Houston Mayor Annise Parker visits Westside Surgical Hospital Healthcare is getting a lot of attention these days, with many policy makers and politicians being asked to think about the way that people get treatment. With that in mind, Dr. Abdel Fustok extended an invitation to Houston Mayor Annise Parker to visit Westside Surgical Hospital and the physicians who operate there. “WSH is a newcomer to the Houston healthcare system,” Dr. Fustok says. “I thought it was important that the mayor meet with our medical staff­ in order to appreciate their expertise and experience, and to be familiar with an alternative…

Strength training can prevent injury Some people feel intimidated by weight lifting, thinking that it is an activity best left to gym rats and body builders. Those dumbbells and barbells seem guaranteed to lead to injury for the uninitiated. So here’s an irony alert: incorporating weight-bearing exercises into a fitness routine can actually help prevent injuries caused by other physical exertion. Strengthening muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons increases flexibility and improves balance. That has an impact on people of all ages and all levels of activity. A recent study showed that strength training reduced sports injuries and overuse injuries. When…

How to tell if it’s a migraine and how to treat it Whether it’s a throbbing pain in your neck or a dull ache above your eyes, a headache can range from annoying to debilitating. When the pain gets extreme, how do you tell if the headache you have is normal or if it’s something more serious like a migraine? Migraines are extremely painful head-aches thought to be caused by abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. More than 28 million Americans su­er from migraines. Some have chronic migraines, which occur 15 or more days per month. Chronic head-aches (which…

What to do before your colonoscopy and why You’ve probably heard that the preparation for a colonoscopy is more uncomfortable than the procedure itself. And while it’s not the way you would choose to spend the day, the discomfort is really minor. Most important, fulfilling all the prep requirements ensures a more accurate screening. A colonoscopy is prescribed to investigate symptoms of an intestinal problem or to screen for colon cancer. The colon must be clear of fecal debris because the camera can’t see through it to find a polyp or a small cancer. Ask your doctor if you need…

Cholesterol 101 The good, the bad and how to keep it under control Cholesterol is getting a lot of attention these days. Between your doctor and your television, you probably hear a lot about what’s good, what’s bad and what you need to be doing about yours. But what does your cholesterol level really mean for your health? Let’s start with the basics. WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and other cells. Your body needs a certain amount to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fat. Outside of the…

HOUSTON, TEXAS, December 15, 2014 The long-awaited Breast Center and IVF lab opens next month at Westside Surgical Hospital. Patients will receive comprehensive breast and fertility care with the most advanced imaging and reconstructive surgery techniques available. The landmark center offers 3D mammograms, 3D ultrasounds, stereotactic breast biopsies and bone density testing, in addition to the robust reconstructive surgery program. “Westside Surgical Hospital has always had a special focus on breast health, but with this new center we will be able to care for women from diagnosis through treatment,” shares Dr. Jay Shenaq, plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is the…

Joyce is a true survivor. 20 years before she came to Westside Surgical Hospital, she had already survived one bout with breast cancer following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Then, shortly after a mammogram that had been clear, she found a lump. “The mammogram may have shifted the lump so I was able to find it on my own,” Joyce explains. Westside Surgical Hospital was featured on Fox 26 News at 9 with health reporter, Melissa Wilson. Hear more about Joyce, and her experience with Westside Surgical Hospital in the full interview:

Dr. Sean Boutros has been a practicing plastic and reconstructive surgeon for approximately 10 years. He decided a career as a plastic surgeon was right for him because it allowed him to combine his passions for art and science. “Plastic surgery was, for me, the perfect blend of science, art and creativity,” Boutros said. “(It uses) the skills that I have and the things that I enjoy.” Now, working with general and breast health surgeons such as Dr. Jo Pollack, Boutros uses his artistic and surgical talents to help patients at Westside Surgical Hospital look great and feel good about…

Westside Surgical Hospital is pleased to announce that construction has begun on the eagerly awaited breast center at the hospital. This landmark center will offer patients access to stereotactic breast biopsies, a 3D mammogram unit (breast tomosynthesis), 3D ultrasound, and bone density testing. This advanced imaging, combined with the hospital’s robust reconstructive surgery program sets the hospital apart and offers the ideal environment for early detection and treatment. Dr. Jay Shenaq will serve as the executive director for the center. Through the establishment of the breast center, an IVF lab will also open, under the direction of Dr. Michael Heard.…

By Christian Richards, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Westside Surgical Hospital As printed in Medical Journal Houston As medical technology continues make advances, robotic surgery may soon become the preferred method for many spinal procedures. Robotic surgery allows physicians to use innovative technology to perform minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and recovery times for patients and increases the accuracy in spinal surgery. Westside Surgical Hospital is a regional leader in robotic spine surgeries. In recognition of Westside Surgical Hospital’s commitment to robotic surgical procedures, the hospital has been chosen as a training center for Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System,…

Jim Witt, MBA, RN joined the leadership team at Westside Surgical Hospital as the chief administrative officer on May 5, 2014. Jim brings with him an abundance of healthcare and management experience. He was the president and CEO of Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois and most recently served as chief operating officer at Memorial Hermann – Memorial City hospital. Jim holds a master degree in business administration and a bachelor of science degree in nursing. He is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. “I’m excited to join the Westside Surgical Hospital leadership team at this…

May 22, 2014 – Former U.S. Figure Skating team member, Sophia LaMay, is excited to get back to figure skating after Renaissance Spine Surgery with Dr. Neil Badlani at Westside Surgical Hospital in Houston, Texas. Native Houstonian LaMay began ice skating when she was just two years old and when she was in high school she was ranked second in the nation. But over a year ago, a stress fracture to her spine put a break on her skaing career. After her recent spine surgery, she’s now back on the ice.

HOUSTON, Texas, February 18, 2014 — Westside Surgical Hospital today announces that is has achieved national accreditation from DNV Healthcare, the only hospital accreditation program approved by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that integrates the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation. DNV’s NIAHOR accreditation program requires hospitals to evaluate the continuum of patient care throughout its facilities and take measured steps to improve when it is warranted. DNV accreditation is awarded after the entire hospital staff and work processes are surveyed by auditors from DNV to ensure that the facility meets…