Spring 2015
The Saint Vincent Cancer Care Surgical Team
Fighting Cancer with Advanced Technology, Expertise and Compassion
New Technology for Detecting and Treating Esophageal Cancer The Myths and Truths about Cancer Screenings
When it comes to specialized women’s care, we deliver.
From the region’s most comprehensive midwifery program to gynecologic oncology to physical
care needs of women at every age.
ahn.org/womens
Skillful, natural midwifery care mothers with comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. To schedule a consultation with a certified nurse midwife, please call 814.452.7864.
Deliver your baby in comfort, style and privacy. At Saint Vincent, our new Mother and Baby Center combines the region’s most experienced caregivers with all the comforts and amenities of home. Experience Saint Vincent for yourself—schedule your private tour today by calling 814.452.5255.
Peggy Boyd, DNP, CNM
Heather Mozdy, MSN, CNM
Board of Trustees
Mark Webb, Chair Jeff Szumigale, Vice Chair Karen Hanlon, Treasurer Helen Baran Terry Cavanaugh Natalie Dwyer-Haller, Esq Tony Farah, MD William Goldfarb, MD R. Steven Jones Pat Liebman John Paul Dennis Prischak Mike Redlawsk Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
contents
Saint Vincent Hospital Vitals Magazine • Spring 2015
Cancer Care with da Vinci SIÂŽ Technology
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cover story
ON THE COVER The Saint Vincent Cancer Care Surgical Team is fighting cancer with advanced technology, expertise and compassion.
Health Happenings
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Special pull-out calendar
Saint Vincent Vascular Surgeons Save Life and Limb
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New Procedure Repairs Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
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Patients LOVE the new Saint Vincent Infusion Center
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The Benefits of a Midwife
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Pictured (l-r) are Colorectal Surgeon Patrick Recio, DO; Breast and General Surgeon Daniele Haupt, MD; Gynecologic Oncologist A. Dwayne Jenkins, MD; Gastroenterologist Vladislava Buntic, MD; and Thoracic and Cardiac Surgeon Aron Goldberg, MD. Read the full story on page 2.
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Questions or Comments Please call the Saint Vincent Marketing Communications Department at 814.452.5706.
Vitals Magazine is a publication of Saint Vincent Hospital
cover story
Saint Vincent: Fighting Cancer with Advanc
Faster Recovery for Patients: Minimally Invasive da Vinci SI® Surgery by Erie’s Only Gynecologic Oncologist Look around you. It is unlikely you will see another person whose life has not been touched in some way by cancer. According to The American Cancer Society, more than 81,000 Pennsylvanians and 107,000 from New York state will be diagnosed with cancer in 2015. In the midst of this pervasive disease, it’s good to know the highly experienced team of surgeons at Saint Vincent stands ready to fight this battle side-by-side with their patients, providing advanced technology designed for early detection and effective treatment. Learn more in this special section of Vitals Magazine, on pages 2 through 5. When Almarie Arneman, 75, of Erie was diagnosed with Stage II uterine cancer late last year, she assumed she would have to travel to a larger metropolitan city to see a gynecologic oncologist and would face major abdominal surgery. She was never happier to be wrong—on both counts! Almarie’s gynecologist, Michael Scutella, MD, of OB/GYN Associates of Erie, referred her to Saint Vincent’s A. Dwayne Jenkins, MD, the only board-certified gynecologic oncology surgeon in Erie. Dr. Jenkins performed the complete
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hysterectomy Almarie needed using da Vinci SI® robotic technology, which required only five tiny incisions and a two-day stay in the hospital. “The da Vinci® technology allows a surgeon to do far more complicated surgeries because it has a 3D interface, as opposed to laparoscopic surgery, which is two dimensional,” said Dr. Jenkins. “Endometrial cancer surgeries can be very complicated, because we are removing lymph nodes from nerves and blood vessels in a very small, complex area of the body—and the da Vinci® gives us a much greater degree of control.”
ed Technology, Expertise and Compassion Dr. Jenkins added that the tiny incisions allow patients to have less pain and a shorter recovery period, but they also lessen the chances of issues such as infections, blood clots and other complications associated with major surgery. “I’ve had abdominal surgery in the past for an unrelated condition and I know how hard it can be, so I was not looking forward to the having it again,” Almarie said. “I couldn’t believe how little pain I had with the da Vinci® procedure. I still had to limit my activity for awhile, but the pain normally associated with having a hysterectomy was just not there.”
The da Vinci SI® Surgical System If you are a patient who requires one of the surgeries below and you’re interested in a minimally invasive procedure utilizing da Vinci SI® technology, please ask your physician to refer you to one of the following providers:
According to Dr. Jenkins, the da Vinci SI® technology helps patients like Almarie recover faster so they can get back to their lives, but also enables them to get lifesaving treatments like radiation and chemotherapy faster. “It’s hard to overstate the impact on outcomes and quality of life that this technology offers,” he said. “Recovering from open surgery can be so exhausting, and I know from having survived breast cancer that one of the symptoms of radiation is that you become very tired. I feel that having surgery with the da Vinci® gave me a wonderful advantage as I went ahead with my cancer treatment,” said Almarie, a retired healthcare administrator who resides in a senior living apartment complex in west Erie. “The da Vinci SI® system is an extremely innovative procedure that truly benefits patients.” Once Almarie completes her radiation treatments, she looks forward to rebuilding her strength so she will feel great by the time the warm weather arrives in northwest Pennsylvania. She feels “fortunate” to be able to have access to Dr. Jenkins and da Vinci SI® robotic technology, just a few miles from home.
“Dr. Jenkins is very good at what he does. He is truly an expert and so professional. He is also a kind and caring person and we are very lucky to have him right here in Erie,” said Almarie.
To schedule an appointment with Saint Vincent Gynecologic Oncologist A. Dwayne Jenkins, MD, call 814.454.1142.
A. Dwayne Jenkins, MD da Vinci® Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer A. Dwayne Jenkins, MD at 814.454.1142 da Vinci® Surgery for Urinary Obstruction Allied Urology Associates at 814.452.4214 da Vinci® Prostatectomy Allied Urology Associates at 814.452.4214 da Vinci® Nephrectomy Allied Urology Associates 814.452.4214 da Vinci® for Hepatobiliary and Gallbladder Disease Greater Erie Niagara Surgery at 814.454.1142
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Fighting Cancer in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus New Advanced Technology Can Reduce Risk by 94% If you are one of the 3.3 million Americans with a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus, a new technology available at Saint Vincent can help you reduce the risk for developing esophageal cancer. Barrett’s Esophagus is a serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In Barrett’s Esophagus, the normal tissue that lines the esophagus changes and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to cancer of the esophagus.
“The Barxx™ system can significantly lower risks for patients, and it is an outpatient procedure for all but a very small percentage of patients, and there is a very fast recovery.” Segun Abogunde, MD
The Covidien Barrx™ RF Ablation System According to Saint Vincent gastroenterologist Segun Abogunde, MD, to qualify for the Barrx™ RF System, patients must meet one of these three criteria: 1. Patients diagnosed with dysplasia, a condition in which the cells that line the esophagus become precancerous 2. Patients diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus who have a family history of esophageal cancer 3. Patients with early-stage esophageal cancer Patients are lightly sedated as they would be for a colonoscopy or endoscopy and most aren’t even aware the process is occurring.
“About 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD develop Barrett’s Esophagus.”
“The system uses radiofrequency waves to ablate the precancerous or early-stage cancerous tissue by heating it until the cells are destroyed, so some patients may experience some mild feelings of discomfort in the chest for a short time after the procedure, but it is minimal in most cases.”
Vladislava Buntic, MD
The cancer care team at Saint Vincent now provides an advanced technology designed to treat Barrett’s Esophagus. The Covidien Barrx™ RF Ablation System* works by using radiofrequency ablation to treat the condition, restoring the esophagus to a healthy state. In a recent study, patients treated with the Barrx™ RF Ablation System experienced a 94% relative-risk reduction of Barrett’s Esophagus progressing to more advanced conditions including esophageal cancer.
The Barxx™ technology has made treatment for dysplasia, Barrett’s Esophagus and early-stage esophageal cancer far easier than in the past, but it can’t help if patients don’t know they have these conditions. That’s why Dr. Abogunde recommends that people who suffer from GERD see a gastroenterologist for a screening endoscopy so that dysplasia or Barrett’s Esophagus can be diagnosed early. *The Barxx™ system will be available at Saint Vincent in late spring 2015.
To schedule an appointment with a Saint Vincent gastroenterologist at Digestive Diseases of Northwest Pennsylvania, call 814.452.2767. 4
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“Busting” the Myths about Cancer Screenings A Guide to Overcoming Your Fears According to a recent survey conducted by the Colon Cancer Alliance, fear was the number one reason older adults gave to explain why they hadn’t scheduled their cancer screenings. If you have delayed your screenings because of the misconceptions you’ve heard about them, consider these truths about two of the most prevalent myths:
Colonoscopy Myth The preparation for the procedure is very unpleasant, with a gallon of bad-tasting liquid to drink, followed by painful stomach cramps and explosive diarrhea.
Colonoscopy Truth
Mammography Myth Mammograms are extremely painful for an extended period of time.
Mammography Truth
Saint Vincent Colorectal Surgeon Saint Vincent Breast and General Patrick Recio, DO: Surgeon Daniele Haupt, MD: “Patients who eat light and drink a “For most patients, mammography lot of clear liquids the day before a only causes a feeling of pressure, prep generally do not experience an uncomfortable prep. which only lasts a matter of seconds. Patients with Those who don’t want to drink the large amount of liquid fibrocystic disease may find it a bit more uncomfortable, prep medication can opt to mix over-the-counter MiraLAX® but this can be lessened by taking two Tylenol® tablets an powder with any clear liquid. Because it has no flavor, hour before the procedure.” it will take on the flavor of that clear liquid. Patients There are several other important cancer screenings, including can also choose to take over-the-counter Dulcolax® endoscopy, prostate screenings and PAP tests. Talk to your doctor pills. Whatever the choice, the prep is a minor if you have any concerns about these screenings and he or she will disruption that can pay off with early detection of surely “bust those myths.” And don’t forget to talk to your family cancer and literally save your life.” doctor or dermatologist about regular skin cancer screenings.
For Smokers and Former Smokers: Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening If you’re a smoker or former smoker, thoughts of potential lung cancer can often be haunting. Saint Vincent can help. All it takes is one phone call to arrange for a Computed Tomography (CT) screening, which could be the first step to peace of mind or life-saving early detection. This advanced imagery combines x-rays from different angles to produce a two-dimensional image of your lungs. This enables a radiologist and pulmonologist to identify nodules – tiny, rounded masses as small as two millimeters (the size of the tip of a crayon) that may represent cancer. Ask your doctor to schedule your screening today by calling 814.866.4850. Check with your health insurance provider to see if this screening is covered.
If you are between the ages of 55 and 80 with a long-term history of heavy smoking (the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years) you may qualify for this screening. Even if you have quit in the past 15 years, but still meet the age requirement and the heavy smoking criteria, you may still qualify for this screening. The age limit for Medicare patients is 77.
“Detection and treatment of an early-stage lung cancer can provide a cure rate as high as 80 percent.” Aron Goldberg, MD
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Body Blast When: Fridays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Glutes, Guns, and Guts When: Wednesdays 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Bootcamp and Core When: Tuesdays 4:35 to 5:35 p.m.
Beginner Yoga When: Tuesdays, noon to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m.
R.I.P.P.E.D When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:35 to 5:35 p.m.
Sucker Punch When: Mondays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Saint Vincent is dedicated to your good health! Purchase a 10-class pass for $50 at the Saint Vincent Inspired Gift Shop in the main lobby at 232 West 25 Street. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Fitness Center, Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Lower Level.
Saint Vincent Fitness Classes
Health Happenings
AARP Smart Driver Class For drivers over 55 When: June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, from 1 to 5 p.m. Where: One West Conference Center at Saint Vincent RSVP: 814.397.3883
Especially for Seniors
When: May 28 and August 6 at noon. Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814.452.5706
FREE Saint Vincent Cardiac Support Group If you’ve experienced a cardiac event, this popular support group will reinforce that you’re not alone. Learn more about important heart care and prevention from a Saint Vincent expert, enjoy the company of others who know what you’ve been through, and receive a free gift.
Pull out and post this calendar!
Saturday Preparation for Labor (a two-week class) When: May 2, 9; July 11, 18; September 12, 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday Preparation for Labor (a three-week class) When: April 6, 13, 20; June 1, 8, 15; August 3, 10, 17; and October 5, 12, 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Newborn Care When: June 3 and September 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15 per person
Online eLearning Childbirth Education Class Check out our convenient alternative for expectant parents who cannot attend a conventional prepared childbirth class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints. It can also be a helpful refresher course for repeat parents. Registrants can work with class materials online and also receive a hard copy of the book for future reference. To learn more, scan the code below with your smartphone.
From childbirth to newborn care and even a class for expectant dads, this class series is just what you need when you’re expecting. Beautiful Beginnings classes may be reimbursable, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie. Register and pay online at ahn.org
Beautiful Beginnings Classes For Expectant and New Parents
May 6 and 20 June 3 and 17 July 1 and 15 August 5 and 19
FREE Bariatric Seminars If you have a significant amount of weight to lose and are struggling with traditional weight loss methods, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. Learn more about these procedures, which provide new hope for patients, at one of our bariatric seminars. Please call 814.452.7800 to RSVP and request seminar location. All seminars are held at 6 p.m. on the following dates:
A class schedule is available online at ahn.org.
FREE Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Family Support Group When: May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26 and September 30, 6 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center 311 West 24 Street, Erie
FREE Breast Cancer Support Group When: Third Wednesday of every month, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Where: Regional Cancer Center, 2400 West 12 Street, Erie RSVP: 814.836.2660
FREE Look Good, Feel Better for Female Cancer Patients When: May 18 and August 24, 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie RSVP: 800.227.2345
Community Cancer Learning and Support
Bariatrics
Maternity Tours Tours of the maternity floor are part of the Labor Prep classes. However, for those moms and dads who are unable to attend class or who would like another look, tours can also be scheduled by calling 814.452.5664. Scan the code below for a video testimonial on the Saint Vincent Mother and Baby Center.
So, You’re Going to be a Grandparent: A Class for Expectant or New Grandparents When: May 4 and September 21, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per person/$15 per grandparent couple
Dads Make a Difference: For Fathers-to-Be When: April 27 and September 14, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per dad
CPR for Infants, Children and Adults When: June 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $40 per person
Breastfeeding Support Group When: April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. OR April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, at 1 p.m. Cost: FREE
Sibling Preparation When: April 28 and September 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for one child; $5 for each additional child
Breastfeeding When: April 9, May 7, June 11, July 9, August 6, September 10, 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
Cost: $30 per couple
Saint Vincent Vascular Surgeons Save Life and Limb The thought of gardening this spring has never been so important to Curtis Frank of Conneaut Lake, Pa., as it is this year. The 70-year-old retired high school and college chemistry teacher was extremely close to losing his left leg when a blood clot developed behind his knee and blocked the flow of blood to his leg. “It was just a pain in my left calf,” explained Frank. “So, when I went to the doctor in Meadville to have it checked, I was shocked that I ended up in an ambulance the same day on my way to Saint Vincent Hospital!” The Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Institute provides comprehensive treatment plans for all vascular diseases, including new and innovative care delivery methods.
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Navalkishor R. Udgiri, MD, and Richard E. Redlinger, Jr., MD, specialize in vascular disease at Saint Vincent, which includes any condition that affects the circulatory system. This ranges from diseases of the arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation. Vascular disease—if left untreated— can result in life-threatening issues, including amputation and possibly death. When Frank arrived at Saint Vincent Hospital he met immediately with Dr. Udgiri who tried to first dissolve the blood clot through the use of a medication called tissue plasminogen activator or tPA. Dr. Udgiri was able to infuse the tPA directly
into the clot with a minimally invasive EKOS catheter that uses ultrasound technology during the drug infusion. Unfortunately, the medication could not dissolve the clot, leaving Frank in continued danger.
According to Dr. Udgiri, they could see that happening in the operating room almost immediately. “We could see that his foot started to turn pink, meaning the blood was getting all the way through.”
“The clot was blocking nearly all of the blood flow to Mr. Frank’s whole left leg which was causing the severe pain in his calf,” said Dr. Udgiri. “But the real issue was that it threatened to damage his leg tissue. If he had come to Saint Vincent, even just a few days later, we likely would have had no choice but to amputate his leg from above the knee.”
Curtis Frank says it’s certainly been an interesting few months. He is extremely pleased with the outcome of the operation, and has been walking and getting ready to spend more time outside in the coming spring months.
The diagnosis shocked Frank and his wife, who quickly realized the severity of the situation. “I didn’t realize how serious a blood clot can be,” said Frank. “But when Dr. Udgiri told me that I might lose my leg, I just couldn’t believe what he was saying and I knew then that this was serious.” Frank underwent an extensive surgical procedure called a femoral-to-posterior tibia graft. It involves the entire leg— from the groin to the ankle—where the blood flow has been compromised. The first part of the surgery involves harvesting a vein to be used to bypass the clotted area and carry the blood through the entire length of the leg. “It’s the same vein that is used in heart bypass surgery, however, we needed the whole vein in one piece, completely intact, because we needed to use all of it and not just pieces of it,” explained Udgiri. First, the vein had to be harvested. Once that was accomplished, Dr. Udgiri and his team set about transplanting it and finally ensuring that the blood would flow through the new vein, and to the rest of Frank’s leg.
“I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Udgiri, Dr. Redlinger, the nurses and staff in general at Saint Vincent,” said Frank. “The whole episode went well and everyone was great to me during my entire stay. I feel like I can count Dr. Udgiri as a good friend of mine now. I just would never go anywhere else for my care.” Today, Curtis Frank is walking well after an extensive rehabilitation program. In just a few more weeks he knows he’ll be ready to tackle his garden!
Learn More If you want to learn more about the expert team of physicians, surgeons and state-of-the-art services at the Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center, check out the center’s microsite at www.ahn.org/SVheartteam. There, you’ll see photographs of the entire physician team. Click on a physician to learn about his background and expertise. By clicking on one of the brief videos available for each physician on the microsite, you can also hear the physicians describe in their own words how Saint Vincent delivers comprehensive cardiac care with patient outcomes that exceed national averages.
Vascular Screening Program The Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Institute offers a Vascular Screening Program in an effort to provide early intervention for those who may have heart disease or stroke risk factors that can also lead to vascular diseases. If you’re over age 50, have a family history of vascular disease, suffer from obesity, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or if you smoke, you could be at risk. Each non-invasive vascular screening takes approximately 40 minutes and includes a carotid artery screening, an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening and an ankle brachial index—all for only $75. It’s a quick, affordable way to know your risk. And quite possibly save your life.
Call 814.866.4850 now to schedule your vascular screening.
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Reprinted with permission from Times Publishing Company, Erie, Pa. Copyright 2015
Saint Vincent Physicians Use Pinhole Approach to Repair Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm When John Kozik of Corry, Pa., came in to Saint Vincent for a CT scan to check the status of a previous heart problem, doctors discovered a large abdominal aortic aneurysm which required immediate attention. Richard E. Redlinger, Jr., MD, a Saint Vincent vascular and endovascular surgeon, provided some grim statistics to Kozik and gave him a few choices. Abdominal aortic aneurysms present few, if any symptoms until they rupture. The mortality risk is high. Half of those with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm will die before reaching the hospital, 25% will die at the hospital and another 10% will die during surgery. Kozik needed to make a quick decision. Dr. Redlinger provided him with two options. He could have the aneurysm repaired through a large open incision, which would extend from the breast bone to the pelvis or he could choose a catheter-based approach which would require two small pinhole incisions through the groin to reach the abdominal aorta.
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As a busy chiropractor, it was a quick decision for Kozik. “I couldn’t be away from my practice for the many weeks it would take to recover from such a significant surgery,” said Kozik. “So, I definitely chose the catheter approach and I am glad I did. The recovery was quick.” Dr. Redlinger, assisted by his partner, Navalkishor Udgiri, MD, performed the five-hour percutaneous procedure, where they were able to place a stent with ultrasound guidance into the abdominal aorta and guide the blood flow, which would stop the growth of the aneurysm. “This was a large 8.5 cm aneurysm and getting to it and successfully repairing it was challenging,” said Dr. Redlinger. “But, technology has allowed us to provide our patients with this approach. John, who could have easily died from a rupture, was able to return to work in a few days.” “I wonder sometimes, why me,” said Kozik. “It was an annual checkup and a CT scan in another area that showed this huge aneurysm that easily could have killed me. I am a lucky person.”
For an appointment with Drs. Udgiri or Redlinger, call Saint Vincent Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at 814.456.9197.
Saint Vincent Welcomes New Physicians Rodney Bingham, MD Pain Medicine Center for Pain Management at Saint Vincent 1910 Sassafras Street 814.452.PAIN (7246)
Ravi K. Chekka, MD Pediatric Hospitalist Saint Vincent Hospital 232 West 25 Street 814.452.5000
Bernard C. Proy, MD, CCD, CMD, MRO The Medical Group of Corry 315 York Street Corry, PA 16407 814.664.8686
Vincent Proy, MD The Medical Group of Corry 315 York Street Corry, PA 16407 814.664.8686
Lynn Cornell, MD The Medical Group of Corry 315 York Street Corry, PA 16407 814.664.8686
Divya Jain, MD Primary Care Edinboro Medical Center 450 Erie Street, Edinboro, PA 814.734.1618
Edward McVay, MD, MPH Saint Vincent Occupational Health 1910 Sassafras Street 814.452.7879
Patients LOVE the new Saint Vincent Infusion Center “State-of-the-art and almost better than home.” That’s how Jim Kubaney of Erie describes his experience at the new Saint Vincent Infusion Center. Kubaney recently experienced 42 straight days of infusion for a medical condition. He had previously received his infusions at home from a home health provider, but when his insurance company required that he have infusions done at an outpatient center, he was not happy. “To my surprise, I actually prefer having the infusions here. The nurses, the doctors and the pharmacist are exceptionally good at what they do and they are so compassionate. When it comes to my medical care, they are truly my advocates,” Kubaney said. “And they take great care of me. They have my two pillows and my warm blankets waiting for me every day,” he said. “They even bring a warm blanket for my wife.”
Jim also enjoys the comfortable new recliner and tasty breakfast he receives daily. “From the time I walk in the door until the moment we leave, I feel totally cared for.” The new Infusion Center is located in The Hardner Building at 2315 Myrtle Street, adjacent to the hospital. Patients enjoy the benefit of extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Ask your physician to schedule your infusion at the new Infusion Center by calling 814.452.7848
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The Benefits of a Midwife Q&A with a Saint Vincent Midwife and Her Patient
The birth of a child is a treasured moment in any family’s life. That’s why Saint Vincent believes it’s important to give families a choice between having an obstetrician or a midwife for their baby’s birth. Saint Vincent Certified Nurse Midwife, Peggy Boyd, DNP, CNM, and her patient, Courtney Laver, 33, of Erie, recently shared their thoughts on the value of midwifery.
Peggy Boyd, DNP, CNM VITALS: What are the benefits of a Certified Nurse Midwife? PEGGY: Midwives generally care for low-risk healthy women and consult with physicians on high-risk pregnancies. A midwife’s focus during pregnancy is more than just the physical health of mom and baby. A midwife looks at the full spectrum of pregnancy, including family support, emotional health, and the importance of healthy change in anticipation of the birth. There is a tremendous life change that a pregnancy and newborn bring to a mother and her family. Many of the physical changes a woman experiences in a pregnancy are impacted by her emotional well-being and the level of support she receives from her family. A midwife observes and intervenes on behalf of the woman and her baby to promote the best outcomes for the pregnancy and birth.
VITALS: Do you do home deliveries?
Midwives are also able to spend more time with expectant mothers, educating them, giving them information relating to normal events in pregnancy. Midwifery views pregnancy as a normal healthy event in a woman’s life while screening for complications.
PEGGY: Home birth is not part of the services we offer. At Saint Vincent, we provide a comfortable, homelike setting, with the safety net of a hospital and OB/GYN physicians should an emergency situation arise. This is very comforting to our mothers as it provides the best of both worlds.
Midwifery is also about building relationships. The relationship extends beyond the pregnancy into a woman’s reproductive and gynecological health. This relationship often carries over into subsequent pregnancies. Many times the husbands or partners of the women become the biggest advocates of midwifery services in the community.
VITALS: Do most insurances cover midwifery?
VITALS: What if a patient has a health concern that requires further attention, such as a cesarean birth? PEGGY: The beauty of our practice is that it is a hospital-based practice, backed up by obstetric and gynecologic physicians. We deliver exclusively in the hospital setting at Saint Vincent. If a complication occurs either in pregnancy or during birth, the midwives consult with the collaborating physicians and co-manage the patient. If the patient becomes seriously highrisk—such as a developing medical problem—physical care will be transferred to the physicians while midwives will continue to care for mom by providing emotional and educational support.
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PEGGY: Yes. Whether it is commercial insurance or federal or state insurance plans, midwifery is generally covered by the vast majority of carriers. VITALS: What are Saint Vincent’s plans for its midwifery program? PEGGY: Currently there are two certified nurse midwives practicing at Saint Vincent Hospital—myself and Heather Mozdy, MSN, CNM. We will continue to grow our midwife service to provide even greater access to care. This would also enable us to expand our general Gynecological/Well-Woman health services, such as annual exams, birth control and other services. We need to meet a growing demand. When we attend to women in pregnancy and birth, the new moms often refer their mothers, their daughters, their friends and coworkers to us. These changes are the equivalent of our own pregnancy and the birth of a greater midwifery presence in Erie, Pa.
Courtney Laver, 33, Erie VITALS: Why did you choose to give birth with a midwife? COURTNEY: Going into it, there were several reasons. Midwives are often able to spend more time with moms at prenatal visits, and offer a lot of emotional support. One thing that was really important to me was having a voice in how my twins’ births were going to happen.
VITALS: Were you able to have pain medication with a midwife delivery? COURTNEY: Absolutely. It is a huge misconception that everything has to be perfectly natural. Peggy always told me, “This is YOUR pregnancy,” and she was very non-judgmental about it when I opted for the epidural.
VITALS: How did you find Peggy?
VITALS: Would you recommend midwifery to your friends?
COURTNEY: One of my friends had chosen Peggy for her baby’s birth and she highly recommended her. Peggy has a very good reputation in this area. I chose her for my son Liam’s birth a few years ago and there was no question I would use her for the birth of my twins, Lauren and Logan, in February.
COURTNEY: One hundred percent yes! In a heartbeat. Midwifery gives you the opportunity to truly have a voice in your delivery, which is so important. It is very much a partnership. And I would absolutely recommend Peggy Boyd to anyone interested in a midwife. She is the best!
VITALS: How did you feel about the experience? COURTNEY: I really did feel I had the freedom to make decisions —with Peggy’s guidance, of course. I trusted her and never felt intimidated or uncomfortable asking questions. In the months leading up to the birth, she was always there for me, always so encouraging. She was very caring and nurturing. The emotional support she provided was a huge factor for me. Another important factor was accessibility. Peggy was always available. She even gave me her cell phone number and I was actually able to text her with questions.
Peggy Boyd, DNP, CNM, and Heather Mozdy, MSN, CNM, are conveniently located on the Saint Vincent campus and can be reached at 814.452.7864.
New Advanced Technology for Early Detection of Breast Cancer When it comes to the fight against breast cancer, early detection is vitally important. That’s why Saint Vincent is making two cutting-edge technologies available to area women this spring and summer.* Saint Vincent’s new GE SenoClaire Breast Tomosynthesis helps clinicians see breast tissue with more clarity in three dimensions (3D) versus the two-dimensional (2D) image provided by digital mammography, but does so with the same amount of radiation as in standard 2D imaging. SenoClaire, which was approved by the FDA in September, is used in conjunction with traditional digital mammography for women with dense breasts and other conditions. While digital mammography produces just one image of breast tissue, breast tomosynthesis produces nine different exposures from different angles that come together for a three-dimensional view of the breast.
In addition, Saint Vincent is adding Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to its diagnostic services for women. Breast MRI is an imaging test that creates detailed pictures of the inside of the breasts. Although breast MRI is not regularly used for breast cancer screening, it may help detect breast cancer in its earliest stage for some women who are at highrisk for developing the disease. If you are a candidate for these exciting new technologies, ask your doctor to refer you to the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 322 West 24 Street in Erie by calling Centralized Scheduling at 814.866.4850. *Please check with your insurance carrier about coverage for these technologies.
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232 West 25 Street Erie, PA 16544
Saint Vincent: Your Medical Home Sixteen Saint Vincent Primary Care Offices Earn Recognition as Patient-Centered Medical Homes
When you choose a Saint Vincent primary care physician as your family doctor, you’re choosing a physician and practice recognized as providing the highest quality of patient-centered care. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized 16 of Saint Vincent’s primary care practices as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), making Saint Vincent the only provider in the region to have the majority of its practices recognized. This recognition comes after more than three years of dedication and commitment to transforming the way Saint Vincent delivers care. NCQA measures practices on: • Timely access to the practice • The degree of care coordination for patients • Health management • Use of technology to improve patient care • Patient experience and satisfaction Need a doctor? Find an NCQA-recognized Saint Vincent practice near you by visiting switchtosv.com or by calling 814.452.7864.