RPCI EARNS LEAPFROG TOP HOSPITAL RECOGNITION, ASCO QUALITY CERTIFICATION

Two prestigious quality designations are latest commendations of RPCI from national organizations

  

BUFFALO, NY — Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has again been recognized at the national level for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. One of only three National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in New York State, RPCI this month received Leapfrog Top Hospital recognition for the second consecutive year and earned Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) Certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

The Leapfrog Top Hospital designation puts RPCI in a class representing just 5% of eligible hospitals — 65 from a field of nearly 1,200. The Leapfrog Group, a coalition of public and private employers, selects hospitals for the designation based on an annual national survey measuring performance in areas such as error prevention and nurse and physician staffing — the most complete picture available of a hospital’s record on quality and patient safety.

“For the second year in a row, Roswell Park Cancer Institute has achieved the highest distinction for quality and patient safety that any hospital in America can achieve. We are proud to count them among the select group of 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospitals,” said Leah Binder, CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “As the demand for information about hospital quality grows, hospitals like Roswell Park that participate in Leapfrog’s annual hospital survey are providing a great service to their community by making important information readily available.”

Launched by ASCO in 2006, the QOPI enables medical facilities to examine the quality of care they provide to patients based on evidence-based guidelines and established quality measures. Its rigorous set of more than 100 quality measures was developed by practicing oncologists and quality experts, and spans the continuum of cancer care. The QOPI Certification Program was launched in 2010. RPCI is one of approximately 100 facilities nationally to earn the certification, and one of only seven in New York State.

“Consistency is one of the most important aspects of high-quality delivery of care,” said Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, RPCI President and CEO. “To be recognized by national organizations as respected as the Leapfrog Group and ASCO, we have to not only be able to provide great and safe care but to have a proven track record of doing so routinely.”

RPCI has frequently been recognized for high-quality care and overall excellence. The Institute was again recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospitals list for Cancer Care; holds Magnet Recognition Program designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center; has been named one of the eight best hospitals in the nation for complex or “extremely difficult” cancer cases by AARP The Magazine; and has received other special commendations from BlueCross BlueShield, Optum Health, The Scientist magazine and others.

About The Leapfrog Group, ASCO and RPCI:

The Leapfrog Group is a coalition of public and private purchasers of employee health coverage founded a decade ago to work for improvements in health care safety, quality and affordability.  The annual survey is the only voluntary effort of its kind.  More information is available at http://www.leapfroggroup.org.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has more than 30,000 members and is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. For more information, go tohttp://www.asco.org.

For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

A Hanukah Favorite - Latkes!

Fried food is traditionally eaten on Hanukkah in commemoration of the oil that miraculously burned for eight days when the Maccabees purified and rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem. Fried Potato Pancakes (called Latkes in Yiddish) are the hands-down, mouth-open holiday favorite. Here’s a healthier version made from sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Latkes (cholesterol-free)
from the kitchen of Laura Strauss

6 medium sweet potatoes

6 ounces egg substitute

4 scallions (diced)

2 tbsp. honey

1/4  tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp white pepper

1 1/2 tsp salt

4 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Oil for frying (canola oil recommended)

Makes about 20 latkes

Shred potatoes in food processor  ( It is not necessary to peel the potatoes.)

In a large bowl combine potatoes, egg substitute, scallions, honey, cinnamon, pepper, salt, flour, and garlic. 

Work mixture with your hands until thickened.

Form into 2-3 ounce patties and press thin.

In a large frying pan, heat 1/4 inch of oil until hot.

Fry patties until golden brown on both sides.

Drain on paper towels.

Serve hot. 

Wanted: Physician Assistants - A Growing Career

Wanted: Physician Assistants - A Growing Need for Passionate, Caring Professionals

When Virginia Kaufman graduates in May she will be a Physician Assistant (PA), and she can’t wait. Virginia didn’t always know that she wanted to become a PA, and wants to tell others who share her passion for pursuing a career in the medical profession about this unique opportunity.

PAs are healthcare professionals authorized to practice medicine as part of a team with physicians. There are 81,000 certified PAs licensed to practice in all states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services, and are trained to:

•                Conduct physical exams 

•                Obtain medical histories

•                Diagnose and treat illnesses 

•                Order and interpret tests 

•                Counsel on preventive health care 

•                Assist in surgery 

•                Prescribe medications 

It takes a team of skilled professionals to deliver quality health care, and PAs are increasingly becoming vital members of the healthcare team.  Interestingly, the role of the PA began in the 1960s to fill a need created by a shortage of physicians. In fact, the first PAs were military medics with experience in critical care and emergency medicine during active duty. Now with the demand for health care services outpacing the number of physicians available, PAs are again helping fill the void.

PAs can practice medicine in any specialty from family medicine to surgery to cardiology. A PA also gains clinical privileges in a hospital setting much the same way as a physician would. PAs are often the primary health care provider for individuals and families, and physicians who have a PA on their team know that they are qualified to perform up to 80 percent of primary and preventive care.

To become licensed to practice, PAs must attend an accredited program and pass an exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of PAs. They must obtain authorization to practice through state licensure, registration or certification, and complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years, and pass a recertification exam every six years. Most students have a BA/BS degree and prior healthcare experience before admission to a PA program, and 80 percent of PA programs award a master’s degree. Today, approximately 12,470 students are currently enrolled in PA programs, and more than 6,000 PA students graduate each year. They earn a median annual salary of $90,000, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of PA jobs will increase by 27 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Clearly, becoming a PA holds promise for a great future. Now a new book is available to anyone contemplating a career as a PA that provides helpful information and resources, including a list of schools, websites, salary information and more. But Hratch Karamanoukian cautions, “Although becoming a PA offers significant earning potential, it isn’t just about the money. It’s about having passion for what you do.” Listen to what one PA has to say at http://youtu.be/NnFKdEZIVTU.

WNY Resource:
The Past, Present and Future of Physician Assistants in America, by Hratch Karamanoukian, M.D., Raffy Karmamanoukian, M.D., and Virginia Kaufman, PA-S, copyright November 2011. For a look inside, or to purchase a copy visit www.Amazon.com. 

When Is a Headache More Than Just a Headache?

What would cause a 34-year-old woman to waken with severe and throbbing head pain, nausea and dizziness?  A 9-year-old to have a headache lasting four months? Or an otherwise healthy 32-year-old woman to have severe headaches and seizures?

These are just some of the difficult cases of severe headache pain the DENT Neurological Institute sees every day.

Laszlo Mechtler, M.D., Director of DENT’s Headache Center and President elect of the American Society of Neuroimaging, says, “Most of the people we see have primary headache disorders, such as migraine and tension type headaches. A common medical complaint, they are experienced by 75% of the population with over 5% seeking medical aid. In fact, about 16% of emergency room (ER) visits are attributable to headache complaints.”

Mechtler explains, “Patients who are the most complex are those where headaches come from a secondary cause, which includes more than 316 life-threatening disorders and illnesses. They are the toughest cases, and neuroimaging studies are required to determine the underlying cause.” Some of the key symptoms or red flags that help clinicians determine if further studies are needed include:

·   First or worst headache, onset of headaches after age 50, following head trauma, or in someone with cancer or HIV

·   Chronic daily headaches unresponsive to treatment or headaches with increased frequency and severity

·   Headaches always on the same side, or following exertion, strain or positional changes

·   Headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck, rash, atypical aura, abnormal neurological exam or seizures

Of adults with headache seen in the ER, only 16-20% have secondary headaches, as compared with 77% of children. Of these children 45% suffer from secondary headaches due to neurological causes. Red flags in children differ from adult warning signs and include:

·   Persistent headaches that last less than 6 months but don’t respond to treatment

·   Headaches that awaken the child from sleep or occur when awakening or with episodes of confusion or disorientation

·   Family and/or medical history of central nervous system involvement or abnormal neurological test results

DENT is home to the only Headache Center in Western New York where more than 17,000 patients are seen yearly. In fact, the only other centers within reasonable traveling distance are located in Cleveland, New York City and Philadelphia. Trained staff at the Center include physicians who are board certified in neurology, neuroimaging, and  neuro-oncology supported by physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, nurses and clinical research staff.  Research and education are ongoing, as are new treatments and medications unavailable anywhere else. An onsite infusion lab and Urgent Care Center assures that patients can be seen 24/7. Meanwhile, Dr. Mechtler says, “About 120,000 people in our region suffer from migraines, but only 15% receive treatment. To learn more about headaches visit www.headache-advisor.com.

WNY Resource:

DENT Headache Center
716-250-2000
www.dentinstitute.com

ROSWELL PARK WILL LEAD $5.1M GENE-SEQUENCING EFFORT FUNDED BY NYS INITIATIVE

Effort will examine genetic factors in common diseases and advance field of personalized medicine

BUFFALO, NY — The Roswell Park Cancer Institute Genome Project was approved December 8, 2011 as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. RPCI will lead this project, which will compile and analyze the detailed genetic data (the “genomes”) of Western New York citizens. This will significantly enhance our ability to develop personalized, more effective medical care plans and treatments for citizens of Western New York (WNY) — and beyond.

The $5.1 million award for the RPCI Genome Project covers the two-year pilot phase of the project. During this phase of the project, 1,000 area residents will be asked to donate a blood sample and provide detailed medical information; all these data will be collected in a fully protected way to ensure the privacy of all participants. The Genome Project will examine genetic factors that play a role in cancer as well as common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

RPCI President and CEO Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, and Deputy Director Candace Johnson, PhD, will lead the RPCI Genome Project as Co-Principal Investigators. Partners include the University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health, the Catholic Health System and Erie County Medical Center as well as the three major health insurers in WNY (HealthNow/BlueCross BlueShield, Independent Health and Univera Healthcare), The P2 Collaborative and HEALTHeLINK.

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute Genome Project was championed by WNY Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) Co-Chairs Satish K. Tripathi, University at Buffalo President, and Howard A. Zemsky, Managing Partner of Larkin Development Group, along with Andrew Rudnick, President of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Health & Life Sciences Co-Chair for the WNYREDC.

“Together, they ably and energetically oversaw the maturation and development of this proposal, working closely with RPCI at every stage,” said Dr. Trump. “We are grateful for the leadership they, Governor Cuomo and all the members of the Western New York Regional Council have provided through this ambitious development program, and eagerly look forward to implementing this effort.”

For more information, visit RPCI’s website athttp://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

Community Leaders Find Solution for Kidney Transplant Patients

Fresh off the heals of the  National Kidney Foundation closing the doors to the Buffalo, NY office, community leaders have come together to find a solution for local kidney and transplant patients.  The Northeast Kidney Foundation would be working with local clinicians, patient advocates and transplant professionals to reinstate services no longer available in the community.

Barbara Breckenridge, a kidney transplant recipient, long time patient advocate and former staff of the NKF, is thrilled that a solution is available.  “I know the needs of the patients,” Breckenridge said.  There are so many issues these patients are dealing with, when these services were taken out of the community it was a great loss.”

The Northeast Kidney Foundation, based in Albany, is a former affiliate of the NKF, separating in July.  In the newly created partnership with the Buffalo region, the Foundation will reinstate patient services, continue community screening programs, patient education, community outreach and education, school based programs, and all the services the community has received through the years.  “We are most thrilled that we can say there are no more gaps in service,” said Carol LaFleur, executive director of the Northeast Kidney Foundation.  “At the end of the day, what is most  important is that patients have the resources that they need, and that the Buffalo region knows the great dedication of their community leaders to serving the patients and family members affected by kidney disease.”

Services have already begun to be reinstated, including patient emergency grants and transportation subsidies, and just a few weeks ago a kidney screening was held where more than 40 people came out to learn if they were at risk for kidney disease or exhibiting early signs of the disease. Dr. Brian Murray, a nephrologist and medical director for Erie CountyMedical Center, volunteered at the screening.  “Offering programs like this in the community is so important for those at risk.  What a great experience to be able to talk with people and educate them about a disease that many are unaware that they may have.”  Also volunteering at the kidney screening were Dr. Jennie Hom, a nephrologist at Erie County MedicalCenter, and staff of Upstate New York Transplant Services, who manned the lab station.  “My staff enjoyed it – it gave them an opportunity to get out in the community and put their phlebotomy skills to work and provide a great service to those at risk for kidney disease.  Collaboration has always been the best way to meet the needs of our community, and UNYTS is a proud partner to many and is looking forward to this collaboration,” said Mark Simon, CEO of UNYTS.

While the Northeast Kidney Foundation moves forward with service implementation, community leaders are also keeping an eye on the possibility of creating a locally based organization.  Discussions will continue over the next several months but for now the message is clear – the needs of patients, family members, and clinical professionals will be met through the collaboration with the Northeast Kidney Foundation.

There are several important dates that the community should be aware of.  They include:

January 22, post holiday party for patients and family members

March 3, 2012 – free kidney screening for those at risk of kidney disease, 10 am – 2 pm

March 8, 2012 – World Kidney Day and Gift of Life Celebration, 5 pm

March 9, 2012 – Walk for Kidneys Kickoff Breakfast

June 3, 2012 - Walk for Kidneys

For more information on these activities, please contact Barbara Breckenridge at 716-885-7215 or Carol LaFleur at 518-533-7880 and visit www.healthykidneys.org.

New York State Professional Organization Partners with BWI to Offer Online Health Education Certificate Programs

BUFFALO, N.Y., November 27, 2011 – Professional development opportunities in health and wellness are expanding for educators through a new partnership between a statewide organization and a Buffalo-based business. The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) is the first membership organization to partner with the BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute to offer school wellness programming, as well as cost-effective and convenient health education certification courses, to its members at discounted rates.

As a BWI Health Promotion Affiliate, NYS AHPERD is promoting BWI programs that incorporate New York State learning standards – including healthy school assemblies, outcome-based in-classroom and recreation programs, and the “Be Fit Kids-online” educational online program – and staff development programs.

NYS AHPERD members also have access to BWI’s three health promotion-focused courses, which may be delivered through a web-based learning platform or via onsite education in the traditional classroom setting. They include:

BWI's Health Promotion Coordinator Certification: offers education, tools and skills for new employee wellness managers and wellness teams. BWI's Personal Health Certification: an annual program ideal for educating employees in preventative health and well-being (small to large business group rates available).

BWI's "Be Fit Kids" Instructor Certification: ideal for training individuals to administer an innovative, interactive youth health and fitness program. Continuing education units are available for all courses and have been approved by the Human Resource Certification Institute, IACET, BOC, NY State Office of Professions-PT Board and the National Board for the Certification of OTs. NYS AHPERD’s services are based on strengthening the relationship between physical activity, health and academic achievement. Its nearly 3,400 members include teachers of health, physical education, recreation and dance; agency, worksite health professionals; youth coaches; and future professionals.

Colleen Corsi, NYS AHPERD Executive Director, referenced her respect for BWI Executive Director Shawna Dosser’s “dedication and enthusiasm for health education and the promotion of wellness communitywide” when speaking of BWI programs. “The primary goal of NYS AHPERD is to provide the opportunity for our members to access quality professional development,” Corsi said. “Through our partnership with BWI, we expand those opportunities with a company that has a proven track record.”

BWI served as an education sponsor by providing each award recipient with a voucher redeemable for any one of BWI’s three certification courses at the Jay B. Nash awards dinner for the 2011 NYS AHPERD Annual Conference this month.  To learn more about partner opportunities with BWI, including private label, co-branding and up-selling opportunities, contact Dosser at bwihealth@verizon.net or 1-800-606-7422.

The BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute is a subsidiary of BWI Health Promotions, which provides comprehensive wellness management services and health education training programs for corporations, schools and communities. The BWI National Health Promotion Training Institute was developed to offer web-based certificate programs for individuals and/or professionals looking to enhance their personal knowledge in the field of health promotion. As a New York state regional health promotion leader, BWI’s presence is expanding into the national business market with program delivery throughout the United States.

Since its inception in 1924, the mission of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) has been to promote, encourage, and advocate physically active and healthy lifestyles through school and community programs in health education, physical education, recreation and dance. Teachers are provided with the knowledge and skills to instill in their students the understanding necessary to examine alternatives and make responsible health-related decisions; such decisions include physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and rewarding life.