From its opening in 1972, Orlando Orthopaedic Center remains committed to its mission of excellence in patient care. Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary this January, Orlando Orthopaedic Center has expanded to a full-service practice with 17 physicians and many unique services. This year the practice launches its nonprofit organization, the Orlando Orthopaedic Center Foundation.

For the staff, the past 40 years have been an incredible journey. “We are all so thrilled and excited to be a part of this wonderful anniversary,” says Kevin Joyce, executive director of Orlando Orthopaedic Center.

As the practice began to grow, it aimed to put patients first. “Much of our success is thanks in part to this philosophy and it continues to guide us today,” says Joyce.

Since expanding to offices in Orlando, Winter Park, Sand Lake, Lake Mary and Oviedo, the practice has adapted to the growing technology and needs of patients through its in-house services. The practice’s specialties include Spine, Neck and Back, Joints, Hand and Upper Extremity, Foot and Ankle, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Oncology, Pain Management and Physical Therapy.

“We know that it’s imperative for patients to get the care they need in a convenient and cost-effective manner, and we do our best to lead the region in those categories, but we also know quality of care must be second to none,” says Joyce.

At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, each physician has a Physician Team working with their patients. That means whenever a patient needs anything, they call the Physician Team, which includes a Patient Care Coordinator and Patient Care Assistant, directly and speak to someone familiar with their case.

“The physician teams are something that is unique to our practice and really help us take that next step in patient satisfaction,” says Joyce. After the initial appointment is scheduled, Physician Teams handle all patient phone calls, emails and general inquires.

Recently, Orlando Orthopaedic Center opened an Orthopaedic Outpatient Surgery Center next to its downtown office. “Our doctors enjoy it because everything is set up exactly how they choose and that ultimately leads to a better patient experience in many cases,” says Joyce.

Voted the “Best Orthopaedic Practice” in Central Florida by Florida Medical Business in 2004, Orlando Orthopaedic Center aims to give back to the community. For the 40^th Anniversary Celebration, Orlando Orthopaedic Center will start a nonprofit foundation to focus on patient education and youth injury prevention. The foundation will work with partners to provide sports screenings, outreach events and annual orthopaedic update seminars for healthcare professionals. The foundation aims to decrease the number of orthopaedic injuries in Central Florida.

In addition, Orlando Orthopaedic Center will launch its “40 Acts of Kindness” campaign in 2012 to thank the community for its support over the years. In this program, the practice will choose 40 ways to give back through philanthropic activities including volunteerism, donations to nonprofits and fundraisers.

“We firmly believe that adding a charitable component to the practice is one of the best ways we can help make the community a better, safer place to call home,” says Joyce.

The practice’s focus on philanthropy will continue to grow in the future, along with its commitment to patients. Despite its changes and developments in the past 40 years, Orlando Orthopaedic Center’s devotion to quality care and convenience has been consistent since the practice opened.

“Putting patients first is what got us to where we are today and it will continue to be our main focus for the next four decades and beyond,” says Joyce.

Article by Corey Gehrold

Robert E. Clayton II, MD, is pleased to be able to bring the Serotonin-Plus Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program (SP Program) to the residents of Lake Nona and surrounding communities. Dr. Clayton is a Board Certified Physician who has practiced in Brevard County for more than 30 years. Since adding the SP Weight Loss Program to his practice in Cocoa Beach a year ago, Dr. Clayton says his patients have experienced “great success with amazing results.” In fact, in just nine months, the participants in the program have lost over 2,000 combined pounds.

The SP Program is said to be safe, successful and sustainable - still, many patients have questions. Dr. Clayton recently answered some of these common questions below.

1. How is this program different than other weight loss programs?

The SP Program uses an FDA approved natural serotonin supplement. A very important part of this program is that real food is used, not protein bars or shakes. There are three phases to the program with meal and snack suggestions for the 12 weeks that are simple and healthy. Patients are given a physical before they begin the program, as well as the necessary testing to rule out other causes of weight gain, such as thyroid disorders. We also use a very sophisticated scale that shows us each patient’s body mass index (BMI), water retention, muscle mass, and more. Each patient receives a copy of this report at each weekly visit so they can see their progress.

2. Is this program successful?

Yes, the program has a 99 percent success rate nationally. Many of our patients have tried other programs, and found the SP Program to be the program that works for them. We have couples who join together and support each other throughout the program, as well as mother/daughter and father/daughter teams. We have had patients from almost every age group. That said, the SP Program is designed for ages 10 and up. Many of our patients are middle-aged men and women who have found the SP Program to be just what they needed to win the “Battle of the Bulge” that often comes with this phase of life. Our senior citizens are losing those extra pounds to stay mobile and healthy. We even offer a 50 percent discount for our senior citizens. Best of all, many of our patients have been able to reduce or eliminate their medications for cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure and other conditions once they reached their healthy weight.

3. Is the program sustainable so that I can keep my weight off?

Our patients have found that the program teaches them new, healthy eating habits which they can continue when they complete the program. By learning portion control and healthy food choices, patients are able to continue to maintain or lose weight after completion of the program. Our patients also have the choice of coming in once a month after they complete the program for a short visit to maintain their weight loss.

Other Choices for Healthy Living

Dr. Clayton offers several healthy eating habits that he suggests to his patients:

• Eat “Organic” foods when possible

• Eat “Gluten Free” when possible

• Take one probiotic supplement or yogurt with probiotics daily

• Avoid refined sugar

• Avoid artificial sweeteners

• Use real butter

Dr. Halla F. Shami of The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates treats numerous patients experiencing thyroid and parathyroid issues each and every day at her state-of-the-art practice. Often, many of the patients have similar questions regarding their symptoms, treatment and discomfort. Dr. Shami recently sat down with Insight to answer some of the most common questions she hears.

1. What is a thyroid nodule?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland in the neck around the windpipe that helps control our body’s metabolism (how fast our heart beats; how quickly we burn calories).  Growths can occur in the thyroid gland and are called “nodules.” Thyroid nodules are very common. In fact, about 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have at least one thyroid nodule. Thyroid nodules can be cancerous, although most are not.

2. What are some of the risk factors or causes of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. To date, the only definite risk factors we know of are a family history of thyroid cancer or exposure to radiation. Radiation exposure would include certain medical treatments to the head and neck or fallout from power plant accidents and nuclear weapons.

3. What treatment options are available to me?

Most thyroid nodules are noncancerous. Based on the size of the nodule and characterizes on the ultrasound, a needle biopsy might be recommended.  Based on the results of the biopsy, surgery may be recommended. When thyroid nodules are determined to be noncancerous, we typically recommend follow up exams every 6 to 12 months.

6. What is hyperparathyroidism?

The parathyroid glands are four small glands that are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. The job of the parathyroid glands is to control your blood calcium levels. Sometimes, for reasons we don’t understand, one or more of our parathyroid glands becomes enlarged and begins making too much of the parathyroid hormone, resulting in the condition known as hyperparathyroidism. This leads to high blood calcium levels which can cause multiple problems if left untreated.

4. What are the symptoms and treatment options for hyperparathyroidism?

The most common symptoms include kidney stones, stomach discomfort, kidney failure, osteoporosis, bone pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Often, however, people with hyperparathyroidism have no symptoms at all. Many are diagnosed when they have routine blood work and find out that their calcium level is high.  Surgery is the only option to treat the condition.

5. What are my surgery options for either condition?

There are various options for each condition. Minimal access (through a small incision) thyroid surgery can be offered to most patients undergoing thyroid surgery.  Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery (through a one inch incision) can be done on most every patient undergoing parathyroidectomy. Patients often go home the day of the procedure and resume their regular activities the next day.

Robotic surgery is also becoming very popular, which allows us to perform the surgeries needed for thyroid and parathyroid diseases without any incision on the neck. In most cases patients go home the next day and are off pain medications by the second or third day. Patients are able to shower and eat and drink whatever they like.

Want More Information?

To view a video of Dr. Shami answering these questions and more in full detail, visit www.entorlando.com.

Contact The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates to schedule your appointment today.

The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates

133 Benmore Drive, Suite 100,
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-644-4883

Lake Nona is known for its emphasis on health, so it’s no surprise that its new Laureate Park community has been labeled one of the greenest, healthiest communities in the U.S. The 2,700-unit community is located next to Medical City and offers environmentally-friendly homes designed by K. Hovnanian Homes, Ashton Woods Homes and David Weekly Homes priced from the low $200’s to the $400’s.

So far, Laureate Park has earned an “ENERGY STAR” by meeting the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program standards for home construction. And Masco, a company that manufactures and distributes home building and improvement products, has bestowed Laureate Park with a “Certified Green” designation through its Environments for Living program. In order to receive this certification, the homes must be more energy efficient than the typical dwelling.

“The house has to perform 20 percent better, use 20 percent less water and energy,” says Rob Adams, vice president of Lake Nona.

All of the energy-efficient homes have unique layouts and are equipped with GE products, including the GE Nucleus. According to Adams, the Nucleus is an energy management system that measures energy usage in real time. Through the world of modern technology, home owners can monitor their energy usage through their iPads and iPhones.

“I like that the homes are set up for an electric car; the plugs are right in the garage,” says Robin Wilson, an eco-friendly interior designer who created the color palette for all of the homes. “It’s set for you to be eco-friendly from the beginning. That shows commitment to the future.”

Wilson has created 22 color palettes that homeowners can choose from, so no two homes will look exactly the same. The paints used for the homes are low-VOC paints, meaning the paints are self-sealing and, therefore, much less toxic.

“It’s not boring; it’s a community geared toward attracting those who want all of their senses to be teased,” says Wilson. “It’s an amazing situation that will lend itself to knowing who their neighbors are. This is a community where people are going to live, work and play.”

Article by Marisa Ramiccio

Since its inception, Lake Nona’s Medical City has become the hub of medical treatment, education and research in Central Florida. Anchored by UCF’s College of Medicine, the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, Medical City will be expanding its medical cluster in the coming year.

One of Medical City’s new additions, the VA Medical Center, will open in the fall of 2012. The $665-million building will take up 1.2 million square feet, which is large for a medical center. Also on the property will be a community living center and the SimLEARN building, which will provide training to nurses and doctors.

“Our property is about the size of Sea World and our building will fill up most of that space,” says Joe Battle, the VA’s Activations Executive.

Battle says the hospital will be very modern and will be equipped with the latest diagnostic care equipment. The building is also energy efficient in the hopes of earning a silver LEED certificate. It offers single rooms with great views and there are healing gardens that offer patients a place to get some peace of mind.

Since the patients are older, specific accommodations have been made to help them during their stay. For example, the parking garage is part of the building so patients don’t have to walk a long distance to get to the building. The rooms are also equipped with mechanical lifts so the hospital staff doesn’t have to lift patients out of bed.

“Our hospital is set up for ease of use with the veteran so they can get where they need to go with the minimum amount of effort,” says Battle.

In fact, the entire building was designed with the veterans in mind.

“We want the veterans to feel like they’re being honored,” says Battle. “Our patients will know they’re coming to a place that’s special for them.”

But the VA isn’t the only facility opening next fall. The Nemours Children’s Hospital will be a 630,000-square-foot building with the capacity for 137 beds.

“The rooms will all be single-family rooms and will be 50 percent larger than required,” says Josh Wilson, senior manager of public and community relations for Nemours.

Like the VA, Nemours caters to its patients and has specifically designed the hospital to be family friendly. As Wilson says, the building is designed by families for families. Nemours’ own family advisory council, which consists of parents of Nemours’ patients, was able to give input on how the building should be designed.

“They met with an architect, helping to make careful decisions about how the hospital should look and feel,” says Wilson.

Each of the rooms is equipped with a colored light and kids can choose which color they’d like for their room. There will be rooftop gardens on the second and fourth floors as well as nature trails and a healing garden outside.

Both Nemours and the VA will have the opportunity to partner with other medical powerhouses in Medical City, including the medical schools, UCF and UF.

UF will open its 100,000-square-foot academic and research facility next summer. The lab will allow students to study aging and mobility as well as conduct drug research.

Valencia Community College will also open a campus on Lake Nona. The first of four buildings is expected to open August 2012 and will contain classrooms, labs, a bookstore and café as well as a library. The building will cost Valencia close to $22 million and will take up around 250,000 square feet. About 5,000 students will be serviced through this new campus.

Coupled with dozens of smaller-scale medical and nonmedical businesses, the Lake Nona area shows little sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Article by Marisa Ramiccio