The Cutting Edge MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Patient Care • Research • Education Fall 2014

NEWSLETTER STAFF: Eleni Tousimis, M.D.

Co-Editor in Chief

Waddah Al-Refaie, M.D.

Co-Editor in Chief

Alex Abed

Managing Editor

Pinaki Vaidya, M.D. MPH

Newsletter Advisor

Allison Jones

Newsletter Advisor

Kaitlin Welsey

Section Editor

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Letter from the Chief

Department Happenings

Recent and Upcoming

Events

Research/ Publications

Snapshot and Alumni Recent

Publications

Faculty/Staff Spotlight

Meet the New Staff

Letter from the Chief– Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie

“No outcomes = No income”! By Waddah Al-Refaie

No Outcomes = No Income!! This is what I recently heard at a collaborative business meeting with a group of insightful clinicians, researchers, administrators and leaders from MedStar Health, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and colleagues from our Greater Washington community. It truly struck a chord especially when we, as healthcare providers, will all soon interface with patients who will be the key stake-holder of Health Care under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The PPACA (also known as Obama Care) now represents a new paradigm shift in the manner we care for our patients, and in which hospitals interact with payers and regulators. Essentially, the PPACA intends to shift our approach to health care from volume-based to that of a value-based health care system, where an emphasis on quality, safety, resource use, appropriateness, and patient satisfaction will also drive the delivery of care and payment. Hospitals and providers will be rewarded (or penal-ized) based on these metrics. Naturally, the PPACA also intends to curtail the unsus-tainable escalating costs of health care in the US without compromising patient choice or quality of care. As a result, service line leaders are now adapting to incorporate these new metrics into their trifecta of service, research and education. Needless to say, PPACA remains in its infancy and there continues to be uncer-tainty as to its implications to surgical patients and their surgeons. To date, Americans will receive nearly nine surgical procedures during their lifetime. Surgery also accounts for about half of hospital expenditures and nearly one third of total health care costs. While some anticipate that PPACA will greatly benefit academic and large health care networks, others have observed that surgeons and surgical care are not included in early Medicare Accountable Care Organizations. In light of the above, I find this to be an exciting opportunity to share with you the MedStar Georgetown Surgical Outcomes Research Center (MG-SORC). MG-SORC is a coalition of surgeons, other clinicians, and scientists committed to contribut-ing to the scientific mission of Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Health by advancing the efficient and effective delivery of surgical care in the United States. Our short term focus will contribute to science on disparities in surgical oncol-ogy care among vulnerable populations including older adults, ethnic and racial minori-ties, those with comorbidities, and persons in rural settings. The MG-SORC‟s early con-tributions to science on disparities in surgical oncology care will help establish a foun-dation for which a nationally recognized surgical outcomes research center can be built. Over time, MG-SORC will play an important role in the current era of challenges including disparities in patient access and outcomes, poor accrual of people with can-cer to surgical trials, a need for regionalization of surgical care, and variations in surgi-cal quality, just to name a few. Despite recent strides made within the practice of sur-gery, society strives to make healthcare more efficient and patient centered.

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Patient Care • Research • Education Page 2

Letter from the Chief– Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie

The mission of MG-SORC is to ameliorate the burden of disease through efficient and effec-tive surgical care through outcomes and health services research informed by the priorities of stake-holders and public policymakers. Its vision is to establish a nationally recognized surgical outcomes research center. To meet this mission and vision, six strategic directions have been defined: building on infrastructure, forming interest groups, securing funding and publishing, positioning MG-SORC to be a key part of a larger MedStar, and sustaining resources and pursuing fundraising opportunities. To gain system-wide traction and provide guidance and expertise that will strategically posi-tion the MG-SORC to achieve its mission and vision, I have convened a Steering Committee com-posed of distinguished academic leaders in oncology, surgery and clinical research from across Georgetown University and MedStar Health. In November 2013, the Steering Committee provided direction that has contributed to the development of the current five-year strategic plan for MG-SORC, thus allowing it to meet its overarching developmental goals. To advise and support MG-SORC to carry its mission effectively, a distinguished group of investigators in medicine, health policy, economics, human factors, and health services research have been identified to serve on the MG-SORC Internal Advisory Board. These distinguished mem-bers will be provided with specific areas to guide as to ensure the growth and development of MG-SORC. MG-SORC is looking for partners within and outside the field of surgery as well as within or outside the MedStar-Georgetown organization. The research being conducted within the MG-SORC is growing at a rapid rate and we look forward to the continued acceleration of our accomplishments and recognition. If you are interested in working with the MG-SORC as we energetically move for-ward with our research contributions, please reach out to me (wba6@georgetown.edu) or to the MG-SORC Program Manager, Michele Lee Clements (at Michele.LeeClements@medstar.net) with ideas or suggestions. Happy Fall! Waddah

Michelle Lee Clements joined the MedStar Georgetown Surgical Outcomes Research Center as Program Manager in September. She brings with her years of experience in research administration and will undoubtedly be an as-set to the team.

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Department Happenings

The Department of Surgery participated in Colorectal Awareness Day by wearing blue.

Department of Surgery Awareness Days

Past Awareness Days: Gallbladder Awareness Day– February Colorectal Awareness Day– March Breast Cancer Awareness Month– October Upcoming Awareness Days: Pancreatic Awareness Day– November

Dr. Holt, Dr. Johnson and Pinaki with their awards!

Years of Service Day Thank you all for your years of hard work!

Richard Holt, MD– 40 years Lynt B. Johnson, MD, MBA– 15 years Patrick Jackson, MD– 10 years Pinaki Vaidya, MD, MPH– 5 years

These quarterly movie nights are a fantas-tic opportunity for people to learn about thoracic surgery and see some of the

amazing procedures that Dr. Marshall per-forms here at MGUH.

Annual Department of Surgery BBQ

The annual Dept. of Surgery BBQ was hosted by

Drs. Lynt and Gloria Johnson on June 21, 2014.

We had a great turnout , and everyone enjoyed

the sun and delicious BBQ from Rocklands.

Patient Care • Research • Education Page 4

Department Happenings Graduation and New Resident Orientation

The 2014 Graduation Ceremony took place on June 20, 2014. The event was a fantastic celebration of

the hard work and dedication that our graduating residents have demonstrated over the years.

Orientation for our incoming Interns took place on June 13th through June 19th. Our new group of fresh

faces has already brought an incredible level of enthusiasm and commitment to our residency program.

Please join us in welcoming them to our team!

Welcome new residents!

A few new residents being fit tested.

Dr. Chahine presenting an award at Graduation.

Dr. Bhanot has recently assumed the role of Vice-Chair for Finance in the Department of Surgery. He has been with the department since 2006 and is currently the Director of the Comprehensive Hernia Center at MGUH as well as Co-Chair of the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Conference. Congratulations Dr. Bhanot!

Dr. Jackson has recently assumed the role of new Interim Chief, Division of General Surgery. He has been with the department since 2003 and has most recently served as Chief of Gastrointestinal Surgery . Congratulations Dr. Jackson!

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American College of Surgeons Conference The 2014 American College of Surgeons Conference was held in San Francisco, CA. Many of our faculty and staff had the chance to attend and a few were presented with awards. Congratulations to all on your achievements!

Upcoming Events

Residency Interviews– The Dept. of Surgery will be hosting resi-

dency interviews on November 18, November 21, December 16 and January 20.

Holiday Party– The annual Dept. of Surgery Holiday Party will be on

December 13, 2014. This event will be held at the Johnson Residence and will surely be a great time to spend with our department faculty and staff.

Department Happenings

First Annual Breast Cancer Symposium Dr. Tousimis hosted our first Annual Breast Cancer Symposium on October 23rd, 2014. It featured a panel of physician experts in different specialties

giving updates in breast cancer treatment with an opportunity for patients to answer questions. Approximately 200 attended and the event was very well

received.

Surgical Oncology Welcome the Fall Party

Dr. Al-Refaie and Dr. Johnson co-hosted a dinner discussion on September 27, 2014. This event focused on case-based discussions that provided a forum for sharing knowledge to

promote greater patient care. The event was a huge success and will be repeated next year!

Presentations at the Surgical Oncology Welcome the Fall Party.

Dr. Al-Refaie giving a presentation.

Dr. Oppong, Dr. Pittman, Dr. Isaacs, and Dr. Tousimis

Panel of physicians at the Annual Breast Cancer Symposium

Snapshots of Recent Faculty and Resident Accomplishments and Publications

Patient Care • Research • Education Page 6

To submit accomplishments to the next

edition, please contact Alex Abed at:

Alexandra.S.Abed@gunet.georgetown.edu

Dr. Eleni Tousimis

Dr. Tousimis received a Commitment to Excel-lence Award from the American Medical Women‟s Association in Florida in September, 2014.

Dr. Tousimis and clinical research fellow, Dr. Aiste Gulla received 2nd place for the NIH/Avon Breast Cancer Innovation Award in New York City in September 2014.

Dr. Tousimis published: Gold H, Shao H, Hayes M, Tousimis E. Diffusion of Accelerated Partial Breast Radiotherapy in the United States in Medical Care, September 2014.

Dr. Tousimis hosted the First Annual Breast Cancer Symposium at the Georgetown Confer-ence Hotel on October 23rd, 2014.

Dr. Tousimis published a position paper for the American Medical Women‟s Association in col-laboration with the Breast Cancer Fund on the Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Breast Can-cer Development October 2014.

Dr. Christa Grant

Dr. Grant was awarded the ACS 2014 Surgi-cal Forum, Excellence in Research Award.

Dr. Grant gave a talk at ACS in San Fran-cisco, CA: Human Small Intestine Stem Cells Respond to Withdrawal of Luminal Nutrients by Decreasing Proliferation and Increasing Self-Renewal in the Crypt.

Dr. Allen Chudzinski

Dr. Chudzinski was named Medical Director of the Bles 7 Surgical Floor at MGUH.

Dr. Waddah Al-Refaie

Dr. Al-Refaie was elected to the Executive Council for the Association for Academic Surgery.

Dr. Al-Refaie was elected as the Chair for the Operating Room Safety Committee.

Dr. Al-Refaie was elected as the Chair of the Surgery of the Alimentary Tract Local Arrangements Committee.

Dr. Al-Refaie was awarded the Stephen R.T. Evans Faculty Teaching Award.

Dr. Shawna Willey

Dr. Willey was invited to speak at “Breastanbul” in Istanbul, Turkey.

Dr. Willey was invited to speak at the SIS-ASBD (Serologic International Society– American Society of Breast Disease) in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Matthew Reinersman

Dr. Reinersman presented “A Novel Technique of Hybrid POEM and Laparoscopic Dor Fundoplication” at the General Thoracic Surgical Club in March 2014.

Dr. Reinersman participated as a team member for Team North Amer-ica in the Masters Cup competition at the European Society of Tho-racic Surgeons (ESTS) Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark in June 2014.

Dr. Reinersman received the O.T. Clagett Travel Fellowship Award at Mayo Clinic in May 2014.

Resident Alumni Recent Accomplishments

Snapshots of Recent Faculty and Resident Accomplishments and Publications

The Department of Surgery has a lot of interesting faculty and staff that are constantly up to fun and exciting things! Here we highlight two of them: Dr. Marc Margolis: Attending Surgeon, Division of Thoracic Surgery

Reesha Forney: Administrator for Revenue Cycle

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What brought you to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital? I have always enjoyed working at Georgetown and when I decided it was time to move from private practice to an academic setting, Georgetown was an excellent fit. Having worked at GUH for many years, I knew that the Department of Surgery was an excel-lent and well run department with a long history of academic excel-lence. The opportunity to work in a collegial environment with individuals who share the same goals, in an or-ganization which is progressive in all aspects of health care and to partici-pate in the clinical and academic en-deavors of the department and the hospital was unavoidable.

How long have you lived in the DC area? I have lived – and enjoyed it –in the DC area since 1999.

When you have free time, what is your favorite activity? I mostly spend time with my family doing activities with them. When possible, I like to travel and if time permits I like to be a „handy man‟ around the house.

Do you have any favorite restaurants in the area? Wherever a good steak is to be had. I must confess to enjoying barbeques and Chinese food on a regular basis as well.

What is your favorite part about work-ing here in the hospital? I have found that my expectations have been met. I enjoy working at Georgetown knowing that my patients will be very well cared for from the time they enter the hospital until the time they leave. This is most reassuring for me.

Staff Spotlight - Reesha Forney Where are you from originally? I am originally from DC; however, my family is from Pennsylvania.

What brought you to DC? I‟m a DC native.

What do you like most about the De-partment of Surgery? The positive interaction and overall communica-tion with management and the staff. Communi-cation improves employee satisfaction. Happier employees lead to improved Patient Satisfac-tory scores (positive productivity and customer

service).

What about your new job makes you most excited? It‟s challenging– I am continuously learning new tasks. I really enjoy teaching (providing feedback/knowledge) my staff and others as well as assisting our patients.

What do you like to do outside of work? Spending time with my family and friends (cook-outs, birthday functions, social gatherings, etc.), traveling, bowling, movies and shopping.

What is your favorite restaurant in the DC area? I enjoy eating anywhere along the water during the summer months!

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I have a 14 year old son (he‟ll be 15 in a month). Only because a lot of people think I‟m younger than I actually am!

Anything else you would like the depart-ment to know about you? I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work in the department with you all!

Faculty Feature– Dr. Marc Margolis

Patient Care • Research • Education Page 8

Meet the New Staff Welcome to all the new additions to our team!

Bessy Bonilla, Kerri Conroy, Tiffany Cooper, Shaina Destine, Kimberly Howard, Deshone

Johnson-Groves, Dana Parker, Lesa Poinsett, Jamilla Stanley, Taketa Tyer

We asked the new staff three questions:

1.Where were you before you

came to MGUH? 2. What is a fun/interesting fact

about yourself? 3. Is there anything else you

would like us to know?

Here are their answers!

Bessy Bonilla

1. I previously worked at the Retina Group of Washington.

2. I have two kids, one boy and one girl . They are 9 and 2.

3. I spend lots of free time out in nature, I especially love hiking.

Kerri Conroy 1. I have always worked at MGUH– I started in the Department of Surgery in 2007, where I worked in several different roles, then moved to General Internal Medicine as practice administra-tor in 2012. I returned to the Dept. of Surgery in late August. 2. Recently married, on 6/21/14! 3. Thrilled to be back in the Department of Surgery!

Tiffany Cooper 1. Before I came to MGUH, I worked at a non-profit organization called Community of Hope, where I was an

Outreach and Enrollment Specialist. 2. I come from an extremely large family- I have eight siblings! 3. I was born and raised in the DC area.

Shaina Destine 1. I previously worked at John‟s Hopkins Hospital in the Urology Department doing develop-

ment/ fundraising. 2. I want to be a librarian or archivist. My dream job would be at NARA or Library of Congress. 3. I‟m originally from the South Bronx. I am first generation American. My dad is from Jamaica

and my mom is from England.

Deshone Johnson– Groves 1. I worked at Methodist Hospital as an Outpatient Coordinator for the brain injury and stroke divi-sion. 2. I love to skate, shop and clean. 3. I love being here at MGUH– just started!!

Lesa Poinsett 1. I worked as a Nurse Practitioner at the Family Heath Center in Woodbridge, VA (and Army clinic) providing OBGYN care. I also

worked under the Army Surgeon General as a Health Facility Planner for Army hospitals and clinics. 2. I have moved over 30 times– most of my moves have been related to the military. 3. I have two adopted sons, ages 28 and 6. My 28 year old is a Naval officer and just got married in May, and my 6 year-old just

started kindergarten. I believe in child spacing!