Newton-Wellesley News
Spring/Summer 2022
Advancing women in medicine The Community Collaborative Serious illness conversations
“Throughout this trying time, we’ve shown our neighbors that the hospital is not just a building you come to in a crisis. We are with you during whatever you’re experiencing in life, and we can meet you where you are, close to home.” Lauren Lele, Senior Director, Community Health and Volunteer Services
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Spring/Summer 2022
Contents Advancing women in medicine
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The Community Collaborative
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A gala homecoming
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Serious illness conversations
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Child-friendly emergency care
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Philanthropy in action
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Leadershippro…le:ashiningjewel
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Newton-Wellesley News
Spring/Summer 2022
Advancing women in medicine The Community Collaborative Serious illness conversations
OntheCover:SarehParangi,Chairof Surgery, one of the leaders behind the Women in Medicine initiative
Spring/Summer 2022
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Advancing women in medicine Physicians forge new initiative to close gaps in gender equity
AntjeBarreveld,MD 2
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“The more we bring leaders with diverse viewpoints and experiences into the room where decisions happen, the better we’ll become as organizations.” SarahParangi,MD
The inspiring vision of three generous-minded physicians became a reality recently with the approval of the new Women in Medicine committee at NewtonWellesley. The initiative aims to advance the careers, leadership development, and well-being of women physicians across the hospital. The need for more women leaders in healthcare had beenaconcernforErrolNorwitz,MD,PhD,MBA,even before he returned to NWH as President and CEO in 2020. AconversationbetweenErrolandSarehParangi,MD, evolved into a deeper discussion among Dr. Parangi, KoshaThakore,MD,andAntjeBarreveld,MD.Together, with his support, the three Newton-Wellesley colleagues crafted a formal proposal and framework that channels their shared passion for equity. To understand the impetus behind it, look to the data, suggests Dr. Parangi, Chair of Surgery at NWH. Today, she notes, “women represent 70 percent of the patient-facing workforce in healthcare.” As tracked by the Association ofAmericanMedicalColleges,marked 9102 the…rsttime thatthemajorityofthenationsmedicalschoolstudents (50.5%) were women. Despite decades of growth in the ranks of women physicians, however, they face glaring pay disparities across specialties and “women leaders arefewandfarbetween,Dr.Parangire‰ects.
SarahParangi,MD
For many women in healthcare, “I think the system is professional careers, but also providing our patients failingthem,addsDr.Barreveld,MedicalDirectorofPain ManagementServicesandDirectorofEducationand and their families with the best, most equitable care.” OutreachforSubstanceUseServices.IfwedontaddressThree strategic objectives it,weregoingtoloseevenmoretalent,shefears. For the sake of caregivers and patients alike, the Ultimately,itsnotonlyaquestionofsupportinginitiativeampli…esNewton-Wellesleysongoing commitment to gender equity embedded in our physicians, adds Dr. Thakore, Chief, Division of Palliative Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives. In that spirit, Care. The lack of women in leadership roles across thehospitalsexecutivecommitteeand Women the in healthcare also raises a question for her, “Are we really Medicine team are working in partnership to bring the caring for our patients in the best way?” program to life. “This is a key strategic imperative for Errolechoesherpoint:Thisisnotonlyaboutenabling us,” adds Errol, describing it as a critical initiative for our staff to thrive and achieve their full potential in their the hospital and its community of donors to invest in. Spring/Summer 2022
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KoshaThakore,MD
Spearheaded by Drs. Barreveld, Parangi, and Thakore, this novel program will focus on three primary strategic objectivesforwomenphysicians:
Increase success in achieving leadership positions,
Enhanceretentionandjobsatisfaction,
Foster career development and wellness.
networking as well as social and community building. Importantly, equity advocacy will embrace a wide array of efforts, addressing issues from equity in pay and leadership to institutional policies to opportunities for recognition and visibility. Its three architects describe each of the strategies as part of a broad and timely effort to institute system change and close the gender gap in candidates identi…edforleadershiproles.Givenwhatsastake, “both women and men need education around the topic,” Dr.Parangisays,andthebarriersneedtobe…xed.
Professional development will be one of the key components. Particularly, the program emphasizes the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in helping to develop skills not only to lead but also to navigate the pathtoadvancement.Itsoneofthesuccessfactors Deeply rooted issues most often cited in literature on the topic. Given the WhenDr.Barreveldre‰ectsonthedisparities,theroots dearth of women leaders, Dr. Thakore notes, “women run deep,” she says. Looking back, she recounts how physicians may not have a clear go-to person.” her mother, as one of few women scientists at the time, often felt belittled by the men with whom she worked. In designing the program, the three initiators sought to When the pain medicine specialist thinks about the provide skills and support for career development not ongoingexperiencesofwomeninmedicine,sheknows traditionally fostered in medical training or freely offered barriers persist. “Some of the stories I have are grim,” by those in leadership roles. Skill building courses, she admits. executingcoaching,andannualcareerconferenceswill aimto…llthatneed. In 2018, the headline of a Harvard Business Review articleposedthequestion:WhatsHoldingWomenin Prioritizing the well-being of their colleagues, they MedicineBackfromLeadershipPositions?Thereasons envision wellness coaching and an array of events for its authors concluded, are “manifold”—and “terribly 4
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“We all got into medicine because of our passion and drive to improve lives and communities…everyone needs to feel they can grow. They need to feel valued and fulfilled.” AntjeBarreveld,MD
disappointing.” They call on institutions “to invest students. As Dr. Thakore is quick to add, “I look to her in understanding their challenges and in pragmatic as a trailblazer.” solutions to mitigate them.” Their recommendations Beyondthestatistics,itsjusttherightthingtodo includeaddressinginsucientpoliciesandprograms Dr.Parangiconcludes.Thatssimplebuttrue. thatmakeitdiculttojuggleworkwithparentingand family responsibilities that predominantly fall to women. The Women in Medicine program aims to support the DEI work underway and drive cultural changes at NWH The issue goes far beyond any one institution. As a to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive team of researchers concludes in a 2021 Lancet organization. In its inaugural year, the program will article, “The healthcare sector, with a primarily female have a committee led by an appointed chair with a workforce, is currently advancing women in leadership membership proportional to the percentage of women at a glacial pace.” The results of these inequities, physicians in each department. Following the initial theyobserve,areextensive:lossofcriticalskilland launch phase of the program, the chair will become an experience,lowmorale,increasedcostsofsustaining elected position for a term up to three years, supported the workforce, and adverse impacts on healthcare and by a stipend. policies affecting women and children.” Dr. Thakore notes that change will take, in part, a greater awareness of implicit biases. Studies show their prevalence and their effects on the hiring, promotion, development,andwellbeingofwomeninthe…eld.Atthe sametime,weexistwithinalargersystem,sheadds, and it takes energy to overcome inertia and the reliance on “how things have always been done.”
In structuring the NWH program, the team looked to severalsourcessuchastheAmericanWomensMedical Association,AssociationofWomensSurgeons,and theCenterforFacultyDevelopmentatMassGeneral Hospital.Theyalsoresearchedwhatsworkedbestin established hospital and medical school programs with similar goals, including a successful program that Errol had been involved in supporting during his years at Tufts MedicalCenter.
Driving and sustaining change In making the case for change, Dr. Parangi points to The organizers also bring a deep understanding of severalreasons.Asaparallel,shenotesthatextensive whatshelpedthemandtheircolleaguesacrosstheir research from the world of business has long shown own careers. thatgreaterdiversityinanorganizationsboard and leadershipleadstomorepro…tability.Itpromotes more ahead, they know that philanthropic support will Looking diverse thinking and offers a wider lens to strategic be instrumental in sustaining this promising program planning. Across healthcare, “the more we bring leaders and in fostering an equitable and inclusive community. withdiverseviewpointsandexperiencesintotheroom “We all got into medicine because of our passion and wheredecisionshappen,thebetterwellbecomeas drive to improve lives and communities,” Dr. Barreveld organizations,” she believes. re‰ects.Forphysicianstosustaintheirpassion, At the same time, for women to see themselves in a “everyone needs to feel they can grow. They need to role,representationmatters.Youcantimagineitif feelyou valuedandful…lled.Shesexcitedtoseewhatthe dontseeit,Dr.Parangire‰ects.Sheknowswellwhat program will mean for her passionate, driven colleagues herownroleaschairsigni…estophysiciansand medical and for Newton-Wellesley community. Spring/Summer 2022
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The Community Collaborative Keeping community at the core of who we are
AsCatharinaArmstrong,MD,re‰ectsonthecommunity An unrelenting focus on community needs impact of Substance Use Services at Newton-Wellesley, Established in 2017, the Community Collaborative has sheasksaloud,ifwecantmeetpeoplewheretheyare, becomeacornerstoneofNewton-WellesleyHospitals then how can we help them to heal?” unique community-based approach to addressing the most compelling health needs of our neighbors—from Before the launch of the SUS Clinic, she regretted having improving heart health to raising resilient children to to refer so many patients elsewhere when they truly forging career opportunities. wanted their care right here, in their community hospital. Inherheart,shefeltthatswhattheydeserved. “We focus on factors that fall outside what we traditionally think of as the realm for hospitals,” notes Today, she thanks the Community Collaborative and its LaurenLele,MPA,CAVS,whooverseestheCollaborative Substance Use Services Council for helping to make her asNWHsSeniorDirector,CommunityHealthand dream a reality. As a Council member and co-founder VolunteerServices.Yetjobs,housing,education,safety, andAssociateDirectorofSUS,shesseen…rsthandand social isolation are paramount to the health and the difference made through its invaluable fundraising well-being of our communities.” support and tireless efforts to build awareness and decrease stigma. Amid the pandemic, meeting the escalating needs has become even more imperative. Grounded in an ongoing SUSisjustoneofeightCouncilsoftheCollaborative. assessment of priority needs, the Collaborative brings Together, they work on many fronts, bringing resources an unrelenting focus to lessening healthcare disparities, directly to those in need and lifting up community voices strengthening the social fabric of support, and to improve access to care and services. (See program empowering residents to lead healthier lives. While impact highlights, page 11.)
AspartofaGalavideoontheCollaborativesimpact,aclientofREACHBeyondDomesticViolencemeetswithsocialworkerGladysOrtiz, aDSACouncilmember.ViewtheirstoryatNWHsYouTubechannel. 6
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TheNWHcardiacrehabteamledasessiononexercisetowrapupitstrainingserieswithNewton…re…ghters.Theheart-healthyinitiativ sponsoredbytheCollaborativesCardiovascularCouncil.
“The Collaborative is a wonderfully unique part of our vision for what it truly means to be a community hospital.”
Lauren Lele, Senior Director, Community Health and Volunteer Services
itsCouncilsfocusonsixcitiesandtownsde…ned case by inpoint.Recenthighlightsincludeproviding thestateasthehospitalsprimaryserviceareaNatick, “direct-to-student” programs to more than 2,200 students Needham, Newton, Waltham, Wellesley, and Weston— as well as collaborating with community partners on they have a far wider impact. multiple educational events for families, including a series on mental health and suicide prevention. Nurturing deeply rooted relationships True to its name, the Councils work collaboratively TheDomesticandSexualAbuseCouncilhasalsobuilt within communities and consistently partner with deep community connections, including working closely civic, municipal, educational, senior, and social service withREACHBeyondDomesticViolence,aWalthamagencies, all of whom work on the frontlines of some basednonpro…t,tosupportitLatinasKnowYourRights of the most pressing public health issues. As one program. “The goal is to empower victims and survivors example,theCardiovascularCouncil partnering is with of domestic violence to become leaders in their own the Newton Fire Department to promote heart health and community,explainsGladysOrtiz,aREACHsocial reduce…re…ghtersriskofcardiovascular This disease. worker and DSA Council member. “And that is what springstrainingsessionsatNewton…restations is happening. show That is the magic that we create with thesuccessoftheCollaborativesmodelofbringing Newton-Wellesley Hospital.” communityleadersandmedicalexpertstogether. Stories of life-changing support Deeplyrootedrelationshipsareakey.TheResilience Throughoutthelast…veyears,thousandsofindividuals Councilstiestoareamiddleandhighschoolsofferand a familieshavebene…ttedfromtheCollaboratives Spring/Summer 2022
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Jillianlovedhavingherbabyatthesamehospitalwherehermomgavebirthtoher.SheshareshowmuchthesupportofMaternityServices meanstoherfamilyintheGalaHomecomingvideo.ViewtheirstoryonNWHsYouTubechannel.
“With the right help, TheCollaborativesElderCareCouncilisjustonewayyou can finally feel you’re in which “the hospital takes care of our community,” not alone.” saysTina,a74-year-oldretireefromNewton.Sheenjoys
programming. Their personal stories bring home both its reachandlife-changingimpactacrosspeopleslifespans.
Rose,MaternityServicesPatient
stayingactivethroughtheCouncilsweekly…tness classes. She took part in-person pre-pandemic and SheffRoss,MSW,LICSW,bothaclinicianandaCouncil appreciates that largely the same group has shifted member.Patient,gentle,andunderstanding,shesreally together to remote classes. They meet ahead of their investedinmakingmeabetterperson,saysRose. workout in the Zoom space to catch up with one TheirsessionshavehelpedRosebothwithpostpartum another. Their instructor leads it “with lots of love,” Tina depression and with becoming comfortable with talking adds.Mentallyandphysically,Idependonthisclass. about domestic violence. “With the right help, you can She makes it a point to donate regularly to help support …nallyfeelyourenotalone,shere‰ects.Intellingher these kinds of programs. “Every time I give, I always add story,Rosehopesotherswillknowthattheycangetthe acommentthatImsohappytocontribute. care that they need. ThankstoservicessupportedbytheMaternityServices “I believe community involvement is imperative,” says Council,Roseisoneofthemanyareamomshappyto Tracy,ahigh-honorsgraduateofWalthamHighSchools be in a better place.” Her mental health had been shaken Class of 2022. Last summer, she took part in and by earlier domestic abuse. After she had her third child, served as a peer mentor for fellow teens in the NewtonIdidntknowIwasdepressed,shere‰ects.Idont Wellesleys SummerStudentInternshipProgram,offered openupeasily,sheexplains,butshefoundthestrength jointlywiththeWalthamPartnershipforYouthand to mention to her OB/GYN that she felt down. With sponsoredbytheCollaborativesWorkforceDevelopment herdoctorshelp,RosenowmeetsweeklywithBuffy 8
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Council. Looking back on program, Tracy says she EllenLeiterexempli…esthepassionatevolunteerswho especially valued the opportunity to build her leadership contributetheirtimeandexpertise.Whenshe…rst andcommunicationskills.Shealsoenjoyedatasteof heard about the Elder Care Council, she approached whatsaheadbytakingacollege-levelpsychologycourseher own organization, Good Shepherd Community Care, atLasell.Gratefulforherexperience,sheassistedWPY about getting involved. She has gone on to serve as in marketing the program to a new class of interns community co-chair, working alongside co-chair Thomas thissummer.Serviceismydrive,shesays.The…rst- Cunningham,MD,aretiredNWHprimarycarephysician. generation Haitian-American seizes every opportunity to AnRNandformerassociatechiefnurseatNewtonmake her school, community, and world a better place. Wellesley, Ellen appreciates how NWH has been there forherownfamily.Itsagreatcommunityhospital, Driven by passionate volunteers she says. Her own mom received “incredibly competent, As part of its unique structure, the Collaborative compassionate care” there in her elder years. The combines leadership from the hospital and community. CouncilsmissionalignsbeautifullywithEllenswork Each Council has a hospital champion and a community in advocacy and community building. As a Council, leaderworkingjointlyalongsideCouncilmembership “we share a commitment to making a meaningful to bring diverse perspectives to every initiative. The difference.Shesexcitedbythepossibilitiesaheadto PalliativeCareCouncilexempli…estheapproach:its doevenmore,especiallywiththehospitalsplansforan leadershipteamcomprisesKoshaThakore,MD,Chief expandedfocusongeriatriccare. of the Division of Palliative Care, and Ann Ingram and SteveSullivan,twoofthehospitalsmostdevoted AtthisJunesNWHGala,atrioofequallydedicated andlongest-servingleadershipvolunteers.More leadership volunteers spoke about their own passions than 200 strong, Collaborative Council participants in inspiring 500 guests to contribute to funding critical serve as ambassadors as well as engage in outreach program needs across the Collaborative. Alicia Abad, and education, help measure program impact, and Phara Boyer, and Sarah Perry took the stage at the encourage philanthropy. Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, representing their
Thara,picturedatleft,exempli…esNWHssummerinterns,supportedbytheCollaborativesWorkforceDevelopmentCouncil.Surroundedbythe team at Waltham Partnership for Youth, she added her voice to the Gala video. Spring/Summer 2022
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respective councils, Substance Use Services, Workforce Re‰ectingonhowtheCollaborativealignswiththe Development,andDomesticandSexualAbuse.Weare hospitalsvision,Dr.Armstrongputsitbeautifully:A linkedbyabeliefingivingback,Aliciare‰ected.Wecommunity are hospital, we dive deep into what holistically linked,too,byNewton-Wellesley.Itconnectsus,justas de…nesourhealth. it connects our communities.” Added Phara, “In my own Ultimately, “community means a sense of belonging and familysexperience,Newton-Wellesleygoesaboveand being part of something bigger than you,” adds Daniel beyond to keep us all healthy. From my day-to-day work Destin, hospital co-chair of the Cardiovascular Council atMassBayCommunityCollege,Ialsoknowthatthe and manager of the Shipley Fitness Center at NWH. hospital contributes so much more.” Thatswhyitsimportanttokeepeveryoneashealthy Thesearecommunalissues,Sarahconcluded,andits as possible so the community can thrive.” critical that we address them together as a community.” While the pandemic has been challenging, the CollaborShe promised attendees that “by supporting its work, ative has seized the opportunity to deepen connections youllmakeapowerfulandfar-reachingdifference. and be more responsive to evolving public health needs. Meeting you where you are Throughoutthistryingtime,weveshownourneighbors At Newton-Wellesley, caring for our community has thatthehospitalisnotjustabuildingyoucometoin alwaysbeenatthecoreofwhoweare.Moreover, acrisis,explainsLaurenLele.Wearewithyouduring our mission and mandate press us to be a force for whateveryoureexperiencinginlife,andwecanmeet prevention and wellness across surrounding cities you where you are, close to home.” andtowns.x
Being able to count on the Palliative Care team has meant “everything” to Janet in her courageous battle with cancer. Interviewed at her home, shespeakstothecomfortitsgivenherandfamilyintheGalavideo. 10 Spring/Summer 2022
HighlightsoftheCollaborativesprogram Cardiovascular Council Palliative Care Council Developing community-facing preventative Secured funding for Palliative Care inpatient cardiachealthprogramswith…rstresponders, service. includingNewton…re…ghters. Supported the roll-out of Serious Illness Proactively creating diversity among council Education among NWH clinicians. With membership and reaching out to immigrant participation from community focus groups, and culturally at-risk populations. creating community education on the topic of advanced illness. Domestic and Sexual Abuse Council Provided survivors with $17,000 in emergency Resilience Council assistance for food, rent, and utilities during Engaged with 18 high school and middle COVID-19. schools with potential impact to 18,000 students. Helped to fund a Spanish-language social worker in Waltham. Provided training and clinical consultation to more than 450 educators throughout the Elder Care Council school year. Engaged 1,100 attendees through the virtual Senior Health and Wellness Webinar Series Substance Use Services Council since 2020 to combat social isolation. RaisedfundstosupportEDoutreach,social worker, primary care linkages and the SUS PromotesTaiChiandMatterofBalance recovery coach and grow capacity for group programming as part of on-going focus on care/counseling sessions. fall prevention. Facilitates ongoing education and outreach in Maternity Services Council the greater community, including the Purple Referredmorethan1,0patientsforpostFlagProjectduringNationalRecoveryMonth. partumdepressionandanxietytoexperienced clinical social worker since the initiative began Workforce Development Council inMay2019. Supported up to 20 student interns each summer at NWH in partnership with Waltham Provided mothers with a free, drop-in group, Partnership for Youth. ledbyacerti…ednursemidwife,offeringa welcoming space to share information and Expandedthehealthcarecareerexploration offer support. program to include more sessions and broader career representation and staff participation.
“These are communal issues and it’s critical that we address them together as a community.” SarahPerry,CommunityCo-Chair,DomesticandSexualAbuseCouncil
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A gala homecoming
Celebration raises $800,000 for NWH Community Collaborative
Aftertwoyearsapart,50guestsreunitedtocelebrateNewton-Wellesleyatthehospitals20Gala,bene…ttingthe Community Collaborative. “Homecoming” was the perfect theme for the lively event, held June 10 at the Omni Boston HotelattheSeaport.Specialthankstoallofthisyearssponsorsandsupporters.
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Serious illness conversations Innovative training for nurses keeps patients at center
TheMay20traininghelpednursespracticepatientconversationsinrole-playscenarioswithaprofessionalactor.
When patients face a serious illness, talking openly with caregivers about their hopes and fears can be hard for both them and their families.
itsledtomorefocused,meaningfulconversations that keep patients at the center.
Now, a new Serious Illness Conversation training In the past, conversations with their healthcare providers program is providing inpatient nurses with those haveoftenbeeninfrequent,late,andlimited,explainsimportanttools.Ayearaftera…rstpilotsession,a LesleyAdkison,PhD,RN,NursingPracticeInnovation growing cohort of nurses—126 in all—has gained the Leader at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The good skillstohelppatientsandfamilies…ndawayforward news? Having earlier and ongoing conversations can that supports their personal values and goals. easeanxietiesandhelppatientsfeelmoreincontrol. Expandingthetrainingbeyondphysiciansandsocial Moreover,effectiveandempathiccommunicationskills workers to frontline nurses enriches the conversations, are teachable and learnable and can be done well with enhances interdisciplinary care, and “helps make them the right tools. full members of the team,” adds Lesley. To that point, she Newton-Wellesley has been part of a movement in the recounts a favorite quote from a NWH hospitalist that one last decade to equip caregivers with training in those ofhercolleagues,JuliaRagland,MD,regularlyshares: skills. Led by the Division of Palliative Care and its team, “I welcome anything that empowers NWH nurses.” 14 Spring/Summer 2022
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Training in action AsDr.RaglandremindednursesattendingaMay20 training, “patients trust you.” That trust makes them a natural resource for patient and family communication. As those who spend the most time at the bedside among caregivers, nurses are uniquely positioned to have impactful conversations.
theaftermathofdicultnewstofamilymembersnot being on the same page. Simply on a practical level, time can be limited.
In the nursing sessions, participants are trained to use an SIC guide that helps care providers use best practiceswhilediscussingpatientsprognoses.The are also taught how to respond to emotions during Havingaseriousillnesshasitsebbsand‰ows.Its these challenging discussions. Each four-hour session notjustoneconversation,Dr.Raglandpointsout.Its alsoincludesextensivetimeinbreakoutgroupsand aprocess,andIdontwanttosugarcoatit.Attimes,interactions with patient actors in role-playing scenarios. patients may not understand how sick they are. The The communication skills gained by nurses, in their illness can be the “elephant in the room.” Nurses are in ownwords,include: anexcellentpositiontorecognizethatandcommunicate compassionately. “using the conversation guides to defuse emotional statements” Thetrainingfornursesistailoredspeci…callytotheir work,builtoutofandbasedonexperiencesonthe “talking less and using silence as a tool” units,” Lesley notes. By design, it provides them with exposuretonewskillsandletsthempracticethose “being better able to initiate and guide skills in a safe setting. In doing so, it increases their conversations” con…denceinbeingabletodiscussgoalsofcarewith “having skills for responding to emotions” those who are seriously ill. Atthespringsession,thetrainingteambeganbyde…ning “asking follow up questions” seriousillness.Examplesthatparticipatingnursescited fromtheirexperienceincludedadvancedcancers,heart “having increased ability to communicate with patients” failure, and dementia, among other health issues. Asked about their challenges in these cases, nurses around the room noted a wide array, from dealing with
“learning to listen to the patient”
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Expanding the circle of trained caregivers Originally launched in 2014 by the Palliative Care team, the training had reached nearly 400 providers by 2020. Testimonials from participants rate it as one of the most powerful, effective, and practical teaching sessions in which they have participated.
Family foundation expands training for nurses A multi-year grant from the Oechsle Family Foundation has had a tremendous impact Inexpandingtheprogram,theteamsetaninitialgoaloftraining0 1 onexpandingpalliativecare NWH nurses. In April 2021, to lay the groundwork, they performed an education and training at assessmentofclinicalRNsonMedical-Surgical‰oorstoidentifyareas Newton-Wellesley Hospital ofeducationalneeds.Their…ndingshelpedtodevelopanewSerious over the past year. Illness Conversation Training curriculum based on the time-tested model for training communication skills using proven techniques from Ariadne ThroughouttheCOVID-19 Labs and Vital Talk. pandemic,thehospitalsDivision of Palliative Care has continued Of those surveyed across four nursing units, less than 25 percent of to provide care to our seriously Med-SurgRNshadpriorcommunicationskillstraining,accentuating ill patients, their families, and the value of the initiative. the staff caring for them. The Progress accelerated with the hiring of part-time program coordinator, past two years have emphasized SariMusmon,tosupporttheprojectmanagementandadministration the importance of providing all of the course. With her oversight, a pilot SIC training program took place caregivers, especially our nursing in-person in June 2021 for nine nurses. staff, with critical communication skills and strategies to provide Asked about what they learned, 100 percent of the pilot participants the best reportedhavingincreasedcon…denceinmyabilitytodiscussgoals of care for our patients. care with seriously ill patients and their families.” And 100 percent said they would recommend it to others.
The generosity of the foundation has helped bring to life the Serious Illness Conversation program for nurses. Since the pilot session, the Nursing Education and Palliative Care teams have collaborated to develop and provide 10 sessions of this vital training. Thanks to foundationssupport,126nurses have completed the training so far, including 16 nurse leaders, 23 new nurse graduates and 78 clinical nurses. Team members have also bene…tedfromfundingforfaculty development courses, preparing them to teach communication skills to nursing colleagues throughout NWH. For seriously ill patients and their families, the gift will have lasting bene…ts.
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Re-energizing nurses Nurses and the relationship-based care that they provide are a huge part of what makes Newton-Wellesley Hospitaldifferent,Lesleyexplains.Rightfromthe moment a newly hired nurse walks through the door, a ProfessionalPracticeModelgivesthemaclearsense of “this is how we do nursing,” she adds. It builds engagement and helps them synthesize information. Thinking more broadly about the value of nursing education, Lesley notes how opportunities like this feed nursesinnatedesireforlearningsomethingnewand meaningful.” Especially in the midst of a pandemic, time for professional development has suffered in an “all hands on deck” situation. To Lesley, nurturing NWH nurses through education can be important facet of “how we get them re-energized.” In January, after running their third group, she recounted being asked by a one veteran charge nurse, “Is this going to be required for all nurses?” It should be, she chimedin,answeringherownquestion.Shedbeenin nursingfor30years,andwishedshedhadthetraining long ago. An ICU nurse pointed out how even many new nursing school graduates miss out on training in how to communicate with patients and families in emotionally charged situations. TheSICtrainingalignswitheveryaspectofthehospitals strategic imperatives. It focuses not only on improving carebutalsomakessureweregrowingourselves.
Asked about what they learned, 100 percent of the pilot participants reported having “increased confidence in my ability to discuss goals of care with seriously ill patients and their families.” And 100 percent said they would recommend it to others. Spring/Summer 2022 17
Child-friendly emergency care Havingatrustedplacetoturneasesfamiliesanxieties
The Vinik Family Pediatric Emergency Department was thelastplacealocalfamilyexpectedto…ndthemselves on Christmas night. Yet from the moment they walked in seeking care for their daughter, they met kind, compassionatestaffwhoexplainedeverythingtoaT. WevebeengoingtoNewton-Wellesleyfor32years, they wrote, “and it keeps getting better.” They signed their heartfelt thank-you note simply, “Feeling grateful!” Standing at the heart of the department on a busy spring morning,IlanSchwartz,MD,MBA,ChiefofPediatric EmergencyMedicine,re‰ectsonhisowngratitudeas hescansabulletinboard…lledwiththewordsofyoung patients. After 15 years at Newton-Wellesley, “even the littlest comments from the kids make me happy every single day,” he says. Early in his medical training in pediatrics, he became fascinated by emergency medicine, driven to see “how I can really make people happy even in their worst moments.”
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The Vinik Family Pediatric Emergency Department team
As he notes, its still a very new specialty.In the The team includes a core group of physicians boardlast three decades, training programs and pediatric certi…ed in pediatrics and pediatric emergency emergency rooms have gradually become more medicine who specialize in the acute care of infants, prevalent. Nationally about 70 percent of children children, and teens. They also have the advantage of who go to an Emergency Department still are seen by working closely with the Mass General Hospital for general emergency physicians. In 2007, Dr. Schwartz Children (MGHfC), he notes, giving them access to was drawn to NWH because it had one of the …rst “the best medical care in the world.” Any time of day, departments of its kind in the area and in the country they can consult with the best pediatric oncologists, to staff board-certi…ed physicians in pediatric gastroenterologists, or other specialists from a top-ofemergency medicine. the-line medical center. When needed, NWH has its own round-the-clock pediatric surgical coverage, including At the time, “I really loved the idea that a community pediatric surgeons from MGHfC and pediatric-trained hospital was offering what Newton-Wellesley offered,” anesthesiologists. henotes.Now,weprovideexactlythesamecareas manychildrenshospitals,closetohome. Importantly, “taking care of children is different from takingcareofadults,here‰ects.HellseePAsblowing A knowledgeable, experienced team bubbles or a transport tech singing a song to calm a “We really are a team,” Dr. Schwartz emphasizes. The young child. Amid the fear and discomfort of a sudden physicians, advanced patient providers, nurses, child illnessorinjury,certi…edchildlifespecialistsh lifespecialists,andothersbringextensivetraining and children feel calm, safe, and secure. All teammates expertiseinpediatricsandpediatricemergencymedicine. pride themselves on providing warm, personal care Spring/Summer 2022 19
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thatembodieseverythingthatsspecialaboutbeing a community hospital,” he adds.
“We really are a team,” Escalating needs Dr. Schwartz emphasizes. With more and more patients seeking emergency The physicians, nurse care,wereseeingasigni…cantspike,headds.Ithink itsimpossibleforhospitalstokeepupwiththepace practitioners, nurses, weveseen. physician assistants, child Inthewakeofthepandemic,theongoingin‰ux of children and teens with mental health needs is life specialists, and others stretching staff and facilities to their limits. Whereas bring extensive training NWHoncemightsee…vesuchpatientsinaweek,they now see seven to 10 per day. Some families bypass and expertise in pediatrics a number of hospitals to come to Newton-Wellesley, knowingthatitsoneofthefewcommunityhospitals to and pediatric emergency offer pediatric psychiatry services seven days a week. Tragically, those who require inpatient admission face medicine. anextremeshortageofbedsatappropriatefacilities. ForDr.Schwartz,itsverydicultandpainfultosee. NWHisnotaloneinexperiencingtheissueandis thankfully not alone in trying to face the challenge. Being partofMassGeneralBrighamenablesheandhisteam to draw on support and coordination across the system and its hospitals. At the same time, the US has seen a trend in patients turning to emergency departments as diagnostic centers, he says, adding to the challenge. Lookingtothefuture,itsincrediblewhatweoffer, but we may need to do even more.” If he had one wish, it would be to the double the number of pediatric emergency beds. Feeling like home For all the challenges of the times, talk to families, andtheyllsharecountlessaccolades:consistently wonderful,incrediblyresponsive,extremelygentle, sweet, kind, and patient,” “very empathic and supportive,” “considerate and professional.” The list goes on and on. Hearing the personal story of a newly hired physician reminds Dr. Schwartz what makes the hospital special. RecruitedfromBostonChildrens,hesharedthathe was born at NWH and came to the ED while growing up. HechosetojointheVinikFamilyPediatricEmergency Department over his other offers. Even before starting, “he already feels like Newton-Wellesley is his home.”
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Newton-Wellesley News
Philanthropy in Action
Meet Buddy! PleasewelcomeNewton-Wellesleysnewestteam member,Buddy,ourhospitalsfacilitydog! AsanocialmemberoftheNewton-Wellesley team and employee of the hospital, Buddy provides unique support and assistance to patients, families, and staff alike. Buddy lives with a primary handler—a specialist on our Child Life team—and works up to 40 hours per week at the hospital.
A17-month-oldgoldenretriever,heunderwentextensivetrainingwithCanine Assistants,anonpro…torganizationdedicatedtoeducatingpeoplea so they may enhance the lives of one another. Buddy was born, raised, and educated at their facility in Georgia. Along with making countless friends, Buddy is making news. Lisa Hughes from CBS Boston recently visited with Buddy and his team at the hospital. Viewthestoryhere:https:www. // cbsnews.com/boston/news/buddy-dognewton-wellesley-hospital-staff-support-patients/ You can follow Buddy on Instagram @buddythefacilitydog.
ManyofyouhavecontributedtobringingBuddytoNewton-Wellesley. We would especially like to thank Cory and Nick Halaby; the Yawkey Foundation;MetroWestSubaru;PamelaLenehanandLawrenceGeuss,MD; Olga Guttag, PhD and John Guttag, PhD; and donors to the 2021 Gala. Watch for more news in the upcoming months. Welcome, Buddy!
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Philanthropy in Action The next generation of CNAs DonorssupportofNewton-Wellesleytranslatesinmanywaystothehospitalsongoing support of many essential programs within the community. The hospital recently helped tofundthepurchasetextbooksandworkbookssoWalthamHighSchoolstudentscould …nishtheirHealthAssistingCerti…cationprogram.
The support was part of an ongoing collaborative relationship with the administrators and instructor of the highschoolsChapter74(vocational)HealthAssistingprogram.Theprogramsschool-to-careercoordinato expressedtheirgratitudeforyourcontinuedsupportandassistancetrainingthenextgenerationo Nursing Assistants!”
Partners in education Newton-Wellesley has partnered with Lasell University to launch a new educational program to train our next generation of surgical technologists. This innovative, one-year,36-creditcerti…cate program is designed to address the shortage of surgical technologists at the hospital and across the country. It aims to advance careers while helping to build a more diverse workforce. Several NWH employees will be amongthe…rststudentsand eligible for full scholarships in exchange for a three-year service commitment.Itexempli…es the innovative programs being made possible by your ongoing philanthropy.
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Newton-Wellesley News
Philanthropy in Action CT Scanner Siemens Force
Detecting heart disease in seconds At Newton-Wellesley, we can stay at the forefront of Astheyexplained,theSiemensForceCTScanners Re‰ecting deepcommitment totheheart innovation with the thehospitals global CT community by purchasing ability to detect the presence of coronary artery health of our community, two leaders in cardiovascular the Siemens Force CT Scanner. will effectively eliminate unnecessary hospital carerecentlyshareda…rsthandlookattheimpactdisease of
What your gift willtransfer mean admissions or the needless of patients to other
anexcitingnewtechnologyonthehorizon.GeorgeJ. cardiac catheterization. It will Philippides,MD,FACC,Chief,DivisionofCardiology, hospitals for invasiveWe are now ready to take enable new levels of image quality, clinical outcomes, and Director of the Elfers Cardiovascular Center, and Bring image quality to the next level — the next step and bring this and ultimately precision medicine not only for our Parpos,and MD,FACC, theDivisions withStefanos free-breathing powerful imagingAssistant to Newton-Wellesley. cardiac patients but technology also for patients across Chief, discussed what Cardiac Computed Tomography the hospital. Your gift toward the purchase of ScanAngiography obese, elderly, or uncooperative patients wouldunconscious mean for patients.
This machine will:
the Siemens CT Scanner without sedation and minimized motion artifacts. This is Early donors have already committedForce more than The NWH cardiologists presented two engaging will new levels of image particularly important in pediatric CTDisease whereinit also can help million 5.1$ towardthe million 3$ enable project. Tolearn more, virtual events, titled “Detecting Heart pleasecontactJaime Mulligan, Managing Director, Seconds: Bringing theSiemens Force CTScanner quality, clinical outcomes, reduce the need for potentially harmful sedation. Philanthropy,at or 3 57 - 1 3 8- 7 16 jmulligan5 @partners. org. to Newton-Wellesley.” and ultimately precision Improve patient care — with kidney-friendly medicine not only for our and ultra-low-dose scanning cardiac patients, but for We will be able to maintain image quality by either reducing patients across the hospital. radiation dose maintaining Join and us on the road! contrast concentration or reducing For more information, contrast concentration and maintaining dose, protecting the Wearegoingontheroad!TheDevelopmentOcewillbevisitingandholdingevents patient through the ALARA principle, which represents thetheuse please contact to celebrate our supporters in locations like Nantucket, Cape, and Florida, andwould love tosee Evenwhenyoure away,werealways your community of the CT with as low dose asyou. reasonably achievable. Jaimehospital. Mulligan, Please contact us at nwhdev@partners.org Make sound decisions — with 4D imaging at if you have a seasonal home Managing Director that we can add to our records. of Philanthropy, at half the dose and dose-neutral dual energy Thank you!
4D imaging and Dual Energy CT provide high-quality images rich in information for more precise decisions — at low dose. Dual-energy CT provides a variety of images for depicting vascular disease. 24 Spring/Summer 2022
617.831.7753 or jmulligan5@partners.org.
Newton-Wellesley News
Philanthropy in Action Immediate impact of annual gifts
Planning for your future
Annual giving enables Newton-Wellesley to go above andbeyondeveryyear.Alreadyin…scalyear20, devoted supporters have contributed more than $1.9million,providingimmediatesupporttothepeople, programs, and facilities that set the hospital apart. In making a gift to the NWH Fund, donors may choose toaddressthehospitalsgreatestneedsorsupport aspeci…careaimportanttothem. Newthisyear,donorsareinvitedtojoinournew leadership giving society, the 1881 Pillar Society, with a gift of $1,881 or more. The society celebrates a deeply rooted tradition of generosity that dates to our very founding in 1881. Thank you to everyone who has already stepped forward as inaugural members, inspiring others to follow your lead. Together, gifts of every level allow us to meet the most pressing needs of our patients and caregivers in real time. To make a gift today, visit giving.nwh.org/.
Our healthcare staff are on the front lines every day caring for their patients and hopeful for what their future holds. But living with uncertainty can be worrisome as we think about our future. Having a practical and thoughtful perspective can help.
Manyofourfriendsandsupportershave rediscovered what is important to them and want to take steps to turn that discovery into action. Whether it is making sure their children or spouse are cared for or allocating their assets in a way that is most meaningful to them, putting an estate plan inplacedoesnthavetobecomplicated.Justfollow these simple steps to create the basic elements of your estate plan.
Makealistofyourassets Assess your family situation—blended marriage, stepchildren, grandchildren Decide what you want to leave to loved ones and charity Discuss your estate plan with family members
Take control and download our Estate Planning Guide for yourself and your family. While the guide is not intended as a substitute for advice of your professional advisor, it is designed to help you in preparing a thorough estate plan. Toreceiveyourfreeguide,visit: giftplanning.nwh.org/estateguide. To learn more, please contact Susan Salcetti, Director, Gift Planning, at 617-243-6243 or nwhdev@partners.org.
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A shining jewel A Conversation with Trustee Chair Joan Vitello-Cicciu
WheneverJoanVitello-Cicciu,PhD,RN,describesNewton-WellesleyHospital topeople,Icallitajewel,shesays.Itshinesbrilliantly. AschairofthehospitalsBoardofTrustees,shelovesworking onitsbe half along with “a united group of incredible professionals.” She balances her board commitment with her role as dean of the Tan Chingfen Graduate SchoolofNursingatUMassChanMedicalSchool.Tome,itsnotwork, sheadds.Itspureenjoyment.
Whileshesspentdecadesintheworldofhealthcareas a nurse, leader, and educator, she likes to look forward. Alongwiththehospitalsboardmembersandleadership, ImexcitedtoimaginethefutureofNewton-Wellesley, shere‰ects.Inhermind,theresnootherhospitallike it.” Newton-Wellesley has come to feel like her home and herfamily.Shescommittedtosustainingitsessenti roleinthecommunityshealthandwell-beingfor generations to come. The hospital’s defining spirit What qualities set Newton-Wellesley apart? For one, thesenseofcamaraderie.Whenshesgoneonrounds atthehospital,shesseen…rsthandtheprideand purposethatstaffbringtotheirwork.Theresaspirit thatspalpable. That spirit shines through every day in the leadership of Dr.ErrolNorwitz,PresidentandCEO.Itsanabsolute honor and privilege to work with Errol,” she says. Throughout this unprecedented time, he has guided the hospitalwithasteady,compassionatepresence.Hes remindedusallwhywedowhatwedo,shere‰ects. JoanVitello-Cicciu,PhD,RN,NEA-BC,FAHA,FAAN,welcomesguests toNewton-WellesleysAnnualGalainJune20.
The patients are her “why.” Like Errol, she truly embraces patient-centered care.
Joan shares and applauds his commitment to the entire staff, in every role.Afterall,itsthepeoplewhomakethishospitalsospecial,shenotes. Paraphrasing the mission statement, she applauds how “they care for everyonethewaytheydwanttobecaredfor.Sheseesherselfasacatalyst for acknowledging and supporting staff in every way possible, helping them to feel heard, valued, and respected. During the height of the pandemic, as a former critical care nurse herself, “my heart went out to them,” she recounts. Attimes,Iwas…ghtingbacktears.
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“I’m excited to imagine the future of Newton-Wellesley. To me, there’s no other hospital like it.” JoanVitello-Cicciu,PhD,RN
A nursing leadership perspective Aself-describedlifelonglearner,shesoftenbeena When Joan came on the Board of Trustees in 2016, teacher as well. Her leadership role in graduate nursing “I brought a different perspective from my roots not only education represents a culmination of her years as a innursingbutalsoinpatientexperience,shesays. mentor, With coach, and educator. patients at top of mind, she keeps abreast of safety and Advancing vs. retreating quality measures, appreciating their importance within thehospitalandtheMassGeneralBrighamsystem. At this pivotal time for healthcare, Joan truly feels “blessed” to contribute her talents and wisdom to The…rstnursetochairtheNWHBoard,shedraws Newton-Wellesley.Ineverythingshedoes,Ivealways oninsightsfromhervastexperience.Afterworking beencuriousandappreciative,sheexplains,noting on the nursing staffs of several Boston hospitals, she thattheyretwoofmyfavoritewords.Shedeeply grew as a leader in an array of roles from patient care appreciates not only her opportunity to serve the directortochiefnursingocertochiefoperating hospital ocer. butalsotheextraordinarysupportofthe Before being named to the deanship, she served for community.Iamsomovedbypeoplescontributions, sixyearsasanassociatechiefnurseatBrighamshe andadds.Itsajoytoseetheoutpouringofgenerosity Womens,whereshegainedadeepappreciationfor andknowthedifferencethatweremakingtogether. NWH through peers. As a trustee, as in her life, she values relationships Forallshescontributedtoher…eld,amongother and works to nurture them. “I try to stay true to who I awards,shesbeenhonoredasaLivingLegendby am,shenotes.Whatyouseeiswhatyouregoingto theMassachusettsAssociationofRegisteredNurses. get.Throughlifeschallenges,includingthelossofher husbandin201,shestriedtostaygrounded.Onedaily Itsbeenawindingroad.Whilegrowingup,she practice, drawn from The Seven Whispers by Christina dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. When she started Baldwin,ishertouchstone.Thebookswisdomlightsher college as one of three female pre-meds in her class, the path each morning and helps her to tune into her own prevailing biases against women made her question the innerspiritandstrength.Amongitsreminders:Ask choice. She left after two years, got married and started for what I need and offer what I can.” afamily.Hercareerpathbrie‰ytookadetourintoreal estateandinteriordecorating,andIsimplywasnt She trusts that we all have so much more to offer, happy.” especially when it comes to Newton-Wellesley, this jewelofahospital.Onesubtleshiftintheworkofthe Thankfully, a career counselor steered her to pursue a NWHBoardofTrusteesre‰ectsherwayofthinkingthe role as a clinical nurse specialist, and she never looked members no longer have an annual retreat, they gather back. After starting in the associates in nursing program, for an advance shewentontogetherBSNatUMassDartmouth. Always looking to forward her education, Joan went Personally,Imnotretreating,Imadvancing,shesays ontoearnthreegraduatedegrees:herMSNfromthe with a smile. “Words create your world.” UniversityofAlabamaandbothamastersandPhDin human and organizational systems from the Fielding Graduate Institute.
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“We are linked by a belief in giving back. We are linked, too, by Newton-Wellesley. It connects us, just as it connects our communities.” Alicia Abad, co-chair, Substance Use Services Council
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