S PR I NG/S U MME R 2 0 1 7
A NEWSLETTER FOR EMPLOYEES,
RESIDENTS & FRIENDS OF THE WRIGHT CENTER
The Wright Center’s 2017 graduating class of 65 physicians was recognized on Saturday, June 24. This class is our largest to date and consists of 34 Internal Medicine Physicians, 29 Family Medicine Physicians and two Cardiologists.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As members of a dynamic, non-profit community asset organization with three inextricably linked facets of shared purpose— graduate medical education, patient care services and community—we collectively generate an incredible variety of undertakings at The Wright Center. Yet, everything we do is deeply rooted in our noble mission to continuously improve patient care and education in a collaborative spirit to enhance outcomes, access and affordability. We are privileged when we discover generative opportunity to serve and unify all three of these facets in a high impact initiative with immediate and long-range tangible and measurable benefits. Our partnership with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI) recently delivered such opportunity as over a hundred regional stakeholders came together to support establishment of our pioneering, community-based Psychiatry Residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We are excited to achieve a major milestone in our community’s effort to address Northeastern Pennsylvania’s well-documented mental and behavioral health needs by introducing The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s new Psychiatry Residency program. We look forward to welcoming and nurturing four pioneering doctors into this program intentionally developed to address the care delivery and workforce development fragmentation that has perpetuated decades-long stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health. We humbly recognize the program’s impact potential on addressing the shortage and misdistribution of workforce that drive health disparities and the outmigration of care. We are grateful for the wide-scale community collaboration, inclusive of Scranton Counseling Center generously dedicating the time and the expertise of the inaugural Psychiatry Residency Program Director, Dr. Sanjay Chandragiri.
Best of all, by co-training our incoming Psychiatry residents with Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residents, all of our learners will become part of crossdisciplinary healthcare teams well versed in bidirectional integration of primary care and behavioral health and well prepared to view each patient as a whole person—a person whose diagnoses can be treated collaboratively, more effectively and free of stigma. Notably, amongst our equally accomplished incoming Psychiatry residents is Dr. Alex Slaby, a 2017 graduate of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, who chose to train with The Wright Center because of the learning culture and emphasis on community immersion. With the determination of burgeoning resident physician leaders like Dr. Slaby, we are eager to rewrite the conversations surrounding bidirectional integration of primary and mental/behavioral healthcare, one patient and one learner at a time, within an enriched community resource network. While welcoming our first class of Psychiatry residents, as well as 31 incoming Internal Medicine residents, 10 Family Medicine residents and one Cardiology fellow regionally and 17 Family Medicine residents nationally, we also have proudly sent forth, at the end of June, 65 Wright Center graduates into America’s workforce. We have great confidence that they will care for patients, families and their communities as exceptionally competent 21st century physicians.
INTERN SPOTLIGHT
Alex Slaby, MD was born and raised in Pennsylvania— Pottstown and Boyertown, respectively. In May 2017, he graduated from Gesinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and joined The Wright Center as a first year Psychiatry resident in July 2017. Slaby chose to specialize in Psychiatry in order to impact the lives of patients with mental illness. “I think we need to educate people more effectively about mental illness,” he said. “We think it’s OK to tell people with depression to ‘just get over it.’ You wouldn’t say that to someone with high blood pressure.” During his time at the medical school, Slaby served as a peer mentor to medical students and also as a Student Ambassador. An avid leader in his community, Slaby was attracted to the community immersion aspect of The Wright Center’s program. “I am motivated to build deeper connections to my patients,” Slaby said. “I find the severe pathology you see in inpatient settings fascinating. It keeps you on your toes. But I am really looking forward to the outpatient setting and longer relationships with my patients.”
To our graduates: I hope that your time with us at The Wright Center has nurtured your growth as a human being, a lifelong learner and a compassionate physician leader. As you continue to write your own story each day, we hope that you will stay connected to The Wright Center’s mission; recognize your gifts as a change maker in America’s healthcare and medical education systems; and continue to actively identify opportunities to improve the systems in which you work, learn and receive your healthcare. We sincerely thank you for being a valued part of The Wright Center’s journey and wish you many years of prosperity, both personally and professionally.
Along with being a dedicated medical student, Slaby enjoys writing, hiking and spending time with fiancé Scarlett. He is also an accomplished chef and restaurant aficionado; while in medical school, he wrote over 100 restaurant reviews. He currently lives in Stroudsburg, PA and is excited to remain in the Scranton area as he continues his medical training.
Alex Slaby, MD, left, with Sanjay Chandragiri, MD, on Match Day 2017.
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Welcome, New Hires! December 1, 2016–June 30, 2017 Betsy McGrath, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO Edward Walsh, Center of Excellence Case Manager Chelsea Cucura, Document Specialist Caroline Kropp, Center of Excellence Case Manager Ashley Bednash, Medical Assistant John Cartwright, Human Resource Generalist Lyrae Girard, Billing Specialist Erica Hubert, Case Manager Bridget Knoch, Licensed Practical Nurse Matthew Marino, Human Resource Generalist Tiffany Richmond, Licensed Practical Nurse Marcus Zini, Physician Assistant Shayla McMillan, Medical Assistant Lori Bodnar, Accounts Receivable Clerk Steve Galambos, Senior Systems Administrator Darcy Moran, Payroll Coordinator Songul Ahmetbeg, Medical Assistant Kaitlyn Soranno, Administrative Manager, Clarks Summit Practice Susan Odgers, Clinic Administrative Assistant Debbieanne Dymek, Nurse Practioner Angel Pabis, Clinic Administrative Assistant Lisa Barrett, Project Manager Kathleen Bell, Board Liaison & Executive Administrative Assistant Marena Piccillo, Senior Accountant Sarah Pettinato, Licensed Social Worker Colleen Reese, Executive Administrative Assistant
EVENTS
Celebrating a Year of Success at our Winter Party Thanks to our Winter Party committee — Alycia Coar, Kellen Kraky, Kathleen Barry, Zaza Varsimashvili, Grace McGrath, Kerri Price, Linda Renzini and Dr. Stephan Hambaz — whose hard work made our Winter Party our best one yet. The event was held on February 18 at Glen Oak Country Club and guests had the opportunity to kick back and enjoy dinner and cocktails, while socializing with friends and colleagues.
Promoting Pride Throughout Northeastern PA The Wright Center will be a major sponsor of this year’s PrideFest, scheduled for Saturday, August 19 at Montage Mountain. PrideFest is an annual LGBTQQIAA+ pride event to honor the culture, history, and dignity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and ally community throughout the US. Want to volunteer? Contact Dr. Maria Montoro-Edwards.
Welcome, Josie! Our most unique team member in Mid Valley is Josie, the Therapy Dog. Josie will be working towards her Therapy Certificate this summer/fall. 2
Get Involved
Looking to participate in a community event? Visit our event calendar online at: thewrightcenter.org/events to view the many opportunities in Northeastern PA.
The Wright Center Auxiliary Hosts 3rd Annual Purse Bingo The Wright Center Auxiliary, led by Gerri McAndrew, held its third annual Designer Purse Bingo on Sunday, May 21 at St. Michael’s Hall, Jermyn. Guests had the opportunity to win designer purses and additional prizes while enjoying an afternoon of fun. The Wright Center Auxiliary hosts fundraisers throughout the year to assist patients and community members through food banks, gas cards and special outreaches to make personal connections with patients, ease hardships and build a sense of community. This was the most successful Bingo to date, raising more than $7,000.
THE INAUGURAL
Caring Hearts PANEL DISCUSSION & DINNER
O
ur Patient Engagement Council (PEC) hosted a Caring Hearts Panel Discussion and Dinner on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Genetti Manor, Dickson City. Nearly 200 people attended including local medical students, Primary Care Progress network representatives, patients, board members, staff, cardiology fellows and members of the larger community. The event consisted of a panel discussion led by Dr. Linda ThomasHemak, Dr. Lear Von Koch, Dr. Dipti Pancholy, and Dr. Samir Pancholy. Paola Giangiacomo of WVIA moderated the discussion and PEC Board Member Jack Walsh served as Master of Ceremonies.
The goal of this initiative is to promote prevention of cardiovascular diseases and create of a community support network for affected patients and families. Cardiology fellows Dr. Nicholas Ierovante, and Dr. Qasim Malik played a part in the event’s success. Attorney Jennifer Walsh, Rosemary Takacs and Dr. Maria MontoroEdwards contributed leadership to this important initiative.
Driving Better Health in Our Community Thank you to everyone who sold and purchased raffle tickets for Community Health Hub’s “Driving Better Health” initiative, including board members Gerard Geoffroy, Patricia DeSouza and Mary Marrara. We were able to raise more than $2,000 to help generate creative solutions for community members who lack access to high-quality healthcare. Gerri McAndrew drew the winning tickets and Dr. Julio Ramos was the grand prize winner. 3
Kudos Residents Dr. Xuan Wang and Dr. Connor Dougherty were praised by a patient who said, “They are very knowledgeable and capable and I could tell that they truly cared for me. They took the time to make sure that I understood what they were telling me.” A patient wrote in to praise Mid Valley Medical Assistant Kim Robinson. She said, “Kim is an amazing Medical Assistant. She made me and my child so comfortable and she is definitely an asset to the practice.” Family members of a patient at Long Term Acute Care wrote to let us know about the empathy, constant communication, and clinical management that our team has provided their loved one. Thank you to the care team of Dr. Qi Shi, Dr. Manuel Ramos, Dr. Meenakshi Sambharia, Dr. Ankitkumar Patel and Dr. Lovelina Patel.
Who’s Coming “On Board” Welcome to our newest Board members! The Wright Center Alliance: Susan Duckworth, Ed Staback and Judith Price The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education: Dr. Julio Ramos, Gerard Geoffroy, Mary Marrara, Dr. Vithal Dhaduk, Harold Baillie, Sr. Mary Alice Jacquinot and Lia Palmiter-Richards
Join Our Team!
Do you know someone who would be a good fit at The Visit: Wright Center? We’re hiring! thewrightc enter.org/ Check out our open c a r e e rs positions online!
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Our Wright Center for Primary Care Clarks Summit practice is growing OFFICE RENOVATION: We’ve recently renovated the clinic at 1145 Northern Boulevard to allow for additional exam rooms for a total of 10, and our newly constructed nursing and front desk setup is designed to create a more patient-centered approach. Medical Assistants are now co-located with the physicians they work with for improved workflow and collaborative patient care. The staff lounge was remodeled in response to learner requests. Interactive tablets on the walls in each patient room, through our partnership with Patient Point, are up and running thanks to Kerri Price and Bill Newton. Kathleen Barry oversaw the construction as the project manager and Joe Theis ensured that the project was completed to the highest standards. NEW TEAM MEMBERS AND CAREER ADVANCEMENTS: Not only does the Clarks Summit office have a new look but a new management team as well! Kaitlyn Soranno joined the team in May as the Administrative Manager. Filling this role took time but it was important to find the right person to lead the office as we continue to grow. Belinda Morgantini and Marianne Linko were recently promoted to nurse managers, overseeing the nursing teams at the Clarks Summit and Mid Valley practices. Belinda and Marianne have focused on staff training, process improvement and making valuable contributions to patient care. Kaitlyn, Belinda and Marianne will all be overseen by Sheila Ford who does an exceptional job in making sure that the care we deliver is standardized at our major primary care clinics. Sheila will be working closely with Dr. William Dempsey, who recently accepted the position of Medical Director of the Clarks Summit practice. Dr. Dempsey is well-known and respected in the Abingtons. We are excited to watch the clinic flourish under his leadership and look forward to increasing patient volume and providing increased access to care as we integrate a Pediatric service line in Clarks Summit later this year.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE & PROMOTING HEALTH Tackling Seasonal Allergies on Leckey Live! Thanks to Nurse Practitioner Allyson Favuzza and Dr. Seleena Rashid, who came out bright and early to represent The Wright Center on Leckey Live this spring! The duo met at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to help educate the public about seasonal allergies with several medical students.
Giving our Community a Reason to Smile In February, our oral health team visited the EOTC’s Toddler Play and Learn group to bring a healthy smile to children in our community. Beth Frushon and the dental team were also able to secure 1,500 dental bags with a toothbrush, toothpaste, sticker and coloring book. Throughout the month, Beth also provided patient education as well as mobile dental services to more than 100 fourth graders at the Lakeland School District and throughout Lackawanna County Head Starts. In March, Dr. Darleen Oleski, Beth Frushon and Donna Passino also stepped up to provide a full day of cleanings and consultations to 20 adults and children at Skyview Park Apartments. Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards organized the event which was funded by
the NEPA Health Care Foundation, the Willary Foundation and AllOne Charities. Our oral health team has also been able to assist clients of our Ryan White Infectious Disease Clinic by providing grant-funded dental services. Through this initiative and thanks to the generosity of Dr. Darlene Oleski, many of our clients have been able to get preventive dental care and one client was even able to receive full restorative care on his smile.
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: DR. TAISEI SUZUKI National Family Medicine Residency
D
r. Taisei Suzuki completed his second year of residency in June at the El Rio Community Health Center in Arizona. Taisei has always been passionate about providing humanitarian aid and plans to work at a Community Health Center upon completion of his training. He says, “In the future, I hope to continue providing primary health care, including osteopathic manipulative treatment, to the most vulnerable population.”
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan Family: I am single and all of my family members live in Japan. I have American host parents in Portland, OR, since I did high school and university in the U.S. as well. My host parents are very close to me, acting as my second set of parents. What led you to The Wright Center? I chose the National Family Medicine Residency because of its Teaching Health Center approach and focus on community health, especially on our most vulnerable populations.
Staff Reminders!
What led you to study Family Medicine? Family Medicine allows me to practice medicine with the principle I believe in: “Finding health rather than treating disease.” This principle is based on a quote of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy that reads, “To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.” Most important lesson you have learned at The Wright Center: Through the National Family Medicine Residency, I have learned that socioeconomic issues greatly impact the state of people’s health and giving medications is not solving the true problem of the patients.
Most rewarding aspect about your job as a physician: Last year, when I was studying in D.C., I was deeply moved after receiving a note from a patient expressing their thanks and wishing me luck in the future. It is truly rewarding to experience the gratitude of my patients.
REMEMBER: Keep your PACE Card metrics up to date and stay active in completing at least six validated PDSAs. WE’VE MOVED: You can find us in our new administrative location at 111 North Washington Avenue, Scranton. More details on the upcoming integrated administrative-clinical space will be shared as plans progress. 5
FEATURES
THE
Power OF CareTeams WRITTEN BY KERRI PRICE, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST & MEGAN KANE, SUMMER INTERN
Think back to your last trip to your primary care provider. Who were you there to see?
W
hen people think of healthcare, the doctor-patient relationship usually comes to mind. Although the “one doctor, one patient” model has dominated the healthcare landscape, the system continues to advance in order to give patients the best possible care. By implementing a care team model, our organization is actively working to shift perceptions of healthcare in Northeast PA. Optimizing the roles of doctors, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, behavioral health workers, social workers, 6
dieticians, case managers and oral healthcare providers allows The Wright Center to capitalize on each team member’s skills and resources to give patients a multifaceted approach to care. Leading the charge in developing the care management model at our Mid Valley and Clarks Summit locations is Sheila Ford, RN, BSN. She and newly promoted nurse managers Marianne Linko, LPN and Belinda Morgantini, LPN are focused on training our nursing teams and ensuring a consistent, patient-centered experience across all Wright Center venues.
Developing Individualized Treatment When patients choose us as their medical home, their care plans are shared with all members of pre-established care teams—even though patients’ immediate needs may not require services from each part of the team. Patients are empowered to become the captain of their care team; our healthcare professionals are there to back them up. In fact, the work of our care team members does not stop at the exam room door. If patients miss an appointment or visit a specialist or an Emergency Room, a member of their care team is sure to reach out to guide them through their next steps. Our team members also work closely with pharmacies, insurance companies and medical administrative personnel to help patients navigate barriers such as challenging insurance policies, medication denials and coverage fine print.
Optimizing Productivity and Workflow Patients aren’t the only ones who benefit from the care team dynamic. Our care team approach allows for work to be evenly distributed to the team member most appropriately trained for the task, which means that all team members have the ability to perform at the top of their license. Members of care teams benefit from greater communication and cooperation, which results in better patient care and constant opportunities for learning. Our residents are supported by the members of care teams in their day-to-day work. These close-working relationships help the residents to learn the nuances of each team member’s role and find value in the skillsets of their teammates. In fact, not only do we train resident physicians, we also train interprofessional learners from local colleges and universities to help develop many levels of skillsets within our region’s workforce. Currently, healthcare expert and mentor Connie Sixta, PhD is another resource who works closely with members of our care team to identify continuous quality improvement opportunities to make sure that patients receive the most effective and efficient care. Staff may have the opportunity to work with Connie as they identify ways to improve processes and systems and implement PDSA (“Plan. Do. Study. Act.”) projects within The Wright Center. As care teams continue to emerge throughout the region, so does a new model of healthcare—one that pools the resources of many in order to benefit the patients served. By integrating doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other medical professionals, we are best equipped to deliver high-quality care designed with our patients and our mission in mind. 7
Publications and Scholarly Work Congratulations to:
Lobbying in Washington for the Future of Teaching Health Center Funding As the largest Teaching Health Center (THC) in America, The Wright Center has had the unique opportunity to leverage our team to be active participant in healthcare reform and the leadership of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers (AATHC). In March, a group of our leadership team members, Program Directors and residents made the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the THC initiative and its continued federal funding. Our attendees were able to share their experiences, demonstrate the significant impact we’re having within Northeast Pennsylvania and across the US and strategize on ways we can ensure full re-funding of the THC program within the next few years. Our team’s presence in D.C. was incredibly vital and well-received by government representatives and THC leaders. As part of the AATHC, our Wright Center team was able to attend many of the 69 meetings with members and staff in the House and Senate. Advocacy efforts like these are meant to solidify future funding for our program and others like it. We would like to extend a special thanks to those who took the trip to D.C. to make our voices heard. Wright Center participants included: Dr. Robert Kuo (National Family Medicine Resident, Ohio), Dr. Connor Dougherty (Internal Medicine Resident, Pennsylvania), Dr. Felipe Perez (Local Program Director, Arizona), Dr. Michael Dietz (Local Program Director, Ohio), Dr. Eleni O’Donovan (Local Program Director, Washington D.C.), Dr. Linda ThomasHemak (President/CEO) and Brian Ebersole (SVP for Mission Delivery).
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Dr. Samir Pancholy, Dr. Gaurav Patel, Dr. Sukrut Nanavaty and Maitri Pancholy for the selection of their team’s review of “Cardiogenic Shock and Access Site Choice” for the February 2017 publication of Minerva Cardioangiologica. Dr. Noha Soliman and Dr. Timothy Burke on the acceptance of their research to the Michigan Osteopathic Association’s upcoming conference. Dr. Jing Deng, Dr. Qi Shi, Dr. Wasique Mirza, Dr. Mladen Jecmenica, Dr. Michael Yoder, Dr. Erin Gordon, Dr. Arpit Sothwal, Dr. Sowmya Thanneeru and Dr. Sirish Dharmapuri on the publication of their research, “Extremely High Serum Level of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in a Patient with Colon Adenocarcinoma” in March 2017’s Cancer Reports & Reviews. Dr. Maryyam Ali for two of her publications being accepted for presentation at The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists’ 26th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress. Dr. Afia Babar for the acceptance of her abstract for a poster presentation into the 2017 Clinic Immunology Society Annual Meeting: Immune Deficiency & Dysregulation North American Conference. Dr. Ravinder Valadri on the publication of his abstract, “A Study to Assess Limitations in the Adherence to 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation/ American Heart Association Practice Guideline for Management of Heart Failure in Primary Care” to the Journal of Family Medicine and Community Health.
AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Grant Awarded; Now Accepting Applications
Narcan Training: A Commitment to Recovery Bruce Beauvais, Operations Manager for PA Ambulance, has provided Narcan Administration Training to nearly 40 Wright Center staff to date. Scott Constantini has done an excellent job in coordinating the training sessions.
Learning What it Takes to be an Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence (COE) Though it has just begun, our Center of Excellence has received several referrals and our team has been getting out into the community to help educate the public about our available addiction and recovery services. Want to learn more about our COE and meet our team? Visit thewrightcenter.org/coe to learn more.
We have been awarded a grant that will allow our sponsorship of four VISTAs annually for a period of three years. VISTAs will improve and expand our service lines and increase access to quality healthcare for those in underserved areas throughout Lackawanna County. Working together with Project Director Sharon Dougherty and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Grants Dr. Maria Montoro-Edwards, the VISTAs will contribute to several long-term projects that will have broad impacts throughout the organization and community. Tasks and objectives will be embedded in three focus areas that include the Center for Opioid Excellence, School-Based Health and LGBTQQIAA+ service line. Apply online at http://tinyurl.com/vistaproject
The Wright Center’s COE helps our residents learn and grow: For me, it’s amazing to see the way we are helping people who are trying to pick up their life pieces together. [They are] highly motivated mentally, despite the physical withdrawal challenges they face. I worked closely with Ed Walsh, a behavioral health case manager who knows the life story of each patient. Ed has played a vital role in educating me [about] how we provide an overall support network for them to help lead a normal life which they dream of.” —Dr. Meenakshi Sambharia RESID EN T
Meeting Patients Where They Are The Wright Center will complete a renovation of its School-Based Health Center (SBHC) in West Scranton Intermediate School this summer thanks to a $279,149 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation. The grant will be used for expansion of the existing SBHC with a goal of making primary care services available not only to students, but also to members of the greater West Scranton community. Once construction is complete, the SBHC will be open five days per week. Key elements of the project include a new entrance, three new exam rooms and office space for staff. We anticipate opening the SBHC to the public this fall. 9
Allopathic Internal Medicine
CLASS OF 2017
Congratulations 10
Dr. Maryyam Ali Future Plans: Nephrology Fellowship University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
Dr. Saritha Battula Future Plans: Primary Care Cleveland, OH
Dr. John Brady Future Plans: Traveling Hospitalist OH, PA and WV
Dr. Pravin Chacko Future Plans: Undecided
Dr. Rani Gollamudi Future Plans: Hospitalist Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton, PA
Dr. Adriana Gomez Future Plans: Hospitalist Medical Center Hospital Odessa, TX
Dr. Erin Gordon Future Plans: Hospitalist Valley Presbyterian Hospital Van Nuys, CA
Dr. Deme Gurmu Future Plans: Hospitalist Johns Hopkins Baltimore, MD and Reston Hospital Center Reston, VA
Dr. Ripudaman Munjal Future Plans: Hospitalist Modesto Memorial Hospital Modesto, CA
Dr. Kevin Musto Future Plans: Primary Care Commonweath Health Wilkes-Barre, PA
Dr. Saurabh Patel Future Plans: Cardiology Fellowship The Wright Center Scranton, PA
Dr. Shivapriya Peddireddy Future Plans: Hospitalist North Bay Medical Center Fairfield, CA
Our 2017 graduates were welcomed into The Wright Center’s program as interns in 2014.
Dr. Sriram Chowdary Future Plans: Hospitalist Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton, PA
Dr. Michael Cortes Future Plans: Hospitalist Beebe Hospital Lewes, DE
Dr. Sirish Dharmapuri Future Plans: Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Mount Sinai Medical Center New York, NY
Dr. Gagan Dhillon Future Plans: Hospitalist Vidant Medical Center Greenville, NC
Allopathic Family Medicine
Dr. Ketevan Gvalia Dr. Stephan Hambaz Dr. Svetlana Hanson Dr. Raza Mian Dr. Zainab Mian Future Plans: Future Plans: Future Plans: Future Plans: Future Plans: Hospitalist Infectious Disease Fellowship HS Clinical Instructor Endocrinology Completing Danbury, CT Georgetown University Hospital University of California, San Francisco Fellowship Residency in Washington, DC and Academic Hospitalist Medical Center January 2018 Central California Faculty Medical Group of South Carolina San Francisco, CA Charleston, SC
Dr. Pulkit Gandhi Future Plans: Nephrology Fellowship Brown University Providence, RI
Dr. Olivia Molnar Future Plans: Hospitalist JFK Medical Center West Palm Beach, FL
Dr. Jonathan Roselman Future Plans: Palliative Care Fellowship Montefiore/Einstein New York, NY
Dr. Debdoot Saha Future Plans: Critical Care Fellowship Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton, PA
Dr. Ameet Sandhu Future Plans: Hospitalist St. John Hospital Oxnard, CA
Dr. Soham Shah Future Plans: Nephrology Fellowship University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Ajay Venkataram Future Plans: Hospitalist Good Samaritan Hospital Puyallup, WA
Dr. Dan Zheng Future Plans: Completing Residency in January 2018
Dr. Sheenu Chhabra Future Plans: Hospitalist Miami Valley Hospital Dayton, OH
Dr. Jason Jawanda Future Plans: Emergency Medicine Fellowship Parkview Regional Hospital Professional Emergency Physicians, Inc. Fort Wayne, IN
Dr. Hishita Parikh Future Plans: Addiction Medicine Fellowship St. Vincent Charity Medical Center Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
Dr. Binta Patel Future Plans: Hospitalist Sound Physicians San Antonio, TX
Dr. Raafat Shehata Future Plans: Urgent Care IHA Ann Arbor, MI
Dr. Lyndsey Vu Future Plans: Captain United States Air Force
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Dr. Teresa Bair Future Plans: Undecided
Dr. Sushant Bandarpalle Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician St. John’s Well Child and Family Center Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Juliet Bliss Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician HealthPoint CHC Kent, WA
Dr. Brian Jones Future Plans: Undecided
Dr. Caitlin Karplus Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center Newberg, OR
Dr. Robert Kuo Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician HealthSource of Ohio Mount Washington, OH
Dr. Kelvin Ma Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Beaver Medical Group Colton, CA
Dr. Megan DeLiberato Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Baylor Scott & White Health Austin, TX
Dr. Samuel DeLiberato Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Baylor Scott & White Health Austin, TX
Dr. Ryan Donnelly Future Plans: Outpatient and Rural Medicine Hudson Headwaters Health Network Lake George, NY
Dr. Alexandre Le Future Plans: Hospitalist Schumacher Clinical Partners Lufkin, TX
Dr. Erica Perez Future Plans: Outpatient Family Medicine Community Health Systems Berwick, PA
Cardiovascular Disease
Osteopathic National Family Medicine Regional Osteopathic Family Medicine
CLASS OF 2017
Congratulations 12
Dr. Ali Abdallah Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Family Centers of San Diego San Diego, CA
Dr. Nicholas Ierovante Future Plans: Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Deborah Heart and Lung Center Brown Mills, NJ
Dr. Gangadhara Kabbli Future Plans: Cardiologist/Advanced Cardiac Imaging Attending Robert Packer Hospital, Guthrie Clinic Sayre, PA
Osteopathic Internal Medicine
Dr. Cecilia Dinh Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Northeast Community Clinic Long Beach, CA
Dr. Keith Egan Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group Washington, DC
Dr. Joshua Goodman Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician El Rio Community Health Center Tucson, AZ
Dr. Nafiseh Haghgoo Future Plans: Urgent Care Physician Overlake Hospital Bellevue, WA
Dr. Munif Hussain Future Plans: Sports Medicine Fellowship Northwell Health NY
Dr. Daniel OmireMayor Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Unity Health/Providence Hospital Washington, DC
Dr. Alexandria McKay Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician MultiCare Health Auburn, WA
Dr. Evan Reinhardt Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician Jordan Family Health Salt Lake City, UT
Dr. Amber Robinette Future Plans: Family Medicine Physician El Rio Community Health Center Tucson, AZ
Dr. Ian Solomon Future Plans: Undecided
Dr. Justin DeNise Future Plans: Hospitalist NYU-Winthrop New York, NY
Dr. Samuel Ganz Future Plans: Primary Care Dr. Barry Kurtzer Practice Scranton, PA
Dr. Nicholas Punch Future Plans: Critical Care Fellowship Inspira Health Network Woodbury, NJ
Dr. Noha Soliman Future Plans: Undecided
Dr. Israel Stewart Future Plans: Outpatient IM Physician Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Rock Springs, WY
The Wright Center’s 2017 graduating class of 65 physicians was recognized on Saturday, June 24. This class is the organization’s largest to date and consists of 34 Internal Medicine Physicians, 29 Family Medicine Physicians and two Cardiologists. Of the 65 graduates, 47 have completed their residency training in Northeast Pennsylvania and 18 within The Wright Center’s National Family Medicine Residency (NFMR) program having trained at one of six affiliated sites throughout the U.S. Visit thewrightcenter.org/graduation-2017 to read more about the event, view a full list of award winners and download high resolution images. 13
Alliance Board Dr. William Dempsey Susan Duckworth Joseph Ferrario James Gavin Gerard Geoffroy John Kearney
Mary Marrara Carlon Preate Judith Price Dr. Jignesh Sheth Ed Staback Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak
Graduate Medical Education Board Harold Baillie Dr. Randall Brundage Dr. Vithal Dhaduk Dr. Linda Famiglio Joseph Ferrario James Gavin Gerard Geoffroy Sr. Mary Alice Jacquinot John Kearney
Dr. Michael Kondash Douglas Lawrence, PhD Mary Marrara Carlon Preate Dr. Julio Ramos Lia Richards-Palmiter Dr. Jignesh Sheth Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak Dr. Robert Wright
Community Health Hub Board Bryan Adkins Jim Allan Carol Chaykosky Mary Ann Chindemi Gail Cicerini Patricia DeSouza LeAnn Eshbach Gerard Geoffroy Charles Hemak Kellen Kraky
Lorraine Lupini Mary Marrara Bette Saxton Elaine Shepard Cara Sherman Dr. Jignesh Sheth Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak Ellen Walko William Waters
Thank You to our Board Members who Unselfishly Dedicate their Time to The Wright Center’s Mission and Vision
The Wright Center Boards of Directors
Want to learn more about what’s happening at The Wright Center? Our most recent publication, The Wright Center’s 2016 Annual Report: Our Year in Review, is a comprehensive culmination of our unique, high-level organizational successes of last year. Read it online or request a hard copy at thewrightcenter.org/publications.
Patient Engagement Council Board LeeAnn Eshbach Joseph Ferrario Gerard Geoffroy Kellen Kraky
Mary Marrara Carol Rubel Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak Jack Walsh
Medical Group Board Dr. Timothy Burke Dr. William Dempsey Dr. Mladen Jecmenica
Dr. Julio Ramos Dr. Jignesh Sheth Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak
Get Social With Us
The Wright Loop is published four times per year for employees, residents and friends of The Wright Center. If you have a suggestion for an article or would like to submit photos, please email news@thewrightcenter.org.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grants T91HP25793, T91HP25794, and T91HP21546 of the Affordable Care Act Teaching Health Center (THC) Graduate Medical Education (GME) Payment Program. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.