FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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DOC OF THE NEXT GENERATION
Kaweah Delta’s residency programs are training the next generation of physicians.
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LIFE AFTER CANCER These women want the world to know there’s life after breast cancer.
10-11 12-13 14-15 PARTNERSHIP FOR PATIENTS
Ten years ago, Sequoia Regional Cancer Center and Kaweah Delta Imaging Center built a partnership with the patient at the center.
UPCOMING EVENTS & SUPPORT GROUPS Oct. 10/8 A.M.-12 P.M.
Free Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Hosted by Kaweah Delta in partnership with South Valley Vascular Kaweah Delta Imaging Center 4949 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Registration Required: 625-4118
NEUROSURGERY
Whether traumatic or elective, you can now get care for everything from serious head injuries to brain tumors or spinal surgery in Visalia.
Service of Remembrance & Hope Kaweah Delta Hospice In memory of hospice patients who passed Nov. 2014-July 2015 Lamp Liter Inn 3300 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia Info: 733-0642
OCT. 15/5 P.M.
Norman Sharrer Symposium The FAST Future of Stroke Care Speaker: Dr. David Tong, Vascular Neurology Visalia Country Club 625 N. Ranch St., Visalia Info: 624-2535
Wellness & You: Heart Valve Disease & Treatment Speaker: Sergio Caminha, M.D. Claude Meitzenheimer Community Center, 830 Blackstone St., Tulare Info: 624-2463
OCT.28-29/HOURS VARY Hospital Guild Jewelry Sale Proceeds help purchase patient care equipment for Kaweah Delta. Kaweah Delta Lobby 400 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia Hours: Oct. 28(6:30 A.M.-5 P.M.); Oct. 29 (6:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.) Info: 624-5985
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VITAL SIGNS KAWEAH DELTA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT
After knee replacement, this Visalia artist has a spring in her step.
For the most up-to-date information on these events and a list of our support groups, visit www.kaweahdelta.org/calendar.
OCT. 21/5:30-6:30 P.M. OCT. 12/7 P.M.
JOINT REPLACEMENT
NOV. 23/7 A.M.-5 P.M.
Kaweah Delta Hospital Guild Book Sale Profits used to purchase patient care equipment for Kaweah Delta. Kaweah Delta Medical Center 400 W. Mineral King Ave. (Lobby), Visalia Info: 624-5985
NOV. 18/5:30-6:30 P.M. Wellness & You: Heart Valve Disease & Treatment Speaker: Leheb Araim, M.D. Exeter Courthouse Art Gallery & Museum 125 S. B St., Exeter Info: 624-2463
DEC. 2/5-7 P.M.
Holiday Cheer Event Guest: Santa Claus Music, refreshments, photos, and more. Kaweah Delta Medical Center 400 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia Info: 624-2463
KAWEAH DELTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ZONE 1 Herbert Hawkins (Appointed)
LINDSAY MANN Chief Executive Officer
FROM THE CEO KAWEAH DELTA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT PLANS FOR A NEW ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL AND OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS You may be aware from recent communications that Kaweah Delta is in the process of planning for a new acute care hospital. The new hospital will replace the original hospital built in 1969. The new hospital is necessary to comply with state earthquake safety laws and to modernize and expand our hospital to best meet patient needs. In brief, the key information that you should be aware of at this time is as follows: 1. California requires that all acute care hospitals meet strict earthquake safety requirements. Our hospital, built almost 50 years ago, does not meet these stringent standards. 2. Kaweah Delta needs to replace the 50-year-old hospital with a new acute care hospital to be able to offer emergency, lifesaving care, handle the increasing number of patients, and retain quality nurses and doctors.
In addition, our Board of Directors is now reviewing a number of significant projects that we plan to complete prior to commencement of our new acute care hospital. These projects include: 1) completion of the fifth and sixth floors of the Acequia Wing for expanded Cardiac Surgery Services, Cardiology, and a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), 2) significant expansion of the Emergency Department, adding more treatment areas and a larger waiting room, 3) two new obstetrics operating rooms, 4) a new endoscopy unit, 5) an Urgent Care Center in northwest Visalia, 6) implementation of a new information system, and 7) refurbishment of our Exeter Rural Health Clinic. Each one of these projects is designed to best meet the needs of our patients and support our physicians and nurses in providing safe, high-quality care. You will learn more about these vital projects in the near future.
3. The new hospital will require multiple funding sources including: hospital cash reserves, revenue and general obligation bonds, state and federal grants, and fundraising.
ZONE 2 Lynn Havard Mirviss R.N., Ed. D. ZONE 3 John E. Hipskind M.D., FACEP ZONE 4 Carl Anderson President ZONE 5 Teresa Ramos
Healthy Living Online
for health videos, articles, recipes, and tips of the day.
Screenings and Assessments
where just five minutes taking one of 16 health risk assessments could save your life.
FALL EDITION Vital Signs magazine is produced by Kaweah Delta’s Marketing Department.
MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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THE
LIFESTYLE
REDESIGNED FOR EXPLOSIVE MOVEMENTS With the unveiling of The Lifestyle Center’s exciting expansion, now is the best time to join. Competitively priced 12-month membership packages as well as short-term, “no commitment” options are available.
JOIN TODAY! (559) 624-3400
OPEN
Monday – Friday 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Change Can Be a Good Thing The Drop Zone: new area dedicated to dynamic training • Enjoy plenty of room for power movements with kettle bells, medicine balls and more. • Work multiple muscle groups at once to burn more calories and increase tone. • Improve balance, coordination, strength and endurance.
Rhonnel Padilla, MEMBER SINCE 2003
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My friends told me I should have my baby at Kaweah Delta and I’m so glad I did. Now I’m definitely telling other people the same thing.” - ARLENE VASQUEZ OF TULARE
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DELIVERING BABIES IN STYLE AND COMFORT New mothers don’t know what to expect of labor. But the spacious, private room and the friendly staff made labor as pleasant as possible for Arlene Vasquez, who on July 18, delivered her first child in one of the newly remodeled rooms inside Kaweah Delta Medical Center’s Labor and Delivery Unit.
Treating Babies with a Higher Level of Care With a 23-bed, level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) just steps away from Kaweah Delta’s newly remodeled labor and delivery rooms, more babies born with medical needs can stay close to their mothers.
“The room was nice and I was able to have my family in there with me,” she said, Arlene delivered a little girl with noting that the father-to-be made use of complications requiring a NICU stay. “I travel every day from Tulare to be the couch that converts to a bed. with my baby and everyone has been helpful,” Vasquez said. The new rooms feature new flooring, ceilings, cabinets, furnishings, equipment, “The staff has been really good,” art work, and updated electrical and Arlene said. The new mom is especially plumbing. Additionally, funding by First grateful for the tips she received on 5 Tulare County (funded by Proposition breastfeeding her medically-fragile 10) allowed Kaweah Delta to purchase baby. “It’s been hard getting her to state-of-the-art birthing beds and fetal monitors for the unit. The Kaweah Delta learn to latch on, but I know everything is going to work out.” Hospital Guild also raised funds for birthing beds as well.
CENTER
MODEL MAKES PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION EVEN MORE GRATIFYING The Kid Zone: expanded space for children six weeks to 12 years • Age-appropriate activity areas will have your children begging you to workout. • Big kids enjoy air hockey, foosball, and video gaming on interactive bikes. • Special soft-play area with farm animal toys keeps toddlers safe and happy. Our Members Say:
“Be motivated by the fear of being average. Average… The one thing The Lifestyle Center’s DropZone is not!” – Bob Muto
“I enjoy the DropZone! It’s quieter than upstairs and allows me to concentrate better while working with my personal trainer, Chase. I feel that we have quality training time and that I benefit from using the sleds and barbells.” – Christine Olivas
Get Active and Feel Your Best
Why entrust your wellbeing to any health enthusiast when our exercise physiologists hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, and our personal trainers all maintain accredited national certification? The only medically based fitness facility in Visalia, TLC treats members to a higher level of service and care.
Join The Lifestyle Center and receive a free fitness profile that records more than height, weight, and goals. • Certified medical assistants conduct complimentary medical prescreenings. • Registered dietitians provide complimentary 30-minute nutritional consultations. • Exercise physiologists profile members’ cardiovascular fitness level, muscle strength, body composition, flexibility, and physical limitations (including injuries) before creating their customized fitness plans. • Members are free to update fitness assessments and revise workout plans with an exercise physiologist every two months or as needed.
< The labor and delivery triage area was
expanded from five to seven beds in 2013. v A look at the newly remodeled labor and delivery bedrooms.
Delivering Our Future When Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation kicked off the Delivering Our Future fundraising campaign, the community stepped up to the challenge. At A Glance Campaign Kick Off: Campaign Wrap Up: Amount Given to Date: Scope of Remodel Project:
Jan. 2014 Dec. 2015 $1,343,109* 21 rooms
(plus hallways and nurses station)
Work Began Number of Rooms Completed:
WIN A $50 GIFT CARD TO THE NURSERY NOOK
Jan. 19, 2015 4
* Total contributions as of July 30th.
Through Nov. 30, moms can share their breastfeeding tips at www.facebook.com/kaweahdelta to be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Nursery Nook. There, parents can shop for baby items and sign up for classes. Winner will be announced on Dec. 1.
FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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ANGELS AMONG US The Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation established the Guardian Angel Program in 2007. Patients provide a monetary gift to the Foundation in their guardian angel’s honor; the money helps Kaweah Delta provide excellent patient care. Cynthia Oliver of Three Rivers recently recognized Beth Nelson, RN and director of House Supervision at Kaweah Delta, for caring for Cynthia’s husband Stanley during three hospital stays this year. Here’s why: “When my husband Stanley was unresponsive one night in January, and I had to call an ambulance, Beth was at Stanley’s bedside within 15 minutes. She was positive, professional, compassionate, and cheerful. These hospital stays have been so much easier knowing we had Beth to turn to. Beth is such an asset to Kaweah Delta.”
RECOGNIZE A GUARDIAN ANGEL donate.kaweahdelta.org/ guardian-angel
(559) 624-2359
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- JOHN LEAL, NURSE MANAGER, SEQUOIA PROMPT CARE
REASONS TO GET A FLU SHOT
1
The flu can make you very sick and can lead to more serious illnesses and death.
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The flu is contagious before symptoms appear, so you could spread the flu without knowing it.
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The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner you and those around you are protected from the flu.
KAWEAH DELTA URGENT CARE 1633 S. Court St., Visalia, CA 93277
(559) 624-6090 Send a note designated for “Guardian Angel” with name of person to: 216 S. Johnson St. Visalia, CA 93291
Everyone can practice preventable measures to help keep their bodies from getting ill.”
7 days a week: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
$5 OFF
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The flu shot is recommended for everyone age six months or older, especially people over 65 or with certain health conditions.
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The flu shot will not infect you with the flu, but will protect you from the viruses most likely to circulate this year.
SEQUOIA PROMPT CARE 1110 S. Ben Maddox, Suite B Visalia, CA 93292
SEQUOIA PROMPT CARE 820 W. Akers St., Suite 100 Visalia, CA 93277
Mon. - Fri.:9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat. - Sun.:10 a.m. - 6 p.m. SequoiaPromptCare.com
Mon. - Fri.:9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat. - Sun.:10 a.m. - 6 p.m. SequoiaPromptCare.com
(559) 624-4800
Bring this article for $5 off.
(559) 624-6800
No appointment needed for $25 flu shots at these locations.
AN
ANSWER
In three years, five residency programs have brought 59 doctors to Tulare County. By training recent medical school graduates, Kaweah Delta Medical Center is bringing the best and brightest new physicians to Visalia. Known as “residents,” these men and women work under the supervision of members our of expert medical staff. “The introduction of new physicians brings a desire to excel, which is why having a residency program in our community means better quality care, more prompt care, and greater access to care,” said Dr. Sebastiano Cassaro, program director of Kaweah Delta’s Surgery Residency program. Residents deliver vital, evidencebased care in our community, helping ease the physician shortage. They also help improve care with quality improvement research projects. “When we, as established specialists, interact with the national network of educational teams who are training tomorrow’s physicians and teaching them medicine based on current, scientific evidence, it’s an excellent influence to continually improve
TO THE DOCTOR SHORTAGE
Left to right: Patrick McLaughlin, DO John Popovich, MD Sean Oldroyd, DO
our practice and provide the most effective and safest care available,” Dr. Cassaro said. A Welcoming Community
In June, Kaweah Delta introduced transitional year and surgery residencies to its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, which began three years ago in affiliation with University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. “With five residencies in place, Kaweah Delta has 59 doctors-in-training who live and work in the community,” said Dr. Michael Stanley, program director of the Transitional Year Residency program at Kaweah Delta. “These residents are generally some of the smartest and most competitive medical school graduates,” said Dr. Stanley, noting that Transitional Year is a one-year program for physicians before they go on to specialize in areas such as dermatology, radiology, etc. “Our program will increase the pool of excellent physicians in Visalia in the future in several key specialties.”
Steven Loh, DO Mazin Elhadary, MD
The hospital plans to continue expanding its GME programs, drawing more promising young physicians to settle in Visalia, said Dr. Cassaro. “The presence of these talented young doctors will not only dramatically expand access to specialty care for the growing community of greater Visalia, but will also positively impact the quality of the care we provide as an institution,” he said. Kaweah Delta GME Facts Sept. 2014-Mar. 2015
1,900+ Total applications received 180
Surgery program applicants
3
Surgery residents
375
Transitional Year applicants
12
Transitional Year residents
400+ Total candidates interviewed 1-5 years Length of residency programs FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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People told me, ‘You should go to Stanford,’ but I told them, ‘I’m not going to Stanford, I live here.” - Lisa Hartman
Pictured left to right: Maria Rivera, Maria Cure, Lisa Hartman, Meagan Charette, and Veronica Alvarado.
STORIES OF SURVIVAL People are always surprised by the attention, care, and support they receive from physicians, nurses, radiation therapists, even perfect strangers at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center. The following two women say they couldn’t have continued their walk without the help they received at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center.
Lisa Hartman, Visalia In 2014, Lisa Hartman found out she had breast cancer. After the shock, she came to a decision. “I wanted everybody to treat me the same,” she said. But a tsunami of support was building. Strangers held her hand as she waited for treatment at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center. On chemo Mondays, her Golden West High School kitchen coworkers
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wore custom-made pink shirts reading “Fight like a Blazer.” When she couldn’t, ServiceMaster by Benevento cleaned her house for free. Once at radiation, 35 smiling Girl Scouts brought her cookies. After every treatment, flowers arrived from her sister-in-law in San Francisco. When she went bald, her brother shaved his head, too. A neighbor she didn’t know well, made her meals, wrote about Lisa in the neighborhood newsletter, and gave her a medal. And, once at Walmart, a bald Lisa was hugged by a fellow shopper. “He said, ‘God bless you, we’re thinking of you,’” said Lisa, noting that the hair loss had been difficult to accept. “You’re just overwhelmed that so many people care.” Lisa needed support. Three days after her diagnosis, she had a partial mastectomy by Dr. Russell Dounies. Lisa describes him as “a wonderful man who calls it straight when you need to hear it.”
“People told me, ‘You should go to Stanford,’ but I told them, ‘I’m not going to Stanford, I live here,’” she said. Staying in Visalia for care was the right choice. At Sequoia Regional Cancer Center, patients stay with the same nurse throughout treatment. Her “angel” was Ana Bernardo, a registered nurse oncology navigator. When Lisa had complications with blood pressure medication, her physician Dr. Raman Verma was nearby, not across the state. But chemo and radiation were grueling – she lost 25 pounds. Her husband of 35 years, Roger, was the glue holding Lisa together. He drove her to appointments, left Saltines at the bedside when she wasn’t well, made her two meals a night if one didn’t taste right, and shopped for her bras. “He’s my hero,” said Lisa, who in July got news of her remission. “We’re a team and if I could love him anymore, I would.”
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It’s amazing how God provided for me. Now it’s my turn. I’m thankful to feel so much better.” - Dené Fraley
Pictured left to right: Alyssa, Micaela, Dené, Darren, Joshua, and Breanna Fraley.
From Sequoia Regional Cancer Center Dené Fraley, Tulare When Dené Fraley’s phone rings, she’s quick to answer it. Someone who has breast cancer might need to talk. Dené isn’t a nurse or a counselor. She’s a 41-year-old Tulare wife and stayat-home mom of four, who survived breast cancer and gives hope back daily to women on a road she once traveled. “It’s amazing how God provided for me. Now it’s my turn. I’m thankful to feel so much better,” she said. “God gives me so many opportunities to be there for someone else. I try to be a friend and tell them I’ve been there. I’ll hold your hand and walk you through this.” Many people walked Dené through breast cancer. It started in 2012, when she noticed a pea-sized growth on her left breast. Thinking it was an infected milk gland, the busy mom made a note to get it checked. The end of the school
year came and went; she never made the appointment. Dené scheduled a mammogram and was referred to Dr. Russell Dounies for a biopsy. She still recalls his words, “I don’t have good news for you,” he said. She was shocked – there was no history of breast cancer in her family. After a partial mastectomy, she began chemo and radiation. But the support she received was never-ending. Her mother moved in to help raise the children. There were cards, e-mails, Facebook posts, a hat and scarf party that helped her go through treatment “in first class,” meals from friends, and anonymous checks. One came with a letter instructing Dené to get the best wig money could buy. “I found one that looked just like my hair,” she said. “I had a personal appointment with the owner of Hollywood Wigs in Fresno and my
whole family came. They let my kids try on goofy wigs and Mohawks. It was a really neat experience.” After hitting remission in June 2013, Dené’s energy returned. “Now I know what it feels like to be a normal mom again,” she said. “I can take the kids to school and clean the house. I have much to be thankful for.”
Are you at risk for breast cancer? Take this free risk assessment now: www.kaweahdelta.org/breast
Questions? Call Kaweah Delta’s Breast Help Line (559) 624-3253 FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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TECHNOLOGY THAT PACKS A PUNCH Advance Treatment
Innovative therapies enhance SRCC’s capabilities and improve patient care.
Diagnostic Upgrades Reach Technological Heights
3D Breast Tomosynthesis Mammography
The first in Tulare County, the new TrueBeam reduces patient visits from six weeks of daily treatments to just 1-2 weeks of daily treatments. It minimizes exposure of healthy tissue by pinpointing powerful radiation on the tumor.
New technology at the Women’s Breast Center can better delineate breast lesions with sectional imaging. These more definitive images improve accuracy and timeliness of results, greatly reducing the number of screening callbacks.
Ideal for patients who require treatment in multiple locations, this can treat more sites at once, and shorten a 30-minute therapy session to as few as 15 minutes. Prostate Brachytherapy This therapy surgically implants radioactive seeds in affected tissue. These seeds offer continuous treatment over time to treat cancer even when patients are at home.
Digital Diagnostic X-ray Two new X-ray rooms feature “Digital Capture” to electronically store, transfer, and then clear images. Digital Capture not only offers the best technology and highest quality available for standard X-ray images, but also contributes to a more efficient workflow.
Pictured above: Diane Frazier
Nuclear Medicine SPECT/CT Cameras
“Immediately, you think about your children and what’s going to happen to them,” said Diane of Three Rivers.
Two new cameras feature “hybrid” capabilities to provide greater specification of the anatomy being scanned.
High Dose Radiation (HDR) Therapy
CT Simulation with Respiratory Gating
When a tumor is located in tissue, radioactive seeds in high doses are administered through a catheter in small, targeted areas.
Replacing the center’s single slice scanner with a new 32-slice CT simulation has greatly enhanced image quality. The scanner operates faster and provides higher image resolution.
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VITAL SIGNS KAWEAH DELTA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT
PARTNERSHIP
Imaging at Kaweah Delta has never looked this good.
TrueBeamTM Radiotherapy System
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
A PERFECT
When what she thought was back pain turned into a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, Diane Frazier, 45, had a lot on her mind and a lot to do.
But there were doctor visits, chemo treatments, and tests that she needed. Overwhelmed, Diane found hope around every corner of Sequoia Regional Cancer Center (SRCC). Every aspect of her cancer care happened in one location including visits with her oncologist, Dr. Robert Havard, Jr., and her imaging needs at Kaweah Delta Imaging Center. “It’s amazing the way they have it set up,” Diane said. “They told me I needed a CAT scan and I said, ‘Oh do I have to go to the hospital?’ They said ‘You just go down the hall.’ It was so nice.”
SEQUOIA REGIONAL CANCER CENTER AND KAWEAH DELTA IMAGING PUT PATIENTS FIRST Dr. Robert Havard, Jr. answers Diane Frazier’s questions about care.
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This 3D technology is the biggest leap in breast imaging in the past decade.”
Pictured left to right: Melissa Garcia, RN; Grace Pagh, RN,BSN; Dr. Robert Havard, Jr.; Senovia Banuelos, RN, BSN, OCN; and Stephanie McCall, RN.
That’s exactly the vision that brought SRCC and Kaweah Delta Imaging Center together 15 years ago, said Dr. Havard, a board-certified hematologist/oncologist at SRCC, who has been in practice for 30 years. “We had a vision to provide state-ofthe-art cancer care to the residents of Tulare County. We brought the providers together, and it’s been rewarding to see that vision come to fruition,” Dr. Havard said. The partnership between Kaweah Delta Imaging Center, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and the lab helps ease the journey of patients like Diane, whose most recent CAT scan showed that her treatment is working. SRCC not only coordinates care across disciplines, but brings innovative technologies to Visalia. Kaweah Delta recently added new equipment to its imaging and radiation services. From
3D mammography to TrueBeamTM radiotherapy, the diagnostic and treatment modalities available at SRCC promote better outcomes. “Kaweah Delta has been very supportive in allowing us to acquire expensive modalities that provide significant leaps forward in the quality of care,” Dr. Havard said. While Diane is uncertain about her future, when she walks into the center for care each week, a weight is temporarily lifted off her shoulders. “Everywhere you turn they know you. It makes you feel good,” said Diane, noting that she adores her nurse Stephanie McCall, and looks forward to seeing her weekly. “It gives me comfort just knowing that Dr. Havard is in the building. He’s given me hope. Just talking with him makes me feel good and I know there is a chance.”
GORDON AH-TYE, DIRECTOR OF IMAGING AND RADIATION SERVICES
VISALIA LOCATIONS
Radiation Oncology 4945 W. Cypress Ave. (559) 624-3100
Medical Oncology 4945 W. Cypress Ave. (559) 624-3000
HANFORD LOCATIONS
Radiation Oncology 1443 W. 7th St. (559) 585-7115
Medical Oncology 857 Garner Ave. (559) 584-6000
FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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Pictured with Bluetick Coonhound, Jack, Jacquelin Johnson is on the road to recovery after neurosurgery at Kaweah Delta.
NEUROSURGERY CLOSE TO HOME After four straight days of 10-hour shifts and an hour commute, Jacquelin Johnson of Visalia decided her coonhound, Jack, would have to wait a little longer to see her. But thanks to the new neurosurgery program within tracking distance of Jacquelin’s backyard, Jack saw his owner sooner than she expected. “On my way home from work on May 12, I started feeling dizzy, so I went to the emergency department at Kaweah Delta,” said Jacquelin, who had been struggling with high blood pressure and headaches. If Jacquelin’s symptoms had appeared three months earlier – before Kaweah Delta introduced its neurosurgery program in March– her diagnosis would have led to more travel and time away from home, said Dr. YuHung Kuo.
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Jacquelin was diagnosed with the most common type of brain tumor, but it was malignant, so it required immediate treatment. Two days later, Dr. Kuo removed the tumor at Kaweah Delta Medical Center.
“My family wanted me to go to Stanford or Los Angeles, but I didn’t. Dr. Kuo had five stars and I felt comfortable with him and also with Dr. Johnson,” Jacquelin said. Whether receiving elective surgery for degenerative spinal disease or racing against the clock with a traumatic head injury or malignant brain tumor, neurosurgery patients
can now benefit from expert neurosurgeons, advanced technology, and quality care close to home. Kaweah Delta has partnered with Dr. Ian Johnson, chief of neurosurgery at Kaweah Delta, and a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeons who are part of the UCSF-Fresno Neurosurgery Group, including Dr. Kuo, Dr. Daniel Miller, and Dr. Bill Whitlatch Jr. Dr. Whitlatch, Jr., a Redwood High School graduate, who played water polo, returned to Visalia to join the neurosurgery team in September. He earned his medical degree at Boston University, School of Medicine and completed his residency at Duke University Hospital. Together these highly skilled surgeons specialize in treating a variety of brain and spine conditions.
Neurological Conditions Treated • Chronic neck and back pain • Degenerative spinal disease • Degenerative disc disease • Brain and spinal tumors • Brain hemorrhages • Traumatic head and spine injuries
Interdisciplinary Care Coordination Dr. Bill Whitlatch, Jr. (left), with Nurse Practitioner Katherine Kimbo and Dr. Ian Johnson.
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With traumatic injuries, an hour matters. That’s why having neurosurgeons here is so important.”
Neurosurgeons at Kaweah Delta work closely with oncologists and other specialists to provide the best care. Jacquelin is receiving radiation therapy at the Sequoia Regional Cancer Center to continue treatment for brain cancer. Learn more on page 10.
DR. BILL WHITLATCH JR., NEUROSURGEON
Expert Neurosurgeons At Home Prior to the introduction of Kaweah Delta’s neurosurgery program, people traveled to Fresno, the Bay Area, or Southern California for treatment. “When you have a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, early intervention makes a difference in outcomes,” Dr. Whitlatch said. “We’re not just trying to preserve a life, but also preserve neurological function, and with traumatic injuries an hour matters. That’s why having neurosurgeons here is so important.” Already, this program is changing the lives of people in this community, Dr. Johnson said. His team has performed nearly 15 neurosurgeries per month since its beginning. Jacquelin was one such patient. She now understands the need for immediate access to care close to home.
Advanced Technology Kaweah Delta purchased a stealth imaging system to support the neurosurgery program. This stateof-the-art navigation tool provides high-quality images of a patient’s anatomy in real-time during surgery. The system enhances surgical precision and makes neurosurgery less invasive, which means faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
news, they reunited the pair. “It went a long way in helping me heal and feel better,” she said. But the best part of Kaweah Delta’s neurosurgery program, Jacquelin says, is the surgeons. “I had so many questions, but they answered every single one. I can’t sing their praises enough.”
Jacquelin’s surgery went well with no complications and Jack even paid her a visit when he got out of an open fence and tracked her to Kaweah Delta. “The security officer called while my family was in the waiting room to say, ‘Your dog is here at the emergency room entrance.’ Jack had come to the door and was laying right outside.” When the nursing team caring for Jacquelin after surgery heard the FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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Abby Rubinstein, Visalia
COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC PROGRAM RESTORES MOBILITY
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There’s no reason to leave Visalia for this type of joint replacement surgery. Our program stacks up with any in California.” DR. DONALD SCHENGEL, ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Abby Rubinstein is as colorful as her paintings. She even jokes that one knee and two hip replacements qualify her for superhero status. “I’m thoroughly bionic,” said the 87-yearold Visalia resident and international artist. “I’m going to get a cape and a mask and fly all over Visalia and fix everything.” Abby is undergoing physical therapy for her left hip, the most recent joint replaced by the experts at Kaweah Delta. The prolific professional painter gives credit for her improved mobility to her team of specialists. “Dr. [Donald] Schengel is thorough and kind,” Abby said of the orthopedic surgeon who has conducted each of her joint replacement surgeries. Coordinated Specialty Care Enhances Treatment
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Kaweah Delta partners with boardcertified orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip and/or knee replacement
including Dr. Schengel, Dr. Burton Redd, Dr. Bruce N. Le, Dr. Ian Duncan, Dr. Frank L. Feng, Dr. James R. Guadagni, and Dr. David G. Surdyka. Together with Kaweah Delta’s specially-trained nurses, therapists, and technicians, these surgeons provide care for patients like Abby before, during, and after joint replacement surgery.
Patient Safety Promotes Quality Outcomes
The comprehensive orthopedic program at Kaweah Delta includes education to explain procedures and answer questions about what to expect. The hospital invites patients, family and friends to “Joint Camp,” a pre-surgery class that prepares patients for surgery and teaches family, and friends how to participate in the recovery process.
In addition, overall markers of quality care include when patients are pleased with the results of their surgery, the care given, the education they’ve received, and walking without crutches, Dr. Schengel said.
“There’s no reason to leave Visalia for this type of joint replacement surgery. Our program stacks up with any in California,” Dr. Schengel said. After surgery, most patients are hospitalized from one to three days. Those who are unable to return home after surgery may qualify for the Short Stay Rehabilitation Unit at Kaweah Delta Rehabilitation Hospital.
Kaweah Delta strives for excellence regarding patient safety. “We’re always concerned about minimizing infection because it’s the greatest complication that can occur after joint replacement,” Dr. Schengel said.
Abby said she was informed about Kaweah Delta. “I said, ‘I’m not interested in your certificates, I can see them on the wall. I want to know your report card,’” Abby said. “[Dr. Schengel] told me and I was impressed.” Abby may not be able to fly like a superhero, but she no longer suffers from hip or knee pain while standing at her easel. “I will continue seeing Dr. Schengel as long as I need to,” Abby said.
JOINT REPLACEMENT REPORT CARD
Rates following elective total hip and total knee replacement* Readmission Rate • Kaweah Delta, 4.9% • U.S. National Rate, 5.4% Complication Rate • Kaweah Delta, 2.9% • U.S. National Rate, 3.4% A Blue Distinction Center for Knee & Hip Replacement Kaweah Delta is recognized by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California as Centers for Excellence in hip and knee joint replacement. This means that Kaweah Delta’s overall experience and aggregate data meets objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. * Hospital CMS Compare Preview Report 2009-2012
“While I was there, the nurses sent me a get well card and all signed it. I can’t say enough about the wonderful nurses at Kaweah Delta,” Abby said. After discharge, patients receive individualized therapy plans to provide the best outcome. Hip and knee replacement patients require weeks to months of physical therapy to regain motion, strength, and balance. This includes regular visits with the orthopedic surgeon – a benefit for those having a joint replaced locally, Dr. Schengel said. “If there’s a problem, we’re right here,” said Dr. Schengel. “Local residents who have chosen to go out of market for surgery have shown up at our emergency room with problems. People like to see the surgeon who treated them, but in these cases he or she could be hundreds of miles away.”
Return to an Active Lifestyle Take our online risk assessment to learn if joint replacement surgery is right for you. www.kaweahdelta.org/Joint
Have Questions About Joint Replacement?
Call (559) 624-3800 or visit www.kaweahdelta.org/ortho
FALL EDITION MORE THAN MEDICINE. LIFE.
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VITAL SIGNS KAWEAH DELTA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT