Grand Rounds July


Elie Khouri, MD Joins Sand Lake Hospitalists

Sand Lake Hospitalists are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Elie Khouri to their group.

A board certified internal medicine and infectious diseases physician, Dr. Khouri completed his medical training at the American University of Beirut, and his internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s Hospital (now St. Vincent Charity) in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dr. Khouri completed his Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Case Western Reserve University Medical, also in Cleveland. 

Most recently, Dr. Khouri was in practice at the Orlando Veterans’ Administration Clinic.  The Sand Lake Hospitalists are a nine physician group that practices solely at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, providing inpatient care 24 hours a day, including weekends.


SCC Nursing Student To Speak At Regional Women’s Health Conference

SANFORD —  Seminole Community College nursing student Victoria Martin has been chosen to represent community college students at “Speaking of Women’s Health,” Aug. 8 at the Orange County Convention Center. 

Martin, a mother of two from Lake Mary, will present at a breakout session about managing school, family and health. Martin is in SCC’s concurrent nursing program with the University of Central Florida, which allows students to pursue a bachelor’s in nursing as they are pursuing their degree at SCC. 





Marylee Jacobs Selected As The Southeast Regional Treasurer For ARMA International

Marylee Jacobs, Marketing Director  for Crown Shredding LLC has recently been selected as the Southeast Regional Treasurer for ARMA International. This region encompasses five states and Puerto Rico.  ARMA International is a not for profit association and the leading authority on managing records and information- paper and electronic.  With identity theft well on it’s way to being the number one crime globally, information management is key to the protection of individuals and corporate proprietary information.  Marylee is also a member of The National Association for Information Destruction. She will be doing several speaking engagements throughout Florida to help small businesses, non-profits and the general public learn to reduce their risk of identity theft.




Florida Hospital Performs First Unrelated Bone Marrow Transplant In Orlando Area

ORLANDO — Florida Hospital recently announced an extension of its transplant program that will allow patients to receive life-saving transplants in their own community.  Florida Hospital recently performed the first unrelated bone marrow transplant in the Orlando area on 61-year-old Michael Richard.

Dr. Vijay Reddy, co-medical Director of the Florida Center for Cellular Therapy at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, performed the transplant that involves taking donated blood stem cells and transplanting them to a patient via a central line IV.  When successful, the new bone marrow gives patients with blood-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, an improved immune system.




Nemours Closes On Lake Nona Medical Campus Land, Selects Construction Manager

ORLANDO — Recently, Nemours finalized its acquisition of 60 acres of land in the heart of Lake Nona’s medical city, on which it will build a top-tier pediatric health care facility —  anchored by a children’s hospital.

The property will position Nemours’ campus in close proximity to the UCF College of Medicine, Burnham Institute for Medical Research and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center.  Nemours will also be a founding partner in the Lake Nona Healthcare and Life Science Consortium.

Nemours is currently involved in planning and designing its integrated pediatric health system and plans to break ground on the project in 2009, allowing enough time for the organization to comfortably fulfill its Certificate of Need (CON) requirements to the state. The health system plans to open its doors to children and families in 2012.



Florida Hospital Surgeon Performs First Minimally Invasive Colon Surgery Using Rare Method

One year ago, April Kirkland underwent a routine colonoscopy that discovered a mass on her colon.  With the demands of being a single mother with a teenager, Kirkland put the recommended colon surgery on the backburner. Recently, she shared the discovery with her primary care physician and learned the importance of having it removed and possibly preventing the formation of cancer.  That’s when she learned about a new rare method of colon surgery.

Recently, for the first time, Florida Hospital surgeon, Dr. Paul A. Mancuso, used a rare one-incision method to perform minimally invasive colon surgery on Kirkland. Traditional minimally invasive surgeries require four to five incisions that are placed throughout the abdomen.  This new laparoscopic method uses a single 4.5 cm incision that is placed in the belly button.  The single incision helps patients have less pain during recovery.


Broad And Cassel’s Health Law Practice Group Receives Praise In Prestigious Legal Guide

ORLANDO — The statewide law firm Broad and Cassel is proud to announce that its Health Law Practice Group, led by practice group leaders Gabriel L. Imperato and Mike Segal, was recognized once again this year by renowned legal guide Chambers USA: A Guide to America’s Leading Business Lawyers.  Five Health Law attorneys were recognized by Chambers USA, the only legal guide that ranks law firms and individual attorneys.

Recognized statewide, and renowned as national speakers and published authors, the Health Law Practice Group was lauded as “wonderful people who are really quality lawyers.”  Miami Partner Mike Segal, who chairs the practice group, was praised as “the godfather of healthcare law in Florida,” recognizing his expertise in the representation of physician groups.


Dr. Jason Salagubang To Open Whole Health Family Medicine In New Apopka Medical Office Building

Dr. Jason Salagubang, a board certified physician specializing in Family Medicine and Geriatrics, will open his new practice, Whole Health Family Medicine in Apopka, Florida. Whole Health Family Medicine will focus on the total health of its patients: body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Salagubang received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California, and went on to complete a Family Medicine residency at Florida Hospital Orlando, in 2004. In 2005, he completed a fellowship in the area of Geriatrics.Dr. Salagubang is a clinical instructor for Florida State University.


Leesburg Regional Medical Center Heart Institute Now Performing Minimally- Invasive Heart Valve Repairs

Leesburg Regional Medical Center, over the past years, has been performing an alternative to larger-incision surgery which may result post-operatively in less pain, a decreased chance of infection, a shorter recovery time, and a better result cosmetically with a smaller scar. Cardiovascular Surgeon Tim Moore, MD, FACS was the first to bring this revolutionary surgery to the region.

Traditionally, surgery for valve repair or replacement has involved making a large (ten to twelve-inch) vertical incision in the center of the chest and completely splitting the breastbone.

For select patients, it’s possible to now use a much smaller incision, (termed “minimally invasive surgery”). Operating through small incisions is however more technically demanding.

Moore, who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American College of Chest Physicians, has been in practice since 1993, and pioneered similar procedures at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland prior to joining the team of cardiovascular surgeons who perform surgery at LRMC.

In recent years, nurses from the LRMC cardiovascular team have gone with Dr. Moore for additional training at the Cleveland Clinic.


New Help Line Benefits Alliance Patients

(LEESBURG & THE VILLAGES — Patients at Central Florida Health Alliance hospitals (Alliance) which includes Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital, now have an added resource to get care assistance, thanks to a new tool called the Condition Help line. Patients, families or visitors can request immediate help if a patient’s condition requires emergency care by calling from any hospital phone.

The Condition Help line was established to address two specific areas of concern: if a noticeable medical change occurs with the patient and the assigned healthcare team has not yet recognized the concern; and if the patient, family member or visitor has a serious concern about the delivery of care during their stay at one of our hospitals.

If either of these conditions occurs, the patient, their family or a visitor can call the Condition Help line by pushing “4444” on a hospital telephone. The call will go directly to a hospital operator and the caller will be asked to provide details regarding the patient concern. An overhead page will then be made to alert a response team to the patient’s room.



Additional Physicians Join The Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center At Leesburg Regional Medical Center

LEESBURG — Dr. Michele Hornstein, Dr. Youssef Khodor and Dr. Derrick Martin, have joined the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center Panel of Physicians at Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

They will see patients at the center which specializes in the outpatient treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions. The new panel physicians all have local offices in Leesburg and are on staff at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital which is part of the Central Florida Health Alliance.

All physicians and staff receive specialized training and updates on new wound care therapies at the National Healing Institute at Ohio State University.



Wuesthoff Health System Awards Physicians Of The Year For 2008

BREVARD COUNTY —  In celebration of National Doctors’ Day, Wuesthoff Health System awarded Physicians of the Year 2008 to cardiologist, Dr. Gene Killeavy, and family practice physician, Dr. Mahmoud Mostafavi.

Dr. Killeavy, a cardiologist with Brevard Cardiology was chosen for Wuesthoff Medical Center Rockledge, and Dr. Mahmoud Mostafavi, a family practice physician with Viera Family Practice for Wuesthoff Medical Center Melbourne.

Award finalists were Dr. Dwayne Badgett and Dr. Hany Girgis at Wuesthoff Rockledge, Dr. Esther Clayton, Dr. Irfan Imami, Dr. John Olinde, and Dr. Lauren Romeo for Wuesthoff Medical Center Melbourne.

Wuesthoff physicians were nominated by Wuesthoff associates; finalists were then chosen from each medical center based upon patient surveys and Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards.


Hospice Of St. Francis CNA Receives 2008 Excellence Award

BREVARD COUNTY — Susan Aniskewicz, Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide (CNA/HHA) at Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF), was presented the 2008 CNA/HHA Excellence Award at the 2008 Florida Hospice and Palliative Care conference held in Orlando.  Ms. Aniskewicz was selected from nominations received from hospices throughout the state of Florida.

Ms. Aniskewicz began working for Hospice of St. Francis in 2001.  She takes pride in the care she provides and serves as a strong advocate for the patients she cares for.  In 2007, Susan completed the requirements to earn the designation of Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant.  Her goal was to have the knowledge and skills to provide the best patient care possible.



Gastroenterologist, Robert M. Barbati, MD, Joins Wuesthoff Health System

BREVARD COUNTY — Robert M. Barbati, MD, recently joined Wuesthoff Health Systems new gastroenterology practice, GI Associates of Brevard in Rockledge.

Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. Barbati has been a practicing physician for more than 20 years, recently locating to Brevard County from Martin County, FL.

Earning his medical degree in 1981 from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, Dr. Barbati subsequently completed internships in both Family  Practice and Internal Medicine in 1983 at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, Patchogue, NY. After concluding an Internal Medicine residency at Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, in 1985, he completed his fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, NJ, in 1988. In addition, Dr. Barbati was previously a clinical instructor at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Brockton/West
Roxbury VA Medical Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, for a one-year period.

Past president of the Martin County Medical Society, Dr. Barbati spent two years performing missionary work in Latin America, and as an instructor in Panama and Nicaragua for a program similar to the national missionary group, Doctors Without Borders. In addition, Barbati was commissioned by the Australian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons for the position of chief/chairman of the department of gastroenterology in both the government and private sectors of Queensland.

A member of the Florida Society of Internal Medicine, the American College of Gastroenterology and American College of Physicians, Dr. Barbati has a wide variety of experience in endoscope procedures including both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, colonoscopies, injection therapy and digestive functions.




Halifax Health And Florida Health Care Plans Recognized As Exceptional Employers

Halifax Health and Florida Health Care Plans have been chosen as Volusia/Flagler Counties Exceptional Employers by the Center for Business Excellence.

Both organizations were selected in the category for over 250 employees and were honored at a business summit luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Daytona Beach on May 28.

Each company was chosen by using business measurements such as turnover, growth, employee training and development and promotion rates; employee evaluations and feedback; percentage of employee injuries; diversity of management; benefits offered; paid days off; and average increase in pay.

Halifax Health Physician Uses Interventional Neuroradiology Techniques to Treat Rare Illness.


Moffitt Cancer Center Appoints Dr. Martin J. Murphy Jr. To Board Of Advisors

TAMPA — Moffitt Cancer Center has announced that prominent cancer researcher and consultant Martin J. Murphy Jr., Ph.D., has joined its national Board of Advisors.  Chaired by veteran ABC newsman Sam Donaldson, the advisors serve as Moffitt ambassadors and offer their expertise, advice and counsel on issues relating to the cancer center.

Murphy is founding chairman and CEO of AlphaMed Consulting Inc., a Durham, N.C., corporation that provides strategic support for academic cancer centers and cancer drug development programs for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.  He also is executive editor of two peer-reviewed journals, The Oncologist and Stem Cells.

He founded the Hipple Cancer Research Center in 1977 and served as its CEO until 1997. In 1998, he founded AlphaMed Consulting to advance new discoveries and enhance improved health care delivery worldwide.  He was principal investigator for $2l million in peer-reviewed grants, as well as author of more than 150 peer-reviewed papers, editor of a score of books and chapters, and a sought-after speaker.

A member of the board of trustees of the American Cancer Society Foundation, Murphy is a charter member of C-Change, which is co-chaired by former President George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, and convener of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, founded by Robert A. Ingram, also a Moffitt Advisor, at the request of former President Bush.  CEO Roundtable members include the chief executives of more than 40 of America’s greatest companies.

Martin helped spearhead the “CEO Cancer Gold Standard,” the first accreditation process that invites companies to evaluate every aspect of its benefits and culture and take extensive, concrete actions to fight cancer in the workplace.


Dr. Jennifer S. Landy, Board Certified Surgeon,
Specializing In Oculoplastic

Board certified surgeon, specializing in Oculoplastic, Facial cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery, Dr. Jennifer S. Landy recently opened her own practice in order to provide South Tampa with an experienced and highly educated female Oculofacial plastic surgeon. With more than a decade of healthcare experience, Dr. Landy has earned a reputation for providing her patients with individual, customized plans to achieve their aesthetic goals safely and effectively.

Dr. Landy is one of the few surgeons in the United States to be trained in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive surgery as well as Facial cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Landy is one of the first plastic surgeons to offer SmartLipo™ laser liposuction not only in the Tampa area but also on the West Coast of Florida. SmartLipo™ is the latest advancement in body sculpting procedures and is a major advancement in laser liposuction. This minimally invasive procedure permanently removes fat and cellulite while tightening the skin without the use of general anesthesia.



Town & Country Hospital Appoints New Governing Board Members

TAMPA —  Town & Country Hospital is pleased to announce the appointments of Governing Board members Sandie Grimes of Stahl & Associates Inc. and Donald R. O’Hearn, retired civil engineer and retired as a home inspector.     

Sandie Grimes, a native of Florida, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from Eckerd College in 1984.  Mrs. Grimes is currently the Vice President of Sales for Stahl and Associates Inc.  In addition to the Governing Board of Town & Country Hospital, Mrs. Grimes serves on the Board of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors for the Pinellas Association of Insurance Agents.

Donald R. O’Hearn received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida in 1958.   Mr. O’Hearn’s extensive career in civil engineering included design and construction of light rail systems in cities such as San Diego, Denver, Baltimore, Washington DC, New Orleans, and as far as, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Mr. O’Hearn was also the senior engineer for construction for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the 1980s.


Two Bayfront Orthopaedic Surgeons Selected to Board of Florida Orthopaedic Society

ST. PETERSBURG — Drs. Brett Bolhofner and George Canizares, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at Bayfront Medical Center, have been named the 2008 President and Board Member, respectively, of the Florida Orthopaedic Society (FOS).
Drs. Bolhofner – medical director of Bayfront’s orthopaedic trauma program – and Canizares are among just a few of specialized orthopaedic surgeons in St. Petersburg who answer trauma calls at Bayfront, Pinellas County’s only trauma facility.
Dr. Bolhofner has remained dedicated to the orthopaedic surgical care of the severely injured throughout his extensive career, spanning more than 20 years. Dr. Canizares is fellowship trained in sports medicine and has been practicing in St. Petersburg since 2002.


Holy Cross, South Miami Hospital, Tallahassee Memorial Partners With Antos Environmental

Antos Environmental has become the pollution prevention and waste stream management consultant for Holy Cross Hopsital, South Miami Hospital, and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.  Antos will guide these organization in  creating the strategies and processes necessary to preserve the environment and create lasting cultural change.  These cultural changes will drive costs out of waste management and disposal, ensure regulatory compliance and create environmental enhancement.
Modern healthcare culture produces the most complex variety of waste materials in the world and more of it year after year. Reducing waste material in a healthcare setting has become vitally important. Reducing waste is about pollution control, environmental protection, the greening and pride of an organization, and its’ ensuing image in the community.

The partnership of these organizations and Antos Environmental will create and execute a strategic plan that will best support these achievements. When the program is fully implemented, it will have created a sophisticated system for waste streams and an environmentally conscious culture that will make these organizatiosn a leader in its community and the healthcare industry at large.



July 2008