ECHO
December 2017 Vol. 19 Issue 11
STORIES AND NEWS FROM THE HSS FAMILY
HSS Recognizes High School Student for Having the “Heart of a Giant”
S
abastian Quinn might only be in high
I
school, but he has already faced enough
hardship to last a lifetime. Diagnosed with
Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, at a young age, Sabastian
and adoption. Less than 5 percent of hospitals
twice. Despite this, he has remained positive,
in the US and less than 1 percent of hospitals
focused and hardworking, and continues to serve
worldwide are awarded Stage 7. In fact, HSS
as an inspiration to his family members, friends,
is now one of only seven hospitals in all of
teachers and teammates on the Mendham High
New York to have received the designation.
School football team. Jason Pierre-Paul, Sabastian Quinn, Mendham head football coach Brett Ressler and Dr. Samuel Taylor at the award ceremony
Football Heart of a Giant award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York
Sabastian was honored at a surprise celebration
Giants. The award recognizes a tri-state area
at Mendham High School on December 12, where
high school football player who demonstrates
he was presented with the award and a $5,000
unparalleled work ethic and a passion for the
grant for his school’s football program. He was
game with characteristics like commitment,
also honored on the field during the New York
character, teamwork, dedication and will.
Giants game on December 17.
Local high school football coaches were given
During the award ceremony, Samuel Taylor, MD,
the opportunity to nominate a player from their
Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon and
team who best embodies what it means to have
Associate Team Physician for the New York Giants,
the “Heart of a Giant.” Six finalists were then
spoke to those in attendance about the Heart of
selected and asked to submit a video showing why
a Giant program and its importance to HSS, as well
they should be named the winner. Sabastian’s entry
as why Sabastian was such a deserving winner.
was chosen because it demonstrated his passion
“When Sabastian Quinn was faced with a life-altering
and drive and showcased how he motivates those
diagnosis of cancer, he found himself stepping to a
around him to become better and to persevere.
new line of scrimmage, against an intimidating and
“Football helped me through the fight because
strong opponent,” he said. “Never to be told no,
it really just helped me hold onto something,” said
he battled and overcame his disease supported by
Sabastian in his entry video. “It gave me something
family and friends, and along the way inspired his
to fight for because I knew in the end I was going to
teammates and community.”
do something and I wasn’t just going to be sitting at
Dr. Taylor then introduced a surprise guest,
home after all this was over. I was going to be out
New York Giants player and Heart of a Giant
and kind of like just any normal kid.”
Ambassador Jason Pierre-Paul, to present the trophy to Sabastian. He spoke about Sabastian’s
“
will to fight and defy the odds, as well as his own experience with overcoming adversity.
When Sabastian Quinn was
faced with a life-altering diagnosis
Finally, Sabastian addressed the crowd, thanking HSS, the Giants and USA Football for honoring him with the award. He was cheered on by everyone in
of cancer, he found himself stepping
attendance, including his teammates, classmates,
to a new line of scrimmage, against
teachers and more than 15 members of his family.
an intimidating and strong opponent.”
prestigious HIMSS Stage 7 inpatient certification by HIMSS Analytics, a trusted
promotes information technology standards
transplant, overcoming this rare form of cancer
was selected as the recipient of the 2017 USA
n November, HSS was awarded the
healthcare research and advisory firm that
has undergone chemotherapy and a bone marrow
For all of these reasons and more, Sabastian
HSS Achieves a ‘Paperless’ Environment
Congratulations to Sabastian on this incredible honor and to all six finalists for showing us what it truly means to have the “Heart of a Giant”!
HIMSS evaluates organizations on their adoption and utilization of electronic medical record (EMR) functions using an eight-stage model, the lowest being Stage 0 and the highest being Stage 7. The Stage 7 recognition designates a ‘paperless’ environment for clinical care and is awarded after an onsite visit. Surveyors from HIMSS visited multiple areas throughout HSS in early November and listened to case study presentations that described how we use our EMR, Epic. “HSS is extremely proud of the HIMSS Stage 7 recognition,” said Jamie Nelson, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. “It validates our culture of excellence and mission to provide the highest quality of patient care.” “Implementing Epic was just the beginning. The strong partnership between clinical leadership and IT has fostered the recognition of Epic as a clinical tool versus an IT tool. We look forward to utilizing the EMR to its fullest potential as we continue on our digital journey to innovative patient care.”
CONTINUED on page 2
Inside
3 4 5 6
Culture of Safety Day
HSS Hosts Surgeons From Greece Holiday Celebration at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion HSS Hosts Benefit to Support Pediatrics