St. Clair Hospital HouseCall Vol VIII Issue 3

VOLUME VIII ISSUE 3

HouseCall St.Clair Hospital and Mayo Clinic Working Together. For a

inside

ealthier You.

St. Clair Joins Mayo Clinic Care Network I The Benefits Of Collaboration I Mayo Clinic History St. Clair Hospital Foundation Summer Swing I Donor Spotlight I Ask The Doctor

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE

2 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

St.Clair Hospital chosen to join Mayo Clinic Care Network CLINICAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL AND MAYO CLINIC IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE PATIENT CARE It’s become a trademark of St. Clair Hospital: high quality; high patient satisfaction; high value health care.

Now, St. Clair has added a new dimension to those attributes as it begins a clinical collaboration with the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The Hospital formally announced in late August that it had joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, forming a closeworking clinical relationship that enhances the expertise of St. Clair’s physicians by making Mayo’s immense resources readily available to St. Clair doctors, nurses and other allied health care professionals. Through sophisticated technology, St. Clair physicians are now consulting directly with Mayo Clinic specialists to care for patients with complex health conditions.

Moreover, this collaboration is helping St. Clair improve clinical practices in every specialty and clinical service, further elevating the quality of patient care and value.

Continued on page 4

Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 3

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE Continued from page 3

Putting the needs of the patient first ST. CLAIR AND MAYO CLINIC SHARE THE PHILOSOPHY OF PATIENT-CENTERED CARE ... RECOGNIZING THE SAME PRINCIPLES AND CORE VALUES THAT ENSURE THE PATIENT COMES FIRST IN EVERY DECISION.

St. Clair physicians, clockwise from top left: Tara L. Grahovac, M.D., Breast Care; Shailen S. Sehgal, M.D., Urology; Brett C. Perricelli, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery; and Kristen E.M. Peske, D.O., Obstetrics & Gynecology.

4 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

“St. Clair is proud to be selected as the

Mayo Clinic has a rich history of sharing its

Before inviting a health care organization to join the Network, Mayo Clinic conducts a

newest member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network,”

expertise in order to improve the quality and

James M. Collins, president and CEO of St. Clair

delivery of health care to as many people as

comprehensive evaluation based on a rigorous

Hospital, told physicians, employees, and assem-

possible. It was that spirit of sharing that

set of clinical excellence, patient care and

bled media when the collaboration was unveiled

prompted the creation of the Mayo Clinic Care

quality criteria. An exploration of the hospital’s

on August 24. “This clinical collaboration with

Network in 2011. Over the course of five years,

culture and values determines if the organi-

Mayo Clinic — unique in western Pennsylvania

Mayo Clinic has invited like-minded hospitals to

zation is philosophically compatible with

— is rooted in our common philosophy. It will

join the Network as clinical collaborators, in a

Mayo Clinic, which places great emphasis

provide our physicians with the expertise of

close working relationship that is founded upon

on whole-person, patient-centered care.

Mayo Clinic physicians to assist them as they

a common commitment to improving patient

treat challenging medical conditions, at no addi-

outcomes through high quality, evidence-based,

tional cost to patients or insurers.”

medical and surgical care.

Continued on page 6

St. Clair joins other independent, highperforming hospitals in the Network that have met Mayo Clinic’s standards for quality and safety and share a common culture with Mayo Clinic. With Mayo’s resources to draw upon, St. Clair stands poised to further enhance its quality and capabilities in meeting the health care needs of patients and the community.

THE MAYO CLINIC CARE NETWORK Mayo Clinic: it’s a name synonymous with

AS A MEMBER OF THE MAYO CLINIC CARE NETWORK, ST. CLAIR PHYSICIANS HAVE ACCESS TO VITAL MAYO CLINIC SERVICES AND INFORMATION, INCLUDING: eConsults: eConsults give St. Clair specialists access to Mayo Clinic specialists to connect on patient care. The request, with pertinent medical records, is posted through a confidential portal, and the electronic “consultation” is then scheduled into a Mayo Clinic specialist’s calendar for review and response.

excellence. With its easily recognizable logo

eTumor Boards: eTumor Boards are live video conferences that allow physicians

comprised of three shields representing clinical

to present and discuss management of complex cancer cases with a Mayo Clinic

practice, medical education, and research, it’s the

multi-disciplinary team and other members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

gold standard among health care institutions and a destination for patients all over the world

AskMayoExpert: AskMayoExpert is a best practice resource. Created and used by

who seek the expertise of its outstanding medical

Mayo Clinic today, it contains the latest Mayo Clinic-vetted information for use at the

and surgical specialists. Rated as the #1 health system in the U.S., it is equally celebrated for its culture of patient-focused care.

point of care and provides quick insight on disease management, care guidelines, treatment recommendations and reference materials. All clinical staff, including nurses and other allied health professionals, have access to this resource.

Patient Education Materials: St. Clair has access to Mayo Clinic’s patient education library, which features 2,500 pieces of patient education material in English and some in Spanish. The full library is available electronically.

Health Care Consulting: St. Clair has direct access to Mayo Clinic’s best practices, including clinical protocols and administrative expertise. Consulting opportunities allow St. Clair to learn from and implement integrated care and practice models.

Mayo Clinic Grand Rounds: St. Clair providers have access to Mayo Clinic Grand Rounds — presentations by Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists who share health care successes, challenges and context on the science of health care delivery.

Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 5

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE Continued from page 5

The power of the Mayo Clinic Care Network

BY THE NUMBERS:

11.5 million 19,521

patients with the potential to be reached by MCCN

staffed hospital beds

17,986 116

physicians with access to MCCN tools and services

hospitals

42 members 31

Leapfrog “A” hospitals

21

“

Magnet hospitals

Our goal is to identify and work closely with like-minded organizations with similar values to enhance the delivery of care.

DAVID L. HAYES, M.D., MEDICAL DIRECTOR, MAYO CLINIC CARE NETWORK

”

Pictured left to right: David Heilman, Chairman, St. Clair Hospital; David L. Hayes, M.D., Medical Director, Mayo Clinic Care Network; Thomas M. Medwig, Chairman, St. Clair Health Corporation; and St. Clair Hospital President and CEO James M. Collins.

6 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

“We are looking for high quality organizations that share our commitment to putting the needs of the patient first,” according to David L. Hayes, M.D., Medical Director of the Network. “Our goal is to identify and work closely with like-minded organizations with similar values to enhance the delivery of care. We have found many similarities with St. Clair Hospital — not just in our commitment to quality and value for our patients, but also in our approach to clinical collaboration. We’re pleased to welcome St. Clair to the Network.”

Q: What is the Mayo Clinic Care Network?

A: The Mayo Clinic Care Network, launched in 2011, is a unique collaboration between Mayo Clinic and independent health care organizations. The Network connects St. Clair providers with Mayo Clinic specialists and Mayo Clinic clinical resources. St. Clair health care providers can use electronic communication to access the latest Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise. This collaboration is a non-ownership, contractual relationship.

St. Clair remains an independent, locally governed health care provider.

Q: Why did St. Clair Hospital pursue this clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic?

A: In recent years, St. Clair has become recognized as a national leader in patient safety, quality, patient Mayo physicians participate in eTumor Boards at Mayo Clinic.

These live video conferences offer Network physicians the opportunity to discuss complex cancer cases for optimal treatment and management insights.

satisfaction, and value. Accordingly, St. Clair is excited at the opportunity to collaborate with Mayo Clinic, one of the preeminent health care institutions in the world, to share clinical knowledge and resources.

Q: How does this formal collaboration benefit St. Clair Hospital patients?

As a result of this clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic, St. Clair patients benefit from the combined capabilities of two teams of physicians: their own highly skilled St. Clair physicians and Mayo Clinic’s expert subspecialists. Using the various tools and services of the Network, St. Clair physicians now have rapid, streamlined

A: The collaboration allows St. Clair to have access to clinical knowledge, innovations and training from Mayo Clinic. With these resources, St. Clair will be able to provide even better care and value to its patients.

And, there’s no additional cost to patients or their insurers.

access to advanced expertise that can accelerate patient healing and recovery; bring a life-changing treatment to a chronically ill patient; validate or re-define a diagnosis; or fine-tune clinical management to match the nuances of a complex disease.

Q: Will this agreement mean patients will automatically be referred to Mayo Clinic?

A: No. The primary goal of the Mayo Clinic Care Network is to help patients gain the benefits of Mayo Clinic

St. Clair’s clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic clearly has profound benefits for the Hospital, the physicians and staff, and the residents of the St. Clair community. But according to Dr. Hayes, there are benefits for Mayo Clinic as well. “We applaud St. Clair’s consistent and recognized excellence,” he says. “St. Clair is helping us by making

expertise while continuing to receive their care as close to home as possible.

Q: Why did Mayo Clinic choose St. Clair for participation in the Mayo Clinic Care Network?

A: Before any health system is invited to join the Mayo

it possible for us to achieve our goal of serving more people. We want

Clinic Care Network, Mayo completes a comprehensive

to develop stronger relationships with like-minded organizations so

evaluation of that organization. This includes an in-depth

more people in more places can benefit from the specialty knowledge

review of clinical and business practices as well as quality,

of Mayo Clinic. Additionally, Mayo Clinic has a long history of collab-

safety and service efforts. Mayo Clinic’s review of St. Clair

orating with other medical providers to provide the best possible care to patients. This is a great opportunity to work together.” ■

highlighted not only the outstanding results St. Clair has achieved, but also an important alignment in culture and focus on the patient. ■

Continued on page 8

Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 7

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE Continued from page 7

The benefits of collaboration T “ wo of St. Clair Hospital’s preeminent physicians view the

Hospital’s new clinical collaboration with Mayo Clinic as an excellent opportunity and a major achievement that promises

to bring many benefits to patients, physicians, staff and the entire

community. Raye J. Budway, M.D., a board-certified breast surgeon and director of the St. Clair Hospital

T HIS IS INCREDIBLE FOR

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL ... IT GIVES US

Breast Care Center, and Jeffrey M. Friedel, M.D., a board-certified

ACCESS TO A HUGE AMOUNT OF DATA

cardiologist and chief of the Hospital’s

AND CLINICAL EXPERTISE THAT WILL

cardiology division, are very

HELP US TO CONTINUALLY ENHANCE

enthusiastic about collaborating

THE QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE. RAYE J. BUDWAY, M.D., DIRECTOR, ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL BREAST CARE CENTER

”

with the physicians of Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Clinic Care Network (MCCN). “This is incredible for St. Clair Hospital,” says Dr. Budway.

“Through this collaboration, St. Clair has the resources of an internationally renowned medical institution and this network of exceptional hospitals behind us. It gives us access to a huge amount of data and

clinical expertise that will help us to continually enhance the quality of patient care at St. Clair. And at no additional expense to the patient or insurer.”

Dr. Friedel shares Dr. Budway’s excitement and anticipates information sharing that will benefit both institutions. “This is a unique relationship,” he says. “It’s a true collaboration. I’m personally familiar with Mayo Clinic, as I have attended conferences and training programs there, and I have colleagues there. Like St. Clair, they excel in the quality of their patient care.

For my specialty, cardiology, this is a tremendous opportunity. We’ll have access to Mayo Clinic cardiac protocols and will be better able to bring new procedures and new technologies to St. Clair. This collaboration will truly take our Hospital to the forefront of cardiovascular medicine.”

While Dr. Friedel believes that St. Clair has much to gain from membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, he expects that it will be a two-way street and a mutually beneficial relationship. “Mayo Clinic physicians, and those within the Network, will learn from us, too, and will gain knowledge from the unique or challenging cases that we present to them. It’s likely we have clinical programs which will benefit Network hospitals as well.”

Raye J. Budway, M.D. 8 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

Dr. Budway plans to use Mayo Clinic Care Network resources

Beyond the benefits to physicians and their patients,

on a regular basis. “I expect to use them often, in order to provide

Drs. Budway and Friedel identify advantages for the entire

my patients with the best, most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic

Hospital. “For St. Clair, this collaboration provides benchmarking

care. As a breast surgeon, I know that every tumor is unique and thus

opportunities,” says Dr. Budway. “We’ll have access to clinical care

there are nuances with every tumor, resulting in clinical challenges

pathways to help us solve problems, such as re-admission after

in their treatment. At St. Clair, we have a tumor board that meets

treatment for congestive heart failure. Mayo Clinic and other

regularly to discuss cases. Having access to the Mayo Clinic eTumor

hospitals in the Network may have already worked out effective

Boards will give me an entire network of experts across the country

solutions and established the clinical pathway; we’ll be able

with whom I can discuss cases. This will enhance my practice and

to adapt and initiate that pathway more quickly at St. Clair.”

be of great benefit to my patients; it will allow me and my surgical

Additional value, Dr. Budway says,

partner (Tara L. Grahovac, M.D.) to treat with greater precision and

lies in the vast educational

individualization. With breast cancer, we know now that over-treating

resources that are available

can be as detrimental as under-treating. By collaborating with

to the entire clinical staff at

Mayo, we will be able to fine-tune our care even more specifically

the Hospital, including

and that means complications will be avoided or minimized.”

nurses and allied health

Drs. Budway and Friedel were the first St. Clair physicians to use Mayo’s eConsults tools to benefit their respective patients.

“I presented a patient with a rare and complex cardiac condition

care professionals.

Continued on page 10

involving valves,” explains Dr. Friedel. “This condition is only seen in Pittsburgh area hospitals perhaps two or three times a year.

But Mayo Clinic sees dozens of these cases a year. The eConsults tool worked perfectly. I entered the data and quickly received a response from a Mayo Clinic cardiologist. He was extremely helpful, sharing information that was useful to me in managing the care of my patient.”

“

MAYO CLINIC PHYSICIANS, AND THOSE WITHIN

THE NETWORK, WILL LEARN FROM US, TOO, AND WILL GAIN KNOWLEDGE FROM THE UNIQUE OR CHALLENGING CASES THAT WE PRESENT TO THEM.

”

JEFFREY M. FRIEDEL, M.D., CHIEF OF CARDIOLOGY, ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL

Jeffrey M. Friedel, M.D. Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 9

ENHANCING PATIENT CARE Continued from page 9

“

THE PROCESS LEADING TO THE INVITATION TO JOIN THE NETWORK WAS A RIGOROUS ONE … THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY CAN SHARE OUR PRIDE IN THIS.

”

JEFFREY M. FRIEDEL, M.D., CHIEF OF CARDIOLOGY, ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL

Collaboration will occur on many levels, Dr. Friedel says. “For instance, we will gain insight into how Mayo Clinic addresses challenges, such as reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infection. This health care consulting service enables St. Clair to learn St. Clair Hospital Chief of Cardiology Jeffery M. Friedel, M.D., left, and Mayo Clinic Care Network Medical Director David L. Hayes, M.D. discuss the mutual benefits of collaboration.

more about Mayo Clinic’s clinical, operational and business models, including how they are designed and implemented.”

Both physicians believe that St. Clair’s selection to the Mayo Clinic Care Network

RAYE J. BUDWAY, M.D.

makes a strong and validating statement about

Dr. Budway earned her medical degree at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. She completed her residency training in general surgery at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and a fellowship in surgical critical care at UPMC. She previously served as the Site Program Director for the Allegheny General Hospital General Surgery Residency Program, and Director of the Surgical Breast Disease Program and Surgical Intensive Care at West Penn Hospital. She is board-certified in surgical critical care and general surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and serves on the Fellowship’s Commission on Cancer. Dr. Budway practices with Budway Surgical Associates, a division of St. Clair Medical Services.

the Hospital’s high quality of care, values and

To contact Dr. Budway, please call 412.942.7850.

culture. As Dr. Friedel notes, “The process leading to the invitation to join the Network was a rigorous one; there were months of meticulous scrutiny. They opened the hood and took a close look at every aspect of Hospital operations to make certain we are a viable partner for them, one that shares their standards of care and their philosophy. The entire community can share our pride in this.”

Ultimately, he adds, what impressed the

JEFFREY M. FRIEDEL, M.D.

Mayo Clinic Care Network team the most about

Dr. Friedel earned his medical degree at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Allegheny General Hospital. He also completed fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology at Allegheny General Hospital. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology and board-certified by the American Board of Nuclear Cardiology.

Dr. Friedel practices with South Hills Cardiology Associates, a division of St. Clair Medical Services.

St. Clair was the Hospital’s culture, which is

To contact Dr. Friedel, please call 412.942.7900.

Going forward, this aspect of our collaboration

similar to Mayo Clinic’s. “What we have in common, and they clearly recognized this, is a culture that is truly patient-centered, with collegial physician and staff relationships.

People here are approachable, always, and the focus on the patient is evident in everything we do. will be the most important.” ■

10 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

About the

Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Care Network

Today, Mayo Clinic is a dynamic, innovative,

including Comparion Medical Analytics, The

multifaceted organization that is constantly

Leapfrog Group, and Truven Health Analytics.

breaking new ground, advancing the frontiers of medicine like no other institution.

What makes Mayo Clinic extraordinary?

It begins with clarity of mission: to provide the

A non-profit organization, Mayo Clinic is

highest quality of care to every patient, every

known for cutting-edge clinical expertise,

day. “The needs of the patient come first,” said

academic excellence and research that trans-

Dr. William W. Mayo in 1864, articulating a

very day at noon and 6 p.m., a set of 56

forms medical science, eradicating disease

philosophy of patient-focused, individualized,

bells ring out over the city of Rochester,

E

and changing lives. Committed to providing

respectful care that continues to guide every

Minnesota. Sitting high atop the Plummer

comprehensive care to everyone who needs it,

aspect of Mayo Clinic operations. Additionally,

Building on Mayo Clinic’s campus, the carillon

Mayo Clinic has campuses in Rochester; Scotts-

a unique model of teamwork has been a hall-

creates mini-symphonies as the clear and

dale and Phoenix, Arizona; and Jacksonville,

mark of care from the earliest days. Physicians

sparkling tones of the bells mix in a beautiful,

Florida. The staff of 4,200 physicians and

in every medical specialty collaborate, each

harmonious whole. The bells of the carillon

scientists and nearly 60,000 allied health care

bringing his or her best expertise to the care of

have been ringing over Rochester since 1928,

professionals provide the most advanced,

a single patient. This collaborative spirit extends

marking the time and announcing the presence

comprehensive and highly specialized care for

beyond the hospital, as Mayo Clinic seeks to

of Mayo Clinic, one of the most highly respected

the most challenging medical conditions and

share knowledge for the benefit of all, through

health systems in the world. A gift from the

problems. For patients suffering with challenging

research, education and collaborative initiatives

Mayo brothers, the Clinic’s co-founders, the

and complex conditions, Mayo Clinic is a bastion

such as the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Through

carillon bells represent the hope that brings

of medical care and a citadel of hope.

the Network, established in 2011, physicians at

people from all over the world to this place:

In August, U.S. News & World Report named

member hospitals across the country have

Mayo Clinic, international center of pioneering

Mayo Clinic as the nation’s #1 hospital in its

access to Mayo Clinic’s unparalleled expertise

health care and healing.

2016-2017 Best Hospitals ranking, which

and resources. As the newest member of this

Mayo Clinic began 152 years ago when a

compares academic medical centers in 25

Network, St. Clair Hospital joins 41 other hospitals across the United States — including

Civil War physician, William W. Mayo, opened

medical specialties. In addition to being named

a medical practice in the frontier town of

#1 overall, Mayo Clinic was ranked first in eight

Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Virginia Hospital Center,

Rochester, Minn. His sons, Charles and William

specialties, more first place rankings than any

NorthShore University HealthSystem and

J. Mayo, followed him into medicine, eventually

other health system in the nation. Mayo Clinic

the Baldridge Award-winning Mosaic Life Care

expanding their work into a pioneering concept,

is also consistently ranked at the top by other

— in a unique and powerful nexus of health

the world’s first integrated group practice.

respected third-party quality evaluators,

care excellence. ■

Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 11

ST. CLAIR FOUNDATION SCENES FROM ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL’S 19TH ANNUAL SUMMER SWING

‘Passport to the World’ Some 600 world travelers departed from St. Clair Country Club this past summer for an evening of entertainment and fine cuisine from around the globe at St. Clair Hospital’s 19th Annual Summer Swing. This year’s theme of “Passport to the World” included an outdoor German Beer Garden complete with an accordion player dressed in lederhosen, an Italian Bistro that featured an opera singer and a chef-attended pasta station, a French Bakery that tempted guests with chocolate éclairs and macaroons and offered sittings with a caricature artist, a Spanish Tapas Bar with a flamenco guitar player, and a Taste of Asia that spotlighted a chef-stationed sushi bar serving nigiri and maki with assorted dim sum. Fueled by the generosity of the community, sponsors, and the Summer Swing planning committee, St. Clair Hospital Foundation raised more than $300,000 to support the continued growth of St. Clair Hospital.The 2017 Summer Swing will be conducted Friday, July 14 at St. Clair Country Club. ■

An accordion player sporting lederhosen lent authenticity to the German Beer Garden.

The German Beer Garden proved a popular place to socialize with friends at Summer Swing.

12 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

Platinum sponsor, Gallagher Home Health employees (left to right) Cheryl Morrell, RN; Amanda Novelli; and Haley Milliken.

Mark and Vicki McKenna. Vicki is Summer Swing Committee Chair and a St. Clair Hospital Foundation Board Member.

Summer Swing Committee Members Dan and Katie Caste and Tricia and Bob Hammel.

Laura and Lou Guarino.

SUMMER SWING COMMITTEE Vicki McKenna, Chair & Mark McKenna

Tricia & Bob Hammel

Katherine Biggs & Jason Biggs, M.D.

Rose Kutsenkow

Bunny Bragdon & Robert Bragdon, M.D.

Vitty McMahon & Patrick McMahon, M.D.

Meredith & Carl Broussard

Julie Perricelli & Brett Perricelli, M.D.

Susan Bradley Brown & Steven Williams

Rosie Pesacreta & Matthew Pesacreta, M.D.

Katie & Dan Caste

Carla Capozzi Riccelli, D.M.D. &

Nicolette Chiesa, M.D.

Antonio Riccelli, M.D.

Wendy & Steve Denenberg

Megan Shilling

Beth Erlanger & Daniel Erlanger, D.O.

Marilynn Shogry & Robert N. Shogry, M.D.

Beth Evron & Wayne Evron, M.D.

Suzy & Rich Sieber

Nina Fatigati, M.D. & Christopher Pray, M.D.

Gail & Andrew Vater

Dina Friedel & Jeffrey M. Friedel, M.D.

JoEllen Yeasted & G. Alan Yeasted, M.D.

Tara Grahovac, M.D. & Erik Grahovac

Anne & Sam Zacharias

(Above) St. Clair Hospital Board Member Joe Smith and his wife Lynn.

(Left) Kathleen Reyes, D.O. and Vincent E. Reyes, Jr., M.D. Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 13

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN IS SUPPORTING THE ST. CLAIR COMMUNITY WITH GENEROSITY AND COMMITMENT

___ WHY I ___

GIVE Edward B. Dunlap Jr. Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CentiMark Corporation

E

very month, several dozen people gather

pleased with the care, the compassion and the

in the Dunlap Conference Center at

professionalism. The type of non-profit organi-

ment and transformation, fortifying it for a

St. Clair Hospital. They are women and

zation that we like to support is one that is

vibrant future. St. Clair has honored Ed and

mission and serve as catalysts for advance-

men with cancer, survivors of cancer, persons

professionally run, fiscally responsible and

Anna Dunlap and their family, extraordinary

caring for loved ones with cancer, as well

dedicated to serving the community. That’s

benefactors, for their compassionate commit-

as physicians and nurses who treat cancer

St. Clair Hospital.”

patients. They are there to participate in a

ment to this community by putting their name

The Hospital is a tremendous resource for

on the Fourth Floor conference facility and

wellness program that offers the gentle healing

the entire community, Ed says. “Providing health

appointing Ed an honorary member of the

of restorative yoga. The classes are among

care is essential for the health and well-being

St. Clair Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

the numerous Hospital and community events

of the families in the region; it’s a critical part

“When I see how the Dunlap Conference Center

that take place at St. Clair’s beautiful state-of-

of the community throughout the life-span,

serves as a community resource for physician

the-art conference facility that is named to

from babies to senior

recognize the family of Edward B. Dunlap Jr.,

citizens who rely on

founder, chairman and chief executive officer of

a stable, familiar

CentiMark Corporation, a national roofing and

environment. What I

flooring company based in Pittsburgh.

find most impressive

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian

about St. Clair is

and a grateful St. Clair patient himself, Ed is an

that the Hospital

exemplar of community spirit whose extraordi-

continues to func-

“

The type of non-profit organization that we

like to support is one that is professionally run, fiscally responsible and dedicated to serving the community. That’s St. Clair Hospital.

EDWARD B. DUNLAP JR., FOUNDER, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CENTIMARK CORPORATION

”

nary generosity and commitment to St. Clair

tion independently

has enabled the Hospital to make significant

by enhancing its

improvements and expansions in facilities and

services and recruiting new doctors and other

conferences,

services. With his wife Anna, Ed has provided

health care professionals, and still maintain-

programs and leadership meetings, it makes

donations to renovate and improve the Family

ing the caring and compassion of a neighbor-

me proud that the Dunlap name is one of

Birth Center, expand the Emergency Depart-

hood hospital. St. Clair provides a tremendous

those community resources,” Ed says. ■

board

meetings,

wellness

ment, upgrade Endoscopy Services and support

advantage, with easy access, a convenient

the Patient Assistance Fund. A native of the

location, top-notch doctors and staff, and

Every gift makes a difference. For more infor-

South Hills, Ed says it is his privilege to help

comprehensive services.”

mation on making a gift to St. Clair Hospital,

St. Clair Hospital. “Anna and I are proud to

Through their generosity to St. Clair Hospital,

please contact the St. Clair Hospital Foundation

provide support to the Hospital. My family and I

donors make a strong statement of unwavering

at 412.942.2465, schfoundation@stclair.org, or

use the doctors and facilities at St. Clair. We are

faith in the Hospital. They embrace the Hospital’s

visit www.stclair.org/giving. Thank you.

14 I HouseCall I Volume VIII Issue 3

ASK THE DOCTOR

Ask the Doctor MALLORY CIUKSZA, M.D.,

Q A

I have had recurring back pain for years, and my primary care physician usually prescribes me Vicodin to help curb the pain. But the last time I requested a refill, she was hesitant. She said she needed to see me in the office. Does she think something serious is wrong with my back?

Chronic back pain is among the most common complaints affecting Americans today. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 25 percent of Americans have had low back pain in the last three months.

Chronic back pain is a symptom, which means it’s a physical manifestation of an underlying problem. There are myriad problems that can cause back pain. Depending on the other symptoms accompanying your pain, your doctor may perform a physical exam, blood work, X-rays or an MRI. Although back pain may be serious, for many people the cause of their back pain is neither serious nor chronic in nature. There are many proven treatment options for this type of pain, including physical therapy, yoga, mindfulness and meditation, oral and topical medications, injections into the affected joints, and even surgery.

Primary care physicians are frequently asked to help ease the symptoms of chronic back pain with medications such as anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants or opioids (such as Vicodin). Patients are often used to receiving opioid therapy for both acute and chronic pain.

However, there are several reasons why this practice is being reconsidered by doctors nationwide.

Pain is a complex thing. The pain we feel is reflective of a variety of factors — our emotional state, our level of stress, our body’s overall health and even our physical setting. Therefore, treating pain requires that your physician have an in-depth understanding of these factors in order to help. Recent studies have shown that opioids are not significantly better than non-opioid medications for the treatment of back pain, which probably reflects the multifaceted nature of the pain we feel.

In addition to not being the best medications to treat most types of back pain, opioid medications account for thousands of deaths due to unintentional overdoses each year. Additionally, our country is experiencing what has

been called an opioid addiction epidemic. Many people have been touched by this problem and know the pain that addiction causes patients, families and communities.

Recommendations from many expert societies that guide medical practice now strongly suggest that opioid medication for chronic pain be dispensed with greater caution. Some recommend a conversation between doctor and patient and others suggest the need for a “pain contract,” or a signed agreement between a doctor and patient detailing the circumstances under which pain medications are given. Doctors vary widely in their implementation of these recommendations.

To combat this growing problem, physicians and lawmakers are getting involved at the state and national level. In August, Pennsylvania rolled out its first prescription drug monitoring program. Now physicians, pharmacies and regulating bodies will be able to use an online directory to monitor opioid prescriptions at the patient level. The goal is transparency and improved regulation of these potentially dangerous medications, which ultimately will allow doctors to more safely prescribe them in appropriate situations. As we learn to navigate this challenging problem patient by patient, there will be growing pains for doctors and patients, but these changes will help us all to be safer in the end. ■

Mallory Ciuksza, M.D.

MALLORY CIUKSZA, M.D. Dr. Ciuksza earned her medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia.

She completed her residency in internal medicine at the Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, where she served as chief resident of internal medicine. Dr. Ciuksza practices with Dobkin/Riccelli Associates, a division of St. Clair Medical Services.

To contact Dr. Ciuksza, please call 412.563.5560.

Volume VIII Issue 3 I HouseCall I 15

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

General & Patient Information: 412.942.4000 | Physician Referral Service: 412.942.6560 | Medical Imaging Scheduling: 412.942.8150 Outpatient Center–Village Square: 412.942.7100 | Urgent Care–Village Square: 412.942.8800 | Outpatient Center–Peters Township: 412.942.8400

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