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JUNE 30, 2014  

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In This Issue

Stony Brook University Hospital Receives Gold Award from American Heart Association

Stony Brook's Pediatric Nephrology Named One of the Nation's Best

Stony Brook Physicians Named to Best Doctors List

Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD, Named Associate Dean for Ambulatory Operations

Long Island State Veterans Home Breaks Ground for Major Renovation

Recipe for Health: Can Curry Cure Blood Cancers?

Researchers Tackle Lifesaving Issues for Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure

Record Number of Cancer Survivors Spark Celebration at Stony Brook


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Archives

Multiple Surgeries Result in New Face and
Smile for Young Girl from Kenya

Saline Atieno
Saline Atieno (center) and her caregivers Leon Klempner, DDS (left), and Alexander Dagum, MD (right)

After one year in the United States and 10 reconstructive surgeries at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Saline Atieno, a 12-year-old girl from Kenya, returned home this month with a transformed face and a new ability to smile.

At age 3, Saline was diagnosed with Noma, a devastating bacterial necrosis that develops in the mouth and ravages the faces of victims. According to the World Health Organization, some 140,000 new cases of Noma are diagnosed annually in developing countries. Ninety percent of the children who contract the disease die from it. Saline managed to survive but was left with a severely deformed face that made eating food difficult and the ability to smile impossible.

Alexander Dagum, MD, Chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, led the team in Saline's surgeries at Stony Brook Children's. The surgeries involved major reconstructions of Saline's lips, mouth and nose. A hole in her face was sealed, and Dr. Dagum created a palate that separated her oral and nasal cavities so Saline could eat and speak normally again. With grafts from Saline's ribs, Dr. Dagum recreated her missing nose. He used tissue from her lower lip to help create a new upper lip.

Leon S. Klempner, DDS, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Children's Dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine, who assisted Dr. Dagum during all of the surgeries, led the process to bring Saline to Stony Brook. After learning about Saline, Dr. Klempner started his own nonprofit organization, Smile Rescue Fund for Kids, to help Saline and children like her.

GWTG

Stony Brook University Hospital Receives Gold Award from American Heart Association

Heart Failure Center Staff
Front row from left: Jennifer Intravaia, RN; Denise Bugdin, RN; Michele Weisfelner Bloom, MD, Director, Outpatient Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center; Hal Skopicki, MD, PhD, FACC, Director, Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center; Kathryn Scheriff, RN, MSN, Interim Associate Director of Nursing for Cardiac Services; Carol Ruane, RN. Back row from left: Virginia Fitzgerald, RN; Charlotte Moore, RN; Matineh Hassanzadeh, Cardiology Business Administrator; Fola Akande, MSN, FNP, CNS, Nurse Practitioner; Ellen McCarty-Santora, MSN, CANP, Nurse Practitioner/VAD Coordinator; Nancy Utano, RN.

With patient survival rates continually among the highest in all of New York State, the Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center has received numerous recognitions for quality. Recently the American Heart Association (AHA) recognized the Center with its fourth consecutive "Get With The Guidelines" Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement Award.

"These indicators of quality let patients with heart failure know that when they choose Stony Brook, they will be cared for by experts who use the highest standards -- standards that can reduce disability, prevent future hospitalizations and prolong life," said Hal Skopicki, MD, PhD, FACC, Director, Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center, and Co-Director, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program.

Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure is a quality improvement program that helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure.

USNews

Stony Brook's Pediatric Nephrology Named  

One of the Nation's Best

Stony Brook Children's

U.S. News & World Report ranked Stony Brook Children's Hospital as a top provider of care in the specialty area of nephrology in the new 2014-15 Best Children's Hospitals rankings.

"Ranking in the top 50 in the country for pediatric nephrology is a key accomplishment for Stony Brook Children's Hospital," said Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, and Physician-In-Chief, Stony Brook Children's Hospital. "These results reflect our ongoing focus on providing the best in quality of care, advancements and innovation in medicine, and patient safety in all of the pediatric specialty programs offered at Stony Brook Children's."

Scores are based on patient outcomes, care-related resources available, a clinical questionnaire to 183 pediatric hospitals and a survey of 450 pediatric specialists and subspecialists asking where they would send the sickest children in their specialty, setting aside location and expense.

For children with kidney disease and disorders, the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at Stony Brook Children's offers the most advanced treatment available in Suffolk County. Not only is it the only Suffolk County hospital to perform renal transplants for children, it also is home to one of the largest pediatric nephrology programs on Long Island, seeing approximately 1,400 patients annually.

NYMag

Stony Brook Physicians Named to Best Doctors List

New York Magazine June 2014

Stony Brook Medicine welcomes five physician newcomers to the list of Best Doctors for 2014 published in June by New York Magazine. The new Stony Brook physicians on the elite list of 1,251 physicians are:

They join a group of 11 Stony Brook Medicine physicians who are repeat honorees, named in the 2014 and 2013 listings:

The New York Magazine honorees are a smaller subset of the annual Castle Connolly list from its guidebook Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, which lists those whom Castle Connolly considers among the top 10 percent of the region's physicians, numbering 6,448 in all this year.


The honorees are selected by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. each year through a peer-review survey. Licensed physicians vote online for doctors they view as exceptional. Participating physicians are asked to nominate those doctors who, in their judgment, are the best in their field and related fields, taking into account not only professional qualifications and reputation, but also skills in dealing with patients. Doctors cannot nominate themselves, and all nominations are confidential.

 

"We congratulate all 16 Stony Brook honorees for 2014, recognizing that this list only scratches the surface of our overall clinical excellence," said L. Reuven Pasternak, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Hospital, and Vice President for Health Systems, Stony Brook Medicine. "It reflects that we have an outstanding and talented medical staff."

DrMcGovern

Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD, Named Associate Dean for Ambulatory Operations

Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD
Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD

Margaret McGovern, MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, and Physician-in-Chief, Stony Brook Children's Hospital, has been named Stony Brook Medicine's inaugural Associate Dean for Ambulatory Operations.

In this newly created position, Dr. McGovern will help establish and implement a strategic plan designed to expand and enhance the effectiveness of Stony Brook Medicine's ambulatory, or outpatient practices, and coordinate the multiple caregivers that many patients require. She will oversee quality improvement and patient safety in these settings, and enhance the quality of patients' experiences.

Dr. McGovern will work closely with School of Medicine department chairs to evaluate current departmental outpatient practices, including assessment of clinical space, practice support and scheduling policies, and the development of real-time practice reports designed to help departments enhance both patient and physician satisfaction.

"Bringing our ambulatory care practices to the next level of excellence is our highest priority; not only will this initiative lead to better patient outcomes, but it will enhance our patients' level of satisfaction and participation in their care," said Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Senior Vice President, Health Sciences, and Dean, School of Medicine.

LISVHRen

Long Island State Veterans Home Breaks Ground
for Major Renovation

Long Island State Veterans Home
From left, Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, Executive Director, Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH); Colonel Eric J. Hesse, U.S. Army (ret.), Director, New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs; Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Senior Vice President, Health Sciences, and Dean, School of Medicine; Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket); Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton); Frank Demarco, Chairman, LISVH Veterans Advisory Board; New York State Senator John Flanagan (R-Northport); Thomas Ronayne, Director, Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency; and Joseph Lapietra, Deputy Executive Director, LISVH

The Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off Operation Rejuvenation, a major project that will help renovate the interior of the existing facility, enhancing the safety and comfort of those veterans who reside at LISVH.

"The Long Island State Veterans Home has always made a commitment to be the premier provider for long-term care services to our nation's heroes," said Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, Executive Director, Long Island State Veterans Home. "Operation Rejuvenation will assure that our veterans are living in the finest facility in the country."

The project was made possible by a $12.5 million VA Construction Grant that was awarded to The Long Island State Veterans Home in October 2013, though the support of Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) and New York State Senator John Flanagan (R-Northport).

The new 9,000-square-foot building will be completed in 2015. This facility will be used to house residents as the existing veterans home, which was built in 1991, is renovated into a modern, spacious residence. After the renovation project is complete, this new building will be the home to the Long Island State Veterans Home Adult Day Health Care Program, a program that provides comprehensive medical, nursing and personal care services combined with engaging social activities for adults who are physically or cognitively impaired.

Lymphoma

Recipe for Health: Can Curry Cure Blood Cancers?

Gerardo Mackenzie and Team
Gerardo Mackenzie, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine (center), with Lauren Bartels (left) and Brandon Vaeth (right)

Gerardo Mackenzie, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, and Stony Brook University Cancer Center, was awarded a $179,000 grant by the Jesse and Julie Rasch Foundation to investigate the prevention of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The study, "Evaluation of the anti-cancer effect of various compounds against Hodgkin's lymphoma," will evaluate the safety and efficacy of select test agents in preclinical models of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Dr. Mackenzie and his team will study numerous compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention in general and prevention of Hodgkin's lymphoma in particular.

A major focus of the research will be the evaluation of curcumin, one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders as well as various formulations of curcumin, specifically prepared to increase its bioavailability. Besides curcumin, other natural compounds being investigated include polyphenols, aspirin, vitamins, minerals, fish oils, probiotics and other agents known to boost the immune system.

In addition to Dr. Mackenzie, the team includes academic research pathologist Nengtai Ouyang, MD, PhD, research scientist George Matthaiolampakis, PhD, and lab technician Joseph Lacomb.

HFStudy

Researchers Tackle Lifesaving Issues for Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure

Danny Bluestein, PhD
Study authors Danny Bluestein, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Principal Investigator (left), and Wei-Che (Philip) Chiu, Biomedical Engineering PhD student

For patients with end-stage heart failure, one treatment option is a ventricular assist device (VAD), which serves as a bridge to a heart transplant and, in long-term use, as "destination therapy," continuing to support heart function if a transplant is not an option. Researchers at Stony Brook, led by Danny Bluestein, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Principal Investigator, have developed an innovative technique to evaluate VAD efficacy and safety. Their methodology uses advanced simulation and testing with human blood to help determine which VADs cause less damage to blood while minimizing or eliminating the risk of blood clotting, stroke or death.

A study in the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering,"Thromboresistance Comparison of the HeartMate II Ventricular Assist Device With the Device Thrombogenicity Emulation-Optimized HeartAssist 5 VAD," describes the Stony Brook team's research.

The team compared thrombogenicity in the previously DTE-optimized HeartAssist 5 (formerly the Debakey VAD) with the HeartMate II VAD. Using numerical flow simulations, they extracted and compared the probability density function -- the "thrombogenic footprint" -- of the stress accumulations of the large number of platelets flowing through each device, and measured shear-induced platelet activation rates in recirculating flow loops.

The results indicated that platelets flowing through the DTE-optimized HeartAssist 5 are exposed to significantly lower shear stress accumulations, which lead to platelet activation, than the HeartMate II. The researchers also reported that thrombus formation patterns observed in the HeartMate II are absent in the HeartAssist 5. Additionally, platelet activation rates (PAR) -- measured in vitro with the VADs mounted in recirculation flow loops -- show a 2.5-fold significantly higher PAR value for the HeartMate II.

NCSD

Record Number of Cancer Survivors Sparks Celebration at Stony Brook

National Cancer Survivors Day
The Parade of Survivors at Stony Brook's National Cancer Survivors Day

Cancer survivors came to celebrate life and overcoming cancer with their Stony Brook doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Stony Brook University Cancer Center's 10th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. More than 300 survivors, along with their families and friends, were in attendance to hear messages of hope and the plans at Stony Brook Medicine to increase research on the prevention and treatment of all forms of cancer.

"We are experiencing a renaissance of unprecedented growth in research and clinical care at Stony Brook," said Yusuf A. Hannun, MD, Director, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Vice Dean, Cancer Medicine, and the Joel Strum Kenny Professor of Cancer Research. "Our teams include clinicians and researchers tackling issues related to cancer causation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention with a strong emphasis at identifying at a molecular level the basic mechanisms of cancer and how we combat it. This approach will revolutionize cancer care for our patients in our immediate community, all over Long Island and far beyond."

Inspiring attendees with the message that laughter in adversity is also good medicine, the event's inspirational speaker and 20-year bone cancer survivor Scott Burton, a professional comedian and world-class juggler, kept the audience laughing throughout his uplifting presentation.

During the celebration, Dr. Hannun announced the inauguration of the Linda Bily Patient Advocacy Fund. He said that Bily's vision, tenacity and perseverance led to Stony Brook launching its first National Cancer Survivors Day event and its continued growth and success, as well as the establishment of the Patient Advocacy Department. The fund will focus on the psychosocial support of Stony Brook patients and their families.

Upcoming Events

WomenHeart of Central Suffolk

July 1, 6-7:30 pm, Hilton Garden Inn, Stony Brook University

Hosted by Stony Brook University Heart Institute, this support group meeting is open to women with heart disease who want to learn more about living a heart-healthy life. Pamela Kostic, RN, Chest Pain Accreditation Coordinator, will discuss "Early Heart Attack Care -- Understanding Signs and Symptoms." For more information, email Dawn Blatt.

Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Seminars

July 7 and 21, 5 to 7 pm, Cafeteria, Stony Brook University Hospital, Level 5, (631) 444-4000

Freedom from obesity is attainable with the right combination of tools and support. Learn about the causes, health risks and treatment options, tailored to each patient's needs, lifestyle and goals at these informative seminars. Both medical and surgical options will be discussed. To register, call (631) 444-4000.

Fourth Annual Boat Ride on the Bay

July 12, 7-11 pm, the Moon Chaser from Captree Boat Basin, (631) 444-3116

Enjoy a cruise on the Great South Bay and help raise funds to support Stony Brook's Lung Cancer Screening Program in memory of Guy Cassara, R-PAC. The evening includes an open bar, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased in advance by contacting Jane McCormack at (631) 444-3116.

Skin Cancer 101

July 15, 7-8 pm, Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden, (631) 585-9393

Stony Brook Medicine's skin cancer expert, Jordan Slutsky, MD, Department of Dermatology, shares his advice on how to help prevent skin cancer and detect early signs of the disease.

Varicose Vein Screening

July 19, 8 am to 2 pm, Stony Brook Vein Center, 24 Research Way, East Setauket, (631) 444-VEIN (8346)

Open to individuals between the ages of 18 to 80 who suffer from large varicose veins that are causing pain and/or swelling, this free screening includes a brief, noninvasive examination of the lower legs by board-certified physicians. Patients should wear or bring shorts to the screening. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call (631) 444-VEIN (8346).

Diabetes Education

July 21-23, 9 am-noon, Stony Brook Education Center, 14 Technology Drive, Suite 1, East Setauket, (631) 444-0580

Diabetes professionals share self-care tips on diet, meal planning, exercise and medications, and discuss new treatments for all types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Pre-registration is required and insurance coverage is discussed at registration.

Nutrition and Weight Management

July 28, 5-6:30 pm, West Babylon Public Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon, (631) 669-5445

Freedom from obesity is attainable with the right combination of nutrition, tools and support. Aurora Pryor, MD, Founder and Director, Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center, will discuss how to lighten up physically and emotionally from your ongoing weight struggle.

For More Information

Tell us what you'd like to see. Please send content for consideration to:

Therese Xeller 

Communications Manager

Stony Brook Medicine  

188 Belle Mead Road

East Setauket, NY 11733-9228

(631) 444-4883

 

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.

Produced by the Office of Communications.