- Graduate Medical Education, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to start an Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) Residency Program, a four-year residency program with four residents per year for a total of 16 residents. The OB-GYN Residency Program accreditation marks another important milestone for Graduate Medical Education (GME) at AAMC as the hospital’s second ACGME-accredited residency program. AAMC received accreditation for its General Surgery Residency program in 2016. READ MORE: AAMC welcomes first class of residents “Our residents support and enhance our culture of patient safety and performance improvement,” said Monica Jones, MD, MSc, FACOG, FACS, chair, Women’s and Children’s Services at AAMC, and director of AAMG Gynecologic Specialty Surgeons. “As we help train the next generation of physicians, we continue to raise the level of care given to our patients and our community.” “We are proud to be recognized as a leader in women’s health in the region,” said Janifer Tropez-Martin, MD, MPH, FACOG, associate chair of academic affairs and research, Women’s and Children’s Services, and program director for the OB-GYN residency program at AAMC. “The primary goal of our obstetrics and gynecology residency program is to continue our legacy in health care excellence and further grow and strengthen our women’s services.” In 2014, the ACGME approved AAMC as a sponsoring institution for GME programs, allowing AAMC to sponsor individual residency programs. The GME program at AAMC provides training to doctors after they have completed medical school. Recruitment for OB-GYN residents, post-graduate year one (PGY-1), will begin in September 2019, with the first OB-GYN residents starting the program on July 1, 2020. AAMC is the second busiest obstetrical unit in the state of Maryland with over 5,500 deliveries each year. The hospital has been recognized as a Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care and by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s top 100 health systems for women’s care.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt’s hard to miss headlines that tout the benefits of this fruit, that nut or another oil as a way to hold cancer at bay. In light of that, Molly Rusch, RD, LDN, registered dietitian at AAMC’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, turns to the most recent evidence-based nutrition information for the facts. “No one food causes or cures cancer,” says Molly. “Broccoli and blueberries are called ‘superfoods’ because they are high in antioxidants — which is great — but what people should really be aiming for is a lifestyle that incorporates a variety of foods for good health.” While foods like chia seeds, coconut oil and walnuts offer a plethora of nutritional benefits, Molly explains that it’s easy to latch on to the newest food trends while missing the bigger picture. “We can’t expect superfoods to preserve our health while still eating processed and fast foods.” So what’s the best way to use food to fight cancer? Eat more fruits and vegetables. Molly says fruits and vegetables should make up about 50 percent of the food we consume, which translates to at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables daily for most adults. This plant-focused diet has the added benefit of contributing to a healthy weight, which is known to reduce cancer risk. “We know obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer and many other diseases,” Molly says. For those who are currently in cancer treatment or who are survivors, the total gets boosted to three fruit and five vegetable servings or more each day. With that said, Molly says, when one is dealing with the challenges of chemotherapy or radiation, a little nutritional latitude is given — at that point it’s more important for patients to tolerate food in general, rather than worrying about eating the “right” foods. Recipe for Good Nutrition: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry The beauty of this vegetable-centric recipe is that nothing has to be exact. Shop your local market for what’s fresh and try different combinations of vegetables. Seasonal superstars like broccoli and bok choy pack a dense nutritional punch. Broccoli includes fiber and protein, and is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese and iron. One cup of broccoli is only 30 calories! Similarly, one cup of bok choy, sometimes called Chinese cabbage, is only 20 calories. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin K, folate and some B vitamins. You can easily substitute tofu for chicken and vegetable broth for chicken broth to make a vegetarian entrée. Ingredients 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 4 cups assorted vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, snow peas, carrot, bell pepper 1 tablespoon cornstarch ¾ cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons dry white wine or white cooking wine 1 tablespoon soy sauce Directions Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove chicken with slotted spoon, set aside, cover, keep warm. Add remaining teaspoon of oil to the skillet or wok. Add vegetables and stir fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring constantly. Place cornstarch in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth and stir to smooth paste. Stir in remaining chicken broth, white wine and soy sauce. Pour mixture over vegetables in skillet or wok and cook 1–2 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add reserved chicken and toss to coat. Serve over rice. Author Molly Rusch, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian at the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at AAMC. Originally published Sept. 16, 2016. Last updated Feb. 11, 2019. Save0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart disease affects more than one in three women and is the leading cause of death for females, according to the American Heart Association. The risk of heart disease increases for everyone with age, but for women that risk rises significantly after menopause starts. A natural part of aging, menopause can bring about changes that feel anything but natural. Most women enter this stage, marked by the end of menstruation and then a decline in estrogen, between 50 to 54 years of age. During this time, symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and fatigue, leading to a new reality full of both emotional and physical changes. Estrogen is a complex, naturally occurring hormone responsible for many functions, like adding vital strength and flexibility to the arteries in the body, including those of the heart. A drop in estrogen can cause several different bodily reactions that don’t bode well for heart health. In fact, the rate of heart attacks dramatically increases in women about 10 years after menopause starts. Menopause can play a part in several risk factors related to heart disease: Higher blood pressure. The blood vessels and heart become stiff and less elastic. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts added strain on the heart. Higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A drop in estrogen can lead to increased levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), while “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels decrease or stay the same. Triglycerides are a component of body fat that can increase with menopause. Weight gain. Metabolism slows with age and a decline in estrogen, making women more prone to weight gain. Diabetes. After menopause, women become more resistant to insulin, a hormone needed to convert carbohydrates into energy for the body to use. This higher risk of diabetes puts women at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The good news is going through menopause does not make you helpless against heart problems. There are plenty of simple, effective steps you can take to combat or slow down its effects. It should come as no surprise that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to having a healthy heart. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of weekly exercise, which translates to working out for thirty minutes, five days a week. Aerobic fitness classes, swimming, brisk walks, jogging, dancing, hiking and biking are a few physical activities you can do to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise will speed up your metabolism, and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have a smartphone, you already have access to free fitness apps to give you a gym-quality workout in the comfort of your home or office. Create a diet plan full of whole and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts and fatty fish, like salmon and tuna. Limit red meat and avoid food and drinks that are high in added sugar. And if you smoke, you’ll be doing your heart (and the rest of your body) a potentially life-saving favor by quitting. Regular doctor appointments are also important for a healthy heart. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. As women get older, their risk for heart disease inevitably increases. Staying active, eating nutritious foods and removing unhealthy habits packs a triple punch by lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and creating a stronger heart. As your body enters a new stage of life, adapting your lifestyle is a great way to stay heart healthy. Author Sadia Shafi, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach her office, call 410-224-0040. Originally published Aug. 29, 2016. Last updated Feb. 7, 2019.0
- Women's Health, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHeart attack symptoms in women are different than in men, says Elizabeth Reineck, MD, interventional cardiologist with AAMC. Heart Attack Symptoms in Women and Men Chest pain Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Shortness of breath Nausea Jaw pain Weakness Back pain “Women don’t always have the classic ‘there’s an elephant sitting on my chest’ pain,” says Dr. Reineck. “So if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Come in and have it checked out.” Some women show no symptoms at all. So it’s important to pay attention to five traditional risk factors, says Kelley Sullivan, MD, cardiologist with AAMC: A family history of early heart disease (before age 60) Smoking High cholesterol High blood pressure Diabetes and/or obesity Read one woman’s heart attack survival story. Authors Elizabeth Reineck, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with AAMC. Kelley Sullivan, MD, is a cardiologist with AAMC. Originally published Feb. 15, 2017. Last updated Feb. 1, 2019.0
- WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLots of things can affect your mood. The types of foods you eat are no exception. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important to your general health, as well as your mental and emotional health. So can you eat your way to a better mood? Research suggests eating the following foods just might help: Strawberries This delicious berry is high in vitamin C, which has immune- and mood-boosting power. Research shows the antioxidants in these berries can decrease symptoms of depression. Oats Oats are an effective mood booster. Oats contain selenium which provides additional mood-boosting properties by regulating the function of the thyroid gland. Almonds and Walnuts These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, proven to ward off depression. Research shows many nuts can decrease dopamine levels in the brain, leading to a calm, balanced feeling. A serving a day can help with focus, memory and alertness. Spinach This dark leafy green is filled with folic acid, magnesium and other antioxidants linked to good moods. Magnesium helps with the production of serotonin, which is a natural chemical in your body responsible for feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is an excellent source of dairy, rich in protein and vitamin D. Eating protein can raise levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two mood boosting neurotransmitters (or chemical messengers) in your brain. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics which can help with digestion. Dark Chocolate Dark chocolate can have positive effects on brain endorphins, which bring feelings of pleasure. Dark chocolate covered almonds, for instance, sound like a scrumptious, mood-boosting option! Asparagus This vegetable is a great source of tryptophan, which plays a role in the production of serotonin. Serotonin can affect things like your mood, digestion and sleep. Asparagus also contains a high level of folate, a natural vitamin proven to ward off depression. Research shows up to 50 percent of people who suffer from depression have low folate levels. Preparing a delicious and satisfying meal comes first—it’s an important step in getting the intended mood-boosting benefits. Try to incorporate a variety of foods you like along with some new ones that are known to boost your mood. Here is a quick and easy smoothie recipe to improve your mood in a tasty fashion. Ingredients: ½ cup oats 5 walnuts 1 banana ¼ cup blueberries 1 ½ cups skim milk (or nut milk, if you’re intolerant) Instructions: Add all ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy! Authors By Ann Caldwell and Maureen Shackelford, nutritionists and registered dietitians at Anne Arundel Medical Center. To reach them, call 443-481-5555. Originally published March 6, 2017. Last updated Sept. 17, 2025.0
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