December 2014
Tamela Catlett, NP-C, Joins Virginia Brain and Spine Center
The Virginia Brain and Spine Center, at 1818 Amherst Street in Winchester, announces that a new provider has recently joined this multi-specialty practice. Tamela Catlett, NP-C has joined the practice’s Neurosurgery Division.
The Center welcomes inquiries from the public and the medical community on how it can assist patients with their pain management and neurological surgery needs. Inquiries may be made, and additional information is available, by calling (540) 450-0072, or by visiting www.VaBrainAndSpine.com.
Shenandoah Oncology Participates In Clinic Research Trials for Cancer
The Winchester Star recently featured Shenandoah Oncology in an article about the clinical trials the practice is utilizing to assist its cancer patients. The practice, which began involvement with the clinical studies over four years ago, is now conducting trials to treat cancers of the breast, lung, kidney, head and neck.
Clinical trials, according to William Houck III, MD of the practice, were once regarded as a final hope for patients battling cancer. Trials have now become an important measure to both physicians and patients as medical science continues work on how to best treat various forms of cancer. The experimental medications have already been tested to ensure that they are safe. The trials show if the medication works better than the routine standard of care and if it has fewer side effects than traditional treatment methods.
By Shenandoah Oncology offering the experimental medications, patients are now coming to Winchester from out of the area to participate in the trials. The practice notes that some patients are already discovering positive results through their participation in the research studies.
Study Finds Patient/Physician Relationship as a Critical Element
The Northern Virginia Daily recently interviewed Bill Kerns, MD of the Front Royal Family Practice regarding a study he conducted on how patients feel about the new technology being introduced with regard to patient records. He led a research team investigating how patients feel about involvement with electronic records.
The findings all pointed back to the relationship between patients and their physicians. If the electronic recording system enhanced that relationship and facilitates a stronger collaboration between patient and physician, those surveyed found electronic records effective and beneficial.
Front Royal Family Practice uses a third party medical records website called www.mypreventivecare.com. Using this system, patients can view their lab results, obtain the meaning of a medical term, or find out which screenings they need to schedule. Patients in the survey appreciated the ability to obtain further information of medical terminology.
Kerns said that Valley Health will implement a new electronic records system in the near future, noting that will provide better communication between hospital departments. Physicians will still need to work to use it to benefit their patients.
“Relationships are crucial,” Kerns said. “Individuals are becoming more involved and engaging the patient is what we need to focus on.”
Winchester Gastroenterology Associates
Announces News from the Practice
Winchester Gastroenterology Associates (WGA) announces a new services for its patients with the addition of a Patient Portal program, reached from its website (winchestergastro.com). The online portal provides an easy and private method to update your personal and medical records, request an appointment, check for results, send messages to the practice and pay bills.
The physician team, composed of Drs. Gardiner, Kitchin, Snow, Sears, Nemec and Shih, and the entire staff at WGA also welcome Beth Schultz, Physician Assistant, to the practice.
In other practice news, Dr. Richard Nemec recently began conducting procedures at Tri-State Surgical Center in Martinsburg, WVA. Dr. James Gardiner will soon be conducting endoscopic ultrasound procedures from the practice’s Winchester offices.
Dr. Alla Hynes Featured in Magazine
Alla Y. Hynes, MD of Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons, PC, was featured in the winter issue of the Valley Health magazine “HealthLink.” Her topic was glaucoma: how to recognize it and the importance of using early detection to identify and treat this disease known as the “silent thief of sight.”
Dr. Hynes is a board-certified ophthalmologist with offices in Winchester and Woodstock.
Virginia Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
Exceeds National Outcome Standards
Neurologist and epileptologist Paul Lyons, MD, PhD and neurosurgeon Lee Selznick, MD, who head The Virginia Comprehensive Epilepsy Program in Winchester, were recently featured in the ValleyHealth’s quarterly magazine, HealthLINK. The article highlighted the high level of treatment work that the two physicians, and a third colleague, epileptologist Craig Henry, MD are conducting to improve the lives of area residents dealing with epilepsy.
The Virginia Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is a collaboration of Winchester Medical Center and two Winchester physician practices, Winchester Neurological Consultants, Inc., and the Virginia Brain and Spine Center, Inc.
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) has designated their program as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center. One of only two non-academic Level 4 centers in the country, the program is certified by the NAEC to offer “the expertise and facilities to provide the highest level of evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.”
According to Dr. Selznick, in the program’s first five years results have exceeded national outcome standards. “Of the 15 patients who have had epilepsy surgery here, 13 are now seizure free and the other two have had a significant reduction in the number and severity of their seizures,” he noted.
The HealthLINK article cited the stories of two patients, both of who had brain surgery with the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program to control seizures that were greatly affecting their everyday lives.
“Epilepsy is more common than people think,” said Dr. Selznick in the article. “Many patients in our region have epilepsy, but treatment programs have traditionally been at university medical centers, so epilepsy surgery has been underutilized here.”
Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology Introduces Robotic Surgery
Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology on Riverside Parkway in Lansdowne, Loudoun County, introduces the benefits of robotic surgery for many gynecologic procedures that once necessitated a traditional surgical approach. Jack P. Ayoub, MD, who is Board Certified in OB/GYN, currently performs robotic surgery at Reston Hospital with successful outcomes for his patients. Dr. Ayoub notes that patients typically experience less blood loss and tissue damage, less operating and anesthesia time, decreased recovery time, and less post-operative pain with robotic surgery. He employs this minimally invasive type of surgery, following the da Vinci system, for hysterectomy, myomectomy, diagnostic procedures for endometriosis, operative procedures for ovarian cystectomies, and any other gynecologic surgery that can be performed using laparoscopy.
Dr. Ayoub extends an invitation to members of the medical community who have an interest in training to become a robotic surgeon, or those who would like a perspective on how it would benefit their patients, to observe as he performs an actual procedure. For additional information on Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology, visit www.myvaobgyn.com, or contact the office at 703-858-5599.
New Providers Join Virginia Brain & Spine Center
The Virginia Brain & Spine Center, 1818 Amherst Street in Winchester, announces that several providers have recently joined this multi-specialty practice. Noel Scott Ashcraft, DO, and Brian Lapp, PA-C, joined the Pain Management Division while C. Kathleen Funk, NP-C, and Maria Read, NP-C, have joined the Neurosurgery Division.
The Center welcomes inquiries from the public and the medical community on how it can assist patients with their pain management and neurological surgery needs. Inquiries may be made and additional information is available by calling (540) 450-0072, or by visiting www.VaBrainAndSpine.com.
Tammy Earhart Joins
Virginia Brain & Spine Center
The Virginia Brain & Spine Center, 1818 Amherst Street in Winchester, is pleased to announce that Tammy Earhart, Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) joins Michael Poss, M.D. and his staff in December 2011. Earhart graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Health Science from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, and has been working in the medical field for many years.
The Center welcomes Tammy to its interventional pain management team. The Center also welcomes inquiries from the medical community on how it can assist your patients with their pain management needs. Inquiries and additional information is available by calling (540) 450-0072, ext. 2308 or by visiting www.VaBrainAndSpine.com
Dr. Thomas Marfing
Featured in Healthcare Guide
Thomas E. Marfing, Jr., MD, FACS was recently featured in the Winchester Star's Community Healthcare Guide on the topic of abdominal wall hernias, including the most common types and surgical treatment. Providing hernia repair surgery for over 22 years, Dr. Marfing specializes in outpatient, minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible to repair the abdominal wall. This approach is favored due to the patient's prompt return to normal activity with little or no restrictions and minimal pain.
Dr. Marfing is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Hernia Society. His practice is the Winchester Hernia Center at 1870 Amherst Street in Winchester. For more information, visit www.WinchesterHerniaCenter.com or call (540) 535-0030.
Asthma & Allergy Center Recognizes
Certified Asthma Educator
The Asthma & Allergy Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (www.aacnsv.com) would like to acknowledge Camilla E Hollen, MMS, PA-C for her recent hard work to receive her Asthma Educator’s certification. The practice now offers the benefits of having a Certified Asthma Educator available to its patients.
The Center has provided specialized asthma, allergy, and immunology healthcare to residents of the Northern Shenandoah Valley area since 1980. Its physicians have over 50 years of experience providing high-quality pediatric and adult allergy treatment. In addition, the Center provides Spanish interpretation and sign language for hearing-impaired patients. Additional information is available by reviewing the practice's website or calling the Center's Plaza Street offices in Winchester at (540) 662-9115.
Community Health Section
Features Amherst Family Practice
Combining a traditional family practice office with same day, by appointment, urgent care services, Amherst Family Practice has been serving the Winchester area community for more than 40 years. Recently featured in the Winchester Star's Community Healthcare Guide, the practice has four full-time physicians and three physician assistants and features conveniences for its patients such as on-site laboratory and x-ray facilities. With an emphasis on preventative medical services, the practice provides compassionate and quality medical care for adolescents (starting at age 4) to adult patients.
Amherst Family Practice, 1867 Amherst Street, Winchester, also offers a full range of occupational healthcare services to the area business community. These services include urine drug screening, spirometry, onsite x-ray, and the services of a Certified Medical Review Officer. Additional information is available by visiting www.afpdocs.com or by calling (540) 667-8724.
July 2011
James Larson, MD Announces New Hip
Procedures at Winchester Medical Center
Dr. James Larson, an orthopaedist with Bone & Joint Specialists of Winchester, has completed his first series of hip arthroscopy cases at Winchester Medical Center. This procedure was not previously available through the Valley Health System.
A news announcement from Dr. Larson's office reports that “The surgery is very effective for patients with labral tears or impingement causing pain in the hip joint. Dr. Larson's training in Orthopaedics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, his appointment to the faculty there, and his intensive Sports Medicine Training at the Hughston Clinic, Columbus, GA, make him exceptionally well prepared to deal with hip arthroscopy issues and the full range of sports medicine injuries.”
John Ghramm, MD Partners with Ortho-Now Bone Health
Ortho-Now Bone Health, a division of Bone & Joint Specialists of Winchester, has partnered with Dr. John Ghramm to provide comprehensive DXA scan and consultation services for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. Evaluation and treatment of fracture cases and total joint patients also benefit from this service. “Dr. Ghramm's long interest in this and other women's health issues has brought him in contact with a number of national authorities on osteoporosis, providing cutting edge capabilities in the diagnosis and treatment of the problems associatied with this challenging and very treatable disease,” was stated in a news announcement from Dr. Ghramm's office.
2009 - 2010 News Archives
- Amherst Family Practice - Welcomes Physician Assistant
- John Ghramm, MD Offers Lectures On Bone Health at Wellness Center
- Amherst Family Practice Featured in Winchester Star
- Rebecca Snyder, MPAS, PA-C, Joins Brain & Spine Center's Pain Mgm. Division
- Brain and Spine Center Celebrate One-Year Anniversary
- Family Practitioner Trains in Wilderness Medicine
- Amherst Family Practice will be holding a Sports Physical Clinic
- Bone & Joint Specialists Adds New PAs
- Open Door Clinic at Selma Medical
- Galdamez Joins Winchester Medical Consultants
- Physicians Perform Specialized Brain Surgery at WMC
- Asthma & Allergy Center Adds Staffer Camilla Hollen
Amherst Family Practice
Welcomes Physician Assistant
Amherst Family Practice, at 1867 Amherst St., Winchester, welcomes new physician assistant, Caitlin G. Woodruff, PA-C, who joined the practice in February 2011.
Caitlin is a graduate of Shenandoah University and a resident of Winchester. She relocated to the Charlottesville area while growing up from her native New Hampshire. Caitlin's clinical interests include preventative medicine and chronic disease management. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys jogging and hiking with her dog, Hailey. She is also busy planning her fall 2011 wedding.
John Ghramm, MD Offers Lectures
On Bone Health at Wellness Center
Winchester OB/GYN John W. Ghramm has begun a series of lectures for the general public on bone health and osteoporosis. The talks are held at the Valley Health Wellness Center, 401 Campus Blvd., Winchester, on the campus of Winchester Medical Center.
Dr. Ghramm has launched his series of lectures, in conjunction with the observance of May as National Osteoporosis Month, to provide information on improving the quality of bone health and education on osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Call his practice, Ghramm Gynecology, PC, 1804 Plaza Dr., Winchester, 540-667-3005, or Valley Wellness for the schedule of his talks, 540-536-3050.
Amherst Family Practice
Featured in Winchester Star
In the March 14, 2011 issue of The Winchester Star, Amherst Family Practice was featured in the Health & Science section for its medical research studies. Since the practice started its research studies 18 months ago, under medical direction of Patricia Houser, MD, seven studies have been conducted. Studies have included upper respiratory disease, shingles, flu, and chronic problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. The studies are providing results that allow different options in treatment.
Rebecca Snyder, MPAS, PA-C, Joins
Brain & Spine Center's Pain Mgm. Division
The Virginia Brain and Spine Center Pain Management Division is pleased to announce that Rebecca Snyder, MPAS, PA-C, joined Michael Poss, MD, Christopher Stalvey, DO, and their staff on Dec. 7.
Ms. Snyder received her Bachelor’s Degree from Mary Baldwin College and her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at Saint Francis University. She has worked in the medical field since 2003, and for the past several years, directly in the field of pain management. In a letter to their colleagues, Drs. Poss and Stalvey noted, “We believe she will be a wonderful asset to the practice and our patients.”
The Center's Pain Management Division provides a team-based approach to the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of painful disorders. The Center is located at 1818 Amherst Street, Winchester, and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Drs. Poss and Stalvey wish their colleagues to know that they look forward to hearing from them on how they can assist their patients with pain management needs. To make an appointment, they ask that referral forms be filled out for each new patient and faxed to the Center. Offices needing a referral pad are asked to call 540-450-0072, ext. 2308.
Brain and Spine Center Celebrate One-Year Anniversary
With Open House on October 7 at Amherst Street Offices The Virginia Brain and Spine Center, 1818 Amherst Street, Winchester, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with an Open House for the medical community on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Physicians Michael Poss, MD and Christopher Stalvey, DO and their staff of the Center's Pain Management Division, along with Drs. Ireland, Chadduck, Fergus, Schopick, and Selznick, extend their sincere thanks to the area's medical community for its support in their first year of serving patients.
Refreshments will be served during the Open House, which will be located on the Center's second floor. Dr. Poss and Stalvey look forward to personally greeting physicians and health professionals of the area's medical community. Tours of the Pain Management Division's offices will also be included.
The Center's Pain Management division provides a team-based approach to the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of painful disorders. Questions and RSVPs may be directed to Alexandra Entner, Physician Liaison for the Center, at 540-450-0072, ext. 2308, and email, aentner@vabrainandspine.com
Family Practitioner Trains in Wilderness Medicine
Amherst Family Practice's Dr. Jefferson “Jeff” Livermon has a sense for adventure and a passion for learning the techniques of wilderness medicine. His quest to become a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine took him in June to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro—at 19,340 feet the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Dr. Livermon described his adventure to The Winchester Star for its July 7, 2009 issue as “the chance of a lifetime.” As a life member of the Wilderness Medical Society, this graduate of the Eastern Virginia Medical School is now learning the ropes about treating medical emergencies in the wild. Dr. Livermon is considering future expeditions to Machu Picchu and China's Inner Mongolia. In the article, Dr. Livermon told the Star that his wilderness medicine training is an extension of his work with Amherst Family Practice and that the emergency training has made him “better trained and better prepared” to take care of his patients on a daily basis.
Amherst Family Practice will be holding a Sports Physical Clinic
Saturday, June 13, 2009 And Saturday, July 11, 2009 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Physicals will be done at a discounted price of $70.00.
Call 667-8724 to schedule your appointment 1867 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601
Bone & Joint Specialists Adds New PAs
The Bone & Joint Specialists, PC, in the MOB II at 190 Campus Blvd. in Winchester, recently added two new physician assistants to its staff. Cara-Lea Walls, PA-C, a graduate of Drexel University's Physician Assistant Program in Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, she graduated from Mountain State University in Beckley, WV, majoring in biology. Walls also received her Master's Degree in Health Sciences from Drexel. She has special interests in muscular skeletal pathology and sports medicine.
Kathryn McCann, PA-C, also joined Bone & Joint Specialists in February 2009. She received her M.S. Degree in Physician Assistant studies from D'Youville College in Buffalo, NY. McCann graduated with a B.S. Degree from the University of Vermont. Her background is in athletic medicine and she enjoys outdoor activities.
Open Door Clinic at Selma Medical
Selma Medical Associates, a 30-physician practice of primary and specialty providers, created an Open Door Clinic last fall for patients with immediate and minor illnesses. The new clinic offers extended hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays at 104 Selma Drive in Winchester. Staffed by physician assistants and nurse practitioners, the Clinic has the physicians of Selma Medical available for consultations.
Various types of health screenings and immunizations are available. No appointments are necessary. Patients may also schedule a follow-up visit with a Selma Medical physician and be referred to a specialist for additional care.
Galdamez Joins Winchester Medical Consultants
Maureen Galdamez, PA-C, is welcomed by Drs. Lisa Weber and Archie Houser to their Winchester Medical Consultants, an internal medicine practice at 212 Linden Drive. Galdamez, a Winchester resident, graduated from Shenandoah University with a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant studies, and earned an additional Master's Degree from the University of Wyoming in Zoology and Physiology. In her new position, she looks forward to pursuing interests in primary care medicine and caring for patients with acute illnesses, hypertension, diabetes and chronic lung disease.
Physicians Perform Specialized Brain Surgery at WMC
Neurosurgeon Lee Selznick of the Virginia Brain and Spine Center in Winchester and epileptologist Paul Lyons of Winchester Neurological Consultants, were recently featured in The Winchester Star's health section. The two physicians were recognized for the work they are performing to assist patients suffering from epilepsy.
Both physicians relocated to Winchester several years ago and are finding that their combined skills are offering treatment options to assist local residents. Dr. Lyons relocated to Winchester to develop an epilepsy program at Winchester Medical Center. Dr. Selznick moved to Winchester shortly afterwards and opened his practice.
The brain surgery they performed last summer, which the news article featured, was the first epilepsy surgery conducted at Winchester Medical Center. Their teamwork has led to the treatment of other patients and additional surgeries, according to the article.
Asthma & Allergy Center Adds Staffer Camilla Hollen
The Asthma & Allergy Center of the NSV, Inc. announces that Camilla E. Hollen, MMS, PA-C, has joined physicians Robert C. McQueen, MD and Paul K. Stillwagon, MD. Their practice is located at 1828 Plaza Drive, Winchester.
Hollen is a graduate of Wake Forest University where she received her Masters of Medical Science and Physician Assistant training.
The Asthma & Allergy Center, serving Winchester and the surrounding areas since 1980, specializes in the treatment of asthma, allergies, and the study of disease immunities. A satellite location is in Martinsburg, WV.
With the addition of Ms. Hollen, the practice now offers same-day sick appointments, as well as asthma and allergy work-ups.
