PRIMECONEMAUGH HEALTH SYSTEM

October 2010

www.conemaugh.orgEXCELLENCE. EVERY PATIENT. EVERY TIME.

5 HEALTH RISKSYOU TAKE EVERY DAY

ALERT

Blue is thenew Gold Medalof Care

Love &MedicineConemaugh physiciancouples share their stories

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org

Prime [prahym] adj.- offirst importance; demandingfull considerationnoun - 1. most flourishingstage or state 2. the bestchoice or part of anything

PRIMEtime!

It’s

2

Justin Boccardo, MD Paula Jofre, MDIt’s a love story that begins on another continent.Dr. Justin Boccardo, Vascular Surgeon, andrheumatologist Dr. Paula Jofre first met while in medicalschool at the Universidad Catolica de Cordoba inCordoba, Argentina in 1998. The two traveled the courseof their medical training together— first medical school,then internship and residency programs, which they bothcompleted at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “Ihave enjoyed being married to a doctor,” says Dr. Jofre.“It made the residency years easier. Since we bothtrained at Conemaugh, we were able to work out ourschedules to be on call together at times and maximizeour free time; I always found it fun to run into him in thehospital corridors or the emergency room at 3 a.m.,”laughs Dr. Jofre. The couple, who married in 2003 andhave a son, Joaquin, returned to the area this pastAugust after completing fellowships in their respectivefields at the University Hospitals of Cleveland-CaseWestern Reserve in Ohio. “We appreciated the smalltown feel, the safety and familiarity that Johnstown hasto offer,” says Dr. Boccardo. “The warmth of the people inthis area and our experience training here urged us toreturn and give back to the community.” ▲

Patrick Gatmaitan, MD Celine Gisbert, MDThe letter “G.” That’s what first drew Patrick Gatmaitan,MD, and Celine Gisbert, MD, together. “We met whileundergraduate students at the University of Santo Tomasin the Philippines,” says Dr. Gisbert, a ConemaughMedWELL physician. “We were seatmates, as we werearranged alphabetically.” After graduating from medicalschool, the two soon married and came to Conemaughfor their residency programs— his in general surgery, andhers in family medicine. Dr. Gatmaitan of CPGConemaugh Valley Surgeons, also completed a minimallyinvasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at ClevelandClinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, from 2007 to 2009,while Celine remained in Johnstown. “We’ve been marriednine years and have four beautiful children: Michael, twingirls Bianca and Isabelle, and our precious Joey who isfour-years-old.” While life can be hectic, this physiciancouple wouldn’t have it any other way. “We understandeach other’s schedule, and always make sure thoughthat we spend quality time with our children,” saysDr. Gatmaitan. “We have always told our kids that theycan do whatever they want when they grow up and bewhoever they want to be, although we’ve always madesure their toys have included a toy stethoscope andmedicine bag,” laughs Dr. Gisbert. ▲

MedicinePhysician couples sharing their lives — and love of medicine

Love and

Fall…football…flu? With thechange in seasons comes achange in our health concerns.PRIME is packed full withgreat health information butanother key to keeping healthyis to develop a relationshipwith a primary care physician.

If you don’t have a physician,time to find one!At www.conemaugh.org youcan use our Physician Finderto search for a physician byname, specialty and location.You’re also welcome to callour Physician Referral line at1-800-587-5875. If you have ahealth topic you would like usto address in our next issueof PRIME please give me acall at 814-534-3121 or emailabradle@conemaugh.org.Until our next edition – wewish you good health!

Amy Bradley, DirectorMarketing Communications

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org 3

Samir Hadeed, MD Sahar Elias, MDAfter meeting through mutual friends nine years ago, it didn’t take Samir Hadeed, MD, FACC,FSCAI, triple-board certified Interventional Cardiologist with CPG Cardiology, and Sahar Elias, MD,a board-certified family medicine physician employed at Conemaugh MedWELL, long to realize itwas love. “A few months later we got engaged and have been married for seven years now,” saysDr. Elias, who completed a Family Medicine Residency at Memorial. The couple has two childrenand plenty of practice arranging their busy schedules to make time for work and play. “Beingmarried to a physician enables us, as a couple, to understand the difficult life style— the long workhours and the night calls, and was especially helpful during residency and fellowship training,” saysDr. Hadeed, who completed two fellowships at UPMC. For Dr. Elias, the formula for a happymarriage lies in the basics— regardless of the profession. “I would say love, respect and making abalance between your life and your job are the keys to having a successful relationship.”

MedWELL1450 Scalp Avenue, Richland • 814-269-5200

Open 7 days a week • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.236 Jamesway Road, Ebensburg • 814-472-7336

Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Saturday and Sunday • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All insurances accepted, except Unison Insurance.

Urgent Care Center

Celine Gisbert, MD, and Sahar Elias, MD • Richland

Two locations...open 7 days a weekBlood Draw? Stitches? Fever? Sore throat? X-ray?

Gretchen Platt, MD Dwayne Platt, MDTalk about a Conemaugh couple, this pair met and fell in love in 1998 while completingFamily Medicine Residency programs at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. “There aremore pros to being married to a physician,” says Dr. Gretchen Platt. “Especially since we’rein the same field, you understand the time constraints of the job, you always have a freesecond opinion and someone to take call for you, not to mention, with three children, wecan arrange our schedule to spend more time with them.” The Platts, who will celebrate their10th wedding anniversary in December, recently returned to the area and are practicing withFamily Health Care in Salisbury and Meyersdale, following a stint as primary carephysicians in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. “Our biggest push to come back was family. I’mfrom Northern Cambria and Dwayne is from South Fork,” says Dr. Gretchen Platt. “Withfamily close by, we’re able to spend time together, and our parents are able to help watchthe children, which is special.” Dr. Dwayne Platt agrees, “It’s good to be back home. Wereally enjoyed our patients from here, and we’re glad it’s worked out for us.” Adds Dr.Gretchen Platt, “I didn’t realize how many people we cared for and touched when we werehere. People will come up to us when we’re out in public that were patients or knew us frombefore; it’s a nice feeling.” ▲

For information about one of the physicians featured in this article, call 1-800-587-5875.

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org4

Distinct. While on the road, you may have noticed one of our many “Distinct” billboards, and you may have even wondered what itmeans. For the physicians, nurses and staff at Conemaugh, it’s an award demonstrating that their efforts to provide, Excellence. Every Patient. Every Time. arenot going unnoticed. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center recently became the only facility in a five-county area honored as a Highmark Blue DistinctionCenter in all three of the following areas:

dis·tinc·tion[dih-sting-shuhn] –noun1. a marking off or distinguishing as different:2. the recognizing or noting of differences;3. marked superiority; note; eminence.

Cardiac CareWhen it comes to matters of the heart, Memorial is one ofjust 42 in Pennsylvania named a Blue Distinction Centerfor Cardiac Services, including cardiac catheterization,cardiac surgery and the treatment of heart failure andheart attack. “This is a very significant recognition,” saysSamir Hadeed, MD, FACC, FSCAI, InterventionalCardiologist, CPG Cardiology, and Chairman of CardiacServices at Memorial. “We want the people of our regionto be confident knowing that they’re coming to a facilitythat offers a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive cardiacprogram that provides top-tier clinical care resulting inexcellent outcomes.” One of those excellent outcomesis 59-year-old Nick Ballow of Johnstown.After undergoing coronary arterybypass graft and aortic valvereplacement surgery in May 2007,in no time, Nick was back to workand dancing, a favorite past time ofhis and his wife, Annette. “Lookingback, I’m glad the surgeons werethere that did such a nice job,because it was somethingthat would haveprogressed and probablywould have killed me. I’mfortunate they were there,and the hospital was there,and I didn’t have to leavethe area,” says Ballow.Ballow’s surgeon, RajDevineni, MD, FACS, FRCS,

Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cardiac Surgery, PC, says,“We understand how frightening heart surgery can befor the patient and their family.” At Memorial, we usethe most advanced techniques and technology to getpeople back to doing the things they love. Often times,patients are surprised at how quickly they’re able toresume their activities, which is always wonderful towitness.” ▲

CARDIAC CARE • SPINE SURGERY • KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT • CARDIAC CARE • SPINE SURGERY • KNEE A

Left to Right:Kelly Lech, RN; Dr. Devineni;Matt Hodge, PA-C;Savas Mavridis, MD;Lou Kitsko, PA-C;Michelle Spinelli, RN

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org 5

Spine SurgeryWhen Memorial’s Chairman ofthe Department of Surgery,S. Lee Miller, MD, FACS, a CPGTrauma and General Surgeon,realized he needed spinesurgery and needed it fastfollowing a water sport injuryin 2008, he looked to hiscolleagues at ConemaughNeurosurgical Associates. “I

wanted the best,” says Dr. Miller. “I knew that thenurses, staff and my surgeon, Dr. Zitnay, weregoing to take excellent care of me, and they did.”And six months later, when Dr. Miller foundhimself on the other end of the scalpel once again,in need of neck surgery to remove a bone spurcompressing the nerves in his spine causing painand numbness, he called on Dr. Zitnay once again.“It’s about trust,” says Dr. Miller. “It’s that simple.”And it’s trust that is hard-earned. Memorial is oneof just 24 hospitals in the state recognized as aHighmark Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery.“I was pleased that Dr. Miller selected me toperform surgery not once, but twice, which also

shows a very high level of confidence in ourneurosurgery program here at Memorial,” saysKevin Zitnay, MD, FACS, Neurosurgeon.“Frequently, fellow surgeons, nurses, staff andtheir family members are our patients, which isgratifying to see that coworkers, who know yourwork best, respect what you do and entrustthemselves and their loved ones to your care.”Alfred P. Bowles, Jr., MD, FACS, FICS, ConemaughNeurosurgical Associates, and Chairman ofNeurosciences and the Division of Neurosurgery,says, “There’s no greater compliment than a well-respected surgeon, such as Dr. Miller, coming toyour group for surgery.” Dr. Bowles, who also seespatients in Bedford and Indiana added, “As a teamthat includes my partners, Dr. Zitnay and Dr. ZafarChowdhry, along with the nurses and staff atMemorial, we are dedicated to doing what we’retrained to do and that is to provide excellentoutcomes and exceptional care to our patients.” ▲

AND HIP REPLACEMENT • CARDIAC CARE • SPINE SURGERY • KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT • CARDIAC CARE

Knee and HipReplacement“The experience was mostsatisfying; I don’t think it could

have been done any better anywhere else,” says60-year-old Tom Lavis of Seward, who underwentRight Total Knee Replacement Surgery atMemorial in March of 2010. Due to the benefits ofthe surgery, Lavis is right back where he’s longedto be—on the water. “Fishing is my religion,” saysTom. “I had set my goal set as May 1. It didn’thappen until May 30, but I’m very pleased.”For Lavis, fishing was the least of his worries, ashis knee pain increased over several months, eventhe most simple, day-to-day tasks became difficult.“I lost a lot of sleep due to the constant pain anddiscomfort and even had to resort to using a cane,”says Lavis.Lavis’ surgeon, says the waiting game is common.“Many patients say they’d prefer to wait to havesurgery,” says Christopher Donaldson, MD, one ofnine board-certified orthopedic surgeons atMemorial. “That’s why we typically explore non-

operative options with the patient first, such asphysical therapy, weight loss or cortisone shots;however, if these options fail to provide relief, thenwe work with the patient to determine if hip or kneereplacement surgery is the next step.”Dr. Donaldson adds that surgery is not a quick fix.“What a patient does after surgery can be just ascrucial as the surgery itself. Patients such as Tom,who are diligent with the therapy and exercisespost-surgery, usually have very good outcomes.”Looking back, Lavis has just one regret. “After thesurgery, you wish you had done it three monthssooner,” chuckles Lavis. “I was fairly mobile in thehospital and home in three days. It was amazing,and I’m glad that I got it done.” ▲

For information regarding anyof the award-winning servicesor physicians featured in thisarticle, call 1-800-587-5875.

Surgeon-turned-patient, Dr. Millerpictured where he’smost at home—the operating room.

Following knee replacement surgery, Tom Lavisis able to share his favorite pastime with four-year-old grandson, Blake.

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org6

things you do every day thatcould harm your health5 You drink plenty of water, try to be active, refrain from smoking and eat a healthy diet; nevertheless,seemingly harmless habits may be sabotaging your health.

Linked inPink

WELLNESS FAIRSWednesday, October 2010 a.m. - 2 p.m.Lee CampusMemorial Medical Center

Wednesday, October 2710 a.m. - 2 p.m.Main CampusMemorial Medical Center

Hope • Support • Cure LuncheonSaturday, October 30, 11 a.m.Holiday Inn Downtown -JohnstownEnjoy a light-hearted afternoonwith comedian Dana Fabina anda luncheon, including door prizes,gift bags, life-saving informationand more! Thank you to LaurelAuto Group for sponsoring thisevent. Proceeds benefit theConemaugh Health FoundationCancer Fund. To purchase tickets($20/ticket), call 814-534-3133.

FREE BREAST CANCERSCREENINGS will take placethroughout the month of October inEbensburg, Carrolltown, Ligonier,Meyersdale, Portage andJohnstown. For more informationor to register for a free screening,call 1-800-587-5875.

To commemorateNational BreastCancer AwarenessMonth, Conemaugh ishosting several eventsand FREE screeningsin October to raisebreast cancerawareness and fundsfor local cancerpatients.

3. BRUSH UP - “Accordingto a recent study, people who havepoor dental health are at a 70 percentincreased risk for heart disease, thenumber one killer of men and women,compared to people who brush theirteeth two times a day,” says JudeMugerwa, MD, CPG Cardiology, whosees patients at Memorial and MinersMedical Centers. “The culprit isinflammation, resulting from poor oralhealth, that can block arteries.”

1. STEALTHY SUGAR - Excessive amounts of sugar havebeen associated to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and unhealthy cholesterollevels. “On average, people consume about three pounds of sugar a week,which is one reason nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight,” saysLauren Trimeloni, MD, a Family Medicine physician located at CPG- Ligonier.“Read food labels so that you are aware of how much sugar you’re getting.”Two simple rules: If the sugar grams equal half or more of the totalcarbohydrate grams, it’s high in sugar. If an ingredient ends in “–ose,” suchas fructose or glucose, it contains sugar.

4. TOO TIRED - “Sleep affects every function of the body,” says SamerMakhoul, MD, Medical Director of Memorial’s Sleep Disorders Center. “When peopledon’t get enough, it interrupts the body’s hormone production and entire recoveryprocess. Over time, these interruptions can lead to an increased risk for conditions,including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer.” It’s recommended that teensget nine hours, while adults get seven to eight hours of Z’s a night.

2. SPF...DO IT DAILY - Skincancer is the most common form of cancerin the U.S. Between 1986 and 2006, casesof melanoma increased by about threepercent each year in both men and women.“It’s a common misconception that only sunbathers are at risk for skin cancer,” saysPaul Rollins, MD, CPG Plastic Surgery.“Sun exposure occurs whether it is cloudyor sunny and 15 minutes of exposure toUV rays is all it takes. Protect yourself—apply SPF 15 or greater everyday andreapply if you’re in the sun for more thantwo hours.”

5. RING RING - Despite an international Interphone study that determined nolink between cell phone usage and an increased risk of brain tumors, study investigatorsadvised that more investigation is needed. “While there is no conclusive evidence thatthe radiation emitted from cell phones increases a person’s risk of cancer, people maywant to limit excessive cell phone use until more research has been conducted,” saysIbrahim Sbeitan, MD, Medical Oncologist, CPG Conemaugh Cancer Care Center. DriverAlert: a 2005 study showed people who use cell phones while driving, even hands-freedevices, are four times more likely to be involved in an accident involving a serious injury.

To learn more about the physicians featured in this article, call 1-800-587-5875.

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

7Find A Physician • www.conemaugh.org

In the next issue of PRIME...Get to the bottom of it: Are you at risk for Colorectal Cancer? The domino effect of diabetes, plus,everything you need in your arsenal for a healthy, happy winter. Until next PRIME, may happiness and healthiness abound!

Hard-to-heal wounds are no match for the specialized team at the WoundHealing Center, which recently opened a second location at MeyersdaleMedical Center. “This year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary at Memorialand are very excited to now bring our expertise to people of Meyersdale andthe surrounding areas,” says Marion DiMauro, RN, Manager, Wound HealingCenter. “Wounds can be debilitating and devastating,” says James Gregory,MD, FACS, Medical Director, Wound Healing Center, Meyersdale MedicalCenter, who also performs surgery at the facility. “We want to help patients bytreating a variety of wounds, including chronic or slow-healing ulcers, diabeticor traumatic wounds, burns or skin irritations, pressure ulcers or complicatedpost-surgical wounds.” For appointments at Meyersdale or Memorial MedicalCenters, call 814-534-6840. ▲

Wound Healing Center opens atMeyersdale Medical Center

Conemaugh Welcomes New Physicians

Something To Coo AboutMaternity Care at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is ranked among the top 5% in the nationaccording to a new study issued by HealthGrades. Memorial is one of two facilities in the entire stateof Pennsylvania to receive this ranking. Overall, top rated hospitals, like Memorial have 51% fewercomplications for vaginal deliveries and 74% fewer maternal complications for C-sections when comparedwith the lowest-rated hospitals. Learn more online at http://maternity.conemaugh.org.

James Gregory, MD, and Marion DiMauro, RN

Horohiko Ito, MDRadiologyCambria-Somerset Radiology

Dwayne Platt, MDFamily PracticeFamily Health CareMeyersdale • 814-634-5935

Jessica Masser, DOFamily MedicineValley Ambulatory Center814-446-5695

Renu Pokharna, MDNeurology, John P. MurthaNeuroscience and Pain Institute814-269-5270

Gretchen Platt, MDFamily PracticeFamily Health CareMeyersdale • 814-634-5935

Neil Yoder, DOEmergency MedicineMemorial Medical Center

Maria Paula Jofre, MDRheumatology315 Locust Street, Johnstown814-535-8311

Justin Boccardo, MDVascular SurgeryCPG Vascular Surgery814-534-9194

Sushma Jain, MDAnesthesiologyMemorial Medical Center

E X C E L L E N C E . E V E R Y P A T I E N T . E V E R Y T I M E .

1086 Franklin StreetJohnstown, PA 15905-4398

Conemaughin yourCommunityMEYERSDALEPage 7 - Meet the Platts,husband/wife primary carephysicians and the Wound HealingCenter opens at MeyersdaleMedical Center

HASTINGSPage 6 - Jude Mugerwa, MD, acardiologist who sees patients atMiners Medical Center, shares asurprising heart health tip.

EBENSBURGPage 6 - Get “Linked in Pink” witha FREE breast cancer screeningand learn more about MedWELL,now in your backyard!

Conemaugh Home Health

For information, call one of convenient locations or visit www.conemaugh.org.Johnstown 814-534-7500 Bedford 814-623-2820 Boswell 814-629-5653Ebensburg 814-472-4521 Meyersdale 814-634-5400 Philipsburg 814-342-6670Portage 814-736-4280

With more than 20 years of award-winninghome care experience, Conemaugh HomeHealth (CHH) provides care to those ranging inage from infants to seniors, with an extensiveteam of caregivers specializing in skillednursing care; physical, occupational andspeech therapy; home health aide; and medicalsocial services. The CHH team offerspersonalized care in the following areas:Medical/Surgical, Psychiatry, IV Therapy,Prenatal & Post-Partum, Wound care,Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics andCardiac care. A Medicare and JointCommission-Certified agency, CHH providerslog more than 100,000 visits each year in a10-county area across West Central PA. ▲

Committed to providing the very best care...in the comfort of your home