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NBCDFW's news report features Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake's new Lifenet technology.  Designed to treat heart patients as quickly as possible, Lifenet enables an EKG to be done in the ambulance on route to our Emergency Department.  This gives emergency staff critical patient information in advance so that they can prepare to give appropriate treatment. 

DALLAS – Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, with Stryker Corporation, one of the world's leading medical technology companies, hosted a surgery symposium at the end of October for more than 20 orthopedic surgeons from across the country. The one-day training focused on hip and knee primary revision.

Orthopedic surgeons watched a live hip and knee reconstructive case, with emphasis on hip and knee revision, moderated by experienced faculty, while hearing skilled surgeons discuss total joint surgery. The surgery gave participants the opportunity to discuss clinical decision-making, with an emphasis on product choices and surgical techniques.

"We were thrilled to be able to partner with Stryker to host this symposium," said Scott Manis, Doctor's CEO. "Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is committed to providing the best care possible. In hosting these continuing education events, we are able to ensure our doctors are armed with up-to-date knowledge of procedures for their patients."

Following the live surgery, didactic presentations focused on product choice options, techniques and clinical results. Attendees also discussed interesting cases with surgeons and faculty.

The hip and knee surgery symposium is one of many continuing education events that Doctor's hosts annually for area physicians and surgeons. Recently, the hospital hosted two seminars featuring physicians and health care professionals from UT Southwestern, Austin and Dallas--a chest pain conference and stroke symposium.

For half a century, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has devoted itself to the health and well-being of East Dallas. With our continued commitment to the community we serve, Doctors Hospital is upgrading its full suite of services with hotel-inspired surgical suites, a new womenfs imaging center and a comprehensive heart center. With 218 beds, this full-service hospital has specialties ranging from orthopedics and bariatric surgery to neurosurgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

Doctors Hospital has achieved many accreditations and awards. For example, Doctors Hospital was one of the first hospitals in metro Dallas to receive accreditation by the American Society of Chest Pain Centers for outstanding work in the emergency department. Other accreditations include the American Heart Associationfs Get With The GuidelinesSM Gold Performance Achievement Awards for Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Come see community health care in a whole new light – right here on White Rock Lake.

About Stryker

Stryker Corporation is one of the world's leading medical technology companies with the most broadly based range of products in orthopedics and a significant presence in other medical specialties. Stryker works with respected medical professionals to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. The Company's products include implants used in joint replacement, trauma, craniomaxillofacial and spinal surgeries; biologics; surgical, neurologic, ear, nose & throat and interventional pain equipment; endoscopic, surgical navigation, communications and digital imaging systems; as well as patient handling and emergency medical equipment. For more information about Stryker, please visit www.stryker.com.

DALLAS – Every day, a Dallas-Fort Worth resident owes his life to a paramedic, EMT or firefighter. Doctor's Hospital at White Rock Lake has begun an innovative reunion program to recognize and thank emergency medical service (EMS) professionals for their commitment and the exceptional care they provide.

The monthly program at Doctor's is one of the few in this area. The emotion-filled gatherings of patients, EMS medics and hospital staff are important for rescuers, who often do not know what happens to patients after they get them to the hospital. Patients are able to thank these medical heroes for saving them so they can enjoy their lives once again.

Steve Park, a 45-year-old Mesquite resident, was the first Doctor's patient to take part.  He was reunited with EMS medic Rob Williams and the emergency department staff who helped him

"Sometimes patients may come by the station and follow up with us, but usually, unless we call the EMS chief, we don't hear about the outcome," said Williams.  "I'm glad Doctor's has started this program. I remember Steve very clearly because I have five kids. His situation stuck in my mind, and I wondered what happened afterwards. Now I don't have to wonder."

Park, young, athletic and without a history of heart disease, had experienced severe chest pain while mowing his lawn. His wife, Tina, nine months pregnant with twins, called 911  Williams and partner David Judd recognized that Steve was having a heart attack almost immediately and began administering the appropriate medication to help stabilize his condition.

Upon the request of his wife who was registered to give birth at Doctor's Steve was transported to the hospital, an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

Ten days after Park was released from the hospital, his wife gave birth at Doctor's.  The family welcomed twins Levi and Lewis who joined their two big sisters.

The simple, yet powerful reunion involved photos, hugs and stories of the events that saved the life of Steve Park. Mike Adelhardt, Doctor's Cath lab supervisor , showed EMS workers a video of Steve's heart and the room where his procedure took place.

"Everyone took wonderful care of me – from the EMS to the doctors and nurses at Doctors Hospital," Park said.. "I thought about taking something by the fire station to show my appreciation for what Rob and David did for me, but I didnft know what was the right thing to do, so this reunion was perfect. It was nice to be able to meet everyone who worked on me and express in person how much gratitude I have for them saving my life."

About Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

For half a century, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has devoted itself to the health and well-being of East Dallas. With our continued commitment to the community we serve, Doctors Hospital is upgrading its full suite of services with hotel-inspired surgical suites, a new womenfs imaging center and a comprehensive heart center. With 218 beds, this full-service hospital has specialties ranging from orthopedics and bariatric surgery to neurosurgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

Over the years, Doctors Hospital has achieved many accreditations and awards. For example, Doctors Hospital was one of the first hospitals in the Dallas metro area to receive accreditation by the American Society of Chest Pain Centers for outstanding work in the emergency department. Other accreditations include the American Heart Associationfs Get With The GuidelinesSM Gold Performance Achievement Awards for Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Come see community health care in a whole new light – right here on White Rock Lake.  

For the past 50 years, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has sustained the commitment to provide quality healthcare to the communities it serves.

After five decades, Doctors continues to improve, upgrade and grow its full suite of services and medical technologies. Through a variety of programs that promote health, facilitate wellness and support those with healthcare needs, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake maintains the commitment to the community that was made 50 years ago.

Dr. Hillert is member and past president of the Texas affiliate of the American Heart Association, and member the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the National Lipid Association. Dr. Hillert received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. He is being reappointed for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Hospitals receiving tbe Gold Achievement Award have reached an aggressive goal of treating coronary artery disease, heart failure or stroke patients with 85 perent compliance to core standard levels of care, as outlined by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology secondary prevention guidelines for 24 consecutive months.

 “Doctors Hospital is dedicated to making our patient care for heart and stroke patients among the best in the country. The GWTG program is helping us accomplish this by making it easier for our professionals to improve the quality of care and long-term outcomes of our cardiac patients,” said Bob Hillert, MD, head of Doctors Hospital’s Cardiology Department.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s GWTG program is a quality-improvement program that helps hospitals ensure that patients consistently receive cardiac and stroke care in accordance with the most up-to-date guidelines and recommendations GWTG has three modules to help hospitals use evidence-based guidelines to treat patients with coronary artery disease, stroke and/or heart failure. Hospitals that continually meet or exceed the nationally accepted standards, or guidelines, improve their quality patient care by turning guidelines into lifelines.

About Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

For the past 50 years, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has sustained the commitment to provide quality healthcare to the communities it serves. After five decades, Doctors continues to improve, upgrade and grow its full suite of services, and medical technologies. Through a variety of programs that promote health, facilitate wellness and support those with healthcare needs, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake maintains the commitment to the community it made 50 years ago.

During his visit, he met with five of the hospital’s medical staff leaders, CEO Scott Manis and several representatives from the Dallas County Medical Society to get their views on what should be done to improve the nation’s health care system.

"We were excited to be able to provide Congressman Hensarling information on the impact of Doctors Hospital on the community and the increasing uninsured population," said Scott Manis, chief executive officer at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake. "He initiated discussion on the issue of health reform and engaged our physicians in a timely conversation of tort reform, as it concerns healthcare, and the revision of the current government and commercial insurance payment systems."

"Many of the solutions to our most challenging health care problems can be found in places like Lake Highlands rather than in Washington," Hensarling said. "There is no doubt that we must fix health care in our country, and I want to ensure that our citizens can have access to the health care they need, when they need it, and at a price they can afford." 

Hensarling was also concerned that many of the doctors he has spoken to would not encourage their children to follow in their footsteps and enter into a career in medicine. "Out of the more than 60 doctors I have spoken with, only one planned to encourage his children to practice medicine, and I want the best and brightest to be encouraged to become our future health care providers," said Hensarling, who is a leading proponent for needed medical liability reform.

"We at Doctors Hospital appreciate Congressman Hensarling taking the time to visit our facility and listen to our medical professionals who not only understand the state of our health care crisis, but also live it everyday," said Manis.

U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, who served as keynote speaker, announced the honorees, which also included the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Chairman’s Award. A committee made the nominations, and the board of directors voted on the recipients.  

Chair Mary Poss said Doctors Hospital was chosen because of its continued commitment and support in working for the businesses and individuals of East Dallas.  “This year coincides with Doctors Hospital’s 50th anniversary and, as is their usual manner, they are celebrating by giving back to the community.  They have selected a non-profit organization for every month and are donating 50 items on the organization’s wish list.  

She added, “Doctors Hospital has been a strong community advocate and contributed continuously for years.  We appreciate their involvement and commitment to improving East Dallas.” 

Doctors Chief Executive Officer Scott Manis said, “We are proud to accept this honor and would like to take this opportunity to thank our physicians, staff, volunteers and the community who have supported and helped us grow throughout the years.  Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake recognizes our vital responsibilities as a member of the community.  We remain steadfast in the mission to use our resources to respond to the broad spectrum of healthcare needs in East Dallas.” 

Manis is an accomplished executive with more than two decades of health care experience, including four years with another Tenet hospital.  

Manis most recently served as chief operating officer at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, a 373-bed acute care hospital specializing in obstetric, neonatal, pediatric, critical care and trauma services.  In this capacity, he was responsible for all non-nursing clinical and support departments.  Prior to that, Manis served in various positions with Valley Baptist Health System in Harlingen, Texas, including chief operating officer and vice president for clinical services. 

“I am pleased to announce Scott’s promotion to chief executive officer at Doctors Hospital,” said Robert L. Smith, senior vice president of operations for Tenet’s Central Region.  “Scott is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in operations and development, and will assure Doctors Hospital will continue to provide outstanding service to the community.”  

Manis received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and his master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.  

DALLAS -- Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake donated 50 books to Reading & Radio Resource, an organization that enriches the lives of children and adults who - because of physical, learning or vision limitations - cannot read for themselves. 

Through the strategic marketing of a continuously expanding catalog of state-of-the-art audio products and services, Reading & Radio Resource is the resource of choice for individuals and organizations nationwide. Reading & Radio Resource is widely recognized as a role model for fiscal and administrative stability, program excellence, donor stewardship, volunteer management and customer service

To commemorate its 50-Year Anniversary, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has launched a year-long campaign of thanking the community by asking organizations for items on their ‘wish lists’, then donating in lots of ‘50’. Throughout the year, contributions will be made to numerous organizations and charities in the White Rock area.

Hospitals must meet or exceed UnitedHealthcare’s rigorous quality criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards including programmatic structure, patient care processes and clinical outcomes.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake received the following quality designations: Cardiac Care, Cardiac Surgery and Heart Rhythm Disorders.

 "We are pleased that our hospital has been recognized by UnitedHealthcare for the high quality care that we provide," said Scott Manis, chief executive officer of Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake. "Our physicians and staff work hard to provide quality patient care, and these designations demonstrate the high standard of care we deliver every day.

50 Years of Care and Community Commitment

For the past 50 years, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake has sustained the commitment to provide quality healthcare to the communities it serves. After five decades, Doctors continues to improve, upgrade and grow its full suite of services, and medical technologies. Through a variety of programs that promote health, facilitate wellness and support those with healthcare needs, Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake maintains the commitment to the community it made 50 years ago.

Bench was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989.  In 1998, the Sporting News called Bench "undoubtedly the greatest catcher ever" and the 16th greatest player of all time.  Bench underwent total hip replacement surgery in April 2004 after years of excruciating pain in his back, knees and hip. Seventeen broken bones during his baseball career and 400,000 squats contributed to Bench’s need for a hip replacement.  

The donation is part of Doctors Hospital's year-long campaign commemorating 50 years of homegrown healthcare.  Doctors Hospital is thanking the community by asking organizations for items on their 'wish list," then donating in lots of ‘50’.  

Doctors Hospital kicked off the beginning of the campaign by donating 50 sports balls to the White Rock YMCA.

Under the program, coronary patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in the hospital and receive smoking cessation and weight management counseling and referrals for cardiac rehabilitation before being discharged.  These standards of care are outlined in the American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology secondary prevention guidelines for patients with coronary artery disease.

 "The full implementation of secondary prevention guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives of coronary patients," said Lynn Smaha, M.D., Ph.D., American Heart Association volunteer chairman for the national Get With The Guidelines^SM project. "The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines^SM program is designed to help hospitals like Doctors Hospital implement appropriate standards of care and protocols that may reduce the number of recurrent events and death in these patients."

According to the American Heart Association, more than 450,000 people suffer recurrent heart attacks each year.  Statistics also show that within six years after a heart attack, about 22 percent of men and 46 percent of women will be disabled with heart failure.  Within one year of an attack, 25 percent of men and 38 percent of women will die.

Research suggests that when patients are discharged from the hospital on appropriate medications such as aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors and lipid-lowering medicines, a patients' risk of a second event is reduced and lives can be saved.

 "Doctors Hospital is dedicated to making our heart center among the best in the country, and implementing the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines^SM program can help us accomplish this by making it easier for our professionals to improve the long-term outcomes for our cardiac patients," said Dr. Bob C. Hillert, a cardiologist at Doctors Hospital.

Get With The Guidelines^SM is designed to help Doctors Hospital's staff develop and implement a secondary prevention guideline process.  The program includes quality-improvement measures such as care maps, discharge protocols, standing orders and measurement tools.  Designed to be quick and efficient, these guideline tools may enable Doctors Hospital to improve the quality of care it provides cardiac patients, save lives and ultimately, reduce healthcare costs by lowering the recurrence of heart attacks.  Projections have shown that if the Get With The Guidelines^SM program was implemented nationwide, more than 80,000 lives could be saved each year.

The American Heart Association program, developed with support from an unrestricted educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., is being implemented in hospitals around the country.  For more information on Get With The Guidelines^SM, visit www.americanheart.org and type "Get With The Guidelines" into the search box.

Doctors Hospital was established in 1959 as a medical/surgical community hospital.  Since that time, it has grown into a full-service, 228-bed acute-care facility with three medical office buildings on its campus.  The hospital provides patients with advanced medical technology supported by an experienced nursing staff and ancillary support personnel.  Doctors Hospital is owned by Tenet HealthSystem, one of the nation's largest health care companies, and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.doctorshospitaldallas.com.

Colorectal cancer is a topic most people would probably prefer to avoid even thinking about. That, however, can be a dangerous or even fatal mistake.  Recommended tests and screenings and early treatment may significantly reduce the risks from colorectal cancer and improve patient outcomes.

"Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow in one of the four segments of the colon or in the rectum, which adjoins the anus where waste fecal matter passes out of the body," said Dr. Kurt Lange, a Gastroenterologist at Doctors Hospital. "The colon and rectum have several layers of tissue. Colorectal cancers begin in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the other layers.  While this process can take several years, we know that most colorectal cancers begin as a small pre-cancerous growth known as a polyp. Left untreated, colon cancer can cause dangerous blockages of the intestines and spread to other parts of the body."

While anyone can get colorectal cancer, there are several factors that may affect a person's likelihood of contracting the disease. Such factors include: family history, aging, diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, history of colorectal cancer, history of intestinal polyps and history of chronic bowel disease.

Statistics show that the risks of colorectal cancer can be reduced through early detection, and the key to that is timely screenings. There are several ways doctors can look for signs of the disease, and some of these tests are recommended even if you do not have symptoms or a history of the disease. Available testing options include a digital rectal examination, fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy. Your doctor can tell you which of these tests may be appropriate for you.

Treatment for colorectal cancer may vary from patient to patient. Radiation and drugs also are used to treat colorectal cancers. Doctors are constantly evaluating new radiation and drug therapies as they search for ways to prolong and improve their patients' lives.

Warning signs to report to your doctor include: any change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, blood on or in the stool, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, and/or cramps), frequent gas pains, a feeling that the bowel doesn't completely empty, weight loss with no known reason or constant tiredness.

Dr. Kurt Lange is one of the quality board-certified physicians caring for hundreds of patients each year at Doctors Hospital.  For more information on colorectal cancer or Doctors Hospital, call the Health Information Services at 214-324-6123.