Echomay2015

May 2015 Vol. 17 Issue 5

ECHO

THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY

Lionel B. Ivashkiv, M.D. Appointed Chief Scientific Officer esearch is a cornerstone of our vision

Leadership in Research SS scientists

R

H

than 200 scientists and staff work to identify

professional organizations

causes of musculoskeletal and autoimmune

throughout the years. One

diseases and develop effective approaches for

of these is the Orthopedic

diagnoses, treatment and long-term benefits to

Research Society (ORS),

patients. Our scientists’ and physicians’ research

an organization whose

continues to shape the future of musculoskeletal

purpose is to promote,

and mission – it is critical to enhanced

have held

patient care and HSS’ impact on the

research

fields of orthopedics and rheumatology. More

leadership positions in

Dr. Bostrom and Dr. Goldring at the ORS Annual Meeting

medicine and the foundation for better treatments

support, develop and encourage research in ortho-

and patient care.

paedics and musculoskeletal disease and related

HSS recently announced that Lionel B. Ivashkiv,

disciplines and to provide a forum for dissemination of

M.D., premier scientist in autoimmune, inflammatory

knowledge in the fields. Five HSS scientists have been

and musculoskeletal diseases, would serve as the

president of this prestigious organization dedicated to Dr. Goldring (left) and Dr. Ivashkiv

the advancement of orthopaedic research.

the David H. Koch Chair in Arthritis and Tissue

enhancement of HSS’ position as a leader in

The most recent president inaugurated is Mathias

Degeneration and associate chief scientific officer,

musculoskeletal and autoimmune disease research.

P. Bostrom, M.D., senior clinician scientist, who

Dr. Ivashkiv succeeds Steven R. Goldring, M.D.,

“What’s unique about HSS is the team-based

transitioned into the role at a ceremony at the ORS

who has served in the role since 2006. Dr. Ivashkiv

approach to research and the linkage between

Annual Meeting that took place following the AAOS

assumed his new role on June 1 and this also marked

basic science and clinical research,” he said.

in March. Dr. Bostrom took over from Mary Goldring,

his 23rd anniversary at HSS.

“We are committed to asking meaningful scientific

Ph.D., senior scientist and co-director of the Tissue

questions and then figuring out a way to apply

Engineering Regeneration and Repair Program, who

advances in knowledge to impact patient care.”

was president during the prior year.

“During an exceptional tenure, Dr. Goldring has

The Research Division experienced unprecedented

A major aspect of the president’s leadership role is

fostered a creative and productive scientific

growth under Dr. Goldring’s leadership in the past

to head the ORS Board of Directors, which provides

environment, attracted new scientists and built

nine years. Some highlights include:

governance and direction; ensures that the mission of

the Research Division into the world-leader in

• HSS became an NIH Network Partner for

the ORS stays on course; approves activities and new

Hospital’s third chief scientific officer. Currently

Dr. Ivashkiv will build on a history of research and the infrastructure developed by Dr. Goldring.

musculoskeletal science it is today,” said

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

initiatives of the committees; recommends changes to

Lou Shapiro, president and CEO. “We look

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded

the Bylaws; oversees the ORS Annual Meeting; formu-

forward to working with Dr. Ivashkiv to continue

grants to 11 research groups across the United

lates the strategic plan; and represents its members.

building and enhancing our Research Division.”

States to establish the Accelerating Medicines

“I’m honored to take on this role with the ORS and

“Dr. Ivashkiv’s career as a scientist includes major

Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

lead this amazing organization as we continue

contributions to the understanding of inflammatory

(AMP RA/Lupus) Network. HSS was selected as

working together to advance musculoskeletal research

mechanisms in autoimmune and musculoskeletal

a Research Site with Drs. Vivian Bykerk, Lionel

worldwide,” said Dr. Bostrom. “We are embarking on

disorders,” said Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief

Ivashkiv, and Alessandra B. Pernis from the

the launch of a new strategic plan and I’m excited

and medical director. “He has outstanding natural

Research Division and Drs. Figgie, Sculco, Marx

about moving forward.” With the transition of

leadership skills and has earned the respect of his

and Hotchkiss from the Orthopaedic department

leadership from Dr. Goldring to Dr. Bostrom, the

colleagues both here at HSS and abroad which makes

leading the research initiative.

previous five-year strategic plan was concluded.

him ideally suited to lead our Research Division.”

• Creation of the David Z. Rosensweig Genomics

The new plan will focus on areas of funding, strategic partnerships, diversity and professional

“I am honored to work even more closely with

Research Center

colleagues who are committed to building on

With a $5.6 million grant from the Tow Foundation,

development, and adaptation to change. “Our new

HSS’ tradition of interdisciplinary translational

HSS created The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics

plan builds on the strong foundation put in place over

research,” said Dr. Ivashkiv. “Together we will

Research Center, under the direction of Dr.

CONTINUED on page 2

advance the Hospital’s research mission to

Ivashkiv. The goals are to define the regulation

translate breakthrough findings into new ways of

of genes associated with autoimmune and

treating and preventing serious orthopedic and

inflammatory diseases, and to develop more

rheumatic conditions.”

effective therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and

In this new role, Dr. Ivashkiv will work to develop and execute strategic plans to continue the

systemic lupus erythematosus.

CONTINUED on page 2

Inside

2 3

At HSS, It’s Safety First Epic: One patient. One record. One HSS.

Lionel B. Ivashkiv, M.D. Appointed CONTINUED FROM COVER • Arthritis Foundation Grant Recipient HSS was one of three hospitals to receive a $1 million grant from the Arthritis Foundation.

This grant allows HSS scientists and physicians to test the ability of new MRI techniques to identify the earliest signs of osteoarthritis in the knee following ACL injury, even before patients experience symptoms. Drs. Scott Rodeo, Hollis Potter, and Mary and Steve Goldring are leaders of the HSS grant.

• Creation of the HSS Healthcare Research Institute Under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Lyman, the

Leadership in Research CONTINUED FROM COVER the years by this Board and focuses on opportunities

Under Dr. Goldring’s leadership, the JOR gained a new

for continued growth and expansion,” he said.

editor-in-chief who planned to increase the impact of

During her tenure as president, Dr. Goldring’s priorities

the JOR through the exploration of new initiatives.

were to enhance communication, collaboration, and

Additionally, since the ORS Annual Meeting is all about

programming for the ORS Annual Meeting and

communication, Dr. Goldring arranged a keynote

specialty meetings, as well as to highlight these

speaker who discussed the role that communication

efforts through the new editorial composition of the

plays between researchers and those in a position to

ORS-owned Journal of Orthopaedic Research (JOR).

advance research through advocacy and funding.

“Communication has always played a key role in

Before stepping into the role of president, Dr. Bostrom

research, but often does not move forward because

served as the first vice president working together

the significance of that research is not understood

closely with Dr. Goldring and the Board. “I look forward

and appreciated by others,” said Dr. Goldring. “I had

to continuing to work with this group of extraordinary

wanted to ensure that we were communicating our

scientists,” he said.

science not only with with our collaborators and

Other past presidents of the ORS from HSS also

among ourselves across disciplines, but also with

include: Drs. Timothy Wright, Adele Boskey and

patients, funding agencies, and the public.”

Joseph Lane.

Healthcare Research Institute is the academic home for clinical and population health research at HSS. The Institute is leveraging the enormous breadth of clinical information available to

pilot program to keep HSS employees safe

“After discussions with managers and staff, the body

on the job proved to be so successful that it

is being implemented formally hospital-wide.

or two to see the challenges they face, and then the

A

mechanics team observes an area for about a week

The HSS Rehabilitation team partnered with Occu-

team develops training materials for that specific

Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC)

pational Health and Risk Management to launch

unit, so it’s very targeted,” said Melissa Medina,

The NIH-funded CTSC, led by Weill Cornell

“The Body Mechanics Program” on a trial basis last

assistant director of Employee Safety & Risk

Medical College, brought together a consortium

year. After it received high marks from nursing and

Initiatives, Risk Management. “Not everybody

of Upper East Side hospitals including HSS,

O.R. staff who participated, program leaders realized

will receive the same training.”

New York-Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan-Kettering

every employee at HSS could benefit.

“We take a careful look at the way people are doing

Cancer Center, among others and provided an

HSS is known for keeping patients safe, and we

their jobs: the way they move equipment, help lift a

infrastructure to support translational research.

continuously work on developing innovative ways

patient, push carts, clean around the hospital, sit at

The CTSC established an innovative network for

to keep employees safe, healthy and injury free.

their desk,” Jon added.

biomedical collaboration focused on translating

Numerous measures are in place throughout the

After observation, the team develops a plan

research discoveries to patient care.

Hospital to ensure a safe work environment. However,

of action and offers hands-on training to

injuries can still occur. The Body Mechanics Program

employees. At the end of the in-service, each

aims to minimize the risk of getting hurt by educating

department receives hand-outs with safety tips

employees on how to safely do their jobs. Good body

and recommendations moving forward to maintain

mechanics are essential in the tasks we perform

good practices. To date, the tenth floor Nursing

to prevent a sudden injury that may arise over

and ninth floor PACU/Holding units have benefited

time due to bad posture, poor form or repeated

from the training. The Body Mechanics team is

movements that put stress on the body, according

currently working with the Radiology Department.

translate informed outcomes into better treatments for patients.

• Partnership in the Weill Cornell Medical College

“I’m proud of what our Research Division has accomplished thus far,” said Dr. Goldring.

“We have made great strides and Dr. Ivashkiv’s knowledge, experience and leadership will only take us even further toward our goal of better treatments and cures for patients.” After a transition period, Dr. Goldring will remain on faculty at HSS and continue with his scientific collaborations.

“I’m delighted that Lionel Ivashkiv will assume leadership of the research enterprise at HSS,” said Thomas Kelly, M.D., HSS board member and Research Committee co-chair. “The opportunities for scientific advances in understanding and treating

to Jon Cinkay, P.T., program coordinator.

“Lifting, bending, twisting, turning, reaching, kneeling, cleaning, even the way we sit at a desk, can take a toll on our bodies if we do not practice good form,” he explained. “Body mechanics refers to proper body movement when engaging in activities. It’s the most efficient way to perform an activity to maximize balance, coordination and endurance, while minimizing

musculoskeletal diseases have never been greater,

stress and the risk of injury. That’s important for

and I’m confident that with Dr. Ivashkiv’s visionary

everyone to remember while they are working here

leadership, HSS will remain at the forefront of

at HSS and also in their lives outside of HSS.”

efforts to improve the lives of patients with these diseases.”

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At HSS, It’s Safety First

Two things make this program unique to HSS. The first is that our staff work with almost our entire

“It’s been excellent for the staff,” said Julie PollinoTanner, patient care director on the tenth floor.

“They appreciate the fact that we’re looking after their well-being. As a result of the training, they have become more inquisitive about equipment that can help them do their job, and they are using it more.”

The goal is to offer the Body Mechanics Program to all hospital employees over the next 18 months, according to Jon. It will become a permanent program at HSS and new employees will receive training as well.

“We want what people learn at HSS to become part of their everyday lives so that they’re protecting

“Advancing musculoskeletal research is one

patient base to get them back to function or movement

of the great opportunities of our time, and

after surgery. The second is that our own in-house

deserving of our finest talents and support,”

expertise on body movement was used to develop

said David H. Koch, member of the HSS Board

this program. When originally considering formalizing

of Trustees and co-chair of the Board’s Research

the Body Mechanics Program, administrators knew

The Body Mechanics team includes Charles Fisher,

Committee. “Lionel’s leadership has distinguished

that HSS had the in-house expertise to make it

P.T., MBA (Manager); Lauren Alix, P.T., CSCS; Luba

him among the brightest lights, and I have every

a success. Jon, who was named coordinator, along

Chernov, P.T., MPA; Tracey Colantonio, P.T.; Kristen

confidence that as chief scientific officer he will

with a team of 10 physical therapists focus on one

Crisara, P.T.; Kristi Foxx, P.T.; Sarah Kostyukovsky,

lead HSS and the field in transforming quality

department at a time to help employees do their jobs

P.T., CSCS; Christi Loftus, P.T.; Mike Martell, PTA;

of life for generations to come.”

safely and more efficiently.

Diana Minardo, O.T.; Katherine Wilson, P.T.

themselves here at work and also at home,” Melissa said. “So when they go to lift something at home, they’ll think about what they learned at HSS.”

Epic: One patient. One record. One HSS. n about eight months our HSS Epic electronic

There were two types of workflow walkthroughs

medical record (EMR) will go live on January 31,

conducted in April – a large integrated demonstra-

2016. The Epic project and our transformation of

tion that showcased several applications in Epic and

I

care processes represents a very exciting advance for

smaller breakout sessions focused on specific appli-

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

H

Game – features more than 800 patient stories sharing how HSS helped them get

“back in the game.” Every month we will include one

HSS and is an essential element of our commitment

cations and tasks. Epic provides a comprehensive,

of these stories that highlight the extraordinary care

to provide the highest quality patient care. While

integrated system. Every aspect of the delivery of

members of the HSS family provide.

exciting, the successful implementation of the EMR

care – from scheduling services, tracking patients

Below you can read more about how HSS helped

is an enormous task that will touch every member of

within the Hospital, ordering tests and procedures,

Andrew Sedlak from South Orange, New Jersey, get

the HSS family. With that, we have a robust educa-

documenting clinical progress, storing results to

back in the game.

tion program planned that will provide physicians

billing and collection – will be handled through Epic.

and staff the information and tools they need to be

The integrated demo provided a great opportunity for

successful on day one of go live. Training schedules

more than 100 HSS physicians and staff to see the

and registration will be available in August.

end-to-end workflow of the single patient experience.

We are in the final weeks of phase three of the Epic

The integrated demo followed patient “Clark Kent”

I returned home,

project and the entire system build is on track for

who was scheduled for a knee replacement. The

my initial doctors

completion by July 13 when the project team will shift

scenario followed Clark’s encounter from all caregiver

did all they could

their focus to thorough testing of application build,

perspectives from the time he came for his surgery

to help repair my

device integration and interfaces with other systems.

consult visit – surgery was scheduled, pre-admission

two broken legs,

The project team continues to meet with physician

testing was completed, surgery was performed,

but the accident

service line champions to collect information for

he was transferred to the inpatient unit, and initial

left them in a poor

clinical content build. Groups have been working to

physical therapy treatment was completed – until

state with the

standardize documentation and order sets across all

he was discharged. The scenario ended with an

discovery of a

disciplines and specialties in order to optimize best-

overview of the billing process for his admission and

bone infection.

practices and provide consistent care to our patients.

revenue reporting dashboards available to actively

At the end of July and into early August, system

manage and work revenue cycle metrics. Some

demonstrations will be available, which is one of the

demonstrated highlights included:

most sought-after requests we receive. This is a great

• Use of Epic is role-based – Different users have

I had a debilitating car accident while travelling in Namibia. When

We were told about HSS and from the start, they wanted to really understand the issues and how they could help. I ended up needing a lot of work done on my ankle to clear the infection and fix the ankle. The

sign of increasing interest in our new, integrated

different access based on the functions they need

system that will transform the way we work, making

only choice was to fuse it because of all the damage.

to perform for their job role.

Over the next 12 months, the team at HSS did so

it easier for our patients to navigate HSS.

• Integrated system functionality – Information

much to see this process through and help me regain

Workflow Walkthroughs

entered by the nurse or the physician assistant, for

my ability again.

A series of Workflow Walkthrough sessions were

example, is easily accessible for the surgeon.

It would then be another year before I could go back

conducted in April to demo future-state workflows

• Better patient flow – Patients provide their

to university and graduate, but I am eternally grateful

that were built based on decisions made during

registration information at intake, for example,

to the team who gave me a second chance. Since the

validation sessions in the fall of last year. Each session

and the system guides subsequent users to verify

accident, I have done more hiking, climbing, sports

showcased Epic workflows that have been tailored to

information for accuracy versus the patient having

and activities than before. I started kickboxing and

suit HSS’ specific needs. This customization has been

to complete additional forms each time.

even ran a Men’s Health Challenge. Not a day goes by

done with the input and validation of subject matter experts (SMEs) and service line champions. Epic is not a one-size-fits-all solution and is designed to allow a health care organization like HSS to “build” its own customized version of the system. Team members from HSS have worked very hard to build the Epic EMR to reflect the needs of our hospital. These

• Provider efficiency – Much of the information is already documented by the physician assistant

that I don’t thank Drs. Rozbruch and Fragomen for doing this work.

and nurse prior to the surgeon’s review; left navigation of the screen contains a series of activities that guide the surgeon on where to go next to either document, review patient information, or sign orders.

sessions provided colleagues an opportunity to

Observers saw how different applications work and,

take a first look at the system and see the ways that

importantly, how they work together. These sessions

Epic will transform patient interaction and care when

were intended as a trial run before a final “production”

it goes live.

build will be completed by July in time for testing.

While it is hard to believe an entire year has already passed since the first steps of the Epic journey began at HSS, we are now at the stage of showing a significant

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

portion of our integrated EMR system. Epic will transform the way our patients’ medical information is accessed and utilized, from first touch to last.

• Why Strategy Matters Now…continued

A huge thank you to all members of the HSS family who have been engaged in this process thus far,

• Where Miracles Happen Every Day

we are well on our way to achieve this massive,

• Why Strategy Matters Now

transformative goal here at HSS. If you have any questions or comments about Dr. David Mayman demonstrating a workflow in the system during the integrated session.

Epic, you may submit them via the FAQ section of

• Sneak Preview • Education Evolution

the Epic intranet site.

3

J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge he J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is taking

T

place on Wednesday, June 3 and over the years has motivated some members of the

Celebrating National Nurses Week ational Nurses Week is celebrated across

“Without the teamwork, commitment and compas-

the country each year to acknowledge the

sion demonstrated by all of you on a daily basis, we

N

many contributions nurses make on a daily

wouldn’t be able to achieve the extraordinary

basis to provide the highest quality care to patients.

outcomes we do,” he said. He also referenced the

The week starts on May 6 and ends on May 12,

many initiatives underway at HSS of which nurses are

HSS family to get fit and start running. Every month

Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The theme this year

a part including Epic. Asking everyone who has been

leading up to the Corporate Challenge, we have been

was “Ethical practice. Quality care” which highlights

to an Epic meeting in past week to raise their hand,

sharing inspiring stories with you. This month, you

the importance of ethics in nursing and acknowledges

he was met with a room full of arms in the air. “You are

can read more about how the Corporate Challenge

the strong commitment, compassion and care

key members of teams working together to ensure

motivated Monique Alexander who works in Patient

nurses display in their practice and profession.

that Epic and our transformation are a success.

Accounting and Pantelis Karnoupakis who works in Managed Care.

Monique’s Story

At HSS, many events took place to mark Nurses

The additional time and hard work you have invested

Week, which kicked off with a special event honoring

will help us to continue to raise the quality bar in

the Nursing Excellence Award winners and the 2015

providing unparalleled experiences for our patients.”

Friend of Nursing Award recipient.

Stephanie then presented the 2015 Friend of Nursing

and never replied. In 2013, one of my co-workers told

Stephanie J. Goldberg, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC,

Award to this year’s honoree – Dr. Linda Russell.

me she was going to join the Challenge so I did as

senior vice president, Patient Care Services and

“Dr. Russell works very closely with nursing and is

well. I was a lot heavier back then, but still we decided

chief nursing officer, welcomed the nursing staff and

dedicated to helping us provide high quality care

to walk. When I walked past the finish line I was out of

shared highlights from 2014 and priorities for 2015.

to our patients,” said Stephanie. “We thank you,

breath and about to drop. Later on that night I said to

“Thanks to the efforts and dedication of our entire

Dr. Russell for your dedication and overall compassion

myself, “I really enjoyed the Challenge and next year

nursing staff, we achieved major accomplishments

to our staff.”

I’ll join again, but I’ll be in better shape.” Since then I

throughout 2014 and we’re off to a great start in

Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and medical

have joined the gym, started eating right and have

2015,” she said. Two major areas of focus for nursing

director, also shared a few sentiments at the event.

lost 60 pounds. I was a size 14 and now am a size 4.

this year are the Epic electronic medical record and

“We couldn’t do what we do every day without all of

I’m so happy I joined the Corporate Challenge – it

application for Magnet re-designation, which would

you,” he said. “You spend the most time with our

motivated me to live a healthier life and start loving

be the fourth consecutive time HSS was recognized

patients and are at their bedside, you make us look

myself again.

with this prestigious honor. Stephanie also announced

good, by the consistent, compassionate care you

the winners of the Nursing Excellence Awards.

provide. Speaking for the medical staff, we are proud

I had seen the Corporate Challenge e-mail for years

Pantelis’s Story When I first started at HSS in 2012, I weighed 280 pounds. I participated in the Corporate Challenge that year and shortly after I began a year-long journey

Lou Shapiro, president and CEO, also addressed the

to work with such exceptional professionals – you

attendees. After sharing a personal story about his

demonstrate excellence and the highest quality care

wife, who is also a nurse by trade, Lou went on to

for all of our patients.”

discuss the important role that our nurses play at HSS.

to get healthy, not only through exercise but also completely “relearning” how to eat. I have lost 110 pounds and have been at my current weight of 170 pounds for over a year.

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.

Nursing Excellence Award Winners

You may file your report in the following ways:

4

1. By e-mail:

complaint@jointcommission.org

Structural Empowerment

Jordan Ocaña, BSN, R.N. (SPU-75th Street)

2. By fax:

Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

Jason Basco, BSN, R.N., CCRN (HFC)

Monica Sixon, BSN, R.N. (8E)

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

New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements

Ashley Santaite, BSN, R.N. (7E)

3. By mail:

Ishisha Timmons, BSN, R.N., MSHAI, CCM, OCN

Ana Garcia, BSN, R.N. (6E)

(Case Manager/SDU)

Transformational Leadership

Michael Castro, BSN, R.N., CNOR (HFC/OR)

Elizabeth Amarille, BSN, R.N., CNOR (HFC/OR)

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

Jennifer Cangialosi, BSN, R.N. (7E)

Jordana Velazco, ANP-BC (NP- Dr. Mayman)

Exemplary Professional Practice

Nino Gino Gecale, BSN, R.N. (Main OR)

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

Harpreet Hira, BSN, R.N., ONC (PACU)

Leslie McDermott, BSN, R.N. (ACC 72nd Street)

Recognizing HSS Volunteers

“Ms. Shiller is a retired school teacher and brings to VOICES 60+ her longtime experience working in an institutional setting. She exhibits excellent organizational skills and is incredibly reliable.

n 2014, there were 375 individuals who

She demonstrates a deep interest in helping others,

volunteered 42,726 hours of service at HSS

especially older adults coping with chronic illness,”

and their dedication was officially recognized

said Juliette Kleinman, LCSW, ACSW, manager

I

at recent award ceremonies. A little over half of those hours were given by adults, the other half by high school and college students. The three volunteer

for VOICES 60+.

Annual Volunteer Awards Reception

site areas that have donated the most hours are

HSS also held the Annual Volunteer Awards

the Family Atrium with 5,283, Rehabilitation with

Reception on April 30. Teena Shetty, M.D.,

4,769, and Pastoral Care with 4,657. The Volunteer

assistant attending neurologist, was the guest

Department offers 55 different assignment areas

speaker. She spoke about neurology at HSS

Choi and Kelianne Cummings. Daniel volunteers in the Ambulatory Surgery Department as a patient

Kelianne Cummings with Dr. Shetty

The Mary Ryan Student Awards were given to Daniel

to choose from. The volunteers range in age from 15

but also went into lengths about volunteerism.

to 91 and come from all over the world. Whether they

Dr. Shetty expressed the profound positive

liaison. Fran Meyers, manager, 9th Floor Family Atrium,

volunteer in Registration or Pediatrics, the Family

impact that volunteers bring to HSS.

along with fellow volunteer Caroline Magnus, spoke

Atrium or the Nursing floors they make a unique

Volunteer Ann Hopkins received the Germaine B.

on his behalf. Kelianne volunteers in the Neurology

contribution and HSS wouldn’t be able to

Wilson Award, named after the mother of Philip D.

Department under Dr. Shetty. Both of these students

accomplish what it does on a daily basis

Wilson, Jr., M.D., surgeon-in-chief emeritus. Ann

received a $1,000 scholarship to pursue their studies.

without their extraordinary service.

volunteers in the Sports Medicine Department and has

Congratulations to all of volunteers and thank you

given over 2,600 hours within seven years of service.

for choosing to volunteer your time at HSS!

Ann Hopkins (second from left)

Daniel Choi

United Hospital Fund Volunteer Achievement Award The United Hospital Fund recently hosted its 22nd annual Hospital Volunteer Achievement Award ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom honoring 91 volunteers who provide exceptional service to hospitals throughout the five boroughs.

Arlene Shiller who has been a volunteer at HSS for nine years was one of this year’s honorees.

Arlene volunteers for the VOICES 60+ Senior Advocacy Program which is part of our Social Work Programs. Arlene conducts outreach to ethnically diverse older adult patients in person and by phone.

Employees of the Month Eduardo Ramirez, April 2015 Congratulations to Eduardo Ramirez for being selected Employee of the Month for April 2015. Eduardo is a building service aide in the Environmental Services Department and has been a member of the HSS family for nearly eight years.

Eduardo approaches every situation with a can-do attitude and takes initiative to get the job done.

He sees tasks through to completion and is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of him.

Eduardo is very positive and is always smiling – he remains calm and collected in every situation. He goes the extra mile and gives 110 percent to any task at hand.

Trevor Henry, March 2015 Congratulations to Trevor Henry for being selected Employee of the Month for March 2015. Trevor is a senior inventory technician in the OR Inventory and Distribution Department and has been a member of the HSS family for nearly four years.

Trevor is reliable, focused and consistently one step ahead demonstrating a high level of efficiency in everything he does. He organizes supplies to ensure ease of access for colleagues and follows through on all requests. Trevor has a positive, professional demeanor and is a team player who is always willing to help.

He takes on assignments with enthusiasm and dedication and goes above and beyond to solve problems.

5

Annual Ice Cream Social embers of the HSS family celebrated

M

National Hospital Week, which recognizes dedicated individuals who serve our nation’s

hospitals, at the annual Ice Cream Social. Ice cream offered at various locations throughout the main HSS campus and offsites marked the occasion. This year’s theme was “Where Miracles Happen Every Day.” “At HSS, we do perform miracles every day – we give patients their lives back, we get them back to what they need and love to do. Each and every member of the HSS family plays an important role in getting our patients ‘back in the game.’ The commitment and compassion you demonstrate daily and our special culture are key drivers of our success and our extraordinary patient outcomes,” said Lou Shapiro, president and CEO.

Residency Training Program Targets Geriatric Population esearch shows that older adults often feel

Residency training program which aims to improve

education programs aimed at the interests and needs

marginalized and stigmatized in society and

resident communication skills with older adults as

of people age 65 and over. This culminates in a pres-

in healthcare settings in particular, where

well as increase their sensitivity towards the unique

entation to the community through the Greenberg

they are even more vulnerable, ill and sometimes

needs of this population.

Academy. The residents provide an overview of an

alone. They tend to not seek proper clarification

For two years (the length of the grant), HSS residents

orthopedic-related subject, such as shoulder pain or

from their doctors. Helping older adults to better

participated in the program. Due to its success, the

exercises for older adults with osteoporosis, and then

understand their own disease and treatment options

program became a curriculum requirement in 2010

do hands-on demonstrations of appropriate exer-

increases patient satisfaction and helps them to

for all third-year orthopedic surgery residents and

cises and field questions. The participants leave with

maintain dignity in the aging process.

remains so today. “This program has been very

a handout of the exercises to do at home. A senior

In 2008, Dr. Charles Cornell received a grant from

successful in helping residents better understand

physical therapist helps with the training program.

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the Geriatric Society of America. Noting that patients’

how to work with the aging patient population,”

“The participants evaluate the program and show

needs change as they age as well as a growing older

said Dr. Cornell. “It has become an important

very high satisfaction towards the program and rated

adult population, he saw an important opportunity –

component of the curriculum and we believe it is

the residents high on sensitivity levels,” said Linda

Dr. Cornell wanted to graduate HSS residents

the only active surgical orthopedic communication

Roberts, LCSW, senior coordinator of the Greenberg

equipped to successfully and effectively communi-

training geared toward older adults.”

Academy. “Residents also evaluate the program and

cate with older adults. So he and Dr. Mathias

As part of the curriculum, the residents work with the

appreciate that while conveying medical information

Bostrom worked together with the Education and

coordinator of the Greenberg Academy for Successful

is important, understanding the needs of this

Academic Affairs Department to create the Geriatric

Aging, which develops and implements health

population really helps get the information across.”

Residents Grant Garcia, M.D.; Elizabeth Cody, M.D.; and Peter Derman, M.D., present during a Greenberg Academy Workshop: Exercises for Older Adults with Osteoporosis.

Dr. Derman demonstrating strengthening exercises

Dr. Garcia showing participants stretching exercises

Girls’ Night Out SS’ Charla de Lupus/Lupus Chat®

K. Lee Graham, who spent time with the girls, helped

Program in collaboration with Project

them pick dresses and posed with them for photos.

H

Sunshine, a non-profit organization serving

During the event, while the girls chose their dresses and

children facing medical challenges, once again

got the royal treatment, their parents and caretakers

hosted the annual “Girls’ Night Out.” More than 20

had a chance to relax and receive special treatments

teenage girls attended the evening, which helped

with volunteers from Origins who provided massages.

prepare them for prom, graduation or other upcoming special occasions.

Congratulations to the following members of the HSS family who have achieved Platinum, Gold and Silver status on Vitality!

“This event means so much to these girls and their Platinum

families,” said Jillian Rose, LMSW, assistant director,

The young women who participated selected dresses

Community Engagement, Diversity and Research.

and accessories, learned makeup tips, and had their

“They get to enjoy being teenagers and have fun

hair and nails done by volunteers from The Estée

dressing up and doing the same things other girls

Lauder Companies.

their age are doing.” Each attendee not only went

An added bonus this year was the attendance of

home with a new dress and look, but increased

Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, and Miss Teen USA,

confidence and the memory of a fun evening.

Susie Lakeram, Sujit Saha Gold Status Zahava Alter Lipton, Michael Calabrese, Laura Gibofsky, Lisa Halfen, Joseph Nguyen, Bruce Slawitsky, Tracy Willett Silver Status Lauren Alix, Ellen Burford, Maria Casella, Barbara Chin, Aislinn Crank, Veronica Daly, Emily Foote, Yukiji Fujimoto, Nino Gino Gecale, Alice Gonzalez, Vincent Grassia, Elianna Kaplowitz, Sarah Kennedy-Ortolan, Tzipora Kuba, Jodi Lewis, Kriezl Liaban, Joy Linscheid, Melissa Medina, Susan Mollica, Mellissa Nanton-Mathews, Allina Nocon, Annie Nussbaum, Zoraida Ortiz-Moran, Ron Perez, Vincent Perniciaro, Amanda Pupino, Laura Richards, Kathy Rivera-Vazquez, Kathiria Rodriguez, Marie Serina, Michael Silverman, Brittany Soto, Barbara Sprague, Carole Travers, Lissette Wilkes

Get to Know Manny Villafane This month, we get to know Manny Villafane, physician referral representative, who has been a member of the HSS family for about 13 years.

In his role, Manny triages, counsels and refers patients to HSS physicians.

system that focuses on grappling and specifically

comprised of competitors from many different

ground fighting. It promotes the concept that a

countries. Despite not placing in that tournament,

smaller, weaker person can successfully defend

Manny says it was a great learning experience.

against a bigger, stronger opponent by using

“As our coach often tells us, ‘there is no losing in

proper technique, leverage, and most notably,

Jiu-Jitsu. You either win or you learn.’”

taking the fight to the ground to defeat the

What he likes most about it is that the students

opponent. This is done by utilizing superior

benefit from greatly increased physical fitness,

leverage, grip and position. Students of the sport

at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is

problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their

gain a deep understanding of the workings and

a martial art, combat sport, and a self-defense

body and mind and the many social benefits of

limits of the human body.

working within a large group of like-minded fellow

Outside of work, Manny trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Manny is a brown belt and has been training for

students as they learn and have fun together.

12 years. He has trained in some form of martial

Aside from Jiu-Jitsu, Manny also enjoys spending

arts since he was a teenager. He started out in

quality time with his family, participating in

karate, then Jeet Kune Do to submission grappling

adventure races and mud runs, mountain biking

and eventually found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which he

and traveling.

enjoyed the most. It is often compared to a physical game of chess. Manny has competed in various tournaments placing gold, silver and bronze.

He also competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation tournament, The Worlds, which is the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament,

If you or someone you know would like to be considered for inclusion in our “Get to Know” column, please write to us at echo@hss.edu.

And check out next month’s ECHO to get to know another member of the HSS family!

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Milestones Research Division

New Grants

Lectures and Symposia

Honors

• Lionel Ivashkiv, M.D., received a five-year

• Joseph Lipman, M.S., was a Keynote speaker at

• Theresa Lu, M.D., Ph.D., along with HSS colleagues Varsha Kumar, Ph.D.; Dragos Dasoveanu, Susan Chyou; Te-Chen Tzeng, Ph.D.; and Cristina Rozo, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of

renewal of a research grant from the National

the 2015 Materialise World Congress held in

Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to

Belgium and gave a talk at the Mimics Innovation

study “Inhibition of Stat3 and Inflammatory

Summit on “Advanced Imaging, Preoperative

Cytokine Production.”

Planning and Post-Operative Evaluation of Orthopedic Surgeries.”

• Sergei Rudchenko, Ph.D., received a

Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine and the

new National Institutes of Health Shared

Yale School of Public Health published an article

Instrumentation Grant to purchase a cell sorter,

in the April issue of Immunity, “A Dendritic

an instrument that will be used to upgrade the

Cell-stromal Axis Maintains Immune Responses

Flow Cytometry Core Facility. The Core provides

Susan Goodman, M.D., participated in the NYU

in Lymph Nodes,” which was selected to be

resources for investigators at HSS and at the

Advanced Rheumatology Course in New York.

highlighted on the cover of the journal.

Weill Cornell Medical College to support research

In addition to panel discussions and workshops,

The cover illustration was drawn by

in areas such as arthritis and tissue degeneration,

Dr. Goodman presented Rheumatoid Arthritis –

Dragos Dasoveanu with assistance by

autoimmunity and inflammation, soft tissue

Current Perspectives on Perioperative

Varsha Kumar.

engineering and repair, cancer biology

Management; Dr. Bykerk discussed What

and neurobiology.

Observational Studies of Early RA Patients

Rheumatology • Vivian P. Bykerk, BSc, M.D., FRCPC, and

Have Taught Us about Best Practices.

Picture This

Welcome Dana M. Aaron, Marisol Acosta, Kwame Addai-Mensah, Elena Alaverdov, Katherine Alcantara, Linda C. Alvarez, Catalina Bastidas, Eirini Bournazou, Frank A. Campo, Crispiana Cozowicz, Shivi Duggal, Lennard J. Edmund Jr., Mohamed Elshehaby, Monique E. Febbraio, Ethan J. Fraser, Amanda Gallocher, Vincent Gibbs, Thea Hall, Roxann H. Henry, Jhonier Hernandez, Luis R. Hernandez, Robert Herrmann, Anh Hoang, Cerline Howard, Anita G. Kurti, Devan David N. Legaspi, Indramattie Madraveren, Analyn Martinez, Marisol Martinez, Evan N. Marx, Werner A. Mena, Lysandra I. Moran, Mary E. Moritz, Justin Namit, Jamie Obertlik, Yecheskel Ordentlich, Julie A. Pate, Carmen J. Paxton, Lauren M. Petrillo, Schneider K. Rancy, Kimberly M. Rice, Carlos J. Rivera, Jessica Rivera, Kisha Rivers, Jamie Rubin, James R. Satalich, Joseph J. Scala, Larraine P. Sisco, Coumba Sy, Crisol J. Tabarejo, Rachael E. Taylor, Paul Tutundgy, Maria L. Vargas, Patrick Vignona, Jande Weeks, Peter B. White, Erica Yarborough, Yoichi Yausi, Albert Zamayla

Patient Safety Reporting Hotline

New HSS flags on Madison Avenue promoting the Hospital’s Integrative Care Center at 59th Street and Madison.

To maintain the high quality patient care for which HSS is known, it is the responsibility of all employees to prevent problems before they occur.

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.

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.

Please call (212) 774-SAFE and be sure to provide enough information to facilitate investigation.

The Hotline does NOT replace existing mechanisms for reporting these issues.

The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.

Editor-in-Chief:

Rosanna Selinski

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.

Executive Editor:

Rachel Sheehan

Editorial Committee:

Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky

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

8

Please use the Patient Safety Hotline, established by the HSS Patient Safety Steering Committee, to inform the Committee about barriers to patient safety, near misses or actual events, recommendations for improvement and unsafe practices. The Hotline is confidential and may be used for anonymous reporting.

Next Issue:

June 2015 echo@hss.edu