St. John's Riverside Hospital Newsletter Fall 2021

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Pages 1 - 3

Pages 4 - 5

Pages 6 - 9

Pages 10 - 12

Spotlight on you, our community and our healthcare heroes

Living well and the future of long-term pain relief

Award winning stroke care, your community ER, and specialist expertise close to home

Preventative care scheduling and a closer look at St. John’s Medical Group

community WE ARE

STRONG

Resilience!

Over the past year and a half, our team at St. John’s Riverside Hospital rose to the occasion and fought to get our community through the pandemic. The tenacity and bravery that our staff has always exhibited and our commitment to keeping our patients, physicians, and staff healthy reached new levels. As we look to the future, we feel it is our job to regroup and re-envision what it means to be your community hospital by finding new leading technologies and highly skilled professionals.

and Internal Medicine residency programs, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) program for medical students.

Furthermore, we have attracted new specialists to serve our community, introduced new procedures and technology such as MAKOplasty® and da Vinci® robots and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation to improve care, and have continued to invest in our infrastructure to accommodate the needs of our patients.

VOLUME 23 FALL | 2021

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU! NEW DOCTORS

NEW PAIN PROCEDURES

NEW INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY SUITE

We are prepared to treat COVID-19 patients with state-of-the-art remedies such as monoclonal antibodies, Remdesivir and convalescent plasma therapy. We also offer access to virtual appointments if you are unable to visit the hospital.

To help combat shortages in healthcare professions, we are investing in medical education through our Cochran School of Nursing–the first hospital- based nursing school in Westchester, the Emergency

We understand that most people rarely think about the benefits a community hospital provides until they or their families need it. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to care for those friends, family, and neighbors in our community when they needed us most.

Now that our strength, presence, and resilience as a community hospital have been tested and proven, let us turn our eye to the future by continuing to invest.

Throughout the entire hospital, every minute was precious. There was no time to slow down. We invested ourselves into every patient admitted and they became family members who depended on us.

- C. Fairley, Pharmacy Technician, Andrus Pavilion

914.964.4DOC | RiversideHealth.org

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR HEALTHCARE HEROES

HOW TO SCAN A QR CODE 1. Open the camera on your smartphone 2. Hover over the QR code until it pulls up a website URL 3. If necessary, press the URL

Link to video of Ron Corti’s Dedication Speech

Together, as one.

Over the past year and a half, St. John’s Riverside Hospital proved itself to be an integral part of our community.

There were emergencies of all sizes, and our team was here to serve. The Westchester community appreciated all that we did.

This past April, Ron Corti, CEO of St. John’s Riverside Hospital, thanked his staff by unveiling a beautiful heroes’ monument honoring every team member who served at the hospital during the pandemic.

“Taking care of our community and each other was simply awe-inspiring.”

The community acknowledged the efforts with donations of PPE, ventilators, testing capabilities, agency staffing, sanitizers, food, supplies and gifts. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins reached out to honor our teams. However, the most impressive moment of outreach was on one day in particular. Our area police, fire, and ambulance departments came together toapplaud the incredible job and heart-wrenching roles our healthcare heroes were shouldering every day.

As first responders they understood the sacrifice more than most and wanted to thank our healthcare heroes.

“Throughout this experience, I was reminded daily that our greatest strength is our people.

The talent, compassion, and resilience showed by our team every day and with every challenge makes me so proud.”

- Michael DiGiorno, DO, MHSA, FASN VP of Medical Operations

- Ronald J. Corti, President & CEO St. John’s Riverside Hospital

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Link to video of Firefighter’s & Police Thanking Healthcare Workers

FOCUSED on you.

As a strong, well-rooted community hospital before this pandemic, we have always focused on making investments that mattered. Strategic in nature, our investments were in areas such as, hyperbaric interventional radiology, pain procedures, and operating room robotics that would most significantly impact the community we serve.

standing physicians. We continue to focus on updating our hospital infrastructure and investing in advanced technologies to aid in more accurate and faster laboratory test results and new robotic technologies for our operating suites to ensure positive surgical outcomes. We have invested in medical education programs that

It’s not just about how much we know, it’s about how much we care.

Our partnership with you inspires us each day to provide you not only access to the best in healthcare but the best in human care.

“I admire the tenacity and courage of everyone at St. John’s Riverside Hospital.

Thank you for making the health and safety of the community the priority GROSS & EDELSTEIN, LLP above all else.”

- Susan A. patient, Jan 2021

Emerging from this pandemic, we are more vital than ever and determined to continue to meet our communities’ health needs.

I am proud of how quickly we implemented a telehealth platform among our St. John’s Medical Group team and our Emergency Department so our patients could access care safely and conveniently.

Other recent achievements include the formation of a new committee whose sole focus is to help eliminate healthcare disparities. We have recruited top specialists from the region to join our network of out-

E Pages.indd 254

include our Cochran School of Nursing, Emergency, and Internal Medicine residency programs and the LECOM program for medical and pharmacy students. These programs are a testament to our dedication to build a strong future.

I am proud of my team, our hospital family, and the community we serve. We have always been driven to bring the latest healthcare solutions to those around us when they need it most. We genuinely are Community Strong.

Is Proud To Support St. John's Riverside Hospital

•defense claims counsel for professinal malpractice matters •litigation management & strategic defense coordination

Mark Gross Edward Edelstein Carole Moran Meredith Liebold www.gelawllp.com

SJRH 2020 Journal INSIDE Pages.indd 257

7/2/2021 10:41:21

“It was, and still is, a horrific situation, and we continue to strive to help our patients achieve their best outcomes.”

- Julie Bigelow, Lisa Fell & Christine Jaflin, Respiratory Therapy SJRH 2020 Journal INSIDE Pages.indd 240

7/2/2021 10:41:

GROWING OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS

Ronald J. Corti President & CEO

“The nursing care my husband received was irreproachable. The nurses were exemplary; they were respectful, caring, compassionate, professional, efficient, and worked as a team.”

- Ellen M., wife of patient, August 2021

community WE ARE

We have recruited the following specialists to join St. John’s Riverside Hospital.

MAHA BASSILA, MD ENT-Otolaryngology Surgery JAMIL BORGI, MD Thoracic Surgery SHELDON M. FELDMAN, MD 7/2/2021 10:41:18 AM Breast Surgery HOWARD LUKS, MD Orthopedic Surgery SCOTT MELVIN, MD General Surgery

STRONG

NIKOLE OSTROV, MD Gynecologic Surgery RICHARD SMITH, MD Head & Neck Surgery BRENDON STILES, MD Thoracic Surgery JOSEPH VAZZANA, MD General & Bariatric Surgery MARIO VOLOSHIN, DPM Complex Foot & Ankle Surgery

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914.964.4DOC | RiversideHealth.org SJRH 2020 Journal INSIDE Pages.indd 283

7/2/2021 10:41:39 AM

Eat

Healthy.

Diets high in autumn-hued fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, plus improved immunity.

Live Well.

Healthy Fall Fruit Salad with Creamy Dressing / Vegan

FALL! Seasonal fruits come together to make this delicious and healthy fall fruit salad with a creamy dressing.

Berry Apple Cider Throw cinnamon, cloves, apple cider, and cranberry-raspberry juice into a slow cooker to make this easy and tasty berry-apple cider. Garnish with apple slices.

Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

DID YOU KNOW? Some studies have hinted that apple cider vinegar could help with several conditions, including diabetes and obesity!

INGREDIENTS / CREAMY DRESSING n ½ cup non-dairy unsweetened yogurt (I use almond yogurt) n 1 tablespoon lemon juice n ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon n Optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup INGREDIENTS / SALAD n 3 inch apples – cut into about one inch cubes n 1 cup grapes n ½ cup pomegranate seeds n ½ cup shredded raw pumpkin INSTRUCTIONS / CREAMY DRESSING Mix together yogurt, lemon juice, cinnamon, & maple syrup (if desired for added sweetness).

INSTRUCTIONS / SALAD In a bowl, toss together the creamy dressing, apples, grapes, pomegranate seeds, and shredded raw pumpkin.

Serve or store in the fridge for later.

Source: Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen

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PAIN RELIEF WITHOUT SURGERY, PERMANENT IMPLANTS OR OPIODS. Stephen Erosa, MD, is a double, board-certified interventional pain management physician. Dr. Erosa is highly experienced in minimally invasive, long-term pain reduction procedures. Dr. Erosa focuses on rehabilitation and advanced interventions to help manage chronic pain.

Currently, Dr. Erosa offers a new technique called Peripheral Nerve Stimulation. St. John’s Riverside Hospital is the only hospital in Southern Westchester County to provide this procedure.

STEPHEN EROSA, MD consulting with patient

This procedure electronically stimulates specific nerves to reprogram and override the pain to potentially provide long-term relief. It is also minimally invasive, reversible, and repeatable, thus minimizing harmful side effects. This procedure is a real game-changer for pain relief.

Other doctors convinced me that surgery was the only solution. Dr. Erosa’s treatment was better, and I have been pain-free ever since.

– Jim C. patient, Dobbs Ferry

Link to Dr. Erosa’s Pain Management video

JACOB GEBRAEL, MD Medical Director of Radiology

IR Suite Expansion St. John’s Riverside Hospital is investing almost $3MM to renovate our Interventional Radiology (IR) Center to better meet patients’ needs. The center provides an alternative to surgery which will enhance your overall quality-of-life by significantly reducing the risk, pain, and recovery time of certain procedures such as: Oncology | Cancer Treatments (i.e., Renal Biliary Drainage & Stenting, Needle Biopsy, Radioembolization Treatments, Venous Access) Women’s Health | Fibroid Treatments Cardiovascular | Artery & Venous Disease Orthopedic | Chronic Back Pain As we invest in the future, we have recognized the demand and benefits of minimally invasive procedures like Interventional Radiology.

IR patients will benefit greatly from the latest planned expansion for the IR suite which will accommodate more patients regularly after May of 2022.

Call today to schedule a physician referral: 914.964.4DOC.

community WE ARE

STRONG

914.964.4DOC | RiversideHealth.org

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Keeping our community safe WITH OUR ELITE EMERGENCY CARE TEAM

ER close to home

Well-trained teams are critical to emergency care outcomes.

our nursing staff has been hand-selected for their in-depth training.

At St. John’s Riverside Hospital, our Emergency Department team of doctors hold multiple board certifications, and

Our emergency rooms are sanitized, safe and close to home.

Left to Right: Mark Silberman, MD FCCP, FACEP

Mirium Kilkarni, MD

We are ready for you whenever you need us.

Dobbs Ferry EMERGENCY ROOM

128 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry

Yonkers EMERGENCY ROOM

967 North Broadway Yonkers

DINDIAL SAYTOO, BSN, RN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT | DOBBS FERRY

Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency Trained at Jacobi-Montefiore

Physician in Chief Emergency Medicine Quadruple Board Certified Trained at NYP Columbia/Cornell

Paul Sasso, MD

Not Shown: Raffaele Milizia, MD FCCP

Site Director Andrus Pavilion Emergency Medicine Department Trained at Columbia Presbyterian

Evan Ou, MD DENISE PRIMERANO, MSN, RN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT | YONKERS

For a Telehealth Appointment

914.964.4429

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Link to Telehealth appointment

Site Director, Dobbs Ferry Pavilion Emergency Medicine Department Trained at NYP-Weill Columbia/Cornell

Emergency Department Medical Director Trained at NYP Columbia/Cornell

Mary McLean, MD

Assistant Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency

Elizabeth Fernandez, MD Assistant Program Director Emergency Medicine Residency

community WE ARE

STRONG

914.964.4DOC | RiversideHealth.org

F.A.S.T. SIGNS OF STROKE SHOULD PROMPT FAST ACTION

The American Stroke Association developed this easy-to-remember guide to help identify the signs of a stroke.

F. – Face drooping A.– Arm weakness S. – Speech difficulty T. – Time to call 9-1-1 If any of these symptoms are present, dial 9-1-1 immediately.

RAFFAELE MILIZIA, MD, FACEP LINDA SUGRUE, RN | Stroke Program Team

When it comes to a stroke, how fast you are treated is critical. As one of the only hospitals in the area that is a Gold Plus Certified and Joint Commission Accredited Stroke Center, St. John’s Riverside Hospital has made substantial investments to be ready for you or your family member, with an award-winning stroke team. Access to multi-board-certified doctors, CT and brain scans, and Tissue Plasminogen Activator is critical and available.

If you are talking with someone that suddenly begins to behave unusually, acting F.A.S.T. could help to save his or her life. Certain, sudden changes in behavior may be signs of a stroke. This quick tool from the American Stroke Association can help you identify a stroke in yourself or another person.

If you notice the symptoms, dial 9-1-1 immediately and ask that the person be taken to our Emergency Department. Treating a stroke is a race against time to save brain tissue and potentially the stroke victim’s life. It is better to seek treatment and find out that it is not a stroke than to “wait and see” and possibly risk brain damage or death.

Getting treatment within the first three hours after stroke onset is critical for minimizing permanent damage. That is why it is so important to act F.A.S.T. Don’t wait. Dial 9-1-1.

JIMMY D. acted F.A.S.T. and is now on his way to a full recovery.

JIMMY D. | stroke patient, Yonkers STEFANIA PEREZ, Clinical Nurse Manager (R) and JESSE ALCANTARA, Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager (L)

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STATE-OF-THE-ART BREAST CARE CLOSE TO HOME At St. John’s Riverside Hospital, we have strategically built a hospital network to answer the community’s needs. This strategy includes keenly attracting the best talent to join our team while investing and training tomorrow’s doctors and nurses through our vast medical education programs.

In understanding the breast

from academic institutions like

care needs for the women of

Montefiore and bring learnings

our community, one of the new

to the community that St. John’s

doctors we have attracted to

Riverside Hospital serves. She

join our network is Maureen

works side-by-side with a breast

McEvoy, MD, FACS. Dr. McEvoy

cancer team of world-class

comes from Montefiore Einstein

specialists – like our renowned

Center for Cancer Care, where

plastic surgeons, who bring best-

she still sees patients in addition

in-class solutions to their patients

to seeing patients at St. John’s

daily.

Riverside Hospital. Dr. McEvoy is

While focused on investing in

focused on minimally invasive

team members like Dr. McEvoy,

and oncoplastic treatments to achieve cosmetically appealing outcomes while treating breast cancer surgically.

MAUREEN P. McEVOY, MD, FACS, Breast Care Surgery

develops a plan of action that provides a comforting path for-

Dr. McEvoy recognizes that

ward. Because of her thorough

patients often come to her with

approach, she watches her

a stressful diagnosis, and she

patients leave less anxious and

we not only help you heal but help to restore your quality-of-life.

St. John’s Riverside Hospital provides the services of a Patient Navigator as a courtesy to our oncology patients.

with a greater sense of control.

Joining St. John’s team allows Dr. McEvoy to take her experience Link to Navigating Breast Health and Beyond video

SHARI ROSENBERG Oncology Patient Navigator

Yes, We Can Heal That!

As the first and most comprehensive wound healing center in Southern Westchester to incorporate hyperbaric treatment as an adjunct therapy, we offer our patients greater healing rates over standard wound healing therapies. The Wound Healing Center consists of a multidisciplinary team who work collaboratively to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Nirav Patel, DO, is a highly regarded vascular surgeon who was instrumental in introducing innovative wound healing techniques for diabetics at St. John’s Riverside Hospital with the goal of reducing the number of limb amputations.

What wounds are best suited for our multi-modality wound therapy? In addition to diabetic foot ulcers, we treat patients throughout NIRAV PATEL, DO, Chief of Vascular Surgery, Surgery & Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center

8

the area for vascular wounds, arterial ulcers, trauma, pressure ulcers, non-healing wounds and post-surgical wounds. These treatments are treated on an outpatient basis and in some cases our patients come to us post-surgically from surgeries at other hospitals.

Call today to schedule an appointment in our Wound Healing Center at 914.964.4630.

CANCER SCREENING AVOIDANCE

= DANGER

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many to put medical procedures on hold, which has led to a substantial decline in cancer screening.

The Gastroenterology Team at St. John’s Riverside Hospital recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).

There are some differences between screening tests to consider, but the most important thing is to get screened.

Talk to your health care provider about which test options are best for you and if your insurance provides coverage.

For screening purposes, people are considered at AVERAGE RISK if they do not have: n A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps n A family history of colorectal cancer n A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) n A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome n A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer FOR PEOPLE AT INCREASED OR HIGH RISK | People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and/or get specific tests. Always check with your healthcare provider to determine when you should be screened. For more health screening information see the chart below.

CHRISTOPHER DIGIORNO, DO

Chief of Gastroenterology

HENRY KATZ, MD

Gastroenterology

OREST KOZICKY, MD

Gastroenterology

JOSE LANTIN, MD

Gastroenterology

MARIA LUFRANO, DO

Gastroenterology

Link to Colon Cancer survey

CALL 914.964.4DOC FOR A PHYSICIAN REFERRAL. MAKE RECOMMENDED SCREENINGS A PRIORITY TYPE OF VISIT/SCREENING – Lung Cancer Screening – Bone Density Screening – Cardiology Screening – Colonoscopy

GENDER Male & Female Female Male & Female Male & Female

AGE 55+ 65+ 40+ 45+

– Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test – Skin Cancer Screening – STDs – Mammography Primary Care for: – Routine Blood Tests – High Blood Pressure – Diabetes – Obesity – Depression OB-GYN for: – Pap Smear – Pelvic Exam

Male

55-69

FREQUENCY Yearly (if a smoker) Every 15 years Yearly (depending on family history) Every 10 years (earlier if family history of colon cancer) Yearly

Male & Female Male & Female Female

35 18+ 40+

Yearly Periodically Yearly

Male & Female Male & Female Male & Female Male & Female Male & Female

18+ 18+ 18+ 18+ 18+

Yearly Yearly Yearly Yearly Yearly

Female Female

18+ 18+

Yearly (frequency can change over 40) Yearly (frequency can change over 40)

Source: American Cancer Society & CDC

community WE ARE

STRONG

914.964.4DOC | RiversideHealth.org

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Get Seen. Get Screened.

Get Well.

NOW IS THE TIME TO CATCH UP WITH PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE & TESTING. With most Westchester residents vaccinated, and COVID-19 positivity rates lower than in 2020, Michael DiGiorno, DO, Medical Director of St. John’s Medical Group, encourages patients to return to their pre-COVID routine of getting regular screenings.

Screenings include having annual physicals, colonoscopies, bone density testing and mammograms.

It’s important not to let your health lapse because of the pandemic any longer. Come in for your annual physical and ensure that your health screening tests are up to date. It is a safe environment for patients, and we are here to help.

- Dr. DiGiorno MICHAEL DIGIORNO, DO, MHSA, FASN, is the Vice-President, Medical Operations, the Chief of Nephrology at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and the Medical Director of the St. John’s Medical Group practice.

We knew it was crucial to maintain a presence in the community during a very difficult time, and if you had an underlying medical condition, medical questions, or needed prescription refills, we were open for in person and telemedicine appointments.

Now we are moving to normalcy. Many people are vaccinated, and we can accommodate more patients in person. We are maintaining safety measures including the use of masks and enhanced cleaning to ensure optimal safety. If you have any specific concerns, let us know and we will work to ensure your return is a positive experience. In addition to primary care, our specialty physicians are on-site and available to address your gastroenterology, nephrology, physical medicine, vascular,

podiatric and pain management needs.

Unfortunately, underlying health conditions won’t wait for the pandemic to pass.

Now is the time to get people back on track, with basic testing, diabetes and blood pressure treatments and screenings. While we have seen some slippage with chronic conditions in some patients, we want that to be the exception and not the rule. Attend to your basic labs, physicals, and colonoscopies. The environment is safe, clean, and accessible. We will expedite your appointment and connect you to a specialist if necessary.

With the goal to achieve wellness, don’t be afraid to see a physician and stay Community Strong.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR CONTACT A DOCTOR OF ST. JOHN’S RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL

CALL 914.964.4DOC

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St. John’s Medical Group

ADVANCED CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY ANURAG ANAND, MD Internal Medicine 1088 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

ANA ANDRONE, MD Internal Medicine 1088 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

LOUIS ANDRONE, MD Internal Medicine 128 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

THOMAS APPUZZO, MD Family Medicine 1088 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

ROLANDO CHUMACEIRO, MD Family Medicine 1088 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

ROBERT DeMATTEO, MD Internal/Pulmonary Medicine 128 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

ANDREW FADER, MD Geriatrics 128 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

KLAUDIA NOWAKIWSKY, MD Internal Medicine 1088 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

They treat me with respect.

- Lourdes J., patient

128 Ashford Avenue Dobbs Ferry

914.693.6500 Scan to Call for an Appointment

1088 North Broadway Yonkers

914.207.0004 Scan to Call for an Appointment

community WE ARE

STRONG

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967 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

Your Support Matters Supporting St. John’s Riverside Hospital means… n Our physicians and staff can provide care for you, your family, and f riends, f rom a routine test or a procedure during an unexpected crisis. n We can use our resources to deliver integral services that are needed most in our community. n You can choose a hospital that approaches healthcare on a human level and has served generations of families for over 150 years.

Our hope is that the worst of the storm is over, but we are here for you should we be faced with the unexpected. Please consider sending a donation today.

Link to Donate

To donate see the enclosed envelope or visit: https://riversidehealth.networkforgood.com

Sign-up for our future newsletters, e-newsletters, or educational health and wellness webinars by emailing info@riversidehealth.org or link through our QR code.

Link to sign-up for Health & Wellness Communications

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