HealthyUMAGAZINE JAN 09MAGAZINEHealthyU

Jan-Mar 2010

INSIDE > University has the only nationally accredited Breast Center in the region> W.G. Watson, M.D., turns 100> Patients benefit from University Hospital’s da Vinci Surgical System

ONE huNdrEd yEArs is a long time. It’s genera-

tions come and gone; it’s technological advances

and miracles of science.

It’s a century of history; especially for W.G.

Watson, M.D.

Dr. Watson, the namesake of University Hospital’s

W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center, celebrates his

100th birthday on Feb. 25, and while he has slowed

down some with time, he has by no means turned in

his stethoscope.

Dr. Watson remains a driving force within the

Women’s Center, where he is the chairman of the

hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

He also still sees patients at his practice, Obstetrics

and Gynecology Associates of Augusta.

But more than that, Dr. Watson is a testament to

the miracle of childbirth, having delivered more than

15,000 babies during his tenure at the hospital.

“I just saw a patient the other day, and I delivered

her, her mother and her grandmother,” Dr. Watson

said recently. “I don’t go anywhere without meet-

ing one of my patients.”

Liz Price, director of women’s services at University

Hospital, said Dr. Watson holds high standards for

the physicians in University’s OB/GYN department.

“He says that it’s not just a job, or a practice, but

that we’re the physicians and this is our hospital, our

patients and our staff, and we need to work together

to make things better,” she said. “He really sets the

tone for professionalism, respect and the patient-

focused care for the whole women’s center.”

Dr. Watson’s routine has changed little for the

bulk of his career in medicine. He still gets up be-

fore the crack of dawn and is at the hospital seeing

patients first thing in the morning.

“I love medicine,” he said of his career, which

began in Augusta in 1947.

His humble beginnings in Trenton, S.C., fueled

a thirst for knowledge that took “Curly” Watson

from The Citadel in 1931 and eventually landed him

at the Medical College of Georgia – by way of a

yearlong stint on the family farm and seven years

coaching high school football. Dr. Watson, who is

recognized as the oldest graduate of The Citadel,

still maintains his love affair with football; attend-

ing high school games whenever he can.

“I don’t think he’s missed a game this season,”

Audrey Watson, his wife of nearly 65 years, said

with a laugh.

Dr. Watson has seen innumerable changes,

in both medicine and the world at large, but ul-

timately this hands-on physician made himself a

part of history and we at University Hospital want

to help celebrate his amazing accomplishment on

this amazing birthday. v

University Honors One of Nation’s Oldest Practicing Physicians

Health News

To send Dr. Watson a birthday greeting, log on to www.universityhealth.org/ watson100. We will compile these messages into a special gift for Dr. Watson.

>

Dr. Watson celebrates his 100th birthday on Feb. 25

A brEAst cANcEr dIAGNOsIs starts a per-

son down what might seem an unending road of

physician visits, treatments, therapies, questions

and anxieties.

University Hospital’s Breast Health Center staff

members have made it their mission to help

patients navigate the maze and fear of cancer –

whether it be through education or just a support-

ive shoulder.

That’s why it was no surprise when University

Hospital’s Breast Health Center was recently

granted a three-year full accreditation designation

by the National Accreditation Program for Breast

Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the

American College of Surgeons. University has the

only nationally accredited breast health center in

the region and is the second one in the state to be

honored with this recognition.

Randy Cooper, M.D., a surgeon who practices

at University Hospital, said the accreditation is the

culmination of years of work by physicians, clini-

cians and University employees.

“We made a commitment to try and provide high-

quality patient care as fast as possible – within 24-36

hours at the maximum,” he said. “This accreditation

just confirms that our breast health center is based on

national standards and evidence-based treatments.”

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to

those centers that have voluntarily committed to

provide the highest level of quality breast care and

that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and

review of their performance. During the survey

process, the center must demonstrate compli-

ance with standards established by the NAPBC for

treating women who are diagnosed with the full

spectrum of breast disease.

“The standards include proficiency in the areas

of center leadership, clinical management, re-

search, community outreach, professional educa-

tion and quality improvement,” explained Pamela

Anderson, University’s Cancer Services Program

Coordinator. “A breast center that achieves

NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm

commitment to offer its patients every significant

advantage in their battle against breast disease.

This is something our team works hard to accom-

plish every day. To receive this accreditation af-

firms that our efforts are directed appropriately.”

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated

that there would be 184,450 patients diagnosed with

invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2008.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of women who

will deal with benign breast disease this year will re-

quire medical evaluation for treatment options. v

For more information about university’s breast health center, call 706/774-4141 or toll free 866/774-4141.

Health News

University’s Breast Health Center – Here for all aspects of careHospital’s center the only nationally accredited program in the region

Members of University’s Breast Cancer Team work together across disciplines to make the best treat-ment decisions for patients.

>

Health News

EducAtION hAs cOME A lONG wAy in helping

people understand more about colorectal cancer.

But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some

misconceptions about the disease.

“People are certainly more aware of the risk fac-

tors than they have been in the past,” said Matthew

Cranford, M.D., a gastroenterologist who practices

at University Hospital. “But the biggest miscon-

ception that persists is that people have to have a

family history to get colorectal cancer.”

Only a small percentage of colorectal cancer pa-

tients have a family history of the disease, with 80

percent having no connection to the risk factor.

“Those people who have a family history are at

greater risk, but age is actually the greatest risk

factor,” Dr. Cranford said. “Your risk for colorectal

cancer increases at age 50, and goes up signifi-

cantly after that point.”

That doesn’t mean the cancer doesn’t show up

in younger patients, but Dr. Cranford noted an

increased awareness of screening guidelines that

stresses the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

“The number of patients being screened is still

insufficient, but it’s much greater than we use to

see just 15 to 20 years ago,” he said.

Early screening is very important because it is the

best way to find and remove polyps in their benign

stage, before they become a problem later on.

“The earlier you find colorectal cancer, the bet-

ter your chances are of successfully treating the

disease,” Dr. Cranford said.

Since colorectal cancer can appear before age

50, Dr. Cranford remarked that everyone should

be aware of possible changes in their bowel habits

as well as note any signs of rectal or gastrointesti-

nal bleeding, and see a physician for an evaluation

if they have any questions or concerns. v

For more information about colorectal cancer, call university hospital’s AsK-A-NursE at 706/737-8423 or toll free at 800/476-7378.

Early Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

rIsK FActOrs • Age: While younger adults can develop col-

orectal cancer, the chances of developing col-

orectal cancer increase markedly after age 50.

More than 90 percent of people diagnosed

with colorectal cancer are older than 50.

• Personal history of colorectal polyps or col-

orectal cancer

• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

• Family history of colorectal cancer

• Racial and ethnic background: African

Americans have the highest colorectal can-

cer incidence and mortality rates of all racial

groups in the United States. The reason for

this is not yet understood.

scrEENING GuIdElINEs (men and women age 50+)One of these five testing schedules should be

followed. Your physician can help you decide

which is best for you:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years

• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or

fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years

• Yearly FOBT or FIT, plus flexible sigmoidos-

copy every five years

• Double-contrast barium enema every five years

cOlOrEctAl rIsK FActOrs ANd scrEENING GuIdElINEs

“The biggest misconception that persists is that people have to have a family history to get colorectal cancer.”- Matthew Cranford, M.D., Gastroenterology

Health News

trAdItIONAl hystErEctOMy surGEry often

involves a large abdominal incision and a signifi-

cant recovery period.

But a new surgical option available at University

Hospital is changing the way women experience

this life-altering procedure.

The da Vinci Surgical System, which has been

used at University for prostate cancer surgery, is

now being used for hysterectomies and other gy-

necological procedures.

This robotic system offers patients many ben-

efits over traditional surgery, including:

• Significantly less pain

• Less blood loss

• Less risk of infection

• Shorter hospital stay

• Quicker recovery

• Small incisions for minimal scarring

John Paul McDonough, M.D., an obstetrics and

gynecology physician who practices at University

Hospital, said the da Vinci system has been a re-

markable step forward in surgical technology.

“With traditional laparoscopic surgery, you operate

through small incisions using rigid instruments that

have limited maneuverability,” Dr. McDonough said.

“However, with the da Vinci system, the instruments

are articulated, which means they have multiple

joints and can mimic the movement of the human

hand. So it’s truly like having an extension of

your hand in the abdomen but through tiny

incisions.

“It’s truly amazing.”

Patients who have had a hysterectomy

using the da Vinci system noted its many

benefits to traditional surgery.

Chasity Rabun, a 31-year-old Augusta

resident, said Miche McDonough, M.D., an

obstetrics and gynecology physician who

practices at University Hospital, per-

formed a da Vinci hysterectomy on

her in August after trying various

treatments for a uterine cyst and

vaginal bleeding.

“I have three little girls, and this cut my

down time in half,” she said. “The healing

process is just so much faster; I was sitting

up the very next day.”

Dr. John Paul McDonough said that ultimately the

da Vinci system hysterectomy helps ease some of

the pain and discomfort, helping patients recover

faster and with fewer complications.

“Patients are going home within a day of the sur-

gery as opposed to three days with traditional sur-

gery,” he said. “The patients I’ve seen after using

the da Vinci have all reported less pain than they

expected, which is a great thing to hear.” v

For more information about university hospital’s da Vinci surgical system, log on to www.universi-tyhealth.org/daVinci.

da Vinci Hysterectomy Offers Remarkable Benefits to PatientsUniversity Hospital’s surgical option can shorten hospital stay, reduce recovery time

“With the da Vinci system, the in-struments have multiple joints and can mimic the movement of the human hand. It’s truly like having an extension of your hand in the abdo-men but through tiny incisions.”- John Paul McDonough, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology

Saturday, Feb. 27 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.North Augusta community center495 brookside Ave.

hEArt dIsEAsE ANd strOKE are the leading

causes of death and disability in the United States.

Fortunately, lifestyle changes and early detection

can reduce your risk, and the University Smart

Heart Expo is the perfect place to begin. We’ll pro-

vide the education, encouragement and support

to help you embark on a healthier lifestyle – and

all of it is absolutely free. Presented in partnership

with The Augusta Chronicle.

FrEE ActIVItIEs INcludE:• Blood sugar testing

• Blood pressure screening

• Total cholesterol

• Body fat and BMI testing

• Heart-healthy cooking demonstration

• Healthy heart information

• One-on-one heart counseling

• Special gifts and door prizes

EducAtIONAl brEAKOut sEssIONs: • Understanding Your Lipids

• Benefits of Exercise

• Reading Food Labels and Eating Out

• Stress Management v

thIs spEcIAl EVENt, benefiting University

Health Care System’s Heart & Vascular Institute,

will feature a Trunk Show, a Fashion Show and

much more! One hundred percent of the pro-

ceeds will benefit University’s Heart & Vascular

Institute and help raise awareness of women’s

heart disease in the CSRA. Heart disease is the

No. 1 killer of women in our community.

NIcOlE MIllEr truNK shOwFriday, Feb. 511 a.m.-2 p.m.4 Orleans place, AugustaThere is no charge for the Trunk Show although

you must register for this event, and different

items will be available for purchase at each show.

NIcOlE MIllEr FAshION shOwFriday Feb. 57 p.m.saint paul’s churchriver room, Augustatickets are $125 per person and $225 per coupleThis black tie event

will feature heavy

hors d’oeuvres, cock-

tails, music from The

Dr. Rock Band, great

raffle prizes and an

auction of unique

items donated from area businesses.

Katherine Mullen, owner of the Nicole Miller

boutique in Atlanta’s Lenox Square Mall, will be

presenting the Spring 2010 collection straight

from New York City. Nicole Miller will be of-

fering a 20 percent discount on all purchases

made at the Fashion and Trunk shows. v

For more information or to register, contact university health care Foundation at 706/

667-0030.

Special Events

University Health Care Foundation Invites You to ‘A Heartfelt Affair’

University Hospital’s Smart Heart Expo

Vanessa dixon, Md, Internal Medicinehavon Knight, Md, Internal Medicineluke dolan, Md, Internal Medicine

Professional Center 4

1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 1200

Augusta, Ga. 30901

706/774-7760

charles shaefer, Md, Internal Medicinedonald McAlexander, Md, Internal MedicineAndrew sanders, Md, Internal MedicineAmber Morris, pA, Internal Medicine

Professional Center 1

820 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 4C

Augusta, Ga. 30901

706/774-5995

Jimmy lemke, Md, Internal Medicinerobert rychly, Md, Internal MedicineIan herskowitz, Md, EndocrinologyLeyla El-Choufi, MD, Endocrinology

Professional Center 1

820 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 7A

Augusta, Ga. 30901

706/722-0463

robert Mendes, Md, Vascular Surgeryhouman tamaddon, Md, Vascular Surgery

Professional Center 2

818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 408

Augusta, Ga 30901

706/774-7022

FYI

Physician FinderThese University Physicians are accepting new patients for same- or next-day appointments:

thE NAtIONAl rEsEArch cOrpOrAtION (Nrc) has named University Health Care System the

Consumer Choice Award winner for best overall

quality and image in the region for the 11th con-

secutive year.

The Consumer Choice Award is based on an inde-

pendent survey of consumers conducted by National

Research Corporation (NRC) to recognize the most

preferred hospitals in metropolitan areas across the

country. University is one of an elite group of hospi-

tals nationwide, and the only one in the region, to win

the award each year since 1999. v

For more information, visit www.universityhealth.org.

www.universityhealth.org

uNIVErsIty hEAlth cArE chOsEN hOspItAl OF chOIcE FOr 11th yEAr