KNOWN FOR OUR EXPERTISE. JANUARY 2020 ... - Albany Med …

[Pages:4]KNOWN FOR OUR EXPERTISE. CHOSEN FOR OUR CARE.

TODAY

JANUARY 2020

CT tech Teresa Jarrett, RT, right, and Chrissy Shepard, RN, simulate a patient experience with the Revolution CT Scanner.

Picture Perfect: Albany Med Delivers State-of-the-Art Imaging to Patients

Before you can know how to best treat the tumor or the fracture or the compromised heart, you first must be able to see it.

Good imaging is often the first hallmark of great care, and Albany Med has long prided itself on its advanced radiology and imaging services. Recently, new technology and equipment have been introduced that are further enhancing Albany Med's diagnostic capabilities and increasing benefits to patients.

Can these new additions help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies a patient needs to undergo? Or provide scans so speedy a frightened child no longer needs sedation? Or capture the entire picture of a heart in the time it takes it to beat just once?

The answer to these questions is yes, thanks to three new imaging systems now in use at Albany Med:

The Revolution CT

CT scans are vital to help address any number of health conditions, including cancer, lung disease, muscle and bone disorders, internal injuries and other types of trauma. With the installation of the Revolution CT system, Albany Med is now providing

patients with the most advanced computed tomography available.

The scanner can capture images of an entire organ within a second and the heart within a single beat, significantly reducing the time that patients need to hold their breath. Pediatric patients may no longer need sedation or anesthesia--and all patients are exposed to lower levels of radiation.

"Low-dose scanning has always been a priority at Albany Med," said Ebrahem Abdelslam, director of radiology and radiation safety. "This system delivers the lowest possible dose of radiation, while acquiring superior images to aid in diagnosis and treatment."

In March, Albany Med will also introduce three nuclear medicine cameras with CT capabilities that will provide 3D imaging of the actual movement and functioning of body parts. These images help doctors analyze organ function, tumors and infections, and bone conditions.

Enhanced MRIs

More than 20,000 MRIs are performed at Albany Med each year. To seamlessly accommodate patients' needs, the

MRI techs, from left: Palwinder Singh, RT (R), and Lynn Brady, RT (CR) (MR).

Department of Radiology has introduced two new ARTIST 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging machines, which offer improved neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiac imaging capabilities.

With eight MRI machines on its Main and South Clinical campuses--and an updated MRI suite with large patient staging areas and other attendant comforts--Albany Med has become a model for other health care facilities as far away as the greater New York City area.

PICTURE PERFECT, continued on page 2 McKenna, continued on page 2

Dr. Panayiotis Varelas Named Chair of Department of Neurology

Panayiotis Varelas, MD, PhD, FAAN, FNCS, has been appointed chair of the Department of Neurology.

Dr. Varelas comes to Albany Med from Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit, where he served as director of the neuro intensive care unit, which he is credited with establishing. A neurointensivist, he also served as a professor in the Department of Neurology at Wayne State University and as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

An international expert in brain death, Dr. Varelas was part of the committee that

developed the American Academy of Neurology's guidelines for determining brain death. His clinical specialties include treating critically ill patients with strokes, brain bleeds, severe head or spine trauma, brain tumors, seizures, brain swelling and other conditions.

Dr. Varelas is the author of "Seizures in Critical Care," which is in its third edition, and has given dozens of lectures on brain death evaluation. While in Michigan, he also served as chair on the advisory board of the local organ procurement organization, Gift of Life.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Varelas to Albany Med and are confident that his leadership, expertise and vision will be of great benefit to our Department of Neurology and its patients," said Vincent P. Verdile, MD, '84, The Lynne and Mark Groban, MD, '67, Distinguished Dean

of Albany Medical College and senior executive vice president for System Care Delivery at Albany Med.

Dr. Varelas received his medical degree from the University of Athens Medical School in Athens, Greece, and went on to serve as Second Lieutenant Medical Officer in the Greek Air Forces. He was trained in internal medicine and anesthesiology at Vostanio Hospital and the 251 Air Forces Hospital, respectively; in psychiatry at Geniko Kratiko Hospital; and then completed a residency in neurology at Aeginition University Hospital, all in Greece. He was a research fellow in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and then repeated a complete residency in neurology at Yale University School of Medicine before sub-specializing in neurological intensive care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Design Award for Massry Family Children's Emergency Center

The Massry Family Children's Emergency Center at Albany Med, the region's only pediatric emergency department, was recently recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New York Upstate for environmental and socially responsible excellence in construction. The facility received the Innovative Design, New Construction Award during the Friends of USGBC New York Upstate Gala and Leadership Awards Celebration in Lake Placid last month. Last year, it received the LEED Silver certification by the USGBC in recognition of its energy-saving features and "green" construction. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is the USGBC's rating system, which recognizes buildings designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

PICTURE PERFECT, continued from page 1

From left: MRI Tech IV Marc Ruland, RT, (R) (MR) (ARRT), MRI Safety Officer Shawn C. Tompkins, RT, (R) (MR) (ARRT), MRSO (MRSC), CT Scan/MRI Manager Dominic Zanello, MS, RT, (R) (CT) (ARRT), and MRI Clinical Specialist Timothy O'Keefe, RT, (R) (CT) (MR) (ARRT).

Breast Care Center specialists, from left: Victoria Blacker Barthel, breast patient navigator, Carrie Schoeppler, RT (R) (M), Ann Bryant, RT (R) (M), Sharon Skotarczak, RT (R) (M), Jennifer Dwyer, RT (R) (M), and Breast Center Supervisor Maria Aviles, RT (R) (M).

"Most patients have some anxiety, prior to an MRI--worries they will feel claustrophobic," said MRI Clinical Specialist Timothy O'Keefe, RTR, CT-MR. "These new machines have a wider opening and very comfortable air coils, which are blanket-like accessories that are wrapped around the patient during a procedure. It's a much more soothing experience."

In addition, Albany Med surgeons are now able to perform delicate laser surgeries from inside the MRI suite. These MRI-guided ablation procedures help treat a number of conditions, including brain tumors and seizure disorders. The surgeon sits at a console just outside the MRI room and uses the imaging to help inform

the procedure. There are often fewer risks associated with these surgeries, and patients frequently experience less pain and have a quicker return to their daily lives."

3D Mammography

Albany Med's Breast Care Center recently updated its mammography capabilities, so all scans now produce 3D images. This advanced technology, known as tomosynthesis, takes multiple low-dose mammographic type images of breast tissue to recreate a three-dimensional picture of the breast.

The nuanced image gives physicians a clearer image of breast masses and makes it much

easier to detect breast cancer. The approach has been shown to be especially effective for women with dense breast tissue.

A greater number of cancers are detected using 3D mammography, and the superior images have also reduced the chances of doctors seeing a false positive.

"Tomosynthesis is making it easier for us to catch breast cancer early," said Beth Whiteside, MD, medical director of Albany Medical Center's Breast Center. "Given the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment, this is one of the best possible things we can offer our patients."

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TODAY

VOL. 15, NO. 1 JANUARY 2020

Albany Med Today is published monthly by the Department of Policy, Planning and Communications at Albany Med. Comments and story suggestions can be directed to Public Relations at (518) 262-3421 or communications@amc.edu.

ALBANY MED OFFICERS

JAMES J. BARBA, JD President and Chief Executive Officer

STEVEN M. FRISCH, MD Senior Executive Vice President for the Integrated Delivery System

VINCENT VERDILE, MD The Lynne and Mark Groban, M.D. '67, Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College and Senior Executive Vice President for System Care Delivery

FRANCES SPREER ALBERT Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

GEORGE T. HICKMAN Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Analytics Officer

DENNIS P. MCKENNA, MD Executive Vice President, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and President of the Faculty Physician Group

FERDINAND J. VENDITTI, MD Executive Vice President for System Care Delivery and Hospital General Director

DIANE CAREY, MSN, RN Interim Chief Nursing Officer

ELLEN COSGROVE, MD Vice Dean for Academic Administration

JOHN DEPAOLA Executive Associate Dean of Albany Medical College and Chief Administrative Officer for System Care Delivery

LOUIS FILHOUR, PHD, RN Chief Executive Officer of Better Health for Northeast New York

NOEL HOGAN Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

MATTHEW JONES, JD Senior Vice President and General Counsel

KEVIN M. LEYDEN Senior Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

DARLEEN SOUZA Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

SCOTT ST. GEORGE Senior Vice President of Finance

ROBERT WELCH Senior Vice President for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

Albany Med's Center for Physician Assistant Studies Welcomes New Class, Director

Earlier this month, Albany Medical College inducted the 42 students who comprise the Class of 2022 into the Physician Assistant Studies program.

Drawn from more than 2,700 applicants, roughly half of the class hails from New York state with additional representatives from points across the U.S., including Michigan, Colorado and southern California.

Albany Med's Center for Physician Assistant Studies is a nationally recognized leader in physician assistant education and one of the oldest physician assistant programs in the country. The 28-month program leads to a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies. "PAs," as they are known upon graduation, are advanced practice health care professionals who provide medical care with physician supervision. They perform an extensive scope of services across a wide range of specialties.

"There were more than 65 applicants for each of the seats you

fill," the center's director, Nathan Gardner, MS, PA-C, told the class at a special ceremony to welcome them. "This is a very strong class, and we are excited to welcome you into our ranks."

Gardner recently assumed the role of director, after serving as interim director for much of 2019.

An assistant professor at Albany Medical College, he began teaching physician assistant students at the College in 2012 as a clinical preceptor and became a clinical instructor in 2015. His clinical experience includes physician assistant positions at Albany Med, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Ellis Hospital and Community Care family medicine practices.

"As a long-standing member of our faculty and a practicing physician assistant, Nathan Gardner is exceptionally qualified to shape the future of our physician assistant program," said Vincent P. Verdile, MD, '84, the Lynne and Mark Groban, MD, '67, Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College and Executive Vice President for Health

Nathan Gardner, MS, PA-C

Affairs. "His insight will be invaluable as he guides the next generation of advanced practice providers."

Gardner earned his master's degree from Albany Medical College's Physician Assistant Studies Program and his bachelor's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is currently pursuing a doctorate of medical science from A.T. Still University. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the New York State Society of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Hailing a Job Well Done

Sterling Green, RN, center, was recently celebrated at a Success Stories Luncheon for the nearly three years he served Albany Med as a patient care associate (PCA). Green assisted orthopaedic patients, helping them with mobility following surgery. He also worked with colleagues to streamline communication between his fellow PCAs and Albany Med's physical and occupational therapists to help patients meet their optimal mobility outcomes. Green earned his nursing degree in December.

JA N UA RY 2 02 0 A L B A N Y MED TODAY 3

ALBANY MED FOUNDATION 43 New Scotland Ave., MC-119 Albany, New York 12208 (518) 262-3322 ? Fax (518) 262-4769 Email: development@amc.edu amc.edu

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COMMUNITY MATTERS ... AT ALBANY MED

Standing Up to Parkinson's

with Robust Research Support

After Tim Lange, of Waterford, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017, he found inspiration in the work of actor and activist Michael J. Fox, who said, "Our challenges don't define us, our actions do." Taking these words to heart, Lange and his wife, Dawn, recently established Stand Up to Parkinson's, Inc. In December, just three months after the organization's very first fundraising event--a golf tournament at Saratoga National Golf Club--Tim and Dawn Lange, third and fourth right, presented Albany Med with a check for $20,000 to support Parkinson's research at Albany Medical College. They were joined by, from left: Damian Shin, MSc, PhD, associate professor of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics; neurologist Era Hanspal, MD, director of Albany Med's Huntington's Disease Clinic; Stand Up to Parkinson's Board Members Rodger Wyland and Dan and Lisa Smith; Eric Molho, MD, '87, professor of neurology, Riley Family Chair in Parkinson's Disease and director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center; and neurosurgeon Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, '98, PhD, chair of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics and professor of neurosurgery.

Leadership Academy at Albany Med

Graduates Class of 2019

A group of Albany Med employees recently completed a year-long program designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to make sound leadership decisions necessary for becoming future institutional leaders. The Leadership Academy at Albany Med recently recognized 13 program graduates who were assigned Center-wide projects and worked with senior leadership with the goal of improving efficiencies and service delivery at Albany Med. They are, from left, Ashley Telisky, DO, attending emergency medicine physician and associate medical director for the Office of Medical Affairs; Kim Williams, director of System Analytics & Initiatives; Robin Dugan, nurse manager, Pediatrics/Child Life; Winsley Jerauld, MSN, RN, ONC, nurse manager, General Surgery and Trauma; Christine Waller, chief financial officer, Better Health for Northeast New York; Kristen Film, director of Financial Reporting; Mary Wilkes, assistant vice president of the Hospital Revenue Cycle; Kim Harasymiak, supervisor of CytoPathology and Anatomic Pathology Outreach in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Rebecca O'Donnell, director of Epidemiology; James Kellerhouse, vice president of philanthropy in the Albany Med Foundation; and Catherine L. Bologna, PT, senior physical therapist. (Not pictured: Michael Jacomine, manager of Physician Billing, and Matthew McCarty, assistant vice president of Information Services.)

Record-Breaking Year for `Dancing in the Woods'

The 36th annual "Dancing in the Woods" in December raised a record $526,254 for the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Med. The event is one of the largest annual fundraising initiatives in the region. Held in Latham in space generously donated by the Lia family, some 1,050 guests--among them, featured Melodies Center patient Zian Taylor, left, and Albany Med President and CEO Jim Barba--celebrated at the gala on Dec. 6. For the 19th consecutive year, CDPHP served as the title sponsor. Rose and Jim Barba were also named Dancing in the Woods Honorary Hosts Emeriti.

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