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Lekshmi Seemanthini, MD, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology in London
LONDON Lekshmi Seemanthini, MD, FACC, MPH, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology in London. Seemanthini previously worked at Saint Joseph London as an attending cardiologist from 2010 to 2014, and she is looking forward to returning to the facility she once called home.
“I believe in providing quality care and developing trust and confidence over time with patients,” said Seemanthini. “My philosophy has always been to spend time with my patients and develop a strong relationship with them.”
Originally from south India, Seemanthini has lived in the United States for 19 years. She received her medical degree from Trivandrum Medical College in Kerala, India, and then moved to the United States where she received her Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina. She completed an internship in internal medicine and two fellowships in cardiovascular disease from Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
While she was attending medical school in India, Seemanthini’s neighbor went into cardiac arrest. “I had to perform CPR and bring him back to life. I always remember that event, and it led me to my career.”
Seemanthini is passionate in her field of study and she advocates for education in rural Kentucky about the health hazards of smoking, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. “Prevention is key,” says Seemanthini. “This is our biggest problem in the U.S. because cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death.”
Ali Elfandi, MD, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology in Lexington
LEXINGTON Ali Elfandi, MD, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Cardiology in Lexington as an interventional cardiologist. Elfandi has practiced medicine in Libya and the United States for 12 years and is looking forward to returning to Lexington to raise his family and develop strong bonds with his patients.
Elfandi was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, while his father was receiving his PhD, and later moved with his family to Libya where he finished high school and medical and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Tripoli Faculty of Medicine.
Elfandi completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Tripoli in Libya and at the Overlook Medical Center – Thomas Jefferson SKMC in Summit, New Jersey, where he was named chief resident. He completed his fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Morristown Medical Center – Thomas Jefferson SKMC in Morristown, New Jersey, and a fellowship in interventional cardiology at UMMS-Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Elfandi is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.
Madeline K. Fisher, MD, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group in Lexington
LEXINGTON Madeline K. Fisher, MD, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group in Lexington, specializing in internal medicine and pediatrics. Fisher brings to the practice a passion for helping patients of all ages and a love for the Lexington community.
Fisher says at an early age while in high school in Ashland, Kentucky, she was able to shadow in physician offices and later volunteered at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. She enjoyed working with children and says her love for medicine was cemented during her time in the Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) at the University of Kentucky.
Fisher received her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Transylvania University and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She completed a dual residency at the University of Kentucky in internal medicine and pediatrics. During medical school, Fisher volunteered at the University of Kentucky Salvation Army Clinic and also mentored students in her medical school.
Sherisa Warren, DO, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Surgery in London
LONDON Sherisa Warren, DO, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group to develop a vascular surgery program in London. She will be the first fellowship-trained vascular surgeon in the region. After working at Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix for four years, Warren is excited to return close to home and serve underserved patients in London.
Warren earned her medical degree from the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. After graduating, she completed a residency in general surgery at Garden City Hospital in Michigan. Upon finishing her residency, Warren participated in two fellowships. Her first fellowship was in general vascular surgery at Maclaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan; her second fellowship was in general and endovascular surgery at Arizona Heart Institute and Hospital in Phoenix. From there, she began practicing at Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute, a world-renowned destination for heart and vascular care.
Originally from Stinking Creek, Kentucky, in Knox County, daughter of Bige and Phyllis Warren, she’s looking forward to being back home again. “I have a deep heart for people in general, but especially in Appalachia, that I have felt for a very long time,” said Warren. “This community does not have services available that they need, which leads to multiple people in the area suffering from ruptured aneurisms, because they cannot travel for care. I’m from this area and I know we, the community, deserve a chance. We deserve appropriate care, and I feel like I’m the right person for the job.”
“It’s an honor to be able to address each aspect of my patients’ lives,” said Warren. “When patients are suffering from a physical problem, they may also be suffering emotionally. I think it’s important to keep in mind the emotional side of surgery. It’s crucial to the healing process.”
CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners Announces Dorothy Lockhart as Vice President
LEXINGTON Dorothy Lockhart, MBA, MSN, RN, has been named the new vice president of CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners, the largest clinically integrated network in Kentucky that connects providers, hospitals, ancillary services, skilled nursing facilities, and agencies.
Lockhart served as market director of care management for CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners from April 2015 to November 2019, when she was named interim vice president. Her appointment to fill the position permanently was effective July 26.
“Working in population health over the last five years has allowed me the opportunity to focus on bringing value to populations in unique and innovative ways,” said Lockhart. “Our clinical team assists patients in navigating the health care system more efficiently and effectively. Partnering with inpatient and outpatient facilities and caregivers streamlines patient care and improves patient outcomes and satisfaction. CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners is the integrator between the patients, families, providers, and payers.”
Over the last four years, Lockhart has developed and implemented successful population health initiatives including episodes of care, value-based agreements, and total medical spend management. She works collaboratively with payers, employers, and providers to ensure quality care and lower cost. She has demonstrated positive financial outcomes in total medical spend and improved quality in episodes of care for commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid populations.
She says this type of collaboration is necessary for the future success of health care.
“The future of health care will demand a patient-centered, personalized approach that capitalizes on available resources,” said Lockhart. “The team at CHI Saint Joseph Health Partners focuses on the delivery of value-driven, consumer-focused health care.”
Lockhart has worked in the health care industry for more than 20 years in accountable care organization (ACO) management, transplantation, community health, skilled nursing, insurance case management and utilization review. She serves on the board for the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust for Life and is a proponent for organ and tissue donation, education and awareness.
Vincent Angelo DePalma, DO, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in London
LONDON Vincent Angelo DePalma, DO, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in London. Having recently completed his complex reconstructive spine surgery fellowship with Johns Hopkins Medicine, DePalma is looking forward to building a comprehensive spine program in the community.
“I strive to deliver the best medical care for every patient, every day,” said DePalma. “My philosophy is to provide the highest quality of medical care by collaborating with my patients to find the best treatment option, utilizing modern non-operative and operative techniques, to ensure to meet each patient’s unique needs.”
DePalma comes from a family of doctors but was particularly inspired by his father, who opened his own medical practice in rural southern New Jersey in the 1970s. Additionally, DePalma’s childhood was spent caring for animals on his family’s farm, which instilled in him a desire to compassionately care for others.
DePalma went to college at the University of Virginia. After receiving his post-baccalaureate certificate in Pre-Medical Sciences from Villanova University, DePalma completed his medical training at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine followed by his residency at Hofstra Northwell Orthopedic Surgery. It was during his residency that DePalma was mentored by a spine surgeon whose work inspired him to specialize in this field. DePalma then went on to complete specialized spine surgery training at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Currently, DePalma is a member of the North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
“There is an immense need for a spine program in southeastern Kentucky — particularly one with the ability to perform more advanced, complex services,” said DePalma. “By offering this program in the London area, patients will no longer have to drive more than an hour away for treatment. This will allow them to receive this specialized care closer to home.”
Frank Paul Taddeo, MD, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in Lexington, Winchester, and Mount Sterling
LEXINGTON Frank Paul Taddeo, MD, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in Lexington, Winchester, and Mount Sterling as a sports medicine physician. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Taddeo and his wife are excited to move to Kentucky and make Lexington their home.
Taddeo originally began his career in family medicine, but his passion for musculoskeletal medicine drove him to further specialize his skills. This pursuit allowed him to focus on the science of healing acute and chronic muscle, tendon, and bone issues in all age groups. His dedication to personal wellness and caring for athletes of all ages and fitness levels led him to pursue a career in sports medicine.
Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation’s Yes, Mamm! Program Receives Donation from Lexington-based Link-Belt Excavators
LEXINGTON The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation’s Yes, Mamm! Program, which provides services and assistance to breast cancer patients and survivors in Kentucky, received a check Thursday for $72,500 from Lexington-based Link-Belt Excavators (LBX).
Every three years, LBX paints a hydraulic excavator pink for breast cancer awareness, then displays the 15.2-metric ton piece of machinery, referred to as the “Pink-Belt,” at LBX dealers across the U.S. The Pink-Belt is then auctioned off to raise money for local breast cancer organizations. This is the second time Yes, Mamm! has been a beneficiary of the auction.
The check presentation was a result of this auction, which took place at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, a national construction trade show, in Las Vegas in March. Jay Shafer of Sparks, Nevada-based Shafer Equipment Company placed the winning bid of $145,000 for the Pink-Belt. All of the proceeds were split between the Yes, Mamm! Program and Susan G. Komen Kentucky.
“We are so grateful for this donation from LBX, which will help us continue to provide free mammography screening, diagnostic services, and program support to uninsured and underinsured women and men in Kentucky,” said Leslie Smart, CFRE, president, Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. “We are proud to team up each year to raise awareness about breast cancer in our community and cannot thank LBX enough for their ongoing efforts.”
“LBX has been a supporter from the beginning of the Yes Mamm! program for seven years in a row, and this is now their second excavator donation,” said Bruce Tassin, CEO, CHI Saint Joseph Health, and president, Saint Joseph Hospital. “Our Yes, Mamm! Program is essential to providing comprehensive services to cancer patients and survivors, and LBX’s generosity is important in our ability to continue delivering this life-changing assistance.”
Over the past seven years, the Yes, Mamm! Program has raised nearly $630,000 to provide more than 3,000 mammograms, 700 diagnostic services, 500 ultrasounds and approximately $5,000 in transportation assistance for patients. The Yes, Mamm! Program also helps support lifesaving equipment for patients and supplies such as lymphedema sleeves, wigs, chemo caps, patient counseling, and education.
After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in exercise science, Taddeo received a scholarship and traveled to the Caribbean, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences on the island of St. Kitts. His clinical training took place in hospitals throughout the United States, from New York to Arizona. Taddeo then moved to Georgia to complete a family medicine residency at Piedmont Columbus Regional and spent two years at a family practice clinic in Statesboro, GA. Taddeo pursued a sports medicine fellowship at University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. During his fellowship, he developed advanced diagnostic and procedural-based ultrasound techniques that he is excited to bring to the community. He is now board certified in both family medicine and sports medicine.
Taddeo is actively involved in his field. He is a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has also volunteered his medical assistance at various sporting events and clinics, including USA Boxing and the University of North Dakota athletics. He’s looking forward to being involved in the Lexington community.
Taddeo’s wife, Darcy, is from St. Petersburg, Florida and is looking forward to continuing her career in neurology and raising a family here in Lexington.
Adam Franson, DO, Joins CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in London
LONDON Adam Franson, DO, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Orthopedics in London as an orthopedic surgeon. Franson was born and raised in Maine but has always been eager to move to the South. He says he’s looking forward to growing as a surgeon in London and helping his patients get back on their feet.
Franson received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed an internship and orthopedic residency from Genesys Regional Medical Center in Michigan. Franson is completing requirements to become board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
After a year in medical school, Franson completed a church mission trip to Brazil. During his two-year journey, he says he realized the health care issues that developing countries face. This inspired him to discover how he could help others. Franson knew that orthopedics was the right field for him since he enjoys treating sports injuries, fixing things, and working with his hands.
“After living in Michigan for a while, we knew moving to the South was the best option for my family,” said Franson, “I loved the culture, climate, and the people at Saint Joseph London. It’s a perfect fit.”
Three CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations Awarded Funding to Continue Providing Resources to Underserved Patients
LEXINGTON Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, Saint Joseph Berea Foundation, and Saint Joseph London Foundation have received $945,740 in grant funding from Catholic Health Initiatives’ Mission and Ministry Fund. This funding will support the foundations in the continuation of the Total Health Roadmap initiative, which integrates screenings for basic human needs into primary care settings, for 2020–2023.
“The mission of the Total Health Roadmap Initiative remains to connect patients to community resources and ultimately improve their health outcomes,” said Leslie Smart, CFRE, president, CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations. “This funding will ensure basic human needs are addressed as a standard of care, while continuing to leverage CHI Saint Joseph facilities as ‘anchor institutions’ in their communities.”
The program’s extension will assist CHI Saint Joseph Health in maintaining its role as a provider and partner in the community. The Total Health Roadmap, which CommonSpirit Health identified as a 2019 Bright Spot in its health care system across the country, represents a range of physical, social, and psychological conditions, such as availability of food and safe housing, transportation, quality child care, access to behavioral health services, and social support.
“We are proud to support the well-being of Kentucky communities and, with this grant, we will be able to extend our out-reach and our mission,” said Neva Francis, vice president, Healthy Communities. “Our organization is dedicated to supplying a healthier future for everyone that is inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity.”
The Total Health Roadmap initiative addresses “total health” through integration of a universal screening tool and community health workers into the systems of care. In 2019, three primary care clinics conducted approximately 9,000 screenings that focused on social determinants of health, and of those, nearly 2,500 patients screened positive for unmet needs.
Anne Goho, DO, Joins HMH Active Medical Staff
CYNTHIANA Anne Goho, DO, pediatrician, joins the Harrison Memorial Hospital Active Medical Staff. Goho is a full-time pediatrician with Licking Valley Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. The practice includes Stephen Besson, MD, Joey Calder, MD, Lindsey Florence, APRN, and Misti Dixon, APRN.
Goho earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia in 2013. She then earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, West Virginia in 2017. In 2020, Dr. Goho completed her residency in pediatrics at University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky.
She is affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics and is certified in pediatric advanced life support and neonatal resuscitation.