6701 N. Charles Street n Baltimore, Maryland 21204
443.849.2000 n www.gbmc.org
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 4406
BALTIMORE, MD
M.D.Today is published quarterly by the Marketing and Communications
Department of Greater Baltimore Medical Center, a private, non-profit
healthcare provider.
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Michael P. Hartnett, Director of Marketing & Research
Tracy M. Fitzgerald, Assistant Director of Marketing
Lisa J. Schwartz, Publications Supervisor/Editor
Alice M. Perez, Design & Production Manager
Amy Landsman and Susan Walker, Contributing Writers
Tracey Brown, Contributing Photographer
ShockDesigns, Design & Layout
Schmitz Press, Printing
Women in Medicine Networking Luncheon
Thursday, May 14; 12:00 noon
Civiletti Conference Center, Physicians Pavilion East
To register or for more information, contact
Donna Becker at 443-849-3817
Schwartz Center Rounds
Save The Dates
Quarterly Medical Staff Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2009; 6:30 p.m.
Civiletti Conference Center, Physicians Pavilion East
Annual Physician Crab Feast to immediately follow
Continuing Education Conferences
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Topic:The Cancer Survivor’s Challenge to Leave Treatment
Behind and Get Back to Living
Presenter: Donna Lewis, RN
Presentation of the 2009 Compassionate Caregiver Award
All Schwartz Center Rounds take place from 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
*Lunch served at 11:30 a.m.
Civiletti Conference Center, Physicians Pavilion East
Neuroscience Lecture Series at GBMC
21st Annual GBMC Golf Classic
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Monday, May 18; 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
RSVP to 443-849-2215
Monday, May 11; Hayfields Country Club, Hunt Valley
Low Back Pain and Neck Pain: Interventional Pain Management
Tuesday, May 26; 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
RSVP to 443-849-4269
Stroke Care from the Emergency Medical and Statewide Perspective
Tuesday, May 26; 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
RSVP to 443-849-2215
Pituitary Tumors – Endoscopic & Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Tuesday, June 23; 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
RSVP to 443-849-4269
All proceeds benefit the GBMC Medical Staff’s Nursing
& Allied Health Professional Education Fund and the
John E. Savage Medical Library.
For more information, contact (443) 849-2407.
Father’s Day 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Run
Sunday, June 21; Sheraton Baltimore North
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Proceeds benefit the GBMC NICU.
For more information, contact (443) 849-2407.
Subscribe to M.D. TODAY Online
PHYSICIANS CAN SUBSCRIBE TO M.D.TODAY ONLINE BY
VISITING GBMC.ORG AND CLICKING ON WWW.GBMC.ORG/PUBLICATIONS.
SPRING 2009
A GBMC Publication for Physicians
Educating the Future...
New Focus for GBMC’s Internal Medicine Residency Program
from the deskof . . .
Making a Difference...One Patient at a Time
This year, in celebration of National Doctors’ Day (March 30), the community at large was invited to play a part in
honoring the commitment and medical expertise of their own physicians through a special recognition campaign
supported by the GBMC Foundation. Close to 200 donors made a gift to a GBMC physician who made a
positive difference in their lives or the life of a loved one. More than 110 GBMC physicians were honored, with
more than $38,000 raised to date. Each gift was directed to the designated specialty area of the honored doctor and
donations are still being accepted. Congratulations to the top three physicians recognized during this community
campaign: Dr. Gary Cohen, Dr. Lauren Schnaper and Dr. Reggie Davis.
One grateful wife of a cancer patient wrote:
“We didn’t even know about GBMC until my husband was referred for cancer treatment. The care and compassion
we experienced still means more to me than anyone can imagine. I have recently become a patient myself and GBMC has
truly become my family.”
I personally wish to thank all of our medical staff for the compassionate and expert care you provide our patients
every day. Your efforts are certainly making a significant difference in the lives of many individuals in our community.
Sincerely,
John R. Saunders, Jr., MD
Chief of Staff
Let Your Voice Be Heard
The feedback we receive from our medical staff, both positive and negative, is constructive for GBMC’s leadership as we
continuously work on improving the hospital for your practice of medicine, the quality of care and the level of service
for your patients. We look for your feedback throughout the year in a variety of forums and formally in our annual
physician survey.
The feedback from the 2008 Physician Satisfaction Survey resulted in a focus on improvements in a service excellence
culture, more physicians in management and leadership positions, process improvements for inpatient care and
perioperative services, more investment in environmental services and greater physician engagement in strategic and
capital equipment planning.
The 2009 survey will run from early May through June and is once again an opportunity to have your voice heard –
please take the time to complete the survey – your feedback is greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank the physicians who provided feedback for the M.D.Today readership survey. As you will see
on the following page, those who responded are quite satisfied with the physician newsletter and the variety of
news and feature stories that run in each issue. But, like anything else, there’s always room for further development,
and the editorial team continues to work to uncover and deliver the information you need and want to know.
As an aside, M.D. Today recently took first place at the annual Alfred Knight Awards, a statewide marketing
communications competition. (See Page 3)
Keep your comments, news and ideas coming – your feedback is always valued.
Sincerely,
Laurence M. Merlis
President and CEO
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what’s new
M.D. Today Readers Speak Out
M.D. Today’s editorial team continually strives to produce
the best publication for the physicians of GBMC. In 2007,
the newsletter went through a major redesign and between
November 2008 and January 2009, the medical staff had
the opportunity to provide valuable feedback about the
physician newsletter through the M.D.Today reader survey.
Approximately 50 respondents shared their opinions and
insights into what could make M.D. Today an even better
read in the future. Following are some of the key findings
from this year’s reader survey:
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38 percent of respondents read every issue of
M.D.Today and 42 percent read at least two or
three of the four issues.
65 percent of those who completed the survey
are very satisfied with the format of M.D.Today.
77 percent of respondents think the newsletter
has the right mix of news and feature stories.
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For the question, “What would you like to see less of in
M.D.Today?” policy updates, strategic initiative updates
and executive messages topped the list.
For the question, “What would you like to see more of
in M.D.Today?” physician profiles, hospital news,Who’s
New and physician accomplishment announcements
were the overwhelming favorites.
25 percent of respondents have referred a patient to
another physician or practice as a result of an article in
the newsletter – more reason to read and submit your
news for publication!
Congratulations to neurologist Dr. James Wolf who is the
winner of the $100 gift certificate to Christopher Daniel
in Timonium. Thank you to all who participated in this
year’s survey. Your feedback is always welcome and
appreciated – please continue to send questions, article
topics and news to [email protected] or contact
Lisa Schwartz, editor, at 443-849-2459. n
21 percent of respondents think the newsletter
keeps them very well informed and 46 percent
said it keeps them well informed. No survey
participant selected the uninformed option.
M.D. Today Takes First Place
On the Move
M.D. Today is now an award-winning
newsletter, taking first place in the
professional newsletter category at the
Alfred Knight Awards presented by the
Maryland Society for Healthcare Strategy and
Market Development on March 27, 2009.
The statewide award competition recognizes
excellence in Maryland healthcare strategy
and communications. n
Effective May 4, 2009, Susan Meltzer, MD,
and Eric Carr, MD, have relocated the
internal medicine practice, now known
as GBMC at Texas Station, to new
office space at 1 Texas Station Court,
Suite 210, in Timonium. The new
phone number is 410-683-3380 and the
fax is 410-683-3121. n
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in the news
Dr. Crawley is charged
with overseeing 26
board-certified plastic
surgeons on staff with
practices that cover the
entire spectrum of
plastic surgery.
William Crawley, MD, Named Chief of
Plastic Surgery
William A. Crawley, MD, DDS, FACS, was named Chief of the
Division of Plastic Surgery at GBMC. A member of
the medical staff since 1985, Dr. Crawley is charged with
overseeing 26 board-certified plastic surgeons on staff with
practices that cover the entire spectrum of plastic surgery.
Additionally, he oversees the credentialing of these
physicians. Dr. Crawley’s practice, located on the GBMC
campus, is focused on cosmetic surgery as well as skin
cancer reconstruction.
Dr. Crawley received his M.D. from the Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine and his dental degree from
Baylor College of Dentistry. He completed a residency
in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Johns Hopkins,
general surgery at Hopkins and the Massachusetts
General Hospital and plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins.
He is currently Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at
Johns Hopkins. Dr. Crawley is the author of numerous
scientific articles and is a member of several professional
organizations. He is past President of the American Society
of Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Maryland Society of
Plastic Surgeons. n
Peter Golueke, MD, Takes on Leadership
Role in Vascular Surgery
Peter Golueke, MD, has been named Chief, Division of
Vascular Surgery and Head of the Wound Care Center and
Hyperbaric Medicine. He remains the Director of the
Endovascular Lab at GBMC. As Chief of Vascular Surgery,
Dr. Golueke has a clear vision to “continue to grow the
specialty vascular treatment center and coordinate
minimally invasive treatment options with open surgery for
the highest quality of patient care.”
As head of the Wound Care Center, Dr. Golueke directs
clinical management of approximately 10,000 patient visits
a year. He oversees the multidisciplinary group of physicians
and nurses who provide patient care, while maintaining the
center’s healing rates of 95 to 96 percent, the highest in the
region.As the area’s largest wound care center, Dr. Golueke’s
focus is on its continued growth as the region’s choice for
wound treatment. Additionally, he oversees hyperbaric
medicine, an additional facet of wound care management.
As medical director for GBMC’s Endovascular Lab,
Dr. Golueke looks to stay on the cutting edge of new
technologies and maintain the highest level of patient safety.
“The Endovascular Lab is another facet of vascular and
wound care,” he explains.“We utilize the lab to help manage
wound care patients who have poor circulation by opening
up blocked arteries to improve blood supply necessary
for wound healing. The endovascular lab also provides
minimally invasive treatments that prevent strokes, manage
aneurysms and help patients improve their mobility.” n
Dr. Golueke’s vision is to...
“
continue to grow the
specialty vascular treatment
center and coordinate
minimally invasive treatment
options with open surgery
for the highest quality
patient care.
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Yellow, Red Alerts Down in GBMC’s
Emergency Department
Fred Chan, MD, Director of Inpatient
Services, says, “A large portion of the
success has been the active management of
available inpatient beds by the admission
nurses (led by Cate O’Connor-Devlin, RN),
the utilization of new, improved tools
such as transport tracker and bed tracker,
as well as the involvement of the unit
managers, nurses and unit secretaries in the
patient flow efforts.”
Thanks to GBMC’s focus on patient flow and improving
efficiencies in the Emergency Department, the hospital
has dramatically decreased the number of yellow and red
alerts over the past year. According to the Maryland
Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
(MIEMSS), GBMC’s Yellow Alerts decreased
from 772.13 in FY’08 (through February) to
286.17 in FY’09 (through February) –
485.96 less hours spent on yellow alert.
As for Red Alerts, in FY’08 (through
February), GBMC’s ED totaled 560.75.
In FY’09 (through February), red alerts were
down to 124.50 – that’s a difference of 436.25 less hours
diverting ambulances to other hospitals.
He adds, “The active engagement of physicians like
Dr. Reed Riley, cardiologist, who effectively manages
our telemetry beds, the intensivists who manage our ICU
beds, the hospitalists, residents and other physicians also
contributes to the success of our patient flow initiatives.” n
According to Colin Ward, Director of Corporate Strategy,
“Failure to create capacity on the Med/Surg units results
in ED boarding, which occupies an ED treatment space for
long periods of time.This, in effect, reduces the capacity of
the ED and can lead to alerts.”
Bedside Nurse Vacancy Rate at Lowest Level
In February 2009, GBMC experienced its lowest bedside
nurse vacancy rate in years – 2 percent compared with
16.4 percent in 2007. Nurse vacancy rates generally
indicate how well a hospital’s nursing department is staffed.
A low rate is considered beneficial for physicians because it
indicates that there are more staff members to share the
nursing workload. This shared workload has a domino
effect on multiple areas of a hospital, tending to positively
impact patient volume and throughput times, as well as the
satisfaction scores of patients, physicians, nurses and other
support staff.
According to Peggy Collier, MEd, SPHR, Director of
Workforce Planning, GBMC relies on several approaches
to help keep the nurse vacancy rate at an optimal level
including:
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Development of a workforce planning team to enhance
communication, accountability and efficiency
Enhanced continuing education offerings, grants and
scholarship availability for nurses
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Year-round externship opportunities
for nursing students and a School
Affiliate Liaison position to
coordinate
placement
and
development of those students
The Frontline Nursing
Leadership program
Structured interviewing
tools for hiring people
with the competencies
needed for success
Although GBMC takes pride in its nurse recruitment and
retention efforts, Peggy points out that it’s important to
remember the bedside nurse vacancy rate is just a
percentage. “The rate fluctuates over time and does not
reflect success or failure,” she says. “However, we will
continue to use it as one of many performance indicators
of our effectiveness.” n
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feature
First Minimally Invasive, Robotically-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Performed at GBMC
A new surgical option for patients with kidney cancer
is now available at GBMC. David S. Goldstein, MD,
a urological surgeon with Chesapeake Urology Associates
(CUA), recently performed GBMC’s first minimally
invasive, robotically-assisted partial nephrectomy.
Adam R. Metwalli, MD, assisted with the procedure.
“There has been a move toward partial nephrectomy as a
treatment option for renal carcinoma in the past few years
in an effort to preserve as much kidney and kidney
function as possible,” explains Dr. Goldstein. “Performing
this surgery laparoscopically can be difficult, but the
addition of the robotic technology provides more
versatility of instrumentation and degrees of movement so
cutting and suturing through the small incisions is easier.”
While robotically-assisted, minimally invasive partial
nephrectomy is effective for many patients, there are some
for whom it may not be appropriate. These include
patients with very large masses or masses embedded
deep in the kidney, those with certain anatomical issues
and patients who have undergone previous significant
abdominal surgery.
“The real crux of partial nephrectomy is the benefit of
preserving kidney mass,” adds Dr. Goldstein. “Using the
da Vinci system for a minimally invasive approach
to this surgery allows us to both preserve kidney
and reduce morbidity and improve the patient’s
post-operative experience.” n
The technique, performed with the assistance of the
da Vinci™ Robotic Surgery System, offers several benefits
compared to open partial nephrectomy, including:
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Four small puncture-sized incisions versus
a large flank incision
Quicker release from the hospital
(usually within one to two days)
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Less blood loss
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Significantly less post-operative pain
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Shorter convalescence and quicker
return to normal activity
GBMC’s first patient to experience the advantages of
this technique was a 51-year-old male with Stage I renal
cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney
cancer. According to Dr. Goldstein, the patient did well
surgically and was able to return home after two days in
the hospital.
David Goldstein, MD
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Surgeons who perform robotic urological surgery at GBMC for a range of conditions include:
David Goldstein, MD
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Benjamin Lowentritt, MD
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Jonathan Rubenstein, MD
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Ronald Tutrone, MD
update
Here Comes the Sun...
GBMC’s Sunflower Campaign officially launched with
a series of announcement events at the hospital,
Owings Mills and Gilchrist Hospice Care throughout the
month of March. The concept of the campaign is to
recognize and inspire staff through the sharing of
extraordinary stories of compassion, service and care
provided every day at GBMC. The most compelling
stories – those that exemplify the hospital’s Greater
Values and their associated behaviors – will receive special
recognition in May and may be featured in internal and
external promotions and advertising.
“This campaign conveys a positive message to the
community about the kinds of people who work here, and
provides true examples of how our people go above and
beyond to care for our patients and each other every day,”
says Mike Hartnett, Director of Marketing at GBMC. n
Service Excellence at Top of Priority List
In March, the Service Excellence Department introduced
GBMC’s Greater Behaviors that are in line with
the hospital’s Greater Values of Respect, Excellence,
Accountability, Teamwork, Ethical Behavior and Results.
All staff members have been asked to pledge that they
will demonstrate these 12 behaviors and sign a Service
Excellence Commitment by May 31, 2009.
Service Excellence is a top priority at GBMC, and the
entire organization is currently engaged in incorporating
the Greater Values and their associated behaviors in
day-to-day business. “Service excellence begins with
how we treat and interact with each other,” explains
Cheryl VanKuren, Director of Service Excellence at GBMC.
“It influences patients’ views of the care they
receive and impacts their opinions of an overall
experience. Our ability to go above and beyond
expectations has an effect on patients, which, in turn,
has an effect on GBMC.”
“Now is the time for GBMC to take this opportunity to
distinguish itself from other area hospitals,” adds Cheryl.
“Our unified goal is to be the best place in Maryland to
practice as a physician, to work as an employee, to serve as
a volunteer and, most importantly, to seek medical care as
a patient.” n
For questions regarding
the Sunflower Campaign,
please contact Mike Hartnett
at 443-849-3881 or
Tracy Fitzgerald at
443-849-3035.
12 Greater Behaviors
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I will treat everyone with courtesy.
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I will foster a healing environment.
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I will strive for superior performance in
every aspect of my work.
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I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.
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I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak.
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I will take ownership to solve problems.
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I will be engaged and collaborative.
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I will keep people informed.
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I will always act with honesty and integrity.
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I will protect the patient.
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I will set goals and measure outcomes that support
organizational goals.
I will give and accept help to achieve goals.
Questions? Contact Cheryl VanKuren at 443-849-3054
or [email protected].
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spotlight
Awards & Accomplishments
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Michael Dias, MD, FACS, has been named Physician in Chief for Baltimore for the Mid-Atlantic
Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG). In this role, Dr. Dias, an otolaryngologist with
MAPMG who has also been a member of GBMC’s medical staff since 2002, is responsible for
the operational performance of the medical group in Baltimore. He says, “Our goal is to
provide the highest quality care and service while leveraging technology to provide efficiency
and affordability.”
Dr. Dias received his M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is a fellow
of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery as well as of the American
College of Surgeons, and a diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology.
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Reginald Davis, MD, FACS, GBMC’s Division Head of Neurosurgery, was honored on February
28, 2009 by the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The luncheon, celebrating the 96th anniversary of the sorority’s founding, honored prominent
local leaders who have made significant contributions to the community. Dr. Davis was honored
for his achievements in medicine following his being named one of Baltimore Magazine’s
“Top Doctors” in 2008, and is recognized as the first neurosurgeon in the United States to use
the Dynamic Neutralization System (Dynesys) for spinal surgery.
GBMC Researchers Study Pelvic Floor Conditions
Researchers at GBMC are conducting studies to learn
more about the risk factors for, and development of,
pelvic floor dysfunction. One major study focuses on
women who delivered their first child at GBMC five
to ten years ago. Joan Blomquist, MD, FACOG, Director,
Urogynecology/Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship
Training Program at GBMC, says her team is looking at
whether the women are experiencing incontinence,
sexual dysfunction or signs of prolapse. Researchers
“want to learn more about which women may be at high
risk for prolapse and whether it’s related to cesarean
sections or vaginal births,” Dr. Blomquist explains.
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The information could eventually
help women and their doctors make
more informed childbirth decisions.
A second study looks at the goals and attitudes of women
who plan for, and later have, elective c-sections, compared
to women who plan for and have vaginal births.
The women are asked about why they chose one method
over another and whether the eventual birth experience
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Promotion
Fred Chan, MD, has been named
GBMC’s Medical Director of Inpatient
Services. Dr. Chan, who has been
with GBMC for more than a decade,
has also been the Director of the
Hospitalist program since 2000 and,
with support from two assistant
directors, he will continue to supervise
the 21-physician hospitalist team.
As Medical Director of Inpatient Services, Dr. Chan is
charged with overseeing efforts to continue improving the
continuum of care for medical and surgical inpatients.
His responsibilities will include facilitating expedited
admissions through the Emergency Department; proactive
management of patients during their hospitalization;
and working to improve interaction between all levels of
providers including physicians, physician extenders, nurse
practitioners, physician assistants, nurse care managers,
and clinical social workers. His role will also include
working with various hospital stakeholders to enhance the
collaboration between the departments of surgery and
medicine to achieve efficient, optimal patient care.
“During the past 11 years working at GBMC as a
hospital-based physician I have had the opportunity to
work alongside tremendous doctors, nurses, social workers
and administrators who share a passion and vision of
creating a patient care environment that we are proud of,”
says Dr. Chan. “In this new role, I look forward to
ensuring we continue providing the very best overall
inpatient care while delivering our mission of health,
healing and hope for all patients.”
In addition to Dr. Chan’s appointment,
Lewis H. Hogge, MD, MBA, was named
Medical Director of Perioperative
Services in early 2009.This appointment
is part of a restructuring of the
governance model for the General
Operating Room, Sherwood Surgical
Center and the Women’s Surgical Center.
In this role, Dr. Hogge oversees
daily operations of GBMC’s operating suites in
collaboration with Deborah Jacobson, RN, MHA, CNOR, CAN,
Administrative Director of Perioperative Services
(see full article on Dr. Hogge’s appointment in the winter
2009 issue of M.D.Today).
Who’s New
Lise Greenberg, MD, has joined the
GBMC at Perry Hall office as a family
practitioner. Dr. Greenberg earned her
medical degree at the University of
Maryland School of Medicine and
completed her residency at the
Providence at Swedish Family
Medicine Residency and the Franklin
Square Family Medicine Residency.
She was previously employed as a staff
physician at the Medical Health Group
at Bel Air.
Karen Elizabeth Boyle, MD, has joined
the GBMC medical staff and is
currently serving as Director,
Reproductive Medicine and Surgery,
Sexuality and Aesthetics at Chesapeake
Urology Associates, as well as Director,
Aesthetic
Surgery.
Chesapeake
Dr. Boyle specializes in male and
female sexual health, male fertility
including vasectomies and microsurgical vasectomy
reversal, and female and male aesthetic procedures.
She was most recently the Director of Reproductive
Medicine and Surgery at Brady Urological Institute,
The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Boyle received her
undergraduate degree from Harvard University and
her M.D. from Albany Medical College. She completed her
general surgery and urologic surgery training at The Johns
Hopkins Hospital and a fellowship in male reproductive
medicine and surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
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feature
Educating the Future...New Focus for GBMC’s
All the pieces are now in place for a major transformation of
GBMC’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Starting July 1, 2009,
the focus of the program will shift from a traditional model to one that
emphasizes continuity of patient care.
diabetes, chronic pain, hepatitis, or cancer follow-up –
where the patient generally sees the doctor once every
three months. With this new schedule, the resident will
have a much greater chance of interacting with a small
group of patients on a regular basis,” Dr. Foster explains.
“Traditionally, the way residents trained in outpatient,
ambulatory medicine has been done in a very fragmented
way,” explains Program Director Paul Foster, MD, FACP.
“You rotate for a couple of weeks on an elective, or you
have a half-day per week to take care of patients in clinic.
Any kind of change in the call schedule could easily throw
you off.”
The goal, Dr. Foster says, is for each individual
patient to have 60 to 70 percent of his or her visits with
one particular resident. Currently, the percentage is
extremely variable. It could be all the time, or as little as
20 percent of the time. Additionally, plans are
underway to bring specialists into the clinic, building on
the “medical home” model.
The new model, developed in-house and unique to
GBMC, puts a greater emphasis on preventative care,
chronic disease management and building relationships
with patients.
“Instead of having a half-day per week, the residents will
have a full week of clinic experience once every three
months. There are many chronic diseases – hypertension,
“
The five-year accredited programs tend to be
university affiliated, so for a community hospital
such as GBMC to achieve the same level of
recognition is a significant achievement.
”
Dr. Paul Foster
GBMC Internal Medicine residents
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>
Internal Medicine Residency Program
Emphasis on Continuity of Care
The new model gives residents an opportunity to follow
their patients outside of clinic. “If they have a patient
who goes into hospice, they go to the hospice. If the
patient is in the hospital, they see them in the hospital,”
Dr. Foster notes.
“Following a small group of patients is an excellent idea,”
states first year resident Rayomand Bengali, MD. “It enhances
continuity of care and it helps build long-lasting
relationships with our patients, which is very important.
Knowing our patients better will help improve quality of
patient care and increase satisfaction as well as enable us to
provide patients with psychosocial support.”
Second year resident Sarina Ahuja, MD, believes the new
schedule will allow residents more autonomy in managing
their patients.“I think the continuity of care will help patients
view us as more of their primary care physician and not as just
another doctor they may only see once,” Dr.Ahuja says.
The development of this program is in line with the
culture of GBMC’s entire program. And, as Department
of Medicine Chairman Neal Friedlander, MD, FACP,
points out, it’s a far cry from the haphazard training his
generation went through. “You were sort of thrown in,”
Dr. Friedlander says. “It was just assumed you would learn
many of the skills over time. This teaching program
doesn’t make that assumption. We’re very focused on
developing all the skills you need to be a good internist.
The program’s faculty is committed to helping people
become the best possible doctors they can be.”
Chief Resident Nazish Khan, MD, agrees that the “faculty
and the residents themselves are continually striving to
improve the quality of education.”
“I have a vision that resident care, given the appropriate
supervision, can be better than standard care anywhere,”
Dr. Foster remarks.“I know the residents can do a great job.”
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Five-Year Accreditation a Testament to High-Quality Education
GBMC’s Internal Medicine Residency Program has been fully
accredited by the ACGME since its founding year back in 1965.
The department is pleased to announce that it has now received
a five-year re-accreditation.
“It was inevitable that you get that kind of recognition when you
have this kind of thoughtful approach to educating physicians,”
says Dr. Friedlander.
Dr. Foster points out that the accreditation process has become
more rigorous in recent years, and that many programs only
receive three-year accreditations. n
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