B A P T I S T H E A L T H S O U T H F L O R I D A

Baby surgery, baby-size scars Page 8

FALL 2005

Friendship helps save lives Page 3

Digital age revolutionizes radiology Page 4

Baptist Health South Florida Chairman of the Board, George Cadman III; President, Brian Keeley. Trustees: CalvinBabcock, Wendell Beard, James Carr, the Rev. William Chambers III, the Rev. David Cleeland, George Corrigan,William Dickinson, Judge Robert Dubé, Herbert Greene, M.D., George Harth, Jay Hershoff, Charles Hood III, NormanKenyon, M.D., the Rev. Richard Ledgister, the Rev. Wilner Maxy, Paul May, Arva Parks McCabe, the Rev. Dr. MarcosRamos, Robert Singleton, Roberta Stokes, W. Peter Temling, the Rev. Tom Thompson, Scott Weston, the Rev. Dr.William White.

Baptist Hospital of Miami Chairman of the Board, Calvin Babcock; President, Baptist Hospital Medical Staff, SergioGonzález-Arias, M.D.; Chief Executive Officer, Lee Huntley.

South Miami Hospital Chairman of the Board, Judge Robert Dubé; President, South Miami Hospital Medical Staff,George Tershakovec, M.D.; Chief Executive Officer, D. Wayne Brackin.

Homestead Hospital Chairman of the Board, the Rev. William Chambers III; Chief of Staff, J. Rudolph Gossman Jr.,DMD; Chief Executive Officer, Bo Boulenger.

Mariners Hospital Chairman of the Board, Jay Hershoff; Chief of Staff, Sanford Yankow, M.D.; Chief Executive Officer,Robert Luse.

Baptist HealthSouth Florida

6855 Red Road, Suite 600Coral Gables, FL 33143-3632

Doctors Hospital Chairman of the Board, Norman Kenyon, M.D.; President, Doctors Hospital Medical Staff, John Zvijac,M.D.; Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Mendez.

Baptist Health South Florida Foundation Chairman of the Board, James Carr; Chief Executive Officer, Robert Baal.

Baptist Outpatient Services Chairman of the Board, George Cadman III; Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Rosello.

Directors of Affiliated Boards Richard Alger, Cira Almeida, Tony Alonso, Dick Anderson, George Aronoff, OrlandoBajos, Oscar Barbara, James Barker, Yerby Barker, Rodney Barreto, Jill Beach, James Boilini, O.D., James Bokor,Joseph Bolton, James Boruszak, Robert Breier, Bette Brown, Oscar Bustillo Jr., Barbara Calev, A. Ruben Caride, M.D.,Thomas Carlos, Willie Carpenter, Gerald Case, John Cassel, M.D., Mauricio Cayon, Carol Cianciolo, Richard Dailey,Xavier de Amezola, Denise Ehrich, Allan Feingold, M.D., Susan Gallagher, Mehdi Ghomeshi, Robert Gintel, Paul Gluck,M.D., K. Lawrence Gragg, Michael Graham, M.D., Curtis Gray, David Hallstrand, M.D., Barry Halpern, M.D., KentHamill, Barbara Hanck, Dan Hanrahan, Carl Hanson, James Harris, Steven Hayworth, Sara Herald, Elizabeth Hernandez,Agustin Herran, Gerald Hirsch, Nathan Hirsch, M.D., Jacque Huttoe, David Johnson, S. Lawrence Kahn III, GeorgeKnox, Rudy Kranys, Manuel Lasaga, Cynthia Leesfield, Orlando Leon, M.D., James Loewenherz, M.D., Miriam Lopez,Bruce MacArthur, Luis Machado, Michael Marcus, Stanley Margulies, M.D., Charlie Martinez, Hans Mueller, ThomasMurphy Jr., Louise Orzel, Ramon Oyarzun, Omar Pasalodos, M.D., Gordon Present, Alfredo Quintero, Ramón Rasco,Charlen Regan, Ian Reiss, M.D., Mindy Rich, Ron Robison, Domingo Rodriguez, Ruth Rosenberg, Audrey Ross, JeffRubin, James Russell, Steven Sapp, I.E. Schilling, Emery Sheer, Ronald Shuffield, Paul Soulé, Karl Smiley, M.D.,Henry Tie Shue, Bill Tillett, Joseph Traina, M.D., Wanda Trouba, Morton Weiner, Stuart Weiss, Lisa White, PhilipWolman, Leonard Zwerling, M.D.

ON THE COVER: Edith Cimino cuddles with newborn Ryan after his successful surgery at Baptist Children’s Hospital. See articleon page 8.

Baptist Children’s HospitalBAPTIST

Children’s Health Day

A BOOtiful day for kids!Sunday, October 23, 1-4 p.m.

Calling all superheroes, witches, ballerinas and pirates. You’re invited to Baptist Children’s Hospital’s free Children’s Health Day. It’s the weekend before Halloween, so come dressed in costume and be prepared for plenty of fun.

Kids, join us to:∫ Stitch up your favorite doll or stuffed animal at our

Doll Clinic.∫ Explore the intriguing world of medicine.∫ Practice your surgical skills in our “operating

room.”∫ Pretend you’re flying a medical rescue chopper.∫ Learn about health and safety through

interactive displays.

It’s all free in tents in front of Baptist Medical Arts Building, 8950 North Kendall Drive. There’s entertainment and refreshments, and free garage parking. No reservations are necessary.

8900 North Kendall Drive

R E S O U R C E 3

Women&Health

When Suzie Wampler was diag-nosed nearly two years agowith melanoma — a poten-

tially deadly form of skin cancer — sheurged everyone she knew to get theirskin checked by their doctors. “I knowfor a fact that at least 15 of my friends didget checked, and five of them hadmelanoma.”

One of the friends was CharlotteStoker, 58, whose dermatologistremoved a suspicious-looking spot onthe back of her leg. It was melanoma.“Thank heavens we found it so early,”she said. “I wouldn’t have noticed it.” In afollow-up procedure, Baptist Hospitalsurgeon Michael Canning, M.D.,removed the area around the spot tomake sure there was no cancer left.

For Ms. Wampler, 60, it took derma-tologists Judith Crowell, M.D., and EdGross, M.D., six surgeries to remove allof the skin cancer from the back of herarm. No other treatment was needed byeither woman.

Melanoma is a serious form of skincancer, characterized by the uncon-trolled growth of pigment-producing tan-ning cells. It may appear suddenly with-out warning, and can develop from ornear a mole. It’s found most frequentlyon the upper backs of men and on thelegs of women. It can appear anywhereon the body, even places not exposed tothe sun, like between toes, on the bot-tom of the feet and in the genital area.

“You want to catch melanoma whenit’s very early,” Dr. Crowell said. “If wetake it off while it’s still thin, less than .1millimeter deep, there is a much greaterchance of a complete cure.”

Ms. Wampler was faithful aboutgetting skin cancer screen-ings. Her father died of

melanoma when he was 56. Her daugh-ter was 20 when doctors found two spotsof the skin cancer nine years ago. Shethought she knew what to look for, butshe hadn’t even noticed the spot on theback of her arm found by Dr. Crowell inJanuary 2004.

The incidence of melanoma is rising.About 92,000 cases are diagnosed in the

United States annually, and 7,600 peoplewill die as a result — 4,700 men and2,900 women.

“It tends to hit younger people,” saidDr. Crowell, whose youngest patient was2, though that’s rare.

It’s believed that melanoma — moredangerous than squamous and basal cellskin cancers — is related to sun burningat any age. Family history, or genetics,and immune system deficiencies are alsopossible causes. Dermatologists recom-mend a regular self-examination of theskin to detect changes, with annual ormore frequent exams for those whohave risk factors (see box).

“Every time I run into someone Iknow, I ask them, ‘When was the lasttime you were checked by your derma-tologist?’ ” Ms. Wampler said. “I feel likeI’ve saved a couple of people’s lives,including my own.”

— Anne Streeter

Charlotte Stoker (left) credits friendSuzie Wampler with saving her life.

Friendship helps save lives“You want tocatch melanomawhen it’s veryearly.”

— Judith Crowell, M.D.

Who’s at risk?Anyone can get melanoma, but

Caucasians are 10 times more likelyto get it than other races. Yourchances also increase if:

✔ You’ve already had onemelanoma.

✔ You have a lot of moles, orlarge or unusual moles.

✔ A child, parent or sibling hashad melanoma.

✔ You’re a redhead or blond.✔ You had a sunburn at any

time.

What to look for Follow the ABCDE rule if you

notice any mole:Asymmetry: One half does not

match the other half.Border irregularity: The edges

are ragged, notched or blurred.Color: The pigmentation is

uneven, including various shades oftan, brown or black, or other colors— even white.

Diameter: The mole is widerthan the size of a pencil eraser, or isvisibly growing.

Evolving: Any changes should bechecked by a doctor.

How to prevent melanoma✔ Stay out of the sun from 10

a.m. - 4 p.m.✔ Wear protective clothing, such

as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses,long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

✔ Apply a broad spectrum sun-screen (which blocksboth UVA and UVBsun rays) with a sunprotection factor(SPF) of 15 orhigher, at least 15minutes beforegoing outdoors. Itshould list zinc oxide, titanium diox-ide, avobenzone or parsol 1789 asan active ingredient. Reapply everytwo hours. UVA rays are the mostdamaging since they penetrate deepinto the skin, no matter what theweather. SPF applies only to block-age of sunburning UVB rays.

✔ Stay away from tanning beds.

For a referral to a Baptist Healthdermatologist, call the PhysicianReferral Service at 786-596-6557,or visit www.baptisthealth.net.

Eleonor Perez was sickwith severe headachesand anxious to discover

their cause. To diagnose theproblem, the 79-year-oldsouth Miami-Dade woman’sdoctor ordered some high-tech pictures of her brain andneck.

Her worry was easedquickly, thanks to a new tech-nology that makes analyzingand sharing CT, MRI, X-ray,

ultrasound and other radio-logical images as quick andeasy as viewing a digitalphoto on your home com-puter.

At 3:12 p.m., Ms. Perezhad a CT scan at BaptistMedical Plaza at PalmettoBay. Four minutes later, Bap-tist Health neuroradiologistLyn Nadel, M.D., was already

studying the images of Ms.Perez’s brain on her com-puter screen. Less than 24hours later, Dr. Nadel’s reportwas ready for Ms. Perez’sdoctor.

“Technology is amazing,”said Ms. Perez, who wasrelieved that Dr. Nadel foundnothing unusual in her tests.She started outpatient ther-apy for her headaches.

A year ago, it took sevento 10 days for doctors toreceive a radiology report onan imaging study, said YvonneDiaz, who oversees diagnostictesting for Baptist OutpatientServices. “Now, 80 percent ofall reports done at Baptist Hos-pital and Baptist OutpatientServices facilities are availableto referring physicians within24 hours of the test’s comple-tion,” she said.

The new digital technol-ogy, with a price tag of $20million, is called PACS (Pic-ture Archival CommunicationSystem). It gives doctors bet-ter views of the internal body,instantly. Gone are X-ray filmsand file jackets. Patients canget a copy of their test on aCD. No longer must couriersdeliver hard-copy images to radiologists miles awaybefore the tests can even bereviewed.

PACS works in ways simi-lar to a digital camera — nofilm, no developing and easysharing of images around theworld through a computer

program. PACS gives doctors24-hour access to theirpatients’ imaging tests in theirown home or office. Patientscan choose the most conven-ient Baptist Health outpatientcenter for diagnostic studiesor urgent care and know thattheir tests will be analyzed bythe top radiological specialistsat Baptist Health, no matterwhere the doctor is located.

“This has revolutionizedthe way we practice radiol-ogy,” said Baptist Hospitalneuroradiologist Jonathan

4 R E S O U R C E

Digital age revolutionizes

Eleonor Perez, with her Siberian husky, Tundra, got quickresults from her imaging tests.

Messinger, M.D. “We nowcan have the radiologists withthe subspecialty training readthe tests, no matter wherethey’re located. The beauty ofthe system is that you don’thave to be pigeonholed to theplace.”

For example, Dr. Nadel isgenerally based at BaptistMedical Plaza at PalmettoBay but interprets brain andspinal scans from other cen-

ters and Baptist Hospitalbecause neuroradiology isher specialty.

Imaging studies taken atBaptist Hospital, Baptist Car-diac & Vascular Institute,Baptist Outpatient Center andall the Baptist Medical Plazasare saved in PACS. Eventu-ally, all Baptist Health hospi-tals will be part of the system.

Gretchen Gluck ofCoconut Grove finds BaptistMedical Plaza at Coral Gablesboth a handy and hospitablesetting in which to have tests.

“It’s wonderful,” she said asradiology technologist OlgaSanchez positioned her for abone density test. When hertest was done, it was analyzedthe same day at Baptist Hos-pital by radiologist LeonAdler, M.D. His report wasavailable to Ms. Gluck’s doc-tor less than 24 hours afterher test was done.

The real-time results caneven save lives. Jack Ziffer,M.D., chief of radiology atBaptist Hospital, recalls thecase of an 85-year-old womanwith a fever and cough whowent to one of the MedicalPlazas for urgent care. A radi-ologist at Baptist Hospitalquickly read the chest X-raythat showed she had a life-threatening infection ofthe aorta. She was taken toBaptist Hospital, where shehad successful emergency surgery.

“From the radiologist’sperspective, it’s absolutelymagnificent,” Dr. Ziffer said.“It’s not just faster, it’s also

higher quality because thedigital images are better thanfilm images.”

The technology allowsradiologists to manipulate theimages for better viewing,making it easier to spot bonefractures, for example, orsome kinds of stroke. Bap-tist Health is one of only a fewhealthcare institutions in theworld that include cardiacimaging in the same PACS asradiology, Dr. Ziffer said.

“We’re not reading eachcase in a vacuum — we cansee each test the patient has had. PACS puts all thesetools at our fingertips,” Dr.Messinger said. “It makes usbetter doctors.”

— Patty Shillington and Amanda Gonzalez

R E S O U R C E 5

radiology

Outpatient Diagnostic CentersOutpatient diagnostic tests are offered at Baptist

Outpatient Center, 8950 North Kendall Drive, and Baptist Medical Plazas at Doral (9915 NW 41 Street);Coral Gables (320 Giralda Avenue); Westchester (8840Bird Road); Palmetto Bay (8750 SW 144 Street); andWest Kendall (13001 North Kendall Drive). Urgent CareCenters are available at Baptist Medical Plazas at Beacon (8301 NW 12 Street); Doral, Westchester, Palmetto Bay and West Kendall. To schedule a diagnos-tic appointment at any Baptist Health hospital or outpa-tient center, call 786-573-6000. A doctor’s prescriptionis necessary.

Baptist Hospital neuroradiol-ogist Jonathan Messinger,M.D., studies a patient’s dig-ital scan.

Older doesn’t meangrumpierThe Archie Bunkers of the world may be the exception

and not the rule, according to two new studiesdebunking the myth that older people are gen-

erally crankier than younger adults. The first study, published in the Journal of

Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, found thatadults who were older than 80 were morelikely to avoid conflict by simply waiting until thedifficult situation improved. Younger people more frequently responded to stressful situations with anger, often by yelling and name-calling.

The second study, featured in Psychologyand Aging, found comparable results. People60 and older were better than younger adultsat exhibiting self-control in the midst of inter-personal tension, even with similar frequencyand intensity of stressful situations. Onceagain, older adults were less likely to argue andmore likely to leave a difficult situation alone.

These results are not surprising for Jennifer Papageorgiou, a Baptist HealthHome Care social worker. She believes that the majority of her older patients havepositive attitudes. “Relationships become more valuable as we age,” Ms. Papageor-giou said. “We may not be as prone to argue about silly things, and life experiencecertainly teaches you how to pick your battles.”

6 R E S O U R C E

S E N I O RF O C U S

Stroke survivors may have a newreason to be optimistic. In a studypublished in The Journal of the

American Heart Association, strokepatients who had difficulty speaking orunderstanding others when they spokeshowed significant improvement yearsafter the stroke through intensive speechtherapy. Previously, it was believed thatsurvivors could improve only within thefirst year after the stroke.

Researchers studied 27 stroke sur-vivors with varying degrees of impair-ment. All improved significantly andmaintained that progress six monthslater. Although the study needs to berepeated with more patients, the initialresults give hope.

Stroke is the country’s third-leadingkiller and a primary cause of severe dis-ability. Thirty-eight percent of strokesurvivors have difficulty with speechafter a stroke on the left side of thebrain.

Call 911 immediately if any of the fol-lowing symptoms occur: sudden numb-ness or weakness in the face, arm or leg,especially one side of the body; suddentrouble seeing in one or both eyes; sud-den trouble walking, dizziness, loss ofbalance or coordination; or suddensevere headache with no known cause.The faster you get to the hospital, themore likely you will receive new treat-ments that reduce the damage fromstroke.

Medicare patients set toundergo cataract surgerynow have the added option of

tossing out their eyeglasses. Medicarerules have changed to allow seniors tosubstitute traditional implanted lenseswith newer, multifocal implants for anadditional fee. The upgraded lenses giverecipients the ability to see near and farwithout the use of eyeglasses.

“Unlike standard lenses that don’thave the ability to provide full-rangevision, multifocal lenses offer patientstotal vision correction,” said ophthal-mologist Carlos Buznego, M.D., whoperforms the procedure at Baptist Med-ical Arts Surgery Center. Dr. Buznegowill discuss this topic September 15 atWomen’s Health Resource Center. (Seethe calendar on page 7 for details.)

The new Medicare ruling cameshortly after the FDA approved two newbrands of multifocal lenses. The old Medicare regulations prohibitedMedicare patients undergoing cataractsurgery from upgrading to multifocallenses, even if they were willing to paythe out-of-pocket costs.

Depending on the lens, out-of-pocketcosts range from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye. Medicare patients with supple-mental insurance should inquire about coverage for both the lens and procedure.

For a referral to a Baptist Healthophthalmologist, call 786-596-6557.

— Amanda Gonzalez

Seeing clearly aftercataract surgery

Stroke patients may improve after first year

BAPTIST MEDICAL PLAZA AT WESTCHESTER8820 Bird Road, Suite 400, Health Resource Center

(In Spanish) Memory Loss and Techniques toStimulate Your Brain. Friday, Sept. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Dr.Andres Cartaya, psychologist.Home, Safe Home: Safety Tips for Seniors. Friday,Oct. 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Marlene Carmona, physical

therapist.Cosmetic Surgery: Minimum Surgerywith Maximum Results. Thursday, Oct.27, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dr. Jose Soler-Baillo,cosmetic surgeon.(In Spanish) AARP Driver SafetyProgram. Tuesdays, Nov. 1 & 8, 1-5 p.m.

Fee $10. Call 305-382-5331.

BAPTIST MEDICAL PLAZA AT WEST KENDALL13001 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 300, Health Resource Center

The Highs and Lows of Cholesterol. Wednesday, Sept.14, 1-2 p.m., Dr. Michael Ozner, cardiologist.Tip Toe: Keeping Your Feet Healthy When You HaveDiabetes. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m., Dr. Ira Baum,podiatrist.

WOMEN’S HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER8950 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 105, Health Resource Center

Multifocal Implants: The Latest Procedures.Thursday, Sept. 15, 7-8 p.m., Dr. Carlos Buznego,ophthalmologist.Arthritis: Getting Relief Through Exercise. Tuesday,Sept. 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Jackson Bejumea, physical therapyassistant. (In Spanish) Foot Problems: Prevention andTreatment. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Dr. JaimeCarbonell, podiatrist.

SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL • U.S. 1 and SW 62Avenue, Victor E. Clarke Education Center

The Highs and Lows of High BloodPressure. Thursday, Sept. 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dr. Yale Samole, cardiologist. Diagnosis and Management ofThyroid Disease. Wednesday, Oct. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dr. Neil Goodman,endocrinologist.

BAPTIST MEDICAL PLAZA AT DORAL9915 NW 41 Street, Suite 210, Health Resource Center

(In Spanish) The Highs andLows of Blood Pressure.Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7-8 p.m., Dr.Ramon Quesada, cardiologist.AARP Driver Safety Program.Fridays, Oct. 21 & 28, 1-5 p.m. Fee$10. Call 305-382-5331.

BAPTIST HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER ATINFORMED FAMILIES • 2490 Coral Way, 2nd Floor

Introduction to Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.Wednesday, Sept. 7, 7-8 p.m., Dr. Patricia Isis, instructor.(In Spanish) Mood Swings: Understanding YourHighs and Lows. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7-8 p.m., Dr. JorgeHerrera, neuropsychologist.

HOMESTEAD SENIOR CENTER • 43 NE 16 Street

Medication Checkup: The Pharmacist Is In. Monday, Oct. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dr. Paul Boruck, pharmacist.What Do You Think You Know About Diabetes? Wednesday, Nov. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Lois Exelbert, R.N.,director, Diabetes Care Center.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

CADRE (Cardiovascular and Diabetes Risk Eradication). Aweight-loss and exercise program for people who are at highrisk for cardiovascular disease or diabetes. For information,call 786-596-8747.Osteoporosis Screening. Screening and consultationavailable by appointment. Fee $15. For information, call786-596-3812.Senior Tai Chi-style Exercise. Mondays & Wednesdays,10-11 a.m., Baptist Health Resource Center at InformedFamilies, 2490 Coral Way; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Baptist Medical Plaza at Doral, 9915 NW 41Street, Suite 210. Fee $32 for eight weeks. Call 786-596-7044.SHINE. Get help with Medicare and other insuranceconcerns. Free. Call 305-670-6500, Ext. 270, for anappointment with a bilingual counselor.

R E S O U R C E 7

F A L L C A L E N D A RIf you're 55 or older, take advantage of the programs and health screenings offered by Baptist Health. While most programs are $5, those who are 55 or older attend free, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for all programs, including thosethat are free. Call 786-596-3812. For Spanish programs, call 786-596-3814. For more information on other Baptist Healthprograms, visit www.baptisthealth.net.

S E N I O RF O C U S

8 R E S O U R C E

Baby surgery, baby-size scars

If you have a school-age child, there’s probably something too heavy in your house. Before you makeyour kid jump on the scale, lift up her backpack. Chances are it’s bulging to the point of being a healthhazard. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, more than 7,000 emergency

room visits a year are related to book bags.“Heavy backpacks not only cause back, neck and shoulder pain, but they can also contribute

to poor posture,” said Michael Tidwell, M.D., director of the Pediatric Orthopedic Center at Bap-tist Children’s Hospital. “And when children are compensating for a heavy load by leaning back orto the side, they are more prone to tripping.”

Here are some therapist-recommended tips on safe backpack carrying: Use both shoulder straps.Don’t hang the backpack low on the body. Place heaviest items at the back of the bag. Never drape abook bag over one shoulder. Other tips: Encourage your child’s school to provide duplicate sets ofbooks. Roller backpacks, if allowed, can help. Just be sure your child pulls it close and pushes the handle in when it’s not in use.

Check with your pediatrician if your child regularly complains of neck, shoulder or back pain.

Meaghan Sylver, 9,wears a backpack thecorrect way.

Heavyweight issue: Backpacks

Sometimes, the littlest patients needmajor surgery. But thanks to new,less invasive techniques, they don’t

always have to have huge scars.Ryan Cimino is proof. He was born

at Baptist Children’s Hospital on May 8with a tracheoesophageal fistula, a birthdefect of the esophagus and trachea thataffects about one in every 6,000 new-borns. Because of the deformity, milkwent to Ryan’s lungs instead of hisstomach. Immediately after Ryan’s birth,doctors knew the baby had a problembecause they were not able to suctionhis airway properly. X-rays revealed hedid not have a normal connectionbetween his mouth and stomach.

Traditional surgery would havemeant a large chest incision, but twodays after birth, Ryan had just tiny scars to show for his ordeal. Raleigh Thomp-son, M.D., chief of pediatric surgery atBaptist Children’s Hospital, performedan endoscopic repair on baby Ryan.

If you’re familiar with laparoscopicsurgery, the idea is the same. Tinyinstruments, one with a camera on itsend, are inserted through incisions just 3 millimeters long. Doctors view theinside of the body on a monitor and,using small instruments, stitch the inter-nal organs in their proper place.

This was the second time Dr. Thomp-son has performed this less invasive sur-

gery, and he said he does not know ofother surgeons in South Florida usingthe new technique.

“This is a significant surgicaladvance,” Dr. Thompson said. “Tradi-tional surgery required us to make along chest incision, spread the ribs andmove the lungs. The technology hasevolved so that we can use tiny equip-ment. The babies make a faster, lesspainful recovery with less chance ofcomplication.”

“It’s a miracle,” said Edith Cimino,Ryan’s mother. “Within a week, he waseating. He’s gained weight and is doinggreat. The pain and suffering he wouldhave had to go through with the olderway of surgery would have been tremen-dous. We realize what an extraordinarything this is.”

Two weeks after surgery, Ryanjoined Mom and Dad and big brotherGabriel at home.

— Adrienne Sylver

Raleigh Thompson, M.D., with Edith and Louis Cimino, parents of baby Ryan.

R E S O U R C E 9

ResourceKidstuff: BCH Pre-

sents

Join the parenting experts atBaptist Children’s Hospital forenlightening conversation and practi-cal advice. Each program is held inthe auditorium and costs $5. Youmust reserve your space by calling786-596-3812.

End the Homework HasslesThursday, Sept. 22, 7-9 p.m.School’s in full swing and so are

your child’s homework tantrums. Isthere too much work? Isit too difficult? Orcould your childjust be giving youa hard time? Joinchild psychologistGary Lancelotta,Ph.D., as he helpsyou develop a routineand techniques to avoid homeworkhassles. For parents of school-agechildren.

Children’s Health DaySunday, Oct. 23, 1-4 p.m.It’s our annual, frightfully fun

health day for kids. Free. Join us incostume. No RSVP necessary. Seepage 2 for more information.

Toughing Out the Teen YearsThursday, Nov. 10, 7-9 p.m.Acne. Dating. Driving. Drugs.

The teen years can be tough for par-ents and kids alike. Learn more aboutsetting limits while encouragingresponsibility; commonhealth problems andbody changes; deal-ing with peer pres-sure, drinking anddrugs; and more.Our expert panelincludes Judith Crow-ell, M.D., dermatologist;Richard Toister, Ph.D., psychologist;Tony Tavarez, M.D., pediatric emer-gency physician; and Peggy Sapp,president and CEO of Informed Fam-ilies. For parents of teens.

BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PRESENTS

8900 North Kendall Drive

Baptist Children’s HospitalBAPTIST

Balancing act for kids

South Miami Hospital’s Child Development Center offers an eight-week yoga-style exercise program for children ages 8-12 with physical limitations or specialneeds, who also may have emotional, behavioral, weight or attention issues.

The exercises, taught by an occupational therapist certified in yoga, com-bine breathing, stretching and body alignment to increase physical strength

and endurance. Children also learn meditation to improve cognitive skillsand concentration.

Classes meet twice weekly during each eight-week session at the cen-ter, 5975 Sunset Drive. Parents join the last four classes to learn exercises

for home. The program costs $375. To register, call 786-662-5080.— Bethany Rundell

Babies reunite for fun and gamesMost of the children in this “graduating” class have few teeth, don’t

know how to read or write and face potty training in their future. Thegrads are babies, toddlers and young children who were cared for at theneonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Baptist Children’s Hospital orSouth Miami Hospital. Now, they’re invited to celebrate their progresswith their caregivers at our free annual NICU reunions.

• South Miami Hospital NICU Reunion — Sunday, September 18, 1-4p.m., Victor E. Clarke Education Center. RSVP to 786-662-4295.

• Baptist Children’s Hospital George Batchelor/Gloria Vasta LewisNICU Reunion — Saturday, November 12, 1-4 p.m., lakeside at BaptistChildren’s Hospital. RSVP to 786-596-2810.

Preemie boy follows his sister’s lead

Baby Louis Bienes, like his adoringbig sister, 4-year-old Margaret, wasborn four months premature,

weighing just about one pound. And likeMargaret, Louis spent the first fourmonths of his life at the George Batche-lor and Gloria Vasta Lewis NeonatalIntensive Care Unit at Baptist Children’sHospital. They were cared for by many ofthe same neonatal nurses and doctors.On May 21, parents Cynthia and LuisBienes took baby Louis home to theFlorida Keys. Weighing only 456 grams(just barely one pound), Margaret wasthe smallest baby born at Baptist Children’s Hospital to go home healthy. Louisweighed 521 grams (1.15 pounds) at birth and nearly eight pounds when he wenthome — still on oxygen but doing well. “The doctors and nurses made it nearly easythis time around. They’re like family to us,” Ms. Bienes said. “We’re very, verylucky. Louis beat the odds, just like Margaret.”

— Patty Shillington

Harriet Pomerantz, R.N., cared for both baby Louis Bienes and his sister,Margaret, 4.

10 R E S O U R C E

HERE&THERE

Baptist Hospital is the third hospitalin the world to install a new hybrid imaging machine called

SPECT/CT, which gives doctors unprece-dented information to diagnose heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions.

The machine combines the technol-ogy of computed tomography (CT) witha type of nuclear imaging called singlephoton emission computed tomography(SPECT). A CT gives clear views of thebody’s internal structures. With nuclearimaging, a radioactive tracer is injectedinto or swallowed by the patient. Thisallows doctors to see how cells andorgans are functioning, which is vitalinformation for diagnosing disease.

“Having the CT image with thenuclear image allows us to have moreaccurate anatomic information for dis-ease assessment,” said Warren Janowitz,M.D., medical director of nuclear medi-cine and molecular imaging at BaptistHospital. “It simultaneously gives us thenuclear and the CT images.”

The result: A quicker, more accurate

diagnosis and treatment plan.“Often if we look at a nuclear scan

and see an abnormality, we can’t alwaystell where it is because the resolution ofa nuclear scan is not as good,” Dr.Janowitz said.

“This way, we can have the CT super-imposed on the nuclear scan and we canimprove the diagnostic accuracy.”

For example, the SPECT/CTimproves coronary artery and otherheart-related imaging. It also improves

Flu vaccines offeredOne way to stay healthy this

winter is to get vaccinated againstthe flu. People over age 65 espe-cially are urged to get a flu shot, aswell as pregnant women and peoplewith chronic medical conditions orweakened immune systems.

Baptist Outpatient Services willgive flu vaccines by appoint-

ment between Octoberand December on Satur-days at Baptist Medical

Plazas at Doral, 9915 NW41 Street; at Palmetto Bay,8750 SW 144 Street; atWestchester, 8840 Bird Road;and at West Kendall, 13001

North Kendall Drive.The vaccination costs

$22. To schedule an appointment,or for more information on datesand locations, call 786-573-3755.

Baptist Health’s charity care program was honored in May with a Health CareHeroes award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The charitycare program won in the institution/program category.

Baptist Health has responded to thedeepening nationwide healthinsurance crisis by expand-ing its charity care pro-gram. In 2004, under theauspices of Baptist Health’sPastoral Care Department, thecharity care program gave $93 million in freeservices to uninsured patients who qualified — a 60 percent increase from 2003.

“We believe Baptist Health’s charity care program is a model in the industry,”said Brian E. Keeley, Baptist Health president and CEO.

The program also partners with community healthcare initiatives. BaptistHealth’s Congregational Health Alliance Ministry Program promotes health andwell-being through faith-based programs such as preventive care, health screenings,home visitation of the sick and support groups.

“Baptist Health has gone far beyond any obligation to meet the needs of the unin-sured and underinsured,” said Daniella Levine, executive director of the Human Ser-vices Coalition of Dade County.

Baptist Hospital leads way with imaging

A SPECT/CT image reveals both organ function and precise views of the internalbody, uniting the benefits of two types of digital scans.

Charity care program honored

R E S O U R C E 11

Baptist Health‘most wired’

For the fifth time, Baptist Health hasbeen named to Hospital and HealthNetworks magazine’s list of “100

Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems.”

“We are investing heav-ily in information technol-ogy, spending more than$250 million between nowand 2010 on improve-

ments,” said Baptist Health CEO BrianE. Keeley. “Over the long run, theseinvestments will dramatically improvequality and patient care.” A good exam-ple of new technology in use at BaptistHealth facilities is filmless radiology. Doc-tors can view digital images on comput-ers from any location, virtually as soon asthe test is done. (See story on page 4.)

g machineongoing and follow-up care for patientswith prostate and thyroid cancer.Down the line, it’s expected to be ableto pinpoint other cancerous tumors.

Other uses for SPECT/CT includebone scans for sports injuries, liver andgall bladder scans and scans for someforms of infection.

In about five years, Dr. Janowitz esti-mated, SPECT/CT also will play a cru-cial role in the emerging field of molec-ular imaging for gene therapy. Doctorsmay be able to determine if gene ther-apy is working by using the new imag-ing technology to label molecules in thebody with radioactive tracers.

“Often we can’t tell what’s goingon with gene therapy unless we knowthe gene has taken hold where it hasbeen injected in the body. To ade-quately do those types of studies, we’regoing to need a SPECT/CT for theincreased anatomic accuracy,” Dr.Janowitz said. “We’re not sure what’sgoing to turn out, but we envisionother applications.”

— Patty Shillington

8:30 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast

9-10:30 a.m. Physician Panel Discussion moderated by television newscasters Diana Gonzalez in English and Sandra Peebles in Spanish

❤ Prevention and risk modificationCardiologist Theodore Feldman, M.D. - English Cardiologist Armando Garcia, M.D. - Spanish

❤ Signs, symptoms and diagnosisVascular surgeon Steven Kang, M.D. - EnglishCardiologist Romeo Majano, M.D. - Spanish

❤ Treatment optionsVascular surgeon James Burks, M.D. - EnglishInterventional radiologist Julio Baquero, M.D. - Spanish

10:30 a.m.- Free screenings, including PVD, cholesterol, diabetes, blood 12:30 p.m. pressure and lung capacity

Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 786-662-5050.

South Miami Hospital • U.S. 1 and SW 62 Avenue

KEEP YOURSELF IN CIRCULATION

The Link Between Vascular Disease and Your Heart

September 17 - EnglishOctober 1 - Spanish

It may start as pain in your legs, but peripheralvascular disease (PVD) doesn’t stop there. PVD— the buildup of plaque inside the arteries —affects blood flow throughout your body. Over

time, it can affect your heart andincrease your risk of heart disease

and stroke. Come to a free program

presented by South Miami Heart Center. A panel of cardio-

vascular specialists will discuss ways to recognize, prevent and treat PVD. Plus you’re

invited to take part in heart-related screenings.

NBC6 Health ReporterDiana Gonzalez

Channel 23 AnchorSandra Peebles

Richard Felder, who lives overseas,developed symptoms of a ruptureddisc in his upper spine. A bone-deep

ache crushed his shoulder. Pain shotdown his weakened left arm. His fingerstingled.

He came to Miami, his parents’home, for medical care. After an opera-tion at Baptist Hospital, Mr. Felder, 47, isgrateful for what’s missing in his life.

No more pain, weakness or tingling,now that neurosurgeon Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, M.D., removed the offending discin cervical fusion surgery. “It was healedalmost immediately,” Mr. Felder said.“It’s a miraculous thing.” And there’s nometal plate screwed into his sixth andseventh cervical vertebrae, which is theconventional way to help fuse thesebones.

Instead, Dr. Gonzalez-Arias is the firstneurosurgeon in South Florida to use a newly developed pieceof clear plastic that holds in place a bone graft between two ver-tebrae in the neck until they grow together. Then, after about18 months, the plastic disappears from the body, long after thebones have fused and the implant is no longer needed.

The implant is less than an inch wide and about a coupleof inches long. It’s made of polymers that ultimatelybreak down into carbon dioxide and water, and leave

the body through the lungs and urine. The same proven tech-nology has been used for skull surgery in children.

“Now it’s been adapted to the cervical spine,” Dr. Gonzalez-Arias said. “It’s a very innovative technique.”

The benefits during and after the surgery are many.The spinal fusion takes place within 12 weeks. After that, no

plate is needed. But the titanium plate that is usually usedremains in the body, occasionally causing complications. “Thisplastic implant eliminates the potential risks that can occurwith a metal plate,” the neurosurgeon said. “A screw canbecome dislodged. The plate can disengage and create prob-lems for the esophagus. With this new technology, there’s noforeign body remaining in the patient.”

The see-through plastic gives the surgeon a better view ofthe vertebrae during surgery. And the plate is custom-fit,

unlike titanium. In the operating room,the plastic plate is immersed in hotwater, making it bendable. “Then youcan contour the plate perfectly to thepatient’s anatomy,” Dr. Gonzalez-Ariassaid. After it cools to body temperature,the plate permanently stiffens.

The plastic implant is transparenton X-rays, creating imaging views ofthe vertebrae during and after surgery.The plate and plastic screws includepinpoint-size radiographic markers thatshow up on X-rays to verify properplacement.

After his summertime recuperation, Mr. Felder plannedto return with his wife and three sons to Baku, Azerbaijan,where he works for a training company. “I really feel blessedthat I could come from over there and have this surgery.”

The plastic polymer will no doubt figure in more medicaladvances. “As the technology improves and we learn moreabout it,” the neurosurgeon said, “we’ll see more applicationsin other parts of the body.”

— Patty Shillington

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 6813Miami, FL

Change service requested6855 Red RoadCoral Gables, Florida 33143

Resource is printed on recycled paper.

Editor: Jo Baxter. Art Director: Martha Hesse. Contributing Editors: Patty Shillington, Anne Streeter, Adrienne Sylver.Writers: Amanda Gonzalez, Martha Martin-Allen, Bethany Rundell.Editorial Assistants: Georgette Koch, Dee Kodiak, Barbara Moore, Laura Pincus, Dorothy Stein.Photography: Pyramid Photographics, Mabel Rodriguez.Cover Photography: Mabel Rodriguez.Visit us: www.baptisthealth.netCopyright © 2005 Baptist Health South Florida. All rightsreserved. None of the contents of this publication may be repro-duced or transmitted without the prior written permission of thepublisher.

Vanishing spinal implant improves surgery

Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, M.D., checks Michael Felder’s armstrength a week after his surgery. The clear plastic plate(right), which dissolves, is less than an inch wide.