HSS ECHO - May 2018

ECHO

May 2018 Vol. 20 Issue 5

STORIES AND NEWS FROM THE HSS FAMILY

Recognizing the Extraordinary Work of our Nurses

Dr. Michael Parks Inducted as OREF President

I

H

n March, Michael L. Parks, MD, Vice Chair for

SS nurses are the best in the world at what they do and are crucial to the success of our

Quality and Clinical Director of Orthopedic Surgery,

organization. To honor and thank our nursing

was inducted as president of the Orthopaedic

colleagues at HSS, we joined in the celebration of National Nurses Week from May 6-12 with several different events. The theme of this year’s week was “Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.”

Research and Education Foundation (OREF) at the

The Nursing Leadership Panel

OREF Board of Trustees Meeting in New Orleans.

Dr. Parks will serve a two-year term in this position.

“It’s important that you find something you are

On May 7, we held a Nursing Leadership Panel,

most happy with and pursue it,” said Ann. “Try to

which showcased the journey of some of our nursing

find something you really appreciate and love and

leaders. Panelists included Stephanie Goldberg,

you will succeed.”

SVP, Patient Care Services, and Chief Nursing

“As nurses grow and develop, the profession grows

Officer; Ann LoBasso, VP of Nursing Operations;

and develops and the patients get better care,”

Ron Perez, VP of Perioperative Operations; Patricia

added Ron.

Quinlan, AVP and Chief Learning Officer; Eileen

On May 8, the first ever Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Finerty, AVP, Infection Control and Occupational

Reception took place to recognize our dedicated and

Health Services; and Ingrid Herrera-Capoziello,

hardworking PCAs. The PCAs at HSS work with

Coordinator, Clinical Education.

patients under the supervision of physicians and

Each panelist shared stories of his or her journey

nurses and play an important role in our world-class

Dr. Michael Parks with Dr. David G. Lewallen, OREF Past President, and Dr. John J. Callaghan, a past president and trustee

in the nursing profession and how they became

patient care. The relationship between the PCA and

The mission of OREF is to improve lives by supporting

the leaders they are today. Although their journeys

the nurse is extremely important, as successful

excellence in orthopedic research. Since its founding

were all different, the end results were the same –

teamwork helps to keep the patient safe.

in 1955, OREF has awarded more than 4,700 grants,

they each found a fulfilling career as a leader in

The event started with an interactive education

providing more than $146 million in support of

the field of nursing. They also encouraged those

session on falls led by Doreen Johnson, MSN, RN,

orthopedic research. It is led by a Board of Trustees

in attendance to consider leadership positions and

ONC, Nurse Educator, and Jon Cinkay, PT,

made up of orthopedic surgeons across the country

to always strive to achieve even greater heights,

Coordinator of the Body Mechanics Program.

and key members of the business community.

sharing some advice and knowledge they have

Doreen discussed reasons why patients fall, how

“OREF is the leading grant resource for new

gathered along their journeys.

to prevent falls and what to do if a fall does occur.

investigators by providing important financial

“Never take anything because it is easy,” said

Following, Jon demonstrated the Viking lift, which

support necessary to provide a foundation for their

Stephanie. “A significant attribute of a good leader

can be used to lift patients off the ground when

careers,” said Dr. Parks. “I am honored to lead this

is taking on challenging situations and making

they do fall. Using a lift is safe for both patients

organization as it continues to support research

them better.”

and HSS family members assisting them.

to improve function, eliminate pain and restore

CONTINUED on page 2

mobility, thereby making life better for all patients.”

As OREF president, Dr. Parks will serve as the principal executive officer and will supervise and control the business and affairs of the Foundation.

He will preside over meetings of the Board of Trustees and perform all duties incident to the office of Board President. Prior to his induction as president, Dr. Parks served as co-chair of the OREF James R. Urbaniak, MD Mentor Campaign, which raised money to fund research in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies.

Inside

Winners of the Nursing Excellence Awards

2 3

Outstanding Patient Experience Recognized

by Healthgrades Dr. Liguori and Mary Hargett Honored

by ASRA

Outstanding Patient Experience Recognized by Healthgrades

O

ur patients are our number one priority at

HSS. Each member of the HSS family does everything

possible to make sure patients are not only receiving the best care, but also the best overall patient experience. We have been recognized for these efforts by our patients themselves, as well

Recognizing the Extraordinary Work of our Nurses CONTINUED FROM COVER Following the presentation, five PCAs were

the organization, and a video from Todd Albert, MD,

presented with Patient Care Recognition Awards

Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director, thanking all

for their demonstration of excellence in patient

of our nurses for their hard work and dedication to

care. The award winners were selected by their

our patients.

colleagues. A nurse from each winner’s respective

Stephanie congratulated our 62 nurses who became

unit shared kind words about the PCA and presented

board certified or recertified since January 2017. She

him or her with the award. After the ceremony, a

then presented the Friend of Nursing Award to Lenny

reception was held for the winners. The Spiritual

Bonanno, Director of Housekeeping, to thank him for

Care Department was present to lead a blessing of

his support of nurses over the years. Finally, she

the hands ceremony for members of the HSS family.

presented 18 deserving nurses with the Nursing

On May 9, the annual Nursing Excellence Awards

Excellence Awards.

Ceremony took place. The event included a welcome

Thank you to all of the nursing staff at HSS for the

by Stephanie, a presentation on LifeWings by

extraordinary care you provide to our patients

Colonel Korky Von Kessel, Senior Vice President of

each and every day!

as by several outside organizations.

Recently, HSS was named a recipient of the

Congratulations to the award winners during National Nurses Week!

Healthgrades® 2018 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. This marks the fourth consecutive year we

PCA Awards

Zach Dolkart, RN

Alexandra McGraw, RN, CCRN

have received this distinction, which places us

Alex Alvarez

Agnes Fajutagana, RN, CNOR

Kara Naus, RN, ONC

Carmen Cabrera

Priscila Freeman, RN

Ryan Racuya, RN

Desa Handley

Adero Gaudin, RN

Julia Rauch, RN, ONC

patients,” said Lou Shapiro, President and CEO.

Milandro Milano

Claudia Gomez, RN, ONC, TNCC

Penelope Sukal, RN

“Without our excellent patient care, HSS would not

Dave Sousa

Michelle Gomez, RN

Rebecca Weinstein, RN

be the leading organization that it is today.”

Nursing Excellence Awards

Heonjung Kim, RN, CNOR

Renee Wilson, RN, CCM

Healthgrades is a quality ratings organization and

Danielle Bianchino, RN, ONC

Stephanie Klingele, RN

Joanne Croke, RN

Amanda Marino, RN

among the top 5 percent of hospitals nationwide.

“This recognition is a testament to our focus on providing the best care possible to all of our

the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. They evaluated 3,478 hospitals that submitted at least 100 HCAHPS patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), covering admissions from April 2016 through March 2017 to identify hospital performance in the area of patient experience.

The patient experience surveys focused on the care and services patients received at HSS. They measured patient satisfaction with metrics such as cleanliness of our environment, communication about medications and the willingness to recommend HSS to friends or family, among others.

Patients Thank HSS During National Patient Experience Week

F

rom April 23-27, HSS celebrated National Patient Experience Week, a week to recognize and celebrate healthcare professionals who

enrich the overall patient experience. At HSS, that

The staff, nurses and doctors at HSS are all

includes every member of the HSS family, as we all

outstanding. From check-in to discharge

Thank you to all members of the HSS family for

contribute to providing the best possible experience

everything was great, as usual.

making this possible through your contributions

for our patients, from the moment they first make

and dedication to HSS!

contact with us, whether it is over the phone, via the web or in person at any of our locations.

Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO

To celebrate the week, cards were created to hand to patients thanking them for choosing HSS for their care. Patients were also invited to share their experience with us or recognize a staff member who

Access “Making Rounds” at www.hssmakingrounds.com to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments.

– Lou Shapiro • Representing Team HSS

positively contributed to their journey at HSS. We received many responses from patients and family members who were appreciative of the care and treatment they received.

Thank you to every member of the staff.

They all have a smile on their faces and go out of their way to help. They are well trained and at the top of the class.

It makes the hospital stay so pleasant.

Thank you everyone!

This is my husband’s second surgery with your hospital. Our first experience on all levels was exemplary. We also highly recommended it to one of our friends in NJ.

Providing an outstanding patient experience is one of the most important things we can do as an

HSS provides superior patient care. Everyone

organization, and it is clearly recognized by our

treats patients and family with care, respect,

patients and visitors. Thank you to every member

warmth and attention. Every effort is made to

• Move Mountains

of the HSS family who goes above and beyond to

keep the patient informed and comfortable.

• First Impression

ensure that our patient experience is second to none!

• Educating Female Leaders of Tomorrow • Celebrating You

2

What our patients are saying…

Dr. Liguori and Mary Hargett Honored by ASRA

G

regory A. Liguori, MD, Anesthesiologist-in-

Chief, has made extraordinary contributions

to the teaching and practice of regional

anesthesia. Because of this, he was selected to receive the 2018 Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA). The award was presented on April 19 at the 2018 World Congress on Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine in New York City.

“It is among the greatest honors of my life to receive

Dr. Liguori with Asokumar Buvanendran, MD, President of ASRA

Mary Hargett with Stavros Memtsoudis, MD, PhD, Attending Anesthesiologist, who introduced Mary and Dr. Liguori at the event, and Asokumar Buvanendran, MD, President of ASRA

I have admired,” said Dr. Liguori. “I have dedicated

Dr. Liguori also works to develop and enhance fellow

“I am honored to receive this recognition from ASRA,”

my career to expanding the use of regional anesthesia

and resident skills at HSS utilizing cutting-edge

said Mary. “This Society has always been very

in orthopedics to enhance quality patient care and

educational technology including the expansion and

welcoming to me, and I have enjoyed collaborating

training future leaders in the field.”

growth of ultrasound-guided regional techniques,

on events and projects to improve the educational

this award, and I am humbled to be included among the ranks of so many leaders in ASRA whose careers

a regional-focused simulator program and a novel

experience for fellows and residents. I am also

cadaver lab curriculum.

deeply grateful to the Regional Anesthesiology and

practice here at HSS. Under his leadership, more

During Dr. Liguori’s tenure as Chief, the Department

Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship Directors Group –

than 85 percent of procedures are performed with

of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management

past and present members – who have been so

regional anesthesia, and more than 98 percent of

at HSS has grown from 25 anesthesiologists to more

supportive of my efforts.”

joint replacements are performed utilizing neuraxial

than 70 anesthesiologists and pain management

Mary is an author on all three versions of the Regional

techniques. These anesthetic methods have been

specialists, all while improving overall patient

Anesthesiology Fellowship guidelines, as well as

proven to result in a lower incidence of medical and

satisfaction scores.

several additional peer-reviewed articles, many of

surgical complications, as well as lower opioid use

In addition to Dr. Liguori’s award, Mary Hargett,

which focus on education and training. She has

in the peri-operative period.

Director of Education and Clinical Initiatives for the

served as the administrator for the North American

In addition, Dr. Liguori has played an integral role in

Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain

Fellowship Directors’ Group, a voluntary group of

expanding education programs at HSS, including the

Management, received the Distinguished Service

more than 70 fellowship programs, since its inception

Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine

Award-Special Recognition at the 2018 World

in 2002. She has also been the administrative leader

Fellowship. Since its inception in 1987, more than 130

Congress for her vital contributions to ASRA’s educa-

for the HSS Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain

regional anesthesiologists have graduated. While at

tional mission. Mary, who has been a member of the

Medicine Fellowship Program, as well as all of the

HSS, fellows are exposed to a high volume of regional

HSS family since 1988, was recognized for her endless

HSS-affiliated anesthesiology residency rotations

anesthetics in orthopedics, and some of these

energy, enthusiasm and organizational efforts in

since 1995.

physicians have gone on to serve as leaders and

support of fellow and resident events and activities

Congratulations to Dr. Liguori and Mary on these

directors at major hospitals.

at the ASRA spring and fall meetings. This is the first

well-deserved recognitions!

Dr. Liguori, who has been a member of ASRA for 27 years, has contributed greatly to the anesthesia

time that ASRA has bestowed this special award.

HSS Board of Trustees Welcomes New Co-Chairs

I

n late April, HSS hosted the Annual Meeting

Bob, a Partner and CEO of Perella Weinberg

of the Board of Trustees. During the meeting,

Partners, an independent global advisory and asset

members of the Board and HSS leadership are

management firm, has been a member of the Board

given the opportunity to report on and discuss the

since 2009. He has served as Co-Chair of the Finance

accomplishments of the prior year, as well as plans

Committee and is a member of several other Board

for the year ahead. This year’s meeting also

committees. He previously served as Deputy Mayor

represented an important change at HSS, as Ken

for Economic Development for The City of New York

Wilson officially transitioned his role of Board Chair

in the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

to Tom Lister and Bob Steel as Co-Chairs of the

Bob is Chairman Emeritus of the Aspen Institute’s

HSS Board of Trustees.

Ken, who has been a member of the HSS Board for more than 20 years, served as Board Chair from 2013-2018. Under Ken’s leadership, HSS has thrived in a changing healthcare environment, sustained our leadership in musculoskeletal health and guided the direction for the path that will set us up for continued success. Ken, who is Senior Advisor at the global investment management corporation BlackRock, Inc., will continue to serve on the HSS Board and remain active as a Chairman Emeritus.

As new Co-Chairs of the HSS Board, Tom and Bob bring a wealth of experience to our organization.

Tom Lister, Ken Wilson and Bob Steel at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees

An HSS Trustee since 2011, Tom served as Vice Chair of the Board and as Chair of the Audit Committee, and is currently a member of multiple Board Committees.

He brings to HSS his knowledge and experience as Co-Managing Partner of the international private equity firm Permira, based in London, New York and Frankfurt. At Permira, he serves on the Investment Committee and Executive Committee and is responsible for the firm’s fundraising efforts.

Board of Trustees and has also served as Chairman of Duke University’s Board of Trustees and the Duke University Health System.

“The entire HSS family thanks Ken Wilson for his trusted leadership over the years, and looks forward to his continued leadership as an active member of our Board.” said Lou Shapiro, President and CEO. “We are also happy to welcome Tom Lister and Bob Steel as leaders in their new roles, bringing their experience as accomplished leaders of their own institutions and their experience serving on and leading other Boards.”

Prior to joining Permira in 2005, Tom was a Partner

Thank you Ken, Tom and Bob for your commitment

at Forstmann Little & Co private equity firm.

to HSS!

3

Female Leaders at HSS Encourage Young Women to Follow in Their Footsteps

O

n April 21, HSS teamed up with longtime

corrections, reconstruct ACLs and PCLs, reduce

not have otherwise considered,” said Jennifer. “It is

partner The Perry Initiative to host a

displaced ankle fractures with plates and screws,

important that we encourage women to join these

hands-on workshop aimed to inspire and

and straighten broken femurs. In addition,

professions, and teaching them at a young age is a

encourage young women to consider careers in

Suzanne Maher, PhD, Senior Scientist in the

great way to do that.”

orthopedic surgery and engineering. Local high

Department of Biomechanics, and Moira McCarthy, MD, Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon,

“I was so proud of the young women who attended

school students attended the day-long program at HSS where they were given the chance to realize

inspired the girls with stories of their paths to

potential and were excited to learn about being

their potential and learn to be leaders.

becoming successful professionals in their

leaders in orthopedic surgery and engineering,”

Led by Jennifer Hammann-Scala, CST, Manager

respective fields.

added Dr. Doyle. “I hope they will take what they

of the HSS Bioskills Education Lab, and Shevaun

“We were so pleased to be partnering with The Perry

learned during this experience and continue to serve as leaders moving forward.”

Mackie Doyle, MD, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon,

Initiative again to provide these young women with

the students learned how to perform scoliosis

the opportunity to learn about careers they might

Jennifer Hammann-Scala assisted the students with suturing pigs feet.

Dr. Kristi Wood, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellow, demonstrated the intricate workings of the human spine.

the workshop because they recognized their

Dr. Doyle showed the students how to perform a femoral osteotomy.

About The Perry Initiative The Perry Initiative is committed to inspiring young women to be leaders in the fields of orthopedic surgery and engineering by running hands-on outreach programs across the country for female students in high school, college and medical school.

According to The Perry Initiative, women make up only 6.1 percent of fully accredited practicing orthopedic surgeons, and only 12.4 percent of faculty members at engineering schools are women.

The organization, which was founded in 2009, is named after Dr. Jacquelin Perry, who was one of the first 10 female orthopedic surgeons in the country and served as a mentor to countless women and men in the field throughout her career.

Members of the HSS family spoke to the 17 students participating in the event about pursuing careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering.

Celebrating Myositis Awareness Month

O 4

n May 5, HSS celebrated Myositis

a group discussion where members of the Myositis

“This annual event is so important for our patients

Awareness Month with an annual event

Support Group shared stories of their everyday lives

with myositis, as well as their families and support

to help raise awareness for the rare

living with the disease.

systems, as it gives them a chance to connect with

autoimmune disease. Members of the HSS Myositis

To conclude the event, David Fernandez, MD, PhD,

one another and learn more about the condition,”

Support Group gathered together for the event,

Assistant Attending Physician and Medical Advisor

said Suzan Fischbein, LCSW, Coordinator of the

which took place in the Richard L. Menschel

of the HSS Myositis Support Group, presented on

Myositis Support Group and organizer of the event.

Education Center at HSS.

the latest research and treatments in myositis.

“HSS is a trusted resource for our patients, and

The event began with yoga and meditation focused

He shared that there is a growing body of research

opportunities like this make such a difference in

on mind-body practices for people with medical

in myositis, which was of great interest to those

their lives.”

challenges. Following were light refreshments and

in attendance.

Lerner Children’s Pavilion Adaptive Sports Academy Hosts Sports Skills Day

O

n April 15, the Lerner Children’s Pavilion

Saleana Negron, Child Life Program Assistant; and

Adaptive Sports Academy once again

Peyton Katz, CCLS, Pediatric Patient and Family

provided an unforgettable experience for

Care Coordinator, attended the event to support and

pediatric patients with a sports skills day at

cheer on the children.

Fastbreak Sports. Thirteen children with cerebral

“Each child was able to walk away saying they tried

palsy and other conditions that affect body

something he or she had never done before, learned

movement, muscle control, posture and balance

a new skill and, most importantly, had fun,” said Lisa

participated in the event, which focused on

Ipp, MD, Chief of Pediatric Medicine. “We hope this

basketball, soccer and softball skills training.

experience inspires the kids to continue practicing

Coaches from Fastbreak Sports, along with help

and developing their newfound skills and, more

from NY Knicks alum Larry Johnson and members

broadly, to always be willing to try new, seemingly

of the Red Bulls Street Team, provided instruction

challenging things in life.”

to participants. HSS family members Theresa

A special thank you to Pediatric Council Member

Chiaia, PT, DPT, Section Manager, Sports Medicine PT; Michelle Yang, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist;

Kimberly Klimczak for coordinating the event and to Fastbreak for sponsoring the sports clinic!

New Medical Staff Weijia Yuan, MD Weijia Yuan, MD, is an Assistant Attending Rheumatologist at HSS. She treats patients with all rheumatic conditions, including those in the pre-disease stage, often focusing on prevention.

Dr. Yuan received her medical degree from Shanghai Second Medical University in China. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Renji Hospital and New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and pursued her specialty in rheumatology as a fellow at HSS. Before returning here, she worked in private practice in Brooklyn and at Weill Cornell Medicine Practice at Brooklyn Heights and lower Manhattan.

Through her practice of rheumatology, Dr. Yuan has come to understand that lifestyle changes are powerful, yet often overlooked. She discusses lifestyle modifications with all of her patients with the belief that focusing on the body as a whole will help address the root cause of autoimmunity.

5

Back in the Game

H

SS’s online patient forum – Back in the Game – now has more than 1,900 patient stories!

The postings share how HSS helped patients

get “back in the game.” Every month we will include one of the stories that highlights the extraordinary care members of the HSS family provide.

Read how HSS helped Tiffani Francisco of New York, NY get back in the game.

I LOVE HSS! I tore my ACL and MCL while skiing a back bowl in Alta. Fortunately, it happened at the end

Department of Radiology and Imaging Installs Brand New MRI Unit

A

tools, technology and equipment and making

imaging sequences”

updates when necessary.

said Hollis Potter, MD,

Recently, the Department of Radiology and Imaging

Chairman of the

took down the longest-running MRI unit at HSS

Department of

that was still scanning patients, a Signa 1.5T,

Radiology and Imaging.

S3 platform unit. This was the very first magnet

“We are excited for

installed at HSS in January 1990 and was used to

this new technology,

scan our first MRI patient.

which will go a long

t HSS, we are constantly looking for ways to

HSS well, providing the

make our already world-class patient care

hardware for our first

even better. This includes evaluating our

cartilage-sensitive

of the trip. I first met

We are replacing the unit with a brand new, state-

with Dr. Leali for the

of-the-art 1.5T Artist magnet with integrated coil

initial consultation

technology. This new technology will improve image

and I was a complete

quality, increase efficiency and create a more

teary-eyed mess.

streamlined workflow.

Dr. Leali understood

“Our longest running MRI unit helped us provide

how distraught I was. He took the time to ensure that

care to so many patients over the years and served

way in helping us to provide even better care moving forward.

It is so important

that we continue to improve on the already high-quality care we are giving to our patients in every way possible.”

I understood all of the possibilities. By the end of our visit the tears had turned to optimism and smiles and I had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Nawabi.

When I met with Dr. Nawabi I was struck by his kindness, patience and his expertise. He connects to the person behind the injury and is invested in their goals for recovery.

Mind you, I was extremely nervous about having any surgery, yet I knew that in order to keep up with my passions it was necessary to have a stable and strong knee. I love being active: skiing, stand up paddle board, hiking, cycling, yoga, etc.

Dr. Nawabi thoroughly explained the all-in-one ACL reconstruction and the benefits of postponing the surgery to give the MCL a chance to heal. The knee was placed in a brace and the wait was absolutely worth it – the MCL healed completely.

My “new” hamstring ACL is up for ALL of it!

Strength and stability to ski with and a perfect range of motion for yoga poses. The photo is an image taken six-months after the surgery! I am even certain that the left knee would even be happy to run a marathon!

Members of the MRI Division say goodbye to the longest-running MRI machine at HSS.

Employee of the Month May 2018 – Jacinta Butcher Congratulations to Jacinta, Employee of the Month for May. Jacinta is a Patient Care Assistant on 8 East who has been a member of the HSS family since 2011. She has a positive attitude and approach with both patients and team members, and is a leader in her department.

Jacinta assists in maintaining the flow on her floor and constantly goes above and beyond to help patients with creative solutions. She takes the time to brainstorm with other PCAs and RNs to resolve all problems. She serves as a role model to team members, leading by example with her displays of dedication and teamwork.

There is never a day at work that Jacinta does not treat her patients with compassion. She motivates her peers daily and is a true inspiration to all. Her dedication to HSS and her job is unbelievable, and she truly makes HSS a better place.

6

Dr. Potter poses with Maricia Bolisca, an MRI Technologist who was working in the MRI Department when the original machine was installed in 1990.

HSS Uniondale Journal Club Allows Knowledge Sharing in the Field of Rehabilitative Care

I

n an effort to share knowledge and ideas and

learn from others in the field, James F. Wyss, MD,

PT, Assistant Attending Physiatrist at the HSS

Main Campus and HSS Long Island, recently started a quarterly HSS Uniondale Journal Club for local physical therapists and physicians in the Uniondale, NY area.

During the first meeting, which took place at HSS Long Island in early April, 10 clinicians joined together to share educational articles and information with each other with the goal of focusing on improving rehabilitative care.

“The first Journal Club meeting was a success, with everyone in attendance learning from one another on ways to improve upon what we are already doing when it comes to rehabilitative care for our patients,” said Dr. Wyss. “It is always helpful to hear opinions and ideas from other professionals in the field. This meeting provided HSS a chance to share our knowledge on rehab, but to also learn from others who are practicing nearby.”

Members of the HSS Uniondale Journal Club include Jana Herr, Dr. Jennifer Amato, Raymond Bowles, Dr. James Wyss, Glenn Granzin, Heather Williams, Jessica Paparella, Frank Hoeffner, Nicole Maniscalco, Glenn Rowell and Chris Prentiss (not pictured).

Employee Safety Zone Sports PA Team This month, we are continuing our series on members of the HSS family and their roles in Employee Safety. We spoke with Danielle Galan, Sports Physician Assistant and member of the Employee Safety Committee, about her department’s role in safety. We hope you enjoy learning more about what they do and how they work together to stay safe!

What does the staff do to keep safe and remain engaged in safety?

The Sports PA team is in the OR on a daily basis. This type of work is physically demanding. To keep safe and avoid injury we utilize all team members and/or roller boards when moving patients. We observe best practices when operating to avoid exposure to sharps, such as minimizing sharps hand-off, and observing a “safe-zone” where all sharps are placed on mayo stands. As standard practice, you will always see us in the OR with waterproof boots and glasses to avoid splashes.

Do you have department huddles that cover safety?

When getting to the OR we have a brief huddle with the staff before the case begins to review potential hazards. Discussing contingencies before they occur helps us watch out for red flags and allows us to work best at communicating as a team.

Does the staff feel empowered to report safety concerns in the Occurrence Reporting System – for their own injuries or even good catches?

Yes. We are in a high-risk environment with potential for needle sticks and splashes. It is important to highlight good catches, which allows us to continue best practice. It is also an opportunity to avoid recurring mistakes.

What is the toughest part of the team’s job?

It is tough to keep the momentum going after standing for long shifts, engaging in physically demanding tasks and keeping up with varying surgeon preference.

However, every patient deserves every one of us to give them our best.

What are the most common hazards that the team faces?

We perform a high number of arthroscopy cases that result in wet floors. The equipment we use requires a network of wires and tubing. There are trip hazards everywhere.

Is there anything special that the team does to prep themselves for a long day or to keep them going strong through the day?

We all wear compression socks to avoid leg swelling from standing all day. In between cases we will keep hydrated and/or grab a bite to eat. Coffee helps! Most importantly, if we get a few moments throughout the day to talk with each other we offer support and motivation.

What makes the team great at what they do?

We have autonomy in the OR making grafts for ligamentous reconstructions and are proficient at multiple types of sport-related cases including shoulder, hip, knee, elbow and joint replacement. Our daily tasks vary and we take pride in keeping our skills and knowledge relevant. Most importantly, we care about the patients and the quality of care they receive here.

What does the team love most about the job?

Due to the physical demand of our positions we understand what other members of our team contribute. We are always willing to lend a hand. It is comforting to come to work every day knowing that support is behind you. Also, the variety of procedures we do lends itself to maintaining interest.

I hope you were all inspired by what the Sports PAs do and the steps they take to make sure they are safe every day.

If you’d like your department featured in the Employee Safety Zone, send us an email at EmployeeSafety@HSS.edu.

7

Milestones Rehabilitation • Adam Pratomo, PT, MSPT, SFMA, COMT, became a certified orthopedic manual therapist.

• Jaclyn Smulofsky, PT, DPT, SFMA Level 1, earned her Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1 certification.

• Tiffany Chag, MS, RD, CSCS, became a M.E.L.T. Level 1 Instructor.

• Glenn Garrison, CPO, was quoted in an article on “How Startup Parachute Health Is Bringing

• Jaime Edelstein, PT, DScPT, COMT, OCS, CSCS,

E-Commerce To Your Crutches” at forbes.com.

was quoted in an article for the Palm Beach Daily News on “Experts: Staying fit important but don’t exercise through pain.”

Picture This

Welcome Jeremy M. Abolade, Emily C. Aguilar, Sarah L. Amanquanor, Akina Awano, Vijay Balakrishnan, Sharon J. Benson-David, Katrina E. Brown, Michael T. Byrnes, Lexus Cabreja, Dolores K. Callahan, Luz E. Castillo Lora, Joy Camille D. Cielo, Jaclyn E. Clark, Molly A. Cullinan, Stefania Curcio, Linda A. Desiderio, Valerie DiStefano, Henry Dong, Brooke L. Duffany, Erlyne Etienne, Marie Feaser, Edwin R. Fernandez Grullon, Erin M. Foy, Hye Yeon Glass, Mikhaila A. Goldman, Angela Grumley, June V. Habiak, Arlene Hidalgo, Jenna E. Horowitz, Shiamoon Islam, Michelle Jang, Michael E. Johnson, Kellieshia G. Kelly, Ethan C. Krell, Karen Lechner, John Li, Mary Jean Logan, Giorgio Lopez, Caitlin D. MacCourtney, Walker J. Magrath, Hannah J. Marcus, Stephanie M. McCarthy, Cindy E. Mendez, Yesenia Moran, Chelsea J. Nimmo, Demetrius Owens, Jesenia Quinonez, Michelle P. Ramos-Drake, Susan R. Rodriguez, Sonia Ronacher, Kathryn M. Ross, Anna M. Ruchalowska-Pine, Timothy Rupp, John D. Sadler Jr, Yolanda Scarlett, Mark Schepis, Lindsay Schwartz, Michelle Sheyon, Alexandra Sideris, Amanda B. Slaboden, Jessica Small, Madhavi L. Somaraju, Bryan G. Suertegaray-Santana, Ambar M. Tavera, Devon T. Trenkle, Samuel Vasquez, Alexander M. Vesprey, Nicole M. Villanueva, Corey Ward, Jae eun Yoo, Weijia Yuan, Carolyn Zuba

In late April, HSS teamed up with USA Football and the NY Giants to host a special Sports Performance and Training Seminar weekend at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ to kick off the 2018 Heart of a Giant Awards program. Led by Dr. Samuel Taylor, Assistant Attending Orthopedic Surgeon and Giants Associate Team Physician; Jamie Osmak, Sports Performance Coordinator; and Dalvin Tomilson, Giants Defensive Tackle, the program taught important drills and exercises to prevent injury to the high school athletes in attendance.

Joint Commission Reporting Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing safe, quality care to all of its patients.

In the event you have a concern regarding the safety or quality of care provided by the Hospital or the Laboratory, you may report these concerns to the Joint Commission.

Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report. In addition, the Joint Commission has stated that your name will be treated as confidential information, and will not be shared with any other party.

You may file your report in the following ways: 1. By email:

complaint@jointcommission.org

2. By fax:

Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

3. By mail:

Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.

8

Compliance Helpline Reminder The Compliance Helpline is a service for employees who wish to anonymously or confidentially report suspected violations of the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Code of Conduct, officially stated policies or relevant public laws and regulations. This includes concerns about patient safety.

The Helpline does not replace other resources available to you, including supervisors, managers and Human Resources staff, but it is an alternative channel available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is operated on our behalf by National Helpline Services, Inc., an independent firm.

The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.

All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcement authorities. Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employee who reports a compliance issue in good faith.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly at x2398.

Editor:

Marisa DeFilipps

Executive Editor:

Rachel Sheehan

Editorial Committee:

Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky, John Englehart

Next Issue:

June 2018 echo@hss.edu