May 2015 Vol. 17 Issue 5
ECHO
THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
Lionel B. Ivashkiv, M.D. Appointed Chief Scientific Officer esearch is a cornerstone of our vision
Leadership in Research SS scientists
R
H
than 200 scientists and staff work to identify
professional organizations
causes of musculoskeletal and autoimmune
throughout the years. One
diseases and develop effective approaches for
of these is the Orthopedic
diagnoses, treatment and long-term benefits to
Research Society (ORS),
patients. Our scientists’ and physicians’ research
an organization whose
continues to shape the future of musculoskeletal
purpose is to promote,
and mission – it is critical to enhanced
have held
patient care and HSS’ impact on the
research
fields of orthopedics and rheumatology. More
leadership positions in
Dr. Bostrom and Dr. Goldring at the ORS Annual Meeting
medicine and the foundation for better treatments
support, develop and encourage research in ortho-
and patient care.
paedics and musculoskeletal disease and related
HSS recently announced that Lionel B. Ivashkiv,
disciplines and to provide a forum for dissemination of
M.D., premier scientist in autoimmune, inflammatory
knowledge in the fields. Five HSS scientists have been
and musculoskeletal diseases, would serve as the
president of this prestigious organization dedicated to Dr. Goldring (left) and Dr. Ivashkiv
the advancement of orthopaedic research.
the David H. Koch Chair in Arthritis and Tissue
enhancement of HSS’ position as a leader in
The most recent president inaugurated is Mathias
Degeneration and associate chief scientific officer,
musculoskeletal and autoimmune disease research.
P. Bostrom, M.D., senior clinician scientist, who
Dr. Ivashkiv succeeds Steven R. Goldring, M.D.,
“What’s unique about HSS is the team-based
transitioned into the role at a ceremony at the ORS
who has served in the role since 2006. Dr. Ivashkiv
approach to research and the linkage between
Annual Meeting that took place following the AAOS
assumed his new role on June 1 and this also marked
basic science and clinical research,” he said.
in March. Dr. Bostrom took over from Mary Goldring,
his 23rd anniversary at HSS.
“We are committed to asking meaningful scientific
Ph.D., senior scientist and co-director of the Tissue
questions and then figuring out a way to apply
Engineering Regeneration and Repair Program, who
advances in knowledge to impact patient care.”
was president during the prior year.
“During an exceptional tenure, Dr. Goldring has
The Research Division experienced unprecedented
A major aspect of the president’s leadership role is
fostered a creative and productive scientific
growth under Dr. Goldring’s leadership in the past
to head the ORS Board of Directors, which provides
environment, attracted new scientists and built
nine years. Some highlights include:
governance and direction; ensures that the mission of
the Research Division into the world-leader in
• HSS became an NIH Network Partner for
the ORS stays on course; approves activities and new
Hospital’s third chief scientific officer. Currently
Dr. Ivashkiv will build on a history of research and the infrastructure developed by Dr. Goldring.
musculoskeletal science it is today,” said
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
initiatives of the committees; recommends changes to
Lou Shapiro, president and CEO. “We look
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded
the Bylaws; oversees the ORS Annual Meeting; formu-
forward to working with Dr. Ivashkiv to continue
grants to 11 research groups across the United
lates the strategic plan; and represents its members.
building and enhancing our Research Division.”
States to establish the Accelerating Medicines
“I’m honored to take on this role with the ORS and
“Dr. Ivashkiv’s career as a scientist includes major
Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
lead this amazing organization as we continue
contributions to the understanding of inflammatory
(AMP RA/Lupus) Network. HSS was selected as
working together to advance musculoskeletal research
mechanisms in autoimmune and musculoskeletal
a Research Site with Drs. Vivian Bykerk, Lionel
worldwide,” said Dr. Bostrom. “We are embarking on
disorders,” said Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief
Ivashkiv, and Alessandra B. Pernis from the
the launch of a new strategic plan and I’m excited
and medical director. “He has outstanding natural
Research Division and Drs. Figgie, Sculco, Marx
about moving forward.” With the transition of
leadership skills and has earned the respect of his
and Hotchkiss from the Orthopaedic department
leadership from Dr. Goldring to Dr. Bostrom, the
colleagues both here at HSS and abroad which makes
leading the research initiative.
previous five-year strategic plan was concluded.
him ideally suited to lead our Research Division.”
• Creation of the David Z. Rosensweig Genomics
The new plan will focus on areas of funding, strategic partnerships, diversity and professional
“I am honored to work even more closely with
Research Center
colleagues who are committed to building on
With a $5.6 million grant from the Tow Foundation,
development, and adaptation to change. “Our new
HSS’ tradition of interdisciplinary translational
HSS created The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics
plan builds on the strong foundation put in place over
research,” said Dr. Ivashkiv. “Together we will
Research Center, under the direction of Dr.
CONTINUED on page 2
advance the Hospital’s research mission to
Ivashkiv. The goals are to define the regulation
translate breakthrough findings into new ways of
of genes associated with autoimmune and
treating and preventing serious orthopedic and
inflammatory diseases, and to develop more
rheumatic conditions.”
effective therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and
In this new role, Dr. Ivashkiv will work to develop and execute strategic plans to continue the
systemic lupus erythematosus.
CONTINUED on page 2
Inside
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At HSS, It’s Safety First Epic: One patient. One record. One HSS.
Lionel B. Ivashkiv, M.D. Appointed CONTINUED FROM COVER • Arthritis Foundation Grant Recipient HSS was one of three hospitals to receive a $1 million grant from the Arthritis Foundation. This grant allows HSS scientists and physicians to test the ability of new MRI techniques to identify the earliest signs of osteoarthritis in the knee following ACL injury, even before patients experience symptoms. Drs. Scott Rodeo, Hollis Potter, and Mary and Steve Goldring are leaders of the HSS grant. • Creation of the HSS Healthcare Research Institute Under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Lyman, the
Leadership in Research CONTINUED FROM COVER the years by this Board and focuses on opportunities
Under Dr. Goldring’s leadership, the JOR gained a new
for continued growth and expansion,” he said.
editor-in-chief who planned to increase the impact of
During her tenure as president, Dr. Goldring’s priorities
the JOR through the exploration of new initiatives.
were to enhance communication, collaboration, and
Additionally, since the ORS Annual Meeting is all about
programming for the ORS Annual Meeting and
communication, Dr. Goldring arranged a keynote
specialty meetings, as well as to highlight these
speaker who discussed the role that communication
efforts through the new editorial composition of the
plays between researchers and those in a position to
ORS-owned Journal of Orthopaedic Research (JOR).
advance research through advocacy and funding.
“Communication has always played a key role in
Before stepping into the role of president, Dr. Bostrom
research, but often does not move forward because
served as the first vice president working together
the significance of that research is not understood
closely with Dr. Goldring and the Board. “I look forward
and appreciated by others,” said Dr. Goldring. “I had
to continuing to work with this group of extraordinary
wanted to ensure that we were communicating our
scientists,” he said.
science not only with with our collaborators and
Other past presidents of the ORS from HSS also
among ourselves across disciplines, but also with
include: Drs. Timothy Wright, Adele Boskey and
patients, funding agencies, and the public.”
Joseph Lane.
Healthcare Research Institute is the academic home for clinical and population health research at HSS. The Institute is leveraging the enormous breadth of clinical information available to
pilot program to keep HSS employees safe
“After discussions with managers and staff, the body
on the job proved to be so successful that it
is being implemented formally hospital-wide.
or two to see the challenges they face, and then the
A
mechanics team observes an area for about a week
The HSS Rehabilitation team partnered with Occu-
team develops training materials for that specific
Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC)
pational Health and Risk Management to launch
unit, so it’s very targeted,” said Melissa Medina,
The NIH-funded CTSC, led by Weill Cornell
“The Body Mechanics Program” on a trial basis last
assistant director of Employee Safety & Risk
Medical College, brought together a consortium
year. After it received high marks from nursing and
Initiatives, Risk Management. “Not everybody
of Upper East Side hospitals including HSS,
O.R. staff who participated, program leaders realized
will receive the same training.”
New York-Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan-Kettering
every employee at HSS could benefit.
“We take a careful look at the way people are doing
Cancer Center, among others and provided an
HSS is known for keeping patients safe, and we
their jobs: the way they move equipment, help lift a
infrastructure to support translational research.
continuously work on developing innovative ways
patient, push carts, clean around the hospital, sit at
The CTSC established an innovative network for
to keep employees safe, healthy and injury free.
their desk,” Jon added.
biomedical collaboration focused on translating
Numerous measures are in place throughout the
After observation, the team develops a plan
research discoveries to patient care.
Hospital to ensure a safe work environment. However,
of action and offers hands-on training to
injuries can still occur. The Body Mechanics Program
employees. At the end of the in-service, each
aims to minimize the risk of getting hurt by educating
department receives hand-outs with safety tips
employees on how to safely do their jobs. Good body
and recommendations moving forward to maintain
mechanics are essential in the tasks we perform
good practices. To date, the tenth floor Nursing
to prevent a sudden injury that may arise over
and ninth floor PACU/Holding units have benefited
time due to bad posture, poor form or repeated
from the training. The Body Mechanics team is
movements that put stress on the body, according
currently working with the Radiology Department.
translate informed outcomes into better treatments for patients. • Partnership in the Weill Cornell Medical College
“I’m proud of what our Research Division has accomplished thus far,” said Dr. Goldring. “We have made great strides and Dr. Ivashkiv’s knowledge, experience and leadership will only take us even further toward our goal of better treatments and cures for patients.” After a transition period, Dr. Goldring will remain on faculty at HSS and continue with his scientific collaborations. “I’m delighted that Lionel Ivashkiv will assume leadership of the research enterprise at HSS,” said Thomas Kelly, M.D., HSS board member and Research Committee co-chair. “The opportunities for scientific advances in understanding and treating
to Jon Cinkay, P.T., program coordinator. “Lifting, bending, twisting, turning, reaching, kneeling, cleaning, even the way we sit at a desk, can take a toll on our bodies if we do not practice good form,” he explained. “Body mechanics refers to proper body movement when engaging in activities. It’s the most efficient way to perform an activity to maximize balance, coordination and endurance, while minimizing
musculoskeletal diseases have never been greater,
stress and the risk of injury. That’s important for
and I’m confident that with Dr. Ivashkiv’s visionary
everyone to remember while they are working here
leadership, HSS will remain at the forefront of
at HSS and also in their lives outside of HSS.”
efforts to improve the lives of patients with these diseases.”
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At HSS, It’s Safety First
Two things make this program unique to HSS. The first is that our staff work with almost our entire
“It’s been excellent for the staff,” said Julie PollinoTanner, patient care director on the tenth floor. “They appreciate the fact that we’re looking after their well-being. As a result of the training, they have become more inquisitive about equipment that can help them do their job, and they are using it more.” The goal is to offer the Body Mechanics Program to all hospital employees over the next 18 months, according to Jon. It will become a permanent program at HSS and new employees will receive training as well. “We want what people learn at HSS to become part of their everyday lives so that they’re protecting
“Advancing musculoskeletal research is one
patient base to get them back to function or movement
of the great opportunities of our time, and
after surgery. The second is that our own in-house
deserving of our finest talents and support,”
expertise on body movement was used to develop
said David H. Koch, member of the HSS Board
this program. When originally considering formalizing
of Trustees and co-chair of the Board’s Research
the Body Mechanics Program, administrators knew
The Body Mechanics team includes Charles Fisher,
Committee. “Lionel’s leadership has distinguished
that HSS had the in-house expertise to make it
P.T., MBA (Manager); Lauren Alix, P.T., CSCS; Luba
him among the brightest lights, and I have every
a success. Jon, who was named coordinator, along
Chernov, P.T., MPA; Tracey Colantonio, P.T.; Kristen
confidence that as chief scientific officer he will
with a team of 10 physical therapists focus on one
Crisara, P.T.; Kristi Foxx, P.T.; Sarah Kostyukovsky,
lead HSS and the field in transforming quality
department at a time to help employees do their jobs
P.T., CSCS; Christi Loftus, P.T.; Mike Martell, PTA;
of life for generations to come.”
safely and more efficiently.
Diana Minardo, O.T.; Katherine Wilson, P.T.
themselves here at work and also at home,” Melissa said. “So when they go to lift something at home, they’ll think about what they learned at HSS.”
Epic: One patient. One record. One HSS. n about eight months our HSS Epic electronic
There were two types of workflow walkthroughs
medical record (EMR) will go live on January 31,
conducted in April – a large integrated demonstra-
2016. The Epic project and our transformation of
tion that showcased several applications in Epic and
I
care processes represents a very exciting advance for
smaller breakout sessions focused on specific appli-
Back in the Game SS’ new online patient forum – Back in the
H
Game – features more than 800 patient stories sharing how HSS helped them get
“back in the game.” Every month we will include one
HSS and is an essential element of our commitment
cations and tasks. Epic provides a comprehensive,
of these stories that highlight the extraordinary care
to provide the highest quality patient care. While
integrated system. Every aspect of the delivery of
members of the HSS family provide.
exciting, the successful implementation of the EMR
care – from scheduling services, tracking patients
Below you can read more about how HSS helped
is an enormous task that will touch every member of
within the Hospital, ordering tests and procedures,
Andrew Sedlak from South Orange, New Jersey, get
the HSS family. With that, we have a robust educa-
documenting clinical progress, storing results to
back in the game.
tion program planned that will provide physicians
billing and collection – will be handled through Epic.
and staff the information and tools they need to be
The integrated demo provided a great opportunity for
successful on day one of go live. Training schedules
more than 100 HSS physicians and staff to see the
and registration will be available in August.
end-to-end workflow of the single patient experience.
We are in the final weeks of phase three of the Epic
The integrated demo followed patient “Clark Kent”
I returned home,
project and the entire system build is on track for
who was scheduled for a knee replacement. The
my initial doctors
completion by July 13 when the project team will shift
scenario followed Clark’s encounter from all caregiver
did all they could
their focus to thorough testing of application build,
perspectives from the time he came for his surgery
to help repair my
device integration and interfaces with other systems.
consult visit – surgery was scheduled, pre-admission
two broken legs,
The project team continues to meet with physician
testing was completed, surgery was performed,
but the accident
service line champions to collect information for
he was transferred to the inpatient unit, and initial
left them in a poor
clinical content build. Groups have been working to
physical therapy treatment was completed – until
state with the
standardize documentation and order sets across all
he was discharged. The scenario ended with an
discovery of a
disciplines and specialties in order to optimize best-
overview of the billing process for his admission and
bone infection.
practices and provide consistent care to our patients.
revenue reporting dashboards available to actively
At the end of July and into early August, system
manage and work revenue cycle metrics. Some
demonstrations will be available, which is one of the
demonstrated highlights included:
most sought-after requests we receive. This is a great
• Use of Epic is role-based – Different users have
I had a debilitating car accident while travelling in Namibia. When
We were told about HSS and from the start, they wanted to really understand the issues and how they could help. I ended up needing a lot of work done on my ankle to clear the infection and fix the ankle. The
sign of increasing interest in our new, integrated
different access based on the functions they need
system that will transform the way we work, making
only choice was to fuse it because of all the damage.
to perform for their job role.
Over the next 12 months, the team at HSS did so
it easier for our patients to navigate HSS.
• Integrated system functionality – Information
much to see this process through and help me regain
Workflow Walkthroughs
entered by the nurse or the physician assistant, for
my ability again.
A series of Workflow Walkthrough sessions were
example, is easily accessible for the surgeon.
It would then be another year before I could go back
conducted in April to demo future-state workflows
• Better patient flow – Patients provide their
to university and graduate, but I am eternally grateful
that were built based on decisions made during
registration information at intake, for example,
to the team who gave me a second chance. Since the
validation sessions in the fall of last year. Each session
and the system guides subsequent users to verify
accident, I have done more hiking, climbing, sports
showcased Epic workflows that have been tailored to
information for accuracy versus the patient having
and activities than before. I started kickboxing and
suit HSS’ specific needs. This customization has been
to complete additional forms each time.
even ran a Men’s Health Challenge. Not a day goes by
done with the input and validation of subject matter experts (SMEs) and service line champions. Epic is not a one-size-fits-all solution and is designed to allow a health care organization like HSS to “build” its own customized version of the system. Team members from HSS have worked very hard to build the Epic EMR to reflect the needs of our hospital. These
• Provider efficiency – Much of the information is already documented by the physician assistant
that I don’t thank Drs. Rozbruch and Fragomen for doing this work.
and nurse prior to the surgeon’s review; left navigation of the screen contains a series of activities that guide the surgeon on where to go next to either document, review patient information, or sign orders.
sessions provided colleagues an opportunity to
Observers saw how different applications work and,
take a first look at the system and see the ways that
importantly, how they work together. These sessions
Epic will transform patient interaction and care when
were intended as a trial run before a final “production”
it goes live.
build will be completed by July in time for testing. While it is hard to believe an entire year has already passed since the first steps of the Epic journey began at HSS, we are now at the stage of showing a significant
Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
Access “Making Rounds” www.hssmakingrounds.com, to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments. – Lou Shapiro
portion of our integrated EMR system. Epic will transform the way our patients’ medical information is accessed and utilized, from first touch to last.
• Why Strategy Matters Now…continued
A huge thank you to all members of the HSS family who have been engaged in this process thus far,
• Where Miracles Happen Every Day
we are well on our way to achieve this massive,
• Why Strategy Matters Now
transformative goal here at HSS. If you have any questions or comments about Dr. David Mayman demonstrating a workflow in the system during the integrated session.
Epic, you may submit them via the FAQ section of
• Sneak Preview • Education Evolution
the Epic intranet site.
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J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge he J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is taking
T
place on Wednesday, June 3 and over the years has motivated some members of the
Celebrating National Nurses Week ational Nurses Week is celebrated across
“Without the teamwork, commitment and compas-
the country each year to acknowledge the
sion demonstrated by all of you on a daily basis, we
N
many contributions nurses make on a daily
wouldn’t be able to achieve the extraordinary
basis to provide the highest quality care to patients.
outcomes we do,” he said. He also referenced the
The week starts on May 6 and ends on May 12,
many initiatives underway at HSS of which nurses are
HSS family to get fit and start running. Every month
Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The theme this year
a part including Epic. Asking everyone who has been
leading up to the Corporate Challenge, we have been
was “Ethical practice. Quality care” which highlights
to an Epic meeting in past week to raise their hand,
sharing inspiring stories with you. This month, you
the importance of ethics in nursing and acknowledges
he was met with a room full of arms in the air. “You are
can read more about how the Corporate Challenge
the strong commitment, compassion and care
key members of teams working together to ensure
motivated Monique Alexander who works in Patient
nurses display in their practice and profession.
that Epic and our transformation are a success.
Accounting and Pantelis Karnoupakis who works in Managed Care. Monique’s Story
At HSS, many events took place to mark Nurses
The additional time and hard work you have invested
Week, which kicked off with a special event honoring
will help us to continue to raise the quality bar in
the Nursing Excellence Award winners and the 2015
providing unparalleled experiences for our patients.”
Friend of Nursing Award recipient.
Stephanie then presented the 2015 Friend of Nursing
and never replied. In 2013, one of my co-workers told
Stephanie J. Goldberg, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC,
Award to this year’s honoree – Dr. Linda Russell.
me she was going to join the Challenge so I did as
senior vice president, Patient Care Services and
“Dr. Russell works very closely with nursing and is
well. I was a lot heavier back then, but still we decided
chief nursing officer, welcomed the nursing staff and
dedicated to helping us provide high quality care
to walk. When I walked past the finish line I was out of
shared highlights from 2014 and priorities for 2015.
to our patients,” said Stephanie. “We thank you,
breath and about to drop. Later on that night I said to
“Thanks to the efforts and dedication of our entire
Dr. Russell for your dedication and overall compassion
myself, “I really enjoyed the Challenge and next year
nursing staff, we achieved major accomplishments
to our staff.”
I’ll join again, but I’ll be in better shape.” Since then I
throughout 2014 and we’re off to a great start in
Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical
have joined the gym, started eating right and have
2015,” she said. Two major areas of focus for nursing
director, also shared a few sentiments at the event.
lost 60 pounds. I was a size 14 and now am a size 4.
this year are the Epic electronic medical record and
“We couldn’t do what we do every day without all of
I’m so happy I joined the Corporate Challenge – it
application for Magnet re-designation, which would
you,” he said. “You spend the most time with our
motivated me to live a healthier life and start loving
be the fourth consecutive time HSS was recognized
patients and are at their bedside, you make us look
myself again.
with this prestigious honor. Stephanie also announced
good, by the consistent, compassionate care you
the winners of the Nursing Excellence Awards.
provide. Speaking for the medical staff, we are proud
I had seen the Corporate Challenge e-mail for years
Pantelis’s Story When I first started at HSS in 2012, I weighed 280 pounds. I participated in the Corporate Challenge that year and shortly after I began a year-long journey
Lou Shapiro, president and CEO, also addressed the
to work with such exceptional professionals – you
attendees. After sharing a personal story about his
demonstrate excellence and the highest quality care
wife, who is also a nurse by trade, Lou went on to
for all of our patients.”
discuss the important role that our nurses play at HSS.
to get healthy, not only through exercise but also completely “relearning” how to eat. I have lost 110 pounds and have been at my current weight of 170 pounds for over a year.
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.
Nursing Excellence Award Winners
You may file your report in the following ways:
4
1. By e-mail:
complaint@jointcommission.org
Structural Empowerment
Jordan Ocaña, BSN, R.N. (SPU-75th Street)
2. By fax:
Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636
Jason Basco, BSN, R.N., CCRN (HFC)
Monica Sixon, BSN, R.N. (8E)
Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements
Ashley Santaite, BSN, R.N. (7E)
3. By mail:
Ishisha Timmons, BSN, R.N., MSHAI, CCM, OCN
Ana Garcia, BSN, R.N. (6E)
(Case Manager/SDU)
Transformational Leadership
Michael Castro, BSN, R.N., CNOR (HFC/OR)
Elizabeth Amarille, BSN, R.N., CNOR (HFC/OR)
For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org.
Jennifer Cangialosi, BSN, R.N. (7E)
Jordana Velazco, ANP-BC (NP- Dr. Mayman)
Exemplary Professional Practice
Nino Gino Gecale, BSN, R.N. (Main OR)
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.
Harpreet Hira, BSN, R.N., ONC (PACU)
Leslie McDermott, BSN, R.N. (ACC 72nd Street)
Recognizing HSS Volunteers
“Ms. Shiller is a retired school teacher and brings to VOICES 60+ her longtime experience working in an institutional setting. She exhibits excellent organizational skills and is incredibly reliable.
n 2014, there were 375 individuals who
She demonstrates a deep interest in helping others,
volunteered 42,726 hours of service at HSS
especially older adults coping with chronic illness,”
and their dedication was officially recognized
said Juliette Kleinman, LCSW, ACSW, manager
I
at recent award ceremonies. A little over half of those hours were given by adults, the other half by high school and college students. The three volunteer
for VOICES 60+.
Annual Volunteer Awards Reception
site areas that have donated the most hours are
HSS also held the Annual Volunteer Awards
the Family Atrium with 5,283, Rehabilitation with
Reception on April 30. Teena Shetty, M.D.,
4,769, and Pastoral Care with 4,657. The Volunteer
assistant attending neurologist, was the guest
Department offers 55 different assignment areas
speaker. She spoke about neurology at HSS
Choi and Kelianne Cummings. Daniel volunteers in the Ambulatory Surgery Department as a patient
Kelianne Cummings with Dr. Shetty
The Mary Ryan Student Awards were given to Daniel
to choose from. The volunteers range in age from 15
but also went into lengths about volunteerism.
to 91 and come from all over the world. Whether they
Dr. Shetty expressed the profound positive
liaison. Fran Meyers, manager, 9th Floor Family Atrium,
volunteer in Registration or Pediatrics, the Family
impact that volunteers bring to HSS.
along with fellow volunteer Caroline Magnus, spoke
Atrium or the Nursing floors they make a unique
Volunteer Ann Hopkins received the Germaine B.
on his behalf. Kelianne volunteers in the Neurology
contribution and HSS wouldn’t be able to
Wilson Award, named after the mother of Philip D.
Department under Dr. Shetty. Both of these students
accomplish what it does on a daily basis
Wilson, Jr., M.D., surgeon-in-chief emeritus. Ann
received a $1,000 scholarship to pursue their studies.
without their extraordinary service.
volunteers in the Sports Medicine Department and has
Congratulations to all of volunteers and thank you
given over 2,600 hours within seven years of service.
for choosing to volunteer your time at HSS!
Ann Hopkins (second from left)
Daniel Choi
United Hospital Fund Volunteer Achievement Award The United Hospital Fund recently hosted its 22nd annual Hospital Volunteer Achievement Award ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom honoring 91 volunteers who provide exceptional service to hospitals throughout the five boroughs. Arlene Shiller who has been a volunteer at HSS for nine years was one of this year’s honorees. Arlene volunteers for the VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program which is part of our Social Work Programs. Arlene conducts outreach to ethnically diverse older adult patients in person and by phone.
Employees of the Month Eduardo Ramirez, April 2015 Congratulations to Eduardo Ramirez for being selected Employee of the Month for April 2015. Eduardo is a building service aide in the Environmental Services Department and has been a member of the HSS family for nearly eight years. Eduardo approaches every situation with a can-do attitude and takes initiative to get the job done. He sees tasks through to completion and is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of him. Eduardo is very positive and is always smiling – he remains calm and collected in every situation. He goes the extra mile and gives 110 percent to any task at hand.
Trevor Henry, March 2015 Congratulations to Trevor Henry for being selected Employee of the Month for March 2015. Trevor is a senior inventory technician in the OR Inventory and Distribution Department and has been a member of the HSS family for nearly four years. Trevor is reliable, focused and consistently one step ahead demonstrating a high level of efficiency in everything he does. He organizes supplies to ensure ease of access for colleagues and follows through on all requests. Trevor has a positive, professional demeanor and is a team player who is always willing to help. He takes on assignments with enthusiasm and dedication and goes above and beyond to solve problems.
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Annual Ice Cream Social embers of the HSS family celebrated
M
National Hospital Week, which recognizes dedicated individuals who serve our nation’s
hospitals, at the annual Ice Cream Social. Ice cream offered at various locations throughout the main HSS campus and offsites marked the occasion. This year’s theme was “Where Miracles Happen Every Day.” “At HSS, we do perform miracles every day – we give patients their lives back, we get them back to what they need and love to do. Each and every member of the HSS family plays an important role in getting our patients ‘back in the game.’ The commitment and compassion you demonstrate daily and our special culture are key drivers of our success and our extraordinary patient outcomes,” said Lou Shapiro, president and CEO.
Residency Training Program Targets Geriatric Population esearch shows that older adults often feel
Residency training program which aims to improve
education programs aimed at the interests and needs
marginalized and stigmatized in society and
resident communication skills with older adults as
of people age 65 and over. This culminates in a pres-
in healthcare settings in particular, where
well as increase their sensitivity towards the unique
entation to the community through the Greenberg
they are even more vulnerable, ill and sometimes
needs of this population.
Academy. The residents provide an overview of an
alone. They tend to not seek proper clarification
For two years (the length of the grant), HSS residents
orthopedic-related subject, such as shoulder pain or
from their doctors. Helping older adults to better
participated in the program. Due to its success, the
exercises for older adults with osteoporosis, and then
understand their own disease and treatment options
program became a curriculum requirement in 2010
do hands-on demonstrations of appropriate exer-
increases patient satisfaction and helps them to
for all third-year orthopedic surgery residents and
cises and field questions. The participants leave with
maintain dignity in the aging process.
remains so today. “This program has been very
a handout of the exercises to do at home. A senior
In 2008, Dr. Charles Cornell received a grant from
successful in helping residents better understand
physical therapist helps with the training program.
R
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the Geriatric Society of America. Noting that patients’
how to work with the aging patient population,”
“The participants evaluate the program and show
needs change as they age as well as a growing older
said Dr. Cornell. “It has become an important
very high satisfaction towards the program and rated
adult population, he saw an important opportunity –
component of the curriculum and we believe it is
the residents high on sensitivity levels,” said Linda
Dr. Cornell wanted to graduate HSS residents
the only active surgical orthopedic communication
Roberts, LCSW, senior coordinator of the Greenberg
equipped to successfully and effectively communi-
training geared toward older adults.”
Academy. “Residents also evaluate the program and
cate with older adults. So he and Dr. Mathias
As part of the curriculum, the residents work with the
appreciate that while conveying medical information
Bostrom worked together with the Education and
coordinator of the Greenberg Academy for Successful
is important, understanding the needs of this
Academic Affairs Department to create the Geriatric
Aging, which develops and implements health
population really helps get the information across.”
Residents Grant Garcia, M.D.; Elizabeth Cody, M.D.; and Peter Derman, M.D., present during a Greenberg Academy Workshop: Exercises for Older Adults with Osteoporosis.
Dr. Derman demonstrating strengthening exercises
Dr. Garcia showing participants stretching exercises
Girls’ Night Out SS’ Charla de Lupus/Lupus Chat®
K. Lee Graham, who spent time with the girls, helped
Program in collaboration with Project
them pick dresses and posed with them for photos.
H
Sunshine, a non-profit organization serving
During the event, while the girls chose their dresses and
children facing medical challenges, once again
got the royal treatment, their parents and caretakers
hosted the annual “Girls’ Night Out.” More than 20
had a chance to relax and receive special treatments
teenage girls attended the evening, which helped
with volunteers from Origins who provided massages.
prepare them for prom, graduation or other upcoming special occasions.
Congratulations to the following members of the HSS family who have achieved Platinum, Gold and Silver status on Vitality!
“This event means so much to these girls and their Platinum
families,” said Jillian Rose, LMSW, assistant director,
The young women who participated selected dresses
Community Engagement, Diversity and Research.
and accessories, learned makeup tips, and had their
“They get to enjoy being teenagers and have fun
hair and nails done by volunteers from The Estée
dressing up and doing the same things other girls
Lauder Companies.
their age are doing.” Each attendee not only went
An added bonus this year was the attendance of
home with a new dress and look, but increased
Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, and Miss Teen USA,
confidence and the memory of a fun evening.
Susie Lakeram, Sujit Saha Gold Status Zahava Alter Lipton, Michael Calabrese, Laura Gibofsky, Lisa Halfen, Joseph Nguyen, Bruce Slawitsky, Tracy Willett Silver Status Lauren Alix, Ellen Burford, Maria Casella, Barbara Chin, Aislinn Crank, Veronica Daly, Emily Foote, Yukiji Fujimoto, Nino Gino Gecale, Alice Gonzalez, Vincent Grassia, Elianna Kaplowitz, Sarah Kennedy-Ortolan, Tzipora Kuba, Jodi Lewis, Kriezl Liaban, Joy Linscheid, Melissa Medina, Susan Mollica, Mellissa Nanton-Mathews, Allina Nocon, Annie Nussbaum, Zoraida Ortiz-Moran, Ron Perez, Vincent Perniciaro, Amanda Pupino, Laura Richards, Kathy Rivera-Vazquez, Kathiria Rodriguez, Marie Serina, Michael Silverman, Brittany Soto, Barbara Sprague, Carole Travers, Lissette Wilkes
Get to Know Manny Villafane This month, we get to know Manny Villafane, physician referral representative, who has been a member of the HSS family for about 13 years. In his role, Manny triages, counsels and refers patients to HSS physicians.
system that focuses on grappling and specifically
comprised of competitors from many different
ground fighting. It promotes the concept that a
countries. Despite not placing in that tournament,
smaller, weaker person can successfully defend
Manny says it was a great learning experience.
against a bigger, stronger opponent by using
“As our coach often tells us, ‘there is no losing in
proper technique, leverage, and most notably,
Jiu-Jitsu. You either win or you learn.’”
taking the fight to the ground to defeat the
What he likes most about it is that the students
opponent. This is done by utilizing superior
benefit from greatly increased physical fitness,
leverage, grip and position. Students of the sport
at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is
problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their
gain a deep understanding of the workings and
a martial art, combat sport, and a self-defense
body and mind and the many social benefits of
limits of the human body.
working within a large group of like-minded fellow
Outside of work, Manny trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Manny is a brown belt and has been training for
students as they learn and have fun together.
12 years. He has trained in some form of martial
Aside from Jiu-Jitsu, Manny also enjoys spending
arts since he was a teenager. He started out in
quality time with his family, participating in
karate, then Jeet Kune Do to submission grappling
adventure races and mud runs, mountain biking
and eventually found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which he
and traveling.
enjoyed the most. It is often compared to a physical game of chess. Manny has competed in various tournaments placing gold, silver and bronze. He also competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation tournament, The Worlds, which is the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament,
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for inclusion in our “Get to Know” column, please write to us at echo@hss.edu. And check out next month’s ECHO to get to know another member of the HSS family!
7
Milestones Research Division
New Grants
Lectures and Symposia
Honors
• Lionel Ivashkiv, M.D., received a five-year
• Joseph Lipman, M.S., was a Keynote speaker at
• Theresa Lu, M.D., Ph.D., along with HSS colleagues Varsha Kumar, Ph.D.; Dragos Dasoveanu, Susan Chyou; Te-Chen Tzeng, Ph.D.; and Cristina Rozo, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of
renewal of a research grant from the National
the 2015 Materialise World Congress held in
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to
Belgium and gave a talk at the Mimics Innovation
study “Inhibition of Stat3 and Inflammatory
Summit on “Advanced Imaging, Preoperative
Cytokine Production.”
Planning and Post-Operative Evaluation of Orthopedic Surgeries.”
• Sergei Rudchenko, Ph.D., received a
Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine and the
new National Institutes of Health Shared
Yale School of Public Health published an article
Instrumentation Grant to purchase a cell sorter,
in the April issue of Immunity, “A Dendritic
an instrument that will be used to upgrade the
Cell-stromal Axis Maintains Immune Responses
Flow Cytometry Core Facility. The Core provides
Susan Goodman, M.D., participated in the NYU
in Lymph Nodes,” which was selected to be
resources for investigators at HSS and at the
Advanced Rheumatology Course in New York.
highlighted on the cover of the journal.
Weill Cornell Medical College to support research
In addition to panel discussions and workshops,
The cover illustration was drawn by
in areas such as arthritis and tissue degeneration,
Dr. Goodman presented Rheumatoid Arthritis –
Dragos Dasoveanu with assistance by
autoimmunity and inflammation, soft tissue
Current Perspectives on Perioperative
Varsha Kumar.
engineering and repair, cancer biology
Management; Dr. Bykerk discussed What
and neurobiology.
Observational Studies of Early RA Patients
Rheumatology • Vivian P. Bykerk, BSc, M.D., FRCPC, and
Have Taught Us about Best Practices.
Picture This
Welcome Dana M. Aaron, Marisol Acosta, Kwame Addai-Mensah, Elena Alaverdov, Katherine Alcantara, Linda C. Alvarez, Catalina Bastidas, Eirini Bournazou, Frank A. Campo, Crispiana Cozowicz, Shivi Duggal, Lennard J. Edmund Jr., Mohamed Elshehaby, Monique E. Febbraio, Ethan J. Fraser, Amanda Gallocher, Vincent Gibbs, Thea Hall, Roxann H. Henry, Jhonier Hernandez, Luis R. Hernandez, Robert Herrmann, Anh Hoang, Cerline Howard, Anita G. Kurti, Devan David N. Legaspi, Indramattie Madraveren, Analyn Martinez, Marisol Martinez, Evan N. Marx, Werner A. Mena, Lysandra I. Moran, Mary E. Moritz, Justin Namit, Jamie Obertlik, Yecheskel Ordentlich, Julie A. Pate, Carmen J. Paxton, Lauren M. Petrillo, Schneider K. Rancy, Kimberly M. Rice, Carlos J. Rivera, Jessica Rivera, Kisha Rivers, Jamie Rubin, James R. Satalich, Joseph J. Scala, Larraine P. Sisco, Coumba Sy, Crisol J. Tabarejo, Rachael E. Taylor, Paul Tutundgy, Maria L. Vargas, Patrick Vignona, Jande Weeks, Peter B. White, Erica Yarborough, Yoichi Yausi, Albert Zamayla
Patient Safety Reporting Hotline
New HSS flags on Madison Avenue promoting the Hospital’s Integrative Care Center at 59th Street and Madison.
To maintain the high quality patient care for which HSS is known, it is the responsibility of all employees to prevent problems before they occur.
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.
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.
The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.
Editor-in-Chief:
Rosanna Selinski
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.
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly, at x2398.
8
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.
Next Issue:
June 2015 echo@hss.edu