In July, Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta became the first health system in Georgia – and one of only a few in the nation – to screen patients for breast cancer using 3D breast tomosynthesis. Also known as 3D mammography, this technology promises to improve cancer detection and reduce false-positive results.
Approved by the FDA in February, breast tomosynthesis produces a three-dimensional image of the breast, providing a clearer view of breast tissue. The technology improves images by digitally combining multiple X-rays to reduce distortion created by tissue overlap or density.
“As a result, we’re able to pinpoint the size, shape and exact location of a lump or tumor. The image is not flattened like a standard mammogram. 3D mammography provides better visualization, easier and earlier detection and fewer callbacks, which translates into less anxiety for our patients,” said Suzanne Thigpen, a breast imager and assistant professor of radiology at GHSU.
Conventional 2D mammography captures the breast in one exposure, resulting in a flat picture in which features can be hidden. Tomosynthesis takes images from multiple angles and uses computer processing to build these slices into a 3D image that a radiologist can manipulate.
Tomosynthesis also screens the entire breast, not just the problem area. This is significant because 15 percent of women with a cancer in their breast also have another cancer in the same or other breast. Women have also reported a more comfortable screening process with 3D mammography.
Grady stroke team grows: The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady Memorial Hospital has announced the addition of a new program director and a new outreach manager.
Karen B. Seagraves joins Grady as program director after 13 years at Atlanta’s Northside Hospital, where she served as the neurosciences clinical nurse specialist and neuroscience and stroke program coordinator for the three Northside Hospital campuses. As a stroke-care expert, Seagraves is a reviewer for The Joint Commission’s stroke division of disease-specific programs.
As the new outreach manager, Kerrin Connelly will work to expand the center’s multihospital referral network and enhance community outreach for Grady’s neuroscience programs.
Connelly comes to Grady from the American Heart Association, where she served as manager for Health Quality Technology Solutions, overseeing the online component of the Get With The Guidelines quality-improvement programs. Connelly previously worked as a registered nurse for 10 years.
New nursing leader: Henry Medical Center has named Jackie Fogle director of nursing resources at the Stockbridge hospital.
A 26-year nursing veteran, Fogle has experience in telemetry and outpatient surgery. She has served in management for the past three years at Henry Medical and was instrumental in opening the hospital’s direct admit unit last December.
Director of Quality named: Eastside Medical Center in Snellville recently named Sharon Davies its Director of Quality. Davies was previously employed by the hospital as Director of Project Management.
Davies, who began her career at Eastside Medical Center in 1981, has also served as a nurse manager and Director of Women’s Services. Her nursing experience spans 33 years.
“Sharon’s extensive experience in health care will prove to be invaluable to our patients and community,” said Kim Ryan, Eastside Medical Center CEO.
Primary Stroke Center designation: Gwinnett Medical Center's hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth have been designated as Primary Stroke Centers by the Joint Commission, the nation's predominant accrediting body in health care. The designation recognizes hospitals that make dramatic efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke patients.
GMC first received the designation more than six years ago and has maintained it ever since. The system’s program includes stroke research studies that offer investigational medications, education such as stroke screenings for the community and internal education including regular mock training, among other components.
The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care.
Nursing program wins accreditation: Gwinnett Technical College has won initial accreditation for its associate degree nursing program. The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission granted the accreditation.
Gwinnett Tech launched the program in 2009. It plans to open a new life sciences center this fall and double the size of its nursing class to 60.
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