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December 2009VOL. 11 ISSUE 12

Painters Make a Difference at HSS One Stroke at a TimeIf asked to give a single word describing whyHospital for Special Surgeryhas a worldclass reputationfor accomplishment, “physicians,” “nurses,” or“research” immediately cometo mind. But, “painters”?

The term might not evencrack the top five hundred.Still, Luis Cruz and JorgeMurillo, painters withEnvironmental Services,continue to do what they love and continue to make a difference the best way they know how.

“We really love our job,” says Cruz. “When you love your job, when youhave good partners, when you have respect, you can do anything.”

The men first met Feb. 3, 1991, when they started off their paintingcareers at HSS with a firm handshake, working on a two-bedroom apartment in need of a fresh coat of paint on the 10th floor of theBelaire building.

What neither expected at the time was that the morning spent working in that apartment would be the beginning of a nearly 20-year friendship.

“We never fight,” says Cruz. “From the first day we met, we’ve hadnothing but respect for one another.”

This respect and this friendship have carried the pair through a widearray of experiences at HSS that have allowed them to make a difference– not only in the lives of each other, but in the lives of many hospitalpatients and staff.

The pair note October 11, 2006, as among the most memorable ofthese occasions, not because of what their friendship brought to thejob, but because of what it brought to their co-workers and guests atthe Belaire.

As the men were working on the 12th floor, a small plane accidentallycrashed into the 39th and 40th floors, causing a four-alarm fire.

HSS painters Luis Cruz and Jorge Murillo.

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Painters Make a Difference (Continued)“We felt a BOOM! – like an explosion. We saw bricks falling and what looked like a stove.We never thought it would happen, but it turned out that it was a plane,” says Cruz.

The men dropped their gear and went straight to the hallways, where they began furiouslyknocking on doors up and down the surrounding floors to make sure that everyone hadevacuated the building.

While events such as a plane crash tend to bring out the heroism in everyday people likeCruz and Murillo, the pair make everyday contributions that are vital to the health andsafety of countless others.

For example, according to Murillo, the duo spend each Saturday checking the walls of the Hospital’s operating rooms for scratches, holes, or other damage that might breed bacteria. The friends make on-the-spot repairs as part of the Hospital’s continuing effort toreduce infection.

While most may take something as simple as a painted wall for granted, not all of the pair’sefforts go unnoticed. Uriah “Sonny” Daire, trade manager in Environmental Services, saysthat he appreciates having such reliable workers.

“They are always on the top of their game,” says Daire. “Usually I would have to checkwhat’s been done, but I know that these two will do their job so I have time to do otherthings. They’re pretty cool.”

Cruz and Murillo have taken this “cool” attitude outside of the office and into their personallives. They share many of the same interests, and whether reading the Bible together,working on their cars, or pursuing their shared love of Hispanic heritage and music, the paircontinues to work hard and have a good time – sometimes without even feeling the need totalk to each other.

“We’ve spent 18 years together and we talk a lot. Sometimes on the weekend we don’t wantto talk because we’re talking Tuesdays through Saturdays,” jokes Cruz.

As with most HSS employees, both men spend a fair amount of time at work, and althoughquite proud of their tenure at the Hospital, they talk about their plans for the future.

“The employees here,” he says, “when they see me alone, it’s, ‘Where’s Jorge?’ If I’m onvacation and they see Jorge, it’s, ‘Hey, where’s Luis?’ They always want to see the twopainters together.”

And so as two strangers who began their careers at HSS on the same February morning, thetwo friends now hope to one day venture into retirement together. But until that day arrivesthey will continue to do what they do best.

“Our main goal has always been to keep the face of the Hospital clean,” says Cruz. “We feelproud to be painters.”

Message from the CEO

A time for reflection

It is hard to believe that another year has passed and we are approaching the holiday season. One of the reasons we treasure this time of year is the opportunity for reflectionand celebration with both family and friends.

As we often talk about HSS as a family, we too, have so muchto reflect on and celebrate. We are continuing to build uponour legacy as the world leader in musculoskeletal healthcare.While we are enhancing and expanding our facilities, whatmakes our hospital so special is each and every individualwho comes to work with a passion and commitment for excellence. This is what makes us different and what distinguishes us from others, locally and around the world.

Thank you for everything you do, and please have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

I am looking forward to working with you to accomplish great things in 2010.

With great appreciation,

Lou Shapiro

Louis A. Shapiro, FACHEPresident and CEO

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Construction Update During the month of November, with structural steel being completed, the pouring ofconcrete began. If you look up you should still be able to see the white ceremonial beamin place that was signed during the topping out event held in October.

The project continues on schedule and on budget.

Read Echo each month for more details and construction updates.

HSS Physician Receives American College of Rheumatology AwardJessica Berman, M.D., received the Clinician Scholar EducatorAward from the American College of Rheumatology-RheumatologyEducation Foundation (ACR-REF) at the recent conference inPhiladelphia. The three-year faculty development award willenable Dr. Berman to redesign theresident teaching experience inrheumatology to include modules in anatomy in the Bioskills lab at HSS teaching injection and aspiration techniques using cadavers. Dr. Berman is pictured above with Stephen Paget, M.D., Chief of Medicine, whoserves on the board of the REF of the ACR and is her mentor.

Healthnetwork Foundation Honors Jonathan Deland, M.D.The Healthnetwork Foundation is anon-profit organization that providesbusiness leaders and their loved ones,a direct and vital link to the world’sbest hospitals.

Jonathan T. Deland, M.D., chief ofthe Foot and Ankle Service at HSS,recently received the Foundation’sService Excellence Award and was presented with a $10,000 giftdonation in support of his research.

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From left William W. Rowley, chairman and founder, HealthnetworkFoundation; Adam R. Kaufman, co-president, HealthnetworkFoundation; Jonathan T. Deland, M.D., chief, Foot and Ankle Service;and Louis A. Shapiro, FACHE, president and CEO.

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HSS.edu Honored at Healthcare Internet ConferenceHSS.edu, Hospital for Special Surgery’s external website, was awarded a Silver Award forBest Overall Internet Site at the 2009 eHealthcare Leadership Awards in Las Vegas, Nov. 4.

The eHealthcare Leadership Awards, part of the Thirteenth Annual Healthcare InternetConference, featured competitors from more than 1,100 entries and recognized more than220 healthcare organizations for their outstanding web presence. The HSS website was alsorecognized with a Merit Award in the Best Health Promotion/Disease & Injury PreventionInformation category.

“It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Julie Pelaez, HSS Web director. “These awards trulyreflect the hard work and dedication of the entire web committee and the Web Departmentincluding Michael Elvin, Jason Juniewicz, and James O’Rourke. This really speaks to theHospital’s commitment to maintaining such a dynamic and informative website.”

HSS.edu, which was completely redesigned late last year, attracted two million unique visitors in 2008 and has already eclipsed that total for 2009. The site generates nearly 800emails a month.

The Healthcare Internet Conference is organized each year by Strategic Health CareCommunications, a leader in business development and marketing for the health care industry.

In conjunction with the awards, a review of HSS.edu was published in the November issue of eHealthcare Strategy and Trends, Strategic Health Care Communications’monthly newsletter.

HSS Kicks Off Annual U.S. Marines “Toys for Tots” DriveThe Employee Activities Committee will sponsor the 11th Annual U. S. Marines “Toys forTots” drive, Dec.1-16.

Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to brighten a child’s holiday this year.

Toys may be dropped off in any of the following locations:

Anesthesia Office, 835 WestEducation Division Office, Parker HouseFinance Department, 1 East River Pl., D LevelHealth Information Management Department, 2nd FloorInformation Technology Department, Dana Center, 1st FloorPhysicians’ Practice Registration, River Terrace, Suite 206Radiology Department, 3rd FloorResearch Division, Caspary Building, Ground Floor Lobby

All toys collected are distributed to needy children in the New York City area.

Please contact Mary Hargett, ext.1793, for more information.

Employees of the MonthMeet Arlene Edwards – August 2009Congratulations to Arlene selected Employee of the Month for August2009. A member of the HSS family since June 1989, Arlene is a staffsecretary with the Ambulatory Care Center. Arlene is consistentlyupbeat, helpful and personable to all. She practices good co-workerpublic relations and is well regarded for her expertise and her cheerful,yet serious style. Arlene is a caring employee who provides service to the Ambulatory Care Center at an exemplary level. Her attention todetail ensures quality. Even in the middle of a difficult day, Arlenemaintains a smile and positive outlook, providing help where needed and often doing morethan required without being asked. She serves as a role model for peers by demonstratingoutstanding performance and extraordinary effort. Arlene shows special concern and dedication towards her day-to-day responsibilities. Congratulations again to Arlene!

Meet Frank Maglio, Jr. – September 2009Congratulations to Frank selected as Employee of the Month forSeptember 2009. A member of the HSS family since July 2006, Frank is a radiologic technologist in the Department of Radiology andImaging. Frank is a conscientious and caring worker and co-worker.He is an ideal technologist – professional and courteous. Frank’s attention to detail capability is always evident in the quality of work hesubmits. He understands that providing radiologists with qualityimages positively affects patient care. He regularly takes the initiativewhen a situation needs to be resolved and he does so effortlessly. What would seem “goingabove and beyond” to others is just “doing his job” to Frank. He has a wonderful attitudeand excellent work ethic. His concern for all is evident in his actions; he is willing to help inany capacity. Congratulations again to Frank!

Meet Mari Brady – October 2009Congratulations to Mari selected Employee of the Month for October2009. A member of the HSS family since February 2004, Mari is aPhysician Referral Service (PRS) representative. Although the PRS doesnot directly treat patients, the service is often a patient’s first interactionwith HSS, by telephone. Mari treats all patients with respect and care.She responds to patient inquiries and schedules appointments for patientswith patience and efficiency. Mari strives to ensure the department’smission and goals are met. She takes an active interest in finding ways toimprove the service. Mari is constantly seeking ways to serve patients better. She is alwayspositive and willing to assist her colleagues. Mari is a tremendous team player. She is a modelemployee for the Physician Referral Service Department. Congratulations again to Mari!

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Halloween Fun at HSSThe annual children’s Halloween party was held in the Richard L. Menschel Education Center on Oct. 29. Dressed in festivecostumes, party-goers were children who receive medical treatmentat HSS. Project Sunshine volunteers brought freshly bakedHalloween themed cookies and help the party-goers decorate them for a special take home treat. Starlight/Starbright Foundationprovided a clown/face painter.

Sponsored by the Victor and Hilda Handal Family Fund, the partywas coordinated by Social Work Programs’ Lorraine Montuori,LCSW, and Saleana Negron, M.S., of the Child Life Program.Special thanks were given to Cathleen Raggio, M.D.; Erin Carter,the Kathryn O. & Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias;Amy Silverman, LCSM, Social Work Programs, Meryl Colman, LMSW, Case Management;Jillian Rose, LMSW, Social Work Programs; Mark McCormack, Patient Access; and HSSvolunteers Beth Viapiano and Louise Bozorth for making the celebration a success.

Pediatric Physical Therapists Treat Children with LaughterFrom left Jennifer Crane, PT,DPT, CNDT, PCS; CorinneMcCarthy, PT, DPT, MS;Maureen Suhr, PT, DPT; Melanie Buckland, PT, DPT,ATP; Joanne Dooher, PT, MA;and Kristin Fiori, SPT, all inHalloween costumes, broughtextra joy to the faces of theiryoung pediatric patients.

Edward V. Craig, M.D., Receives 2009 Wholeness of Life AwardIn front of colleagues, friends and familygathered in his honor, Edward Craig, M.D.,accepted the HealthCare Chaplaincy’s 2009Wholeness of Live Award in the Richard L.Menschel Conference Center, Oct. 22.

“This is a shared award,” explained Dr. Craig.“I would like to thank Dr. Russell Warrenfor bringing me here and Dr. Thomas Sculcofor keeping me here.

“I am thankful to the HSS pastoral care committee for this honor and grateful for thisaward in a hospital where so many people aredeserving. Care for the person is just asimportant as care for the disease,” added Dr. Craig.

The award was presented to Dr. Craig by HSS’ president and CEO, Louis Shapiro, FACHE,and surgeon-in-chief Dr. Sculco.

“No one is more deserving of this award,” said Mr. Shapiro. “I constantly receive letters fromDr. Craig’s patients saying how grateful they are that Dr. Craig is their orthopedic surgeon.”

“This is a very special event,” said Dr. Sculco. “One of the most important events in this hospital.The award honors those who go the extra mile in taking care of patients. The list of Wholenessof Life award winners is a reflection of the best people in Hospital for Special Surgery.”

Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., director of Pastoral Care, and Rita V. Foley, trustee, Health Care Chaplaincy, introduced the honoree. Sister Margaret noted “Thanks to Dr.Craig, I continue to dance. I will always remember your skill and compassion. Dr. Craig is the epitome of a great doctor. People don’t always remember what you said, but theyalways remember what they felt.”

Jo A. Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., a fellow Old Greenwich practice member and orthopedicdirector at the Women’s Sports Medicine Center, said, “Ed wants to improve patients’ qualityof life. He is also a compassionate mentor. He offers his students a lot of moral support. Ed always has lots of time for his family, too.

“We practice together every Friday in the Hospital for Special Surgery’s affiliated physicianoffice in Old Greenwich. It’s like a family practice in a small town. We have lunch togethermost of the time,” Dr. Hannafin continued.

Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D., an old friend and Dr. Craig’s practice partner, also offered hiscongratulations, although he noted, “Ed and I never have lunch together.”

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From left Thomas Sculco, M.D., Edward Craig, M.D.,Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., and Louis Shapiro, FACHE.

There were many well-wishers attending the award ceremony. The welcoming and closing remarks were delivered by C. Ronald MacKenzie, M.D. The openingprayer was offered by Reverend Arnd Braun-Storck, chaplain, Pastoral Care, and the final blessing was given by RabbiRalph Kreger, also a chaplain from PastoralCare. Both chaplains stressed that theWholeness of Life Award recognizes the spiritual dimension of health care.

There was also a video presentation thatincluded congratulations from his daughter,MacKenzie Craig, who said her “father is a great guy. Smart and compassionate.”

NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams, Dr. Craig’s next door neighbor, remarked tonguein cheek in a surprise video that he can’t keep Dr. Craig out of his kitchen and shared otherhumorous insights. The video also included comments from Dr. Craig’s staff members, aswell as patient and HSS volunteer Doris Barth.

The text on the plaque presented to Dr. Edward V. Craig, read:

“Dr. Craig,Your approach to the delivery of patient care is inspirational to those around you.You consistently display attributes of professionalism, patience and compassion and deserve to be recognized.

“As a surgeon you deliver expert quality care by transferring your expansive knowledge and experience through your talents and skills in the operating room. As a gifted teacher, youaddress the needs of your learners: colleagues, students, patients and family members. As amentor to other orthopedic surgeons you provide guidance, support and show interest intheir growth and development.

“Beyond the professional contributions, your caring nature is visible as you routinely exhibitpatience and general kindness to your staff and co-workers and to patients and their families duringtheir time of need. It is obvious that you understand the role of establishing a trusting relationship.You connect with your patients and share a special physician-to-patient bond through yourcompassionate bedside manner that offers the investment of your total and timeless attention.

“Dr. Craig, you provide all of this and more in a calm and unassuming style and grace. Yourcaring spirit and professional contributions are deeply appreciated and highly valued by all ofus in the HSS community. On behalf of the HealthCare Chaplaincy, its staff and trustees, it iswith great pleasure that we honor you with the 2009 Wholeness of Life Award.”

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Sister Margaret Oettinger, O.P., Thomas Wickiewicz, M.D., EdwardCraig, M.D., his wife Kathy, and Jo A. Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D.

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HSS Crosses Finish Line at ING New York City MarathonHospital for Special Surgery partnered with New York Road Runners (NYRR) as the orthopedic consultant to NYRR for the ING New York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 1. In addition, to celebrate this new partnership an HSS Marathon Team was formed composed of employees, medical staff, family and friends, who were registered to run.

Also, for those who wanted to show support for Team HSS on the day of the marathon, a “cheer zone” was located on First Ave., between 70th and 71st streets.

WelcomeOctober 2009

Brittany Boehm, Lori Bortolot, Jose Castro, Kaitlin Clark, Maria Corsino, Claire Ecal, Rose Echevarria, Rachel Feitelson, Ashley French, Megan Gambino, Joelle Gary, MinnieHendrickson, Keesha Holmes, Sunita Hoo, Neil Huber, Joanna Jurek, Vasiliy Kirilyuk, James Lee, Jane Lee, Vanessa Lewinger, Karlia Limongi, Christine McMorrow, MortezaMeftah, Michael Murray, Melanie Neuman, Joshua O’Brien, Kathleen O’Connor, Erica Pally,Jane Porricelli, Gina Rommel, Rita Stathis, Judy Tran, Arika Wright and Carrie Wynn.

Rehab Newsn New Ventures for the HSS Rehabilitation Network

The HSS Rehabilitation Network is branching out! As part the network’s commitment tooffering accessible, comprehensive professional education of the highest quality to itsmembership, the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation sponsored its first regionaleducation program, Nov. 10.

“An Evening with the Knee,” was held at Peak Performance Physical Therapy in Lynbrook,New York. HSS faculty included Joshua S. Dines, M.D.; Greg Fives, PT, MSPT, SCS,CSCS; and Theresa Chiaia, PT, DPT. The program is the first in a series of regional educational programs the Network will offer in 2010.

In addition, the HSS Rehabilitation Network is currently looking to expand its outreach toPalm Beach County, Fla. These efforts are a direct response to the growing number ofrequests from both physicians and patients. The Network has been gathering information onthe highest quality practices in the area by soliciting recommendations from HSS physiciansand members of the Rehab Network Advisory Committee, as well as conducting targetedonline searches for appropriate rehabilitation facilities.

A Network team traveled to Florida in mid-November to host a special informational session and meet prospective membership practice owners. If you know of any exceptionalpractices in and around Palm Beach County that may be appropriate for the Network pleasecall 212-606-1316.

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Professional Education:

• Michelle E. Patterson, MS, OTR/L, and Michelle G. Carlson, M.D., presented a two hour instructional course titled “Management of the Upper Extremity in Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Interdisciplinary Approach,” at the American Academy forCerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine in Scottsdale, Ariz. The program was also simultaneously broadcast in Brazil.

• John Cavanaugh PT, MEd, ATC, presented “Core Stabilization for the Swimmer” at theUSA Swimming Sports Medicine and Science Network Annual Meeting in Chicago.

• Howard J. Hillstrom, Ph.D., had three presentations at the American College ofRheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Annual Meeting inPhiladelphia. They were: a poster presentation on “Risk Factors for Incident FootDisorders: The Framingham Foot Study,” co-authors Alyssa B. Dufour, Robert R.McLean, David R. Gagnon, Joanne M. Jordan, Patricia P. Katz, and Marion T.Hannan, Ph.D.; a lecture on “If the Shoe Fits: Shoewear and Foot Problems in ResearchStudies”; and a workshop on “Knee Braces and Foot Orthosis for Knee Osteoarthritis.”

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Rehab News (Continued)• Sherry I. Backus PT, DPT, MA, Whitney Johnson, Robert Hotchkiss, M.D.; Stephen

Lyman, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Katz, Ph.D.; and Lisa Mandl, M.D., had a poster presentation on“The Usefulness of the Jebsen-Taylor Test in Adults with Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis”at the Osteoarthritis Conference in Boston.

• Rebecca Zifchock, Ph.D., lectured on “Weighing the Benefits of a Custom Foot Orthoticover a Semi-Custom Foot Orthotic” at the PFOLA International Conference on FootBiomechanics & Orthotic Therapy in Atlanta.

As part of the Rehabilitation Department’s ongoing teaching engagement at the ColumbiaUniversity Physical Therapy Program:

• John Cavanaugh PT, MEd, ATC, Greg Fives, PT, MSPT, SCS, CSCS, and RobertMaschi, PT, DPT, CSCS, presented on Knee Injuries; Robert Maschi, PT, DPT, CSCSalso presented on Runner’s Analysis; Mickey Levinson, PT, CSCS, presented on ShoulderInjuries and the Overhead Throwing Athlete; and Diana Zotos, PT, MSPT, CSCS andTheresa Chiaia, PT, DPT, presented on Hip and Ankle Injuries.

The Rehabilitation Department Roots for the MetsTwenty-three members of the Acute CareRehabilitation unit gathered together for a team buildingevent and to cheer onthe Mets at Citi Fieldin September.

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Kudosn Research Division

Study Sections, Editorial Boards, Professional Organization Roles:

• Richard Bockman, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed as a representative for The AmericanSociety of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) to serve on the Clinical ResearchSubcommittee of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).

• Adele Boskey, Ph.D., was named to the editorial advisory board of the Journal of Boneand Mineral Research.

• Timothy Wright, Ph.D., attended the Board of Specialty Societies meeting of the AAOSin Colorado Springs as the research representative of the Knee Society.

Lectures and Symposia:

• Scott Wolfe, M.D., presented the 53rd Annual Edward T. Smith Orthopedic Lectureship at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Houston. The invited talk was titled “NerveTransfers in the Upper Extremity.” Dr. Wolfe also was a guest lecturer at the AmericanAssociation of Neuro-Electrodiagnostic Medicine and gave a talk on “Neurotization:Advances, Evidence, and Expectations.”

• Andrew Weiland, M.D., was a guest speaker at Yale University and gave a talk on“Fractures of the Distal Radius.”

• Timothy Wright, Ph.D., was the Grand Rounds Speaker and the Research Fellows Award invited speaker for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic inRochester, Minnesota.

COMPLIANCE HELPLINE REMINDERThe Compliance Helpline is a service for employees who wish to anonymously or confidentially reportsuspected violations of the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Code of Conduct, officially stated policies orrelevant public laws and regulations.The Helpline does not replace other resources available to you, including supervisors, managers andHuman Resources staff, but it is an alternative channel available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.It is operated on our behalf by National Helpline Services, Inc., an independent firm. The ComplianceHelpline number is 888-651-6234.All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcementauthorities. Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employeewho reports a compliance issue in good faith.If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly, at x2398.

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JOINT COMMISSION REPORTINGHospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing safe, quality care to all of its patients. In the eventyou have a concern regarding the safety or quality of care provided by the Hospital or the Laboratory, youmay report these concerns to the Joint Commission.

Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report.

In addition, the Joint Commission has stated that your name will be treated as confidential information,and will not be shared with any other party.

You may file your report in the following ways:

1. By e-mail: complaint@jointcommission.org

2. By fax: Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636

3. By mail: Office of Quality MonitoringThe Joint Commission One Renaissance BoulevardOakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the JointCommission website www.jointcommission.org.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.

HSS Alumni in the Big EasyHSS regional anesthesiafellow alumni attended theannual American Society ofAnesthesiologists’ (ASA)meeting in New Orleans inOctober. The photo wasshot at a special dinner forHSS staff and alumni atBrennan’s. Several HSSAnesthesiology staffmembers and HSS anesthesia fellow alumniwere featured faculty at theannual ASA meeting.

Pictured front row from left Karlyn Powell, M.D., 2009-2010; Susan Drelich, M.D.,1998-1999; Richard Kind, M.D., 1987-1989; Danielle Ludwin, M.D., 2006-2007; CindyChen, M.D., 2010-2011; and Archana Apte, M.D., 2009-2010. Back row from left DanielMaalouf, M.D., 2004-2005; Kimberly Richardson, M.D., 2005-2006; Tiffany Tedore, M.D.,2005-2006; Jonathan Beathe, M.D., 2007-2008, and Richard Brull, M.D., 2004-2005.

HSS Briefsn Culture of Safety

HSS is committed to talking more freelyabout patient safety and finding solutions to the opportunities to create a safe environment for our patients. Sorrel King,right, was the keynote speaker at HSS’ thirdannual Patient Safety Day on Oct. 30.

Josie King, Sorrel’s 18-month-old daughter,died at a world renowned hospital as aresult of medical errors. The Josie KingFoundation, established by Sorrel and her husband, supports innovative safety programs thatinfluence the way safety is incorporated into medical care. HSS donor Emy Cohenca, center,who sponsors the annual patient safety lecture, is pictured with Steven Magid, M.D.

n Bikur Cholim Room Opens

Rabbi Ralph Kreger places a mezuzah onthe doorframe of the Bikur Cholim room,located on the second floor in the MainHospital building. The Bikur Cholim room is equipped with a kosher kitchen, microwaveoven and general supplies. The mezuzahcontains a prayer called the “Shema.” A mezuzah is placed in the doorways of Jewish homes, in common spaces orcommunal gathering areas.

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To maintain the high quality patient care for which HSS is reputed, it is a responsibility of allemployees to prevent problems before they occur.

Please use the Patient Safety Hotline, established by the HSS Patient Safety SteeringCommittee, to inform the Committee about barriers to patient safety, near misses or actualevents, recommendations for improvement, and unsafe practices. The Hotline is confidentialand may be used for anonymous reporting.

Please call (212) 774-SAFE and be sure to provide enough information to facilitate investigation.

The Hotline does NOT replace existing mechanisms for reporting these issues.

PATIENT SAFETY REPORTING HOTLINE...

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the back pagePress HighlightsIn October HSS was featured in 335 news stories that ran in major markets’ newspapers and magazines as well ason television news programs. This does not include media coverage in smaller markets. Below are some highlightsof that coverage.

Robert Marx, M.D., was featured in an article about study factors in repetitive knee surgery,reported the Associated Press.

Jennifer Solomon, M.D., was interviewed about treating painful knee osteoarthritis withinjections to help relieve pain in people who are not candidates for surgery, reported WebMD.

Friedrich Boettner, M.D., and the new Center for Hip Pain and Preservation, were featured in an article about hip arthroscopy may benefit some patients age 60 and older withfemoroacetebular impingement as long as there is proper, stringent selection to weed outpatients with evidence of osteoarthritis, reported Musculoskeletal Report.

Doruk Erkan, M.D., was featured in an article about a study that found that most lupuspatients are not aware their condition puts them at risk for heart disease, reported UPI.com(United Press International).

John Kennedy, M.D., commented in a television news story about barefoot running and thedifferent types of foot and ankle injuries that can surface, reported Fox News Channel’s Foxand Friends, and more than 55 Fox affiliate stations across the country.

Brian Halpern, M.D., was featured in a television news story about the effects exercise canhave on the immune system, reported Fox 5’s Good Day New York.

Jordan Metzl, M.D., commented on never-ending debate of whether to stretch before or afterexercising, reported USA Today.

Robert Spiera, M.D., was featured in an article about a drug currently approved to treatcancer that could provide the first treatment for scleroderma, reported Ivanhoe News.

Sabrina Strickland, M.D., was quoted in a news article about why most injured runners avoidthe doctor, reported Medill Reports.

To view these stories and all other HSS’ news coverage, go to www.hss.edu/hss-news.

NEXT ISSUE: January 2010

Contributions Deadline: December 1, 2009

Managing EDITOR: Tracy Hickenbottomx1197, echo@hss.edu

Executive EDITOR: Phyllis FisherEDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Lisa Goldstein, Deborah Sale, Bruce Slawitsky