Expert Commentary
BESPOKE clinical trial supports value of blood test for colon cancer recurrence
The BESPOKE clinical trial evaluated molecular markers in blood samples as a guide that physicians can use to determine the benefit of chemotherapy for stage II and III colon cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 126,000 new cases of colon cancer (colorectal cancer) were diagnosed in 2020. Colon cancer…
Read MoreInova Schar Heart and Vascular: a premier destination for the highest quality cardiovascular care
Christopher M. O’Connor, MD, MACC, is the President of Inova Schar Heart and Vascular. He is an internationally renowned authority on heart failure and practices at the Inova Cardiology – Fairfax office. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the nation and in Virginia. The toll is particularly high in those over…
Read MoreInflammation’s role in heart disease
Jared Spitz, MD, is a board-certified cardiovascular disease physician. He practices at the Inova Cardiology offices in Fairfax, Fair Oaks and Ballston. An elevated cholesterol level is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Increasingly, treatment of inflammation has gained attention as an important part of heart disease prevention. The U.S. Food and…
Read MoreCan certain foods reduce your risk of getting cancer?
It is difficult to browse the internet or social media, especially in the new year, without coming across the term “superfood.” Surprisingly, this is not a new term. The earliest recorded use of superfood was in the early 20th century by the United Fruit Company in its quest to market bananas. The use of the…
Read MoreIs it a cold, flu, RSV or COVID-19? Here’s how to tell the difference
Christopher Connolly, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Inova 360º Concierge Medicine with more than 24 years of clinical experience. Dr. Connolly previously served as the Medical Director and Chief Medical Information Officer of Nova Medical Group and Urgent Care. Most recently, Dr. Connolly worked as a primary care physician for Inova Primary…
Read MoreSurgery for neck pain: Cervical Spine Fusion vs. Disc Replacement
Corey J. Wallach, MD, is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, board-certified in orthopaedic surgery. He serves as the medical director of the Inova Spine Program at Inova Alexandria Hospital and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. If you’ve experienced severe neck pain, you’re not alone. Up to 70% of Americans experience significant neck pain at some point.…
Read MorePrevention and quick action: When your child swallows something dangerous
Bharath D. Nath, MD, is a pediatric surgeon at Inova Health System who is board certified in general surgery and pediatric surgery. He specializes in pediatric general and thoracic surgery, treating premature infants to adolescents. Every year, thousands of children are treated in United States emergency rooms (ERs) because they swallowed objects such as a…
Read MoreLung cancer screening at Saville Center: Less time, less worry for patients
Amit Mahajan, MD is board certified in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. He serves as the medical director of interventional pulmonology and the complex airways disease program at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Lung cancer screening takes time. And that time often turns into stress for patients and their loved ones. That’s one reason that…
Read MoreDiabesity: How bariatric surgery is changing lives
Courtney Culbreath, MD, is a specialty care physician board certified in general surgery at Inova. She specializes in minimally invasive and robotic bariatric surgery, endobariatrics, and general surgery. Dr. Culbreath is committed to helping her patients achieve longer, healthier lives through long-term weight loss. Type 2 diabetes affects 35 million Americans. Nearly 65% of these…
Read MoreTry these therapist-approved tips to have a stress-free holiday
Matt Englefield, MBA, MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. He serves as a Manager of a Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic for Inova Behavioral Health Services. The holidays can be a joyous time of celebration and togetherness. They can also be a minefield of different personalities and worldviews clashing, often in the context of past…
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