The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has new guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia, also called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), in children, including more outpatient management, more observation, and fewer medications. “The guidelines came about as the result of clinical evidence and experience,” said Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with…
The latest colon cancer screening recommendations call for earlier screenings and include guidance to better reflect individual risks. The starting age for screening for the average person with no risk factors is now 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendations. A family history of polyps, colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease pushes the recommended…
Patients who are overweight or obese potentially can benefit from a medication approved for long-term weight management. Five new drugs have been approved since 2012, giving weight management physicians a lot more tools in the toolbox to help treat obesity. Prior to 2012, we didn’t have as much to offer. These weight loss medications are…
Single ventricle anomalies account for more than 10% of congenital heart defects. Each defect poses a complex surgical and medical challenge, with the initial surgery tailored to the specific anatomy and physiology, according to Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of…
The inflamed blood vessels that can accompany Kawasaki disease in children can give rise to a variety of heart issues that make it the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Fortunately, cardiovascular health returns to normal within a couple months for the vast majority of patients. Lasting complications from Kawasaki disease, however, can…
Pediatric cardiologist Lisa R. Klein, M.D., travels every week to outreach clinics, bringing almost 30 years of experience to rural Kentucky. “I love interacting with the patients and their parents, teaching them about their heart issues,” said Dr. Klein of Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with UofL School of Medicine. In addition to teaching families…
Monalisa M. Tailor, M.D., internal medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates – Barret, has been named president of the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS). Dr. Tailor, a GLMS member since 2006, plans to focus her one-year term on advocating for medicine, physicians and patients as decision-makers adjust to a new normal amid the COVID-19…
Norton Healthcare has named Kelly C. McCants, M.D., acting executive director of the newly formed Norton Healthcare Institute for Health Equity. Dr. McCants currently serves as Norton Healthcare’s medical director of advanced heart failure. He will hold both positions while the institute is being established. Dr. McCants will report to Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton…
Norton Healthcare is making it easier for community providers to ensure continuity of care for their patients by accessing patient information in real time through Norton EpicLink. Referring providers can use the secure online tool to access their patients’ charts, make adult or pediatric specialty referrals, make diagnostic referrals and get real-time alerts about patient…
A two-part videoconference, “Human Trafficking: In Plain Sight” will be held Aug. 27 and Aug. 28, offering clinicians insight on spotting human trafficking victims and what to do. Because victims of trafficking may seek medical attention for the medical and psychological consequences of assault and neglected health conditions, health care professionals are in a unique…
Clinical trials are vital tools in our fight against cancer. These have become an important link in determining the best new treatments and how therapies are best administered. In 2019, Norton Cancer Institute offered nearly 130 active clinical trials for cancers ranging from phase 1 to late-phase pivotal studies, and from first-line diagnoses to recurrent…
The first installment of Norton Children’s monthly continuing medical education series, “Understanding and Managing Congenital Cardiac Anomalies” with Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., is now available online. Dr. Alsoufi, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon and chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, provides information on common congenital cardiac anomalies,…