Last year, we shared a post that highlighted big moments for GBU and the field of urology in general. It was definitely one of our most popular articles, so we're back with the 2017 edition.
Let's get to it!
Treatment Protocol Highlights
UroLift® System. We introduced the UroLift System in our Dedham and Milton Care Centers. UroLift is a revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to treating an enlarged prostate, or BPH, that lifts or holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating, or removal of prostate tissue. Learn more.
SpaceOAR® Hydrogel. As its website states, "SpaceOAR hydrogel is clinically proven to minimize urinary, sexual, bowel side effects and protect quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy." It's available in our North Easton and Plymouth Care Centers.
Myriad myRisk® Hereditary Cancer. Available in Dedham, this test is a 28-gene panel that identifies an elevated risk for eight hereditary cancers, including prostate cancer. Learn more.
What's New at GBU?
Destination Dedham opened in March. By far, our biggest initiative this year was the opening of our 11,000 square-foot headquarters in Dedham, Mass. Destination Dedham serves as the hub for everything we do at GBU and is an excellent alternative for patients on the South Shore. While all of our physicians still work out of their primary Care Centers, each one also works out of Dedham as well. The practice of urology requires many great minds. Destination Dedham allows a place for some of the greatest minds in the Boston area to come together to serve patients and collaborate with one another.
Our Women's Health Center opened in August. Following the success of Destination Dedham, we opened our Women's Health Center on August 1. This Center features urogynecology, which is the surgical sub-specialty of gynecology that specifically addresses female pelvic floor disorders. Our urogynecologist, Dr. Angel Marie Johnson, is the director of the Center. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was on October 31, and we were honored to have State Senator Mike Rush, Dedham Selectman Mike Butler, and Congressman Joe Kennedy III in attendance. You can check out pics here.
Our in-house lab expanded its number of blood studies. In addition to everything else our lab currently offers, we now offer three additional blood studies: free PSA, PHI, and testosterone levels.
Two of our physicians were named Top Docs. Dr. Michael J. Curran and Dr. Michael P. Donovan were named Top Docs for 2017. This is the second year in a row for Dr. Curran. Learn more about this honor.
Two new physicians joined the GBU family. In addition to Dr. Angel Marie Johnson, whom we mention above, we also welcomed Dr. Jonathan S. Brajtbord to our North Easton Care Center.
We welcomed a new partner. Another one of our practicing employed physicians has been elevated to Partner: Dr. Xiaolong Shawn Liu.
A new physician assistant joined Falmouth. We also welcomed our newest physician assistant, Elisabeth MacDonald, to our Falmouth Care Center.
Dr. Bouché said farewell. A dedicated physician for over three decades, Dr. Paul R. Bouché officially retired from the Falmouth Care Center. We wish him well in his retirement!
More goodbyes and welcomes in North Easton. We also said farewell to our long-time office manager Janis Naujalis, who also retired, and welcomed Robert Tangusso, who is taking over the reins.
We created a video library of our physicians. Learn more about each doctor, their personal journeys, and their specialties in these insightful video bios.
Our CBO office moved to from Hingham to Abington. The CBO team is acclimating well to the new digs in Abington.
Community Outreach and Patient Advocacy
The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk was fabulous. The annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk on Sunday, September 10, 2017, was a HUGE success. Overall turnout was the best yet (over 440, up from 300 last year). Together with our generous sponsors, Team GBU raised over $18,000. (The total amount raised from the race was over $80K!) Check out the full recap.
We’re still actively engaging legislators on patients’ behalf. Our lobbyist, Marty Walsh, sat down for a Q&A that you can read here. We're passionate about healthcare and making sure that legislators have patients' best interests at heart.
We were proud to support the "Girls on the Run" program. Girls on the Run culminated in a 5K race on December 3 at Dedham High School with over 1000 runners and 200 volunteers. Talk about inspiring!
We love supporting the local community. You'll see a new GBU banner at the Needham YMCA. And if you have access to the Walpole High School Football program, look for our ad.
Looking Ahead to 2018
We're expanding our advanced prostate cancer program. Dr. Michael J. Curran and Dr. Michael Geffin, who head up our Advanced Prostate Cancer Center in Dedham, will be bringing their expertise to Cape Cod, specifically our Sandwich Care Center. More details to come in early 2018.
Infusion therapy expansion will continue in Dedham. In addition to our other infusion therapies, we'll soon be offering Xofigo® radium RA 223 dichloride in Dedham. Xofigo can potentially help extend the life of someone with advanced prostate cancer. Again, more to come in early 2018 regarding this as well as other initiatives, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, on behalf of all of us at GBU, we wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2018.