May 29, 2018
Montefiore and Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) had a strong presence at two important medical meetings this month. At the Pediatric American Societies (PAS) meeting, more than 30 physicians and researchers from CHAM presented research on pressing topics, including assessing adolescent depression, sexting and sexual abuse, premature child mortality, assessing stroke risk in pediatric sickle cell anemia patients, and best breastfeeding practices. CHAM faculty also participated in workshops, including one on the role of pediatric providers in improving firearm safety. The CHAM booth served as a hub for colleagues and attracted prospective fellows to learn more about our programs and opportunities.
CHAM leadership in attendance at the PAS conference: Peter Belamarich, MD, Daphne Hsu, MD, Elaine Schulte, MD, Patricia Hametz, MD, and Suzette Oyeku, MD, MPH
Pedro Maria, DO, and Meenakshi Davuluri, MD
The American Urological Association (AUA) meeting saw Montefiore Urology physicians, basic scientists, residents and medical students present their groundbreaking bench to bedside studies. Presented research included the sequencing of the gut microbiome in stone disease, opioid usage after urogynecologic surgery, temporal effects of chronic bladder over-distension, and T cell receptor sequencing to characterize the immune response in urothelial cancer, to name a few. Pedro Maria, DO, and Meenakshi Davuluri, MD, presented research on treating erectile dysfunction with surgical implantation—one of 30 presentations selected for the meeting's press program. Amanda North, MD, co-led an instructional course on physician burnout, continuing on her research presented at last year's meeting.
Giora Weisz, MD, in the cardiac catheterization lab operating the controls of the Robotic PCI System during a patient procedure
ENHANCED PRECISION AND REDUCED EXPOSURE TO RADIATION PROVIDES BENEFITS TO BOTH PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN.
The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care is among the first group of health systems nationwide using a robotic interventional radiation delivery system in the catheterization lab. Giora Weisz, MD, the Center's new Director of Interventional Cardiology, led the multicenter trial for FDA approval of the Robotic Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) System, also known as the CorPath System. In PCI procedures (formerly known as angioplasty with stents), CorPath allows more precise measurement of anatomy and positioning of devices such as guide wires, balloons and stents, while protecting the physician and staff from the radiation used during the procedures. During the robotic-assisted intervention, physicians sit in a radiation-shielded workstation and use a set of joysticks and touchscreen controls that direct the robot's movements. "We can better see what's going on and we can control the devices more accurately," says Weisz. "In addition, the big advantage is that we are no longer exposed to accumulating doses of radiation." The multicenter trial showed a 95 percent reduction in radiation exposure. At Montefiore, the controls are installed outside of the catheterization lab, providing a 100 percent reduction in radiation exposure.
Montefiore's highest honor, the President's Award, will soon be in your hands as we begin the nomination process. President's Award candidates represent a cross-section of associates, including direct caregivers, support staff and administrators. Each embodies Montefiore's values of humanity, innovation, teamwork, diversity and equity.
Get ready for the June 11 announcement on how to nominate a candidate.
Jaime A. Gomez, MD, and team on the Butterfly Foundation’s 2018 medical mission to the Dominican Republic
Montefiore physicians frequently participate in medical missions to underserved countries, doing more to provide excellent care around the world. Last March, Jaime Gomez, MD, Attending Physician, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and Spine Surgery, Montefiore, co-led a team on the Butterfly Foundation's 2018 medical mission to the capital of the Dominican Republic to treat patients with scoliosis. Dr. Gomez and Shirvinda A. Wijesekera, MD, of Yale School of Medicine led the large multispecialty group at a public and underserved hospital, where the team performed surgery on 17 children with severe spinal deformities.
Guayuaquil, Ecuador, was the January destination of Montefiore orthopedic surgeons Eric Fornari, MD, and Jacob Schulz, MD, as they held their annual mission trip to that city. Working with Project Perfect World, an organization that provides healthcare to the underserved, our doctors joined a team of 30 specialists from across the country to provide pediatric orthopedic services to local children. During the week-long trip, the team evaluated and consulted on almost 100 patients, and performed nearly 30 surgeries.
Rahil Briggs, PsyD, Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health Services, Montefiore Medical Group, received the Academic Pediatric Association's Health Care Delivery Award at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting.
Anne Fuller, MD, was awarded the Society for Pediatric Research's Fellow Clinical Research Award at the PAS meeting for Top Clinical Abstract for her poster "Material Hardships and Health Care Utilization Among Low-Income Children with Special Health Care Needs."
Evelin Hernandez, RN, BSN, received the Nurse of Distinction Award in Hospital Setting from 1199SEIU and the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York. The awards honor peer-nominated registered nurses for outstanding achievement and commitment to patient-centered care. The following nurses received an honorable mention: Novice category—Yaniek McDonald, RN; Preceptor category—Mark Andrew De Jesus, RN.
Kaitlyn Philips, DO, Pediatrician, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, was awarded the Academic Pediatrics Association's Research Award for Best Abstract by a Fellow for her research on improving discharge medication processing at a tertiary care children's hospital. The award was presented at the PAS annual meeting.
Diana Chavez, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker, Child Outpatient Psychiatry Department
Whether you've got a dream or a plan to run in the New York City Marathon, now is your chance to reach your personal goal and help the pediatric patients at Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). Champions for CHAM, our charity partner team, is recruiting runners to participate in the 2018 TCS NYC Marathon. Over the past three years, our runners have raised $225,000 for enhancement services that optimize health outcomes for CHAM patients and their families. Team members are guaranteed entry to the November 4 race, along with other benefits, and pledge to raise at least $3,000 for CHAM. Apply today at www.montefiore.org/nycmarathon, and send any questions you have to marathon@montefiore.org.
Age is the largest risk factor for many major diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers at Montefiore are conducting a research study to see if acarbose, a medication used to treat diabetes has anti-aging effects in humans. By taking part in this study, you would help us better understand the aging process.
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
• Male • 60 years and older • In good health
Volunteers will receive up to $460 for participation and will be reimbursed for parking and transportation.
To learn more, contact Erika Brutsaert, MD, and the study team at 718-839-7326 or sail@einstein.yu.edu.
Montefiore will be hosting a number of events during June to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month.
Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. In the United States alone, each hour it claims one life. Early detection can save your life. Stop by for a FREE total body skin exam.
Sunday, June 3, 2018 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care
1521 Jarrett Place, Bronx, New York 10461
Call 718-862-8840 for more information. Appointment encouraged but not necessary. No insurance necessary.
