ADVANCED PHYSICIAN TRAINING
“I couldn’t say thank you with a font big enough or bold enough. We are often trying to figure out what we can do to expand graduate medical education, and philanthropy is critical. Your gifts allow more patients to be cared for, as well as create better physicians.”
DAVID S. KOUNTZ, M.D. CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center recently welcomed its first hematology-oncology fellow, advancing the cancer care program and increasing the quality of patient care. The fellow has expanded specialty care throughout the hospital and serves as an additional resource for physicians and nurses when treating cancer patients. For the fellow, the opportunity to work at a community hospital, like ours, allows them to engage with a variety of different patients and their needs. The fellow can also work with the oncologists on research projects to create new knowledge. Their knowledge of and input into hospital operations will also lead to the development of new ideas and processes to improve cancer care. This fellowship was made possible through the generosity of donors like you.
EDUCATING OUR NURSES
Nurses are the backbone of our hospital - treating, comforting and caring for patients and families throughout their stay. Ocean University Medical Center invests in its nurses by supporting the future of the nursing profession through nursing scholarships and continuing education. Every year, donor support helps send nurses in different specialties to conferences to learn the latest best practices. Additionally, donor support enables aspiring nurses to receive scholarships to start their education, as well as support current nurses in funding continuing education.
ALWAYS THERE IN AN EMERGENCY
When someone needs emergency care, Ocean University Medical Center is ready to help! With two emergency departments: Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center in Brick and Ocean Care Center in Point Pleasant. Importantly, Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Emergency Care Center can treat patients with any emergency, while Ocean Care Center is designed to treat severe, critical illnesses that need immediate care but are not life-threatening. Access to both of these facilities helps reduce wait times and improve our patients’ experiences.
CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME
Over the last few years, increasingly more residents in Ocean County have been diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, Ocean University Medical Center is able to meet the local population’s needs by providing high-quality cancer care close to home. Facing a cancer diagnosis can be a difficult journey for patients. Your philanthropic support has helped provide additional resources for them during their treatment. For example, twice a week, a certified meditation specialist provides services to outpatient oncology patients to help them through treatment. And, cancer patients staying in our inpatient and outpatient infusion unit receive visits from pet therapy dogs, who offer a special source of comfort and cheer. These small, meaningful additions can make such a difference in a patient’s overall cancer care experience.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IN THE OPERATING ROOM
Thanks to generous donations, Ocean University Medical Center purchased a Mazor™ robot for neurological and spine surgery. The Mazor enables better navigation in the operating room by providing state-of-the-art 3D imaging and enhanced visualization for the surgical team. The robot helps determine the exact angle and depth to drill and allows for incredible precision during surgery. Ocean is the only hospital in the southern region with this technology.
“In the operating room, all the technology and work happens behind closed doors. We are so appreciative when donors think of us and recognize the important work we do.”
ELLEN BARRINGTON DNP, RN, GERO-BC, NEA-BC, DIRECTOR, PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES
Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding access to advanced care and revolutionizing medical education while supporting the nursing profession.
Through this ambitious initiative, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation aims to reshape health care for patients, clinicians and the diverse communities it serves, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future. Thank you for making a difference!
WELCOMING OUR LITTLEST PATIENTS
Maternity nurses have a huge impact on their patients, and we are pleased to share that roughly 85% of Ocean University Medical Center maternity nurses are nationally certified in their speciality. Donor support has been instrumental to the success and growth of the maternity unit at Ocean, and, recently, the hospital was able to refurbish two maternity rooms to make them more modern and comfortable for laboring women. Thanks to the renovation, two new labor beds and one new gynecological stretcher were also added to the unit.
“It’s a very rewarding job. Connecting with these families and being there for that special moment never gets old.”
JENNIFER PUDOWKIN ASSISTANT NURSE MANAGER, MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH SERVICES
