Celebrating Achievements in Patient Safety and Quality

Posted on by Michael Chananie
Englewood Health recognizes staff for achievements in patient safety and medical excellence at Celebration of Excellence presentation.

December 21, 2018 — Englewood Health has again been nationally recognized as a leader in providing exceptional and safe patient care by Healthgrades and CareChex®—an information service of Quantros, Inc.—as well as by the American Cancer Society and the NJ Sharing Network. According to an analysis by Quantros, the health system is among the top 10 percent in the nation and in New Jersey for overall medical care, medical excellence, and patient safety in major clinical areas.

At a recent award ceremony held at Englewood Hospital, representatives from Quantros and Healthgrades, another health rating agency, presented medical excellence and patient safety awards in the following clinical areas: cardiac surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, oncology, neurosurgery/orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, and women’s health.

Additional awards included the Inaugural Community Partner Award presented by the American Cancer Society and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Gold Award presented by the NJ Sharing Network. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) also named Englewood Hospital as One of Healthcare’s Most Wired Hospitals for the fifth consecutive year.

“Receiving national recognition for our care is truly humbling,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Each and every one of these honors is a testament to the dedication of our staff to ensure that our patients have the best possible experience and outcome.”

Highlights

  • Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety in 2018 by Healthgrades
  • Recipient of the Healthgrades 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award
  • One of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery in 2019 (Only NJ Hospital)
  • Ranked Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety by CareChex for Overall Medical Care, Cancer Care, Heart Failure Treatment, Vascular Surgery, and Gastrointestinal Care; and Top 10% in the Nation for Medical Excellence by CareChex for Major Neuro-Surgery
  • Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment, Carotid Surgery, Vaginal Delivery, and C-Section Delivery

Full Listing of Awards

Hospital Wide

Healthgrades

  • Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety in 2018
  • Recipient of the Healthgrades 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Overall Medical Care – Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ
  • Trauma Care – Top 10% in NJ

CareChex Medical Excellence Award

  • Trauma Care – Top 10% in NJ

Cardiac Surgery

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Coronary Bypass Surgery – Top 25 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ

Cardiology

CareChex Patient Safety Award

  • Heart Failure Treatment – Top 10% in Nation

Gastroenterology

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Gastrointestinal Care – Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage – Top 10% in NJ

Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient

  • Appendectomy for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)

General Surgery

CareChex Medical Excellence Award

  • General Surgery – Top 10% in NJ

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Gall Bladder Removal – Top 10% in Nation
  • Major Bowel Procedures – Top 10% in NJ

Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient

  • Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Oncology

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Cancer Care – Top 55 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ

American Cancer Society

  • Inaugural Community Partner Award

Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Surgery

CareChex Medical Excellence Awards

  • Major Neuro-Surgery – Top 10% in NJ

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Hip Fracture Care – Top 80 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ
  • Major Neuro-Surgery – Top 100 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ

Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient

  • Hip Fracture Treatment

Vascular Surgery

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Vascular Surgery – Top 30 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ

Healthgrades

  • One of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery in 2019
  • Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Vascular Surgery in 2019
  • Recipient of the Healthgrades 2019 Vascular Surgery Excellence Award

Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient

  • Carotid Surgery

Women’s Health

CareChex Patient Safety Awards

  • Women’s Health – Top 60 in Nation; Top 10% in Nation; Top 10% in NJ

Healthgrades 5-Star Recipient

  • Vaginal Delivery for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • C-Section Delivery for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)

Healthgrades

  • Recipient of the Healthgrades Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • Recognized by Healthgrades for Superior Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • Among the Top 10% of Hospitals Evaluated for Obstetrics and Gynecology for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • Recipient of the Healthgrades Labor and Delivery Excellence Award  for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • Recognized by Healthgrades for Superior Performance in Labor and Delivery for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)
  • Among the Top 10% of Hospitals Evaluated for Labor and Delivery for 3 years in a row (2016-2018)

Additional Awards

NJ Sharing Network

  • HRSA Award – Gold

College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

  • One of Healthcare’s Most Wired Hospitals (2014-2018)

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Marc Arginteanu

Posted on by Michael Chananie

The spine is the backbone of human function. It allows us to stand upright, supports our weight, and enables movement. It also protects the spinal cord, which controls the body. So what can we do to guard it? Dr. Marc Arginteanu, chief of neurosurgery at Englewood Health, shared his advice.

It seems everyone complains about back pain. For those who seek help, what do you see most often?

Dr. Arginteanu: The most common issue in younger, more active people is a herniated disc in the lower back or neck, which can cause pain to run down the leg or arm. In older people, the most common issue is stenosis—pinching of the nerves. It can lead to sciatica and neurogenic claudication (inflammation of the nerves stemming from the spinal cord), limiting walking. It can also cause myelopathy, weakness in the arms and legs.

How can I avoid aches and pains in my back?

Dr. Arginteanu: First, maintain a healthy weight. Fat in males tends to be on the belly, which pulls them forward, putting stress on the spine. Second, don’t smoke. Smoking decreases the oxygen that goes to the spinal discs. Third, exercise regularly, staying active 3–5 times a week. Those who do heavy lifting at work should also see if their employers offer a “back class” demonstrating techniques to prevent injury. And be mindful. Many injuries result from motor vehicle accidents and whiplash, falls down the stairs, or lack of adequate training for seasonal activities.

With the winter weather and holidays here, what should we be aware of?

Dr. Arginteanu: When the holidays and cold weather roll around, we tend to eat more, exercise less, and rush too often. Weight puts stress on the spine, so make healthy diet choices and plan to exercise. Leave yourself extra time to travel and don’t speed if you’re late to a get-together. Wear appropriate footwear and be careful not to slip on ice. If you fall backward, tuck your chin and keep your shoulders, neck, and head off the ground. And when moving heavy gifts or boxes of decorations, lift by bending your knees.

What are the warning signs that a person should seek help?

Dr. Arginteanu: Pain is usually the body’s sign that things aren’t right. But certain conditions like myelopathy can be painless. Progressive weakness or numbness of the arms or legs can indicate a spinal problem—even without spinal pain. Neurogenic claudication can also be painless, but if you have it you may find that you’re able to walk less and less, or experience cramping or weakness in the legs when you do.

Posted December 2018

Do you have a question for a doctor?

From your head to your toes, and everywhere in between, the Englewood Health has you covered. Ask a question about your health. Selected questions will be answered in this column.

Local Bergen County Family Names The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center

Posted on by Michael Chananie
Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center dedication
(L-R) Jay Nadel, chairman of the Board of Trustees, Englewood Health Foundation; Thomas Senter, Esq., chairman of the Board of Trustees, Englewood Health; Laurence and Patricia Shadek; Debra Albanese, executive vice president of the Englewood Health Foundation; and Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health.

December 20, 2018 – The Englewood Health Foundation is the recipient of a leadership gift set to benefit Englewood Health’s new outpatient behavioral health program. The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center is named in honor of Gregory Shadek, son of Laurence and Patricia Shadek of Alpine.

“The issue of mental health is real, and the effects it can have on a family and the community are far-reaching. We are proud to support Englewood Health and the many patients that it serves,” says Laurence and Patricia Shadek.

The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center — with the primary location at 25 Rockwood Place in Englewood — features a dedicated care team of psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, an addiction specialist, and other healthcare professionals. Collaborating with existing nonprofit and governmental agencies, the team has developed an education/prevention program rooted in promoting healthy lifestyles for children and adults living in the community. Such programs will help to address the opioid epidemic, with community training in the use of Narcan, stigma free initiatives, and mental health first aid training programs.

“There is great need for access to behavioral health services in our communities, and Englewood Health is ready to answer the call,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Through this new outpatient program and thanks to the generosity of the Shadeks, our patients and community will benefit from a stronger clinical team and improved access to services and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. As such, and to no surprise, a recent community health needs assessment of Bergen County, completed by a consortium of the local hospitals, revealed mental health as one of the top significant health needs with the community.

“Access and affordability are very common hurdles for patients seeking behavioral health services,” says Kathleen Kaminsky, senior vice president patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “Our new outpatient program will help patients access a network of services and establish a continuum of care. Ongoing education, guidance and support are key to improved mental health and we want to lead in the delivery of this care.”

The Englewood Health Foundation raises philanthropic funds to benefit Englewood Health. A $50 million capital campaign came to a successful close earlier this year. “Philanthropy is becoming increasingly important for many nonprofit organizations, including healthcare systems like Englewood Health,” says Debra Albanese, executive vice president of the Englewood Health Foundation. “Healthcare is a round-the-clock commitment and with every new turn, we find better ways to deliver services to our patients. Each investment made translates to new opportunities, and we are grateful to benefactors like Laurence and Patricia for their foresight and commitment.”

Northeast Podiatry Group Joins Englewood Health Physician Network

Posted on by Michael Chananie

December 18, 2018 – Northeast Podiatry Group has joined the Englewood Health Physician Network and Englewood Hospital. Its foot and ankle specialists Jeffrey M. Cohen, DPM; Ritchard C. Rosen, DPM; Gregory T. Kaufman, DPM; and Katherine Chen, DPM; welcome new patients to its practice locations in Englewood, Teaneck, and Rockleigh.

“Our team includes specialists in diabetic foot care, foot and ankle trauma, sports medicine, joint replacement surgery, and wound care,” says Jeffrey Cohen, DPM, chief of podiatric surgery at Englewood Health. “By joining the Englewood Health Physician Network, we’ll be able to collaborate more closely with other specialists, such as endocrinologists, orthopedists, and internists, on behalf of our patients. Through a shared electronic medical record and greater coordination of care, we look forward to being a valuable resource for patients and referring physicians alike.”

“We are very excited to welcome Drs. Cohen, Rosen, Kaufman, and Chen to our team of renowned specialists and providers. Their expertise in podiatry will help meet an important need in our community,” said Dr. Stephen Brunnquell, president of the Englewood Health Physician Network. “As our network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring that our patients have access to leading care right here, in their own backyard.”

Jeffrey Cohen, DPM

Dr. Cohen is chief of podiatric surgery at Englewood Health and director of the hospital’s podiatric medical and surgical residency program. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery and is a certified wound specialist. His clinical interests include diabetic foot care, foot and ankle trauma, joint replacement surgery, and wound care. Dr. Cohen received his DPM from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine) and did his podiatric surgery residency at Memorial Hospital Washington, in Turnersville, NJ. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and of the American College of Certified Wound Specialists, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Society, the American Academy of Wound Management, and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.

Ritchard Rosen, DPM

Dr. Rosen is board certified in foot and ankle surgery. His clinical interests include ankle arthroscopy, diabetic foot and wound care,foot and ankle trauma, joint replacement surgery, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, radiofrequency ablation and sports medicine. Dr. Rosen received his DPM from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine) and did his podiatric surgery residency at the Giuffre Medical Center, in Philadelphia. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Professional Wound Care Association, and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.  In addition to English, Dr. Rosen speaks conversational Hebrew.

Gregory T. Kaufman, DPM

Dr. Kaufman is board certified in foot surgery. His clinical interests include ankle arthroscopy, diabetic foot care, foot and ankle trauma,joint replacement surgery, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Kaufman received his DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and did his podiatric medicine and surgery residency at St. Michael’s Medical Center/Seton Hall University, New Jersey, where he was chief resident.He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.

Katherine Chen, DPM

Dr. Chen is board certified in podiatric surgery. Her clinical interests include ankle arthroscopy, diabetic foot care, foot and ankle trauma, joint replacement surgery, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery,and sports medicine. Dr. Chen received her DPM from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and did her reconstructive foot and ankle surgery residency at the University Hospital/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey,where she was chief resident. She is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association,and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society. In addition to English, Dr. Chen is fluent in Chinese and Spanish.

Northeast Podiatry Group offers a full complement of podiatric services to help patients maintain healthy feet, including foot surgery, ankle surgery, foot dermatology, diabetic foot care, pediatric foot care, geriatric foot care, sports medicine, and trauma. Its offices are located at 142 Engle Street in Englewood; 222 Cedar Lane, Suite 300, in Teaneck; and 10 Link Drive in Rockleigh.

To reach any of the podiatrists in Northeast Podiatry Group,or to find a physician at Englewood Hospital, visit englewoodhealth.org or call 833-234-2234.

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Harvey Gross

Posted on by Michael Chananie

With age comes wisdom—and adjustment. We all want to have a good quality of life, function at the highest level possible, and age gracefully and with health. Though this requires some lifestyle changes as the years go by, we should strive to be active and continue to involve ourselves with family, friends, and community, regardless of age.

I’m getting older and my children are encouraging me to see a geriatrician. What are the advantages compared to seeing my regular primary care doctor?

Dr. Gross: Geriatricians are specialists in diseases of aging; we provide continuity of care for patients 65 to 100-plus. As geriatricians, we have a greater awareness and sensitivity to the complex needs of the older person. We understand that older patients frequently have co-existing chronic conditions, see multiple specialists and may be on numerous medications—that each patient has their own spectrum of health issues.

How is geriatric care tailored to meet specific patient needs?

Dr. Gross: When patients come to our office, we recognize that they are older and we keep that in mind. We have special electric exam tables that raise and lower so patients can easily reach the table. As geriatricians, we are helping patients understand, and adjust to, the concept of getting older, and dealing with issues of aging. My focus is to enable each patient to have the best quality of life possible, regardless of age.

Aside from fleeting aches and pains, what should I be concerned about as I get older?

Dr. Gross: A lot of patients are concerned about potential loss of control and independence. They often seek clarification on whether they are experiencing symptoms of natural aging or something more serious. One of the major fears of growing older is the development of memory loss. A geriatrician helps distinguish between normal aging versus the onset of dementia. Hearing loss is also common as people get older, but many patients deny loss of hearing to avoid using hearing aids—even though they improve quality of life. Many also worry about losing the freedom to drive, but it is critically important to evaluate whether driving is safe for the patient and others on the road.

Why is it important to discuss common health issues from a geriatric standpoint?

Dr. Gross: Sometimes a fall is not just a fall, but a sign of an underlying medical issue such as loss of muscle strength or gait imbalance. Patients tend to deny and minimize why they fell, but, as geriatricians, we strive to address the issues that may cause falling and try to prevent further falls. Medications may also play a significant role as they can have interactions and are metabolized differently as patients age. Over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements need to be taken into consideration as they often interact with prescribed medication. Benefits must outweigh the risks. This also applies with screening and vaccination.

Posted December 2018

Do you have a question for a doctor?

From your head to your toes, and everywhere in between, the Englewood Health Physician Network has you covered. Ask a question about your health. Selected questions will be answered in this column.

Ask the Doctors: Dr. Mark Shapiro and Dr. David Dubin

Posted on by Michael Chananie
Mark Shapiro, MD
Mark Shapiro, MD, chief of radiology

For decades, screening for and treating lung cancer has had two big challenges— detecting very small tumors as early as possible, and then restricting radiation treatment to only the small tumor that moves around every time the patient breathes without harming healthy tissues.

David Dubin, MD
David Dubin, MD, chief of radiation oncology

In 2017, Englewood Hospital was named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for its commitment to lung cancer screening. Since 2014, the Englewood team has screened over 1,100 at-risk smokers and former smokers, diagnosing 10 cancers in patients who had no symptoms. Englewood Health is also the first in New Jersey, and one of the first in the nation, to offer stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a lung cancer treatment using motion detection to offer extremely precise treatment.

How can we prevent lung cancer?

If you’re a smoker, take steps to quit. Englewood Health’s Graf Center for Integrative Medicine offers a smoking cessation program consisting of eight weekly group sessions where you will learn strategies to quit. All meetings are led by an experienced licensed clinical social worker certified through the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking Program. The Graf Center also offers meditation to aid relaxation, and acupuncture to reduce nicotine cravings.

How do you find lung cancer earlier and treat it more effectively?

At Englewood Health, we offer patients low-dose CT screening for lung cancer (LDCT), an imaging procedure that provides more detailed images than conventional X-rays and has been proven to find cancer earlier, when it is more likely to respond to treatment. Once a CT scan detects a potential tumor, we provide rapid and seamless diagnosis and treatment. Similar to colonoscopy for colon cancer, or mammography for breast cancer, LDCT is an effective cancer screening that has been shown to reduce cancer deaths.

What makes LDCT the best lung screening option?

LDCT is a quick, painless test; no fasting or special preparations are required, and the scan takes less than a minute. Low-dose CT uses lower amounts of radiation than a standard chest CT and has been shown to detect cancer in patients before the onset of symptoms alert them that anything is wrong; early detection saves lives. Medicare and most third-party payers now cover LDCT for patients who qualify.

Once lung cancer is detected, what is most important to consider when seeking treatment?

When it comes to treatment, we focus on accuracy and precision. Delivering high doses of radiation to small, targeted areas is especially challenging in the lung because the target moves as the patient breathes. To be most effective, we have to know exactly where the target is. SBRT allows us to track the exact location of a tumor with submillimeter precision throughout the treatment.

Posted December 2018

Do you have a question for a doctor?

From your head to your toes, and everywhere in between, the Englewood Health has you covered. Ask a question about your health. Selected questions will be answered in this column.

Third Annual Cancer Symposium Focuses on Cancer Screening and Case Studies

Posted on by John Williams

The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center and the Englewood Health Physician Network hosted the Third Annual Cancer Symposium on November 29, 2018. This year’s symposium — “Cancer Case Studies and Screening Guidelines” — focused on the primary care physician’s role in the delivery of cancer care. Presentations included case studies on breast, prostate, gynecologic, lung, liver, and thyroid cancer; a review of screening guidelines; and special presentations on cancer survivorship and cancer in geriatric patients. Attendees included primary care physicians as well as healthcare providers involved in the care of patients with cancer.

 
Posted December 5, 2018

The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center Earns National Breast Center Certification

Posted on by Michael Chananie
NQMBC Certified Quality Breast Center seal

December 3, 2018 — The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Health has been recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) as part of their National Quality Measures for Breast CentersTM program (NQMBC); it is the only breast center in Bergen County to earn the certification.

The NQMBC program offers facilities providing breast health care the ability to track and measure quality performance measures in more than 30 individual quality indicators, and compare their performance with other centers across the United States and beyond.

“Earning this certification is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our doctors, nurses, and other staff to bring the safest, highest-quality, and most technologically advanced care to our community,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Health remains committed to ensuring that our patients have the best possible experience, and receive the best possible outcomes.”

The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center is at the forefront of breast care treatment in northern New Jersey. With private waiting rooms, a spa-like environment, rapid diagnosis with an opportunity to discuss results with a physician, and an in-house team of specialized pathologists and radiologists, whose primary focus is on breast disease, each patient is treated with a unique, custom-tailored experience. And in the event that a patient has a positive finding, it is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, and other breast care specialists to tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient.

Ask the Doctor: Dr. Asit Shah

Posted on by Michael Chananie

Many people don’t think about bone and muscle health on a daily basis, or realize they have a need for treatment. But when the seasons change, our choice of physical activity often changes. And if we’re not prepared, injuries can arise.

Who should see an orthopedist?

Dr. Shah: People should be tested for bone health in general, but especially if they have a family member with osteoporosis or osteomalacia. These conditions can be passed on, but are treatable. Those with targeted issues such as shoulder pain or arthritis pain should also take special care.

What suggestions would you make for keeping exercise safe?

Dr. Shah: We see a lot of people repeating the same workout over and over, which can actually be harmful and cause further injury. It’s not good to swim, bicycle, or lift weights all year long. You should change your exercise routine every three months or so. And remember not to overdo it.

How can people prevent injury in the fall and winter months?

Dr. Shah: In the fall and winter, people are starting to clean their gutters, tend their lawns, rake leaves, and shovel snow—all activities that rely on your low back, your quads, and your shoulders. So it’s important to spend a lot more time on your core exercises, stretching out your quads, and strengthening your back to get those muscles activated again. And if you’re an avid skier, remember that you have to get your body trained again before picking up a set of skis.

With the holidays around the corner, how can people avoid accidents while celebrating?

Dr. Shah: We see a tremendous increase in fractures when families bring elderly loved ones home for the holidays, taking them out of their controlled environments. Make the home environment safe—remove loose rugs from the bathroom, fix unstable handles or balusters on the railings. We also see wrist fractures and ankle sprains from people falling on snow and ice, so wear appropriate footwear for the weather. Lifting and moving heavy objects, like boxes of holiday decorations, also takes a toll. Always bend at your knees and hips, rather than your spine, and lift with your legs.

What are the best practices for healing an injury?

Dr. Shah: The general musculoskeletal injury takes about six to eight weeks to heal. The most important thing I can say is work with a physical therapist to heal injuries. There’s a common misconception that if you go to the gym on a regular basis, you won’t benefit from physical therapy. But many people aren’t exercising properly at the gym, which only makes them hurt themselves more. And stretching some parts of the body, like the hip, knee, or shoulder, requires help. Physical therapists play a more important role in rehabilitation than most people realize.

Posted November 2018

Tracy Scheller, MD, Appointed Medical Director of Graf Center for Integrative Medicine and Joins the Englewood Health Physician Network

Posted on by Michael Chananie

November 16, 2018 – Tracy Scheller, MD, has been appointed medical director of the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health and has joined the Englewood Health Physician Network. Dr. Scheller is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has been an attending physician at Englewood Hospital for close to two decades. Her clinical interests include gynecology, integrative medicine, infertility, menopause, women’s wellness, nutrition, and weight loss. In addition to her role as medical director of the Graf Center, she will continue her gynecology practice in Englewood.

Under Dr. Scheller’s direction, the Graf Center offers safe, evidence-based services, including acupuncture, therapeutic massage, wellness coaching, nutritional counseling, yoga, Reiki, and stress management. These therapies have been shown to help minimize nausea, reduce pain, and relieve stress and anxiety. The center’s team of licensed and/or certified practitioners work closely with a patient’s doctor to establish a wellness plan.

“Helping patients at all stages of their lives through a combination of traditional medicine and complementary therapies is how I feel I can make the greatest difference,” says Dr. Scheller. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health, where we will expand patients’ access to evidence-based services, to promote healing and wellness.”

Dr. Scheller received her MD from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School, followed by an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center. In addition to her MD, she holds an MBA from the University of Houston and an MS in human nutrition from Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition. She is currently pursuing an integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

“As a member of the Englewood Health Physician Network,” she adds, “I’ll be able to collaborate more closely with colleagues across disciplines through a shared electronic medical record and closer communication, to improve patient care. I look forward to sharing my expertise in holistic care and in integrative medicine, to help our patients achieve better health.”

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Scheller to our team of renowned specialists and providers. Dr. Scheller’s expertise in gynecology and integrative medicine will help meet an important need in our community,” said Dr. Stephen Brunnquell, president of the Englewood Health Physician Network. “As our network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring that our patients have access to leading care right here, in their own backyard.”

She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been a principal investigator on a clinical trial for osteoporosis prevention.