HAWTHORN MEDICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Every year, Hawthorn Medical Associates supports a number of local organizations through sponsorships, corporate memberships, and donations or advertisements in event program books. View a list of this year's supported organizations >>
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Paul M. Milhoua, MD, Urologist


Paul M. Milhoua
August 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Urologist Paul M. Milhoua, MD, who joins the group practice in August. Dr. Milhoua earned his medical degree at the State University of New York, Downstate College of Medicine. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urology at Montefiore Medical Center in New York where he also served as Chief Resident in Urology. He completed a fellowship in Endourology/Laparoscopy/Robotics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Milhoua's training in Endourology, a sub-specialty of Urology allows him to perform operative procedures for a wide variety of urologic problems involving the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate and urinary stones using advanced instrumentation in a minimally invasive manner.

Dr. Milhoua will see patients at Hawthorn Medical's 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth location. Appointments can be made by calling 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Cardiologist Michael J. Rocha, MD

July 2008


Michael J. Rocha
Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Cardiologist Michael J. Rocha, MD, who joined the group practice on July 21, 2008. Dr. Rocha earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and his medical degree from University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He completed his residency, a Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation fellowship, and a Cardiology fellowship at Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston. Dr. Rocha is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. A native of New Bedford, Dr. Rocha graduated from New Bedford High School where he was a member of the 1993 state championship basketball team.

Dr. Rocha sees patients at 237A State Road and 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth (on Wednesdays). Appointments can be made by calling Hawthorn Medical at 508-996-3991.

Hepatitis C Support Group Open to Public

July 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates' ongoing Hepatitis C Support Group is now open to the public and welcoming new members. The support group's next meeting is on Thursday, July 24 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Hawthorn Endoscopy Center, 535 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth. James P. Tracey, MD, gastroenterologist, will be the guest speaker.

The Hepatitis C Support Group is led by Marjorie Helger, a nurse at Hawthorn Medical, and co-facilitated by Theresa Pereira, social worker. The group provides participants with the opportunity to gain information and support and share their experiences. Future meetings will include guest speakers. Hepatitis C, one of the most common causes of liver disease and the number one reason for liver transplants, affects more than 4 million Americans.

To register for the July 24 meeting or for more information, call 508-961-0923.

Hawthorn Awards Scholarships to High School Seniors

May 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates recently awarded scholarships to five public high school seniors. These students will pursue education in a health care field beginning with the fall 2008 semester.

Students who each received a $3,000 scholarship are: Sean Rider, Dartmouth High School, who will study Physical Therapy; Kristen Rego, Fairhaven High School, who will study Nursing; Alyson Aguiar, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, who will study Nursing; Kathryn Motta, New Bedford High School, who will study Nursing; Jillian DeMedeiros, New Bedford High School, who will study Pharmacy; Katelyn O'Brien, Old Rochester Regional High School, who will study Pharmacy.

This is the second year of Hawthorn Medical's scholarship program to promote and encourage academic preparation in the field of health care in areas such as nursing, pre-med, radiological technology, laboratory sciences, pharmacy, and physical therapy.

Special Program for Cancer Patients/Survivors

June 2008

The Hawthorn Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society are holding a special program for survivors of all types of cancer. "An Evening of Pampering and Relaxation" will be held on Tuesday, June 10 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Sunrise Assisted Living Facility, 274 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth.

The program will include a brief introduction and dinner followed by professional instruction and demonstrations in the areas of wigs, scarf techniques, color analysis, and chair massage. For participants currently in treatment or for those who have never participated before, a "Look Good, Feel Better" makeover will be available.

The "Look Good, Feel Better" program shows a woman how to improve her appearance while undergoing treatment, which can cause a number of side effects to the face and body. Licensed cosmetologists and beauty professionals lead women through a practical, hands-on session. Women learn about makeup techniques, skin care, nail care and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves. Each participant receives a free kit of cosmetics valued at $250 for use during and after the workshop.

Registration for "An Evening of Pampering and Relaxation" is required no later than June 4 by calling 508-961-0710.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Opens Ambulatory Surgery Center

April 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates has completed construction of their new Ambulatory Surgery Center for same-day surgical procedures. The Center is part of a 29,600 square-foot addition to the 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth medical building.


Ambulatory Surgery Center
The addition is connected to the current facility and has three levels. Hawthorn's Urologists have relocated their offices to the lower level. Otolaryngology and General Surgery will now be located on the second floor.

"Medical technology continues to dramatically improve and nearly 70 percent of all surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Hawthorn Medical made the investment in the Ambulatory Surgery Center to provide our patients with the benefits of the latest surgical technology and anesthetic techniques," explains Robert Nixon, MD, Medical Director, Ambulatory Surgery Center.

The Surgery Center is located on the first floor where there are four state-of-the-art operating rooms and one cystoscopy room, where specific urological procedures are done. Procedures in the specialties of ear, nose and throat surgery, general surgery, orthopedic surgery and urological surgery are performed. The four operating rooms are equipped with the latest technology including high-definition video cameras for arthroscopic and laparoscopic procedures. In the pre-/post-operative area, there are 29 beds, each with a bed-side computer for documentation, and central nursing stations.

As part of a completely paperless medical record system, physicians and staff are using ProVation software for multi-specialty nursing and physician procedure documentation and coding. ProVation software replaces the need for dictation/transcription and paper charting and allows documentation to be completed instantly, streamlining work flow.

"In addition to the latest equipment, this facility allows our highly skilled staff to provide personalized care in an attractive, comfortable atmosphere designed to put patients at ease," says Carol Fox, NP, Ambulatory Surgery Center Manager.

Hawthorn Medical's commitment to providing its growing number of patients with a wide range of services, high quality care and convenience was the reason for adding the Ambulatory Surgery Center to the main 94,300 square-foot facility that opened in June 2006. Architect for the project was Summit/Smith Healthcare Facilities in Wisconsin. This group has more than 30 years of experience designing medical facilities.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Nephrologist David J. Shih, MD


David J. Shih
April 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Nephrologist David J. Shih, MD, who has joined the practice.

Dr. Shih earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and completed his Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Dr. Shih is a member of the American Society of Nephrology. He has been in practice in the New Bedford area since 1998. Dr. Shih provides specialty care for patients with kidney problems and hypertension as well as providing primary care.

Dr. Shih will see patients at 535 Faunce Corner Road beginning Tuesday, April 1. Appointments with Dr. Shih can be made by calling Hawthorn Medical Associates at 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Cancer Center and American Cancer Society Present "Chemo Brain!—The Play"


Cast of "Chemo Brain!"
April 2008

The Hawthorn Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society joined together to bring the acclaimed performance of "Chemo Brain!—The Play" to the New Bedford area on Sunday, April 6 at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. The play was presented to nearly 350 audience members and received rave reviews.

"Chemo Brain!" was an intimate, honest and humorous look at women who are coping with cancer. It is called "Chemo Brain!" to refer to the problems many cancer patients have with concentration and memory because of their treatments.

Written by Rhode Island resident Linda Phelan Schroeder, founder and Executive Director of the Healing Co-Op, the play mimicked a weekly support group meeting of women who survived cancer only to have it come back or face an additional type of cancer. All the stories, thoughts and concerns heard during the play have been shared at one time in support group meetings. They come straight from the heart of the "actors," who are actual cancer survivors.

Hawthorn Endoscopy Center Earns AAAHC Accreditation

March 2008

Hawthorn Medical Associates Endoscopy Center has achieved a three-year accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), according to Edward F. Herlihy, MD, Medical Director, Endoscopy Center.

Status as an accredited organization means Hawthorn Endoscopy Center has passed a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 3,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC.

"Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible quality care to the community we serve," commented Dr. Herlihy. "This process allows us to measure the quality of our staff, equipment and safety codes against national standards. We are proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of their facilities and services. Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an organization is able to measure the quality of its services against nationally recognized standards.

Two Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence

January 2008


Fatima Botelho

Christine Martin
Two Hawthorn Medical Associates employees, Fatima Botelho and Christine Martin, both of New Bedford, were presented with "Partners in Excellence" Awards at a recent ceremony. The "Partners in Excellence" Award was established by Partners HealthCare System to recognize talented and dedicated employees each year for their contributions to the organization.

Ms. Botelho is a medical secretary in the Urgent Care Center. She joined Hawthorn Medical in June 2001. Her nominators state that "she is in a very busy position as secretary to all of the Urgent Care Center providers as well as Hawthorn's Hospitalists. She orders all of the supplies for the 237A State Road site, answers a high volume of telephone calls and easily deals with the constant interruptions she receives."

A medical receptionist at the State Road site, Ms. Martin was nominated for her dedication to her team. Nominators state, "She is a true professional and an asset to the registration desk. Christine is always kind and compassionate even when the site is extremely busy, often with very sick patients." She has worked at Hawthorn Medical since September 2000.

Hawthorn Medical is affiliated with Partners HealthCare and Partners Community Healthcare, Inc. (PCHI), their community-based network of physicians and hospitals.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Cardiologist Jonathan D. Bier, MD, FACC

December 2007


Jonathan D. Bier
Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Cardiologist Jonathan D. Bier, MD, FACC, who has joined the group practice.

Dr. Bier earned his medical degree from the State University of New York. He completed his Internal Medicine residency as well as a fellowship in both Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital.

A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Bier is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is certified in Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and in Coronary CT Angiography by the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. He has served as an Assistant Professor in Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Professor in Medicine at Tuft's University School of Medicine. He is a past Chief of Cardiology at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford and is currently Assistant Director of Interventional Cardiology at Southcoast Hospitals Group and Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. Luke's Hospital.

Dr. Bier will see patients at 535 Faunce Corner Road and 237A State Road, North Dartmouth beginning December 31, and at 2621 Cranberry Highway, Wareham. Appointments with Dr. Bier can be made by calling Hawthorn Medical Associates at 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Medical Director

December 2007


Michael T. Myers Jr.
Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to announce that Michael T. Myers Jr., MD, MBA, has joined Hawthorn Medical as Medical Director.

As Medical Director, Dr. Myers will provide management and direction for medical programs and providers, oversee standards of care and quality improvement activities, and act as the representative between HMOs and providers.

Dr. Myers began his career as an Internal Medicine physician in Dorchester and then primary care physician for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Medical Department, which was the health service for students, faculty and staff. Since then, he has held several Medical Director positions for organizations such as Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Division of Medical Assistance. Most recently, Dr. Myers served as Associate Medical Director for Partners Community HealthCare, Inc. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Myers also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Cardiologist Jack A. Howard, MD, FACC

November 2007


Jack A. Howard
Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Jack A. Howard, MD, FACC, who has joined the group practice.

Dr. Howard earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. Dr. Howard has resided in Dartmouth, is a graduate of New Bedford High School, and has been in practice here for more than 28 years. Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, Dr. Howard is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association.

His practice is located at 237A State Road, North Dartmouth. Appointments with Dr. Howard can be made by calling Hawthorn Medical Associates at 508-996-3991.

State Road Laboratory Open on Sunday

November 2007

The Laboratory at our 237A State Road facility will be open every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm beginning November 4. Patients with lab orders can walk-in from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm every Sunday. Denise Houde, Laboratory Manager, explains, "We want to ensure that the providers in our Urgent Care Center had access to more timely lab results. It is also an added convenience for our patients with walk-in blood work orders." The laboratory at State Road is also open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Hawthorn Physical Therapy Department Hosts Education Program

October 2007

In recognition of Physical Therapy Month, area physical and occupational therapists are invited to a special education program entitled, "Total Shoulder Replacement & Rotator Cuff Repair: Surgical Procedures and Protocols for Therapy." The program will be presented by Matthew A. Kippe, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, on Wednesday, October 24 from 6:00-8:00 pm at 535 Faunce Corner Road. Refreshments will be provided compliments of EMPI and Therapeutic Technologies. To register, call the Physical Therapy Department at 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Matthew A. Kippe, MD

August 2007


Matthew A. Kippe
Hawthorn Medical Associates welcomes Matthew A. Kippe, MD, who has joined the group practice. Dr. Kippe is an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery.

Dr. Kippe provides specialized care for disorders of the shoulder, elbow and knee including shoulder arthritis, shoulder instability, and rotator cuff tears and has expertise in surgical treatments such as arthroscopic shoulder surgery, shoulder replacement, reverse total shoulder replacement, knee and elbow arthroscopy, and ACL reconstruction.

A graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Kippe completed an Orthopedic Surgery residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, where he served as chief resident. He also completed the Charles S. Neer fellowship in sports medicine, shoulder and elbow surgery at Columbia University/Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York.

Appointments can be made with Dr. Kippe by calling 508-996-3991.


Vojin Gajic
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Vojin Gajic, MD

August 2007

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Vojin Gajic, MD, an Internal Medicine physician, who has joined the group practice as a Hospitalist.

Dr. Gajic earned his medical degree from the School of Medicine at the University of Belgrade, Serbia. He was a general practitioner at Vozdovac Health Center in Belgrade, where he also completed a residency in Otolaryngology. Dr. Gajic recently completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York. He is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Awards Scholarships to High School Seniors


Stephanie Diaz from Greater New Bedford Voke receives her scholarship from Patty Westgate, site manager.
July 2007

Hawthorn Medical Associates recently awarded scholarships to five public high school seniors. These students will pursue education in a health care field beginning with the fall 2007 semester. Students who each received a $3,000 scholarship are:

  • Erica Mazza, Dartmouth High School, who will study Health Sciences
  • Nichole Lang, Fairhaven High School, who will study Pre-medicine
  • Stephanie Diaz, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, who will study Nursing
  • Joy Nightingale, New Bedford High School, who will study Pre-medicine
  • Kelly Sullivan, Old Rochester Regional High School, who will study Physical Therapy

This is the first year of Hawthorn Medical's scholarship program to promote and encourage academic preparation in the field of health care in areas such as nursing, pre-med, radiological technology, laboratory sciences, pharmacy, and physical therapy.

Annual Heart Party Held


Heart Party
May 2007

"Know your numbers" was the theme of Heart Party, a screening program designed to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The event was held Saturday, June 2 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the Dartmouth Mall and more than 125 screenings were done. Participants received free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose, and educational materials to help understand their risk.

CVD is disease of the heart and blood vessels. The most common types of CVD are: high blood pressure (hypertension); coronary heart disease, which includes heart attack and chest pain; stroke; and heart failure. These diseases claim more women's lives than the next seven causes of death combined—about 500,000 each year.

Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Urologists

April 2007

Hawthorn Medical is pleased to welcome the Urologists of New Bedford Urological Associates, who have joined the group practice. Robert J. Lang, MD, Albert M. Signorella, MD, Mark A. Ventura, MD, and Derek A. Hausladen, MD, who have been practicing in the New Bedford area for many years, will continue to treat adult and pediatric patients at their current location, 49 State Road in Dartmouth.

These physicians specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of patients who have disorders of the bladder, kidney or prostate such as cancer, incontinence, kidney stones, infertility and impotence.

Appointments can be made by calling the office at 508-999-3100.

Hawthorn Medical Introduces PET/CT Imaging Technology

March 2007


PET/CT scanner and sample scans

Hawthorn Medical now has the very latest technology in cancer diagnosis and care. The new technology, known as PET/CT, combines the benefits of both Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) all in one scan, allowing physicians to diagnose cancer more quickly and accurately.

Better, faster scans translate into more precise cancer treatment, and ultimately greater chance of recovery and improved quality of life for our patients.

PET/CT provides oncologists and other specialists the most comprehensive clinical information available for managing cancer. PET/CT integrates diagnostic PET and CT technologies into a single device, making it possible for doctors to collect both anatomical and biological information during a single examination. The information obtained by PET/CT allows for accurate tumor detection and localization for a variety of cancers, including melanoma, lymphoma, lung, colorectal, head and neck, and ovarian cancers.

The benefits this new technology offers patients are tremendous and include earlier cancer diagnosis, greater accuracy in determining the stage that the cancer is in, and treatment that is more precise. The PET/CT exam is painless and safe, and is generally completed in less than one hour.

March 2007
Hawthorn Medical Earns AAAHC Accreditation
March 2007
Hawthorn Medical Introduces High-Definition Endoscopy
February 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes J. Mi Lee Haisman, MD
February 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Karmina P. Bautista, MD
January 2007
Two Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
January 2007
Emergency Medicine Physician Joins Urgent Care Center Staff
October 2006
Hawthorn Earns Nesson Award
August 2006
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Faisal Jamal, MD
November 2006
New Scholarship Program Launched
November 2006
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Aswani Suthrave, MD
October 2006
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Thomas M. Vallone, DO
October 2006
Hawthorn Provides Free Mammograms
September 2006
Hawthorn Now Offers Physical Therapy Services
August 2006
Diabetes Education Program Merits ADA Recognition
August 2006
Janet Morgado Certified
July 2006
Open House at 535 a Great Success
May 2006
Hawthorn "Heart Party" a Success
January 2006
Two Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
October 2005
Free Mammograms During Breast Cancer Awareness Event
September 2005
"Dressing Down" to Help the American Red Cross

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