedures. There

accepted it and moved to Pittsburgh.

Drs. McLean and Foster on board will help

are a lot of exciting advances on the horizon

Twenty-four years later, he is still enthusiastic

St. Clair expand its interventional radiology

in interventional radiology ― new tumor

about his chosen specialty: “I still love to go

services, particularly angiographic interven-

treatments and new approaches to treating

to work. What matters most is the relationship

tions, cancer treatment and percutaneous

venous disease, among others ― and we

with the patient,” says Dr. McLean. “Making

disease management, such as uterine

bring all of that to St. Clair.”

connections with people and letting them know that you really care about them ― a lot of good medicine is simply that.”

In 1991, a young radiologist, fresh from

GORDON K. MCLEAN, M.D.

Richard Foster hailed from Watertown, N.Y.,

Dr. McLean earned his medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School, and completed his residency and fellowship at the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. He is board-certified in vascular and interventional radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

Dr. McLean practices with South Hills Radiology Associates.

and had attended medical school at SUNY

To contact Dr. McLean, please call 412.942.3183.

a four-year radiology residency at UPMC, arrived at West Penn to begin a fellowship in interventional radiology with Dr. McLean.

Upstate. Dr. McLean was so impressed with him during his fellowship that he invited him to stay on as an attending physician and become his partner. Together, Drs. McLean

RICHARD G. FOSTER, M.D.

and Foster built the interventional radiology

Dr. Foster earned his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., where he also completed his internship.

Dr. Foster did his residency at the University of Pittsburgh-affiliated hospitals and completed a fellowship at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. He is board-certified in vascular and interventional radiology by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Foster practices with South Hills Radiology Associates.

department at West Penn, performing as many as 25 procedures each day.

Like Dr. McLean, Dr. Foster appreciates the technology and rapid results that he can achieve for his patients with minimally invasive interventions. “I like the problem-solving

14 I HouseCall I Volume V Issue 3

To contact Dr. Foster, please call 412.942.3183.

CoMMunity outrEaCH

SHIM­Health­Fair

A

s part of its efforts to respond to the findings of its Community Health Needs Assessment (please see related story below), St. Clair Hospital sponsored a

health fair this summer for hundreds of refugees living in the Prospect Park area of Whitehall.

St. Clair Hospital partnered with Bethel Park-based South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) to provide the free health screenings, which included blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, bone density and measuring levels of carbon

monoxide/oxygen. Participants also were provided education on cancer, diabetes and proper nutrition.

For many of the refugees, the health fair represented the first time they have had blood drawn to measure their cholesterol and glucose levels.

The Hospital and SHIM provided two interpreters for the refugees who hail from 30 countries, including Nepal and Bhutan, and speak more than 25 different languages and dialects.

Community­Health­Needs­Assessment now available online t. Clair Hospital encourages readers of HouseCall to go online

S

to the Hospital’s website (www.stclair.org) to peruse the recently completed Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

The CHNA is a comprehensive, systematic examination of the

health needs in the Hospital’s service area. It identifies and prioritizes

The CHNA report spotlights a number of problems that impact the overall health of our community, including access to care, inadequacies of prenatal care, and chronic and lifestyle-related conditions.

The Hospital is now working

health and healthcare access needs for specific geographic areas and

in partnership with a variety of

groups of people so new initiatives can be found to meet those needs.

other resources, including county

The Hospital accomplished those tasks by asking the following

public health and human services

questions: • wHo

departments, agencies, organizations in­the­community­is­most­vulnerable­in­terms­of health­or­access­to­care?

• wHaT are­the­unique­health­and/or­access­needs­of these­people?

and ambulatory care centers to meet the unmet healthcare needs of the people St. Clair serves.

St. Clair will assess the progress it has made by conducting another

• wHErE in­the­community­do­these­people­live?

CHNA three years from now.

• wHaT is­causing­these­problems?

Volume V Issue 3 I HouseCall I 15

St.Clair Hospital 1000 Bower Hill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15243 www.stclair.org

General & Patient Information: 412.942.4000

Physician Referral Service: 412.942.6560

Outpatient Center–Village Square: 412.942.7100

HouseCall

Medical Imaging Scheduling: 412.942.8150

Outpatient Center–Peters Township: 412.942.8400

is a publication of St. Clair Hospital. Articles are for informational purposes and are not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your personal physician.

St. Clair HoSpital’S 16tH annual

­Summer­Swing

M

Follow us on twitter at: www.twitter.com/stclairhospital

Co-Chairs Veronica and Louis Guarino with Chairperson Vicki McKenna.

usic by Billy Hartung and the Extraordinaires, gourmet food

stations, silent auction items that included a stay at a vacation home on Kiawah Island, S.C., a baseball

Guests are entertained

by Billy Hartung and the Extraordinaires at the 16th Annual Summer Swing event.

bat signed by Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, a $1,500 bottle of wine, and a raffle that shined with $4,000 in diamonds, all added up to a swingin’ good time at St. Clair Hospital’s 16th Annual Summer Swing.

Held July 19 at the St. Clair Country Club, some

450 guests enjoyed all of the above and more to help benefit the continued growth of St. Clair Hospital.

This year’s event raised $280,000, which will be used for life-saving equipment and unparalleled medical expertise for the tens of thousands of men, women and children who each year rely on the Hospital for their care.

The Hospital’s premier fundraising event was

Laura and Andy Reinhardt; state Senator Matt Smith and his wife Eileen.

chaired by Vicki McKenna of Upper St. Clair. Louis and Veronica Guarino, also of Upper St. Clair, served as honorary co-chairs.

Lucas Piatt; U.S. Representative Tim Murphy and his wife Nan; St. Clair Hospital President and CEO James M. Collins.