In the Headlines

Innovative Care for Irregular Heart Rhythms
A pioneering combination of two procedures is helping people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other heart-rhythm disorders. Together, AFib ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion eliminate significant rhythm issues and reduce risks of blood clots and strokes.

Traditionally, the procedures were done separately—requiring the patient to undergo two operations at different times, said Virtua cardiologist Heath Saltzman, MD, FACC. “For suitable patients, providing both therapies at the same time offers a powerful and convenient solution,” he explained. Read at SouthJersey.com.
 
Expert Co-Authors Study on Hypertension After Heart Transplant 
Virtua cardiologist Juan Ortega-Legaspi, MD, PhD, FACC, co-wrote a comprehensive review of the research related to high blood pressure in people with heart transplants. The condition affects up to 80% of these patients. The article, published in the journal Hearts, examines the prevalence, risk factors, causes, complications, and management of hypertension after heart transplantation. Read in Hearts.

Specialist Discusses Management of Arthritis
Virtua rheumatologist Humaira Khan, MD, shared her insights on arthritis—a set of chronic conditions marked by joint damage. She cited such advances as newer laboratory tests and musculoskeletal ultrasounds for diagnosis.

Virtua takes a multidisciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, nutrition, sports medicine, pain management, and orthopedics, which all play an important role in managing a patient’s arthritis, Dr. Khan explained. Read in New Jersey Business Magazine.

Certain Diabetes Drugs May Extend the Lives of People with Lupus
A class of diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors may help people with lupus live longer, according to preliminary research by Virtua internal medicine resident Rusudan Tskitishvili, MD, and colleagues.

“Ultimately, this research lays the groundwork for more personalized and evidence-based use of SGLT2 inhibitors in autoimmune populations,” Dr. Tskitishvili said. “Until larger studies confirm these results, treatment decisions should be individualized based on each patient’s disease activity and risk profile.” Read in Healio.
 
Holiday Illnesses Spread Across Area
Dr. Martin Topiel, Virtua’s infection control officer, discussed the increase in cases of flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses around the holidays. Patient Jayme Bundy shared her post-Thanksgiving experience with COVID, which she may have caught while working at a crowded mall. Watch on CBS 3.

Stomach Virus Sickens Local Students
Like respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal viruses often spread around the holidays. That was the case last month when multiple students at a Haddonfield school developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and related symptoms, according to CBS 3.
"Viral gastroenteritis is a great concern," said Dr. Martin Topiel, Virtua’s infection control officer. Norovirus, for instance, can spread easily and can be difficult to eradicate. “Good hand washing is required," he advised. Read at CBS 3.

Virtua Hospitals Earn ‘High-Performing’ Status for Maternity Care 
U.S. News & World Report has recognized all three of Virtua’s maternity-care hospitals as “High-Performing” for maternity services in its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care report. This designation—the highest in its category—was awarded to Virtua Voorhees, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, and Virtua Mount Holly hospitals. Read in U.S. News & World Report and BINJE.
  
Managing the Complexities of Twin Pregnancies
Twin pregnancies are on the rise, and can bring more risks for mothers and babies. Dr. Stephen Rasiah, a Virtua maternal fetal medicine specialist, shared his insights on the potential complications and the latest advances in care for a healthier pregnancy and delivery of multiples. Read in Jersey’s Best.
 
New Deadline Approaches for ‘Hospital at Home’ Programs
Drs. Diego Ortega and Rupa Kashyap, leaders of Virtua’s Hospital at Home program, discussed the innovative model that was paused nationwide during the 2024 government shutdown. Funding for the program is set to expire January 30, unless Congress makes it permanent or extends it. 

As its name implies, Hospital at Home enables qualified patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their home. Benefits can include faster recovery, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced risk of hospital readmission.

“There is a huge potential for this kind of care model to grow and expand,” said Dr. Kashyap. “Any kind of permanence would definitely help implement this in a bigger way and improve outcomes for everybody.” Read and listen at WHYY.

Virtua CEO Among the 100 Most Influential People in Health Care
For a second time, Virtua President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.” Developed by a leading industry magazine, the prestigious list recognizes health care’s most influential figures in terms of leadership and impact. Read in BINJE and by subscription in Modern Healthcare.

In addition, Pullin shared candid stories from his career and life on the podcast “Prognosis Ikigai.” Hosted by Dr. Nicole Fox, the series is based on the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which translates to “reason for living” or “life’s purpose.” Dr. Fox interviews health care professionals who love what they do. Watch Episode 13 on Spotify, Apple, and other platforms.

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