healthline CyberKnife Women s Health Nationally Acclaimed Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

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1 Discover More at Stamford Hospital healthline CyberKnife Breakthrough Cancer- Fighting Technology Women s Health Nationally Acclaimed Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Pediatrics Renowned Pediatric Specialists at Children s Specialty Center Volume 7 Summer 2008 Issue 2

2 A Message from Our President and CEO It s true we re a community hospital, but our doctors continue to push the limits of what can be done here at Stamford Hospital. We have risen to another level altogether with the opening of our new CyberKnife Center, which is the only one of its kind in the area, including Fairfield and Westchester Counties. The already acclaimed physicians at our Women s Breast Center have earned recognition for operating a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. And our Children s Specialty Center continues to expand we now have accomplished pediatric specialists coming from top academic medical centers to see children locally, so families won t have to travel for expert care. We re still a hometown hospital but we re now bringing cutting-edge care to our community. It s truly the best of both worlds. Top Cardiologists Now at Stamford Hospital Brian G. Grissler President and CEO Esteemed Montefiore cardiologists Kevin Ferrick, MD (left) and John Fisher, MD (right) now perform electrophysiology procedures at Stamford Hospital. Both are nationally recognized for their innovative research and teaching activities. Dr. Ferrick is an assistant professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has been named to the Best Doctors in New York, Best Doctors in America and America s Top Cardiologists lists multiple times. Dr. Fisher, Director of Montefiore s Holter/ECG Department and also the Cardiology Training Program, is Professor of Clinical Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

3 Table of Contents 2 Did you know Stamford Hospital offers all this? The new CyberKnife - Center the world s only radiosurgery system to treat tumors anywhere in the body with pinpoint accuracy, including brain, spine, lung, pancreas and prostate cancer. Women s Health the Women s Breast Center has achieved national recognition from the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. Pediatric specialists from the top academic medical centers, representing subspecialties from ophthalmology to gastroenterology to genetics and more, provide expert care right at the Tully Health Center. 5 healthline 1

4 Two days after treatment ended, Scott was on the golf course playing 18 holes with friends, and a few months later he was fly-fishing for salmon in Canada. Bringing Hope to Stamford Patients With the opening of The CyberKnife Center at Stamford Hospital this May, there is new hope for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery. This CyberKnife technology is the world s first and only radiosurgery system designed to treat cancerous and non-cancerous tumors anywhere in the body with pinpoint accuracy. By delivering radiation beams from virtually unlimited positions, the CyberKnife System can treat tumors in the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, and prostate. To date, CyberKnife has been used to treat more than 40,000 patients at over 100 institutions globally, including many of the world s most prestigious cancer centers. Stamford Hospital proudly joins these ranks, and becomes the only provider of this technology in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, as well as the most convenient and accessible system to patients in New York City. CyberKnife gives us the ability to offer hope to patients who might not have many other options, said Dr. Frank Masino, Stamford Hospital s Director of Radiation Oncology. In doing so, we can offer a proven, safe and effective form of treatment that, until now, has not been available in our area. The CyberKnife System is a non-invasive, image-guided robotic surgery system designed to continuously track and detect tumor location, and correct for tumor and patient movement during treatment. The system directs radiation beams onto tumors from virtually any direction with extreme accuracy to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. Other patient benefits of this new technology include: Pain-Free Treatment. CyberKnife can be administered without the need for anesthesia. Superior Comfort. The system s frameless design eliminates the pain and inconvenience associated with invasive head and body frames. 2 stamfordhospital.org

5 CyberKnife technology gives us an edge in treating tumors that might otherwise be difficult to reach. It ensures the highest possible quality of care for our patients. CyberKnife Is Our multidisciplinary CyberKnife team includes radiation oncologists, surgeons, medical physicists, radiation therapists and a medical dosimetrist, in addition to a dedicated CyberKnife nurse coordinator. Breakthrough Cancer Technology Minimal Side Effects. There are virtually no side effects, and because the system is non-invasive, patients face minimal risk and few post-treatment complications. Patient Convenience. With an advanced planning system, treatment can be scheduled at the patient s convenience and can be completed in as few as one to five visits. Quick Recovery Time. CyberKnife treatments are performed on an outpatient basis with little or no recovery time, allowing patients to return to normal activities almost immediately and without overnight hospital stays. Consistent with the hospital s multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, the CyberKnife team includes radiation oncologists, surgeons, medical physicists, radiation therapists and a medical dosimetrist. Additionally, patients have the support of a dedicated CyberKnife nurse coordinator, who communicates with physicians and keeps the patient informed every step of the way, from planning through treatment. The opening of The CyberKnife Center, which is operated in conjunction with the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center, represents Stamford Hospital s dedication to make excellent cancer treatment available in our community, added Dr. Masino. This latest technological innovation will give us an edge in treating tumors that might otherwise be too difficult to reach and, in doing so, ensures the highest possible quality of care for all our patients. The CyberKnife Center at Stamford Hospital is located at the Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court, in Stamford. For more information, please call or log on to healthline 3

6 Join our Women s Premier Plus Program. Free Membership if you sign up now! (see reply card below) Stamford Hospital s Breast Imaging Center Earns Recognition as One of the Nation s Best Stamford Hospital has joined the elite ranks of the nation s top breast care prevention and treatment resources, having been named by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, one of just five in the entire state of Connecticut. To be a Center of Excellence, a hospital must have state-of-the-art screening equipment and proficiency in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. The designation establishes that the Women s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital provides services, expertise and equipment at the highest level of quality when compared with other centers around the country. Research confirms that a key indicator of quality in healthcare is volume and experience. We do more mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI than any other center in Fairfield County. And our scheduling is fast and responsive. You won t have to wait months for a mammogram. If you have to undergo more extensive testing or treatment, you ll have the focused Caren Greenstein, MD, and Donna-Marie Manasseh, MD, Co-directors, Women s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital support of our nurse coordinator, highly skilled care from a female surgeon with fellowship training in breast surgery, and all the expertise and patient care resources of Stamford Hospital s renowned Bennett Cancer Center. For more information or to make an appointment at the Women s Breast Center, please call Introducing Women s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery New to Stamford Hospital is a center dedicated to minimally invasive gynecology. Now all women with a gynecological condition requiring surgical intervention can consult with experts on whether a minimally invasive surgical approach is appropriate treatment for them. Compared to what women may have previously experienced with gynecological surgery, for instance hysterectomy or for cancer, this is a radically different experience, says Lance Bruck, MD, Stamford Hospital s Chairman of OB/GYN and director of the Women s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. Minimally invasive surgical approaches create a far smaller incision, resulting in less pain and discomfort, faster recovery and fewer complications. According to Dr. Bruck, minimally invasive surgical approaches can be used for the vast majority of women s surgeries, including benign gynecological procedures, urogynecology, gynecologic oncology and reproductive endocrinology. For more information on the Women s Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, please call HER (4437). Lance Bruck, MD Stamford Hospital Chairman, Obstetrics & Gynecology 4 stamfordhospital.org

7 Renowned Pediatric Specialists Now at Stamford Hospital Pediatric General Surgeon, performs surgical procedures on children of all ages, infancy through adolescence. The Children s Specialty Center, now open at Stamford Hospital s Tully Health Center, brings the very best pediatric specialists to our community. Parents no longer have to travel to New York, New Haven or further to find the best care for their child. We ve assembled a team of highly qualified doctors most with faculty appointments at top-ranked medical institutions including Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and Connecticut Children s Medical Center to deliver expert care in a child-friendly setting. Pediatric Cardiologist, treats children with heart disease and other cardiac abnormalities. Pediatric Endocrinologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children who have hormonal disorders such as hyperor hypo-thyroid function, growth problems, early or delayed puberty, disorders of calcium and bone metabolism, and obesity. Pediatric Gastroenterologist, evaluates and treats children with digestive disorders, food allergies and bowel problems. Pediatric Geneticist, provides diagnosis and genetic counseling for children with known or suspected inherited disorders, birth defects or developmental delays. Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infants and children with blood disorders, cancer, and malignant or benign tumors. Pediatric Neurologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavior disorders. Pediatric Neurosurgeon, specializes in surgical procedures involving the nervous system, including the brain. Pediatric Ophthalmologist, provides screening for vision problems, prescriptions, treatment and, when necessary, surgery. Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, provides special expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system including congenital defects (such as club foot), developmental hip problems, neuromuscular deformities (such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscle disease) and sports injuries. Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with chronic and acute respiratory disease, including asthma and sleep apnea, using an extensive array of specialized pulmonary function test equipment, including exercise testing. Pediatric Rheumatologist, specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of children with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. Pediatric Spine Surgeon, evaluates and prescribes surgical or non-surgical treatment options for patients who are diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and other spine related disorders. Pediatric Urologist, evaluates and treats genito-urinary conditions, including birth defects, infections, voiding problems and hernias. For more information or to make an appointment at the Children s Specialty Center, please call WELL (9355). healthline 5

8 Highlights from Our Community Events Calendar Fun, Educational Programs about Health and Lifestyle for the Entire Family Classes offered: Ladies Night Out! Grab a friend and join The Health and Fitness Institute for a fun evening filled with benefits for your health. The cost is $10 per class or 4 classes for $30. Everyone in the community is welcome. Classes are held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the Brace Auditorium at the Tully Health Center. Class size is limited. Register at the front desk of The Health and Fitness Institute or call Please arrive early. Classes start promptly at 7:00 pm. What to wear: The most important thing to wear is comfortable workout attire. Most people wear sweat pants, exercise pants, or shorts and a T-shirt as well as comfortable athletic shoes. What to bring: Bring a towel or yoga mat, a water bottle, your energy and your attitude (it just makes it more fun). Group Groove June 26 from 7:00 8:30 pm September 25 from 7:00 8:30 pm If you can move you can Groove. You ll stomp, flick, wiggle, hip and hop, snap, shimmy, shake, slide, glide, smile and laugh your way through this 60 minute fitness dance program. Experience a fusion of club, urban and Latin dance styles with motivating chart-topping hits and retro classic tunes. Supportive, funky, easy-going instructors help you Get A Move On! with Group Groove. No dance experience necessary grab your friends and come ready to move and have some fun. Back Plus July 24 from 7:00 8:30 pm The Back Plus program is designed to reduce excess muscle tension. This is not your traditional exercise program! Excellent for relief of low back ache, neck and shoulder problems, and stress related discomforts such as anxiety and sleeplessness, just to name a few. Elaine Petrone, author of the bestselling book Miracle Ball Method, will be the instructor. Restorative Yoga August 28 from 7:00 8:30 pm Restorative Yoga is an excellent program based on yoga stretches and breathing. The positions are gentle and relaxing as your muscles melt back into alignment. You will feel energized and relaxed. A must try! 30 Shelburne Road P.O. Box 9317 Stamford, CT non-profit org. u.s. postage paid permit no. 174 stamford, ct