HJBR Mar/Apr 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  MAR / APR 2020 47 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com “We are grateful to the community for their sup- port to carry us over the goal, and together we are helping the hospital achieve its vision,” added Barton. “I’ve been honored to help champion this effort for Baton Rouge General’s future.” Mary Bird Perkins-OLOL Cancer Center Launches Cardio-Oncology Clinic Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center is launching a new cardio-oncology clinic, providing a focus on heart health. Through this ini- tiative, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center and Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute are combining their individual- ized, innovative approaches to form the cardio- oncology clinic. “As the number of cancer patients and survi- vors continues to rise nationwide, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients who have received cancer therapies is also increasing,” said Leon Cannizzaro, MD, lead of the cardio-oncology clinic and cardiologist, Our Lady of the Lake Lou- isiana Cardiology Associates. “Cardiotoxicity is a potential side effect of many cancer therapies. Anticancer drugs and radiation are designed to target and eliminate tumor cells, but there can also be collateral injury to other healthy tissues, like the heart. Patients at risk can benefit greatly by having their cardiac health closely monitored before, during, and after treatment.” Heart disease and cancer are the number one and two killers respectively in the United States. Patients with cancer have a higher risk of devel- oping cardiovascular disease that may lead to an interruption in their cancer treatment and affect their long-term quality of life and overall survival. The Cancer Center’s newest clinic helps assess any heart issues a patient may have prior to cancer diagnosis, as well as any side effects that can occur during and following chemotherapy and radia- tion. Through screening and monitoring, patients’ cardiac needs are addressed, allowing the clinic team, in coordination with the patient’s oncolo- gist, to prevent and proactively manage any heart conditions that may arise The cardio-oncology clinic is designed for patients with a history of cardiotoxicity due to chemotherapy or certain targeted therapies; history of pre-existing heart disease; history of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or tobacco use; or a history of radiation therapy to the chest. “This comprehensive approach of oncologists and cardiologists collaborating underscores the Cancer Center’s commitment to providing a mul- tidisciplinary team approach to cancer care,” said Linda Lee, vice president, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. “Having a team of experts working together to develop and man- age a patient’s treatment plan from the beginning gives our patients their best chance for beating cancer and reduces the opportunity for heart- related problems in the future. The partnership between the Cancer Center and the Heart and Vascular Institute will ultimately comprehensively enhance survivorship.” Woman’s Hospital Rated Best in Baton Rouge by CMS for Quality Care In recognition for providing the region’s best outcomes and quality care for patients, Woman’s Hospital was recently awarded four stars by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) -- the only hospital in Baton Rouge above a three- star rating. CMS star ratings are designed to provide con- sumers with a simple overall rating to help them choose where to receive their care. Scores include a summary of seven different areas, including effectiveness of care, patient experience, and timeliness of care. “Here at Woman’s Hospital, we provide excep- tional care to our patients and strive to ensure they have the best possible outcomes,” said Barbara OCHSNER MEDICAL CENTER - BATON ROUGE DELIVERS BABY NAMED AFTER JOE BURROW On Jan. 21, just eight days after the 2020 College Football Playoff National Champion- ship, Dustin and Sarah McKnight welcomed their second child. William Burrow McKnight was born at 7:18 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge with help from certified nurse midwife Vickie Matherne. Weighing 8 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 22 inches in length, William Burrow was proudly named after Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow. The family, including older sister Emile (6), resides in Walker.