Clark Burn Program Leadership
Joan Dolinak, MD, FACS Burn Program Medical Director
Tamara Roberts MSN, RN, CBRN Burn Program Manager
Our Mission
Message from Leadership
As we reflect on 2024, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the health, safety and well-being of our patients. Your dedication and compassion make all the difference.
This year, our burn team had the privilege of growing by adding several new members to our team. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and professionalism displayed by our team members.
We are deeply committed to promoting physical and emotional well-being within the Burn community, and it is through our collective efforts we achieve a successful and safe patient care in and out of the hospital.
This year, we are working on reverification and growth of the unit. We will continue to engage the community with education on burn injury prevention.
As a Level One Regional Burn Center, the Clark Burn Center is committed to providing the highest standard of comprehensive burn care through expert clinical treatment, advanced surgical intervention and compassionate support. We are committed to improving outcomes through multidisciplinary care, research, education and community outreach. With a focus on prevention, recovery and rehabilitation, we strive to restore quality of life for patients and families impacted by burn injuries across our region.
We are committed to continually improving our practices, expanding our support services, and ensuring that the well-being of every patient remains at the forefront of our mission. Our work doesn’t end with discharge.
Welcome Our New Team Members
Alecia is a registered nurse who began her career in 2010. With over a decade of hands-on clinical expertise, she spent the majority of her time in Upstate’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit, where she developed a deep understanding of critical care, interdisciplinary collaboration and patient safety. Her passion for improving outcomes and streamlining health care practices led her to transition into a role focused on quality and process improvement. In her current position, Alecia leverages her frontline experience to drive data-informed decisions, implement evidence-based practices, and support system-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
Kelly is a highly experienced RN with over 26 years of clinical expertise at Upstate, including 13 years of dedicated service in the Burn Unit. Her career reflects a strong foundation in critical care as an ICU float RN, leadership in her role as a patient service leader, and proficiency in clinical documentation as a clinical documentation improvement specialist. Kelly also brings advanced knowledge in wound management through her work in outpatient wound care and as a certified hyperbaric registered nurse. Her multidisciplinary background, combined with a passion for quality patient outcomes and injury prevention, makes her a vital asset.
Kelley is a registered health information technician and is proud to have been involved in health care for 35 years. Having been at SUNY Upstate since 2002, she has supported inpatient and ambulatory services and has been a recipient of the Nonclinical/Support Employee of the Year Award in recognition of her commitment and achievements. Kelley focuses on analyzing data to help the clinical care teams improve outcomes for burn patients.
Sarah is a certified physician assistant who joined the Burn Surgery team in January 2025. Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience at Hamilton College and a Master of Health Sciences degree in physician assistant studies at Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining the Burn Surgery team at Upstate, she worked in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Boston Medical Center, where she assisted in a wide variety of surgeries and developed a strong foundation in wound care. Sarah is passionate about improving outcomes for burn patients and works closely with our multidisciplinary team to support patients through every stage of their recovery, from the operating room to the final stages of their rehabilitation.
Kelley Morris, RHIT Clinical Registrar
Alecia Helkin BSN, RN Quality Improvement
Kelly Reed, RN Outpatient Injury Prevention
Sarah Bowler PA
Kay earned a B.S. in psychology at the University of Washington and a PhD in clinical psychology at Duquesne University. Shecompleted her predoctoral psychology internship at Hutchings Psychiatric Center, where she worked with patients carrying diagnoses of severe, persistent mental illnesses. Prior to joining Upstate as the adult MTAB psychologist, Kay served as a staff therapist for four years with Syracuse University's Barnes Center at the Arch Counseling Services. Kay is passionate about providing meaningful psychological services to patients from all walks of life and is also particularly interested in the ways that people make sense of traumatic experiences and how that impacts their recovery.
Dr. Kathryn Hagen is a licensed child and adolescent psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She completed her doctorate at the University of Hartford, an internship at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital and a pediatric fellowship at Albany Medical Center, where she specialized in mental health following medical traumas. Her current research interests include Trauma Adapted Yoga as an adjunctive trauma treatment for adolescents, the impact of medical trauma on mental health, and prevention techniques for patients following medically related traumas. She was recently appointed the director of the Mental Health for Trauma and Burns (MTAB) team, a specialized consultation/liaison program that provides psychological screening, evaluations and support for patients across their lifespan following a medically related trauma at Upstate University Hospital's Level One Trauma Center.
Genevieveholdsthedistinctionofbeingthe inauguraltraumanursenavigatoratUpstate UniversityHospital.Inthispivotalrole,sheoffers psychosocialsupporttoourtraumaandburn patientsandisanintegralmemberoftheMental HealthforTraumaandBurnteam,nowreferredto asMTAB.Additionally,sheservesastheTrauma SurvivorNetworkcoordinator,actively participatingintheTraumaSurvivorsNetwork. GenevievebeganhercareeratUpstatein2020as anRNintheSurgical-TraumaIntensiveCareUnit, whereshealsoreceivedtrainingintheBurnICU. Herdedicationtotraumacaredeepenedduring hertimeatAlbanyMedicalCenter,anACS-verified Level1TraumaCenter,wheresheworkedinthe Surgical-TraumaandNeuroICU.SheearnedaB.S. innursingatSUNYPlattsburghin2020and achievedcertificationasaTraumaCertified RegisteredNursein2024.Genevieveisalsoan activememberofboththeSocietyofTrauma NursesandtheAmericanTraumaSociety.
Kay Yu Yuan Chai, Ph.D.
Genevieve DeFrancesco, BSN, RN TCRN
Dr. Kathryn Hagen
Mental Health for Trauma and Burns
Citations:
1.Peck, M. D., Dahl, O., Lu, M. K., Tedstone, J. E., O’Doherty, D. C., Smitten, M. H. T., Olff, M., Gupta, J. L., Jeschke, M. G., Bisson, J. I., Lodha, P., & Giannoni-Pastor, A. (2024, January 12). Post-traumatic stress disorder in burn patients – A large database analysis. Burns
2. Smith, M. B., Wiechman, S. A., Mandell, S. P., Gibran, N. S., Vavilala, M. S., & Rivara, F. P. (2021). Current Practices and Beliefs Regarding Screening Patients with Burns for Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Survey of the American Burn Association Membership European Burn Journal, 2(4), 215-225. https://doi.org/10 3390/ebj2040016
Burninjuriesrepresentasignificantglobalpublichealthissueaffectingboth adultandpediatricpopulations.Survivorsoftenfacenotonlyphysical challengesbutalsoabroadspectrumofpsychosocialandpsychological difficulties Amongthemostprevalentmentalhealthconditionsobservedin burnsurvivorsaredepression,anxietyandpost-traumaticstressdisorder (PTSD).Thesepsychologicalcomplicationscanseverelyhindertherecovery process,diminishqualityoflife,andimpedesuccessfulreintegrationinto society.
AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention,in2021there were398,000fireand/orburnrelatedinjuriesandanadditional252,000 relatedtocontactwithhotobjectsorsubstances(Ivanko,etal,2024). Whilemostburninjuriesarenotlife-threateninganddonotleadto significantaestheticorphysiologicalchanges,severeburnscanhavelonglastingimpactsonbothphysicalfunctionandpersonalidentity.Oneofthe primarycontributorstoburn-relatedmorbidityishypertrophicscar formation,whichcanleadtodisfiguringandrestrictivescarcontractures. Thesecomplicationsoftenresultinalossofmobility,chronicpainand psychologicaldistress factorsthatnotonlydiminishqualityoflifebutalso serveasmajortriggersforPTSDinburnsurvivors.
ResearchhasshownthatPTSDisnotuncommonforpatientswithaburn injuryandincreaseswiththeseverityoftheinjury(Peck,MDetal,2024). Themortalityratehasdrasticallyimprovedovertheyears,andpatientsare nowsurvivinginjuriesthatwouldhavebeenfatalinthepast.However,with increasedsurvivability,therehasalsobeenanoticeableriseinacutestress disordersandPTSD.TheAmericanBurnAssociationrecommendsthatall patientswhohaveexperiencedaburninjuryundergoanevaluationtoassess theirriskfordevelopingPTSD.Toaddressthisneed,theBurnProgram collaboratedwiththeUpstateAdultandPediatricTraumaprograms,aswell asthePsychiatryandSocialWorkdepartmentstomeetthegrowingdemand formentalhealthsupport.
WithsupportfromUpstateleadership,theMentalHealthforTraumaand Burnpatients’teamwasestablished.Thismultidisciplinaryteamincludesa director,psychologistsandatraumanursenavigator.Throughcollaborative efforts,theteamdevelopedastructuredplanoutliningthetimingand proceduresforpatientmentalhealthscreenings,aswellascriteriafor referringpatientstopsychologistsforfurtherassessmentandsupport.
Burn Injury Cases: Treated & Released vs. Admissions
Over the past three years, our burn center has demonstrated consistent performance in the treatment and safe discharge of burn injury patients. From 2022 through 2024, we observed a steady trend in the number of cases treated and subsequently released, reflecting both our center’s capacity and commitment to highquality, efficient care.
This data not only highlights the center's clinical capabilities but also serves as a key quality indicator for patient outcomes and discharge readiness. Ongoing analysis of these trends helps guide resource allocation, patient education initiatives and process improvements to support timely and safe discharge planning.
Cases by Etiology and Patient Age
While injuries may result from various etiologies, these pie charts depict those associated with the highest number of reported cases for 2024.
Injury Prevention and Outreach
A Growing Emphasis on Community Risk Reduction
In 2024, community risk reduction became a central focus of the Clark Burn Center’s Prevention and Outreach Program. By identifying and addressing burnrelated risks before injuries occur, the program continues to evolve from education alone to a more proactive, preventionbased approach.
Tamara Roberts as Flaming Florence at the NYS Fair
From rural youth programs to newborn safety kits and public education campaigns, our efforts are increasingly targeted at reducing risks where they start — in homes, schools and communities across our 37-county region. This shift reflects our long-term vision — to not only care for burn survivors but to prevent injuries before they happen. These efforts reflect the center’s ongoing commitment to reducing burn injuries through education, community engagement and proactive prevention strategies. By reaching diverse communities across Central and Upstate New York, the program continues to strengthen public safety and awareness around burn injury risks and response.
These efforts include but are not limited to:
Four Rural Teen Outreach programs
Two "Install the Device, Save a Life" events
Participation in the NYS Fair Fire Safety Booth (two full days) Community health fairs
Outreach booths at both SafeKids Sunday and Upstate Trauma Fest
Pop-up education at the University Geriatricians' offices to provide fire and burn prevention kits for older adult patients and their families
In addition to these events, we continue to expand our pediatric scald prevention program. Our "Baby’s First Bath" prevention kits are now distributed at both the Upstate Family Birth Center and Fort Drum, helping new parents understand the risks of scald injuries from Day One. Educational literature is also being placed in all Upstate Pediatric and Adolescent Center waiting areas to further spread awareness. Our nurse partners at the Upstate Family Birth Center have been instrumental in tracking outreach efforts, documenting scald prevention education directly into Epic, and supporting both followup care and program evaluation. These initiatives underscore our ongoing commitment to burn injury prevention through community partnerships, education and datadriven outreach. Partnering with the University Geriatricians, we provide our Burn Kits for Older Adults to patients and families visiting the Nappi Wellness Institute. Educational materials have also been added to those waiting rooms.
Clark Burn Center Leads Campus Lithium-Ion Safety Initiative
In 2024, the Clark Burn Center took a leading role in addressing emerging safety risks in the community, with a particular focus on lithium-ion battery hazards. One of the center’s key accomplishments was the formation of the Campus Lithium-Ion Safety Group, a collaborative initiative that includes Emergency Management, Environmental Services, Upstate Fire Marshals, and the Syracuse Fire Department.
Together, the group launched a visual safety campaign to educate the campus community about the safe use, storage and handling of lithium-ion batteries. They also engaged in coordinated discussions on emergency response protocols specific to lithium-ion battery incidents. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of lithium-ion battery presence in campus buildings was conducted to better understand risk areas and enhance preparedness. Through proactive partnerships and innovative outreach, the Clark Burn Center continues to champion campus safety and community resilience. As always, prevention remains a key part of the inclusive and comprehensive burn care our community has come to rely on from the center.
Integrating VR in Burn Care Enhances
Pain Management, Physical Therapy and Emotional Well-being
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients during dressing changes, prior to procedures, or simply to help them relax while resting in their rooms. In addition, VR has proven effective in reducing pain during painful procedures for both pediatric and adult patients.
Over the past year, our burn center has expanded the use of virtual reality technology as an innovative adjunct in the multidisciplinary care of burn patients. This immersive tool has shown promising benefits in pain control during wound care procedures, enhancement of patient engagement in physical therapy, and reduction of anxiety and emotional distress associated with hospitalization and recovery.
“The VR system has been a great help in increasing patient participation in active mobility and stretching of burn sites. Patients have been looking forward to working with therapy to use the VR set. The system has allowed for an escape from the burn unit through scenic environments and alternative environments. This has allowed for improved mood and improved patient outcomes. We have seen great improvements in the range of motion, strength and tolerance to activity with the addition of the VR set.”
Randy Catterson PT, DPT
Acute
Care Therapist
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Clark Burn Center has acquired five VR headsets and one therapeutic rehabilitation system. These innovative tools expand the center’s capacity to explore and implement nonpharmacological interventions in burn pain management and recovery.
The use of VR also introduces a range of interactive games and immersive experiences that support therapeutic techniques used by physical and occupational therapists. These tools help patients achieve maximum range of motion with less pain and discomfort, enhancing both rehabilitation outcomes and overall patient experience.
Clinical feedback and patient-reported outcomes indicate:
Improved pain tolerance during dressing changes and hydrotherapy sessions with reduced reliance on pharmacologic interventions.
Increased participation and endurance in physical therapy sessions due to enhanced distraction and motivation through interactive VR experiences. Noticeable reductions in anxiety levels, especially in pediatric and adolescent patients, contributing to more positive treatment experiences and emotional resilience.
The integration of VR reflects our commitment to leveraging evidence-based, patientcentered innovations that support both the physical and psychological aspects of burn recovery. Ongoing evaluation will continue to guide its use, with the goal of further enhancing outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Burn injuries are among the most painful types of trauma a person can experience. Effective pain management is essential —not only to minimize physical discomfort but also to support patients in maintaining their ability to perform daily activities. In addition to physical pain, patients often face heightened anxiety, fear, stress and other emotional challenges during their hospital stay. Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery is critical to providing comprehensive, compassionate care.
Alternative pain management modalities provide a range of options that can be tailored to each person’s unique needs and preferences. These methods often emphasize natural and holistic approaches to alleviate pain and enhance overall well-being.
Patient utilizing VR during physical therapy treatment
Upstate Trauma Fest employee experiencing VR
Theresa Baxter NP, Addiction Medicine, training on VR equipment
Burn Conference Participation and Research Collaboration: Advancing Knowledge Through Team and Resident Engagement
Future directions include collaborative research with academic partners and presentation of findings at critical care and burn conferences.
This year, our burn team — alongside medical residents — contributed to the advancement of burn care through collaborative research and participation in regional and national burn conferences. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and the continuous improvement of clinical practice through evidence-based research.
We actively engage in professional discussions and workshops to strengthen our visibility within the burn care community and reinforce our role as a teaching- and research-centered institution.
The participation of both staff and residents in burn conferences has enriched our clinical environment, promoted shared learning, and helped drive innovation in patient care protocols. These contributions continue to shape best practices and inspire ongoing research initiatives.
Burn medical director and surgeon Dr. Joan Dolinak, left, Dr. Jean-Luc Francois (PGY-4), second from left, and Dr. Emma Steinmetz (PGY-3), center, presented a poster at the ABA annual conference in Phoenix. Dr. Andrew Bieterman, a recent Upstate graduate and soon to be a graduate of our program, and Dr. Karthika Anderson (PGY-5) were also present at the event.
In addition to her prevention efforts, Kara Judd — along with Burn Program Manager Tamara Roberts and medical student Julia Guarrera — submitted a poster to the American Burn Association (ABA) Annual Meeting. The poster was not only accepted but elevated to a podium presentation. Titled “Burn Prevention Outreach for Older Adults Using County-Based Meal Delivery Programs,” the poster showcased our collaborative program with Meals on Wheels focusing on delivering targeted educational outreach to adults aged 65 and older.
Over the course of three years, more than 4,400 Meals on Wheels recipients received burn prevention materials with their meal trays, including educational literature, monthly smoke alarm reminder magnets, potholders, bath temperature testing cards and cooking safety magnets. Our collected data showed a notable decline in burn injuries within this age group since the program's inception. We were excited to share these impactful prevention results with the broader burn care community at the ABA Annual Meeting.
Throughout 2024, several important research projects were underway at the Clark Burn Center. These initiatives were made possible by the dedicated support of our residents, medical students, providers and other essential members of the Burn Program. As a result of our ongoing research efforts, we have implemented evidence-based changes in clinical practice that have significantly improved patient outcomes.
Over the past year, our team has advanced research and clinical application of Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) as a neuroprotective and critical care strategy in select patient populations, including those with anoxic brain injury following cardiac arrest and patients with severe burns complicated by multi-organ dysfunction.
Thank you, Towsley Pro-Am!
The Clark Burn Center was the beneficiary of the proceeds from the 2024 Towsley Pro-Am. The Clark Burn Center was the beneficiary of the proceeds from the 2024 Towsley Pro-Am — a whopping $248,872 — which will support the development of our new burn center.
Organized by the Central New York PGA in partnership with the Upstate Foundation, the event took place June 24 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The tournament paired amateur golfers with professional players for a day of competitive and enjoyable golf.
More than just a tournament, the Towsley Pro-Am is a charitable event with a meaningful purpose: raising critical funds to support various programs at Upstate University Hospital. Whether you were on the course or contributing as a sponsor, your participation directly benefited the health and well-being of our community. Thank you to everyone who made this event a smashing success!
Tamara Roberts, MSN 2024 WIlliam Painter Managerial Practice Award
William J. Painter was an RN at Upstate University Hospital from 1981-93. He was known for his excellence in both clinical practice and nursing management. This award was established to keep his memory alive and to highlight nursing excellence at Upstate University Hospital.
Quality Improvement in Burn Care: Advancing Safety, Outcomes
and Clinical Excellence
In 2024, our burn team led and participated in multiple quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and the overall standard of care across the burn continuum. These efforts reflect a commitment to continuous assessment and evidence-driven change within a complex and high-acuity care environment.
Key achievements include:
Reduction in burn-related infections through implementation of updated hydrotherapy protocols, stricter isolation practices, and the utilization of deep tissue biopsy for early pathogen identification. Development of standardized documentation and surveillance tools to improve the identification and coding of burn complications, aiding in timely interventions and accurate reporting. Multidisciplinary collaboration between nursing, providers, wound care specialists and quality teams to streamline processes such as pain management, dressing changes and patient mobility.
Regular data analysis and performance audits were used to guide iterative changes, monitor compliance, and promote best practices in line with accreditation standards and national benchmarks.
These QI initiatives have not only improved care delivery but have fostered a culture of safety, accountability, and innovation. Ongoing projects continue to align with our mission to provide exceptional, patient-centered burn care while advancing clinical quality.
As we reflect on the progress made over the past year, we remain focused on continued advancement and strategic planning to elevate burn care throughout 2025. Building on the foundation of our quality improvement initiatives, research collaborations and educational outreach, we are committed to driving meaningful change and innovation in the year ahead.
Thank you to our dedicated burn team, partners and community for your unwavering support, commitment and collaboration. Your contributions are the driving force behind our success and the foundation for everything we aim to achieve moving forward.
