December 3, 2018
Montefiore’s 2018 President’s Award winners were honored at the annual awards ceremony on November 29. Associates nominated 25 exceptional colleagues this year who live our values of teamwork, innovation, humanity, diversity and equity both on and off the job. Heartfelt congratulations to the four winners who inspire their colleagues every day. Get to know them at www.montefiore.org/presidentsaward.
President’s Award winners with President and CEO Steven M. Safyer, MD, left to right: Angela Cheng, PharmD; Sarah Bellemare, MD; Althea Bogle, RN; and Liliana Calle
SARAH BELLEMARE, MD
Physician, Surgery, Moses Campus, and Assistant Professor, Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Esteemed by her colleagues and a hero to her patients, Dr. Bellemare embodies a rare combination of exquisite skill, supreme intellect, extraordinary compassion and sincere humility.
ALTHEA BOGLE, RN
Staff Nurse, Nursing/NW5, Moses Campus
Providing exceptional care to each of her patients, Althea is a healer in the broadest sense of the word. Sharing new skills, mentoring new nurses, she touches the life of every person she encounters.
LILIANA CALLE
Substance Abuse Specialist, Psychiatry/UBA, Yonkers Campus
Dedicated, honest and hardworking, Liliana’s career rests on a foundation of kindness and compassion. She leads by example, recognizing the worth of every individual without exception.
ANGELA CHENG, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacy, Einstein Campus, and Associate Professor, Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Enthusiasm, expertise and empathy characterize Dr. Cheng. Described as a star by her colleagues, her contributions to patient care, teaching, and leadership strengthen Montefiore in countless ways.
Santa and his elves landed at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) on November 26 to make the holidays real for patients and their families. A winter wonderland welcomed Santa and his special guests, including Z100’s Garrett Vogel and YouTube sensation Alex Aiono. The children each shared a magical moment with Santa, received a Hess Truck courtesy of the Hess Toy Truck Company, and a teddy bear courtesy of EnCourage Kids Foundation and enjoyed the special musical performance by rising star Alex Aiono. They met the award-winning authors of The Adventures of Cloud Girl, who signed a book for each child, while holiday crafts, cookies and Christmas caroling completed the experience. The event was streamed live on Montefiore’s Facebook page. For the children who could not leave their hospital rooms, Santa shouldered his sack of gifts and, accompanied by Alex Aiono, visited all the children on the floors so that none missed having this memorable holiday experience.
Alex Aiono entertains CHAM patients
“NO MATTER HOW HARD IT SEEMS TO FULFILL OUR DREAMS, WE NEED TO STAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, HELP EACH OTHER, AND LOOK FOR PEOPLE LIKE US WHO HAVE SUCCEEDED. THEY ARE ALL AROUND US.” —Denise J. Nunez, MD
When she saw a connection between poor health and low income in her Latino patients, Denise J. Nunez, MD, FAAP, Pediatrics Intensivist, and Assistant Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Montefiore and Einstein, sought a way to help them overcome the obstacles facing them. The Nunez family launched the nonprofit organization Niño de la Caridad in 2016 to do just that. Last month, Montefiore and Dr. Nunez co-hosted Latinos Destinados a Triunfar (Latinos Destined to Succeed), a conference bringing together more than 150 Latino youth and leaders in politics, the arts, media and business. “Part of our mission is to help young Latinos connect with Latinos who have gone through ups and downs and have achieved success,” says Dr. Nunez. Event moderator Luis Gomez, of Univision’s Al Despertar morning show, spoke about his career trajectory and how he stayed positive and focused in his recent battle with liver cancer. Each panelist shared their personal experiences, including the advantages and obstacles they faced as Latinos in their specific fields, offering advice and inspiration to the overflowing audience.
Panelists with Dr. Nunez (center)
Dr. Sharmila K. Makhija
Sharmila K. Makhija, MD, MBA, Professor and Chella and Moise Safra Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore and Einstein, joined the panel discussion after a screening of the fifth episode of CNN’s documentary series Giving Birth in America. Series producer Christy Turlington Burns, the founder of nonprofit Every Mother Counts, also weighed in along with producer PUBLIC ARTS and Chanel L. Porchia, CD, CLC, CHHC, Founding Executive Director, Ancient Song Doula Services.
The series, available on CNNGO, follows the stories of women giving birth in the United States, to raise awareness of risks to maternal health. This episode centers on an OB/GYN providing high-risk prenatal care to an immigrant farmworker from Mexico, exploring the challenges unique to this population of mothers.
Watch the video here: https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2018/10/22/ giving-birth-maternal-care-california-orig.cnn
Have you been unable to find relief with standard antidepressant medication?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial at Montefiore Medical Center. This study is testing whether the combination of the drugs brexpiprazole and intranasal ketamine can safely and effectively treat people who are already taking an antidepressant medication, but have not had a satisfactory response. Participants will be compensated.
For more information contact: Jennifer Alexander at 929-429-5644 or jealexan@montefiore.org ; Jonathan Alpert, MD, at 718-430-2730
Oya M. Andacoglu, MD
Surgeon Transplant Surgery
Michael P. Choi, MD
Surgeon Surgeon Surgery
Rachel Eisenberg, MD
Attending Physician Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Jennifer P. Grossman, MD
Attending Physician Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Elisa I. Muniz, MD
Attending Physician Developmental Pediatric Medicine
Sunju Park, MD
Attending Physician Pediatric Ophthalmology
Wednesday, December 19 | 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Marina Del Rey
One Marina Drive, Bronx, New York 10465
You’re invited to Montefiore’s annual Holiday Party. Tickets are $45 for employees and $75 for guests (cash only).
Tickets can be purchased on all campuses; visit the intranet for campus-specific contacts.
Thursday, December 13, 2018 | 12:00-1:00
PM or 1:30-2:30 PM
Healing Arts Studio
3307 Bainbridge Avenue, Basement Level
(Entrance is down the driveway)
Take a break from your day and join us as we indulge in some herbal tea and create beautiful pieces of art that celebrate the season. Registration is required.
Register via Healingarts@montefiore.org.
Please be sure to indicate the date and time of the session you would like to attend.
Tuesdays, December 18 | 5:15-6:15 PM
Grand Hall, Moses Campus
This energizing movement session invites you to move freely to the sound and beat of five different rhythms, from slow and meditative to fast and fun. It is designed for people of all ages and physical abilities. No registration is required.
For questions contact pselwyn@montefiore.org or 718-920-8434.
