Newton-Wellesley News
Fall/Winter 2023
Nursing’s next generation Life-changing orthopedic care Innovations in cardiology
“It all comes down to advocating for our patients. That’s what Newton-Wellesley is all about. It’s what we do so well.” Jessica Aidlen, MD, Director, Spine Center, and NWH Chief of Spine Surgery
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Contents Nursing’s next generation
Mayur Contractor, MD, of NWH’s South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition team
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Life-changing orthopedic care
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In the best of hands
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Innovations in cardiology
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A recipe for healthy eating
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The healing power of music
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Philanthropy in action
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Profile: Invested in community
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Nursing’s next generation Life-changing orthopedic care Innovations in cardiology
On the cover: Jillian Levesque, RN, a Labor and Delivery nurse and member of the first cohort to complete Newton-Wellesley’s new Nurse Residency program
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Christine Squeri, RN, Nurse Director, 6 West, and Suad Yihdego, RN
Nursing’s next generation Nurse Residency preps new grads for future at NWH
Nurse residents tour NWH on their first day in September with Sharon Keogh, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN.
On her very first day on the Labor and Delivery unit at Newton-Wellesley, Jillian Levesque, RN, remembers feeling instantly at home. Seeing the nurses in action, she thought to herself, “Oh, this is exactly what I want to do.”
The future of nursing Having just welcomed its fifth cohort, the Nurse Residency program continues to provide new graduates like Jillian with a yearlong opportunity for intensive experiential learning at Newton-Wellesley.
It was July 2022. Just having graduated at the top of her class from nursing school, she had seized the opportunity to join the first cohort of the hospital’s brand-new Nurse Residency program.
NWH nursing leaders trace the program’s roots to The Future of Nursing, a landmark report published in 2011. It called for fundamental changes in nurses’ roles, responsibilities, and education nationwide. Residency training was a core educational suggestion for ensuring that nurses were prepared for what’s ahead.
As the daughter of a nurse, she’d always known the difference that nurses make in people’s lives—and how being a nurse changes one’s own life. Today, Jillian is one of 73 nurses to complete the program so far—and 104 more are in the midst of preparing to join our family of caregivers. “It’s a special thing to be a nurse at Newton-Wellesley,” she believes. Working nights as a Labor and Delivery nurse, she reminds herself to pause and take in how truly special it is. For every birth that she’s part of, Jillian puts a bead in a keepsake jar. So far, it’s filled with more than 100 beads, one for each birth story. “In every way, my job is filling my jar,” she smiles to say.
While the report was an impetus for developing NewtonWellesley’s program, “we also did it because it was the right thing to do for our nurses,” notes Lesley Adkison, PhD, RN, Nursing Practice Innovation Leader and one of its guiding forces.
“Part of being a good nurse is knowing there’s always room to grow.” Jillian Levesque, RN, Nurse Residency participant Fall/Winter 2023
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From day one, nurse residents gain a sense of the hospital’s distinctive culture.
The report was spurred in part by an awareness of shifting demographics and baby boom retirements on the horizon. What it didn’t take into account was COVID, explains Tricia Crispi, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, Nurse Director, Quality, Safety & Professional Development.
At Newton-Wellesley, the team of nurse educators from across the hospital have nurtured and readied them for what’s ahead. “What the residency does is create a healthy working environment where they know they’re supported,” Tricia explains.
The pandemic heightened the sense of urgency, as nurses left their jobs in greater numbers than anticipated. Staffing challenges have strained hospital finances across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 200,000 annual openings for RNs nationwide through 2031, further highlighting the need for new approaches to recruiting and retaining the workforce of the future.
Tara Tehan, PhD, MBA, RN, NE-BC, Associate Chief Nurse, describes it as a clear signal of NewtonWellesley’s investment in them. Importantly, “an investment in our workforce is an investment in our patients,” she explains.
At the same time, during COVID, most graduates coming out of nursing schools had only limited opportunities at best for clinical experience and senior-level preceptorship. The first two NWH cohorts began in July and September 2022, while all hospitals were still under pandemic emergency restrictions. The nurse residents came into the world of healthcare at an incredibly challenging time, including an increase in acuity among those seeking care. All of these factors have made the Nurse Residency experience even more vital—and even more attractive to new graduates poised to begin their careers.
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Providing the best patient care As the idea for the Nurse Residency emerged, Sharon Keogh, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN, stepped up to take on the role of director. She came to nursing herself as a second career. With a strong belief in continuous learning, she gravitated to a role of nurse educator. When she thinks about the nurse residents, “they are our future,” she says. “I want them to take the foundational skills that we’re teaching them and build on them to provide the best patient care.” Jillian echoes Sharon’s point. From her perspective as one of NWH’s newest nurses, “that’s our priority: to deliver the best possible care to every patient.” Instilling a sense of the hospital’s distinctive culture starts on day one of the program. “We’re talking about
Newton-Wellesley News
Nurse residents learn not only from their preceptors but also from everyone on their units.
“They are our future. I want them to take the foundational skills that we’re teaching them and build on them to provide the best patient care.”
Sharon Keogh, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN
how we at Newton-Wellesley see ourselves and deliver care,” says Tricia. In the first month, they spend 16–24 hours per week together in training. By month two, they meet for four hours a week and dive more deeply into orientation on their assigned units. By month three, as unit-based learning becomes their daily focus, they meet only once a month as a full cohort. By the end of the program, 90 percent feel prepared to complete their job responsibilities. At a time when turnover of first-year nurses has been a concern nationally, they stay on in their roles. In the program’s inaugural year, NWH nurse residents had a retention rate of close to 85 percent as compared to 72 percent nationally. Retention takes “feeding them personally and professionally,” reflects Lesley. As they learn and grow, she envisions cohorts building bonds across the hospital. “We want them to see themselves as change agents in their own right, using their voices to advocate for patients” she adds.
Continually learning When they begin as nurse residents, “their brains are on fire,” Lesley reflects. “They’re continually learning.” Tricia sees it as a natural extension of their education in nursing school. While they may have acquired extensive knowledge from coursework, “their education doesn’t stop when they graduate.” For her part, Sharon values watching them grow professionally. On their very first day, they’re asked to “tell me something you’ve never done.” It’s a long list. At the start, there are many skills that many have yet to do. That’s been especially true for those who’ve had their nursing education altered by the pandemic. They each write narratives at three, six, and 12 months, reinforcing the experiential lessons in patient-centered care. By the time of their completion ceremony, they can look back at their narratives to see how much they’ve grown.
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For any nurse, the learning never stops. “You’ll always see something different, and you’ll always be challenged,” Sharon says. Developing these clinical judgement skills will help nurse residents rise to the challenges. Connected forever As nurses, “we’re a relationship-based profession,” reflects Tara. “Relationships are key.” That understanding shapes the program’s cohort design. For Sharon, “watching all of the nurse residents build supportive relationships is one of the highlights.” She enjoys seeing the friendships blossom. When she walks into the Allen-Riddle living room at 7 a.m. for a monthly cohort gathering, she’s struck by the noise level. Everyone is busy chatting and catching up with one another after being busy working on their units. “I see how much they’ve bonded.” By design, group experiences such as a required quality improvement project add to their bonds. They work collaboratively with other nurse residents on their unit. Their focus can be on anything that is going to improve patient care. “It’s about promoting the health of our community,” Sharon notes. At the same time, “they’re building the support that every nurse needs,” she reflects.
Every unit provides a welcoming environment.
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Day by day and month by month, “they come to know each other,” adds Lesley. Thanks to a strong cohort model, “they’ll be connected forever.” The best nurses they can be Having transitioned from the residency’s first cohort to full-time nurse, “I’m still learning every single day,” Jillian reflects. “Part of being a good nurse is knowing there’s always room to grow.” The residency is a huge learning year. To her, “it’s a time of finding yourself as a nurse.” She remembers how “Sharon and Lesley always told us you are so capable. You are RNs. You earned this. You can do this.” Sometimes there would be hard days. Throughout, “they instilled confidence in us. They were constant reminders that people have faith in you to do the job well. From day one, we were told that they wanted us to succeed.” Moreover, Jillian senses that the hospital’s leaders “want this new generation of nurses to succeed.” From the frontlines of nursing, she sees the enormous need. Looking to the future, “I think it’s so important that nursing remains a thriving profession, and we give back to our own,” she says. “We should want to invest in them being the best nurses they can be.”
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“When it comes to teaching, it’s not just me, it’s all of us. Every nurse on the whole unit is part of the education.” Kelly Carter, RN, Nurse Preceptor, 6 West
“Everything they need to know” When they start at NWH, each nurse resident is paired with an experienced preceptor. “They all have an RN on their unit who’ll work with them and teach them everything they need to know,” Sharon explains. Kelly Carter, RN, volunteered to take on the role of preceptor and guide new graduates on the hospital’s 6 West unit for medical/surgical inpatients. Now in her 22nd year in the field , “I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old,” Kelly says. Looking back on the start of her career, she remembers being precepted for only two weeks. It was a struggle. “I think our nurse residency is such a great opportunity,” she says. “I’m jealous,” she adds with a laugh. In first trying to help patients, she knows that everything might be new for a nurse resident. “As a preceptor, you have to be in the mindset: I was here once, too.” One of her nurse residents, Isaac Yi, surprised her with a T-shirt after his closing ceremony, celebrating her as an “Elite Preceptor.” Looking back, “I cherish the time
that I had with Kelly and always remain grateful that she was the one who molded my practice,” he says. “We were a great match,” Kelly recounts. She valued how receptive he was to learning. Isaac, in turn, appreciated their honest and open communication. In his first few days on the unit, he did more observing, seeing how she would assess patients and communicate with them. Gradually, he moved to taking the lead on one patient, then two. She oversaw his work and reviewed his notes with him. “By the end, he was running the show,” she says. Now, Isaac and Kelly work as fellow nurses on the same unit. He sees communication as one of the essential lessons that he’s carried with him from the residency into his day-to-day work. “When it comes to teaching, it’s not just me, it’s all of us,” Kelly adds. “Every nurse on the whole unit is part of the education. Everyone’s supportive.”
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Life-changing orthopedic care Restoring mobility, strength, and hope to patients
Hany Bedair, MD, and team at the Kaplan Joint Center
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“We treat patients with the same level of complexity [as an academic medical center], here at a community hospital with all that entails.” Hany Bedair, MD, Director, Kaplan Joint Center, and NWH Chief of Arthroplasty/Joint Reconstruction
Peggy Dorval has always had an athlete’s mindset. It’s led her to endure the toughest obstacles of Spartan Races and rise to the challenges of marathons and triathlons. She’s been an avid skier and competitive golfer all her life.
Advances in hip and knee replacement In a field shaped by constant progress, innovations have profoundly improved patient outcomes. At NewtonWellesley, patients find a team continually seeking—and finding—ways to make healing happen more quickly.
After suffering a serious knee injury two years ago, however, “I had my active lifestyle flash before my eyes,” she recounts.
The Jim and Ellen Kaplan Center for Joint Reconstruction Surgery offers a wonderful case in point.
When she first sought help elsewhere, “I felt like just a diagnosis,” she says. Feeling alone and unsure what her future would hold, she found a new path to hope and healing, thanks to Jason Simon, MD, and NewtonWellesley’s Orthopedics team. To Dr. Simon, “I was more than a right ACL tear,” Peggy says. From their initial meeting, she felt seen as a whole person. He listened and understood who she was and what she was passionate about. Her main question: “How do I get myself back to what I love to do?” He told her it would be a struggle, but it was possible. Post-surgery, “each time I went in to see Dr. Simon for a follow up, he gave me another dose of hope,” she says. The highest level of care When it comes to orthopedic issues, getting the right care at the right time can lead to swift relief and a trajectory of lifelong health and wellness. From the best in regional spine care to outpatient joint replacements to game-changing sports medicine, our orthopedic specialists are committed to providing worldclass care to help restore mobility, strength, and hope. For patients, it means access to expertise on par with academic medical centers, with the warmth and personal attention of a community hospital. “We have all of the resources and all of the talent to meet patients’ needs right here,” reflects Timothy Foster, MD, MBA, MS, Chair of the Orthopedic Surgery Department at NWH.
For patients with joint pain, access to state-of-the-art care and treatment holds the promise of a better quality of life and relief from living in discomfort. Nationally recognized for clinical quality and outcomes, the center offers a passionate team of skilled orthopedic surgeons and specialists who are leaders in the field. The center’s director, Hany Bedair, MD, found himself drawn to orthopedic surgery early in his medical training. “I felt like I could make a substantial impact on someone’s quality of life,” he says. “It’s an amazing thing to do.” At the Kaplan Joint Center, he’s one of four surgeons, each of whom shares a connection with Massachusetts General Hospital. With 1,200 cases a year, NWH is the second busiest arthroplasty center in Mass General Brigham, close behind MGH. From Dr. Bedair’s perspective, “We provide the same caliber of care. We treat patients with the same level of complexity, here at a community hospital with all that entails.” Advances in surgical techniques and technology continue to expand options, including outpatient hip or knee replacement. “The less trauma you impart, the quicker patients recover,” Dr. Bedair notes. It’s become commonplace for patients to be discharged the same day or the next morning. “The Joint Center is not just the surgeons, it’s our whole team,” he adds. That includes four advanced practice providers (APPs) who care for patients with many different conditions. Fall/Winter 2023
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Above, NWH Spine Center’s Grace Stebenne, NP, and Antje Barreveld, MD, Medical Director, Pain Management Services; below, Sarah Koonce, PA-C, Lead Spine Navigator, and Jessica Aidlen, MD, Chief, Spine Surgery.
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“Patients feel like someone’s listening. It makes a huge difference for them to feel cared for and to trust they have a team that will carry them through their journey.” Jessica Aidlen, MD, Director, Spine Center, and NWH Chief of Spine Surgery
The vast majority of patients are referred by primary care physicians who have come to rely on the center. Dr. Bedair sees their trust as a testament to the team’s impact on thousands of lives over time. Welcome relief from back pain For those enduring chronic back pain, our multidisciplinary Spine Center offers a welcome source of relief. “Everyone who walks through our door has a different story,” reflects Jessica Aidlen, MD, the center’s director and the hospital’s Chief of Spine Surgery. Every patient’s needs are unique. The entire team focuses on “what whole person health will look like.” Spine navigators guide patients every step of the way, coordinating care by a highly trained team that includes spine surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, physiatrists, and pain management specialists. For patients, the navigation program has been a game changer. They can be seen by a navigator within as few as 48 hours. “We make sure you’re seeing the right person, and you know there’s a good pathway for your care,” she says. “It’s hard to feel you’re on steady ground when you have pain,” Dr. Aidlen reflects. At the Spine Center, “patients feel like someone’s listening. It makes a huge difference for them to feel cared for and to trust they have a team that will carry them through their journey.” As a leading spine surgeon, “it’s an exciting time as technology and techniques evolve,” she adds. “In many ways, we’re ahead of the game.” For example, NWH is the only hospital in New England to have the NuVasive Pulse, which provides surgeons with 3-D imaging of the spine in real time. Yet surgery is only one option, and only when warranted. There are many different pathways. The center is the only one of its kind across Mass General Brigham with
Robert Kay, MD, at the Kaplan Joint Center
all of these options under one roof. She takes heart in seeing what advances in the field have meant for patients. “We’re continually thinking about how we can deliver care differently,” she says. “I want us to stay at the cutting edge of these kinds of conversations.” She describes her team as “the best of the best.” For everyone, “it all comes down to advocating for our patients,” she concludes. “That’s what Newton-Wellesley is all about. It’s what we do so well.” Fall/Winter 2023 11
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“We want people to stay active. Whatever it is you play, we’ll help you keep playing longer.” Robert Nascimento, MD, NWH Chief of Sports Medicine, and Medical Director, BC Athletics
Getting back in the game As NWH’s Chief of Sports Medicine, Robert Nascimento, MD, feels continually rewarded to see the joy it brings patients to get back to being active and independent. As a team, “helping people do what they love really keeps us happy,” he says. Sports medicine touches the lives of everyone, from ages 3 to 90, he reflects. “We want people to stay active. Whatever it is you play, we’ll help you keep playing longer.” Our renowned sports medicine specialists help get people back in the game. They care for professional sports teams, Division 1 college athletes, weekend warriors, high school students, and everyone in between. On a given day, Dr. Nascimento may go from the New England Patriots’ facility in Foxboro, to the operating room at NWH, to the Boston College sidelines, where he’s Medical Director of BC Athletics. Among their many ties to teams and colleges, he and Dr. Foster now also direct a new Mass General Brigham 12 Fall/Winter 2023
partnership with BC as the exclusive healthcare provider for its athletic programs. Since joining the Orthopedics team in 2015, Dr. Nascimento has seen an ongoing evolution in the field. “It’s ever-changing,” he says. Among the changes has been a shift to far more sub-specialization, where almost everyone is fellowship-trained. Cutting-edge treatments such as biologics are a new horizon, with the promise of helping patients heal even more quickly. He also values the ongoing efforts to bring the same level of care available downtown out into the communities where our patients live. He highlights NWH’s Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic as wonderful new dimension of patient- and community-centered care. [See article, page 13.] “Our patients know they’ll see a high-level provider with the easy access that they’re looking for,” he says. “It’s a really powerful way to serve our community. That’s more important to us than anything.”
Newton-Wellesley News
Celebrating patients’ victories When Peggy Dorval looks back at her Newton-Wellesley experience, “I am forever blessed that I met Dr. Simon,” she says. She appreciates not only his clinical and surgical expertise but also his compassion and care for his patients. In her case, “I never expected recovery to be so challenging mentally and physically,” she says. As difficult as it was, she knew she had a team with her every step of the way. At first, even short walks left her tired. By six months, she could golf with a brace, and within a year she returned to the ski slopes. At every appointment, the staff warmly welcomed her. “When I would celebrate my small victories, it was like they were celebrating them with me,” she says. Inspired to recommend the hospital to family and friends, “I’ve seen them treated the exact same way,” Peggy adds gratefully.
Walk-In offers convenient, cutting-edge care In February 2021, the opening of the Orthopedic Walk-In clinic brought to our area one of only a few such centers in the United States. The visionary NWH approach offers a cuttingedge model of orthopedic Jason Simon, MD “urgent care,” staffed by orthopedic physician assistants and boardcertified surgeons. Located at 978 Worcester Street in Wellesley, the clinic has given patients of all ages a welcome alternative to an Emergency Department visit, all with no appointment necessary. On New Year’s Day 2022, when one of Peggy Dorval’s teenage sons dislocated his kneecap, she saw firsthand what makes it such a terrific option. She went at the suggestion of Jason Simon, MD, the clinic’s medical director and her trusted NWH surgeon. As one of the first patients to arrive that morning, her son was seen almost immediately. An orthopedic physician assistant provided “one of the most thorough exams I’d ever seen,” says Peggy. Within five days, he had an undergone an MRI, and he went on to have successful surgery by Dr. Simon during a college break. While originally projected to see 1,000 patients in year one, more than 4,500 people sought care. Since then, the rare combination of expertise and access has led to more than 20,000 additional patient visits.
“Each time I went in to see Dr. Simon for a follow up, he gave me another dose of hope.” Peggy Dorval, grateful patient
In developing the clinic, “we were looking at patients’ needs from a community point of view, with the goal of giving people streamlined access to orthopedic care,” reflects Dr. Simon. Now approaching its third anniversary, ”it’s proven to be very successful on any number of levels.”
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In the best of hands Your source for physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy
Providing more than 100,000 therapy sessions annually, Newton-Wellesley is one of Greater Boston’s leaders in rehabilitation services. Based at 159 Wells Avenue, our outpatient team includes physical, occupational, and speech and language therapists—all committed to expert, compassionate care. When someone’s care requires hospitalization, our inpatient rehabilitation team can give them a head start on the road to recovery. Our therapists see patients of all ages, from newborns to centenarians. In personalizing care to patients’ needs, they work closely with departments across the hospital, from orthopedics to the cancer center to the Special Care Nursery.
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Megan Grady, CNP
Innovations in Cardiology Bringing the latest in cardiovascular care to our community John is a healthy and fit 65-year-old who’s run three Boston Marathons. When a nurse reviewing his vitals during a routine procedure noted that he had atrial fibrillation, he hastily assured her, “I don’t have AFib.” But she was right. Later, in a follow-up visit, his primary care doctor said they’d keep an eye on it. After all, some people simply live with AFib. As John came to realize, “having an irregular heartbeat can be distracting and, at times, frightening. You just want to sit down, not talk, not do anything,” he explains. He understood that AFib can cause poor blood flow and lead to serious conditions such as stroke. In wanting to know more, John wisely turned to the Elfers Cardiovascular Center at Newton-Wellesley. He is one of hundreds of grateful patients who have received stateof-the-art care and treatment for cardiovascular issues, thanks to its multidisciplinary team of specialists. 16 Fall/Winter 2023
Patient-centered collaboration both within the team and across Mass General Brigham has fueled innovation, notes George Philippides, MD, longtime Chief of the Division of Cardiology. “It’s really upped our game, and it’s only going to get better for patients.” Under his direction, Elfers has continued to grow, adding specialized programs for areas ranging from atrial fibrillation to South Asian heart health and nutrition and investing in state-of-the-art technology such as the new Cardiac CT Scanner. John’s story: advances in AFib treatment John’s case exemplifies the life-changing care offered by the center’s Atrial Fibrillation Program. One in four people over the age of 70 develop AFib, explains Megan Grady, CNP, a core member of the program’s team from its start. For some patients,
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“The opportunities are constantly changing, and we’re working on the forefront.” Megan Grady, CNP, Atrial Fibrillation Program
medication will manage the condition, and Elfers has a leading pharmacist specializing in cardiology on staff. Others will undergo a cardioversion, an outpatient procedure offered at Elfers that relieves symptoms by resetting the heart’s rhythm. “The opportunities are constantly changing, and we’re working on the forefront,” Megan reflects. When she’s seeing a patient at the center, “I can pop out of the exam room and have an expert right there.” In John’s initial meeting with her, she recommended that he see Moussa Mansour, MD, the Center’s medical director of electrophysiology, who considered him as a candidate for a new technique of AFib ablation. The treatment uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart to block the faulty electrical signals and restore a typical heartbeat. “From the moment we met, I felt as if I was in really good—and confident—hands,” says John.
Dr. Mansour performed the minimally invasive surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he also directs its Atrial Fibrillation Program. “The recovery time and outcome were exactly as he and his team described,” adds John, who has continued to receive his follow-up care at Newton-Wellesley. Our AFib Program provides a multifaceted array of services, including a group visit educational series for patients, offered twice a year for six weeks. Along with learning from lectures, they learn from and support each other. Since his surgery, John is taking things a bit slower but feels his quality of life has improved drastically. He doesn’t think he will run another marathon, but he’s eager to pull his running shoes back on. Detecting heart disease in seconds On Valentine’s Day 2023, Newton-Wellesley rolled out its new Siemens Force CT Scanner, a dual-force scanner
The Elfers Cardiovascular Center team provides a range of advanced cardiac procedures on site. Fall/Winter 2023 17
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The new Siemens Force CT Scanner
Stefan Parpos, MD, Assistant Chief, Cardiology
that takes scans in 10 seconds using two high-power, high-resolution cameras that offer reproductive precision.
explains. “It can detect plaque build-up long before it’s in the danger zone when surgery becomes a necessity.”
“This top-of-the-line CT scanner is rare in a community setting, and we are already seeing it’s impact,” says Stefan Parpos, MD, Assistant Chief of Cardiology.
The scanner also offers the benefit of being non-invasive, unlike procedures such as cardiac catheterization that have been the norm. The new scanner gives Dr. Parpos and the team a way to get a complete picture of all the coronary arteries in seconds, which helps them clarify diagnosis, streamline next steps, reduce risk, and allow for better treatment options.
The scanner can take images of moving targets—not just of the main arteries but also the small structures— with more precision and better image quality. “Think of the branches of a tree. There are three big coronary branches on top that wrap around the outside of the heart, but there are also many, many smaller, squiggly branches that taper in, down, and around,” says Dr. Parpos. Arteriosclerosis is one of the main causes of heart disease—known colloquially as “hardening of the arteries.” Due to genetics, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and/or unhealthy lifestyle habits, plaque can build up along artery walls making it more difficult for oxygenrich blood to travel to and from the heart to all of the body’s tissues and organs. Thanks to that capability to reveal early signs of arteriosclerosis, “we can be proactive rather than reactive,” he
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“And the incredible technology of this scanner has given us a chance to change our overall dogma and start with anatomy—start with a scan, get more precise and conclusive results, and from there, treat and prevent with more certainty,” he says. The experience of the scanner’s very first patient reminds him why it is a such a game changer. A 45-year-old opted for a scan because of family history. That scan revealed extensive blockage in his arteries and the need for bypass surgery. Thankfully, he is now recovered and healthy. Dr. Parpos adds, “Being able to help people, even during life’s most frightening moments, is a privilege. Being
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part of a supportive and collaborative team that has the resources and abilities to play a meaningful role of their lives is a true honor.” Addressing South Asian heart health At the end of an American Heart Association lecture on the specific cardiovascular pathology of South Asian people—one of the fastest growing segments of the US population—NWH cardiologist Yamini Levitzky, MD, witnessed many participants raising questions about where they could get individualized, culturally appropriate care. Reflecting on the genesis of NWH’s new South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition Program, “that was the catalyst,” she says. After further discussion by the Elfers team led to a decision to tackle this unmet need, Dr. Levitzky took on the role as program director. As she explains, South Asians make up 25 percent of the world population and 60 percent of the world’s
cardiovascular disease, though the reasons for their higher risk are not yet fully understood. Although most South Asians are vegetarians and nonsmoking, those living in the US face increased risk from easier access to processed foods and less exercise in part due to cultural norms. Opening in March 2023, the innovative program includes, among others, three doctors and a nutritionist of South Asian descent. “Because many of us in this program understand the culture personally and professionally, we can get down to the nitty-gritty in directly translatable ways,” Dr. Levitzky says. That may mean suggesting local grocery shops that offer healthier ingredients for favorite South Asian dishes connecting them with our trainer for personalized exercise coaching. “Although we are just one program at Newton-Wellesley, I think we are helping the hospital as a whole and our community at large become more inclusive and culturally competent in our care,” she reflects.
NWH cardiologist Yamini Levitzky, MD, leads the South Asian Heart Health and Nutrition team. Fall/Winter 2023 19
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In promoting healthier habits and prevention across generations, the team sees themselves on the forefront of mitigating what could be a national health crisis. They hope that the program will serve as a model for other hospitals—small and large.
Today, Newton-Wellesley occupies a sweet spot for offering top-notch multidisciplinary cardiovascular care while staying true to a commitment to community. “We have a level of expertise that most community hospitals simply don’t have,” reflects Dr. Philippides.
“We see more and more people feeling comfortable coming to our clinic to understand their risks, learn strategies for better health, and even simply to ask questions,” says Dr. Levitzky. “I think they appreciate the comprehensive and personalized care we give and our culturally appropriate approaches.”
At the same time, stronger clinical relationships and research collaborations within Mass General Brigham means access to academic medical center-level of care—right here, close to home.
For her, “it’s a privilege to be part of a program like this, especially at a smaller hospital where we get to have a real voice in the types of care we deliver. We all have a deep and vested interest in helping our community.” “New and better ways to stay heart healthy” In all of these many ways, being able to bring new technologies, innovations, insights, and community programs to Newton-Wellesley has translated to better care that is genuinely patient-centered.
“This community is made up of our neighbors, our families, our friends,” says Dr. Philippides. With that in mind, the cardiovascular center team is innovating on the prevention side, including championing the initiatives of the Hearth Health and Wellness Council, part of the Community Collaborative. “We care deeply about having a local impact on our community,” he adds, “and being a place where people can come to learn new and better ways to stay heart healthy.”
Guilia Sheftel, MD, and Mayur Contractor, MD, at NWH’s Elfers Cardiovascular Center 20 Fall/Winter 2023
Newton-Wellesley News
Powered by philanthropy Newton-Wellesley Hospital recently held a ribboncutting ceremony with donors for our cardiac-capable CT scanner, which went into operation in February. This state-of-the-art tool will help enable early diagnoses and prevent the advancement of heart disease. We are especially grateful to Roger and Kathy Marino, who made a significant gift to support the project and name the CT scanner room. Pictured are Ellen Moloney, President & COO; Roger and Kathy Marino; Stefan Parpos, MD, Assistant Chief of Cardiology; Anand Prabhakar, MD, Chair of Radiology; and Joan Vitello-Cicciu, PhD, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
“This top-of-the-line CT scanner is rare in a community setting, and we are already seeing its impact.” Stefan Parpos, MD, Assistant Chief, Division of Cardiology
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A recipe for healthy eating Community Health keeps food and nutrition front of mind
“How many of you like to cook?” Emma Steinberg, MD, a chef and NewtonWellesley pediatric hospitalist, posed that question to 30 middle schoolers at the start of a special cooking event at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club late last summer. Many quickly raised their hands, and several chimed in with what they like to make—and eat. NWH Community Health’s Lauren Lele and Commie Ayuk joined Dr. Steinberg in leading the fun event, with generous support from the hospital’s Nutrition and Food Services team.
“I wish we all had more opportunities for this kind of safe and communal sharing of food and culture.” Emma Steinberg, MD, chef and Newton-Wellesley pediatric hospitalist
Together, they guided the kids in learning how to make three nutritious snacks for their fellow summer campers: home-baked tortilla chips, black bean dip, and green smoothies. In prepping the smoothie’s ingredients, the comments kept flying. “It smells so fresh.” “So delicious.” They combined ripe banana, pears, grapes, and oranges with spinach and chopped kale. When it came to tasting, one boy exclaimed “I called next!” Even a skeptic wondered, “Can I have more?” The drivers of health To Lauren Lele, MPA, CAVS, Senior Director of Community Health and Volunteer Services, the event was a natural extension of both the hospital’s relationship building and a strong commitment to food access. “Nutrition security and equity needs to be front of mind,” she emphasizes. It’s part of “looking at the drivers of keeping people healthy and a priority for both NWH and Mass General Brigham as a whole.” She sees a growing understanding of the impact of nutrition on community well-being. Along with that has come not only a focus on access to food but also more awareness of culturally relevant foods. “Many people don’t think of food access as an issue around here,” notes Lauren. “It is.” While the prevalence may vary across communities, “it’s an issue everywhere.”
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Middle schoolers are all smiles prepping nutritious snacks at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club.
Embedded in the community Lauren points to the hospital’s collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club as “one of many powerful examples of us being embedded in the community.”
When the opportunity arose to take part in the Waltham event, she jumped at it. “First and foremost, being with kids is always the most fun,” she says. “I can see and hear what gets them excited.”
“We have a great relationship with them,” she notes. Reflecting on their common goals, she points to Waltham’s “Summer Eats” program as another community-based effort uniting the hospital and the club. “Once school is out, kids still need meals,” Lauren says simply. Funding from NWH helped to ensure children had access to food throughout the summer.
Food is universal yet also very personal. She loved how preparing food together enabled the middle schoolers to share their own experiences and stories.
As Lauren explains, Newton-Wellesley also plays a significant role as a convenor of local organizations who work in the space of food access. Three times a year, NWH brings together partners ranging from community farms to food pantries to schools to city and state officials to foster collaboration.
A healthy relationship with food Looking back at the event’s lessons, Dr. Steinberg recounts how one girl, unprompted, summed up its message beautifully: “We can have a healthy relationship with food.”
Outreach efforts over time have built a foundation of community connections. “What we do in this space is part of our responsibility to the health of the community,” she reflects. Sharing of food and culture Having trained and worked as a chef in New York City before pursuing medicine, “I’ve always thought about the connection between food and health,” Dr. Steinberg says.
“I wish we all had more opportunities for this kind of safe and communal sharing of food and culture,” she reflects. “It’s so powerful.”
That’s a challenge for all ages. Unfortunately, “people’s relationship with food is often broken,” she says. For kids in their tween years, “they’re at an impressionable age and still so open to learning.” In teaching moments, she tries to nurture positive peer pressure, so they encourage each other. Working with young people always encourages her. “We underestimate the youth in our society,” she believes. “I think they have so much to contribute.” Fall/Winter 2023 23
Newton-Wellesley News
The healing power of music Therapeutic music lifts up Palliative Care patients
“Music is a universal language,” reflects Lisa Catalano, LICSW, ACHPSW. It crosses generations and cultures. And from her perspective as a lead clinical social worker, “it’s a healing art form.” As facilitator of the new Therapeutic Music pilot program, she has continually seen its powerful effect on patients being supported by the Palliative Care team at Newton-Wellesley. Two days a week, Alethea Khoo, a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP), visits and plays for patients on the hospital’s medical-surgical units as well as the Intensive Care Unit. “Even with a patient who has dementia,” Lisa reflects, “there’s a lightness in their eyes. They’re transported. They find a happier place and time in their life.”
“It’s taught me so much about the healing power of music.” Alethea Khoo, Certified Music Practitioner
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A soothing soundscape Emotionally, “music is a grounding force,” Alethea reflects. She describes what she creates as “a soothing soundscape.” It lifts people’s spirits and eases stress and anxiety. She sees how her music relaxes patients. Their facial muscles and body become less tense. The family may see a loved one’s heart rate going down. Breathing may become steadier. From her training as a Certified Music Practitioner, “I let the music do the work,” Alethea explains. “I make each encounter new and personal—and beneficial to patients in whatever way I can.” The pilot’s beginnings It all began when the director of the Longy School of
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“We’re dealing with patients at a delicate time in their lives.” Lisa Catalano, LICSW, ACHPSW, Lead Clinical Social Worker, Division of Palliative Care
When she performed, “their faces would light up,” she says. “The whole ambiance changed as soon as the music started. The room came alive. It’s a beautiful moment to experience.” Studying piano performance at Longy, she discovered therapeutic music through a faculty mentor and received a full scholarship to pursue certification. “It’s taught me so much about the healing power of music,” she says. A delicate time in patients’ lives As part of the Palliative Care team, Lisa works to support patients with serious or progressive illnesses and help them with navigating difficulties. “We’re dealing with patients at a delicate time in their lives,” she reflects. “It can be lonely. And they’re often in a very vulnerable space.” At such a moment, “music has a very therapeutic value,” she adds. The pilot has already exceeded her expectations. She’s heard applause from patients, their families, and NWH staff.
Music’s Music as a Healing Art Program reached out to Newton-Wellesley with the hope of having the hospital serve as an independent practicum site for the school’s Therapeutic Music program. Lisa agreed to oversee the interns on the NWH side, knowing “this would be very close to my heart.” She guided three Longy students over a year and a half— including Alethea. Spurred by its success, Kosha Thakore, MD, Sullivan Family Chief of Palliative Care, presented a proposal for the pilot program and received funding for a per diem position from NWH’s Palliative Care Council. A beautiful moment to experience Alethea’s experiences growing up opened her eyes to music’s impact. A classically trained pianist, she began learning to play at age 6. In high school, she and her mom would perform together for residents at nursing homes, and Alethea kept it up in the summers during college.
Going forward, the Palliative Care team’s goal is, first, to sustain the program and then to broaden its scope. To Lisa, it could be something that sets NewtonWellesley apart. The ripple effect Beyond what the program means for patients, when the music lofts from their rooms, “there’s a ripple effect,” Lisa notes. At times, a hospital floor can be bustling. When Alethea plays, people will stop and be filled with music. They’ll tell her, “That was beautiful,” or “It’s so calming.” They enjoy a moment to clear their minds and recenter themselves. “Personally, I love using my music to connect to others,” she says. As she tries to explain it, Alethea recounts how one elderly patient broke into a smile as she started to play. The woman’s husband came to her bedside and held her hand. They silently looked into each other’s eyes, connected by the music. Sometimes music, like love, goes beyond words.
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Newton-Wellesley News
Philanthropy in Action Honoring a beloved nurse’s legacy In life and work, Anne Kelley was a caregiver in every sense of the word. This year’s Anne Cronin Kelley, RN Lectureship in Quality and Patient Safety and Experience served as a poignant reminder of Anne’s love of the institution that she called home. The Newton native and longtime NWH nurse sadly passed away in 2018. The endowed lectureship, established in her memory by her husband, Jerry, honors Anne’s devotion to quality and safety of patient care. Held in late August, the 2023 lecture served as a wonderful learning opportunity for hospital staff. Attendees enjoyed an interactive program on “Change Management: Creating Shared Need and Shaping Vision,” led by John Rossi, Lead Consultant, Process Improvement, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Anne’s impact continues to inspire and influence the NWH community. Having her husband attend and welcome beloved colleagues and guests added a touching dimension to the event.
Bright future awaits surgical technologists Hospitals face a critical shortage of surgical technologists, both locally and nationally. In spring 2022, NewtonWellesley rose to the challenge by launching a new program in partnership with Lasell University to train the next generation of Certified Surgical Technologists. The first cohort is nearing completion of their 500 hours of clinical training at NWH—funded by philanthropy! Participants receive not only a full program scholarship but also the promise of a secure job at our hospital, once certified. In a testament to the program’s quality, it was recently accredited with flying colors by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. 26 Fall/Winter 2023
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Philanthropy in Action The gift of Buddy’s presence Buddy, our hospital’s facility dog, is far more than just a friendly face around the NewtonWellesley campus. On his rounds as part of the Child Life team, he brings comfort and joy to patients and staff alike. Simply by his presence, he makes everyone feel more at home. Specially trained to create therapeutic bonds, Buddy has participated in nearly 1,200 patient consultations and helped in co-treating more than 1,800 patients alongside our healthcare professionals. In this season of giving thanks, we’re grateful to all of our donors who contributed to bringing Buddy to NWH, and extend a special thank you to the Yawkey Foundation for their generous support!
Save the date for the 2024 NWH Gala Mark your calendars for Friday, May 3, 2024, for the 24th annual Newton-Wellesley Hospital Gala at the InterContinental Boston. Join our leadership, donors, and friends in celebrating the power of community and philanthropy. Be part of a night to remember— and a healthier future for all. Watch for details. To learn more, visit: https://www. nwh.org/development-office/ annual-events/ Fall/Winter 2023 27
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Philanthropy in Action A heartfelt approach to community wellness Through community collaboration, Newton-Wellesley’s Heart Health and Wellness Council team has expanded its Walk and Talk Health program this fall to provide heart health education during several locally sponsored events.
Golfing for a healthier future More than 115 golfers joined us for a day to remember on the links and contributed to a healthier future for our community and its youth. Held September 11 at Wellesley Country Club, the annual NewtonWellesley Golf Tournament raised $200,000 for the Workforce Development Council’s summer youth internship program. Vicky Hadden, pictured above at far right, spoke movingly to her fellow golfers about the impact of the program and why she supports it.
An attractive time for gift annuities Did you know a gift to Newton-Wellesley can give you financial security in return? Gift annuities now offer their highest rates in years, making them an even more attractive and tax-smart way to show your support of your community hospital. An NWH gift annuity can provide you with: •
a reliable stream of lifetime annuity payments
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an immediate charitable deduction
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a reduction of capital gains tax when funded with appreciated securities
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a legacy at NWH
To learn more, visit giftplanning.nwh.org/CGA 28 Fall/Winter 2023
The Walk and Talk Health program includes care team members such as doctors, physical therapists, dietitians, personal trainers, and more. During each event, attendees learn about the benefits of exercise and cardiovascular health before walking with the NWH team and asking important questions about heart health. The popular program now reaches almost all of NWH’s surrounding communities, including Needham, Newton, Waltham, and Weston.
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Philanthropy in Action Exploring medical advances This year’s Fall Conversation explored how the latest medical advances are shaping care at Newton-Wellesley. Speakers included four distinguished leaders from our Department of Medicine: Lawrence Friedman, MD, Lawrence Blaszkowsky, MD, George Philippides, MD, and Jeanne Steppel-Reznik, MD. Fittingly, the evening was presented by the Eliza P. Kendall Society, celebrating those who make a lasting commitment to advancing care and treatment by including Newton-Wellesley in their estate plans. If you missed the conversation, enjoy the recorded version on NWH’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@NewtonWellesley
Yawkey Foundation funds transformative project The Yawkey Foundation recently awarded NewtonWellesley with a grant to transform an existing outdoor space within the hospital’s psychiatric inpatient unit. The project will create a therapeutic environment that integrates nature, art, and group activities. At a time when demand for mental health treatment has surged, Newton-Wellesley stands out as one of the few community hospitals to expand and enhance vitally needed care. Thanks to the foundation’s generosity, this vibrant and nurturing space will enhance the healing process for patients and improve their overall wellbeing. We are incredibly grateful to the foundation for its philanthropic support.
The immediate impact of your gift Our community has counted on us for more than 140 years. When you give to the NWH Fund, you’ll help us be here for our neighbors when they need us most. Every gift has an immediate and lasting impact. By giving today, you’ll contribute to expert, compassionate care, close to home—every day and throughout every stage of life. 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/ Fall/Winter 2023 29
Roshen and Cate Menon and their two sets of twins
Newton-Wellesley News
Invested in community A conversation with Trustee Roshen Menon
“I truly believe in community-based healthcare,” says Roshen Menon. Living in Waban, he’s always appreciated having Newton-Wellesley so close by. As parents of two sets of twins, Roshen and wife Cate feel a natural connection to NWH. Incredibly, all four boys are only 16 months apart. Whenever they’ve turned to the hospital, “the staff are amazing,” he says. “The level of caring, outreach, and follow up are all great.” To Roshen, “it offers all the warmth and personal touch of a community hospital with the benefits of deep connections to the world’s leading academic medical centers.” In joining the hospital’s Board of Trustees, he welcomes the opportunity to connect and contribute in a new way. Parental pride Reflecting on what inspired his board service, he traces it in part to growing up in a family of doctors. “While parents often brag about their kids, I brag about my kids and my parents,” Roshen says with a laugh. His mother and father met in medical school in India, and both went on to careers as physicians in the United States. Roshen brings to his role “a healthy respect for all the work that providers do.” From seeing his mother, a radiologist, spend most nights on call during his childhood, Roshen understands the emotional strain. His father is a pioneer in urology and robotic surgery. Roshen takes pride in his dad’s inclusion in the Smithsonian’s “Many Voices, One Nation” exhibit, showcasing immigrants’ spirit of innovation. Success and serendipity Early on, Roshen considered following in his parents’ footsteps. While a pre-med at Bowdoin, “I decided one summer to try something totally different,” he says. He took a leap, landing an internship in Boston to explore a budding interest in business and never looked back.
“I lead by learning. I’m eager to contribute but very much here to learn.” Roshen Menon, member, NWH Board of Trustees
That summer influenced his future in multiple ways since he picked Boston to be near Cate. “I always attribute some of my accomplishments to serendipity— and also following Cate around,” he adds with a smile. After beginning his career as a strategy consultant, Roshen shifted to investing in and partnering with growth-stage businesses. Seventeen years ago, he was recruited to help start and build Guidepost Growth Equity, a Boston-based private equity firm. Today, as a General Partner, he leads their investments in software and healthcare technology. Eager to contribute Roshen credits a friend and now fellow trustee, Ben Gomez, with inspiring his engagement with NewtonWellesley. An initial role on the Board of Advisors grew out of their conversations. As much as Roshen has enjoyed learning about the hospital, he always wants to learn more. NWH’s investment in the community mirrors his own family values. He points to many examples of “working beyond the hospital’s four walls”—from youth mental health to elder services. “I believe in our ability to move the needle in community health,” he says. Thinking about the future of healthcare, “I see NewtonWellesley positioned to drive change,” he reflects. Its commitment to quality and innovation continually impresses him. Asked for his parting thoughts on the opportunity to serve, “I’m excited,” he says. “I lead by learning. I’m eager to contribute but very much here to learn.” Fall/Winter 2023 31
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“This community is made up of our neighbors, our families, our friends. We care deeply about having a local impact.” George Philippides, MD, FACC, Chief, Division of Cardiology, and Director, Elfers Cardiovascular Center
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