McLeod Health: Voices of hopeAt McLeod Health, we strive daily to improve lives and outcomes. We are...

McLeod Health: Voices of hope

Kristin Slaughenhoupt

Inside

HIP REPLACEMENT OPTION OFFERS FASTER RECOVERY

PAGE 14

McLEOD DILLON: MY HOSPITAL

PAGE 22

CARE REACHING FROM THE SKY

PAGE 20

In our communities and across the nation, we continue toadjust to an ever changing health care environment. Despiteuncertainty, we can cling to one constant, patients and theirfamilies expect and deserve the very best in what medicine has to offer. Whether it is in healing the hurting, diminishingsuffering or by providing hope through survivorship, the goalis the same – serving others with compassion and quality,rendering the most appropriate care available to those afflictedby illness or injury.

At McLeod Health, we strive daily to improve lives and outcomes. We are dedicatedto the four values of Caring, Quality, People and upholding standards of Integrity.Pursuit of excellence is unwavering, as our teams of devoted professionals commit tobest practices in the delivery of health care through superlatives in treatments andresearch, updating and enhancing our facilities for comfort and seeking to incorporatestate of the art technology to conquer disease and restore wellness.

It is a privilege to serve the people of our 15 county region, in both South Carolinaand North Carolina. Our five hospitals, McLeod Dillon, McLeod Darlington, McLeodLoris, McLeod Seacoast and McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, seek to begateways for the best in medical care for more than a million residents. Each patient isimportant and unique. Together, we face the medical challenges, travel on the journeyto better health, and celebrate the victories. Daily, we listen to the voices of hope. Pleasejoin us in this issue of McLeod Magazine as others generously share their stories.

Rob Colones,

President, McLeod Health

Views

Rob Colones

4 NEW CENTER FOR CANCER TREATMENT AND RESEARCH TO OPEN IN 2013

5 2012 McLEOD HEALTH CANCER REPORT

A REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN

GUIDING PATIENTS DURING THEIR CANCER JOURNEY

THE McLEOD CANCER CLINIC: HELPING THOSE IN NEED

9 AN EVENING OF HOPE

10 IMPROVING PATIENT CARE ONE PROCEDURE AT A TIME

14 HIP REPLACEMENT OPTION OFFERS FASTER RECOVERY

16 TEAMING UP WITH HEART AND VASCULAR

18 HELPING PATIENTS BREATHE EASIER

20 CARE REACHING FROM THE SKY

22 McLEOD DILLON: MY HOSPITAL

24 HEALING THROUGH SERVICE

26 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY COMING TO McLEOD SEACOAST

28 CREATING VITAL CONNECTIONS

31 NEW DEVICES HELP CARDIAC PATIENTS

32 McLEOD NEWS

39 McLEOD WELCOMES THESE PHYSICIANS

42 McLEOD WELCOMES THESE RESIDENTS

is published by

McLeod Health, Florence, S.C.

Rob ColonesPresident and CEO, McLeod Health

Jumana A. SwindlerEditor, Vice President of Communications

& Public Information

Tracy H. StantonCo-Editor, Coordinator of Publications

Contributing Writers:Christy Allsbrook, Jenna F. Cox, Leah M. Fleming,

Rachel T. Gainey, Kristie S. Gibbs, Jessica Wall, and Tammy White

Photographers:Sidney Glass, Chief Photographer

Doug FraserMedia Source 1, Inc.

Design and Printing:Sheriar Press, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

©2012 by McLeod Health.All rights reserved. For permission to reprint,

contact McLeod Publications.(843) 777-2592 • www.mcleodhealth.org

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Voices of Hope: Listen to these individuals share their personal or family experiences about compassionate and exceptional cancer care at McLeod.

Click on the QR code to watch each touching story.

Johnnie Evans Shaw Thompson Toy Nettles Dick Frate Rebecca Thompson Robin Thompson Jeannette Glenn

On the Cover:Kristin Slaughenhoupt, a cancersurvivor, expresses her appreciationto McLeod caregivers. Join her andothers in this dynamic video ofcourage and hope.2

The center plans to bring theoutdoors inside. Natural light, greeneryand trees, and a wall of cascading waterwill inspire, sooth and comfort patientsand family members. In addition, thefinishes feature warm wood and pastelcolors as well as a “river runs through it”pattern on the flooring.

For those patients receiving infusionservices on the first floor, they can lookout the rounded glass to view a gardenenclosed by a second water wall oftranquility. This wall allows patients tofocus on the beauty of the garden andwater feature rather than traffic andparking.

The center is designed to provideinnovative multi-disciplinary care, ease of access to appointments

with McLeod Oncologists andPulmonologists on the second floor, andparticipation in research trials as well ascancer treatment, all in one location.

The McLeod Radiation Oncologydepartment, which is currently part ofthe space where the McLeod Center forCancer Treatment and Research is beingconstructed, is also being renovated. In addition, a new “super” linearaccelerator specifically designed forStereotactic Radiosurgery is beinginstalled. Stereotactic Radiosurgery(SRS) is an image-guided procedure fornon-invasive treatment of tumors as wellas nerve conditions. Advantages of this

linear accelerator include the degree ofprecision it offers, and the rapid doserate it delivers which will allow the staffto administer a very large dose ofradiation in a short amount of time tothe brain and other organs in the body.In addition, this technology minimizesharm to healthy tissue and critical areassuch as the spinal cord and lungs.

The concourse connecting theCancer Center to the McLeod Tower alsooffers patients and visitors access to alibrary, pharmacy, and the McLeodColor Me Pink Boutique in addition to other amenities.

The McLeod Center for CancerTreatment and Research is scheduled

to open in the Summer of 2013.

The McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research is currently under

construction on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center. This new facility

is being designed to offer an environment dedicated to the physical and emotional

needs of cancer patients and their families.

by Tracy H. Stanton

New Center for Cancer Treatmentand Research to Open in 2013

2012 McLEOD HEALTH CANCER REPORT

As Chairman ofthe McLeod CancerCommittee, I ampleased to presentthe 2012 CancerReport, based on2011 statistics. Thisyear, we diagnosedmore than 1,200 new

cases of cancer – our largest number yet. In reviewing these cases, we noted a

large increase in the number of lungcancer patients, which unfortunately is one of the cancers with the highestmortality. To help this patientpopulation, we added a nurse navigatorspecifically for lung cancer patients toour team in 2010. She coordinates thesepatients’ care, presents all of the data toour Cancer Conference Board, and isactively involved in research andsmoking cessation programs.

Cancer is not one disease. In fact, it is a group of perhaps thousands ofdifferent diseases which share somecommon characteristics. For this reasoncancer treatments are very complex andincreasingly personalized. At McLeod,we have a multi-disciplinary teamapproach to diagnosing and treating thisdisease. Physicians representing variousspecialties, nurses, research staff, tumorregistrars, rehabilitation therapists and nutritionists, all collaborate inrecommending treatment plans for our cancer patients, especially thosechallenging cases.

Thirty-five years later, McLeodremains the only accredited hospital by the Commission on Cancer of theAmerican College of Surgeons in thisregion of South Carolina. Commissionon Cancer-accredited programsdemonstrate excellence in various keyelements which are crucial to the multi-disciplinary approach in treatment of a complex group of diseases.

This includes offering state of the artdiagnostic and treatment facilities, amulti-disciplinary cancer conferenceboard, tumor registry and qualityimprovement programs.

While we wait for the technicaladvances to cure cancer in the future, we are fully aware that the number of patients who will be diagnosed in the next few decades will increasedramatically as the baby boomers age.

There is an increasing number oftreatment options and technologicaladvances which give us hope for a cure.Our challenge will be to delivercompassionate and high quality carecost effectively as the number of cancerpatients increases in our region. We areproud of the team in place to take onthis challenge in the coming years.

Rajesh Bajaj, M.D.

A Report from the Chairman

5

Dr. Bajaj and his colleagues with McLeodOncology and Hematology Associates. From left to right, Dr. Stuart Markwell, Dr. Michael Pavy, Dr. Jamie Smith and Dr. Sreenivas Rao.

4

7

ChesterfieldMarlboro

Kershaw

DarlingtonDillon

MarionLee

Sumter

Florence

Clarendon Williamsburg

Horry

8%

2%

17%8%

39%2%

0.5%3% 7%

4%

1%

6%

Five Leading Cancer Sites

Diagnosed at McLeod in 2011

Site Cases

Breast 279 Lung 231Prostate 176Colorectal 114Urinary 69Other 360

Total Cases: 1229

Highest Percentage of NewCases in our Service Area

10 Most Prevalent Cancer Sites Source: American Cancer Society “Cancer Facts and Figures 2011”

Breast

Lung

Prostate

Colorectal

Bladder

NH Lymphoma

Corpus Uteri

Melanoma

Leukemia

CervixUSASCMRMC

22.7% 14.5% 14.4%

18.8% 13.8% 15.3%

14.4% 16.6% 15.1%

9.4% 8.2% 8.8%

3.2% 3.7% 4.3%

2.4% 3.8% 4.2%

2.5% 2.9%

4.7% 4.4%

2.5% 2.8%

0.7%0.8%0.8%

1.4%

0.9%

1.9%


Summer Bryant-Cook, theMcLeod Lung Cancer NurseNavigator, shares a warm smilewith Lung Cancer SurvivorArchie McKenzie of Dillon,South Carolina.

In an effort to improve patient careand lung cancer outcomes, the McLeodCenter for Cancer Treatment andResearch guided by Oncologist Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, CardiothoracicSurgeon Dr. Greg Jones, andPulmonologist Dr. Vinod Jona, madethe decision to add a Cancer NurseNavigator specializing in lung cancer.

Summer Bryant-Cook works withlung cancer patients from the time theyare diagnosed, helping them with theemotional and physical issues related tolung cancer. If a patient receivesabnormal results, this McLeod CancerNurse Navigator becomes involved. She is available to the patient to makesure all of their questions are answeredand they can also reach her by pager, 24 hours a day. In addition, she attendsthe weekly meetings of the McLeodCancer Conference Board to present the cases of lung cancer patients so the

board can recommend treatmentplans for these patients. The goal

of this nurse navigator is toeducate patients in order to

empower them to make the right decisions about their lung cancer journey.

The McLeod LungCancer Nurse Navigatorworks with pulmonologists,cardiothoracic surgeons,

radiation oncologists and medicaloncologists to meet patients newlydiagnosed with lung cancer. She thenexpedites all aspects of care associatedwith the lung cancer patient. This isperformed by ensuring that patients arescheduled for the most appropriatediagnostic tests within a reasonable timeframe. After a diagnosis is made andstaging is completed, the Lung CancerNurse Navigator works with a multi-disciplinary team to develop acoordinated care plan.

The Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator: • helps “navigate” patients through

the frustration and confusion thatcomes along with medical tests and appointments.

• serves as an educator for the patientand family members

• works to educate referringphysicians and facilities on servicesoffered at McLeod

• provides emotional support for the patient and family members

• communicates with all members of the healthcare team on behalf of the patientTo contact the McLeod Lung

Cancer Nurse Navigator, please call(843) 777-5640.


Guiding Patients DuringTheir Cancer JourneyLung cancer is the most common cancer-related death in American men and thesecond most common in women, claiming more lives than breast cancer, prostatecancer and colorectal cancer combined.

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The McLeod Cancer Clinic is supported by Certified OncologySocial Worker Raquel Serrano, Registered Nurse and ClinicCoordinator Sharon James, and Registry Clerk Gloria Eaddy.

A McLeod Oncologist and CancerClinic Volunteer, Dr. Michael Pavy,explains, “A cancer diagnosis is veryoverwhelming to patients, and the lastthing they need to worry about is howthey will pay for their care. It is a veryhumanitarian service for McLeod toprovide this level of care.”

Today, the McLeod Cancer Clinicremains as the only hospital-basedcancer clinic in the state available toprovide cancer care to the underservedin this region who have no ability to pay.

The clinic provides cancer servicesincluding chemotherapy and radiationon an outpatient basis to patients in

need who meet the medical andfinancial requirements for eligibility.

Six board certified medicaloncologists affiliated with McLeod and five registered nurses voluntarilysupport the monthly clinics. Otherspecialists assisting in the care of theMcLeod Cancer Clinic patients includeRadiation Oncology, OB/GYN,Dermatology, Surgery, and Ear, Noseand Throat, who accept clinic patients at no charge or at a reduced rate. TheMcLeod Cancer Clinic is also supporteddaily by Certified Oncology SocialWorker Raquel Serrano, RegisteredNurse and Clinic Coordinator Sharon

James, and RegistryClerk Gloria Eaddy.

In order to receivecare in the McLeod

Cancer Clinic, aphysician must refer

the patient andthere must be

a biopsy proven diagnosis of cancer.Patients also must meet certain incomecriteria.

The McLeod Cancer Clinic covers:• Outpatient Services• Prescription drugs for cancer-related

treatment• Outpatient dental care that is

necessary for optimal cancer therapy• Palliative treatment for the relief of

side effects and symptoms directlyrelated to current or past cancertreatment

• Outpatient surgery procedures• Chemotherapy

Eligibility CriteriaThe patient must be a resident of

Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marion,Marlboro or Chesterfield County to beadmitted to the McLeod Cancer Clinic.

For more information on theMcLeod Cancer Clinic, please call (843) 777-6385.


The McLeod Cancer Clinic:Helping Those in NeedDuring the 1950’s, the McLeod Cancer Clinic officially opened to the community asa South Carolina state-funded program. In 2004, the state ended all funding tothe five hospitals that operated cancer clinics, including McLeod. However, McLeodHealth leaders and physicians realized the tremendous need for the Cancer Clinicand decided to continue serving patients in the region.

8

An Evening of Hope, a musical and comedy revue

where performers paid tribute to loved ones touched

by cancer, was held in the Fall at the Florence Little

Theatre. Proceeds from the event will benefit the

new McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and

Research which will open in 2013.

McLeod Oncologist and Co-Medical Director of

McLeod Cancer Services, Dr. Michael Pavy, opened

An Evening of Hope. This is McLeod Health

Foundation’s 13th Annual Cancer Benefit.

Dr. Pavy’s remarks were followed by these

talented performers and regional artists: National

Recording Artist Alicia Williamson-Garcia,

a Florence native and Cancer Survivor;

Jonathan Kammer on saxophone; Singers

Saviah Miller and R.J. Lee; Dual piano

performances and music by Mary Louise

Hill, Diane Perry, and Anna Perry; The Men

of the Lake City Community Theatre

accompanied by Robin Thompson on piano

and Cliff Gardner on flute; Singer Dayna

Slaughenhoupt; Musicians Meghana Rao,

Darby Moore, and Kristy Liao, members of

the Florence Young Composers’ Forum; a

comedic skit by Shaw Thompson

and Blake Graham; Singer Cheryl

Brown; and the Masterworks Choir

accompanied by Robin Thompson.

Thanks to the generosity of

many generous donors and

sponsors, more than $61,000 was

raised during this annual event

and memorable evening to benefit

the McLeod Center for Cancer

Treatment and Research.

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A colon resection, or colectomy, is the removal of part or the entire colon,depending on the nature of the patient’sdisease. A colectomy is most commonlyused to treat colon cancer or polyps aswell as diverticulitis, or an inflammationof the colon.

Traditionally, surgeons haveperformed colectomies through an open incision, which involves a large cut through the middle of the patient’sabdomen. This is followed by a seven toten day hospital stay. The total recoverytime from this type of procedure cantake up to ten weeks.

At McLeod, surgeons perform opencolectomies only if this procedure is theonly viable option. McLeod surgeonsprefer to use the laparoscopic approachwhen performing colectomies, whichhas been in practice for about a decade.

Under this approach, three incisionsare made, two 1-centimeter incisionsand one 5- to 7-centimeter incision. The colon is able to be removed throughthese small incisions. The morning aftersurgery, the patient is encouraged to eatand drink. Because this procedure hasmuch less physiological impact on thepatient’s intestinal system, there is amuch smaller delay in the patientresuming normal bowel function andmoving around.

The physician’s goal is to minimizethe patient’s hospital stay to three to fivedays, and the recovery time is reduced to less than three weeks.

“This is the same operation withsignificantly less trauma to the patient,”says Dr. Keith Player, a surgeon with PeeDee Surgical Group. “The laparoscopiccolectomy is a wonderful operation thathas become the standard of care.”

Dr. Amy Murrell, also with Pee DeeSurgical Group, explains, “Because of the high volume of colon resectionsperformed at McLeod, the surgeons of Pee Dee Surgical have become veryexperienced in this operation.”

According to both Dr. Player and Dr. Murrell, in experienced hands, thereis no benefit to performing an opencolectomy today if a laparoscopicapproach can be safely performed.

For example, when treating coloncancer, Dr. Murrell explains that with thelaparoscopic approach, it is still vital toremove the lymph nodes around thecolon, or the procedure is not a completecancer operation. She also emphasizesthe importance of using an experiencedand trained laparoscopic surgeon.

“We are performing this surgerythrough much smaller incisions withgreatly shortened recovery times, yet the patient is still receiving thebest outcome possible. Again, theoutcome of the operation dependsupon the experience of thesurgeon,” explains Dr. Murrell.

“The length of the operation is usually the same or less,” says Dr. Murrell. “There is also a much lowerrisk of wound infections as well ashernia and adhesion formation, whichcould lead to bowel obstruction.”

It is also important for individuals tobe proactive in regards to their health. AsDr. Player explains, “The most effectiveway people can prevent colon cancer isto follow the American Cancer Society’sguidelines for regular screenings, which

lowers an individual’s risk of developing

colon cancer.”

The goal of surgeons with McLeod Health is to offer patients improved options for surgical procedures while maintaining the highest level of care. In the case of patients requiring a colon resection, a laparoscopic or minimally invasiveoption is available.

Improving Patient CareOne Procedure at a Timeby Jessica Wall

Surgeons Dr. Amy Murrell, left, and Dr. Keith Player, right, perform laparoscopic colectomies at McLeod Regional Medical Center. This minimally invasive procedure offers patients a significantly improved recovery process.

“We are performing this surgery through muchsmaller incisions with greatly shortened recoverytimes, yet the patient is still receiving the bestoutcome possible.” – Dr. Amy Murrell

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Mr. Larry Turner is relieved to have a good reportfollowing his colectomyprocedure.

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What is a colon polyp?

A colon polyp is a small growth on the inner lining of

the large intestine, some of which can progress into

cancer. Polyps may be scattered throughout the colon

and vary in size from a few millimeters to several

centimeters.

Why is it important to treat colon polyps?

Colon polyps are important because of their known

relationship to colon cancer, which is the third leading

cancer in the United States, and the second leading

cause of cancer related death. It is well established that

most colon cancers arise from colon polyps. Identifying

and removing colon polyps during colonoscopy can

prevent their progression to cancer and ultimately save

lives.

Are all colon polyps cancerous?

The vast majority of polyps are NOT cancerous or even

precancerous. The precancerous polyp which can turn

into a cancer is called an adenoma. Usually, the larger

the size of the adenoma, the greater the chance that

there may be cancer or precancerous cells present in

the polyp. Since it is hard to determine the exact nature

of a polyp, polyps found during colonoscopy are

removed and sent to the lab for a microscopic analysis.

How long does it take a colon polyp to grow into

a cancer?

Current theories propose it will take about 10 years for

a small adenoma to transform into a cancer. That is

why the standard interval for screening colonoscopy

is 10 years.

Who should be checked for colon polyps?

Both men and women at average risk for colorectal

cancer should begin screening for colon polyps at age

50. Recent evidence and guidelines from the American

College of Gastroenterology recommend beginning at

age 45 for African Americans as this ethnic group has

demonstrated a higher risk for precancerous polyps as

well as colon cancer. If you have a family history of

colorectal polyps or cancer, or certain conditions such

as inflammatory bowel disease, you may require

screening at an even earlier age or more frequent

interval.

What causes colon polyps?

There appears to be a combination of environmental

and hereditary factors that leads to forming polyps.

Smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, eating a high fat diet,

red meat consumption, and low fiber intake are all

associated with the risk of polyp formation. The

increased risk of colorectal polyps and cancer for

smokers extends for at least 10 years after they

discontinue smoking. There are also genetic changes

that are associated with colon polyps and cancer.

Source: American College of Gastroenterology

T H E I M P O R T A N C E O F R E G U L A R S C R E E N I N G S

Regular screenings include acolonoscopy, which is recommended foradults ages 50 and older, or earlier ifcertain diseases run in the family. Withthis approach, polyps can be detectedand removed before developing intocancer.

Approximately ten years ago, Larry Turner, a 69-year-old resident of Florence, went in for a routinecolonoscopy. During the procedure, hisgastroenterologist found and removed apolyp. He returned for a follow-up oneyear later, and he received a good report.Earlier this year, in January, Larry had acolonoscopy, and his gastroenterologistfound and removed another polyp.

Because of the recurrence of colon polyps, Larry’sgastroenterologist referredhim to Dr. Player to havethat part of his colonremoved.

“Dr. Player made me feel verycomfortable about having theprocedure,” said Larry.

On March 12, 2012, Larry had alaparoscopic colectomy. He experiencedno complications, and his hospital staylasted only three days. One week afterthe procedure, Larry had a routinefollow-up with Dr. Player and remains in excellent condition today.

Larry now follows up with hisgastroenterologist, and he will haveanother colonoscopy in one year.

Peggy Lentz, an 84-year-old residentof Florence, also understands theimportance of having regular screenings.Peggy underwent a routine colonoscopy,

and her gastroenterologistdiscovered a polyp that

was not able to becompletely removed

during theprocedure.

Two years later, she had anothercolonoscopy, and the polyp had grownapproximately two inches.

Peggy had two options – continue to watch the polyp or have a colonresection. Although the polyp wasbenign, or non-cancerous, Peggy’sgastroenterologist said that it could turninto cancer. Cancer was a risk that Peggywas not willing to take, considering herson is a twelve-year survivor of coloncancer. Determined to prevent thepossibility of the polyp developing intocancer, Peggy made the decision to havesurgery. Her gastroenterologist referredher to Dr. Murrell.

“Dr. Murrell was so easy to talk toand very pleasant,” said Peggy. “She was also informative and clear abouttreatment.”

Peggy had a laparoscopic colectomyperformed on February 14, 2012. Shestayed in the hospital for five days andexperienced no complications from theprocedure. “As far as the surgery, it wasperfect,” added Peggy.

According to Dr. Murrell, patientslike Peggy are not the exception, but therule. “There is such a night and daydifference in the recovery of patientswho undergo a laparoscopic surgerycompared to an open operation.”

Larry and Peggy are testaments to the importance of having regular colonscreenings as suggested by the AmericanCancer Society. Months after theirprocedures, both are doing well andenjoying life.

“Dr. Murrell was so easy to talk to and verypleasant. She was also informative and clearabout treatment.” – Peggy Lentz

Mrs. Peggy Lentz has a new peace of mindknowing that herchances of developingcolon cancer have been reduced.

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Total hip replacement is a surgicaloption that can relieve pain and allowindividuals to live a more active, fullerlife. There are several types of hipreplacement surgery available to patients,including traditional hip replacement or minimally invasive hip replacement,according to Dr. Barry Clark of Pee DeeOrthopaedic Associates.

Hip Replacement OptionOffers Faster Recovery

by Kristie Salvato Gibbs

Today, Americans are

enjoying longer, more

active lives than in years

past. However, as people

age, their bodies change.

A lifetime of activity,

injury, normal wear and

tear, or arthritis, can take

its toll on the body. Hip

complications and painful,

stiff joints can also alter

lifestyles and prevent

many individuals from

participating in the daily

activities they enjoy.

Dr. Barry Clark, OrthopedicSurgeon with Pee DeeOrthopaedic Associates,performs total hipreplacement surgery. Dr. Clark has receivedspecialized training on theanterior approach for hipreplacement surgery.

14 15

“In a traditional hip replacement, aneight to ten inch incision is made and themuscles are split or detached from thehip,” explains Dr. Clark. “This allowsaccess to the hip for the surgery to beperformed.”

In minimally invasive hipreplacement, the surgery is performedthrough two to three small incisions.While there are several minimallyinvasive approaches to total hipreplacement, the anterior approach isbecoming more common in the care of hip patients.

“The anterior approach to hipreplacement is less invasive than thetraditional,” said Dr. Clark. “Whenperforming hip replacement surgeryusing the anterior approach, I am able toreach the hip joint from the front of thehip as opposed to the side or the back.

“Additionally, instead of cutting themuscles around the hip, I work throughthe natural space between muscles andnerves, moving them gently from side toside rather than cutting through them toreach the hip joint. This leaves the glutealmuscles that attach to the pelvis andfemur, the most important muscles forhip function, untouched. Therefore,these muscles do not require a healingprocess to recover from the surgery. Byleaving the muscles intact, the joint hasmore stability, thereby reducing thechance of hip dislocation, which is one of the risks of hip replacement surgery.”

Patients undergoing hip replacementsurgery with the anterior approachexperience less pain, a shorter hospitalstay, and a faster recovery andrehabilitation.

This less invasive surgery has emergedas a viable alternative to traditional hipreplacement. “The anterior approach

becomes an option for those patientswho meet the guidelines,” said Dr. Clark.“The procedure is primarily appropriatefor patients who are active and eager toreturn to work and their daily activitiesas quickly as possible. The patient’sreturn to normal activity typically occursin a matter of weeks as opposed tomonths.”

The anterior hip approach was firstperformed in Europe in 1947. Since that time, the technique has been refined and improvements made in theinstrumentation. The implants used have also been improved.

The decision to have total hipreplacement surgery requires carefulevaluation and consultation with anorthopedic surgeon. If surgery isinevitable, patients can rest assured thatthere are options available to help getthem back to the everyday activities they enjoy.

Signs and Symptoms that Indicate a

Need for Hip Replacement Surgery:

• Hip pain that limits everyday

activities like walking or bending.

• Stiffness in the hip that limits the

ability to move or lift the leg.

• Hip pain that continues while

resting day and night.

• Inadequate pain relief from

anti-inflammatory drugs, physical

therapy, or walking supports.

Recommendations for surgery are

based on a patient’s pain and

disability, not age. Most patients

who undergo total hip replacement

are between the ages of 50 to 80,

but orthopedic surgeons evaluate

patients individually. An evaluation

with an orthopedic surgeon

consists of several components:

• Medical history

• Physical examination

• X-rays

• Other tests like Magnetic

Resonance Imaging (MRI)

H I P R E P L A C E M E N T S U R G E R Y :

Dr. Barry Clark

17

The McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute is rich in history, dating back as early as 1956.

Over the years, the Heart Institute has evolved with the times, growing and expanding

where needed to offer the best possible care for cardiac and vascular patients.

Prior to Dr. Malik’s arrival, the region had been without full-timeelectrophysiology coverage for a fewyears. However, in a short amount oftime, the program was back up andrunning with Dr. Malik and thededicated McLeod EP staff performingdiagnostic studies and therapeuticprocedures five days a week. The growth of the EP program has also led to the recruitment of a secondElectrophysiologist, Dr. Prabal Guha.

Today, Dr. Malik has the same feelingabout the expansion possibilities withthe McLeod and Pee Dee Cardiologypartnership as he did in 2005. “Ourexpansion plan for EP and CardiologyServices is to establish clinics in smallertowns outside of the Florence area,” said Dr. Malik.

“Travel can create a challenge inaccess to healthcare for many patients,”said Dr. Blaker. “Establishing these clinicswill allow patients outside of Florence to receive the care they need closer tohome.”

The McLeod Heart and VascularInstitute cares for many hearts in theregion. As McLeod Health strives toenhance the multitude of servicesoffered in cardiac care, the addition ofthese 13 cardiac physicians to the teamincreases the level of quality heart careavailable to patients.

“I speak for all of my partners andstaff when I say we were excited tobecome a part of McLeod, so we could begin the expansion of the HeartInstitute; aligning our efforts to improvepatient care,” said Dr. Bl aker.

The physicians of Pee DeeCardiology have also joined forces with other McLeod Heart and Vascularteam members to establish a steeringcommittee. The committee’s challenge is to identify opportunities forimprovement in the care of the cardiac patient at McLeod.

“The McLeod Heart and VascularInstitute has always been a Center ofExcellence for McLeod,” said JackO’Connor, McLeod Vice President ofCardiovascular Services. “By partneringwith our physician leaders such as those with Pee Dee Cardiology, we arecontinuing to meet and exceed nationalstandards in quality patient care.”

Dr. Blaker added, “The success of ourpractice has been our ability to changewith the times; adjusting to the cardiacneeds of patients in our region and theincrease in heart disease cases. With Pee Dee Cardiology joining McLeod,together we have taken the next stepnecessary to optimize patient care.”

Teaming Up withHeart and Vascular by Tammy White

Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Alan Blaker carefullyreviews a patient’s diagnosticstudy in the McLeod CardiacCatheterization Laboratory.

In 2012, McLeod reached anothermilestone with the addition of Pee Dee Cardiology to the Heart andVascular Team.

Pee Dee Cardiology launched itshistory of cardiac care in 1986,

bringing a much needed specialty to the Florence region. The

practice, which began with onecardiologist, has continued togrow over the years, adding new physicians as the demand

increased. In 1990, Dr. AlanBlaker, joined Pee Dee Cardiology

and today serves as the ManagingPartner.

In the late 1990s, Pee Dee Cardiologyexpanded to Horry County with anoffice in Loris. A second office in LittleRiver was established with the openingof the new Seacoast Outpatient Centerin 2000.

What started as a single physiciancardiology practice 26 years ago, has now grown to a total of 13 cardiologists,interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists.

A cardiologist is a medical specialistthat deals with the diagnosis andtreatment of disorders of the heart. An interventional cardiologist alsodiagnoses heart problems and performscatheter based treatments to deploystents into the arteries of the heart toclear blockages. An electrophysiologist isa physician, who specializes in evaluatingthe abnormalities of the heart’s rhythm,or the electrical components of theheart.

Physicians in the practice todayinclude: Dr. Blaker, Dr. Thomas L.Stoughton, Dr. Anil Om, Dr. James T.Lee, Dr. W. Daniel Hardaway, Dr. Nicolette B. Naso, Dr. Evans P.Holland, Jr., Dr. Gavin M. Leask, Dr. Fred M. Krainin, Dr. Amit V. Pande,Dr. Rajesh Malik, Dr. Prabal K. Guha,and Dr. Nathan Almeida.

Dr. Malik joined Pee Dee Cardiologyin 2005. When he first arrived atMcLeod, he stated, “I believe that theassociation between McLeod and PeeDee Cardiology complements each otherwell and together we will be able toexpand the Electrophysiology (EP)services offered to the community.”

16

“We were excited to become a part of McLeod, so we could begin theexpansion of the Heart Institute.” – Dr. Alan M. Blaker

Dr. Rajesh Malik performs anElectrophysiology (EP) procedurein the McLeod EP Laboratory.

19

Getting out of bed each day can be

a monumental chore if a person

has difficulty breathing. McLeod

Pulmonologist Dr. Vinod Jonadaily sees the struggle some of his

lung cancer patients experience

to simply breathe. To offer these

patients symptom relief and a

better quality of life, Dr. Jona seeks

out new techniques and tools to

improve the care of his patients.

18

HELPING PATIENTS “These patients suffer from moreshortness of breath even under minimalexertion,” explained Dr. Jona. “Inessence, part of or the whole lung is notworking because of an inoperable masswhich is blocking air flow into the lungs.

“Their quality of life is greatlydiminished in these cases. They cannotdo anything, even get out of the bed,without being significantly out ofbreath.”

The bronchial stent is designed toprovide palliative relief for patients with lung cancer who are experiencingincreased symptoms. “However, thestent will not change the outcome of the cancer,” said Dr. Jona.

In addition to lung cancer, otherreasons a patient may benefit from astent include bronchial stricture, acomplete narrowing of the bronchus,

caused by pulmonary fibrosis orscarring of the lungs. A patient coulddevelop this condition as a result ofchronic infection, pneumonia, radiationtreatment or smoking.

Dr. Jona performs placement ofbronchial stents in the Operating Room with the patient under generalanesthesia. Using fluoroscopy, an x-rayprocedure that enables the physician to see the internal organs in motion, Dr. Jona measures the space in thebronchial tube needed for the stent. He then deploys the appropriate sizestent to the blocked area. Once the stent is in place, it expands, allowing air to flow into the lungs. Followingplacement of the stent, the patient ismonitored overnight in the hospitalwith a routine follow up with Dr. Jonain his office.

McLeodPulmonologist

Dr. Vinod Jona isdedicated to learning

new techniques andutilizing tools torelieve breathing

difficulties in his patients.

The McLeod Pulmonary Team has

expanded with the addition of

Dr. Ife M. Eruchalu and Dr. John T.

Atkins, III. These physicians have

joined Dr. Jona at McLeod Pulmonary

and Critical Care Associates.

Dr. Eruchalu is

board certified

in Critical Care

Medicine,

Pulmonary

Diseases and

Sleep Medicine.

He received his

medical degree from the University of

Nigeria College of Medicine in Enugu,

Nigeria. He completed his Internal

Medicine residency at North General

Hospital in New York, New York.

Dr. Eruchalu also completed a

Pulmonary Diseases, Sleep Medicine

and Critical Care Medicine fellowship

at Boston University School of

Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts,

and a fellowship in Interventional

Pulmonology at Lahey Clinic Medical

Center in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Dr. Atkins

received

his board

certification in

Pulmonary

Diseases,

Internal

Medicine and

Critical Care Medicine. He received

his medical degree from the

University of North Carolina School

of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North

Carolina. He completed his Internal

Medicine residency at Brooke Army

Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston,

Texas. Dr. Atkins also completed a

fellowship in Pulmonary Diseases and

Critical Care Medicine at Brooke Army

Medical Center.

Both physicians have years of

experience and are committed to

improving the care of patients with

breathing problems, ranging from

pneumonia and smoking to lung

cancer.

McLeod Pulmonary and Critical Care

Associates is located in the McLeod

Medical Plaza, 800 East Cheves

Street, Suite 200, in Florence.

For more information on these

physicians, call (843) 777-7863.

Breathe Easierby Tracy H. Stanton

A bronchial stent is designed to open theblocked airway of a patient suffering fromshortness of breath.

“The ultimate goal, when a cure isnot available, is to improve the patient’squality of life. If I can relieve theirbreathing difficulties and allow them to enjoy more time with their familyand friends, then it is worth it to me tolearn new ways to provide this level ofhumanitarian care,” added Dr. Jona.

One of the latest tools Dr. Jona isusing to help his patients breathe easieris a bronchial stent. A stent is a tinymetal tube inserted to open a blockagein an artery, blood vessel or otherhollow structure such as the trachea orthe bronchial tubes leading to the lungs.In patients who have a blockage in thebronchial tube, a stent can open theairway to relieve shortness of breath.

Patients who can benefit from this type of stent often have a lungcancer mass in the bronchial tube.

Dr. Ife M. Eruchalu

Dr. John T. Atkins, III

“I broke both my arms, my left handand fractured the front and back of myskull,” explained Bob. “I remember Kimasking me if I knew my name. She alsowanted to know who she needed tocontact for me. I asked her to call mywife Sandra, which she did once wewere in the air on the way to McLeod.”

Five minutes after landing at thescene of the accident, the McLeod AirReach Team had Bob ready fortransport. They lifted off in route to theTrauma Center at McLeod RegionalMedical Center in Florence.

McLeod Air Reach is a medical airtransport program whose primarypurpose is to provide rapid access tomedical care for critically ill or injuredpatients throughout the Pee Dee andGrand Strand areas. The crew and thehelicopter are stationed at the MarionCounty Airport providing the best circleof coverage within a 150 mile radius of its central location.

For patients with serious injuries, itis imperative that they are transportedto the appropriate medical facilityequipped to handle their care, such asMcLeod. If proper medical treatment isreceived in the first hour following theinjury, a patient’s chance of survivalsignificantly increases. This is one of thereasons why the distance between thescene of the accident and the traumacenter is so important.

Because time plays such a crucialelement in trauma care, McLeod AirReach serves a significant role. “Thetravel time for Air Reach to get Bob toMcLeod Regional Medical Center waseight minutes,” said Dr. Thomas Lewis,Medical Director of McLeod Air Reach.“The travel time by ground transportcould easily have been 32 minutesdepending on traffic. There is no

question that Air Reach can make all the difference in expediting access totrauma care.”

McLeod is a designated Level IITrauma Center – one of only three LevelII Centers in the state. The other Level IITrauma Centers are located in AndersonCounty and Horry County. One of therequirements of a Level II Center is theimmediate availability of certainsurgical specialties. Some of thesespecialties include obstetrics andgynecology, thoracic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedicsurgery, neurosurgery, andophthalmology.

Each of these specialties needs to be able to respond to the trauma alertwithin 30 minutes. Along with thesurgical specialties, Level II TraumaCenters are required to have anoperating room, including the ORTeam, available 24 hours a day, sevendays a week.

“We are fortunate to have a greatmulti-specialty group of physicians totreat trauma patients,” said Dr. MarkReynolds, Medical Director of McLeodTrauma Services. “Our EmergencyDepartment team members are expertsin caring for trauma patients. McLeod isalso committed to providing all of theresources needed everyday to be readyand available for trauma care at amoments notice.”

“The injury that the physicians weremost concerned about was my brainbleed,” said Bob. “For my head injuries, I was under the care of Dr. ChristopherParamore, a neurosurgeon withFlorence Neurosurgery and Spine. I hadthree CT scans over the course of myhospital stay to monitor the bleeding.Fortunately, the bleeding was stoppedand the injury did not require surgery.”

In the early morning hours

of July 9, 2012, Bob Bridgers

awoke to the sound of rescue

workers using the ‘Jaws of

Life’ to extract him from his

vehicle. Overhead, he could

also hear a helicopter

approaching. McLeod Air

Reach had been called to

the scene of the accident by

Emergency Medical Services.

Bob Bridgers (at center) recently met McLeodAir Reach Program Manager Kelvin Oakley andKim Hunsucker, McLeod Air Reach Flight Nurse,at the Marion County Airport. Bob is grateful tothe Air Reach team for the lifesaving servicesthey provided to him after his near fatalautomobile accident in July.

Care Rea ching from the Skyby Tammy White

Bob recalled that he had beendriving to Florence on his way to workafter a weekend in Myrtle Beach. He had no idea how fortunate he was that a new air ambulance service providedby McLeod Health had become availableonly nine days before his near fatalcrash.

As the helicopter hovered over 501preparing to land, Flight Nurse KimHunsucker surveyed the harrowingsight below. “Looking at the damage to Bob’s vehicle I was convinced theoutcome of this accident was not goingto be good,” said Kim. “But, when wereached Bob, he was alert and able totalk with me.”

20

“Air Reach can make all the difference in expediting access to trauma care.” – Dr. Thomas Lewis,

Medical Director of McLeod Air Reach

The air ambulance service providerfor McLeod Health is Med-TransCorporation. Med-Trans has been in the air ambulance service for more than 20 years. They have an outstandingrecord for safety and meet all airambulance requirements and state and federal regulations.

The aeromedical unit is a BELL 407single engine helicopter designed andbuilt for patient and crew transports. It isalso equipped with the most advancedlife support equipment. The McLeod AirReach Crew, which consists of a pilot,paramedic and nurse, are critically caretrained medical professionals who carefor both pediatric and adult patients.

“McLeod also has two critical caretransport ambulance services,” said Dr. Lewis. “Heart Reach is our coronarycritical care unit and Child Reach is a mobile intensive care unit thattransports critically ill children andnewborns to McLeod Children’sHospital.

“With McLeod Air Reach as part ofthe team, we now have another option to help transport patients to the closestmedical facility with the fastest method.Additionally, there will be times whenweather conditions will prohibit airflights and our ambulances will be aneffective alternative,” said Dr. Lewis.

“I manage the Food Lion storelocated near McLeod,” said Bob. “As anorganization, Food Lion has raisedmoney for the McLeod Children’sHospital. Through this relationship, I have been educated on the servicesoffered by McLeod. I never thought that one day I would be in need of their lifesaving care. I am so grateful toMcLeod, the physicians and staff, andMcLeod Air Reach for being there when I needed them.”

21

Rev. Gary Deese, a formerpatient of McLeod Dillon,offers spiritual care topatients of McLeod Dillonin his role as a VolunteerChaplain.

by Rachel T. Gainey

After a 27-year career in the Army, Rev. Deeseretired as a Command Sergeant Major and movedback to Fairmont, where he taught ROTC for fouryears in the Robeson County public schools.

“In 2001,” recalls Rev. Deese, “I was called byGod into the ministry. I have pastored at churchesin Robeson County, and I have served as avolunteer chaplain at a hospital in North Carolina.”

When he was in need of a new local primarycare physician, his parents recommended he go toDillon. He found a physician who diagnosed himwith chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). This condition develops when theairways become narrowed and the flow of air toand from the lungs is limited, causing shortness of breath.

“I have often heard that the first impression isalways the lasting impression,” said Rev. Deese.

“When I came to the McLeod DillonEmergency Department the first time, I was greeted with a smile and manycourteous staff members. I explained tothem that I was a veteran, had COPDand I was having chest pain.”

Rev. Deese was examined andadmitted to the hospital with a diagnosisof pneumonia. “What really struck me,and I found true throughout my stay,was that everyone here was very helpful.They were always coming in andchecking on me. Anytime I pressed thecall button, it took mere seconds beforesomeone arrived. They were all rightthere, on the spot, taking care of me.”

“A few months later, I was admittedagain. This time, I was in another area of the hospital. Again, the service wasoutstanding. One morning I received avisit from Debbie Locklair, the HospitalAdministrator. This has never happenedin any hospital I have been a patient ofin my life,” said Rev. Deese. “Mrs.Locklair said that she wanted to come by and check on me to see how I wasdoing. She told me that she would alsocheck on me later.

“I thought to myself, if theAdministrator can leave her busyschedule to come check on a patient just to see how they are doing, then I know this is my hospital. From thatexperience, I made the decision thatMcLeod Dillon would always be myhospital, and I have let my wife knowthat McLeod is the only place that I want to receive care.”

Rev. Deese continued, “In thecommunity, I hear time and again thatMcLeod is a place where people makeyou feel like family. They treat you like ahuman being and show you love, care,and compassion. This is what makespeople want to come back again.

“This level of caring also extends toMcLeod Regional Medical Center inFlorence. My father was a patient in theHeart and Vascular Intensive Care Unit.It was a stressful time for our family.However, all of the physicians, nurses

and members of management were veryattentive. We also appreciated the libertyto visit with him at all times. At the endof his time here with us on earth, thedoctors and nurses rallied around ourfamily to give us comfort.”

Rev. Deese’s parents also hadprevious admissions at McLeodRegional Medical Center. “Once, theywere each in at the same time, both for a long period of time. I was impressedwith the management and theirwillingness to engage and improveprocesses. I fondly remember the firstpatient representative I met there, Mrs. Dot Johnson. She is just a light toMcLeod and was always there to meetour needs,” added Rev. Deese.

In June of this year, Rev. Deese hadsurgery on his neck at McLeod RegionalMedical Center. He said from his pre-admit visit to the day of the procedureeverything was excellent. “When I wentinto the OR for surgery, I was on edge.The nurses gave me such comfort byexplaining everything to me andreassuring me that I was going to receiveexcellent care. After I woke up in therecovery room, the first question I wasasked was if I was in any pain. I wasassured by them that my pain would be controlled.”

When he was admitted to the floorand introduced to the care team, Rev.Deese recalls being asked if he would like something to eat. “They made mypersonal needs a priority. The entireexperience was equivalent to the service I would expect to receive in a five starhotel,” said Rev. Deese.

Last year, Debbie Locklair askedEstelle Ellis, the Patient Representativeand Coordinator of the VolunteerChaplain Program at McLeod Dillon, toextend an offer to Rev. Deese to becomea volunteer chaplain. He immediatelysaid yes. “I have been well pleased withthe role that spiritual healing plays atMcLeod -- not just with patients andfamilies but also with employees. Staffmembers of all departments ask me to

pray with and for them. In myobservations, I have found that the staffat McLeod Dillon is very professionaland also concerned about their spiritualgrowth and the spiritual well-being of others.”

In November of 2012, Rev. Deese was awarded the McLeod Merit Award,the highest peer recognition program atMcLeod Health. The honor recognizesemployees and volunteers forconsistently exceeding the standards ofexcellence and quality set by McLeodand for demonstrating cheerful andcompassionate service to others.

Today, Rev. Deese is doing well andcontinuing his ministry of providingspiritual comfort to the patients, visitors,medical staff, employees, and volunteersat McLeod Dillon.

22 23

Reverend Gary Deese has been familiar with the

McLeod hospital located in Dillon, South Carolina,

for years. As a native of Fairmont, North

Carolina, located just beyond the border

that divides the Carolinas, his parents

always received care from the physicians

and hospital in Dillon.

When an emergency arises, patients like

Rev. Gary Deese choose McLeod Dillon.

When patients are asked to rate the

aspects of the McLeod Dillon Emergency

Department (ED) patient responses place

the ED above average when compared to

other hospitals in the nation. In addition,

the majority of patients gave a positive

response when asked if they would

recommend the medical center’s

Emergency Department to their friends

and family, making McLeod Dillon the

hospital of choice for people in Dillon as

well as neighboring communities in North

and South Carolina.

More than 2,000 patients are seen each

month in the McLeod Dillon ED. When a

patient is treated at McLeod Dillon, they

are seen by a physician, on average, in

less than 55 minutes. For patients that are

not admitted to the hospital, McLeod Dillon

has consistently delivered care to those

patients and discharged them in an

appropriate time frame. The hospital

continues to implement processes and

improvements that will decrease these

times more. Teams are dedicated

throughout the year to take time out of

their daily work to focus on the flow of the

Emergency Department to constantly

improve the delivery of care.

2524

Letters from Patients and Families About McLeod Dillon

– CYNTHIA M. PERNELL

DILLON, SC

– KATHY KHALIL

HAMER, SC

As a first time patient at McLeod Dillon, I was very pleased with my care. I came through the

Emergency Department where I received excellent care. The emergency room physicians showed genuine

concern about my condition. The staff on the medical/surgical floor were also extremely nice.

They always checked to see if they could do anything for me. I could see how well trained they were.

I was treated like royalty. If I have to be in the hospital, McLeod Dillon is the place for me.– LARECE HUNT

FAIRMONT, NC

I always receive excellent care at McLeod

Dillon. The nurses are wonderful, and they

check on me continuously. During the first day

of a recent admission, a meal was delivered to

my room with my favorite soft drink.

I was in the hospital two weeks prior to

this admission and staff from Nutrition

Services remembered my name and my

favorite soft drink. They recalled this without

even seeing me. This level of caring impressed

me even more.

Our family was very pleased with my father’ s

care during his hospitalization. Everyone in each

department at McLeod Dillon was so kind and

compassionate to him and to us.

The experience in ICU and on the medical/

surgical floor was consistent. The staff members

introduced themselves and always asked if they

could do anything else for us.

I have always known from the days when

I worked at the hospital as a nurse that the people

here are wonderful and take great care of the

patients – now, the rest of my family knows.

I want to commend the OB staff at McLeod Dillon for taking such great care of my daughter, Stephanie

Moore, and her new baby girl. From her first visit with the OB doctors through the delivery, her care was

astronomical. She required monitoring, stress tests and ultrasounds throughout her pregnancy.

The morning of her delivery, the nurses were excellent. The physician and nurses explained everything in

detail. None of us, especially Stephanie, felt uneasy. They made us feel so secure. During her postpartum

care, the nurses were attentive and it showed in the care of their patients.

It was an awesome experience for a first time mother. She was made to feel special by everyone.

The entire medical staff at McLeod Dillon really made this a wonderful experience. I commend them

for a job well done.

During our experience with McLeod Dillon, my one-month-old niece, Jazmine A’dore McAllister,

was treated like a princess. The attentive team in the Emergency Department treated her as though

she was the only patient there.

We could feel their love even through their tearful eyes. As ‘Jaz’ was a Hospice patient, the staff of

every department and the physicians at McLeod Dillon shared in the family’s joyous and sad moments.

Our family will always cherish the memory of the christening ceremony held for Jaz.

The service was planned to be held at her church, but when that was not possible because of her

hospitalization, McLeod Dillon came through so that the ceremony could be held at the hospital.

While Jaz fought to stay on earth, the compassion of the staff caring for her was very comforting to us.

My family has received excellent care from all

of the staff members at McLeod Dillon.

I have used this hospital and the doctors in Dillon

for years. I trust the care we receive. When they were

younger, I brought my children to the pediatricians in

Dillon. Now, my family and I see the primary care

physicians in Dillon.

– GEORGE ALLEN

HAMER, SC

– ANNE EVANS,

FORMER OB NURSE

DILLON, SC

– LINDA LAMB

FAIRMONT, NC

Healing Through Service

2726

In an effort to continually

grow and enhance medical

services to the people in

Horry County and beyond,

McLeod Seacoast announces a

new addition to the Radiology

department coming in

February of 2013: the Optima*

MR450w. McLeod Seacoast is the only facility in the

Coastal Carolinas to install this revolutionary new MRI machine.

MRI stands for Magnetic ResonanceImaging, a non-invasive diagnosticprocedure that uses magnetic fields andradio frequencies to offer the physiciandetailed images that cannot be providedby other imaging technologies such asultrasound, X-ray and computedtomography (CT).

The safety of an MRI exam isanother positive feature. MRI does notuse ionizing radiation like an X-ray.It also offers an advantage over moretraditional forms of imaging, which are limited in how much tissue can beimaged. An MRI scan usually takesabout 30 to 40 minutes, depending onthe patient’s particular exam.

“This is a much improved state-of-the-art magnet that gives physiciansclearer, more precise pictures,” saidOrthopedic Surgeon Dr. FrederickHamilton with McLeod Orthopaedics

Seacoast. “This technology will allowphysicians to make more accuratediagnoses. Many other conditions willalso be diagnosed with this strongermagnet. A number of conditions, suchas arterial diseases will be visualizedmore exact with this new imagingsystem.”

Dr. Hamilton went on to discusshow this new system will offer patients a quicker MRI experience. “Thismachine is three times faster than what we currently possess,” added Dr. Hamilton.

The MRI is being manufactured atthe GE plant in Florence. “We havealways appreciated our long-standingbusiness relationship with McLeodHealth in the Florence community, andwe are very excited about the decision toinclude our new Optima MR450w with

Innovative TechnologyComing to McLeod Seacoast

“Advanced technology is yet anothermethod of providing our patients with excellent healthcare,” stated Dick Tinsley, Administrator of McLeodLoris Seacoast.

This innovative MRI system isdesigned to help maximize comfort forpatients undergoing MRI exams. Itoffers patients more space for utmostcomfort, including a cushion designedto alleviate pressure points. Thecomfortable, flexible GEM Suite coils

follow body contours while facilitatinghigh resolution imaging from the top of the head down to the feet.

Reginald Cooks, Director ofRadiology at McLeod Loris Seacoast,and the Radiology team are pleased theycan offer this new technology to theirpatients.

“The new MRI is the latest andgreatest that GE has to offer. Patients ofall sizes will be better accommodated,and patients who are plagued with

by Jenna F. Cox

The McLeod Seacoast Radiology Team is committed to providing their patients with a quick and comfortable MRI experience. From leftto right, Chevonne Duncan, Assistant Director; James Faircloth, RT; Reginald Cooks, Director of Radiology; Eileen Schaffner, RT and Judy Beckwith, RT.

Advanced MRI is coming tothe Radiology Department

at McLeod Seacoast inFebruary of 2013.

* Trademark of General Electric Company

claustrophobia will be more at ease dueto the more spacious structure.

“We will also be able to performprocedures at McLeod Seacoast thatpreviously were only available atMcLeod Loris, such as imaging of theabdomen and blood vessels. In addition,we are renovating the MRI departmentin order to improve the safetyrequirements needed for high fieldMRIs,” said Reginald.

GEM Suite as part of their expandingfacilities at McLeod Seacoast,” said EricHinton, Global Supply Chain Executivefor the Florence MRI Magnet Plant.

This new piece of medicaltechnology was made possible by agrant from the McLeod Loris SeacoastHealthcare Foundation. “Our localcommunity really stepped up in ourmost recent capital campaign and madethe funds possible. We could not haveprovided such a gift without theirsupport,” said Frank Boulineau, McLeodLoris Seacoast Foundation BoardChair. The McLeod Loris SeacoastHealthcare Foundation raises money toprovide McLeod Loris Seacoast withadditional resources for programs,equipment and educational needs.

The new MRI system will beunveiled and in service by February.

Bottled water consumed in the United States is often filtered to remove impurities.

But, did you know there is a natural filtration system in the human body that serves a

similar purpose? The kidneys are vital organs that work to filter waste, excess fluid and

toxins from the blood. However, if a person suffers from kidney failure or End Stage

Renal Disease (ESRD), the kidneys no longer function as they should and treatment

or a transplant is necessary for the patient to live.

In the United States, more than871,000 Americans were being treatedfor End Stage Renal Disease at the end of2009, according to the National Kidneyand Urologic Diseases InformationClearinghouse. Of these, more than398,000 were being treated with someform of dialysis.

The most common treatment forpatients with ESRD is hemodialysis. In hemodialysis, an artificial kidney(hemodialyzer) is used to remove waste,extra chemicals and fluid from theblood. To get the patient’s blood into theartificial kidney, a surgeon has to createan access into the patient’s blood vessels.

Dr. Thomas G. Wilson, a GeneralSurgeon with Pee Dee Surgical Group,explains, “The best access forhemodialysis patients is a vein in thearm that is enlarged by creating a fistula.An Arterial Venous Fistula is a‘connection’ surgically created byjoining a vein and an artery that allows blood from theartery to flow into the vein.

The higher blood pressure in the arteryforces blood into the vein and safelyenlarges the vein, creating a good site forthe large gauge needles used in dialysis.Over time, the fistula matures evenmore and becomes a thicker structureallowing for a higher rate of blood flow,which is also less likely to clot.”

At McLeod Darlington, Dr. Wilsonperforms a full range of dialysis-relatedsurgical procedures including fistulas,grafts, percutaneous angioplasty andpercutaneous declots.

Creating Vital Connectionsby Tracy H. Stanton

28

The team that works daily with Dr. Wilson in the McLeod Darlington

OR includes, from left to right,Kathleen Campbell, Nancy Vivian,

Lillie Mae Johnson, Wanda Scharstein, Jennifer Williams,

and Donna Weatherford. Not pictured, Sissy Drew.

“This region of South Carolina has one of the highest rates of patients with End StageRenal Disease. By increasing the use offistulas, we are improving the health of ourlocal dialysis patients.” – Dr. Thomas Wilson

29

(continued on page 30)

30 31

Surgeons, dialysis units and

nephrologists around the country are

working to improve the care of patients

with End Stage Renal Disease by

increasing the Arterial Venous Fistula

(AVF) rate to 66%. This goal is in line

with the National Kidney Foundation

Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative

(KDOQI™) and Centers for Medicare

and Medicaid Services (CMS)

recommendations.

“The fistula rate is important

because this type of vascular access

will last longer than other dialysis-

related procedures, and it is not likely

to become infected,” said Dr. Wilson.

“It is also the safest access for

hemodialysis treatment.”

The Southeastern Kidney Council

recently generated a report of all

surgeons who perform vascular access

in South Carolina, North Carolina and

Georgia. This report reflects that, in

2010, Dr. Wilson’s Arterial Venous

Fistula (AVF) rate was more than

double that of the average fistula rates

in these southeastern states. In

addition, Dr. Wilson ranked third when

compared to surgeons who performed

more than 100 access procedures

in 2010.

The Southeastern Kidney Council is

a non-profit organization contracted by

CMS as part of the End Stage Renal

Disease (ESRD) Network program.

The organization is governed and

led by volunteers who oversee

improvements to quality care and

service for ESRD patients in our area

which encompasses North Carolina,

South Carolina and Georgia.

“The part of vascular surgery I enjoy most is creating fistulas,” said Dr. Wilson. “McLeod Darlington is alsothe perfect place to perform theseoutpatient procedures.”

Dr. Wilson operates daily with theMcLeod Darlington OR Team whoalways put the patients at ease and makesure their experience is top notch. Many of these staff members workedalongside Dr. Wilson’s father, the late Dr. John Wilson. The staff has supportedDr. Tommy Wilson in the OR since hebegan performing surgery in Darlingtonin the early . Team members, who offerpatients more than 220 years of surgicalexperience, include: Lillie Mae Johnson(59 years), Kathleen Campbell (52 years),

Nancy Vivian (40 years), DonnaWeatherford (37 years), Florence “Sissy”Drew (28 years), Jennifer Williams (3years), and Wanda Scharstein (2 years).

Dr. Wilson has cared for patients inDarlington and Florence for 30 years. Inaddition to the outpatient surgery andendoscopy procedures he performs atMcLeod Darlington, Dr. Wilson alsooperates at McLeod Regional MedicalCenter performing all types of generalsurgery procedures including fistulas.

“This region of South Carolina hasone of the highest rates of patients withEnd Stage Renal Disease. By increasingthe use of fistulas, we are improving thehealth of our local dialysis patients,”added Dr. Wilson.

Surgeon Dr. Tommy Wilson operates at McLeod Darlington, as well as McLeod RegionalMedical Center in Florence.

For patients who are waiting for a hearttransplant, the Ventricular Assist Device(VAD) assists the heart with its pumpingcapabilities, allowing the patient toremain out of the hospital.

The physicians of the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute now have two new devices

available for the treatment of patients whose hearts are in need of pumping assistance.

New Devices Help Cardiac Patients by Tammy White

Ventricular Assist DeviceFor patients whose hearts are too

sick or too weak to work on their own,

a ventricular assist device (VAD) is now

available at McLeod. VAD is a heart

pump that offers circulatory assistance

when the heart cannot maintain

adequate circulation to the body.

The device is surgically attached to

the heart by a McLeod Cardiothoracic

Surgeon. The pumping component of

the system is placed outside of the

body, resting on the abdomen.

Patients who benefit from this

life saving device include those

awaiting heart transplantation or

those experiencing difficulty with

recovery after open-heart surgery.

The ImpellaMcLeod Interventional Cardiologists

and Electrophysiologists are now able to

treat patients who were once potentially

ineligible for interventional cardiac

procedures such as the placement of

stents and electrophysiology procedures

like Ventricular Tachycardia ablation,

due to the excessive risk the procedure

would place on their heart. A new

device designed to provide temporary

circulatory support and reduce the

workload of the heart muscle is now

being used by the physicians of the

McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute.

This device, the Impella, is a heart pump

that is able to increase cardiac output

for patients whose heart would be

unable to tolerate the stress of an

interventional cardiac procedure.

The Impella is inserted through the

femoral artery, an artery in the groin

area. Using a standard catheter

wire, the pump is guided up to the

heart and into the left ventricle.

Once in place, the Impella works

by pulling the blood from the left

ventricle out to the aorta. The

aorta transports the blood from

the left ventricle and distributes it

through the rest of the body.

This short-term device provides

extra support to the heart during an

interventional cardiac procedure,

thereby reducing any potential negative

outcomes.

At times, patients with a weak heart

have difficulty being weaned off the

bypass machine, the machine that

pumps for the heart during surgery, and

a VAD can provide much needed rest

to the heart while it recovers. The VAD

system is powered by a portable Driver

that runs on either electricity during

home use or rechargeable batteries

outside of the home.

With the VAD, patients with weak

hearts in need of medical support

have the opportunity to live their lives

outside of the hospital with marked

improvements in their quality of life.

Artwork reprinted with the permission of Thoratec Corporation.

The Impella, the “world’s smallest heartpump,” is a temporary device that is ableto perform part of the heart’s work forpatients whose hearts have difficultypumping blood throughout the body.

McLeod News McLeod News

32 33

McLeod Oncology Unit Recognized Nationally

The Inpatient Oncology Unit ofMcLeod Regional Medical Centerrecently received national recognitionfor their efforts to improve patient care.

The team was honored with a 2012Professional Research Consultants(PRC) Achievement Award. This awardrecognizes organizations at the hospital,facility, department, or unit level thathave enhanced their patients’perception of care.

The department was also featured ina seven-page article in PRC’s Fall 2012publication, The Edge. Teira Gunlock, aClient Education Consultant with PRC,visited McLeod in the summer of 2012to write the article, “The Artful PatientExperience.”

Gunlock stated, “MRMC’s oncologyunit, which serves northeastern SouthCarolina, is a bright spot – a unit thathas dramatically improved patientperception scores despite the sameobstacles as other hospitals (i.e.shrinking reimbursement, increasedcompetition, etc.).”

In fiscal year 2008, about half of theHCAHPS or Hospital Compare resultsfrom this unit were below the 50thpercentile. In fiscal year 2012, almost all HCAHPS measures were at the 95th percentile.

The dramatic improvement inpatient satisfaction scores came after aService Excellence initiative was held inthe Spring of 2011 to scrutinize thequality of patient care on the inpatientoncology unit, and how that care wasdelivered, reported Pamela Elliott,Associate Vice President of McLeodCancer Services.

Most patient survey questions askabout the consistency of behaviorsusing a scale of “Always, Usually,Sometimes, or Never.”

“The scale measures consistency, butconsistency from patients’ perspectives.In other words, it’s not enough tosimply perform an activity; you have to perform the activity in a way thatconnects with patients,” said Gunlock.

“During my visit, I found that careprovided on MRMC’s oncology unit is not simply consistent in terms ofHCAHPS measures, it is artful,” saidGunlock.

Creating an experience for thepatient is key to improvement, shecontinued. “When providers movebeyond delivering a service to touching

the hearts of patients, they create anexperience.”

Gunlock said the team workingtogether in the McLeod Oncology Unit exemplifies this notion.

“Leadership goes beyondpromoting clinical skills andperforming tasks to promotingcompassion. Patient satisfaction scoreson this unit have made great jumps, butthe improvement hasn’t simply beenabout doing more tasks, but doingthem in a memorable way that connectswith patients. The tasks and technicalityof patient care are certainly present, but it is the presence of warmth that’sextended to colleagues and patients thatmake this environment impressive,”added Gunlock.

McLeod to launch innovative health website IN NEW YEAR

In the new year, McLeod Health willlaunch a newly redesigned website.

With a fresh look, the McLeodHealth website will offer special featuresto enhance all aspects of the user’sexperience, such as the ability toconveniently adjust the font size on

the page, easier site navigation to moreefficiently locate information andextensive health information videolibraries.

Through the new site, you will beable to quickly access informationabout any of our five facilities,

including interactive maps anddirections, as well as in-depth detailsabout the services and physicians ofMcLeod Health.

Take time to visit the new website in 2013.

At center, Judy Bibbo, Vice President of Patient Services at McLeod Regional MedicalCenter; Brandy Reed, Director of the McLeod Oncology Unit; and Pamela Elliott, AssociateVice President of McLeod Cancer Services, share the recognition for improvement with the committee involved in the Service Excellence initiative. Other members in back, left to right, Barbara Brooks, Stacey Holley, Sandra Burley, Larry Adams, Tom Pietila, Teira Gunlock and Teresa Dullaghan.


Members of the Orthopedic Unit and Rehabilitation Services celebrate their positive impact on patients who need total hip and total kneereplacements. McLeod Regional Medical Center has been certified as a Center of Excellence for Total Hip and Total Knee ReplacementSurgery by The Joint Commission.

34 35

McLeod Regional Medical Center Recognized as a Center of Excellence for

Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Surgery

McLeod Regional Medical Centerhas earned The Joint Commission’sGold Seal of Approval for its Total Hip and Total Knee ReplacementOrthopedic Programs.

Through a collaborative team effort,the staff of Orthopedics, Surgery,Rehabilitation, and Home Health along with physician champion, Dr. Pat Denton of Pee DeeOrthopaedic Associates, received anoutstanding report following thesurvey.

“With Joint Commissioncertification, we are making asignificant investment in quality on aday-to-day basis from the top down,”

said Beki Cooley, Associate VicePresident of McLeod Human MotionSpecialists. “Accreditation also providesus with a framework to take ourorganization to the next level and helpscreate a culture of excellence. AchievingJoint Commission certification in total hips and total knees, for ourorganization, is a major step towardmaintaining excellence and continuallyimproving the care we provide.”

The certification endeavor was avoluntary, year-long process. The teamsinvolved were challenged to elevate thestandard of care and fine-tune theclinical practices performed each day.The primary focus was on surgery and

rehabilitation with an emphasis onpatient education and post-surgerybarriers. The comprehensive on-sitesurvey was performed by The JointCommission in 2012.

McLeod Regional Medical Center is one of only five hospitals in South Carolina certified as a JointCommission Center of Excellence inTotal Hip and Total Knee ReplacementSurgery.

In addition to The JointCommission Disease-SpecificCertification, McLeod Regional MedicalCenter is also a Blue Distinction Center for Knee & Hip Replacementand Spine Surgery.

McLeod Center for intensive care

As McLeod continues to serve theregion as The Choice for MedicalExcellence, preserving those highstandards means continually expandingboth services and facilities to meet thehealthcare needs of its patients. On thecampus of McLeod Regional MedicalCenter, the Center for Intensive Care isbeing enhanced for the convenience ofpatients and staff.

For critically ill patients, part of thehealing process is a gradual awarenessof their surroundings. The McLeodCenter for Intensive Care is designed insuch a way that the exterior glass willallow patients to re-orient themselves today and night, reducing their confusionas their physical condition improves.

When it is completed by Summer2013, the center will include 100 criticalcare beds and 20 step-down beds.

“The McLeod Center for IntensiveCare is being designed with wood andwarm colors to make patients feel likethey are in a homelike environment,”said Dale Locklair, Vice President ofProcurement and Construction.

“Studies have shown that warm,comfortable settings in which patientsfeel at home help with the healingprocess.”

Family corridors outside patientrooms will also create comforting andsoothing surroundings for familymembers where they can rest and stillbe near their loved ones, Locklair said.

Moving Hemodialysis from theMcLeod Tower to a central location inthe new center will provide easier accessfor patients in critical care areas whoneed kidney dialysis. Medical/surgicalsupplies for patient care will also beconveniently and quickly available froma new warehouse, with a loading dockunderneath the building. This newwarehouse will make the handling anddelivering of supplies more efficientbecause they will be unloaded closer to where they are needed.

An open house will be announced in upcoming months to allow thecommunity to view the unique designof the Center for Intensive Care beforeoperations begin at the new location.


3736

Partnership Creates Medical Magnet Programfor Loris High School

Board members, school leaders,parents and community members cametogether at Loris High School this Fall to celebrate the launch of a newpartnership that will bring educationalopportunities to students who areinterested in medical careers. TheMedical Magnet Program will beginduring the Spring semester of 2013.

After recognizing the need to createa program for Loris High Schooljuniors and seniors who expressedinterests in medical fields, McLeodLoris Seacoast, Horry GeorgetownTechnical College and Horry CountySchools formed a partnership to makethe medical magnet program a reality.

“This will give our students a headstart for college and career readiness,”said Dr. Cindy Elsberry, Superintendentof Horry County Schools. “Theprogram gives high school students the opportunity to earn college creditsand offers K-8 students the opportunityfor career exploratory.”

The partnership capitalizes on thesignificant presence of McLeod Healthas a leader in healthcare and a majoremployer of highly-skilled andprofessional workers. In addition,Horry Georgetown Technical Collegewill expand its multiple partnershipswith Horry County Schools by workingto develop dual-credit coursework thatmeets the needs of students who planto pursue immediate employment orpost-secondary education in a range ofmedical occupations.

“No where in the state of SouthCarolina offers a K-12 careerexploratory program,” said NeyleWilson, President of Horry GeorgetownTechnical College. “We are excited to be a partner in this program. There is a good chance a Horry GeorgetownTechnical College student will providecare for you in any of our areahospitals. We have 11 healthcare-relatedfields of study and, last year alone,graduated 400 students in thosemedical fields.”

Loris Mayor David Stoudenmirealso expressed excitement and gratitudefor the new magnet program. “This willstrengthen our community and willdraw students back to careers in HorryCounty. Loris is truly one of a kind.

As Mayor, I am pleased that McLeodHealth is helping us draw people to our area.”

Representatives from eachorganization responded with support ofthe partnership and excitement about themedical magnet program. They expressedunity in the efforts to provide educationalopportunities for students who will helpgrow and sustain these communities.

“We are looking forward to helpinggrow future healthcare careers in our ownbackyard. On behalf of McLeod Health,we express our gratitude to be a part ofthis partnership,” said Tim Hess, SeniorVice President of Human Resources andTraining. “It is an honor for McLeodHealth to be able to give back to thecommunities we serve.”

From Left to Right: David Stoudenmire, Mayor of Loris; Tim Hess, Senior Vice President ofMcLeod Health Human Resources; Neyle Wilson, President of Horry Georgetown TechnicalCollege; Dirk Gurley, Principal of Loris High School; and Dr. Cindy Elsberry, Superintendentof Horry County Schools, announce collaboration.

McLeod Hospice House Expands

Responding to the needs of thecommunity, McLeod Health completedconstruction of an additional 12inpatient rooms for the McLeodHospice House. The expanded facilitynow offers 24 inpatient rooms.

The reputation of McLeod Hospicefor care and compassion to those whoare critically ill has grown steadily,resulting in increased demand forpatient rooms since the facility openedin 2005.

The McLeod Hospice House iscurrently the only inpatient hospicefacility in the region. Without theMcLeod Hospice House, familieswishing to receive care in a similarsetting would have to travel toGeorgetown or Columbia.

The McLeod Foundation launchedan effort to raise funds to expand theMcLeod Hospice House in 2011. In addition to the 12 inpatient rooms,the expansion included two familycomfort areas and additional officespace. A new Meditation Garden hasalso been created adjacent to theadditional patient rooms to offerpatients and families an area of respite.The project has been totally fundedthrough philanthropic support.

With care centered on the uniqueneeds of the patient at the end of life,the environment of the McLeodHospice House speaks to the comfortand spiritual needs of both the patientand the family. The patient rooms arespacious, with a seating area that can bemade into a comfortable bed so that

family members can spend the nightwith their loved one. Access to theoutdoors and fresh air is also availablefrom each patient room.

The McLeod Hospice House alsofeatures a sensory garden and courtyardfor relaxation and renewal; a kitchen/dining area for families who would liketo prepare meals; a grief recoveryconference room for families and thecommunity; a family area, and a chapelfor prayer, meditation and reflection.

McLeod Hospice serves patients in Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Lee,Marion, Clarendon and Williamsburgcounties. The facility is located at 1203 E. Cheves Street, on the corner ofCheves and Ballard Streets. For moreinformation on the services of McLeodHospice, please call (843) 777-2564.

John T. Atkins, III, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Atkins received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center inHouston, Texas, where he also completed a fellowship in Pulmonary Diseases and Critical CareMedicine. Dr. Atkins cares for patients at McLeod Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates inFlorence.

William “Brad” Campbell, M.D. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Campbell received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina inCharleston, South Carolina, where he also completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. Dr. Campbell cares for patients at McLeod OB/GYN Associates in Florence.

John Chapman, M.D. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Chapman received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina inCharleston, South Carolina. He completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at East CarolinaUniversity in Greenville, North Carolina. Dr. Chapman joins McLeod Physician Associates andcares for patients at McLeod OB/GYN Associates in Florence.

Erik Dehlinger, M.D. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

Dr. Dehlinger received his medical degree from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. He completed an Emergency Medicine residency at Johns Hopkins University inBaltimore, Maryland. Dr. Dehlinger cares for patients at the McLeod Regional Medical CenterEmergency Department in Florence.

McLeod Welcomes These Physicians

William Epps, Jr., M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology

Dr. Epps received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He alsocompleted a Cardiovascular Diseases fellowship at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. Dr. Epps cares for patients at McLeod Cardiology Associates Sumter.

Jose Hernandez, M.D. Family Medicine

Dr. Hernandez received his medical degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NorthCarolina. He completed a Family Medicine residency at McLeod Regional Medical Center inFlorence, South Carolina. Dr. Hernandez cares for patients at McLeod Family Medicine Seacoast in Little River.

38

McLeod News

39

Portrait Unveiling Honors Two Extraordinary Physicians

Portraits of faculty members Dr. Hilton P.Terrell (left) and Dr. N.B. Baroody (right)now reside at the McLeod Family MedicineCenter.

McLeod Health has unveiledportraits honoring Dr. N.B. Baroody(1924-2010) and Dr. Hilton P. Terrell(1945-2009) for their years ofdedication to the art of medicine.

Rob Colones, President of McLeodHealth, acknowledged, “this is anhistoric moment in our 106-yearservice to this community, theopportunity to recognize twophysicians who exhibited lifelongdevotion to their patients and lived the cores values of McLeod Health.”

During the ceremony, Dr. E.Conyers O’Bryan shared how Dr. Baroody influenced his medicalcareer. He recalls a time, about 45 yearsago, when he had finished his medicaltraining and wanted to pursueacademic medicine outside of auniversity setting. He thought thisdream was impossible until he wasreferred to Dr. N.B. Baroody. “Whatresonates with me is his approach tomedicine, not only to academia, but to each person he cared for.

“Dr. Baroody was iconic, innovative,and brilliant. His accomplishments will stand forever, and he will always

be remembered,” added Dr. O’Bryan.

Dr. Bill Hester, Director of theMcLeod Family Medicine ResidencyProgram, shared some thoughts on the impact Dr. Hilton Terrell made onMcLeod Health. “Dr. Terrell was anexcellent role model for third andfourth year medical students. Hebecame the first real face of familyphysicians to third year medicalstudents particularly.

“He provided education, counselingand mentoring to our young learners.Dr. Terrell’s knowledge base wasprofound, and he freely gave what he knew to all he encountered.

“Dr. Terrell served McLeod Healthwell for 24 years,” said Dr. Hester.

Dr. N.B. Baroody and Dr. HiltonTerrell have left an indelible mark uponMcLeod Health, and they will always beremembered for who they were, whatthey did, and the legacy they leavebehind.

Craig Selander, M.D. Surgery

Dr. Selander received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina inCharleston, South Carolina, where he also completed a Surgery residency. Dr. Selander cares for patients at Pee Dee Surgical Group in Florence.

Bhawna Sethi, M.D. Internal Medicine

Dr. Sethi received her medical degree from University College of Medical Sciences, in Delhi, India.She completed an Internal Medicine residency at the Wright Center for Graduate MedicalEducation, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sethi cares for patients as a Hospitalist, or InpatientPhysician, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.

Marvin “Monty” Smith, M.D. Board Certified in Radiology

Dr. Smith received his medical degree from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City,Tennessee. He completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency at the University of Tennessee inKnoxville, Tennessee. He also completed a Neuroradiology fellowship at the University of Alabamain Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Smith cares for patients at Florence Radiological Associates.

Mary Smyrnioudis, M.D. Emergency Medicine

Dr. Smyrnioudis received her medical degree from Marshall University in Huntington, WestVirginia. She completed an Emergency Medicine residency at East Carolina University inGreenville, North Carolina. Dr. Smyrnioudis cares for patients at the McLeod Regional MedicalCenter Emergency Department in Florence.

McLeod Welcomes These Physicians McLeod Welcomes These Physicians

41

Emily Touloukian, D.O. Oncology and Hematology

Dr. Touloukian received her medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. She completed an Internal Medicine residency at Advocate LutheranGeneral Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. She also completed a Hematology and OncologyFellowship at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Dr. Touloukian cares for patients at Coastal Cancer Center in Horry County, and McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast.

Carol Young, Jr., M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, and Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Young received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine inWashington, D.C. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Eisenhower Army MedicalCenter in Augusta, Georgia. He also completed a Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicinefellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Young cares for patients at McLeod Pulmonary and Critical Care Seacoast in Little River.

40

DeAnn Jebaily, D.O. Family Medicine

Dr. Jebaily received her medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine inBlacksburg, Virginia. She completed a Family Medicine residency at McLeod Regional MedicalCenter in Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Jebaily cares for patients as a Hospitalist, or InpatientPhysician, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.

June Jones, M.D., M.P.H. Board Certified in Occupational Medicine

Dr. Jones received her medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan.She completed an Internal Medicine residency at Wayne State Affiliated Hospitals’ Hutzel Hospitalin Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Jones cares for patients at McLeod Urgent Care Centers in Florence andDarlington.

Joseph Kearney, IV, M.D. Emergency Medicine

Dr. Kearney received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown,Ohio. He completed an Emergency Medicine residency at Summa Akron City Hospital in Akron,Ohio. Dr. Kearney cares for patients at the McLeod Regional Medical Center EmergencyDepartment in Florence.

Marie LiVigni, D.O. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. LiVigni received her medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in OldWestbury, New York. She completed an Internal Medicine residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital inNew Haven, Connecticut. Dr. LiVigni cares for patients at McLeod Internal Medicine Seacoast inLittle River.

Kenneth Mincey, M.D. Board Certified in Surgery

Dr. Mincey received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina inCharleston, South Carolina, where he also completed a residency in Surgery. Dr. Mincey cares for patients at McLeod Loris Seacoast Surgery in Loris and Little River.

Kimberly Monnell, D.O., M.P.H. Board Certified in Neurology

Dr. Monnell received her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale,Florida. She completed a Neurology residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.Dr. Monnell cares for patients at Seacoast Neurology Associates in Little River.

McLeod Welcomes These PhysiciansEric Young, M.D. Board Certified in Surgery

Dr. Young received his medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina. He completed a General Surgery residency at Brookdale UniversityHospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Young cares for patients at McLeod LorisSeacoast Surgery in Loris and Little River.

42

Naceme Azizzadeh, D.O. received her B.S. inBiology from the University of South Carolina inColumbia, South Carolina, and her medical degreefrom the Philadelphia College of OsteopathicMedicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Charles Coones, M.D. received his B.S. inBiology from the University of Tennessee in Martin,Tennessee, and his medical degree from theUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center inMemphis, Tennessee.

Kyle Gehres, D.O. received his B.A. in Biologyfrom Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and his medical degree from the Philadelphia College ofOsteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Harleston, M.D. received her B.S. inScience and Pre-Professional Studio Art from theUniversity of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana,and her medical degree from St. Louis UniversitySchool of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

Kevin Martin, D.O. received his B.S. in Biologyand Chemistry from Rocky Mountain College inBillings, Montana, and his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine inGreensburg, Pennsylvania.

Dawn McCalla, M.D. received her B.S. in Biologyfrom Andrews University in Berrien Springs,Michigan, and her medical degree from RossUniversity School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies.

Annapoorna Muthyapu, M.D. received her B.S.and medical degree from Kakatiya Medical Collegein Warangal, India.

David Shupe, D.O. received his B.S. in Biologyfrom the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia,and his medical degree from the PhiladelphiaCollege of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee,Georgia.

Jamie Spicer, M.D. received his B.S. inNeuroscience and Biological Sciences at theUniversity of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,and his medical degree from Drexel UniversityCollege of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Tomlinson, M.D. received his B.S. inCivil Engineering at Clemson University in Clemson,South Carolina, and his medical degree from theUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina.

McLeod Welcomes These Residents

Pee Dee Cardiology Joins McLeod

McLeod has set the standard for

quality heart and vascular care

in the region for more than 50

years. Joining forces with skilled

and experienced cardiologists,

interventional cardiologists and

electrophysiologists like those at

Pee Dee Cardiology, has made us

a leading source for the treatment,

diagnosis, management and

prevention of cardiovascular

diseases. For more than 25 years,

Pee Dee Cardiology has provided

patients throughout the region

with the highest quality adult

cardiovascular care possible.

Pee Dee Cardiology welcomes

physician and self referrals.

www.McLeodHealth.org

McLeod Medical Park East901 E. Cheves Street, Suite 600,

McLeod Loris Office

McLeod Seacoast Office

McLeodPhysician Associates

Left to Right: Dr. Prabal K. Guha, Dr. Fred M. Krainin, Dr. Anil Om, Dr. Rajesh Malik, Dr. Nicolette B. Naso, Dr. Thomas L. Stoughton,

Dr. James T. Lee, Dr. Gavin M. Leask, Dr. Amit V. Pande, Dr. Alan M. Blaker, Dr. Nathan J.S. Almeida,

Dr. Evans P. Holland, Jr., Dr. W. Daniel Hardaway

PRSRT. STD.US POSTAGE

PAIDDSL SERVICESMYRTLE BEACH

29577

McLeod Health555 East Cheves Street • Florence, SC 29506-2606PO Box 100551 • Florence, SC 29502-0551Change Service Requested

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