ECHO
December 2017 Vol. 19 Issue 11
STORIES AND NEWS FROM THE HSS FAMILY
HSS Recognizes High School Student for Having the “Heart of a Giant”
S
abastian Quinn might only be in high
I
school, but he has already faced enough
hardship to last a lifetime. Diagnosed with
Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, at a young age, Sabastian
and adoption. Less than 5 percent of hospitals
twice. Despite this, he has remained positive,
in the US and less than 1 percent of hospitals
focused and hardworking, and continues to serve
worldwide are awarded Stage 7. In fact, HSS
as an inspiration to his family members, friends,
is now one of only seven hospitals in all of
teachers and teammates on the Mendham High
New York to have received the designation.
School football team. Jason Pierre-Paul, Sabastian Quinn, Mendham head football coach Brett Ressler and Dr. Samuel Taylor at the award ceremony
Football Heart of a Giant award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York
Sabastian was honored at a surprise celebration
Giants. The award recognizes a tri-state area
at Mendham High School on December 12, where
high school football player who demonstrates
he was presented with the award and a $5,000
unparalleled work ethic and a passion for the
grant for his school’s football program. He was
game with characteristics like commitment,
also honored on the field during the New York
character, teamwork, dedication and will.
Giants game on December 17.
Local high school football coaches were given
During the award ceremony, Samuel Taylor, MD,
the opportunity to nominate a player from their
Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon and
team who best embodies what it means to have
Associate Team Physician for the New York Giants,
the “Heart of a Giant.” Six finalists were then
spoke to those in attendance about the Heart of
selected and asked to submit a video showing why
a Giant program and its importance to HSS, as well
they should be named the winner. Sabastian’s entry
as why Sabastian was such a deserving winner.
was chosen because it demonstrated his passion
“When Sabastian Quinn was faced with a life-altering
and drive and showcased how he motivates those
diagnosis of cancer, he found himself stepping to a
around him to become better and to persevere.
new line of scrimmage, against an intimidating and
“Football helped me through the fight because
strong opponent,” he said. “Never to be told no,
it really just helped me hold onto something,” said
he battled and overcame his disease supported by
Sabastian in his entry video. “It gave me something
family and friends, and along the way inspired his
to fight for because I knew in the end I was going to
teammates and community.”
do something and I wasn’t just going to be sitting at
Dr. Taylor then introduced a surprise guest,
home after all this was over. I was going to be out
New York Giants player and Heart of a Giant
and kind of like just any normal kid.”
Ambassador Jason Pierre-Paul, to present the trophy to Sabastian. He spoke about Sabastian’s
“
will to fight and defy the odds, as well as his own experience with overcoming adversity.
When Sabastian Quinn was
faced with a life-altering diagnosis
Finally, Sabastian addressed the crowd, thanking HSS, the Giants and USA Football for honoring him with the award. He was cheered on by everyone in
of cancer, he found himself stepping
attendance, including his teammates, classmates,
to a new line of scrimmage, against
teachers and more than 15 members of his family.
an intimidating and strong opponent.”
prestigious HIMSS Stage 7 inpatient certification by HIMSS Analytics, a trusted
promotes information technology standards
transplant, overcoming this rare form of cancer
was selected as the recipient of the 2017 USA
n November, HSS was awarded the
healthcare research and advisory firm that
has undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow
For all of these reasons and more, Sabastian
HSS Achieves a ‘Paperless’ Environment
Congratulations to Sabastian on this incredible honor and to all six finalists for showing us what it truly means to have the “Heart of a Giant”!
HIMSS evaluates organizations on their adoption and utilization of electronic medical record (EMR) functions using an eight-stage model, the lowest being Stage 0 and the highest being Stage 7. The Stage 7 recognition designates a ‘paperless’ environment for clinical care and is awarded after an onsite visit. Surveyors from HIMSS visited multiple areas throughout HSS in early November and listened to case study presentations that described how we use our EMR, Epic. “HSS is extremely proud of the HIMSS Stage 7 recognition,” said Jamie Nelson, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. “It validates our culture of excellence and mission to provide the highest quality of patient care.” “Implementing Epic was just the beginning. The strong partnership between clinical leadership and IT has fostered the recognition of Epic as a clinical tool versus an IT tool. We look forward to utilizing the EMR to its fullest potential as we continue on our digital journey to innovative patient care.”
CONTINUED on page 2
Inside
3 4 5 6
Culture of Safety Day
HSS Hosts Surgeons From Greece Holiday Celebration at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion HSS Hosts Benefit to Support Pediatrics
HSS Achieves a ‘Paperless’ Environment
Nurses and Surgical Technicians Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
I
CONTINUED FROM COVER This is another example of how we are all working together on our journey to ‘better,’ and another way in which we are proving that we are the leader in our field. Advanced use of
n late November, the Department of Nursing
technicians have attended the workshop, which
recognized several nurses and surgical
has received extremely positive feedback.
technicians for their extraordinary work serving
The nurses and surgical technicians who were
as preceptors to our new nurses.
recognized for their roles as preceptors all
A preceptor serves the dual role of practitioner
participated in the workshop and have played
and educator, teaching and mentoring new nurses
an integral role in cultivating the Magnet principles
and surgical technicians at HSS. They are enthusiastic
of nurses as teachers, autonomy, interdisciplinary
about the profession and have a desire to teach and
relationships and professional development for our
share their knowledge with others.
new nurses and surgical technicians.
We have used Epic to improve and transform our
In 2013, the HSS Preceptor Committee developed
Thank you to all members of the HSS Preceptor
patient care delivery and outcomes, which further
a preceptor workshop to meet the needs of both
Committee for your hard work in developing
shows how our focus on providing the best possible
the preceptor and the learner. Led by Fidel Lim,
and implementing the workshop: Jeremy
patient care drives everything that we do.
Educator, Professional Development, and Jenna
Arulmohan, Maria Cajes, Cassandra Gathers,
Castro, Clinical Education Specialist, Professional
Amy Kaufman, Kaitlin Kelly, Sung-Ja Kim, Jyothi
Development, the creation of the workshop aimed
Mammen, Jennifer Milworn, Margret O’Donahue,
to give staff the tools they need to succeed in the
Maricris Reyes, Kimberly Rice, Malou Sayson and
role as preceptor. To date, 239 nurses and surgical
Nicole Turnbull.
the EMR, like we have demonstrated, benefits both our patients and the entire HSS family.
“We went live with Epic in early 2016, and we achieved HIMSS Stage 6 just four months after go-live,” said Lou Shapiro, President and CEO. “Now, less than two years later, we are already at Stage 7 for the inpatient setting, which is truly remarkable.” Thank you and congratulations to every member of the HSS family who played a role in helping to achieve this milestone!
Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
Access “Making Rounds” at www.hssmakingrounds.com
Congratulations to the nurses and surgical techs who were recognized for their work as preceptors!
to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments.
Magda Albanese, RN
Shira Kogen, RN
Alex Pascual, RN
Sylese Bagley, Surgical Tech I
Usha Lakeram, Surgical Tech I
April Real, RN
Margaret Ferrell Downs, Surgical Tech II
Christine Lee, RN
Dave Schlageter, RN
David Negron, Surgical Tech I
Maria Torres, RN
Aileen Escobinas, RN
Margret O’Donohue, RN
Myrna Villanueva, RN
• Tolerance and Professionalism
Liz Gonzalez, RN
Jordan Ocana, RN
Junie White, RN
• Health and Wellness as a Priority
Kaitlin Kelly, RN
Kathleen Parreno, RN
Danielle Wirshup, RN
– Lou Shapiro • Onward to 2018 • Using Technology to Improve Patient Care
New Medical Staff Vinnidhy H. Dave, DO Vinnidhy H. Dave, DO, is the Director of Medical Pain Management at Hospital for Special Surgery, specializing in treating complex, chronic, neuropathic and post-surgical pain conditions using individualized therapies with multi-modal regimens with a multidisciplinary approach. His focus will be on seeing patients postoperatively who require complex pain medication management and follow-up, patients undergoing complicated surgeries who will need close and extensive pain follow-up, and patients with chronic pain conditions requiring assistance to titrate down on opioids. After receiving his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Dave completed an internship and a residency in internal medicine at University Hospital Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School. Following, he completed a research and clinical fellowship in pain and palliative medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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Safety and Quality a Priority at Annual Culture of Safety Day Event
O
ur culture of safety is a critical factor in the
who exemplify leadership, collaboration and
success of our organization. In November,
patient-centered improvement with a commitment
we celebrated the 10th annual Culture of
to patient safety, going above and beyond as part
Safety Day to highlight the importance of HSS’s
of their daily work.
commitment to safety and quality.
“It’s always exciting to recognize staff, and this
The event featured a presentation by Colonel
award is so special because the winners are
HSS Researchers Receive Largest Grant in OREF History
T
he Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) recently awarded a multidisciplinary team at HSS with
the largest grant in OREF history. The OREF
Clinical Research Grant in Cellular Therapy in
Korky von Kessel, our LifeWings safety coach, to
selected by peers,” said Scott. “Let’s all take
members of the HSS medical staff and members
this time to recognize staff members for putting
of the entire HSS family. LifeWings is a team of
safety first.”
physicians, astronauts, nurses and pilots that has
Scott announced the winners and read from their
helped more than 150 healthcare organizations
cell therapy can improve outcomes for patients who
nomination letters as they were presented with the
implement the best safety practices from aviation
suffer rotator cuff tears.
awards by Marion Hare, former Vice President of
and other high reliability industries. HSS has an
Operations who was responsible for the creation of
ongoing partnership with the organization to help
Christopher Mendias, PhD, also includes Russell
the Annual Patient Safety Day at HSS and who the
us improve upon our teamwork, communication
F. Warren, MD; Frank A. Cordasco, MD; Hollis G.
Patient Safety Champion Awards are named after.
Potter, MD; Matthew F. Koff, PhD; and Ogonna
Thank you to the Department of Quality and
Kenechi Nwawka, MD.
During the presentation, Korky explained how
Accreditation, especially Scott Possley and
LifeWings takes concepts from high level, high
Noreen Eustace, for organizing the event!
Rotator cuff tears are one of the most prevalent
and coordination skills.
reliability industries, such as aviation, and applies
a positive attitude toward safety and quality, we
to fund a clinical trial to determine if the use of stem
The HSS team, led by Scott Rodeo, MD, and
musculoskeletal conditions, yet surgical repair may continue to feel weakness and pain even
of having the support of every single member of the
By implementing new policies and adopting
National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) was awarded
does not reverse muscle atrophy, so patients
them to healthcare. He discussed the importance HSS family in making our culture of safety a priority.
honor of James Urbaniak, MD in Collaboration with
Congratulations to the winners of the Marion Hare Patient Safety Champion Awards!
can work smarter to create an even better place
after surgery. While surgical techniques have evolved over the years, there is still a high re-tear rate, which warrants more research to identify a better solution. “The results of rotator cuff repair surgery are
to practice medicine. This can include a decrease
Aileen Escobinas, CN I, 9th Floor PACU
in flow disruptions, better turnaround times and
Gregory Garcia, Senior Rehab Mobility Tech
improved retention of staff.
Lisa Mandl, MD, MPH, Rheumatologist
function,” said Dr. Rodeo.
Following Korky’s presentation, Scott Possley,
Kelvin Matthews, Security Officer
The grant will move research ahead to a phase II
Jennifer Tawil, Physician Assistant
clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of
Senior Director, Quality and Accreditation, took the stage for the Marion Hare Patient Safety Champion Awards. The awards are given to individuals
adversely affected by muscle atrophy and weakness, making it difficult for many patients to return to full
stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFCs) in improving outcomes for patients who undergo arthroscopic surgical repair for rotator cuff tears. “This study may be the first to determine if stem cells from a patient’s own adipose tissue can improve outcomes after rotator cuff repair,” said Dr. Mendias. “We believe that the patients who receive SVFCs may see improved function and demonstrate improved tissue healing on both clinical imaging and tissue histological studies.” More than 50 patients will be enrolled in the study, with HSS following patients for two years to track strength and range of motion measurements, imaging assessments of muscle and tendon regeneration, and patient-reported outcome scores. In order to evaluate return to normal function, the primary outcome measure will be shoulder strength. “If we demonstrate that this cell therapy is successful, then there is a clear justification for a pivotal phase III clinical trial in patients with rotator cuff tears,” added Dr. Rodeo. “We are very excited about the journey ahead.”
Colonel Korky von Kessel poses with (front row l-r) Dr. Lisa Mandl, Marion Hare, Gregory Garcia, Scott Possley, (back row l-r) Noreen Eustace, Aileen Escobinas, Jennifer Tawil and Kelvin Matthews following the presentation of the Marion Hare Patient Safety Champion Awards.
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Back in the Game
H
SS’s online patient forum – Back in the Game – now has more than 1,800 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 members of the HSS family provide. Read how HSS helped Allison Schechter of New York, NY get back in the game.
HSS Hosts Surgeons From Greece for Educational Program
H
SS physicians perform more hip surgeries
world-renowned faculty is a major strength of this
and knee replacements than any other
teaching program. Surgeons will leave with an
hospital in the United States. As the leader
understanding of the decision-making process that
in the field, it is important that we share our knowledge
can only come from the combination of lectures,
and expertise with colleagues across the globe.
workshops and operating room observation of
In late November, HSS hosted 16 surgeons from
a skilled surgical team.”
Greece for an annual seminar dedicated to teaching
Some might call me
Added Dr. Cross, “Our vision at HSS includes being
the latest techniques and innovations in complex
stubborn, but I prefer
the most trusted educator in the field of orthopedics.
primary total hip and knee replacement.
This seminar offers hands-on training that the
Initiated in 2006, the annual HSS Stavros Niarchos
surgeons take directly back to Greece to be able to
Foundation Orthopaedic Seminar Program aims
provide high-quality patient care for those needing
to immerse visiting Greek surgeons with less than
joint replacements.”
“determined.” After three attempts to run the TCS NYC Marathon ended
10 years of experience in the high-volume joint
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation is one of the
replacement environment at HSS. It consists of
world’s leading private international philanthropic
two days of didactic sessions, case consultations,
organizations and has provided grants in the areas
roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops and
of healthcare, as well as sports, arts and culture,
operating room observation at HSS.
education, and social welfare. Last year, HSS
would be my last try.
Moderated by Michael Cross, MD, and Peter K.
received a grant from the Foundation that is
For me, running the TCS NYC Marathon would mark
Sculco, MD, both hip and knee surgeons at HSS,
supporting professional development programs,
the realization of a long time personal dream… But,
this year’s seminar focused on the diagnosis and
such as this one, for Greece’s orthopedic surgeons.
in me sidelined with injury before reaching the start line, I finally declared that the 2017 race
despite hours, weeks and months of training, I just
treatment of complex primary
couldn’t get to that start line. Each year, toward the
hip and knee replacements.
end of the training cycle, hip pain and knee pain left
The seminar also included
me struggling to walk, nonetheless run…
attendance at the 29th Annual
As I began training for what would be my final marathon attempt, I knew that I would have to do something different in order to reach that start line.
HSS Holiday Knee & Hip Course, a CME-accredited professional education course.
When I visited Dr. Daphne Scott’s office at HSS, I was
“The goal of the didactic lectures
a bit nervous. I wasn’t injured YET, so would she
and hands-on skills workshop
think I was crazy?? My nerves were immediately put
is to provide our Greek surgeon
to rest in the first moments of talking to Dr. Scott…
colleagues with the surgical
I very clearly remember her saying to me, “I don’t
principles to manage these
have a crystal ball, but I know we’re going to do
complex cases,” said Dr. Sculco.
everything we can do get you to that start line.”
“The clinical experience of the
Dr. Peter K. Sculco with the visiting surgeons from Greece
And she did. During that visit, Dr. Scott quickly diagnosed my problem as IT Band Syndrome and emailed Julie Khan, a physical therapist at the Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center. Julie is not only an expert in rehabbing runners, but she is a marathoner in her own right and truly understands the demands that training puts on your body… Before I knew it, I was in physical therapy with Julie twice a week, strengthening the muscles that had failed me in the past. With each visit to Julie and each long run, I got increasingly optimistic that 2017 would finally be my year. Julie often emailed with Dr. Scott to keep her up to date on my progress and I truly felt that I had team behind me... On November 5, 2017, I walked up to the start line of the TCS NYC Marathon feeling healthy and proud. I knew that I had the support of an incredible team behind me. A few hours later, I ran past my apartment, hugged my family and friends, crossed the finish line and got that medal that I had been dreaming of for so long. Thank you to my “team” at HSS, for helping me get Back in the Game. My marathon dream has finally come true.
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Visiting surgeons from Greece learned the latest techniques and innovations in complex primary total hip and knee replacement.
Education a Focus at Annual Autumn Benefit
A
s part of our ongoing commitment to
In addition to raising funds to support education,
the Philip D. Wilson, Jr., MD, Teaching Award. This
support medical education, HSS hosted
the Autumn Benefit also provides the opportunity
award is given to the attending physician who has
the annual Autumn Benefit on November 10
to recognize our physicians for their commitment
demonstrated an outstanding commitment to
at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. This year’s event was
to mentoring and training our residents and fellows
resident education as deemed by the graduating
attended by nearly 500 guests and raised nearly
to become leaders in the field with three very special
chief residents.
$1.3 million to support research, training, education
awards, which were presented at the June gradua-
Finally, Todd Albert, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and
and academic programming – programs critical to
tion ceremony. The recipients of these awards were
Medical Director, was recognized for being awarded
preparing tomorrow’s leaders in musculoskeletal
selected by the graduating residents and fellows for
the Nancy Bischoff Mentor Award. This award is
care. The event was chaired by Barbara Albert, with
the contributions they have made to their education
presented to an attending physician who has
Anne Altchek, Ann Roberts and Mary Lee Shapiro
and careers.
consistently demonstrated concern for the interest
serving as Vice Chairs.
Duretti Fufa, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopedic
and welfare of the residents and who acts as a
As an academic medical center, HSS focuses
Surgeon, was recognized for receiving the Richard
trusted guide and mentor.
on three things – patient care, research and
S. Laskin, MD, Young Attending Award. This award is
Congratulations to Drs. Fufa, Farmer and Albert,
teaching. While all are important, and taking care
presented to an attending physician who demonstrates
and to all other physicians who were recognized
of patients lies at the center of what we do, our
exemplary teaching skills and qualities for being an
at the event, and thank you to all members of the
commitment to education is what allows us to
outstanding academic physician.
HSS family who played a role in organizing the event!
recruit the best and brightest and is the foundation
Next, James Farmer, MD, Associate Attending
for HSS’s global reputation.
Orthopedic Surgeon, was recognized for receiving
Drs. James Farmer, Duretti Fufa and Todd Albert were honored at the event for the dedication to teaching residents and fellows.
Mary Lee Shapiro, Ann Roberts, Barbara Albert and Anne Altchek pose for a photo at the event.
A Holiday Celebration at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion
O
n December 8, the Lerner Children’s
New York Knicks legend Larry Johnson even stopped
Pavilion transformed into a winter
by to wish everyone in attendance happy holidays
wonderland for our annual holiday party.
and take photos with the kids.
More than 50 pediatric patients and their family
A special thank you to the Florence & Harvey
members celebrated with arts and crafts provided
McCoy Children’s Fund, the Handal Pediatric Fund,
by Project Sunshine, live holiday music by the
the Pediatric Council and the Garden of Dreams
Ronald McDonald house band Musical Magic, pizza
Foundation, as well as all HSS family members
sponsored by Madison Square Garden as part of
who helped out with the event!
their Season of Giving campaign and gifts for all.
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HSS Hosts Benefit to Support Pediatric Care and Research
H
pavilion’s clinical care, research and child life
Monica Keany, and vice chairs included Rob
rehabilitation of children since our founding as
program. Held at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan
Goldstein, Celene Menschel and Sara Weiner, PhD.
a children’s hospital in 1863. Today, we work to
on November 30, the event was hosted by actor
The event raised more than $1.3 million, which
provide the safest and most advanced musculoskele-
Jason Biggs. It included a cocktail hour and dinner,
will benefit the continued research and world-class
tal care for children thanks to the dedication, focus
as well as a special performance from the Chris
care at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion.
and expertise of our pediatric orthopedic surgeons,
Norton Band.
rheumatologists, anesthesiologists and pediatricians
The event was co-chaired by Lara Lerner,
who are part of the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at HSS.
Miriam Widmann and Roger F. Widmann, MD,
This year, the Lerner Children’s Pavilion celebrated
and Kendrick R. Wilson III and Ann Jackson.
its 5th anniversary with a benefit to support the
Honorary chairs included Kate Doerge and
SS has been committed to the treatment and
support of our pediatric efforts at HSS, and a special thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success!
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons Roger Widmann, MD; Peter Fabricant, MD, MPH; John Blanco, MD; David Scher, MD; and Daniel Green, MD, MS, FAAP, attended the event.
The event’s co-chairs, honorary chairs and vice chairs included (l-r) Sara Weiner, PhD; Kendrick R. Wilson III; Kate Doerge; Ann Jackson; Lara Lerner; Monica Keany; Celene Menschel; Miriam Widmann; Roger Widmann, MD; and (not pictured) Rob Goldstein.
The Lerner Children’s Pavilion celebrated its 5th anniversary with a benefit at the Rainbow Room in NYC.
Actor Jason Biggs welcomed guests as the event host.
Employee of the Month November 2017 – Sheri-Ann Waite Congratulations to Sheri-Ann, Employee of the Month for November! Sheri-Ann is a Patient Access Specialist who has been a member of the HSS family since 2014. Her dedication to excellent patient care is evident, and she constantly makes sure all patients feel comfortable and welcome at HSS. No matter what obstacles arise, Sheri-Ann is always up for the challenge. She thinks fast to resolve problems and thrives in a fast-paced environment. She takes time to assess issues as they arise and suggest necessary changes. Sheri-Ann has been described by her colleagues as energetic and cheerful. She always has a smile on her face and is a pleasure to be around for both her teammates and patients. She serves as a role model to her colleagues and truly embodies the mission and vision of HSS.
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Thank you to everyone for their continued
HSS Patients Enjoy VOICES 60+ Fall Celebration
O
n November 20, nearly 50 VOICES 60+
arthritis and related chronic illnesses by addressing
Senior Advocacy Program patients and
psychosocial barriers in accessing healthcare, which
their guests enjoyed holiday themed music,
in turn improves their quality of life and overall
refreshments and raffle prizes at the annual VOICES
medical care experience. HSS family members
60+ Fall Celebration. Program volunteers and
collaborate to help patients and their families by
members of the Department of Social Work
providing emotional support and advocacy skills, as
Programs were also on hand for the event.
well as referrals for home care, transportation and
Attendees enjoyed social activities and an
government programs.
informative talk on “The Symptom of Arthritis
“Social isolation is common for many older adults,
and Tips to Help You Cope,” presented by Karim
which can be especially heightened during the
Ladak, MD, Rheumatology Fellow, and Leah Moroge,
holiday season,” said Leah. “The event aims to
LCSW, Manager of the VOICES 60+ Program. The
address this issue by providing an uplifting
presentation addressed language barriers in medical
atmosphere with the opportunity to spend time
care and was translated for the Spanish-speaking
with others over a communal meal while providing
audience by VOICES 60+ social worker Albaris
an educational presentation. Patients and their loved
Rosa, LMSW.
ones can socialize with each other and learn about
The VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program is designed to assist HSS patients 60 and older with
self-advocacy skills that they can incorporate in their
HSS family members at the VOICES 60+ Fall Celebration included (back row, l-r) Devra Block, Helana Shumway, Dr. Karim Ladak, (front row, l-r) Juliette Kleinman, Leah Moroge and Albaris Rosa.
medical care experience.”
Employee Safety Zone Radiology Teamwork Continuing our series in hearing from HSS family members who play a role in safety, here is Joe Cuoco, Associate Director of Radiology at the East River Professional Building on 72nd Street. Joe has been an HSS family member since 2006 and was gracious enough to answer some questions about how his team works together to keep each other safe. Enjoy! How do you engage your staff to keep safe? The staff is under pressure to be efficient and expedite patients through the system so that the physicians and patients are not delayed – all without compromising safety. We encourage them to be aware, help each other when possible and stress the value of sharing their experiences so that others may also benefit. We also have an open environment and encourage the staff to let supervision know when they may need additional assistance, or when they are missing a tool that would make the job easier. How do your teams work together to keep each other safe? The staff work closely with one another and communicate when fellow coworkers need assistance with positioning, lifting/moving a patient and offer to help without being asked. This foresight reduces the
Members of the radiology team, including (front row, l-r) Aaron John, Mala Loknauth, Lazar Lazarovski, (back row, l-r) Matthew Sharay, Robert Sestito, Joe Cuoco, Kurt Fraser, Nadine Ruta and Alland Jean.
potential of injury for both the patient and technologist and minimizes the potential of an unsafe situation. What is the toughest part of their job? Positioning patients in numerous positions that are requested for any given radiology exam. The technologist must be able to arrange/position the patient into multiple orientations, in addition to positioning heavy and awkward equipment which may require them to push/pull, stand/bend, twist and turn. They are like the gymnasts of medical professionals. What do you do when someone gets injured? I review ALL occurrences as part of the manager review process and discuss with staff involved. We make staff available to be evaluated by the Body Mechanics Team to have the occurrence evaluated to reduce the risk of it reoccurring, and then I will review with the Body Mechanics Team their findings and recommendations. How has the Body Mechanics program affected the staff? It has facilitated a better understanding on the importance of proper body mechanics and how it’s a catalyst to avoiding injury. Evaluating previous events that have resulted in injuries and identifying what changes can be made in body mechanics and workflow has helped to reduce the potential for future injuries. What makes them great at what they do? They care. They care about the patients, about HSS and about each other. What do you love most about your job? As I tell the new staff members in radiology orientation, you have to love what you do and where you do it or it is not worth doing. I love what I do, not simply because of what I do, but also because of the people around me. If you’d like your department featured in the Employee Safety Zone, send us an email at EmployeeSafety@HSS.edu.
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Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities • Amy Broffman recently earned national board certification for Training Administrators of Graduate Medical Education Programs (TAGME) endorsed by the Association of Residency Coordinators in Orthopaedic Surgery (ARCOS). This certification is also recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and demonstrates enhanced professional development and increased expertise.
Welcome Erblina Aga, Stephanie Alvarado, Monique C. Argento-Mesa, Kimberly Bartholomew, Karen Baruch, Meryem Benchekroun, Ameni Carpizo, Elizabeth Carrero, Herman Castro, Noreen T. Caulfield, Kaitlyn A. Chicosky, Jiamin Chui, Suzanne E. Clark, Jillian K. Cohen, Prestasia S. Cohen, Tequirra N. Cox, Cynthia Crenshaw, Andres G. Farfan, Ashley Fluger, Nancy Frederic, Sara N. Friel, Bernadette L. Garcia, Nicholas Gil, Donnaree Green, Monica Holliday, May J. Holston Watts, Shavon R. Hudson, Klodiana Jorgji, Mary Kiely, Alexis C. Konja, Douglas U. Leach, Emily Y. Lopez, Leslie A. Marcial-Hinck, Kristin McKavanagh, Lauren J. Menino, Melissa Munoz, Corina Muresan,
Rehabilitation
Anil Nandkumar, Catherine E. Ng, Daniel Nyarko, Paa Kwesi Odoom-Tawiah,
• Jessica Hettler, PT, DPT, ATC, SCS, OCS, Cert MDT; Ioonna Félix,
Jessica R. Panarella, Carla Poles, Lisa Pugliese, Cedric J. Reid, Edgar Rosario,
PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CTPS; and Tiffany Chag, MS, RD, CSCS, presented the HSS Rehab Grand Rounds program on “Proximal Hamstring Tendonosis.”
Nadine C. Ruta, Damonie G. Salmon, Dennese L. Sanay, Leanne Schroeder, Michelle Senius, Matthew Sharay, Dwight K. Shaw, Mark Singer, Manpreet K. Singh, Michael A. Tufaro, Robert Wallace, Danique Williams, Marsha Williamson, Catherine S. Yim
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Thank You, Rehab Department! Every year, members of the Rehabilitation Department volunteer their time to represent HSS at local events. We would like to recognize the following HSS family members who have volunteered the most time in 2017 for their contributions and commitment to supporting the mission and vision of HSS. Michelle Cilenti – 32.5 hours Curtis Wu – 25 hours Julie Khan – 25 hours Polly deMille – 23.5 hours Thank you to everyone who volunteered in 2017!
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:
Congratulations to Samuel Taylor, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, who was recently inducted as an Honorary Medical Officer in the New York City Fire Department. Dr. Taylor is pictured above with Battalion Chief David Morkal and his wife, Jennifer Taylor.
Compliance Helpline Reminder 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.
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.
Editor:
Marisa DeFilipps
The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
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.
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky, John Englehart
Next Issue:
January 2018
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly at x2398.
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1. By email:
echo@hss.edu