HSS Echo March 2016

March 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 3

ECHO

THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY

MyHSS Jumpstarts the Transition to Paperless Patient Care ne of the most important strategic initiatives

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for HSS this year has been the implementa-

tion of Epic, an integrated electronic medical

record. The use of Epic is not only transforming care

SS Sports Rehab provided by Stamford

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delivery, but also improving the patient experience.

Health officially opened on March 9 with

Clinical and operational teams are starting to see the

a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house

benefits of working in an integrated system and shar-

reception. The opening marks a new chapter for HSS

ing “one” record for each patient. HSS has also worked

in Connecticut following an extremely successful

to ensure that the patient-facing interface, MyHSS,

inaugural year for the HSS Stamford Outpatient

is an ideal brand and communication experience.

This new online portal allows patients to access their health information securely from the convenience of

HSS and Stamford Health Bring World Class Sports Rehab to CT

Center, which offers patients medical diagnoses, Dr. Sandhu discusses MyHSS activation strategies with medical secretary Amaris Quinones.

pre-and post-operative care, non-surgical management of injuries and joint pain, MRI’s, X-rays and more.

any computer or mobile device. Through MyHSS,

after the transition; attended classes on Epic; and

patients have the ability to request an appointment,

worked to help everyone from office managers to

complete pre-visit questionnaires, communicate

nurses understand the benefits of a paperless office.

with their healthcare team, view lab results and

The transition to MyHSS has truly been a team

request prescription refills.

creation of Sports Rehab is to deliver exceptional

effort for Dr. Sandhu and his staff. As soon as a

rehabilitative therapy for sports-related injuries and

HSS has had incredible success with patient

patient makes an appointment with the doctor,

conditions. Together with Stamford Health, we are

activation on the portal. While this is related to our

his office manager, Elizabeth Castro, gives them

bringing the latest protocols and best practices in

strategy of making pre-visit questionnaires available

an overview of MyHSS, explaining the many benefits,

rehabilitative medicine from HSS to Fairfield County.”

through MyHSS, the adoption is also a reflection of

including filling out pre-appointment paperwork,

the focused effort of individual physicians and their

communicating with the doctor via the platform and

office staff.

sending information to the doctor before their visit.

For Harvinder Sandhu, M.D., associate attending

“When I tell them they can fill out pre-appointment

orthopaedic surgeon at HSS, the launch of MyHSS

paperwork at home, that’s what gets them really

is the first step in making the healthcare experience

happy,” said Elizabeth.

paperless for most patients at the Hospital.

In fact, it is this step that Dr. Sandhu and

“The goal for me was to go paperless,” said Dr. Sandhu.

his entire office find to be one of the most

“I wanted to force everyone in my office to think

helpful. If a patient has not registered for MyHSS

that way.”

before their appointment, the patient needs

To get his staff ready for the transition to Epic

to be roomed and a nurse has to sit with them

and MyHSS, Dr. Sandhu kept an open line of

to help fill out all of the required information.

communication with his team before, during and

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“HSS is heavily committed to Stamford and Fairfield County,” said JeMe Cioppa-Mosca, senior vice president, Rehabilitation. “The vision behind the

Sports Rehab is located next door to the HSS Stamford Outpatient Center.

Sports Rehab combines access to the exceptional resources of Chelsea Piers CT with renowned orthopedists from HSS. Together, the clinicians on the HSS Sports Rehab team represent more than 65 years of experience in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

“A commitment to quality is at the heart of what we do, and this same commitment is reflected in the world-class clinicians and staff that we have hired to run Sports Rehab,” said JeMe.

CONTINUED on page 2

Inside

Patients can easily access their health information securely online by logging into the MyHSS portal from any computer or mobile device.

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HSS Magnet Designation Application Physician Referral Service Epic Ice Cream Social

MyHSS Jumpstarts the Transition According to Dr. Sandhu, this poses two problems:

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In addition to standard pre-appointment paperwork,

Information Technology and IT lead for the MyHSS

it takes time and the information is nowhere near

patients can also fill out questionnaires sent to them

Project. In fact, Epic experts found our success with

as thorough or accurate as if the patient were to fill

by the office, such as a service line specific survey.

activating users to be incredible. Rodney attributes

it out at home.

If doctors still want to see this information on paper,

this success to the tremendous amount of education

“There is a real incentive for us to get them to fill this

they can simply print it out from MyHSS, suggests

that physicians, clinical support staff and the overall

out at home,” Dr. Sandhu said. “It can take up to 30

Dr. Sandhu.

HSS family have received.

minutes for a nurse to fill out this information for a

The amount of information available to both the

“MyHSS has been successful beyond many of our

complicated patient with a long medical history.

patient and healthcare provider, as well as the

expectations largely due to the integrated teams

It is also more thorough if a patient does it at home.

convenience of MyHSS, makes the portal a strong

that worked over the 18 months to go-live to really

For example, you will get a more complete family

asset to the Hospital overall, which is why patient

define and shape what our patient portal would be

medical history.”

activation is so important. There are more than

for our unique patient populations,” he said.

9,100 active MyHSS users who have registered

Even with all of the success to date, our work here

since the Epic go-live on February 1.

isn’t done. According to Jessica, there is so much

“Many of the strategies we developed to activate

more we can do with this platform, and we are looking

patients are working,” said Jessica Kovac, senior

into additional functionalities to make it even more

director of Service Lines and operational lead for the

beneficial to the Hospital and the patient in the future.

MyHSS Project. “Our rates are something Epic has led the MyHSS multidisciplinary work group, which

Patient Adoption of MyHSS as of April 18

has reflected the nature of our overall transition to

• 9,117 patients are active on MyHSS

never seen before, which is fantastic!” Jessica has

Epic with input and contributions from many areas of the Hospital.

Office manager Elizabeth Castro explains the benefits of MyHSS to patients over the phone.

HSS’ activation rates are phenomenal for a hospital our size, adds Rodney Plante, senior director,

• Nearly 20% activation rate after six weeks • Other Epic clients are targeting ~20% activation at four months after go-live

Sensitive Area Access HSS Sports Rehab Comes to CT

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hroughout the HSS campus, electronic access

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on ID cards is required to enter many buildings and doors. The security department would like

to remind all employees that these sensitive areas

should only be accessed by individuals with an authorized access card to the specific area. For your safety, and the safety of all employees and patients, please do not allow any unauthorized individuals to follow you into these areas or “piggyback” into a space with you

The new facility features state-of-the-art equipment, including a SwimEx physical therapy pool for quick recovery and performance enhancement, as well as an AlterG® anti-gravity treadmill, which allows for early gait and mobility training in the acute phases of recovery, as well as speed work and performance training in the later phases of rehabilitation.

if you are not sure they are authorized. This applies to

Connecticut patients have been travelling to

non-authorized HSS employee, patients or anyone else

HSS for the highest quality of care for more than

on the HSS campus. The use of ID cards to enter

a century. Now they can receive the same levels

these areas is a safety precaution and also allows the

of advanced treatment practices, convenient

security department to perform an audit, if necessary.

access and the best possible outcomes where

If you ever have a security or safety concern, please

they live and work.

Sports Rehab offers exceptional rehabilitative therapy for sports-related injuries and conditions by bringing the latest protocols and best practices in rehabilitative medicine to Fairfield County.

call security at extension 1840 or 1207.

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 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 5 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 4 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 3 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 2 • Roadmap to 2020: Part 1 • Blown Away • Pathway to Sustained Leadership in Musculoskeletal Health

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HSS and Stamford Health leadership participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. (l-r) Robb Mercer, director, Operations for Stamford Health; Kathleen Silard, RN, EVP, COO for Stamford Health; Debbie Nemchek, director, Outpatient Rehab for Stamford Health; David Smith, senior vice president, Strategy and Network Development for Stamford Health; JeMe Cioppa-Mosca, senior vice president, Rehabilitation at HSS; Vicki Hoffman, service line director, Orthopedics for Stamford Health; Jaime Edelstein, senior director, Regional Off-site Rehab Facilities at HSS; Jennifer Rentas, vice president at HSS; and Justin Clark, site manager, Sports Rehab provided by Stamford Health.

HSS Completes Final Step of Magnet Designation Application SS has just completed the final phase

The Magnet application process includes three

attended unit rounds and reviewed the documenta-

of the application process for what would

steps: completion of an application, submission of

tion submitted as part of the application process.

be our fourth consecutive American Nurses

more than 80 sources of written documentation to

The appraisers were amazed by the depth of our

Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet designation.

prove the hospital is meeting Magnet standards and

interdisciplinary practice and patient outcomes. In

The Magnet designation is the highest and most

a site visit from members of the ANCC.

fact, according to Stephanie Goldberg, RN, MSN,

prestigious credential a healthcare organization

After successfully completing the first two phases of

NEA-BC, senior vice president, Patient Care Services

can achieve for nursing excellence and quality

the application process, HSS hosted three appraisers

and chief nursing officer, one appraiser even stated

patient care, and there are currently only 430

from the ANCC March 2 – 4. The appraisers met with

that she would want to work at HSS.

Magnet-designated hospitals throughout the world.

the Hospital’s executive team, physicians, surgeons,

“I have never been so proud of our nurses and our

Benefits of a Magnet designation include improved

interdisciplinary colleagues, prestigious members of

entire team as I was during the site visit,” said

safety, nurse satisfaction and retention, reduced

academia and the community, the senior nursing

Stephanie. “I am so honored to be a part of this

costs and excellent patient outcomes.

leadership team and patient care directors. They also

amazing team!”

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Celebrates 10 Years at HSS or the past 10 years, HSS employees have

Sean Moyles, manager of On-Boarding Systems,

helped impact the lives of local high school

explains that students join the BBBS program for

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students through the Big Brothers Big Sisters

many different reasons. “My little said it was hard

(BBBS) of New York City Workplace Mentoring Pro-

for him to meet people,” said Sean. “He came to the

gram. The program gives students the opportunity to

program to get the experience of social interaction.”

partner one-on-one with a mentor from HSS to help

Beginning in 10th grade, students can apply to be

them navigate everything from career exploration to

part of the BBBS program. Once accepted, they are

college applications to life skills and experiences.

matched with a big at HSS and continue their relation-

There are currently eight HSS employees involved

ship through the end of high school. The current littles

in the program who act as bigs for the selected

are now seniors at Vanguard and will be graduating in

students from nearby Vanguard High School.

June with a wealth of knowledge and skillsets learned

The group meets twice a month with their littles

from their bigs during their multi-year relationships.

for structured meetings led by a BBBS program

According to BBBS, 97 percent of high school seniors

manager or group activities that expose the

involved in the Workplace Mentoring Program

students to cultural experiences across the city,

graduate, which is well above the national average.

Pam Katkin is proud of the relationship she has built with her little, Silvia, during the past several years.

enjoyed working with my little and the other bigs.

It’s a great time to take two hours out of the day and give back to someone else.”

including trips to museums, volunteer opportunities

The program has been so successful at HSS that Pam

and even a tour of CNN.

was recently honored with the BBBS of NYC Volunteer

The other bigs from HSS, along with Pam’s mom,

Eden Kalman, senior director of Food Service

Recognition Award for Workplace Mentoring Center

cheered her on as she was honored at the BBBS

Administration, and Pam Katkin, PA-C, administra-

Corporate Big of the Year. Pam was nominated for the

of NYC volunteer recognition award ceremony

tive director of the Physician Assistant Department,

award by BBBS program director Michele Feinberg,

on January 27.

who have been a part of the program since its

LMSW. She created a 3D collage and poem that

“I felt very honored and was also very impressed

inception at HSS, have seen the profound impact

demonstrated what the program meant to her, and

with all of the other bigs who have been participating

the program has had on students over the years.

was then selected as a recipient of the award. At the

throughout the years,” said Pam. “There was another

“My very first little is now an engineer, and Big

award ceremony, there were 29 bigs honored from

big there who has been doing this for 15 years.

Brothers Big Sisters is a very big part of why she

eight different categories. Pam was one of three

That was very inspiring to me, and that is something

is the way she is today,” said Pam. “We’ve seen

winners from the Workplace Mentoring Center

I would like to achieve.”

the students open up more because of their

Corporate Big of the Year, which is a huge honor.

If you are interested in joining the BBBS Workplace

relationships with their bigs and also with the

“I was absolutely thrilled because this has been a big

Mentoring Program as a big, please contact Sean

other kids in the program.”

part of my life for the last 10 years,” said Pam. “I’ve

Moyles at extension 2764.

Josephine Akinola, Sandra Goldsmith and Rachelle Schwartz support Pam Katkin as she receives her BBBS award.

HSS bigs include (front row, l - r) Rachelle Schwartz; Joanne Parnofiello; Pam Katkin; Josephine Akinola; Eden Kalman; (back row, l - r) Robert Nolan; Sean Moyles; and (not pictured) Sandra Goldsmith.

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

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Orthopedics and Rheumatology Take Center Stage in Florida

– 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 Matthew Neer of Old Tappan, New Jersey get back in the game.

SS hosted its fourth annual “HSS In Florida”

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panel event at The Breakers in Palm Beach on February 22. This year’s event saw the

highest attendance to-date with more than 300 guests. The panel, followed by a cocktail reception, featured advice from the world’s leading experts in orthopedics and rheumatology at HSS. This year’s

I am in the 8th grade

speakers included Todd J. Albert, M.D., surgeon-in-

and am active in

chief and medical director; David W. Altchek, M.D.,

basketball and base-

co-chief emeritus, Sports Medicine & Shoulder

ball. During the fall of

Service; Linda A. Russell, M.D., rheumatologist; and

2014, a teacher in my

Andrew J. Weiland, M.D., Hand & Upper Extremity

school noticed my

Service. After the panel, there was a Q&A session

left leg was bowling

moderated by Paul M. Pellicci, M.D., chief emeritus

outward. After meet-

of the Hip Service.

Paul Pellicci, M.D., moderates the Q&A session with panelists Linda Russell, M.D.; Todd Albert, M.D.; and Andrew Weiland, M.D.

ing with Dr. Emily Dodwell at HSS, it was discovered that I had a growth plate injury in my left upper knee that resulted in the plate closing, which resulted in my knee bending out. This was something that had to be corrected or my condition could worsen, causing much larger issues down the road. I was scheduled for surgery in December. My surgery involved having my femur sawed through and realigned, and then having a steel plate inserted for support. I also had to have the growth plates in my right leg sealed so that both my legs would grow at the same pace. The recovery was very painful, but

This year’s panel experts from HSS included (l -r): Andrew J. Weiland, M.D.; Linda A. Russell, M.D.; Paul M. Pellicci, M.D. (moderator); Todd J. Albert, M.D.; and David W. Altchek, M.D.

with Dr. Dodwell, the therapists, the nurses, and all of the staff at HSS helping me through it, I was able to eventually walk on my own. The staff really took a personal care in my recovery, and I will never forget them. It was one of the toughest events of my life. In the spring of 2015, I was able to return to play baseball for my school and town, and had one of the best seasons of my young career. I look forward to playing in high school and feel that I am stronger than ever.

I just want to thank Dr. Dodwell and the staff at HSS for taking such great care of me!

An Important Message from Corporate Compliance pic provides HSS with enhanced tools for pro-

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tecting our patients’ privacy – a commitment

access controls to determine the types of infor-

we have always held steadfast. Please be

mation Epic users may view. Roles are defined in

reminded that, in accordance with Federal and

accordance with an Epic user’s responsibilities at

State laws and regulations, as well as HSS Policies,

HSS. For example, if you’re a nurse in an inpatient

you may only access patient information for

unit, you may have access to patient clinical

job-related reasons and within the permissions

information, but not patient billing information.

granted to you based on your role at HSS.

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

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

The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.

All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcement authorities.

Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employee who reports a compliance issue in good faith.

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

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• Role-Based Access – HSS utilizes role-based

• MyHSS – If you are an HSS patient and would like

As always, if you have any questions regarding the

to access your patient information, please activate

access, use or disclosure of patient information, or

your MyHSS web-based patient portal account.

if you are concerned about any patient’s privacy,

Accessing your patient information through Epic,

including your own privacy as an HSS patient and

rather than MyHSS, is a violation of HSS Policies,

employee, please feel free to contact Andrea Ansorge,

which provide that you may only access patient

vice president, Corporate Compliance & Internal

information for job-related reasons.

Audit, at ansorgea@hss.edu or 212-774-2398.

• Epic Audit Trails and Other Reports – Epic pro-

The following preventive measures and real-time

vides HSS unprecedented reporting functionality,

reporting are now in use to safeguard and monitor

enabling us to monitor Epic access by user, patient

access to patient information and to ensure compli-

name, patient type, department, etc. As with Break

ance with applicable guidelines.

the Glass events, the HSS Privacy Officer will

• Break the Glass – When you attempt to access

investigate instances of questionable access.

certain patients’ information in Epic, you are

• FairWarning – HSS continues to utilize FairWarning,

prompted to choose a reason for your access and

an access log management system that enables us

re-enter your Epic username and password, or

to detect privacy and security violations through

“Break the Glass.” Break the Glass does NOT

the creation, review and investigation of logs that

prevent Epic users from accessing patients’

report access to patient information. FairWarning

information for job-related reasons. Real-time

reports are not limited to Epic access, but also

reports of Break the Glass events are provided

report access to HSS’ other electronic systems,

to the HSS Privacy Officer for follow-up.

such as Pyxis and PACS.

Physician Referral Service – A Vital Resource for Consumers magine you’ve been told you need a hip replace-

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with a warm greeting with one’s first name; always

them the best experience and service possible when

ment, require surgery for an injured shoulder or

being patient, polite and never rushed; and procuring

they first call PRS, we can help them feel confident

are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. You are

vital information from the caller to be able to provide

they are matched to the right doctor for their needs.”

aware of HSS’ outstanding reputation, but are at a

the most appropriate referral. In addition to medical

PRS works closely with the Marketing, Public

loss as to which doctor you should see.

ailment and health insurance information, the caller’s

Relations and Social Media Departments to help

Call the HSS Physician Referral Service (PRS).

location is noted in case he or she might want to see

monitor the performance of various campaigns.

a physician in one of the HSS Outpatient Centers.

Phone numbers in advertisements are directed to

see a doctor at HSS, but might not know where to

Based on consultations with HSS physicians, the

PRS, for example, and the service compiles valuable

start. Accessible via an 800 number or the HSS

service has refined and expanded its intake questions

data regarding the success of these campaigns.

website, PRS seeks to guide patients to the

to make sure each patient receives the best referral.

Despite all of the success, PRS is always on the

physician who will best meet their needs.

Once important information is obtained, it is entered

lookout for ways to improve and give the customer

into a specialized automated system that provides

the best experience possible.

PRS is a vital resource for people who would like to

As part of the HSS Marketing Department, PRS has grown considerably since it was established more than 30 years ago with Aida Cid, who is still with PRS today as an assistant manager. The team is currently made

the names of doctors who best match a patient’s needs. The system matches to all qualified physicians for an equal chance to receive referrals.

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Andi.

“Over the next few months, we will be replacing the current automated system with a new, highly sophis-

up of 12 skilled professionals with years of experience

One of the most common reasons for a call to PRS

ticated version with more granular levels of filtering,

and fluency in several languages, including Spanish

is undiagnosed knee pain, and while many people

which will allow us to be even more targeted in the

and Russian. Representatives responded to more than

think they need an orthopedic surgeon, the most

patient/physician matching process.”

57,000 calls and 18,000 online requests last year

appropriate referral is often to a physiatrist, a non-

alone. The service moved to a new, larger location on

surgical sports medicine expert or a pain manage-

Second Avenue several months ago and now provides

ment specialist, according to Andi. Many calls also

almost 1,000 physician referrals each week.

come in from patients seeking relief from back pain

“The highest concentration of potential new patients comes to HSS each year through our department,” said Andi Kolodny, associate director, PRS. “It is much more than a call center. Contact with PRS represents a key first impression for potential patients.”

At a time when outsourcing has become commonplace, many hospitals have hired outside companies

PRS can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 212-606-1555 or online at www.hss.edu/physician-referral-service.asp.

or for referrals to a hand or foot specialist for injuries sustained in a fall. The service occasionally receives calls from patients overseas, and they are referred to

In 2015, PRS:

the HSS International Center.

• Made approximately 1,000 new patient referrals per week

“Consumers have many options for health care in the

• Received about 75,000 consumer inquiries

New York area. We know that patients expect the high-

• Managed 13% more volume than in 2014

est level of service based on HSS’ reputation. If we give

to handle physician referrals. Offsite call center representatives often provide information about a hospital they have never seen up close and doctors they know little about. At HSS, PRS representatives are highly knowledgeable about the Hospital and even meet all new doctors in person.

A huge effort goes into making PRS a premier service, and Andi’s dedication and enthusiasm are evident as she describes initiatives to make it the best it can be through a primary focus on customer service and employee engagement. These efforts are led by senior representatives Manny Villafane and Andrea Houston, who have both been with PRS for 15 years. To ensure top service, staff members have a laminated checklist of criteria to meet when answering a call. Goals include answering the phone

The PRS team includes (front row, l –r) Thierry Pierre-Louis, Aida Cid, Andi Kolodny, Jose Guerra, (back row, l – r) Manny Villafane, Myriam Carrero, Stephanie Grant, Andrea Houston, Shukhrat Maksumov, Nicole Newman, (not pictured) Irena Izquierdo and Daisy Garcia.

Employees Give Back During HSS Annual Blood Drive early 70 employees took the lifesaving step

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to donate blood at the HSS Annual Blood Drive on March 11. The Employee Activities

Committee organizes the blood drive twice a year to support the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

According to NYBC, almost 2,000 donations are needed daily in the New York/New Jersey area for patients requiring a lifesaving blood and/or platelet transfusion. Just one single donation can save up to three lives.

NYBC thanked everyone who organized the event and donated blood for supporting their mission and contributing to saving the lives of those in need!

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An Epic Treat cold and rainy day didn’t stop HSS employees

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from enjoying a well-deserved ice cream

break on February 24 to help celebrate the

successful launch of Epic. Employees were treated to their choice of ice cream flavors and delicious toppings, which were served by volunteers from across the hospital. Thank you again to all members of the HSS Family for your commitment and dedication during our transition to Epic!

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HSS Supports 20,000+ Runners in NYC Half Marathon ospital for Special Surgery once again

the crowd on topics including how to eat for

showed support for the more than 20,000

longer runs and the importance of cross training

runners of the annual United Airlines NYC

and injury prevention.

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Focus on Healthy Eating During National Nutrition Month

Half Marathon on March 20. As the official hospital

On race day, HSS hosted the Recovery Zone, which

of the New York Road Runners, HSS served as a

was located at the finish line. More than 650 runners

sponsor of the race.

stopped by to foam roll and participate in guided

In the days leading up to the half marathon, speakers

stretching by HSS physical therapists and perform-

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from HSS attended the NYC Half Expo to offer advice

ance staff. Sixteen HSS staff members also showed

Month this March.

and insight to the runners. Jason Machowsky, RD,

their support by participating in the race wearing

CSSD, RCEP, CSCS; Polly deMille, RN, RCEP, CSCS,

Team HSS shirts.

USAT; and Julie Khan, PT, DPT, USATF, addressed

he HSS Food & Nutrition Department is reminding everyone to focus on making informed food choices and developing

healthy eating habits during National Nutrition

In addition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day on March 9, honoring the efforts and commitment of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) as the food and nutrition experts.

Here at HSS we have six full-time and four relief RDNs who provide nutrition care to inpatients and outpatients, deliver lectures to patients and the community and inform the public about nutrition through various HSS social media venues. RDNs work to help everyone understand the role that food plays in their lives, reach and maintain a healthy weight and prevent and manage diseases, all while enjoying foods that fit their lifestyles and tastes.

Take a moment to recognize the RDNs that you know

Team HSS runners participated in the half marathon.

Clinicians from HSS Sports Rehab led dynamic warmups for approximately 300 runners.

Arthritis Research Needs Your Support Join your colleagues in helping to support an important cause!

The 2016 Walk to Cure Arthritis will take place on Saturday, May 14 at Foley Square Park. Through this event, which is sponsored by HSS, the Arthritis Foundation hopes to spread awareness and raise money for research aimed at finding a cure.

You can register for the walk or donate money to the cause at www.walktocurearthritis.org/nyc/hss.

Additionally, the Employee Activities Committee will be selling cupcakes from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. every Friday through May 13 outside the Richard L. Menschel Education Center, with all proceeds benefitting the Arthritis Foundation.

this month for their contributions to keeping patients and the HSS community healthy through nutrition!

HSS Honors Black History Month n honor of February’s Black History Month,

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a blog series written by HSS physicians and medical staff was featured on the HSS Playbook

blog and HSS social media channels. The series included articles from Daphne Scott, M.D., assistant attending physician, Riley J. Williams, III, M.D., associate attending orthopedic surgeon and director of the Institute for Cartilage Repair, and Michael L. Parks, M.D., associate attending orthopedic surgeon.

Visit www.hss.edu/playbook to read the full blog posts.

Employee of the Month Lorena Younger, March 2016 Congratulations to Lorena, Employee of the Month for March! Lorena is a registrar in the Radiology Department who has worked at HSS since 2008. During that time she has proven to not only be a vital part of the Radiology team, but also an integral member of the HSS family.

Lorena greets staff and patients with a smile and warm hello every morning. She also acknowledges the needs and concerns of others, helping to promote a positive working environment. She stays composed regardless of stressful situations and takes on all tasks without question. Lorena always remains focused and produces work in a fast and efficient manner.

A born leader, Lorena is always willing to train and educate fellow registrars and is also a supporter of new ideas, goals and working methods. Her work ethic and personality are described as “EXCELLENT” by those around her. Everyone who has spent time with Lorena enjoys working with her because of her positive attitude, her commitment to her work and her care for both patients and coworkers alike.

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Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities

• Hollis Potter, M.D., served on the NIH Medical Imaging Study Section and the NIAMS Translational Special Emphasis Panel.

New Awards • Carl Blobel, M.D., received a two year award from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. to study “Blood Induced Arthropathy in Hemophilia.”

• Constantine Demetrocopoulos, M.D., received a

Tricks” at the Orthopaedic Summit 2015: Evolving Technologies in Las Vegas.

• Theresa Chiaia, P.T., DPT, presented on

Lectures and Symposia

“Rehabilitation for Posterior and Multidirectional

• Jo Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., was Visiting Professor

Glenohumeral Joint Instability” at the APTA

and gave the Miller Lectureship at the University

Sports Physical Therapy Section Team Concept

of Cincinnati.

in Las Vegas.

• Coleen Gately, P.T., DPT, CHT, CLT, and Eugenia

one year grant from the American Orthopaedic

• Theresa Lu, M.D., Ph.D., was an invited speaker

Foot and Ankle Society to study “Differences in

at the inaugural Keystone Meeting on Stromal

Papadopoulos OTD, OTR/L, CHT, presented

Gait after Ankle Arthrodesis and Ankle Arthro-

Cells in Immunity and gave a talk on “Regulating

at the Rehab Grand Rounds program Differential

plasty when Ascending and Descending Stairs.”

Lymph Node Vascular-Stromal Growth and

Diagnosis of Forearm, Wrist, and Hand Pathologies.

• Sravisht Iyer, M.D., received a one-year grant from the Cervical Spine Research Society for

Survival in Immunity.”

• Aisling M. Toolan, P.T., DPT, SCS, CSCS, and

• Jane Salmon, M.D., delivered the Mary Jane

Kelsie Ganshert, P.T., DPT, coordinated an ACL

“Prospective Comparison of the NIH PROMIS

Keller Lecture for Pediatric Grand Rounds at Yale

Injury Prevention Screening for the West Side

Physical Function, Upper Extremity and Pain

University School of Medicine.

Soccer League players. The Rehab team at the

Interference Item Banks in Patients with Cervical Spine Complaints.”

• Suzanne Maher, Ph.D., received a one-year Small Business Innovation Research Grant from NIAMS

• Scott Wolfe, M.D., delivered the Friedlaender Lectureship at the Yale University Department of Orthopaedics and gave a talk entitled “Brachial Plexus Reconstruction in 2016: Can We do Better?”

in collaboration with Hydro-Gen for “Design

Rehabilitation

Optimization of a Non-Degradable Synthetic

• Erica Fritz, P.T., DPT, OCS, and Sarah

Device for Cartilage Defects.”

event included: Lauren Alix, P.T., DPT, CSCS; Frances Baratta-Ziska, P.T., DPT, MS, PCS, C/NDT; Sabrina Cerciello, P.T., DPT; Theresa Chiaia, P.T., DPT; Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS, USAT; Lisa Drefus, P.T., DPT; Daniel Gardner, P.T. student; Kara Federowicz, ATC, cPT,

Kostyukovsky, P.T., DPT, CSCS, received their

USAW-L1SP; Siobhan Mangan, P.T., DPT, PCS; Sarah McLean, P.T., MSPT; Jamie Osmak, CSCS,

Study Sections, Editorial Boards, Professional

certifications in Selective Functional Movement

USATF, CGFI-1; Madeline Smith, P.T. student;

Organization Roles

Assessment (SFMA), Level 1.

Angela Tillman, managed care liaison; Patrick

• Suzanne Maher, Ph.D., served on the NIH

• John Cavanaugh, P.T., MEd, ATC, SCS, spoke

Skeletal Biology Structure and Regeneration

about “Avoiding the Subscap Rupture and Rehab

study section.

of the Prosthetic Replaced Limb – Tips and

Welcome

Vignona, P.T., MSPT, SCS, Cert MDT, and Pawel Wawrzyniak, P.T., DPT, SCS.

Picture This

Liza Abundo, Leonard C. Achan, Rajakumar Anbazhagan, Maria Arkipoff, Malek Ayoub, Martha L. Bourdon-Rodriguez, Althea Louisse A. Cansino, Deenolise Carrasco, Christian Davey Caverte, Allison V. Cryer, Vanessa T. Dasque, Marisa B. DeFilipps, Sunnie W. Deng, Jennifer L. DiPaula, Amanda L. DiResta, Mary C. Grogan, Mark A. Healey, Lucy Huang, Kazuki Inoue, Natalia Irvine, Tina Jeon, Chandrawattie D. Kewal, Rosa Lasalandra, Amir H. Lebaschi, Alaiza B. Manarang, Melanie L. Manger, Amanda C. Marino, Neelam Maryam, Kimberly Meikle, Kailee D. O’Neil, Brittany J. Park, Snehal R. Patel, Yogita Rambalack, Wayne Reyes, Liliana S. Rodriguez, Keerthi C. Sadanala, Thomas Schalk, Andrew Worob, Jordan P. Wuest

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

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

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

You may file your report in the following ways: 1. By e-mail:

complaint@jointcommission.org

2. By fax:

Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

3. By mail:

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

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

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

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Fresh Look. Drivers will notice a brand new sign on the outside of the Hospital as they travel on the FDR. The sign adds a fresh new look to the building and grabs the attention of everyone who passes by.

Editor:

Marisa DeFilipps

Executive Editor:

Rachel Sheehan

Editorial Committee:

Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky, John Englehart

Contributing Writer:

Robin Frank

Next Issue:

April 2016 echo@hss.edu