COVER STORY September 2014
Passavant Hospital Foundation Honors a Legacy of Caring This year Passavant Hospital Foundation will honor 20 individuals who have made significant contributions to the establishment and growth of UPMC Passavant over the past 50 years. These nominees for the Foundation’s Legacy of Caring Awards are: William J. Bentz, DO Dr. William J. Bentz joined the staff at North Hills Passavant in 1976 and remains on staff today, serving for six years as the hospital’s Chair of Family Medicine. Dr. Bentz practiced solo family medicine for 22 years, and in 1995 he was instrumental in organizing Genesis Medical Associates. His partner Tad D. Sheri, MD says “Not a day goes by when I don’t hear a patient’s testimonial about Dr. Bentz…He epitomizes what it means to be a primary care doctor in this age of fast food medicine.” Joan M. Bodnar, RN, CCRN Joan Bodnar has been with UPMC Passavant for 35 years, and is currently a Senior Professional Staff Nurse in intensive care; she also provides expertise on the specialized wound and skin care team. She is known for being a knowledgeable and supportive resource to her fellow staff members, thanks in part to her longevity. Co-worker Christine Marra says “I admire Joan…a true team player and committed to her job.” LouAnn Brindle, MSN, RN, CPCS LouAnn Brindle has been with UPMC Passavant for 17 years, currently serving as the Director, Medical Staff Services and Graduate Medical Education. She serves on various boards locally and nationally, always promoting continuing education to ensure excellence in patient care. LouAnn is recognized for her professionalism. She is a leader who encourages others by example. Her assistant Margherita Sciullo noted “her ability to work full-time and take classes inspired me to further my education. LouAnn is an excellent mentor, empowering, caring, inspiring, visionary and dedicated.” Virginia Cole Virginia Cole began working for Passavant in 1971, in much the same position that LouAnn
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Brindle holds today and retiring with the title of Medical Staff Coordinator in 1997. Almost immediately she began volunteering, and for the last 15 years she has volunteered weekly as a Patient Representative for the hospital’s Quality Department. Retired nurse Sarah Jane Naylor nominated Virginia as an individual who has helped to growth the hospital to what it is today through both employment and volunteer service at the facility. Ralph DeStefano, Esq. Ralph DeStefano was elected to the board at North Hills Passavant Hospital in 1976, then hired to serve as President and CEO of the hospital in 1990. Under his tenure the facility grew in size, added tertiary (advanced) health care services and merged with UPMC in 1997. Cindy Tomazich, PT, remembers meeting Ralph when she was a new staff member. “He was knowledgeable, understanding, and supportive of the challenges the staff faced in their work.” Ralph became President and CEO of Passavant Hospital Foundation in 2009 where he continued to shape and grow the hospital with funding for the Department Grants Program which allows front-line hospital staff the opportunity to apply for funding new medical equipment and programs to improve patient care. Matt El-Kadi, MD, PhD, FACS Dr. Matt El-Kadi, a skilled neurosurgeon, joined UPMC Passavant in 2000 and since that time the neurosurgery program has grown significantly. He has been elected as one of the Best Doctors in America each of the past five years, an honor given to doctors recognized as the best in their fields. In 2013, UPMC approved his dream for a multi-disciplinary state-ofthe-art Spine Center to feature specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management, radiology, physical therapy and rehabilitation at one location. The Center is currently being built
Northern Connection | September 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
on Route 19 and scheduled to open in August 2016, displaying his overwhelming commitment to the Passavant Hospital community. Donna Ottoviani, Executive Practice Administrator commends Dr. El-Kadi for his commitment to the highest level of care and “an outstanding patient experience.” Robert Ford, MD From 1967 to 2002, Dr. Robert Ford served as an OB/GYN physician at the hospital, delivering more than 9,000 babies during his tenure. Working many evenings and weekends, Dr. Ford is remembered for his friendly manner with everyone throughout the hospital – nurses, aides, lab workers, housekeepers and volunteers. His partner Dr. Mary Beth Peterson recalls the now retired Dr. Ford as an excellent teacher for other physicians and staff. “Dr. Ford was and is a perfect reflection of Passavant Hospital – offering expert clinical skills along with personal warmth and a passion for the community.” Ralph Gaudio, MD Dr. Ralph Gaudio joined the medical staff in the early 1970s when the hospital had just four intensive care beds. He practiced as a critical care pulmonologist for 30+ years, acting as the Director of Respiratory Services and as the Medical Director of the ICU, and founding Pulmonary Partners. He was Department of Medicine Chair in 1975 and 1976, and Medical Staff President in 1979-80. He was a member of the hospital board in 1985-2004, serving as board chair 1998-2003. Under his leadership, the hospital developed broncoscopic services, a comprehensive pulmonary function lab and a sleep lab. Dr. Ralph Gaudio retired from clinical medicine in 2001. When asked about his tenure at Passavant, he said “Looking back on my time at the hospital, it was a great personal achievement to have been able to contribute