Expert in Pain Management Now Practicing at Nathan Littauer Hospital Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nationally recognized neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Qandah, DO—known affectionately to his patients as “Dr. Q”— is now practicing at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Dr. Qandah will be seeing patients at Littauer, expanding access to advanced pain management, brain, and spine care. A board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist, Dr. Qandah is known for performing non-surgical interventions and minimally invasive surgical procedures that promote faster recovery with life-changing results.As the founder of CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery, Dr. Qandah has earned a strong reputation across New York State for delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, and degenerative spine conditions. His presence at Nathan Littauer represents a significant expansion in the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive pain management, neurosurgical, and spine services locally.“We are honored to welcome Dr. Qandah to Littauer,” said Emily Wright, Senior Director of Provider Practices. “His expertise in minimally invasive techniques and personalized care aligns with our mission to provide innovative, accessible healthcare right here in the Fulton-Montgomery County area.”Dr. Qandah’s training spans both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. His clinical practice addresses complex conditions such as back, neck, arm, and leg pain, as well as scoliosis, osteoporosis, herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, failed back surgery syndrome, and vertebral fractures. His individualized, minimally invasive approach to care reduces the physical impact of surgery while maximizing positive outcomes.In addition to expert diagnostics and patient-centered care, Dr. Qandah now offers a wide range of advanced procedures at Nathan Littauer. These include percutaneous kyphoplasty to restore spinal strength and relieve compression-related pain, epidural and facet injections for non-surgical pain relief, and radio frequency ablations for long-term nerve pain control. Patients with chronic, treatment-resistant pain may benefit from spinal cord stimulator trials, and select cases may qualify for stereotactic radiosurgery, a form of targeted radiation therapy.Dr. Qandah’s arrival brings world-class pain relief, neurosurgical, and spine treatment to patients across the Fulton-Montgomery region. Appointments with Dr. Qandah will be available soon. Individuals seeking more information or wishing to join the early scheduling list are encouraged to call (518) 646-1641. Additional information is available at Nathan Littauer’s website.About Nathan Littauer Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org (518) 725-8621
Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Administrator to be Honored with a McKnight’s Women of Distinction Award! Posted on March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY — Aimee Rathka, MSHSA, LNHA, Nursing Home Administrator of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home Gloversville, NY has been inducted into the Hall of Honor in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards, a joint program of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.Aimee Rathka, MSHSA, LNHA, Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Administrator“I am deeply honored and humbled to be inducted into the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor class of 2025,” said Rathka. “This recognition is a reflection of not just my efforts, but the dedication and compassion of the incredible and dedicated members of the long-term care industry. Every day, we are reminded that true distinction lies in the care, respect, and dignity we offer to those we serve. I hope recognition such as this helps to inspire the next generation of LTC leaders.”The program, in its seventh year, recognizes women who have made a significant impact on their organization or in the industry. Hall of Honor inductees are senior-level professionals in the C-suite or at a level equivalent to vice president or higher. Other honorees working directly for long-term care providers also will be recognized in the following categories: Veteran VIP, Rising Star and Spirit Award. Additionally, the Commercial Excellence Award will recognize women working at vendor companies that provide products or services to senior living, skilled nursing or home care providers.Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at the McKnight in-person celebration on May 13 in Chicago.“Aimee’s passion for improving the quality of care for our Nursing Home residents is evident in every decision she makes,” said Nathan Littauer President and CEO Sean Fadale, FACHE. “Her induction into the McKnight’s Hall of Honor proves her dedication to our organization, our employees, and our residents, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished. It’s an honor to work alongside her as we continue to raise the bar for exceptional long-term care to our residents.”McKnight’s is the oldest, most trusted independent source for professional news, information, analysis and perspective in the skilled nursing, senior living and home care fields. To see the full list of inductees, and for more information about the program and to register for the events, visit www.mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org (518) 725-8621
Nathan Littauer Birthing Center Nurse Wendy Bowie, RN, Honored with DAISY Award for Third Quarter 2024 Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY — Nathan Littauer is thrilled to announce Birthing Center Nurse Wendy Bowie, RN, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award for Third Quarter 2024!“This award recognizes the extraordinary care and compassion that Wendy demonstrates in her work every day, and we could not be prouder to have her as part of our team of nurses,” said Nathan Littauer Senior Director of Nursing Jennifer Elmendorf.Wendy was presented with the award during a short gathering in Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center yesterday at 11:00 AM, surrounded by her colleagues and family. “I was very surprised,” said Wendy. “I am deeply honored by this recognition. Being a labor nurse is such an integral part of who I am, and I am grateful to be acknowledged for doing what I love. I want to extend a huge thank you to Hanna Barnholt, BSN, RN for this recognition. It was an honor to be there for her as her nurse, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share in such a significant moment!”Wendy was nominated by Hanna Barnholt, RN, BSN, for outstanding care in the delivery of her son, Bennet. Hanna is also a nurse in our Birthing Center! Her nomination reads:There will always be a special place in my heart for Wendy. I am nominating her for the daisy award due to the exceptional care she provided to me as her patient. However, my relationship to Wendy goes back much further on a personal and professional level. As a labor and delivery nurse myself, I was blessed to have Wendy as my preceptor when I started working at Nathan Littauer in 2018 as a new grad. She taught me many nursing skills but the most valuable thing I learned from her was compassion. To this day, I tell all the new nurses that if they ever get the opportunity to watch Wendy care for a laboring mother they need to do so because she is truly amazing. I was blessed enough to be able to experience the nursing care provided by Wendy in a different light as her patient when I just delivered my son at Nathan Littauer. Wendy claimed me as her patient in the morning of her shift and helped me cope through a long day of labor. She only was scheduled to work 7 am to 7 pm but refused to leave my side until I delivered a few minutes after midnight. She recognized that things didn’t go exactly as I had planned for my labor and delivery and found the right words to help me come to terms with that and welcome the hurdles as important parts of my birth story. She made me feel empowered and beautiful as a woman during an extremely vulnerable time. But most importantly, she advocated for me and ensured that myself and my husband always felt safe. I truly feel that every laboring mother deserves to have Wendy as their nurse. This is her calling. I will never forget all that she did for me and my baby.“Her dedication to providing exceptional care to our patients is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have her as a member of our nursing staff,” said Nathan Littauer Birthing Center Manager Maureen Mosher. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Wendy on our team,” added Mosher. “Her compassionate care, attention to detail, and commitment to every patient she serves sets a high standard for nursing excellence. Wendy’s ability to connect with families during one of the most significant moments in their lives is a testament to her skill, empathy, and professionalism.”Congratulations to Wendy Bowie, RN, on this well-deserved honor. Her commitment to Littauer’s patients and her colleagues is a shining example of the Nursing values held at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Her colleagues say, “Thank you, Wendy, for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication are truly appreciated!”About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org (518) 725-8621
First Babies of the Year at Nathan Littauer – Twins! Posted on January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is thrilled to announce the birth of the first babies of the year born at its Birthing Center. Baby girls Raven and Stormy Ostrander arrived on January 6th, 2025 at 7:41 AM and 7:34 AM respectively, bringing joy to the family of David Ostrander and Tatiana Rulison. Baby girl Raven was four pounds, seven ounces, and 17 inches long. Baby girl Stormy was four pounds, three ounces, and 16 and a half inches.The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary, a group of dedicated volunteers, has been supporting the hospital and its patients for years. Their donations and contributions complement the care and services provided at the hospital. As a special part of this momentous occasion, the Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Volunteers presented the Ostrander family with a beautifully curated basket filled with baby essentials. The thoughtful gift basket, which includes items such as diapers, blankets, stuffed animals, clothing, and more, is meant to welcome the newest members of the community with warmth and care.“We are excited to celebrate the first birth of the year here at Nathan Littauer,” said Gayle Sandel, Nathan Littauer Auxiliary President. “And it’s even more exciting this year because the first babies are twins. This is a tradition that brings our auxiliary joy, and we’re honored to be part of such a special moment for this family.”“We’re grateful to collaborate with the hospital and Birthing Center staff every year for this occasion,” said Nathan Littauer Auxiliary Vice President Kathy Collar.Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home would like to extend congratulations to the proud parents and their family on the arrival of their new bundles of joy. Nathan Littauer staff and volunteers alike wish them a lifetime of health, happiness, and love.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive,
Nathan Littauer is Pleased to Launch Fulton-Montgomery Medical with St. Mary’s Healthcare Posted on January 6, 2025January 6, 2025 by Dakota PikeSt. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital launch Fulton-Montgomery Medical Mohawk Valley Orthopedics – joins as first service line.GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 2, 2025—Three long-standing, independent regional providers—St. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, and Mohawk Valley Orthopedics—have joined forces to ensure that orthopedic care is available where residents need it most: close to home.The two hospitals have launched Fulton-Montgomery Medical, a professional corporation that enables them to partner in attracting and retaining much-needed providers and medical practices.The joint venture already is having the desired effect. As of January 2025, Mohawk Valley Orthopedics, the leading sports medicine and orthopedic group for the Mohawk Valley Region, will become a service of Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC.“We are pleased to work with St. Mary’s Healthcare to ensure the availability of orthopedic medicine at the traditional Mohawk Valley Orthopedic offices in Johnstown and Amsterdam,” said Sean Fadale, president and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “Patients will maintain the ability to schedule surgical procedures at either Nathan Littauer, or St. Mary’s Hospital.”As partners in Fulton-Montgomery Medical, St. Mary’s and Nathan Littauer will collaborate to ensure continued, ease of access to orthopedic care locally. Equally important, the hospitals will partner in recruiting additional providers to expand the scope of services offered by the practice to meet the growing orthopedic needs of the region.The hospitals anticipate that the joint-venture may present additional opportunities to improve local access to other services that can have a positive impact on community health and quality of life.“This collaborative approach benefits everyone involved: the hospitals, the individual medical practices and, above all, our community,” said Jeffrey Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Through this partnership, we can pool limited resources for certain service lines, enhance our ability to reduce duplicate expenses, and free those funds to invest in attracting and retaining highly qualified specialists. That, in turn, will result in improved, more seamless access to care.”***About Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC: A joint venture of St. Mary’s Healthcare and Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC, was founded in fall 2024 to help ensure continued, seamless access to essential care locally. Instead of competing on certain service lines, the two independent community hospitals created a vehicle to collaborate in attracting and retaining physicians and other providers. Orthopedics is the first specialty under this new partnership.
Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Volunteers Host Annual Tree of Lights Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by Dakota PikeLittauer Auxiliary’s Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony – A Celebration of Hope and LoveOn the evening of December 2nd, our Auxiliary hosted its Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony in the main lobby of Nathan Littauer Hospital. This cherished event serves as a symbol of hope, love, and remembrance, as the tree will be lit throughout December to honor and memorialize loved ones.The Tree of Lights ceremony was held in conjunction with our Auxiliary’s Gift Shop Open House, which took place from 7:00 AM on December 2 to midnight on December 3.Individuals honored and memorialized will be displayed in the hospital lobby, and the tree will shine brightly, representing the warmth and compassion of our community. Lights for the tree are available for a $5.00 donation each and are a special gift to recognize someone important in your life.Thank you to those who attended the ceremony, and for supporting our mission and helping to make a difference in the lives of our patients and community.
