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The Seminole County Medical Society Announces Office Relocation

LAKE MARY — The Seminole County Medical Society today announced the society's Lake Mary office will move to 4106 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Suite 130, Lake Mary, FL 32746. The new office will be located in the Medplex building on Lake Mary Boulevard, just east of I-4.

About a year prior to moving into this new office space, the Seminole County Medical Society occupied a smaller space within the same building. The society mailing address will stay the same: P.O. Box 951450, Lake Mary, FL 32795. The society's phone and fax numbers remain the same at 407-804-9535 and 407-804-9445, respectively. Additional information on The Seminole County Medical Society can be found at their website, www.scmsociety.com

Florida Hospital Donates School Supplies To Central Florida Students

This year, Florida Hospital doctors, nurses and employees came together to help families who are feeling financially strapped during the current economic situation. As part of the annual "Backpacks for Kids" campaign, Florida Hospital collected backpacks stuffed with pencils, crayons, folders, notebooks and other supplies, to donate to Central Florida children grades K-5.

For more than 10 years, Florida Hospital has organized the "Backpacks for Kids" drive to help children in the community start the school year off right, collecting more than 2,100 backpacks in 2007. This year, the collaborative efforts were apparent as each department turned in heaps of supplies.

Eye Physicians Of Central Florida Welcomes Pediatric Ophthalmologist Jamie L. Ikeda, M.D.

ORLANDO — Eye Physicians of Central Florida is pleased to announce that pediatric ophthalmologist Jamie L. Ikeda, M.D., has joined the practice. Dr. Ikeda joins Robert S. Gold, M.D., F.A.A.P., and Louis C. Blumenfeld, M.D., F.A.A.P., in treating the unique eye care needs of children ranging from newborns to adolescents. She also has expertise in the treatment of adults with eye muscle disorders such as double vision or crossed eyes.

A member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Ikeda recently completed her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult eye muscle disorders at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Prior to that, she served her residency in ophthalmology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Ikeda earned her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

"Our practice has grown right along with Central Florida over the years, especially in the number of young families we serve," explains Dr. Gold, Eye Physicians of Central Florida's senior pediatric ophthalmologist. "Dr. Ikeda comes to us highly recommended from her fellowship program and will make the perfect addition to our pediatric team, allowing us to better meet the needs of our patients and community. We think moms, dads and children will appreciate her expertise as will our referring physicians."

Dr. Ikeda will serve patients in all three of Eye Physicians of Central Florida's offices – Longwood, Winter Park and MetroWest.

"I am excited about the opportunity to call Central Florida home and work in an established practice alongside two accomplished pediatric ophthalmologists like Dr. Gold and Dr. Blumenfeld," said Dr. Ikeda. "I find working with children to be both challenging and rewarding. I love that I have the opportunity to make an impact early in a child's life."
Established in 1981, Robert S. Gold, M.D., F.A.A.P., David B. Auerbach, D.O., Louis C. Blumenfeld, M.D., F.A.A.P., Victor B. Thomas, M.D., Jamie L. Ikeda, M.D. and optometric physician Larry S. Lewis, O.D. of Eye Physicians of Central Florida care for children and adults of all ages, providing routine examinations, glasses, contact lenses, ophthalmic evaluation, treatment and surgery. They also specialize in pediatric ophthalmology, adult eye muscle disorders, cataract and laser surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastic, reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Area Walk Teams Are "Stepping Out" To Kickoff 2008 Campaign for The American Diabetes Association Co-Workers, Neighbors And Families Make Every Step Count in The Fight Against Diabetes On November 1st

ORLANDO — August 15, 2008 - The American Diabetes Association's Walk, Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes will take place on November 1st at Loch Haven Park with over 1,000 walkers and a goal of $374, 000. This annual event raises funds to support the Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

"Diabetes is a devastating disease that touches us all," said Bob O'Brien, Walk Chairman. "Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is such a wonderful event or families, friends and co-workers to come together and help raise money for a good cause. The camaraderie and spirit that is enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless."

According to recent statistics, there are nearly 23.6 million Americans-including over 1 million people in the state of Florida with diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.7 million people are unaware they have the disease.
Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is an event for the whole family, or for anyone who enjoys the feeling of being part of a community. Along with team fundraising, local sponsors include Rec Warehouse, Fairwinds Credit Union and Hill and Valley. Cary's Sugar Free Syrup, Equal, and Kmart Pharmacies are also national sponsors of the event. Be a part of the cure-Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes-and start raising money today! To register, volunteer or find out more information, please visit diabetes.org/stepout or call 1-888-DIABETES.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country providing services in more than 800 communities.

ORMC Heart Doctors And Surgeons Diagnose With Latest Breakthrough In 3-D Cardiac Imaging Detailed Ultrasound Technology Illustrates More About The Heart

ORLANDO — Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), a part of Orlando Health, can virtually hold a patient's heart in their hands with detailed images that capture an up-close look of the size, shape and function of the heart. The Philips iE33 cardiac ultrasound system uses 3-D technology to take digital pictures from either outside or inside the chest area. This latest, state-of-the-art technology can more quickly and more clearly reveal conditions like congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, damage after a heart attack, valve tears, abnormal blood flow or aneurysms. ORMC is the first in Greater Orlando to use the advanced diagnostic tool.
Performed in ORMC's Echocardiogram Lab, an echocardiogram, which involves a sonographer moving a transducer probe across a patient's chest area to capture images, needs only four beats of the heart from one side of the chest to deliver unparalleled heart information. With traditional 2-D technology sonographers take eight different images from three different areas outside the chest to get views of the heart.

"Echocardiograms, which show heart chambers, valves, vessels and the sack around the heart, are a significant tool in detecting heart conditions," said Aurelio Duran, MD, cardiologist and cardiology chair, Orlando Regional Medical Center, cardiologist at ORMC. "This type of 3-D technology takes ultrasound to the next level. Instead of one, sliced 2-D image of the heart, we are able to see multiple functions, multiple views and multiple angles. This allows us to observe the heart in a more accurate light. We can provide answers sooner and help patients visualize their condition for better understanding."

Armed with an extremely high level of diagnostic information, doctors are able to not only diagnose and begin treatment options sooner but also measure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment.

"For example in certain conditions, a pacemaker may be the best option to regulate a patient's heart," said Dr. Duran. "We can use this same diagnostic technology to measure how effective the pacemaker is by rechecking the heart's function after implant."

In addition to cardiologists using the technology to examine the heart from the outside, cardiac surgeons can use a transesophageal echocardiogram, which involves the passage of a small tube inserted in the esophagus to determine the best type of open-heart procedure before surgery begins.

"This advanced technology offers significant pre-surgical benefits," said Jeffrey Bott, MD, cardiac surgeon at ORMC. "We are able to obtain a closer look from inside a patient's chest cavity to help determine if a valve repair or replacement is needed. The difference in repairing a valve versus replacing a valve could mean less recovery time for a patient and also prevents long-term need for certain medication therapies."
ORMC's Echocardiogram Lab performs over 15.000 echocardiograms per year. Echocardiograms are the second most used diagnostic exams, following EKGs.

Dr. Shahid Riaz Completes Fellowship

Dr. Shahid Riaz, recently completed a fellowship in neuromuscular diseases and electromyography (EMG) and has returned to his practice, Neurodiagnostic Center of Central Florida. For the past year, Dr. Riaz attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and trained under professor, scientist and author of multiple electromyography books, Shin J. Oh, MD. The Neurodiagnostic Center of Central Florida is located in the Physician's Office Building (POB) adjacent to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in southwest Orlando.

Orlando Health Awarded Certificate Of Need To Establish A Heart Transplant Program

ORLANDO — Taking another step forward to meet the needs of our community, today Orlando Health was awarded a certificate of need by the state's Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) to establish a heart transplantation program at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC).

"We are extremely pleased that AHCA has awarded a heart transplant CON to Orlando Health," said Beth Boyer-Kollas, MS, MDiv, Ph. D, CAAP, administrator of business development/strategy for ORMC and Lucerne Hospital. "With the addition of a heart transplant program at ORMC, this community will have a complete continuum of cardiovascular care (from birth to adulthood), all within one organization. This continuum of care makes it easier for patients to be followed and successfully treated for a wide range of cardiac conditions, up to and including a heart transplant, if they need it."

Orlando Regional Medical Center's cardiac program is well positioned to support a heart transplantation program. Distinguished heart transplant surgeon, Javier Lafuente, MD, joined ORMC's staff in July of this year and is actively assessing staffing needs to officially assemble the heart transplant team. Dr. Lafuente most recently practiced at The Methodist Hospital System and Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston. He has performed over 400 transplants over his career. Orlando Health expects to list its first transplant candidate and perform its first heart transplant by spring 2009.

In addition to providing clinical expertise in cardiology and a Level One Trauma Center, ORMC is the area's only statutory teaching hospital and one of only six in the State of Florida. The organization also has critical partnerships with organ procurement and other community health organizations which make for a natural progression to support a heart transplantation program.

Parrish Medical Welcomes Three New Pediatricians To North Brevard - Doctors Jain, Mitra And Schuck

TITUSVILLE — Parrish Medical Center is pleased to welcome three new pediatricians to the North Brevard community. Board-certified pediatricians Tarun Jain, M.D., FAAP, Shivani Mitra, M.D., FAAP, and Eric Schuck, M.D., are accepting new patients at their office, Pediatrics of Port St. John. All insurances are accepted. Their office is located within the Port St. John Plaza, at 6205 N. Hwy US 1, Port St. John, Florida 32927. Pediatrics of Port St. John is a full-service practice offering the following services:

Pediatric and Adolescent Care; Acute and Chronic Conditions; Well Child Examinations ; Sick Child Visits; School and Sports Physicals; Immunizations; Childhood Obesity ; Asthma; Allergic Disorders; Developmental Conditions

Wuesthoff Brevard Cardiology Group Granted Accreditation

BREVARD COUNTY — Wuesthoff Brevard Cardiology Group has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation on Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL) for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.

According to ICANL, Wuesthoff's Brevard Cardiology Group is one of the first nuclearcardiology laboratories in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico to be recognized
for their commitment to the testing of nuclear cardiology and nuclear diagnostic evaluations for voluntary accreditation.

Each year, more than five and a half million nuclear cardiology studies are performed in The United States. As a result, physicians are better able to detect the presence of cardiovascular disease and may also discover important information regarding the occurrence of future heart attacks.

The ICANL was established with the support of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section, the American College of Cardiology, the American College ofNuclear Physicians, and the Academy of Molecular Imaging.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Donates $125,000 To Central Florida Health Alliance Foundation

Since its inception, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center Auxiliary has contributed nearly $2 million to the Central Florida Health Alliance Foundation along with millions of hours in volunteer service. This year was no exception. A donation of $125,000 was made to the Foundation, which will be used to purchase communication boards for all patient rooms. This donation was made possible by the many fundraisers hosted by the Auxiliary, such as the Jewelry Sales, Thrift Shop, Trinkets and Treasures Gift Shop, and Gourmet Bean Coffee Shop.

Primary Stroke Center Certification

Florida Hospital Waterman has earned certification as a primary stroke center from the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA). The certification means that the stroke program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

Stroke patients need to be treated in a time-sensitive framework just as heart attack patients do, requiring the coordinated effort of nurses, staff and physicians. Because successful treatment of stroke patients is so time-critical, the presence of a certified stroke center at Florida Hospital Waterman is significant for members of our community because they no longer have to waste precious time and travel to get life-saving treatment.

"We sought certification of our stroke program to validate our commitment to first-rate care for stroke patients," says Tim Cross, Director of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Services. "Achieving the stroke center certification signifies that we have the physicians, staff, resources and expertise to deliver optimal care for the unique needs of stroke patients."

According to the American Stroke Association, nearly 700,000 Americans suffer a first-time or recurring stroke each year. The number of first-time strokes is expected to increase in the coming decades as more Americans enter the age group at greatest risk. Strokes are the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease and cancer.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center Receives Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Florida's Performance Improvement Award

LEESBURG — Leesburg Regional Medical Center, part of Central Florida Health Alliance is one of thirty Florida hospitals that have met the Quality Improvement Organization's criteria to receive the Medical Quality Improvement Organization for Florida's (FMQAI) Performance Improvement Award.

The award is a component of the statewide recognition program for hospitals developed under FMQAI's 8th Statement of Work (SOW) contract. The Performance Improvement Award is given to hospitals that meet the criteria to be certified as a QIO-collaborating hospital and that, among other criteria, also achieved a minimum of 50% reduction in failure rate in one or more of the following national inpatient topics: acute myocardial infraction, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care improvement.

"Leesburg Regional is honored to receive the Performance Improvement Award. The award is truly a reflection on the hospital's commitment to achieve the vision of the Quality Improvement Program, which is that every person will receive the right care every time," said Phyllis Baum, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Office of the Central Florida Health Alliance.

"We believe that this collaboration is a major contributor in instituting and maintaining transformational system changes which ultimately lead to performance improvement in the National Hospital Quality Measures as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)," said Gladys Worlds, MS, RHIA, CPHQ, Project Director, FMQAI Hospital Quality Improvement.

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