Media Archives, 2009

RMC AMONG TOP 5% IN NATION FOR OVERALL CLINICAL EXCELLENCE (1/09)
Regional Medical Center announced today that it is ranked among the nation's top five percent of hospitals for the fifth consecutive year, according to an independent study of mortality and complication rates for nearly 5,000 hospitals released today by HealthGrades, the nation's leading healthcare ratings company.

Regional Medical Center has achieved HealthGrades' 2009 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence based on its clinical quality performance. According to the HealthGrades study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving this award are, on average, 27 percent less likely to die and 8 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication. This year, only 270 of the nation's nearly 5,000 non-federal hospitals will receive this distinction.

The HealthGrades study also found that Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ are improving their patient outcomes at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering risk-adjusted mortality rates over the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 by an average of 18%.

"I'm extremely proud of this accomplishment," said CEO Brad Nurkin. "Our employees and physicians, board members and volunteers all contribute to the continued success of Regional, and their efforts clearly show when we earn national awards like this."

"The hospitals that have been designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence have, across the board, been leaders in their commitment to delivering the highest quality patient care. Consumers can choose where they receive their healthcare and our study again highlights the tremendous disparity in quality between hospitals," said Rick May, MD, HealthGrades senior physician consultant.

In addition to the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™, Regional Medical Center has a variety of 2009 clinical achievements including:

Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiology Services - Four Years in a Row
Five-Star Rated for Cardiology Services and Coronary Interventional Procedures - Four Years in a Row
Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings for Treatment of Heart Attack and Heart Failure - Six Years in a Row
Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement and Joint Replacement Surgery - Two Years in a Row
Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Care - Three Years in a Row
Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings for Treatment of Pneumonia - Three Years in a Row
Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for GI Medical Treatment
Ranked Among the Top 10 in Alabama for GI Medical Treatment
Five-Star Rated for Treatment of GI Bleed and Bowel Obstruction

This is the seventh year that HealthGrades has independently analyzed the clinical quality performance of all non-federal hospitals across the country in 26 procedures and diagnoses. In the Distinguished Hospital Study, the company reviewed nearly 41 million hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. Hospitals that receive the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM are those hospitals that rank in the top five percent when all 26 individual scores are aggregated into an overall score.

Regional Medical Center is a leading provider of healthcare in Southwest Alabama that serves County and surrounding areas. A full copy of the study is available at http://www.healthgrades.com.

JANUARY 28 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (1/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Wednesday, January 28. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Alejandro Gruneiro, general surgeon, will speak on The Screening Colonoscopy & Different Treatment Options for Colon Cancer. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Dr. Stephen Helgemo, hand surgeon, will present the lecture Minimally Invasive Treatment of Hand Problems. Both physicians will be hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 809 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

REGIONAL'S WOUND CARE CENTER OFFERS PATIENTS A 97% HEALING RATE (1/09)
According to Clinical Nurse Manager, Kim Mobley, RN, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center has a patient healing rate of 97% in 16 weeks. This figure is even more impressive when compared to the industry average healing rate of 87%.

"Our physicians and nurses have received specialized training in wound care techniques," Mobley said. "Plus, they love what they do and have a passion for it."

Because wound care is a medical specialty that requires advanced training, the Center's staff members are skilled in caring for patients with wounds that won't heal. Through a holistic approach involving a variety of medical professionals, individual programs are created to treat a patient's specific type of wound.

There are many reasons a wound will not heal. However, the most common are inadequate circulation, vascular injuries, traumatic injuries, infections, diabetes, arterial disease, and radiation injuries. Therapies used to speed healing include medications, nutrition management, advanced wound dressings, and wound debridement (to remove dead tissue surrounding a wound to encourage the growth of healthy tissue).

Another treatment option the Center offers is hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a therapy in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen while enclosed in a pressurized chamber at greater than normal atmospheric pressure. The goal of this treatment is to push oxygen into tissue surrounding a wound in order to speed the healing process.

Mobley explained that when a patient first arrives at the Center, the patient meets with the Center's physician to discuss at length their specific wound and possible treatment options. This initial visit is integral to the Center's success because it aides staff members in developing a program tailored to each patient.

Recently, Harbor Heights resident Dr. Donald Gerace underwent radiation treatment for prostate cancer. As a result, he developed issues with GI bleeding in relation to the radiation. The ensuing symptoms began to present serious quality of life issues for Gerace, so he decided to research his options. Gerace, who holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology, discovered from internet research that patients with his diagnosis should undergo HBOT. After checking with his family doctor, who issued her blessing, he scheduled an appointment with the wound care center in Deep Creek.

"The staff at the Center told me that they knew they could help me," stated Gerace. "And they did. The people there were great."

Within 20 days, Gerace said his symptoms had improved and the Center gave him the confidence to continue with the treatment plan which was covered by his insurance. After a total of 60 HBOT treatments spanning about three-and-a-half months, Gerace said his condition has greatly improved and that he feels much better.

"I was grateful that I came across this information by accident," said Gerace. "A lot of people out there may be suffering with this problem, and they can be helped. There are few side effects from this treatment, so I would advise them to go right ahead and try the wound care center - what have they got to lose?"

The Hyperbaric chamber at RMC's wound care center also helped to heal Tuscaloosa resident Mary Hyatt's wound.

In December of 2007, Hyatt underwent her second lumpectomy. A few weeks later, she awoke in the middle of the night when the scar from the procedure opened, forcing her to head to the RMC emergency room for help. The following day, she visited her family doctor who worked with her during the next few weeks to try to heal the wound. At the end of this time, with no progress toward healing accomplished, her doctor referred her to the wound care center for further care.

At her initial appointment, Hyatt met with the center's physician, Dr. Larry Bachle, to learn what her options were and what her course of treatment would involve.

"I was so impressed with Dr. Bachle," Hyatt said. "He talked with me for a long time and explained the entire process to me." Hyatt added that HBOT was recommended as part of her treatment, as soft radiated tissue wounds such as hers typically healed very slowly.

After three and a half months (60 HBOT sessions total), Hyatt's wound had fully closed. "The center's staff made me feel so at ease. They were healing me both physically and mentally. They really cared, and weren't just there to do a job," Hyatt offered.

Hyatt mentioned that throughout the course of her treatment, she heard other patients ringing a bell. She explained that this is a tradition at the center - when a patient's wound is declared healed, the patient gets to ring a bell in celebration. When it was Hyatt's turn to take part, it proved an emotional experience.

"I cried when I got to ring the bell because I had been hearing others ring it for so long," she said. "I would not have healed without the staff of the wound care center, they really want to help," Hyatt added.

For more information on the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine of Regional Medical Center, located at 24451 Sandhill Boulevard in Deep Creek, please call 205-752-5050.

FEBRUARY 11 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (1/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Wednesday, February 11. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Christopher Constance, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will present the lecture See Spot Run - Why There is No More Fun in the Sun. Then, at 2:15 p.m., Dr. Thomas Kartis, Jr., cardiothoracic vascular surgeon, will present the lecture The History of Heart Surgery and Its Future. Both physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 809 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

RMC WELCOMES DR. LESLIE TAR, M.D., M.P.H. TO MEDICAL STAFF (1/09)
Regional Medical Center is proud to welcome Dr. Leslie Tar, M.D., M.P.H. to its medical staff. Tar is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, allergy and immunology, and rheumatology. His specialties include: rheumatology, allergies, arthritis, immunology, fibromyalgia, lupus, and osteoarthritis.

Tar attended medical school at the University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Rochester General Hospital, before completing fellowships at The University of Pennsylvania Hospital (Allergy/Immunology) and Temple University Hospital (Rheumatology). Tar went on to receive a Masters in Public Health in Occupational Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health.

Dr. Tar is now accepting new patients at his office, Leslie Tar, M.D. & Associates, located at 22226 Westchester Boulevard in Port . Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

RMC WELCOMES DR. ROBERT WATINE, M.D. TO MEDICAL STAFF (1/09)
Regional Medical Center is proud to welcome Dr. Robert Watine, M.D. to its medical staff. Watine is board certified in internal medicine. His specialties include: hormone restoration and balancing, sclerotherapy, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, and age management.

Watine attended medical school at the University of Miami, School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Watine is now accepting new patients at his office, Southwest Alabama Medical Center for Age Management, Wellness and Rejuvenation, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Suite 129 in Tuscaloosa. Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

FEBRUARY 24 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Tuesday, February 24. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Robert Watine., internal medicine, will present Dr. Leslie Tar, rheumatologist will present the lecture Osteoporosis. Both physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

FEBRUARY 25 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Wednesday, February 25. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Thomas Kartis, Jr., cardiothoracic vascular surgeon, will present the lecture A Spot on the Lung and What Causes Difficulty Breathing. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Dr. Carlos Maas, pulmonologist and sleep medicine physician, will present the lecture Restless Leg Syndrome, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, and Other Lesser Known Sleep Disorders. Both physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

Ask the Expert... (2/09)
Help! I can't sleep at night because my husband's snoring keeps me awake. Not even a pillow over my head muffles the sound of his snores! Occasionally, I banish him to our guest room just so I can get a few winks. Recently, I heard that there are health risks associated with snoring. Is this true? -- Sleepless in Port

Dear Sleepless: You heard right. In addition to problems stemming from sleep deprivation, snoring can be the sign of a serious health problem. Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Greek work "apnea" means "without breath." A person suffering from sleep apnea stops breathing repeatedly throughout the night, giving rise to apnea (breath holding) and hypopnea (reduced breathing volume). OSA is caused when the airway is blocked during sleep, usually by the relaxed tongue or soft tissue in the back of the throat.

OSA poses serious health risks. Left untreated, it can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, high blood pressure, headaches, increased risk of stroke, and even cardiovascular complications, most of which reverse with treatment. It's important to note that this disorder is preventable, easy to diagnose, and treatable.

Thongadi Chandrahasa, M.D., FCCP, is board certified in Pulmonary Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. He specializes in sleep medicine and is the medical director at Regional's Sleep Disorders Center in Tuscaloosa - the only accredited sleep center in County - located at 25097 E. Olympia Avenue, Tuscaloosa. Call 205-752-5050 for more information or to make an appointment.

MARCH 11 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Wednesday, March 11. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Christopher Constance, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will present the lecture Hand Surgery: Why Prevention & Early Treatment Can Preserve Function. Then, at 2:15 p.m., Dr. Mark Davis., orthopedic surgeon, will present the lecture What's New in Knee Replacements. Both physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

MARCH 24 & 25 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (3/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lecture held on Tuesday, March 24. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Thomas Kartis, Jr., cardiothoracic vascular surgeon, will present the lecture A Spot on the Lung and What Causes Difficulty Breathing.

On Wednesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Alvaro Bada, general surgeon will present the lecture Gastro Esophagel: A New, Incisionless Procedure to Cure GERD. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Dr. T.R.Chandrahasa, pulmonologist & sleep medicine physician, will present a lecture titled Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, and Treatment.

Each physician will hold a question and answer session after his lecture.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must pre-register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

APRIL 15 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (4/09)
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lectures held on Wednesday, April 15. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Rohit Pankhaniya, internal medicine, will present the lecture Kidney Disease: What Everyone Should Know. Then, at 2:15 p.m., Dr. Victor Howard, cardiologist, will present the lecture Hypertension: New Guidelines & Aggressive Treatment. Both physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

Getting answers to your healthcare questions is as easy as pie. The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

APRIL 23 & 29 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES
Learn important health information and ask questions of some of the area's leading physicians at Regional's 11th Annual Mini Medical School Lecture Series.

Please join us for the lecture held on Thursday, April 23. At 6:00 p.m., Dr. David Ruggieri, cardiologist, will present the lecture Why Take Omega 3 Fish Oil

The following week, on Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Alejandro Gruneiro, general surgeon, will present the lecture The Screening Colonoscopy & Different Treatment Options for Colon Cancer. Then, at 6:45 p.m., Dr. Matthew Bagan, general surgeon, will present the lecture Lap Band Surgery. All physicians will hold a question and answer session.

Mini Medical School lectures are held at Regional's Medical Office Building in the 4th floor conference room, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Tuscaloosa. The Medical Office Building is located in the hospital's main parking lot.

Getting answers to your healthcare questions is as easy as pie. The lecture is free. You bring your questions, and we'll bring you a slice of pie. Pie and beverage complimentary to all attendees. Seating is limited. All attendees must register prior to the lecture by calling 205-752-5050.

WHY I VOLUNTEER: Dr. VIJAYA RAO (4/09)
Because I was the only daughter of parents who were seasoned yoga practitioners and believed in yoga-meditation's effectiveness for happiness, I have been practicing yoga and meditation since I was 7-years-old.

Fortunately, I've had a number of unique opportunities to learn further from Srimati Rambai, Sri Babamaharaj of Machnur, India. There are many ways to practice yoga, but my practice and teaching of yoga-meditation is influenced predominately by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda. My teaching reflects a blend of thoughtful selections from different gurus, while maintaining a focus on a holistic approach to mind, body, and soul.

As a five-year volunteer at Regional Medical Center, I have been teaching Yoga-Meditation for Stress Management as well as offering other seminars/workshops such as: Chants; Time Management; Introduction to Sanskrit; The Language of Yoga; The Power of Spices for a Healthy Life; and more. Furthermore, I lead a support group on yoga-meditation for stress management for cardiac and pulmonary patients.

My experience of working with patients referred by Regional's Rehabilitation Department for stress management has been most rewarding, as well as challenging. As a policy, every patient has been required to attend four one-hour sessions to learn techniques for coping with stress.

The underlying concept of "prevention of health problems recurrence" has been very exciting for me. On the other hand, the mandatory nature of the experience from the patient's perspective involves special effort and skills in tackling initial resistance from some patients. Other patients choose to continue attending the group session even after completing the four required sessions.

As a leader, I focus on teaching yoga-meditation for stress management techniques through demonstration. Each session is devoted to the practice of gentle yoga, three-step relaxation, five variations of breathing, and basics of meditation technique.

Over the span of more than five years of working with a number of patients, there have been several rewarding experiences. One patient happened to meet me at Wal-Mart two months after completing the four sessions. He expressed his gratitude to me for teaching him to breathe correctly and getting rid of breathing problems due to a deviated septum.

About eight patients continue learning more advanced yoga exercises. Over these years, I have felt great satisfaction in helping patients to appreciate the need to connect mind, body, and soul as an effective method of coping with physical illness. Simply stated, this holistic approach to health has stimulated an awareness of significant changes in lifestyle. And that is very rewarding for me.
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For more information on Dr. Rao's Yoga-Meditation for Stress Management class, contact the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Regional by calling 205-752-5050.

HELPING YOU REST EASIER: THE SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER AT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (4/09)
Sleep is an often undervalued but precious commodity. Without the proper amount of sleep, your health, as well as your ability to function at work and at home, can be severely compromised. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), as many as 65 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder.

Many of us take a good night's sleep for granted, but for those who have one of the more than 84 sleep disorders, real rest is the exception and not the rule. There is help available. At the Sleep Disorders Center at Regional Medical Center, certified sleep medicine specialists can help to pinpoint the cause of your sleep disorder. The qualified staff will use diagnostic tests to assess the amount and type of sleep a person gets and use the physical parameters to determine what is actually interrupting their sleep. The Sleep Disorders Center at Regional Medical Center is the only accredited sleep center in County, and the center houses newly updated, state-of-the-art equipment.

Thieves In The Night
Approximately 84 types of sleep disorders exist, according to the AASM. These conditions can lead to compromised work performance, loss of concentration, accidents, mood swings, restless nights, and other medical problems.

The professional team at the Sleep Disorders Center is highly qualified in the testing procedures used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, and other parasomnias. The staff includes board certified sleep physicians and registered polysomnographic technologists, several of whom are also licensed respiratory therapists, and an EEG technician.

In Search of Sweet Dreams
Determining the cause and type of your sleep disorder requires careful examination. For a sleep evaluation, contact your family physician for a referral or contact the Sleep Disorders Center directly. A sleep medicine technologist will assess your symptoms over the phone and refer you to our board certified sleep medicine physician to schedule an office appointment. The physician will review your medical history and perform a physical examination.

If the cause and type of your disorder cannot be determined during your visit, an overnight study may be recommended. The study is conducted in a private, homelike bedroom setting at the center. A sleep technologist attaches electrodes to the skin - a painless process that allows the technologist to monitor a number of body functions, including eye and body movements, heart rate, brain activity, oxygen levels, and breathing. In an adjoining room, these functions are monitored on a 20-inch computer screen. An infrared camera and a microphone in the center's "bedroom" allow visual and audible observation as well. When the sleep study is complete, the sleep medicine physician interprets the results and discusses them with you. Sleep disorders can almost always be treated. The method of treatment varies widely depending upon they type of disorder.

For Doris Grover, The Sleep Disorders Center was a Godsend. Grover was frustrated because she was always tired. She complained to her physician, frustrated because she woke up with a headache at least three times per week. Grover's physician referred her to Sleep Disorders Center at Regional Medical Center, where Grover underwent a sleep study. "I was really skeptical because I didn't know what to expect," said Grover. "I didn't expect the nice accommodations. I had my own bathroom, shower, and television. And, the bed was so comfortable that I wanted to take it home with me. I was very impressed."

During her first study, the sleep technologists monitored her normal sleep behavior. After evaluating her results, Sleep Medicine Physician T.R. Chandrahasa, M.D. diagnosed Grover with sleep apnea and asked her to come in for a second sleep study.

During the second study, Grover was connected to a C-PAP machine to see if her sleep patterns improved. A nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is sometimes used to treat patients with sleep apnea. This mask-like device continuously pushes air into the airway, helping it to remain open during sleep. "I felt a lot better the next morning," says Grover. "I felt rejuvenated. After going so many months with being so tired… I didn't think one night would make a difference."

What a difference it made! Grover is now anxiously awaiting the arrival of her very own C-PAP machine. She has four kids and is very excited to have more energy to spend time with them. "If one night made such a difference for me, I can only imagine how I'll feel if I'm sleeping with the C-PAP seven nights a week," said an excited Grover.

Since Regional has the only accredited sleep center in County, Doris knew she was in good hands. "The accommodations were fabulous and the staff was wonderful. I don't sleep well in strange places, but I felt comfortable and safe there," says Grover.

Don't let another sleepless night go by. The Sleep Disorders Center is located at 25097 East Olympia Avenue, Suite 205 in Tuscaloosa, just two blocks east of the hospital Medicare and/or supplemental and private insurance cover most procedures. For more information, please call us at 205-752-5050.

LOCAL SURGEON FIRST IN AREA TO UTILIZE SIGNATURE™ PERSONALIZED PATIENT CARE SYSTEM (5/09)
Dr. Mark Davis recently became the first surgeon in South Alabama to perform total knee replacement surgery utilizing the Signature™ Personalized Patient Care System. "Dr. Davis and his staff are outstanding, and I would recommend this procedure in a heartbeat," says satisfied patient Wilma Rittenhouse.

Suffering from arthritis so bad that her bones were rubbing together, Rittenhouse knew she had to do something. Her knees were knocking together and it hurt to walk. Rittenhouse visited Davis' office and learned about her different surgery options. Davis explained the Signature™ system in detail and noted that patients using the Signature™ system usually experience a shorter recovery time than with traditional knee surgery. "When he explained that it would make the recovery easier, that was all I needed to hear," said Rittenhouse. Knowing it was a new procedure, Rittenhouse said she trusted completely in Davis and wasn't nervous at all.

The Signature™ system utilizes custom femoral and tibial positioning guides developed from a patient's MRI. The MRI is used to create a three-dimensional joint reconstruction, which enables the surgeon to preoperatively plan total knee replacement. In the past, surgeon planning has typically been based off of two-dimensional X-rays.

When used in conjunction with the Signature™ system, the Vanguard™ Complete Knee System from Biomet allows surgeons to provide more of a custom fit for patients. The Vanguard™ Complete Knee System offers twice the femoral size options of other knee systems, which allows for 90 different size combinations for men and women..

Typically, surgeons use X-rays to size components before surgery. During the knee replacement procedure, the surgeon uses an assortment of instruments to verify component sizing and to establish proper positioning and alignment.

With the MRI and Signature™ personalized positioning guides, surgeons have access to a greater level of detail and precision for implant position and alignment before the procedure. This allows for personalized implant positioning and may help enhance surgical efficiency.

The surgical procedure using the Signature™ personalized positioning guides is similar to traditional total knee replacement with a few exceptions. During traditional total knee surgery, a multitude of instruments are used to position the guides for removing damaged bone and cartilage.

Traditional total knee replacement sometimes uses instruments placed inside the femur (thighbone) and/or tibia (shinbone) to assist with implant alignment. Signature™ personalized positioning guides are placed directly onto the femur and tibia, and therefore do not require instrumentation of the bone canal, allowing for a potentially less invasive procedure.

Signature™ personalized positioning guides enable the surgeon to position a reduced number of instruments during surgery to carry-out the preoperative plan.

"The Signature™ system enables me to offer enhanced implant placement with a less-invasive surgery for my patients," said Davis.

Just a day after surgery, Rittenhouse was out of the chair and walking around. "When I walk on it now, four days after surgery, I thought it would feel foreign in there, but it doesn't," says Rittenhouse. "It feels just like my regular knee. Of course, it's a little sore because of the recent surgery, … but it's going to be great!"

Two weeks later, and Rittenhouse is still singing Davis' praises. Davis let her keep her guides for a few weeks to show off to her friends. "They even have her name imprinted on the guides," points out her husband, Richard Rittenhouse. "The guides were made just for her."

For more information on the Signature™ Personalized Patient Care System, call Regional's Joint Academy (205-752-5050) or the Davis Orthopedic Center (205-752-5050).

LOCAL SPINE SURGEON OFFERS MINIMALLY-INVASIVE SURGERY (6/09)
Imagine being in so much pain that even the simple act of watching TV in your living room becomes too much to handle.

That's the situation North Port Resident Joyce Hantson found herself in during the fall of 2008. "Both of my arms were falling asleep," explained Hantson. "It was extremely painful." Hantson said that she had been to several doctors, including two hand specialists and a shoulder specialist, before she was referred to local minimally-invasive Spine Surgeon Mario Pereira, M.D.

After reviewing her MRI, Pereira diagnosed Hantson with Cervical Disc Herniation and Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Myelopathy, a narrowing of the spinal column which causes compression of the spinal cord leading to hyper-reflexia, difficulty with fine motor skills, and sometimes balance problems. Her severe pain was a result of the disc herniations. To alleviate the pain associated with her diagnosis, Pereira recommended an Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion (ACDF).

"Dr. Pereira explains everything so you completely understand what he's going to do and why," said Hantson. She added that Pereira gave her a list of websites to review and literature to read so that she would fully understand not only her diagnosis, but also why an ACDF was her best option.

"In performing an ACDF, we operate from the front through a very small incision," explained Pereira. "The cervical discs are removed along with any structures compressing the spinal cord. Then the spine is fused." Pereira uses an atraumatic approach in order to preserve soft tissues, which limits or minimizes post-operative pain, allowing for optimal healing and a faster recovery.

"My surgery was scheduled for 9 in the morning and by 12:30 of the same day, I was pain free. Unbelievable," said Hantson, whose surgery was performed at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Tuscaloosa. "I just tell everybody, if you have anything wrong with your back [Dr. Pereira] is the guy to see. I've never met any doctor who cares so much about his patients," Hantson finished. Hantson added that within 24 hours of her surgery she was sitting in her own living room watching TV. Pain free.

Another area patient who has benefited from Pereira's minimally-invasive surgery expertise is 32-year-old Port Resident Adam Hauck.

In March of 2008, Hauck returned home from mountain biking and noticed that he was feeling pain in his leg. He made an appointment and was seen by Pereira, who ordered an X-ray that determined Hauck's pain was due to a disc herniation in the lumbar spine. "[Dr. Pereira] is very professional, very confident," Hauck said. "He looks out for his patients' best interests; he really does take your specific situation into account."

Pereira recommended steroid injections as the first course of action. But, three injections and six months later, Hauck was still dealing with the pain. After an MRI revealed that Adam had a degenerative disk condition that was causing the disks in his spine to be misshapen, Pereira recommended Hauck undergo the 360 Fusion Surgery.

"In performing a 360 Fusion, we operate on the spine from two points - anterior and posterior," said Pereira, the only spinal surgeon in the area currently performing this surgery. In effect, the patient is operated on from the front then turned 360 degrees, at which time a second operation is performed from the back.

First, an incision is made in the lower abdomen. The injured disk is removed and the largest synthetic bone graft is placed between the two vertebrae. Once complete, the patient is turned over and a second incision is made approximately 2-3 centimeters over the center of the spine to perform a midline laminectomy (surgical removal of the posterior arch of a vertebra) of the involved levels. One or two smaller incisions, approximately 2 to 2.5 cm, are then made lateral to the midline incision for placement of the pedicle screws - which is part of the posterior fusion. All of the patient's bone from the laminectomy is placed through the smaller lateral incisions for bone graft. Over time the bone grafts fuse together, providing stability to the area in which the spine is injured.

"Because the first part of the operation involves an incision on the front of the body, we bypass cutting through the back muscles or any muscle tissue for that matter. No muscle tissue is violated with an anterior approach," said Pereira, who performs the surgery alongside a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon because it includes a frontal entry point. "Therefore, the patient has a shorter recovery time. The success rate is phenomenal." Pereira added that by going in through the front first, there is less chance of hitting a spinal nerve and causing damage.

The fact that 360 Fusion has a shorter recovery time than most other back surgeries proves to be a big advantage for patients. Hauck said that he was doing laps around the halls at RMC before he was sent home the next day. And, just 10 days after his surgery, he said he was able to come off his pain medication and switch to ibuprofen. "Before my surgery I just tried to get through the day," said the father of three young children. "Now it's nothing like that."

Pereira recommends the 360 Fusion as an option for those aged 60 and under who are in need of disk fusion surgery. "Usually, patients are up and moving around the next day after surgery. Most patients are discharged home within 48 hours," he explained.

For more information on 360 Fusion Surgery, please call Dr. Mario Pereira at Southwest Alabama Spine Institute, PLLC at 205-752-5050. The Institute is located at 3420 Tamiami Trail, Suite 1 in Port .

FREE CARDIAC DIET NUTRITION CLASSES OFFERED TO PUBLIC (7/09)
You are invited to attend free Cardiac Diet Nutrition classes held at Regional Medical Center.
Two 90-minute classes are offered free of charge and will cover the following topics: choosing heart-healthy fats; low-sodium food choices; label reading; food shopping; restaurant dining; and recipe modification.

The first class, titled "Fat Freedom," discusses fats - including discussions on the four types of fats and their effects, understanding cholesterol, and lipoproteins. The food pyramid and food groups are also covered as well as recommended serving sizes and number of servings. Product recommendations are made, including the benefits of soy. Low-fat cooking methods are discussed and recipe revisions are explained.

The second class, "Salt Shakers," teaches how to "shake" salt out of your diet, and advises on recommended sodium intake and the sodium content of common foods. Participants are taught how to enhance food flavor with herbs and spices, as well as tips for restaurant dining and label reading.

Take charge of your health and learn how to prevent disease before it happens. Classes are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Regional. Pre-registration is required. To register for the Cardiac Diet Nutrition classes, call Regional's Cardiac Rehab department at 205-752-5050.

REGIONAL WELCOMES COMMISSIONER ROBERT V. SKIDMORE TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES (7/09)
Regional Medical Center is proud to welcome Commissioner Robert V. Skidmore to its Board of Trustees.

Robert V. Skidmore was elected as the District #3 County Commissioner in November 2008. Commissioner Skidmore is a graduate of Port High School and received his B.A. in managerial economics/public economics at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He worked on his M.S. in economics at Auburn University.

Commissioner Skidmore served as a Commissioner on the County Airport Authority and worked as the membership director for the Englewood-Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce. He serves on various county committees, including the Southwest Alabama Regional Planning Council, Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee, Public Safety Coordinating Council, Tourist Development Council, and Wet Coast Inland Navigation District.

Commissioner Skidmore is an active member of the Placida Rotary Club, a graduate of Leadership Englewood, and spends his free time with his wife, Michelle, and daughters Jessica and Kassidie. He also spends some of his free time refereeing at high school sporting events.

YOGA-MEDITATION FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT CLASS OFFERED TO PUBLIC(7/09)
You are invited to attend a Yoga-Meditation for Stress Management class taught by Vijaya Rao, Ph.D.

The three-session class will take place on August 5, 12, and 19 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the 4th floor conference room of Regional's Medical Office Building, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue in Tuscaloosa. The cost of the three-session package is $30 (payable by check or cash only). A three-session commitment is strongly encouraged as knowledge is cumulative. Participants are asked to bring a beach towel or yoga mat, wear loose clothing, and avoid eating food one-and-a-half hours prior to class time.
The only daughter of parents who were seasoned yoga practitioners and believed in yoga-meditation's effectiveness for happiness, Rao has been practicing yoga and meditation since she was 7-years-old.

Rao's had a number of unique opportunities to learn further from Srimati Rambai, Sri Babamaharaj of Machnur, India. There are many ways to practice yoga, but her practice and teaching of yoga-meditation is influenced predominately by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda. Her teaching reflects a blend of thoughtful selections from different gurus, while maintaining a focus on a holistic approach to mind, body, and soul.

Rao leads a weekly support group for stress management and teaches Yoga-Meditation to cardiac and pulmonary patients for Regional's Cardiac Rehabilitation department.

As a teacher, she focuses on teaching yoga-meditation for stress management techniques through demonstration. Each session is devoted to the practice of gentle yoga, three-step relaxation, five variations of breathing, and basics of meditation technique.

Pre-registration is required. Class is limited to the first 20 registrants only. To reserve your space in the Yoga-Meditation for Stress Management class, call Regional's Marketing department at 205-752-5050.

NEW PHYSICIANS JOIN RMC'S MEDICAL STAFF (8/09)
Regional Medical Center announced that the following physicians joined its medical staff.

Kristopher Aalderink, M.D., orthopedic surgeon. After attending medical school at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI), Aalderink completed an internship & residency in orthopedic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI) and a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, IA). Aalderink joined Advanced Orthopedic Center, located at 1641 Tamiami Trail, Port . Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

Gokhan Guvenli, M.D. is board certified in Family Medicine. He attended medical school at University of the Aegean (Izmir, Turkey) before completing an internship and residency in Family Medicine at University of Miami (Miami, FL). Guvenli joins Dr. David Ruggieri, cardiologist, in practice at Cardiology Associates, located at 713 E. Marion Avenue, Suite 147 in Tuscaloosa. Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

Eleonora Hackman, M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine. She attended Tbilsi State Medical Institute (Tbilisi, Georgia, Russia) and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens (Flushing, NY) and second residency in Internal Medicine at Forest Park Hospital (St. Louis, MO). Hackman joins Regional's Emergency Department in Tuscaloosa.

Kimberly Hardin, M.D. is board certified in Family Medicine. She earned her medical degree from University of Louisville School of Medicine (Louisville, KY) and completed an internship and residency in Family Medicine at University of Louisville. Hardin's practice, Sandhill Family Medicine, is located at 24451 Sandhill Boulevard, Ste. B in Tuscaloosa/Deep Creek. She accepts patients of all ages. Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

Bennett McAllister, M.D. earned his medical degree at Michigan State College of Human medicine in East Lansing, MI. There, he earned honors in Psychiatry and Pharmacology. He completed his general adult psychiatry residency training at LSU-Ochsner. McAllister is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Neuropsychiatric Association (ANPA). His focus is neuropsychiatry. McAllister is now accepting patients at the Allied Center for Therapy, Inc., located at 3460 Depew Circle in Port , Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

Vimal Patel, M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine. He attended St. Georges University of Medicine (Grenada) and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center (New York, NY). Patel joined Harbor Hospitalists, located at 21202 Olean Boulevard, C1 - Olean Plaza in Port .

Michael Sandborn, M.D. Is board certified in Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) before doing internships at Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI) and Butterworth Hospital (Grand Rapids, MI). Sandborn then went on to complete a residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) and in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University - Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids, MI). Sandborn joined Harbor Hospitalists, located at 21202 Olean Boulevard, C1 - Olean Plaza in Port .

Charles Toman, M.D. is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He attended medical school at the University of Miami School of Medicine (Miami, FL). Toman completed an internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO) and completed a fellowship in sports medicine and joint reconstruction at The Hughston Clinic (Columbus, GA). Toman joined Dr. Steven Baker & Dr. Robert Hansell in practice and is now accepting patients at Associates in Orthopedics, located at 315 E. Olympia Avenue, Suite 112 in Tuscaloosa. Please call 205-752-5050 to make an appointment.

Brian Triola, M.D. is board certified in Cardiology, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) and then went on to complete an internship and residency in Internal Medicine from University Health Center of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA). Triola also completed two fellowships at Lankenau Hospital (Wynnewood, PA) - one in Cardiology and one in Interventional Cardiology. Triola joined Cardiology Associates, located at 4130 Tamiami Trail in Port . Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

Arlo Yaege, DPM is board certified in Podiatry. He earned his medical degree from Barry University (Miami Shores, FL) and completed a residency in Podiatry at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh, PA). Yaege joined Foot & Ankle Centers of County, located at 352 Milus Street in Tuscaloosa. Please call 205-752-5050 for an appointment.

INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATES FROM RMC'S GN TO RN PROGRAM (8/09)
Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the graduation of its inaugural class of the Graduate Nurse to Registered Nurse (GN to RN) Program. The nine graduates are: Cheryl Angus, RN; Beth Cosentino, RN; Heidi Friend, RN; Tanya Hawes, RN; Christine Latour, RN; Clair Norcross, RN; Marisa Orshansky, RN; Patrick Thompson, RN; and Joanna Tingley, RN.

Prior to entering the program, the GNs interviewed and were hired into various nursing departments throughout the hospital. During the ten-week internship program, the GNs passed all their boards and spent three days per week interning in the department to which they had been hired. In order to ensure they were well-rounded and were familiar with all areas of the hospital, the GNs also spent time in each department in the hospital. "An experience such as an internship assists the new nurse in the transition from student to novice and ultimately expert," said Sandy Harris, director of education. "We are proud of our new nurses and welcome them to the Regional team."

Congratulations Class of 2009!

CREATING A WELLNESS ATMOSPHERE (11/09)
Creating A Wellness Atmosphere by Stephanie Obley, Sun

NEW PHYSICIANS JOIN STAFF (12/09)
Regional Medical Center announced that the following physicians joined its medical staff.

Charles Havel, Jr., M.D. is board certified in Emergency Medicine. He attended medical school at Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (Maywood, IL) and then completed an internship in Emergency Medicine at Darnall Army Community Hospital (Fort Hood, TX). Havel then attended Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI) where he completed a residency in Emergency Medicine and a fellowhip in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Havel is on staff at Regional's Emergency Room.

Charina Yango-Cadavos, M.D. is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She attended medical school at University of Philippines, College of Medicine. Yango-Cadavos then completed an internship, residency and fellowship at University of Missouri (Kansas City, MO). Her internship and residency were in Family Medicine and her fellowship was in Geriatrics. Yango-Cadavos joined IPC - The Hospitalist Company.

Robert Hull, M.D. is a board certified physician who attended medical school at the American University of the Caribbean (St. Maarten). Hull has completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Aultman Hospital (Canton, OH). Hull's practice is located at 4130 Tamiami Trail, Suite 301 in Port . For an appointment, please call 205-752-5050.

Regional, where we know you by heart. For more information, visit wilson.fasthealth.com.