National Leaders in Pancreas Surgery

Pancreas surgery is technically difficult and specialists at Penn Medicine perform among the highest volume of pancreatic operations in the Unites States, including the Whipple procedure, with complication rates and long-term survival statistics that set the standard nationally. As part of Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, patients also have facilitated access to the full range of treatment options for pancreatic cancer including radiation, chemotherapy and the latest clinical trials—all under one roof.

At high-volume centers with integrated, multidisciplinary care teams, long-term survival for patients who undergo surgery for pancreatic cancer continues to improve. Recently, in one of the largest studies of its kind published to date, short-term recovery and long-term survival rates at Penn were shown to be among the best in the nation, demonstrating that Penn Medicine is at the forefront of providing the best care available for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Nationally and internationally recognized for their depth of experience and innovative research on the latest surgical treatment options, meet Penn’s pancreatic surgeons:

Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD
Chairman, Department of Surgery

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Drebin continued his surgical training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine before joining the faculty at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. In 2004 he was recruited to Penn Medicine as chief of the division of Gastrointestinal Surgery and vice-chairman for research for the department of Surgery. Following his tenure as chief, Dr. Drebin was appointed chairman of the department of Surgery at Penn Medicine and the 14th John Rhea Barton Professor of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine.

In addition to pancreas surgery, Dr. Drebin specializes in acute and chronic pancreatitis, the use of new technologies to manage liver tumors, disorders of the bile ducts and the management of gallbladder disease.

Learn more about Jeffrey A. Drebin, MD, PhD.



Charles M. Vollmer, MD
Director, Pancreas Surgery Program

Dr. Vollmer received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed his internship and residency in general surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. Dr. Vollmer’s training includes a clinical fellowship in hepatobiliary and GI transplantation surgery at Toronto General Hospital, as well as research fellowships in surgical oncology at UCLA School of Medicine and hepatobiliary oncology at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at the University of Toronto. He comes to Penn Medicine from Boston where he practiced at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

In addition to pancreas surgery, Dr. Vollmer specializes in treating all malignant and benign conditions of the pancreas and biliary system with a strong emphasis in care of pancreatitis. He also focuses on the management of pancreatic cysts and co-directs the Penn Pancreatic Cyst Program, a multidisciplinary team that evaluates and treats all types of pancreatic cysts.

Learn more about Charles M. Vollmer, MD.


Location:
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
West Pavilion, 4th Floor
3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104


For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 800.789.PENN (7366) or request an appointment online.

Shoulder or Elbow Pain? Penn Orthopaedics Can Help You Live Pain-Free

Whether it’s the result of an injury or just from typical wear and tear, you don’t have to live with shoulder pain.



The Penn Shoulder and Elbow Service provides comprehensive care for shoulder and elbow injuries or problems. Penn’s nationally and internationally recognized orthopaedic specialists create and use the latest advances in shoulder and elbow diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation to treat complex issues.

Shoulder and elbow problems can affect your ability to enjoy your favorite activities. Some commonly treated issues include:

• Dislocation/separation
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Torn rotator cuff
• Fracture
• Biceps
• Tendon rapture
• Arthritis
• Golfer's elbow
• Tennis elbow

For more information about the Penn Shoulder and Elbow Service or the shoulder and elbow specialists, visit PennMedicine.org or call 800-789-PENN (7366).

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center named “50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital”

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) has been named as one of the nation’s “50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals” by Truven Health Analytics, formerly the Healthcare Business of Thomson Reuters.

The 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals annual report identifies the nation's top hospitals performing cardiovascular services, selected from more than 1,000 hospitals across the country.

The honor recognizes PPMC’s consistent leadership and quality in cardiology and cardiac surgery.  Penn Presbyterian is recognized for expertise in:

• Complex arrhythmia management
• Interventional cardiology
• Noninvasive cardiology and cardiac imaging
• Preventive cardiology
• Vascular medicine and endovascular therapy 
• Women's heart health

For more than a century, Penn Heart and Vascular at PPMC has provided outstanding health care services.   Penn Presbyterian's cardiac care teams work together to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of cardiac conditions.  In addition to heart operations, PPMC’s cardiovascular surgeons also perform coronary artery bypass in high-risk patients, complex aortic surgery, heart valve repair and minimally invasive robotic-assisted cardiac surgery.

According to Harvey Waxman, MD, chief of cardiology at PPMC, the staff adheres to a process of continuous improvement to reduce surgical complications.  Even though the wound infection rate has been below 1 percent for the past several years, the staff wants to do better.  “Our goal is zero,” Waxman says.

For information about Penn Heart and Vascular at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, or to request an appointment, visit PennMedicine.org or call 800-789-PENN (7366).

Eight Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Indulging during the holidays is expected, but keep these tips in mind so the holidays don’t mark the start of a downward spiral into poor eating habits.

1. Weigh yourself
The holidays are not the time to avoid your scale. If you see the pounds creeping on, stop more weight gain as soon as you see it. Be proactive in avoiding holiday weight gain.

2. Write it down
Food journaling works best if you record your food and beverage intake as you go. Write down what, when, where and the quantity that you eat. Make sure to include all snacks and beverages even if you grab just one cracker on your way out the door.

3. Make time to exercise
Exercise helps you de-stress and clear your mind of all that you need to do this holiday season.

Walk the mall before you start shopping, take a new exercise class or practice some yoga or stretching to relax. If it’s too cold to exercise outside, treat yourself to some special cold weather workout gear. Working out in cooler weather can be invigorating, as long as you have the right clothes to stay comfortable.

4. Breathe
If you are a stress eater, consider an alternative to eating when you need a break. Just sitting silently with your eyes closed at any point during your day, or when you feel stressed, is very helpful for keeping yourself in balance. Remember, it doesn’t have to be for a long period of time: even just one minute of relaxing breaths in the midst of a busy holiday season goes a long way!

5. Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals often backfires. If you skip meals, you may overeat at the next meal, or let your hunger make bad food choices for you.

6. Learn How to Say “No, Thank You”
It’s hard to pass up goodies when they are offered. Not only are you turning down delicious foods, you may be worried that you are offending the host or hostess.

It’s okay to say no, but if you need a more creative way to say no, consider these:

1. Thank you, but I already ate.
2. That looks too good to eat!
3. Thanks, but I'm getting a jump start on my New Year's resolutions!
4. I worked out earlier, and I am trying to stay on track tonight.
5. I'm trying to pace myself, but thank you!

7. Get enough rest
When you skimp on sleep, your body works harder to stay awake, and may lead you to make poor food choices. You might reach for another cup of coffee or a sugary snack to give you some energy. Or you might skip a stop at the gym because you are too tired. A lack of sleep can sabotage your efforts.

8. Watch the liquid calories
Holiday cocktails and wine with friends all add up to a lot of empty calories.

    One cup of eggnog – without liquor – has about 350 calories and 19 grams of fat.
    One cup of champagne has about 182 calories.
    One, 4-ounce serving of red wine has about 100 calories.

Of course, you can swap out healthier versions of classic favorites (light eggnog, for example), but alcohol can also loosen inhibitions, and lead to poor health choices. After a few drinks, you might be more likely to eat more, derailing your diet plans.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and it is important to learn about this disease and its impact.

According to the American Diabetes Association, not only are almost 26 million people currently living with diagnosed diabetes, but it is estimated that 79 million are pre-diabetic. Diet, lifestyle, and awareness are important factors in understanding, and preventing, diabetes.

The Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The center’s providers use advanced clinical therapies and the latest research to treat patients with pre-diabetes, diabetes and other endocrine problems.

Using a family-oriented approach to patient care, a variety of services and programs are offered at the Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center to manage a healthy lifestyle.
Services include:

• Diabetes education programs
• Nutrition and diet counseling
• Podiatry
• Insulin pump program
• Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)

The team at the Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center includes board-certified endocrinologists working with nurse educators, as well as nutritionists, to provide expert care to the patients and their families.

For information about the diabetes program, visit PennMedicine.org or call 800-789-PENN (7366).

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

More people in the U.S. die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer.

People who smoke, have smoked in the past, or who have been exposed to other people's smoke, as well as those who have worked around hazardous materials, are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Additionally, the number of non-smoking lung cancer cases is on the rise.

Consider these facts:

• In 2011, more than 220,000 Americans were diagnosed with lung cancer.
• About 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking.
• Among both men and women in the United States, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer.
• Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. 

The physicians in Penn Medicine’s Lung Cancer Program are experienced in lung scanning and the latest screening techniques for people at high risk. Additionally, Penn's proton therapy for lung cancer is offered as treatment for the disease.

For information about smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening programs at Penn Medicine, visit PennMedicine.org or call 800-789-PENN (7366).

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States?

This year alone, approximately 44,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer  The multidisciplinary team at Penn 's Abramson Cancer Center is nationally recognized for its specialized techniques and advanced treatment options in treating pancreatic cancer.

In January 2013, The Abramson Cancer Center is opening a new location at Penn Medicine Valley Forge.  Penn's Abramson Cancer Center is home to the region's top cancer experts, the most advanced treatment options, groundbreaking research and the compassionate care that patients and families need before, during and after a cancer diagnosis. The new location in Valley Forge brings that same level of care closer to home for people living in the western suburbs.

Learn more at PennMedicine.org/Abramson

Join the 2012 Penn Medicine Heart Walk Team

Make a heart-healthy decision! Join the Penn Medicine community in supporting the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke. The 2012 Philly Heart Walk will take place at 10 am on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park. 

Penn Medicine’s challenge this year is to recruit 1,800 walkers for the Philadelphia-based walk and raise $130,000 for cardiovascular disease and stroke research. Register to join a Penn Medicine team to help reach the goal.

If you cannot attend, you can still support the event by making a donation. 

If you know someone who would like to become a heart walk team captain or register as a walker, visit Penn Medicine's Heart Walk page, or contact Andrea Griffith at 215-575-5211 or Julie Taylor at 215-575-5233 from the American Heart Association.

• Penn Medicine's Heart Walk
• Register for Penn Medicine's Heart Walk
• Donate to Heart Walk
• For walkers who are already registered click here to review the Heart Walk Participant Tool Kit

Free Patient Seminar: Mainly Your Health - Rejuvenating Cosmetic Procedures for Women

Penn Plastic Surgery understands that a healthy appearance is critical for total well-being and wants to help everyone look and feel their best.

Today there are many simple solutions that can rejuvenate a woman’s appearance so that she feels refreshed and looks vibrant. On Wednesday, Oct. 17th at 7pm, Ivona Percec, MD,PhD, will discuss the latest surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures for women. Discussion topics include mommy makeovers, facelifts, body contouring and more.

Learn more or register for Mainly Your Health: Rejuvenating Cosmetic Procedures for Women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to BreastCancer.org, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

October is breast cancer awareness month and a great time to support breast cancer research as well as breast cancer survivors. Penn Medicine is home to two award-winning breast centers: the Rena Rowan Breast Center at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Integrated Breast Center at Pennsylvania Hospital, part of the Joan Karnell Cancer Center. Both centers are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

October is also a great time to schedule your yearly mammogram. Penn Medicine is proud to be one of the region’s only medical centers offering digital breast tomosynthesis at the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine.

At risk for breast cancer? Find out at the Mariann and Robert MacDonald Women's Cancer Risk Evaluation Center.

• 10 Facts for Breast Cancer Awareness
• Diagnosed with BRCA 1 or 2? Learn more about the Basser Research Center.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – New Treatment Advances at Penn

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer affects 1 in 57 women in the United States and two thirds of those diagnosed are age 55 or older. The fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, diagnosis is often made after the disease has progressed since there are typically no distinct symptoms in its early stages. The symptoms often associated with ovarian cancer include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, difficulty eating/feeling full quickly and urinary urgency or frequency. Penn Medicine is making the prevention, early detection, and treatment of ovarian cancer a priority.

Penn Medicine researchers are working every day to create new therapies and increase each woman’s chance for a cure. The Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center (OCRC) is developing new approaches to treating ovarian cancer to improve survival rates and enable women affected by this disease to live a better quality of life.

The OCRC utilizes personalized immunotherapy, which is an innovative treatment approach using the patient’s own tumor to derive cancer vaccines and cell–based therapeutics. The OCRC is currently enrolling patients in three phase I/II clinical trials for patients with recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

Learn more:
Gynecologic oncology services at Penn Medicine
Personalized immunotherapy
Clinical trials being done at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine in Your Community

This fall, look for Penn Medicine at events throughout the Philadelphia region.

Do you live near Valley Forge? Visit Penn Medicine's Fall Fair on Saturday, September 22nd.
Live close to Woodbury, NJ? Stop by the Penn Medicine Woodbury Heights area at the First Annual Woodbury Fall Arts Fest on Saturday, September 29th.
A little closer to Radnor? Join Penn Medicine Radnor for the 35th Annual Radnor Run on Sunday, October 28th.

To learn more about where you can find Penn Medicine in your community and what free screenings will be offered at each event, visit the links below.

• Penn Medicine Valley Forge Fall Fair
• Woodbury Fall Arts Fest
• Penn Medicine Radnor Run

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, there is a vast array of treatments available for those who develop prostate cancer.

Penn's Abramson Cancer Center has access to every treatment option for prostate cancer. When a patient comes to the Abramson Cancer Center, the individual prostate cancer is assessed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians specializing in urology, radiation oncology and medical oncology. Abramson Cancer Center experts come together to ensure that patients receive the treatment that is best suited for their individual case. Treatment options include but are not limited to:

• Active surveillance (sometimes called “watchful waiting”) 
• Radiation therapy, including proton therapy at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center 
• Radical prostatectomy, including robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery 
• Cryosurgery 

Through research, Penn's Abramson Cancer Center collaborates with Penn Radiation Oncology and Penn Urology to advance treatments for prostate cancer and find ways to combat the disease.

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center at PennMedicine.org/prostatecancer 

Find out about proton therapy - the world's most advanced radiation treatment

Penn Dermatology Practice Opens at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Penn Dermatology has opened a new practice at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The recently renovated office is located in the Medical Arts Building, Suite 106.

Marie Urberti-Benz, MD and Douglas J. Pugliese, MD see patients at this new location. Dr. Urberti-Benz has provided dermatologic care to patients at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for several years. Dr. Pugliese is new to the practice and has a clinical focus in general dermatology and wound care. He is currently accepting new patients.

Penn Dermatology physicians are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders as well as cosmetic and aesthetic services. The dermatologists, dermatologic surgeons and dermatopathologists diagnose and treat patients with a full spectrum of dermatologic conditions as well as rare skin conditions.

Learn more:
Dermatology services at Penn Medicine
Dr. Pugliese 

Penn Cardiology Now in Somers Point

World-class heart care is now available in a new South Jersey location. Penn Medicine’s new cardiology practice in Somers Point Brings some of the region’s most renowned heart specialists to the residents of southeastern Atlantic and northern Cape May counties. The physicians at Penn Cardiology Somers Point offer the highest level of cardiac care with access to the expertise, resources and research available only from Penn Medicine.

The full range of cardiovascular services available at Penn Cardiology Somers Point includes:

• Consultative cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Long-term electrocardiographic monitoring
• MUGA scans (heart function assessment)
• Stress echocardiography
• Stress and pharmacologic nuclear stress testing
• Vascular testing

Practicing cardiologists at Penn Cardiology Somers Point:

• David Arluck,  MD
• Katherine Dowd, MD
• Steven E. Kornberg, MD
• Jacob L. Levin, MD, FAAC
• Beth Wolfson, APNC

See a full list of Penn Cardiology community locations

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Penn cardiac physician, please call 800-789-PENN.

Now at Penn: Gamma Knife® Perfexion™

Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ is the latest form of precision radiation therapy for treating cancer. This non-surgical treatment uses 192 sources of radiation to precisely target tumors, lesions and other intracranial structures.
Radiation therapy damages cancer cells and tumors, preventing them from multiplying. The Gamma Knife was developed in 1968 and primarily used to treat intractable pain and movement disorders. Compared with earlier Gamma Knife versions, Perfexion offers an expanded reach for treating metastasis anywhere in the brain and can also treat multiple locations in a single session.
Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ is one of a full range of treatment options for benign, malignant and metastatic cancer that Penn Medicine offers patients in the Philadelphia region. Currently, Penn Neurosurgery treats as many as 300 patients in the Penn Gamma Knife Center—the most of any hospital in the Philadelphia region.

Learn more:

• Gamma Knife® Perfexion™
• Penn Neuro Surgery

Beyond Breast Reconstruction: 3-D Areola Tattooing

As a leader in breast reconstruction, Penn Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive services for women at every stage of the breast reconstruction process, from the initial surgery to nipple reconstruction and tattooing.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to recreate the shape and appearance of a woman’s breast. Most commonly, the procedure is done as part of a mastectomy – surgical removal of the entire breast as treatment for breast cancer.

Plastic surgeons perform two types of breast reconstruction. Implant reconstruction uses breast implants or tissue expanders to recreate the shape and appearance of the breast. Autologous tissue reconstruction uses tissue from the belly, back or thighs to reconstruct the breast. Although autologous tissue reconstruction is more extensive, it can provide an emotional benefit for women looking to use their own tissue to reconstruct their breast and is often performed at the same time as the mastectomy.

After breast reconstruction, many women choose to have nipple reconstruction, including nipple tattooing. Nipple tattooing, or micropigmentation, re-pigments the area to make it look more realistic.

Nipple tattooing is performed by Mandy Sauler, a micropigmentation specialist in  plastic surgery at Penn Medicine. Sauler is a skilled tattoo artist who specializes in 3-D nipple tattoos along with tattoos for other cosmetic purposes. Working for more than a decade as a tattoo artist, Sauler now focuses on permanent cosmetics and micropigmentation. She is board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, and is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics.

Schedule an appointment with Penn Plastic Surgery

Learn more about breast reconstruction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment Options at Penn Medicine

The Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Center assists women in managing their PCOS symptoms and related health conditions. Due to the impact of PCOS on other health conditions, the center works closely with providers from other specialties throughout Penn Medicine. Each case of PCOS is different, which is why the center works closely with every patient to determine the best treatment plan. 

The services offered to help women manage their PCOS include:

• Hormonal treatment
• Fertility treatment
• Weight management
• Nutrition sevices
• Lipid management
• Dermatology/laser hair removal

Females of all ages are seen at the center. The team of health care providers helps women manage their PCOS through every stage of life with regularly scheduled office appointments, guiding them through treatment decisions about their condition.

Penn's PCOS team members include:

• Physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Clinical dietitians
• Clinical research coordinators

Learn more:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Program Overview
• Services available
• About the Team

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Now in Two Convenient Locations

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine now sees patients in two convenient locations  – Penn Medicine Radnor, a facility of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn Medicine Valley Forge.

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine focuses on the needs of young men and women between the ages of 12 and 30. The practice offers primary care with a full understanding of the physical and psychological changes associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine also provides specialty care for patients including:

• Eating disorders
• Managing and coordinating care for chronic illness, stress, depression and anxiety 
• Drug and alcohol use
• Smoking cessation
• Managing conflicts with parents, siblings, teachers and peers
• Reproductive care

In addition to a second location, Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine welcomes Deepti Thapar, MD. Dr. Thapar earned her medical degree at Bangalore University, India, and trained in family medicine at Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation in  Iowa.  She is board certified in family medicine and has a special interest in preventive care, women’s health and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Thapar is most interested in developing long-term, collaborative relationships with her patients and is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the young adult population. She sees patients at both the Radnor and Valley Forge locations.


Learn more about Dr. Thapar.

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer: A Patient’s Story

When Frank McKee was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he wanted to find the best treatment to fight the disease. After extensively researching treatment options, he finally chose proton therapy, the world’s most advanced form of radiation therapy.

“I wanted to treat the cancer and I wanted to be done with it in a way that had a minimum amount of side effects and affected my life the least,” McKee said. 

Proton therapy offers a variety of benefits to patients with prostate cancer. These include:

• Reduced radiation to normal, healthy tissues
• Decreased chance of side effects, complications and toxicity
• Maximum radiation dose administered directly to the tumor
• Fewer daily treatments, as deemed appropriate 
• Ability to re-treat tumors

“My life has been very, very full in the last year and a half since I finished treatment,” said McKee. “There are times I totally forget I had prostate cancer. And that’s a good thing.”

• Register online for a one-on-one phone consultation 
• Treated with Proton Therapy? Sign up for the Proton Patient Alumni Group 
• Learn more about prostate cancer care at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center

Dental Implants—Today’s Standard for Tooth Replacement

For people who have lost a permanent tooth, there are more options than ever before for a long-term replacement. In the past, removable dentures made noise or sometimes even fell out while eating, drinking or talking. But now, permanent dental implants mean there’s no need to worry about those inconveniences.

Dental implants are screws that anchor fabricated teeth to the jawbone. The anchor is made of titanium, which is similar to the material used to repair fractured bones.

“With a dental implant, the bone actually fuses to the titanium. The implant is most like a natural tooth in that it emerges from the gum and chews like a natural tooth,” said Lawrence Levin, DMD, MD, interim chair of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

Dental implants provide a variety of additional benefits to patients, including:

• Secure foundation
• Improved biting pressure
• Restored chewing ability
• Prevention of teeth shifting into areas where teeth are missing
• Improved speech
• Preservation of healthy teeth—no drilling required on surrounding teeth
• Provide an option for patients with problematic jaw or teeth structure

Penn Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s multidisciplinary group of experts in surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases, disorders, injuries and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face provide dental implant services at multiple locations in the Philadelphia region, including Penn Medicine Radnor*.

*A facility of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

•  Request a dental implant consultation 
• Learn more about surgery, rehabilitation and oral medicine at Penn Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 
• Browse services available at Penn Medicine Radnor

Penn’s Basser Research Center: Only Center in the World Dedicated to BRCA Research

The Basser Research Center at Penn Medicine was created with the assistance of a $25 million transformational gift from Penn alumni, Mindy and Jon Gray. As part of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center, the center is the first of its kind in the world dedicated to researching BRCA. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are gene mutations associated with an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

The center focuses on every stage of the diagnosis including:

• Communication
• Outreach and risk assessment
• Prevention
• Early detection
• Treatment
• Survivorship

Led by Executive Director Susan M. Domchek, MD, the center supports research with a focus on interdisciplinary work and seeks to accelerate the pace of translational research. Starting with a team of eight revolutionary researchers and physicians, the Basser Research Center is dedicated to better understanding the development of cancer, creating less invasive interventions for prevention and treatment and ultimately, saving lives. 

• Learn more about the Basser Research Center
• Read coverage on the Basser Research Center in the New York Times
• What is BRCA? Watch a video from Dr. Domchek

Healthy Medicine #129: Naturopathic Perspectives

Dr Zieve talks with Dr Kenneth Proefrock about naturopathic perspectives on joint problems, our internal ecology and how our social and family circles help support our health.

Kenneth Proefrock NMD operates a busy naturopathic medical practice in Sun City, Arizona. He serves as vice-president for the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and chairs the biochemistry portion of the Naturopathic Physician's Licensing Exam. He is sole owner and formulator for Vital Force Naturopathic Compounding, which provides consulting services and a wide variety of unique and effective compounds for other Naturopathic Physicians and their patients. He speaks at conferences across the country sharing his perspective on Botanical Medicine and the modern practice of Naturopathic Medicine. Most recently he founded the Arizona Stem Cell Center and has developed a novel technique for transplanting autologous, adipose-derived stem cells.

Healthy Medicine #128:The Insulin Connection

Dr Zieve discusses metabolic syndrome, obesity and the effects of insulin with Dr Barry Boyd, author of The Cancer Recovery Plan.

Barry Boyd MD is a practicing medical oncologist and founder of the Integrative Medicine Program at Greenwich Hospital–Yale Health Systems, where he is currently the director of nutritional oncology. He is an assistant clinical professor, the director of curriculum in nutrition, and the director of curriculum of integrative medicine at Yale School of Medicine and an affiliate member of the Yale Cancer Center. He was also the associate clinical director of the Weill Cornell Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Healthy Medicine #127: Psychiatric Drugs

Dr Zieve talks with psychologist Dr Sarah Edmonds about psychiactric drugs, overprescription and risks in the treatment of psychological and emotional problems. Homeopathic practitioner Dona Lozito follows up with the homeopathic approach to mental health.

Sarah Edmonds PhD is a certified psychologist specializing in the use of nonviolent communication in therapy, relationships and parenting, early trauma, coherence therapy, schizophrenia, and informing others about the dangers of psychiatric medications. Read more at prescottpsychologist.com.

Healthy Medicine #126: Themes for Good Health

Dr Zieve reviews themes that have come up many times on the show, including the differences and symmetries between allopathic and integrative medicine, energy and attitude, and taking responsibility as our own primary health care provider.

Healthy Medicine #125: Optimal Nutrition

Dr Zieve talks nutrition and health with distinguished integrative practitioner Dr Nalini Chilkov.

Dr. Nalini Chilkov, L.Ac.O.M.D. combines her diverse training in Traditional Oriental Medicine, Modern Biomedicine and Cell Biology with 30 years in private practice. Dr. Chilkov primarily serves patients with cancer and complex, chronic illnesses alongside her Optimal Health and Wellness practice. She is a respected expert in Collaborative Integrative Cancer Care. She has been a lecturer at the School of Medicine at UCLA and UC Irvine in California as well as many schools of Traditional Oriental and Naturopathic Medicine over her long career, and is a regular contributor to the Health Living Section of Huffington Post. Read more at doctornalini.com.

Healthy Medicine #124: Sacred Economics

Dr Zieve talks with educator and writer Charles Eisenstein about healthier economic thinking and his book, Sacred Economics -- Money, Gift and Society in the Age of Transition

Charles Eisenstein is a member of the faculty of the Health Arts and Sciences program at Goddard College in Vermont and the author of The Ascent of Humanity. He frequently speaks on money-related topics and on topics of civilization, transition, consciousness, technology, and transformation. Read more at sacred-economics.com.

Healthy Medicine #122: Cannabis in Medical Practice

Dr Zieve discusses the medical use of cannabis with oncologist Dr Donald Abrams, author with Dr of Integrative Oncology.

Donald Abrams MD is Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and Chief of Hematology/Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital. He provides Integrative Oncology consultations at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. He provides consultation to people living with and beyond cancer at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. He has co-edited an Oxford University Press textbook in Integrative Oncology with Andrew Weil, MD. Read more at osher.ucsf.edu.

Healthy Medicine #123: Natural Eye Care

Dr Zieve talks with Dr Marc Grossman about the underlying causes of eye and vision problems, how to correct many of them, and an holistic approach to taking better care of our eyes.

Optometrist Dr. Marc Grossman is the author of five books on natural eye care and lectures nationally and internationally on holistic eye care. He is a co-founder of Natural Eye Care, Inc. Read more at naturaleyecare.com.

Healthy Medicine #121: The Heart Speaks

Dr Zieve talks with Dr Mimi Guarneri of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine about new directions in hear health annd her new book, The Heart Speaks.

Mimi Guarneri is the founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, an associate clinical professor at the University of California San Diego, and president of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She is the author of The Heart Speaks, a poignant collection of stories from heart patients who have benefited from integrative medicine approaches. Read more at mimiguarnerimd.com.

Healthy Medicine #120: Poise

Dr Zieve talks with Gary Stokes, author of Poise, A Warrior's Guide, about ways to access our highest potentials.

Gary Stokes is a writer, researcher and life coach based in Prescott AZ. His book Poise, A Warrior's Guide disscusses paths to achieving the highest state of conscioussness. Read more at warriorpublishers.com.

Healthy Medicine #119: Stress and Health

Dr Zieve talks about stress and health with Donnie Yance about stress and how it interacts with our physical, mental and emotional health.

Donald Yance, Jr., CN, RH (AHG) SFO, founder of the Centre for Natural Healing, is an internationally known herbalist and nutritionist. His wholistic therapeutic methodology is rooted in American Eclectic herbal tradition, constitutional energetics and contemporary clinical nutrition, continuously honed by the latest scientific research at molecular, cellular and genomic levels. Donnie has authored two books, Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer (1999 McGraw Hill Publishing), and the just-released Thriving Beyond Surviving: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress and Aging. He has been involved in authoring and co-authoring dozens of articles that have appeared in national industry publications and medical journals. He is an editorial board member for Integrative Cancer Therapies and an advisory board member of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai. Donnie is also the founder, president and formulator of Natura Health Products. Read more at mederifoundation.org.

Healthy Medicine #118: The Diet Cure

Dr Zieve talks with best-selling author and nutritional psychotherapist Julia Ross about the benefits of amino acid therapy in addressing food-addiction and mood problems.

Julia Ross is a pioneer in the field of nutritional psychotherapy and a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders and addictions. She has founded and directed six successful recovery programs since 1980 in the San Francisco Bay area. Ross is a popular and compelling speaker who has made hundreds of presentations to introduce the public to the extraordinary benefits of nutrient therapy and biochemical rebalancing. Ross' best-selling book, The Diet Cure, has sold over 150,000 copies in the US UK and Australia. Her second book, The Mood Cure, was released in paperback in 2004 and became a finalist for the Books for a Better Life Award. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, San Francisco Examiner Magazine, and Alternative Medicine and Natural Health. Julia holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and is the executive director of The Recovery Systems Clinic in Mill Valley, California. Read more at thedietcure.com.