LifeNotes | Autumn 2019

The Miriam Hospital, Minimally Invasive Urology Institute Ranked Nationally by U.S. News & World Report

The Minimally Invasive Urology Institute (MIUI) at The Miriam Hospital has been ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report on their list for 2019-2020. Among 1,495 programs in the country, urology services at The Miriam placed 27th—the top 2 percent of programs nationwide and the second highest ranking in all New England. This is the first time any Brown University Health or non-Brown University Health service in Southern New England has made this national listing. We received this distinction largely by excelling in three important areas: low complication rate, high patient satisfaction, and our ability to help our patients recover faster.

In addition to this prestigious honor, U.S. News & World Report named The Miriam Hospital 2019-2020 best regional hospital, top hospital in Rhode Island, and top hospital in Providence. We also earned distinctions for high performance in 10 procedures and specialties, including hip and knee replacements; diabetes and endocrinology; gastroenterology and GI surgery; geriatrics; neurology and neurosurgery; pulmonary and lung surgery; COPD; colon cancer surgery; and heart failure.

The MIUI provides state-of-the-art care for a wide range of urologic conditions, from kidney stones to BPH to prostate, bladder, and ureter cancers. To refer a patient to the nationally recognized MIUI, please call 401-793-5400.

Brown University Health Urgent Care Makes its Debut

The first of several planned Brown University Health Urgent Care locations recently opened its doors in Warwick, offering a multitude of services for common medical conditions. A program of Brown Health Medical Group, the urgent care center provides treatment to adults and children 18 months and older. Among the injuries and illnesses that are treated are colds and flu, earaches, sinus infections, fractures and sprains, cuts, burns and upset stomach. It also offers sports physicals and flu shots.

Olivier Gherardi, DO, and Bobby Hingorani lead Brown University Health Urgent Care as medical director and director of urgent care operations, respectively. “We’re equipped to provide lab services and flat-panel X-rays, which allows us to accurately diagnose certain conditions and start treatment promptly and effectively,” says Dr. Gherardi. “As an added benefit, Brown University Health Urgent Care is a great resource to then direct those patients who need further care to the right channels, whether that’s back to primary care, or to more focused care, such as therapy, mental health services, or other specialists.”

No appointment is needed, but patients can also register online and reserve a time slot at LifespanUrgentCare.org. The center at 17 Airport Road in Warwick is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and most holidays. A second location opened in Middletown in November, offering the same state-of-the art facility and treatment options.

Newport Hospital Emergency Department Nearly Doubles Space

Newport Hospital’s recently expanded emergency department increases the number of beds, physical size, and patients served. The completed expansion brought the number of beds from 17 to 29, increased the size 20,000 square feet, and allows for a capacity of 40,000 patients annually. The new unit includes a 4-bed behavioral health pod, a clinical decision unit for observation and a tripling of the triage space. The behavioral health pod provides a discreet and private area for patients with addiction and mental health issues, which in the last three years makes up 8 percent of emergency room visits. A clinical decision unit has been deemed a best practice for patients who need extended observation but who do not require admission, making this addition a major improvement to the department.

The expansion comes in response to a large increase in annual patients served, due in part to growth in tourism and an aging population on Aquidneck Island. The last renovation of Newport Hospital’s ED took place 20 years ago; its size and capacity served only 22,000 patients annually, not covering the increasing number of patient visits seen in recent years—up to 33,000 annually. The new space has doubled its previous capacity, with more than enough beds and lounge areas to comfortably accommodate the Aquidneck Island and South County patient base.

Hasbro Children’s Launches Every Child, Every Day Campaign

Hasbro Children’s celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year by launching the public phase of the Every Child, Every Day fundraising campaign. The campaign comes in response to the need to renovate the healing spaces in Hasbro Children’s and fund various programs at Bradley Hospital. “The phrase every child, every day embraces the heart of what we are trying to accomplish with our campaign. From revitalizing healing spaces that match the excellent care we deliver, to enhancing programs and research endeavors vital to the future of our patients and families, we stand committed to reaching our goals,” says Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s. Bradley Hospital’s new $2 million welcome center is a result of the fundraising efforts from this campaign. The campaign has raised $26M so far, leaving $9M until they reach their goal of $35 million.

Donate to Every Child, Every Day.

HeartFlow Lowers Care Costs and Increases Diagnostic Accuracy

Brown University Health Medical Imaging at Newport Hospital has introduced a new diagnostic tool for heart disease. Newport Hospital is the first in the state to adopt HeartFlow Analysis, a first of its kind, noninvasive technology for diagnosing coronary artery disease. The system collects patient data from a noninvasive coronary CTA and uses that knowledge to create a digital 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries. The device uses computer algorithm to simulate blood flow and assess the impact of blockages to the heart. After just a few hours of calculation, HeartFlow sends the information via a secure web interface, allowing the physician to see the extent of a patient’s arterial blockage to identify those who require a more invasive treatment.

This is groundbreaking technology, as other diagnostic techniques have low accuracy rates or require invasive methods. HeartFlow Analysis eliminates the need for patients to undergo a diagnostic cardiac catheterization, an invasive procedure, or a non-invasive but potentially less accurate nuclear stress test. The use of HeartFlow has also reduced the cost of care by 26 percent, due to its ability to determine a patient’s need for an expensive surgery.

To refer a patient for HeartFlow Analysis, please call Brown University Health Medical Imaging at Newport Hospital at 401-444-7770.

New Pediatric Epilepsy Program Launches at Hasbro Children’s

Under the leadership of Luca Bartolini, MD, Hasbro Children’s launched the Pediatric Epilepsy Program to service pediatric patients who suffer from the most common neurological disorder worldwide. The team of experts in pediatric neurology treat patients with epilepsy with medical interventions, surgery, implant devices, and nutritional therapies. “Our mission is to achieve early diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment tailored to the individual needs of each child with compassion, excellence in care, and by efficiently implementing strong collaborations across specialties,” says Dr. Bartolini. Medical interventions for epilepsy continue to evolve, so if caught early, the prognosis can be manageable, with freedom from seizures and a normal quality of life.

For more information or to refer patients to the Pediatric Epilepsy Program, call the Children’s Neurodevelopment Center at 401-444-5685.

Comprehensive Spine Center Offers Two New Treatments

Two novel minimally invasive treatments have been introduced at the Comprehensive Spine Center: balloon kyphoplasty and indirect spinal decompression with an interspinous spacer device.

Balloon kyphoplasty is an approach to the treatment of vertebral compression fractures and has the potential to help large numbers of patients, including those with osteoporosis and other degenerative compression factors, which generally occur with aging. This procedure is minimally invasive and allows patients to recover faster, thereby retaining mobility that would otherwise be limited and could lead to further medical problems. The procedure is done with either IV sedation or general anesthesia by placing needles into the fractured vertebrae, through which a balloon is inserted into each side of the compressed area of the vertebral body. The balloons are inflated, then deflated and removed. The cavity created is then gently filled with cement, which hardens quickly and lifts the collapsed bone back to a more normal position to restore height to the fractured bone and lessen pain. Alexios Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH, FAAPMR, FAAOE, FFSMB has already successfully performed many of these procedures on a wide range of patients, including a very active 90-year old Newport resident, who suffered from an acute spine fracture while exercising. The procedure gave her near immediate relief of pain and suffering, and restored her ability go home, exercise, and walk up and down stairs, which she was unable to do before the procedure. The Comprehensive Spine Center offers this treatment in the Comprehensive Spine Center in both Newport and Providence.

Indirect Spinal Decompression is a new minimally invasive procedure in which a device called an interspinous spacer is implanted between the vertebrae to indirectly decompress spinal stenosis and relieve symptoms of neurogenic claudication, which includes pain or pressure with standing or walking, which is relieved with bending forward. This option is best for patients whose symptoms have not been well controlled with physical therapy, medication or spinal injections. This is a much less invasive option than traditional direct spinal decompression surgeries, such as lumbar laminectomy and/or fusion. This spacer device is inserted between two adjacent vertebral levels, offering indirect spinal decompression. It gives patients an option in a continuum of care, which also includes medications, physical or occupational therapy, spinal injections, and surgery. This procedure has excellent long-term data to support it, and Dr. Carayannopoulos has treated many patients with this option, all of whom have experienced relief of pain with standing and walking, otherwise known as “neurogenic claudication.” Rhode Island Hospital is currently the only hospital in the state, and Dr. Carayannopoulos is the only provider in the state, to offer this procedure to patients.

To refer a patient to the Comprehensive Spine Center, call 401-444-3777 for Rhode Island Hospital or 401-845-1190 for Newport Hospital.

Urology Expands Reconstructive Services with Addition of Dr. Cancian

The Minimally Invasive Urology Institute (MIUI) at The Miriam Hospital increases patient capacity with its expansion of minimally invasive reconstructive services and a new physician. Madeline Cancian, MD, who completed her residency at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital and a fellowship in genitourinary reconstructive surgery at Emory University Hospital, joins the team to see patients who require reconstructive procedures. Her areas of expertise include both male and female pelvic and genital reconstructive procedures including male urethral reconstruction, recto-urethral and vesico-vaginal fistulas, radiation injury sequelae, blunt and penetrating trauma, artificial urinary sphincters, genital plastic surgery, buried penis, hidradenitis, reconstruction/diversion following spinal cord injury, and complex female pelvic floor reconstruction following mesh complications of erosion/fistula. In September, Dr. Cancian, along with Dr. Gyan Pareek, performed Southern New England’s first robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty using a buccal mucosa graft.

To refer a patient for reconstructive services at the MIUI, call 401-793-5400.

Center for Bariatric Surgery Once Again Named a Center of Excellence

The Center for Bariatric Surgery at The Miriam Hospital has been named a Center of Excellence by the Clinical Sciences Institute of Optum. Centers of excellence are evaluated on positive patient outcomes and cost effectiveness, and the criteria for designation are set and reviewed by Optum and a national panel of industry experts. “We are able to provide great care because our team of surgeons, dietitians, nurses, and specialists focus on excellence every day. This recognition and the various accolades we have received over the years is a testament for the high-quality care and outcomes of our program,” says Siva Vithiananthan, MD, chief of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. The Miriam’s Center for Bariatric Surgery has been recognized by Optum each year since 2015.

To refer a patient to the Center for Bariatric Surgery, call 401-793-3922.

The Total Joint Center Gets Gold Seal of Approval

This year, Brown University Health Orthopedics Institute's Total Joint Center once again received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement. The Total Joint Center is the region’s highest volume program for total hip replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement procedures - with clinical and quality outcomes that rank among the best in the nation. “This designation is a reflection of our established program and its continued focus in providing our patients and community with state-of-the-art orthopedic care in a safe, efficient, and caring environment, with world-class outcomes,” says John A. Froehlich, MD, program director of the Total Joint Center at The Miriam Hospital. This certification focuses on transitions of care, from consultation, to surgery, to rehabilitation activities. This recognizes that the Total Joint Center upholds the quality, consistency, and safety standards set by The Joint Commission.

To refer a patient to the Total Joint Center, call 401-793-5852.

Adult Partial Program at Rhode Island Hospital Expands

The Adult Partial Program at Rhode Island Hospital has increased its capacity to see new patients by expanding to the newly-renovated third floor of the Potter Building for program activities. The program provides short-term intensive treatment to individuals with acute psychiatric concerns. After completing a day of treatment, individuals return home for the evening for minimal disruption to their daily routines. The expansion will grow the number of patients served via the Adult Partial Hospital Program by 28 percent.

The partial hospital program offers a Borderline Emotional Acceptance and Regulation (BEAR) track, a specialized treatment for patients with borderline personality disorder. BEAR emphasizes mindfulness-based interventions, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), through group therapy, psychiatry, and aftercare planning.

To make a referral, or for more information, call 401-444-2128.

New Service Locations

Brown University Health Cancer Institute Services Now Available in Lincoln

Brown University Health Cancer Institute unveiled a new location in Lincoln, Rhode Island in September 2019. The 7,000-square-foot state-of-the-art suite opened its doors to the community to expand cancer services to residents of Lincoln and the surrounding areas. The experienced and dedicated team includes oncologists, nurse navigators, infusion nurses, and social workers who provide a full range of medical oncology services, including physician visits, specialty care, oncology services, and lab draw stations. The facility is conveniently located off George Washington Highway and offers accessible free parking.

Brown University Health Cancer Institute Lincoln is located at 701 George Washington Highway, Suite 101, Lincoln, RI 02865. Please call 1-844-222-2881 for more information.

New Brown University Health Ambulatory Care Center Coming Soon to Providence

Brown University Health has added another multipurpose building for patient services at 180 Corliss Street in Providence. The newly renovated site will house a multitude of services, including Brown University Health Pharmacy, Brown University Health Laboratories, Men’s Health Center, The Miriam Hospital Infectious Diseases and Immunology Center, Anchor Medical, and more.

This new location will be Brown University Health Pharmacy’s third. It will offer a full range of services: patients will enjoy free home delivery, courtesy refills, and scheduled or walk-in vaccinations. All Brown University Health services at this location will be opening in early 2020. Brown University Health Pharmacy is located at 180 Corliss Street, Suite A, Providence, RI 02904. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 401-606-8030.

Newport Orthopedics now in Portsmouth

Newport Orthopedics has expanded its services to a second location on Aquidneck Island. Our full range of orthopedic services is available, but our physicians are especially focused on sports medicine, fracture care, and joint replacement. Orthopedic surgeon Ross Budacki, MD, welcomes new patients in Portsmouth, and Rolf H. Langeland, MD, continues to see patients at the Newport office. Joint replacement specialist Michael D. Mason, DO, joined Newport Orthopedics full time this summer and sees patients in Newport.

The new office is located at 77 Turnpike Avenue, Portsmouth, RI 02871. For more information, call 401-845-1474.

LPG Ophthalmology Adds New Providers and Site in East Providence

Brown Health Medical Group Ophthalmology has added a second location at 950 Warren Avenue in East Providence. The full spectrum of ophthalmology services is available, from treatment of common eye conditions to surgical interventions.

LPG Ophthalmology welcomes three new providers who will see patients at both locations: Tatiana Bakaeva, MD; Jamie Schaefer, MD; and Celine Saade, MD. Each provider brings expertise in different ophthalmologic areas. Dr. Bakaeva specializes in neuro-ophthalmology, including ocular stroke and optic nerve disease; Dr. Schaefer in oculoplastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic ocular surgery; and Dr. Saade in macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and topical glaucoma therapy.

LPG Ophthalmology’s new office is located at 950 Warren Avenue, Suite 302, East Providence, RI 02914. To make a referral, or for more information, call 401-444-6551.

LPG Gastroenterology Welcomes New Providers and Opens New Locations in Smithfield and Cranston

In addition to the established East Providence location, Brown Health Medical Group Gastroenterology brings their services to centers in Smithfield and Cranston. Like the East Providence location, the new gastroenterology sites offer a full range of medical treatments for digestive diseases and conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, and colon.

Brown Health Medical Group Gastroenterology also welcomed two new providers to the team. Shannon Simmons, MD, and Thomas DeNucci, MD, see patients in East Providence and Smithfield. Dr. Simmons specializes in colorectal cancer screening and prevention, and Dr. DeNucci treats various gastrointestinal diseases. Sarah M. Hyder, MD, sees patients in Cranston as well as East Providence.

The new centers are located at 41 Sanderson Road, Suite 202, Smithfield, RI 02917 and 1500 Pontiac Avenue, Suite 101, Cranston, RI 02920. To refer a patient, or for more information, call 401-606-4260.

Henry T. Sachs III, MD, Appointed Bradley Hospital President

In October, Bradley Hospital appointed Henry T Sachs, MD, to the role of president and chief medical officer. Dr. Sachs has served as chief medical officer for child psychiatry and behavioral health at Bradley Hospital since 2007 and interim president since June of 2019. He has been a pediatric psychiatrist at Bradley for more than 25 years, specializing in autism and developmental disabilities. Dr. Sachs is credited with overseeing the expansion of many clinical services, including the creation of multiple partial programs and the Bradley Clinical Research Unit.

Dr. Sachs is an assistant clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He is a graduate of the Brown-Dartmouth Medical Program and completed his residency and fellowship at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University.

As president, Dr. Sachs will report directly to Brown University Health President and CEO, Timothy J. Babineau, MD. He will continue to serve as CMO and work towards maintaining a coordinated system-wide child behavioral health service line.

Dr. Jeffrey Gaines Appointed CMO of Newport Hospital

Veteran emergency department physician Jeffrey Gaines, MD, has been named vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer of Newport Hospital. Dr. Gaines worked in Newport Hospital’s emergency department for ten years, serving in numerous leadership roles, including medical staff president in 2016-2017.

Dr. Gaines is also a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh affiliated hospitals, where he was named chief resident.

As CMO, Dr. Gaines plans to bring new ideas to fruition while still maintaining the hospital’s continued excellence. He is working towards a master’s degree in health care management at Harvard University.

Dr. Mary Minn Named Associate Chief of Anesthesiology

Mary Minn, MD, has been appointed associate chief of the department of anesthesiology at Newport Hospital. She has been the co-director of the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Rhode Island Hospital since 2018. Dr. Minn is also a clinical instructor of anesthesiology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

As associate chief of anesthesiology, Dr. Minn is responsible for providing guidance to the total joint replacement program at Newport Hospital. She serves on three committees that are responsible for governing the Total Joint program: the Executive Steering Committee, the Surgeons Committee, and Shared Governance. Dr. Minn’s role is essential to the success of the program as she guides the clinical team in providing the best care possible to our patients.

Dr. Minn completed her residency in anesthesiology at NYU Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. She completed a fellowship in obstetrical anesthesiology at NYU Medical Center and a fellowship in pain management at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and SUNY Buffalo hospitals. Her research interests were the pharmacokinetics of intrathecal fentanyl in labor.