The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center recently held a town hall meeting to share updates on the program’s latest accomplishments and new developments.

The network’s leadership, along with Shelly Anderson, Hospital President of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presented to a packed auditorium of attendees eager to learn about the center’s progress.

The presentation focused on key achievements, important patient cases, the formation of medical boards, research efforts, community engagement, educational outreach, and the expansion of the cancer program.

Speakers included MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sabiha Raoof, who chronicled the center’s growth from its inception in 2021. What started as a concept aimed at providing high-quality cancer care to an underserved community has transformed into a rapidly growing program recognized for its commitment to equitable cancer care.

Mr. Flanz and Dr. Raoof discussed significant milestones, such as the signing of the first affiliation agreement between the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center and MSK in 2023, and the receipt of a $188 million transformation grant in 2025 from New York Governor Kathy Hochul to build a brand-new facility, with construction set to begin this year.

Clinical leaders from the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. David Pfister, Chair of Oncology, and Dr. Rosa Nouvini, Site Director, proudly shared the program’s latest advancements, including the:

• Growth of the cancer care team, and the introduction of new staff members and leadership
• Establishment of a cancer research steering committee
• Establishment of a breast tumor board
• Acquisition of new technology and delivery of new therapies
• Completion of a circle of care for a specialized patient case
• Execution of successful community and educational outreach initiatives
• Successful integration of MSK expertise
• Successful application of supportive services
• Introduction of a bone marrow biopsy program

The town hall meeting offered valuable insights about the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center. The future looks promising as the program continues to expand. Leadership presented their vision for the center, aiming to establish it as one of the most trusted cancer treatment facilities in the community. Their goal is to ensure that everyone feels confident they are receiving world-class care right in their own neighborhood.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been named a Center of Excellence (COE) by GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) for its ongoing commitment to providing the Queens community with patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer screening.

Each year, approximately 237,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer, with most cases discovered at an advanced stage of the disease. As a result, lung cancer has consistently been the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. However, screening individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can significantly reduce mortality rates. This is because LDCT allows for the early detection of cancer when it is most treatable and even curable.

As a GO2 Center of Excellence designated in lung cancer screening, Jamaica Hospital implements screening in accordance with current evidence and clinical guidelines developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). “We are proud to have Jamaica Hospital join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact,” said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer, Joelle Fathi. “Across the U.S., the majority of people at risk for or living with lung cancer are served by a local community hospital near their home. Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics, and academic and VA medical centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home.”

In 2024, Jamaica Hospital launched a comprehensive lung cancer screening program focused on early detection to help reduce disparities in lung cancer outcomes within its community. The hospital serves a high-risk population that faces elevated mortality rates. Many individuals in this group are less likely to undergo lung cancer screenings due to socioeconomic barriers to healthcare.

Jamaica Hospital’s lung cancer screening program aims to address these challenges and remove barriers by engaging high-risk individuals through education, utilizing assessment tools, offering screening opportunities to eligible candidates, and improving access to high-quality healthcare. As part of its proactive approach to screening, the program reaches out to patients with a history of smoking by employing dedicated patient navigators. These navigators help identify potential candidates and schedule essential appointments with primary care doctors. Furthermore, to ensure comprehensive care, the program coordinates patient follow-ups using healthcare management tools and collaborates with specially trained medical specialists.

“Our goal is to improve lung cancer mortality rates through early detection, and we are making significant progress with our screening program. Since its launch, we have screened nearly 400 patients and hope to reach more community members to inform them about the valuable resources and benefits our program offers. Lung cancer screening can identify cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer early have a five-year survival rate of 80%. Lives can be saved through screening, which is why we strongly encourage those at risk—people aged 50 to 80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years—to get screened,” explained Dr. Luigi Tullo, Jamaica Hospital’s Vice Chair of the Department of Ambulatory Care and Medical Director of the Division of Population Health.

Jamaica Hospital is honored to receive the Center of Excellence designation by GO2 for Lung Cancer. This achievement demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to delivering the gold standard of care in lung cancer screening and providing high-quality, equitable care.

A surgical team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, led by Dr. Mina Guerges, is the first in South Queens to successfully implant the FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System (Esprit BTK System).

The Esprit™ BTK System, a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent and breakthrough innovation, was created to treat patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) below the knee (BTK).

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the lower leg and feet become blocked or narrowed. Over time, these blockages or the restriction of blood can lead to damage or the death of skin, nerves, or muscles in the affected limb, increasing the risk of complications such as amputation.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia currently affects more than 20 million people living in the United States.  Those at risk for developing CLTI include people who:

• Use tobacco products
• Have high cholesterol
• Have hypertension or high blood pressure
• Have diabetes
• Have a family history of PAD or CLTI

Jamaica Hospital serves a patient population with a prevalence of CLTI. The hospital’s vascular division has achieved a high level of success in caring for these patients by using a combination of traditional approaches along with new techniques and technologies to improve outcomes.

As the first hospital in South Queens to utilize the Esprit™ BTK System, Jamaica Hospital offers patients in the area an effective treatment option to prevent limb amputation. The device works by keeping arteries open and delivering a drug (Everolimus) to support vessel healing before completely dissolving.

Studies have shown that implanting the device offers greater benefits than previously used methods, such as balloon angioplasty, to prevent possible amputation. The surgery to implant the Esprit™ BTK System is minimally invasive, meaning small incisions are used. Additional benefits include shorter recovery times, the potential for better long-term outcomes, and a reduced risk of amputation.

Vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital are optimistic that leveraging this new technology will help manage chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee and greatly improve limb salvage rates among patients.  The hospital aims to ensure patients in the community have access to effective, innovative, and high-quality healthcare.

The MediSys Health Network Disaster Medical Response Team (DMRT) received a hero’s welcome after returning from a mission in Asheville, North Carolina.

The disaster response team of seven healthcare workers: Lisa Fraumeni-Pickel, RN DNP; Shiv Santram, RN; Igor Bazilevich, RN; Karen Benabou, MD; Jatinder Chopra, PA; Kody Fuller Hurst, RN and Jannina Rivera, RN, BSN, deployed on October 11th to provide much-needed support to Hurricane Helene survivors at the request of the International Medical Corps (IMC).

Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, caused significant destruction in North Carolina, displacing many residents and limiting their access to essential healthcare services and resources. In a coordinated effort with the IMC, the MediSys Health Network team worked tirelessly at shelters and mobile medical units to provide relief. They offered wound care, administered medications,  delivered respiratory care, and other medical services as needed to patients of all ages. Fraumeni-Pickel and Chopra described working “12-hour shifts 7 days a week” while administering aid in Asheville in a recent interview with the Queens Courier newspaper.

During the two-week deployment, members of MediSys’ DMRT not only provided clinical services to hurricane survivors but also formed meaningful connections with many of the residents they cared for. Chopra recalled sharing moments of compassion with patients as they expressed their anxieties and grieved their losses. These experiences were emotional and brought tears to her eyes, she said.

The MediSys DMRT made a significant impact on the lives of patients hundreds of miles away in Asheville, North Carolina, by demonstrating the network’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare and treating every patient with dignity. Patients expressed their sadness at the team’s departure on October 25th and extended their gratitude for the team traveling from New York to care for their community.

On Monday, October 28th, a homecoming event was held at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to celebrate the return of the DMRT. The group received enthusiastic cheers from attendees following a heartfelt speech by Bruce J. Flanz, the President and CEO of MediSys Health Network. He expressed his gratitude to each team member for their sacrifices and presented them with awards in recognition of their service.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also joined Mr. Flanz in honoring the team. He presented citations to the DMRT to acknowledge their hard work and expressed his appreciation for their efforts. “I want to thank all of you who traveled down to North Carolina. You are all heroes in our eyes, and I say thank you on behalf of the borough because we never know when it will be our time in need,” Richards said. “I want to thank all of you… for sacrificing your time away from your families to make sure that somebody you don’t know will have a better path forward as they come through the recovery phase of this storm.”

The DMRT was once again recognized at the MediSys Health Network’s annual gala in November. Members of the team were asked to stand and receive applause from 1,300 event attendees.

The MediSys Health Network has a long history of deploying its Disaster Medical Response Team to assist with catastrophic events, including:

• 1992 – Hurricane Andrew, Homestead FL
• 2001 – World Trade Center, NY, NY
• 2005 – Hurricanes Katrina & Rita, Mississippi & Louisiana
• 2012 – Superstorm Sandy, Rockaway & Howard Beach, NY
• 2020 – Earthquakes, Puerto Rico
• 2022 – Hurricane Ian, Southwest Florida

The network is dedicated to responding to disasters and assisting communities impacted by these challenges.

We are pleased to share that a Jamaica Hospital Medical Center surgical team has completed the first percutaneous AV fistula procedure in Queens.

The team led by vascular surgeon Dr. Mina Guerges utilized advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to achieve a successful outcome.

Percutaneous AV fistulas are performed on patients diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure, and require hemodialysis; a type of treatment that utilizes a dialyzer (a machine that cleans the blood).

Patients undergoing hemodialysis need safe and consistent vascular access points to complete their treatments. Traditionally,  access points are created surgically.  However,  a percutaneous AV fistula creates access using non-surgical techniques that offer several advantages  to patients including:

• Small incisions
• No scarring (patients are left with a small puncture site instead of a permanent scar common with surgery)
• Reduced lifestyle interruptions
• Shorter recovery times

Lastly, one of the most important benefits of a percutaneous AV fistula is the lowered risk of complications which can include infections and aneurysm formation.

Creating a percutaneous AV fistula requires the expertise of skillful physicians. During the procedure, vascular surgeons and radiologists utilize imaging to insert a needle and guide a tiny catheter device that helps pull the walls of a vein and artery together to create a fistula, then a special tool is used to finalize the connection and create the access point desired.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a fistula for dialysis patients, physicians at Jamaica Hospital are proud to offer the latest technology and alternative options to common surgical procedures.

Jamaica Hospital was recently recognized for its superior outcomes in surgical care. In 2023, the hospital ranked number two in New York for surgical care according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades. The recognition serves as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced and high-quality healthcare to patients.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for 2024, by Healthgrades.

The achievement places Jamaica Hospital in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance and serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

This year, only seven hospitals in New York were recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals. Jamaica Hospital is proud to join the elite ranks of top providers and be counted as one of only two hospitals in Queens to receive the prestigious award. The hospital is also celebrating its advancement in the national rankings, having climbed up 150 spots on the list from its previous position as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, an accolade it consecutively earned from 2020 through 2024.

Hospitals ranked as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, are nationally recognized for their high performance and quality achievements. To determine the top hospitals for 2024, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Unlike other hospital studies, Healthgrades ratings are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes.

“Healthgrades commends Jamaica Hospital for their leadership and continued dedication to high quality care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “As one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, Jamaica Hospital is elevating the standard for quality care nationwide and ensuring superior outcomes for the patients in their community.”

Jamaica Hospital’s pursuit of excellence and dedication to providing high-quality, equitable care has also yielded the following 2024 Healthgrades awards:

• America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award
• Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Award
• Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award

These awards have distinguished Jamaica Hospital as one of the leading healthcare organizations in the country, an achievement made possible through the tireless efforts of hospital employees to deliver the best care, and the vision of leadership to provide the community with world-class services close to home.

The MediSys Health Network hosted its second annual fundraising gala on November 11, 2023. Over 1,200 guests attended the soiree held at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan.  The crowd gathered to support the network’s cancer program and honor special guest Robert DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East, and Resorts World New York.

MediSys Health Network President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz commenced the evening’s program by welcoming attendees to the elegant affair and thanking them for their support. He segued into a tribute highlighting the countless contributions of two beloved individuals: Joseph Ferrara, former Chairman of the Jamaica Hospital and MediSys boards, and Michael Russo, former Chairman of the Flushing Hospital board.  Both served in their positions for over a quarter of a century before passing away this year.

Mr. Flanz’s touching tribute was later followed by remarks from the Gala Committee Chair and member of the Jamaica Hospital board, Joe Liana; who spoke passionately about the important work of the cancer program and the impact it will have in treating the 10,000 people in Queens diagnosed with the disease each year.

The creation of the cancer program in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has provided much-needed care to hundreds of patients since it first opened earlier this year. Some of these patients shared their powerful stories of triumph in a video presented to the crowd. The moving presentation concluded with the cancer survivors thanking MediSys’ healthcare team for saving their lives.

https://youtu.be/EgtFg_vdeks

As the video faded in the background, Mr. Flanz thanked the cancer care team and partners from Memorial Sloan Kettering for all they have done to make the program a success.

While much of the network’s success is due to its employees’ contributions, the benevolence of others also plays an important role. One such benefactor is Resorts World Casino New York City, which has generously given to MediSys over the years. Network leadership expressed their gratitude to the casino and its President, Robert DeSalvio, who joined the stage shortly after to accept a plaque that will be placed in the cancer program’s waiting room in his honor. He also commended MediSys’ healthcare heroes for their bravery during the pandemic and their unwavering commitment to caring for the people of Queens.

The second annual MediSys Gala concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Flanz, who encouraged everyone to, “enjoy the rest of the evening” and have a good time with their friends and colleagues. Overall, the event was a tremendous success. Over $2.3 million was raised to help the network continue its important life-saving work.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center, hospitals under the MediSys Health Network, have received prestigious gold and silver achievement awards from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Jamaica Hospital earned the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline® NSTEMI Gold achievement award which is presented to hospitals that have demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as non-ST elevation myocardial infarction or NSTEMI.

The American Heart Association also presented Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital with the Mission: Lifeline EMS® Silver achievement award.  

Mission: Lifeline EMS® recognition is the American Heart Association’s program that recognizes prehospital emergency agencies for their quality of care for heart attack and stroke patients. The recognition program focuses on transforming care quality by connecting all heart attack and stroke care components into a seamlessly integrated care system.

The MediSys Health Network is proud to be nationally recognized by the American Heart Association. Earning the Mission: Lifeline® NSTEMI Gold achievement award and the Mission: Lifeline EMS® Silver achievement award highlights the network’s dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients by adhering to the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for optimal care as outlined by the AHA.

The MediSys Health Network has consistently performed well over the years and continues to rank highly among the nation’s top medical organizations for the delivery of heart attack care. Jamaica Hospital recently earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Primary Heart Attack Center certification and recognition as a 2023 U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital for heart attack care. In 2022, Flushing Hospital was recognized as a five-star recipient for heart attack care by Healthgrades. Both hospitals have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence.

U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Jamaica Hospital Medical Center as a 2022-2023 High Performing Hospital in recognition of its excellence in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

In arriving at these ratings, U.S. News evaluated over 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Fewer than half received High Performing ratings.

Qualifying hospitals were selected based on their level of performance in treating various medical conditions and according to U.S. News, providing “care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.” Other metrics used by U.S. News to evaluate hospitals included patient experience and success in transitioning patients to life at home after discharge.

“When patients are considering their options for care, the Best Hospitals ratings are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that’s earned a High Performing rating in a service may be a good option for patients in need of that service and their medical professionals to consider.”

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be recognized as a U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital. The hospital has earned this prestigious recognition and others due to its core value of providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is the proud recipient of the New York State Obstetric Hemorrhage Project 2021 Quality Improvement Award.

The award recognizes Flushing Hospital’s participation and dedicated work in the New York State Obstetric Hemorrhage Project which was created by the New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative (NYSPQC) to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with obstetric hemorrhage.

Maternal morbidity is defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as, “any short- or long-term health problems that result from being pregnant and giving birth.”  While maternal mortality, “refers to the death of a woman from complications of pregnancy or childbirth that occur during the pregnancy or within 6 weeks after the pregnancy ends.”

Both issues have been causes for concern nationally as data shows that maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the U.S. have been inclining steadily.

In November of 2017, the NYSPQC initiated the NYS Obstetric Hemorrhage Project in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Healthcare Association of New York State, and the Greater New York Hospital Association with the support of the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality to address this problem.

Flushing Hospital joined the project as part of its ongoing efforts to provide patients and their families with the best, safest, and most equitable care.

As a participant, Flushing Hospital has met or exceeded the project’s goal of assessing at least 85% of patients for risk of obstetric hemorrhage upon admission and during the postpartum period. The hospital also implemented measures to improve readiness to respond to obstetric hemorrhage.

“This project involved a multidisciplinary approach with monthly webinars and in-person meetings in Albany. Together, we worked on updating our policies, acquired a hemorrhage cart, and updated our hemorrhage kit.  We also performed simulation drills and devised a hemorrhage assessment for patients antepartum, upon admission to Labor and Delivery, and postpartum. Our team has been educated and trained on all changes to ensure the delivery of quality care,” explained Maria Smilios, Director of Nursing Maternal and Child Services at Flushing Hospital.

Flushing Hospital was commended for its dedication and “exemplary work” by the New York State Perinatal Quality Collaborative. The hospital will continue to focus on improving maternal morbidity and maternal rates in its community to ensure a healthier future for all.