August 22, 2016
In this issue of Update, we continue to bring you current news about the Zika virus with a look at important issues for pregnant women.
One of the biggest concerns about Zika is its connection to microcephaly in infants. Microcephaly is a congenital disease characterized by a smaller, deformed head and in some cases neurological abnormalities in newborns. Recent evidence suggests that the Zika virus may only be a contributing factor. Nevertheless, the CDC advises that pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not travel to areas where Zika has been reported, including the area near Miami where the virus has been detected.
"All pregnant women in the Montefiore system are screened for history of foreign travel at their provider's office and in our Ultrasound units," says Susan Klugman, MD, FACOG, FACMG, Director, Reproductive and Medical Genetics, Montefiore, and Program Director, Medical Genetics, Einstein. "If the woman or her partner has traveled to areas identified as high risk by the CDC, they are referred to the Division of Reproductive and Medical Genetics, located in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health. There, they meet with a genetic counselor and an OB geneticist, where a discussion about the benefits and limitations of Zika testing takes place prior to consent and testing," says Dr. Klugman.
As knowledge about the Zika virus evolves, we will continue to provide information to help keep our associates, patients and communities healthy.
For more information on Zika for pregnant women, visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus/pregnant.
Discover more about Montefiore’s prenatal screening at www.montefiore.org/womens-health.
CHAM’S NEW PHARMACY WILL SEND DISCHARGED PATIENTS HOME WITH THE MEDICATIONS THEY NEED TO STICK TO A CARE PLAN AND AVOID READMISSION.
September will see the opening of the new community retail pharmacy in the former gift shop located in the main lobby of the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). The pharmacy will be open to the public for prescription services, over-the-counter medications and gift shop items.
In addition, the pharmacy will provide “med-to-bed” service upon patient request. This support ensures discharged patients go home with a sufficient supply of medication, which helps prevent readmission and improves patient satisfaction. The med-to-bed program includes a bedside payment service and pharmacist consultation to provide information and education. Teaching parents how to properly give their child’s medication and adhere to care plans is just another way of doing more to bring our patients the best care.
Discover more about what CHAM is doing for children at CHAM.org.
Montefiore is pleased to announce this year’s slate of 28 outstanding nominees for the President’s Award. Representing a diverse cross-section of associates from clinical and non-clinical areas, these candidates exemplify Montefiore’s values of teamwork, humanity, diversity, innovation and equity. Please take a moment to congratulate this year’s nominees, who have been recognized by their colleagues across the organization for their extraordinary contributions. President’s Award winners will be announced in the fall.
Audrey Adams, RN, Moses
Judith Berenson, LCSW, Moses
Linda Cahill, MD, Moses
Linnette Cartagena, Yonkers
Anita Chinapen, RN, Einstein
Elizabeth Colao, RN, Einstein
Maryn Denisco, Yonkers
Devekanand Deoki, Moses
Vivian Guevara, Tarrytown
Ellen Harrison, MD, Einstein
Ivalesse Hinton-Beerram, Einstein
Typhyne Johnson, RN, Einstein
Sharon Leung, MD, Moses
Ronald Lis, MD, Wakefield
Shiney Mathew, RN, Einstein
Paula McPherson, RN, Moses
Alexandra Monard, Fordham
Judy Nebel, RN, Einstein
Boateng Ohende-Adjei, Wakefield
Belinda Ostrowsky, MD, Moses
Pio Paunon, RN, Moses
Leonard Prlesi, RN, Einstein
Crystal Sanchez, Moses
Deidre Sekulic, LCSW, Moses
Christos Trivlis, Moses
Maria Umpierre-Lopez, CHAM
Arie J. Uyterlinde, Tarrytown
Angel Valle III, CHAM
View the full list of nominees here.
Peter Belamarich, MD, Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics, Einstein, has been appointed Vice Chair of Network Affiliates at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). His role will include promoting the health of the children in the region by connecting CHAM’s primary care colleagues with Montefiore’s growing network of affiliated hospitals, in order to bring CHAM’s nationally-recognized medical and surgical subspecialty services and pediatric expertise to a wider patient population.
Angela Cheng, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Weiler, was appointed president of the Westchester County Society of Health-System Pharmacists in June. Dr. Cheng, a Montefiore associate for more than 20 years, was inaugurated at an event in New Rochelle.
Patricia Hametz MD, MPH, has been named Division Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine for the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). She is a nationally-recognized leader and mentor in the field of pediatric hospital medicine, has won numerous teaching awards and has been acknowledged as a champion of family and patient-centered care. Dr. Hametz has held numerous leadership positions during her 25 year academic career at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, including Associate Director, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, and Director of the Columbia Children’s Complex Care Program.
Edward Wolin, MD, Director, Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, and Professor, Clinical Medicine, Einstein, was recently honored with the Above and Beyond Award by the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN) for his continued dedication and special service to neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. Dr. Wolin will be honored at NCAN’s Annual Gala this November.
Roughly one in 40 Ashkenazi (Central/ Eastern European) Jews will have a BRCA gene mutation that will put them and members of their families at an increased risk for certain cancers. Knowing your BRCA status can help guide your medical decisions. Montefiore’s genetics team, in collaboration with the Program for Jewish Genetic Health, is now offering subsidized BRCA testing as part of a research initiative exploring the benefits and challenges of bringing BRCA testing to the Jewish community at large.
Participants will:
Participants must be at least 25 years old, have at least one Ashkenazi Jewish grandparent and have not had BRCA testing done previously. Study eligibility also will depend on personal/family cancer history.
For more information, contact 718-430-4156 or brca@einsteinmed.edu.
Discover more about clinical trials at Montefiore at www.montefiore.org/clinicaltrials.
An evening of music, wine and food from Arthur Avenue, the Bronx’s Little Italy, to raise money for the Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM).
Thursday, September 15, 2016 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
East 210th Street Entrance
East Garden, Moses Campus
(Rain Location: Moses Food Pavilion)
Purchase tickets online at www.montefiore.org/italy. For more information, contact Megan L. Cerezo at 718-920-2959.
African dance movements express cultural traditions and provide mental stimulation. Join us for a fun and playful dance class with recorded drum music and insight on the history of African dance. No experience needed. Please note that all participants will need to sign a release form.
Monday, August 29 | 5:15 – 6:15 PM
Tishman Learning Center, Moses Campus
Register at HealingArts@montefiore.org.