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New England Journal of Medicine publishes Huntington’s study on pacemakers

Posted on by Dorey Huston
New England Journal of Medicine publishes Huntington’s study on pacemakers
Mayer Rashtian, MD, FACC, FHRS
Mayer Rashtian, MD, FACC, FHRS

Huntington Hospital recently hosted a clinical trial for a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system. We’re excited to announce that the findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The study was helmed by Huntington physician Mayer Rashtian, MD, FACC, FHRS, (principal investigator) with support from his partners and our clinical research nurses. Thanks to a great recruitment effort from Dr. Rashtian and our outstanding team, Huntington was one of the top clinical trial enrollers in the world.

The pacemaker system, which consists of two implanted devices, one in the right atrium and another in the right ventricle, makes leadless pacemaker therapy a treatment option for a wider range of indications, such as consistent atrioventricular synchrony. During the trial, the team coordinated the dual-chamber leadless pacemakers implants, collected/reported data and ensured a good patient experience.

The dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system is now FDA approved. To learn more about the study, visit NEJM.

Panda Cares Foundation Donates $400,000 to Support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Huntington Hospital

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Panda Cares Foundation Donates $400,000 to Support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Huntington Hospital

Huntington Health recently received a generous donation of $400,000 from Andrew and Peggy Cherng of Panda Restaurant Group, through their philanthropic arm, Panda Cares Foundation. The check was presented on October 26, 2023, at the 24th Annual Panda Cares Charity Golf Invitational awards dinner held at the Marriott Springs in Palm Desert. Funds from the donation will be used to support NICU care at Huntington Health.

“Andrew and Peggy Cherng have provided an incredible service to the community through the Panda Cares Foundation,” said Jane Haderlein, senior vice president, philanthropy and public relations, Huntington Health. “Their ongoing commitment to Huntington Health, particularly in support of our smallest patients in our NICU, demonstrates their commitment to the health and well-being of families throughout the San Gabriel Valley. We are so grateful to be selected as a recipient of their fundraising efforts through Panda Cares Foundation.”

About Panda Restaurant Group

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“PRG”), the global leader in Asian dining experiences and parent company of Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San, is dedicated to becoming a world leader in people development. Panda Restaurant Group’s humble beginnings started in 1973 with one restaurant, Panda Inn, in Pasadena, California, opened by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. With hopes of growing the business and creating more opportunities for their family, Andrew and his wife Peggy Cherng created the first Panda Express in 1983 to offer a faster and more convenient experience for guests to enjoy American Chinese favorites.

Panda Restaurant Group is more than a trailblazer of American Chinese food. Led by co-founders and co-CEO’s Andrew and Peggy, the company’s people-first vision, values-driven culture. and associates’ inspiring growth stories have garnered industry-wide recognition and been key to the company’s extraordinary success. Awarded with more than 30 honors as top employer and best place to work to-date, Panda is nationally recognized as a top employer by Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, Great Place to Work Certification and PEOPLE’s Companies That Care list. From developing its presence all over the world to developing more than 50,000 associates, each store built brings PRG closer to its mission to inspire better lives.

About PANDA CARES®

Powered by 50,000 associates of Panda Restaurant Group, Inc./Panda Express®, the organization’s philanthropic arm Panda Cares® is committed to bettering the health and education of youth as well as supporting communities in need. In 1999, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. created Panda Cares to live into its mission of inspiring better lives by giving back to its local communities and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Through volunteer services, funding, and meal donations, Panda Cares has raised more than $329 million since its establishment, impacting over 15 million youth and counting. Areas of focus include leadership and academic programs for students, and whole person healing for patients. For more information, visit www.pandacares.org.

Screen your lungs for better health

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Screen your lungs for better health

Did you know that lung cancer screening is increasingly recommended to some patients during annual check-ups? That’s because early detection saves lives. Not to mention, it’s a fast, painless procedure: Just a quick scan, and you’re off! That’s great news, because according to the American Lung Association, scans can detect cancer at early, more curable stages and can reduce lung cancer death by up to 20%.

Eligibility for Screening

If you are 50-80 years old with a history of smoking – specifically, you currently smoke or quit smoking in the past 15 years and have at least a 20 pack-year smoking history (i.e., a pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years) – you’re most likely eligible for screening. People with certain risk factors are also eligible: breathing problems, cancer, radon or asbestos exposure, or a family history of lung cancer. Medicare and most insurance/VA plans will cover lung cancer screening for high-risk patients.

Scan and Procedure

A radiology technologist will position you on an exam table while you’re lying on your back. The table will move through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scanner as you hold your breath for a few seconds. After a few minutes, the scanner will create a detailed 3D image of your lungs, and that’s it! This painless test uses 75% less radiation than chest X-rays and can detect lung cancer before any warning signs occur.

Scan Results

After your scan, the images are reviewed by a subspecialized radiologist. Your doctor will receive your results and discuss them with you. If the scan is negative, you should re-screen in one year.

Talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for lung screening today! Visit CT Lung Screening – The Hill Medical Corporation for more information about lung cancer screening.

Pasadena Unified School District, Exer Urgent Care and Huntington Health Partner to Provide Students and Families Education on Substance Use and the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Pasadena Unified School District, Exer Urgent Care and Huntington Health Partner to Provide Students and Families Education on Substance Use and the Opioid Overdose Epidemic

You’ve likely heard the frightening statistics about drug abuse in America. What you may not know is that in almost 50% of drug overdoses, bystanders are present and have an opportunity to intervene. In an overdose situation, knowledge and preparation could mean the difference between life and death.  Last week, Pasadena Unified School District, in collaboration with physicians from Huntington Health and Exer Urgent Care, held a seminar for students, parents and educators to learn important information about drug abuse and overdose prevention The entire presentation is available here: bit.ly/3saIdgS. We encourage you to watch.   

Panelists included:

• Ria Apodaca, Director, PUSD Health Programs

• Evan Adintori, PharmD, BCPS, pharmacist specialist, emergency medicine, Huntington Hospital

• Samuel Beckerman, MD, PhD, emergency medicine, Huntington Hospital

• John Rodarte, MD, pediatrics, Huntington Health Physicians and PUSD Medical Director

• Asbasia Mikhail, MD, emergency medicine, Huntington Hospital, and Site Medical Director of Exer Urgent Care Pasadena and La Canada 

Together, we can #FightOverdose!

Tournament of Roses Royal Court visits Huntington Health Pediatric and NICU Patients, Families and Staff

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Tournament of Roses Royal Court visits Huntington Health Pediatric and NICU Patients, Families and Staff

Yesterday, the Tournament of Roses’ 135th Rose Queen, Naomi Stillitano, and her royal court stopped by to bring some Halloween fun to Huntington Health pediatric and NICU patients! The court visited with our tiniest patients and their families and learned about Huntington’s level III B NICU for babies born prematurely or with medical problems. In addition, Huntington staff enjoyed meeting the court and hearing about their royal experiences so far.

A special congratulations to Princesses Phoebe Ho and Emmerson Tucker who also serve as volunteers at Huntington Health. We appreciate their dedication to our community. The entire Huntington family will be cheering for them on January 1st during the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Thank you to the Tournament of Roses for their annual Halloween visit!

Huntington Cancer Center, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate Cancer, Welcomes Three New Oncologists

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Cancer Center, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate Cancer, Welcomes Three New Oncologists

New Cedars-Sinai Faculty Specialists Expand Patients’ Options for Advanced Treatment and Cancer Care in the San Gabriel Valley

Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, welcomes three oncology specialists to its program. At the Center, they will offer patients leading research-based treatments, world-class care and access to Cedars-Sinai Cancer clinical trials.

“It is my pleasure to welcome these three expert Cedars-Sinai Faculty oncologists to our Huntington Cancer Center,” Howard Kaufman, MD, medical director of Huntington Cancer Center. “Dr. Marc Botnick is one of the leading radiation oncologists practicing at Cedars-Sinai. It’s a true privilege to have him join our team. We are equally proud to announce the addition of Dr. Paul Lin to our expert gynecologic oncology team, and Dr. Niki Patel, who offers specialized oncology care for adolescents with breast cancer.”

These specialists, highly esteemed among colleagues, patients and patients’ families, have chosen Huntington Cancer Center to serve the San Gabriel Valley. Their years of experience providing expert care to other communities in California and beyond will greatly benefit the Center.

Meet Huntington Cancer Center’s latest board-certified oncologists, dedicated to excellent patient care and advanced treatment:

Headshot: Marc Botnick, MD

Marc Botnick, MD, is a radiation oncologist who manages all cancer types, with a specific interest and expertise in prostate and lung cancer. He completed his training in Radiation Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY. Prior to joining Huntington Cancer Center, he practiced at City of Hope. Dr. Botnick is also regional medical director for the Department of Radiation Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Cancer. 

headshot: Paul Lin, MD

Paul Lin, MD, is a gynecologic oncologist.  Dr. Lin completed residency at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Prior to joining Huntington Cancer Center, he served on the faculty at University of Southern California, and at City of Hope.  His clinical focus has been on surgical management of gynecologic cancers and complex gynecologic procedures ranging from minimally invasive laparoscopy and robotic procedures to more extensive procedures depending on the clinical situation.

Niki D. Patel, MD

Niki Patel, MD, is a hematologist-oncologist who provides clinical care for patients with breast cancer. Dr. Patel focuses her care on adolescents and young adults. At Cedars-Sinai, she served as chief medical resident. She also completed a hematology-oncology fellowship at City of Hope and later directed the City of Hope Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program.

For more information about Huntington Cancer Center, go to: www.huntingtonhealth.org/cancer

Vascular Disease Awareness Month

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Vascular Disease Awareness Month

It’s Vascular Disease Awareness Month! You might be wondering, what exactly is vascular surgery? Here’s the short of it according to the Society of Vascular Surgeons:

Your blood vessels – arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood and veins carrying blood back to the heart – are the roadways of your circulatory system. Without smoothly flowing blood, your body cannot function. Conditions such as hardening of the arteries can create “traffic jams” in your circulatory system, obstructing the flow of blood to any part of the body.

Huntington Health recently sat down with two of our vascular surgeons, Theodore Teruya, MD, and Sally Schonefeld, MD, to learn a bit more.

How do you know if you might have symptoms of vascular disease?

“In general, if you have pain in your legs when you walk or stand for long periods of time, you may have a problem with your blood vessels,” says Dr. Teruya. “Other signs of potential vascular issues are leg swelling, varicose veins or non-healing wounds of the leg or feet.”

Why is it important to speak to your physician about these types of symptoms and conditions?

Dr. Schonefeld explains “Untreated symptomatic venous insufficiency can progress to chronic leg swelling, skin changes, and ulceration. Treatment directed by vascular surgeons can involve non-invasive management or procedures to prevent or reverse progression of disease.”

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please talk to your physician about your options for care, many of which are non-invasive and in the office setting. For the latest news on vascular surgery at Huntington Health, go to: Huntington Health, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, Welcomes Two Pasadena-based Vascular Surgeons | Huntington Hospital

Huntington Health, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Welcomes Two Pasadena-based Vascular Surgeons

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Health, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Welcomes Two Pasadena-based Vascular Surgeons

Theodore Teruya, MD, and Sally Schonefeld, MD, Expand Vascular Surgery Expertise in San Gabriel Valley

Vascular surgeons Theodore Teruya, MD, and Sally Schonefeld, MD, have joined Huntington Health’s Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic team to provide care for Pasadena-area patients with vascular diseases exclusively at the Helen and Will Webster Heart & Vascular Center..

The addition of Teruya and Schonefeld means that patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley now have expanded access to Cedars-Sinai’s top-ranked vascular surgeons and programs.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Teruya and Dr. Schonefeld to the Pasadena area, providing expert treatment and care for patients with arterial and venous diseases,” said Ali Azizzadeh, MD, professor and director of Vascular Surgery and associate director of the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. “With the addition of these skilled surgeons, we continue to broaden our world-class vascular program at Huntington Health, which is the most comprehensive and innovative facility for vascular care in the San Gabriel Valley.”   

Teruya earned a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a medical degree from John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Hawaii and a vascular surgery fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Teruya has published extensively on a range of arterial and venous disorders. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is an active member of both the American College of Surgeons and is a distinguished fellow of the Society of Vascular Surgery. His academic interests include surgical education and clinical outcomes in vascular surgery.

Teruya also serves in the U.S. Armed Forces as commander of the Medical Corps for the Navy Reserve. He is an Afghanistan veteran and received both a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy and Marine Achievement Medal.

“I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with patients seeking care at Huntington Health, as well as with a team of expert providers,” Teruya said. “To be part of this exceptional health system—one that prioritizes delivering high-value services to patients, envelope-pushing innovation including clinical trials, and overall excellence in patient care—marks an exciting next chapter in my career.”

Schonefeld earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She completed a general surgery internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, as well as a vascular surgery fellowship at Cedars-Sinai.

She has authored or coauthored more than 20 publications, book chapters, presentations and abstracts and is a member of multiple professional organizations including the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.

“Having just completed my fellowship at Cedars-Sinai, where I had a terrific vascular surgery training experience, I’m proud to now have the opportunity to join the expanded vascular care program at Huntington Health,” Schonefeld said. “I look forward to delivering the highest standards of care to patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley, as well as being able to offer them improved quality of life and life expectancy thanks to new discoveries in diagnostics, treatments and more.”

Teruya and Schonefeld are now part of the Division of Vascular Surgery at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai.

From research and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, the Helen and Will Webster Heart & Vascular Center offers a wide range of cardiac and vascular services – along with the latest medical technologies – all under one roof. Learn more at huntingtonhealth.org/heart

Huntington Health welcomes three pediatricians to the Arcadia, La Canada and Pasadena Huntington Health Physicians offices

Posted on by Dorey Huston
Huntington Health welcomes three pediatricians to the Arcadia, La Canada and Pasadena Huntington Health Physicians offices

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai, announced three expert pediatricians, Christine Chen, MD, Francesca Corley, MD, and Hailey Heer, MD, have joined Huntington Health Physicians (HHP). With offices in three San Gabriel cities – Arcadia, La Canada and Pasadena – the HHP team of pediatricians provides world-class medical care to 25,000 children each year.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Dr.’s Chen, Corley and Heer to our Huntington Health Physicians family,” says Shital Arya, MD, medical director, Huntington Health Physicians. “We are proud to be expanding our team of expert physicians to increase access to this essential care for children in our community. Our pediatric caregivers, with added support from our dedicated nurses and office staff, are ready to help local families with their immediate and ongoing health care needs as their trusted partners for years to come.”

Huntington Health pediatricians are dedicated to ensuring children’s optimal health and well-being. They provide exceptional care to meet the unique needs of children – from infants to adolescents – through every stage of their development.

Meet the pediatricians who recently joined HHP to provide the highest level of care for their patients:

Christine Chen, MD, is an outstanding board-certified pediatrician with clinical expertise in performing Gomco circumcisions and attending high-risk deliveries and cesarean sections of term and near-term infants. She earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and completed her pediatric residency at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She joins the Arcadia office from Optum Magan Medical Clinic – a Division of Optum/OptumCare, where she was a staff physician. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association. Dr. Chen and her family live in Arcadia.

Francesca Corley, MD, is a talented pediatrician known for her excellent patient care and exceptional leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Dr. Corley earned her medical degree at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center. She has participated in multiple projects to improve children’s health in her community, including creating asset maps of local food resources, providing nutrition education and improving discharge orders. Dr. Corley provides expert care at the La Canada office.

Hailey Heer, MD, MS, is a dedicated pediatrician who is certified in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program and will be board-certified in November 2023. Dr. Heer received her medical degree and Master of Science in pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. She completed her pediatric residency through UCLA’s program. She has volunteered at many organizations, including Venice Family Clinic, where she provided resources for physical activity and free food markets and created a live webinar about nutrition, exercise and mindfulness. She has also mentored at MedPals and tutored for New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School and AmeriCorps, where she received a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for her service. Dr. Heer provides excellent care at the Pasadena office.    

To learn more about Huntington Health’s pediatricians, visit: www.huntingtonhealth.org/huntington-health-physicians/our-services/pediatric-care/

Prioritizing You: Huntington Clinical Wellness Program Director, Mitch Martens, Shares His Thoughts on Moving From Surviving to Thriving

Posted on by colin
Prioritizing You: Huntington Clinical Wellness Program Director, Mitch Martens, Shares His Thoughts on Moving From Surviving to Thriving

Which of these micro-stressors can you relate to:

  • Missing lunch because you are so busy.
  • Fielding the frustrations of an angry customer.
  • Going to work on your day off.
  • Back-to-back virtual meetings, giving you no time to regroup.
  • Not knowing when you had your last physical or dental exam.
  • Driving white-knuckled on your commute.
  • Ditching friends and hobbies that bring you joy.
  • Skipping your spiritual practices.
  • Overcommitting (too much to do, too little time).
headshot - Mitch Martens
Mitch Martens
Clinical Wellness Director, Huntington Health

Psychology professionals use the term micro-stressors to capture the tiny moments of stress caused by routine actions, personally and professionally, that are so routine you barely notice them.  Likely you said yes to many of the examples listed above which does not even include major life stressors like loss of a loved one, divorce, moving, pregnancy, illnesses, and finances.   It’s easy to call out a major stressor and understand its impact.  What’s also easy is to overlook the micro-stressors that seem manageable now but, as they accrue, have an enormous punch to your well-being.

There is an old fable that claims if you throw a frog into boiling water, it will immediately jump out.  But if you place a frog into room temperature water and slowly heat it to boiling, the frog won’t notice and slowly cook to death.  Using that analogy, are the micro-stressors in your life unknowingly boiling you?

First, the good news- is that you have incredible biological skills that allow you to face challenges as they arise.  Your brain is constantly trying to budget the cumulative effect of stressors.  Your body is designed to adapt internally (foreign bacteria and viruses) and externally (temperature and climate).   However, the bad news- is that your biology is in survivor mode, which means it’s even more vital that you take the reins when it comes to the quality of your life.  In other words, shift surviving to thriving.

Thriving means being aware of what’s happening, recognizing opportunities, and responding rather than reacting to life events.  Your biology is reacting.  Responding comes in the form of connecting to your passions, dreams, interests, humor, compassion for others, and the self-care you consciously give yourself. As you shift from reacting to purposefully responding, consider micro-stressors as something you can’t always avoid, but you can decide how you respond to them. 

This Self-Care September, challenge yourself to practice more self-nurturing intentionally.  This can encompass activities and practices that promote physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.   It involves deliberate actions to care for oneself, recharge, and maintain a healthy, happy life.

Need a place to start? Try these three self-care tips.

  • The 3 Daily W’s:
    • Drink more Water.
    • Find a Window (literal and metaphorical) to change your perspective.
    • Go for a Walk.
  • Check Engine Light: Since we don’t have a low-battery icon or check-engine flashing on our body, it requires intentionality to give our body the needed tune-up it deserves. Schedule your annual physical, dental cleaning, therapy and vaccinations today.
  • Open Up– Meaningful conversations help build trust and deepen intimacy in relationships. Try opening up with someone today.  This requires courage and vulnerability.  Someone is out there wanting to know you better.

With wellness in mind,
Mitch Martens
Clinical Wellness Director
Huntington Health