2006 Press Releases
Chief Medical Officer discusses deep-vein thrombosis at Health Night ROME – When NBC Correspondent David Bloom died in Iraq, the public became more aware of DVT – deep-vein thrombosis – a blood clot that forms in the major veins of the legs or pelvis due to prolonged periods of physical immobility. On Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m., Rome Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer Marybeth McCall, M.D., a board certified internist with a master’s degree in medical management, will continue to increase awareness of DVT at the hospital’s Health Night lecture. The lecture will be presented in the hospital’s classroom on the first floor and is part of the hospital’s effort to create awareness and prevention of DVT as part of DVT Awareness Month. A deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops. People are more at risk for DVT when immobile for long periods such as traveling or during prolonged bed rest. There are several inherited conditions that make the blood more likely to clot than usual as well, increasing the risk. In her presentation, Dr. McCall will explain what DVT is, who is at risk and the various treatment options that are available, including medications and the use of prophylaxis devices. “The high prevalence of DVT among hospital patients and people in the general public calls for DVT prevention and awareness,” said Dr. McCall. “This program is part of our hospital initiative to decrease the risk of DVT. We have also invited a national specialist on DVT to discuss the latest advancements in prevention with our medical professionals,” she added. Dr. McCall said that studies show that it is more effective to prevent DVT than to treat it after the fact. According to the American Heart Association, up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT. As a member of the hospital’s administrative team, Dr. McCall serves as a liaison between the medical staff and hospital administration. Dr. McCall earned her medical degree from Georgetown University and her residency in internal medicine at University Health Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA. She also served as a major in the U.S. Air Force and served as a staff physician at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Neb. She holds a master’s degree in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA. Previously, she was a senior vice president/medical director at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, Utica, and the chief medical officer at Crouse Hospital, Syracuse. Health Night is a free monthly lecture series. Advance registration is not required. Refreshments will be served. | 
