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On average, every year the fellowship and residency programs at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center are the educational hosts to fledgling physicians hailing from over twenty different countries. While our primary responsibility is to help these physicians become the board-certified practitioners they aspire to be, we are also greatly interested in helping them become intimately connected to the greater Cleveland community they call home while training here. We firmly believe that physicians are more aware of the variety of circumstances affecting the health and lives of their patients when they are engaged with the community they practice in.

Every two months our fellows and residents are presented with an opportunity to get outside the walls of our medical center and volunteer for a wide variety of causes. Our recent ventures into the surrounding community have taken us to the Malachi House, the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

On a beautiful early fall day we assisted the Malachi House in their efforts to serve the terminally ill who lack funds and/or an available caregiver at the end of their lives. We spruced up the grounds around this kindly home in the heart of downtown Cleveland and left a little something beautiful behind to help all those who work and live there celebrate and enjoy the season of harvest and thankfulness.

During the midst of the festive holiday season we helped the Cleveland Botanical Garden spread cheer at their fourth annual winter spectacular, Glow. We greeted visitors to Glow Village, bagged candy at the Candy Cart, assisted children as they built their own gingerbread houses and crafted something special for the holiday season in the Evergreen Adventures area.

The cold February temperatures didn’t keep us from getting out and supporting the charitable efforts of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. On a weekday evening we worked in the warehouse with inspecting, sorting, and repacking six pallets filled with a variety of non-perishable food items. These items were then redistributed to area food pantries and needy families.

Our collaboration in the workplace expands our minds. Our collaboration in volunteering expands our hearts.

Every year our team of volunteer caregivers comes together at St. Vincent Charity’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. We are very fortunate to have over 100 active volunteers performing a variety of roles - with many helping us provide special services for our patients. The Recognition Luncheon is the medical center’s way of saying thank you to this dedicated group of volunteers for all that they do to help extend our healing mission.  

This year the group gathered on the afternoon of May 27, 2016 at the Cleveland Skating Club in Shaker Heights. Mike Hemmelgarn, comedy juggler and ventriloquist, had the group of volunteers laughing and smiling from ear to ear. Following the show and lunch, we gave special recognition to those volunteers who have reached milestone hours and years of service.

St. Vincent Charity is grateful to have this loyal team of volunteer Caregivers who give their time and talent to our hospital—including several who have given 10-15 years of service!

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteer caregivers! You are truly appreciated by everyone here at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

On Thursday, May 26, 2016, the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring two alumni at the association’s signature event, the Annual Recognition Luncheon. This year’s luncheon, will proudly recognize St. Vincent Charity Board Member Anthony J. Coyne '87, President, Mansour Gavin for his service, leadership and career achievements.

St. Vincent Charity congratulates Anthony J. Coyne, a civic treasure, for his inspiring leadership, generous spirit and committed advocacy for all in Northeast Ohio.

Over the past 25 years, the City of Cleveland has seen a complete revitalization from the deteriorating remnants of the industrial heyday to a thriving urban destination. Among the people chiefly responsible for the city’s economic development during that time is Mansour Gavin President Anthony J. Coyne.

Coyne served on the Planning Commission for the City of Cleveland from 1990-2015, and was chairman for his final 15 years on the Commission. In addition, he was appointed by Mayor Frank Jackson ’83 to serve as chairman of the Group Plan Commission of the City of Cleveland. During his time with the commissions, Coyne played a crucial role in the planning and development of a wide assortment of projects including the Connecting Cleveland Waterfront Plan, the Gordon Square Arts District, the Flats East Bank, the Cleveland Convention Center Hotel, the Global Center for Health Innovation, and the ongoing Public Square renovation. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

“I'm most proud of the amount of new housing we supported and encouraged throughout our city for all different income levels,” said Coyne about his time on the Planning Commission. “As a long-time resident of the Ohio City community, I feel that I have contributed to the positive growth of the community’s economic invigoration, while at the same time being sensitive to those least among us.”   

Coyne has long been interested in civic affairs and during his time at Cleveland State University also obtained a master's degree from Levin College of Urban Affairs in addition to his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall. During his studies, he had the opportunity to gain experience in both fields, as a graduate assistant to Professor Dennis Keating at the College of Urban Affairs, as an extern with the Honorable Alice Batchelder and as a law clerk with the City of Cleveland Law Department.

“My parents instilled in me a sense of being active in the community. My father was very active in civic matters as was my grandfather in his own way as an immigrant,” Coyne said. “I believe it is our obligation to leave our community better off than how we found it.”

Coyne’s interest in practicing law stemmed from his ancestors who dedicated their careers to law enforcement. His father, uncle and grandfather all served as police officers for the City of Cleveland. 

Coyne has spent the past 30 years at Mansour Gavin, and his practice is focused on business law, municipal law, zoning and planning, eminent domain, real property and litigation. During that time, he has incorporated his immense pride in community and family within the practice with clients and fellow attorneys.

“I am passionate, to a fault on occasion, in representing my clients to ensure they achieve success both personally and professionally,” Coyne said. “I try to be sensitive about the needs of the lawyers and staff at Mansour Gavin. I believe that many would say that I'm approachable for advice beyond just legal advice and that I care a great deal about the lawyers and members of my firm.”

What does receiving this honor from the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association mean to you?

I have two degrees from Cleveland State University and have found that some of the graduates of the law school in particular are some of the finest lawyers I have met in my 25-plus years of practicing law.  I say that having practiced in several jurisdictions in the State of Ohio and having been admitted pro hac vice in dozens of districts throughout the United States, and can state some of the finest lawyers I have ever come across were Cleveland Marshall graduates.  As a consequence, getting this recognition from the Alumni Association means a lot to me to be recognized for my years of practice as a lawyer, and my continued civic engagement that was instilled in me growing up and from a law school that encourages its students to be well rounded as they go into the practice of law.

NEW SPINAL IMPLANTS PROVIDE STATE-OF-THE-ART ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SPINAL FUSION SURGERY INCREASING MOBILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

Sam DiSalvatore was working in his yard, removing a tree, last summer when he developed neck pain that pulsated down his arm. The 49-year-old Macedonia resident sought treatment through Dr. David Radford, who is a chiropractor at the St. Vincent Charity Medical Center Solon office. However, MRI images showed that his pain was due to nerves that were pinched by his bulging disc. “It hurt,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep it was that bad.”

While he realized surgery was probably required, DiSalvatore said he didn’t want to get a spinal fusion because it looked limiting. He was referred to Dr. Rob McLain for a consult and did his homework in advance. “Dr. Radford told me that Dr. McLain was one of only a handful of surgeons who could do the total disc replacement instead of the spinal fusion,” said DiSalvatore.

“He said to me, ‘Let me understand your pain.’ That was very important to me.” 

DiSalvatore’s age and health made him a good candidate for the Mobi-C cervical disc. “It's really exciting,” the doctor explained. “A lot of my patients come back and are dramatically better.” Dr. McLain explained that the procedure seems to be most effective on younger, more active patients, with injuries that are fairly new. 

Approved by the FDA in 2013 for use in one and two-level disc replacement, the Mobi-C angulates and slides in multiple directions similar to natural cervical spine (neck) motion. It also has better long-term outcomes because unlike spinal fusions, it does not place added stress on the discs above and below the implant. “These devices allow us to keep spaces open and maintain the natural motion,” said Dr. McLain.

Patients are up the same evening as surgery and home the next day. “It’s most exciting because patients are back to their lives and dramatically better more quickly,” he said. 

A news report on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, highlighted St. Vincent Charity Dr. McLain and DiSalvatore’s story.  

ST. VINCENT CHARITY MEDICAL CENTER ANSWERS THE CALL FOR INPATIENT GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES.

As the senior adult population is growing, the complexity of the physical and mental health needs requires specialized medical care. A 2012 study by the Institute of Medicine stated that, “Many older adults who have mental health/substance abuse conditions also have acute and chronic physical health conditions and some have cognitive and functional impairments.” 

In the past several years, there has been an increase in state psychiatric facilities closing around the country, making mental health care increasingly hard to access. Catholic providers are addressing this growing need by opening up geropsychiatric units. 

A spokesperson from CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, said: “The hospital has chosen to invest in the unit because "we understand it's our mission to extend the ministry of Jesus."

An April 2016 article written in Catholic Health World highlighted St. Vincent Charity Medical Center’s geriatric psychiatric unit along with CHRISTUS and AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. 

Catholic hospitals around the country have begun to provide specialized service for this population. “The study noted that changes and conditions common in old age can make older adults particularly vulnerable to mental health and substance abuse problems. For instance, metabolic changes can increase elders' vulnerability to the effects of alcohol and drug use; loss and grief can trigger or worsen depression; medications commonly prescribed to the elderly can cause and exacerbate mental health and substance abuse conditions.” 

In addition, "cognitive and functional impairments can complicate the detection and diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse conditions."  So, specialized psychiatric expertise is needed to determine what a true diagnosis may be.  

The units provide group and individual therapy, medication management and spiritual support.  The ultimate goal is to best prepare patients for transitioning either back to their previous living situation or to move up to the next level skilled care.

ONE WOMAN’S DIABETES DIAGNOSIS AT A ST. VINCENT CHARITY HEALTH SCREENING HAS TURNED INTO A CALLING TO HELP OTHERS.

Several years ago, St. Vincent Charity teamed up with the May Dugan Center to provide a health screening for the community. The Center, established in 1969 has been providing a variety of health, community and counseling services in the near west side of Ohio City Neighborhood. The two organizations have been working together to host monthly health screenings at the May Dugan Center.  

At one of those screenings, six years ago, a woman named Carmen was shocked to learn her blood sugar was nearly four times what it should be. The nurse doing the screening, Leslie Andrews, St. Vincent Charity’s Diabetes Coordinator, quickly worked with Carmen to get her life-threatening sugar level under control.

Andrews, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, encouraged Carmen to complete St. Vincent Charity’s Diabetes Education Program. Education focuses on nutrition, understanding medicines, managing and preventing complications, and living well with diabetes.

Last year the program provided more than 600 individual and group visits for nutrition and management education.

“I never paid attention to my sugar until I came to the screening. The education program has taught me how to count carbs and how to test my sugar myself. Now I test it every day,” Carmen said.

Shortly after she learned of her own disease, she received alarming news that both her adult children also had life-threatening blood sugar levels. Her son’s high sugar was also identified at a St. Vincent community health screening. This frightening news spurred Carmen to work even harder to manage her disease so she could help her children.

“My first thought was, ‘Are my kids going to die before me?’” Carmen said. 

Carmen went to work applying the lessons she learned at St. Vincent Charity’s education program to teach her son and daughter how to control their diet and manage their sugar. 

To keep herself and her children on track, Carmen continues to attend St. Vincent Charity’s Diabetes Support Group, which meets at the hospital six times per year. The group transitions patients from learning about diabetes to managing their disease long term.

“We see such success with the support group because it gives patients the encouragement they need from their peers. They all share the same condition, so they understand better than anybody the struggles each person faces,” Andrews said.

To express her gratitude for the support she receives at St. Vincent Charity, Carmen now volunteers at the hospital’s monthly health screening at the May Dugan Center, so she “can help other people, like I was helped.”  Together St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and volunteers like Carmen strengthen the health of the community and truly provide community outreach and care beyond medicine.

BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS CELEBRATES THEIR SUCCESS AT 16TH ANNUAL RECOGNITION CEREMONY, COLLECTIVELY LOSING 5,507 POUNDS.

The Caregivers at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center recognize how difficult it is to lose weight and keep it off. That’s why every spring the Center for Bariatric Surgery hosts a recognition event for all of our bariatric surgery patients who are at least one year out from surgery.

This year’s My New Life Celebration honored Center for Bariatric Surgery patients who underwent weight loss surgery between January 1, 2014 and April 1, 2015. The 47 patients who attended the event on May 6 lost a collective 5,507 pounds—an amazing accomplishment! What’s more is that they have also improved their health, reduced or eliminated medications and have returned to living active lives.  

We had a surprise visit from our former medical director, Dr. Chandra Hassan, who returned from his teaching position in Chicago, to celebrate the accomplishments of our patients--with our patients. Additionally, attendees were able to meet the new faces at the Center for Bariatric Surgery—including Dr. Michael Nowak, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery. 

“Tonight represents the culmination of a long and courageous journey for so many of you,” Dr. David Perse, president and CEO of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center told the attendees. “There have been hard times no doubt and moments where you wondered if you could do it, if you could continue. Your results prove that what we do and how we do it, helps transform lives.”

A new twist on this year’s celebration was the Care Beyond Medicine awards program. Patients were invited to submit short videos telling us how bariatric surgery changed their lives. Rather than telling us about the numbers on the scale, we wanted to know what they couldn’t do before that they can do now and what it means to their life.

A panel of caregivers from the Center for Bariatric Surgery reviewed the inspiring videos and selected the top 3 submissions to receive a customized prize package. This year’s prizes included:

• A “mini-moon” in Amish Country for a patient who told us that they did not get to take a honeymoon following their wedding a few years ago.
• A spa gift certificate for a patient who is getting married in the fall
• 2 Cedar Point season passes for a patient who told us about how they are now able to do more activities with their son

We’re so proud of all of our patients who made this important decision to improve their health. Congratulations!

By Robert McLain, MD

For many patients, neck stiffness and pain often starts as a general ache and soreness after work or when watching TV.  While not worrisome in the beginning it can lead to trouble sleeping.  A little Advil, a neck-rub, that’s all you might often need.  But if it doesn’t go away, you may have something more serious.

The pain may become more intense and bothersome, but it is the loss of function and strength that can be suddenly frightening. Severe, burning arm and neck pain, with or without weakness, is what drives most patients to get their first medical evaluation.  This is when many patients come to the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity in Solon to learn about an advance treatment for neck and arm pain—total disc arthroplasty.

When the arm burns and aches, particularly when there’s numbness and weakness, it’s usually a disc herniation or bone-spur putting pressure on a nerve in the neck. Disc arthroplasty, or disc replacement surgery, removes the damaged disc, decompressing the nerves that trigger arm pain, without having to fuse the spine.

Patients are evaluated by a medical or chiropractic provider to insure there is no spinal cord compression, obtain imaging studies, and start stretching, light physical therapy, and mild medications.  For many patients, this approach is all that’s needed to get back on track.  If symptoms persist, however, surgery by a surgeon with extensive experience in disc replacement surgery will see you without delay.  

Disc replacement surgery is possible even when two discs are involved. Because the bulging disc or bone spurs are removed just as they would be with a traditional fusion, disc replacement relieves arm pain, and by removing the painful disc and restoring normal mechanics the artificial disc reduces or eliminates neck pain.  Most patients go home the day after surgery, and some the same day. While fusion surgery is a reliable and successful solution to neck problems in many patients, studies show that disc replacement offers better clinical outcomes, with lower re-operation rates, and lower complication rates.

After surgery patients often find that their neck pain was improved and arm pain is gone almost immediately.  After returning to light activity, then physical therapy, many get back to work and recreation within six weeks.

[video src="Mobi-C vs Fusion - short animation clip.mp4"]

Dr. Robert McLain, orthopedic surgeon at the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, specializes in total disc replacement. For a consultation, call 440-248-1297.

Community benefit is defined as programs or activities that provide treatment or promote health and healing in response to community

needs. It is integral to the mission of a Catholic organization such as St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

Over 150 years, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the Cleveland community and in particular to the Central neighborhood by investing significant resources in programs and services that meet these community benefit objectives:

• Improve access to healthcare

• Enhance the health the community

• Advance medical and healthcare knowledge

• Lessen the burden on government and other community efforts

In 2014, St. Vincent Charity provided $13.6 million in community benefit. Of that amount, $13 million went to cover the unpaid costs of Medicaid. That number represents the difference between what Medicaid pays and what the care actually costs. We believe it’s important to understand that behind the numbers, there are real stories of people being served.

“I can never thank you enough for your care that you gave me. You set me on journey that has not only changed my life but saved my life. I will forever be grateful and humble at the miracles you all do.” – Rosary Hall and Behavioral Health Patient

Providing Care Beyond Medicine, our 2015 Community Benefit Report, illustrates the stories behind the work. We hope you find inspiration in these patient stories that represent our dedication to Teaching; Community Building; Care in the Community; and Care for the Vulnerable.

Our Catholic mission demands more of us than other healthcare institutions. In the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, we are honored to carry forward our healing mission into the community.

Download a copy of our 2015 Community Benefit Report here or to request a hard copy, email info@stvincentcharity.com.

At St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, we recognize how difficult it is to lose weight and keep it off. That’s why every spring we host a recognition event for all of our bariatric surgery patients who are at least one year out from surgery.

This year’s My New Life Celebration honored Center for Bariatric Surgery patients who underwent weight loss surgery between January 1, 2014 and April 1, 2015. The 47 patients who attended the event on May 6 lost a collective 5,507 pounds—an amazing accomplishment! What’s more is that they have also improved their health, reduced or eliminated medications and have returned to living active lives.  

We had a surprise visit from our former medical director, Dr. Chandra Hassan, who returned from his teaching position in Chicago, to celebrate the accomplishments of our patients--with our patients. Additionally, attendees were able to meet the new faces at the Center for Bariatric Surgery—including Dr. Michael Nowak, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery.

“Tonight represents the culmination of a long and courageous journey for so many of you,” Dr. David Perse, president and CEO of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center told the attendees. “There have been hard times no doubt and moments where you wondered if you could do it, if you could continue. Your results prove that what we do and how we do it, helps transform lives.”

A new twist on this year’s celebration was the Care Beyond Medicine awards program. Patients were invited to submit short videos telling us how bariatric surgery changed their lives. Rather than telling us about the numbers on the scale, we wanted to know what they couldn’t do before that they can do now and what it means to their life.

A panel of caregivers from the Center for Bariatric Surgery reviewed the inspiring videos and selected the top 3 submissions to receive a customized prize package. This year’s prizes included:

 ·       A “mini-moon” in Amish Country for a patient who told us that they did not get to take a honeymoon following their wedding a few years ago.

·         A spa gift certificate for a patient who is getting married in the fall

·         2 Cedar Point season passes for a patient who told us about how they are now able to do more activities with their son

We’re so proud of all of our patients who made this important decision to improve their health. Congratulations!

This weekend is the Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon, so in advance of the race Dr. George Friedhoff, sports medicine physician at the Spine and Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and a marathoner himself, offers some important tips to stay healthy and improve performance.

Hydration is key and not just on race day. Adequate fluid replacement should start 24 hours prior to the start of the race and continue 24-48 hours after the race. In general, you should consume 120-180 ml of fluid every 15 minutes during the race. Do not skip the appropriately placed water stations on the course.

Avoid long runs the day before the race. You don’t want to show up to the starting line too sore to finish the race. A short run of no more than 3-5 miles at 75 percent of your average pace the day before the race is appropriate but not necessary. Trust your training and hard work. You are prepared!

Complex carbohydrate meal the night before the race is important. Refined carbs in sports drinks and energy gels are not as advantageous as whole foods prior to the race. A good spaghetti dinner is really the best choice. Avoid a heavy meal the morning of the race. A banana with peanut butter is a good option about 30-60 minutes before the start of the race.

Good luck, runners!

AREA HOSPITALS AND REHAB CENTERS SWAMPED BY DRAMATIC RISE IN OPIOID OVERDOSES.

In communities across Northeast Ohio, a spike in opioid overdoses is outpacing the ability of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to respond effectively. There aren’t enough detox or treatment beds for people seeking recovery, and for addicts who continue to use, potency makes the opioids difficult to counteract with naloxone, a drug that reverses their effects.

“We’re seeing more significant overdoses, in number and severity,” said Dr. Carla O’Day, director of the emergency department at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland. “In some cases, people have... needed double doses (of naloxone).”

Officials have linked the increase to the illicit distribution of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller commonly prescribed for pain management in advanced cancer patients. It’s often mixed with heroin, and acts fast, producing an immediate, powerful high that suppresses breathing and can cause respiratory arrest. 

According to county officials, there were at least 22 fentanyl-related deaths in Cuyahoga County in March, including 12 in a five-day span between March 10th and 14th—of that dozen, only four made it to hospitals before succumbing.

In addition to an increase in deaths, fentanyl is being blamed for a steady stream of non-fatal overdoses. On March 8th alone, Cleveland police responded to 10 overdoses, two of which ultimately proved to be fatal. Administrators at St. Vincent Charity said the hospital is seeing three to four overdoses a day, significantly up from recent years when that number was usually no more than one.

The hospital’s inpatient detoxification unit, Rosary Hall, is also overwhelmed. It averages around 3,200 calls for help in a month but is able to admit only about eight patients a day, said Wendy Hoke, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at St. Vincent Charity.

The 27-bed unit keeps patients for up to five days and seeks to transition them into longer-term rehabilitation programs. About 90 percent of those patients are addicted to opioids, hospital administrators said.

Dr. Chris Adelman, Medical Director of Rosary Hall, said the hospital is usually able to find a rehabilitation bed for patients at a treatment center or halfway house, but not without delays.

“Sometimes it takes several days to get them in,” Adelman said. “Most of the time that doesn’t work because they relapse. Of the patients here right now, most are repeaters who have been here five, six, seven times. We try to keep them alive and hope they make different decisions.” 

CENTER FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY AT ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER GETS NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Nowak, board-certified in general surgery, has joined the St. Vincent Medical Group. Dr. Nowak will be assuming the critical role of Medical Director for the Center for Bariatric Surgery, effective March 14. He joins Dr. Craig Eyman in the bariatric program.

Dr. Nowak comes to us from UH Parma Medical Center and HealthSpan, where he served as the Physician Medical Director for the past two years. Dr. Nowak has been performing bariatric surgery for 12 years. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Nowak completed both his internship and residency training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, where he was co-chief resident. He is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. He and his wife, Christine have five children.

Effective April 1, Dr. Nowak will begin seeing patients in Suite 207, the bariatric suite in the Medical Office Building. To reach Dr. Nowak, contact the Center for Bariatric Surgery office at 216.592.2801. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nowak in his new role at St. Vincent Charity!