A Publication of FALL 2019 MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER healthytogether
HOW ONE WOMAN BEAT LUNG CANCER REBUILDING STRENGTH AFTER HEART FAILURE DETECTING SEPSIS EARLY
SEE THE DOCTOR ONLINE! PAGE 9
A GAME CHANGER FOR RUTGERS SPORTS
MMC_Cover_Fall19_final.indd 1 9/13/19 3:03 PM A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP HEALTH NEWS CREATING WINDOWS OF A NEW HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY PROCEDURE In June, Barnabas Health Medical Group physicians t RWJBarnabas Health, our mission our passion is to improve the performed the fi rst two heart valve replacement health of residents in the communities we serve. But we’re equally procedures in New Jersey using the new Lotus committed to ensuring that New Jerseyans have opportunities to valve, which helps to ensure optimal placement and A reduce complications associated with the surgery. learn, develop and pursue their goals. The valve was recently approved by the U.S. Food ou’ll see that commitment come to life in many ways in free support & Drug Administration. The physicians used a groups and classes, in health services delivered to senior citizens at home, in minimally invasive surgery known as transcatheter housing and employment assistance provided to local residents, and more. aortic valve replacement (TAVR), which involves In this issue, we spotlight two ways in which RWJBarnabas Health is repairing damaged heart valves without removing making a diff erence. Children’s Specialized Hospital, an RWJBarnabas Health them. The procedure was performed at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) by the following facility, has oined forces with Opportunity Pro ect, an organization that physicians: Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) helps adults living with the eff ects of traumatic brain in ury. Together, the cardiologist Haris Usman, MD; Lenny Lee, MD, and two organizations create a continuum of care and learning opportunities for David Bersin, MD, from the Department of Medicine, patients with brain in uries, from childhood through adulthood. And in the Surgery and Anesthesiology at Rutgers Biomedical and state-of-the-art RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, we’re Health Sciences and Barnabas Health Medical Group; and Mark Russo, MD, Ashok Chaudhary, MD, Bobby partnering with Rutgers niversity to provide spaces designed to optimize Ghosh, MD, and Abdul Hakeem, MD, of RWJUH. health-sciences learning and to give athletes the resources they need to reach RWJBarnabas Health was selected as one of the fi rst their full potential. 10 sites in the U.S. to implant the Lotus valve. To learn At Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), we strive to not only serve more, visit www.rwjbh.org/tavr. patients who need medical treatment, but also to help people thrive in their communities by investing in housing, education, nutrition and employment. On pages 6 and 7, you can read about ust a few of the ways MMC is committing to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions that contribute to THE LATEST IN poor health and reduced life expectancy. For example, MMC is partnering with ROBOTIC SURGERY local organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, and MMC recently became the fi rst hospital in the region recently helped fund the construction of three new aff ordable homes, including and the second in New Jersey to introduce da Vinci two residences right here in Long Branch. SP, a robotic surgical system that enables physicians to We’re honored by the trust people place in us to care for their health. In perform surgery through a single small incision. With return, we’re continually working to increase opportunities for all New Jersey this minimally invasive procedure, patients experience less pain and bleeding and a faster return to their residents to live their best lives. usual activities. At MMC, the Robotic Surgery program ours in good health, is led by an experienced team of physicians who use the latest techniques to perform urologic, colorectal, gynecologic, thoracic, joint replacement and general surgeries. To learn more about robotic surgery treatment options at MMC, call 888.724.7123. BARRY H. OSTROWSKY ERIC CARNEY PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RWJBARNABAS HEALTH MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER
300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07039 732.222.5200
CONNECT WITH US ON @MonmouthMedicalCenter RWJBarnabas Health
Monmouth Medical Center complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.rwjbh.org/monmouth. Monmouth Medical Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame al 732.222.5200. Monmouth Medical Center konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz ras, koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfi mite oswa sèks. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 732.222.5200.
Healthy Together | 2 | Fall 2019
MMC_Memo_FALL19_final.indd 2 9/13/19 3:19 PM healthytogether contents FALL 2019
2. WELCOME LETTER. 12. THE A-TEAMS FOR 18. THE SCAN THAT SAVES LIVES. A community update ADVANCED HEART FAILURE. Lung cancer screening helped from our CEOs. Two RWJBarnabas Health one patient beat the odds. heart transplant programs 4. STANDING UP FOR offer world-class, close-to- 20. TRAINING TOMORROW’S PEDIATRIC CARE. home care for New Jersey PHYSICIANS. A new An annual residents. Simulation Learning Lab will paddleboard race is transform medical education helping to improve 14. CANCER: WHERE TO CALL at MMC. emergency medical FOR HELP. Now there’s a services for children. single phone number for 21. IMPROVING PHYSICIAN clear and compassionate WELLNESS. How residents 6. FOSTERING HEALTHY answers about treatment. COMMUNITIES. 9. 10 TIMES TO USE are managing stress. MMC is committed TELEMED. A virtual doctor 16. BEYOND BRAIN INJURY. A 22. WHEN AN INFECTION TURNS to improving the visit can be the fastest new partnership provides MMC providers are well-being of local way to feel better. resources to people living DEADLY. residents. with traumatic brain injury. focused on diagnosing and 10. GAME CHANGER. The treating sepsis early. 8. A GYM FOR HEALING. RWJBarnabas Health 17. OVERCOMING LANGUAGE A rehabilitation Athletic Performance BARRIERS FOR BETTER 23. PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING center promotes Center at Rutgers CARE. A new program helps Community events raise recovery from heart University kicks off a new improve access to healthcare awareness of the importance and lung diseases. era for Rutgers sports. for the Indian community. of a healthy lifestyle.
PB | Healthy Together | Fall 2018 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 3
MMC_TOC_Fall_final.indd 3 9/13/19 3:10 PM STANDING UP FOR PEDIATRIC CARE AN ANNUAL PADDLEBOARD RACE IS ver since Victor and Kari Rallos’ To express their gratitude, the Rallos premature twins, Jake and Jack, decided to give back to the hospital. “We HELPING TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY E spent the rst few weeks of their felt strongly this is where we wanted to MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit contribute,” says Victor, a wine critic, (NIC ) at Th e nterberg Children’s host of PBS’s Eat! Drink! Italy!, author and YOUNGEST PATIENTS. Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center owner of several restaurants, including a (MMC) 1 years ago, the hospital has chain of restaurants called S RF and two had a special place in the couple’s hearts. Mediterranean seafood restaurants in New “We have always found it to be very ork called Barca and Esca. compassionate and caring,” says Kari. For several years, the Rallos participated
Healthy Together | 4 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 5
MMC_Rallo_Fall19_final.indd 4 9/13/19 3:10 PM for “stand-up paddleboard”) race on the Navesink River. The event is a natural fit for the family, which is passionate about the sport. “For us, the best part of paddleboarding is feeling like you’re a million miles away the second you step on TOP-NOTCH the board and paddle out into the water,” says Kari. “It’s not only great exercise, but EMERGENCY CARE it’s also a great way to decompress. It’s an FOR KIDS activity we en oy as a family.” At the Thomas & Ann Unterberg Pediatric Emergency Department at A UNIQUE EVENT The Unterberg Children’s Hospital The race’s popularity grows every year. at Monmouth Medical Center The first WhatS P race attracted 20 to 2 (MMC), more than 15,000 pediatric patients are cared for by physicians participants, and this year, more than 100 with fellowship training in pediatric participants were expected to enter the emergency care and pediatric race, which was held on July 27. “Everyone nurses. The department offers who comes says it’s the best-run race round-the-clock care by pediatric they’ve ever been to,” says Victor. specialists in a child-friendly Every year, the Rallos host a sunset environment. sponsor party the Thursday before MMC’s infl uence extends to the Safe the race to thank their committee and Kids Campaign, an initiative aimed sponsors for their support. On race at preventing childhood accidents day, Victor can be found in the water and injuries. The hospital leads the competing, while Kari pitches in where fi rst and only Safe Kids chapter in she’s needed to keep things running Monmouth and Ocean counties— smoothly. The couple’s three college-aged one of 500 chapters worldwide. children—Jack, Jake and Eli—are either MMC sponsors activities to educate spectators or participate in the race. parents, caregivers and children While many of the participants about ways to prevent injuries and accidents, which are the leading are from New Jersey, some travel from killers of kids ages 14 and under. Pennsylvania, New ork and Delaware for the five-mile event, which begins and ends To learn more about services at Victory Park in Rumson. “There’s also for children at MMC, visit www.rwjbh.org/Unterberg. a one-mile fun race for people who ust want to enjoy themselves and paddle one loop,” says Kari. Many members of the community come goals are to make the space more practical out to watch the race and support the and serve more children,” says Kari. Th e Kari and Victor hospital. Coff ee and snacks are on hand. pro ect is slated to be completed in 2020. Rallo created a unique fund-raiser “It’s a great event to watch,” says Kari. “People have a lot of choices about to raise awareness of how they’re going to support the Monmouth Medical IMPROVING ACCESS TO community,” says Victor. “ ou need to Center. WORLD-CLASS CARE feel like the funds raised are going to Th e event, which has raised more than good use.” He’s confident that in this case, 0,000, will leave a lasting imprint on they are. “In many communities, we see in “A Toast to Children’s Health,” a fund- the hospital. Th e funds are being used to hospitals shrinking and disappearing, raising event for the hospital. Five years renovate the waiting room of the Th omas but at Monmouth Medical Center, we ago, the couple decided to create a new Ann nterberg Pediatric Emergency see a hospital that’s getting better,” he fund-raiser. “We’re both paddleboarders, Department, as well as a pediatric triage continues. “The kind of care they provide, and we thought it would be fun to have a station and space for an additional bed. “Th e especially in pediatrics, is world-class.” race,” says Kari. “There are already lots of K runs, so we thought it would be nice to do something different for the community To learn about giving opportunities at Monmouth Medical Center, while raising awareness of the hospital.” visit www.monmouthgiving.org. The result The “WhatS P” (S P stands
Healthy Together | 4 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 5
MMC_Rallo_Fall19_final.indd 5 9/13/19 3:10 PM FOSTERING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES MMC IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE WELL-BEING OF LONG BRANCH AND MONMOUTH COUNTY RESIDENTS.
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE SUCCEED FUNDING Connie Greene, MA, CAS, CSW, CPS, Vice President of the RWJBarnabas AFFORDABLE HOMES Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, has dedicated her career to To improve the social, economic improving the well-being of youth. In the past, her team identified problems, and environmental conditions that such as drug and alcohol use, in communities and approached key leaders with contribute to poor health and reduced solutions. Now, for the first time, she is asking communities to determine life expectancy, MMC is partnering what problem they need to tackle. “Having buy-in from the community can with local organizations, such as help programs succeed,” says Greene. Through an evidence-based, national Habitat for Humanity, in Monmouth program called Communities That Care, which launched for the first time County. The hospital recently helped in New Jersey in May, RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and to fund the construction of three new Recovery aims to prevent substance use, violence, delinquency, school affordable homes in Monmouth County, dropouts, teen pregnancy and depression and anxiety. including two residences currently The Institute is working with leaders in four cities, including Long being built in the Troutman’s Creek Branch, to evaluate the risks young people are facing and implement neighborhood in Long Branch. programs to give them the skills and support they need. Leaders in a variety of sectors are involved, including schools, government and treatment agencies. In the first phase of the 10-year initiative, surveys and focus groups will identify the biggest risk factor for Long Branch youth. “Long-term studies show that the program leads to a decline in substance use, school dropouts and suicide,” says Greene. On May 7, Bill Arnold, President, Southern Region, RWJBarnabas Health; Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monmouth Medical Center (MMC); Long Branch Mayor John Pallone, city council members, the chief of police and superintendent of schools attended the Key Leader Orientation at Brookdale Community College’s Long Branch Center.
Healthy Together | 6 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 7
MMC_Community_Fall19_final.indd 6 9/13/19 3:11 PM JOB TRAINING FOR STUDENTS WITH STRENGTHENING LOCAL RESOURCES DISABILITIES RWJBarnabas Health aims to not only serve patients who need medical treatment but also Monmouth County high to help people thrive in their communities by investing in housing, education, nutrition school students with and employment. To ensure access to such resources, MMC established the Long Branch disabilities have the Advisory Council. Th e Council includes representatives from faith-based organizations; the opportunity to develop Long Branch School District, municipalities and senior centers; Monmouth Family Health important skills that can Center; local businesses; community members; ethnic groups and the local health offi cer. help them find employment In addition to creating the Council, MMC has been involved with the Shaping Long through Project SEARCH, a Branch Coalition since its inception in 2016. Th e Coalition’s goals are to improve access to job-training program. MMC healthy food and expand space for healthy activities. is hosting the students, who spend their days at the hospital instead of their schools. Students will learn about jobs in various areas, including Volunteer Services, the Emergency Department, Environmental Services and Nutrition Services. The goal for each student is to find a job after completing the program. Seventy percent of Project SEARCH interns who finish their training find long-term employment. For more information, contact Family Resource Associates TEAMING UP FOR BETTER HEALTH at www.frainc.org or email [email protected]. Since community health is a priority for MMC, the hospital hosts an annual breakfast for mayors, committee members and administrators from surrounding towns. Th is year, leaders from communities including Atlantic Highlands, Deal, Eatontown, Middletown and Tinton Falls met with MMC’s senior leadership and Board of Trustees members. Participants discussed community needs and the importance of partnering to improve the To learn more about health of residents. Healthcare in New Jersey was also discussed. “We welcome the input of Monmouth Medical Center, visit local leaders as we work to strengthen the community by off ering access to the very best www.rwjbh.org/monmouth. healthcare close to home,” says Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of MMC.
Healthy Together | 6 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 7
MMC_Community_Fall19_final.indd 7 9/13/19 3:11 PM Left: Thanks to cardiac rehab, Jay Lassman is active again. Above: The medical team, from left: Sharon Holden, AVP, Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Emergency and Renal Services; Kenneth Granet, MD, Chair of Medicine; Ajay Shah, MD, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation; and Isaac Tawfi k, MD, Chief of Cardiology.
Th en he began weight training. “Much to my surprise, I felt better within a week or two of starting the Center’s program,” says Jay.
IG -QUALIT CARE Th e Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center is the rst in Monmouth County to be certi ed for both A GYM FOR cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a national organization dedicated to improving patient care. Th is means the facility meets the HEALING highest standards of care, which includes staff certi cation and preparedness for medical emergencies. A STATE-OF-THE-ART REHABILITATION CENTER PROMOTES A Rehabilitation helps cardiac patients SWIFT RECOVERY FROM HEART AND LUNG DISEASES. rebuild strength a er they’ve had a heart attack, heart failure or a cardiac surgery or hen Jay Lassman’s physician to a generous grant from an anonymous procedure, says A ay Shah, MD, Director recommended cardiac donor, the ,000-square-foot gym now of Cardiac Rehabilitation at MMC and a Wrehabilitation a er he was features the newest exercise equipment. member of Barnabas Health Medical Group. hospitalized for congestive heart failure “Our goal was to create a state-of-the-art, In addition to exercise, cardiac rehab last March, he was skeptical. He was having high-tech facility that will enhance patients’ involves counseling on nutrition, smoking trouble walking even short distances, so he workouts and enable older people to achieve cessation and stress reduction. “Cardiac didn’t think he would be able to participate their tness goals through low-impact rehab can help relieve symptoms such as in gym workouts three times a week. “I exercise equipment,” says Marietta Datar, chest pain and fatigue, improve mood, boost wasn’t sure what good it would do,” admits Program Director of the Center. energy, enhance quality of life and reduce Jay, 76, of Morganville. Jay started off performing exercises the risk of future heart problems,” says Dr. But he was encouraged when he walked for about six minutes at a low-intensity Shah. “In fact, studies have found that it into the newly renovated Joel Opatut setting on each of the machines. A er a few decreases a patient’s chances of death in the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at months, he had worked up to 1 minutes at next ve years by up to 0 percent.” Monmouth Medical Center (MMC). Th anks higher-resistance settings on most machines. Less than a year a er he was hospitalized, Jay is back to his routine of walking three miles daily. “I credit Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To reach a Monmouth Medical my progress to not only a cardiac rehab Center cardiac specialist, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart. regimen designed for me but also the Center’s dedicated personnel,” says Jay.
Healthy Together | 8 | Fall 2019
MMC_CardiacRehab_Fall19_final.indd 8 9/13/19 3:12 PM TIMES TO USE TELEMED A VIRTUAL DOCTOR VISIT CAN BE THE FASTEST WAY TO FEEL BETTER.
ith the RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed service, patients W can reach a .S. board- certified doctor at any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays. The how is simple Download an app You get Your doctor’s You need care for a for iOS or Android and connect via sick while offi ce is closed. sick child, but can’t smartphone, tablet or computer. on vacation. leave your other But why might you choose to children home alone. use TeleMed rather than make an appointment with your doctor At right are some circumstances that might make a virtual visit a good choice. TeleMed is appropriate for common complaints such as colds, flu, fever, minor rashes, earache, sinusitis, migraine, abdominal pain, allergies, pink eye and oint pain. You can’t get a same- You feel too day appointment sick to leave with your doctor. the house.
CALL 911 IF… TeleMed is not for emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are You’re out of You live in a rural experiencing any of the following town and realize area, making emergency medical problems: you forgot a doctor visits and • Chest pain or pressure prescription. follow-up visits • Uncontrolled bleeding inconvenient. • Sudden or severe pain • Coughing or vomiting blood • Diffi culty breathing or shortness of breath • Sudden dizziness, weakness, change in vision, slurred speech, numbness or other neurological You don’t have It’s diffi cult to take You don’t want changes time to wait in a time off from work to expose others • Severe or persistent vomiting or waiting room. to go to the doctor. to a contagious diarrhea disease (or • Severe abdominal pain be exposed to theirs). • Changes in mental status, such To learn more or to sign up for the RWJBarnabas as confusion Health TeleMed service, visit www.rwjbh.org/telemed. • Assault, physical or sexual abuse • Broken bone Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 9 GAME CHANGER
GYMNASTICS HYDROTHERAPY MAIN LOBBY
WEIGHT ROOM BASKETBALL WRESTLING
Healthy Together | 10 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 11 As a major milestone in Rutgers sports history is marked with the opening of the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, a national college sports milestone is also being celebrated: the 150th anniversary of the fi rst game of intercollegiate football, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which took place on Nov. 6, 1869, between COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Rutgers and Princeton. (Rutgers triumphed, 6-4.) The season-long festivities include 150 YEARS OF ATHLETIC PROWESS themed home games and the unveiling of a AND PASSIONATE FANDOM BEGAN new “Victory” statue. RWJBarnabas Health, AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY. the offi cial healthcare provider of Rutgers Athletics, is a presenting sponsor. To learn GAME more, visit www.rutgersgameday.com. CHANGER THE RWJBARNABAS HEALTH ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY KICKS OFF A NEW ERA FOR RUTGERS SPORTS.
or Rutgers student-athletes, Athletics at Rutgers University. “They the future is here. The state-of- are going to receive the very best in F the-art RWJBarnabas Health sports medicine.” The facility was Athletic Performance Center at made possible by an investment from Rutgers University, which opened in RWJBarnabas Health, the official September, is home to new facilities healthcare provider of Rutgers Athletics. for men’s and women’s basketball, “For far too long, we haven’t wrestling and gymnastics, as well as a produced, as a state, those facilities and sports performance/sports medicine resources necessary to have world-class suite, nutrition lounge, seating area for athletes and frankly, in New Jersey, professional scouts and more. we have world-class athletes,” says The 07,000-square-foot, four-story Barry Ostrowsky, President and CEO of facility brings Rutgers athletic offerings RWJBarnabas Health. “At Rutgers, we to a new level. “It’s a game changer for have world-class students. For us, this is our student-athletes in clinical care,” says a wonderful opportunity to invest in a Pat Hobbs, Director of Intercollegiate great University.”
To learn more about RWJBarnabas Health partnerships, visit www.rwjbh.org/corporatepartners. X-RAY ROOM
Healthy Together | 10 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 11 TWO RWJBARNABAS HEALTH HEART TRANSPLANT PROGRAMS COLLABORATE TO OFFER WORLD- CLASS CARE, CLOSE TO HOME FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS.
n 1989, cardiologist Mark Jay Zucker, MD, relocated from Chicago to join I nationally renowned cardiovascular surgeon Victor Parsonnet, MD, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). Both physicians saw an opportunity to build a world-class heart failure treatment and transplant program at NBI. Toward that end, Dr. Zucker and other members of the NBI team met with cardiologists around the state, gave talks and lectures, and sent out educational mailings to introduce the medical community to the new program. Over the course of 30 years, the goal of creating a nationally renowned heart failure and transplant center has been met, perhaps beyond the team’s wildest dreams—and certainly beyond those of many patients. By 2017, the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program at NBI had performed more THE than 1,000 transplants, one of only a dozen programs in the U.S. to reach that milestone. Today the program performs about 50 to 55 transplants A-TEAMS each year; has roughly 70 staff members, seven physicians, three surgeons and a full complement of nurses and nurse practitioners; and follows more than FOR ,000 patients at five different offices. COVERING THE STATE The NBI program and the Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program at Robert Wood Johnson ADVANCED University Hospital in New Brunswick (RWJ H) are the only two heart transplant programs in New Jersey, “We are one of the major referral HEART centers for heart conditions in the state, particularly in central New Jersey,” says Aziz Ghaly, MD, Surgical Director, Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program at RWJ H. “We offer FAILURE the most advanced options for treatment of heart failure available. That means we
Healthy Together | 12 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 13 Matt Millen
can do complete workups for patients the highest quality of care. “Advanced under one roof.” cardiac care requires a tightly integrated, As collegial members of the same well-functioning team of talented and health system, the two programs provide knowledgeable clinicians, paramedical seamless treatment to any patient in need professionals, social workers, pharmacists of complex cardiac care, not only from and dietitians,” says Dr. Zucker. the hospitals of the RWJBarnabas Health “Heart transplantation is not system but from any hospital inside maintenance-free after surgery,” explains New Jersey or beyond. For New Jersey Dr. Ghaly. “Our heart failure cardiologists residents, that means advanced cardiac and nurse coordinators monitor patients care is always available close to home. very closely afterward, becoming like part The connection between the two of the patient’s family. The role is crucial BACK IN THE GAME teams further enhances patient care. to the patient’s survival post-transplant, During Matt Millen’s storied career “Leadership of both programs meet and they are the heart and soul of our as a football player, observers regularly to discuss how to coordinate program.” often said he showed “a lot of care, improve safety, streamline services heart.” That description resonated and sometimes just to learn from one UTURE- ACING with many when they learned he another as well,” says Dr. Ghaly. Both programs are national leaders in was waiting for a life-saving heart treatment for advanced heart failure, transplant at Newark Beth Israel MULTIDISCIPLINARY including the use of ventricular assist Medical Center (NBI). APPROACH devices (VADs). These surgically An All-American linebacker at Penn At NBI, Dr. Zucker, Director of the implanted mechanical pumps can keep State, Millen had a 12-year NFL Cardiothoracic Transplantation Program, patients alive as they wait for a heart career, including four Super Bowl and Margarita Camacho, MD, Surgical transplant or when other medical wins. He served as president and Director of Heart Transplantation, are conditions have rendered them ineligible CEO of the Detroit Lions, followed by a successful career as a football two of the most senior physicians in for transplantation. commentator. the field, with a combined experience The NBI and RWJ H programs of caring for more than 1,500 transplant also participate in multiple research As the years went on, he began patients. Both physicians are at the trials that offer patients access to new to feel weaker and increasingly forefront of advanced heart failure investigational medications and devices short of breath. It became hard to navigate the few stairs to his treatments, and both have been at NBI prior to commercial availability. Most basement wood shop. for the majority of their careers. “That recently, the teams have been studying translates to consistency,” says Dr. medications to treat advanced congestive Ultimately, Millen was diagnosed Zucker. “We have danced together for heart failure, amyloid and lamin A/C with the rare disease amyloidosis. Abnormal proteins called amyloids a long time.” The RWJ H transplant cardiomyopathy. had been deposited in his heart program has been in place for more than The transplant center at NBI is muscle, rendering it stiff and unable 20 years, with year after year of excellent currently undergoing a $4.3 million to function properly. outcomes, says Dr. Ghaly. renovation. “The transplant suite will soon Both programs rely on integrate the mechanical support, heart In the fall of 2018, Millen spent three months at NBI, under the care of multidisciplinary teams to provide and lung transplant programs all under Mark Jay Zucker, MD, Director of one roof,” says Dr. Zucker. “The ability to the Cardiothoracic Transplantation interact on a moment-to-moment basis Program, and his team. On December provides an ability to exchange ideas and 24, 2018, Millen underwent heart ensure that all team members are up to transplant surgery performed by date with new and emerging technologies.” Margarita Camacho, MD, Surgical This type of interaction is crucial Director of Heart Transplantation, and when it comes to caring for such critically Mark Russo, MD. ill patients, says Dr. Zucker. “After all, The surgery was a success. With a the management of heart failure is a 24/7 new heart and a new lease on life, operation that only works when you have Millen is back in the broadcasting AZIZ GHALY, MD MARK JAY ZUCKER, MD a team of truly committed individuals.” booth for the 2019 football season.
our heart doesn t beat just for ou. et it chec ed. To reach an RWJBarnabas Health cardiac specialist near you, call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
Healthy Together | 12 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 13 CANCER WHERE TO CALL FOR HELP NOW THERE’S A SINGLE PHONE NUMBER FOR CLEAR AND COMPASSIONATE ANSWERS ABOUT CANCER TREATMENT.
hen a person is diagnosed with cancer, he or she In the past, Dr. Libutti explains, patients and caregivers has a lot to learn—and many decisions to make. needed to do extensive research on their own to figure W What’s the best course of treatment? Where is out what location and what physician would be most the best place for treatment? Who is the best doctor to treat appropriate for their care. “Now they can more easily access my cancer How can I get a second opinion NCI-designated cancer care across the state,” he says. That’s why RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New NAVIGATING T E OURNE Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute- “We’re especially excited to have nurse navigators located Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, has created right at the contact center if a person has a clinical an Oncology Access Center. This concierge-like service question,” says Bryan Soltes, System Vice President, for cancer patients has an easy-to-remember number: Network Development, Oncology Services for RWJBH. -CANCERNJ. At that number, specialized oncology “That aspect of our system makes it uniquely helpful to access representatives and oncology access nurse patients.” navigators stand ready to direct patients to the expert care When a caller is referred to a specific hospital, he or she they need. The Oncology Access Center creates one point is immediately linked to the nurse navigator platform at of contact for all oncologists and hospitals in the RWJBH the hospital, Soltes says. “Nurse navigators guide patients system and at Rutgers Cancer Institute. through their entire journey of diagnosis, treatment and “We are well aware that people recovery, not only making appointments but connecting the who are newly diagnosed or seeking patient with oncology support services,” he explains. a second opinion are dealing with “Our system is making a very big commitment to nurse an extremely stressful personal navigation in general,” Soltes says. “Our goal is to be the situation,” says Steven K. Libutti, largest nurse navigation system for oncology in the country.” MD, Senior Vice President of Experts at RWJBH recognize that oncology healthcare Oncology Services, RWJBH and calls are different from other kinds of calls. “They are o en Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute from people dealing with potentially serious situations,” Soltes of New Jersey. “We want to make the says. “With our Oncology Access Center and nurse navigator process of finding care as stress-free programs, we’re able to put our arms around the patient, so to STEVEN K. LIBUTTI, MD and efficient as possible.” speak, and say, ‘We’ll help you take it from here.’”
Healthy Together | 14 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 15
System_Oncology_Fall19_REV1.indd 14 9/16/19 10:06 AM RAISE YOUR HANDS FOR SURVIVORS Life can be a roller coaster, Opposite page and this page, clockwise: For the fi rst time, a roller coaster was wrapped in support of especially when a person is coping cancer awareness for the Coasters for Cancer campaign. Survivors and their families joined a special with cancer. That made it especially survivors celebration at Six Flags Great Adventure, which partnered with RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers fi tting for three iconic New Jersey Cancer Institute of New Jersey to bring greater awareness to the disease and efforts to fi ght it. brands—RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Six Flags Great Adventure—to create the Coasters for Cancer campaign. Brightly colored handprints were collected from cancer survivors RWJBarnabas Health, and supporters. Those handprints in partnership with Rutgers were wrapped into a design to Cancer Institute of New Jersey— adorn the Runaway Mine Train the state’s only NCI-Designated roller coaster at Six Flags Great Comprehensive Cancer Center— Adventure in Jackson Township. provides close-to-home access When park visitors take the ride, to the latest treatment, including they’re reminded of how many clinical trials. Visit people cancer touches in the state www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer. of New Jersey. The campaign was unveiled during a National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration at Six Flags Great Adventure on June 9. “More people need to know about the disease and about the research that’s being done right in our own backyard,” says John DeSimone, a patient at Rutgers Cancer Institute. “What I hope people get out of this display is that cancer doesn’t discriminate,” says cancer survivor Johnny Volpe, 17, who was diagnosed when he was just 7. “Cancer goes for anyone and everyone, and it’s great that people are aware.” “The Coasters for Cancer campaign is an incredible opportunity to shine the spotlight on cancer survivorship, education and prevention,” says Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJBH. “If this e ncolog ccess enter is open from a.m. to p.m., Monda campaign helps just one person, through rida . all 844.CANCERNJ (844.226.2376). it’s all worth it.”
Healthy Together | 14 | Fall 2019 RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 15
System_Oncology_Fall19_REV1.indd 15 9/16/19 10:06 AM Staff and members at Opportunity Project engage in a variety of work-related and social activities through BE OND the Clubhouse Program.
be long-term, even lifelong. These symptoms BRAIN INJURY can include difficulty thinking clearly, headaches, moodiness, sensitivity to light, A NEW PARTNERSHIP BRINGS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO THOSE physical impairment and sleep problems. LIVING WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. p to 0,000 people experience the onset of long-term disability from TBI each year. The only program of its kind in New Jersey, Opportunity Pro ect has served more than 600 individuals affected by TBI, along with their families, since its inception in 1 . The organization is housed in a 1 ,000-square-foot facility in Millburn that’s accessible to the center of town and to public bout every 13 seconds in the program offers a wide range of services to help transportation, and is open ve days a week. .S., someone suffers traumatic adults with TBI reach their full potential. Here, members can meet to receive A brain in ury (TBI) a blow or The organization’s mission and services occupational therapy, to confer with social penetrating in ury to the head that’s severe make it a natural t for CSH. “Opportunity workers who can help them access community enough to disrupt normal brain function. Pro ect has a long, rich history of serving the resources, or to practice skills in reading, Children with TBI are o en treated at critical needs of adults with brain in ury,” writing, planning and more. Opportunity Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), the says Warren E. Moore, FACHE, President Pro ect also trains members who wish to leading provider of inpatient and outpatient and CEO, CSH, and Senior Vice President, become part of its Speakers Bureau, enabling care for children and young adults facing Pediatric Services, RWJBarnabas Health. them to use their rsthand knowledge of living special healthcare challenges. ntil recently, “We are thrilled to partner and learn from with a brain in ury to deliver inspiring and however, CSH had no way to help these one another, ensuring a bright future for the educational presentations. patients as they grappled with the lingering communities we serve.” For more information about effects of TBI in adulthood. Opportunity Pro ect, visit To remedy that situation, CSH has MOVING FORWARD www.opportunitypro ect.org. For more begun a new partnership with the nonpro t Mild TBI, the most common kind, affects information about Children’s Specialized Opportunity Pro ect, founded by parents the brain only temporarily. However, Hospital, call 888.244.5373 or visit whose sons were dealing with TBI. The symptoms of moderate to severe TBI may www.childrens-specialized.org.
At Children’s Specialized Hospital, we provide world-class care for children and young adults who face special health challenges across the state of New Jersey and beyond. Our locations in Bayonne, Clifton, East Brunswick, Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton, Jersey City, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Newark, Toms River and Warren treat everything from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health.
Healthy Together | 16 | Fall 2019
System_CSH_Fall19_Rev1.indd 16 9/16/19 9:18 AM Patient navigator Punam Jain, right, helps Ravinder Soni communicate with Keiron Greaves, MD, a pain-management physician. OVERCOMING LANGUAGE BARRIERS FOR BETTER CARE A NEW PROGRAM HELPS IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY.
avinder Soni, 75, of Monroe community and reduce health disparities.” Ravinder doesn’t drive, so Jain arranges was stru ling with foot pain, Th e Indian Medical Program is modeled transportation to appointments. She also R gastrointestinal problems and on two other RWJBarnabas Health schedules follow-up visits and assists with arthritis in her knees, back and shoulders. programs that help patients overcome insurance issues and paperwork. “Every She also had cataracts and needed to see barriers to healthcare. “We started the aspect of my healthcare is being taken care an ophthalmologist. Finding medical care Chinese Medical Program 10 years ago of,” says Ravinder via translation. “I’m so wasn’t easy, though. Ravinder, who is to help the Chinese community nd thankful for Punam. Th is program is really originally from India, speaks Pun abi and medical care, and it was very successful,” a support system for me.” Hindi, and her English is limited. So when says Punam Jain, a patient navigator So far, Jain has helped about 20 Indian she discovered that Monmouth Medical and coordinator of the Indian Medical patients obtain much-needed medical care. Center (MMC) off ers a program designed Program. “A er that, we launched the She says the new program is already having to assist Indian patients with access to Russian Medical Program. Th is year, we a signi cant impact. “When I accompany medical care, it was welcome news. decided to expand the program to the patients to appointments, they feel so much Th e Indian Medical Program was Indian community.” more comfortable,” she says. “I’m proud of launched by MMC and Monmouth Medical Census figures show that about 16,000 our eff orts to help the community.” Center Southern Campus in Lakewood Indian people live in Monmouth and Now that Ravinder doesn’t face in February. “We understand that speci c Ocean counties. “The Indian community language barriers to healthcare, she’s ethnic and racial groups are more prone is very large in New Jersey, and I’ve seen receiving the medical attention she needs, to certain illnesses and diseases and that firsthand the barriers people face when and her health is improving. “I’m feeling many encounter language, cultural and seeking healthcare in our region,” says much better,” she says. “I’ve been going to socioeconomic barriers that may make it Jain. “In addition, as Asian Indians, we’re physical therapy, which has helped my back more challenging to access appropriate at increased risk of cardiovascular disease pain and shoulder pain tremendously. And healthcare,” says Eric Carney, President and diabetes, which require attention I’m planning to have cataract surgery soon.” and Chief Executive Offi cer of MMC. “To and care.” address this, Monmouth Medical Center has developed unique programs, like the A SUPPORT SYSTEM To learn more, call the Indian Medical Program, that enable us Jain helps Ravinder nd physicians and Indian Medical Program to provide culturally competent care to accompanies her to appointments to hotline at 732.923.6361. improve the health and wellness of our translate and facilitate communication.
Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 17
MMC_IndianMed_Fall19_final.indd 17 9/13/19 3:13 PM THE SCAN THAT SAVES LIVES LUNG CANCER SCREENING HELPED ONE PATIENT BEAT THE ODDS.
RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to- home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials. For more information, call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.
Kathryn Napier was diagnosed with an early lung cancer and was successfully treated.
Healthy Together | 18 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 19
MMC_LungCa_Fall19_final.indd 18 9/13/19 3:13 PM aking appointments has always been one of Kathryn Napier’s M least favorite tasks. So when WHO CAN the 67-year-old Tinton Falls resident was BE SCREENED? referred by her primary care physician • A smoker or former smoker ages for lung cancer screening—one of several 55 to 77 tests deemed appropriate for her—she wasn’t thrilled about putting yet another • A person who has a smoking HELP FOR QUITTERS history of at least 30 “pack appointment on her to-do list. Kicking the habit is no easy task. years” (packs per day multiplied But pushing past her hesitance ended In fact, nicotine addiction is one by the number of years a person up giving the grandmother of four a new of the strongest addictions people has smoked) lease on life. One of several hundred face, according to the American people who undergo a low-dose CT scan • Current smokers Cancer Society (ACS). It’s also one at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) • Former smokers who have quit of the deadliest: Smoking claims each year as part of its Lung Cancer within the last 15 years an estimated 480,000 lives in the U.S. every year. That’s why Screening Program, Kathryn discovered • No symptoms of lung cancer the ACS hosts the annual Great she had lung cancer. Fortunately, the • No chest CT scan in the past year American Smokeout, which will be test revealed a tumor small enough to be held on November 21 during Lung removed with minimally invasive surgery. Cancer Awareness Month. The She’s now cancer-free and was able to event encourages smokers to quit. avoid chemotherapy and radiation, which Lung Cancer Screening Program. The RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute would have been necessary if her tumor program features a patient navigator for Prevention and Recovery’s had been detected at a later stage. who coordinates care; smoking cessation Nicotine and Tobacco Recovery “If Kathryn had not had this screening services; and access to comprehensive Program can help people test, she would have gone about her cancer care, including surgery, radiation, overcome nicotine addiction. life and one day would have likely chemotherapy and clinical trials. (For Studies show that people are four experienced the coughing, shortness eligibility criteria, see “Who Can Be times more likely to quit when of breath or coughing up blood that’s Screened?”) “Research has demonstrated they participate in a structured symptomatic of lung cancer,” says a 20 percent mortality rate reduction in program compared to trying to Andrew Nguyen, MD, the MMC thoracic patients who had undergone low-dose quit on their own. The program offers individual and group surgeon and member of the Barnabas chest computed tomography screening, support. For more information, Health Medical Group who treated as compared to patients screened with call 833.795.QUIT or visit Kathryn. “By then, her cancer might have a conventional chest X-ray,” says Dr. www.rwjbh.org/nicotinerecovery. been too advanced for surgical removal Nguyen. For those who are eligible, the or a cure. Finding and treating her cancer screening is covered by most insurance The following strategies can help you quit for good: early gives her a very good prognosis. plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. She’s an example of why we’re raising • FIND YOUR REASON. Boost your awareness that lung cancer screening is RELIEVED AND GRATEFUL motivation by remembering why lifesaving.” Kathryn had robotic-assisted surgery in you want to quit, whether it’s to improve your health or protect January. The upper lobe of her left lung your family from secondhand and multiple lymph nodes in her chest A SURVIVAL ADVANTAGE smoke. By far the leading cause of cancer death were removed using small incisions. She in Americans—surpassing deaths from has remained cancer free with follow-up • SET A DATE. Once you decide to colorectal, breast and prostate cancers imaging, and after recovering from the kick the habit, set a “quit date.” combined—lung cancer is diagnosed in surgery she happily returned to spending • SEEK HELP. Nicotine replacement more than 228,000 people in the U.S. each time with her grandchildren. products and cessation year, according to the American Cancer Kathryn, who has stopped smoking medications can help cut Society. Unfortunately, most lung cancers with the help of medication, is relieved and withdrawal symptoms and raise the odds that you’ll succeed in are caught at later stages, dimming the grateful to MMC. “I’m so glad I had the kicking the habit. chances for long-term survival. When lung screening,” she says. “I’ve been very lucky.” cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, however, the survival rate is more than 70 percent. To learn about the Lung Cancer Screening Program at To improve the odds that cancer will Monmouth Medical Center, call 732.923.7966. be detected early, MMC established the
Healthy Together | 18 | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 19
MMC_LungCa_Fall19_final.indd 19 9/13/19 3:13 PM The Linda Grunin SIMLab will help train residents, nurses and others at MMC. It’s funded by a generous gift from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, which honors the life of Linda Grunin (left), who was raised in Long Branch.
gift from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation. “This gift honors the life of Linda Grunin, who was raised in Long Branch, and the work she and her family have done in the community,” says Tara F. Kelly, Vice President of the MMC Foundation. With rapidly advancing medical technology and ever-higher safety and quality standards, it’s crucial for residents, medical students and nurses to master skills before they begin working with patients. “Our physicians are thrilled,” says Kelly. “It’s another layer of excellence for MMC.”
ENHANCING PATIENT SAFETY The Linda Grunin SIMLab, which will be operated through a partnership with Monmouth niversity, will enable residents and nurses to rehearse patient workups and refine their bedside manner. It will also provide training in operating room setup TRAINING and procedures, including robotic surgery. It will enable providers to practice caring for high-risk patients in the Intensive Care nit, helping to build their confidence. The Lab will be open to residents in all specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and TOMORROW’S emergency medicine. Training sessions will be recorded to provide feedback, and providers will be reassessed to monitor their progress. The Lab will also enhance patient safety. Simulation-based PHYSICIANS medical education has the potential to decrease medical errors; facilitate open exchange in training situations; and decrease A STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATION LEARNING LAB the hospital’s reliance on patients for training. The Lab aligns WILL TRANSFORM MEDICAL EDUCATION AT MMC. well with MMC’s mission as a High Reliability Organization, meaning the hospital is committed to causing zero patient harm, imulation in which equipment or computer software is reducing medical errors and providing outcomes-based medical used to replicate a real-world scenario has long been part education. “We are incredibly thankful to the Jay and Linda Sof military and aeronautical training. Now it’s being used in Grunin Foundation for their generous gift to fund this innovative medical education, and residents, medical students and nurses at educational facility and program,” says Eric Carney, President and Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) will soon have access to a new, Chief Executive Officer of MMC. state-of-the-art Simulation Learning Lab thanks to a million The Lab, which will be located at Monmouth Corporate Park in West Long Branch, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2020. In the future, it will be used to train first responders, To learn about giving opportunities at Monmouth including local emergency medical technicians and firefighters. Medical Center, visit www.monmouthgiving.org. “It’s gratifying to see an honorable idea become something so impactful,” says Kelly.
Healthy Together | 20 | Fall 2019
MMC_Foundation_Fall19_final.indd 20 9/13/19 3:14 PM Monmouth Medical Center residents gather in the new lounge, which allows them to rest between shifts.
A TOOL FOR BETTER HEALTH RWJBarnabas Health has partnered with RedBrick Health to improve employee wellness. The interactive program, called BHealthy Wellness, gives employees personalized recommendations for improving their health. Employees fill out an online questionnaire, then the program provides recommendations in areas such as exercise, weight loss and IMPROVING stress reduction. Employees HELPING can track their progress using RESIDENTS an online tool that syncs their activities with compatible devices, PHYSICIAN MANAGE STRESS apps and programs. The program CAN LEAD enables employees to earn points and save on their health TO BETTER insurance premiums. WELLNESS PATIENT CARE. nna Kaminecki, MD, was thrilled to Over a two-year period, 83 residents and enables residents to rest between complete her pediatrics residency at participated in the study, which found shi s. “I used the lounge during my night I Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), that 2 percent were at high risk for rotation as a quiet place to relax,” says but she admits she stru led with burnout. burnout. Dr. Kaminecki discovered Dr. Kaminecki. The hospital also gives “The third year was especially stressful that many participants weren’t getting residents access to the newly renovated because I was chief resident and was the Centers for Disease Control and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation gym. interviewing for fellowships,” she says. Prevention-recommended 10,000 What’s more, residents are able to attend Dr. Kaminecki is not alone. A recent steps per day of physical activity. She educational programs, such as a nancial Mayo Clinic study found that percent concluded that residents’ physical wellness day. of residents experience at least one activity and well-being could benefit MMC was recently named a Top ma or symptom of burnout. Preventing from improvement. Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog burnout not only improves the health “Becoming a physician shouldn’t mean Group a national nonpro t organization and wellness of residents and reduces sacri cing your health and well-being,” committed to improving healthcare physician turnover, but it also helps says Pranoy Mohapatra, MHA, Manager quality and safety for the second year prevent medical errors. of Medical Education, who is leading the in a row. “Monmouth Medical Center initiative to reduce burnout. “Through has a long history as a teaching hospital, BANISHING BURNOUT focus groups, our residents said the and our respected reputation attracts top Last October, MMC launched an initiative resources that would bene t their wellness physicians,” says Eric Carney, President called the Well-Being Program to address were exercise, access to good food and a and Chief Executive Officer of MMC. physician burnout among residents, place to relax and de-stress.” “Our residents and medical students are an physicians and nurses. Dr. Kaminecki To address residents’ needs, a lounge integral part of our collaborative approach led a study of her colleagues to better was created. It’s stocked with healthy food to achieving superior safety and quality.” understand how burnout affects MMC residents. The study was based on a survey from Mayo Clinic’s Well-Being Index. To learn more about the Department of Medical Education, call Residents were also asked to record their 800.807.9191 or email [email protected]. daily steps with a fitness tracker.
Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 21
MMC_WellBeing_Fall19_final.indd 21 9/13/19 3:15 PM MMC’s sepsis team uses technology to rapidly identify patients with the condition. Andrew Lee, MD, Chief of Infectious Disease, with Liz Parato, RN (left), and Lynne Clemons, RN.
SIGNS OF SEPSIS If you experience any of the following signs of sepsis (TIME is the acronym used by the Sepsis Alliance), see your physician immediately, call 911 or head to the hospital and mention that you’re concerned about sepsis. T is for temperature (higher or lower than normal) I is for signs of infection M is for mental decline (confused, sleepy or diffi cult to rouse) E is for extremely ill (severe pain or discomfort)
PROTECT YOURSELF • If you need an antibiotic, take it as prescribed by your physician WHEN AN INFECTION and be sure to fi nish the entire course—even if you feel better before the medication is done. T RNS DEADL • Avoid infection by staying up to date on the infl uenza, pneumonia AT MMC, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ARE FOCUSED ON DIAGNOSING and shingles vaccines. SEPSIS EARLY AND TREATING IT AGGRESSIVELY. • Keep cuts clean and covered. Seek medical care for wounds that aren’t healing properly. ost of us don’t worry about DETECTING SEPSIS EARLY contracting an infection In 2015, Monmouth Medical Center • If you smoke, quit. Smoking impairs circulation, raising your because it can usually be cured (MMC) clinicians formed a Sepsis M risk of contracting an infection. with antibiotics. But sometimes the Committee, which meets monthly to immune system stops fighting foreign review sepsis cases and outcomes. In invaders such as bacteria and turns on addition, the hospital implemented a itself, causing tissue damage and organ Code Smart system, a computer program a patient’s blood for lactic acid—an failure. Sepsis claims 270,000 lives in the that alerts doctors and nurses when indicator of possible sepsis—and treat U.S. each year and is the top cause of a patient’s symptoms and test results him or her with intravenous antibiotics death in American hospitals, according to suggest sepsis. “When a patient with an and fluids,” says Lynne Clemons, RN, an the Sepsis Alliance, which raises awareness infection develops a fever, experiences MMC nurse who’s part of the hospital’s of the condition through an observance shaking chills and sweaty or clammy skin, Rapid Response Team. “We also follow the every fall. Sepsis is most common in adults has extreme pain, or becomes confused or patient closely.” 65 or older, children younger than 1 and disoriented, he or she may have sepsis,” Nearly nine in 10 cases of sepsis people with conditions such as diabetes, says Andrew Lee, MD, Chief of Infectious start outside the hospital setting, so it’s lung disease and cancer. Disease at MMC. “Blood pressure drops, important for patients to recognize the the heart may race and the person may be symptoms (see “Signs of Sepsis”). “Sepsis short of breath. Confusion alone can be is an emergency, since it means the organs For more information about a sign of sepsis.” When a provider notices are beginning to fail,” adds Liz Parato, sepsis, visit www.sepsis.org. these symptoms or the Code Smart system RN, an Emergency Department nurse at generates an alert, “we immediately test MMC. “Hospital admission is necessary.”
Healthy Together | 22 | Fall 2019
MMC_Sepsis_Fall19_final.indd 22 9/13/19 3:15 PM Left: Meg Fisher, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at MMC, leads children in stretching exercises before the 5K race on Family Fun Day. Above: Eric Carney, MMC’s President and Chief Executive Offi cer, and Diann Johnston, Chief Nursing Offi cer, hold the fi nish line tape for the Half Marathon winner.
COLD-WEATHER EXERCISE TIPS Jason Krystofi ak, MD, a sports medicine physician at MMC, shares PROMOTING strategies for exercising safely when there’s a chill in the air: • Wear wool or fl eece mittens and HEALTHY LIVING a hat. This will help protect your extremities from frostbite, in which COMMUNITY EVENTS RAISE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE the skin and other tissues freeze. • Watch for signs of frostbite, such OF AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. as numbness, tingling and a lack onmouth Medical Center (MMC) Pediatrics and Medical Director of Th e of color, on your nose, ears, hands has been meeting the healthcare nterberg Children’s Hospital, and Carney and toes. If you have any of these needs of the community for held the nish line tape for the K race. symptoms, head inside and slowly M warm your skin. Frostbite can many years. Not only does the hospital occur in just 30 minutes when the off er traditional medical services, but A SPECIAL SOCCER CLINIC temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit it’s also involved in promoting a healthy FOR KIDS and the wind speed is 15 mph lifestyle through its involvement in various Th is fall, RWJBarnabas Health is sponsoring (wind chill of -19 degrees F). events. In April, MMC and RWJBarnabas a free, one-hour soccer clinic for up to 60 • Wear sunscreen (with an SPF of at Health were well represented during the members of Long Branch Middle School girls’ least 30) and sunglasses. Ice and 201 Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon and boys’ teams. Th e women’s professional snow can cause a refl ection of the and Half Marathon in Long Branch. More soccer team, SkyBlue, will provide the clinic, sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. than 12,000 runners competed in a course which will feature scrimmages and interactions • Drink plenty of water because it’s that took them through the beach towns of with players. A erward, there will be a possible to become dehydrated in Ocean Grove, Allenhurst, Deal, Monmouth 1 -minute question-and-answer and autograph the winter. Beach, Loch Arbour and Long Branch. Th e session with SkyBlue players. Attendees will marathon culminated on the Long Branch also receive goodie bags. Jason Krysto ak, • Dress in layers. The fi rst layer should be a synthetic fabric, beachfront promenade, where MMC MD, a sports medicine physician at MMC, is which wicks away sweat. The next President and Chief Executive Offi cer Eric the team physician and medical director for should be a Carney and Chief Nursing Offi cer Diann SkyBlue. “Monmouth Medical Center has a warm fl eece Johnston held the nish line tape. long history of meeting the healthcare needs or wool In addition, RWJBarnabas Health of its neighbors through high-quality health layer. The sponsored the Family Fun Day and Kids services and skilled and dedicated caregivers,” top layer, Races, which were held on the Great Lawn says Carney. “We see ourselves as a partner in which can in Long Branch. Members of Th e nterberg the care of our community.” be removed, Children’s Hospital staff were should be oined by representatives of waterproof Children’s Specialized Hospital For a referral to a Monmouth Medical Center and breathable. and MMC’s pet therapy team. sports medicine specialist, call 888.724.7123. JASON KRYSTOFIAK, MD Meg Fisher, MD, Chair of
Healthy Together | PB | Fall 2019 Monmouth Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/MONMOUTH | 23
MMC_HealthyLiving_Fall19_Rev1.indd 23 9/16/19 9:55 AM NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lebanon Junction, KY 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07039 PERMIT #799
Among the best in the nation for maternity care. Delivered daily.
The only Monmouth County hospital to achieve top performance for two consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group
Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) has built one of the safest obstetrical and gynecologic services in New Jersey, and The Leapfrog Group, a national organization focused on healthcare safety and quality, has recognized our commitment to quality maternity care and patient safety.
A regional perinatal center, MMC was recently recognized by The Leapfrog Group for fully meeting quality and safety standards on key maternity measures — something achieved by only 20% of hospitals nationally.
For more information, visit rwjbh.org/mmcmaternity
MMC_BackCover_Fall19_final.indd 24 9/16/19 11:29 AM