Heartbeat The Magazine of St. Francis Hospital The Heart Center® A Member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island
• Setting the Pace for Innovation: A Look at the Hybrid OR and the Next Wave in Robotic Surgery • Prevention at St. Francis: Women and Heart Disease • The Gold Standard of Care: A Banner Year for Hospital Honors
Winter 2011-2012
From the
President
In this Issue
The Pace of Change
From the President 2
When I started out in medicine, the only treatment for life-threatening coronary artery disease was bypass surgery. There were not as many operations performed in those days, and the procedure was considerably more risky. But over time, cardiac surgical volumes grew and mortality rates dropped, making bypass surgery dramatically safer for patients and almost routine for surgeons. Today, with advances in heart disease prevention and the introduction and growth of interventional treatments such as angioplasty and stents, the destination for heart patients does not have to be the cardiac OR. The one constant over time has been the amazing pace of change in the availability of medical therapies and surgical technology, from the widespread use of statins, to drug-eluting stents, to minimally-invasive approaches to cardiac surgery. We passed our latest technological milestone at St. Francis this summer when we opened our new suite of cardiac ORs. The cornerstone of the project is a state-of-the-art hybrid room that gives cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and vascular surgeons significantly improved tools to perform more complex cases. As described in an article in this issue, a patient with a damaged mitral valve can have heart surgery to repair the valve and at the same time have angioplasty and a stent implanted to open a blocked coronary artery. Two formerly separate medical teams work together in the same room with remarkably improved capabilities that can lead to better outcomes for patients and a faster return to normal life. On another front, I am pleased to report that this was an extraordinary year for hospital honors. In the spring, St. Francis once again earned the Magnet designation for nursing excellence, the highest honor a hospital can receive for nursing. This summer, St. Francis was recognized for the fifth consecutive year as one of the best hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report. Once again we were nationally ranked in cardiology and heart surgery, geriatrics, and neurology and neurosurgery. We were honored nationally in more specialties than any other hospital on Long Island, and we were the only one to be ranked in cardiology and heart surgery. Also, in the first U.S. News & World Report regional rankings, St. Francis was rated the best hospital on Long Island. In addition to our nationally ranked specialties, we were recognized as high performing in cancer, ear-nose-throat, gastroenterology, gynecology, nephrology, pulmonology, urology, and for the first time, orthopedics. I am deeply grateful to our physicians, nurses and staff, because all of these honors are a true reflection of their skill and commitment to providing the very best in patient care.
Alan D. Guerci, M.D. President and CEO
Heartbeat Winter 2011-2012
Pediatric Advice for Parents 3 Hip Ideas on Replacing Achy Joints 3 New York Magazine Best Doctors 3 CoreValve National Clinical Trial 4 St. Francis ENT Chief in First Skype Interview 4 For Volunteers: 90 Is the New 60 5 Bride-to-Be Reunited with the Doctors Who Saved Her Life 5 NASA Safety Plan Takes Flight 6 U.S. News & World Report Says SFH Has Most Top Doctors 6 St. Francis Ranks as One of the Nation’s Best for Fifth Time 7 New York Daily News Prostate Screening 7 News Flash 7
Features An Ounce of Prevention 8 Louise Spadaro, M.D., discusses ways women can avoid heart disease page 8
Master Facilities Plan Update 9
New Cardiac OR Brings High Tech Advances 10 Hybrid OR is designed for complex cases
St. Francis Nurses Ranked Among Best 12 Hospital earns Magnet designation again
Giving Back The Art of Giving 14 page 10
Letters from the Heart 14 A Tribute to Yen Wu 15 Financial Security Wrapped in a Gift Annuity 15
Vital Signs Next Wave in Robotic Surgery
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St. Francis Participates in Award Winning Community Outreach Program page 12
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New Study Shows Value of Echocardiograms
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SFH Cardiac Surgery Program Recognized Again for Volume and Success Rates
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St. Francis Earns Stroke Gold Plus Award
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Staff News 19
Heartbeat
is published by St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center®. Questions or comments can be directed to St. Francis Hospital, Office of Development and Public Affairs, 100 Port Washington Blvd., Roslyn, New York 11576. (516) 705-6655. Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved. St. Francis Hospital is a member of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, the healthcare ministry of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Editor: Paul Barry. Writers: LaShieka Hunter, Rosemary Gomez. Editorial assistant: Debra Tischler. Contributing photographers: William Baker and Steve Moors. Designer: Roger Gorman, Reiner Design.
Best wishes,
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In the News
New York Magazine Best Doctors 2011: St. Francis Has More Top Doctors for Cardiac Care than Any Other Hospital on Long Island
A Spotlight on Pediatric Advice for Parents Sean Levchuck, M.D., Chairman of Pediatric Cardiology, was tapped twice for his expertise on two topics of vital interest to parents – student athlete cardiac screening and facts every parent should know before taking their child to an emergency room. Dr. Levchuck was quoted prominently in a front page story in Newsday about Long Island doctors’ reaction to the sudden death of a Michigan high school basketball star who collapsed minutes after sinking the winning shot. The article brought local media attention to St. Francis Hospital’s free student athlete cardiac screening program. “No parent wants to be staring down at a pile of dirt, thinking what went wrong,” said Dr. Levchuck, who volunteers to screen athletes from local schools. In light of the national story, both the doctor and the program also received regional television coverage from MSG Varsity, News 12 Long Island, TV55 (WLNY) and Long Island News Tonight. The popular pediatric cardiologist was also the leading expert in a Newsday Top Doctors article called “5 Fast Facts…about kids and the ER.” The doctor advised parents to have a sheet already prepared about their child’s health history to avoid scrambling at the last minute when there’s no time to waste. “A parent who provides a great history can often get their problem solved quite quickly because you can start to formulate a picture of how this kid’s life has been,” said Dr. Levchuck.
Some Hip Ideas on Replacing Achy Joints Richard D’Agostino, M.D., Director of Orthopedics at St. Francis Hospital, was quoted extensively in a Newsday Top Doctors feature on joint replacement. Dr. D’Agostino described what patients can expect before, during, and after surgery. “People worry how painful it will be afterward,” said Dr. D’Agostino. “But 90 percent of people who have joint replacement surgery say, ‘This feels great, I don’t know why I waited so long to get this done.’
Once again, St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center® has more top doctors for cardiac care on this year’s New York Magazine Best Doctors list than any other hospital on Long Island. Eight St. Francis physicians made the selective list, six of them in a cardiac specialty category. The popular, yearly list is generated by Castle Connolly, the publisher of America’s Top Doctors, which is widely recognized as one of the most authoritative guides to the best physicians in the nation. New York Magazine’s complete list can be accessed at http://newyorkmetro.com/ bestdoctors/index.htm. Congratulations to all of the St. Francis physicians who made the 2011 list in both cardiac and noncardiac specialties: • Sean Levchuck, M.D. (Pediatric Cardiology) • Joseph Levine, M.D. (Cardiac Electrophysiology) • Thomas Pappas, M.D. (Cardiovascular Disease) • George Petrossian, M.D. (Interventional Cardiology) • Newell Robinson, M.D. (Thoracic Surgery) • Steve Rucker, M.D. (Internal Medicine) • James Taylor, M.D. (Thoracic Surgery) • Michael Ziegelbaum, M.D. (Urology)
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In the News CoreValve Clinical Trial Continues to Progress at St. Francis Carmela Insogna came up to New York from Florida to celebrate her 85th birthday, but her trip took an unexpected turn when she collapsed at a family gathering from an aortic valve problem. “I thought this must be farewell, but it was a new beginning,” said the great grandmother of three. Five days after undergoing a minimally-invasive procedure at St. Francis, she was recovering at her daughter-in-law’s home. Now Mrs. Insogna is back in West Palm Beach, living on her own. “Before this, I just couldn’t breathe and it would take quite a bit to move around. Now I can breathe better and can cook and clean. I feel great! I’ve regained my independence.” St. Francis was one of the first hospital in the country to be activated for the CoreValve pivotal trial and is still recruiting patients for this major nationwide study. The outcome could revolutionize treatment of aortic stenosis by allowing patients to bypass openheart surgery. Some doctors predict it could have the same impact on valve disease that stenting did on coronary artery disease. About 100,000 Americans suffer from aortic stenosis, but have underlying health issues that make surgery too risky. The condition begins when the valve collects calcium, much like coronary arteries collect cholesterol. The build-up eventually causes the valve to partially close, restricting blood flow from the heart to the aorta, the body’s main artery. Co-principal investigators George Petrossian, M.D., and Newell Robinson, M.D., made St. Francis history after successfully implanti-
ng the device in Anthony Leto – the first patient on Long Island. They also made national and local headlines in Newsday and MSNBC.com, offering new hope for patients who are too elderly or ill to undergo surgery. The two physicians, along with team members Roberto Colangelo, M.D., and Andrew Berke, M.D., have since been performing the procedure for months and recently performed three in one day – some without general anesthesia. “It will change the treatment landscape as we know it,” says Dr. Robinson, Chairman of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery. The device has yet to receive FDA approval in the U.S., but is already being used in Europe. The valve is delivered by catheter through a small opening in the groin to the femoral artery and threaded upward to the aortic valve. Doctors then deploy a valve made of pig cardiac tissue fixed inside a metal frame. The procedure takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is an easier recovery than surgery for older patients. “I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s remarkable,” says Dr. Petrossian, Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Procedures. Anthony Leto agrees. His wife Fanny knew something was wrong when her husband was feeling more tired than usual and couldn’t keep up with his regular routine. But now, he’s just “bopping around Long Island,” according to one of the St. Francis physicians who performed the minimally invasive procedure that reenergized Mr. Leto’s life. “I feel great,” says Mr. Leto. “I’m 92 and still kicking.” For information about enrolling in the study, call (516) 562-6790
St. Francis ENT Chief in First Skype Interview Philip Perlman, M.D., gave FOX5 News viewers his seasonal allergy tips via Skype, which relies on camera connections from laptops and PCs. Dr. Perlman advised taking immediate action when allergy symptoms first appear, because if they go untreated allergies can lead to sinusitis and bronchitis. He recommended a combination of antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and preventative measures such as saline washes so Mother Nature doesn’t get the best of you.
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90 is the New 60 for St. Francis Hospital Volunteers
You would never know their age by looking at them and seeing their boundless energy. But nearly a dozen St. Francis Hospital volunteers have set a new record for service at a stage in life when many people think of slowing down. The dedicated group has donated thousands of hours of their free time and its members have two things in common – they love helping others and are all age 90 or above. The 10 devoted volunteers and their inspiring stories were featured in an “Act 2” article and photo spread in Newsday. Veteran volunteer Arlene Miller, 94, made the cover shot for “32,000 hours and counting.” The three-page feature also included individual profiles and portraits of the each member of the group. “The volunteers who are in their 90s serve as an inspiration to all of us,” says Barry Baretela, Director of Volunteer Services. “They show that age is not an obstacle when it comes to doing what you love. Volunteering at St. Francis is a way of expressing that love.” The group of “golden” volunteers, who range in age from 90 to 94, was honored at the Hospital’s Annual Volunteer Luncheon at the Woodbury Country Club. The event also received media coverage
from News 12 Long Island, WLNY- TV 55, and NewsRadio 88. The noteworthy list, which proves that age is just a number, includes: • Milton Katz of Port Washington • Bob Bodkin of Great Neck • Rose Repke of East Williston • Bill Bauer of New Hyde Park • Bob Kirsch of Port Washington • Arlene Miller of Greenvale • Edna Pascale of Port Washington • Frank Quatrocchi of Jericho • Walter Trifari of Garden City Park • Charles Bell of Sea Cliff The honorees are among 494 volunteers who donated a total of 75,578 hours of their time to the Hospital in 2010. They provide vital services such as transporting patients and staffing the information desk. The monetary value of their collective service is estimated to be $1.4 million according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Four more volunteers are expected to turn 90 by the end of this year. The Hospital hopes to honor them at next year’s luncheon. For more information about volunteering at St. Francis, call (516) 562-6105.
Bride-to-Be Is Reunited with Her Two Best Men – the St. Francis Doctors Who Mended Her Broken Heart As a Hospital, St Francis usually isn’t in the business of holding bridal showers, but in the case of Alicia Pellegrino (c.) it a made a heartfelt exception. The 27-year-old from Wantagh suffered a devastating car crash that left her heart torn in three places. But what could have been a tragic story had a miraculous ending thanks to Christopher LaMendola, M.D., (l.) and Michael Masciello, M.D (r.). The two St. Francis physicians saved Alicia from a broken heart, and were thrilled to hear she would be walking down the aisle knowing her heart was literally and figuratively in the right place.
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In the News NASA Safety Program Takes Flight at St. Francis
It’ss a program m thatt begann inn NASA A trainingg workshopp inn 1979 aimedd at preventingg accidentss inn thee air, butt now w it’ss gettingg somee goodd usee on thee groundd att St. Franciss Hospital. Knownn ass Crew w Resource Management, itt encouragess physicians, nursess andd otherr memberss off a medicall team m too speakk upp iff theyy havee safetyy concernss too ensuree thee very bestt inn patientt care. Jackk Soterakis, M.D., SeniorVice r Presidentt off Medical Affairs at St. Francis, spoke extensivelyy to Long Islandd Businesss News aboutt the latestt approachh to enhancingg patientt success rates. Itt is partt off a largerr initiative institutedd byy Catholicc Healthh Services off Longg Island (CHSLI). “Ourr goalss includee improvingg onn ourr alreadyy low w mortalityy andd infectionn ratess andd att thee samee timee continuingg too providee efficient, quality care,”” Dr. Soterakiss toldd thee popularr businesss publication.Thee Hospital
hass introducedd thee program m too itss peri-operativee servicess – from m schedulingg throughh post-operativee care. Facilitatedd byy thee consultingg firm, LifeWingss Partners, moree thann 500 employeess aree beingg trainedd inn thee program. Inn thee samee article, Dr. Soterakiss describedd a Hospitall campaignn to decreasee sepsis, a bacteriall infectionn thatt iss thee 11thh highestt killerr inn the Unitedd States. St. Franciss hass trainedd stafff too recognizee thee earlyy signss off sepsis, and too takee immediatee steps, suchh ass antibioticc andd otherr therapies, to improvee outcomes. “Nationallyy mortalityy from m sepsis is 15 percent, butt whenn it advances to septicc shock, mortalityy climbs,”” Dr. Soterakis said. “This campaignn off earlyy recognitionn is analogous to the successfull initiatives alreadyy taken.”
U.S. News 2011 Top Doctors List: St. Francis Has the Most Top Doctors for Cardiac Care U.S. Newss & World d Report has released its first ever Top Doctors rankings and St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center® has the most physicians recommended forr cardiac care on Long g Island. Eighteen St. Francis heart doctors made the prestigious list and three off them were rated among g the top one percent in the country. The highlyy ranked, nationallyy renowned trio is Joseph Levine, M.D., Director off Electrophysiology, George Petrossian, M.D., Directorr of Interventional Cardiovascularr Procedures, and Richard Shlofmitz, M.D., Chairman off Cardiology. The rankings were created in collaboration with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., the publisherr of America’ss Top Doctors and other
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widelyy respected consumerr health guides. All off the Top Doctors on the list have been recommended byy otherr physicians forr theirr clinical skills and each has been individuallyy vetted byy a physician-led research team. The free searchable directoryy is available at www.usnews.com/ top-doctors and lists nearlyy 30,000 peer-nominated physicians across the country. Consumers can search forr a Top Doctor, byy location, hospital affiliation, and a full range off specialties and subspecialties Congratulations to all off the St. Francis physicians who made the 2011 list in both cardiac and non-cardiac specialties. You can see the list all off them on ourr website and search on “U.S. News Top Doctors.”
St. Francis Ranked One of the Nation’s Best for Fifth Year in a Row The hospitall iss honored d again forr cardiologyy and d heart surgery, geriatrics, and d neurologyy and d neurosurgery Forr the fifth consecutive year, St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Centerr® has been recognized by U.S. Newss & World d Report as one off the best hospitals in the nation. The magazine’s prestigious annual ranking g off medical institutions honored St. Francis once again as a leaderr in cardiologyy and heart surgery, geriatrics, and neurologyy and neurosurgery. The Hospital was the onlyy one on Long Island to be nationallyy ranked in cardiac care and the onlyy one to be nationally recognized in three specialties. “To receive this recognition forr five years in a row w is a tribute to the skill, dedication, and commitment off ourr physicians, nurses and stafff in providing g the veryy best in patient care,” said Alan D. Guerci, M.D., President and CEO off St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Centerr®. “Theirr ongoing g pursuit off excellence has helped to establish St. Francis as one off the nation’s leading g medical institutions, not onlyy forr cardiac care but a growing g numberr off non-cardiac specialties.” In addition to the three specialties forr which the Hospital was nationallyy ranked, it was rated regionallyy as high-performing g in eight otherr specialties: cancer, ear-nose-throat, gastroenterology, gynecology, nephrology, pulmonology, urology, and forr the first time, orthopedics. As a result, St. Francis is the top- ranked hospital on Long g Island and seventh among g New w Yorkk metro area hospitals. According g to U.S. News, the core mission off Best Hospitals is to help guide patients who need an especiallyy high level off care because off a difficult surgery, a challenging g condition, orr added risk because off otherr health problems orr age. “These are referral centers where otherr hospitals send theirr sickest patients,” said Averyy Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings Editor. “Hospitals like these are the ones you orr those close to you should considerr when the stakes are high.” Off the 4,825 hospitals surveyed in 16 different specialties, St. Francis Hospital was one off only 140 medical centers to be honored. To see the complete list off hospital rankings log g on to: www.usnews.com/besthospitals.
EXTRA, EXTRA! St. Francis Partners with Dailyy News forr Freee Prostate Screening St. Franciss Hospitall providedd nearly 4000 free PSA A examss ass partt off a Daily News campaignn to raise awareness aboutt prostate cancer. Itt wass the third yearr the Hospitall participatedd inn the popularr program, whichh kickss offf on Father’ss Day. St. Franciss offeredd free PSA A examss forr a weekk att three sites onn Longg Islandd andd inn Queens. Keith Bloom, M.D., a urologistt att St. Francis, wass quotedd inn article about the importance off earlyy detection. “Prostate cancerr iss one off the cancers thatt fortunately, iff caughtt early, can be cured,”” saidd Dr. Bloom.
NEWS FLASH
St. Francis Hospital will soon be opening its Bishop McHugh Health Center in Hicksville. This new, highly-awaited clinic will offer top quality primary care to patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Stay tuned for its official opening by checking our website at www.stfrancisheartcenter.com. St. Francis Hospital-South Bay Cardiovascular in West Islip will also begin providing primary care for uninsured patients in November. For more information, call (631) 669-2555.
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Q&A An Ounce of Prevention St. Francis expert believes early detection is the key
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ouise Spadaro, M.D, is one of Long Island’s leading cardiologists and a recognized expert on women and heart disease. Dr. Spadaro is consistently rated one of “America’s Top Doctors” in the New York Metro area by Castle Connolly, a leading research and information company. She is also the Director of the St. Francis Hospital Outreach Program, which reaches out to underserved communities and the uninsured.
Heartbeat: Dr. Spadaro, what are some common misconceptions about
tions and that contributes to putting them at higher risk.
women and heart disease? Dr. Spadaro: One of the biggest misconceptions is that women don’t get
Heartbeat: How much of a factor is stress in heart disease?
heart disease, have strokes or need to address risk factors before
Dr. Spadaro: Stress is a risk as it can worsen the other risk factors that we
menopause. Another mistaken belief is that heart disease is a man’s dis-
know lead to heart disease, such as hypertension, cigarette smoking, dia-
ease. There’s also a big misconception that women only need to worry
betes, obesity, and inability to exercise.
about preventing breast cancer. In fact, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Nearly twice as many
Heartbeat: What are some of the other major factors?
women in the U.S. die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular
Dr. Spadaro: Hypertension, cigarette smoking, diabetes, the post
diseases than from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.
menopausal state, age, and a family history of premature coronary artery disease or stoke.
Heartbeat: How do the symptoms vary between women and men? Dr. Spadaro: For the most part, the symptoms are the same, but frequent-
Heartbeat: What tests do you recommend that women take on an annual
ly women may experience more atypical symptoms such as pain that’s
basis to monitor their cardiac health?
not in the chest per se, but maybe in the back, shoulders, or arm. Also,
Dr. Spadaro: Every woman should have a general physical exam by a pri-
they may describe having palpitations or feeling fatigued.
mary care provider and an annual gynecological exam with basic blood work to screen for such diseases as diabetes, thyroid disease, and high
Heartbeat: Give the current state of the economy are you seeing more
lipids. Certainly, further cardiac tests would be advised if there are symp-
women with stress-related cardiac symptoms?
toms or to better assess risk factor status for those at increased risk.
Dr. Spadaro: I see more women (and men) with risk factors that are not well controlled because of stress such as hypertension, obesity, and gen-
Heartbeat: Women are usually the caretakers of their family and often
eral poor health maintenance, especially those who continue to smoke
don’t have time to think about taking care if themselves. What advice do
because they are stressed. Also, some patients can’t afford their medica-
you have in terms of diet and exercise?
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Master Facilities Plan Update
Dr. Spadaro: We all have to do our best to adhere to a heart healthy diet and to get in some exercise. If we are not healthy, we can’t be the caretakers for others and we won’t be setting a good example for our families, especially our kids. A simple thing like beginning a walking routine can lead to long-term benefits. Also, sticking to a basic combination of lean meats and proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables can be a big help in balancing your diet. Finally, try to drink lots of water, instead of high carb, sugary drinks. Heartbeat: You make it a mission to practice what you preach. How do you try to stay heart healthy given your busy schedule? Dr. Spadaro: Well, it’s not easy and I’m certainly not perfect at it! But, I have a strong family history of heart disease and of cancer, and I have a lot of responsibilities that I have to stay healthy for and I want to be a good health role model for my daughters. So I can’t give myself too many excuses (although I’ve come up with some good ones!). I adhere to a fairly healthy diet, with all things in moderation. I try to exercise regularly, although some days it’s a struggle. I do find that exercise is a good stress reducer for me. I go for annual physicals with my internist and gynecologist, see my dentist and hygienist regularly, and follow all the recommended screening tests schedules that are appropriate for my age (colon cancer screens, mammography, skin checks, eye exams, vaccina-
Over the last six years, more than 350 donors have helped to raise $67.4 million to fund the largest expansion project in St. Francis Hospital’s history, surpassing the capital campaign goal of $65 million. The outstanding generosity demonstrated by our many supporters is especially significant in light of the severe recession in 2008 and the successive dips in the economy since that time. Among the impressive results are 20 new high-definition operating rooms, a 155,000 square foot pavilion and several new imaging systems. But the accomplishments go beyond dollars and cents, number of beds, and square footage. The real success stories come from patients like Rosann Manzitto, featured in the article “New Hybrid OR Suite Opens” on page 11, who have benefited from the community’s investment in St. Francis Hospital. Whether it is a new treatment that gives hope where there was none before, or a comfortable patient room that allows loved ones to be nearby when it matters most, there are many real life examples of how this capital campaign to fund the Master Facilities Plan has been transformational. “I always felt good about making gifts to St. Francis Hospital since I received such wonderful care here. But now I see what you have done with our support and I feel great because of what it will mean to other patients,” said donor James McKeon on a recent tour of the new hybrid operating room in the Heart Center. It was here that he and his wife, Violet Balla-McKeon, directed their recent support for the campaign. Gifts like the one made by Mr. and Mrs. McKeon will ensure that St. Francis Hospital remains on the leading edge of care. In fact, with insurance reimbursement rates declining and the cost of delivering care increasing, hospitals have become more dependent upon philanthropy to provide the highest quality care. Fortunately for St. Francis Hospital, there is strong support from the community for worthwhile investments such as the much-needed expansion of the Emergency Department which is now under way. Additional information on giving opportunities within the campaign is available by calling the Office of Development at (516) 705-6655.
tions, etc). I am a firm believer in “an ounce of prevention ...!” St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center ®
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Cover Story
Sparking innovation: (l. to r.) Newell Robinson, M.D., Chairman of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery; Ann Cella, R.N., Senior Vice President, Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer; Dave Sackett, Radiologic Technologist; Diane Mamounis-Simmons, R.N., Director, Peri-Operative Services; Ruth Hennessey, Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer; and Jack Soterakis, M.D., Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer.
New Cardiac ORs Bring High-Tech Advances in Patient Care A new hybrid OR is designed for the most complex cases
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t. Francis Hospital’s pioneering cardiac surgical team moved into a new home this summer, one that features nearly double the space; six new operating rooms equipped with the latest imaging, lighting and other technological tools, including a new hybrid OR that will enable surgeons and interventional cardiologists to work side-by-side to provide the most advanced cardiac care.
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Several years in the planning and design, the renovated ORs are part of the second phase of the Hospital’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP). The first phase of the MFP concluded with the opening of the DeMatteis Pavilion in 2008, with its 14 new state-of-the-art operating rooms with high-definition video integration, 124 new patient beds, and a new cardiac imaging center. In addition to bringing the total number of operating rooms to 20, the second phase of the MFP will also include a major expansion of the Hospital’s Emergency Department, which is expected to double in size and will be completed in 2012.
A Technological Marvel The new cardiac OR suite went into operation in July, with six new operating rooms equipped with the latest advanced technological tools and a new post-anesthesia care unit. The OR suite is situated immediately adjacent to the cardiac catheterization lab for fast and efficient workflow and immediate access to care for patients moving from surgical to interventional treatment or vice versa. The new hybrid operating room is one of the first of its kind in the region and a technological marvel that promises extraordinary advantages for surgeons and patients. “The new OR suite, and particularly the new hybrid OR, is a significant step forward for our cardiothoracic and vascular surgery program,” says Newell Robinson, M.D., Chairman. “We now have the most accurate imaging of the heart that advanced technology can provide during surgery, as well as the most flexibility in performing procedures. And ultimately this means better outcomes for our patients.” “Our new cardiac ORs offer a glimpse of the future, technology that can be found at only a few medical centers in the country and that our patients can find today at St. Francis,” says Alan D. Guerci, M.D, President and CEO. “They reflect our continuing commitment to the community to provide the highest quality cardiac care available anywhere.” The hybrid operating room is designed for the most complex open heart surgeries and minimally invasive procedures. It employs a multi-axis, robotic, high-resolution, 3-D CT imaging system that syncs with x-ray mapping technology to provide dynamic images of a patient’s heart and vascular system in real time. The system, called Zeego by Siemens, offers remarkable freedom of movement for surgeons and sharp 3-D images with pinpoint accuracy of fine details. An example of the room’s utility is the case of patients who need heart valve repair or replacement and who also need to be treated for coronary artery disease. In addition to receiving state-of-the-art valve surgery, these patients can also be treated simultaneously with coronary artery stent therapy. “The hybrid room is also well suited to percutaneous, or through the skin, catheter-delivered valve replacement of the type we are exploring in the CoreValve trial,” says Dr. Robinson. “Other procedures that are well-suited to the hybrid OR are the placing of stents to repair aortic aneurysms, and there are also applications relevant to arrhythmia surgery and the treatment of lung cancer.”
Rosann Manzitto with Newell Robinson, M.D., and Richard Shlofmitz, M.D., who treated her at the same time.
In Good Hands Rosann Manzitto has heard of hybrid cars, but never hybrid ORs – until becoming a patient at St. Francis Hospital. The 57-year-old dental hygienist was able to conserve the energy of being shuttled from room to room to undergo two separate cardiac procedures. Thanks to a new high tech operating room, she was able to have both procedures performed in tandem in the same OR. “I felt as though I had double protection, with one physician on each side,” said Rosann, who underwent minimally
Working Side-by-Side Utilizing the hybrid operating room's advanced technology, heart and vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and interventional cardiologists work together as highly efficient medical teams. This provides the maximum level of comfort and safety for patients since treatment is performed in the same operating room, at the same time, by members of the same medical team. The hybrid OR also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among physicians. Because the room is larger than a standard OR, larger teams of physicians and staff can work together with patients and additional equipment can be brought in easily. Unlike the past, where cardiac catheterization labs and cardiac ORs were separate and in different locations, now interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons can work side by side. “This is the kind of innovation that people expect from St. Francis Hospital,” says Richard Shlofmitz, M.D., Chairman of Cardiology. “The most advanced technology and treatments in the most skilled and caring hands.” For a consultation with a St. Francis cardiac surgeon or cardiologist, call 1-888-HEARTNY (1-888-432-7869).
invasive surgery to repair her heart’s mitral valve, and at the same time received a stent to open up a blocked coronary artery. In the past, these procedures would take place in different rooms at different times with separate medical teams. “It saved time and anesthesia,” said Rosann, “and as a patient, I was up for that.”
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Ann Cella, R.N., Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer
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St. Francis Nurses Ranked Among Nation's Best The Hospital earns Magnet designation – again
his past spring, St. Francis Hospital once again received one of the most coveted and prestigious honors a hospital and its nurses can achieve – the Magnet™ designation for excellence in nursing services. Following a rigorous review of nursing services which included clinical outcomes, patient and nurse satisfaction and on-site interviews with a variety of stakeholders, the nursing department received the highly regarded, nationwide recognition for the second time in a row.
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“The redesignation affirms that we are indeed among the elite.”
“The fact that we have received this designation consecutively is because of our sustained commitment to the well-being of our patients,” says Ann Cella, M.A., M.Ed., R.N., NEA-BC, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “It’s a great honor to receive this distinction again and I commend our nurses for their dedication and for always striving to improve patient care.” The Magnet program™ was created and is administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing philosophy and practice, adherence to national standards for improving patient care, and leadership and sensitivity to cultural and ethnic diversity. The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association and is the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. St. Francis Hospital’s Magnet™ status, which includes annual reviews, is valid for four years. St. Francis first received the honor in 2006 and immediately began preparing for redesignation. The Nursing Department provided the ANCC with nursing demographic reports, nurse and patient satisfaction outcomes and nurse sensitive indicator information. After the evaluation period, the ANCC noted that they were impressed with the high level of respect that the nurses have for Ann Cella, the CNO, as well as the leadership that the nurses demonstrated during the opening of the DeMatteis Pavilion in 2008. The Nursing Department also received high marks for their outstanding collaboration with the physicians and other members of the healthcare team. “When we were designated the first time, the nurses were really proud that we were recognized for our excellent nursing care,” says Ann Cella. “But the redesignation affirms that we are indeed among the elite.” The Magnet designation is the latest honor St. Francis has received for nursing excellence. Last October, U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Francis nurses in the top 10 percent of the 155 hospitals it rated the best in the nation.
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Giving Back Meet the Schaefers
The Art of Giving Since ancient times, the healing power of art generous gift, an entry window in the DeMatteis Pavilion lobby was named for them. In 2010, the has been widely recognized and has inspired artists and benefactors alike. Recently, two couple made an additional major pledge to the campaign, naming the mosaic. longtime friends of the Hospital were moved to “We decided on the mosaic because I wanted carry on that tradition at St. Francis. to cheer people up who have to wait at the Installed on the back wall of the Patio Cafe is a beautiful mosaic of a garden and a pergola. Hospital,” says Rosalind. “I figured that the While catching a quick bite to eat, patients, mosaic would give a little source of joy to people and lighten up their mood and spirit. They family members, and staff can admire the intricate pieces of small colored glass and delicate can look at something beautiful that calms marble stone and experience the tranquility the them and brings the outside inside.” picture exudes. The Schaefers have always been philanthropThe mosaic is a gift from Franklyn and Rosalind ic and have donated to several organizations Schaefer, benefactors of the Hospital since 1986. over the years. But St. Francis definitely holds a The Schaefers and their family have been treated special place in their hearts. Rosalind says that St. Francis Hospital donors Rosalind and Franklyn Schaefer (seated) pictured at St. Francis Hospital over the years and praise they would like to focus on supporting the with family and Alan D. Guerci, M.D. (top, second from left). the care they received. The excellent care is the Emergency Room renovation project next. reason they began giving back. “We certainly wanted to be involved in the com“What do I like the most about St. Francis? It has to be the care. You just munity,” says Rosalind. “That’s why we started donating.” always feel so welcome and wanted at the Hospital,” Rosalind says. “Franklyn The couple, who have been married for 60 years and have two children, and I are very pleased with the comfort that St. Francis gives to its patients. made a pledge in 2006 to the capital campaign. In recognition of this very The Hospital is just so different than any other place.”
Letters from the Heart When a Doctor Becomes a Reluctant Patient by Lea Dann, M.D.
It began as an ordinary Monday but by Friday it had become the most extraordinary five days of my life. I attended my water aerobics class but for the first time in a decade, I became quite breathless after just a few minutes of the class. Definitely frightened, I drove home, changed for work (I’m a physician and we rarely call in sick), and began to feel better. After seeing patients, I phoned a nurse in a nearby office who insisted I seek immediate medical attention. So I called Richard Shlofmitz, M.D., at St. Francis Hospital, who I did not know personally, but whose reputation I respected. I told him that over the past six months I felt gradually more winded when lap swimming and more recently toward the end of the water aerobics class. It had progressed to the point that I could barely swim a few laps without panting. In addition, there were several times in the past two months that I had experienced a transient, deep ache in my left arm and hand while swimming. I entertained the possibility that this might be angina but quickly rejected that thought. I experienced no chest pain nor did I have risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. I did not smoke and I walked three miles almost every day, swam, ate a healthy diet, and kept my weight below 110 pounds. I ascribed my arm pain to the cold temperature of the water and bought a rash guard for warmth. I related to Dr. Shlofmitz that my father had died suddenly of a heart attack when
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he was 44 years old. He suggested a stress/echocardiogram test, which I had two days later. Afterward, he advised me to have a cardiac catheterization within a week to evaluate my heart valves and coronary arteries. I said I had an important trip planned for the following week but he advised against it. So I reluctantly had the examination two days later and was informed that if I needed stents an overnight stay would be required. Convinced that I did not have coronary artery disease, all I brought to St. Francis was a book and my cell phone to call my husband to pick me up after the catheterization. I was stunned to find out that I had a 95 percent blockage of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with the rest of my coronaries clear and my heart valves fine. I had no choice but to receive an angioplasty. Afterwards, three stents were inserted to keep the artery open. Miraculously, I dodged a bullet. I was a beneficiary of technological advances never contemplated in my father’s time. Women often don’t experience classic chest pain as a symptom of coronary artery disease, but instead can have shortness of breath, vague arm discomfort, or just fatigue. Women need to be more aware that they are part of the raging epidemic of heart disease that claims 600,000 lives annually. Fortunately, that was not my fate. To my wonderment, my anginal symptoms have dissipated and these days I can swim, work out, and walk without discomfort. My swimming warned me, but Dr. Shlofmitz saved my life. And for that I am forever grateful. Lea Dann, M.D., is a board certified internist and a graduate of Mount Sinai Medical School.
Giving Back A Tribute:
Yen Wu (1933 – 2011) On February 11, 2011, the St. Francis Hospital family lost a wonderful friend and tireless volunteer with the passing of Yen Wu. Yen began volunteering at St. Francis in February of 1986 and quickly became a special presence at the Hospital. She served as co-manager and then manager of the gift shop, and also president of the Guild of St. Francis from 1998 to 1999. She logged 28,000 hours as a volunteer, but according to Barry Baretela, Director of Volunteer Services, she did not always sign in or sign out, working many extra hours out of sheer dedication. Yen is remembered as a gentle person who had the ability to warm anyone’s heart with her big smile and comforting demeanor. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
Remembering Yen “Yen Wu personified the spirit of St. Francis: service to others.” – Alan D. Guerci, President and CEO “The minute you met Yen, you liked her right off the bat. She was just wonderful with the other volunteers. She had a warm personality and always made you feel welcome. She really emphasized what we’re all about at St Francis. The volunteers who knew her a long time, and even those who didn’t, cannot believe she’s gone. They still expect her to be in the gift shop.” – Barry Baretela, Director of Volunteers “We will always remember Yen and we will always miss her. She has gone from our lives but not from our hearts.” – Inge Costa, Volunteer, Guild President (2010-Present) “Yen was a kind and wonderful person who truly understood customer service. She would always ask if there was anything she could stock in the gift shop. She was friendly, warm, and wonderful.” – Kenneth Rubin, M.D., Physician Advisor
Leave a Legacy For Future Generations A bequest helps ensure that St. Francis Hospital will continue to provide world-class medical care for generations to come. Contact our Director of Planned Giving, she is happy to answer any questions that you or your advisors may have about making a gift. Contact: Meryl Cosentino Phone: (516) 705-6652 E-Mail: meryl.cosentino@chsli.org Web: stfrancisheartcenter.com/legacy
Patricia and Domenico Zuzzi
Financial Security Wrapped in a Gift Annuity Earlierr thiss year, Patriciaa andd Domenicoo Zuzzii visitedd St. Franciss Hospital. Happily, theyy didd nott havee anyy urgentt medicall need, butt theyy camee too talk aboutt how w St. Franciss couldd helpp them m achievee theirr long-term m financiall goals. Thee Zuzzi’ss relationshipp withh St. Franciss begann 200 yearss agoo whenn Dom m had a heartt attackk thatt requiredd triple-bypasss surgery. Dom m andd Patt aree eternally gratefull too thee doctorss andd stafff whoo savedd Dom’ss lifee duringg thatt veryy frighteningg time. Dom m recallss thatt thee challengingg partt aboutt recoveringg from m hiss openheartt surgeryy wass nott justt thee physicall pain, butt alsoo worryingg thatt hee wouldn’tt bee ablee too continuee too enjoyy thee activitiess thatt usedd too bee suchh a largee part off hiss life. Luckily, thee Bravee Heartss – a volunteerr supportt groupp forr individualss whoo havee undergonee open-heartt surgeryy att St. Franciss – weree theree to reassuree Dom. Theyy sharedd theirr heartt attackk “warr stories”” withh him, providedd ann outlett forr Dom m too expresss hiss concerns, andd weree a constantt sourcee of camaraderie. Thankss too thatt supportt andd reassurancee – ass welll ass thee worldclasss medicall caree thatt hee receivedd att St. Franciss – Dom m andd Patt stilll enjoyy a busyy lifee andd aree now w activee memberss off thee Bravee Hearts. Givenn theirr trustt off St. Francis, itt camee ass noo surprisee thatt thee Zuzzi’s wouldd relyy onn thee Hospitall whenn itt camee timee too supplementt theirr retirementt income. A simplee flyerr aboutt thee benefitss off a charitablee giftt annuity sparkedd theirr interestt andd afterr exploringg theirr options, Dom m andd Patt decided too sett upp a charitablee giftt annuityy withh St. Francis.Thiss simplee giftt annuityy is now w providingg Dom m andd Patt withh a guaranteedd fixedd stream m off incomee for thee restt off theirr livess andd theyy aree enjoyingg thee benefitss off addedd financial security. “Wee neverr wouldd havee knownn too evenn considerr thesee kindss off giftss without thee helpp off St. Franciss Hospital,”” Patt says. “Thee stafff wass easyy too workk withh and helpedd uss understandd thee processs andd benefitss off a giftt annuity. Itt iss alsoo very satisfyingg too know w thatt wee aree helpingg too ensuree thatt St. Franciss cann provide qualityy healthh caree forr generationss too come.” St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center ®
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Vital Signs The Next Wave in Robotic Surgery New technology will greatly enhance physicians’ capabilities to perform minimally invasive procedures
his year, St. Francis Hospital took another step in acquiring advanced technology to perform minimally invasive surgery. With the goal of reducing patient discomfort and time in the hospital, the new da Vinci Si robotic surgical system will replicate the experience of open surgery by preserving the surgeon’s natural eye-hand-instrument alignment and instrument control. These advancements offer precision and control that enable a minimally invasive approach to many complex surgical procedures. “The surgeon also sits in a very ergonomically comfortable position throughout the surgical procedure,” explains George DeNoto, M.D., Director of General Surgery. “I believe that if a surgeon can see better, use the instruments better, and is more comfortable while performing the surgery, then the patient will benefit as well.” The Si, a refined robot that provides high-definition, 3-D vision with up to 10 times magnification, and Intuitive Motion Technology, is also beneficial in the treatment of cancer surgery, giving laparoscopic surgeons at St. Francis the opportunity to have increased dexterity during minimally invasive surgical procedures in the treatment of pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. St. Francis urologists will be able to expand usage of robotics in the treatment of kidney, adrenal, bladder, and prostate cancers as well. “The role of surgical robotics continues to expand into areas that have
been typically confined to open surgery,” says Gary Gecelter, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Surgery at St. Francis. “With the da Vinci Si our ability to perform complex robotic suturing of internal organs has allowed us to expand this minimally invasive platform into pancreatic and esophageal cancer surgery. This enhances patient recovery and helps ensure that they return to normal life as quickly as possible.” Other procedures that the da Vinci will be able to assist in will include robotic single incision colon surgery, paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair, Nissen fundoplication, Heller myotomy, and cholecystectomy. “Our group at St. Francis, which includes Drs. Gecelter, Eugene Rubach, Michael Giuffrida, and myself, is one of a very few select groups in the country specifically chosen to be the first to utilize the robotic single incision ports and instruments for these applications,” says Dr. DeNoto. “We are excited to bring this technology and the advantages it offers to our patients.” Felix Badillo, M.D., Division Director of Urology, is also excited about the latest version of the robot. Dr. Badillo has been using a da Vinci robotic system for several years and is one of the most experienced surgeons in the region using this technology to perform prostate cancer surgery. “St. Francis Hospital will always be a leader in healthcare and the da Vinci robot continues to keep the Hospital in the forefront of surgical treatments,” he says.
Robotics experts: (l. to r.) Michael Giuffrida, M.D.; Felix Badillo, M.D.; George DeNoto, M.D.; Keith Bloom, M.D.; and Gary Gecelter, M.D. Not pictured: Eugene Rubach, M.D.
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New Study Shows Echocardiograms Can Predict Survival in Aortic Valve Patients
St. Francis Takes Part in Award-Winning Community Outreach Program Sponsored by Catholic Health Services Every Sunday, Catholic Health Services (CHS) of Long Island sends out healthcare providers from member hospitals such as St. Francis to conduct free screenings and primary care at local churches. In 2010 alone, the program reached out to more than 7,000 people who were under or uninsured. In light of this ongoing effort, the Healthcare Association of New York (HANYS) has given CHS its 2011 Community Health Improvement Award. Healthcare professionals from St. Francis are among the 300 volunteers who participate in the program, which provides services to 23 churches and community centers throughout the Island. Their mission is to reach patients in communities that are underserved, financially distressed, and have large undocumented immigrant populations, providing potentially life-saving information in both English and Spanish. “Many times these patients end up in emergency rooms seeking medical attention, rather than getting help sooner, because they have little or no health insurance,” says Sue Palo, R.N., Director of Rehabilitation & Community Services at St. Francis. “By participating in this program, we’re playing a proactive role in reaching people who are in dire need of care.” The screenings include tests for diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and skin and prostate cancer, as well as flu immunizations. According to Luz Puello, the project’s coordinator at CHS, more than 50 percent of patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, have been brought into normal range within 60 days of being screened.
St. Francis Hospital researchers have identified four indicators from echocardiograms that predicted survival rates in elderly patients who suffered from severe aortic stenosis but did not undergo surgical valve replacement. Eddy Barasch, M.D., presented the results of the study at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2011 Scientific Session, where it generated considerable interest and was covered by the professional media. The study examined elderly patients with normal left ventricular function who had symptoms of untreated aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the main outlet valve of the heart. According to Dr. Barasch, the findings can help physicians predict survival rates from surgery vs. medical therapy in patients such as these, based on certain flags raised from their echocardiograms. “Being able to determine which patients would be good candidates for surgery is crucial in treating this chronic condition,” says Dr. Barasch, a leading researcher at St. Francis Hospital. “It will become even more important when minimally invasive devices for valve replacement become more widely available.” “These findings are the end result of years of research in studying patients who have been thought be too ill or elderly to undergo surgery,” says Nathaniel Reichek, M.D., Director of the Cardiac Imaging Program. “It shows that some people who do not undergo surgery would actually benefit from it.” Eddy Barasch, M.D. The results showed that patients who survived without having surgery were younger, had a higher body-mass index, were less likely to have hypertension, kidney problems, diabetes or heart failure, and more likely to have coronary artery disease.
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Vital Signs St. Francis Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Program Recognized Again for Top Volume and Success Rates in New York State Countering nationwide trend, demand for cardiac surgery at St. Francis remains strong
Earlier this year experienced surthe cardiac surgeons at St. Francis gery program at Hospital were also St. Francis individually recogHospital, The nized for having Heart Center® was risk-adjusted morrecognized again tality rates signifiby the New York cantly lower than State Department the statewide averof Health (NYSage: Roberto Experienced hands (l. to r.): Newell Robinson, M.D., leads the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery; Roberto Colangelo, DOH) for having Colangelo, M.D., M.D., and James Taylor, M.D., were recognized for their outstanding success rates. the largest cardiac and James Taylor, surgical caseload in New York State and among the highest sucM.D., Vice Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of cess rates. In its most recently published analysis covering 2006 to Thoracic Aortic Surgery. 2008, the NYSDOH reported that St. Francis surgeons performed “This latest report documents what we have known for some 4,588 cases of isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), time, that our heart surgeons and their open-heart surgical teams set the highest standard in cardiac surgical care and valve surgery, or combined valve/CABG surgery for the three-year treatment,” said Alan D. Guerci, M.D., President and CEO of St. period 2006-08, the most recent years for which data has been Francis Hospital, The Heart Center. “Setting the standard means released. not only achieving a high level of excellence, but also demonRemarkably, the hospital’s total volume of cardiac surgery strating consistent top performance over time. Our surgeons was 50 percent larger than the hospital with the next-largest caseload. St. Francis has consistently had the largest cardiac and their OR teams have done both and are to be congratulated surgical volume in New York State since at least 1992, when the on these outstanding results.” Department of Health began collecting, analyzing and reporting Countering a nationwide trend, St. Francis Hospital also reported cardiac surgical outcomes. increasing demand for its cardiac surgical services. For the fourth The NYSDOH also recognized St. Francis for being one of six hosconsecutive year, the Hospital experienced growth in open heart pitals in the state that had risk-adjusted mortality rates significantsurgical volume, with 1,630 cases performed in 2010, compared to ly below the statewide average. St. Francis has been recognized for 1,597 in 2009. outstanding success rates in cardiac surgery 11 times in the past 15 The 2010 and 2009 open-heart surgical volumes are hospitalreported data; the other outcomes are in the report, Adult Cardiac years that the State has issued reports, more than twice the numSurgery in New York State, 2006-2008, which can be found on the ber of times any other hospital in the metropolitan area has been New York State Department of Health website: recognized. http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/diseases/cardiovascular/. In addition to recognizing the overall program, two of the most
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Staff News St. Francis Hospital’s Stroke Center Receives Gold Plus Achievement Award The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has given St. Francis Hospital its Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award. The prestigious honor recognizes the Hospital’s commitment and success in providing excellent care for stroke patients. The award is the latest nationwide recognition for St. Francis for its neurological expertise. The Hospital has been rated one of the best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report in Neurology and Neurosurgery. St. Francis has also been cited as having one of the lowest mortality rates in the nation for all of its top-rated specialties, including heart and heart surgery. In addition to the award, the Hospital was recognized on the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. The rating is based on the speed in which a stroke victim receives attention upon arrival at the hospital, also known as ‘door-to-needle’ time. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. This highly regarded, national recognition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing aggressive, proven stroke care,” says Alan D. Guerci, M.D., President and CEO. The Get With The Guidelines program emphasizes using the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke. “We implemented these guidelines as part of our ongoing focus on enhancing the quality of stroke care. The number of stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” says Paul Wright, M.D., Director of the Stroke Center. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every three minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
St. Francis Researcher Wins Prestigious Medical Award Nathaniel Reichek, M.D., Director of Research and the Cardiac Imaging Program, has been selected by the Medical Society of the State of New York as the 2011 recipient of the Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award. This national award, endowed by the late Morris Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in 1940, is given to a physician or scientist who has made a significant contribution in medicine, surgery, or disease prevention during the previous calendar year. Dr. Reichek and Eddy Barasch, M.D., Director of Academic Programs in Echocardiography (r.), were both appointed to the Cardiovascular Imaging Editorial Board of the journal Circulation Imaging earlier this year. Dr. Reichek was also reappointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Robert Alan Kates, M.D., has been appointed Chairman of Anesthesiology at St. Francis Hospital. Dr. Kates served most recently as the Vice Chairman of the Department and has been an attending anesthesiologist at St. Francis since 1986. He is also the Coordinator of the Department’s Performance Improvement Program and a Representative to the Credentials Committee.
Carolyn Birnbaum, M.D., D.A.B.R., has been named the new Director of Women’s Imaging Services for the Women’s Center of St. Francis Hospital. Prior to joining St. Francis as a Radiologist in 2008, Dr. Birnbaum was the Associate Physician-in-Charge of Women’s Imaging at North Shore University Hospital.
George DeNoto III, M.D., FACS, has been appointed Director of General Surgery. Dr. DeNoto joins the practice of Gary Gecelter, M.D., and Eugene Rubach, M.D., to perform General and Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery. He previously served as Chief of the Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Director of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship
Patricia E. Daye has been named Vice President of Ambulatory Services at St. Francis Hospital. Daye will be responsible for overseeing the operations of physician practices as they join St. Francis. She will also supervise the Hospital’s satellite facilities including the DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education in Greenvale, South Bay Cardiovascular in West Islip, and the soon-to-be opened Bishop McHugh Health Center in Hicksville.
Sherry J. Friedman, the Vice President for Development and Public Affairs, has been named Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the Long Island Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Friedman, a professional fundraiser for 20 years, was recognized for exemplifying the association’s philosophy through “ethical, innovative, and dynamic professionalism.”
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St. Francis Hospital The Heart Center ®
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MarkYourCalendar St. Francis Hospital Events
Thursday, May 3 The Guild of St. Francis Hospital’s Annual Spring Luncheon Extravaganza Americana Manhasset will be sponsoring this popular annual event.
Monday, June 4 St. Francis Hospital’s 38th Annual Golf Classic at Meadow Brook Club, The Creek and Nassau Country Club Individuals and foursomes are welcome. Golf reservations will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. For more information or tickets, call (516) 705-6655