Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute at Mercy opens in Maryland

Mercy Medical Center has announced the opening of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute at Mercy, the first center in Maryland specifically designed and dedicated solely for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. The Institute is under the direction of nationally acclaimed gynecologic oncologist and ovarian cancer expert, Dr. Neil B. Rosenshein. Dr. Rosenshein is also the Medical Director for The Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine at Mercy, now celebrating its 20th year.

Dr. Rosenshein, Associate Director Dr. Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, along with Dr. Dwight D. Im and Dr. Hyung S. Ryu - all gynecologic oncologists - work with a team of medical professionals nurses in fields ranging from concierge and travel to nutrition and dietary services, rehabilitation and physical therapy, and more, to develop the best treatment plan for the patient.

"Our integrated care team brings together medical experts from a variety of clinical disciplines to determine each patient's best treatment options, creating care plans tailored to each individual's health risk factors and personal needs," Dr. Rosenshein said.

Institute staff also includes Chemotherapy Coordinator, Teresa Rowley, RN, OCN; Ovarian Cancer Nurse Navigator, Elaine Vaughn, RN; inpatient care under the direction of Dr. Joe Costa, assorted nurses and physician assistants; a dedicated operating room staff; a Cancer Program Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy component, Nutrition and Dietary counseling via Alison Massey, RD, CDE, LDN, MS, and a wellness/prevention element through Mercy's Prevention & Research Center.

According to Dr. Rosenshein, the new Institute was "two years in the planning" and represents an effort to bring attention to the "specific needs and requirements of patients dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Not too long ago, the idea of a hospital having a center specifically dedicated to breast cancer and breast health seemed outlandish—now, it's a given. We hope that The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute will set the standard and serve as a model for other institutions to emulate nationwide," Dr. Rosenshein said.

The Institute features a variety of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including the Voluson E8 ultrasound/sonography device which enables clinicians to see more anatomical detail and a greater field of view. Ultrasound imaging can include an assessment of the anatomy such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and endometrium. Ultrasound can help in surgery planning, as well as helping to detect abnormalities and cysts. In addition, Voluson's new 4D high frequency transvaginal probe can detect anatomical detail in gynecological exams.

Featured technological highlights of the Institute include:

Advanced Technology - clinical imaging allowing side-by-side real-time comparison of ovarian cysts, masses and tumors, as well as physician telestrator capabilities to diagram and analyze onscreen images.

Suite-wide Touchscreen Access - allowing multi-media integration to enhance patient comfort and education, including access to e-records, screening and test results, patient education materials as well as surgical notes and documentation.

On-site Ultrasound Screenings - without leaving the suite, this valuable diagnostic tool is used to determine and evaluate an ovarian cyst, mass or tumor.

e-Care - a wide variety of electronic services designed to enhance state-of-the-art care, ranging from the MyChart electronic medical record to e-glass which provides exclusivity and patient privacy during confidential conversations.

According to Dr. Diaz-Montes, the Institute will serve as a resource for women in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Virginia and across the Mid-Atlantic region as Institute staff specialists seek to "better understand the intricacies of ovarian cancer and the effect it has on women's overall health and well-being," she said.

Patients also benefit from the assistance of The Ovarian Cancer Institute Nurse Navigator who guides patients through the treatment process and assists with practical issues such as transportation, healthcare coverage, financial concerns and family needs that may arise.

The Institute's Personal Concierge staff which offers guidance, resources and coordination of care for patients, helping to schedule appointments as with a dietitian, genetic counseling, survivor support groups, etc; assist with arranging hotel and/or travel accommodations, coordinate patient visits and inpatient stays, and more. Mercy's Pastoral Care department also provides support for patients' spiritual and emotional needs.

SOURCE Mercy Medical Center