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Michele McCarroll, Ph.D.
Director of Research,
Summa’s Center for Women’s Health Research
Michele L. McCarroll, Ph.D., FAACVPR, is the women’s health research director for Summa Health System. Under Dr. McCarroll’s leadership, Summa’s Center for Women’s Health Research (SCWHR) involves a diverse team of internal and external partnerships of physicians, healthcare providers and academic researchers to accomplish the task of advancing clinical research at Summa. Prior to assuming these responsibilities, Dr. McCarroll was a grant and proposal developer for the Summa Foundation, an assistant professor at Youngstown State University and a clinical research collaborator for the Summa Center for Cardiopulmonary Research. Dr. McCarroll currently holds academic appointments as adjunct faculty in the department of biology at the University of Akron and adjunct assistant professor in the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University of Buffalo, SUNY. She is an American College of Sports Medicine-certified clinical exercise specialist, a fellow of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and a frequent presenter at local and national conferences. With an interest in patient-centered outcomes, Dr. McCarroll has published dozens of abstracts and publications as well as received funding for her research interests. Dr. McCarroll recently played a key role in supporting research efforts led by Vivian von Gruenigen, M.D., on social media and health and the implementation of a Robotic Operating Room Computerized Checklist (RORCC) to improve patient safety sponsored by Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
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Vivian von Gruenigen, M.D.
Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology
System Medical Director Women’s Health Services
Summa Akron City and St. Thomas Hospitals Summa Foundation
Endowed Chair in Women’s Health
Vivian von Gruenigen, M.D., a physician with Summa Physicians Inc. (Gynecology/Oncology), is a recognized expert in gynecologic oncology. She serves as system medical director, women’s health services, Summa Health System and chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Summa Akron City and St. Thomas Hospitals. Prior to her position at Summa Health System, Dr. von Gruenigen was director of robotic surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and associate professor, department of reproductive biology at the Case School of Medicine. Dr. von Gruenigen has been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” by the Consumer’s Research Council of America as well as one of “America’s Top Oncologists” by Cleveland Magazine. She also was named honorary chair of Athena International Leadership. She is the author of over 100 journal articles and abstracts and is an editorial board member at Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. von Gruenigen is a board member at Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Exxcellence Foundation and Summa Health System’s Accountable Care Organization. She is a board examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is preparing the 2012 written board examination in gynecologic oncology. She also is the principal investigator (PI) for two active, NCIfunded Gynecologic Oncology Group clinical trials, “Quality of Life and Care Needs in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients” and “A Randomized Phase II Trial of Primary Carboplatin and Paclitaxel versus Carboplatin in Elderly Women with Ovarian, Peritoneal Primary or Tubal Cancer.” Her research has been funded by the government, Lance Armstrong Foundation, American Cancer Society and Summa Foundation.
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Bradford Fenton, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Director,
Pelvic Pain Specialty Center
Bradford W. Fenton, M.D., Ph.D., a physician with Summa Physicians Inc. (Gynecology), leads Summa Health System’s Pelvic Pain Specialty Center. Under Dr. Fenton’s leadership, the center provides a multidisciplinary approach to patients with this condition using an integrated care model. He is a graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University, where he was honored with the Resident Research Award. Dr. Fenton has continued his research pursuits in the field of obstetrics and gynecology and has several approved projects underway at Summa, including “Effect of repetitive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on chronic pelvic pain” and “Pelvic adhesion prevention using autologous platelet enriched gel in a standardized swine model using a quantitative technique.” In addition to his clinical, research and leadership roles at Summa, Dr. Fenton also holds several academic appointments including associate professor at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and adjunct professor, department of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Akron for which he’s received several awards including the CREOG ACOG National Faculty Award. He is the author of numerous articles, abstracts and presentations including “Application of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System to chronic pelvic pain” published by the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, “Comparison of teenaged video gamers vs. PGY-I residents in obstetrics and gynecology on a laparoscopic simulator” published by the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and “Measuring quality of life in chronic pelvic pain syndrome” published by Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Angela C. Silber, M.D.
Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine
Angela C. Silber, M.D., is a physician at Summa Akron City and St. Thomas Hospitals specializing in maternal fetal medicine. Originally from Porto Alegre, Brazil, Dr. Silber obtained her medical degree from the Federal Foundation for Medical Sciences and completed her residency at Santa Casa Hospital before relocating to the U.S, where she completed another residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Dr. Silber was fellowship trained in maternal fetal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Prior to her position at Summa Health System, she practiced as a diagnostic medical sonographer in the high-risk ultrasound unit at University Hospitals MacDonald Women’s Hospital. Dr. Silber is a clinical instructor at Summa Akron City Hospital and won a National Faculty Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for her excellence in medical education. She has helped to raise public awareness of maternal fetal health issues and served as the 2010 honorary chair of Akron’s March of Dimes – March for Babies fundraiser to support community programs promoting healthy, full-term pregnancies. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Silber is the author of several peer-reviewed publications including “Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state of pregnancy with intrauterine fetal demise and preeclampsia” published by American Journal of Perinatology and “Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis sequence: a rare, heterogeneous, and lethal etiology for prenatal pleural effusion” published by Prenatal Diagnosis.
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Lara Burrows, M.D., MSc
Medical Director,
Pelvic Pain Specialty Center/ Vulvar Pain
Lara Burrows, M.D., MSc, a physician with Summa Physicians Inc. (Gynecology), is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of vulvar disease, female sexual pain and interstitial cystitis. A graduate of Dartmouth School of Medicine, she completed her OB/ GYN residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and continued her postgraduate training at NYU and the University of Pittsburgh where she completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. She also obtained a master’s degree in clinical research design and statistical analysis from the University of Pittsburgh and has been an investigator in numerous NIH- and industry-sponsored clinical trials, assisting in research for national organizations such as The Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network and The Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. She is an elected fellow of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disorders as well as the associate director of The Vulvovaginal Disorders Center in Washington, D.C. She is the author of many publications, peer-reviewed articles and abstracts, including the book 100 Questions and Answers on Vulvar Cancer and Other Diseases of the Vulva and Vagina, “Can oral contraceptives cause vestibulodynia?” published by Journal of Sexual Medicine and “Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse” published by International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. In addition to her role as the surgical techniques editor for the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Dr. Burrows also is a medical writer and longtime member of the American Medical Writer’s Association. She also is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, of which she is a junior fellow, and the American Urogynecologic Society. Dr. Burrows is one of six clinicians in the country chosen to participate in the treatment registry for the National Vulvodynia Association.
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Stephen Andrews, M.D.
Chief of Gynecologic Oncology
Stephen Andrews, M.D., a physician with Summa Physicians Inc. (Gynecology/Oncology), came to Summa Health System by way of private practice in the Columbus, Ohio, region and is a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as a major in the medical corps. Prior to his position at Summa Health System, Dr. Andrews was associate professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology, division of gynecologic oncology at the University of Toledo and won the Outstanding Faculty and Outstanding Clinical Faculty awards during his tenure there. He’s continued his commitment to medical education at Summa Health System and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award in 2010. With a definitive interest in ovarian cancer, he has authored dozens of journal articles and abstracts, including “Topotecan weekly bolus chemotherapy for relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian and peritoneal cancers,” published by Gynecologic Oncology, and “Aromatase inhibitors increase the sensitivity of human tumor cells to monocyte-mediated, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity,” published by The American Journal of Surgery. He also is a contributing author of Handbook of Cancer Chemotherapy, 7ed. Dr. Andrews is a prolific lecturer and frequent presenter at national events. He is a member of several professional societies including the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, of which is he a fellow, the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Dr. Andrews also has served on a number of committees throughout his career, including Summa Health System’s robotic committee.
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Edward M. Ferris, M.D., FACOG
Residency Director
Edward M. Ferris, M.D., FACOG, obtained his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. He completed his residency at Summa Health System where he was recognized as Intern
of the Year and received the Louis M. Walker, M.D., Award for resident achievement in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Ferris is the medical education program director for Summa Health System’s department of obstetrics and gynecology and is an assistant professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). His demonstrated commitment to OB/GYN medical education earned him two Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Dr. Ferris has a definitive interest in robotic surgery and led a presentation on the topic, entitled “A Novel Setup to Performing Robotic Assisted Gynecologic Surgery,” at national and international conferences. He recently contributed to several articles as a subject matter expert on robotic surgery, including “Devices help doctors learn” published by the Akron Beacon Journal and “Driving MIS” published by Surgical Products Magazine. Dr. Ferris also serves on a number of Summa Health System committees, including the minimally invasive research committee and the graduate medical education committee. He is a member of several professional associations including the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the Associationof Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO). |
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Linda Upp, M.D.
Medical Director,
Women’s Health Center
Linda L. Upp, M.D., is a physician with Summa Physicians Inc. (Obstetrics/Gynecology). She obtained her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly known as the Medical College of Ohio. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Jocelyn Davis DNP, CNM, RN C- EFM
Summa Health System Staff Development
Dr. Davis conducts clinical research and provides Staff Development for Women’s Health at Akron City Hospital. She received her Doctor of Nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University, Summa Cum Laude where she received the Alumni award for outstanding achievement. Dr. Davis has also been recognized by Sigma Theta Tau International with the award for Utilization of Nursing Research and the Summa Health System Care Beyond Award. Certified in both Nurse Midwifery and Electronic Fetal Monitoring Dr. Davis provides training in obstetrics and fetal monitoring, and in her role as the Neonatal Resuscitation Administrator co-teaches neonatal resuscitation with the Summa Simulation Lab technology experts. She has conducted research in parent-infant attachment; kangaroo care for preterm infants and electronic fetal monitoring. Her current clinical research focus is perinatal mood disorders and low birth weight. In addition to her research, Dr. Davis experience includes private practice as a nurse midwife and clinical professor of nursing at Akron University.
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Tiffany Kenny, RN, MSN, C-EFM
Informatics Administrator
Women’s Health Services
Tiffany Kenny obtained her master’s in the women’s health nurse practitioner track at Kent State University. Her nursing career at Summa has quickly advanced to a leader for the service line as Informatics Administrator where she manages the perinatal information system for 750 multidisciplinary users. This year she has presented four times at national conferences on obstetric safety and evidence-based practices and authored two national peer-reviewed publications. She secured a $10,000 grant award for perinatal safety excellence from the American Excess Insurance Exchange. Her leadership obtained and implemented Summa Akron City’s participation as a Consortium on Safe Labor site, a National Institute of Health grant for $78,000 making Summa one of 12 hospital systems to create the first of its kind obstetric database and author of five recent practice-changing journal publications, including one in the Journal of the American Medical Association. As coordinator for ACH’s participation in the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative, she has contributed data for two other major journal articles on perinatal safety and neonatal outcomes. She was also the beta site coordinator of the Association of Women’s Health and Neonatal Nurses’ Edge Benchmarking database, a national website for comparing like hospitals and collecting research data. She led Summa’s Women’s Health Center to be third in the nation to go paperless with prenatal records. She established Summa Akron City as a luminary site with Philips Medical Systems, founded the regional user’s group and has hosted (at Summa) multiple international product development workshops. She is certified in electronic fetal monitoring (C-EFM), the top claim of obstetric harm. Kenny’s commitment to clinical excellence earned her Summa Health System’s Nurse Excellence Award in 2011. She also serves as an academic mentor and preceptor in the University of Akron’s graduate nursing education program.
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Jennifer Doyle, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC
Perintal Outreach Educator/ Advanced Practice Nurse
Jennifer Doyle, MSN, WHNP-BC, an advanced practice nurse with Summa Health System, is a recognized expert in obstetrics. Specifically, her focus is high risk pregnancies, diabetes in pregnancy, intrapartum nursing and electronic fetal monitoring. After nearly 20 years in Women’s Health Services at Summa, Akron City, she is able to take ‘best practices’ and ‘evidence based care’ to the bedside staff as well as the 17-county referral region. Jennifer is active in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) at the national, state and local level. She has served as a Chapter Coordinator, elected Secretary-Treasurer (2005-2008) for AWHONN Ohio and currently serves as the AWHONN Ohio Section Chair (2009-2012). Jennifer is also an AWHONN Fetal Monitoring Instructor-Trainer and presided as Chair for the AWHONN IT Selection Committee in 2010. Recently, she has been appointed to an advisory panel for the development of AWHONN’s Evidence Based Practice Guideline related to Diabetes in Pregnancy. Mrs. Doyle has lectured extensively on fetal monitoring, pregnancy and obstetric safety initiatives at local, state and national conferences.
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Rachelle Scharsu RN., BSN.
Manager of Clinical Research
Rachelle has over 10 years of clinical research in surgical, gastroenterology, cancer tumor tissue collection, pathology, and genome research. Her experience includes, critical care nursing, protocol operations, and document development for nationally compliant research protocols. She is certified in the transportation of dangerous goods and is a member of SOCRA. She works with physicians and residents to facilitate research protocol development and the IRB submissions. Prior to her position at Summa, she was the Associate Director of the International Genomics Consortium in Phoenix, Arizona where she oversaw the operations of tissue collection for the Expo (Expression Project in Oncology) project in genomic research.
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Sara-Jane Salstrom, BS, MT(ASCP), CCRP
Research Associate
Sara-Jane Salstrom began her career in research at Summa in 1974. She was recruited by Dr. James Tan to help create the first Infectious Disease Research Center/Laboratory in Northeast Ohio. She was listed in Who’s Who of American Women in 1983-84. Sara-Jane has been certified as a Clinical Research Professional with SoCRA since 1992. In 2007, Dr. Bradley Fenton sought her help with clinical research projects and she became the Research Associate with the Women’s Health Department. She serves as Lab Manager for the Summa Center for Clinical Trials and is certified with IATA to ship dangerous goods. She has over 20 publications.
Sara-Jane has extensive experience in the development of research protocols and the processing of regulatory documents to ensure compliance. Multiple residents, physicians and nurses have been trained and assisted by Sara-Jane in their various research projects.
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Michelle Evancho-Chapman, BS
Research Associate
Michelle has over 20 years experience writing and conducting pre-clinical medical device and pharmacology protocols and grants. As a study coordinator and research surgeon, she has conducted studies in the areas of wound healing, vascular surgery, microsurgery, laparoscopic and general surgery. She has published over 15 articles, presented at national and international meetings and has conducted pre-clinical studies in compliance with FDA and GLP guidelines. As the manager of the Preclinical Research and Skills Training, Michelle oversees the facility in compliance with both USDA and AAALAC regulations and serves as the IACUC coordinator. Michelle also coordinates the ASRU’s training and education program which provides surgical training opportunities for physicians, residents and medical device companies.
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