Great Life Makeover on Health Corner
(Published: 11-01-09, Health Corner) Drs. Daniel Monti and Anthony Bazzan of the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative
Medicine were featured on Lifetime Television’s Health Corner about their book the Great Life Makeover. The doctors along
with two of their patients explained how midlife doesn’t have to be a struggle and should actually be very fulfilling. Lifetime
Television has an audience of over 96 million in the US.
Media Coverage:
Lifetime - Health Corner
Halloween still a treat for diabetic kids
(Published: 10-30-2009, USA Today) Dr. Martha Zeger, a Jefferson-Nemours pediatrician, was quoted in a USA Today article about
how diabetic children, and their families, deal with the difficulties of Halloween. Dr. Zeger recommended, “kids can save
their candy for the "Halloween Fairy, who "will magically leave a toy in the place of the candy.” A patient of Dr. Zeger was
also featured in the story.
Media Coverage:
USA Today
Clowning Touch
(Published:10-26-2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer) Dr. Richard Wender, chair of Family and Community Medicine, and some medical students from Jefferson Medical College were
quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer article on the use of humor in medicine. The article included several pictures and was featured
on the cover of the Health and Science section.
Media Coverage:
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Women Struggle to Quit Depo-Provera
(Published: 10-26-2009, ABC News) Dr. Louis Weinstein, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was quoted in an ABCNews.com story
on the pros and cons of women who take the birth control shot Depo Provera. Many women who have taken the shot experience
overwhelming side effects once they stop. Dr. Weinstein believes that the withdrawal symptoms have numerous factors not just
stopping the shots.
Media Coverage:
ABC News
FDA-Approved Drug Helps to Treat Brain Tumors
(Published: 10-23-2009, NBC40) Robin Stoloff's Health Update on NBC 40 put the spotlight on Adam P. Dicker, MD, PhD to discusses
the new FDA-Approved Drug that Helps to Treat Brain Tumors.
Media Coverage:
NBC40
New Blood Thinners
(Published: 10-20-2009, Philly.com) Dr. Geno Merli, chief medical officer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, was featured
in a Philadelphia Inquirer cover story on new blood thinners that are coming to market. Dr. Merli, a nationally known vascular
expert, believes the new batch of drugs is “promising but said their value in real-life clinical practice remained to be seen.”
A picture of one of Dr. Merli’s patients accompanied the article.
Media Coverage:
Philly.com
Treating the Torment of Ringing in the Ears
(Published: 10-14-2009, Philly.com) Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external source is present.
Often described as "ringing in the ears," it affects as many as 50 million people in the United States. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention report that one million new cases of tinnitus are identified each year, 200,000 of which are severe.
Tinnitus symptoms can negatively impact normal daily activities and can lead to additional medical conditions, such as anxiety,
depression, sleep deprivation and elevated stress.
The Jefferson Balance and Hearing Center of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the first hospital in Philadelphia to offer the FDA-cleared Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. This therapy is proven to
interact, interrupt and desensitize tinnitus by delivering a customized neural stimulus, embedded in clinically modified music.
“Tinnitus is an awful, debilitating condition that can have a devastating impact on a patient’s quality of life,” said Thomas
Willcox, M.D., medical director. “This new treatment represents a significant step forward for a condition with traditionally
limited therapeutic options. By targeting underlying neurological and psychological causes, it has been proven to offer long-lasting
benefit.”
Media Coverage:
Philly.com
Refugee clinics in the US
(Published: 10-08-2009, BBC World Report) Dr. Marc Altshuler from the Department of Family and Community Medicine was featured
in a BBC World Report story on refugee clinics in the US. Each year Jefferson’s refugee clinic treats hundreds of refugees
from all around the world, some who have never been seen by a doctor before. BBC World Report is heard by a global audience
of approximately 18 million people every day.
Media Coverage:
BBC World Report
Third Eye Retroscope
(Published: 10-06-2009, CBS 3) Dr. Anthony Infantolino of the Jefferson Digestive Disease Institute was featured in a Channel
3 CBS story on the Third Eye Retroscope. This new technology allows doctors to see behind the many folds and flexures of the
colon during a colonoscopy. “It’s like having a rearview mirror,” said Infantolino. “A traditional colonscopy only looks forward
and can miss polyps on the backsides of the folds of the colon. This technology allows us to get all the way in looking forward
then turn the camera around during the retrieval of the scope giving us both views and thereby providing the patient with
a more thorough exam.”
Media Coverage:
CBS 3
Healthy At Every Age
(Published: 10-2009, Body and Soul Magazine) Birgit Rakel, M.D., a physician at the Jefferson - Myrna Brind Center of Integrative
Medicine was part of a panel of alternative and complementary doctors who offered tips to readers on staying healthy during
their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond in the October issue of Body and Soul Magazine. The article, which was featured on
the cover of the issue, discussed ways to fend off cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and more through preventative maintenance
and checkups during every decade of life.
Media Coverage:
Body and Soul Magazine (PDF)
Yoga Can Ease Lower Back Pain
(Published: 09-08-2009, U.S. News & World Report) A new study, published in the September issue of Spine, shows practicing
yoga can help ease chronic lower back pain.
Lower back pain can cause people to stop exercising because of discomfort or fear of causing further injury to their back.
The lack of activity can cause the back muscles to become "de-conditioned," or weakened, setting up conditions for even more
chronic pain.
Exercises such as yoga help reverse the muscle weakness by strengthening muscles of the mid-section, including the back extensors,
abdominals and gluteus, which are key for stabilizing the trunk and decreasing the load on the spine.
Dr. Todd J. Albert, chairman of the department of orthopedics at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and the Rothman Institute
in Philadelphia, said the study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, was well-designed.
"I have found yoga and Pilates are great for chronic low back pain," Albert said. "There is so much concentration on core
strengthening, which is critical for people who have been de-conditioned."
Media Coverage
U.S. News & World Report
10 Things I Hate About Health-Care Reform: One Doctor's Orders for How To Really Fix Our System
(Published: 09-06-2009, The Washington Post) Arthur M. Feldman, M.D, chair of the department of medicine at Jefferson Medical
College wrote an Op-Ed on health care reform that was featured in the Sunday edition of the Washington Post. Dr. Feldman,
who has just authored a book on the topic, touches on several topics including helping the uninsured, the underinsured, and
dealing with insurance companies. While not agreeing with the current government’s strategy in reform Dr. Feldman does believe
reform is necessary.
Media Coverage
The Washington Post
New Extremity MRI
(Published: 09-09-2009, 6ABC.com) Radiologists at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are using a new type of MRI called
an 'Extremity MRI.
Typically to image even just a leg, patients have to go into this closed MRI. For many patients, it can make them feel claustrophobic.
For kids, they sometimes have to be sedated to keep them calm and still. But with the extremity MRI it's only the leg or arm
that's enclosed.
Dr. William Morrison, director, musculo-skeletal radiology says the extremity MRI "helps people remain still because they're
comfortable and they're distracted by the television or whatever else they want to do." And he adds it doesn't sacrifice the
quality of the image, which can be the case with many open MRIs. Open MRIs give patients more open space but typically use
a lower magnetic field.
"When you use a lower magnetic field, you generally get lower image quality so open MRI you sacrifice quality for comfort
in this machine you have both," says Dr. Morrison.
The new MRI is especially good for athletes because its high quality image can help detect many different types of sports
injuries.
Media Coverage
6 ABC & 6ABC.com
Botox for Migraine?
(Published: 09-07-2009, The Philadelphia Inquirer) Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director, Jefferson Headache Center in the Department
of Neurology, is quoted extensively throughout a cover article in the Health & Science section of the Philadelphia Inquirer
about the use of botox in treating migraines. The vanity drug is finding some experimental success in easing chronic sufferers’
severest headaches.
Media Coverage
Philadelphia Inquirer & Philly.com
Dr. Silberstein on CBSNews.com
(Published: 08-20-2009, CBS 3) According to the American Headache Society (AHS), migraine is a common, debilitating neurological
disorder that affects approximately 30 million people in the United States. The AHS also states that most migraines last between
four and 24 hours, but some may last as long as three days.
Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director, Jefferson Headache Center in the Department of Neurology, was featured, along with a Jefferson
patient, in a an exclusive health story that aired on CBS 3 and posted to the station’s Web site. The story is about Sarah
Keiser, who suffers debilitating migraines. There are many common triggers for her headaches, including foods like peanuts
and chocolate. Bright light, viewing a computer screen and fluorescent lightening can also set off her attacks.
"It goes from my eye like a lightening bolt back through my head. It's very sharp and painful," said Sarah.
Sarah was a participant in the FREEDOM 301 Trial testing an investigational, orally-inhaled therapy for migraine treatment.
The multi-center, phase three trial for, LEVADEX™, showed study participants had significant relief from symptoms such as
pain, nausea and light and sound sensitivity when compared to placebo treatment. According to trial results, this therapy
provided pain relief in 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours after dosing in patients with moderate or severe migraine
attacks. The drug was generally very well tolerated and there were no drug-related, serious adverse events reported.
"The drug gets rapidly absorbed into the lungs and into the bloodstream. You take a deep breath, it activates and the material
goes into the lungs and within 10 minutes, you get headache relief,” said Dr. Silberstein, a clinical study investigator for
this trial.
Sarah was one of those patients who experienced quick relief from her symptoms. She credits the drug for helping her live
a normal life again.
Media Coverage:
CBSNews.com
CBS 3 and CBS3.com
Science Daily
Medical News Today
BioMedicine
Kimmel Cancer Center welcomes patient navigator
(Published: 07-20-2009, The Philadelphia Tribune) The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is now home to Pennsylvania’s first
patient navigator program.
The program connects cancer patients to a patient navigator who serves as a personal guide to help patients and caregivers
navigate through the psychosocial, emotional and financial challenges that can result from cancer. The free and confidential
program has a focus on assisting the medically under served.
Media Coverage:
The Philadelphia Tribune
Jefferson Expert Advises New York Times
(Published: 06-20-2009, New York Times) Dr. Adam Dicker, Professor and Interim Chair of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson
University Hospitals advised the New York Times on their graphics used in the article entitled Failed Prostate Procedures
at the Philadelphia V.A.
Media Coverage:
New York Times
Watch Jefferson featured in the media (April 2009):
Fast care might have saved Natasha Richardson
Local Philadelphia media called on Dr. Robert Rosenwasser, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery , to provide expert
commentary on how such a minor fall can lead to a life-ending injury. CBS3 News Clip.
No Structural Damage In Hamels' Elbow
Team doctor Michael Ciccotti of the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital reported no structural damage
to the joint after looking at the left-hander's pitching elbow Tuesday morning in Philadelphia. Fox 29 News Clip.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month
Dr. Geno Merli of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and member of The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) talks
about the signs and symptoms of DVT and its risk factors. TodayShow News Clip.
Your Voice is as unique as your fingerprint
(Published 04-16-2009, CBS 3) Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint. Whether explaining or complaining, joking or serious,
the human voice is unmistakably genuine. It helps define your personality, mood, and health. Yet in the United States alone
there are approximately 7.5 million people who have trouble using their voices. That’s why, when World Voice Day comes around,
doctors like to remind patients how important it is to maintain their voice.
Dr. Joseph Spiegel , director, Jefferson Center for Voice and Swallowing in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck
Surgery, was featured, along with a Jefferson patient, in a health story that aired on CBS 3 and is posted on the stations
Web site. The story is about Connie Bosna, a singer and choir leader of the Sweet Adeline's. She's been belting out tunes
for more than 30 years, but in 2008, her voice was almost silenced when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Connie shares
how Dr. Spiegel and the Jefferson Center for Voice and Swallowing helped her find her singing voice again. Dr. Spiegel commented
on how the center’s rehabilitative programs can help people like Connie, and talks about how important it is not to ignore
any changes in your voice that persist for more than two weeks.
Media Coverage
CBS 3 & CBS3.com
More than 186,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009
(Published 03-16-2009, New York Daily News) According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), more than 186,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in
2009. One of those recently diagnosed with the disease is radio legend Don Imus. Doctors told the 68 year old that he has
stage 2 prostate cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer among men – behind only to skin cancer – in the U.S.,
per the NCI.
Dr. Leonard Gomella, chair of the Department of Urology , and associate director of Clinical Affairs at the Kimmel Cancer
Center at Jefferson, provided expert insight into the treatment options available for Imus in a New York Daily News article,
and locally on the 6 ABC Web site.
Media Coverage
New York Daily News
6ABC.com
Fast care might have saved Natasha Richardson
(Published 03-2009, philly.com) Award-winning actress Natasha Richardson’s seemingly minor fall on a beginner’s trail of a
ski slope ultimately took her life. The 45 year old suffered an epidural hematoma, a traumatic accumulation of blood between
the inner table of the skull and the stripped-off dural membrane.
Local Philadelphia media called on Dr. Robert Rosenwasser, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery , to provide expert
commentary on how such a minor fall can lead to a life-ending injury. This phenomenon, in which the victim is lucid for a
while before the blood builds up enough to exert fatal pressure on the brain, is sometimes referred to in medical slang by
the chilling term "talk and die."
"It's a real tragedy," said Dr. Rosenwasser. "If it's caught early and treated, patients can make a full recovery, particularly
a young person who's 45."
Media Coverage
Philadelphia Inquirer & Philly.com
CBS 3
Sexting
(Published 02-04-2009, philly.com) Sexting, or the practice of sending nude self portraits electronically by cell phone, is
very much a contemporary issue. Recently, teenagers in different regions of the country have been arrested and charged with
child pornography for sending and/or receiving such images. But many questions have been raised as to whether or not charging
teenagers as such is the best way to handle this growing phenomenon.
Dr. Terri Randall, a Jefferson child and adolescent specialist in the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior was interviewed
for an Associated Press article about this issue. Dr. Randall said she is seeing more issues related to sexting especially
since cell phones with cameras have become the standard. The article was picked up by several major media outlets across
the nation.
Media Coverage
Philadelphia Inquirer & Philly.com
MSNBC.com
CBSNews.com
FOXNews.com
Dallas Morning News & Dallas.com
USATODAY
The Sydney Morning Herald
ChicagoTribune.com
YahooFinance.com
Life Saver
(Published 11-13-2008 southphillyreview.com) Dr. Cataldo Doria’s successful career as a transplant surgeon comes with rewards,
including a recent one from the American Liver Foundation.
Medical volumes line the walls of Dr. Cataldo Doria’s large office at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, leaving just enough
space for his myriad diplomas and blow-up doll of George W. Bush in the corner. His affable demeanor and deliberate speech
invites ease and trust, something that stems from his years of dealing with patients at a critical point in their care. This
can be a good thing for a transplant surgeon and Doria, who specializes in liver surgeries, has performed more than 450.
Department of Surgery
Media Coverage
Southphillyreview.com
Study Suggests Colon Cancer Vaccine Possible
(Published 6-24-2008, Reuters) A protein found only in the intestines may help lead the way to a vaccine that can treat colon
cancers and perhaps other tumors too, researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson report.
Mice immunized with the protein and then infected with colon tumors had fewer tumors spread to the lung and liver than usual,
they reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The work, led by postdoctoral fellow Adam Snook, Ph.D., and
Scott Waldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Jefferson Medical College,
found that unvaccinated animals had an average of 30 new tumors in the lungs and liver. Vaccinated animals had three.
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Media Coverage
Reuters
HealthDay
Forbes
U.S. News & World Report
WashingtonPost
Fox News
ABC News
New York Times
CBS News
Preventive Surgery for Breast Cancer
(Published 5-2-08, WebMD) Many women who undergo a mastectomy for cancer in one breast and choose to have their other, healthy
breast removed as a preventive measure are extremely satisfied with the results, researchers report.
"The majority of women felt it gave them a sense of control," says researcher Anne Rosenberg, MD, a breast surgeon at the
Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson in Philadelphia. "They had low anxiety and depression scores. And they were particularly
proactive about instituting healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking," she tells WebMD.
The procedure is called a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The findings were presented here at the American Society
of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) Ninth Annual Meeting.
Rosenberg says that better breast reconstructive techniques are a major reason why more women are opting for the procedure.
"They can choose contralateral mastectomy and have both breasts reconstructed at the same time."
Department of Surgery
Media Coverage
WebMD
Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors 2008
(Published 04-25-2008, Phillymag.com) Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Doctors issue features a guide to health care in the Philadelphia
area. The comprehensive list features top local doctors and a list of Centers of Excellence, featuring hospitals to go to
for the finest care in different specialties, a new addition this year.
46 Jefferson doctors were featured, as well as hospital appearances in 24 categories in the Centers of Excellence list, selected
for the very highest level of expertise. Dr. Paul DiMuzio, of endovascular surgery, is featured on the magazine’s cover.
The magazine is available at Philadelphia-area newsstands for the month of May as well in an online full-list version, complete
with a searchable database, at PhillyMag.com.
Media Coverage:
Philadelphia Magazine
New Drug Duo Helps Cut Colon Cancer Risk
(Published 4-14-08, Washingtonpost.com) A new drug duo might help prevent colorectal cancer, and the powerful new cancer drug
Sutent may slow the progression of liver cancer. So conclude two studies presented Monday at the American Association for
Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego.
In a third report, researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson in Philadelphia found that blood pressure-lowering
drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers appear to retard pancreatic cancer cell growth and cause malignant cells to die.
This type of drug is able to inhibit the function of the hormone angiotensin II in the pancreas. The same receptor is found
in pancreatic cancer cells. In laboratory experiments, the researchers found that the drug was able to block the production
of a growth factor called VEGF, which helps spur the growth of tumor blood vessels.
"This is really exciting because the role of this receptor has never been known," lead researcher Dr. Hwyda Arafat said. "The
exciting thing is that this receptor already has so many available pharmaceutical blockers on the market." Ultimately, the
group hopes to be able to test these agents in human trials, she said.
Department of Surgery
Media Coverage
Washingtonpost.com
Austin American-Statesman
HealthDay News
Your Guide to Cancer Treatment
(Published 4-11-08, Philadelphia Daily News) "It's different when it's you," said breast-cancer patient Dorothy Hall, of South
Philadelphia. Since 1991, Hall has been standing strong alongside her mother, Dorothy Sworob, as she toughed out four bouts
of metastatic breast cancer. Originally given just two months, 83-year-old Sworob has now outlived her grim prognosis by more
than 16 years.
Today, Hall is toughing out her own case of breast cancer: a lump that had already spread to one lymph node by the time she
discovered it while lifting some pots in her garden. She has had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, which is scheduled
to end today.
Despite an overall survival rate that has climbed to 66 percent, cancer is still the disease that scares people most, said
Dr. Richard Wender, chairman of family and community medicine at Thomas Jefferson University and immediate past president
of the American Cancer Society.
If you or someone you love is grappling with the disease - the American Cancer Society estimates that 70,110 Pennsylvanians
will be diagnosed this year - Wender said it's important to know that times have changed. "We've turned the tide. Death rates
are coming down. They peaked in 1991, and they've been coming down since."
Heroes who are fighting colorectal cancer
DR. EDITH MITCHELL: Crusading physician
In her medical practice at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Mitchell specializes in colorectal and other digestive cancers,
plus breast cancer. Nationally, she's a leader in the crusade to figure out why black patients' survival rates are lower than
white patients' -- and to fix that.
Heroes who are fighting prostate cancer
DR. MICHAEL LISANTI: Lab leader
Lisanti, a researcher at Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center, has won global acclaim for some breakthrough discoveries about
how prostate-cancer cells operate. He's also making strides in breast- cancer research.
Family and Community Medicine
Medical Oncology
Cancer Biology
Urology
Media Coverage
Philadelphia Daily News
Philadelphia Daily News
Philadelphia Daily News
Third Eye Retroscope
Dr. Anthony Infantolino of the Jefferson Digestive Disease Institute was featured in a Channel 3 CBS story on the Third Eye
Retroscope. This new technology allows doctors to see behind the many folds and flexures of the colon during a colonoscopy.
“It’s like having a rearview mirror,” said Infantolino. “A traditional colonscopy only looks forward and can miss polyps on
the backsides of the folds of the colon. This technology allows us to get all the way in looking forward then turn the camera
around during the retrieval of the scope giving us both views and thereby providing the patient with a more thorough exam.”
