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Meritus Medical Center earns 4th ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade
November 15, 2024
New grade from Leapfrog for fall 2024 is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety Meritus Medical Center earned its fourth straight “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. “At Meritus Health, being dedicated to our community means prioritizing patient safety," said Chief Operating Officer Carrie Adams, Pharm.D. "Earning our fourth consecutive ‘A’ in Hospital Safety Grade reflects the commitment of our team members to safeguard our patients and enhance community health.” “Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for Meritus Medical Center,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to Meritus Medical Center, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. To explore Meritus Medical Center’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. To learn more about Meritus and its mission, vision and values, go to www.meritushealth.com, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Classes focused on diabetes, prediabetes management improve lifestyles
November 11, 2024
November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a day set aside by the International Diabetes Federation, the World Health Organization and the United Nations to raise awareness of those in diabetes care. The day was chosen because it’s the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922. An estimated 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation, and 1 in 3 people nationally have prediabetes. In the tri-state area, Meritus Health offers diabetes and prediabetes classes to help folks manage the disease or prevent it. And there’s good reason for that, too, said Karessa Cameron, RN, BSN, CDCES, diabetes class educator, and Cindy Missling, diabetes prevention educator. In 2022, the Community Needs Health Assessment conducted by Healthy Washington County, of which Meritus Health is a part, found that while diabetes prevalence at 10.3 percent is similar to the rest of the state, Washington County has the second-highest rate of death as a result of diabetes at 32 percent. The assessment also noted: “Given the higher than average rates for physical inactivity, and being overweight and obese in our community, residents are at higher risk for prediabetes and developing diabetes in the future.” "These findings are a wake-up call for our community,” Cameron said. “Promoting physical activity and healthy weight management isn't just about prevention; it's about saving lives." What are prediabetes classes? You can enroll in Meritus classes that focus on preventing type 2 diabetes if you are overweight and your A1C is between 5.7 and 6.4. There are 26 classes over one year that teach you how to change your lifestyle. This includes building healthy habits and eating healthier without giving up foods you love. It also reviews how to add exercise to your daily routine, how to deal with stress and how to cope with the challenges of prediabetes. “Prediabetes classes offer more than just information — they build a supportive community, helping participants create lifelong habits that reduce the risk of diabetes,” Missling said. “Guided by trained coaches and shared goals, these programs at Meritus empower people to make lasting, healthy changes.” What are diabetes classes? Meritus Diabetes Self-Management Education is a comprehensive resource for people diagnosed with diabetes. It requires a provider referral. The program can offer a one-on-one session with a diabetes educator, a medical nutrition therapy appointment with a dietitian and up to 10 hours of individual or group education in the first year. Patients are eligible for two hours of follow-up education each year indefinitely. “The goal for diabetes education is to teach individuals how to self-manage their diabetes and have access to needed resources and support,” Cameron said.” The diabetes education classes and one-on-one sessions teach ways to manage diabetes with topics such as healthy eating, meal planning, physical exercise, screenings, blood sugar monitoring, to avoid complications of diabetes and maintain healthy living.” This ties in with “Breaking barriers, bridging gaps,” which is the theme of World Diabetes Day. That includes putting a spotlight on mental health and well-being for those in diabetes care. “Meritus’ mission is to improve the health of the community, and that means whole health — body and mind,” Missling said. “Having these classes available allows us to support our community members living with diabetes and have a healthy life.” To learn more about Meritus diabetes education, visit www.meritushealth.com/DiabetesEducation.
Meritus leaders' book shows how to be steward of community health care
October 29, 2024
“Healthcare Transformation: A Guide for the Health System Board Member” provides advice on governance responsibilities in an everchanging industry Two Meritus healthcare professionals have written the book on how members of a health system board of directors can be successful in their roles. Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., and Aaron George, D.O., penned the second edition of “Healthcare Transformation: A Guide for the Health System Board Member” to offer health system board members an actionable, concise guide on their role, as well as provide updates on key changes in health care delivery, including evidence and contemporary examples. "In the evolving landscape of health care, board members must not only navigate complexity but also drive meaningful change,” said Joshi, President and CEO of Meritus Health. “Our aim is to equip every Board member with the knowledge and tools necessary to govern a system that works better for everyone." It is often difficult for board members in the healthcare industry to keep up with performance and strategy. Surveys continue to show that this is often not in their comfort zone, given healthcare complexity and the rate of recent change and targets for transformation. "Board members play a vital role in ensuring the mission of healthcare organizations is fulfilled, particularly when it comes to quality and safety,” said George, Associate Dean for Clinical Education for the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. “This book provides the necessary guidance to help them navigate their fiduciary responsibilities, with key decision-making functions that enable them to contribute to meaningful healthcare improvements." The book, a second edition published by Routledge, includes updated resources and more contemporary examples and lessons for both new and seasoned board members. This edition updates all chapters and provides three new transformers/chapters to consider from the first printing in 2009. The book is available for order at routledge.com as well as on Amazon.
Upcoming senior expo chance to highlight offerings for older patients
October 25, 2024
Meritus Health will be hosting an event for seniors next month. The Fall Into Better Health Senior Expo is planned from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 in the Atrium and Room 142 in the Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Road. And while the free expo will offer folks health tips and information, let’s not detract from the many programs and activities Meritus has in place year-round designed to help those 55 and older live their best lives. “We want seniors to be able to age healthily,” said Beth Fields Dowdell, DNP, CRNP, director of Community Health and Outpatient Care Management. “We want people to live a long healthy life.” Meritus is part of the 20% of the nation's hospitals to have joined in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, Fields Dowdell noted. That means the health system focuses on important ways to keep older patients safe and supported. For example, Meritus offers a safe place to walk in the Robinwood Professional Center, she said. Anyone, not just seniors, can use the hallways of the building to get in exercise out of the weather and away from vehicles. The assistance provided to older patients isn’t just passive, though. Meritus offers diabetes and prediabetes education. The classes are a comprehensive resource for people diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes, of for those who want nutritional assistance. To learn more about the classes, visit www.meritushealth.com/DiabetesEducation. Meritus also offers a quarterly gathering for those 55 and older, known as Your Health Matters. The setting offers lunch, an activity and a speaker meant to offer older patients tips on living. “The program offers tips on many aspects of aging such as meal prep, how to perform chair exercises, and many other things that can help improve quality of life,” Fields Dowdell said. The next gathering has not been scheduled, but keep an eye on the calendar at www.meritushealth.com/about/events. Probably one of the farthest-reaching programs Meritus offers is its Care Callers. Though not exclusive to older patients, they tend to make up the majority of participants. Loneliness and social isolation have been shown to impact life expectancy as much as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. To combat this, Care Callers uses 81 volunteers and two staff to call 350 health system patients who have indicated they are lonely. Each week, the patient and caller converse for 15 minutes to a half hour. Since its inception in November 2021, more than 700 patients have participated, and 95% of the patients in the program report feeling less lonely after four months. To learn more about the program, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/carecallers.
Health Equity Summit focus: ‘Building quality care in our communities’
October 24, 2024
Meritus Health Leadership in Diversity and Equity Council holds event to highlight the role of diversity, equity, inclusion in healthcare The Leadership in Diversity and Equity Council at Meritus Health recently held its first Health Equity Summit, “Building Quality Care in our Communities.” The Oct. 23 summit focused on the efforts by various organizations throughout Maryland to address health disparities, foster diversity in the workforce, and provide responsive care that recognizes the different backgrounds and experiences of patients. “The commitment to promote equitable practices and to eliminate disparities ultimately results in the core work of improving quality and patient safety,” said Chante Richardson, Ph.D., MBA, the associate dean of health equity, diversity and inclusion at the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, which is set to open in 2025. High-quality and equitable healthcare plays a pivotal role in achieving health equity, Richardson said. “It is crucial for healthcare providers to address systemic, avoidable, predictable, and unjust differences in access, treatment, and outcomes among individuals and populations,” she said. The summit was meant to facilitate collaborative learning among diverse professionals, speakers, and presenters, enabling the exchange of innovative ideas and recommendations, fostering collaborations, and guiding future initiatives to create a society where everyone can lead a healthy life. The day’s objectives included catalyzing systemic change for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, exploring actionable strategies to tackle health disparities, and building a cohesive community to address disparities in care. To learn more about Meritus’ efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion, visit www.meritushealth.com/DEI.
Managing chronic lower back pain gets Chambersburg woman back on court
October 21, 2024
Vickie Group just wanted to play pickleball. That’s what the 66-year-old Chambersburg, Pa., resident told Chiemeka Onyima, M.D., D.ABA, with Meritus Pain Specialists. But her chronic lower back pain sidelined her from the game — and many other activities, including going to work. She started with physical therapy, but “it didn’t do much,” she said. “And then I finally got ahold of someone with Meritus,” Group said. “Once I got ahold of Dr. Onyima, he went through the process and helped me considerably.” The first step was trying to figure out the cause of her pain, Dr. Onyima said. “I conducted ‘diagnostic blocks’ to confirm the cause of her pain,” he said. Group said that involved getting a few shots in her back to help locate the source of the pain. “Once the diagnosis was obtained, she underwent radiofrequency ablations to provide her with long term relief for her chronic back pain,” Dr. Onyima said. “She did great with the procedure and reported a significant improvement of her quality of life and overall daily functionality.” Group complimented Dr. Onyima’s bedside manner and the thoroughness of the procedures. “He told me everything that was going to happen,” she said. “For every step, whenever he was doing anything, he told me what was about to happen.” Once the procedures were done, she was able to do most things without experiencing pain. “It made life a lot easier, that’s for sure,” she said. Dr. Onyima said making it easier is his main objective. “The main goal of pain management is to not only treat pain, but to allow individuals to re-engage with society from a social, mental, physical, and often times economic standpoint, despite their current ailment,” he said. As for Group, she’s just thankful she could get back to doing what she enjoys, playing pickleball. “I play almost every day,” Group said, “for like three hours a day.” If you would like to learn more about how to better manage your pain, visit Meritus Pain Specialists online at www.meritushealth.com/painspecialists.
Early breast cancer detection saves lives
October 11, 2024
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a Meritus physician is offering some advice on how to reduce the risk of getting the disease and how to check for it. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., FACS, with the Meritus Center for Breast Health said there are some standard practices women can do to stave off developing breast cancer and preventing death from it. “While evidence-based guidelines suggest that breast self-examinations do not reduce breast cancer deaths, it is still important for women to have awareness of how their breasts look and feel and to report any changes from their normal to their providers,” she said. COVID’s impact on mammograms It is also important for women to get regular mammograms. Many women stopped having their mammograms during the COVID pandemic because of the lockdown, and there are still some women who have not yet resumed having their mammograms, she said. “Screening mammography is often able to catch breast cancer at a stage where it will not threaten one's life,” she said. “It is important to get back to doing screening mammograms. There are even some women in our community who have never had a mammogram. Most breast cancers are curable but only if it is detected early.” Dr. Hugh said she wanted to stress that many women don’t realize they could be at a higher risk for breast cancer. The published mammography screening guidelines are for women at average risk to develop breast cancer. That includes women who don’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, and who has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 20. Dr. Hugh suggests talking to your doctor to best understand what category you fall into. What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Meanwhile, she has some suggestions regarding breast health and breast cancer prevention: Regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk. Decrease or avoid alcohol intake as alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Strive to attain and maintain a healthy body weight. If you are aware of a genetic mutation in the family, get tested. There are strategies to screen women with high risk to develop breast cancer as well as to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to know your family history and talk to your doctor about it. In particular, talk to your doctor about your family history of breast and ovarian cancer. These cancers in the family may be an indication to get genetic testing. If you feel a lump in the breast have your doctor evaluate the mass. Do not assume it is a cyst and forget about it. Men can get breast cancer. In particular, if a man feels a lump in his breast, it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. Colors of Cancer For those diagnosed with breast cancer, the journey can be a struggle. Along the way, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/colors.
‘Exceptional care’: Breast cancer survivor tells her story
October 7, 2024
It was the Wednesday before Memorial Day that Cheryl Luger went in for her second mammogram of the year. The first one, before Mother’s Day, led staff at Meritus Center for Breast Health to ask Cheryl to come back for another scan. The results were conclusive: They found two masses. A biopsy the day after Memorial Day confirmed it was breast cancer. “I was pretty shocked because nobody in my family had had breast cancer,” said Cheryl, who is on leave from Meritus Surgical Specialists where she is a scheduler. She had a double mastectomy at the beginning of August. She’s due back to work in mid-October, but to complicate things, her oldest daughter, who also works at Meritus, is getting married just before then and moving to Savannah, Ga. Cheryl credits her experience with the Center for Breast Health, as well as the John R. Marsh Cancer Center at Meritus, with making a scary and emotional situation more manageable. “It’s been exceptional care from beginning to end,” she said. ‘A positive thing’ She received the call from the Center for Breast Health at 8 a.m. the Wednesday after Memorial Day. Ann-Marie Hugh, M.D., the medical director at the center and a specialist in breast surgery, said the biopsy showed it was adenocarcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the glands that line the organs. “She bought into my case super quick,” Cheryl said. By 9 a.m., she’d received a call from a nurse navigator at John R. Marsh to set up her first appointment. That appointment included meeting all of the doctors who would be involved. “That was a positive thing, meeting everyone at one time like that,” Cheryl said. “Everyone’s opinions were shared, and we decided what was going to happen.” As part of some of the tests prescribed by Dr. Hugh before the cancer center appointment, Cheryl had testing done showing she had Lynch syndrome, which is a genetic condition that increases the risk of many kinds of cancer. It was decided that Cheryl should have a double mastectomy, and that reconstructive surgery by Salvatore DiMercurio, M.D., a plastic surgeon with Meritus Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Hagerstown, should start right away. ‘He read the notes’ Victoria Giffi, M.D., Cheryl’s oncologist with Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, said the goal is to take each case on its own terms. “We do our best to treat each person individually, taking both recent medical evidence and their personal preferences into account,” Dr. Giffi said. “I always tell my patients, ‘I treat people, not cancer,’ and I often remind myself that the person sitting in front of me, and where they are in their life, is more important than any lab test or scan that I order.” The personal care was evident to Cheryl when she was speaking to Dr. DiMercurio about her reconstructive surgery. “He said, ‘I understand we have to have you ready by your daughter’s wedding,’” she recalled. “And it struck me that he read the notes in my chart. He took the time to look at my case.” Cheryl is using her experience to teach others the importance of seeing the doctor and getting a mammogram regularly. “I’ve been vocal with people about my story because I was so nonchalant about it,” she said. “I’m very bad at taking care of myself. I went in for my yearly care with my female doctor and she noted that I was five months late in getting my mammogram. “It only takes a few minutes,” she said. To learn more about the Meritus Center for Breast Health, go to www.meritushealth.com/breasthealth. For more about Meritus Hematology & Oncology Specialists, visit www.meritushealth.com/HematologyOncology. To learn more about the John R. Marsh Cancer Center, go to www.meritushealth.com/cancercenter. Colors of Cancer While Cheryl had the support to make it through her cancer journey, not everyone with the diagnosis is so lucky. Along the course of the journey, many unexpected needs can arise. Being able to cover these expenses allows patients and their families to focus on their health. By supporting the Colors of Cancer, it will ensure Meritus patients have reliable transportation to and from appointments and financial assistance for medication, and it will ease the additional financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/Colors.
Meritus Health experts urge prevention ahead of viral illness season
September 30, 2024
As Meritus lives its mission of improving the health of the community, dedicated caregivers are sharing information about preventative measures to take during viral illness season. In alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Meritus experts strongly recommend that individuals age 6 months and older receive an updated flu vaccine in addition to staying informed about COVID-19 precautions, and they encourage all eligible individuals to consider vaccination or booster shots as needed. Dr. Anand Budi, Meritus chief medical officer, emphasizes the health system’s commitment to safeguarding the community against viral illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu. “Vaccination remains our most effective defense against the spread of these viral illnesses,” he said. There are multiple options available for scheduling your vaccinations and boosters: • MyChart: You can conveniently schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccines or boosters through your MyChart account. • Primary Care Provider: Reach out to your primary care provider's office for vaccine appointments and guidance tailored to your health needs. • Your Local Health Department: Stay informed about local vaccination resources by checking with your nearby health department. • Your Local Pharmacy: Many local pharmacies offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, making it easily accessible for you. Over-the-counter flu and COVID-19 tests are readily available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. These tests are user-friendly, quick, and provide reliable results for most individuals. For those requiring laboratory testing, Meritus Medical Laboratory locations offer comprehensive testing services. Please be aware that a healthcare provider's order is necessary, and your insurance will be billed accordingly. You can schedule your flu and COVID vaccine appointments with ease today through MyChart, your primary care provider's office or by visiting a pharmacy or grocery store. “We all have a part to play in reducing the spread of viral illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu,” Dr. Budi said. “By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of our entire community.” For the latest, up-to-date information on the flu season, viral illnesses, testing, treatment, and vaccination options, please visit MeritusHealth.com/Viralillness. ### Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best healthcare, health services and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has nearly 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.
Meritus Crisis Center, Mental Health Walk-in there to help everyone
September 20, 2024
When it comes to mental health or fighting addiction, it can seem like you’re on one side of a river looking to cross to the other side. A rushing torrent of forms, red tape and insurance issues can be discouraging enough to make you stay put. The Meritus Crisis Center and Meritus Mental Health Walk-in facility are designed to be a bridge, said Halima Naluwooza, MSN, CRNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. “For anybody who is struggling, whether it's with mental health or addiction, it's sometimes hard to get a provider,” she said, noting some providers in the area are scheduling six months out or longer. “We're willing to bridge them, to get them in and assessed.” Help is available for those age 6 and older at the Mental Health Walk-in. The Crisis Center is for those 18 and older. The ones who seem to need the bridge the most are those seeking substance abuse recovery, she said. They are sometimes discouraged to get help because of the stigma that still surrounds substance use or they’ve tried before only to relapse. “With recovery, it doesn't matter if they’ve gone through it 20 times,” Naluwooza said. “We'll help them with the 21st time. Even when you’ve struggled before, we’re still willing to help.” What happens when you walk into the Orange Entrance? Access to the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in starts in the same place: The Orange Entrance to the Robinwood Professional Center at 11110 Medical Campus Road. Go through the automatic double doors, then go in the first door on the left. There you walk into a waiting room with a front desk staffed to guide you, depending on your needs. Whether it’s addiction services or mental health, Naluwooza is one of the first stops. It’s her job to evaluate patients for mental health and general health issues. Perhaps they’re trying to get established with a mental healthcare provider, but aren’t able to get a prompt appointment. Naluwooza can determine if they need medication and prescribe it until the patient can see their own provider. Perhaps the patient wants to give up drinking or drugs. Naluwooza would determine if they can enter the six-bed Crisis Center, or if they’re suffering from conditions that would require them to visit the Emergency Department first. For example, she said alcoholic withdrawal known as delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening, requires immediate medical care. “Most are OK, but we do have to send some to the ER,” she said. “So long as they have been medically cleared, they can come back to us.” Once in the center, patients usually stay up to three days to get management of withdrawal symptoms while a discharge coordinator works to get them into an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. The coordinator also works with insurance companies and sometimes even secures scholarships for patients to cover costs. What makes Meritus behavioral health services different? A key part of the Crisis Center program is the availability of peer support personnel. These are people who, at one point in their lives, were struggling with substance abuse and are now working to help those in the throes of addiction. “We find the patient is more open to going through rehab or whatever treatment we can offer because they see someone who has gone through it before them and come out on the other side,” Naluwooza said. It’s the one-stop-shop aspects of the Crisis Center and Mental Health Walk-in that provides her satisfaction. “The biggest thing is just helping them start on their journey. They meet a lot of barriers when they start. They don’t know where to go,” Naluwooza said. “The thing I like about this place is that anyone who walks in here can be helped in one way or another.” To learn more about the Crisis Center, visit www.meritushealth.com/crisiscenter. To learn more about the Mental Health Walk-in clinic, go to www.meritushealth.com/mentalhealth.
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine receives OK for first class
September 18, 2024
MSOM will be the first new medical school in Maryland in over 100 years After 1,000 days of continuous planning, enrollment is now open for the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine for the fall 2025 semester. The school received conditional approval to operate in Maryland as an in-state degree-granting institution from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and pre-accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. “We started on this path to fill the critical shortage of physicians in our community, the state and the nation,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., Meritus president and CEO. “Now, we’ve taken the steps that will create generational change.” There are not enough physicians in the United States to meet the needs of our population. By the year 2030, there is a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians, and in Washington County alone, studies indicate a current shortage of 52 physicians. Additionally, in Maryland, one out of three physicians are over the age of 60. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first medical school opened in Maryland in more than 100 years. “We are fortunate to have outstanding medical schools in Maryland with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine and we are honored to contribute to the growth of undergraduate medical education in our state,” said Dr. Paula Gregory, founding Dean of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. “Our MSOM mission is to train socially responsible, professionally accomplished and community-oriented physicians.” What will the first students find on campus? The first class, the class of 2029, will include 90 medical students and future classes will be at 180 students. The D.M. Bowman Academic Hall, which will be the school’s main building, has been under construction for about two years on the Meritus Medical Center campus off Robinwood Drive near Hagerstown. The academic hall is slated to be completed by December 2024. The 200,000-square-foot, five-story building will house a state-of-the-art simulation center, simulation labs, classrooms and a conference center that can host up to 1,000 people. The adjacent Meritus Commons will provide student housing through 340 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The complex will also include a club house, commons area and dog park. The first 90 units will be completed in time for the first class. What is the projected economic impact of the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine? An independent economic impact study performed by Tripp Umbach shows the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will bring considerable benefits to the region. Capital impacts from 2023-2026 are estimated at $268 million dollars, with 1,595 jobs created and estimated tax revenue of $6.2 million dollars. Once the school welcomes its first class, an estimated $500 million of economic impact is expected between 2025 and 2030, with more than $120 million per year to the Maryland GDP every year beyond 2030. How can I learn more about the new medical school? For more information about the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine, including details on academics, tuition and fees and how to apply, visit www.msom.org.
Trauma patients have new life-saving resource at Meritus
September 11, 2024
Hospital is first in region to stock whole blood Meritus Medical Center is now stocking a life-saving resource developed on the battlefield that will give trauma patients a better chance at survival. Through work by the Meritus trauma department and blood bank, the hospital will be able to offer whole blood to those patients most at risk of death after a traumatic incident. “This is a big deal,” said Kyle Remick, M.D., FACS, Meritus trauma medical director who also is a retired U.S. Army Colonel. “For patients with the most severe injuries, whole blood has been shown to be life-saving.” Meritus is positioned at the intersection of two major U.S. interstates, meaning the level 3 trauma center frequently sees trauma patients from automobile crashes, in addition to typical injuries seen by hospitals in rural areas. Victoria K. Gonsorcik, D.O., associate pathologist and director of transfusion/blood bank services, said Meritus staff is primed to go. “We have worked with the critical care and the trauma team along with other departments at Meritus to help roll this out,” she said. “We are ready.” The plan is to work with EMS units in the region so first responders can begin whole blood transfusions when they first encounter patients. How does whole blood benefit trauma patients? Normally, donated blood is separated into components — red blood cells, plasma, platelets, etc. — for standard medical use. By using whole blood, studies have found it improves a patient’s chances of survival in the trauma setting. “When inventory allows, whole blood will offer a quick and efficient method to replace significant blood loss and a more rapid correction of bleeding disorders for our massive transfusions and trauma 1 patients,” Dr. Gonsorcik said. Dr. Remick noted that it was military doctors who have pioneered the treatment, learning lessons from treating troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. “We used whole blood up until Vietnam,” said Dr. Remick, who was a battlefield surgeon when he was active duty. “We learned that when trauma patients are bleeding significantly from their injury, replacing blood lost with whole blood gives those patients the best chance of survival.” Several hospitals in the Washington, D.C., region offer the treatment, but Dr. Remick says Meritus would be the first in Western Maryland. “This will be a benefit to the local population as well as those travelling through the region from other parts of the country,” he said. “Injury is the leading cause of death in those 1 to 44 years of age in the U.S., according to the CDC, so it is important for Meritus to be a leader in optimal care for injuries that occur in the community and the region.” Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., Meritus chief operating officer who oversees the hospital, praised the move. “Offering whole blood is another example of Meritus living up to its mission of improving the health of the community,” she said. “As our community continues to grow, we are striving to meet their health needs, and injury care is a significant part of that need.” To learn more about Meritus Medical Center’s emergency care, visit www.meritushealth.com/Emergency.