- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn 2017, many of us anxiously followed headlines and reports on social media for news of missing Howard County teacher Laura Wallen, only to be saddened at the news of her death. While the public waited and hoped for Laura Wallen’s safe return home, Prince George’s County resident Andrea Grinage was attacked in her apartment and set on fire. What did these women have in common? They were both pregnant and victims of intimate partner violence — or domestic violence. Although these and similar stories frequently report the fact that the suspect is a current or former partner, there is all too often no mention of domestic violence. This very subtle omission is an indication of continued misconceptions about what domestic violence is and who is most at risk. The fact is, over half of all female homicides are in relation to domestic violence. Equally disturbing, as many as 300,000 pregnant women experience some form of domestic violence each year. Undoubtedly, the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships is when they are attempting to leave an abusive partner and during or just after pregnancy. As in the case of Andrea Grinage and Laura Wallen, these frightening facts hold true. READ MORE: When words hurt: Another kind of domestic violence The media’s omission of domestic violence, to not call it out by name, illustrates the stigma and misconceptions that still surround this issue. Chances are, if you are a woman and have not experienced domestic violence yourself, you know someone (a sister, a mother, a co-worker, a neighbor) who has and you have seen the signs. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another, usually a current or former intimate partner. Abuse can include physical abuse, verbal abuse and threats, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, isolation, stalking, coercive or controlling behavior and financial abuse. This type of violence does not discriminate. It touches women in all walks of life. It transcends race and socioeconomic status. Support of family and friends can often be vital to those impacted by domestic violence by diminishing the effects of isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Advocates trained in the dynamics of domestic violence can assist victims by screening and assessing risk, documenting injuries, creating safety plans, providing immediate crisis intervention, and referrals to professional counselors, safe shelter, and legal resources. Unfortunately, the stories of so many women like Laura Wallen and Andrea Grinage reach our headlines when they result in tragedy. And even so, reports too often fail to mention domestic violence. It’s time this public health problem is called by its name, domestic violence. Author Amy J.N. Bosworth, Psy.D., is an abuse/domestic violence specialist at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Her email is [email protected]. Originally published Oct. 1, 2017. Last updated Aug. 13, 2025.
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogGenetic testing is a topic of great interest to many men and women these days. In our field of breast cancer surgery, it is a subject we address on a daily basis. All cancers are ultimately due to changes in the genes in cells referred to as mutations. Changes in the DNA of cells can lead to uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells break away from the main tumor and grow elsewhere in the body. This is known as metastasis. Environmental and lifestyle factors can sometimes accelerate changes in the DNA of cells and predispose an individual to development of cancer. Some people have mutations they have inherited (or in rare cases developed before birth) that affect every cell in their body and that essentially ‘jump start’ this process. For some, the development of cancer requires fewer steps. They are much more likely to develop certain cancers and are likely to do so at younger ages than average. Currently, we test for the mutations we feel are most significant in patients who are at greatest risk of having a genetic predisposition. We want to identify those men and women who do have an inherited mutation because, for them, risk of development or recurrence of cancer is a very high. In women, we look for certain ‘red flags’ based on ancestry, family history, age of onset of the breast cancer and type of breast cancer. When these indications are present, we recommend genetic testing. Your risk of developing breast cancer There are programs to help women understand and do something about these red flags. Locally, there is the Risk Assessment and Prevention Program, or RAPP, at the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. With innovative resources including genetic counseling and sophisticated imaging technology, breast specialists work closely with each woman. They can talk with you about making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of breast cancer and other cancers. Specialists can customize a screening schedule to help detect changes in your breasts at an early stage and, in some cases, recommend medications or surgery to reduce your risk. If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider taking proactive measures for your breast health. Do you have a mother, daughter or sister who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer? Have any of your aunts, cousins, or grandmothers been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Have you been told that you have very dense or lumpy breasts? Have you had multiple breast biopsies? Have you been treated with radiation for Hodgkin’s disease? It’s important to know that even women who have no detectable risk factors may still have a high risk of developing breast cancer. And risk increases with age. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk. Author Robert Buras, MD, FACS, is a breast surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center. To schedule a visit, call 443-481-5300. Victoria Shellem, CRNP, is a nurse practitioner at the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Regina Hampton, MD, FACS, is the president of Medical Staff Doctors Community Hospital and medical director of Doctors Community Breast Center. Meghan Milburn, MD, FACS, is a breast surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Breast Center in Bowie. Originally published Oct. 17, 2017. Last updated Oct. 1, 2025.
- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCaring for and protecting our patients, families, employees, and the community during COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to Luminis Health. As a patient- and family-centered organization, we continue to review and update our visitor guidelines and practices as the situation changes. Below are the most up-to-date guidelines across Anne Arundel Medical Center, effective Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. While temporary restrictions remain in place, exceptions and guidelines for specific areas are below. General guidelines apply to all visitors. General guidelines for all patients, family members and support persons Hospital Guidelines: Visitation hours are from 11 am-8 pm. Exceptions depend on circumstances noted below.Family members/Support persons must wear a facemask at all times, covering mouth and nose, at all times. Bandanas, scarves and vented masks are not as effective. If a family member/support person needs a mask, we will supply one at entry. Family members/Support persons must check-in upon arrival at the entrances to the hospital. We will give family members/support persons a “welcome sticker” after the successful completion of a brief health screening. A successful health screen means there is no indication of a fever or sign of respiratory illness. An adult must accompany minors under the age of 18. Family members/Support persons must wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon entry into or exit from patient rooms. Family members/Support persons should stay in the patient room or treatment area. Family members/Support persons should limit trips to the cafeteria, public restrooms, and other public areas. Family members/Support persons should limit personal belongings brought onto campus. Family members/support persons should stop at the front desk to check out when leaving the hospital. After checking out, please exit promptly. Waiting rooms are only for the Emergency Department and Procedural Care areas with appropriate social distance and maximum capacity honored. Family members/Support persons should not gather in lounges, lobbies, or hallways. Family members/Support persons attending palliative, hospice, or goals of care meetings may have up to three persons in a meeting room. Two persons may be at the bedside. Family members/Support persons should be 18 years and older unless the visit is for end of life. Patients who are 21 years of age or under may have a parent or guardian with them. If under the age of 18, two consistent parents/support persons may be present during their stay. Clergy of any denomination may visit a patient at any time. They will not count in the visitor max. Family members/Support persons who serve as a surrogate decision maker, including power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for a patient, and need to be physically present to engage in the decision making process are permitted at all times. The attending physician will be the final decision maker as to whether someone needs to be physically present. Hospital guests with an official governmental function may be present. Ambulatory Clinic Guidelines Donner Pavilion: Patients and support person must arrive no more than five minutes prior to the appointment.Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice Social distancing is required in the waiting area. We will ask patients and their support person to wait in a common area if social distancing isn’t possible. Ambulatory Practices, Sajak, Wayson, and Belcher Pavilion Patients and support person must arrive five minutes prior to the appointment.Patients and support person must wear a mask upon arrival. We will provide a facemask if the patient or family member/support person arrives with bandanas, scarves or vented masks. We will screen family members/support person for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival to the practice. Social distancing is required in the waiting area. If social distancing isn’t possible, we will ask patients and their support person to move to an exam room, wait in a different common area or wait in their car. The patient will receive a phone call from the practice when it is time to enter. Specific Considerations Guidelines General Hospital Visitation Guidelines: All non-COVID-19 patients and/or recovered COVID-19 patients off isolation may have one designated daily family member/support person visit per day. The designated family member/support person may change each day. Acute Life-Threatening Event All patients, including those with COVID-19 positive results, may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, allowed 24/7 on all units. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Because of the intensive or critical care needs of these patients, up to two family members/support persons per day may visit from 8 am-8pm for patients with COVID-19 negative or positive results. End of Life: If the health care team deems the patient is at end of life, the care team will contact the family (as defined by patient). Patients who have COVID-19 negative or positive results may have up to two family members/support persons at bedside, 24/7 on all units. Family members/Support persons may switch throughout the visit. An adult must be with minors under 18. The minor counts as the second visitor. Patients with Disabilities: All licensed Maryland health care facilities shall comply with applicable U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and state and federal regulations and recognize the rights and needs for individuals with disabilities. The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities for such individual, a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment. A support person may be appropriate for, but is not limited to, patients with intellectual, developmental, physical or neurocognitive disabilities. Major life activities can include but are not limited to such activities as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A support person can include, but is not limited to family members, personal care assistants, disability service providers, or individuals knowledgeable about the management or care of the patient who is authorized to assist the patient in making decisions. One support person may accompany, visit, and stay with a patient 24/7 during their visits to health care facilities. Access is applicable to all patients, who meet disability criteria, including those with COVID-19 positive results. We will issue PPE (mask, gown, gloves, and eye protection). The support person must wear PPE during the entire visit/appointment. Admitted patients are welcome to have one additional family member/support person present during the hours of 11 am- 8 pm in addition to their support person. We will screen all support persons for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival and periodically during their stay if appropriate. Anyone with symptoms or who answers yes to the screening questions is not able to visit or serve as the support person for the patient. We will instruct support persons on how to utilize and conserve PPE. Support persons shall adhere to all PPE procedures. Support persons are able to access public restrooms, cafeteria/vending areas while in the health care facility. We do ask that these trips are limited when possible. We may ask support persons to leave the room during certain procedures. If a caregiver, support person, or family member cannot be present, they may contact a member of the health care team for an update on the patient’s status. The health care team will contact the appropriate next of kin or legal representative for medical care decisions or emergent situations. Video conferencing is available if needed or desired. We will provide a copy of the Access to Support for Patients with Disabilities in Health Care Settings Policy and the Support Persons for Individuals with Disabilities Notice to all patients. If other accommodations are needed or for additional questions contact the following:Patient Advocacy, seven days a week from 9 am – 5 pm at 443-481-6890 (modified holiday hours). Hospital Administrator, after hours seven days a week from 5 pm – 9 pm at 443-481-5909. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and Pathways campus: To best protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, and staff; visitors are not permitted at this time. Women and Children’s Services: One consistent support person may accompany maternity patients. NICU patients are allowed to have the mother and a consistent support person (both will have security bands). Post-Partum readmits may have one support person and their infant with them. The infant must be attended by their support person at all times. Pediatrics: Two consistent parents/support persons may be with the patient during their entire stay. Applicable to all patients, including those who have COVID-19 positive results.If siblings are present and have no one to care for them, please contact leadership. Emergency Department: One family member/support person is welcome to remain with a patient through their stay in the Emergency Department. If critically ill, two family members (defined by patient/family) may be present per above “Acute Life-Threatening” guidelines. Surgical/Procedural Patients: The patient is welcome to have one family member/support person remain with them through registration and the pre-operative stay before their procedure. We will ask the family member/support person to leave and wait off campus once the patient is taken in for their procedure.Once the patient is ready for pick up or settled into their inpatient room, hospital staff will contact the family member/support person. Visitation times will be 11 am-8 pm. We appreciate your understanding during these extraordinary times. We are confident that together we will continue to deliver the highest quality of care. Last updated at 3 pm on Sept. 16, 2025.
- Cancer Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThink of your genes as an instruction manual for your body. There are two copies of every gene – one from your mother and one from your father – and each has its own job. For example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in our body act like police officers making sure tumor cells don’t grow out of control and develop into cancer. They’re the good guys. But when a person has a genetic predisposition, that means that one of the copies of the gene is not doing its job. Or, in other words, that person was born with fewer “police officers” in their body. Although we have around 25,000 genes, we only know what half of them do at this time. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are just two of the most common genes associated with hereditary breast cancer. There are many genes that can increase someone’s risk for cancer besides BRCA1 and BRCA2. It’s also possible that there are other genes that haven’t yet been identified that can put a person at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Can I rely on over-the-counter genetic tests? Genetic testing is complex and is only one piece of the puzzle when determining your risk for developing a disease. The 23andMe test – the first direct-to-consumer test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to report on breast cancer gene mutations most common in people of Eastern European descent – detects only three out of more than 1,000 known BRCA mutations. It is also limited in that it doesn’t rule out other BRCA mutations that increase cancer risk. People who receive positive test results for these mutations should ask their doctor or a genetic counselor about being retested in a clinical setting under the supervision of a medical professional before making any medical decisions. Those who test negative, yet have a strong family history of cancer, should consider comprehensive genetic testing and should consult with their doctor. What is the difference between over-the-counter tests and seeing a counselor? Because of its limitations, at-home genetic testing can give a false sense of security when you test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The National Society of Genetic Counselors also advises people to consider the risks, limitations and psychological implications of genetic testing for themselves and their families before purchasing an at-home genetic test without the involvement of a clinically certified genetic counselor. Unlike over-the-counter tests, when you meet with a genetic counselor you receive guidance and support when seeking more information about your genetic health. A genetic counselor can provide pre- and post-test counseling. Pre-test counseling includes a thorough look at your family’s health history. During post-test counseling, the genetic counselor interprets results with you and advises on the best next steps. Depending on test results, a genetic counselor can advise on how to discuss the information with family members. When should I consider being tested? When Angelina Jolie shared her personal journey with breast cancer in a New York Times opinion piece, she explained why she decided to be tested. She’s a good example of someone who understands the chances of being at risk and doing something about it. We encourage you to learn about your family’s health history and ask your doctor if genetic testing is right for you. Genetic testing isn’t a crystal ball that predicts whether you will develop cancer. Instead, it’s looking in the ‘rearview mirror’ to figure out why cancer is occurring in a family and to help better understand cancer risk. If there is breast cancer in your family, a genetic counselor will work with you to understand if genetics could be the cause. If you are considering over-the-counter genetic testing or have received results and need further explanation, a genetic counselor can help. Authors Adam Riker, MD, is chair of Oncology at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Margo Gallegos, CGC, is an oncology genetic counselor at Anne Arundel Medical Center . Katherine Lincoln, CGC, is an oncology genetic counselor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Oct. 21, 2019. Last updated Sept. 22, 2025.
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMichelle Hutchison is a breast cancer survivor. After finding a lump in her breast during a routine self-exam, Michelle was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in October 2016. She was 25. Today, at 27, Michelle is proud to say she beat breast cancer with the help of her dedicated care team at Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Rebecca Fortney Breast Center. She now gives time helping other women in their breast cancer journey. For this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Michelle shared some of the advice she gives her peers; things she never could have expected during her own treatment. Below are her words. “No one told me… …the importance of fertility treatments and freezing eggs. …how remaining positive truly can make the difference in treatments. It’s hard to not be in a dark place going through cancer treatments, but it’s important to remember to laugh and smile. …that not every breast cancer is the same and not all treatments are the same. …that social media and movies do not portray a cancer journey as what it is. …IT IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY AND IT IS FINE TO NOT BE FINE. Photo courtesy of Michelle Hutchison With a growing number of cancer survivors still in their reproductive years, advances in cancer treatment make it possible to restore the reproductive future of cancer patients. Learn more about fertility preservation. Originally published Oct. 8, 2018. Last updated Sept. 16, 2025.
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