MedNotes

A Note from the President and CEO

Dear Colleagues: 

I’m pleased to share this edition of MedNotes (formerly LifeNotes), our biannual newsletter highlighting the work of our talented physicians, researchers and educators. 

This is the first edition to go out since the launch of our new name as Brown University Health, a change that reflects our deeper alignment with our academic medical partner. We’re confident our new identity will enhance our ability to attract and retain top students and world-class physicians, building our regional and national profile and supporting top-quality patient care, medical education and biomedical research. 

The range of cutting-edge treatments and services highlighted here, from new technology to address lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, to a groundbreaking study on deep brain stimulation, is a testament to the exciting, innovative work already happening every day across our organization. 

I hope you’ll take a moment to read about the new Center for Advanced Lung Care, which aims to provide life-changing care for chronic lung diseases. You can find information about contrast-enhanced mammography to better visualize potential cancers, which we are the first in the state to offer—just as we are the first to offer dual source CT scanning, to get better images while delivering less radiation to patients. Our nationally recognized pediatric behavioral health services are attracting new grants for unique research on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, and our physicians are sharing new research on immunotherapy for rare clear cell carcinomas. 

I’m proud to share this snapshot of the impressive work happening in every corner of our health system, and excited to build broader awareness of the innovators who are bringing tomorrow’s treatments to our patients today. Thank you for your continued partnership in caring for patients, educating the next generation of healers, and shaping the future of medicine. 

Kind Regards, 

John Fernandez 

President and CEO, Brown University Health

Rhode Island Hospital Now Offering Full Range of Care for Lung Diseases and Cancer

Rhode Island Hospital is now offering several programs for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and lung disease, providing patients with a full range of integrated treatments and services. 

“Brown University Health is committed to investing in world-class physicians and facilities to bring the most comprehensive, innovative thoracic surgery and treatment for lung diseases to the people of Rhode Island,” noted Sarah Frost, chief of hospital operations and president, Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s. “We want to offer our patients an unparalleled experience, combining the expertise of our elite team with the latest technology to provide the highest quality care with the best outcomes.” 

Several programs for thoracic services are now available at the hospital, including:

• Center for Advanced Lung Care, one of a handful of centers in the country able to provide the most advanced, comprehensive care for patients with advanced lung and heart-lung diseases and unexplained difficulty breathing. 
• Lung Cancer Screening Clinic, which uses low dose CT screening to detect lung nodules in at-risk patients. As 95 percent of these are non-cancerous, incidental pulmonary nodules, pulmonologists at the Center for Advanced Lung Care can monitor these patients. 
• Thoracic Multidisciplinary Clinic (MDC), offering a team-based approach to treat patients diagnosed with lung cancer. This clinic brings together nationally recognized leaders and care specialists from multiple departments for comprehensive treatment and research. The Thoracic MDC offers:
  • The most advanced immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, which carry cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. 
  • Next Generation Molecular Pathology Testing. This allows for the fastest possible testing of lung cancer tissue to detect genetic changes and the prescription of gene-targeted drug treatments, also known as “precision medicine.” 
  • Sophisticated radiation oncology services, including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), including respiratory gated treatment to reduce normal lung radiation exposure, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and endobronchial brachytherapy. 
  • Access to the latest clinical trials, many of which are led by researchers at the Brown University Health Cancer Institute.
• The Thoracic Surgery Center at Rhode Island Hospital, under the leadership of internationally renowned surgeon Abbas El-Sayed Abbas, MD, specializes in treating lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic malignancies. The center offers advanced surgical options and houses the region’s first dedicated thoracic surgery suite. This state-of-the-art facility allows patients to undergo diagnosis, staging, and surgery with a single anesthetic. The suite is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a surgical robot, cone-beam CT scanner, robotic navigational bronchoscope, and endobronchial ultrasound, providing highly advanced and individualized care.

Center for Advanced Lung Care Opens

Brown University Health is now home to the Center for Advanced Lung Care (CALC). Under the direction of Corey E. Ventetuolo, MD, MS, FAHA, this new program offers comprehensive care for patients with advanced lung and heart-lung diseases and unexplained difficulty breathing, including:

•  All forms of pulmonary hypertension. 
• Acute and chronic pulmonary embolism, including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). 
• Interstitial lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. 
• Advanced airways disorders such as severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 
• Lung disease, sleep disorders, or respiratory symptoms in pregnant women. 
• Advanced diagnostic approaches for lung nodules or masses. 
• Ongoing support for patients who survived an Intensive Care Unit hospitalization that required mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal life support.

The new CALC is one of only a handful of centers in the United States, and the only center in southeastern New England that offers the most advanced, specialized treatments. 

“Our goal at the CALC is to return patients to the highest quality of life possible,” said Dr. Ventetuolo. “For an individual who is homebound with severe shortness of breath, treatment could be transformative. Our center can provide them the opportunity to return to work, travel, and enjoying daily life.”

Advanced treatment options

The CALC follows a multidisciplinary approach to patient-centered care, with a team of pulmonologists, intensivists, cardiologists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, and cardiac and thoracic surgeons along with nurses, respiratory therapists, clinical pharmacists, patient navigators, behavioral health specialists, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice providers. 

The center offers all currently available medical therapies for the conditions it treats, including access to clinical trials for novel therapeutics. 

The CTEPH program, led by Christopher Mullin, MD, MHS, offers the full range of advanced treatment options, including pulmonary endarterectomy surgery, considered the most effective treatment, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for patients who are not eligible for surgery.

A patient-centered approach to care 

In addition to its groundbreaking treatment and care, the CALC also provides personalized services for patients and families, including: 

• Nurses, patient navigators, and referral coordinators who help patients with many aspects of their care, and coordinate appointments, develop care plan goals, assist with referrals or admission/discharge paperwork, manage transitions of care, and provide support and education about treatment options. 
• Pharmacists who offer counseling and co-management for complex treatment regimens, medication side effect support, medication reconciliation, and support to access treatment through Brown University Health Specialty Pharmacy. 
• Behavioral health specialists who provide individual and group behavioral health treatment, coordination with palliative care, and psychiatric and psychotherapy referrals for patient and family/caregivers. 
• Social workers who liaise with physicians and psychologists to coordinate and enhance treatment goals, help patients access financial and other health and social assistance, create, and maintain patient and family/caregiver support groups, and help patients with legal documents. 
• Pulmonary and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. 
• Condition-specific support groups, both in person and virtual. 
• Genetic counseling services. 
• Comprehensive pulmonary function testing to assess breathing patterns through functional and imaging studies. 
• On-site echocardiography to assess heart function and advanced exercise evaluation of heart-lung function. 
• A research team that conducts innovative bench-to-bedside research in lung and heart-lung diseases and offers access to clinical trials for the conditions we treat. 

“We are excited to bring this level of care to individuals in our community who are living with lung disease, and we encourage our colleagues to refer patients to us for what can be a life-changing experience,” noted Dr. Ventetuolo.

New Technology Helps Identify Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors

The Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic at the Brown University Health Cancer Institute now offers a new tool to address lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. 

Lymphedema, the buildup of extraneous lymph fluid in the extremities, is a known complication following breast cancer surgery. While it cannot be cured, it can be controlled and managed. The most success at slowing progression comes when it is detected and treated early. 

Now, the new ImpediMed SOZO is an innovative tool that detects lymphedema sooner. This device can identify the amount of extraneous fluid in an at-risk extremity compared to a non-afflicted limb. It is measured using what is known as an L-Dex score. 

Patients receive multiple L-Dex score readings – preoperatively, one month postoperatively and then at every subsequent follow-up. This close, consistent monitoring of the L-Dex offers clinicians the opportunity to quickly identify changes and start treatment immediately. 

“This is a game changer for our patients living with lymphedema,” said Janet Riordan, PT, CLT-LANA, senior adult physical therapist, Brown University Health Cancer Institute. “We believe this will make a big difference for our patients’ quality of life.”

For more information on the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic, visit the website.

Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinic Will Open at Rhode Island Hospital

The new Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinic will open in early 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital, marking the latest addition in the Brown University Health Cancer Institute’s broad range of specialized clinics for patients. 

“The Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinic at Brown University Health Cancer Institute will offer comprehensive care for patients with tumors or other diseases along the base of the skull, pituitary gland, and brainstem,” said neurosurgeon Christine K. Lee, MD, PhD, who is an assistant professor of neurosurgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and serves as the director of the Center for Endoscopic Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery. “Our team of experts will proudly provide the highest level of care to our patients throughout New England via a multidisciplinary approach with close collaboration between specialists. During the same visit, patients can see multiple specialists, for a coordinated and team-based approach to their care.” 

The clinic team will inlcude neurosurgeons from the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists / head and neck surgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, and advanced practice providers and nurses. 

“Our group will treat all lesions and tumors that involve structures of the skull base, including the bone, brain, nerves, and vessels, as well as complex tumors occurring at the intersection of the skull base with the orbit and sinonasal cavity. We will also specialize in the treatment of pituitary tumors in the sellar and parasellar region, which can cause changes in hormone function and vision loss. One unique aspect of our program will be our ability to provide expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumors and skull base lesions to a degree that is unmatched in the region,” added Dr. Lee. 

Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, medications, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Early detection and treatment of skull base and pituitary tumors can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life. 

Some conditions the center will treat include: 

• Pituitary adenomas 
• Pituitary cysts 
• Meningiomas 
• Cavernous sinus tumors 
• Craniopharyngiomas 
• Chordomas 
• Chondrosarcomas 
• Vestibular schwannomas 
• Complex brain tumors 
• Trigeminal neuralgia 
• Craniocervical junction pathologies 
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks 
• Sinonasal tumors 
• Orbital tumors 
• Cholesterol granulomas 
• Epidermoid cysts 

The program will be located in the Ambulatory Patient Center at 110 Lockwood Street, Providence, RI. For more information, visit the website or call 1-844-222-2881. Please contact [email protected] for more information or patient referrals.

Movement Disorders Program Treats First Parkinson’s Patient with Second Side Incisionless Surgery

Neurosurgeons at the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute (NPNI) have been using focused ultrasound (FUS) to perform incisionless brain surgery in patients with essential tremor and some forms of Parkinson’s Disease since 2021. Initial FDA approval was specifically for use on one side of the brain, followed by approval for second side in 2023, giving more patients access to this life-changing treatment. 

“FUS uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound energy to create a small ablation that will disrupt the brain circuit responsible for the tremors,” explained Wael Asaad, MD, PhD, director of functional neurosurgery and co-director of the Movement Disorders Program. “This incisionless procedure is performed while the patient is awake to immediately confirm the optimal treatment effect, which is immediate and long-lasting cessation of tremor with minimal side effects. Compared to deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound has reduced risk of bleeding and infection and enables quicker recovery time.” 

Recently, the center treated its first patient for essential tremor on his second side to address involuntary shaking in both hands. For years, Robert Connelly struggled daily. While he received various treatments, including mediation and electrotherapy at the VA Medical Center, nothing provided lasting relief. That’s when the VA referred Connolly to the experts at the Movement Disorders Program at Rhode Island Hospital. 

In January 2023, Connelly came to Rhode Island Hospital where he underwent his first focused ultrasound treatment for his left hand. Both Connolly and his wife Emily noticed remarkable improvements right away. With his first treatment so successful, Connelly recently underwent a second focused ultrasound procedure for his right hand, also with great results. “I hate to say it, but I’m perfect,” Connelly joked. “Within a day or two, I was cutting the grass.” 

“It is incredibly gratifying to see the amazing, immediate results our patients experience through this procedure. For patients who experience severe and debilitating tremors that impact their daily lives and cannot find relief through medications, this procedure offers an effective, cutting-edge option without the cutting,” added Dr. Asaad. 

Discover more about Connolly’s experience with focused ultrasound in the article and video on the website.

For more information about the procedure or the Movement Disorders Program, contact Dr. Asaad at 401-793-9166 or visit the Movement Disorders Program's website.

Pappas Center First in RI to Offer Contrast Mammography

The Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging is the first in the state to offer contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), an advanced digital mammography technique that increases diagnostic capabilities. CEM offers several benefits, including improved cancer visualization in patients with a recently diagnosed cancer, a history of breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram. 

CEM combines the accessibility of a mammogram with the improved cancer detection capabilities of a contrast-enhanced study. This technique obtains similar information as a breast MRI and is particularly useful in patients who cannot have or prefer not to have an MRI. From the patient’s viewpoint, the only difference with a standard mammogram is the IV placement and the injection of iodinated contrast (the same as used for CT scan) right before the mammogram. 

CEM exams can be performed following a traditional mammogram or ultrasound to gather more information about an area in the breast that appears abnormal. This can be especially important in those with dense breast tissue. 

“This new technique adds to our capabilities to diagnose and evaluate breast cancer, especially in those women with dense breasts,” said radiologist Martha Mainiero, MD, director of the Pappas Center. “By using an iodine-based intravenous contrast agent with a digital mammogram, we are able to see cancers more clearly.” 

Areas within the breast with an increased blood supply are often associated with tumor development. Using a contrast agent offers an enhanced view of the blood vessels and increases the contrast between normal tissue and a potential lesion. By studying mammographic images taken before and after the contrast injection, a radiologist can compare the two and detect changes more easily. 

CEM is indicated for individuals with: 

• Inconclusive mammography results 
• Recently diagnosed breast cancer 
• History of breast cancer 

Like any procedure, it does carry certain risks, including allergic reaction to the contrast agent. As with all medical tests, the risks and benefits are evaluated for each indication. 

“CEM offers many benefits in identifying, diagnosing, and treating breast cancer. It is already positively impacting the lives of our patients,” added Dr. Mainiero. 

For more information on CEM and the Pappas Center, visit the website, call 401-444-7770, or email [email protected].

Center for Health and Justice Transformation Making a Difference

The Center for Health and Justice Transformation (CHJT) is dedicated to advancing health equity in the criminal legal system. The CHJT was founded in 2005 based on the belief that human dignity is a right for all individuals, regardless of their involvement in the criminal legal system. 

“Unfortunately, the incarcerated and justice-impacted populations in our country are the ones who often carry the most burdensome health conditions with the worst outcomes,” said Josiah “Jody” Rich, MD, MPH. Rich, a co-founder of the CHJT, along with Scott Allen, MD, recognized the issues facing the justice-impacted population were not only critical for those individuals, but also had broader implications for overall public health. “We felt we needed to try and draw attention to this critical population that has such a high burden of disease and was in such great need,” said Dr. Rich.

Since its founding, the CHJT has developed a variety of community-based programs to support residents in Rhode Island who are transitioning to life after release. To do so, through the years, the center has focused on building partnerships with a wide variety of organizations, elected officials, healthcare providers, and others throughout the community.

The center is now under the direction of Justin Berk, MD, MPH, MBA, the former medical director for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, and an addiction medicine specialist with the Brown University Health Community Health Institute. The CHJT offers a variety of resources to teach individuals how to combat the potential issues they may face. Programs offered include: 

• Cost relief advocacy. Following incarceration, court fines and fees are a major barrier to reestablishing oneself. Through community cost relief advocacy, the CHJT leads events with community and the judiciary on long-term policy change to lower or waive their financial obligation to the court through legislation. To date, the CHJT has successfully eliminated $2.3 million in court costs for many individuals. 
• Reentry simulations. These simulated experiences of the first four weeks of post-release life give participants a better understanding of the challenges and obstacles faced by individuals reentering their communities after their release from prison or jail. 
• Medical transitions of care. Healthcare is a critical factor for those leaving the criminal legal system. CHJT works to ensure complex patients have insurance and a smooth transition of care when re-entering the community. 
• Advocates and subject matter experts. The CHJT offers access to a wide range of experts in carceral health to address a broad set of issues within the criminal legal system and provides educational programming to policymakers, educators, students, and practitioners working at the intersection of health and justice. 

“The CHJT is at the forefront of addressing health issues facing this at-risk population. We strive to develop initiatives, programs, and education that will bring dignity and better health to individuals impacted by the criminal legal system,” said Dr. Berk. 

“Through the CHJT, we encourage physicians to learn more about the bigger picture of the criminal legal system. Hopefully, they too can commit to playing a part in ensuring that those within the system are treated with the dignity they deserve,” added Carrie Bridges, Brown University Health vice president of community health and equity. 

Learn more about the CHJT and meet its team members on the website.

Gateway to Open Three Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Gateway Healthcare, Rhode Island’s largest non-profit behavioral healthcare provider, has received grants from the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to develop certified community behavioral health centers (CCBHC). Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the objective of the grants was to expand access to much-needed behavioral health services for Rhode Islanders, particularly those who experience health disparities from lack of available resources. 

“Gateway is thrilled to receive CCBHC certification which allows us to offer proven and timely behavioral health and substance use services to individuals throughout the state who are in need,” said Susan Stevenson, director, CCBHC, Gateway Healthcare. “The timing is critical as our communities are facing unprecedented levels of increased substance use and mental health issues.” 

In September 2022, Gateway Healthcare received a four-year, $4 million federal grant to become a CCBHC in the Pawtucket/Central Falls area. Rhode Island then launched an initiative to become a state demonstration site to implement the CCBHC framework statewide. It awarded infrastructure development grants to prepare providers for launching the clinics on October 1, 2024. The state was awarded demonstration status in June 2024 and subsequently has certified Gateway for each of its three regions: Pawtucket/Central Falls, Johnston/Central Region, and Washington County.

The CCBHC model

A CCBHC is an outpatient model that offers a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services to any individual, regardless of their diagnosis, ability to pay, or residence. This transformational approach to delivering services improves community health outcomes, reduces health disparities, and supports providers in delivering higher quality, more sustainable services. 

CCBHCs are known to: 

• Ensure access to integrated, evidence-based substance use disorder and mental health services, including 24/7 crisis response. 
• Meet stringent criteria regarding access time, quality reporting, staffing, and care coordination. 
• Identify health disparities of targeted populations, especially among at-risk populations including people of color, LGBTQ, homeless, domestic violence, veterans, and more. 
• Deliver care that is trauma informed, recovery oriented, culturally competent, and integrated across systems of care. 

“We look forward to being part of the solution to the crisis facing our communities. Our team of outstanding specialists are ready to help in this important effort,” said Stevenson. 

For more information on Gateway Healthcare, visit the website.

Newport Hospital Only Site in State to Offer Dual Source CT

Newport Hospital is the first medical imaging site in Rhode Island to offer Dual Source computed tomography (CT) scanning. This technology allows for reduced radiation and faster scan speeds by using two X-ray tubes and two detectors in a single gantry. 

“We are pleased to offer this technology to our patients. Our new Dual Source Siemens SOMATOM Drive not only gives us vastly improved imaging quality and faster imaging speeds, but it also delivers less radiation to patients,” said Christina Umlauf, director of imaging operations and cardiac testing at Newport Hospital. “We believe the technology will have a great impact on our community and patients within the surrounding area.” 

The SOMATOM Drive contains two new Straton MX Sigma tubes and Sigma generators that boost power and reduce radiation. Both tubes can be used with tin filters for further dose reduction in non-contrast imaging and lung cancer screening. In fact, is the drive is known to have the lowest radiation dose in the market according to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). 

Its core system includes dual four-centimeter, 128-slice detector arrays with state-of-the-art low-dose Stellar Infinity Detectors and provides images at speeds up to 458 millimeters/second for breath-hold free imaging and reduced contrast volumes. The table has a 500-pound weight limit and 78-centimeter bore, and its X-ray tubes provide clear imaging of even the largest patients.

In addition, its advanced packages allow full capability for cardiac imaging with fast results. It is optimized for low-energy imaging that allows for reduced radiation dose and contrast volumes, especially for radiosensitive organs like the breasts and eyes.

“What’s exciting about our new dual CT is that it allows for subtraction of iodine from enhanced images, creating virtual non-contrast images without exposing patients to additional CT radiation. It also gives us the capability to perform triple rule-out studies for myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and aortic dissection in patients presenting with acute chest pain,” said Jason Vachon, MD, vascular and interventional radiologist at Newport Hospital. 

Dr. Vachon also explained that the beta-blocker free imaging ability eliminates the need for pre-procedure workup. “Dual Source enables motion-free cardiac imaging for high heart rates and arrhythmic patients without relying on time-consuming administration of beta blockers,” added Dr. Vachon. 

For more information on Newport Hospital medical imaging and its capabilities, visit the website. 

Pediatric Anxiety Research Center Announces New Grants for One-of-a-Kind Research Studies, Holds Annual Reunion

Bradley Hospital’s Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC) opened in 1999 to assess and treat children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions for children and teens and have a significant impact on all aspects of life. 

PARC’s team of mental health professionals is dedicated to making vital improvements in the lives of children with OCD and anxiety through unique, groundbreaking research studies. The following are some of its recent notable grants and studies.

PARC receives $11M PCORI funding award

PARC received $11 million in funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) (J. Freeman PI) to undertake a groundbreaking study on exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth with anxiety and/or OCD. The study will compare three different methods of delivering outpatient exposure-based CBT for those seeking treatment at partner community health centers across the state. 

While the evidence supports CBT as an effective treatment, access to outpatient services is often limited, especially for youth from historically marginalized backgrounds. As telehealth emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, it offered an alternative to overcome access barriers. However, which delivery method is best for whom is still to be determined.

 This study will include 500 children and adolescents between ages five and 18 over 72 months and will compare three approaches to delivering outpatient exposure-based CBT: 

• In-person, including office and home/community-based sessions 
• Telehealth 
• Flexible model, offering a combination of telehealth and in-person sessions 

“It has been our goal to take the work of PARC outside of primary hospital and academic settings,” said Jennifer Freeman, PhD, director of PARC at Bradley Hospital and professor of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “This funding will allow for meaningful partnerships with numerous community health providers so we can expand high-quality anxiety treatment for youth who have been historically underrepresented in clinical science and underserved in clinical practice.” 

Through the study, PARC aims to set a new standard for pediatric anxiety treatment and improve outcomes by increasing equitable access to care for youth with anxiety, determining which treatment method works best for whom, and establish a service model that can be used across the country.

Bradley Hospital is first to study brain stimulation for OCD treatment

PARC at Bradley Hospital has received $6 million in National Institute of Mental Health funding to study transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for children and young adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with OCD; however, research in this area has not yet been extended to children, making this the first study in the nation. 

The study will assess how OCD symptoms and brain functioning might change following daily treatment for two weeks with TMS and CBT. Participants will be individuals ages 12 to 21 with OCD, a time in life when OCD symptoms can be particularly disruptive. 

“Previous research has shown that specific brain networks operate differently in people with OCD. Unfortunately, CBT, the leading talk therapy treatment for OCD, relies on those brain networks to be effective,” said Kristen Benito, PhD, principal investigator and research and quality improvement lead at Bradley Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “Our goal is to learn whether we can improve the effectiveness of CBT by using TMS to optimize functioning in those brain networks. If we’re successful, this could lead to a new treatment option for children and young adults with OCD.” 

To learn more about this study, please call 401-432-1662 or visit the PARC website.

Annual PARC reunion

PARC recently held its annual reunion for graduates of its partial program for OCD and related disorders. Once again, the event was a huge success, drawing 200 former patients and their family members, including many from out of state. The event offers an opportunity for youth and their families to come together with staff and other graduates to celebrate their achievements since graduating from PARC. 

“Each year, we look forward to this reunion, as it is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and the effectiveness of PARC's program. It is an opportunity to celebrate its success with those who benefit so greatly from this unique approach to treatment for our patients – young people with OCD and anxiety,” said Jennifer Freeman, PhD, director, PARC. 

Contact PARC if you have questions. For partial programs for OCD and related disorders, call 401-432-1588. For outpatient services, call 401-432-1469. For additional information about the program and research, visit the PARC website.

Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute Earns Highest Rating from Society of Thoracic Surgeons

The Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute has earned a three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), in recognition of its exceptional patient care and outcomes in isolated mitral valve replacement and repair (MVRR) surgery. The three-star designation has been achieved by only three percent of thoracic surgery programs, placing the institute among the elite for MVRR surgery in the United States and Canada. 

“Taking care of patients’ cardiovascular disease is a team sport that involves a multitude of practitioners working collaboratively. At the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, we have all these pieces of the puzzle performing at a very high level to give patients the outstanding care they need, and that translates to the excellent quality results we have had,” said Afshin Ehsan, MD, director of minimally invasive cardiac surgery and director of quality at the institute. 

Additionally, the institute ranked in the 90th percentile for operative mortality in aortic valve repair (AVR), MVR, mitral valve (MV) repair and AVR/coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The latest analysis of data for MVRR surgery covers a three-year period from July 2020 to June 2023 and includes 130 patients. 

The STS star rating system is one of the most sophisticated and highly-regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare, rating the benchmarked outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery programs in the United States and Canada. The star rating is calculated using a combination of quality measures for specific procedures performed by an STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database participant. 

Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center Opens New Training Apartment

For decades, the Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center (VRC) at Newport Hospital has provided unparalleled care to improve patients’ function and mobility following an injury or illness. The VRC team relies on their expertise combined with the latest available technology and techniques, including a newly opened functional apartment for training. 

The VRC created its new mock apartment to help patients and their families safely prepare for a return home. They redesigned one of the inpatient rooms as a more typical home setting, with a table and chairs, private bathroom, recliner, and a sofa-bed. 

The training apartment gives the patient and their families/friends an opportunity to practice the skills they have acquired in rehab in a safe environment prior to returning to their home environment. If they experience any difficulties or issues, they can solve problems with their rehab team before they are home on their own. 

Patients who are nearing the end of their stay at the VRC and who have a goal to live independently or who need training with a caregiver to help them at home are typically selected to use the training apartment. There, a primary caregiver can use the pull-out couch to adjust to sleeping with their patient and get a feeling for how to assist the patient with nighttime activities such as using the bathroom, preparing for bed, or getting washed and dressed to start the day. This way, there are no surprises when they get home. 

The table and chairs can be used to practice carrying dishes and setting the table for meals or to sit and access their laptop, or play cards, to name a few of the skills patients will use when they return to life at home. 

“Our rehabilitation team is committed to offering the best possible care for our patients. This unique setting gives the team another tool to help our patients regain their independence and feel confident and secure as they return to their lives,” said Melissa Fournier, PT, director of inpatient rehabilitation services. 

The VRC also recently earned reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its exceptional care in both the inpatient hospital adult and inpatient hospital stroke specialty programs. It offers a wide range of technology and unique approaches to helping patients recover, including a wearable robotic exoskeleton to assist with earlier mobility and an indoor model car to help patients practice getting in and out safely. A new outdoor therapeutic space will also open soon. 

Visit the website for more information on the VRC and its technology and services.

The Miriam Hospital STI Clinic Offers New Treatments

The Miriam Hospital’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic provides quality care to address sexual health needs in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. The clinic maintains strict confidentiality with its patients, and offers convenient, affordable, and reliable testing and treatment. 

The clinic recently expanded its breadth of services and now includes: 

• Hepatitis C screening and treatment 
• Oral and injectable birth control 
• Emergency contraception 
• Gender affirming care 
• Cervical cancer screenings 
• Pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections 

The clinic is located at 180 Corliss Street, Suite F. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 401-793-4715. Learn more about the STI clinic on the website.

The Miriam Hospital Again Receives High Rankings and National Awards

The Miriam Hospital’s reputation for excellence continues as evidenced by a recent myriad of high rankings and awards.

“The Miriam Hospital is committed to providing our patients with outstanding, high-quality care. Our recent achievements could only be accomplished through the work of our dedicated team of professionals and support staff. Thank you for all you do,” said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president, The Miriam Hospital, and chief quality executive, Brown University Health. The following are some of The Miriam’s recent accomplishments:

• The Spine Center at The Miriam Receives Center of Excellence Designation. The Spine Center at The Miriam Hospital has earned an Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS) from The Joint Commission, making it the first program in the region to earn an advanced certification. The hospital’s Spine Center underwent a rigorous two-day survey by The Joint Commission with “zero findings,” making it an accredited Spine Center of Excellence. Read more in this news release.
• U.S. News & World Report's 2024-25 Best Hospitals. The Miriam Hospital was named the top hospital in Rhode Island in the U.S. News and World Report 2024-25 list of Best Hospitals. The Miriam was also awarded “high performing” scores in specialty care. Read more in this news release.
• Five stars from CMS. Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) use star ratings to rank hospitals. The assessment is based on 46 quality measures. This year, 120 fewer hospitals received the five-star ranking. The Miriam is the only hospital in Providence to achieve the top ranking, and one of only three in Rhode Island. Read more here.
• Designated among Becker’s “Great Hospitals in America.” Becker’s Hospital Review annual list of the “Great Hospitals in America” recognizes hospitals for their clinical excellence, commitment to patient safety, innovative initiatives, research efforts, education, and high levels of patient satisfaction. The Miriam Hospital was listed this year among the best in the country. See the full list here.

Hasbro Children’s Named Among Best in Country, Obtained Level I Surgery Verification

Hasbro Children’s has continued to build its reputation as a leader in pediatric care since it opened its doors in 1994 with numerous awards and accolades. Recently, the hospital achieved national ranking for its endocrinology program and as a Level 1 children’s surgery center.

America’s best children’s hospitals 

Hasbro Children’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024 for pediatric endocrinology. The ranking is based on hospital quality metrics and the results of a nationwide survey of healthcare professionals and hospital managers with pediatric care knowledge, a patient experience survey, and a patient-reported outcome measures implementation survey. 

“The division of pediatric endocrinology at Hasbro Children’s is committed to providing the community with first-rate quality care, treating each child as an individual, and prioritizing research to learn more about the effects of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Being identified as one of the country’s best children’s hospitals in endocrinology is confirmation of the comprehensive clinical care our team delivers to children and their families,” said Phyllis Dennery, MD, pediatrician-in-chief and medical director, Hasbro Children’s. 

The ranking is a tribute to the pediatric endocrinology team. “We have a passionate and dynamic multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, medical assistants, and administrative staff who work closely with patients’ families and the community at large to manage diabetes and other endocrine diagnoses. Our goal is to provide the best care possible, and this designation is terrific validation of our efforts,” said Jose Bernardo Quintos, MD, director of the Diabetes Outpatient Education Center and division chief of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at Hasbro Children’s. 

Read the news release here. The full Newsweek awards list can be viewed here.

American college of surgeons level 1 children’s surgery center verification

Hasbro Children’s has been verified as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The designation, the highest ACS award available for quality of care, is given as part of the ACS’ Children’s Surgery Verification (CSV) Improvement Program, which addresses the surgical care of infants and children. 

Hasbro Children’s, the only Level 1 verified children’s surgery center in Rhode Island, is among only 50 surgery programs nationwide to have attained Level 1 verification and one of only three children’s surgery centers in New England. 

The CSV Program recognizes institution-wide excellence in patient care, collaboration, and quality improvement processes. It also addresses gaps in surgical care to achieve better clinical outcomes, from relatively simple to high-risk and complex procedures, including:

• Trauma care (Hasbro Children’s is also an ACS-verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center) 
• Neonatal surgery 
• Intussusception 
• Pyloric stenosis 
• Appendicitis

“Being recognized as a Level 1 children’s surgery center is an acknowledgement of the expertise, efforts and dedication of our exceptional staff,” said Francois Luks, MD, PhD, pediatric surgeon-in-chief and division chief of pediatric surgery. “It really is about us having a whole system of specialists and subspecialists at Hasbro Children’s working collaboratively as a team and continually learning from each other. That is what has enabled us to build a spectacular center of excellence and provide our patients with progressive, top-notch care year after year.” 

Hasbro Children’s ACS verification as a Level I children’s surgery center extends through 2026. To learn more about the certification, visit the website.

Newport Hospital Celebrates Awards and Certifications

Newport Hospital has been providing award-winning care to its patients for more than 150 years and that legacy continues.

Magnet recertification 

Newport Hospital first received Magnet certification in 2004, signifying its commitment to excellence in nursing and quality patient care. Only about 10 percent of hospitals receive this designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center – the highest credential a healthcare organization can achieve. This year, it achieved its fifth recertification, a feat achieved by only one percent of hospitals. 

“To receive a fifth consecutive Magnet recognition for nursing excellence is an amazing accomplishment and honor,” said Sarah Nekrasz, MSN, RN-BC, interim chief nursing officer, director of the Center of Professional Practice and Innovation, and Magnet program coordinator, Newport Hospital. “For 20 years, Newport Hospital has held this designation. It is affirmation of the hard work, dedication, and care that our team provides to our patients and this community. I offer the entire team my congratulations.”

You can learn more about our Magnet status here.

Total Joint Center acquires advanced certification and new technology

For the first time, Newport Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's prestigious Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Certification. This achievement recognizes the Newport Hospital Total Joint Center’s commitment to providing superior orthopedic care, meeting rigorous performance standards, and achieving the highest standards of patient safety and quality. 

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, focuses on pre-surgical orthopedic consultations, rehabilitation activities post hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, and follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon. It highlights several key benefits for patients, including enhanced patient care, improved outcomes, patient-centered approach, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

“This is an incredible achievement for the Total Joint Center at Newport Hospital,” said Valentin Antoci, MD, PhD, medical director, total joint replacement program at Newport Hospital. “This advanced certification, achieved through the hard work and dedication of our multidisciplinary team, reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and our resolve to deliver exceptional, patient-centric care.” For more on the certification, read the news release.

Orthopedic surgeons at the Total Joint Center have focused on new technology, including robotics and sensors or smart knee implants to improve patient outcomes and follow the latest advancements in the field. The newly introduced Persona IQ knee implants can capture gait metrics including functional range of motion (ROM), step count, and walking speeds after the surgery. This incredible technology allows the care team to remotely monitor patients' post-op progress and provide real time insight and feedback. Learn more on the Total Joint Replacement website.

Baby-Friendly recertification

The Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital has carried the distinction of receiving Baby-Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and UNICEF since 2003, and just received its fifth designation. The designation recognizes Newport Hospital’s commitment to providing an optimal environment for the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding. Hospitals are awarded this status only when trained, independent evaluators have determined that all hospital practices meet the rigorous Baby-Friendly standards. 

“We are honored to again receive this designation, which we have held since 2003. It is a testament to the outstanding care that the birthing center team offers to new mothers and their newborns,” said Sharon Ryan BSN, RNC-OB, clinical manager of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. Learn more about the Noreen Stonor Drexel on the website.

Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grade A

Once again, Newport Hospital has achieved an “A” rating from the Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grades report. The semi-annual ratings are assigned to hospitals based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections, and other preventable harms. 

“Newport Hospital has again been recognized with the highest safety ranking from the Leapfrog Group. This is evidence that the safety of our patients is top priority, and is at the heart of everything we do,” said Jeffrey Gaines, MD, FACEP, chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs, Newport Hospital. “This is validation for our extraordinary team and their commitment to best practices and the safest, highest quality care.” 

Learn more about the Leapfrog grade here. Visit the website to learn more about Newport Hospital’s awards and recognition.

Aurora Pryor, MD, MBA, Appointed Surgeon-in-Chief at Rhode Island and The Miriam Hospitals

Aurora Pryor, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS, is the new surgeon-in-chief at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals. She will also serve as chair of the department of surgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and as president of Brown Surgical Associates.

Dr. Pryor is a nationally and internationally known expert in minimally invasive bariatric and foregut surgery, surgical education, and medical leadership. She assumes the role from William Cioffi, MD, who retired this past summer. 

“I am honored to have this opportunity to work with an incredible group of surgeons and providers here at Brown University Health and Brown Surgical Associates. I have been very impressed with the talent for patient care, teaching, and research across all the practice’s divisions,” Dr. Pryor said. “I am confident that our surgical care will continue to be recognized for excellence and a focus on our patients.” 

Dr. Pryor joins Brown Health after most recently serving as surgeon-in-chief at Long Island Jewish Hospital, system director for bariatric surgery at Northwell Health, and professor of surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell. She earned both her undergraduate degree in engineering and medical degree from Duke University, where she also completed her residency and a minimally invasive surgical fellowship. Following her training Dr. Pryor joined the Duke faculty, taking on progressive leadership roles. In 2011, she relocated to Stony Brook University, where she held several key administrative positions. 

Her extensive work includes more than 250 publications, and she remains actively involved in research, with a focus on innovation in bariatric and gastroenterology surgery and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Pryor’s current research efforts focus on advancing laparoscopic bariatric and GI surgery techniques and outcomes, and on new technology in surgery. She has actively engaged in several FDA trials and offers her patients the latest treatment options. 

In addition to publications, Dr. Pryor has co-edited four textbooks; given more than 300 presentations worldwide; and received several research grants. She also holds patents for several surgical technologies, including the Transenterix SPIDER single port system. 

Dr. Pryor sees patients at 2 Dudley Street, Suite 470, and 195 Collyer Street, Suite 302. She can be reached at 401-553-8348 or 401-270-7710.

Clark Chen, MD, PhD, Named Director of Brain Tumor Program

The Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute and the Brown University Health Cancer Institute recently announced the appointment of neurosurgeon Clark C. Chen, MD, PhD, as director of the brain tumor program. 

In his new role, Dr. Chen will serve as the director of the brain tumor program and co-director of the stereotactic radiosurgery program. He is also a professor of neurosurgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

"As the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute continues its pursuit of excellence and the highest of standards, we welcome Dr. Chen to our team. His remarkable expertise and dedication fortify our team, ensuring unparalleled care for our patients, and setting a new benchmark in the region," noted Ziya L. Gokaslan, MD, neurosurgeon-in-chief at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals. 

Chen brings nearly two decades of experience in prominent academic neurosurgery practices. Most recently, he served as the chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota. Also, an NIH RO1-funded investigator, Chen’s research focuses on developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for brain tumor patients through DNA repair modulation and gene therapy. 

“Dr. Chen is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon who specializes in the surgical treatments of brain tumors, and it is our pleasure to welcome him,” said David E. Wazer, MD, oncologist-in-chief, radiation oncology at Rhode Island and The Miriam hospitals. “With Dr. Chen's expertise and dedication, we are poised to advance our mission of providing exceptional care and groundbreaking research in the fight against cancer.” 

Dr. Chen earned both his medical and doctoral degrees in genetics from Harvard Medical School. He completed a clinical fellowship in stereotactic neurosurgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and another in radiosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. His neurosurgical training included an internship in surgery and residency in neurosurgery, also at Massachusetts General Hospital, with a post-doctoral fellowship at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 

Dr. Chen has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is consistently recognized with awards, honors, and prizes by national and international organizations for his outstanding administrative leadership, innovative clinical care, and excellence in research. 

"I am honored to be joining the distinguished ranks of the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute and the Brown University Health Cancer Institute. I look forward to collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team, dedicating ourselves to patient-centric care in the realm of glioblastomas and brain tumor treatment,” Dr. Chen commented, adding, “My unwavering commitment is to elevate patient care by intertwining brain tumor research and pioneering clinical trials, extending our impact from Rhode Island to broader horizons.” 

Learn more about the brain tumor center.

Alexis C. Lawrence, MD, Appointed Medical Director, Newport Hospital Emergency Department

Alexis Lawrence, MD, has been named medical director and chair of Newport Hospital’s Emergency Department. An emergency medicine specialist, she is also an attending physician at The Miriam and Newport hospitals, and an associate professor at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 

“We are so pleased that Dr. Lawrence has accepted this new role. Her experience as an emergency physician and respected physician leader makes her the perfect choice for this role,” said Jeffrey Gaines, MD, MHCM, FACEP, chief medical officer and vice president, medical affairs, Newport Hospital. “We are confident that she will help us continue to improve the world-class care and efficiency in our emergency department, benefitting patients and providers.”

In her new role, she will focus on optimization of emergency department care, oversee quality and safety activities, and coordinate with community providers to ensure appropriate care of all patients.

Lawrence brings many years of experience with Brown Emergency Medicine to the role, including several administrative positions. She served assistant program director and director of its quality and patient safety program, as well as assistant medical director for the Andrew F. Anderson Emergency Department at Rhode Island Hospital.

“I look forward to working with the incredible emergency department team at Newport Hospital to offer our community the outstanding care they deserve while improving our systems and delivery of care,” said Dr. Lawrence.

Lawrence earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha, and completed her residency in emergency medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, serving as chief resident in her final year.

Don Dizon, MD, Presents Clear Cell Carcinoma Trial Results at Annual ASCO conference

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists annual conference, held in June 2024, is the largest and most prestigious forum for the publication and presentation of the results of clinical trials in oncology. 

In a highlight of this year’s conference, Don Dizon, MD, director of the pelvic malignancies program at Brown University Health Cancer Institute, presented the results of a clinical trial on gynecologic clear cell carcinomas. These rare and aggressive malignancies have lower overall response rates and worse survival when compared to serous carcinomas, more commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancers, particularly arising in the ovary or the uterus. 

In BrUOG 354, Dizon and colleagues demonstrated that immunotherapy represents an important and available treatment option for such cases. Of 30 people who received the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab on this trial, 10 had a response, five of whom had a complete response. More notable, the responses were durable, with three people continuing treatment beyond two years. In contrast, two of 14 people treated with single agent nivolumab had a partial response. 

“We can now see that immunotherapy is an option to treat people with these rare cancers. It is a reminder that the standards of care we have relied upon may not always be the right one for each patient, for each type of tumor,” said Dr. Dizon. You can see the study abstract here.

Wael Asaad, MD, PhD, Part of National "RESTORE" Trial to Study DBS Plus Rehab in Stroke Patients

Rhode Island Hospital will be one of three initial sites to take part in a groundbreaking national study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) plus rehabilitation in individuals with impaired hand function due to a stroke. Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute neurosurgeon Wael Asaad, MD, PhD, will lead the local arm of the Cleveland Clinic’s “Rehab with Electrical Stimulation Therapy to Optimize Rehabilitation Effect (RESTORE): A Pivotal Study.” 

“The RESTORE Stroke Study is designed to help individuals with weakness and reduced hand movement due to stroke regain a significant degree of hand function,” explained Dr. Asaad, director of functional neurosurgery and the epilepsy program and co-director of DBS. “Early cases, prior to this pivotal trial, have yielded positive, exciting results. Through this integrated Phase II/III trial, we hope to garner FDA approval for DBS plus rehab for treating those patients.”

Candidates for the five-year study are adults ages 21 and older who have had ischemic stroke, with an initial incident occurring between 12 months to six years before implant, resulting in upper extremity weakness. The RESTORE Stroke Study combines two phases of study under one protocol (pilot/pivotal). The first phase has a sample size of 40 subjects. The second phase will have an estimated sample size of 162 subjects. 

For the study, each subject will be implanted with an electrode in the cerebellum and will undergo DBS program optimization. Patients will then be randomized to test treatment (Tt) or active-control treatment (Ct). After randomization, all subjects will participate in a five-month outpatient rehabilitation therapy program. 

After five months of blind randomized testing, subjects assigned to active-control treatment (Ct) will cross over to receive test treatment (Tt) and participate in a second five-month therapy program. 

“We have seen first-hand the power DBS has to help so many patients. We are excited to be part of this rigorous, revolutionary study that has the potential to bring relief to many survivors who are struggling with the disabling effects of stroke,” added Dr. Asaad. 

For more information, contact the Department of Neurosurgery at 401-444-6682.

Bradley and The Miriam Hospitals Awarded $4.2M for Phase II of ENRICH Healthy Hearts Program

Bradley and The Miriam hospitals received $4.2 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct the second phase of their groundbreaking Early Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health of Mothers and Children (ENRICH) program. This multi-phase study, in partnership with California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), is designed to enhance cardiovascular health and address health disparities affecting both mothers and children up to age five from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

“Maternal morbidity and mortality rates have risen across the United States, and cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death among pregnant and postpartum people,” said Stephanie Parade, PhD, director of early childhood research at Bradley Hospital. “There are deeply concerning racial and ethnic disparities in maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease risk. Our goal with this initiative is to identify and implement effective interventions to counter these troubling trends.” 

In Rhode Island, the ENRICH program will be implemented statewide. The research team will collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Health’s existing home visiting program to engage families already receiving care and ensure the program is seamlessly integrated into existing services. Through home visits, clients will receive education and support to help meet their goals of cardiovascular health, including healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep. 

“We recognize that home visiting programs offer a valuable opportunity to reduce health disparities,” said Rena Wing, PhD, director of the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center at The Miriam Hospital. “By embedding our intervention into these established programs, we aim to foster cardiovascular health in young children that will have lasting benefits throughout their lives.” 

The new Phase II funding will enhance the home visits that are designed to promote cardiovascular wellness among mothers and their children and support the ENRICH program’s goal to reduce health inequities and improve long-term health outcomes. Learn more about the ENRICH program and its initiatives on their website.

Orthopedics Institute Receives $1.3 Million Grant to Study Neuromuscular Response to Competing ACL Surgeries

Principal investigator Jillian Beveridge, PhD, assistant professor in the department of orthopedics bioengineering laboratory, has received a $1.3 million National Institutes of Health grant for a multi-year study of the neuromuscular response to competing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. This is an ancillary study to an ongoing randomized clinical trial called BEAR-MOON. 

Working with fellow Rhode Island Hospital researchers and physicians, Braden Fleming, PhD, Janine Molino, PhD, and Brett Owens, MD, along with University of Texas Health Collaborator Payam Zandiyeh, PhD, the study will determine whether bridge-enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR) conserves neuromuscular and kinematic function unlike the standard of care, ACL reconstruction. 

“This new ligament surgery stimulates the ACL to heal and has shown promise in reducing post-surgical osteoarthritis in preclinical animal models. We believe the new surgery restores the native ACL and its neural elements that normally provide information about joint function to the central nervous system, while conventional surgery does not,” said Dr. Beveridge. 

She explains that the parent BEAR-MOON randomized clinical trial will determine if the new surgery is at least as good as the conventional one, while the ancillary study will show whether, and how, the new surgery restores muscle and joint function. 

More information can be found on the orthopedics bioengineering lab and BEAR-MOON Trial websites.

Spine Surgeons Alan Daniels and Bassel Diebo Among Authors of “Best Papers” at Spine Society Annual Meeting

Congratulations to spine surgeons Alan Daniels, MD and Bassel Diebo, MD, of the Brown Spine Research Laboratory and Brown University Health Orthopedics Institute. They were among the authors of the two “Best Papers” at this year’s annual North American Spine Society Meeting. 

The first paper looked at Two-Year Revision and Adjacent Segment Disease After Degenerative Spinal Fusion and Impact of Segmental Lordosis Restoration. The second was Epidemiology of Recreation-Related Cervical and Thoracic Fracture. The Miriam Spine Program enrolls patients into multiple prospective research trials. You can read the papers on ScienceDirect and The Spine Journal.