PHCS News

Understanding Menopause: Web Chat with Dr. Samih Ibrahim

() — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00

Samih A. Ibrahim, MD, FACOG, a board certified OB/GYN on the Medical Staff of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), will discuss the symptoms, treatments and management options for menopause with a live Internet audience on Thursday, February 16, 2012.

The Web chat, which will begin at 7 p.m., is the latest online event in an award-winning series offered by PHCS to give consumers easy access to seminars hosted by medical experts. The events air on PHCS' UStream channel, www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Following his presentation on treating and managing the symptoms of menopause, Dr. Ibrahim will take questions from the online audience.

To participate in the Web chat, users will need a PC or MAC with a broadband Internet connection and Adobe Flash Player installed.

Download Adobe Flash Player at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. For a tutorial on UStream, visit www.youtube.com/user/PrincetonHealth .

Participants will be required to log in or create a new account at the site to ask questions. To pre-register, call (888) 897-8979 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.

Those who register will be entered in a random drawing immediately following the Web chat for one of several $25 gift cards.

Previous Web chats hosted by PHCS have covered topics including advances in fertility treatment; urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic floor disorders; bariatric surgery; nutrition and sustainable weight loss; heart and vascular health; pediatric emergencies; sleep disorders; gastrointestinal disorders; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Those Web chats can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Quality Care, Close to Home

() — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00

University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) has earned a three-year, full accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

UMCP earned accreditation by demonstrating that patients have access to comprehensive, high-quality care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services; a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; and information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

The NAPBC accreditation applies to the full spectrum of care provided at UMCP and UMCP's Breast Health Center in East Windsor, from diagnostic services such as mammography to the most advanced cancer treatments.

UMCP is the first Mercer County facility to earn NAPBC accreditation. Nationwide, accredited breast care programs include those operated by prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, the University of Chicago, and the Cleveland Clinic.

"We are proud to be among this select group," said Linda F. Sieglen, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs for Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), which includes UMCP and the UMCP Breast Health Center. "This designation demonstrates the comprehensive, state-of-the-art care we are able to provide, thanks to the skill and commitment of our physicians, nurses and other members of the clinical team."

Accreditation is available to programs that voluntarily undergo a thorough evaluation and demonstrate compliance with NAPBC standards for treating women and men who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Those standards include proficiency in leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement.

Patients at UMCP and the Breast Health Center have quick, easy access to an expert team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons, including a fellowship-trained breast surgeon. The patients can also access an array of state-of-the-art services, including digital screening and diagnostic mammography; ultrasound-guided and stereotactic biopsies; MRI-guided biopsy; genetic counseling and testing; and certified breast health navigators. These specially trained nurses provide one-on-one support and skilled guidance, from diagnosis through treatment, for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The Breast Health Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

The five-year survival rate among UMCP breast cancer patients is significantly higher than the national average. Among patients diagnosed at UMCP, 85 percent are in an early stage of breast cancer - Stage 0, 1, or 2. Ninety-four percent of these patients are diagnosed using a minimally invasive needle biopsy instead of a more traditional surgical biopsy. A needle biopsy does not involve a large incision, so patients report having less pain and discomfort as they recover from the procedure. Since their cancer has been caught at an early stage, nearly three-fourths of women undergoing surgery for breast cancer at UMCP are able to have breast conservation surgery, often called a lumpectomy.

"We provide our patients with every advantage in their fight against breast cancer," said Rachel P. Dultz, MD, FACS, breast surgical specialist, Medical Director of the UMCP Breast Health Center, and chair of the multidisciplinary Breast Program Leadership committee. "People don't need to travel far and wide searching for the best care. We provide it right here, close to their homes."

Also serving on the Breast Program Leadership committee are Thamarai Saminathan, MD, representing pathology; Christopher L. Ananian, MD, radiology; Thomas R. Blom, MD, medical oncology; Edward M. Soffen, radiation oncology; James Demetriades, MBA, Vice President, Professional Services, for PHCS; Judith Neuman, CTR, Director, Cancer Program; and Beth Krefski, MSN, RN, CBCN, Director, Breast Health Center.

University Medical Center at Princeton is a Clinical Research Affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey and an accredited oncology teaching program of the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.

Ask Our Expert: Dr. Anish A. Sheth To Discuss Causes and Treatment Options for Reflux Disease

() — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00

Anish A. Sheth, MD, a board certified gastroenterologist on the Medical Staff of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), will discuss GERD - a common condition characterized by chronic acid reflux - with a live Internet audience on Thursday, January 19, 2012.

The Web chat, which will begin at 7 p.m., is the latest event offered by PHCS to give consumers access to seminars hosted by medical experts without leaving home. The chats air on PHCS' UStream channel, www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.com.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects about 20 percent of Americans on a weekly basis, making it one of the more common conditions in the United States.

Dr. Sheth will outline the causes and treatment options for GERD and discuss Barrett's esophagus, a complication of chronic acid reflux that can lead to esophageal cancer. Dr. Sheth previously served as director of the gastroenterology motility program at Yale University School of Medicine, where he was also an assistant professor. He is specially trained in radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure to treat Barrett's esophagus. Radiofrequency ablation, performed at University Medical Center at Princeton's state-of-the-art Endoscopy Suite, uses high-frequency radio waves to destroy damaged tissue.

Following his presentation, Dr. Sheth will take questions from the online audience.

To participate in the Web chat, users will need a PC or MAC with a broadband Internet connection and Adobe Flash Player installed.

Download the latest Adobe Flash Player at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. For a tutorial on UStream, visit www.youtube.com/user/PrincetonHealth.

Participants will be required to log in or create a new account at the site to ask questions. To pre-register, call (888) 897-8979 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.

Previous Web chats hosted by PHCS have covered topics including advances in fertility treatment; urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic floor disorders; bariatric surgery; nutrition and sustainable weight loss; heart and vascular health; pediatric emergencies; sleep disorders; gastrointestinal problems; perimenopause; and the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Those Web chats can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

BLAST Program to Hold Open House for Parents, Professionals

() — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00

BLAST, a program that offers innovative social skills classes for children and adolescents who face challenges socializing with their peers, invites the community to an open house on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

BLAST, which stands for Behavior, Learning and Social Training, offers after-school instruction in social cognition, peer interaction skills, conflict resolution and stress management strategies to children and adolescents ages 4 to 17 who can benefit from social, behavioral and pragmatic language therapies. Students are placed in groups based on age, grade, developmental level and social needs.

The young people served by BLAST, a program of Princeton HealthCare System, include those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (such as Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified), attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech and language delays and disorders, nonverbal learning disorder, bi-polar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, social deficits, selective mutism, and semantic-pragmatic disorders. Some children and adolescents served by BLAST have no diagnoses at all.

Parents, teachers, pediatricians and other community members are invited to meet our staff and learn more about the program. Refreshments will be served.

DATE: Saturday, January 21, 2012
TIME: 12 noon to 3 p.m.
LOCATION: 611 Executive Drive, Montgomery Commons, Princeton, N.J.

RSVP to Daniela Kessel, BLAST Program Director, at (609) 430-5500 or dkessel@princetonhcs.org.

For more information, please visit the BLAST website.

University Medical Center at Princeton Welcomes Baby New Year

() — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00

Pictured, from left to right: Pamela Cipriano, Manager of Community Connection of Princeton HealthCare, and proud parents Manisha and Yogi Mehta, holding their baby daughter. The girl, the Mehtas' first child and Mercer County's first baby of 2012, was born at 12 a.m. today at University Medical Center at Princeton.

University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) welcomed Mercer County's first baby of 2012 when Manisha Mehta of Princeton gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 12 a.m. today.

Manisha and her husband, Yogi Mehta, were out to dinner on New Year's Eve when she went into labor a week ahead of her January 7, 2012, due date. The baby girl, who has not yet been named, was delivered at midnight by Dr. Vrunda Patel.

The baby weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 19.75 inches long. She is the Mehtas' first child.

To celebrate the New Year's baby, Community Connection of Princeton HealthCare and the Maternity Department at UMCP presented the family with gifts, including a gift card to Babies R Us; a Lenox vase with a rose for baby; a floral arrangement for mom; the baby's first outfit and purse; a plush, lamb-shaped mat; and a blanket knitted by patients in the Eating Disorders Unit at UMCP.

Community Connection, formerly the Auxiliary of University Medical Center at Princeton, works to advance the mission of Princeton HealthCare System through advocacy and fundraising.

University Medical Center at Princeton Receives Holiday Gift of Handmade Blankets and Caps

() — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:00:00

Helaine Lobman, left, and her mother, Marcia Lobman, founders of Bob's Blankie Brigade, display one of the handmade blankets recently donated to University Medical Center at Princeton.

University Medical Center at Princeton Receives Holiday Gift of Handmade Blankets and Caps

The volunteers of Bob’s Blankie Brigade celebrated Thanksgiving 2011 with a distribution of 68 blankets and 115 caps to University Medical Center at Princeton for patients in the Special Care Nursery, Outpatient Pediatric Clinic, Outpatient Infusion Room and Radiation Oncology Unit.

“We are so grateful to Bob’s Blankie Brigade for the time and craftsmanship they’ve put into these items,” said Paula Linhares, Director of Annual Giving at Princeton HealthCare System Foundation. “It is important to our patients to have something lovely and warm, especially at this time of year.”

Marcia Lobman, founder of Bob’s Blankie Brigade, said, “No one can doubt the kindness and generosity of spirit our volunteer knitters, crocheters and quilters exhibit through their beautiful handiwork and continuing donations.”

About Bob’s Blankie Brigade
Bob’s Blankie Brigade is 501(c)(3) non-profit devoted to providing love, comfort and new beginnings through handmade blankies and related items to people who are seriously ill or in need and opportunities for big-hearted crafters. Headquartered in Princeton and Boynton Beach, Fla. with volunteers in California, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida, Bob’s Blankie Brigade was established in 2008 to provide a warm and loving touch to children and adults in need. In 2011, Bob’s Blankie Brigade donated over 300 blankets and 200 caps. For more information, visit www.bobsblankiebrigade.org.

About University Medical Center at Princeton
A unit of Princeton HealthCare System, UMCP has been recognized by The Joint Commission as one of the Top Performers on Key Quality Measures in the United States. Established in 1919, UMCP is a University Hospital Affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Clinical Research Affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. In July 2009, UMCP entered into a partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to enhance pediatric services available at the hospital through pediatric emergency consultation, inpatient pediatric care, and neonatal care. Princeton HealthCare System is building a state-of-the-art replacement hospital - named University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro - that is scheduled to open in May 2012. For more information, visit www.newhospitalproject.org.

Dr. Seth Derman Hosts Web Chat to Discuss Advances in Treating Infertility

() — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00

Seth G. Derman, MD, FACOG, a reproductive specialist on the Medical Staff of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), will discuss recent advances in fertility treatments with a live Internet audience on Thursday, December 8, 2011.

The Web chat, which will begin at 7 p.m., is the latest in a series of events by PHCS to offer consumers free, online access to seminars hosted by medical experts. The chats air on PHCS' UStream channel, www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Dr. Derman is Medical Director of Princeton IVF Laboratory, a joint venture between PHCS and Princeton IVF of Lawrenceville.

Dr. Derman will discuss remarkable infertility treatment advances, such as improvements in laboratory techniques, innovations in inducing ovulation, and treatment of male factor infertility. Following his presentation, Dr. Derman will take questions from audience members.

To participate in the Web chat, users will need a PC or MAC with a broadband Internet connection and Adobe Flash Player installed.

Download the latest Adobe Flash Player at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. For a tutorial on UStream, visit www.youtube.com/user/PrincetonHealth.

Participants will be required to log in or create a new account at the site to ask questions. To pre-register, call (888) 897-8979 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.

Previous Web chats hosted by PHCS have covered topics including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic floor disorders; bariatric surgery; nutrition and sustainable weight loss; heart and vascular health; pediatric emergencies; sleep disorders; gastrointestinal problems; perimenopause; and the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Those Web chats can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Dr. Bruce R. Pierce Earns Physician Partner Recognition from Nurses

() — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00

Bruce R. Pierce, MD, FACOG, will receive a 2011 APPLE Award in recognition of his collaboration with and support for nurses at University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP)

The Institute for Nursing, a foundation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, presents the APPLE Awards annually to physicians who support nurses and the patient advocacy that is the foundation of nursing. APPLE stands for Acknowledging Physician Partners: Liaison for Excellence

"I'm honored to accept this award because it reinforces the importance of respecting and valuing our colleagues and collaborating with them to make sure we give our patients the best care possible," said Dr. Pierce, an attending physician at UMCP, where he also serves as Chairman of the Perinatal Committee and Medical Director of the Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Committee. "Providing exceptional care takes a team, and the APPLE Awards acknowledge that."

Dr. Pierce, a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a member of the Medical Staff of Princeton HealthCare System, was nominated for the APPLE Award by the Nursing Administration at UMCP.

"Our nursing team nominated Dr. Pierce to recognize his open communication and teamwork," said Susan Lorenz, DrNP, RN, NEC-BC, Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer. "His relationship with the nurses is built on respect, collaboration, and mutual support, and always rooted in a commitment to our patients' safety and well-being."

"Teamwork among healthcare professionals, and especially between physicians and nurses, is a point of emphasis at PHCS," said Linda Sieglen, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs. "We are proud that Dr. Pierce earned this recognition because it speaks directly to how physicians can foster an environment which enables us to provide high-quality care."

Dr. Pierce will be among 18 physicians statewide to be honored at the APPLE Awards Gala on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency, Princeton. Funds raised from the event support scholarships and research grants for nursing students and nursing scholars in New Jersey. For more information, visit the New Jersey State Nurses Association website at http://www.njsna.org/.

University Medical Center at Princeton Joins with Penn Medicine to Expand Advanced Maternal Fetal Medicine Services

() — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00

As part of its commitment to making every pregnancy as healthy and happy as possible, University Medical Center at Princeton's (UMCP) Maternal Fetal Medicine Department has partnered with Penn Medicine to offer advanced care for expectant mothers in need of specialized services and round-the-clock access to board certified obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and pediatricians.

Through this new partnership with Penn Medicine's Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, a nationally recognized leader in high-risk obstetrics, fetal evaluation and antepartum testing (tests performed late in pregnancy), an enhanced range of services will now be offered on site at UMCP. The services available include pre-conceptual testing, genetic counseling and education, prenatal screenings such as first-trimester nuchal translucency, amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, genetic sonography, diabetes management, and more. In addition to the full range of prenatal diagnostic testing, this relationship will provide easy access to specialists in maternal fetal medicine who are members of one of the most renowned women's health departments in the nation

The group will be led by Robert Debbs, DO, FACOOG, a nationally recognized, board certified maternal fetal medicine specialist who has been at the helm of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Network at Penn Medicine for more than 10 years.

"The specialists at Penn Medicine have for years cared for the unique needs of growing families in and around South Jersey and the Philadelphia area, and have cared for patients from all over the world," said Dr. Debbs. "We are thrilled to now offer these services for women experiencing high-risk pregnancy in the Central New Jersey area. Our commitment to patient care, education and research is unsurpassed, and we bring to the area the experience of the nation's first hospital and one of the country's first divisions of maternal fetal medicine."

The partnership combines the skills of two top-rated facilities:

Penn Medicine, which has been recognized as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals for four consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
University Medical Center at Princeton, which has been ranked a top hospital for patient safety and quality for three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group and recently named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, and whose Maternal-Child Health program is a past recipient of the JOHNSON'S® Childbirth Nursing Award.

Additionally, with this new affiliation and due to the program's anticipated success and growth, UMCP is physically expanding the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department to accommodate more patients.

This collaboration, in conjunction with CHOP Newborn and Pediatric Care at UMCP, facilitates advanced, comprehensive care for mothers and babies, from prenatal diagnosis and therapy, through postnatal treatment and care.

Since 2009, UMCP's partnership with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has enhanced pediatric services at all levels. CHOP doctors provide care for children and adolescents in the Pediatric Unit and Well Baby Nursery, and provide consultation for pediatric patients in the Emergency Department. Neonatologists from CHOP provide care for newborns in UMCP's Level II Special Care Nursery.

"Pregnancy is a special time, one filled with excitement, emotion and, at times, great concern-especially in the event of a high-risk pregnancy, whether the risk is during the term of the pregnancy, during labor and delivery, or during the post-partum period," said Alan Friedman, MD, FACOG, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a senior attending physician at University Medical Center at Princeton. "We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Debbs and his team of experienced, well-trained and highly regarded specialists."

For more information, call 1.888.PHCS4YOU.

PHCS President and CEO Barry Rabner Receives PlanSmart NJ Award

() — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00

Princeton HealthCare System President and CEO Barry Rabner, second from left, accepts a PlanSmart NJ Award for sustainable design and construction of the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Also pictured, left to right, are Ray Ferrara, Omni Environmental and PlanSmart NJ Chairman of the Board; Kenneth Drucker, HOK; and Lucy Vandenberg, PlanSmart NJ Executive Director.

PHCS President and CEO Barry Rabner Receives PlanSmart NJ Award

Recognized for Leadership in Sustainable Design, Construction of New Hospital

Barry Rabner, president and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), has received the PlanSmart NJ 2011 Resource Efficiency Achievement Award for his leadership in the sustainable design and construction of the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP), the acute care hospital of PHCS.

The award recognizes Rabner for his role in building a state-of-the art medical facility that employs green building technology and adheres to an environmentally sustainable design focused on improving patient outcomes.

"I am honored that PlanSmart NJ recognized UMCPP's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency," said Rabner. "Every detail of the new hospital has been researched and tested. By bringing the best technology together in one building, we reduce energy costs, reduce the building's carbon footprint and improve patient outcomes."

Rabner, who was recently elected to the board for the Center of Health Design, accepted the award at PlanSmart NJ's 43rd Annual Dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick on November 9, 2011.

The hospital is located in Plainsboro bounded by Route One, Plainsboro Road and Scudders Mill Road on 50 acres of a 171-acre campus, whose master developer is PHCS. Under Rabner's leadership, the entire $1.2 billion campus has a health and well being orientation and a green focus that includes the creation of a 32 acre park along the Millstone River.

The park is among the approximately $60 million that PHCS is investing in sustainable features that not only create a healthier environment, but also enable the hospital to achieve energy operating cost savings of 25 percent of what the hospital would have spent if it were constructed with conventional energy infrastructure.

The new hospital, opening in May 2012, is expected to be one of the most sustainable in New Jersey and the country. A major component of the green design is the power generation elements that include on-site co-generation plant supplying 100 percent of the hospital's heating and cooling needs a chilled water thermal energy storage system, and a photovoltaic installation. Princeton-based power corporation NRG Energy is partnering with UMCPP in the development of this green power system. Other sustainable features include solar shades, sustainable construction materials and finishes, water-saving fixtures. Indigenous landscaping, environmental control systems, east-west building orientation, and 100 percent fresh air in patient rooms.

The campus, in addition, has smart growth characteristics, such as significant mass transit accessibility, bike and pedestrian paths that connect to the public park and to Plainsboro's Town Center, and it is designed to accommodate bus rapid transit. The site location was chosen in part because it is closer to 70 percent of the hospital's patients and employees than the current location in Princeton.

The campus also is a redevelopment zone that formerly was an underutilized, industrial site. The architectural/design firm HOK in partnership with J. Robert Hillier, engineering firm Syska Hennessy, landscape architects Stearns Associates, PSE&G, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and Plainsboro Township all have played important roles in creating this sustainable campus.

Based in Trenton, PlanSmart NJ is an independent, non-profit planning and research organization committed to improving the quality of community life through the advancement of sound land use planning and regional cooperation.

Princeton HealthCare System to Host Live Web Chat on Perimenopause

() — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:00:00

Maria E. Sophocles, MD, a board certified gynecologist and a member of the Medical Staff of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), will discuss perimenopause with a live Internet audience on Thursday, November 17, 2011.

The event, which will begin at 7 p.m., is the latest Web chat held by PHCS to offer consumers access to seminars hosted by medical professionals without leaving home. The Web chats air on PHCS' UStream channel: www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Dr. Sophocles will discuss the years leading up to menopause and the problems some women will encounter, including irregular periods, hot flashes and night sweats. Following her presentation, Dr. Sophocles will take questions from audience members.

To participate in the Web chat, users will need a PC or MAC with a broadband Internet connection and Adobe Flash Player installed.

Download the latest Adobe Flash Player at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/. For a video tutorial on UStream, click here or visit http://www.youtube.com/user/PrincetonHealth#p/u/4/IgUfuFpiZGE.

Participants will be required to log in or create a new account at the site to ask questions. To pre-register, call (888) 897-8979 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar .

Previous Web chats hosted by PHCS have covered topics including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic floor disorders; bariatric surgery; nutrition and sustainable weight loss; heart and vascular health; pediatric emergencies; sleep disorders; gastrointestinal problems; and the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Those Web chats can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Know Your Risk: UMCP Breast Health Center to Host Seminar on Genetic Counseling

() — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:00:00

Professional golfer and Golf Channel commentator Val Skinner will headline a special event Monday, October 17, to inform area residents about the genetic counseling services now available at University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) and the UMCP Breast Health Center.

Genetic counseling, available to people at increased risk of breast, colon, ovarian or uterine cancers, is provided through a collaboration with the LIFE Center at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ).

People can be referred to UMCP or the Breast Health Center by a physician or they can make an appointment themselves. They are seen by a CINJ genetic counselor, who will discuss medical and family history and may recommend blood testing to determine the presence of a specific gene mutation. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss results and options.

"Certain cancers can have specific genetic links," said Beth Krefski, RN, MSN, Director of UMCP's Breast Health Center. "The services we're able to provide help people to understand their risk and decide on a course of action."

Monday's event begins at 6:15 p.m. at the Breast Health Center, 300B Princeton-Hightstown Road, East Windsor Medical Commons 2, East Windsor.

The evening opens with a half-hour "meet and greet" featuring Skinner, a veteran of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and a driving force behind the creation of the LIFE Center at CINJ. Skinner had established a foundation to support breast cancer treatment and prevention programs after losing a close friend to the disease. ["LIFE" stands for LPGA pros In the Fight to Eradicate breast cancer.]

Following the "meet and greet," LIFE Center Director Deborah Toppmeyer, MD, will lead a seminar, along with Justin Leighton, a genetic counselor at CINJ's Hereditary Oncology Prevention and Evaluation (HOPE) Program. Dr. Toppmeyer is also Director of the Stacy Goldstein Breast Center and Chief of Solid Tumor Oncology at CINJ and an assistant professor of medicine at UDMNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Attendance is free. Please register by phone at (888) 897-8979 or online at www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.

Genetic counseling is available on designated days each month at the main UMCP campus, 253 Witherspoon St., Princeton, and at the Breast Health Center in East Windsor. To request an appointment, or for more information, call the Breast Health Center at (609) 688-2700.

Princeton HealthCare System to Host Live Web Chat on Sleep Disorders

() — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00

Dana Supe, MD, Medical Director of University Medical Center at Princeton's Sleep Center, will discuss common sleep disorders and their relationship to other medical problems with a live Internet audience on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

The Web chat, which begins at 7 p.m., is the latest in a series of such events by Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) to give consumers access to seminars hosted by medical professionals without leaving their homes. The chats are hosted on PHCS' UStream channel: www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Dr. Supe, who is board certified in critical care medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary disease and sleep medicine, will provide an overview of sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Dr. Supe will discuss the relationship between those disorders and other medical problems, including heart disease; accurate diagnosis; and current treatment options. She also will take audience members' questions.

To participate in the Web chat, users will need a PC or MAC with a broadband Internet connection and Adobe Flash Player installed. Download the latest Adobe Flash Player at http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/.

Participants will be required to log in or create a new account at the site to ask questions. To pre-register, call (888) 897-8979 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.

Previous Web chats hosted by PHCS have covered topics including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and pelvic floor disorders; bariatric surgery; nutrition and sustainable weight loss; heart and vascular health; pediatric emergencies; gastrointestinal problems; early pregnancy; and the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro. Those Web chats can be viewed at www.ustream.tv/channel/princetonhealth.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant to Fund Princeton HealthCare System’s Partnerships for PIECE

() — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:00:00

Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) has launched a two-year initiative to improve older adults' transition from the hospital to the community, funded by a $300,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through its New Jersey Health Initiatives program.

The project - known as Partnerships for PIECE (Patient-Centered, Integrated Elder Care and Empowerment) - was one of nine to receive grant funding this year under the Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiatives 2011: Transitions in Care Program.

In addition to the $300,000 grant, the Laurie Foundation awarded PHCS $15,000 to further support the initiative.

Partnerships for PIECE will take a three-tiered approach: Training for nine skilled nursing facility partners on how to improve communication during a transition; utilizing a nurse practitioner to support patients transitioning to home; and implementing a data registry to streamline electronic communication.

The population served will consist of recently hospitalized patients, age 70 and older, with multiple chronic and acute diagnoses.

"This program is a key component in PHCS's larger vision to offer comprehensive geriatric care," said Kathleen Seneca, APN and PIECE Project Director. "We believe Partnerships for PIECE will make a real difference to our patients' health and well-being as they transition to home or to other healthcare facilities in the community."

PHCS is developing a comprehensive model for specialized continuing care of patients over the age of 65 to fully bridge inpatient and outpatient services under the leadership of a multidisciplinary Geriatric Steering Committee. Paving the way are two fully operational initiatives dedicated to the care of the vulnerable geriatric population: the NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders) Program and the ACE (Acute Care of the Elderly) Unit at the University Medical Center at Princeton. PHCS' new hospital in neighboring Plainsboro, scheduled to open in May 2012, will include a specialized geriatric area in the emergency department.

PHCS will use the modified POLST (Practitioner's Orders Concerning Life Sustaining Treatment) form to utilize the patient's goals of care as an organizing focal point across all levels of care.

New Jersey Goals of Care (http://goalsofcare.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping older adults meet their healthcare goals, is PHCS' primary partner in Partnerships for PIECE. Dr. David Barile, Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer of New Jersey Goals of Care, will provide expertise and leadership, especially in relation to partner training and consultation.

"The grant is of enormous importance for advancing the POLST initiative in New Jersey," said Dr. Barile, who also serves as Medical Director of the ACE Unit at University Medical Center at Princeton. "The POLST pilot that is attached to Partnerships for PIECE will be the largest in the region and will greatly assist physicians, the health care team and their patients as they transition across health care settings."

In addition to New Jersey Goals of Care, PHCS will partner with nine long-term-care skilled nursing facilities: Merwick, Meadow Lakes, Pavilions at Forrestal, Princeton Care Center, Monroe Village, Cranbury Center, The Elms of Cranbury, Stonebridge at Montgomery, and Park Place Center. These partners will participate in and benefit from consultation, training, continuing education, and ongoing performance improvement processes. All partners will be expected to share data in the patient registry.

"Participating in the PIECE project will yield improvements in the quality of care, and the quality of life for our elders," said Jay Zimmer, Executive Director of Meadow Lakes. "We should realize fewer readmissions to the hospital, a reduction in medical errors and vast, all-around improvement in communication among multiple care settings. We are very excited about being selected as a partner and look forward to enhancing our relationship with the University Medical Center of Princeton."

About University Medical Center at Princeton

A unit of Princeton HealthCare System, UMCP has earned recognition as one of the nation's Top Hospitals for patient safety and quality of care by The Leapfrog Group for three years in a row. UMCP is the only New Jersey hospital to earn that designation for three consecutive years. In 2010, The Leapfrog Group ranked UMCP #1 among New Jersey hospitals for overall safety and quality of care. Established in 1919, UMCP is a University Hospital Affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Clinical Research Affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. In July 2009, UMCP entered into a partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to enhance pediatric services available at the hospital through pediatric emergency consultation, inpatient pediatric care, and neonatal care. Princeton HealthCare System is building a state-of-the-art replacement hospital - named University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro - that is scheduled to open in May 2012. For more information, visit www.newhospitalproject.org.

About The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, measurable and timely change. For nearly 40 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.

About New Jersey Health Initiatives

New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI), a statewide grantmaking program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), supports innovative approaches to resolve health and health care needs in New Jersey. NJHI supports a wide range of community-based service implementation projects that correspond to RWJF's interest areas through competitive grants awarded annually. Projects focus on health services delivery, improvement in health, and the expansion of leadership expertise through grant making.

UMCP Introduces New Treatment to Help Prevent Esophageal Cancer

() — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00

University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) has introduced a new treatment option for patients with Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Board certified gastroenterologists at UMCP are now using radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, to remove diseased cells from the esophagus before they become cancerous.

"This technology is taking the anxiety and uncertainty out of living with Barrett's esophagus," said Anish Sheth, M.D., who is board certified in gastroenterology and a member of the medical staff at UMCP. "Until recently, there have been very few treatment options for this condition. Now, we are able to treat patients before their disease becomes a serious and potentially life threatening problem."

Barrett's esophagus affects about 1 percent of adults in the United States and occurs twice as often in men than women, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). The average age at diagnosis is 50.

Barrett's occurs when severe acid reflux or GERD causes the cells lining the esophagus to undergo genetic changes that can set the stage for cancer development. Though esophageal cancer is rare, patients with Barrett's esophagus are at greater risk for developing the disease.

Barrett's esophagus has typically been managed by monitoring the condition through periodic endoscopic examinations and biopsies to look for early warning signs of cancer.

Now, radiofrequency ablation is enabling doctors to be more proactive in treating Barrett's.

Radiofrequency ablation at UMCP is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that involves using an endoscope to deliver high frequency radio waves to destroy the damaged tissue. The procedure generally requires moderate sedation and is typically painless, with few side effects.

Studies show that the majority of patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation remain free of Barrett's esophagus for at least five years.

Radiofrequency ablation is performed in UMCP's state-of-the-art Endoscopy Suite, a specialized center staffed by a caring team of board certified physicians and skilled nurses, and equipped with the latest technology.

"We offer a wide range of comprehensive gastrointestinal and digestive services at UMCP," said James Demetriades, Vice President of professional services at Princeton HealthCare System. "Adding radiofrequency ablation rounds out our program and makes treatment more accessible for patients in the Princeton region."

Specially trained in radiofrequency ablation, Sheth joined UMCP this summer. He previously served as the director of the gastroenterology motility program at Yale University School of Medicine, where he also was an assistant professor. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Yale-New Haven Hospital and his residency and internship at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Sheth has earned numerous research awards and grants and is a frequent lecturer on the topics of gastroenterology, GERD and Barrett's esophagus. He has appeared on national news programs and has co-authored two books.

For more information about radiofrequency ablation or to find a gastroenterologist on staff at Princeton HealthCare System, please call 1.888.PHCS4YOU.

University Medical Center at Princeton Named a Top Performer by The Joint Commission

() — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00

University Medical Center at Princeton (UMCP) has been recognized by The Joint Commission as one of the Top Performers on Key Quality Measures in the United States. This new recognition program was announced recently when The Joint Commission released its Improving America's Hospitals annual report.

For the first time, The Joint Commission is recognizing accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals that attain and sustain excellence in accountability measure performance. It launched the recognition program "to honor those hospitals that consistently demonstrate excellent performance on evidence-based process of care measures." As a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, UMCP is among only 405 hospitals nationwide being recognized for 2010. It is the only hospital in this region, and one of only 12 in New Jersey to earn this recognition.

UMCP is being recognized for its performance in the following areas:

Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Pneumonia
Surgical Care

Top Performer hospitals represent the top 14 percent of Joint Commission-accredited hospitals (of those that report core measure performance data). Other hospitals receiving this recognition include the Mayo Clinic Health System, Cleveland Clinic (Florida site) and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California.

"We are pleased to be counted among this select group," said Barry Rabner, President and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System. "I want to thank all our physicians and employees for their dedication to our patients and their tireless efforts that led to this tremendous achievement."

Earlier this year, UMCP was recognized by The Leapfrog Group as No. 1 in the state for quality and patient safety, marking its third consecutive year as one of Leapfrog's Top Hospitals for quality and safety.

For more information about the new Top Performers on Key Quality Measures recognition, visit The Joint Commission's website at www.jointcommission.org.

Plainsboro Road Closing Near Route 1

() — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:00:00

Plainsboro Road between Route 1 North and Campus Drive will be closed to through traffic from Monday, September 19, to approximately December 31 for construction, according to the Plainsboro Police Department. Only local traffic will be permitted to Merwick Rehabilitation Center. Culvert and pathway improvements are listed as the main projects being undertaken, plus traffic signalization.

Police recommend detours for westbound traffic including taking Plainsboro Road to Scudders Mill Road and following it to the end of the detour. For traffic from Route 1 North, the suggested route is taking the exit ramp to Scudders Mill Road eastbound toward Plainsboro. Continuing on Scudders Mill Road, a right turn onto Campus Drive will follow a detour to the end of Plainsboro Road.

PHCS Celebrates New Primary and Specialty Care Office in Monroe with Wine and Cheese Reception

() — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00

MONROE, N.J. - Princeton HealthCare System is celebrating the opening of a new physicians' office with a wine and cheese reception. The complimentary reception will be held at the new Princeton Health Medical & Surgical Associates (PHM&SA) office, located at 2 Centre Drive, Suite 200, in Monroe, on Tuesday, September 20, from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, chair massages and giveaways while touring the totally renovated, 4,200-square-foot office and meeting the staff. There will also be free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI), and a gift card drawing every 15 minutes.

This office will provide the community with access to primary and specialty care in a single location. The services at this office include:

Cardiology
- Lisa Motavalli, MD
Family Medicine/Geriatrics/Women's Health
- Jeanne Mitterando, MD
Internal Medicine/Geriatrics
- Juan Abellana, MD
- Jose Vigario, DO
- Qian Wang, MD
Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Christopher Naraine, MD, FACOG
Pulmonology/Sleep Medicine
- Ashgan Elshinawy, DO

The new office features easy parking, wide entryways and hallways and on-site blood draws for laboratory testing. Same-day appointments will be available weekdays as well.

When the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro opens in May 2012, the hospital will be about a 15-minute drive from this PHM&SA office.

Registration is not required for this event, but those who register will be eligible for a special drawing for Dinner for Two. To register or for more information, please call 1.888.897.8979.

Please join Princeton HealthCare System in helping the many people in the Monroe area whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Irene. When you come to the Open House, please bring either canned foods or personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), which will be donated to Jamesburg - Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Princeton Radiology Donates $500,000 To New Hospital Campaign

() — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00

PRINCETON, N.J. – Princeton Radiology Associates, a respected physician group practice with over a half-century of service to the Princeton area, has pledged $500,000 toward the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

The $500,000 gift – to Design for Healing, the campaign to support the new hospital – effectively doubles to $1 million, thanks to a matching gift challenge established by long-time area residents David and Patricia Atkinson.

The physicians at Princeton Radiology are members of the Medical Staff at Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) and are actively involved at University Medical Center at Princeton.

“We always knew we would make a substantial gift to the hospital’s campaign,” said Princeton Radiology president Donald F. Denny Jr., MD. “We wanted to take a leadership role to reflect our commitment to Princeton HealthCare System and to the community. We also hope to inspire other physicians to support these goals.”

With the Princeton Radiology pledge, total physician giving to Design for Healing now exceeds $2.4 million, said Joseph Stampe, PHCS Vice President for Development.

“The gift from Princeton Radiology is significant not only in terms of its dollar value but also in the way it reflects the physicians’ dedication to PHCS,” Mr. Stampe said. “We have seen extraordinary involvement among physicians, who have generously donated their expertise and financial resources throughout this process. Physicians provided critical input on the design of the new hospital, they have been actively involved in planning our transition from the current hospital in Princeton, and many have donated to the Design for Healing campaign.”

Dr. Denny, former Chair of the Department of Radiology at University Medical Center at Princeton, was active in project planning and continues his involvement by co-chairing the PHCS Foundation Physicians’ Development Committee, which helps solicit support for the Foundation from fellow physicians as well as grateful patients.

Princeton Radiology will be credited with a $1 million donation, because of the matching funds, which qualifies the group to name a public area at the new hospital. To acknowledge the Princeton Radiology gift, a coffee shop in the new hospital will be known as the Princeton Radiology Café.

Princeton House Behavioral Health Launches Young Adult Program

() — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:00:00

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Princeton House Behavioral Health (PHBH) has launched a new program for young adults who need behavioral health or substance abuse treatment.

The Young Adult Program, designed for men and women ages 18 to mid-20s, is available on a partial hospital or intensive outpatient basis at the PHBH North Brunswick Outpatient Site.

“The program is the first of its kind in New Jersey,” said Tanya Kero, LCSW, Clinical Coordinator of the North Brunswick Outpatient Site. “Young adults in this program will include those with psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse issues or both.”

“Traditionally, this population tends to be resistant to treatment,” said David Cordon, MD, Medical Director. “In group settings, it’s difficult for young adults to relate to older patients because they have such different experiences and different life stressors.”

Young adults, for example, often are dealing with difficulties related to college, starting a career, or handling independence for the first time.

“When creating the curriculum for the program, the focus was on a variety of age-appropriate topics and specialized concerns,” said Nicole Tango, LAC, Primary Therapist for the Young Adult Program. Group therapy – which includes coping and life-skills training and creative arts therapy – also will specialize in topics such as school, work, relationship, substance abuse and other issues facing young adults.

In addition to group therapy, patients have individual sessions when indicated. The program also stresses family involvement.

The Young Adult Program is the latest specialized offering by Princeton House. Previously, Princeton House has launched programs tailored to older adults, children, adolescents, women, and, most recently, men experiencing difficulty functioning due to past traumatic events.

The new Young Adult program opened this summer and quickly gained a full complement of patients, affirming the need for the specialized program, Dr. Cordon said.

Princeton House will work with hospitals, other outpatient providers, and local colleges to seek out young adults who are appropriate for the program. In addition to professionals, patients can refer themselves. For more information, call (732) 729-3636 or visit www.princetonhouse.org.