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Dr. Salenger also notes the wide array of services available on an ���as-needed��� basis. These draw on the experience of medical subspecialists, such as hematologists, neurologists and others who may be called in for preoperative consultation for patients suffering from less common, associated conditions. Rounding out the team are physical therapists, who ensure patients are as strong as possible before surgery and help them achieve optimum mobility as quickly as possible after surgery. At echocardiography conferences, members of the valve team discuss severe cases of valve disease, treatment options, surgical and nonsurgical strategies, and follow-up plans for each patient. Patients admitted to the hospital with combined heart, lung and kidney failure are a perfect example of the bene���ts of the multidisciplinary valve team. In cases such as these, Dr. Salenger explains, cardiologists, pulmonary critical care physicians, nephrologists and ICU nursing staff collaborate to treat patients and ultimately return them to a better quality of life. For referring physicians who are unable to attend the conferences, either Dr. Lundy or Dr. Salenger follows up to communicate the discussion and proposed treatment plan and solicit the physicians��� input. ���We understand the importance of including the full complement of physicians in our patient assessments and surgery decisions. It allows for better patient outcomes and improvements in treatment across the continuum of their care,��� says Dr. Salenger. ���Our referring physicians appreciate the partnership with us in the care of their patients.��� Edward Lundy, M.D., Ph.D., and Dr. Salenger review cardiac catheterization films on a preoperative patient. A MAT TER O F PERSO NAL I NTER EST SINCE SERVING AS a cardiac surgery instructor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Rawn Salenger, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, Director of the Center for Valve Surgery at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, has focused his interests on patients with complex aortic and mitral valve disorders. In addition to his expertise in the surgical repair of diseased valves, Dr. Salenger works to prevent the need for surgical intervention through his work with the American Heart Association (AHA). He serves on the board of directors for Founders Af���liate of the AHA, has acted as chairman of The Heart Walk and has lent his expertise to several ���Lunch and Learns,��� as part of which, he visits local businesses to talk about the importance of healthful habits. ���I���ve found that this is a perfect complement to my work at Good Samaritan,��� Dr. Salenger says. ���Our mission at Good Samaritan���s cardiac program is to decrease our region���s cardiac mortality, which was higher than the rest of the state. As a heart surgeon, by the time I see patients on the operating table, their diseases are advanced. Through my work with the American Heart Association, I���m able to reach people in the community to Putting Patients at the Center of Care The Center for Valve Surgery is available for patients who are referred by their doctors for possible valve surgery, as well as self-referred patients seeking a second opinion. All patients are evaluated by either Dr. Salenger or Dr. Lundy. ���A comprehensive evaluation is performed under one roof, with one visit,��� try and prevent that.��� says Dr. Salenger. ���Other specialists are available routinely to assist in evaluation, and we provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Time is taken to explain the problem to the patient and his or her family, and the treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient. If surgery is needed, it is scheduled and carried out next door at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.��� Collectively, Dr. Salenger and Dr. Lundy have performed more than 2,000 valve procedures. After recovering, patients are sent back to their referring physicians for long-term follow up. For example, consider patients with mitral valve MDNEWS.COM I MD NEWS Mid Hudson |7

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