Summer 2023 Construction reaches a milestone Heart disease doesn’t start with a heart attack Women over 65 may avoid radiation for breast cancer Jacquelyn Showalter, FNP Angelia Majors, NP Ibrahim Barry, MD WELCOME, NEW PROVIDERS!
THE STEEL FRAMEWORK for our new Patient Care Tower is complete. It was a moment of excitement and awe for those who gathered outside to watch the final beam go into place. It was also a moment that has been many, many years in the making. Planning for this new construction began long ago. During those early planning meetings, we focused on what a new Patient Care Tower would mean for our future patients. We talked about new technologies. We considered how architectural design improved patient care, comfort and safety. We reviewed the science-based evidence that patients experience better recovery and outcomes when they have private rooms. We also discussed how new facilities improve the abilities and opportunities for our caregivers to give patients the care they deserve. I want to focus briefly on the opportunities our five new operating rooms, 24 new Emergency Department (ED) rooms and 10 new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rooms offer. Each of these expanded areas points to one thing—patient access to services. Let me explain it this way. Most of us don’t need surgery or emergency care except a few times in our lives. When we do, we want those services quickly and without a lot of hassle. We want to stay close to home to get that surgery or emergency care, and, afterward, we want to be able to stay close to family as we begin the recovery TOPPING OUT CEREMONY is milestone for ACMC construction Future of care 2 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
process. The new patient care tower provides Ashtabula County residents with better opportunities to stay in the county for these services. An eye to the future Our new surgical suites will allow us to upgrade technology as it changes in the future. They also mean expanded capacity so surgeries can be scheduled sooner. The new surgical waiting area will be a spacious, comfortable area with a private area for surgeons to speak with families. Anyone who has spent time in an ICU knows that patients need closely monitored care and rest. Because we are focused on keeping patients local, we have outgrown our current ICU space. The new facility will give us private ICU rooms, while allowing us to continue the high level of care each patient needs. Like all patient rooms in the new tower, the ICU rooms were designed around the workflow needed by caregivers, which—along with new technology—will allow them to spend more time at the patient’s bedside. ACMC’s ED sees approximately 30,000 patients each year— many of them brought to us by emergency medical services squads. The 24 new ED patient rooms mean we can reduce wait times and begin treatment faster. The rooms will provide more privacy for patients and families. There will also be a new, comfortable waiting area for patients’ families and friends. As excited as we are about the new building, it is what is on the inside that is important. It will have the space to grow. It will have the technology. But our focus is on the care we provide inside those walls. We are a destination of care. Our patients see the care we provide and come back. ACMC has a 119-year history of healthcare in Ashtabula County. We are grateful for the support our communities have given us throughout that history, and we promise to continue improving the services we provide with an eye to the next hundred years to come. A warm welcome back In April, Leonard Stepp, Jr., who had served as interim president of the ACMC Healthcare System since Dec. 12, was named the healthcare system’s new president and chief executive officer. Stepp was a member of the executive team at ACMC from 2011 to 2019, having served initially as Vice President of The Ashtabula Clinic, the hospital’s multispecialty group provider practice. While at ACMC, he was named Vice President of Health System Advancement and then Senior Vice President of Administration. He brings 23 years of healthcare operations, leadership, business development and strategic planning to ACMC Healthcare System. Stepp has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. Leonard Stepp, Jr. Patient rooms facing east and northeast will have a view of the Ashtabula River. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 3
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES for Patient Care Tower CONSTRUCTION ON ACMC’S new Patient Care Tower began a year ago. Demolition and excavation dominated the 2022 summer months, and by the time of the first snowfall, anyone who drove by ACMC’s main campus could see the steel framework quickly rising. Work has now turned to completing concrete flooring, roofing and exterior walls. ACMC anticipates seeing the first patients in the 115,000-square-foot multistory addition early in 2024. Interior concrete flooring was laid while the steelwork was being finished. Plans for the remainder of 2023 include running miles of electrical and computer cables; installing drywall and water, steam and sewer pipes; completing interior walls; and more. As areas are completed in early 2024, equipment must be moved into place and everything finalized before the first patients arrive. Blueprints for better care The new facility will offer 55 new patient rooms (including 10 Intensive Care Unit rooms), five new operating rooms, 24 new Emergency Department rooms, a new central atrium and welcome desk, meeting space, and a new location for the ACMC Wound Healing Center. Where existing services are moved out of the current hospital, those areas will be repurposed based on caregiver and patient needs. ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Leonard Stepp, Jr., said that construction is living up to the overall project theme—Advancing Healthcare: Today and Tomorrow. “It is a theme that pays tribute to our past, recognizes what we do today, and promises what we will do tomorrow for the betterment of Ashtabula County healthcare.” Expansion FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS To keep up with the latest information about construction, please visit acmchealth.org and click on the “Patient Care Tower” tab. Patient Room Surgical Waiting Area Emergency Department Reception 4 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
Angelia Majors, NP Orthopaedics Angelia Majors has joined ACMC’s Orthopaedic Department as a nurse practitioner. She works with Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedic Surgeon Mark Verdun, DO, at The Ashtabula Clinic. Majors joined ACMC after serving as a nurse and nurse practitioner in Barberton. She earned her master of science in nursing from Walsh University and is board-certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Meet our new providers Ibrahim Barry, MD Cardiology ACMC welcomes Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Ibrahim Barry, MD. He sees patients daily at the ACMC Center for Heart Care. Dr. Barry earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at The Brooklyn Hospital Center/ Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at University of Arizona, Sarver Heart Center. His special interests include treating coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and syncope. He performs a variety of procedures, including diagnostic catheterization, transesophageal echocardiography, electrical cardioversion and loop recorder insertion. Jacquelyn Showalter, FNP Family Medicine Jacquelyn Showalter has joined Conneaut Family Health Center as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). She sees patients alongside Elaina Williams, DO, and Tanya Burdick, NP. Showalter joined ACMC after earning her nursing degree from Kent State University. She earned her master of science in nursing and is boardcertified as an FNP by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. To schedule an appointment with Family Medicine at Conneaut Family Health Center or any ACMC location, please call 440-997-6969. To schedule an orthopaedic appointment, please call 440-997-6910. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry, please call 440-994-7622. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 5
Primary care Allergy/ENT Cheryl Katavich, PA Michael Papsidero, MD Cardiology Ali Al-Assaad, MD* Ibrahim Barry, MD* Perry Fleisher, MD* Jessi Hanhilammi, PA-C Ben Meola, NP Electrophysiology Mohamed Kanj, MD* Family Medicine Glenn Beck, DO Tanya Burdick, CNP Emily Cheich, DO James Chillcott, MD Suk Choi, MD Adeola Fakolade, MD Nathaniel Franley, MD Jennifer Glaettli, CNP Carolyn Kwan, MD John Lee, DO Lindsey Mellott, DO Peggie Reinhardt, CNP Kathleen Shontz, CNP Jacquelyn Showalter, FNP Marie Stocker, CNP Andi Tirounilacandin, MD Elaina Williams, DO Gastroenterology Jerry Anne Berg, NP David Novak, MD David Weinerman, MD To schedule an appointment, call (440) 997-6969. If you are unable to get to your appointment, ACMC’s Health Express shuttle is a free transportation service available to patients of ACMC and our providers. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, on a first-come, firstserved basis. Service is limited to patients who are able to board the shuttle unassisted by the driver. To schedule a ride, call (440) 992-1917 or 1-800-292-5707 at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. BETTER OPTIONS. BETTER CARE. YOUR GUIDE TO ASHTABULA COUNTY’S LARGEST PROVIDER NETWORK. Long Term Care/Rehab Catherine Bishop, DO Sherly Kodiyan-Ouseph, NP Abdul Shahed, MD Neurology Stephen Selkirk, MD Occupational Health Heidi Alflen, NP Nathaniel Franley, MD Laurie Reed, NP Oncology Shinoj Pattali, MD Mohammad Varghai, MD* Ophthalmology Alexander Taich, MD Orthopaedics Michelle Hagan, PA-C Angelia Majors, NP Mark Verdun, DO* Otolaryngology (ENT) Cheryl Katavich, PA Michael Papsidero, MD Pain Management Matt DePaul, NP Theodore Eckman, MD Pediatrics Sathish Adigopula, MD Reham El Gammal, MD Doris Miller, MD Sampurna Shakya, MD Pediatric Endocrinology Anuradha Viswanathan, MD* www.acmchealth.org Pediatric Gastroenterology Deborah Goldman, MD* Pediatric Pulmonology John Carl, MD* Podiatry Michelle Dunbar, DPM Psychiatry Samar El-Sayegh, MD Pulmonology Sanjay Srivastava, MD Yisa Sunmonu, MD Sleep Medicine Yisa Sunmonu, MD Sports Medicine Nathaniel Franley, MD Surgery Sang Won Dacri-Kim, DO Tianli Du, MD Urology Thomas Picklow, MD* Thomas Walsh, MD Vascular Surgery Sang Won Dacri-Kim, DO * Cleveland Clinic Specialist 6 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
COMPASSION OF ACMC nurses extends beyond the walls of the hospital NURSES often see patients at their worst, and that is especially true for patients in the Emergency Department. Ashtabula County Medical Center Emergency Department Facilitator Chris Brundage, RN, sees these encounters as moments of opportunity. Of the approximately 30,000 patients seen in the ACMC Emergency Department each year, many are chronically ill and don’t have a primary care physician. Because those patients come in to the Emergency Department multiple times, long-term relationships between nurses and patients are created. “We get to know patients before they return home or go in to the hospital for additional care. We see the needs they have beyond medical care, and I believe in helping to meet those needs,” he said. Going above and beyond It was not long after joining ACMC’s Emergency Department in 2010 that Brundage began to see ways to help patients beyond the walls of the hospital. “A patient and family lost everything in a fire. I wanted to help them with food and belongings or whatever we could do,” he said. “We gathered a few things, and I think we were able to help a little. But I always thought we could do more.” When another family who had suffered a devastating house fire came in the hospital, Brundage took the lead to help the family. “We had another moment to shine, so I just went for it,” he said. “We gathered clothing and other household items. I did a 50/50 raffle and gave it to the family. This was our first real fundraiser to help someone with an immediate need. Our caregivers were willing and grateful to help.” Since then, Brundage has led food drives for Feed the Vets and The Samaritan House. This past winter, Brundage encouraged caregivers to bring winter clothing for children. There was also a blanket drive. “We have had so many donations that we started a closet. Nurses throughout the hospital come down to get things if patients on their unit need them. They call it Chris’s Closet, but we all use it to help our patients who have needs outside the hospital,” he said. The help can be something simple, like a shirt or pair of pants. “Patients who are injured may get blood or other fluids on their clothing. We can give them something to go home in—maybe even some food,” Brundage said. “It is a matter of helping them with an immediate need to get them through the situation.” Chris Brundage, RN, stands in a closet full of donated clothing and supplies that ACMC nurses give to patients in need. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 7
ACMC team AFTER SEVEN YEARS of providing care to the greater Geneva community, Geneva Family Health Center is moving to a new location and will offer expanded services to the community. The new facility is located at SPIRE Institute and will offer family medicine, pediatrics, digital x-ray, laboratory services, physical therapy and more when it opens in July. ACMC Family Medicine Specialist Emily Cheich, DO, sees patients full-time in Geneva. “I am excited about the expansion of available services for my patients with our move to the SPIRE campus,” she said. “With the increased clinical space, it will be much more convenient for them to get the testing and treatment that they might need without having to drive to another location.” Expanding services for community needs Physical therapy services at Geneva Family Health Center will be available to the community and to students and athletes at SPIRE. Physical therapy can help: +Patients dealing with back, neck or extremity pain; musculoskeletal, nerve, athletic or work-related injuries; and balance, coordination or dizziness conditions. +Patients healing from fractures and joint replacement or recovering from a stroke. Therapy options include exercise-based treatment plans developed for each individual patient, potentially in conjunction with manual therapy, joint manipulation, resistance training, aquatic therapy and more. ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Leonard Stepp, Jr., said from the first day Geneva Family Health Center opened in 2016, the plan has been to expand services to meet the needs of the community. “This is the next step, and we are proud to take that step with SPIRE Institute,” he said. “The Geneva Family Health Center m 8 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
Opening in Summer 2023 Geneva Family Health Center 5201 SPIRE Circle Building B, Suite 100 Geneva, OH 44041 Call to schedule an appointment + Family medicine and pediatrics: 440-997-6969 + Physical therapy: 440-997-6680 + Laboratory and digital x-ray: 440-997-6686 No appointment necessary Meet our Geneva Family Health Center team Family medicine Emily Cheich, DO Kathleen Shontz, NP Pediatrics Sampurna Shakya, MD Other services + Digital x-ray + Laboratory + Physical therapy + Aquatic therapy location on South Broadway served us well over the years. The new facility gives us the space to tailor our Family Health Center to give Geneva the local services they need for years to come.” Advanced imaging Digital x-ray is also coming to Geneva Family Health Center. This scanner provides highquality images of bones, internal tissues and organs. The images are taken by technologists— licensed by the state of Ohio, under the direction of board-certified radiologists from Cleveland Clinic—who interpret the results of the test and issue a report of the findings. Emily Cheich, DO moving to SPIRE KNOW BEFORE YOU GO For updated hours and information for physical therapy, x-ray and lab services, please visit acmchealth.org. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 9
HEART DISEASE IS MORE DEADLY than all forms of cancer combined, but diagnosing it in women in the early stages can be difficult, because symptoms can be similar to other health complications. Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Ali Al-Assaad, MD, offered this warning as well as words of hope: “Heart disease doesn’t start with a heart attack. It starts with things that are preventable.” Heart disease symptoms begin when there are problems either with how the heart beats or how the blood flows into or out of the heart. A blockage will stop blood from flowing, while plaque buildup in the arteries can reduce blood flow to the point symptoms become noticeable. Because these symptoms are also common to other health concerns, many women may ignore them. “For women, more than 40% experience symptoms that are considered atypical,” Cardiology Ali Al-Assaad, MD Heart disease doesn’t start with a heart attack Knowing your risks and keeping an eye out for symptoms can make it preventable Dr. Al-Assaad said. “We are familiar with chest pains and pains radiating through the arm, but women also present symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, back pain or heart palpitations. It is essential to be familiar with the differences in the symptoms and to seek care immediately. We do not want to delay treatment, because early intervention means we have more options for treatment, and we can possibly prevent the problem from getting worse.” 10 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
Speak up sooner rather than later In most cases, if the heart itself is not damaged, heart disease is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart—known as angina. Dr. Al-Assaad said women can experience unique causes of angina, including spasms of the arteries around the heart or changes in the arteries during childbearing. When blood flow to the heart is reduced, women may also experience heart attack-like symptoms but not have a full blockage of the arteries. Because the artery is not completely blocked, there is more time to diagnose and treat the cause of the blockage. Dr. Al-Assaad emphasized that women should not ignore symptoms until it is too late. “All of us need to learn these symptoms and talk about them with each other. We need to look out for each other,” he said. He also suggested women talk about heart health with their primary care provider sooner rather than later. If there are potential health risks or early symptoms, diagnostic tests can reveal heart disease. “Many people believe a stress test is the primary way we diagnose heart disease, but for women who are experiencing symptoms of reduced blood flow, a stress test will not show these blocked arteries,” Dr. Al-Assaad said. However, tests such as a CT scan or PET scan will show buildup in the coronary arteries. An MRI can also show any heart defects or changes in the heart muscle itself. Once diagnostic tests show potential causes of heart disease, treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes to medication to surgery can be discussed with a patient. “I strongly believe that women should know their heart health risks and control those,” Dr. Al-Assaad said. “Risk factors that are in your control include lifestyle choices, such as what you eat, smoking or exercise. Risk factors that may be out of your control include a family history of heart disease.” HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART TALK After talking with a primary care provider, women who still have heart health concerns can schedule an appointment with Dr. Al-Assaad or any of the cardiology specialists at Ashtabula County Medical Center by calling 440-994-7622. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 11
Oncology A NEW STUDY suggests that women over the age of 65 who are diagnosed with low-risk breast cancer may avoid radiation treatment without affecting their post-treatment survival rate. Ashtabula County Medical Center Oncologist Shinoj Pattali, MD, said the study is encouraging. “Treatment plans for any form of cancer look at managing symptoms and improving quality of life in the short term and also look long-term at the survivability of cancer,” he said. “This study may indicate that we can maintain the long-term goal of survivability, while improving the quality of life during treatment by eliminating radiation.” In the study, women were divided into two groups. One received a specific dosage of radiation throughout treatment and the other received no radiation. After 10 years, the results showed a recurrence of cancer at about the same rate for both groups, and the survival rates were almost equal in both groups. While the news is encouraging, there are a few cautions included with the study. “We must be careful that we don’t assume this study means all breast cancer patients can skip radiation treatment—the study was done with women over the age of 65 years old who had detected breast cancer in an early stage. Breast-conserving surgery was done to remove the cancerous cells and endocrine or hormone therapies given after surgery,” Dr. Pattali said, adding that women who can potentially choose to skip radiation therapy are those over the age of 65 with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers and who commit to taking anti-estrogen therapy daily for a minimum of five years. Early detection is the key to survivability The study results come at a time when breast cancer cases are on the rise. An estimated 290,000 cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2022. The 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment shows WOMEN OVER 65 may avoid radiation for breast cancer 12 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
that while Ashtabula County has breast cancer rates lower than the state average, it’s concerning that less than half of women over the age of 45 have had a mammogram in the past year, with nearly 14% having never gotten a mammogram. Mammograms are the gold standard for identifying cancerous breast tissue because they detect the slightest changes in breast tissue. “Early detection is the key to survivability for breast cancer,” Dr. Pattali said. “The earlier we can detect cancerous tissue, the more treatment options we have. This is such an important message for younger women to understand. A screening mammogram can reduce the risk of breast cancer deaths by as much as 30% for women in their 40s to 50s.” The study is still encouraging because it shows that older women may be able to avoid the stress of radiation treatment. “Radiation treatment has improved greatly over the years; however, there are still negative side effects such as swelling, fatigue, skin irritation, and potential damage to organs such as the heart or lungs. Not to mention, radiation therapy is expensive and requires a time commitment for the repeated treatments,” Dr. Pattali said. Since early detection is key to treating breast cancer, women should begin mammogram tests after age 40 (or younger based on family history and provider recommendations). A provider order is required to schedule a mammogram. Shinoj Pattali, MD GET A PICTURE OF YOUR BREAST HEALTH To schedule a mammogram at ACMC with a provider’s order, call 440-997-6590. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pattali at the ACMC Cancer and Infusion Center, please call 440-994-7600. ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 13
ACMC’S MAIN CAMPUS is the hub of care we provide to Ashtabula County. However, ACMC offers a variety of outpatient services in our five Family Health Centers around the county. To see hours and more information about each facility, visit acmchealth.org and click the “Locations” link at the top of the page. Orwell Family Health Center 8220 State Route 45, Orwell Specialties: Family Medicine Laboratory Ashtabula Family Health Center 2259 Lake Ave., Ashtabula Specialties: Family Medicine Express Care Laboratory Nonsurgical Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Ultrasound X-ray Conneaut Family Health Center 354 W. Main Road, Conneaut Specialties: Family Medicine Physical Therapy Laboratory X-ray Geneva Family Health Center 5201 SPIRE Circle, Building B, Suite 100, Geneva Opening Summer 2023 Specialties: Family Medicine Pediatrics Laboratory Physical therapy Aquatic therapy X-ray Jefferson Family Health Center 234 N. Chestnut St., Jefferson Specialties: Family Medicine Laboratory Physical Therapy X-ray CONVENIENT LOCATIONS around the county GET THE CARE YOU NEED To schedule an appointment with an ACMC primary care provider in Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva, Jefferson or Orwell, please call 440-997-6969. 14 ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org
www.acmchealth.org PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE Personalized, compassionate care is the hallmark of our caregivers. Their focus is always on you. And, they have the skill and experience to ensure positive outcomes and the highest level of care. TECHNOLOGY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE From conveniently accessible diagnostic imaging and lab services to sophisticated 3-D echocardiogram and eHospital telemedicine, we offer advanced technology where and when it’s needed most. CARE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE From our primary care providers to our specialists, you can depend on our experts to deliver exceptional care — close to home. THAT’S THE ACMC DIFFERENCE. WHAT’S THE ACMC DIFFERENCE? ACMC Pulse • acmchealth.org 15
facebook.com/ACMCHealth linkedin.com/company/acmchealth twitter.com/ACMCHealth youtube.com/user/ACMCHealth/videos pinterest.com/acmchealth/ instagram.com/acmchealth 2420 Lake Ave. Ashtabula, OH 44004-4993 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Ashtabula, OH Permit No. 513 Follow us on social media: ACMC Pulse is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of: Summer 2023 Ashtabula County Medical Center 2420 Lake Ave. Ashtabula, OH 44004-4993 440-997-2262 acmchealth.org Information in ACMC PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. WOUND HEALING CENTER recognized for clinical excellence ACMC’S WOUND HEALING CENTER received its ninth Center of Distinction award from Healogics for clinical excellence in patient experience and wound healing rates. It also received its second President’s Circle award for excellence in patient care that leads to meeting performance goals and demonstrating a culture of care focused on patient healing. Healogics is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. ACMC’s Wound Healing Center achieved a Patient Satisfaction rate above 92% and completed 2022 with a Wound Adjusted Comprehensive Healing Rate greater than 75%. The ACMC Wound Healing Center opened in 2009 and sees over 2,000 patients each year! Help for chronic wounds The ACMC Wound Healing Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 wound care centers and offers highly specialized wound care to patients with diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced wound care modalities provided by wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100% oxygen to help progress the healing of the wound. The team consists of Medical Director Olusegun Ogunlesi, MD; nine additional providers; five nurses; a certified hyperbaric oxygen therapy technician; and support staff. NEED WOUND CARE? To learn more about the ACMC Wound Healing Center, call 440-994-7540 or visit acmchealth.org/HBO.
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