Memorial holds CORE event to encourage organ donation

Each day 18 Americans die because they fail to receive a life-saving organ donation. Memorial Medical Center (MMC) and The Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) are teaming up to celebrate April as National Donate Life Month. On Thursday, April 1, at 11:30 a.m. in MMC’s Clinical Pavilion Atrium, representatives from CORE will discuss the importance of organ donation and present MMC with an award for facility’s organ donation efforts.

The goal of this month-long observance, which came about due to a Congressional proclamation in 2003, is to highlight the critical need for designated donors. Each year, April is full of activities, programs and media stories featuring donor families and transplant recipients sharing their personal accounts about the impact the gift of life has had on them. While there are many success stories, hundreds of thousands more live compromised lives because they have not received a needed tissue donation to enhance their daily routines or to restore vision.

“More than 100,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant, with someone new added to that list every 12 minutes,” says S. Lee Miller, MD, Chairman, Department of Surgery, MMC, and Chief Medical Officer of CORE in Pittsburgh. “April is an opportunity to raise awareness about this important need and encourage people to designate themselves as an organ donor, which is a very simple thing to do. If you can get on the Internet or make a trip to the DMV, then you can potentially save a life by becoming an organ donor.”

In Pennsylvania, the organ donor designation is noted by the words “organ donor” in green on the driver’s license or state identification card. Pennsylvanians can designate themselves as an organ donor by logging onto www.donatelife-pa.org and following the links to sign onto the donor registry or when getting their driver’s license or state identification card reissued at the DMV.
Currently, the Pennsylvania Donor Registry is only 44 percent filled, and among the 48 states that have registries, Pennsylvania is below many of the states listed, including Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Utah.

For more information, please contact the CORE Communications/Community Relations Department at 1-800-DONORS-7 or visit the website at www.core.org.

About the Conemaugh Health System
Serving over a half-million patients each year through the Conemaugh Physician Group, a network of hospitals, specialty clinics and patient focused programs; Conemaugh Health System (CHS) is the largest healthcare provider in West Central Pennsylvania with 4,500+ employees and 350 physicians. For more information visit www.conemaugh.org.

Memorial takes the “Gold”- designated as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center

The Joint Commission, formerly the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, recently recognized Memorial Medical Center (MMC) with disease-specific accreditation as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center - a title recognized nationally as the Gold Seal of Approval™ in healthcare.

The honor was awarded following The Joint Commission’s on-site review of MMC’s stroke treatment protocols and abilities.

“I’m extremely proud of our physicians, nurses and staff who have worked very hard to ensure that our program not only meets, but exceeds, national standards,” says David Carlson, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Conemaugh Health System. “In the event of a stroke every second counts. The faster and more effectively a stroke patient is treated, the better their chances for a positive outcome; therefore, it’s encouraging to know that we have the resources at Memorial to provide them with the specialized care they need, when they need it.”

Memorial’s Stroke Program includes a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and nurses trained in stroke care, along with two designated stroke units, Crichton inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, a Stroke Specialty Clinic and a Stroke Support Group.

“People may not realize that every 45 seconds, someone has a stroke. It’s the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States,” says Jeremy Meisel, MD, Medical Director, Stroke Program, MMC. “Due to the large number of people stroke impacts each year, including patients and their family members, Memorial has made stroke care a top priority. For more than a year, we’ve worked diligently to make sure that our Stroke Program is second to none, and being named an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission is evidence that we’re doing our part to provide the best stroke care to our patients,” adds Dr. Meisel.

In 2008, Memorial implemented a “Stroke Alert,” much like a Trauma Alert, which notifies Stroke Program team members about an incoming stroke. A few months following the adoption of the alert, stroke response times were significantly improved. In one particular case, the entire work-up, including labs, CT and the neurology consult was completed in a total of 13 minutes, that’s compared to the national average of more than 35 minutes.

“The Stroke Alert system is one piece of the puzzle,” says Dr. Alfred Bowles, Chairman of the Department of Neurosciences and Divisional Chairman of Neurological Surgery, MMC. “Over the past year and a half, we’ve been able to dramatically cut the time it takes to bring all of the specialized staff together, necessary to treat these patients and help ensure the best possible outcomes. It’s wonderful to see what we’ve been able to accomplish with teamwork and, as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, how we’re supporting Conemaugh Health System’s vision, ‘Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time.’”

Strokes, also know as brain attacks, occur when there is a blockage or hemorrhage of a blood vessel leading to the brain, causing inadequate oxygen supply. In addition to death, depriving the brain of oxygen can result in body weakness, paralysis and speech difficulties.

Symptoms of Stroke:

1.Numbness, weakness or paralysis of face, arm or leg on one side of the body
2.Difficulty speaking or understanding
3.Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
4.A sudden, severe, unexplainable headache
5.Dizziness or loss of balance, especially along with one of the above symptoms

Risk Factors of Stroke:

•Age: the risk of a stroke more than doubles each decade after 55
•Gender: the incidence of a stroke is 30% higher for men than women, until menopause when the incidence is nearly equal
•Race: African Americans are at 60% greater risk for stroke than Caucasians
•Other risk factors include: hypertension, heart disease, smoking, diabetes, heavy alcohol use, high cholesterol, obesity and a family history of stroke

Medical Technology Student at Memorial receives scholarship

Aarika MacIntyre, a student at the Medical Technology Program at Memorial Medical Center recently won a $1,000 scholarship through the American Society for Clinical Pathology and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

The scholarship is given to a student currently enrolled in a Clinical Laboratory Medical Technology Program that exhibits academic achievement, leadership and potential for success in the profession.

Conemaugh School of Nursing receives award for aiding local family

The Conemaugh School of Nursing’s Chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association received the 2009 Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) Community Health Project Award for assisting a local family struggling with a debilitating disease.

Jamie Eckenrod, a Conemaugh School of Nursing student and President of the Conemaugh Chapter of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania, headed up the fundraising project after learning about 15-year-old Jessica Ambroe of Johnstown, who suffers from an extremely rare and fatal neurogenerative epilepsy called Lafora Disease. Jessica’s mother, Michele, is a 2005 graduate of Conemaugh SON.

Eckenrod and her classmates initiated community awareness efforts and raised $1,500 for the Ambroe family to go toward Lafora Disease research.

“We were all so touched by Jessica’s story that we wanted to support their amazing family,” Eckenrod said. “As a community service organization at Conemaugh SON, we wanted to create local awareness about Lafora Disease, so we decided to hold a bake sale at Richland Fire Hall during Thunder in the Valley, where we raised funds while also passing out informational flyers on Lafora Disease.”

“Out of several nurses’ associations across the state, we are so proud that Conemaugh’s student nurses have been recognized for their community outreach initiative,” says Mark Dellett, RN, BSN, Advisor, Conemaugh Student Nurses’ Association. “This was a cause that they truly believed in and gave it their all, so we’re delighted that they not only helped this local family, but were also commended by SNAP for a job well done.”

According to SNAP, the goal of the Community Health Project Award is to encourage the development and implementation of nursing-related community service projects.

CAPTION: (left to right) Mark Dellett, RN, BSN, SNAP Advisor, with senior SON students Amanda Ream, Jamie Eckenrod and Rebecca Dumm.

Memorial Medical Center celebrates Brain Awareness Week with health fair

For the second year in a row, Memorial Medical Center (MMC) will celebrate Brain Awareness Week, March 15-24, by participating in a local Brain Awareness Health Fair.

The Fair, being held Wednesday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Medical Center’s Clinical Pavilion Atrium, will be in conjunction with an international Brain Awareness Week event hosted by the Dana Foundation. Organizations across Cambria County will join the Conemaugh Health System in promoting an array of topics pertaining to brain health. Professionals from the following will be on hand:


Crichton Rehabilitation Center

MMC’s Stroke Program

Brain Tumor Treatment Program

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania

Unlimited Care Providers

John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute

MMC’s General Surgery Residency Program


Interactive displays for all ages will be available as well as information on ways to keep your brain healthy. In addition, attendees can hear brain research success stories, participate in fun brainteasers and enjoy brain-healthy food giveaways. Free parking will be available in the parking garages on MMC’s Main Campus.


About the Dana Foundation

According to the Dana Foundation website, the Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that supports brain research through grants and educates the public about the successes and potential of brain research. www.dana.org

HealthGrades Awards for Excellence-

Memorial Medical Center is proud to be the only hospital in Pennsylvania to receive both the HealthGrades Maternity Care and Women’s Excellence Award, and the only hospital in the region ranked among the Top 10% in the Nation for Maternity Care.

Memorial Medical Center has received the 2009/2010 Women’s Health Excellence Award™ and Maternity Care Excellence Award™ from HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization, based on a study of patient outcomes.

169 hospitals, which represent the top five percent of all hospitals in the U.S., were recognized with the Women’s Health Excellence Award™ and 145 were recognized with a Maternity Care Excellence Award™. Only 15 hospitals across the country received both prestigious awards and only one in the state of Pennsylvania was among this elite group - Conemaugh’s Memorial Medical Center.

“It’s quite an honor to be the only hospital in the state and one of just 15 in the country honored with HealthGrades Excellence Awards in both Maternity Care and Women’s Health,” says David Carlson, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Conemaugh Health System. “This latest recognition reinforces the fact that the care provided by our highly skilled and dedicated physicians, nurses and staff is not only improving, but saving numerous lives. We are very proud of each and every one of our employees for their commitment to ‘Excellence. Every patient. Every time.’”

The study, along with HealthGrades’ individual hospital ratings, can be viewed at the HealthGrades web site.

Honor a doctor who has touched your life, while raising money for a charitable cause

Conemaugh Health Foundation (CHF) is celebrating the National Doctor’s Day on March 30 by once again giving the community an opportunity to make donations in honor or memory of an outstanding physician.

Over the past three years, the Conemaugh Health Foundation has received donations honoring more than 170 physicians, approximately $18,500, which benefits the Greatest Patient Needs Fund.

The Greatest Patient Needs Fund provides patients who are underinsured or uninsured with things such as diabetic test strips, transportation and wigs for cancer patients. This fund also supports much needed technology and patient education.

Physicians are notified when a donation is made in their honor, however the amount is not disclosed.

Donations can be made in honor of your doctor online at www.conemaugh.org/foundation. Checks may be made payable to the Conemaugh Health Foundation and mailed to 1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15905, or contact the CHF at 814-534-3133.

The Origin of National Doctor’s Day
It was started by Eudora Brown Almond (wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond) of Winder, Georgia, to mark the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. This took place on March 30, 1842, when Crawford W. Long, MD, of Jefferson, Georgia, administered the first ether anesthesia to James Venable and then operated to remove a tumor from the man's neck.

When Eudora Brown Almond and the Barrow County Medical Society Auxiliary were inspired to recognize this accomplishment, the result was a local community celebration on March 30, 1933, which was the first Doctors' Day. The occasion was celebrated by mailing cards to physicians and their wives, and by placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors, including Dr. Long. His history-making achievement on that day, and the continuous efforts by physicians to alleviate human suffering in the 168 years since then, have become the basis for celebrating Doctors' Day each year.

The only Transitional Care Unit in region to add 12 beds

Leaders at Memorial Medical Center (MMC) are pleased to announce that the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) will be expanding. The only unit of its kind in the region, the TCU recently relocated to PC2 at MMC’s Lee Campus, which will allow the unit to gradually increase its census from 18 to 30 residents.

“We are very pleased with the move,” says Nancy Tyrrell, RN, MSN, MHA, Director, Long Term Care, MMC. “Right now we’re in the process of interviewing new staff members, but anticipate that we will be able to accept the full 30 residents by June 2010.”

The TCU provides care to those at all stages of illness or injury, including those who are recovering from major surgeries as well as joint replacements, fractures or other orthopedic conditions. Residents have recently spent three or more days in an acute care facility, such as Memorial, and are still in need of short-term skilled services as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These services include: Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy; IV Therapy; Cardio and Respiratory Management; and Pain Management.

“The TCU provides a very important part of the healing process for patients who are not serious enough to remain as an inpatient, but are still in need of specialized care and rehabilitation before returning home,” says Dr. David Carlson, CMO, Conemaugh Health System. “There is a strong need for this kind of unit in our region, and we’re proud to be the only facility in a four-county area to offer this crucial step-down level of care.”

While in the TCU, a team of caregivers, including social workers, immediately begin working with patients and their families to develop a realistic “discharge plan.” This plan includes long and short-term goals as well as any additional needs that a patient may have upon leaving the TCU. Patients’ families also receive progress updates twice a week. The TCU is regulated by the Department of Health division of long-term care and accepts Medicare patients only.

Colorectal Cancer

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Former Memorial Medical Center resident joins MedWELL

Memorial Medical Center (MMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Sahar Elias, MD, board certified in family medicine.

Dr. Elias, who graduated from MMC’s Family Medicine Residency program in 2008, will be seeing patients at MedWELL urgent care center located at 1450 Scalp Avenue in Johnstown.

“I enjoy family medicine because you get to see the entire gamut of cases and conditions, and your patients range in age from pediatrics to geriatrics,” says Dr. Elias. “MedWELL is a good fit for me because, in addition to the variety, I also enjoy the fast paced nature of the center and am very comfortable with the staff.”

In 1997, Dr. Elias received her medical doctorate from Aleppo University School of Medicine in Syria, where she graduated in the top five percent of her class. In addition to the residency program at Memorial, Dr. Elias also completed an Externship with Hematology Oncology Associates in Pittsburgh, where she served as an observer in the outpatient clinic at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville.

Dr. Elias’s volunteer work over the years has earned her praise. In 2002, she received the “Most Compassionate Doctor Award” from the Orthodoxy Church Orphan’s House, where she provided free medical consultation one day a week from 2001-2003.

Dr. Elias resides in Johnstown with her husband, Samir Hadeed, MD, FACC, FSCAI, cardiologist, Conemaugh Physician Group, and their two children.

“This is a great place to raise a family,” says Dr. Elias. “I’m delighted to have the ability to live in a safe community and enjoy a wonderful quality of life, while also getting to do what I love as a physician.”

MedWELL is open to patients seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with limited laboratory and imaging services available on-site. For more information, call MedWELL at 814-269-5200.