Abrazo Health - Abrazo Community Health Network

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CREATED BY REPUBLIC CUSTOM PUBLISHING
SUMMER 2010
2 ER breaks wait-time
barrier
3 Robotic surgery eases
recovery time
5
Technology helps
detect osteoporosis
Phoenix Baptist Hospital uses
cutting-edge technology to detect
early signs of osteoporosis, a disease
that weakens bones and makes them
brittle. Discovery™ skeletal health
imaging allows physicians to assess
two of the most important factors
associated with osteoporotic fracture
risk: low bone mineral density and
presence of vertebral fractures.
If left unchecked, osteoporosis
can lead to broken bones, especially
in the hips, spine and wrists.
Discovery technology provides
exceptional accuracy, and it is the
only FDA-approved DXA (bone density) system for detecting abdominal
aortic calcification as a risk factor for
cardiovascular disease.
For information about Phoenix
Baptist Hospital’s Discovery DXA
scan, contact 602-246-5812.
Mammos encouraged
for women over 40
The day after the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force released its
recommendations last November
against routine mammograms for
women under 50, the Breast Health
Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
saw four breast cancer patients all
younger than 50.
“Those women’s cancers would
not have been detected in the earlier
stages without mammograms,” Gail
Morris-Breit, lead
Be smart mammographer
at the Breast
Phoenix Baptist Health Center,
Hospital recom- said. “If they
mends annual
had waited until
mammography
they reached 50
for women over
to have been
age 40. Call the
Breast Center at screened, they
all would have
602-246-5550.
faced more advanced disease.”
Morris-Breit and Victor Zannis, MD,
a Phoenix breast surgeon who is
president of the American Society of
Breast Surgeons (ASBS), both urge
women to strongly consider routine
mammograms in their 40s, despite
the task force’s recommendations.
“We believe there is sufficient data
to support annual mammography
screening for women age 40 and
older,” Dr. Zannis wrote in a statement
released by the ASBS after the task
force’s report was issued.
“We also believe the breast cancer survival rate of women between
40 and 50 will improve from the
increased use of digital mammographic screening … Mammography
is the optimal screening tool for the
early diagnosis of breast cancer in
terms of cost-effectiveness, practical
use and accuracy. To restrict its use
will mean that breast cancers will go
undiagnosed for an unacceptable
period of time.”
—Debra Gelbart
Recovering breast
cancer patient
Laura Blank meets
with Victor Zannis, MD,
a leading surgeon
in breast cancer
procedures.
Advanced
care
L
BY DEBRA GELBART
aura Blank of Phoenix knows firsthand how the
professionals at Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s Breast
Health Center exemplify caring, compassion and
clinical excellence.
IN BRIEF CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Dr. Zannis’ patients.
Dr. Zannis said about 75 percent of breast cancer
patients at Phoenix Baptist Hospital undergo lumpectomies
instead of mastectomies, compared with only half of all
In November 2008, Blank underwent a lumpectomy on
breast cancer patients nationwide. The patients who do
her right breast after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her
require mastectomies usually have reconstructive surgery
surgeon, Victor Zannis, MD, made her feel comfortable.
immediately, instead of waiting months to heal before
“He told me, ‘We’re going to get rid of this and you’ll
be just fine,’” she said.
reconstruction can begin.
“This is so much better for the patient, both physically
Blank’s lumpectomy experience is typical of
and psychologically,” he said.
Teddy bears and roses
This artist rendering shows the
spacious, private rooms that will
be available at the new Women’s
Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Hospital gives back
to the community
Phoenix Baptist Hospital supports
local health organizations such as
Susan G. Komen
for the Cure
and the Phoenix
chapter of the
American Heart
Association
(AHA). Phoenix Baptist Hospital and
Abrazo Health Care have booths at
events that provide educational information. Abrazo Health Care’s booths
can be found at the annual Race for
the Cure that takes place in Phoenix each October and draws more
than 30,000 people. Staff members
participate in the Race, as well as the
AHA’s Start! Heart Walk and the Go
Red for Women luncheon.
Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s support
goes beyond booths and volunteers
— it donates space for the Phoenix
Komen affiliate.
“Phoenix Baptist Hospital has
provided us with office space that
allows us to capitalize on our work
and mission in finding a cure,” said
Kirsten Butzow, executive director
of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The Breast Center
at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
caters to women’s needs
ABRAZO HEALTH CARE
IN BRIEF
RICK D’ELIA
5 Phoenix Baptist Hospital
neurologist leads effort
to treat brain injuries
and disorders
New Women’s Center
offers innovative care
BY DEBRA GELBART
T
he new Women’s Center at
Phoenix Baptist Hospital is an
innovative concept that is new
to the Valley.
“There is no other hospital locally
with a designated women’s center
for surgical recovery,” said Ken
Howell, CEO at the hospital. “This is
a healing environment especially for
women, with nurses who are trained
and experienced in taking care of
women’s needs.”
All women’s services — labor and
delivery, postpartum recovery and
pre- and post-operative care for gynecological and breast surgery — are
on the third floor. The only exception
is the Midwifery Unit, where expect-
ant mothers experience natural
childbirth under the direction of a
licensed midwife on the first floor of
the hospital. That unit has its own
outside entrance to make access easy
for women about to deliver babies.
“Patients still have access to any
other hospital service they may
need,” said Mani Tehranchi, MD, a
gynecologist and obstetrician with
Bella Women’s Care in Phoenix.
WOMEN’S CENTER CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
The staff at the Breast Health
Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
is especially sensitive and sympathetic to how scary and intense
a cancer diagnosis can be. Since
2005, staff has given breast cancer
patients teddy bears before surgery.
“We tell our patients that this little
bear offers you hugging arms that
represent all of us here in the center
wishing you the best in your recovery,” Gail Morris-Breit, the center’s
lead mammographer, explained.
Blank was surprised by how
much her little bear, named
“Whistles,” meant to her.
“It made me feel so much better,” she said. “It was an incredibly
sweet, thoughtful gesture.”
Blank was so impressed with the
care she received throughout her
experience that she now brings her
trained therapy dogs into the hospital to comfort other patients.
Patients who have routine mammograms are each given a longstemmed red rose with a card
attached to it that has a reminder
for the patient’s next mammogram.
The teddy bears and roses are all
staff-generated ideas.
“We really do want our patients
to know that we care about their
breast health,” Morris-Breit said.
Supporting patients
Patients are helped in other ways,
too. A breast cancer support group
meets every fourth Tuesday of the
month. For women undergoing
treatment, an American Cancer
Society-sponsored “Look Good, Feel
Better” session is held every three
months, during which patients
learn about skin care, makeup
BREAST HEALTH CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Decreased wait times, better care
2 V A L L E Y H E A LT H
New process at Phoenix
Baptist Hospital decreases time
patients spend in the ER
P
hoenix Baptist Hospital’s entire patient flow process has been redesigned to facilitate patient flow
throughout the Emergency Department. The new
process, which went into effect in December of 2009,
has resulted in no wait times and improved patient
care. Prior to the change, the average time of a visit to
the Emergency Department
was under two hours from
arrival to discharge. With the
new process, patients see a
provider in less than 30 minutes from their arrival time.
Average national emergency
The new process elimidepartment wait – One hour
nates the traditional waitAverage anticipated waiting
ing room and triage area.
at Phoenix Baptist Hospital –
Upon arrival, patients are
under 30 minutes
rapidly evaluated and sent to
a zone to received immediAverage length of stay
ate personalized care from a
in a hospital emergency
licensed Provider and a team
department –
of Registered Nurses. ApproFour to six hours
priate tests and procedures
are performed to diagnose
Average length of stay in
and treat patient’s medical
Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s
issue right away.
Emergency Department –
“Our process has signifi2 hours
cantly improved our patient
care by decreasing the time a
Phoenix Baptist Hospital
patient waits to see a providEmergency Department
er,” said Scott Morey, Emertreatment rooms –
gency Department director.
42 patient care areas
“Our staff is better able to
Professional ED
efficiently provide patientstaff members – 55
focused care, which results
in an overall decrease in the
Number of patients that
time a patient spends in our
visit Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s
Emergency Department.”
ED – 55,000 per year
Previously, some patients
would leave prior to seeing
a physician because of long
wait times. After the process redesign, virtually no patients leave without being
treated.
“The redesigned process allows physicians and nurses
to see patients more quickly and it also allows us to
spend more time with each patient which results in better and more personal care,” said Tim Ryan, D.O., Emergency Physician Champion of the redesign project.
General Manager Cami Kaiser
Project Editor Noelle Bowman
Managing Art Director Tracey Phalen
Contributors Patricia Bathurst, Rick D’Elia, Debra Gelbart, Jake Poinier and Elise Riley
Sales Executive Gabe Ramirez
200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 • 602-444-8658 • [email protected]
While the physicians mentioned in this advertisement are members of the medical staff of
Abrazo Health Care hospitals, they are independent contractors who are self-employed.
As a result, these physicians are neither employees nor agents of Abrazo Health Care or its
hospitals, and Abrazo Health Care is not responsible for any actions that these physicians
take in their medical practices.
ABRAZO HEALTH CARE
By the numbers
Since implementing the rapid-response program in June 2009, the Emergency
Department at Phoenix Baptist Hospital has met or exceeded the goal of the 90-minute
door-to-balloon time 100 percent of the time.
Hospital team always ready
for patients with chest pain
T
hirty minutes — enough time
to watch a sitcom. An hour —
enough time to enjoy lunch at
your favorite restaurant. At Phoenix
Baptist Hospital, it’s enough time to
save a life.
According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 120 million
Americans visit emergency departments every year, and according to
a study by the CDC, most patients
wait about an hour before they even
see a physician.
For patients presenting with chest
pain, every minute counts.
Phoenix Baptist Hospital has
brought consistent response results to
the ER by creating a team of nursing
staff, physicians, emergency technologists, cardiologists, ICU and respiratory therapists. This accredited Chest
Pain Center has succeeded 100 percent of the time since June of 2009 in
breaking the 90-minute barrier from
the time a patient presents with symptoms until he is on the cath-lab table.
The hospital’s average is 40 minutes
less than the national average.
“The faster you open the artery,
“The whole process
has been a significant
win for us.”
Scott Morey, RN.
Director of Emergency Department
the faster you’re getting blood flow
and oxygen to the heart,” said cath
lab supervisor Sharon Macrina, RT
(RCV), whose 12-person staff boasts a
combined 150 years of experience at
Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “By doing
so, you can save heart muscle and
even prevent a heart attack.”
“The whole process has been a
significant win for us,” said Scott
Morey, RN, director of the Emergency
Department. “Our time improved
dramatically just by assigning specific roles. We’re no longer working
in silos, we’re working as a team to
provide the best possible care.”
Jake Poinier and Patricia Bathurst
contributed to this story.
Phoenix Baptist Hospital
2000 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix 85015 • 602-249-0212
Phoenix Baptist Hospital is an
acute-care facility that has been
serving the Phoenix area for
more than 45 years. It is also a
teaching hospital that is recognized for its accredited Chest
Pain Center, women’s services,
neurological services, radiology
and 24-hour emergency services.
Emergency care in
30 minutes or less.
No one likes to wait... especially in a hospital. At Phoenix Baptist
Hospital, we’ve streamlined all of our emergency room processes
so you’ll be in and out faster than ever.
Arrive at the Emergency Room and you will be seen
within 30 minutes. That’s our commitment to you.
Accredited Chest Pain Center
Bilingual Staff
2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015
602.246.5747 | PhoenixBaptistHospital.com
Key facts:
Established: 1963
Employees: 835
Affiliated physicians: 683
Volunteers: 67
Beds: 236
ER beds: 24
Critical care beds: 28
Affiliated physicians
with specialties in:
Cancer, including:
• Hematology oncology
• Gynecoloy oncology
• Radiation oncology
Cardiac services, including:
• Cardiology
• Cardiac surgery
Emergency medicine
Endovascular surgery
Medical imaging
Interventional radiology
Neonatal care
Neurology
Obstetrics and gynecology
Orthopedics
Otolaryngology
Pain management
Pediatrics
Surgery
Urology
news
V A L L E Y H E A LT H 3
Abrazo Health Care
encourages its
staff to continue
education and
obtain certification
in areas of
specialization.
ABRAZO HEALTH CARE
SUMMER 2010
EXTRA EDITION 
By the numbers
177,137:
Number of emergency
room visits at Abrazo
Health Care hospitals
last year
968:
Number
of beds
at Abrazo Health Care
hospitals
Abrazo Health Care seeks
nurses, enriches careers
BY ELISE RILEY
C
employees we have,” Hern said.
“We take the needs of our employees
very seriously.”
armen Hern’s job is never done.
As Abrazo Health Care’s manager for talent acquisition, Hern Career path
is responsible for recruiting the largKay Brotman began working for
est portion of Abrazo Health Care’s
Abrazo Health Care as a nurse 23
workforce: nurses.
years ago.
“Our main focus is to hire talented,
“Best move of my life,” she said of
high-quality nurses with great skills,
becoming one of the first nurses at Ar(and) the ability to work within a
rowhead Hospital. Now a Manager of
team,” Hern said. “Someone who can
Clinical Informatics at Abrazo Health
make a difference,
Care, Brotman credsomeone who is
“We take the needs its Abrazo’s support
good with the public
of her career as one
of our employees
and truly caring.”
of the reasons for her
Abrazo Health
high job satisfaction.
very seriously.”
Care continues to
“They supported
Carmen Hern,
grow in Arizona.
me to get my bachmanager of talent acquisition
In the last year, it
elor’s degree,”
for Abrazo Health Care
added 100 nursing
Brotman said. “They
positions and three
encourage you to get
medical centers. It now employs more higher degrees.”
than 1,300 nurses at its five acuteMinu Thomas, RN, is a clinical
care hospitals, two health plans,
coordinator in the ICU at Phoenix
five imaging centers and 19 medical
Baptist Hospital. She started in 2006.
centers across the Valley. And with
“Abrazo Health Care provided the
a nationwide nursing shortage plus
opportunity and paid for me to obtain
the approaching retirement of a large my critical care RN certification and
percentage of the nursing population, my BSN,” she said. She added that
creating the right nursing staff
continuing education is important for
is central to maintaining a high level
nurses because they often find themof patient care.
selves in the role of teachers when
“They’re the largest number of
they work with patients.
Thomas, who is seeking a master’s
degree in nursing, said her team has
created a supportive environment
when it comes to continuing education.
When she needs time off or extra help,
her director and colleagues help.
4,545:
Number of Abrazo
Health Care employees
1,379:
Number of nurses
employed at Abrazo
Health Care facilities
Positive work environment
Career training, opportunities for
advancement and a mission to hire
high-quality staff help maintain high
job satisfaction at Abrazo Health Care
facilities.
Brotman said her appreciation
for her job is based on more than a
paycheck.
“A lot of it comes from within,”
Brotman said. “It’s not just what the
company gives to me. I love nursing;
I love taking care of patients. That’s
the biggest reward you can get. When
a patient comes back and you see that
they’ve healed, that they’re walking,
it fuels you.”
Maryvale Hospital ICU nurse Charlie Compton gave up a 25-year career
as an industrial electrician to return
to school and become a nurse. He
hasn’t regretted his decision.
“This is the best job I’ve had all my
life. It’s the most rewarding, and it’s
still fun,” he said. “I stay because it’s
a family. I have the ability to do what I
want. I couldn’t want anything more.”
77:
Number
of Abrazo
Medical Group
physicians
19:
Number
of Abrazo
Medical Group
physician offices
5:
Number of
Abrazo hospitals
For information, visit
www.abrazohealth.com.
Embrace Your Future
with Abrazo Health Care
Offering outstanding career opportunities at 5 hospitals throughout the exciting
Phoenix metro area, Abrazo Health Care is the perfect place to explore your next
Our excellent benefits and
compensation packages include:
career path. You’ll find Abrazo and its employees share your passion for your work.
Competitive Salaries
We’re truly a family committed to changing the face of health care in our community.
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
401(k) Plans
Earned Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Development Courses
To find where our paths meet, visit our website and apply online today. AbrazoHealth.com
ARROWHEAD HOSPITAL
18701 N 67th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308
MARYVALE HOSPITAL
5102 W Campbell Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85031
PARADISE VALLEY HOSPITAL
3929 E Bell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032
PHOENIX BAPTIST HOSPITAL
2000 W Bethany Home Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85015
WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL
13677 W McDowell Rd
Goodyear, AZ 85395
EOE
4 V A L L E Y H E A LT H
RICK D’ELIA
IN BRIEF
Abrazo Health Care partners
with ‘text4baby’
Expectant and new mothers will be able to receive free
health information about prenatal and infant care on their
cell phones through an innovative initiative called text4baby.
The program, which is supported by Abrazo Health Care as
part of a larger coalition of mobile phone service providers,
health-care organizations and government agencies, uses
this technology to promote prenatal and well baby care.
Pregnant women and new mothers text BABY to 511411 (or
BEBE for Spanish) to receive three free text messages each
week specific to their due date or baby’s birthday. Topics
include nutrition, flu prevention, mental health issues, oral
health, risks of tobacco use, immunization information and
safe sleep. The messages provide referral information for
clinics and other support services for prenatal and infant care.
To learn more about text4baby, visit www.text4baby.org.
Learn about Abrazo Health Care,
research diseases, get latest health news
Learn about Abrazo Health Care’s five acute-care hospitals,
19 medical centers or health plans by visiting www.abrazohealth.com.
Visitors can obtain patient services information, explore
employment opportunities, learn about volunteer positions,
research medical education, map out easy directions and register for classes and support groups. The site allows patients
and visitors to gain quick and easy access to all of the Abrazo
Health Care facilities through user-friendly navigation tools.
Special features of the site include: a calendar of events
so visitors can find health fairs; interactive e-health tools that
allow users to research diseases and conditions; and translated pages for Spanish-speaking patients.
Hospital employees reach out to Haiti
ABRAZO HEALTH CARE
Abrazo Health Care employees and physicians raised funds
for Haiti after a catastrophic earthquake earlier this year. Donations totaled $28,000 to charitable organizations working
on the front lines of the earthquake devastation.
Perhaps most impressive, Abrazo’s generosity to help
those in Haiti came at a time when they were already in the
throes of fundraising for the American Heart Association
Start! Heart Walk held in Tempe in February. Employees not
only supported the Haitian relief efforts but also recruited a
team of 332 employees, family and friends who raised more
than $15,000 for heart disease education and treatment.
Abrazo Health Care employees raised $28,000 for earthquake victims
in Haiti and $15,000 for heart disease education and treatment.
Abrazo Health Care to host free
Diabetes Wellness Day
All five Abrazo Health Care hospitals will take part in a free
event on Thursday, June 17 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley
Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital’s
Diabetes Wellness Day provides an opportunity for local
communities to learn about the disease and make healthy
lifestyle choices. This event includes free blood glucose and
blood pressure screenings to assess the risk for diabetes.
Visitors will have access to a variety of diabetes-related
topics, including prevention, education and management;
nutrition; bariatrics; cardiac services; wound care and hyperbaric medicine; and smoking cessation.
Clinical staff will be on hand to answer questions. American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and
Southwest Ambulance will also be present. Event registration
is recommended but not required. To register for the Diabetes
Wellness Day or for more information, call 888-3Abrazo
(322-7296).
Abrazo School-Based Health Centers program Nurse Practitioner Lorraine Schieffer measures 9-year-old Bernardo
Delgado’s height during a check up at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix. The program is treating more than 800 new
children this year.
Health care 101
School-Based Health Centers help Valley children stay healthy
BY ELISE RILEY
M
ore than 2,000 Valley students
have access to affordable and
accessible health care and
health education, thanks to the SchoolBased Health Centers (SBHC) operated by
Abrazo Health Care.
School-aged children who need medical assistance can visit one of 10 Valley
SBHC clinics. For just a $50 per family
administrative fee, these students receive
complete medical and dental care, all
coordinated from their schools.
“This model is extremely helpful,” said
James Washington, director of the centers.
“It places the child first and eliminates the
need to take the child out of school.”
By enrolling in the program, students
are getting not only on-the-spot diagnosis
and treatment, but also health care education. From learning about the importance of exercise and nutrition to reinforcing healthy habits like hand-washing and
teeth-brushing, students are given the
tools they otherwise might not receive.
“Approximately 97 percent of the
children enrolled are uninsured and
uninsurable,” Washington said. “When
they’re in the program, they’re covered
immediately.”
Instead of visiting an emergency room
or an urgent care clinic for a routine
medical issue, the students instead visit a
nurse practitioner at their school clinic.
“We know the majority of emergency
room visits can be prevented,” Washington said. “If we capture these issues early,
they won’t be emergencies later on. And
that helps us all.”
School-Based Health
Centers by the Numbers
2,342:
Number of
children who have
used the medical and dental programs
800:
Number of new
children participating
in the program this year
97:
Percentage of children on
the plan who are uninsured
and uninsurable
$50:
Total annual cost per
family to enroll in the
program
10:
Number of clinics available
to students
Abrazo schoolbased health center
program Nurse
Practitioner Lorraine
Schieffer examines
Julia Muñoz, 5, while
her sister Nadia, 10,
waits her turn during
a check up at Sevilla
Elementary School
in Phoenix.
RICK D’ELIA
SERVING ARIZONA'S AHCCCS
FAMILIES FOR OVER 25 YEARS
Special deliveries.
That’s Abrazo.
Phoenix Health Plan has many years of experience in providing
excellent services to individuals, families and children.
Through every stage of your pregnancy, Abrazo Health Care is committed
to providing the best care for you and your baby. For a tour at one of our
hospitals, and to learn more about our comprehensive network of care call
or visit us online.
Phoenix Health Plan has a large network of doctors, hospitals
and pharmacies for you to choose from in your area.
AbrazoHealth.com 1.888.3ABRAZO
Stay healthy and visit your doctor for regular wellness visits.
Phoenix Health Plan
(602) 824-3700 or 1-800-747-7997
www.phoenixhealthplan.com
Arrowhead Hospital
67th Ave. & Union Hills
Contract services are funded in part under contract with the State of Arizona.
Material ID: YR09_104
Maryvale Hospital
51st Ave. & Campbell
Phoenix Baptist Hospital
19th Ave. & Bethany Home
Paradise Valley Hospital
Bell Rd.East of Hwy 51
West Valley Hospital
McDowell East of Litchfield
Yes, it is
brain surgery
RICK D’ELIA
V A L L E Y H E A LT H 5
Neuroscience program saves lives
BY Jake Poinier
F
or the past 10 years, dealing
with migraines has simply been
a way of life for Carla Farmer,
a 29-year-old surveillance technician
instructor in the Air Force. In late
February, things started to take a turn
for the worse: When she suddenly lost
the eyesight in her left eye and lost the
feeling in her hands, she was rushed to
the emergency room.
“Normal pressure in the brain is
between zero and 15 millimeters of
mercury,” said Dan Lieberman, MD,
a neurological surgeon at the Arizona
Center for Neurosurgery with privileges at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “When
Carla went to the ER the first time, her
pressure was 44, nearly three times
the upper limit.” She was eventually
discharged and saw a neurologist, but
ended up making another emergency
visit with a pressure of 55 — which is
potentially life-threatening — before
being transferred to Phoenix Baptist
Hospital for emergency care.
Farmer was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which the
body fails to circulate and reabsorb
the fluid made by her brain. To correct
the problem, Lieberman performed
an emergency procedure inserting a
shunt: a tube connected to a valve
that goes from the brain down to the
peritoneal cavity (the area of the belly
outside the intestines),
where the body can
“We want people
reabsorb the fluid.
to feel comfortable
The relief was instant.
“When I came out of the
that they can walk
surgery, I felt better than
into the nearest
I have in 10 years,” said
Farmer, who anticipated
hospital and get the
returning work within
best care possible.”
a few weeks of her
procedure.
Dan Lieberman, MD, a neurological
surgeon at the Arizona Center for
Farmer’s experience
Neurosurgery with privileges
was an example of the
at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
synergistic system Phoenix
Baptist Hospital and Abrazo
Health Care are developing to manage
neurological disorders. “In addition to
hydrocephalus, we’ve also focusing on
care for stroke, hemorrhagic stroke
(bleeding in brain), epilepsy, and brain
tumors,” said Lieberman, who noted
that Phoenix Baptist Hospital is becoming a designated stroke center. “Timing
is so critical, and it takes a coordinated
system – with electronically linked
notes, histories and studies – among the
hospitals to get it done. We want people
to feel comfortable that they can walk
into the nearest hospital and get the
Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Dan Lieberman, MD, have developed a cutting-edge
neurology center.
best care possible.”
RICK D’ELIA
Faster recovery for
gynecology procedures
Advanced technology lessens post-operative pain
BY Debra Gelbart
L
ast November, Julie Suess
of Phoenix underwent a
minimally invasive, robotically assisted hysterectomy
at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
because she had been
diagnosed with uterine cancer.
The procedure was so successful that she was
released from
“It was so much the hospital the
morning after
easier than
her surgery.
I expected”
“It was so much
easier
than I
Julie Suess of Phoenix
expected,” Suess
said. “I had only
minimal discomfort, and I was
able to start recovering at
home right away.”
Fifty to 60 percent of uterine
cancer patients who require
Julie Suess resumed many of her daily activities, such as taking hysterectomies are eligible to
brisk walks with her dog, Delta Mae, shortly after surgery.
have robotically assisted sur-
gery, explained Snehal Bhoola,
MD, a gynecology oncologist
who performed Suess’s at
Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Surgeon’s direction is key
With robotically assisted
surgery, the surgeon sits at a
console that is part of the da
Vinci Surgical System® and
directs a robot to make several
tiny incisions that are difficult
for a human hand. With traditional surgery, a larger incision
is made by hand. The da Vinci
system provides a three-dimensional view of the surgical field,
which allows for far better
visualization, greater precision
and greater accuracy. Phoenix
Baptist Hospital acquired the
system in the fall of 2009. The
unit at Phoenix Baptist Hospital
is the newest generation of
the da Vinci system.
“The operation is easier
with the robotic assistance,”
Dr. Bhoola said, “both for the
patient and the doctor. There
is less pain, less bleeding, a
quicker recovery and lower risk
of infection. A quicker recovery
means the patient can start her
course of treatment sooner.”
Robotically assisted hysterectomy is appropriate for patients
with benign conditions of the
uterus. “Cosmetically, this type
of surgery is very appealing to
patients because of how small
the incisions are,” said Mani
Tehranchi, MD, a Phoenix OB/
GYN. “And the vast majority
of patients get to go home the
day after their surgery.”
Suess was so intrigued by the
idea of robotic assistance that
she wanted to see the da Vinci
system firsthand. “It’s fascinating,” she said. “I’m so glad that
I was able to have an easier
surgery because of it.”
IN BRIEF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Phoenix Baptist Hospital
teaches doctors
The Phoenix Baptist Family Medicine
Residency Program is a premier site for
full-spectrum family medicine education. Affiliated with the University of
Arizona College of Medicine, it has
been educating family physicians since
1978.
Wendy Orm, MD,
has overseen the
residency program
since 2005.
“Being a teaching
hospital allows Phoenix Baptist Hospital
Wendy Orm, MD to be on the forefront
of medical research
and technology, which is a huge bonus
for our patients,” Dr. Orm said.
Since the start of the program, the
mission has been to train well-rounded
family physicians who have exposure to
all areas of medicine, including the business side of practicing medicine. They
learn to provide quality patient-centered, evidence-based care; become
integral parts of their surrounding communities; and serve as active members
of the medical staff.
Phoenix Baptist Hospital emphasizes
educating family physicians to have the
skills to work anywhere, in any setting
(especially rural and medically underserved areas) and run the business side
of their practices.
Residents can choose to further
focus their training in specialized areas
such as academics and research, geriatrics, sports medicine and obstetrics.
Residents rotate through several surrounding urban and inner city hospitals,
including rural and native health sites,
which provides them with a diverse
patient experience.
The program is affiliated with 10
school-based health centers where
60 to 80 percent of children live below
the poverty line.
The residents also participate in programs for the community such as health
fairs, screenings and health education,
and a sports medicine program, which
offers residents experience in caring for
high school and professional athletes.
Volunteers re-energize
hospital’s program
The volunteer program at Phoenix
Baptist Hospital has created a “wow”
experience for guests who come to the
hospital either as a patient or visitor.
Director of Service Excellence Shannon
Arriola said the new volunteer program
is a customer-centric model, where volunteers spend more time with patients,
interact more with patients’ families
and spend more time in patients’ rooms
helping with small needs, such as bringing water and reading materials.
As “ambassadors to health and first
points of contact,” they escort guests to
their destinations and assist with family
updates in waiting rooms.
Arriola said hospital volunteering is
ideal for people who like to socialize,
are active and enjoy being part of their
communities. Benefits of volunteering
include two free meal tickets, access
to hospital education programs, free
uniform and parking, and an annual
volunteer recognition event.
For information on volunteering,
call 602-433-6654.
Make gynecologic pain
a thing of the past.
With minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery times and
shorter hospital stays, you can choose to start feeling great
again. At Phoenix Baptist Hospital Womens Center, we’re changing
the experience of gynecologic surgery.
For more information, visit us online.
2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015
602.246.5747 | PhoenixBaptistHospital.com
Beautiful beginnings
for moms and babies
6 V A L L E Y H E A LT H
Midwifery services
gain space, popularity
Labor, delivery and recuperation suites complement new Women’s Center
S
Dr. Martin added that
the birthing center and
midwifery services balance
workloads and provide
additional levels of
teamwork.
“I believe the hospital
has a genuinely caring
management that listens to
both physicians and nurses,” he said. “Moving all
women’s services together
will only increase our
cohesion and teamwork.”
PHOENIX BAPTIST HOSPITAL
By Patricia Bathurst
pacious. Modern.
Comfortable. And full
of light.
Rafael A. Martin, MD, said
his obstetrics and gynecology patients love the rooms
at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
They’re up to date technologically, and they’re big,
pleasant rooms with large
windows.
“In fact, they are so bright
sometimes we don’t even
Home-like birth
need overhead lights,”
Martin said.
The new midwifery birthing
Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s
center will provide women
Emily and Robert Summers welcome their first child, Samantha, at
10 labor and delivery rooms, Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “It was a wonderful experience,” Emily with low-risk pregnancies
as well as the 15 postpartum said. “I could not have asked for better care.”
an opportunity to have a
suites for new mothers and
home-like birth experience,
babies, have been renovated
with the safety of rapid
High tech
within the last five years.
access to additional care if needed.
It’s a distinctly familial atmosphere
Susan Whiting, RN, the clinical
It also affords new mothers the
nurse manager for women and infant with a high-tech component that pro- possibility of returning home within
motes the intimacy of the experience, hours of birth, although some new
care shared that the rooms have
Whiting explained.
great views, flat-screen TVs and
mothers appreciate a brief respite.
All mothers and babies are moniextra-large showers with multiple
New mother Ashley Toma, 27, for
tored at every stage of labor. Docjets. Labor and delivery rooms have
instance, beamed as she said, “This
tors and nurses continuously evaluJacuzzi baths.
has been a great experience.”
ate both from a centralized station
More importantly, the unit is paToma, who resides with husband
equipped with dozens of screens.
tient-centric, Whiting said, with the
Michael in Peoria, sought a hospital
Mothers may invite as many famunit’s 75 nurses and 25 other prothat offered midwifery services for
ily
members and/or friends to be
fessionals garnering a 99 percentile
Alexis’ birth. “All my babies were
on hand for the baby’s birth as they
ranking nationally in patient satisfacborn with midwives assisting,”
wish, with no age restrictions.
tion levels. Most nurses have been on
she said.
The openings of a new midwifery
staff five years or more, and many are
Toma emphasized that the hospibirthing center and a center for
certified as labor and delivery nurses.
tal’s couplet care policy was especialwomen’s services demonstrate
“We work hard to focus entirely
ly gratifying. “I’ve had her with me
the hospital’s high commitment to
on the patient, so she and her famthe whole time, and have been able
premier women’s services, Whiting
ily have the birthing experience they
to really appreciate my time with
pointed out.
want,” Whiting said.
her,” she said.
Breast Health
Women’s Center
FROM PAGE 1
application and wig styling from
licensed cosmetologists.
Hallmarks of the center
Latest technology
In addition to the latest in digital mammography, ultrasound,
minimally invasive biopsies and
advanced surgical techniques, the
Breast Health Center also offers
the newest radiation therapies.
External beam radiation therapy
and partial breast brachytherapy
(temporary radiation implants)
are the two types of radiation
therapy for breast cancer. Both
are performed by a board-certified
radiation oncologist, such as Paul
Mitsuyama, MD, of Arizona Oncology, a private medical practice
based at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
“Phoenix Baptist Hospital has
enabled physicians to provide
clinically advanced therapies with
upgraded technical machinery,”
Dr. Mitsuyama said.
The Breast Health Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital is continually
advancing medicine.
“We’re learning more and more
about cancer at the molecular level,”
Dr. Zannis said. “This allows us to
provide precisely the right treatment.”
A new test on the DNA of breast
cancer cells tells doctors whether a
specific therapy — chemotherapy,
for example — is even needed, he
added.
Yet clinical advancements, Dr. Zannis said, are only part of what makes
care at Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s
Breast Health Center so superior.
“Dignity and compassion are just
as important,” he said. “Some of
the nurses in the center have been
there for decades. They have a true
commitment to helping patients feel
better physically and emotionally.”
A
lexis Toma is just one of a
thousand babies whose births
are assisted by midwives at
Phoenix Baptist Hospital each year.
“The hospital has a strong, longtime
commitment to midwifery,” said midwife Lylaine Gavette, RN, “They are so
receptive to natural births.”
A certified midwife provides support
during labor and delivery. She attends
the childbirth and oversees the care of
mothers and newborns during uncomplicated pregnancies.
Midwifery is a professionally regulated field, meaning certified midwives
have met health science education
requirements, graduated from an
accredited midwifery program and
successfully completed a national
certification exam.
Demand for midwifery services has
been increasing, Gavette reported,
as more women become interested in
choosing home births.
“Birth (in the U.S.) has evolved into a
sterile, medical procedure, and birth
isn’t that, really,” Gavette said. “It’s not
an illness, not a disease. The key is to
be vigilant to protect birth as normal.”
Gavette looks forward to the new midwifery birthing center, with very homelike suites. She added that women with
healthy babies and normal births could
return home as early as eight hours
after birth.
The new midwifery birthing center will
open this summer with four birthing
suites, each with a large tub for water
birthing and birthing balls.
For information about the Birthing
Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital,
call 602-246-5732.
— Debra Gelbart
FROM PAGE 1
“The Midwifery Unit is a space that
looks more like home but has the
security of a hospital,” said Wayne
Gillis, the chief nursing officer at
Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Classy and calming
The Women’s Center has been
designed as an upscale calming,
soothing space, with neutral colors,
dark cherry trim, wood-grain finishes and ceramic tile surfaces. Even
the sinks in the bathrooms look like
decorative bowls.
“The rooms — all of which are
private — are intended to look like
those found in a beautiful hotel,”
said Richard Hartley, the director
of facilities for Phoenix Baptist
Hospital. “We’ve moved away from
a traditional clinical look and toward
a warm, welcoming setting.”
Each room includes a 26-inch
flat-screen TV and a sleepover bed
for loved ones. “And because all of
the nurses are trained in women’s
recovery care, it will be easier for the
nursing staff to focus on the type of
care that these patients specifically
need,” Gillis said.
Focused on care
and advanced treatment
“Nurses in this center don’t need to
be familiar with 30 types of surgeries
like they might on a general floor of
a hospital,”
Tehranchi said. “Because the
nurses are specially trained to take
care of women’s needs, they’re more
aware of subtle changes in a patient
that may require immediate medical
attention.”
Howell said the Women’s
Center is meant to be an all-inclusive
facility, which incorporates health
screenings, diagnostics and education.
“We also offer advanced digital
mammography, 64-slice CT scanning
and minimally invasive, robotically
assisted surgery,” he said. “These
services are offered in an environment designed specifically for
women.”
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