Painters Make a Difference at HSS One Stroke at a Time If asked to give a single word describing why Hospital for Special Surgery has a worldclass reputation for accomplishment, “physicians,” “nurses,” or “research” immediately come to mind. But, “painters”?
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The term might not even crack the top five hundred. Still, Luis Cruz and Jorge Murillo, painters with Environmental Services, continue to do what they love and continue to make a difference the best way they know how.
HSS painters Luis Cruz and Jorge Murillo.
“We really love our job,” says Cruz. “When you love your job, when you have good partners, when you have respect, you can do anything.” The men first met Feb. 3, 1991, when they started off their painting careers at HSS with a firm handshake, working on a two-bedroom apartment in need of a fresh coat of paint on the 10th floor of the Belaire building.
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What neither expected at the time was that the morning spent working in that apartment would be the beginning of a nearly 20-year friendship. “We never fight,” says Cruz. “From the first day we met, we’ve had nothing but respect for one another.”
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This respect and this friendship have carried the pair through a wide array of experiences at HSS that have allowed them to make a difference – not only in the lives of each other, but in the lives of many hospital patients and staff. The pair note October 11, 2006, as among the most memorable of these occasions, not because of what their friendship brought to the job, but because of what it brought to their co-workers and guests at the Belaire. As the men were working on the 12th floor, a small plane accidentally crashed into the 39th and 40th floors, causing a four-alarm fire. (Continued on next page)
Painters Make a Difference (Continued) “We felt a BOOM! – like an explosion. We saw bricks falling and what looked like a stove. We never thought it would happen, but it turned out that it was a plane,” says Cruz. The men dropped their gear and went straight to the hallways, where they began furiously knocking on doors up and down the surrounding floors to make sure that everyone had evacuated the building. While events such as a plane crash tend to bring out the heroism in everyday people like Cruz and Murillo, the pair make everyday contributions that are vital to the health and safety of countless others. For example, according to Murillo, the duo spend each Saturday checking the walls of the Hospital’s operating rooms for scratches, holes, or other damage that might breed bacteria. The friends make on-the-spot repairs as part of the Hospital’s continuing effort to reduce infection. While most may take something as simple as a painted wall for granted, not all of the pair’s efforts go unnoticed. Uriah “Sonny” Daire, trade manager in Environmental Services, says that he appreciates having such reliable workers. “They are always on the top of their game,” says Daire. “Usually I would have to check what’s been done, but I know that these two will do their job so I have time to do other things. They’re pretty cool.” Cruz and Murillo have taken this “cool” attitude outside of the office and into their personal lives. They share many of the same interests, and whether reading the Bible together, working on their cars, or pursuing their shared love of Hispanic heritage and music, the pair continues to work hard and have a good time – sometimes without even feeling the need to talk to each other. “We’ve spent 18 years together and we talk a lot. Sometimes on the weekend we don’t want to talk because we’re talking Tuesdays through Saturdays,” jokes Cruz. As with most HSS employees, both men spend a fair amount of time at work, and although quite proud of their tenure at the Hospital, they talk about their plans for the future. “The employees here,” he says, “when they see me alone, it’s, ‘Where’s Jorge?’ If I’m on vacation and they see Jorge, it’s, ‘Hey, where’s Luis?’ They always want to see the two painters together.” And so as two strangers who began their careers at HSS on the same February morning, the two friends now hope to one day venture into retirement together. But until that day arrives they will continue to do what they do best. “Our main goal has always been to keep the face of the Hospital clean,” says Cruz. “We feel proud to be painters.” 2
Message from the CEO A time for reflection It is hard to believe that another year has passed and we are approaching the holiday season. One of the reasons we treasure this time of year is the opportunity for reflection and celebration with both family and friends. As we often talk about HSS as a family, we too, have so much to reflect on and celebrate. We are continuing to build upon our legacy as the world leader in musculoskeletal healthcare. While we are enhancing and expanding our facilities, what makes our hospital so special is each and every individual who comes to work with a passion and commitment for excellence. This is what makes us different and what distinguishes us from others, locally and around the world.
Louis A. Shapiro, FACHE President and CEO
Thank you for everything you do, and please have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. I am looking forward to working with you to accomplish great things in 2010. With great appreciation, Lou Shapiro
Construction Update During the month of November, with structural steel being completed, the pouring of concrete began. If you look up you should still be able to see the white ceremonial beam in place that was signed during the topping out event held in October. The project continues on schedule and on budget. Read Echo each month for more details and construction updates.
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HSS Physician Receives American College of Rheumatology Award Jessica Berman, M.D., received the Clinician Scholar Educator Award from the American College of Rheumatology-Rheumatology Education Foundation (ACR-REF) at the recent conference in Philadelphia. The three-year faculty development award will enable Dr. Berman to redesign the resident teaching experience in rheumatology to include modules in anatomy in the Bioskills lab at HSS teaching injection and aspiration techniques using cadavers. Dr. Berman is pictured above with Stephen Paget, M.D., Chief of Medicine, who serves on the board of the REF of the ACR and is her mentor.
Healthnetwork Foundation Honors Jonathan Deland, M.D. The Healthnetwork Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides business leaders and their loved ones, a direct and vital link to the world’s best hospitals. Jonathan T. Deland, M.D., chief of the Foot and Ankle Service at HSS, recently received the Foundation’s Service Excellence Award and was presented with a $10,000 gift donation in support of his research. From left William W. Rowley, chairman and founder, Healthnetwork Foundation; Adam R. Kaufman, co-president, Healthnetwork Foundation; Jonathan T. Deland, M.D., chief, Foot and Ankle Service; and Louis A. Shapiro, FACHE, president and CEO.
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HSS.edu Honored at Healthcare Internet Conference HSS.edu, Hospital for Special Surgery’s external website, was awarded a Silver Award for Best Overall Internet Site at the 2009 eHealthcare Leadership Awards in Las Vegas, Nov. 4. The eHealthcare Leadership Awards, part of the Thirteenth Annual Healthcare Internet Conference, featured competitors from more than 1,100 entries and recognized more than 220 healthcare organizations for their outstanding web presence. The HSS website was also recognized with a Merit Award in the Best Health Promotion/Disease & Injury Prevention Information category. “It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Julie Pelaez, HSS Web director. “These awards truly reflect the hard work and dedication of the entire web committee and the Web Department including Michael Elvin, Jason Juniewicz, and James O’Rourke. This really speaks to the Hospital’s commitment to maintaining such a dynamic and informative website.” HSS.edu, which was completely redesigned late last year, attracted two million unique visitors in 2008 and has already eclipsed that total for 2009. The site generates nearly 800 emails a month. The Healthcare Internet Conference is organized each year by Strategic Health Care Communications, a leader in business development and marketing for the health care industry. In conjunction with the awards, a review of HSS.edu was published in the November issue of eHealthcare Strategy and Trends, Strategic Health Care Communications’ monthly newsletter.
HSS Kicks Off Annual U.S. Marines “Toys for Tots” Drive The Employee Activities Committee will sponsor the 11th Annual U. S. Marines “Toys for Tots” drive, Dec.1-16. Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to brighten a child’s holiday this year. Toys may be dropped off in any of the following locations: Anesthesia Office, 835 West Education Division Office, Parker House Finance Department, 1 East River Pl., D Level Health Information Management Department, 2nd Floor Information Technology Department, Dana Center, 1st Floor Physicians’ Practice Registration, River Terrace, Suite 206 Radiology Department, 3rd Floor Research Division, Caspary Building, Ground Floor Lobby All toys collected are distributed to needy children in the New York City area. Please contact Mary Hargett, ext.1793, for more information. 5
Employees of the Month Meet Arlene Edwards – August 2009 Congratulations to Arlene selected Employee of the Month for August 2009. A member of the HSS family since June 1989, Arlene is a staff secretary with the Ambulatory Care Center. Arlene is consistently upbeat, helpful and personable to all. She practices good co-worker public relations and is well regarded for her expertise and her cheerful, yet serious style. Arlene is a caring employee who provides service to the Ambulatory Care Center at an exemplary level. Her attention to detail ensures quality. Even in the middle of a difficult day, Arlene maintains a smile and positive outlook, providing help where needed and often doing more than required without being asked. She serves as a role model for peers by demonstrating outstanding performance and extraordinary effort. Arlene shows special concern and dedication towards her day-to-day responsibilities. Congratulations again to Arlene! Meet Frank Maglio, Jr. – September 2009 Congratulations to Frank selected as Employee of the Month for September 2009. A member of the HSS family since July 2006, Frank is a radiologic technologist in the Department of Radiology and Imaging. Frank is a conscientious and caring worker and co-worker. He is an ideal technologist – professional and courteous. Frank’s attention to detail capability is always evident in the quality of work he submits. He understands that providing radiologists with quality images positively affects patient care. He regularly takes the initiative when a situation needs to be resolved and he does so effortlessly. What would seem “going above and beyond” to others is just “doing his job” to Frank. He has a wonderful attitude and excellent work ethic. His concern for all is evident in his actions; he is willing to help in any capacity. Congratulations again to Frank! Meet Mari Brady – October 2009 Congratulations to Mari selected Employee of the Month for October 2009. A member of the HSS family since February 2004, Mari is a Physician Referral Service (PRS) representative. Although the PRS does not directly treat patients, the service is often a patient’s first interaction with HSS, by telephone. Mari treats all patients with respect and care. She responds to patient inquiries and schedules appointments for patients with patience and efficiency. Mari strives to ensure the department’s mission and goals are met. She takes an active interest in finding ways to improve the service. Mari is constantly seeking ways to serve patients better. She is always positive and willing to assist her colleagues. Mari is a tremendous team player. She is a model employee for the Physician Referral Service Department. Congratulations again to Mari! 6
Halloween Fun at HSS The annual children’s Halloween party was held in the Richard L. Menschel Education Center on Oct. 29. Dressed in festive costumes, party-goers were children who receive medical treatment at HSS. Project Sunshine volunteers brought freshly baked Halloween themed cookies and help the party-goers decorate them for a special take home treat. Starlight/Starbright Foundation provided a clown/face painter. Sponsored by the Victor and Hilda Handal Family Fund, the party was coordinated by Social Work Programs’ Lorraine Montuori, LCSW, and Saleana Negron, M.S., of the Child Life Program. Special thanks were given to Cathleen Raggio, M.D.; Erin Carter, the Kathryn O. & Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias; Amy Silverman, LCSM, Social Work Programs, Meryl Colman, LMSW, Case Management; Jillian Rose, LMSW, Social Work Programs; Mark McCormack, Patient Access; and HSS volunteers Beth Viapiano and Louise Bozorth for making the celebration a success.
Pediatric Physical Therapists Treat Children with Laughter From left Jennifer Crane, PT, DPT, CNDT, PCS; Corinne McCarthy, PT, DPT, MS; Maureen Suhr, PT, DPT; Melanie Buckland, PT, DPT, ATP; Joanne Dooher, PT, MA; and Kristin Fiori, SPT, all in Halloween costumes, brought extra joy to the faces of their young pediatric patients. 7
Edward V. Craig, M.D., Receives 2009 Wholeness of Life Award In front of colleagues, friends and family gathered in his honor, Edward Craig, M.D., accepted the HealthCare Chaplaincy’s 2009 Wholeness of Live Award in the Richard L. Menschel Conference Center, Oct. 22. “This is a shared award,” explained Dr. Craig. “I would like to thank Dr. Russell Warren for bringing me here and Dr. Thomas Sculco for keeping me here. “I am thankful to the HSS pastoral care committee for this honor and grateful for this award in a hospital where so many people are deserving. Care for the person is just as From left Thomas Sculco, M.D., Edward Craig, M.D., Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., and Louis Shapiro, FACHE. important as care for the disease,” added Dr. Craig. The award was presented to Dr. Craig by HSS’ president and CEO, Louis Shapiro, FACHE, and surgeon-in-chief Dr. Sculco. “No one is more deserving of this award,” said Mr. Shapiro. “I constantly receive letters from Dr. Craig’s patients saying how grateful they are that Dr. Craig is their orthopedic surgeon.” “This is a very special event,” said Dr. Sculco. “One of the most important events in this hospital. The award honors those who go the extra mile in taking care of patients. The list of Wholeness of Life award winners is a reflection of the best people in Hospital for Special Surgery.” Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., director of Pastoral Care, and Rita V. Foley, trustee, Health Care Chaplaincy, introduced the honoree. Sister Margaret noted “Thanks to Dr. Craig, I continue to dance. I will always remember your skill and compassion. Dr. Craig is the epitome of a great doctor. People don’t always remember what you said, but they always remember what they felt.” Jo A. Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., a fellow Old Greenwich practice member and orthopedic director at the Women’s Sports Medicine Center, said, “Ed wants to improve patients’ quality of life. He is also a compassionate mentor. He offers his students a lot of moral support. Ed always has lots of time for his family, too. “We practice together every Friday in the Hospital for Special Surgery’s affiliated physician office in Old Greenwich. It’s like a family practice in a small town. We have lunch together most of the time,” Dr. Hannafin continued. Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D., an old friend and Dr. Craig’s practice partner, also offered his congratulations, although he noted, “Ed and I never have lunch together.” 8
There were many well-wishers attending the award ceremony. The welcoming and closing remarks were delivered by C. Ronald MacKenzie, M.D. The opening prayer was offered by Reverend Arnd Braun-Storck, chaplain, Pastoral Care, and the final blessing was given by Rabbi Ralph Kreger, also a chaplain from Pastoral Care. Both chaplains stressed that the Wholeness of Life Award recognizes the spiritual dimension of health care. There was also a video presentation that included congratulations from his daughter, Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D., Edward MacKenzie Craig, who said her “father is Craig, M.D., his wife Kathy, and Jo A. Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D. a great guy. Smart and compassionate.” NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams, Dr. Craig’s next door neighbor, remarked tongue in cheek in a surprise video that he can’t keep Dr. Craig out of his kitchen and shared other humorous insights. The video also included comments from Dr. Craig’s staff members, as well as patient and HSS volunteer Doris Barth. The text on the plaque presented to Dr. Edward V. Craig, read: “Dr. Craig,Your approach to the delivery of patient care is inspirational to those around you. You consistently display attributes of professionalism, patience and compassion and deserve to be recognized. “As a surgeon you deliver expert quality care by transferring your expansive knowledge and experience through your talents and skills in the operating room. As a gifted teacher, you address the needs of your learners: colleagues, students, patients and family members. As a mentor to other orthopedic surgeons you provide guidance, support and show interest in their growth and development. “Beyond the professional contributions, your caring nature is visible as you routinely exhibit patience and general kindness to your staff and co-workers and to patients and their families during their time of need. It is obvious that you understand the role of establishing a trusting relationship. You connect with your patients and share a special physician-to-patient bond through your compassionate bedside manner that offers the investment of your total and timeless attention. “Dr. Craig, you provide all of this and more in a calm and unassuming style and grace. Your caring spirit and professional contributions are deeply appreciated and highly valued by all of us in the HSS community. On behalf of the HealthCare Chaplaincy, its staff and trustees, it is with great pleasure that we honor you with the 2009 Wholeness of Life Award.” 9
HSS Crosses Finish Line at ING New York City Marathon Hospital for Special Surgery partnered with New York Road Runners (NYRR) as the orthopedic consultant to NYRR for the ING New York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 1. In addition, to celebrate this new partnership an HSS Marathon Team was formed composed of employees, medical staff, family and friends, who were registered to run. Also, for those who wanted to show support for Team HSS on the day of the marathon, a “cheer zone” was located on First Ave., between 70th and 71st streets.
Welcome October 2009 Brittany Boehm, Lori Bortolot, Jose Castro, Kaitlin Clark, Maria Corsino, Claire Ecal, Rose Echevarria, Rachel Feitelson, Ashley French, Megan Gambino, Joelle Gary, Minnie Hendrickson, Keesha Holmes, Sunita Hoo, Neil Huber, Joanna Jurek, Vasiliy Kirilyuk, James Lee, Jane Lee, Vanessa Lewinger, Karlia Limongi, Christine McMorrow, Morteza Meftah, Michael Murray, Melanie Neuman, Joshua O’Brien, Kathleen O’Connor, Erica Pally, Jane Porricelli, Gina Rommel, Rita Stathis, Judy Tran, Arika Wright and Carrie Wynn. 10
Rehab News ■ New Ventures for the HSS Rehabilitation Network The HSS Rehabilitation Network is branching out! As part the network’s commitment to offering accessible, comprehensive professional education of the highest quality to its membership, the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation sponsored its first regional education program, Nov. 10. “An Evening with the Knee,” was held at Peak Performance Physical Therapy in Lynbrook, New York. HSS faculty included Joshua S. Dines, M.D.; Greg Fives, PT, MSPT, SCS, CSCS; and Theresa Chiaia, PT, DPT. The program is the first in a series of regional educational programs the Network will offer in 2010. In addition, the HSS Rehabilitation Network is currently looking to expand its outreach to Palm Beach County, Fla. These efforts are a direct response to the growing number of requests from both physicians and patients. The Network has been gathering information on the highest quality practices in the area by soliciting recommendations from HSS physicians and members of the Rehab Network Advisory Committee, as well as conducting targeted online searches for appropriate rehabilitation facilities. A Network team traveled to Florida in mid-November to host a special informational session and meet prospective membership practice owners. If you know of any exceptional practices in and around Palm Beach County that may be appropriate for the Network please call 212-606-1316. ■ Kudos Professional Education: • Michelle E. Patterson, MS, OTR/L, and Michelle G. Carlson, M.D., presented a two hour instructional course titled “Management of the Upper Extremity in Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Interdisciplinary Approach,” at the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine in Scottsdale, Ariz. The program was also simultaneously broadcast in Brazil. • John Cavanaugh PT, MEd, ATC, presented “Core Stabilization for the Swimmer” at the USA Swimming Sports Medicine and Science Network Annual Meeting in Chicago. • Howard J. Hillstrom, Ph.D., had three presentations at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. They were: a poster presentation on “Risk Factors for Incident Foot Disorders: The Framingham Foot Study,” co-authors Alyssa B. Dufour, Robert R. McLean, David R. Gagnon, Joanne M. Jordan, Patricia P. Katz, and Marion T. Hannan, Ph.D.; a lecture on “If the Shoe Fits: Shoewear and Foot Problems in Research Studies”; and a workshop on “Knee Braces and Foot Orthosis for Knee Osteoarthritis.” (Continued on next page)
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Rehab News (Continued) • Sherry I. Backus PT, DPT, MA, Whitney Johnson, Robert Hotchkiss, M.D.; Stephen Lyman, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Katz, Ph.D.; and Lisa Mandl, M.D., had a poster presentation on “The Usefulness of the Jebsen-Taylor Test in Adults with Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis” at the Osteoarthritis Conference in Boston. • Rebecca Zifchock, Ph.D., lectured on “Weighing the Benefits of a Custom Foot Orthotic over a Semi-Custom Foot Orthotic” at the PFOLA International Conference on Foot Biomechanics & Orthotic Therapy in Atlanta. As part of the Rehabilitation Department’s ongoing teaching engagement at the Columbia University Physical Therapy Program: • John Cavanaugh PT, MEd, ATC, Greg Fives, PT, MSPT, SCS, CSCS, and Robert Maschi, PT, DPT, CSCS, presented on Knee Injuries; Robert Maschi, PT, DPT, CSCS also presented on Runner’s Analysis; Mickey Levinson, PT, CSCS, presented on Shoulder Injuries and the Overhead Throwing Athlete; and Diana Zotos, PT, MSPT, CSCS and Theresa Chiaia, PT, DPT, presented on Hip and Ankle Injuries.
The Rehabilitation Department Roots for the Mets Twenty-three members of the Acute Care Rehabilitation unit gathered together for a team building event and to cheer on the Mets at Citi Field in September.
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Kudos ■ Research Division Study Sections, Editorial Boards, Professional Organization Roles: • Richard Bockman, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed as a representative for The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) to serve on the Clinical Research Subcommittee of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). • Adele Boskey, Ph.D., was named to the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. • Timothy Wright, Ph.D., attended the Board of Specialty Societies meeting of the AAOS in Colorado Springs as the research representative of the Knee Society. Lectures and Symposia: • Scott Wolfe, M.D., presented the 53rd Annual Edward T. Smith Orthopedic Lectureship at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Houston. The invited talk was titled “Nerve Transfers in the Upper Extremity.” Dr. Wolfe also was a guest lecturer at the American Association of Neuro-Electrodiagnostic Medicine and gave a talk on “Neurotization: Advances, Evidence, and Expectations.” • Andrew Weiland, M.D., was a guest speaker at Yale University and gave a talk on “Fractures of the Distal Radius.” • Timothy Wright, Ph.D., was the Grand Rounds Speaker and the Research Fellows Award invited speaker for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
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. 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. 13
HSS Alumni in the Big Easy HSS regional anesthesia fellow alumni attended the annual American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) meeting in New Orleans in October. The photo was shot at a special dinner for HSS staff and alumni at Brennan’s. Several HSS Anesthesiology staff members and HSS anesthesia fellow alumni were featured faculty at the annual ASA meeting. Pictured front row from left Karlyn Powell, M.D., 2009-2010; Susan Drelich, M.D., 1998-1999; Richard Kind, M.D., 1987-1989; Danielle Ludwin, M.D., 2006-2007; Cindy Chen, M.D., 2010-2011; and Archana Apte, M.D., 2009-2010. Back row from left Daniel Maalouf, M.D., 2004-2005; Kimberly Richardson, M.D., 2005-2006; Tiffany Tedore, M.D., 2005-2006; Jonathan Beathe, M.D., 2007-2008, and Richard Brull, M.D., 2004-2005.
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 e-mail: 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 www.jointcommission.org. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236. 14
HSS Briefs ■ Culture of Safety HSS is committed to talking more freely about patient safety and finding solutions to the opportunities to create a safe environment for our patients. Sorrel King, right, was the keynote speaker at HSS’ third annual Patient Safety Day on Oct. 30. Josie King, Sorrel’s 18-month-old daughter, died at a world renowned hospital as a result of medical errors. The Josie King Foundation, established by Sorrel and her husband, supports innovative safety programs that influence the way safety is incorporated into medical care. HSS donor Emy Cohenca, center, who sponsors the annual patient safety lecture, is pictured with Steven Magid, M.D. ■ Bikur Cholim Room Opens Rabbi Ralph Kreger places a mezuzah on the doorframe of the Bikur Cholim room, located on the second floor in the Main Hospital building. The Bikur Cholim room is equipped with a kosher kitchen, microwave oven and general supplies. The mezuzah contains a prayer called the “Shema.” A mezuzah is placed in the doorways of Jewish homes, in common spaces or communal gathering areas.
PATIENT SAFETY REPORTING HOTLINE... To maintain the high quality patient care for which HSS is reputed, it is a responsibility of all employees to prevent problems before they occur. Please use the Patient Safety Hotline, established by the HSS Patient Safety Steering Committee, to inform the Committee about barriers to patient safety, near misses or actual events, recommendations for improvement, and unsafe practices. The Hotline is confidential and may be used for anonymous reporting. Please call (212) 774-SAFE and be sure to provide enough information to facilitate investigation. The Hotline does NOT replace existing mechanisms for reporting these issues. 15
the back page Press Highlights In October HSS was featured in 335 news stories that ran in major markets’ newspapers and magazines as well as on television news programs. This does not include media coverage in smaller markets. Below are some highlights of that coverage.
Robert Marx, M.D., was featured in an article about study factors in repetitive knee surgery, reported the Associated Press. Jennifer Solomon, M.D., was interviewed about treating painful knee osteoarthritis with injections to help relieve pain in people who are not candidates for surgery, reported WebMD. Friedrich Boettner, M.D., and the new Center for Hip Pain and Preservation, were featured in an article about hip arthroscopy may benefit some patients age 60 and older with femoroacetebular impingement as long as there is proper, stringent selection to weed out patients with evidence of osteoarthritis, reported Musculoskeletal Report. Doruk Erkan, M.D., was featured in an article about a study that found that most lupus patients are not aware their condition puts them at risk for heart disease, reported UPI.com (United Press International). John Kennedy, M.D., commented in a television news story about barefoot running and the different types of foot and ankle injuries that can surface, reported Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends, and more than 55 Fox affiliate stations across the country. Brian Halpern, M.D., was featured in a television news story about the effects exercise can have on the immune system, reported Fox 5’s Good Day New York. Jordan Metzl, M.D., commented on never-ending debate of whether to stretch before or after exercising, reported USA Today. Robert Spiera, M.D., was featured in an article about a drug currently approved to treat cancer that could provide the first treatment for scleroderma, reported Ivanhoe News. Sabrina Strickland, M.D., was quoted in a news article about why most injured runners avoid the doctor, reported Medill Reports. To view these stories and all other HSS’ news coverage, go to www.hss.edu/hss-news.
NEXT ISSUE: January 2010 Contributions Deadline: December 1, 2009 16
Managing EDITOR: Tracy Hickenbottom x1197, echo@hss.edu Executive EDITOR: Phyllis Fisher EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Lisa Goldstein, Deborah Sale, Bruce Slawitsky