April 2012

Dear Colleagues:

All hospitals need to make continuous improvements for patients. Those at the frontlines of patient care, including physicians, are best suited to contribute to process improvement. We all recognize that eliciting changes that make the hospital run more efficiently can help physicians enhance patient care and help save a physician’s time.

The Medical Staff and Medical Board at New York Hospital Queens agree that despite mounting physician pressures (less time for patients, increased patient needs, waning reimbursement), our physicians’ integration in the improvement process is critical to patient care and efficiency. Here are examples of several successful changes resulting from integration and collaboration:

Formalized communication program in the Emergency Room. William Wolff, M.D., chairman, the NYHQ Medical Board; Jack Mann, M.D., president, the NYHQ Medical Staff Society and members of the medical staff worked with the Emergency Department to improve communication. The team of physicians identified that there needed to be an improved process for contacting the physicians of patients who were being treated in the Emergency Room. In collaboration with the Emergency Department, Admitting Team and Hospitalist Service, our physicians facilitated a formal way to track patients and liaise with community-based physicians about patient status. The ED Communication desk is accessible 24 hours, seven days a week at (718) 670-1100.

Restructured Hospitalist Service. The Medical Staff Society, along with the Medical Board and the Department of Medicine, called for an upgrade of the Hospitalist Service. Through the new Hospitalist Service, a community-based physician can refer a patient to the hospitalist program by either writing a prescription that states their patient is to be admitted to the Hospitalist Service or by calling (888) 219-9141 at any time, day, night, weekend or holiday. The referring physician will receive a discharge summary that includes the patient’s course of treatment, test results, a discharge medication list, and recommendations given to the patient for a post discharge visit with the referring physician.

Redesign of the Patient Flow Process. Reduction of a patient’s length of stay is most often dependent upon the attending physicians, residents and physician’s assistants starting to plan for a patient’s discharge as soon as a patient is admitted. David Rose, M.D., chairman, Medicine, plans to increase medical staffing levels at the bedside, which should lead to physician interaction earlier in a patient’s admission. Dr. Rose has planning sessions scheduled with the Medical Staff Society and Medical Board to discuss this process and listen to suggestions. Following those meetings and based on recommendations, the plan is to roll out the new process later this year.

We invite our physicians’ suggestions for improvement. To discuss any of these initiatives, please contact Dr. Wolff at (718) 670-2522; Dr. Mann at (718) 670-1419; Dr. Rose at (718) 670-1070, or Stephen Rimar, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, at (718) 670-1549.

Sincerely,

Stephen S. Mills, F.A.C.H.E.

PEOPLE & PROGRAMS

People News

We are pleased to announce the following appointments to our medical and professional staff:

Han Shik Lee, M.D., attending physician, specializes in interventional pain management. Dr. Lee is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. He earned his medical degree from Catholic Medical School in Seoul, Korea, and completed his residency training in anesthesiology at The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. His Flushing practice, Community Pain Medicine, provides in-hospital pain consults as well as comprehensive pain management services.

Robert Yu-Fan Zhang, M.D., has joined the medical staff as an attending anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. He is board certified in anesthesiology and fellowship trained in interventional pain management. Dr. Zhang heads the Center for Interventional Pain Management at Queens Medical Associates and specializes in treating back pain, head and neck pain and cancer pain.

Ruthann Kelman, R.N., has been appointed clinical nursing director, Department of Medicine. Ms. Kelman comes to us from Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens where she served as associate director, Emergency Department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in N.J. and achieved her master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in Ariz.

Jordana Bailey-Marrero, M.S.S., has been promoted to Senior Administrative Director. For five years, she had served as the administrative director for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Her new areas of responsibility are Anesthesiology, Pre-Admission Testing, Pre-Procedure Processing, Respiratory Therapy, The Center for Speech, Swallowing and Digestive Diseases and EEG. She serves as the Employee Rewards and Recognition Program and secretary for the hospital’s Management Committee. She has a master’s degree in Science and is enrolled in an MBA program.

 

It is an honor for us when our hospital team members attain professional achievements and when they are recognized by other organizations:

Charles Lombardi, D.P.M., director, Podiatry, was presented the Award of Excellence by the House of Delegates of the American Podiatric Medical Associates. This award is given to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding national accomplishments in scientific, professional or civic endeavors.

Lori Montreiul, R.N., assistant nurse manager, Operating Room, and Ella Abayeva, R.N., Operating Room, have achieved their Certified Nurse Operating Room certifications.

Mary Ellen Zimmermann, R.N., B.S.N., trauma coordinator, Surgery was selected to be a part of a Trauma Center Finance and Operations fellowship offered by the Trauma Center Association of America, of which, she is also a member.

George Juang, M.D., director, Electrophysiology, was named a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society, which is a reflection of his training, certification and commitment to the research and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. 

 

Our physicians and clinical staff frequently present their work and share their expertise at medical conferences, in peer-reviewed publications and at community meetings:

Margaret Chen, M.D., assistant director, The Breast Center, and Chong Park, M.D., director, Cardiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, will be featured speakers at the Association of Chinese American Physicians 17th Annual Scientific Convention at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel on May 6. Dr. Chen will discuss breast cancer, and Dr. Park will address ischemic heart disease. All NYHQ medical staff are invited to the conference for free. The event is eligible for continuing medical education credit. To RSVP, contact Alex Chan, ACAP, (718) 321-8893.

Two abstracts from the Gastroenterology Division will be featured at Digestive Disease Week in May in San Diego:

The study “Comparison of the Third Eye Retroscope® to Standard Retroflection in Evaluating the Rectum” by Anthony Nici, M.D., second-year gastroenterology fellow; Ellen Gutkin, M.D., third-year gastroenterology fellow; Wallace Wang, M.D., first-year gastroenterology fellow; Sang Kim M.D., attending gastroenterologist; Syed Hussain,M.D., attending gastroenterologist; and Moshe Rubin, M.D., director, Gastroenterology; will be presented by Dr. Nici. The study evaluated the use of Third Eye Retroscope and compared the technology to standard retroflection techniques.

The study “Ethnic Variation in Adenoma Detection and Screening Rates in a Patient Navigator Colorectal Cancer Screening Program,” by Dr. Wang; Dr. Hussain; Dr. Kim; Preeti Mehta, M.D., attending gastroenterologist; Abigail C. Otero, patient navigator, Endoscopy; Miranda Xiaofeng Xu, patient navigator, Endoscopy; and Dr. Rubin; will be presented by Dr. Wang. The study showed that the highest adenoma (polyp) detection rate was found in Asian males and females.

Two studies from the Gastroenterology Division were published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology:

“Full Liquid Diet Versus Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation: Preliminary Results” was authored by Dr. Gutkin; Dr. Nici; Albert Shalomov, M.D., attending gastroenterologist; Dr. Hussain; Dr. Mehta; and Dr. Kim. The study showed that in terms of being able to perform a colonoscopy effectively and efficiently there was no difference between patients that had either a full liquid diet or clear liquid diet prior to the procedure.

"Prevalence of Adenomas Found on Colonoscopy in Patients with HIV” was authored by Dr. Gutkin ; Dr. Hussain; Dr. Mehta;  and Dr. Rubin.  Results showed that a higher than expected rate of adenomas were found in HIV patients less than 50 years of age, suggesting HIV patients may need to be screened earlier for colon cancer.

 

Moshe Rubin, M.D., director, Gastroenterology, and Jackie Xouris, R.N., director, HealthOutreach, discussed the importance of colon cancer screening and announced a free screening program at a press conference co-hosted by NYHQ, the New York State Cancer Services Program, and the American Cancer Society (pictured). According to the American Cancer Society, if all people older than 50 were screened for colon cancer, death rates could be cut in half. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but cases can be treatable and preventable when found early.

Gerald Wang, M.D., director, Urology, and Mitchell Chorost, M.D., director, Surgical Oncology, and associate director, The Cancer Center, were guest speakers at a community seminar hosted by members of the NYHQ Wound Care Team about “Life with an Ostomy.”

Seth Goldbarg, M.D.,  attending electrophysiologist; and George Juang, M.D., director, Electrophysiology, presented “New Advances in Ablation and Electrophysiology Devices” at a leadership meeting of the Academy of Medicine of Queens County. Following the meeting, the Electrophysiology Division at New York Hospital Queens sponsored the Medical Society of the
County of Queens dinner.

Dr. Goldbarg has begun investigating “Fibrosis and Sudden Death Stratification in Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy with Moderate LV Dysfunction: (FIND NEMO study).” The purpose of the study is to determine whether patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and moderate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmia, and to determine whether the degree of myocardial fibrosis in the group is associated with increased risk.

Edward Chai, M.D., director, Neurology and The Stroke Service, will present an update about the stroke services available at New York Hospital Queens at a meeting of the Queens Medical Society on May 1.

 

Program News

Diabetes Clinical Research Study
Daniel Lorber, M.D. , associate director, The Eugene and Therese M. Lang Center for Research and Education, is conducting an IRB-approved clinical research study to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral medication for type II diabetes. An individual may be eligible to participate if the following criteria are met, he/she: is age 18 or older, and takes Metformin or has not taken anti-diabetic medication for the last 12 weeks or more. All study-related procedures and the study drug are provided at no cost. Reimbursement for time and travel will be provided. For more information, contact Patricia Depree Ph.D., A.N.P, C.D.E.,  adult nurse practitioner, at (718) 670-1827.

Patient Experience Office Initiative-
Celebrating New Lives that Start Here
Each time a baby is born at our hospital, a few notes of Johannes Brahms’ “Lullaby” are played over the paging system. This new initiative was created through the Patient Experience Office to bring joy to parents, patients and employees and also increase patient satisfaction. As each parent welcomes his or her new child into the world, employees, patients and visitors at NYHQ can welcome the newborn too.

Earth Day Fair to Feature Green Initiatives
Monday, April 23, the hospital will host an NYHQ Earth Day Fair to feature environmentally friendly “green” practices added over the past year. NYHQ “green” initiatives include energy and water conservation programs, a recycling program, a carbon emissions reduction plan, and a biodigester to help reduce waste. As a way to contribute to a more sustainable future, NYHQ has partnered with Manhattan College to install trays of plants on the rooftops of the< hospital. Plants absorb rainfall and reduce the amount of storm water runoff that can flood the natural waterways of Flushing. For more information about our “Go NYHQ Green” initiatives, visit the hospital Web site: http://nyhq.org/gogreen.

Community Symposium on Bones, Muscles and Joints
HealthGrades, an independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, has ranked NYHQ among the top 5% of hospitals in the nation for joint replacement for two years in a row. A representative from HealthGrades will present the hospital with an Orthopaedics Award of Excellence to kickoff the Community Symposium on Bones, Muscles and Joints on Wednesday, April 25, in the Lang Auditorium. Medical experts from NYHQ’s Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation will discuss hand, back, shoulder, knee, hip and balance issues and will demonstrate helpful exercises to alleviate pain. Following the lectures, attendees can have a balance assessment by the rehabilitation team.

Palliative Care Symposioum for Health Care Professionals
The Palliative Care Program presents a symposium for medical professionals about the principles of palliative care as it applies to patients who have dementia, and identifying those at risk for moral stress, such as seriously ill patients and the families. The symposium will be held on April 24, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the New York Hospital Queens Lang Auditorium. Registration is required. The symposium is eligible for continuing medical education credit. For more information, please call Pamela Williams at (718)670-1419.

Oral Cancer Screening Program
The Center for Dental and Oral Medicine in Fresh Meadows is hosting a free oral cancer screening for the community on April 24 and April 26. Oral health— from early detection and prevention of dental and oral disease to treatment and follow-up care— is an important aspect of overall health. More than 34,000 people in the country will be affected by oral cancer this year. For more information or to schedule a free screening, call (718) 670-1060.

Neuroscience Institute to Focus on Stroke Awareness in May
In recognition of stroke awareness month in May, the Neuroscience Institute will host a free Stroke Assessment Day for the community on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Lang Lobby and Auditorium. For more information or to register for an assessment call 800-282-6684.

 

PROGRESS

A SPRING NIGHT GALA TO HONOR PRABHA AND KANAK GOLIA
At A Spring Night Gala on May 31, 2012, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Prabha and Kanak Golia will be presented the hospital’s highest honor, the Pacesetter Award. The Golias are being recognized for their inspiring work in the areas of health, education and women’s empowerment.

Mr. and Mrs. Golia established the Kanak and Prabha Golia Charitable Foundation, which is focused on supporting charities dedicated to children and women’s education, medical needs for the disabled and managing orphanages. The Golias developed the Nakoda Paras Bhairav Akshay Trust, which funds projects related to public health, education and women’s empowerment in India. Mr. Golia is a member of our Board of Trustees; and their daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Preeti and Nilesh Mehta, are both gastroenterologists at New York Hospital Queens. Mr. and Mrs. Golia, in partnership with our Board Chairman George F. Heinrich, M.D. and his wife, Debra, have accepted a leadership role in an initiative to enhance and expand The Cancer Center. Proceeds from this year’s gala will benefit this initiative.

 

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND CANCER CENTER WORK TOGETHER TO RAISE CANCER AWARENESS

To mark the first week of spring, the American Cancer Society (ACS) donated daffodils to the NYHQ Cancer Center for the 39th annual ACS Daffodil Days fundraiser to help raise cancer awareness. The hospital gave a plant to each patient who received cancer care at NYHQ that week. The Cancer Center at NYHQ provides a comprehensive program of cancer services. In 2011, the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons granted its Outstanding Achievement Award to the Cancer Center at NYHQ for excellent performance on the commission’s annual on-site evaluation. NYHQ is considered one of the top cancer programs in the United States by this accrediting body.

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS COME TOGETHER FOR “GO RED FOR WOMEN”
Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of nearly 500,000 women in the U.S. each year. To raise awareness, the American Heart Association created “Go Red For Women” – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

For the second year in a row the American Heart Association (AHA) has selected Diane Sixsmith, M.D., chairman, Emergency Medicine, as the chairperson for the 2012 Go Red for Women dinner in Queens. Chong Park, M.D., director, Cardiology and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, is an honoree. The event will highlight the success of AHA’s Better You health and wellness program and the 15 participating NYHQ female employees. This annual event brings together a diverse group of Queen’s top business and community leaders. The dinner will take place on May 15 at Terrace on the Park. For more information or to attend the event, call 516-450-9123 or e-mail patricia.pflumm@heart.org.