Hawthorn Medical Associates

Vrunda Bhavsar

Gynecologist Vrunda Bhavsar, MD, successfully passed the examinations of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) to achieve board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

To become board certified, Dr. Bhavsar passed a written and an oral exam to demonstrate that she had obtained the special knowledge and skills required for the medical and surgical care of women.

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is an independent, non-profit organization that examines and certifies nearly 1,700 obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States. Founded in 1927, the ABOG is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Hawthorn Medical has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this medical facility from others by demonstrating its commitment to provide safe, high quality care to patients.

Status as an accredited organization means Hawthorn Medical has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. The core standards include Rights of Patients, Governance, Administration, Quality of Care, Quality Management and Improvement, Clinical Records, Infection Control and Facilities.

"The doctors at Hawthorn Medical believe in trying to maintain the highest standards for our patients and feel that independent accreditation is the best standard for us to achieve. The accreditation is voluntary, however we take it very seriously," stated James P. Tracey, MD, Hawthorn President. "Achieving accreditation from AAAHC shows our patients that an independent, not-for-profit organization has closely examined our facility and procedures and determined that our organization provides the highest quality care possible."

Hawthorn Medical Awards $20,000 in Grants to Programs for Women and Families

The Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts has awarded $20,000 in grants to local programs focused on issues affecting women and families. "Hawthorn recognizes the importance of supporting worthwhile programs that make a difference in the communities we serve. We are pleased to be able to offer financial assistance to these organizations that do so much to empower and support women in need," said James Gularek, CEO of Hawthorn Medical Associates. Each of the following organizations was awarded a $5,000 grant:

Hawthorn Medical Joins Steward Health Care

Hawthorn Medical Associates, LLC announced that it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Steward Health Care System LLC. Hawthorn is a network of more than 110 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, representing more than 19 specialties serving patients on the South Coast of Massachusetts.

"Hawthorn continually seeks to enhance the medical services we provide locally. An affiliation with Steward is a good fit for Hawthorn because Steward is a community health care organization that is committed to investing in the communities it serves," stated CEO James Gularek.

"Our new relationship with Steward Health Care allows Hawthorn to expand our services, gain access to a greater scope of health plans and join with a strong partner invested in the community without having to change any of our current doctor-patient relationships. I anticipate that our patients will not notice any changes through the transition. They will still be able to go to the local hospital of their choice," said James P. Tracey, MD, President of Hawthorn Medical Associates.

Through this affiliation, Hawthorn and Steward will work together to provide enhanced patient care on the South Coast and lower total medical expense. As part of the agreement, Hawthorn will operate under Steward's global payment contracts with commercial insurers. This reimbursement model lowers health care costs and enables providers to tailor their practices to meet the specific needs of their patients. This affiliation also gives Hawthorn providers expanded access to Steward's network of health care providers including Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River.

"Hawthorn is a group of high quality physicians and providers that share our commitment to providing world class health care in the communities where patients live," said Mark Girard, MD, Executive Vice President of Steward and President of Steward Health Care Network. "By integrating with a local hospital, Hawthorn can maintain the quality of care they deliver while also offering patients enhanced convenience and lower health care costs."

About Steward Health Care
Steward Health Care is the largest fully integrated community care organization and community hospital network in New England. Headquartered in Boston, Steward is the third largest employer in MA with more than 17,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne's in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Taunton and Quincy Medical Center. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Medical Group, Steward Hospice and Home Care, Labouré College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.

Eleni Rethimiotakis, MD, a Family Medicine physician, has joined the practice. She is seeing patients at the Family Medicine Department, 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth. Dr. Rethimiotakis has practiced in the New Bedford area for more than 15 years. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and completed a Family Practice residency at the University of Western Ontario. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice.

Chad S. Beattie, MD, a Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, has joined the Orthopedic Department. He is a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine and Community Health residency as well as Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center/Hahnemann Family Health Center. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians and Massachusetts Medical Society. As a Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Beattie takes a non-surgical approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal sports conditions and focuses on treating the whole patient to prevent injury, improve performance and enhance overall health for child and adult athletes of all skill levels. He is welcoming patients of all ages.

Jordan C. Gularek, DO, an Internal Medicine physician, is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed an Internal Medicine residency at Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg, PA, where he was Chief Internal Medicine Resident. He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internist, and American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Gularek is accepting new patients.

Gastroenterologist Paul S. Sepe, MD, earned his Medical Doctorate from Harvard Medical School. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Gastroenterology Fellowship and an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He is welcoming new patients.

The Hawthorn Sleep Center has achieved a five-year re-accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reflecting excellence in sleep medicine.

Accreditation is a voluntary process for assessment of sleep programs and is based on the Standards for Accreditation established by the AASM. The AASM is a professional medical association representing sleep medicine practitioners and is dedicated to the assurance of quality care for patients with sleep disorders, advancement of sleep research, and public and professional education.

The accreditation process undertaken by the Hawthorn Sleep Center included completing an extensive application to document compliance with the Standards for Accreditation. Designed to guarantee quality and meet the needs of patients and referring physicians, the Standards address multiple areas of a sleep center including having a patient environment where dignity and safety are upheld, having knowledgeable, trained technical staff, having a sleep specialist who reviews all sleep studies, and ensuring that there are ongoing quality assurance programs in place.

The Hawthorn Sleep Center opened in February 2007 at the Hawthorn Medical Associates site at 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth. Neurologists Robert Conroy, DO, Juan Cuebas, MD and Nurse Practitioner Linda Kampf provide evaluation and treatment for sleep disorders such as insomnia, jet lag, problems related to shift work, narcolepsy, sleep-related movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. The center has six sleep study rooms equipped with the latest technology and the feel of a fine hotel.

Susan Vogler

Gynecologist Susan Vogler, DO, was recently certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) as a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP). Dr. Vogler successfully met the criteria and passed the examination necessary to become certified. Founded in 1989, NAMS is North America's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and quality of life through an understanding of menopause. Those who hold NCMP certification have demonstrated special interest and competency in the field of menopause.

Board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Vogler has special interest in laparoscopic procedures, preventive medicine, menopausal changes and mid-life issues.

Hawthorn Medical has developed the Pulmonary Nodule Program as part of the practice's continuing efforts to respond promptly and effectively to patient needs. When a chest x-ray or chest CT scan detects a lung abnormality, the Pulmonary Nodule Program provides patients with the opportunity to meet with a physician within 24 hours.

Often, a nodule is detected as a result of a routine chest x-ray or chest CT scan. While most solitary pulmonary nodules are benign, or non-cancerous, if the nodule is malignant, an oncologist sees the patient right away. The program makes a difference in cancer treatment, if it is necessary, because the prompt diagnosis and early treatment may provide the best chance of curing the disease. By connecting patients immediately to a pulmonologist or oncologist, we are able to relieve them of the stress and anxiety of waiting.

The Hawthorn Rehabilitation Services Center is now offering a free specialized physical activity program for cancer survivors that focuses on stretching, mild muscular toning, balance activities and educational topics.

"Moving Forward at Hawthorn Medical—Physical Activity for the Cancer Survivor" is the newest addition to the continuum of services Hawthorn Medical provides for cancer survivors to assist them in maintaining function or restoring lost function. Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors is conducted by registered therapists certified in oncology rehabilitation by the STAR Program from Oncology Rehab Partners.

As Sherry Spencer-Brown, PT, CLT-LANA, STAR Program Clinician and Liaison, explains, "Patients who are having or have had treatment for cancer are often unable to return to their prior level of function or realize their greatest potential. We recognize cancer survivorship as a distinct phase of a person's cancer journey and strive to enhance their quality of life through movement." Issues that may affect the quality of life include weakness, limited motion and flexibility, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, balance problems, and neuropathy.

In a small group setting, participants will enjoy the benefits of stretching and toning as well as education on areas such as stress management, nutrition, introduction to yoga, and energy conservation. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 to 12:45 pm at the Hawthorn Rehabilitation Services Center, 535 Faunce Corner Road. There is no charge for cancer survivors to participate in the program. Cancer survivors may join at any time and are encouraged to attend the two classes each week for six weeks. For to register for the program, call 508-961-2925.