Lakeshore Bone&Joint Institute Pressroom

Chesterton, Ind.---The newly formed Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute (LBJI), formerly Valparaiso Orthopedic Clinic, is pleased to announce the dedication of its new state-of-the-art, 36,000 square-foot facility to be held Dec. 4, 2004. Located in the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus in Chesterton, Ind., it will serve as the primary facility for Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, with satellite clinics also located in Valparaiso, Portage, Hobart and Michigan City. This location will offer all 13 board-certified physician/partners, and referring physicians, one centralized orthopedic facility possessing the technologies, therapies and patient amenities found only in much larger medical settings.

Completed with a capital investment from its physician partners, the new Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute will bring 70 new jobs to the Chesterton area. Serving as the cornerstone facility of the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus, it houses the orthopedic field’s most advanced imaging technologies with MRI as well as digital X-Ray capabilities with high-speed data transfer. The facility will also have DEXA scanning systems in six months.

The newly formed Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute is composed of 13 primary physician/partners: James A. Malayter, MD; Michael C. Leland, MD; Bruce J. Thoma, MD; Paul J. Gruszka, MD; Thomas H. Kay, MD; Ron Clark, MD; Anton A Thompkins, MD; David J. Musgrave, MD; Kirnjot Singh, MD; George Alavanja, MD; Marc S. Bruell, DPM; Rachel L. Stern, DPM; Karen Kovalow-St. John, MD. These physicians are backed by a fully equipped physical therapy department, Orthopedic Nursing staff, and medical support staff of 70.

Construction on the Chesterton facility began in April of 2003 and took one year to complete. This extensive 36,000 square-foot project was carried out on time and on budget by Tonn Blank Construction and architects Design Organizations, Inc. The new LBJI became operational in May of 2004, and in July, the MRI department was completed. Finishing touches, such as internal and external signage, as well as several other aesthetic amenities were concluded in November of 2004, just in time for the facility’s dedication open house on December 4, 2004. The Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute serves as the keystone of the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus.

Designed by the architectural firm Design Organizations, Inc., specialists in medical facility development, the three-story common-area entrance, wide sweeping hallways and abundant open spaces are unlike conventional clinic settings. Andrew Moats, project architect, explained, “The building’s layout is based on the doctors needing different treatment areas for very specific purposes. Based on this, we broke the building into two areas of examination ‘pods’, flanking the diagnostic imaging core. This allows the physicians to access the imaging —X-Ray and MRI— core in the center from both sides of the facility.”

Each pod consists of three, four room groups on either side of the building, making it possible for six doctors to work and collaborate at the same time— a setting comparable only to the largest orthopedic medical centers.

The on-site rehabilitation center and Physical Therapy departments are strategically located in the front of the facility, just off the main lobby area for a reason. “We situated the rehabilitation center up front, with plenty of glass, so new patients entering the facility are exposed to a healing atmosphere right away,” Moats explained. “The abundance of glass provides a bright, cheery environment where people are working to get better.”

Convenience for patients and ease of access were two essential considerations. All patient care areas are located on the main level. Patients are first greeted by the information desk concierge in the lobby. Patients are then directed to comfortable waiting areas to the right and left of the lobby. Exam offices follow, with X-Ray and Imaging in the center of the facility. Physical therapy is located at the front of the building. Designed with expansion capabilities in mind, two additional exam modules can easily be added off the rear of the structure.

“This building helps to solidify a strong identity for the institute and the talented group of people who work there.” Moats went on to explain that his company designed in accordance with the Coffee Creek Development’s commitment to ecologically based land planning. “Much of the criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was designed into the facility and embraced by the doctors.”

Better Patient Care Through Electronic Medical Data and Image Transfer at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute and its Networked Clinics

Walking through the hallways of the clinic you may be surprised to see an orthopedic physician carrying an open laptop computer instead of the traditional clipboard or chart. Explains Dr. Anton A. Thompkins, “One of the most recent innovations we have incorporated into the new institute here in Chesterton and our entire network of clinics, is the electronic sharing of medical records. For instance, if you were seen at the Hobart office yesterday, we can see your records at the Valparaiso office, or the Chesterton office, today.

This information sharing is invaluable when a patient has a specific question, or two or more of our specialists need to consult together utilizing the same charts or images,” he said. This technology also allows physicians to answer questions from home, enabling them to better serve their patients. “We can have the results from an MRI reviewed by the radiologist and over with the patient in an hour or two—rather than the next day.”

The origins of Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute go back 50 years ago to its founder, Dr. Albin Jahns, who was located in the Gary National Bank building in downtown Gary, Ind. He was later joined by Doctors Olson and Alvarez and relocated to Merrillville, Ind. In 1975, the practice founded the Valparaiso Orthopedic Clinic on the north side of Valparaiso, Ind.

Primary partner of the practice and current president of the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, James A. Malayter, MD, joined the practice in 1978. “The founders of the practice were all from the Gary region and most of the current partners, 10 out of 13, are still from the Lakeshore and Chicago regions. Our roots are primarily in the Midwest. The people of this area have been extremely good to us and we plan on staying here.”

Dr. Malayter explained that the practice continued to grow, the doctors again decided to expand. In 1990, with three more orthopedic specialists, they undertook a major expansion of their main facility in Valparaiso. In 1999, the strategic vision of creating a comprehensive orthopedic bone and joint center began to take shape. “It was then that we decided to move towards a complete orthopedic care center to better serve all our patients needs under one roof, ” he said.

In 2002 the partnership began meeting with architects and started the search for unique developments with a vision for future expansion. “We wanted to find a centrally located place where we could be part of a regional orthopedic center,” Dr. Malayter said.

“The Coffee Creek Center development was our choice because here we are easily accessible to Chesterton, Valparaiso and Portage,” he continued. “Plus, we are in close proximity to both the Indiana Toll Road and I-94, so we are easily accessible to the LaPorte and Lake counties as well as the communities in Michigan to our north.”

The Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute is part of the growing trend towards more comprehensive, responsive and patient friendly clinics and surgical centers. These more efficient facilities are more responsive to patient needs and lack the large institutional systems. The doctors at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute see their new facility as having a positive impact on the region’s orthopedic healthcare needs. Working closely with some of the areas more conventional and larger hospitals, as well as smaller surgical centers, the surgeons at LBJI function in six regional facilities, depending on the location of the patient, the patient’s needs, the procedure to be performed, and of course, patient preferences.

Currently, the orthopedic surgeons at LBJI perform procedures at Porter in Valparaiso, St. Mary’s, and Portage hospitals. Smaller surgical centers used by the group include Chandana, Valparaiso Outpatient Clinic and Lake Park surgical centers. Michael C. Leland, MD, partner/physician in the LBJI practice, shared the positive affect he feels this new facility will have on Orthopedic care in the region. “Our new facility will act to strengthen orthopedic healthcare in the Lakeshore Region simply by helping to keep these patients and procedures here in our area instead of going to Chicago. With our group of thirteen doctors teaming up to provide better orthopedic care, everyone will benefit, including area hospitals, clinics, referring doctors and surgical centers.”

	For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ron Barger Phone: (269) 687-9128 ron@classicpressroom.com More information & downloadable images available at classicpressroom.com Feature Release NEW LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE OFFERS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ORTHOPEDIC CARE TO PATIENTS THROUGHOUT THE THREE-STATE LAKE REGION Dedication Open House of New 36,000 Square-Foot Facility December 4, 2004 Marks the Culmination of 50-years Serving the Lake Region Chesterton, Ind.---The newly formed Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute (LBJI), formerly Valparaiso Orthopedic Clinic, is pleased to announce the dedication of its new state-of-the-art, 36,000 square-foot facility to be held Dec. 4, 2004. Located in the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus in Chesterton, Ind., it will serve as the primary facility for Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, with satellite clinics also located in Valparaiso, Portage, Hobart and Michigan City. This location will offer all 13 board-certified physician/partners, and referring physicians, one centralized orthopedic facility possessing the technologies, therapies and patient amenities found only in much larger medical settings. Completed with a capital investment from its physician partners, the new Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute will bring 70 new jobs to the Chesterton area. Serving as the cornerstone facility of the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus, it houses the orthopedic field’s most advanced imaging technologies with MRI as well as digital X-Ray capabilities with high-speed data transfer. The facility will also have DEXA scanning systems in six months. NEW LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE The newly formed Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute is composed of 13 primary physician/partners: James A. Malayter, MD; Michael C. Leland, MD; Bruce J. Thoma, MD; Paul J. Gruszka, MD; Thomas H. Kay, MD; Ron Clark, MD; Anton A Thompkins, MD; David J. Musgrave, MD; Kirnjot Singh, MD; George Alavanja, MD; Marc S. Bruell, DPM; Rachel L. Stern, DPM; Karen Kovalow-St. John, MD. These physicians are backed by a fully equipped physical therapy department, Orthopedic Nursing staff, and medical support staff of 70. Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Architecturally Designed for Specialized Orthopedic Care, Patient Convenience and Ease of Treatment Construction on the Chesterton facility began in April of 2003 and took one year to complete. This extensive 36,000 square-foot project was carried out on time and on budget by Tonn Blank Construction and architects Design Organizations, Inc. The new LBJI became operational in May of 2004, and in July, the MRI department was completed. Finishing touches, such as internal and external signage, as well as several other aesthetic amenities were concluded in November of 2004, just in time for the facility’s dedication open house on December 4, 2004. The Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute serves as the keystone of the new Coffee Creek Medical Campus. Designed by the architectural firm Design Organizations, Inc., specialists in medical facility development, the three-story common-area entrance, wide sweeping hallways and abundant open spaces are unlike conventional clinic settings. Andrew Moats, project architect, explained, “The building’s layout is based on the doctors needing different treatment areas for very specific purposes. Based on this, we broke the building into two areas of examination ‘pods’, flanking the diagnostic imaging core. This allows the physicians to access the imaging —X-Ray and MRI— core in the center from both sides of the facility.” Each pod consists of three, four room groups on either side of the building, making it possible for six doctors to work and collaborate at the same time— a setting comparable only to the largest orthopedic medical centers. NEW LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE The on-site rehabilitation center and Physical Therapy departments are strategically located in the front of the facility, just off the main lobby area for a reason. “We situated the rehabilitation center up front, with plenty of glass, so new patients entering the facility are exposed to a healing atmosphere right away,” Moats explained. “The abundance of glass provides a bright, cheery environment where people are working to get better.” Convenience for patients and ease of access were two essential considerations. All patient care areas are located on the main level. Patients are first greeted by the information desk concierge in the lobby. Patients are then directed to comfortable waiting areas to the right and left of the lobby. Exam offices follow, with X-Ray and Imaging in the center of the facility. Physical therapy is located at the front of the building. Designed with expansion capabilities in mind, two additional exam modules can easily be added off the rear of the structure. “This building helps to solidify a strong identity for the institute and the talented group of people who work there.” Moats went on to explain that his company designed in accordance with the Coffee Creek Development’s commitment to ecologically based land planning. “Much of the criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was designed into the facility and embraced by the doctors.” Better Patient Care Through Electronic Medical Data and Image Transfer at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute and its Networked Clinics Walking through the hallways of the clinic you may be surprised to see an orthopedic physician carrying an open laptop computer instead of the traditional clipboard or chart. Explains Dr. Anton A. Thompkins, “One of the most recent innovations we have incorporated into the new institute here in Chesterton and our entire network of clinics, is the electronic sharing of medical records. For instance, if you were seen at the Hobart office yesterday, we can see your records at the Valparaiso office, or the Chesterton office, today. NEW LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE This information sharing is invaluable when a patient has a specific question, or two or more of our specialists need to consult together utilizing the same charts or images,” he said. This technology also allows physicians to answer questions from home, enabling them to better serve their patients. “We can have the results from an MRI reviewed by the radiologist and over with the patient in an hour or two—rather than the next day.” A Home Town Orthopedic Practice Providing Care Since the 1950’s Evolves into the Newest Specialized Orthopedic Facility in the Region The origins of Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute go back 50 years ago to its founder, Dr. Albin Jahns, who was located in the Gary National Bank building in downtown Gary, Ind. He was later joined by Doctors Olson and Alvarez and relocated to Merrillville, Ind. In 1975, the practice founded the Valparaiso Orthopedic Clinic on the north side of Valparaiso, Ind. Primary partner of the practice and current president of the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, James A. Malayter, MD, joined the practice in 1978. “The founders of the practice were all from the Gary region and most of the current partners, 10 out of 13, are still from the Lakeshore and Chicago regions. Our roots are primarily in the Midwest. The people of this area have been extremely good to us and we plan on staying here.” Dr. Malayter explained that the practice continued to grow, the doctors again decided to expand. In 1990, with three more orthopedic specialists, they undertook a major expansion of their main facility in Valparaiso. In 1999, the strategic vision of creating a comprehensive orthopedic bone and joint center began to take shape. “It was then that we decided to move towards a complete orthopedic care center to better serve all our patients needs under one roof, ” he said. In 2002 the partnership began meeting with architects and started the search for unique developments with a vision for future expansion. “We wanted to find a centrally located place where we could be part of a regional orthopedic center,” Dr. Malayter said. NEW LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT INSTITUTE “The Coffee Creek Center development was our choice because here we are easily accessible to Chesterton, Valparaiso and Portage,” he continued. “Plus, we are in close proximity to both the Indiana Toll Road and I-94, so we are easily accessible to the LaPorte and Lake counties as well as the communities in Michigan to our north.” Part of a Growing Trend of Comprehensive, Patient-Friendly Orthopedic Facilities The Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute is part of the growing trend towards more comprehensive, responsive and patient friendly clinics and surgical centers. These more efficient facilities are more responsive to patient needs and lack the large institutional systems. The doctors at Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute see their new facility as having a positive impact on the region’s orthopedic healthcare needs. Working closely with some of the areas more conventional and larger hospitals, as well as smaller surgical centers, the surgeons at LBJI function in six regional facilities, depending on the location of the patient, the patient’s needs, the procedure to be performed, and of course, patient preferences. Currently, the orthopedic surgeons at LBJI perform procedures at Porter in Valparaiso, St. Mary’s, and Portage hospitals. Smaller surgical centers used by the group include Chandana, Valparaiso Outpatient Clinic and Lake Park surgical centers. Michael C. Leland, MD, partner/physician in the LBJI practice, shared the positive affect he feels this new facility will have on Orthopedic care in the region. “Our new facility will act to strengthen orthopedic healthcare in the Lakeshore Region simply by helping to keep these patients and procedures here in our area instead of going to Chicago. With our group of thirteen doctors teaming up to provide better orthopedic care, everyone will benefit, including area hospitals, clinics, referring doctors and surgical centers.” For more information about the Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute call (219) 921-1444 or visit them on the web at www.LBJI.com. ###
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