- OrthopedicsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFirefighter Donny Fletcher was bending down to lift a patient at a 2009 fire call when he felt pain shoot down his left arm. Donny, a Mayo resident who serves as battalion chief for the Prince George’s County Fire Department, knew something was wrong. But he finished the call and headed back to the firehouse, where he popped a few Tylenol and tried to tough the injury out. But the next day, as his neck stiffened up, he knew he needed medical attention. And Donny knew exactly where he wanted to go for treatment. The former high school football player had several knee injuries as a teenager when he played for Archbishop Spalding High School. Peter Ove, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Anne Arundel Medical Center Orthopedics, took care of him then. It was the beginning of a long-term relationship between Anne Arundel Medical Center and Donny, now 31, who says the care he’s received at AAMC “is second to none.” After visiting the Emergency Department, and learning he had two slipped discs in his neck, Donny saw Alex Speciale, MD, orthopedic surgeon, to begin treatment. Speciale guided him through the rehabilitation process, which included strength exercises, stem work, heat therapy and other activities. Some of that physical therapy continues to this day, but Donny was back doing the job he loves within a month. But that wasn’t the last time an injury sent him to AAMC Orthopedics. Four years later, Donny was at the scene of an apartment fire when he was injured again while handling tools. He felt a tightening across his shoulder and the next day, it was difficult for him to move his arm. When an MRI didn’t detect any damage to his shoulder, Daniel Redziniak, MD, orthopedic surgeon, ordered an arthrogram – a test that gives high definition images with contrast. The test detected a full labral tear. “This is why I like AAMC,” Donny says. “I was kind of stunned when the MRI didn’t show anything – deep down, I knew something was wrong.” He immediately began non-operative treatment, and struck a deal with Dr. Redziniak. He would keep going to rehab, as long as he was allowed to keep working. “Donny’s work is very important to him, so I wanted to help him return to his job as quickly as possible,” Dr. Redziniak said. For Donny, being a Prince George’s County firefighter is more than just a job. He’s been with the fire department for 13 years and says a drive for public service runs in his family. His grandfather and two of his uncles were Prince George’s County firefighters, and his father was a Prince George’s County police officer. “This is our second family,” Donny says. Today, he still does exercises two to three times a week, and plans to continue them for the rest of his life. “It obviously worked,” he says. “I feel that I’m a stronger person now than when I was injured.” Not only did his treatment help him get back to the work he loves, it has also helped him to enjoy other activities that are special to him. He can play with and pick up his children, 4-year-old Chandler and 19-month-old Zoe, without fear of further injury. Donny is also able to maintain an active lifestyle outside of work by lifting weights and playing softball, golf and soccer. Without the treatment he received at AAMC, “there’s no way that I would be able to live the life that I have right now,” Donny says. Donny is featured in commercials for AAMC Orthopedics for its Your Comeback Starts Here campaign. Contributor Peter Ove, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Daniel Redziniak, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862. Alex Speciale, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon with AAMC Orthopedics. To reach his practice, call 410-268-8862.
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMyChart is an online tool that gives patients access to their personal medical records anywhere, any time. But does having your health information at your fingertips actually improve health? The answer, according to two cancer survivors, is yes. Read how MyChart became a useful tool along their health journey. Earl Shellner enlisted the help of MyChart as soon as he began his battle with colorectal cancer. Radiation sickness caused him to lose his appetite, as he received treatment for the infection in his stomach. Even though he could not control how fast the cancer was spreading to his organs, MyChart gave him control over his plan of care as he received chemotherapy. “I was able to manage all of my records and procedures through the app on my phone,” Earl says. For Earl, staying informed and on top of his appointments was a valuable feature that stood out to him. “It is a convenient tool to use, whether young or elderly. It makes everything easier for you, especially if you’re sick or hospitalized,” says Earl. MyChart also became a significant resource for Eddie Vasquez, a retired Washington, DC police detective. Eddie began using the online tool when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006. The cancer progressed and attacked his immune system. His care team had to monitor many details of his treatment. MyChart helped Eddie and his family stay informed as he went through several chemotherapy treatments, managed multiple prescriptions and attended many doctor appointments. “MyChart is a private Wikipedia that is personally focused on you,” says Eddie. MyChart not only helps people with chronic conditions. It can also help you maintain wellness. No matter your health status, MyChart helps you: Schedule appointments Request prescription refills Send messages to your physician Manage family records Download your medical history View lab results A journey to good health can mean many things for different people. MyChart is one tool that can help you along the way. Learn more about MyChart and how you can sign up today.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogToday Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) announced the grand opening of its new Specialty Physicians Suite–Annapolis. Located on the fifth floor of the AAMC Belcher Pavilion, the Specialty Physicians Suite will house Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Cardiology Specialists, AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, AAMG Neurology Specialists, AAMG Neuropsychology Specialists and AAMG Palliative Medicine Specialists. Mitch Schwartz, MD, chief medical officer at AAMC, says bringing these multispecialty doctors, nurses and skilled care teams under one roof is part of AAMC’s continuous efforts to better integrate and coordinate patient care. “Patients will have the benefit of better communication between doctors, easy appointment scheduling and seamless medical record sharing between specialties. Our focus is on our patients and creating the best health care experience possible,” says Dr. Schwartz. Barbara Onumah, MD, of AAMG Diabetes and Endocrine Specialists, says both patients and providers benefit from having all the care teams in a single location. “The environment will encourage collaboration between providers in different subspecialties. This will lead to better coordination of care and testing and improved patient outcomes,” she says. Patients visiting AAMC’s Specialty Physicians Suite will have the ability to get referrals and consultations on the spot, as well as save time scheduling appointments with specialists who can meet a spectrum of health care needs. Dr. Onumah explains how this works, specifically as it relates to patients with diabetes. “People with diabetes are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Adults with type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes. Patients seeing an endocrine specialist within the Specialty Physicians Suite will have a ‘one stop shop,’” she says. To schedule an appointment with any of the practices located in the Specialty Physicians Suite—Annapolis call 443-481-6700.
- News & Press Releases, Weight LossGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) today announced the expansion of its Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program to the Eastern Shore. Bariatric Surgeon Courtney Doyle, MD, will see patients for weight loss surgery consultations at 505 Dutchmans Lane, Suites A3-A4, in Easton. Bariatric nutrition classes for her patients will also be held at that location. Dr. Doyle will see patients at the Dutchmans Lane location until her office moves to the AAMC Pavilion – Easton. The new health care pavilion was announced in October 2016 and is scheduled to open in Waterside Village next to BJs in 2018. Dr. Doyle will continue to perform surgeries at Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Eastern Shore patients have always been an important part of our practice,” says Alex Gandsas, MD, medical director of AAMC’s Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program. “We are pleased to offer our patients on the Eastern Shore a more convenient location and easier access to our services.” “With our program you gain doctors, registered dietitians and nurses committed to supporting you,” says Dr. Doyle. “Reaching the decision to have weight loss surgery and following the journey to make it happen is never done alone. We are here to help.” Starting in February, Dr. Doyle will offer free weight loss surgery seminars at the Easton Holiday Inn Express. Registration and a full schedule of weight loss surgery seminars are available at AAMCEvents.com The AAMC Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program is a comprehensive program designed to ensure patients have a successful, safe surgery and maintain results. AAMC’s bariatric surgery center is designated as a Level I facility and is nationally accredited by the American College of Surgeons. This ensures the program meets specific standards of care for weight loss operations for the types of weight loss surgery we perform, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric band removal and revision. Dr. Doyle is a board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in the field of bariatric surgery, with expertise in sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. She completed her training in general surgery in Indiana before moving to Maryland to pursue a weight loss surgery fellowship. Dr. Doyle received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, where she completed one of two fellowships as well as a residency, both in general surgery. She completed her second fellowship at AAMC in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit askAAMC.org/WeightLoss or call 443-924-2900.
- Community, Giving, News & Press Releases, Pediatrics, UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAre you looking for an opportunity to get involved in supporting your local hospital? Do you want to meet new people with values like yours? Join the AAMC Foundation’s Building Traditions Society (BTS), a dynamic group of young individuals and families supporting vital areas of care at AAMC. By joining this philanthropic group, you are invited to attend high-energy exclusive events and network with others while improving the health care services available to your loved ones, neighbors, friends and community. Your contribution and partnership as a BTS member will support critical initiatives – 100 percent of your BTS membership is allocated back to AAMC. BTS has donated more than $400,000 to AAMC to support pediatrics, NICU, Pathways, oncology and much more since its establishment in 2012. To find out how you can be a part of this charitable, fun group of next-generation community leaders, contact Samantha Buckley at [email protected] or sign up online today.
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