HSS Echo January 2016

January 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 1

ECHO

THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY

Making the Transition to Epic: We are Live! n January 31, we converted to the Epic

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electronic health record (EHR) and crossed the starting line in our pursuit to transform

the way we deliver care. Health care at HSS is taking substantial steps toward the future and the goal of

‘one patient, one record.’ This is an exciting time for

HSS Honors Local High School Student with “Heart of a Giant” popular program sponsored by Hospital for

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all of us.

Special Surgery and the New York Giants honors a high school football player who

Transitioning to the Epic EHR is a vital part of the

displays extraordinary dedication and passion for the

future of health care delivery at HSS – allowing the secure sharing of information and enabling us to deliver high quality patient care in a more coordinated way. For our patients, transitioning to the Epic EHR will mean more than just the elimination of duplicate paperwork and testing. Epic will provide the capability for patients’ health records to follow them from appointment to appointment, medical clearance physician to surgeon to outpatient rehab, physician office to hospital. Thus, patient records will provide a seamless history of reported pain levels, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. With Epic EHR and just a few keystrokes, imaging and lab results, prescription details and all pertinent medical information are

“Patient” Lou Shapiro, CEO, watches patiently as Jeff Krubs, P.A., documents the interval H&P and reconciles orders in the Holding Area during the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal. Assisting Jeff are MaryAnn Murphy, R.N., super user/educator, and Anna Smyth, R.N., clinical informaticist.

Preparing for her opportunity to assess the patient and document her findings is first assist, Debra DeFelice, P.A.

with patients. While getting comfortable with the new way of doing things may not happen overnight, it will happen over time. Thank you to all members of the HSS team for your effort, dedication and commitment to excellence in helping the organization reach this historic milestone. We have all made this possible.

Chukwuma Ukwu proudly shows off his Heart of a Giant trophy. He is pictured with Dr. Samuel Taylor, associate team physician for the New York Giants, and Giants running back Rashad Jennings.

available for the patients’ care team in a single

Our preparation for go-live has been extraordinary;

game and is a leader off the field, as well. The USA

record. This is a major win for HSS and our continued

better than most installs across the country. The

Football Heart of a Giant Award recognizes varsity

efforts to improve care delivery and interoperability.

successful implementation of Epic is the result

football players for their hard work, commitment,

of the excellent work and dedication of our IT and

determination and inspiring character.

Converting to an integrated EHR is a significant, yet positive change in how we do our work. The phrase, “One patient. One record. One HSS” truly describes the entire Epic journey for the HSS family. Epic will help facilitate better collaboration and communication among prescribers, nursing and other key caregivers, enhancing patient safety and allowing real-time

Operational teams over the past 18 months. No implementation of this size or complexity is perfect, and ours won’t be either. However, we have put processes in place to address the issues that will undoubtedly surface, and we have plenty of resources available to support staff and help them succeed.

documentation of tests, diagnoses and notes. The

In the 30 days leading up to go-live, so much was

ultimate goal is to have clinical teams, through the

accomplished of which we should all be proud.

access of integrated clinical data, spend more time

CONTINUED on page 2

HSS, the Official Hospital of the New York Giants and partner of USA Football, co-sponsored this contest for the second year in a row, and hundreds of nominations poured in from high school football coaches in the Tri-State area. It’s up to the coaches to choose one player from their team who best embodies what it means to have the “Heart of a Giant.”

Chukwuma Ukwu, a senior at Roosevelt High School on Long Island, is the latest awardee. The two-way starter on the offensive and defensive line was not only recognized for his dedication to his team, but for his efforts to make his school a better place and to help his local community.

“I’m so grateful to be able to say that I have the heart of a Giant,” said Chukwuma in accepting the award, which comes with a $5,000 equipment grant for his school’s football program.

CONTINUED on page 3

Inside

Megan Wiley, R.N., PACU, documenting for “patient” Jamie Nelson, senior vice president and CIO, while clinical informaticist, Anna Smyth, R.N., proudly observes with Lisa Goldstein, executive vice president and COO, during the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal on January 12.

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Flu Prevention Strategies Important Changes in Patient Admitting Plans for New Outpatient Center

Making the Transition to Epic: We are Live! CONTINUED FROM COVER Below is a brief list of our major achievements as we made final preparations for making the transition

abstraction in preparation for appointments

to Epic.

after February 1

• More than 3,500 staff and clinicians completed

• Charge review and reconciliation training

Epic Training, which included 1,145 instructor-led

workshops were conducted to ensure that

classes, 4,152 hours of E-Learning, and 30,183

staff have access to reports and workqueues

hours of instructor-led training

to monitor charging activities at go-live

• Hospital staff and staff from wave one physician offices converted 14,590 appointments scheduled after February 1 from current systems into Epic • HIM, scanning, appointment and procedure scheduling, patient registration and OR case scheduling were “live” in Epic as of January 11 • Patient Access Services is now open and

• System downtime testing in both the inpatient and ambulatory settings was completed • MyHSS, our patient portal, went live on January 11 and more than 1,109 patients activated their accounts as of February 1 • Patient communication campaign launched, including signs, letters, emails and tabletops

operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a

to raise awareness of our transition to the

centralized location near the Main Hospital lobby

Epic electronic health record and the new

• Hospital staff participated in an Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal where several leaders became

patient portal, MyHSS

Maria Sava, Service Excellence representative, is verifying information by checking the wristband of “patient” Stephanie Goldberg, R.N., MSN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services, while participating in the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal.

• MyHSS has been integrated into the Hospital’s from no one person, it comes from everyone

“patients” in support of simulating real-life

main website navigation so that patients with

practice scenarios for staff

appointments after February 1 can complete

working together as a team. We made a successful

pre-visit questionnaires when appropriate

transition on January 31! Stay tuned, as we will

• Nine physician offices participated in an Outpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal to practice and build

This project has brought us together in a way

confidence with future state workflows

that no other project has – our success comes

New Email Security Feature at HSS f you’ve noticed a change in the subject line

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of incoming email, it’s due to a new security feature at HSS. In order to enhance security,

the email system now automatically flags those sent from outside HSS by inserting the following tag in the subject line: [EXTERNAL].

provide an update about our Epic go-live in next month’s issue.

Ensuring a Safe Environment at HSS ospital for Special Surgery is committed to

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Hospital managers recently attended a seminar on

ensuring a safe and secure environment for

terrorism sponsored by the Greater New York Hospital

all patients, visitors and staff. “Our mission

Association, and a representative from the New York

is to create the safest environment possible with a

City Police Department will come to HSS to brief

combination of state-of-the-art technology, careful

staff on the latest counter-terrorism measures and

planning and strategically-deployed staff,” explains

response protocols on Monday, February 22, at 1 p.m.

Don Foiles, director of Security. “Events around the

in the Richard L. Menschel Conference Center.

country continue to remind us that we must remain

“Education and awareness are valuable tools,”

“Email remains the most common medium

vigilant to possible threats, and we continually

Don said. “All employees are urged to be familiar

through which hackers and scammers target

assess and adapt our security infrastructure to

with their surroundings for escape routes and

unwitting users,” says Bashir Agboola, senior

improve safety at HSS.”

areas where they can safely hide, in the event this

Hospital Security, Risk Management and other

ever becomes necessary.”

specialists collaborate with each other and with

It may sound like a cliché, but Don reminds the

experts outside of HSS to protect Hospital facilities.

HSS family, “If you see something, say something.”

“We recently completed a comprehensive review

Staff are urged to report any suspicious activity to

of our security infrastructure, which has led to

the Security Department at extension 1840.

director, Technical Services, Information Technology.

“Quickly and correctly recognizing emails originating from outside HSS is one of the ways by which we can better protect ourselves from phishing emails, some of which are disguised or ‘spoofed’ to appear as if they are coming from an HSS user.”

improvements in access control, closed circuit

Bashir urges employees to continue to exercise

cameras and staffing in the Security Department,”

caution in opening all emails.

Don noted.

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

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

– Lou Shapiro • What a Difference a Day Makes! HSS is ‘Team Awesome’ • Playing the Part • An Epic Weekend of Preparation

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• Department of Medicine began chart

The recent improvements include:

“Security will remain a top priority at HSS,” said Lou Shapiro, president and CEO. “Together we will continue to deliver the world’s finest patient care – in the safest possible environment.”

• Expanded card access. A total of 214 doors now require employee ID cards for entry.

• An additional 45 state-of-the-art security cameras for a total of 273 cameras that are monitored 24/7.

• Added security officers for the main lobby and the Dana Center.

Education is a key element in efforts to enhance safety. Last year, 1,800 employees attended 54 classes offered at HSS on how to respond to an active shooter situation, called our Code Silver Policy.

• Approaching Epic

An additional 3,082 employees completed online

• Reflection and Anticipation

training through Halogen. Annually, all employees

• Guest Blogger: Tracy Hoo, Epic Super User

are required to take this training through Halogen.

Security cameras around HSS are monitored 24/7.

Sergio Lopez and Joanne McKiver are pictured in the control center.

“Heart of a Giant” CONTINUED FROM COVER “Applications were accepted from over 500

Chukwuma has spearheaded a number of projects

schools in search of someone who uses their

at Roosevelt High, including a toy drive for children

love of football to overcome personal adversity

with cerebral palsy; a program that invites alumni to

and inspire their peers on and off the field,” said

speak to students about their careers and experi-

Samuel Taylor, M.D., associate team physician for

ences after high school; and a mentoring program in

the Giants, who represented HSS at the ceremony

which middle school students can learn from those

at Roosevelt High School in December. “Chukwuma’s

in high school.

passion to help others, tireless work ethic, and

To Chukwuma’s surprise and delight, Giants running

unrelenting dedication to his community are only

back Rashad Jennings was on hand to congratulate

matched by his humility. Hospital for Special Surgery

him at the ceremony. “This is something that is

has been a proud sponsor of the Heart of a Giant

important to me,” Jennings said. “He is a standout kid

Award since 2014 and congratulates Chukwuma for

who truly exemplifies what it means to have a Heart

his accomplishments.”

of a Giant.”

News media turned out in force to cover the Heart of a Giant Award presented by HSS and the New York Giants.

ABC 7, Fox 5, Fios 1, News 12 and Newsday were among those present.

Fighting the Flu: Best Practices at Work and at Home Are Nothing to Sneeze At n an advisory sent to New York City hospitals in

2 – Good ventilation.

5 – A separate room.

January, the New York City Health Department

Hospital: Laminar flow in operating rooms employs

Hospital: Patients who have a contagious infection

noted that hospital admissions due to influenza

special panels to direct air flow and provide the most

are given a private room.

sterile environment possible for the patient.

Outside of HSS: When a family member is sick, try

Outside of HSS: Open the windows and let in some

to give the individual a separate space or room when

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were increasing. HSS Occupational Health reminds

everyone that there is still time to get a flu shot if you haven’t done so already.

fresh air to ensure adequate ventilation. A stagnant,

possible, and maintain a sanitary environment by

“We need to be proactive not only to keep ourselves

stuffy environment causes germs to recirculate

disposing of tissues in a separate plastic trash bag.

healthy, but to avoid transmitting illness if we’re

around the house.

An uncovered cough can spray droplets and germs

3– Controlling the spread of germs.

into the air, so ask the sick person to cover a cough

sick,” said Ann Bienstock, ANP-BC, a nurse practitioner in Occupational Health Services. Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza. Ann also

Hospital: The entire staff is trained in infection-

reminds staff that good practices, such as frequent

control measures, such as coughing into a tissue

hand-washing, go a long way to help us avoid getting

or their sleeve and not into their hand. Boxes of

sick and spreading illness.

tissues are located throughout the Hospital.

Infection control in the health care setting is essential.

“We emphasize infection control as a best practice

with tissues. Try to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick and coughing. The CDC recommends having young children place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.

Staff are encouraged to stay home if they

6 – Diligence and good habits.

have a contagious illness.

Hospital: Signs, staff training and hand sanitizers

and strive to maintain it at every level of patient care –

Outside of HSS: Carry tissues and dispose of them

around the facility remind employees of the impor-

from encouraging flu shots for every employee who

properly and immediately after coughing or sneezing.

tance of proper hygiene.

comes in contact with patients, to frequent hand-

Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. You can

Outside of HSS: Remember to maintain good

washing, and providing a clean and safe environment

also cough into your sleeve to avoid getting germs

practices and develop beneficial habits that will help

for our patients in the operating room and the entire

on your hand that can later be spread.

keep you and those around you healthy.

hospital,” said Eileen Finerty, R.N., M.S., CIC (certified

In general, when you’re outside or at work, or if

in infection-control), assistant vice president, Nursing,

you have come in contact with a sick person, avoid

and chief infection control officer at HSS.

touching your face. Germs on your hand can get you

In addition to the flu shot, which is fundamental

sick when they enter your body through your eyes,

to prevent influenza, HSS employs a combination

nose or mouth, or through a break in the skin. Don’t

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, please do

of infection-control measures. Some are highly

go to work if you’re sick.

so today. Occupational Health Services is still

sophisticated and others are basic good practices.

4 – Cleaning and disinfecting.

Strategies used by the Hospital to keep germs

Hospital: HSS housekeeping staff is especially

tation must be brought to Occupational Health.

in check can be adapted for use at home and in

diligent about cleaning. The routine entails cleaning,

Please contact the office for specifics on what

everyday life to lower the chances of contracting

sweeping, disinfecting surfaces, and getting into

must be included in the documentation.

the flu, according to Eileen. These practices include:

cracks and crevices where bacteria can grow.

1 – Good hand hygiene.

Outside of HSS: Make it a habit to clean and

who have not received a flu shot to wear a surgical

Hospital: Hospital staff are instructed to wash their

disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially in

mask in areas where patients may be present

hands often. In addition, hand sanitizers located all

the kitchen and bathroom. Be especially wary about

during periods that the NYS Health Commissioner

around the Hospital have a sensor that dispenses

kitchen sponges, which can harbor large amounts of

determines that the influenza season is underway.

foam without the need to touch it.

bacteria. When in doubt, throw it out.

Outside of HSS: Wash your hands frequently or use

If someone in the household is sick, regularly

following days; no appointment is necessary:

an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When washing your

disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in the home.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

hands, you can sing “Happy Birthday” twice to get an

Telephones, sinks, toilets, counters, doorknobs and

Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

idea of how long it should take. Work up a good

toys should be cleaned with warm water and dish

lather and use friction for about 30 seconds.

detergent or with a household disinfectant.

Flu Shot Still Available

offering the vaccine. If you decide to receive the flu shot outside of the Hospital, written documen-

New York State law requires all hospital personnel

Occupational Health offers the flu shot on the

The office is located at 517 East 71 Street.

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Music to Our Ears he Service Excellence Family Atrium Team

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is offering a special treat for classical music

lovers. Every Thursday evening, from 6:45

Important Changes in Patient Admitting new name, a new centralized location and

unit reception desks on the first, fourth and ninth

new hours. The new year brought important

floors to welcome patients and complete their

changes to Central Admitting. On January 11,

check-in.

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to 7:45 p.m., the Fourth Floor Family Atrium turns

the department was renamed Patient Access Services,

The new location does not affect patients who are

into a mini concert hall. Talented pianist Jason Ni,

and it is now open and operational 24 hours a day,

only coming in for blood tests; they do not need to

an HSS volunteer, offers an hour of soothing classical

seven days a week in one central location in the

register at Patient Access Services. And those

and easy-listening music. Jason’s repertoire includes

Main Hospital.

arriving for MRI, radiology or lab studies will still be

the works of Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and other

“The changes in admitting are a result of our

checked in within their respective areas.

famous composers.

goal to improve patient flow and provide the best

New signage will be added in numerous locations in

customer service in the most efficient way,” explained

the Belaire, Caspary and Main Hospital buildings.

Gwendolyn Rhoss, director of Patient Access Services.

“We ask all HSS staff to be aware of the new location

“It is our priority to make sure we do what’s best for

for patient admissions,” Gwendolyn said. “Everyone

our patients during their entire hospital stay, from

should be available to answer questions and help

the time they walk in the door to register.”

patients find their way to the first floor of the Main

All patient admissions are now in one central location

Hospital for admission and registration.”

near the Main Hospital lobby behind the former admit-

To reach Patient Access Services with general

ting office. The new space is in the previous location of

questions, please call extension 4500.

Case Management. Patients coming in for pre-surgical screening, ambulatory surgery or inpatient surgery will need to stop at this new location to register. Service Excellence liaisons will continue to staff the surgical

Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch Writes Limb Lengthening Surgery Textbook

Services transition, please contact Gwendolyn Rhoss at extension 1316.

High Honors for Dr. Adele Boskey pioneer, leader and

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suggests that measuring bone quality, rather than

trailblazer in bone

bone density, promises greater accuracy and could

disease research.

predict which characteristics of bone put patients at

These are some of the ad-

risk for a fracture. Her work includes more than 350

jectives her colleagues use

peer-reviewed publications and three patents.

rthopedic Surgeon S. Robert Rozbruch,

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to describe Adele Boskey,

Dr. Boskey’s extraordinary career has been marked

M.D., chief of the Limb Lengthening and

Ph.D., senior scientist and

by numerous awards and recognition from her peers.

Complex Reconstruction Service at HSS,

Starr Chair in Mineralized

Last year, she received the Distinguished Investigator

has written a three-volume, 2,500-page textbook,

Tissue Research at HSS.

Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society

“Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgery

She has received numerous awards throughout her

(ORS)/Orthopaedic Research and Education

Case Atlas.” He is pictured with his co-editor, Reggie

distinguished career. Her latest accolade comes from

Foundation (OREF).

Hamdy, from McGill University in Montreal. Austin

the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Fragomen, M.D., served as section editor of the

(ASBMR). The organization has honored her with the

Foot and Ankle volume. In the preface, Dr. Rozbruch

Lawrence G. Raisz Award, which recognizes an indi-

expressed his gratitude to his mentors, Drs. Russell

vidual for outstanding achievements in preclinical

Warren and Thomas Sculco, for their support and

translational research in the bone and mineral field.

guidance in his career path.

“I was thrilled and honored to receive the Raisz

In 2014, she received the Pioneers in Innovation Award from the ORS. In 2011, the organization honored her with the Women’s Leadership Forum Award. In 2010, she received the Orthopaedic Research Society/American Orthopaedic Association Alfred R. Shands, Jr. Award, which honors

award, named after the scientist who asked me (and

a scientist who has made significant contributions

others) probing questions at each ASBMR meeting

to the understanding of musculoskeletal disease.

since the organization started, thus inspiring many of my studies,” Dr. Boskey said.

Dr. Boskey has been a mentor and a trailblazer throughout her career. She was the first female

Dr. Boskey, who is also program director of the

president of the Orthopaedic Research Society and

Musculoskeletal Integrity Program at HSS, has

participates in a number of committees dedicated to

spent the last 45 years studying how bone structure,

mentoring young women in science.

composition and mineral formation influence bone strength and fracture risk.

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For specific questions about the Patient Access

She has served the NIH as a member of a Gold Ribbon Panel, has participated in the National

Having received National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Institute of Dental Research Council, and has served

funding to support her research over more than four

on the Council of Reviewers and multiple NIH study

decades, Dr. Boskey’s studies have contributed to the

sections over the past 40 years.

understanding of a number of musculoskeletal dis-

“The ultimate goal of my studies is to improve bone

eases, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteo-

quality by providing insights needed for new therapies

genesis imperfecta, and growth plate abnormalities.

and tissue-engineered products,” Dr. Boskey explained.

Bone mineralization is considered one of the most

For the millions of people with bone diseases such as

important areas in bone disease research today, and

osteoarthritis, new and improved treatments would

Dr. Boskey is a leader in the field. Her current work

provide welcome relief.

Lupus Holiday Party he Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® program

Kids Foundation, Project Sunshine, The Craft Studio,

hosted its annual Holiday Party and Talent

Make-A-Wish, Alliance for Lupus Research, Subway,

Show for teens with lupus and their families

Spiegel and Nintendo of America, Inc.

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in December. More than 135 teens, young adults and

Other highlights included gifts to the Charla families,

their family members attended the event.

with teen presents generously sponsored by Make-A-

Guests participated in arts and crafts for all ages

Wish and toys donated by the HSS Employee Activity

sponsored by Project Sunshine, decorating orna-

Committee’s Toy Drive. Attendees also took photos

ments, making potpourri and engaging in other fun

with Santa.

and creative activities. After partaking in delicious

“It was a special night for the Charla de Lupus

Latin American cuisine, the teens, young adults and

teens and their loved ones, filled with smiles and

parents showcased their special talents on stage.

holiday cheer,” said Melissa Flores, MPH, LMSW,

They sang, danced and recited poetry in which they

program coordinator, Social Work Programs.

shared their heartfelt accounts of coping with lupus.

“The Charla team would like to thank all HSS

The Bending Threads Cabaret Company performed

staff, volunteers and sponsors who contributed

beautiful holiday music selections, adding to the

their time, energy and musical talents to help make

festive atmosphere. Raffles prizes were awarded

the event a success.”

throughout the evening, donated by the enCourage

Face decorating and a visit by Santa added to the festivities.

Lillian Mendez; Jillian Rose, LCSW; Dariana Pichardo, MPA; Melissa Flores, MPH, LMSW; and Priscilla Toral, LCSW (l - r) helped make the Lupus Holiday Party a success.

The teenagers, holding their gifts, are pictured with Make-A-Wish volunteers.

Door Decor Adds to Holiday Cheer reativity was on display at HSS when

Door/Area Decorating contest, sponsored by the

employees marked the holiday season with

Employee Activities Committee in December.

The winning teams and runners-up enjoyed

Decorated doors, windows and other areas were

pizza parties.

judged on content, presentation, creativity and

Here are the winners and runners-up:

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festive door decorations and other holiday

displays. Offices throughout HSS and in the outpa-

originality, and it was difficult to choose a winner.

tient centers took part in the ninth annual Holiday

Winner, Best Door: Rheumatology Department/ Dr. Thomas Lehman, 7th Floor

Runner-Up: Anesthesia Research, Belaire, 12th Floor

Winner, Best Area: Nursing, HSS Outpatient Center, Uniondale, L.I.

Runner-Up: Health Information Management Department, 2nd Floor

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Back in the Game SS’ online patient forum – Back in the

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HSS Plans New Outpatient Center for Westchester

Game – now has more than 1,200 patient

stories! The postings share how HSS helped

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

Read how HSS helped Teresa Sudia of Beachwood, New Jersey get back in the game.

I had been struggling with a lot of pain for years due to scoliosis. I had put off having the surgery needed to correct the problem out of complete fear of the outcome.

ospital for Special Surgery continues

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“HSS is dedicated to providing access to high

to grow. In January, HSS signed a lease

quality specialty care, and our increased presence

to establish an outpatient center in

in regional communities is evident,” said Lou

Westchester County. The new office, which will be

Shapiro, president and CEO. “This new location

located in White Plains, will comprise approximately

gives us a unique opportunity to create a facility

50,000 square feet, making it the largest of the HSS

ideal for Westchester County residents who

outpatient centers.

want the unmatched excellence of HSS closer

The center will include many of the state-of-the-art

to home.”

specialties and technologies that have earned

Construction at the new site is set to begin in

HSS the No. 1 ranking in the United States for

September 2016, with an anticipated opening in

Orthopedics for the past six years by USNews &

the fourth quarter of 2017. Other HSS outpatient

World Report Best Hospitals Report. The outpatient

locations include Fresh Meadows, Queens;

center will make access to world-class care

Uniondale, Long Island; Paramus, NJ; Stamford, CT;

more convenient for residents in the greater

several sites in Manhattan; and HSS Spine and

New York region.

Sport in Jupiter, FL.

After the pain had become intolerable, I began to seek the right hospital and doctor.

I was told by a few surgeons that I was out of

HSS to Sponsor Popular Sports Events in Greenwich SS is expanding its presence in Connecticut

with its sponsorship of the Hospital for

John Englehart, chief marketing officer at HSS.

Special Surgery Greenwich Cup 2016, a

“We are eager to increase public awareness of

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half-dozen events into an organized series,” said

series of athletic events launched in partnership

HSS in greater Fairfield County, where we have a

with Greenwich Parks and Recreation. The Greenwich

prominent presence through our state-of-the-art

Cup encompasses a series of road races, as well as

Outpatient Center in Stamford at Chelsea Piers,

I chose Dr. Kim after meeting him and hearing his

swimming, biking and triathlon competitions that

which opened in the beginning of 2015.”

expert opinion of what he believed I needed to have

will take place at various locations in Greenwich

done. His confident manner was very reassuring,

The Greenwich Cup is the world’s longest running

throughout the year.

multi-sport race series. This year’s events include

“We are excited to be able to align HSS with these

the HSS Greenwich Cup Half-Marathon, the HSS

their league. My spine had an 83 degree curve and the L4, L5 and S1 were contorted and fused.

I virtually had no lumbar. Needless to say, this was not a simple surgery.

I began my research of HSS and was very impressed.

along with his education and experience.

Everyone affiliated with the hospital and Dr. Kim and

locally well-known athletic competitions under the

Greenwich Cup Triathlon, and the HSS Tour de

his team treated me as if I was very important. I am

purview of Greenwich Parks and Rec and unify these

Greenwich XXXII 20-Mile Bike event.

extremely happy with the whole experience, but especially the outcome. I am 6 months post scoliosis surgery and “back in the game” with no pain. Thank you HSS and Dr. Kim. I feel like a new woman.

Compliance Helpline Reminder

New Medical Staff Dee Dee Wu, M.D. Dr. Wu is an assistant attending rheumatologist

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.

at Hospital for Special Surgery specializing in the

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.

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and

The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.

years of clinical practice in northern New Jersey,

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.

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treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and gout.

She received her medical degree from UMDNJcompleted her internship and residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

She completed her rheumatology fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery in 2005. After 10 Dr. Wu returned to HSS and currently sees patients at the Hospital’s Outpatient Center in Paramus. Dr. Wu is board certified in Internal Medicine and in Rheumatology.

Employee of the Month Jose Guerra, November 2015 Congratulations to Jose, Employee of the Month for November! A specialist in the Physician Referral Service (PRS), he has worked at HSS for more than 20 years. Not a day goes by that Jose is not ready and willing to go the extra mile. Described as a genuinely kind person with a positive attitude, he truly cares about his role in the Physician Referral Service, his colleagues and HSS. Jose is extremely knowledgeable. Whenever a project is being worked on, he thinks of ways to expand and enhance the team’s ideas. Always looking for more responsibility without asking for anything in return, Jose is determined to make sure our data is correct at all times. He will not give up on a project until he considers it perfect in every way.

He comes to meetings with new ideas and examples, and has designed ways to record employee attendance and operations goals.

Jose trains office managers on the PRS system, and each time the service goes into a doctor’s office, the staff are happy to see him. His colleagues look to Jose for help when needed, and he always obliges with a smile.

Jose’s co-workers have great respect for him. His kind and helpful nature, positive attitude and willingness to always go above and beyond make him a most deserving Employee of the Month.

Sean Donegan, December 2015 Congratulations to Sean, Employee of the Month for December! Sean is an intraoperative neuromonitoring technologist in the Department of Neurology. This type of monitoring is commonly performed to enhance the safety of surgical procedures that may affect certain nerves or the spinal cord. Sean, who started working at HSS in 2012, is described as intelligent, sincere and dedicated to hard work.

Sean is frequently assigned to some of the most complicated spinal surgeries. He especially likes working with children and is part of the team working to correct pediatric spinal deformities. He is well-respected and highly regarded by his colleagues.

On his own initiative, Sean has assumed a leadership role in the department, often serving as a mentor and advocate for newer technicians. He took it upon himself to compose a simple, but thorough training manual to make it easier for new employees. Sean plays an important role in the internal case review process for both quality assurance and the generation of draft reports. He has initiated several important process improvements, which have enhanced both quality and efficiency.

Sean is always there when you need him. A consummate professional, his consistently calm, focused demeanor contributes to the success of the Intraoperative Monitoring Service and makes Sean a most deserving Employee of the Month.

Rehab Department Has Huge Presence at NYC Marathon

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.

SS Rehabilitation wishes to congratulate

H

RCEP, CSCS, USAT. Rehab wishes to thank volun-

their NYC Marathon runners: Erin Corbo,

teers Dana Aaron, P.T., DPT; Lauren Alix, P.T., DPT,

P.T., DPT, OCS; Alexandra MacKenzie,

CSCS; Sabrina Cerciello, P.T., DPT; Justin Clark,

OTR/L, CHT; Leigh-Ann Plack, P.T., DPT; Dana

P.T., DPT; Tracey Colantonio, P.T., DPT; Erin Corbo,

Rose, P.T., DPT, OCS; and Cara Ann Senicola, P.T.,

P.T., DPT, OCS; Rob DiGiacomo, P.T., DPT, ATC;

DPT, OCS.

Kara Federowicz, ATC, cPT, USAW-L1SP; Kelsie

HSS Rehab presenters at the Marathon Pavilion

Ganshert, P.T., DPT; Jaclyn Graff, P.T., DPT; Anthony

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.

included Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS,

Harrelson; Julie Khan, P.T., DPT; Ann Kokinda;

You may file your report in the following ways:

USAT; Kara Federowicz, ATC, cPT, USAW-L1SP;

Jamie Lamb, P.T., DPT; Hector Lozada, P.T., DPT;

1. By e-mail:

complaint@jointcommission.org

Jason Machowsky, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSCS; Jamie

Jason Machowsky, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSCS;

2. By fax:

Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1; Leigh-Ann Plack,

Siobhan Mangan, P.T., DPT, PCS; Andrea Minsky,

Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

P.T., DPT; and Cara Ann Senicola, P.T., DPT, OCS.

P.T., DPT; Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1;

3. By mail:

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

Lauren Alix, P.T., DPT, CSCS hosted a live social media chat with the New York Road Runners from the Recovery Zone.

Leigh-Ann Plack, P.T., DPT; Disol Rodriguez; Andrew Saldivar, P.T., DPT; Cara Ann Senicola, P.T., DPT, OCS; Mike Silverman, P.T., MSPT, MBA; Scott Siverling, P.T., OCS; Emily Weiss, P.T., DPT, CKTP;

A total of 278 runners were seen at the HSS station

Curtis Wu, P.T., DPT, CSCS, CGFI-1; Brittany

on Marathon Monday, coordinated by Theresa

Loweree; Joseph Moussa; Cameron Yuen;

Chiaia, P.T., DPT and Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A.,

Daniel Gardner; Arianne Paroly, and Yera Patel.

Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report.

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.

7

Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities Honors • Suzanne Maher, Ph.D., has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for the Class of 2016.

• Mickey Levinson, P.T., CSCS, presented at

SCS; and Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1

the HSS webinar series on “Advances & Innovations

presented on “Youth Soccer Injury Prevention”

in the Treatment of Shoulder Pathologies.” Mickey

at HSS.

also presented on shoulder/elbow rehabilitation at the HSS Alumni Association 97th Meeting.

• Glenn Garrison, CPO, was named to the inaugural edition of the O&P News 175, an elite group of

Rehabilitation

O&P professionals identified as leading innova-

• Lisa Drefus, P.T., DPT, Cert Schroth Scoliosis Therapist; Jocely Hafer, M.A., and David M. Scher, M.D., co-authored an article on “Simulated

• John Indalecio, OTR/L, CHT, gave a lecture on “RA: Strategies for Joint Protection and Energy Conservation” at a joint symposium between HSS and the Arthritis Foundation.

• Curtis Wu, P.T., DPT, CSCS, USATF-1, became a

tors in the field of orthotics and prosthetics by the

Level 1 track and field coach certified by the U.S.

editors and publisher.

Track and Field Association.

• Aisling Toolan, P.T., DPT, SCS, served as the HSS

Ankle Equinus Affects Knee Kinematics During

Rehabilitation Ambassador at a soccer clinic with

Gait” published in the HSS Journal.

the Red Bulls Street Team at Paramus Park Mall.

• Jason Mayerhofer, P.T., MSPT, MTC, CSCS,

• Kenton H. Fibel, M.D.; Aisling Toolan, P.T., DPT,

“Current Thinking in Shoulder Instability,” part of

• Andrea Tychanski, P.T., DPT, ATC, CSCS, earned her certification in the Graston Technique®.

• Theresa Chiaia, P.T., DPT; John Cavanaugh, P.T.,

• Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS, USAT;

SFMA; Scott Siverling, P.T., OCS; and Robert

Med, ATC, SCS; Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP,

Mike Silverman, P.T., MSPT, MBA; and Jason

Turner, P.T., OCS, M.S., O.M., LAc, PMA®, CPT,

CSCS, USAT; Mickey Levinson, P.T., CSCS; and

Machowsky, R.D., CSSD, RCEP, CSCS, were

co-directed the HSS program, “Treatment of the

Jamie Osmak CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1, contributed

each interviewed on segments for Good Morning

Lumbar Spine: A Non-Operative Approach.” HSS

to “Orthopaedic Rehabilitation of the Athlete:

America’s “Fit Myths” series.

Getting Back in the Game,”a clinical reference book.

faculty included Sarah B. Andrus, P.T., DPT; Eric Bogner, M.D.; Paul M. Cooke, M.D.; Erin Corbo, P.T., DPT, OCS, CKTP; Jaime Edelstein, P.T., DScPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS; Jonathan S. Kirschner, M.D., RMSK; Hector Lozada, P.T., DPT, MCMT, CKTP; Jocelyn Mastropolo, P.T., DPT, PMA®, CPT; Peter J. Moley, M.D.; Aija Paegle, P.T., CFMT, CPI; Matthew Pugliese, P.T., DPT, OCS, MTC, Cert MDT, SFMA; Anna Ribaudo, P.T., DPT, OCS, CKTP; Dana Rose, P.T., DPT, OCS; Varsha Seemangal, P.T., DPT, MST; Cara Senicola,

• Lauren Piljic, P.T., DPT, was quoted in an

• Pete Draovitch, P.T., M.S., ATC, SCS, CSCS and

article on “Hand and Foot Exercises for Psoriatic

Jaime Edelstein, P.T., DScPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS,

Arthritis” for Everyday Health.

co-chaired the HSS program, “Surgical and

• Matt Morgan, P.T., DPT; Sofia Domenech, office manager; Nicole J. Wojno, DPT, MSPT, ATC,

Non-Surgical Management of the Athlete’s Hip,” held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

CSCS; Jeanna LeClaire Hill, P.T., DPT, ATC; Jeff

HSS faculty included Jorge Giral, P.T., DPT, SCS,

M. Angotti, ATC, CSCS; L. Claudette Moore,

COMT, CSCS; Matthew T. Morgan, P.T., ATC,

LMT; and Nicole Verticchio, managed care liaison,

SCS, SFMA; and Bryan T. Kelly, M.D.

volunteered at the IMG Academy 5K Race.

• Rett Talbot, P.T. SCS, ATC, CSCS; Jeanna

• Christine Lynders, P.T., OCS, was an invited speaker at the CT Orthopedic Manual Therapy

P.T., DPT, OCS, USATF-1, CYT; Erin Singleton,

LeClaire Hill, P.T., DPT, ATC; and Jeff M. Angotti,

Special Interest Group meeting. Her topic was

P.T., DPT, OCS; Vijay B. Vad, M.D.; James F. Wyss,

ATC, CSCS, participated in a fundraising event for

“Unwinding the Curve: A Biomechanical Approach

M.D., P.T.; and Seth A. Waldman, M.D.

the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to

to Treating Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Adult Popu-

help support Rett Talbot’s “Ride to Cure” race.

lation with Manual Therapy and Exercise.”

PlumBenefits for HSS Employees

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Sign up at PlumBenefits.com

Welcome Andrea Aldana, Shirley Alvarado, Nirvani P. Brijmohan, Nathalie Burg, Miguel Cabral, Rachard M. Collins, Brandon F. Davidson, Tina M. Drakos, Priscilla A. Gallmon, Roberto Garcia, Marjorie Gaspard, Abbie Gellman, Blessy George, Geena Giaramita, Danielle S. Gorelick, Joel F. Guzman, Tanyita Iraldo, Aygul Islamova, Nicolle Jasbon, Getho Jeudine, Maximilian Kasparek, Thomas F. Keller, David Kipperman, Cory Kleinman, Irma Kolenovic, Robert Kucera,

The generosity of the HSS family was evident during the Hospital’s annual Toy Drive, organized by the Employee Activities Committee. All donated toys were distributed to HSS pediatric patients in December. In the photo, HSS employees Melissa Flores, Lillian Mendez, Jillian Rose and Christopher James, dressed as Santa, get ready to distribute some of the toys to patients attending the Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® Holiday Party.

Andrew Y. Lai, Carl Lauro, Josie M. Madrid, Reginald A. Mathieu, Chartay Mendez, Jonathan A. Meza, Herha Mirza, Shawn Morrissey, Halida Muratovic,

Executive Editor:

Rachel Sheehan

Travis Ng, Antoinette Nikac, Caroline Plewinski, Russell R. Preston, Cassandra

Editorial Committee:

Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky

R. Pyne, Maheswari A. Raghunath, Shannon Rivero, Adalgisa Rodriguez,

Contributing Writer:

Robin Frank

Paulina P. Rukaj, Tasha Sanders, Odalis J. Tejada Marcelino, Sonia N. Tosado,

Next Issue:

February 2016

Efehi E. Williams, Seth Wireko-Attah.

8

echo@hss.edu