carilion clinic living

Carilion Clinic

Inspiring Better HealthCarilionClinic.org | Fall 2013

NEW TREATMENTSFOR INFLAMMATORYBOWEL DISEASE

IS SITTING SMOKING?

Healing ArtsProgram WelcomesArtists-in-Residence

IS SITTING

SMOKINGthe new

Instead of sitting all day at their desks, many employees of NewCity in Blacksburg get

outside to walk, run, or bike.

HERE FOR THE

getting a secondchance and taking it

Finding new ways to make every day a good day. Carilion Clinic is committed to helping you be your healthiest and stay that way. It’s why we’re here, and it guides everything we do to keep our community well and our region strong. From moment one.

CarilionClinic.org • 800-422-8482

CRL-006_Carilion Clinic Living Mag_8.5 x 11-CancerWoman.indd 1 5/21/13 2:32 PM

CarilionClinic.org | FALL 2013 1

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Carilion Clinic

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FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Carilion Clinic

Inspiring Better Health CarilionClinic.org | Fall 2013

NEW TREATMENTS FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

IS SITTING SMOKING?

Healing Arts Program Welcomes Artists-in- Residence

IS SITTING

SMOKINGthe new

Instead of sitting all day at

their desks, many employees

of NewCity in Blacksburg get

outside to walk, run, or bike.

On Our CoverPam Martin and Matt Simmons of NewCity, an interactive design agency in Blacksburg, walk on a path at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

President’s Message 3 Sitting for hours takes a toll on your health.

Healthy Lifestyles 4 Tips from Carilion Clinic medical professionals.

In Your Community 6 Making a diff erence in western Virginia.

New Providers 24 New physicians and advanced care practitioners

across our region.

Better Living 28 Your health calendar.

Pregnancy 5 Treating complications at home.

New Health Law 8 Roanoke education helped shape health offi cial.

Innovations 10 Healing arts program welcomes artists-in-residence.

Infl ammatory Bowel Disease 12 Internationally recognized doctor brings expertise

to region.

Community Service 15 Doctor serves here and abroad.

Health Studies 16 Prolonged sitting can aff ect your health.

Book Clubs 20 Feed your mind as well as body.

Performing Arts 23 Blacksburg arts center debuts.

Gastroenterology 27 Specialists join Carilion Clinic.

HERE FOR THE

getting a secondchance and taking it

Finding new ways to make every day a good day. Carilion Clinic is committed to helping you be your healthiest and stay that way. It’s why we’re here, and it guides everything we do to keep our community well and our region strong. From moment one.

CarilionClinic.org • 800-422-8482

CRL-006_Carilion Clinic Living Mag_8.5 x 11-CancerWoman.indd 1 5/21/13 2:32 PM

2 FALL 2013 | CarilionClinic.org

CARILION CLINICPRESIDENT AND CEONancy Howell Agee

CARILION CLINIC 1906 BELLEVIEW AVE.P.O. BOX 13367ROANOKE, VA 24033540-981-7000

CARILION CLINIC LIVING IS PRODUCED BY STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT:

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT Shirley Holland

SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETINGMike Dame

BRAND MANAGERLinda Staley

EDITOR Maureen Robb

LEAD DESIGNERDavid Porter

DESIGNERTaryn Anderson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKaren Doss Bowman, Allison Buth, Su Clauson-Wicker, Jay Conley, Otesa Middleton Miles, Amy Minnix, Dan Smith, Erica Stacy, Randolph Walker, Alison Weaver

PHOTOGRAPHERDarryle Arnold

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSMarino Colmano, Sam Dean, David Hungate

PRINTINGChocklett Press

CARILIONCLINIC.ORG | 800-422-8482

Carilion Clinic is a not-for-profi t health care organization based in Roanoke, Va. Th rough our comprehensive network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices, and other complementary services, we work together to provide quality care close to home for nearly 1 million Virginians. With an enduring commitment to the health of our region, we also seek to advance care through medical education and research to help our community stay healthy and inspire our region to grow stronger.

Copyright 2013 by Carilion Clinic. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Carilion Clinic. Articles in this publication are written by journalists or authors who strive to present reliable, up-to-date health information. However, personal decisions regarding health, fi nance, exercise and other matters should be made only after consultation with the reader’s physician or professional advisor. All editorial rights reserved. Opinions expressed herein may or may not refl ect the views of Carilion Clinic.

If you would like to be added to or removed from the mailing list for Carilion Clinic Living, please call 800-422-8482, email us at [email protected], or write to us at Strategic Development, 213 McClanahan St., Roanoke, VA 24014.

Karen Doss Bowman is a writer who contributes to health care publica-tions, including the University of Virginia’s Vim & Vigor. A native of Bassett, Va., she now lives in Bridgewater.

Jay Conley has been a reporter for newspapers including The Roanoke Times, a staff writer for Randolph College in Lynchburg, and a writer for national publications such as U.S. News & World Report.

David Hungate is an award-winning photog-rapher who has worked in television news and whose Roanoke-based commercial photography business takes him to photo shoots around the United States.

Dan Smith is an award-winning journal-ist and photographer, an essayist on public radio, and a member of the Virginia Communi-cations Hall of Fame. He is the author of a novel and several nonfi ction books.

Erica Stacy is a writer whose articles have ap-peared in regional and national health publi-cations. She also works with nonprofi t groups in Virginia and the Caro-linas to promote health and education. She lives in Pulaski.

Randolph Walker is a writer and musician in Roanoke. Formerly a staff writer with The Roanoke Times, his work has appeared in many publications including Virginia Living, Valley Business Front, and The Roanoker.

Our Contributors


President’s MessageSitting all day isn’t good for you. � at’s becoming clear from studies linking prolonged sitting to heart disease, diabetes, and early death from all causes. But there’s so much you can do to add movement to your day. Across our region, more people are working at stand-up or treadmill desks, taking fi tness classes at the offi ce, or walking on breaks. Some, like Teresa Carroll of our Sleep Center, are even setting a timer to remind them to get up and move. See our cover story for more ideas!

If you’ve ever known anyone with Crohn’s disease, you know how debilitating this condition can be. But signifi cant progress is being made. In this issue, we in-troduce Dario Sorrentino, M.D., internationally recog-nized for his breakthroughs in treating infl ammatory bowel disease. Dr. Sorrentino, along with his Carilion Clinic colleagues, will establish the region’s fi rst IBD center.

We’re also happy to welcome our fi rst artists-in-resi-dence to our healing arts program. Painter Jane Lillian Vance and cellist David Feldman are excited to bring their art to our patients, hospital visitors, and staff . Stay tuned for more about their activities.

As the weather gets chillier, our thoughts turn to the comforts of a good book. Gene Marrano, who’s inter-viewed many authors on Roanoke’s public radio station WVTF, explores the region’s book clubs in this issue. From literary fi ction for adults to storytelling for kids, there are dozens of clubs to choose from. Check out the possibilities!

WARM REGARDS,

NANCY HOWELL AGEEPRESIDENT AND CEOCARILION CLINIC

Nancy Howell Agee (left) speaks with Dr. Susan C. Lee, chief of hospitalist medicine at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

An Invitation from the PresidentAn Invitation from the PresidentAn Invitation from the PresidentAn Invitation from the PresidentAn Invitation from the PresidentAn Invitation from the President


Make Sure You Get True Exercise What does exercise mean to YOU? Often when I ask a patient if they exercise, they say “yes,” followed by explanations like, “my job keeps me active,” or “I get a lot of exercise running after my children (or grandchildren).” Although staying active in any shape or form is important to one’s overall health, you need to get

consistent, uninterrupted exercise to help maintain a healthy body weight. This includes 30 minutes of cardio/aerobic exer-cise at least five times a week. I encourage patients to get their heart rate up and sweat a little, as this burns calories!

— Colleen James, D.O., Carilion Clinic Family Medicine, Vinton

Improve Your Health through Meditation The word “meditation” may be off-put-ting, but this mind-body practice may be one of the most beneficial habits you can cultivate. Research suggests regular practice improves physical, mental, and emotional health to promote greater overall well-being. Consider the follow-

ing exercise: Find a quiet place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Gently dismiss stray thoughts as they occur. In as little as five minutes a day, your efforts can significantly improve the quality of your life!

— Luke Swatzyna, Certified Physician Assistant Carilion Clinic Family Medicine, Roanoke/Salem and Southeast

Tips from our Medical Professionals

Is Diet Soda a Healthier Choice?Unfortunately, it’s not. In fact, diet soda may be as harmful as regular soda. Re-cent research has shown that sweeteners in diet soda may be linked to weight gain, poor metabolism, cell damage, tooth decay, heart problems, and diabetes. And that’s with just one or two servings daily. Why take the risk? Consume nature’s

healthy drink: water. Commit to kicking all soda out of your life for good.

— Chidinma Osefo, M.D. Carilion Clinic Family Medicine, Roanoke/Salem

Watch Out for Winter BluesOften as summer comes to a close and cooler temperatures approach, we can feel a little down. Sometimes, this can be a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which often starts in the fall and lasts until spring or summer. It can make you sleepy, hungry, or irri-table, and can lead to weight gain. Some

people feel better by walking outside during daylight hours and eating a healthy diet. If you notice these symptoms as winter approaches, ask your doctor for treatment options.

— Stacy C. Moore, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Carilion Clinic Family Medicine, Dublin

Is Electronic Media Hurting Your Child?Technology has many benefits, but heavy use of electronic media (especially with non-educational or violent content) can be linked to mental and physical health problems in children and adolescents. Just as a healthy diet includes a variety of nutritious foods, youths can benefit

from reducing their “screen time” and trying other age-appro-priate, adult-supervised activities, such as group or individual athletics, music or art lessons, volunteering, and many others.

— Hilton R. Lacy, M.D., Carilion Clinic Psychiatry — Child & Adolescent, Roanoke

When to Have a Pap SmearDid you know that guidelines have re-cently changed for healthy women with no history of abnormal pap smears? Most women are now asked to start this test to detect cervical cancer at age 21, and to have it every three years until age 30. After that, add co-testing for the human papilloma virus, and continue

testing every five years until age 65. And you’ll still need your annual gynecological exam. Talk to your health provider for more information.

— Suzanne Barron, M.S., Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Carilion Clinic Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rocky Mount

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES


When Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, delivered a healthy prince on July 22, royalty watchers breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Kate’s four-day hospitalization in early December evoked global concern, bringing attention to a little-known condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.

Th e disorder is best described as abnormally severe morning sickness. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because it aff ects a small number of pregnant women—between .3 percent and 1 percent, according to Melanie Altizer, M.D., a Carilion Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist.

Aff ected women can suff er such persistent vomiting that they become dehydrated and malnourished, develop an elec-trolyte imbalance, and lose weight. English novelist Charlotte Bronte likely died of hyperemesis in 1855.

High hormone levels could play a role in the condition, al-though its exact cause is unknown.

It is treatable, however. “We do lab work to rule out other conditions such as an abnormal pregnancy or thyroid con-dition,” Dr. Altizer says. “We try to reduce the symptoms through dietary changes, avoiding environmental triggers, and with medication.

“If necessary, we also correct the consequences of vomiting through IV hydration, replacing electrolytes, and even intrave-nous nutrition. Th is minimizes the eff ect on the baby.”

Severe cases may require a hospital stay to stabilize the mother’s condition, but hyperemesis is also treatable at home.

“In hyperemesis, persistent morning sickness can be debil-itating,” says Carolyn Mason-Murray, manager of Carilion Clinic Home Care. “When women can stay home during their treatment, one element of stress is removed.”

Th is is especially important for women with young children. Home treatment is also less expensive than long-term or re-peated hospital stays.

Since 2009, Carilion Clinic Home Care has treated about fi ve hyperemesis patients each year. “We’ve kept these women from hospitalization,” says Mason-Murray. “Our goal is to educate our providers, hopefully allowing more women to re-main home.”

Carilion’s registered nurses provide a wide range of treat-ments and procedures in patients’ homes, including IV therapy. Carilion collaborates with Home Choice Partners to deliver IV expertise and 24-hour support.

“Each case is unique,” Mason-Murray says. “When the pa-tient is physically able, we encourage her participation in care planning and can educate her or her caregiver about how to connect and disconnect the IV.

“We strive to improve our patients’ quality of life. Keeping them at home is often part of that.”

Carilion Clinic Home Care has locations in Roanoke, Bedford, Lexington, Rocky Mount, Radford, and Tazewell. For more infor-mation, call 800-964-9300 or go to CarilionClinic.org/home/va-home-health-care. To watch a video, go to bit.ly/CarilionHomeCare.

Treating Acute Morning SicknessBy Su Clauson-Wicker

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their newborn son.

© GettyImages

CARILION HOSPITALS EARN TOP AWARDS Th ree units at Carilion Clinic hospitals received 5-Star awards for overall quality from Professional Research Consultants, a national health care research fi rm. Th ey are: Obstetrics at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Ambulatory Surgery and Endoscopy at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Carilion Giles Commu-nity Hospital Inpatient Service also received a 4-Star award. Separately, CGCH was named one of “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Th e list recognizes hospitals with fewer than 550 beds that provide high-quality care.

VELOCITYCARE TO OPEN IN BLACKSBURGVelocityCare, the urgent care ser-vice by Carilion Clinic, will open at a fi fth location in early 2014. Th e new VelocityCare site, at 215 Gilbert St. in Blacksburg, will provide walk-in medical services for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Carilion Clinic or-thopaedic services will also be provided at this location.

CARILION MATCHES SNAP DOLLARS AT FARMERS’ MARKETSA grant from Carilion Clinic is helping SNAP card (food stamp) recipients buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Th e grant was made to area farmers’ markets in the Local Environmental Agriculture Project and matches SNAP benefi ts to double their value, up to $20. Carilion’s own Farmers’ Table, open Th ursday afternoons at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, also off ers the match. For more information on participating farmers markets, go to leapforlocalfood.org.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY


Patient Transportation Wins Recognition

Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation was fully re-accredited for another three years by the

Commission of Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. Th e commission also commended Carilion

for its culture of safety. Earning accreditation is a rigorous process, and many patient transport

systems fi nd it hard to maintain.


Stairs and Wellness Go Together Carilion Clinic is sponsoring the main staircase at the newly renovated Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke as part of its StairWellness program. To promote the health benefi ts of taking the stairs, Carilion also redesigned stair-wells at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and other Carilion hospitals.

KIDS LEARN HEALTHY HABITSKids and their parents learned fun ways to stay active and eat right at Com-munity Day in Roanoke’s Horton Park. Th e event featured activities for all ages, including an infl atable obstacle course, Zumba, basketball, rock climb-ing, kickball, bean bag toss, chalk games, and hula hoops. A goodie bag of fresh fruit and vegetables went home with anyone who completed fi ve activi-ties. Th e event was sponsored by PATH Community Coalition led by Carilion Clinic and funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Photo courtesy of Justin McLeod of Roanoke City Public Schools.

ROANOKE MEMORIAL IS HIGHLY RANKEDCarilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital was ranked eighth among Virginia’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It was the only hospital in southwest Virginia to make the top ten, and it earned honors in eight specialty areas. Roanoke Memorial was also chosen as “Best Hospital” in southwest Virginia by Virginia Living magazine. Noted were the hospital’s Chest Pain Center, pediatric emergency room, forensic nursing program, and its emergency department, with the region’s only Level I Trauma Center.

Carilion Again Named ‘Most Wired’For the fi fth year in a row, Carilion Clinic was named one of the nation’s “Most Wired” health care systems. Th e award, by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine, recognizes providers that make extensive use of technology to improve patient care.


NEW SERVICES

As the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Marilyn As the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Marilyn Tavenner has played a key role in implementing the nation’s new health Tavenner has played a key role in implementing the nation’s new health care law. Over the past three years, she has helped develop policy and care law. Over the past three years, she has helped develop policy and regulations to carry out the far-reaching Aff ordable Care Act.regulations to carry out the far-reaching Aff ordable Care Act.

Tavenner, who manages what is in eff ect the world’s largest health insurer, discussed the law earlier this year at the Carilion Leadership Conference, which brought together regional leaders in government and industry. It was the fi rst stop of her national tour to roll out the new regulations.

Her approach to implementing the law has been “to listen to all concerns, pro-vide information when asked, and work with everyone toward a common goal,” she said. It’s also meant streamlining bu-reaucracy “to get rid of duplicate systems and run the agency like a business.”

In her talk and in an interview after-wards, Tavenner said it was a matter of building bridges—not burning them—with all the state regulators, insurers, and others who have had a stake in implementing the law.

Th e general directives of the Aff ordable Care Act had to be translated into thou-sands of pages of detailed regulations spelling out just how the law would work. For three years, this has been Tavenner’s mission.

Unusual BackgroundTavenner, who manages the $820 billion federal agency that provides health

care coverage for 100 million Americans, brings a unique skill set to her job. She is a graduate of Roanoke Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing, Class of 1972, and a former Virginia secretary of health and human resources.

Her rise in government also refl ects the emergence of nurses as health care lead-ers. She and her Roanoke nursing school classmate Nancy Howell Agee, for exam-ple, each went on to become CEOs in the health care industry.

Tavenner held executive positions with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), and Agee is now president and CEO of Carilion Clinic.

Today Tavenner is drawing on expertise she acquired in Roanoke. “Part of what we learned in nursing school,” she said, “was team leadership—managing a unit. It was teaching and nursing and management, working and following.”

Shaping the New Health Care Law

MARILYN TAVENNER RENEWS ROANOKE TIES AS SHE LAUNCHES NATIONAL TOUR By Dan Smith

Her rise in government refl ects the emergence

of nurses as health care leaders.


In addition to this and their medical training, nurses are known as caring patient advocates, and Tavenner is no exception. “Marilyn brings a nurse’s attitude to management,” says Agee.

“She is caring, involved, concerned, and people-oriented.”

Early Training“People talk about having ideal child-

hoods,” Tavenner said. “Roanoke Memo-rial’s School of Nursing was ideal in my mind. We were taught in small groups, often one-on-one. We learned about diseases and patients and then we were able to carry what we learned into the hospital and see it applied. In the pro-cess, we learned how important it was to listen to patients and their families.”

“Nursing requires a certain personal-ity,” she said. “Nurses have to care about people, and the school sought that out.”

Tavenner was a Candy Striper in Fieldale in high school before acquiring

scholarships that helped her attend nursing school. Th en she earned a bach-elor’s of science degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health administration, both from Virginia Commonwealth Uni-versity.

Before entering government service, Tavenner spent 25 years with HCA. She began as a nurse at the Johnston-Wil-lis Hospital in Richmond in 1981 and steadily rose through the company. In 1993, she was named the hospital’s chief executive offi cer and by 2001 had assumed responsibility for 20 hospitals as president of HCA’s Central Atlantic Division. She left HCA in 2005 as group

president of outpatient services, where she developed a national strategy for freestanding outpatient services.

Her four-year tenure as Virginia’s sec-retary of health and human resources sparked an interest in government. “I didn’t even think about public service before,” she says, “but I loved working for [then-Governor] Tim Kaine.” She went on to be named principal deputy admin-istrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and acting director of the agency before being confi rmed as its head earlier this year.

Tavenner’s ability to work with people of all viewpoints is seen as one of her strong suits. And she’s earned the sup-port of many who might have opposed her, including Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah.

Th e newspaper Politico has even quoted Hatch as saying: “I have reason to believe she will be one of the best leaders we could possibly see in government.”

Marilyn Tavenner, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services, is shown as a Roanoke nursing school graduate (right), and at the recent Carilion Lead-

ership Conference (below).

Aff ordable Care ActAff ordable Care ActAff ordable Care ActAff ordable Care ActAff ordable Care ActAff ordable Care ActEnrollment is under way for cov-Enrollment is under way for cov-Enrollment is under way for cov-erage beginning January 1, 2014 erage beginning January 1, 2014 erage beginning January 1, 2014 under the Aff ordable Care Act. For under the Aff ordable Care Act. For under the Aff ordable Care Act. For information about the law and en-information about the law and en-information about the law and en-rollment, go to healthcare.gov.rollment, go to healthcare.gov.rollment, go to healthcare.gov.

Each is a tool with the power to heal.Studies in fact show that art can reduce anxiety,

lower blood pressure and stress levels, enhance sleep, and raise pain thresholds and mood.

Th at’s why Carilion Clinic launched the Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program in June of 2012. Now, just over a year later, the program is already mak-ing a diff erence for patients and their families.

Th e program, with its journaling, healing garden, music, and artists-in-residence, is creating an inspi-rational and restorative environment for Carilion pa-tients, visitors, and caregivers.

JournalingWriting in a journal has long been encouraged as

a way to work through one’s feelings. “It’s cathartic,” says Shanna Flowers, manager of Carilion’s volunteer services. “Rather than keep worries and fears inside, patients can write them down.”

In May, Carilion began off ering journals to patients in the labor and delivery antepartum unit at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. “Th e women who are ad-mitted there may spend several weeks in the hospital pending the birth of their babies,” says Flowers.

“Th ey may worry about the delivery, miss their fam-ilies and friends, and, if they have other children at home, feel guilty about being away,” she says. “Journal-ing can help them work through this.”

Trained volunteers off er patients journals and sug-gestions for using them. Patients record their feelings, sketch, or just write down questions about their condi-tions.

Th e popularity of journaling in the unit has since led to off ering journals to cardiac, oncology, and reha-bilitation patients. More than 150 journals have been distributed since the healing arts program began.

Healing GardenA new healing garden is also winning praise. In part-

nership with the City of Roanoke, Carilion opened the garden last summer beside the Roanoke River Greenway.

Fragrant with fl owers and aromatic plants, it has benches and a swing and provides a special place to feel the healing eff ects of nature.

Artists-in-ResidenceTh e newest component of the healing arts at Caril-

ion is an artist-in-residence program. It is designed to create a direct connection between artists and patients, visitors, and staff .

Jane Lillian Vance, a painter and storyteller, joined the program in September for three months and will be followed by cellist David Feldman in December. Th ey were selected from a group of 21 applicants.

“When patients are in a hospital, they are often vul-nerable and may feel uncomfortable and alone,” says Marie Webb, senior director of community outreach for Carilion. “We hope that engaging with local artists will lift their spirits.”

Healing GardenHealing Garden

Healing with Art By Erica Stacy

The healing garden beside the Roanoke River has ar-omatic plants, benches, and a swing. It was dedicated in August in partnership with the City of Roanoke.


Each is a tool with the power to heal.

ealing witealing witWhat do stethoscopes, medications, and paintings have in common?


Th e artist-in-residence program will include activities with patients, demonstrations in waiting rooms, and workshops for employees.

Funded by Tom and Mary Evelyn Tielking of Daleville, the program will feature a new artist quarterly. Activities off ered will depend on the artist’s specialty.

“Art helps you escape from yourself,” says Mary Evelyn. “It forces you outside yourself. We hope that this program will help patients fi nd that release.

“Even when you are sick, the world is still out there with beauty to share.”

“We were drawn to this area when we retired because of the variety of cultural experiences available,” says Tom.

Meet the ArtistsMeet the ArtistsMeet the Artists

Healing with Art Artist Jane Lillian Vance, shown with one of her paintings, and cellist David Feldman, are the fi rst artists-in-resi-dence in the healing arts program.


Carilion to Create First IBD Center

in Region By Alison Weaver


One of the world’s leading specialists in infl ammatory bowel disease (IBD) has joined Carilion Clinic.

Dario Sorrentino, M.D., who is fellow-ship-trained in gastroenterology and endoscopy, comes to the Roanoke Valley from Queensland, Australia, where he served as a professor of medicine and gastroenterologist and conducted clin-ical trials in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. He was born in Italy.

“I spent 10 years of my career in the United States, and I’ve always wanted to come back,” Dr. Sorrentino says. “Th e Roanoke Valley and Virginia in general are beautiful, and the people absolutely fantastic. In addition, I believe that Carilion Clinic is strongly motivated to build a premier academic health facility in Roanoke.”

IBDs are chronic diseases that cause severe infl ammation of the intestine, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. Th e two main types of IBDs are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

“IBD is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),” Dr. Sorrentino says.

“Th ey might share similar symptoms — chronic diarrhea and pain — but IBD causes sores that penetrate the intesti-nal wall. IBS is associated with a normal intestine.”

Dr. Sorrentino has joined Carilion’s Division of Gastroenterology, directed by Paul Yeaton, M.D.

“We are extremely pleased that Dr.

Sorrentino has joined Carilion Clinic and is bringing his expertise to our region,” Dr. Yeaton says.

New Center One of Dr. Sorrentino’s immediate

goals is to help establish the fi rst IBD center in the region. “Th e long-term goal will be to provide world-class care using the most sophisticated techniques to di-agnose these diseases and off er the best available treatments,” he says.

“Another important goal will be to conduct cutting-edge research in collab-

oration with many other centers in the country and with Virginia Tech, with the aim of understanding and eventually providing a cure for IBDs.”

“� is is an exciting time for patients with IBD. While just a few years ago being diagnosed with IBD was invariably associated with a poor prognosis, we are now on the verge of being able to keep these diseases in full remission in most patients.”

— Dario Sorrentino, M.D.

Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s Disease

Dr. Dario Sorrentino, a leading specialist in infl ammatory bowel disease, discusses his research at a medical conference.


SPECIALTY CARE

Th e center will include a multi-disci-plinary team of specialists. In addition to Dr. Sorrentino, they will be:

• Gastroenterologist Marrieth Rubio, M.D.

• Pathologist Douglas J. Grider, M.D.• Radiologist Daniel R. Karolyi, M.D.,

Ph.D.• Surgeon Sandy L. Fogel, M.D.

IBD TrainingDr. Sorrentino began his medical

career at the University of Sassari in Italy. He then spent 10 years at the University of California at San Francisco and Mount Sinai Medical Center in

New York City. He went on to head the gastroenterol-ogy section of the University of Udine Medical School (Italy) for 12 years, where he developed a clinical/academic IBD center. He has

published more than 100 papers in top medical journals.

“I developed an interest in IBD because of the great challenge these diseases pose to both patients and physicians,”

Dr. Sorrentino ex-plains. “Since they mostly aff ect young people, IBDs take away the best years of their lives. It is very sad to come in contact with teenag-ers and young adults who have lost faith

in everything and everybody because of their suff ering.”

Dr. Sorrentino’s work as a researcher, physician, and lecturer has taken him to dozens of countries around the world, including stints in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, and South Korea.

His research in IBD has focused on several subjects, the most recent and important being prevention of post-sur-gical recurrence of Crohn’s disease.

In advanced cases of Crohn’s disease, portions of the in-testines can become so damaged that they must be re-moved by a surgical resection. However, between 70 percent and 90 percent of patients begin showing signs of a

recurrence within a year of surgery.While at Udine, Dr. Sorrentino and his

team began testing the use of the drug infl iximab to prevent recurrence. “We found that patients who began taking

infl iximab immedi-ately after surgery had dramatically better outcomes,” he says. “Recurrence was prevented in 90 to 100 percent of the patients.”

Dr. Sorrentino’s research was fi rst

published in 2006 and has been repli-cated by many other teams of research-ers worldwide. Subsequently he showed that low doses of this medication may be as eff ective as standard doses in

preventing recur-rence. Clinical trials of long-term use of infl iximab for this indication are under way in more than 150 centers around the world.

“Th is is an excit-ing time for patients

with IBD,” says Dr. Sorrentino. “While just a few years ago being diagnosed with IBD was invariably associated with

a poor prognosis, we are now on the verge of being able to keep these dis-eases in full remission in most patients.”

For more information on treatments for IBD or bowel incontinence, call 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482.

Dr. Daniel Karolyi

Dr. Paul Yeaton

Dr. Marrieth Rubio

Dr. Sandy Fogel

Dr. Douglas Grider

Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel Treating Bowel IncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinenceIncontinence

Dr. Jonathan Gleason


From Military Intelligence to Medicine By Allison Buth

Suzanna Jamison, M.D., took an unusual path to get where she is today—a doctor at Carilion Clinic and in the Army Reserve.

And while she jokes that her father might have preferred she take a more direct route to a medical degree, her family wasn’t one to make ordinary choices.

“My parents were both lawyers—my dad went on to become district at-torney of New Orleans, and my mom became a judge,” says Dr. Jamison.

“But while working during law school, they decided to buy a business and run it together instead of taking typical hourly jobs.

“Th ey ran a record shop because they loved music. Music was important to my family, and my brother really took to it at a very young age.”

Dr. Jamison is referring to singer, musician, and actor Harry Connick, Jr.

“For me, I decided that professionally I wanted a job that allowed me to talk with people and understand them,” she says. “I approached the Army and told them what I was interested in doing, and they handed me the job de-scription of an interrogator.”

Dr. Jamison served as an interroga-tor gathering military intelligence for eight years. When her term of service was up, she knew that she wanted to stay within the military as an Army reservist.

“Using my G.I. Bill, I decided to go to

nursing school,” Dr. Jamison says. “I went from enlisted soldier to Army nurse. Th en during my time as a psy-chiatric nurse, I realized that I wanted more autonomy and responsibility for my patients. I felt I’d be in a better po-sition to educate the treatment team as a physician and could speak on be-half of patients more eff ectively.”

Dr. Jamison became a commis-sioned Army physician in 2004 after completing medical school. After her residency, with specialties in internal medicine and psychiatry, she was eligi-ble to go on deployments as a reservist. She was sent to Iraq in 2010 and to Kosovo in 2012 to provide psychiatric care to American soldiers and civilians.

“Soldiers are very resilient and ori-ented towards maximizing their func-tioning,” she says. “Whatever may be bothering them can really aff ect their job or relationships, so they have a real incentive to work to get better. Most soldiers are interested in receiving therapy to get over issues they are fac-ing, which is really neat.”

“I’ve found the Army to be very sup-portive of providing psychiatric care to soldiers, and my colleagues here have been so understanding and helpful when I’m gone. I couldn’t do the de-ployments without everyone’s support. Because I have that, deployments have been a great experience for me.”

Dr. Jamison in Iraq...

and Kosovo...

and with

her bro

ther,

Harry Co

nnick, Jr.

COVER STORY


We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.We were made to move.

IS SITTING THE NEW SMOKING?

By Randolph Walker


Society, who led the study.In June, the American Medical Asso-

ciation adopted a policy recognizing the risks of prolonged sitting and encour-aged employers to off er options, such as standing work stations.

Th e solution seems to be “less sitting and more moving overall,” says James A. Levine, M.D., an endocrinologist with the Mayo Clinic. Even working out a few hours a week doesn’t seem to signifi -cantly undo the damage of sitting all day, he says. He suggests standing instead of sitting whenever possible.

Standing or moving seems to trigger processes in the body related to the breakdown of fats and sugars, says Dr. Levine. When you sit, these processes stall.

Taking ActionMany in our region aren’t taking this

sitting down. At Advance Auto Parts in Roanoke, for instance, about 35 employ-

ees work at sit-or-stand desks.“We take their desktop and we split

it—we can actually raise their desk, which gives them the option to stand,” says Director of Facilities Management Wayne Barnes, who has a standing desk himself. “When I’m doing e-mails or work on the PC, any type of online work, I’m standing.”

Advance Auto also has three treadmill desks stationed in common work areas. Employees walk slowly at them while doing offi ce tasks.

Regina Hines, a facilities coordinator, is a regular user. Every morning for about four months, she has answered e-mails and read documents on her lap-top while walking. She has lost weight, and she has more energy. “I don’t feel like I’m ready to take that 1 o’clock nap,” she says.

At Washington and Lee University in Lexington, used treadmills from the gym have been put to new use. “We

added desks to them,” says Anne Rem-ington, the university’s work-life coordi-nator. Th e units are placed in individual offi ces or in common areas as requested. Th ey are rotated every six months.

Joan Miller, an administrative assis-tant for law school advancement at the university, mounts her offi ce equipment on a TrekDesk that straddles a treadmill.

On the MoveOn the MoveOn the MoveOn the MoveOn the MoveOn the Move

Left: Regina Hines, a facilities co-ordinator at Advance Auto Parts in Roanoke, walks at one of the treadmill desks available to all employees.


“I have the phone and the computer and I do my thing,” she says. Striding steadily at .6 or .7 m.p.h., Miller estimates she gets in about three miles per day.

Others, such as employees of Foot Levelers in Roanoke, have held “walking meetings.” (Proponents of the walking meeting are said to include the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.)

Some area companies off er on-site fi tness centers or exercise classes for employees. “We’ve got an open area in our corporate offi ce that we use for yoga, Zumba, and high-impact fi tness classes,” says Anne Jacobsen, vice president of administration for Hooker Furniture in Martinsville. “We see the benefi t in a lot of diff erent ways—increased produc-tivity and fewer absences for doctor’s appointments and medical claims.”

Lisa Stephens, a credit assistant at Hooker, found out about a cardio class through an employee website. “My boss was nice enough to let me work through lunch and leave at 4 o’clock so I could go to that class,” she says. She’s also attended Hooker’s Zumba and yoga

classes. Pat Yopp, revenue cycle manager at

Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, has taken power punch and yoga classes on-site. In tandem with joining Weight Watchers, Yopp has lost 90 pounds in the past few years.

“It’s helped me improve my energy level, enhance my self esteem, improve

my health in general, reduce risks associ-ated with heart disease, and meet some very nice people,” she says.

Some like to bicycle. Th e City of Martinsville Fire and EMS Department makes bikes available to employees, who ride them on lunch and other breaks. Activate, a nonprofi t group in Martins-ville and Henry County, sponsors Bike Barn, which makes bicycles available to the general public for free.

Others prefer running. Phil Pélanne, director of technology at NewCity, an interactive design agency in Blacksburg, likes to run on the roads around the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center during the day. Melissa Beaver, NewCity director of user experience, often runs on nearby mountain trails.

At NewCity, “Some people work stand-ing up, and a lot of folks work out, run, or bike during the day,” says David Poteet, the agency’s president.

Th en there’s technology. “I can report that I recently purchased a Nike+ FuelBand to remind me to keep moving, and this gentle bio-feedback is working

You You You CanCanCan Sit Less Sit Less Sit Less Sit Less Sit Less Sit Less

Left to right: Pat Yopp stretches before an on-site fi tness class at Carilion Clinic; Nicole Mosley, Pam Martin, and Matt Simmons of NewCity stand while checking out an interesting website; and at Advance Auto Parts, Jeremy Miller works at a standing desk and Trish Geiger takes a walk down the hall.


for me,” says Jim Flowers, executive director of VT KnowledgeWorks in Blacksburg.

“It gives several forms of bio-feedback, both directly and by Bluetooth synching with a smartphone or computer,” he says. “You set a daily fuel goal, and it tracks your progress through the day. Its presence alone reminds me to move more. It is working for me.”

And Teresa Carroll, manager of Carilion Clinic’s Sleep Center in Roanoke, periodically sets a timer for 30 minutes and does a lap down the hallway. She also built her own stand-up computer desk by raising a hospital patient tray.

“People think it’s tiring, but it’s not,” she says. “It helps me keep my mental focus.

“You can make your own, too,” she says. “Be creative.”

Taking the First StepWhether it’s at the offi ce or at home,

excessive sitting weighs you down.Carolynn Trent Johnson of Tazewell

can attest to this. “After a decade of dealing with cancer and the side eff ects

from treatment, I found myself practi-cally housebound,” she says. “I couldn’t even go to the grocery store. I also de-veloped thyroid issues that caused me to gain a great deal of weight. Once my medical issues were resolved, I found myself terribly out of shape.”

One day she put on a pedometer. By the end of the day, she had walked only 37 steps.

Johnson knew she had to do some-thing. She decided to visit the Four Sea-sons YMCA in Tazewell. One lap turned into two laps. Th en came the treadmill and a spin bike, a special type of station-ary bicycle with a metal fl ywheel that mimics the eff ect of climbing a hill.

Between managing her thyroid and exercise, Johnson lost more than 40

pounds. In less than a year, she went from walking 37 steps in a day to teach-ing yoga and Spin® classes at the Y. She has become an ambassador for the reju-venating eff ects of movement.

“My life has been transformed in more ways than I could imagine,” she says.

“It’s my heart’s desire to let people know you can be immobile, you can be house-bound, but once you’re in a place physi-cally where you can move, it is so worth it. I wish this for everybody.”

Finding the Right DeskStand-up desks and treadmill desks can be bought online—a treadmill desk station starts at around $730—or assembled from separate components. TrekDesks (not including the treadmill) are available from online retailers for about $480. If you have some basic shop skills, you can build your own for far less. Used treadmills in the $100 range can be found through online classifi ed ads.

ResourcesResourcesResources


REGIONAL INTEREST

“After our book club meets, I feel more energized,” says Pearl Gearhart of Salem. “I feel good. I’ve learned some-thing new.

“I also like fi nding out what our next book will be and look forward to reading ones that are diff erent.”

Gearhart is a member of the book club sponsored by the new Glenvar branch of the Roanoke County Public Library. Th e club, usually attended by 10 to 15 members, also occasionally hears talks by authors. (Local best-selling writer Sharyn McCrumb is one who has spoken to the group.)

Finding a ClubBook clubs—often held formally at public

libraries or informally at someone’s home or a coff ee house—are a popular way to share thoughts about a book. Th ey also foster a

sense of community and intellectual stimula-tion. In western Virginia, it’s not too diffi cult to fi nd a book club that suits your tastes.

Roanoke County libraries host several clubs, including the 1st Tuesday Book Club at the South County Library and the Vinton Book Club on the fi rst Th ursday afternoon of every month. Th ere are also book clubs at several other libraries, and clubs geared toward teens.

Darlene Smithwick, adult services coordina-tor for Roanoke County Libraries, says it now has eight clubs. “Two of them are specialized groups,” she says. “One discusses paranormal romances, and the other is dedicated to Sher-lock Holmes.” Library staff ers usually lead the sessions.

Twelve to 15 people maximum is about the right size for a book club, says Smithwick. She also says book clubs expose members to a wider variety of titles and writing styles.

OPENING NEW WORLDS

Book club members hold their fi rst meeting

at the new Glenvar branch of the Roanoke

County Public Library.Local Book Clubs

By Gene Marrano


When one club discussed the best-sell-ing Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, it attracted people who had never been in a book club—several had never been in the public library.

Th e Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library off ers the “Talking About Books” series at multiple locations in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and the Town of Floyd. Recent meetings have included discussions on classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and more current fare from Virgin-ia-based novelist Barbara Kingsolver (Flight Behavior).

“We do put a lot of stock in book clubs,” says Paula Alston, director of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Li-brary. “Our primary business is books, reading, and giving patrons a sense of community when they are in our libraries.”

Alston notes that many people rel-ish a good book: “Th ey love to share their ideas and opinions about that. Book clubs promote that as well as

provide a social outlet for folks.” Th e Montgomery-Floyd Regional

Library off ers book clubs for adults, mothers and daughters, teens, fathers and sons, and grade-schoolers, as well as a “Small Fry Book Club” for chil-dren entering fi rst grade. It also has a club about books linked to movies and one whose members chat about

books while knitting. Th e Blue Ridge Regional Library,

headquartered in Martinsville with four branches elsewhere, sponsors a Readers Meeting at its Ridgeway branch.

And WVTF Public Radio, which cov-ers much of southwestern and central Virginia, off ers its monthly book club at its home base in Roanoke. Partic-ipants choose titles for the monthly meetings at the end of the preceding year. Members of the club or someone from the local literary/academic com-munity lead each meeting.

WVTF’s club meets on the last Tuesday of each month; upcoming selections range from biographies like David McCullough’s Truman to the David Baldacci novel Wish You Well, currently being fi lmed as a movie in Giles County.

Th ere are many other book clubs, large and small, all over western Vir-ginia, including ones such as Carilion Clinic’s managers’ book club.

Start Your Own Book ClubStart Your Own Book ClubStart Your Own Book ClubStart Your Own Book ClubStart Your Own Book ClubStart Your Own Book Club

Left to right: Librarian Rebecca Walters and book

club member Pearl Gearhart listen as

others discuss their book selection: Miss Peregrine’s Home for

Peculiar Children.


A study at the University of Central Arkansas some time ago concluded that participation in book clubs by middle-school students could help overcome their resistance to reading, especially with other students serving as positive role models.

Strengthening the Community Sheila S. Umberger, director of

libraries for the City of Roanoke, says book clubs help bring people together.

“As neighborhood centers, the libraries’ mission is to support community, to create a place for people to interact and get to know one another,” she says. In addition to clubs geared to-ward adults, Roanoke City Libraries off ers meetings for elementary school children and entire families.

Patricia Ross-DaVall, a reader who

relocated to the Roanoke Valley from Massachusetts a few years ago, found a book club at the Williamson Road branch a great way to connect with new friends.

“Th at was one of the reasons for joining,” says Ross-DaVall. Th e club has also allowed her to see how other people feel about the same work and how they might interpret it diff er-ently. “Th at’s what I fi nd interest-ing—how they take it, where they are coming from,” she says.

It also was a way for her to move outside her comfort zone, reading books (mainly non-fi ction) she might not normally. “We’ve had some good discussions,” she says.

Sherry Kessel, another member of the club, likes the camaraderie and the variety of books read and dis-cussed—from novels to biographies like Doris Kearns Goodwin’s of Abra-ham Lincoln, Team of Rivals.

“I usually have my book read [before the club meeting],” says Kessel. “I enjoy the education you get from reading diff erent types of things.”

ResourcesResourcesResources

Kids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love BooksKids Who Love Books

“Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book.”

— Author Unknown

Glenvar book club members include (left to right): Pearl Gearhart, Rebecca Walters, Ellen Ward, Maxine Norman Cooper, and Heather Gearhart.


TO STAY HEALTHY

Virginia Tech is recognized for technology, engineering and sci-ence, but the university wants to be known for the arts as well. The mission of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, opening this fall, is nothing less than transforming lives through exploration and engage-ment with the arts and the creative process.

Located on Blacksburg’s Main Street, the 147,000-square-foot facility will open its doors for an art exhibition on Oct. 28, with its fi rst concert sched-uled for Nov. 1.

� e 2013-14 season will bring in some of the country’s fi nest dancers, musicians, artists, and theatrical com-panies, including the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Dance � eatre of Harlem, and the Philip Glass Ensem-ble. International off erings include Ballet Hispanico and Indian percus-sionist Zakir Hussain.

Southwest Virginia’s wealth of tal-ent isn’t neglected, with concerts by the Blacksburg Master Chorale, mas-ter guitarist Wayne Henderson, and

other local performers.Music, theater, and dance programs

will be off ered in a 1,260-seat perfor-mance hall with superb acoustics, a removable orchestra shell, and the technical capability to professionally present all forms of music, theater, and dance.

Visual arts galleries will accom-modate traditional, digital, and new media exhibitions. Planned works include a fi ve-channel, fantasy video installation by artist Chiho Aoshima, whose work is infl uenced by Japanese manga, anime, and woodblock prints.

Patrons won’t be limited to pas-sively observing. � rough community sing-alongs, school-day matinees, stu-dent art exhibits, and master classes with world-class musicians, the center seeks to actively engage the commu-nity.

Virginia Tech is known for innova-tion, and that applies to the arts as well. � rough its partnership with Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, the center seeks to blend art, design, engineering, and

science to create new possibilities for artistic expression.

� e center will house studios with multi-channel audio and motion-capture systems, fl exible spaces for design development, and interactive virtual environments. A four-story, experimental “Cube” will off er space for performances and installations.

Faculty members, students, and in-ternational guest artists and research-ers will use these spaces to identify useful connections between the arts and the sciences.

In addition to stimulating the arts scene, the new $100 million center is an economic catalyst for the New River Valley, according to Executive Director Ruth Waalkes. It will comple-ment existing venues, including the Lyric � eatre, the Armory Gallery, and Squires Student Center.

For a full list of performances, exhi-bitions, and events for the inaugural season, as well as ticket prices, visit artscenter.vt.edu.

New Arts Center to Open at Virginia Tech

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech.


Aneysa C. Sane, M.D. Allergy and ImmunologyMedical Degree: Duke University School of MedicineResidency: Internal medicine, Duke UniversityFellowships: Pulmonary and critical care, Duke University Allergy and immunology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University 46 Wesley Rd., Daleville, VA 24083 540-591-9447

Sandeep Ravi, M.D. CardiologyMedical Degree: Osmania Medical CollegeResidency: Cardiology, Yale University/Bridgeport HospitalFellowship: Cardiology, Yale University/Bridgeport Hospital2900 Lamb Circle, Suite 301, Christiansburg, VA 24073 540-731-7600

Mark Schoemann, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryMedical Degree: Emory University School of MedicineResidencies: General surgery, University of Rochester Plastic surgery, Duke UniversityFellowship: Craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta3 Riverside Circle, Suite 400, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

Kimberly Palmer Simcox, D.O. Obstetrics and GynecologyMedical Degree: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: Obstetrics and gynecology, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Affiliate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)2900 Lamb Circle, Suite 202, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-731-4578

Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, M.D. Infectious DiseaseMedical Degree: University of Ghana Medical SchoolResidency: Internal medicine, Saint Agnes HospitalFellowship: Infectious disease, Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine2001 Crystal Spring Ave., Suite 301, Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-7715

Gretchen S. Glaser, M.D. Gynecologic OncologyMedical Degree: Drexel College of MedicineResidency: Obstetrics and gynecology, Abington Memorial HospitalFellowship: Gynecologic oncology, Mayo Clinic1 Riverside Circle, Suite 300, Roanoke, VA 24016540-581-0160

Kimberly Orr, D.O. Family Medicine Medical Degree: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: Family medicine, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System150 Market Ridge Lane, Daleville, VA 24083 540-966-0400

Alfred J. Beshai, M.D. Chronic Pain ManagementMedical Degree: Faculty of Medicine – Cairo University Residencies: Anesthesiology, Cairo University Hospitals; Anesthesiology, Wayne State University/Detroit Medical CenterFellowship: Pain management, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Anesthesiology Institute3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

Christofer C. Catterson, M.D. Orthopaedics Medical Degree: MCP Hahnemann University School of MedicineResidency: Orthopaedics, Allegheny General HospitalFellowship: Orthopaedic sports medicine, American Sports Medicine Institute2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-731-2436

Curtis E. Bower, M.D. General Surgery Medical Degree: Jefferson Medical CollegeResidency: General surgery, East Carolina UniversityFellowship: Minimally invasive surgery, University of Kentucky3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

PHYSICIANS

NEW PROVIDERS


Rachel Spencer, P.A. Family MedicineUndergraduate Degree: Virginia TechGraduate Degree: Shenandoah University415 S. Pollard St., Vinton, VA 24179540-983-6700

Leigh T. Mann, P.A. Family MedicineUndergraduate Degree: North Carolina State UniversityGraduate Degree: James Madison University40 Lambert St., Suite 522, Staunton, VA 24401540-885-3525

Samantha Wilkinson, N.P. General SurgeryUndergraduate Degree: Radford University Graduate Degree: Old Dominion University3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

Wadid Zaky, M.D. Chronic Pain ManagementMedical Degree: University of AsyutResidency: Anesthesiology, Brookdale/Staten Island University HospitalFellowship: Pain management, University of Pittsburgh3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

Patricia F. Fedorchak, N.P. Family Medicine Undergraduate Degree: Case Western Reserve UniversityGraduate Degree: Georgetown University Medical Center911 E. Main St., Floyd, VA 24091540-745-2031

R. Parker Slayton, M.D. Family MedicineMedical Degree: University of Virginia School of MedicineResidency: Family medicine, University of Virginia School of MedicineFellowship: University of Virginia School of Medicine 415 S. Pollard St., Vinton, VA 24179540-983-6700

Sarah Stubbs, M.D. Family Medicine Medical Degree: Medical College of VirginiaResidency: Family medicine, Carilion Clinic195 Maple Ave., Rocky Mount, VA 24151540- 483-5168

Eric C. Steen, D.O. General Surgery Medical Degree: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: General surgery, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine1 Taylor Ave., Pearisburg, VA 24134540-921-2158141 Ben Bolt Ave., Tazewell, VA 24651

Dario R. Sorrentino, M.D. Gastroenterology Medical Degree: University of Sassari Medical School, ItalyResidency: University of Sassari Medical SchoolFellowship: Gastroenterology, University of Sassari Medical School3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

ADVANCED CARE PROVIDERS


NURSE LINEOur physician referral and health information service is here to help. Call us at 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482, or email us at [email protected].

“WELL SAID” SPEAKER’S BUREAUIf you’d like a speaker on a health topic for your community group or workplace,call 540-266-6561 or visit CarilionClinic.org/speakers.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENINGSHealth screenings are available at little or no cost. Call 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482, or email us at [email protected].

WEBSITE TAILORED FOR YOUCheck out these features at CarilionClinic.org: • Easy-to-use physician/provider fi nder • Interactive maps to help you fi nd your way to our locations • Health and wellness content, including an A-Z library • A community health education and events calendar

NEWS BLOGKeep up with the latest news, photos, videos, and more at Carilion Clinic’s news blog. Visit newsblog.CarilionClinic.org.

SOCIAL MEDIAStay connected to Carilion Clinic through social media:

facebook.com/carilionclinictwitter.com/carilionclinicyoutube.com/carilionclinicgoogle.com/+carilionclinicpinterest.com/carilionclinic

MOBILE RESOURCESStay connected with our mobile apps, available for iPhone and Android:

Carilion Clinic Mobile Health Resource – Use our interactive symptom checker to access the most relevant information in our digital health library, then connect with Carilion services by using the search feature to fi nd Carilion healthcare providers, hospitals, and urgent care locations near you.

MyChart – Access your medical record, request an appointment or prescription refi ll, and stay in touch with your doctor, all while on the go. If you are interested in MyChart, speak with your doctor.

PUBLICATIONSPick up a copy of Carilion Clinic Living at magazine racks throughout our facilities, or access the digital edition at CarilionClinic.org/living, where you can also read past issues. For health tips and news about upcoming health screenings events, subscribe to Living’s monthly e-newsletter at CarilionClinic.org/living.

SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups are available for a wide range of health needs, including gynecologic and breast cancer. Learn more at CarilionClinic.org/support.

CHILDREN’S HEALTH For the latest news and perspectives on children’s healthcare, read Close to Home, a blog by Alice Ackerman, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Carilion Clinic. Visit CarilionClinic.org/blogs/ackerman.

GIVING TO CARILION CLINIC FOUNDATIONBe part of improving the health and vitality of communities in western Virginia. Make a gift at CarilionFoundation.org

Resources to Keep You Healthy

LIGHTS OF LOVEHonor or remember a friend or loved one this holiday season. For $10, donors may purchase a light on the “Lights of Love” Christmas tree atop Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Proceeds will benefi t patient families needing assistance with hotel stays. To make your donation, go to CarilionFoundation.org/lightsofl ove or call 540-224-5398.

Four gastroenterologists who had practiced together in Salem have joined Carilion Clinic.

Th e doctors, who had practiced at Valley Gastroenterology of Southwest Virginia and at LewisGale Medical Center, are Robert D. Moylan, M.D., Ph.D., M. Jonathan Bern, M.D., Vikas N. Chitnavis, M.D., and Kevin B. Mercure, M.D.

Th ey will serve in dual roles—as specialists treating a range of digestive disorders and as faculty members of a new fellow-ship program in gastroenterology.

“Carilion’s expanding role as a medical center and teaching facility makes this an excellent choice for us,” says Dr. Moylan, who will also serve as the fellowship program’s associate direc-tor.

Each of his three former partners has been a clinical instruc-tor or lecturer at other medical institutions, he added.

Th e three-year fellowship program will include collaborative work with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and with Virginia Tech scientists, off ering opportunities for basic and applied clinical research. One area of study will be infl am-matory diseases of the gastroenterology tract.

A Demand for ServicesTh e addition of the new doctors almost doubles the size

of Carilion’s gastroenterology practice in Roanoke and is de-

signed to meet demand. “Th ere’s a large demand for gastroenterology services in the

Roanoke Valley,” says Paul Yeaton, M.D., chief of the practice and director of the fellowship program.

Patients in the region seek help for heartburn, acid refl ux, ulcers, and other common digestive problems, along with specialized treatment for pancreatic cancer and infl ammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease.

Th ere is also a strong demand for colonoscopies for early detection and prevention of colon cancer. It is the second lead-ing cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.

Other physicians in Carilion’s gastroenterology practice in Roanoke are Alan Brijbassie, M.D., Sujala Chirla, M.D., Mar-rieth Rubio, M.D., and Dario Sorrentino, M.D. (see story on page 12). Christine K. Davidson serves as nurse practitioner. Th e practice is located at 3 Riverside Circle.

Carilion also has four gastroenterologists in the New River Valley as well as the region’s only pediatric gastroenterology practice.

For more information, call 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482. To watch a video on colon cancer detection and prevention, go to bit.ly/ccliving-coloncancer.

Local Gastroenterologists Join Carilion By Jay Conley


L to R: Vikas N. Chitnavis, M.D.; Robert D. Moylan, M.D.; Kevin B. Mercure, M.D.; and M. Jonathan Bern, M.D.


BETTER LIVING

Your Ca Lendar for Better Health

WOMEN’S WELLNESS DAY

Includes walk-in screenings Bedford Memorial HospitalFor more information, call 800-422-8482.

MEDICINE & MUSE

Special dinner honoring Dan Harrington, M.D., and benefi t-ing the Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts program6 p.m. Th e Jeff erson Center, Roanoke For tickets, call 540-224-5398

Oct5

Jan16

HEART WALK

Walk to benefi t the American Heart Association2 p.m.Bisset Park, RadfordFor more information, go to http://bit.ly/vaheartwalk.

HEART WALK

Walk to benefi t the American Heart Association10 a.m.River’s Edge Sports Complex, RoanokeFor more information, go to http://bit.ly/vaheartwalk.

END OF LIFE: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Karen McNew of WSLS will moderate a discussion by health care providers, clergy, caregivers, and attorneys.6 p.m.Jeff erson CenterShaftman Performance HallFree (No registration)Presented by Carilion Clinic Hospice and Good Samaritan Hospice

WOMEN’S FALL EVENT

Mid-morning brunch followed by a motivational speaker 10 a.m.Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg$15To register, call 800-422-8482.

WOMEN’S HEALTH UNIVERSITY

Gynecologic Cancers: What Every Woman Needs to KnowSpeaker: Janet Osborne, M.D.11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Fitzpatrick Hall at the Jeff erson Center, Roanoke $15, includes lunchTo register, call 800-422-8482.

POSITIVELY PINK PARADE

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Panera at Valley View Mall, RoanokeFor more information, call 800-422-8482.

Oct6

Oct19

Oct24

Nov2

Nov7

Oct12

GET YOUR 2014 HEALTH & WELLNESS CALENDARFor a year’s worth of health and wellness tips, request your free copy of Carilion Clinic’s 2014 calendar by calling 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482.

CarilionClinic.org/occmed | 540-985-8521

WORKPLACE CARE FROM A NAME YOU CAN TRUST

Services include: • Workers’ compensation services • Regulatory physicals • Substance abuse testing • Onsite wellness services Carilion Clinic Occupational MedicineCarilion Roanoke Community Hospital101 Elm Ave., Roanoke, VA 24013

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Carilion Clinic Occupational Medicine offers a wide range of healthcare services for workplace injuries and illnesses, and provides ways to maintain optimal health. And as part of Carilion Clinic, our patients have access to Carilion’s nearly 600 physicians representing more than 60 specialties, as well as four VelocityCare urgent care locations offering extended hours.

Improve the Health of Your Employees

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CARILION CLINICP.O. BOX 13727ROANOKE, VA 24036-3727

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDROANOKE, VA

PERMIT NO. 247

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Your Doctor is a Click Away

Review your medications, immunizations, allergies, and medical history

Receive test results online (no waiting for a phone call or letter)

Communicate with your physician securely online

Request refills of your medications online

Request your next appointment online

View inpatient hospital visits

Request access to a loved one’s medical record

NEW: You can now access your medical information while on the go! The MyChart mobile app is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

Carilion Clinic offers MyChart, western Virginia’s first online healthcare management tool. MyChart not only offers secure, 24/7 access to your health records, but also allows you to:

To find out if MyChart is right for you, speak with your physician.

ACCESS YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS WITH MYCHART

is a Click Awayis a Click Awayis a Click Away

CarilionClinic.org/mychart | 800-422-8482

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carilion clinic living - fall 2013

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