ECHO
July 2017 Vol. 19 Issue 6
STORIES AND NEWS FROM THE HSS FAMILY
HSS Paramus Expansion Provides More Options for Care
Annual Award Dinner Recognizes Individuals for Service to HSS
T
passion for the work they do. This was extremely
P
evident at the 62nd Annual Service Award Dinner
Center officially expanded to include best-in-class
in early June, where 114 members of the HSS family
rehabilitative treatment for patients in addition to
were honored for their lasting contributions to the
the services already offered.
Hospital. Six employees reached 40 years of service,
The 4,522 square-foot expansion, which took
he HSS family is made up of individuals who are committed to the mission and purpose of our organization and have pride and
roviding patients with more options for quality care closer to home is a priority at HSS, which is why we opened the HSS
Paramus Outpatient Center in 2014. On June 26, the
27 employees reached 25 years of service and
about one year to complete, features three private
81 employes reached 15 years of service.
treatment rooms, three individual treatment bays
“Each year, I continue to be amazed by how many
and state-of-the-art rehab equipment, including
members of the HSS family have dedicated so much
stationary bikes, Nu Step, Normatec compression,
of their time, and their careers, to supporting the
Game Ready ice machine and hand treatment
mission of our organization,” said Lou Shapiro,
specific equipment including material for custom
President and CEO. “These individuals are the true embodiment of the spirit of HSS and our culture of
splinting. Five physical and occupational therapists A special award presentation also took place on the
are located onsite to provide specialized care
excellence, passion, integrity and teamwork.”
day of the event at the FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital
for patients. Patients have direct access to
More than 300 past and present HSS employees
in Ghana where several HSS family members were
make an appointment with a therapist without
attended the dinner, which took place at the Grand
participating in a service trip. Lucia Fabrizio, Nurse
a physician prescription.
Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan. Bruce Slawitsky, Senior
Practitioner, was presented with an award for her
Vice President, Human Resources and Service
15 years of service to HSS by Service Award Club
Excellence, opened the event with a welcome, followed
members Ron Perez, Vice President of Perioperative
by congratulations from Lou and Todd Albert, MD,
Services; Marcia Julius, Senior Patient Care Assistant;
Surgeon-in-Chief. C. Ronald MacKenzie, MD,
Wing-Yee (Mazza) Chin-Ng, CN II; and Glenn
Attending Physician, then delivered the invocation.
Garrison, Director of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
At the event, Pam Katkin, PA-C, Administrative
“Congratulations to all of the new inductees,”
Director, Physician Assistant Department, was
said Barbara. “It was both my pleasure and honor
announced as the new president of the Service
to have been president of such an institutionally
Award Club. Founded in 1955, the club recognizes
important club.”
the long and faithful services of those who have had
Added Pam, “It was an amazing celebration of
an affiliation with HSS. Pam took over from former
dedicated employees who should all be proud
president Barbara Wukovits, Director, Pain Services,
of the work they have done and the difference
The Rehab team at HSS Paramus includes Gwen Weinstock-Zlotnick, OT, PhD, CHT; Curtis Wu, PT, DPT, CSCS; Katrin Ramsey, PT, DSc, CLT; Scott Silvering, PT, OCS; and Aviva Wolff, EdD, OT, CHT.
Anesthesia Staff.
they have made in the lives of our patients!”
“We are continually surveying patient needs in
Pam addressed the crowd at the event, thanking
A special thank you to all Service Award Club
the communities we serve and have found that
the other members of the Service Award Club and
Committee members and to Liliana De Jesus
the demand for high quality rehabilitative care is
congratulating the newest additions. Following, the
and Bruce Slawitsky for making this event such
significantly increasing,” said JeMe Cioppa-Mosca,
40, 25 and 15 year awards were presented.
a success.
Senior Vice President, Rehabilitation. “It’s also a convenience for New Jersey residents who are treated at HSS in Manhattan for surgery, but would prefer to access the same world-class rehabilitation closer to home.”
CONTINUED on page 2
Inside
5 6
Epic Experts HSS at FOCOS Hospital
HSS Paramus Expansion
Dr. Thomas P. Sculco Honored at Annual Tribute Dinner
CONTINUED FROM COVER The now 11,812 square-foot HSS Paramus Outpatient
I
n early June, HSS held its 34th Annual Tribute
Dinner at the American Museum of Natural
History. The gala raised more than $3.7 million
Center offers a full suite of services, including medical
that will help enable HSS to continue to provide the
diagnosis, radiology and imaging services, pre- and
highest level of expert and compassionate care for
post-operative care, and non-surgical injury manage-
our patients.
ment. Fourteen HSS physicians are available to see patients, and specialties include orthopedic foot and ankle, pain management, pediatric orthopedic surgery and scoliosis, spine, neurology, sports medicine and rheumatology. Since 2014, the Center has had meaningful growth with nearly 11,000 outpatient visits.
The event was co-chaired by Board of Trustees Members Kathy Leventhal and Ellen Wright and was hosted by Maria Bartiromo, Anchor and Global Markets Editor at Fox Business News. Additionally, Board of Trustees Members Alan MacDonald and Kathryn Chenault served as dinner vice chairs and
Thomas Sculco, MD; Peter Sculco, MD; and Todd Albert, MD
“We are proud of the diverse offerings available
Patsy Warner as honorary chair, along with Mario J.
at HSS Paramus, where we are able to provide
Gabelli, Chief Investment Officer of Gabelli Funds,
“For four decades, Dr. Sculco has demonstrated
our patients with comprehensive musculoskeletal
who served as the 2017 underwriter.
a relentless commitment to advancing the field
Following a cocktail reception in the museum’s
of orthopedics and has played an important role in
Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, the nearly 900 guests
positioning HSS as the world’s leader in unmatched
care, including advanced services in orthopedics, rheumatology, radiology and physical therapy” said Anil Ranawat, MD, Associate Attending Orthopedic Surgeon and Medical Director at HSS Paramus. “Patients stand at the foundation of our organization, and expanding HSS Paramus is just one of many ways that we are taking our personalized and best-in-class care to the next level.”
in attendance made their way to the Milstein Family
musculoskeletal care,” said Lou Shapiro, President
Hall of Ocean Life for the main reception where
and CEO. “His efforts to improve the success and
Thomas P. Sculco, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus,
longevity of implants are benefitting patients around
was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
the world.”
After a touching video highlighting Dr. Sculco’s
Added Todd Albert, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief,
life and achievements, his son Peter Sculco, MD,
“Dr. Sculco is a pioneer of less invasive surgical
Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, introduced
techniques, including the design of instruments.
his father and presented him with the award. The
He has dedicated his career to providing superior
crowd, including his wife and daughter, members
patient outcomes in hip and knee replacement and
of his office staff and colleagues who have worked
we are honored to call him one of our own.”
with him over the years, erupted in a standing ovation.
Congratulations to Dr. Sculco on this well-deserved
Dr. Sculco then addressed the audience, thanking
honor, and thank you to all HSS family members who
those who have contributed to his success.
helped make the event a success!
Event chairs Kathy Leventhal and Ellen Wright
Thomas Sculco, MD, with host Maria Bartiromo and Mario J. Gabelli
Lou Shapiro with former NFL coach Bill Cowher
The gala was held in the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History.
Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
Access “Making Rounds” at www.hssmakingrounds.com to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments. – Lou Shapiro • United We Stand • Honoring Our Founding Fathers • HSS Impact Reaching Others • Possible and ‘Get To’ • Celebrating HSS
2
HSS Serves as First-ever Official Hospital of UFC
A
t HSS, we care for athletes at all levels, from
Bryan Kelly, MD, Chief of the Sports Medicine
youth sports leagues all the way to profes-
and Shoulder Service, will serve as UFC’s Head
sionals. Athletes who need the highest level
Consulting Orthopedic Surgeon. He will lead
Dr. Wilson Honored by Kent School in CT
E
arlier this year, Philip D. Wilson Jr., MD,
who served as HSS Surgeon-in-Chief from
1972 to 1989, was inducted posthumously
of care come to the best of the best, which is why
a team of HSS orthopedic physicians, including
into the Reverend Frederick H. Sill, O.H.C. Society at
we serve as the official hospital for some of the most
Daphne Scott, MD; Andrew Pearle, MD; Mark
Kent School in Kent, CT. The Sill Society, which was
demanding professional teams, leagues and organiza-
Drakos, MD; Gregory DiFelice, MD; Osric King, MD;
established in 2006 in recognition of Kent School’s
tions across the country. Recently, we added UFC, the
and Robert Marx, MD, MSc, FRCSC, who will serve
founder, recognizes former Kent students whose
premier mixed martial arts organization, to that list.
as UFC orthopedic consultants and will be on call
personal achievements have brought honor and
Earlier this year, it was announced that UFC, an
during UFC events.
distinction to themselves and to Kent. Since 2006,
organization with massive and growing popularity
“Injuries are an inherent byproduct of playing sports,
the Sill Society has recognized individuals who
worldwide, selected HSS to serve as their first-ever
especially at the elite and professional levels,” said
have contributed in many different fields, including
official hospital. The new multi-year partnership
Dr. Kelly. “HSS has helped thousands of athletes get
medicine, government, journalism and the arts.
provides UFC with access to HSS sports medicine
back in the game and offers unmatched orthopedic
According to Denny Mantegani, Director of Alumni
physicians, who will serve as orthopedic consultants
care. We look forward to working with the UFC to
Giving at Kent School, Dr. Wilson, who graduated from
in conjunction with the brand’s medical team.
keep players healthy and safe.”
Kent in 1938, was selected for induction into the Sill
“Our purpose is to help people get back to what
In addition to providing care to UFC athletes, HSS is
Society in recognition of his many contributions to the
they need and love to do, better than any other place
also assisting UFC in the recruitment and placement
field of orthopedic surgery, including his introduction
in the world,” said Lou Shapiro, President and CEO.
of physical therapists who will be onsite at the brand
of the total hip replacement to HSS. His vision and
“We are privileged to now support UFC as we do other
new HSS Sports Rehabilitation Center at the UFC
leadership helped the Hospital to become the innovative
high performing athletic organizations, including the
Performance Institute in Las Vegas. The 30,000
center of modern orthopedic surgery that it is today.
Brooklyn Nets, New York Giants, New York Knicks,
square-foot state-of-the-art facility provides world-
Charles N. Cornell, MD, Attending Orthopedic
New York Mets, New York Red Bulls, New York
class benefits and services to all athletes competing
Surgeon, wrote a letter of recommendation to Kent
Road Runners and many others.”
under the UFC banner.
School on Dr. Wilson’s behalf. “Consistently dedicated patient care was his mantra and practice. Those of us lucky enough to be in his shadow had the opportunity to observe the benefit of his approach. Our gratitude is infinite. He gave more than we should have expected. The HSS he built has become that light shining upon the hill.” Added Mary Birnbaum, who worked as Dr. Wilson’s administrative assistant for more than six decades, “Dr. Wilson realized the need for research in orthopedics and helped establish the leading facility for orthopedic research in the United States. He brought Hospital for Special Surgery to the forefront of orthopedics and led the Hospital to become the leading institution of
The brand new HSS Sports Rehabilitation Center at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas opened earlier this year.
its kind in the world.”
Case Management Unit Recognized for Patient Care
T
he Case Management Department strives
process with patients and always do their best to
works independently, they are a cohesive unit and
to ensure the highest quality patient services
make them feel calm and comfortable. They make
have consistent messaging with their patients.
through careful planning and coordination,
their care personalized, taking time to speak to all
Congratulations to the team, and thank you to
utilizing appropriate resources to maximize patient
patients and answer any questions they might have,
the entire Case Management Department for your
recovery and foster a sense of wellbeing. Recently,
no matter how long it takes. While the team mainly
dedication to excellent patient care!
The 7th Floor Case Management Unit includes Julie Filippini, RN; Melissa DeAngelis, RN; Joanna Wealcatch LCSW; Elizabeth Kautz, RN; and Jenny Sanchez, RN.
The 6th Floor Case Management Unit was also recognized for having the most improved Press Ganey scores in 2016. The team includes Anne Catherine Hundhausen, RN; Lauren Petrillo, RN; Jennie Spector, LCSW; and Maureen Griffin, RN.
the 7th Floor Case Management Unit was recognized for their outstanding approach to patient satisfaction, having scored the highest of all units on the 2016 Press Ganey survey. The team was celebrated during a Case Management staff meeting, where they were presented with an award. “The 7th Floor Case Management team is committed to delivering the highest level of care, and their patients value their commitment,” said Susan Hansen, BSN, MA,CCM, Nurse Manager. Team members include Melissa DeAngelis, RN; Julie Filippini, RN; Elizabeth Kautz, RN; Jenny Sanchez, RN; and Joanna Wealcatch, LCSW. When asked what led to their high scores, unit members replied that they have a strong communication
3
HSS and New York Road Runners Expand Partnership
H
SS has partnered with New York Road Runners (NYRR) since 2009 to help athletes hit the ground running as they
Walking for a Cure
I
n late May, HSS once again served as the local
“Leading this wonderful event for the last 10 years
presenting sponsor for the Arthritis Foundation’s
has amazed me!” said Paola Monzon, Administrative
annual Walk to Cure Arthritis, an initiative that
Manager, Radiology & Imaging, who organizes the
raises awareness and funds for arthritis research.
event for HSS. “The amount of support and donations
Together, more than 200 members of Team HSS –
we get from HSS and its employees makes this
employees, patients, friends and family members –
cause a successful one. It’s wonderful to know
participated in the event, which took place at Foley
that we strive to find a cure through our research
Square Park in Manhattan.
and knowledge.”
partnership nearly doubled in size to include even
Before the walk, Jillian Rose, LCSW, MPH, Assistant
A special thank you to all team captains, volunteers
more support for runners throughout New York City.
Director, Social Work Programs, spoke to the crowd
and everyone who donated!
prepare for various races throughout the running season. Earlier this year, we announced that our
about the physical and emotional challenges of living with arthritis. In addition, Steve Weatherford, fitness expert and former NFL player, along with HSS Physical Therapists Danielle Edwards and Marlena Albanese, led participants in a stretch and pre-walk warmup. To date, Team HSS has raised more than $70,000 for the cause through donations and cupcake sales held in the main Hospital. We are continuing to raise money with additional cupcake sales through the end of July. Members of Team HSS pose in front of the HSS Recovery Zone at the Queens 10K, which took place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on June 17.
Beginning in the 2017 race season, HSS is now serving as the Official Hospital of the entire NYRR Five-Borough Series, which includes the United Airlines NYC Half, the Airbnb Brooklyn Half, the NYRR Queens 10K, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile and the NYRR Staten Island Half. This race series, which leads up to the New York City Marathon, is a celebration of each unique NYC borough. HSS rehabilitation experts will be onsite at each event in our Recovery Zone to help runners stretch and address any injuries after the races. In addition, HSS experts will host classes at the NYRR RUNCENTER, a new community running center that serves as a meeting place for all members of the running community to come together to improve their health, fitness and overall wellbeing. These free classes include foam rolling, strength training and nutrition. To further educate runners, HSS is teaming up with NYRR to host a Facebook Live chat once a month, as well as an “Ask the Experts” blog post on the NYRR blog. HSS sports medicine physicians also began working on a research study in partnership with NYRR to address healthy marathon training and injury prevention.
Compliance Helpline Reminder
“We are excited to partner with NYRR on all of these opportunities,” said Emil Calcano, AVP, Global Sports Marketing and Business Development. “They allow runners to get expert advice from members of the HSS rehabilitation and performance team, as well as sports medicine and primary care physicians, to ensure that they are as safe and healthy as possible while running this race season.”
The Compliance Helpline is a service for employees who wish to anonymously or confidentially report suspected violations of the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Code of Conduct, officially stated policies or relevant public laws and regulations. This includes concerns about patient safety. The Helpline does not replace other resources available to you, including supervisors, managers and Human Resources staff, but it is an alternative channel available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is operated on our behalf by National Helpline Services, Inc., an independent firm. The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234. All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcement authorities. Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employee who reports a compliance issue in good faith. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly at x2398.
4
Epic Experts Enhance EHR Communications and Support
A
of Epic in May. They helped test changes to the
More than 275 members of the HSS family
to stay connected and receive the support they
system, generated awareness of the upcoming
have benefitted from being involved in the Epic
need regardless of their work location. The Epic
changes with colleagues and participated in system
Expert program, which continues to offer a unique
Expert program provides an interconnected link
demonstrations of the new functionality to increase
opportunity for knowledge sharing, learning and
of internal expertise across the Hospital and our
their understanding so they could reinforce the
professional growth. Epic Experts will continue to
regional locations that is essential for ongoing
changes in their respective areas.
play an integral role in helping colleagues learn
communication and support of our Epic electronic
“The IT Training team, under the leadership of
how to best use the EHR and stay engaged as we
health record (EHR).
Jonathan Mason, has done an extraordinary job
continue to make the system work better for HSS.
“As an extension of the IT training team, Epic
developing and implementing the program,” said
If you are interested in learning more about the
Experts provide an important communications
Karen Cohen, Assistant Vice President, Information
opportunity to become an Epic Expert, please ask
channel across the organization, enabling a strong
Technology. “Likewise, departmental leadership has
your manager to contact Jonathan Mason at
connection between operations and IT,” said
made the program a priority, allocating time for staff
MasonJo@HSS.edu for details.
s our organization continues to grow,
Most recently, Epic Experts played an instrumental
within their departments to stay actively engaged,
it is becoming increasingly important
role in the successful upgrade to the 2017 version
which has contributed to its overall success.”
to enable better ways for the HSS family
Jonathan Mason, IT Training Manager. As part of their role, Epic Experts attend monthly meetings facilitated by IT instructional designers where they share feedback gathered from colleagues and learn about upcoming system changes. They then provide updates to colleagues on different Epic initiatives and projects, enabling efficient bidirectional communication. With their advanced knowledge of system capabilities and understanding of how the system is used, Epic Experts are an invaluable liaison between operations and IT to help drive continuous improvement to the EHR. Epic Experts also assist colleagues with “how do I?” questions and can be easily identified by the “Epic Expert” designation on their employee ID badges. “Answering questions on the spot without having to reach out to an instructional designer, analyst or the Help Desk can be a huge time-saver and satisfier,” said Martha Danielak, PT, DPT, IT Instructional Designer.
Epic Experts in the Rehab Department have seen the many benefits the program has provided to the HSS family.
Epic Expert Spotlight: HSS Rehabilitation The HSS Rehabilitation Department represents a great example of how the Epic Expert Program has benefitted the HSS family across multiple locations. We invited several Rehab colleagues to share their experience with the program below. “Being an Epic Expert has given me exposure to a different aspect of HSS that is not directly related to patient care, but has a large impact on the patient experience. I have gained a greater appreciation of the work that takes place to implement and maintain an EHR system so that clinicians can maximize their time focused on direct patient care.” – Curtis Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, Advanced Clinician, HSS Rehabilitation Paramus “I have fostered new working relationships with individuals I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to work with. I like being involved in the development process and helping my colleagues interact with the system.” – Andrea Tychanski Papson, PT, DPT, SCS, CMPT, ATC, CSCS, Advanced Clinician, Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center “Epic Experts were on hand during the upgrade to preview changes and anticipate any issues we thought may occur. Making ourselves familiar with the modifications eased the transition for staff knowing that they had Epic Experts to reach out to if a question did arise.” – Alayna Mallon, Billing Supervisor, Rehabilitation “Being informed about the updates and partaking in the meetings has allowed me to advocate for colleagues in my area who are not as involved to ensure they have the most optimal system to utilize in their clinical practice.” – Jason Mayerhofer, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS, SFMA, USATF-1, Clinical Supervisor, HSS Onsite Physical Therapy at American Express “As an Epic Expert, I make sure my team and colleagues have someone by their side they know will be able to help them when needed.” – Angelo Toro, Rehabilitation Mobility Technician Coordinator, Acute Care Rehabilitation “I like getting a glimpse of what's to come and taking feedback from my colleagues to try to better tailor Epic to our specific way of doing things in Sports Rehab.” – Robyn Browne, Patient Access III, Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center “Becoming an Epic Expert has helped me further develop my leadership skills and the ways in which I offer support and encouragement to colleagues. Having this additional experience was helpful as I transitioned into my role as manager of the Orthopedic Physical Therapy Center at HSS.” – Erica Fritz, DPT, OCS, SFMA, Manager, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Center
5
Back in the Game
H
SS’ online patient forum – Back in the Game – now has more than 1,700 patient stories! The postings share how HSS helped patients get
“back in the game.” Every month we will include one of the stories that highlights the extraordinary care
HSS Family Members Bring Best Practices to Ghana
I
n June, nine members of the HSS family traveled
to the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS) Hospital in Accra, Ghana to help
bring HSS care across the world. Founded by
members of the HSS family provide.
Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, MD, Chief Emeritus of the
Read how HSS
HSS Scoliosis Service, the FOCOS Hospital provides
helped Alice of
comprehensive, affordable orthopedic and spine
New York, NY get
care to underserved communities in Ghana and
back in the game.
throughout West Africa.
I was diagnosed
HSS clinicians and researchers have been traveling
with reflex sympa-
to FOCOS Hospital independently since April 2012
thetic dystrophy
and as part of the Hospital for Special Surgery/
Charles Fisher, Keesha Holmes, Lucia Fabrizio, Mina Tieku, Glenn Garrison, Ron Perez, Jason Mayerhofer, Marcia Julius and Mazza Chin-Ng pose for a photo outside FOCOS Hospital in Ghana.
/complex regional
FOCOS Hospital Humanitarian Affiliation since July
pain syndrome
2014. Unlike past trips where HSS family members
join their respective departments. Each HSS family
(RSD/CRPS)
provided clinical care to FOCOS patients, this trip
member worked with FOCOS staff to observe and
after ankle surgery
focused solely on advising, mentoring and sharing
make recommendations based off of best practices
(not at HSS). Unable to stand or walk for longer
best practices with FOCOS staff. FOCOS committee
that have been successful at HSS. For example, in
than five minutes, I was suffering on many levels.
members Ron Perez, Vice President of Perioperative
the outpatient department, HSS team members
I could not put on shoes or socks. The pain was
Services; Glenn Garrison, Director of Prosthetics
helped improve patient flow and intake; in the OR,
excruciating, a 9 out of 10. From the research I did,
and Orthotics; Lucia Fabrizio, Nurse Practitioner;
orientation materials were reviewed for efficiency;
I wasn’t optimistic that I would ever have relief.
and Charles Fisher, Assistant Vice President of
and in central sterile, best practices were imple-
People are debilitated by this disease.
Rehabilitation Medicine, participated in the trip
mented to raise quality to an even higher level. The
My painful blue foot and I were fortunate to find
along with Wing-Yee (Mazza) Chin-Ng, CN II;
HSS team not only shared their best practices, but
Dr. Gungor! I was given an appointment right away.
Keesha Holmes, Patient Care Director; Marcia
also learned from best practices and ideas of the
He immediately knew what would be most effective
Julius, Senior Patient Care Assistant; Jason
FOCOS team members.
and took the time to explain all the details. After
Mayerhofer, Clinical Supervisor, PT, American
“FOCOS staff was happy that they were able to
some diagnostic testing I underwent six lumbar
Express; and Wihemina (Mina) Tieku, CST II,
speak up and their ideas were heard and validated,”
sympathetic blocks with Dr. Gungor.
Central Sterile Supply.
said Lucia. “They really saw us as great partners, and
I cannot say enough about the superb team. From
When the team arrived they took a day trip with
I have already heard from some of the FOCOS nurses
my first encounter with office staff to the nurses,
Ghanaian locals where they learned about the culture,
that they are implementing our best practices.”
technicians and of course Dr. Gungor I felt like I was
history and socioeconomic state of the country. This
The FOCOS staff appreciated all that the HSS team
the only patient in the hospital!
helped them to put what they were doing into context
did for them on the trip. HSS and FOCOS Hospital
and also provided a great bonding experience.
both look forward to keeping the partnership in place
“The cultural trip helped build camaraderie among
and continuing our relationship in the future.
daughter. Dr. Gungor gave me my life back.
our team” said Glenn. “During our time in Ghana, I met
“It’s all about giving, and every member of our
To others suffering with RSD/CRPS, please know
people from HSS I didn’t know and we got to interact
team has that common drive to give back,” said
you can conquer this. I am eternally grateful to
and build special relationships with each other. The
Ron. “What they do at FOCOS is remarkable by any
Dr. Gungor and HSS.
enthusiasm of our team was infectious, especially
standards, but especially because of where they are
The result is I am in almost complete remission. I am able to walk, work and take care of my
from those who had not been to Ghana before. That
located. We are honored to be a part of that.”
really brought the best out of us as a team.”
For more information on FOCOS, go to
Following the cultural trip, the team participated in
http://intranet.hss.edu/committees/FOCOS
orientation at FOCOS Hospital and then went on to
or email focos@hss.edu.
Employee of the Month June 2017, Martha Danielak Congratulations to Martha, Employee of the Month for June! Martha is an IT Instructional Designer who has been a member of the HSS family since 2006. Martha is a leader in her department who truly raises the bar for the entire team. Martha’s work ethic is second to none. She routinely turns out top level work in every aspect of her job. Whenever a question or problem arises, Martha dives deep into understanding the cause in order to find the best and most efficient solution. Whether she is leading a training session for new employees, responding to an Epic-related issue or creating training materials to enhance an Epic user’s experience, Martha gives her all to the project. She embodies the passion and dedication that HSS was built upon and demonstrates it every day both in her work, as well as her interactions with colleagues.
6
Team HSS Participates in Annual Corporate Challenge
I
n early June, nearly 600 members of Team
Susan Cardamone, Director, Anesthesiology,
Ann Bienstock, Nurse Practitioner, Occupational
HSS participated in the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan
served as team captain and organized the event
Health; and Annie LoBasso, Vice President,
Corporate Challenge in Central Park. The 3.5
for HSS. A special thank you to race night volunteers
Inpatient Operations, as well as Department of
mile race series, which takes place in cities across
Elvi Taveras, Administrative Coordinator, Anesthesi-
Anesthesiology office staff for all of their hard work
the country, celebrates teamwork, camaraderie
ology; Lisa Rivera, Staff Secretary, Anesthesiology;
behind the scenes!
and community.
Team HSS posed for a photo in the Belaire Courtyard before the race.
Employee Safety Zone If you see something, report it! In November 2009, HSS implemented its first online occurrence reporting system to help identify potential or actual risks that may result in an injury to a patient or HSS family member. The HSS Occurrence Reporting System is available to all employees and can be accessed through a link in the Tools section on the HSS intranet. All you need is your network ID and password to log in. Once in the system, you can report employee, patient, environmental, system and even visitor events. In 2016, 2,891 total occurrences were reported; 522 of those were employee incidents. We encourage the reporting of occurrences and even potential hazards because the more we know, the more we can fix! You have the option to submit a report anonymously, but please be aware that NO punitive action will come from a report. This information is of great value to all of HSS to help us identify a potential problem that may concern more than just you. A lot of positive changes have been made because of reported employee events. For example, following an increase in employee slips and falls due to wet floors, we installed pop-up ‘Wet Floor’ signs around the Hospital to help increase awareness. Over the years, data has shown that a top injury is a strain due to both patient and equipment handling. Because of this, we recognized the need for a Body Mechanics Program, which is now our most successful program for employee safety to date. Here’s what you need to know: • If you sustain a work related injury OR if you observe a hazardous condition, please report it in the system within 24 hours AND inform your manager/ supervisor immediately. • Do not work if injured! • It is important to note that this injury may not be a result of a specific event, as many work related injuries are caused by repetitive, seemingly benign movements or even something as simple as a poorly designed office setup. • If for some reason you are unable to enter the report yourself, your manager/supervisor or a colleague can enter it on your behalf. There is also a kiosk in Occupational Health where you can fill out a report. Once the report is submitted, an email alert is sent out to your manager/supervisor, Risk Management, Occupational Health and the Body Mechanics Team. At this point, the investigation begins. Your manager will review the incident with you to make sure that you are ok. If there were environmental factors involved in the incident, changes may be needed to prevent additional injuries in the future. A few things to note: • If you report a strain or sprain, we will set you up with a 1:1 appointment with a physical therapist to review the incident and recommend ways to prevent future injury. This 1:1 will also serve to give you an idea of what services may be useful for you to seek out if you are in pain. • For environmental incidents, we work with a number of departments including Engineering, Environmental Services and Security to help fix the issue. An increase in reporting of incidents AND good catches represents a healthy culture of safety! If you have any questions about the Occurrence Reporting System or the Body Mechanics Program please email us at EmployeeSafety@HSS.edu.
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Milestones Case Management • Tanisha Rowe, MA, Special Projects and Systems Coordinator in the Case Management Department, graduated in May 2017 from CUNY School of Professional Studies with a Master’s Degree of
“Pre-Operative Physical Therapy Education Improves Post-Operative Function and Satisfac-
Aviva Wolff, EdD, OT, CHT; and Wen-Yau Jennie
tion Post Total Joint Arthroplasty” for the EFFORT
Yen, PT, DPT, CHT, CLT.
Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria.
• Theresa Chiaia, PT, DPT, presented at the live
• The HSS Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis
Arts with a concentration in Health Care Policy
Laboratory team was well represented at the
and Administration.
Gait & Clinical Movement Analysis Society Annual
Rehabilitation • The Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Lab was
Meeting. Sherry I. Backus, PT, DPT, MA, was co-director of a pre-conference workshop and session moderator. Howard Hillstrom, PhD, was
accredited by the Commission for Motion Labora-
a session moderator. Aviva L. Wolff, EdD, OT, CHT,
tory Accreditation (CMLA), making it only one of
served as chairperson of the Awards Committee.
11 accredited laboratories in the United States.
Lisa Drefus, PT, DPT, Cert. Schroth Scoliosis
• Robert Turner, PT, DPT, OCS, MS, OM, PMA®-
Therapist; Siobhan Clarke, PT, DPT, PCS;
CPT, earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Karen M. Resnik, PT, DPT, PCS, CKTP; Jayme
from Arcadia University.
Burket-Koltsov, PhD; Emily R. Dodwell, BSc, MD,
• Alayna Mallon, MBA, earned her Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University. • William Behrns, PT, DPT, OCS, coauthored an
Gwen Weinstock-Zlotnick, PhD, OTR/L, CHT;
streaming webinar Patellofemoral Instability: How and When to Fix it and How to Avoid Complications. • The seventh annual PSAL Football Combine was held at the James M. Benson Sports Rehabilitation Center and Tisch Sports Performance Center. 122 players from 16 schools were tested for the coming season. The HSS team covering the event included John Cavanaugh, PT, MEd, ATC, SCS; Frances Baratta-Ziska, PT, DPT, MS, PCS, C/NDT; Robyn Browne, Managed Care Liaison; Theresa Chiaia, PT, DPT; Michelle Cilenti, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, USATF-L1; Polly de Mille, RN, MA, RCEP, CSCS,
MPH; David M. Scher, MD; and Leon Root, MD,
USAT; Marivic Faustino, Managed Care Liaison;
coauthored a poster presentation.
Ioonna Felix, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS; Aimee Fong,
• Julia Doty, OTR/L, CHT, and Alexandra
Rehab Tech; Joel Guzman, ATC; Jessica Hettler,
article on “On-Ice Return-to-Hockey Progression
MacKenzie, OTR/L, CHT, co-chaired The
PT, DPT, ATC, OCS, SCS, Cert. MDT; Jamie Lamb,
After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction”
Traumatic Elbow, the first HSS Rehabilitation
PT, DPT, PMA®-CPT; Michael Levinson, PT, SCS,
in Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
AOTA approved course. HSS faculty included:
CSCS; Justin Maher, SPT; Courtney McKenzie,
Emily Altman, PT, DPT, CHT, OCS, CLT; John
Rehab Tech; Joseph T. Molony, Jr., PT, MS, SCS,
Indalecio, OTR/L, CHT, MS; Nick Maroldi, PT,
CSCS; Robert Sokol, Rehab Tech; Andrea
• Rupali Soeters, PT, MEd, PhD; Peter White; Jayme Burket; Mary Murray-Weir, PT, MBA; Michael M. Alexiades, MD; and Amar S. Ranawat, MD, coauthored a presentation on
DPT, SFMA; Eugenia Papadopoulos, OTD,
Tychanski, PT, DPT, ATC, SCS, CMPT, ART,
OTR/L, CHT; Emily C. Sloane, OTR/L, CHT;
CSCS; and Pawel Wawrzyniak, PT, DPT, SCS.
Welcome
Picture This
Chris A. Adjei, Robert Alvarado, Christian Annunziata, John M. Apostolakos, Sandra Baez, Lauren A. Barber, Ibrahima Barry, Hoshane L. Brown, Christopher M. Brusalis, Joy Buechler, Julio Cabanillas, Ashleigh L. Clark, Stephanie Clavijo, Paul E. Coyne, Stephen M. Dillard, Jessica A. Dolan, Daniel A. Driscoll, Bridget Ellsworth, Jerry P. Felisme, Casey L. Forman, Michael Friedman, Emma K. Furlone, Marissa A. Gavilan, Reuven Gelfarb, Radha Gosalia, Benjamin J. Hardy, Jackson Jacob, Rishabh Jethanandani, Mark Langhans, Christina J. Lepore, Serena Lian, Abigail G. Maguire, Natalie P. Marks, Sarah E. McCord, Diane C. McEniry, Mary E. McMahon, Stephanie Medina, Lauren Mixon, Rachelle Morgenstern, Kirstin Morrison, Kyle Morse, Melissa H. Murray, Kathleen L. Nelson, Kelley M. O’Leary, Caitlin L. Penny, Ambar Picon, Mark Joseph J. Platon, Seda A. Port, Ruta Pranaityte, Roger Ramjit, Katrin L. Ramsey, Naomi L. Roselaar, Lori Ruane, Jonathan M. Schachne, Nicolas A. Selemon, Mahdi Shabazz, Tony S. Shen, Carlos Soto, Niloofar S. Steele, Rebecca B. Tonnessen, Idelle Vaynberg, Luz S. Velez, Ethan Williams, Joshua Wright-Chisem, Olivia Wuest, Anna Yusov
Joint Commission Reporting Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing safe, quality care to all of its patients. In the event you have a concern regarding the safety or quality of care provided by the Hospital or the Laboratory, you may report these concerns to the Joint Commission. Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report. In addition, the Joint Commission has stated that your name will be treated as confidential information, and will not be shared with any other party. You may file your report in the following ways: 1. By email:
complaint@jointcommission.org
2. By fax:
Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636
3. By mail:
Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.
8
Earlier this year, HSS hosted Dr. Christos Vottis and Dr. Dimitrios Papadopoulos, surgeons visiting from Greece as part of the HSS Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academic Visitor Program. The surgeons, who are pictured here with Roula Siklas, Program Officer, and Vasili Tsamis, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, observed surgical and clinical care at HSS and were exposed to best practices and the HSS culture of excellence. On April 25, at the conclusion of the program, they celebrated at a luncheon hosted by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Editor:
Marisa DeFilipps
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky, John Englehart
Next Issue:
August 2017 echo@hss.edu