Thrive Fall 2016
Introducing Summa Health Orthopedic Institute • When was the last time you saw your PCP? • Is that forgetfulness normal aging? summahealth.org
Meet the Doctors Physicians in our community are ready to serve you. The following physicians joined Summa Health Medical Group between June 1, 2016, and October 31, 2016:
Behavioral Health
Cardiology
Gastroenterology
Hospital Service
Megan Conrad, Ph.D. 444 N Main St, Suite 420 Akron, OH 44310
Gabriela Orasanu, M.D. 95 Arch St, Suite 300 Akron, OH 44304
Julia G. Thornton, M.D. 95 Arch St, Suite 240 Akron, OH 44304
Vivek Mathur, M.D. 75 Arch St, Suite 302 Akron, OH 44304
Internal Medicine
Christopher L. Carmichael, D.O. 75 Arch St, Suite 302 Akron, OH 44304
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emily M. George, M.D. 55 Arch St, Suite 1A Akron, OH 44304
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
Derek J. Klaus, M.D. 1 Park West Blvd, Suite 330 Akron, OH 44320
Senior Health
Rachel N. Hart, D.O. 75 Arch St, Suite G2 Akron, OH 44304
Kiel J. Pfefferle, M.D. 1 Park West Blvd, Suite 330 Akron, OH 44320
Rebekka Hom, M.D. White Pond, 1 Park West Blvd, Suite 200 Akron, OH 44320
Derek A. Ballas, D.O. 195 Wadsworth Rd, Suite 301 Wadsworth, OH 44281
Palliative Care & Hospice
Radiation Oncology
Themos J. Politis, M.D. 75 Arch St, Suite G2 Akron, OH 44304
Douglas R. Keyser, M.D. 155 Fifth Street NE Barberton, OH 44203
Trauma
Charlotte Wiemann, M.D. Alexander Geube, M.D. 75 Arch St, Suite G2 55 Arch St, Suite 2A Akron, OH 44304 Akron, OH 44304
Diana C. Mong, M.D. 201 Fifth St, Suite 6 Barberton, OH 44203
Vascular Surgery
Joshua E. Nash, D.O. 55 Arch St, Suite 2A Akron, OH 44304
Eric Turney, M.D. 95 Arch St, Suite 215 Akron, OH 44304
Most of these physicians are accepting new patients. Call 800.237.8662 to schedule an appointment.
Welcome to Thrive
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Contents Introducing Summa Health Orthopedic Institute
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Managing the demands of the holiday season
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When was the last time you saw your PCP?
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Is Mom’s forgetfulness just normal aging?
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Three simple tests to detect vascular disease
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Summa in your community
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Cover photo (Pictured L to R): Dr. Scott Weiner and Dr. Nilesh Shah. Summa Health Orthopedic Institute provides coordinated care that makes patients our top priority.
Introducing Summa Health Orthopedic Institute Providing coordinated care that makes you our top priority Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint pain, or just twisted your ankle playing a game of pick-up basketball, you want to be able to make one call and know you’re getting the right orthopedic care. Summa Health Orthopedic Institute is designed to provide just that—one access point that will put you in front of the right provider who will work with you to determine a treatment and recovery plan that fits your life, whether it’s surgical or nonsurgical. “We see patients with an orthopedic related issue, and if they eventually need surgical intervention, we have the team in place to give them the best treatment and recovery,” said Nilesh Shah, M.D., medical director, sports medicine. “We can then help the patient navigate where they need to go and make sure they’re seeing the right person and getting the right care in an efficient manner.”
Dr. Nilesh Shah assists patient.
Thanks to Summa Health’s team-based model of care, a patient can see a provider at Summa Health Orthopedic Institute and know the physician is looking at their entire medical record and working with the primary care physician and other specialists to find the best ways to keep them healthy. “For example if a patient comes in with diabetic foot infection and it leads to an amputation, we can use our integrated electronic health record to look back and see why this happened,” said Scott Weiner, M.D., chair, Orthopedic Institute, “Did the patient not have enough control of their sugars, or a podiatrist that could do skin checks? By looking back at the patient’s record, we can utilize our system of coordinated care to keep that patient out of the hospital. That’s Summa Health’s mission, to make our population healthier.” Summa Health Orthopedic Institute has five orthopedic surgeons and three sports medicine and nonsurgical orthopedic specialists on staff that are all fellowship trained in their specialty. In addition, the Institute offers some of the best diagnostic and surgical procedures currently available. Summa Health Orthopedic Institute offers easy access to appointments in Akron, Barberton, Green, Hudson, Medina and Wadsworth, Monday through Friday.
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Dr. Scott Weiner, chair, Orthopedic Institute
Call 330.835.5533 to make an appointment or visit summahealth.org/ortho to learn more.
Meet the Docs: Dr. Klaus completed his orthopedic residency at Summa Health and currently makes his home in Fairlawn. The Wadsworth, Ohio, native is married and has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2.
Dr. Pfefferle completed his orthopedic residency at Summa Health and currently makes his home in Canal Fulton. The Tiffin, Ohio, native is married and has three children, ages 6, 4 and 1.5.
Derek Klaus, M.D. Hand and Upper Extremity
Kiel Pfefferle, M.D. Total Joint Reconstruction
Why did you choose orthopedics as your specialty?
Why did you choose orthopedics as your specialty?
I chose orthopedics because I was an orthopedic patient myself as a high school and college wrestler. I saw firsthand the positive impact that type of medical sub-specialty could have in someone’s life.
I feel that in the field of orthopedics I can help people on a daily basis, improve their quality of life and decrease their pain. It gives me the ability to help someone walk again, fix their fracture or help their loved one.
Why did you choose Summa Health?
Why did you choose Summa Health?
I graduated from Wadsworth High School and I owe everything to that community and region. All my teachers and coaches helped guide me in the right direction. My wife’s family is also from this area and I always planned on coming back.
I was able to spend five years at Summa Health during my residency training and this allowed me to see firsthand the patient-centered culture. All of my partners share the same passion for orthopedic care. At Summa, we have physicians within every specialty providing the highest level of care for the community.
My time at Summa Health helped me mature as an orthopedic surgeon. I’m excited about the opportunity to now be a mentor and educator through our residency program. How can people own their health? We have the resources available to help patients make educated decisions about their health. Along with their primary care physician, they can take charge of their health and wellness. Whatever your issue is, you can come to the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute and we’ll work together as a team, surgical and nonsurgical, to meet your specific treatment needs. What do you do for fun?
How can people own their health? Patients have to take an active role in their health with things such as weight loss, stopping smoking, eating better and maintaining an active lifestyle. My goal is to maximize a patient’s health prior to surgery, getting them as healthy as possible before we perform a joint replacement. That allows for a decreased complication rate, faster recovery time and improved outcomes. What do you do for fun? I spend the majority of my time outside of work playing with my kids, but I’m also an avid deer hunter and a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
I love being outdoors, whether it’s grilling or smoking meat, or just walking through the local trails with my family. I’m also excited that I have time now to coach one of my kids’ soccer teams. I also love the Ohio State Buckeyes.
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Managing the demands of the holiday season Too many tasks and not enough time? Dr. Brinkman-Sull, Ph.D., vice chair of psychiatry and chief psychologist of the Summa Health Behavioral Health Institute, shares 7 ways to ensure a happy holiday.
1 Have an attitude of gratitude
4 Plan ahead
Making an effort to remember all of the things you’re grateful for is very important this time of year. Research has shown that taking time to express gratitude or even acknowledge thankfulness in our own thoughts increases well-being and creates positive feelings. Gratefulness can be the antidote to increased stressors of the holiday season.
There’s no rule that says everything needs to be handled right before a celebration. Stretching out holiday activities over a longer period of time can help reduce stress by alleviating time constraints. For things that do need to be done last minute, checklists can help keep you organized.
2 Create a budget and stick to it Overspending at the holidays is a common experience that can add to your stress by creating financial pressures after the season is over. Make a plan before you go shopping about how much money you can afford to spend and then follow your budget. Remember, a mountain of gifts won’t create happiness.
3 Perfect the art of polite refusal It’s hard to say no, but saying “yes” to every holiday invitation and demand could leave you exhausted. Decide what matters most, whether it’s baking, seeing friends, volunteering, etc. When you know your priorities, it’s easier to say “no” when you’re aware of what you’re gaining in return. When saying no, always be honest, short and thankful.
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5 Take time for yourself Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, can refresh and rejuvenate. Clear your mind, slow your breathing and restore inner calm. Some options may include stargazing, listening to music, taking a bath, meditation or reading a good book.
6 Ask for help If you feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do, don’t hesitate to ask others for help. Doing it all yourself won’t make the holiday any better. If you’re not careful, you’ll miss out on enjoying the celebration. Be flexible in your plans, ask for and accept help from others, and remember Tip #7…
7 Set realistic expectations There are factors beyond your control that can negatively impact any celebration. Be prepared that things may not turn out exactly the way you want or expect, and people may not act the way you want them to. Try to identify what you can and cannot change. Be realistic in what you have real power over, and try not to let what you don’t weigh too heavily on you.
When was the last time you saw your PCP? When it comes to feeling your best, your relationship with your primary care physician (PCP) is vital. Your PCP can help answer your questions, coordinate your care with other doctors and healthcare professionals, educate you on ways you can manage your healthcare needs and listen to your concerns. According to Dr. Russell Platt, internal medicine, listening is one of the most important things a primary care physician can do. And he should know; he’s been practicing medicine at Summa Health for over 50 years. “Listen to the patient; they’re giving you the diagnosis. I think that is essential in being a well-rounded doctor,” Platt explained. Along with communication comes compassion.
Work with your team to set goals and share any concerns you have in reaching those goals so we can figure out the best plan for success and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Own your health like it’s the most important thing there is to own.
To hear more from Dr. Platt, visit summahealth.org/2015-annual-report
“As the saying goes, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much care. People just want you to be at their level and speak in terms they can understand. There’s nothing worse than having a patient say that you’re a good doctor, but they can’t talk to you.” In the last 50 years, Dr. Platt has seen a lot of changes in healthcare. He said the biggest concerns right now involve the general public just not knowing the resources that are available to them and the health screenings they should be getting. “You ask what their blood pressure is and they don’t know. Men don’t remember when they last had their prostate checked, and women can’t remember when they had their last mammogram.” Dr. Platt is a staple at Summa Health-sponsored community health fairs across the Akron area. During these health fairs the community receives vital health information and can get some of the recommended health screenings. “People are living longer, the demand for healthcare is higher, and a greater awareness is important now more than ever.” Working together with a personal physician will help make sure you receive the highest quality care, but your PCP can’t do it alone. Tell your PCP your medical history, symptoms and other important information. This may include past illnesses and surgeries, family medical history and medications you are taking.
Dr. Russell Platt, Internal Medicine
What screenings are you due for? Talk to your PCP if it’s time to check or have the following: • • • • • • • • •
Blood pressure Cholesterol Hepatitis C Vision Hearing Bone density Mammogram Colon cancer screening Prostate cancer screening
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Is Mom’s forgetfulness just normal aging?
Have you noticed that a loved one might be developing a memory loss? Is your dad forgetting to pay the bills? Is your mom getting lost driving? Is your spouse repetitive? These are all potential early signs of a cognitive problem. What should you do if you notice these things? Maryjo L. Cleveland, M.D., Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine at Summa Health, recommended, “The answer is, get an evaluation. See your primary care physician, a geriatrician or a neurologist, someone that will take this seriously.” There are many good reasons to get an evaluation.
problems such as thyroid disorders or depression can masquerade as memory loss. A complete work up will uncover potentially serious but treatable problems. If it is Alzheimer’s disease, the earlier it is caught, the better the medications work to slow the progression. Diagnosing dementia at an early stage allows the patient to participate in planning for the future. They can weigh in on issues like moving to assisted living or adapting the home to age in place. It also allows for creation of advanced directives (living will and power of attorney) so that their wishes can be followed even after they are unable to articulate them.
Patients with dementia that have other chronic problems like diabetes or high blood pressure often have trouble managing those other diseases. Knowing that dementia is playing a role helps in the way doctors approach who manages the medications and prepares meals, for instance. “I know it’s scary, but if you are seeing changes in your loved one that might be related to memory, get them screened,” shared Dr. Cleveland. “An accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is the first step to navigating this potentially difficult path.”
Sometimes, it is not dementia. Medical
Do you have a loved one at risk? When is it time to seek the help of a doctor that specializes in the treatment of older adults? Answer the questions to the right regarding a loved one to help you find out.
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• Is he/she showing signs of cognitive impairment (forgetfulness, confusion, mood swings, disorientation)? • Does he/she have trouble walking or have falls? • Was he/she hospitalized within the past three months? • Does he/she take more than five medications daily? • Does he/she rate his/her health as worse than others? • Does his/her primary care physician recommend he/she be seen by a geriatrician due to the complexities of caring for an older adult? • Does he/she live alone or have minimal support in the home?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, talk to your primary care doctor to discuss your loved one’s current risks and care needs.
To learn more, visit summahealth.org/seniors or call 800.237.8662 to make an appointment with a geriatrician.
Three simple tests to detect vascular disease
Three. Just three simple tests can detect vascular disease and potentially save your life. It sounds so easy, but many people avoid these simple screenings until it’s too late.
If you have any of the risk factors listed, talk with your primary care physician if one of these screenings is right for you. Owning your health now can help prevent a serious health issue later.
The most common forms of vascular disease are abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) — all serious and life-threatening, often occurring “silently” without any symptoms. That’s why early detection and treatment are crucial.
And if it turns out you do need to see a vascular specialist, Summa Health’s board-certified physicians have more than 100 years of combined clinical practice, making Summa Health one of the most experienced vascular teams in northeast Ohio.
Are you 55 or older? Or, do you have one or more of the following risk factors for aneurysm, stroke or vascular disease? • • • • • •
Current or past smoker High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Heart disease Family history of aortic aneurysm
Then one of these screenings could be right for you.
Each member of our team can repair and redirect diseased blood vessels and is expertly skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques as well as traditional surgical techniques for conditions such as carotid arteries, aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease.
Call 330.434.4145 in Akron or 330.475.1616 in Barberton to schedule an appointment with a Summa Health vascular surgeon.
A carotid ultrasound checks for clogged carotid arteries in the neck, which can lead to stroke. Abdominal aortic ultrasounds test for aortic aneurysms, which can burst if they get too big. We can also do an ankle-brachial index (ABI), to check for PAD, which may pose a threat to the health of the legs and is often a sign of heart disease.
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Summa In Your Community At Summa Health, our vision is to improve the overall health of the community through population health management. What does that mean to you? We want to: • Work with you to keep you healthy. • Simplify your healthcare experience. • Give you access to modern facilities and care. Ultimately, we want to make it easier for you to receive the healthcare you need. Our facility plan that was unveiled this past spring represents an investment of up to $350 million in facility improvements across the system that will establish Summa Health as the leading healthcare provider in the greater Akron region. What does that mean for some of the areas outside of downtown Akron?
Barberton In recent years, we have invested $50 million in major capital projects to help improve access and better meet the overall needs of our patients in Barberton. This investment will continue well into the future. As part of Summa Health’s facility plan an additional investment of $22 million is planned for the Barberton Campus over the next five years. This investment will ensure that the
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residents of Barberton and surrounding communities receive the best Summa has to offer. These investments not only demonstrate Summa’s commitment to locally driven healthcare and reinvestment in our communities, but they are shaping the future of healthcare in our region.
“Barberton is a vital part of our health system and we want to ensure that it remains a strong inpatient and outpatient hospital for decades to come.” “Our vision for Barberton is guided by our commitment to population health management and to improving the overall health and wellness of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Michael Hughes, newly named senior vice president of Hospital Operations for the Summa Health System – Barberton Campus. “Barberton is a vital part of our health system and we want to ensure that it remains a strong inpatient and outpatient hospital for decades to come.”
Here are some of the changes that are currently underway: • We’ve given the maternity and therapy areas a refreshed, modern look and improved lighting to help increase patient and staff safety. • We are using cutting-edge robotic technology to assist pharmacists. This means patients have shorter wait times for their medicines and more accurate dispensing and stocking. • We are launching Meds to Beds, a new bedside medication delivery service. This service allows our patients to leave the hospital with their prescriptions already filled. • We have updated our Wound Care Center and have added two hyperbaric chambers. The hyperbaric chamber aids in the treatment of wounds, speeding up the healing process for patients. • Our heart catheter labs are getting all new equipment, creating a more flexible space to accommodate more patients and different procedures. • Finally, we have expanded the Summa Health Orthopedic Institute at the Barberton Campus. Two new orthopedic surgeons offer more services, areas of expertise and easy access to appointments.
Medina Summa Health Medina Medical Center continues to serve as a great resource for Medina and its surrounding communities. Did you know there are no wait times at Summa’s emergency room in Medina? Our 24/7 emergency room for adults and children usually has no wait times, so we can get you the emergency care you need right away. This facility also houses a surgery center offering same-day surgery. It includes three full-size operating rooms equipped with surgeon-selected instrumentation to ensure the highest quality and best possible patient results. Primary care physicians as well as numerous specialty physicians all have offices at this facility, including oncology, radiation oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, sports medicine and more.
On-site Services at Summa Health Medina Medical Center: • Primary care • Cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy • Cardiology • Endocrinology • Women’s health, including ob/gyn and urogynecology • Care for acute illnesses and injuries • Walk-in laboratory services • Outpatient and same-day surgery • Comprehensive imaging services including X-ray, ultrasound, 3-D mammography, bone density screening, CT scan and MRI • Nonsurgical orthopedic/sports medicine services • Procedures such as EKGs, hearing tests and suturing • Vaccinations (including flu, pneumonia and shingles) • Sleep clinic • 24-hour Emergency Department
To find a doctor, schedule an appointment or get a referral, call 800.237.8662.
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Corporate Office 1000-94010 1077 Gorge Blvd Akron, OH 44310
Community Events Summa Health hosts programs, classes, lecture series and other events designed to educate and promote good health in the communities we serve. We also sponsor a number of community events. Visit summahealth.org/programs or call 800.237.8662 for more information or to register.
November Women’s Wellness Open House Thursday, November 17, 2016 Summa Health Medina Medical Center 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Medina Candlelight Walk Saturday, November 19, 2016 Beginning at 6:00 p.m.
December Long Haul for Hunger Friday, December 2, 2016 Giant Eagle on Market St. in Fairlawn
Grandparents Class Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Summa Health Corporate Office
Wadsworth Candlelight Walk Friday, December 2, 2016 Beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Barberton Greynolds Classic Wednesday, December 9, 2016 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Summa’s Barberton Campus Thursday, December 10, 2016 Event at Barberton High School
CPR Family and Friends Saturday, December 3, 2016 Summa Health Corporate Office
Selfless Elf 5K Saturday, December 17, 2016 Akron Food Bank 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Heartsaver AED Monday, December 19, 2016 Summa Health Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center
Let’s end flu season before it starts. Winterize yourself. Own your health with a wellness checkup and #getwinterized. Make sure you’re entering cold and flu season on a healthy note with help from Summa Health. Our primary care physicians will get you ready for winter with a higher level of care, including a flu shot and wellness checkup. And, if you do happen to get sick this season, we’ll give you priority access to care so you can get in and out more quickly.
Call 800.23.SUMMA to schedule an appointment, or visit summahealth.org/ownit to learn more.
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