NEWS
Meritus News
116 results
Hospital receives BIRTH Equity Maryland designation
July 22, 2024
Meritus earns top designation for reducing risk of complication for pregnant patients, reducing health equity gap Meritus strives to ensure all patients, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender or socioeconomic status receive high-quality, equitable care. The health system has been sharing its efforts publicly with the community it serves through its annual Health Equity report, as well as by working to engage community members in important health initiatives. As one component of this important work, Meritus Medical Center worked to integrate the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland program, a state-wide improvement project to reduce inequities faced by pregnant women. The hospital has successfully implemented this and recently received the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland designation from the Maryland Patient Safety Center (MPSC). B.I.R.T.H. stands for Breaking Inequality Reimagining Transformative Healthcare program. The program works to engage non-obstetric providers on the critical need for knowledge of pregnancy-related complications and awareness of disparities in negative maternal outcomes. “It is vital that we do everything possible to ensure healthy outcomes for pregnant women, especially those who are at higher risk of developing life-threatening complications,” said Meritus Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Carrie Adams, Pharm.D. “Our teams are committed to ensuring all patients who trust us with their care are experiencing the best possible outcomes.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as compared with non-Hispanic White women, even when adjusting for sociodemographic and reproductive factors. Systemic racism, bias, and discrimination are key drivers of these disparities in outcomes. Recent data from the CDC (2022) has shown that 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, of which 53 percent occur in the postpartum period. Pregnant and postpartum patients are often seen in primary care offices, clinics, emergency departments or other community health settings where their obstetric history and early symptoms may be underappreciated. The B.I.R.T.H. Equity program teaches participants to recognize signs of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, implement improvements in protocols, identify whether or how potential bias might play a part in care, and have tools to effectively communicate concerns for a patient’s wellbeing. To earn the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland designation, at least 80 percent of the Meritus Medical Center team completed six steps of demonstrated learning and development which included recognizing early warning signs of obstetric complications, leveraging teamwork and communication strategies, identifying and mitigating biases through training and reflection, and creating systems which support safe care for birthing people.
Meritus doc: Proper preparation key when it comes to fall athletics
July 19, 2024
You have to walk before you can run. When it comes to preparing for fall sports, a physician with Meritus Sports Medicine suggests young athletes run before they practice. “Before the season starts, they should start working on general aerobic and cardio exercise,” said Geoffrey Sanyi, D.O. “They should be overall healthy before they start doing their work for the season.” Dr. Sanyi, who is based at the new Meritus Health location at Valley Mall, said parents interested in prepping their kids for football, soccer and cheer, among other sports, should have them running, jogging or swimming regularly. In other words, they should strive to be physically fit as a baseline for the workouts to come. “There’s being in shape, then there’s being in football shape,” said Dr. Sanyi, who completed a fellowship in sports medicine at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. When it comes time to hit the gym, Dr. Sanyi recommends not jumping straight to pumping iron. Start off with body-weight exercises, such as squats, pushups and pullups, he said. When the core muscles have been worked out, then it’s time to lift weights. “Sometimes, athletes don’t do too much in preparation in the summer and go straight to weightlifting,” Dr. Sanyi said. “That means their core isn’t strong. It can create a muscle imbalance and that causes problems. “Most patients I see in the clinic, that’s what happened.” Another typical case he sees comes from athletes not using proper form when lifting weights. “Proper form reduces the risk of injury,” he said. When it comes to specific sports, Dr. Sanyi recommends athletes focus on certain things. For example, football players probably want to focus on cardio and strength training. Soccer players probably want to focus on aerobic exercise. Cheerleaders should focus on aerobics, but also strength training. “People would be surprised how fit you have to be to do tumbling or to be a base, holding people up in the air,” he said. No matter what the sport is, Dr. Sanyi stresses to parents and athletes that proper rest is needed. “I know, teenagers don’t like to sleep,” he said, “but that’s what gets your body to heal after intense exercise.” Parents also should pay attention to their athlete’s performance. Whether it be a sprain, a concussion or something heat-related, don’t wait to get evaluated, he said. “If they think their athlete is injured or not performing at what they expect them to be, they should definitely get it checked out,” he said. Meritus Sports Medicine is available to support the unique needs of athletes of all ages and levels – from youth to professional. The practice has sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers working in a new facility with leading-edge technology. To learn more, please visit www.meritushealth.com/sportsmedicine.
Meritus scholarship aims to make nursing more feasible career choice
July 17, 2024
Partnership with Shepherd University to cover a portion of tuition in exchange for commitment to working at Meritus Medical Center A partnership between Meritus Health and Shepherd University will assist nursing students in becoming registered nurses and working locally. Meritus is offering a certain number of scholarships to nursing students at the Shepherdstown, W.Va., school to help directly address the critical need for more registered nurses locally and throughout the country. “We are excited to be working with Shepherd University to create this opportunity,” said Chief of Nursing Melissa Short, M.B.A., M.N., R.N. “Meritus Health will pay for a portion of the candidate's education in return for a pre-determined length of employment with the hospital after graduation.” Meritus Health will provide a set amount of money per semester students can put towards tuition, required books, lab fees, and uniforms. When students obtain their RN license, they will receive a $7,000 signing bonus for working at Meritus Medical Center, and an additional $5,000 after completing three years of employment with Meritus Health. A similar scholarship program is available for Hagerstown Community College nursing students, too. Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix also expressed excitement, explaining how significant programs like this are for students. “It is so important to make the educational opportunities here at Shepherd available to students, especially in these vital areas,” Hendrix said. “We are always working to identify partnerships that support our students and benefit the community and local workforce.” The intent is to attract students from Washington County, Md., and Jefferson County, W.Va., but Meritus reserves the right to entertain candidates from other locations. Interested applicants can reach out to Savannah Durning at 301-790-8500 or Savannah.Durning@MeritusHealth.com for more information.
Meritus tops in three categories from U.S. News & World Report
July 16, 2024
It’s the second year in a row the hospital has received a ‘high performing' award for treatment of congestive heart failure Meritus Medical Center has been named a 2024-2025 High Performing Hospital in the treatment of congestive heart failure, colon cancer surgery and COPD. The recognition comes from U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. It’s the second year in a row the hospital has been cited by the organization for heart failure treatment. “We are thrilled to again receive a ‘High Performing’ designation for our treatment of Congestive Heart Failure, as it reinforces our unwavering commitment to improve the health of our community," said Meritus Chief Operating Officer Carrie Adams, Pharm.D. “Meritus continues to perform at the top of its game thanks to the dedication and skills of our excellent teams.” U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 21 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience. For Meritus, Western Maryland’s largest healthcare system, the recognition from U.S. News & World Report is the latest in a series of honors both regionally and nationally. “It’s our people who make the difference,” said President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “This recognition and all the recognitions Meritus has received is a testament to how dedicated our teams are to improving the health of the community.” Recent accomplishments include: A third consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group Listed in the top 1.5% of hospital giving back to their communities by the Lown Institute Voted Best Cardiology, Hospital, and Urgent Care, and Finalist in Plastic Surgery in the Tristate in Verstandig Media’s Best of the Tristate A “High Performing” rating for Meritus Urology’s outpatient surgical center “Get With The Guidelines - Stroke GoldPlus” quality achievement award, Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award from the American Heart Association A 2024 Top Surgical Hospital in Maryland by Healthgrades, a healthcare performance tracking firm
Meritus Medical Center earns national recognition for stroke care
July 11, 2024
Hospital earns American Heart Association award for stroke treatment Meritus Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke GoldPlus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. In addition, Meritus received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Advanced Therapy award by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke. Meritus also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. “This award speaks to our incredible and dedicated team at Meritus Medical Center,” said Carrie Adams, Pharm.D., Meritus chief operating officer. “Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in our nation. It is incredibly important that our community has access to top level care without the need to travel, as timely treatment is key to survival and minimizing disability caused by a stroke.” A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home. “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Meritus Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.” To learn more about Meritus’ stroke care, please visit www.meritushealth.com/stroke. ### Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. With over 3,000 employees, 500 medical staff members and 250 volunteers, Meritus Health serves over 200,000 residents of the tristate region. Meritus Medical Center has 327 beds and Meritus Medical group has over 160 providers. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page. About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.
Melanoma: What to watch for under the July sun
July 5, 2024
Sure, it’s hot and sunny outside, and that usually means time for summer fun. But it also means taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024. Dr. Susan Sharpe is a board-certified surgical oncologist who works with Meritus Health. After completing her complex general surgery oncology fellowship at the University of Chicago and practicing in the field for nearly a decade, she’s picked up some important tips to help you stay safe in the summer sun. She said that while there are certain uncontrollable factors – family history, skin tone, age – there are many factors that can be controlled to prevent melanoma. That includes avoiding tanning beds and salons, wearing UV protective clothing and applying sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher – regularly on exposed areas. That should be every two hours under normal outdoor conditions (even when it’s cloudy), and every 45 minutes when you’ve been in the water. “It needs to go everywhere you have exposure – face, neck, ears,” Dr. Sharpe said. “People who part their hair certain ways, or for those who might be losing hair, the scalp is important, too.” (A side note to those who long for snow: That fresh powder reflects the sun’s rays, too, so be sure to put sunscreen on your face, even in the wintertime.) What if you have a mole or freckle that looks suspicious? Dr. Sharpe says to remember A-B-C-D-E to help decide if that blemish is suspicious. Asymmetry – Instead of a nice perf circle, does the mole look like a comet? Is it equal on each side? Border – Is it irregular, jagged or darker in one area and fades at the edge? Color – There are several different colors for melanoma, Dr. Sharpe said. It can be brown, black, white, blue, red and sometimes even skin color. If it’s not one color, that could mean melanoma. Diameter – Generally, if the mole is about the width of a finger (roughly a quarter-inch) or larger, it could be concerning. Evolution – Has one or more of the above-mentioned things changed over time? In addition, you should be concerned if the mole starts bleeding or becomes itchy. It could also look like a scab that won’t heal over time, Dr. Sharpe said. The first thing to do is to contact your primary care provider and schedule an appointment to have things checked out. “They might look at it and say it’s benign, or that it looks like it could be melanoma, or perhaps that they’ll see you x number of times to make sure nothing changes over time,” Dr. Sharpe said. If it is duly suspicious, your primary care provider could refer you to a surgeon, like Dr. Sharpe, to have the mole removed. But no matter what, Dr. Sharpe stressed that you shouldn’t wait to get it checked out. “Don't ignore anything,” she said. “The earlier you can catch melanoma, the better the chances of survival.”
Meritus Health location at Valley Mall makes healthcare convenient
July 1, 2024
Sports medicine, physical therapy, urgent care and pediatrics after-hours clinic to be housed in Halfway shopping mecca Ensuring that our community can access healthcare services is paramount to Meritus’ mission of improving the health of the community. That’s why the opening of Meritus Health’s new multispecialty medical practice at Valley Mall is a plus not only for patients, but for the mall, too. “Meritus is always trying to bring great care closer and closer to the people who need it,” said David M. Lehr, chief strategy officer of Meritus Health. “Expanding our footprint to another major location will improve convenience for our patients. This addition advances our objective to bring high-quality healthcare services directly into communities where people live and work." PREIT, a leading owner and operator of community-centric retail properties, has seen the evolution of malls, where out-of-the-box thinking has brought different tenants that serve customers’ needs. Meritus will be the third major healthcare facility incorporated into one of PREIT’s properties. "We are thrilled to welcome Meritus Health as our newest tenant at Valley Mall," said Julie Rohm, PREIT regional manager. "Our focus on delivering innovative and thoughtful destinations to meet modern consumer demands includes providing services that meet their daily needs. In a market that is evolving at the pace Hagerstown is, we are pleased to enhance the one-stop-shop experience we provide with the addition of high-quality healthcare options." On July 1, Meritus Health plans to open its physical therapy and sports medicine practices, an urgent care and relocate its after-hours pediatrics clinic in the former Sears store. Plans are in the works to add a family medicine practice in 2025. The opening will officially launch Meritus Sports Medicine. It is a practice for athletes of all ages to seek preventive care including sports physicals, injury care, concussion management, and joint/soft tissue therapy. Meritus Health is the sports-medicine provider of choice for the Flying Boxcars professional baseball team and also partners with Washington County Public Schools to provide professional athletic trainers in the county’s high schools. And for those weekend warriors, youth athletes, or any person committed to improving their physical well-being, Valley Mall provides a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Interstates 81 and 70. The Meritus office will join a diverse set of tenants at the mall, which includes several sit-down dining establishments including Black Rock Bar & Grill, Mission BBQ, Red Robin and Primanti Bros to name a few; family entertainment venues, Regal Cinemas and Tilt; alongside traditional and value retail offerings including H&M, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Victoria’s Secret, aerie, Bath & Body Works and more. To learn more about Meritus Sports Medicine, go to www.meritushealth.com/sportsmedicine.
Meritus Health celebrates new outpatient surgery center
June 27, 2024
C.P. Choudari Surgical Center to help improve the health of the community Meritus Health is opening a new outpatient surgery center to better meet patient needs and continue its mission of improving the health of the community. The C.P. Choudari Surgical Center will reduce wait times, provide faster diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients needing various surgical services. “We remain committed to evaluating the needs of our growing community,” said Dave Lehr, Meritus Health chief strategy officer. “We know that in our community, many must wait too long for important preventative screenings and diagnostic procedures. Opening the C.P. Choudari Surgical Center will help us reduce the time patients are waiting for these important procedures.” The new center, which celebrated its ribbon-cutting June 26, is in Suite 247 of the Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Drive. It’s named for Dr. C.P. Choudari, who has been paramount in opening the facility. Choudari will be one of the physicians to perform medical procedures in the facility beginning in early August. “Meritus has invested in this surgical center to provide patients a more affordable, convenient and personalized alternative to the hospital for their endoscopic procedures and surgeries, all while delivering high quality care,” said Dr. C.P. Choudari, through whose donation the center was made possible. “This center will be more intimate than the hospital, and give patients a greater sense of personalized care and contact with their care team. “To me, this is a dream come true,” Dr. Choudari said. “Actually, dreams do not come true, dreams are made true.” A provider referral is needed for procedures at the center, but to learn more about what is offered, visit www.meritushealth.com/choudarisurgicalcenter.
Are you in pain? Neurosurgery might be the answer for you
June 20, 2024
When you hear the term “neurosurgery,” you might think about a doctor operating on your brain, or conditions such as tumors, aneurysms or stroke. While those are a part of it, one of the chief parts of neurosurgery is reducing and managing chronic pain. “Pain is a big problem in the community,” said Gentian Toshkezi, M.D., F.A.A.N.S, F.C.N.S, who is part of Meritus Neurosurgery with Chikezie Eseonu, M.D., F.A.A.N.S. “The treatment of pain and improving the patient’s quality of life is one of our main tasks.” Meritus opened its specialty practice, Meritus Neurosurgery, in 2023 to serve a growing community need. The health system wanted to provide the specialty surgical services needed so community members don't have to travel out of the area for the care they need. Formally, neurosurgery is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to resolving complex issues in the brain and spine. But that can also include everything from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome to pain or numbness in the hands and feet. Such conditions can be treated by neurosurgeons, either with surgery or other methods, Dr. Toshkezi said. For example, you might get treated for spinal-related pain in your lower back by a physical therapist, but the pain is not going away. A referring physician could send you to the neurosurgeon for treatment. “When degenerative spine disease progresses, it can cause compression of the spinal cord, and that requires decompression,” he said. Sometimes pain is caused by trauma such as a vehicle crash. Other times it can be from repetition such as sitting at a desk and using a keyboard. Sometimes the pain can be caused by genetics. Whatever the condition, Dr. Toshkezi said neurosurgeons come up with an approach and strategy to treat the pain and improve quality of life. The first step is to talk to your primary care physician, who would perform certain tests, Dr. Toshkezi said. “If they are positive, we are here,” he said. “Not every headache or back pain requires neurosurgical intervention. But don’t ignore it.” For those seeking a consultation with the Meritus Neurosurgery team, a referral is necessary. To learn more about the extensive range of neurosurgery services offered, visit the official website at MeritusHealth.com/Neurosurgery.
Meritus chief financial officer honored by industry publication
June 19, 2024
Josh Repac named to Becker’s 2024 CFOs to Know Meritus Health Chief Financial Officer Josh Repac is among Becker's Hospital Review’s 2024 "CFOs to Know" list, which recognizes pivotal financial stewards within healthcare organizations. These CFOs manage enormous budgets, navigate intricate revenue cycles and develop financial strategies that ensure the sustainability of their institutions. “I am honored to be listed in Becker's CFOs to Know list among so many incredible leaders across the nation working to improve a very important component of healthcare, affordably. Truly, I am honored to help lead a team that is dedicated to improving the health of our community. By working hard to improve the efficiency at Meritus, we are helping to make care more affordable and accessible," said Repac, who first started at Meritus in 2019 and was promoted to CFO in 2021. Highlighted for their roles in maintaining the financial health of hospitals and health systems, these CFOs enable their organizations to focus on delivering top-notch patient care. The list celebrates their commitment to enhancing financial operations, a cornerstone for the success of any healthcare facility. “Reducing costs and ultimately helping to make healthcare affordable is paramount to achieving our mission of improving the health of our community,” said Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “Josh is an incredible leader who is passionate about bringing needed care into reach for our community. He's leveraged community partnerships and helped create pathways for care within our community in addition to having a strong acumen for the complicated reimbursement programs. Josh truly is the whole package.” The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list. The full list features individual profiles of all leaders on the list, and can be read here. Note: The CFOs to Know list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included CFOs or associated healthcare providers. Leaders and organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list. CFO names are presented in alphabetical order.
Brook Lane to affiliate with Meritus, enhance care for region, state
June 12, 2024
Move supports a growing community need for mental health services Two long-standing local health providers will join together in July, as Brook Lane and Meritus Health will affiliate, vowing to expand access to mental health services across the region and state. The definitive agreement comes after months of formal due diligence by both organizations and their respective boards. “As we consider the best opportunities to support the total health of our community, while the demand for mental health support and services continues to increase, welcoming Brook Lane to our organization presents an opportunity for our two strong organizations to enhance access to services and provide patients with more coordinated care,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., President and CEO of Meritus Health. Joshi said Meritus Health and Brook Lane have a long tradition of partnering in the community. In September 2023, the health providers worked together to open a mental health urgent care on the Meritus Health Campus off Robinwood Drive in Hagerstown. “We looked at the need in our community and across our state and found a way to share resources in order to quickly support that need,” Joshi said. “We understand the strength in working together and look forward to the next chapter in providing mental health services and education to our community.” Over the past several months, Joshi said he and Brook Lane CEO Jeffery D. O’Neal, MBA, LCPC, FACHE have been considering how they can use the strengths of their respective organizations to better fill current and future mental health needs across the region and the state. By combining resources, O’Neal and Joshi outlined an expanded model for mental health that would extend access levels of care and position the organization as one of the largest and most accessible in the nation. Once combined, the community would have access to integrated clinical offerings with a total of 80 inpatient beds; a psychiatry residency program, a high acuity residential crisis program, day treatment programs for children, adolescents and adults, substance abuse treatment services, mental health urgent care, mental health telehealth visits, a Type III and two Type I school programs, school-based therapists, interventional psychiatry programs, an employee assistance program servicing 12 organizations, and much more. Together, there would be 25 providers, 105 licensed therapists, 115 dedicated nursing staff and 20 teachers, all dedicated to supporting mental health services. This model, with combined resources, doesn’t just put together clinical excellence, but aligns cultural and community values as well. "Meritus and Brook Lane share community-centric values and a vision for making our neighbors healthier," O’Neal said. "Affiliating with Meritus provides our organization with the support it needs to grow and expand, while maintaining our tradition of providing compassionate mental and behavioral health services.” The affiliation will not reduce jobs, according to both leaders, but Brook Lane team members will be moved to the more competitive Meritus compensation scale. Over time, the organizations will consider together the best opportunities for expanding mental health services. “We know this partnership will improve access to care in our community,” Joshi said. “We look forward to our next steps, as together we plan and envision how to best enhance services and education.” Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. With over 3,000 employees, 500 medical staff members and 250 volunteers, Meritus Health serves over 200,000 residents of the tristate region. Meritus Medical Center has 327 beds and Meritus Medical group has over 160 providers. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.
Prostate screening a key part of men’s health
June 7, 2024
It’s expected that prostate cancer will be the No. 1 diagnosed cancer in men in the United States this year, according to the American Urological Association. That amounts to 299,010 cases, 6150 in Maryland. Prostate cancer is also expected to be the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S., behind only lung cancer, in 2024. That amounts to 35,250 cases, 660 in Maryland. “I tell my patients it is so important to weigh the options for screening for prostate cancer, especially if you are at high risk,” said Dr. Kevin Hackett, M.D., with Meritus Urology. “Early warning signs are rare with prostate cancer.” The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Dr. Hackett recommends men talk to the doctors about prostate screening at age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years. Why 10 more years? Dr. Hackett notes that not all prostate cancers are alike. Finding and treating all prostate cancers early might seem to make sense, but some grow so slowly that they would never cause any problems during a man’s lifetime. He recommends discussing screening at age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). He strongly recommends talking about screening for men aged 40 who are at higher risk: those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age. “When looking at the options, we take the time to review all of the information to make the best decision possible for the patient,” he said. “And screenings aren’t always what the movies would have you believe.” Specifically, there is the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. The typical test finds a protein made by cells in the prostate gland. The chance of having prostate cancer goes up as the PSA level goes up in the blood. While not 100% effective, the American Urological Association says it should be used as the primary screening. The other usual test is the digital rectal exam, or DRE, where the doctor uses a gloved and lubricated finger inserted into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer. It’s often less effective than a PSA test, but it can sometimes find cancers in men with normal PSA levels. If a PSA and/or DRE test show signs of cancer, Dr. Hackett said a prostate biopsy might be ordered. That procedure takes a small sample of the prostate using a thin, hollow needle for examination under a microscope. Though more complicated than other tests, it is the only way to know for sure if a man has prostate cancer. “The doctors at Meritus Urology are there to help men through all stages, from screening to biopsy, to treatment of prostate cancer, should you need it,” Dr. Hackett said. “And you can do things yourself to reduce your risk for prostate cancer, such as exercising, eating healthy, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, among other things.” To learn more, visit www.meritushealth.com/Urology.