World-class care for a world-class community. That’s the vision of John Sackett, the new president and chief executive officer of Adventist HealthCare.
Before stepping into the top role in August, John served as the health system’s chief operating officer for 10 years and president of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center from 2013–2019. He helped Adventist HealthCare earn a Malcolm Baldrige Category Best Practice Recognition, one of the nation’s highest honors for performance excellence. He also guided the system’s expansion through the integration of additional acute-care hospitals and significant campus improvement projects.
Prior to joining Adventist HealthCare, John served for 24 years as president and CEO at Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Colorado.
“It is a privilege to share a calling with team members who are fully committed to extending physical, mental and spiritual healing to every person, every time,” he said when his appointment was announced. “I’m honored to be entrusted with strengthening our culture of excellence so that both patients and our team members continue to choose Adventist HealthCare as the best place to work and receive care.”
Learn more about John at AHCYou.com/F24Leader
HOSPITALS EXTEND STREAK OF HEART AND STROKE CARE HONORS
Adventist HealthCare’s two Montgomery County hospitals, Shady Grove Medical Center and White Oak Medical Center, have earned quality achievement awards from the American Heart Association for their commitment to best practices in rapid, lifesaving stroke and heart attack care.
Both hospitals received the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. To earn the recognition, the hospitals demonstrated their sustained dedication to treatment guidelines and educating patients to help them manage their recovery, Additionally, both hospitals were recognized for their commitment to rapid, research-based care for people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, or NSTEMI. Each year, more than 546,000 people experience this type of dangerous heart attack, caused by a partial blockage of blood flow to the heart.
The recognition continues Adventist HealthCare’s decades-long tradition of excellence in cardiovascular care. White Oak Medical Center is credited with many local firsts in heart care, including the first heart bypass surgery, first carotid artery stent procedure and first comprehensive heart program in the Washington, D.C., region. Shady Grove Medical Center has earned distinction in stroke care as the only Maryland hospital outside of the Baltimore area to hold The Joint Commission’s Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification.
To explore Adventist HealthCare’s cardiovascular services, visit AHCYou.com/F24Heart.
The Beat Goes On With HEART CARE INNOVATIONS
THE long history of excellent heart care at Adventist HealthCare has reached new heights with the advanced Structural Heart Program at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. Leading the program is skilled interventional cardiologist Homam Ibrahim, MD . He brings extensive experience in multiple devices and techniques that allows him to customize treatment options to individual needs.
Q: WHAT ARE STRUCTURAL HEART CONDITIONS?
Dr. Ibrahim: Any condition that affects the structure of the heart, such as the valves, walls or tissues. If you have a structural heart condition you may have been diagnosed with any of the following:
• Regurgitation or “leaky” valves that don’t close properly, allowing blood to leak into other areas of the heart
• Stenosis or narrowing of the valves, limiting the amount of blood that is pumped through the heart
• Septal defect or a hole in one of the walls of the heart
These types of conditions make it harder for the heart to pump blood and can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A STRUCTURAL HEART PROBLEM?
Dr. Ibrahim: Sometimes you are born with a structural heart condition, or it could be caused by another heart problem such as an infection or a buildup of plaque or calcium that may be deposited on your valves. It may also simply be due to aging. You may experience symptoms like:
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Passing out
A structural heart condition is diagnosed by a cardiologist. Your doctor may use imaging, an echocardiogram and possibly a CT scan, along with your medical history, to help make your diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Q: WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?
Dr. Ibrahim: Procedures to help heal a structural heart condition have come a long way. Open-heart surgery is no longer the only option. Minimally invasive procedures that utilize a catheter or other small device can be used to repair or replace the area of the heart that is affected. These options offer a quicker recovery and fewer complications. Often you can expect to be discharged the very next day after certain procedures and get back to your normal activity within four to fi ve days. Many people who have undergone these types of procedures report they feel better immediately after the procedure while still in the hospital. Programs like we have at Adventist HealthCare place all your care at one location, streamlining the time to treatment, helping you get back to your normal activities faster.
SSpeech language pathologists like Angela Randolph skillfully guide the instruments used in FEES, a procedure that can diagnose swallowing difficulties for patients at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center.
Digesting the INSIDE SCOOP
If you are having trouble swallowing, what would it be like for therapists to look inside your throat while you were eating and drinking to see what was happening?
PEECH language pathologists (SLPs) like Tanya Fulton and Angela Randolph at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center know. They frequently get a real-time peek at the anatomy of a patient’s throat when performing a test called the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, or FEES.
FEES is used when patients have difficulty or pain while eating, drinking or swallowing, movement disorders, bleeding disorders or trauma to the nasal cavity or surrounding tissue.
“FEES is used to assess the physiological function of the pharyngeal, or back of throat, phase of swallow for any patient with many symptoms of swallowing difficulty,” Tanya said.
To use FEES, the SLPs use laser-like focus to insert a thin, flexible instrument through a patient’s nose. The test allows them to see how well the patient can swallow, determine if there are any abnormalities and make recommendations such as foods to avoid.
Tanya, a longtime SLP who was the first to use FEES at Fort Washington Medical Center, said SLPs work cooperatively with physicians who order the test. Angela said SLPs undergo specialized training to perform the evaluation. This, along with their in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the muscles used in swallowing, helps the SLPs guide patients through the test and any concerns that it uncovers.
FEES cannot see every phase of swallowing, Angela said, so additional imaging is sometimes needed. In these cases, Angela noted that the most convenient way for patients to obtain a diagnosis is via a specialized X-ray known as a modified barium swallow study.
Discover more of the specialized services you can access at Fort Washington Medical Center by visiting AHCYou.com/F24NearYou.
Need In-Home Care ?
If you’re noticing changes in your loved one’s health or their ability to manage daily tasks, it may be time to explore in-home care options.
ADVENTIST HealthCare offers both home assistance and home health services, providing professional care and support in a safe and familiar space.
Here’s how to identify which service may be the right fit.
HOME HEALTH
Home health services are ideal for anyone recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, disability or needing medical support. Home health brings medical care to you. At Adventist HealthCare Home Health, a team develops a personalized care plan to support a person’s independence while ensuring their health needs are met. Services may include:
• Nursing care: Medication management, post-operative care, wound care
• Therapy services: Occupational, speech and physical therapies
• Medical social services: Help with financial assessments, advance care planning
“When health issues arise, choosing a caregiver can be overwhelming,” said Susan Lightner, Adventist HealthCare’s Home Health director. “We want to make the process seamless and stress-free. We’ll listen to your needs to find the right solution.”
To qualify for home health services, you or your loved one must be homebound and have a referral from a physician. Adventist HealthCare works with Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance providers.
HOME ASSISTANCE
If you or your family member need extra support with daily activities rather than medical care, Home Assistance can help. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with:
• Bathing
• Grocery shopping
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Medication reminders
• Personal care
• Transportation to and from medical appointments
Home Assistance is ideal after an illness, injury or surgery. You can arrange hourly or live-in care, depending on your family’s needs.
Most important, our caregivers provide companionship, offering physical, mental and emotional support to enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
“No matter what a family needs, we are here to guide them through the process and ensure that loved ones receive the care and support they deserve,” Susan said.
If you are interested in Adventist HealthCare’s Home Health or Home Assistance services, visit AHCYou.com/F24Home to schedule a consultation.
Certified nursing assistant Gem Bower with Adventist HealthCare Home Health shares a heartfelt moment with past patient Ethel Patterson, reflecting the bonds that can grow from compassionate at-home care.
After a dad’s unexpected illness, nurses rallied around his family.
Family-Sized Support
WHEN Ben Leach, a father of two, scraped his knuckle on a Monday, he never imagined it would lead to a lifethreatening situation. What began as a tender finger quickly escalated to a 105-degree fever and a rush to Adventist HealthCare Germantown Emergency Center. For Ben and his wife, Sarah, it marked the beginning of a journey that tested the Damascus, Maryland, couple’s resilience and underscored the profound impact of compassionate healthcare.
Ben had sepsis and severe cellulitis, and his condition became critical. He was transferred and admitted to 2A, the medical surgical unit at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville. Throughout his 10-day stay at the hospital, Ben was often feverish and unaware of his surroundings. He battled a high temperature, significant swelling, fluid in his lungs and a blood clot. His inability to care for himself or his family was a heavy burden on both him and Sarah, who remained by his side through it all.
CARING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Amid the severity of Ben’s condition, what stood out most to him and Sarah was the exceptional care they received from the 2A team members.
“They didn’t just meet the daily requirements of care; they excelled far beyond them,” Ben recalled. The nurses, doctors and technicians weren’t just medical professionals – they were a support system that embraced both Ben and Sarah.
Sarah remembers meeting Hannah Asiem, RN, nurse manager of the medical surgical unit.
“You are here now. I am here. You got me. I got you,” Hannah told her. This simple yet profound assurance was the safety and comfort that Sarah needed. This team didn’t just treat Ben. They treated Sarah with equal care, recognizing her as an integral part of his recovery process.
The team’s dedication was obvious in every interaction. They
Ben Leach of Damascus is back to enjoying family moments thanks to the extraordinary care from his nursing team at Shady Grove Medical Center.
continuously monitored Ben’s condition, communicated clearly about his treatment plan and included Sarah in every step. This approach eased Sarah’s anxiety and also empowered her with knowledge and understanding. The team’s ability to remain calm and adaptable, even when new information arose, provided a sense of stability during a turbulent time.
“Our team at 2A Medicine understands that healing involves caring for the whole person, which includes their family,” Hannah said. “We dedicated ourselves to not only treating Ben but also supporting Sarah. Our approach is rooted in compassion and empathy, ensuring that each family feels seen, supported and involved in the healing process.”
MOVED BY EXCEPTIONAL CARE
Reflecting on his time in the hospital, Ben expressed a fresh appreciation for healthcare professionals.
“I never considered the depth of their role until I needed them most. The care, communication and compassion we received at Shady Grove were beyond anything I could have hoped for.”
Ben was so moved by the exceptional care he and Sarah received that he submitted a DAISY Award nomination for the 2A team. The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that recognizes nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion for patients. To Ben’s delight, the team won – a fitting tribute to the incredible impact they had on his family’s life.
Today, Ben is back to enjoying family outings and looking forward to his family’s cherished annual trip to the Winter Lights Festival in Seneca Creek State Park. Thanks to the compassionate team at Shady Grove, Ben’s family can once again enjoy life’s special moments, which seem brighter than ever.
Honor the work of an outstanding Adventist HealthCare nurse with a DAISY Award nomination, an online review or a gi to our nonprofit hospitals. Visit AHCYou.com/F24Nurses.
WHITE OAK NURSES EARN NATIONAL HONORS
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center has achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Pathway to Excellence is a global credential highlighting an organization’s commitment to creating a healthy work environment where nurses feel empowered and valued.
To earn the Pathway to Excellence designation, organizations must demonstrate excellence in six key standards: shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development. Nurses in Pathway to Excellence-designated organizations are engaged in both policy and practice, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety and better patient outcomes.
“Receiving the ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation is a testament to our hospital’s unwavering commitment to creating a positive nursing practice environment and providing exceptional care to our patients,” said Anthony Stahl, president at White Oak Medical Center. “This recognition underscores the dedication, expertise and commitment of our entire care team to extending God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.”
“We have an amazing, talented and compassionate team of nurses at White Oak Medical Center,” added Mabel Ankrah, vice president and chief nursing officer at White Oak Medical Center. “This recognition celebrates the active role our nurses play in providing safe, highquality care for our patients throughout our hospital, and making their own well-being a priority as they care so selflessly for others.”
CLASSES NOW OFFERED ONLINE
LIVING HEALTHY
Adventist HealthCare offers classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. For the most up-to-date information about our classes, visit AHCYou.com/F24Calendar.
PRENATAL, FAMILY AND WOMEN’S HEALTH
Prenatal Classes
Adventist HealthCare offers pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding classes so that you can prepare for the arrival of your baby. To learn more, visit AHCYou.com/ F24Calendar or call 800-542-5096.
Childbirth & Baby Care
When: Four-week series. Class is offered in person and online.
Cost: $150
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Childbirth for more details.
Express Childbirth Class
When: 4-hour class. Offered monthly. Cost: $75 per couple
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Express for more details.
Gestational Diabetes Class
When: Two-hour, free, online class offered bi-monthly. Preregistration required.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Gestational for more details.
Prenatal Yoga
When: Four-week series. Class is held online. Preregistration required.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Pregnancy for more details.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS
Virtual support groups are available and open to patients, families and community
members. Visit AHCYou.com/F24Support for more information.
Grief & Loss Support
When: Every Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. Preregistration required.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Grief for more details.
CPR CLASSES
Adventist HealthCare Life Support partners with the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide convenient CPR and first aid courses. Visit AHCYou.com/F24CPR for course schedules, locations and registration.
AHA Heartsaver First Aid and CPR/AED
The AHA’s Heartsaver course is designed for individuals with little or no medical training who need first aid and CPR training for a job, regulatory or other requirements. This five-hour combined program is for teens and adults who want
to be prepared to act in an emergency. Class is offered in-person.
Cost: $100 per attendee.
When: Monthly; Please visit AHCYou.com/ F24CPR.
American Heart Association: Infant Safety & CPR for Parents
This class teaches safety, choking management and CPR for newborns through age 1. An AHA Family & Friends CPR attendance card will be given to each participant upon completion. NO BABIES PLEASE.
Cost: $100 per attendee. One guest allowed. When: For upcoming dates, please visit AHCYou.com/F24Infant.
American Heart Association: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP
We offer the full suite of AHA clinical courses. If you are a healthcare professional needing basic or advanced CPR certification, please visit AHCYou.com/F24CPR for details about class schedules and pricing.
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Adventist HealthCare offers programs for diabetes, healthy eating, stroke and more. For information on available programs, visit AHCYou.com/F24Calendar.
Diabetes Workshop: Nutrition
When: Free monthly workshop. Preregistration required. Class is held in person.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Diabetes for more details.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Diabetes for more details.
REHAB SUPPORT GROUPS
Amputee Support Group
When: Meets monthly.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Rehab.
Brain Injury Support Group
When: Meets every second Thursday of the month from 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Info: Visit AHCYou.com/F24Rehab for more information. Family members are welcome.
Grupo de apoyo de daño cerebral en español Le invitamos al grupo de apoyo en español para personas que han tenido un derrame cerebral.
Cuándo: Nos reunimos el tercer martes de cada mes a las 6:30 p.m. via Zoom y también en persona.
Donde: Nos reunimos en la clínica Adventista en el White Oak Medical Pavilion, tercer piso 11886 Healing Way en Silver Spring, MD.
Para Obtener Información: Comuníquese con Amelie Bail: ABail@AdventistHealthCare. com. Familiares y amistades que brindan apoyo también quedan invitados.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Our support group welcomes individuals
and care partners living with Parkinson’s disease. We invite you to connect with others facing similar challenges in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. Activities include guest speakers, networking and sharing of resources. This virtual group is facilitated by a physical therapist and speech-language pathologist. New members are always welcome.
When: Second Thursday of the month from 12:05-12:55 p.m.
Info: Call 240-637-6040 or visit AHCYou.com/ F24Rehab.
CANCER SUPPORT
Our expert-led educational seminars cover a wide range of topics about your health and well-being as a cancer patient. We bring you the information you need for all aspects of navigating cancer including Mindfulness, Writing your Legacy, Nutritional Management and more. Visit AHCYou.com/F24Cancer for more information on all programs available.
Meeting the Need
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center is making room for more patients.
THE Silver Spring, Maryland, hospital is increasing its ability to serve patients from across the region by adding 30 beds on the eighth floor of its south tower.
White Oak Medical Center built the floor after its opening in 2019, but it remained empty as the hospital awaited approval from the state of Maryland to increase capacity. Now, construction is under way on the interior space. The new unit will serve patients who require acute care after coming through the Emergency department or from a surgical procedure.
“The demand for services has consistently been high since White Oak Medical Center opened in August 2019,” said Anthony Stahl, president of White Oak Medical Center. “Most days, we are at or over capacity. Our focus is on helping patients by providing world-
class care that reflects our mission to extend God’s care though the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. We need more beds to meet the sheer need in our community, especially as the population continues to grow.”
The addition of the new floor is an important step in White Oak Medical Center’s long-term plans to accommodate a growing need for services in its area. Plans are also under development to add a second medical office building and ambulatory surgical center to White Oak Medical Center’s campus.
To support White Oak Medical Center and its mission of healing through clinical excellence and compassionate care, visit AHCYou.com/F24WOMC .
PLANT-BASED MILKS: Spilling the Facts
If you are unable to drink cow’s milk or want an alternative, a refrigerator full of healthy and nutritious options are available to help you mooo-ve on.
TRADITIONAL whole milk is an excellent source of vitamin D and protein. Experts like Patricia Hertz, registered dietitian with the Center for Fitness and Health at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, recognize cow’s milk as an excellent option for receiving nutrients as a part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost for those with milk allergies or who are cutting animal products, sugar or fat from their diets.
Regardless of your reason for selecting an alternative milk product, knowing more about the many options can guide you to the carton that is best for you. Whether you drink milk every day or just 2% of the time, here is a breakdown of some options and what Patricia says to consider the next time you head to the grocery store.
OAT MILK
Benefits: A cup of oat milk contains more fiber than 1 cup of whole milk. Oat milk can be purchased in both sweetened and unsweetened flavors.
SOY MILK
Benefits: Soy milk is a great source of protein. It’s an excellent alternative for people who are lactose intolerant.
Things to Consider: Soy milk is one of the oldest milk alternatives. Many restaurants carry soy milk as a substitute for cow’s milk.
What It’s Good For: Replacing whole milk in hot beverages
ALMOND MILK
Benefits: Almond milk is packed with nutrients and can help strengthen your bones. A cup of almond milk is high in magnesium, which can help aid in digestion and reduce cramps. It’s also full of vitamin E.
Things to Consider: While almond milk is a more environmentally friendly option than cow’s milk, it requires a great deal of water to produce.
What It’s Good For: Blending into smoothies and fresh beverages
Things to Consider: Oat milk can be higher in carbohydrates and contain less protein than other milk alternatives. Many milk alternatives, including oat milk, contain emulsifiers that could cause bloating and gas.
What It’s Good For: Baking and making smoothies
COCONUT MILK
Benefi ts: Unsweetened coconut milk is delicious and excellent for people living with diabetes or others looking to control blood sugar.
Things to Consider: Coconut milk is high in saturated fat and some varieties contain additives.
What It’s Good For: There are two types of coconut milk. The heavy cream version is used for cooking and the unsweetened version is used for drinking.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MILK FOR YOU
When selecting a milk alternative, Patricia recommends reading the nutrition label before you buy to identify the nutrients, ingredients and benefits that are best for you.
“Find a milk that will align with your individual health goals, whether you require more protein or less sugar, there will certainly be a milk option to support your needs,” she shared.
For a delicious coconut milk recipe, visit AHCYou.com/F24Milk.
Donors are easing the burden for local diabetes patients.
FOR more than 25 years, a team of dedicated volunteers have hosted the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament in Montgomery County each May. The $2.9 million-plus raised has supported Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s diabetes care services as well as national organizations that conduct research and support children with diabetes.
Thanks to their efforts, Adventist HealthCare patients with diabetes can access a Spanish-speaking registered nurse at every stage of their diagnoses. The nurse, who provides tailored, 1-to-1, culturally competent education, helps patients understand their medications and make lifestyle modifications that prevent complications.
FUNDING ‘FORE’ A NEED
Phil Cantor and Andy Bridge, co-chairs of the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament that made the resource possible for patients, founded the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure foundation that hosts the tournament. Phil, chairman and managing partner of the foundation, and Andy, co-chair and secretary, are both passionate about finding a cure for this life-compromising and life-threatening disease.
For Phil, the cause is deeply personal. At the age of 41, his sister, Carol, suffered a diabetic stroke. She lived another 30 years but required a home health aide and struggled with diabetes-related complications for the rest of her life. Other members of his family also live with diabetes.
“The effects of diabetes on the person with the disease and the family who cares for them can be devastating,” explained Phil. “This dreadful disease has had such a big impact on my life, how could I not choose that as my charity?”
Phil’s wife, Marion, and their two sons, Jake and Ross, devote countless hours to making the tournament memorable for participants, volunteers and vendors. Everyone involved shares a
Diabetes patients at Shady Grove Medical Center have more access to equipment and guidance from nurse educators like Andrea Ford, thanks to the generosity of Fight 4 Diabetes Cure foundation.
Swinging for the CURE
commitment to supporting diabetes research, ensuring funds raised have a direct impact on the community and helping children with diabetes.
A DECADE OF SUPPORT
Andy, a past chair of Shady Grove Medical Center’s Foundation board, encouraged Fight 4 Diabetes Cure to choose the hospital as its community partner.
Over the past 10 years, the golf tournament has given nearly $500,000 to Adventist HealthCare for education and patient access to diabetes management supplies.
“There is a great need for diabetes resources in our community and not enough to go around,” said Gina Maxham, director of Community Benefit & Engagement at Adventist HealthCare. “There are even fewer resources for Spanish-speaking diabetes patients, which is unfortunate because the prevalence of diabetes is higher in Hispanic adults than non-Hispanic white adults.”
“Diabetes is a challenging disease that requires life-long management,” said Dan Cochran, the hospital’s president. “Shady Grove Medical Center is grateful to the Fight 4 Diabetes Cure foundation for giving so generously so our patients with diabetes can thrive.”
Phil and Andy get enormous satisfaction knowing their gifts to the diabetes program directly help neighbors and colleagues at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.
“The Fight 4 Diabetes Cure Golf Tournament is a labor of love for all involved,” Andy said.
“To be able to make a difference in the lives of family, friends, neighbors and colleagues is very gratifying,” added Phil.
Donations support the programs and technology at our nonprofit hospitals. Make a gift at AHCYou.com/F24Give.
Delivering Better Outcomes FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
When pregnant women experience complications, they often head to the emergency room. Specialized training is helping Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center to better diagnose and care for them, while supporting Maryland’s efforts to cut severe maternal morbidity rates and address disparities that impact Black mothers.
EARLIER this year, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center earned the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland designation from the Maryland Patient Safety Center. The hospital’s Emergency department team members completed education to increase their knowledge of pregnancy-related complications and their awareness of disparities in negative maternal outcomes.
Pregnant and postpartum patients are often seen in primary care offices, clinics, emergency departments or other community health settings, where their obstetric history and early symptoms may be underappreciated. At Shady Grove Medical Center, the program has significantly enhanced communication between providers and nurses, leading to interdepartmental changes and more efficient care for pregnant and postpartum patients, noted Stacey Quinlan, RN, manager of the Adventist HealthCare Germantown Emergency Center, who led B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland efforts for the hospital.
“This initiative has not only driven policy changes but has also strengthened our capacity to deliver timely and appropriate care,” Stacey said. Caregivers learned to spot bias and understand how it impacts care, and to communicate concerns more effectively to patients.
RECOGNIZING DISPARITIES TO REDUCE COMPLICATIONS
The Maryland Patient Safety Center notes that pregnancy-related issues are the fifth most common reason for emergency visits among
women ages 15 to 65. Those issues disproportionately impact Black women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than non-Hispanic white women. Systemic racism, bias and discrimination are key drivers of these disparities in outcomes. Data from the CDC in 2022 showed 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
“We applaud Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center for completing the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland training and taking the necessary steps to understand and address postpartum complications and begin to reduce the significant health equity issues that exist,” said Stephanie Peditto, president and CEO of the Maryland Patient Safety Center. “Non-obstetric providers in primary and emergency care settings play such an important role in really hearing patients’ concerns and identifying and acting on severe maternal warning signs in the postpartum period.”
The program has guided Shady Grove Medical Center to refine its processes for identifying, treating and following up with pregnant women about complications, Stacey said.
“The B.I.R.T.H. Equity program ensures that all our patients receive the highest standard of care,” she said. “At Shady Grove Medical Center, we are committed to upholding these standards and advancing health equity for all our patients.”
Learn about Shady Grove Medical Center’s services for expecting mothers and their babies at AHCYou.com/F24Birth.
STACEY QUINLAN, RN
A CAREER OF Leading Volunteers
For 35 years, Jewel Thompson has led the dedicated volunteer corps at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. As she nears retirement, Jewel shared her journey and insights into the special work of leading people who lend their time and talent.
Q: How did you come to work here?
A: I relocated from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1989. I lived 6 minutes away from the hospital. I would pass Shady Grove every day going to another job in Bethesda. My husband kept encouraging me to apply to the hospital since I had previously worked in healthcare for 18 years. He finally dropped off my resume to the Human Resources office without my knowing. I was called for an interview and the rest is history.
Q: Have you always worked with volunteers? How did this become your specialty?
A: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, I worked in healthcare management. Part of my duties was coordinating the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. When I was contacted by Shady Grove regarding a position in the Volunteer department, I decided to accept it. The hospital volunteer program became my second home, and I had the realization that it was my calling.
Q: What makes a great hospital volunteer?
A: A great hospital volunteer is one who exhibits a sense of caring, commitment, compassion, cheerfulness and a charismatic personality. I call it “the 5 C’s!”
Q: How has Shady Grove’s volunteer program changed during your time at the hospital?
A: In 1989, when I started, we placed approximately 55 volunteers. Our numbers grew to 1,439 volunteers in 2019. Then, in March 2020, all volunteers were furloughed due to COVID-19. A year passed without volunteers in the hospital. In May 2021, seven volunteers agreed to return under our COVID guidelines. Many were skeptical. At the end of 2023, our volunteer placement was 542. Volunteers now want occasional opportunities to meet their needs and fit their lifestyle.
Q: What’s your proudest accomplishment as leader of the hospital’s volunteers?
A: My proudest accomplishment is to see students who served under my leadership accomplish their goals in medical fields and return to say, “Thank you for helping me.” We have doctors, nurses and other health professionals who came through our volunteer program and now are working throughout Adventist HealthCare’s facilities.
Q: What do you want the community to know about volunteering in general, and volunteering at Shady Grove in particular?
A: As a volunteer in my church and other community organizations, I must attest that volunteering gives one a sense of gratifi cation and purpose. Here at Shady Grove Medical Center, we work to place service-minded individuals in areas of their interest while also meeting the needs of our hospital. We share our Mission, vision and values with them. Most of all, we ensure that they receive a meaningful and rewarding experience while performing their service.
Interested in serving as a hospital volunteer? Visit
F24Volunteer.
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE, INC.
820 W. DIAMOND AVE, SUITE 600
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878
Adventist HealthCare complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our homepage at AdventistHealthCare.com.
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Emergency Care Inspires $1 MILLION TOWER GIFT
Deep gratitude for a loved one’s exceptional experience in the Emergency department (ED) inspired the Lee Family of Potomac to give $1 million to the six-story patient tower under construction at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.
MODERNIZING the ED is a focus of Shady Grove Medical Center’s tower project. Emergency patients will receive treatment in more spacious private rooms, with walls replacing curtains for added privacy and infection control. The project increases the number of rooms for mental health emergencies. A newly designed observation unit will optimize how caregivers monitor emergency patients who may need admission to the hospital. The upgrades will mean enhanced efficiency for both patients and the hospital’s compassionate care teams, like the one that cared for the Lees and inspired their gift.
“Thanks to the many skilled clinicians in the ED, she was very quickly stabilized, diagnosed and treated,” a family representative said. “Just as important, at every step in the process, she was treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Given the circumstances, her experience could not have been any better.”
The Lee Family of Potomac has a history of philanthropic giving, but this is their first and largest gift to an organization in the Washington, D.C., region.
“By supporting construction of the patient tower, we are contributing to the health and well-being of county residents for years to come,” the family representative said. “We encourage others to do the same.”
The hospital will acknowledge the Lee Family’s commitment to community health in the tower’s fi rst-fl oor entry corridor. Architects designed the space to maximize natural lighting and views of nature, which evidence has shown can enhance and speed healing.
See the tower’s progress or make a gift at AHCYou.com/F24Give .
Light-filled spaces, including a corridor honoring the Lee Family of Potomac, will be a feature of Shady Grove Medical Center’s new care tower.
