November 4, 2021 Gessner Scholarship Now Accepting Applications Page 2 VACCINE MYTH: The Covid-19 Vaccine Isn’t Safe to Get Page 2 3D Printing Assists Shoulder Replacement Page 3 Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations are now available at Excela Health Page 4 Excela Health Looks to Expand Services in Region Page 4 Employee Engagement New Faces
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Volume 4 Issue 20 Breath Of Fresh Air For Longtime Smoker Judy Bowman always enjoyed that cigarette with her cup of coffee, even after her mother died of stage IV lung cancer in 2010. That’s why she repeatedly requested a low-dose CT scan to check her lungs for telltale signs of disease. “The scans showed nothing, so I continued to smoke.” When Bowman returned for another low-dose CT scan earlier this year, the findings were now troubling, and she soon found herself in the office of Excela Health thoracic surgeon Michael Szwerc, MD, director of Excela Health’s Center for Lung and Thoracic Disease. “He told me I had a 2-centimeter mass in one of my lobes. By the time of my robotic surgery, in late April, the tumor had grown. It was stage 1, but it was an aggressive cancer. Dr. Szwerc told me that, by coming in when I did for the low-dose CT scan, I pretty much saved my life.” Read More
Excela Health Announces Creation Of Surgical Institute, Keying On Cancer Care Excela Health continues to raise the bar for quality patient care, with the creation of the Excela Health Surgical Institute, based at Excela Latrobe Hospital, with a focus on cancer care. “This announcement represents yet another major commitment by the System to continue its evolution from a capable, community-based confederation of hospitals to a true System of care,” said John Sphon, Excela Health Chief Executive Officer, “one that can provide tertiary and quaternary care in virtually all specialties of medicine and whose quality and outcomes are on par or exceed those of the finest like programs in the nation.” The entire Surgical Institute project represents a $10 million investment by the health system in both technology and facility upgrades. To support the build-out of the program, the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation (LAHCF) has committed $2 million. Read More
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In the News Excela Unveils $10 Million Robotic Surgical Center with Focus on Cancer October 27
“Excela Health unveiled a new $10 million surgical institute Wednesday with a focus on cancer treatment at the health system’s Latrobe Hospital. Officials said that it will allow residents in the region to receive state-of-the-art robotic surgery and care at the local facility.” Read more. Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary Marks 125 Years of Financial, Volunteer Support October 27
“Excela Health CEO John M. Sphon recently recognized the auxiliary’s 125th anniversary of “giving time, talents and resources to further the growth and vitality of Westmoreland Hospital,” adding, “In the true spirit of their mission, they have been there to offer tangible and heartfelt expressions of support to our caregivers during the pandemic.”” Read more. What's SmartCurve mammography?
Gessner Scholarship Now Accepting Applications The Thomas P. Gessner, MD Healthcare Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by the Latrobe Area Hospital medical staff to honor Dr. Gessner for his 28 years of services to Latrobe Area Hospital. The scholarship is awarded annually to an Excela Health employee currently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education for one of the healthcare professions. Acceptable professions are those requiring education beyond an undergraduate degree. The certifying board of each profession for which students are being trained must accredit the teaching institutions. View the Application on Featured News Here
Meet Raymond Gatzke, MD Dr. Gatzke is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Wright State University in OH. After which, he completed his residency with the Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program at Excela Health in Latrobe, PA. Developing a trusting, professional relationship with your primary care provider is of the utmost importance. At Excela Health, our primary care providers follow the “Patient-Centered Medical Home” model. This means they value care coordination and communication just as you would. Your well-being is at the center of all they do. Dr. Gatzke is now accepting new patients at the Ligonier Family Medicine office. Learn More
October 25
“Dr. Sharon Goldstein, Director of the Excela Health Breast Health Center, discusses screening mammography and SmartCurve technology. Mammograms save lives, schedule yours today: 724-689-0100.” Read more.
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VACCINE MYTH: The Covid-19 Vaccine Isn’t Safe to Get Meet Kirby Thornton, a respiratory therapist and learn why he chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
3D Printing Assists Shoulder Replacement At the Excela Health Orthopedics Institute, shoulder arthroplasty, or shoulder replacement, is customized for each patient to achieve the best possible result. An anatomic shoulder replacement requires removing the damaged, arthritic bone, and adding implants to reconstruct the shoulder. A reverse shoulder replacement uses a similar approach but different implants and is a better solution for patients with certain injuries, particularly those with an arthritic shoulder joint and extensive rotator cuff damage. "Patient specific instrumentation and 3D modeling for total shoulder replacement has made challenging situations with implant placement much more straight forward and reproducible. After surgery, patients have subsequently been able to rehab faster and ultimately achieve higher function. I’m happy to have this available for patients at Excela." Dr. Daniel Leigey. Read More Here
Enhanced Employee Referral Incentive Excela Health is offering an enhanced employee referral incentive for select positions until January 10, 2022. Positions include: Registered Nurse or CNC, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technologist and more. Applicants must be offered and accepted during this timeframe. Candidates can mention your name as a referral either on their online application or during their interview processs. If the candidate is hired and all guidelines/qualifications have been met you will be paid out after the six month mark. Excela Health is hiring for a variety of positions. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and compensation package, tuition reimbursement/loan forgiveness opportunities and a variety of other employee friendly perks.
Lights of Love Remember and Honor the Special People in Your Life with a Lights of Love Light As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are especially grateful for the special people in our lives and the time we spend with them. Remembering loved ones who have passed and honoring those with whom we still share our lives with a Lights of Love light is more important now than ever before. Each light on the outdoor evergreen on the Excela Latrobe Hospital Plaza signifies a family member or friend who holds a special place in someone’s heart. The tree will be illuminated during a virtual Light Up Night program that can be viewed beginning Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. The program and the online Honor Roll Book with names of all donors and the people they remembered and honored will be available until January 8, 2022. Watch both as often as you wish. Click here to learn more and purchase a light. Please call 724-537-1733 or email lahas@excelahealth.org with questions
View the full list of positions and bonuses here.
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Kudos to Diabetes Center “My Mother-in-law, is doing very well with the Libre 2. The monitor helps her to make decisions through the day and evening to stay in the gray target zone. She has taken your advice regarding a protein and carb for breakfast and she has been avoiding the spikes later in the morning. And all with no finger pricks! I really appreciate your instruction with the device. You are truly and educator. Not only do you know the subject, but you make learning possible. You gave her opportunities for hands-on learning, you pulled her close to you and you’re an excellent communicator. I would highly recommend the diabetes center for anyone seeking that kind of help.” Sincerely, An appreciative patient Read more.
Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations are now available at Excela Health The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose primary series, 3 weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). If you have questions about whether to vaccinate your child, please contact your family physician or pediatrician. Pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations will be scheduled on select days/times. Please ‘click here to schedule an appointment for your child. To view the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 Vaccine to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Individuals 5 to 11 Years of Age, click here.
Excela Health Looks to Expand Services in Region Officials at Excela Health confirmed they are pursuing preliminary plans for the development of a 30,000-square-foot outpatient/ambulatory care medical complex in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA. The site under consideration is located at Martin’s Plaza Shopping Center and could include such services as primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, medical specialties including gastroenterology, cardiology and neurology as well as general and bariatric surgery offerings. “We believe these programs and services could provide a strong foundation from which we can provide the residents of Connellsville and beyond sophisticated, high quality, outpatient and ambulatory care in a convenient and attractive setting,” said John Sphon, Excela Health Chief Executive Officer. “They would be complementary to what is currently available in the area, while also providing patients with ready access to the full capabilities of the Excela Health System should their condition or medical need require a higher level of care.” Read More
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Employee Engagement October Employees of the Month Congratulations to the following employees who have demonstrated their commitment to Excela Health’s mission.
Kudos & Recognition
Latrobe Hospital Stephanie Stouffer, Nursing Pool
Kudos to Marketing
Excela Health Medical Group Becky Busani, Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine
“Kudos to whoever came up with this campaign, Brilliant!” In regards to the Mammogram social media campaign.
Home Care & Hospice Leanne Carson, Skilled Nursing Daryann Ullrich, Skilled Nursing
Recognition
Welcome Bags For First Year Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residents The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society recently distributed Welcome Bags to first year students of the Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency. LAHAS members Dorothy Zello and Myra Mamo have been chairing the project since its inception five years ago. Mrs. Zello and Mrs. Mamo solicit and assemble the Welcome Bags which become larger each year. This year, contributions have been received from: Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society, Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation, Excela Health, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, Carmine’s Pizza, Pam Walter, Gingerbread Man Running Company, Greater Latrobe School District, St. Vincent College, Westmoreland Federal Savings, Laurel Valley Graphics, McFeely-Rogers Foundation, Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, Inc., Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Unity Printing and Sherwin-Williams.
November National Home Care & Hospice Month 11/1 to 11/7 Medical-Surgical Nurses Week 11/1 to 11/7 Urology Nurses and Associates Week 11/1 to 11/7 National Association of Medical Staff Services Awareness Week 11/7 to 11/13 Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week 11/7 to 11/13 National Nurse Practitioner Week 11/7 to 11/13 National Radiologic Technology Week 11/8 to 11/12 Forensic Nurse Week 11/14 to 11/20 National Perioperative Nurse Week
Share Your Story Have something that you would like to share with the Excela Insight staff for future editions? Email information to insight@excelahealth.org
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New Faces Frick Hospital
Westmoreland Hospital
Food and Nutrition Services Angelica Baeza, Nutrition Services Specialist Nuclear Medicine Benjamin Vena, Nuclear Medicine Technologist Operating Room Megan Hart, RN Pharmacy Autumn Cochran, Pharmacy Assistant
Advanced Wound Center Sarah Slifka, BSN Emergency Department Gabrielle Rosa, Technical Partner Employee Health Services Christina Monteparte, Medical Assistant Environmental Services Alyssa Grimm, Environmental Services Technician Information Technology Jordan McKee, Desktop Support Technician Intensive Care Unit Skylar Keener, Technical Partner Student MeSun Sutherland, BSN Laboratory Services Savannah Adam, Phlebotomist Thersea Bates, Laboratory Technologist Materials Management Linda Rosenbauer, Supply Chain Associate Operating Room Phillip DiLembo, Surgical Technologist I Rachel Hollis, Surgical Technologist I Patient Transport Zachary Pugliese, Patient Transporter PCU 1D Amelia Burns, Technical Partner Student Rachel Davis, Technical Partner Student James Hanna, Technical Partner PCU 2AB Chad Alcorn, Technical Partner PCU 2D Natalie Moore, Technical Partner Student Perianesthesia Callie Rohrbacher, BSN
Latrobe Hospital 2 East Mya Semelsberger, Technical Partner Student Critical Care Micah Stanko, Technical Partner Nicole Strickler, RN EPIC Inpatient Rehab Natalie Miller, Technical Partner Student Roma Siwakoti, RN Imaging Services Dustin Huffman, PET Technologist Medical Surgical Unit 4S Amanda Pavlik, Technical Partner Nuclear Medicine Scott McHugh, Nuclear Medicine Technologist Nursing Pool Char Schelich, Technical Partner Student
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New Faces
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Excela Health Medical Group
Home Care & Hospice
Diagnostic Associates Beth Neiderhiser, Certified Medical Assistant Family Medicine Delmont Martha Cramer, Patient Services Associate Saltsburg Cynthia Shaffer, Patient Services Associate Neurology Greensburg Chastity Stanczyk, Certified Medical Assistant Obstetrics and Gynecology Greensburg Stacie Cavaliere, Patient Services Associate Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Excela Square at Latrobe Lindsey Katula, Medical Assistant Excela Sqaure at Norwin Amber Harman, Medical Assistant Primary Care Mountain View Brandi Loughner, Office Supervisor Pulmonary Latrobe Hospital Jennifer Dzvonik, Patient Services Associate Wound Care Patrick Roberto, DPM
Home Care Kristin Checca, Home Health Aide Jennifer Keefer, Direct Care Partner Skilled Nursing Ronald Stouffer, BSN