Fairfax, Virginia,  April 12, 2017 – The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health care system, today released new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide.  Inova Fair Oaks Hospital was one of 823 hospitals to receive an “A” for its commitment to reducing errors, infections, and accidents that can harm patients. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital has received straight A’s since the inception of the safety score in 2012.

“Quality and patient safety are top priorities at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We are proud our commitment to safe and reliable care is recognized by the Leapfrog Group year after year”, says G. Michael Lynch, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

“Hospitals that earn top marks nationally in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, have achieved  the highest safety standards in the country,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “That takes commitment from every member of the hospital staff, who all deserve thanks and congratulations when their hospitals achieve an ‘A’ Safety Grade.”

Developed under the guidance of an Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

To see Inova Fair Oaks Hospital’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org or follow the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter or Facebook. Consumers can also download the free Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact: Denielle Nall, Denielle.nall@inova.org

About Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Inova is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that serves more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.  Inova is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient services and facilities, primary and specialty care practices, and health and wellness initiatives.

Inova encompasses the full array of health services, including the area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We are home to many nationally and internationally recognized programs, including Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI), and the Inova Dwight and Martha Schar Cancer Institute.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.

#   #   #

Denise T. Mohess, MD, is a member of Inova Medical Group and is medical director for Inova’s Advanced Illness and Geriatric Program. She is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. Read Dr. Mohess’s profile.

If you’re like most people, you have opinions about how you’d like to be cared for in a medical emergency or at the end of your life. But if you’re like most people, you haven’t done enough to share those wishes.

Ninety percent of people say talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important, according to a survey by The Conversation Project, an organization that helps people plan for end-of-life care and the sponsor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16. Yet only 27 percent of people have actually done it.

But it’s not too late to get started. Here’s what you need to know about creating an advance healthcare directive.

What is an Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a document with 2 important components:

• It identifies a person you can rely on to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
• It describes how you would like to be cared for in the event of a serious injury or illness.

For instance, an advance directive might describe your wishes about whether you’d want to receive treatments, such as artificial hydration and nutrition or advanced life support.

Who Should Create an Advance Directive?

Often, people think that an advance directive is something they can put off until they get older. In fact, we encourage everyone age 18 and up to make their healthcare wishes official.

Accidents and illnesses can strike without warning. Making decisions about end-of-life care is difficult to do during a crisis. It’s much easier to start the process when you’re in good health and thinking clearly.

Start With a Conversation

An advance directive is sometimes called a living will. But you don’t have to hire a lawyer to create one for you.

Many free and inexpensive advance directives are available online. Inova provides free downloadable advance directives for patients in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

These documents can serve as your guide. But before you start filling in the blanks, it’s a good idea to start with some conversations:

• Talk to your loved ones about what quality of life means to you. Discuss what medical treatments are consistent with your values, and which treatments you would or would not want in the event of a serious injury or illness.
• Ask a family member, friend, pastor or other trusted person if he or she is willing to make medical decisions for you if you aren’t able make them on your own.
• Talk to your primary care doctor or other trusted healthcare provider about creating an advance directive. They can help you understand medical treatment options and the situations in which they might be used.

Peace of Mind

After you complete your advance directive, make sure to share it with your medical providers so they can keep a copy in your files. Also share copies with your loved ones so they will be prepared in case of emergency. The document won’t do any good if it’s locked in a safe where no one can find it.

Discussing end-of-life care can be difficult, but avoiding the subject won’t make it easier. Having these conversations early will help bring peace of mind to you and the people you love.

Learn more about making end-of-life healthcare decisions.

Z Chris, MD

Ruth Betru is Inova’s assistant vice president of Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare.

Z Chris, MD, is a primary care physician board certified in internal medicine. He is the medical director for virtual health at Inova. Read Dr. Chris’s profile.

Make an appointment. Take time out of your workday. Battle the D.C. Metro traffic. Find parking – all before you even set foot in the doctor’s office.

We understand that seeing a doctor for common medical conditions can be a hassle. Now, Inova is making that process a lot more convenient with Inova OnDemand.

The new service offers video visits with board-certified doctors, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our patients’ time is valuable. That’s why we’re excited to launch Inova OnDemand to make doctor’s appointments easier than ever.

Convenient Care for Common Conditions

Inova OnDemand services are available to anyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer. The service connects patients with experienced doctors who can diagnose and treat common problems with a short video consultation. The doctors can even write prescriptions as needed.

OnDemand isn’t designed to replace emergency visits or face-to-face care for serious problems. But the service is ideal for diagnosing and treating routine conditions such as rashes, headaches, stomachaches and respiratory infections, in patients age 6 and up.

In some cases, our OnDemand doctors might refer you to the office for further tests or consultations. But frequently, these routine problems can be treated with a single virtual visit.

To provide this service, Inova is partnering with American Well, a national leader in virtual health services. Using Inova OnDemand will cost a flat fee of $49 per visit. Some insurance companies may reimburse that fee. And patients with a health savings account (HSA) can use it to pay for Inova OnDemand.

Responding to Patients

It’s easy to put off seeing a doctor for minor complaints in hopes that the symptoms go away on their own. Unfortunately, if left untreated, minor concerns can sometimes turn into bigger problems. We hope that by making care easier to access, our patients will address medical concerns sooner rather than later.

As we get this new service off the ground, we’re focusing on providing care for routine problems. But we’re already thinking about ways we might expand the service to better care for patients.

For instance, we might be able to use video services to replace in-office follow-ups after medical procedures. Eventually, we hope to use digital appointments to help patients and their doctors manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and some psychiatric illnesses.

Those types of services are still in the planning stages. But as we learn more about how our patients use Inova OnDemand, we’ll design a service that will make medical care as convenient as possible for our patients.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.inovaondemand.com.

Safe Travels

Travel immunizations available at Inova Urgent Care clinics in Northern Virginia

It’s vacation season. If you’re planning to travel outside the country, there are certain things you know you need, such as a passport and a suitcase. But did you know you might also need immunizations? Depending on where you’re traveling to and what you’ll be doing, you may require immunizations that are not routinely given in the United States. Several common travel-related immunizations are:

• Hepatitis A: May be necessary for travelers visiting developing countries, particularly rural areas.
• Hepatitis B: May be necessary for travelers visiting some countries in Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean.
• Typhoid Fever: May be necessary for travelers visiting the developing world, particularly Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• Meningococcal Disease: May be necessary for travelers visiting sub-Saharan Africa or embarking on Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
• Yellow Fever: May be necessary for travelers visiting certain parts of Africa or South America.
• Rabies: May be necessary for travelers visiting countries with an increased risk of rabies, especially in dogs, such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
  Japanese Encephalitis: May be necessary for travelers visiting Asia.

If you are unsure which immunizations you will need, talk to your doctor or visit an Inova Urgent Care Center. Tell the physician where you will be traveling and residing, for how long and what you will be doing. The doctor can check to see if you are up-to-date on your routine immunizations as well. This will protect not only you, but also the people around you while you travel.

Take a Shot

Inova Urgent Care Centers offer travel medicine. To find a location near you visit inova.org/urgentcare

Stroke can strike at any time

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke cuts off oxygen to the brain, which causes brain cells to die.

“FAST”: the most common warning signs of stroke

The signs of stroke can be varied, but the American Stroke Association has created an acronym to identify the most common warning signs:

F = Face Drooping. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?

A = Arm Weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty. Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?

T  = Time to Call 911. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911.

Other symptoms can occur separately or along with F.A.S.T. symptoms, including sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; numbness or weakness in the leg, arm or face, especially on one side of the body; severe headache; and dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.

Learn about Inova’s stroke treatment, rehab and support group programs at www.inova.org/stroke

Easing Anxiety for our younger patients

To help children and families achieve a sense of calm and well-being during hospital visits, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital now offers Child Life Services.

Child Life specialists are available in the Emergency Center and throughout the hospital to ease the anxiety and stress patients and their families may experience.

“The Child Life program is key in supporting the patient and the family through the hospital process. Specifically focusing on alleviating stress, Child Life specialists help the child and family understand what is happening to them throughout the course of an ER visit or hospitalization,” says Cecilia Mortorano, Clinical Director of the Emergency Center at IFOH.

Child Life specialists are experts in child development and assist children and families by providing preparation for procedures, presurgical tours, distraction and support during medical procedures, medical and therapeutic play, sibling support, bereavement support and hands-on education about the hospital environment.

Highly Trained Specialists

Child Life specialists are highly trained professionals who are required to complete an undergraduate degree in Child Life or a related field and must pass a certification exam administered by the Association of Child Life Professionals. They must also complete a 600-hour internship before taking the exam.

IFOH has two new certified Child Life specialists: Becca Wagner, MS, CCLS, and Emily Phipps, BS, CCLS. Wagner earned her master’s degree from Ohio University and completed clinical rotations at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, and at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She has also volunteered at medical diagnosis camps both abroad and in the United States as well as at child advocacy centers.

An avid volunteer, Phipps completed her clinical training at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital. She brings extensive training in child psychology and medicine to her new position.

Proven Benefits of Child Life Services

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that Child Life Services are an important aspect of pediatric programs, helping children and families to successfully navigate their hospital experience.

“Child Life Services have been proven to help children through procedures with a decreased need for sedation and a decreased perception of pain. This ultimately allows the child to heal and go home more quickly,” says Jamie Gentille, Director of Child Life Services.

The program has been a successful addition to the pediatrics program at Inova Children’s Hospital for more than two decades, and has been in place at Inova Loudoun Hospital for seven years. Gentille is excited to see Child Life Services at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

Plan Ahead for a Pediatric Hospital Visit

For age-specific tips on preparing for a hospital stay or a surgical procedure, visit inovachildrens.org/child-life-services.

Back In The Swing

When Mickey Filipponi slipped on a tile floor and fell during a vacation last year, the pain was excruciating – but in some ways, the frustration was even worse.

At age 68, he’d experienced back and neck issues for nearly 30 years, partially as a result of a severe car accident. Aggressively pursuing sports and other activities also took their toll, he admits. By the time of the recent fall, he’d been diagnosed with six herniated discs. He’d also consulted with numerous doctors to find some relief.

“To be suffering so long with this was very difficult,” he says. “Whenever it would flare up, it impacted my whole life.”

Then he spoke with neurosurgeon Donald Hope, MD, at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. In the past, Dr. Hope had taken a conservative approach and recommended pain shots instead of surgery, but the accident changed the course of his treatment.

“We had to choose the treatment that was most appropriate to get him back to living a normal lifestyle, which means being active,” says Dr. Hope. “For Mickey, he really wanted to be able to golf again, so that was our goal.”

When Dr. Hope recommended neck fusion surgery, Mickey was nervous. “Having spine surgery is disconcerting, to say the least,” he says. “But I knew that without it, another serious injury could put me in a wheelchair.”

This type of surgery involves removing a damaged disc in order to relieve spinal cord pressure that might be contributing to pain, numbness or weakness. Mickey was a good candidate because, despite his chronic back and neck issues, he was in good general health and loved being active, which would bode well for a faster recovery.

He had the surgery on Dec. 1, 2016, and was shocked to find he was pain-free the very next day-and every day after that, too. Mickey says his neck feels 10 times stronger, and although the 68-year-old doesn’t feel like he has the neck and spine of a young man, he does feel at least a few decades younger.

“Most of all, I have less concern and caution now,” he says. “If someone pats me on the back, I don’t feel like that could throw me to the ground. I’m indebted to Dr. Hope for getting me back on track.”

Personalized Back, Neck and Spine Treatment

While his office is called the Center for Cranial and Spinal Surgery, Donald Hope, MD, says that spine surgery is rarely a first option for many patients. In fact, there’s no one-size-fits-all type of treatment that tends to work best; every treatment plan is highly personalized depending on patient need.

“We pursue the most conservative methods available, and we develop a plan that helps people live the kinds of lives they want,” he says. For some, that might mean getting back to exercise sooner, or being able to pick up a grandchild, or simply reducing pain in order to get quality sleep. Whatever the goal, Inova specialists team up with patients to deliver the most appropriate care for their needs.

Get “Back” to Your Life

Learn more about Inova’s back and spinal care options at inovaspine.org

A Good Sport

An avid hunter and fisherman, Scott Wills looks forward every year to the warmer months when he can venture out into the wilderness to hunt and fish. But last year, the 57-year-old restaurant manager wasn’t sure he would be able to pursue his outdoor passion for the first time in years.

“I’d been having pain and stiffness in my left hip for almost two years,” recalls Scott. “I’ve been in the restaurant business for 30-plus years, spending 10 to 12 hours a day on my feet. After a while, everything had become difficult because of the deep bone pain that would come and go.”

Scott’s father had two hip replacements, so he knew that he was prone to osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that leads to the eventual loss of joint cartilage. Although he knew it was time to do something about his hip, Scott didn’t want to take time away from his busy restaurant job for a lengthy recovery. It was at that point that he began his search for a physician who could help him find a solution.

Hunting for Answers to Osteoarthritis

After weeks of researching online and talking with friends, Scott found A. Brion Gardner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with the nationally recognized Joint Replacement Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. As soon as he met with Dr. Gardner, everything fell into place.

“When I first spoke with Dr. Gardner, he explained all my options. He has a very good bedside manner. He explains things well and he’s very straightforward,” says Scott.

Dr. Gardner recommended a conservative approach involving steroid injections to alleviate the pain. After a single injection, the pain vanished but returned in less than a week. Scott began taking 800 milligrams of ibuprofen daily to get through work, but he had concerns about the long-term effect of the pain medication. Having exhausted conservative therapies, Dr. Gardner recommended outpatient hip replacement, a solution that would solve Scott’s hip trouble and allow him to return to work quickly.

“Scott was an ideal candidate for rapid recovery outpatient surgery,” says Dr. Gardner. “Typically you want to make sure that someone undergoing rapid recovery surgery is physically capable of going home the same day. Scott was physically active beforehand, having run 5Ks and half marathons, so he was strong enough to get up and walk with crutches postoperatively. Plus, he wanted to return to his normal routine as quickly as possible, so he was motivated to work diligently in the recovery room to go home and start outpatient physical therapy.”

Swift Recovery with Anterior Hip Replacement

In January, Scott underwent an anterior hip replacement, a procedure that allows the muscles surrounding the hip joint to remain intact.

“The main advantages of this approach resulting in rapid recovery is you can leave the muscle intact during the procedure, and the patient doesn’t have any limitations during their immediate postoperative recovery such as avoiding crossing their legs or bending over too far. There’s less blood loss and therefore less need for blood transfusion,” says Dr. Gardner. “There’s also some evidence that suggests the overall pain immediately after surgery is less compared to the traditional posterior approach.”

In addition, Dr. Gardner and his team used a special pain treatment regimen during and after the surgery that allows for a faster recovery than traditional general anesthesia followed by narcotics.

The Countryside Calls

For Scott, everything went according to plan. After spending six hours in the hospital, he went home and was able to walk and climb stairs using a walker. Within two days of his surgery, he began physical therapy three days a week. And just three weeks after the procedure, he was going to the gym.

Today, Scott is back to working full-time, which means being on his feet for 10 hours at a time five days a week.

“I feel better than I have in years,” says Scott. “I can do everything I want to do and I’m really looking forward to hunting and fishing season.”

No Pain, All Gain

The Joint Replacement Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital offers modern pain control to help patients return to their normal routine faster and with less discomfort following surgery.

“What we do now typically is a spinal anesthetic, which limits the amount of narcotic pain medication, decreasing postoperative nausea,” explains orthopedic surgeon A. Brion Gardner, MD. “In conjunction with that, we also do a local injection inside the hip joint with a combination of an anti-inflammatory, morphine and epinephrine so when a patient wakes up in the recovery room they’re not experiencing pain.”

The result, says Dr. Gardner, is patients are up and walking around within hours of their surgery, enabling them to return home quicker and start physical therapy soon after surgery.

Learn More about Joint Replacement Options

To schedule an appointment with the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Joint Replacement Program, call 703-391-4555.

FALLS CHURCH, VA– Inova announced Somatus as its new acute dialysis provider, effective today. As a new dialysis service provider organization, Somatus’ approach to patient care aligns with Inova’s commitment to population health and the belief in early intervention and education leading to reduced chronic illness.

“At Inova, we strive to provide comprehensive services across the continuum of care to our patients,” said Jim Santry, CEO, Direct to Consumer, Ambulatory, and Global Services at Inova.  “Our partnership with Somatus is designed to enhance the quality of care and outcomes while providing dialysis patients with a seamless transition from inpatient to outpatient services.”

Somatus is committed to a new approach to the prevention, care and treatment of kidney failure patients. The leadership team has 94 years of combined experience, including management of 70 acute dialysis units, over 200 outpatient dialysis clinics, and eight physician practices.

“Somatus is pleased partner with Inova, as we work with primary care physicians to delay or prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease,” said Anthony Welters, Co-Founder of Somatus. “Through early care intervention, education, home visits, nutrition plans, and a general focus on the holistic needs of CKD and ESRD patients, Somatus is dedicated to improving the population health of the community we serve.”

There will be no disruption in care as Inova transitions to Somatus and Inova physicians overseeing dialysis patients will retain full control over their patients’ care. As part of Inova’s joint venture with Somatus, there are plans to jointly open 10 or more out-patient dialysis centers throughout the region.

Media Contact: Tracy Connell, tracy.connell@inova.org

#   #   #

About Inova
Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.

We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.  Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Fairfax, VA – August 8, 2017 – Inova Fair Oaks Hospital has been recognized as a Best Hospital for 2017-18 in the Washington, DC Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report.

The annual Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 28^th year, are part of U.S. News’ patient portal, designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for life-threatening conditions or for common elective procedures.

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital was also recognized as high performing in Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Knee Replacement.

“We could not achieve this level of success and improvement without the hard work and dedication that our staff, physicians and volunteers provide every day to deliver world-class care to our patients and our community,“ John Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

For the 2017-18 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions. In the 16 specialty areas, 146 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals as high performing across multiple areas of care.

“For nearly three decades, we’ve strived to make hospital quality more transparent to healthcare consumers nationwide,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “By providing the most comprehensive data available, we hope to give patients the information they need to find the best care across a range of specialties.”

The U.S. News methodologies include risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, patient experience, patient safety, quality of nursing care and other care-related indicators.

Best Hospitals was produced by U.S. News with RTI International, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

For more information about the 2017-18 rankings, please visit our FAQ. The rankings will be published in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals 2018” guidebook (ISBN 978-1931469869), available for pre-order from the U.S. News Store for delivery in late August.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook and Twitter.

HOSPITAL MEDIA CONTACT: Denielle Nall, Denielle.nall@inova.org

ABOUT INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM

Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.

We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.  Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

ABOUT U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings, news and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 30 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Falls Church, VA,– Inova this week named Maureen Sintich, DNP, MBA, RN, WHNP-BC, as its new Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) and Executive Vice President. In this role, Sintich will lead Inova’s Nursing Professional Practice team and six Chief Nursing Officers representing Inova’s five hospitals and nursing informatics.

Maureen most recently served as Senior Vice President and Network Chief Nursing Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey.  Before moving to New Jersey, she spent 14 years with Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While there, she served five years as Vice President of Operation and System Chief Nursing Officer.

Throughout her 20 year career Maureen has been responsible for nursing strategy including models of care, staffing standards, patient experience and the integration of Population Health initiatives.

Maureen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama; a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas-House Health Science Center; a MBA from University of North Carolina-Greensboro; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Media Contact:   Tracy Jones Connell, tracy.connell@inova.org

###

About Inova
Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine together with more patient-centric services to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.

We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.  Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Sara Negron, RD, is a registered dietitian at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Read about Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

Menopause is marked primarily by hormonal changes: decreased estrogen and progesterone production. These hormonal changes can lead to fatigue, hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, appetite changes and decreased metabolism. Women also tend to become less active when entering this phase and begin to lose muscle mass. So, what exactly should the diet look like for menopausal women?

Timing meals and portion size

The most important thing women entering this phase can do is to set a meal schedule and monitor portion sizes. This means, eating around the same times every day; whether that is 3 meals/day, or 2 meals/day with a snack between meals. Portion sizes should be the same with each meal. The MyPlate tool works well in learning how to portion meals: making half our plate fruits and vegetables, and the remaining quarters of our plate consisting of protein (lean meat, fish, or vegetarian source) and carbohydrate (rice, pasta, quinoa, bread, etc.- preferably whole grains). Setting a meal schedule and sticking with the same portions with each meal helps to curb appetite, maintain metabolism, and prevent over-consumption. Sticking to a meal schedule for regular meals and snacks may also help to prevent grazing in the middle of the night for those who have difficulty sleeping.

Keeping an eye on sodium, saturated fat and calcium

Other diet components to be mindful of are sodium, saturated fat, and calcium. Women entering into menopause should limit sodium and choose foods low and/or free of saturated fat in order to lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. A diet rich in calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis in this stage of life. In addition to low fat dairy, calcium can also be found in dark leafy greens, enriched dairy alternative beverages, and tofu.

Staying active

Lastly, it is important to stay as active as possible. Being active does not mean going to the gym every day. Being active can be as simple as taking the stairs, parking your car farther away, gardening, and taking a walk in the park. Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activities (example: brisk walking, swimming) to help burn fat, stimulate metabolism, and preserve muscle mass.

In summary, there is no diet regimen or supplement that helps to reverse menopause. A balanced diet that is low in sodium/saturated fat, and high in fiber and calcium is the recommendation.

Resources:

• MyPlate
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Convenience Counts: IORT for Breast Cancer

For women with early stage breast cancer, a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment. For some women, however, undergoing radiation five days a week for up to six weeks is fatiguing and difficult to negotiate with work and family obligations.

Now, physicians at the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Breast Cancer Program are offering a new, study-proven technique called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) that allows women to receive radiotherapy at the time of surgery. The radiation is delivered in a single dose at the tumor site where the cancer was removed. While standard radiation therapy uses external radiation to treat the whole breast, IORT delivers a concentrated dose of radiation that targets a specific area while sparing the rest of the breast.

IORT and quality of life

“Intraoperative radiation therapy provides an answer to some of the difficulties that people face when they need radiotherapy,” says Hernan Vargas, MD, Director of the Inova Breast Cancer Program at Inova Fair Oaks. “Traditionally, radiotherapy is given in small doses on a daily basis for several weeks. That can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life after surgery.”

The ideal candidate for IORT, says Dr. Vargas, is a woman over 50 who has a small tumor, has been diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer — which he says is less likely to recur — and has no evidence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

Currently, the Inova Breast Cancer Program is offering IORT through a clinical trial, since it is still being studied for long-term effectiveness. It is an option offered to select patients, says Stella Hetelekidis, MD, radiation oncologist at Inova Fair Oaks, and the principal investigator for the study at Inova.

“With a short follow-up time of a few years, it appears that in selected patients, treatment with IORT may be as effective as external beam radiation,” says Dr. Hetelekidis.

She points out that because IORT only treats a very limited amount of breast tissue around the surgical area, if there is a cancer cell beyond this area, it will not be effectively treated. “This is why we are doing this trial. We want to make sure that the cancer-free rates at 10 years are similar to the great rates we see with whole-breast radiation therapy,” says Dr. Hetelekidis.

“IORT is definitely a promising option for select patients with early-stage breast cancer,” adds Ashish Chawla, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Inova Fair Oaks. “It offers the potential of finishing radiation treatment at the same time as surgery. Early evidence suggests that for select patients, IORT may be comparable to whole breast radiation.”

This Northern Virginia resident found IORT can be more patient-friendly

For Cathy Mechlin, choosing IORT over four to six weeks of standard radiation therapy made sense. Diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer last February, the busy associate pastor of a local church needed a treatment option that would allow her to resume her pastoral duties as soon as possible. “Drs. Vargas and Hetelekidis gave me options for what needed to be done after the lumpectomy. When I heard about intraoperative radiation therapy, I said I’m going to opt for that because it’s done all at one time and it’s done while you’re asleep. It was more convenient,” recalls Cathy.

Following the surgery and IORT, Cathy healed quickly and didn’t need any pain medication. Within a week she was back to work at her church. And her findings were such that additional radiation therapy was not needed. “I had a really good outcome, my healing process, everything,” says Cathy, now cancer-free. “I highly recommend it to women for whom it is appropriate.”

Lower radiation exposure

Thanks to IORT, doctors are able to shield surrounding healthy tissue and organs such as the skin, lungs and heart during the procedure. “We take steps to protect the surrounding tissue. We do this by visualizing the tissue during surgery, and we also use ultrasound to ensure there is enough distance between the applicator and other organs or tissues we want to protect,” says Dr. Vargas.

He and Dr. Hetelekidis are excited that their team is able to offer women a new option for preventing breast cancer recurrence. “IORT is part of the arsenal that we have for treating breast cancer,” Dr. Vargas says. “It is not the only tool that we have, but it is a tool that is helpful in a number of cases. IORT makes radiation therapy easier for the patient and allows us to base treatment on the patient’s goals and expectations and select the right treatment for them.”

IORT explained

During intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), the breast cancer surgeon places  a sphere-shaped device inside the surgical  cavity where the tumor was removed. The radiation oncologist then delivers the treatment over approximately 20 minutes around the applicator.

“After taking steps to protect the skin from the radiation, then we deliver the dose,” says Dr. Vargas.

While the tumor bed area receives a single very high dose of radiation, the surrounding tissues are exposed to less radiation.

Call a Breast Cancer Navigator

If you have questions about next steps after a breast cancer diagnosis, feel free to call an oncology nurse navigator at the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Breast Cancer Program at 703-391-4673.

Breast cancer clinical trials

To learn more about breast cancer clinical trials through the Inova Breast Cancer Program, call 571-472-4724.

FREE Ask the Expert lecture: “Oncology Nutrition”

Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 @ 6 p.m.

Join Registered Dietitian Sara Negron, RD, for this free discussion of nutrition and cancer. Along with nutrition while in cancer treatment, you will also learn about eating for prevention and health in survivorship.

Location: Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, Building 3580, Auditorium

Registration: Click to register online or call  1.855.My.Inova (1.855.694.6682)

Good Timing

A new nursing shift model began in August at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, and based on its success, it is now expanding to other units in the hospital.

The new model involves four-, six- and eight-hour day shifts, as opposed to one traditional 12-hour shift. After analyzing the workload of registered nurses (RNs) at Inova Fair Oaks, leadership learned that additional RNs were needed to cover the busiest time of day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). To address this challenge, Katie Hile, MSN, RN, NE-BC, ONC, Senior Director of Acute Care Services at IFOH, decided to reduce a typical 12-hour shift to multiple shorter shifts.

Flexible nursing shifts: Get more info. here > 

This reconfiguration of hours resulted in more nurses being available to distribute medication, and perform assessments and discharges. “We tried to provide our nurses with the support they needed by being creative with hours and matching the resources to the workload,” Hile explains.

Not only does the new model provide more personnel support during the busiest time of day in the hospital, but it also offers a more flexible schedule, bringing nurses a better quality of life. The new shift times help to accommodate RNs with families and children, and part-time RNs, who can pick up shorter shifts, says Hile.

The new shift model started as a pilot program in the medical oncology unit in November 2016, and a second pilot was held in January 2017. Following both pilot phases, Hile says she received positive feedback from RNs about the new shift schedule. Equally as important, the patients noticed: Patient experience outcomes significantly improved during the pilot phase.

RNs: Come Work for Us!

To learn more about alternative shift opportunities at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, visit inova.org/flex or call 703-391-3186.

In it to win it

A local Navy veteran and I.T. specialist turns to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital for the medical intervention, education and support he needs to transform his weight loss battle

Two summers ago, when John George’s weight reached 470 pounds, the 6’4″ information technology specialist knew he had to do something about his health. Having struggled with weight issues since he was a child, at 44 he was having regular bouts of atrial fibrillation, suffering from sleep apnea and was frequently taking sick days from work.

“I tried everything in the book — a liquid diet, the Atkins diet, working out — but none of it worked. My biggest issue was I didn’t have an off switch so I was never full,” says John.

The most he had ever lost was 100 pounds during a six-year tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, but the weight came roaring back.

After he received his heart diagnosis, the Arlington resident decided to watch an online seminar provided by the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program. Then he made the trip from his home in Arlington to meet with Medical Director (and bariatric surgeon) Amir Moazzez, MD.

“We have patients go through a general educational process to start off with, so they’re ready for this life-changing experience. We want to be sure they’re addressing all aspects of this lifestyle change and they’re ready for this lifelong commitment,” says Dr. Moazzez.

A weight-loss plan that helps transform your life

Since his surgery in July 2015, John has lost 190 pounds and the weight loss has been transformative. “It’s a life-changer,” says John. “I’m not sweating anymore, I’m not out of breath when I climb stairs, I can touch my toes, I can cross my legs, and when I go out to eat with friends, I don’t need a table; I can sit in a booth.” These days, John looks forward to biking, hiking and starting to scuba dive again. He attributes his success to Dr. Moazzez and the support he received at Inova.

“At Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, they have a plan to help you be successful with your weight loss surgery,” says John. “For six months before the surgery, they teach you about the foods you’re eating, portion control, exercise, and then they continue counseling and support after the surgery. Just fixing your stomach is not going to help you. You have to be in it to win it. It’s not an easy road, but you can do it.”

Is weight loss surgery right for me?

To learn more about Inova’s Weight Loss Surgery Program, call 703-348-4716 or visit  inova.org/weightloss.

It’s not just pounds: weight loss may improve chronic conditions

In addition to boosting weight loss, bariatric surgery can reverse chronic conditions associated with obesity.

“Obesity is a common denominator for many comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, esophageal reflux and sleep apnea,” says Dr. Moazzez. “When we treat that underlying common denominator, we see a significant improvement, if not a resolution of these chronic conditions.”

Patients in the Inova Weight Loss Surgery Program visit with a dietitian, an exercise specialist, a behavioral specialist and, if necessary, physicians from other departments to personalize the approach based on their health status. “The commitment by Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and the bariatric surgery team to provide this multifaceted approach really helps patients get the help that they need to be successful,” he adds.

Feet First

Limb salvage approach at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital can prevent amputation

For podiatry patients affected by major blood vessel or nerve damage, amputation has long been the main option for treatment.

While some patients’ cases might be the result of a traumatic injury — for example, a significant fracture or laceration — a large number of diabetic patients also face the possibility of amputation if their disease is causing hard-to-treat infections below the knee.

Zakee O. Shabazz, DPM of Fair Oaks Podiatry and Sports Medicine is affiliated with Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

But Inova Fair Oaks Hospital podiatrist Zakee Shabazz, DPM, is committed to keeping as many patients running strong on their own feet as possible.

Although prosthetic feet can ease the transition after amputation, the preference for Dr. Shabazz is to save a foot — which can maintain patient mobility and reduce the need for rehab and physical therapy.

“The last resort would be total foot amputation,” says Dr. Shabazz. “So, why start with that option? Why not try to save the foot if you can? That’s the approach we take.”

Trained in reconstructive foot and ankle techniques, Dr. Shabazz favors a multidisiplinary approach called limb salvage to save as much of the foot as possible during times of ulcerations, infections and peripheral vascular disease. The approach isn’t appropriate for everyone — for example, those with too much bone damage or recurring infections may not be candidates for the treatment — but it’s becoming a more solid option than it had been in the past.

Coordinated care at Inova Fair Oaks saves you time on appointments

One major advantage at Inova Fair Oaks is the breadth of expertise available on campus. The hospital’s podiatry department collaborates with specialties like orthopedics, plastic surgery, infectious disease, interventional radiology, vascular surgery and the Inova Wound Healing Center to tailor treatment plans to patient needs.

That means patients don’t need to be referred to other hospitals or clinics for appointments with specialists, notes Dr. Shabazz. Not only does that save patients time, but it also provides a team-oriented strategy that ensures more consistent, comprehensive care.

“I feel great about what we have available here, because I know that patients can be taken care of, no matter what they’re facing,” he says.

What is a DPM?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, and is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lower extremity disorders, diseases and injuries. A podiatric physician works independently, utilizes x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribes medications, orders physical therapy, sets fractures, and performs surgery.

Diabetes support in Northern Virginia

Inova offers resources to help you address and control diabetes. Learn more at inova.org/diabetes.

Washington, DC —The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) announced the unanimous election of Roberta L. Gartside, MD, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors for 2018-2019. As a business leader with a strong commitment to nonprofit service, Dr. Gartside will lead the organization’s mission-based efforts to eliminate imbalances in care for women through science, advocacy, and education.

Dr. Gartside is a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in the Washington, D.C. metro area and an active member of the medical staff at Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. She dedicates her practice to improving the function and appearance of her patients through the use of the most advanced aesthetic techniques and technologies. Dr. Gartside is passionate about her work and is committed to excellent patient care, believing that providing skill, support, and compassion are her main duties as a surgeon.

“SWHR is expanding its scope into disease and conditions that only or primarily impact women. Dr. Gartside is well-positioned to help the organization move from its foundation in science and advocacy into the practice of medicine,” said Amy M. Miller, PhD, president and CEO of SWHR.

Dr. Gartside is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and also a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Previously, she was Vice President for Membership and Communications of ASPS, and the ASPS representative to the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Locally, Dr. Gartside is a member of the National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons. She also served as a trustee for Elizabethtown College, her alma mater for 14 years.

“Roberta has been steadfast in supporting our quest to advance discovery in women’s health, and her leadership will open many new doors of opportunity for SWHR,” said John J. Seng, the outgoing chair.

Dr. Gartside holds a Bachelor of Science from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Medicine from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She has completed residencies in general surgery at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, and plastic surgery at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She is an author of several influential articles, including “The Biology of Human Malignant Melanoma.”

“I’ve been involved with the Society since its founding and have seen the organization evolve over the course of years to the standout nonprofit organization it is today and will continue to be in the future. It is my honor to lead its expansion into new areas of healthcare,” said Dr. Gartside.

SWHR leads the way in advocating for greater funding for women’s health research and for the study of biological differences between the sexes that affect disease, its presentation, and treatment; promotes the inclusion of women and minorities in medical research; pushes for the analysis of research data for sex and ethnic differences; and informs women, health care providers, and policymakers about women’s health issues.

A full list of the SWHR Board of Directors is available here: http://swhr.org/about/board-of-directors/

Media Contact: Diba Mohtasham, Communications Manager, diba@swhr.org, 202-223-8224

#   #   #

About SWHR

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR^®) is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. A thought-leader in promoting research on biological differences in disease, SWHR is dedicated to improving women’s health through science, advocacy, and education. For more information, visit www.swhr.org and follow at www.twitter.com/SWHR.

About Inova

Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.

We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.  Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

When CMS updated the methodology used in its Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating program in December after a five-month delay, the number of hospitals that received the highest possible overall rating increased from 83 in December 2016 to 337.

CMS’ Hospital Compare website reports on quality measures for more than 4,000 hospitals from around the country. Changes in the specific methodology used to stratify the ratings include the removal of winsorization from the statistical breakdown. Winsorization is a process that limits extreme values from arising in statistical analysis. As a result, the new ratings have a higher number of 5-star and 1-star hospitals. Read more.

Inova hospitals that received 5-star CMS rating:

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (Fairfax)

Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church)

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (Alexandria)

The Washington region can finally boast its first five-star-rated hospitals — or, to be exact, its first three — in Inova Fairfax, Inova Mount Vernon and Inova Fair Oaks hospitals, according to the federal Hospital Compare website. Read more.

A Life Gained

Patient finds that weight loss surgery yields many benefits

Meg Appel, who has lost 160 pounds since her weight loss surgery, and her husband, Jeff, now take walks as their special treats instead of indulging in sugary desserts. Here she is with Gus, their cavalier King Charles spaniel.

When Meg Appel and her husband started seeing fertility specialists a few years ago, none of the tests indicated why they were having trouble conceiving. But one doctor brought up a potential issue that wouldn’t show up in screenings: Meg’s weight.

To increase her chances of getting pregnant, Meg would need to lose a significant amount of weight. She took the doctor’s advice to heart and reached out to Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, which has an extensive bariatric surgery program. In addition to weight loss surgery, there is the Inova Medical Weight Loss Program that pairs patients with physicians, dietitians, nurses and psychologists. It’s all part of ensuring long-term success that’s tailored to each patient’s needs, says Amir Moazzez, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Inova Fair Oaks.

“There is a good deal of education that has to happen before we do something like weight loss surgery,” he says. “If you don’t address successful eating habits, lifestyle changes and activity levels, then this type of surgery will work only in the short term.”

After consulting with Dr. Moazzez, Meg decided to have weight loss surgery, and she went through the educational steps necessary to take her forward — including meeting with a psychologist to discuss emotional triggers for overeating. She also worked with an Inova dietitian to lose some weight before her surgery day.

“Inova helped me to get ready for the surgery on every level: physically, emotionally and mentally,” she says. “I understood that this would be altering my body, so I needed time to really think about whether I wanted to do that, and Inova gave me the resources I needed to prepare myself for that.”

Moving toward lifelong change after weight loss surgery

Since having her surgery in October 2015, Meg has lost 160 pounds, and she and her husband are much more confident about their fertility options. But what she’s found is that the potential for conceiving a child is only one of the many changes that she’s experienced since losing the weight.

She and her husband now find plenty of ways to stay active and are gearing up for their first 5K run, which Meg says never would have happened if she had maintained that heavier weight. They also eat much better, and now their “treats” are going for walks or hikes instead of sharing sugary desserts.

“I’m so grateful for the Inova program,” says Meg. “They do a wonderful job of getting you prepared in every way for such a major life change. And they do it in a way that focuses on long-term success, not just on post-surgery changes.”

How obesity presents multiple health risks

Dr. Moazzez adds that many people who are obese may not realize how much weight is affecting every aspect of life, from sleeping poorly to spending less time with family to boosting risks for serious medical conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Meg knows that even with her weight loss, obesity is a lifelong condition that requires support and resources so she doesn’t fall back into the emotional traps that brought her to Inova in the first place.

“Weight loss surgery helped me a great deal, but it wasn’t the only thing that allowed me to lose weight,” she says. “It’s a tool that’s part of a larger program, geared toward helping patients improve their quality of life. It has truly helped set me on a better path.”

Meet Inova’s new Bariatrician

Patricia McClendon, MD

As a primary care physician joining Inova in 2014, Patricia McClendon, MD, began to realize that many of her patients shared a common condition, even when their diagnoses were very different. She was treating hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and other issues that could be lessened or even cured by addressing patient obesity.

“Inova Fair Oaks Hospital (IFOH) has such an excellent, comprehensive bariatrics program, and when I thought about how my patients could benefit, I realized I wanted to be part of helping them,” she says.

After becoming board-certified, Dr. McClendon became the newest bariatrician at IFOH in September 2017. She’s been thrilled with the shift because she loves being part of patient success stories.

“Obesity rates have risen dramatically in the last decade, but with the right tools and resources, like what we offer at Inova, we can do our part to bring those numbers down,” she says. “I’m already finding it very rewarding to be a bariatrician.”

Inova is nationally recognized for Weight Loss Surgery

With its nationally recognized and comprehensive bariatric surgery program, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is committed to tailoring weight loss treatment to each patient. Surgeons at Inova have performed more than 8,000 bariatric procedures. Learn more at inova.org/weightloss or call 703-348-4716.