Helping hearts and lungs heal p6 FALL 2023 STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY. STATE-OF-THE-HEART CARE. Back pain? Get a second opinion p4
2 Central Peninsula Hospital Shaun Keef, CEO Central Peninsula Hospital A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Elevating cancer care Photo by Rowena Weathers Over the past decade, Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) has worked diligently to enhance health care services in the region. One such service involves oncology. With the addition of the Central Peninsula Oncology Clinic and upgraded Oncology/ Infusion Center that opened in the River Tower in 2017, CPH has been able to offer advanced oncology services. This has allowed patients the option of staying close to home for their care. Expanding the team CPH recently added two medical oncologists to the team to increase your access to oncology care: David Eilender, MD, and Musaberk Goksel, MD, FACP. They both start in November 2023. They will join the hospital’s Oncology Department, which previously had only one medical oncologist. The recruitment of these two new physicians will improve access and care provided to cancer patients in the region. Dr. Eilender and Dr. Goksel are both experienced medical oncologists who have worked in various health care settings. Dr. Eilender has over 30 years of experience in hematology and oncology, working in both the academic and community settings. Dr. Goksel has close to 17 years of experience in hematology and oncology, has worked in both private practice and hospital settings, and has published several research articles during his career. Adding Dr. Eilender and Dr. Goksel to the Oncology Department at CPH will have a significant positive impact on cancer care in the region. With the addition of these medical oncologists, the hospital will be able to increase its ability to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. This includes the ability to see more patients in a timely manner and provide a more robust cancer program, with the added expertise and experience within the system. The recruitment of these physicians will further enhance the program’s ability to care for patients and elevate patient experience and satisfaction. The Central Peninsula Oncology Clinic and the Ed & Lila Ann Krohn Family Oncology and Infusion Center at CPH are excited about the recent recruitment developments for the hospital and patients alike. With the expertise and experience that Dr. Eilender and Dr. Goksel bring, the hospital will be better equipped to provide high-quality cancer care to patients in need. The recruitment of these physicians is a testament to your hospital’s commitment to providing patient-centered care close to home and the push to be a leading health care provider in the region.
PULSE Fall 2023 3 A necessary talk with your primary care provider When deciding whether to get tested for prostate cancer, it’s important to look at the latest research and expert recommendations. Men should have a thoughtful discussion with their primary care provider (PCP) about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. What is a PSA test? Cells in the prostate gland make a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Both healthy and cancer cells make PSA. The protein is found mostly in semen, but it’s also in blood. PSA tests look for prostate cancer. They are used mainly to screen men without symptoms but also for men who have possible cancer symptoms. The chance of having prostate cancer increases with a higher PSA level, but there is no magic number that determines whether you have cancer. Pros of screening Early prostate cancers typically don’t cause symptoms, so most are found as a result of screening. Early-stage cancers are likely to be easier to treat. Cons of screening The PSA test can provide inaccurate or unclear results. For example, most men who do not have prostate cancer have a PSA level under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood, but a level under 4 is not a guarantee that you don’t have cancer. It’s your decision Men who opt to test for prostate cancer should do so at age 50 if they are at normal risk. If you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer at an early age, start screening at age 45. If you’re at higher risk, with more than one first-degree relative who’s had prostate cancer, start testing at age 40. Talk with your PCP to decide if screening for prostate cancer is best for you. Don’t have a PCP? At Central Peninsula Hospital, we believe access to care is central to our mission, and we are proud to offer better access to primary care. Our practices accept all payer sources—from Medicare to private insurance without exclusions or restrictions—and we have family practices in both Kenai and Soldotna. PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website cpgh.org. CEO: Shaun Keef External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. The pros and cons of prostate cancer screening Make an appointment Call 907-714-4111 to get started on your health care journey today.
4 Central Peninsula Hospital Spine conditions can be complicated, causing neck, back, leg and arm pain along with numbness, tingling and even weakness. Many patients are confused about whether they need surgery after seeing their physician, surgeon, chiropractor or pain doctor, or therapist. They might ask: ● What surgery—discectomy, laminectomy, fusion, disc replacement? ● Who should do the surgery? ● Would it be neurosurgery or orthopaedic spine surgery? ● Do I even need surgery? ● My neighbor had injections and has no pain. Would that work for me? ● My dad had spine surgery and can’t walk anymore. Could that happen to me? ● My co-worker had neck surgery and was back at work the following week. How soon will I be able to work again? Get a second opinion Getting a second opinion can help patients understand that surgery is needed—or why surgery is or is not an option. Spine problems are not all the same, and what may be best for one patient with spinal stenosis may not work for your spinal stenosis. Likewise, the disc herniations that a radiologist notes on your MRI report do not necessarily need surgery. MRI reports vary significantly with the radiologist performing the reading and often describe things unrelated to neck or back pain, or sciatica. Sometimes things that are causing pain are found by the surgeon reviewing the images themselves. With all of the findings listed on an MRI report, how does a patient understand which spinal operations are performed or offered, and how can patients be sure which is best for them? If you’re not sure what to do with this, there are specialists to consult, including orthopaedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain specialists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians. According to one study, almost 60% of second opinions differ from the first. Variations in training, time between opinions, and symptom onset can cause opinions to differ. A second opinion should include a review of a patient’s medical history, imaging, conservative care, and why the doctor’s opinion is similar to or differs from what another physician has suggested. Patients should not feel that they have to be rushed into surgery—true surgical emergencies that require surgery today or tomorrow are extremely rare. Surgery may still be recommended for conditions such as herniated discs, stenosis or deformities; however, a different approach may be possible. Seek a SECOND OPINION It’s a crucial step for informed decision-making about spine surgery
PULSE Fall 2023 5 S. Craig Humphreys, MD, moved to Alaska with his parents in 1969 at the age of 6. His mom was an elementary school teacher in Anchorage, and his dad was an engineer in the military before working at Alaska Sales and Service. Dr. Humphreys graduated from Dimond High School in 1981. Dr. Humphreys completed his medical school and residency training at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois, then went on to complete an Orthopaedic Spine Fellowship under Howard An, MD, at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He has been a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon since 1996. Dr. Humphreys was the recipient of the Sofield Traveling Fellowship residency award and traveled to Sapporo, Japan; Hong Kong; and Beijing, China, to train under leaders in spine surgery. He practiced in Tennessee for 16 years before returning home to found Kenai Spine in 2011. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored a book called Spine Pearls, and obtained or filed more than 60 patents for spinal surgery techniques and innovative medical devices related to spinal surgery. Dr. Humphreys is the founder of the Carolyn Jane Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization named in memory of his mom. He first traveled to Africa in 2012, and over the past 11 years, he has fostered a team of medical professionals, many of whom are from Alaska, to build a sustainable spine program. The team works with CURE International Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, to provide free spine care for the people of this underserved area. Dr. Humphreys and his wife, Julie, have three grown children. He enjoys hiking, fishing, flying airplanes and exploring everything Alaska. Susan Reed, PA-C Susan Reed is a certified physician assistant. She graduated from Midwestern University in Illinois in 2004 and began working at Northwestern Medicine Orthopaedics. There, she assisted with various orthopaedic surgeries and cared for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She joined Kenai Spine in 2017, bringing her expertise to spine patients of the Kenai Peninsula. She enjoys spending quality time with patients, educating them on spine diagnoses, procedures and recovery. Surgery can be intimidating, but a second opinion can help patients feel confident and informed in decision-making regarding their health care. Call on the experts If you or someone you know is considering having spine surgery and would like the opinion of fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeons with over 60 years of combined experience, please call Central Peninsula Kenai Spine. We look forward to helping you get back to life! How to reach us: 907-714-5770 Meet our providers S. Craig Humphreys, MD Central Peninsula Kenai Spine 240 Hospital Place, Suite 104 Soldotna, AK 99669
6 Central Peninsula Hospital Struggling with sleeping? If you’re not sleeping well, it can affect many aspects of your life—from your mood to your physical and mental health. To help you find the underlying cause of your sleep issues, Central Peninsula Sleep Center offers the latest techniques and technologies for studying sleep disorders and is an Accredited Facility Member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Central Peninsula Sleep Center uses painless and noninvasive techniques, looking for such things as muscle tension, leg movement and breathing. In our comfortable lab, we monitor sleep patterns, ranging from blood pressure to brain wave activity. Your doctor uses this information to determine the right course of treatment for you. The most common diagnosis is sleep apnea, which is a condition where breathing stops repeatedly throughout the night. If left undetected and untreated, some sleep conditions can lead to more dangerous health conditions, so it is important to speak to your health care provider if you think you might have a sleep disorder. If it is determined that Unlock the power of pulmonary care Transform lives and empower your loved ones!
PULSE Fall 2023 7 For those living with an illness of the lungs, the Respiratory Care team at Central Peninsula Hospital is here to help. They can educate patients and treat a wide range of conditions locally— something that members of the community might not be aware of. “We have offered cardiopulmonary services for years right here in Soldotna,” says Angela Oyler, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care, Durable Medical Equipment, the Sleep Center and Cardiac/ Pulmonary Rehabilitation. “So we want our community to know they can get the care they need right here on the Peninsula.” There are many illnesses that require cardiopulmonary services. These diseases may include: ● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ● Chronic bronchitis. ● Asthma. ● Bronchiectasis. ● Bronchiolitis. ● Cystic fibrosis. ● Post-COVID-19. ● Pulmonary fibrosis. ● Pulmonary hypertension. ● Sarcoidosis. ● Allergies. ● Respiratory infections. Neurological issues that affect breathing include: ● Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ● Myasthenia gravis. ● Guillain-Barré syndrome. To help patients living with—or at risk for—these illnesses or others that affect the lungs, respiratory therapists work with specialty and primary care providers to perform the testing needed to create personalized care plans. “We provide acute care on the hospital side,” Oyler explains, “but we also provide diagnostics, rehab and education as part of ongoing management of pulmonary conditions. It’s all centered around trying to help our patients regain their quality of life and then maintain it as long as possible.” The full range of cardiopulmonary services available at CPH includes: ● Holter monitors. ● Overnight oximetry. ● Home oxygen testing. ● Respiratory care. ● Pulmonary function testing. ● Sleep studies. ● EEGs. ● EKGs. ● CPAP and BiPAP setup and supply. Pulmonary function testing Pulmonary function testing (PFT) shows how well lungs are functioning to help diagnose and treat lung disorders. CPH has the latest PFT technology to ensure that results from the test are accurate and provide the best insight into lung health. “We encourage anyone who needs PFT to get it done here,” Oyler says. “It’s a noninvasive test that tells us a lot about what kind of care the patient needs going forward.” Once your visit is complete, test results are sent to your medical provider. From there, if you are diagnosed with a lung issue, the PFT lab also offers patient education on the proper use of respiratory medications and breathing techniques that may benefit people with different disease processes. “We provide hands-on care that is personalized for each individual based on their diagnosis,” Oyler says. you will need CPAP or BiPAP to treat your sleep apnea, our sleep durable medical equipment team is here to help provide instruction and service your equipment. Regain your rest For more information about sleep disorders or the Sleep Center at Central Peninsula Hospital, call 907-714-4439. Experts who care If you or someone you love has ongoing breathing issues, get help from our skilled teams, led by Angela Oyler, RRT. Call 907-714-4433 to reach her, or call 907-714-4436 to schedule a pulmonary function test.
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 Dreaming of a good night’s sleep? Our Sleep Center can help. See page 6. Our feet and ankles play a vital role in supporting our overall health and wellbeing. They let us stand, walk, run, exercise, balance and much more. And we can be hard on them. Most of us log a stunning 75,000 miles on our feet by the time we’re 50 years old. That’s a lot of wear and tear. So it’s not unusual for problems to develop in either the feet or ankles, and when they do, Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist has a new doctor here to help. The clinic is delighted to introduce Joseph Knight, DPM, a highly skilled surgical podiatrist dedicated to providing top-notch foot and ankle treatments. From Northeast to Northwest Originally hailing from a small country town in Central Pennsylvania, Dr. Knight brings a rich background and a deep commitment to our community. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University–Idaho, he pursued his passion for podiatry at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Ohio. Dr. Knight then completed a rigorous three-year foot and ankle surgical residency at the esteemed Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, Indiana. During his training, he had the privilege of learning from both orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons, acquiring a diverse range of surgical techniques to address all foot and ankle conditions. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Knight treasures his role as a loving husband and a father of four rambunctious boys. When he’s not providing exceptional care to his patients, he can be found immersing himself in the world of sports, particularly hockey and football. Dr. Knight also finds solace in the great outdoors, indulging in activities like hiking, fishing, hunting and rock climbing, as well as exploring different corners of the world through international travel. With his expertise, compassionate approach and passion for helping patients achieve optimal foot and ankle health, Dr. Knight is ready to make a positive difference in the lives of our valued patients. We warmly welcome him to Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist Clinic, and we invite you to experience the exceptional care he provides. Need an appointment? Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist accepts new patients without a referral. We will work hard to accommodate your schedule and make an appointment that is convenient for you! For visits at our Soldotna or Homer office, call 907-714-5312. Joseph Knight, DPM 240 Hospital Place, Suite 103 Soldotna, AK 99669 907-714-5312 New doctor brings help for hurting feet Central Peninsula Foot & Ankle Specialist welcomes Joseph Knight, DPM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=