Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are continuing to restrict visitors to adults 18 years of age and older. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The organizations have been experiencing an increase in patients in the Emergency Departments and inpatient settings with flu and flu-like symptoms.

An additional visitor restriction is in place for the Maternity, Nursery and Pediatric Departments, as these patients are at greater risk of complications due to the flu. Only parents, grandparents and birthing coaches may visit maternity, the nursery and pediatrics at this time.

The hospitals ask that you not visit if you feel ill with any type of upper respiratory problem. Please stay home and delay your visit to keep yourself and the patients and residents safe.

The best protection against contracting influenza includes:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing.
• Covering all coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a handkerchief or a tissue use the crook of your arm not your hand.
  
• Staying home from work, school, or social events if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains or other symptoms like nausea or vomiting sometimes associated with influenza.
  
• Avoiding people exhibiting symptoms of a flu-like illness.
  

If you have flu-like symptoms and they are severe and persistent you should contact your healthcare provider.

The hospitals practice “Respiratory Etiquette” in their Emergency Departments, Urgent Cares and Primary Care Medical Offices. Each waiting area has masks for patients to wear to cover their cough, tissues and hand sanitizer for good hand hygiene. If you are seeking treatment and have any flu-like symptoms with upper respiratory problems, you will be asked to wear a mask and may be isolated from other patients.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

###

Erin Gigliotti

Andrew Wickline, MD, FAAOS, stands by robotic technology that allows partial knee resurfacing at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

John Sullivan, MD, stands by the robotic technology at SEMC.

Minimally invasive procedure for early to mid-stage osteoarthritis may provide quicker recovery and more natural feeling knee post-surgery

UTICA -- St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) is now offering robotic partial knee resurfacing, a minimally invasive treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Use of MAKOplasty allows less invasive surgery than traditional, total knee surgery and is performed using RIO^®, a highly advanced, surgeon-controlled robotic arm system. SEMC is the first to acquire this technology in the region east of Syracuse.

MAKOplasty potentially offers the following benefits as compared to total knee surgery:

• Reduced pain
• Minimal hospitalization
• More rapid recovery
• Less implant wear and loosening
• Smaller scar
• Better motion and a more natural-feeling knee.

“MAKOplasty allows us to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis at earlier stages and with greater precision. Because it is less invasive and preserves more of the patient’s natural knee, the goal is for patients to have relief from their pain, gain back their knee motion, and return to their daily activities,” said Charles Williams, BSHA, director of Perioperative Operations for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS).

Through its innovative use of technology, MAKOplasty takes partial knee resurfacing to a new level of precision. The opportunity for early intervention is important as osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“Precision is key in planning and performing partial knee surgeries,” said orthopedic surgeon Andrew Wickline, MD, FAAOS, and the only surgeon at SEMC who does partial knee resurfacing. “For a good outcome, you need to align and position the implants just right. Precision in surgery, and in the pre-operative planning process, is what RIO helps us deliver for each individual patient.”

The RIO^® system enables the surgeon to complete a patient-specific, pre-surgical plan that details the technique for bone preparation and customized implant positioning using a CT scan of the patient’s own knee. During the procedure, the system creates a three-dimensional, virtual view of the patient’s bone surface and correlates the image to the pre-programmed surgical plan. As the surgeon uses the robotic arm, its tactile, auditory and visual feedback limits the bone preparation to the diseased areas and provides for real time adjustments and more optimal implant positioning and placement for each individual patient.

For more information about partial knee resurfacing contact the office of Dr. Andrew Wickline at (315) 735-4496 or Dr. John Sullivan at (315) 798-1617.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Marianne Baker, MS, RN, CCM, CPHQ

Jennifer Pekola BS, RN

Michelle Selden, BPS, CPHQ, RHIA

UTICA – Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has made the following staff announcements:

Marianne Baker, MS, RN, CCM, CPHQ - Director of Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs (MVHS)

Marianne Baker, MS, RN, CCM, CPHQ has been named director of Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs for MVHS. In this position, Marianne is responsible for overseeing the Quality Management department, meeting regulatory requirements and coordinating the efforts of identified committees, departments, and clinical service teams in providing feedback and input into responses to the Department of Health, DNV Healthcare and other accrediting bodies. She also functions as the NYSDOH liaison and Liventa/IPRO liaison.

Prior to this position, Baker was director of Regulatory Affairs for MVHS. She has more than thirty years of healthcare experience beginning as a critical care nurse at Faxton Hospital. She is also a certified emergency medical technician (EMT). Baker received her Master of Science in Health Services Administration and Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Services from SUNYIT, Utica, New York, and her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York.


Jennifer Pekola BS, RN - Lead Quality Professional (FSLH)

Jennifer Pekola BS, RN has been named lead quality professional for Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH). In this position, Pekola is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the quality professionals, including the daily operation of the department, assigning investigations, case review and ensuring follow up to issues as they arise.

Pekola has been an employee of FSLH for nine years as a staff RN, relief charge nurse, assistant nurse manager, coordinator of the bariatric surgery program, and quality professional.

Pekola earned her RN from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York, and her Bachelor of Science in Cytotechnology from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. She is currently working on a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics through Walden University.She is a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA),American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA), and National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).  She is also currently working on her CPHQ certification.

Michelle Selden, BPS, CPHQ, RHIA - Director of Clinical Data Management

Michelle Selden, BPS, CPHQ, RHIA has been named director of Clinical Data Management for MVHS. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing the Midas+ data management system, clinical quality data reports, board report cards and data abstraction for the entire health system. The clinical analysts and clinical data abstractors report to her.

Selden has worked in healthcare for St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Faxton Hospital and FSLH for 26 years in various roles, most recently as manager of Clinical Data Management for FSLH.

Selden holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Records Management from SUNYIT Utica-Rome in Utica, New York, and has been a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality since 1999.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

John D. Thomas II, MD

UTICA -- John D. Thomas II, MD has been named medical director of Rehabilitation Services for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS).

Dr. Thomas has served as medical director for Rehabilitation Services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) since 1998. In this role, he consults to several national companies and performs independent evaluations and disability reviews. In addition, Dr. Thomas serves as assistant to the chief medical officer at SEMC.

Dr. Thomas attended Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and the University of the Northeast Medical School in Tampico, Mexico. He completed an Internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City through New York Medical College and a Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Strong Memorial Hospital through the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is board certified in Physiatry.

Dr. Thomas is active in the American Medical Association, the New Hampshire Medical Society, the Medical Society of the State of New York (House of Delegates) and has served as both trustee and president of the Oneida County Medical Society. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Pain Management, American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the American Academy of Disability Analysts.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

Jan Simpson, PT, DPT, MS

UTICA -- Jan Simpson, PT, DPT, MS has been named director of Rehabilitation Services for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). In this position, Simpson oversees all rehabilitation services, including audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and wellness in acute care, acute rehabilitation, sub-acute rehabilitation and outpatient settings.

Simpson has been an employee at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) since 1979, serving as a physical therapist, director of Physical Therapy, and, most recently, director of Rehabilitation Services. She also serves as assistant professor of Physical Therapy at Utica College in Utica, New York.

Simpson earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York, her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse in Syracuse, New York, her Master of Science in Health Services Management and Policy from the New School of Social Research Graduate School of Management & Urban Policy in New York, New York, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College in Utica, New York.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

The hospitals ask that you not visit if you feel ill with any type of upper respiratory problem. Please stay home and delay your visit to keep yourself and the patients and residents safe.

The best protection against contracting influenza includes:

·  Frequent and thorough hand washing.
·  Covering all coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a handkerchief or a tissue use the crook of your arm not your hand.
 · Staying home from work, school, or social events if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains or other symptoms like nausea or vomiting sometimes associated with influenza.  
 · Avoiding people exhibiting symptoms of a flu-like illness.

If you have flu-like symptoms and they are severe and persistent you should contact your healthcare provider.

The hospitals practice“Respiratory Etiquette” in their Emergency Departments, Urgent Cares and Primary Care Medical Offices. Each waiting area has masks for patients to wear to cover their cough, tissues and hand sanitizer for good hand hygiene. If you seeking treatment and have any flu-like symptoms with upper respiratory problems, you will be asked to wear a mask and may be isolated from other patients.

###

Erin Gigliotti 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
Mohawk Valley Health System
(315) 624-5581
egigliot@mvnhealth.com

UTICA – Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has made the following staff announcements.

Thomas Soja, Esq.

Thomas Soja, Esq. – Vice President, Legal & Compliance

Thomas Soja, Esq. has been named vice president, Legal & Compliance for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). In this role, he is responsible for legal matters system wide with administrative responsibility for corporate compliance, privacy and internal audits, governance and corporate matters, financing activities and physician and healthcare entity contracting.

Prior to this position, he was general counsel for Mohawk Valley Network, Inc. and its affiliates, including Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH), since 2000. He was general counsel for St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital Center from 1995 through 2000.

Soja graduated from Albany Law School and served as Notes and Comments editor of the Albany Law Review. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences.

Traci Boris, Esq.

Traci Boris, Esq. – Assistant Vice President, Legal & Compliance

Traci Boris, Esq. has been named assistant vice president, Legal & Compliance for MVHS. She previously served as the legal counsel for St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC). In this role, she is responsible for legal matters associated with labor relations and human resource issues, and manages professional and general liability litigation and claims. Boris also assists with insurance programs and oversees regulatory matters.

Boris graduated cum laude from Albany Law School, was a member of the Albany Law Review and participated in the Gabrielli Moot Court Appellate Advocacy Competition. She completed her Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in Political Science at SUNY Oneonta.

Heather Haglund, Esq.

Heather Haglund, Esq. – Assistant General Counsel

Heather Haglund, Esq. has been named assistant general counsel of MVHS. She previously served as assistant general counsel at SEMC for more than five years. Haglund is responsible for legal matters associated with patient rights, real estate and mental hygiene, provides support to regulatory and risk management and is a key resource for the corporate compliance officer and privacy officer.

A member of the New York State Bar since 1999, Haglund has more than 15 years of legal experience. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law and her

Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. Haglund also earned a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from the New School for Social Research in Utica, New York and an Associate of Science from the Community College of the Air Force.

Nancy Ricci

Nancy Ricci – Corporate Compliance Officer

Nancy Ricci has been named corporate compliance officer of MVHS. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining an enterprise-wide compliance program consistent with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, as well as with compliance program guidelines established by the Office of Inspector General and the New York State Office of Medicaid Inspector General.

Ricci has been an employee at FSLH for 18 years, serving most recently as corporate compliance officer and privacy officer. She earned her Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Accounting (CPA) from Utica College of Syracuse University.

David Carlson

David Carlson – Director of Internal Audit and Privacy Officer

David Carlson has been named director of Internal Audit and privacy officer for MVHS. In this position, Carlson is responsible for developing and maintaining an internal audit program and overseeing the organization’s privacy-related issues.

Carlson has been an employee at SEMC since 1987, holding various positions within the Finance Department and serving as the compliance officer since 2003. He has previously held the positions of internal auditor and privacy officer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Utica College.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

From left, Ray Durso, Jr. accepts the SEMC Founder’s Day Community Award from Robert Scholefield, senior vice president of Operations at Mohawk Valley Health System, center, and Theresa Brindisi accepts the 2014 Mother Bernardina Award.

UTICA – St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) celebrated its 148th anniversary Friday, December 12 by honoring an employee and a recipient of its community award.

Following a 12 p.m. Founder’s Day service in the Medical Center Chapel, The Genesis Group received the Founder’s Day Community Award and Theresa Brindisi received the Mother Bernardina Award,which is named after the Medical Center’s founder and is presented to an employee. The winner of this award is chosen by Medical Center employees for significant contributions to the Medical Center, exemplifying its mission, vision and philosophy and for always going the extra mile.

The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites business and community leaders who work to advance regional economic, social and cultural interests, and to advance unity across the Mohawk Valley region. It hosts a regional education coalition, along with a celebration of local education and outstanding educators, as well as an annual healthcare recognition. It also supports area young professionals through its Striving for Success program. In addition, its members support numerous groups through its Community Connections program.

“The Genesis Group plays an important role our community,” said Scott H. Perra, President/CEO of Mohawk Valley Health System and St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “Its activities and events help to raise awareness with both residents and visitors of the many quality-of-life assets in the Mohawk Valley.”

Theresa Brindisi has been employed at SEMC for 20 years. She currently works at Imaging at St. Elizabeth Medical Arts and spent most of her career as an instructor at the St. Elizabeth School of Radiography. Brindisi is a graduate of the St. Elizabeth School of Radiography. She is committed to her job and works well with the Radiography students. She shows them the importance of good images and never loses sight of being kind and respectful to patients.

She and her son, Louis, reside in Sauquoit.  

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - HEADSHOTS INCLUDED

Goutham Malempati, MD

UTICA – Goutham Malempati, MD, a hospitalist at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH), has received the designation of fellow in Hospital Medicine. Also designated a fellow in Family Medicine, Malempati has been employed at FSLH since 2007. These credentials were presented as a result of his experience as a hospitalist for many years and his participation in educational programs designed to enhance professional competence and the quality of healthcare provided

Malempati earned his medical degree and bachelor’s degree from Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in India. He is board certified in Family Medicine and is a graduate of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - HEADSHOTS INCLUDED

UTICA – Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has made the following staff announcements.

Sandra Fentiman

Sandra Fentiman – Manager, Communications and Marketing (SEMC) & Community Outreach

Sandra Fentiman has been named manager of Communications and Marketing at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Community Outreach for Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Prior to this position, she was manager of Marketing, Public Relations and Government Affairs at SEMC since 2006.

Before joining SEMC, Fentiman was director of Alumni and Media Relations at USC The Business College, Utica; director of Public Relations and Development assistant at Folts Homes, Herkimer; and was business editor and a bureau reporter at the Observer-Dispatch.

Fentiman holds a bachelor’s degree in Plant Science from the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire and an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities from Schenectady County Community College, in Schenectady, New York.

Fentiman's office is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus and she can be reached at (315) 798-8291 or email at sfentiman@stemc.org.

Erin Gigliotti

Erin Gigliotti – Manager, Communications and Marketing (FSLH) & Media Specialist

Erin Gigliotti has been named manager of Communications and Marketing at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH) and media specialist for MVHS. Prior to this position, she was a communications specialist for FSLH since 2008. Before joining FSLH, she was an event manager at The Selva Group, a medical education company located in Saratoga Springs, New York, and was also previously employed at Upstate Cerebral Palsy as an event specialist.

Gigliotti holds a master's degree in Information Design and Technology from SUNYIT Utica/Rome in Marcy, New York and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

Gigliotti's office is located at the Faxton Campus and she can be reached at (315) 624-5581 or email at egigliot@mvnhealth.com.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

UTICA – The “Pillow Ladies” is a group of volunteers who meet monthly at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) to craft heart-shaped pillows. The pillows are used by patients of the Mohawk Valley Heart Institute who have undergone major heart surgery.

“During recovery, patients hold a heart pillow close to their chest, providing necessary support to their sternum or breastbone,” said Margaret Lalonde, who leads the group. “This can be especially helpful during coughing and breathing exercises, which help prevent fluid from building in the lungs.”

Many of the women have been members for several years, some since the group started more than 15 years ago. Those interested in donating time with the Pillow Ladies may call SEMC’s Volunteer Department at (315) 798-8275.

In addition, donations of fabric and sewing materials are always needed and may be taken to the main reception desk in the College of Nursing building at 2215 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - HEADSHOTS INCLUDED

Susan Burgess, FNP

Jennifer D’Onofrio, FNP

Cristin Kirkland, FNP

UTICA – Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) is pleased to welcome Susan Burgess, FNP to ACP in a float position and both Cristin Kirkland, FNP and Jennifer D’Onofrio, FNP to the ACP Whitesboro Medical Office.

Prior to this position, Burgess was employed as a family nurse practitioner at Exam Management Services Inc. in Irving, Texas and as a Registered Nurse (RN) clinical examiner at Excelsior College in Albany, New York. She also previously worked at both the St. Elizabeth Medical Group and ACP offices in Barneveld.

Burgess earned her post-master’s certificate FNP from Sage College, Troy, New York, her master’s degree/adult nurse practitioner and bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNYIT, Utica, and her RN diploma from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica.

Prior to this position, Kirkland served as a nurse manager and a registered staff nurse at St. Luke’s Home. She earned her accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at the State University of New York Institute of Technology (SUNYIT), Utica and an associate’s degree in Nursing from Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica.

Prior to this position, D’Onofrio was employed as a RN on the Intensive Care Unit and on the Medical-Surgical/Oncology Unit at St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC).

D’Onofrio earned her Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner and Bachelor of Science from SUNYIT, Utica; her Associate of Applied Science from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, Utica; and her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Studies from Utica College of Syracuse University.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - IMAGE INCLUDED

The St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) Foundation held its 36^th annual Dinner Dance, presented by Mohawk Healthcare, on Friday, October 24, 2014, at Hart’s Hill Inn located in Whitesboro. Two hundred and fifty people attended the gala, helping to raise $71,750 to fund the updating of patient rooms at SEMC, as well as patient, visitor and employee safety initiatives including limiting the number of access points into the building.

The evening began with cocktail hour, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared in collaboration with Chef Patrick O’Connor of A Moveable Feast and Scott Lichorowic of Hart’s Hill Inn. A performance by speed painter Robert Channing took place during dinner. Immediately following dinner, the event featured live auction packages including a one-week stay at Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and a private tour for six people of Alan Rosenblum's Phaeton Motors’ Garage, located in New Hartford, New York. A silent auction and dancing to the popular local band, Soul Injection, was also offered at the event.

Special thanks to co-chairs, Craig and Barbara Brodock, the Dinner Dance Committee, and all of the sponsors including Social Sponsors, Adirondack Financial Services, Bank of Utica, Mohawk Valley Imaging P.C. and Oneida Electrical Contractors.

For more information about other SEMC Foundation events, please call (315) 734-4287 or visit www.stemc.org/foundation.

Photo caption: Pictured is the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation Dinner Dance Committee. (Back left to right) Co-chair Barbara Brodock, CaSandra Packard, Andrea LaGatta, Elizabeth Hotvedt, Heather Callahan, Kate LaPaglia and Pam Way. (Front left to right) Joanne Wade, Lisa Rocci, Marlene Anderson and Bianca Filletti.

###

Contact
Caitlin McCann
Communications Specialist
(315) 624-5433
cmccann@mvnhealth.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - HEADSHOTS INCLUDED

UTICA – Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has made the following staff announcements.

Sharon Palmer, MSBA

Sharon Palmer, MSBA – Assistant Vice President, Facilities Services (MVHS)

Sharon Palmer, MSBA has been named assistant vice president, Facilities Services for MVHS. In this role, she is responsible for Safety, Security, Clinical Engineering, St. Luke’s Home Plant Operations, Facilities Management, SEMC Environmental Services and Linen, Construction Management and Property Management.

Prior to this position, she was director of Facilities Planning and Support Services and director of Project Management and Support Services at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH). Palmer received a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management from State University of New York, Institute of Technology in Utica. She earned an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Computer Science from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC).

Palmer’s office is located at the St. Luke’s Campus in the Professional Office Building and she can be reached at (315) 624-6298 or spalmer@mvnhealth.com.

David Chickering, CHFM

David Chickering, CHFM – Director of Facilities Management (SEMC)

David Chickering, CHFM has been named director of Facilities Management for St. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC). His responsibilities include overall operation of the Facilities Management Department. He earned his Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) designation from the American Hospital Association.

Chickering has been employed at SEMC for more than 21 years and served as director of Facilities Management since 2010, as well as holding other positions within the Facilities Management Department. Chickering received his associate’s degree in Building Construction from Alfred State College and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College with a concentration in business, management and economics.

Chickering is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus and he can be reached at (315) 798-8194 or dchickering@stemc.org.

Anthony Forlenza

Anthony Forlenza – Director of Clinical Engineering (MVHS)

Anthony Forlenza has been named director of Clinical Engineering for MVHS. He has been employed by SEMC for more than 33 years with 30 years in Clinical Engineering. Forlenza previously worked in SEMC’s Environmental Services, Transport and Central Service Departments. He previously served in Clinical Engineering as a biomedical tech, senior biomedical tech and manager of Clinical Engineering.

Forlenza received his associate’s degree in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Mohawk Valley Community College and has earned certifications from more than 50 manufacturers’ service schools. These include certifications for Philips monitoring systems, Covidien ventilators, Carefusion infusion pumps and Gambro dialysis equipment.

Forlenza’s office is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus in the Facilities Building, top floor. He can be reached at (315) 734-3050 or (315) 798-8239 or aforlenz@stemc.org or aforlenz@mvnhealth.com.

John Gaetano, CHFM

John Gaetano, CHFM – Director of Facilities Management (FSLH)

John Gaetano, CHFM has been named director of Facilities Management for FSLH. Employed at FSLH in this position since 2000, his responsibilities include overall operation of the Facilities Management Department. His CHFM designation is from the American Society of Healthcare Engineering and he is a DNV ISO 14001 Environmental Systems Certified Auditor.

Gaetano received his associate’s degree in Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology from MVCC and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. He won the American Society of Healthcare Emerging Regional Leader Award in 2013.

Gaetano’s office is located the St. Luke's Campus in the Engineering Department corridor on the ground floor. Gaetano can be reached by phone at (315) 624-6209 or by e-mail at jgaetan1@mvnhealth.com. Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH) as the director of Pharmacy.

James Getter

James Getter – Director of Hospital Services (SEMC)

James Getter has been named director of Hospital Services for SEMC. His responsibilities include Environmental and Linen Services. Getter has been employed by SEMC for more than 40 years, the past 25 years in his current position. He previously served in the Security Department and as an employee in the Housekeeping Department.

Getter is a graduate of MVCC and is past treasurer and past president of the local chapter of the International Executive Housekeepers Association.

Getter’s office is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus in the basement. He can be reached at (315) 798-8249 or jgetter@stemc.org.

Christopher Kilmartin

Christopher Kilmartin – Security Manager (MVHS)

Christopher Kilmartin has been named Security Department manager for MVHS. He is responsible for leading the Securitas security officers for the system. In addition, the team provides support and technical expertise to all MVHS outlying locations.

Kilmartin has worked with Securitas at FSLH for more than 10 years, starting as a security officer before promotion to sergeant and lieutenant. A certified Securitas security supervisor, he holds certificates in Civil Treatment for Managers, Management of Aggressive Behavior, Practical and Tactical Handcuffing, FEMA Incident Command System and several U.S. Department of Homeland Security ISP.

Kilmartin’s office is on the ground floor of the St. Luke’s Campus and he can be reached at (315) 624-6146 or at ckilmart@mvnhealth.com.

Gregg Sponburgh, MPH

Gregg Sponburgh, MPH – Director of Safety/Emergency Preparedness (SEMC)

Gregg Sponburgh, MPH has been named director of Safety/Emergency Preparedness at SEMC. He has been employed by SEMC for two years, first as Environmental Health and Safety officer. In addition, for the past four years he has served as grounds supervisor for TEMCO Inc. at Utica College.

Prior to his positions at SEMC, he was director of Environmental Health and Safety at Utica College, Environmental Health technician at Syracuse University and served in the United States Army as Captain, Environmental Science officer and in the United States Army Reserves, Lieutenant Colonel. His combat service includes Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sponburgh received a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Norwich University Military Academy, Northfield, Vermont. He is a member of the Mohawk Valley Safety Professional’s Consortium and SUNY Environmental Health and Safety Association.

Sponburgh’s office is located at the St. Elizabeth Campus and he can be reached at (315) 734-3488 or gsponburgh@stemc.org.

Karon Weiler

Karon Weiler – Director of Plant Operations, Center for Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Services (CRCCS)

Karon Weiler has been named director of Plant Operations at CRCCS. She has been employed by St. Luke's Home for more than 18 years and prior to that was employed by St. Luke's Memorial Hospital Center for 9 years. In this role, she is responsible for Plant Operations at CRCCS, including Environmental Services, Maintenance, Laundry, Reception and Mohawk Valley Transportation Services.

Prior to this position, she was lead technician for Environmental Services at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital Center, assistant director of Environmental Services at Mohawk Valley Division and director of Plant Operations at St. Luke's Home. Weiler received certification as a Universal Refrigeration Technician from MVCC.

Weiler’s office is located at CRCCS and she can be reached at (315) 624-8670 or kweiler@mvnhealth.com.

###

Sandra Fentiman 
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(315) 798-8195
sfentiman@stemc.org

NEWS

ST. ELIZABETH MEDICAL CENTER

2209 GENESEE STREET

UTICA, NEW YORK 13501

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra Fentiman, Manager

Marketing and Public Relations

(315) 798-8195

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2011 HEADSHOTS INCLUDED

ST. ELIZABETH COLLEGE OF NURSING NAMES TOP 2011 GRADUATES

UTICA -- The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing is pleased to announce that three students have tied for the highest GPA in the Weekday Program.

Weekday Valedictorian – Thomas Fielder

 Of New Hartford, NY

 Son of Duane and Gail Fielder

 Graduate of New Hartford High School, with an Associate of Arts Degree from Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute. Thomas also holds Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from SUNY New Paltz.

 Plans to work for St. Elizabeth Medical Center following graduation

Weekday Valedictorian – Michelle Miller

 Of Boonville, NY

 Daughter of Arnold and Carol Miller

 Graduate of Adirondack Central School, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. John Fisher College

 Plans to work for St. Elizabeth Medical Center following graduation

Weekday Valedictorian – Gregory Parker

 Of Whitesboro, NY

 Son of Gary and Geraldine Parker

 Graduate of Whitesboro High School, with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Albany

 Plans to pursue a career in Nursing following graduation

Weekend Valedictorian – Susan Menendez

 Of Burlington Flats, NY

 Daughter of Kevin and Nan Kelly

 Graduate of Glenelg High School (Glenelg, MD), with an Animal Science Degree from Virginia Tech

 Mother of two children: Daniel, 17; Kelly, 15; Cassie, 11

 Plans to work at Bassett Medical Center following graduation

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ST. ELIZABETH COLLEGE OF NURSING VAL/SAL/Page 2

Weekday Salutatorian – Donna Croke

 Of Vernon Center, NY

 Married to Steven Croke

 Graduate of Morrisville State College with a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Equine Science

 Mother of two children: Jacob, 25, and Katie, 22

 Plans to work for St. Elizabeth Medical Center following graduation

Weekend Salutatorian – Glenda Whittaker

 Of Utica, NY

 Married to Brad Whittaker

 Daughter of Glenda D. and the late John Jerominek

 Graduate of Proctor Senior High School, with an Associate’s Degree from Mohawk Valley Community College

 Mother of two children: Sarah, 18; and James, 7

 Plans to work for St. Elizabeth Medical Center in acute care following graduation

Jonathan Eli-Phillips, MD

UTICA – Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) Jonathan Eli-Phillips, MD has joined Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Medical Group at its Women’s Health Center.

Prior to joining the MVHS Medical Group, Dr. Eli-Phillips served as an attending OB/GYN at Penn Highlands Medical Center in DuBois, Pennsylvania, and at healthcare organizations throughout the United States.

Dr. Eli-Phillips earned his medical degree in Medicine and Surgery at Odessa Medical University in Odessa, Ukraine. He completed residencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York, New York and Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania. He is board certified in OB/GYN.

Dr. Eli-Phillips joins the practice of Dr. Ashraf Aly and is accepting new patients. He can be reached at the MVHS Women’s Health Center at 2212 Genesee Street, Utica at (315) 801-8317.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

UTICA – For those who are visually impaired, sight is a precious gift. In 2014, 11 patients at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) generously chose to donate life and were cornea donors upon their passing.

"The world is a beautiful place filled with wonderful colors, textures and images," said Vicki Adler, executive director of the Lions Eye Bank at Albany. "A corneal transplant provides a second chance for sight. Your generous donation can brighten someone else’s future."

Thanks to donors, corneal transplant surgery becomes a reality for one of the nearly 2,010 people who lose their sight each month. The Lions Eye Bank at Albany works to obtain corneal tissue and provides it for the visually impaired in Northeastern New York and Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Since being founded in 1952, the Lions Eye Bank at Albany has been responsible for more than 10,000 corneal transplants. In 2010, its efforts resulted in 350 children and adults regaining their sight.

To bring awareness to the increasing number of individuals requiring corneal transplants, the Eye Bank Association of America has designated March as Eye Donor Month. Anyone, regardless of poor eye sight or age, can be an eye donor and is encouraged to join the fight for sight.

Donna A. Sickler, BSN, RN, quality professional at the Faxton St. Luke`s Campus of MVHS, said that having a conversation is key to fulfilling one’s wishes to become an organ/tissue donor. "It’s important to talk with your family and loved ones so they know your wishes," Sickler said. "Don’t wait to talk to them. Talk with them now so they know what to do when the time comes."

Individuals who are interested in becoming an organ, tissue or eye donor may enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry by signing the donor box on the back of their driver’s license or identification card, or by visiting www.nyhealth.gov.

For more information about the Lions Eye Bank at Albany, call (518) 489-7606 or visit www.lionseyebankalbany.org.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Philip Cox, PA

UTICA – Philip Cox, PA has been named orthopedic physician assistant at the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Orthopedic Group.

Prior to joining ACP, Cox worked in the fields of home healthcare and digestive disease medicine.

Cox earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Utica College in Utica, New York, and his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.

Cox joins the office of Drs. Albanese, Cooley, Kim, Maxian, Ortega, Vallem and Yeger-McKeever and is accepting new patients. He can be reached at the MVHS Orthopedic Group at 1903 Sunset Avenue, Utica at (315) 624-8150. 

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center have lifted restrictions on visitors under 18 years of age based on a decline in the number of cases of flu-like illness among area patients. The additional visitor restrictions on the Maternity and Pediatric Units have also been lifted.

While the restrictions have been lifted, the hospitals ask that if you are coming to visit a patient and feel ill with any type of upper respiratory problem that you stay at home and delay your visit to keep yourself and our patients and residents safe.

The best protection against contracting influenza includes:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing.
• Covering all coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a handkerchief or a tissue, use the crook of your arm, not your hand.
• Staying home from work, school or social events if you have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains, or other symptoms like nausea or vomiting sometimes associated with influenza.
• Avoiding people exhibiting symptoms of a flu-like illness.

If you have flu-like symptoms and they are severe and persistent you should contact your healthcare provider. 

Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and St. Elizabeth Medical Center are affiliates under the Mohawk Valley Health System.

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Erin Gigliotti