- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is pleased to announce Christine Frost as the hospital’s next Chief Nursing Officer. In her role, Ms. Frost will oversee the approximately 1,200 nurses at LHAAMC, as well as help manage finances, enforce policies, and connect patients with the care they need. In a career that spans almost 30 years, Frost has a deep knowledge of nursing and the history of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. She worked at LHAAMC twice previously, including starting her nursing career at this hospital in 1995. “This hospital truly has a special place in my heart. This is where I began my nursing journey, and where I gave birth to my two children. It’s an honor to return to a place that feels like home, especially since LHAAMC means so much to me both personally and professionally,” says Frost. “As chief nursing officer, I look forward to working with our nurses to provide patient-centered care that is easier, more personal, and built for the communities we call home.” Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical conducted an extensive and rigorous nationwide search for the chief nursing officer. “We were looking for someone with the perfect combination of the art and science that is nursing,” says Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Christine was a standout because she brings a wide base of knowledge, as well as a commitment of caring for patients, families, and our dedicated team.” One of Frost’s top priorities is tackling the nationwide nursing shortage, which has expanded during the global pandemic. “Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center is a great place to work, and we will strive every day to be the number 1 employer of choice in the region where 100% of team members find joy at work,” says Frost. “I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to recruit and retain quality nurses.” Frost held various nursing positions at the University of Maryland Medical System and the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University School of Nursing, as well as a Masters in Nursing and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Nursing Program at the University of Maryland.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the American Hospital Association (AHA). Luminis Health was formed in 2019 when Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Medical Center came together to provide even greater access to high quality, specialized care to the communities served. The AHA Board of Trustees is the highest policymaking body of the AHA and has ultimate authority for the governance and management of its directions and finances. Bayless will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023. “I am truly honored to join the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association, an organization that has advocated for hospitals and health systems nationwide for more than 120 years,” says Tori Bayless. “AHA and Luminis Health both have similar missions of enhancing the health and the communities we serve. Together, we can improve the health of Marylanders and residents throughout this country.” Bayless has been an AHA commissioner on the board of The Joint Commission (TJC) since 2020 and serves on various TJC committees. She served as a delegate on AHA Regional Policy Board 3 from 2015-2017, and will be its chair starting in January of 2023. “We are incredibly proud of Tori’s appointment to the American Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees,” says Leisa Russell, chair of the Luminis Health Board of Trustees. “Tori brings a breadth of knowledge and passion that will benefit the AHA, its members, and ultimately every community in the United States.” Luminis Health is proud of its long-standing partnership with the American Hospital Association, including being recognized by the AHA with two NOVA awards for innovations in community partnerships to improve community health. In addition, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was the recipient of the AHA 2019 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award. “Luminis Health shares AHA’s commitment to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI),” says Bayless. “Through the AHA’s Health Equity Roadmap and our own Vision 2030 – Living Healthier Together, we will work every day to confront racism, advance health equity, remove barriers of health, and meet the needs of our communities.” Bayless received her Bachelor of Science from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, and her Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
- Patient Stories, Heart CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogBill Bowen, 58, of Pasadena, MD, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation three years ago. Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as “A-Fib,” is a type of abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia. This arrhythmia is a common heart condition that, if left untreated, can cause heart dysfunction and stroke. Treatment for A-Fib can include medication or electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. In Bill’s case, those treatments worked for a while, but his symptoms returned. He needed something better. His cardiologist recommended Murtaza Dawood, MD, an experienced cardiac surgeon at Luminis Health to treat his atrial fibrillation. “Mr. Bowen’s case is not uncommon. Typically patients will try medical management first, but the durability of those interventions are limited in a subset of patients. Mr. Bowen was an ideal candidate for a hybrid approach to cure his atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Dawood says. The hybrid approach merges minimally invasive catheter ablation with minimally invasive surgical ablation to treat atrial fibrillation. Bill arrived at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center for surgery in the summer of 2022. “From the moment I went to Dr. Dawood’s office to the day I was discharged, everyone went above and beyond. They were kind, helpful and professional,” Bill says. “Every person I interacted with, from the food delivery staff to the cleaners, was friendly and personable. I ran into my nutritionist and she gave me her office number if I needed anything. You don’t see that type of service anymore.” Bill is back home and hopes to return to his job in industrial maintenance soon. He says he and his wife are “beach people” and they hope to visit someplace tropical, perhaps Costa Rica, in the future. Authors Murtaza Dawood, MD, is an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in performing operations to correct valve diseases and arrhythmia. To make an appointment with Dr. Dawood, please call 443-481-1358.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogNow that the World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency, you may have questions and concerns about the virus and how it is spread. What is monkeypox? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus—part of the same family as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder and rarely fatal. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several Central and Western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs. How does it spread? While many of those affected in the current global monkeypox outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through: Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, skin-to-skin contact or sex Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Unlike other diseases and illnesses, asymptomatic individuals (those who do not have monkeypox symptoms) cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. What are the common symptoms? Symptoms of monkeypox can include: Fever Headache Muscle aches and backache Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. How to avoid contracting monkeypox You can take a number of steps to prevent contracting monkeypox: Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with monkeypox Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer If you are sick with monkeypox: Isolate at home until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible How is it treated? There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections but because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. Antivirals, are sometimes recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider. According to the CDC and Maryland Department of Health, vaccination for monkeypox is not currently recommend for the general public. Vaccine resources are being reserved for individuals who have had known close contact with someone infected with monkeypox and for those who are in the highest risk population. This article was originally published in the Enquirer Gazette. Authors Jean Murray, RN, MSN, CIC, is the System Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Luminis Health. Her 29-year career as a registered nurse includes over 26 years of experience in infection control, outbreak surveillance and epidemiology. Jean is certified in Infection Control (CIC) and is an active member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Greater Baltimore Chapter.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center has been recognized as a 2022-2023 Best Hospital in Maryland and the Baltimore Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report. LHAAMC also ranked high performing in 13 specialties for common adult procedures and conditions. The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, now in their 33rd year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. “We’re honored to rank as one of the top three hospitals in Maryland and the Baltimore Metro Area,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Thank you to our teammates for your hard-work, dedication, and compassion providing the best patient experience every day. As we celebrate our 120th anniversary, we thank our community for putting their trust in us, as we fulfill our mission of enhancing the health of the people we serve.” For the 2022-2023 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. For the first time, U.S. News rated eligible hospitals in Ovarian Cancer Surgery, Prostate Cancer Surgery and Uterine Cancer Surgery. In the 15 specialties, 164 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. State and metro area rankings reflect the highest performing hospitals in the area across multiple areas of care. “The hospitals named to the U.S. News Honor Roll excel across numerous specialties and service lines,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “When patients and their medical professionals are considering their options for care, the rankings are designed to help them identify hospitals that are superior in the kind of care they may need.” U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance using a variety of measures such as survival rates, complication rates, patient experience and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals methodology factors in data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Hospital Association, professional organizations and medical specialists. For more information, visit Best Hospitals.
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