Family medicine—from infants to elders
Meet our Advanced Practice Providers
“Dr. D’Angelo really got to know who we were, what our lifestyle was, and what was important to us.”
Laura Harrington, Family Medicine patient
Patients rely on NWH for more than 270,000 radiology exams per year. Devoted to the highest standard of care and fueled by philanthropy, our Department of Radiology team continues to break new ground.
Anand Prabhakar, MD, MBA, Chair, Department of Radiology
“The spirit is innovation, but the culture is service. The culture is quality and safety. The culture is collaboration.”
Anand Prabhakar, MD, MBA
When it comes to radiology, “We aim to push the limits of what we can do here for our patients,” says Anand Prabhakar, MD, MBA, the department’s chair.
Since joining Newton-Wellesley in 2019, the forwardthinking radiologist has led a transformation in both the team and technology to meet the growing demands for complex care.
From the start, he’s felt fortunate to have great relationships with clinicians across the hospital. “We’re all working together to provide exceptional patient care,” he says.
Within radiology, “the spirit is innovation, but the culture is service,” he reflects. “The culture is quality and safety. The culture is collaboration.”
For patients across the area NWH brings world-class care closer to home in many ways. Dr. Prabhakar’s ongoing goal for radiology: to deliver services at a level equivalent to an academic medical center with the comfort and convenience of a community hospital.
From his perspective, “we can do 99 percent of what they do downtown right here,” he says. “By providing that quality of work here, it gives patients back time.”
With the growing complexity of cases that NWH sees, the Department of Radiology has had to evolve. “This has become a very technically complex hospital,” reflects Dr. Prabhakar. One of the advances has been the increase in subspecialists.
In the past, NWH took a generalist approach to radiology. The department now relies on radiology subspecialists who have completed extra years of training to become experts in a focused area of radiology such as abdomen, chest, or cardiovascular imaging. Given the pace of change and complexity in the field, “it’s no longer feasible to keep up with everything from head to toe,” he says.
The Manton Breast Imaging Center at NWH offers a case in point, adds Pragya Dang, MD. Fellowshiptrained at Massachusetts General Hospital, she joined Dr. Prabhakar’s team in 2019 at NWH to build on the center’s expertise. Now, “our team is completely made up of fellowship-trained subspecialists.”
To Dr. Prabhakar, “being able to achieve that across the department has been one of our success stories.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer is 99 percent when the disease is detected early, and in a localized stage. The evolution of breast imaging has helped to make that possible, Dr. Dang explains.
New technology has meant higher resolution images and improved detection. Early detection not only helps with saving lives but results in less aggressive treatment and surgery for patients.
Thanks to philanthropic support, the Breast Imaging Center has recently updated all of its equipment to offer patients the highest standard of 3D mammography. Now, radiologists have image data with improved clarity, contrast, and detail. Better images reduce the need for patients to return for repeat scans, which minimizes their anxiety. The new technology improves patient comfort by reducing the time of compression and exposure, and decreasing the already low dose of radiation by almost half.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dang trusts that AI will play an even larger role as it evolves. By helping to determine those at a higher risk for breast cancer and who would benefit from additional screening, “it will make us better radiologists,” she believes.
While she’s excited by the continual advances, she always cherishes the patient-facing dimension of her role. “It’s very gratifying to help make a difference in women’s lives,” she reflects.
In February 2023, again thanks in large part to philanthropy, radiology at NWH took a significant leap forward when our new Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scanner came online. With its addition, NewtonWellesley became the first community hospital across Mass General Brigham to have the technology as part of an emerging hub-and-spoke model, led by Massachusetts General Hospital.
Brian Ghoshhajra, MD, MBA, academic director of Cardiovascular Imaging at Mass General, has worked closely with Dr. Prabhakar and NWH colleagues in developing and managing the program.
He remembers meeting early on with George Philippides, MD, and Stefan Parpos, MD—the Cardiology Division’s chief and assistant chief—about bringing a coronarycapable CT scanner to the hospital. Since then, “we’ve met with them countless times, and we’re just great colleagues and collaborators,” he says.
Today, whether patients are at Newton-Wellesley or Mass General, they have access to the same top-of-theline scanner. As the hub-and-spoke model has expanded even farther, all scans are read uniformly at Mass General by a team of specially trained radiologists.
Dr. Ghoshhajra sees Cardiovascular Computed Tomography as one of the wonders of modern medicine. Living around the corner from Newton-Wellesley himself, “it’s a beautiful thing to get to watch it benefit patients who are friends and neighbors,” he adds.
Five years before the arrival of the Cardiac CT Scanner, NWH introduced a new cardiac MRI program, which has grown tremendously. In the case of both technologies,
“they’ve really allowed us to serve a population of patients that we would never have been able to reach,” says Michael Shea, director of Radiology.
When he joined the NWH staff 16 years ago, “I really fell in love with the fact that everyone was so patientfocused,” he says. He came on board initially to manage the hospital’s MRI program, a field in which he’d worked since its infancy. During the last five transformative years, he’s taken on managing radiology as a whole.
He sees the shift to an enterprise model of radiology across Mass General Brigham as one of the most important advances—for the team and for patients. Under the new integrated structure, there’s no sense of “us and them.” “It’s ‘we,’” he reflects. He values how hospital teams have come together to build common protocols and workflows.
For patients, “it’s fantastic,” Michael says. “The biggest benefit is that patients can go to any radiology department in the system and receive the same exam and high level of care.”
“There are just so many exciting things happening,” he adds, pointing to a recent award earned by the NWH team for its Cardiac CT images as a sign of the strength of collaboration.
Among all the advances, “consistency and standardization is an undervalued innovation,” Dr. Prabhakar believes.
Considering all facets of radiology, the department does more than 270,000 exams a year at NewtonWellesley. “There’s a patient behind every single one of those,” he notes. “It’s not just taking an image, it’s the whole experience.”
“My goal is always to provide a consistent interpretation and experience 24/7,” he reflects. “The only way to do that is to have a bigger scale—and to have partners to help make that scale possible.”
In Newton-Wellesley’s case, he sees the department as fortunate to have such strong relationships with Mass General and other institutions across the system to execute that. The enterprise model connects NWH to a wider team of 300-plus radiologists across Mass General Brigham.
Looking to the future, Dr. Prabhakar sees so much ahead, citing the promising field of “theranostics” as just one example. Its name reflects its combination of two approaches—therapeutics and diagnostics.
For patients with prostate and other cancers, the breakthrough makes it possible to image and selectively treat their disease simultaneously.
At NWH, this advanced capability already exists, he proudly adds.
As one of the most technically oriented fields in the entire hospital, radiology is often on the cutting edge. “When technology creates paradigm shifts in healthcare, it’s often applied in radiology first,” Dr. Prabhakar says. “And that’s what we’re experiencing now.”
He’s excited that continual investments have enhanced technology and access, often made possible by philanthropy. “My dream would be to have an endowment for radiology that is lasting and that we can continue to draw from.”
“I’ve always been obsessed with doing things better, and that’s how we achieve greatness,” Dr. Prabhakar reflects. It’s a team effort, and the extraordinary team of radiologists and radiology staff is the backbone.
“We work together in the mission of providing excellent patient care and excellent service,” he concludes. “And we continue to innovate.”
Editor’s note: the following remarks were presented by Leyna Lamothe, a summer intern at the Manton Breast Imaging Center, to participants at this fall’s NWH Golf Tournament. Again this year, the event raised vital funds for the summer internship program, sponsored by the Workforce Development Council of the NWH Community Collaborative.
“My time shadowing all of these remarkable women really opened my eyes.”
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Steve Dautruche and Lauren Lele, the program coordinators, for giving me this incredible opportunity to speak to you all today. This opportunity also wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my supervisor, Barbara Ferreira.
Knowing I was juggling three jobs to support my mom and save for tuition, she went above and beyond to accommodate my hectic schedule. Her kindness and understanding allowed me to pursue this amazing experience while fulfilling my responsibilities.
Now, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Leyna Lamothe. I am a recent honors graduate of Waltham High School, now in my first year at Regis College, majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
I’m deeply passionate about women’s health and maternity. This passion has led me to pursue my summer internship at Newton-Wellesley—and specifically in the Breast Imaging Center.
From my first moment as an intern, the team welcomed me with open arms.
These incredibly intelligent and compassionate women became more than just colleagues. They were mentors who embodied the perfect blend of professionalism and kindness. They were always willing to answer my endless questions, share their experiences, and offer their advice. Their dedication to their patients and their craft inspired me every day.
Of all the mentors that I met, one of the most impactful was Dr. Achibiri, an amazing radiologist. As a young black woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I felt incredibly empowered to see someone who looked like me excelling in such a highly esteemed role.
Dr. Achibiri’s own journey resonated deeply with me. Her words of encouragement and advice were a source of immense inspiration, reminding me that representation matters. Her mentorship fueled my desire to succeed—not only for myself but also for other young women of color who aspire to make a difference in the medical field.
My time shadowing all of these remarkable women really opened my eyes. I witnessed firsthand the intricacies of ultrasound and mammography. I learned about the technology and techniques used in diagnosing and monitoring the medical conditions affecting patients’ lives. The hands-on experience I gained was invaluable.
This internship has been an incredible journey of learning, growth, and inspiration, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Along with confirming my passion for the field, it placed me a step ahead of my sonography peers.
The experience definitely makes me wish that I could come back again and join the staff. The community is so welcoming, and I am so proud to have been a part of it.
Someday, I hope to land a position in maternal fetal medicine at NewtonWellesley so I can explore women’s health more deeply. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even mentor future interns.
Thank you all for making this possible for me and my peers at Waltham High. While we all have different dreams, I know we all are eager to learn, and the experiences we had this summer across the hospital will stay with us forever.
“As a young black woman pursuing a career in healthcare, I felt incredibly empowered to see someone who looked like me excelling in such a highly esteemed role.”
Newton-Wellesley’s family medicine physicians get to know and care for adults and children alike. As primary care providers, they build lasting relationships, often across generations of families.
When Laura Harrington began looking at possibilities for her and her children’s healthcare more than 20 years ago, family medicine intrigued her. “I liked the idea of having one person get to know our family really well,” she recounts. She gratefully discovered a wonderful option right in her own community: Henry (Rick) D’Angelo, MD, and Newton-Wellesley Family Medicine in Walpole.
“It was just so nice to know that my kids and I could all go to him as our primary care provider,” Laura says. As a mom of four, it made her life far easier to have their care all in one place. At the time, “we lived about 15 minutes away, which worked out beautifully for us.”
Even more, his approach aligned with her values and how she viewed medicine. “Dr. D’Angelo really got to know who we were, what our lifestyle was, and what was important to us,” she explains. Then as now, “he listened really well and was incredibly supportive.”
Being part of Newton-Wellesley and Mass General Brigham has made referrals easy and timely, she says. When needed, “you have access to the best hospital and the best specialists.”
While her children have grown to be young adults, three of four still rely on the Walpole practice.
Dr. D’Angelo has practiced family medicine in Walpole for nearly three decades. He’s spent his entire career as part of NWH’s primary care network. Many of his 2,000 patients—like Laura and her children—have seen him for 20 years or more.
Why family medicine? “As simple as it sounds, to take care of whole families,” he reflects. In his practice, “I see patients of all ages, from 0 to 100,” he adds.
Treating everyone from newborns to seniors enables relationships to grow over time.
Family medicine physicians make up about one third of the 120 primary care providers across NWH’s 10 community-based practices. As one of the broadest specialties in medicine, it requires training in areas ranging from pediatrics to internal medicine to obstetrics and gynecology.
From his days as a resident, Dr. D’Angelo has always valued the breadth of care and the idea of families being central. “We’re here for everyone who comes through our doors and for all aspects of their health,” he says.
Embedded in the community
Marta Mazzawi, MD, joined Dr. D’Angelo as part of Walpole family medicine nine years ago. She now sees patients in the Walpole and Millis offices and serves as medical director for both. “We’re kind of sister practices,” as she puts it, with a team that includes eight physicians and two nurse practitioners.
“Ironically, I was a patient first,” she notes. She’d grown up in Walpole and moved back to town with her own growing family—right next door to her parents. Having long known and respected Newton-Wellesley, she turned to its Walpole practice for her own healthcare. From the start, “I just thought it was very welcoming,” she says. When a job opened up there, she seized the opportunity.
“I really love being part of the community,” Dr. Mazzawi says. Her husband kids her about knowing absolutely everyone in town. To her, it’s one of the advantages of family medicine.
She appreciates the window it offers into the medical and social aspects of patients’ lives. “I get to know their history and the dynamics of everything,” she notes.
“We’re here for everyone who comes through our doors and for all aspects of their health.”
Henry (Rick) D’Angelo, MD
43,000 patients rely on NWH Family Medicine for primary care
10 NWH primary care practices including family medicine, adult internal medicine, and pediatrics
Early on in her medical training, she remembers how one of her mentors cared for four generations of a family at once. It became something of a goal for her. Last year she finally began seeing her own four-generation family of patients.
“I take care of the great grandfather, grandma and grandpa, mom, and her three kids,” Dr. Mazzawi explains. “It’s pretty special.”
It’s not uncommon for Dr. Mazzawi to see three generations of a family. “I take care of some people who have known me since I was five years old,” she smiles to say. “I love that aspect of my work.”
In seeing both parents and children, “I’ll see a mom for strep throat, and she might say, can you just take a look at John’s ear?”
Personally, she’s glad that she doesn’t have to say goodbye to her young patients when they become adults.
Relationships as a constant
What’s changed over time for family physicians? “A lot and not a lot,” Dr. D’Angelo says. “Certainly, how we treat patients has changed,” he adds. Thanks to ongoing advances in care, his older patients now often live longer and healthier lives.
“My connection to patients hasn’t changed, and I don’t think it ever will.”
Marta Mazzawi, MD
As complexity has increased, it’s become even more important for patients to have someone as a “quarterback” to help them navigate the healthcare system.
“Yet when I’m talking to a patient during a physical, it’s not that different,” he says.
To Dr. Mazzawi, patient relationships will always be at the heart of her work. “My connection to patients hasn’t changed, and I don’t think it ever will,” she says. “If anything, it’s grown because the more I practice, the more I get to know people.”
“That’s why so many go into family medicine,” she adds.
The future of family medicine
For family medicine and primary care more generally, “it’s an important generational moment,” Dr. D’Angelo reflects. He knows many experienced physicians are now nearing retirement age—himself included. Given the trends in residency programs, he sees fewer medical students drawn to the field.
Looking to the future, “I’m optimistic by nature,” he says. After all, the path holds lifelong rewards.
His patients keep him energized and a varied work life helps to keep his mind fresh and engaged. He serves as a leader among NWH colleagues, both as chair of the Department of Family Medicine as well as medical director of the NWH Physician-Hospital Organization.
While Dr. Mazzawi realizes the stresses that physicians face, she gets excited by what the future could mean for both providers and patients. She sees promise in technology to help alleviate administrative burdens and enable more of a connection with patients.
At the same time, “It excites me to help my patients in new and different ways,” she says. “I’m always learning.
“The way medicine should be”
When Laura thinks about family medicine, “I feel like it’s the way it should be,” she reflects. Would she recommend it to other families? “Absolutely.”
Thinking back to her early days with the Walpole practice, “I was on a first-name basis with the receptionist,” she recounts. “She knew exactly who I was and who was coming in today.”
With four kids, “to have all of our care together was very cohesive,” she says. While she might be there for one child’s appointment, Dr. D’Angelo always touched base with her about her other children.
She always has felt confident in his extensive medical knowledge and expertise. At the same time, “he really got to know our family,” she says. “He knew what sports each of the kids played, and how they were doing at school.”
For Laura, “it made it feel like it was more than just our doctor’s office.”
“Everyone who receives care at this hospital is going to interact with an APP at some point.”
Amy Israelian, DNP, ANP-BC
The expanding role of Advanced Practice Providers, or APPs for short, is reshaping healthcare. Explore the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit that they bring to our family of caregivers.
Five years ago, Amy Israelian, DNP, ANP-BC, arrived at Newton-Wellesley to take on a new role for our hospital community: Lead Advanced Practice Provider.
Looking back, “I don’t think many people at the time knew the terms APP or advanced practice provider,” recounts Amy, recently named Director of Advanced Practice. Among today’s hospital staff, “now it just rolls off of everybody’s tongues.”
Public understanding is still catching up.
At Newton-Wellesley, our 488 Advanced Practice Providers, or APPs for short, include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Broadly speaking, APPs perform many of the tasks once associated with physicians. For example, they may conduct exams, order tests, diagnose illnesses, and write prescriptions. Nationally, studies show that they now manage about a quarter of all healthcare visits.
You’ll find APPs within many specialties, from Orthopedics to Cardiology to Endocrinology. In Amy’s case, besides her leadership role, she’s also a nurse practitioner within NWH’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
“Everyone who receives care at this hospital is going to interact with an APP at some point,” she notes.
Among the nation’s fastest growing jobs Nationally, demand for these roles continues to grow. According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner is the fastest-growing occupation in the country, expected to grow 46 percent by 2031. At the same time, demand for physician
assistants is expected to rise by 30 percent, and nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists are both expected to see strong job growth.
When Amy first took on her lead role, “APPs weren’t all necessarily practicing at the top of their licenses or doing what they were trained to do,” she reflects. Along with supporting APPs in their professional development, “we’ve done a lot of education with our physician and leadership colleagues about what we can do professionally.”
At Newton-Wellesley, she emphasizes how APPs work collaboratively with their physician colleagues and teams. She promotes a culture of working together and supporting each other—all for the benefit and comfort of their patients.
An integral part of the Cardiology team
Megan Grady, CNP, echoes Amy’s point on collaboration. She joined the Elfers Cardiovascular Center as a nurse practitioner a decade ago, practicing in the outpatient clinic together with its attending physicians.
“I have always loved getting to know my patients, hearing their stories and helping them to navigate their health journey,” she says. “And I love my team at NWH Cardiology.”
She had dreamed of being a nurse since completing a hospital internship in high school and began her career at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her path ultimately led her back to school for her MSN and then to NewtonWellesley. She credits nursing for instilling a foundation of keeping the whole patient in mind.
Most of her day as an NP involves meeting with patients to diagnose, manage, and educate them about their cardiovascular health.
“The role of APPs has really blossomed into an integral part of the healthcare system.”
Megan Grady, CNP
“Over the last 10 years, the role of APPs has really blossomed into an integral part of the healthcare system,” Megan reflects. “Physicians increasingly rely on skilled, highly educated colleagues.”
At the same time, “the hospital has made an effort to unite everyone as one big team,” she explains. She credits Amy with bringing together APPs from across all departments and building connections.
Finding fulfillment as a psychiatric NP
The introduction of an APP Council a little over a year ago exemplifies the connections being forged across Newton-Wellesley. Its members meet monthly, with representation from each clinical area.
Now in her third year at NWH, Linden Spital, RN, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, represents Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on the council. In the past, she’d been accustomed to being the only psychiatric NP wherever she’s worked. Her council role has given her a new sense of being part of a larger whole.
Drawn to healthcare from her middle school days, Linden didn’t land on the idea of being a nurse practitioner until after college. Yet early on, she remembers how “I wanted to impact vulnerable populations.” A three-year MSN program in psychiatric mental health nursing proved the right choice and helped her to become well versed in treatment modalities.
While she’s worked with patients of all ages, she gravitated toward pediatric consult psychiatry.
At Newton-Wellesley, “I appreciate the vulnerability that patients and families bring,” she says. “I like meeting them where they’re at. That’s often in crisis.”
488 APPs credentialed on the NWH medical staff
Working in her field, she often meets patients at moments in their lives where they feel fragile and emotionally unstable. “Short-term de-escalation fuels me,” she adds. She finds fulfillment in helping people in crisis to put things in perspective and figure out their next steps.
When Kelly Conley, PA-C, MAPAS, joined NewtonWellesley in 2022, it marked her very first job as a physician assistant.
Initially working as a patient care associate after college inspired her to pursue her master’s in physician assistant studies. A dozen rotations in inpatient and outpatient settings “gave me exposure to all different fields and specialties of medicine,” she says.
“It opens your eyes to the broad range of possibilities,” she reflects. She found that she loved the hospital environment most—and NWH offered a perfect balance.
Kelly now works within the Hospitalist Department as part of a team of 20 full-time PAs. Working on inpatient units, they are responsible for implementing care plans, writing orders, and often admitting and discharging patients.
“I love it here!” she exclaims. “It’s very welcoming to new grads. I feel like I’m learning every day.”
“There’s a great sense of community among APPs. We want everyone around us to be successful.”
Kelly Conley, PA-C, MAPAS
Speaking of learning, she values how APP Grand Rounds provide continuing education on timely topics. She also helps to create her department’s educational sessions for its own PAs, working in partnership with one of the attending physicians.
Across the hospital, “there’s a great sense of community among APPs,” she adds. “We want everyone around us to be successful. It’s nice being in a place where you feel appreciated and supported.”
Providing the care that patients’ need
Advanced practice models originally took root in the realm of primary care, Amy explains. Looking back at the history of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, for example, they grew in part from a need for expanding access to care.
While she’s breaking ground in her lead APP role at NWH, it’s something she’s been doing her whole career. Since a stint in the Peace Corps in West Africa led her to decide on nursing over medical school, she’s been part of many firsts. She trained as part of the inaugural cohort for a new accelerated master’s program. After joining Mass General as a staff nurse in 2002, she went on to become one of the first nurse practitioners within inpatient general surgery and then the plastic surgery service’s very first NP.
Today at Newton-Wellesley, “if you now look at where we work, there’s probably not one medical or surgical specialty that doesn’t have an APP presence,” Amy notes.
On the administrative side, “I love being able to advocate for our APPs and mentoring and helping them develop professionally,” she says. At the same time, “I really love my patients, and I love the relationships that I build with them.”
Every day, together with her fellow APPs, “we’re making a meaningful impact in our patients’ lives.”
“I’m a clinician at heart… orthopedics gets people back to the things they want to do.”
In February 2021, Newton-Wellesley’s launch of the Orthopedic Walk-In brought to the area one of only a few such centers in the United States.
From the start, orthopedic physician assistants have been on the frontlines of care, working hand in hand with our world-class orthopedic surgeons.
Now almost four years—and more than 28,000 patients—later, the cuttingedge clinic continue to grow and evolve, offering a winning combination of expertise and access. Located at 978 Worcester Street in Wellesley, the team sees patients ages five and above, with no appointment necessary.
Katie Noon, PA-C, has been there from day one, with the opportunity to see the original vision become a reality. As more people discover its benefits, she notes, “I’ll hear patients say, ‘I wish I’d known sooner about this option. This is the best thing.’”
In her day-to-day work as a PA, she enjoys directly helping people and thrives on the fast pace. She brings nearly a dozen years of experience to her role, including a background in emergency medicine. From the first time that she heard about PA school, she recounts, “I knew this is exactly what I wanted.”
When she sees a younger patient, she understands how injuries can unnerve
“I’ll hear patients say, ‘I wish I’d known sooner about this option.This is the best thing.’”
Katie Noon, PA-C
kids and parents alike. “I like reassuring them and putting their minds at ease,” she says. She loves seeing families leave happy.
While Julie Haviland, PA-C, has been at the Ortho WalkIn for a little over a year, she brings more than three decades of healthcare experience.
“I’m a clinician at heart,” she says. After 20 years as a physical therapist, she has spent the last 15 years as a physician assistant. In deciding on a specialty, orthopedics was a natural choice. As she reflects, “orthopedics gets people back to the things they want to do,”
Since she first became a PA, “the public has more of an understanding of what we bring to the table,” she adds thankfully.
Sameen Choudhry, PA-C, joined the growing Ortho Walkin team a little over a year ago as well. “Our teamwork here is really, really strong,” she notes.
28,000+ patients seen at the Orthopedic Walk-in since its 2021 launch
Now in her third year as a PA, she knew in college that she wanted to work in healthcare and to help patients as quickly as possible. PA school offered a perfect path. She enjoyed how PA training opened the possibility of working in an array of specialties—including orthopedics.
Knowing how people often fear the unknown, “I enjoy being able to talk with patients and explain what’s going on in their body.” She appreciates how the WalkIn’s reputation draws patients from so many different communities, enabling her to benefit people from all over the area.
For Gregory Malvey, PA-C, growing up with a mom who was a nurse practitioner gave him an understanding of the role of APPs early on. “I went into healthcare because of her,” he says. “I wanted to be of service to others.”
Being into sports since a young age influenced his focus in orthopedics. For him, it’s very relatable and fuels his compassion.
“It’s a field where you really can improve someone’s quality of life,” he adds. Orthopedic injuries are so widespread. Whatever brings a patient in, “I want to do right by them,” he says.
A mother and baby begin a new life through the support of NWH’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program.
“I am confident that I can give my daughter a better life. She is safe.”
Arshiya, patient, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program
Arshiya came to the US in 2022, newly married and full of hope for her life ahead. Instead of the life she envisioned, she found herself isolated, alone, and pregnant. Her husband, she shares, was emotionally abusive, financially controlling, and often intimidating.
She knew no one. “He never allowed me to go outside,” she recounts. “I was afraid to ask anything.” He would argue with her about spending even a few dollars.
After the birth of her daughter, the abuse only escalated. When he grew angry, he would punch walls. One Saturday, as she held the baby in her arms, he violently pushed her into a wall. He stormed off, leaving her frightened and unsure where to turn.
Arshiya reached out to Buffy Sheff Ross, MSW, LICSW, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, whom she’d spoken with late in her pregnancy. Buffy immediately connected her with Rehana Rahman Kiani, MSW, LICSW, program manager of the hospital’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program.
Ever since, “Rehana’s been a godsend,” says Arshiya.
Easing her heart
In spite of all the unknowns, “my heart always felt at ease with Rehana,” Arshiya remembers. “She gave me support and validation that this was abuse.”
Over the course of a year and a half, Rehana and the DV/SA program provided Arshiya with unwavering support. Rehana spoke with her regularly. She advocated for Arshiya with the state, connecting her with advocacy, immigration, and legal resources through local nonprofits including Saheli, De Novo, and Greater Boston Legal Services.
A strong advocate for herself and her daughter, Arshiya retained an attorney to help her get a restraining order. Before and after the court hearing, Rehana provided emotional support, walking with her every step of the way.
It’s been a long road with years of abuse. “Now, it’s come full circle,” Arshiya says. “My judgment has come through: full custody of the baby and permission to go back home.”
“If it wasn’t for Rehana, I don’t know what I would have done,” she adds. “She’s been everything to me.”
What would Arshiya want others in similar situations to know? “Never hesitate to ask for help. Never.”
Even when people want to get out of a violent relationship, they often don’t know where to turn. “It’s not easy to get out of the clutches,” she knows. “It’s a vicious cycle.”
Rehana underscores that “partner violence is unfortunately common, and survivors often face immense barriers when seeking support—social stigma, significant safety concerns, and a lack of available resources. Shelters are often overwhelmed, and supportive services do not have adequate funding, making it difficult for survivors to access help when they need it most.”
She feels fortunate that Arshiya entrusted her to support her. “She did all the hard work; I was here to cheer her on.”
As Rehana notes, “information is power.” Too often, “people think it doesn’t happen in this community,” she says. “It does.” Besides her role as DV/SA program manager, she strives to enhance public awareness and support as hospital champion of NWH’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Council.
A better life for her daughter
“I was weak, broken, and lost,” Arshiya reflects. “I’m not afraid anymore.”
“Rehana gave me the confidence that I can be a good mother,” she says. “I am confident that I can give my daughter a better life. She is safe.” With gratitude for Rehana and the NWH program, Arshiya adds, “the least I can do is to tell my story.”
For one student who dreams of a nursing career, this summer “opened new doors and opportunities for me to explore.” Now in its eighth year, Newton-Wellesley’s Summer Youth Internship Program gave 23 students not only new skills and real work experience but also a paid salary—fully supported by philanthropy. They worked for 32 hours per week in placements spanning a full range of clinical and non-clinical settings—supported by an alumni intern who served as peer leader. A priority initiative of the Community Collaborative’s Workforce Development Council, the program is run by NWH’s Community Health team in collaboration with the Waltham Partnership for Youth.
The Women in Medicine initiative aims to advance the careers, leadership development, and well-being of women physicians across Newton-Wellesley. This fall, the WIM group welcomed Dr. Sasha Shillcut, MD, a leading physician and author, to speak on her latest book, Brave Boundaries
Nearly 40 members have begun a new six-month coaching program, made possible by the generosity of Roger and Kathy Marino and donors to the NWH Fund. Philanthropic support will be key to sustaining the group’s vision.
A deep respect for nurses has inspired six communityminded businesses to team up to support NewtonWellesley Hospital.
KVC Builders, Schumacher, Soderholm Custom Builders, Sudbury Design Group, System 7, and Yale Appliance all joined forces as sponsors of a golf fundraiser. Chief Nursing Officer Sandra Muse, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, spoke at the special event on the vital role of nursing in patient-centered care at NWH.
Springing from an idea of KVC Builder’s Brian Vona and Yale Appliance’s Marilyn Newman, the golf event raised $75,000 to contribute to nursing education, professional development, and activities during our annual Nurses Week. In addition, the Yale Appliance Foundation made a $100,000 gift to create a new endowed fund to support nursing education in perpetuity.
Breast cancer touches millions of lives worldwide. This October, dozens of community members joined radio legend Candy O’Terry and a trio of expert NWH panelists for a deeply engaging Fall Conversation on cancer prevention, screening, and care.
Candy shared her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and guided a discussion featuring radiation oncologist Theodore Hong, breast surgeon Michelle Specht, and associate chief nursing officer Jane Keefe.
How prevalent is breast cancer today? What are the latest recommendations for screening? What have advances in care meant for patients—and what’s on the horizon? Those are a few of the many questions they addressed. If you missed the event, you can view it on www. youtube.com/user/NewtonWellesley.
In an era of municipal budget shortfalls, The Resilience Project continues to support local schools through its team of multidisciplinary mental health professionals.
School outreach is one of the many vital ways in which they extend the mission of NWH’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Their clinical consultation service for schools provides invaluable expertise, support, and resources that ease the pathways to mental health care for children and teens.
Among school staff, professional development remains in high demand, and more than 400 received training in the past academic year. At the same time, the team’s educational outreach directly benefited 1,800 students.
Thanks to the visionary philanthropic support of the Manton Foundation, The Resilience Project has expanded access to care and enhanced the mental health and well-being of thousands of young people.
By the numbers 34,700 area public school students impacted by The Resilience Project
Welcome to Community Fundraising—a powerful new way to support Newton-Wellesley. You can now create your own fundraising page for everything from bake sales to athletic events to gift drives.
Gratitude often inspires our neighbors to raise money on our behalf—as 9-year-old Annie and Charlie did by donating the proceeds of their lemonade stand earlier this year! Now it’s easier than ever.
Whether you’d like to fundraise individually, as a group, or with your company, you can make a difference in our patients’ lives. Get started today by visiting www.nwh. org/development-office/community-fundraising.
When you give to the NWH Fund, you make a difference every day for our patients, their families, and your community.
By contributing, you’ll make an immediate and lasting impact. You’ll help us not only to change lives but also to transform the future of community-based healthcare.
With a gift of $1,881 or more, you’ll be welcomed into the 1881 Pillar Society, honoring the true “pillars” of our community and the year of NWH’s founding.
To give now, visit giving.nwh.org
For the second straight year, summer campers at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club enjoyed handson lessons in cooking and nutrition through a partnership of NWH and WBGC. Thirty middle schoolers learned how to create three healthy recipes and treated younger campers to the delicious results at snack time. They were guided by NWH Community Health’s Lauren Lele and Steve Dautruche and intern Alicia Agyapong along with pediatric hospitalist and chef Emma Steinberg, MD. NWH Food and Nutrition providing the food and supplies.
It’s never too early to plan for the future. By including Newton-Wellesley in your estate plans, you’ll create a personal legacy of giving that will sustain our hospital’s mission for years to come. In doing so, you’ll be welcomed into our Eliza P. Kendall Society, celebrating your vision and generosity.
If you have made a provision for NWH or would like to explore your options, visit giftplanning.nwh.org or contact Susan Salcetti, Director, Gift Planning, at nwhdev@partners.org.
More than 120 golfers joined us for a day to remember on the links this fall and contribute to a healthier future for our community’s youth. Held September 9, 2024, at Wellesley Country Club, the annual NWH Golf Tournament raised over $200,000 for the Workforce Development Council’s summer student internship program. See pages 6-7 for one intern’s reflections, which she movingly shared with this year’s golfers, and more photos of the interns in action on pages 20-21.
“I’ve always maintained my connection and admiration for Newton-Wellesley.”
Steven Fischman, member, NWH Board of Trustees
Steven Fischman has called West Newton home for more than 50 years. From his family’s earliest days there, Newton-Wellesley has had a special place in his heart. “We are all so fortunate to have such a great hospital in our backyards,” he says.
Fortunately for NWH, after two decades as trustee emeritus, he’s recommitted himself to the hospital by returning to the Board of Trustees this past January.
In the 1990s, Steven served as board chair at a seminal moment for Newton-Wellesley, leading the trustees during the merger with Partners HealthCare, now Mass General Brigham.
After reuniting with past NWH board chairs for a 2023 dinner with Ellen Moloney, president and COO, he was honored to be asked to contribute his wisdom and leadership once again.
“A long, continuous association”
Steven vividly remembers how he and his wife, Nancy, often turned to Newton-Wellesley when their kids were growing up. “We felt that we got more than our share of care,” he smiles to say.
He wanted to give back. Before he knew it, what began as a limited involvement became a deep commitment as a trustee. “I started in the dugout and rose to leadership,” he jokes. Ever since, “I’ve enjoyed a long, continuous association.”
Looking back, “we were a very close-knit board,” he recounts. He sees the merger with Partners as “exactly the right decision.” He takes pride in their impact on several fronts, including advances in the surgical center and other key facilities.
“I’ve always maintained my connection and admiration for Newton-Wellesley,” he reflects. In rejoining the board, he hopes to advocate for the hospital both within the community and within Mass General Brigham. He sees being a champion of philanthropy as vital to the hospital’s future.
Uniquely situated, well-positioned Reflecting on healthcare today, “it’s busier than ever, and the economics are tougher than ever,” he says.
Amid the challenges, Steven believes Newton-Wellesley is well-positioned. “We have an extremely talented board, and they take their work seriously,” he notes. “Ellen Moloney is doing a great job as president and COO,” he adds. “She knows every part of the institution.”
From a patient perspective, he’s always felt completely comfortable. He values the combination of expertise and compassion. “You can confidently go to NewtonWellesley for almost any level of care,” he believes. If needed, it offers a seamless connection to the resources of Mass General Brigham.
When he’s at NWH, “I’m blown away by the nurses and everyone on staff,” he says. “I feel the happiness and family spirit.”
A force in business and society
Steven has forged a remarkable career in business. As vice chair of New England Development, he’s worked together with longtime partner Stephen Karp to oversee its expansion into a multi-faceted real estate development and investment company. Earlier in his career, Steven specialized in real estate and finance law as a partner at Goulston & Storrs.
Beyond his success in business, a commitment to society and service has defined his life.
In living out that vision, he’s served on many nonprofit boards. After chairing the NWH board, he went on to serve on the Board of Directors of Partners and as co-chair of its Real Estate Committee. A trustee of William James College, he has had past roles as a trustee and national co-chair of Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice and as a trustee of Kenyon College, his beloved alma mater.
“Our obligation to one another” Last spring, Steven had the privilege of returning to Kenyon to receive an honorary degree, celebrating a lifetime of contributions to the college and to the world.
Speaking at a special ceremony, he traced his path of service to others— from his days on its storied Ohio campus to his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote Colombian village to his advocacy of social justice as leader in a national philanthropic effort.
He’s continuing on the path—at Newton-Wellesley and beyond—driven by a sense of “our obligation to one another.”
“We are all so fortunate to have such a great hospital in our backyards.”
“Some movement is better than no movement. Going for a five- or 10-minute walk after dinner counts. Every bit counts.”
Yamini Levitzky, MD, MPH, Director, NWH South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program
Within the burgeoning South Asian community, “everybody has a friend or family member who has some form of cardiovascular disease,” Yamini Levitzky, MD, MPH, tells WBUR in a fall story on trends in heart disease. She leads NWH’s innovative South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition team in providing personalized, culturally appropriate care and promoting healthier habits across generations.
Learn more at www.nwh.org/elfers-cardiovascular-center/ south-asian-heart-health.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital Development Office
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
nwh.org/giving
“The Special Care Nursery team took care of us as parents as much as they took care of our baby. We always felt in good hands. We feel an ocean of gratitude.”
