Partner Spotlight
Andre Renna 717.544.3400 |
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Tell us a little bit about the Regional Gastroenterology. What do you do? What are you best known for?
RGAL is an independent medical practice specializing in gastroenterology. Gastroenterology is the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal system: the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, and its related organs - the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. RGAL gastroenterologists diagnose and treat a variety of symptoms and illnesses including:
- Colon polyps and cancer
- Heartburn and acid reflux (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver diseases
- Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
- Abdominal pain
When and how did Regional Gastro start? How has it grown? How many employees do you currently have?
The practice was formed when two long time Lancaster County gastroenterology groups merged in 1994. RGAL has been part of the community for decades.
The practice has grown to 15 Board Certified Gastroenterologists, while the staff includes one Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in addition to approximately 80 other clinical and non-clinical employees. The growth of the practice over the past 10 years has been very significant. Our physicians now include Lancaster County’s only female Board Certified Gastroenterolo-gists, Drs. Gibas and Cheshty, and Lancaster County’s only Board Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Devenyi. 2007 saw the expansion to a second office in the County. The two locations are equipped for patient office visits as well as endoscopy suites to perform procedures such as colonoscopies. The two locations are: Lancaster General Health Campus, 2104 Harrisburg Pike Suite #300, and 4140 Oregon Pike, in Brownstown. In addition, RGAL is the only GI practice in Lancaster County that provides services at all four area hospitals.
Why is your practice so successful?
RGAL’s success stems from:
Our Purpose: To improve the well being of all individuals requiring expertise in gastroenterology healthcare needs.
We deliver on Our Promise: "Specializing in You", through our Caring approach, our Skilled caregivers, and our Accessibility.
Caring: The entire staff at RGAL understands what you are going through. We treat each patient with dignity and respect. And we take time to answer your questions.
Skill: Our team of 15 Board Certified Physicians was educated at many of the country’s leading medical schools and hospitals. They continue to remain up-to-date with the latest research and technology to ensure that our patients receive the most effective care possible.
Accessibility: Our state-of-the art endoscopy centers offer you flexibility in scheduling. In addition, our physicians are on staff at all four Lancaster County hospitals. RGAL has the areas only pediatric gastroenterologist, female board certified gastroenterologists and world class hepatologist.
What is the greatest reward/greatest challenge in your field?
The greatest reward is detecting colon cancer at an early, treatable stage, taking preventative measures by removing pre-cancerous polyps, and returning patients to good health and improving their quality of life. The greatest challenge is to convince individuals of the importance of colon cancer screening. Screening saves lives! There is resistance by some due to concerns about cost and insurance coverage, the perception of the risk and discomfort of the procedure, and the “stories” they hear regarding the preparation for the procedure. The importance of screening and early detection cannot be overstated. The benefits of having the procedure greatly outweigh the perceived issues and risks related to the procedure. Fortunately Medicare and most commercial insurance companies have recognized the tremendous benefit to screening colonoscopies and early detection. In most cases the screening colonoscopy is covered 100%.
What do you like about doing business in the area? How does your practice participate in the community?
Lancaster County is a wonderful area to do business, particularly to provide healthcare services. We are fortunate in this County to have an outstanding healthcare system that includes a very strong and proficient primary care physician base, and a number of excellent specialists and hospitals that are focused on the health and well being of the community. As a healthcare organization in Lancaster, RGAL clearly understands and appreciates the role it has to educate the community regarding the prevention and treatment of those diseases that we deal with. We understand that outreach to the diverse communities that make up Lancaster is a critical part of what we do, and that we have a responsibility to the individuals in this community to do so. To that end, RGAL is very engaged and participates in many community health fairs, sponsors numerous health related causes, collaborates with a number support groups and makes presentations on a variety of topics which are attended by the general public. Many of our providers are from other parts of the Country and have chosen to call Lancaster their home. I think this speaks volumes regarding the quality of life in our area and of those individuals that make up our community.
What makes your practice a great employer?
RGAL seeks to hire skilled and talented individuals. Our compensation and benefits packages are highly competitive. We strive to practice our four guiding principles: Respect, Going beyond, Accessibility, and Listening. These principles not only guide our interactions with patients and visitors to our practice, but how we interact with each other. Employees who are successful at RGAL embrace the four principles and treat each other accordingly. I believe that this creates the environment that employees thrive in and want to be part of.
How about you – Tell us about your background and role with Regional Gastro.
I am a native New Yorker who moved to Lancaster in 1979 and decided to stay and raise a family. I have a BS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Syracuse University and an MBA from Penn State. I spent 13 years in manufacturing for such companies as John Deere, Hershey Foods and Tyson (formerly Victor F. Weaver). I also have 23 years experience in healthcare in Lancaster County and have been responsible for small and mid-sized companies, as well as divisions of a large health system. In my role as Executive Director, sometimes referred to as Practice Administrator, I am basically responsible for operational and strategic facets of the practice. The Executive Committee of the practice (Drs. Whitebloom and Colton), my staff, and I form the Leadership Team.
Family? Hobbies? Interests? Favorite Vacation Spots?
I live in Lancaster with my wife, Patricia. My son, Chris and my daughter, Christine also own homes in Lancaster and work for local businesses. Hobbies….great question. I’m still trying to figure that out. I recently published a book and am considering writing a second one. So, I guess writing has become a hobby. I love to travel and do so every year. Particularly, I like Italy, Spain and, of course…New York.