December 2015 Vol. 17 Issue 12
ECHO
THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
Epic: A Catalyst for Patient Access Transformation he Epic implementation presents the
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HSS Recognized Once Again for High Quality Care
opportunity to change the way we interact
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with our patients, beginning with how they
access our services. According to Melissa Taylor, senior director of Patient Registration, “having the
number of organizations that rate hospitals have recognized Hospital for Special Surgery for high quality care. The latest rankings have
come out in the last few months. Healthgrades, a
technology is allowing us to make these changes to
leading online resource for consumers, has awarded
process and flow to provide better access for our
HSS its highest five-star ratings in the categories of
patients and a more customized experience.”
total hip replacement, back and neck surgery, and One significant change to our current process
spinal fusion surgery for 2016. Healthgrades also ranked
is dedicated to the pre-service registration and
HSS among the nation’s top five percent of hospitals
financial clearance of our patients. As we transition
for spine surgery, and in the top 10 percent for overall
to Epic, a team of Patient Access Specialists will focus on completing these administrative tasks prior to the date of service, allowing our patient-facing Patient Access Specialists to focus on delivering a first-class patient experience. We will also introduce the Financial Navigator, an HSS representative who will counsel patients on financial assistance and payment options for their procedures. In addition, many Patient Access Specialists will also be trained in scheduling a broad range of hospital and physician services. The HSS Access Center will serve as a centralized hub to manage both inbound and outbound communications with our patients, providers, and payors. Sophisticated software will allow calls to be routed to skilled Patient Access Specialists located across the HSS campus in a timely manner. The software also allows teams of Patient Access Specialists to work off of the same Epic workqueue to accomplish tasks, such as completing registrations, scheduling pending orders,
orthopedic services and for joint replacement for 2016. The Patient Access Center team includes (front row, l-r) Robert Couch, Tanya Rosario; (second row, l-r) Luis Cruz, DeCiembre White, MPH; Taneeka Brown; Joehl Ocana; (third row, l-r) Deven Loknauth, Yvonne Wilson-Ogunniyi.
HSS has been recognized as a “top quality” hospital, ranked number one in the nation for medical excellence in both orthopedic surgery and joint replacement by
or completing authorizations. Patients and providers
CareChex®, a division of Comparion, a company that
will have a common access point, which caters
evaluates and rates hospitals in the United States.
to individual preferences, while leveraging the
CareChex assesses multiple components of medical
economies of scale introduced through centralization.
quality, including process of care, outcomes of care
The graphic below depicts a sample workflow for
and patient experience.
schedulable orders that will be handled by the
In November, Becker’s Hospital Review placed HSS
Access Center.
on its list of “100 Hospitals with Great Orthopedic
The Epic project and our transformative initiatives
Programs.” The publisher also named HSS on the
have truly brought us together as a health care
list of “100 Hospital and Health Systems with Great
system in a way that no other project has – our
Neurosurgery and Spine Programs.” Earlier in the
success is shared and opportunities for synergy
year, Becker’s included HSS in its listing of “100
abound. For example, leaders of all HSS areas with
Great Hospitals in America.”
significant patient phone interaction (Access Center,
“We are honored to consistently receive this recognition
Department of Medicine, PRS, Radiology, Managed
for the high quality care we provide,” said Lou Shapiro,
Care, etc.) have formed a Success Partners team.
president and CEO. “The entire HSS family constantly
CONTINUED on page 2
meets and exceeds the high standards that we set for ourselves, and I am proud of the commitment to excellence and teamwork we display every day.” “Providing outstanding care is something all of us work to achieve on a daily basis, and it is extremely gratifying when those outside of our organization take note,” said Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical director. “Our challenge in the year ahead will be to continue to build on this success by finding new ways to improve the lives of our patients.” For more information about HSS rankings and recognition, visit www.hss.edu/recognition.
Inside
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Raising Awareness of Clinical Trials Holiday Parties Bring Cheer Engineering Trades Fair
Epic: A Catalyst for Patient Access Transformation CONTINUED FROM COVER This team is meeting regularly to agree upon
For more information or questions about Patient
adoption of best practice customer service
Access Transformation, please contact Scott
standards for all of HSS to ensure that patients
DeNegre, assistant vice president of Operational
and providers have a consistent HSS experience.
Excellence, at DeNegreS@HSS.EDU or Melissa
Implementing Epic and transitioning to a single
Taylor, senior director of Patient Registration, at
patient record will truly provide our patients with
TaylorMe@HSS.EDU.
a more seamless and coordinated experience
Refer to the chart below for additional information
across the entire continuum of care at HSS.
about the Patient Access operational changes
Implementing Epic and transitioning to a single patient record will truly provide our patients with a more seamless and coordinated experience across the entire continuum of care at HSS.
enabled by Epic.
Workflow PSS Scheduling
Current State • Scheduling Pre-Surgical Screening (PSS) places an administrative burden on
Improved Epic Workflow • After an order for surgery has been placed and signed (case
Timeline • Available when we
request and preoperative tests), a centralized group of Patient
go live with Epic
physician offices, taking staff an average
Access Specialists will work with the patient to schedule all
on January 31, 2016.
of 15 minutes per patient to complete.
of the visits and coordinate the PSS day.
Single Patient
Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective
Registration
• Registration is a time consuming,
• Patients will only be required to register once for the physician
for Hospital
inefficient, duplicative process for
and Physician
patients, requiring them to complete
Office Services
the same paperwork numerous times.
office and all Hospital departments. • Patients will be asked to confirm that their information is correct in the system and to update their information periodically.
• Available when physician offices convert to Epic Office, which will take place in waves throughout 2016.
• The same registration information will be available in Epic whether they are in a physician office or in the Hospital. Staff Perspective
Staff Perspective
• Registering patients places an adminis-
• There is the potential to reduce the administrative burden by
trative burden on physician offices.
enabling office staff to only gather minimum data points to schedule
• Staff spend an average of 17 minutes
an appointment (name, DOB, phone number, gender, and language).
registering each patient.
• The Access Center’s Patient Access Specialists can then complete the registration and insurance authorization for services performed at HSS.
Open Access Scheduling
• Ordering and scheduling ancillary
• For many routine ancillary orders, physician office staff will be
• Available when physician
services (e.g. radiology, labs)
able to open signed orders, answer a department-specific sched-
offices convert to Epic
requires phone calls, faxes, e-mails,
uling questionnaire, and schedule their patients directly in Epic.
Office, which will take
and hand-delivery of paper orders by patients.
• Physician offices will have the ability to directly schedule in select hospital departments and appointment types for their patients
place in waves throughout 2016.
(radiology, cardio-pulmonary, medical clearance, etc.). • Patient Access Specialists in the Access Center will also be able to schedule hospital services via inbound calls from patients or providers, in addition to outbound calls to patients triggered by schedulable orders workqueues in Epic.
Authorizations
• Obtaining authorizations for radiology
• The HSS Access Center will have a pool of resources dedicated to
• Available when physician
and surgery places an administration
obtaining all authorizations for services performed at HSS (MRI,
offices convert to Epic
burden on offices, taking staff an
CT, surgery, infusion, etc.) for practices live on Epic Office.
Office, which will take
average of 20-30 minutes per patient to complete.
• With one electronic patient record, the hospital’s Financial Navigators will be able to attach clinical documentation, obtain
place in waves throughout 2016.
authorizations, and post the response in Epic prior to the date of service for physician practices and service areas to review.
Referrals
• Physician office staff coordinate
• Physicians can use the referral functionality in Epic to refer
referrals manually via phone
internally. They can refer directly to a provider or they can simply
go live with Epic on
between offices.
refer to a particular specialty.
January 31, 2016.
• Searching for a provider is often the responsibility of the patient.
• Physician Referral Services (PRS) can then perform outreach to the patient and recommend options for appropriate providers for the patient.
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• Available when we
A Leadership Perspective: Insights about the Transition to Epic isa Goldstein, executive vice president,
What advice do you have for physicians and staff
Implementing an integrated electronic medical
COO, and executive sponsor for Epic go-live
as we approach go-live?
record system is not an easy undertaking. What
Command Center and Support, shares her
L
LG: While we have done a phenomenal job preparing
would you like to say to the hundreds of physicians
insights about making the transition to an integrated
for our Epic go-live, there will likely be unintended
and staff who have been involved in the project?
electronic medical record system at HSS.
bumps along the way. I encourage everyone to stay
LG: Thank you! I would like to thank everyone across
What has been the hardest part in preparing for
calm and work together! I am confident that we will
the HSS family for your tremendously hard work and
the Epic implementation?
get through this successfully, and making the transi-
dedication to ensure a successful transition to Epic.
LG: Preparing for our Epic go-live has been a balancing
tion to Epic will be well worth it in the end.
Your efforts will pay off and it will all be worth it in the
act for many members of the HSS family who have
What support will be available to physicians and
end. I am confident that once we get there, this is
been involved in the design, decision-making, and
staff when we go live with Epic?
going to be much better than what we have today.
readiness activities. Every day the same physicians
LG: A detailed step-by-step support plan has been
How does implementing Epic support the 2016
and staff that take such great care of our patients
developed to ensure that a tremendous amount of
strategic goals for HSS?
have also been intimately involved in preparing for
at-the-elbow support is available for every stakeholder
LG: Our success into the future is dependent upon
our Epic implementation. I am impressed with the
group at HSS during the initial go-live period. There
the Epic platform. For example, having a robust,
great job everyone has done balancing their efforts
will be dedicated support for physicians, registration
integrated electronic medical record system enables
to deliver the best patient experience and at the
staff, nurses, rehab therapists, pharmacy staff,
us to pursue our goals for growth and data analytics.
same time ensuring that Epic meets the unique
dietary, and finance, to name a few. At-the-elbow
needs of the HSS family.
In the 30 days leading up to go-live, how can staff
support includes our own HSS Super Users and
prepare for and support the efforts?
What has been the best part of getting ready
Credentialed Trainers, members of the HSS IT and
for Epic?
Epic families, and contracted support staff, who
LG: The amazing teamwork that has transpired since
have worked on Epic “go-lives” at other organiza-
we first started our Epic journey 18 months ago is
tions and will be trained on the HSS-specific
remarkable. It is incredible just how many members
workflows and design.
of the HSS family have embraced the Epic project as
In addition, there will be a 24/7 Epic Command
“their own.” Many workgroups have been established
Center located in the Caspary building where HSS
to support this implementation. I see these workgroups
IT analysts will triage and troubleshoot any reported
surviving well into our future, as there is so much
issues for timely resolution.
value in continuing to focus our work efforts in
What are you most excited about as we transition
transforming how we deliver care at HSS.
to Epic?
How is Epic going to benefit the HSS family?
LG: Converting to a robust, integrated electronic
and practice using the system so that on the day
LG: There are two key benefits that come to mind
medical record system will without a doubt provide
of go-live you are comfortable and familiar with
when I think about transitioning to a robust, integrated
our patients with a better, more coordinated environ-
the functionality.
electronic medical record system – transforming the
ment of care at HSS. The Epic system will bring the
way we deliver care and enhancing the patient experi-
components of patient care together into one single
ence. Implementing Epic will enable us to streamline
record. Having a single source of patient information
access to our services for our patients. With Epic,
available real time for all members of the patient’s
we will be eliminating unnecessary paperwork and
healthcare team will allow us to provide even higher
duplicative processes at many touchpoints since
quality and safer care for our patients. Ultimately,
patient information will reside in one shared record.
I am excited about the positive impact the implemen-
Transitioning to a single patient record will also provide
tation of Epic is going to have on the way that we
Most importantly, be patient and don’t be scared.
our patients a more seamless and coordinated experi-
deliver care.
Getting comfortable is going to take time.
LG: Transforming how we deliver care at HSS through the use of Epic will be a great learning experience for all of us. The number one priority for all staff who will use Epic is to attend training and participate in the learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, I encourage you to ask questions and seek additional help if you need it. If you need help, we will provide the help that you need. Stay current with what you learned in class. Take advantage of the Epic Playground environment
Talk to others about your experience with Epic and ask them questions about their experience. Sharing an integrated patient record is going to take some time for all of us to get used to, and so it is important to understand how each person and each discipline’s documentation integrates in the record.
ence across the entire continuum of care at HSS.
HSS Raises Awareness of Important Clinical Studies he Lupus & APS Center of Excellence and the
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Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
Access “Making Rounds” www.hssmakingrounds.com,
Department of Social Work Programs at HSS
to read the below posts and more. I look forward to
recently participated in an event raising
your comments.
awareness of the importance of clinical research.
– Lou Shapiro
The “AWARE for All” event at St. John’s University in Queens provided vital information about the clinical
• Safety as a Priority
research process to help people make informed deci-
• Continuing Our Journey
sions when considering participation in a clinical trial.
• Giving Thanks
The event, organized by The Center for Information
Eugene Tomkiel, Jo-Ann Vega, Priscilla Toral, and Nadine Spring (l - r) represented HSS at the “Aware for All” event.
and Study on Clinical Research Participation, and
Jo-Ann Vega, CCRC; Nadine H. Spring, MPH,
co-sponsored by HSS and other hospitals, was free
CCRC; Eugene Tomkiel, LCSW; My-Lan Tran,
and open to the public. In addition to the wealth of
LCSW-R; and Priscilla Toral, LCSW, were on hand to
information available, attendees were treated to
provide information about lupus research studies, as
• This Past Week
refreshments, giveaways and free health screenings.
well as support and education programs at HSS.
• Epic Day and Our ‘Home Stretch’
• Paris Everywhere • Veteran’s Day • A More Coordinated Care Environment
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A Time to Celebrate embers of the HSS family joined
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together to celebrate at the Hospital’s annual holiday party in December.
Employees enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, including international fare; music and dancing; and lots of good cheer at the elegant Hyatt Regency. This year’s event also featured a photo booth, where staff could take souvenir pictures with their friends and colleagues.
Parties Bring Cheer to Youngest Patients ecognizing the importance of Halloween and
Magic” from Ronald McDonald House of New York
It came time to celebrate again in December, when
the winter holidays for children, the Child Life
provided live entertainment. Kenneth V. Handal
Child Life organized a winter holiday party. At the
Program at HSS made sure our youngest pa-
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and Mary Francina Golden generously sponsored
festive event, young patients enjoyed snacks, art
tients were able to celebrate. As part of the pediatric
the event.
activities and music. “Garden of Dreams,” the MSG
multidisciplinary team, Child Life manages and coor-
“Our parties are a great opportunity for children to
Foundation, delighted the children with its donation
dinates programs for children across the institution.
have fun at the hospital, interact with staff outside
of teddy bears, blankets and headphones. Young
At a Halloween party, young patients had a chance
of typical patient visits and socialize with other
patients were also thrilled to receive presents from
to show off their costumes, go trick-or-treating
patients and families,” said Peyton Katz, CCLS,
HSS, generously donated by Florence and Harvey
through the Lerner Children’s Pavilion and take part
pediatric patient and family care coordinator in
McCoy. Research assistant Jason Silberman,
the Department of Pediatrics.
dressed as an elf, distributed the presents.
in arts and crafts activities. The group, “Musical
Hanukkah Party he Spiritual Care Department celebrated
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Hanukkah with a festive party for staff, patients and family members on December 7,
the second night of Hanukkah. Chaplain Margo Heda highlighted the themes of the holiday, and those present participated in lighting the menorah; singing songs in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Ladino and Yiddish; and eating traditional foods. Dr. Mitchell Nelson lights the menorah at the HSS Hanukkah party.
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Chaplain Margo Heda played the guitar and sang Hanukkah songs with those who attended the celebration.
Engineering Trades Fair he Engineering Department plays a critical
VOICES 60+ Holds Holiday Celebration
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Attendees gained insights that they could apply at
November offered advice and demonstrations on
the proper way to hang objects or paint a wall
how things work and on home repair. The event
can save you costs, because you don’t have to hire
attracted more than 250 staff members who
an outside contractor to do the work,” Joe said.
the healthcare system. About 50 program partici-
learned about the importance of selecting the
“There’s also the satisfaction you get from doing
pants, their friends, families, VOICES 60+ volunteers
right tool for the job. They also received tips on
the job yourself.”
and Department of Social Work Programs staff came
role at HSS, making sure things run smoothly.
home. “Knowing how to change a washer in the sink
The Sixth Annual Engineering Trades Fair in
or how to make minor plumbing repairs, or knowing
hose who attended the annual Voices 60+
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holiday event at HSS not only had a good time. They gained valuable advice about navigating
home repair and how to save energy. Demonstra-
to the gathering.
tions and hands-on activities included painting
They enjoyed refreshments, raffle prizes and an
a wall and simple plumbing repairs.
enlightening talk on “Tips to Best Understand Your
“Since most of what the HSS engineers do on a daily
Healthcare” by rheumatology nurse Ann Marie
basis is kind of behind the scenes, the Trades Fair
Rakowicz, R.N., CNII. VOICES 60+ social worker
aims to bring to light the different talents possessed
Albairis Rosa, LMSW, translated the information for
by our staff, talents that are required maintain the
the Spanish-speaking audience. The VOICES 60+
facility at an expected high standard,” explained Joe
Program is designed to help HSS patients 60 and older
Pobliner, director of Environmental Services.
with arthritis and related chronic illnesses in accessing services and support to improve quality of life. Staff
Engineering staff demonstrated how HSS is protected
and volunteers help patients with emotional and family
from fire and smoke; how utilities are run in our walls; how plumbing is set up in a typical bathroom; and how HVAC systems work and are monitored.
concerns and provide resources for transportation, Wilma Correa is cheered on by the Engineering staff as she learns how to paint a wall.
home care, government programs and other services. “This time of year, we bring patients together in a celebratory setting to help reduce the social isolation many older adults experience during the holiday season,” said Juliette Kleinman, LCSW, senior manager, Voices 60+ Program. “In addition to holiday cheer, we provide an educational forum about how to best communicate with health care providers. Patients can utilize the strategies taught when they see their medical team at HSS.”
Charles Alexander explains how a backflow preventer works to Michael DiGiacomo.
Edward Leslie shows Cesar Jimenez and Waleema Baksh how the building is protected from fire and smoke.
Halloween Bake-Off he annual Halloween Bake-Off featured
Ericka Jeffries-Davis and John Castrogiovanni
scrumptious desserts by 11 contestants
donated rich and delicious brownies for the event.
and raised money for a good cause.
An independent panel judged the desserts based
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“All the desserts were home-made from recipes
on originality, creativity, visual appeal and what
that were passed down through generations,”
was pleasing to the palate. All of the desserts were
said Stephanie Thacker, who organized the event.
delectable and sold out. Leslie Fogelsong’s “Fright
Karina Zurita, Jenny DiGirolamo, Zahva Alter
Night” won for Best Halloween Theme. Karina
Lipton, Victoria Emem, Linda Roberts, Leslie
Zurita’s “Grave Yard” creation took first place for
Foglesong, Claire Murrin, Angelic Linen, Ruben
Most Original/Creative, and Claire Murrin’s “Claire’s
Diaz and Shauna Davis entered the contest.
Gateau Breton” took first place for Best-Tasting.
VOICES 60+ Team: (standing, left to right) Volunteer Beth Goodman Plante; VOICES 60+ Social Work intern Monica Sanchez; senior manager Juliette Kleinman; social worker Albairis Rosa; volunteer Carlos Gomez. Seated: volunteers Arlene Shiller and Devra Block.
Get Your Flu Shot If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, please do so today. Occupational Health Services is still offering the vaccine. If you decide to receive the flu shot outside of the Hospital, written documentation must be brought to Occupational Health. Please contact the office for specifics on what must be included in the documentation. New York State law requires all hospital personnel who have not received a flu shot to wear a surgical mask in areas where patients may be present during periods that the NYS Health Commissioner determines that the influenza season is underway. Occupational Health offers the flu shot on the following days, no appointment is necessary: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Halloween Bake-Off raised more than $300 to benefit the HSS Greenburg Academy on Aging. Photo courtesy of George Go, HSS’s roving photographer.
The office is located at 517 East 71 Street.
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Nursing News ifteen staff members, including nursing
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leaders and 2015 recipients of the HSS Nursing Excellence Awards, attended the
Annual Alumni Meeting he annual HSS Alumni Meeting offered a
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full agenda of activities over three days in
October, including CME courses, lectures,
2015 ANCC National Magnet Conference in
case presentations and a reception at the Museum
Atlanta. The theme this year was “World-Class
of the City of New York. The yearly event draws
Nursing. Innovative Patient Care.” All HSS
physicians and scientists working in orthopedics,
participants attended concurrent sessions that
rheumatology, radiology, anesthesiology, pediatrics,
demonstrated application of the magnet model
physiatry, pathology and neurology. Attendees include
components: transformational leadership; structural
HSS alumni, as well as current residents, fellows and
empowerment; exemplary professional practice; and
medical staff.
Dr. Todd Albert, HSS surgeon-in-chief, is pictured with Dr. Bruce Reider, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
new knowledge, innovations and improvement. Ricky Guillot, MHA, BSN, R.N., NE-BC-CNOR, assistant vice president of Nursing, Ambulatory Surgery Operations, and Jason Feldman, R.N., CNIII, Sports Service, 9th floor, presented “Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings in Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery” at the annual OR Manager Conference in Nashville. Their presentation detailed an HSS interdisciplinary project concerning instrument replacement and processing that resulted in cost savings of $1.4 million over two years (the project began in 2010). The presentation was well-attended and received positive feedback. The Department of Nursing wishes to congratulate
Dr. Farmer Participates in Global Reading Campaign ames Farmer, M.D., and his wife Molly Wythes
J
approached the Lerner Children’s Pavilion and
Child Life Program to bring the world’s largest
shared reading experience to HSS. “Read for the Record®” is a national campaign by the nonprofit organization Jumpstart to promote early learning and literacy. The organization designated October 22 for this year’s shared reading event, encouraging adults and children nationwide to participate.
the following nurses, who have received their certification since May 2015.
Corazon Bautista, BSN, R.N., CNOR, ONC Angelica Beato, BSN, R.N., ONC Konrad Blanco, BSN, R.N., CNOR Monyne Bowman, BCOM, ADN, R.N., CNOR
Food for Thought he generosity of many members of the
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HSS family became evident during the
Hospital’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive,
Teresa Church, R.N., ONC
organized by the Employee Activities Committee,
Veronica Daly, MS/MPA, RN-BC, CNOR
HSS staff, volunteers and visitors dropped off
Deena Deo, BSN, R.N., ACNS-BC, RN-BC
nonperishable items to help those in need. City
Caroline Donovan, BSN, R.N., ONC
Harvest collected the food to distribute to food
Feruza Esanova, BSN, R.N., CCRN
banks around New York City. Jorge Castillo, Materials Management receiving staff; a City Harvest staff member; Mary Hargett and Christopher James, chairs of the Employee Activities Committee (l - r) on the day food was donated to City Harvest.
Agnes Fajutagana, BSN, R.N., CNOR Kathleen Forson, ADN, R.N., CNOR Ashley French, BSN, R.N., CCRN Karen Griffin, MSN, R.N., ANP-BC
Dr. Farmer read the book, “Not Norman: A Goldfish Story” to young patients.
Big Apple Circus
Marilou Mendia, BSN, R.N., CNOR mazing performances dazzled spectators
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games, and a photo booth at the Fun Festival before
at the Hospital’s 9th Annual Big Apple Circus
making their way to the main event at Damrosch Park
Benefit on December 5, 2015 to support
at Lincoln Center. Under the big top, soaring trapeze
pediatric care and research at HSS. Norah O’Donnell,
artists, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and high-wire
co-host of CBS This Morning, and Maya Reimers,
walkers wowed the audience.
Amanda Pupino, BSN, R.N., ONC, ANP-BC
a gymnast, served as guest ringmasters. Children
The event raised over $810,000 for pediatric care
Kaitlyn Schneider, MSN, R.N., CNOR
enjoyed face painting, juggling, a stilt walker, carnival
and research.
Guest ringmasters Maya Reimers and Norah O’Donnell speak to the crowd during the Hospital’s 9th Annual Big Apple Circus Benefit.
Surgeon-in-chief Todd J. Albert, M.D.; benefit co-chairs Monica Keany and Kate Doerge; and chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Roger F. Widmann, M.D.
Mario Mendia, BSN, R.N., CNOR Piyaporn Miller, M.S., R.N., CNOR Rie O’Brien, BSN, R.N., CNOR Rosanna Poblador, BSN, R.N., ONC
Marie Serina, M.A., RN-BC, FNP-BC, CIC Mooddeen Shanaz, R.N., ONC SooJin Song, BSN, R.N., CNOR Virginia Soria, BSN, R.N., ONC Vanessa Usai, R.N., CNOR Elaine Walsh, MSN, R.N., ONC, ANP-BC Freda Weintraub, BSN, R.N., CNOR Michelle Zevallos-Ramos, R.N., FNP-BC To see the full list of all certified nurses at HSS, please visit: https://www.hss.edu/nursing-boardcertified-nurses.asp.
6
Ice Cream Break
Get to Know
n a beautiful day in November, HSS staff
O
Dalia Abusharr
were treated to ice cream to celebrate
the highest participation rate ever in the
Dalia Abusharr, an administrative coordinator and staff interpreter for Arabic in the Language Services
Gallup Employee Engagement Survey. At Employee
Department, has impressed her colleagues at HSS
Engagement Day staff had the opportunity to
with her knowledge and professionalism. “My top
complete the survey using mini iPads, and a record
priority is patient safety by ensuring the flow of com-
number of attendees filled out the questionnaire
munication between international or local Arabic
onsite. At the Belaire cafe, staff could choose
patients and medical staff. I serve as a cultural broker
from a wonderful selection of toppings to create
and advocate for the patient’s needs,” she explains.
States. In 2006, while living in Texas, she volunteered
Dalia is known for her penchant for helping others
at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she helped
outside of work, as well. Over the years, she has
Middle Eastern families who had come to the U.S.
used her specialized skills and knowledge to
for cancer treatment. She met parents who had sold
volunteer for a number of worthy causes.
everything they owned so they could come here to
Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Dalia is fluent in
receive medical care for their children. “It taught me
both English and Arabic. She also understands and
to be a better person,” Dalia says. “It taught me to be
reads French. After attending British schools in
grateful and to appreciate what I have.”
Egypt, where she became fluent in English, she went
Dalia moved to New York in 2009. Her latest volun-
on to college. She earned a Bachelors degree in
teer efforts focus on an organization she helped
English Literature from one of the largest Egyptian
establish with Dahlia Eissa, a Harvard-educated
universities, where she also received training as an
lawyer of Egyptian origin. The nonprofit organization,
interpreter. She went on to earn a degree in Business
known as the Tem Foundation, seeks to end female
from Kent University in England. She is currently
genital mutilation, still a major problem in Egypt.
pursuing a Masters degree in Public Health.
Dalia’s volunteer work doesn’t end here. She
After college, Dalia immigrated to Canada and
continues to help Egyptian cancer patients who
became a Canadian citizen. At age 20, she
come to New York for medical treatment, and single
volunteered for Billy Graham missions in Canada,
mothers who come here in search of a better life.
teaching physicians who went to crisis areas in the
If you or someone you know would like to be considered
Persian Gulf, Middle East, and Africa about the
for inclusion in our “Get to Know” column, please write
Arabic culture. In 2000, Dalia moved to the United
to us at echo@hss.edu.
delectable ice cream sundaes.
New Medical Staff Pamela Wendel, M.D. Dr. Wendel is a board-certified, assistant attending anesthesiologist at HSS, with a special interest in pediatric cases. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She went on to an internship at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she also completed a residency in Anesthesiology. She completed a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at NYP-Columbia. Dr. Wendel belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. She received the Hospital for Special Surgery Award for Clinical Excellence in Regional Anesthesia (2013-2014).
Employee of the Month Wendy Corbi, October 2015 Congratulations to Wendy, Employee of the Month for October. Wendy, a medical assistant for Dr. Alice Chen in the Stamford Outpatient Center, has worked at HSS for almost eight years. She has a wonderful personality, and her warmth and empathy for others are remarkable. Wendy is often the first medical caregiver with whom a patient comes into contact, and she makes an excellent first impression. Wendy strives to achieve excellence in everything she does. Diligent, efficient and highly skilled in her work, Wendy often forgoes her scheduled breaks to complete a task. She cares deeply about our patients, and their comfort is always a priority in her interactions with them. There are dozens of examples, but one in particular reveals her kind heart. One day, a couple needed to be in the office for a prolonged period of time, and they were not very mobile. It was getting close to lunchtime, so Wendy took it upon herself to get them a meal and make sure they were comfortable during their wait. For her diligence, skill and compassion, Wendy is a most deserving Employee of the Month.
7
Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities
• Frances Baratta-Ziska, P.T., DPT, M.S.,
Thorndike Lecturer and Visiting Professor at
PCS, NDT; Christine Rocchio Mueller, M.S.,
Massachusetts General Hospital. • Scott Wolfe, M.D., was an Invited Professor in the
OTR/L, NDT; and Elizabeth A. Gerosa, M.S.,
Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of
CCC-SLP, NDT, earned their certifications in
G. Raisz Award at the annual meeting of the
Vienna and gave a talk titled, “Adult Brachial Plexus
Neuro-Developmental Treatment.
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Injuries – Can We Do better?”
Honors • Adele Boskey, Ph.D., received the 2015 Lawrence
(ASBMR) in Seattle. The award is given to “an
• Sarah Andrus P.T., DPT, CSCS, became a Certified
• Baohong Zhao, Ph.D., gave a podium presentation
• Varsha Seemangal P.T., DPT, MST, USATF-1; Curtis
individual having a record of outstanding achieve-
at the ASBMR annual meeting titled, “Def6
ments in preclinical translational research (cellular
Restrains Osteoclastogenesis and Inflammatory
Wu, P.T., DPT, USATF-1; and Erin L. Corbo, P.T.,
or in animals) in the bone and mineral field.”
Bone Resorption.”
DPT, OCS, USATF-1, became Level 1 Track and Field Coaches.
Lectures and Symposia
Rehabilitation
• Steven Goldring, M.D., was an invited speaker at
• Jorge Giral, P.T., DPT, SCS, COMT, CSCS, served
• Polly de Mille R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS, USAT;
the International Congress of Osteoimmunology in
as the Team Physiotherapist for Team USA at the
Theresa Chiaia P.T., DPT; Aisling Toolan P.T., DPT,
Genoa, Italy.
Progressive Skate America ISU Grand Prix of Figure
SCS; and Sarah Andrus P.T., DPT, CSCS, con-
• Jo Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., was a Visiting Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the
tributed to Pediatric and Adolescent Knee Surgery,
Skating in Milwaukee, WI.
a textbook by Frank A. Cordasco, M.D., and
• John Castro, P.T., MTC, presented at the International Physiotherapy Congress in Peru.
Welcome Blosom Abraham, Pablo Acosta, Martha Alarcon, Maria C. Alba-Cruz, Annalyn Alcantara, Julissa Almonte, Daniela Anghelina, Kevin G. Apunte, DeSheena G. Armstrong, Jonathan M. Bandel, Nana Bediako, Nakia Bell, Samantha Blumberg, Joanne N. Boursiquot, Joanna A. Bouteraa, Bernadette Boyd, Nashali Castillo, Darshana K. Chima, Nicole Civil, Justin Clark, Victor Colon, Rosemarie Crosdale, Apollonia Davis, Monique Davis, Nicole C. DiFusco, Astrid DiVincent, Margaret E. Dolan, Karen Donaldson, Tricia C. Dougherty, Thierry Duvivier, Teliki Eubanks, Olivia Ferrauilo, Ligia Ferreira, Michelle Flores, Colton H. Funkhouser, Megan A. Gilbert, Keyrisa Gillies, Nickolaos Halkias, Michele Hess, Jennifer L. Griffin, Kate Gumersell, Austin Harris, Fatimah Hasan, Kathleen Higgins, Carolyn Howe, Maria D. Ignacio, Presley Imongirie, Jacqueline Jackson, Katia G. Jean, Kelli S. Jefferson, Maria Juarez, Daniel M. Kaplan, Baldeep Kaur, Navjot Kaur-Joty, Jinah Kim, Erica Koiki, Marc Leibowitz, Ji-Nee Lo, Jacqueline Lopez, Lauren G. LoVecchio, Rebecca Lyons, Shannon Maloney, David Medina, Irene A. Mensah, Kathleen Michels, Halida Muratovic, Azuria Nesmith, Joseph Nicosia, Monica Nieves, Robert J. O’Brien, Katakyie Ofori, Ryan Otero, Paul A. Pabon, Kyle Pereira, Kelly Purcell, Christina Quinn, Tinelle S. Ramjattan, Patricia Richards, Randy O. Rodriguez, Alison Rogers, Katharine Romero, Nathaniel Russell, Marie A. Scalabrino, Paul Schadler, Peter Schultz, Allison Silverman, Katherine Slattery, Vasileios Soranoglou, Joseph Strickland, Ryan T. Sutherland, Kurt G. Thomas, Louise-Margaret Tomas, Jennifer Torres, Jeffrey Tracy, Articia S. Troy, Mercy Ukpe, Joslyn Vargas, Marie Verzosa, Jordan C. Villa, Leketia Webb, Vian Worrell, Perry Yao.
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 at www.jointcommission.org. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.
8
Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Daniel W. Green, M.D.
Picture This
Best Foot Forward. Team HSS gave it their all at the New York City Marathon in November. Pictured: Top Row (left to right): Jeremy Rinzler, Javi Hernandez, Jelle Van Der List. Middle Row (left to right): Andy Pham, Chrissy Goodbody, Jess Podell, Allison Roditi. Bottom Row (left to right): Leigh-Ann Plack, Cara Senicola, Dr. Jessica Gordon. Crystal Boccio, Krissa Cetner, Will Cruz, Bridget DeSandis, Jennifer Katarivas, Andrew Koo, Alison Leblanc, Leslie McDermott, Dr. Jordan Metzl, Rose Powers, Brian Vanvelzor, Ginny Wenzel and Alex White also participated on Team HSS. Alexis Perez, who works in Central Sterile Processing, is also an auxiliary police officer and was among those keeping runners and spectators safe at the marathon. He is pictured with Dr. Enrique Goytizolo, an anesthesiologist at HSS.
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. 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.
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky
Contributing Writer:
Robin Frank
Next Issue:
January 2016 echo@hss.edu