INSIDE Healthcare a guide to your healthcare services
Meet Our Surgeons Standing from left, General Surgeons Jai Singh, MD, and Yuriy Zhurov, MD, with Bariatric Surgeon Jeffrey DeSimone, MD. Seated is Breast Care Surgeon Lisa Lai, MD.
Oswego Health Welcomes Dr. Ayesha Turner - page 7
Oswego Health Spring 2018
INSIDE HEALTHCARE
Message from the CEO
A Publication of Oswego Health 110 W. Sixth St., NY 13126 Oswego, New York 13126 315-349-5511
— Michael Harlovic, President and CEO for Oswego Health Oswego Health has had a busy start to the New Year, with new physicians joining the health system and new initiatives that bring improved services.
Senior Leadership Team Michael Harlovic President and CEO of Oswego Health
As we prepare for Spring, I hope you’ve had an opportunity to take advantage of one of these new services; our free valet parking.
Jeff Coakley Executive Vice President for Business Development Renato Mandanas, MD Chief Medical Officer Eric Campbell Chief Financial Officer Jason Santiago Vice President & COO, The Manor at Seneca Hill & Springside at Seneca Hill Valerie Favata Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer Margaret Glass Vice President of Ancillary Services and Privacy Officer Barry Ryle Chief Information Officer James Marco Interim Vice President of Human Resources
COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING Marion Ciciarelli Senior Director of Communications Jennifer Martin Director of Marketing Anne Raham Communications Coordinator Maureen Miceli Executive Assistant
Correspondence Oswego Health Development & Community Relations 110 W. Sixth St., Oswego, NY 13126 dearoh@oswegohealth.org — ©2018 facebook.com/oswegohealthcare for Oswego Health community news, events and medical information twitter.com/oswegohealth oswegohealth.org for newsletters, medical information, provider listings and more Information in this issue comes from a range of medical experts. If you have any questions or concerns about specific content that may affect your health please contact your health care provider.
If you find that you need testing at the hospital, or are dropping off a patient, all you need to do is drive your car up to our covered entrance on West Sixth Street and the uniformed contracted staff will gladly assist you. For more information on this new customer service initiative, please turn to page 8. Of course many of us have recently watched the Olympic coverage and in this issue we have included a story on Oswegonian Pete Sears, who was a member of the 1972 Silver medal hockey team. He and his wife, Kay, reside at Springside at Seneca Hill, our premier retirement facility and are greatly enjoying the carefree lifestyle it offers. We are pleased to also announce our bariatrics service has already conducted its first surgery with more planned in the coming weeks. To learn more about our successful Center for Weight Loss & Surgery, turn to page 3. Elsewhere in the publication, you can learn more about our plans to renew our behavioral health service facilities to provide efficient care in an attractive setting. In closing, if you or a family member needs healthcare services, I hope you will choose Oswego Health. Sincerely, Sincerely, Michael Harlovic, President and CEO of Oswego Health The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents in our community.
INSIDE THIS EDITION 3 — Center for Weight Loss and Surgery 4 — Proud of our Stars 5 — Center for Wound Healing 6 — Transforming Behavioral Health Services 7 — Women’s Health 9 — Springside Cheering for Olympics 11 — Time for Closure and Healing
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Exceeding Expectations — embracing a healthier lifestyle The Center for Weight Loss & Surgery is exceeding all expectations, with community members finding the comprehensive program fits their goal to successfully embrace a healthier lifestyle.
of-the art surgery center. “Oswego Health has done an excellent job of supporting our program by providing us with the resources we need for a successful program,” Dr. DeSimone said.
Bariatric surgeons Kenneth Cooper, DO, along with Jeffrey DeSimone, MD, offer free Wednesday seminars where community members can learn more about the program that leads to surgery.
Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Cooper completed the first bariatric surgery in late December. Please read her testimonial below.
“We are thrilled at the number of residents who are taking the opportunity to attend one of our seminars and then are showing a great deal of interest in the services we are providing,” Dr. DeSimone said.
To learn the times of an upcoming free, Wednesday physician-led seminar, please call 315-349-5822. These seminars are held in the JPC conference room, of the Oswego Health Services Center, which is adjacent to the hospital.
After a community member attends one of the physician-led seminars, they meet 1:1 with one of the surgeons. As part of this comprehensive program, the patient will then have follow up appointments with the on-staff nurse practitioner, certified dietician/ nutritionist and psychologist. The physicians are performing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies and rouxen-y gastric bypass surgery in Oswego Hospital’s state- Bariatric staff members include from left, Nurse Practitioner Tracy Walker ;Certified Dietician/Nutritionist Alicia Olsen, Jeffery DeSimone, MD; Kenneth Cooper, DO, Erin Hall and Cindy Tonkin.
Life is Much Easier Karyn Grow, The Center for Weight Loss and Surgery’s first surgical patient, had high praise for the exceptional and compassionate care she received. From the surgeons, to the office staff who ensured she understood all the required steps for success, and nurses who treated her following her December surgery. “It was almost flawless, the care was beyond great,” she said. Karyn has already lost nearly 40 pounds and has dropped three sizes. “Life Karyn Grow, Oswego Health’s first bariatric patient, with is much easier,” she added. Kenneth Cooper, DO.
Inside Healthcare SPRING 2018— 3
Welcome Lisa Lai, MD — breast surgeon Oswego Health welcomes Breast Surgeon Lisa Lai, MD, to its General Surgery Associates practice.
between Upstate and Oswego Health. This collaboration provides radiation oncology and medical oncology services locally. This partnership will further benefit local breast cancer patients who require specialized care or choose to have plastic surgery following a breast procedure.
Dr. Lai is seeing patients at the Fulton Medical Office Building and is performing surgical procedures in Oswego Hospital’s advanced surgery center.
Dr. Lai provides a complete range of breast care Dr. Lai received her medical degree and from screenings, to evaluation of breast masses undergraduate degrees from SUNY Buffalo, or other concerns, management of abnormal graduating Summa Cum Laude. She completed Care Surgeon breast imaging and surgery for benign or malignant Breast Lisa Lai, MD her surgery residency at SUNY Upstate Medical disease including lumpectomies and mastectomies. She is affiliated with the Cancer Center at Upstate Medical University and her breast surgical oncology Fellowship at Center, serving as the medical director for the breast cancer Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. program. To make an appointment with Dr. Lai, please call General She brings a continuum of services through the partnerships Surgery Associates at 315-342-6771.
We’re Proud of Our Stars — 4 stars for patient satisfaction Hospitals across the country are rated using a five-star scale, much like hotels, movies and even books available for order on Amazon. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) created its five-star quality rating in 2008 to help individuals, their family members, and caregivers compare hospitals in an easily understandable way. Oswego Hospital was recently awarded a four-star rating by CMS for the care its physician and staff deliver to patients. In
Oswego Hospital, in fact, earned more stars than any other healthcare facility in the area, including the Syracuse hospitals. Specifically, Oswego Hospital was recognized for providing better care in several patient satisfaction categories. Two other Oswego Health facilities also were recognized by CMS for the care they provide. The Manor at Seneca Hill, the health system’s skilled nursing facility, was awarded 4 stars for quality by CMS, while Oswego Health Home Care, earned 5 stars for patient satisfaction.
Patient SATISFACTION
Question
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Oswego Health St. Joes
Crouse
Upstate State Average U.S. Average
Nurses ALWAYS communicated well
82%
80%
72%
78%
77%
80%
Doctors ALWAYS communicated well
83%
79%
76%
75%
78%
82%
ALWAYS received help as soon as they wanted
75%
65%
50%
62%
64%
69%
Their pain was ALWAYS well controlled
72%
70%
65%
64%
67%
71%
Staff ALWAYS explained about medicines before giving it to them
67%
61%
58%
58%
61%
65%
Patients reported their room and bathroom were ALWAYS clean
76%
70%
62%
65%
70%
75%
They were given information about what to do during their recovery at home
92%
89%
87%
87%
86%
87%
The Center for Wound Healing continues to grow The Center for Wound Healing at Oswego Health recently named Nurse Practitioner Kristine Strumpfler as its clinical coordinator. She joins Medical Director Carlos Dator, Jr., and the department’s other clinicians in providing excellent wound care for patients, which includes integrating the latest therapies. The Center for Wound Healing at Oswego Health utilizes a rigorous scientific approach to explore, test, find and develop the clinically proven methods and technologies that help people heal faster and more completely.
“I love my position here at the Wound Care Center.” Strumpfler said. “The wound care team is wonderful and it is very rewarding to work with our patients and see them successfully healed.”
which stimulates many physiological responses in the cells and tissues, promoting wound healing. Oswego Health is collaborating with Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services to bring this service to the community.
Did you know that you can make an appointment with our wound care staff? A physician referral isn’t required. To make an appointment, please call 315-326-3780.
Strumpfler has more than 15 years of nursing experience and most recently provided care at Utica’s St. Elizabeth Medical Center in the hospital’s open heart unit. She has also worked on a per-diem basis at Oswego Hospital’s Surgery Center for several years. She earned her Masters of Nursing Science and her Nurse Practitioner degrees from Keuka College. She also has extensive training in respiratory care. The recently hired Nurse Practitioner is a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, serving in the Nurse Corps as a Lieutenant Commanding Officer. In this role, she oversees the Syracuse medical unit. As a part of her military experience, Strumpfler provided care at an Afghanistan hospital much of 2012. The Wound Care Center features four private treatment Medical Director Carlos Dator, Jr. and Clinical Coordinator Nurse rooms and two hyperbaric chambers. The pressurized Practitioner Kristine Strumpfler stand next to one of the center’s chambers allow a patient to breathe 100 percent oxygen, hyperbaric chambers.
Dr. Zhurov was incredible — Sarah Vonderohe
Bethany Donie, Sarah Vonderohe and Dr. Zhurov.
When Sarah Vonderohe, a Mexico School District employee, needed a minor surgical procedure, her top priority was to have informed care and quick access to a surgeon. Her Oswego primary care office referred her to Yuriy Zhurov, MD, of General Surgery Associates. “He was incredibly nice, informative and full of empathy and kindness,” Sarah said. “He also answered my many questions.” Sarah also had high praise for his office staff, particularly Bethany Donie, a nurse in the office. “She was equally amazing. I can’t say enough about her. She made me feel very comfortable.”
Inside Healthcare SPRING 2018— 5
Transforming Behavioral Health Services
Oswego Health expects to begin its transformation of its Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and the east side Oswego neighborhood, where it will be located, in the upcoming months. Plans for the complete renovation of the Oswego Price Chopper building are being finalized. The new facility at 29 E. Cayuga Street, will offer the latest model for providing high-quality behavioral health care in an attractive and wellmaintained healthcare location that fits the neighborhood. The health system initially plans on renovating 43,000 square feet of the building for its renewed BHS departments. The facility will feature a 20-bed adult unit, as well as a 12-bed geriatric unit, which is a new service. To assist those that utilize these services to become healthier overall, primary care services will be available onsite, as will members of the Oswego Health Care Management Team, who help Medicaid patients manage their medical needs, from physician appointments to community support services. The services that are offered currently at the BHS Bunner Street location, including the outpatient clinic and
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Assertive Community Treatment, (ACT) Team will be relocated to the new facility, once it’s completed. The renewed building will offer numerous patient comforts, including secure outdoor spaces, comfortable interior areas and a kitchen area. Oswego Health has been providing BHS since 1981 at its current location in Oswego, when it acquired the program from Oswego County. Since then, Oswego Health has leased its BHS space from the county. Last summer, Oswego Health was awarded a $13 million grant by Governor Andrew Cuomo to redesign its BHS facility. Shortly after the grant award presentation, Oswego Health announced its purchase of the Price Chopper building.
Women’s Health with Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ayesha Turner, MD
What every woman can do to prevent cervical cancer To bring awareness to cervical cancer, Oswego Health has asked Obstetrician/Gynecologist Ayesha Turner, MD, of Oswego County OB-GYN, to offer tips on how women can spot the disease early, when it’s highly treatable. There are actually three positive things that can be said about cervical cancer: 1. Routine Pap tests have made it a much less deadly cancer today than it once was. 2. It is nearly always treatable when found in its early stages. 3. Many of its risk factors are known and preventable. The cervix is the part of a woman’s reproductive system found at the lower end of the uterus. Sperm passes through it to fertilize eggs. Babies pass through it to be born. Cancer can also develop in it, starting as a series of cell changes.
Other risk factors include: 3 Not getting regular Pap tests 3 Smoking 3 Giving birth to more than three children 3 Giving birth before age 17 3 Being overweight 3 Having several sexual partners 3 A family history of cervical cancer 3 Having taken diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent a miscarriage before 1972 3 A weakened immune system 3 Being infected with chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections 3 Having HIV
What you can do, step by step Lower your risk for HPV infection. The only way to avoid HPV is to avoid all sexual skin-to-skin contact. If you have sex, being in a monogamous relationship can reduce your risk for disease. Using a condom every time you have sex also may help. Get regular Pap tests. Pap screenings can spot cervical cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective, and the test can also alert you to cell changes that could develop into cancer later. Ask your doctor how often you should have one and whether you should have an HPV test as well.
What puts you at risk for cervical cancer?
Get the HPV vaccine. Men and women from 9 to 26 years old can be vaccinated against HPV, including the strains believed to cause most cases of cervical cancer. Some of the available vaccines also protect against HPV types that cause genital warts or other cancers—those of the throat, mouth, anus, penis, vagina and vulva. For best protection, health experts recommend the vaccine be given at age 11 or 12, before a person becomes sexually active.
The biggest risk factor for cancer of the cervix is a virus.
Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for cervical cancer.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is spread through sexual contact. Infection is extremely common: Nearly everyone will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Talk with your physician
Cervical cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms until its later stages. That’s why it’s so important to spot it early—and take steps to stop it from ever starting.
Of the multiple strains of HPV, only a small number have been linked to the cell changes associated with cervical cancer. But nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to infection with HPV, says CDC.
Keep in mind that most strains of HPV don’t cause cervical cancer. The infection is far more likely to go away on its own without causing any health problems than to lead to serious disease. However, talk to your physician to make sure you’re up-todate on your Pap tests.
Inside Healthcare SPRING 2018— 7
Newest X-ray equipment — providing superior images To ensure the safest medical imaging experience, Oswego Health has recently installed new general X-ray equipment at three of its locations. The new equipment not only reduces the potential radiation dose by nearly 40 percent depending on the required medical image, it also provides higher quality images for physician radiologists to interpret. “This is the latest technology that is providing superior quality images with more information and less radiation exposure to the patient,” said Oswego Health Medical Imaging Chief of Service Matthew Westpfal, MD.
which is a is a worldwide provider of medical imaging systems. This equipment complements the new computed tomography (CT) imaging equipment that Oswego Health installed two years ago at its Central Square and Fulton Medical Centers, and at Oswego Hospital. To make an appointment at any of Oswego Health’s medical imaging locations, please call 315-349-5540.
The new general X-ray equipment was installed at the Oswego Health Services Center, as well as at Oswego Health’s Central Square and Pulaski locations. The equipment will be installed at the health system’s George Street site in Oswego early this year. In making the $600,000 medical imaging purchase, Oswego Health turned to a nearby company, Carestream, of Rochester,
To make an imaging appointment call 315-349-5540
Julia DeSantos shows off the Oswego Health low dose imaging equipment.
Free Valet Parking at Oswego Hospital The next time you arrive at Oswego Hospital for testing or need to drop off a patient, our new valet parking is on us.
our patients to have the best possible patient satisfaction experience and this initiative will help us achieve our goal.”
Yes, you can stay in your vehicle warm and dry and upon arriving at our covered entrance, our contracted uniformed valet attendants will park your car for free. And, tipping is not allowed.
Providing the new service is Valet Park of America, based in Springfield, MA, which offers this service to hospitals and other industries across the country.
Oswego Hospital began offering the complimentary valet parking service in December. Motorists, who wish to take advantage of this new patient initiative, just need to drive up to the hospital’s main covered entrance weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Similar to valet services at a hotel, motorists will give their keys to the attendant, who will park their car nearby. When the patient is ready to return home, the attendant will retrieve their car, bringing it back to the hospital’s covered entrance. Patients who need to remain at the hospital after 4:30 p.m. will be able to retrieve their car keys from hospital lobby security personnel. “We recognized the need for improved parking as we add services, such as bariatrics and wound care,” said Oswego Health President and CEO Michael Harlovic. “We want
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Oswego Hospital is now offering free valet parking offered from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Pictured are Tyler Krebs and Jeff Keaty, of Valet Park of America, which is providing the new service.
DO YOU NEED DOANTIBIOTICS? YOU NEED DO YOU NEED DO YOU NEED ANTIBIOTICS? You feel sick and miserable and want to get better fast. It couldANTIBIOTICS? be aANTIBIOTICS? cold or even the flu. You’re probably thinking you need antibiotics to knock out your illness and help you feel
(CDC). At least 80 million antibiotic prescriptions each year are
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8 WAYS TO BE ANTIBIOTICS AWARE
8 WAYSAntibiotics TO BE ANTIBIOTICS AWARE save lives, but Antibiotics do not they aren’t always the 88 WAYS TO BE ANTIBIOTICS AWARE work on viruses. WAYS TO BE answer when you’re sick.ANTIBIOTICS AWARE Antibiotics save lives, but
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To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, about the best way to feel better. Talk to your healthcare professional visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.
Talk to your healthcare professional about the best way to feel better. about the best way to feel better.
To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use. To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, visitTowww.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use. visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.
Inside Healthcare SPRING 2018— 9
Springside resident cheering for USA hockey team As we all sat down to watch the winter Olympics in South Korea, Springside at Seneca Hill resident Pete Sears was cheering just a little louder when the U.S. hockey team took to the rink. Sears, who grew up in the fabled ice hockey town of Lake Placid, honed his skills on Mirror Lake and the rink used for the 1932 Olympics. He would go on to play for Oswego State and through not only his skills, but also his grit, determination and perseverance, later secured a spot as a backup goalie on the 1972 U.S. Olympic team.
“It was a childhood dream,” Sears said of finally making the team after playing hundreds of games across the country to prove he was of Olympic quality. “After everything we had sacrificed things were starting to fall into place,” he said. By then, Sears had married, and he and his wife, Kay, had a young daughter, Ranee. The team wasn’t given much medal hope or media coverage. They were true amateurs playing against some of the best players from the former Eastern European block who were afforded many perks by their home countries in return for their hockey skills. It was also the time of the Cold War and the Vietnam War, which interrupted Sears hockey career for two years. However, once the games began these issues dissolved. The U.S. Team played its first Olympic level hockey game against Switzerland. Among the spectators was Host Country Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, who watched as they won 5 to 3, allowing the team to advance to medal play. After experiencing another big win against Czechoslovakia (5-1), team members began to think that they might actually beat the odds and win a medal.
This meant that in order to obtain the silver medal, they had to beat first Finland and then Poland, which they did soundly. “Here we were looked upon as one of the weakest teams and we won the Silver Medal,” Sears said. Following the games, Sears and his young family returned to Oswego. Kay worked at Alcan, now known as Novelis for 25 years. He taught middle school history for 30 plus years and introduced thousands of local kids to hockey. He coached Oswego High School teams to the status of both league champions and state finalists several times. Until recently, he worked with Oswego State goalies, helping them improve their skills. After years of living in Oswego, this fall the couple moved into one of Springside’s duplex homes. Springside is Oswego Health’s premier retirement community, offering those aged 62 and older a carefree and easy lifestyle. “We no longer wanted to handle home maintenance; just didn’t want the responsibility,” Pete said. He adds that when they travel or go away, “We don’t need to worry, if something goes wrong, it’s taken care of.” Of course, they remain active, using the exercise room and often walking the property. “It’s just the perfect set up for us,” Pete says. “It’s got so much of what we want.” Community members can view Kay and Pete Sears’ Springside experience firsthand by watching a video at: oswegohealth.org/sears. For a tour or to learn more about Springside, please call 315-343-5658.
Sears said his Olympic experience was more than just playing hockey. Despite the Cold War, the Russian and American hockey coaches were friendly. The two teams intermingled in their respective dorm areas and enjoyed one another’s company. But on the ice, the U.S. Team would lose to the Russian team, 7 to 2 in their third game. Springside residents Kay and Pete Sears
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A time for closure and healing Jason and Janelle Gwiazdzinski were excited about celebrating Christmas and the upcoming birth of their third child. With two other children at home, including a daughter who had been born at Oswego Hospital a year earlier, it was certainly a busy time. Then the unthinkable and totally unexpected happened; their new baby was stillborn, despite a very healthy pregnancy and their From left, Oswego Health Foundation Director Karen Ferguson, Gina Kristiansen, RN, Jason and Janelle Gwiazdzinski, Kelly Phillips, and Kim Spurling, RN, Maternity Center excitement turned to deep grief. Director. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevena small ring and an identification bracelet. The babies are tion reports that 24,000 babies are stillborn also beautifully dressed many wearing exquisite outfits sewn each year in the United States. The couple, who was relatively new to the Oswego using donated wedding dresses through the J.J. McNitt Angel community, found themselves embraced by the staff of the Gown Foundation, started by an Oswego Health employee. “It hospital’s maternity center. “When we lose a baby, which is means so much to our families to have something beautiful a rare occurrence, we focus on the grieving family and offer for their baby,” Spurling said. “The items in the memory box them the individualized care and assistance they need,” said also give the family some remembrances of their baby.” Kim Spurling, RN, Maternity Center Director.
The Gwiazdzinski family said they appreciated that compassion. “The nurses and hospital staff provided a grief counselor who stayed with us that night,” Jason said. “The care was just phenomenal while we were here.” As part of their grief recovery, the couple decided to help others who find themselves in similar circumstances and donated a cuddle cot to the maternity center. This piece of medical equipment acts like a refrigerated bassinet and allows babies to stay in the room with their parents for additional time together. “We bought it for closure and healing for another family,” Jason said. “So it’s more about trying to help someone out. Nobody really talks about this, but it buys more time with your newborn and it’s worth it.” “This gift was a direct result of Jason and Janelle’s gratitude to the maternity department team who helped them through this very difficult time and stays in contact even today to check up on them,” said Oswego Health Foundation Director Karen Ferguson. Many hospitals, including Oswego Hospital, provide many other comforting services to families who lose a child at birth. The staff presents the family with a memory box with photos of their baby, locks of their hair, hand and foot prints,
Spurling added that every family grieves differently. “For some families it’s months or even years before they feel comfortable looking at the items in their memory box, but it’s there for them when they are ready.”
April16 at 6:00 p.m.
at Steamers in Oswego So your child has autism: What’s next? • an overview of autism spectrum disorder • new related diagnosis “social (pragmatic) communication disorder” • what happened to former diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder? • how to get an evaluation for those where an ASD is suspected Reservations to this free program are encouraged and can be made by calling 315-349-5500. Inside Healthcare SPRING 2018— 11
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Oswego, NY Permit #413
Oswego Health 110 West Sixth St. Oswego, NY 13126
CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH INDIVIDUAL
IRA ROLLOVER
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
If you are over age 70½, the Federal Government permits you to roll over up to $100,000 from your IRA to charity without increasing your taxable income or paying any additional tax. These tax-free rollover gifts could be $1,000, $10,000 or any amount up to $100,000 this year. The gift satisfies your required minimum distribution for this year. Simply contact your custodian and request that an amount up to $100,000 be transferred to charity.
Oswego Health Foundation 12
Contact: Karen M. Ferguson, CFRE kferguson@oswegohealth.org 315-326-3795