NEW VISIONS STUDENTS AT NATHAN LITTAUER LEARN ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Posted on October 3, 2012October 4, 2012 by Dakota PikeYesterday, Nathan Littauer’s HFM BOCES’s New Visions program participants were exposed to the complex issues of Domestic Violence through a session led by the Reverend Bonnie Orth, an internationally-known domestic violence instructor and Pastoral Care Coordinator for Nathan Littauer Hospital. Reverend Orth is also minister at the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church. She had the students live in the shoes of women who are victims of abuse. Some students assumed the role of a silent witness.Using a program, called “In Her Shoes” the students assumed the identities of women who were abused by their significant other, and with bags and dolls in tow, attempted to navigate the complexities of domestic violence abuse. Some women had to pretend to leave in the middle of the night and attempt to find shelter for herself and their children. Some students had to follow scenarios that called for them to forgive and forget, returning to their abuser only to be abused again. The students wore Band-Aids symbolizing a beating and carried their things and dolls throughout the hospital. The students then learned that the role playing they had assumed represented a real story and real women. In the end, three of the students’ characters died at the hand of their abusers.Bonnie Orth also reviewed cycles of abuse in teens as well. In a particularly poignant moment Reverend Orth said, “I want you to think about Alex Kogut, this Thursday. It is her funeral”. Reverend Orth then passed out an article about Alexandra Kogut, a 21 year-old from the Utica area who was killed Sunday morning allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend.The girls reflected upon the exercise stating they when they were assuming the roles of their character, they felt frustrated, isolated and confused.Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties in Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded 1894, has 980 employees and recently opened a new Diagnostic Imaging Center. For more information please visit www.nlh.org.The New Visions program is an academically rigorous one-year program, located at Nathan Littauer Hospital, and is designed for high school seniors interested in medical and health related professions. Students enrolled in the New Visions Health Careers program learn through traditional methods (lecture/discussion, reading and research, writing and specific topic study) as well as participation in clinical rotations—structured observations of medical professionals and procedures. These experiences provide students an opportunity to directly learn about the various health professions, appropriate patient care, and the latest in medical treatments and testing.
NATHAN LITTAUER WELCOMES NEW PEDIATRICIAN Posted on October 2, 2012October 3, 2012 by Dakota PikePediatrician has relocated to the region.Nathan Littauer announced today that a new pediatrician has joined the Nathan Littauer Family of Health Services. Walid Hanafi, MD will start seeing patients today, October 2, 2012. He is working in Littauer’s Mayfield offices Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays and at the Gloversville Primary Care Center on Fridays. “We are extremely fortunate to have found someone who has an exceptional medical pedigree and a passion for childhood health.” stated Laurence E. Kelly Hospital President and CEO. He added, “People have already commented on his warmth. I think parents and children will take to him instantly.”Dr. Hanafi completed his pediatric residency training at the Metropolitan Hospital at New York Medical College. He has special interests in childhood obesity and diseases of the thyroid and endocrine system. He also is interested in newborn screenings, and childhood growth and development.“Dr. Hanafi is a well-trained young pediatrician who has participated in research regarding endocrinology, diseases of thyroid, and growth disorders etc. With the growing need in these fields, our area is very fortunate to have his expertise.” stated Dr. Horowitz, Chief of Pediatrics for Littauer, adding, “He is very enthusiastic about getting started in pediatric practice and he will be a welcome addition to the pediatric staff at Nathan Littauer Hospital.”Dr. Hanafi (or Dr. Wally, as his patients call him) has participated in studies related to nutrition and health education for children who have diabetes and also in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In his home country of Egypt, Dr. Hanafi participated in immunization programs delivered to children in rural areas. Dr. Hanafi is also well versed in treating critically-ill children as he spent part of his residency at the Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital treating critical and post-operative children.Dr. Hanafi also speaks Spanish and Arabic. When Dr. Hanafi reflected about relocating here he explained, “I am really impressed with how friendly the people are here. I am excited to serve this community. I believe I will fit well in the community.” He concluded, “In the coming weeks and I will work hard to gain my colleagues’ and families’ trust.” XXX
Littauer collects “Heartfelt Reasons” to get a mammogram Posted on October 2, 2012October 2, 2012 by Dakota PikeTo celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Nathan Littauer collected reasons why women should, or a loved one should get a mammogram. The results were released today. The Hospital has now collected over 130 reasons which has been used in several publications. “We got responses primarily through our Facebook page.” stated Cheryl McGrattan Spokesperson for the Nathan Littauer. She continues, “Some are raw with emotion, some sad and some are funny- but they are all heartfelt.” Women wishing to schedule a mammogram are encouraged to call 775-4250.Nathan Littauer encourgaes women to get a mammogram
Nathan Littauer Received “generous gift” from Fraternal Order of Eagles Posted on September 26, 2012October 3, 2012 by Dakota PikeFrom Left to Right: Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development for Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home; Maureen Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Harry Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, David F. Cook, State President for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.Recently David Cook, State President of the New York State Fraternal Order of the Eagles presented a check representing $10,390.33 worth of donations made to Littauer over recent months. “The Eagles have always been very kind to Littauer, particularly our Nursing Home.” stated Susan Kiernan Hospital Vice President of Development. She added, “We are very grateful for their generous gifts and continued support.”The Fraternal Order of Eagles, founded in 1898 in Seattle, Washington has a local aerie in Johnstown.From Left to Right: Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development for Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home; Maureen Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Harry Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, David F. Cook, State President for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Littauer’s Susan McNeil Serves as Statewide President to Professional Association Posted on September 25, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeNew organization formed under her leadershipSusan McNeil lead statewide organzationGloversville, NY …Nathan Littauer’s Director of Volunteer Services, Susan McNeil recently finished serving a two-year term as President of the New York State Volunteer Services Administrators, Inc. The statewide organization’s mission is to promote and contribute to the principles and practices of sound administration of volunteer services in health care organizations, and to foster the professional development of its members. Susan McNeil’s term started in 2010 and ended recently when she handed the reigns over to Julie Chrysler. In her farewell address Susan noted, “You are a great group of men and women that I have had the pleasure of working quite closely with these past two years.”Under Sue’s tenure the organization changed their association name, secured their non-for-profit status, improved their financial status and bottom line by 900% , developed a new website and launched new social media platform. Colleagues throughout the state have been very complimentary and appreciative of her leadership. Amy L. McAden, Director of Volunteer Services at Kingston Hospital, also a NYSVSA member explained, “In addition to her daily tasks of overseeing Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil promotes positive visibility and good will towards the hospital. She has set high standards by taking on additional leadership roles in advancing the practice of healthcare volunteer management. She is responsible for the advancement of our profession through management initiates and creative leadership innovations.” XXX
Stereotactic Breast Biopsies at Nathan Littauer means greater comfort and precision. Posted on September 25, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeWomen commenting on the new systemGloversville, NY …Local women requiring biopsies to reexamine suspicious findings from their mammograms can now reap the benefits of state-of-the-art technology Littauer is using in their Diagnostic Imaging Center. The new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment is delivering greater comfort and precision to women during their breast biopsies. It is the first technology of its kind available in the Fulton-Montgomery region. “We have already heard from women who have had biopsies on our old system and now our new system and they are very complimentary and grateful for this new technology” stated Priscilla Person who works at Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.A Nathan Littauer Diagnostic Imaging staff member reviews an image of a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure performed at Littauer recently. The new equipment is ergonomically designed, allowing women to sit during the exam, well supported throughout the entire procedure. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology explains, “As a radiologist comfort is paramount because greater patient comfort usually equates to better images and samples.” He added, “The computer-guided technology gives us better precision requiring smaller tissue sampling.” Dr. McBiles, continued, “The entire procedure is shortened and our patients have reported very little discomfort. The incision is much smaller so there is little if any scarring and decreased pain. Usually the entire procedure is completed within 45 minutes.” Another benefit? Women requiring a breast biopsy can avoid the operating room all together. Dr. McBiles explained, “We do biopsies in our newly renovated diagnostic imaging rooms. During the procedure, the patient sits in a specially designed, ergonomic chair, with the breast exposed. The digital machine takes focused images of the suspicious area which are viewed by the radiologist on the computer screen. The equipment then pinpoints the exact location of the breast abnormality seen on earlier mammograms by using a computer and x-rays taken from different angles.” The doctor continued, “Using exact computer coordinates; the doctor determines the site for the biopsy and administers a local anesthetic – similar to what dentist’s use. The tissue samples quickly secured with a vacuum-assisted device and the tissue samples are sent to the lab to be thoroughly examined.” Tammy Gerdes, who leads the mammogram unit for Littauer explains, “It all comes down to dignity and compassion. We strive with every exam to make our patients feel at ease and cared for. It is a stressful time.” The new technology was paid for with monies raised by the hospital’s Foundation. For more information on our advanced outpatient diagnostic radiology services people are encouraged to speak to their referring physician. XXX
