Supporters Recognition
ROC Stars
All patients who were hospitalized at Upstate University Hospital between July 2011 and January 2012 were invited to write tributes to their doctors or mid-level providers. These were compiled in the Upstate Foundation Office, and on Doctors’ Day, March 30, development officers hand-delivered certificates to the providers, including these 37 who are associated with the Upstate Cancer Center.
Upstate’s Regional Oncology Center Stars program was created to increase staff morale. These two individuals were recently recognized as ROC Stars for hard work and always putting Patients First:
Dilip Kittur MD, surgery Teresa Gentile MD, medicine Gennady Bratslavsky MD, urology Jiri Bem MD, surgery Ajeet Gajra MD, medicine Timothy Damron MD, orthopedic surgery Bernard Poiesz MD, medicine Jonathon Wright MD, medicine Kara Kort-Glowaki MD, surgery Oleg Shapiro MD, urology Stephen Graziano MD, medicine Walter Hall MD, neurosurgery Rahul Seth MD, medicine Jeffrey Bogart MD, radiation oncology Sheila Lemke MD, medicine Lawrence Chin MD, neurosurgery Thomas Coyle MD, medicine Jack Hsu MD, otolaryngology and communication sciences
Haider Khadim MD, medicine Toni Pacioles MD, medicine Anna Shapiro MD, radiation oncology Michael Curtis MD, surgery Steven Duffy MD, medicine David Duggan MD, medicine Gloria Kennedy MD, pediatrics Laura Kilburg NP, oncology/ medicine services Krit Kitisin MD, surgery Barbara Robinson MD, surgery Eleanor Abel PA, medicine Alicia Bair MD, medicine Anthony Cerminaro NP, medicine Irene Cherrick MD, pediatrics Vanessa Gibson MD, surgery Diana Gilligan MD, medicine Seung Shin Hahn MD, radiation oncology Dorothy Pan MD, medicine Trisha Tavares MD, pediatrics
The Upstate family lost a dear friend and colleague on April 18 with the passing of Maureen Knopp of Syracuse.
After 44 years at Upstate, Maureen retired in 2009 as the Chair’s Assistant in the Department of Radiation Oncology. She recently served as an active participant on the Patient and Family Advisory Group for the Upstate Cancer Center. Aside from the center being able to
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Frank Johnson
From pilot to patient As a Medevac pilot, Frank Johnson has transported many trauma patients to the heliport at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. He knew this Level 1 Trauma Center very well, at least from the cockpit. But during a routine prostate exam in 2008, doctors discovered that Johnson had an elevated PSA, prostate-specific antigen. A biopsy found a small, localized tumor. “What a humbling experience to come into the hospital on the ground floor as a cancer patient,” he recalled.
In memory of Maureen
Maureen was the epitome of courage and strength as she battled eight different cancer diagnoses over 18 years. While she often remarked about the “phenomenal” care and emotional and moral support she received from her team of Upstate caregivers, it was Maureen’s steadfast bravery and determination that left her family and friends in awe.
Donna Destefano, Patient Access Sue Rourke, RN
Maureen Knopp speaking at the 2010 site dedication for the Upstate Cancer Center. provide the most advanced medical care, Maureen was enthusiastic about the opportunity for cancer patients to interact and share experiences in the new center. Maureen was an asset who will truly be missed. ■
Up s tat e c a nc er C en t er Ne w s
Radiation oncologist Jeffrey Bogart MD recommended that Johnson undergo a regimen of precision radiation using the hospital’s Calypso® system. “So far, no side effects. Incredible! And I know from others who have suffered from radiation burns — and my father who had a prostatectomy — just how bad the side effects can be,” Johnson said. Johnson’s confidence in Dr. Bogart and ‘Calypso’ has greatly increased his positive mental attitude. “The accuracy of this technology is right on target. “But,” he said, “I still prefer being in the cockpit.” ■
summer 2012