May 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 5
ECHO
THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
HSS Receives Record-breaking Magnet Designation SS made history this April when we became
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the first hospital in the state of New York to
achieve a fourth consecutive Magnet desig-
nation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Dr. Roger F. Widmann Invested as the Leon Root, M.D. Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics
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The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare institutions for superior nursing processes and quality patient care, which lead to the highest levels
he Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Service marked the investiture of Roger F. Widmann, M.D., as the Leon Root, M.D. Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics
at a celebration of the Lerner Children’s Pavilion at
of safety, quality and patient satisfaction. It is widely
HSS held on April 20. About 150 were in attendance
accepted as the gold standard for nursing industrywide, and achieving a fourth consecutive designation
at the standing-room-only event, including members
shows just how dedicated and committed our entire
of the Pediatric Council, Board of Trustees, Board of Advisors and Lerner Children’s Pavilion physicians and
nursing staff is. “Our nurses are at the heart of every aspect of patient care,” said Stephanie Goldberg, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, senior vice president, Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer. “Each and every one of them plays an integral role in our collaborative team approach here at HSS. We are privileged to have
surgeons, interdisciplinary colleagues, prestigious members of academia and the community, the senior nursing leadership team and patient care directors. They also attended unit rounds and reviewed the documentation submitted as part of the application process.
staff, as well as donors to the Leon Root, M.D. Chair. Co-Chairs of the Pediatric Council, trustees Lara Lerner and Monica Keany, along with HSS pediatric physicians, shared warm thoughts about both Leon Root, M.D., and Dr. Widmann. They expressed how honored they were to recognize the vast contributions Dr. Root
high nurse recruitment and retention rates, high job
Lou Shapiro, president and CEO, noted that the
made to HSS, and also discussed Dr. Widmann’s role
satisfaction and an excellent nurse-to-patient ratio.”
appraisers described themselves as “blown away”
in spearheading the continued growth of pediatrics.
According to Stephanie, the principles of Magnet are
by what they saw here at HSS.
embedded into our organization and have become a
“I am very proud of our team, and I am also inspired
part of daily life for the more than 500 nurses at HSS.
by what we have accomplished and what else we
Nurse leaders use the Magnet Model for Nursing
can accomplish in the future,” said Lou. “People from
Excellence to strategically identify goals, initiatives
more than 100 countries and 50 states come to
and measures of success that will bring to life best
HSS for an outstanding patient experience provided
practices or sources of evidence contained within
by a world-class team. I want to congratulate the
the Magnet framework.
highly-skilled nursing staff for their daily dedication,
Despite this, the Magnet application process is still a huge undertaking. In 2014, the Magnet Recognition
commitment to excellence and for staying true to the HSS mission.”
Program published a new manual with revised, more
Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical
rigorous expectations for performance, making the
director, also praised the nursing staff for their
Dr. Albert officially invests Dr. Widmann as the new Leon Root, M.D. Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics.
designation more difficult than ever to receive.
hard work and outstanding efforts when it comes
Shevaun Mackie Doyle, M.D., associate attending
to patient care.
orthopedic surgeon, and Daniel W. Green, M.D., M.S.,
more than 80 sources of written documentation
“As physicians, we work alongside our nurses who
FAAP, FACS, attending orthopedic surgeon, were both
to show the Hospital is meeting Magnet standards,
really are the around-the-clock support system for
senior residents when Dr. Widmann joined the HSS
three appraisers from the ANCC came to HSS for
our patients,” said Dr. Albert. “This strong collabora-
family. They offered personal stories about working
a site visit in early March. The appraisers met
tion ensures that we deliver the highest quality of
with him over the years and read a letter from a grateful
with the Hospital’s executive team, physicians,
care resulting in optimal patient outcomes.”
parent who said, “Dr. Widmann makes the kids feel like
Our sustained status as a Magnet-designated
their feelings are important. He probably has no idea
hospital makes HSS a preferred place of employment
how he has changed our lives.”
for nurses. In fact, according to Stephanie, most new
CONTINUED on page 2
After completing an application and submitting
Magnet by the Numbers • 437 Magnet-designated organizations in the country • 35 organizations that have been Magnet-designated 4 or more times • 1 hospital in New York State with 4 consecutive Magnet designations – HSS!
nurses have stated that Magnet status was part of their search criteria when applying to hospitals, and
Inside
our Magnet designation influenced their choice to work at HSS. “HSS nurses at every level are committed to excellence, which is made evident by this prestigious designation,” said Stephanie. “I am so proud and honored to be a part of this amazing team!”
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IT and Healthcare at HSS Arthritis Walk Myositis Awareness Month
Healthcare Professionals Prove that Music Really is Medicine
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Dr. Roger F. Widmann CONTINUED FROM COVER David M. Scher, M.D., associate attending orthopedic
“The overriding theme that I would like to impart
surgeon, and John S. Blanco, M.D., associate attending
from this evening is gratitude.”
orthopedic surgeon, also spoke highly of Dr. Widmann
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet members
and shared additional stories of patients whose lives
of the pediatrics team and learn about various Lerner
he has touched.
Children’s Pavilion initiatives, including the Annual
ocial worker for HSS’
Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical
Big Apple Circus Benefit, which will be celebrating its
VOICES 60+ Senior
director, then officially invested Dr. Widmann as the
10th anniversary later this year, and efforts to prevent
Advocacy Program
new Leon Root, M.D. Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics
injuries in young athletes. Additionally, the Child Life
to an enthusiastic round of applause.
Program, which helps young patients and their
Albairis Rosa joined forces with the Weill Cornell Medical
College’s Music and Medicine Initiative to participate in their Music and Medicine Orchestra Spring 2016 Concert on April 25 at Hunter College. According to Nancy Amigron, program manager, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine,
Albairis Rosa participated in the Music and Medicine Orchestra Spring 2016 Concert.
During his remarks, Dr. Widmann paid homage to
families cope with the challenges of hospitalization
Dr. Root and highlighted the Hospital’s longstanding
and illness, showcased artwork by children currently
history of caring for children. “Leon Root and Steve
on display at the Hospital. Finally, there was an
Burke founded the Division of Pediatric Orthopedic
overview of major advances in pediatric orthopedic
Surgery at HSS and established the culture of clinical
care across the span of Dr. Widmann’s career.
and academic excellence that defines our group
“Anybody who knew Dr. Root knew he was the
today,” he said. “I am so proud of the fact that, for
warmest, kindest, most caring individual,” said
the past several years, the residents have selected
Lara Lerner, Pediatric Council co-chair and HSS
Pediatric Orthopedics as the Best Teaching Service
trustee. “It is wonderful to know that his legacy
at the Hospital. Clinical excellence, teaching and
of compassionate care will continue under the
students, biomedical graduate students and other
academic accomplishment have come to define our
leadership of Dr. Widmann and the dedicated
healthcare professionals in New York City to partake
Service. We cherish our past, and we continue to
pediatric team at HSS.”
in high-level music making while still focusing on
build and add to our legacy.”
the initiative allows medical
their busy lives in medicine. Students, faculty and staff from Weill Cornell Medical College, Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller University, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and The Juilliard School were invited to participate in the orchestra and perform in the spring concert.
He also thanked many members of his family, including his wife, Miriam, and the professional community who had a significant influence on his career. Additionally, he thanked all of his colleagues in pediatrics
Albairis, who has been playing trumpet since she
and throughout the Hospital,
was 10 years old, was excited to take advantage of
as well as members of the
this amazing opportunity.
Pediatric Council, Board of
“It’s a wonderful platform for health professionals
Trustees, Board of Advisors
to express themselves in a different way,” she
and HSS administration.
said. “Collaboration is always important, so to sit
“I am truly honored and hum-
down with other professionals and see them in
bled by the significance of this
a different light is very exciting. It’s great to have
evening,” said Dr. Widmann.
HSS pediatric physicians, including anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons and pediatricians, attended the event in support of Dr. Widmann.
this platform to share with others because music really is medicine.” Albairis performed with nearly 50 other healthcare professionals and students, as well as renowned cellist and New York Philharmonic member Nathan Vickery. More than 500 audience members were in attendance, including members of the HSS Department of Social Work Programs, who applauded Albairis for her remarkable talent.
Joint Commission Success
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hank you all for a successful Joint Commission survey! The surveyors commented on the high levels of engagement by our entire staff,
as well our knowledge and efficiency. They were specifically impressed with our ability to implement
Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
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.
days of go-live. Our implementation was extremely
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.
successful compared to other organizations they
You may file your report in the following ways:
our “one HSS” vision and navigate Epic within 100
have seen in the past. The results of the survey
1. By e-mail:
complaint@jointcommission.org
Access “Making Rounds” www.hssmakingrounds.com,
speak to the high caliber of employees we have here
2. By fax:
to read the below posts and more. I look forward to
at HSS. Despite this success, there are still opportu-
Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636
your comments.
nities for improvement that we can all contribute to
3. By mail:
Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
– Lou Shapiro • Roadmap to 2020: Part 11 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 10 • Role Models
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Joint Commission Reporting
in the coming months. We all know that 2016 has been a busy year with Epic implementation, Magnet designation and finally The Joint Commission survey. Thank you again to the entire HSS family for all of your
• Roadmap to 2020: Part 9
commitment and the continued hard work you
• Roadmap to 2020: Part 8
put in each and every day.
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.
HSS, USA Football and the NY Giants Educate High School Football Players about Health and Safety
We Need to Hear from You! The Culture of Safety Survey is your opportunity to give feedback on our safety culture. The survey
ore than 100 high school coaches and
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on sports nutrition; Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF,
will be administered electronically only this year
athletes from the tri-state area came out for
CGFI-1, performance coordinator, led a session on
and runs from June 13 – 24.
the USA Football Sports Performance and
strength and conditioning; and Samuel Taylor, M.D.,
Please check your email during the survey time
Training Seminar presented by HSS and the New York
assistant attending orthopedic surgeon and associate
period for details on how to complete. The email
Giants on April 16. The event marked the official kick-
team physician for the New York Giants, discussed
will come from The Advisory Board, and will have
off of USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award presented
what it is like to be a doctor for a team in the NFL.
your personal link to the survey. Your responses
by HSS and the New York Giants to recognize and
In addition, Teena Shetty, M.D., assistant attending
are completely confidential and are needed to
reward high school football players who demonstrate
neurologist at HSS; Dr. Taylor; Rashad Jennings;
understand our current safety culture and make
unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game.
Steve Kennelly, assistant head athletic trainer for the
improvements in the coming year.
Students and coaches at the event not only learned
Giants; and Scott Hallenbeck, CEO of USA Football,
about the Heart of a Giant program, but also received
participated in a roundtable discussion focusing
tips on nutrition, injury prevention and strength and
on trends in student-athlete safety.
conditioning from top professionals in the field, as well
Beginning in September, coaches will have the
as Giants running back Rashad Jennings.
opportunity to nominate players who best exemplify
The event consisted of three breakout sessions led by
the “heart of a giant” for a chance to win this amazing
HSS experts. Dana Pitman, MS, RD, CDN, and Linzy
honor and a $5,000 equipment grant for their
Unger, MS, RD, CDN, clinical nutritionists, presented
high school.
The survey is very important here at HSS, as it helps raise staff awareness about patient safety and identifies strengths and areas for improvement to the culture of safety for both staff and patients. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and your opinions matter to making HSS better! Six random winners who participate in the survey will be picked by The Advisory Board to receive either tickets to a Mets game, tickets to a Cyclones game or one of two Kindle Fire HD tablets.
NY Giants running back Rashad Jennings leads high school students in a strength and conditioning session.
HSS physicians are joined by assistant head athletic trainer for the Giants, CEO of USA Football and Rashad Jennings for a panel discussion on student-athlete safety.
Celebrating National Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians Day SS anesthesia technicians are important
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members of our perioperative team. The support they provide is crucial to the
efficient operation of our clinical practice and the safety of our patients and staff. The Anesthesiology Department celebrated Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians Day on March 31 with a luncheon for our anesthesia technician staff and a cake, which was later shared with OR staff.
Local high school football players attended the USA Football Sports Performance and Training Seminar in April.
Christopher DiMeo, M.D.; Susan Cardamone; Raymond Daniel; Junior Rigby; Garrick Austin; Mary Hargett; and Hector Pineda celebrate Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians Day.
3
Information Technology and Healthcare: Evolving Together at Hospital for Special Surgery oday, nearly everything we touch, see or
Clinicians now have the ability to retrieve, update
can deliver to patients. The result of that truly is
consider is built upon a foundation of infor-
and share their patients’ data easily, thereby helping
transformation — the ability to start thinking about
mation technology (IT). At HSS, we have built
them to make optimal clinical decisions. In addition,
delivering care in ways that we’ve never thought
a strong IT foundation from which to grow to new
the EHR provides workflow technologies to monitor
about before.
levels of excellence and to achieve our mission –
and assess care decisions and processes, and
Epic provides a comprehensive, integrated system.
to help people get back to what they need and love
capture data that can be analyzed to assess care
Every aspect of the delivery of care – from scheduling
to do, better than any place in the world. According
patterns. Using technology and analytics that
services, tracking patients within the hospital,
to Jamie Nelson, senior vice president and CIO,
improve the quality of clinician-patient interaction
ordering tests and procedures, documenting clinical
“a large part of my role in the coming months is to
and ultimately patient outcomes is essential.
progress, storing results to billing and collection –
translate HSS vision and priorities, as shared in the
The appetite for enhancing the use of Epic at HSS
is now handled through Epic. Having this information
2020 Strategic Roadmap, into clinical and business
is very strong. We have governance in place to help
in one place is a benefit to all, and getting the most
capabilities delivered through technology.”
prioritize and sponsor enhancement requests.
value out of our EHR technology lies within the
Information technology in the healthcare environ-
Having a clear Strategic Roadmap supports decision-
“power” of the information. Using data in a meaning-
ment has transformative power. It can speed up
making in such a way that teams can prioritize and
ful way will offer many benefits to the HSS family,
processes and make them more efficient and less
focus on those requests that are relevant to our
including providing a common language that can be
error-prone. It can offer new services that overcome
strategic vision, says Jamie. Success with our health
shared across disciplines, removing barriers and
geography challenges. It can deliver information
IT initiatives is really about alignment. Aligning our
breaking down silos for knowledge management,
instantly and in new ways to decision-makers.
technology goals with our strategic plan, the goals of
creating efficiencies across the organization for
It can also run algorithms, “sets of rules,” to monitor
our IT initiatives remain to enhance the patient expe-
patient care delivery and providing a source of truth
systems and equipment and correct minor problems
rience, improve efficiency, streamline workflows and
for quality, cost and outcome data.
before they become major ones.
produce better patient care outcomes.
Our new Epic electronic health record (EHR), for
Clinical and Hospital operational staff remain a core
throughout 2016. Having “connected” physicians
example, enables prescribers and other clinicians
part of our IT project process. HSS IT, Operational
and being able to share data amongst service lines
to manage the complexity of a patient’s care more
Excellence and operational representatives are
is essential. Our Wave 2 Physician Offices, which
efficiently over multiple venues, time and conditions.
involved in every significant IT initiative. We have
included 28 physicians and their office staff from
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learned that having this triad
ARJR, Primary Care Sports Medicine, Physiatry,
in place is the best way to
Spine and Trauma service lines, went live on May 3.
implement and maintain in
According to David Mayman, M.D., associate
an environment of collabora-
attending orthopedic surgeon and Epic physician
tion, says Jamie.
champion, “I am impressed with how well things
In the immediate future,
went for Wave 2. We continue to make improvements
our focus is on optimizing
to the system, customizing it to our needs. Having
the systems we have in
Epic in our Physician Offices is a big step forward
place so we can fully realize
for HSS and our patients. With each patient’s
the benefits of what we can
story residing in ‘one record’, we are able to see
accomplish. To transform
a more holistic view and provide even better care.”
how we deliver care and
Our Wave 3 Physician Offices are scheduled to
provide greater value to
go live on September 27.
patients over time we must continue to enhance our operating systems, which Anna Wilson, senior analyst for Epic Ambulatory, supports John Lyden, M.D., attending orthopedic surgeon, Trauma, who went live with Wave 2 physician offices.
We will continue to roll out Epic at physician offices
are critical in improving the actual outcomes that we
Patient-centered care will always be our focus and we are starting to see more engagement on the part of our patients. We now have more than 12,000 patients who have access to basic information like their lab test results, what medications they’re on, their allergy list and their medical problems through the MyHSS patient portal. We use information tech-
A Patient’s Perspective
nology to allow the patient to get at that information
There is nothing more powerful than hearing from a patient how having one integrated system has
in a self-service mode just like many other indus-
contributed to a positive patient care experience. The story of Gabrielle Sholes, who underwent ankle fusion
tries, and that’s becoming an expectation.
and limb lengthening surgery led by Drs. S. Robert Rozbruch and David Levine, has unfolded on social media.
According to John Englehart, chief marketing
In her story, Gabrielle shares that a “huge load was lifted” when she learned where and how she was going
officer, “enabling patients with better technology,
to complete her rehabilitation. It also gave her “peace of mind” knowing that she will be completing her
better ways to communicate, and giving them more
physical therapy and rehabilitation close to home at our Sports Rehabilitation Facility at the IMG Academy
control is an important aspect of the emerging rela-
in Bradenton, FL. What gives her the ultimate “peace of mind”, though, is knowing that her physical
tionship between HSS and our patients. Increasing
therapists in FL will be communicating with her doctors in NY about progress, as well as the fact that
consumerism in healthcare has revealed that patients
all of her information is uploaded and available in one system.
have to feel like they are partners in their care.”
To learn more about Gabrielle’s story, visit The Playbook: https://www.hss.edu/playbook/tag/walking-theroad-to-recovery/#.VxfJiEwrKUl. Stay tuned as we will share more about Gabrielle’s story in an upcoming issue of ECHO.
Each member of the HSS family remains vital to the success and achieving value realization behind our transformation vision: One Record. One Patient. One HSS.
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Department of Neurology’s ALS Program Recognized as a Certified National Center by the ALS Association ale J. Lange, M.D., chairman of the
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in the management of ALS and successfully
Department of Neurology and director
completed a comprehensive site review, earning
of the ALS Program at HSS, treats
this distinguished designation.
patients with complex neuromuscular diseases,
On May 7, Dr. Lange was awarded a plaque to
including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in
celebrate the honor at the annual ALS Association
the Department of Neurology. The ALS Program
Greater New York Chapter Walk to Defeat ALS in
consists of a team of multi-disciplinary members,
Manhattan. The award was presented by Ms. Dorine
including neurologists, a neuromuscular fellow,
Gordon, president and CEO of the ALS Association
a nurse practitioner, physical therapists, occupational
Greater New York Chapter, who recognized HSS
therapists, speech therapists, a dietitian, research
as being “one of New York’s premiere treatment
coordinators and respiratory therapists, who all play
centers” for ALS.
The hard and outstanding work of Dr. Lange and his
leading a skilled and compassionate team of ALS
Dr. Lange and his team receive an award at the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter Walk to Defeat ALS in Manhattan.
team paid off when HSS was recently designated an
healthcare professionals, Hospital for Special
Congratulations to Dr. Lange and his entire team!
ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence – one
Surgery provides hope to people with ALS by playing
If you are interested in supporting or learning more
of only 49 recognized centers in the country! HSS
a vital role in the pipeline to find a treatment and
about the ALS Program at HSS, please contact the
has met all national standards of best practice care
cure,” said Dorine.
Department of Neurology at extension 1050.
a vital role in the care of their patients.
“Under the expert direction of Dr. Dale Lange,
HSS Walks to Cure Arthritis s one of the top hospitals in the country
help the Arthritis Foundation in their efforts to raise
HSS patient Jason Pierre-Paul who took part in a
for rheumatology and a leader in autoimmune
awareness about arthritis and fund research that will
warmup for attendees before the start of the walk.
diseases, HSS is dedicated to fighting arthritis.
lead to a cure.”
Additionally, he discussed the importance of taking
A
For that reason, after partnering with the Arthritis
Hundreds of HSS employees, patients, family mem-
necessary steps to prevent arthritis as an elite
Foundation on their annual Walk to Cure Arthritis
bers and friends participated in the walk, which took
athlete. HSS volunteers offered arthritis education,
for the past 14 years, we are proud to have served
place on May 14 in Foley Square. Also in attendance
healthy snacks and giveaways to attendees before
as the local presenting sponsor of the walk for the
was New York Football Giants defensive end and
and after the walk to thank them for their support.
Jason Pierre-Paul poses with members of the HSS family.
HSS volunteers provided giveaways to attendees before and after the walk.
first time this year. The Arthritis Foundation aims to raise awareness and funds for arthritis research through this initiative. Altogether, the HSS family raised more than $100,000 this year for a grand total of more than $500,000 since 2002. “We are honored to continually partner with the Arthritis Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of patients living with arthritis,” said Theodore Fields, M.D., FACP, rheumatologist and clinical director of the Early Arthritis Initiative of the Inflammatory Arthritis Center at HSS, who addressed the crowd at the event about the importance of arthritis research and awareness. “By supporting this event we hope to
Members of the HSS family enjoyed walking for a great cause.
Jason Pierre-Paul takes a selfie with participants at the Walk to Cure Arthritis.
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Spiritual Care Department Celebrates Passover with Annual Model Seder
Supporting Patients with Myositis
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or the first time ever, The Myositis Association has declared May National Myositis Awareness Month to help educate the public and health-
care community about myositis. Myositis is an
autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of muscle with symptoms that might include weakness and muscle pain. For patients suffering
he Spiritual Care Department hosted their
from myositis, it can often be frustrating because
annual Model Seder on April 18 to celebrate
others typically have little or no knowledge of what
the Passover holiday, which took place from
myositis is really about.
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April 22 – 30 this year. The event was led by HSS chaplain Margo Heda, who explained the meaning of
Passover and shared some of the holiday traditions, including songs and food, with the nearly 30 HSS family and community members in attendance. “While the holiday of Passover is specific to the Jewish faith, its themes of moving from slavery to freedom are universal and touch on the personal, societal and even professional realms as we help our patients and families move from the constriction of illness to the liberation of greater wellness,” said Margo. “It was a blessing to share this event with such a diverse group representing many different disciplines and faith traditions.”
HSS family and community members celebrated the Passover holiday with the annual Model Seder.
Compliance Helpline Reminder
As a leader in rheumatology, we are doing our part at HSS to help raise awareness of myositis this May and beyond. On May 14, the HSS Myositis Support Group held a special Myositis Awareness Day event that was attended by nearly 30 myositis patients, their families and friends. The event featured a chair yoga and meditation session led by Nancy O’Brien, a certified yoga instructor specializing in therapeutic and restorative practices. According to Suzan Fischbein, LMSW,
Dr. Fernandez speaks about research and treatments in myositis.
coordinator of the Myositis Support Group and
where members share thoughts and feelings about
organizer of the event, Nancy focused on the benefits
living with myositis.
of yoga while being mindful of physical limitations
“The Myositis Support Group is so important
people with myositis might have.
because members continually say this is the only
In addition, David Fernandez, M.D., Ph.D., adult
place they can go where others understand what
rheumatology fellow and medical advisor of the
they are going through,” said Suzan. “There are
Myositis Support Group, spoke with attendees
about 150 members currently in the group, and we
about the latest research and treatments in myositis.
are happy to be able to support them.”
“There have been many advances in myositis – both
According to The Myositis Association, on average,
clinical trials of new treatment options, as well as
it takes more than three-and-a-half years and five
basic science studies to help improve our ability to
doctor’s visits to receive a correct autoimmune
diagnose patients and understand the underlying
disease diagnosis. By the time patients are diagnosed
causes of myositis,” said Dr. Fernandez. “I am excited
with myositis, there is often a lot of damage that has
to get involved in myositis research at HSS and help
already been done.
develop new efforts to enhance the care of our
“The whole point of raising awareness of myositis is
patients. It is incredibly important to raise awareness
so the public, as well healthcare providers, are aware
about myositis, and there is a lot on the horizon that
of the disease,” said Suzan. “It is so important to
hopefully will continue to improve the lives of patients
educate others so they know to look for myositis as
with the disease.”
a possibility, which can help treat people faster.
Throughout the year, the Myositis Support Group
Celebrating Myositis Awareness Month and holding
meets monthly at HSS to provide support and educa-
awareness events can help do that. The more we can
tion. Meetings typically include a presenter who is an
reach out, the more people will know what myositis is
expert on myositis followed by an open discussion
and understand it a little better.”
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. Nancy O’Brien leads a yoga session during the Myositis Awareness Day event.
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HSS Thanks Volunteers for Service and Support
Back in the Game SS’ online patient forum – Back in the Game
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– now has more than 1,300 patient stories!
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olunteers play an integral role here at HSS,
show their support. “Lee is mature, responsible,
The postings share how HSS helped patients
and we showed just how much we appreciate
kind and sensitive,” said Bella Elogoodin, senior
get “back in the game.” Every month we will include
and care for our volunteers at the Annual
director, Department of Service Excellence. “Thank
one of the stories that highlight the extraordinary
Volunteer Recognition and Reception on May 5.
you from the bottom of my heart for doing such an
care members of the HSS family provide.
“The volunteer department is extremely successful
amazing job.”
and part of what is really a mutually beneficial
Dana was unable to attend the ceremony, as she
Victor Katz of Suffern,
relationship between our volunteers and HSS,” said
is currently studying abroad, but her father, Bob
New York get back in
Bruce Slawitsky, senior vice president, Human
Rohan, manager, Security, accepted the award in
the game.
Resources and Service Excellence, who welcomed
her honor. Carole Travers, supervisor, Department
the volunteers and employees to the recognition
of Service Excellence, expressed her gratitude for
ceremony. “Our volunteers provide such a great
Dana’s outstanding service. “She is dependable and
service and are such a benefit to the hospital. I want
always eager. Patients and families have compli-
to personally thank and recognize all members of the
mented her compassion. She is a true gem.”
volunteer department.”
The Germaine B. Wilson Award was given to Anery
Medical Technicians
According to Shahan Hafiz, acting director, Volunteer
Aste, who has been volunteering as a Eucharistic
took me to a local
Department, there are approximately 400 adults and
minister in the Pastoral Care Department for more
hospital where I was
students who volunteer at HSS annually, with about
than 14 years, logging nearly 1,500 hours of service
diagnosed with a
175-200 volunteers at any one time. In 2015, our
to date. According to Sister Margaret Oettinger,
shattered humerus.
volunteers contributed more than 46,000 hours of
director, Pastoral Care, “Anery is a humble person
We decided we only wanted the best care for such a
service in more than 50 assignment areas, which
who extends prayerfulness to our patients. She is
traumatic injury so we got in touch with Esther Shin
were expanded this year to include the Inflammatory
our angel here at HSS.”
at Dr. Helfet’s office. They could not have been any
Bone Disease Lab, where volunteers aid with lab
Thank you and congratulations to all of our
nicer and accommodating. The entire hospital staff
experiments, and the musical program, where
volunteers who help complete the HSS family!
were just amazing from the instant we rolled through
Read how HSS helped
While out jogging one morning in October 2015, I was involved in a hit and run. Emergency
volunteers play soothing piano music in the
the doors throughout the entire stay, which was for
4th floor surgical waiting area in the evenings.
almost a week. The humerus needed to be put back
The recognition ceremony included a keynote address
together with a couple of pins and many screws, as
delivered by Elizabeth Gerosa, M.S., CCC-SLP, clinical
well as the muscle needing to be reconstructed.
speech pathologist at HSS, who provided everyone in
I was scheduled to run in the Miami marathon in
attendance with a look into a day in the life of a speech
January 2016 and was worried that this injury would
pathologist. She discussed what her job working with
put me out of commission for that run. But with the
children in the pediatric department at HSS means
amazing doctors and staff at HSS taking care of me
to her and stressed that one of the things she loves
and following their direction for therapy, I was back
most is working with such a great team.
out and training several weeks after the injury and
Finally, awards were given out to three extremely
I am glad to say that on January 24th I ran and
deserving volunteers. The Mary Ryan Student Award
completed the Miami Marathon!
was presented to high school senior Lee Shapiro
Thank you SO MUCH for getting me ‘Back in
and college student Dana Rohan, who have both
the Game’!
been volunteering at HSS for more than two years. Lee accepted the award and was surprised by friends and family members who attended the ceremony to
Lee Shapiro, Anery Aste and Bob Rohan pose with Bruce Slawitsky at the Volunteer Recognition ceremony.
Employee of the Month Sandy Vien, May 2016 Congratulations to Sandy, Employee of the Month for May! Sandy is a senior clinical application analyst in the Information Technology Department who has been a member of the HSS family since 2012. She played a significant role in the Department of Anesthesiology’s Epic rollout, spearheading the development of the anesthesia documentation within Epic with a focus on meeting their documentation and regulatory needs. Sandy has been described as “top of the top” by her colleagues, taking the time to become an expert at her craft. Despite the short staffing in her department, Sandy was ready and willing to put in extra time and effort to make sure the Epic transition went as smoothly as possible. She has the ability to successfully triage problems and address them quickly with her great communication skills and attention to detail. In addition to her hard work, Sandy also has a great attitude. She is consistently upbeat and optimistic and her attitude is an inspiration to everyone around her.
7
Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities Study Sections, Editorial Boards, Professional Organization Roles • Howard Hillstrom, Ph.D., served as a reviewer
University School of Medicine, and University of
CSCS, CPT,USAW-L1SP; Ioonna Felix, PT, DPT,
Illinois at Chicago published two articles from the
OCS; Jorge Giral, PT, DPT, SCS, COMT, CSCS,
NIAMS-funded PROMISSE study (Predictors of
SFMA; Lisa Gray, LMT; Jessica Hettler, PT, DPT,
pRegnancy Outcome: bioMarkers In antiphospho-
ATC, SCS, Cert MDT; Julie Khan, PT, DPT,
lipid antibody Syndrome and Systemic lupus
USATF-L1; Michael Levinson, PT, CSCS; Jason
Erythematosus), a multi-center study which
Machowsky, MS, RD, CSSD, RCEP, CSCS; Sarah
for the Veterans Administration Scientific Review
enrolled more than 700 pregnant women with
K. McLean, PT, MSPT, ATRIC; Matthew T. Morgan,
Meeting held in Crystal City, MD.
lupus between 2003-2012. Dr. Salmon was the
PT, ATC, SCS; Michele Naumann-Carlstrom,
• Inez Rogatsky, Ph.D., served as a grants reviewer for the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Lectures and Symposia • Howard Hillstrom, Ph.D., gave an invited lecture at the Bio-Robotics and Biomechanics Laboratory
Principal Investigator of this study with sites in
LMT; Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF, TPI CGFI-1,
the US and Canada. While women with lupus are
FRCms; Snehal Patel, PT, MSPT, SCS; Matthew
often discouraged from having children, the study
Powers, PT, DPT, CSCS; Terrance Sgroi, PT, DPT,
has yielded important insights into how to predict
SCS, MTC; Emily Smith, LMT; Andrea Tychanski,
who may develop pregnancy complications
PT, DPT, ATC, SCS, CSCS; and Patrick Vignona,
associated with the disease and who is likely
PT, MSPT, SCS, Cert MDT.
at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
to have a healthy pregnancy. The results were
in Haifa, Israel entitled “Knee Osteoarthritis:
published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and
Experimental and Computational Approaches
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
towards Understanding Pathomechanics.”
and the study is featured on the NIAMS home
• Scott Wolfe, M.D., gave the 21st Annual Joseph
page as the April 2016 Spotlight on Research
H. Boyes Memorial Lectureship at the University
(http://niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/Spotlight
of Southern California in Los Angeles entitled
_on_Research/2016/lupus_pregnancies.asp)
“Adult Brachial Plexus Reconstruction: Can We Do Better?”
• Aisling Toolan PT, DPT, SCS, presented “Quality of Movement Assessment in Footballers 6 months following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction” at the Return to Play: Football Medicine Strategies conference in London, England. • Sarah Andrus, PT, DPT, CSCS, and Cara Ann Senicola, PT, DPT, OCS, presented “Applying Yoga
Rehabilitation
as a Rehabilitative Tool” at Rehab Grand Rounds.
• Congratulations to everyone who participated
Publications
in the 10th Annual HSS Sports Medicine Sympo-
Pastoral Care
• Jane Salmon, M.D., along with HSS colleagues
sium. This program was co-directed by John
• For the second year, the HSS Spiritual Care
Marta Guerra, Michael Lockshin, M.D., and Lisa
T. Cavanaugh, PT, MEd, ATC, SCS, and Anil
Department sponsored complementary
Sammaritano, M.D., and colleagues at New York
S. Ranawat, M.D. The Rehabilitation Depart-
livestreaming of the Caring for the Human Spirit
University School of Medicine, Albert Einstein
ment’s presenters, listed alphabetically, were as
Conference from April 11-13. Speakers included
College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College,
follows: Sherry I. Backus, PT, DPT, MA; John
Harvey Max Chochinov, M.D., Ph.D., FRSC;
University of Utah Health Sciences Center and
T. Cavanaugh, PT, MEd, ATC, SCS; Theresa
Tracy Balboni, M.D., MPH; George Fitchett;
Intermountain Healthcare, Oestfold Hospital
Chiaia, PT, DPT; Betty Chow, PT, PhD, MA, OCS;
D.Min, Ph.D., BCC; and Chaplain Bruce
Trust, University of Toronto, Oklahoma Medical
Polly de Mille, RN, MA, RCEP, CSCS; Robert
Feldstein, M.D. Attendees included staff
Research Foundation and the University of
DiGiacomo, PT, DPT, ATC; Peter Draovitch, PT,
from HSS, MSK and the Dominican Health
Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Johns Hopkins
MS, ATC, SCS, CSCS; Kara Federowicz, ATC,
Care Ministry.
Picture This
Welcome Alexis Aguilos, Zoe Album, Bridget A. Assip, Ernest Begonia, William Behrns, Victoria A. Calia, Paul Cessant, Carlos J. Cevallos, Stephanie C. Cooper, Janel Davis, Lisa M. DeCicco, Raymond J. Delacruz, Eric J. DeMartino, Kerri Douglas, Francis Eloge, Shawn A. Espitia, Melissa Estrella, Joseph Fable, Juditho E. Gadingan, Samantha Garzona, Justine C. Gladwin, Renaye S. Golding, Claudia M. Gomez, Carine R. Gustin, Lydia P. Hanany, Anastasiya Istomina, Alix Jeremie, Jessica W. Lee, Kevin Math, Smin S. Matos, Katharine McAneny, Lionel C. Medina, Tanisha Melong, Sanda Mimouna, Eva E. Moerwald, Olaniyi A. Olaleye, Keith A. Parmalee, Gustavo Perez, Keisha M. Phillip, Karen H. Ruiz-Aberkane, Valerie Saha, Sarah Shouse, Alana E. Sigmund, Emily C. Sloane, Jaclyn P. Smulofsky, Cassidy Straniero, Shannon M. Swift, Mauricio J. Vallejo-Bayas, Jessica Lauren Yee
HSS’ research proposal focusing on prospective longitudinal assessment of patellar tendinopathy in elite basketball players using quantitative imaging led by Ogonna Kenechi Nwawka, M.D., assistant attending radiologist, along with coinvestigators Brett G. Toresdahl, M.D., assistant attending physician, and Mark C. Drakos, M.D., assistant attending orthopedic surgeon, was awarded $1.5 million from GE Healthcare and the National Basketball Association in conjunction with their Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Collaboration.
8
Editor:
Marisa DeFilipps
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky, John Englehart
Next Issue:
June 2016 echo@hss.edu