June 16, 2022 | Volume 5 | Issue 12
Top Stories
Advances Continue in Excela Health Heart Program
Excela Health Among First in Nation to Use Innovative Technology to Identify Lung Cancer
Music Therapy Group Exercise
Christmas in July Event Benefits Hospice
Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Golf Outing
In Every Edition Kudos & Recognition, Page 5 New Faces, Page 6
Excela Health marks another milestone in the evolution of its structural heart program as clinicians surpass 1,000 heart surgeries this month. This benchmark was reached in just three years through the clinical expertise and technology added in 2019 to deepen the complexity of care available within the health system’s open-heart surgery program begun more than 25 years ago. “The mission of the Excela Health cardiovascular program is to provide advanced, highly sophisticated care across a wide spectrum of conditions with the highest clinical quality and the best patient experience,” affirmed Dr. Culig. “Patients can have confidence that they are evaluated and treated expeditiously and followed carefully to ensure the best possible outcome based on their health needs.”
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Excela Health Among First in Nation to Use Innovative Technology to Identify Lung Cancer A new innovation that holds promise in the fight against lung cancer is now in use at Excela Latrobe Hospital. A first-of-its-kind robotic technology, Auris Health’s MONARCH™ Platform will aid Excela thoracic surgeons in viewing hard-to-reach areas of the lungs and obtaining a tissue sample for biopsy of lung nodules, thus leading to earlier and more-accurate diagnosis of lung cancer. "Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms in its early stages. Because the MONARCH® Platform provides improved reach, vision and control for bronchoscopic procedures, it holds potential to help us to make a diagnosis earlier,” said thoracic surgeon Michael Szwerc, MD, Medical Director of the Center for Lung, Esophageal and Thoracic Disorders at Excela Health. “We are excited about the promise of this technology to offer a more hopeful future for our patients with lung cancer.” “Through the Advanced Lung Center cancer screening program at Excela, we have performed more than 15,000 low dose CT scans in an effort to identify patients who are high risk for developing lung cancer. With the addition of MONARCH, we now have another valuable diagnostic tool to help identify those patients who have early-stage lung cancer,” added Dr. Szwerc. Dr. Michael Szwerc, Medical Director of the Center for Lung, Esophageal and Thoracic Disorders at Excela Health was recently recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly. Castle Connolly Top Doctors is a healthcare research company and the official source for Top Doctors for the past 25 years. Dr. Szwerc was recognized publicly in Pittsburgh Magazine, which showcases the Castle Connolly regional listings annually.
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June 16, 2022 | Volume 5 | Issue 12
Music Therapy Group Exercise Excela Health has recently been awarded a grant by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) to conduct a Music Therapy program. Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment that can address a variety of healthcare and educational goals. Music therapy may be beneficial to many individuals. It can help with memory, lower blood pressure, improve coping, reduce stress and more. Learn more by visiting the Well-Being Center Intranet page.
Occupational Medicine Open House Occupational Medicine recently celebrated the grand opening of their new office located at 443 Frye Farm Road, Upper Level in Greensburg.
Excela Health Employee Accepted into Leadership Westmoreland Michael Sekhon, Pharmacy Director, was recently accepted into the Leadership Westmoreland program. Leadership Westmoreland is a 9-month program that is designed to foster the development and growth of community leaders and enhance creative leadership skills for future Westmoreland County Leaders. In monthly full-day sessions that include site visits and dialogue with key decision makers, participants will learn how the county operates, acquire insight into the decision-making process and gain access to vital resources. Participants immerse themselves in community projects, working in teams to study challenging issues and develop real-world solutions. Excela Health is proud of Michael for taking part in this important program.
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Christmas in July Event Benefits Hospice The weather outside is delightful as will be the holiday festivities when Rizzo’s Malabar Inn, Crabtree, hosts Christmas in July 6 p.m., Thursday, July 14 in its banquet facilities to benefit Excela Health Hospice.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by contacting Excela Health Hospice, 501 West Otterman Street, 724-689-1800. Make checks payable to Excela Health Hospice. Reservation deadline July 1. To learn more, click here.
Dr. Carol Fox Recognized as One of 20 People to Know in Health Care As chief medical officer for Excela Health, Dr. Carol Fox has oversight for quality, patient safety, regulatory matters, and infection prevention and control. In addition to her responsibilities at Excela, she is part of the Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officers Consortium, which includes the top medical officers of 12 major regional health systems and providers.
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Community Liver Alliance DeLIVERing Hope Dr. Rupam Sharan, Excela Health Gastroenterologist, invites Excela Health employees to support the Community Liver Alliance. The Community Liver Alliance’s new awareness campaign DeLIVERing Hope is a flower sale that provides an opportunity for employees to receive a vibrant bouquet of Sunflowers for a $20 donation. The funds raised are invested right back into the community through education, support services and life-saving research. Order your flowers by June 30 and your bunches will be available for pick up at Excela Square at Norwin or Excela Square at Latrobe on July 29, from 5 to 7 pm. in the parking lot!
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June 16, 2022 | Volume 5 | Issue 12
21st Annual Freedom 5K for Heart Join Dr. Larry DeNino, Excela Health Cardiologist, for the 21st Annual Freedom 5K for Heart. The 5K will take place on July 4, 2022 at Lynch Field. Virtual running is also available for those who can't come in person. The dollars raised from the Freedom 5K will help the American Heart Association to save lives from heart disease and stroke…. today, tomorrow and for years to come.
Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Golf Outing The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Second Annual Golf Outing will take place on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Glengarry Golf Links. Your participation helps support the ongoing philanthropic endeavors of Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society.
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Kudos & Recognition Dr. Syed Haider & Excela Latrobe Hospital Staff “We feel compelled to let you know about the truly excellent care my mom received as a recent patient at Excela Latrobe Hospital. Everyone from the ER to the ICU to the 5th Floor (especially her nurse Michelle) were kind and compassionate. Most outstanding was a member of your staff Dr. Syed Haider. It was his unfortunate task to deliver a totally unexpected and devastating diagnosis which he did with honesty, tact and answers to all our questions. But it was the days following that really showed his willingness to go above and beyond the normal care from a physician. He stopped every day to see Mom and offer her encouragement, support and advice. Thank you.” Feedback National Safety Month | National Cancer Survivors Day, 6/5 | CNA Week, 6/6 to 6/12 | National Metabolic and Bariatric Nurses Day, 6/10 | Men’s Health Week, 6/15 to 6/21 | National Nursing Assistant Week, 6/17 to 6/24 | Health Risk Management Week, 6/21 to 6/25
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New Faces: Welcome to Excela Health Frick Hospital
Food and Nutrition Services Brianna Benedict, Nutrition Services Specialist Imaging Services Brooke Bertovich, Ultrasound Technologist Laboratory Services Amber Sisler, Phlebotomist Respiratory Care Services Jessica Ruggiero, Certified Respiratory Therapist
Latrobe Hospital
Environmental Services Emily Pierce, Environmental Services Technician Nursing Pool Hayley McAfoos, Technical Partner Respiratory Care Services Tanier King, Certified Respiratory Therapist
Westmoreland Hospital
Echocardiology Stephanie Best, Echocardiographer Theodore Krigbaum, Echocardiographer Family Additions Maternity Center Corrin Moose, Graduate Nurse Food and Nutrition Services Gillian Bierhals, Nutrition Services Specialist Human Resources Andria Crawford, Benefits Specialist Imaging Services Mari Terese Rauenswinder, Radiology Technologist Laboratory Services Samantha Custer, Histology Technician Shelia Mathew, Phlebotomist Nursing Pool Abigail Hagan, Technical Partner Lydia Queen, Patient Safety Associate Outpatient Therapy Kyle Haas, Physical Therapist Mckenzie Huntebrinker, Rehabilitation Technician Patient Transport Emma Knowles, Patient Transporter Derek Lust, Patient Transporter PCU 2D Sydney Jones, Technical Partner
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Excela Health Medical Group
Advanced Pain Center Frick Lin Winona Lu Huey, Patient Services Associate Cardiology Greensburg Mya Eaglehouse, Patient Services Associate Ear, Nose Throat (ENT) Christine Grosely, Office Supervisor Family Medicine Delmont Family Medicine Amanda Ickes, Patient Services Associate Weldon Family Medicine Kayla Mitchell, RN General Surgery Women’s Health Patricia Bunyak, Patient Services Associate Internal Medicine Youngwood Desiree Sherin, Certified Medical Assistant Women’s Health & Wellness Institute Delilah Ressler, LPN