Hackensack University Medical Center Donor Impact Report 2025
TRAINING TOMORROW’S ENDOCRINOLOGISTS
“Diabetes is a chronic medical condition. With technological advances, we are able to provide our patients with the best tools to optimize care. Our patients tell us that the diabetes center saves lives, and I am very proud of that.”
COLETTE MONIQUE KNIGHT, M.D. CHAIR, INSERRA FAMILY DIABETES INSTITUTE DIVISION DIRECTOR, ENDOCRINOLOGY
The fellowship program in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Hackensack University Medical Center is designed to provide extensive training in endocrinology with an emphasis on diabetes management. The program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers various endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid as well as pituitary and adrenal disorders. The education and training equips fellows with the knowledge to manage endocrine conditions alongside other comorbidities, emphasizing personalized care and the importance of technology in treatment. As part of the hospital’s supportive environment that prioritizes patient comfort and comprehensive resources, fellows empower patients and help improve their quality of life, ultimately making a significant impact on both patient care and the medical community. The Endocrinology Fellowship Program is supported through philanthropy.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ELEVATES PATIENT CARE
At Hackensack University Medical Center, donor-funded advanced technology plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care. Recent upgrades include a portable X-Ray machine for trauma situations and live imaging in the operating room, a dialysis machine for kidney failure patients and state-of-the-art stress-test equipment for cardiac screenings. Additionally, a new, highlevel disinfection machine helps ensure rigorous cleanliness across the facility. These advancements significantly improve hospital operations and patient outcomes.
RESEARCH NURSE OFFERS HOPE THROUGH ACCESS TO CLINICAL TRIALS
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to damage and disruption of nerve signal transmission. This damage can cause a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild to severe, and can impact various aspects of daily life, leaving many patients looking for new and innovative treatment options that may offer better outcomes. Donor support recently helped fund a research nurse position at Hackensack University Medical
Center’s MS Center (multiple sclerosis), dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of this community. The nurse helps connect patients with open clinical trials, offering them both empowerment and opportunity, which in turn, enables physicians and scientists to better understand the disease and what treatment options have the most success.
Did You Know?
Hackensack University Medical Center patients benefit from some of the shortest kidney transplant waiting times in the country.
Alex and Andrew Newhart, pictured here, are organ transplant recipients. They are both healthy and thriving after their successful transplants at Hackensack.
A SECOND CHANCE: THE POWER OF ORGAN TRANSPLANT
Hackensack University Medical Center is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in pediatric and adult organ transplants, housing one of the fastest-growing programs in the nation. The program focuses on three key areas: clinical excellence, where the latest techniques and technologies are employed; research and innovation, involving collaboration with physician-scientists to drive advancements in the field; and academic growth, emphasizing the education of students, residents and physicians in organ transplantation. This program would not be possible without support from donors like you.
ADVANCED TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF STRUCTURAL HEART SPECIALISTS
Hackensack University Medical Center clinicians have transformed advanced care for the heart by piloting minimally invasive procedures that require shorter recovery periods and result in higher positive outcomes. The cardiology program also boasts New Jersey’s only structural heart fellowship, offering extensive hands-on experience for fellows to learn to assess complex cases and collaborate with various cardiology sub-specialties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field and emerging technologies. As medicine continues to advance, our commitment to innovation and education positions us at the forefront of cardiac care, enhancing successful patient outcomes and improving overall quality of life. The structural heart fellowship has been made possible by the generous support of donors like you.
Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding equitable 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!
TRANSFORMING NURSING EDUCATION
“It is a game changer. We can further develop and build the skill sets of the nurses thanks to this incredible resource.”
RAMONITA JIMENEZ, DNP, MPA, RN, NEA-BC, VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Hands-on experience plays a crucial role in enhancing nursing education. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Hackensack University Medical Center has expanded its nursing simulation lab, allowing students, externs, new graduates, and even veteran nurses, to practice their skills in a safe practice environment. By integrating high-fidelity mannequins and live simulations, the lab offers unique learning opportunities. These mannequins can replicate various medical conditions, requiring caregivers to use critical thinking and clinical knowledge to manage common medical emergencies such as strokes or heart attacks. Moreover, the lab fosters immersive learning, enabling rapid response simulations that boost nurses’ confidence and promote teamwork. As nursing professionals engage in realistic scenarios, they also refine their interpersonal skills. The lab also bridges the educational gaps sometimes found in conventional training by exposing nurses to rare or complex cases, ensuring they are well-prepared for the ever-increasing challenges of patient care.
