Did you know New York is ranked last in the entire country for the percentage of residents registered as organ donors? Even more concerning is the fact that a New Yorker dies every 18 hours while waiting for an organ donation.  In response to these alarming statistics Jamaica Hospital Medical Center partnered with LiveOnNY-a federally designated organ procurement organization to help raise awareness and increase the number of organ donors.

On October 6th both organizations participated in New York’s first ever Organ Donor Enrollment Day. This campaign was executed with one goal in mind: to enroll as many willing New Yorkers as possible in one day to become registered organ donors.  Staff and volunteers from LiveOnNY and Jamaica Hospital rallied passersby in the main lobby and cafeteria of the hospital to sign up.

Key figures who represented Jamaica Hospital at the event were William Lynch, Executive Vice President and COO; Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Family Medicine and Palliative Care and Dr. Anthony DiMaria, Vice President and Medical Director of Trump Pavilion.  Each of which have been instrumental in developing our partnership with LiveOnNY and advocating for this important cause.

Dr. Anthony DiMaria understands first-hand the importance of organ donation.  He spoke openly to the media and shared his personal experience of being a New Yorker who received a much needed organ donation.  “I was going out—down to the end when I was informed that I was going to receive a heart,” said Dr. DiMaria. “I’ve said it before but I’ve been given life twice.” He also went on to tell reporters that his donor was a man from the Dominican Republic and that he still to this day keeps in touch with the donor’s family. The media fondly dubbed him as “The Italian with the Dominican Heart.”

Jamaica Hospital been an advocate for organ donation for many years, we have been “sounding the alarm for donor registration for decades,” stated Mr. Lynch. It is our goal to continue these efforts and help save lives.

To read and watch the media stories of Jamaica Hospital’s and LiveOnNY’s Organ Donor Enrollment Day, please click the links below:

http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2015/41/organdonor_2015_10_09_q.html

http://www.qchron.com/editions/eastern/jamaica-hospital-touts-organ-donor-sign-ups/article_925e5ab4-126a-5f2d-8a61-caf6d21c615a.html

http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2015/10/6/jamaica-hospital-hosts-organ-donor-registration-day.html

For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips,visit us on 

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital  or Facebook.com/Flushing Hospital 

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Halloween is around the corner and choosing the right costume is always a great treat before the actual day. As adults, we look forward to seeing our kids adorably dressed up in fun and exciting costumes. With a few tips on choosing the right costumes, you can ensure an evening of fun and no fright.

When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.” These fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Costumes should also fit well so they do not drag on the ground and prevent trips and falls.

Some additional tips from safekids.org include:

• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. High heels are not a good idea.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision. Skip the mask and opt for face paint instead.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible

Happy and safe Halloween!

Congratulations to the Creative Arts Therapy division of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s psychiatry department for receiving  an official proclamation from the office of Senator Leroy Comrie. This is a remarkable accomplishment as proclamations are usually reserved by government officials to commemorate exemplary achievements or milestones.

In the proclamation Senator Comrie honored and acknowledged members of the department including Dr. Seeth Vivek ,Tony Maffia, Heather Grey, Michelle Hololob and others for their outstanding work in raising community awareness  on mental health  and most importantly for organizing this year’s Therapeutic Art Display- Mandalas, Explorations and Other Self-Reflections.  During the display the main lobby of the hospital was transformed into an impressive art gallery by the group.

Beautiful pieces of art created anonymously by patients were exhibited in an effort to educate the community about the benefits of creative arts therapy in treating mental illnesses.  This form of therapy encourages self- exploration, helps organize emotions and has a profoundly positive effect on mental well-being.

One of the major goals of the psychiatry department this year was to help erase the negative stigmas associated with mental illness through education. They have been very successful in achieving this goal by executing several community outreach campaigns. We are elated that the department has received this recognition for their hard work and as stated by Ms. Hololob, “It’s an honor and much appreciated!”

Recently the New York Times published the highly awaited list of Super Doctors and Rising Stars in medicine.  The list is composed of a roster of outstanding physicians from more than 40 specialties, recognized nation-wide for their achievements or a high degree of admiration from their peers.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s ophthalmologists, Dr. Jonathan Kruh and Dr. Nicolas Biro earned two coveted spots on the Rising Stars list. To gain a place on the list is no easy task as candidates have to endure a rigorous, multi-step process to be selected.  Some of the characteristics that gain physicians this recognition are: professional activities, academic achievements, hospital appointment and prior honors. After a thorough blue-ribbon panel review only 2.5 percent of physicians in each state are selected.

Dr. Nicolas Biro recently joined the Jamaica Hospital family and is fellowship trained in oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology.   Dr. Jonathan Kruh, a graduate of our ophthalmology program is a core member of our faculty and clinical director. He is fellowship trained in cornea refractive surgery and uveitis.

As said best by Dr. Cono Grasso, Chairman of Ophthalmology “We are very of proud of our rising stars.” On behalf of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center- we offer our congratulations to doctors Biro and Kruh on this outstanding achievement.

For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips,visit us on 

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and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

On Wednesday, September 9, 2015, Flushing Hospital Medical Center held its annual dinner dance, Celebration 2015, at Leonard’s of Great Neck.

Each year, the event grows with overwhelming support from the hospital’s administrators and employees, as well as members of the community.

This year, President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz welcomed nearly 500 guests to the venue and spoke with great enthusiasm about this year’s honorees. Each honoree was chosen because of their devotion and contributions to Flushing Hospital.

As the honorees names were announced, those in attendance stood up and cheered in celebration of their achievements. This year’s nominee’s included Mr. John R. Buran, President and CEO of Flushing Bank, Hillary Lewis, FHMC Clinical Nurse Manager and Dr. Robert Slepoy, Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology.

Each honoree spoke about the special place Flushing Hospital held in their hearts; perhaps honoree, Dr. Robert Slepoy, summed up the evening best when he stated, “During my Residency, it was recommended to me that I pursue my career at a community based hospital due to the special care you are able to give each patient.  I found that community hospital at Flushing and have never regretted my choice.”

 For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips,visit us on 

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital  or Facebook.com/Flushing Hospital 

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to bring a nutrition pilot program called “What Can I Eat?” to our community. This four week nutrition program is an interactive, group discussion class which reviews healthy food choices for diabetics.

Participants will be empowered to make healthy decisions at home, while grocery shopping, eating out, family occasions and all while staying on a budget. The class is open to adults with Type 2 Diabetes; however, loved ones are encouraged to join as well.

After a successful run in July and continued interest, the class is being offered again.

A participant from the last session reported “It was very informative, and I learned a lot. The class put me on a path to better health.”

Facilitators, Elena Toumaras, RD, CDN and Lindsay Chetelat, RD, CDN, will be offering the classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Family Medicine Center Conference Room (133-03 Jamaica Avenue) starting September 14th from 5:00-6:30 pm.

Anyone who is interested may attend an informational session to be held at the Family Medicine Center on Friday September 11th from 12:00-3:00 pm. You will learn more about the program and will also be able to register.

Space is limited so reserve your space ASAP! You can contact Elena at 718-206-7056 or [email protected]

For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips,visit us on 

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital  or Facebook.com/Flushing Hospital 

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Silvina De La Iglesia and our new Video Remote Interpretation System

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are located in one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world.  According to a recent census, there are over 138 languages spoken in Queens.

Servicing a community that is so uniquely diverse is a responsibility that we take pride in.  This is why Jamaica and Flushing Hospital makes providing efficient ways to communicate with our patients and their families one of our highest priorities.

Effective language communication is critical in our daily operations as healthcare providers.  Proper communication reduces the risk of medical errors and improves the quality of our patients’ experience.  There are several systems and resources set up throughout both institutions to ensure that language needs are being met.

We have many language tools that we utilize, including our Point-To chart, our on-site qualified medical interpreters (which can be located in the Language Bank Manual),  and the over-the-phone interpreters, the Language Line and Pacific Interpreters.

However, the Language Assistant Program headed by Silvina De La Iglesia has added an innovative tool- the Video Remote Interpretation system (VRI), to service our Deaf or hard or hearing community.

The Video Remote Interpreting system is primarily used for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.  The system is mobile and used on iPads. The devices are kept in the emergency room office or in the Language Assistance Program department at Jamaica Hospital. They are on the way shortly to Flushing Hospital.  Silvina, an advocate for language service accessibility in healthcare facilities wants to encourage staff to become familiar with the new technology.

Silvina demonstrates the VRI and discusses both hospitals’ sensitivity to cultural diversity and language on Univision News

“The system is very easy to use. It’s like using an app on the iPad. It helps us to remain compliant with regulations that require interpreters be available to patients within 20 minutes of arrival to the hospital and within 10 minutes to the ER,” stated Silvina. The technology uses video conferencing –think Face Time, to connect a qualified ASL interpreter to the patient.  The interpreter then conveys the conversation to hospital staff, enabling effective communication.

Welcome Jonathan Sanchez, our new ASL Interpreter/ Coordinator

The Language Assistance Program plans to increase and expand interpreting resources and services provided by Jamaica and Flushing Hospital.  The department recently hired a new ASL Interpreter/ Coordinator Jonathan Sanchez to help fulfill departmental goals.  “My goal is to solidify and promote Jamaica and Flushing Hospital as institutions where our community takes comfort in knowing that we will be able to help and communicate with them in many languages, spoken or signed.”

Silvina was recently featured in the newspaper El Diario and appeared along with our patient navigators on the evening news for Univision TV. She spoke about the hospitals’ sensitivity to language differences and the progressive steps we are taking to meet the demands of our diverse community.

Silvina ‘s Interview with El Diario can be read here: http://www.eldiariony.com/cuando-de-salud-se-trata-a-cada-quien-su-idioma

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information, visit us on: Facebook.com/ Jamaica Hospital, Facebook.com/ Flushing Hospital and on twitter @JamaicaHospital and @FHMC_NYC.

Through the generosity of Splashes of Hope and Astoria Bank, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is the proud recipient of two painted murals in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.

“We are overjoyed about the murals. The NICU, often times, can be perceived as a sterile environment to parents and staff. These murals provide a warmer feeling of hope and happiness,” stated Maria DeMarinis- Smilios, Director of Nursing. “One mural has the inscription ‘Miracles Are Grown Here,’ how true!”

In addition to the murals, JASA, a senior centered organization in Bayside, NY, crocheted hundreds of caps for the babies in the NICU.

These caps are an important part of the babies’ progress. They help prevent body heat loss, via the head. The knitted caps also give parents  a sense of normalcy while their babies are connected to medical equipment and being treated in the  NICU.

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s NICU, please visit our website at www.flushinghospital.org

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This summer the Dental Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated a milestone by graduating its 40^th residency class.  The department began the residency program in the 1970’s; an era known for many facets of change. Since then graduates from the program have gone on to become leaders in the industry, serving as deans at dental schools, presidents of dental associations and practicing dentists at Jamaica Hospital.

One of the physicians that has remained with Jamaica Hospital since his graduation in the 1970’s is Dr. Paul Spenadel. The doctor today is a spry 90 years old and is still practicing- without missing a beat.  Dr. Spenadel is known as “The Godfather” to the Dental Department because of his many years of dedication and commitment.

We sat with the doctor to get his perspective: past and present on the dental Industry. He discussed the changes he has experienced during the evolution of dentistry, “The tools and materials used in our industry have changed but the basic principles have remained the same. We encourage residents to practice and uphold ethical standards of conduct.” When asked what kind of advice he would share with aspiring dentists, Dr. Spenadel replied, “Be the best dentist you can be and serve your patients well.”

Dr. Paul Spenadel continues to serve our community as a voluntary attending and treats geriatric patients. He actively provides supervision to dental residents and educates them on how to properly provide services for older adults.  Dr. Deborah Pasquale, Chairperson of the Dental Department shared her fondness for Dr. Spenadel, “He was one of my favorite attendings when I was a resident here at Jamaica Hospital in 1991/1992. He is so kind and helpful and easy to work with. He makes us and the patients feel at ease. He has a wealth of knowledge to share.”

The Dental Department continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of its patients.  Dr. Pasquale expressed her excitement for future plans, “I am very excited about the future of our department and the residency program. We are making great strides in our attempt to offer more services to our community. We are at the final stages of incorporating dentistry in the OR on a permanent, regular basis to our services, as well as a sedation suite in our dental clinic. These will benefit our pediatric, special needs and phobic dental population and give our residents experience far beyond their dental school training.”

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The United States has one of the highest rates of premature births among industrialized nations and locally, Jamaica Queens has one of the highest rates in New York City. While there are differences in geographic significance, one problem remains the same- the numbers are alarming.  Research attributes high rates in pre-term labor to socioeconomic factors such as income and education.  Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the March of Dimes have partnered to find solutions to this growing health problem and address the contributing factors.

On July 16^th both organizations officially launched the Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait program. Jamaica Hospital is one of two hospitals selected by the March of Dimes to execute the comprehensive initiative.  The hospital was selected based on their unique program offerings such as the Centering Program and fulfilling the requirements of a rigorous screening process.

Jamaica Hospital plans to enhance the Centering Pregnancy program by using an innovative approach to educate patients in a group-based setting that infuses mobile technology with traditional prenatal care.  The hospital has partnered with SocialWellth to create interactive digital applications with specific content about preterm labor prevention. All Centering patients will be given tablets loaded with these applications as a tool to help guide them throughout their pregnancies.

Mitchell Cornett, administrator of Jamaica Hospital’s Ob/Gyn department   expressed his excitement for the program launch in a recent interview, “Jamaica Hospital is thrilled to be a partner in the March of Dimes’ Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Program.”  “We are equally excited that we have successfully initiated group prenatal care. Mothers participating in the program are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for their babies. By including the multifaceted concept of Centering Pregnancy as a growing part of our prenatal care services, Jamaica Hospital is fulfilling its goal of increasing the rate of full-term deliveries in the communities we serve.”

Mr. Cornett and Dr. Tamara Magloire, as well as other members of the Jamaica Hospital Ob/Gyn department serve on the advisory board of the Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait program and have been influential in establishing the relationship between the hospital and the March of Dimes.  They have done a remarkable job in bringing recognition to Jamaica Hospital as a resource and institution that offers a solution to the high rates of premature labor in New York City.

To see the press coverage of the Healthy Babies Are Worth The Wait launch, please click the links below:

http://www.ny1.com/nyc/queens/news/2015/07/16/two-local-hospitals-join-a-campaign-to-help-reduce-the-number-of-premature-births-in-queens-.html

http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/march-of-dimes-takes-on-premature-birth/article_7512c0b0-0d28-5365-9ffc-36fcb8ab3719.html

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