carilion clinic report - winter 2011

Roanoke Valley Edition | Winter 2011 | CarilionClinic.org

Carilion ClinicBrings New

Heart Treatment to Region

Resources to Keep You HealthyNurse LineOur physician referral and health information service is here to help. Call us at 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482, or e-mail 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 540-224-4961or visit CarilionClinic.org/speakers.

Community Health ScreeningsHealth screenings are available at little or no cost. Call 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482, or e-mail us at [email protected].

Website Tailored for YouCheck out these features at CarilionClinic.org:

• Easy-to-use Physician Finder• Interactive maps to help you find 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 through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn:

facebook.com/carilionclinictwitter.com/carilionclinicyoutube.com/carilioncliniclinkedin.com/companies/carilion-clinic

PublicationsPick up a copy of verve at a magazine rack or grocery store near you. Or read pastissues of verve and the Carilion Clinic Report at CarilionClinic.org/publications. Forhealth tips and news about health events, check out our e-newsletter, CarilionClinic Living, at CarilionClinic.org/living.

Support Groups Support groups are available for a wide range of health needs, includinggynecologic cancer, breast cancer, and perinatal loss. Learn more atCarilionClinic.org/support.

Health Information CentersComputer stations with health information are available at Carilion Clinic’s 3Riverside building at the corner of South Jefferson Street and Reserve Avenue inRoanoke. Check out the audio library, video library, clinical wizards, health newsand interactive tools.

Winter 2011 | CarilionClinic.org

The Carilion Clinic Report, published three times ayear, describes the many ways Carilion Clinic provides

quality care to patients in southwest Virginia. If youwould like copies of the Clinic Report,

call 540-266-6000.

Produced by Strategic Development

Carilion Clinic is a health care organization with morethan 600 physicians in a multi-specialty group

practice and eight not-for-profit hospitals.

For information, call 540-266-6000 or 800-422-8482.

© 2011 Carilion Clinic

All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited by law.

Printed on recycled paper.

Ensuring Quality Care ............................ 3News .......................................................... 4Physicians Lead Weekly Walks .............. 5Hypothermia Therapy ............................ 6Treating Concussions ............................. 9Around Our Community........................ 10New Physicians ........................................ 12Words to Live By ..................................... 14

Carilion Clinic Report | Winter 2011 3

T H O U G H T S O N L E A D E R S H I P

Ensuring QualityCare

Every few minutes, someone inthis country goes into cardiac ar-rest. Once that occurs, immediateaction is necessary to save theheart—and the brain. Deprived ofoxygen, the brain can suffer irre-versible damage in four to fiveminutes.That is why it is so rewarding to

announce that Carilion Clinic hasintroduced hypothermia therapy, astate-of-the art treatment to giveheart patients the highest qualitycare. This treatment, also calledtherapeutic hypothermia, cools thebody to 32-34 degrees Celsius for24 hours.It is being used for those whose

hearts have been restarted but whoremain unconscious. By slowingtheir metabolism, physicians are re-ducing the brain’s need for oxygenwhile it recovers from a period ofinsufficient blood flow.The therapy has been saving the

lives of many, and has preservedcognitive function in many whowould have lived—but impaired. It is one of a number of medical

advances we have introduced over

the past year, reflecting our com-mitment to provide leadership inlaunching life-saving new treat-ments for patients throughoutsouthwest Virginia. Beginning onpage 6, we discuss the therapy andintroduce you to the dedicatedmedical professionals administer-ing it. An innovation of a different sort

is a new program to promotehealthy living in our community.Initiated by Elizabeth L. Polk, M.D.,one of our family medicine physi-cians, it is called Physicians onFoot.Every Saturday morning, Carilion

Clinic physicians lead walks for thepublic along the Roanoke RiverGreenway or inside TanglewoodMall, depending on the weather.This program truly lets our physi-cians lead by example, and wehope it will encourage many tobegin the habit of walking forpleasure and health. We also dis-cuss this program in this issue.Finally, we are launching a signif-

icant brain study at the new Vir-ginia Tech Carilion Research

Institute. This study will be theworld’s largest on the brain and willfollow the brain functions of thou-sands of people over the course oftheir lives. It has been compared tothe Framingham Heart Study,which over 62 years has yielded in-valuable data on heart disease—andinfluenced how it is treated. Our own research will break new

ground by analyzing the develop-ment of human brain function anddecision-making on a worldwidebasis. Our biomedical scientists willalso examine the genetic profiles ofparticipants and seek to correlategenetic factors with brain function. We will keep you updated on

this important development as re-search gets under way. �

To your health,

President and CEO,Carilion Clinic

By Ed Murphy, M.D.President and CEO, Carilion Clinic

4 Carilion Clinic Report | Winter 2011

Thuy Vu, a genetic counselorwith broad experience in clinicalpractice, teaching, and programdevelopment, has joined CarilionClinic. She will provide cancer riskassessment and genetic counsel-ing to patients for inherited cancerconditions. Vu comes to Carilion from the

Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at the University ofTexas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Vureceived her B.A. in biology at Austin College and herM.S. in genetic counseling at the University of Arizona.She is certified by the American Board of GeneticCounselors.In addition to cancer-related counseling, Carilion

Clinic provides genetic counseling for a wide range ofdisorders associated with family history or a pregnancy.

Emily Doherty, M.D., a clinical geneticist, provides careand counseling for children and adults with, or at riskof, hereditary syndromes. Ann Jewell, M.S. andCatherine Griswold, M.S., genetic counselors, providecounseling for pregnant women in the PrenatalDiagnostic Center.Genetic counseling can be provided by physicians

trained in the specialty or by genetic counselors with amaster’s or doctorate degree in the field.Reasons to seek genetic counseling include having a

family history of cancers, heart defects, learningdisabilities, mental retardation, psychiatric disorders,miscarriages or stillbirths, chromosome abnormalitiessuch as Down syndrome, and hearing or visualimpairments. �

For more information, call Cancer Genetics: 540-525-2195. Pediatric and Adult Genetics: 540-985-8454.Prenatal Genetics: 540-985-9985.

Thuy Vu

N E W S

Carilion Expands Genetic Counseling Services

Carilion Clinic Physicians’ Presi-dent and Chief Medical OfficerMark Werner, M.D. will be leavinghis post this spring. Dr. Werner has accepted the

position of chief clinical integrationofficer at Fairview Health Services inMinneapolis. Fairview is a nationallyrecognized academic health care

system with 22,000 employees, seven hospitals, and apartnership with the University of Minnesota MedicalSchool. During his seven years at Carilion Clinic, Dr. Werner

has been responsible for the development and dailyoperations of clinical departments, health plans andaccountable care activities, research programs, andgraduate medical education programs. He has also

overseen quality improvement and patient safetyinitiatives and participated in the development of theVirginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine andResearch Institute.“Mark has been a leader, a partner, and a tireless

worker in our efforts to improve quality, accountability,and patient care at Carilion,” says Carilion ClinicPresident and CEO Edward G. Murphy, M.D. “Whilewe are sad to lose him, we celebrate hisaccomplishment and wish him great success.”“It was a difficult decision,” Dr. Werner says. “I have

great colleagues and friends here doing excellent workat Carilion, but I’m excited by the opportunity to guidethe vision and strategy of an organization of Fairview’ssize and scope. I’m confident the physician leadership Ileave behind will provide a strong foundation forCarilion’s future.” �

Dr. Werner

Dr. Werner Accepts New Position


We all know we should exercisemore. But few of us have doctorswho offer to walk with us as a motivational tool.That is what Carilion Clinic

physicians are doing in a new pro-gram called Physicians on Foot.

Over the past few months, doctorshave led a two-mile walk along theRoanoke River Greenway or at Tan-glewood Mall for the public everySaturday morning. The walks are the brainchild of

Elizabeth L. Polk, M.D., a CarilionClinic family medicine doctor. “Idecided to start the program be-cause I thought it would be a funand easy way for our doctors to

promote wellness for our patients,”she says. “It allows us to lead by example

and encourage people to get startedon an exercise program that theycan continue long-term. The re-sponse from both the doctors and

the community has been over-whelmingly positive.” During most of the year, walks

begin in front of Carilion RoanokeMemorial Hospital at 8:30 a.m.each Saturday and wind their wayalong the riverfront. During thewinter, walks are held inside Tan-glewood Mall. Each outing is led bya different doctor.One regular attendee is Bob

Cheeseman, 73, who underwentheart bypass surgery at RoanokeMemorial last summer. After com-pleting Carilion Clinic’s cardiacrehab program, he now comes outto walk with his wife Arlene. “We began doing it for health

reasons, but we’ve discovered thatit’s a nice place to walk,” saysCheeseman. “We like the views,and we’ve met some good people.We enjoy it.” Says his wife Arlene: “It’s great to

meet the doctors face to face, andthey make us feel very welcome. It’sa nice walk for everyone. We’vetaken our daughter, and she’sbrought her neighbor. I’ve evenshot photographs along the way—it’s so pretty.” Doctors leading walks include

Robert Glenney, M.D., HowardGraman, M.D., Henry R. Ivey, Jr.M.D., Christy L. Arthur, M.D., Benjamin Ernst, D.O., Donald G.Smith, Jr. M.D., and Stephen A.Morgan, M.D.As the program becomes better

known, Dr. Polk hopes that it willcontinue indefinitely and build overtime. “There is a strong core of 25physicians participating, and wehope to gain more walkers as timegoes on,” she says. �

For more information, call 800-422-8482 or visitCarilionClinic.org/walking.

Physicians Lead Weekly Walks

I N N O V A T I O N S

Dr. Elizabeth L.Polk laces up her running shoes at TanglewoodMall.


Thousands of people go into cardiac arrest eachweek across the United States. Of those who are re-suscitated and survive, many suffer brain damage asa result of their ordeal. To give patients in southwest Virginia the greatest

chance of recovery from cardiac arrest, Carilion Clinichas begun using a state-of-the-art treatment: hypother-mia therapy. By cooling the body to 32-34 degrees Cel-sius for 24 hours, doctors can slow a patient’smetabolism, thus reducing the brain’s need for oxygenwhile it recovers from a period of insufficient bloodflow.

The treatment, also called therapeutic hypothermia,is being adopted by a growing number of U.S. hospi-tals. It is credited with saving the lives of many whowould otherwise be given up for dead or who wouldhave lived—but with brain damage. Until recently, if a person’s heart stopped beating,

the brain would die after six to 10 minutes. Today, in-dividuals whose hearts stopped for 20 minutes ormore have been given hypothermia therapy and havegone on to live with all or most of their cognitive abili-ties intact.“If your heart stops due to cardiac arrest, your

chances of surviving are about 5 percent—if you livein an urban area,” says John H. Burton, M.D., chair ofthe Department of Emergency Medicine at CarilionClinic. “In a rural area like southwest Virginia, theodds of survival are even less.”

Dr. Burton recently came to Carilion Clinic from Al-bany Medical Center, where he was involved in theNew York hospital’s introduction of hypothermia ther-apy. He was also instrumental in launching the therapyat Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. “I can at-test to the tremendous outcomes this treatment canprovide,” he says. Cardiac arrest—when the heart stops—can be trig-

Carilion Clinic Launches Hypothermia TherapyTo treat cardiac arrest, physicians cool the body

“I can attest to the tremendous outcomes this treatment can provide.”

— Dr. John H. Burton

Dr. John H. Burton (left) and Dr. Joseph L. Austin discuss thecooling mechanism of the Arctic Sun technology.

F E A T U R E


F E A T U R E

A Team EffortThe launch of Carilion Clinic’s hypothermiatherapy involved a dedicated team of medicalprofessionals, including nurses and hospitaladministrators.“It took a huge team to make this happen, andeveryone was amazing,” says project managerPaul Davenport, R.N., who is also senior director ofCarilion Clinic Patient Transportation. “Whatmakes this accomplishment extra special was thepassion and drive of every team member.” Those involved in bringing hypothermia therapyto Carilion Clinic include: Ann Hutchens, R.N.,director of the Coronary Care Unit; Nancy Altice,R.N., clinical specialist in Cardiology Services;Linda Ferris, human resources specialist; RichardDooley, physician assistant in Critical Care; SidneyMallenbaum, M.D., medical director of CarilionClinic’s Stroke Unit; Michael A. Donato, D.O.,emergency medicine physician; and AnithaMalaisamy, M.D., pediatrician. For Davenport in particular, the effort was apoignant and personal mission. “On January 14, 2001, my mom suffered cardiacarrest while watching TV with my father,” he says.“My dad started CPR and called 911. Then theambulance arrived and shocked her and got her

pulse back.“Three days later, my mother had no othermedical conditions but was brain dead,” he says. “Imade the decision to take her off life support, andeight days later, she died. “In today's world, she would have been cooledand probably would have survived.”

gered either by heart attacks or by heart arrhythmias.In either case, a person loses consciousness, and onlyimmediate assistance to restart the heart, such as witha defibrillator or CPR, can prevent death.While the heart is stopped and cannot pump blood,

the brain and body get deprived of oxygen. Restartingthe heart and blood flow, however, also triggers a seriesof inflammatory responses and other reactions that can

damage the brain.Hypothermia therapy is usually begun by emer-

gency medical services personnel after they restore apatient’s heartbeat. Cold packs are placed under thearmpits and in the groin, and iced saline solution is in-fused. In southwest Virginia, patients are then taken to

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where they are

Ann Hutchens, R.N. (left), Paul Davenport, R.N., and NancyAltice, R.N., on the rooftop helipad at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.


F E A T U R E

sedated and cooled further with a medical devicecalled the Arctic Sun, manufactured by Medivance,Inc. Gel pads with icy water are applied to a patient’sskin, covering only part of the body so that other med-ical treatments can be performed as needed. After 24 hours, the system slowly warms a patient

back to normal temperature. Hypothermia therapy can also be started once a pa-

tient arrives at the hospital, says Joseph L. Austin,M.D., medical director of the Cardiac Care Unit atRoanoke Memorial. “The important thing is to initiateit within six hours of cardiac arrest,” he says.Not every patient is a candidate for hypothermia

therapy. It is used on those who remain unconsciousafter their hearts are restarted, and patients must havea systemic blood pressure of above 90, along withmeeting other criteria.“By applying selection criteria, we are able to offer

the therapy to the right patient population,” Dr. Austin

says. “Studies show that about 20 percent of these pa-tients will have a positive outcome.”Locally, that means that several patients a week are

expected to receive hypothermia therapy. All applicable medical staff at Roanoke Memorial

have been trained in the therapy. This includes emer-gency medical services personnel, the patient trans-portation staff, Emergency Department physicians andstaff, cardiologists, Intensive Care staff, and CoronaryCare Unit staff. “Launching this new therapy is the result of years of

hard work and dedication on the part of many peo-ple,” says Dr. Austin. (See accompanying story.) “Hy-pothermia therapy requires a unified approach to care,and we are excited to have the support and coordina-tion of all areas to make this a reality.” �

For more information, go to CarilionClinic.org/coldtherapy.

A digital temperature gauge shows the cooling process under way; cooling pads are applied to the chest and thighs.


P A T I E N T T E S T I M O N I A L

Treating ConcussionsCarilion Takes Lead in Developing New Protocols

It was the third quarter whenHidden Valley High School foot-ball safety Jake Kite got slammed.Kite, 5’ 11” and 165 pounds, col-lided with an even bigger playerfor the Brookville Bees. Kite fell tothe ground, so dizzy he couldn’tget up. “I didn’t know what was going

on,” he says. “They wouldn’t let meback in the game.” Kite, asophomore, had suffered aconcussion.Across the nation, concussions in

young athletes are believed to beunder-recognized and under-treated. It is also thought thatconcussions, improperly treated,can delay learning and createemotional or behavioral problems.Within moments of his own

injury, however, Kite was examinedon the sidelines by Brent Johnson,M.D., a Carilion Clinic orthopaedicsurgeon. Dr. Johnson is one ofseveral Carilion physicians whospecialize in sports medicine andwho work with local teams toprevent and treat injuries. Dr. Johnson is also part of a

Carilion Clinic team that hasdeveloped new protocols fortreating concussions. This team,which includes orthopaedicsurgeons, neuropsychologists, andemergency room physicians, basedits protocols on recent guidelinesissued by the American Academy of

Pediatrics for children andadolescents suffering from sports-related concussions. As a result, Kite was the first

person in the region to be treatedunder the new protocols. He wasprescribed “cognitive rest” and toldto stay in a dark room, restingmentally so his brain could heal.No television, texting, video games,or other brain-stimulating activitywas allowed. “Research has shown that

restricting mental activity is just asor more important than physicalrest,” says Carilion Clinicorthopaedic surgeon ThomasMiller, M.D., another member ofthe concussion protocols team.“Because of this, we’ve drasticallychanged how we diagnose and treatconcussions in the last year.“It’s our hope that other health

systems can use our guidelines toensure accurate and consistent

treatments,” he says. Athletes, meanwhile, are

encouraged to report all theirsymptoms. “It is extremelyimportant that the athlete, whowants to play, recognizes as Jakedid the importance of being honestand forthcoming with theirsymptoms,” Dr. Johnson says.As for Kite, proper treatment did

mean that he had to miss a fewclasses. “A couple of days, I had toleave school early because I had abad headache and couldn’tconcentrate,” he says. But that wasfine with Hidden Valley. Kite’s coach and trainer kept in

touch with Dr. Johnson to ensurethat Kite healed properly. And aftera week and a half, Kite successfullyreturned to the football field. �

For more information, go toCarilionClinic.org/concussions.

High school sophomoreJake Kite is the first person treated undernew concussionprotocols developed byCarilion Clinic.

C O M M U N I T Y


Pet Care Program Offers Comfort to Hospice PatientsCarilion Clinic Hospice has announced a new program, Pet Peace of Mind, whichsupports the unique bond between hospice patients and their pets. The programallows patients to complete their end-of-life journey without worrying about theirpet’s current or future needs. It provides volunteer pet care services that include assistance with pet food, medication, and grooming costs; food and cat litter drop-off; veterinary needs; pets’ needs within the home; transportation to pet appointments; pet placement decisions; and emergency treatment due to accidentsor life-threatening conditions. For more information, call 540-224-4795 or [email protected]. �

Women’s Health University to Feature Area Cardiologist Heart disease, often called the silent killer, is the number one killer of womenand affects women of all ages. Join Carilion Clinic on Thursday, February 3 at11:30 a.m. at Women’s Health University to learn how to be heart-healthy at anyage. Speaker Joann G. Journigan, M.D., a Carilion Clinic cardiologist, will discuss prevention tips, risk factors, signs of heart disease, and ways to take control of your health. For more information about heart-healthy events or Carilion Clinic’s regular health screenings, call 540-266-6000 or go to CarilionClinic.org/calendar to view monthly calendars of events. (Right: Dr. JoannG. Journigan) �

Community Event Promotes Safe Disposal of MedicationsDisposing of medications and drugs properly is a growing safety issue. Flushingthem down the toilet can contaminate local drinking water, while keeping themaround the house may invite theft. To give Bedford-area residents the opportu-nity to safely dispose of old or unwanted drugs, area organizations sponsoredOperation Medicine Cabinet last fall. Many residents took advantage of the eventto drop off a variety of prescription and other drugs. Operation Medicine Cabinet was sponsored by Bedford Memorial Hospital, Home Instead SeniorCare, and the Bedford Police Department. �

Carilion Clinic Donates Funds to Franklin County Traffic Safety Project Carilion Clinic has donated $5,000 to “Lights for Life,” a community fund-raisingproject to improve traffic safety in Franklin County. The project aims to raisefunds to equip Franklin County intersections with traffic signal-changing devicesfor use by emergency response vehicles. This need was highlighted after last year’saccident that killed Rocky Mount Fire Chief Posey Dillon and firefighter DannyAltice. Their fire engine, siren blaring and emergency lights activated, was struckin an intersection. Carilion Clinic made the donation in honor of its 1,100 em-ployees who live in Franklin County. (Right: Carilion Clinic President and CEO Edward G. Murphy, M.D., at right, pledges Carilion’s support to L.D. Arrington, an or-ganizer of the project.) �

Around Our Community


F E A T U R EC O M M U N I T Y

Carilion Clinic Mourns Loss of Larry Wray If you’ve visited Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in recent years, there’s littlechance you could have missed Larry Wray in his signature Stetson. A 35-yearCarilion Clinic employee, Wray kept watch over the patient and visitor parkingarea at Roanoke Memorial. He also played a major role in managing vehicle andfoot traffic at the entrance, and he especially enjoyed helping people find theirway around the hospital. Wray passed away on November 7 and will be sorelymissed. (Left: Larry Wray tips his hat to a visitor at Carilion Roanoke MemorialHospital.) �

Carilion Clinic Sponsors Job Training Program for Special-Needs StudentsCarilion Clinic has started a job-training program for students with severe disabili-ties such as Down syndrome and autism. Created under the auspices of the nationalgroup Project Search, the program allows students in their last year of high schoolto spend a year in the workplace acquiring competitive job skills. In Roanoke andthe New River Valley, Carilion Clinic has partnered with Goodwill Industries of theValleys, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, and local school systemsto provide job training for 12 students in Carilion Clinic offices and medical depart-ments. The program is expected to grow in the future. (Right: Stephanie Mays ofFranklin County works in the Carilion Clinic Contact Center as a telephone operator.) �

Community Health Event Draws CrowdOn Saturday, November 6, Carilion Clinic celebrated the first anniversary of River-side Center with free health screenings, physician forums, and other events for thepublic. Attendees also toured medical facilities, saw a robotic surgery system, andviewed state-of-the-art, orthopaedic surgery demonstrations. Fun activities for children, live music by the William Penn Trio, and a gourmet coffee bar roundedout the day. It all took place at 3 Riverside Circle, the new outpatient facility thatplaces physicians together in a central location where they can work collaborativelyto improve patient care. (Left: Attendees watch a demonstration of the robotic da VinciSurgical System.) �

MS Society Honors Carilion Clinic for Its Contributions to CommunityCarilion Clinic was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Blue RidgeChapter of the National MS Society. The chapter’s Terry Phelps Volunteer Hall ofFame was created to recognize volunteers who are committed to ending the dev-astating effects of multiple sclerosis and who have made substantial contributionsto the chapter. To become a Hall of Fame candidate, corporations must have con-tributed over $75,000 to the society. (Right: Dr. S. Clifford Schold, Carilion Clinic section chief of neurosciences, at left, accepts the award from Jay Turner, who presented iton behalf of the society.) �

N E W P H Y S I C I A N S


New Physicians

Michael A. Riel, D.O., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.GastroenterologyEducation: University of Arkansas at Little RockMedical Degree: Kansas City University of Medicine and theBiosciences, College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: Internal medicine, Eisenhower Army Medical CenterFellowship: Gastroenterology, Brooke Army Medical Center110 Akers Farm Rd., Christiansburg, VA 24073540-382-9405

Ajita Kundaikar, M.D.HospitalistEducation: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at CityCollege (CUNY)Medical Degree: SUNY Downstate College of MedicineResidency: Internal medicine, Rhode Island Hospital/MiriamHospital, Brown University Medical School 1906 Belleview Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-7000

Umar F. Sofi, M.D.Pulmonary and Critical CareEducation: Kashmir University, Hazratbal, IndiaMedical Degree: Government Medical College Srinagar,Kashmir, IndiaResidency: Internal medicine, Episcopal HospitalFellowship: Pulmonary and critical care, UMDNJ UniversityHospital 2001 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-985-8505

Department of Medicine

Paul Yeaton, M.D., a leading gastroenterologistrecognized for performing and teaching advancedendoscopic techniques, has joined Carilion Clinic. Dr. Yeaton, whose special focus is the evaluation

and treatment of pancreatic diseases, both benignand malignant, was formerly withthe University of Virginia.One of his specialties is

performing advanced endoscopicexaminations of the colon andstomach, which includes non-surgical management of largelesions and polyps of the stomach,

duodenum, and colon. (An endoscope is aninstrument, often a flexible tube with a tiny camera,used to examine organs within the body.)In addition, Dr. Yeaton will be performing a new

clinical service—endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)—atCarilion Clinic. Up to now, patients have had totravel to the University of Virginia or to Wake Forest

University for such testing.EUS is used to evaluate and treat diseases of the

esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, andrectum. It is an important adjunct to surgery forcancers.Dr. Yeaton comes to Carilion Clinic from the

University of Virginia Health System, where he wasalso associate professor of internal medicine at theUniversity of Virginia School of Medicine. He isboard-certified in internal medicine andgastroenterology.He received his M.D. degree from West Virginia

University and served his residency in internalmedicine there. He completed a fellowship ingastroenterology at the University of Virginia andanother in therapeutic endoscopy at the FreeUniversity of Brussels.Dr. Yeaton practices at Carilion Clinic

Gastroenterology at 3 Riverside Circle in Roanokeand can be reached at 540-224-5170.

Dr. Yeaton

Prominent Gastroenterologist Joins Carilion Clinic


N E W P H Y S I C I A N S

Timothy J. Fortuna, D.O.Emergency MedicineEducation: Rochester Institute of TechnologyMedical Degree: New York College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: Emergency medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical Center 1906 Belleview Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-7000

Michael Burbridge, D.O.Pediatric HospitalistEducation: University of FloridaMedical Degree: Nova Southeastern University College ofOsteopathic MedicineResidency: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center1906 Belleview Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-7000

Daniel J. Mackey, M.D.Pediatric Critical CareEducation: University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMedical Degree: University of North Carolina School of Medicine Residency: Internal medicine/pediatrics, Baystate Medical CenterFellowship: Pediatric critical care, University of Virginia 1906 Belleview Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-7000

Kelly Henchel, M.D.Pediatric MedicineEducation: Michigan State UniversityMedical Degree: Wayne State University School of MedicineResidency: Pediatric medicine, St. John’s Medical Center1030 S. Jefferson St., Suite 106, Roanoke, VA 24016540-985-8230

Peter S. Mikhail, M.D.Cardiothoracic SurgeryEducation: John Abbott CollegeMedical Degree: McGill University Residency: Cardiothoracic surgery, University of FloridaGeneral surgery, University of Toronto2001 Crystal Spring Ave., Roanoke, VA 24014540-853-0100

Department of Emergency Medicine

Department of Pediatrics

Anita S. Kablinger, M.D.PsychiatryEducation: McMaster UniversityMedical Degree: Finch University of Health Sciences, The ChicagoMedical SchoolResidency: General Adult Psychiatry, University of Florida2017 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24014540-981-8025

Alicia G. Hollis, D.O.Internal MedicineEducation: University of VirginiaMedical Degree: Touro University College of Osteopathic MedicineResidency: Carilion Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program3 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016540-224-5170

Mary D. Leatherland, M.D.Family MedicineEducation: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityMedical Degree: University of Maryland School of MedicineResidency: Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program 6920 Roanoke Rd., Shawsville, VA 24162540-268-1400

Department of Psychiatry and BehavioralMedicine

Department of Primary Care and RegionalMedicine

Department of Surgery

Looking for a physician? Visit CarilionClinic.org or call 540-266-6000 or 800-442-8482.

W O R D S T O L I V E B Y


By Nancy Howell AgeeChief Operating Officer,

Carilion Clinic and President, Carilion Clinic Hospital Division

Putting on the Stetson

As you may already know, welost a giant of a man earlier thisyear. While Larry Wray’s job was tokeep watch over patient and visi-tor traffic at Carilion Roanoke Me-morial Hospital, the truth is, hekept watch over us all. It is still dif-ficult to accept that he is gone.(See story on page 11). Recently, I was driving past the

entrance to the hospital and saw,out of the corner of my eye, a figurewearing a Stetson hat. My mind au-tomatically assumed it was Larrybefore reality intervened. One ofour young parking attendants waswearing a hat similar to Larry’s. InLarry’s absence, he had stepped up,“put on the Stetson,” and was try-ing to follow the example thatbeloved man had set for us. It occurs to me that “putting on

the Stetson” is a fitting metaphorfor the quality of care that CarilionClinic employees provide every day.We are fortunate to have many ex-ceptional people on staff, and theirdedication and expertise benefit ourpatients in immeasurable ways.We are also grateful when people

take the time to thank us for thecare they or their families received.We recently heard, for instance,

from the grandparents of a younggirl who had tonsil surgery. Theywrote to Tara Lynch, a child lifespecialist at Carilion Clinic Chil-dren’s Hospital, and copied us.Here’s an excerpt from their

letter:“A couple of weeks ago one of our

granddaughters … had her tonsils removed. Many would consider this

minor surgery, but it was not minor forher and because of that it was notminor for us … you gave her a senseof comfort and a sense that eventhough she had to go through this, thatyou would be with her through it all.

“On the day of her surgery, youwere indeed there for her and thatmeant so much. But in addition, you

were there for us as well … We thankGod for you and that there are stillsome people out there like you whotruly do care and take the opportunityto provide excellent patient care seri-ously.”

Another recent letter concernedone of our surgeons in the NewRiver Valley, Dr. Charles Harris,who was able to diagnose and helpa young woman suffering from de-bilitating pain. The young woman’smother wrote:

“You are the miracle I prayed forDr. Harris. You have made a differencein the life of our daughter, and by thenice things I heard about you from thehospital staff, nurses, even the girlshelping in the waiting room, your gen-tle kindness has touched the lives of somany people.”Tara and Dr. Harris are just two

of the medical professionals whodeliver exemplary care every day inCarilion Clinic hospitals and outpa-tient facilities. It is also the kind ofcare that our dear friend LarryWray stood tall for. In his memory, we are all proud

to “put on our Stetsons” and to pro-vide compassionate, quality carethat makes a difference in our pa-tients’ lives. �

Tara Lynch with a patient at CarilionClinic Children’s Hospital.


T H E R O A N O K E V A L L E Y

Carilion Clinic Provides over $154Million in Community Benefit

In 2009, Carilion Clinic provided$154.9 million in community ben-efit. This was almost seven timesthe value of its tax exemption.

To look at it another way, ifCarilion Clinic were a tax-payingorganization, it would have paid$22.7 million in taxes. Instead, forevery dollar of tax exemption,Carilion Clinic gave almost $7 backto the community.Most of this—$129 million—

was for uncompensated patientcare. This included charity care;Medicare and Medicaid patientcosts for which Carilion Clinic wasnot compensated; and the costs ofproviding care that were laterclassified as uncollectible.

Carilion Clinic also provided$20.8 million in health professionseducation, $2.7 million forcommunity health improvement,$1.6 million in contributions suchas grants to community healthorganizations, and $680,430 inresearch spending.Community benefit, as defined

by the IRS, includes contributionsto community groups and projects,community outreach such as free

health screenings, and investmentsin education to train newphysicians and medicalprofessionals.Carilion Clinic provided

community benefit extensively inthe Roanoke Valley, New RiverValley, and Giles, Tazewell,Franklin, Bedford, and RockbridgeCounties. �

Roanoke ValleyCommunityBenefit (partial listing)

Total uncompensated care:$88.2 million

Charity care: $41.7 millionUnreimbursed Medicare andMedicaid costs: $32 millionCare classified as uncollectible:$14.5 million Community healthimprovement: $1.9 million Included 1,048 public healthscreenings and presentationsprovided to 37,157 people.Health professionseducation: $20.8 millionIncluded physician residencyprograms and support forJefferson College of HealthSciences.Contributions: $1.2 millionIncluded grants to localorganizations providingphysical, mental, and dentalhealth care services.Research: $660,850Included support for 59medical research projects.

Carilion Clinic sponsors many commu-nity health screenings each monththroughout southwest Virginia.

Community Benefit:$154.9 million

Tax Exemption:$22.7 million

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Fiscal Year 2009

Carilion Clinic physicians sharea common goal: putting youfirst. Whether it’s for a wellnessvisit or to cure minor aches andpains, we are dedicated tokeeping you healthy.Call one of our offices to scheduleyour appointment today:Hospitals and Emergency RoomsCarilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital540-981-7000Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital540-985-8000

Urgent Care 540-985-8465(Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Family Medicine3707 Brambleton Ave., S.W.540-725-780018080 Main St., Buchanan540-254-12393369 Colonial Ave.540-772-055546 Wesley Road, Daleville540-992-4100

6415 Peters Creek Road540-265-550037 Laymantown Road, Blue Ridge540-977-1436415 S. Pollard St., Vinton540-983-67001314 Peters Creek Road540-562-57002102 W. Main St., Salem540-375-06002145 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.540-427-9200150 Spartan Drive, Salem540-389-5093Gynecology102 Highland Ave., S.E.540-985-9715Internal Medicine3 Riverside Circle540-224-5170Obstetrics and Gynecology213 McClanahan St.540-343-1224102 Highland Ave., S.E.540-345-7103150 Spartan Drive, Salem540-389-5174

Obstetrics 902 S. Jefferson St.540-985-9862Pediatric Medicine4040 Postal Drive540-772-445389 Summers Way540-992-12511030 S. Jefferson St.540-985-8230902 S. Jefferson St.540-985-8230(Addresses are Roanoke unless otherwise noted.)

Carilion Clinic also has more than 20specialty practices, including 13pediatric specialty practices. CarilionClinic’s specialty centers include:Sleep Center, Breast Care Center,Wound Care, Urgent Care and Centerfor Healthy Aging.For emergencies, call 911 or go to thenearest emergency department.For more information, call 800-422-8482 or 540-266-6000.

To learn about our commitmentto quality care, visit CarilionClinic.org/quality.

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Quality Care Centered on You

carilion clinic report - winter 2011

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