August 2007 eNews
Is Your Electrical System Working?Featuring Scott Pham, MD, FACC, Sanford Health Clinic Partners Electrophysiology is not something commonly talked about in our every day world. However, it is something that can affect anyone of us. It is the study of electrical activity of the heart. The heart’s electrical system transmits signals throughout the heart to keep it pumping at a healthy pace. When there is a problem with the heart’s electrical system, its pumping power is diminished and blood does not circulate effectively. The body does not get the full supply of oxygen that it needs to thrive. The (EP) study of the heart is a test that records the electrical activity and measures the electrical pathways of the heart. The test uses cardiac catheters and sophisticated computers to generate electrocardiogram tracings and electrical measurements with exact precision from within the heart chambers. If you are someone who has dizzy spells, are lightheaded, have a rapid heartbeat or maybe your heart isn’t beating fast enough, you could be someone who needs to see an electrophysiologist. Scott Pham, MD, a cardiologist at Sanford Clinic Heart Partners, specializes in cardiac electrophysiology with an emphasis in ablation techniques and device implantations. Typically, Dr. Pham’s patients that need electrophysiology care are younger than you might think. “I can have patients as young as 16,” said Dr. Pham.. One of the reasons that Dr. Pham enjoys his practice is because he can see the end result. “The electrical portion of the heart is so abstract, you can’t see it. That is what intrigues me and why I decided to focus on this field of study., “ said Dr. Pham. “It is relatively new to medicine (10 to 15 years) and within the last 10 years, many technical advances have been made.” He feels that we have just begun to explore and realize what is available to make our quality of life so much better. The physician driven program at Sanford Health attracts quality leaders. That, along with the long term vision of Sanford Clinic Heart Partners, is the driving force which brought Dr. Pham to practice with Sanford. A patient can be referred from their primary care physician, a cardiologist, or the patient can decide on their own to see a physician like Dr. Pham. More and more we see individuals taking control of their medical needs and researching on the internet before deciding they would like to visit a specialist. Dr. Pham graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, MN. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease. Dr. Pham and his wife have three children and enjoy living in Sioux Falls. Dr. Pham enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with his family. One Woman’s Story Dr. Pham treated an 80 year old woman who had been living a very limited life for the last 40 years because of a rapid heartbeat. She was essentially housebound because of her condition. When she spoke with her physician 40 years ago, there was not anything he could recommend for her. She thought she would just have to live with this for the rest of her life. Recently, when she went to her physician, he recommended that she see Dr. Pham to be treated her for this condition. She underwent electrophysiology study and ablation of the abnormal rhythm. She is now able to leave her house and live a very comfortable life because of what Dr. Pham was able to do to eliminate her rapid heartbeat. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Sanford Clinic Heart Partners at 605) 328-2929. Patients do not need a physician referral to make an appointment with a cardiologist. You can been seen within 2 weeks or ask your personal physician to make your appointment to be seen sooner. Healthy EatingBy Teresa Beach, Registered Dietician, Sanford USD Medical Center
1 clove garlic, minced 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 1 green pepper, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1# ball-tip steak, thinly sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced Szechwan seasoning or stir fry sauce to taste
Radiation Therapy Center Opens in Worthington, MNSouthwest Minnesota Radiation Center is now open in Worthington, MN bringing cancer care to patients throughout the region. The radiation center is a joint effort among six southern Minnesota healthcare facilities. Because of this collaboration, patients across southwestern Minnesota can be treated with state-of-the-art radiation medicine – Right Here, Right Now.“We are proud to collaborate in the development of the new radiation center,” says Mel Platt, CEO of Worthington Regional Hospital. “Because of Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center, local patients will not have to travel considerable distances to receive radiation therapy treatments. Now those services can be provided in Worthington — close to home, family, and familiar surroundings. This partnership complements the chemotherapy services already available at our partner facilities.” Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center, located on the campus of Worthington Regional Hospital, features state-of-the-art technology and began treating patients in June 2007. “This project is a clear example of the power of an integrated healthcare system,” adds Ed Weiland, President of Sanford Health Network. “Together our facilities partner to provide vital healthcare services to patients throughout the region.” Southwest Minnesota Radiation Center is a joint project of Murray County Medical Center, Sanford Jackson Medical Center, Sanford Tracy Medical Center, Sanford Westbrook Medical Center, Windom Area Hospital and Worthington Regional Hospital. Sanford Announces Additional Services in AberdeenSanford Clinic is now offering additional medical services to people in the Aberdeen community. Sanford Clinic physicians in the specialties of cardiology and pulmonary now are accepting appointments in the Aberdeen area. Cardiologists James Olson, MD and Orvar Jonsson, MD along with pulmonologist Richard Hardie, MD will travel to Aberdeen to see patients on an outreach basis. Drs. Olson, Jonsson, and Hardie will see patients in space leased in the new United Clinic building at 3015 3rd Avenue in Aberdeen.“Sanford Clinic physicians believe patient care is best delivered as close to home as possible,” says Sanford Clinic President Dan Blue, M.D. “Adding these physicians to the list of pediatric physicians who plan to do outreach in the Aberdeen area means fewer patients will need to travel to receive quality medical care.” Last month, Sanford Clinic announced plans to lease space in the new United Clinic building in order to expand pediatric services to the area. Pediatrician Julie Mayo, D.O. will lead the new Sanford Children’s Clinic Aberdeen. In addition, Sanford pediatric subspecialists in the areas of pulmonary, endocrinology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and cardiology will travel to the community to see patients also beginning July 23, 2007. “We have heard from people from the Aberdeen area asking us to expand our services even more,” adds Dr. Blue. “We recognize the need, and we are committed to providing these services to the Aberdeen area.” Patients wanting to schedule an appointment with a Sanford Clinic cardiologist or pulmonologist can call 605-725-6720. Pediatric patients wanting to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mayo or any of the pediatric subspecialists can call 605-725-6700 or 1-800-850-0064. Doctor SpotlightPeter O'Brien, MD, FACS, Sanford Clinic Surgical Associates |
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