AdventHealth uses AI tech for early colon cancer detection
TAMPA – All AdventHealth hospitals in the West Florida Division are setting a new standard in colorectal cancer detection by leveraging technology that uses artificial intelligence to assist during routine colonoscopies, helping reduce the chance of missed polyps by up to 50%.
Medtronic’s GI Genius demonstrates AI’s capacity to improve diagnostic accuracy by serving as a second set of eyes for clinicians, demonstrating a 99.7%-100% sensitivity rate when screening for polyp detection and generating better patient outcomes.
“AI technology use in colonoscopy procedures is one of the most significant advancements in the field of gastroenterology,” said Dr. Maher Salam, gastroenterology department director at AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City. “The Medtronic GI Genius technology aims to enhance the ability to detect precancerous polyps and adenomas in real-time during routine colonoscopies, improving early detection rates. Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR), a critical quality metric in colonoscopies for an endoscopist, has a recommended benchmark of at least 25%. Using traditional methods, my ADR is an impressive 48%. With the implementation of GI Genius, my ADR increased to 68%, showcasing its remarkable effectiveness.”
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of all cancer-related deaths for U.S. men and women combined. When precancerous conditions are identified early by physicians, colorectal cancer patients can have a five-year survival rate of over 90%. The American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start screenings earlier.
“AdventHealth is deeply committed to advancing tools and techniques that enable the early detection of colon cancer,” said Dr. Michel Murr, medical director of the AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute. “Studies have consistently shown that increasing the ADR significantly reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.”
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Honored for Stroke Care
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has received the American Heart Association’s 2024 Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Silver Plus quality achievement award.
The honor is for 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 conjunction with the stroke award, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Honor Roll award. To qualify, hospitals must meet criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.
Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
“This award is significant to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in terms of showing the dedication that the whole team has in terms of patient care for strokes that present to the Emergency Department,” said Dr. Katrina Cordero, emergency department director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.
AdventHealth to partner with the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
TAMPA – AdventHealth is partnering with the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to support its Boundless Campaign. The campaign will transform the arts center’s physical spaces and grow its endowment.
AdventHealth’s support will contribute to the development of the AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage along the Tampa Riverwalk. The collaboration will also extend to the Straz Center’s summer camps and classes at the Patel Conservatory.
“Engaging with the arts, whether through creating, performing or appreciating—offers a holistic way to understand complex feelings and experiences,” said David Ottati, president and CEO, AdventHealth West Florida Division. “These moments of laughter, connection and reflection enrich the emotional, psychological and social aspects of who we are as people. At AdventHealth, integrating the arts into whole-person care is a natural extension of our mission to nurture mind, body and spirit.”
Hospital supports Zephyrhills tradition
ZEPHYRHILLS, – AdventHealth Zephyrhills got into the holiday spirit Dec. 1 by participating in the Zephyrhills Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The community could walk the AdventHealth Zephyrhills fitness trail filled with holiday cards, refreshments and seasonal activities.
“After 40 years, the annual Christmas tree lighting continues to be a treasured event that brings our community together.” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “We recognize the importance of these moments of joy and connection, especially during the holiday season. Events like this remind us of the strength and spirit of our local community and we are proud to be a part of such a meaningful tradition.”
Health organizations donate Thanksgiving meals
ZEPHYRHILLS, – AdventHealth Zephyrhills, in collaboration with Fresh Start for Pasco and local community leaders, donated Thanksgiving meals Nov. 25 to residents of the Southern Charm RV Community.
The community of nearly 1,200 people has faced challenges since Hurricane Milton.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to join with Fresh Start for Pasco and other local organizations to provide a warm meal and a sense of community during this difficult time,” said Chaplain Andrés Sequera, director of Mission & Ministry at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “This is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on those who need it most, especially during the holiday season.”