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and continuing with the introduction of various neurointerventional techniques for revascularization and thrombectomy of ischemic stroke and coil embolization of hemorrhagic (aneurysmal) stroke. Coupled with biplane angiography, state- of-the art stroke treatment now aims to stop a stroke while it is happening. Because these treatments require state-of-the art equipment and neuro- interventional surgeons, who still number fewer than a thousand nationwide, this high level of treatment has been limited mainly to large university and urban hospitals. In the Mid-Hudson region, those suffering stroke symptoms — approximately 750 people in 2014 — have had to travel to Albany or Westchester for neurointerventional treatment. Given the limited time window for neurointerven- tional procedures, that drive time alone can make them ineligible for treatment. To remedy that situation, Health Quest has made a multimillion-dollar commitment to build on its existing stroke services — Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center have all been designated as stroke centers by the New York State Department of Health, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission — by bringing national-level stroke technology and thoroughly trained and experienced neurointerventional surgeons to the Mid-Hudson region. Regional physi- cia ns w ill no longer have to send their patients out of the region for neurointerventional treatment. Physician Expertise After an extensive nationwide search, Health Quest successfully recruited Dr. Nohara to help guide the development of its stroke program and lead its new Division of NeuroInterventional Surgery. Having completed a full three-year fel- lowship in neurointerventional radiology at the University of Virginia, Dr. Nohara has more than 10 years experience as a neurointerventional surgeon. She has worked in both academic and private practice settings, including an appoint- ment as an assistant prof e s s or a t Joh n s Hopk ins Universit y Hospital and five years in private practice in Tacoma, Washington. There, she worked as part of a team of three neurointer ventiona l surgeons that covered t w o mu lt i-ho s pit a l systems and performed a pprox i m ately 6 0 0 neurointer ventiona l Dr. Nohara discusses treatment with a patient. Dr. Nohara looks at final images with a technologist after aneurysm coiling. CO M M U N IT Y O U T R E AC H IN ADDITION TO directing Health Quest's Division of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Alison J. Nohara, MD, sees patients for follow-up appointments and maintains clinic hours, during which she treats the full spectrum of vascular conditions, including stenosis and aneu- rysm. She performs procedures such as cervical/intracranial arterial stenting to widen arteries and coiling procedures to repair aneurysms. For patients who are not indicated for surgical interven- tion, Dr. Nohara's team schedules follow-up appointments to track any developments in their conditions. As an advocate for stroke awareness and preventative health measures, Dr. Nohara also delivers educational presentations throughout the community. "Stroke is a terrible disease," she says. "I fight it every day, case by case, so it's incredibly valuable to explain the importance of treatment time windows, both in an outpatient setting and in the community at large." M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS Mid Hudson | 7