Showing posts with label spine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spine. Show all posts

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital Opens Sept. 16 at Emory University

Fulfilling its mission to meet the increasing demand for orthopaedics and spine care, Emory Healthcare today announced the opening of the Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital. The hospital, an extension of Emory's acute care hospital on Clifton Road, will open Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Located at the intersection of Lawrenceville Highway and I-285 in Tucker, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital was created to provide high-quality care in the delivery of general acute care services while primarily focused on a specific service line. Emory purchased an existing hospital facility in January 2007, and has now completely renovated it to provide patients with access to the most advanced, sophisticated technology in a patient-and-family friendly environment.

"Emory continues to uphold a promise and commitment to our patients — to provide a quality experience defined by impeccable clinical outcomes, patient safety and patient service," says Fred Sanfilippo, MD, PhD, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University and chairman of Emory Healthcare.

"This hospital will combine exceptional service with pioneering vision, education, teaching and ideas, and Emory will apply its strategic vision to ensure that we are serving the needs of our patients and their families. This new facility underscores that commitment and vision."

In addition, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital is implementing an innovative nursing model where caregivers partner with patients and their families to collaborate on decisions and care. By primarily concentrating orthopaedic surgical services at one location, Emory physicians and staff will be able to focus on the unique needs of the orthopaedic patient population, which translates to quick recovery times, increased safety and greater patient satisfaction.

"The creation and opening of Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital is an important achievement for Emory Healthcare on behalf of the communities and patients we serve," says John T. Fox, CEO of Emory Healthcare. "Starting from a blank sheet of paper and seeking patient input, we were able to establish a clear vision of the best structure and culture for the new facility, and we worked tirelessly to bring our patients the care they deserve.

"Additionally, and perhaps even more exciting, Emory University Orthopedics & Spine Hospital will embody the collaborative and innovative culture-of-care elements that will help set the future course of patient care across the country, including patient-and family-centered care, shared decision making, a fair and just culture, transparency, and cultural competency and diversity," says Fox. "These attributes are embedded in our decision-making process and, more importantly, are evident in our provision of care."

In addition to offering orthopaedics and spine services in a focused capacity, Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital will also continue to offer general acute care services for patients with non-surgical needs. A team of Emory University Hospital-based physicians will treat a wide variety of non-critical patient medical conditions, while providing a seamless link to all other specialists located at other Emory hospitals.

"This innovative combination gives patients the benefits of a higher level of care with all the attributes of a major university medical center — research, technology and sub-specialists," says Scott Boden, MD, professor of orthopaedic surgery and director of the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center.

"This type of facility is proven to have better outcomes because all physicians and staff are focused on one type of patient problem," says Boden. "By concentrating the orthopaedic surgical services at this location, we will gain a special opportunity to create standardized processes whereby all our physicians and staff are focused on the unique needs of the orthopaedic and spine surgery patient population."

Dr. James R. Roberson, chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and professor of orthopaedic surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, says, "The carefully selected faculty members of Emory's Department of Orthopaedics are some of the most talented and skilled medical professionals in the country and around the globe. These specialists work in tandem with physicians throughout Emory's network to collaborate on diagnosis and treatment of our patients, as well as mentor future orthopaedists and orthopaedic surgeons."

Facts about Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital and Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center

Hospital: The Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, an extension of Emory University Hospital, is staffed exclusively by Emory physicians. The facility is six stories and has 208,000 square feet of space which includes a medical office building.

It provides complete MRI and radiology capabilities as well as on-site inpatient and outpatient physical therapy. Furnishings and furniture in the new facility are customized for total joint and spine patients, and there are newly appointed private suites (most private suites have a pullout bed for family members).

The facility has a dedicated orthopaedics and spine patient floor, as well as general medicine services. Because there is unrestricted visiting hours, families can stay with patients all of the time. A restaurant and in-room dining are available 7 am-7 pm.

There will be no emergency room located at Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital. All emergency and trauma traffic will be diverted to the nearest appropriate facility.

Outpatient Center: The Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility located at Executive Park, which offers a comprehensive approach to all musculoskeletal problems. The Center has reinvented orthopaedic and spine care by bringing all aspects of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation together in one location.

More than 40 specialists work together under one roof [95,000 square feet] to provide the full range of outpatient orthopaedic, spine, neurosurgery, sports medicine and physical therapy care. The Center at Executive Park is about 7 miles from Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Brain and Spinal Injuries in Georgia: A Needs Assessment and State Action Plan

PRNewswire -- The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission releases its 2008 report "Brain and Spinal Injuries in Georgia: A Needs Assessment and State Action Plan" which is in conjunction with the Trust Fund's 10th Anniversary that will be held at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

A Significant Public Health Problem

Brain and spinal injuries are a significant public health issue for the state of Georgia. These injuries affect an estimated 70,000 Georgians each year, resulting in substantial costs to the individual, the family, and the state in terms of decreased quality of life, lost wages, and need for services. While brain and spinal injuries can be devastating, it is possible for people with such injuries to live lives of independence and meaning within the community. To do so, however, requires a commitment at the local, state, and national level to develop a comprehensive, specialized, and coordinated system of care.

The Commission will begin the process of implementing the recommended goals in the State Action Plan during FY 2009. To assist with this process the Commission requests the assistance of the Governor, the General Assembly, state agency leaders, and the citizens of Georgia during this next year to learn more about the incidence, needs, and specialized service models available for Georgians with brain and spinal injuries.

The entire report can be viewed on-line at the Trust Fund's web site at www.bsitf.state.ga.us or to request a copy, email info-bsitf@dhr.state.ga.us

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Shepherd Center Hosts Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission's 10th Anniversary and Annual Awards Reception

PRNewswire -- People with disabilities, families, state officials and health-care providers, will gather in Atlanta on July 24 to join in the festivities as the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, the state's Lead Agency on Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord injuries, celebrates 10 years of service to the state of Georgia. The Commission joins with millions across the country in observing and celebrating the 18th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The 10th Anniversary and Annual meeting is being held at Shepherd Center, a center of Excellence in the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Shepherd Center co-founder Alana Shepherd will provide the keynote address to the invited guests. The Reception begins at 4:00 PM and the program concludes at 5:30 PM. The Commission annual meeting begins 2:00 PM and is open for public comment.

The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission has provided grants totaling over ten million dollars to over 2,000 Georgians with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. The Commission and its many collaborative committees have also created and released a new comprehensive Ten-Year State Action Plan that will guide the Commission and collaborating organizations to promote the most productive and independent lifestyles possible for Georgians with disabilities.

This year the Commission honors with its Pathfinder Award four individuals and one family whose dedicated efforts have helped advance the lives of Georgians with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Senator Don Thomas has provided his expertise and leadership to secure a Senate study committee to explore brain injury related neurobehavioral issues for people with traumatic brain injury. Senator Thomas has dedicated many years in the Senate to providing for the best health care possible for Georgians.

Senator Ronnie Chance sponsored legislation in the Senate to add additional revenue through new surcharges from traffic violations for the Trust Fund as did Representative Steve Tumlin in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Rusty Kidd is honored for his contributions as an advocate, donor, and leadership as the Commission's Chairman.

Ben, Charles and Kay Fuller are honored for their dedication and perseverance in a long and often difficult journey as Ben navigated the fractured landscape of services for care after his severe traumatic brain injury.


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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Emory Initiates Program to Train Chinese Spine Surgeons

Illnesses and injuries in the back and neck represent the most costly medical condition for persons ages 18 to 55, and are second only to cardiac disease for medical costs across all age groups. These problems have a dramatic effect on the working population and economy of every country, but present particular problems in the developing world where spine care most often is not available.

To help address this, Emory University School of Medicine and the Emory Spine Center have initiated a new program called the Emory Spine Center for Outreach and Medical Education (ESCOME). This program is under the leadership of executive director William C. Horton, MD, associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Emory. He seeks to combine mentored education and detailed skill transfer training to facilitate the establishment of self sufficient centers for spine care in second-world developing countries, starting with China.

"Atlanta, with its population of over 4 million people, has approximately 25 spine surgery specialists", says Horton. "However, China has nine cities with populations of over 5 million people and there are no spine specialists in any of them".

"ESCOME will bring together Emory's unique assets such as medicine, international education and research programs along with corporate sponsors and other contributing foundations," explains Horton. "The program will provide a standardized and university-certified educational experience for doctors from countries where the need and appropriate infrastructure have been
demonstrated."

Over a three-year cycle, selected surgeons will be brought to the Emory campus and paired with experienced spine surgeons from around the country who will serve as mentors. The mentors will train their partner surgeons in fundamental spine care techniques through an intensive one-month core curriculum.

While trainees are in Atlanta they will be exposed to a cultural learning experience along with their medical training. All of the surgeons will be "adopted" by local families during their stay in much the same way as exchange students. This will enable them not only to totally immerse themselves in the English language, but also will give them an opportunity to learn the customs of the United States, while making lasting friendships with their host families.

The Emory training will be followed by another two to four weeks in the mentors' home facilities. Upon returning to their country, the newly trained surgeons will establish centers for spine care with ongoing weekly support and bi-annual visitations from their mentors.

Emory, in partnership with the Ministry of Health of The People's Republic of China and the Chinese Orthopedic Association, is set to train 12 surgeons in the first ESCOME session. The first group is scheduled to begin training on Sept. 15, 2008, followed by a second group to begin training on Oct. 20, 2008.

Funding comes from the United States and China and includes The Emory Global Health Institute, corporate donations, foundations, private gifts, Chinese hospitals and universities, the China Orthopedic Association and central and province sources in China.