Contact:

Myrna Manners

(212) 821-0560.
mmanners@nyp.org

New York, NY – June 28, 2011 – The Board of Trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital announced today that it has named Steven J. Corwin, M.D., (photo left) as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital. Dr. Corwin succeeds Herbert Pardes, M.D., who is retiring as head of the Hospital and will become Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Board also announced that Robert E. Kelly, M.D., has been named President of the Hospital, reporting to Dr. Corwin. The new appointments follow a national search by a committee of the Board of Trustees and are effective Sept. 6, 2011.

John J. Mack, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: "I am delighted to make this announcement about the new leadership at NewYork-Presbyterian. Steve Corwin is uniquely qualified to chart a course through the opportunities and challenges ahead for this great hospital. He is a thoughtful and bold leader who has already made a significant mark on NewYork-Presbyterian. He and Dr. Kelly represent the next generation of leadership for this remarkable institution. They, along with the rest of our senior executive team, have exceeded ambitious objectives in a very challenging environment to enhance patient care, to strengthen the Hospital's financial stability and to promote community health. They will continue NewYork-Presbyterian's commitment to advancing quality care for patients and their families."

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

New Pacemaker Technology Available at New York Hospital Queens Can Lessen Risk of MRI Test in Emergency Situations

Flushing, NY – June 29, 2011 – Heart specialists at New York Hospital Queens are implanting a new pacemaker in patients that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI is a diagnostic test that can be scheduled in advance, but is often used in an emergency situation with a critically ill or injured patient. However, when a patient’s medical status is unknown, the use of MRI carries risk. If a pacemaker is present, it could malfunction when exposed to a highly magnetic MRI environment. The new pacemaker has been designed to withstand the MRI environment.

In the U.S., there are 1.5 million people who use a pacemaker, an artificial device that sends an electrical charge to heart to keep the heart beating regularly. A pacemaker replaces a malfunctioning cluster of cells near the heart wall that would naturally send electrical pulses to the heart muscle. Without a pacemaker, these individuals are at a higher risk from death from certain types of heart attack. Until now, complications could occur from the effects of a MRI on traditional pacemakers, including interference with pacemaker operation, damage to system components, lead or pacemaker dislodgement or changes in pacing.

“This is an exciting new patient safety advance in the field of electrophysiology. It is estimated that up to 75 percent of individuals with pacemakers will need a MRI test during the lifetime of his/her device. MRI tests are critical for detecting serious medical conditions,” said George Juang, M.D., director, Electrophysiology, NYHQ. “Where it is appropriate, our electrophysiology team implants the new MRI-compatible pacemakers.”

From state-of-the-art technology, to the most sophisticated procedures and comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness programs, the board certified physicians of the Heart and Vascular Center at New York Hospital Queens bring a higher level of expertise to the Queens community

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

The Emergency Preparedness Symposium, marking the tenth anniversary of 9/11, will be conducted on Friday, September 9, 2011, at Pace University. The Symposium will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will focus on “Disaster Response: Ten Years Later, Is Lower Manhattan Prepared?” Featured speakers will review and discuss the medical, governmental, corporate and community responses to large scale emergencies with health care professionals, emergency response personnel and community leaders. To register, send your name and title, institution, daytime phone number, and email address to Ms. Richards at Symposium@downtownhospital.org.

Contact:

Bryan Dotson

(212) 305-5587

brd9005@nyp.org

Dr. Emile Bacha Named Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Michael Argenziano Named Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery Section

New York, NY – June 29, 2011 – In a move aimed at further solidifying its role as a regional and national leader in cardiac care for adults and children, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center has named Dr. Emile Bacha chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Dr. Michael Argenziano chief of the Section of Adult Cardiac Surgery within the Division.

Drs. Bacha and Argenziano are part of a three-member leadership team in cardiothoracic surgery that also includes Dr. Joshua Sonett, who is chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery.

"Drs. Bacha, Argenziano and Sonett are each outstanding surgeons who have shown a resolute commitment to patient care, research innovation and educating the next generation of surgeons. I am confident that they and their colleagues will continue to advance the field of cardiothoracic surgery in the years ahead," says Dr. Craig Smith, chairman of surgery and the Johnson and Johnson Professor of Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and surgeon-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

The 18th Annual Gala is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011, at Cipriani Wall Street. The Gala is the Hospital’s largest annual fundraiser. The Board of Trustees is proud to acknowledge the great generosity of Moody’s Corporation by presenting the Corporate Leadership Award to Mr. Raymond W. McDaniel, Jr., Chairman and CEO. This special award will be conferred at the Gala by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Since 2002, Moody’s has been a major supporter of our Hospital’s many capital projects, bringing our facility up to a 21st century, state-of-the-art standard of excellence. We are also deeply grateful to Trustee Fran Laserson, President of the Moody’s Foundation, for her invaluable counsel and leadership.

Warren B. Licht, M.D. will be presented the Distinguished Physician Award for his dedicated service and his contributions to the well-being of patients and the advancement of the medical arts. The Celestial Love Foundation will receive the Community Service Award in recognition of its contributions to the development of the local community. Mrs. Amy Mak Chan will accept the Award on the Foundation’s behalf.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Hospital will pay special tribute to members of our staff who responded with courage and dedication during the disaster. Special thanks to Trustees Peter Gross and Philip Seskin for their continuing support in securing seed money for the Gala. Heartfelt thanks to Trustee Mrs. Lai Wah Fung for once again serving as our Dinner Chair for the Leadership Committee. We would also like to thank our donors who have consistently supported the Gala for the past 17 years.

Sponsor Tables begin at $10,000 with individual tickets priced at $750. To purchase tickets or to sponsor a member of the Hospital staff to attend the Gala, please call Cora Fung, Associate VP for Development, at (212) 801-1723.

Contact
Karen Huxtable
Manager, Public and Media Relations
(607) 547-4581
karen.huxtable@bassett.org

June 24, 2011 – Cooperstown, NY – Bassett Medical Center’s work to further improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions recently earned it statewide recognition. Bassett was awarded the Healthcare Association of New York State’s Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety, which recognizes organizations that are playing a leading role in promoting improved health care delivery. More than 100 hospitals from around New York State that are members of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) applied for the award.

In recent years, hospital readmission rates have grown steadily, with New York State’s rates reaching 20 percent. Congress recognized the financial implications of the hospital readmissions crisis and the federal government will soon begin penalizing hospitals with unacceptable readmission rates.

“While the financial consequences of readmissions are staggering, the toll a readmission takes on a patient and his or her family is enormous,” says Bassett’s Vice President of Performance Improvement and Care Coordination, Ronette Wiley. “Every readmission to the hospital takes patients away from their support systems, exposes them to potential hospital acquired conditions, and in the case of the elderly, may further compromise their ability to care for themselves once they are discharged. It is vital then that Bassett is committed to making sure the transition from hospital to home is thought through, and that the patient is comfortable and confident with their follow-up care.”

Contact:   

Amy Pietzak
amp9049@nyp.org
(212) 305-5587

Made Possible Through a $50 Million Gift From theSteven A. and Alexandra M. Cohen Foundation Inc.

One of Only Three Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers in NY State, New ED Equipped to Treat 60,000 Children Annually

New York, NY – June 23, 2011 – The new Alexandra and Steven Cohen Pediatric Emergency Department at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center opens today, significantly expanding access to the highest level of emergency pediatric care for families in the region.

Located at 166th Street and Broadway in Washington Heights, the brand-new facility offers world-class emergency care to children, including those from some of the most underserved areas of New York City. The new Cohen Children's Emergency Department was made possible through a $50 million gift from the Steven A. and Alexandra M. Cohen Foundation Inc. Mrs. Cohen was born at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (then called Babies & Children's Hospital).

"Beginning today, families will have access to this beautiful, state-of-the-art facility whenever their child needs emergency care, day or night," says Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. "We are deeply grateful to Alexandra and Steven Cohen for their leadership and generous support. Their vitally important gift will help us meet a growing demand and transform pediatric emergency care in our community."

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – June 22, 2011 – New York Hospital Queens announces the appointment of Shea Lerner as director of Development. “Mr. Lerner’s primary responsibility is to establish an effective and robust fundraising program through philanthropic sources, both private and public,” said Stephen S. Mills, president and chief executive officer. “He has a history of establishing and managing successful fundraising programs.”

Lerner came to New York Hospital Queens from Five Towns Community Chest, where he was executive director. There he developed a plan that raised $2 million per year for 15 social service programs serving the Five Towns area of Long Island, NY.

Prior to that, he served as director, Development, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) for the New York Institute of Technology. He established the NYCOM development department. In six years, he built a team that was responsible for raising $54 million and cultivating more than 500 contributors.

Contact:
Sonia Nayak
(718) 780-5367
sdn9002@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – June 22, 2011 – Smruti R. Mohanty, M.D., a hepatologist (specialist in treatment of liver disease), recently joined New York Methodist Hospital as chief of gastroenterology. Dr. Mohanty is board certified in both gastroenterology and in transplant hepatology. Originally from Orissa, India, Dr. Mohanty was most recently at the University of Chicago Transplant Center for ten years before coming to New York Methodist. Dr. Mohanty is excited about expanding NYM’s Division of Gastroentorology to offer more treatment of liver disease as well as focused research in hepatology.

“My work is devoted to liver disease,” said Dr. Mohanty. “There is a critical need in the United States for liver specialists, and in Brooklyn, for liver centers.”  Dr. Mohanty plans to develop a comprehensive liver disease center at NYM.  “I want to make New York Methodist Hospital a resource for liver patients in Brooklyn who are receiving treatment for liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver due to disease), and liver cancer.  Dr. Mohanty also plans to provide pre-transplant preparation and post-transplant ambulatory care, enabling patients to be closer to home after undergoing transplant surgery. As an academic institution, NYM is in a position to host research and clinical trials for the treatment of these diseases.

Contact:

Takla Boujaoude

(212) 821-0560.
tab2016@med.cornell.edu

New Program Offers Manhattan Outpatient Clinic and Unique Summer Camp-Style Intensive Treatment Program in White Plains, N.Y.

New York, NY – June 21, 2011 – Children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety or tic disorders are being treated in a new specialized outpatient clinic at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center — one of the only programs of its kind in the New York metro area.

In addition to a clinic in Manhattan, the Pediatric OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders (POCAT) program will offer a unique, day camp–style intensive summer treatment program situated in White Plains, N.Y., at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division. The POCAT program is co-led by pediatric psychologist Dr. Shannon M. Bennett and psychiatrist Dr. Justin Mohatt.

"Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but when it interferes with school, friendships or family life, we recommend parents seek treatment for their child. If a family is going to extreme measures to accommodate their child's anxiety, or if their child has a problem with involuntary movements or vocalizations, we can offer help," says Dr. Bennett, a pediatric psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Contact
Maureen Curran Kleinman
(201) 291-6310
mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – June 16, 2011 – The Valley Hospital Breast Center has been granted a full three-year accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

This distinction is awarded only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

"We are pleased and proud to have received this designation, which serves as a benchmark to patients, identifying those facilities that provide the highest-quality care," said breast surgeon Laura A. Klein, M.D., medical director of the Breast Center. .

Dear Colleagues:

As an anchor and major employer in our community, it is important that we contribute to its well being. By the same token, we need our community to support our programs and growth plans.  

We urge our employees, medical staff and community members to become more involved with our hospital. Community leaders can work directly with us through the NYHQ Community Advisory Council. Physicians can join our Speaker’s Bureau to become more visible in the community. Employees can reach back into their own community organizations and help develop blood drives, request physician speakers at their social or religious gatherings and tell friends and family about volunteer opportunities at the hospital.

We have opportunities for our community physicians to work with us in several areas: employment, specialist placement, laboratory and radiology services and the development of electronic medical records.

There are a number of ways that we are involved with the community. Our health professionals participate in health fairs and support groups for the public. Our physicians speak at community events or give seminars to other health care professionals.  We work with our lawmakers to educate them on the business of health care and offer solutions with health care reform. We write letters, send news releases and work with community leaders.

However, we can accomplish more when we have more individuals who can serve as ambassadors to help us spread the word about the higher level of medical care that is available right here.

Our A Spring Night Gala last month was a good example of how our employees and staff give back. More than 2,500 employees, medical staff and community friends attended our signature fundraising event honoring Eugene M. Lang for his innovations around the globe and for his commitment and dedication, right here, to this hospital. The ceremony featured a private performance by Grammy Award winner, Patti LaBelle. The 15th annual gala raised $860,000 to support hospital programs.

In conclusion, we will continue to do the many things that help us remain a strong community partner, and we ask that you work with us to support New York Hospital Queens in whatever way you can. To start, tell others about our programs and encourage participation. This month, there are more than 50 programs and events being offered. Click here for a full calendar of community events.

Sincerely,

Stephen S. Mills, F.A.C.H.E. 

Health Fairs & Events

Free, Condiential HIV Counseling & Testing Events

Look for our mobile health unit at the following locations:
June 11 - St. Mary's Park from 12-4 p.m.
June 15- Restoration in Brooklyn from 12-5 p.m.
June 22- Coney Island (Tentative)  from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
June 25- Bronx Knows Concert at the Loews Paradise Theatre from 12-5 p.m.
June 27- Time Square (42nd Street between 7th & 8th Avenues) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in recognition of  National Testing Day

Downtown Health Center Events
June 17- Look for our table at BRC Senior Center on Grand Street/Delancy from 1-4 p.m.
June 24 - CBO Networking Mixer at Downtown Health Center from 3-5 p.m. All CBOs serving the Lower East Side and surrounding area welcome to participate. RSVP to Denise Ortiz at dortiz@chnnyc.org.  

Bronx Health Center Events
June 16 - Father's Day event from 12-2 p.m.
June 27 - Mammogram mobile at center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Dr. Betty Shabazz Health Center Events
June 16 - National Men's Health Week event from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Stop in for a free health screening including, blood pressure, glucose and HIV counseling and testing. Workshops on nutrition and breast health also planned.

Queens Health Center Events
June 13 - Pre-Father's Day Event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by for a free health screening including, blood pressure, glucose and HIV counseling and testing.

Mark your calendars for...
30th Anniversary Gala - October 19

Contact
Karen Huxtable
Manager, Public and Media Relations
(607) 547-4581
karen.huxtable@bassett.org

June 8, 2011 – Cooperstown, NY – Bassett Healthcare Network has received a notable award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke program. The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award recognizes Bassett’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the GWTG–Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates that our staff is committed to providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols," said Dr. Paul Deringer, Chief of Neurology. Bassett has a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes being equipped 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

To receive the award, Bassett achieved at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all GWTG-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators and achieved at least 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 GWTG-Stroke Quality Measures during that same period of time, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as, tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation services, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.
 

Contact
Cynthia Bacon
(718) 670-2515
crm9002@nyp.org

Five Research Projects Earn Excellence Awards, Norton Luger Lectureship Established

Flushing, NY – June 7, 2011 – The 240 medical residents and fellows at New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) have a unique educational opportunity that also benefits patients, the Queens community and the global medical knowledge base. Clinical research is an essential component of medicine, however, new physicians are often not exposed to it during training.

The Theresa and Eugene M. Lang Center for Research and Education, the research division of the hospital, has a program that develops the research skills of young physicians. Residents and Fellows are encouraged to conduct clinical research during their training with the support of the Lang Center. The results are then presented during “Residents and Fellows Day.”

The 2011 symposium featured 60 research projects. The keynote address, “Bad Bugs and Me,” covered antibiotic-resistant bacteria and was given by the Norton M. Luger, M.D., Visiting Lecturer, Robert A. Weinstein, M.D., the widely known and respected epidemiologist. In 2011, this lectureship was established to honor Dr. Luger, the first chairman of Medicine at the former Booth Memorial Medical Center (now, NYHQ).

West Haverstraw, NY – June 6, 2011 – The first annual Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Golf Outing will take place on August 1, 2011 at the Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West Nyack, New York. The event’s grand sponsor is Rockland Toyota. Registration begins at 9:00am, with a shotgun start at 11:00 am. Included in the registration is a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch on the course, cocktails, dinner and awards ceremony. 

Founded in 1900, Helen Hayes Hospital is one of the country's leading specialty physical rehabilitation hospitals and is internationally recognized as a center of innovation and excellence in rehabilitation medicine and research.  Proceeds from the golf outing will be dedicated to the creation of the hospital’s first “Smart Apartment,” a high tech, interactive model, located on the hospital campus. The “Smart Apartment” will replicate a typical home, but with a difference. It will be assembled with the newest assistive technology to allow patients and community members to use and test out equipment that could help them live independently in their own homes.

Contact:

Anthony Ercolano

Special Projects

(212) 801-1702

anthony.ercolano@downtownhospital.org

New York,NY – June 2, 2011 – NewYork-Downtown Hospital proudly recognizes the physicians who were among those selected as New York’s Top Doctors. They were cited in a supplement to the May 22, 2011, New York Times Magazine.

Dr.  Howard Beaton

Dr.  Lester Blair

Dr.  Nelson Botwinick

Dr.  Steven Brandeis

Dr.  Andrew Brown

Dr.  Sun Hoo Foo

Dr.  Steven Friedman

Dr.  Gerald Ginsberg

Dr.  Ronald Krinick

Dr.  Chester Lerner

Dr.  Eric Poon

Dr.  James Robilotti

Dr.  Ira Schulma

Dr.  Anthony Smith

Dr.  Christos Stavropoulos

Dr.  Muthiah Sukumaran

.

Contact:

Anthony Ercolano

Special Projects

(212) 801-1702

anthony.ercolano@downtownhospital.org

New York,NY – June 2, 2011 – On May 20, 2011, Hospital President and CEO Jeff Menkes was joined by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Moody’s Foundation President Frances Laserson and a host of community leaders and representatives for the formal opening of the Wellness and Prevention Center. Dr. Warren Licht, the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of the new Center observed that, since early 2011, patient visits have already increased to 1,600 a month and should soon reach the Center’s projected goal of 2,000 a month.

Contacts:

Takla Boujaoude
tab2016@med.cornell.edu
(212) 821-0560

Eliza O'Neill
esw9002@nyp.org
(914) 682-6991

CUMC Communications
cumcnews@columbia.edu
(212) 305-3900

Institute for Brain Development Will Offer Evaluation, Treatment and Research for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children and Adults

New York, NY – June 2, 2011 – A leading autism authority who is helping transform the way autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed and treated, Dr. Catherine Lord has been named director of the new Institute for Brain Development at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University Medical Center. She will also be appointed to the faculties of Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Created in collaboration with the New York Center for Autism, the Institute will be a center of excellence for best-practice evaluations and treatments for individuals living with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders of the brain, across their lifespans. Situated primarily on the Hospital's 214-acre Westchester Division campus in White Plains, the Institute will be a resource for community-based providers and families; it is scheduled to open in 2012.

Dr. Lord has been at the forefront of research to find ways to better treat autism spectrum disorders. She led the development of tools that have become the gold standard for diagnosis: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R). She currently serves as director of the Autism and Communication Disorders Center at the University of Michigan, where she is professor in the Department of Psychology, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and senior research professor in the Center for Human Growth and Development.  

Contact: 
Sonia Nayak
Public Affairs Associate
(718) 780-5367
nymethodist@gmail.com

Brooklyn, NY – June 2, 2001 – It's almost summer, and for many people this means an antsy, excited feeling known as the travel bug. But world toursits do need to protect themselves against actual viruses and infections that may be prevalent overseas.  To aid in the journey, New York Methodist Hospital has instituted an outpatient Travel Medicine Service with expert physicians who can provide advice and preventative treatment for those planning a trip to a foreign country. These physicians have the most up-to-date information about immunizations and vaccines, and can offer country-specific advice for disease prevention. NYM’s Travel Medicine Service can provide immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, hepatitis A and B, and pneumonia, among others.

Even if the destination country does not have any specific health risks, it’s still advisable to include a visit to a physician for pre-travel preparations, including refill prescriptions. “Often a physician can spot potential health issues that a patient might not consider, such as high altitude travel or precautions on extended airline flights,” said Natalya Goldshteyn, M.D., (in photo) who with Steven Colby, M.D., provides the Travel Medicine Service.

This is a reminder for you to please join us for a Palliative Care Symposium at New York Hospital Queens.  The symposium is open to all, and it will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011, from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., in the Lang Auditorium, New York Hospital Queens, 56-45 Main Street, Flushing, N.Y. 

• Click here for a brochure that includes the program and more information about the event.

• To sign up for the program, please click here. There is a fee for medical professionals for Continuing Medical Education credit. For NYHQ staff and employees and non-clinical professionals, there is no charge for the symposium. Refreshments will be served.