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MDI Hospital Hires New Director of Physician Practices June 2009

MDI Hospital has recently hired Sheila Pierson-Roy as its new Director of Physician Practices. In her new role, Pierson-Roy will administer the Hospital’s primary care and specialty practices.  
Pierson-Roy brings to her new position over twenty years experience in health care practice administration. After receiving a BS in Management, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and a Masters in Business Administration from Franklin Pierce University, she served as Administrator for Garrison Medical Professional Association in Dover, New Hampshire from 1986 to 1995.

Between 1993 and 2001 Pierson-Roy was the Administrator for Exeter Pediatric Associates in Exeter, New Hampshire, the Practice Administrator for Contemporary Management Associates in Concord, New Hampshire, and the Administrator for Partners for Women’s Health in Exeter, New Hampshire.

From 2001 to 2004, Pierson-Roy served as Administrator for the Center for Women’s Health in Sanford, Maine and Rochester, New Hampshire. Between 2004 and 2008 she was the Director of Goodall Health Partners, a hospital-based physician practice in Sanford.

Prior to joining MDI Hospital, Pierson-Roy formed her own physician practice consulting and management service, Sheila Pierson-Roy Consulting, LLC.

Her decision to join MDI Hospital was prompted by a combined interest in the MDI region and the hospital that serves it. “My husband and I have vacationed here for years and just love it,” said Pierson-Roy. “I’m very drawn to the natural beauty of the area. I’ve always felt that the Island and I were compatible.”

“I’m also very impressed with MDI Hospital,” she said. “I like the small size of the hospital, its reputation for outstanding quality, and its dedication to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors in the MDI region.”

Her goal, said Pierson-Roy, is to standardize administrative processes in the Hospital’s practices to eliminate duplication of effort, improve efficiency, and foster consistency in documentation.

At the same time, she emphasizes that she will support the unique aspects of each practice. “In part, people choose a practice or provider because they are comfortable with the staff and the feel of the place” she said. “I don’t take a cookie cutter approach to the management of physician practices. It’s important to keep the unique feel and culture of each practice.”

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MDI Hospital Named One of the Best in New England May, 2009

Mount Desert Island Hospital has been named one of the 37 best hospitals in New England by health plan provider Harvard Pilgrim.

As a member of the prestigious Harvard Pilgrim Honor Roll, MDI Hospital is among an elite group of acute care hospitals in New England that scored in the top 25 percent of hospitals nationwide on a set of quality and patient experience measures.  

The scores were from surveys conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Leapfrog Group, a non-profit organization that measures and reports hospital quality, safety and efficiency.

“The community hospitals and academic medical centers on our honor roll set an example for other hospitals to strive for because they consistently demonstrate high quality, safe, patient-centered care,” said Roberta Herman, M.D., Harvard Pilgrim’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

The 2008 Hospital Honor Roll includes 31 community hospitals and six academic medical centers across the region and includes 17 hospitals from Massachusetts, 13 from Maine, 4 from New Hampshire and 3 from Rhode Island.

Hospitals were evaluated on processes for caring for patients with heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and those having surgery. The results of patient surveys measuring patient hospital experiences were included. Leapfrog patient safety data includes results achieved in intensive care unit staffing, computerized physician order entry and adherence to safe practices.   

“There are many ways that hospital quality is measured today, and MDI Hospital has consistently ranked among the best across the board,” said Hospital CEO and President Art Blank. In 2007 MDI Hospital was name the National Outstanding Rural Health Organization. Last year the Hospital received an unprecedented sixth consecutive award for Overall Patient Satisfaction. The Hospital has also ranked higher than the state and national average on measures of patient experience and processes of care.

“This honor is another recognition of our commitment to quality, from the delivery of treatments that are known to get the best results, to ensuring a safe and positive patient experience,” said Blank. “Our community should be proud of their Hospital and its exemplary standard of care.”

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Arthur Blank Recognized as Grassroots Champion May, 2009

The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Maine Hospital Association has awarded Arthur Blank, President and CEO of Mount Desert Island Hospital with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award.  As a 2009 Grassroots Champion Mr. Blank is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.

The Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.

“Art and his team have worked tirelessly in engaging their board, staff, and community members in their state and federal advocacy efforts,” said Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association.  “Over the past year, Art has successfully generated significant local grassroots communications with state legislators in opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid funding of Critical Access Hospitals, cuts in reimbursement to hospital-based physicians and to advocate that the state pay past Medicaid bills owed to hospitals dating back to 2005. 

“For years, Art and his staff have held community advocacy meetings to brief community members on various health care issues pending at the state and federal level and the impact of those policy proposals on local access to health care services.  By continually educating local community leaders about pending health care issues and the role of MDI Hospital in the delivery of local health care services, Art has been able to easily engage local community members when there is a need for action.”   

“We depend upon strong voices like Mr. Blank’s to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO.  “This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”

The award was presented during the AHA annual meeting in Washington on April 28. Mr. Blank is one of 51 individuals honored this year.

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 37,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.

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MDI Hospital Finishes Successful Portions Campaign April 2009

The MDI Hospital cafeteria recently pioneered a four-week Portion Awareness Campaign for employees.  The campaign provided information on the recommended portion for each meal served at lunch, as well as the caloric value and fat content of the meal.

“The goal of this campaign is to provide employees with information so they understand and manage their own portion control,” said Marybeth Judy, MS, RD, LD, Manager of the Hospital’s Nutrition Services.

The campaign included a display, placed outside the cafeteria, that included common objects to help illustrate portion sizes. “The average portion of meat should be 3 ounces which is the size of a deck of cards,” said Ms. Judy. “A portion of cheese is one ounce which is the same as four playing dice, and a serving of trail mix or nuts that so many of us love to snack on is only about the size of a golf ball.

“The reaction of employees to these portion sizes was predictably one of shock,” said Ms. Judy. “Not only was it surprising that the average portion sizes had increased that much over the years, but learning that the mound of mashed potatoes on their plate should only be about the size of half a baseball was a reality check.”

The campaign was a success, she explained. “Employees became more confident in managing the recommended portion sizes by the end of the campaign.” MDI Hospital employee Brent Cook paid close attention to the information provided during this campaign and it shows. By consuming recommended portion sizes, and refraining from going back for that second helping, Brent managed to drop 10 pounds in just 4 weeks.

The display has traveled to the Hospital’s health centers and the Jackson Lab and will continue to provide awareness of portion sizes to the community. “As the importance of employee wellness programs continues to grow, campaigns and programs like this will become more and more frequent,” said Ms. Judy.

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Don & Beth Straus Center Opens May 4^th April 2009

The new Don & Beth Straus Center for seniors with memory loss, scheduled to open on May 4^th will provide a safe, active, therapeutic environment where careful attention to details will ensure a healthy balance of stimulation and tranquility for members.

The new facility is located adjacent to the Community Health Center at 16 Community Lane in Southwest Harbor.

"My years of experience at Birch Bay Village and looking at what works in their memory loss unit, Safe Harbor, went into the details here," said Straus Center Director of Adult Day Services Debra Chalmers.

When designing the facility, named for two longtime Somesville residents whose philanthropic support helped start the program, Chalmers took into account all the senses - sight, hearing, touch, and taste. "Everything here is chosen with a deliberate purpose," said Chalmers.

Colors have been carefully selected for everything from the walls to furniture. "The color of the walls are a soothing earth tone," said Chalmers. A contrast of colors was chosen for the furnishings to help people move around independently. "Even the color of our dinnerware was chosen to help stimulate appetites," said Chalmers.

Music will be selected to maintain the balance of calm and stimulation. "Music can help people connect with others and become active," said Chalmers. "We will also carefully monitor people's reactions to the music to make sure we have made the right choice for the individuals each day."

Local artist Nancy Diedrickson has painted a flower-filled mural on the wall that will greet members when they come in. "We are presenting a warm and welcoming first impression in hopes of creating a sense of ease," said Chalmers. Plans also include live music and visiting artists to engage members in a therapeutic approach known as expressive therapy. “Expressive therapy uses art to facilitate growth and healing,” said Chalmers.

Items on the shelves, such as books and carvings, have been chosen to encourage and stimulate touch. "We have chosen items that are designed for tactile stimulation. We want people to feel free to pick things up and use them," said Chalmers.

Meals will be prepared as an activity and as another means to excite the senses. "We'll make our own bread, muffins and other baked goods to simulate fond memories and hearty appetites," said Chalmers.

When designing the facility, Chalmers also drew largely on the Eden Alternative model of design, a concept that encourages contact with plants, animals and children to combat loneliness, helplessness and boredom. "We've created an environment that is filled with a variety of life forms, from plants to fish tanks and a butterfly garden.”

Through a careful intake process, Chalmers and Program Assistant Karen Strunk will familiarize themselves with each member’s personal and medical history and will use that information to craft individualized activities. "We will get to know each person so we can encourage folks to participate in activities that are meaningful to them," said Chalmers. Activities can include scrap booking, woodworking, gardening, and meal preparation.

“And we're looking to create intergenerational relations with children's programs in the community," said Chalmers. She will also be searching for opportunities to provide volunteer support for other local organizations. “We want to provide an opportunity for meaningful, productive activities,” But she added, "This is also a place where people can just come and be comfortable and read or relax if they want." 

“We also recognize the importance of caring for the caregiver as well as the care receiver,” explained Chalmers. “Our on-going relationship with agencies like the Eastern Agency on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association will ensure up-to-date resources and services are available to assist caregivers in support of their loved ones. We’ll help them navigate their way to the very best resources.”

For caregivers and community members interested in memory loss issues, the Straus Center will also offer educational programs. “We want to be seen as a resource for the whole community,” said Chalmers.

An open house will be held in July to provide the public with an opportunity to tour the new facility. For information on the new Don & Beth Straus Center, or to be added to their mailing list for upcoming events, call Debra Chalmers at 244-3267.

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Memory Loss Center Named in Honor of Don and Beth Straus April 2009

The new Don & Beth Straus Center for seniors with memory loss is a lasting legacy of two longtime Somesville residents known for their pioneering and generous spirit.

The Straus’ decision to support the new facility has been attributed, in part, to his struggle with memory loss prior to passing in 2007. “Part of the Straus’ interest in the facility came from firsthand experience,” said Julian Kuffler, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Straus Center.

“Mrs. Straus understands the unique needs of a caregiver and has made a commitment to ensure that others in the community struggling with the same issues have the resources to deal with this challenging illness,” said Dr. Kuffler.

“They both recognized the need for a broadly accessible approach to care for seniors living on MDI with memory loss,” said Dr. Kuffler. “Their generous gift has provided people in our community with access to an innovative model of care that would have otherwise been out of reach.”

The namesake of the Straus Innovator Award at College of the Atlantic, Mr. Straus was no stranger to inventive problem solving. As President of the American Arbitration Association, Mr. Straus was instrumental in non-violent resolution of international conflicts. He was also an early advocate in the use of online computer conferencing and online education.

“The Straus Center is a refection of Mr. Straus’ forward thinking approach,” said Dr. Kuffler. “From his efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully, to his advocacy of an interdisciplinary approach to education, Mr. Straus was, in many ways, the perfect partner for a facility like this.”

“They both became very interested in the new facility and were encouraged by Dr. Kuffler’s description of the facility,” said longtime friend Richard Dudman of Ellsworth. “They came to realize that a lot of people, including caregivers, need this type of a facility.”

“Consistent with her long history of philanthropic support, Mrs. Straus has not only been personally generous,” said Dr. Kuffler,” she has encouraged others in the community to be supportive, which has contributed tremendously to our ability to meet our fundraising goal.”

The Straus Center, which opens May 4^th, will provide full and half-day programs for seniors with memory loss. The Center will provide a safe, comfortable environment where seniors with memory loss can socialize and enjoy meaningful activities under professional supervision.

Benefactors of many causes throughout the country, the Strauses were known to have a special affection for the state and island to which they retired. “Although they were from New York and California, they came to love Maine, ” said Helen Dudman. “They were very generous people and were devoted to their community.”

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Patients Rate MDI Hospital the Best April 2009

Eighty five percent of MDI Hospital patients would not want to go anywhere else for their care, a patient rating that exceeds both the state and national average.

According to a recently released survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 85 percent of MDI Hospital patients rate their overall experience a 9 or 10, the equivalent of a “best possible” rating, on a scale of 10. Seventy percent of patients statewide rated their Hospitals as high, while nationwide, 64 percent of patients gave their hospitals the coveted rating.

“We have garnered a cabinet full of awards for patient satisfaction,” said Hospital President and CEO Arthur Blank. “But this one is unique in that it measured specific aspects of care that are considered benchmarks by CMS, the federal agency that administers the Medicaid and Medicare.”

The HCAHPS results posted on the CMS website at http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/ allow consumers to make objective comparisons between hospitals, and of individual hospitals to state and national benchmarks, on ten important measures of patients' perspectives of care.

The results also show that MDI Hospital scored higher than the average scores for all acute care hospitals in Maine and the nation in all ten benchmarks of care. “The fact that we scored higher across the board than hospitals in Maine and the nation is a measure of our absolute commitment throughout the MDI Hospital organization to our patients,” said Mr. Blank.

“Everyone in our Hospital, from providers to administration to nursing to housekeeping and engineering works tirelessly to ensure a positive experience for our patients. It is truly an organization-wide commitment,” added Mr. Blank.

The report compares results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (NCAHPS) survey, a national, standardized survey of hospital patients. HCAHPS (pronounced “H-caps”) was created to publicly report the patient’s perspective of hospital care. The survey asks a random sample of recently discharged patients about important aspects of their hospital experience.

HCAHPS was developed by a partnership of public and private organizations. Development of the survey was funded by the Federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

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MDI Hospital Hires Tom Fischer as New Lab Manager March 2009

Mount Desert Island Hospital has hired Tom Fischer as its new Director of Laboratory Services. As Director, Mr. Fischer oversees quality control and administration of all hospital laboratory tests.

Fischer brings to his new position thirty years experience in laboratory services, including twenty in lab administration.

A native of Wisconsin, Fischer recently move to the MDI region from Virginia where he worked as the Point of Care Coordinator for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk.

Prior to that, Fischer was the Executive Director of Firstlab of Virginia, a start-up for-profit reference laboratory serving hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician clients.

Between 1987 and 2003 Fischer served as Administrative Director at four different health care facilities in Wisconsin.

The focus of his work has been introduction of systems that reduce inefficiencies and redundancies, and improve productivity and quality control. (Quote)

Fischer received his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, underwent a Medical Technologist Internship at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and received his MS in Medical Technology Instruction and Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

At MDI Hospital, Fischer will oversee a staff of (#) that conducts approximately 95,000 tests per year and manages a blood bank. “This is a great team,” said Fischer of his staff. They have been very helpful with my adjustment.”

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Specialized Training Benefits Sexual Assault Victims February 2009

Many people who have suffered sexual assault live with the effects not knowing that medical help, forensic evidence collection, and supportive advocacy are available to them at no cost.  Fortunately, nurses and providers at MDI Hospital have undergone training to help victims cope with and overcome the physical and emotional toll of an all too prevalent crime.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program in the Office of the Attorney General offers training for health care providers in the care of the sexual assault patient. The training includes 40 hours of classroom and 8 hours of clinical learning. There are additional requirements for state SAFE certification that can take up to a year.

“Having trained health care providers available to perform the medical-forensic exam minimizes the waiting period to receive care, reduces trauma associated with the assault, and ensures that the needs of the victim are attended to and evidence is collected in a manner that meets state standards and promotes successful prosecution,” said Polly Campbell, RN, Director of the state’s SAFE program.

Throughout the state SAFEs are part of regional networks of sexual assault responders, known as Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART). SART team members include local law enforcement, District Attorneys’ offices, SAFEs, and sexual assault advocates. “Members of the SART share the common goal of creating a seamless, community-based response to the needs of sexual assault victims and survivors,” said Ms. Campbell.
 
Certified nurse midwife Linda Robinson, family nurse practitioner Angie Delvechio, and registered nurses Velynda Wiley and Vicky Eaton, all of whom work for MDI Hospital, have undergone the training.
 
SAFEs are trained to conduct the medical/forensic exams and serve as a fact or expert witness in court, improving the potential for conviction if a victim chooses to pursue prosecution. However victims of sexual assault in Maine are not required to report the crime to receive a medical/forensic exam. “Some victims are reluctant to come to the hospital because they believe that their assault will automatically be reported to police, and that is not the case,” said Ms. Campbell.  

“It is important for victim/survivors to know that there is no cost for the medical/forensic examination.  This is a free service.  The patient’s insurance cannot and will not be billed,” she added.
 
SAFE training also teaches nurses and providers to quickly assess and treat injuries. While SAFEs can promote the healing of physical wounds, they also help people recover from the emotional trauma of sexual assault by connecting them with an advocacy agency like Downeast Sexual Assault Services.
 
“We can set them up with counselors or other community resources, or just help them understand that they are in control,” said Jodi Leach, Client Services Coordinator for Downeast Sexual Assault Services. “We can provide them with the support they need to transition from victim to survivor.”

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Internist Ronald Prokopius, MD Joins MDI Hospital Medical Staff February 2009



Internal Medicine/Geriatric specialist Ronald Prokopius, MD, has joined the active medical staff of Mount Desert Island Hospital. A primary care practitioner, Dr. Prokopius is holding office hours at Cooper Gilmore Health Center in Bar Harbor.

The focus of Dr. Prokopius’ practice will be providing outpatient Internal Medicine care to patients eighteen years of age and older.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio in 1995, Dr. Prokopius earned his Medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Akron, Ohio in 2000.
 
From 2000 to 2003, Dr. Prokopius completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Summa Health Systems in Akron, Ohio.  Following this, he completed a Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, one of America’s top-ranked Geriatric hospital training programs.
 
Between 2004 and 2009, Dr. Prokopius served as an attending physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Miles Medical Group in Damariscotta, Maine.  Dr. Prokopius also served as the Medical Director of Cove’s Edge Retirement Community in Damariscotta from 2006 to 2009.
 
As an internist and geriatrician, Dr. Prokopius is focused on the patient’s well being; diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illness that can occur in combination with other disease states.  “I take a multi-faceted approach to care when caring for my patients,” he explained.

“I look at underlying factors that might contribute to a person’s condition, including medications and social issues. If possible, another goal is to help elderly patients stay healthy enough to be able to age at home and avoid institutional living,” said Dr. Prokopius.
 
“The level of services provided to the elderly population at MDI Hospital is impressive,” said Dr. Prokopius of his decision to move from Damariscotta. “I believe my practice is a good fit for the community and MDI Hospital.”
 
Dr. Prokopius lives on Mount Desert Island with his wife and two children. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Prokopius, call the Cooper Gilmore Health Center at 288-5024.


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Workshop Helps Community Prepare for Deadly Flu Pandemic January 2009

The flu pandemic of 1918 killed over 100 million people worldwide and experts agree that we are overdue for another, perhaps, even deadlier outbreak. To help the local community learn to face this potential global crisis, a group of MDI organizations is presenting a free workshop titled “The Sky is Falling” on Thursday, February 12th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.

The workshop, which will be held in the Maren Auditorium of the MDI Biological Laboratory, will help participants learn how maintain essential public services and business activity during and after a pandemic episode, and to minimize mortalities.

The workshop is designed for individuals whose work connects them to groups of people who would be affected by an outbreak. They include, but are not limited to, behavioral health counselors, school administrators, clergy, nurses and other health professionals, social service groups, community center directors, funeral directors, business managers, town officials, and childcare professionals.

The workshop will include a history of pandemic flu and current forecasts of the Avian Flu, thought by leading experts to be the likely source of the next worldwide pandemic.

“Hitting Home,” a role-play presentation will portray an outbreak of the deadly Avian Flu  as it spreads across the globe and reaches the communities of Mount Desert Island. Players acting the parts of local law enforcement, government and health care officials will tell the story.

A breakout session will allow participants to work on solutions to problems provided by the workshop presenters. This interactive portion of the workshop will allow participants to work as a team on a variety of scenarios that could confront the community. Teams will be asked to share their solutions with the broader group.

Lunch will be followed by a panel presentation by a group of experts who will field questions and provide answers.

To register on-line for this free workshop, visit www.healthyacadia.org/pfworkshopreg.htm. Space is limited for this workshop; interested participants are encouraged to register early. For more information call 288-5331.

“The Sky is Falling” is a collaborative presentation of Acadia National Park, American Red Cross, College of the Atlantic, Healthy Acadia, League of Towns, Mount Desert Island Hospital, Mount Desert Nursing Association, Southwest Harbor/Tremont Ambulance Service, Town of Bar Harbor, Town of Mount Desert. The event is sponsored by Healthy Acadia, Machias Savings Bank, The Jackson Laboratory, and Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.

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State Funding Shortages Limit Free Childhood Vaccine Supplies January 2009

Due to a change in policy, the Maine Immunization Program now only supplies free childhood vaccines to those who qualify under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. They include those covered by MaineCare, Native Americans, those who have no insurance coverage, or children with insurance coverage that does not include vaccines.

Prior to the change, all Maine children under 19 were eligible for free vaccines from the state. However, now because of the new policy, the state will no longer provide free vaccines for children covered by policies that include vaccine coverage.

As a result, hospitals must purchase vaccines from private sources to inoculate children who do not qualify for free vaccines, and will be billing insurance companies to pay for the vaccines. 

While many children will still qualify for free vaccines, those with vaccine coverage whose parents have not met their deductible will have to pay for the vaccines, up to the limit of their deductible.

"Even with this change, we encourage all parents to have their children vaccinated," said Nancy Starbuck, MDI Hospital's Director of Physician Practices. "The benefits of timely immunization far outweigh the cost, both for the individual and for the public in general."

The new policy change has not only placed a potential financial burden on people who do not qualify for the free vaccines, it has also added to the administrative expense of health care providers. "Our practices now have to purchase an additional vaccine supply from a private source for children who don't qualify for VFC vaccines, and we have to incur an administrative expense associated with billing,” said Ms. Starbuck.

"We strongly encourage people with private insurance to check with their insurance company before coming in for an appointment to determine whether or not their policy covers childhood vaccines," said Ms. Starbuck. "If their policy does not cover vaccines, they qualify for free immunization and we administer vaccines from our free state-supplied stock.

"However, if they assume that their policy covers it and we administer from our private stock of vaccines only to find out that their policy doesn't cover it, they are liable for that cost," explained Ms. Starbuck.  "We can not, legally, review an individual's policy for coverage before they come in, so it is very important that people know what their policy covers before they come in"

Current recommended vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians include childhood diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), hepatitis A and B, pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenza B, and meningococcal.

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Urologist Joins Staff of MDI Hospital January 2009
 

Urologist Surapaneni P. Ramanadha Rao, MD has joined the active medical staff at Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor. Dr. Rao will hold office hours at the Cadillac Mountain Medical Building and perform surgery in the Hospital’s surgical suite at least one day each month.
 
Dr. Rao is currently also an active medical staff member at Eastern Maine Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor.
 
Dr. Rao received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, the equivalent of a medical degree in the US, from the University of Jabalpur, India in 1969.
 
After completing his internship training and performing rotations in pediatrics and surgery, Dr. Rao earned a Masters of Surgery (MS) degree in General Surgery in 1974 from the University of Jabalpur.
 
From 1975 to 1981, Dr. Rao completed his residency training in surgery and urology at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.  Between 1980 and 1981 he served as Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
 
In 1981, Dr. Rao moved to Maine and established a private practice in urology in Houlton and Millinocket, which he ran until relocating his practice to Bangor in1993.  Between 1993 and 2007 he was also an active medical staff member of Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln.
 
“We are delighted that Dr. Rao has joined our active medical staff,” said MDI Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Art Blank. “The retired population on our island is growing rapidly, so providing our community with easy access to a urologist of Dr. Rao’s caliber is a real benefit.”
 
Dr. Rao has recently introduced a new procedure, known as GreenLight^TM Laser Therapy, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for treatment of enlarged prostate. GreenLight^TM Laser Therapy combines the effectives of the “gold standard” transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with fewer side effects.

Dr. Rao also performs incontinence procedures with mesh implantation in female patients and he is one of only six physicians in Maine who performs robotic surgery for cancers of kidney and prostate.
 
For more information on Dr. Rao’s practice, call 288-4177, or 288-5082, extension 7627.

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Edward White, MD Joins MDI Hospital as new Orthopedist January 2009

Orthopedic specialist Edward White, M.D., has joined MDI Hospital’s active medical staff. Dr. White, who replaces Dr. William Strassberg, will hold office hours at MDI Orthopedics on the first floor of MDI Hospital and will perform orthopedic surgery in the Hospital’s surgical suite.

Dr. White graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College in 1975 and received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1979.

He underwent post-graduate training in general surgery at Tufts Affiliated Hospitals in Boston between 1979 and 1981 and served as an emergency room physician at various Boston hospitals from 1981 to 1982. From 1982 to 1985, Dr. White completed post-graduate training in orthopedic surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine.

In 1986, Dr. White started a private practice in Damariscotta, Maine, practicing there until 2007. From 1994 to 2002, Dr. White served as Medical Director for Miles Memorial Hospital. In 1996 Dr. White traveled to Geneva Switzerland for a six month sabbatical to study Osteoporosis at the University of Geneva.

A general orthopedist, Dr. White offers a variety of musculoskeletal services including hip and knee replacement, arthroscopic shoulder, knee and ankle surgery, hand surgery and foot surgery. He also treats common aliments like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis of specific joints, sports injuries and rotator cuff shoulder problems, and he is a community resource for osteoporosis issues.

In addition, Dr. White provides emergency surgery for trauma victims delivered to the emergency department. “Dr. White is a valuable addition to our emergency care system,” said J.R. Krevans, Jr., M.D, the Hospital’s Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services.

“Having Dr. White follow patients who come through the ER from initial treatment through their recovery, provides an important continuity of care,” said Hospital CEO and President Art Blank.

When not on-site, Dr. White is able to provide timely consultation for Hospital patients via PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System). The state-of-the-art technology allows physicians to review medical images from remote locations over a secure network and provide immediate feedback. “The Hospital has made a huge investment in this technology and it is a big benefit to our patients,” said Dr. White.

Dr. White, who is married and has three children, is joined in practice at MDI Orthopedics by Burton Perle, M.D. For more information on Dr. White, or to schedule an appointment, call MDI Orthopedics at 288-0242.

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