SJ Magazine: Top Female Doctors

IInspira Health is committed to providing a compassionate, high-quality experience to every patient across our care continuum to improve the health of South Jersey. We are proud to honor and recognize 13 of our physicians who have been named a 2023 Top Female Doctor by SJ Magazine. These physicians serve in a wide spectrum of specialties, from medical oncology to neurology.

The annual SJ Magazine Top Female Doctors list is comprised of those who have shown their dedication to helping create a happier and healthier community in South Jersey through their patient care. Our physicians acknowledged on this list represent medicine’s best and brightest women in South Jersey. Each of our physicians being named a Top Female Doctor by SJ Magazine should also be proud of this achievement.

Their recognition is a reflection of our entire organization and the tireless work every staff member does to collectively offer South Jersey residents safe, high-quality care. Please congratulate your colleagues listed below on this wonderful achievement.

Breast Surgery and Medical Oncology

Nandini Kulkarni, M.D.

Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Jodi Fox Mellul, M.D.

Jenine Vecchio, M.D.

Family Practice

Suzanne Vanderwerken, M.D.

Nicole Zucconi, D.O.

Kristen Trom, D.O.

Gastroenterology

Jennifer Copare, D.O.

Neurology

Susan Lotkowski, D.O.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Samantha DeLuca, D.O.

Pediatrics

Erin Wright, M.D.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Kimberley Smith, M.D.

Radiation Oncology

Glenda Smith, M.D.

Vascular Surgery

Holly Graves, M.D.

Speak Up for Safety Great Catch Award

This Great Catch highlights the importance of consistently Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) to ensure medication safety.

Samantha Mastracchio, RN, 4th Cardiac Acute - Vineland

Samantha Mastraccio, RN recently attended a department huddle where the Safety Behavior Paying Attention to Detail and Safety Tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) were reviewed.

Samantha was caring for a patient who was receiving Levofloxacin Antibiotics IV for an infection. Taking a STAR Moment (Stop-Think-Act-Review) to ensure she had the correct medication prior to administration, Samantha discovered the label had Levofloxacin written, however, the medication bag was Levetiracetam, an Anti-Convulsant. Samantha asked Jackie Rodriguez, RN for a Peer Check who confirmed the mislabeling of medication.

Samantha immediately reported her concern to her Nurse Manager Karling Lafond who advised her to contact Pharmacy and return for the correct medication. The correct medication was received and administered to the patient. Samantha placed a Safety Event Report. Karling reported the Great Catch on the Daily Safety Briefing the next morning and highlighted it during department huddles as an example of using the Safety Tool of the Month STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review).

This Great Catch highlights the importance of consistently Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) to ensure medication safety. We apply STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) in everyday situations, but especially to prevent harm in high-risk situations. Had Samantha not taken a STAR Moment to ensure she had the correct medication, the incorrect mediation would have been administered to the patient resulting in a medication error causing potential harm.

Thank you, Samantha for Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-ActReview) and living our Inspira Value of Reliability.

Submitter: Tia Sheck, Clinical Manager Nursing Excellence

Employee Appreciation Week

Inspira celebrated National Nurses Day on May 6 and Healthcare Employee Appreciation Week from May 8-12. As a token of appreciation, Inspira provided employees with an Inspira branded car trunk organizer, catered meals and treats from dessert trucks. To view photos from the celebrations, click here.