Oncologist elected to fellowship in American College of Physicians
Dr. Charles Agbemabiese, medical oncologist, recently was elected to a fellowship in the American College of Physicians at a recent convocation ceremony held in New Orleans. He is the third Susquehanna Health medical oncologist to achieve the honor.
A graduate of the School of Medical Sciences/University of Science and Technology in Ghana, Agbemabiese completed his residency at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, internal medicine and hospice and palliative care.
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AGBEMABIESE
The American College of Physicians is a national organization of physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. As the largest medical-specialty organization in the U.S., the organization's membership includes 132,000 internists, internal medicine subspecialists, medical students, residents and fellows.
Achieving fellowship status is a mark of esteem from colleagues who recognize accomplishments and achievements over and above the practice of medicine. The most important considerations for ACP Fellowship are excellence and contributions made to both medicine and to the broader community in which the internist lives and practices.
New scan aids doctors in diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
DANVILLE - A new diagnostic imaging test available at Geisinger Medical Center can aid in faster diagnosis of neurodegenerative movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
"An accurate diagnosis for patients with neurodegenerative movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can take several years," said Dr. Scotty Collins, radiologist at GMC. "While Parkinson's disease and its related syndromes appear similar in symptoms to other, more common tremor disorders, the treatment and management can sometimes differ greatly, so it is essential for a proper diagnosis as early as possible."
Parkinson-like syndromes occur when the brain does not get enough dopamine to perform certain functions. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain essential to the normal function of the central nervous system.
The new tool, called DaTscan, is an imaging test in which an imaging agent is injected into a patient's veins to track dopamine. After the injection, the imaging agent "tags" a part of the brain where the dopamine is. The test shows the density of healthy dopamine neurons. Thus, the more of the picture that "lights up," the more surviving brain cells. If the parts of the brain where dopamine cells should be remain dark, an expert reader may diagnose early brain degeneration. This could mean either Parkinson's or a Parkinson-related disease.
In the U.S. 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that as many as 10 million people around the world suffer from the condition.
"Movement disorders have been primarily diagnosed through clinical examinations, but clinical exams alone, particularly early in the disease, can be inconclusive," Collins said. "Adding DaTscan to the clinical exam information can provide more accurate and rapid diagnosis with certain Parkinsonian syndromes and movement related disorders."
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania receives workplace wellness honors
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania recently was recognized for its leadership in creating a culture of workplace wellness for its employees.
For the fourth consecutive year, the American Heart Association has awarded BCNEPA its top honor for employers, the Start! Fit Friendly Company Platinum Award. The association received nearly 14,000 applications from companies seeking gold or platinum status. BCNEPA is one of only 195 platinum honorees selected nationwide.
Awarded annually, Start! Fit Friendly designations recognize companies that support employees' physical activity, promote healthy eating options, and offer constant education and incentives around healthy lifestyle choices. The platinum level award is the highest honor granted by the American Heart Association nationwide. BCNEPA's Blue Health Solutions wellness program, which is available to any company that does business with BCNEPA, was cited as a key factor in the award decision.
BCNEPA's Start! Fit Friendly Company Platinum Award follows the Wellness Council of America announcement that it, too, has recognized BCNEPA with its Gold Level 2012 Well Workplace Award. BCNEPA was recognized by the council for fully embracing its responsibility for maximizing the health and well-being of its employees.
"We initiated our wellness programs for the benefit of our employees, because they are our most valuable resource," said Dr. Nina Taggart, vice president of clinical operations for BCNEPA. "Earning honors like these from such respected organizations emphasizes the value of these programs. It speaks to our commitment as an employer to support each employee in leading a healthy lifestyle."
