Rancho physicians promoted

DOWNEY - Prominent Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center physicians Yaga Szlachcic, M.D. and Amytis Towfighi, M.D. have been promoted to Associate Medical Director positions at the world-renowned hospital, Rancho Chief Medical Officer Mindy Aisen announced."These outstanding doctors will be leading the next generation of care at Rancho as we continue to find new and more effective ways to provide the highest-quality care for our patients," Dr. Aisen said. "The advancements they help foster will play a major role in keeping Rancho one of the world's premier rehabilitation centers." Dr. Aisen also reported that Terrie DeBord, DDS, will continue as Assistant Medical Director for Compliance, Patient Safety and Quality of Care. Dr. DeBord will have a vital role in developing a comprehensive clinical program for adults with developmental disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and other conditions. Dr. Yaga Szlachcic In addition to her new role as Associate Director for Enhancing Patient Centered Quality of Care, Research and Education, Dr. Szlachcic will continue as Chair of Rancho's Department of Medicine. "Dr. Szlachcic will be working on enhancing the intensity and availability of medical subspecialty and primary care for all of Rancho's patients regardless of their underlying condition or disability," Dr. Aisen said. "She will also be working to develop coordinated medical staff educational programs across disciplines and enhancing the curriculum and educational experience for Rancho residents and other trainees." Dr. Szlachcic, who joined Rancho in 1995, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is known for her wide-ranging research in heart disease and hypertension in patients with spinal cord injury, as well as the health issues of women with spinal cord injury. Dr. Szlachcic has published numerous abstracts and peer-reviewed journal articles and chairs the Annual Rancho Women's Conference. She was also the 2010 honoree of the Soroptimist International of Downey's 2010 "Women of Distinction" Award. Dr. Amytis Towfighi Amytis Towfighi, M.D. is being promoted to Associate Medical Director and Director of Patient-Centered Medical Homes for Rancho. She will also continue her current responsibilities as Medical Director, Seamless Care Initiative, Chair of Neurology and Director, Acute Neurology Unit. "Dr. Towfighi will be working with Dr. DeBord to transform Outpatient Care at Rancho," said Dr. Aisen. "She will be creating specialized primary care programs for all persons with disability, as well as creating a stroke system of care." Dr. Towfighi, who joined Rancho in 2007, helped launch the hospital's Acute Neurology Unit, which now treats more stroke patients than any other Los Angeles County hospital. She has been internationally recognized for her published work on stroke preventive care and has presented at conferences throughout the world. In addition to her Rancho duties, Dr. Towfighi serves as an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the USC Keck School of Medicine. "These brilliant doctors will play a pivotal role in helping invent the future of Rehabilitation Medicine right here at Rancho," Dr. Aisen said. "Their leadership, dedication and professionalism will help assure that Rancho will be the best place for our patients to receive care today, tomorrow and forever."

********** Published: June 2, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 7