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Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
A NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES We invested three years and $18.7 million to construct the Gary S. Horan Emergency Department for you and your family. We doubled the treatment space and organized it into specialized areas for seniors and families. A larger Fast Track area, new technology like our 128-slice CT scanner, and dedicated, compassionate staff will get you home in a fraction of the time.
TrinitasRMC.org
WE’RE GETTING BETTER, TOGETHER
Hospital Newspaper - NJ Nov/Dec 2017
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Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, following the unveiling of the new Gary S. Horan Emergency Department. The $18.7 million project was completed recently.
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Trinitas Regional Medical Center names its new $18.7 Million Emergency Department after renowned Hospital Executive Gary S. Horan
To honor his five decades of healthcare leadership in both New York and New Jersey, Trinitas Regional Medical Center today named its new $18.7 million Emergency Department after Gary S. Horan, FACHE, Trinitas President and CEO. “The choice of Gary Horan for this significant honor was a very easy decision for us. There is simply no one else who has the healthcare experience and leadership talent, nor can anyone but Gary generate such immense respect among all who know him,” stated Victor M. Richel, Chairman of the Board of Trinitas Regional Medical Center and Trinitas Health, the Medical Center’s parent. "It is fitting that Gary Horan’s name and legacy are attached to a facility such as this that is truly a lifeline for the community we serve,” he added. A resident of Sea Girt, NJ, Gary Horan has been President and CEO of Trinitas since 2001. Previously he was President and CEO of Our Lady of Mercy Healthcare System, Bronx New York, for eleven years. He also served as Vice President of Hospital Operations for New York University Medical Center, and as Senior Vice President of St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center of Richmond, New York. Horan’s leadership in regional healthcare is well recognized by organizations such as the Greater New York Healthcare Association, which in 2007 elected him the first non-New York CEO to serve as Chairman in its then 103-year history. He also serves on the Board of the New Jersey Hospital Association, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Hospital Alliance of New Jersey. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a current Fellow of that organization. Delivering emergency care more quickly, and with higher quality is the aim of Trinitas’ $18.7 million renovation and expansion of its Emergency Department. The 24,000 square foot project raises the number of treatment beds from 27 to 45, and provides separate treatment areas where the most appropriate care can be given to seniors, families and behavioral patients.
According to John D’Angelo, DO, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, “The overall aim of this project is to not only make the delivery of emergency care more efficient, but also more personal.” “With separate treatment areas, including an expanded ‘fast track’ area for minor emergencies, patients will experience more personalized care tailored to their needs,” Dr. Angelo explains. That level of care will also be delivered more swiftly, as a result of a number of technological innovations. For example, a 128-slice CT scanner, located within the confines of the ER, can produce diagnostic scans in seconds. Previously, patients were transferred out of the ER to the Radiology Department in order to receive a CT or ultrasound scan. This necessitated a ride on a stretcher down long corridors and on an elevator – things that amounted to delays in treatment. “Three new Intensive Care Unit rooms are also part of the project, allowing patients to be treated quickly in the ER and then not have to wait for a bed in the hospital to become available if they need to be admitted,” said D’Angelo. The multiyear project was funded entirely by donations from foundations, corporations and individuals, including $2.3 million from Trinitas’ employees, physicians and trustees.
About Trinitas Regional Medical Center Trinitas Regional Medical Center (TRMC), a major center for comprehensive health services for those who live and work in Central New Jersey, is a Catholic teaching medical center sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in partnership with Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation. With 10 Centers of Excellence across the continuum of care, Trinitas has distinguished itself in cardiology, cancer care, behavioral health, renal care, nursing education, diabetes management, wound healing and sleep medicine. www.trinitasrmc.org
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Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
HOSPITAL Highlights of 2017
Lourdes Health System and Saint Francis Medical Center to join Cooper University Health Care, creating an expanded system to serve New Jersey communities
Hackensack University Medical Center earns National Recognition among 25 Best Places to Work Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has been recognized among 25 hospitals and health systems considered Best Places to Work, according to Indeed.
“I am proud of each of our team members for achieving this significant recognition,” said Ihor Sawczuk, M.D., president of Hackensack University Medical Center. “This distinction is a direct result of their collaboration and dedication to our caring community.”
Hackensack University Medical Center, which is ranked consistently by U.S. News & World Report as the number one hospital in New Jersey, and by Becker’s Hospital Review as One of the 100 Great Hospitals in America 2017, is the only New Jersey hospital recognized on the Indeed Best Places to Work list.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
Cooper University Health Care, Lourdes Health System and St. Francis Medical Center recently announced plans for all three New Jersey health systems to consolidate within Cooper. The transaction is part of a letter of intent signed by Cooper and Maxis Health, an entity of Trinity Health that is the parent of Lourdes and St. Francis. Over the last year, Maxis, Lourdes and St. Francis have talked with several health systems that submitted proposals to work with Lourdes, based in Camden, N.J., and St. Francis, based in Trenton, N.J., to serve the people and communities of the region. Cooper proposed a partnership that would build on Lourdes’ and St. Francis’ existing capabilities, including nationally recognized cardiology programs, while maintaining the systems’ names and mission. Cooper, Lourdes and St. Francis have each demonstrated their long-standing commitment to caring for urban populations and plan to broaden that work as part of a new partnership. “In today’s health care environment in New Jersey, continuing success for Lourdes and St. Francis depends on being part of a growing regional network with a strong presence in local communities,” said Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Trinity Health. “Cooper’s proven commitment to exemplary care, a community-based health focus and service to people who are poor gives us confidence that the mission and communities of Lourdes and St. Francis will remain in good hands as part of a system with these anchor institutions.” “This agreement will bring together health care providers from across south and central New Jersey, allowing us to dramatically expand access to the high quality of care for thousands of new patients,” said George E. Norcross, III, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care. “Since its founding 130 years ago, Cooper has always been committed to providing the best care possible for its community. With this announcement, the size of our community may expand, but the high-quality of care will remain the same. Come grow with us.”
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“For our community and our ministry, our partnership with Cooper will create new opportunities for high-quality care and long-term growth,” said Reginald Blaber, MD, president of Lourdes Health System. “We are especially excited to bring our physician networks together and to develop a regional cardiac center of excellence.” “This partnership with Cooper will continue our mission through expanded service to urban communities and a broader, ongoing commitment to charity care,” said Vince Costantino, interim president and chief administrative officer of St. Francis Medical Center. “Our communities will benefit from a unique combination of experience, resources and capabilities that support the long-term sustainability of our ministry. Cooper is a great match for us.” The next step is for the systems to engage in discussions and due diligence that lead to a definitive agreement that will be subject to regulatory approval.
Indeed.com is a worldwide employment-related search engine that boasts more than 200 million unique visitors every month from more than 60 countries. Indeed says it assessed approximately 15 million reviews from current and former employees in order to determine which hospitals and health systems provide the best work experiences nationwide.
“A great workplace is an ideal environment for providing great care. We are committed to providing the highest quality, human-centered care for our patients and an exceptional professional experience for our team members,” said David Works, acting chief human resources officer at Hackensack Meridian Health. “We share a vision to maintain and elevate our collective health and well-being.”
According to Indeed, key factors in the employee reviews included inspiring and diverse workplaces, top-tier research teams and opportunities for advancement.
To learn more, visit www.HackensackUMC.org.
St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center recognized as Top hospital in NJ, NY metro region by U.S. News & World Report
St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, announced recently that the world-class hospital has been ranked as one of the top hospitals in the New York Metropolitan Area (#25), among the best in New Jersey (#13) and Northern NJ by U.S. News & World Report for 2017-18. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in the 28th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. In addition, St. Joseph’s is recognized as high performing in the following specialties and procedures: • Heart Failure • Colon Cancer Surgery • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
“At St. Joseph’s, we are very proud to be recognized among the best,” said Kevin J. Slavin, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. “These rankings reflect the expertise of our outstanding physicians, Magnet-recognized nurses, and skilled clinicians and care teams who demonstrate their ongoing commitment to excellence and compassion for our patients, their families, and our communities.” U.S. News publishes “Best Hospitals” to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk because of age or multiple health problems. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, adequacy of nurse staffing levels and other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.
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Transformation at University Hospital continues with unveiling of new patient lobby Assemblywoman Muñoz joins Hospital, Medical School Leaders for Ceremony; New facilities modernize patient experience
A state-of-the-art patient lobby was formally unveiled recently at University Hospital in Newark, marking the latest step in the hospital’s emergence as the premier academic medical center in northern New Jersey. The ceremony was led by University Hospital President and CEO John N. Kastanis MBA, FACHE, joined by Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Dean Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP, who both welcomed Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz (R-Union) as an honored guest. “Our new lobby dramatically underscores the incredible changes underway at University Hospital,” said Kastanis. “The new lobby is a bold expression of our future, combining innovative design and modern convenience.” The new lobby features improvements to visitor flow, hotel-style furnishings, and connections for mobile devices. The lobby boasts a new Hospital Guest Relations center to assist with travel arrangements, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and provide business center amenities. The lobby is also staffed by members of the Hospital’s innovative “At Your Service” program, a unique initiative that brings college students majoring in public health studies to University Hospital to assist patients and their families during their visit. “Today marks another milestone in the renaissance of University Hospital,” said Assemblywoman Muñoz, a former clinical
nurse whose late husband Assemblyman Eric Muñoz, M.D. was a trauma surgeon and administrator at University Hospital. “Newark deserves an excellent healthcare center, and University Hospital and Rutgers are delivering medical innovation every day. Eric would be especially proud of the attention to detail and care that was put into making the new lobby amenable and comfortable for University Hospital’s patients and visitors. My family and I have always considered University Hospital a special place for healing, and the incredible changes unveiled today make me confident that first-class services now accompany first-class healthcare at University Hospital. “As University Hospital’s academic partner, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is excited about the new energy and commitment to quality medical care we find throughout the hospital,” said Johnson. “We depend on University Hospital to help train and motivate our students to succeed in tomorrow’s healthcare world. The hospital is moving aggressively to become northern New Jersey’s premier academic medical center and a proud contributor to Newark’s renaissance.” “The changes at University Hospital are so much more than cosmetic,” Kastanis noted. “We are changing the way Newark views healthcare and providing both the medical quality and personal experience that our visitors deserve.”
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University Hospital cut the ribbon on its new state-of-the-art lobby at a gala ceremony featuring (left to right) UH President and CEO John N. Kastanis, MBA, FACHE; Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Union); Michael Curi, MD, President of the UH Medical Staff Organization, and: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Dean Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP.
University Hospital is one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, and is the Level 1 Trauma Center for Northern New Jersey. Located at University Heights in Newark, University Hospital is a principal teaching hospital of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and a regional resource for advanced services across many medical specialties. For more information about University Hospital, please visit www.uhnj.org
Virtua launches Center for Innovation
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Tom Gordon, MBA, Senior Vice President & CIO for Virtua
As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua has long encouraged innovation across the organization. Now, Virtua is taking a major step to enhance these efforts by launching the Virtua Center for Innovation. This initiative will support and centralize the development of new technology and other advances -- such as new devices, software, mobile applications, and better work processes -- conceived by employees across the health system. Moreover, the Center will house Virtua’s work with local and global partners to create an ecosystem from incubation to product delivery. “The Virtua Center for Innovation represents a strong new commitment by Virtua to develop significant advances in health care,” said Tom Gordon, MBA, Senior Vice President & CIO for Virtua. “It will foster an environment for health care professionals, partners, and entrepreneurs to develop solutions that support new models of care, and serve patients with the best technology and tools.”
The initiative is part of a national trend, and one of just a handful of health care innovation centers in the Delaware Valley. While much of the Center’s work will focus on technology, it will also target health care processes and related challenges -- such as workflow redesign, changing care models, population health and consumerism. “Virtua has always been a leader in innovative thinking,” said Richard P. Miller, President and CEO of Virtua. “It’s in our DNA to continually develop improvements that help our community. In everything we do, the patient is always at the center, and the Virtua Center for Innovation will operate the same way.” For example, Virtua is currently looking at artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, machine learning and other technologies that enhance the provider-patient connection. The Virtua Center for Innovation will provide a pathway to develop these advances. As healthcare continues to transform, Virtua will incorporate many of these leading-
edge technologies into patient and clinical workflows enhancing the delivery of care and the patient experience. “The Virtua Center for Innovation will serve as a destination to test, develop and deploy technology to best support the hospital of the future,” said Alfred Campanella, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Growth and Analytics for Virtua. Ultimately, the Center will address multiple goals, noted Adam Glasofer, MD, MSHI, Associate Medical Director of Informatics for Virtua. “The Virtua Center for Innovation will allow us to create a culture of innovation among our employees, medical staff members, and the South Jersey community,” said Glasofer. “Most important, this type of innovative thinking and operation will help Virtua to achieve the quadruple aim of better outcomes, lower costs, an improved patient experience, and a better clinician experience.”
Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
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Trinitas Regional Medical Center
HOSPITAL
Each month we summarize our current publication and point to the highlights of our content and coverage. This month I struggle to do that because we are all so affected by the many national disasters and tragedies of recent weeks. I would like to take a moment, a little out of context, but relevant nonetheless, to acknowledge and thank all of the first responders and hospital and medical professionals who have been on the frontlines, so to speak, of all of this. Whether in Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, Las Vegas or California, we are grateful for what you do, everyday, but particularly how you lead by example and raise us all up when we feel helpless and hopeless. At Hospital Newspaper we would be remiss if we did not applaud you and support your efforts to restore the health and well-being our great nation. We thank you, our readers, for your continued support of our mission and encourage you to let us know how we are doing and what is happening in the field in your area. We welcome your thoughts and contributions and remain committed to being the resource of record for all medical and hospital professionals. Send your stories and photos to news@hospitalnewspaper.com HOSPITA L NE
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HOSPITAL Highlights of 2017
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Holy Name Medical Center partners with Sharsheret® Collaboration helps women facing breast and ovarian cancer
(L to R: Michael Maron, President & CEO, Holy Name Medical Center, Elana Silber, MBA, Executive Director, Sharsheret, Sharyn Lewin, MD, Medical Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Holy Name Medical Center. Photo courtesy: Holy Name)
Holy Name Medical Center announced its new partnership with Sharsheret®, a national organization supporting Jewish women and their families at high risk for or diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. The unique collaboration will provide a wealth of resources for patients, including connections with health professionals and peers, critical conversations with genetic specialists and psychosocial support. “Holy Name’s partnership with Sharsheret will enhance the education, support and amenities provided to Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer in ways that go far beyond traditional health care,” said Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name. “Founded in Teaneck, Sharsheret has a dynamic support network in the North Jersey community and an outstanding national reputation of supporting Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer. This new partnership is a natural fit for us, as we continue to provide high-quality, culturally-relevant health care to the many diverse patient groups in our community.”
Holy Name, a national model for providing culturally and linguistically sensitive care to all patients, currently offers a multitude of services through Cancer Support Community, formerly Gilda’s Club. Staff, professionals and volunteers offer educational classes and activities such as jewelry-making, tango classes and yoga sessions to anyone who has been impacted by cancer, regardless of where they received treatment. Additionally, Holy Name was recently selected as one of the state’s “Population Health Heroes” for its commitment to servediverse communities. “Working together with Holy Name Medical Center, we understand first-hand the importance of providing the highest level of care while being intimately knowledgeable about the unique issues and concerns of each and every patient,” said Sharsheret Executive Director Elana Silber. “Our partnership serves as a model of true patient-centered care, support and education that will improve the quality of life for thousands of local Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer.”
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Through the Sharsheret partnership, women and their families can now also access information to better understand their individual circumstances, cope with unique challenges and make informed decisions about treatment. In addition, specialized support is available for women living with metastatic or advanced breast and ovarian cancer. Patients and families of all backgrounds are welcome at any point in the cancer journey.
ABOUT HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER Holy Name Medical Center is a fully accredited, not-forprofit healthcare facility based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with off-site locations throughout Bergen County. Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in 1925, the comprehensive 361-bed medical center offers leading-edge medical practice and technology administered in an environment rooted in a tradition of compassion and respect for every patient. Holy Name provides high quality health care across a continuum that encompasses education, prevention, early intervention, comprehensive treatment options, rehabilitation and wellness maintenance.
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H HOSPITAL Highlights of 2017
Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
Two NJ-Based Health Care Leaders, RWJBarnabas Health and CareOne, collaborate on Quality of Care Initiatives
CareOne President and CEO Daniel Straus, CareOne Executive Vice President Elizabeth Straus, and RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Barry H. Ostrowsky met this week to celebrate CareOne’s commitment to the RWJBarnabas Health Foundation and to announce their partnership in care throughout New Jersey. Fort Lee-based CareOne operates 32 post acute care, assisted living, and long term acute care hospitals throughout New Jersey, many which operate in the same communities as RWJBarnabas Health’s 11 acute care medical centers. The two organizations share a common vision of offering a broad continuum of exceptional care options and recognize the importance of health care providers working together to improve the health and well being of the communities they jointly serve. CareOne and RWJBarnabas Health currently work together to offer seamless acute care to post acute transitions and will continue to develop strategic programs and services aimed at meeting the needs of their patients and the physicians who practice at both RWJBarnabas Health and CareOne. Daniel Straus stated, “RWJBarnabas Health can be proud of the reputation it has developed throughout New Jersey for the high quality care. Through Barry Ostrowsky’s leadership, RWJBH has pioneered the model of success for the multi hospital system that others will attempt to emulate.” “I look forward to continuing the strong relationship RWJBarnabas Health has developed with CareOne, an organization that has built an outstanding reputation under the leadership of Daniel Straus,” said Mr. Ostrowsky. “CareOne’s mission of improving the lives of older adults through quality senior care facilities provides a smooth transition for our hospitalized patients. I anticipate a future of collaboration that will enhance the care of the residents in our communities.”
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Left to right: Alberto Lugo CareOne Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Margie Heller RWJBarnabas Health Medical Center Administrative Director, Community Health and Outreach, Barry H. Ostrowsky RWJBarnabas Health Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Hodges CareOne Chief Strategy Officer, Elizabeth Straus CareOne Executive Vice President, Daniel Straus CareOne President and CEO, Glenn Miller RWJBarnabas Health Medical Center Chief Development Officer.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is the only Hospital in NJ to be Awarded Spinal Fusion Certification from The Joint Commission
After a rigorous on-site review, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Spinal Fusion Certification for the third consecutive time since 2012. It is the only hospital in New Jersey to receive a Gold Seal for spinal fusion, a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. Englewood Hospital was also recertified with the Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement and with the Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. “The Joint Commission’s recertification of our hip/knee, stroke, and spinal fusion programs is a strong testament to our ongoing efforts to bring the safest, highest-quality, and most technologically advanced care to provided our community,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “We thank our doctors, nurses, and other staff for their tireless efforts to make us who we are and congratulate them on this recognition of excellence by The Joint Commission.” At Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, the spinal surgery team includes neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons, as well as anesthesiologists, pain management specialists, registered nurses, physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to restoring patients to a state of optimal health and well-being.
In addition to being the only hospital in New Jersey to receive this Joint Commission certification in spinal fusion, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in the state and among the top 10 percent in the nation by CareChex/Quantros for both medical excellence and patient safety in spinal fusion, and has been a 5-Star Recipient for spinal fusion surgery for five years in a row by Healthgrades. “Being the only New Jersey hospital certified by The Joint Commission for spinal fusion is an honor that reflects the dedication and hard work of our interdisciplinary team,” says Dr. Michael T. Harris, chief medical officer and chief of surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “Having strong and diverse care teams – not only for spinal surgery, but also joint replacement surgery and stroke care – allows us to focus on every element of care that impacts the patient experience and outcome, such as timeliness of care, infection prevention and avoidance of complications, culturally appropriate patient and family education, pain assessment and management, and restoration of mobility and quality of life.” The hospital underwent a review in September 2016 for all three programs in which Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealth.org
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Hackensack Meridian Health launches Radio Station on Pandora, the first of its kind in New York Market New Jersey's most comprehensive health network is proud to partner with Pandora, the most listened to audio streaming service in the U.S. to offer patients, team members and the community a unique soundtrack. Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to announce the launch of Life Years Ahead Radio, a station specially curated by Pandora which features pop, rock and country hits by recording artists including Kelly Clarkson, Ed Sheeran, as well as emerging artists such as Nicole Atkins and Maren Morris. This station, the first health care brand station in the New York market, signals Hackensack Meridian Health’s commitment to delivering the best patient experience possible as well as connecting to our larger community on a daily basis. “We are so excited to be releasing our new station with our partner Pandora,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, coCEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “It’s a great fit. Pandora is a company based on innovation and personalizing the music experience, similar to how we approach our mission with the same sense of discovery and commitment to exceptional, personalized care and enhancing the quality of life in our communities.’’ Network executives will officially launch the station Wednesday, September 20, with the first-ever Pandora hospital radio launch, taking place at Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey’s No. 1 hospital as ranked by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years. The event features a performance by emerging artist Nicole Atkins, whose work is inspired by Dusty Springfield, Candi Staton and Janis Joplin. “I am honored to be part of this unique partnership between Hackensack Meridian Health and Pandora,’’ said Atkins, who released her latest album Goodnight Rhonda Lee in July. “Music helps people so much. It's good for the soul. Music and well-being – that includes mind, body and soul – are essential partners along the path to healing.’’
Increasingly, experts are documenting the impact of music on the healing process – how it can calm patients, ease pain, and provide a pleasant diversion during treatment or a hospital stay. A growing body of research proves music can improve outcomes in many ways: it can reduce the amount of sedatives needed for procedures; quell nausea and ease anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy, and improve sleeping and eating habits of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The new station targets listeners well beyond our hospitals. We know that music has a transformative power whether it enhances chores or a long drive, life’s milestones or even workouts. Think of Michael Phelps, the nation’s most decorated Olympian, listening to pounding rap before a race, an essential element of his winning formula. “One of our goals is to connect with people where they are and to be part of their daily life, even when they are not thinking about health,’’ said John K. Lloyd, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our Life Years Ahead Radio lets our brand personality shine through in maybe an unexpected way.’’ Pandora is powered by its exclusive Music Genome Project. Their team of trained musicologists study and collect musical details on every track – melody, harmony, rhythm, form, composition and lyrics - 450 musical attributes in all. The result is the best, most personalized listening experience available – a combination of favorites and a connection to new music a listener may not have discovered alone. The playlist uniquely created for Life Years Ahead Radio was selected from the top genres from across New Jersey and the New York City market. Eighty songs - light rock, pop and country – will play and include listener favorites. The playlist will also allow listeners to discover new music from emerging artists.
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Hackensack Meridian Health launched Life Years Ahead Radio, a station specially curated by Pandora which features pop, rock and country hits. Pictured from left to right: Ihor Sawczuk, M.D., president, Hackensack University Medical Center; emerging artist, Nicole Atkins; Robert C. Garrett, co-CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health; and John Lloyd, co-CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Music has this transformative ability to connect to meaningful moments,’’ said Chrisie Scott, chief marketing officer at Hackensack Meridian Health. “As a health and life brand, and knowing the rich research that went into defining our brand, we are thrilled to offer this new radio station to our community, mindful of the power of music and its impact in our daily lives.’’ Medicine, likewise, is becoming increasingly personalized. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we take an innovative approach which tailors disease prevention and treatment to a person’s genes, environment and lifestyle whenever possible. For instance, cancer patients undergo molecular testing to help oncologists select treatments to improve survival rates and reduce exposure to adverse effects. The goal is to target the right treatments to the right patient and the right time. “Life Years Ahead Radio allows us to continue our role as innovator – and that includes making discoveries well beyond medicine,’’ Garrett said. “It’s really about enhancing the mind, body and soul.’’
Trinitas receives “Most Wired!” Award for the 7th Consecutive Year
Trinitas Regional Medical has again received Hospitals & Health Network’s Most Wired Award, marking the seventh straight year the Medical Center has attained this honor. The Most Wired award holds great value to Trinitas as it illustrates their efforts to improve technology and enhance privacy for patients and staff. The annual Health Care's Most Wired survey is designed to measure the level of IT adoption in U.S. hospitals and health systems, and serve as a tool for hospital and health system leadership to map their IT strategic plans. Health Forum, an American Hospital Association company, distributes, collects and analyzes the Most Wired data and develops benchmarks that are becoming the industry standard for measuring IT adoption for operational, financial and clinical performance in health care delivery systems. The New Jersey Hospital Association outlined next steps for “wired” hospitals like Trinitas, noting that “an important shift is occurring from implementation of technology to leveraged deployment for meeting strategic care objectives.”
According to Judy Comitto, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, “Here at Trinitas we are already leading the way in the electronic use of our systems. For example, we recently implemented voice technology for physician documentation through our electronic health record system. This software also employs clinical decision support alerts to the physician which aids in quality measures and appropriate billing.” Comitto is currently the Chairperson of Jersey Health Connect, the largest and most comprehensive Health Information Exchange in the state, connecting thousands of healthcare providers and millions of patients. New health information tools and technology make it easier for patients and providers to interact, thus improving communication, safety and patient-provider relationships, according to results of the 19th Annual Health Care’s Most Wired® survey. Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO of Trinitas, noted, “The Most Wired designation tells the world that we foster a culture of self-improvement, and will do whatever is necessary to advance quality and patient safety.”
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Nurse’s Viewpoint By Alison Lazzaro, RN, MSN
Lates
nursteinfo for stude s and nts Hospital Newspaper Correspondent
An Unforgettable Illness: Illuminating Alzheimer’s Disease The struggle to recognize a loved one and the loss of independence become a terrifying reality for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This progressive disorder has no cure- and thus creates a global health challenge. The disease was first named by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, noting that his patient had memory loss and physiologic changes. A brain autopsy later revealed shrinkage of the brain and abnormal deposits surrounding nerve cells. In 1983, Congress designated November as the first National Alzheimer’s Disease month.
Current Evidence Clinical trials continue to investigate the pathophysiology underlying Alzheimer’s disease. Beta-amyloid plaques, which are microscopic protein fragments, and neurofibrillary tangles, composed of twisted strands of tau protein, are characteristic in patients’ brains with the disease. There is also atrophy of the cerebral cortex causing the death of brain cells. Changes in the brain may occur 20 years before diagnosis.
Treatment Options There are 2 FDA-approved drug classes used to slow symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Excelon), and galantamine (Razadyne) work by preventing enzymes from breaking down acetycholine too quickly. This allows for higher concentrations of acetylcholine, which helps nerve cells communicate. The second class of drug is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists such as memantine (Namenda). This drug works on the neurotransmitter glutamate. Memantine can be used in addition to the cholinesterase inhibitor class to slow disease development.
Caring for Those Affected Memory Center care is emerging to allow patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease to receive appropriate care. This specialized long term care facility is designed for patients suffering from dementia. Albeit high costs, memory centers include enclosed outdoor spaces to keep residents from wandering and adequate staff ratios to ensure safety. Sleep dysrhythmias also pose a challenge for patients’ families and these centers alleviate that difficulty through respite care.
Preserving Brain Health Over 80 percent of patients with Alzheimer’s disease also demonstrate cardiovascular disease. This statistic shows how high blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase the risk of dementia. Paying close attention to treatment of vascular health can translate into better brain health down the road.
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So you want to be a Nurse — But what type? Nurses provide focused and highly personalized care in a wide range of professional positions. From entrylevel practitioners to doctoral-level researchers, professionals in this field are in high demand since they promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. It’s clear why you would want to go into this field of health care, but what you might not know yet is which specialization you should choose. Addressing the Nursing Shortage
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted an 800,000 nurse shortage by the year 2020. To address this shortage, most places of employment are eager to sign on and keep nurses through offering bonuses and incentives. The BLS has the median wage for nurses at $50,000, and with the demand for nurses it goes up dramatically when factoring in holiday and weekend shifts. For those who don’t want to work full-time, nursing is a great option because of the job flexibility it offers. You could work as a temporary hire, part time or full time. You can move from place to place and work longer shifts to have more days off. The promise of career advancement makes nursing an attractive option as well. Nurses can work anywhere — in hospitals or doctor’s offices from urban to rural areas, even overseas with medical organizations. And there are many options for advancement, from consulting with the legal system to become a researcher. Choose Your Nursing Specialization
Once you are a professional nurse, you might choose to focus in on a specialty. There are over 200 options for nurses to earn an additional certification, which can increase salary and demand. Some options include:
Registered Nurse (RN) – Taking care of patients is a primary duty for all nurses, but RNs also work in other areas. They help establish nursing practices, develop quality assurance protocols and conduct clinical research. RNs can have a specialty option, which requires additional education.
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Many nurses will go back to school and earn a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area. A few examples of those may be pediatric, critical care, oncology or even psychiatric. Clinical nurse specialists who work with patients provide direct patient care and serve as consultants for nursing staffs, with a focus on improving the system.
Nurse Educator – For those who enjoy teaching, a career as a nurse educator would be a great fit. These registered nurses have advanced degrees and then take on the task of training future nurses. They may teach general or specialized nursing courses and stay up to date on all the latest methods and technologies.
Nurse Midwife – Nurse midwives provide care throughout the entire prenatal and postpartum experience. They also provide gynecological services to women of all ages, can write prescriptions and are key in patient education.
Nurse Practitioner – As a nurse practitioner, your responsibilities would include overall health for your patients, throughout their entire lifespan. Some of the associated tasks would be to perform physical examinations, provide immunizations and prescribe medications and therapies. Source: www.explorehealthcareers.org
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Hospital Newspaper - NJ
International Artist, Biologist and Educator brings sculpture to Virtua Camden
Artist, biologist and environmental educator Brandon Ballengée recently installed his unique sculpture "Temporary Love Motel for Insects" at the Virtua Camden campus. The huge piece, which will be displayed through March 2018, consists of curved canvas “wings” that are illuminated at night from within. The ultraviolet rays emanating from the installation attract nocturnal insects, so they can be seen and appreciated. Insects are one of the least understood and most undervalued groups of animals, notes Ballengée. Yet most food crops rely on insect pollination and countless ecosystems would collapse in their absence, he states. “We need bugs, and it is about time we learn to appreciate these tiny marvels of evolution and heroes of ecosystems,” says the artist. The Virtua Camden team is pleased to host “Temporary Love Motel for Insects,” which will bring art to the health campus and community while supporting education and science. The sculpture is connected to Ballengée’s exhibit at Rowan University in Glassboro this fall, and will be part of educational programming for students at Freedom Prep Charter School in Camden.
More about the Sculpture & Series Love Motel for Insects is an ongoing series of public art installations intended to construct situations between humans and arthropods. The works use ultra-violet lights on enormous sculpted canvases to attract insects and create an opportunity for public interactions with nocturnal arthropods, which are not often seen. At each location, the Love Motels become the backdrop for community events such as; picnics, biodiversity festivals, graffiti jams, political rallies, scientific investigations, musical events and even insect film screenings.
A Camden family visits "Temporary Love Motel for Insects" at the Virtua Camden campus.
The Love Motels for Insects sculptures began in 2001 in Central America. At this time the initial structures were made from battery powered black lights and bed-sheets placed in the Costa Rican forest floor. Within hours numerous species of flying moths, beetles, caddisflies, ants, lacewings and other arthropods descended on the installation. Female moths released chemical pheromones to attract mates and consequently “painted” the impromptu piece. Fascinated and inspired by this initial experience, further Love Motels for Insects have been fabricated along with public nocturnal field trips around the world. To date versions of the project have debuted on boats in Venice (Italy), peat bogs in Lough Boora (Ireland), isolated moors overlooking Loch Ness (Scotland), bustling shopping malls in Delhi (India), outside Aztec ruins (Mexico), New Haven (USA) inner-city bus stops, roof tops in London (England), temperate forest mountain-
sides (South Korea), Louisiana Bayous (USA) and others. For more on the series, visit http://brandonballengee.com/projects/love-motels/.
About Virtua As one of New Jersey’s largest, non-profit health systems, Virtua provides comprehensive health care services to achieve its mission to help people be well, get well and stay well. Virtua provides services through Virtua Medical Group with more than 450 clinicians and through Virtua Physician Partners with more than 1500 providers at its physician offices, urgent care centers, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, health and wellness centers, fitness centers, home health services, long-term care and rehabilitation centers, and paramedic program. For more information, visit www.virtua.org or www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.
The sculpture appears white during the day. At night it’s illuminated by ultraviolet light, turning the piece a vivid blue.
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ARMC Atlantic City Campus Auxiliary presents Alexandria Dawson with 2017 Martha B. Keates Fellowship Award
The AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) City Campus Auxiliary presented Alexandria Dawson, of Mays Landing, with the 2017 Martha B. Keates Fellowship Award during a reception in Dawson’s honor at the hospital. Fellowship Award recipients must be pursuing a nursing education and are chosen based on academic achievement, career goals, community service, honors/awards, and student leadership. The fellowship is a $4,000 grant. Dawson will apply it to tuition at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she will begin her sophomore year this month. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Dawson says she has particular interest in pediatric and in medical/surgical nursing. She says she hopes to eventually pursue a Master’s degree in nursing.
Dawson graduated from Oakcrest High School, where she was named to the National Honor Society and as a Distinguished Varsity Scholar for three years, in 2016. She was captain of the Color Guard during her senior year and was in the Oakcrest Choir. As a sophomore at Drexel, she has been selected as a member of the Drexel Campus Activities Board and is a member of the Drexel Student Nurses’ Association. During her high school years, Dawson was an active member of her church and served as a youth worker. She volunteered as a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee at the Atlantic County Criminal Courts Complex in Mays Landing, New Jersey. She also participated in local food and coat drives.
About the Martha B. Keates Fellowship Award ARMC’s Atlantic City Campus Auxiliary founded the Martha B. Keates Fellowship Fund in recognition of Keates’s community service, Auxiliary membership and support of the nursing profession. Fellowship application is open to enrolled nursing students or those pursuing nursing education. Applications are open to Atlantic County residents who are high school graduates enrolling or enrolled in a nursing program, or who have completed the pre-requisites of a nursing program. For more information about AtlantiCare programs and services, visit www.atlanticare.org or call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888569-1000 or find AtlantiCare on Facebook.
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Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Robyn Begley, congratulates Alexandria Dawson of Mays Landing, the 2017 recipient of the Martha B. Keates Fellowship Award.
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Hospital Newspaper - NJ
Using Improv to boost confidence, Improve mental health
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When it comes to improving the quality of life for people with mental health and substance use disorders, improvisational comedy is no joke. Just ask Rutgers School of Public Health student Mark Lee, who teaches vulnerable populations to gain confidence, communicate better, be spontaneous and trust others through improvisational exercises. Lee, who will receive a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology next year, currently is applying for an art therapy internship and aims to research the benefits of art therapy to provide more quantitative data to support using performing and visual arts in health care settings. The route that Lee took to weaving theater into his public health work was as spontaneous as improv itself. As an undergraduate neuroscience major at Brown University, he signed up for a theater course to expand his horizons. “It started as a whim, but I fell in love with the art,” says Lee. Inspired, he decided to pursue a major in theater as well. Then, a childhood fascination with Japanese anime cartoons sparked an interest in voice-over work. “I trained with a voice-over coach to break into the industry as a possible interesting side job,” he says. “The coach suggested I take classes at the Peoples Improv Theater in New York City to build my skills. My first instructor there placed a big emphasis on how to apply improv in daily life. Suddenly, everything clicked. I realized the potential that improv had in health care.” This summer, Lee put his theory into action with a series of classes at the Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services partial care psychiatric rehabilitation program in Elizabeth, N.J. The initiative was part of the Bridging the Gaps Community Health Internship, a program administered by School of Public Health that links graduate students preparing
A Rutgers public health student puts his acting skills into play to help people with mental illness and substance use disorders overcome anxiety and communicate more effectively
for careers in health and social services with community initiatives in underserved populations. Each class ranged from five to 20 participants. He began the sessions with an introduction to improv, including showing short clips of the popular show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” before launching into games such as “Zip Zap Zop,” a fast-paced, interactive verbal exercise that builds attention, and “Scenes From a Hat,” which promotes spontaneity and quick-thinking as players are asked to act out scenarios written on paper that they pull out of a hat. Lee also regularly drew upon the “Yes, And…” principle in improv, which encourages participants to have an open mind. “They learn to not immediately shut down an idea that they disagree with; instead, they are encouraged to consider its positive side and validate the speaker,” he says. “The work that Mark is enacting is a perfect example of how to address public and individual health using bio-psycho-social perspective – a recognition that our overall health is defined and informed by physical, mental and social domains – and when we enhance one, the others also are likely to improve,” says Perry N. Halkitis, health psychologist and the dean of Rutgers School of Public Health. Lee brings those elements together in his sessions. After each exercise, he would ask clients to describe their feelings as well as how they think the lessons they learned could be applied to daily life. Throughout, he kept a pulse on the clients’ comfort level. “Although many clients wanted to return, one stopped in the middle of the class and said he was uncomfortable. I let him stay and observe. After a few weeks, he started to warm up. Soon, he was playing all the games,” Lee says. “It was rewarding to see how open he became to the class — the pure embodiment of ‘Yes, And…’”
Lourdes hosts Nursing Camp Camp gave teens opportunity to learn about careers in nursing and healthcare
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center recently held its annual oneday nursing camp for teens age 12- to 14-years-old. Teens had the opportunity to learn about nursing and healthcare careers, tour the hospital and interact with a variety of healthcare professionals.
Lourdes nurses with teen campers at Lourdes’ nursing camp.
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Lourdes perioperative registered nurse Joanne Meyer teaches teen campers about the different instruments and equipment needed in the Operating Room.
Lourdes registered nurse educator Deidre Smith shows students Sophie DiNuzio (left) and Samantha Esher (right) how to take a blood pressure reading.
Hospital Newspaper - NJ Nov/Dec 2017
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American Cancer Society names Holy Name Surgical Oncologist 2017 Medical Honoree Dr. Steve Sung Kwon recognized during Society’s 39th Annual Northern New Jersey Golf Classic
The American Cancer Society recently recognized Dr. Steve Sung Kwon, a surgical oncologist at Holy Name Medical Center, during the 39th Annual Northern New Jersey Golf Classic. “The American Cancer Society is proud to name Dr. Kwon as this year’s medical honoree for the impact he has made in the lives of those living with cancer,” said Chloe Lipman, executive director of Community Development for the Northeast region at The American Cancer Society. “Dr. Kwon’s work aligns with our mission to improve quality of life for cancer patients. His dedication is a testament to how comprehensive cancer care extends far beyond medicine.” “Dr. Kwon’s selection as medical honoree comes as no surprise to those who know him,” said Michael Maron, president and CEO of Holy Name Medical Center. “He is a forward-thinking leader, whose expertise is unparalleled. But it’s not just about skill. He’s compassionate and takes time to get to know his patients and their families. It’s important to make that connection and it makes a difference to those who are facing a cancer journey.” Dr. Kwon graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where entered an accelerated college/medical school program. He went on to earn his
medical degree as an Edmund James Scholar from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Kwon completed his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center and his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he trained in complex surgical oncology. He also holds a Global Health Certificate from the University of Washington Department of Global Health. Dr. Kwon joined Holy Name in 2016, and specializes in cancers of the gallbladder, bile duct, liver, stomach, intestinal tract, colon, thyroid, rectum and pancreas, as well as neuroendocrine tumors, soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma, and adrenal tumors. “Oncology is the most cerebral and complicated of specialties,” said Dr. Kwon. “You need to take a very comprehensive approach, factoring in every possible angle of a person’s treatment. At Holy Name, our multidisciplinary team of experts collaborate to bring the best possible outcome to each patient and their family. And while each case is different, our goal never changes. We want each person to go on to live a long, fulfilling life. It is my honor to provide that hope to the people who trust us with their care.” For information about the Regional Cancer Center at Holy Name Medical Center, visit holyname.org or call 201-833-5099.
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center a Healthgrades Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award™ Recipient
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center was recently recognized as one of a select group of hospitals—the top 10% of hospitals evaluated—as providing outstanding performance in gynecologic surgery, as measured by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. “We are honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Howard Saul, gynecological oncologist at Lourdes. “The Healthgrades recognition is a strong reflection of our team’s commitment to providing patients with multidisciplinary care of the highest clinical quality.”
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Pictured (l-r) are Lourdes’ obstetrics and gynecology team members: Back row: Dr. Gregory Margolin and Dr. Martin Hyman Front row: Lorraine Harris, NP, Margarita Dorfman, NP, Dr. Heather Crawford, Dr. Daniel A. Berger, Dr. Howard Saul, and Marie McMillian. Not pictured: Dr. Sherrilyn Parrish, Dr. Joseph Ombalsky, Dr. Michael Frattarola, Dr. Gerald Burke, Dr. Joan Lieser, Dr. Amadi Rezai, Dr. Marie O'Neill, Dr. Susan Janeczek, Dr. Geeta Chhibber, Dr. Eddy Martinez, and Dr. Laura Tyree.
(L to R: Dr. Steve Sung Kwon, surgical oncologist at Holy Name Medical Center, 2017 American Cancer Society medical honoree; Bob Laurenzo, CEO and CRO of Decusoft, board member, Northern New Jersey chapter, American Cancer Society. Photo Courtesy: American Cancer Society)
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Hospital Newspaper - NJ
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital celebrates establishment of Omar and Behnaz Baker Patient Assistance Fund
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The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation recently announced the creation of the Omar and Behnaz Baker Patient Assistance Fund,which supports families of patients with chronic and life threatening illnesses at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. From left to right: Mark D. Sparta, executive vice president, chief operating officer, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president, Population Health Clinical Operations, Hackensack Meridian Health Network; Lisa Tank, M.D., vice president, Medical Affairs, Hackensack University Medical Center; Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., president, Hackensack University Medical Center; Jeffrey Boscamp, M.D., co-chief academic officer and senior vice president of Medical School Development; associate dean, Medical Education Continuum, and professor of Pediatrics for the Seton Hall – Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, and physician-in-chief, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital; Sadrul Anam, M.D.; Azzam Baker, M.D., CEO, Riverside Medical Group; Omar Baker, M.D., co-president, chief quality and safety officer and director of Performance Improvement, Riverside Medical Group; Behnaz Baker, CIO and director of Population Health, Riverside Medical Group ; Stephen Percy, Jr., M.D., interim chair, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital; and Alissa K. Sandler, section chief and social work supervisor, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.
The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Omar and Behnaz Baker Patient Assistance Fund,which supports families of patients with chronic and life threatening illnesses at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center. Through a significant gift, Omar Baker, M.D., co-president, chief quality and safety officer and director of Performance Improvement at Riverside Medical Group, and his wife, Behnaz have established the fund, which will be used for items such as pharmacy and insurance co-pays, medical needs and equipment, transportation, education and meals. “We are so thankful for this generous gift from two phenomenal individuals, our good friends, Omar and Behnaz Baker,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., president of Hackensack University Medical Center. ”The Baker family has been involved with our medical center for decades, helping us in so many, different ways. This gift is instinctive of their love of humanity and their human-centric orientation.” Friends and family of the Bakers were on hand for the announcement of the fund, which was celebrated with a reception at the Boscamp Solarium in the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. Dr. Baker is passionate about providing
excellent service to both his patients and his community. It is a calling that he follows to honor the mission of his late mother, Mrs. Izdihar Baker. “It’s pretty overwhelming to have this kind of recognition,” said Dr. Baker. “I feel like if you have the opportunity to do good, you should just do it. To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.’ While we’re not going to change the world here today, this fund is a good start to helping others who are struggling so much.” He added, “My wife, Behnaz, serves as my main inspiration to give back. It's her guidance, compassion, love of all children and wanting to be philanthropic with her time, energy, intellect and resources that sets the example for everyone that knows her. She is my hero, my best friend and the best role model for our daughters.” Social workers at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the medical team, will identify families for this support service through a psychosocial assessment. “So many of our patients and their families will benefit from the fund that bears the Baker’s name,” said Stephen Percy, M.D., interim chair, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “There are so many people with needs, who can’t
pay their bills, who can’t pay for their medications. The gift that the Baker family has provided will make a huge difference by helping to ease the burden of not only increased medical expenses but the routine expenses that families with children who have chronic or severe diseases must bear.” The Baker’s say they are hopeful that others will contribute to the fund so more families will be helped for years to come. Dr. Baker says the fund will continue the legacy of his mother, who instilled the values of philanthropy and charity in him and his siblings at an early age. “She would always remind us that every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven,” said Dr. Baker. “I learned early in my medical training that stress of any kind is an antidote to healing. Being sick as a child is stressful enough. The point of this fund is to minimize the stress on the families so that they can concentrate more on the health of their children instead of worrying about how they are going to pay their bills.” To learn more about Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, visit http://kids.hackensackumc.org/. To learn more about Riverside Medical Group, visit: www.riversidemedgroup.com
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Over 4,000 patients, caregivers and staff join John Theurer Cancer Center’s 9th Annual Celebrating Life and Liberty Event
On Sunday, September 10, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading hospitals for cancer, celebrated its largest and most successful Celebrating Life and Liberty event yet at MetLife Stadium. “It’s really a unique opportunity to bring together our patients -- to honor them and their loved ones for their successful journey,” said Robert C. Garrett, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “More than 4,000 people come to celebrate their good health, strength and courage, and our entire health network applauds them and are inspired by their courage and outlook.” Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., chairman and director, and chief of Lymphoma, John Theurer Cancer Center and chief science officer and director of Research and Innovation of Regional Cancer Care Associates created the Celebrating Life and Liberty event in 2007, a day that gives patients and families an opportunity to come together and offer one another hope and support. “When I started this event, I wanted to celebrate our patients’ journeys, in a day focused on them, their families, and caregivers. The success of this event has grown from a few hundred to over 4,000 participants -- testimony to the energy and human impact of this event,” said Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., chairman and director, and chief of Lymphoma, John Theurer Cancer Center and chief science officer and director of Research and Innovation of Regional Cancer Care Associates. Twenty-seven years ago, the John Theurer Cancer Center completed its first bone marrow transplant – a foundation for the next generation of pioneering discovery and innovation in cancer care. Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., president of Physician Enterprise and chief innovations officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, led the team that performed that first procedure in 1990. Since then, John Theurer Cancer Center has become
New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive cancer programs, and one of the most prominent centers nationwide, with more than 1,200 team members collaborating in a highly subspecialized and multidisciplinary environment. “Each year, our celebration grows is powerful testimony to the meaning the event has to patients and caregivers. It is also an illustration of the continued progress against cancer,” said Dr. Pecora. “Our patients are the reason our team works tirelessly to provide the most state-of-the-art care and treatment options, and our research team remains dedicated to being on the forefront of discovery.” Over the years, in addition to survivors sharing their stories in song, poetry, prose and performance, professional artists have energized and coalesced the diverse crowds with stories of hope and survival. The event brings together people of all walks of life, where cancer knows no race or religion. “Cancer patients and survivors draw a collective strength, hope and inspiration from each other. Today is a day to celebrate those shared journeys,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., president of Hackensack University Medical Center. “All of us – physicians, caregivers, nurses, loved ones – draw on the optimism and commitment to embrace the best in life, and that spirit is what defines our Celebrating Life & Liberty event.” Celebrating Life & Liberty included a performance by Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot, Celebrating the music of Billy Joel. The event was also marked by speeches as well as football themed activities, face painting, caricatures and inflatables. Additionally, more than 15 local and national cancer advocacy groups donated their time and resources to educate patients about networking, support and cutting-edge research. For more information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org.
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Differentiating between Dementia Disorders
On July 25, Shore celebrated the opening of the Flora Baker Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, a resource that previously had not been available in South Jersey. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, what makes this center unique is that many forms of dementia are treated in this comprehensive program. Neurologist David Roeltgen, MD, who serves as the center's medical director, explains, "In major cities, there are specialized clinics for each form of dementia. Many centers at these hospitals are Alzheimer's only, but people can have Alzheimer's without dementia. If the diagnosis is frontal temporal dementia, they would be directed to go to that type of center. Diagnoses such as multi-system atrophy fall into a 'no man’s land,'" "It also just is not feasible or cost effective for many people who are suffering from dementia to be able to travel to Philadelphia or New York or hop on a plane and travel cross country for treatment at a specialized clinic. The Flora Baker Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders was designed to be as inclusive as possible, and that is why it was vital to include 'related disorders' in our program." Dementia is a broad category, while Alzheimer's disease is a specific type, and the most common cause, of dementia. The textbook definition of dementia is an impairment in brain functioning. It can include thought processes, judgment, reasoning, memory, communication and behavior. "To me, dementia is an impairment of functional capability," says Roeltgen. There are a variety of patients Dr. Roeltgen sees with varying degrees of concern regarding dementia. The first two are those who are feeling the effects of normal aging, and then those "Worry Wells," who are feeling the normal effects of aging, but are anxious about it. "I explain to people that just like your knee or hip ages with time, so does your brain. Some memory loss is just something that happens to all of us as we get older." Dementia can take many forms, at varying degrees of debilitation. The following are disorders of memory that are treated at Shore's new center:
Mild Cognitive Impairment. This term describes impairment of cognitive function in absence of functional impairment. It can be based on criteria. For example, take two 75-year-old former full-time physics professors. The first teaches part-time, and the second is retired and now enjoys playing golf and relaxing. One day, the part-time professor has trouble doing his normal task of grading papers. That person is diagnosed as having mild dementia. The retired professor, when asked to grade the same paper, has the same difficulty, but because she is no longer an active teacher, is not considered to have dementia. The outcome for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment is split evenly three ways: 1. Develop full dementia in a year 2. Stays the same 3. Improved
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) - a rare neurological disorder that impairs your body's involuntary (autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and digestion. Formerly called Shy-Drager syndrome, the condition shares many Parkinson's disease-like symptoms, such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity and poor balance. MSA is a degenerative disease that develops in adulthood, usually in the 50s or 60s. Treatment for MSA includes medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms. The condition progresses gradually and eventually leads to death.
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…It also just is not feasible or cost effective for many people who are suffering from dementia to be able to travel to Philadelphia or New York or hop on a plane and travel cross country for treatment at a specialized clinic. The Flora Baker Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders was designed to be as inclusive as possible, and that is why it was vital to include 'related disorders’ in our program.
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Neurologist David Roeltgen, MD
Multi-infarct Dementia - Dementia resulting from multiple small strokes. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which develops insidiously, the cognitive deficits of multi-infarct dementia appear suddenly, in stepwise fashion. For these patients, we can address vascular risk factors, and try and slow down progress.
Frontal-Temporal Dementia - Any of several degenerative conditions of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes that cause personality and behavioral changes sometimes mistaken for those of Alzheimer's disease, and may eventually progress to immobility and loss of speech. This typically occurs between ages 50 and 70. The frontal dementia affects change in behavior, while the temporal impairs language and affects memory. There is an emptiness to their speech and can often have trouble in discussions. This type of dementia progresses rapidly.
Lewy Body Dementia - This is the second most common type of dementia, with an estimated 1.3 million Americans diagnosed. The patient suffers from memory loss and displays Parkinson's disease-like features. Occurring in people over 65, it results in REM sleep disorder, and causes people to act out their dreams, often violently, while sleeping. This behavior can begin years before Parkinson's or dementia sets in. Patients with this diagnosis are treated for their sleep disorder and checked for their health, including blood pressure, blood sugar, nutrition and more.
Dr. Roeltgen currently provides cognitive diagnostic evaluations at the Flora Baker Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, located at Shore Physicians Group’s Marmora office in the ShopRite Plaza at 4 Roosevelt Blvd. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-6226. For more information, visit www.shorephysiciansgroup.com.
Hospital Newspaper - NJ Nov/Dec 2017
PAGE 21
Memory Care Facilities in New Jersey
Memory Care Living
www.memorycareliving.com
201-645-5133
115 Route 206, Chester, NJ 07930
248 Madison Ave., Cresskill, NJ 07626
205 Rock Avenue, Green Brook, NJ 08812
60 Pascack Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
45 Pascack Rd., Hillsdale, NJ 07642
70 Lake St, Ramsey, NJ 07446
699 Wykoff Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
55 River Road, Montville, NJ 07045
143 Farview Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652
103 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, NJ 07656 181 Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
38 N Central Ave, Ramsey, NJ 07446
69 Burton Ave., South River, NJ 08882
290 Werimus Rd., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Sunrise Senior Living
www.sunriseseniorliving.com
888-434-4648
Alzheimer's Reminiscence Program
The Regency Memory Care Club
www.regencymemorycare.com
Regency Memory Care River Edge NJ 91 Route 4 East River Edge, New Jersey 07661 (201) 430-7999
CareOne Harmony Village www.care-one.com
CareOne Harmony Village at Moorestown 301 N Stanwick Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057 (856) 638-1244
Regency Memory Care Toms River NJ 1311 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755 (732) 853-0303
Harmony Village at CareOne Paramus 187-189 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652 866-322-1220
www.millenniummemorycare.com
www.alcoeurgardens.com
Millennium Memory Care
92 Stillwell Rd Holmdel, NJ 07733 732-523-5797
447 Matawan Avenue Matawan, NJ 07721 Phone: 732-523-5797
310 Buckelew Avenue Monroe, NJ 08831 Phone: 732-523-5797 111 Bowne Road Ocean, NJ 07712 Phone: 732-523-5797
Arden Courts Alzheimers Assisted Living www.arden-courts.com Arden Courts of Wayne 800 Hamburg Turnpike Wayne, NJ 07470 973-942-5600
Arden Courts of West Orange 510 Prospect Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052 973-736-3100 Arden Courts of Whippany 18 Eden Lane Whippany, NJ 07981 973-581-1800
Alcoeur Gardens
732-290-CARE (2273)
Alcoeur Gardens, Brick 320 Herbertsville Rd Brick, NJ 08724 Phone: 732-290-2273
Alcoeur Gardens, Toms River 1126 Lakewood Road Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-290-2273
Chelsea Senior Living
www.chelseaseniorliving.com
The Chelsea at Bridgewater 680 Route 202/206 North Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Somerset County, NJ 908-271-4404
Brookdale Senior Living Solutions www.brookdale.com
844-335-5764
The Country Home
www.thecountryhomeforseniors.com
1095 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950-2860 (973) 538-2117
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Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
Medicare officials release first-ever quality scores for hospice providers For the first time, Medicare officials posted quality scores for more than 3,800 hospice providers on its new website, Hospice Compare, with the aim of helping consumers make more informed decisions about end of life care. Villa Marie Claire, a residential hospice in Saddle River, NJ scored the highest average for quality in Bergen County. “The interdisciplinary staff fosters a culture of hope, healing, and well-being,” said Dr. Charles Vialotti, medical director of Villa Marie Claire. “For residents, this means living life on their terms with dignity, comfort, and respect. For loved ones, it means arriving at a place of peace and acceptance. It is our goal to embrace families in this final stage of life’s journey and focus on being present in the here and now.” Nearly 200 hospice provided listed on the site are based in New Jersey. Patients and families can visit the site to compare up to three hospices at a time. Quality scores were based on how hospices ranked in seven different measures, with national averages posted for each. Those measures include whether patients were screened for pain, pain assessment if pain was identified, shortness of breath assessment, timeliness of shortness of breath treatment, whether patients’ opioid-related constipation was treated, whether patients and caregivers were asked about treatment preferences, and whether patients and caregivers were asked about their beliefs and values at the beginning of hospice care. The release of the scores coincides with the state’s recent announcement about a $5 million budget appropriation allowing Villa Marie Claire to lead and develop a model for end-of-life-care in New Jersey. “We believe that creating a standard for the appropriate use of end-of-life-care resources, introduced at the appropriate time, will result in a reduction in state and federal costs stemming from unnecessary hospital admissions, ER visits, procedures, tests, and treatment,” said Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36). “Of course, the most important goal we’re working towards is better quality of life for New Jersey residents and their families.”
“The conversation about end-of-life care is an important one that all families need to be having and that our policymakers need to address,” said former Senator and now Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This funding supports the full spectrum of end-of-life care, encompassing the patient, family, caregiver, provider and community.” The budget appropriation supports the project’s eight key initiatives, which aim to address every aspect of care in the two years leading up to a person’s death and the 12 months following a person’s death; the development of education, training, and state certification courses for doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals; research comparing end-of-life-experience and quality of life for those enrolled and not enrolled in hospice programs; and policy recommendations in partnership with the Medical Society of New Jersey. “One of the most important healthcare reforms our state must address is improving care for New Jersey patients in the final chapters of their lives,” said Michael Maron, president and CEO of Holy Name Medical Center. “We know that while lifeextending care and other medical treatments may lengthen life, it may be at the expense of quality of life. Our goal is to help patients and families understand the difference and maximize the moments they share in their final months, weeks, days or hours together. We are proud to lead a statewide effort to improve end-of-life care in New Jersey, and we thank Governor Christie for having the foresight to be a leader on this critical issue.” Villa Marie Claire is the only freestanding hospice in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and offers a unique approach to end of life care. The scenic 26-acre estate in Saddle River, New Jersey provides all of the comforts of home with modern amenities and accommodations for both patients and their families, including lush gardens, outdoor patios and an in ground pool. To view Villa Marie Claire’s scores, visit Medicare.gov/HospiceCompare. For more information about Villa Marie Claire visit villamarieclaire.org or call 201-783-8870.
Hospice Aides Webinar Series Wednesdays; November 1, 8 and 15 2:00 – 3:15 pm ET
This new, three part series is designed for Hospice Aides (CNAs and HHAs) who work in hospice programs; on palliative, acute or long term care units; and in home and community care.
prvided
Villa Marie Claire hospice scores highest average for quality in Bergen County
provided
The Webinar series will be facilitated by Katherine Murray, RN, BSN, CHPCN(C).
During National Hospice Month, NHPCO wants to recognize, celeKatherine Murray, brate and honor the work of HosRN, BSN, CHPCN(C) pice Aides. This series will share practice strategies for supporting patients, families and hospice teams as well as examples of excellence of Hospice Aides working across the country. Your Registration includes:
• Unlimited number of participants in the series • MP4 recording of the series • One copy of (for full organization registrations only, i.e. not for additional sites): Essentials in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Resource for Nursing Assistants by Katherine Murray, RN, BSN, MA, FT, CHPCN(C) (text and companion workbook – 2 vital resources for hospice aides)
November 1: Common Patterns of Dying Preparing to Care
November 8: Increasing Comfort for a Person Experiencing Pain
November 15: Increasing Comfort for a Person Experiencing Breathing Difficulty or Decreased Appetite For Registration Information please visit www.nhpco.org/hospiceaides#Nov1
Hospital Newspaper - NJ Nov/Dec 2017
PAGE 23
Long-time Lourdes Physician Dr. Louis Ruvolo retires; Medical Center gives thanks, warm send-off
Louis Ruvolo, MD, called the operating room home for 35 years, including three decades as Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County's Chairman of Surgery. While he stepped away from the OR 10 years ago to become director of the hospital's wound care center, he continued to feel a deep connection to his patients. “When I stopped working in the OR, I expected to feel a loss,” said Dr. Ruvolo. “However, what I found was that the close relationship I developed with patients, who needed major help and often returned, was very satisfying. Their problems, unlike most of the surgical conditions I had treated, were usually recurrent and required a different mindset than I had in the past where most patients were cured by a surgical procedure.” Dr. Ruvolo recently made another transition. After 44 years with Lourdes, and as a physician for nearly 50 years, he decided to retire. His last day was June 30. The hospital recognized his contributions to Lourdes and the community with several celebrations. “Dr. Ruvolo is a caring and compassionate physician,” said Don Petroski, MD, chief of Gastroenterology at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, and a colleague of Dr. Ruvolo’s since 1975. “In an emergency, he is the one you needed at the bedside for the patient and the requesting physician. He possesses excellent surgical skills and clinical judgement. What’s more, he’s committed to serving his patients and the community.” “I love my work,” said Dr. Ruvolo. “However, I found now is the time to move on. I worked parttime, my wife worked full-time and we just felt like we needed more time with our family. We want to enjoy some of the things we like to do in our down time, while we both have the energy to do so.” In addition to spending time with children and grandchildren, some of those activities will include traveling, taking leisurely motorcycle rides and enjoying nature preserves. Dr. Ruvolo’s wife,
Clara, served as executive director of the Palmyra Cove Nature Park. Dr. Ruvolo’s first day as a surgeon at the hospital was August 1, 1973. “I remember the day well because it’s also my birthday,” he said. “I was fortunate to join established and excellent surgeons, Drs. Abrams and Rosenberg who were among the founders of the hospital. They understood the importance of helping young surgeons to mature and develop. As subsequent surgeons, Drs. Baskies, Holaday, Wasser and Greenbaum joined, we continued this practice of close coordination and helping one another.” After he ceased performing surgery, Dr. Ruvolo and his partners went in different directions while continuing mutual support. Rancocas eventually became Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County. “Lourdes always had a good reputation, and that was a big benefit for us and our patients.” Dr. Ruvolo served as a member of the Lourdes Board of Trustees and a member of the NJ State Board of Human Services. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Notre Dame University and his medical degree from Indiana University. He completed his internship at Rhode Island Hospital and performed residencies at Albany Medical College and State University of New York (Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital) in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Ruvolo also served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. Dr. Ruvolo hopes to continue his peer review activity, including disability review for the state of Pennsylvania. He also will remain a member of the Lourdes medical staff and says if he’s needed at the Wound Center, he'll be glad to help out. He views the wound healing center as an important service for patients and the local communities. “In addition to caring for patients, one of the greatest rewards for me was working with our medical and nursing staff—a compassionate, committed and highly intelligent group of men and women for whom I developed affection and the highest respect.”
provided
Give Kids the World provided
Dr. Ruvolo with Lourdes medical staff and leadership.
Virtua volunteers help create a special time for children battling illness…
In August, 48 Virtua staff members, family, and friends traveled to Kissimmee, Florida for the ninth annual Give Kids The World volunteer trip. These volunteers helped children with a life-threatening / terminal illness enjoy an incredible vacation in Walt Disney World and other Central Florida attractions. Volunteers served meals, assisted with activities, and ensured each child had a tremendous time. Virtua Child Life Manager and Haddonfield, NJ resident Beth Van Buskirk has participated in many of the volunteer trips to Give Kids the World. “The Virtua volunteers have seen first-hand what a difference our team can make,” said Buskirk. “Our goal is to make the trip as special and as memorable as possible for the wish kids and their families. If that means serving them ice cream sundaes for breakfast, so be it! Their jaws drop to the floor!” All Virtua volunteers take vacation time from work and pay for their own trips to Florida. Virtua sponsors a welcome dinner when the volunteers arrive. Buskirk explained that volunteers often “get hooked” on their first trip and become yearly volunteers. Next year’s trip will mark the 10th anniversary of Virtua volunteers making a difference at Give Kids the World. “It’s hard to describe Give Kids the World until you experience it firsthand,” said Buskirk. “But as one parent said to me, ‘it comes down to love.’” For more information, please visit www.virtua.org
PAGE 24
Nov/Dec 2017
Hospital Newspaper - NJ
SPECIALIZING IN CARDIOLOGY, INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GASTROENTEROLOGY
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