CORE Ink - Spring 2014 Michigan

INK

SPRING 2014

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E C O R E I N S T I T U T E

World-Class Expansion The CORE Institute Opens New 70,000 Square-Foot Headquarters

Course Correction Prescott Woman Back on the Tee Thanks to The CORE Institute

Winning Combination The CORE Institute and Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center Create Powerful Partnership

Nerve Pain in Back and Legs, Could be a Prolapsed Disc

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WELCOME VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2014

FROM THE MARKET PRESIDENT Taking the road less traveled.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Growth, it’s in our genes.

With this issue of CORE Ink, we celebrate the 9th anniversary of founding The CORE Institute. This year, we celebrate being recognized as the #1 Orthopedic Practice by Ranking Arizona for the second year in a row, and one of the Best Places to Work in the Valley by Phoenix Business Journal for the third straight year. We celebrate with you, and thank you for making our progress possible. With you, we to continue to prove why quality outcomes matter… every patient, every time.

In the last issue of CORE Ink, we introduced the National Orthopaedic & Spine Alliance (NOSA), in which a select group of industry leaders united to change the course of healthcare delivery. NOSA, a network of the nation’s foremost orthopedic professionals, has pioneered a new orthopedic and spine care model—one that offers the highest caliber of care at a set price for each procedure. As the future healthcare environment evolves, employers are becoming the largest consumers of healthcare and continue to search for ways to best spend their healthcare dollars. Employers have asked for solutions to difficult questions and we believe this network will provide them their answer.

On January 22, 2014 Councilwoman Thelda Williams, The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and City and community leaders, joined us for the ribbon cutting and grand opening reception of our new national headquarters and new North Phoenix Clinic. The new facility serves as The CORE Institute’s national headquarters as it continues to expand both locally and nationally, and includes a clinic with over 50 exam rooms and an expanded research facility.

In the coming months, you can expect the news of continued expansion in Arizona and Michigan, as well as other states. In addition, we have officially launched an International division where our physicians will share their knowledge and expertise with countries that are in need of improved healthcare delivery. The CORE Institute will continue to take the necessary steps to bring our proven quality clinical care to those in need, no matter the distance.

On behalf of all of our physicians, providers, and staff, The CORE Institute appreciates your continued support.

Keep Life in Motion!®

Keep Life in Motion!®

David C. Markel, MD Market President, Michigan

David J. Jacofsky, MD Chairman & CEO A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E C O R E I N S T I T U T E

CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING FOR THE CORE INSTITUTE

In our last issue of CORE Ink, our partnership with The CORE Institute was announced and a bright future was predicted. In 2013, we expanded our reach in the Michigan market, qualified as a patient centered medical home, opened additional space in our Southfield location, were recognized as Top Docs by Hour Detroit and expanded our specialties, by on-boarding boarding a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Victor Nwosu and physician assistant, Timothy Scott.

In 2014, you can expect announcements of growth of our existing clinic facilities in Novi and Southfield, the expansion of a new clinic and physical therapy location in the Brighton area and the on-boarding of three new physicians, including a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, an adult hip and knee reconstruction surgeon and orthopedic sports medicine surgeon.

We are excited what 2014 has in store for us, but more importantly for our patients and our community. We are honored to be part of one of the region’s fastest growing companies and are proud to showcase how our physicians deliver best-in-class care and quality patient outcomes.

As we create breaking national orthopedic news, lead industry developments, and grow our comprehensive services, CORE Ink will keep you on the brink of innovation along with us. Our advances in medicine are now your advances in health.

®

General Manager: Cami Kaiser/ cami.kaiser@pni.com Mgr. Creative Development: Isaac Moya/ imoya@republicmedia.com

Editor: Jim Williams/JLWilliams@republicmedia.com Editorial Coordinator: Nick Kostenko/nkostenko@republicmedia.com Sr. Managing Art Director: Tracey Phalen/tphalen@republicmedia.com Design: Rachel Tullio Photography: Jeff Noble, Sheila Springsteen

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Contents FEATURES

Winning Combination he CORE Institute and Banner Health T strengthen their partnership with the expansion to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. See page 12.

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World-Class Expansion

he CORE Institute’s new state-of-theT art, 70,000 square-foot headquarters is changing the face of musculoskeletal care. See page 16.

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PAT I E NT C AR E

Course Correction

Prescott woman back to golfing, walking and an active lifestyle thanks to The CORE Institute. See page 18.

D EPART ME N TS

18 connect with us 1.866.974.2673

www.thecoreinstitute.com

What’s New?

Research

8 T he CORE Institute is pleased to announce the addition of six new physicians to the team.

20 The MORE Foundation celebrates its 5th Anniversary of providing top-notch research and community education.

Specialty Spotlight 10 M illions suffer from back pain. Mark Kayanja, M.D., a spine surgeon with The CORE Institute, can make a difference.

CORE Candid

Ask the Expert

22 The CORE Institute has raised thousands for local charities over the years. Here’s a look back at 2013.

11 Dr. Victor E. Nwosu shares advice and treatment options for plantar fasciitis.

21 Employees at The CORE Institute are “Keeping Life in Motion.”

Community Relations

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WHAT’S NEW NEW PROVIDERS

ARIZONA

SEPEIN CHIANG, DO

A board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in general orthopedic practice including adult and pediatric fracture care and a special interest in adult hip and knee reconstruction. He has more than ten years of orthopedic clinical experience in Arizona and serves as a clinical instructor at a local Arizona hospital.

MICHIGAN

ARIZONA

ARIZONA

ARIZONA

VICTOR NWOSU, DPM

SCOTT EDWARDS, MD

E. MICHAEL LUCERO, MD

MELISSA GALLI, DPM

Victor Nwosu, DPM is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in total ankle replacement, extensive reconstruction of the forefoot and hindfoot, arthroscopy, sports medicine, circular frames, and trauma.

Scott Edwards, MD is a board certified and fellowshiptrained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, with special qualifications in minimally invasive surgery and advanced reconstructive surgery.

E. Michael Lucero, MD a board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience.

He specializes in adult reconstruction, joint arthroscopy and arthroplasty and orthopedic traumatology.

Melissa M. Galli, DPM, MHA is a board qualified and dual fellowshiptrained reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon specializing in sports medicine, external (frame) fixation, trauma, total ankle replacement and reconstruction of the forefoot, hindfoot and ankle.

ARIZONA

ANUJ DAFTARI, MD

Anuj Daftari, MD is a fellowship-trained physician specializing in interventional spine and pain management. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions of the entire spine, muscles, joints and nerves.

SPECIALTY SPOTLIGHT

Nerve pain in back, legs could be a prolapsed disc A common disorder affecting a younger, more active patient population

STAY ACTIVE DURING TREATMENT Unlike many years ago, spinal surgeons today say prolonged bed rest during treatment isn’t beneficial.

“We encourage our patients to be as active as possible, and often prescribe physical therapy as an early form of treatment,” Kayanja explains.

In combination with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication or muscle relaxers, physical therapy can be very helpful.

“Physical therapy gives the body a chance to naturally resolve the disc to some extent,” Kayanja says. “With time, the majority of patients see a significant improvement.”

Further testing can be performed and X-ray and MRI images are used to evaluate the appropriate care path.

Steroid injections may also be effective.

By Meghann Finn Sepulveda If you’ve ever helped a family member or friend move heavy furniture or boxes, you probably experienced some muscle stiffness or soreness in your back in the days that followed.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, back pain is the second most common reason why people see their physician. However, when a more consistent and severe pain persists involving the lower back and legs, it could be a symptom of nerve pain associated with a prolapsed disc.

THE COMPONENTS OF THE SPINE Intervertebral discs, found in the spine, act as cushions between each of the vertebrae, which help you bend and stretch. They are often called shock absorbers because these soft discs are located between the hard structures of the vertebrae. When a disc is damaged, ruptured or displaced, inflammation occurs, affecting the nerve close in proximity and can cause pain.

“A normal disc is flush with the nerve root,” says Mark Kayanja, MD, PhD, and spine surgeon at The CORE Institute.

“When a disc has prolapsed or bulged, it makes contact with the adjacent nerve root, which may lead to shooting pain in the back and leg.”

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MARK KAYANJA, MD, PHD

“When a disc has prolapsed or bulged, it makes contact with the adjacent nerve root, which may lead to shooting pain in the back and leg.”

— Dr. Mark Kayanja Dr. Kayanja is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive surgery, deformity correction and cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine surgery.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS While back pain is common amongst all ages, prolapsed discs are most prevalent with adults in their 40’s and 50’s. Discs shrink with age and don’t typically cause problems later in life.

People who engage in strenuous activity may not feel any pain for 24 to 36 hours and sometimes have trouble remembering the original cause.

“Typically patients will complain of not only back pain but sharp pain in one leg, or numbness, which are common symptoms of a prolapsed disc,” Kayanja says.

SURGICAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE While surgery is often the last resort, a traditional or minimally invasive microdiscectomy removes the disc material to alleviate the nerve pressure, if symptoms do not improve. Usually a same-day procedure, patients are able to quickly resume normal activity.

“We recommend that patients do not engage in strenuous activity such as lifting or heavy upper body conditioning for six weeks,” Kayanja says.

While the biggest concern after surgery is reoccurrence, it can be avoided if postoperative directions are followed.

“The disc never goes back to its original location, but the body can resorb the fragment and the outer layer of the disc, through which it passed, and has a chance to heal,” Kayanja says.

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ASK THE EXPERT

Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment options and complications

By Victor E. Nwosu, DPM

Q: I’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Can you tell me what this is and what the usual treatment is? Also, is there a certain age group that is more prone to plantar fasciitis and what are the complications if I choose not to treat it now?

A : Plantar fasciitis (PF) is pain caused by inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that attaches to the bottom of the heel bone. The cause is produced by a variety of elements, but most cases stem from overuse stresses. The classic complaint is that of intense, sharp heel pain with the first couple of steps in the morning or after other long periods without weightbearing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about foot and ankle conditions, please email us at contactus@thecoreinstitute.com or call 1.866.974.2673.

Ninety percent of patients with PF will improve within 6-12 months using conservative treatment, which consists of: rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, activity modification, shoe modi-

Early treatment usually relieves symptoms; but untreated symptoms can lead to pain, limping and a restriction in activities.

Dr. Nwosu is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, specializing in total ankle replacement, extensive reconstruction of the forefoot and hindfoot, arthroscopy, sports medicine, circular frames, and trauma. He is certified and experienced in INBONE, Salto- Talaris and S.T.A.R. total ankle replacements.

VICTOR E. NWOSU, DPM

fication and orthotics, physical therapy, stretching exercises, steroid injections and night splints. Five to 10 percent of patients may eventually require surgical treatment involving lengthening of the calf muscle and partial release of the plantar fascia to relieve the tension.

The exact incidence and prevalence of this condition by age is unknown, but it is seen in adults of all ages. Women are affected twice as often. Peak incidence may occur in women ages 40-60.

There are no significant complications or morbidity from not receiving treatment; however, without treatment, you may experience progressive plantar pain, with limping and restriction of activities. Also, changes in walking pattern resulting from pain may lead to associated secondary injury to hip and knee joints. The sooner you see a foot and ankle specialist, the quicker the symptoms are relieved and you can keep your life in motion.

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FEATURE STORY

The CORE Institute, Banner Good Samaritan Create Powerful Partnership

Winning Combination

By Kristine Burnett Integration, collaboration and education are hallmarks of the Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics, a co-management partnership linking The CORE Institute and Banner Health. In February, the relationship between the two healthcare leaders was strengthened with the expansion of Banner CORE to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix.

One of the state’s oldest and most well-regarded academic teaching hospitals, Banner Good Samaritan, has spent more than six decades teaching and training the doctors of tomorrow. The partnership with The CORE Institute enhances the hospital’s scope of orthopedic services, including expanded orthopedic residency and fellowship training programs and a more robust framework

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for orthopedic trauma care.

“We’re building upon Banner Good Samaritan’s reputation as a provider of superior medical education and Level 1 trauma care by creating a more comprehensive program capable of managing even the most complex orthopedic cases,” said David Jacofsky, MD, Chairman and CEO of The CORE Institute.

“At Banner Good Samaritan, the Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics model will focus on complete musculoskeletal health with sub-specialty programs for everything from spine, hand, and foot and ankle care, to sports medicine, joint replacement and trauma.”

EXPANDING EXCELLENCE Expansion to Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, which began with orthopedic trauma

coverage in October followed by the launch of elective procedures in February, comes on the heels of the successful implementation of Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics at four other Banner Health facilities across metropolitan Phoenix: Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Banner Estrella Medical Center in West Phoenix, and Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa.

DeLyle Manwaring, Senior Vice President of Hospital Service Line Integration for The CORE Institute, highlights improved quality of care, better outcomes and enhanced patient experience as key benefits of the Banner CORE Center collaborative model. According to Manwaring, this manner of bringing together physicians and hospital

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FEATURE STORY

leaders with a shared objective of improving patient care, outcomes and overall volume does not exist elsewhere in the Phoenix market.

“We’re providing cutting-edge care via an innovative model based on the highest level of collaboration,” he said.

“Other healthcare organizations across the country are watching what we’re doing, and they have expressed interest in replicating the model being implemented at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.”

Being at the forefront of innovation, both in practice and principle, isn’t new to either The CORE Institute or Banner Health. The organizations’ willingness to innovate, push boundaries, explore all options, restructure when and where necessary, and settle for nothing less than the absolute best has earned much deserved distinction in their respective fields. Their collaboration sets a new standard for orthopedic care in Arizona and beyond.

“Given the hospital’s scope of services and position as a teaching hospital, the co-management model for musculoskeletal health at Banner Good Samaritan requires some restructuring in both orthopedic care and education,” noted Jacofsky.

“This will touch multiple aspects of the hospital, but the end result will solidify a reputation as a world-class teaching hospital.” Patients often turn to the very hospitals in which physicians train.

“Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has a long-standing reputation of being the place where the sickest patients from across the region come for care,” commented Steve Narang, MD, CEO of Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. “This isn’t just a coincidence.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, visit www.BannerCoreCenter.com.

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INVESTED IN COMMUNITY Indeed, Banner Good Samaritan’s position as a destination medical center is the well-deserved product of a commitment to medical excellence.

Banner Good Samaritan invested more than $40 million last year alone in physician residency programs spanning 17 clinical specialties, including orthopedics.

Jacofsky says the Banner CORE Center partnership will enhance orthopedic training by giving residents and orthopedic fellows greater access to highly trained specialty teams, including those dedicated to trauma care at the Good Samaritan facility.

“Orthopedic trauma cases at Banner Good Samaritan have tripled in just

cal education, investing in the tools and technologies to deliver leading-edge care, and centering the entire orthopedic service line on evidence-based protocols is an unmatched, highly-coordinated care experience.

FOCUS ON PATIENTS Michelle Beverly, Business Development Director for Perioperative and Procedural Services at Banner Good Samaritan, says patients benefit most from the continuum of care made possible by the collaboration.

“Our focus is on providing a seamless, highly effective patient experience from the first office visit to 90 days after discharge from the hospital,” Beverly said.

“We’re providing cutting-edge care via an innovative model based on the highest level of collaboration.”

— DeLyle Manwaring, Senior Vice President of Hospital Service Line Integration, The CORE Institute

the first 90 days of this venture,” noted Jacofsky. “Numbers don’t lie. There’s a reason more people are coming to this hospital.”

Creating top-notch teaching programs attracts the best and brightest physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and others who are committed to delivering excellent care, conducting medical research and advancing the field of medicine.

“Our partnership with The CORE Institute is an investment that will ultimately shape the entire service line and distinguish Banner Good Samaritan as a leader in orthopedics,” Narang said.

“As such, we will continue to attract leading orthopedic specialists and, in turn, patients who want the best possible care.”

The inevitable result of integrating clinical care teams, enhancing medi-

“Positive patient outcomes, the highest level of satisfaction for patients and their families, reduced readmissions to the hospital and an overall improvement in quality of life are all products of the Banner CORE Center collaboration.”

While still in its infancy, the co-management model at Banner Good Samaritan has resulted in enhanced orthopedic education, expanded capabilities, an influx in physicians on staff and a new framework for educating patients.

Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics treats injuries and disorders affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. From total and partial joint replacements, to sports injuries, congenital conditions, arthritic and degenerative disorders, fractures and spine conditions, Banner CORE Center has the experience and expertise to treat virtually any orthopedic injury or ailment.

www.thecoreinstitute.com

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PHOTOS MARK LIPCZYNSKI

WORLD-CLASS EXPANSION

COVER STORY The CORE Institute Opens New 70,000 Square-Foot Headquarters, Clinic

By Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell

Everybody needs a little elbow room, right?

Patients of The CORE Institute will find that and a whole lot more — such as a planned on-site café and convenient retail store — at the orthopedic group’s spacious new national headquarters in North Phoenix, according to Lisa Sanchez, The CORE Institute’s Executive Vice President of National Practice Management.

“The new location is yet another example of our commitment to our patients. Our executive team spent countless hours designing the space to make it more convenient and comfortable for our patients,” Sanchez said of the nearly 70,000 square-foot space at Union Hills Corporate Center, located at a full diamond interchange on the southeast corner of Interstate 17 and Union Hills Drive and one mile south of the Loop 101 freeway interchange. Its proximity to Interstate 17 and the Loop 101 offers tenants access to the Northwest Valley labor market and an abundant supply of amenities in the neighboring residential areas.

“Inside, a thoroughly modern clinic boasts 59 exam rooms, on-site physical therapy, x-ray and casting and bracing services,” Sanchez said. Plenty of thought and attention to detail went into the design of our patient lounge, she added, which features: • Soothing décor in tones of gray and blue; • A mix of low- and high-rise chairs, which are helpful to

patients who may have undergone an orthopedic procedure that requires to be seated at a specific angle; and • Future implementation of patient kiosks allowing patients to conveniently register and check-in for their appointment.

And that’s not all. Patients and loved ones can take advantage of the outdoor patio seating that’s available or, grab a cup of coffee or snack at the Café located on the first floor. Only steps away from the patient lounge, The Motion Store provides patients with a convenient location to purchase orthopedic products such as knee sleeves, walkers,

BRYAN WALL, MD

support hosiery, wrist braces, splints, footwear and a host of other soft goods that might not be covered by insurance.

Bryan Wall, MD, Vice Chair of National Operational Optimization and Site Chief of the North Phoenix clinic, said the move came about simply because The CORE Institute had outgrown the 50,000 square feet at its former headquarters.

“The massive patient demands placed on The CORE Institute by the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area outstripped our infrastructure,” Dr. Wall said. “Our goal is to deliver world-class musculoskeletal care to every patient, every time, and we simply had to expand our clinical capacity and continue to grow to meet that need. It is our commitment to our community to continue to do so.”

The North Phoenix site, called the Center of Excellence, is home to the group’s administrative offices, a research lab, the centralized operations team and its call center as well as the human resources and marketing teams. The location will permit future growth — with hopes to hire hundreds of new employees across the country over the next few years.

The CORE Institute is excited to have reached this milestone of expansion.

Combining the clinical expertise will allow them to continue to build the Center of Excellence, helping achieve their future vision of continued growth and better serving those in need of their orthopedic services.

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PATIENT CARE

Prescott Woman Back Walking and Golfing Thanks to The CORE Institute

By Gremlyn Bradley Waddell Photos by Jeff Noble

Course Correction On a college ski trip, Wini Schultze injured her right ankle, but the pain soon subsided so she didn’t give it much thought after that. The Prescott resident, now 70, returned to her studies and went on about her life; starting a family, becoming a teacher and staying physically active through tennis and golf.

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Even after she and her husband of 48 years, David, retired to Lake Tahoe, she still remained active.

“I went to get a season ski pass, and I came back with a ski instructor job,” she recalls of her days teaching youngsters at a local resort.

HISTORY OF PAIN A 2003 cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment caused joint pain. Her right ankle, which always had been larger than her left ankle since

that college ski trip, began giving her pain. By 2011, she could barely walk.

“I was probably ready for the wheelchair, but I was so stubborn, I insisted on walking,” she said. “And it really hurt.

I couldn’t keep my mind on anything.”

Determined to return to a pain-free lifestyle, she made an appointment at The CORE Institute in Phoenix — where she had knee replacements performed years earlier — and met with Dr. Ryan T. Scott, D.P.M., a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. He explained that the

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PATIENT CARE

grinding. This procedure, which has been performed in the United States for more than 20 years, takes about 90 minutes. Schultze opted for the surgery, underwent a standard postoperative physical therapy program and now has an excellent prognosis.

“It’s hoped she will not require any more surgery,” Dr. Scott said, “but sometimes patients do need an ‘oil change’ of sorts,” in which the spacer and new bone growth Wini Schultze and her husband, David, enjoy a morning on the golf in the ankle joint is removed, and course. Wini continues to live an active lifestyle thanks to a total ankle a new spacer is inserted. Rarely, replacement (TAR) surgery performed by The CORE Institute. does the metal implant need to be replaced.

BACK IN ACTION Schultze said she couldn’t be happier. ankle joint. An implant, made of titanium or He determined that she was an ideal canShe’s walking, golfing and hiking — withother metal, is then inserted into each of didate for a surgical procedure called total out pain — again. the cut-out areas. A plastic spacer is then ankle arthroplasty, or total ankle replace“He was just a knight in shining armor,” placed between the two metal pieces. The ment (TAR). The procedure involves cutshe said of Dr. Scott. “He fixed things right spacer permits the implants to glide past ting out a portion of the shin and the ankle away.” each other, eliminating “bone-on-bone” bone to remove any arthritic bone from the pain in her ankle was the result of bone-on-bone arthritis. Her previous college injury had actually been a fracture, and after years of wear and tear, her ankle joint had begun to break down. The ankle cartilage had worn thin, leading to arthritis and swelling, causing her right ankle to look larger than her left.

“Any injury, especially an injury to a joint, carries consequences,” Dr. Scott explained. “Unfortunately, Mrs. Schultze’s ankle injury was left untreated, leading to uneven pressure on the ankle joint.”

CORE RESEARCH

Celebrating 5 Years!

MORE Foundation Dedicated to Research, Education

By Marc Jacofsky, PhD The MORE Foundation is proud to be celebrating its 5 year anniversary! The MORE Foundation exists to conduct research and educate the community in the field of musculoskeletal health.

Over the past five years, we have conducted dozens of community education events, numerous research studies, and published nearly a dozen peer-reviewed publications. These educational events include informational lectures that educate the community in arthritis treatment options and spine health, as well as the extensive program of the Arizona Sports Medicine Society (AZSMS). The MARC JACOFSKY, PhD AZSMS is built on serving professionals dedicated to education and continual learning within the field of sports medicine TRACKING ACTIVITY Our research centers track patients’ pain and activity levels before and after orthopedic interventions to determine the best courses of treatment to improve activity and quality of life. We also test innovative orthopedic devices and procedures in our biomechanical testing lab, which simulates how these interventions will affect the function, stability, and longevity of a new procedure without putting any patients at risk.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION To support the MORE Foundations mission, please visit our website morefoundation. org or call 623.544.5546.

The research team from the Foundation was recently recognized with an impressive accolade. Their article titled “Advanced Osteoarthritic Gait Kinematics and Kinetics” was the second most read article in the field of orthopedics during December 2013 according to The Bone and Joint Journal online.

The abstract was originally published in the British Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 2011 after being presented at The International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty. This demonstrates that the MORE Foundation not only educates consumers of healthcare in the local community, but educates surgical specialists in the field of orthopedics both at home and around the world!

NEW TECHNOLOGY The MORE Foundation is currently investigating several new technologies that may help people suffering from musculoskeletal pain and disorders. These include clinical trials in our pipeline that study;

new supplements injected into the knee joint to help those suffering from arthritis, new types of shoulder replacements, different and competing surgical methods for placing knee replacements, and ways of controlling bleeding during orthopedic and spine surgeries. Our biomechanics laboratory is ramping up studies looking at innovative ways of fixing hip fractures in patients with early-stage osteoporosis and two studies examining the best ways to fix fractures of the arm and shoulder after traumatic injury. Look for more information on our website and in scientific journals in the months to come as we unveil the results of these works.

While it has only been operating for five years, the MORE Foundation is making great strides to study, educate, and improve musculoskeletal health in Arizona and around the world. We thank all those who have supported our noble mission and growth and reach out to those who have not yet signed onto help us continue to make strides forward.

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CORE CANDID What Does ‘Keeping Life in Motion’ Mean to You MISTY STIGER, Charge Poster for The CORE Institute-Gilbert “Keeping life in motion is important to me and my five year old son. I love to ride on my quad with my family and friends, to swim and spend time at the gym to get a good cardiovascular workout. My son and I love to swim and it is a great way for us to spend time together.”

DAVID MARKEL, Market President at The CORE Institute-Michigan “From hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, we are able to keep life in motion all year round with the four seasons Michigan has to offer.”

CHRISTINA WILLMAN, PA-C at The CORE Institute-North Phoenix “I stay active by participating in Triathalons and Duathalons. Shorter distance sprints to Ironman and from nearby Tempe to Augusta, GA and even Spain; makes racing even more fun and exciting! Training day-to-day keeps me healthy as well as disciplined. I LOVE it!”

GEAR TO KEEP YOU IN MOTION Supplying your bracing and motion needs

18444 N 25th Ave. Suite 230 Phoenix, AZ 85023 623.537.5679 www.themotionstore.com

CORE CANDID

COMMUNITY

Looking Back on a Great Year 2014 set to be bigger, better!

The CORE Institute is committed to being a positive force in our community, in both the excellence in patient care we provide and in giving back. As we look back at 2013, we celebrate the relationships we have built in the community and are eager to see what is ahead for us in 2014.

We were honored to have partnered with so many wonderful organizations in Arizona and in Michigan. In late spring, The CORE Institute hosted sports physical exams, which supported local high school athletes and their athletic programs and donated over $4,300 to local Arizona high schools.

Our sports medicine team provided on-site medical coverage for the local high schools in Arizona and Michigan to and started working with the CCV Stars Youth Sports program to care for the thousands football

and soccer athletes. For the past five years, we have been active medical providers for the annual Volleyball Festival, a tournament that takes place in February and June with thousands of athletes from all over the country competing.

In the fall, we formed The CORE Institute Cycling Team and they participated in their first event at the Tour De Scottsdale. “The CORE Institute Cycling Team is built to promote health and wellness through the sport of cycling. We will compete at the highest level with excellence and the desire to win as our primary goals,” said Dr. Rene Lucas, an avid Cyclist and Interventional Spine Physician with The CORE Institute. “The CORE Institute looks forward to supporting a team of amazing athletes who embody musculoskeletal health and wellness.”

In December, our Michigan staff braved the first winter storm and participated in the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. Team Keep Life in Motion put on reindeer antlers and running shoes and joined us for some holiday cheer. In addition, our Michigan staff participated in adopt-a-family for the holidays, and because of their kindness a family had a wonderful Holiday despite such fragile economic times. For the second year in a row, The CORE Institute Arizona staff donated hundreds of toys to the Phoenix Salvation Army’s Forgotten Angel program to benefit needy local children during the holidays.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or if you have an event you would like us to participate in, please contact us at communityrelations@thecoreinstitute.com