- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith Angelina Jolie in the news recently for preventatively having her ovaries removed—following a preventative double mastectomy just two years ago—many women have questions about genetic counseling and the role it can play in determining your risk for breast and ovarian cancer. If you test positive for one of the main breast cancer genes, called the BRCA genes, you have up to an 85 percent greater lifetime risk for developing breast cancer, as well as an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Plus, if you’ve already had breast cancer there’s a significantly increased risk for having another breast cancer—nearly 65 percent. If you find out you have a genetic mutation that puts you at an increased risk of another breast cancer, this may change your initial surgical decision. Instead of pursuing a lumpectomy or a single mastectomy, you may instead choose a bilateral mastectomy. Also, if you are a BRCA carrier you may elect to have your ovaries removed by a certain age because currently we do not have an effective way to screen for ovarian cancer. Genetic counselors help you figure out the best plan of care if you have or are at risk of having a genetic condition. To make sure you are fully informed before making a decision to proceed with genetic testing, the counselor discusses benefits and limitations, as well as the implications for you and your family of the possible test results. The genetic counselor reviews your medical and family history, providing information regarding the genetics and natural history of hereditary cancer syndromes and reviewing personalized options for risk reduction and increased cancer surveillance. The goal is to provide a comprehensive risk assessment to determine if genetic testing is reasonable and which genetic test is most appropriate. The family history takes into account at least first-, second-, and third-degree relatives to establish whether there’s a pattern of cancer in the family that may indicate an increased likelihood of an inherited mutation. Since the majority of cancer is not hereditary, things such as shared environment and lifestyle factors are important to consider. Taking a complete family history allows the genetic counselor to look for certain red flags that guide the discussion and help identify who can benefit from genetic testing. Ideally, genetic testing starts with a family member who has had cancer because that provides the most useful information for the entire family. While the analysis and interpretation of genetic test results are complex, the test itself only requires a saliva sample or a blood draw and the testing is completed in several weeks. It’s important to know having a genetic mutation does not mean you will definitely develop either breast or ovarian cancer. Figuring out how to address the increased risk is a personal decision that should be made following consultation with your doctor. Genetic counseling can provide information to patients to help them choose the best course of treatment, but ultimately the patient and their family will decide what is best for them. If you think you may be at high risk for breast or ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor about whether genetic counseling may be right for you. Health insurance often covers genetic counseling, so check with your individual plan. Learn more about genetic counseling at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Author By Ashley Allenby, MGC, CGC, certified genetic counselor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her, call 443-481-4295.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe American Hospital Association (AHA) has recognized Anne Arundel Medical Center President and CEO Victoria (Tori) Bayless as a 2018 Grassroots Champion. Bayless was honored at the Maryland Hospital Association’s annual meeting in June. Each year, the AHA, in conjunction with the state hospital associations, recognizes the achievements of grassroots leaders with the prestigious Grassroots Champion Award. The award recognizes a hospital leader from each state who most effectively educates 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 who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients. “Victoria Bayless is being recognized as a 2018 Grassroots Champion for her commitment to working to improve the issues affecting her hospital’s community,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “Her leadership in advocacy has created an open dialogue with elected officials, which in turn has broadened community outreach and education for both Anne Arundel Medical Center and its patients.” “Tori is a steadfast advocate and champion of Anne Arundel Medical Center’s mission to enhance the health of the people we serve,” said Gary Jobson, AAMC board chair. “In doing so, she demonstrates unyielding passion, commitment and innovative thinking toward advancing causes that positively impact the health needs of the community. This honor is well deserved.” Bayless has been at the frontline of advancing important initiatives to strengthen the provision of health care in Anne Arundel County and the surrounding region. Most recent efforts include increasing access to mental health care and working to expand cardiac surgery services. Bayless joined AAMC as vice president of Clinical and Support Services in 2005. She was promoted to chief operating officer in 2006. In September 2009, Bayless was named president and chief operating officer and was promoted to CEO in 2011.0
- Community, Stroke Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNine years after a stroke left Judy Crane with such severe speech deficits that she had difficulty being understood, the 56-year-old Millersville resident has become an articulate and outspoken advocate for stroke patients. One of 90 patient advisors at AAMC, Judy sits on the stroke advisory committee and the patient advisory council. In both roles, she provides hospital staff with the patient perspective that helps them provide patient-centered care, reaching beyond a patient’s medical needs. When I was invited to be a patient advisor on the stroke committee, I thought it was kind of intriguing that they even want a patient to be on their committee. The committee gets together once a month to review the stroke cases, looking for how they can make things better. Anybody that has anything to do with a patient is there. The doctors and nurses, the pharmacy and lab, radiology, they look at the whole gamut. When topics come up, I look at them from my experience and also other people’s experiences and I provide the “bedside” view. If I can add something about how a patient would feel about it, I give my input. One of the things I asked at the stroke committee was if anybody was willing to volunteer to start a stroke support group. Right there, three people volunteered. One is a speech therapist; one’s a physical therapist and one an occupational therapist. When I had my stroke, I really needed to be able to talk to somebody who had experienced this. There are so many questions. Will I be able to work? What about disability? What are some tips that can help me in relating to my kids, my spouse, my friends. I mean it goes on and on. The group is a great sounding board and it’s wonderful for the staff too because they can see how patients manage afterward, and we can give feedback to the hospital about how things went. Now, I’m also on the patient-family advisor council. That’s a bigger group that helps some of the staff come up with patient-centered care goals and initiatives. One goal is educating staff so everyone understands what patient-centered care really is. Sometimes it’s as simple as giving a patient hope, or encouraging them to be a part of their recovery process. It’s all about really looking at each patient individually, and empowering both the patient and their families to be engaged in their treatment and recovery. To learn more about the Stroke Support Group contact Laurie Neely, physical therapist, or Jennifer Irving, speech-language pathologist or by phone: 443-481-6872. To find out how to become a patient advisor contact Jeanne Morris, advisor coordinator, at 443-481-6054.0
- General Page - Tier 2Leadership Crystal Beckford Crystal Beckford Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Professional Practice Model The Nursing Professional Practice Model is “the overreaching conceptual framework for nurses, nursing care, and Interprofessional patient care. It is a schematic description of a system, theory, or phenomenon that depicts how nurses collaborate, communicate, and develop professionally to provide the highest-quality care for those served by the organization” (ANA-2014). Think of it as our compass on our Journey to Nursing Excellence. Our unique model was created by our front line nurses and other representatives on LHDCMC’s first shared governance/decision making council. The Nursing Professional Practice Council aligned our Mission, Vision and Values with the Practice of Nursing we strive to achieve. Combining this with the ANA Code of Ethics, models of nursing care and target audience, the very first DCMC Nursing Professional Practice Model was conceived., Nursing Professional Governance, Nursing Jobs: Why work at LHDMC? Benefits of working for LHDMC A supportive environment A comprehensive benefits package A highly competitive wage scale Tuition reimbursement Professional development programs Advance your career here LHDCMC is introducing the Nursing Clinical Ladder , a professional development program for nursing staff in March 2023. The LHDCMC Clinical Ladder program is intended to focus our nursing workforce on meaningful growth in the profession and move nurses progressively to greater accountability for professional practice and complex patient care. It's designed to promote an environment that encourages, rewards and supports the professional growth of the nurse.Overview“Treating our community like family” is the essence of LHDCMC nursing which guides our daily practice.Guided by the R.I.S.E. values of Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence as well as their professional practice model, nurses at LHDCMC spend every moment enhancing the health of the people and communities we serve. LHDCMC is Designated as a Pathway to Excellence Organization by the ANCC Luminis Heath Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC), is part of a premier group of organizations that have received Pathway to Excellence® designation from the ANCC. The Pathway designation is a global credential that highlights LHDCMC’s commitment to creating a healthy work environment where nurses feel empowered and valued. Luminis Health’s nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team, with a voice in policy and practice. Pathway nurses are engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and better patient outcomes.0
- Our Centering Pregnancy Approach Whether you choose to have a midwife or OB-GYN, you can benefit from our Centering Pregnancy approach, designed by the national Centering Healthcare Institute. At no extra cost, you have access to 10 educational group sessions spread throughout your pregnancy journey. Each time, you meet with the same small group of pregnant people who are due around the same time as you. You'll feel the power of community, and you might even meet your lifelong mom friend! At each Centering Pregnancy session, a midwife or nurse from our team shares information and facilitates a discussion on a different topic. The topics include nutrition in pregnancy, what to expect in labor, stress management, breastfeeding and more. You not only learn from our certified instructor — you'll also share wisdom with each other. Our Centering Pregnancy meet-ups are complete with healthy refreshments. We schedule them when you're due for a growth check, which happens during the meeting. Convenience. Education. Health care. Mom friends. Snacks. We've thought of everything! Learn how to participate in CenteringPregnancy® at Luminis HealthTreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageWhy Choose Luminis Health Midwives?Luminis Health Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancies and births. A team of highly experienced, board-certified midwives follows you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and beyond.We monitor your health and make sure your baby is growing well. At the same time, we empower you with information about pregnancy, birth and newborn care. You can feel comfortable asking any question or sharing any concern you have. Your midwifery team is here to respond to your emotional, physical, and social needs.Just like an OB-GYN, your midwife tracks your growth, listens to that lovely thumpity-thump of your baby's heart and connects you to any needed blood or ultrasound tests. Your prenatal appointments take place in a cozy, home-like clinic attached to our main hospital building.When it's time for your birth, you will deliver in the Frank Family Birth Center inside of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Once you go home with your tiny love, Luminis Health midwives continue to support you — in your recovery in the weeks after your birth, as well as in feeding and caring for your baby. The Best of Both WorldsIf you choose midwifery at Luminis Health, you have immediate access to advanced medical expertise and technology should you need it. If your pregnancy ever becomes high-risk, it's a seamless transition to an OB-GYN at Luminis Health.0
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