From the Presidents
Biomedical research is seldom a solitary endeavor.
That’s a good thing. The more people who study a problem, and from the most
perspectives possible, the better the outcome is likely to be. MCG is a proud
participant in this approach, frequently collaborating with scientists
nationwide and beyond.
But occasionally, a single institution emerges as a true leader in a particular
field of research. At the risk of seeming immodest, I can’t help but shine the
spotlight on MCG in the field of sickle cell research.
Actually, modesty doesn’t factor much into the equation, because MCG’s extraordinary progress in this arena largely predates my administration. It was in 1972 that MCG became one of the first Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers in the country, overseen by a true pioneer in the field, Dr. Titus H.J. Huisman.
Since then, MCG has broken ground in every facet of the disease. In 1992, Drs. Robert J. Adams and Virgil C. McKie demonstrated that transcranial Doppler could identify pediatric sickle cell patients’ stroke risk—a risk that can be largely eliminated with regular blood transfusions. This finding has virtually transformed sickle cell treatment and has spared countless children the agonizing and debilitating effects of a stroke.
This edition of MCG Today updates the progress, particularly the finding that the stroke risk generally resumes when transfusions cease. Several related articles cite advances in other areas of sickle cell treatment. MCG is proud to play a leading role in tackling an insidious disease that strikes so many Georgians.
On another note, you may recall that the winter 2006 edition of MCG Today highlighted the many efforts of the MCG community to extend its reach far beyond the confines of campus. Well, those efforts simply never stop. This edition profiles the volunteerism of Dr. Haroon Choudhri in the wake of the devastating Pakistan earthquake and the heroism of MCG resident Rich Jadick in Iraq, profiled on the cover of Newsweek magazine.
Please read about these accomplishments and many, many others inside.
Sincerely,
Daniel W. Rahn, M.D.
President, Medical College of Georgia
Nothing
strikes fear in the average person like the thought of surgery. The mere
idea of someone slicing open your body, invading it with steel instruments
and removing your tissue is enough to make any of us curl into the fetal
position. Added worries include the length of recovery time, potential pain
during the healing process and residual and often permanent scarring.
Pardon the pun, but cutting-edge surgical techniques now make much of that apprehension a thing of the past for some patients. Minimally invasive laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques are among the latest in a host of surgical advances that are happening every day at MCG Health System. Whether our surgeons pioneer some techniques or master others, our patients are placed at the center of care delivery and benefit from these methods by having less blood loss, faster recovery times, less scarring, less pain and other physical and emotional comforts.
Over the past five years, we invested $72.5 million in improving our facilities and technologies, including our surgical capabilities. We have acquired, replaced or upgraded our state-of-the-art anesthesia machines, operating room instruments and equipment, including acquiring a Stryker Navigational System. We also have consolidated our ambulatory surgical unit into one space for the comfort and convenience of our patients. Renovated anesthesia office space and operating rooms have increased the efficiency of caregivers and patient safety.
Consistent with the national trend, we are installing a more aggressive security system at surgical access points to meet Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards. Future plans call for us to build an adult endosuite.
As Dr. David Terris says, “This isn’t your father’s OR.” I hope you enjoy the article on page 16, and learn more about how new tools and techniques have revolutionized how surgeons care for their patients.
Sincerely,
Don Snell
President and Chief Executive Officer,
MCG Health, Inc.