March of Dimes March for Babies

IHA and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System are proud to sponsor March of Dimes March for Babies! Look for St. Joseph Mercy walkers on May 3 at Kensington Metropark. The IHA OB/GYN Division walkers will be on hand at Hudson Mills Metropark for the May 17 walk. Sign up today and join a walk! Please note that both Metroparks require a park entry fee, unless you have a recreation pass on your vehicle. Both walks will take place along the paved exercise paths at the Metroparks.

IHA names Chief Quality Officer

News Release
April 9, 2015
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
IHA
Amy Middleton
734-327-0877
Amy_Middleton@IHAcares.com

IHA names Chief Quality Officer

ANN ARBOR, MI – (April 9, 2015) – IHA is pleased to announce that Martha Walsh, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician and gynecologist with IHA since 2007, has been selected as IHA’s Chief Quality Officer (CQO). Dr. Walsh will assume her new role effective July 1, 2015.

Dr. Walsh received an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Political Science from Albion College.  She later earned a medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Following her medical training, Dr. Walsh worked as an attending physician in a private practice in the mid-Michigan area before joining IHA as an attending physician in Associates in Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2007, where she practices in both their Ann Arbor and Brighton locations.  In 2013, Dr. Walsh was named Associate Division Head for Clinical Quality Improvement, and has participated in numerous clinical quality improvement initiatives and was instrumental in the creation of the OB/GYN Shared Call program and the formation of IHA’s Certified Nurse Midwife practice.  

“Dr. Walsh has been a valuable and well-respected member of the Clinical Quality Improvement and the Evidence-Based Medicine committees for the past two years.  Her contributions were instrumental to the successful completion of several initiatives,” notes Richard Duffy, Vice President for Quality and Performance Improvement. “Dr. Walsh is a strong advocate for improving quality while simultaneously improving the patient experience of care.”

In her new IHA wide role, Dr. Walsh will work with IHA’s Quality and Performance Improvement Department to develop and implement a comprehensive quality improvement and patient safety program.  She will also focus on working collaboratively both within and across IHA’s primary care and specialty divisions, as well as with other health care organizations with whom we share responsibility for patient populations.

“Dr. Walsh is an outstanding physician and will immediately impact IHA’s Quality and Performance Improvement team,” notes Mary Durfee, MD, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for IHA. “Her enthusiasm for working with our primary and specialty care divisions will ensure that IHA has a strong, innovative and effective clinical quality program.”

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About IHA
IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan. IHA employs more than 1,600 staff members, which includes 450 providers consisting of: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives across 55 practices in southeast Michigan. IHA provides high-quality medical care and excellent service to more than 355,000 active patients. Recognized as one of Michigan’s top performing medical groups, IHA also ranks in the top quartile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, Urgent Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high-quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

IHA appoints new Department of Surgery Chair

News Release
March 31, 2015
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
IHA
Amy Middleton
734-327-0877
Amy_Middleton@IHAcares.com

IHA appoints new Department of Surgery Chair

ANN ARBOR, MI – (March 31, 2015) – IHA is pleased to announce that Andrew Pruitt, MD, FACS, a cardiovascular surgeon with IHA, has been named the next Department of Surgery Chair. Dr. Pruitt will succeed Walter M. Whitehouse, Jr., MD, FACS, who has served in this role since 2013. Dr. Whitehouse will retire effective June 30, 2015.

Dr. Pruitt received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kentucky, graduating with highest distinction as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. He then completed his residency in general surgery and a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, during which he received numerous prestigious awards during his training.

Following his fellowship, Dr. Pruitt relocated to Michigan where he joined the St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor medical staff and began practicing with the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Ann Arbor. Dr. Pruitt and his partners integrated with IHA in 2013. Dr. Pruitt has served in many leadership roles during his medical career in Ann Arbor, including Section Head for Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery from 2002 – 2011 and Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery from 2009 – 2013. He also served on the board of Michigan Multispecialty Physicians and as President for a two-year term.

After medical school, Dr. Pruitt joined the U.S. Army Reserves and retired from the service in 2009 as a Lt. Colonel. Dr. Pruitt and his wife, Jenny Cotton Pruitt, MD, PhD, a dermatopathologist with IHA, reside in Ann Arbor with their children.

“Dr. Pruitt is recognized as an outstanding surgeon and colleague,” notes Mary Durfee, MD, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for IHA. “His extraordinary surgical skills and high ethical character give him the credibility necessary to integrate diverse groups for the delivery of a remarkable patient experience. We are thrilled that he has accepted this positon. He understands how to work within physician organizations and will bring new perspectives and ideas to IHA.”

In his new role, Dr. Pruitt will be responsible for overseeing quality initiatives, developing innovative service delivery methodologies and creating cross-functional teams focused on delivering terrific surgical care. He will also focus on identifying and developing future divisional and departmental leaders.

“On behalf of IHA’s Governing Board and Surgery Department, I want to thank Dr. Whitehouse for not only his many years of dedicated service to his patients, but also for the outstanding leadership he has demonstrated during the past three years as IHA’s first Surgery Department Chair,” says Bill Fileti, president and CEO for IHA. “His commitment to building one of the best surgical divisions in the region has been truly exemplary and we congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.”

“IHA continues to evolve into one of the largest and best multi-specialty group practices in Michigan,” adds Fileti. “A number of exceptional surgeons were interviewed for this position and our search committee was impressed with the high quality of candidates. We are confident that Dr. Pruitt is the right person for this role and will expand our surgical capabilities in order to provide patients with truly outstanding care.”

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About IHA
IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan. IHA employs more than 1,600 staff members, which includes 450 providers consisting of: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives across 55 practices in southeastern Michigan. IHA provides high quality medical care and excellent service to more than 355,000 active patients. Recognized as one of Michigan’s top performing medical groups, IHA also ranks in the top quartile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, Urgent Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

Tutu Run 2015

Do you want to run a 5k while wearing your favorite tutu? Join us for Tutu Run on April 18, 2015 at Hudson Mills Metro Park in Dexter. Registration begins at 7:00 am, with the race beginning at 9:00 am. The race cost $25, proceeds benefit Ballet Chelsea. Visit the website to learn more, or to register today: http://www.tutu-run.com/

Beat the Summer Rush

If your child needs a back-to-school physical or is planning on participating in sports during the 2015-2016 school year, don’t wait! A physical is required after April 15, 2015 to participate in sports during the 2015-2016 school year. Appointments are available now! Please log in to our patient portal to schedule an appointment. Did you know your child can get their physical from the office’s nurse practitioner?

Download the preparticipation physical evaluation history form (long form) or the annual sports health questionnaire (short form) to take to your appointment. Be sure to ask your office which form you need to bring with you (you should not need to bring both).

Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia

With the recent snow that blew through and the temperatures that are going to stay low over the next few days, many of us are still digging out our cars or way out of our driveways. Anyone can end up with frostbite or hypothermia, it’s important to know the risks of frostbite and hypothermia, especially for those that are at higher risk and are more susceptible to extremely cold weather. Some groups that be at higher risk include:

  • Very young children and our older senior population
  • Diabetic patients and other with conditions leading to poor circulation
  • Patients with heart conditions or those who take beta blockers

Don’t Ignore Shivering!

When you’re exposed to cold temperatures your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will use up your body’s energy, resulting in hypothermia. Some warning signs of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Trembling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred Speech
  • Drowsiness

If you notice any of these signs, please seek immediate medical attention.

Frostbite is literally the freezing of body tissue; fingers, toes, ears and nose are the most vulnerable. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, or shorter exposure to extremely cold temperatures. The warning signs of frostbite are:

  • Red or pale skin
  • Prickling
  • numbness

Frostbite and hypothermia can be prevented; here are some tips to help keep you safe:

  • Limit the time you’re outside in cold, wet or windy weather
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing
  • Wear a hat or headband that fully covers your ears
  • Wear mittens rather than gloves
  • Wear socks and liners that fit well and wick moisture
  • Keep moving

 

 

 

New Hope for Inoperable Aortic Stenosis: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Reposted with permission; originally posted in the 2015 spring edition of Cardiac Advantage

Traditional treatment for severe aortic stenosis – a narrowing of the valve that allows blood to flow from the heart to the body- has been to open the chest, remove the fault valve and replace it with a new one.

Many patients are too sick or too frail to tolerate open-heart surgery. “For a long time, we had little to offer patients with severe aortic stenosis if they were unable to undergo open heart surgery because of their age and/or the severity of their medical condition,” said cardiothoracic surgeon Andrew Pruitt, MD, at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. “Now there is new hope. In August 2012, we began performing an exciting new procedure, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), that is holding great promise for patients who formerly had no options.”

Some people with aortic stenosis have no symptoms at all, but for most patients symptoms include: shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty exercising or performing other strenuous tasks, chest pain, lightheadedness or fainting.

“In its earlier stages, aortic stenosis can be treated with medication, but in more advanced form traditional surgery, and now, TAVR are the only options.”

How does TAVR work? The surgeon makes an incision in the groin (transfermorally) or through a space in the rib cage (transpically) and threads a catheter into the blood vessel to reach the aortic valve. A balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated forcing open the stiff leaflets of the damaged aortic valve. This leaves room to replace the original catheter with a second one. The second catheter not only has a balloon on the end, but also a compressed replacement valve. The replacement valve is made of cow heart tissue that is sewn onto an expandable stainless steel stent. The new valve is placed on the center of the disease valve and then expanded into proper position with the aid of the balloon. Physicians can choose replacement valves to fit a wide range of patient sizes.

A key advantage is that the procedure is performed on a beating heart and the patient does not have to put on a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, so it is far less stressful for the body. The transfemoral approach usually requires about three hours to complete; the transapical about 30 minutes less.

Developed in 2000 by a French cardiologist, TAVR was approved for use in the United States in 2011, slightly ahead of schedule when clinical trials proved remarkably successful.

However, TAVR is still relatively new and not without risk. “Currently, this approach is limited to patients who must meet very specific criteria,” said Dr. Pruitt. “TAVR brings with it its own set of side effects and has as slightly higher rate of certain complications than traditional, open-heart surgery. The FDA has only approved its use for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are felt to be inoperable, or at very high risk for traditional surgery by two independent cardiac surgeons.”

In addition, potential candidates must undergo a series of test to determine if they meet the physical and medical parameters to accept the device safely. “We very carefully have to weigh risks versus benefits, and for those patients who cannot tolerate open-heart surgery, TAVR can be a life saver,” said Dr. Pruitt. “TAVR not only extends patients’ lives, it can significantly improve their quality of life.”

Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at St. Joe underwent intensive training to learn this new surgical procedure. Based on the high volume of surgeries conducted here, the expertise of our physicians and staff, and the collaborative multidisciplinary heart team that evaluates all potential cases, patients who qualify for TAVR can feel confident in the skill level and experience of their heart team.

“The message to prospective patients and their referring physicians is this: Don’t give up hope. Even for the frailest patients with extremely advanced conditions, we can offer solutions and relief,” said Dr. Pruitt. “In cases where TAVR is an option, it literally can mean the difference between life and death.”

IHA Concludes 2014 by Welcoming Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery

News Release
December 23, 2014
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
IHA
Amy Middleton
734-327-0877
Amy_Middleton@IHAcares.com

IHA Concludes 2014 by Welcoming Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery

ANN ARBOR, MI – (December 23, 2014) – IHA is pleased to announce its planned integration with Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C & Huron Valley Hand Surgery, effective December 31, 2014. With offices in the Michigan Orthopedic Center on the St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor campus and in Brighton, the practice, comprised of Michael S. Fitzsimmons, MD; Fred M. Hankin, MD; John V. Hogikyan, MD; James L. Telfer, MD; and Mark R. Wilson, MD; has provided compassionate, patient focused care to patients across Southeast Michigan and beyond since 1984.

Dr. Walter “Mac” Whitehouse, Jr., IHA Surgery Department Chair commented that “these are not only nationally-recognized surgeons, but also outstanding individuals whom we are thrilled to welcome to the IHA family as IHA Community Orthopedic Surgery.”

“Ready and efficient exchange of clinical services between primary, specialty, and subspecialty providers is vital to delivering the high-quality, cost-effective care that patients need and expect today,” says Michael S. Fitzsimmons, MD, President of Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery. “Joining the IHA team enables us to achieve this by integrating our expansive range of orthopedic services with a high-quality physician group.”

Dr. Whitehouse also adds, “the surgeons provide a broad range of orthopedic capabilities along with sub-specialty expertise which all of us at IHA are now thrilled to have on the same team.”

  • Dr. Fitzsimmons has been active in general orthopedic surgery with particular emphasis on hand and microvascular reconstruction. This has included management of carpel tunnel syndrome, wrist pain, and complex replantation of free flap transfers. He has been involved with resident education at a number of programs. Dr. Fitzsimmons will serve as the Site Medical Director.
  • Dr. Hankin has interests in a variety of hand problems including congenital deformities, cerebral palsy, acute and late tendon injuries, rheumatologic conditions, infections, and hand problems related to quadriplegia.
  • Dr. Hogikyan has been an active provider of care to individuals with a variety of hand afflictions. He has wide ranging experience in management techniques for trauma, compressive neuropathies, nerve and tendon injuries, arthritis and fractures. Common surgeries performed include carpal tunnel release, tendon repair and arthritis surgery.
  • Dr. Telfer is active in general orthopedic surgery with an emphasis on sports medicine. His practice includes surgery of the knee and shoulder as well as primary joint replacement.
  • Dr. Wilson emphasizes hand and microvascular related conditions in his practice. Various types of non-surgical as well as surgical management are utilized in the care of conditions such as arthritis, trauma, nerve compression and wrist pain. Microvascular reconstruction is used for wound problems such as open fractures and osteomyelitis. He treats avascular necrosis of the hip joint at this center with vascularized fibula grafting.

According to Bill Fileti, IHA’s President & CEO, this integration with Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery represents another major development in a year full of successes and expansion. IHA celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2014 and opened a new 44,000 square foot medical center at Domino’s Farms Office Park in May 2014. In June, IHA integrated with Michigan Heart and added 47 nationally recognized comprehensive cardiovascular physicians and practitioners. With an active and on-going physician recruitment program, IHA also strengthened its primary care and specialty capabilities with over 50 new physicians and practitioners.

“IHA continues to evolve into one of the largest and best multi-specialty group practices in Michigan,” notes Fileti. “With integrations, such as this upcoming partnership with Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery, IHA continues our commitment to expanding our capabilities in order to give our patients outstanding quality, easy access and cost effective care.”

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About IHA
IHA is one of the best and largest multi-specialty groups in Michigan. IHA employs more than 1,500 staff members, which includes 425 providers consisting of: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and midwives across 55 practices in Southeast Michigan. IHA provides high quality medical care and excellent service to more than 355,000 active patients. Recognized as one of Michigan’s top performing medical groups, IHA also ranks in the top quartile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, Urgent Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com.

About Community Orthopedic Surgery, P.C. & Huron Valley Hand Surgery
Community Orthopedics has been providing high quality, nationally-recognized orthopedic care to patients in Southeast Michigan for over 30 years. With five exceptional surgeons – four specializing in hand and microvascular surgery and one in general orthopedics with an emphasis on sports medicine – Community Orthopedics has consistently delivered efficient, compassionate, patient focused care with an emphasis on teamwork. Community Orthopedics has conveniently located clinics in the Michigan Orthopedic Center on the St. Joseph Mercy campus in Ann Arbor and in the St. Joseph Mercy Brighton building on Grand River in Brighton.